Happy 3rd Birthday Bubby!

It's incredibly hard to believe that my baby is 3 years old.  My womb literally begins to ache when I realize my baby is three years old.  The hubby and I are 99% sure that he is our last.  He will always be the baby.  Which means, he needs to just slow his little butt down with all of this growing up!  I mean really, who does he think he is?! 

I had made mickey mouse chocolate chip pancakes to send with him over to Grammy's today.  Unfortunately we're in the middle of closing out our Quarter End and audit at work, which means I can't take time off. I still wanted to attempt to make his day special, so I made his yummy breakfast the night before.  I woke up to my alarm and then the Hubby whispering that he was going to call in and take the day off to spend with the little man. Fabulous!  Although this threw a wrench into my plans because I normally just wake him up and out the door we go.  I hadn't even decorated yet!  I flew out of bed and put up streamers and balloons.  *Just a little tip, never try blowing up balloons first thing in the morning when your asthma is flaring up.  Trust me on that one!* 

Got the troops assembled and it was birthday breakfast time. Elias loved being sung to and blowing out his candles!  He even sang Happy Birthday to himself!

Breakfast was a hit!  Bubbers loved it!

I dropped the girl off at school and ran back in for some quick hugs and kisses for my boys.  They looked perfectly content in their jammies watching Toy Story 2 when I left.

Off to work I went.  I came home on my lunch break to see the boys and to ice the cake that I had made the night before.  Now here is where a nice little plan in my head went ALL.WRONG.  I made the most hideous looking cake ever. I'm talking Cake Wrecks worthy.  *groan*  Against my better judgment of just completely making a homemade cake like I always do, I caved and went with a boxed rainbow chip little number that the girl begged for.  I made 2 round cakes since I was going to stack them and fill it.  Here's where my beautiful imaginary cake became a real nightmare.  One of the cakes broke into not two, but three pieces.  Which of course I tried to patch with frosting.  To make matters worse, this cake was sticky.  It was a nightmare to frost.  It crumbed (is that even a word?) all over the place.  I ended up with a messy, uneven, crumb covered frosted mess.  I was very tempted to toss it, but the fact that I always make something homemade for the actual birthday and that the Hubby said "don't you dare", stopped me.  May I present to you, the ugliest cake I've ever made....

It says "Happy 3rd Bub".  It was going to say "Happy 3rd Birthday Elias" but the cake kept splitting, and sticking, and I had enough and couldn't have the drink I was in desperate need of since I had to return to work.  I gave up and headed off.  

Later I picked up the girl and dinner and back home we came.  The boys had a fabulous day together and took a little birthday outing to the park. 

We ate and then divied into the cake wreck.

 

Elias kept saying "yummy" and Belle proclaimed, "This is the best cake ever!  I want this cake for my Birthday!" So I suppose it wasn't a total disaster!  It just looked it!  At least it got better reviews in the taste department.

Elias loved the race track we gave him!  The rest of the evening was spent shaking cars and letting them go!

Happy Third Birthday Baby Boy!  Mommy loves you!!!

365 - Day 25

1.  I'm glad that I'm almost done baking a cake and chocolate chip mickey mouse pancakes for my little man's bday tomorrow.  Can't wait to see his face in the morning!

2.  For the last 3 years plus 9+ months in utero that I've been the Mommy of the most wonderful boy in the whole world!

3.   Lastly I'm thankful for my Mom.  For all of the late nights she spent up making sure birthdays and holidays were magical for me, my brother, and my sister.  I now know how much work goes into being a Mommy.  I appreciate all of the effort she put into making those moments special.

365 - Day 24

1.  I'm so glad that a friend shared the most awesome deal ever, $20 for 4 movie tickets!  Sounded too good to be true, but it was.  The hubby and I were able to get out today for a date and went and saw The Town.  Excellent movie!

2.  For a fabulous spot called Country Way, where Hubby and I had lunch before our movie date.  I don't know how they make their chicken rice soup, but it's the best I've ever had!  I swear it's on my bucket list to figure out that recipe before I die!

3.  Lastly, for The Dollar Tree.  Isabelle and I bought tons of Halloween decorations (each for the stellar price of $1, can't beat that!) and decked out the front door/windows.  It's so much fun decorating with her and seeing how excited she gets.  We love Halloween!

365 - Day 23

1. Cold Stone Gift cards.  They were the most awesome favors from a sweet little guy's first bday!  Ice cream, it's what was for dinner tonight!
















2. Thankful that the most annoying website ever finally worked for me after 3 days of trying to order Isabelle's costume for the Nutcracker!  Costume order complete!  She's going to be a mouse.

3. Quiet Saturday night in watching a movie with the Hubby.

365 - Day 22

1. One of my friends/coworkers was in an accident late last night on the freeway driving home to her hubby and two little boys.  Her car was totalled and she spent the evening in the ER.  I'm thanking God that she's alive and okay today.

2.  Fabulous news that little Ava's MRD (Minimal Residual Disease) test results just came back and there is ZERO sign of CANCER. Thank you God!

3. Lastly I'm thankful for my dear friend Carole. She is an amazing woman and a huge inspiration to me.

Soapbox

There's two topics that are known to avoid, politics and religion.  I try to keep things as light and non confrontational here as I can.  Tonight though, I need to get on my soap box and get something off my chest. 

Two weekends ago I was driving the kids to a birthday party. We live in a very nice little city where I feel completely safe.  I saw an elderly man walking a dog from afar.  He had on a white shirt with HUGE red letters on it.  He was also pointing to his shirt furiously as cars drove by him.  I couldn't quite make out what this guy's shirt said, so of course my curiosity got to me and as I got closer I started to slow a little.  It's not often you seen some old guy going crazy on a walk.  Then I saw the front of his shirt, "REPENT PERVERTS".  Immediately I sped up because Belle noticed him pointing to his shirt and she was trying to read it.  The back of his shirt read "All Gays Will Burn in Hell".  Belle asked, "Mommy, slow down I can't read what that old man's shirt says!  I'm trying to read it but you're going too fast.  What did it say?"  I took a deep breath and said, "His shirt says he needs us to pray for him to not be a hateful old man."  Belle said, "Ohhh...why is he hateful?"  I said, "I dunno."  She replied, "Well, it's not nice to hate so we should pray for him.   Pray for him right now Mommy."  So, through gritted teeth I did.  I prayed that God would remove the hate out of this old man's black heart and he would learn to love just like Jesus does.  At that moment I realized that I was feeling hate.  Hate that this old man's hateful heart was on full display and that he almost robbed my daughter of her innocence.  If I had slowed a little bit more she would have read what his shirt said.  I wish we didn't live in a world where I have to explain hate and bigotry to my kids.

The news has been flooded with reports of Tyler Clementi, a young man who committed suicide this week.  Tyler was a young gay man who's roommate hid a camera in his room and taped Tyler with another man and broadcasted it on the Internet in an attempt to humiliate him.  Tyler was so distraught at being outed and harassed for who he was that he took his own life.  This young man who had his whole life ahead of him cut it violently short due to hateful people who found pleasure in mocking him and torturing him for who he was.

I am a Christian.  It infuriates me beyond belief when hate is spread in the name of Christ.  Christ loved everyone.  Christ showed love and respect to all and taught that we should do the same.  To those who think homosexuality is a choice or a sin, you have the right to your opinion, but please keep it to yourself.  You are not God, and guess what, I'd bet anything that you've got a few of what others would classify as "a sin" under your belt.  God is the judge, of all of us.  Leave Him to His job. You do NOT have the right to torture, harass, and bully people.  Every single person has the right to be treated with respect, and love, and equality.

Between my husband and myself we have several relatives and friends that are gay or lesbian.  We don't label or think of them as "my homosexual uncle/cousin/friend".  They are just who they are.  They are family. They are friends.  They are hilariously funny, kind, giving, caring and some of the loveliest people that we know.  Old man hate would say "these people" are a bad influence I'm sure.  To old man hate I'd say, I'd rather have "these people" around my children any day of the week than the likes of you.  For they will not teach my children hate.  They have always promoted love, respect, and acceptance of all.  I will continue to grit my teeth and pray for the Old Man Hates of the world and that someday, we will live in a world where young boys don't feel their only choice to escape hatred is by jumping off a bridge.

365 - Day 21

1.   It is the last night of Quarter End and I made it home BEFORE 9:30! Yippee!!

2.  Tonight I'm extremely grateful that I came home to a clean house, kids in bed, a hubby that did not complain that I had to work late.

3.  Another day that I'm thankful that my MIL came over to watch the boy so that Hubby was able to take the girl to dance class while I was working late. 

Hopefully that's all of the Quarter End inspired 365s!

365 - Day 20

Keeping it short tonight...

1. Qtr End craziness end is in sight.

2.  My ILs for coming over to watch Elias, and that they brought dinner for Hubby.

3.  Hot water.  After a long, stressful day a long hot shower was blissful.

Halloween Trauma

The boy loves Mario from the Super Mario Bros.  I mean  BIG. FUZZY.HEART.LOOOOOVES.MARIO.  He and the girl are going to be Mario and Princess Peach for Halloween.  Adorbs!  The costumes arrived yesterday so we had to try them on.  The boy was very excited to begin with.

He thought he was super cool as "Mario Bubby" as he put it.  He dug the hat big time.

But then something happened.  Mean ol' Mommy attempted to turn Bubby INTO Mario by *gasp* putting on a Mario outfit!

Please note the terror in Mario Bubby's face 

And then came the screaming and tears...

*Sigh* I have one month to make the whole outfit super cool and enjoyable to wear for Mario Bubby.  He did the same thing last year with his Captain America costume, and ended up loving it. 

 Fingers crossed I can cast the "I love my costume" spell again!





365 - Day 19

1. I'm thrilled that my girl LOVES to read.  She devours chapter books and is reading well beyond her age.  I love listening to her read every night and hearing her improve daily in her reading skills.  She amazes me!

2.  Every week morning the Hubs carries this little one into drop off in our bed for snuggles with me.  She is our expert snuggler.  She makes me not want to wake up and get ready!  I know these days won't last forever, so I cherish them.

3.  Alicia Keys and Marvin Gaye for providing me with some good tunes to keep me de-stressed during a busy, Quarter End day.

The origin of Pantuf

What the heck is Pantuf?  I've been asked that several times regarding my blog's address.  Pantuf is my nickname that the Hubby gave me years ago.  Sounds like "pan" and then "toof" as if you had a gold toof. So gangsta, I know.  Why in the world would he call me Pantuf?  It came from one of my favorite movies, "Chocolat", staring the oh so saucy Johnny Depp. *swoon*  Pantuf is the name of the imaginary kangaroo friend of the little girl in the movie.  Romantic, right? Haha!  Don't ask me why he started calling me that, he thought it was cute, and it just stuck. 



There you have it, the origin of Pantuf.

365 - Day 18

1. Watching Hoarders and HORRIFIED.  I'm thankful my hubby is not a hoarder!  He is the antithesis of a hoarder.  Sometimes his habit of "cleaning house" has gotten on my nerves, but deep down I'm grateful! We have a lovely, organized house and that's largely due to him.

2.  I'm thankful that a vacation is in reach. I could use some "Disneyland" kind of happy.

3.  My SIL sent me some magazines.  I love catching up on my celebrity chisme, latest fashions, and fall recipes!

It's the quiet ones you need to watch out for

I had put the boy down for a nap while I was getting some work done.  A while had passed and I asked the Hubby if the boy had fallen asleep.  His response, "I haven't heard him in a while so I'm assuming so."  One thing I know about quiet, it's either really good news, or really bad news. I thought I'd go take a peek and this is what I found.

When I first spotted him standing there in his drawer surrounded by the mess he made he had a look on his face of "Oh hell! She caught me!" Complete deer in the headlights look.  I ran to grab my camera, and didn't realize it was on video, so I caught his attempt to escape.

The little rat even stripped his bed!!! From now on I know, quiet means RUN, don't WALK to check!

365 - Day 17

1. The combo of these two kept the kiddos busy while Mama got some work done tonight.

2.  Finally having the kids in bed, work put away, and as soon as I finish this 365 time to relax with the hubby.

3.  Quality Sunday night viewing.

Charlie

Introducing Charlie Burrito....the newest member of the Burrito family....*maybe*

One of the girl's teachers had Charlie for a pet for the class, and wasn't able to keep her due to a child being allergic.  Charlie was desperate for a home.  Guess who's house was volunteered?  That's right.  Good ol' Charlie moved in a week ago on a "trial run".  The girl begged.  Pleaded.  Swore she'd clean the house top to bottom, cook dinner, change the boy's pull-up if he had an accident, and rub my feet.  How could I turn down that deal?  We said we'd give Charlie a good week or two for a trial run to see just how much of this deal the girl holds up to.  My feet are still anxiously awaiting their pampering. I'm thinking they'll be waiting a long while.  I must admit, Charlie is growing on all 4 of us.  Seeing the little burritos crack up at her is pretty darn cute.  I think we just may have gone from a family of four to a family of 4 and a rodent. 

365 - Day 16

1.  I'm thankful for a lazy Saturday.  I've been able to get some work done and the girl has been able to do her homework.  So nice to have some time instead of having a million obligations to run to!

2.  Thanks to my sis and BIL for the gift card they gave us for our anniversary.  Going to go use it tonight for dinner.  Nice to not have to cook on this lazy/hot day.

3.  My bed.  Perfect for a lazy day nap.  I big fuzzy heart love my bed.

365 - Day 15

1.  I am most thankful today for my Dad.  It's his 59th birthday, and I wish him many, many, MANY more!  It is amazing to me that my Dad turned out to be the man that he is considering the family tragedy and obstacles that he endured growing up.  Many people use a tough family life as an excuse and a crutch.  Not my Dad.  He is the most loving, caring, giving man I know.  I know my Grandma and Grandpa would be proud.

2.  Tonight I'm thankful for my littlest niece Sailor who gave me slobbery kisses and smiles tonight.  She was in a fabulous mood which is contagious.  Completely got my baby fix along with many snuggles.

3.  Air conditioning.  Tonight it's a must, and I'm sooooooooo thankful we have it!

Daddy's Little Girl

Dear Dad,

Some people think there is a negative connotation with being a Daddy's girl, or a Mama's boy.  I however, wear the title proudly.  I found this poem, and it reminded me of the way I feel about you:



"My daddy was my hero

For my very youngest years;

Daddy kept me safe and happy,

And he chased away my fears.

I watched in awe and wonder

At each manly thing he did;

Oh, I looked up to my daddy,

When I was a little kid.

My dad was still my hero,

As the years passed, one by one.

He taught important lessons,

And he took some time for fun.

He was my firm foundation;

On my dad I did depend;

He was always there for me,

My dad, my guide, my friend.

 

My father is my hero,

Now that I am fully grown.

I love him and respect him,

The best man I've ever known.

I knew when I would marry

That my husband had to be

A great man, just like my father,

Dad, my hero you'll always be."

You see Dad, I really didn't stand a chance not being a Daddy's girl.  How could I with you for my Father?  I am blessed in countless ways having you as my Dad.  Thank you for being the man that you are.  Thank you for being such a wonderful example of what a Father, Husband, Friend, and Man should be.  I love you and wish you the happiest of birthdays!  xoxo

Love Always,

     One of Daddy's Little Girls



Day 365 - Day 14

1.  Some of my favorite shows premiered tonight.  One of them being Grey's Anatomy.  Last season ended with a shooting at the hospital.  Watching their flashbacks reminded me of a horror that I went through years ago.  I worked at a bank and we had what is called a "takeover".  Most bank robberies are notes passed to the teller.  No weapon is shown, cash is handed over quietly many times without anyone knowing, and no one is hurt.  This is your best case bank robbery if you're working at a bank.  Worst case is a takeover.  In a takeover weapons are drawn, threats are made.  I remember that early Saturday morning like it was yesterday.  I saw one of the robbers before he even stepped foot into the bank.  I saw him, and he saw me.  I watched as he pulled the bandanna over his face.  It was like slow motion as he came into the bank, the whole time us both staring each other down, until I turned to my coworker and told her, "we're going to be robbed, call 911."  I could have ran out the other exit as there were two.  I'm really not sure why I didn't.  Something about never leaving a man behind as they say.  What ensued was 15 minutes of pure terror, which is a lifetime for a takeover.  What you don't want to have happen in a case like this is for the police to arrive while the robbers are still inside.  If that happens, it turns into a hostage situation, which is all bad.  You want the robbers to leave, lock the doors, and THEN the police arrive.  Hoping of course all the robbers want is cash.  As the seconds ticked away I lay on my belly holding a coworkers hand praying and I heard the first robber shouting to hurry up to a teller, or he'd kill me.  Why me?  I was the one who saw his face.  I remember feeling completely resolved to the fact that I was going to die that day.  As I said the Lord's Prayer, I remember envisioning my fiance, parents, siblings, Auntie, Grandma, cousins, friends all being told that I was killed.  I remember feeling so horrified at the thought.  I didn't want my family to experience that.  Funny how they say that time heals all wounds.  Sometimes I think with time, things just get pushed back until something jogs the memory.  Tonight that memory was jogged.  I'm grateful that I am alive.

2. Following such a serious #1 this is going to sound silly, but I'm grateful for Safeway.com!  I order my groceries online to be delivered.  Nothing like not having to take 2 kids huge grocery shopping!  What a time saver and they even carry the groceries inside for me!  SCORE!

3.  My Mommy sent home cookies with the boy today.  They are divine.  Excuse the crumbs.

365 - Day 13

1.  I'm grateful for my faith and for being raised to believe in God. When things seem at their worst, my faith has always seen me through.

2.  For the unconditional love of these two

3. For my parents, they are the best parents any girl could ask for.

365 - Day 12

1. I'm so grateful my daughter goes to a wonderful school.  They had an ice cream social tonight.  Lots of fun to be had!

2.  At the ice cream social, Belle's Kindergarten teacher filled me in that her 1st grade teacher goes on and on about her daily.  She gushes that she loves B, loves having her in her class, and what a smart/well behaved/mannered/adorable little girl she is.  Made me burst with pride!  So proud of my little girl!

3.  'Nuff said.

365 - Day 11

1.  My sissy for making Belle a tooth pillow.  She lost another tooth today and was so excited to put it in her adorable tooth pillow for the tooth fairy!

Here's a pic of Belle with her pillow when she first got it!  Thanks Auntie Amy!

2.  Salsa & chips.  One of the best snacks ever.

3.  Snuggles with my little guy right after his bath.  As the Hubby says, he smells like "a little french pastry!" Oh la la!

A Day At The Park In Pictures

365 - Day 10

1.  For my beautiful niece Leianna who taught me how to crochet a scarf!  I just finished my first one, and it's pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!

2.  For an adorable little one year old who's birthday party the kids and I attended today.  A day in the park with BBQ, good friends, face painting and animal balloons! It couldn't have been a more perfect way to entertain the kids as I was flying solo while Hubby went to the Raiders game. Which by the way, we won!!!  Smiles all around in this house tonight!

3.  Lastly I'm grateful there's finally some peace and quiet in the house today and the kids are asleep!  Mommy is pooped!