A-musing

Scary situation

2011-08-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

I didn't tell you guys about this but this was the scene just days after Ava turned 3. Something always seems to happen to her around her bday. The year of her first bday, she got nurse maid's elbow and we were in the ER at midnight until 2 a.m. the day of her party while she got it "popped" back into place. I still cringe when I think of that. I can't remember what happened for her second last year but this year tops the cake.

Ava had a very bad asthma attack. She's had inhalers which we use on an 'as needed' basis because it's never been that bad. For some reason, this time, it was so severe that the after hours facility we took her to (it was a Sunday afternoon) felt the need to call the ambulance and whisk us over to the local Children's hospital. I cannot tell you how scared I was but she pulled through it like a trooper. I hope we never have to go through that again - ever!

Now...I'm looking at the insurance statements from BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and cursing the healthcare system! I think I may need to sell a kidney in order to afford the charges. And maybe, just maybe it's time for us to move to Canada. I'm just sayin'.

Part(y) 2

2011-08-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from Ava's bday party mostly due to the fact that my mother just sent the disk to me today. hahah Thanks, Mom!

So here is a montage of pics. It was a small affair with three friends from school and the rest family. Oh, and yes, there is a costume change. She got cold after the party and my mom swapped the black dress (my favorite dress, btw) for one she'd just bought and placed in Ava's gift bag.

My "twins"

Crazy Eyes!

My dad, Nicolas, my husband and guest

My oldest boys - Justis (14) and Christian (16)

Suliaman and his sister - he is Ava's best friend

"aaaaaahhhhh!" In the airplane ride at Amazing Jakes

She loves to play games..even if she doesn't know what she's doing.

Even the 'big kids' had a good time
My hubby with my neices and sons in line for go carts

Wow! You mean I was ACTUALLY there, too! (lol)

finally at home opening presents

One of the gifts was a "salon" kit,
so my nieces are "doing" Ava's hair ;)

Just Me

2011-07-29T16:03:00.001-05:00

I know I need to post pictures of Ava's birthday party we held last weekend but since I broke the point and shoot I just got for my anniversary in March (shh! don't tell my husband!) and the Rebel battery died and I left the spare plugged in to the wall in our office (DOH!) I have to rely on pics from my mom (if and when she ever shares them with me).

So, sorry. No party pix. And probably by the time I get them, you will be like "Ava who?" LOL So instead I will talk about me. Since I haven't been posting much you will probably STILL say, "Rania who?" Yeah. See? I knew it. But seriously, I'm here. I'm the one who writes the words in this little space of the internets. Amusing Rain...That's me! Wanna see my long form birth certificate? I swear I'm legit. ;)

So - I started a boot camp today. YEA!!!! I nearly died, but I did it and it was fun (as much fun as self inflicted muscle-burning can be). It's really just what I need: others motivating me. Me motivating me is just (apparently) not enough.

So I signed up for a four week session and the goal is to go two to three times a week. I have a Warrior Dash in September that I need to get fit for so I don't embarrass myself in front of my best friend and her husband, so that's another part of my motivation. Wish me luck!

Hair: After cutting off four inches (I still gasp when I think of that), I'm glad to see it growing back nicely. Before I was (starting from front hairline to back length) 23". My ultimate goal is somewhere between 30-32" which would be right around my waist. I was 19" after the cut (5/22) and now I'm making progress at 20" (nearly 20-1/2") which is right on par with the 1/2" a month (if only I could speed that up!). My ends are still GREAT and since the cut my hair looks thicker. My mother even commented on it when she was here this weekend.

And yes, I have clothes on.
It was a strapless top.

Since cutting my hair and bangs though, I've been wearing it mostly in ponytails or a bun because I just wasn't happy with the styling but this weekend I straightened it and semi-curled it for a "wavy" look all around and it came out pretty nicely. Even my bangs. I wish I'd thought to take a better picture, but oh well. Maybe I will do it again and do a vlog next time (it's in a ponytail again as I speak. I told you I was lazy with my hair.). :)

Life: has been interesting. My husband and I decided we were basically going to put the home business on hiatus (keeping only two clients) while I look for PT or FT employment.

source

He's really crazy busy at work now and is too exhausted from all the thinking at work to have to come home and be 100% at night, too with the items he would have to manage for it and I really need to be working WITH other people face to face and not virtually. I miss the direct interaction. The partners and vendors we work with are all via phone, chat, web conference or the occasional lunch meeting since we all work from home and that gets boring (for me anyway). Optimally, his dream is for me to stay home with the kids and run a small business if I wanted to. As for me...I'm not sure I'm SAHM material. Yes, I've been doing it now (WAHM) for the past 9 months, but the kids go to school (at least they did before the summer hit). Once they were home 24/7, it gets to be a bit much. It's hard dealing with a needy 5 year old, managing the whereabouts of a 14 and 16 year old AND manage whatever client needs exist, household errands needing to be run on top of job search during the day. So I'm sure you can understand why I've dropped off a bit from blogging - freaking no time...

source

So anyway, now it's about to get a little busier with the start of school in a few weeks. My 5 year old will start Kindergarten, my 16 year old will be going back to OKC and starting the 11th grade (let's not even START on our college prep plans that will be my focus these next TWO YEARS) and my 14 year old will be starting high school. There're registrations to do, back to school events to gear up for, back to school clothes and supplies shopping, PTA dues, yearbooks to order x3... I'm exhausted just thinking about all of this. But I'm excited, too. They will both be starting new schools so, that in itself, is always exciting. Maybe I will remember to charge my camera next time to capture it! (rolling eyes at self)

So...Not really all that I need to update but I think I will save that for a vlog since I have a 5 year old that has entered my office begging me if we can "do something".."can we leave now?"...."I'm bored!" for the umpteenth time and since I don't want to do something that will put me in jail to shut him up - I'd better get off this computer now and tend to him. We are on our way to play outside. ...See what I mean?

So I will leave you with a video of the one I am having to leave you for. My Nico-nique

What a Day!

2011-07-14T17:36:00.001-05:00

Yea! Today is Bastille Day...um, wait! That's not what I wanted to report.

Today is Ava's 3rd Birthday! YEAAAAAA!

It's been a fun and exciting and laugh-filled three years baby girl. I can't imagine my life without you and don't even want to try. I prayed and longed for a baby girl for so long after having three boys I thought it would never happen. But I must have done something right because my life-long prayer for a daughter happened out of nowhere and I could not have been more happy when I got the news from the sonographer that "it" was a girl. I think I cried. No, literally, I teared up and found myself about to boo hoo over the news. I even remember refusing to allow myself to believe it when I heard it the first time because she was "almost sure". Well, almost isn't 100% so I waited until we had the next sonogram before I confirmed with my family and friends that, YES! We were actually going to get more estrogen in the house!

I cannot tell you how much this little girl is almost to the "T" what I asked God for. She's beautiful (looks like her daddy), she's intelligent, her smile lights up a room, people just seem to LOVE her and love being around her and she is adored by her big brothers. She's fun, funny, a little bit "girlie" and then a little bit "tomboy". She's PERFECT.

I can't believe how much she's grown over this 36 months! (yeah, I took it back to "months"!)

Me a month before Ava was born

Her Birth Day!

He didn't know what to do

but you couldn't stop him from holding her

The day we brought her home - 3 days old

All my babies - She was 5 weeks

4 months!

Ava 7 months!

Easter '09 - 9 mons - such a HAPPY baby girl!

Birthday Messy Face!

Me and My Girl at her
1st Birthday Party!

Ava, 2 yo

Birthday Girl!
Ava and her favorite teacher, Ms. Laura

We had her first celebration with her class this morning and were fortunate enough to come across a Princess Tiana bday cake at Target which we doled out to her friends. She's been BUGGING me about a Princess Tiana cake for a month now since I reminded her that her birthday was approaching. She's never even seen the movie (in a house full of boys, if there's no blowing up Decepticons or Ninja kicks and moves it's usually not on) so I'm not sure what made her gravitate toward this idea so much but I don't care. My baby wanted Tiana...she got Tiana. :)

Princess Cake for my Princess

This is just the first of two cakes until her bday week and a half is over (yes, I said week and a half...the celebration continues through the 24th after her "real" birthday party - it's a long story. Don't judge me).

HAPPY 3rd, Ava Doll! You're the light of our lives and the center of my world.

My BIG Birthday Girl!!We love you infinitely.

There's a BETTER App for that

2011-06-08T14:12:00.002-05:00

Many of you may or may not know that my husband works for an (Award winning) app development company here in the Dallas area. They've produced apps for major companies such as NPR, Bravo, BET, National Geographic, American Express and SPIN Magazine, just to name a few. Recently, my husband's team developed a new app for the National Science Foundation (NSF). I was lucky enough to be able to beta test it during the very final stages of development for a perspective on user-experience and provide feedback on things I felt worked or didn't work or what I thought was confusing, etc.

Finally the app has launched and I am so excited about it. I normally do not get excited about apps - I mean, I have apps on my phone that I was initially excited about but the experience just wore off really quickly. I have to tell you that this time - not the case. I think I tested that app for about an hour or more and STILL wanted to play with it before my husband took it away. There is SO much content, beautiful imagery, incredible knowledge and videos that you get from this app that I can't ever see 'wanting' to put it down. Not to mention that when you're viewing the screen, it's like you're standing in a dark room with a wall full of screens, all with different content, surrounding you - hence the Science360 name.

This would definitely be a great app for using in a class setting, home schoolers, or just people who enjoy learning about things around them. Literally it would be hard for anyone to get through all of the content in one day and the content will be continuously updated.

Seriously, if any of you has an iPad. Go download the free app and check it out. And don't forget to rate it if you really like it. I promise you will.

Ahhhrgh!

2011-06-03T17:54:00.000-05:00

Frustrated. I am really getting hair frustrated.
That is all.

Company Picnic

2011-05-25T14:37:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my husband's company held a picnic. It has been raining so much the last few days in the Dallas area that we weren't sure if they'd have to cancel it but the weather was gracious enough for the entire day to cooperate. Although it was cloudy, the rain held off and the weather was still VERY warm and nice!

The picnic theme was Comic Book/Super Hero. They had great things for kids of all ages: a professional comic book illustrator, a flip book booth, airbrush tattoo station, a bounce house and a blow up obstacle course. Additionally there was a food truck dedicated to the party that provided unlimited mexican food, hamburgers and drinks. It was centered around the neighborhood playground which all the kids loved.

The silver bullet in the back, is where they had the cupcake desserts
Nom nom!

I believe this is actually their FIRST time on a merry-go-round.
The first time around, Ava fell off and landed on her back.
She was a trooper though and didn't cry. Got back on and held on tighter.

All Tatted Up
Funny...these totally represent their personalities

At the end of the day, Nicolas had 6 tattoos

He loved the obstacle course. He ran through it 3x straight :)

Picking out juuuust the right one...Choose wisely, grasshopper

Ava's second tattoo

Since it had been raining so much, they had tarps placed under the picnic blankets and on all of the picnic blankets there were free comic books and little baskets on various blankets with balls, frisbees, etc. for the kids and parents to play with. They had tables in front of the food truck that were decorated to represent Wonder Woman. So cute! Wish I'd taken a picture of it.

Getting his drawing done

Nico's Caricature - he was NOT happy
He hates the hair

I felt so bad for the caricaturist once he finished it because Nico was not shy about letting him know he was not digging his portrait! "Noooo!"... Seriously. That's what he said. It was like watching Star War when Darth Vader found out his wife and babies had died during childbirth. {Throwing head back, arms to side with fists clenched, "Noooooo...oooo...ooo....!"} Chill out, dude. It's okay. Really.

Enjoying one of the free comic books (pre-Caricature disappointment)

Daddy/Daughter waiting to video for the flip book

Weeeeeeee...!!!

Fun on the swings

Ava zonked out almost as soon as we got into the car.
Sweet dreams, baby girl.

Vlog Post - Going to Extremes

2011-05-24T11:08:00.002-05:00

So remember my last vlog post I complained about being bored with my hair and needing motivation? And then soon after that, gaining the motivation to actually cut some bangs? Well, guess what I did now?

Yeah, I cut my hair. I call it my semi-BC. Yes, I know I said I wouldn't BC, but the ends were getting on my nerves. They were so much thinner than the rest of my hair. It's crazy. I feel like some crazy woman has possessed me - cut my bangs, cut my hair...what next? I don't even want to know...Here is a shot two months ago (before) and now (after) soon after I'd cut it.

My hair just two months ago


Out with the kids, took a picture for a friend who didn't believe I'd done it

And now for the commentary...

So will I be doing anymore cutting? Holy crapola No!, Batman! I don't have anything left to cut! Between the bangs, the hair and my disappointed husband, I think I will just focus on keeping it healthy as it is and growing it back out. The only thing I think I will be doing to it in the foreseeable future is coloring the grays...although if the humidity and the rain continues here in Dallas the way that it has been, I may just have to give in to the perm because H.R. Puff'nStuff has surely alive on my head these last few days. LOL!

Hair I Am Again...!

2011-05-03T17:01:00.003-05:00

That title is SO cheesy I almost didn't even put that up. But oh well. I thought I'd show you guys a little more of what's going on with my hair through this transition. I took these pictures after washing and air drying it under a scarf overnight.

Shrinkage is real, people!
I know I should already know this having a son (and daughter)
with curly but waist-length long hair,
but it still surprises me how much the hair draws up due to curls/waves.

It's straighter on the top because of the scarf I use to keep my hair from getting all over
the place when I sleep or am doing things around the house flattens it.

Lots and lots of new growth. It's been since end of
September since I had my last a "tex-lax"

I DO love the waves

Parted the sea to check the waves beneath

So freakin' thick

I should really start measuring my hair so I can have some method of charting progress. If I were to guess from my initial pictures, I would say I have about 5" left of perm left before it's all wavy/curly. I have been tempted to call the lady that trims my hair to chop it, but I am resisting...for now. I really wanted to transition for AT LEAST a year (with regular trims every 8 weeks) before I did anything drastic.

The next night, I flat ironed it to see just how much hair
I would be working with to cut in preparation for the Big Bang

So feeling like Cousin It, right now

After reading all of the suggestions about my bangs and checking a few YouTube videos on how to cut your own bangs, I decided it was time. After lunch with my husband, I went to Sally's to get some professional-grade sheers and determined what hair was 'outta here'.

I took "measure twice, cut once" literally x5. I think I measured and pre-measured at least 6-7 times before I grabbed my scissors.

Starting LONG because I did NOT want to cut too much.

The first cut is the ~~deepest~~ hardest.

3-1/2". I measured.

Checking the damage

The next cut - 2"

5-1/2" lighter in the front

Me kinda diggin' it.

Bangs with a ponytail or up-do was a BIG TEST
on whether I did the right thing or not

Okaaay... Feelin' my "Sexy", now

And it was all down hill from there...

Channeling my inner "Tyra"

Gotta learn not to take my sexy too far.
Pull the brakes, Rania! Pull.The.Breaks!!

I bet this would look good using my pearl wand
or dry twisting as Ok, Dani suggested for soft waves

Really? Really, dude?
Now I'm just being STUPID

Finally calming down from the self-induced scissor-happy high
woo-saa

Could use a little "cleaning up" by a professional but overall I am quite pleased. I feel sexy and that's what I was hoping for. I know the bangs are still in my eyes but I did that on purpose. I wanted to still be able to do a side sweep bang if I wanted to (thanks luvlymskrissy, you and I were on the SAME PAGE with that) and I also wanted to be able to maintain them in a pushed back style. Also I kept them longer because I was concerned with the bangs with curlier hair trickery that could happen which commenter Monique mentioned. (Thanks lookin' out, girlie!)

Thank you ALL for giving me the positive feedback from my Vlog and courage to do it. I know it's ONLY HAIR and it wasn't even my full HEAD OF HAIR - just the bangs - but seriously I've been debating this for about three years now. Don't know why it was such a big deal to me, it just was. NOW do you see how I am?? This is why a long transition is the way to go for me. LOL

To close out on a CRAZY/AWESOME note: My fourteen year old son just walked in on me right before I started this post and was like "Wow, MOM! You look like Nicki Minaj! Yeah!!" YESSSS! Sounds like he likes it. My husband just saw me at lunch (pre hair cut) so it will be interesting to see what his reaction and that of the little ones will be since last time they saw me I did not have this 'style'.

So, we'll see how that goes. I will keep you posted.

Because I need inspiration

2011-04-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

Don't pay too much attention to my crap face (seriously it's been a trying day and I've been up very early) but something inspired me to do something different today - hence my first ever vlog. It's about the hair...again. Hope you can help me out....cause I need it. :)

What to do for Mother's Day

2011-04-27T12:44:00.001-05:00

So mother's day is quickly approaching and I always find myself feeling a little panic attack coming on at this time each year. Not sure why. It's JUST Mother's Day, right?

Being the woman of the household, and if I left it up to my husband he would send something like he sends ALL of his gifts for extended family members: WEEKS (or months) late. So, it's up to ME to determine what gifts we shall grace our mothers. Not only that, I always get asked the question "What do YOU want for Mother's Day". So let's start with the mothers.

My mom is very focused on the tradition and specialness of the day. Her birthday, Christmas, anniversaries, and mother's day. These are all days she really looks forward to. To forget it or not acknowledge their existence in some way is cause for dismissal. I know this because I had the audacity to glaze over her birthday ONE TIME and I never heard the end of it. Of course, I will never make that same mistake...again.

By contrast, the MIL is very laid back. She is more focused on doing for her family and gets a little unhappy if you spend any money on her. She reminds me of my father in this respect as he's the same way. Have I told you about how I was nearly cussed out by my father once because I dared spend more than $20 on him for his birthday (I was a single mom and he was just worried about me). She is not his extreme (at least I've not seen it yet) but she does get pretty preachy when we spend it on her. "Use it for the kids" they both say. Siiiighh... right.

So what to do?

Usually for my mother, I send her flowers and chocolates - typical "mom" fare. She LOVES this certain brand of Turtles candy - the pecan, chocolate and pecan cluster candies (won't even share them. Again, I've tried and if I want to start wearing a prosthetic arm, I'd better keep away. My father even knows better than to ask). She is also very much into gold and diamond jewelry but seeing as how she HAS a man, I figure HE can take care of that. LOL And he does so faithfully every year, so I know she'll be good in that department. She also likes clothing. She hates shopping - prefers to spend her money on the grandkids and (ahem!) casinos (there goes MY inheritance). She doesn't really keep up with all the trends but LIKES to look good. So I have also taken for birthdays buying her an outfit (pants, top, necklace) which she loves. It's funny watching her parade around like a peacock in her own little fashion show for the family. Do you think I'm kidding? My mother is a nut. :)

My MIL is, like I said, laid back and doesn't really want you to consider her much at all. Her likes? She and my FIL are self professed "foodies" so we usually try to find anything that has to do with food - utensils she may not have, her favorite expensive olive oil, bacon of the month clubs (you laugh, but we did this one year and they loved it!), etc. She is both simple and hard to get for at the same time. Simple, because all she wants is something that is food related - or an interesting find (she also likes antiquing). Hard, because whatever she really wants or NEEDS she just goes out and buys for herself. I know this, because I live with her son who is her carbon copy. Can I TELL you how HARD it is to find a gift for that man!? ;)

So I am struggling right now with what to get her. And I'm not even 100% on what I will get my mom. Any suggestions?

As for me, am I the ONLY mother on Earth that enjoys spending Mother's Day alone?

I LOVE my family, my kids and my time with them, but I spend time with them ALL THE TIME. Whenever this time of the year comes around, J knows what I'm going to say: Breakfast in bed and then take the kids and be gone for a few hours so I can enjoy sleeping into the afternoon. I don't even care about a gift, just give me the gift of sleep (and no responsibility for a day).

I always feel guilty when I admit that I like to spend Mother's Day in my own head, in my own bed, doing what I want to do and not what the kids want to do. It's a sacrifice as a mom that you have to live with every day once you have a child, but still, doesn't make it any more fun to give up what you want. The only alone time I ever really get (outside of working from home by myself) is going to the rest room. And even then I get constantly interrupted. It's hard being a referee, peace keeper, nurse, kitchen manager and on laundry duty while attending business on the 'throne'. And WHY does everything happen as soon as I get on a call or go to the bathroom?? These kids have some 'splainin' to do.

In my house it's Kid's Day EVERY DAY. I know me. If the kids are around, I will focus on them. So that's why for the majority of Mother's Day - this ONE DAY of the year - I'd really kind of (just maybe) like to not feel guilty for having it be all about me for once. Just for a few hours and then we can get back to Mommy duties. Is that so wrong?

A Great Recipe Share

2011-04-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

I got this recipe from the Cake Boss who also has a cooking show on TV called Kitchen Boss. I have made this a couple of times and recently shared it with a close friend of mine who was looking for a quick and simple yet delicious recipe for her family. I have made this plenty of times and my family LOVES it. It has now become my husband's absolute favorite meal and it's super duper easy!

Ingredients:

Whole Roaster Chicken
1 Lemon
1 Onion
1 Head of Garlic (HEAD, not clove. You'll need the entire head of garlic)
4 Rosemary sprigs
Butter
Kosher or Sea Salt
16 oz. can of Chicken Broth
And a seasoned skillet
rope/twine for chicken legs
Pepper (if desired, I don't always use)
He called for a skillet in the oven but I'm sure you could use any cooking pan

Heat oven to 425.

Clean the chicken. Don't forget to take out the insides.

Cut Lemon, Onion, and head of Garlic into quarters. (You don't even have to peel the onion or garlic. The Cake Boss just threw it all in there skins and all).

3 sections (of each) for the pan, 1 (of each) for the inside of the bird.

1 sprig of rosemary inside the bird.

Rub butter all over chicken this will make the skin crispy and seal in the juice of the chicken. I also rub the inside of the chicken with butter and some UNDER the skin where I can which makes it even better! Sprinkle and rub the salt all over the bird and tie the legs together so that the lemon, onion, garlic and rosemary do not fall out.

Tuck the remaining sprigs of rosemary between the legs of the bird and one in the pan. Place the chicken in the pan and pour most of the chicken broth into the bottom of the skillet. I usually use more than 3/4 of the can, just enough to almost completely cover the lemon or onion wedges. You can sprinkle a little pepper on top of the chicken if you like but I don't always.

Cook chicken for 50-60 min. on 425. I usually baste every so often but mainly toward the very end after the skin has been crispy just to add a little more moisture at the top.

Once done, the chicken will be incredibly JUICY and sing with lemon and butter flavors. The kids always eat it up and rarely do we have much for leftovers.

Let me know when you make it. Hope you and the family enjoy!

So, about the hair...

2011-04-18T18:19:00.002-05:00

I have been SO LAZY lately about doing my hair. I wash it, even deep condition it...but then UP UP UP in a ponytail (or bun) it goes. As you all know I'm transitioning. Been without a "tex-lax" since September and a "real" perm even longer...can't even tell you how long that's been...probably...two years?

I like the waves I've been getting with my new growth so a bun is a really nice way to showcase those cute little ripples. However, I'm getting bored. This past Sunday, I was tempted to perm. I had a friend and her kids coming in to town this past weekend for a visit and I wanted my hair to look really nice. I figure if I go through the act of actually perming (okay, I will just start saying tex-laxing because I DON'T perm it straight-straight, ever) then I would start to pay more attention to my hair, but then even the idea of spending a couple of hours perming, washing, conditioning (2x), drying, wrapping, styling, etc. just wore me out too much. LOL So out of sheer laziness, no perm for me.

It's funny, personally, I think it's less work maintaining a perm. I wash, naturally dry and straighten and I'm good to go. With this natural transition, if I did more than wash 'n go (as I have been doing) it would probably take some time to do. Especially with some of the sites I've visited it seems as though there is such a regimen to taking care of it.

I don't know. I'm still sticking to it for now but seriously getting bored with the hair. I don't like braids. I don't mind twist outs but it just seems like it will take FOR.EVER. hahah I think I would like to try a wet set on rollers for the big tumbly hair...but I'm a very low maintenance kind of girl and I really want a low maintenance kind of style. I've had that with straight styles but would like to find some for the wavier look.

So...Any products/styles/solutions you have come across to help you either transition or maintain your currently natural hair that can be accomplished in less than an hour and still look cute??

Ode to Jen at Baby Makin(g) Machine

2011-04-04T12:25:00.002-05:00

Love Jen's 365 Love Letters. They are so CUTE and insightful and I find myself looking forward to the wise wisdom (and creative photos) she is creating for her baby girl. I told my husband about this and he also thought it was a fun idea.

So I thought - hey! I may not have a 'new' baby (what FUN that would be!), but that doesn't mean I can't do the same for my big/little ones now, right? :) So I started playing today, and came up with this one.

I loved this picture when I took it (totally shows off her silly personality) and knew I would have to do something fun with it. Can't wait to get to do more. Now I just have to consider...do I do one each day for all four? Or just ONE for the little ones? OR Focus on doing one for each a week? hahaha

SO much to consider and so little time. :) I'm excited. Just another thing though I'm putting on my plate. When will I learn...?

Random-ness

2011-03-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Me, too - These two are partners in crime.

Whatever one does, the other must also.

Nico makes a face - Ava makes a face.

Nico runs in the room to tell me something important - Ava runs in and babbles whatever she thinks he said to us.

So cute. I cherish these times. My older boys used to be this close. Then the teenage years told hold. I miss it....

Yes, I'm Lovin' it, too

Nicolas is really becoming quite the ham. This weekend we went to the park and he noticed me taking pictures of him. Can you believe the boy started to pose?! Started striking a pose right there next to the sign. A friend of mine has been suggesting I get him into modeling soon. I think I may have to do a photoshoot with him and send some pictures in. You just never know. Maybe they'll like him. He also likes to make funny faces and make up jokes and constantly ask us, "Was that funny, Mommy? Was that funny?" Poor boy. Hate to dash his comedic dreams, but some of the 'jokes' he tells are just RANDOM. LOL

Look at me mom!

How 'bout this pose?

Ava is my rough-and-tumble princess and I wouldn't have it any other way. She adores her brothers and easily keeps up with them but she also likes her dolls and pink (trust me, I did NOT force on her. I actually can't stand pink, but she looks great in it). Apparently she's running things at school, as well. Her teacher stopped me a couple of weeks ago and told me "I love Ava more and more every day". She told me that while she was cleaning up after snack time, Ava took it upon herself to get the class into their circle for story time. She (1) got everyone in their places on the floor, (2) told them "Let me see your criss cross" (folded legs) which they did, and (3) grabbed a book from the reading area, sat down and proceeded to read the story to them and asked Miss Laura what a word was in order to read it to the class. She's 2. I better watch out for that one.

Loving the new tutu dress Daddy just bought her

They are both a bundle of CRAZY ENERGY and can be very exhausting together at times but I just LOVE them to no end. Feeling so blessed to have them.

My babies.

Another post to Upside

2011-03-22T11:48:00.000-05:00

Another post is up! Check it out: Upside to Madness

Also, if you have stories you'd like to see represented, please share! Looking forward to getting back to my posts. :)

Arg

2011-03-09T12:34:00.000-06:00

I know it's been some time since I posted here and even more time since I posted on the other blog. I have started and stopped at least two posts for the Upside website a few times now and have had an insane amount of writer's block imaginable for both blogs. Don't know what's wrong with me. I'll visit other sites, but when it comes to my own, I just feel...blah. I barely have time or desire to do much of anything right now blogging or otherwise.

Hoping I can get back at it (or force myself to) sometime soon. I WANT to post. MISS posting. I've just been feeling no motivation lately and not sure why.

But I wanted to check in with those of you who might actually be waiting on me (hahah!) to let you know I'm still alive, still plan to post, just been lacking lately in the writing.

God, I hope I return to normal soon!

Sweetheart Weekend = Bliss

2011-02-22T11:40:00.000-06:00

So this past weekend my husband and I attended a couple's ball with my best friend, AngE and her husband, Eric in Oklahoma City. We've never done anything like this before but it was my friend's third time attending and she had raved about it so I thought - "Hey, why not?"

Me and Jason

The Eye to Eye Sweetheart Ball is an annual couples event where you get to just enjoy being a couple and focus on each other. It was a church sponsored event, and although we do not belong to a church and usually try to avoid anything church-based (try to avoid the 'preachy' not spirituality), we did find ourselves getting a lot out of the event and found ourselves having a great time. It was nice to get away from the kids and the house and to just focus on the two of us for a change. We really enjoyed it. If I'd had a smaller camera (I broke my smaller one MONTHS ago and the husband won't let me get a new one yet since we still have the Rebel - the big professional one that doesn't fit easily in a purse) I would have had a lot more pictures from the actual dinner and activities during the event.

(And excuse the hair, please. We were running all kinds of late with the errands that AngE and I were making that day and by the time we finished, picked up the men and dropped off their kids, we had all of 40 mins. to get checked in to the hotel, showered, dressed, hair and make up done...my little curls fell with the humidity of the bathroom so...yeah. Not exactly the look I was going for but...whatevs! Didn't keep me from enjoying the night).

Us, all grown up

Me, my best friend Angela (AKA AngE) and her friend, Jessica

The husbands:
Nick (Jessica's husband), Eric and my Jason

After the event, we went back to the hotel to change and everyone met up in our room (including two other couples we know) before we headed out for a night out. We took the courtesy limo to the bar and just acted like we had no sense (that's what happens to a group of parents who are fortunate enough to be kidless for a weekend). Let's just say, after dancing and a late night IHOP run, we didn't get back to the hotel until 5 a.m.! There were pictures taken from there but I'm sure you can imagine they are NOT

flattering. hahah

Kissy Kissy

The "Don" and his Minions

Me "dancing"

My best friend, Angela
and hubby Eric (who is basically me in male form)

Fun times, indeed. My husband, especially, totally enjoyed the one on one together. He was super affectionate and loving (not that he isn't already, but this weekend he was so 10X over! Me: melting like butter). He also wanted to make this an annual event moving forward which was a real shocker to me! I'm really looking forward to next year's event with him and we're also going to look into some more local couples groups to join.

The group also discussed our potential Summer couple's trip: Vegas! Can.you.imagine?! By then I WILL have another compact point and shoot to document the trip because the pictures above DO.NOT.Capture.at.all. the amazing time we had - and Vegas - with my friends - will definitely be sheer awesome-ness!

Bday Baby

2011-01-28T14:28:00.000-06:00

My youngest son turned 5 this month.

I know we always as parents say this but, seriously, WHERE did the time GO?

This year, I bit the bullet and took the party to Chuck E Cheese - so my kid could be a kid without my worrying about cleaning up after him. We had about 12-13 kids and had family and friends drive in from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ft. Worth and Houston. Nicolas was VERY happy with how it all turned out. They played games, had pizza, Nicolas got to hang with his other favorite little people outside of Ava and enjoyed being King for a Weekend. I'm finding out my 5 year old rather enjoys attention. Come to think of it, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He already thinks the sun rises and sets around him and this birthday weekend probably did NOTHING to temper that thought. hahah But that's okay. I'm glad he's finally coming out of his shell. It's a complete change from where he was three years ago. So shy and having to take more time to warm up to strangers and even family he hadn't seen in a while. Now you can't stop him, can't shut him up - he's jumping on everyone, hugging, acting... Maybe I should get this boy into show business so he can turn his antics into cash for college, know what I mean? ... ;)

I remember being a kid and just LOVING Chuck E Cheese (and Showbiz Pizza - same idea, but lower budget. Anyone remember this or was it just a Tulsa thing?). Between the kids, the parents, the noise and the other birthdays we were surrounded by, I was WELL ready to get home after the three hours of being there. Now it just exhausts me but I do it for my children because they LOVE it.

Nicolas ready to celebrate at school

At home birthday evening on the phone with Nana

The first Birthday Cake
He was SOOO Excited about the Dragon
but he said it should have been more scary

Yea, presents!

@ Chuck E Cheese

Eating with friends and family

Mr. Cheese himself

Nicolas and Aidyn checking out Mr. Chuck E Cheese

Despicable Me

My Ava and Granny

"What tha whaaa?"

King for a Day

High Five for 5!

The ticket machine - he was scared at first but soon got the hang of it

All smiles for the tickets!!

Happy Birthday, Nicolas
We love you!

Another Upside Post

2011-01-28T13:57:00.000-06:00

More Upside to Madness....

Hope you get to check it out and let me know what you think about the post and the message. Don't let your supermom feelings be dashed by silliness :)

Cheers!

Rania

Working it out

2011-01-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

So I've promised myself I'm getting serious about my body and health. I have so many travel desires (as well as "other" plans for myself that I will share with you I'm sure later this year) which require me looking and feeling the best I can. There is a trip to Vegas this summer with J and friends which will require a bathing suit body, camping, rock climbing (which will require strength and endurance) and outside of that just needing OVERALL health and energy and who doesn't want that?

Not since high school have I been consistent about working out. I just don't like to. I am not adverse to working out, it's just I bore easily and/or just haven't had time or the right regiment. My typical go-to 'workout' from home has been the Jillian Michael's series (30-Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones, etc.) and my favorite 'out of home' workout - is and will ALWAYS be - hot yoga. So why not continue these?

First off - Jillian - annoys me. The workouts work but I can only stand it if I put her on mute. Sorry, Jillian, but I really can't stand the way you read cue cards...

Second - Hot yoga, as much as I LOVE it, is still out of home and I'm not good at maintaining a routine which requires I get in the car and drive someplace. There are too many good excuses out there that keep me from it (weather, kids, too dark, too light, too busy, traffic, etc.)... Not to mention, it gets expensive going all the time. There are MANY awesome positive things that come out of practicing hot yoga on a regular basis so I don't want to stop going, but I think I will have to continue it as a supplement to my new workout regiment rather than the main.

So, after being inspired by Mrs. K and her endeavor to get fit(-ter) and after hearing from other friends of mine that had tried it, I got my husband on board with me and we purchased the Insanity workout DVDs.

Now, we'd already tried one other collection from the Beach Body series called P90X a couple of years ago. But we'd only done that for a couple of weeks before my focus changed due to being laid off from work. Suddenly, working out didn't seem so important anymore. But with P90, as much as it DID work and it was awesome - I didn't like the fact that it required so much equipment. Not to mention, I think the exercises are more meant for 'bulking up' and since I - a former track, soccer and basketball player knows from experience - know how easily I bulk up, it's really something I want to avoid. want to get strong and lean, not strong and bulky.

With Insanity, you don't need weights and it's an intense 30-40 minute workout that is full of cardio and toning, strengthening and recovering exercises. Today starts week 2 for us and so far I love it! I've NEVER gotten out of bed excited to start a workout before and believe it or not, now I do. Anyone who knows me, KNOWS I am not a morning person. Don't talk to me before 9 a.m. (!) but with our routine now, we wake at 5:30, eat a light breakfast, relax until about 6:15 (in order for the food to digest a bit) and then we start working out. By the time we're done, I'm exhausted but charged and it lasts me the entire day! J gets ready for work, I get the kids ready for school and when I get home, I'm ready to start work in the office.

Even though J has missed a couple of days, I am proud to say that I have not and I'm really taking this getting in shape thing more serious than I have in the past. I don't know if it's because I have places I want to go and look good for or that I stepped on the scale and frightened myself (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas were not nice to me). Whatever the reason, it's motivation enough. I am also hoping that if I keep it up, it will serve as motivation for J to follow my lead and keep his head in the game as well. If he sees me not quitting, he'll have no excuses for why he couldn't/wouldn't/shouldn't work out as well.

So we'll see how it goes. So far, so good. I took some before pictures (forgive the face - like I said, we were up at 5:30) and I'll even share my (gasp!) weight with you...

For reference, I'm 5'10". Last week, before we started I was 142. Although I'd like to lose about 5-7 lbs., my focus isn't necessarily weight but how I look physically with being more tone/trim.

1/10/11, 5:30 a.m., 5'10, 142, 4 kids, Insanity

...no butt...
not sure Insanity can do anything about that...
"Thanks, Mom..."

Don't want Popeye arms,
but I want my sculpted biceps back.

"Where did the abs go...?"

My first day Fit Test results (as many as you can do in one minute):

1. Switch Kicks - 60

2. Power Jacks - 49

3. Power Knees - 60

4. Power Jumps - 30

5. Globe Jumps - 5

6. Suicide Jumps - 14

7. Push-up Jacks - 12

8. Low Plank Obliques - 58

Here's to reaching my body, eating and overall health goals in 2011!

Are you taking any physical challenges this year? If so, what are they?

So excited!

2011-01-15T18:06:00.000-06:00

Upside to Madness - My Newest Creation

Finally got the new blog up and running as well as set up my new scanner so I will be able to post a second post very soon! If you haven't already, please check out the new Word Press blog!

Let's Not and Say we Did...(my psuedo resolutions for the new year)

2011-01-14T12:09:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been a bit since I posted! Been enjoying the time off with family and friends and getting into the swing of 'back to life as usual'. Now that the kiddos are back in school, I've gotten somethings wrapped up, I thought I'd share some of my goals for 2011 with you.

1. Pay Off Big Portion of Debt by October
This is something we were doing really well with last year and the year before but somehow have allowed the balances to creep. We made a huge dent in one of J's cards recently and we're on our way! We don't have a lot, we just don't like to have it at all. But there is no way this can't be doable by third or last quarter.

2. Stay Close to Good Friends and Family
With the family life, craziness of work and the many changes of 2010, it's been more difficult to make time for my friends. I really want to make a more conscious effort to get together with them (sans kiddos) whether on the phone, in person or on a trip somewhere. I've always wanted to do a couple's trip with my best friend and a few other friends, so that may be on the horizon for this year :)

3. Be a Better and More Patient Mother
This is self explanatory. I truly have very little patience and I bore easily. My (now) 5 year old that is infectious to my 2 year old and having two little spider monkeys bouncing from wall to wall occasionally can wreck your nerves. I'm trying to be better about just letting it go and respond differently than I have in the past (a lot of yelling) and coming down to their level. Hopefully this will work.

4. Workout...For Real This Time
Per #3, I need the energy to keep up with my youngest. I'm not 20 anymore (regardless of what I may tell you people). I took the cue from Mrs. K and purchased Insanity. We are finishing out our first week and it's been really great (even the waking up every morning at 5:30!!)! I will post more about that later. My "workout" plan also includes eating healthier. I don't eat terribly now, but I do love my sugar. Gotta cut (some of) that out so I can at least feel more natural energy. Hey! Baby steps, ya'll!

5. Focus on my Creativity - Reading, Writing and Drawing
Again, another thing I have just let fall by the wayside that cannot continue to happen. My new blog will hopefully help to cure me of my inattention to my drawing and writing and concepting. I am SUPER excited about this and look forward to how it all evolves in the next coming months.

6. Make More Time for Family
The kids grow SO fast (as evidenced by my sheer inability to understand how I currently have two teenaged boys when it just seemed like yesterday they were both 4 and 6 running around the house making me laugh!). I don't want to blink and regret not spending all the time I can with my smallest ones. Before you know it, they will be teenagers, too.

7. Travel More
Again, work has always gotten in the way. But I swear...whether by plane, car or train, I want to see more new places and get to enjoy more of all this great country (and hopefully beyond) has to offer.

8. Plan for College

Start researching and prepping for my oldest for college and start looking into scholarships and grants. This is going to be a very hard and tedious job, but since I didn't do very well as saving for his college as a single mom, I had better up my game and help him secure the money to go. I'm scared AND excited. Wish us all luck!

So those are my things. There are a few more to focus on for business, but I'm sure you're not interested in those. :) Hope you all are on your way to managing your resolutions and making some good strides.

Happy New Year!

Visiting Santa

2010-12-20T10:07:00.000-06:00

Ava had been bothering me all week about seeing Santa. Long story short: do you see Ava in the Santa picture below?

Of course not. She was NOT a fan of the bearded fat man. Clung to me like a fabric sheet, so of course, I didn't press the issue. I have many other opportunities coming in which to traumatize her, no sense wasting it on this.

As you can imagine the wait for Santa was fairly long, but we had gotten in line virtually so our wait wasn't too long once we got there. To pass the time before we actually saw the jolly one, we hung out in the play area.

Santa Check in

Ava in the "Texas" shaped maze looking for Nicolas

"I found you!"

Christmas tree with carolers in front

Merry Christmas cheese!

"Wow! That's tall, Mommy!"

The Joys of Parents with Teens

2010-12-20T09:24:00.002-06:00

This is what we woke up to this morning.

My 13 year old, somehow, has acquired quite a following of girls. He's always walking them home after dark, taking long meaningful walks on the bike trails with them or things of that nature. I can't tell if they are just friends or if they really like him as something more. Which is WEIRD to me because my Just is very unassuming. He's quiet, for the most part (at least around family). He's very shy, artistic, musical, loves spouting off random scientific or historical facts and is a very sensitive guy (except when it comes to his brothers - oy vey!). He swears he's different at school. Less broody and more outgoing. I asked him why I don't get to see THAT kid in my house more often. He can't give me a reason. I think the boys is living a double life.

Justis has never had much of a self esteem although I've seen him coming out of his shell a little more since his older brother went to live with their father this summer (Justis didn't want to go). He used to live in the shadow of my 16 year old, thinking he wasn't as good athletically or academically as Christian - it didn't help that my oldest was always putting him down either, but I dealt with that directly (!). So, in a way, Christian's going to live with my ex, was a very good thing for Justis.

So you can imagine my amazement when I see girls coming to the house wanting to see him. He's either going to be 'the Mack' or he's on the path to coming out of the closet (you know, that guy with all the girl friends but no girlfriends). I could care less either way, it's just the sociology of it all as it unfolds intrigues me.

Anyway, thankfully it didn't rain because I would have been thoroughly pissed off (not like I don't have enough people to clean up after, sure don't need cleaning after kids I don't even know). I'm happy that (1) it didn't rain, (2) that it wasn't too much toilet paper and (3) that they HAD to be short girls cause they only seemed to touch the bottom parts of the trees.

They even wrote on J's car. Luckily it was only on his windows because he'd JUST gotten it washed yesterday.

Oooh, hearts! Someone's diggin' them some Justis

...and thank goodness it WAS washable. We have polite vandals.
J was on his way to work when he found this on his car.
He had to clean it before leaving.

Justis better be glad I just took him to Oklahoma last night to spend the Xmas holiday with his father and my oldest or he'd be outside right now cleaning all this up. Now it's up to me and the little ones. (sung to the tune of Jingle Bells) "Oh what fun... it is to clean up toilet papered trees..."

So
No harm, no foul, I guess. But seriously, dudes, this better be the last of it. I can't take cleaning up after giddy little girls all through high school next year. Four years of toilet papering? I need to get a guard dog.

Ugly Holiday Sweater - Our Take

2010-12-17T12:13:00.001-06:00

So soon after I posted about the ugly sweater phenomenon, J came home and told me his office was having an Ugly Sweater Holiday party. The winner of the ugliest sweater contest will win an Apple iPad. J already has an iPad but, being the sweet man that he is, all he wanted to do was win the prize for me. I've never said I wanted an iPad and if I wanted to play with one, I can always just grab his (besides if I did have one, it would just end up a toy for the kids) but he thinks I need one.

Now being a creative person, he was not about to just go out and buy an ugly sweater. That's too easy. ANYONE could go out and buy one. No, he was going to make one. So he spent about a week concepting, sketching and designing the sweater. I have been helping him for the past three nights put everything together. And even though it didn't turn out completely as he'd dreamed/planned/hoped (he was really disappointed and bummed last night), I thought it came out pretty decent. Problem is, it's less "ugly" than it is just...gaudy. hahah

So without further ado, the sweater!

Rudolph and his red nose

Butt

I wanted him to make a brown-ish stain under the butt (I know, juvenile, but I never said I was above the toilet humor). He declined my request, as you can see. This morning he modified the tinsel part a bit. He added two silver balls to each antler and cut the excess tinsel.

The other thing about this sweater you cannot see is, it makes noise. He took an audio Christmas card that has Elvis singing "White Christmas", cut out the mechanism and placed it under his arm. When he raises his arm, the music goes off. Brilliant.

So I'll let you know how the contest goes. I just want him to win because he was really excited about it. I could care less about the iPad but, like I said, the kids would love it.

A Christmas Reminder from My Favorite 4 Year Old

2010-12-16T14:51:00.002-06:00

My Virtual E-Card to You and Yours

2010-12-15T14:09:00.000-06:00

My family prefers that I draw/design/mockup my own holiday cards. They look forward to my 'take' on the holidays. The last card I sent, my cousin kept up on her office desk for over a year, my MIL still raves about it and my mother also shows off to unsuspecting victims.

This year, however, with the new jobs and responsibilities J and I have swapped, I just didn't have the time to focus on designing our card. Besides, until I am able to manipulate through Illustrator and Photoshop like a pro, I still have to depend on him to 'edit' my work.

SO - this year I took the easy(-ier) way out. Shutterfly became my friend. So here is the end product

Happy Holidays, Ya'll! :)

Holiday Sweaters

2010-12-08T09:28:00.000-06:00

I really love all the excitement leading up to Christmas Day. I love the planning, joyous feeling in the air...shoot, I can even ~~tolerate~~ enjoy the chillier weather. But one thing is for sure, I do not like the horrendous sweaters that follow suit. Elementary school teachers, church ladies, or middle aged librarians - I just don't get the appeal. It used to really annoy me, but now it just amuses me. I think people are finding them to be more of a novelty item now rather than serious fashion statements. Thank goodness for that!

Aren't they fun?!

The ugliest Twelve Days of Christmas

"Oh, Frosty! Why can't I quit you?!"
(I assume this is what is said right before slipping into this beauty)

She's a cute girl. What is she doing in this?
The fastest way to go from 25 to 52 in 2.5 seconds

Of course this is just a sampling but there are many other horrendous sweaters out there but I got some sweater tinsel in my eyes while searching so I had to stop. LOL

God forbid any of you get one of these this holiday. Just like fruitcake - anyone who gives you one as a gift is not your friend. ;)

The Kids at the Park

2010-12-03T10:28:00.003-06:00

My parent's youngest grandchildren from oldest to youngest...
Can you believe they put themselves in order??

While my sister was here, we took the kids to the park to feed the ducks and play at the playground. It was really chilly and we only stayed for about an hour, but they had a good time.

My sis and her daughter, Kira

My Ava Doll

Such a big girl!

"This is AMAZING!"
(she was so excited to be so close to the ducks)

This duck was exceptionally loud (the tall one). Not sure why....

Pointing out the duck poop. Yeah. The important things.

Love the poncho (a purchase during my Chicago trip),
Hate how it makes me look pregnant (boo!)

Grand Master K

THAT'S better :) Isn't he handsome!

I forgot what he was doing it - but good hop, don't you think?

Good times. :)

The Sunday BBQ

2010-12-03T09:46:00.000-06:00

We decided Saturday would be a day for everyone to just do what they wanted to do since it had been a whirlwind cooking and entertaining. My sister and her family had to leave, my parents and Aunt went to OK to hit the casinos while J and I and his parents took a drive around town looking at property (parents are considering a winter place in Texas). After the drive, we watched Toy Story 3 with the kids until the grandparents had to go back to the hotel.

Sunday, we had more family time. By now you're probably bored to death with how much I love my in laws and my MIL's cooking. SO I won't bore you with too much more outside of the fact that she makes her own BBQ sauce as well! We took the ribs to my aunt's house and had another family meal (early lunch). We had fresh turnip/collard greens from my uncle's mom's garden (in Tulsa), homemade yeast rolls (courtesy of my aunt), leftover mac 'n cheese, ribs with the MIL's BBQ sauce, and a bunch of other stuff!

Me cutting the ribs

Ava and her Pa Pa and Nana

Two slabs down, four to go...

J and his mother - Look how HAPPY he looks!

Our Sunday Lunch

Ava and Pa Pa

Inspecting the beard

Kisses!

Wearing Pa Pa's hat

Saying good-bye to my Mom

More good-byes

It's so hard to say good-bye :)
(I think our 'good-byes' lasted for 20 minutes!)

Feels good to have had my in laws meet my family - finally! Everyone got along and everyone genuinely enjoyed one another. I hope we can do this again soon!

Thanksgiving Run Down

2010-12-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

What a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving we had this year! My in laws came down for the festivities and stayed for two weeks. My family and my husband's family finally got to meet for the first time even though J and I have been together off/on for 11 years. And we had so much food the whole time, I seriously had to just...stop eating. I literally put on 7 lbs from their visit. GAH! But who cares, we had a good time.

So hear are just a few highlights from the Holiday:

The days leading up to Thanksgiving, J's parent commenced to spoiling us with gifts for the kids, eating out for lunch AND dinner (as my MIL didn't want me to have to worry about cooking more days than necessary) and just hanging. (I hate that I was so busy preparing for Thanksgiving and entertaining them that I didn't get any pictures from this time! For shame...)

Thanksgiving Day
Thank goodness for family. I had LOTS of help in the kitchen in the form of my awesome sister, my mom and MIL. I couldn't have done it all (sanely) without them.

My sister helping with some of the prep

A shot of me in the kitchen BEFORE I was able to take a shower.
After I realized J was taking pictures, I had to run and get ready.

The Grandparents talking and playing with Nico

Someone has already started sampling the wares
this early Thanksgiving morning

My nephew - rarely seen without a DS in his hands

My sis and my oldest son playing around in the kitchen

We STILL can't believe he turned 16 two weeks ago!

My 13 yo posing...
(that's a mohawk, btw. His head really isn't that pointy)

More family shots

My sister and her husband ready to get their grub on!

My sister, her husband and my Aunt Gong

The table place settings before food

Setting the kid table

Because I was so busy with all the prepping, the husband was in charge of the camera so I don't have too many food pics to share. Hopefully I can get some shared by J's father (he took lots of pictures). BUT here's what we had:

Appetizers: shrimp cocktail, veggie tray, anti pasta, pesto chicken, chipotle cream cheese dip and crackers...and for some reason others are escaping me! But we had a few more items to snack on.

Main Course: Roasted Turkey with olive and herb stuffing, Baked Ham, Garlic Parmesan Green Beans, Homemade, Creamy Asparagus Soup, Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Bread Rolls, Homemade Cranberry Sauce (chunky and smooth), Pasta Salad, Homemade Mac 'n Cheese and Buttered Corn

In my family we have a tradition - we all play spades. My inlaws have never been to one of our family tournaments but they've heard all about them. We even got my reserved MIL to 'trash talk'! OMG! My family LOVED it, especially my aunt Gong who kept egging her on. And I'm proud to announce J and I won the tourney this year :) We get to keep the trophy!

Friday night we had Italian Night (it was my MIL's show) and everyone enjoyed stuffed clams, Manicotti, Spaghetti and Meatballs, pasta and sauce, eggplant parmesan, some bread with salmon and cream cheese on top (don't remember what she called it), pesto pasta, salad, garlic bread, and shrimp scampi with a multitude of different breads. OH.MAN.

Deb busy in the kitchen
(J and I were "helping" and trying not to get in her way)

Stuffed Clam Shells

Although the scampi was on it's way,
they started to eat because they couldn't wait

Manicotti (or manigot - sp?), eggplant parmesan, sauce
and the salmon/cream cheese bread

I have an apron with my name on it like I know what I'm doing :)

After dinner, we celebrated my oldest's bday with his favorite - a cookie cake.

The boy is NOT known for his fashion
(forgive the basketball shorts)

My Big Boys - Justis and Christian

Dalyn (my aunt's son), Justis and Christian

The Birthday Beat Down - we don't play! ;) j/k!!!

Boys will be boys

It's ALLLL Good!

More to come....

Oh Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T00:45:00.000-06:00

So I've been crazy busy getting ready for the in laws to arrive and once they did on Wednesday morning, I've been crazy busy entertaining, completing work tasks and getting ready for Thanksgiving. I am SO mad at myself that I've been too busy to even pull out the camera since J's parents have been here! I've missed taking shots of SO much since they've been here. Oh well...I will have to make sure to make time to do that starting tomorrow.

Now that it's Thanksgiving Eve (well, now that I check my watch it actually IS Thanksgiving), my sister and family have arrived, my oldest is finally here, my parents should arrive from Tulsa tomorrow and I've completed some odds and ends all day in preparation for tomorrow's feast.

And a feast it is. I don't know WHY I decided to make so much (or why the MIL is making so many appetizers), but who cares! :) It's time to get our grub on and NO ONE will go home hungry this weekend.

Let's talk food:

Appetizers:
Antipasta
Shrimp cocktail
Chipotle cream cheese dip
Veggie tray
Sugar Nuts

Main Courses:
Turkey + Stuffing
Spiral Honey Ham

Sides:
Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Giblet Gravy
Twice Baked Potatoes
Parmesan Garlic green beans
Buttered Corn
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (chunky and smooth)
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

Desserts:
Homemade Peach Cobbler
An abundance of Sweet Potato Pies
Cherry Pie
Ice Cream
Homemade Molasses Cookies
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade Pizzelles
Brownies
German Chocolate Cake
Yellow Butter Cake

Drinks:
Wine, beer (including one our family faves - Tripel Karmeliet!), soda, juice and cocktails

Too much food? I'm sending leftovers home with guests! hahah

My mother in law also wanted to have an Italian dinner this Friday. I'm not sure what all she had planned for us but baked clam shells, her special spaghetti and meatballs, some sort of salmon, & shrimp scampi were mentioned!!! :)

Saturday she plans to make us all BBQ ribs with some homemade BBQ sauce she's been making the last couple of days. SERIOUSLY. They've made more trips to the grocery store in their short time here than I have! My Mother in Law has fallen in love with Central Market which I guess is not near where she lives in NH. She's been in town for a week now and had been to Central Market 3x (and wants to go more). I feel awful that they are spending so much money on food, but this is something they love to do. They are self professed "Foodies" and food stuff makes them happy. So who am I to stand in the way of their happiness?

I will try to make sure to take more pictures since I'm losing precious moments and I want to capture this time with them.

Well, it's almost 1 a.m. now and I'm off to finish 1/2 of the prep for the 2x baked sweet potatoes and put the turkey in the oven. We like to cook it low and slow around here for a juicy turkey and when you wake up in the morning - it SMELLS like Thanksgiving all through the house. I can't think of a better way to wake up, can you? ;)

Have a WONDERFULLY HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Be safe in your travels, count your blessings and enjoy the time with your families!

Love to each and everyone

Calling Dr. Mom

2010-11-11T10:35:00.000-06:00

Last week I wanted to have the new blog finished but life had another plan for me.

Thursday night - as I was pumping gas on my way to pick up my oldest son in OK for the weekend, Ava commences to hurl everything in her tummy and then some all over herself and her car seat. All I could do was watch from horror through the window as it all came out thinking "I'm supposed to be on my way right now! I can't believe this is happening."

I rushed home, threw her and Nico into the bath (she's gotten it on him as well - ack!), and as they played in the tub, I cleaned/disinfected/bleached her carseat like a demon. Finally after everything and everyone was cleaned, I was off to pick up the oldest.

Sunday EARLY morning, J woke up hurling and ...other things. Sick as a dog. Second person down.

Sunday night while I was on the road I get the call "Can you pick up some children's nausea medicine on the way home?" Ugh. As soon as I get home, Nico, upon seeing me enter is now crying, calling and reaching out for me and puking into a trash can. I relieved J and allowed him to go back to bed (he was still sick but recovering, exhausted from his illness) and stayed on the couch tending to Nico for most of the night.

Last night, although not severe, my 13 year old missed his final soccer game because of nausea and stomach cramps. He didn't end up letting anything out but he did fall into bed by 6:30 last night. Thankfully he was feeling better this morning.

What the heck is up?? Let's hope Momma doesn't catch it next.

Success

2010-11-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

My daughter - for the most part - is finally potty trained. She's 2 years and almost 4 months. Yesterday marked day 4 of no accidents at school. She and her teacher are so proud of her. Ava even runs to me and tells me she went potty all day. It's quite cute to see.

Whoever said girls are easier to potty train never met my daughter. I don't know if it's because she's surrounded by boys or that I didn't push as hard because I realize she is (and always will be) my BABY, my last, and pushing her past those key milestones is a reminder for me that I will never get to enjoy these milestones again.

YEA! Good job baby girl.
We are so proud of you!

On the bright side... Yeah Mommy and Daddy! No more diapers! (except at bed time) LOL

MIL Packages Rock

2010-11-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

I think I've spoken about the awesomeness that is my mother in law. She's a cooking demon and all of it is just DELISH. If we lived closer where we could spend Sunday dinners every week, I think I would be about 200 lbs now. (it's a really good thing she's all the way in NH and we're in TX!)

Anyway, they are coming down for a couple of weeks for Thanksgiving and she's been sending down dessert items to freeze for Thanksgiving weekend as well as various bottles of cooking items. This is the third package in 10 days!

This package included: Molasses cookies, pizzelles (Italian waffle cookie) and sugar nuts - ALL HOMEMADE!

So professional in her packaging

All the loot!

Molasses Cookies.
Notice the sticky? "Rania's Molasses"
That's her way of letting Jason know not to touch ;)

These are my absolute favorite items she makes - which is hard to choose. This is the second shipment. She sent another batch because we went through the first shipment of cookies we were supposed to freeze and save. LOL! There are three layers of molasses cookies and she sent two containers full!

Delicious Pizzelles! Aren't they beautiful?

Sugar Nuts!

It's taking ALL THE WILL POWER I have NOT to raid the new packages of molasses cookies. Must.Resist.Cookies.... Just.Say.No....

On the Horizon

2010-11-04T13:59:00.005-05:00

A couple of months ago J and I were talking about blogs. I LOVE reading blogs. Especially blogs that have a lot of insights and that I can totally geek out about. Those would consist of artsy/design/photography type blogs, fashion and hair related blogs, blogs composed by Black women bloggers (because of course, I am a member of the club) and those regarding families (especially interracial ones).

The latter blogs are the ones I tend to frequent the most as the interracial dichotomy is one that is just so much fun for me. I love the ideology of not being constricted by color lines and just loving a person for who they are and what they do for the ones they love; appreciating our differences and coming together in them. I also love photos of interracial families and how unpredictable DNA can be. I think it's all very poetic.

From the blogs and websites I've visited, some (not all, just some) lean toward a serious tone on this matter. I can understand this but being that I'm not a crazy serious person; anyone who knows me and/or has read my posts enough can see:

(1) I don't take myself too seriously
(2) I love to laugh and like to make others laugh - whether it be at my expense or in general
(3) I am generally a happy and nice person (generally - although my ex husband would tend to disagree just out of spite)
(4) don't look at the world through rose colored glasses but I don't wan to harp on the negative for too long either

As J and I were chatting, we started talking more in lines of our every day lives. As interracial couples we all have things that happen to us by the hands of outsiders that really annoy or perplex us (especially when we have children), but why not make light of it rather than harp on the stupidity or ignorance of others? Why get heavy when you can address it and laugh about it? I know this crazy interracial topic can be a very beautiful, curious, stressful, anger-inducing topic depending on who you ask - but I for one choose to focus on the lighter side...the fun...the crazy upside to the madness.

So watch out for my new blog coming later this week. It will be a combination of three things I love: art, humor and race relations. I'm still waffling on the name (who knows, it actually may change a few times once it's up) but I plan to have it up before the end of the week. :) I'll still keep this blog as a daily "what's up with my family" and general "things I experienced" kind of theme (not that my life is that crazy/exciting but it won't necessarily focus on racial matters as much as the new blog will.

Side note: for those following my "Beauty in the Breakdown" blog. Life got in the way of that project but hopefully with the new blog starting, I will have some content for it. Remember - I said 'hopefully'. Hey...art takes time. ;)

Halloween Fun

2010-11-01T17:11:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures from our Halloween weekend - we had Trick or Trunk at the little one's school Friday night, soccer games and Pumpkin Patch Saturday and Trick or Treating Sunday. SO busy but so much fun. My favorite? The pumpkin patch. We went to a different one last year which didn't have nearly as much to do or as nice as this one. On top of that, the new one was FREE! To top it all off, the weather in Texas was SU-PERB! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend - enjoy the pictures.

Trick or Trunk at the school

Cupcake Princess

My Storm Trooper

Cupcake and Daddy

"This kid is fantastic!" -
Nico thinks the older boy handing out the candy is hilarious

Just look at all the smiling faces

Ava with her 'ride'. She prefers to be carried.

"I'll take some of those...and some of those..."

Ava with one of their favorite teachers, Miss Kerry

Pumpkin Patch

Picture from the car because I was so excited!

More car pics

Ava took some time taking it all in hence the "whatchoo lookin' at?" face

Peek-a-boo!

Nico was having a bit of a bad day at first

...until Daddy gave him a talking to....

...then he faked it...

...until he made it! (a snow cone helped)

Ava preppin for her snow cone

This is what HAPPY looks like!

more happiness

Slurp!

"Nicolas is taking my chips!"

"Ava's not sharing her chips!"

Ava savoring her BBQ chip victory

"I'll get you Ava! And your delicious chips, too!"

"...or the kettle corn. I'll take this instead!"

And this is what HAPPY looks like, Part 2

My little model boy

The maze...their first and they did it like pros!

Ava makin' to the finish

"Weeeeee!!"

So much fun!

Me and my babies

He loved the train

So did she

Hayride

My sweeties

The tree had these awesome carvings in it! WOW

Halloween Night with the Kiddos

We started in the wagon, but after a while, it was obviously slowing them down
and they took off on their own

By this time, Ava was a PRO and we had a hard time getting her to wait for us! LOL

Appreciating the carved pumpkins...or is she sneaking candy???
You're right. She's sneaking candy.

Remember that "everything happens for a reason" thing?

2010-10-26T12:52:00.001-05:00

So I've been busy since quitting my job last month.

As is the way with God and the Universe and all the Fates in between, I knew something else would come about. My ever increasing unhappiness at work, my off the cuff quitting when I had nothing traditional to fall back on...I'm a strong believer in the mantra that everything happens for a reason. I mean, WHO QUITS and walks out on a job with nothing else in sight? haha It was divine intervention, I tell you...DE-VINE.

I gave two weeks notice (actually three which is what they wanted) and my official last day was October19th. My actual last day ended up being the 15th. My husband's first day at his NEW job was Monday, October 18th. Crazy huh??

He received word about the new opportunity a couple of days AFTER I'd quit my job! And it wasn't like he was looking. This opportunity just presented itself to him through a networking event he attended earlier this year through a guy he'd met there. This opportunity to strategize, design and build iPhone and iPad apps is an opportunity he has been literally talking about for some time now and it's amazing how things just sort of...happen. I quit. He's hired. We both win. LOL

So since leaving, I've been helping him tie up loose ends of his business of 10+ years and have been getting acclimated to the ins and outs of his existing projects. He runs a small boutique agency from home producing websites, providing strategy and branding for small to medium-sized businesses with good marketing budgets. He does print as well, but wants to move focus only on the web. It helps that we are both in the same industry (design, advertising, marketing, web) - he is just on the creative end and I'm account management/project management end so it's not a huge transition for me, it's just getting caught up on status of all projects, client contacts, understanding what contractors he uses for certain clients and types of projects, etc. And of course, we all have our own managing styles so adjusting to that will take some time.

He will still be involved with the business but not as much as before as now it's my job to handle. We decided not to keep all of his current clients but only the ones that have been profitable and/or great to work with. However, my doing some PT or contract work may still be something we consider should business become slow.

Our main focus is to make sure if someone is working FT outside of the house, that one of us be home for the kids when they are out of school. This is something that is VERY important to him which is one of the reasons why he loved working from home all of these years. I understand it, but being the one who worked outside of the home all of these years, I didn't really see the true value behind it until we started discussing this more and more.

We have some other side ventures we're pursuing and of course I have my own personal projects (one involving the blog) that I want to get completed.

So...exciting times here in the O household. Wish us luck!

To Go or Not To Go (Natural)

2010-10-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I've ever blogged much about hair (outside of the fact that I can't stand 'nazi'-esque natural hair advocates who think natural is the only way to go...or maybe that was something I posted in FB group post) but it's something that is fun to research and play around with.

I know many friends that have gone natural - whether locked, twisted, or all out natural - and I've seen a constant flux of curlies when I'm just out and about rockin' their own individual styles. I think it's FABULOUS that there is so much more information out there now on how to care for curly hair and that women are taking pleasure in showing off their coifs. Do your thang, I say!

I'm a big lover and follower of many hair sites - many of the techniques and products they reference are also great for permed hair (esp. ACV treatments, the organic coconut oil and olive oil - LOVE THEM). So recently I have thought about "going natural". My reasons have nothing to do with any bad experiences with perms, damaged hair, or the fact that I'm "going back to my (Black) roots" per say. None of the above applies to me. It's just because I'd like to see if I could...if I would like it.

I am not one that perms regularly. I usually perm once every 4 months or so but typically no more than 2-3x a year and I'm also not one that leaves the perm in for a long time (generally as soon as it's in, I'm moving to the sink to rinse it out...just enough time to relax the edges). I did go a full year right before Ava or right after Ava was born without perming (pregnancy brain won't allow me to remember now) - so because of this and the fact that friends have asked why I even perm if I don't do it that often - I'm wondering the same thing. I know I can at least make it at least a year, right?

What I love about the "idea" of going natural is my flexibility to go straight or curly easily. Right now, because I don't perm my hair "hard", I get a bit of the curl and wave pattern pretty readily (you can't tell from this picture because, although I air dried my hair, I'd squeezed the ends pretty well until they were almost dry which made them straighter). But I know that if I were natural, I would really get a good curl going.

Towel and Air Dried

So I'm considering it. My last perm was at the end of September. It was probably the lightest perm I've ever given myself (as you can see by the waves in the picture there is a lot of wave going on).

BUT...

Lots o'Waves

My hesitation is in the "Big Chop". I don't think I could pull off short hair. I've always had long hair growing up and the shortest I've ever had was just past my shoulders (medium length). I don't have the confidence I have the face to pull off short hair. My hair, when straightened, is just past my bra strap and it makes me nervous to think of cutting it all off! I enjoy the flexibility with longer hair to put it up, twist it, curl it, flat iron it, wash 'n go, put it in long pony tails, everything. I haven't seen many short styles (without accessories - I don't wear accessories really) that I think would work with my features and this makes me push away from the idea of the "BC". Also, from what I have read, natural seems like a lot of work. More work than I put into my hair currently and I'm not sure I have the patience or time to do all the pre- and post-work it seems all the other naturals do to their hair. Or am I wrong?

I don't know. What do you guys think?

Straight and Sleek

Wavy Hair Up

Picture Day

2010-10-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Just had to share these pictures because for the first time since he put his soccer uniform on for his first game, my son actually was being a ham and WANTED to pose for pictures.

Today is Picture Day at his school and of course, in honor of the grandparents, I had to dress him up. That's when the hamming began. All of the poses were courtesy of Mr. Nico, International Male Model.

Take THAT Tyson Beckford ;)

There you have it

2010-10-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

So I've been kind of silent lately because of some personal things. Mainly - work.

In bad economies, the industry in which I work (marketing and advertising), clients are quick to slash their marketing budgets but still expect you to perform at high levels on very little budget. In these bad times, is also when we become more and more expendable.

Last year I was one of the unfortunate millions of other people to be laid off from their job. As scary as it was, I wasn't too sad about it because the company I worked for sucked. I'd cut my maternity leave short for these people (from 6 to 4 weeks with my only daughter!) because I knew they needed my help. Not only that, the day I went in to have my daughter, I was WORKING from my labor bed to get some items out for my undeserving clients. On a regular basis, I used to work extremely long hours (in turn incurring ridiculous amounts of daycare late fees), got emergency calls from clients during the holidays (nothing in marketing should ever be considered an 'emergency') and was stressed to the point where I'd almost forgotten how to smile. It had gotten so bad at one point that my husband threatened to separate.

I.was.miserable. And so was my family. So - as is my mantra, everything happens for a reason and my losing my job and reclaiming my sanity was God's way of helping me and my family through. It was a blessing!

Fast forward through my unemployment for a year (during which time I looked for work that was not to be found in my industry; and dabbled with working with my husband with his business - he works from home producing websites for companies) I finally secured a position with another company, an agency, in Downtown Dallas. During the interview process I'd been warned about this company by others that knew my husband and found out I was interviewing:
- the woman who owns it is a micro manager
- she always has to be right
- she has to be the smartest person in the room at all times
- she's egotistical
- everything is last minute
- she's maniacal
- there's very high turnover
- etc.

I knew this going in and yet, i still accepted the position when it was offered. My reasons:
(1) I can always find a better job, this is just temporary
(2) How bad could it really be? I'd just gone through hell at my last company
(3) I just need the money and continue to look for something else while I have something to supplement my search

Long story short - I should have listened to everyone.

A week after I started, one of the account service people gave her notice. The next month another AE quit and the creative director put his notice in. Then another designer left the next month after that. They let go of the one and only production manager we had and hired a new creative designer. This person ended up quitting two months later...

This leads me to the end of September. September 27th they "soft" fired our one and only web guy (they want him to finish a project, train his replacement and then it's over) and the next day I had a heated argument with the owner and quit. That was exactly one week ago today.

I was told by the former creative director during a lunch we had together on Friday that I'm the 9th person to leave in 10 months. That's almost a person a month! That wouldn't be so bad if we were a company of hundreds...we're a company of 10. TEN. Diaz.X. Outside of the owner, the longest running employees still there have been there 3 and 2-1/2 years. What a track record.

So now that I've given them two weeks (actually three - I told them if they needed me I'd stay an extra week) I have been steady revamping the resume, checking job boards, putting feelers out and have had some success in some opportunities but nothing has panned out yet. I am hoping to hit the ground running by the end of next week with interviews. My husband would like me to do my own thing and I'm also considering this as an option.

My quitting was my push to force me to get out of a bad situation so that it didn't turn into the situation I had before at the previous job. Whether I go out on my own or work for another company, it will all work out for the best and THIS TIME, I will NOT force my hand before I am ready. Thank God for a supportive husband who not only encourages me to find myself, and urged me to quit, but also supports that I am strong and skilled enough to do my own thing...even if I don't always agree. hahah

My next opportunity - venture - will be ME and it will be just right.

Everything happens for a reason. Everything!

I'm so behind!

2010-09-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

So behind but there is a good reason - but I'll save that for another post.

So I was instructed to 'pay it forward' with my blog award and I've found it difficult to narrow it down because, as I said before, I've never done the blog award thing before and there are some 'old' as well as new blogs I want to recognize. So here goes....

ENJOY YOUR BLOG AWARD!

Honeysmoke - A great writer and mother of two biracial children like me, she is the first winner of the Passion Project She's such an amazing writer. Please check her out if you haven't already and congratulate her.

Quiskaeya
Hitting My Stride
Spiced Honey
Daily Life of Me
P.E.A.C.E.
MamaLaw
The Cheapass Bride
The Mom Files
Green Beans and Little Things
My Brown Baby
Creole Wisdom
Mamma Talk
Life, After the Aisle

and of course - Learn(ing) to Enjoy the Rain

I really enjoy all of these blogs and love finding more wonderful blogs in the future. There are many more I would like to mention, but I'm thoroughly exhausted and the 'man' is looking at me like "I SAID I wanted to go to bed early tonight"...so...LOL, yeah. Time for bed.

:)

Bloggie-wardie

2010-09-21T22:45:00.003-05:00

So I received this pretty nifty blog award from one of my most recent followers, Mrs. K and I have to say - feels prurty good. What an honor...I really was surprised when I got it. Where do I start? Um...I'd like to thank all the little people that make this blog worth reading: Ava, Nicolas, Christian and Justis. My cat Ashe. The strangers in the elevator that like to touch me. Without you...this award would not be possible. (lip quivering...) Thank...you.

But no, seriously, I appreciate it and truth be told, it makes me want to really keep this thing up more often so thank you for the motivation!

My instructions:

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
ARRIGATO, MRS. K!!!!!

2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.
3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen. Done by comments.

So I'm supposed to share this award with 15 new blogs I've happened about but I'm going to do it a little differently since many of the blogs I really enjoy I've been following for some time and just have to show the love.

I'm working on my list so check back soon! :)

Italia

2010-09-13T22:39:00.001-05:00

Pictures courtesy of my 4 yo, Nico O.

One of my bucket list travel destinations (#1 is Aruba) is Italy (#2). I have seen pictures and watched movies and have ABSOLUTELY fallen in love with the country. I.Have.To.Go!

My favorite soccer team is Italy. I can't WAIT to visit the Italian country side or vineyards (ever since seeing Anthony Bourdain's - No Reservations while he visited OR after seeing "The Talented Mr. Ripley" with Jude Law and Gwenyth Paltrow years ago) and Sophia Loren, in my opinion, is one of the MOST gorgeous women that has ever walked this planet! My DREAM is to travel with my husband to Italy to enjoy the sites, the food, the smells, the 'feeling' of Italy. In my mind Italians are just the coolest people on the face of the Earth. Okay...there are MANY cool people on the face of this Earth, but Italians are freakin' cool, am I right?

Problem is, my husband has told me that if we make it there before his mother, there will be hell to pay (she's wanted to go forever apparently) LOL! Although her parents are both Italian, she's never been. She's Italian American, fiesty, beautiful, SMART and funny as all get out. I love her to death and I've totally lucked out with her as a mother-in-law. And YES - the woman can cook her BUTT off! OMG!!!! (so much so that when they come down to Texas from NH for Thanksgiving in a couple of months, I refuse to cook because I don't just don't measure up and I'm not going to embarrass myself by trying). Okay, I will cook "some" but I will be making excuses the whole time...

So until I am able to travel to one of my favorite destinations, I can at least "claim" to be Italian since my husband is 1/2, right? I received this mug from one of J's friends. It reads: "IBM - Italian by Marriage".

That's what I'M talking about! Oh if only...

It's in the cards

2010-09-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Front of card

Inside

Ava received this card for her birthday from a friend of mine. The card shows Fairy Princesses including Tinkerbell from Disney. Ava loved the card the day she received it. As a matter of fact, when my friend's daughter was supposed to give her the card, she fought giving it up.

It's one of those cards that plays a song when you open it up. It also chimes when you close it. It's a cute card but those kind of cards really annoy me after a while. For some reason, this one doesn't.

Another person who loves the card: Nicolas. From time to time, especially after the party, I'd find him sitting in the play room or on the couch just holding the card in his lap, quietly STARING at the card.

After a little prodding we found out he was mesmerized by one of the female characters. The one with the braided ponytail in the light orange. Jason told me Nico said she was very pretty. Apparently, out of all of the girls, she's the prettiest to him. His first crush is a cartoon.

I guess I can't blame him. When I was younger, my cartoon crush was from Jem and the Holograms - Jem's boyfriend. (Do you guys remember that cartoon?! The boyfriend was HOT. LOL) That's probably dating my age, but seriously, he was a huge crush for me. Of course, I upgraded to ....human. But it's a nice memory.

Anyway, the other birthday cards - can't remember where they are. THAT card? In the playroom and still looks new and intact. And if you know MY two littlest ones - that's really saying something.

Gooooooooal!!!

2010-09-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

Nicolas's attitude today was a complete 180 from where it was at practice just two days ago. Maybe it really was due to his illness, I don't know but whatever it was, now that he's had two doses of his medicine for the strep and put on his uniform he's Mr. Posey, posey, smiley, smiley.

This morning when I went in to wake him up, he asked me if it was time for soccer and when I told him 'yes', he LEAPT from his bed whooping and hollering with joy. I could only laugh. He was so happy.

It continued during and through the game. You couldn't wipe the smile from his face. He even got to start in the game and couldn't wait to attack the ball. At each kickoff, the coaches had to keep telling him to wait until the other team touched it first before he went to kick it! But once they did, he attacked - smiling and laughing the whole time. He was up and down the field with everyone else and at NO TIME did he look bored or more interested in 'picking daisies'. It was awesome!

His team actually WON the game (as much as this age can 'win'). The score was "I stopped counting" to 1. Our Yellin' Yetis just KEPT scoring, and scoring, and scoring... it was getting embarrassing...just a little.

Not that scores matter, because it should be all about fun; at least at this age - but the game didn't even hit a full minute before one of our players had scored. In all, I think about four of the kids got to score...

AND NICO SCORED ONE!!!

...but I missed it!! My 13 year old's game was just ending at a field on the opposite end of the soccer complex and I had to go back and wait until his game finished (it ran into Nico's game time) but Jason got to see it. And Nicolas told me all about it once I returned. He was so proud of himself.

"Are you proud of me, Mommy? I scored a ball in the goal!" You couldn't wipe the smile from my face. His enthusiasm was intoxicating. :)

Oh, and I forgot one thing - remember when I said there were 4 and 4? Well, it's actually 3 and 4. One of the boys I initially said was 'white' I'd forgotten is actually 1/2 asian and 1/2 white. SO - the 'ethnic' crew is majority on this team - 3 white/5 'other'. This is the first ever for us so I'm pretty excited. Not that it matters, but it's exciting because we're usually the only OR one of two non-white kids on the team. So I'm glad my son gets to experience diversity (outside of his school which is primarily Indian) that I never did to this extent growing up.

So here are some shots from the game of Nico and his team -

Waiting to get this party started!

Yellin' Yetis's Coach Greg and the boys during their rally cry!

Back to the goal!

Ready for another kick off

Post game snack time :)

"We're #1, Mommy!"

I'm SOOOOO PROUD of him and how well he did. I was really worried he'd be disinterested like he was during practice but I've never been so wrong! Hope it continues!

Fingers crossed. :)

My Little Pelé

2010-09-10T15:55:00.001-05:00

I Love Soccer. I played it for years as a child and even played co-ed with my husband's teams a few times. Both of my older boys played and same for my husband. And YES, we were just about glued to the World Cup games this year. (hahaha) So it should go without saying any children we would have would play soccer. We've been dreaming of this day since Nico was born. It's been 4 hopeful years...

Nicolas has "played" soccer before at his school. They had a private organization that specialized in PreK ages come out last year and all of the kids that signed up would get to kick the ball around and learn some basic "foot/ball/no touching with hands" rules but mostly it was just to for having fun. They also did this for basketball.

Nicolas did both. While I was unemployed last year, I would sneak out during the time I knew they would be in the yard practicing and I'd watch from my car so he wouldn't see me. About 10 kids would be kicking and running around the yard, just seeing how far they could get with the ball. All, but Nico. I knew then he wasn't ready for soccer. Touching the ball with his hands, he didn't listen to the coach, he went off doing his own thing like no one was even there. It was embarrassing and I'm glad I was in the car so no one could see my humiliation. How could he come from such a soccer family act so disinterested? Blasphemy!

So I waited. He'd eventually be ready, I told myself. He just has a little more maturing to do. Thankfully, I was (so I thought) right.

Around the World Cup games, Nicolas came to me and told me he wanted to play soccer. It was out of the blue and I was super stoked thinking "I've waited SO long for you to say that, my son!" But I didn't get too ahead of myself. Knowing how fickle my 4 year old son can be, I waited again. I'd told him I would sign him up if he wanted to play as soon as registration started in a couple of months.

Every week or so, he would ask about soccer. My husband or older boys would kick the ball around with him until he'd lose interest which was fairly quickly (but I contributed it to the heat because it was summer in Texas and Nico doesn't tolerate heat well). But still, every week now he'd come to me asking (even briefly) if he was going to get to play soccer.

Finally, registration time came and I signed him and my 13 yo up. When I told Nico, he lit up like a Christmas tree and asked when he would get to play. "Now, Mommy?" he'd ask. "No, sweetie. In a couple of weeks you'll have your first practice." Sometimes he would understand and others he'd huff away like it was taking too long to come.

So finally, "Now, Mommy?" is answered with a resounding, "Yep!"

Yesterday was Nicolas's FIRST EVER SOCCER PRACTICE for U5Boys. His team is called the Yellin' Yetis and he has a great coach in Coach Greg (experienced younger age coach who's son is also on the team). BTW - You're lookin' at the Yetis's Team Mom! Woo hoo!

There are 8 boys on the team: 1/2 are white and the other 4 are - (2) biracial (including Nico), 1-Chinese and 1-Indian. This is off topic but I had to share: The other bi-racial boy also comes from an "Us" marriage. This is what J and I refer to other interracial couples that look like "Us" (WM/BW). They were super nice (as were the other parents) and I'm looking forward to speaking with them more soon.

Anyway, back to the practice...Initially, Nico was excited. He jumped right in and started kicking the ball around with the other kids up and down their tiny little field.

Nicolas (in the gray) and team taking shots at the goal and Nico behind Tyson (red striped shirt), the other biracial little boy.

This lasted until about the first water break. Then he sat next to us and declared he was "tired" and wanted to play with his father's iPhone games. Jason and I just shook our heads. J was more put off than I was. I think he knew secretly this was a mistake, but you really never know until you try, right? I told Nico he was GOING back out there with the rest of the team or he wasn't going to get to play with his father's phone at all. Nico whined but went out into the field. Not to practice, but to mope...in the middle of everything.

Here come the other obedient children with their balls and Nico standing next to the assistant coach, whimpering the entire time. Then there's Nico still brooding after everyone has passed.

So he ruined what I expected would be a great end of the day by embarrassing us - Daddy and Team MOM - by not cooperating. You'd better believe he got an ear full when we got in the car to come home.

Which brings us to today. The day before game day. This morning Nico complained of his throat being "on fire". Normally I just dismiss things like this because he likes to complain about ANY ailment he may have but today was different. He didn't eat any breakfast AND didn't touch his gummy vitamins. This was serious.

So I took a flashlight and looked in his mouth. Red and sore. (groan - I felt like such a bad mom for not believing him initially). From what the doctor told me, it's the most red she's seen in a long time on anyone. Diagnosis? Strep. The day.Before.His FIRST.Game.

No, this isn't what strep looks like but it's what delicious looks like :) Nicolas with his blue tongue courtesy of the sucker he received at the Dr's office. He showed me as we were waiting for his prescription to be filled.

Luckily, we were able to get his prescription pretty quickly and I administered the first dose in the car. His first game is at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning and the doctor said as long as there is no fever, he should be fine to play. And he does seem fine outside of his throat. As long as he's not kissing on anyone or drinking after anyone, he should still be able to play (esp. since he'll have had two doses by then).

So that's the plan. Hoping for no rain and no fever so we can all have a great first game! I hope every thing cooperates.

You hear that, Mr. Strep?!

I dare you not to dance

2010-09-03T00:46:00.002-05:00

This video is just the cutest thing I've seen in a while since my LOL cat updates (yes, I get them and yes, I adore them...don't judge).

Anyway, I really wonder how long it took him to train her to do this. The dog seems to really be having a fun time and as long as the dog is happy, I'm happy. :)

Brief rant - Accidental Butt Whoopin Wednesday comes a day early

2010-08-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have to make a quick little rant. It was an especially "SPECIAL" day. Oh, let me COUNT the ways...

1. You're TWO. Go to the potty.

Seriously. Four boys - potty training was, for the most part, a breeze. I thought girls were supposed to be easier. Not mine. My now 2 year old daughter waits until we're on the way out the door to tell me she's poo poo'ed her diaper. If you can tell me, you can pull your diaper down and go #2 on your own. I can't tell you how AWESOME it was after having dropped her and Nico off at daycare that I could STILL smell her (literally) crap diaper in the air. I couldn't open the moon roof fast enough...

2. Don't touch me.
If I don't know you, don't put your hands on me.

Today in the elevator after returning to the office this morning some guy - enamored by my arms (I was wearing a sleeveless shirt) - , ran a finger down my shoulder and upper arm and said "They're very nice". Really?...I mean...REALLY??? I didn't know what to do. I was frozen in shock. What is WRONG with me??? Thank GOD I work on the second floor. I practically RAN from the elevator...

2. Don't assume just because I'm Black, I love R&B or hip hop.

On the way home from work, after the long trek out of my downtown Dallas office building and making the (I kid you not) 7 min trek from my office to the parking garage where my car is parked, I had decided to NOT roll up my window after "tagging" out of the garage because it was nice out and I hadn't "touched" outside all day. For those who don't really know me, I really love spending time outside (even when it's hot) and hanging out at lunch is a particularly favorite past-time for me (esp. since downtown people watching is the best).

Well, I had the window of my car down, and I was searching for a station when I noticed this car pull up beside me at the red light. Hispanic guy - no music...at first. As soon as he saw me, he (I noticed through the corner of my eye) rummaged within the car and the next thing I know - Rhianna and Eminem are playing. Loudly. The new one. Love the Way You Lie.

Okay, okay. Normally I'm not a rap fan, but I love Eminem so I liked the song. But that's not the point. The point is, don't assume just because I am Black that I like hip hop/Rap/R&B because my first love is Alternative rock (old school and emo).

So I did what any self respecting woman would do - I ignored him and rocked out to MGMT. I showed him. (LOL)

July is Nuts - Part 3

2010-07-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

The last big thing this month just happened a few days ago. My baby girl's second birthday. WHERE has the time gone? I was just checking out pictures from her party last year and she was so baby-like. Now I swear she's 2 going on 22. hahaha

Ava has really grown into a super child. She is incredibly sweet, funny, tough and smart. She speaks heads and tails above what Nico and Just did at her age and I am amazed at what she comprehends and what she says EVERY day.

She has all of the people at her school wrapped around her finger and it goes without saying those in this household have not been immune to her charm. I love her smile. I love her laugh. I love the twinkle in her eyes when she's about to do something mischievous. She's just AWESOME!

This weekend we invited a bunch of family and friends over for a BBQ just like last year. I wasn't ready to invite kids from the daycare over yet so that's why it stayed friends and family for now. We had fruit salad, tomato salad, baked beans; I grilled Ahi steaks, hot dogs, chicken breasts, hamburgers and my FIRST attempt at ribs. Between ribs and brisket, I've been crazy scared to try but since I had my sis and BIL there and they make amazing ribs, I felt brave. With my BIL's supervision the ribs...? SUPERB! Everyone was happy. Which in turn, made me VERY happy.

I had a full house staying with me as well. Outside of our local friends, my best friend,Ange (former Mrs. OKC contestant) from OKC and her family drove down and my sister and her family drove up from Houston. My mom and dad and my brother's daughters drove in from Tulsa and my aunt brought my cousin's sons (her grandsons) and her boyfriend over for the festivities.

We ate, watched the kids play in the inflatable pool and just enjoyed laughter. It was really a great party. Some of my friends weren't able to make it at the last minute and they were missed, but we still had a good time! :)

Some pictures from the party and of the Birthday Girl. :)

Her actual Birthday. She's Officially TWO!

Opening gifts from her Nana and Papa. We got to web chat with them so they could "join" the bday party. We always love doing that with them. Especially Ava. She goes CRAZY!

Mom and Aunt Sharon

Kids playing in the playroom

My Mom

Eric and Kurt (BIL)
Don't get it twisted. Eric only 'helped' watch the food. He didn't cook. hahaha

Granny, Ava, Mommy

Me, AKA Mommy and My Birthday Angel

Justis sandwich - Ange, Justis and Neighbor, Sue

Friend, Cotishea and daughter Kadence (as if you couldn't figure that out. Baby girl is a spitting image of her lovely Mama!)

Playing in the sandbox

You can always find the boys close to the refrigerator...even the big boys

My sister and Kurt. My lil sis is GORGEOUS :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AVA!

She started to get shy...

Biggest brother, Christian

The girls: Kadence, Zoe and Kira

Um...she ate her "two" like it was a cookie...

I didn't realize she'd want something like this but she LOVED it. She wouldn't let anyone else play with it. That, and the Boo Boo Bear sitting next to her. hahah

Sue and Ryan, our neighbors

"Sharing" the shopping cart bday gift. Ava needs to work on that...

Louie enjoying the pool

After the party winded down and the kids were in bed...the cards came out!

Spades tournament...before the butt kicking began

Mom is SERIOUS about her spades

The CHAMPS!!! Finally

The Birthday Girl, once all the family and friends had returned home Sunday afternoon. She was OUT like a light by 6:50 p.m. while eating her dinner!

Just cause I could...My sweet men

July is Nuts - Part 2

2010-07-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

So after our Sea World San Antonio trip, a week of hell at work and a Friday afternoon wedding in Garland, I headed out again early the next morning to drive to Tulsa.

Reason: To visit one of my oldest and dearest friends and her family and to just hang with my Mom and Dad.

This time, because my mother would have shot me for showing up without her babies, I had Nico AND Ava with me. It was really nice just sitting and laughing and joking with my parents. This doesn't happen a lot and on top of that I saved them money. :) Anyone who knows my parents know that they LOVE their casinos and Bingo halls. hahaha I've already been warned there will not be an inheritance. Damn you Creek Nation Bingo! LOL

Saturday I spent with my folks. We visited a park with a pond that I used to frequent when I was a child. Outside of the mosquitos eating my poor Ava alive, we had a good time "play" fishing and feeding the ducks.

Not a picture of Nico unless he's messing it up somehow...

(Peek-a-boo Ava)

(Ava and Granny - Ava LOVES to take pictures)

Sunday morning, I visited my friend at her sister's house. Apparently her nephew (the sister's son) had gotten married that weekend which is why everyone was in town. I got to see Mr and Mrs Witt (my "white" mom and dad), Norby (her only brother and my first crush), her oldest sister Pam (who was just like MY big sister growing up) and all the little kiddos in-between.

Mr. and Mrs. Witt are BIG cooks so the breakfast was amazing and so much fun. Mr. Witt is a nut - so it was great talking smack with him again. MAN I missed my second family!

(Mr Witt and the kids with a "Road Kill", the Turtle he found walking on the side of the road as he drove to Pam's house)

(Nico showing the turtle too much love...he wanted to bring him home with us SO BAD)

(April and I together. We've been friends since we were SIX!!! Can you believe that??)

(Norby, April's big brother and his daughter)

(Ava enjoying checking out "Road Kill". She was fascinated. But not enough to touch him)

(I loved this deck! It was beautiful and so spacious)

July is Nuts, Part 1

2010-07-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

Wow.

I've been SO busy the last month I have barely had time to enjoy it. So many things to share and so little time (cause I'm tired and I've had two beers now. hahah). So let's try to make SOME sense of my silly little life before Mr. Sandman overtakes me...

I will start with the the first weekend of July. My first "family" vacation in forever (and NO, I don't count visiting family in New England for the holiday last year as a vacation. Not that I don't LOVE my In-laws because I REALLY do- I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM, it's just vacations - to me - symbolize relaxation and things you don't or couldn't do on a daily basis from your own home and don't necessarily occur around holidays which MY trips to see family, do. Or maybe I should change that thought because we did things in NH and MA that are not possible in Texas, but again, family is family. hahah I don't count visiting my family in Tulsa or Houston as a vacation either no matter HOW long I may visit for.

***

The last few July 4^th's have been pretty boring for me. My husband isn’t a big ‘heat’ fan - being from the Northeast - and watching fireworks requires sitting in it. He’s also not much of a crowd guy, so even going to watch fireworks feels too much like a chore to him. But this year, I was determined to take the kids to do SOMETHING for the 4^th. That’s why I was so happy when my sister called me and we started talking more and more about a weekend getaway, her family and mine.

When we were growing up I remember picnics and popping fireworks in the high school parking lot behind my parent’s house, making a trek to the lake with extended family or just gathering together in the street outside of my grandparents’ house. It felt like a family reunion every 4^th and I loved it. I’d hoped something like that for my own children. Unfortunately, as I am divorced from my first husband and unlike my mom, dad and aunts and uncles when I as growing up - my siblings and cousins all moved away so things aren't exactly like they were when I was growing up.

My "family vacation" didn't actually even go as I'd planned. I had planned to have all four of my kiddos go along. But this didn’t happen. My ex has the boys during the summer and, although we normally don’t mind swapping and/or providing the other with additional time with the kids, apparently he had something planned with them that weekend so I wasn’t able to take them with me to destination Sea World/San Antonio - our little intrastate weekend vacay.

Then the weather - it had rained heavily off/on for most of the week and weather.com had indicated thuderstorms in San Antonio and Dallas all week through the end of the holiday weekend. If I stayed, I’d get rain. If I left, I’d get rain. I couldn’t win for losing. (sorry, j! hahah He HATES when I say that). What was I to do but leave. Better to chance the weather further south than stay and have regret.

Next, Jason came down with something. He was sick all week with achiness, nausea, exhaustion and some sort of hives across the trunk of his body for a week. I almost cancelled but I just held out hope. One reason was, I figured after a couple of days J would get better and he’d still be up to going. But he never did. (2) I really wanted to give my family a nice little vacation getaway outside of visiting relatives in other states since we hadn’t done so in a while, and (3) I have never really known weather.com to be THAT accurate – sad but that’s the honest truth.

So I bought my park and parking tickets online for Nico and me (great 4^th of July promotion), told my sister and she booked the rooms (we used her husband’s airline points and were able to get two nights each for free at Embassy Suites – Thank you Teri and Kurt!!!).

Then I prayed. Seriously. I prayed every night after I purchased tickets that it wouldn’t rain – overcast I could live with, but just please, Lord, don’t let it rain.

Nico and I left early Saturday, July 3^rd leaving two behind. Jason decided to stay home to make sure he got better and he kept Ava with him for company since it would be too much for me to handle both in a crowded amusement park and swimming area by myself. I didn’t want to and kind of fought this as I really wanted her to enjoy what was sure to come, but but in the end it was actually the right decision since having Nicolas at the water park and walking through the crowds at Sea World was MORE than enough for me (dang, hate it when he’s right)…

During the entire drive, we had light rain to sprinkles for about 3 hours. Then when I hit Austin, it slowed to sprinkles before finally ending. By the time I reached San Antonio, the sun was out and the ground was dry. I couldn’t believe it and I was so giddy, you couldn’t remove the smile from my face with a crowbar. The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been having all my family with me in San Antonio. Next year - I PROMISE!!!

But we still had a good time. We visited the Riverwalk, took a boat tour, Nico got to have his first Sea World/San Antonio trip with his favorite cousins in the whole wide world, I got to hang out with my sis and her family like we used to do growing up with our cousins and, best of all, the weather was PERFECT. Didn't see that comin'...

Day One - Riverwalk

(At the Riverwalk - Nico, Kira and Kaori)

(Nico and Me at the Riverwalk)

(My sis and BIL with the Kids)

(Boat Tour of Riverwalk)

(Riverwalk Mural)

(Nico and I outside of Alamo)

(I'm a sucker for an gorgeous Tree)

(Nico outside of the Alamo. REALLY wish we could have gotten pictures inside...)

(Group Shot - WHY is my child ALWAYS the problem in pictures???)

(Bring it)

Day Two - Sea World

(All smiles for the start of the day!)

(Shamu Show - Believe...seriously? Too cheesy for me...)

(Spending 51¢ to squash a penny with the animal indent of our choice....He lost it the same day)

(Part of the Dolphin Show. Truly great. Reminded me of something similar to Cirque de Sole)

(My adorable sister and brother in law again. This was at the Walrus/Sea Lion show spoofing the Shamu and Dolphin show. I laughed out loud! Loved it)

(Of course you had to have the lighting for the fireworks - $6 swords. Priceless)

(BEST $6 ever)

(Yeah, he was WORN OUT! And so was I. I got him out of the car, into the stroller, into the room, out of his clothes and into bed ALL without him waking up at.all. LOL)

I only shared a few of the pictures because I didn't want to bore anyone, but the only thing we did I DON'T have pictures of from this trip was our trek through the mall (I had to get new shoes since mine broke as soon as we got to the Riverwalk) and our day at the Lost Lagoon where we swam ALL afternoon. THAT, says Nico, was his FAVORITE part. I also didn't get pictures of the fireworks but seriously...you've seen one, you've seen them all. We actually left right before the fireworks started to avoid the crowds getting out. SO glad we did.

All in all, the trip was a great change for Nico and he had so much fun getting to hang out with his favorite buddies. I loved hanging with my sis and her family. I'm hoping we can do this annually with more family. HOW FUN that would be. :)

Getting the Best out of my gift

2010-05-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

We couldn't WAIT to try out the new slow cooker from my in-laws and if this is any indication of the greatness that will come from this little contraption then well...we'd better hold on tight!

Along with the slow cooker, my mother and father in law purchased two cookbooks for me - one was for quick dishes with 5 or less ingredients and the other was a Creole-focused slow cooker recipe book. We couldn't wait to try out the Creole one and immediately flagged 4-5 recipes that needed trying ASAP.

First up - Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo!

It was a chore getting everything ready that morning (chopping, measuring, sauteeing before it was ready to be placed in the cooker) all while also making breakfast, getting kids dressed, two curly headed babies' hair brushed and the kitchen cleaned before dashing out to work. But it was worth it.

Everyone had seconds and my older sons were RAVING about the dish. It's now a #1 favorite or Level 80 in World of Warcraft speak (if you don't know, that's good!). Doesn't that just make you feel good as a Mother? I was so proud of us. Well, that is, until Nicolas "the buzz kill" spoke. He will ALWAYS get his thoughts in whether you ask or not. He thought it was all too spicy or "picey" as he says. For some reason he doesn't quite get the "sp" in spicy. And even though this dish was not spicy in the least (I was actually dashing Louisiana hot sauce on it to make it spicy) he still complained. How does he NOT like spice?? Is this child really my son! Even little Ava enjoys a little spice on her food.She wanted us to add more creole seasoning to her bowl and she just ravished it. She ate TWO bowls. Two!

Watch her to go town on that Gumbo!

(Nicolas is going to town on his Hawaiian roll. He ate a few sausages and a couple bites of the rice, but he was over it. Wish he could have been more like his baby sister! Look at that face!)

And yes, she's eating butter in the last picture. She insisted on putting the butter on her own roll and inevitably just ended up skipping the roll all together. She's 'special' that way. But I learned from J last night that this is a trait she gets honest - her Nana (J's mom) loved to eat butter, too as a child. Well, at least it was "I can't believe it's not butter". Maybe that will make it not so bad? LOL

So the next recipe to try this week is a Crawfish Etouffe. I am not a crawfish fan and neither is my 13 year old but Jason is SO jazzed about it and so is my oldest...so this will be interesting. Wonder what Sir Nico will have to say about it. If he enjoys it, I will FAINT. Truly.

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

I look forward to Mother's Day. If for no other reason than it's the ONE guaranteed day that I get to sleep in and am not expected to be up with my youngest children at 7 a.m.

Of course I ADORE my babies. They are the only people that can make me laugh, cry, push me to my limits and make me feel loved all within a dizzying 30 minutes. But on that special day - Mom's Day, I enjoy the quiet time. Alone. Is that so wrong?

I still woke up at my usual time, but I stayed in bed and forced myself to sleep while my lovely (incredibly hunky and well-endowed) husband (he actually requested I write that description...no, seriously... he did...LOL) got the kids ready and took all four with him to IHOP and the park (around 9:30 a.m.)

Before he left, J pulled a huge box out of his closet and set it on our bed. It was a gift from Amazon from his parents - the slow cooker I have been wanting! That was pretty awesome and totally unexpected! :) They are such SWEET people. I am truly a lucky girl to have such wonderful and thoughtful in-laws.

Not only that but J and the boys bought me a lovely jewelry box to replace my old, smaller and more pitiful box. I LOVE it.

(pay no attention to the cord behind it, that's my bathroom clock)

After my lazy morning and after I guilted myself up for being so lazy, I left the bed for the couch to watch a comedy program we'd recorded before the family returned.

Later that day, J and I left the babies with their big brothers and went to see a movie. I've been wanting to see Hot Tub Time Machine for a long time but there weren't any places showing near us during Nico and Ava's nap so we decided to see Death at a Funeral. Although not hilarious...it was still very amusing and I enjoyed seeing it.

We didn't do too much after the movie mostly because I had wanted (planned) to do a family picnic however the weather did not cooperate so we were resigned to indoor activities. So since I couldn't do exactly what I wanted, we watched more movies, had dinner and just relaxed. All perfect alternative Mother's Day activities if you ask me. :)

So my overall Mother's Day rating? 8 out of 10 stars. I wish the weather had cooperated more so I could have done all the activities I really wanted and it would have been nice to have had the breakfast in bed I had last year, but they did a great job of my not having to get out of bed and THAT is worth it's weight in gold.

We've already used the crock pot (AWESOME Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo!!!) and of course, I've transferred some of my jewelry to my new box. All in all, a good Mom's Day. The good thing about May is, now I have my birthday to look forward to as well! Yippee!!! Only a few more weeks until I can sleep in again! AWESOME! hahaha

And after that it's on to planning Father's Day. Any suggestions? :)

Spring Scenes

2010-04-25T15:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday (as is today) was a GORGEOUS day! So much so, I REFUSED to stay home very long. So starting early in the morning we started our day:

- 8:45 a.m. Hair cuts for the big boys. You KNOW how black barbershops are so I try to get in as close to the first appointment as possible. Otherwise we'd be there for over an hour. J took them while I got the little ones ready. Of course they got in well after their time slot...of course.
- 9:30 a.m. Mall with the family for new Shape Ups by Sketchers for both myself and J. We got there so early, we just watched the little ones play in the kiddie play area until the shops opened up. J got some good video of Nico and Ava playing but it's on his iPhone. Darn it.
- 11:30 a.m. COSTCO. Sample day. hahaah We had bulk items like toilet paper and skillet dinners we wanted to get but we practically had lunch there. Ravioli, nachos and salsa, pork tamales, crackers and cranberry juice. It was GREAT! Even the big boys had a good time sampling the wares. We ended up ordering a pizza from there as well and brought home to finish as the rest of our lunch and then put the little ones down for a nap.
- During the nap, J had our neighbor and their friend come over and help set up some routing of our wireless around the house as well as complete set up of Justis's bday laptop. We are generally a Mac family, however, since my oldest received a PC laptop for his bday/xmas gift from my ex and they are cheaper than Mac laptops (which I wouldn't trust Justis with anyway), we got him a PC as well. He, of course, is on cloud nine.
- After the little ones had their nap, we headed to the Heard Museum and Nature trails however, when we got there, they weren't allowing any more visitors because I guess we got there too late. So we headed up the highway to another town to walk around the pond and play at the park. Although it was really windy we had a GREAT time.

After the park, we ate sushi (from COSTCO) - the little ones ate Chil-etti (spaghetti noodles with chili on top. A made-up home recipe that the kids LOVE). After dinner, we stayed up watching movies after Ava went to bed and ate popcorn, soda and baked choco cookies.

I FINALLY was able to watch 2012 (off Fios On Demand) and even though we planned to watch a couple more movies, it appears our hopes to tucker out the kids also worked on us and we were in bed by 11:30 p.m. LOL

The kiddies are napping right now but I can't wait for them to get up so we can go to the park. Still windy out, but it's a shame NOT to be out. These are days that make me truly love just being able to enjoy with my family as well as just being blessed to live another day to see it.