Ashley has FINALLY started Soccer!!!

Ashley is finally old enough to play soccer. For her age group they practice and play all on Saturdays. After Ashley ran around in the 90 degree heat for practice she wasn't thrilled to go out and play again in the game. After some encouraging from Joe and I, she finally went out and played. She scored a goal for her team and for the other team. So she thinks she scored two goals.

We are so proud of her and I am so excited that she can play and have her own team and uniform. It will be so much fun to go and watch her play too!

This is Ashley showing you that she is #1

You can tell she is very excited to go to her first practice/game!!!

Happy Birthday Jackie!

I couldn't let this day pass without remembering my sister, Jackie (Jacqueline), who would have turned 35 today. She was one amazing gal and fabulous sister who never let her trials ever get in her way. Throughout her entire life she struggled with physical, social and comprehension skills, but yet she powered through it all.

When she was a Senior in High school she experienced her first seizure which led to the discovery of an Astrocytoma (brain tumor, one of the worst cancers to have) located on the left side of her brain. The doctors thought the tumor had probably been there, slowly growing, her entire life. This explained so many things. Why she had so many problems with speech, balance, comprehension, etc!!! She spent the next 14 years undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and the surgical removal twice. Even up to the very end (died September 8th, 2006) she was always in such positive spirits.

While we lived in San Francisco during Joe's dental school (2003-2006) we would travel home often on weekends. I am so glad we lived close enough so we could visit and so that my girls could get to know their Aunt Jackie. Madison still talks about her and how she now lives in heaven. I was always worried that she would pass away while we lived elsewhere. Luckily she held on until we moved back the summer of 2006 and we were able to visit with her daily for two short months.

I miss her terribly, but I know she is in such a better place now and free from all her pain and ailments. My third little girl is named after my sister, her full name is Tori Jacqueline!!! Love you Sis and Happy Birthday!!!

Soccer Season Has Started

Our Saturdays are going to consist of soccer and more soccer. Madison had her first game this past Saturday and Ashley starts her season in a couple of weeks. Both girls are super excited!

I will post more pictures of Ashley when her season starts up in a couple of weeks!

Labor Day Weekend and Ashley's First Day of School

Ashley was super excited to finally start preschool again. She really likes her new teacher and that her school has birds and a rabbit for pets.

Don't most kids baby teeth become loose and then fall out? Well not for Madison! Her permanent teeth are erupting behind her baby teeth and coming in sideways because Madison has no room! Joe numbed her up with "sleepy juice" and extracted her two baby teeth in our kitchen. Madison wasn't really excited about it at first, but then realized how easy it was and that it didn't hurt! She was thrilled to put her baby teeth under her pillow for the tooth fairy.


Joe's brother Todd, his wife Christianne, and his brother Von came to visit over Labor Day! We took them to see Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch since it is only a few miles away from where we live!
We also spent some time at the pool. The boys showing off their manly muscles!

My brother Gary, Joe, Todd, and Von!

We couldn't let the Holbrook Boys visit without taking them out to a fabulous steak place called AJ Spurs!
I just love this picture. My girls couldn't get enough of their Aunt and Uncles. The girls formed this train and snuggled while watching tv.
We had so much fun over Labor Day and wish our family didn't have to leave! So much food and fun!!!