Grandparents' Day at Quailwood School-Oct 2011

 Josh and Ava are both in Mrs. Bowles class. She taught Kaela and Carly last year when they were in kindergarten. I am so fortunate to have such fun grandchildren. I just love them!!!!!

Carly hugged Kaela and were ever so happy to smile for the camera. They are good friends and adorable granddaughters. 

Papa Steve was able to attend Grandparents' Day with me this year. Lots of grandparents were  at McDonald'sbuying Happy Meals: chicken mc nuggets, choc. milt, fries, and apple. The most important part: the coveted toy.

After such a wonderful afternoon in Bakersfield, we came home and rode my bike; Steve gave it to me for Mother's Day.  (Notice the decorations on  our house for Halloween. Didn't Elle do a great job?)

181st Semi Annual General Conference

Elle and I are focused; we want this cake to be spectacular for the little ones.  My new tradition is to make a conference cake.

I have always invited the missionaries to share part of Conference.  I usually have them over for conference waffles but this year they came for the pinata and cake. I'm celebrating all the fall and winter birthdays now. During April conference we'll celebrate spring and summer birthdays. The sister missionaries are lighting candles so we can sing Happy Birthday.

During the 1st and 2nd sessions on Saturday we had pizza at the park. Yummy!

We had Round Table-King Arthur and Little Ceasar- cheese only. Everyone's needs were met.

When I went to pick up the pizzas, Boy Scouts were selling popcorn. I had to support the troop, so I bought two bags of popcorn 18.00  each, my have prices gone up. I must admit, I did announce to them that I have three son who earned the rank of Eagle. I was so pleased to have such a declaration.

After the final session, we had a pinata filled with snakes, insects,  pencils, erasers and  a few bags of M&Ms. The grandchildren enjoyed it immensely. 

We ate delicious sandwiches, chips, and a special slush drink.

Jarod Richard is 2 1/2 months old. He is as good as gold.

Elle is soon to hear where she will serve the Lord on a mission.  Aren't they the cutest? My youngest daughter holding Jarod's youngest son.

Jarod Richard Valdivieso arrived July 13, 2011

                             

                          At birth he looked just like his daddy, or at least his nose. What a handsome baby!

It's  tradition to take a picture with each new addition and all the other children. It didn't look so crowded when they only had two children. Number four makes them full or should I say a complete family.

  I couldn't wait to hold and squeeze him tight. I'm wearing a blue  button that states: It's a BOY!

Megan's folks, Kathy and Doug Skinner, came for two weeks.  I don't know who has the  biggest smile, big sister and grandparents?

Jarod was blessed before Mama and Papa  went back to Texas (Doug is holding Jarod).

Isn't Carly's smile priceless? Jack is wondering when we will stop taking pictures. Doesn't  Megan look  fabulous?  Baby Jarod is 10 days old. There's no denying that Josh is a mama's boy- father like son. I love it!

Trent (1 yr), Wendy, Adam, Jarrett (4yrs), Landon (7 yrs) just relocated to Bakersfield. Adam is Aunt Sharon's oldest son.

 

 Grace (2yrs), Autumn,  Manuel, and Gabriel (3 yrs) came from Corcoran.

Papa, Jarod (holding Carly 6 3/4 yrs and Jack 3 3/4yrs) Megan (holding Baby  Jarod 10 days)  Mama ( holding  Josh 5yrs).

Damon (holding Isla Belle 2yrs), Clarissa (holding Ava Rose 4 3/4 yrs), Kaela 6 1/2 yrs.

Papa Steve, Jarod, Grandma Val, Lydia, Clarissa, Mama Tess, and Autumn (Grandma and Lydia came for the day from Azusa). It was a wonderful Sabbath. The Texans entertained us with a festive luncheon and good company. 

Texans visit California April 2010

Destination-Monterey Bay Aquarium

First task-rent a large van to accommodate the crowd.

Here are the darling cherubs (Carly, Josh next to me, Jack, Ave, and Kaela). I'm wearing my traveling vest. Steve bought me two for my birthday; one light weight summer fashion and one dark heavier weight for winter travel. Lots of pockets means no purse to lug around:)

Josh, Carly, Jack, Ava, and Kaela (Ava is in the stroller not shown).

Carly and Aunt Jana (sporting her Harley Davidson Round Rock, Texas t-shirt).

It was a great trip. The three hour trek to the coast was a snap because we were all together singing and laughing.

Kaweah Lake was fun too. The adults watched the skills of the little ones jumping off the table.

Aunt Lydia brought back bracelets from Samoan island and gave them to the girls. Needless to say it was a big hit. Kaela in purple and Carly in pink. Carly has her stuffed turtle souvenir on her lap.

PICTURE TIME SUNDAY MORNING:

Clarissa's family: Kaela 5 yrs, Ava 3 1/2 yrs, Isla Belle 8 months

Jarod and Megan with Carly 5 yrs, Jack 2 1/2, and Josh almost 4 yrs

Jarod reading the Ensign while the boys snap their shark heads, $3.99 souvenirs from the Aquarium were quite the hit.

Grandchildren are simply glorious!

Kaela said, "You are my best friend." Carly responded, "I love you too."

I think Josh's smile sums up my feelings too. I love you all-MORE!

Grace's 1st Birthday,Gen. Conference and Easter

Grace is ONE today, April 2, 2010.

We are excited to share in the fun with Autumn's children.

Grabriel 2 yrs., Ave 3 yrs.,Grace 1, and Kaela 5 yrs. old

Kaela couldn't control her hugs and kisses. Grace liked it, but not as much as Kaela.

The frosting was a bright pink and topped with white M&Ms.

Kaela has the cutest smile.

Except we placed blue M&Ms on top of Gabriel's just because there was sooo much pink and girly stuff everywhere.

Ava kept trying to blow out her candle,she huffed and puffed until we finally just blew it out for her.

We watched General Conference via LDS.ORG streaming. We attached the computer to our stereo so we could hear it; I loved ite.

Coloring Easter Eggs was fun. Seeing how many holes Gabriel punched into the egg before it was colored was exciting.

Ava kept saying she wants more color on her egg.

Clarissa said to her girls, "Say thank you to Grandma Tess for the Easter Baskets." Kaela immediately retorted, "Mom, the Easter Bunny brought our baskets not Grandma.

Gabriel was over joyed with the prospects of sweets treats..... chocolate.

Isla Belle is only 8 months old, she crawled around and watched everyone else. Next year she'll love her Easter basket and eat all she can stuff into those sweet cheeks.