It's the most wonderful time of the year!

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Christmas has come and gone, which always leaves me with a bit of sadness. I think that more than the actual day itself, I truly treasure the month or so leading up to the 25th. All of the family functions, the beautiful decorations, holiday music on the radio, the excitement and anticipation in my childrens eyes, etc., etc. This Christmas was one to remember. The kids are at the perfect age (Carson-4, Cassie-2.) Cassie couldn't wait to eat all of the baked goodies that were being saved for "Jesus' Birthday Party." As a matter of fact, I caught her shoving a huge piece of fudge into her mouth when she thought that no one was looking. And you would have thought that Carson was being physically tortured having to wait for the shiny packages that sat under the tree for the month. The adults of the family decided to simplify things this year, by giving homemade gifts. It turned out to be a meaningful change. From jam, to custom photo albums and table runners, to wine charms, everyone's creative streak was in full-effect. It was a nice reminder that it is the thought that counts. My family, is definitely gift enough!

All of the traditions were so special this year. We made salt dough ornaments and gingerbread men. Spent the day with family decorating my grandparents house. There was the annual Christmas light cruise, complete with hot cocoa and sour cream and onion potato chips (the kids felt those were the perfect accompaniment.) Carsons preschool class gave an incredibly cute performance telling the story of Christ's birth, set to music. The kids unwrapped a surprise Christmas-theme book each night at bedtime. We saw an the awesome "JOY" concert at church. Had a nice evening at my Dad & Karen's. Christmas Eve was spent enjoying a Mexican feast at our house with the Craigmile side of the family. My Mom read the kids "The Night Before Christmas" as she put them to bed, only to be woken a few short hours later to Carson's early morning wake-up call. To wrap it all up we had dinner with the Lazenby's in Carlsbad on Christmas day. It was a month jam-packed with fun, magic, and memories! I feel so incredibly blessed to be surrounded, not only by my husband and children, but also a large, boisterous, and loving extended family. What a way to celebrate the birth of our Saviour!

On the Ice!

This winter the kids have decided that they would like to learn to ice skate. Carson has set his sights on ice hockey, and Cassie is running through the house imitating figure skating moves. It may be a short while before they are checking opponents or doing triple axles, but they are off to a good start!

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Turkey Day in Arizona

This year my family had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving with good friends in the sunny town of Gilbert, Arizona. The food was wonderful and the company even better!

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I Love Fall!

While Mother Nature doesn't seem to have quite made up her mind, Fall is upon us. This makes me a happy lady, as Fall is undoubtedly my most favorite of all of the seasons. I love the coziness of being indoors on a cloudy day, my house smelling of pumpkin-spice or apple-cinnamon candles, and something warm and comforting cooking on the stove. And while Southern California is not a place that is graced with dramatically changing seasons, Fall brings relief from the stifling heat of summer. And to ring in the season, my family has a tradition of taking a day-trip or two up to the small apple-growing community of Oak Glen. This last Saturday, we did just that. With a picnic packed, off we went. (And returned with apple pie, apple cider, apple butter, and apple pastries.) It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and a terrific day spent with family!

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Deep in the heart of Texas

Our family had the pleasure and honor of making a trip to San Antonio Texas last week. The purpose of the trip, was to see our good buddy, John Paul, graduation from Air Force Basic Training. It was a really moving ceremony, and we couldn't have been more proud of the man that we have seen him become over the last ten years!

We had a fabulous time taking in the sights that San Antonio had to offer. Other than the humidity, we loved it there! The kids had a blast visiting the Alamo, the River Walk, Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Park, the Witte Museum, Toy Story 3 on the IMAX, and Canyon Lake. Erich and I even managed to sneak in a romantic night, taking a carriage ride through the King Williams District and sharing an amazing dinner. It was an awesome family vacation!

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We made it!

Well, we made it to the fair last week! After our last episode, the kids were thrilled just to make it inside. But it turned out to be an absolutely wonderful day. Erich was able to join us, which made it all the more special. I am pretty sure that we took in all the the fair had to offer. Carson was able to pet the reptiles (Cassie is like me on this, and preferred to watch from a short distance away.) And although she was much more interested in the livestock exhibits, she also seemed a bit overwhelmed at the extremely outgoing petting zoo goats. (Do they starve those poor things?) They were both so excited to ride the ponys, but Cassie bailed at the last second. And before I paint a picture of a timid little girl, let me just say, it stopped there. She couldn't wait to ride EVERY ride they would let her on. Her 38" height barely allowed her onto the kiddie roller coaster, but she then insisted on riding in the first car. Carson decided to ride in the last, because it's not as scarey back there. Cassie was also thrilled to ride the ferris wheel with her Daddy, and after a bit of coaxing, Carson agreed to join them. I don't think that I have ever seen my son as happy as when he had his face painted. His little spider man grin spread from ear to ear. He spent a quarter of the day begging to play the carnival games, and it was a good thing we waited until the end. They came home with two stuffed pigs, a stuffed frog, a dumo doll, a lemon-drop girl, and a stuffed bird of some sort. So beyond the animals, thrill-rides, carni-games, and fair food (mmm... funnel cakes), we all had a day that will not soon be forgotten. I have been to the fair so many times over the years, but to see it again through the eyes of my beloved children, made it the best trip to the I have ever made!

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

From LA County Fair

The fair... or not.

So after a bit of deliberation, I decided to be a brave Mom, and take the kids to the L.A. County Fair. Alone. Last night I excitedly shared the news with the kids. Carson did as Carson does, and bombarded me with questions about what he would see at the fair. He was so very excited to see all of the livestock, the dairy cow exhibit, and the games! I woke up this morning to him whispering at my bedside, "Mom we should probably get up early so that we can get ready to go to the fair." So we did... Kids dressed, daiper bag and stroller pack, and off we went! Cassie listened to her brother intently, as he explained that we were going to the fair to see how they get milk out of cows. I felt joyful, and was sure I had made the right decision in taking them on this solo-adventure. Until... we pulled up to the gates of the fair, and the parking lot was EMPTY. I looked up at the light-pole banners in confusion, and confirmed that the fair was in fact running from September 4th through October 3rd. Anxiety struck as I consulted my handy dandy smart phone and learned that starting this year, the fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I sadly broke the news to the kids, and looked back to see their little eyes feeling with tears. I almost wanted to cry myself, and felt a bit shorter than Carsons 47 inches.

So, in a last ditch effort to redeem myself, we flipped a U-Turn and headed out the 10. Forty or so minutes later, we pulled into Oak Glen. The kids and I have been reading a book called "Apple Farmer Annie," so Carson was pleased that he was at least going to taste apple cider today. It turned out to be a great morning. The kids fed goats, chased a pot belly pig around the petting zoo, sampled Apple Cider and Apple Butter, and each ended up with a carmel apple.

Petting zoo: $9
Carmel Apples and Apple Butter: $12
Seeing smiles on my disappointed childrens faces: Priceless

And as a mom, I learned that from now on, we will the check hours of operations before beginning any adventures!

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From Blogger Pictures

Summer is winding to a close...

The summer of 2010 has been filled with fun!  We have made lots of great memories; trips to the river, a visit with my father-in-law in Phoenix, adventures with the kids in Newport Beach and Lake Gregory, and lazy days by the pool with my wonderful grandparents.  I feel extrememly blessed to have the opportunity to spend quality time with the kids a couple of days during the week.  Popsicles, floaties, and mushy swim-diapers wont be around forever, but while they, are we are having a ball!

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Carson and his Daddy in Lake Havasu on the 4th of July

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Cassie Jean in Lake Gregory

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My honey and I on our boat

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Carson at the Fontana Water Park

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Cassie in enjoying the sun in Parker

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Best Friends!

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Carson at the Rustler's Roost in Phoenix

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Cassie Jean's a little river rat

Carson starts soccer!

Carson began his first season of soccer this month! He is playing for the City of Rancho's Pee Wee League on a team of four year old called "Fire." It felt like the park was on fire, as there first two weeks of practice were in 105 degree heat! On Carson's first day of practice, he informed his coach that he would like to play goalie, and was disappointed to learn that his age group doesn't use goalies. The fact that he wasn't being issued pads and a helmet was also a disappointment, but we explained that soccer will be a chance for his to get ready for FOOTBALL. But he came out with a bang his first game, scoring two goals. Cassie cheered her brother on, amidst tears that she couldn't play right along with him. We are proud of our little soccer player and are excited to see if make new friends and have FUN!

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Cassie turns two!

It's hard to believe that two years has passed since my little girl, Cassandra Jean Soiles, entered the world. She has filled our lives with so much joy and excitement. She adores her big brother Carson (a.k.a. Cartin) but doesn't seem to be the slightest bit aware that he is well over double her size, and fortunately for her, he's also amazingly patient. She is usally up before the sun rises, and likes to start her day with toons, a snack, and juice (and doesn't particularly like to wait too long for it, either.) Cassie is a big Yo Gabba Gabba fan, likes to play her Daddies drums, and loves the water. She never seems to run out of energy, and I have a feeling that she is going to continue right on blazing her own little trail through life.

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Donna get's baptized!

My sister, Donna, was baptized at Christ Church of the Valley in June.  It has been a special journey for both of us, as we have truly seen God at work in our lives.  I am so happy and proud to have been with her on this incredible day!

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