the Vega family

Feliz Navidad!!

2012-01-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas season this year…..so many fun activities (with not many pictures since the camera is still somewhere in the Pacific).

But pictures or not, we enjoyed many, many hours together enjoying this time of year.

We took a special effort this year to cut out some of the fluff and really focus on the good stuff.

The good stuff included visits to the temple lights, our Ward Christmas Party, our Ward White Christmas, the Office Party, hours of baking in the kitchen, lots of talk of Baby Jesus and the Christmas Story, trying to stay on the good list, the Performance of Feliz Navidad by the kids at their school, approximately 67 trips past Gilbert lights, nightly viewings on ABC Family Christmas and best of all: endless singing of Christmas Carols. The favorite this year...."Feed the Wooooorld." It's not possible to count how many times we sang that one.

We are so blessed. What a special time of year.

Our Abby Girl

2011-12-12T11:27:00.002-07:00

Kokoro 20!

2011-11-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

What can we say....the boy loves him a good dose of pain. He signed himself up for another good showering of abuse last weekend.

He thought it sounded like a great idea to let some hard core navy seals torture him for 55 hours straight.

He flew out Thursday afternoon taking his duffel bag full of gear and his training over the past 4 months with him.

He showed up in Encinitas at 12 noon sharp dressed in his boots and camo pants and waited patiently for the beating. After standing still for an hour and a half anticipating what was to come......it all began.

55 hours straight of running with a 40 pound pack, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, pull-ups, a streaming hose of cold water to the face, yelling, being dunked in a trash can full of ice water head first, humiliation, carrying large grown men on his shoulders, hiding in a sand hole, a 26 mile hike with a 50 pound pack, sit-ups in the ocean in the middle of the night, drinking more salt water than any human should, carrying a 500 pound log with his crew, being hosed down and told to roll around in the sand till there was no skin visible, coaches reminding them of each and every one of their flaws, mind games and whatever else these crazy instructors could come up with.

For some it was too much. They bowed out gracefully (or not so gracefully in some cases).

But for those who could stick it out, they found a sweet reward waiting for them at the end.

They found comradery, praise from their coaches, strength they didn't know they had, life lessons learned and a peace in knowing they can do very, very hard things.

We already knew you could do hard things Bacho. But you took it to a new level.

Way to "PUT OUT!"

KOKORO 20!!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:17:00.002-07:00

What's His Shelf Life?

2011-10-10T15:04:00.002-07:00

Can I bottle this boy up, stick him in my canner and keep him like this forever??

I've decided four years old is the most perfect age of all ages.
The tantrums (for the most part ;) are gone.
He has the best sense of humor
He goes to school (but not full time so we still get to have jammie days)
He loves dates with his mama. His favorite lately is a good ol' trip to QT for a colored drink and 'somethin' with a hotdog in it.
He's so independent and he's the best helper around the house.
He'll do anything to beat that imaginary clock.
He's still so innocent and has a super tender heart. He cried for 2 hours straight in ET. Not because he was scared but because he couldn't stand the thought of ET's mom leaving. He watched that movie to the bitter end just waiting for ET's mommy to come back.
He believes in all things magical
His imagination is in full swing....pirates, cowboys, secret hideouts, hidden treasures and all other things truly "boy"

And my most favorite of all:

He's still little enough to climb up in my arms, make himself into a little ball and ask me to hold him while he touches my face.

I would pay lots of money to keep this sweet little 4 year old forever. I ask him everyday to please stay four years old so I can squish his sqishy little hands. His answer to me everyday is,

"sorry mom, I'm gonna have to be a deacon comin' up."

I love you four year old Bodie.

Hello Again

2011-10-04T13:47:00.001-07:00

Hello!!
It's been 10 months.....10 very quick months since our last post. Has it really been 10 months? Where has the time gone? But we're back as bloggers. Partly because I miss it, partly because it's my favorite way to keep a record of my family and partly I feel like a guilty loser for letting so much time pass. I'll explain my guilt:

Bacho and I were trying to find a picture for his Mormon.org profile. We looked through several pictures that he wasn't happy with and then he suggested we go to our blog to find one. I sat there for a moment going back in time through the files in my brain trying to type our blog address. My mind was blank....but I knew it had Vega in it. I HAD FORGOTTEN THE BLOG ADDRESS! Bacho reminded me what it was and I quickly typed the familiar address. Our little family history popped up and we sat there for several minutes going through the pictures and stories of our little family. We smiled and laughed and remembered great times.
Then I thought about all the things that have happened over the past 10 months and I felt sad we don't have a record of all the happenings in our lives.

My new goal: Be a better photographer, record keeper and blogger. I'll do my best to have 2011 flashbacks to remember all the memorable moments as I add the new ones.

My second goal: Find our camera that has the only record of the past 10 months!! It might be at a Marriott, it might be at Seaworld, it might be on Carnival Slendor or somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. But if you see a little Cannon camera with some pics of us, it's probably ours. Kindly return it and it'll really help with goal #1.

First Day of Mi Escuela

2011-08-15T10:14:00.003-07:00

These two cuties started school!

Rain, Rain

2010-12-29T17:08:00.001-07:00

it's raining

and

it's pouring

and

we're loving every minute of it.

Check Me Out

2010-12-20T09:57:00.003-07:00

Here's a little conversation that took place in our home about the picture below.

     Bodie: "Abby, look at this picture. This is our Mommy."
     Abby: "Ohhhhh."
     Bodie: "Yes Abby. That lady is our Mommy. She's running. She's a very, very good runner."
     Abby: "That you, Mommy?"
     Me:   "Yes Abby. That's Mommy."

Today I am grateful for little people who think this picture looks anything like their Mother.

Tis The Season

2010-12-09T09:39:00.002-07:00

Rice Crispy Wreaths

+

Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas II You

=

A Very Merry Evening

Mas Sushi Por Favor

2010-11-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just need a spicy tuna roll before naptime to stretch the belly for the upcoming feast.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Mr. 100

2010-11-08T12:58:00.002-07:00

I've been a blog slacker of the worst kind for many a months. But.......I couldn't let this post escape our family memories. It was, after all, simply inspiring and we are still bragging about him.

Our little engine that could completed his first (and hopefully last) 100 mile run.

Some tid-bits about the race:

* It was actually 101.4 miles
* A little less than half of those that started were able to finish
* It took him 25.5 hours to complete the 100 miles
* He fueled with Gatorade, chicken broth and Ensure. Everything else became coyote chum on the trail
* Bacho along with most other finishers were literally delirious by the last loop
* On mile 97 Bacho got a boost of some insane energy and left all 3 of his pacers in the dust
*He was left with zero blisters
* The next day he took a nap, ate a ton of food, got a massage and was walking like he hadn't just run 100 miles.
* He earned the coolest belt buckle (with a pig on it) which he will wear loud and proud for a long time.

If you were wondering what dedication, heart, determination and discipline look like........
he's right there in these photos.

Boys Will Be Boys

2010-06-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

How do you know a little boy lives in your home?

You open your kitchen drawer and find a mud covered spatula put neatly back in it's place amongst all the clean utensils.

Love you Bodie!

2010-06-08T13:46:00.001-07:00

1. Click on this link.
2. Turn the volume way up.
3. Smile and start shakin' what your mama gave ya with whoever will shake it with ya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35GKY3grWn4&feature=related

2010-06-04T08:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Abby,

Even though you only know how to say,

"no", "stop it", and "let go",

we still think of you as our little lady.

Thank you for sharing your sweet little spirit and your contagious smile with us everyday.

We love you Abby Girl!

2010-05-27T11:34:00.001-07:00

Blankies and Fingers

2010-05-14T10:11:00.002-07:00

Wanna be a Vega?

Choose your favorite blankie and your best tasting finger (or fingers).
Snuggle the blankie and insert fingers.
You'll fit right in.

Bacho Vega...IRONMAN

2010-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

2010-04-09T09:27:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Abby

Brotherly Love

2010-04-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

These are some orange blossoms that are blooming in my yard. They smell delicious.

(orange blossoms are on my top 5 yummiest smells list)

Every time I hear the word blossom, I think about my brother.

This is my brother Brock. He's not on my top 5 yummiest smells list, but he is at the top of my list for favorite brothers.

(Brock in 1994)

Brock is 2 years, 1 month and 7 days older than me.

He took his job as an older brother very seriously. He never missed a day to tease me. He never passed up a moment to embarrass me. You know....big brother stuff.

One time he spent an entire Saturday pleading for me to answer the question, "Why didn't you tell me Le Mans???"

I didn't know what Le Mans was and I had no idea I was supposed to remind him about it. I was sobbing by the end of the day and apologizing profusely for forgetting to remind him about something so important.

When he'd seen me suffer long enough, he informed me that he didn't know what Le Mans was either and added,

"But it was sure fun to watch you cry about it all day."

Another time when I was about 13, Brock was downstairs with all of his buddies.

I usually had crushes on several of his friends and spent a good amount of time in the bathroom fluffing my bangs when I knew they were coming.

After I'd fluffed them good and long, I strolled downstairs to pretend I needed something.

I walked in the kitchen where Brock and his buddies were eating. Before I had a chance to bat an eyelash, Brock stood up, walked passed me and announced, "Wow Stac, you're really blossoming."

I was mortified.

I ran upstairs and sobbed on my bed. I was so angry with him. I swore I'd never speak to him again.

But not speaking to him didn't last long. He's my brother. And I think in some ways I enjoyed the abuse. I knew it was his way of showing his love to his little sister.

I miss him. He's married with 4 little boys. He's finishing his last 2 years of residency and has lived all over the country for many years.

But I wish he lived down the street.

I wish my children could play with his children.

I wish I could have them over for Family Home Evening tonight.

I wish I could see him often enough to dish back some of his teasing.

But for now I'll have to settle for a phone call and a brief update about he and his family. I'll have to be ok with pictures of his new little baby sent by email.

But I'll also be looking forward to visiting him soon. I'll even welcome some good ol' fashioned teasing while I'm there.

Ladies Doing Lady Things

2010-03-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

This is my Abby Girl.

She's 15 months old and already seems like a little lady to me.

Abby and I get to spend every Tuesday and Thursday with each other.

Just us ladies while Bodie is spending his time at Casa de Laura brushing up on his espanol.

I never thought I'd have a daughter.

I always pictured myself with a house full of boys cooking for them and all their buddies.

We didn't find out if Abby was a boy or a girl until the day she came into this world.

I knew with all of my heart she was a boy.

We had a boy named picked out. We had boy clothes hung nicely in the closet. We had blue blankets and football burp cloths folded neatly for her.

December 12th came and the doctor held her up. "What is it," the doctor asked as she held Abby up and turned her towards us.

"It's a......it's a......girl," Bacho and I both said.

I couldn't quite wrap my head around her being a girl.

We dressed her in the one pink outfit we had just in case we were wrong.

We purchased pink blankets and flowered burp cloths.

We educated ourselves about the world of bows and headbands and flowers.

This sweet little lady has become my Abby Girl and I can't imagine life without her.

I love our Tuesdays and Thursdays together being ladies.

She was a surprise.....a very good surprise.

Happy, Happy Birthday

2010-03-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

March 19, 1973.
A good day.....a very good day.
Happy Birthday my friend.

Happy St. Paddy's Day to You

2010-03-17T14:36:00.001-07:00

We're trying to channel our 'Irishness' by:

playing in the green grass

planting our new green plants

kissing people (even if they're wearing green)

eating green tomatoes from the garden....again (we'd love to invite you over to share a delicious red tomato, but we haven't seen a red one yet)

And especially by wishing our Titi Ashlee (who has green eyes) a
HapPy, hAppY BiRtHdAy!!

2010-03-12T13:15:00.002-07:00

my 2 favorite little people

a hot fudge sundae

a table outside in absolutely gorgeous weather

a perfect afternoon

sunshine and ice cream are good for the soul!

The Cinema

2010-03-08T10:25:00.001-07:00

Last Friday we had another 'first'.
It was our first time going to the movies.
That morning I was scrolling down the line-up for Super Savers Cinema.
I saw, "The Princess and The Frog": 4:50 p.m.
"How bad could it be to take a one and a two year old to the movies?"
I envisioned the worst. You know....the WORST.
So, I called Papa and Ma to come along (when things seem too scary...always make sure Papa and Ma come :)
I'm sure their Friday night didn't include a princess or a frog.
But because they never let us down, they arrived on the doorstep at 4:00 on the dot.
We drove our little clan to the theater.
We arrived with our already stuffed bag of treats from the dollar store (shhhhhh).
We sat down in our seats and started to get comfy.
I had high hopes.
Not 30 seconds later, Bodie erupted into a monumental tantrum.
It had something to do with the licorice bag, the garbage can and the stairs.
But you know when you don't really care enough to really find out what the problem is??
It was one of those times.
I was patient and let the tantrum run it's course.
20 minutes later the licorice bag, the garbage can and the stairs were alright again.
We returned to our seats just as the music was starting.
Over the next 95 minutes we offered only a few minor interruptions to the theater....a little screaming, a little singing, a little bit a popcorn throwing and a lot of water dumped all over Abby.
But mostly a lot of laughing.
Bodie loved the movie and I loved watching his little face enjoy the movie.
It was a good day.

My advice to mothers with littles: Catch the matinee at the dollar theater.
Most people there have little ones themselves and we can all give each other the, 'I totally understand your pain,' look.
Plus, the dollar theater isn't as clean to begin with so a few extra popcorn kernels is just fine.
Also, we only paid $2 to get in. How mad can the guy next to you really get.
And lastly, if Papa and Ma are free, I'd totally ask them to come along.

We Were Running Fools For Ragnar

2010-03-02T20:26:00.003-07:00

It was 202.1 miles of awesomeness!!

2 big, white vans,

1 megaphone,

3 men in diapers,

36 packs of Gu,

0 hours of sleep,

892 port-a-potties

and

12 Wandering Fools.

We're totally hooked!

Check us out on the video link right down there.
Speakers are a must cuz it has "Rocky" music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyFJL5AmChA

(video courtesy of my girl Sonja)

Bacho passing the "baton" to me before I started running up a 4.2 mile hill that nearly kicked my behind

A Little Bump In His Road

2010-02-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

This is Bacho's knee.

This is Bacho's knee after it said 'hello' to the asphalt after biffing it on his bike.

(don't tell him a said so, but it's a bit of a turn-on to see him in his biking get-up. I'll show you later.)

73 days and counting until Bacho's big Ironman debut.

He's been in training for many months.

He's been biking and running and swimming his little heart out.

There've been many times during these many months that we've both wondered whether it was pure insanity (especially me).

We've also both wondered if he was going to need the medics to pull him out of the water because little boys from Puerto Rico tend to be on baseball teams, not swim teams.

But, believe me when I tell you you'll never meet a more dedicated, disciplined person in your life.

He'll push it until he's got nothing left to push.

He's going to do great. I know he will.

I'm just hoping he doesn't hit any more bumps out there.

We're fresh out of neosporine, band-aids and extra skin for knees.

The Other "Us"

2010-02-03T10:15:00.004-07:00

When you look back at different times in your life, do parts of it seem to be a completely different lifetime or like a dream?
Sometimes when I think about Bacho and I pre-kids, I can't remember us very well. Seems like I should be able to remember so easily because we were kid-less for many, many years.

When children come into our lives, we give up parts of ourselves to give to them. They need us. They're helpless.
And in return our children give so much to us.
Their innocence helps us remember the important things in life. They bring joy and love into a home like nothing else can.
I love the little family we have.

But lately I've been missing those two people up there in the picture.
I miss having the time and the energy to give everything we've got to eachother.
I miss our all-weekend-on-the-blow-up-matress-never-getting-up-except-for-the-bathroom-or food-movie-extravaganzas.

Sometimes I find it a tricky balance to give enough to my children, family, friends, church, community, myself and to my friend up there in the picture.

Last night I told him that I miss him.
I tell him that all the time, but this time I said,
"No, really. I miss you.
I miss you from 1996,'97,'98 and'99."
He knew what I meant because he knows me pretty well.

Life is demanding. We have to-do lists that never end. We have responsibilities and people counting on us.
With life as busy as it is, sometimes it's a good idea to push on the brakes a little in some areas so we can give a little TLC to other areas.

I'm thinking those two up in that picture are going to get a little TLC in the form of some major date nights.
Maybe even two in the same week.

Lookin' Good

2010-01-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you have days where you just want to wear your blue jammies with 2 pairs of underwear over the top.

And sometimes you have days where you just let your two year old wear his blue jammies with 2 pairs of underwear over the top because it's just easier that way.

Doesn't really matter how many looks we get at the grocery store, right?

Where's My Stuff?

2010-01-15T14:45:00.003-07:00

The other night Bacho was getting himself ready for bed. He opened his drawer and just stood there.

"Uuummm, where's all my stuff?" he asked me.

I reached over to the nightstand and handed him the brown bag that contained half of his possessions.

"Probably in here," I told him.

He dug through the bag and found his "stuff."

"What's with the bag?" he asked after brushing, flossing and sliding into bed.

I explained to Bacho that apparently there is a "really, really big party" that Bodie is attending sometime in the near future. We're not aware of any party, but I was told he must bring all this "stuff" to the party.

Each night after he is tucked in bed, I empty the bag and return our things to their proper places. But each new day the bag becomes full again.

Today in the bag you'll find floss, toothbrushes, a watch, gel, my address book, a medal, cologne, clippers, makeup brushes, soap, bracelets, money and a really old mystery roll of film.
You know....all the essentials for a really, really big party.

So.....if you're missing anything, you might want to stop by and check out Bodie's sack. He might have mistaken your stuff for his party supplies.

Unsupervised

2010-01-12T10:59:00.001-07:00

Lack of Supervision

Bodie helping himself to a massive chocolate bar for a little snack.

"Behold Your Little Ones"

2010-01-06T09:19:00.004-07:00

It's been a busy week and a half.

I've accepted the call to be the Primary President in our ward.

There have been non-stop emails.

Phone calls back and forth and back and forth.

Several meetings that have lasted several hours each.

The to-do list is still long and I'm slowly making my way through it.

But, last night after my children were in bed and my husband was quietly relaxing, I took a few moments to think about this awesome responsibility and the privilege I've been given to work with these precious souls.

3 Nephi 17: 19-23

"...And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise. And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And and now behold, my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again; And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones."

Our Savior took these children one by one to bless them. By His example the Savior taught us the tender care we should give to each one of his children.

What a special time this will be for me to work with these chosen spirits.

It is truly a blessing.

2009-12-29T09:54:00.004-07:00

And the tradition continues.

The tradition of:

You're somewhere around one year old, let's put you in only a diaper, put you up against the wall and see how much you look like your daddy when he was your age.

(I would put a picture up of me when I was that age, but I was the fourth child out of five and I think my parents were all pictured out by the time I came along. If you ever ask my mom, she will swear she has tons and tons of pictures of me, but somehow she hasn't been able to produce them in all of my 32 years. It's ok though. No hard feelings here. I moved past that years ago.)

These are the tell-tale signs Bacho is their Daddy:

** the eyebrows. they're full, but soft. a little bushy but a very distinct shape.

** the perfectly shaped ears. (I was so hoping they'd get his ears. His are way better than mine)

** the head shape. specifically the forehead. it has a certain swoop to it. those in the loop know it well. It tends to be more prominent in boys.

And........

** those unmistakable toes. they're a little funky. some hide under others. (I was so hoping they'd get my toes. mine are way better than his)

I must say (in true mom fashion) no matter what they got from who (or whom [which is it?]), I just want to eat them up pretty much everyday. They turned out pretty yummy.

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-21T09:36:00.004-07:00

Bodie's Christmas List for Himself:
An orange

An apple
Chicken
Celery
Oatmeal
and.........
a Vacuum

Bodie's Christmas List for Abby:
Lots and Lots of Toys

Go figure.
Guess he's just feelin' the Christmas Spirit.

The Art of Photography

2009-12-15T09:29:00.002-07:00

A few nights ago we bundled up and went out to feel some Christmas Spirit.

We strolled the kids around the park as we listened to Christmas music and looked at the beautiful luminary.

We stopped for a moment to listen to a choir from the high school and I looked around for an artistic looking person to snap our photo.

I spotted a middle-aged gentleman with a beard standing a little ways behind me.

He was a little scruffy looking, but people with beards always look a little more artistic to me.

I handed him the camera, told him which button to push and scurried back over to my group.

I huddled in close to Bacho and we all smiled.

"Thank you so much sir," I said walking back over to him.

He stood next to me as we scrolled back to the photo he had so artistically just taken of us.

The gentleman and I both looked at the camera screen and saw this picture:

(Here's the best part)

The gentleman says (completely serious),
"Mmmm, looks like I cut your heads off. So........does that look alright???"

Birthday Girl

2009-12-14T08:50:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Abby Girl.
Mucho, Mucho, Mucho!
Love,
Daddy, Mommy and Bodie

2009-12-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

This little lady will be 1 year old in T-minus 3 days.
She's the sweetest thing on the block. I love every inch of her.
But today I love her just a bit more because she learned a new trick.
It's called the "lovey."
It goes like this: she lays her head down on my shoulder...and keeps it there.
I've been showing her the trick for months and she finally caught on.
The "lovey" may not be anything special for some people out there, but it's a big deal at our house.
We were blessed with babies that would rather snuggle in their beds with "blankie," than with humans.
I love the "lovey" and I request it many, many times each day.
So, my December is complete.
Forget presents under the tree.
I got the "lovey."

Inspiration

2009-12-04T10:01:00.004-07:00

On Wednesday morning Bacho came home from the gym. He told me how he had been running on the treadmill watching ESPN. A story came on. He watched the story and started to cry. He said he wiped his eyes and tried to pretend like he was wiping sweat from his brow.

But it was his tears.

Later that day I searched google to find the story. I watched it and I cried.

It's the story of Jake Olsen. Jake is a brave boy who faced his trials with courage and chose to see the world in a positive light.

I appreciate Jake and his strength.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX0ovhkgR7s

Good, Good Times

2009-11-30T12:06:00.003-07:00

It was amazing!
Good food, too much fun and the best travel buddies.
We gained somewhere around 75 pounds in all so you know we ate well.
Thank you friends for an amazing week.
We love you all.
(I could only fit 4 collages per post {I'm only kind-of techy}. There are 2 more down below)

2009-11-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

Hello Again

2009-11-25T16:03:00.002-07:00

We've been away, but we're back!

We traveled to wonderful places. We enjoyed delicious food.
(the proof.... we gained 13 pounds in a week (more on that soon).

We came home and must have brought something like the swine flu with us. We spent a week in our jammies feeling like we were at death's door.

We finally recovered and began preparations and decorating for the happiest time of the year. There's really no need to wait when you love twinkling lights and garland as much as we do.

Our "To-Do" list for the week is almost complete. Here's a little of what we had on our list:

We hope you're all enjoying the start of this Holiday season as much as we are and we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Adios

2009-11-06T09:34:00.003-07:00

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

2009-11-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

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

2009-11-02T11:16:00.004-07:00

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."

2009-10-30T08:28:00.001-07:00

Buuuuuurrrrrrr

2009-10-29T09:04:00.005-07:00

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

2009-10-26T09:54:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:35:00.003-07:00

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

2009-10-20T08:27:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-19T06:55:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-15T13:40:00.003-07:00

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

2009-10-14T08:31:00.002-07:00

(Courtesy of the talented Miss Auburn Ellingson)

Baby's Got a Shiner

2009-10-13T08:52:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-05T14:11:00.002-07:00

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

2009-09-21T09:24:00.002-07:00

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"

2009-09-18T11:12:00.002-07:00

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

2009-09-17T14:09:00.002-07:00

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."

2009-09-15T16:07:00.003-07:00

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

2009-09-14T08:18:00.002-07:00

We're all bleeding blue this morning.

2009-09-11T10:38:00.003-07:00

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

And It's Only Wednesday

2009-09-09T12:31:00.003-07:00

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

2009-09-03T09:10:00.003-07:00

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.

2009-09-01T14:15:00.002-07:00

Ralph

2009-08-28T13:49:00.003-07:00

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

2009-08-27T09:06:00.004-07:00

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

2009-08-24T16:16:00.003-07:00

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

2009-08-10T13:31:00.003-07:00

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

2009-08-04T12:39:00.009-07:00

"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."

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

Bodie: "Ummmm...No gracias."

"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.

2009-07-31T09:10:00.004-07:00

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.

2009-07-29T09:08:00.003-07:00

anniversary dinner

2009-07-27T09:41:00.007-07:00

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

2009-07-25T12:55:00.003-07:00

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)

2009-07-24T08:11:00.007-07:00

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

Reunion 2009 Part 2

2009-07-24T08:09:00.001-07:00

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

He's a Creature of Habit

2009-07-21T08:50:00.003-07:00

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.

2009-07-14T15:23:00.001-07:00

Sometimes being the little sister is really, really hard.

I Just Realized That I'm Old

2009-07-10T16:08:00.007-07:00

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

2009-07-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

2009-06-26T14:21:00.003-07:00

They caught a fish and it was THIS big.

Happiness

2009-06-24T19:55:00.008-07:00

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

2009-06-23T16:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-06-22T15:20:00.001-07:00

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

It's Official

2009-06-15T10:18:00.003-07:00

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?

2009-06-11T09:44:00.009-07:00

(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.

2009-06-08T08:39:00.003-07:00

Abby has some serious hair-growing skills.

2 Clean Babies

2009-06-05T08:17:00.001-07:00

They smell really yummy!

The Best Tantrum Yet

2009-06-03T09:28:00.003-07:00

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!!

2009-06-02T09:19:00.002-07:00

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

2009-05-29T10:04:00.002-07:00

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

bribe them with candy next time.

(But I kinda like the al naturale look)

Slap Dancer In Training

2009-05-22T10:28:00.003-07:00

(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

2009-05-19T15:30:00.003-07:00

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

2009-05-18T17:01:00.004-07:00

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.

2009-05-18T11:55:00.001-07:00

Abby Tiene Un Diente

Dinner Cruise For Mom

2009-05-13T14:27:00.002-07:00

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

2009-05-13T09:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-12T15:06:00.001-07:00

Thanks for coming friends.

Sweet Goodness

2009-05-11T08:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-11T08:48:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-08T08:27:00.002-07:00

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

2009-05-07T09:38:00.002-07:00

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