Sister Act

Everyday my two daughters bicker like cats and dogs. EVERYDAY! So when moments like this come my way, I'm so thankful that the two sisters worked together as a team to bless and serve their parents. I give you, Maddy and Alicia's Brekfest (Breakfast) Bafe (Buffet)...

Isaac woke up at 5:30 this morning and I soothed him for a while and returned to bed. I was so exhausted and didn't realize he woke up two hours later. The sisters tended to Isaac, tossed into his bed numerous toys to keep him occupied, and went downstairs to prepare breakfast. 

This is what was in store for us: carton of milk, jug of cranberry/raspberry juice, fruit on each plate, cereal already poured out for each person, and a TJ's frozen hash brown and wheat bread carefully placed in the toaster oven awaiting an adult to turn it on. They even placed a snack trap full of Cheerios and a toy for Isaac. 

So grateful for their hearts and selfless act. Though they argue and fight with one another 50% of the time, at least I know that they do enjoy working together and in their hearts, love each other dearly. 

Happy St. Maddy's Day

We kicked off Maddy's 8th birthday celebration with a trip to Tahoe, her favorite vacation spot. 

Kids tried skiing for the first time. Weather was unusually warm for this time of year at 60 degrees and the slopes were mostly covered with man-made snow. Subpar ski conditions but kids still had fun. Alicia made a stink and whined all morning but after much coaxing she persevered. 

Overly dressed for the warm weather but don't they look cute! 

With cousin Paige

Blowing out her 8 candles. Oh my goodness! My baby's 8!!!! No more booster chair for this big girl. 

DIY wrapping paper: Trader Joe's paper bags and crayons. 

All 7 Pak cousins

With Grandma and Ikey

Opening presents

6 Pak all washed up and ready for bed

Hamming it up for the camera 

Cousins Rock!

Birthday lunch at CPK

Me and my Boo

So thankful for my little Maddy who is turning out to be a beautiful young lady. God has surely blessed our family with this sweet and gentle soul who all to often will beg to read one more chapter before bed, meticulously add the finishing touches to her drawings and diligently practice her soutenous and arabesques during and after ballet class. And yes, we still have days when she tries to get away with a frown here and a pout there and there will surely be many days when we will come to butt heads but I will always love being her mom and I will constantly seek help and wisdom and patience from our Heavenly Father. May she grow to be a God-fearing woman who will be Christ-minded and never ashamed of the gospel. I love you, Madeline Grace Pak! 

Selling Cookies

On Sunday, Maddy put on her salesgirl hat and pitched for her Brownie troop by selling Girl Scout cookies. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. We set up a booth in front of our neighborhood Starbucks and Maddy along with three other Brownie members, approached each customer asking politely if he/she would like to buy a box of Girl Scout cookies. After two hours, the Brownies sold 48 boxes. Not too shabby!

Future Business Leaders of America

Little Miss Maddy hard at work

Fun times with big sis Alicia

Eugene's mini-me

Happy baby before heading out to church 

Girl Scout Cookie Season Has Arrived!

The ever-popular Thin Mints

Maddy has joined Girl Scout Troop 33581 and her first assignment is to sell as many Girl Scout cookies as she possibly can. It is my job to loosen the reins and allow her to interact with customers and sell the cookies on her own. I've already failed in this department by sending out announcements to friends and home group members to pre-order cookies. Oh geez, another example of my helicopter parenting style. Let's hope she gains invaluable experience through goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Heck, let's hope I can learn a thing or two as well!