Anniversary BIRTHDAY Celebration!

I love this time of year! The breeze in the air, the smells, the colors, and tastes. I especially love this time of year for all the memories I've made.

Memories of when Casey and I first started dating. The pitter patter of our hearts. The hand in hand walks. Our first kiss. Snuggles on the couch. The cold haunted hay ride. The time we spent working out. The chinese food and minute maid orange. The 80's music and the bass in my favorite green truck. Sonic. The moments we spent gazing into one anothers eyes. And, most importantly the day we got married.

13 years ago today, Casey and I made a vow to love ourselves and each other always. To be the best that we could be for God and for each other.

Many people, well....everyone we knew was against our decision to get married. No one thought our marriage would last because I was too young, and we were at different places in our lives.

As always God has bigger plans than others first see, or want to understand. You see, when God created Casey he already knew that I would be born six years later, and that I would be the perfect match for him, and that he would be the perfect match for me. He made us who we are to compliment each other, to love, share, and cherish HIS greatness together. To walk in HIS light and to raise a family to do the same. We try hard every day to withhold our promise to each other and to God. We love deeply. We care deeply. We laugh deeply. Our hearts sing deeply together! Now and forever!

I love you Casey with every beat of my heart! You make me proud of who you are today and who you'll become tomorrow! You make my life a better place. I'm so glad GODS plan was bigger than anyone else could imagine. Thank you for loving me, and our maker.

October 1996, about 3 weeks before we got married.

May 2009

Today is also Trinity's Birthday. We love that she shares this special day with us. She is one of the greatest blessings we have ever received. She has brought so much love and joy, and laughter to our lives. We love EVERY moment of her!!

We hope you have a wonderful 2nd Birthday sweet baby girl!

Happy Birthday Trinity Loran

aka: Nina, Nini, Neen, Neener

We love you!

October photo EXPLOSION!

Where did the month go? October flew by, and the Hazelwood's were busy doing fun stuff! We went to the Pumpkin Patch three times. Auntie Manda came to visit for Balloon Fiesta. It snowed here in October (a record low). Nana came to visit for Halloween, and we had a small early birthday party for Trin while she was here. The girls and I visited the Painting Corral and it was so much FUN! I love this time of year.

By the looks of it, that is one "heaby puntin".

She wanted nothing to do with pumpkins. She wanted the "ittle" ones, the squash.

I love these kind of pictures. Moments of love between the three.

Trin loved this air bounce at the pumpkin patch. I think between Amanda and I she went on it a dozen times. I LOVE Balloon Fiesta! These photos do not do it justice. There are literally hundreds of balloons in the air at once. It is beautiful, and the most photographed event in the US.

I thought the color of this balloon was really pretty, and it's my brothers favorite color, so I thought he would like it.

Having fun with Amanda at the Night Glows.

Being silly. Not sure why these were set up at Balloon Fiesta but fun none the less.

We were the early risers one morning getting to the park at 5:00am for mass ascension.

Did I mention it was cold in the morning? Were we crazy to do this 2 mornings in a row. Freezing and being sleep deprived? Yes, but I would do it, and will do it again.

The owl was one of my favorites, and reminded me of all the ELW girls.

Darth Vader was little Casey's favorite. Can you tell which way the wind was blowing?

Amanda and I. "do we look like sisters?"

We went up into the Sandia Mountains to let the kids play in the snow. We could see the snow from our house, but needed to travel to the other side of the mountains to play.

Casey and Anna LOVE the snow. Neen...well she could live without it. She didn't last too long. She kept saying "told mom, told". It looks like we need to stock up on hats and gloves. We're supposed to have a very cold, snowy winter.

Nana came to visit for Halloween. She helped the kids carve pumpkins. Anna carved Ariel, and Trin and Casey carved funny faces. I think they had the most fun eating the roasted pumpkin seeds. Neen kept eating them with the shells on, calling them popcorn.

Trin was a chicken this year. Although she looked very cute, she was pouty. She did enjoy the bounce houses and candy. I think we went through one full bottle of hand sanitizer that night. Oh yeah....we also locked ourselves out of the house.

Happy Hazelwood's at Trunk or Treat.

My Lobo. Casey decided to be the mascot from UNM.

My little cluck cluck again.

Anna has been asking to be a witch since she was 3 years old. I really thought it would pass, but this year when I asked, she mentioned being a good purple haired witch. I couldn't resist. Something about those eyes and sweet smile. It's not like she really wants to be a witch ya know. What's the harm in dress up for one halloween? Can you see that big tooth bulging and ready to come through?

Big tooth, big tooth go away, won't you please... let my little girl stay?

Trin had a little party while Nana was here. The little mommy is already multi-tasking. She's sucking on a lollipop, cashing out, and taking care of her new little baby in her sling. I just love that baby sling. It is adorable.

Here's Nini. So happy, but trying not to let anyone know. Can you believe she is almost two?

I took the girls to a painting shop, and they loved it. Trin looks like such a big girl doing all the things Anna does. It's amazing how fast that 3rd child grows up. Just look... TOTAL concentration on their faces.

My baby faced big girl loves to paint.

I can't wait to take the girls back again. Maybe at Thanksgiving when my mom and sis are in town.

A few videos from the last few weeks. Enjoy!

Almost two

This morning as I was playing with Trinity, I realized that in exactly one month from today she will be two years old. She's not a baby anymore. She's becoming a big girl. So, in my attempt to capture the moment I pulled out my camera and offered her gum so she would smile for me.

I love this girl! My Nini!

And just for fun...here is Anna at about 2.

I love this girl too! My Belley!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

In hopes of winning an online blog contest I have completed my photo scavenger hunt. If you would like to participate and possibly win some yummy goodies go to Emily's blog for details. http://www.emilys-little-world.blogspot.com/

1. Something you NEED every single day!

Sadly, I am addicted to Diet Coke. Yes I am a chain Diet Coke drinker! Love them!!

2. Something you once lost, but finally found!

I was so proud. I lost 15lbs for my sister's wedding in May.

Weight..... I knew I would find you! I have found you and then some.

3. A happy place in your house.

(I have two for this.)

My kitchen. This is where the family gathers. Breakfast, dinner, homework, Easter egg dying, pumpkin carving. There's a lot of laughter in this kitchen. Also....it's where I learned to bake.

The girls bathroom. There is a lot of hair going on in this bathroom. Hair washing, drying, and styling. I know it is only a matter of time before the girls will want to do there own hair, so while I am still cool in there eyes, I am going to savor every happy moment in there. Plus.....there is a lot of rockin' out to good music in this bathroom. We can sing to the top of our lungs and laugh no matter how we sound.

4. Something you ate today.

Apples! We have been eating a lot of apples this past week from a local orchard. I have also made an apple cake, and plan on making an apple pie tomorrow! YUM!

5. Picture of a Picture

This is my most favorite photo. It sits on our stair landing, and I notice it each time I pass by. It makes me smile. I don't know....it's just my little family. So special to me.

6. Favorite Book

The Shack. In one word...BEAUTIFUL!!!

7. Something "Fall-y"

Children's stories. Fall seems to be the only time we read these books, but they are all so cute!

8. Favorite Color

Yellow and Purple. You know, I have tried to like other colors and color combos, but I always come back to this one. Just simple, peaceful.

9. Something from your childhood.

My rocking chair. I got this chair for my first Christmas. Yes, it is an old chair. 32 years to be exact. Each of my kids have rocked many miles in this chair.

10. Something from MY to-do list.

Laundry. I hate laundry with a passion! I wish I could keep up, but I just can't. I'm too particular in how it is done, and therefore continue to put it off until it looks like this.

That's my scavenger hunt photos! Go visit Emily's blog! Do one of your own!

...my friend Emily

Most of you have heard me talk about my board, and all the wonderful ladies I've made friends with there. Well....Trin and I got a chance to meet one of the moms that have become very special to me. Her name is Emily, and she is one of the most talented people that I have ever met. She has inspired me in many ways and continues to make me want to be a better person. Emily was just as perfect in person as I had imagined. We had a wonderful time during our photo shoot, dinner, and chat time afterwards. I can't wait to do it again, but next time I hope that we have more time!!

Here are some of the photos she took of us. If you would like to see more of Emily's work or view more photos from our session feel free to visit her website. http://www.emilysoutherland.com/ Once you enter the site go to the client session and my password is: hazelwood Emily's work is amazing!