Christmas snapshots

Well, Christmas has come and gone... only 363 more days till my favorite holiday returns! This Christmas we didn't spend a lot of time taking pictures like we have in the past - mainly because Gracie wouldn't sit still long enough! Out of 4 family/friend get togethers in 3 days we only managed to take 87 pictures and that's including Christmas morning at our house! Here are a few worth sharing...

Our house after Santa Claus came... just minutes before a "Christmas bomb" went off in our living room. So peaceful...


Our house after the present frenzy was over. If you look closely, Gracie is in there somewhere... (sort of like, 'Where's waldo')


Mark with his stocking... (doesn't he look so happy! - and tired!)


Anne with her stocking... (this is what Mark wakes up to every morning... scary, I know.)


"Officer Gracie" on patrol...


This little bike can zoom! We're talking at least 2-3mph! In fact, if Gracie weren't wearing two layers of clothing I think it could have probably done 4mph!


Mark's friend Jordan, and his family, were up visiting from Arizona. This is Gracie with their adorable little boy, Landon.

Santa pics... then and now

This year, like always, Santa claus made an appearance at our Church Christmas activity. When Gracie first met Santa Claus she was only 11 months old. How did she like him? Well, I think the photo speaks for itself...

Last year things went a little better. No tears, but no smiles either...

This year, she was ready for him! Not only did we see smiles on her face but she even hugged Santa! Looks like Santa has managed to melt into Gracie's heart... I think it has something to do with presents. :)

Snow day in the Woolley...

It snowed last night!!! Yeahhh for snow! Naturally Gracie woke up excited to see a blanket of white covering the ground... the first thing she said to me was, "Look momma! SNOWWWW!!!" I had started my holiday baking yesterday, but didn't quite finish it (Mark and I had to leave for a Christmas party) so I told Gracie that just as soon as I was finished baking then we could go outside. She waited patiently at the back door for about 30 minutes. As her patience wore thin she looked up at me and then reached for the spoon in my hand while saying, "here mommy, I'll do this". I guess I wasn't quick enough for her. :) When we were done with the cookies we raced upstairs to bundle up. It was a lot of fun playing in the snow - more so than it's ever been. Gracie's at the age where stuff like snow, Santa Claus, presents and baking cookies excite her. Fun times at the Francis house!


Gracie eating snow - I checked to make sure it wasn't yellow. :)


Gracie and Parker making a run for it.


Where's your hat silly girl?!


Falling over...


Gracie making snow art...


"You're silly mom!"


Mark came home at lunchtime and was able to watch Gracie play and take a few shots of us girls together. It was fun, but brrr... it was cold too!

Christmas Party

This year I decided to host an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party". I kept it low key and invited only a small group of friends - there were 8 adults total. Due to the fact that these parties are so popular now (therefore the thrift stores are very limited in their selection) we had to vamp the rules and admitt any type of shirt as long as it was christmassy(?) and ugly. I'm glad we did, cause we ended up with a nice variety of 'christmas ugliness'. We munched on appetizers while we waited for the ham to finish glazing. Then we sat down for a relaxing kid free dinner. When we were finishing eating we cleared the table and let the games begin! We played a christmas dice game I found browsing the internet that we shall forever refer to as "Doubles!" - it involves dice, oven mitts and a present that has been wrapped about 15 times... it was so much fun! We ended the evening with a nice game of Cranium - boys vs. girls. I'm sad to report: Girls lost :( Next year fellas!!... next year! ;)

The Table ... it was nice to have something beautiful set up to offset all of the "ugliness".


The girls...


The guys...

Happy Anniversary

On November 12th Mark and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. We wanted to do something special this year so we started looking for romantic hotels online. We found an adorable hotel in Fairhaven, with a huge jacuzzi suite, so we made reservations and planned a weekend getaway. We spent 3 days/2 nights together and we both agree that it felt just like our honeymoon all over again. We soaked in the jacuzzi tub,
sipped sparkling cider, watched movies in our plush bathrobes,
played a nice game of checkers by the fireplace, talked about our life together - who we are now vs. who we were back in 1997 (when we started dating), where we want to be in 5 years from now and the good and bad things we're doing as parents. Also, we walked around Fairhaven - a quaint little town with cute litle shops along a cobblestone street. It was just a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to do it all again. I sure do love my hubby and I'm so glad I followed my heart 5 years ago. Happy Anniversary baby!!

Miracles

Today my father, a logger for more than 35 years fell out of a tree 30 feet off the ground. After he was done removing limbs from the tree he began to propel himself down when the rope tied to his harness came loose causing him to free fall straight down to the ground. His chainsaw hit first and then he landed on top of it. Lucky for him (and us) he just landed on the handlebar and not the blade. He hit back first and then his head. He was unresponsive for a couple of seconds but he came to and was able to walk himself to the car. His back hurts, he has a cut on his face and his front teeth are loose but the EMT says he should be okay. This all could have ended tragically. Miracles really do happen! I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my dad was protected today - I love him so much! Praise God.

Twenty nine

Well, November 1st I turned 29 years old and for some reason this particular birthday created an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for me. You see, when I was 10 years old my mom was preparing to turn 29 herself and I can remember imagining what my life would be like when I turned that same age. My ambitions weren't large - in fact they were really simple, but they were mine and they were real. I wanted a loving husband that realized his potential, and mine, who loved God and loved me. I wanted 4 kids - I figured I'd start popping them out when I was 22 and be done by my 28th birthday. I wanted to feel pretty. I wanted a nice house and a sense of security. And most importantly I wanted Jesus in my home and in my heart. After reflecting upon the dreams of my youth I realized I was living them! What a happy birthday this was. Sure, I'm 20 lbs. heavier than I'd like to be but I really do feel pretty. I'm 3 kids shy of my earliest dreams but that's okay because the one kid that I do have is my pride and joy - besides, what was I thinking?! I'm not a machine!:) I am married to a man, that after 12 years together, still gives me the butterflies. He is strong, funny, caring, devoted and grounded. He believes in me and supports all of my crazy ideas - even the ones I come up with at 2 am. I love him and I love the home we share. And last, but certainly not least, I love Jesus! I love how he makes me feel when I reach out to him. I love teaching Gracie about him and I love how simple his gospel is. I love my life... mission accomplished.

October Festivities

Whew! October is over, and boy oh boy was it ever fun!! We were busy, busy, busy!! There's a lot to share so kick your feet up and enjoy!:)

PICKIN PUNKINS
Mark and I took Gracie to Schuh Farms - it has sort of become "our place". Every year we discuss trying somewhere new but inevitably we end up there... which is perfectly fine, since it's so much fun! Gracie had a blast this year and like always, there were a few 'Gracie moments'. Here's the one that topped the list for the day:
On the farm they have a small train pulled by a tractor for the little kiddos to ride on. We asked Gracie if she'd like to ride it and she looked at us and said, "Umm... choo-choo!" I think it was her way of saying "Do bears poop in the woods?!" We let her pick a car to ride in and then she waited patiently for the train to fill up with other passengers...

Just as the train was preparing to leave a little girl ran and hopped in beside Gracie. Gracie's eyes lit up! She absolutely LOVES making new friends!! We noticed Gracie eyeballing the little girl's babydoll and as the train pulled out Mark said, "I bet Gracie ends up holding that doll!" I said, "I think you're right." We then decided to walk behind the train (it was going like 5 mph.) As the train was rounding a field of pumpkins we decided to cut through the field and meet up with the train on the other side. As we were nearing the train I could see Gracie dangling the little girl's babydoll overboard - just a few feet from the ground which unfortunately was a nice batch of fresh mud. I looked at Mark and said, "Oh please Gracie - whatever you do, do not drop that doll!" and before I could finish my sentence she had dropped it!! Mark and I looked in horror as this poor little girl's doll was getting pushed deeper and deeper into the mud with each passing tire - thump! thump! thump! Six cars ran that doll over before Gracie was able to get the attention of the man driving the tractor. She was standing straight up in the car just hollering as loud as she could at him and pointing to the "victim" under tire #7.

Mark caught up to the stopped train and was able to retrieve the doll and brush it off. Gracie said "I'm sorry" - here's a photo of her right after it all happened -she's still in shock!

Mark and I apologetically recanted the story to the little girl's parents. About a half hour later Gracie wanted to ride the train again. She picked a car and lo and behold that same little girl came running up and sat right next to her again - she must have forgiven Gracie! We decided to sit the doll out during 'round two'.

JACK O LANTERNS


This year we decided to go "old school" and carve traditional faces in our pumpkins. Usually we have a contest with one another to see who can do the most intricate design but we just weren't 'feelin it' this year. We we're a little bummed that Gracie wanted nothing to do with the pumpkins - she just sat (from a distance) and watched us. Every time she came near us she would cover her nose and say "Yucky!" I think we had anticipated her loving it even more this year than she did last year - oh well... Parker had a great time! He kept eating the little scraps that "accidentally" hit the floor and by the end of the night he had probably eaten the equivalent of a small pumpkin! It sure did look like it the next morning when he left 4 large "harvest piles" in our backyard!


"MAKE A WISH!"
On October 24th we conspired with Mark's dad to surprise Mark's mom at the Olive Garden, in celebration of her birthday. We then went back to our house for cake and icecream. It's always nice when we get together with Lynn and Suzanne. Growing up I was able to spend a lot of time with my grandparents and I think it helped shape me into the person I am today. It is such a blessing that Gracie gets to experience this as well.

Gracie is one lucky little girl to have a grandma like Grandma Francis! Judging by the look on Gracie's face, I'd say she already knows this. :)

A PIRATE SAYS 'ARRRRGH'
Every Wednesday I take Gracie to our public Library where they have "story time" for 2&3 year olds. Also, every Halloween they host a "pirate party". They ask that every kid dress up like a pirate and then they read pirate stories, play games, and eat snacks. Gracie was a "pirate princess" this year for Halloween so it sure did make finding a costume for the party super easy!
(Gracie with her friend Gabe)


"A pirate?" you might be saying to yourselves... yes, a pirate. When we went shopping for halloween costumes Gracie's first pick was "Buzz Lightyear" - I said, "Really? Are you sure?" Gracie said, "Yes mom." I said, "How about we look around some more?" Gracie said, "Okay." and for the next 15 minutes I tried selling her on princesses, ladybugs, flowers, and fairies but she held tight to her Buzz Lightyear costume. Then out of nowhere she started singing "A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says arrgh!"(It's a song from one of the episodes on the 'Backyardigans'). I started singing with her and she said, "No mom. Stop singing. Look!" then she pointed to a 'pirate princess' costume. I grabbed her size and quickly exchanged it with "Buzz" - she was tickled pink and I was too - it was a win-win for the both of us. :)


HALLOWEENIE
This year we had my mom, her fance', his two kids and my little sister over on Halloween. Gracie waited all day to see her aunt Maddy and was eccstatic when they finally showed up! My sister dressed up as a pirate to match Gracie. As they walked out the front door my sister locked hands with gracie's and they never let go all night!

This year was Gracie's first time trick or treating (she was sick the last two years) and I think she really enjoyed herself! She had a continual smile on her face and her legs seemed to float from one house to the next. I wasn't sure how she would react to the "scary" houses and costumes but she was completely fearless!! That's my girl! :) Here's Gracie with my mom (Grandma Jack) upon returning home from trick or treating - look at those rosie cheeks!

Funny ways...

A lot of unnexpected things have been coming out of Gracie's mouth lately. So funny that when I think about them they still make me giggle - I figure if they make me smile, they may tickle you as well...
A few weeks ago we started teaching Gracie her last name. Once she learned it she found it neccessary to call everyone by their first and last names... I became 'Mommy Francis', Mark became 'Daddy Francis' and Parker became 'Parker Francis'. One afternoon, I was putting her down for her daily nap when she asked to say a prayer. I said, 'okay' and we said a short prayer. After it was over I asked Gracie "Do you love Jesus?" She got a big smile on her face and she said, "Gracie loves Jesus Francis!" I couldn't help but chuckle right then and there. So cute.

Two weeks ago we were sitting down at the dinner table when Gracie "cut the cheese" - it wasn't a small block of cheese either! - so big and loud that Mark and I began laughing hysterically out of sheer amazement, but we quickly realized that we were setting a bad example, so we shifted into "parent mode". In an attempt to encourage Gracie to use her manners we said, "What do you say Gracie?" She said, "Ummm... I farted?" We have since taught her to say "excuse me" when she toots. Needless to say that night our stomaches hurt from laughter!

Just last week Gracie was throwing a tantrum during clean up time. After a few attempts to get her to pick up her toys I put my foot down and said, "We can do this mommy's way or the hard way" she looked at me and said, "Daddy's way!" I think we all know who the softie is around here! :)

Yesterday we were driving home from runnng errands when a small bird flew into our windshield. We were on the freeway, going 75 miles per hour so I'm sure the poor guy is dead, if not he's probably hurting pretty badly since he left a small trail of blood. Gross, I know. Don't worry, I'm not sadistic, this isn't the funny part. The funny part is what transpired afterwards... immediately after the bird hit the windshield Gracie said, "Ooo, a butterflie Mommy!!" I replied, "Oh, no honey... that was a bird!" She then said, "A bird?" I answered, "Yes, a bird." She thought for a moment and then said, "Ooo, that's delicious!" I think she was recalling the book we had read the night before - it had birds in it and one of them was a chicken. She loves chicken. Funny little girl.

Then, today I had a Dr.'s appointment due to the fact that we are having such a hard time getting pregnant. After telling me that all we can do is try, try, try some more (sigh...) my doctor then informed me that I was due for my yearly papsmear - yeahhh... what a lovely surprise.:( I had no idea this was going to take place today otherwise I would have found a sitter for Gracie but we rolled with the punches. Gracie sat quietly while the doctor placed my feet in the stirrups. She then looked over at me and said, " You gonna be ok Mommy. Gonna get you some medicine!" I said, "Oh, that's good Gracie." She then got off of the chair and took my hand and said, "Hold hands" I said, "Okay baby. Thank you." She then began watching my doctor (she couldn't see anything because she was down by my head). When my doctor grabbed "the tool" (you ladies will know what I'm talking about) Gracie looked at me with a big fat smile on her face and said, "Ooo... a flashlight! Gonna be fun, okay Mommy!" My doctor and I got a big chuckle out of that. Perhaps this last story was a little too much information... oh well.

Hope you enjoyed reading all about my litle girl and her funny ways. Until next time...

July FUN!!!

July has been one busy month for us! - particularly the last two weeks... On the 17th we packed the Jeep up, and the following morning we threw Parker in the back, popped in a DVD for Gracie, said a prayer and began our trek over to Idaho. We met up with all of Mark's family (his brother and sisters and their families) in Island Park,just 20 minutes away from West Yellowstone. We stayed in a cute little cabin - roomy enough for 17 people and made the most of our time together. We went to Yellowstone on two seperate occasions and spent countless hours admiring the beautiful things that God created for us - Geysers, Waterfalls, Bison, Elk, and Construction Workers (Although I don't think the construction workers were intended to be part of the show but they certainly made a few appearances as the park is currently getting some work done in a few areas.) Also we went rafting down the Snake river and got some "Old Time Photos". A couple of nights we stayed up late, just us adults, and played some board games... "that's so unnattractive!" (Inside joke). We had a wonderful time, even if Gracie seemed to show her icky side a lot more than we would have preferred but I think Mark's family understood... 2 year old, no naps, lots of excitement... need I say more?!:) I'm already missing them and I honestly hope we are able to continue our annual family reunions that we have somehow magically been able to have over the past three years.
Enjoy the pics...


Gracie with her cousin, Kaylin.


I love this picture!!



Gracie with her cousin, Dylan. She just adores him!


Multi-tasking... A girl's gotta eat!



PJ party!! Thanks auntie Tia for the cute jammies!


Another one of my favorites.


Just the guys. (Minus Dylan who was sleeping in the car.)


Just the girls.


All of the grandkids.


Mark hunting down his next victim during an intense game of "Marshmallow Wars".

Also, since we've been home we've gone to Jetty Island with my little sister, maddy...