Teeth Ornaments!

Alyssa finally got her braces after months of waiting, which felt like years becuase her best friend Coral got her braces much earlier. She chose blue rubberbands because it is her favorite color. We will go in after Thanksgiving to get her SPARKELY red and green for Christmas. Here is the before and after.

NOT the cupcake queen

I have a very talanted friend who makes the most amazing cupcakes. I love baking, but decorating is not my strong point. My mom gave me a book filled with the most amazing cupcake creations. I wanted to make some, but they were all pretty intimidating. But, being as I know the cupcake queen personally, I thought I could give it a try and ask her for advice. So, in an attempt of Amazing Vanessa style, here is my adventure.

First, get a box of cake mix. Throw all the stuff in a mixer and throw it on high for however long it takes. (I walked away, did a couple of things, and ten minutes later I think it was mixed well. I cooked the silly things up, forgot about them, then when I took them out of the oven they were overdone, too brown, and flat rather than with a pretty mound on the top, which is what I needed. So, I emailed the cupcake queen, she gave me wonderful pointers, and I tried again. I set my timer and came out with much nicer cupcakes with more mounded tops.

I also asked a couple of happy bakers to assist me.

As you can see, the flat, ugly, brown cupcakes were my first attempt. The beautiful, light, mounded cupcakes were my second attempt. They tasted so much better and looked nice too!

Then I did all of the decorating and ended up with these cute little panda bears. They aren't perfect, but because you can't see how they were suppose to look, you will never know!!! So, thank you Vanessa for all of your pointers!!

Different View

 

In July I went to JCPenny to have the kids' photos taken in these outfits. They did a great job and I loved the photos, but I love the bows on the back of these dresses. As we were in the studio I thought about asking the photographer to get a shot like this, but I didn't want to inconvenience her, so I didn't ask and was kicking myself for not asking for the past few months. Jared has recently taken up ANOTHER hobby; photography. He set up a studio in our living room and took this adorable photo of the kids.

Swimming Lessons

 
 
 
 
Another summer of swimming lessons. The kids thought they were Michael Phelps after watching the Olmpics! Arya had her first lessons. She looks like she is contemplating some revenge. "I will get you for putting me through this!" Really though, she loves swimming and loved being in the water.

The Pied Piper

 

Whenever we go up to Victorville to visit Jared's parents, the kids always want to go for a walk with Grandpa. This is one of the highlights of the trip. It is funny to see how many kids we can get out there with Grandpa. It looks like the Pied Piper is leading the little urchins away!

First Day of School

 

Here it is again. . .the first day of school. 'Sniff' It brings tears to my eyes as my three munchkins leave for their big day. After driving them to school and taking a few pictures like the crazy mom I am, I drove to Target for my annual 'Celebrate the First Day of School' shopping trip with only TWO kids rather than FIVE!!! I LOVE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

Peek-A-Boo!