DAKOTA RAE

This little Diva turned 3 on February 15th!


She had been waiting patiently for her birthday to come since way back in August when we have the majority of our Birthdays here at the J-Crew. I had one request for her prior to her having a party. She had to be potty trained! It wasn't that she couldn't, it was more that she just didn't want to. Once she found out that they do not make diapers for 3 year olds, and that she couldn't have a party unless she was a big girl that wore panties, it was then her idea and she wanted to give it a try. The first day wasn't very successful other than she felt what it was like to pee her pants. She didn't seem to mind. The next day she got the hang of it and even though it seemed more of a hassle to go in the toilet versus her pants, she gave every effort to. The next day came and she told me that she was a big girl and had wore panties the entire day before going potty in the toilet and so now she got to have a party and wanted a diaper back on! What!?!? Smarty pants! I guess I should have clarified that it was a change forever! I finally convinced her that was the way it had to be, and the rest is history. We have had a few accidents here and there, but for the most part, it was the easiest potty training experience to date. Other than Jeslyn who trained herself...at 15 months!

Here at the J-Crew, we tend to celebrate for an entire week. Dakota's birthday was no exception. Her birthday started a couple days early with a gift from Grandma Jill and Papa. 

We celebrated on her actual day of birth with a dinner of her choice and of course cake and ice cream. This silly girl could not decide what kind of cake she wanted. It changed daily from a My Little Pony cake to a Care Bear cake to a football cake. I was worried of the disappointment, so I opted for none of the 3 and made a butterfly cake. What little girl could resist butterfly's?

Dakota was in heaven! I think she had to blow out the candles at least 3 times. 

Painting her tea party set that she got for her birthday. This little girl is very artistic. Everything she is drawn to involves artistry. I love this quality about her. She will spend hours on a daily basis drawing and coloring and cutting all the while jamming to music!

On the last day we celebrated, Dakota had a surprise waiting for her in the arena. 

SURPRISE....a new bike!

Now we just need to teach her how to ride it. If the weather ever improves!

This little girl, is as sweet as she looks! And is full of so much life! There is never a dull moment with her around. Dakota takes the title for being the comedian of the family. 

Dakota Rae has blessed all of our lives in so many ways. I feel so grateful to be her momma and couldn't imagine life without her. 

January and February

Playing catch-up as usual.

January and February were jam packed with lots of activities and fun!
In an effort to catch-up and blog in real time, I am going to let the pictures do most of the talking. If I am being honest...that is all most people look at anyway, I am sure. :)

This little firecracker is quite a character! Really shy at first and then ba-bam! The personality comes out in full bloom...and it is loud! We wouldn't have her any other way. Not sure if I have mentioned it here before, but this little one can sing and has a beautiful deep voice from within. She is going to be very musically talented one day.

We took a little getaway early February. We did't go to far, but sure had fun!

My little explorers sure learned a lot about dinosaurs that day. 

February also brought our very first baby calf! Life here on the ranch is fairly predictable.

This next picture means...I am getting old! How could I possibly have a child in Driver's Ed.? 

These 2 are a lot more excited about Jes driving than I am.

Here she is at it again! 

This is a daily occurrence in the life of Dakota Rae!

Enjoying all the 36" of snow we had this winter...which has been never ending!

Jauncee participated in an All-State Choir the end of February. The kids rehearsed all day and then performed later that evening at the Concert Hall in Pocatello. The program was spectacular...until...it was ruined by some obnoxious kid who decided it would be funny to pull the fire alarm. That was the beginning of a long and cold day. Luckily Jauncee's group had finished performing and the next group was just taking the stage. We planned on staying, however, with a baby in tow and the cold weather, we just couldn't wait for the building to be cleared of any danger. Not knowing where Jauncee was and with the carseat, diaper bag, Jauncee's clothes and shoes, I made the 1 mile hike up hill to the car where Jauncee was waiting nice and warm in a vehicle with a friend. We may not have gotten to stay for the entire performance, but it was definitely a day for the books!