One Word Tag

I was tagged, and I’m supposed to give you one word answers, immediate responses to phrases.

Where is your cell phone? … desk
Your significant other? … Dave
Your hair? … dirty
Your mother? … gone
Your father? … somewhere else
Your favorite thing(s)? … family
Your dream last night? … none
Your favorite drink? … wine
Your dream/goal? … baby weight gone (how do i answer that with one word?)
The room you’re in? … office
Your fear? … bad guys
Where do you want to be in 6 years? … debt free
Where were you last night? … couch
What you’re not? … high maintenance
Muffins/donuts? …muffins
One of your wish list items? … diamonds
Where you grew up? … La Mirada
The last thing you did? … gave morning hugs
What are you wearing? … sweats
Your TV? … damaged
Your pet? … fish
Your computer? … always on
Your life? …chaotic
Your mood? … sleepy
Missing someone? … Mom
Favorite pastime? … reading
Something you’re not wearing? … my rings
Favorite Store? … Target
Your summer? … too short
Your favorite color? … RED
When is the last time you laughed? … minutes ago
Last time you cried? …this morning
Who will re-post this? …no clue
Four places I go over and over? … school, bank, grocery store, church
Four people who e-mail me? … Jill, Facebook, B and Dave
Four of my favorite foods? … Mexican, Mexican, Mexican, Mexican
Four places I would like to be right now? … Vacation, Bed, Vacation, Bed
Four people I tag? … Don, Laura, Heather, Emily

Winter Wonderland

The view from our Town Center this morning. Never seen snow on these hills before!

Working for Money

Today while Dave was getting ready for work, Zack was following him around, talking about his favorite thing of all time...trains.

In the midst of the conversation Zack said:

Zack: Daddy, what ya doin?
Daddy: Getting ready for work.
Zack: Why?
Daddy: To make money.
Zack: To put in my choo-choo bank?

Oh, if he only knew....

Shots and Lollipops

Today, Josh had a well baby checkup and Zack had a flu shot. While driving to the Dr.'s office, I told Zack that both he and Josh had to get shots. He of course didn't want one and was sad that Josh had to get 3 shots. So in a ploy to bargain with him, I told him that after his shot was done, he'd get a lollipop, maybe even 2 if Dr. Clark would let him.

So once we got there, he continued to deny it, but I could tell he was trying to convince himself that having a lollipop, maybe 2, would make up for the "5 minutes" of hurt!

Joshua went through his well baby check and once we were done with that, we decided that Zack should have shots first since Josh would need me to hold and snuggle him and I wouldn't be able to do that if I was consoling Zack too.

Dr. Clark left the room, and we got Zack ready. He was sitting on my lap with his little thigh bare and ready for his shot. Dr. Clark came back in, put the little alcohol pad on Zack's leg, told Zack to look at me and with only a little wince later, it was done! No screaming. No crying. No kicking or fit throwing. It was amazing!

Zack looked at me, I looked at him. He started to grin and I told him to give me a high 5, that he'd done so well. He turned to me and said, "Mommy, I get a lollipop? Maybe 2?" Dr. Clark said, "Yes!" He deserved 2 lollipops. Out came the basket of lollipops and he had no trouble choosing 2. And within 30 seconds, the first one was gone!

That's my boy.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

We've been working hard the last few days trying to bring the spirit of Christmas into the house. Today, we put up our "family" tree. The tree with the homemade ornaments, trinkets and Christmas cards from years past. Gabby did most of the ornament hanging (which was very nice!) I know she'll want to help me with the formal tree that goes up in the living room, but that's Mommy's tree! Once we get things complete around here, I'll post the final pictures. But, this is a good start for now.

Barbage Trucks don't eat kids

This afternoon while Zack was supposed to be napping, he was instead standing at his window watching the garbage truck come up the street. I had a feeling that he wasn't asleep, so I crept up the stairs and into his room to find him completely intrigued by the garbage truck. When he realized I saw him, he quickly began talking about how he was watching the garbage truck (as he knows the penalty for getting out of his bed when he's supposed to be napping!) So, as I stood as his window watching the truck, he turned to me and said:

Zack: "Mommy (with hands upturned for effect), barbage trucks don't eat kids, they just eat barbage."
Mommy: "What?"
Zack: "Barbage trucks don't eat kids Mommy, they only eat barbage cans."

So, there you have it. Garbage trucks don't eat kids, just in case you were wondering.

Boys get treats

We're nearly finished day training Zack...he's been doing so well! Today, he ran to the bathroom after breakfast, came back and said:

Zack: Mommy, I went potty.
Mommy: That's great Zack! I'm so proud of you.
Zack: I get a treat?
Mommy: No. Not this morning. You don't need a treat everytime you go potty.
Zack: I went pee-pee. I get a treat!
Mommy: Gabby doesn't get a treat every time she goes potty.
Zack: But I a boy Mommy. Only boys get treats when they go potty.
Mommy: Oh, is that how it works?
Zack: Yes, I a boy Mommy. Boys get treats.

Mob Wars

Ok, so I haven't been blogging much lately. I know. But I've been sucked into Facebook AND to Mob Wars. I have quite a life of crime online. Mob Wars is a Mafia style game where you rob people, jewelry stores, smuggle drugs...you know, your everyday crime! You collect weapons and buy up parts of the city to make more money. My arsenal includes: 5 Wesson PPCs, 1 Double Barrel 45, 5 Tactical Shotguns, 1 Colt 1911, 2 44 Magnums, 4 Pump-Action Shotguns, 3 Tommy Guns, 15 Assault Rifles, 2 Miniguns, 12 Grenade Launchers, 25 Body Armors, 1 Crown Vic, 1 BMW 735, 3 Mercedes W220s, 5 Armored Range Rovers, 3 Armored Trucks, 4 S.W.A.T Bearcats, and 1 Yacht.
I also own quite a bit of the city! 1 Empty Downtown Square (on which I'm planning to place an Office) and 1 Container Yard. I own 2 Apartment Buildings, 3 Hotels, 2 Highrise Apartments.
It's really sad how addicting this whole Mob Wars thing has become. I find myself constantly looking at the fight list to see if there is anyone logged in with a Mob smaller than mine so that I can attack them and steal their money. But you do have to be careful who you steal from because they might get mad enough to add you to the Hit List where within a matter of seconds, you'll be dead (which has happened to me 5 times now!)
Want to join my mob? Leave a comment. Let's take over the city together!

The Chase

Husband and Wife finally get some down time. They are sitting on the couch, watching Survivor, and Husband says:

Dave: "This feels so good. You don't even know.
Amy: "Yes, I do. I don't chase bad guys all day long. I just chase three little ones."

Happy Birthday ShaSha!

Happy Birthday ShaSha! We love you!

Photo Tag

Jill tagged me. I"m supposed to find the 4th photo from the 4th file in my photos and tell you about it.



This is a picture of my little Joshua (who's now 14 months old!) This was taken at my sister's house at some party which I cannot remember. This was the stage of just starting to smile (no, it was not gas!)

Now. I tag Karissa and Don.

Two Things Missing

In the last 3 days, we've lost two teeth. My girl is growing up way too fast!

"Like A Cupcake"

This morning, I was greeted by a very happy 2 1/2 year old at 5am, thanks to the time change. I held him at bay for 30 minutes but to ensure my husband had a little more sleep, I had to get up with my Little Bubba. We went downstairs and started to make banana muffins for breakfast. We stirred, poured and mixed and added 1 chocolate chip to the tops of each mini muffin.

As I put them in the oven, Zack said:

"Mommy, I'm growing big and strong...(a little pause for effect)......like a cupcake!

Halloween quotes of the Day

One kid came to our door tonight with candy in his bucket and candy in his hand. As Gabby was opening the door to give candy to this precious kid, he says:

"Here's some for you, so it can be fair"

and hands Gabby the candy from his hand and then grabs some from our treat bucket!

AND

Gabby was sitting by our front window waiting for more trick or treaters and says:

"Mommy, what can we do while we wait for more customers?"

Oh, the minds of the little ones!

Practicing for Halloween

Pumpkin Patch

We spent yesterday afternoon at the pumpkin patch. Picking pumpkins, riding the train, playing on the playground and just having great family time!

Date Night

Should I be so excited? Should I have butterflies?

I get to have a date with my hubby on Friday. Our first nanny is coming down to watch the kids. I think they are just as excited to see Jen as I am to have a date!

What do you do on a date?

Who's Reading?

It's been a few weeks since I put a sitemeter on my blog, just to see who's reading. There aren't but a select few who choose to comment on my posts and usually, they are family or close friends. So, I often think there aren't many who read my ramblings about things.
But tonight while grazing through pages of referring urls, I found a mom of 3 who actually links to me from her blog. I don't personally know this mom, but I'm sure she's wonderful!
I guess, you never know who's reading or how strangers find your blog.
If you're reading, keep checking back and let me know you've stopped by by leaving a comment. Would love to hear from you.

"Loose Toothes"

When I picked Gabby up from school today, she came running out of her class and was pointing to her mouth. I had no idea what she was doing until she got close enough for me to hear:

Gabby: "Mommy, I got 2 loose toothes"
Mommy: "You what? You've got 2 loose teeth?"
Gabby: "Yep. Everyone says to wiggle them alot with my tongue"
Mommy: "Why?"
Gabby: Because when they come out, I put them under my pillow when I go to sleep. And then when I wake up, the toothes will be gone and I'll have money there"
Mommy: "Who puts money under your pillow?"
Gabby: "Maaawwwmmm! The tooth fairy"

So, how much are "toothes" going for these days?

A Warm Your Heart Smile

A little helper

Tonight while I was rocking Josh to sleep, Zack took his diaper and PJs to Gabby and asked her to help him get ready for bed. Next thing I knew, Zack came running into Josh's room, completely dressed and ready for bed.

Do you think she's working her way into my job? I can only hope.

He's Adorable!

Today, the kid's cousin "LittleZabba" came to visit along with Shasha. LittleZabba was playing with Zack. He was doing more irritating of her than actually playing with her. But as they were "playing" LittleZabba says:

"He's Adorable!"

Shasha and I look at each other and just shrug our shoulders.

Only family would think the person who was completely irritating you was adorable.

Parenting Advice

Tonight Zack decided to give me some pointers on parenting a 1 year old. Here's how it went.

Zack: Mommy, no fight Joshy.
Mommy: Don't fight with Joshy?
Zack: Yes Mommy, no fight Joshy.
Zack: You make Joshy happy. No yell.

Out of the mouths of babes.

A Sweet Reunion

Sunday after the day of raspberry picking, we got home and got a wonderful surprise! Our old nanny, Karissa was in town and wanted to come by for a visit. The kids were so excited to see her and were quite the little show offs.

Thanks for coming to see us. I hope you know you're missed terribly and we love you!

Got Pie?

yum.

Apples and Raspberries

Yesterday after church, we took the kids out to a local apple orchard and raspberry field.  They had so much fun digging through the bushes finding the sweet red berries!

We also bought 3 bushels of apples. I've been cooking all day long today and I've only made it through 1/2 a bushel!

This Touched Me

I've been thinking so much lately about serving others and I question why others don't seem to feel the same need as I do. Tonight, I was preparing my children's church lesson and craft for tomorrow and while I was baking (for the object lesson I'm using to prove a point) a song came on that just touched me to the core. I've heard it before as it's not new, but it took on new meaning as I plopped the cookie dough on the baking sheet.

Untouched By Human Hands lyrics
Wayne Watson

The Plague--Generation's leprosy
Unspeakable shame--Untouchable lives
Much in need of love
But these days who's got much to give
Give in to the pressure
Cross the street on the other side
When Jesus told the listening
That those who follow Him
Could bear the strike of the serpent
Could drink the poison in
Was His vision some spectacular scene
Some exhibition-Some display
Or a reminder, as I live and breathe
To reach out and not be afraid

I try to be a Godly man
I try to walk in the steps of Jesus
I disregard the Lord's command
When I walk through my journey
Untouched by human hands
Untouched by human hands

I despise your evil way--Have no part in such things
From such obvious violation I keep my hands clean
But inside this heart of mine oh, there dwells little good
Only the flow of calvary--Only the Lord and His blood
God bless the child and lest I forget
God save the dying ones who must live with regret
Out on the street--Out there where no one can see
Oh Lord, Stretch forth Your hand and reach them through me

I try to be a Godly man
I try to walk in the steps of Jesus
I disregard the Lord's command
When I walk through my journey
Untouched by human hands
Untouched by human hands

"Talk is cheap." A dozen cliches come to mind..."If you don't
walk the walk"...etc. When presented with an opportunity to
demonstrate, actually play out the love of Jesus, I hope I don't
mess it up.

Premiere...did it meet your expectations?

At the end of last season, I told all of my friends who are die hard Grey's Anatomy fans that something was going to happen to McDreamy when he went to tell Rose of his true love for Meredith. So, when the premiere begins with the scene of McDreamy being worked on by the staff at Seattle Grace, I called out, "See! I told you so! They never really will find true love. They only find it in the midst of tragedy!" But luckily it was just a dream. But do you think that Derick and Meredith will find true love? Will Meredith be able to accept unconditional love and will Derick be able to put up with Meredith's inability to commit?

What do you think?

Soon, very soon

Can't come soon enough. Yes, I am a primetime TV junkie. Thank goodness for TiVo.

The Evening Exchange

Baths and jammies were done, the kids were in their beds. We'd just said bedtime prayers.

Zack: Mommy, help me go to sweep.
Mommy: Do you want me to lay down with you for a minute?
Zack: Yes.
Zack: My hair is so wet up there.
Mommy: It's because you were running around after your bath. You're all sweaty.
Zack: I need to take a baf again. Haaaaaa!
Mommy: No, no bath again. Your hair will dry. Don't worry.
Zack: No, I need to take a baf again. Hahahaha!

Mommy is quiet.

Mommy: (in a whisper) Zack?
Zack: Looks at Mommy
Mommy: I love you Zack.
Zack: (with finger in his nose) Booger. You want my booger?
Mommy: I don't want your booger.
Zack: (hysterically) hahahahaha!

Happy Joshy

The smile says it all.

First Friend Phone Call

Gabby got her first phone call from a friend today. She looks way too comfortable.

Joshua's Memory Quilt

Ok, it's been a year since he was born and I've probably had his quilt for at least 6 months. Here it is for all of you who helped to create it. Thank you Laura for all your hard work!

Completely Addicted

I admit it.

I wanna buy it, Mom.

Zack was supposed to be in bed, but came waltzing downstairs about 8pm. A commercial came on for this pasta cooker. Zack says, "Mom, I wanna buy it. It would be SO fun!"

If He HAD to buy a Harley

It would be this one.

Labor Day Weekend

We spent the weekend at Campland by the Bay in Mission Bay. What a wonderful weekend of swimming, boating, camping, smores (made with Ritz crackers rather than graham crackers) and many long talks about life. Thank you Jen for a wonderful weekend! What a nice way to round out the summer.

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Gabby's first day of Kindergarten. I would post pictures, but my computer's harddrive failed and I'm blogging from Dave's computer. Her first day photos are in my iPhone so as soon as I can sync up with my machine, I'll post her first day photos.
I really thought we'd have a little bit of tears or at least a little clingyness...but no, it was "Bye Mom! See you after school!"
My girl is growing up!

In the Buff

Why is it that my son will make it to bathroom every time when he's naked, but try to put clothes on him and we soak the world? It makes this potty training thing awful difficult. I can't go anywhere! And today, the ADT man came to check our house alarm and of course, my son makes it to the door before I do and he opens the door, butt naked! I feel like a total white trash mom as I apologize to the technician and try to explain that we are potty training. The technician couldn't have been a year over 24 and he just looked at me with this blank stare. All this while Zack is running around in his birthday suit, Josh is screaming in the highchair because there are no more cherrios on his tray and Gabby has the TV blaring Sponge Bob.

This IS the life of a Mom of 3 under 5.

That's what I get

Yesterday about 10:30am, the kids were about to peel the paint off the walls at my house, so I stopped the housework and took them outside for some playtime.
We were visiting a neighbor, playing in their backyard when Joshua started yelling which meant it was way passed his lunch time and hurry up and take me home mom!
So, as we were packing up to leave and walking to the front yard, I was walking backwards, pulling the stroller along with me, I tripped over the basketball hoop stand, twisted my ankle and got 2 bloody knees.

That's what I get.

Great Kids Music

My Sister gave me a copy of this CD. Miss Ella's Playhouse It's the best kids CD ever! I wake up singing, "I'm a Bean Bag" or "Two Little Men in a Flyer Saucer". I can't tire of Miss Ella. Can you?

Hey, That's a Grandma

Today, we were out running errands and had to stop at the gas station to get gas. While I was filling up the truck, the kids were in the car, talking, fighting and just generally complaining. Zack looks out the window and says, "Hey Mommy, that's a grandma!" "Hi, Grandma!". Parked in front of me was the "little old lady from Pasadena." She was so cute with her long silver hair in a bun. She must have been somewhat technologically savvy because she used the pay cash at the pump machine.

So, as she heard Zack say hi, she turned and said hi back stating that she didn't see him in there. Zack again yelled, "she's a grandma!" She heard him say something but she didn't understand his words...so I repeated, "He said, ""That's a Grandma""."
She told me she was a Great-Grandma and then stopped herself and said, "Oops! I'm a great-great grandma!" I forgot the new one that just came this year.

I hope that if I make it to Great-Great Grandma, I'm able to drive my car, walk unaided, able to put my sliver locks in a cute bun and pay for my gas at the pay cash at the pump machine.

Swinging

Today Joshua had his first experience on a swing. I think he really liked it.

The Best Feeling in the World

The best feeling in the world is when your 2 1/2 year old bruiser of a boy snuggles up beside you, puts his chubby hand through your arm and wraps his arm around yours, leans his head onto your shoulder, gives you a "baby kiss" and says, "Mommy, I love you." and then proceeds to tell you that he just kissed you.

Awww!

The Many Meanings of "Yugga"

Yugga can mean any number of things...but here are the top choices:

1. Cover (noun or verb)
2. Color
3. Crayons

Used in a sentence:

1. I need my yugga's.
2. Yugga me up.
3. I wanna yugga.
4. Where are my yuggas?

"Yugga Me Up"

Zack has a favorite blanket. It's his AllyZabba.

He's had it since he was an infant and if we go anywhere where sleeping is involved, it must come with us. He's grown taller than the blanket is long which is starting to really upset him. He wants to be completely covered...toes and all...by his AllyZabba. At night when it's time for bed, he must be covered. "Yugga me up!" he says. "Yugga me up!" It might be time to bite the bullet and order the MegaZabba.

Crispy Green

I've never been a fan of freeze dried fruit but this company does it RIGHT! The fruit tastes so fresh...not a hint of processing. Both my boys gobbled them up today! I bought a case (12 bags of 6 each) in an assortment of flavors. Ingredient list? Exactly what you think...the fruit only. No additives, preservatives. Peanut Free/Nut Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Vegan
I think it's the healthiest thing I've ever eaten.

Daddy's Joy Jar

I've been teaching the Fruits of the Spirit in Gabby's children's church class. Each week, I try to give the kids something to take home that helps them apply what they've learned.
Two weeks ago, we learned about Joy and each child made a joy jar. They were to put a bead into the jar each time they did something with joy in their hearts (first time obedience, doing something kind for someone etc)
So, last night, we took the kids to the train station to watch the "real choo-choos". Our boy LOVES choo-choos! We picked up some take out and were sitting at a picnic table at the station, watching the trains come and go. As we sat there, a homeless man came up to us and asked Dave for some money or food. I just looked away, trying to ignore him, but Dave asked him how long it had been since he'd had a meal. The man replied, it had been a few days. Dave handed him a piece of our KFC chicken and told him to enjoy it. The man took the chicken, said thank you, and walked away.
As the man walked away, I wondered if Gabby had caught any of the conversation. Without fail, she said to me, "Mommy, if Daddy had a joy jar, we could give him some beads. He gave that man some of our dinner".

So, what we do teach in Children's church DOES get through!

Mom 4 Life Giveaway

Mom 4 Life is having a contest for some neat baby nail clippers. I"m constantly cutting Josh's skin because I get too close to his tender fingers!
Click here to read all about them and enter the contest!

More Camping

Just a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Camping

We've been enjoying camping this summer. Although camping for Mommy is a bit more high class than your average tent. I used to tell Dave that camping for me was plastic cups at Holiday Inn...so, he bought me a hotel room with wheels that I could fill with my own cups! Enjoy!

Bedtime Verna

Don't know how many of you found out what your inner M&M looked like, but my friend Verna did. Thanks for sending! Readers, isn't she cute???

We Found Her!

Maybe I shouldn't be so thrilled. Maybe it's too good to be true? But I met with a gal named Holly today and she seems like a great fit for our family. She was able to commit to the school year and because she lives locally, she'll probably be able to work for the summer too. Should I hold my breath for the other shoe to drop? I hope not. So, for now, my nanny troubles are over. Now, it will be a few weeks of craziness till the kids learn how she works...then I hope we have sanity back in the house.

Rock and Roll!

Today the kids experienced their first earthquake. We had no damage, nothing fell or even came close to falling. At my parents house, 4 miles from the epicenter, it was a different story. Fortunately, it was only minor damage.