Love Lives Here

Ruby Slippers

2012-02-11T18:59:00.001-08:00

Baby Girl got a new pair of shoes. Dorothy shoes to be exact. Seems like my love for The Wizard of Oz has rubbed off on her. We've been watching a lot of it lately and it's kind of funny because we are in the middle of a life transition and some days I just want to throw my hands up. Where is that Wizard when you need him?
But that Dorothy was on to something. No matter how crazy and up in the air things are for us
right now
There's No Place Like Home
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Just Beacause

2012-01-31T08:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how I got so lucky to have these two in my life.

Its pretty clear they are pretty crazy about each other, and I am CRAZY about them.

Pretty Little Sunset

2012-01-31T08:32:00.001-08:00

We have been blessed with some pretty killer weather the past week. We loaded up the fam and headed to the beach to run and catch the sun set. It was so beautiful outside. The big orange sun made the beach look magic. I was so ready to capture some pretty amazing images on my camera, only to realize I forgot to put my memory card back in it.

Ahhhhhhhh I wanted to punch myself. We got a couple on our phones, but I have a million in my head of a pretty perfect night with my Loves

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Summer Is That You?

2012-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Two days ago it was dumping rain, and today we are doing this.

When I Grow Up

2012-01-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

Its raining today which is a good thing because now it makes sense for Sofia to be wearing her rain boots. She loves those things and they have been on her feet for about two weeks now. We got to the Boys school early today and watched the rain drops fall down the window and took silly pictures.

She really digs this weather, and I dig her in a snow hat and boots.

I love my mornings alone with her.

As I was signing this boy out of class, his teacher came up and said that she was asking everyone what they wanted to be when they grow up. A Doctor, a Teacher..... when it was G's turn he said a Dad. She said "thats nice but don't you want to be something, like a Fire Man?"

He said, "no, I just want to be a Dad like my Dad. "

She said that we must be doing something really right at home because she could tell how much love our family has for one another.

I felt so proud when she told me this. Lately I feel like we have been off our game, so it was so nice to hear someone from the outside notice that in our family.

We will always struggle. There will never be enough money, someone will always disappoint us, we will always want more than we need. Life will always be a bit stressful, but we try hard everyday to make sure our family is first and, more so, that our babes feel loved.

I hope you grow up and be just like Daddy too Son.

I love you babes to your bones.

Better Something than Nothing Right?

2012-01-20T21:08:00.001-08:00

I've sucked at blogging lately. Whoops sorry. Too much going on. Hopefully I will catch up for reals soon, but for now, here are a ton of pictures from my phone from the last couple of weeks

I got to run errands all by myself. Seriously, such a dream

It was hot and gorgeous outside so the babes and I soaked up the sun at the park

He was hot and looking for monsters

Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The husband and I held hands in the car

These didn't last long

After school Disneyland date

The biggest mess ever

Me and my little nugget. She melts my heart

Valentines Day crafts

And tonight I had a chocolate nutella cake for dinner that I made in the microwave. If your reading this judging me, it's only because you're jealous. It was freggin' gooooooood

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Snow Day

2012-01-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today was Snow Day at school. They brought in big piles and let the kids go crazy.

How fun right!

Love Birds

2012-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that I secretly wish I was a photographer? I love love love taking photos and really I have no idea what the heck I'm doing technically, and I'm sure real photogs cringe when they see my pictures, but I love taking them anyways. A couple of weeks ago these two asked if I would take some engagement pictures, so I got to put my pretend photographer hat on and have at it. I mean really, these two are so gorgeous and SO in love, you couldn't take a bad picture if you tried.

Thank you Michael and Serena for such a fun morning!

A New Year

2012-01-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

No better way to ring in the New Year than with some of our Besties. These boys are so hilarious together and Sofia thinks Emme is a human baby doll,so its a guaranteed great time with the Moysa Family. I am so grateful to have you guys in our lives as "family". Thank you for having us!

2011 was kind of a BLAH. So much stress and drama, YUCK YUCK YUCK.

2012 is official our year, and I am so excited/nervous for what it will bring.

Happy 2012 Friends

Remember Christmas??? A Quick Picture Recap

2012-01-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

So I might be lagging a little with keeping up this Blog. HEre are Christmas pictures...... better late than never right? I would love to write about how amazing this Christmas, and how much I love all the fun gatherings and yummy food, but I've got to run and do pre school drop off. Just know it was magical, my babes were over the moon happy, and lots and lots of almond rocca was consumed.

A pretty darn good day

2012-01-06T17:41:00.001-08:00

Dear Life,

Today was perfect. I've had some pretty crap-tastic days as of late but you made up for it today. Thank you for the sunshine, the friends, the Popsicles, and for my babes belly laughs. It cures my soul. The husband is off tomorrow so what do you say you be a doll and make tomorrow even better.

Big Hug little Kiss,

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Coffee Talk

2012-01-05T07:53:00.001-08:00

Mom do you know our gardeners name?

Son we don't have a gardener.

Yes we do, Jerry Brown!

Nothing like talking politics with a four year old over a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee. We're back in school, sadly vacation is over. It's actually kind of nice to be back in a routine again. We took the babes to Disney on Tuesday as our last hoorah, and now we're being spoiled with beautiful 80 degree weather.

Happy Thursday Friends

A constant balancing act

2011-12-27T15:01:00.001-08:00

****Stickers courtesy of Sofia******

Today I wanted to give up. The stress of my day to day life was swallowing me whole. I had had enough of yelling at my children. I was done with their allergic reaction towards listening. My hose looks like it threw up on itself and no matter how many deep breaths I took, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was failing in every aspect of my life. The job of motherhood was taking it toll on my ability to be a good wife, a friend, a daughter. My children have run me ragged and they were winning. I called my mom in tears, begging for her to turn my naughty,apparently deaf children, into darling little angels, or I was going to jump off a building. Tears of exhaustion poured down my face. After reassuring words I hung up, washed my red puffy eyes, sent the children outside and I sat in the sun with my eyes closed and prayed.

Here is what I came up with. I am Not a perfect mother and my children are not perfect children but no one is and that's ok. I don't respond to people screaming at me, so I should probably stop screaming at my children. I complain about how my days are long and all I do is yell, and I am quick to blame it on my my kids crazy behavior, but I have some blame in the attitude of my house. Our whole family is on a different page. The balance in our house is off and we are all fighting against each other instead of together. We're running ourselves in circles, and I am exhausted quite honestly.

Parenting is hard, and somedays just plain ole sucks, but you don't give up or give in on the hard days. That's not fair to anyone. I teach my kids to keep trying no matter what, and it's about time to listen to my own advice.

And Son, instead of yelling you are going to have a permanent time out spot in the corner of your room so don't think you're off the hook kid-o -

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Merry Christmas Friends

2011-12-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Us. Hope the next couple of days is full of family, laughter, wrapping paper, happy babes, and yummy food.

Good Behavior with Sprinkles on Top

2011-12-15T15:08:00.001-08:00

Today started out rough, as you can clearly see from the look on the Boys face. We barreled thru the crusty mood and went to Target where I didn't have to yell at anyone.

Not even one time.

See Virginia there is a Santa Clause!

I treated my well behaved babes to a batch of cake batter rice crispy treats. YUM. I've seen these floating around on Pinterest and decided today was the day. Super good, def worth trying.

I've been in a bit of a slump lately. Just a lot of things, decisions, weighing on my mind. I decided to move around all of our furniture to take my mind off of it. It always makes me feel better. The husband is home a little early tonight so I think we'll go look at Christmas lights.

Happy Thursday

Sincerely, Your Exhausted Mother

2011-12-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Babes,

I am two seconds away from taking you to the Dr to have your ears checked because you are the WORST listeners right now. You don't walk, you run, you scream instead of talk. You think its funny to hide my stuff and watch me freak out trying to find it. You can't leave each other alone for five seconds. If I hear "MOOOOMMMMM, Gavin/Sofia hit me" one more time it might just be the end of me. Sofias latest favorite phrase is "Thats Not FAIR". Tough cookies kid, you better get used to it. I say the same four things all flippin day...... Use kind words, don't touch each other, LISTEN, and unless someone is bleeding or unconscious STOP TATTLE TAILING!

Sigh

Sofia is the sneakiest sassiest girl I know, and Gavin is mostly guilty by association. That may not be fair, but whatever, they pretty much even out in naughtiness by the end of the day. I would like one family outing where I don't have to threaten someone to get in the stroller, pull someone out of a clothes rack, leave someone crying on the floor in the cereal aisle because I won't open up a box of Lucky Charms. Just once I want to go out and not look like the crazy family with the Dragon Mom with monkeys for children. Sometimes I want to stop and throw a fit myself..... what do you think my kids would do if I freaked out crying because I couldn't put my seat belt on the right way.

His teacher says he is one of the best behaved in the class. She loves Gavin. Is it weird that when she told me he was such a good listener I wanted to punch her? I mean I LOVE his teacher so much but I am jealous some days that she gets all the good behavior and I am left with a tired whining boy that likes to fake burp his words and shoot his sister with Nerf darts.

Bigger Sigh

Oh parenthood, sometimes you are a big fat B word. Some days I just want to hang my hat and run away to a place with no Dora the Explorer or Chicken Nuggets or those stupid little Lego pieces that I step on every freggin day.

But then I wouldn't have the sweet kisses and the " I love you mamas" or the babes that sneak in my bed in the mornings and wrap their arms around my neck and say "Good morning best friend". I would miss story time and our dance parties. I would miss being your mama.

I love you to your bones babes, but lets try playing on the same team K.

****** SIDE NOTE*****

In the middle of writing this post The Girl walked up and turned off my computer. Yup, she's a little butt head

Peace On Earth And Good Will Towards Men

2011-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Boy had his first Christmas Performance at school and it was ADORABLE! He was an angel, which is kind of funny considering he has been anything but lately, and wasn't super excited about his costume because it looked like a "dress". I thought he looked darling.

They sang songs and they all looked so CUTE!

I can add this to one more thing I love about the Holidays

A New Guilty Pleasure

2011-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for Design Blogs, LifeStyle Blogs, Food Blogs. I just can't get enough! Well I have a new one for you. One of my high school friends has started a new blog and it's fantastic! She is so talented and fun, and she is having a GIVE-A-WAY a day till Christmas! Go check her out now, I'm sure you'll be as hooked as I am !

Mindy Gayer.com

Moms Survival Tip #127

2011-12-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

When my kids are about to be banished to live outside forever because they are driving so crazy I could cry I make them take a bath. Its a guaranteed twenty minutes of calm, quiet, stress free time of my day. Invest in some cheap $4.00 tub crayons and you've just added another ten minutes. BLISS

They have been in the bath twice already today. Little monsters

Whatcha Been Up To?

2011-12-05T21:25:00.001-08:00

December is crazy busy so far. I have been neglecting this little
blog and I have A TON of pictures that need to be uploaded from my big camera. Not to mention an entire post about the Sullivan Wedding and a super fun Wedding Dress Shopping day. As soon as I have five seconds to actually sit at my computer I'm on it. For now, here are pics from the last two weeks from my phone.

****Side note*** tomorrow we're taking the babes to get our first real Christmas tree! I'm pretty excited about this!

My mama's 50th Birthday!

Gavin's amazing teacher had a birthday right before Thanksgiving so we made her a little something to let her know we love her.

The Hubs and I had a late night date night Christmas shopping

Gavin's soccer season ended and we partied it up at Chuck E Cheese and I've decided that place is the most disgusting germ infested place ever. Blah!

I scored this amazing entertainment console from Ikea marked down to $39 from $199! Just need to re paint it.

Had some pretty sweet Goodwill finds!

Played with our new glow in the dark light sabers

My mama passed the first level of tests to become a salmonier. Woop woop

Had a much needed Moms night out

A little his and hers hot chocolate action

There you have it. There was also a splinter in the foot incident that has left Gavin crippled as far as he is concerned. Agghh. This was such an over dramatic nightmare, and you better believe he went to school limping. Give that boy an Academy Award!

So here's to a crazy schedule for the rest of the month!

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My New Little Buddy

2011-11-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

SO much happened this weekend.... like one of my best friends wedding:) I have a lot to catch up on but here are just a few pics I took with my new lens! Thats right, the Hubs surprised me with a lens this weekend and I LOVE IT! This pictures are all unedited straight out of the camera. Man oh man I'm gonna have fun playing with this lens. Next on the wish list is photoshop :) hint hint

Hope the holiday weekend was as fun for you as it was to me!

Thankful for the Crazy

2011-11-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

Ten seconds after I took this picture this morning, Sofia kicked her brother off the couch and he landed mouth first onto the hardwood floor. Bruised gums and bloody teeth but luckily nothing is loose and nothing fell out. Needless to say, not the most amazing way to start our morning.

I am so thankful for these babes, but man oh man is being a mama a tough job. I am so thankful for my husband for giving me much needed alone time and for being such a hands on Daddy. I am thankful for my circle of friends that make me feel like less of a crazy pants, and my family for being my constant supply of love.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Gotta run, someone is screaming and I just saw nerf dart fly down the hall.

Yes, I live in a war zone/circus

But I am so thankful

My Lil Pilgrim

2011-11-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

Friday was the Thanksgiving Feast at Gavins school. There was SO much food and the kids all made either Pilgrim or Indian hats to wear. They sang a song and said a prayer and then dug in! It was such a fun morning. I have so much to be thankful for but I have to say that we are so so thankful for Gavins wonderful teacher Mrs. Alvarez. She is so kind and loves my boy so much.

This wek is going to jam packed with Thanksgiving and Wedding preparations. Thats right folks, Chelsea and Bobby are FINALLY getting hitched on Saturday. I can't freggin wait!!!!!!!!!! I'll try and post updates of the big day.

Here We Go Again

2011-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year.

Its chilly out, the leaves are turning, you can wear socks to bed and not sweat your brains out. Holidays are right around the corner and baking cookies three times a week is considered an acceptable thing to do.

I am a big fan of FALL and everything that comes with it.......

almost

My least favorite thing is that this Boy gets sick this time every year. Not just runny nose sick, we're talking the cough till he pukes sick. Yup, remember all of my tired desperate posts about this last year. Welp, my little man has fallen victim once again.

He was up ALL night last night hacking.

I have that horrible anxious feeling every time he coughs that throw up is close to follow.

It all pretty much sucks.

I hope you feel better soon little bug.

I love you to your bones

Nothin about Nothin

2011-11-11T11:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday!!!!

This week has gotten away from
Me. Some pretty fun stuff has happened And maybe this weekend I'll catch this little
Blog up.

Hope this weekend is filled with rain drops an lots of baked goodies. I'm in that kind of mood

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Its Raining Its Pouring, and Mamas Taking a Break

2011-11-04T15:37:00.001-07:00

It's rainy and cold out, an the babes are watching

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the hundredth time and drinking hot cocoa, while this mama packs for a girls trip to Vegas to celebrate one of my BESTEST getting married!

It's Daddy Daycare this weekend and I am so ready for a little break.

Happy Weekend Friends!
Cross your fingers I fit in amongst all the cute hip girls in Sin City that wear shirts for dresses.
I swear I'm gonna have a neon sign above my head that flashes "MOM"

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Halloween

2011-11-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great Halloween!!!!

We're all in a sugar coma.

October, it was swell, but I'm ready for November.

Not gonna lie, I'm actually pretty ready for it to be Christmas

Boo

2011-10-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween Weekend
Friends!

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Weekend wishes

2011-10-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Weekend Friends

I hope it stays chilly so I can drink cocoa with my babes and snuggle in and watch movies

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Soccer.... Also known as Anxiety Wednesday

2011-10-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

Gavin has a soccer game tomorrow. I haven't really talked about this soccer season because he pretty much hates it. Actually, that's not true. He has super bad anxiety all of a sudden and playing on a team has been hard for him. Which leads to loads of tears, fighting, and huge stress for the Mama and Daddy.
Anyways, Wed at practice he played for the first time all by himself. Usually Daddy has to be right next to him the entire time, but this week he couldn't make it. I was sure this would cause huge melt downs, but after just a couple nervous tears, my boy practiced all by himself with the team! And he was good, and he was having FUN! He even went as far to tell me and his coach he is going to play in tomorrows game. I'm not sure that will prove to be true once it comes down to game time, but I am so proud that he's trying.
Yesterday we were out to breakfast and he was talking about how much fun he had at practice and he looked at Sofia and said
"We never give up in the family"

That's right son. We don't. So even though this has been way more stressful than any of us ever anticipated, we show up as a family every week and we never give up.

I love you to your bones Son

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Brought To You By The Good Will

2011-10-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

I may be addicted to the Good Will. I seriously get a high when I find awesome deals! I usually go just looking for treasure for my home, but lately I've been scoping out the clothing. It's a good thing too because I SCORED these super cute Dresses and one of my new favorite skirts.

Just goes to show you don't have to break the bank to look good. As much as I would LOVE to shop the dress racks at Anthropolgie, you can't beat a $6.00 bargain!

*******Disclaimer*******

I am SUPER awkward and uncomfortable in al of these pictures. Sorry Charlie, I'm not much of a model.

skirt: Good Will $6.99 Blouse: Old Navy Belt: Forever 21 Shoes: Kohls

Dress: Good Will $4.99 Shoes: Target Chubby Legs: Too much baking :)

Dress: Good Will $6.99 Belt: Forever 21 Shoes: Go Jane

Dress: Good Will Shoes: Forever 21 and hurt like a B-Word

The Weekend In Pictures

2011-10-17T08:41:00.001-07:00

One of my Besties had an 80's birthday party. The 80's were scary and smelled like hairspray!

Sofia made it her mission to get as grimy as possible

We spent all of Sunday in our PJ's. Don't judge it was glorious

I made a couple of new hair flowers...... An debated on whether or not I should start an Etsy shop.

We made silly faces

I tried to organize my closet... That didn't last long

And the Sissy Girl fell asleep on my chest on the couch.

Hope you had a great weekend cause our was pretty fab!

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The Things She Says

2011-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

We dream big in this house. who doesn't want to grow up just to chew gum:)

Blah

2011-10-14T14:49:00.001-07:00

It's Friday, which pretty much means nothing because the Husband works weekends, but whatever it's still Friday. I'm exhausted, like prop my eyelids open with a toothpick tired, and not very fun to be around.
Sigh
I think I'll bake something. It's hard to be grouchy while eating something sweet and delicious

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Stupid Heat

2011-10-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

Hell called, the Devil wants his weather back.

I am in no way ok with how disgusting hot it is right now. Mother Nature better get with it. Fall means brisk mornings, brown boots, hot cocoa, nights by the fire..... NOT sitting in puddles of sweat and standing in front of the freezer to cool off.

It's so gross out. I'm over it

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2011-10-12T13:41:00.001-07:00

Seeing stripes.
Our hallway is in the middle of a revamp and I'm totally diggin it!!!!! Can't wait till it's finished.

Ps bless my husband for measuring and taping...... It was kind of B WORD to do.

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Eight Dolla Make You Holla

2011-10-07T14:10:00.001-07:00

Scored this little number from the Good Will today or $8.00.

Kind of 50's farm house and I'm totally diggin it. It's a crappy picture, and you really can't tell, but it's red and white polka dots. I'm thinking a super cute Christmas dress!

Happy Weekend Friends

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JUST SLEEP!

2011-10-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Little Girl,

I love you. I love to cuddle on the couch with you and rub your back while we tell stories and count all the freckles on our arms. I love how your legs drape over mine and your chubby little hands grab my cheeks to give me a kiss. I love all of these things so so much.....

but....

NOT AT 2 a.m.

Sweet babe, you need to go to sleep! The past month you have been a big fat pain when it comes to going to sleep and your Mama and Daddy are TIRED! Please please stop waking up twenty seven times a night and hopping in my bed. Please dig your toes into your stuffed animals back, because mine is sore. Please hog all the covers from your babies, and GET OUT OF MINE!

I love you sweet girl, but you are being evicted from my bed. Please please please PLEASE stay in your bed tonight. I'll give you a million dollars.

Love,

Your Over Tired Mama

Its Raining Its Pouring..... Lets Rip Out the Carpet

2011-10-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love to change around our home. When I get bored I paint something, sew something, try and turn a Good Will find into a refurbished treasure. I am constantly looking for things to add or take away. Its kind of a sickness.

We have this nasty burnt brown/orange carpet that is nine hundred years old. I hate it. I hate seeing it in pictures, I hate stepping on it with bare feet. I knew there was original hard wood under it, because the kids room is wood, and I've been buggin' to rip out the whole house and see if the wood was salvageable.

Cut to Tuesday Morning.

It was raining, I was antsy.....

and this happened.

I ripped out the hallway carpet and couldn't stop. Its like I was addicted. We did the hallway and I looked at Steve with that crazy look in my eyes, and he said "

Let me eat lunch first before you start ripping out the living room!"

And then this happened

Let me tell you the crap that is under carpet is DISGUSTING! So SO SO gross

Nine hours, a million carpet staples and a hundred tack strips, the Classic Rock station on Pandora, and VERY SORE hands, we did it!

Don't get me wrong, the floors need a lot of TLC from a sander and some varnish, but the potential is incredible. I love the way the room feels, the echo down the hall..... the sound of little feet pitter pattering through the house.

Any volunteers to help us finish???

C'mon you know you want to.

I'll make you cupcakes

p.s. this is what the babes room looked like while we were working. I didn't care because they were SO good and played SO nice while we got down to business.

But Wowza what a mess

See Ya Later September

2011-09-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

This little (huge) thing decided to hang out in our backyard with us today.

Ummmm ick

It's the last day of September and I couldn't be happier. You've outstayed your welcome and it's time you get lost.

Please please PLEASE October, do me a solid and give this family a break.

I would appreciate it if my children would sleep thru the night again, lay off the fighting, and remember how to use a normal voice instead of melt-down whiny butt voice.

And if you could throw in some chilly weather I'll be your Best Friend Forever

Cheers to the weekend

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Gatorade, Tequila, Same Thing Right?

2011-09-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Someone who obviously knows me too well sent me this today, and I died laughing.

And now I'm craving a cucumber margarita....... mmmmmmm

P.S. Is it October yet??? I've had it with September.

Our Sunday in Pictures

2011-09-25T16:21:00.001-07:00

A little Sunday morning paper in bed

Some face painting by mom

Of coarse dress up

Sofia wanted her toes painted, and she BEGGED her Daddy to get his done too. Ha ha
What a good Daddy he is

Can't you tell he was thrilled!

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We Think We're Funny

2011-09-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

Cheers to the Weekend!!!!

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Game On

2011-09-21T19:53:00.001-07:00

It only took three weeks, but someone FINALLY decided to show up to soccer practice today.
And not to brag, but I'm totally going to, he rules the field!

The best part was the car ride home. This was our convo

Gavin: Mom are you so proud of me?

Me: son my heart is so full it could burst. I am so so proud of you

Gavin: thanks mama (long pause)
I am proud of me too

Oh man I love to your bones sweet boy.

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Rolling With It

2011-09-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Phew... is it Monday already? This new schedule we have is kicking my butt. I think its safe to say that September has not been very kind to us.

Transition

Thats the word of the month, and I am trying to handle it with as much grace as I can.

Not sure I'm pulling it off though

With all the new changes going on, our little family has been stressed out, short tempered and tired tired tired.

I was laying in bed the other night, beat down from the days chaos, feeling just flat out defeated. My heart was heavy because I knew that our days have been filled with too much fighting, too much crying, too many time outs, and not enough time enjoying what was happening. All of these changes are going to happen whether we are ready or not, and it was there, with my face buried in my pillows, I decided to suck it up, change my attitude and DEAL.

I have been so caught up in all of the BS that sometimes accompanies life, that I forgot to actually enjoy LIFE.

So, we took the day off from everything last week and took our babes to Disneyland. We played and laughed and danced to the street bands. We listened when someone talked and held hands when we walked down the streets. We forgot about bills, and work, and how dirty the house was.We remembered to take deep breathes and have patience.

We remembered that our babies are only four and two, and we maybe sometimes expect too much out of them. We remembered that we are doing the best we can as parents, but we are not perfect, and we get wrapped up in the non important stuff, and miss all the small stuff.

It was a good day

I have to remember that we are making the memories of our childrens childhood. I want them to look back at this time and smile and remember how wonderful it all was.

I need to remember to take a breath

a big breath

Life is fast and crazy and sometimes completely out of control, but we will just have to deal

Holy Longest Week Ever

2011-09-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

One Week Down..... 18 years to go

School is very slowly, but surely getting more comfortable for my little man.

My heart almost burst when I found his very first work book page in his cubby today.

It's been a long long week, and I am exhausted and ready for the weekend and a big fat glass of wine.

Ok maybe two glasses. this growing up stuff is hard on a mama

on another note, the Sissy Girl is loving her alone time

A Day Of Firsts and Lasts

2011-09-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

What I learned yetserday.......

Its hard being 4. Its not easy or natural to get dropped off in a room full of kids you've never seen before and a teacher that knows your name but you have NO IDEA who she is.

It's confusing and scary when your Mama and Daddy and baby sister kiss you goodbye and shut the door, leaving you with all these strangers.

Being the Mama of the 4 year old boy that you had to drop off for his first day of school with all its new smells and new faces, and having him scream "MAMA PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME" is the hardest thing I ever had to do.

Needless to say everything about the first day of school yesterday was hard.

I was a wreck walking back to my car. Sofia cried, no sobbed, for her Big Brother all morning long. I had that anxious throw up felling in my stomach until I pulled into the parking lot to get him.

When I got to his classroom door, I was so nervous to see how he was. He saw me and bolted to the door. He wrapped his arms around my legs and climbed up my body and squeezed tighter than I have ever felt him squeeze.

"Mama you came back to get me!!!!!"

I asked him how his day was and he said he liked school. That he drew a picture and was he teachers helper during story time. He met a couple friends and ate gold fish for snack. He said he was ready to go back on Friday

I can not express how hard yesterday was for me. Pre School signified not only that my sweet boy was ready to be independent, to learn and play and grow, but it was also an end to the baby chapter of his life. My heart was so proud and so sad all at the same time. I was heartbroken that the lazy days of playing cars and reading stories and baking cookies all day everyday were coming to an end. It was a very big wake up call to how fast children grow up and how incredibly grateful I am that I got to spend the first four years of his life with him at home everyday.

So Sweet Sweet Boy, I am so proud of you. I am so proud of how brave you are. I am so thankful for every teeny tiny memory we've made together, every cuddle every time out. All of those moments have made the past four years the most amazing, most rewarding days of my life. I am so excited to see you learn and grow this year in school.

And I will ALWAYS come back to get you. ALWAYS

I love you to your bones

Mama

Holy Crap I'm Not Ready

2011-09-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have been in major denial about this very day all summer long. I can't think about it without my eyes welling up with tears.

Tomorrow my sweet Son goes to his first day of school.

Hang on while I breath into my paper bag.

I am a ball of nerves. I break out into a sweat thinking about the drop off tomorrow.

I officially need a 12 Step Program for "Letting Go"

I know he is ready, and I know I need the break......

But I am HAVING A COW

Hopefully I will have a recap tomorrow of the big event, if I can stop crying long enough to see straight

A Summer Night and Set of Wheels

2011-09-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

My son had a gift. He is great at just about everything he does, and he is fearless. He is brave and confident and determined. Last night he decided he wanted to ride his bike without his training wheels. So Daddy took them off and told Gavin that he would hold the back of his seat until he felt comfortable balancing all by himself.

"No thanks Daddy. I can do it myself"

And he did

He lifted his feet up a couple times to get the feeling of what balancing is and then backed his bike down the drive way and took off.

5 minutes and he was ready.

The look on his face. The enormous smile that stretched from ear to ear as he sped down the side walk. It took my breath away.

"I'm DOING IT!!!!! I told you I could do it!!!!" he screamed as he wizzed by. His chest was puffed up with pride. He knew he was 'the man'.

I never you doubted you for a second sweet boy.

It's making memories like these that made me want to be a mama.

You rock my world with the things you accomplish and when I grow up

I want to be JUST like you

Palm Springs Getaway in Pictures

2011-09-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

also known as the HOTTEST three days ever

the trip that turned my kids into little fish

The End

The Sweet Things

2011-08-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is why my life is so beautiful.

There a million crappy, not so great, terribly wrong, super stressful, make me wanna cry, things that happen everyday that make being a mama tough. But then there are moments like this that take my breath away because they fill my heart up so full with love I think it might burst.

There have been so many stories going around lately of friends of friends that have just had babies that have been born with difficulties. Babies that need emergency surgeries and transplants, things that you would never want your brand new sweet babe to endure, and even some stories of babies that just couldn't endure any longer.
These stories have weighed heavy on my heart. They have made me open my eyes to how lucky I am to have healthy babies that get to run and play and live happy healthy lives. They have reminded me of how grateful I need to be that I get to kiss these sweet babes every night before they go to bed and every morning when they wake up. To take a long deep breath during the trying times that raising children inevitably bring, and hold them tight for as long as I can.

I love you sweet babes.
I am so thankful for you
I love you to my bones.

Silhouettes

2011-08-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

I haven't been real crafty this summer. Been at the beach too much I guess.

The other day I decided I was finally going to make our family silhouettes. This has literally been on my to do list for a year. I did it the cheat way but I LOVE The way they turned out.

I got the canvases on sale at Michales, two for $4.00. I just took a profile picture of everyone in our family, printed them out on the computer, cut them out, painted them black, then modg podged them to the canvases. They aren't perfect, i.e. mine is way bigger than everyones else's and Sissy's is crooked but oh well.

SO SIMPLE and so cute!

Invasion of the Princess

2011-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Its happened

The thing I most feared second to her having a boyfriend someday.

The Sissy has got herself some Princess clothes

When I was pregnant I VOWED never to give into the Disney "princess crap" I think I called it.

Welp...... So much for that!

Sissy was gifted HUGE rubbermaid FULL of princess clothes, shoes, rings, necklaces. A little girls dream really. She has been obsessed with putting every dress on and looking in the mirror.

Its pretty cute to watch

So you won Disney. You and your ruffles and glitter and light up Cinderella shoes have made our way into my house......

and I kind of like.

but if you tell anyone I said that I'll throw you in the trash so fast you wont know what hit you!

2011-08-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

We're on vacation!!! Our first family vaca In a lonnnng time.
Gotta Get back to my mojito

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Sunday Funday

2011-08-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

We're feeling better. Hence the monkey business.

Happy Sunday Peeps

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Stomach Bug

2011-08-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

We're taking a sick day today. Baby sister was up all night throwing up..... My sweet girl. In between heaves she would look up and say "I love you mama" and then flash a cheese face smile. Such a trooper. We're
Laying low and watching movies and I am hovering. I keep asking Gavin if his belly hurts, and I'm pretty sure he's sick of me. I freaking hate the stomach bug. I think it's gross and miserable and I would like it to leave us alone. I am praying Sofia was it's only victim:(

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Today

2011-08-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

Shop Closed

Gone to the Beach

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Random Happenings

2011-08-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

I have so much to catch up on. Too much really, but I just haven't been motivated to write. So here is our last seven days captured on my iPhone. As soon as I feel like it I'll upload real pics from my real camera...... And as soon as I've come to terms with it, I'll write about how my first born is officially enrolled in preschool.
Gulp
For now enjoy silly photos from my phone

Last trip to the fair this summer
So we stuffed our faces with junk of coarse

Made a fort and read every book they have

Went Costco..... My babes second favorite place after Target

Ate pizza in our helmets. I mean really, it makes it taste so much better

Got A TON of hand me down dress up clothes. Go ahead, call me a Hypocrite. I swore I would never do the princess thing but to my defense the girl squishes worms and pees on the tree in the backyard. And yes, she made her brother put on a dress,and yes it likes it.

Woke up to feet in my face because the girl had a bad dream and slept in the big bed

We took the babes to Disneyland for a last minute family night out. We haver been all summer because of the crowds. It was a pretty perfect night, complete with ice cream and fireworks

Tomorrow I think we'll beach it. It's still so hot hot hot out.

Peace Out

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Location:What We're Up To

Girls Night

2011-08-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is what it looks like when me and my girl Holls go to the movies!

HA HA

All thats missing are the cucumber margaritas we drank before hand.

We saw The Help..... GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

I was a little nervous, lets face it, the movie had some BIG shoes to fill because that book was so wonderful. I have to say the movie was great. There were some things left out but the parts that they did use were beautiful enough to make up for it.

I pretty much cried thru the entire thing.

Thank you for SUCH a fun night !!!!! This is why you're one of my besties!

LOVE YOU GIRL!

Car Problems

2011-08-09T15:27:00.001-07:00

I spent yesterday doing this. It was a little slice of heaven.

I spent this morning wandering around the Joanns parking lot because I couldn't remember what my rental car looked liked. Super fun and not at all frustrating.

Oh what a difference a day makes

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A New York State of Mind

2011-08-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

I crave this city. I crave it the way a pregnant woman craves ice cream at two o'clock in the morning. I want the hustle and bustle of the streets. The constant buzz of the city. I want to drink coffee at a cozy corner coffee shop and watch the millions of people walk by. I crave the culture this city is drenched with.
All types of people all kinds of stories. The best restaurants, the best shopping, and the shows.....oh the shows.
New York, I miss you old friend. You and me need to get together soon

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2011-08-02T19:03:00.001-07:00

Sissy had her 2 yr well check today. I know I know I'm a little late. She's 90% in height and weight. She's fully potty trained, doesn't have a pop anymore, goes under water in the swimming pool, and picks out her own clothes.
Yesterday we picked out a preschool for the Boy. It was so overwhelming for me. To see the little tables with little chairs. Art work with kids names on it. The director telling me that by the end of the school year he'll probably be able to read. WHAT!!! Hold up, when did he get big enough to do all this.

My babes are growing, and I am in unfamiliar territory. When Gavin was Sofia's age we were preparing to bring a new baby home. Now instead of adding a new addition, I am sending one away for four hours a day. I don't remember what it's like to just have one kid at home. I feel like my body doesn't know what's going on either. It should be getting ready to birth a baby, and it's not, and I'm freaking out!

My days are chaotic and stressful and full of picking up toys and breaking up fights. Most days I am so tired I can barely see straight. I crave alone time....... But part of me also craves a baby. A fat, pink, cooing, squishy babe.
I know it's crazy but I do.

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I Spy A Red Sticker

2011-07-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was not my favorite day. It sucked to be honest. I needed to get the kids out of the house and I needed to shake off my bad attitude. So, we went to Target. It's kind of inappropriate how much we go there, but whatever, that store is amazing. We get a bag of $1.00 popcorn, maybe a Starbucks,walk around, read books, play in the toys, maybe pick up a few things, soak up the free air conditioning. As far as my kids are concerned, it's almost better than Disneyland.
We did our usual lap around the store, and ended in the toys. Shocker.
Now the rule is we look we don't buy. Cry, beg,scream,kick, doesn't matter I'm not buying another toy to pick up a hundred times a day.
I'm a mean mom I know. Anyways we played with the babies, pushed every button on every Fisher Price toy. We headed to the boy section and ba-ba-da-da..... We saw this

The dragon castle that Gavin wanted for his Birthday. Every time we see this he tells me how much he wanted it and how sad he was that he didn't get it. Well, mama and Daddy had a hard time shelling out $50, and it's a good thing because we bought it yesterday on clearance for $12.47!!!!! That right. I took one look at that little red clearance sticker and threw that bad boy in the back of my cart. I thought, no way it went from $49.99 to $12.47, but I'll take it. Even if it was a mistake, they were gonna have to sell it to me at that price anyways.
My son FREAKED OUT!
Mama we get to take that HOME???? Like to my room where I can play with it forever??

Who's a mean Mom now?

I was now on a mission to find more little red clearance stickers. We were on a mission. Gavin found walkie talkies for $3.24, originally $12.99. Sofia scored a 15 piece Olivia dress up set for $3.94 (o.p. $15.99) and and a Strawberry Shortcake doll for $3.94 (o.p. $15.00)

I got $94.00 worth of toys for $23.60!!!!!!!!!
My Grandma would be so proud.

And it was money well spent. My babes have been in their room playing nice since yesterday afternoon
Thanks Target!!!!

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2011-07-28T00:17:00.001-07:00

I'm wide awake. Why you ask? The Husband is out of town and I don't know how to sleep in this stupid big bed all by myself. I don't know how people do it with partners that travel a lot, I can't even get thru one night. And it doesn't help that my dog is on high alert and every noise she hears she gets restless because she thinks he's home, which in turn freaks me out. Yes, i still believe in the boogy man.
The two of us are so pathetic laying here watching re runs of Friends and Will & Grace, tossing and turning. I'm half tempted to go get my sleeping kids and make them sleep in my bed.

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Location:Can't Sleep

Dolla Dolla Bills

2011-07-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

Me: Gavin please stop Sitting on the side of the blow up pool

Gavin: why mom???? ( my favorite, yeah right, question of all time btw)

Me: because it will pop and I don't have any more money to buy a new one

Gavin: I do. I have 15 bucks

Me: Oh really? Where did you get 15 bucks son?

Gavin: from the cash store Mom. I walked right in and they gave me 15 bucks. So if the pool pops it's ok Mom, I'll buy a new one.

I think I was told by my 4 year old.

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Beach Bunny

2011-07-25T16:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday from the beach. Hope you all had a great weekend. We sure did. I would write about it but it's too beautiful outside to sit in front of the computer.

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What We've Been up To

2011-07-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I organized the dress up clothes and the babes are having a ton of fun dressing Daddy up.

I bought a couple $15 book cases, moved all of our furniture around, and made myself a fake built-in. LOL. I'm workin' with what I got

Made snow cones and some bomb diggity Smore's Bar Cookies.

this happened..... and I love that it did. All the cool kids skateboard in their chonies

I played photographer for the day and shot these two love birds' engagement photos.

The Husband and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary. It was lovely. He even took me to the beach we were married at and asked me to marry him all over again.

We took our little fish to the beach

ate ice cream sandwiches in just our shades

And the BIGGEST news of all, this girl is POTTY TRAINED!!!! I wasn't even really trying she just kind of did it by herself. We have been diaper free for three days. Except for a trip to Ikea but she stayed dry the whole trip. We officially are out of the baby stage...... and my heart is a little sad about it. But I am BEYOND proud of my girl and her booty looks so stinkin cute in her big girl chonies.

THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS!

2011-07-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

My Love,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Seven years ago you walked down the aisle to me and said, "I Do." Thank you for that.
From that day on, I became the luckiest man on earth. You have been a shoulder to cry on, a friend to talk to, a mother to our children, and the most amazing and beautiful wife to me. Thank you!
You also have the biggest heart I know. You always see and want the best in people. I have learned so much from you in the way you live your life, raise our children, and love me. YOU ARE GODS GREATEST GIFT. Because without you, I would not have the life I have now. And I know over the years we have had some ups and downs, but what normal, married couple doesn't.
We have had some good times, some bad times, some sad times, and some happy times. And through it all, I have come to love you more and more each year, each month, each week, and each day.
So Happy Anniversary to my wife, my love, my everything.
To seven more years!

I love you always and forever,

Your Husband

Today I Love

2011-07-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I think I want these Valentina Ramos prints for my babes room. I have been eying them for a while and I really think the colors are great!

Urban Outfitters wins again

Don't Bother Us We're Swimming

2011-07-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

If the sun is out, this is where you will find my children.

I'm actually starting to think they are growing fins.

An I should probably admit that on more than one occasion I have laid in a raft with my book durning nap time.

Gotta love $30 blow up pools to beat the heat around here

Happy Weekend Friends, we're gonna go jump back in!

What I Love Today

2011-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry but how CUTE is this! I want one real bad

This heat isn't doing my chubby little hands any favors and my wedding ring is workin hard for the money right now. I LOVE the look of these stacked gold rings in its place for the summer.

And lets get serious for a second..... how RIDICULOUS cute would these little Crew Cut shoes look on Sissy Girl.

Heat Wave

2011-07-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

NO SHOES

NO SHIRT

NO PROBLEM

It's smokin hot out and I don't think my kids have had real clothes on in over than five days.

4th of July Weekend in Pics

2011-07-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

"You look like the 4th of July

Makes me want a hot dog real bad"

This weekend was so much fun! We spent ALL day in the pool with family on Saturday, where my babes found their inner fish. By then end of the day they were both jumping in the deep end. Monday we were trashed from all the outside fun and laid around the house, went and grabbed some yummy breakfast, napped, then BBQ with the Guererro Girls and fireworks.

It was the perfect mellow holiday weekend.

Hope you all had fun!

Passed Out

2011-06-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Im Tired

Last night I fell asleep on top of my covers in my clothes.

I woke up around 4am in a maxi dress and my phone stuck to my side.

Have I mentioned yet that I'm tired??

I need a break

Read Me

2011-06-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

I got this book as a Birthday gift and I finished last night.

I LOVED IT!

Like for reals, I loved this book.

It s about a girl just graduated from college who in struggling to figure out what's next in life.

This book chronicles her travels around the world, something I am severely jealous of, where she learns that there is more to "it" than high paying jobs and all the materialistic things we fill our lives with. She realizes thru travel that its people and experiences that we should hold onto and make our lives full, rather then stuff.

Every time she mentioned a new place, I would google the pictures and wish I was there too. This book has definitely given me the itch to travel.

If you're looking for a summer read, pick this up!

Our Week Captured By My iPhone

2011-06-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Sister fell asleep in the toy box

Just Me

Well deserved after a LONG day

A treat from Trader Joes. Aren't they wonderful!

Sister turned into a mermaid and refused to get out of the pool

And these little wet Sissy tracks are allllll over the back driveway

thank goodness for iphone cameras right?

Another Year Older...

2011-06-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

In other news...... I turned 29

GULP

Have to say this one was hard for me. I am officially in the last year of my 20's!

Better live it up

In The Summer Time

2011-06-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Its Summertime!

Schools out, sun is out, and I LOVE IT!

Its the time of tan shoulders, long days spent outside, running in the sprinklers and chasing bubbles. BBQ's, backyard fires, smores, movies on the beach, ice cold Coronas and best friends. When my babes smell of sun screen and water mellon, and ice cream and popsicles are considered acceptable meals. When we eat dinner outside and spend every second we can down at the beach. It's laughing babes, loud music, flip flops and sundresses.

Welcome back Summer

We're ready for you Friend!

Just Love

2011-06-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

No matter how crazy my day

How tired my eyes

How chaotic Life gets

I am most grateful for you

Whitney & Ted Get Hitched in pics

2011-06-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

In our spare time we are Super Models.... I mean really who wouldn't want to book us?

Rehearsal was held in the Barrel Room at the Winery. How gorgeous right?

The Bride and her Maids

The weather the day of the wedding couldn't have been more beautiful. It was so breathtaking there

Sofia wanted to help Whitney put her lip stick on so bad. I on the other hand was having a panic attack she would get it on her dress.

For the past year we have done nothing but plan and plan and plan this wedding. Some days it felt like it would never come. This weekend was pure perfection. The weather was perfect, the flowers were perfect, the company was perfect, and the Bride and Groom were GORGEOUS! All of the planning and hard work sure did pay off.

Ted and Whit I hope you know how much this weekend meant to everyone involved. Your families were so full of love and happiness, it was amazing to be around. Thank you for having me as a part of it. It was such a BLAST!

I love you guys and I am so so so happy for you!

Now what do we do that the party is over????????

There Was An Old Lady

2011-06-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

To the old lady in Ikea who stopped to tell me that me and my children were beautiful, BLESS YOU.

I have been feeling nothing short of beat down by life lately, and my children, although beautiful, are testing my ability to have patience. Its good to know that although I feel extremely exhausted and frustrated, at least I'm fooling someone.

Somedays I just want to punch life in the face.

Thanks for making my day Lady

Sissy Girl Turns Two

2011-06-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Sissy Girl,

How are you two already? You were just swaddled in my arms, all chubby and soft and smelling like a newborn babe. I blinked and you turned into this spunky powerhouse of a little girl. You have been such a blessing to our family. You are the craziest rough and tough little lady, but such a little lover. When you kiss me you hold my cheeks, and your arms wrap all the way around my neck when you hug me. You sing most of the day and you are always always dirty and hungry. When I found out their was a baby girl swimming in my belly, I was scared. I was equipped to raise loud little boys, not dainty little ladies. Was I ever wrong. You are rougher than any boy I know and I love that about you. You are strong and independent, but so kind and gentle hearted. When you climb up on my lap we make secret promises to be best friends forever. You're my best girl. I am so grateful for you babe. You fill my heart up to the brim with the most intense love.

Happy Birthday Baby Doll.

I love you to your bones

Mama

Camp Rodgers

2011-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

We decided to have a last minute BBQ for the babes for their Birthdays. I didn't have a ton of time to plan this out so I went easy camping themed. I have seen this on a couple of blogs and thought it was super cute. I think this may be the last year I'll be able to do a combo gender neutral party for these two. Gavin was eying the super hero party decor pretty hard:)

I just went to the dollar tree and picked up some bug nets, flash light, glow sticks, and scamp like snacks for the kids treat bags. Gummy worms, carmel corn, chex mix. Stuff like that. I printed some labels ( THANK YOU ANTHEA) and stuck them on some brown lunch sacks I had and whipped up a little banner.

Michaels had these little bird houses for a $1 so the kids got to do a fun craft. And of coarse S'MORES

I'll Eat You Up I Love You So

Best Buds

I got some baby lovin in thanks to these two beauties

The best part of the night was when the sun went down and we played a movie on the garage. I put our old crib mattresses on the floor with a heap of blankets and pillows, and borrowed a movie projector from my neighbors. It was pretty awesome! I think we may have to buy one for sumer movie nights!

Birthday Trip To Disney in Pictures

2011-05-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Boy Turns 4

2011-05-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

wake up Sister I'm 4!!! Sister thought it was her Birthday too.

To My Son,

Last Thursday you turned four, and just like every birthday before, I couldn't believe you were another year older. I think I will feel this way every birthday for the rest of your life. I remember when I had my first thought of you. The thought that filled my body with calm and purpose. I have never wanted anything so bad in my life. I remember where I was, what I was wearing, where we were on our way to when I took the pregnancy test. I remember sitting on the floor holding your Daddy's hand, reminding myself to breath because three minutes is a long time to hold your breath. I remember being afraid to look at the result because I couldn't bare it if it was negative.

Two perfectly pink lines stared me in the face, and our lives were changed forever. I remember sitting on your Daddy's lap on the bathroom floor crying. We both were. That is when we knew how much we were going to love you.

I remember the first time I felt you flip in my belly. I was alone laying in bed, and it was as if you were just saying hello. I remember the first Dr appointment and all the ones to follow. I had your nursery done by the time I was 6 months pregnant, and I would sit in it and rock in the rocking chair and I would rub my enormous belly and we would have deep conversations about nothing.

I remember the day you were born. My water broke at Fashion Island in the parking lot and I thought I'd peed my pants. Your Daddy was so excited he was jumping out of his skin. I remember just feeling ready,

I was ready to see you, smell you, love you, just be your mama.

Twenty four hard hours later, there you were. This perfect little being. I will always remember the first time we met. I couldn't take my eyes off of you. It was the sweetest moment of my life. I had never loved anything so deeply in my ever.

I remember every cry, every laugh, every bump and bruise. I remember every talk we've had, every song we've ever sung. I remember the night you went to bed a baby and woke up a boy. That was a hard night for me:)

We have a million memories of the past four years and I remember every one of them. They are etched in my brain and when you and I are having a particularly difficult day, I search for the memory of the first time you said you loved me. That was a sweet day.

You are the best boy anyone could have, You are wild and crazy, and smart and thoughtful. You teach me something new everyday. I can get lost looking thru your long lashes and into your deep brown eyes. When you belly laugh, I get the chills because it is the most pure sound I have ever heard. You love your Sister and say you'll always protect her from monsters. That one makes my heart full .

You are my first babe. You made me a mama. You and I have been thru it all little man. I love you so deep down to your bones it blows my mind.

Happy Birthday Son.

Love,

Mama

2011-05-24T16:03:00.001-07:00

I have so much blogging to catch up it's not even funny. My first born turned four, went wedding dress shopping with Chelsea, and went to Vegas for Whitneys amazing bachelorette party. I swear I'll get around to it. Right now I'm sitting in the backseat with my sleeping babes on our way to my parents for another Birthday dinner for the boy.
I'm totally getting car sick typing this is tootles from the 15 freeway

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So Done

2011-05-18T14:06:00.001-07:00

Pretty much sums up how I'm feeling

The SD Zoo In Pictures

2011-05-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

100 % Daddy's Girl

OUCH !

My Boys

This was such a good day. We walked around for hours exploring and talking and just being a family. These are my favorite kind of days with my favorite kind of people.

Crisscross Will Make You Jump Jump

2011-05-13T14:40:00.001-07:00

$40 won't fill up half of my gas tank, but today, $40 got us a 12 foot trampoline with the safety net.

Thank you to the people who didn't know what they were doing when they sold this on craigslist for dirt cheap. You have made two babes very very happy

Happy Early Birthday Babies!!!!

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2011-05-10T15:37:00.001-07:00

There's a new kid in town. The fed ex man dropped her off this morning and mama put in 4.5 miles at nap time.

You and me are gonna be good friends elliptical machine. My jiggly butt thanks you

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Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

2011-05-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

this is me around the same age

Excuse me Little Girl, but I invented this face.

I guess I had it coming to me to have one sassafras little lady.

Oh Karma, you are hilarious

Ummmm..... can you tell she came from me?

Mother Mother

2011-05-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to My Mama and to all the mamas in my life.

Mother love

Is the fuel

That enables a normal

Human being

To do the

Impossible.

- Marrion C Garretty

SOS

2011-05-05T12:04:00.001-07:00

This is a stick of butter my Girl decided to make her mid morning snack. So sick

Someone has taken my daughter and replaced her with a naughty little back talking, I'm not gonna listen to anything anyone says, little girl. Her new hang out is the time out wall, and NO and WHY are her favorite words. I am loosing my mind and I said so long to my patience about a week ago. I'm pretty convinced that God made women to have babies

and he made wine so we don't go crazy trying to raise them. I am not a quitter, I don't give in easily, but so far this week the Girl wins.

And I am just to dang exhausted to fight back.

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Hint Hint

2011-05-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Mugs Anthropologie

Shower Curtain Urban Outfitters

Seriously, LOVE these dresses from Shabby Apple

I'm just saying these may or not be what a certain somebody would love for Mother's Day ;)

And a million kisses from my babes and a day of no fighting, crying, whining, hitting, pouting, sassing, or back talking.

A girl can dream right?

Mellow Monday

2011-05-02T13:15:00.001-07:00

Daddy worked all weekend but today he's all ours. Well, he's all theirs actually. When Dad's home, I'm pretty much chop liver, but I don't mind.

Its hot so we've been eating ice cream, laying in the kid pool and popping water balloons on each others heads. It's a mellow kind of family kick it day.

I love those days

Tonights it's either pizza and a Laker game or a trip to Disneyland. We'll see what kind of babes the afternoon nap delivers.

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Random Thursday

2011-04-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

There was no real plan today and it was GORGEOUS when we woke up, so we made an early run to Target and then played in the pool the rest of the day. Those babes are workin' up a pretty good tan line, and my legs and arms are definitely a darker shade of brown:) I finished my book, and I'm kind of sad about it. I loved that book. I felt like the people in it were my friends, and now I kind of miss them.

I need a new book I guess

After dinner tonight, yummy soy sauce salmon brown rice and broccoli, we pulled out these yummy treats I picked up at Trader Joe's yesterday.

How perfect are they right!?

They are so small and just the right portion for babes.

I hope they carry them all summer long.

Buckle Up

2011-04-27T14:00:00.001-07:00

Public service announcement to remember to wear your helmet when learning to go on the potty.

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Scenes From Easter

2011-04-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Daddy's.. oops I mean the Easter Bunny's Scavenger Hunt to their baskets

Thats right, the Girl got a Nerf Gun from the Bunny himself. And she LOVES it! I figured its only fair she has something to defend herself from her brothers Nerf Wars.

The Loot

Easter was full of family, candy at every meal, and not one family photo. Wa Wa Wa.... next year I guess:)

Things I'm Loving

2011-04-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

How cute are these shoes? I think I need them

I just bought this foundation from Make Up Forever and it is insanely light weight and do moisturizing. I can not say enough good things about this product!!! Plus its scented with rose water.... YUM!

I picked up this five pack of nail polish for $4.99 at Target. The third color is my favorite! Its called Mango Madness and its actually way more orange than this picture shows. The Sissy Girl and I have matching toes right now :)

And I haven't been able to put this book down ALL DAY! It is so good. If you are looking for a new read, pick this one up!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2011-04-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Bricks said...

I'm a subscriber ;-)

Congrats to Kelly Brick for winning the Warmer and a Scent Bar of your choice! I will email you to find out which sent you'd like. Congrats!!!!