mmmm good

Keeping it COOL

2010-09-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Seems like we hit a HEAT wave this past week... one day it fe;t like the Sahara Desert, the next we were in Hawaii. So, naturally we had to go to the beach...and take pictures.

nothings says fall like pumpkins & SOUP

2010-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

First of all....my blog has been lacking for the last SEVERAL months... Not sure why, but here I am again.

I keep thinking that Summer might just show up this year....but it hasn't. And when I went to Trader Joe's and I saw Pumpkins & gourds for sale, I came to the sad conclusion that I really didn't have a summer and it is time to move on to my 2nd favorite time of the year. FALL! So, we bought pumkins & squash, started my fall decorating
& made

SOUP.

Butternut Squash soup is an all time fav of mine.... I have made it with curry, with coconut milk, & with apples. But this time, I was inspired by Roasted Corn (amazingly enough, it is frozen in a bag from Trader Joe's). So here is how my delish soup came about.

Roasted Butternut Squash & Corn Soup

makes ~ 4 hearty servings

1 large butternut squash (halved and seeded)

*tip is to poke with fork & microwave a few minutes so you don't risk chopping your hand off when cutting.

a few Tbsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves

1 medium sized white/yellow onion

2 celery stalks

1/2 to 1 cup frozen roasted corn (or fresh would be yummy too!)

some mexican seasoning (I get mine from bulk @ Henry's)

2 cups broth of your choice (I used chicken)

1/4 c. half and half

salt & pepper to taste

fresh cilantro for garnish

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Halve butternut squash and place in large baking dish with a 1/2 inch of water on the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and slice garlic & put in the hole of the squash. Bake about 30 to 45 minutes (until soft and browned).

Meanwhile, sautee onion, celery & corn with olive oil until soft. When squash is done (and cooled), peel & place in blender or cuisinart with onion mixture and puree. Add about 2 cups veggie (or chicken) broth to thin out.

Reheat on stove, add seasonings to your liking. Just before serving, add the half and half.

Garnish with extra corn & chopped cilantro.

Serve over brown rice (if desired)

the boy eats fruit

2010-02-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Miller is my picky kid... the one that puts everything to his mouth, hesitantly, as if the food will come out and bite him! His palate is very plain...mainly boring kid food. He only eats 2 kinds of fruit....tangerine & orange, and he has to peel them himself. Today, we picked out a watermelon, brought it home, cut it up and much to my surprise....he ATE it! He called the little cubes, "waarmulen boxes"...and he "lubed them." Music to mama's ears.

Sunday BMXing

2010-01-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Our oldest child is quite coordinated..we learned that when he learned how to ride a bike without training wheels close to his 3rd birthday. Santa brought him a new 16" Redline BMX bike for Christmas this year. We could hardly wait to see get him to the BMX track at Kearny Mesa Raceway
It didn't start off that good actually.... Mason sat in the parking lot on his bike, sizing up his competition. Most of the kids were riding these fancy race bikes with name brand gear from head to toe. Mason had on jeans & a jersey that was 5 sizes to big for him. He didn't care, he had that look of determination in his eye.

We get him up to the start of the big hill, he timidly rides down & doesn't make it up the 1st jump. He falls, throws his bike down and screams, "I hate it, I don't want to do it." Oh boy... here we go. His Dad quickly put him back on, pushed him into the next jumps and he was off. He finished his first lap and that was that...he was hooked.

We definitely had a proud parent Sunday. To see your 4 1/2 year old riding with the big kids, not being intimidated, and just loving riding his new bike should make any parents day.

Looks like we will be spending many more days @ the BMX park.

Happy Holiday's

2009-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas pics this year... I figured out how to use Picasa and edit the pics....how easy and FREE... gotta love that. I still don't know how to use the Photoshop I have, so this works for now.

We Miss You

2009-12-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

Christine McBride

1/18/49-10/12/09

All I can say is that my blogging is pathetic... really, I kind of just left it behind this Fall & Winter. It is quite a shame actually because Fall is my favorite time of year... this year, though it was rough on our family. We lost a loved one, a friend, a mother.... a grandmother. I don't know if a death in the family is what put me into hiding on my blogging... I know she loved to read my updates, and will probably have a notice in her inbox tonight showing that I finally updated my blog. I hope she can still open her "email" in heaven.... I hope she can see how she was missed this holiday season....I hope she knows how much we miss her. We love you Grandma Chris.

Pink

2009-07-31T22:02:00.001-07:00

Wow...you would think that I am the new Mom with the lack of postings here! On 070809 my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Brooke Ryann. I was lucky enough to be there for the birth. I missed my older niece, Paige, being born...because I was 36 weeks pregnant and couldn't get to Japan!! So, being in the room for Brooke's birth was more than a gift. I feel a special connection to Brooke. I miss her after a few days, I want to hold her, cuddle her, love her. Maybe it is because this might be the last baby in our family for awhile?!?! Or maybe it is because I witnessed her coming into this world. Whatever it is...I love this little girl, and all the PINKness that she brings into this world.

Proud to be an American

2009-07-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

What a FUN 4th of July! It was a busy one, but well worth the bags under my eyes this morning. The weekend started out at Jazz in the Park on Friday evening. We got home and our friends (The Holme's) from Jackson Hole arrived for the weekend. They brought their beautiful baby boy. My boys loved having a baby in the house. They thought it was so fun to bring him toys and make him laugh... I know what you are all thinking, maybe another baby for us? NOPE.... I love having them around, but I have my hands full with the 2 I already have!

I knew it was going to be a great weekend when I woke up to a bright sky on Saturday. It would be sacreligous (is that a word?) if it was cloudy on the 4th! After a breakfast of Soyrizo Burrito's and fresh squeezed OJ, we headed to my parents pool for some pool time. We swam, ate hot dogs & watermelon, and were sooo tired...but we mustered up the energy to head on over to the Engelman's for the 4th of July bike parade & BBQ. I made a trifle...yum yum....

We played with sparklers, and had a mini fireworks show. My kids stayed up way too late, 2 nights in a row...but they are troopers. It made for a 3 hour nap on Sunday after a morning of slip n sliding & gardening... and then off we went again...to the beach this time, with friends to listen to music & catch the last rays of sun from a glorious weekend.

Thank you Summer for arriving! We are loving you right now!

Dad's Rock

2009-06-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

My kids are the luckiest kids out there. They have an amazing Father who has found a wonderful balance between being a kid and being a Dad. They trust him, they honor him, they admire him, and most of all...they LOVE him! I always knew that my husband would be a great Dad. I knew this before I knew he would make a great Father. Yes, my kids are lucky...and so am I!

Gift to Daddy from the Boys

For Father's Day, we spent the day at my parents house, celebrating with my Dad, Mom, my sister and her family, and my Grandma. The sun finally came out, it was a perfect day of swimming, BBQing, whipping up cocktails, and just RELAXING.

Even Grandpa John made it in the Dad shot!

Dad's and their Kids

Family Tradition.....Trifle

Tomatoes

2009-06-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

I planted 9 tomato plants awhile back... Today was the 1st of our harvest. I have to admit that I haven't been the best tomato mama. I sometimes forget to water them, I haven't continued to stake them as they grow, and sometimes the kids run into them while they ride their bikes on the path where they grow. But guess what?!?! They are still bearing fruit! Mason actually picked 3 tomatoes today and ate them all...within minutes.

Now, if only Miller would taste them!! I am pretty sure that by the end of summer, we will have OD'd on these beautifully sweet & juicy fruits.... or are they vegetables?

A Spot of Tea

2009-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am about to be an "Auntie" again to another baby GIRL! I figured it was (most likely) my last shot at throwing a baby shower. I have been to a few "teas" before and thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate my sister and her baby to be.
I never realized how much work goes into a tea. I couldn't have done it without my super talented Mom, who insisted on the fine china, silverware, and pressed table cloths. On the Menu...Tea Sandwiches, Scones from a local bakery, Fennel & Goat Cheese Salad, Fruit Salad, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Lemon Berry Angel Food Cake, TEA (of course), and quite a few bottles of Champagne. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful Mother. I am planning on blogging more about the food on my "New" blog... http://nanasdrawer.blogspot.com
For now, here are a few pics of the day.

Name the Famous Baby Mama... Stef won, she knew all the Famous Mom's and their kids names (First and Middle Names!)... I think she reads US Weekly.

Tea Sandwiches

Cake and decor

My Mother and her girls...

There you are Sun

2009-05-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

These past weeks have been a little gloomy around here:( Probably, the ONLY bummer about living at the beach! May and June can be dreary. I am a lizard and I need my sun! I wanted my lizard loving pals from my old neighborhood, and their kids to come over for a day of slip 'n slide and snacks. They all showed up with yummy treats and bathing suits. And what did we have to offer? Gray skies. We popped open some bubbly and squeezed some OJ for Mimosa's...surely, our playdate doesn't need to be gloomy! And what do you know?!? The sun showed up! It only stayed for an hour, but we were sure to enjoy every last minute of it.

My babies are growing up so fast

2009-05-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

This month marks Mason's 4th birthday and Miller's 18 month-day. I feel like the time is just flying by, I know that sounds so cliche, but it is true! I think the 4 year old age is my favorite thus far. Mason is a little man now. He is able to understand consequences, is easily bribed, and thinks his feet grow everytime he takes a bite of food! He loves to learn, ride his bike, and his latest obsession...DIRT BIKES. His Daddy & Poppy bought him a Honda 50 for his birthday. I was not happy about this. I just felt like he is too young and little. My husband assured me that he will be fine on it. I insisted on full gear and training wheels.

I realize that Mason is not your normal 4 year old, when it comes to balance & sports. He is extremely agile and fearless. He has been riding a bike since he just turned 3! He is one tough little kid. I know that I will be at the Emergency room many times with this one. Happy Birthday little man.

I have been putting off admitting that my baby is now 1 1/2 years old. I remember this is when the "terrible two's" started with Mason. Miller hasn't completely broked down into fits yet, but he is close! He is definitely not a baby, adores his older brother, and is soon to be my next "thrill seeker." He loves dirtbikes & skateboards just as much as his brother. He has even mastered the motorcycle noise! He babbles most of the day and I try my hardest to figure out what he says. I think yesterday, he told his Grandma that her shoes were "pretty." He can easily point out the moon, loves to watch movies (unlike his bro), and would eat cereal all day long with his Daddy. He is such a joy and has the best "kissy face" ever! Please stay little awhile longer Miller!!

Mason turns 4...ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2009-05-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Our lives changed for the better 4 years ago today (well yesterday). Mason turned FOUR. Really, where did the time go? I remember being nervous, anxious, and so excited for him to be born. Little did I know, that those feelings of parenthood don't go away. They just take on different meanings.

For his birthday, we threw a pirate-themed party. I wanted to just do something simple, so we could enjoy the day and not be too caught up in the details. Afterall, this is a day to celebrate, not stress!

We gathered up some pirate gear and off we went. Here are a few photos of the day.

Grandma & her scalleywags

The mate's proud parents

The cake, made by Mason's super talented Grandma.

Treasure chest filled with swords, telescopes, jewels, coins, and pirate snacks. For pirate snacks, I put mixed Pirate's Booty, Peanuts, Raisins, & Red Hots in a celophane pirate bag. I got all of the favors from www.orientaltrading.com

Pirate Snacks of Pirate's Booty, Peg-Legs (carrot sticks), Planks (celery & peanut butter), Canonballs (meatballs), and fruit.

And finally...the littlest scalleywag of the bunch.

Happy Birthday Mason! We love you bud.

Man Land

2009-04-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

We went to heaven this past weekend...well, heaven it is for a family of waterskiiers, dirt bike riders, and lizards! They call it Man Land... I can even call it "Wo-Man land." It is true that it is a haven for men, but I loved it too.

You see...I used to love to waterski. I was even on the UC Davis waterski team back in my college days. It was my sorority, my social network, my "drinking team with a waterski problem." Going out to Cheyenne Lakes took me back, way back to the days where I could hardly unscrew the lid to my toothpaste because I was so sore, back to the days where my right leg had a mysterious bruise appear from the spray, back to the days where I chickened out on the 3 & 5 ball! But it felt GOOD! It felt great to get back behind the boat and have a good tug-a-war. I can't even tell you how I have missed it.

Mike is quite the skiier too, but what I didn't know about him is that he is a GOOD dirtbike rider! Really, for NEVER doing it...he has some skill. I am not going to lie, it made me super nervous to see him out there on that track, but I guess I have to get used to it. I have 2 boys that are sure to be mini-Mike's and be thrill-seekers like their Dad. Mason is already there. He would not leave the garage where the dirtbikes & quads were. I think it is funny that he loves the idea of riding a dirtbike but hates the loud noises they make! He is going to have to get over that soon.

I hope there are many more trips to Man-Land in our future!

An Eggcellent Easter

2009-04-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

I think all the stars were aligned, all the angels looking down, all of the rays of sun must have been shining down on our home on Easter Sunday this year. Really, I can't remember the last time I have had that much fun at a Holiday gathering. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and we usually throw a pretty good soire, but there was just something different about Easter this year. Maybe it was because it was the 1st Easter we have hosted...EVER! Maybe it was because the weather cooperated with warmth, the birds were chirping, and the flowers were blooming. Or maybe it was because my family made the best spread of food we have had in a long time. Everyone in my family has some sort of culinary expertise. My Mom is great at trying new recipes, tweaking them and saying..."I just threw it together." Much like this Angel Food Cake layered with lemon curd, berries, and topped with a cream cheese coconut frosting. Then she goes to her yard, picks fresh lavender & Meyer lemons and wa la... a picture perfect dessert.

Everything my sister makes is delicious, whether it be a double chocolate cheesecake or a beautiful Minted Fruit Salad, she has the talent too.

My Aunt...well she is the queen of green salads. This year was a mix of greens, goat cheese, & fennel.And ME...well, I didn't cook at all! Somehow I got out of it! I ran down to Panera Bread and got delicious Tomato Basil, 3 Cheese, & Whole Grain loafs to make delicious sandwiches on. I find it hilarious that everyone thinks I made all of the food this Easter... I guess I should keep my mouth shut, right?

My favorite part of Easter was watching the kids hunt for eggs. Even Miller got into it this year. He was VERY slow. He had to open each egg and shove all the candy in as soon as he got one. This gave all of the older kids an advantage! haaaa

I hope that this Easter is the 1st of many more wonderful holiday memories at our home. I know my Nana would be so happy to have us all at her home enjoying it. I miss her.

A day in the life of Spring

2009-03-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

I love Spring...there is something just so exciting, fresh, & new about Spring. Maybe this is why it is the time of new birth...a time to dust of our feathers and dive head first into whatever may come our way. For us, our new endeavor is gardening. I have always loved to dig my hands in the dirt. Thanks Mom & Dad for showing me the way to pull out a weed, cut back a palm, trim back bushes, & plant a tomato plant. I feel like we just got thrown into gardening haven. Our home is surrounded by fruit trees, rose bushes, ferns, you name it...we probably have it. There are endless areas to throw a plant in the ground and see what happens. That is the part I love about it, the uncertainty, excitement, & accomplishment of growing something from a seed, or tiny plant into something we can eat or view just for it's pure beauty. I was walking around the yard today and it just inspired me. The pomegranate tree has the most bright red flowers on it, ready to become a sweet but tart fruit.

The fig tree's electric green leaves have such a distinct shape

with beautiful fig buds getting bigger every day.

And the yellow plum, with it's bright white flowers ready to make way into sweet yellow goodness.

I am not sure what this beauty is, I am thinking it is an apricot or peach, the bees are loving the sweet nectar coming from these beautiful pink flowers.

And here is the start of my tomato garden. We have so many gophers, so we dug out a space behind the shed, hoping it will give these plants a chance to grow! We already had some sort of critter try to eat one the other night, so we wrapped the cages in celophane to keep them away and provide some extra heat for them to grow.

My next blog will be about all the nasty bugs we have come across since we started our gardening/composting expedition.... and let me tell you, that is the part I am not quite digging about the garden:)

A cup of Health

2009-03-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have been sick... my goodness, this one lasted a whole week! I even went to Urgent Care on Sunday in hopes that the good 'ol Doc would give me some magic pill to make my relentless cough disappear. Haaa... who was I kidding? I just had the same virus that everyone else has been walking around with. All I came home with was some cough medicine with codeine. Which, I might add...is the best cough medicine in the world! I am sure my husband can agree, since I am now not waking him up a few times a night coughing up a lung.

This brings me to my attempt of self medicating. I have tried all the home remedies out there, like Hot Totties to put me to sleep, baking soda/salt tinctures up my nose to clear me out, hot steamy showers (no...not the one's you are thinking of), Riiii---cooooo-laaaaaa's, etc etc etc. Finally, I dug deep...really deep....back to my old days as a juice bar girl at Ki's in Cardiff. Those were the days...ok, I am daydreaming. Do you want to know what I did??? I JUICED! I remember being sick and having Ki, herself make me up the most delicious fresh squeezed juices and saying to me...drink this and you will feel better. So, I made fresh CARROT APPLE GINGER juice. And...WA-LA.... my cold was gone! This could have been some sort of coincidence, but I am thinking it really did the trick. It was my life saver, my lucky star, my pot of gold...heck, it was my cup of HEALTH.

If you want to try it for yourself, this is how you make it. (you will need a juicer for this)

~1" piece of fresh peeled ginger

~a few apples (leave the skin and everything on them)

~a few carrots

Run it through your juicer (in that order), and you got yourself a delicious sweet & spicey cleansing drink loaded with Vitamins A & C.

Mason even loved it.

CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH!

I am a MOM

2009-03-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been a Mom for almost 4 years now... I often wonder how I got that title?!? I am constantly reminded of it everyday. Mason calls me Maaaaaaaammmmmm, with this whiney drone; Mama, so sweet and sickening when he wants something; and Mommy, when he is hurt. Miller only knows how to say MaMaMaMa....which melts my heart everytime he mumbles it. But seriously, I am not sure how cut out I am to be a MOM! I mean, I LOVE my kids more than anything in this entire world and feel incredibly blessed to have my children, including everything that comes with them, like worms in pockets, snotty noses, ear piercing shrills, and dirty diapers! I feel like this past week I have been put to the test though. You see.... I have been SICK! How I would love for my MOM to come and give me some chicken soup, rub my back, get me meds, make me tea.... Nope, I am the Mom now and instead of sitting on my rear watching re-runs of Afterschool Specials on TLC, being taken care of.... I am going to the store, making dinner, doing dishes, wiping rears, picking up toys, folding laundry, etc etc etc... all you Mom's....you know the drill. I don't know why I feel like I should be complaining about this, but I am. I am just plain SPENT! You may be wondering where my husband is during all of this? Well, he is sick too.... So, there you have it...... I am clocking out as MOM right now, even if it is only for a second.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

2009-03-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

"Reduce Reuse Recycle...words that we all know, we have to save the planet so we can learn and grow.. we might be only children, but we can try to please....we have to save the planet, it starts with ME!! "

That is the song that Mason has been singing these days. I can't say that those are the exact words, but it sounds sooo cute coming out of a 3 year old's mouth. Thanks to Shuckleberries Preschool, my kids are learning how to save the planet at a young age! This past month they have been bringing in water bottles & cans to collect so that Shuckleberries can recycle them & earn money to buy a new bike for their preschool.

Today we went to the Recycling center in Oceanside to see just where all of our recycleables go. The kids loved sorting out the cans & bottles and watching the big trucks. Here are a few photos of our adventure today.

An Orange Tribute

2009-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, going to my Nana's house meant playing with vintage barbies, making cookies, and Orange Julius'. My Nana had a special blender just for this occasion. My sister and I would go out to the backyard and pick the oranges off the tree, squeeze them into juice and add the other ingredients. I don't remember exactly what went in them and what the ratio was, but I do remember the raw egg. I guess this gave the drink some sort of froth that you can't get without the addition of possible salmonella poisoning!

Now that we live in my Nana's home, there are just certain traditions that I have to (and want to) keep alive! So, I got online and found a few recipes for Orange Julius (minus the raw egg). I even held onto Nana's vintage blender! She would be so proud to know my boys have now experienced their first Orange Julius mustaches, using the same ingredients she did, and at the same spot in her kitchen.

Here is my version on Nana's Orange Julius

1 cup fresh squeezed Orange Juice (or more if you like)

1 cup milk (I used 1% milk)

1/4 c. sugar (I used less because the oranges are so sweet)

1 tsp. vanilla

~ 1 cup ice

Add all ingredients to blender and WA-LA....

** One thing to know about me... I hardly follow recipes and I don't like to measure, so I apologize in advance if your Julius takes some tweaking.

ENJOY

X is for X-RAY

2009-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

The letter of the week at school this week is "X". I find it ironic that Mason had his first "X" ray today. Yep, that is right....my 3 (almost 4 year old), had to have a picture taken today of his collar bone. The story to how we got to this point, goes like this.....

Saturday afternoon....Mason is racing down the driveway on his bike, jams on the breaks, fish tails and high sides himself right onto the pavement, via his right shoulder. He fusses a bit, but gets back up and starts playing, because he had friends over...and obviously can't let a little crash slow him down. No problems the rest of the evening.

Sunday morning @ 2am. We hear a scream and crying from Mason. We have no idea what had happened, we chalk it up to a bad dream and put him in his bed. Mike picks him up to carry him back to his room and cries even louder. We think he is being dramatic, and brush it off.

Sunday morning @ 7:30....the poor kid is in PAIN! He tells us he fell out of bed and hurt his shoulder. He is obviously injured because he just sits on the couch all morning (not normal for our child at all!). We give him some ice, tylenol, and lots of hugs. You can see in his eyes that he isn't right, but he tries to go about his normal day with a flacid right arm. I hope no one passes judgement on my lack of taking him to the Urgent Care on a gorgeous Sunday! I mean, yes...it was 75 degrees out and we were knee-deep in dirt, gardening! Really, if I thought the doctor would have any magical cure for his debility, I would have gone...but I pretty much chalked the injury up to a bruised shoulder.

Sunday evening.... we are getting Mason ready to bed and I take a good look at him and notice his right collarbone looks a bit swollen. He still wails in pain when I try to get near it and touch it. I figured, ok.....tomorrow we will get a picture of it.

Monday morning.... doctor says "I think it is bruised not broken." I mean, Mason was even high-fiving Dr. Park! But the X-ray says..."Non-displaced Clavicle Fracture." And that is our diagnosis.

My son has his 1st broken bone just shy of his 4th birthday. I guess I am pretty calm about this because I know there will be many more of these. If he is anything like his Dad, we might end up with our own parking spot at the ER! As for now, he loves his ice packs, his sling, his gardening gloves (thanks Grandma), hugs, and the attention (of course!). We are still trying to figure out EXACTLY what happened...was it the bike accident or falling out of bed? I think we have concluded that it was him falling out of bed. Now, I feel even more guilty! But at least my son has something to share @ school this week for the letter "X". His very first X-ray.

Playground

2009-02-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

When we lived in San Marcos, Mason was always asking to go to a park, or go to someone's house, etc etc... Now, I ask him what he wants to do, and he says, "I just want to stay here and play." I can not tell you how happy I am to FINALLY not have to pack up and ship kids places with lunches, diapers, drinks, etc! Mason has always had a great sense of adventure and loves to "pretend" play but these days his imagination has just taken off. In the past week, he has helped his Dad build the start of his dirt bike track, made his own jump out of a skateboard & piece of wood and has mastered his role as the Gardner. Today, he even dressed the part. He told me he wants a kid weed wacker for his birthday and a backpack blower with a pull start, not just a hand held blower. I find it ironic that he loves these gadgets because he screams and runs when the gardners turn them on. He isn't into loud noises. I can't believe he will be 4 in a few months. He is 4 going on 14! SLOW DOWN!

Our little Walker

2009-02-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Miller is 15 months old now and finally walking! I actually was not in a hurry for him to walk, but I was also tired of him crawling around on the rain soaked driveway and muddy grass lawn! He is a little master at the task already and usually has to have something in his hand at all times while he cruises around. His favorite toy is the skateboard. He attempts to say the word, but it really comes out like this "da dor." He likes the little tech deck's, mason's broken skateboard, and Mike's longboard... he doesn't care, he just loves them!

Another big Miller milestone is that now he has teeth! It took him until 13 months to get his 1st one, but then 6 came in in one month! I will always miss that gummy smile of his, but now I don't feel guilty when I give him toast and expect him to chew it!

Here are a few pictures of Miller at 15 months! We are just loving this age!

Bad Blogger

2009-02-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

Lately I have had friends and family tell me that they love reading my blog... I roll my eyes and laugh and say, "seriously, because I am SOOO bad at updating it!" I have to admit that I am not the best writer and sometimes I just don't know what to say! Mason usually gives me ideas on what to write about, but lately I just haven't had the time. Honestly, I think part of the problem is that I have become addicted to facebook. I seriously think I need an intervention!! I find that most of my free time is looking up "status updates" and photos of my long lost friends. I am forever greatful for facebook though...it has allowed me to come in contact with old friends and puts a smile on my face when I see old photos from elementary school resurface. So, you can blame facebook, my super busy life of raising 2 boys, working as an accountant and dietitian, being a housewife, and CEO of the family. I apologize for my poor attempt at blogging!

We Survived the MOVE

2009-01-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

HOLY MOLY..............We have officially made the move from San Marcos to LEUCADIA! I knew that packing up the family would be tough and draining, but I didn't expect it to be this taxing. I have no idea how we stuffed all of the junk we had in our little townhouse! Insane! We have been here for a week now. I am proud to say that we have unpacked most of the house! I am still searching for random items of clothing, office papers, the iron, and a few other misc. items, but all in all I feel pretty accomplished! I am proud of my 3 1/2 year old son who manages to make friends with anyone and everyone that walks by the street. He is my ticket to meeting the neighbors. He yells out..."Hi!! What is your name?"

Most of all we feel blessed to be living in my Nana's old house. We couldn't be happier. The house has so much old charm, tons of character, and a dream yard for 2 growing boys. Someone PINCH ME please.....

The Cavity Store

2009-01-08T13:45:00.001-08:00

Mason has had this obsession lately with TEETH. It stems back from his cousins, who have fillings and he just thinks cavities are so cool. He also loves Yo Gabba Gabba and they have an episode on teeth and the tooth fairy. Well, today was his dentist appointment. He was so excited to go to the CAVITY STORE. I quickly told him that cavities are NOT cool and you definitely don't want them because it hurts when they fill them. Ironically enough, the kid has a cavity?!? WHAT? I was shocked...well, I guess not totally shocked because he is a sugar fein. I sort of feel like a crappy parent because my son has a cavity at 3 years old! I was in my 20's when I had my first one. We brush twice a day (well, we can be bad about brushing after breakfast...I can admit that), don't eat that many sweets (although Mason is known to find the sugar stashes), and we definitely don't drink sodas. I am feeling like a bit of a dental hygiene failure at the moment:(

**thanks Greta for showing me how to change the font and colors!

Santa went through the cat door

2009-01-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Mason wanted to know how Santa was going to get inside to bring presents since we don't have a fireplace. We told him he has a magic key and can get into anybodies house whether they have a fireplace or not. He looked over to the cat door and said, "well, he could come in how kitty comes inside." Of course! Now how come I didn't think of that? Except Santa would definitely have to lose some weight first:) I just love Mason's imagination. He is so clever, creative, and funny! We love his spirit (on most days!!). Santa brought Mason a remote control dirtbike. It had to be a dirtbike with a "kick start"....that is totally different from a motorcycle, as I have now found out. We spent the morning together as a family and the next day at my families house for an Italian feast and an over abundance of presents. Merry "belated" Christmas!

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am so behind on my blog! The holiday's came and went with a frenzy. We finally had what we call "Winter" in Southern California. A few storms blew through back to back giving us a lot of rain and cool temperatures (~50 degrees during the day). That is COLD for us Natives! With all the rain, brought SNOW to the local mountains. We went up to my families cabin in Julian for some sledding and R&R.

December Days..and Nights

2008-12-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

It is already the middle of the month? Where did it go? Here is to the beginning of the busiest month of our lives! We started it off with Mike, Marisa, and Mara's birhtday. Everyone always says, "it must be so cool to share your birthday with your husband and sister." Seriously, it isn't that cool. I mean, I love sharing it with them, but if they were all on different days, than we would have more excuses to get out and celebrate! right? Mike and I dropped the kids off and went to Temecula to go wine tasting for the day. We had to stop after 2 winerys, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to pick them up!!! We had a super random occurance at Leonesse Winery... We ended up being their "models" for a brochure.. I guess they liked that we were the only buzzed ones at their winery at Noon on a Wednesday! We scored a few bottles of wine out of the deal! Not bad.

A few nights later we went to Dana Point on my uncle's girlfriend (Lorrie's) boat. We were just going to go out into the marina and put around, but leave it up to Pat to find his way into the middle of the parade. It was a beautiful night..it definitely needs to be a tradition for years to come.

We wish everyone a very safe, healthy, and happy Holidays!

Gobble Gobble

2008-11-28T21:13:00.000-08:00

Turkey day was a success! We celebrated at Nana's house in Leucadia this year. It was the 1st time that we have ever had Thanksgiving there, and it was so nice. Nana passed a few months ago and we all know that she would have loved to have been there (not to see the mess, just to enjoy the company!). I actually didn't stuff myself this year, probably because I was too busy making sure the kids eat to eat myself....
We had smoked turkey, bourbon sweet potatoes, corn pudding, broccoli gorgonzola casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and of course a jello salad (in memory of Nana), apple cranberry currant pie, ginger pear crisp, pumpkin pie....anyone hungry?

Desert Weekend

2008-11-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

We packed the family up and headed North East to Yucca Valley to visit the McBride's this past weekend. It was a quick trip, but a nice visit. Mason loved riding his bike on the dirt roads...definitely more of a remote atmosphere than he is used too! It sure is a different world out there. While taking a walk we found these HUGE footprints on the dirt road. Was it Big Foot? or do they really have Aliens out there? We lucked out with the weather, it was beautiful! While we were there we celebrated Miller's birthday & Big Papa's birthday.

On our way home we stopped by The Vanderhorst's house in Riverside (aka the "new" family). The kids had a blast playing together, and I won't lie... the adults did too:) Tim roasted pork, made the best Bacon Jalapeno Poppers, and we put back a few beers (& tequila shots..thanks Aimee!). We always have so much fun with them:) THANKS GUYS!

Happy 1st Birthday Miller

2008-11-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Wow- how time flies! Miller is one years old today. I feel like this year went by so fast. I find it hard to belive my baby is one. Miller sure has changed a lot in the past year (duh..), but really in the past few weeks! He has come into his personality. He has always been a very "easy" baby...content with a few toys, some snacks, a bottle, or just someone paying DIRECT attention to him. Lately, he has learned to scream when he wants something and cry when someone takes something away. He LOVES his brother, balls, balloons, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, watermelon, music, pulling himself up on anything, & bathtime. He HATES to sleep in, have you feed him, baby food, & grabby kids! He is such a joy for us and we can't wait to see how he really comes into his personality this year (or can I??). Here are a few pictures.. THEN and NOW. Happy Birthday Mill-dog.

We had a small family birthday party at our house last night. Grandma made a Train Cake! She spent hours and hours on this thing and we can't say THANK YOU enough!! What an amazing cake. Grandma "Bama" will do anything for her little Miller:) Thank you MOM!! you continue to out-do yourself!

"Change" is upon us...

2008-11-08T21:41:00.001-08:00

November has been a month of "change." We have heard it on the radio, seen it on tv, and read it in the papers. I feel like we have undergone a lot of change this past week too. Not only do we have a new President now (yea Obama!), but we (the McBride family) has also had a change in our daily lives. With the change in time, we now get up at 5:30am, we now eat dinner at 5pm and try to get the kids in bed by 6:30-7pm. Long gone are the days of riding bikes, going to the pool, or playing with the neighbors until 8pm! We have had a change in wardrobe..one day we are wearing rain gear, the next we are at the beach in trunks & bathing suits. We have had a change in our daycare bill:) Miller started going with Mason 2 days a week to Shuckleberries, which both boys love, but our bank account doesn't! We are also about to have a "change" in neighbors...which is the worst of the changes this month. Our great neighbors, friends, cocktail hour & poker buddies are packing up and moving... yes, it may only be 2 miles away but they won't be right across the street anymore. I told Mason the other day that his friend Scotty will be moving next week, and he looks up at me with these sad eyes and says, "Mom, that is sooo sad." ahhhhhh... Wilke's, we will be crashing your new cul-de-sac, so tell all your neighbors that you come with baggage!

One more big change is about to happen too... Miller is turning 1 next week! Where has the time gone?

We hope all of our friends & family are enjoying the change of the seasons (well not really in So.Cal), the change of our President, and whatever other changes are going on out there. I have always remembered my parents telling me... "change may not always be easy, but it is usually always for the best."

Ho Ho Ho Merry Halloween

2008-10-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Christmas came early this year...on Halloween. We did the annual Pumpkin Walk in Encinitas. I have to say it totally wears me out every year & is a bit stressful getting it all together, but it is always worth it:) We ended the night with the band PB&J... the kids just loved it. Here are a few shots of Santa, Rudolph & his helpers and our friends along the way.

Halloween at Shuckelberries Preschool

2008-10-31T13:34:00.001-07:00

Halloween started off with the boys preschool party. We all dressed up, did a parade, had treats, and played games:) Miller wasn't into this reindeer ears, so we did our best to dress him as Rudolph. Mason, on the other hand, makes a great Santa:) Tonight we will be walking around downtown Encinitas with our "sled", handing out candycanes....

Thanks Ms. Kat for a great Halloween party!

Nick & Amy's Wedding in Auburn

2008-10-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Not only was it our 5 year anniversary on October 25th, but it was also one of my best friends wedding day in Auburn. Mike and I left the kids at home and headed North to celebrate! I was lucky enough to be one of Amy's bridesmaids. We stayed at a lake front home for the weekend in preparation for the big day. The weather was perfect, Amy was the most beautiful bride, and we cleaned up pretty well too! I was able to get a little creative with my camera. Here are a few of my favorite shots. CONGRATS Nick & Amy...we can't wait to celebrate our anniversary's together in the years to come.

Bate's Nut Farm

2008-10-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, we all went out to Bate's in Valley Center for a morning of pumpkins...and PEOPLE! my goodness that place is a zoo! The kids loved climbing around on the pumpkins, riding ponies, and enjoying FALL! Here are a few shots...

Keep Tahoe Blue!

2008-10-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

So, I am finally getting around to posting about our trip to Tahoe! We were brave, threw the kids in the car and headed North....Over 500 miles each way with 2 little ones was quite a feat. On the way there, we stopped off in Sacramento to break up the trip. The kids did great on the way there....the way home was a different story! But we survived. Mason even had his 1st ever Happy Meal!! I know, shocking to most, but really..it wasn't good... While in Tahoe we stayed in Tahoe Vista in a great resort called the Red Wolf. Perfect little family spot with a wading area for the kids, pool, kayaks, bbq's, and a night of smores! We moved into Squaw Valley the last few days to celebrate Jeff & Rebecca's wedding at High Camp and Plumpjacks. I have to say it wasn't the most relaxing vacation, as anyone that has traveled with kids can atest too, but it was so beautiful and great to be back to where Mike and I met...8 years ago.

Happy Birthday Poppy

2008-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

September 8th was my Dad's (aka Poppy's) birthday! We had a mellow birthday dinner at my parents house. The kids favorite part was blowing out the candles! We even got all the kids in the tub together! That was a feat...

A whirwind of a few weeks

2008-09-25T14:21:00.001-07:00

In Loving Memory of:
Gloria Peter
May 1920-September 2008

A lot has happened since I last posted... we had my Dad's 62nd birthday, went to Tahoe for a week for a family vacation and to celebrate our friends marriage, found out my Nana had passed away, prepared for the service, Mason started PeeWee Sports, Miller started daycare once a week with Mason, I went to Santa Barbara for a Bachelorette party and came home to lay my Nana to rest this past Tuesday. It has been a fun, challenging, emotional, & exhausting past 3 weeks. I will put pics up of the various trips later!

As for the family... Miller is 10+ months now and getting into everyting!! He loves to crawl and has mastered it! He is ALMOST sleeping consistently through the night if his brother doesn't wake him up. Mason is trying to NOT nap! ahhh--- it is horrible, but at least it is few and far between. Mike is busy with the business, and I am busy with the kids, work, the business, and mourning the loss of my Nana. I keep telling myself, in her words, "Today may be hard, but tomorrow will be better."

A "Quadrific" Birthday

2008-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

We went to Mason's friend, Sully's, 4th birthday party today. He loves motorcycles, dirt bikes, quads, & racecars just as much as Mason does.... so you can imagine how excited we were to go! The Engelman's know how to throw a fun (& creative) party:) Courtney even made a Baja 5000 racecar cake! With donut wheels and everything! The kids also pinned the wheel on the off road truck & hit the race car pinata. Thanks for all the fun!

Another pool day

2008-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

We went to our friend Shamera, Madison, & Dylan's family pool yesterday! We had so much fun! We finally got to meet baby Dylan. Mason loved the pool, especially because it had a fountain in it! Miller became fast friends with Samson (they are only a few months apart!). Hard to believe summer is almost over. Thanks Sham for having us over!

Miller's 1st Digger

2008-09-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Miller is pulling himself up on everything these days. Just the other day, he was standing up, holding onto a chair and he took a nosedive into the chair. He smacked his head pretty hard, and got his first big "ouwie". He only cried for a bit, and then was ready for dinner:)

Our New Camera

2008-09-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

We bought a new camera yesterday! I have so much to learn... but I am sure this will be my new hobby. There is not a better time than when your kids are young to have the photobug:) I definitely have it! Here are a few shots from my "practice" round. Thanks Carol for giving me some tips!

Goofing around

2008-08-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

After the post office we hung out at Carol & Anjali's house...mainly just goofing around!! I got to play with Carol's camera....addicting!! and the kids pretended they were moto-x riders!! classic

Fieldtrip to the Post Office

2008-08-22T14:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went on a field trip with Mason's preschool to the Post Office. The kids all got to mail a letter, see where the mail gets sorted, and how it gets put in the truck. They even got a stamp coloring book. Mason brought Paige with him so she could meet all his buddies at Shuckleberries. Mason didn't want to be buddies with anyone but the mail lady! Paige was a little upset at first, she wanted to be his buddy...but luckily Anjali was there to hang out with Paige! Thanks Carol for taking such great pictures!

The McBride gathering

2008-08-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went up to Huntington Beach to hang out with the McBride's, Voigstberger's, Park's, Ortiz's... long story short, it was our semi-annual get together with the original "McBride" family! Thanks Scott & Jen for having us! We had a great time eating, drinking, swimming, and just goofing around.
Here are a few photos from the day.

Miller is 9 months old

2008-08-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today I took Miller in for his 9 month check up. He weighs 17.9 lbs and its 27" long. Apparently he has "fallen" off his little growth curve. I got the comment from Dr. Park of, "looks like he is getting skinny like his brother." what? I think he must have hollow bones because he looks big and healthy to me! The doc says he looks great, but wants me to increase his calories...whatever, my kids are not big kids, genetically it is impossible! haa Why do the doctors always have to have a comment about how big (or how little) your kid is? Besides that, Miller is one healthy happy 9 month old who has just learned to wave, loves his kitty, laughs the hardest when Mason is being goofy, and has the prettiest blue eyes ever!
Happy 9 month birthday Miller!

(I am week late at posting this!)

A Note from Ms. Kat

2008-08-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

I just opened my email and saw a note from Mason's preschool teacher...
this is what it read:
" Oh, and FYI- Mason came to school with a panty liner stuck around his leg. He told us it was a big bandaid from the band aid box, but when I looked closer I saw that it was panty liner. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time..........."

Are you serious? Is this really my kid? I was cracking up... I didn't know I had such a creative boy.

Here is a picture Ms. Kat took of Mason showing off his "band-aid"

A day in the life of a Mom of boys

2008-08-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Miller's 9 month birthday, but unfortunately there was no time to celebrate...Mason had a different agenda.....

Mason was a peach yesterday, let me tell you... he started the morning by finding my food coloring and decorating the outside patio and himself in blue dye while I was putting Miller down for his nap. His response... I was painting my toes like you Mamma... ok now.... thank the lord he was outside!!! and not inside... then we went swimming and I thought he was tired enough to crash out on the couch while Miller was napping, and I thought he was asleep so I laid down because I hadn't slept the night before and about 20 minutes later, I hear what I think are the neighbor kids outside, but it is Mason..he had taken all of his clothes off and turned on the hose outside and was playing in the water!! what?!?! my kid, I swear. so, no nap for him.. but he was tired so when he was riding his bike around the neighborhood he crashed and hit his mouth on his handlebars and got a fat bloody lip and while all that is going down, my washing machine drainage pipe clogs and water starts spewing all over the garage...oh joy....... really... that was my day! At least the kids were in bed and ASLEEP by 7pm...that was the only respite from my hellish day of being a MOM!!

I will post the picture of Mason covered in blue dye later:)

Summer Dayzzzz

2008-08-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

This past weeks weather has been so beautiful, so we have spending almost every day out at the beach or the pool. We are lucky to have 2 kids that LOVE the water! The beach can be a bit more challenging with Miller, because he thinks sand is food...but that is ok, it is good ruffage! Miller turns 9 months old in a few days! WHAT? He is starting to crawl, and continues to smile at anyone and everyone that looks his way... now if he would only SLEEP... I can't wait for when I can stop commenting on his sleep habits:)

Here are some pics of the past week pool-side & at the beach

Mr. Kickstand

2008-08-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that Mason is obsessed with kickstands, so since he can ride his bike now, we went out and bought him one. I think Mike went through a few drill saws while cutting it down to fit the mini-bike! He now asks anyone with a bike, if they have a kickstand...even the random guy at the beach today!! He is such a character. I have updated our bike riding video, since he is now officially getting on the bike (and off, although not that gracefully) all by himself. He thinks he is better than he is though, and yesterday he ran into not 1, but 2 parked cars!! His first reaction was..."wow...that was crazy." The 2nd time, he cried.

And He's OFF!!

2008-08-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mason has started riding his bike all by himself at 3 years old!! WHAT?!?! Aren't you supposed to be like 5 when you learn to ride a bike? He is nuts.. We still have to chase after him because he will run right into things...still working on the brakes!! Today, he ran into his brother in the exersaucer. Miller just looked at him with a stunned look. It was pretty funny. Mason now wants a kickstand on his bike. That is his latest obsession. So, we told him once he rides all by himself, we will get him one. Looks like we are heading to the bike store tomorrow.

babies grow too fast

2008-07-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is almost August. Miller will be 9 months!! He is still the happiest baby on the block, constantly smiling, cooing, falling over and coming up with a smile. What a joy. He isn't crawling yet, but oh so close! I don't really want him to crawl, because my life will be even that much more hectic when he does. For now, I can plop him down, give him something to chew on and I know he will be there when I get back.... not for long!

Mason is trying to ride his bike without training wheels!! yep, he sees the neighbor kid do it and he wants to be big like him. Mike has rigged a handle onto his bike so we don't break our backs trying to keep him from falling. I give him a week or two and he will be off....he has such great balance. Just like his Dad.

July was pretty busy with pool days, beach days, birthday parties, weddings, etc... The rest of the summer will bring more of the same....

so you think you can dance

2008-07-25T15:54:00.001-07:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Happy 4th of July

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

We went to Buena Park for the 4th this year. We were invited by the "new" family (Grandma Barbara and Maureen) to come see where Maureen grew up and to see how the O'Brien family celebrates the 4th. I had no idea it is still legal to sell and light off fireworks in Buena Park! What a surprise. Mason was a little timid at first, covering one ear and playing with sparklers with the other hand but Miller crashed out in the midst of it all. We had a BLAST!

Summer fun

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

June came and went...the start of our summer and we have only been to the beach a handful of times. I think having 2 kids makes beach going much more difficult by myself mid-week, and I feel like our weekends are packed with weddings, baby showers, bbq's, etc!! Tis the season, I suppose.

Miller is just about 8 months and still not sleeping through the night! He wakes up once, it isn't THAT bad, but come on now!! He is starting to scoot on his bottom, hates tummy time but loves to stand. He is now a full on eater... no baby food for this guy, he doesn't like it. I feel like the 2nd time around you just give the kid whatever you are eating.. no calculated plan this time. Why is it necessary to try 1food for 3 days straight and then switch anyways?? I have also come to find out that those baby foods are way over priced anyways, what a racket.

Mason has really turned into a sensitive little guy...but still testing his limits daily. He is such a joy....no really he is!!

So, June was filled with beach days, pool days, Jazz in the park, and just goofing around... enjoy

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

We went to Palm Desert for Father's Day weekend. It was HOT, but so much fun!! we rode on the aerial tram, swam a bunch, and just enjoyed the weekend. Here are a few pics:

THE RACE: Mason and Paige are now swimmers!

My baby is 3

2008-05-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mason turned 3 a few weeks ago. I can't believe it. The cliche of "time flies when you are having fun" is so true! It must be flying by because we don't sleep either!! We celebrated Mason's birthday at the Padre game. He recently has come to love baseball, so we thought that would be a perfect place to celebrate.

I thought I would be able to take a sigh of relief that the "terrible twos" were over, but that is a joke. I think the "3's" are harder!! Someone needs to make up a saying, like the "Torturous Threes." Torturous for the parents, of course. Mason sure is full of personality and spirit.

Miller is 6 months now and sitting up! His favorite things to do right now is to play with Mason's toy motorcycles, chew on anything that comes near his mouth, and laugh hysterically at his bro... He is the happiest baby I have ever met...amazing because he doesn't sleep all that good! oh well, I will be wishing I had these moments back in a few years. I can sleep later:)

Bathrooms

2008-05-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not "blogging" more, but life is hectic with 2 little boys, work, the business, family, etc!! I do have to say there is never a dull moment at the McBride house.

I have come to find out that boys are very special creatures. Growing up with only a sister, I was never really fully aware of their special talents!! I came across Mason's the other day.....his talent is making "bathrooms" out of anything and everything. When asking him the other day, where one of Miller's toys were, he pointed over to the pack 'n play that was set up in the living room, and says, "It's in Miller's bathroom!" It took me a second to figure it out but then it clicked...that is where we change Miller's diaper, so of course it makes sense to call it a bathroom!

But the latest "bathroom" story is a bit more creative. Last week we were on our way out the door and I asked Mason if he wanted to go to the bathroom and he said, "I did!" Great, I thought...then he walked into the garage, over to the bucket that we soak dirty clothes in, and says, "See Mama, I went pee pee in the bucket!"

I do have to say that having boys makes the potty situation much easier!! I hope that we don't kill too many plants in the process!

May will bring Mason's 3rd birthday and Miller will be 6 months old! Time is flying...

The Blue Man

2008-03-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

We decorated Easter eggs yesterday. Mason is obsessed with the color BLUE... (see my other posts). He really liked dipping anything in the blue dye, including his hands. He took dying eggs really seriously, safety googles and all.

Yesterday we walked down to Starbucks to get out and enjoy the nice sunny evenings. I got Mason a Horizon Vanilla Milk. He insists on putting the straw in himself. Next thing I know he puts the straw all the way inside the milk. I told him, "don't do that because it will be hard to drink it." He says, very matter of factly, "I want to drink it like a beer."

Is that a hint that his parents are lushes??

Have a happy EASTER!

Miller is 4 months old

2008-03-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

We have a stout boy this time around. Mason was our little picolinno as Grandma likes to call him, but Miller is the opposite!! Boy, this boy is big. He had his 4 month appointment today and weighs 14 1/2 lbs, and is 24" long...on the growth chart, that means he is short and fat:) We love our pudgy boy!

At 4 months he is still waking up once to twice at night. We are tired!! Mason get's mad when Miller wakes him up and says, "I don't like that noisey!" Sorry buddy, he is your brother and you have to learn to live with it!! They share a room, so he is stuck!! I often think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I mean, they had one room for everything and one bed for 4 people!! We live in a palace compared to that, and brothers sharing a room??? well, that should just be a given.

This past week Miller has mastered his giggle and smile. He flirts with anyone and everyone who will look at him. He thinks he is pretty cute, and he is:) Mason loves to make him laugh. Even if I think he is crossing the line and getting a little too close to him, Miller starts cracking up, so if it doesn't bother him I won't let it bother me!!

I start work in about a week. I will miss my alone time with Miller but I know his grandparents and Daddy will take great care of him.

I am now a blogger

2008-03-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

So, I have been hit with the blogging bug, thanks to my friends who after hearing all of my crazy Mason stories, are saying....YOU NEED A BLOG!!!

I really don't know when I will have the time to write in this, but I will do my best to write down all the funny stories that I get from having a very witty almost 3 year old and a 3 1/2 month old who doesn't like to sleep:) zzzzzzzzzzzzz

For the past month, Mason has been obsessed with his male appendage (need I say more). I think since he is now 100% potty trained, he has access to his new toy quite readily. In the past month he has made reference to his "pee pee" quite a bit. One story comes to mind during bath time.

Mas: "Daddy you have a big pee pee."

Daddy: "yes, and yours will be big one day too."

Mas: "Yes, and mine is gonna be BLUE."

haaa- I laugh every time I tell that.

I have also found some very funny things in Mason pants these days. A few weeks ago, we were at a friends house and he was walking around acting all funny. I asked him if he had to go to the bathroom. He says, "no." He keeps walking around and acting strange, so I go check his pants....

He had put his friends plastic hot dog's in his underwear. Now, there was a ton of play-food around the house....why did he pick the Hot Dog's??????????????

The other day at the splash park, I found some change in this swim trunks...I guess he was waiting to see if the Ice Cream Man was going to show up????????????

As for Miller, he is still too young to make me laugh with stories, although he does make me yawn a lot!! He is learning to sleep on his own, without the boob as his pacifier!! He is getting so big and his smiles melt my heart daily.

This is just the start to the stories I will have as a Mother of 2 boys!! Stay tuned....

A picture of my gorgeous boys...