Pioneer Woman

I have a new addiction....www.thepioneerwoman.com.
I stayed up VERY late 2 nights in a row reading her HIGH HEELS to TRACTOR WHEELS story. She is a very talented writer, photographer, and cook! I recently received her cookbook and am working my way through it, and I also grab many recipes off of her website. The above photo is one of my new favorites, along with the tres leche cake, the chicken strips, and the meatballs. OH, and her cinnamon rolls! Emaline and I made 14 pans during the holidays. I didn't eat them all, but sure could have. I have never made onion rings or strings before, but now I have. AND look how many 1 onion makes! They were amazing and easy! I truly think you should check her out if you haven't already!

Happy Birthday Emaline!

My sweet girl turned 4, like I mentioned in the last blog. We celebrated a bit early with a preschool party, and a jump house gathering. I took Stacey's camera to preschool with me and grabbed some photos there...

Emaline, from the beginning of the planning process wanted a Strawberry Shortcake jump house party. Now, I did find a Strawberry Shortcake jump HOUSE, but when thinking of the age difference of who would be attending, we splurged and went to a jump house location. I couldn't stand the thought of an 11 year old and my 19 month old in the same jump house.
The beautiful cake! I also used this cake lady for Bowden's cake!

Now, why is the lighting in the these jump house places so crazy!? I did my best chasing HIGH STRUNG children through bounce houses, changing settings on my camera, and then finally I put my camera down, and started jumping myself!


Jim (FIL) got in on the fun!
Lauren and Isaiah. He LOVED the jump houses. And so did she!


Check out her duds! My friend created this little outfit! Emaline truly felt like a princess in it. Every day leading up to her birthday she begged to wear it, who would blame her.

You can read about her birth story here and here. I slept with her night before last, remembering my last night to carry her in my belly. I thought about the heart burn. I thought about the kicks. I thought about the LABOR! I truly was in labor with Emaline and had the rushing to the hospital experience. She had her own timing...and so is true about her personality.

Emaline is a sweet girl, with lots of personality and opinion. She loves Hello Kitty, Strawberry Shortcake, Suzy, her American Girl, and Scooby Doo. She LOVES to watch movies and her cartoons. She also loves to help me cook, which I love and has taught me much about myself, like I like control. It helps the two of us grow together. Emaline can swing her moods almost as quick as I can! One minute we have the battle of the wills, the next she is cleaning her brother's blood off the floor without being asked because she knows she is being helpful. One minute she can help me fold towels, the next she is refusing to put up her own socks. She loves puzzles. She loves games. She dislikes being cold (also like her momma). She loves maccaroni and cheese and any type of candy. She likes to wear her hair the same every day, but I throw in some assortments. Emaline loves her brothers. She loves to play imaginary roles with Parker, and loves to boss Bowden, in a loving way.

Emaline celebrated her birthday at preschool, where the two of us made strawberry cupcakes with pink sprinkles and Strawberry Shortcake picks, then on Thursday night she had her dream party: Mommy, all I want is a Strawberry Shortcake jumphouse party! I have heard that for weeks months now! So, we invited some friends, new and old to her party. Today, her actual day, the birthday fairy went and got donuts, we went to church, went to Vinny's (her choice) for fetticini alverado, played outside in this beautiful weather, then to Pizza Hut for dinner with our small group. It has been a great day.

Honestly, and pure here, Emaline is strong willed. Emaline can almost bring me to tears, or to a scream in seconds. Some say it is because we are so alike, maybe so. Regardless, she is one I pray for more often, if that is okay to say ( please hear my heart, I am not showing favorites, just the need for help and discipline for the two of us). She wears me down. I practice my patience, I reflect. Spanking does not phase this sweet girl, it can be a temporary solution, but for her, taking things away makes the most impact. SO, if you hear me say 'and that will go into the attic' I am talking about putting her most beloved toys or clothing. One time it was her belts. She cried and cried. Her pants also went into the attic last summer when she refused to wear shorts. Not sure it is appropriate to talk discipline on her birthday post, but when thinking back on recording such things, I think she and I will look back on this and laugh...I hope.

I love you sweet girl, Sweet E!

My Dreamer!

My Parker brought this home today from school. I love it with all my heart. You know what he said to me....mom, this is the best horse I can draw, but it is okay that it looks mean.

I think he is a rocking artist!
I love you Parker Pearson!

Last weekend was the pink boots party, a joint birthday party for the girl cousins in the Pearson fam, meaning Emaline and Cassidie. We did a similar photo with all the grandkids when Emaline was about Bowden's age. We needed up update and the grandparents joined in.


Cole riding.



The birthday girls.


Parker riding.


Emaline riding.


my boys riding.










Stacey and Leslie. Many of you probably have never seen her hair straight!




Okay, maybe never give a 4 year old your camera to take a photo... Our friends the Merrimans were in town from Chicago and so we invited them to come along. We had a great time!




Cousin Cole.






My boys watching the snow. I don't remember were my E was.


Loving brothers....

Hpp\\ New year

My hand is numb. I have been reading old blogs now for 2 hours! 2 HOURS! It has been so fun to walk through the past years. To see the sickness that has struck my family, well, that part hasn't been fun. I have enjoyed reading all the comments from my readers. Some I have never met, and some that I know still read but don't comment. I have been saddened to see how my kids have grown up. TOOOOO FAAASSST! I hope you all have a wonderful 2010! I better go to bed! it is almost 3 in the morning!!!!