What I'll remember most...

Sarah, who got filthy at every opportunity possible. 

(Sand on her face on the Oregon Coast)

Shoulder rides from Daddy (and Mommy, too)

Those faces...just look at how happy they are.

Freshly picked carrots from the garden for breakfast, lunch, snacks...

Their laughter that rang out through the park

when the tire was spun.

Her nose turning yellow from smelling the flowers.

The butterfly that adored people...

..it went on to land on the girls head in the background...

..then me, then Anita!

Sarah's horse: Pumpkin

Jeremiah's horse: Spice

Caleb's horse: Plum

This little bee just had to have his photo taken here.

My little boy growing up and getting so strong!

Mastering the 'tightrope'

These two sitting so rapt and attentive while watching

a violinist and cellist play at the Redmond Farmer's Market

Attacking Papa with the hose

And all too soon...

the sad goodbyes...

Washington is a very special, beautiful place.  I love visiting and I dread coming home and always end up in a funk for awhile afterwards.  It was even harder leaving because we were able to spend so much time with our nephew, Caleb.   It was a special, sweet, beautiful trip.  

Merry Christmas from the Rolands!!

Here is our Christmas Card, designed by the amazing Heather at Copper Creek Design. I wasn't even on planning on doing a card this year, but she had a blog contest for a free design, so I entered...and won! Isn't it beautiful?

Now, the photos...those are from the incredible, wonderful, sweet, talented, etc, etc, etc photographer Andrea Whittle. She did our photos last year and while I loved them, these are AMAZING. I feel like she captured our family perfectly. I mean...just look at these:


Jeremiah has changed so much this year! He is still just as sweet and funny, and as Sarah grows up I realize how incredibly well-behaved he is! He really listens, he almost never does anything purposefully naughty, and loves to be praised. He doesn't like being the center of attention or being in front of people. He does like playing with his friends and now couldn't care less when I drop him off for childcare anywhere. He tells his own stories and makes up words ('stuck in your tooth' is his favorite, I know it's not a "word" but man does it crack him up!) He's learning his letters and numbers (I blame the TV) and really, really wants to go to school. He has so many questions about the world around him and I try my best to encourage his learning. I'm excited to see him enjoy Christmas this year and watch him grow this next year!


Sarah...oh...Sarah... Remember when I was pregnant with her, I called her Sweet Pea? Well, she's sweet, but she's certainly naughty. She doesn't come when I call her (actually she runs off!), will get into anything and everything, always eats sand when she's outside... But...she's amazing. She's funny and smart (she understands EVERYTHING!), she loves to talk and try new words. I can't believe at the beginning of this year she was a crawling, drooling baby. Now she's a rough and tough toddler (yes, rough and tough - anything Jeremiah does, she does!) She really loves me, but she's growing out of that. She hasn't cried the last few times she's been dropped off for Mops/church/babysitting. So that's a plus! I know she'll have fun on Christmas (they've been so spoiled by our families!), and I am looking forward to her turning 2 soon!


Merry Christmas!!

All our Love,

The Roland Family

Busy weekend

We've had a busy and fun weekend!

Saturday morning we went to the Via Colori festival in Glendale. Out of the few free events this weekend in the valley, I figured it would be the least crowded. (Is it bad that's what I base my decisions on? It's just easier manuvering a stroller and crazy J through small crowds instead of big ones!) We had fun!

We were there early - the artists getting set up.


Playing on the stage.


A little throwing before bed.


This morning...lazing around before heading to Casa Grande for a party.


My cute kids and I. (J was an absolute crank this morning, I'm assuming that's why he didn't want his picture taken.)


Like all classy people, we ate in the garage! This wasn't the original plan, but the day was cold, rainy and windy, so eating outside was only an option for the crazies.



Here are some crazies playing outside during a brief respite from the rain. J wanted so badly to be included in the older cousin's group, but he was just too young, plus he brought the lame-ness of an adult into their fun (since we try to keep him in our sight as much as possible!)



Oh hey! What is that? GROSS!! (Also, RIP cricket, J sort of grabbed him too hard then stomped on him. Poor thing :( )


Sarah loved testing our her birthday cupcakes! (had to give it a try!)


Sarah's face everytime little Mick would talk to her! She was terrified of him, why I don't know!


Hey! The whole reason for the party. No, not Noah (sorry dude), Steve! My "little" brother came to town from Wisconsin for a visit. This is the first time he's met Sarah and seen Jeremiah since January 2009!


On the way home we saw an incredible rainbow!

What we've been up to...

Really, we haven't been up to much of anything! The last few weeks we've gotten sick, I got very sick last week, but now we're all better. Sarah's been walking up a storm and has her first pair of shoes. Jeremiah is cute, as usual, but also infuriating. Shawn is studying up a storm for his CFP exam next month (please pray for him). Our awesome church, Poiema, is currently homeless and searching for a new home, so please pray for us there, too! I think we need to start doing some exciting things so we have fun pictures to post.

What is THAT?!?! It's just hummus! She loves it. Refuses pretty much anything that's on a spoon now, she wants to do it all herself. So, this is what we get. I'm totally okay with it, I looove a self-feeding baby!


Strong girl! She likes to carry anything she can around, usually the heaviest, most awkward thing she can find.


This little goofball loved eating this lemon. He actually ran and grabbed more after he finished this slice.


Just a little Sarah.

I love Arizona in the winter...

Before the park pics...baby Sarah has been cracking me up with this face lately. (cute outfit courtesy of Grandma G for Christmas)


Those blue eyes are so gorgeous!


A little dirt never hurt anyone! Except maybe those pants. :(


She loved the little tunnel. She's getting so big - she climbed up the stairs and went in the tunnel all by herself. I was close, being nervous the whole time.


J had a great time, too. He fell and scraped his face about 30 seconds after we got there but recovered quickly.