Family of Molloy

The Holidays

2012-01-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

The holidays were filled with fun and family. Joseph was able to join in too this year with big sister telling him ALL about the true meaning of Christmas. "Joseph, Christmas is about giving and Baby Jesus. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlemhem..." and her stories go on and on. Love it!

Started with a few snowflakes on the windows...

...a few new decorations to add to the tree to remember these precious faces in years to come...

...the tree, re-decorated numerous times by Kate and Joseph

...and last but not least...

My boy taking a much needed break after all that heard work :o)
Then there was the memorable Thanksgiving Day attempt at taking Christmas pics. So didn't happen.
Just some silly time inbetween the Christmas School Program. Angels We Have
Heard on High will forever have a special place in Kate's heart since she got to wear the "biggest angels wings"...at least that is how she saw it.

Christmas celebrations began a week early for the kids with some friendly visitors who came bearing some awesome gifts. Thanks, Mom and Dad for all the pj's, books, gingerbread houses and trains, pony rides and tons of love!

Christmas Eve brought more time spent with family and of course, presents too!

The role playing was too cute to watch. Joseph usually was delagated to be a shepherd or cow, but he didn't seem to mind as long as he was able to be a part.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may you know the peace of our God all the year long!

HaPpy ThA nKsGivinG

2011-11-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is...a family picture...and I don't even mean a portrait or anything formal. Just some documented proof that we are indeed a family, that there are currently four of us and I would prefer for it to capture how much we LOVE being a family.

Well, tonight was an attempt. Didn't go so hot! I am almost certain every family has these moments, but positive that no one catches these moments quite like this! In case the picture doesn't explain it enough, allow me to narrate: Joseph- completely undone by the fact we as parents told him he had to wait to eat his dessert...just long enough to say "cheese"; Kate- already done smiling for the camera as this was one of the final takes of the photo op; Michael- had the sneaky suscpision from the start that this was not set up well; and then me- desperate for any possible picture that could possibly turn out but deep down knowing tonight it just wasn't going to happen.

Although it may appear quite the contrary, we DID have a very relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving as I hope you did too!

Fall Frenzy, Fall Leaves, Fall Princess Party

2011-11-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

I am a Promise

2011-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came home and Kate had a surprise for me that she had been working on all day. She is too cute! Today she performed her surprise multiple times all by herself with personality, passion and flair!

Becoming friends

2011-10-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE when these two not only get along, but play together! A process which is slowly but surely becoming more common!

Cider Mill Day

2011-09-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Mama Lynn and Papa T went with us to Yates Cider Mill...warm donuts, fresh apple cider, perfect autumn weather & great company all made for a fantastic morning! Thanks for the wonderful, fun-filled visit, Mama Lynn and Papa! We love you!

time with friends, family & the zoo

2011-09-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Finally back to posting now and then. Who would think that reviewing for a silly recertification exam could take up so much time?! It's over and done...for another 7 years anyway. So weird to think that Kate will be ten at that point and I...almost 40? Surely my math is off!Here are just some random snapshots of the past month of our summer:Sidewalk painting the porch''

Zoo fun

As we walked through the aviary, Kate plugged her nose the entire time. Upon exiting, the promptly lets go of her nose as says, "Well that was quite stinky!

Summer Travels

2011-08-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

A bit behind in my updates...three weeks ago we joined my family for a much needed vacation in Newport Beach. While there, we spent time in Crystal Cove, eating burgers and sipping shakes from Ruby's Diner, s'mores, walking the nature trails along the beautiful coast (the kids went crazy when they saw lizards, road runners, families of quail, sea urchins and more),upscale dining double date with my folks while Lauren stayed home and put the kids to bed(thanks Sis!), birthday celebrations and ferris wheel at our new favorite mall in Cali (the Spectrum--Nina you have to go there!). My parents were gracious enough to let us stay at there gorgeous and expansive timeshare. Needless to say we had a blast!!!

Michael being impatient with my camera-happiness...get on the ride already...Kate and Joesph LOVED it!

Girl's time- a special treat
Holding her ladybug chocolate we brought her from Laguna

the pacific

2011-08-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

i am acutely aware that i have failed to blog about our recent trip to california and have been reminded of such by a certain friend on several occasions--the full details are soon to come Nina! :o) this week has been busy jumping back into our life as we know it and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. but this life is great, we are joyful and smiling (well, unless i am hungry, then i am not so joyful or full of smiles), we are healthy and so very blessed to have such an amazing family and supportive friends. anyway, here is just one picture i had the opportunity to load tonight...more to follow!

the great detroit zoo

2011-07-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, along with the Duvall family, we took the kids to the zoo, for Joseph this was a first. His reaction to almost every animal was surprise with his little hand covering the mouth as if he was shocked to see such wonder before his eyes. Kate and Addison had fun scampering about too! Michael and I actually bought a season pass and found that we have much to learn from our seasoned zoo-goer friends...notice the shade umbrella Kaylee is sporting.

Side Note:
Now walking, Joseph has found that he has many passions whether it be taming tigers, or hiding from Mom in the dryer. My boy is always fun and full of smiles.

Sandbox Expressions

2011-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

The face of our 14 month old somehow keeps me quite entertained, especially when he is making new discoveries! Now, just to figure out a way to keep him from eating the sand...

Summertime

2011-07-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ohio visits to Great Granny's, custard at Welches with Papa T & Mama Lynn, California visitors, lengthy naps, sandboxes and pools, indoor campouts, a (finally) walking little boy in the house...summer has been full & we are enjoying every minute!

One of my favorite things: popcorn

2011-05-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

While Michael was on hisgolf outing with the guys, the kids and I decided to have a movie night. Bath time was followed by comfy "jammies" and the popcorn...a little someone I know REALLY enjoyed himself! Like father, like son!

Happy Birthday, Husband!

2011-05-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

The forecast was predicted to be rather dreary outside today, so instead of going golfing with Michael on his birthday (trying my best to keep my composure and not embarrass him by throwing a fit on the greens when I swing and whiff...for the fifth time), we opted to spend the day as a family. We headed to the Science Center in our great city of Detroit or as Kate calls it, the "moo-zeum". The kids were fabulous and we all truly enjoyed the outing...especially the dinos. Quick lunch at the infamous Slow's BBQ and back home again we went.

The morning was relaxing, fun and filled with new discoveries...the afternoon was as well, in it's own special way. Michael desperately wanted to take a nap with the kids, but postponed it to get new tires on our car and stop by the store to pick up a gallon of milk. Upon his return we were all up from our naps and had found large soggy puddles of water in the basement. So instead of the much needed nap, he ran to Home Depot for a shot vac and dehumidifier to clean up the basement wetlands. While he was cleaning, the kids and I run out to get him some amazing gelato for his birthday dessert...just as everything was cleaned up and the kids were settling to go to bed, I drop the new gallon of milk he had purchased earlier in the day and a tsunami of white took over the kitchen floor. Good thing he had that shot vac! Thanks to my dear husband's balance in life and good sense of humor, he just started laughing, got out his phone and "documented" the great disaster.

For now the house is quiet and at peace. All said and done, I would not have wanted to spend my day with anyone else!

Michael, in some ways it seems crazy that you have been my Special Someone for 9 years...then again, it seems as if you have always been a part of my life!

I love you more than I could ever express.

Your friendship is treasured beyond compare.

I would chose YOU again and again, for ever and ever.

Thank you for being mine! Happy 31st, Michael!

Wifey

operation world

2011-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of the book Radical (which every believer should read!), the author, David Platt challenges the reader to pray for the entire world in one year. He mentioned an organization called Operation World which can be found at operationworld.org. Pretty cool resource which highlights one nation every day for which to pray. It includes stats on the population, the culture, religion, etc.

Awesome site.
Awesome challenge.

John 14:6

2011-05-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Michael and I had a conversation weeks ago about needing to commit more scripture to memory. So why not make it a family goal, a way of life that simply is how we do things around here...This is how Kate responded.

Untitled from MIKE MOLLOY on Vimeo.

it begins

2011-04-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

out swinging kate this morning when our neighbors black lab, sam, begins to bark...
kate: hi, sammy! mommy, why don't we have a dog in OUR yard?

me (struggling to find a spectacular answer that will convince my 3 yr old that we never, EVER need an animal): um...because we need a fence around the whole yard.

kate: yes, i think we need a dog.

me: what would you name the dog?

kate: toto

i obviously failed at convincing her!

Palm Trees Grow Where?

2011-04-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Kate had a conversation with Grandma yesterday while pretending they were in Hawaii. Kate had out her beach blanket and they were having tea. It went like this:
Grandma: Kate, is it warm in Hawaii?
Kate: Yes!
Grandma: What kind of tree grow in Hawaii...pine trees or palm tree?
Kate: Umm...pine trees.
Grandma: Oh really? Well then, where do palm trees grow?
Kate (without hesitation replies: At Papa T's!

How does a year pass so quickly

2011-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Joseph Michael...precious boy, you are ONE! I love that you made me smile today when you peeked your cute head around the corner, grinned and waved hello, then proudly clapped at your own cleverness! I love that you made your Daddy's day when you tugged on his pant leg, extended your arms up to give him the sweetest hug around his neck! I love that Kate wants to "help" you with everything and you beam whenever she pays the slightest attention to you! You are loved more than I know how to describe and you will forever and always be our sweet boy!

Kate is Fweeeee!

2011-04-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

All at once and all too soon, our sweet little girl is transforming from toddler to girl! Climbing, running, dancing ballet and using the proper French terms for each particular ballet move, big girl cups, potty training, sharing with her brother and memorizing her Bible stories from cover to cover. Kate, Mommy, Daddy and Joseph love you oh so much and are so proud of the darling girl you are each and every day!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

The "tree house"

2011-04-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

...thirty pounds of bolts and screws
...blood, sweat, toil, and lots of Coca-Cola later
...the birthday girl and boy were surprised with the "tree house"
(as a side note, i definitely had the more difficult role of trying to keep Kate from peeking out the windows to see where all that noise was originating!)

...many happy family memories to come, all from a few pieces of cedar and screws!

The Prince Frog & his Princess

2011-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Joseph was dedicated at church this morning...thank you, Pastor Carl, for your challenge, encouragement and prayer to remember that Joseph truly is God's and will ultimately make His way known to Joseph no matter what life may bring!

Since Joseph (already turning one!) and Kate's (already turning three) birthdays fall only five days apart, we threw them a party together! Kate was quite the princess and wore her Belle gown until the other kids were on the ground playing with balloons and decided that a less fancy dress would be better for playing! Joseph sported the dapper look in his sweater vest and simply played with the balloons.

The coordinating cakes and cupcakes turned out to be so adorable (Thanks, Auntie Li, for a job well done. I could not have pulled it off without you!). Joseph did not have a clue what to do with his smash cake. He just poked at it and finally Michael took Joseph's hand, smooshed it into the cake and...well, he was not pleased with the sticky mess on his little fingers.

Kate, however, licked the frosting off of three cupcakes, loved blowing out her candles, and staring at the princess cake. Plus there are just enough leftover cupcakes to take to her play school class tomorrow. Very exciting for a young girl who is denied sugar at every turn!

They both did well opening presents and lastly we surprised the kids with a gigantic play scape that Michael (and a few other brave souls) tirelessly built and it looked AMAZING. Kate LOVED it and all the kids went outside to try it out.

A good day, a good party, good memories! Thank you to everyone who came and made Kate & Joseph's celebration so special! We missed you, Papa T and Mama Lynn!

Okapi rides, sipping a spot o' tea & other such fun

2011-03-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Since visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom, Kate has been enthralled with the okapi. As random as this aminal may be, my daughter has chosen it to be the center of many moments of entertainment. How does this occur, one might ask? Well, quite easily...Kate yells, "Okapiiiiiii" and Michael comes running, throws himself on the ground, she clmibs on board and goes for amazing Okapi rides all though our home. Rather amusing to watch! Especially when you picture Michael as an Okapi!

With the lingering cooler weather, I have been drinking more tea. One morning Kate asked for some too. So she happily drank (several cupfuls) from her adorable mug she got for Christmas from Auntie Li by the fireplace. Fitting!

11 months

2011-03-22T07:15:00.001-07:00

Who could imagine that such a small little being could take up so much of your time, bring so much laughter to a home, cause your love to expand more that you thought possible?

At 11 months, Joseph has 7 teeth, frequently gives hugs and kisses, now has tubes in his ears (to prevent any further ear infections), says "mama", "dada" & "ball" (mostly in the proper context), loves to be chased as he crawls away laughing so hard that it slows him down and continues to bring us delight daily!

When you wake up with your hair looking like this, you KNOW it was a good nap!

Princess in Training

2011-03-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a sweet (though sometimes rather emotional) 2 year old was learning to be a princess. As she prepared and poured her tea, as she danced and courtsied she gave instructions to those in her kingdom how to use their manners, she tip-toed around in her new Cinderella dress and gleamed!

Where Dreams Come True

2011-03-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

vacation!!!!

2011-03-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

Animal Kingdom

2011-03-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to leave Joseph with his doting grandparents and spend the day with Kate at the Animal Kingdom. She walked all over the park, through Africa, Asia, went excavating in Dinoland and explored the Tree of Life! It was a spectacular day, not too crowded and perfect weather. We all loved the safari where we saw elephants, cheetah, lions, wildebeest, hippo, rhino, giraffe and so much more...

One of these things is not like the other

2011-03-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hmm...something does not quite belong here?!

Sweet almost-3-yr-old

2011-02-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

Oh the giggles and fits, the endless stories and songs...
Though the moods seem labile at times, instant cheerfulness is just moments away...
Sharing toys is mostly a struggle, but sometimes a sweet spirit of tenderness and giving surprises us...
Creative, precise, somewhat particular and ever so cute...
The smallest of matters can make her precious face light up and delighted squeals come out...
Already recognizing a good portion of the alphabet, memorizing the story books, singing without care or concern...
We are so proud of you darling girl! So glad you are ours, Kate!

10 months

2011-02-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our little bundle continues to grow like a weed, bring a smile to our faces with his sweet and goofy grin, will give me kisses, is now 18.8 lbs, is clapping, signing "more" and "all done" (i think), dances and tries to sing whenever music is playing, is great at being into everything he is NOT supposed to be in, wants to be a part of everything, EVERYTHING that is going on around him! We love you, Joseph!!!!

2011-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Shout aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto God!
Psalm 81:1

Happy Birthday Mama Lynn

2011-02-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

we love you so much!!!! Cannot wait to see you and celebrate your special day in person!!!!

Play-Doh Cakes

2011-01-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

Kate received an amazingly fun play-doh set for Christmas that allows her to make and decorate the prettiest little cakes ever. This keeps her busy for quite some time and allows me to either get things done around the house or even join in the creative fun. Thanks, Aunt Ang, for sparking her creativity!

BreAkFasT for DinNeR

2011-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

Each year in January our church participates in a three week fast to focus on prayer and seek God's direction for the upcoming year. Last year we broke our fast with our good friends, the Semlows, by making waffles for dinner. It instantly became a tradition! So this year our two families were joined with another of our favorite families...and instead of using good ol' Bisquik mix, Phil used an authentic recipe from Karlyn's great-grandmother for Belgian waffles-delicious!!!! Michael bought and was in charge of cooking 8 lbs of thick cut bacon (not to fear, we only scarfed down about 2 lbs) while Phil prepared the waffles...96 waffles to be precise. And with much pride and satisfaction I can honestly say that we polished off a right good many of those. The stack of waffles down below looks impressive, but what is even more impressive is that pile was the tenth pile that had been put before us!
Here are the chefs...it appears that Phil is already in "food coma" just from looking at so much food!
Thank you, Semlow fam! You, as always were amazing hosts with generous hearts and tons of yummy food!!! We love you guys!

9 months of cuddles

2011-01-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Joseph is still recovering from a (thankfully) short bout of a tummy flu...despite it all he continues to smile, laugh and topple his sister's block towers without hesitation! He is a pro at crawling, loves to pull up and is starting to cruise around on the furniture. He seems very interested in books lately, although the reading generally turns to eating the book within minutes...We love you, lil JoJo Molloy! You are becoming quite a busy little boy...can't wait to see what lies in store for next month!

The Hill

2011-01-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

Michael spontaneously decided to take Kate on her first sledding hill adventure, during which she squealed with delight, made snow angels with him and dubbed her penguin sled "Dave" (don't know where that one came from).

Kate: That was fun and bumpy! It was the biggest hill in the whole world!

...I think she had a good time...

Electric blanket naptime

2011-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Part of my Christmas gift this year from Michael included an electric blanket. Yes, I agree, that at first one might scoff, shake their head and conclude that this was a silly gift. BUT to a former SoCal girl who continues to freeze winter after winter in this northern state it was absolutely heavenly! To not have to jump into bed at night and frantically move my feet as fast as they will go to warm up the sheets is one of the best gifts ever.

Anyway, shortly after Christmas, Kate took a nap with me on the new blanket. She slept long and hard. Upon waking, Michael asked her if she liked Mommy's new special blanket. Her response as she sleepily pushed back her blond hair from her warm and rosy cheeks was, "No Daddy, I LOVED it!"

Friends

2011-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

We are so very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends, to know and serve a God who is unwavering in faithfulness, to have health, peace and joy!

A New Year's Reminder

2011-01-01T18:04:00.001-08:00

I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you...
2 Tim 1:6

Molloy Threet Night

2010-12-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Molloy-Threet Nights date back to at least six years ago when there were a lot less kids in our families and the grown ups could actually get in a good conversation and maybe even play a game! We had a great evening together...Shannon made sugar cookies and the kids gobbled them up...Can't recall if these pics were before or after cookies!

7 months came & went

2010-12-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Our sweet, boy turned 7 months the day we moved into our new home. Thought the past month has been a bit of a whirlwind, it has been filled with wonderful memories...But needless to say, I have been slacking on the updates. So this is what our munchkin is doing presently...He is finally sitting well without assistance or propping, he loves tummy time and can scoot nearly anywhere if he wants to get there bad enough, has four teeth and is teething yet again, and is entertained by making a horrid grinding sound, loves to cuddle at night, laughs if you look at him with a big smile, has singlehandedly wrecked "Bethlehem" (Kate's nativity that she spends forever setting up just so) several times, can hold his bottle through an entire feeding, still is a "happy spitter upper", loves any green veggies, won't eat fruit, it ticklish everywhere but especially his lower back. He daily brings us great joy with his happy grins, precious face and I so desperately wish I could bottle up/freeze/hold on to this time.

Happy 8 months, Baby Boy!

Camel Confusion

2010-12-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

Conversation with Kate several days ago:

Me: Kate, did you know that Papa T moved to a new house just like you did?

Kate: Where does he live now?

Me: In the desert.

Kate (excited and clapping her hands): Oh, we can go visit him and ride the camels!

ThAnkSgIvinG VisItOrS

2010-12-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful for the long journey that you made to come visit us in this frigid land. Love you Papa T, Mama Lynn and Auntie Lala! We missed you Uncle Jeff and Uncle Justin

Snapshot of the past 3 weeks

2010-12-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

In the past three weeks we have moved into a lovely new house which has quickly become home, unpacked, decorated for Christmas, my parents and sister visited for Thanksgiving, we had the "soup" portion of a progressive dinner, Joseph has learned to army crawl, Kate is talking nonstop, Michael has raked more leaves than he thought possible AND we are enjoying every minute of it!
I finally am able to use all the ornaments my mom gave me each year for my very own Christams tree. Decorating it with the kids was a dream come true
Say cheese
Tutu Cute

Story time with Kate
I love my squash
Kate set up her Veggie Tales Nativity and loves playing with all the characters (except on of the kings because he has a "yellow" tooth...he should have brushed his teeth better i suppose)
Two happy kids
Thanksgiving party with her little friends where they made indian hats, made leaves for the "Thankful Tree" and had a Thanksgiving feast
Cousins
Nothing quite like a humongous pile of leaves

something that makes this mom smile

2010-12-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

Teach your children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it...

Christmas List

2010-12-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

While driving home tonight I asked Kate what some of her family members might like for Christmas gifts. These were her answers in her exact words:

Daddy wants a spider web
Papa T wants a nap
Mama Lynn wants a car
Auntie Lauren wants a tree, a pretty pink tree
Uncle Jeff wants a house
Uncle Justin wants a stop sign
Baby Joseph wants a toy

When asked what she would like for Christmas, she replied whithout hesitation, "PRESENTS!"

If only each Christmas could be this easy!!!

Africa and Ice Cream

2010-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

With the enormous 26 ft moving truck Michael brought from California were a few surprises sent for Kate from Mama Lynn...a huge giraffe and elephant, which she dubbed Twiga and Tembo respectively (meaning "giraffe" and "elephant" in Swahili she learned in a library book). As you can see, she was quite pleased! She currently has both animals in a corner of my in-laws living room and she frequently travels to "Africa" to go see these two new friends of hers.

Kate was also kind enough to make most of her family members ice cream cones out of her pay doh...both Papas, Mama Lynn, Uncle Jeff, Uncle Justin, Auntie Lauren and Kate all made the list!

Partridge Creek Tree Lighting

2010-11-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I decided that since the kids had taken such great naps that I would take them to the Christmas tree lighting at Patridge. We met up with out good friends, the Poxon family, and the kids loved playing together with their color changing glow sticks, Andy waited in the Starbucks line for an eternity, we listened to the carolers and to top off the ceremony Santa and the drum line walked right past where our happy group was standing. Hooray for the holiday season, the scents, the cookies, the time with family and friends, but most of all for the "little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay"!

Lil Bit O' Fall

2010-11-12T18:36:00.001-08:00

We have been crashing with the in-laws for the past two weeks until our new home is ready...It has been lots of fun, nice and cozy, and almost like vacation for me. I haven't had to cook, clean, do hardly any laundry...I have become extremely spoiled to the point that I am a bit nervous to move into a big home and have to care for it without Grammy and Papa Brian to help. Thank you both for your graciousness, patience and helping hands during this time of transition. We would have been in quite a pickle without you!!!

Kate and Joseph are, of course, having a ball with all the attention and toys surrounding them! Kate is now talks a mile a minute, her imagination knows no bounds, has surprisingly shared several times with her little brother without cohersion, is hilariously animated during conversations, sings and dances without hesitation. She remains a joy and a delight! Joesph is almost seven months, pushing up onto his hands and knees, sitting unassisted for a short while without toppling, loves, loves, loves to be tickled. When tired he will nestle his face into my neck, always looking up one last time to give me a smile before drifting off to sleep. He is too sweet to describe, chubby, healthy, loves his peas and green beans and watches his big sister like she is his hero.

Here are a few moments captured this afternoon by Papa Brian after Kate helped rake the leaves...

6 months

2010-10-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

mr joseph is now 6 months old, still 2 teeth (with several more about to pop through, sitting (well, leaning) without assistance although he does tumble now and then, eating baby cereal, has tried squash and peas (going out of order i know) and enjoyed them both, LOVES interacting with his big sis, belly laughs when tickled (so cute), will stop drinking his bottle if he feels he is missing out on any socializing going on around him, can hold his own bottle for quite a while and is the most happy baby imaginable!

we love you, baby jo-jo! never stop smiling!

fall family fun

2010-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

we took a weekday to go to the cider mill as a fam. not only did we have the place to ourselves, but the weather could not have been more perfect. fresh cider + warm donuts + crisp fall air + sun shining on our faces + time together = one perfect day!

we later met up with the sheerer crew and keri was our lovely photographer. even though both of my children needed naps and her kids had not yet had lunch, she maintained the composure of a professional and was able to get some amazing shots! thanks, friend!

our kiddos

2010-10-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA T

2010-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

daddy, you are amazing and we love you so much! glad we get to see you and mom soon!
love, your little girl!

new homestead

2010-09-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

in case you haven't heard, we are now home owners and we couldn't be more excited! The moment we first walked in michael and i decided we wanted to stay. the house welcomes you with its warm colors, has a great layout for both raising a family and entertaining AND is immaculate! we don't have to do a thing. we love the paint, the floors, the yard...God is truly faithful and we are thankful that He has blessed us with exactly what we needed, asked for and so much more. Cannot wait move in and call it HOME!

this is the chair michael is trying not to covet. he sat down and was quite smitten.

thankful

2010-09-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

although each day has its moments and every evening i am sooo ready to plop into bed...but these faces and the sweet persons inside them make every moment worth it!

This precious boy is so full of joy and wonder! He is either smiling at us, laughing to himself or enthralled with watching whatever his big sister is doing. He does possess an ear-piercing scream, but he only shares that when he is starving...and really you can't blame him for that!

2 teeth!!!!
Kate was all tucked into bed, even quiet for several minutes when I heard her at her door. I rolled my eyes thinking I was in for a "fight" to get her to bed. When I opened the door all she said was, "Mommy, I need another hug!". She then gave me one of the longest and best hugs in the whole world. And she did go back to bed without another peep.

Cider Mill Time

2010-09-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect late afternoon for a visit to the cider mill...crisp air, smell of fresh donuts wafting through the air, petting zoo and pumpkins! After running all over the place, tossing rocks in the river, riding ponies (Kate's favorite), eating warm donuts and drinking yummy apple cider we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Papa Brian.

Happy birthday, Papa! We love you!

5 months

2010-09-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

At the five month mark I have hit some great milestones...rolling over like mad (although I sometimes forget how to flip back over and get a bit angry), grabbing everything within reach, belly laughing and I even sprouted my 1st tooth today (noticed first by Daddy)!

Hey! Hey, Kate, I think Mommy's gonna take our picture...
Say "cheese"!
Ok, if you won't pose, then I will!
Joesph Michael, you are such a delight (even when you spit up all over us). Your sweet smile that beams from ear to ear melts my heart! I love the way you adore your big sister and light up whenever she is around...I want to bottle up these moments, yet cannot wait to see who you become!

re-lax-a-tion

2010-09-13T18:16:00.001-07:00

over the labor day weekend michael and i were able to get away with a few friends for peaceful time to ourselves. lots of laughs, mostly at michael and matt bantering back and forth, snug car rides (four of us squished in the back row of the bunk trail blazer) proved to be great bonding time, salivating over pretzel bun burgers, following nina through forceful winds/insane waves/freezing cold as she transformed into a storm chaser, sleeping in til 8:30am (only once, but boy was it nice), golfing with our boys on a brisk sunday morn, banana grams, double rainbows and so much more...good memories were made, great times were had by all!

just singing and dancing in the rain

Hmmm...which yacht should I take out today?

These gentlemen should all be on the pga tour, but they chose to play with us instead!

sweet moments

2010-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

just some catch up pics from day to day life...kate now loves to smile like a "princess" while holding her dolls, run around the house like a crazy person for 45 minutes (no joke) pretending she is a dinosaur while wearing michael's shirt on her head, joseph just chillin' and enjoying life at almost 5 months

Do you see what I see?

2010-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

What do you first think of when you see this? Apparently, Kate saw hot chocolate. After a long day, she sweetly walked up and asked me if I would "like some hot choc-o-lat, Mama?"

fun-packed morning

2010-09-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

fountains + veggie playground + surprise good bag waiting on the doorstep = one happy girl

thanks, mama lynn for your thoughtful and fun package! kate loves her "goodies", read her new Froggy book three times and can't wait to wear her new froggy outfit too!

DaiLy FuN

2010-09-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

four and a half months ago we didn't know we could love two little people so much!

thank you, Lord, for these precious blessings!

the first few days...

2010-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Kate and I have been studying the days of Creation...we are still missing days 4 and 7 (due to my lack of cool sun, moon and stars material and 7th day ideas)...but we will finish them soon). She has loved the daily project and I love hearing her little voice say, "God made light and dark. This was the fiiirst day!". Thank you, Mama Lynn and Papa T for the awesome stickers!

6 years...hard to believe

2010-08-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today is our six year anniversary...Michael planned a surprise family adventure which led our family of four to a quaint and delicious waffle restaurant for breakfast. This was followed by a leisurely stroll around a town that is too cute for words and a tremendous park with a squirt zone just Kate's size. Take out lunch, from Simple Sandwich, eaten on a classic bench in the town square proved to be an excellent choice for our hungry tummies and for pure relaxation. This perfect summer day was topped off with ice cream delights.

Thank you, Michael, for making this anniversary one to remember for all the years to come! I love you and am loving living life with you!

our boy

2010-08-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

his italian heritage coming through..hey, how ya doin'?

sTicKeRs!

2010-08-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Mama Lynn, for my incredible new stickers! I love them and can't wait to make other creative works of art using them! Love, Kate

PlaY dAtE

2010-08-24T12:29:00.001-07:00

Kate and Joseph had a blast with their friends Alina, David and Jonathan! Keri probably has some great pictures too, but here are a few captured moments of how the morning went down. Next summer it won't be quite so easy once these three boys are running around instead of laying around!

times together

2010-08-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

kate is in love with her brother and adores teaching him all about this wonderful world we live in...

4 months and a new hair-do

2010-08-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am now 4 months old, sleeping like a champ and eating like one too! I am quite a social chatterbox; I love to smile and am happiest when I someone is talking to me. My parents have discovered that I am ticklish and have mastered the great skill of laughter. Mommy got a bit frustrated with my awesome comb over that I was sporting, so she buzzed me...my first haircut and oh yeah, I look good!

Summer Days in Cali

2010-08-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our family of four recently returned from a visit to Papa T and Mama Lynn's house (we like to call in Rancho Relaxo). It was just that...relaxation + incredible weather + memories made with grandparents + bonding with aunties and uncles + swimming with friends + water slides + accidentally launching daughter off water slide + tropical flowers and foliage + hot air balloons + hummingbirds + mother-daughter beachside luncheons + couch naps on Sunday afternoon + shaving "fuzzies" with Papa + golf, golf, golf (for Michael) + bundt cakes +puddle boots + dancing to "Jika" (an African praise song) with Kate + Del Mar + seagulls + swinging in hedgies (hammocks) + books with Mama Lynn + gelato + Carter's outlet + steel oat cookie crumble cakes = our visit to California this summer!

goofy faces & fun memories

2010-07-24T11:51:00.001-07:00

Kate's vocabulary and sentence structure seems to have exploded over just the past few weeks. I adore the sound of her sweet voice (with the exception of whining) whether she is singing along with me, she surprisingly hits most of the notes and words, or giving Joseph the "tour" of her kitchen and food items she selected for him to taste...

Here's a banana, Joseph! Boots (the monkey from Dora) eats bananas!

Mmmmm...eat this peach. It is tasty!

I will go make something, Baby Joseph. (Lettuce and mushrooms were in her hands as she turned to cook in her kitchen.) Nummy time!

There's a princess in me!

2010-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

The princess who found the eye shaddow and lip gloss...lovely!

Kate was able to join us at CFL kids' camp for the princess party...she was so excited all day long to see all the animals in the barnyard (although she would not pet them because they were "stinky, Mommy!"). She danced with the other princesses, then she heard that there was a birthday party and she was ecstatic. She donned a Hello Kitty party hat as her tiara and was transformed into a mini Cinderella. The campers were reminded that they are beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside, learned that because God showed grace to us when we didn't deserve it, they should show grace to others too. Doing your best and never ever, ever giving up were also take home points. All in all, a fantastic way to end camp!

trying on Cinderella's glass slippers

Bit of pool time fun

2010-07-19T15:13:00.001-07:00

Some fun loving friends (aka: Semlow and Bunk families) came over yesterday and boy, did we all have a good time!

A sad attempt to get a picture of all the girls...

And Christopher bobbing through, carefree as can be.

Oasis of Relaxation turned Wave Pool

This was a few days ago, but too cute not to post...Miss Independent

Ode to the Paci

2010-07-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Kate has been without her beloved pacifier for three days now,
Typically this would cause her to cry and have a cow.
The paci, the paci. Oh how it gave her such delight as she slept and woke.
Then she chewed several holes in it (literally), Kate told me it was broke.
To avoid a choking hazzard and to end the habit too,
I gave the end a large snip but as far as Kate knew...
The paci has "died" says she with a sad look in her eye,
But the sucking is finished, it's over, it's through.
One day she'll look back and thank me that this happended when she was only two.

Just some random pics

2010-07-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

My very own Betty Crocker is quite at home in her kitchen

Three months old...I rolled over today from tummy to back several times in a row!

Playing together

Hip girl with things to do, places to go

Weekend Road Trip

2010-07-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Down to Ohio we went. Just our little foursome...to visit my Granny, cousins, aunts and uncles...It was an extra bonus that Dad, Lauren and Justin were there too! Kate was thrilled to play with Papa T. Mama Lynn even sent a special surprise for Kate (which she LOVED). Those pictures will be posted soon. We had a great time mostly eating, picking blueberries and raspberries, and simply relaxing.

Imagination

2010-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Conversation earlier today:

Me: Kate, how did your pillow get that way?
Kate: I am a sea turtle, Mommy!

12 weeks & our swimmer

2010-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

A few days a go, Kate decided she wanted to swim...all by herself and her arm floaties. She literally pushed me away and said, "Mommy, Kate swim!". She loves the water and loves being able to bob around the pool on her own. We sure are proud of your courage and determination, Miss Kate! (actual proof to come, still have to upload the pics)

Joseph went swimming for the first time with Daddy and was so relaxed just chillin' in the pool (which was the perfect temperature Papa Brian).

Apple doesn't fall far from the tree

2010-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

So, I keep waiting for a picture where our hair is put up neatly, we are both smiling at the camera, looking like true Cinderellas...but as this may never happen with Kate soon growing out of her dress (and mine needing unfortunate adjustments year to year), I decided to go ahead and post these pics. Thanks goes out to our talented seamstress (and good looking photographer) who made these mommy~daughter memories possible!

Independence Day 2010

2010-07-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

This Molloy fam ad a relaxing day just being together, swimming in Grammy and Papa Brian's pool and skyping Papa T and Mama Lynn. We love our wonderful family!

11 weeks

2010-07-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am growing, growing, growing at 11 weeks today! I am such a good baby! I am sleeping 8-10 hours through the night, take three 2 hour naps without a fuss. I eat, burp, have my diaper changed, give huge smiles and coos, kick my perfectly chunky legs, yawn sweetly and contentedly go to bed. I bring my mommy and daddy lots of laughs since they are constantly trying to get me to follow them with my eyes and I love to shoot them my dashing smiles. That about sums up my life at this point...looking great and bringing joy to my family!

Just a piece of cardboard

2010-06-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the Princess Party at Champions for Life Kids' Camp, Kate and I read a story about a little girl named Gigi who sometimes needs reminding that she is a princess in God's eyes. So here is Princess Kate...deeply inspired to make herself a crown (notice the lovely Dora tattoo on her hand-she is very proud of it).

Lunch break..."Dear Jesus..."

"Amen"

The princess and her maidservant

Prince Joseph, the Mighty...mighty loud, mighty wiggly, mighty sweet, mighty cute!

10 weeks

2010-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our happy boy!

Watch out! I'm ready for ya!

He has a mean hook too.

Love this face!

He finally did it!

2010-06-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

So the kids and I returned from Cali last night. Once again they were literally little angels on the plane...not a peep from Joseph and Kate was very content to color and look at her books. Thank you, Jesus! And thank you Mom and Dad for making our trip so memorable!

It may have had something to do with the long traveling day, but I fed Joseph at 9pm and he slept soundly til 5:15am...now, that may not seem all that impressive to some, but for me it was a much needed miracle. Keep up the good sleeping, Baby JoeJoe!

This is what is presently taking place around the Molloy home:

Happy Daddy Day

2010-06-20T08:25:00.001-07:00

Daddy Dad, you are the best and we miss you way too much!

Her wish came true

2010-06-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Kate finally got her pink ice cream...which was actually starwberry gelato, but she could not have been happier!

Wagon ride for a little prince and princess

Day 5

2010-06-19T17:39:00.001-07:00

She discovered the world of the "underdoggie" today...I think she enjoyed it!

Swimming with her new friend, Charlize...riding Dude Crush and Squirt

Currently: heading out for ice cream..."pink ice cream" to be exact

Hooray for J-Dog

2010-06-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS, JUSTIN! You did it!

Kate saw us decorating with the banners and immediately started singing "Happy Birthday to Justin" and kept singing it all day long!

Day 3...Beware: one long post

2010-06-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning world!

The day started out early with smoothies followed by the usual jaunt to the beach at Del Mar to play on the playground, watch the Coaster train zoom by and feed the seagulls, of course!

Swim, swim, swim!

Comfy cozy

The San Diego County Fair was calling our names, so Papa T, Auntie Lala and I packed Kate up. She adored the animal exhibits. Moooo!!!

Perhaps I should have brought Joseph to the fair. He could have slept right here under the back end of the cows too.

Somehow my sweet daughter learned the words "bottom" and "poop", put them together as she watched the goats and pigs do their business. Hopefully, we can return to ladylike manners once we leave the fairgrounds!

Feeding the animals took a few tries, but she eventually caught on...and was quite proud of herself!

A rose petal and lavender bath was just what they needed to relax for the evening! They smelled divine afterwards.

Days 2

2010-06-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

Not sure I like this whole time change thing...

Hey! I know I am famous, but must the paparazzi follow me everywhere I go?!

Breakfast with my grandparents

Kate's new Crocs...she LOVES them and they are absolutely adorable on her tiny feet

Runing away from the friendly crocodile

Ahhh...what a refreshing afternoon!

Our Trip...God is Gracious

2010-06-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

So, this post is proof that we (Kate, Joseph and myself) actually made it to California. Yes, it was a long day, but it went much more quickly than I envisioned. Before our departure, I had fears of holding a screaming infant with a toddler in a poopy diaper with crabby passengers giving looks that say, "Why can't you control your children, lady?". Thankfully, I had numerous friends and family praying for a smooth flight and things that could have severely gone wrong all went right, without a hiccup, without leaving me or my children permanently traumatized.

Beginning with checking our bag at the Southwest counter the kids were a delight. We were able to bypass the crazy long line of passengers waiting to go through security and easily went through the detectors. TSA did run my diaper bag through the scanner twice and inspected it...I forgot that I had put a Capri Sun juice in the bag to give Kate on the plane for being such a big helper, totally forgetting the less-than-3 oz-liquid- rule. The agent examining my bag looked at me with the two kids, looked back down at the innocent juice box and said she would let this slide on by. Whew!

We strolled to the gate, Joseph in the Baby Bjorn carrier(a miraculous invention)and Kate in her umbrella stroller, rode back and forth on the flat walking belt about 20 times to entertain Kate and boarded the plane with Kate holding tightly to her Fancy Nancy book that she was eager to read. I knew that Joseph was going to be ready to eat just as the plane was taking off and a man in his thirties sat next to us...which would have been a bit awkward. But the baby didn't make a peep the entire flight and Kate sat contentedly sipping her Capri Sun and reading her books! Or layover in Chicago, if you can call it a layover, was extremely short. We literally walked off the plane to our next gate and boarded without time for bathroom break, lunch or diaper changes! We nibbled on snacks once in our seats. A lovely grandmother sat next to us. All in all it was a great flight: the kids both were quiet, filled their diapers more than Pampers or Huggies could have ever thought possible and recieved compliments from fellow passengers on their behavior at the end of the flight. The grnadma kindly offered to hold Joseph while I went to change Kate's maloderous diaper in the impossibly small plane restroom.

We arrived in San Diego to be met with sunny 75 degree weather and lots of hugs and kisses from Papa T and Mama Lynn. Kate quickly acclimated herself to the grounds, went for a quick dip inthe pool and read stories with Uncle Jeff and Papa T as she fell asleep in her pink princess bed.

A long day, but sooo worth it!

Todays pics

2010-06-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

8 weeks old

Little Miss Kate
Walked through the gate,
Her petunias needed some water.
She watered the pool, then the flowers too
And said, "What a great gal am I!".

Lunchtime Interview with Kate

2010-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Kate is finishing up her eclectic lunch of fresh smoothie, half a bagel and raisins as she announces: Mommy, Kate want ice cream Papa T's house.

Me: Oh, you want to have ice cream with Papa T, huh?

Kate: Yep!

Me: What kind of ice cream do you want?

Kate: Ummm...pink!

Me: Yummy! How about Papa T? What kind does he want?

Kate: Hmmm...blue!

Me: Can I have some ice cream too?

Kate: Mommy brown ice cream. Daddy stripe ice cream.

Me: Are you excited to go to Papa's house soon?

Kate's head nods with great delight.

Cinderella Dress Up

2010-06-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

So Kate had a fancy to try on her Halloween costume from last year and prance around the kitchen. I loved watching her amazing imagination as she also played with the King and Queen Froggy finger puppets.

I stand corrected

2010-06-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the scene: We are all relaxing as a family. Michael is laying down reading, Kate is playing nearby, I am holding and rocking Joseph who just finished eating.

I am simply talking to my baby and this comes out, "Well hi there, Baby Joe Joe." (I realize that before he was born, I adamatly fought my son being called this nickname, but is is kinda catchy when you are talking baby talk to his sweet little face.)

Kate instantly stops her playing, looks at me with a concerned face as if I have gone mad, shakes her head and says with quite an emphatic tone, "Name not Joe Joe, Mommy. Baby Joseph!" She continues to correct my "mishap" until I acknowledge her. I then smile at her keen observation and repent for the error of my ways. "You are right, Kate. He is Baby Joseph", I say. Kate smiles, tilts her head ever so slightly and says, "Silly Mommy!"

I love this sweet girl! Every day is a delight with her!

FORE!

2010-06-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the 5th Joe Messina Memorial golf outing. Michael, James, Kortni and I were a foursome, it was my first time participating and Kortni's first time swinging a club...needless to say we had a great time with lots of laughs, lost golf balls ans memories made with friends as we remembered Joe. Joe's parents, sister Ariel, along with Dave Kangas and Jim Lenn (two of Joe's buddies from college) won the Gellar Award (in honor of Joe's love for the tv show Friends) for the best score. Good times with great people gathering for unforgettable reason.

smiles

2010-06-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so my first official smile was on May 24 at 5 weeks old, but Mommy hasn't been able to capture it on camera til now. She and Daddy seem to scratch their heads when I change from serious to smiles back to serious all within a matter of seconds. Oh well, they think I'm wonderful so I guess I will keep on smiling!

dReW drEw

2010-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW! CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE ALREADY 6!!! WE LOVE YOU!