That's What Friends are "Four"

Galla turned 4 on Sunday and on Saturday she had her birthday party. It was the first "drop your kids off for 2 hours" party we have thrown and it was so fun! It was "Kitty Hello" themed (as Galla says). We invited the girls in her primary class and they are so sweet. They all were so good and had such a fun time.They colored giant Hello Kitty pictures and we played "pin the bow on Hello Kitty."They decorated cookies and we played some more games.They played in the bubble machine. This thing is awesome! I would highly recommend it, especially if blowing bubbles makes you light headed after 5 minutes like it does for me. There were TONS of bubbles and the girls thought it was magical to dance in them. Just look how happy Gal looks here!

I remember my friend, Michelle, talking about when her daughter, Bailey, turned four and how she totally like grew up over night--now I know what she was talking about! Galla is such a big girl and is becoming amazingly mature. She is so well-behaved and sweet and my little friend. Galla is packed with personality and she's so fun/observant/smart and I'm so proud of her. It's crazy to think about how far we've come since the 32 hours of labor that brought her to us 4 years ago. I love you Gal-friend!

That Sectional Feeling

When we moved to Oregon over 2 1/2 years ago, we bought a brown leather couch from Costco. I've never been too attached to the couch because I thought it was uncomfortable and cold. So when Brad and I noticed last week that it was starting to rip where the seat meets the back, we decided to take it back! Costco gave us our full cash refund (gotta love Costco) and we started our quest for a new couch.

We searched furniture stores. This sales lady at Beck's was "helping" us (more like lingering and being annoying). Our kids, of course, were running all over jumping on beds and couches. The sales lady was saying how it's gotta be hard to shop with kids--hard to concentrate. She is not married and does not have any kids and actually told me that if she were in my situation she'd probably be CRYING. To which I wanted to respond that if I were sleeping by myself tonight in my king-sized bed with my cats (based on info she offered about herself earlier in our conversation) then I would be crying! Get a life, lady!

We scoured Craigslist! Checking constantly for new posts, but unsure we were comfortable going the "used" route. Eager for something to sit on in our living room, we bought this off Craigslist for $200 (much less that our Costco cash):
It was a sweet couch said (by the old lady owner) to have been bought in 1970 for $2,210.23 and it was in mint condition. But it only took one evening for me to realize I can't be comfortable on a used couch. We reposted it to Craigslist and sold it the next day for $325. We finally found "the one" at a furniture warehouse:It's a dark chocolate brown and they say it's microfiber, but it's much softer than any microfiber I've ever felt! It's like velvet! The first day we had it, Brad and I spent the evening cuddled up, eating Girl Scout cookies and watching a movie. Heaven! (Don't mind the huge bare wall, we're still working on wall hangings.)

This thing is huge with plenty of room to run:Yet cozy enough to cuddle:I asked Galla what she thought of the new couch while she was watching one of her movies and she replied politely, "Can we talk about couches later?"

I love this sectional and never knew a piece of furniture could make me so happy.

Hidey Ho, Neighbor!

Galla was playing out back the other day and heard a friend playing on the other side of the fence. Soon both girls were climbing up to peek over the fence saying, "Hi friend!" At one point I looked outside and Galla had one leg over the fence. Whoooaaa! And these are regular, like, 6-foot fences. I told Galla she was not allowed to jump over the fence. So these resourceful girls found another way to get to each other. Her friend pushed and Galla pulled and they got the board loose. Galla came running inside asking if she could go play. I've never had to make a decision like that before because I've always known all of her friends and typically we all go together for a play-date. So I went out and told the little girl to go get her mommy. Her mom came out and said, "Hey, I think you're in our ward!" How fun is that! So Galla got to go play with her new friend, Haylie. Then we had the whole fam over for dinner. The next day Galla pulled the board the rest of the way off and dragged it, rusty nails and all, way to the end of the side of the house. When Brad questioned her about it, she said it was for firewood. Where did she learn that?! Anyway, Brad nailed the board back up but that didn't stop those determined girls--they pushed another board loose! I tell you, together those two are sass-o-frass! Sadly, the family moved a few blocks away this weekend. Happily, they're still in the ward. So Galla and Haylie can still play...without destroying fences.

Rub a Dub Dub

There are too many kids in this tub
There are too many elbows to scrub
I just washed a behind that I'm sure wasn't mine
There are too many kids in this tub!
--Shel Silverstein

This Just In:

Paisley's bottom tooth! At 7 months and 6 days old, sure 'nuf--it popped through and it's sharp! I didn't even see it coming because she has remained her happy, peaceful self. Though I don't know what she'll use it for since we can't get her to eat a lick of solids. Seriously, you just try to put a spoon in that girl's mouth and she starts screaming! She's all breast milk and she'd be wise to not use her new tooth for that.

Here's a funny story: I was nursing Paisley at church last Sunday. Despite the cramped space, lingering smells, and squeaky chairs, I like the mothers' lounge because I get to talk to other mamas and in a new ward it's helpful in getting to know people. So I struck up a conversation with Stephanie who was feeding her 3-month-old son, Liam. She was telling me how she has a 4-year-old daughter and I said that I also have a daughter who is almost 4. She responds that she thinks it's such a good spacing between the kids. She goes into her explanation of how she thought about having a kid every two years but she's really glad she didn't because that's just crazy, etc, etc. To which a reply, "I also have a 2-year-old son." Talk about a conversation stopper! No, seriously, it was funny! I told her that, yes, it is crazy having 3 kids so close together, but it's fun. Stephanie was nice about it and I don't anticipate any awkwardness at next Sunday's nursing. And maybe our 4-year-old daughters can still be friends! :)

Over the river and through the woods

To Mammaw's house we go!

We went down to Turlock to spend the night at Brad's grandma's house Friday night--just for funsies and because we can!We made Mam's famous and dangerously delicious molasses cookies. Soooo tasty--as were the BBQ ribs and kale soup. Seriously, you haven't eaten until you've dined in "Bev's Kitchen."Paisley watched the kitchen action while she wedged herself under the buffet.We played outside. Mammaw's backyard is a kid's paradise complete with a dirt pit to dig in. Finn is so happy and playful.We picked flowers. Galla loved the roses and violets.Paisley took a bath. She's a water baby like the other two.Finn took a nap in the king size bed. So cozy!This sums up our Saturday. Yeah, Brad is using a magnifying glass to try to pop a kernel placed on a molasses cookie. He already burned holes in the paper towel roll that Paisley is playing with. All this outdoor fun, I almost forgot it's January! There's nothing like being at Mammaw's house. She is an all-star lady that we all love dearly.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Home is where you...let the kids run around and be as loud as they want (or as much as my head can handle). We L-O-V-E being in a house and out of an apartment!Taking a Sunday stroll. Typical scene here with Galla running full steam ahead and Finn bumbling behind. The weather here is so great--we actually played at the park today with some friends and the kids were comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt. Brad's blue "B" birthday boy cake. He turned 28 this week and we had a low-key celebration. The poor boy has always hated his birthday for being right after Christmas. I think next year he deserves a big bash! Chillin' in the tree out front. My little monkeys :) Galla and Finn really like riding their trikes. Here they are riding off into the sunset.

Oh, won't you be my neighbor?

The Falkes move to Folsom, and other festivities

What a December! Isn't moving a joy? It has been wild, but we are so grateful that things went well. This hit the day before we were scheduled to load the 26-foot-Camry-in-tow Penske:Those of you that live in snowy climates may think it's no big deal, but when Portland sees snow, everyone goes into freak-out mode! Church was canceled (the day this pic was taken), schools were canceled for Monday (the day we were to load the truck) and roads were closed down. We decided to go forward with our plans and it's a good thing we did. Thanks to some faithful home teachers and missionaries (ask me to tell you the story about the missionary spilling my unmentionables all over--hilarious) we got the truck loaded on Monday, Dec 15. On Tuesday we cleaned the apartment, tied up loose ends, and began the trek down I-5. Here are the kids all ready to leave our empty apartment:I got a little emotional as we said our final prayer there. That apartment was the longest Brad and I have stayed in one place since married and we brought 2 babies home to Troutdale Terrace. Portland has been so good to us. We made amazing friends and had some great times and I was sad to see that chapter of our lives come to an end.

Tuesday we made it to Medford to spend the night. The driving was slow and at one point it took us an hour to go 5 miles. By far one of the worst hours of my life. But I was reminded that things could be much worse when we were cruising at about 60mph in a dark, curvy, hilly area and a semi swerved half-way into my lane. I swerved onto the shoulder and narrowly avoided a side-swipe. Whew! Talk about the sympathetic "fight or flight" response kicking in! Once we got to the Holiday Inn Express we all got clean and cozy and had a good nights' sleep.

Wednesday morning we got on the road at a good time and made it over the Siskiyou pass before the second, more severe storm rolled in later that day. Seriously, we got out at the only time possible. Portland saw the worst storm they've had in heaven knows how long. Everything was completely closed down, including the freeway by our house. We heard that our exit was at the center of the news reports and buildings were covered to their roofs in snow drifts! Had we decided to wait a day, we would've been snowed in--surrounded by boxes in our cramped apartment until well after Christmas. That would've been sad and I'm quite certain I would've gone insane.

The rest of the drive went smoothly, minus a car-seat staining blow-out from Finn. The poor little guy had been sick with the "spew and poo" bug as I call it since a couple days before the move. Finn's a tender little guy who followed me around saying "I need hug" and requiring that I carry him around. This made packing and cleaning very difficult, but who can resist a sick and sad little boy that desparately wanted cuddles? He loved riding with Brad in the "big yellow truck" for the whole trip and was accident-free. Then on the very last leg of the journey we decided to switch it up. Galla and Paisley got their turn in the big yellow truck with daddy and Finn joined mama in the Suburban. At only one hour away from our new house, I smelled something suspicious. I pulled over on a random country road and cleaned up a huge disgusting mess that needs no explanation. Why couldn't he have done that while he was with Brad?

We pulled in to our wonderful new (rental) house just after 5:00 on Wednesday evening. Several guys from our new ward came to help us unload and we had the truck emptied pretty quickly. Let the unpacking/organizing begin! Check out Gal in our backyard:Total California girl already, right?! The kids love it! And I'm a way more relaxed mama when I don't have to tell the kids to stop running/jumping/yelling on account of the noise for the neighbors. The house is awesome and we got all unpacked just in time to enjoy Christmas.So fun decorating the spacious new living room and watching a little "Elf." We actually packed the Christmas tree down from Oregon. They are much cheaper there since that's where most of them down here come from anyway. Christmas Eve we spent as our little family. We got up Christmas morning and opened presents.Paisley was pretty happy in her new bumbo chair with a toothbrush and socks on her first Christmas.Finn is a big fan of his cowboy hat--like Woody from Toy Story.Galla is "princessed out" as usual.After presents we drove down to Modesto/Turlock to visit family. Brad and I haven't been home for Christmas since we were married and it was so nice. Paisley and her cousin Conner are good friends already.This is Brad and his bro with their sons sitting by the outside fire pit.
Here we are at Brad's grandma's house. I like how there is a Christmas tree and a cactus (in the picture) behind us.

We are so happy to be getting settled here in California and to be close to family. After all the moving we've done, it's crazy to think that we plan on living in the area forever! We are so grateful for all of our family and friends, no matter where we know you from, and want you to know that you're always welcome to visit. Happy new year!

P.S. Doc Marten update: Donated. I did it! (see 2 posts down)

Bless You

ah...
aaAHH...
CHOOOO!
That felt good!

Packing Predicament

So far packing is going well. As I type, Brad is painting our green family room walls back to their bland white. I was packing my shoes. Clothes and shoes are hard because it's so difficult to decide what to keep and what to donate. I kept asking Brad about shoes I wasn't sure if I should keep but he was less decisive and more suspicious of how many shoes I have. I figured I'd better stop drawing attention to my shoe collection or he might not let me go to DSW ever again! So I thought I'd turn to you for direction. The picture is of the specific shoes in question. My dear Doc Martens! I got them my sophomore or junior year of high school and they were so cool (and expensive) at the time. I loved them and they have been well-worn, yet are still in surprisingly good condition (man, those soles are heavy). And though they have been worn so much, I don't think I've put them on in probably 5 years. You would think it was safe to toss 'em, but it's easier said than done. Brad said I should keep them in case I ever become a sister missionary? So I turn to my wise blogging friends for advise.

Here comes Santa Claus

Last night was our wonderful ward Christmas party. Brad and I were in charge of it, so we've had a busy week of preparation but it all paid off. It went very well thanks to all the people that pitched in and helped with everything. Yummy dinner, a heart-warming program, and a jolly visitor (Paisley missed the Big Man due to her evening nap). It was great and really put me in the Christmas spirit. Now I need to catch the spirit of packing because it's time to hit the boxes since we move to CA in a week! We will be home for the holidays!

Budding Artist

A while back I set Galla up with some watercolors while I took a jog on my treadmill. When I got done, I came out to see her and she was just finishing up this work of art. I was pretty impressed--she even painted each fairy their appropriate color.
A couple days ago Galla was playing with blocks and came up with this masterpiece. I thought it looked kinda cool and I asked her what it was. She explained that it was her in her dress. I can see that!
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. She's always observing and thinking and comes up with some interesting outcomes. I love getting to know Galla as she grows.

"Two Years Old...And Beyond!"

Finn turned 2 yesterday! He loves Woody and Buzz and is usually carrying one of them around, so I decided to do a rocket cake and put Buzz on it. He loved his cake, but freaked out when I put Buzz on it because he can't stand not having Buzz in his hand.
Notice the candle placement--so fun!
I made a platefull of these cookies for playgroup yesterday. They are so easy, so I thought I'd post a pic to give y'all and idea for a fun treat to make. Though I have to admit that I got the idea out of a magazine--I can't come up with these things myself, I just like to copy other clever people.
Finn is such a good boy and we enjoy him so much. He is constantly giving me hugs and kisses, the tender guy. He is talking like crazy and always cracking me up. The other day we were all leaving the house and Brad was taking the kids out to the car while I snuck some snacks for them into my bag. I'm heading out the door when I hear Finn right outside the door say, "Psssstt! 'Ome on Mama!"

We asked Finn how old he is and he said, "Three!" When we told him he was two he said, "How about four?" Silly kid!