Santa photo

The photo with Santa did not go as planned. Grace was half crying, half smiling. She was shaking she was so scared, so I jumped in with her to get the picture. Leah could care less...the one who doesn't go to anyone but her mom and dad!

Our Girls

Leah is now 6 months old, and in two short months Grace will be "2". I think 6 months was the marker for Leah to turn into a completely different child. She is so happy (yes, I did say happy) and will just sit (she is now sitting by herself) and play for 20 minutes at a time. She is napping well during the day. She has consistently been sleeping about 8 hours before eating again and then going back to sleep.
Grace is a total crack up. She is talking so much, loving life, loves being a big sister (when Leah is not crying), so friendly with other kids and adults, and just a pure joy. Leah loves to just watch Grace. It is so adorable how much they love each other. I don't want that to change :/
The time is going way too fast. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be home with my girls and watch them as they develop their own little personalities and enjoy moments like the ones in the pictures below. These pictures were just a few from the last week.

Grace wanted to wear the beanie, don't ask me why!

Such a cute little smile.

"Whoa, I'm just learning this sitting thing, please don't leave me!"

Our Christmas Tree, the perfect one!

J with two of his favorite girls after decorating the tree.

They are both looking at a book together. So sweet!

Kisses

Getting ready for bath time.

They both love the bath, especially now that Leah can sit up on her own.

My Husband

I truly am the luckiest wife. Seven years ago today I married an amazing man. I still remember his face as I was walking down the isle and the smile that wouldn't leave my face. He's made me smile every day since.

Jason, I could not have asked for a better partner in my life. We compliment each other so well. I am so proud of who you are as a person, husband, father and son. You have a kind heart, you're thoughtful, loyal, you listen, you're patient, genuine, hard working, sensitive (you kind of have to be with three girls in the house), you make me laugh all the time, and you are the most handsome man I know. You still give me chills when I see you walk in the door and I know that will never go away. Thank you for being so giving of your self. I love you.

The last seven years have been filled with so much laughter, tears, happiness, sadness, conversations, and a few arguments here and there. I can't wait to see where the next seven years bring us, and the seven after that, and after that.

Thanks #4- Grandparents

Grandparents truly are a gift from God. My grandparents, specifically, my grandma, played a large role in shaping who I am today. I think that grandparents want nothing more than to see their grandchildren thrive emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have noticed that most grandparents will stop everything they are doing to in order to "be" with their grandbabies. My fondest memories were spending the night with my grandma. We would cook dinner, she taught me how important it was to take care of my skin by washing my face every night (she has beautiful skin at 84), she would pray with me, tell me stories, and in the morning she would make me the tastiest malt-o-meal for breakfast. Most of all she taught me love.
I realize that not all children have grandparents around, geographically or physically, but my daughters are so fortunate to be surrounded by the most amazing and loving grandparents. Thank you for being there for my girls to help shape their lives.

Thanks #3- COFFEE

I'm not sure what kind of person I would be without a good 'ol cup-a-joe in the morning. Oh, wait, I know! A cranky, not thinking straight mother with a nice little head ache (my kids don't get it yet). Who wants that? I can't wait for my first sip of coffee in the morning, especially these days. Leah is still not sleeping through the night and we have been trying the cry-it-out method, man is she stubborn. How can a small little thing like that keep the entire house up? We are going on three weeks now, and we are exhausted. Jason and I have our way to cope-COFFEE-, but what about poor little Grace? Is it too early to introduce sweetened coffee to your 21 month old? Oh, boy. I normally make my coffee at home in the mornings, but this morning I had to walk (twist my arm) to our favorite coffee shop down the street to buy it. Yesterday, I decided our coffee maker needed to be cleaned. So, I filled it with vinegar. Well, I had to run it about 8 times before the potent smell was gone. I'm looking forward to a great cup in the morning.

Thanks #2- Our Home

So thankful for where we live. Since we have been married we have never lived in a place where we have felt connected to the community. There are tons of families with young children on our street and even those without kids we've built friendships with. Grace knows most of our neighbors names and it's funny to hear her say "Hi" to them from our front porch as she sees them. It's also awesome that we are a few short blocks from the beach. The picture below is of the sunset last Friday with Grace and my mom playing in the water.

Thanks

As it is now mid-November and we are nearing Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for. How bogus is it that I wait until a certain holiday season to write about things that I am thankful for every day of the year?

I am thankful that my sister, Rebecah, only has one more chemo treatment to go. She was 85% clear at her last check up.
I love her beautiful smile and infectious personality. She has been nothing but strong and positive through all that she has gone through. Our God is righteous and good.

I'm going to try and post about one thing I am thankful for everyday from now until Thanksgiving. This might not sound hard, but for me it is. I tend to wait a month or two in between posts. Now that I've said it I have to do it!

Many First's

There has been quite a bit going on with The Gregory Family these days and many firsts happening all at once. Pictures are a bit out of order.

Grace enjoyed her first ice cream cone at her cousin, EZ's birthday party yesterday. She loves being with her cousins. Today she was still singing "Hapbe bada da EZ" and asking for ice cream too! She is talking up a storm.
November 14
Our little Leah is starting to sit up for a few minutes at a time.
November 12
Sucking her thumb just like sister and momma!

Grace had her first haircut last week. We only cut her bangs, but she looks more grown up. So sad, but so cute.
November 12

My first attempt at sewing in 20 years, I made dresses for the girls. There will be more to come. I am working on their Christmas dresses. I have been inspired the last few years by my friend, Kristi, who sews all kinds of cool things. Now I am actually doing it!
October 15

Halloween Madness

This was our first Halloween at our house on Oak Street. WOW, was it crazier than we had anticipated. Apparently our street is "The Place" to go trick-or-treating. We were told that there would be at least 2,000 people coming that evening. For a Sunday we thought it wasn't possible...but it was. Our street is the only street in Laguna Beach where the police block it off to pedestrians only from 4-10 pm. Almost every house on our street is decorated to the nines. Some had haunted houses, one had a disco hanging from a gigantic tri-pod in the middle of the street with a D.J. playing music. It was party central and so much fun. I didn't get really good pictures of the chaos that was Oak Street, but you can take my word for it, or come by next year and you can see it with your own eyes!

J and Grace carving our pumpkin. Not sure what Leah is doing off to the right. Hangin' out, I guess!

Grace, our little princess

Leah, the sweet little pumpkin that she is.

Leah did NOT last long in the costume. We got a few smiles out of her!

Our little girls. Love, Love, Love them.

Jason found his Def Leppard shirt and pulled out the wig with headband!

My adorable sister Becky and Leah's second outfit for the evening.

What's happening...?

Everyone had to take shifts passing out candy. It was tiring after a while.

Our friends, Chris & Audrey, and Jason on our front lawn.

See you next year!

Disneyland

About a month ago I bought a Disneyland pass and at first I wasn't sure how often I would go, because I thought it would be challenging with Grace and Leah and their nap times. It has actually been so much fun. Every other week I meet my little sister, Becky and my step-mom and anyone else that is able to meet up with us that week. We usually go on my sister's good week (the week after her chemo). Here are just a few pictures of the last few times we have gone.

Grace loved all of the characters. Here she is with Chip.

Aunt Becky and Grace=Best Friends

My two favorite bald girls!

Kisses to Minnie Mouse.

Look at those blue eyes! I love my sweet little Leah.