Rawl Street Journal

"MMMMMMMMM"

2011-10-31T08:58:00.001-07:00

I was doing hair the other day, and Eric had to run somewhere really fast. I finished up foiling, and when I came out to check on the girls, this is what I found! Liv gave me a huge smile and said, "Mmmmmmmm." Avree had a cupcake and left it on the table, so Liv just climbed up there to eat it. Love this little girl!

Princess/Superhero party

2011-10-30T23:43:00.001-07:00

I threw my first birthday party on saturday. haha. Turned out to be really fun! Whenever I asked Avree what kind of birthday she wanted or cake she wanted, she said she wanted Spiderman and Belle, so we worked with both! My friend Kimberly came to paint faces, and my friend Carly made the yummy cupcakes! Could these littles get any cuter?!Uncle Chase was a big hit! Never a dull moment with those boys:)Three year olds and pinatas are my favorite combination. Best entertainment ever! Hahaha

Happy birthday Avree girl!

2011-10-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Ave came out of my room like this the other day. She is such a diva. I love it! hahaha. so cute in my shoes. I hate that she gets into my shoes like every day and messes them up, but pics like this make it totally ok!Eric and I surprised her with some ballet clothes and took her to the rec center for her first ballet class that just so happend to start on her actual birthday! She couldn't take her eyes off herself the whole time. The teacher was so good about getting the girls to focus, but Ave just twirled around and watched herself in the mirror. It was so much fun to watch!Wanting to go back in after class was over:

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

Wanted to make the girls costumes this year, and I was so happy with how they turned out! Stayed up way too late getting those tutus done, but it was totally worth it!

Pumpkin patch

2011-10-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

We go to this pumpkin patch in flowermound every year, and had so much fun this time! I love it when these cousins are so sweet to each other.

Shake it

2011-10-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

I took avree out for icecream the other day. Thought she would like a little mommy/daughter time! As we were walking into the icecream place, she saw a dance studio and wanted to go in. So I let her go in and she just lit up instantly! She told the lady at the front desk that she was there for dance class. They fell in love with her cute-ness and let us go back and watch the litte girls practice. She loved it! Threw the biggest fit when we had to leave, and clearly got some dance fever....

This is in the icecream place.

I had no idea where those moves were coming from! Hahahaha. I mean, I know good moves are in her blood, but seriously? The floor slap? What the? Hahahahaha.

So I took her home and told Eric about her day, and he told me he'd been putting on Step Up for her ( just the dance parts:))

The whole rest of the day, she would not stop talking about her going to dance class. "Mommy--I need a pink dress and pink shoes for dance, ok?.......Mommy-- I be nice to my sister and get to go to dance class, k?......Mommy--is it time for my dance glass yet?.....Mommy--I can't marry daddy, k. I have to go to ballet class."

Needless to say, we signed her up for a ballet class! It's just a little one through the rec center, and it starts on her birthday! So excited!

Good company

2011-10-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Remember that bestie I was telling you about?! Well she comes to visit once a year. She's cool like that. So fun to see her! She is a sports fanatic, and hadn't ever been to a MLB game, so we took her to the Rangers game. So fun.I heard my girls laughing and went outside and they were totally playing so cute, keeping each other so entertained. Have to capture those moments!Also went to the zoo. She was so nice and took like 20 pics so we could get one with both girls hidden, and me strategically hidden behind them. Hahahaha. Thanks for putting up with me, Stace! Love you Stace! Come back soon!

Grown up

2011-10-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Birthday parties, Play dates, Pre-school, and Swim lessons!!!
Wow. She is growing up quick! Ave's friend Chase from church had a party at chuc e cheese, and she loved it!

Play date with miss katie! They were hilarious and twirled around the house for like an hour!First day of Miss Jill and swim lessons with Riley and Ariel. Ave was so excited for swim, but I don't think it was what she was expecting. Haha. The next day, I did her teacher(Ariel's) hair, and Ave didn't want her at our house at all! Hahaha. By the end of the week, though, she was attached to her hip. They did awesome and I am so glad we decided to sign her up with them! Thanks guys.

friends and fam

2011-10-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Every time we go up to Utah, we like to plan tons of stuff to do together. Sometimes it gets stressful! What I need to remember for our next trip, is that it's not the events we plan or the places we go that make the memories--it's the people...
This is my mother's mother. Doris Barlow:) I have always had a special bond with her(although I think all of her grandkids feel like they are the most special!) She watched me from the time I was 3 until I could take care of myself. I never realized how lucky I was to get that one on one time with her. I sing my girls to sleep with the same songs my grandma sang to me. I tear up almost every night singing her words. Her goodbye when I moved to TX was one of the hardest. No matter where I live, she is always close to my heart.I got to drive to Idaho with my dad to see my Williams' side. It was such a great day. My Grandma Fae still lives in the house that my dad grew up in! The second I walked in, I was overwhelmed with memories. Summer visits, cousins, cookies! She has a huge heart and is the sweetest woman in the world. My Grandpa Williams passed away about 4 years ago, but it felt like he would be just outside in the fields with the cattle. He was always such a hard worker. I treasure those memories made in that house, and am so grateful I got to make more with Eric and our girls. Thanks Grandma!My mommy...
I never appreciated my mother more than I do now that I have kids. She is so selfless and sweet and fun. I love her so much. The older I get, the more I learn of her life and her accomplishments and I will be ever greatful for her faith and courage!I am blessed with amazing siblings! My two sisters have children, and every time we go back home it feels like we never left! This is my bestie. Stacey Boam. She might be the nicest person you will ever meet. Never forgets a birthday. Spoils me rotten, loves my kids as if they were her own...ya know, the usual. hahaha. She is anything but usual. Our moms were friends when they were pregnant with us, and we have been there for each other ever since. Avree calls her "My Stacey."

Happy Brithday Liv

2011-10-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have sort of been obsessed with owls lately, and found some cute owl themed birthday ideas on pinterest. Seriously...what did I ever do before I had you pinterest?! Anyway, we did a "Look whooooo's one them." Turned out pretty cute!LOVE when my babies snuggle up with my Gma! Birthday girls, Olivia and Nanna. Can't believe that it has already been a year. Goes by so fast. Happy Birthday Tori! We love you.Since Olivia and her cousin Haley are only 9 days apart, we did a little cake-off in Tx before we went up to Utah. So. Dang. Cute!Maybe we should've switched spots. hahaha.

Mexico

2011-06-19T20:36:00.001-07:00

Eric and I just got back from Mazatlan, and we had so much fun! Thank you Sam and Brittany for letting us come along! And thanks to my amazing mom and family and friends that helped out with Ave and Liv.Our resort in Old Mazatlan was right in the city and so there were lots of army guys right outside our front door protecting us. Great pools, great beach, great service. Then we went to try out the sister resort,"Emerald Bay" in New Mazatlan.....
It was amazing. Better pools, better beach, seriously amazing!!!

We saw a couple of these guys squirming around I think Eric is one of the most passionate people I know when it comes to food. He always wants to take pictures so he can always remember...We totally got suckered into a tour, and it turned out to be terrible!!! Oh man....sooooo many memories, though!
After a rough day at Stone Island, we recuperated with some Angelo's fine Italian Cuisine..YUMMM!!!

This was a really fun day. We took a taxi out(on our own this time...no more tours!!) and ventured out to the city. We had some great food, shopped at the market, and met some really cool people.

This cathedral was beautiful, and we got there just as they were starting mass. Way cool.

Back to Emerald Bay:)This was my favorite place to eat. A little restaurant at our own resort called, "Cilantros." Food was great and the view was beautiful.

Our last day, we just soaked up some sun and body borded.

I know this is an awesome picture of me. Don't be jealous. But other than a video, which I am not posting, this is the only proof I have that I boogie borded. hahaha

Family Pics

2011-06-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

We LOVE these pictures. Our photographers name is Julie, her business is Julie Dawn Photography. She was AWESOME!!! Seriously, the girls were not being very good at all through the whole session, and we don't know how she caught so many good shots! Thanks Julie!

Easter!!!

2011-04-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

The Half

2011-04-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Me and my Rawlins girls(including momma rawlins, but she managed to escape the pics) went to Crockett this weekend for our half marathon. Fun girls, fun race!

Deja Vu

2010-12-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Everyone always tells me that my girls are clones of each other, so I decided to take a look at what Ave looked like at the age Liv is now. They definately resemble each other, but I do not think they are as similar as everyone says!

Livy-licius

2010-12-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me?

Olivia update...
Such a sweetheart! She is always so smiley and cute. She loves Avree, and anyone who will smile at her or give her any attention. She is rolling over, laughing out loud, and finding her voice. Such a fun age! I am sure I have a picture somewhere with her that I don't look stoned, but I am tired, and so sick of blogging, so for now, this will have to do!

she cannot sleep without a blanket over her face. It makes me so nervous, but every time I pull it off of her, she gets fussy and grabs it and pulls it right back.

First Love

2010-12-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

Josh came over the other day while his sis was getting her hair cut, and Avree loved him! They were so stinkin cute!

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

It took me a while to get on board with the whole Christmas thing, because as of last week, I was still wearing short sleeves and flip-flops, but I found a Christmas tree on Craig's list, and finally got into it. This is our first year to get a tree, cause it's the first year we have had space for one. I love it. I also decided to make our stockings this year, and I have one more left, but so far so good! Don't mind our love seat in our fireplace....our living room has a unique layout, and that makes it much more open!

Ma ma

2010-12-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

My mom came to Tx for Thanksgiving, and we already miss her tons. Ave warmed right up to her, and still asks for her when she wakes up! Olivia is still having a tough time if I ever have to put her down. Grandma loved holding her! Thanks for such a good time mom. We love you so so much. See you soon!

Glamour shots

2010-12-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

This is the only shot I was able to get while they had their matching dresses on! Having two girls gets me in to trouble sometimes...it's so fun to have them match. But I am actually pretty good. I usually only get matching stuff if one was given to us for a gift:)

hmmmmmmmm.... where to begin?

These two sweet things wear me out, so while Olivia was napping the other day, I put on curious George for Ave, and layed down for a sec. I woke up to find this! I don't care too much about the make-up everywhere, but it's my fav color that she always gets to! I actuallly can't find it right now. I think she stashed it somewhere, cause I have seriously searched everwhere!

Her mullet adds a really nice touch... I snipped her bangs a little too short the other day! Woops

Welcome home uncle Garrett!!!

2010-12-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Time goes by so dang fast. Eric's lil bro, Garrett, just returned home from his 2 year mission in Chile. Ave was only 5 days old when he left, and we missed him like crazy. So good to have the whole fam back together! Love ya G!

Halloween 2010

2010-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Let me explain.... for those of you who are not from here.....or for those of you who don't follow baseball.....the Rangers made it to the World Series this year, and the "antlers" and "claw" were a big thing. The Claw was for when they got a good hit, and the antlers were for speed. Eric got this idea a couple days before Halloween, and a guy from work made the hat, and he pulled the claw together!

Nana's fish pond:)

We had a party over at Brian and Jeni's for halloween/AVe and Nat's Bdays! Grandma rawlins was able to come, and I was so excited to finally sneak a pic of her! heehee

Trunk Or Treat

2010-12-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a big success! Avree loved it, but of course, what kid doesn't? She was so cute, she wouldn't let us help her with her bucket of candy, and she had to always have a piece of candy in hand. I think she knew that when we got home, she wouldn't be able to help herself to anything! Oh, and she had a pretty awesome side kick....

Happy Birthday Avree girl

2010-12-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

Happy B-day to the cutest 2 year old I know! We let her open her present before Eric had to go to work, then aunties and nana came over for lunch while cousins hung out in her new play house. Our ward had a pumpkin carving contest that night, and it was the perfect way to end her day! We had everyone sing happy birthday, and she loved it. Love you sweetness!

Cannot get en0ugh of these three little musketeers!

Oldest to youngest....Olivia, Haley, and Courtney

2010-12-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take Ave to the zoo for her Birthday, so Jeni and cousins came with! Thanks so much for the fun day!!

pumpkin patch

2010-12-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Tx in the Fall. It finally starts to cool off enough to play outside! This year was especially fun, because Avree was old enough to enjoy the festivities. We went to the pumpkin patch in Flower Mound with my sis in law, Anna, and her cute kids, and then tried a new one with my sis in law Jeni! So so fun.

Haley Jayne.... she is 9 days younger than Olivia!

2010-12-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Ave has been so good at holidng still to let me play with her hair!!!!

I had a little too much fun with this one, haha! She just kept holding still, so I kept going. Totally sucked to take it out!

Her first braid!!! I cannot tell you how happy this made me.

You do the Math!

2010-09-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

With moving and having baby number 2, the last couple months have been a blur! Here's a little bit of what we've been up to....

Olivia Torianne Rawlins

2010-09-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

7 lbs 13 0z, 20 1/2 inches long
Long story short... I went into labor while painting our house, got to the hospital around 1:00am, and had this little one at 10:27am, July 21st! Same birthday as her grandma Torianne:)

Big Sis

2010-09-10T13:49:00.001-07:00

I love this little girl like crazy and never thought I could love her more, but somehow I do! She is such a good big sis, and so cute!

meeting fam and friends

2010-09-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Like mother like daughter

2010-04-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

As I was trying to get Ave out of the car the other day, she was so insistent on staying in. I couldn't figure out what she wanted, or why she was freaking out until...

Ha ha ha! Totally picking up my bad habits.

Hair Day

2010-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about my job is the occasional bridal/prom up-do. It's so fun to get to be a part of someone's special day. I think I'd be a little overwhelmed if I had to do tons, but I got to do my friend, Hopes, on Sat. and I LOVE the way it turned out! A perfect combination of her beautiful, thick hair, and ellegant taste! Thanks, Hope!

Love the ringlets framing her face(they had loosened lots by the time of the event.) I also think it'd be really fun to slick it all back.

And of course, I can never get enough of this little chica's hair....

And the best part...

hee hee hee

It's a girl!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

We went to the doc today and got a perfect glimpse of our lil baby girl! Doc said he's 100% sure she's a she! I'm so excited to go pull out all Ave's old clothes...they were totally worth the money spent after all!

I have an excuse, I swear....

2010-02-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

I have totally slacked on blogging, woof. But it is because I am sick/tired/pregnant!!! yay, due July 23rd....fun stuff.

Ave is getting so big, and pics don't do her justice, so I have to post these so you can see her in action. My mom gave her this silent night book for christmas, and she is obsessed with it! She plays it every day, and laughs at it every time it starts the song. Thanks, mom! Love you!

ps...please know that I really do clean my house! haha, Avree just loves taking everything out of every basket/drawer/cupboard/purse, every single day, so I wait till she is sound asleep to straighten things up!

PIG TAILS!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-22T20:50:00.000-08:00

The day has finally come... I can fit Ave's hair in two pony's! She has totally grown lately, and so has her hair! Yay!!! Put in an order to my fav ribbon place tonight, all of her huge bows just don't work any more, we're downsizing:) Anyone know a place near Dallas that sells heavy duty grosgrain ribbon so I don't have to buy it on line or drive to Canton? There's a little ribbon store in Gladewater, right outside Canton, that has every kind of ribbon you could possibly imagine. It's awesome, and I haven't been able to find good stuff anywhere else. Hobby Lobby and Michaels are not cutting it.

Be Mine

2010-02-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

White Christmas in Texas!

2010-02-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

New moon'n

2009-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you all love how late my posts are. Whatever! A group of us all went to the premier of New Moon, and it was AMAZING! Here we all are............................ Our shirts say, "Edward prefers Brunnettes."

Oh, and that's the Cullen Crest on my shirt.......just in case you were wondering!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY V!!!!!!

2009-11-15T20:10:00.001-08:00

This is so late, I know, I have been such a slacker. Eric, Avree, and I went to Utah for Ave's first birthday, Oct 28, and it was so much fun! Sometimes I get a little carried away, and had lots of fun ideas that I could have never pulled off without my mom and my sister's help! I just love Halloween, and LOVE having a daughter so close to one of my fav holidays. We did a pumpkin theme, and slaved away in the kitchen ALL DAY, but it was so fun to chat and bond. We love you guys! Thanks for helping to make her BDay so fun.

I know it doesn't look very appetizing, but it was so good!

another great trip!

2009-11-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Ave was so snuggly with my momma...awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!

This happened when I was at the store. Cool Eric.

She got to see snow for the 1st time!

Cheese!!!

2009-11-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Ave has gotten to be so much fun! We were able to spend a day in Provo, visting friends, enjoying the beautiful view, and seeing BYU get killed, once again, by TCU. Oh well, the company was great!

2009-11-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

Eric's Grandma lives in Logan, still in the house Eric's mom grew up in! We made a trip over the hill to go see her. She is a master pianist, and Ave LOVED playing with her! It was really fun. They own a ton of land, and she has planted a tree for every grandchild. We got to show Ave all the fun animals, and helped them pick apples, such a good time.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD

2009-11-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

11.20.09

2009-09-14T22:42:00.001-07:00

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Oh my gosh!!!! I am so excited. This is going to be AMAZING.

RISE AND SHOUT...

2009-09-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday was easily one of the best days of my life. Eric and I had Tori watch Ave so we could have a romantic day, and last minute, we decided to buy tickets to the BYU/OU game-mainly just to see the new Cowboys stadium. The first of the day, Eric took me to this awesome restaurant in Southlake called Brio Tuscan Grille. YUM! I totally forgot to take pics, cause the food was so good. Plus, he had done some work for them, so the GM took care of our meal....sweet! After walking around the shops of Southlake, E and I met up with some friends and headed to the BYU game, which we thought was going to suck. Thanks to my dad and our good friends, the Boam's, I grew up an avid cougar fan-hardly ever missing a game. But since leaving UT, I haven't been to a game for a while. Last year, Eric took me to the TCU game...yikes. I have to say, after that massacre, my cougar pride took a hit. But............ THEY HAVE TOTALLY REDEEMED THEMSELVES!!!!! It was the best BYU game I have ever been to. Oh, and Tammy....I changed my font to blue just for you! Playing cards with the Coil's....like our standing "seats?"

We found us a nice spot surrounded by OU fans:)

Here's our few of the 60 yard HD screen! Hahaha, we had to squat down to see the whole thing, but Jill and I snuck down and got actual seats for about 1/2 the game.

The cougar section...I have to say, I was so proud of our representation. We held our own, and got pretty dang loud. Some OU fans next to us were like, "Wow, those BYU fans are impressive."

As soon as we realized OU missed that last field goal, we ran over to join all the BYU fans so we could celebrate without getting killed! This is my, "Oh my gosh, I'm so excited I can't handle it" face !

Sweet and Sassy....

2009-08-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

No more cast!!!

2009-08-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog about this forever! Ave got her cast off about a month ago, and is doing great. The little saw thing that they cut the cast off with scared her, but I think she took it better than me. The nurse had me hold her down, and she was so sad, looking at me like,"hello? What are you letting this lady do to me?" So sad! But it's off, her leg is healed, and everything is looking good so far. We go in a couple months to make sure there's no permanent damage, but the doc said there's only about a 10% chance, so I'm not too worried. Ooooh La La.... look at those legs!

I thought this was so cute... she was testing it out right away! She's been really good with crawling. She still did the whole boot-scoot, army crawl for a while, but this week she's been crawling on her knees, and getting so fast!

sidenote:

I think this pic makes her look SOOOOO long!!!!! Everyone tells me how crazy long she seems, so it suprised me that at her 9 month check up, she is only in the 75th percentile for length. Only.....ha ha ha

Oh yeah, and she LOVES bath time! I am loving it too, with her cast off. So much easier!

O, Canada...

2009-08-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may not know, my sister in law, Jeni, is from Canada. Every so often, she goes home to visit her fam. This makes me happy for her, because I know she misses them like crazy. However... it is very sad for me, because I am selfish, and don't like the fact that not only do I not get to see her, I can't talk or text because she's in Canada. I am basically just cut off, and it hasn't been too horrible in the past, but this visit, she's gone for a whole month.The only way we can communicate is through email or blogs....so Jeni, if you're out there.... I miss you guys!!! I am so bored here without you. Can't wait for you to come back!

Meet Miss Maddy......

2009-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I did my friend Jennifer's hair on Saturday, and she brought her two cute little girls along. Her younger daughter is Maddy, and is honestly the funniest person I have EVER met! There is never a dull moment when she's around! Avree was nappingwhen they all got here, and Maddy couldn't wait for her to wake up. Finally, she thought she heard Ave moving, so asked Eric to take her in to see her! I knew they were in Ave's room, but had no idea what they were doing. When I was done with Jennifer's haircut, I walked out to find Avree wearing this.... Ha ha! Eric let maddy pic out Ave's outfit. Nice!

Play Date

2009-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie has two kids around Ave's age, and we went over there the other day to make bows, and AVree LOVED it! They had so many fun toys, and Marc totally entertained her the whole time. Some day, she and Abby are going to be besties! Abby and AVree, isn't that cute?! Thanks for such a fun day, Stephanie!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOOTS!

2009-07-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is my sweet lil' nephew, Stephen. He's 3 months older than Ave, and they are so cute together, I love it! He was such a cutie at his birthday party, I can't wait for him and Ave to be friends some day!!!

Oh, Avree has started to give kisses! Ha ha, more like attacking my face, but it's so funny.

50 and fabulous...

2009-07-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was Tori's 50th B-day!!! We set up a little surprise dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. I had never been there before, but it was DELISH!

?????????????????????????????

2009-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thought my momma might enjoy these! I know you're worried about Ave, mom. She's doing really good. Super happy, even with her cast. And she's started to scoot too! It is so cute.

Break a Leg....

2009-07-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

While I was home in Utah, we went to Cedar City to watch my brother perform in the Shakespearean festival. I didn't even take a pic of him. Lame. It was such a fun trip. I haven't blogged this for a while, cause I really didn't know if I was okay with broadcasting to the whole world what an idiot I am....ANYWAY....The morning we left, I was changing Avree's diaper, and turned away for two seconds and she fell off the bed and fractured her femur. Long story. She twisted it, and landed on it weird. I felt horrible. She's had the cast on for two weeks now, and it doesn't seem to bother her at all! We went to the doc today, and it is healing perfect. She gets it off in two weeks!

Before..... so peaceful! This was the bed she fell off of :(

She was an angel at the doctor's office. They had a little plastic pillow for her to lay her head on,and she loved the way it sounded, and just played with it the whole time!

after... Peaceful once again! She has been so sweet.

Grandma and the cousins signing her cast

home in TX safe and sound!

2009-07-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Janelle came over with her cute little girl, Mckenna.
keep in mind..... Ave had a fractured femur in most of these pics. Poor thing! She was still pretty good, though.

Avree and Max! My cousin Tyson is a week older than I am, and we have lots of pics from when we were little, so my mom and Grandma made sure we got a pic of my baby and his baby. Cute!

My mom makes the best home made popsickles ever. They are my fav. She makes about 500 every 4th of July. She made mini ones this year, and let Avree have one all to herself! She also worried she was too cold, so she gave her a blankie too. Ha ha....she got SO spoiled at my mom's house!

lounging with the cousins...

"I get by, with a little help from my friends"

2009-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am the luckiest girl in the world. Two of my old roomies came to visit a couple weeks ago, and we had a BLAST!!! I don't know what I'd do without them. Seriously. The second they got here, it felt like we were 18 again, only new and improved versions with hubbies and kids and such! We seriously just talked for hours and hours, and then some more...laughed like we were teenage girls, and bonded even stronger than before. I cannot tell you how much it means to me, that no matter how many miles seperate us, no matter what we're going through, we'll always be there for each other.

It was so fun for me to have them meet Avree! Well, I guess jana had already met her, but only for a sec. Avree loved them! Jana was so helpful and fun, and Kathryn totally cracked her up! Oh yes, the best part of them coming to visit? ELLERY RENEE HILL!!!!! I am obsessed. She was the cutest little girl I think I have ever seen...(okay, she ties with Ave).... She was so sweet and chill, and just look at those cheeks! Are you kidding me?!?

HE/SHE?

Kathryn and I took the babies to the pool one night while Jana was working on some homework, and this guy was lecturing us about how we needed to teach our babies how to swim. He was like, "ya, trust me, if you threw him(referring to Ave)in the pool, he could totally swim. Try it. You'll be amazed." Then Kathryn chimes in with something like, "Ya, SHE'S a cutie." Then the guy says, "Ya. trust me. HE/SHE will surprise you." Cool. So the next day, I made a little red headband to match her bathing suit.... in case the onepiece and ruffles and flowers aren't enough of a hint as to what gender my baby is! hahaha. I totally didn't care he thought she was a boy. It just cracked me up when we corrected him and then he called her a "he/she." Come on!

Greetings from Chile

2009-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mother's day at the Rawlins! Garrett got to call, and it was SO FUN to hear his voice. I love how close all the Rawlins boys are. It was really fun to see them all chat.
sidenote: Look at how cute Tori decorates her house. Would you ever believe she raised 4 boys in this beautiful home?!?

soakin up some sun

2009-05-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THE SUMMER! I've been waiting so long for it to be warm enough to swim. The water in the pool is still pretty cold, but it is so hot out, it makes it bearable. Jeni and Nat and Stephen came over, and it was so much fun. Avree loves all her cousins! They totally entertain her, and I love it.

Daddy's girl!

2009-05-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh! EVERYONE keeps giving me crap for not updating lately. Sorry! I lost my dang computer cord, and our laptop doesn't read our memory card, so without the cord, I can't put my pics on the computer. But this will have to do for now!
This video is almost a month old, and it's crazy how much she's already chabged. She's talks a lot more, but still no "ma ma!" I know that babies usually always say, "da da" first, but Eric thinks it's because she likes him most. Ha ha! We all know who she could never live without!!!

2009-04-22T19:55:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Take time to smell the flowers

2009-03-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Tori, Avree, and I went to the Dallas Arboretum today so I could get some pics of Ave in her Easter dress, and It was seriously a perfect day. We walked in, and I was just in awe. There were kids all over with beautiful easter outfits,bunnies and squirells running right in front of you, and beautiful flowers EVERYWHERE! Plus, I was in great company. For those of you who may not know my mother in law, she is amazing. So helpful and wonderful and generous and sweet. It was so nice to spend some qaulity time with her! Such a good break from the daily routine. Thanks so much for coming with us, Tori. We love you!

2009-03-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

2009-03-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

She got a little sick of taking pictures after a while! But it was the cutest little kid garden, and as long as she had her binki, she was cool with loungin on the little bench!

2009-03-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

So, if any of you haven't ever taken your kids here...you HAVE to!!! It was so much fun. They had tons of these cute little places for kids to play. And such fun pics.

2009-03-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

woa woa woa!!! Another nice save by grandma. Tori was so helpful all day! She stayed close enough to catch Ave in case she fell, but far enough away so she didn't end up in the pic. She's so sweet!

2009-03-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Get a grip

2009-03-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ave's five months old now, and is learning lots of new tricks! She's started to really get a firm grip...not good for my poor hair....or earings! But she can hold up her own bottle, and has started to play with toys and her binki.

Setting up camp

2009-03-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Eric and I drove down to Mexia to meet up with some of our friends from Houston for a camping trip! We went with Brian and Jeni and their kiddos. We were a little crowded with three carseats and all the camping gear, but it was so fun to spend so much time with them.

2009-03-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

The rest of the clan

This is Eric with Jake and Kelly's little Layla...total babe!

Mariah and Nat were our entertainment the whole trip. They were so funny and cute.

Little Ave, sleeping like an angel! She was so good. I think she likes the outdoors

Kirby's BBQ

2009-03-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Since there was a burn ban, we couldn't get a fire going, so we went out for most of our meals. This place had dang good BBQ!

2009-03-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Little squirell

This was so fun! Ave's first time in the swing. We tried putting her in alone, but she was too small, so Boots helped us out. Poor kid, look at his face! He's like "hello, please get this 15 lb weight off my legs!"

2009-03-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

There was also a sign that said there were alligators...sick!For those of you who don't know; every time the Rawlins and Swansons get together, everything turns into a competition. Who can run the fastest? Who can do the most chin ups? Whose wife can throw the football farthest? Who can throw the football farthest left handed? And can they throw farther than their wife? Who can run fastest barefoot on the street? And my favorite from this trip was... Who can run back and forth at the swing set,without getting hit...while we are swinging blindfolded. Jeni got a video of it, and it was seriously hilarious. Check it out on her blog!

Nat played hard all weekend. We were in the car for like two minutes, and she was out!

Good company, beautiful weather, yummy food... all in all a really fun trip. Would love to go again.

4 months!!!!!

2009-02-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Avree is 4 months old today! Well, technically she is 17 1/2 weeks, but Oct. 28 is her B day, so she's four months today, no? I don't know...whatever. She is getting to be so alert and fun. We've gotten a few little laughs out of her. She's starting to notice the strength in her legs. Always kickng in the bath, and she always wants us to help her stand. It's crazy to see how much she has changed our lives in 4 short months. We love you baby V!

We put on those baby einstein movies for her, and she just stares at the screen and usually drools! It is hilarious!

2009-02-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

It was 85 degrees here the other day, so we busted out the summer clothes and headed to the park! I think she is going to enjoy the sun just as much as her mommy!

She has found her toes, and is always grabbing and playing with them!

2009-02-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... where do I begin? Two of my very best friends came to stay with me last week, and I already miss them like crazy. We all went to the shops at Legacy for lunch with Teresa(the one with the little stud to the right of me) one day, and had so much fun... ps.. why don't we hang out more teresa? haha anyway...I have known Nicole and Stacey since I can remember, and it was just so nice having them here. They were so easy going and helpful and fun. It really really makes me miss Utah. I wouldn't trade growing up there for anything. I made the best friends there that anyone could ever ask for. And as I had to take them back to the airport the other day, a little piece of my heart broke. So, to keep me from buying a last minute, crazy expensive plane ticket, and flying back to my beautiful home with Avree, and never coming back (Eric would come eventually, right?!?) ... I have decided to get over myself, and be positive, and think of some good things about living in Texas...

1. Eric and his family and friends are here

2. I love our ward

3. I love my clientele

4. Blue Bell Ice Cream

5. I don't have to shovel snow or scrape my car off in the morning

So, that's it for now. I know real life would happen if we lived in Utah too, but sometimes It's hard not to get caught up in thinking that the grass would be greener(which it is... literally. I love Utah grass... so soft. Kind of like carpet.)

2009-02-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

Um, I really have no words for this picture. I just love it! My friend Nicole brought this outfit for her when she stayed with us!

LOVE DAY

2009-02-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

My friends were in town for V day, and it worked out perfect for Eric and I! He had a "Flag" Football tournament that lasted pretty much all morning. He came home a little early though, because someone missed the "flag" part and tackled him, bringing him down right on his knee. This picture really doesn't do him justice. It is discusting, and so painful. He has a cracked knee cap, and it's all bruised, like clear up his upper thigh. Poor kid. Anwway, it while he was off getting injured, my friends and I all watched chick flicks and had a blast! Then we all went to our ward party and got some wing stop for dinner!

They Say That Waking Up Is Hard To Do....

2009-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ave's been sleeping a lot during the day, and if I let her sleep too long, she wakes up STARVING, and doesn't sleep at night. So I've been having to wake her up once or twice from her naps. I go in and un-wrap her, so she can stretch and slowly wake herself up. It's such a funny process, so I thought I'd try to capture it for the blog!

Shout out to my VT'S!!

2009-02-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

Eric and I have been in our ward for a little over 2 years now, and I have ALWAYS had the best Visiting Teachers. They are always so fun and sweet. I got new vt's a couple monghts ago, and once again, they're amazing. They always make sure we're doing well, they brought me dinner when I had Ave, and they got me such cute stuff for her! This sweater is one of the cute things they brought... Thanks again, Christy! And my other visiting teacher, Holly, makes these rockin' bows! Her little girl always has the cutest bows, and she had extra ribbon, so she made Avree a Valentine's day one! I LOVE it!!! We are so lucky to live in such a fun ward. It's the best!!!

2009-01-29T12:54:00.001-08:00

Wow, I haven't posted in forever. Our internet hasn't been working, but we finally got it all worked out, so I have a lot to catch all of you up on!!!

chillin in her bumbo!

2009-01-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, I love this thing! It is so fun, and she looks so cute in it.

She likes to watch tv in it:)

2 Month Shots:(

2009-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

She was being so sweet at the doctor. The nurse told me to hold her top half down so she wouldn't wiggle, and when i bent down toward her, she was so smiley and sweet. Then the lady pricked her, and she just let out the saddest little scream. Poor thing! She did pretty good though. Took it like a champ!

BLESSING DAY!!!

2009-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

2009-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

This is the only pic I got of my family with Avree. Too bad I look like a heffer! Oh well, everyone else looks great!!!

She was hungry, so I would hold her soother in her mouth to calm her down, then yank it out right before the pic was taken. I think she'd had enough!

Cute Grandma's helping her get ready for picture time!

2009-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

After her blessing, we went over to Eric's parent's house, and Eric put her in this little doll stroller so Sophie could push her!

Fun with my fam

2009-01-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

My family was here Jan 1-5, and we had so much fun. I didn't take very many pictures, but it was so nice to have them here. We shopped a ton, went out to eat, and it was so fun to get to know my sweet little nephews a little better. They are so cute!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-29T11:57:00.001-08:00

This is how we spent our new year's eve! I know you're jealous of how fantastically romantic we are. It was actually really fun, though. Eric is getting pretty dang good at coloring my hair!

2009-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Chillin on Christmas morning in her Christmas jammies!!

sleeping and cuddling with mom and dad

4 MORE DAYS!!!!

2008-12-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

My family flies in on New Year's Day, and I am SOOOOO EXCITED!! We are blessing Avree on Sunday, and so they are all coming. I know they're all sacrificing a lot to come, and it means so much to me. They have always been so supportive. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I love all of you, and seriously CANNOT WAIT to see you!!!! Let's hope the weather cooperates so your flight doesn't get cancelled or anything:)

Santa, Baby!

2008-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

We had our ward Christmas party this past weekend, and it was so fun! Santa came, and as I watched all the sweet little older kids scream and kick and cry, because they were scared to sit on his lap, it made me so glad the Ave isn't old enough to have a clue about that kind of stuff! She loved it!

2008-12-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

She was so happy and so cute, until I put her in her carseat! She started to get tired, and we needed to go somewhere, so I hurried to get her in her carseat before she fell asleep, so I wouldn't have to wake her up. Anyway, she got this cute little frownie face, and fussed a little bit, but eventually fell asleep. She was too tired to get too mad!

cheese!!!!

2008-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

We tried another bath the other night. The first time we gave her one, she freaked out, so we've been showering with her. She loves the shower! But I decided to try another bath, and she really liked it. She especially loves getting all wrapped up in her towels. We put them in the dryer, so they're all nice and warm for her when she's ready to get out!

A Few Of My Favorite Things........

2008-12-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd just post a few pictures of some things I've been loving lately!

2008-12-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Bows as big as Avree's head.
I used to laugh at people who put huge bows on their babies, but I ordered some headbands and bows online, not knowing how big the bows were, but I am LOVING them!

SUPER cute dresses to go with those huge bows

Eric was getting Ave ready for church, and was sick of the couple 0-3 month dresses we have for her, so he tried this 3-6month dress on her, and even though it was a liitle big, she looked adorable! He even asked for a matching bow! So sweet.

2008-12-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

Cam got this for Christmas from Gma and Gpa Rawlins. I don't know who loves it more, Cam or Eric!

Cam was like, "Aw, that's my maks (mask) c-c-can I have that back please?

2008-12-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

Cousins............Making gingerbread houses............. Making gingerbread houses with cousins.........
Cam was so cute. He asked nat to come sit on his lap, they are so cute!!!

Let's just zoom in on that lil' sweetie for a sec!

2008-12-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, I don't love it when she cries, but I do love this purple sweat suit. It's so warm and snuggly.

She has been loving this swing that Anna let us borrow (thank you!) and I love that she loves it, because it lets me get stuff done.

This might be my favorite thing ever. I allows you to swaddle the baby even in their car seat. It keeps her warm and helps her sleep in her car seat when we're out and about. And she look super cute all wrapped up!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

2008-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. We were over at Eric's parent's house with the fam, food was great, weather was awesome! Eric, Avree, and I went on a walk, and there were tons of squirrels out, this one was our favorite!

This is a pic of the tree right outside our apartment, it's beautiful.