Anyone seen Avatar?

Because apparently Lani has. Tara and I were upstairs getting ready for the morning. Turns out Lani was downstairs getting her inner Na'vi on with the water colors.

Harry Potty Extravaganza

So, we've been reading Harry Potter every night to the boys. Brad calls it Harry Potty and they still laugh every time. Aaron loves it and hangs on every word. Ian is put to sleep by it and thinks it's cool because someone stays with them for a little while longer. So, we finished the first book and decided they had to see the movie (in the afternoon so it wouldn't be so scary). Brad refashioned his Halloween hat into a sorting hat and we sorted them, made them wear their robes, gave them wands (red licorice), and every flavor jelly beans (mike and ikes). Aaron loved it and kept yelling out, I remember this part (which shows me he really did understand a lot). Ian got a little bored. Lani was a lot bored and actually peed on the futon (we're off and on in undies now). All in all it was a really fun activity. We have started the second book so maybe by the end Ian will think it's cool too.

My Girls

First, finally...pigtails. Kind of. Lani is 2 1/2 years old and people ask me if I cut her hair. Of course not. She just still doesn't have much. But it is getting longer and today I got pigtails. She's so darn cute.

And because I got a good picture, here's one of Melina, too. For about 15 min. every few hours I can put her down in her swing until she cries to be held again. So, here's her in her swing, smiling.

By request...

Okay, Holly and Jana, (and anyone else looking for a good homemade bbq sauce) here is the sauce I made the other night-it's actually Betty Crocker's recipe-

Smoky Barbecue Sauce
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c water (I never add this)
3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons white vinegar (I actually use apple cider vinegar)
2 teaspoons celery seed (I don't keep this around so I don't add it)
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (mmmm)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce (you can add more for a little more spicy)

Heat all ingredients to boiling in 1-quart saucepan; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 15 min, stirring occasionally.
OR
Throw everything together. (Double ingredients because it's also great on top of rice.) Pour onto whatever meat you are baking (I've tried chicken and pork ribs, my favorite). Cook in the oven for however long you normally cook your meat:)

Christmas

I kind of skipped over Christmas so here's a little rewind. Most of my family was in town and that was so fun. I wish I'd taken pictures, but I didn't get the new camera until after Christmas. We did manage to get one of Melina in her blessing dress, Brad's work had Santa visit with the kids, and I took a couple with the old camera of the kids opening presents. The kids made out great as always. Thank you family! But I'm glad they are back in school and can no longer play the Wii nonstop.

2 Months

Melina is two months old today. Since it's been awhile since I've posted, I decided to post her stats today.
10.56 lbs 43 percentile
22 inches long 36 percentile
She is such a smiler and she even chatted with Dr Vierra for a minute. We call her mood swing Melina because she will smile one minute and then that very same smile turns into a cry. She is so sweet even if she does have to be held every second of everyday. Today I discovered mobywrap.com. My sister-in-law has been telling me about it, but I finally went and bought some material to learn how to wrap Melina close to me. So far it is a great help!