Wow! Emma is Talented.

These are amazing Maddie pictures! Thank you, Emma, for capturing these precious moments. You are quite a talented lady! I can't decide which is my favorite. 

The Alcove Cafe

Jesse and I love finding fun and unusual places to eat out. Yesterday Jesse took me to a new place called the Alcove Cafe for breakfast. It was a delightful little place with beautiful garden patio seating. Madison enjoyed watching all the birds taking a drink out of the bird bath. We had an enormous omelet (which ended up being dinner too!), and delicious fresh-squeezed orange juice. To find more great places to eat, go to my friend's "List". I can't wait to try them out myself!

I little Daddy time. 

Happy Birthday Aunt Melissa!

I woke up this morning ready to party! It's November 12th your big day. Look at my hat and huge smile for you.

There's nothing like a birthday to celebrate. I didn't spoil the surprise- I waited for your special day to tell you that I ordered the Family Fun Magazine subscription for your birthday present. I hear they have lots of great ideas for things you can do with my cousins. Enjoy!

Did someone say, "Cupcake?!"

Super excited to be your niece! You're the BEST auntie.

I just wish I could be there to help you blow out the candles (and help you eat the cupcakes). I love you Aunt Melissa. Happy Birthday!

Skills

This girl has skills. You just can't teach this technique (look closely at her toes holding the ball)! I think she might grow up to be some sort of soccer star like her Daddy :)

Loving the Bumbo seat- thanks Aunt Melissa!

Eric Carle

This beautiful quilt was made by my dear friend Linda Burkett. I met Linda almost 25 years ago at a Grace Church family camp (she was the nurse that brought me my medication when I was sick). She has since been a special part of my family growing up. Linda is quite talented. Not only is she an amazing nurse, she is also a skilled quilter. She even taught me how to make my first quilt. Knowing my love for children's literature, Linda quilted this gorgeous Eric Carle themed quilt from the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". Maddie just loves all the bright colors! Thank you Linda for this very meaningful gift!

What A Great Deal!

Here are some of our deals...

This dress was $4.50. Perfect for the spring.

Comfy every day outfit. 

This is my favorite- Janie and Jack white outfit with the tags still on for $8.50! Maddie will wear this all winter.

Old Navy khakis for $5.50. They look like they've never been worn.

Green sweat shirt for $4.50.

Karen Harasick told me about a Once Upon a Child- this is where she used to sell/buy her kids clothes. It's a great consignment store with a large selection of children's clothes, toys, books, cribs, you name it- it's there! Karen, Maddie, and I ventured out for Taco Tuesday ($1 tacos- yummy), then sold/bought Madison some clothes, and ended up at Starbucks, so that Madison could have her lunch. This is a great place to do a trade when you're on a budget. Another place that will do this is Children's Orchard. Does anyone know of a consignment store for adult clothing?

Karen bought Maddie this adorable hat, now that it's finally getting cooler here in CA. (the original tags where still on it:). We had lots of fun dressing up Madison! Thanks Karen for a fun day!

Lunch at the Prices

Rick was great with Madison- I think she might have been flirting with him (or his son Mark)! Rick is our beloved Pastor of Crossroads. 

Kim is a natural when it comes to babies.

The Zimmers are so sweet. They just love every chance they get to make Maddie smile. 

Look at What I Can Do!

I'm pretty good at tummy time now. I can lift my head up and look around!

Thank you Aunt Melissa for Mr. Caterpillar- I love looking at his eyes.

My ball was the first toy I could hold- what a great gift Miss Emily! Thank you.

I'm most happy when I'm wearing barely any clothes at all !

Reformation Party

Karis came as Mini Mouse and Maddie dressed up as a little bunny. They were pretty cute!

Aw...

This costume was $2 at a second-hand store- what a deal!

Everyone brought their favorite micro-brewed ROOT beer. We had quite a collection (there were more, they just didn't make it for the picture).

Mike and Steve from our CSUN Bible Study.

The Mortons, Yoons, and the Hales also come to celebrate Jesse's favorite holiday: Reformation Day. On October 31 Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis up on the door in Witenburg, and this marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Jesse loves it because it reminds him that salvation comes through Christ alone, by faith alone. The Johnson family has a tradition every year on October 31- we invite some friends over, have chili and cornbread (and micro-brewed root beer, of course), and everyone shares about how they came to believe in the doctrines of the Reformation.

New Friend

Maddie just received the cutest gift from my friend Heather- it's a little soft mouse. It's so adorable to see her with it during nap time!

Doing Your Husband Good

I've  been enjoying checking Girl Talk lately- there are some great ideas on "How to Do Your Husband Good". Check out the practical ideas here. 

Magazine Survey

I just received a great gift- I can choose one magazine (out of 50 choices) to subscribe to for a year! Which magazine would you get? 

Real Simple

Cooking Light

Sunset

Southern Living

or one that I've not mentioned?

Thanks for your advice!

Babysitting Maddie

The other day I went to get my haircut at my friend Heather's house. She has two lovely daughters, and one of them was home from school early. Tabitha is in seventh grade, and just loves babies. She did an excellent job babysitting Madison while I was getting my hair cut. When I was done, I found Tabitha rocking Maddie in a doll stroller! It was the cutest thing!

Silly Girls

Today Mimi, Madison, and I went to Santa Monica Beach for some fun. It's October and still feels like the summer! Mimi tried on a hat that said "Drama Queen" and Maddie wore one that said "Princess". We had a few laughs over it! 

Meister Wedding

Tracie looked just beautiful! Jesse had the privilege of marrying Doug and Tracie on Sunday evening. We have really enjoyed spending time with them over the past few months doing their premarital. They are such a sweet couple!

This was Maddie's fourth wedding! The reception was at TPC (a gorgeous golf course in Santa Clarita).

Justin and Caitie looking good with a baby :)

Angie was a beautiful bridesmaid.

Maddie's first dance with Daddy on the dance floor. They danced to "My Girl"- it was pretty sweet!

Bubbles!

Michelle did a great job of putting Madison right to sleep.