The Hyland Happenings

A Summer Saturday

2010-06-13T16:30:00.001-07:00

Just a few pics of a nice Saturday afternoon yesterday. Mike got a new lawn mower - he was nearly skipping as he mowed the yard! I loved it. Some pics of the flowers that have still survived in our front garden, Fiona checking out a bug, and her with some stickers chillin on the front porch bench.

Fiona is also obsessed with hopscotch, so when I saw this hopscotch sprinkler mat for $5 we had to have it. It was a bit windy and a little chilly, but she was dying to play with it, so we let her... She LOVED it!! So much fun!!

I love days like this!!

Little Dancer

2010-05-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hey here are some pictures from Fiona's combo tap and ballet class. She LOVES to dance and really has done well in her new class. She just recently moved up to the preschool class from Mommy and Me. We are so proud of her!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday, My Big Girl and my Sweetheart

2010-05-18T08:21:00.001-07:00

Where did the last two months go?? I surely don't know; its been a whirlwind here with Easter, Mommy and Me preschool, Dance Class, MOMS Club, birthdays, and just life in general. But it has been fun.

Fiona and Mike just celebrated their birthdays these last couple weeks and I have been preparing for the crazy Fancy Nancy Birthday Tea Party. It turned out amazing!! All the girls had a wonderful time, smiling and and giggling, just perfect. Fiona was a doll, she would great everyone and then say come to my tea party then lead them into living room where the table was set up and say "ta-da!" How cute is that??? Here are the pictures from the day! Enjoy, I hope to be back soon!

Our little girl is growing up

2010-03-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that our little baby is going to be 3 in two months!! How did that happen?? I am looking at preschools and it is gut wrenching thinking about missing 3 hours of her day two days a week, says the Mom who has never spent a night away from this girly.

Luckily I have found two preschools I really like and I am going back to visit one today and hopefully make a decision by the end of this week. I am so glad that its come down to two schools I think that she will do well at either one.

In the meantime I am continually amazed at how much she is growing and learning. Here are a couple of videos of her recently. One she decided to put Bridget in her cage and read her her bedtime story - sooooo cute!! and the other she is singing her ABC's again way too cute!!

Study/Jam Session

2010-02-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Mike is back hard at work taking some online classes for him to finish his Masters, so the weekends are his study time. But Fiona often has other plans for him.

Snow Dance

2010-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone, Just wanted to post this cute clip of Fiona getting way into her snow Dance at school yesterday :) More to follow soon...

Christmas Video 2009

2009-12-25T21:52:00.001-08:00

this is a little long... 20 minutes but just a snippet of a wonderful day :)

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics... I have some video to come soon...

Dancin' Good times...

2009-12-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! man did this month fly by, it always does. We have been having such a good time with our friends and our preparations! Fiona's Dance Studio has a little party/performance for Christmas here is the video of our performance...

Tuesday's post on Wednesday

2009-12-03T08:21:00.001-08:00

He he, a little late on the Tuesday post, but here goes...

Yesterday was a super busy but really fun day. Got up sent Mike off to work, and off to the gym for me. I love that hour to myself and Fiona loves the oportunity to play with "the kids" as she calls them. Then off to a MOMS club meeting, small group but was nice to catch up.

Then we decided to walk on over to the Playhouse to visit Santa there. I am glad I am so in tuned with my "Mother's intuition." Fiona who is often quite boisterous and social, has her moments where she really takes a long time to warm up to new situations. I had a feeling this may be the case with a visit to Santa. So I thought since the Playhouse has a great Santa and a great set up with very few people there and no rush or need to get a picture it would allow Fiona to get to know Santa without any pressure for a picture. Boy was I glad - she spent most of the time clinging to my legs (not my usual Fiona). By the end she was definitely warming up to him - Candy canes, cookies and Santa reading a story to the kids definitely helped (you won't get that from the mall Santa and all for free). And I think we might be in todays (Wednesday's paper). We'll be back next week to say hi and see if we can get a picture or two (or 200 you guys know how I am...).

Then home for nap and playtime at home. Boy does Fiona get excited for Daddy to come home! Her new thing is she loves everyone to trace her hands and feet so here are a few pics from the night of Mike being the doting Daddy and tracing her feet on her magnaboard.

The Grinch and snowman pizzas

2009-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

It felt like a long day today, but really it wasn't long at all. But I am tired so this will be short.

So we started today off with some new hair clips in Fiona's Advent calendar (will have to post a pic of it soon) which she loved - well loved them later that morning, always takes Fiona a few to decide if she likes it or not:)

Then camping out at the computer to make sure I got our Free Day tickets to visit the Huntington Library next month - Amanda and Colin, you guys will love this place when you come to visit!!

Then off to deliver the dinner swap meals for this month since we didn't make it there yesterday. Very fun to see everyone, kinda felt like I was Santa - who doesn't love getting a heat and serve meal to use during this crazy holiday season?!?! We are coming up on a year of doing this - and it all started with a soup swap that was going to be one time. Now I so look forward to it and it really has made my life so much simpler to know that 3 nights a month I don't have to think about dinner.

Then we had dance class which is always a favorite!! got to sing and dance and just have a great time. We switched to a new studio this past fall and I am just amazed at the difference between the two and Fiona has just flourished here, and the instructors are really amazing with the kids. I am looking forward to many years here for her.

So tonight we decided to make snowman pizzas and watch the Grinch (we DVRed it - serioulsy what did we do before DVRs???) A great night to be sure!!

Snowman Pizzas - baby, mommy and daddy snowmen

"The Girls" Curled up on the couch - Mommy Fiona and Bridget

Its Beginning to Look Like Christmas...

2009-11-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

As we prepare to enter our favorite time of year here at the Hylands, I think of of the many things that make the season as joyful as it is for us. Number one on my list is togetherness. Our little family has spent nearly half the year away from each other with Mike's training this year. And in 2007 he wasn't here for the Holiday's because he was serving in Iraq. So as the tree is put up and decorated, I think about how blessed we are to have all of here this year. I often think of our family and friends, most of whom live very far from us, and how I wish we could all be together as well. I know, though, that we are all close in our hearts and minds even if we are not close in proximity.

Now that we have Fiona, Mike and I are enjoying creating our own traditions for the Holiday season. Its a mix of old and new and it makes the season pure MAGIC when we see the excitement in Fiona's eyes as she really is beginning to understand the season and who this Santa guy is. Her eyes sparkle as much as the ornaments on our tree - specially picked each year for all of us. I love telling her the story of each ornament, and visiting Christmases past as we hang each one. I love the smell of my Christmas Wish Yankee Candle as we decorate the house - like my Mom, I feel that it embodies the true scent of Christmas and no other Candle comes close! Christmas music - especially the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack - plays in the background and puts us all in the mood and energizes us for the busy weeks ahead.

Most of all it is a time where our family reconnects together. While we do enjoy the many seasonal parties and get togethers, we savor family time together in front of our tree, sipping hot chocolate. Throughout the month we remember all the events and happenings of the previous year, count our blessings, and thank God for them all. We hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season!!

Here a some pictures of us getting ready this weekend!

Silly Fiona

2009-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here a video of Fiona being Fiona..just a cute silly little girl!

Halloween Party at School

2009-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Fiona had her Halloween party at school today. I think I was more excited than she was to put on the costume - it turned out GREAT!! She is Little Bo Peep, but she calls it Peep Peep Sheep. She was excited for the party, so much so she got up at 5:30 this morning!! needless to say she wasn't her total bubbly self today... wnjoy the pics!!

Lombardi Farms with friends

2009-10-21T14:34:00.001-07:00

some pics (well a lot of pics) from Lombardi farms. we went with Daddy when he was here a few weeks ago, but today we went with our friends and had a blast!! Rumor had it that Halle Berry was there with her family as well. I didn't see them but friends of mine did. So cool to know we hang out with the rich and famous LOL!!! Go grab a nice hot apple cider and enjoy the pics :)

Sometimes Mommy goes a little overboard

2009-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! we had a wonderful weekend with Daddy. I am still going through and editing the photos, but wanted to share these two pics from the Jump Palace from yesterday...Yes sometimes mommy goes over the top, but seriously how cute is she???

the pics are not my best work... I am learning to shoot in manual mode, but still have kinks to work out... but you can get the idea...

Huntington Library - Asian Day

2009-10-02T16:32:00.001-07:00

Well we went to the Huntington Library again yesterday. Our Friends and I decided to get the girls in their cheongsums and take pictures and spend the day in the Chinese and Japanese gardens. We had a blast and every chinese tourist took pictures of them! They all thought they were soooo cute.

Enjoy!!

Berry Star Grooving

2009-09-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Fiona and her pal Cooper groovin' at the Berry star Yogurt shop today :)

Sunday Night at the Hylands...

2009-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just a cute video of Fiona...we were playing out in the front yard, as the back yard is flooded (long story) after dinner so its a litte dark. But she LOVES to wear my shoes, she found my gardening boots which are like waders to her. She was so cute!!!

Famous Fiona

2009-09-09T21:57:00.001-07:00

Well she really isn't famous, but a friend clued me into this site where you can do this photo effect!! Lovin it!!!

Huntington Library

2009-09-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW!! What an amazing place!! A little hot today, but what a great trip with our friends today!

here are my top 10ish pics from the day, lots of great ones - Fiona was the perfect model today :)

Natural History Museum

2009-09-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

We had a great day today, got out of town- too smoky and Fiona needed to burn some of that cooped up energy.

Fiona is obsessed with butterflies lately. She uses my pasta strainer as her "net" and catches them around the house. When she catches one she tells me what color they are, and then dumps the net and says "Oh no, where futterfy go???" I then tell her to look in the kitchen, toy box, etc to find one. Its hilarious. So I thought I would look into finding a butterfly garden - and I nearly missed the exhibit at the Natural History Museum in LA. So we went particularly for the butterflies...and what does Fiona fall in love with there (besides the huge polar bear?) the DINOSAURS!! Ask what she did today, "sinsaur, sinsaur!" Unfortunately, I forgot to charge my batteries before I went so I only have a few pics from the day, and none of her with the dinosaurs. something tells me though that we'll be seeing more in the near future.

getting better

2009-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Things here are getting better with the fires. The smoke was pretty much gone today - clear skies over where i live, but you could still see smoke. We are out of danger and although it looked like it was super close, we weren't in any real danger, so that is a big sigh of relief!!

Please pray for the fire fighters, especially the two families that lost theirs, and the families who have lost their homes. If you would like to help, the red cross and Salvation army always accept donations.

may have spoken too soon

2009-08-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we woke up to nice clear skies but by 10 am or so the fire kicked up and the winds shifted. The next town south of us has had some evacuations, but for now we are looking good. It has a large mountain ridge to climb before getting to us. And today the smoke and ash seemed to mostly stay east of my housing development. Still really creepy and scary. We are taking it day by day and just keeping and eye out. here is a satellite picture of the fires and the arrow is where we live....

Clear Skies are here again!!

2009-08-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! we are in the clear again, blue skies and a yellow sun :)

Fires did get pretty close, but we were in no real danger, but it definitely looked ominous out there!

Going to head to the park to day to run off the cooped up energy :) thanks for thinking of us!!

crazy fires

2009-08-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

We are all safe here, but there is some serious smoke in the air here. I think the closest fire is about an hour away, but this is what the back yard was like earlier today:

This wasn't even the worst part of the day... but I'll keep you all posted...

Funny Fiona Quote...

2009-08-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

so I am laying Fiona down tonight she says something that sounds like duck, and I ask...

"you want a duck?"

Fiona replies," ahhh, ok, we get duck, mama..."

Some recent pics

2009-08-24T22:18:00.001-07:00

First I need to say that our hearts and prayers go out to Meghan and Anthony, my dear cousin and her husband, during their time of need. Let us know if there is anything you need!!

been crazy busy here finishing up our summer. Last Thursday Night on the Square, dance lessons have started back up at a new studio (and we love it!!), Birthday parties, play dates, scrapbooking with friends, and even a girls night out to see Julie and Julia - now I want to cook the cook book too!!!

For now I will just leave a few pics of the last couple of days... More details later :)

Thursday Night on the Square

2009-08-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

So if you are from Palmdale, you know what I am talking about, but I thought I would talk a little about our Fun Thursday Night ritual and explain for the rest of my loyal readers :) Thursday Night on the Square (TNOTS), is the really, really cool thing our town puts on every summer and for two months, every Thursday on the Town Square, there is live music, story time, puppet shows, a variety of crafts and games for the kids to do. and the best part - its all free!!! Well, maybe the best part is how much we really love to go and how much fun Fiona has. Fiona and I make a picnic dinner each Thursday, bring our picnic blanket and go and meetup with our friends. we pick our spot on the lawn and head over to do the crafts. After a few tantrums and chases while we wait in line (Fiona is still mastering this skill), we head back to our blanket and eat dinner, dance to the music and play with our friends. I love this activity, I picture people doing this 100 years ago - the band in the gazebo, families dotting the lawns on their picnic blankets, just enjoying a nice summer evening. These are the simple pleasures in life that I think often get overlooked. I am so glad Fiona and I really got into going this summer, we have only missed one night! So below I got some cute videos of Fiona and her BFF S dancing and playing. also Wendy (S's Mom) and S's brother L make a guest appearance as well. I am so lucky to have such great friends to pass a summer evening, let alone any day of the week with.

Bowling

2009-08-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick video - its bad, but Fiona loved her first time bowling so I had to share with you...I think she gets her talent from her Daddy - she knocked down 5 pins on one of her turns!! not bad for someone who could barely lift the ball, LOL!!

A Summer Evening in Palmdale

2009-07-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had a cool day today, only 99 degrees! So Fiona and I went out this evening and had ice cream cones in the front yard. She was a mess, but had a blast!!

Wanna Play? - No way

2009-07-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

These are Fiona's two new phrases this week. Crack me up. the No way is said like a 13 year old. Where she gets this stuff who knows, LOL!! We are in the beginning stages of potty training, arrggghh!! Not sure I am really ready for this, but she is really beginning to show an interest...

Mike is suffering through the heat trying to pay attention to stuff he already knows at his training course - Only 122 days until he comes home.

I have been keeping busy with a little online photography editing class...here are some of my projects - let me know what you think:

Hi

2009-07-09T21:30:00.001-07:00

Just a quick hi! We have this really cool summer thing in our town called Thursday Night on the Square. Its a free event with live music and crafts for the kids. This is a pic of Fiona and I there tonight...

Happy Fourth - well, fifth....

2009-07-05T19:32:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry its been awhile...Been busy this last month getting adjusted to the new non-Mike routine. We really miss him and he really misses being here with us too.

Soooo, just a few quick pics of our growing girly...she is getting so big - tomorrow is her 2 year check up, I'll post the stats hopefully tomorrow. She is talking so much now. She says "all aboard" when we get into the car, There it is, T T for empty, go bye byes, Bye Bye see you later, and the funniest is Mo-om, in the way a 13 year old would say to her Mom who is so embarassing her - got to get it on tape...

Hope you all had a great 4th. and to my brothers and my hubby and our friends and all our service men who help keep our country free: THANKS!!!! we love you and appreciate you!! Happy 4th of July on the 5th of July!!

Family Photos

2009-06-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

Finally got some family photos done. Extremely overdue!! I coaxed Mike into doing them since he was leaving today. I think they turned out pretty good, I am just glad to have them!!

Whew, spring is busy!!

2009-06-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I konw I have posted a few pictures and all, but no real updates, so here it is:

Mike got a new job!!! He is transferring agencies and will now work with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement as federal agent - basically same job different agency. I am so proud of him. He loved working for OSI, but thought the opportunity at ICE was something we couldn't pass up and he made it through the hiring process in record time (there were some candidates that took almost 5 years before they were hired). So that means we will be here in LA for at least another 3 years. We get to choose how often, and if we move. and the best part (drum roll please.....) NO MORE DEPLOYMENTS TO THE MIDDLE EAST!!!! Only bad part is Mike is getting ready to do some training for the new job which will put him in Georgia for 5 months. Kind of a big bummer but definitely the pros outweigh the temporary cons. Yay Mike!!

Fiona turned two - can you believe it??? I am still struggling with it. Where does the time go?? She is the funniest kid! loves to play "gonna geg you," sings, dances, draws, and is talking up a storm!! It's not only funny about what she says but how she says it. Hilarious, going to have to get some new video up soon.

I crashed my Neon, it was time for a new car. And Mike insists that the only way I trade in cars is at the junk yard. The accident was pretty bad but Fiona and I walked away with nothing more than a few scratches and bruises. Amazing. and if anyone is looking for a great carseat, the Evenflo Triumph advance - hands down. Went out and bought the exact same one. So we got a new car yesterday - a 2004 Ford Explorer. It Rocks!! I love all the space and sitting up higher on the road, plus a lot more creature comforts then our neon had to offer.

I am also finishing my term as MOMS Club president. Elections are tomorrow, and annual reports are due the end of this month. It was a fun and busy year, and I am really looking forward to just being a member this year.

Well, that is pretty much it in a nutshell. Playing outside, scrapbooking, video games, and working on the house pretty much rounds it out.

I'll leave you with my little drummer. These cracked me up cuz she got her little drum out to be her seat for her to play her big drum, and she hits sticks when she plays, LOL!!

Little Cassidy's First Month

2009-05-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

Stole the pictures off of Tiffany's Facebook page, figured you, like me, were dying to see some more :)

Enjoy!!

Birthday Party

2009-05-17T16:15:00.001-07:00

Birthday Girl

2009-05-13T12:57:00.001-07:00

Our Little Ballerina

2009-05-11T15:13:00.001-07:00

Fiona at her new dance class. She may be a little too young for this one, but she had a fun time doing what teacher did, even if it wasn't what she was supposed to do.

Today...

2009-05-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today we had a nice brunch with some of the Moms from MOMS Club. Here are a few pics.

Fiona has learned the word no, its actually quite cute she kinda sings it. Many things "wen a way" and we still say hi to every new word we learn.

For example:
Fiona says pointing and yelling"Da da da!?! (translation, that that that!?!)"

Mommy, "that's a bird"

Fiona, " Hi Bird"

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!!

Hold Still.......Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle

2009-05-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

This video is hilarious and I had to share!! Fiona loves this show called Yo Gabba Gabba and this is her dancing to one of the segments - its her favorite!!

Fiona loves to dance, its sooo cute!!

Cassidy Robin has Arrived!!

2009-04-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

My newest niece, Cassidy Robin, arrived on April 21, and is the cutest little girl!! Here are some pics:

All are doing very well!! Wish I could be there!!

A Blessed Easter

2009-04-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics of some of our Easter:

Mike completed his 3 year journey to become Catholic on Saturday. Here he is getting Baptized. It was a beautiful, and LONG ceremony (4 hours!!). I am so proud of him, his journey has brought us all closer to God and given us a better understanding of our Faith.

Our little girl went on an Easter egg hunt and had a blast!!!

Descanso Gardens 2009

2009-04-08T22:38:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

Super busy here, but having lot of fun minus the cold we have been fighting for the last two weeks, YUCK!!

But we went back to Descanso Gardens on Wednesday here are some pics. I did edit a few, but I do need go back and finish the rest, but wanted you to see some!! Enjoy!!!

yes Mommy did remember the whole Easter outfit, but I forgot the shoes, hence the blue crocs for the pics, plus I forgot to take off the sweater for some of the pics - Live and learn LOL!!

A funny thing happened...

2009-03-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

when we got home from our MOMS club New Member Tea. Fiona has not really napped all week, and she has been super pleasant and agreeable, so I didn't mind. But today on the way home from the tea, she fell asleep in the car, and well, I was enjoying the peace, so I thought I would take a little drive and let her snooze. We drove for about 45 min or so, and of course as soon as I pull into the driveway she woke up.

so we head into the house, change the diaper, come downstairs, and I stop at the computer to check email and I look over 30 seconds later and this is what I find:

What is so funny, is that she NEVER does this. She just climbed up on the couch and went back to bed. She slept for about another hour woke up climbed on my lap as I watched Greys and Private Practice on the DVR (God, what did we do before it??!!??) and slept an hour more!! all in all about 3 hours of sleep - guess that made up for all the naps she missed this week.

Our sweet funny little girl!!

Pictures as Promised

2009-03-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Here are a few pics from the last week.

The traditional wearing o' the green:

Check out the tongue again!! its always out these days!!

This was after a little too much Green milk:

We also did a shamrock hunt here are some pics from that:

Fiona now is an accessory junky. this is how she dresses for Breakfast these days - usually there is a hat as well:

And she is way too smart for her own good. Caught her the other day doing this:

quicky update

2009-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

We are all still here and doing well. Just busy as usuall. As some of you may know, I am working to save our Youth Library. Our city is looking to cut some programs, one of which is our Youth Library, in order to save the budget. My MOMs club and I are working hard to let our City Council know this is something that should not be considered. So 2 TV appearances, 2 weekends at the local Walmart getting petition signatures and countless phone calls and city meetings here I am just getting a time to quickly say hi!!

Mike is so close to finally completing his RCIA program at church. The weekend before last he got his blessing from the Cardinal at the cathedral in Downtown LA. It was a wonderful ceremony, and I am really proud of him getting this far. Its been a lot of hard work and a lot of time invested, but its all been well worth it.

I have some pictures (of course) of our Little Fashionista Fiona. The sunglasses never leave her now. Either they are on top of her head or on her eyes. Its so funny!!

I promise to get back on here soon with the pictures. Love ya all!

Nancy

Random Moments of Affection

2009-03-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Standing at the computer in the kitchen waiting for lunch to finish cooking (chicken nuggets, buttered noodles and apples - apples are not cooking :)), I feel a little pair of hands turning my legs towards her "Ma Ma?" I look down at a little face with whisps of blonde hair hanging in her gorgeous green eyes. I pick her up. She looks at me and pats my head and says, " Uh - huh Ma Ma, jibber jabber jab..." and gives me a hug and then she is down and off to play.

I am so blessed my day is filled with these random moments of affection.

A VERY Happy Birthday indeed

2009-03-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who called or emailed or Facebooked me a Happy Birthday!!

I did have a wonderful Birthday. Very peaceful and creative. Mike gave me a day to do what ever I wanted. I decided to stay home and scrapbook (actually I made cards all day for an upcoming card swap). Mike watched Fiona for me for the whole day, made me a cup of my favorite tea and breakfast, attempted to let me sleep in (Fiona had other plans though), and was just the sweetest. Fiona gave me birhtday kisses and was a really good girl for Daddy.

We all went out to dinner at the Olive Garden. I know I am sad that that is where I choose to go, but I love the salad and I kept seeing the commercial for those raviolis that looked (and tasted) soooo good!! But we went early to try and head off Fiona Crankiness and it was a good, although trying, time. We learned some valuable lessons for the big office family dinner out tomorrow night with Mike's boss's boss. Bring kid sized forks, Fiona is not fully ready for a straw cup, lots of snacks and little activities, and come in separate cars (interpreted Mom needs her getaway car if all else fails). We obviously don't get out much anymore.

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes, I am off to a good start this year!!

so Fiona

2009-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

I caught this picture of Fiona and it just captures her perfectly. Just a smiley little happy girl!! Had to share it with you all...

Slides and the Ice Cream Truck

2009-02-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well, we are all doing better around here. Fiona is finishing up with her cold, and it was a semi nice day that wasn't raining (its supposed to tomorrow) so Mike and I took her to the park this afternoon. We had a blast!! Fiona got to show off to Daddy all the cool stuff she could do now, and Daddy was quite impressed. Fiona is hilarious though, she just talks and talks and talks while she is playing, and even bosses the other kids on the playground around - even though none of us knows what she says!! She is picking up words like crazy - I swear she learned about 10 new ones this week alone. Her new favorite is "Stuh!" which means "Stuck!" I have to start taking some videos of her - her mannerisms and expressions are just way too funny!!

While we were at the park, the ice cream truck came by - yes we live in southern California, but mind you today's high was only in the mid 60's and it is February and the sight of the ice cream truck at this time of year still cracks me up. So of course, Mike is like, we should buy her an ice-cream. So we did, she took a couple licks and got brain freeze - you have got to see the pictures of her face!!!! It is hysterical!!!

Also she sticks out her tongue now when she does things, again, totally cute!!

Enjoy some park pics and wait for the Brain Freeze pics, you will totally crack up!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! We are just kicking it at home eating Heartshaped Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes, and loving on each other :) Mike is usually deployed for Vday and we were kind of at a loss as to what to do this year, LOL!! So this seemed the perfect way, spending the day with the ones you love is what its all about right?? Hope you all have a wonderful day with your loved ones!!

Fiona making us a special Valentine's Day treat

A little under the weather

2009-02-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

I know I have been slacking a bit on our blog. All of us have just been feelign a bit under the weather, not reallly sick but the feeling like its coming on. Fiona, though, did come down with a cold last night. so she has got the runny nose, and I am constantly running after her to wipe it.

Yesterday, Fiona and I baked some of our new yummy favorite cookies - Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate cookies. They are soo delish! I made two batches cuz it drives Mike bonkers for me to make cookies he can't eat - the first batch is supposed to be for our Valentine's Day party tomorrow (if we make now with Fiona being sick). What is better than a counter full of cooling cookies!!!!

Fiona really enjoyed helping out, its really fun now that she is at that age where she can be involved more. I think her favorite part was eating the Craisins from the bag!!

Well, that and eating the final product!!

Blast from the past!!

2009-02-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

ok, so I am attempting to truly embrace my inner organized and inspired scrapbookedness - which means my scraproom is pretty much all on the floor around me. but while going through a box of stuff I came across a funny photo of my going away party when I moved from Philadelphia to Boyertown. its in 87 or 88 and its hilarious!! even funnier, one of the girls actually became a Miss America contestant!! thought you may enjoy the laugh!!

I look pretty much the same. I hate to say it, but thanks mom for not letting me get a perm or have bangs!!

Toddler bed a no go

2009-02-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Well we converted Fiona's crib to the Toddler bed. It was hilarious, as soon as she saw it, "Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh broken (it did sound very much like broken...but maybe we imagined it)" but she thought her bed was broken. She slept that night ok, did not nap in the bed the next day and it got progressively WORSE!! Finally I asked her yesterday afternoon if the bed scared her, and she said yes. So the bed is now a crib again. She slept great last night and this afternoon. She only climbed out once and I told her if she does it again the toddler bed has to come back. Seems to have done the trick. So my baby is hanging on just a little longer to babyhood!!

oh, no she didn't!!

2009-01-30T13:27:00.001-08:00

Oh yes she did!! This afternoon, Fiona decided she wasn't taking a nap. She was up playing and talking in her crib for awhile having a grand ole time - or so I thought. While I was indisposed in the potty, I hear a little thud - I wait for the cry, but nothing. Then I hear what sounds like little footsteps. And as I finish up and go running up the stairs who meets me halfway? FIONA!!! The girl has never even tried to climb out of her crib nor does she have much luck in opening the doors. But today - luck was on her side. She climbed out of the crib, opened the door and started coming down the stairs. What is so funny is that she totally acted like this was nothing new, just what she does!!

So we have a big weekend ahead of us to Child proof her room, convert the crib to a toddler bed and hope she stays in bed when we put her in there!! Amazing, I thought I had another year or so before we needed to do this!! What's next? Potty training? Talking in full sentences? School, Prom, College Graduation, Marriage and grandkids!!!!!!!!YIKES!! Ok, maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself here. But my baby is growing up, what a crazy combo of emotions, pride, joy and sadness all rolled into one.

Uh-oh and your time is up

2009-01-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

Fiona's new word that she started on Tuesday is "Uh-oh"! Not sure really where she got it, we don't say it that much but its hilarious. She just started while I was walking the aisles of Michaels and she would say "jibber jabba jib Uh-oh!" over and over again. Now when she wakes up its the first thing out of her mouth, Mike and I just crack up!!

So my attempt to try and keep the house under control is going well, we have our ups and downs, but overall I think I am hitting an 85% average here - thats pretty darn good. So one of the tricks I have been employing is an old trick Mom used to do with us as kids. She would set the timer and see how much we could get cleaned up in that time. So I do little tricks like that now with myself. A minute and a half to heat my tea every morning = top rack of dishwasher emptied. Half hour of Handy Manny = downstairs picked up and vacuumed and powder room cleaned. One DVRed show = laundry folded and put away or kitchen cleaned up and dishwasher loaded after dinner. I find that I often get a little overwhelmed by all the stuff, so when I break it down to little chunks of time, its much more manageable and it doesn't take me nearly as long as I think it would. I love it cuz when the time is up, my chores are done, too. Do you have any tricks like that? If so, please share!!!

Pictures to come. been a little busy reorganzing my scraproom to become a little more user friendly and to house all my crafts and such. That Organized and inspired scrapper book has got me inspired and motivated and I understand what works and doesn't work so much for me. I am loving it!! One thing I realized is that my storage containers must be able to withstand Fiona dumping - the cool ribbon storage idea I had no longer works so we spent all afternoon yesterday redoing my ribbon storage - you should have seen all the spools and ribbon everywhere - Fiona was in heaven running around with ribbons saying "oooooo!" I think I am creating a monster :) I should have taken pictures but I was a little tied up with the ribbon. LOL!! ok bad joke...

Fiona and Mommy day!!

2009-01-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Dad (Mike) is out of town, so Fiona and I had a whole fun day together. Playgroup this morning. Its is always such a gas to get all the kids together. There are usually 5-6 of us who get together and all the kids are within six months of each other age wise, but boy do they all have such different personalities. And thanks to Miss Elenie (sorry if I spelled it wrong!!) Fiona's new name is Onina (pronounced: O-nin-nah). She started it the other week and now Alex calls her Onina now too. I LOVE it!!

We came home and grabbed a nap (mommy did too) and just played and had a good time!!

So with the new camera, I tried out some of the self timer funtions - disasterous with a 20 month old who doesn't stay anywhere for 10seconds while the timer is going off. Then I tried some unique angles off the mirrors in her playroom - again disasaterous. So I just starting taking pics of her and me with the camera at arms length - much better result, but she didn't smile.

so back to the good ole taking pics of just Fiona. Well she did the funniest thing. She started playing with the tripod was pretending to take pictures - telling me to say "Cheese" and turning all the knobs, just like Mommy!! I just about died laughing!!

I did get one of me in the mirror - don't I look cool and pensive and artsy?? LOL!! And the one with the camera in my face - That is how Fiona thinks her mother looks all the time :)

New feature to the Hyland Blog

2009-01-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have added a new feature to my blog - a little gallery of my Project 365 Scrapbook album. It is located on the right hand side under our Family picture. Click on the picture and you will be able to go to my gallery and see the digital pages of my album. Right now there is only one, but keep popping in to see more.

Also feel free to leave us a note or comment after we post. There is a little link under the post that says 0 (or what ever number) comments. Click on that and leave us a note.

Hope everyone is having a great year!!

The Sound of Music

2009-01-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

...has returned!! Since Mike is taking a break from graduate school this term, he is focusing some of his new found free time back to learning to play his guitar.

I remember when Mike and I first started dating, he used to play all the time, and truth be told, I have really missed him playing me his silly songs with the lyrics he makes up on the fly. They always elicted a good laugh, my favorite being "The Overbearing Claw," which described Riley's bad habit of clawing us when she wanted attention.

Fiona loves to dance and always rocks out when Daddy is practicing. It helps of course that he is trying to nail down Old MacDonald - a song Fiona loves!!

Here is a pic of Daddy practicing and concentrating on learning his new chords.

Had to make it black and white and all cool and rocker looking :)

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

We had a nice and restful sleep to bring us into the New Year, and I think we needed it. Fiona is so active these days, its a joy and exhausting, LOL!!

Here is what I am talking about - you turn your head for a few minutes to empty the dishwasher while she is eating breakfast and this is what you come back to:

"Look Mom, we don't need to go to the spa today - I already had my oatmeal facial!!"

Lets try little more here...

The O-Face has returned with the sweetest OOOOOOHHH sound this is usually preceeded by her doing something she shouldn't have done. In this case, the oatmeal mask, as good as it is for the skin is sticky, and I want it off now.

"Ok, Ok, I get it, its cute and funny, just wipe it off already, Mom!!"

But then the next day she is just as sweet as can be - took about 150 pics and over half I love! Here are a couple of my favorites:

Apparently the key to Fiona's happieness and content is a Santa Pez...

Videos

2008-12-31T11:12:00.001-08:00

Christmas Recap

2008-12-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!! We had the most wonderful Christmas. Dad was home this year and Santa was extra generous with us. Fiona was so much fun this year. Her top two favorite gifts were her bike which she only left to play with her powerwheels from PopPop. she even ate her breakfast on her bike. she really was a hoot to watch. It took all day to open most of her gifts and she just loved them all.

Here are a few pics from the day. I will have videos of Christmas Eve and Christmas day up later today...The one from Christmas eve is hilarious at the end!!

I am a bad, bad girl cuz I didn't get my Christmas Cards out. So be on the look out for a special Valentine Card from us.

Love you all and Happy New Year!!

New Addition to our little family

2008-12-21T21:15:00.001-08:00

Today was a big day in the Hyland household. We went to see Santa today and Santa had a little surprise waiting for us - Bridgett Hyland.

She is Labrador Retriever Mix, 10 months old and we rescued her from a local shelter here. It was a bit chaotic meeting her and getting all the dog stuff (I just got rid of all the stuff we had from Riley), but she is seriously a perfect fit so far for our family. She is the sweetest natured dog, loves Fiona they were running around and laughing this evening. Novi, our cat, as seen below, is not exactly happy about a new member - but he is tolerating her much better than the other dogs who have come to visit us.

Fiona thinks Bridget's crate is her new playhouse...
Novi not too happy about sharing his Mommy, Daddy and Fiona

We really missed having a dog as a part of our family, and now we feel that the house feels nice and full.

Snow Day

2008-12-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

Well, if you hadn't heard it on the news, we had a HUGE freak snowstorm here in the desert. When all was said and done, we ended up with about 13 inches of snow!!! Can you believe it?? The city closed down (and still is closed today) all the highways in and out of the area also were closed, many people were stranded. lucky that Mike had taken off work yesterday so we could see Santa, but apparently even Santa was having a hard time getting around and we didn't get to see him.

Heather is in town also, and had planned to drive to Fresno to visit with a friend, but had to turn back after 30 miles - it took her over 7 hours to drive 60 miles yesterday. She is so glad she made it back here.

here are the picks from Fiona's first time in the snow - she HATED it. We took her out today to try and make a snowman, but no such luck. It is pretty beautiful, but it totally reminded me why I don't want to live in the Northeast again, LOL!!

Snow is almost gone already today it'll be gone by this weekend I am sure, but it was pretty amazing to get so much snow around Christmas...

SANTA CAME EARLY!!!!

2008-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Well, to my great surprise (sorta - cuz I have been bugging Santa alot) I got my Christmas present yesterday!! A Nikon D60 camera - my dream of all dream cameras!! It rocks I took like 150 pictures today just to play around with it!! Still getting used to the whole SLR thing but it is a load of fun and I got some good shots today. I figure the more I practice the better I'll get :)

And the other great cool thing?? Heather is coming to visit tomorrow and she is staying with us with a short little break until the 22nd!! How much better can Christmas get???

Here are some of the pics from today...

Advent Calendar...ooooohhh Lights

2008-12-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

First, today we started our First Advent Calendar. We are doing for Daddy and Fiona since Daddy is also doing RCIA and I wanted to him to experience the joy of the Advent Calendar like all good Catholic kids do...

Fiona got a pair of Christmas Socks that light up. She wanted to play with them so bad so I let her. I look over and this is how I found her a few minutes later:

yes, she is wearing the socks like a headband!! LOL!! got to give her points for creativity.

Then there was the "stringing up the lights" portion of the afternoon. I though, hey, I can put the lights on the tree while Fiona watches her 2nd favorite guy, Handy Manny. So I pull out the step ladder climb up and start putting on the lights, only to have Fiona start climbing up the ladder after me. Apparently, since accomplishing our stairs and the ladders to the slides at the park, the step ladder was quite enticing. Now, I must explain one thing about Fiona, she is a sensitive soul and does not like being told no. The girl will take a tumble on her head, get up and rub it and be fine. You say to her, "Honey, this is dangerous, please don't climb up here." The Girl just melts down. - Ask anyone!! so I made the mistake of nicely asking her not to climb on the ladder, while I am at the 3 step, she just sits down on the second step and begins to melt down. Great now I am stuck and can't get down to get her off or to comfort her... Somehow I finagled a toe on the second step and made my way down. Needless to say we waited until Daddy got home and finished up the lights. Check out our beautiful lighted tree:

so then we started decorating the tree. it started out well, Fiona playing in the gold beads - in truest Fancy Fiona fashion, that is until Fiona, and seriously it was like watching it in slow motion, took a glass ball turned towards the kitchen floor and throws it as hard as she can and smashes it into a million peices. Kids and experimentation, Hey I wonder what would happen if I throw this over there?? ok, not so good - ball breaks. Hopefully the mental note to self not to do that again kicks in. Needless to say there are 3 boxes of glass ornaments that are safely in the box in the garage this season. but here are a couple of cute pics:

It was a lot of fun and I will post more tree pics later.

It's Beginning to look like Christmas...

2008-11-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it really is beginning to look like Christmas here at our house. Most of the decorations are put up in the house. And we got our tree today - a beautiful 7-8ft Noble fir. Appropriately purchased at Nancy's Ranch, we had to go there just cuz it had my name:) It was a blast to do - this is our first Christmas as a family this year so we are going all out. Mike and Fiona had a blast playing in the hay and strolling through all the Christmas Trees.

On the way home we briefly began discussing what we would do to decorate the house outside - this is the first time we lived in a home where we could go all out - and boy do we plan to. And as we pull down the street what do we see in our Neighbor's yard but a huge inflatable carousel that actually turns. Oh yeah, its on!! Our neighborhood does have a "friendly" decorating contest and we are determined to win!!! Stay tuned for pics of our cool house!!! Who knows one day we may just end up on TV for one of those crazy houses that the lights are synchronized with the Christmas music.

For now I leave you with some pics of us from today's Christmas tree adventure:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well its a little late, again - notice this has been becoming a new trend for me...late for everything. Although, in my scatterbrainedness, I thought that today was the 29th and not the 28th and called Colin to wish him a very happy birthday, and the happy accident was that I was a day early this time!! WOO HOO! Anywho, Thanksgiving was really nice. It was wonderful that Mike was here this year. We had one of his coworker's family here with their 3 little guys - it was really a lot of fun. All the kids had a blast. Fiona had a bit of a tumble and now has a black eye - you can sorta see them in the pics... poor little girl :(

And here is a funny video of Fiona before everyone got here for dinner - hilarious!!!

Only Fiona knows what she is yelling, but this has become a new routine lately in the house and it cracks Mike and I up totally - why the running in circles with the yelling?? Who knows!!!

Dinner was perfect - everything came out cooked and not raw, edible and tasty and relatively at the same time!! Our Menu for the day was:

Appetizers

Veggies and dip

Artichoke dip

and Cheese tray and crackers

Dinner:

Turkey and gravy

Stuffing

Mashed potatos

Sweet potatos

green bean casserole

Cranberry relish

Salad with craisins and sunflower seeds and orange and honey dressing

and rolls

Dessert

Lemon Merangue pie

Chocolate silk pie

Yummy - I am still so stuffed check out our "Adult Table" and the cute place cards I made yes it was a great Thanksgiving because we are so lucky to have so many things to be thankful for. We did miss Aunt Meg's annual Thanksgiving - seriously its one of the only things that make me homesick. One of these days we'll get back again for that.

Also a little update on the health and well being of Fiona. As mentioned there was a bit of a tumble on Thanksgiving and she has a bit of a black eye, but other than that we did have a Dr. checkup on Tuesday and she is "perfect" - the doctor did say that. she is a little over 25 pounds now and is 33 inches long!!! Tall and sorta skinny - that buddah belly says otherwise. Well off to bed for now. Miss you all!!!

oh, and we started to decorate for Christmas...Here is Fiona in Mommy's Santa Hat

*camera is seriously on the fritz - word is that Santa is working on a replacement - Mommy cannot wait!!*

And then there was the Hot Dog dance - she loves this from Mickey Mouse club house. She stops everything to watch and dance to it. You can see how well she twirls - this usually lasts longer but the camera is apparently more interesting :)

wooosh!!

2008-11-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Wow, November is flying by. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week!!! Amazing how quickly a month goes.

We are having Thanksgiving Dinner here with some friends of our from Mike's work. I a stoked to get to do a Thanksgiving dinner again - I learned all I know from our Thanksgivng dinners at Aunt Meg's house - she throws a rocking dinner!! bummed I can't be there this year but I will be there in spirit.

Getting ready to head out to the outlet mall today - Fiona and her little Buddah belly doesn't fit into any of the 18 month shirts we bought last year so on to 24 months and it looks like she had yet another little growth spurt and 24 month pants are close on the horizon, so I better pick up a bunch of those too. Maybe a nice outfit for Mommy and Daddy too for the holidays. And hopefully a chunk off my Christmas list.

We have had birthday parties galore this month, and below is pic of Fiona and me at one. I'll leave you with that one...

Happy Thanksgiving if I don't get on here before then!!

Happy Halloween!!

2008-11-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, its a little late with the pics, but better late than never!! Fiona was a pro this year, cracked us all up. She LOVED her Little Red Riding Hood costume. When I put the cape on her she just twirled around with the biggest smile on her face and then ran around as if the cape made her run faster. It was hilarious!! And I was so worried that she wouldn't want to wear the cape!!

So on Halloween night we went with our friends Wendy and Chris and their kiddos, Summer and Logan. Summer was Fancy Nancy - a girl after my own heart :) While we were waiting for them to arrive, I got Fiona dressed in her costume. Well, as soon as she was in it, she wanted to go cruise the neighboorhood - screamed and cried until we let her go outside. How in the world did she know that was what we were going to do??? So we walked the neighborhood and I took some pictures - the girl was a riot. Laughing and giggling and waving hi to all the neighbors.

When Summer got here we all went out trick or treating. It was great seeing the neighbors and all the little kids dressed up. Fiona was a pro though - she would run from house to house going straight up to the door and flashing that cute smile of hers. No words needed!! She really didn't even get scared at the scary houses and masks. She just amazes me!! Well here are the pics...Enjoy!!

Daddy comes home tomorrow!!

2008-10-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

We are so excited!! Daddy gets home tomorrow!!! We've been busy lately getting ready for our Harvest Party this weekend and a birthday party too!! Plus Mommy got really sick on Sunday and was miserable so there haven't been a lot of posts or pictures taken. But just wanted to quick let everyone know what's up...

I leave you with morning bad hair day of a still very sleepy Fiona

A little behind

2008-10-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I am little behind on the postings but I have been snapping photos. Its been pretty busy here, but good. I am in the middle of a fall cleaning/reorganization of parts of the house and I am chipping away little by little.

But here are some pics from the last couple days:

This is Fiona playing dress up - her favorite thing right now is that shiny beaded necklace, she wears it everywhere. The headband and the tank top are mine cleverly styled over the pink striped jammies by the next Rachel Zoe!!

These are of Fiona "reading" her book:

And a little video as well...

She was talking up a storm before I took out the camera, of course...LOL!!

On Sunday, we went to the Palmdale Fall Festival. Now I like Festivals and all, but seriously this one is AWESOME. I always have a great time and they reall do a great job. They have a whole Fairy type theme with stilt walkers and a living garden where the vines and the statues all move. This year they added this Chalk area where local artists made chalk drawings on the park sidewalk - it was phenomenal the pictures seriously don't do them justice though...enjoy:

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick slideshow of pics from thursday, an impromptu, 3 hour trip to our park. What is so funny is that Fiona made friends with the little boy in the photo in the first half hour, but our friends who we were meeting there - I didn't get a single picture of all the kids!! But with now 4 out of the 5 of them running and climbing and sliding, its a little hard to have the camera going too, LOL!!

Also some pics of Fiona and her friend Mason who came to play while his Mommy and Daddy had a nice night out!! those two are so cute together!!

Ever the observer

2008-10-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today was fun, we went strollercising with our friends Ms. Kirsten, Cooper and Cooper's grandma. Then got to play at the park. Fiona was quite the observer, always watching what everyone was doing, and not a single picture where she was looking at me. LOL!!

I am tired today, so not much else to write but here are two pics from today:

And here is a cute video I caught of her while swinging today, too. The clicking is my camera - its very annoying but I can't help it...

nighty night everyone!!

Headbands and Hope

2008-10-07T20:34:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Fiona is finally 100% so we had a nice day of playing and errand running. While at Wal-Mart, I found some cute little headbands for Fiona. This girl is the girliest of girls - a trait I doubt she gets from me. I think it is more from her father who combs his hair more times in a day than I do in a week. This is not a knock on him, I actually envy him. I realize this is most likely the reason he always looks put together and so handsome. Me on the otherhand, I comb my hair in the morning and that is it - halfway through the day, it is most likely in a ponytail or a disheveled chignon. Yes, I am trying to embrace my Fancy Nancy with that word - that's a fancy way of saying bun. Brynn and Erin, for sure, will appreciate that last line!! But back to my handsome Hubby and how he has passed his attention to personal details to our daughter. I had picked up headbands from the dollar bin at Target months ago as a toy and Fiona is constantly putting them on, so I thought I would pick up a few "real" ones for her to wear. Plus her hair is getting long in the front and is starting to reach her eyes, and I am putting off cutting her hair cuz I can't decide on bangs or not...ahh the decisions of having a little girl!! I figure the headbands buy me a little time. So below are some pics of her with the headband when I put it on, then of her putting it on, and the funny hairdo with her putting it on.

I hope she remains the independent girly girl that she is!!

On the subject of hope. Mike and I have a pretty heavy situation that we are trying to figure out. We are all quite fine and there is nothing to worry about. It is just about someting that is important and complicated. We would love it if you could pray for us to make the right decisions regarding this.

Have a great night everyone, see you tomorrow!!

Then and Now

2008-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I didn't get out the camera today, shame on Mommy, but seriously you are probably getting Fiona picture overload anyway. But is that going to stop me from posting pics - NOPE!!

I thought that this was pretty interesting...Here is a pic of Fiona this time last year, and a pic of her this year:

She went from Brunette to blonde but that smile is just as cute!!

Nothing too exciting here today, Fiona and I just got some overdue chores done. We made some apple cake which totally rocked!! It's not Moms recipe, but it still was awesome. We made it with the apples we picked at the ranch the other day. I had to cut it into smaller pieces and freeze them so I wouldn't eat it all - seriously!! There is just something about apples and autumn. I love apple cider - and have already been stalking the Caramel Apple Spice at Starbucks - YUMMO!!! I have got to figure out away to make that at home... But the apple cake was just very autumny too. Honestly I think that Fall is my favorite season!! I just wish the fall weather would stick around a little more here. Still in the 80s during the day this week.

Fiona is still not feeling 100% so we are going to take it easy for at least one more day. Which means we will miss playgroup tomorrow, big bummer. We love getting together with all the guys - seriously Fiona is the only girl in her playgroup right now... we have a new member who has a little girl Fiona's age and she will probably be joining our group - finally a little more estrogen to the group, LOL!!!

Well, off to bed here very shortly. don't judge me for my early bedtime...Loves to everyone!!

My heart melted

2008-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Fiona finally said Moma and meant it!! Its more like "ahmma" but today she did it pointed at me and also did the sign language sign for it!!! My heart just melted on the spot!! She is learning sign language like crazy now too!! she knows the sign for milk which she pretty much uses anytime she wants a drink; she has been doing the sign for more and that pretty much covers anything food related - the confusing part is when she is all done eating she still does the sign for more, LOL!! she learned the sign for baby, too, today. My little one is just so smart!! Don't we all say that though, LOL!!!

Here is my favorite picture I took this weekend of Fiona!!

Catching up on the Weekend...

2008-10-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well sorry, I didn't get to post yesterday. Fiona was especially cuddly, and I found out why that night, she has a cold. Poor baby!! She slept awful, so that means I slept awful too. Thank goodness I was scrapping half the night with Adrienne, my ever faithful scrapping friend - If scrapping is going on, I know she will be there!! We had a blast, scrapping and talking, and it helped to be not be sleeping and constantly waking up with Fiona.

Today was yet another lazy day since Fiona was sick, we just hung out here at the house, did make a trip to Target to pick up some baby vicks rub - that stuff does wonders!! What is it about that place though? I go there for like 2 things and I have a cartfull when I check out??? But we did pick up Fiona's halloween costume - I would love to make it again this year, but realistically, not sure if I would have the time and getting her to stand still enough to try things on and such is really a pipe dream. So I am going to have you all guess for a little bit what she will be...I will definitely post pictures on Halloween, but what do you think she will be. I will post hints throughout the month...

so here are pics from the last couple days - BTW Duke is our friend Patty's dog that we are dog sitting:

Lazy Day

2008-10-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those nice lazy days. We needed it. Fiona and I just hung out and played and thoroughly enjoyed having absolutely no plans for today. We even got to talk on the webcam with Daddy today. I think that being able to sit in my office and touch everything was more fun for her than actually talking to her Dad, but hey whatchya gonna do?? LOL!! We really miss having Daddy here. Not sure what to do now on the weekends when he isn't here with us.

Getting cooler here, finally felt like a Fall blustery day. Tomorrow will be freezing - well at least by our standards - highs in the upper 60s. I think we will take advantage of the nice sweater weather and take a little walk and go to the park or something. Hopefully it doesn't rain tomorrow like they are predicting.

I did take a few pics of Fiona playing today, but I will post them probably tomorrow. Yes its either feast or famine with me and the posts and pictures!! Enjoy the feast while it lasts :)

Facebook...time sucker!!

2008-10-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I had so many plans for this evening of things I was going to accomplish - clean the kitchen, sweep and mop floors vacuum, fold that basket of laundry, maybe even scrapbook for a little while. What did I get done? Nothing!!

Last night, I came across Matt Danner's profile, a guy I went to high school with. Well, he had the "hook up" so to speak on a ton of people from Boyertown which then led me to search all their friends and so on and so on. So today I was becoming "friends" with them all again. Checking their profiles, photos, writing messages, and all that general stuff. Well, then I figured I should update my profile picture, and add a new album of recent photos of Fiona. And needless to say - 2 hours of my life have left and I will never get them back, LOL!!! I swear, I feel like I am 12 or something...Well in all fairness we never did have the internet and such a cool way to spend our time. But still I am 31, I am too old for this, but I am addicted!!! It is really kind of a neat way to just touch base and see what everyone is up to. Some people I have seriously not talked to in nearly 15 years!! I think its really neat that we still even know each other are. Who needs reunions these days - just check out Facebook or MySpace (I am so NOT going there, if I did Fiona may never see her Mommy!!). Technology is great, isn't it?? Well, mostly...

BTW, in updating my photos on Facebook I ran into this picture of Fiona...It is hilarious!!!

Storytime day

2008-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Thursday, so that means storytime at the Palmdale Youth Library with Ms. Davis. Fiona LOVES it. They get to read stories, sing songs, dance and bounce, and play with her friends. This a great free program and I love it because it is a fairly structured program, not too much, but just right, and Fiona needed a little bit of that in her day. Today was a great day because we learned about farm animals, and it was fun to make all the animal sounds and see all the animals that are on the farm. Fiona also was super good, I love seeing her begin to learn. She is doing so much better at sitting and standing at the appropriate times and she has always been very good at sharing. She is beginning to anticipate what happens next and it is amazing to see her know that already. I am so proud of her.

Here are some pictures of Storytime today:

October...Days in the lives

2008-10-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am going to attempt to post and take pics everyday this month to document a month of the day in the life of the Hylands. If you don't already know, I am super addicted to scrapbooking and I got this idea from one of the magazines to document your everyday life. Granted this is not the best month to do it, because Mike is out of town for most of it, but I thought I had to start some time and the Holidays were coming up and that really isn't everyday life so here we are.

Today was a fun day - like every day is...Fiona and I got up had some milk (Fiona) and Chai Tea Latte (Mommy), then had breakfast and off to our MOMS Club Membership meeting. It was way cool lots of friends there, a new member and scenes from an upcoming play about Breast Cancer Awareness. Afterwards we napped - seriously Fiona didn't make it out of the parking lot before she fell asleep today!!!

Then we went to a friends house for a meeting of the NO HUSBANDS CLUB - this is a very unofficial club some of us have started to get together when our hubbies are out of town. We all bring a dish for dinenr, the kids play, and Mommies get a nice little break and some adult talking time. It was a blast and will be repeated frequently!!

And then home and bed - very busy day. Hopefully we will take it easy tomorrow. We only have storytime at the library for 45 minutes and I don't think there is any thing else going on or that needs to be done...

Here are some cute photos of Fiona eating her morning snack before our meeting today:

Tea and Tutus

2008-09-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a super special day. We had a Tea and Tutus party with our friends, Summer, Natalie and Isabell. All the girls wore their Tutus, fairy wings and tiaras. OMG is was the cutest thing you ever saw!! They all had a blast - although Fiona was a bit cranky. They loved Fiona's new playroom and their favorite toy I think was Summer's baby brother. They all wanted to push the swing, touch him and just love on him.

I can see us having more of these in the future!! Here are some pics from the party:

Fruit picking at Yingst Ranch

2008-09-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Another post for today: Fiona and her friend Summer went fruit picking today at a local ranch - yes, apparently in the desert they are not orchards, LOL!! We picked apples and peaches. And are planning on making some yummy pies and cakes with them.

It was warm, but fun except for the burrs!! OUCH!! but we made the best of it and had a blast with the girls, and little Logan, too. Fiona as usuall with her little independent self was picking her own fruit and running off to go exploring. Dirt was a favorite discovery!! You'll see in some of the pictures her dirt smeared face. That girl is a little nut, but we love her and wouldn't have her any other way!!

Playdate with Natalie and Isabell

2008-09-26T13:33:00.001-07:00

I know, woo hoo, look at me posting two days in a row. I am trying to get better about this :)

Here are a few cute shots of Natalie, Isabell and Fiona swinging at Patty's house yesterday morning. Fiona loves those girls!! and the swings too :)

Fiona is used to the baby swings, so she is a little nervous on the big girl swing, but she does love it, I swear, LOL!!

Pauly and Kaitlyn

2008-09-25T17:02:00.001-07:00

I know enough posts for today, but I am getting a little caught up while Fiona is playing :)

Zeida just sent me some pictures of Paul and Kaitlyn - Can you believe how big they are!!!!?????!!!! So super cute too!!!

enjoy!!!

Oh, and here is what I look like

2008-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, you never see me in front of the camera - only because I am the resident photgrapher and there is no one else to take my picture. But today I decided to play around with the self timer. I got a fairly nice pic of me, and an funny one of Fiona changing her mind as the picture was snapping of being in a picture with me. Enjoy!!

Oh and these were my favorite two photos of Fiona from the shoot:

Good Pictures happen next to the trashcan

2008-09-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

well, I was doing a little fashion photo shoot with Fiona today and while we were getting ready I snapped a few cute photos of her in the kitchen cuz she was just being super cute. Well, this is what happens to Moms, who are just completely focused on how cute their kiddo is...they neglect to see the background. so here are a few pics of Fiona in front of our trash can!! LOL!!!

Fiona's First Trip to the Beach

2008-09-13T21:02:00.001-07:00

Headed to Ventura today to take in the sights and take Fiona to the beach for the first time. We had an absolute blast - thanks to Valerie for her tips, it made the trip a ton of fun!!!

Enjoy!!

Our beautiful little girl

2008-09-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

Caught this photo of Fiona the other day playing in her playroom

video pics to come soon

2008-09-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

This video is of her singing - I don't know the words, but she sings to us all the time which is awesome!!! We love it!!

Below is Fiona walking her baby doll at our park - we don't know where she is going, but apparently Fiona does...:

How did it get to be Septemeber?

2008-09-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I really don't know where the time goes these days, but it goes and it goes fast. We are all doing great. Fiona is such a little pistol. We have no idea what she says but she "talks" all day long, and is quite convincing when we ask her questions and she gives us her answers. She LOVES to sing and dance these days. I think I have a video clip, if I can find it I will post it. She shakes her head yes and no and knows the sign for more so if we ask the right question we get answer which is pretty cool!!

Mike is finishing his last paper for this term for his Masters in Psychology. Its a doozy, but he is almost finished. He has a break for about 2 weeks then back to school and a TDY for some training in Baltimore for a month. He's bummed to leave, but one month is nothing compared to this time last year...

Me, I am very busy with the MOMS club. Being the Pres this time is very time consuming, but I do love it. Its so much fun cuz we get to do things with the community and I have made so many great friends in this group, and I love to share it with everyone. Been scrapbooking a ton, started a little club here and we get together every other week or so. Its so much fun to do it with a bunch of other girls!! I have also been redecorating our playroom/guest room should be done very soon and it is turning out VERY cute if I say so myself. On to the downstairs next, I thought I would practice upstairs before I got to the downstairs decorating.

We are looking forward to fall this year, trick or treating, our Harvest Party, Thanksgiving, etc. It is so nice because Mike will be able to do it all with us this time!! We also will be taking Fiona down for a beach day, and maybe a few more Park Days before it gets too cold.

I am off to get some cleaning done while Fiona is napping - well maybe, I might try and find the video clip and some pictures (they are limited and in poor quality cuz my camera was broken for a little while). Talk to you all soon!!

Nancy

Settling into July

2008-07-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Well Meghan's wedding was such a blast!! Meghan was gorgeous, the wedding was perfect and what can beat hanging out with family at a great party!! It was a hectic weekend and now I am itching to go back and do some touristy stuff - Meg, I hear you and Anthony have some extra room in that new place of yours - I am officially inviting myself down for a visit, LOL!!

Fiona was a trooper through it all, unfortunately she was sick and had to miss some of the festivities, but let me tell you - Mike was an allstar that weekend. He took such great care of our sick little girl and kept her occupied while Mommy was doing her wedding things.

Been trying to keep cool here, so lots of playing in the yard with the cool sprinkler ball, wading pool, and the awesome water table my friend scored for me for free while we were in SD.

Lets see what else is going on. Well Mike is going through RCIA for the 3rd time - lets hope he doesn't deploy again and have to start all over for a fourth time. He is also back at grad school working on his masters in Clinical Psychology. Oh, and of course he is still working - very busy guy these days. Me not too much going on. Still have my hair clips at www.sweetpoppi.com. And Fiona is full time job in herself, but seriously the best job I have ever had. I was also elected the President of our MOMS Club this year so that is also keeping me busy. I have also started a little club of ladies who like to scrapbook so that is way fun for me!! We get together about 3-4 times a month and I am loving it!!

Fiona is running these days, and is a tough little cookie - rarely cries when she takes a tumble. She loves books - She grabs a book (the fav right now is the Foot Book by Dr. Suess) climbs in your lap and "reads" it to you - seriously she talks and flips pages and points and laughs at the pictures it is a total hoot. the girl never stops moving though, Mike and I just laugh cuz she does laps through the kitchen and living room all day. but she is the happiest baby in the world - always has a smile for you. And a wave when you leave, even when I lay her down in her crib she waves bye bye to me.

Other than all that, not much else is going on. Here are some pics of us the last couple weeks.

Ahhh Summer

2008-06-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is in full swing here. Been playing in our backyard with the sprinkler and our baby pool - trying to stay cool with 100+ temps last week. We have a nice little cool down this week, only in the 90s. But we are really enjoying the nice weather. That is the positive side of living in the desert...lots and lots of sunny days.

Fiona is walking up a storm - even "jogging" I would call it. I think she will be talking English soon. Right now she talks all day long, but we really can't understand her yet. She does the cutest thing when she answers yes...instead of saying "yes" she crinkles up her face in this big grin and squinches her eyes and looks up. It is the most darling thing!!!

Mike is loving being home. And we are loving having him here. Fiona is a totally Daddys girl, and comes running to him when he gets home from work and is his little shaddow for the rest of the night. It is just nice to be a whole family again.

We are getting ready for Meghan's wedding in San Diego. It is going to be one great weekend. Very different to try and pack all three of us for a weekend away - its amazing what one kiddo needs for a few days. Also worrying a bit about the logistics of all of us in one room and her sleeping and napping and such. We'll see though!! I am sure it will all work out and we'll all have a huge blast!!

But that is pretty much it for all of us here. We'll get to see a lot of you next weekend. And we'll try and get some pics up for you to see soon!!

WAAAAYYY Behind!!

2008-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Again, I am way behind. I am also having some issues with the computer and my picture and video files - and well if there are no pictures, its a bummer for me to post...

No excuses though...Here are some pics for you to enjoy:

Quicky post

2008-05-28T15:40:00.001-07:00

Ok, I am seriously behind in posting!! I have a post I was working on but was having some issues with the photos... Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will be able to get some new stuff up.

But some quick updates.

Mike is home!!!! he is loving it. and so are Fiona and I. We are just enjoying each other. Fiona is still as ever a Daddy's girl. I think it is because he feeds her cookies any time she gets upset. Mike has been giving me Daddy Daughter Days so that I get a little break now and then - its the best and the two of them have such a great time!!

Fiona turned 1 on the 13th. We had a big blowout party on the 10th - it was craziness but a ton of fun. She took her first step on the 9th. And is now walking across rooms. But she still finds crawling more efficient yet. It is so amazing and Mike was here for it - a real blessing!!

Other than the gas prices at 4.15 here, not much else going on here. Hoping to get working on little house projects - gardening and painting - sometime soon.

Hope everyone is doing well!! I promise to have pics up soon!!!

love ya!

When Irish Eyes are Smilin'

2008-03-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Top o' the Mornin' - okay, Evenin' :)

Fiona and I were dressed to the nines in our green today at our My 1st Gym class today...

Happy St. Patricks day!!!

Recent pics

2008-03-10T21:36:00.001-07:00

Ok, just a few pics of Fiona tooling around the house now that she can crawl with some other pics from California Adventure and a park trip or two :)