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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

An Invitation

365 - Day 82

1.  SOA FINALE TONIGHT! SOA FINALE TONIGHT! SOA FINALE TONIGHT!  *deep breath*

2.  Yummy chicken salad for dinner that my Mom made.  Thanks Mom!

3.  My daughter has a vivid imagination.  I love it!

Monday, November 29, 2010

365 - Day 81

1.  Our heater.  I've never been so glad to come home to a warm house!  Last night it was 29 degrees in our neck of the woods (brrr!).  It felt like the heater at my work was broken, or just plain turned off because it was FREEZING today.  It was actually warmer outside.  I don't remember the last time I have drank so much tea and hot chocolate at work just trying to stay warm.  I was thrilled to come home to a nice warm house. 

2.  In the theme of being warm, I'm thankful for the roof over our heads.  I think about those without a home that are trying to find a place to stay warm tonight.  I hope they find it, and am so glad that me and mine don't have to.

3.  My FREE Christmas cards from Shutterfly arrived today!  Ecstatic with how they turned out!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Happy 7th Birthday Kaitlyn!

I love you sweetheart!

365 - Day 80

1.  I had the most enjoyable evening last night with four lovely ladies.  It was so nice to get out of the house, eat, drink, and laugh with other Mommies.

2.  My fabulous Hubby let me sleep in two days in a row and I didn't even have to put in a request! 

3.  Sunday afternoons spent under a blanket watching a movie.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

365 - Day 79

1.  I organized the boy's room and finally cleaned up his handywork on his one wall.  It looks much more like a cute room, and less like a vandalized one!

2.  Staying in bed reading a good book until 10!  Thanks babe!

3.  Mom's night out tonight.  I can definitely use it!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Priceless

Isabelle is known for leaving little notes all over the house.  I've posted a handful before.  This one was found on the stairs last night as the Hubby and I were heading to bed.  We had discussed that today her and I would be thoroughly cleaning out her room.  She's got a way with words!

His latest obsession

Pinocchio!  The boy can't get enough of that little wooden boy!  He begs for Pinocchio numerous times a day.  He's even started getting down Pinocchio's moves, and even imitates the clocks!  He's been running around lately saying, "I'm a real boy!"  Silly Elias, did you think I thought you were a puppet?!



365 - Day 78

1. After HOURS of cleaning, the girl's room is organized and sparkling clean!

2.  Leftovers..mmm.mmm.good.

3.  Not having to brave the Black Friday crowds.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Early this morning Elias and I were up just the two of us.  I was baking and he was running back and forth from the couch in his footed jammies to me in the kitchen.  I said, "Happy Thanksgiving Elias!" I tried to tell him a little about Thanksgiving, and said it was like saying "thank you", what we are thankful for.  Again, I said, "Happy Thanksgiving Bubby!" He replied, "Happy You're Welcome, Mommy!"

Wishing you all a Happy You're Welcome(Thanksgiving)!

365 - Day 77

1.  I'm thankful for a day where everyone focuses on what they are thankful for!

2.  I'm thankful for a day spent with family.

3.  I'm thankful for delicious food.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

365 - Day 76

1.  Thankful for a few hours to myself to go get my hair done!

2.  Mimosas.

3.  The smell of rolls and pies baking.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

365 - Day 75

1. Such a good feeling to have 5 days off ahead!  Let the holiday festivities begin!

2.  Today I was reminiscing and thinking of many fond memories growing up with a big sister. Love her and so blessed to have her just a phone call away or text message away.

3.  Glee had me somewhat choked up tonight.  I'm thankful that my kids are growing up learning to respect and accept everyone for who they are.

Monday, November 22, 2010

365 - Day 74

1.  Tomorrow is my Friday, then 5 days off! 

2.  My bro.  There's no one quite like him, and there's no one I'd rather have as my baby brother.  Love him!

3.  Listening to my daughter sing her brother to sleep and watching them snuggle.  Melts my heart!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

My little lobbyist

Belle: "Mommy, you know the voters?"
Me: "What voters?"
Belle: "You know Mommy, the VOTERS.  Like, the people who vote for the President."
Me: "Okay..."
Belle: "Well, I think the voters need to vote for no smoking."
Me: "What do you mean babe?"
Belle:  "Well, smoking is bad for you.  You can get sick and die.  Or you can make other people sick and they can die. Mr. M  taught us that.  So I think the voters need to vote that you can't smoke in America so then nobody will die of smoke."
Me:  "I see.  Good idea babe."
Belle:  "It should like totally be a law."


Mr. M is Belle's PE teacher.  He's big on teaching the kids about being healthy, saying no to drugs, and no to smoking.  The previous was a conversation we had earlier today.  About a week ago she had another "no smoking" conversation with me.  She told me that I need to tell her Uncle that he could die from smoking and that it's bad.  I told her he already knew.  She said, "Mommy, you're older than Uncle J right?"  I told her yes.  She replied, "Well then, he needs to listen to you because you know better and you're more grown up!" Watch out Uncle J, she's comin' for you!!

365 - Day 73

1.  The book I've been struggling to get into finally has gotten good!

2.  I made Gumbo tonight for the first time.  I was literally cooking for 4 1/2 hours.  After much fussing, it finally came out how I wanted it to, and was delicious!

3.  I am finally off my feet.  The enormous amount of leftovers is put away, and the kitchen is clean. 

Saturday, November 20, 2010

365 - Day 72

1.  A rainy day spent mostly indoors in jammies snuggling with my family.

2.  A good book.

3.  Mexican hot chocolate, my hubby, a blanket, and a movie.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Cinderella For A Night

Hubby and I had the privilege of attending Safeway's Annual Gala at Treasure Island last weekend.  It was a magical evening!  So fun to get out of my normal '"Mommy" uniform of jeans and a tee and all dolled up.  The hubby didn't go the standard route of renting a black tux.  He's too fashionable for such nonsense, hence the pinstriped brown tux to which he added a real bow tie, his vest, and even his Captain America cuff links.  They were quite the conversation piece at our table!  Huey Lewis and The News were the surprise entertainment of the evening.  I had a great time singing along ("Power of Love" anyone?) and crowd dancing.  The food was delish and company great!  Added bonus was that my girlfriend from work was there with her hubby one table over.  Such a coincidence out of the 2800 people in attendance! Huge thanks to my parents for watching the kids so we could have a night out on the town!




All smiles for a night out!



Thrilled I got to see my beautiful friend!


 
Loved my jewelry and dress!

Doesn't he look handsome?!





Going home, it was so chilly!  Loved my faux fur!




Time to take the tie off and breathe!


365 - Day 71

1.  Friends that make me laugh so hard I cry.

2.  Chocolate chip cookies.

3.  Fuzzy socks.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

365 - Day 70

1.  Contagious laughter.

2.  My daughter's teacher.  Not only is she an excellent teacher, but she's very thoughtful.

3.  Shutterfly's promotion!  I get 50 free holiday cards!  Score!  See previous post.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

365 - Day 69

There's a theme today...

1.  I finally got the boy to stand up to pee!

2.  I finally got the boy to PEE IN A PUBLIC BATHROOM!

3.  The boy is very excited of his newfound skill!

I can't tell you how thrilled I am due to all of the above!  Going out will now be SO.MUCH.EASIER.

Holiday Cards at Shutterfly

The last three years I've purchased calendars at Shutterfly.  It's been a New Year's treat for me to hang up my new calendar in my cubical at work every January.  I love that my calendar is personalized and I'm able to look at my sweet family's faces everyday.  I was so impressed the first year with how my calendar turned out that it is now an annual must for me to create and purchase every December.

I  recently purchased a photo album from Shutterfly to commemorate our vacation to Disneyland.  It is the perfect memento!  We were extremely happy with how it came out and plan on making more books for future vacations.

I've been meaning to order my Christmas cards from Shutterfly for some time now, and this year is the year I'm going to do it!  Shutterfly has a fabulous offer going on right now for Bloggers to blog about their cards, and receive 50 for free! I read about this awesome deal on another blog and jumped right on it! I've found so many fabulous ones I don't know how I'll ever decide!  It will definitely be a design that I can add a few pictures too.  I've captured some great ones of the kids this year! 

One of my favorite things of the holidays is receiving photo cards from family and friends and sending ours out.  I love hanging them up on our archway.  Isabelle and I tare into the mail and let out a little squeal while we run for the tape every time we open up a photo card.  Seeing all of the faces of family and friends added as a decoration makes it feel like they are here celebrating with us. 

So thanks Shutterfly!  I can't WAIT to order my Christmas cards and my annual calendar!  If you'd like to sign up for this fabulous deal, you can too!  Just go here.  Shutterfly also offers greeting cards, photo cards, and birthday cards.  Check them out!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

They Big Fuzzy Heart Each Other

Back when I was a Mommy to one, contemplating being a Mommy of two, I thought of all of the blessings and struggles of having more than one child.  One of which is sibling rivalry.  I heard horror stories of the older sibling being jealous, tormenting the younger sibling, and all out throw down fights.  I became pregnant with Elias, and the fleeting thought stayed in the back of my mind, "Would Isabelle love him completely?  Would she feel threatened?  Would she feel replaced?" 

This thought was immediately squashed the moment Elias was born.  Isabelle adored her baby brother.  She couldn't get enough of him.  She was the perfect big sister/little mommy and relished her role.  As the years have passed their relationship has blossomed.  Eli's feelings regarding his big sister is now apparent.  He loves her too.  He not only loves her, he adores her.  He grits his teeth and smothers her with kisses any chance he gets.  He will randomly run up to her for a hug or a kiss, and she to him.



I've heard many comments regarding our kids loving each other and getting along.  I've heard "You're so lucky!", "Enjoy it while it lasts!", and "That won't last long!"  First of all, I am lucky.  I'm lucky because they are mine!  I won't argue there.  But regarding the other two comments, I choose to believe my kids are building a life long bond that will never break, no matter how much they will get on each other's nerves in the coming years.  They love each other SO much they can hardly contain themselves.  I don't see a love like that ever fading away.

My amazing little reader

As I mentioned, Isabelle received a surprise award today in class for Reading Comprehension.  Her teacher contacted the parents of the children who would receive awards to inform us, and to let us know she was also giving the kids a surprise pizza party for lunch.  Belle forgot her backpack at home this morning, so when she saw me sitting outside of her classroom she simply thought I brought her backpack to her and was leaving.  She gave me a big hug, kiss, and thank you and ran off to the playground to line up.  When she walked inside and saw me sitting down she was shocked!  The kids had no idea why some of us parents were there.  A few asked if we were going on a field trip!  It was a great surprise.  Here's my little doll getting her award.




Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you sweetheart!


365 - Day 68

1.  Isabelle is an EXCELLENT reader.  She blows me away with not only how well she can read, but her reading comprehension.  She was recognized in her class for this today.  One proud Mommy!

2.  Facebook!  May sound silly to be thankful for, but it's allowed me to stay in daily contact with my extended family that without I'd normally not be able to be. 

3.  My sweet niece Leianna.  It's her birthday tomorrow.  I can't believe she's growing up so fast!

Monday, November 15, 2010

365 - Day 67

1.  The smell of the munchkins right after their baths.  I could sniff their sweet little heads for hours.  As the hubby says, they smell like french pastries! 

2.  Tomorrow the girl is receiving an award in school and I've actually been able to keep it a surprise from her!  Yay me!

3.  I have a great boss who makes me laugh so hard I cry.  Definitely a plus!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

365 - Day 66

1. My mom and dad.  The kids had a great time with them overnight, and the girl couldn't stop talking about how much fun she had.

2.  My mother and father-in-law.  They've been out of the country for a few weeks.  We had a nice visit with them tonight.  So glad they are home safe and sound!  As always, they were so sweet and thoughtful and brought us all back some special little trinkets.  The kids are spoiled and have missed them so!

3.  For the hugs and kisses my munchkins smother me with after a night apart.

365 - Day 65

Yesterday was INSANELY busy.  This is a day late!

1.  A night out with my hubby sans munchkins.

2.  Being a girl!  Nothing quite like getting all dolled up!

3.  A beautiful night in a beautiful city.

365- Day 64

I posted my 365 from my phone Friday, but obviously it didn't work!  Let's catch up. 

1.  Being able to spend time with my little burritos.

2.  The little guy slept in until 8:30!  *gasp*

3.  Pajama day!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

365 - Day 63

1.  My mom's homemade applesauce.

2.  Pain pills doing their job today.

3.  Feeling loved.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

365 - Day 62

1.  Giving me a big smile of the day award goes to my girl and all of her little dance friends.  There Nutcracker costumes came in today, and oh.my.gosh are they adorable as little mice!

2.  My boy sang at the top of his lungs this morning on our way to Grammy's house.  His little voice singing, "Baby I like it! I like it!" makes me giggle!

3.  Isabelle brought home a fabulous report card.  So proud of her!

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

365 - Day 61

It's been another rough day.  I'm not feeling my best. 

1.  I grilled chicken tonight and it started to sprinkle.  Thankfully the rain held off until I was done and inside.

2.  My girl is getting a surprise award at school. I'm very proud of her!

3.  I was pulled over today, and only given a "courteousy warning" instead of a ticket! Phew!  Thanks Mr. Nice Officer!

Monday, November 08, 2010

365 - Day 60

1. 2 months!!!  2 months of picking 3 things a day to be grateful for.  2 months worth of changing a complaining, glass half empty attitude to a grateful one!

2.  I went dress shopping today for a gala the hubby and I are attending this weekend. After trying on a zillion dresses finally found 2 that I like.  After weighing in on others opinions, my hubby ran to go pick up the winner for me tonight.  Poor guy was already in his pjs when I asked him, and he changed and agreed without a complaint!

3.  I scored the tickets I was hoping for to Belle's Nutcracker performance!

Sunday, November 07, 2010

365 - Day 59

1.  The munchkins and I had a great time tonight visiting with the fam and celebrating my SIL's bday.

2.  The Raiders won!  That's 3 in a row, making my hubby a very happy man!

3.  Mexican Hot Chocolate on a rainy Sunday and snuggling with my hubby on the couch.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

365 - Day 58

1.  My hubby has been picking up my slack with the kids and making sure I don't lift anything/anyone, and doing it with a smile.

2.  I found the kids cute winter jammies for 75% off! Hooray!

3.  We GAIN an hour tonight.  Please dear God, let the kids sleep an extra hour tomorrow!

Friday, November 05, 2010

Flashback Friday

365 - Day 57

1.  I finally found out why I'm in pain and have a plan set to get better!

2.  The inventor of Norco.  God bless him or her!

3.  I was given a free knife tonight when shopping.  I love to cook, so a nice new knife is always welcomed!  I know, I'm a weirdo.

A whiney little B with good reason!

I suppose I had a good reason for complaining.  Turns out I have sprained ribs with a possible fracture and the beginning of pneumonia!  What the heck?!?!?!!  At least now I know, and I have strict instructions and meds to heal myself.  I don't feel so bad now for complaining yesterday.  I think we Moms suck it up too much sometimes.  We keep on working and taking care of everything even when we don't feel our best, because that's what we do.  We're the caretaker.  We mother.  But sometimes we need to realize that when Mommy doesn't take good care of herself, everyone suffers in the end.  Lesson learned: Don't just suck it up and keep truckin'. If something doesn't feel right, go get it checked out and take care of myself!

Thursday, November 04, 2010

365 - Day 56

Again struggling, but let's find the silver lining.

1. I'm not bleeding...that's something to be grateful for!  If that sounds like a pathetic thing to be happy about, ready my pity party post.  Trust me, it's a plus!

2.  I was able to get a flu shot today.  This year I only had to get one.  I'll take one shot over two any day.

3.  A peppermint hot chocolate and watching my girl dance with reckless abandon brought a smile to my face tonight. 

Permitting myself to be a whiney little b.

*disclaimer: I will whine, bitch and moan about my current state to make myself feel better, consider yourself forewarned to skip on over*

I'm a big, hot, freaking mess this week!  Here are the reasons why:

As I mentioned in yesterdays 365, I'm pretty sure I have some injured or busted ribs. They started to hurt a few weeks back.  I attributed it to being sore from working out.  I ignored the pain and kept on truckin', because that's what we Mommies do.  I continued to lift both of my munchkins *oof* who are NOT light by any means.  I pack around the little man whenever he asks to be lifted, and whenever I'm in a rush.  God granted me with my height in my legs, and the little man's short little ones just can't keep up with my stride.  It's easier sometimes for on-the-go Mommy just to carry him.  Naughty me, I know.  I'm right handed which means I always sling him up on my right hip and away we go.  I've forgot to mention the ribs I hurt are on my right side.  My allergies and asthma have been acting up the last few weeks in the evening as well, which throws me into a coughing tizzy.  Again, not good for injured ribs.  I think the combination of all of the above caused my ribs to scream in protest loudly enough for me to pay attention.  Every day it's gotten worse.  Breathing is literally a pain in my side.  I finally have a doctor's appointment tomorrow.  Thank God!  I'm hoping she'll prescribe some sort of pain meds or recommend something to alleviate the pain. 

Being the genius that I am I got a flu shot today at my work's flu shot clinic.  That was not so bad.  The moronic decision was to give them my GOOD side (aka left).  Why-oh-why did I forget I've been trying to carry things on that side?  Now my left arm is extremely sore and hurts to lift.  *sigh*  I'm hoping this goes away by tomorrow.

I was bit by a spider 2 days ago on my forearm.  I'm going to have the doc take a look at it tomorrow as it's become swollen and tender.  Just my luck.

What finally tipped the scales in the "why me" direction: I was hit in the face twice tonight by the girl.  Now before you gasp, we were trying on shirts to see what didn't fit to pass down to her cousin.  It was an accident.  Both times.  The first time her big ol' nugget (and yes, she has a BIG.OL'.NUGGET, she gets it from my side of the fam...sorry kid!) hit me square under my right eye.  I saw stars.  I'm hoping I don't get a black eye.  A few shirts later her arm flung up trying to get a shirt off and slapped me on my left cheek. 

Seriously, I need a do-over.  Or a vacation.  Or a helmet.  Or some whiskey.  Or a body cast.  Or a bubble.  Maybe all of the above. 

*Pity party complete*

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

365 - Day 55

I'll admit I'm struggling tonight with this.  It's been a long day and I feel really crappy.  I suppose that's the reason for this though, to find the blessings, smiles, laughter when you don't feel like it!

1.  I'm thankful for doctors tonight.  I'm pretty sure I have a fractured rib or something of the sort.  I have a doctor's appointment on Friday, and am extremely grateful for that.  Friday can't come soon enough!

2.  I just got both kids to bed.  It's almost 9:30 which is very late for them.  However, they are both in bed and no one has called out or come down the stairs! 

3.  Even though I don't feel my best, I overall have my health.  A lot of people don't!  I'm thankful that I'm as healthy as I am, and my aches and pains are only temporary.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

365 - Day 54

1.  My sis let me in on where to find a great deal on Toy Story 3.  I added a manufacturer's coupon for an additional $8 off, and walked out with the 4 disc blue ray edition for under $20!  Score!

2.  Watching my kids face light up when I pulled out Toy Story 3 and surprised them!

3.  Elias dancing and singing "Baby I like it!  Baby I like it!" CRACKS.ME.UP!  Thanks Enrique Iglesias for creating my boy's groove!

Monday, November 01, 2010

Happy Halloween A Day Late!

Mario & Princess Peach









365 - Day 53

1.  Tonight I'm thankful for having help getting the kids to bed. 

2.  The kids have Godparents that love them and make them feel special. 

3.  Lastly I'm happy for all of my fam/friends that are die hard Giants fans.  Congrats!