Happy New Year!

These last 2 months have flown by, and Abbey has been asking daily about her "upcoming" birthday (which is in May!). She has all sorts of elaborate plans, including a trip to Disneyland with her friends, and a sleepover with her entire kindergarten class. She also cut her hair 2 weeks ago. I noticed a chunk of hair on her carpet, and called her in her room. When she rounded the corner, her face was unforgettable as I was holding up the hair. "Uhhh, what? Not me? I don't know where that came from? Ahhhh...mom!" As she slaps her forehead. It us growing out, and looking ridiculous. She cut at her scalp, right in the front. Looking good in 2009. She has also learned to read, and is doing quite well. Last night we were laying in her bed, and she was reading to me. I said "I can't believe you, Abbey. You are doing so well with your reading!" She looked up at me with her eyebrows raised and said "mom, it just happens."

Girl Scout cookie sales are in full swing right now, and I have quality tested all flavors! Having access to an unlimited supply is not the best idea for my hips!

Back to the grind

We have had such a great 2 weeks! James and I have both been off work, and it has gone by too fast. We got home today from a week in San Diego. We visited the great-grandparents, saw "Marley and Me," "Bedtime Stories," and "Tale of Despereaux." We visited Sea World, and had a great time with James' parents and siblings. It was a quick trip, but tons of fun. After we unpacked, we took Abbey to the pet store to pick out her 1st hamster. She got a cage for Christmas, but she had to wait until we returned to get the animal. She is so excited about her new pet!

Holiday Greetings!

Wow! So much grief I recieved from not sending out Christmas cards this year. Don't think we skipped your address, if you didn't recieve a card. We never had a holiday picture taken, and the season flew by us. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I added all new pictures of our holiday happenings. We had tons of fun, and were sad to see it pass. One of the most exciting parts of the season was having a white Christmas in Pollock Pines. We drove to my dads house, while sheets of snow fell on the truck. It was so beautiful, and the girls couldn't stop squeeling with delight as we were surrounded by fluffy, white stuff falling from the sky. Today, we are wrapping up the year by visiting James' parents in San Diego. We went to Sea World today with James' mom and brother for James' birthday, and plan to spend the New Year with James' dad and family watching football and eating all day! We hope you have a happy, & healthy 2009!

Christmas is ALMOST here!

Christmas is around the corner, and the Mascarenas family couldn't be more excited! We have baked cookies, made chocolate candies, visited the area neighborhoods to check out light displays, and walked the mall, full of crazy holiday shoppers. Uncle Brian & Aunt Vicky are coming to town in a few days, and we have lots of plans for them. Our presents are wrapped, and under the tree! So exciting!!!

princess turned to pistol!

Our little 2 lb. 2 oz puppy was quite the charmer when she arrived. Well, she is showing her true colors these days! The 1st 4 days, not an accident in the house. Today, you have to be careful where you walk! She is a chewing, peeing, pooping machine. We are so thankful we have her, but are sick of cleaning up the carpet, and taking things out of her mouth. James and Hannah took her to her 1st puppy class this past Saturday, which was "so much fun" according to Hannah. We are hoping this class will mold her into a perfect pup who goes potty outside, and chews on her own chew toys. The girls are in love with her, and still argue over who gets to hold her. She is such a cuddle bug, and loves to fall asleep on our laps. When she is not getting into trouble, she is great! I guess, she is a keeper!

I did so good that I told you the truth...

Abbey came home from school on Friday and told me she had a time out and a warning from school, all in one day! I asked her what it was all about, and she confessed. The warning was for talking with a friend at circle time. She told me, "I just had to tell her something!" The time out was when she ran UP the slide, instead of slid DOWN it. So, I talked with her about rules at school, and she says with a sweet smile, "Aren't I so good, that I told you the truth? You aren't mad at me, are you?" With that smile, I let her off the hook. I can be quite the pushover.