Adios

Heading for some R and R in some exotic locations.

People under 18 are not invited.

Can't wait to have BV all to myself for 8 days.

Be back soon to share.

Halloween Part II

This year Halloween brought us a sweet little Spider Princess.
It also brought us Spider Boy (who looked more like someone who might be after your fine crystal).

It brought us lots of Trick or Treating Friends (only half of whom are pictured because we couldn't bribe them all to stand there that long.)

It brought a very large posse of parents to follow behind our anxious little trick or treaters.

And it brought goodies of all kinds (that have since been picked up and carried away by the Waste Management System of Gilbert) to fill up those sweet little Jack o' lantern buckets.

We're all Jack o' lanterned and Halloweened out for now.

We're looking forward to turkey and pumpkin pie and that bowl of yams with marshmallows on top that sits at the Thanksgiving table that nobody ever eats.

The Moon

Last evening Bacho and I were standing in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner. Bodie was making his rounds in the nude. He walked past the stairs on his way to the family room to watch "Micky's Trick or Treat" for the 4000th time. He stopped, turned his backside towards his parents, looked upstairs through the upstairs window and announced,

"Look, I see a moon."

Bacho and I looked at eachother and said in unison,

"Hummm....so do we."

Buuuuuurrrrrrr

It's a bit chilly here in the AZ. It's in the 50's!! We're bundled up in our socks and jammies. We're staying indoors. Just too cold to venture out :) We're baking bread and making treats made with pumpkin and spices. They smell delightful. We sent Daddy off with hot chocolate in his belly. We only wish he was here to snuggle in his jammies with us.

P.S. Come home soon Bacho....we'll have bread and jam and your jammies waiting.

Halloween Costumes: Part 1

This is what you get when your mom doesn't get it together in time to have your costume ready for the ward trunk or treat.

Last minute or not, they still made a cute little duo.

My Little Audience

That's the face of a little lady whose enjoying her Mother's incredible singing voice and awesome dance moves from her front row seat right there in the back seat.

She gets a show almost everyday. Sometimes several times a day.

She's a lucky girl.

But I think I'm even luckier to have such an enthusiastic, approving audience for all my moves.

He's Not Even Two and a Half

It was 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Bodie awoke from his nap.

His dad and I entered his room to begin getting him ready for church (Because we are the lucky few that enjoy church at 3:00 p.m.)

He was in no mood to be dressed and groomed.

"But it's Sunday," we told him. "Time for nursery...fishies, marshmallows, toys."

"I don't want to go to church and I don't want to go to nursery," he told us back.

"Come on Bodie," we coaxed him. "You love nursery. You can see your teachers and all your friends."

His dad and I stood by the side of his bed and watched him roll over, pull the covers up over his little body and announce,

"I'm really, really sick and I can't go to nursery today."

Bacho turned to me and with absolute concern on his face asked,

"What are we going to do when he's sixteen?"

He's Rubbed Off On Me

Sometimes I kid with Bacho about my level of Puerto Rican-ness.

After 12 years of marriage I figure I'm about 40% Puerto Rican.

When I cook a meal that sort-of resembles rice and beans and meat I tell him the reason it tastes pretty good is because I'm kind-of Puerto Rican.

He smiles and says, "Yes, you are."

In honor of my Puerto Rican-ness, enjoy this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irPsyY7UFYA

It's one of my most favorites.

Kind of makes ya want to open all the windows, merengue around and clean every inch of the house.

Flexibility

This morning as I was finishing up my yoga DVD, I was feeling pretty good about things. You know....getting up at 6:00 to work-out, looking forward to fitting into my skinny shorts. Things were good.

As I was nearing the end of the two-legged-hamstring stretches, Bodie awoke and wandered into the family room. He watched me for a few minutes. Then he commented, "No mommy. Not like that. The man is touching his feets."

To which I replied, "It's ok. This is how you do it Bode."

"No mommy, you not touching your feets. The man is touching feets," he said concerned.

"Well, that man is really,really stretchy and mommy isn't that stretchy. This is as far as mommy can reach without doing damage to herself," I told him.

He left it at that and watched me do the rest of those two-legged-hamstring stretches (STILL not touching my feet).

The rest of the work-out wasn't quite the same. The man really was touching his "feets" and I wasn't. Some people were made to be able to touch their "feets" and some of us weren't. But I'll keep trying. Maybe one day I will touch my "feets."

Our Favorite Pic of the Week

(Courtesy of the talented Miss Auburn Ellingson)

Baby's Got a Shiner

It's a beauty.
Black and blue with a hint of yellow.
It's cause is still a bit of a mystery.
Supposedly her eye "accidentally" came in contact with the basket that a certain 2-year-old was carrying.
This little lady is going to be one tough cookie one of these days.
But the number of other "accidents" along the way have us really worried.

Yep, that's a plastic snake hanging out of her mouth.

26.2..........Again

They did it! Again!

These 2 boys completed another marathon.

They both managed to shave 30 minutes off their time and they both managed to look really handsome after running a really long way.

It's an absolute treat to cheer you two on.

We love you lots and lots.

Sharing The Love

What do you get when a Puerto Rican teaches lots of young men how to do the Samoan Slap Dance?

A whole lot of fun and a really smelly room.

Loving "Love and Logic"

This is just a little suggestion for those of you with a little one (or not so little one) that sometimes pushes your buttons.

(Don't we all have one of those??)

This book is a little gem and it's made a HUGE difference in our home.

I'm a believer.

My 4 new favorite words: "That's a bummer Bodie."

They're magic words I tell you.

Magic.

I Think We're Raising A Democrat

Conversation on the way home from Chick-fil-A

Bodie: "Mommy, where's Obama?"

Me: "Ummmm....he's at the White House."

Bodie: "Where's the White House?"

Me: "It's in Washington DC."

Bodie: "Where's Washington DC?"

Me: "It's in the United States."

Bodie: "K.....Thank you."

It might be possible that I've been through Sonic's drive-thru one too many times this summer.

Bodie's conversation playing "Sonic" by himself in the playroom this afternoon:

Hi.

Le'me have a 44 Diet Coke full of ice.

Here ya go.

Thank you.

See ya.

What can I say?

I'm super ashamed.

But it's super hot outside.

The Bigger The Fan, The Bluer The Blood

We're all bleeding blue this morning.

Is it ever too soon to start learning what it takes to be a woman?

And It's Only Wednesday

Have you ever had a week where your yard looks like this:

your laundry room looks like this:

your kitchen floor looks like this:

And your most favorite spot to sit looks like this?:

We're having that kind of week.

Mornings With Abby

This was my view this morning as I fed this sweet baby.

I'm enjoying every last one of these moments because I feel them slipping away.

We used to spend lots of moments like this together.

She would let me hold her and snuggle her and feed her.

But she's busy these days.

She has toys to find and carpet to roll around on and a brother to giggle at.

Each morning after Bodie consumes his must-have-cannot-live-without-or-could-possibly-die oatmeal, and after Daddy's lunch is made, I snatch this lady up and I snuggle her and feed her.

It's perfect.

But then her little feet start wiggling and her body gets restless and she's telling me she's ready to get down and begin exploring the world.

So, even if my little baby only wants to be my little baby for a few moments each day, I'll gladly take it and I'll soak in each and every last moment for as long as she lets me.

Ralph

This morning I pulled out of my driveway with the two little ones buckled in the backseat and drove down the street. Two miles into our drive, it occurred to me that I was driving away from my favorite Sonic that so lovingly gives me 44 oz. of my favorite beverage (all the way full of ice) for half price ANYTIME. I debated for a moment whether I should flip a u-turn or go through my day without my favorite beverage. Going through the day without it was not an option because it's exactly 513 degrees outside and I NEED a 44oz drink all the way full of ice. I decided it would be OK, just this once, to get my beverage elsewhere.

As I rounded the next corner, I spotted the big yellow "M". We pulled in behind 6 other cars because it was exactly 12 noon and people were hungry for nuggets and burgers. I ordered my two drinks(one for me and one for Bodie) through the little speaker and then proceeded to the window to pay.

I rolled the window down, and there inside his little window with a gigantic smile was Ralph. I would guess Ralph to be somewhere in his seventies. His hands were wrinkly and his face looked like he has probably spent lots of time working outside. He wore glasses. His hair was silver and balding just a bit.

"Hi there little lady," he said still smiling.

"Hi Ralph," I answered back with a smile.

"Looks like ya have two little darlins in the back seat there," he said.

"Yes I do," I answered back.

Ralph took my two dollars and 16 cents and carefully put the bills and coins in their rightful places in the register and then he handed me my receipt. He looked right in my eyes and said,

"I really hope you have a great day!"

"I hope so too, Ralph," I said.

My experience through the drive-through today with Ralph caught me a little off-guard. I've never had a drive-through person be so kind and it took me a few minutes to process and realize his kindness.

Ralph's kindness made me want to be just as kind to the bakery man at Albertson's when I passed him a while later while getting my groceries. I payed a little extra attention to the bakery man and commented on all the yummy treats in the display case with a smile. I also tried to be just as kind to the man in the meat section. I didn't comment on all the yummy treats in the meat display case because they didn't look as yummy, but I was still extra kind to him.

Ralph doesn't know it, but his kindness was passed on today and I'll continue to think about Ralph and his gigantic smile. It made my day. And I'll continue to pass Ralph's kindness on.

And just as a little favor to me, if you ever stop at the McDonald's on Val Vista and Guadalupe and Ralph is your cashier, be extra nice to him. He deserves it.

Abuelos, Abuelas, Ti-ties, Primos and Primas

We were spoiled last week with 6 full days of family.
Bodie was in absolute heaven with so many people tending to his every need and hanging on his every word.
He played endlessly each day until there wasn't an ounce of energy left in him.
Bacho and I enjoyed our week knowing our kids were in the best hands.
Our lives are full.
Les queremos mucho mucho!!

I Think I'll be Delightful Today

Bacho and I returned home Saturday evening from receiving a week full of knowledge at Education week at BYU. My little flower notebook is full of morsels of wisdom from so many awesome speakers. My little brain is still trying to process and remember all the things I should be doing to be a better person. We attended classes on parenting (lots of those), marriage, the scriptures, social relationships, positive thinking, physical wellness and so many others. All were amazing and uplifting. I will spend the next several months reading and re-reading my notes to remind myself of the feelings I felt there and the councel I was given.

Although I was taught so many wonderful things, one thing sticks out more than anything else. One little phrase has been running through my mind since the moment I heard it. It was our last class of the week on Friday afternoon. We walked over to the Marriot Center (after eating 2 BYU brownies in the shade under a tree) to hear John Bytheway speak. We had been to a couple of his other classes throughout the week and this was a culmination of the entire week. As he was speaking, I was writing lots of good things down. Then he started to talk a little more slowly and asked the audience this question:

"What if you were to look in the mirror each morning and say to yourself, I think I'll be a delightful person today."

That little phrase, I think I'll be a delightful person today, was "it" for me.

It's that one little morsel from an entire week of great morsels that I needed.

I've reminded myself a hundred times since then of how things in my life and the lives of those around me could be better if I were to decide to be a delightful person each day.

It's my new favorite goal.

I will try to be a delightful person.

Determination

That man right up there is training his body to complete an

Iron Man.

That means he will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and if that wasn't enough, run 26 miles.

He officially started his, "swimming lessons" this morning. He's not the best swimmer on the block, but you can bet he'll give it all he's got.

He has 9 more months to train his body to withstand the torture and finish the race.

We know you can do it Daddy.

Wish him well and be sure to honk and wave when you see him exhausted on the street. He'll appreciate all the honks and waves he can get.

Keep your eye on the prize Bacho and remember,

You WILL BE an Iron Man.

They Practice What We Preach

"Say, no gracias," is a phrase Bodie has heard from his dad and I too many times to count in the last 3 months of his short life. His little voice tends to get a certain tone to it when he says the word no.

It's a tone we'd rather not hear at our house.

So, we've been teaching him to say, "No gracias."

He's finally warmed up to the phrase and started saying it instead of just, "NO."

It goes a little something like this:

"Bodie, would you like some bread?" "Ummm...No, gracias," he responds.

Cute right?

But sometimes it goes like this:

"Bodie, say you're sorry to Abby for dog-piling her."

Bodie: "Ummmm...No gracias."

or

"Bodie, pick up your toys and put them in the bucket."

Bodie: "Ummmm...No gracias."

or

"Bodie, say thank you to the nice lady for the sticker."

Bodie: "Ummmm...No gracias."

Ok...so we need a little fine-tuning. But I'm sure we'll have some manners around here before you know it.

Some people think that when they grow a mustache it's really manly and sexy.

But some of those people's wives don't think it's manly or sexy and hope they never sport this look again.

Never, never again.

anniversary dinner

There are few things I love more than a night out alone with my husband.
It was our anniversary and we were going to dinner.....alone.
Bacho was in a buttoned down shirt and slacks and I was wearing lipstick and heels.
It was the first time that week that I was wearing a spit-up-free shirt.
We drove down U.S. 60 headed west.
Bacho asked me if I knew where we were going.
I told him, no. But it really didn't matter as long as two certain somebodys weren't in the backseat coming along with us and as long as we weren't going to a chain restaurant (that really kills the creativity for me.) I'd rather go to a little hole in the wall on the wrong side of town that we love than go to a chain restaurant on our anniversary.

(Dear Bacho,
it's OK that we went to Carrabbas last year.
Really it is.)

We arrived.
We held hands across the parking lot and through the lobby.
We walked into a dimmed restaurant with little votive lights and linens on the tables.
We were seated and then greeted by our very soft-spoken, but best-ever waiter (who was given a generous tip for being so good because we believe in tipping good service when you get it. It's hard to come by these days.)

The dinner continued with a hot, lemon towelette to wash our hands with. A delicious amuse bouche,
an appetizer of crispy duck with pomegranate sauce, a little ball of lemon sorbet on a spoon to cleanse our paletes before the meal, Bacho's potato wrapped salmon, my blue cheese crusted steak, two little truffles on silver picks sent from the chef

and
a to-die-for dessert of raspberry creme brulee with HAPPY ANNIVERSARY written in dark chocolate around the plate.

I loved my dinner.
I loved my dinner with Bacho.

And I love anniversaries so we can go out to dinner wearing heals and lipstick with no children and get little balls of
lemon sorbet on a spoon.

July 25, 1997

2 people,

12 years,

3 college degrees,

4 fish,

2 kids,

13 moves,

a few tears,

and

tons of laughs.

We're hoping for 60 more years.

Reunion 2009 Part 1 (Part 2 is down there)

How can people have this much fun at a family reunion?

Reunion 2009 Part 2

 

 

Thank you everyone!!! We can't wait for next year!!

He's a Creature of Habit

Bodie's must-do daily routine for saying good-bye to Daddy:
1. Ask Daddy, "You got your zapatos?"
2. Ask Daddy, "You got your medias?"
3. Watch Daddy walk out the door and say, "Adios Daddy."
4. Wait in the ready position for the door to close.
5. Run as fast as his little legs can go to the door.
6. Run to the garage and get in the driver's seat with Daddy.
7. Ask, "Donde esta Mommy?"
8. Watch as Mommy comes into the garage.
9. Listen to Jerry Rivera's CD and "drive" the car.
10. Get passed through the driver's window to Mommy.
11. Say goodbye again.
12. Wait for Daddy to drive half-way out of the garage.
13. Yell, "Beso, beso."
14. Give Daddy a kiss on the cheek and say, "Mucho, mucho Daddy."
15. Wave and watch the car drive away.
16. Head back inside with Mom and cry for Daddy to come back.

Sometimes being the little sister is really, really hard.

I Just Realized That I'm Old

This is my nephew Colby.
He's going to be a senior in high school.
He's seventeen.
He spends lots of time texting girls.

This is me.
I'm almost 32.
I've been married for just about 12 years.
I don't spend a whole lot of time texting 17 year old girls.

Last week Colby was in town from San Diego. We went to Grihmaldi's for dinner with the family. We had to wait for a few minutes for our table. I was standing next to Colby with Abby strapped to my chest. My purse was on my shoulder and it was stocked with a ready-to-go-bottle, rice snacks for Abby, rubber toys of all sorts, candy for Bodie when he was about to hit the melt-down point during dinner, a diaper and a plastic thing full of wipies.
While we were waiting to be seated, Colby looked my way and gave me a weird look and motioned with a head-nod over to the front counter. I turned to look. "What Colb? Did you see the pizza? Did it look really good? I'm starving." Without saying anything, he gave me the weird head-nod again. I turned and looked again. "What?" I asked again. "Do they have root beer? I really want root beer." Colb gave me the nod again and a look like I was an idiot and said, "Check out the hostess. She's soooooo dang hot!"
I can't imagine why, but I hadn't noticed how hot the hostess was. "Well, go ask her for her number," I told him. Colb looked at me like I was an idiot again. I guess my flirting skills are a little rusty because Colby responded, "Shhhhhhhhhhh, she can totally hear you." And she probably could.
We were finally seated (by the really hot hostess). We ate our pizza and salad (and root beer). He debated asking for her number for an hour and 13 minutes. He never did.

Maybe next time Colb. I'm always here to help ;)

Food, Fun, More Food and More Fun

They caught a fish and it was THIS big.

Happiness

Ten non-churchy, non-peopley things that make me

happy:

(In no particular order)

(Thanks Heidi)

1. All You Can Eat Brunch

2. Hot Chocolate in a Really Cool Cup

3. Painted Toenails

4. A Closet with lots of shelves that's really organized

5. Going Out To Eat (sorry Bodie and Abby) Without Kids

6. Road Trips with Lots of Snacks

7. Sea World

8. Christmas Eve

9. The Feeling After a Great Workout (It feels like I'm skinny for a minute)

10. Counting down to a vacation

Ok...what 10 things make you happy???

Lead Me, Guide Me, Walk Beside Me

Dear Bodie,
Last night after Family Home Evening, you were sent to time out again, for saying, "No," in your really naughty voice to your Daddy. Your little bum has made a permanent imprint in the carpet over in that corner these past couple of weeks.

While you were in that corner, you were crying and saying you were sorry. In the middle of your crying you started singing, I Am A Child Of God---tears and all. I guess when you spend that much time in time out you have to make the time pass somehow. Your Daddy and I were behind the couch where you couldn't see us. We were laughing......really hard.

We hope you don't spend so much time in time out this week. But if you do, we'd sure love to hear some more of your singing.

Happy Father's Day to 3 Amazing Fathers.
Thank you for leading our families with kindness, patience and love.

It's Official

Congratulations Guys!
We're so proud of you.
You've worked so hard.
(And now you can work a little harder to pay all those employees :)
We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish.

You Want a Go Susie?

(Dear Grandma Susie,
We know you would never teach Bodie the Go Susie,
but he named it after you anyway).

Last night our little family sat together on the couch to rest our feet. We were watching Abby giggle and coo at her Daddy. Bodie was playing with his new golf club. Right while he was swinging that little club, his eyes lit up and he scurried closer to the three of us with his great idea. He scooched his way in between Bacho's legs so he could be right next to Abby. "You want a Go Susie," he asked Abby. Abby didn't answer, so he hit (but not too hard or in a mean way) both of Abby's cheeks with his hands and said, "Go Susie," as he hit her cheeks. Abby laughed and thought it was his greatest move yet. That made Bodie think it must be a pretty sweet move too. He turned to his dad and said, "You want a Go Susie daddy?" Without giving Bacho time to answer, Bodie gave his daddy a Go Susie. With his eyes still lit up, he turned his body towards me. "I don't really want a Go Susie," I told him. He climbed up in my lap and gifted me his next Go Susie anyway. My Go Susie didn't quite make contact with my face the way Abby's and Bacho's had, so he decided he better give me a second one. I turned my head a few times and said, "Nah, I don't really want one."
I thought I was in the clear as Bodie started pointing into the kitchen and asking, "You see that Mama? You see that over there?" As I turned my head to see what was in the kitchen, I was given the hardest, fastest Go Susie of the evening.

I WAS DUPED BY A TWO YEAR OLD!!

We laughed and laughed until we had tears and then told Bodie it's not nice to hit.

Abby has some serious hair-growing skills.

2 Clean Babies

They smell really yummy!

The Best Tantrum Yet

There's been a few times since I've had children that I've wanted to crawl under a rock, but yesterday took the cake.

The scene:

We're at Dr. Mullen's office checking out Bodie's eye infection (yep...pink eye).

We're all finished with the appointment and I'm making a new appointment for next week. The lady asks Bodie if he wants a sticker and he said, "Yep." So I bring down the bucket with the stickers and ask Bodie to pick one. He keeps inching the bucket closer to him without picking a sticker. So I decided to help him pick a sticker. I showed him each Bee Movie and Dr. Seuss sticker and asked him if he wanted them. Each time he said, "nope." I quickly realized that he wanted that entire bucket of stickers and the bucket. I explained that he could take one. He again said, "nope." I told him he couldn't have the whole bucket and if he couldn't pick one we'd have to leave without a sticker.

Hearig the words, leave without a sticker, set off the tantrum of all tantrums and everyone in that doctor's office went deaf. I was trying to stay calm while carrying Abby in her 25 pound carseat with one hand and a screaming, kicking, stiff Bodie in the other hand. I could see the receptionist's mouth saying, "Can we help you?" I mouthed, no thank you and continued carrying/dragging my kids out the door.

When we got outside the door Bodie seemed like he might be on the verge of being rational. He was asking for a sticker. So I carried/dragged my kids back inside and asked if we could try to pick a sticker. I showed Bodie the bucket of stickers to pick one, but that bucket was way too tempting. He just had to have it. So I picked up my kids and carried/dragged them out the door for a second time. Abby was so heavy my arm was in pain and Bodie was still kicking and screaming and to top it all off my entire bra was showing and I couldn't pull my shirt up because I couldn't risk putting Bodie down because I knew he was a flight risk.

We slowly made our way through the courtyard as Bodie screamed for the entire city of Gilbert to hear. As we walked, a lady came out from another office to see if she could help, then another lady and then another. "Oh, we're fine," I said with my bra fully exposed and who knows what else exposed clinging to my children just praying I could make it to the car.

By some miracle we did make it to the car and I strapped my kids in. I sat in the drivers seat with my hair a mess, my clothes wet from struggling and sweating and my child still screaming at decibels too loud for human ears.

Instead of trying to find that big rock to hide under, I was trying to tell myself it was ok, because at least I got my exercise in for the day.

He's Two!!

Our Bodie is two.

We had a little party on Saturday with lots of yummy Puerto Rican Food. We cooked for most of the morning and afternoon.

Abby helped us by hanging out on the beanbags. Bodie helped by watching Elmo in Grouchland in our room.

Thank goodness for Elmo.

We enjoyed an evening of family and friends.

Happy Birthday Bodie.
We love you so much and we're so lucky to have you for our "little guy."
Now please don't get any bigger.

The Photo Shoot

We're either going to have to go for this al naturale look in our photos

or

bribe them with candy next time.

(But I kinda like the al naturale look)

Slap Dancer In Training

(I might get in a little trouble for showing this picture of Bacho's thigh, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.)

This is Bacho doin' his thing as a dancer at the PCC in Hawaii.
I call this,
Handsome man in a tiny outfit

This is Bodie doin' his thing in the backyard trying to learn from his Dada.
We call this,
Little Slap Dancer in a Diaper

Maybe we'll see Bodie up on PCC's stage in a tiny outfit one day.

I'll have my camera ready.

Because We're Adults

We have a little saying at our house that goes a little something like this, "We can because we're adults." We've said it many, many times since we've been married.
We can eat all the sugar cereal we want because.....we're adults.
We can leave our bedroom really messy for a really long time because.....we're adults.
We can pull our mattress into the family room and lay on it from Friday night until Monday morning only leaving to take potty breaks, eating nothing but Chex Mix and watching nothing but Real World because.....we're adults.
Last night we said our favorite saying again.
We can lay on our bed in partially wet swimming suits, eating ice cream and spilling little bits of ice cream bar on the sheets while watching The Bachelorette because.....we're adults.
Man it's good to be an adult at our house.

May He Take Your Order Please

His specialties include:

Pancakes with salt
Eggs with salt
Cookies with salt
Rice with salt
Oatmeal with salt
Cake with salt
Toast with salt

Come over. He'll prepare anything you'd like....... made to order........with salt.

Abby Tiene Un Diente

Dinner Cruise For Mom

The food was delicious.

The scenery was beautiful.

And the ride was relaxing.

Spending time with family is life's biggest treat.

I'm a lucky girl to be able to call these people family.

Little Friends

It may only be by 4 hours, but Abby is still the older woman here.

I'm sure she'll be reminding Wyatt of that for years to come.

Playgroup

Thanks for coming friends.

Sweet Goodness

This is what's left of Chris's Outrageous Chocolate Cake from The Cheesecake Factory.
I highly recommend picking up a piece while you're out today.

Handmade With Love

This is my first official handmade gift from Bodie.

I've made so many handmade gifts for other moms with the students in my classes and now it's my turn to receive the homemade gifts.

I love, love, love it!

I'll be purchasing my very own rubbermaid box for all my future handmade gifts from my kiddos. I'll be sure to get a really big rubbermaid box to save every last one.

(Thank you Nursery Leaders)

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to two beautiful ladies.
Thank you for being the wonderful women that you are.
We love you so very much.

Don't we all wish we had the freedom to cruise around in a pamper with one cheek hangin' out?

Summer has officially begun around here.

Backyard BBQ's, swimming, popsicles, wearing swimsuits all day, family road trips, visits to QT for yummy drinks and the HEAT.

We love you summer!

An Afternoon With Papa

Papa hasn't been feeling well the past few weeks. He's tired and he's sick and hasn't been able to do the things he loves to do. He tries so hard to keep a smile on his face and a positive attitude and we love him for that.
Yesterday we found Papa feeling better than usual. Bodie was so happy to have his buddy back for a while. Those two guys played like they used to and they laughed like they used to. They are two friends who have missed each other.

We love you lots Papa.

Come play at our house.

Apparently

clothing

is

optional.

Wishing He Was Still My Little Baby

Bodie Kai

6 Weeks Old

Up In The Pines

It was so refreshing to spend a little time in the pines this weekend. What a breath of fresh air (really cold, fresh air at night). Good thing we brought our big, puffy, warm socks.
It was one of those times I forgot about my camera and took hardly any pictures. My pictures of Bodie show him eating candy becuase he was always eating candy. That little lollipop there spent more time in the dirt than it did in his mouth. But isn't it ok to let your kids eat dirt while you're camping? The dirt is cleaner up there, right?

And thank you to these beautiful people

For watching this little lady while we were gone. We love you mucho, mucho, mucho!!

A Friendly Tip

Don't

feed your kids 3 pieces of sugar free licorice.

It'll do some wild and crazy things to their bodies you'd rather not see.

Trust me!

Our Little Burst of Sunshine

We call her Abby.

Simply Beautiful

Check this out.

(But listen to the whole thing. It gets better and better)

It's just beautiful.

It makes me want to complete everything on my to-do list.

It's just that kind of song.

On my to-do list...... learn to play the piano.......again. And this time I'm serious.

I want to play just like Jon Schmidt.

I could listen to this all day.

Enjoy!

(Play it really loud. It's better that way)

My New Sneakers

Sometimes Bacho and I joke when we get new shoes that they're going to make us run faster and jump higher. We're just playing when we say that. But when I got my new sneakers from RunAZ, I had this little thought it in the back of my mind that they were really going to help me run faster and jump higher.
I carried my sneakers home in their pretty box and waited for a couple of days. The day came for me to lace them up and take them for their first run. I was picturing how great it was going to be to run twice as long and not even be winded. I pictured how great it was going to be to feel like I was floating over the cement. I was like a little six year old with my new shoes at recess.

Ok. Back to reality. Even though my sneakers are comfy and new and cool, I don't think they helped me run faster or longer or jump higher. I guess it's up to me to do the work. It's all about putting in the time and the effort. I guess we have to sweat a little to see the rewards in the end. At least I'll have my shiny, new shoes on while I'm sweatin' it out.

Arizona?

Normally I'm a rain lover. Normally I'd love a good wet cleansing for the earth. Normally I'd get excited to snuggle in a quilt and drink hot chocolate even though it's still in the 70's.

But today is the day for Easter Egg hunts, candy, grass and sunshine. I've had visions of my children running across the green fields in their yellow clothing to collect all things good and yummy the bunny left for them. (Ok, maybe not Abby, but we could do the collecting for her).
As I listen to the rain outside on my roof I'm wondering....Do we surrender and stay in our jammies and drink hot chocolate in our quilt? Or do we press forward and dress these children in their yellow clothing and find whatever good, yummy and wet treats we can find out there?

Life's Little Messes

If you're going to smash an entire box of your mom's lasagna noodles, it's probably best to keep it all on one stair.

Abby's Gerber Daisy

Doesn't it just look happy?

Me encanta mucho mucho!!

One of these kids is enjoying this waaay more than the other one.

Cama Graaaaande

Our kids are officially transitioned to their own rooms! Bodie has been in the crib and poor Abby has been sleeping anywhere we've put her down. I'm not sure if we've been too chicken to put Bodie in the big bed, or if we just haven't felt like dealing with the drama it might bring. But last night was the night. We've been telling Bodie he gets to sleep in cama grande and making a big deal about it. We've been telling him cama chiquita is for Abby. He was pretty excited about the whole thing until the moment actually came that it was time to go to bed. Bacho did his nightly routine with Bodie:
1. Brush Dientes
2. Kiss Mama and Abby and tell us Buenas Noches
3. Get zipped up in his sack
4. Close the door and sing, "La Luz" with Daddy
Everything was all good until the song. Bodie got suspicious of what was going on. But we were tough though and we stuck to our guns. Bacho layed him down. He fussed a little and that was that. No Drama. None at all. It was a pleasant surprise for all.
In the next room, Abby layed down and put herself to sleep in cama chiquita. She's pretty good at that these days. But she still gets up in the night and we don't love that so much. We thought it might be time to break her of that. We were keeping with the theme of the night and sticking to our guns.

"We'll let her cry tonight," we said.

At 1:00 a.m. she cried for 10 minutes.

"She probably really is hungry," we said.

Then we fed our baby.

So much for sticking to our guns.

My Baby's Breath

There isn't a sweeter smell than the smell of my baby's breath. I stop to smell it many, many times each day. It's yummy!

But I'm thinking the ability to smell a baby's breath might be in the genes of the mother. Bacho just can't smell it. He never has. He says it smells like nothing.

I've put my babies mouths right up to his nose many times to smell the sweet smell,

but........nothing.

I'm a little sad for him that he can't smell it.

But I'm grateful for this mysterious mother gene that lets me enjoy each and every whiff.

Just keepin' in touch with his peeps

Bacho's Super Delicious Coconut Birthday Cake

A Tropical Cake For An Island Boy's Birthday

Cake:
2 sticks butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups sifted self-rising flour
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling:
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Frosting:

1 stick butter

8 oz. cream cheese

Add powdered sugar to desired consistency and taste

1 tsp. coconut or almond extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans.
Using an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and coconut milk alternately to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Add vanilla and continue to beat until just mixed.
Divide batter equally among prepared pans.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.

Cool in pans 5 to 10 minutes.

Invert cakes onto cooling racks.

Filling:
Stir together sugar, sour cream, milk, and coconut in a bowl until well blended. Place the first cake layer onto pedestal. Using the wrong end of a wooden spoon, poke holes approximately 1-inch apart until entire cake has been poked. Spread a third of filling mixture on cake layer. Top with second layer, repeat process. Top with last layer and repeat process again.

Frosting:

Cream together butter and cream cheese. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add extract.

Frost cake.

Sprinkle coconut on top and sides of cake.

You know those kind of days? The days where the world is just good. The days where you're able to enjoy all the little things in life and just take them all in? The days where you really see the grass and the sky and the sunshine?

Yesterday was one of those days.

Nothing fantastic happened. It was just a beautiful day filled with my little family.

The sun was shining, the grass was green and the air smelled like the grass was freshly cut. It was a perfect 80 degrees and flowers were blooming.

We woke up and made eggs and toast for breakfast. It felt like a Saturday. We opened the windows and doors to let in the fresh air.

I was able to escape for a relaxing massage from Karen at D-Stress zone.

(That hour with Karen was heaven on earth).

I drove home with the windows down and music playing.

I came home to a happy house with a happy husband and happy kids.

Bacho and Bodie ventured out to the front yard and flew their little remote control plane. Bodie cried every time the plane crashed. But man, do those two have a love for each other. It's a tight bond that makes me happy.

We piled in the car and drove to the outdoor mall. We transferred kids from the car to the stroller where they happily sat and enjoyed the people and the sunshine.

We piled back in the car and headed to Costco. What Saturday would be complete without a little trip to Costco? We strolled passed each sample table and had our fill of yummy foods. Bacho purchased his Berry Smoothie that he loves more than most things in life.

We stopped at Bacho's new office. New office=no cleaning service. We're the cleaning service for now. But even the cleaning was no big deal. The cleaning products smelled yummy and clean.

Home again to have showers.

The kids were bathed and put into jammies.

Their little bodies smelled like baby lotion. I couldn't stop smelling them.

The babysitter came and we spent the evening with friends at a party.

We ate outside and it was lovely.

Home again.

Bodie was snug in his bed and Abby was smiling like she was happy to see us.

We fed our baby and put her to sleep.

It was just one of those days!

36 Years of Greatness

Happy Birthday Bacho!!!

We love you lots and lots and lots.

Love,
Your 3 Biggest Fans

Running on Empty...Again

This is how we all feel this morning.

The Vega's are running on 2.5 hours of sleep since Thursday night.

Our eyes are open, but not fully functioning.

Bacho is at work with a schedule full of appointments

(I'll be taking him lunch shortly to keep his eyes open).

The good news is...temperatures are down and faces are coming back to life.

My wish for today:

Whatever evil bug has invaded my kids' bodies to go away and let them rest. PLEASE!!!

Calgon, Take Me Away

Background:

I've had sick kids for the past two weeks complete with a virus, rash, runny nose, cough and general crankiness. Bodie has spent the better part of the last 2 weeks in his jammies.

The scene yesterday:
Me at our rental house with my two kids and my dad showing the house to potential renters. Both kids crying and fussing off and on. My dad doing his best to hold Abby and settle her down. Me on all fours trying to fix the pool vacuum (in a skirt). Both of us trying to keep Bodie out of the pool.

After two and a half hours, back at my parents house to drop off my dad and say hi to my mom. I expected Bodie to be a happy camper by then since my parent's house is his Disneyland...his happiest place on earth.

Instead, Bodie cried non-stop for 2 hours.

Inconsolable.

Not even ice cream would do it.

Abby cried in pain from constipation.

At 5:30, myself and my 2 kids left my parents house. By this time both kids were screaming (one with a messy diaper and no clean diapers in the diaper bag).

We arrived home with 2 out of the 3 of us still crying. The third was almost in tears because I knew my husband was on a plane and wouldn't be home for 24 hours

(of all weekends to be out of town).

My thought at that moment---I'll feed my kids and they'll both go to sleep. They'll sleep really good because neither of them feel good and they've been crying forever.

But that thought was not to be.

The scene last night:

Both kids cried until 8:30 p.m. I put both snug in their beds. I cleaned bathrooms (they were on the verge of unacceptable), dusted the banister and folded laundry.

10:30 p.m.- Abby awoke, ate and burped.

11:00 p.m.- I crawled into bed.

11:30 p.m. Bodie awoke crying.

11:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m.- Bodie cried and I went in and out of his room rocking him back to sleep.

1:00 a.m.- I brought Bodie to my bed (that's never happened in the history of his existence. But desperate times call for desperate measures friends).

1:00 a.m.-3:45 a.m.- Bodie cried, sucked his finger and almost fell asleep.

3:45 a.m.-He fell asleep.

4:00 a.m.- Abby woke up crying.

4:01 a.m. Bodie was up and wanted to watch Elmo or Barney

4:01 a.m.-4:40 a.m.-I fed Abby, tried to keep Bodie from repeatedly bonking her on the head with some plastic thing he found under the bed and said a prayer to please help me make it through this night.

4:40 a.m. -Both kids went back to their own beds.

6:00 a.m.- Both are up and ready for another day of fun.

The silver lining---this morning my scale says I'm down 3 pounds :)

The Fruits Of Our Labors

Remember our really, really sad garden??

(It still looks a little sad. Just don't look at the dirt)
Well that sad, sad garden produced some
FRUIT!!!
Bodie and I took a walk outside yesterday and there it was...one little strawberry.
But, that one little strawberry is a big deal for this little family because we've never grown anything!!
Bodie picked that strawberry and ate it.
It must have been good because he said, "Mmmm...Yummy."

Here are more of our soon to be good eatins...broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, avocados, bananas and oranges.

For all of you who can't smell the orange blossoms right now, try imagine smelling this one. It's sweet and smells like oranges and candy mixed together.
Just delicious!

Arizona in March is a good thing.

My Bacho

I had to share this picture.

Just look at that face.

Is he handsome or what??

(Sorry ladies...he's taken)

Even after 11 years of marriage he still gives me butterflies when he walks in the door from work and says, "hi" in his deep voice looking all kinds of handsome.

I'm one lucky lady!

(His picture was taken by CamilleGouldPhotography)

Answer

Victoria's

Secret

Handshake

Thank you Google!!

Pieces of the Puzzle

Come on Friends...I know someone can solve this. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

So you know we're Wheel of Fortune watchers over here at the Vega house and the other night while watching it, Vanna White froze. We waited and waited for her to move, but she never did. The "Same Name" puzzle sat on the screen for almost 2 hours. Even with 2 hours, I still couldn't solve the puzzle. I've been trying to solve it for 2 days. Bacho tried to help, but he really doesn't care if it gets solved.

But I CARE!!

I can't rest properly with it being unsolved.

Put on your Wheel of Fortune caps and help me solve this thing.

Since this won't let me underline, I'll put this symbol ^ where there should be a space.

V^ct^r^a's

Secret

^a^^s^a^e

Ragnar 2009

We're back. We're alive and we had an AWESOME time!!
Such a great time that we might be Ragnar racers for life.
Here's the recap:

The race started bright and early and FREEZING in Prescott. There were six of us in our van and our other six team members in the second van. We caught sleep where we could. Here we're sleeping on the courthouse grass in Wickenburg. We all did really great on the first leg. I was running on the highway for my first run and it was so much fun. People honking and cheering gave us all a boost. Bacho had the hardest leg. He ran about 8 miles, but it was straight up the mountain road. Way to go Bacho!!!

This was our night run. I can't explain how DARK it was. As dark as these pictures are, they still can't show how dark it really was. My second leg started at midnight. There were no other runners around. Just me, my headlight, my ipod and whatever was living in the bushes.

We were all pretty tired the next day, but the race went on. Our van smelled really great by this point. We were running mostly around Fountain Hills and it was gorgeous, but really hot. It was a really hot weekend and we were running in the middle of the day in 90 degree weather after not sleeping much in 30 hours. I thought I was going to DIE on the last leg. I think Bacho could tell because he jumped out of the van and ran next to me for a while telling me I could do it. He was being so sweet, but I told him to get back in the van and go ahead to the next checkpoint. It was making it worse that my whole team was watching me almost die. I think my exact words at that moment were, "This sucks rocks and I hate the Ragnar."

We finally finished. They placed our medals around our necks and it felt great. Great team. Great fun and a Great time! I'll be back again next year.

Thank you team RUNNING ON EMPTY!!!!!!

To My Second Born

Dear Abby,

Last weekend we headed up to the mountains for a relaxing weekend in the snow. While we were packing, it became clear that you didn't have winter clothes to keep you warm, so we dressed you in your brother's clothes. We joked that you looked a little like a boy.

When we arrived in Payson we stopped at Basha's grocery store for food. When we stepped up to the checkout line, the checkout lady asked Bodie if he had a little brother and said what a cute baby boy you were. Your dad and I didn't correct the lady. I instead quickly thought up a name for you in case she asked what your name was. Your name was to be Mason if she asked. But the lady didn't ask your name and we left the store with groceries in hand. We shared the story with our friends and we all laughed. For the remainder of the weekend you were rarely called Abby, but instead referred to as Mason.

I'm sorry we dressed you in boy clothes. I'm sorry we didn't correct the checkout lady when she said you were a cute baby boy. And I'm sorry we laughed about it all weekend and called you Mason for 3 days. I promise to dress you in lots of pink and lace to make up for it because we know you're our sweet baby girl.

Love,

Mommy

He Says, She Says

Did any of you watch 20/20's What Would You Do a few nights ago? Did you hear the last question? John Quinones asked,

"If you saw your friend's teenage child at the store buying contraceptives or a pregnancy test, would you tell your friend?"

Bacho and I have been having a friendly discussion about this question for the past 2 days. Bacho says he probably wouldn't tell his friend. I said I'd have my friend on my cell phone before I drove out of the parking lot telling them what I saw.

What would you do??

Feelin' the Vibe

We're feelin' the vibe of our new Vibe Stroller.

It arrived on my porch all shiny and new Saturday afternoon. I was like a little girl on Christmas morning. We took our first walk this afternoon after it was finally all put together (thanks Lindsay).

2 kids + 1 stroller= one happy mama.

Nothing Says I Love You.....

Like a surprise breakfast at

(I know....Golden Corral??)

A Candy Bar Card

And a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner at Dennys
And I wouldn't have it any other way.

2 Weeks and Counting

I've been the alternate for a team running the Ragnar Del Sol Race.
The race=

*182 miles
*12 team members in a van for 24 hours
*Each team member taking turns running legs of the race

Never thinking that they'd need me, I really haven't been running like I should have been running these last few weeks.

Turns out....they need me.

That means my treadmill and I have become good friends this week. And we'll become even better friends for the next 2 weeks.

Let's hope my team isn't too serious about this whole thing. Let's hope they take pity on me for giving birth 9 weeks ago.
And let's hope I can just finish the thing.

Wanna Play....Sweetheart Tag

Just in time for Valentine's Day. Here's how to play. I'll answer questions about my sweetheart. Then at the bottom of the post I'll tag someone. Then you copy and paste the questions on your blog and tag people.

What is your husbands name? Bacho, or to be official Angel Luis Vega. But I like to call him Bacho Bega

Where did you meet? BYU-Hawaii.

How long did you date? Altogether a year and a half. He followed me around campus until I finally asked him why he was following me (I was kidding), then we dated a little, said we were just friends, then decided we really were dating, then dated long distance and finally lived in the same state for 6 months and then got engaged.

Where have you lived while you've been married? Omaha, Utah, California (just for a summer) and Arizona.

How long have you guys been married? 11 1/2 years (it seriously seems like 2)

How old is he? 36

Who is taller? Bacho is. He's 6'0 and I'm 5' 6 1/2". Don't forget the 1/2.

Who can sing best? Ummm... that's a toss up. Neither of us are very good.

Who is smarter? Depends. He takes his time and really studies things and he remembers lots of tidbits of information. I'm a little better with everyday things.

What's his best quality? He has lots, but he is super patient and he is just a genuinely nice person.

Who does laundry? Me. He volunteers to do it, but I like the way I do it. I've tried to teach him, but I think he pretends he doesn't know how to fold or remember where things get put away just so he doesn't have to do it :)

Who pays the bills? Me.

Who mows the lawn? Bacho does when I'm pregnant and feeling miserable, but otherwise I do it. Again, I like the way I do it. Plus, I enjoy yardwork.

Who cooks dinner? Usually me. But many times we rely on Kelloggs to provide dinner.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Bacho for sure.

Who wears the pants? I think we both know that's me.

Who kissed who first? He would say me, but it was totally him. Don't judge us, but it was our first date. We were in Hawaii driving a car with one door rusted shut that didn't reverse. We ate Taco Bell in a parking lot (romantic huh) and then sat at Sunset Beach all night until the sun came up. We were play wrestling (I think both of us were hoping to get kissed) and we both fell to the sand. And then it happened. Best night of my life!

Ok...I tag each one of you reading this.

A Blessed Day

Abby's blessing day was a wonderful day full of family and love
(and football (it's ok Cards...we'll get 'em next year)).
Abby looked like a little angel baby in her white clothes and Bacho gave her the sweetest blesssing.
We're so thankful for all of our family who drove so many hours to share Abby's special day with her.
We love you all!

The Commercials Make It Look So Yummy

Really wishing I was here.......

Eating one of these.

(Don't get too excited fellow contestants, my will power is stronger than the craving. I won't do it!)

Bless These Pancakes

We don't understand what you say when you pray Bodie,

(except for the Amen part)

but I'm sure your food will be blessed just the same.

Miss You

Sometimes do you really miss someone even though they're only 10 minutes down the street?

I do.

Baby Love

I've been snuggling with this sweet face all morning.
Has your day been as good as mine?

Note To Self

Note to self....check the tags on our blankets for machine washability before you wash them.

2nd Note to self (and to Bacho :)....when we're lying in bed and we say to each other, "Mmm, it smells like something's burning. It must be the heater coming on," get up and check to see if our maroon blanket is about to burn down the house from all of it's tiny lint balls clogging up the dryer.

P.S. If you're coming to my house to visit, expect to see lots of tiny, maroon lint balls. They're everywhere!

Ribbons and Lace....and a Tutu

Heaven on Earth

In my house lives a little boy named Bodie who likes to talk........ALOT. And although I love Bodie and his many, many thoughts that turn into many, many words throughout the day, there comes a day in every mom's life where she'd like to just be alone with her own thoughts and not hear every thought her child has.

Yesterday was my day. I needed just a brief moment of peace to make dinner. So I did the only thing I could think of at the time. I turned on the easy listening station on the TV and told Bodie (in a whisper) that when the easy listening channel is on...we don't talk. "Ok," I said. "Shhhhhhh, we just listen."
For the next 20 minutes I made breakfast casserole and German pancakes (for our breakfast extravaganza to celebrate Lost being back on the air. I don't know what breakfast has to do with Lost, but I made it anyway) and Bodie watched me while he sat in his highchair occasionally humming to Peter Cetera and The Carpenters. Abby snoozed in the Baby Bjorn attached to me ( I was extra careful not to get her leg in the oven) and we all enjoyed our own thoughts that we kept to ourselves.
It was heaven on earth right there in my kitchen for a whole 20 minutes.

Hush Little Baby

See Abby.
See Abby sleep.
See Abby sleep from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
See Abby make her mom and dad super happy.

Off With The Pounds

If you know me, you know I love me a bakery and everything in it. But this baby weight (plus some pounds from before) have got to go.

So our family no sugar, no junk food, no soda, no fried foods contest until May is just what I need.

We started yesterday and man am I craving me some sugar right now. I can do without all the other stuff, but I am addicted to sugar. Seriously. It's a terrible habit, but I swear it runs in the family. It's in our blood.

But I'm dedicated. I'm motivated. I'm even excited.

So...here's to the next 131 days (with the exception of a few designated cheat days) of healthy eating.

Bring on the beach!!!

Diapers, Diapers and More Diapers

I've been a terrible blogger, but I've been busy trying to be a good Mama. I'm starting to get the hang of being Mom to 2 babies under 2. It means a lot less me time and a lot more diapers. Here are some things you'll find if you come to the Vega's for a visit:

1. Our garbage's overfloweth with diapers, diapers and even more diapers.

2. It's a party between 2 and 5 a.m.

3. Bodie frequently talking about bras and pumping.

4. Abby being loved on (or smothered) by her big brother.

5. Bacho's arms aching from bouncing a baby for hours at a time.

6. Every kind of baby gas reliever they sell at the grocery store.

7. Lots of laundry that hasn't been done.

8. A happy little family full of messes.

Merry Christmas

Every year we draw names and exchange gag gifts. The rules is that you can't spend more than $5 dollars. We look forward to this all year and it never disappoints. This year I received slippers made of tampons and pads from Colby. I don't know how, but they are a perfect fit. I'm tempted to wear them around the house. We also had a puppet for Bacho, gigantic marshmallows for Ma, a crazy hat for Jas, a knitting set for Ash, personal bobbleheads for Cam and Chuck, a doctored picture of Cass with a Jonas Brother and David Archuletta, a growing old shirt for Papa and a recycled, framed picture of Napoleon Dynamite for Colby.

It's been such a fun tradition. Can't wait for next year!

Here are a few pictures of little Abby with her eyes open. She was simply spoiled this week with all the love from everyone. But she deserves it. She is the sweetest little baby and the best Christmas Present ever!

More Christmas fun. We spent Christmas Eve making the yearly Christmas cookies. The boys decorated the cookies (kind of) . I think they ate more cookies than they frosted and used waaay more sprinkles than was necessary. But they tasted delicious!

We read the Christmas story from the Bible and listened to a few more touching stories and enjoyed each other.

Christmas morning found us eating a yummy breakfast of Ma's breakfast casserole, biscuits, jam, hot chocolate and juice.

Bodie opened his presents and it was no surprise that he liked the wrapping better than the gifts. Bacho and I decided to wrap up a few things that he might actually get excited about. So we wrapped up some peanut butter, an orange and a cookie. And sure enough, he was delighted with his small treasures while his Elmo and Little People Cars and Ramp set sat in the corner.

Bodie Kai

Our little Bodie Kai Kai has had quite a week as a new big brother. The poor guy hasn't known whether to bite Abby or whether to kiss her. He was so upset with me for bringing a baby home that he didn't look or talk to me for two days. Luckily he's back to being my little guy.
I know deep in his heart he loves her and we can only pray that his love for her will start to show, but in the meantime, Bacho and I are guarding her with our lives. We've had a few close calls with books flying dangerously close to her head, Bodie nearly sitting on her several times and one small slap (poor Abby).
So....here's hoping for a love-filled week between a big brother and his little sister.

Abby Grace

Our sweet baby girl is here. Her name is Abby Grace. She was born Friday, December 12th at 6:03 a.m. She weighed in at a hefty 7 lbs. 12 oz. and she's doing great.

Stay tuned for lots more pictures to come.

Baby Update.........

The update is..............this baby doesn't want to come out. I've been a 3 for 3 weeks, and I've felt like I could give birth at any moment for the last week. But Dr. Guzman reported that as of yesterday there has been no change.

So...today I'll be running errands, doing yardwork, chasing Bodie around and anything else I can think of to help this little baby decide to come out.

At this rate we're going to have a New Year's Baby.

(This is only a half shot because a chubby belly and a chubby face are just too much to handle)

You Da Man, Ben

When you have a husband that's afraid of heights (it's ok Bacho, we still think you're manly), you get your friend Ben to hang your Christmas lights on the top story of your house.

Here's Ben on the ladder on the top story of the house.

You can't see me, but I'm down on the driveway dying of fear that Ben is going to fall.

Just a little higher Ben.

Rounding the corner using two ladders (What were we thinking).

Ben still hanging the lights while Bacho and Matt chat about it below (Matt's afraid of heights too).

And this is Bacho and Matt watching Ben do the dirty work.

The lights look awesome Ben. Just like I was hoping they would look.

Thank you for being our Christmas Light Man.

Give Me A "T"

This boy is a Wheel Watcher.

Sesame Street....no. Dora....no. But Wheel of Fortune.....oh yes!! Most nights around 6:00 he'll start asking for "T". He calls it "T" because they call the letter T so much. And if they don't call a T, many of the other letters rhyme with T.

Wheel of Fortune doesn't actually come on until 6:30 so we patiently wait and try to distract Bodie until 6:30.

In order to watch "T" one must have a sippy cup full of leche and the snuggle blanket from Grandma Ellis. Then you watch intently as each letter is called and clap when the contestants get a letter.
As a fellow Wheel lover, he's a boy after my own heart.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. Bacho, Ash, Jason, Colby and Chuck ran in the San Diego Turkey Trot. I don't think I've ever seen it rain so hard for so long. But they all finished with smiles. Our Thanksgiving Feast was filled with all the fixins and as yummy as could be. While Bacho and Bodie hung out with the boys, I had some much needed girl time with pedicures (a must before giving birth), eyebrow waxing and finally seeing Twilight (My feelings about the movie are still a bit mixed).

It was another great family weekend.
Thank you Cami and Chuck for letting us invade your house and for all the yummy treats and breakfasts.

Rise and Shout!!!!!

GO COUGARS!!!!!
(We still love you Cougars. We'll get em next year)

Beautiful Morning

Bodie and I went out this morning to pick up my weekly 26 oz. bottle of Antacid. What a beautiful morning! The air is crisp, the grass is green and the sky is blue with not a cloud in it. And to top it off we listened to Christmas music on two radio stations to and from the grocery store. Just beautiful!!

Let The Organization Continue

We're slowly making a dent in our never-ending projects.

Recently Completed:

Pantry Shelves Installed---Check

Peg Board for Tools---Check

Cubbies for Nursery painted and installed---Check

Bodie's New Room Painted---Not so much. But hopefully by week's end

Garden Planted---No. This one might never get done.

It'll be a miracle if we ever get something to eat from this sad, sad garden.

It's a Miracle

A miracle happened yesterday. We finally (almost) finished our yard. And just in time to let the nesting continue. I can't wait to get out there and hose down every screen on this house and wash every window. May we live dirt free from this day forth.

Mama Needing Advice

Do any of you use baby slings? Which ones do you like?

I had one with Bodie, but he hated it and I didn't like it either. It was an Urban pouch and it was super scratchy material and I never liked the fit. Maybe it was too big.

This time around I'm thinking I might need a good sling with two little kiddos in the house. I'm thinking I'm going to need two free hands.

I've looked at peanut shells, hotslings and a few others but I'm at a loss. I don't want to buy another one that I don't use. What's your best baby sling recommendation???

Belly Scratcher

How do you know your belly is really big?

You know it's really big when the people who are shorter than your belly can see six inches of the underside of your belly exposed even with a maternity shirt on.

Belly scratching culprit: Bodie Vega

Apparently it's really funny to scratch your mom's belly every chance you get.

But I can hardly blame him after all. The underside of my belly is rarely covered these days. I have one shirt that fully covers it and another that almost covers it. The rest don't come anywhere close.

I guess the best I can do is keep those little nails trimmed for now.

Election Fever

Have you voted?

I love election years. I love all the hype leading up to it and I love voting day. I can feel the excitement of the day in the air, can't you?

Bacho and I voted with early ballots last week. It was super easy and convenient, but I feel like I'm missing out a little by not being at the poles. I want to be there with my fellow Americans to feel even more part of the day. But I didn't want to feel part of the long lines. So, I'm happy we've done our part and exercised our right to vote as citizens of this country. At least I can wear my, "I Voted Early" sticker.

Now I'll be glued to the TV to catch every scribble of the dry erase markers as the talking heads fill in the map of this country with predictions and results.

It'll be a great day!

Happy Halloween

May you see lots of tricks and eat lots and lots of treats on this very spooky day.

The Suspence is Killing Me

It sounded like such a great idea to not find out if we're having a boy or a girl. But my "nesting" period has gone into full swing. The problem is, I'm going around in circles because I don't feel like I can do all the things I want to do without knowing what the little kiddo is.

I know it'll be so fun the day of delivery to have the Dr. say, "It's a .........." but I don't know if I can wait that long.

So...my plan is to hit the stores tomorrow and pick up at least a weeks worth of clothes, blankets and accessories for both a boy and a girl.

Hopefully that'll satisfy my "nestingness" until the baby comes.

Pinching Pennies

I heard a statistic on the Today show this morning that said in 1980, Americans were saving $10 out of every $100. In 2008, Americans are saving .60 of every $100. The lady reporting the story said there was even a time when savings was in the negative. I guess with the way we spend money, that's not hard to believe.

But, along with probably most of you, my mind has been on saving and reducing and reusing lately. I'm slowly learning how to use coupons and I've found a couple of websites that help. I subscribe to the Sunday paper, but I've heard you can save so much more if you order 3 or 4 copies of the Sunday paper. I've started to conserve on things around the house and cut down on things we really don't need. I'm on a mission. I want to be debt free!!

We're on our way with no car payments. Now we're on to our student loans that are halfway paid off. And eventually.... our house! Can you imagine what a feeling of peace that would be? No mortgage payment!! Ahhhhhh...no mortgage payment.

Ok...so what are your best money saving tips?

Love You Bodie

This sweet little face just added, "La Do" (Love you) to his repertoire of phrases. There really aren't enough hours in the day to hear it enough.

A Classic

Is this little tricycle not the cutest thing you've ever seen?

I love toys!

I especially love the old time classics with no buttons or sounds.

The kind where kids really play.

This little red and white number might just go on our short list for Christmas. I would love to see my little kiddos zoomin' around our driveway on it for years to come.

Tuesday Morning Beauty

This is the view from my upstairs window as I sit at my computer.

It's just a field, but I think it's beautiful.

I love to watch the crops come and go.

Oh Man.....It's Brother Halbert

Brother Halbert is the very man I've been trying to avoid since we moved back in June. I'm very careful with the places I choose to walk while we're at church just so I can avoid a chance meeting with him. I screen my unknown phone calls very closely just in case it's Brother Halbert on the other end. But as much caution as I've taken, the inevitable happened a few weeks ago. While out in the hallway with Bodie, I started chatting with some other ladies in the ward and lost track of Bodie. I quickly went around the corner to snatch him and it was there that I bumped right into Brother Halbert. How could I be so careless?? My first instinct was to grab Bodie, turn around and run. But he started to talk to me before I could get away.

He began by telling me that he was going to ask me a question he'd never asked a woman before. "What?!?!?!" "Are you expecting a baby?" he asked. Anyone who has seen me in the last couple of months knows that really isn't a question they need to ask. It's quite obvious I have a little something cooking in the oven. "Yes," I replied. Then he proceeded to tell me he's going to ask me another question that I have the choice to say yes or no to. "Would you and your husband be willing to speak in Sacrament Meeting on October 19th?" he asked. "But," he says, "I always give pregnant ladies the opportunity to say no if you're not feeling well or you think it's something you can't do right now."

I can't tell you how bad I wanted to take him up on his pregnancy offer. I'd never heard of the pregnancy offer and I had the perfect chance to use it as my "Get Out Of Speaking Pass". I was so tempted, but knew I'd feel so guilty if I did. So my response was, "Oh sure. We'd love to have the opportunity to speak in church."

Does that count against me as a lie? Because it really was a lie. I really, really, really would NOT love the opportunity to speak. I spend a good portion of my life hoping not to get that call.

But speaking is exactly what we'll be doing come Sunday morning. My talk has been thought about and rolled over in my head, but far from finished. Somehow I've found every excuse to put it off, including writing this post.

Just to make my "opportunity" sting a little more, I went out with several ladies in the ward last night who each told me how many years they've been in the ward and that they've never had to speak. Mmmm...how is it that we've been asked to speak in EVERY ward we've ever been in. What's the secret??? How do some people somehow slide under men like Brother Halbert's radar.

Maybe the trick is to really look at it like an opportunity instead of a burden. Maybe the radar only picks up on those of us with the bad attitude. OK...from now on I'm going to have a super positive attitude about speaking in church. Maybe then I won't get called.

(I'll let you know how soon Brother Halbert calls to ask us to speak again).

Best Picture of the Week (so far)

Bodie
showing
"crack"
while
mopping
our
floors.

8 Things I Love About Bodie Today

1. He says, "Tony" at any given moment for no reason. (Tony's a guy that works at Bacho's office).
2. He still loves to eat deodorant and says, "mmmm, nummy" every time he gets a taste.
3. When something goes wrong Ash taught him to say, "Ah, nuts!" But he says,

"Ah, nut!" (Singular--just one nut)
4. He opens cupboards and doors throughout the day looking for Papa and Ma. You never know---they could be hiding in a cupboard.
5. When he walks past the picture of Bacho's mom in the hallway he says, "Hola, La." (Hi, Grandma)
6. He looks out the window to check on Stanley (the scarecrow on our front porch) several times a day.
7. He asks for pickles at least 4 times a day.
8. He makes me happy.

They Did It!!!!

Our runners did it!!! They finished all 26.2 miles in the cold and rain and they each crossed the finish line with a smile on their face. Before their little feet could have a chance to stop aching, they were already talking about which hotel to stay in for next year's marathon and all the 1/2 marathons and triathlons they'll be working towards in the meantime. They must love the pain. Great job guys!

We knew you could do it!

Go Bacho, Go!!!

Two days and counting until Bacho's big marathon in St. George. The signs have been made, the snacks have been purchased for the road and the pre-race spaghetti dinner is being prepared as we speak. He's trained so hard and I know he'll do a great job. Bodie and I will be there at the end holding signs and cheering him on as he crosses the finish line. We'll be there cheering just as loud for Uncle Jason, Ti Ti Lucy, Uncle Jake and Aunt Jan.

You're all champions!

For The Love Of Relish

You're lookin' at a little guy who loves him some pickle relish and he'll do whatever it takes to get it. One of his main missions in life is to find his way to the refrigerator every time it opens to get his hot little hands on the relish bottle. Once he has the relish bottle, he holds it tight and guards it against all who come close. Sometimes you can find him sucking bits of relish from the little hole in the top, but most times he's happy just knowing it's in his possession. So if you're visiting our house anytime soon, I wouldn't mess with the relish for two reasons. One: Bodie truly believes it's his and who knows what he'll do if you try to tell him otherwise. And two: that poor relish jar has been held and licked and sucked and loved in every sort of way.

Halloween Fever at the Vega's

Is it too early to dive into our Halloween box?? Do we have to officially wait for October to arrive?

We're dying to dig in and get this house decorated already.

Mini Bodie

Here's the little face of our surprise baby. I don't know if it's a girl in there or a boy in there, but either way, our little baby looks like our other little baby. As soon as this shot popped up on the screen, Bacho and I looked at each other and said, "Holy moly, it's Bodie!"

It looks like we have a little miniature Bodie in the making.

A Dunkin Kind of Day

Sometimes I just need a donut. I know, it's a lot of donuts. But I did share with Bodie (who I now know will do anything for a "no-nut") and I also shared with Carlos and Arturo, the landscapers. Somehow sharing made them seem a little less fattening.

FYI for you fellow Apple Fritter lovers: Dunkin Donuts will not be selling Apple Fritters west of the Mississippi. I found this out after I specifically stopped for a fresh Apple Fritter that I've been craving for months. I guess I figured if they didn't have an Apple Fritter I might as well get a dozen.

We've Been.....

Enjoying our yummy basket of produce from Bountiful Baskets.

Figuring out what to do with lots o' peaches.

Having a picnic in Payson.
Loving on Bodie.

Getting a haircut.
Visiting Bacho at the office (he's muy, muy guapo, no?)
Playing with a squishy, plastic heart from uncle Jason.
Watching our ward softball team win the championship and take home a very large, very shiny trophy.

and
Cheering for BYU while eating sweetish fish and clapping sandles together.

Happy Thoughts

This was sent to me by a friend this morning. And even though it's from Andy Rooney, the list is sweet and has some good reminders and life lessons.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class. I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned.... That life is tough, but I' m tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

Lions, Tigers and Baboons

This is the story of two little boys who went to the zoo.

Their names were Bodie and Garrett. Their mom's planned a trip to the zoo because the weather man said mostly cloudy and rain on Thursday. They drove to the zoo with sippy cups of cold water and SPF 50 in hand. When Garrett and Bodie's moms were putting them in the strollers they noticed not a cloud in the sky and felt the blazing sun. Bodie and Garrett were lathered up and off they went. It was approximately 1:21 p.m. While passing through the main gate, Bodie's mom saw a sign that said the zoo was only open until 2:00 p.m.

After one small loop around the zoo, the four were almost melted into nothing and none of them cared about any of the animals because it was too blasted hot! Approximately 39 minutes after arriving, the four strolled through the gates and made their exit.

Next time Bodie and Garrett's Moms will check the times for the zoo and will not trust the weather man on channel 12.

Our Home at Dinnertime

Two very handsome men doing dishes.

2:00 a.m. Wake Up Call

It was 2:16 a.m. when we heard what has become an all too familiar sound these days. It came from a certain someone who's 33 inches tall and weighs in at a hefty 22 pounds. I know lots of people are up at night with babies, but this baby is 15 months old. He's been an angel sleeper since he was 4 months old. But in the last two months we've had our fair share of middle-of-the-night wake up calls. It usually goes like this:
Bodie cries for several minutes.
Bacho and I both toss a little, but don't say anything.
Then Bacho asks, "Is he hungry?"
Then I say, "I don't know. Maybe it's his teeth."
Then we both get out of bed because we feel too guilty to let the other one get up while we snuggle back into the covers.
Then we try whatever we can think of at that hour - patting his back, Motrin or teething tablets.

I don't think I can blame little Bodie though because he does have two big molars coming in on the top and another on the bottom. His mother is trying to get him off the bottle and he has frequent visits to the Kid's Club at the gym where they usually end up calling my name over the intercom to come to the Kid's Club because the workers don't know what to do after not being able to get near him for fear that his head might pop off from screaming so loud and shaking every time they get near him. Maybe it's my fault he's up at night. Maybe he's having Kid's Club nightmares.
Last night I felt a little guilty so I gave him a bottle. He drank 4 ounces, I took the bottle from him, walked out of the room and shut the door. Bacho was waiting just outside. We both stood in the hallway. Bacho rubbed my back as we stood in the upstairs hallway(that alone almost made the whole thing worth it)(not quite, but almost) and waited for our baby to stop screaming wildly. He finally did and we both crawled back into bed at 3:02 a.m.

Happy Grandparent's Day

We want to wish a Happy Grandparent's Day to each of our special Grandparents. We're so lucky to have each of you in our lives. We only wish all of you were close enough to give you some of Bodie's Apple Nut Bread. But even if we can't bring you bread today, we love you and we're thinking of you today.

Bodie 101

Sometimes it's English. Sometimes it's Spanish. Sometimes it's a combination of both and sometimes it's just Bodie.

NuNa=Luna=Moon
Myman=Spiderman
Lala= Hola= Hello
ByeBye
Gog=Dog
Pong=Pan=Bread
DeDe=Leche=Milk
Alion=Avion=Airplane
LoLo=No No (usually with finger motion)
Bebe=baby
Pamper=Diaper
KaKa=Anything nasty
Bakay (sometimes Pakay)= ????
Pato=Duck (usually followed by telling you a duck says quawack quawack)
Si=Yes
Gua Gua=Agua=Water

DayDay=Leche=Milk

Calock=Clock (he's strangely obsessed with clocks)
Uva=Grape
Nana=Manzana=Apple
Papa=Grandpa (usually in a growl for some reason)
Ma=Grandma
Mama
Dada
Jay=Jason
Ash=Ash
Mami=Cami
Guck=Chuck

Too cute for words.

Wishful Thinking

This is how I'm looking these days.

(Seems much larger than 25 weeks, no?)

But really, really, really wishing I looked like this today.

Motherhood

I woke up this morning to sweet boogery kisses from this cute face.

The morning continued with breakfast on the kitchen floor and Bodie sniffling and wiping his boogers on his sleeve.

Then he followed me around the house while I vacuumed.

Then he took a nap and cried and this is what I found (grapes and milk from breakfast).

After a nice bath, clean clothes and a fresh diaper Bodie played. But then I saw him playing in something on the carpet. It was everything that goes in a diaper, but wouldn't fit in his diaper because of overflow.

Another bath, clean clothes and a clean diaper followed.

Sleep tight Bodie. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

A Wednesday

The smell of fresh baked bread is coming from downstairs, my sweet boy is sleeping peacefully while I tackle a little laundry, handsome Bacho spent the morning with us long enough to enjoy french toast w/bananas (actually, it was made with stale bread which is the reason for a new, fresh loaf) and later we'll be on our way for what I can only hope will be Bodie's third successful day in a row at the gym's kid's club while I give this pregnant body a little workout. I am blessed.

Up To Our Eyeballs In Messes

Here's a little sample of the mess we have going on. Contractors, Inspectors, Rain, our HOA Committee. It's a vicious circle. But....I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end when we're enjoying family, friends, grilling and fun for years to come.

Super Easy and Yummy Dinner

Sticky Chicken

2 1/2 lbs. Chicken Tenders

3 eggs

Garlic Salt

Cornstarch

For the sauce:

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. vinegar

1/4 c. pineapple or orange juice

1 Tbsp. ketchup

1/2 tsp. salt

Wash chicken; pat dry. Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt. Shake chicken in paper bag with cornstarch. Dip chicken in eggs and brown in frying pan. Place chicken in baking dish. Mix sauce and pour over chicken. Bake 60-80 minutes at 350 degrees.

***We put ours over rice, so I would have liked more sauce. I'll probably double the sauce recipe for next time.

Weekend In Review

Our weekend started with a trip to the outdoor mall in Gilbert. We watched while Bodie played on the toys and ate rocks and bark. He did much more eating rocks and bark than actual playing, but hey...I'm sure there's some nutritional value in there somewhere. After Bodie took a nasty little spill off the giant pink mushroom, we decided to move on to the pet store to look at puppies. I have to tell you that Bacho and I are sooo far from pet people, but some of those little puppies were so cute. I think Bacho may have even had a little change of heart about having a little puppy.

We headed over to Joe's Farm Grill (my favorite place at the moment) for some yummy grub. We ordered the Bacon Blue Burger w/fries, the BBQ chicken pizza, a strawberry shake and a vanilla bean shake. Sounds healthy huh? But it was sure yummy. You can't beat an evening under the citrus trees at Joe's enjoying a shake.

Bacho started Saturday morning with a 4:00 a.m., 17 mile (yes 17 mile) run. Bodie and I vegged around like bums while Bacho was running. Man I feel like a loser when he gets home from his runs. But I think he'll be more than ready for the St. George marathon in October.

We ran errands in the afternoon and came home to get the dinner ready for our ward dinner groups that night. We were asked to bring a main course, so we decided on Spinach Chicken Bake (delicious! I'll be making it again soon). I procrastinated on finding a babysitter, so I called my mom and dad and they were kind enough to come spend the evening with Bodie while we went to the dinner group. Thanks Papa and Ma!!!

Since we're new in our ward, we're just getting to know people. The dinner group was a great way to get to know more people. We had a great time. There were 4 houses hosting and about 30-40 people at each house. It was a great turn-out. And let's not forget the delicious food. I could have gone back several times for how yummy all the food was. While we were there I had two of my neighbors tell me they came to see me on my birthday. One brought a dozen doughnuts and one brought a homemade loaf of bread. Sadly, I wasn't home because we were in San Diego. But my goodness. How sweet of them. I think I'm going to like this neighborhood :)

Sunday was up and at 'em for 8:00 a.m. church. Bodie is getting better in some ways to get all the way through church, but in some ways harder. Like every other little toddler, he's into everyone else's stuff. He has two sippy cups of his own, but for some reason the pink one in the yellow diaper bag looks so much more appetizing than his own. It's basically three hours of trying to keep him out of other people's stuff. Thank goodness for nursery in three months.

After coming home, we ate lunch and put Bodie down for what we hoped would be his usual 2 1/2- 3 hour Sunday nap. We settled down for a nap of our own while watching the Burbs (I know...really wholesome) when we heard our little man in about an hour and fifteen minutes. Our naps were short and sweet, but much needed.

We spent the rest of the afternoon playing at home. Aren't Sundays the best. Later that night we tried out a recipe for frozen hot chocolate. It wasn't quite as yummy as I'd hoped, but it helped the sweet tooth. I'll keep on the hunt for a better recipe.

P.S. I don't know what's with Bodie's hair in the pet store picutres. Just a bad hair day I suppose. He looks like he just woke up from a week long nap, no??

Finally Done

Bodie was the perfect little napper today so I was finally able to finish it. What did you fellow readers think?????

Back To School

With all the back to school fever in the air, it's got me missing my teaching days just a bit. Yes, there were lots of things about teaching that were frustrating and exhausting and, and, and. But there were so many great things about it too and one of my most favorites was back to school time. Everything was new- the kids' nametags, the crayons, the glue, kids' sneakers. That first week of school is so exciting-seeing who's in your class, what does the classroom look like and what the cafeteria ladies will be serving for lunch. Even as a teacher it was the same. I was so nervous every year that everything was perfect-the desks all lined up just so, the pencil boxes all filled just the same and the welcome message on the board with just the right lettering. I was just as nervous to meet the kids as they were to meet me. There was that feeling of fall in the air (even in Arizona) that football and apples and Halloween were coming. Being at school with all those kids doing all the fun art projects just makes the seasons and the holidays and each time of year so much more enjoyable.

It's a great time of year!

Funny Faces (And Bodie at the Park)

How many silly faces can 9 people make?

We stopped to have a little fun with the camera at Seaworld and this is the result.

Shamu! Shamu!

Can you think of many places on earth happier than Seaworld? We took a little trip to San Diego over the weekend to spend my birthday with Shamu. We had a great day watching the shows, eating yummy food and watching Bodie on his first ride. We even saw the 4-D Elmo show. It was too cute and Bodie thought he was in heaven with all those Sesame Street Friends. Thank you Watsons and Kipps for another fabulous weekend of food and family.

Altoids Anyone?

This is Bodie enjoying a box of Wintergreen Altoids this morning. He was poppin 'em like they were Cheerios. Who wouldn't enjoy eating an entire box of Altoids at one time? (He's the king of finding things he shouldn't have.)

Bodie's BIG Hair

After I mentioned Bodie's big hair a few posts back, I've had some requests to see it. How can he have such big, crazy hair and still be this cute?!?! I don't know, but he's still this cute in all his big hair glory. Have I mentioned how much I love this little guy??

Still Reading

I'm on page 377. As soon as I'm finished, life can go on normally. But until then, the grocery shopping, bathroom cleaning and mopping of the kitchen floor will have to wait. (I shouldn't sound so domestic, it would have waited anyway :)

Thought For The Day

I saw this and loved it. It might be making an appearance at my house. Here's the link to see his other work: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5543697

We're Lovin It!

Are you watching? Do you love it? Aren't the Olympics the best!!! We went to my Mom and Dad's house for an Olympic party to kick off the games and watch the opening ceremony. How incredible was that whole ceremony? We asked each other through the entire thing, "How'd they do that??" The Chinese people did an incredible job. We watched swimming and gymnastics last night. I let out a few squeals during the girls gymnastics. They made some big mistakes, but I guess still ended in second place for now. We'll be watching all the action over the next couple of weeks. Go Team USA!!

It's Ultrasound Day!

Today I have an ultrasound at 3:00. This would be the one for us to find out what we're having. (If we were going to find out). BUT, we've made up our minds that we won't be finding out this time. This has been quite a discussion at our home because Bacho didn't want to find out with Bodie, but I told him I just couldn't stand it. This time around I decided I didn't want to find out, but Bacho said we did with Bodie so we should with this one too. After weeks of going back and forth we've decided (even though my mom said she's going to the doctor with me and she'll find out one way or another) it's going to be a surprise.

Randy Pausch: A True Tigger

Did any of you watch Primetime last night on ABC? I've seen Randy Pausch clips here and there, but never really heard his whole story and had never listened to his, "Last Lecture." We sat down last night and watched the whole hour and let me just say, "Wow." What an inspiration. If you haven't listened, take a few minutes and listen to his speech and maybe even go to ABC.com to catch the whole hour of Primetime. You'll be glad you did. Randy makes me want to be a "Tigger." And I'm sure he'll make you want to be a Tigger too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

2 Peas In A Pod???

Mmmmm...some people say Bodie looks just like Bacho. He has taken on more of a likeness to Bacho in these past couple of weeks as his hair has grown out. I called it his "big hair" because it can get pretty curly and especially large after naptime.
Two peas in a pod?? What do ya think??

Happy Anniversary Bacho!

Thank you for 11 wonderful years. I love you.

Go D-Backs......Go Cubbies!

Last night we went to the Diamond Backs vs. Cubs came at Chase Field. Normally I would cheer for the D-Backs, but I felt like I was betraying Bacho just a bit because he's a longtime Cubbies fan after spending most of his summers growing up in Chicago with his aunt Elba. He said that he and Bodie would be cheering for the Cubbies, but I could cheer for who I wanted. I felt a bit torn, so I ended up cheering for both. I was either clapping at every play or not clapping at all. I was so confused. I'm really not a wishy-washy kind of person. So I've made up my mind. I'm a D-Backs fan and that's all there is to it.

I'm a What?!?

I saw this little site and thought it would be fun to try. You type in your name to see how you're defined. I was expecting something cute or sweet, but instead this is what came up for my name:

staci --
[noun]: An alien

What?!?!

So I typed in Bacho's name. Here