Yah Yah, I'm 30!

Sorry it's been awhile ... I just got a new camera today for my birthday :) {If you didn't hear about it, Gabe threw my other camera in the swimming pool ... so it got ruined}. I missed taking pictures, you have no idea! Well, the only new pictures I have are from today. But other good news is that I finally got a full time job with Granite Bay. I have been working there for almost a year, and they finally approved the budget for increase in hours. Woo hoo!!!

Birthday #2 Fun

So for Gabe's birthday me and his dad took him to this place in town called Wacky Tacky. It's a dreamland for kids. Its a mega indoor playground. I even love it. If there weren't kids there, I'd be having a hay day! :) Anyway, the next few pictures are from his time there. It was loads of fun.

I can NOT figure out how to flip this picture and I've been working with Blogger for years. Oh well, here's a cute picture of me and Gabe at Wacky Tacky. Always trying to escape mama's loves :(

Then we took him out to eat a birthday dinner at McDonald's (nothing too special since he eats like a bird most of the time!)

Then we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Ommen's to have a birthday cupcake. He only ate the frosting off of it.

Mmm mmm!!!

Of course the rest of us had to have a cupcake too! (Me, my mom, dad, and Jilly)

I'm just throwing these pictures in because they were around Gabe's birthday :) I went out to eat with my bff's from high school (Brendi, Chrissy, Ginny and my sister Stacie). We went to our fave place ever ... Fresh Choice!

Gin and Stacie chillin' at the restaurant. No one can make me laugh like these girls!

Gabe and I have been swimming tons ... We gotta stay cool some how!

And finally ... Gabe's family birthday party. Here he is "opening" his presents. His cousins opened the presents more than him, though. He loved all the trucks, cars, balls, train tracks, stroller (funny story behind that), Legos, and clothes he received. He is one spoiled boy! :)

Loved the car he got on his cake more than the cake itself :) 

I LOVE YOU GABRIEL MATTEO!!!!

Hello Busy Week

Driving home from the home the airport

We went out to eat this week for my brother Nick's birthday. It's so good to be around family and be able to be here for all the fun activities.

The little group that sat across from me at B.J.'s

Nick, Dad, Moi

The group at the other side of the table -- Lacie, Tiff, and Zander (love  Z's face)

Trying to take a picture with Grandma and the grandkids?

Pretty hard ... and funny.

Seriously, just look at each picture and what all the kids are doing. We have been laughing so hard over them.

Trying to escape!!

The following few pictures are at Sione's welcome home party.

He could barely move his neck


We had another birthday party with my grandparents for Nick's birthday:

Yes, I let him have cake, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.  

I love how Gabe's looking up at Grandma

Stacie's Wedding, Birthdays, & Thanksgiving

The past few weeks have been so busy for us! But so much fun at the same time. Since it is Thanksgiving, I'd like to express how thankful I am for everything I've been given in my life. Although I know we all go through hardships and trials, I also know that if it weren't for those trials I would never be a stronger and better person. I am grateful for the country that I live in -- that allows me to practice my religion and faith and that I have so many freedoms. Besides God, my family is the best thing in my life. Gabe is the cutest thing ever and his smile & laugh brighten even the darkest of my days. I also have the greatest friends in my life as well. I have been blessed with people who are better than me and help to lift me up when I am down. You know who you are, thank you. :)

So the last few weeks have been full of family and friends. My younger sister, Stacie, got married on November 6th, and some of our old roommates came in to town for the event. I miss those girls! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera out most of the time because of having to take care of my little lovie muffin (which I love doing, but I can't do both!). Then my nephew, Zander, had is 5th b-day party and that also brought the family together. Then today, of course, we have been all together. I love my family! It's the greatest thing on earth to have such a supportive, loving, and funny family around!

This is my friend and old roommate, Sara. She couldn't stay up any longer on the eve of Stacie's wedding. I loved how she put her hands on her pillow to let her nails dry! :)

Jill and I at my mom's salon getting ready for the big day! (That's apple cider, btw)

Our whole family with the new Mr. & Mrs. Rahlf. 

We are so happy for them!

Gabe at the wedding .... such a cutie in his suit!

Jill and I at Zander's b-day party at Chucky Cheese

Creeper in the background

Family birthday party for Zander. Gabe loves his peas!

Spaghetti!

15 months old on Thanksgiving Day. My big boy. 

Me with Stacie and Jill.

No get together is complete without an ugly picture. I think I could've done better though....

Me and my bro Nick (normal pic -- nice mustache Nick)

Queen and King of ugly

Gabe's favorite spot at my parent's house: the computer

All the kids gathered 'round Uncle Nick

My little chickadee's: Keaton, Lacie, and Zander

Gabe LOVES Uncle Nick

 (and I had to show how freakin' adorable he is standing there)