No time to post

Neal and I are working hard, so blogging has become a VERY low priority...actually, it's not a priority at all, but here are a couple of pictures anyways...

The Beach!

We got to go on a quick trip to Dana Point California...Hollis loves the beach!

Playing

I love taking pictures of Hollis doing what she loves to do: play. The problem is she moves so much and is so busy all of the pictures are blurry, there are toys or her arm in her face or she's not looking at the camera. Here are a few cute ones.

Trying on mom's shoes...notice one shoe is facing backwards.

Valentine's Day

I don't care that Valentine's Day is "a Hallmark holiday"--my mom used to (and still does) make Valentine's Day very special. I took on the duty of making it special this year for my friends and family. Hollis got some cute small gifts: a book, some socks and a balloon along with some very special Valentine's from friends and family. It was a fun day!

Moving

It's the moving-day eve. I'm taking a break because I've packed our whole house, and I'm tired. We've all had the flu, I've taught tennis all week, Hollis is teething all four of those pointy teeth, and she has a big snotty nose. People have been so wonderful helping me...thanks to Nana, Mindy, Ligaya, Kristi, Marilee and a whole host of strong males tomorrow. 

We are blessed to have this opportunity to move into my mom and dad's home. We are blessed to have a wonderful couple renting our house from us. Neal and I were reflecting last night on how easy it is to get anxious about the economy-it's easy to get all stressed and uptight with all that's happening all around us, but we were excited to think about how the Lord's economy is not our economy. The Lord isn't nervous, and we can rest in his provision and plan. 

In Love

Here is Hollis pushing her new stroller. Since her birthday is right after Christmas, we decided to let all of her loving and kind family members spoil her with lots of gifts. I think Neal and I got her two gifts total--one for Christmas and one for her Birthday. We just believe in keeping it simple, plus she's ONE she won't have hurt feelings if we don't get her gobs of gifts! 

I'm totally smitten with my daughter. She is SUCH a sweet, bright, funny, cute little girl. I LOVE seeing her learning new things--words, routines, how things work, cause and effect--she's also learning how to obey, and it's so scary as a mom to teach obedience! What is the perfect tone of voice? Am I really setting boundaries for things that are worthwhile or selfish? 

She was sick for the last two days and though it's the most horrible feeling to see your child sick, she cuddled with me a lot. She's usually too busy to cuddle, so I enjoyed every second of the cuddling.  

Union Jack

My favorite shape/design at the moment is the union jack (british flag)--maybe it's my tea-drinking British heritage or because it's just a really cool shape, but it's inspired me recently, and I couldn't just watch football today, I had to make something creative!

Face food

It's great when Hollis paints her face with food. I love it!

Happy Birthday take two

We are home in Seattle, and we get to celebrate Hollis' birthday again with the Mitchell-side of the family. I'm very proud of the second cake I made for her. It's a yummy crown!

Christmas and Happy Birthday

Hollis' merry-go-round cake

I'm so happy to be one!

Hmmmmmm, this tastes pretty good.....

Am I really supposed to be eating this?!

Merry Christmas! 

Happy Hollis Design

I've started a little side business selling t-shirts and onesies. I love making them, and they make great gifts for others or your own kids! 

Botanical Gardens

My nana and I went to the Botanical Gardens in Bellevue last week. It was really fun, and beautiful. There were so many lights. It's definitely a must see. It's free, but I think you have to pay $5 for parking. Hollis liked it too. She was pretty quiet looking at all the lights. It was cute. 

Hawaii

We went to the big island with the Mitchell-side of the family over Thanksgiving. It was so much fun. Hollis LOOOOOOVES swimming, and she was so good traveling, playing, and being flexible. She truly is a joy, and I love being her mom. 

More pics

Costume Party

Hollis' friends Clara and Jack hosted a very fun costume party today. Hollis went as a 'garden fairy' and looked amazingly cute. 

The Clapper

During football games I've been showing Hollis how to clap. (Recently, there has been a lot to clap for!) She's never done it on her own until this morning in her highchair she began applauding her breakfast. 

Pink Chair

A friend gave Hollis a pink reading chair before she was born. I let her play on and around it today, and it was a hit! Anything is a hit when she gets to chew on her sparkly toothbrush also. 

Hollis loves Koa

Hollis has loved Koa since she first laid eyes on her (at like 3 months old)...recently she has taken an even greater liking to her, because now she can actually get to Koa on her own. I'm not sure if Koa loves Hollis as much as Hollis loves Koa. Hollis will approach Koa, the dog's tail will wag, she will let Hollis hit her in the face a few times, Koa will suddenly move, and Hollis will fall and hit her head on the floor. It happened a few times like that tonight, and it will be nice when Hollis and Koa both understand the word "gentle".