.

Doing the Potty Dance

2009-12-07T10:26:00.002-07:00

Do you hear the choirs singing hallelujah? We hear them at our house. Why?? The two-year-old is potty trained!! And we are all singing & dancing around here. Woohooo! She did it! I swore I wouldn't even attempt it until she was begging me...and then this past week she just did it. All by herself. No looking back. No accidents. (so far....maybe I shouldn't have typed that...oops). And THAT is the beauty of WAITING until they are ready. So so easy peasy!! It probably also helps that she is a intensely, wildly INDEPENDENT little girl. Yeah that might help a bit. And the panties. Its ALL ABOUT the Dora panties.

drew...month #2

2009-11-25T16:38:00.005-07:00

Despite violent errr...I guess we'll call it overzealous loving from his 2-year-old sister...drew has made it to his second month. He is a sweet babe. Not too hard, not too easy, pretty much somewhere in between. These are some of things we have noticed about Drew at 2.

2 months that is. I just like to rhyme. :D

-He LOVES music. Especially being sung to. Even by me which is pretty scary folks. He first smiled at us while I was singing the Primary "Hello Song" of all things.
-He is sleeping better. Not awesome, but better. Waking about 2x a night with long luxurious naps during the day. Wish I was getting those too.
-He has big blue blue blue eyes.
-He is smiling. Mostly for mama, but slowly and surely for everyone else.
-He LOVES his baths (when he gets them...he IS the 4th child after all). It didn't start out that way, but he LOVES baths now. It is so cute to see him splash around in the water.
-He is adored by all of his siblings, even the 2-year-old who sometimes likes to see how high she can push him in the swing before he falls out. (He HAS NOT fallen out by the way...I'm just sayin...)
-He recognizes faces...mostly mine. I love to see him light up when he sees me. It is probably the only time in life when you can be THE WORLD to someone. Sigh...
-He is a CHUNKY monkey. :) We love that.

Hmmm...there is probably more. If I think of it I will come back & add it in, but I'm tired, dinner needs to be cooked & 6 mouths fed. Woah...that's a lot of mouths.

Buds

2009-11-20T19:09:00.002-07:00

They are only 3 weeks apart. Born to be buddies. The youngest of one family. The oldest of the other. They are friends. We insist upon it. :)

Halloweenies

2009-11-08T17:16:00.003-07:00

I am aware that Halloween was LAST weekend. But hey, I figure when you have four (!) kids like me & one is ONLY six weeks old you get a little leeway when documenting events. That is what I'm banking on. Yes? Yes. Just nod & smile. Thanks. :)

Halloween was crazy busy. We began the day with Zoe's soccer game, rushed home & Robin, Zoe & Luke dashed off to the ASU football game and then flew home so that we could head over to Uncle Sean & Aunt Heidi's casa for delectable (albeit MAJORLY unhealthy) vittles. I went, I sat, I nursed. Good times had by all.

And now without further adieu, the kidlets....in all their costumed glory....

Brynn...an ASU cheerleader. Just in case you were wondering if we are fans. Yeah, we are fans. Huge fans. It is kinda sick. The kids all know the fight song and can make the "pitchfork" with their fingers practically from birth. We are teaching Andrew as we speak.

Luke...Sheriff Woody...(but only cuz I couldn't find a Sparky costume...he wants to be that next year.) HOWEVER Sheriff Woody suited him just fine. "There's a snake in my boot!"

And last but certainly not least Miss Zoe who was Snow White. She was going to be a witch, but changed her mind at the very last minute. Pink nose & cheeks courtesy of soccer + ASU football. :)

Here they are...all togetha (minus little Drew who was asleep and as mama done told me..."NEVER wake a sleeping baby. Never." So I didn't.) This pic is SO them. Goofy Luke, silly snuggle bug Brynn & shy Zoe. My rugrats. Happy (belated) Halloween!

Raise your hand if you're sleepy...

2009-11-02T20:48:00.003-07:00

What's the word? Tired. That's the word. K moms...HOW do we forget this? Well, I guess we don't exactly forget, but it becomes hazy I suppose. Ugh...I'm just draggin. Maybe it's the 4th kid thing, maybe it's the being over 30 thing, maybe it's the baby spending WAY too much time crying today thing. Not sure. But were are sooooo there. Weary to the bone, through & through.....sleeeeeeepy. I'm hanging on, holding out, TRYING to enjoy his newbornishness. Yep I'm inventing words too. I'm justified. :)

Ok, can't stand it any more...must...go...to...bed. G'night y'all.

2009-10-27T15:00:00.003-07:00

Ok so I HAVE been taking pics. Lots and LOTS of them and it will take me some time to get them posted, but over the past month I've been photographing the dickens out of my sweet love and thus we begin a little case study of my baby boy.

Andrew: Head to Toe.

I've done a few formal "portrait-ey" types of images, but mostly it is just him & us, hanging around, living the good life as a family of SIX!

Here is is...hanging on the couch. Six days new.

one month old

2009-10-25T16:20:00.004-07:00

geez that went fast...like faster than any of the other kids fast & it kinda freaks me out. he's waking up a bit more, checking out the world a bit more, loves mama best, finds his siblings fascinating when they aren't torturing him & I SWEAR he smiled at zoe yesterday. ;) here's our little love...one month old. (yeah i do have a zillion more pics & I WILL post retroactive highlights...promise.)

He's Here!

2009-09-28T20:04:00.004-07:00

Can't say the last few days have been what I expected...but I am grateful to announce that our little Andrew Frederick is here at last. 7 pounds 10 ounces, 19 1/2 inches of pure perfection. And he doesn't look a bit like any of our other kids. Seriously.

When a routine office visit last Friday revealed that our little guy was BREECH (!) we were sent to the hospital that afternoon for an attempt at turning him into the appropriate position. Ahem...he was having NONE of that. Ow. And so we proceeded with a very unexpected c-section Friday night.

Yeah it's different. VERY different. In both good & bad ways. I think I'm experiencing the bad ways now...after the fact. Ow. The actual birth was easy-peasy. Lay back, relax, get a baby. No pushing, heavy breathing, etc. That was the easy part.

But of course it is all worth is as I snuggle my sweet one & watch my littles oogle over his cuteness. We love him to pieces & I am relishing him as much as possible since he is our grand finale. And now I am off to drink up his sweetness & deeply inhale that delicious newborn aroma. Don't you wish they could bottle that stuff? Yum. Here he is...in the hospital...2 days old. My hospital picture taking attempts were a little sad this time around...something about an incision in my abdomen getting in the way. Oh well...many, many pics to come.

One of those moments...

2009-09-22T15:00:00.005-07:00

that I'll never forget. You know the ones...where you can feel it searing into your memory even as it is taking place. For FHE last night Robin was talking to the kids about families & how we have not only fathers here on earth, but a Father in Heaven as well. We then talked about the new baby coming and how special he would be and how he is a child of God just as all of us are. He then suggested that we gather around my belly and sing I am a Child of God to our little boy. They all gathered around, each putting a hand on my belly and sang in their sweet little voices to their little brother. I'm getting teary again just thinking about it. I wish I had had my camera to capture their darling little hands on my belly with their noses pressed into my skin, eager to serenade their brother. Definitely a moment I'll never forget.

Labor of Love

2009-09-07T23:28:00.003-07:00

Well...she did it! After a long, hard labor Jessica is a mom!!! AND I was so so lucky to be at the delivery. Here are a few preview photos....to see more delivery images head over to my other blog. :)

Shameless Plug...Come Vote for Me!!

2009-09-01T14:50:00.004-07:00

So I never enter photo contests. I'm a chicken. A chicken-weenie-butt to be exact. (Only Rachel will understand that!) Anyways I finally did enter one AND...don't pass out...I'M A FINALIST! So ok, ok to win I need votes & so if you have a moment or two, help a pregnant girlie out! Thank you!!! Here is the link:

Psst...I'm #4! :)

Here is the image that was selected...Miss Zoe's sandy hands...

Future Plumber?

2009-08-10T15:01:00.003-07:00

Do ya think Luke might be in training?? :D

It's Growing!

2009-07-09T22:13:00.004-07:00

They belly that is....hello HUGE! Robin says I was this size when I was ready to have Zoe...yeah thanks babe that makes me feel deeeelightful! :P This arial view was taken last week in San Diego...we are nearly 28 weeks now. Can't believe our little guy will be arriving in only 12 more weeks! Ack!

Welcome to the World....

2009-05-25T21:30:00.002-07:00

It is my niece's birthday today. Her very first one. Little Victoria was born early this morning...12:53 to be exact & I got to be there.

No matter how many times I see it (and for me it has been a number of times), I am always blown away by the miracle of birth.

Welcome to the world Victoria...we are so glad you are here.

Everyday life...

2009-05-17T21:27:00.003-07:00

I figure I'd better start posting more about our everyday life...we do have one. The routines...mundane and repetative, but I do suppose fleeting. Someday I won't actually have to bathe all of my children...someday I am sure they would be mortified to have me in the bathroom with them. So for now, although bending over to wash them in the tub is getting a bit more challanging with my expanding waistline, and truthfully Zoe is pretty self sufficient...I will try to enjoy this fleeting moment of my every day life. Actually having all 3 of them in the tub is a RARE occurance...one which happens when I'm just too worn out to do the usual and so I throw them all in, rinse, wash, repeat & drag them out again. But aren't sudsy kids the cutest?

The 3 B's

2009-05-02T15:36:00.003-07:00

Geez...I guess it has been awhile. QUITE awhile. Just hanging in...trying to keep my lunch down, trying to stay awake...you know pregnancy. You may wonder at the title of my post. Well...they are growing. The 3 B's that is. Belly, boobs and ahem, butt (although we ARE NOT allowed to say that word in our house!!). I swear it looks like I'm growing a baby in my behind. What is the deal? And these bosoms! Come ON! So at least the belly is starting to catch up & I'm beginning to look like a pregnant girl rather than a slightly chubba-lubba one. Although I still feel like a chubba-lubba. I definitely started gaining weight all the way around & showing SO QUICK with this one. Sheesh!

So the BIG news is that Tuesday we discovered our little rugrat is a boy. A BOY!!! Praise be to the heavens. I cannot believe it! When I was pregnant with Z with were hoping for a boy cuz well, you know, I guess for some reason having a boy first was "the thing". But along she came and it was great. So then we thought how fun it would be for her to have a sister close in age...no dice...along came little L. So third time around again we think, yup a brother for little L would be just divine...oh no...along comes little B. So all is wonderful, lovely & we decided that come girl or boy this baby would round out our little family. And I hope and pray and wish and dream for 2 and 2...a brother for little L and nice even lovely number. And it happens!! I practically cheered in the ultrasound room. We are thrilled beyond measure not only for the fact that we are welcome a little boy, but more so for the fact that he looks healthy and well and is growing just perfectly.

Nope, no names yet...we tend to wait until the last minute or even a week after birth to name our children. We like to see them, make sure the name "fits"... it's our thing.

AND by the way, taking a self portrait of your pregnant belly...seriously NOT easy....or comfortable...or all that fun. But I'll try to keep a record as this will be the last time I'll look this way... which fills me with a mixture of emotions. Most of which resemble extreme joy. :)

Life...

2009-02-22T15:47:00.003-07:00

Yeah, so that is what has been going on...life. Nothing super exciting...ok well maybe ONE super exciting thing, but anyways we'll get to that. Just thought I'd give a run down on what's up with us...try not to hold your breath...SUPER excitement ahead. (roll eyes icon needed here)

1. Little B turned 2. Seriously that was the FASTEST two years of my life...bar none. We had a bouncing birthday bash with her best little buddy who also happens to have a name that begins with B. We'll call him Mr. B. Mr. B is the strong silent type which suits our little B just fine. She can boss him around. She likes that. He is a patient soul. Anyways this was the cutest shot of the two of them from their exciting day...all the others were very "deer in the headlights-esque". She is VERY much my daughter, in many ways, going in for the first kiss is hereditary my friends.

2. One of Z's top teeth is loose. Sadly. I know she has already lost the bottom two, but for some reason the top ones make me feel so much more like she is growing up. Soon she will have a mouth full of BIG teeth. :(

3. Registered L for pre-K. CANNOT believe the boy will be going to the BIG school in the fall. Five days a week. Gulp. I'm praying for his teachers.

4. We had a horrible run in with strep/the flu which made it's way slowly & painfully through the entire family. (except little B...lucky girl). I felt very sure I was on my death bed..but still had to be Mom. I think Moms should not be allowed to get sick. Where is the super Mom pill that wards off all germs? I'd buy it.

5. Valentine's was nice, uneventful but good to get out. We went shopping for a bookshelf...unsuccessfully. We have been trying to pick one out FOREVER. We are too picky or cheap or something...not sure what. We thought we were being sneaky to go to dinner at 5, beat the crowds...ummm no. 2 hour waits pretty much everywhere. We had Red Robin. Sad, but decent & there was NO WAIT.

6. My resolutions are going ummm...wellllll not super great...mostly because of #7...

7. I am nauseous, all day every day and exausted. And this will be THE LAST time I allow myself to feel this way again. I'll let you figure that one out. ;)

And now...back to life....

Love Revolution

2009-02-09T16:28:00.004-07:00

Lately I have been feeling the need to look outward, outside myself & my little world of ups & downs & selfish endeavors. Today I received this invitation from my sweet friend Crystalyn. I am soooo on board. One act of kindness a day. Not too much to ask & really not too much to accomplish, but oh what a difference it could make. Join us!

The Lego err....Megablock palace

2009-01-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

Luke is just starting to really get into Legos...ok these aren't REAL legos...they are Megablocks & my friends apparently there is A BIG difference. Legos are, ahemmm, the REAL deal. So looks like we will be putting more money in the Lego bazillionaire's pocket soon. But...as usual...I digress.

Friday I was volunteering in Zoe's kindy class & came home to Luke & Daddy building a grand palace out of the Megablocks...GRAND. As in we must use every Megablock we own on this baby. (Straight from Daddy's mouth)....boys will be boys. It was a home for Luke's new spaceship and it was glorious...for a few days anyway.

"Dad, what's a Superball??"

2009-01-18T16:40:00.004-07:00

That is where WE are going!!! Holy crap...dare I say...it's a miracle.

Go Cards!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-11T21:43:00.002-07:00

Ok, I know....I KNOW...Christmas was ummmm what 3 weeks ago, but hey at least I'm gonna mention it. It WAS a fantastic day. COLD & rainy...well cold to us Phoenix folk anyway. It was nice...no shorts & t-shirts for 2008 which makes me very happy. I actually did not take a single picture on Christmas...not with my own camera anyway and only snapped just a few at my Mom's with her camera when we got over there. I have a hard time enjoying the excitement and taking pictures at the same time. Must try to be better at that. Anyways, it was good. Yummy food, fantastic gifts, lots of family & laughter. My kind of day. Here are a few of the few images I got of our spectacular celebration....

first off...one of my FAVORITE gifts. my mom made us girls these CUTE CUTE CUTE aprons. makes cleaning WAY more fun... (can you guess which one is me???....hint..my pants are NEVER quite long enough..I'm a dork...and I have really long legs....and I sometimes forget to wear my wedding ring...and I love my new tennis shoes from my husband...ok I guess I gave it away)
Next up my little cutie...this is TOTALLY her. Girlie all the way. Adore the combination...HEY her pants are long enough! What gives?
And my little superhero...off to save the universe or the planet or the neighborhood...whichever comes first...
my VERY cooperative girls...always extremely excited to be photographed...ok, maybe ONE of them is cooperative...gotta love messy faces. Seriously I DO!

and finally Miss Zoe. She had NO interest in picture taking, but was willing to share some of her favorite gifts. You will notice the bell (anyone who has seen Polar Express can understand this one), the "diamond" (yes friends, she asked for DIAMONDS!!!??! I was thinking honey...Mommy ain't even getting dimaonds, but heck why not. Notice the cut, clarity...SIZE!!! Thank you Michaels...ahem I mean Santa! This was by far her favorite gift.) And finally we have the Hannah Montana pin. Sigh...ok yes, we are now officially in the Hannah Montana phase. And sadly all of us in the house are singing along with the new CD. Hey, it's catchy!

Merry Christmas my friends!!

Picturing 2009

2009-01-04T20:16:00.005-07:00

Ok, so I TOTALLY stole this posting idea from my bestest friend Rachel, but she loves me so I don't think she'll mind. :) My list of resolutions for the year is, well, just a bit long. I may need to do adjusting & get real on a few things, but I am excited for a new year to start fresh. My ultimate theme this year is.....

BALANCE!
I find myself quite out of it a lot and it is simply NOT ok. I need to refocus my priorities & set limits & go to bed at a decent hour for heaven's sake!

The main areas of focus for me in 2009 are:
My Spirit
My Family
My Body
My Mind
My Home
My Business

And since it would be so boring to list out all my resolutions & since I'm a picture kind of gal...here are a few of my resolutions...in pictures.....

I can do it! I think I can..I think I can...I think I can....

Lukism

2009-01-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Out to dinner at Rosa's....Luke is hacking away at his bean burrito with his knife.

Me: "Do you want me to help you cut your bean burro?"
Luke: "No Mom, I'm a man."
Me: "Nuff said." (snicker)

Remembering...

2009-01-02T22:29:00.002-07:00

Today is Grandma Roberts' birthday. We wanted to do something that would help us remember her. So we packed up the kiddies, brought our cleaning supplies & headed down to the cemetery to spruce up Grandma & Grandpa's headstone & add a fresh bouquet of silk flowers. We brought along a picture of Grandma & Grandpa & the whole drive over little B sang, Grandma Rooooooberrts...Grandmaaaa Roooooobeerrrts while clutching that picture. Sigh...so unfair that she doesn't have her fabulous Grandparents in this life....

Everybody was in on the action...and we kept them pretty well contained....generally speaking. We even got a chance to go & visit my Grandma Larsen's gravesite as well. So many people we love & miss so much!! Makes you value each moment.

Ahem, Zoe dressed herself & did her own hair for this event. Gotta love 6 year old fashion.

After completing our clean-up we gathered around & sang "Happy Birthday" to Grandma. We miss you so much Grandma R....happy, happy birthday!!

AND for a little comic relief...if you look VERY closely you will see a boy who simply COULD NOT hold it any longer. He will kill me for this someday....most assuredly. But when Rob & I looked over, I just couldn't resist. ;) Boys have it SO easy.

P.S. Happy Birthday also to Aunt Jessica! We love you too! Smooch!

Putting our best foot foward...

2009-01-01T23:21:00.003-07:00

The new year...fresh & full of possibilities....hmmmm...this is beginning to sound familiar. Did I say something like this January 1st of 2008?? Oh it is possible, probable in fact, but none the less quite true. We begin again. I have been sitting here pondering my New Year's Resolutions for 2009...resolutions broken down into these parts: spirit, family, body, home, mind & business. Frankly for me this year it is all going to be about balance, keeping my priorities in check & finding joy in each moment. And so I embark on 2009 filled with hope, purpose & resolve. Let's make it a memorable year my friends!

Ok, so yeah I'm thinking about it....

2008-12-30T22:30:00.002-07:00

Bloggin' over here that is.
Another New Year's Resolution per chance?
Hmmm....
Ok, well maybe, perhaps, we'll see... ;)

(but I WILL NOT set myself up for failure & try to blog every day...I'm not THAT crazy...most days.)

Relfections

2008-11-20T09:02:00.003-07:00

Ok so I've been tagged & challenged by my bestest friend Rachel & my mama...so I will post a pic of myself for Rach & complete the tag for mom...here goes....

8 favorite TV shows...uhhh well I actually watch almost NO TV...before you think I'm all anti-TV or whatever, know that the bulk of that time is spent with my iMac.
However I do occasionally watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy..ok I ALWAYS watch this one.
...uhh...honestly can't think of anything else I want regularly....
(we don't have TiVo...I know we are totally behind the times)

8 things I did yesterday...
1. Got dressed in my sweats w/o a shower. Good stuff.
2. Watched my girlfriends boys.
3. Emailed a bunch of clients.
4. Finished editing my SIL's family photoshoot.
5. Took my kids to Sonic for slushies & then to the park.
6. Made my bed...a miracle.
7. Took pics of my own kids at the park...another miracle.
8. Chatted w/ mom my while she was over picking out pictures.

8 things I look forward to...
1. Taking pictures of any sort...but especially of my own kids this weekend for our x-mas cards.
2. Thanksgiving...a time to remember my blessings.
3. Black Friday shopping with my sisters...SERIOUSLY one of my favorite days of the year.
4. My kids faces on Christmas morning.
5. A beautifully decorated, scrubbed, immaculate house...(hey I can dream).
6. Actually filling the frames I have on my living room wall with pictures.
7. Brynn to stop crying.
8. LEARNFEST. (a photography workshop I'm going to next year).

8 favorite restaurants (yeah, like I ever go anywhere besides McDonalds....)
1. Carrabas
2. Cheesecake Factory
3. P.F. Changs
4. Texas Roadhouse
5. In & Out Burger...maybe not an official restaurant, but YUMMY!
6. Rosas
7. Crackers
8. Cafe Rio

8 things on my wishlist...
1. All my business debt paid off.
2. 85mm 1.4L, 24-70mm 2.8L, 50mm 1.2, 100mm macro (photography lenses)
3. A clean house.
4. A personal chef.
5. More time.
6. An organized garage, bedroom, closets, etc.
7. A long weekend with my hubby.
8. Wild success in my business.

I tag...whoever is up for this madness!

From the Mouths of Babes

2008-11-08T18:21:00.006-07:00

L: "Mom, when will I go to heaven?"
Me: "After you die, probably in a long, long time. Grandma Roberts is in heaven."
L: (pondering) "Is Jesus gonna come down here again?"
Me: "Yes he is, we just don't know when that will be. That is why we have to try our best to do what is right so we can be with him when he comes."
L: "When he comes, I'm gonna give him a big hug."
Me: "Me too, buddy, me too."

(random conversation with L just the other day...unprovoked...just driving in the car...)

Saying Goodbye to the Blankie

2008-10-26T22:09:00.002-07:00

It all started when little Z was about 2...somehow she became tremendously attached to a beautiful soft, pink blanket that her Great Grandma N made her (thanks Grandma!!). That blanket has pretty much never left her side since...well ok SHE DOES go to school, dance, friend's, etc without it...but at home and ESPECIALLY at night, it has been a constant companion. Once a few years ago we left it in a hotel by accident and had to have it shipped home asap....

Alas, the time has come to retire this faithful friend. It has been sewn and resewn and is basically in shreds....Z has taken to climbing inside it lately & cuddling up with the lining & batting. Bless Grandma L who made Z a new blankie for her birthday this year. She is already cuddling up with her new friend & had no trouble tossing the old one. I did, however, HAVE to document this event...this blanket did get us all few its share of illnesses, long nights & sad days.
P.S. I HAD to convert these pictures to black & white as the color of this blanket is....ummm....well lets just say it is no longer pink. ;)

How Did this Happen?

2008-10-26T00:07:00.011-07:00

My little girl turned six on Friday....SIX!

How on earth did that happen? The years are flying & she is getting so grown up.
I love watching her little personality grow & develop. Does a mother's heart bleed with joy as well as sorrow? It seems to for me. Oh how I love my girl!

Here she is with her favorite birthday gift...maybe she does want to be like me...maybe just a little...sometimes. :)

P.S. I think 3 1/2 months of silence has been a little long, don't you??...I am going to EARNESTLY TRY to be more faithful with posting here....(really Mom I am!!) :)

July 1...Random thoughts

2008-07-01T05:41:00.005-07:00

I am up at the insane hour of 5:45 am, and have been up for a whole hour. Can't sleep, must be all that Coke I've been drinking lately...BAD Jen....or possibly little L kicking me in the face as I tried to sleep. Will that boy EVER sleep the night through in his own bed...sigh. Anyways, I figured I might as well post on my sorely neglected little blog.

*Thought #1: We are off to San Diego today. Most beautimous of places. I am thrilled to be leaving the horrendous, scorching heat behind, but must say that I do not relish the though of traveling 6-7 hours with my 16 month old...love her soul. True to her age, she is a busy bee & will probably have a difficult time sitting still for so long. I am having painful flashbacks of last years drive when our little peanut screamed almost the entire way home...but it'll be better this time...right? But she's cute anyway. :)

*Thought #2: Z lost her first tooth on Saturday. It has been loose for a few weeks since she took a voracious bite of a big green apple (her favorite) and made it "wiggly". She walked in from the front yard & said, "Look Mom." In her palm lay the TEENIEST, TINIEST little tooth EVER! Are they SERIOUSLY THAT SMALL??? I hugged her & we got all excited, but I felt that little jolt in my heart as she skipped away. My little girl is growing up. Another milestone. Bittersweetness. (yes I DID take a picture of her with her cute little gap...but my Mom has it...MOM! I need it! :D)

Thought #3: I am ashamed at the state of my office. It is a pit of despair. Seriously. Piles & piles EVERYWHERE. I think my goal for the month (for the few weeks we are in town) needs to be to clean out this space so that my mind can breathe a little bit better. Maybe when I get home I'll post a before & after pic...no promises, but surely that would motivate me.

Thought #4: Who knew that starting a small business would consume absolutely every particle of brain cell in one's head. Just an FYI for those of you who were unaware. Joyful obsession.

Thought #5: I have a new favorite store...Hobby Lobby. Yep, we Arizona folk have finally been blessed with this rockin mecca of crafty, home decory goodness. My mom, sisters (and little B) spent a lovely hour there on Saturday. Ooooh what delights. It is like Michael's and Joann's all rolled into one. I'm addicted. Of course all I could think about was stuff for the business, but that is pretty general these days. Who knows maybe I'll actually buy something for THE HOUSE next time I go. Now that would be a novel idea.

Thought #6: Speaking of novels, I'm reading a GOOD one. Katherine by Anya Seton.

Originally published in 1954, it is a LONG, epic, historical story that I'm absolutely loving. I couldn't even find it in the library, but ended up borrowing it from a friend. It is GOOOOOOOOOOOOD. Best book I've read in a LONG time.

Thought #7: And still speaking of reading, me & miss Z are enjoying this:

Totally takes me back to when I was growing up. I am LOVING that Z is into the chapter book thing now. We have read so many fun ones together lately, the Junie B books, Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little to name a few. Good times.

And now I am hearing the sounds of awakening...goodness it is going to be a long day. Make it a happy one. Ciao!

Tag, I'm it....

2008-06-22T18:06:00.006-07:00

Alrighty, been tagged by my very awesome cousin Kristie. So I'm doing it...although my answers are probably gonna be WAY boring.

1. Four places I have lived: Mesa AZ, Tempe AZ, Fresno (I think...right Mom??) CA and uhhhhhh oh yeah....Safford AZ. See, boring.

2. Four shows I watch (gosh TV...what is that?? I'm always on the computer): Grey's Anatomy, Supernanny...sometimes (makes me feel good about my own insanity). Honestly I can't even think of anything else...I really never watch TV.

3. Four jobs I have had in my life: Waitress at Denny's, Bank teller, L&D RN, and NOW photographer! :D Hardest job?? Mom of 3.

4. Four places I have been: Mexico, Maryland, California, Guatemala.

5. Four Blogs I read regularly: Goodness there are a lot...my Mom's, Tara Whitney, my friend Rachel, my sister Jessica.

6. Four of my favorite foods: Shrimp, lobster, jamocha almond fudge ice cream, sourdough bread w/ clam chowder FRESH from San Francisco....YUM!!!

7. Four places I'd rather be right now: Photography workshop, shopping all by myself w/ LOTS of money, on the beach w/ a good book & no interruptions, on a date with my hubby.

8. Four things I look forward to in the next year: My new business flourishing, B heading off to nursery, Z in full day school, getting new floors...please oh PLEASE let this happen in the next year.

9. Four things I like to do in my spare time: Read, take pictures, spend time with friends (including my dh), play in Photoshop/work on my business stuff.

10. Four favorite things to do with kids/family: Make goodies, talk, be "out" together (hiking, swimming, movies, etc), one-on-one time doing whatever.

I TAG: Jess, Mom, Rachel

I'm Alive!

2008-06-17T14:25:00.004-07:00

Hello out there! I know you have probably all been thinking I forgot about this little blog, but I haven't...I've just been spending EVERY spare minute on something very important to me! Click the image below to see what has been keeping me up nights...

I'm gonna try to keep up with both blogs, but this summer is pretty much dedicated to getting my little business up & running so you may find me posting over at the other blog more often...and now...back to work! ;)

She Did It!

2008-05-09T23:27:00.004-07:00

How on earth is it possible that the sister who was ELEVEN when I got married just graduated from college today? Unfathomable! I CANNOT seriously be THAT OLD?!?!?! But anyways, I'm sooooo proud of you Jess. This is an accomplishment you will ALWAYS feel good about (speaking from experience). Relish this moment.

GO DEVILS!!!

Happy Birthday Ames!

2008-05-06T15:57:00.006-07:00

You make the world a much more beautiful & interesting place. Happy birthday little sis! Love you!

My AMAZING Weekend

2008-04-29T15:48:00.005-07:00

Can I just tell you that I just had one of the most fun, fulfilling & exciting weekends EVER?!?! I had an absolutely UNBELIEVABLE time at my photography workshop. I made FABULOUS friends who I feel like I've known forever, learned soooooooooooo much & came away with a new lease on life. I definitely feel empowered & set free in my photography. I've made friends who I will have forever & I stayed up WAYYYYYY to late chatting about shooting (pictures that is), kids & everything in between.

Here are a few of us at the end of our whirlwind weekend....the SPECTACULAR Cheryl Muhr, the oh so hip, fun & uber cute Lindsay S. (direct from the UK), one of my new VERY bestest friends who is like me is sooooooooo many ways & who I wish was my next door neighbor....the gorgeous Rachel T. & me.

Stay tuned for some of the images from my fun filled weekend....

In other news....

2008-04-25T15:47:00.003-07:00

Just had to quickly report that I'm off to a FABULOUS photography workshop this weekend. I'm sooooooooooooo excited. Haven't been this excited about something in a LONG LONG LONG time. Yippee!!!

Have an awesome weekend...I know I will!!! :)

The Walker:Part II

2008-04-25T15:30:00.004-07:00

Ok, I know I JUST posted about little B walking, but I just can't help posting another few pics. Kids are just sooooo cute when they first start to walk with their little arms up in the air for balance & those slow, awkward steps. She has been DYING to get out in the cul-de-sac with her big brother & sister, so I trailed after her with my camera as she waddled around.

Doesn't she look like she is ice skating here? :D

And of course, who can resist a closeup....LOVIN' those pouty lips...smooch!

Looks who's walkin'....FINALLY!

2008-04-20T20:59:00.003-07:00

Little B has technically been able to to walk for quite some time now. She stands and has been taking steps for months, but it wasn't until last Sunday that she FINALLY decided to really give it a go. My bet is that the LONG pink dress I put her in finally pushed her over the edge...it was just too difficult to crawl in. This has been sooooooooo different from my other two. Once they figured out how to walk, they pretty much never looked back (especially Miss Z who walked at 10 months!) So B, welcome to the world of walkers...it will be nice to see some clean knees again. :D

(ok photog friends, forgive the SUPER high grain...this room had SERIOUSLY low light!!)

Don't you just LOVE how they hold up their little arms for balance???

AND since chubby thighs are only acceptable in babyhood & because those toes are so irresistibly delicious...here is my favorite shot of the day....

Bubba D & the Divine Miss J

2008-04-16T22:20:00.006-07:00

Sound like two absolute opposites don't they. These two lovely people, however, are firmly ingrained in the fabric of my life. And it just so happens that today is their birthday. 18 years ago the Divine Miss J & I (yeah we've been friends that long & then some) were sooo excited to find out that little Bubba D would be arriving on Miss J's birthday! What a gift! I always considered Bubba D "my baby"....I was 13 after all, perfect age to love on a baby & he was such a good one! I remember packing him around all over the place. How can that possibly have been 18 years ago? (sigh)...I am getting old...here is is a big senior & all growed up. Love ya Bubba & Happy Birthday.

And of course he can NEVER stay serious for more than 2 seconds.....please stop the pictures!!!

(Miss J I LOVE you too, but I know you'd NEVER forgive me if I posted the pics I have of you! I resisted scanning some really cute ones from 6th grade. HELLO BANGS! ;) I REALLY need a current one of you in all your gorgeousness. Happy Day my friend!)

Slow Down

2008-04-12T00:21:00.003-07:00

Is anyone else feeling like their life is on a runaway train, speeding and careening rapidly out of control? That has been me lately. Too much to do, not enough time to get it done...this week as I hurried to get the kids lunch & was busily running about the house completing this task or that, I happened to glance over at little B who fell asleep right here:

This is something each of my kids has done about ONE time in their little lives...they like to sleep in their BEDS & pretty much no where else. So I was surprised to see her like this. Poor sweet baby. So scooped her up, cuddled her, buried my nose in her chubby little neck, smelled that delicious baby smell & then tucked her into bed.

I think it is time to get off the train, or at least slow it down.

April Fools

2008-04-01T21:50:00.010-07:00

Miss Z was WAY into foolin' this year. In fact this is the first time she has actually really "got it". She came home from school yesterday saying, "Guess what??? Tomorrow's April Fool's Day! We get to trick each other!" Then she proceeds to gear up with all her silly jokes. Here is a small sample of what we heard today...

(as we are driving) "Mom, there is a lizard crossing the road!!!! ..........April Fools!"

"Hey Mom, there is a tree growing in our house.......April Fools!"

"Mom, look out the window, it's snowing! .............April Fools!"

"Watch out Mom, there's a spider on your head! ..............April Fools!"

"Moooom, don't look now, there is a monster behind you! ...........April Fools!"

(in case you were wondering, it was crazy hair day.)

Silly girl. :)

A Good Day

2008-03-31T13:35:00.003-07:00

I must say it has been a positively lovely morning for me. Why, you might ask...after all it is Monday...weekend is over...back to the grind. Actually I really like Mondays. Monday is usually my cleaning day & I love a clean house. Monday means we get back to our schedule & I love being on schedule. Monday means family night, which our kids LOVE & which always brings me back to what is most important. HOWEVER today is an unusual Monday.

This morning I got to hang out with one of my VERY bestest friends in the world...the divine Miss J...who has been my friend for over 20...yes 20....years. We got PEDICURES!! I love pedicures, but never get them because I can't justify the expense. However, today I had a gift card from my birthday (thanks R&C!!) and so I indulged. I even got a flower put on....oh frivolous me.

I am eating chocolate covered strawberries at this moment, which I received yesterday from a church friend...mmmmmmmmmm!

I steam cleaned the carpets over the weekend and so, even though I haven't done my usual Monday cleaning, my house still looks good.

My babies are napping peacefully and the house is absolutely still...minus the sound of my fingers tapping away on the keyboard.

The weather is still absolutely HEAVENLY, breezy & 75 degrees.....blissful!

I've even had a chance to read a chapter from my latest book club book, the ORIGINAL Phantom of the Opera while snuggling with little L as he fell asleep.

Just now my sweet friend Jenny O. dropped off the most darling little dress for Baby B that her little girl has grown out of. I'm so excited cuz Jenny has GREAT taste.

And all is right with the world.

Happy Monday!

Bursting

2008-03-26T14:51:00.002-07:00

Her smile, so big it seems to be just bursting out of her with unbridled joy.

You know that feeling when your heart is so full, it feels like it is about to burst? That is how I feel when I see this face...bursting.

I have always loved this quote & I think it is appropriate for me today:

"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside your body."

~Elizabeth Stone

So true. Love you B.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-03-25T14:18:00.003-07:00

31 years ago today I was a birthday present for a very special person, my Dad. I was the first, you see, and born only 5 days before his birthday, talk about an awesome present! ;)

Through the years my Dad has taught me much about life...especially hard work, persistence, a positive attitude, faith, family and forgiveness.

Not to mention the joy of shoe shopping. ;)

I love you Dad, thank you for the example you are to me.

Happy Birthday!

P.S. As I prepared to write this post, I discovered that the only pictures I have of you are carving the turkey at Thanksgiving...which, as you can see, leave a little to be desired. heeheehee. Watch out, my camera & I will be on the prowl!!

Easter EGG-stravaganza

2008-03-24T12:41:00.011-07:00

I love Easter. I love its meaning, I love that spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming & the world is reborn. New dresses, egg hunts & lots of family time, what more can you ask for.

One thing I really enjoy each Easter is coloring eggs with the kids. I love the great colors, I love watching my kids faces light up as they watch an ordinary white egg turn to pink, purple, blue and every color in between. Plus it is a great opportunity for picture time.

This year we hung out at grandma's house with the cousins & had a great time coloring eggs & ourselves in the process.

Group shot of my kiddos...don't you love how they all look my way???

Sweet cousin E's first Easter...

My bunny, little B...ain't she cute?!?!

Little cousin A always runs away when I point the camera his way, caught this one though. He & B look so much alike, they could be siblings...

Now we get down to business...

I LOVE this face!!!

Now, why does it seem like I always get a shot like this??? Hmmm, wonder if my kids ever get sick of being photographed?

Little A managed to color his toes too, and his face and his shirt, etc, etc, etc....hahaha, good times had by all.

Happy Easter!!

31 Things About Me

2008-03-20T16:10:00.004-07:00

Soooo, yeah, it's my birthday...gosh they aren't quite the same as they used to be when I COULDN'T WAIT to get another year older. These days I'm happy if the kids are good & I don't have to cook...both of which are working out pretty well so far, minus B not feeling too well...but that is the life of a mom, right? Anyways, I thought I'd share a few tasty tidbits about myself, just in case you wanted to know. (I know you are on the edge of your seat, aren't you?) So without further adieu...31exciting insights into yours truly. (Betcha can't guess how old I am can you)...

1. My favorite color is green...pretty much all shades.

2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE photography...but you already knew that.

3. I clip coupons & subscribe to CouponSense.

4. I watch VERY little TV, but my one guilty pleasure is Grey's Anatomy, however, since the writer's strike I've been enjoying American Idol.

5. My favorite thing about people is their EYES. The windows to the soul. It is my favorite thing to capture in photographs (second oddly enough is feet--especially baby feet). They tell so much about a person (their eyes that is, lol).

6. I very much ENJOY silence...I hear it soooooo rarely.

7. I will buy anything generic EXCEPT Tide, Downy & Bounce...there is NO substitute for CLEAN, FRESH smelling laundry.

8. I wish I had a better sense of style....sometimes I just feel dorky.

9. I have a bad habit of beginning projects & never finishing them...thus my new years resolution of "being a finisher"...its going....uhhhh....ok. :)

10. I LOVE bubble baths, especially when its cold outside, with a treat & a good book.

11. One of my favorite nights of the month is Book Club. I LOVE to read & I LOVE my book club girlfriends!! They are sooo fun.

12. My worst habit: Biting my nails, especially when I'm anxious. I hate that I do this.

13. I am VERY nonconfrontational. I hate to fight or hurt people's feelings.

14. I think scrapbooking is fun...I especially love the paper, but I can never find time to do it.

15. I waste most of the little free time I have on the computer, especially on photography boards and blogs or playing around in PhotoShop.

16. If I could afford to decorate my whole from Pottery Barn....I SOOOOOOOOO would.

17. There are few things more satisfying to me that a clean house, especially the refrigerator, kitchen sink & toilets...who knows why.

18. I LOVE date nights with my husband. I talk his ear off.

19. Someday I want to travel the world (& take lots of pictures of it).

20. I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Dangerously huge, especially for chocolate, so I was seriously excited when my kiddos brought these (hand picked I might add) into me this morning...

21. I love surprises, giving & receiving....lucky me my sweet hubby surprised me with a night out tonight! Thanks honey! I even got to have my favorite food which is...

22. LOBSTER. I LOVE lobster. I also love scallops & crab. Seafood ROCKS!!

23. I love just talking with my kids. They say the most hilarious, thought provoking & surprising things everyday.

24. I am a registered nurse, specializing in Labor & Delivery, although I haven't worked in 2 years. Someday I will go back.

25. I LOVED school, especially college.

26. I am obsessive about gift wrapping. I love cute wrap, matching ribbon & making matching handmade cards.

27. Although I only have it a few times a year, I LOVE Cherry Coke...mmmm had one today (for my birthday of course!)

28. I love color. I have NO white walls in my house. Ok, actually, the closets are still white.

29. I enjoy burning yummy smelling candles, especially Gold Canyon ones. My favorite scents are spicy ones like Cinnamon Vanilla.

30. I am astounded by beauty in the world every day, from the mountains to the clouds in the sky, to the color of the flowers, to my baby's smile, I notice.

31. I'm ok with being in my thirties. :)

Exploring Arizona--Part III

2008-03-19T14:37:00.022-07:00

I've been away far too long! I'm finally getting around to posting about our most recent Arizona Adventure to Usery Park. Spring has sprung in the desert & with the GORGEOUS weather we've been having lately, we decided to enjoy the desert in bloom while we had the chance. We hiked the Merkle & Vista Trails at Usery Park with no mishaps and a good time had by all...even little B who fell asleep in the carrier...arms flailing & head bobbing. AND I took a zillion pictures as usual...

The Lovely Trail...

The kids...blazin' the trail....they were HARD to keep up with!

Our method of water storage/transportation...

The flowers were absolutely GLORIOUS!!!

Me & B...before she conked out...

L & I loved this COOL "green" rock...

Another awesome discovery...

My pretty Z, giving 2 seconds to the camera before she's off & running again...

We made it to the top! I was a little leery of balancing my fourth child (my camera) on the edge of a mountain cliff...so no family shot this time. Now get out there & enjoy the sunshine Arizonans...before it gets TOOOOOOOOOOO HOT!!!

Me, You & a Whole Lotta Poo

2008-03-05T21:36:00.018-07:00

"Ahh, the joys of motherhood. At times I find it absolutely unbelievable that I have been changing diapers for nearly 6 years straight. Since we are on "the 2 year plan" we have always had a new baby before the older child gets fully potty trained. (happily at the present time I am only changing ONE behind). Most days I don't even notice it, most days it is just part of the routine...so much a habit that it becomes almost like breathing...ok maybe not THAT routine.

But today has been one of those messy, crazy diapers days that remind me of how many 100s of diapers I have changed over the years. Poor little B has had a bit of the stomach flu since yesterday. Luckily she seems to be on the mend today...but not without a few, ahem, minor mishaps. We went through the first outfit by about 9 am...bye bye cute pink pants, hello jeans & off to L's allergist appointment. Since she IS getting better, we had no more problems until I went to grab her from her crib after nap time. We needed to be at the bus stop pretty much at that moment to pick up Z, but HELLO, we weren't going anywhere. Thankfully Aunt H who lives only minutes away was able to pick up Z before the bus driver got too nervous....(they don't let the little Pre-K kids off the bus until a family member is there to pick them up.)

So being the good little mommy I am, I allowed little B to roam around in her birthday suit for awhile. (There is nothing better than air for those poor little red bottoms don't ya know). Yipes, that lasted all of 15 minutes...and then she was into the tub & I was pulling out the steam cleaner. Oh, B I'm sooooo glad you are feeling better. For both our sakes.

Tag I'm It--Part III

2008-03-03T22:03:00.005-07:00

Betcha thought I forgot all about this, right? Nope, I actually don't forget very many things (my husband will likely disagree with me), they just fester in the back of my mind, driving me crazy until I get them done--probably one of the reasons why my resolution for the year is to BE A FINISHER....but I digress.

So here is recipe #3...Lemon Chicken. Not something I make all that often, not because we don't love it, we REALLY do (it happens to be one of Rob's all time favorites), but because, frankly it is a pain in the you know what to make. Just too many ingredients. I'm not usually one for a fancy recipe with difficult to pronounce ingredients & long lists of instructions to follow...I leave that to other more talented chefs in my family....you know who you are. Anyways, truly the ingredients are not obscure, it is not HARD, it just has tiny little bits of LOTS of different things & simply takes a little more time than I usually spend on dinner. But it is actually worth it cuz it is soooooooo yummy.

Marinade

1 T. oil

2 T. cornstarch

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. white pepper

Batter

1/4 c. flour

1/4 c. water

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. oil

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Sauce (I usually double this cuz we like LOTS of sauce)

1/4 c. chicken broth

1/4 c. honey

3 T. lemon juice

2 T. corn syrup

2 T. vinegar

1 T. oil

1 T. ketchup

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

dash white pepper

So here's what you do....I recommend doing the prep early & just frying the chicken close to dinner time to speed up the process. Marinade 1-2 pounds chicken in above marinade recipe while you prepare the batter & sauce. I like to trim the chicken well & tenderize it, making it nice & thin so that it will cook quickly. Next prepare the batter in a shallow dish. Third, throw all the sauce ingredients into a saucepan & bring it to a boil. Then thicken the sauce with cornstarch & water and turn it down to low until you are ready to serve. Right before dinner, remove the chicken from the marinade, dip in the batter & fry in canola oil. Drain chicken on a paper towel, cut it up & serve over rice with the lemon sauce drizzled over the top. MMMMMmmmmmmmmmm!

How I Spent My Extra Day

2008-03-02T21:57:00.004-07:00

More time! Isn't that what we all long for? Extra hours in each day....well this year we get 24! Gotta love leap year.

So I took the opportunity to spend part of this extra day with my baby girl. We did her one year portraits which I've been procrastinating a bit, but promising myself I'd get done this month...you see I'm a bit of a perfectionist (surprise, surprise) & I want them to turn out just right. But I did it! Yeah! We had so much fun & I took WAY to many pictures, but I was really pleased with the results. Here are a few of my favorites...I had a hard time narrowing down which ones to post. I am VERY biased after all. She's just so darn cute!

This is classic B...total cheeseball!

Can you say..."I'm DONE!" LOL! Thanks for putting up with me sweet little B. Now I just have to figure out which one to print & hang....any votes?

Arizona Adventures...Part II

2008-02-22T15:13:00.024-07:00

Okay, okay...I'm FINALLY posting about our fabulous trip to Payson! Yep, in this neck o' the woods we actually have to travel to get to see snow. Rob took President's Day off work & since Z was out of school we jumped at the opportunity to head up to the snow. We went about an hour outside Payson & WOWZERS did we find it! Snow thigh deep! It was the pefect consistency for snowballs....here is probably my favorite pic of the day...the kids are planning an attack on Daddy. (notice the snowball whizzing overhead...he was already attacking them!) We spent all afternoon having snowball fights, sledding, digging & just plain tromping around in the snow. (Who can resist eating a little too?)

It was soooo much fun, but I'm SO very glad I don't have to bundle my kids up like this every time we leave the house! You snowbound folk have my SINCERE admiration!

Little B was NOT a happy camper at first...(here's big sister trying to cheer her up). After about an hour or so she finally "warmed up" to the snow. :)

There's that silly smile!

Tasting the snow....mmmmmmmmmm!

And here is Mr. L...who gave us the scare of the day...never would guess it from that sweet little face, but L thought it might be fun to sled right off a cliff (practically). He was pushing his sled with his feet (while lying on his stomach). Rob & I are watching..."Ok L that is far enough." He keeps going. "Stop L." He keeps going. "L STOP!" He keeps going. "STOP!!!!" Rob runs & dives through the air, grabbing L by the foot just in time. (And all this on a sprained ankle! Wow! You go babe!) And so L is still with us...although lets just say he got the hint that he should NOT ignore Mom & Dad again.

And....through the magic of self timers...behold THE WHOLE FAMILY! (see I really am there!)

And to sum up the day....sheer, joyful exhaustion...or is that just "Seriously Mom, PUT THE CAMERA AWAY!!!"

Snow Bunny

2008-02-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here's What We Did Today....

2008-02-18T20:45:00.002-07:00

Road Trip!

Sorry, but this is a teaser post...I've got LOTS of fun pictures about our 2nd Arizona Adventure, but unfortunately Mt. St. Laundry is calling & I must heed the call. So until then...here's a hint at where we went....

I'm baaaaaaaaaaackk!

2008-02-17T20:47:00.004-07:00

Come on, you know you missed me. ;)

I am now finally reentering the land of the living, finally feeling like myself again mostly minus the annoying drainage....yuck! I guess it is now time to shower consistently, get off the couch, out of my sweats & turn off the tube....I must say although I HATE being sick, it was kinda nice to just REST & relax for a bit. Thanks to my hubby, mom & sisters for taking the rugrats off my hands now & again so I could recover.....back to life, back to reality, back to the here & now...yeah! (who's singing along??? lol! showing our age)

And now I will post what I was meaning to a week ago...my date with little L....

(this is what I get when I ask him to go stand by the backdrop for a nice picture....soooo my son)

For Christmas my sister-in-law K (oh yeah I guess it was from my bro-in-law too...thanks to the "other" K...we love you too), anyways, the 2 K's got the kids each 2 tickets to go to a play. Rock on, what a fun gift! So L & I went to see "Goodnight Moon" last Saturday night. You know the book..."in the great green room there was a telephone, and a red balloon and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon." (betcha you moms have it memorized too--its a CLASSIC.)

We had a BLAST!

It was L's first venture to the theatre & I must say, minus the occasional threats to jump off the balcony ("no son you'd get REALLY hurt." "no I won't mommy." "uh, yes, YOU WILL." "lets just try it." "um, lets NOT!." "awww, ok."), he really did quite well. It was great fun to hang out...just the 2 of us. Wow, my kids are so FUN one-on-one....who'd a thunk it!?!

To top it off we grabbed a bite afterwards at In-N-Out....ahhhh yeah....cheeseburgers, fries & a chocolate shakes. L & I have VERY similar tastes...lucky me.Thanks for hangin with me Bubbalou!

Where's Jen?

2008-02-13T18:04:00.001-07:00

I'M SICK!!!!!!!

(enough said--be back when I can breathe through my nose again.)

The Love of a Brother

2008-02-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

It's mischevious.

It's protective.

It's teasing.

It's unconditional.

It's unwavering.

It's endless.

It's the love of a brother.

Sisters

2008-02-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Is there is anything in this world quite like a sister? My brothers are awesome & I love them to pieces, but there is just something about my sisters. They are always there for me...they give it to me straight, the cheer for me, cry with me, argue with me, babysit for me & listen to me whine. Love you ladies....you know who you are! Smooch! (sister-in-laws included ;) )After Z was born I hoped & prayed that she would be blessed to have at least one sister to share the ups & downs of life with. So glad Z & B have eachother. ALWAYS STAY CLOSE!

Steps to an AWESOME First Birthday Party (AKA The Details...)

2008-02-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Silly little birthday girl.

Step 2: Super Cute Welcome signs

Step 3: The Spread....(plus the pizza of course!)

Step 4: Valentine Mailboxes to decorate

Step 5: Swing time!

Step 6: Decorating (& eating) heart cookies

Step 7: Sticker tag

Step 8: PRESENTS....not pictured here (what you might ask?!?!?....yeah I was opening the gifts, couldn't do that AND take pictures at the same time could I? :))

Step 9: And last but certainly not least The CAKE!!

We sure know how to party. ;)

Super Shopper Strikes Again!

2008-02-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

So I've been at it again...scopin' out the good deals & this time I scored with the kids clothes. The Children's Place was having 50% off their already reduced prices, plus I had a 20% off coupon...yeehaw!

The Goods: (most of these items are for next fall)
1 sweatshirt
5 sweaters
1 pair of pjs (x-mas ones for L next year!!)
2 scarves
3 hats
1 pair of the CUTEST flowered tights
1 pair of mittens
2 pairs of jeans
3 pairs of pants
9 shirts

The Total:

$100.97 (that averages out to about $3.61 per item) = One happy mom!

GO ME!!

Resolutions

2008-02-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Soooooo, we've all been thinking about New Year's resolutions (ok I KNOW it's February...so maybe I'M the only one thinking of them right now) but, I, like many, am always ambitious and motivated come January 1st to change all areas of my life for the better...physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, relationships, etc, etc, etc. I make a huge list & fail miserably....

BUT not this year...this year I WILL succeed because I've come up with a new plan....the MONTHLY resolution. oooohs & aaaahs appreciated (along with one overall goal for the year--more on this later). This way I can focus on ONE thing per month & hopefully make whatever it is a habit (21 days to form a habit right???) AND THEN move on to something new the next month...adding a few little & a few big goals to improve the overall ME. Can you guess what January's goal was? (hint....you're reading it. ;) )

And now February has arrived & with my January goal accomplished (YEAH!!!) I move on to a new goal.....and this one's big-time...a return to the gym.

Yes, this month I am going to get off my rear end (not that I have any time to sit on it except for when I'm bloggin) & get moving....at least 3, but hopefully more like 5 times a week. Wish me luck!

(BTW I DID make it there today for a full hour of step aerobics---I AM WOMAN! HEAR ME ROAR!!---and moan due to sore muscles....)

Year in Review

2008-02-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

How is it possible that my baby girl is one?

How did that happen?
Wasn't it just yesterday that we brought her home like this?

Watched her learn to roll over (and drool):

And sit up:

And make us laugh:

And get teeth:

And cluck: :)

And celebrate:

And PAR-TAY!!

I can't believe how quickly this year had flown by.
Happy Birthday little B. love you.

Having Her Cake...And Eating it Too

2008-02-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

We made it through B's first birthday party. Whew! It was really fun actually, a beautiful sunny day & good times had by all. Since I am plain worn out from the festivities, I'll just share a few pics tonight & more details later on.

Traditionally we have given the baby a whole cake to do with as they wish on their first birthday, but daddy could not bear to have the large heart cake I made totally destroyed (read:more for him later), so we gave B a nice BIG slice & let her go to town (it is supposed to be the first cake they have ever tasted, but as little B is baby #3...well, lets just say it is certainly not her first treat).

This is my FAVORITE pic of the cake eating extravaganza...yes even with part of her face cropped off (probably cuz I love artsy stuff like that). I LOVE those little dimpled hands diggin in...DELICIOUS! (both the cake & those pudgy fingers!) :)

And who can resist this face? She didn't look at me ONE SINGLE time while eating her cake....man she makes me work for it!

Love you little B!

Party Planning

2008-02-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

So here's what I'm up to tonight...party plannin'! Tomorrow is little B's first birthday party!

I did think a bit about February's resolution today as it IS the 1st, but I didn't quite get to it...Monday for sure (more on this later).

One of the quirks of my personality is this...I LOVE to plan parties for my kids...not so unusual you might think, but I tend to go a little (ok sometimes a lot) over the top. As in...the theme is vitally important & EVERYTHING must match & go along with the theme....invitations, decor, food, serving plates, bowls, cups, drinks, games, favors, crafts....and the list goes on (thank goodness for the dollar store, I may be crazy, but I am also CHEAP!)

B was born in February so that makes the theme easy...Valentine's! So EVERYTHING is red & pink with TONS of hearts. So fun for my little girl. Can't wait until tomorrow. Stay tuned for a play by play. :)

Peek-A-Boo, I See You

2008-01-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

Baby B is right in the middle of the peek-a-boo phase.

I LOVE this!

It is so fun to watch them giggle with delight at every "boo!"

So, while we were out on a walk today, she managed to twist herself around in her stroller (still belted in mind you---yeeouch how do they do that!?!) to play peek-a-boo with me.

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy (at least for the R family)

2008-01-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

January 30th is a busy day for our family. A day to celebrate & remember....here's why (beginning at the beginning):

It's my father-in-law, Bill's birthday today. He was an amazing husband, father & grandfather. My only regret is that my kids were not born yet when Grandpa R left us...far too soon.

We miss you!

Secondly, its my dear parent's anniversary today.
32 years...go Mom & Dad!
Happy Anniversary!!!
(BTW....lookin' sassy in those 70's duds!)

And lastly, happy birthday to my nephew little B. Seriously the CUTEST brown-eyed boy around...who wouldn't love that face? :)

Firstborn

2008-01-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

We firstborns get a raw deal. We are the EXPERIMENTAL children who our parents "figure things out" on. We pave the way through the STRICT years....and then watch as our parents loosen up for our younger siblings (your welcome guys!). We must be RESPONSIBLE & HELPFUL long before the baby ever has to be. We are DESIGNATED BABYSITTERS....often free of charge. We are overachievers, perfectionists, picky, detail oriented & organized....sometimes to a fault.

HOWEVER, we also NEVER get hand-me-downs, are the first to be spoiled, the first at EVERYTHING, our baby books are complete, we have the most pictures of our childhood, we are reliable, conscientious, natural leaders & high achievers...who like things done right the first time (& done OUR way) . ;)

Hang in there baby girl--mama will always understand your pain. :)

I NEED a Vacation...

2008-01-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ok moms, I know you have had these days. You know, where all you hear all day long is fight, cry, whine (repeat ad nauseam).

My 3 are out to get me today.

I long for a getaway, someplace beautiful & serene....where I am completely and unequivocally ALONE! (ok...I suppose my husband could come too :)).

I wanna look out my window and see something like this...Unfortunately, the best I can do tonight is a bubble bath & a good book with a prayer that tomorrow will be a better day.

Calgon take me away............................

A Sad Day

2008-01-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

My heart is full this evening as I have just learned of that one of the most extraordinary, humble and kindest of men has left us.

I rejoice for the reunion he is having with his sweet wife and those who have gone before him & mourn for those of us left behind.

I am grateful that his example in my life has encouraged me to Stand For Something, live with optimism and never lose hope.

Godspeed President Hinckley. We will miss you.

Note to Self: Never EVER leave small children unattended with PAINT!

2008-01-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok...so I should know this right? I am on child #3 after all...that should entitle me some insights into the inner workings of a child's mind. Right? Hmmmm, you would think so.

So I'm chatting away with my Mom on the phone...in my pj's...(it's just one of those days) & I tell her, "Oh it is so nice, the kids are playing so well together today. Z just pulled out the water colors & they are painting."

How precious...how peaceful, a camcorder moment, as brother & sister enjoy the pleasures of painting....together....amicably...WOW!

Surely I can run into the office to check out a blog or two as I continue to chat on the phone! Of course, what could go wrong, I'll only be gone a minute or two......

or ten.

Fast forward two, five, ten minutes...who knows....& YIKES!

"Oh no!"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! What happened to just using water colors?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! Who found the tempura paint!?!"

"OOOOOOOHHHHH! Where are the paint brushes?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHH! What is that on the baby's mouth!?!"

Lucky for my children, being a blogger has made me a tad more reflective these days...so I take a breath, grab the camera & document the festivities.

Needless to say, the tempura paint has been hidden away...only to return when Mom is a little less....uhhhh.....distracted. :)

When I Grow Up...

2008-01-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have a vivid memory from my childhood. Sitting cross legged on the bathroom counter with my feet curled up under my nightgown. Chin cradled in my hands. Watching mom get ready for a night out. I think to myself... "Wow, I hope I am as pretty as my mom when I grow up."

Still feel the same way.

Mom, you are beautiful.

Little Known Fact

2008-01-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

These are MY tools. My husband may have been the one to purchase them, but they are MINE. (hmmm...starting to sound a little possessive aren't I? ....of course, honey, you are ALWAYS welcome to use them. ;) ) Actually, the Titanium trimmers were purchased specifically for me & at my request.

You see, I LOVE trimming our plants. Not sure what it is, but I get extreme satisfaction from hacking away a tree or shrub. I am no expert by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I take pride in my little contribution to our yard maintenance. It may take me a week (or month) to get all the plants trimmed up & sometimes they may look a little....uh, whats a good word....ummmmm....interesting when I'm done, but hey there is nothing more gratifying than choppin' off a big ol' tree limb. Plus, power tools are fun. :)

Next I want a blower cuz...

I may love to trim, but I HATE to clean up.

Miracles

2008-01-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

My new favorite quote:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."

~Abraham Lincoln

Happy Wednesday.

Command Center

2008-01-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have loads of ideas for my house floating around in my head all the time. However, lack of time & funding delays bringing these ideas to fruition. BUT at last, an idea that has been bouncing around in my head FOREVER was made a reality this past weekend! I give you....

The R Family Command Center!!!! TaDa!!

Yea!!!, A place for the kids backpacks, a place to write messages to each other, a big family calendar (each of us are assigned a different color--yes I'm THAT nerdy), a home for the keys, a cool clock to hopefully keep us on schedule & my fun FHE board that tracks who's in charge of what for family nights.

I LOVE it!!!! (thanks honey for staying up late to get it just right!)

Yeah, I know its not February yet, but I wanted to start FRESH in a new month. :)

These Are the Days

2008-01-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

These are the days that we live for here in Arizona...cool, 65 degrees, sunny with a nice breeze...aaaahhhh.

These are the days we dream of when its 115 out in July.

Days when we can play in the park without snow boots or sunburns.

Days when the kids can even run around barefoot...yes even in January.

Days when it doesn't matter if your clothes match or not.

Days when sticky blue taffy on your face is quite alright.

Days when we've got nothin more pressing to do than hang out with our grandma, aunts & cousins.

Days when combing your hair is just plain unnecessary.

Days when its ok to just be silly

Days I will always remember.

Our PERFECT winter's day.

A Tale of Two Eyebrows

2008-01-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have something happen that makes you laugh out loud, simply by thinking about it? I mean seriously laugh so much it hurts, even hours & hours after it happened? Well.....something like that happened at our house today & I'm still giggling about it.

So we all dragged out of bed this fine Sunday morning to get ready for church...ok I guess I dragged out of bed, everyone else seemed to be up & at em' just fine. The fun started when I headed into the bathroom to wash my hands. I glanced over at Rob who was getting ready. He was using his hair clippers to trim his eyebrows. Now, although I have not actually seen him do this before, I knew that he did do it to "tame" the brows...thus avoiding the bushy brow look some men find so attractive. ;)

Anyways, I smirked & was thinking to myself..."better make sure you don't shave your eyebrows off" & was just about to open my mouth to say it when he looks at me & says..."Uh, I'm not sure what just happened."

Yup, you got it...he basically DID shave off one of his eyebrows. (K....I'm laughing out loud AGAIN just remembering it!) :D :D :D

So I am CRACKING UP....He looks absolutely hysterical sporting one normal eyebrow & one EXTREMELY short...almost nonexistent eyebrow. I can't even look at him, I'm laughing so hard. Funny thing is...he had the #6 guard on the clippers, same as usual, but for some reason it didn't work quite as expected this morning. He says it must have been because I needed a good laugh today. Boy did I get one!

Well, we had church in 30 minutes...what to do...what to do....AHA! The beauty of the eyebrow pencil.....just a little careful application & viola! You couldn't even tell. No one in church even noticed.

Thanks for the laughs babe & for being such a good sport (I'm sure I would NOT have been.)

Tired

2008-01-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

There are some days when I'm just soooooooo tired. Deeply, painfully, excruciatingly tired. Like today. I was up too late last night on a date with my sweetie & then L was up FIVE times in the night!! Sometimes it feels like I haven't been well rested since I had kids...actually even before that...since the first time I got pregnant!

So I am going to bed.

I'm feeling kinda how L was feeling here...its 5:00 p.m., I'm making dinner, he's lying at my feet & says:

L: "Mommy, how much longer before dinner?"

Me: "About 10 minutes buddy (have you noticed we call him this A LOT?)"

L: "Okay."

Moments later, he was asleep on the hard, cold kitchen floor. I get it though. Some days, like today, I could go to sleep on the kitchen floor too.

Goodnight!

Tag, I'm It....Part II

2008-01-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok so here's my next recipe to share. It is prepared in my BELOVED crockpot. I absolutely adore my crockpot. Would not get along without it. It is a MUST for any time starved, sleep deprived mommy like me....but I digress....behold...Teriyaki Pork Roast:

3/4 c. unsweetened apple juice

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

3 lb. boneless pork loin, halved

2 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

3 Tbsp. water

1. Combine apple juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and pepper in greased crockpot.

2. Add roast. Turn to coat.

3. Cover. Cook on low 7-8 hours. Remove roast & keep warm.

4. In saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir in juice from roast. Bring to boil. Cook & stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with roast.

I serve this with brown rice for a healthy, delicious, EASY meal. Bon appetit!

Tag, I'm It

2008-01-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Its my first tag! I've been tagged by Ally, the original family blogger, who has been waiting patiently for the rest of us to catch on....hey Ally it looks like it is FINALLY catching....actually spreading like wildfire is more like it...wooohooo!!

Anywhoo, I am supposed to be posting 3 of our favorite dinner recipes, BUT since my blog would cease to be MY blog without pictures, you will simply have to be patient & enjoy one recipe at a time until I can photograph a few more. ;)

Here's my first contribution...last night's blue plate special...Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law who used to make it better than I ever will. Everyone in our family LOVES it...even the kids gobble it right up!

2 c. Ritz crackers, crushed

1 tsp. seasoned salt (Lawry's)

8 oz. PLAIN yogurt

3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

2 tsp. garlic powder

6-8 boneless/skinless chicken breasts (but I love to use chicken tenders....it makes it...well, just more tender! :))
1/4 c. melted butter

Combine crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic & seasoned salt; set aside. Coat each piece of chicken with plain yogurt, then coat with crumb mixture. Arrange in greased baking dish. Drizzle butter over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

the secret: the tip my mother-in-law gave me was to soak the chicken in the yogurt over night or at least for the whole day prior to baking....mmmm tender & DELICIOUS.

Chocoholics

2008-01-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

So if you've checked out the "about me" portion of my blog, you may have noticed that I am a chocoholic. Hello, my name is Jen & I am a chocoholic....a SERIOUS chocoholic. As in, must have chocolate EVERY SINGLE DAY!! It may just be a few chocolate chips if I have nothing better, but I really, really need just a little bit of chocolate daily....the DARKER, the better!

Oddly enough, this trait skipped being passed to my daughter who would rather have vanilla ice cream (?!?!) & went straight to my son. Little man L is *almost * as big of a chocolate lover as I am.

We have some friends who are going through a bit of a rough time right now & so L & I decided to make them some cookies. Since we would be giving the bulk of them away, we decided on nice, rich, chocolaty Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies. Mmmmmmmmmmm. I don't make these often because they are pure chocolate with chocolate chips & nuts. These cookies greatly displease Daddy & Z who would MUCH rather eat sugar cookies. But for L & I, we were in pure heaven.

For you other chocolate lovers...here's the recipe (thanks to my sister-in-law C for sharing this recipe with me.)

Warning: These are DANGEROUS...I've already had more today than I'd care to admit. ;)

Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. butter

3/4 c. white sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter & sugars. Add 1 egg at a time & then the rest of the ingredients. Bake 9-11 minutes at 375 degrees. Try not to eat all in one day. :)

Order out of Chaos

2008-01-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

So I got an email the other day from my sister telling me about how excited she was about cleaning out & organizing her kitchen cabinets & how she couldn't wait to tackle her office. I replied about how that was "my kind of fun" (direct quote) & how excited I was about having cleaned out my laundry room that day. Then I told her that we were a couple of nerds. Yup, nerds. We are dorky, organizational nerds.

Ok, I admit it!
I LOVE to organize. A clean, organized space for me is a thin slice of heaven. It puts my mind in such a peaceful place. In my dream home EVERYTHING would have a place & everything would be IN its place. Now I definitely DO NOT live in that world, nor will I probably EVER live there with lots o' little kids and a husband who is....ahem....organizationally challenged. (love you sweetie!)

So for my latest project I undertook the task of cleaning out my "junk" drawer. It had gotten REALLY out of hand. I loved this project because it was quick, easy & the results were awesome! Yes, for me, this really was fun....not work. I even used a gift card to buy the drawer dividers & I was EXCITED to use my gift card for that.

I may be a nerd, but I'm a happy one. (at least every time I look in my junk drawer) Hmmmmm....I think that drawer needs a new name....odds & ends drawer, handy tools drawer, tidiest space in the house drawer..... ;)

"Is it my favorite?"

2008-01-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

Hawaiian Haystacks. A dinnertime staple around here. It has been FOREVER & it was when I was growing up too. They are really quick, relatively cheap, made with stuff I usually have on hand & a definite crowd pleaser. They are also Z's FAVORITE meal. Inevitably as the dinner hour approaches she'll ask:

Z: "Mom, what's for dinner?"

Me: "Chicken." (not always of course, but we do eat A LOT of chicken)

Z: "Is it my favorite?" (she seriously asks this EVERY time we have chicken)

Me: "YES!"

Z: "Yeah!!!!" (happy dance)

At least tonight that was the gist of our conversation. There are plenty of times when the answer is "no" & then I know what's coming next...."awww Mom, I don't like this stuff....why don't you ever make my favorite???"

The thing is....I DO make it.....a lot.

Grandma's Garden

2008-01-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when we must live vicariously. Sometimes, it is just necessary. Case in point...Grandma's garden. I'd LOVE to have a garden in our backyard, BUT feasibly at this point....uh, not gonna happen. Someday....... BUT, for the time being, we are lucky enough to enjoy the "fruits" (haha, no pun intended) of Grandma's labor.

Plus the kids get to have a little "gardening" experience. Nothing is more fun that eating fresh fruits & veggies that have grown right before your eyes. They are SO much more delectable than the stuff we get at the store (even from our beloved Market!)

I never thought I'd see the day that MY kids would eat tomatoes like apples, but they all do....seriously....they LOVE tomatoes.

I do remember that my opinion of tomatoes changed when I was about 10-years-old & had my first fresh tomato from my Grandpa N's garden....mmmmmm...I can still taste it....a big slice with just a little salt. Yummy! After that I had a new view of tomatoes. BUT, I still don't eat them like apples...a girl's gotta have limits. ;)

Trip to the Beauty Salon

2008-01-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

There are not many 5-year-old girls who get to get their hair cut in a fancy salon (at least those who are living on our budget!), but my little Z just happens to be one of the lucky few. Our stylist, the divine Miss J, also happens to be one of the best friends I have ever...or will ever...have & she is sweet enough to give us a really GREAT deal. (We've been friends for over 20 YEARS!!! Now THAT makes me feel old.)

Today it was time for a trim & so Z & I headed out, just the 2 of us, for a little girl time. Z was a bit nervous, but really enjoyed being pampered. It was her first time having her hair washed in "the big bowl" & she obviously really enjoyed it! :) We all know that is THE BEST part of a haircut!!

As we were walking into the salon our conversation went a bit like this:

Z: "Mom, are you getting your hair cut today?"

Me: "No, mine takes a long time because I get color put in it."

Z: "What color do you get?"

Me: "Just brown."

Z: "I want to get color too!"

Me: "Weeelllll, maybe when you're all grown up."

Z: "Awww, okay."

Me: "What color do you want?"

Z: "PINK!"
Z is also blessed with amazing, naturally curly hair...so when she gets a cut she has layers put in so that it will curl up easily....making life easier for Mom. Even though sometimes she wishes for "smooth" hair, I think that she is oh so lucky & absolutely STUNNING with her beautiful curly locks.

All done...what a GORGEOUS girl!

(even without the pink...LOL!)

Glamorous

2008-01-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Today Miss Z had a play date with her cousin, little L. Not only are Z & L cousins, but also GREAT friends. It has been such a treat for us because L's family lives just minutes away. After they had tired of playing ponies, jumping on the trampoline & eating left over candy canes, they decided to get REALLY girly by putting on "makeup" & painting their nails. So, foreseeing a possible mess, I sent them into my bathroom to primp....as far from carpet & furniture as possible. As the baby was napping & little man L was off on his own play date, I enjoyed a few quiet minutes folding laundry & answering emails. I suddenly realized that the girls were quiet, TOO quiet. I decided to go investigate. I discovered two very glittery & glamorous little girls who had not only covered themselves in sparkles, but the bathroom too! Oh well, you're only 5 once right?

Lookin' good girlies!!

Super Shopper

2008-01-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am the queen of coupons, clearance & close-outs. In other words I LOVE a good deal. So imagine my delight today when I popped over to Target (one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE stores) for some drawer dividers & discovered that they had just marked down the overstock of toys from Christmas to 75% off! Wooohooo!

I scurried through the aisles, (as I had very little time before I needed to pick up L from preschool), elbowed my way through the crowds & stuffed 2 carts full of all kinds of toys. I think I got pretty much everything I will need for birthday parties this year as well as a few little goodies for my own kiddos. Eighteen items, all for under $100!!

Whew, it was fun! Those little red stickers make me simply giddy! I may just head back over there tomorrow for a more leisurely exploration of the playtime possibilities. ;)

To Market, To Market

2008-01-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Once a week, my kids & I head off for our weekly rendezvous to the local farmer's market, known to our family as simply "The Market" or affectionately as the "fruits & begetables store." I love it there. I love that I can get tons of fruits & veggies for my brood without breaking the bank and that we can try a wide variety of healthy options. It can also be fun naming the colors of things & discovering unknown treasures. That is the ideal of course. This can happen with one, maybe 2 kids in tow, but when you are talking about THREE....well then it basically turns into get in, get it done & GET OUT! Bribery is usually involved especially for Mr. L as he seems to have a hard time staying in the cart, not pulling down every neatly stacked pile of fruit he sees and keeping the noise to a reasonable decibel level.

What bliss for me today as I only had ONE child with me. Turns out Miss B has learned her brother's tricks & spent the entire time trying to climb the vegetable stands & doing amazing feats of aerobatics in order to wiggle her way out of the cart. It never fails, as I am scrambling down the aisles with one hand trying to keep the baby stationary & the other pushing the cart, that we see another young family perusing the produce. This one had a child, no older than Miss B, sitting sedately in his cart with an arm protectively clutching a cauliflower.

There was no climbing, no fussing, no screaming (happy, sad or otherwise!), no sampling, no throwing and certainly no destruction of displays! I eyed this calm mother, smiled & wondered how she did it....not one of my kids was EVER that calm when faced with such exciting opportunities for mischief.

My kids must just REALLY love produce. ;)

Back to School...Preschool that is...

2008-01-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today was L's first day back to preschool. It's been awhile...he started back in September, BUT, well...lets just say that he wasn't QUITE ready. Ummm, something about teacher's in tears, inability to sit still, overzealous friendliness....now don't get me wrong, he is NOT NAUGHTY, just busy, busy, busy...I guess just a normal 3 (then 2) year old little boy. (Lucky for us he was attending his Aunt H's preschool & so we got special attention....I NEVER would have sent him that young if he hadn't been going with family.)

Huh, I guess there IS a reason preschools don't accept kids under 3. ;)

But just look at that face...how could HE give anyone a moment's trouble?!? hahahaha.....we know the truth!

Just seconds after I took the above picture, I said..."hey buddy, turn around so I can see your backpack...." This is what I got:

....NICE.....now THAT is the true spirit of my little man....endlessly silly, amazingly outgoing, such a smarty and quite the chatterbox.

BTW, he had a GREAT day. Looks like 4 months really does make a world of difference when you're 3. :)

Blond-haired, Blue-eyed Baby B

2008-01-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Before Rob & I had kids, we were sure they would be of the dark-haired, green-eyed variety. After all, that's what both of us looked like, what else could we possibly get?

Wellllllllllll...the mysteries of genetics threw us for a loop when our first child was born with dark hair & not green, but big BLUE eyes. Surely it must be some fluke!

When our son was born, he was a bit more what of what we had originally expected...dark hair and hazely green eyes.

But along came #3, Miss B, AND as if our kids couldn't possibly look any MORE different from each other...she surprises us again with not only blue eyes, but blond hair to boot!

What on earth could be next?!?

Ode to a Cloudy Day

2008-01-06T19:46:00.001-07:00

When we woke up this morning and saw a grey sky thick with heavy clouds, I was delighted! Being a true Arizona native, I absolutely LOVE cloudy, rainy days. I suppose if I lived somewhere like Seattle, I would blog "ode to a sunny day," but not here in the Valley of the Sun where we have nearly 300 sunny days a year. We relish the rain.

Not only do I love cloudy days for their potential rain (which we sorely need here in the desert), but also for their beauty. I am seriously a cloud junkie. I always notice clouds, their shape, color and size....the way they spread across the sky and hover over the mountains. AND because I am also a photography fanatic, I love a cloudy day for the landscape photo potential and also for the perfect light it creates for portraits...soft & even...a giant light box in the sky.

Arizona has beautiful wide open skies and absolutely stunning sunsets and when you add a cloudy sky to that combination, it is nothing short of perfection.

When it comes to kids...EXPECT the UNexpected!

2008-01-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I heard in a talk in church about 6 months ago that part of the way this certain family maintains unity is by taking monthly day trips to explore Arizona. Wow, I thought! How cool is that! AND since Arizona is an amazingly beautiful and interesting place...there are unending opportunities for exciting exploration. I rallied the troops...mainly my hubby...& we really got excited about this idea.

Today we thought we would begin. Since we were taking a day trip to visit family for a holiday party anyway, why not add a little cultural experience to our excursion?!? Just a quick stop of course, but worthwhile none the less!

And so the 7 of us (my sister & her husband joined in on the fun) set about exploring out first location...

Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe (say that 10x fast...sheesh!).

Well, the fun started when before we even entered the park when little Miss B decided to overflow her diaper & I mean REALLY overflow. Not to be put down, we just clean her up, scooped herinto daddy's jacket & set off.
Truly we did have a blast exploring the ancient Indian ruins, checking out the little museum and learning a little about the way the Indians had lived. We were pleasantly enjoying our outing, preparing to head out, when little man L starts the potty dance. Now he had JUST gone no more than 45 minutes previous so I thought he was exaggerating...ummmmm m no. That wasn't just a pee pee dance, that was the BIG poo poo dance! By the time I got to him it was, well, a bit too late, ok A LOT too late. Yep you guessed it folks, two pooped pants that day, all for the bargain price of admission to Besh Ba Gowah Park.

I hope this isn't an omen for our future Arizona adventures. We will persevere!
Gotta love the L man's post clean up dance. :)

C&J: I hope we didn't scare you away from having kids!

Dirty Dishes

2008-01-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

The dishes...bane of my existance...the neverending chore. Why oh why does it feel like I am endlessly standing at the kitchen sink??

I suppose that part of the reason is that my children, who are still a bit young to REALLY help out in this particular area, create LOTS of dirty dishes. And my darling husband, who helps out in SO MANY other ways, DOES NOT do dishes. It is by far his least favorite chore, and perhaps becoming mine as well...no wait, scrubbing the hard water stains off the shower is FARRRRR worse (but fortunately that doesn't have to be done every day)!

Seriously, there must be imprints of my feet in the floor in front of that well-worn kitchen sink.

Oh well, since I have a thing for shiny, EMPTY sinks and clear countertops...I will continue my love affair with the dishwasher....

At least I have a REALLY cute assistant.

(no worries concerned parents, it is a BUTTER knife...I'm not THAT bad of a mom! ;))

And yes, tonight, the dishes are done! :)

Kids Say the Darnest Things...

2008-01-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

My little L is the chattiest 3-year-old boy I've ever met. He has been quite verbose for a LONG time which, at his age & for his gender, is pretty unusual. It is no surprise, therefore, that he & I have had some great discussions. He cracks me up on a daily basis.

For example, today while perusing the 99 Cent Only store, he says:

L: "Hey Mom, where do stomachs come from?"

Me: "Hmmmmmmm (doing some quick thinking here), they come from Heavenly Father buddy."

L: "Oh, (then he folds his arms & bows his head right there in the shopping cart & says:) Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my stomach."

Now that's gratitude for ya. He is also always the one to shout out..."we forgot to say the prayer!!" before EVERY meal...at ANY location. We have had lots of blessings on the food in all kinds of places....McDonalds, parks, friends houses...you name it.

Thanks for being an example to me little man & for the record, I'm grateful for my stomach too. :)

Happy Birthday to 2 Very Important Women in My Life

2008-01-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

First, wishing a very happy birthday

to one of my very best friends who,

....lucky for me....

also happens to be my sister.

Love ya Jess!

Don't know where I'd be without you!

And lastly,

happy birthday to

my mother-in-law,

Norma.

I miss you everyday.

The Beginning...

2008-01-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, new beginnings.....full of possibility, ripe with opportunity....unfettered....unknown. Does that sound eloquent? I'm really not, but feel like on this, my first post, I should be at least a little profound. :)

Here, at the beginning of this new year, I begin the journey of a blogger. To tell about pieces of me, my simple, ordinary, day to day experiences that I feel like I must record or allow to be lost forever.

"I can't forget this"...I often say to myself as I watch my children grow & change and watch myself grow & change along with them. But I know I am forgetting things & will continue to forget things if I don't record them. And so I begin this online journal. I am eager & optimistic, but trying to be realistic too as most of my days are quite hectic & most of my nights are interrupted (3 kids, ages 5 & under will do that to you!).

My fingers are itching to fill up this clean slate with stories, thoughts, opinions & dreams. Stay tuned...who knows what may come. ;)

AND in conclusion I must give homage to the popular ritual of fresh beginnings & resolutions to "get organized"....(which is ALWAYS one of my goals)....with an image of my new planner (thanks Mom). I absolutely LOVE it! It is so fun & soooo how my brain works. It is pretty & clean & ready to be filled up with the dizzying thoughts in my head. I am off to make lists & plans. Ahh, organization does my heart good.