ULTRA VIOLET RAE

Ballerinas

2011-11-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-12T19:29:00.001-08:00

Trick or Treat

2011-11-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Halloween Fairy

2011-11-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

A week in Camera Photos

2011-10-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Autumn is upon us. Don't tell anyone but I'm ready!
Here's some random pics of what we did this week

Beach weekend

2011-09-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

I forgot to pull out my camera all weekend at the beach (becoming too dependent on the fact that my phone has a camera) We spent a wonderful weekend with friends in Rockaway Beach. Randy went fishing and caught a HUGE salmon, Violet, Claudia and I braved the weather and took a short walk on the beach.

Birthday party fun

2011-09-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Miss Dalia. We loved the Pinata (and especially the candy inside!)

Happy Birthday Ellie

2011-09-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to have a childhood friend who lives in Portland.

Her daughter, Ellie is turned three last weekend.

Celebration included: animal masks, tattoos, birthday cake (with a sparkler on top!) bubbles, food, and the best part? Water balloons. Good times were had by all, Happy Birthday to one of my favorite little people around.

Pretty Princess Diego

2011-09-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Ballet

2011-09-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Violet started ballet (with Amelia) last week.
I'm sure there will be a million pictures to post... they are so cute.
So far they are in love with it (and each other)

DeGroot Family Vacation

2011-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

I vow to post more!
I have so many pictures to share from our summer adventures, and this week I realized I can post from my phone! So I now promise to be better, to share more, and let you see how our daily lives have been rolling along.
We spent our summer vacation at Campland at the Bay.
A week of RV camping, wave runners, beach, sunburns, lots of red meat, and of course family!
I have many photos of Violet and Jubilee to share, so be prepared for the onslaught.

What happens when they found a can of Coke

2011-09-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

I love this Idea!!

2011-08-23T13:46:00.001-07:00

More Poliwogs

2011-07-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture below!

POLLIWOGS!

2011-07-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

Click on the below pic for a little video

Kah-ne-ta

2011-07-10T15:56:00.001-07:00

Frog Lake

2011-07-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

Is it summer now?

2011-07-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday

2011-07-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

I'm still in denial that she is 4. Time seems to be moving too fast!

3 was a fun year full of lots of learning and love.
I told Violet the other day that I would always call her my baby, which her very terse reply was "Mama, I'm a big girl now". I do agree Miss Violet, you are turning into a very big girl; who loves to dance, sing (she loves Adelle right now) and has the sweetest personality.
On a some days, she is full spirited, and very head strong (mmm wonder where she got that from?) but always ends up telling me afterward, "Mama, I'm sorry I just had a rough day"
I love you my Violet, you will always and forever by my baby.

Is it summer yet?

2011-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Urban Farmers

2011-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

We have some new friends that have joined our family recently. Yes, chickens.
So far they are only about 6 weeks, and we have far too many... but that will change soon.
Violet is enthralled by her new friends, looks like we will be eating lots of eggs this summer.

you can view more pics HERE

A Princess for a Day

2011-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

Before Violet was born I was determined not to allow too much commercialism (i.e. princesses) into our day to day lives. I really thought I could handle this, come on how hard could it be?

Slowly, they crept in.

It was minimal at first, just a few books that had some references to fairy tales (and always started off "in a far away land") and then Violet really took notice, anywhere there were princesses the world stopped at that moment for her. I finally threw up my arms and decided to let her enjoy this time, and make a valid attempt to not have our house overloaded with princess gear and attire.

So when the opportunity came up to attend a "Princess Lunch" at Disneyland... well I couldn't refuse... right? her excitement is pretty apparent in every photo. She was so thrilled to see each and every princess.

Disneyland

2011-01-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

Violet made her second trip to Disneyland last week. This time was more memorable than before.
I love this photo of her, and as you can imagine there are many more to come!
Be patient!
There are over 300 photos of our weekend in California....

Oregon Coast

2011-01-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

We spent our New Year's weekend on the Oregon coast, at Rockaway beach. It's a rare occasion to visit the beach with a drop of rain or wind. It was very cold (but warmer than Portland!) so we had a great time enjoying the beach - all bundled up!

2011

2011-01-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

They thought they were ringing in the new year (we failed to tell them it was only 7pm).
Happy New Year!

A day at the Beach

2011-01-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

In case you forgot who was here first.

2010-12-30T18:43:00.001-08:00

Violet 208, originally uploaded by violetsmama07.

Ballerina

2010-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

An Elfin Princess?

2010-12-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

Pillow Pets

2010-12-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

A special request, a unicorn pillow pet
Pronounce (oonicorn)

My Little Princess

2010-12-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

The New Kitchen

2010-12-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

Do you think she has a future in the food industry?

Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

Violet opened one special present on Christmas Eve,
2 wonderful books with Grandma and Grandpa DeGroot reading a story to her. They were a hit.
It was also our 7 Year Anniversary, so Bama and Papi came up to hang out with Violet,
while mommie and daddie hit the town (i.e. saw a movie)

Pizza with Friends

2010-12-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

We had a fun pizza night with friends before Christmas.
Thanks Henry and Clementine for the princess magnets, Violet absolutely loves them.

Violet & Mimi

2010-12-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

Friends

2010-12-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

Ellie and Violet

2010-12-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

The Faces of Violet

2010-12-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Pensive, Happy, Gene Simmons, and Crazy.

Violet & Randy

2010-12-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

So sorry, it's been too long. It's been busy holidays, illnessess, work. I have a ton of excuses. But we are all currently happy and well and I promise to share more photos soon!

Quit #3

2010-10-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

I completed my 3rd quilt last week. It only took me 6 months (some little things got in the way: renting our condo, moving to a new house, and of course summer)

I made it for my niece Jubilee. It is very girly, pink, and full of sparkly fairies. The sad part, is the this is the only picture I remembered to take of it (on my phone)!! I was so intent on getting it in the mail, I spaced taking any good pics. You can also view Jubilee holding her new blanket HERE.

Quilt #4 is now in the works. This one should be done in more acceptable time frame (I hope)

Sunny September on the Lake

2010-09-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

3 years of images

2010-09-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

One nice thing about having a blog, is looking back and seeing the change. I read the post I wrote the year Violet was born, and today she had her first real tears. It's amazing to see the change and the growth.

2010

2009 - The photo is perfect, we will call this the year of "NO"

2008

2007

My Heart

2010-09-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I picked Violet up from school.

She was sobbing; I quickly scooped her up and asked her what was wrong.
This hurt little voice came out "XXX hurt my feelings".

My heart sank; why was it so painful to hear these words?

It's excruciating to think about how cruel other children can be, or that her feelings will get hurt countless times throughout her life. This is only the beginning.

This is one of those moments I want to shield her from it all.

I want to keep her under my wing, defend her from her enemies, and protect her “feelings”.

I want to tell her over and over what an incredible little person she is, and help to give her the confidence she needs to stand up for herself.

This parenting thing is a tough job, just one more thing I learned about both her and myself today. I guess it’s a never ending journey. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m sure there will many more tears along the way. I hope I can be the best support and listener. I’m ready.

I read this today and it reminded me of why we are faced with certain things:
For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential, and for that, an enemy is indispensable. So we should feel grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best help us develop a tranquil mind! (Article on Compassion and the Individual by the Dalai Lama)

Princess Part Deux

2010-09-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

check out clerk

2010-09-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Princess Songs

2010-09-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Family Photo

2010-09-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

If you grew up in the Central Valley (where I did!!) everyone has a picture with their family in front of this meadow, I'll have to dig up an old Barnett photo.

Cousins Singing

2010-09-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Smiles

2010-09-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

End of summer

2010-09-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

I think we may be coming to the end of our summer here. It's raining today. One final picture to remind of all the fun times we had in the summer this year.

Summer Trip

2010-08-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy around here lately, so I still haven't posted our pictures from our summer vacation to the Sequioas. We had a great time with family, and camping. Below is day 1 of our journey. Can you imagine a 3 year old in a car seat for over 12 hours? Diego was there to keep her company, and there were lots of snacks that kept her very busy (we also sang alot of songs)

Summer Pool Fun

2010-07-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Beach

2010-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Bubbles

2010-07-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Berry Picking

2010-07-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday Market Fun

2010-07-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Baby Bottoms

2010-07-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Who is this?

2010-07-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

Violet 024, originally uploaded by violetsmama07.

Found this adorable little photo today. It's crazy how quick time flies by.

Happy Birthday Violet

2010-07-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Birthday Parties are fun
Especially when there is fun stuff to play on, cupcakes, friends, and a pinata that won't open (and nothing to hit it with!)

Beginning of BDAY week

2010-07-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy week here in the DeGroot household. Bed time has been happening much later than normal, family visiting, celebrations with friends, animals, fireworks, and finally the Lion King. Once I catch up on my sleep I promise to update some photos!

Just another Sunny day at the park

2010-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Some days all I want to do is snap photos of her, just to share and remember. I want to squeezer her tight, and keep her this age.

Pure Joy

Second Hair Cut

2010-06-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

She looks terrified in every picture. I love the cut, it's short and cute.

3 Years at Crane Prairie

2010-06-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Lava River Caves

2010-06-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

We just took our annual family vacation over Memorial Day weekend. The weather did not disappoint and rained almost the entire time. We spend much of our time fishing, and eating (lot's of eating). We also visited the Lava River Caves. It was a mile hike in a lava tube cave. I thought my anxiety of being in an enclosed space for over an hour might get the best of me, but in reality it was pretty amazing, and I forgot I was far below the earth.

More fun vacation photos to come!

Sidewalk Chalk!

2010-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T19:49:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day was pretty fantastic this year, breakfast with friends, gift certificate for a day at the spa and dinner at my favorite restaurant.
I'm thankful to my mother for exhibiting what a mother's love is: unconditional, patient, and ever lasting. I'm thankful for Violet finally making me realize how important it is to be a mother.

My Little Lady

2010-05-10T19:46:00.001-07:00

I don't know what it is about this photo, the way she's standing, the hand below her chin, the look on her fact, her hair - but when did she stop looking like a baby? Or much less acting like one?

Big Hugs

2010-04-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe a little too affectionate for the little ones around her.

Vegan Cupcakes

2010-04-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

I was a bit skeptical on whether Violet would enjoy them (she can be very picky). As you can see, they were a hit.

Dandelions

2010-04-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Face Painting at OMSI

2010-04-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how patient and still she can be.

Wishing for more sun

2010-04-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

My baby

2010-03-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Violet is growing so quickly these days. We have finally overcome potty training. I'm amazed out how smart she is.

I love her more and more everyday. She makes me smile, in a world that some days seem difficult. She reminds me of the simplicity of love and to laugh even when I don't want to.

8K

2010-03-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Last year I began running regularly with my friend Jen. I always envisioned myself as more athletic, but a vision and reality are two very different things.
Last year we participated in The Shamrock Run 5K race. I was amazed that I could do it (albeit I stopped and took a breather a couple of times). This year Jen convinced me that we could do the 8K (about 5 miles). I have been very skeptical, in fact for the last 2 months considered on more than one occasion to change it back to the 5K. I had never in my life ran 5 miles. Not once.
On Sunday March 14th, I ran an 8K in 54 Minutes (and this year did not stop once). I'm so proud of this accomplishment, I went straight out and had myself a bloody mary to celebrate.

Visits

2010-03-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had a nice weekend visit from Bama and Papi. Bama bought Violet a new purple outfit and hat. Violet loved the hat.

Whose your Daddy?

2010-02-21T11:50:00.001-08:00

The "other" Baby

2010-02-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Our oldest. As happy as can be after a long walk (he rode in the stroller on the way back)

Sun?

2010-02-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is the Oregon Coast.

Yes that is sun.

Hello from the DeGroots!

Petting Zoo

2010-02-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Stopped at a cheese factory that had it's very own petting zoo.

I'm still dreaming of brie, mustard, and jam!

Hiking

2010-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

Since it wasn't raining (shock!) we went on a nice hike (in attempt to find a lighthouse). It was a perfect day for it, we ran into a small snag (mud) but had a great time. I'm so happy that Violet still fits in the Ergo carrier.

Valentines Day!

2010-02-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

We spent Valentines Day at the Oregon coast. So much fun, and the weather cooperated the majority of the time.

Below are photos of Violet opening her Valentines from her friends (in daycare) I forgot how fun it was (oh and the candy was pretty awesome too - despite the crazy faces)

Favorite Toys

2010-02-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

Obsessed with drawing hands right now - and pictures of Mommy (we need some refining of those, I look like very mean and kind of scary)

Violet Loves Babies

2010-02-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is Clementine (Henry's baby sister)

Violet is so gentle and sweet with her.

When Henry and Clementine left, Violet turned to me and said "Mommy I want a baby sister"

Friends

2010-01-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.

~Henry David Thoreau

First Hair cuts

2010-01-17T19:19:00.001-08:00

Violet received her first hair cut today (certificate and lock of hair included)

I forgot my camera for the momentous occasion (thank goodness for the iphone!)

The process was very concerning to her (photo evidence below)

But in the end, a little bit of glitter and cute pink barrette, and she was as happy as could be.

No tears were shed (by child or parent)

More Cute Cousins

2010-01-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you aren't sick of looking at more pictures of Violet and Jubilee.

I am not, they are so cute together.

This is right after bath time.

Bouncy Bouncy

2010-01-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

More Jubilee and Violet craziness.

Bouncing on couch yelling "Shamu" or "Bouncy Bouncy" it went for a very long time.

They were dressed as little princesses. So cute, and so crazy.

Sea World

2010-01-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

Violet LOVED Sea World.
Her favorite part was "Shamu" the whale show, they teach the kids a song and hand motions for the Shamu show, It's been 2 weeks now and she still yells SHAMU SHAMU.

My favorite, flamingos! Wish I could put one in my front yard...

Dinner with Shamu

Jed & Tammy, and Jed's very special sunglasses

Watching Shamu

We bumped into some special friends and got our picture taken
No screaming and no tears, these friends are very special

Attempting a "family" photo, nobody would sit still. Wiggly little girls

6 Years

2010-01-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Randy and I celebrated our 6 year wedding Anniversary on December 24th. One of the issues with being married on a "holiday" is that we get so wrapped up in family events and traveling (and now Violet) we forget to take the time to remember this special day. It's hard to make a nice romantic dinner plan on Christmas Eve... so instead we attempt to celebrate it sometime during the week when the madness has calmed down.
Randy surprised me with a night out in San Diego at a beautiful hotel in the bay. We strolled around old town, had a wonderful Mexican dinner, watched a bad movie, and the best part SLEPT IN - past 7AM. It was pretty fantastic. I'm still pretty shocked at how quickly 6 years has passed and how things have changed and evolved in our little family. I wouldn't have it any other way. Cheers to 6 years, and many more to come.

The Hyatt at Mission Bay
The view from our room

The pool below, yes there are people swimming, it was about 65... they must have been from somewhere very cold

Violet & Jubilee

2010-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Violet has a wonderful little cousin. I missed out on the "cousin experience" as both of my cousins live in England so we only saw them occasionally. I love that they are close in age and can grow up being special friends. They have their moments, but there was no biting on this trip. They are still trying to understand the concept of sharing, but I'm sure that will come soon enough... let's hope.
I'm still on my quest to post all the photos from our trip, but these were taken on December 27th.

Day After Christmas...

2010-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

We spent most of the day after Christmas playing with all our new toys... attempting to use my camera, and see if I could really take one amazing picture.

Violet played along pretty well with my constant snapping and asking her to pose.
I did one ridiculous request that Randy gave in to... I asked him to take me to SouthCoast Plaza!! this mall is so amazing it even has it's own i phone app!

You thought shopping madness was bad before Christmas? Well, let me tell you I have never seen so many people at one mall in my entire life. All I wanted to do was go to H&M, it turned into quite an adventure since apparently all of Orange County was there as well.

Christmas in California CONT....

2010-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

December 25th

Okay now on to Christmas day. We woke up to a sunny mild Christmas day! So different than being snowed in last year. We went hiking in the canyon next to Randy's parents home. It was a perfect morning for it!

It was a full house, and oh so much fun! So many presents to open. Violet walked away with so many things it was unbelievable! Randy and I were so excited to receive a new camera (The G11 - which can clearly be linked back to one person - Thanks for the tip Jen - I do not have an eye for photography but I can always dream right? I keep thinking of things I could do with just the RIGHT CAMERA)

We were very fortunate to receive a very special visist from Santa Claus (AKA Uncle Kevin) He knocked on the front door, much to the dismay of Jubilee and Violet. At the site of him they ran screaming (in terror not excitement) see video below.

Violet had no trouble finding the chocolate and treats in her stocking, in fact over the course of the week she managed to steal everyone's else treats as well. I would often find her sneaking off to look in other people stockings.

Christmas dinner was a roast on the BBQ outside. It was gigantic and amazing. For desert a special request was made for my English Trifle. I had made it a couple of years ago, and apparently it's turning into a DeGroot tradition (we need to throw in a bit of Brit with the Dutch right?) Day 2 of Gluttony complete....

On a weird side note... the water in Orange County made my hair CRAZY. It was cross between Bon Jovi and a Lioness all week long - oh hair! Must be all the chemicals in the water. I promise I wasn't trying to make it big on purpose.

Doesn't Randy look like he just wants to devour that trifle?? I think it weighed close to 3 pounds!

We capped the night off with a BABY BATH!

Violet and Jubilee had a blast last summer taking baths , we had to continue with the fun. As usual they had a great time and got us soaking wet in the process.

There was one defining moment though... Violet has a very important phrase that she says ALOT lately

"It's the same Mama"

referring to pretty much everything. But, on this very special occasion, Violet pointed at Jubilee and said (in a very excited tone) "Mama, it's the same poopi!" I'll let you figure out what she was referring to, but she was correct, it is the same! So observant.

Christmas in California

2010-01-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

December 24th - Christmas EVE

I was in the process of uploading my 400 photos from our recent trip to California, when it dawned on me that there is no possible way to share all the fun we had. In a feeble attempt to translate our holiday time, I will have to break it down day by day. We did so much while there, and had so much fun with family (and Santa).

The journey begins on Christmas Eve, when we flew out of Portland at 6:30 AM (this will be the last time we attempt this... I think we got the very last parking spot in long term parking). Violet was a trooper and travelled really well, I was extremely proud of her. Thank goodness for the short 2 hour flight!

When we arrived, Violet quickly discovered the living room had been transformed to a toddler playroom! Outfitted with a miniature kitchen, dolls house, baby crib and rocking horse. Oh heavens!

Christmas Eve began at Tammy & Mike's house. We had a fantastic ham dinner (with a side of saurerkraut and bacon which I have been dreaming of every night since) and listening to stories of politics and gold. Tammy made a book of our family vacation at Port Orchard last summer for "Bampa" & "Bamma" (Port Orchard Memory Book) In addition Tammy made an ABC book for Jubilee and Violet. (Violet & Jubilee's ABCs) You can click on those to view both of the amazing books she put together!

Violet and Jubilee quickly became reacquainted with each other. We had a few "MINE" moments, but over all the night was a hit.

We finished the evening of gluttony (one of many for me) with a walk around the block to view the neighborhood Christmas lights.

More to come tomorrow on our adventures Christmas day! I'll give you a hint... Santa showed up and there was lots of screaming!!

Sea World

2009-12-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Cousins

2009-12-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Xmas

2009-12-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

We are having a fantastic time in sunny California.
Santa came to visit on Christmas day, needless to say the horror of Santa is still apparent, and there will be no pictures of Violet and Santa anytime soon!
Violet has been having a great time with her family and cousins, as soon as I can figure out my new camera I will attempt to post some pictures from Sea World!

Pick-a-boo with Violet

2009-12-14T19:43:00.001-08:00