Livin' With the Laizure's

Squishy Pig Party: Robbie is 5!

2011-03-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Singing Happy Birthday--He gets shy if he's the center of attention in a crowd...

It's hard to believe that we have a school-age child. I feel like 5 minutes ago we were shocked to find out wI was pregnant with him!! EVERYone tells you that "it goes so fast" you just can't know how fast until you live it. Sniff.

When we were in Vegas last spring with my aunt and uncle Robbie got this funky "squishy pig" at a kiosk inside the Circus Circus and ever since he wanted a "Squishy Pig Birthday Party." He wanted a party more than a trip to Disneyland with Dad so a Squishy Pig Party is what he got. My Aunt Michelle made those pig cookies in Ohio and mailed them out for his party...they were a hit. Aunt of the Year award goes to her!

We had about 80 people at his party....he is loved.

Family Photo Shoot

2011-03-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

This photo....just sums it up.

These family photos were taken in November...again, I have a blogging commitment issue, but better late than never, right? I don't think I need to elaborate on how awesome KBH Photography is because the pictures speak for themselves. We did our best to set her up for failure with the chaotic crying fits happening during our mini-session but, she overcame our curveballs and we are very happy with the results!

Now, until our next session my kids will have snotty noses and dirty fingernails.

Christmas 2010

2011-03-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Santa....then waiting some more.

After two hours of waiting, Robbie froze and asked Santa for a Snuggie...

There's no proof that I was there...but I was. I'm thinking I need to make someone take more pictures of me so that my kids have memories of me!

Elise Turned Two!! (Four months ago...)

2011-03-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Elise is two! Well...almost 2 1/2 now, but I'm a bit behind on my blogging so we'll pretend like it's "news". We just had some family over for her birthday this year while we can still get away with that! She loooves attention so the whole thing went well. Then, she and Robbie proceded to fight over her new toys for a week!

Christmas Card Preview!

2010-11-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks KBH Photography! You're a miracle worker.

One of my very best friends is a very talented photographer and so we booked a mini session with her to capture the fam. She did an awesome job! So of course now I'm off to Shutterfly to order my Christmas cards!!!

I LOVE sending Christmas cards every year and sometimes I even make my own but the ones they have available are so great and save SO much time I'm letting someone else do the work this time. I've been browsing around at all of the Christmas cards Shutterfly has to offer this year and they are SO adorable! This year I'm going to frame our Christmas card and keep on display with my other Christmas decorations. I think I may even order prints of the other Christmas cards we've used in the past and frame them too.

On the Shutterfly website you can also order loads of cute, personalized Christmas gifts. Every year the grandparents get a photo calendar from us and I've already started creating it on the Shutterfly website--super easy (Now that I have three kids, I need to plan ahead!) Act Surprised Grandma!

Grandpa David loooves to drink out of his personalized mug with the kids' picture on it. So this year I'm thinking of the other Grandpa's in our lives that would enjoy one of those too. And you can finish up your one stop shopping too!

Right now at Shutterfly, they're running a promotion where you can get FREE Christmas cards if you blog about them! Go here if you want to do it too!

Too Cool for School

2010-10-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is Robbie's his first day of Preschool, he refused to admit that he was still in preschool while his buddy Zach had started kindergarten so we decided to call it Pre-K. He was cool with that. Wearing the backwards hat and sunglasses were his additions to his first day outfit. When I dropped him off he wouldn't even look at me when I tried to say goodbye. I guess he's too cool for me already. Isn't he a little young for that? Sad. He loves his school though so I'm thankful for that!

Baby Makes Five

2010-09-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well, We have another one. Another little Laizure--Watch out world! Poor guy had no choice but to join the circus of screaming, yelling, throwing tantrums and he probably wants to go back to where he came from but that isn't an option!

William Keith Laizure was born on September 8th at 10:39 a.m. he weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. I was induced at the last minute, got the call at 5 p.m. asking if I could come in at 2 am that night and of course I said, "YES!!" I was 5 cm dilated when they checked me so the nurse didn't start the petocin until 6 am so that I would have the baby during the day when my doctor was at the hospital. The epidural worked and it was a super simple, no real complications, 3-pushes labor. Praise God! I did have to wear oxygen for the last part because William's heartrate kept going down during my contractions and thankfully, that helped and he came out healthy and perfect.

I have to admit that adding the third has been a little shocking. Going from 1 to 2 kids was really not that complicated in our family. Now at 3 weeks post-partum I feel like a normal person now so I'm going to start attempting to take my children in public--you know, to places like doctors appointments, church and the grocery store. We aren't ready for any real outings --maybe never!

Little William has been our easiest baby yet (so far), which is good because I definitely have less time to hold a crying baby! He sleeps at night 5-6 hours in between feedings, which is twice as long as the other kids were sleeping at his age. I think he's my favorite.

The Beach

2010-09-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

This is a long-overdue post, I have no excuses. It just is. But, I'm making an effort to catch up and it's 3 a.m. and I can't sleep (which is usual at this point in my pregnancy) so I thought, why not catch up now?

This year, Rob has travelled a LOT. We miss him. He's been to China no less than 4 times so far this year and planning to go again in November for another 2 weeks. So when he was gone in May we planned a little family vacaton once he came home, which ended up being over Mother's Day Weekend. We borrowed my parents' camper and booked a beach camp spot in Carlsbad and went for 3 nights. We had such a fun time and decided this should be an annual event for the Laizure's. Our campspot literally looked over the ocean and it was just a short walk down a flight of stairs to the actual beach. It was a little complicated having Elise with us, because she still wasn't walking (sigh) so a little scooter on the beach makes life a little harder...and sand-ier. Overall though we had such a great trip.

Because this was our "vacation" on our own this year and we saved so much by camping we ate out a lot, which we LOVE to do but don't do very often. We found our favorite new place in Carlsbad, that of course I can't remember the name of but we got the most delicous and gigantic fish tacos ever. I think it might be The Harbor Fish Cafe? We also went to my favorite outlet mall and got some goods for the whole family (incuding a Coach bag for me! It was 50% off, plus an extra 20% off that day so wo can turn that down? It was Mother's Day after all.) Maybe we should just go to the beach every time Rob comes home from China?...

Don't Mess with Texas

2010-08-26T14:19:00.001-07:00

This summer Rob's grandparents took the entire family on a European vacation for two weeks. It was so much fun and I promise to post pictures and blog about it later, but before we went Robbie, Elise and I went to TX to visit my sister and her family and to drop Elise off. Elizabeth and Steven graciously kept Elise for two weeks while we were gone (and kept the three of us for 5 days before that!). I so intended to be a great aunt/mom and do fun stuff with the kids and take loads of pictures to remember our trip. But, I didn't. Some things never change, what can I say? While we were there we went to the zoo, celebrated Toby's 4th birthday and did some shopping. I wish she lived closer. Or we lived closer. Their house is so adorable--a brick two story with a huge yard with lots of trees and a huge garden and they live on possibly the cutest street in the entire world. Maybe we should move there....

We had a great time and then she kept Elise for me for the two weeks while we were gone and then my mom went to stay a few days and flew Elise home to Phoenix for me. I am blessed. Now I want them to go on vacation and let me keep their boys--I love them!

On the plane ride there, of course I had arrived WAY early to the airport, in typical Laizure style. Turns out when travelling alone with two kids, you can get to the airport too early. Robbie angelically played with his ipod the entire time we waited. Elise was not so angelic. She wanted out of her stroller so she just threw a fit and threw food around and was generally disastrous. Then right as we were boarding the plane I gave her a tiny dose of Benadryl hoping to help her fall asleep. Thankfully she did fall asleep--right as we were getting on. Unfortunately there was some lightbulb that needed to be replaced so we sat on the runway for an hour while they screwed in a lightbulb?...and then when we finally taxi'd down the runway and took off, Elise woke up. And I can say without hesitation I can't imagine what she could've done to behave worse. I was the parent that everyone was staring/glaring at and wishing that screaming kid would shut up. (I agreed. I wished she would shut up too.) She hit me in the eye with her toy cell phone, hit Robbie, bit my shoulder, and generally was completely disobedient, disruptive, and develish. The entire flight I just prayed that she would be better for my mom when my mom flew her back. Of course she was better for my mom. She slept the entire flight with Mom, no crying-no issues--no fits.

Rob's China Adventure

2010-08-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is not a high-quality picture. Stating the obvious here. But, it is so funny to me, I had to blog about it and since I haven't blogged on here in months and all of our other pictures are trapped on our PC which is "broken down" at the moment and I can't get any pics off....this is what you get. Feel free to write a letter to the editor to try to get me fired....

Anyway, in case you didn't know, Rob travels to China very often for work. He likes to say he goes about 3 times a year, but he's been at least 4 times this year already so, he goes a lot. This last trip his brother and sister-in-law went also and they're staying for three months to try to get some things set up in the dental lab so that Rob won't have to go as often but mostly so that things will hopefully run smoother and they will have higher quality crowns, bridges, etc..

During the trip a friend decided they should all go on a hike. Rob DOES. NOT. exercise. Period. I don't know when he would have time to exercise even if he wanted to. The poor guy gets up at 4 in the morning, leaves by 5 a.m. for work and doesn't get home until 6 p.m. This schedule does not allow for exercise. Although he does like to remind me that he gets some activity in walking to and from his truck--so there's that. Somehow I work out 3-5 times/week (normally. Not these days) and can't seem to get my size 10 back and he eats cheeseburgers and lots of coffee and can't seem to gain any weight. Life isn't fair, but I digress.

Anyway, the friend decided they should all go on a hike. Hannah and Jesse work out regularly so they had packed appropriate attire but Rob had to go out shopping in Hong Kong on a Sunday night at 8 p.m. to try to find athletic shoes for the big day. Apparently everything closes very early Sunday evenings in China so the only "store" he could find was an old lady in an alley having a "yard sale" on a blanket (who knows where she got the loot to sell!) and the only shoes available were these bright white velcro Nikes that were used and one size too small. So naturally, he bought them and went on the three hour hike in the shoes with the velcro opened and flapping around the entire time. This was a few weeks ago. He still has blisters & wounds. I have gotten several great laughs out of the telling (and then re-telling) of this story, hopefully you do too! Poor guy is obviously a trooper. I would've parked myself at the closest Starbucks and waited for the group to finish!

Camping Trip at Beaver Creek

2010-04-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of April we went on a weekend campout with some "virgin" camper friends. We love to go camping, especially in a trailer, which is really a different class of camping. Once Drew and Cindy got there early Friday evening, I left all the picture taking up to her and her fancy camera so I don't have very many photos to show but I think the "headlight" pics say it all. The kids were really good and had a great time and we all ate great food so what else is there in life?

We did walk away with a few casualties, but nothing a couple bandaids didn't fix.

Pink Tricycle

2010-04-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the adorable pink tricycle Mona Boo! Robbie really loves it!

A few updates

2010-04-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well-just in case there are people out there that should know...but don't know--we're having a BOY! I have done a pretty bad job of informing people about this pregnancy in general. Firstly, it's my third. We are so excited for him and to finish up our family, but with two other kids to keep track of telling my news to everyone hasn't been the first priority! Sorry #3! Secondly, Rob has been travelling a LOT which is a big bummer, but necessary for business growth so when he's gone so much I'm doing the best I can to keep my head above water! After my ultrasound last Monday I had an hour and half to pick up my kids, feed them dinner, pick up a babysitter, and drive 20 minutes out to our community group bible study. So therefore, there weren't any phone calls made--even my mom got a text message about our news!

All that to say--we're so happy we're having a boy. Rob was very concerned that if we didn't have a boy this time that we would need to have more children until we provided Robbie with a brother...so whew! I'm off the hook--I think we'll be ready to call the child-bearing quits after this! Since Rob is in China right now and had been working nights all last week he was asleep when the ultrasound was going on. I finally got to talk to him as I was pulling up to our bible study to share the news with him. I didn't want to tell the group we were having a boy before Rob knew, but I also knew they would hold me hostage until I told! He is so excited he got emotional on the phone, I don't think either of us realized how much we (he) really truly wanted a boy until we found out. (BUT please don't hear me wrong, a healthy little girl would've been super exciting too!)

It's hard to believe that we'll soon be a family of five--yikes! In other news, I have let go of my pride and traded in my cute crossover for ....a minivan. You gotta do what you gotta do. I have to admit that I'm really loving it. It's easy to drive and easy for the kids to get in and out of! Who would've guessed?

Easter EGGstravaganza...

2010-04-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

The judges

Gondola

Humpty Dumpty eggs

Stripper egg...this is why we celebrate after the actual Easter date...but it's too funny!

Jonah egg inside the whale

Cowboy/cowgirl eggs

Ski-jump egg

Astronaut (the face is an egg)

Shaun White on a halfpipe

The neighborhood Easter Bunny visit. Elise cried.

Waiting in line for the Suprise Stadium hunt

Easter is a big deal around these here parts. In fact it's so much fun but this year I realized the difficulty in making it fun for the kids but also making sure that they understand WHY we actually celebrate EAster...and obviously it's not because of the eggs. I may have possibly over stressed it because if you ask Robbie what Easter is about he'll yell "JESUS" in a way that sounds a little bit like "shut up" so I'll continue working on that. We did do the resurrection eggs with Robbie and he loved opening up all the eggs and telling us what each item meant (for example: a rose--has thorns and Jesus had to wear a crown of thorns.)

To start the weekend off right we hit the Surprise Stadium for the egg hunt...the kids had a blast but I think we'll skip that next year, it was pretty chaotic and too much potential for losing your own children along with your mind.

On Saturday afternoon my brother and sister in-law along with their two kids came over and we died eggs, ate lots of food and enjoyed a fun visit. Sunday was church, Sunday School, and lunch at the Pearson's for the annual hunt with the kids. I'm a bit concerned already about how we're going to continue outdoing ourselves on the prizes inside of the eggs for the kids...but they love it!

Then, just today (a few weeks past Easter) we did our annual egg competition at the Laizure's. I attached all the pictures at the top of the post, because seriously...the competition has gotten a bit fierce. I did the Shaun White egg (with the help of my friend Cindy) and I was feeling pretty confident about it...until I arrived at the Laizure's today and sighted all of the other eggs...seriously, I'm already concerned about what to do for next year. Every year it gets a little more competitive. Overall we had so much fun and are so blessed by all of the family and friends we are surrounded by. And mostly, the celebration of Jesus--and how much he sacrificed just by being human and then giving his life on the cross for us.

Laptop Magazine Bonding

2010-04-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Rob is a bit of a closet nerd. He loves technology and researches it thoroughly for no reason...such as stalking Laptop Magazine when he has no intention of buying a laptop in the near future. (I think.) Anyway, Rob has pretty much asked me EVERY day since Christmas if his laptop magazine has come in. And of course I wasn't hiding it in the bathroom or anything so it hadn't come. THEN...one day last week IT CAME! Not only did the current issue came, the next month came at the same time which pretty much made his day. So of course naturally as soon as dinner was over he sat on the couch and began devouring the technology info into his gigantic brain. Robbie just couldn't help himself. He had to join in and check out the second issue. He actually sat there for 15 minutes looking at the pictures in the magazine which is pretty impressive. (Unless he was secretly reading it and then that would be even more impressive.)

Too Many Pants on the Ground

2010-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone keeps telling me that I shouldn't be in a hurry for Elise to start walking--because you know, once they start walking you can't keep up with them. Well, I do get that thought, but also--I would love for her to walk so I don't have to carry her EVERYwhere. She could play at the park and not destroy her brand new pair of pastel floral capris. As you can see in the picture below, she literally rips the pockets off of her pants and rubs holes in her butt because she's always rubbing her rear end on the sidewalk! Oh well, I'm pretty sure she won't go to kindergarten doing the butt-scoot.

Vegas Baby

2010-03-31T21:11:00.001-07:00

You know what they say about Vegas....What happens there, stays there. As you can guess we got pretty crazy our weekend in Vegas--with my four year old. NOT! Although little Robbie and Uncle Chuck and my Dad did get a little freaky in their funny way.

We had a blast. I was soo thankful that I didn't bring Elise. Robbie was an angel but I don't think Elise would've been up for the challenge! I'm sure this is a big surprise, but...Vegas isn't a very kid-friendly place. My aunt and uncle were so great with Robbie, I wish they lived closer.

I've become a pretty lazy picture taker so these are the only ones I have to show for the entire weekend, unfortunately none of them showcase the family we were there to visit...but oh well. We got Spongebob so that's what's important right?

Updates

2010-03-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't been so faithful to blog on the family blog.
Here are the reasons:
*I'm pregnant AND I have two small children AND I am focussing on getting my food blog going.
*I don't seem to take picures anymore....hmmm I need to. So then I'm bummed I don't have pictures to post so I just don't post anything.
*Rob travels all the time lately and has been gone well over 2 weeks right now so I'm just keeping my head above water.

SO anyway, Here's some updates on the family. I'm pregnant....I think I mentioned that in the previous list of excuses, but in case you didn't know I'm almost 4 months pregnant and due September 12th. Elise and the baby will be a little closer in age than we had "planned" but it isn't really about our plans at all--right? Rob is really hoping for a boy...and I'm really hoping this is my last child to bear so I'm kind of pulling for a boy too so he'll be happy and I can be done. I LOVe my kids so much, but I also know my own limits which I feel will be reached at 2.5 children so I'll already be pushing it! I'll keep you posted, we should find out mid-end of April what I'm having.

Elise is officially 16 months old and not walking. I feel confident that she will not go to Kindergarten doing her wierd scoot but I am So ready for her to walk. She destroys all of her clothing!!

The Garden....I know you're all waiting with baited breath and checking the blog daily to see what the garden updates are....so to put your wait to an end--all three basil plants are dead. DEAD. Like hopeless. One jalapeno plant seems to be dying but the rest of the plants are growing taller!!!! AHH~!! We planted seeds for the watermelon and canelope and I am SO excited to report that three watermelon seeds have sprouted up so far! The canelope isn't showing any progress but I did find some actual plants for honeydew at Lowe's so I may get a couple of those if the canelope doesn't sprout soon! Keep an eye out for my farm stand on the driveway....ok so probably not but I may get some veggies to grill for a dinner or two which would be fun too.

Rob has been gone over two weeks and doesn't come home unti Thursday. We really. really. really. miss him. Like really. I've decided that if we didn't get along and he didn't help me with the kids it would be a lot easier to have him gone so much. We're really excited to have a family weekend when he comes home. I think my kids will sleep in our bed because they're goign to be watching him!

Last weekend Margaret, Robbie and I went to Vegas to visit my aunt and uncle who were there on business. We had such a blast and I actually took 2 or 3 pictures so I'll try to update on that this week!

Gardening from a Black Thumb...

2010-03-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

So I'm pretty sure that I've blogged about my lack of horticulture prowess as i've tried to grow basil several times to no success. So we (really, "we") decided this year we are going to succeed at growing basil whatever that takes. However many plants we have to blow through, we will figure out basil. And then hopefully "next year" we can move on to something super adveturous like...parsley or even cilantro.

Then last week Rob took a day off (cue Hallelujah chorus) and we went to the Home Depot to get the minimal gardening supplies that we needed for our basil plant. These supplies would've included: basil plants, gardening soil, and maybe some Miracle Gro. What we left with was $90 worth of fruit and vegetable plants and seeds, three bags of gardening soil, and fencing our our new patio garden. Rob was feeling veeery capable and positive and really was convinced that "we" could do this whole gardening thing. In Phoenix in the summer. (AKA Hell). So Thursday we planted broccoli, zuchini, watermelon, canelope, jalapenos, red and yellow bell peppers, and of course several basil plants.

I promise to keep you posted on how quickly this fails. Err....how the growth of the garden progresses. Thanks to our friends Nate and Terah we have some "gardening specialists" on call. They aren't quite annoyed with us yet...but they will be.

Lunch...a little too late.

2010-03-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

By showing you this picture I am thereby forfeiting my running for Mother of the Year Award. However, it's highly unlikely that I won't do so sometime in the next day again so here's the picture for your viewing pleasure.

One day I put Elise in her chair for lunch. I walked away to put away the laundry and came back to this...apparently she was a little bit tired.

Standing

2010-02-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Elise is now 15 months-old. No, she is not walking. However she is finally standing. She will now pull herself up on the ottoman and stand there for an hour just playing with the clickers, pour out her cheerios, whatever. Hopefully she will be walking soon because we now will have no pants to pass down to the next child. She doesn't crawl in the traditional sense of crawling, she scoots herself along on her butt, and I have to say she's pretty darn quick--but it's pretty hard on pants!

The Valentine's Day that Keeps on Giving

2010-02-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

If you have a dog, you know "the sound". It's the sound that happens directly before the dog barfs on your carpet. The other morning I was happily snoozing away when, abrupty I was awaken by..."the sound". Right then and there I had to make a choice: 1-Do I get up immediately and clean up the mess before it saturates the carpet? OR 2-Do I go back to sleep and try to pretend I didn't just hear that and deal with it later? I decided to go with option 2. I mean, barf will always be there when you wake up.

So later on in the morning when I actually had succeeded in forgetting about the barf incident I noticed a purple blob on the floor in my room. Upon further inspection I realized what it was. Tom (our dog) had apparently gotten into Robbie's candy stash and swallowed whole a foil-wrapped chocolate heart. I guess it didn't go down so smoothly because up it came almost fully intact, purple foil and all. Oh the joys. Guess we'll have to have Mike the carpet guy come out again soon.

Monster Craze

2010-02-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

Up until two weeks ago, I never knew what "Monster Jam" was. Maybe a Monsters dress-up group? Some kind of party sponsored by Monster drink? No, Monster Jam is a monster truck show/competition. And now "we" are obsessed with it as a family.

Our friend Craig found a deal on tickets and a few guys took their boys. So far it has been the most memorable thing Robbie has done in his life. He was so infatuated with it, they stayed there until 10:30 at night, and on the 45 minute drive home all three boys in the car stayed awake talking about Grave Digger, their favorite monster truck. Apparently Robbie even made up a song about Grave Digger on the way home. Their tickets included "pitt passes" so they got to go down and look at all of the monster trucks up close. Monster Jam will now be an annual tradition in our family and I think next year we may all go and take Elise. (I think it's a toss-up as to who had more fun: the little boys, or the dads.)

The next day Robbie could not stop talking about the show so Rob pulled up a video on the internet and all three of them sat around the messy armoire watching the video for quite a while.

It's so much fun to see your kids just enjoy something so much. No one can explain that to you until you have your own.

Robbie Turned Four!

2010-01-18T21:19:00.001-08:00

It's really hard to believe that my first born has turned four!! Rob was out of town on Robbie's actual birth day so we celebrated on Sunday night before with pizza and presents. And then we played his birthday games for two hours and I have to say that Shoots and Ladders is the most stupid game in the world. Seriously. Don't buy it, it's lame.

We've decided not to have "big" parties for the kids every year. So this was Robbie's off year so we invited a few friends over for lunch on his birthday day. The kids had so much fun playing. Robbie had requested a dragon cake....not just once. He had asked for a dragon cake for months and months. So what do you do? Say--no? Sorry that's your one request but you're getting white cupcakes with plain frosting? NO No. Not here, no way. Because I'm a cheapie I googled a cake and made my own which was somewhat of a time trap and nightmarish, but it turned out in the end and he thought it was cool which made it all worthwhile.

He was SOOO thrilled to get a card with money from Mona Boo AND a box from Grammy IN THE MAIL, JUST for him on his birthday. I took him to Toys R Us and let him pick a new Transformer with the check from Grammy and then I bought him several new t-shirts for summer, which he didn't realize was with his birthday money from Grammy but--hey, his math isn't that advanced yet. With Mona and Papa Boo's money we got him a new bike. If you actually follow my blog you'll know that he got a bike for Christmas too. But with my frugal-planning ahead personality I think I planned a little too far ahead and the poor guy couldn't even ride the thing without crying. SO Thanks to the Boo's we took Robbie to Wal-Mart last night and let him pick a bike that is his size. He has ridden it all day and going to bed tonight he was asking if he could ride it in the morning. So, thanks for the generous birthday money!!! He loves it. We're keeping the bigger bike for later so he should be set in the bike department for quite a while.

Christmas Morning at Home

2010-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of our Christmas here--Christmas morning at home with the kiddos. They had fun!

New Years Reso--what?

2010-01-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

I refuse to make a list of my New Year's Resolutions this year. It's insulting. I just can't get it right. Thankfully I know a God who meets me where I am and gives me a gazillion second chances. So I am not going to write down my ideas to work out, eat healthy, and read my Bible every day. I'm more of a Monday Resolutions kind of gal. Almost every Monday actually. I do really well Monday-Wednesday....then I start to slide into the weekend (AKA slide face-first into the Culver's drive-through). Then I repent of my calorie sins on Sunday and vow to do better Monday. Repeat. So instead of making a list on paper, I will continue with my mental lists of Monday Resolutions. It seems to not be working for me but whatever. My pants are kind-of fitting after Christmas.

"Four Christmases" has nothing on us!

2009-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here's Volume 1 of our Christmas 2009 Extravaganza. I'll upload pics of each event. We have a gazillion pictures so I'm just posting a few of us and you can imagine the rest! We started Christmas out with a little time with Aunt Margaret before she left for TX and Robbie was soo excited to open a few gifts. Then off to Christmas Eve morning at Rob & Lisa's (Rob's parents). They go a little crazy at Christmas and we had such a blast hanging out with the family, having breakfast, and opening presents. We still get spoiled like little kids. I can't really explain to you how fun Christmas is unless you have your own kids. Watching your kids giggle and oohhh and ahhh as they open their presents and then jump up and down and scream when they finally get the last wrapping off is so magical.

Christmas Eve night we had some good friends over for dinner. It was a lot of fun to just relax and spend time with our best friends that we don't get to see very often. All five kids were so good and played together really well so Cindy and I could actually have a conversation! A Christmas miracle if you will.

Christmas Morning we got the kids up around 7 and they got to see what Santa brought. Robbie got a new bike and a custom kids set of golf clubs (Which of course every almost-four year old needs.) Elise got a little car to ride (be pushed) in. Along with loads of gifts in the stockings and under the tree from us and my mom and stepdad. Then we headed off to Mona and Papa Boo's for breakfast ....and you guessed it! More presents for the kiddos (and us).

Christmas day we drove down to Tucson to spend a couple days with Pam and David (Rob's other set of parents). And...yes, more gifts. A delicious prime rib dinner and playing the wii. Little Robbie, Rob and David went golfing the day after Christmas and Robbie got to use his new clubs!

From Tucson, we went straight to Flagstaff (yawn...long drive). Rob had a business meeting here Monday and Tuesday and we've been hanging around in our pj's ever since. Monday night we had dinner at my Dad's house with them and....wait for it....more gifts!

Wednesday night we're off to my Mom and stepdad's house for dinner. No more gifts. We're done with that! But Four Christmases has no idea how many Christmases it could be. I think we're up to six. Overall we had a great Christmas vacation celebrating with family and friends and most of all Jesus.

Zoolights

2009-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Watching the music/light show.

Rob came home at midnight Thursday night (or Friday morning). We were all so happy to have him home. Saturday night we picked up Aunt Margaret and we all went to Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo. My mom and her husband bought us a family pass to the Zoo for Christmas and it came with 2 tickets to Zoolights and we also got a discount on additional tickets.

We had a fun time and then got lost in the hood on the way home. Robbie was afraid of the komodo dragon but once again got super excited about the talking giraffe.

Are we there yet?

2009-12-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Rob's gone for another two weeks. Yuck. I'm sure if I was married to someone that I didn't like very much it could be a nice thing that he travels. But I do like him. So it's not a nice thing that he travels. We all miss him so much. This time I made a paper chain for Robbie on the fridge so he could take a link off every morning and count down to the "sleeps" until Daddy comes home.

Today is the first day that I reeeeaaallly feel like, "Are we there yet?" I don't even think I really like my kids anymore. I'm sure deep down I still like them, but just not warm fuzzies. (Don't worry, I still love them--but that's different)

Anyway, the picture above is kind of representative of what Robbie has been up to since his dad has been gone. Shenanigans. That's what. The other day at naptime he colored all over himself with what is supposedly a washable marker because he wanted to be a "bad guy". He was pretty impressed with the results, which is good because it took three days of scrubbing intervals to get the blue marker off.

Three more sleeps people. We can make it.

"Winter Holidays"...whatever

2009-12-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Today I stood in line for what seemed like an hour with my two kids to mail a box to my sister in-law and buy some stamps for the Christmas cards I was about to unknowingly send out with no return address labels...which is just an unfortunate set of circumstances if you ask me. Oh, and I would also like to add that Robbie spilled a cherry limeade in that time AND peed his pants a little bit and then hobbled around the last ten minutes holdiing his crotch because he had to go potty. Oh, and Elise screamed the majority of the waiting period. I LOVE going in public with two kids.

When I got to the counter the woman asked if I'd like the forever stamps or the Winter Holiday stamps. Well, shucks. I'll take the winter holiday stamps of course. Ho Ho Ho! As I looked over the supposed "winter holiday" stamps I was a bit surprised to see a gingerbread man, snowman, nutcracker, and a reindeer. Hmmm...seems to me that I got the CHRISTMAS stamps.

Now, I am not one of those people that is offended by every person, commercial and checkout girl that says "Happy Holidays" to me during the Christmas season. Because I understand that lots of people aren't Christians and don't necessarily celebrate Christmas during the season and there are several other holidays in the same time period. So "Happy Holidays" is cool with me. BUT, if the government is going to deem Hannukah and Kwanzaa holidays that are important enough to necessitate their own books of stamps, then I think it's ok to call the blasted Christmas stamps what they are.... Christmas stamps!!! For the love! I mean they're making a gabazillion dollars off of people who are shipping boxes of CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!

Oh and PS...why the H*#! isn't there a restroom at the post office?

Happy Freakin' Holidays

2009-12-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Elise is juuust loving the Christmas festivities as you can see. This picture just makes me laugh out loud every time. Robbie looks like a little angel (bribery worked), Santa is a picture of Christmas Cheer, Elise looks like I took her birthday away and cut her pinkie toe off as well. The joys of Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho!

Kids Pics

2009-12-06T21:37:00.001-08:00

My friend has a photography business she's just getting started up and she does it in her free time (whatever that means...she has three kids!) So I set up an appointment with her a couple weeks ago to get the kids' pictures taken. I've been meaning to get pictures of Elise taken since she was born....just never got around to it until now. Sarah did a great job with the pics even though Elise wasn't very cooperative, little stinker kept sucking her thumb and pushing Robbie away when he tried to sit by her! Robbie just needed a little bribing because his buddy was there waiting to play on the playground with him and he smiled like a champ.

Check out SEH Photography if you need an affordable family photographer!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-05T15:01:00.003-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Avi!

Eating and drinking before the real feast.

Well, I guess there's no time like the present. Since Thanksgiving was only a week ago I guess it isn't terribly tacky to upload the three pictures that we took the entire weekend. We had so. Much. Fun. Seriously. My cousin and her husband are in the Marine Corp and they are stationed in Yuma right now so they were able to come, Margaret, my brother and his wife and kids, and some of my mom's friends. My mom and I had done most of the cooking the day before so we actually enjoyed the morning and had very little chaos and stress getting the meal done. We had a great day.

Then came Black Friday. I usually enjoy that. This year I did not. Apparently the economy being in the crapper brought out every single cheap and grouchy person that isn't usually willing to get up before the crack of dawn to get the deals but this year they had to or else their kids weren't getting gifts. The lines were ridiculous. The people weren't very nice and Wal-Mart was a really pointless venture...at least in Flagstaff. However, I did get almost everything on my list and we managed to have an ok-time at it. I am officially done with my sho[pping and now have several projects to complete but that's it.

Friday afternoon we went to the cabin to spend the rest of the weekend with Rob's family. We had so much fun with everyone. Robbie and his cousin Sierra had a blast together and didn't even have enough time away from their fun to bug us or whine which is always a lovely thing to me. Overall the entire weekend was great. The only trouble is that when other people are being responsible and taking pictures of my kids...I don't. So these are truly the only pictures I have of the five days we spent in Flagstaff. My mom and Rob's mom Lisa took lots of pics so maybe someday I'll remember to get the copies from them.

Love

2009-11-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

They just love each other. I know they're going to fight and bicker, but I hope they never stop loving each other. It's so much fun to see your kids enjoying one another....and even liking each other. Hmmmm. Makes me happy just thinking about it.

Neighborhood Fun

2009-11-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

Elise and "Pickles" playin' around. They're only a couple months apart.

Owen and Robbie strapping on the pads for a 10 second skate!

Aunt Margaret stopped by too.

We have great neighbors. They all seem to have kids our kids' age. Or kids a bit older who like to play with our kids and dog...it works out great! Lately Rob and Jason (next door) have been into doing bonfires in the front yard, which seems somewhat whitetrash-ish but it's really fun and everyone comes out and roasts a weenie or a marshmallow and the kids tire themselves out. Last Friday for the first time....since I can't remember Rob was home early so he took a lawn chair out and Robbie and his bud Owen next door rode bikes, attempted to skate, and did scooters together. Before you know it---the whole neighborhood is out so we all ordered pizza and did another fire. It was fun. I'm thankful for our fun neighborhood!

Happy Birthday Elise!!

2009-11-19T09:25:00.001-08:00

Her two favorite gifts!

LOVING the cupcakes!

Swords and guns, what else?

Little Jane. She and Elise are only 2 days apart in age!

Sean and Brecken got these little sequined pink converse for Elise.

Abigail, she's just a couple months younger than Elise.

Cousins. Almost a year apart. They will have so much fun growing up together!

Robbie LOVES "Annianna"

Elise is one today. One year ago today I was in the hospital having a baby, now she's not so baby anymore. I can't believe it. In some ways she seems like just a baby and how in the world can she be one year old already! In other ways I can't really remember life without her. Wierd. She is such a sweet, happy baby and we just adore her. All of us. Robbie looooves his baby sis. Especially when she has a birthday and he gets cupcakes and to play with her new toys! Our neighbors/friends got Elise this little tea set and it is adorable and makes pouring noises when you "pour" your tea and Robbie loves it! He carries it around making me coffee all the time.

We got Elise a little stroller for babies that she can sit on the floor and play with or "walk" behind. However the walking part isn't coming along very well. She will NOT stand up. If we try to hold her hands and help her "walk" she just holds her feet up. She won't put weight on her feet. So, oh well. No need to rush the baby into growing up!

Last weekend we had a little birthday party for her. Or at least it was supposed to be a "little" party. It ended up being a bash with tons of people. I'm not sure our house has recovered yet but it was a lot of fun hanging out with family --and friends who are like family. Sean and Brecken represented the Laizure side. And Margaret and my sister-in-law Ariella and neice Avianna represented the Allaman side. It's so cute to see Elise's "cousins" Zach and Nate who are girl-phobes fall in love with her. They treat her differently than a boy. While Elise was opening her gifts Nate stood there the whole time just watching her and he was so concerned that we weren't going to sing Happy Birthday to her! So, just so you know--we did. Sing, that is.

I made food and we just hung out and it was complete chaos but I think it was fun.

Today, on her actual birthday we aren't doing anything special. She doesn't know yet, so I can get away with nothing. My dad's coming for dinner so I'm sure she'll show him her tricks of rubbing pasta in her hair. Happy Birthday Elise, We love you so much!

Spaghetti

2009-11-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, apparently I've been on an un-planned blogging hiatus. I don't really know what has happened to life but it got busy. And now here I am trying to catch up on all my pictures and recipes. Check out my foodblog if you haven't because I just posted the BEST mac-n-cheese recipe.

Anyway, back to the spaghetti. Every American baby is entitled to their crazy spaghetti pictures so here are Elise's. She was having a ball and needless to say needed a bath afterwards! Her favorite thing is clapping her hands so she would take a big handfull of spaghetti and then clap her hands together and then rub them in her hair. Too funny.

Of course Robbie needed to have his picture taken too while eating his spaghetti!

Almost One

2009-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl is about to turn one. It seems shocking that it's almost been a whole year! But then wierd that she's only been in our lives for a year too. We love her. She is such a happy girl. Now that she's crawling she is basically dusting the wood floors with her belly all the time because she just drags herself along, so her clothes are impossible to get clean. I can't wait for her to walk because she so badly wants to play at the park and go outside with Robbie! BUT then I know I won't get any rest for a looonnng time once she does. These are just a couple pics of her being her happy little self.

Halloween-palooza

2009-11-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

The neighbor gang!

Go Go Power Rangers, Joey & Elijah

Hannah and Jesse stopped by too!

Here's one for the wedding video

Lady's Man

Rob and I dressed as Super Heroes for an adult party the week before. Robbie wanted to join in too.

Grandma and Grandpa Trick-or Treating

Nothing but the healthiest of snacks for my kids.

The happy little fairy

Spiderman was a very popular costume this year!

Halloween week was really something to count down for. Every day we kept track of "sleeps" until the big day. On Thursday Robbie was talking to my mom on the phone and he said, "Grammy what are you being for Halloween? Just Sheri?"

Halloween was a grand celebration this year. It's always a drag for everyone when the day finally comes and then the kids have to wait ALL day to put on costumes and do trick or treating and then go straight to bed. So, my friend Cindy had an idea to do a little Halloween Carnival for the kids during the morning to help kill the day. It was so much fun! Leading up to the grand event Robbie kept asking "When's Aunt Cindy's birthday party?"

She went possibly a tiny bit overboard but it was adorable and she had so many great ideas of cute little Halloween games. Then the kids got a "prize bag" when they completed all of the games and ate lunch and decorated cookies and ate cupcakes and ran around the cul-desac like a bunch of wild animals AND most of all, took reeeaaallly long naps on a day when they would've talked through their naps out of excitement!

Thanks for the par-tay Cindy!

Then Grandma and Grandpa came (Rob's mom Pam and her husband) from Tucson.

Then we had a block party.

Then we went trick-or-treating.

Then we had a bonfire and the kids ate entire buckets of candy.

A little much I know, but hey--it was fun and we got to meet some new neighbors and hang out with the ones we already know! The kids all looked adorable. At one point while trick-or-treating (to a whole five houses) Robbie said, "Hey...there's a train!" Ran up to a kid he'd never met and said, "Hey dude! Nice costume!" Pretty hilarious

Lots and Lots of Chili

2009-10-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

Growing up we always went trick-or-treating and my mom usually made our costumes. Like Raggedy Ann, clown, punk rockers, an angel, a ballet dancer, one year she even crossed to the dark side and let me be a witch. We looked forward to it all year. Never did I know that my mom pretty much hates Halloween. She doesn't like it at all. Last year I was 9-months pregnant with Elise and had the stomach flu so only got off the couch to go to the bathroom and Rob had taken Robbie to his grandparents' house and my sister had gone blind (true story) and just released from the hospital so my mom had to pass out candy. I think she said at least four times that she didn't like Halloween, but she still answered the door with a smile because I asked her to and it was important to me.

I find that I love Halloween. It's so much fun to get your kids all dressed up and meet all of the neighbors and their kids. Everyone seems to come out to trick-or-treat. Even the neighbors who pull into their garage and shut it before they even get out of the car so they don't have to pretend to want to be your friend or go through the akward motions of getting to know strangers. Even they come out.

This year we're having a block party here with our neighbors tomorrow before trick-or-treating...and possibly a fire afterwards. We so badly want to meet the neighbors we don't know yet and hopefully get to know them ina natural way, see who they are and maybe how we can befriend them.

I thought it would be no big deal to just make all of the chili and have the other neighbors do cornbread and such. Then I realized making chili for between 12-60 people can be quite an undertaking. However after a momentary breakdown it has turned out to be no big deal. (so far, ask me tomorrow when the shindig is over).

I borrowed a huge crockpot-style roaster from my MIL that she uses to cook turkeys in at Thanksgiving and cooked 6 lbs of pinto beans in it on Tuesday. Then put the pintos in the freezer. This morning I chopped 5 huuuuge onions and 3 green peppers and browned 5 lbs of ground beef/turkey, added red wine & tomato paste, the peppers and onions and a whole load of garlic and chili powder. Put all of that in ziplocs and now tomorrow afternoon all Ih ave to do is dump all the ingredients in the crockpots and huge roaster add some tomatoes and tomato sauce and i think...I'll be done. SO if this works, I will be making 30 lbs of chili every Halloween. Why not? It's stress free and then you can invite the whole block over!

Today on my cooking blog I'm posting a recipe for my Aunt Terri's Apple Cider AND the Crockpot Lady's Pumpkin Spice Latte's that I'll be passing out to the parents who come with their little trick-or-treaters. Check it out if you're intersted: crackedupkitchen.blogspot.com

Coming Soon: pictures of the kiddos in their Halloween costumes with all of their friends AND trick-or-treating.

Pumpkins

2009-10-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Elise played a huge part, she was just lovely and happy in her chair while the carving took place.

The final product.

Rob was gone for 2 weeks in China. Thankfully it went smoothly and the time actually flew by this time! Anyway when he got home on Thursday night he took FRIDAY OFF!! Which is totally monumental! We had such a fun day as a family. And Sprouts was having a big sale on pumpkins so we bought a couple and Rob and Robbie (mostly Rob carved into the shape of a little monster which was totally cute. Now almost a week later it looks like a shriveled up little goblin or something.

The Arizona State Fair

2009-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

Happy girl as usual.

Over my dead body.

Lego building tent. Free!

Having Lived in Arizona for 13 years you may be shocked to know that my first visit to the fair was yesterday. Or you may just chuckle under your breath and know why I may not have been there. The Arizona State Fair has many positive attractions---Police motorcycles, Fire trucks, free farm area for kids, 12-pound corn dogs (possibly an over-exaggeration). However there are also a few ...not so positive attractions--"Carnies", smoke, filth, obesity lurking behind every food station waving you in and enticing you with said corndogs, smoked turkey legs, homemade lemonade, Navajo tacos, deep-fried twinkies and Oreos.....the list goes on. I'm sure the typical family goes into the fair and drops a good $150 but thanks to Rob's grandparents who are on the Board we had guest passes, free parking passes, free rides it was a great couple hours for our little family.

We got there right at 10 when they open-- saw the sights, rode a few rides, ate the enormous corndog (which was a bargain at $9 when the single dog fed our entire family). Robbie played the pitching game and won an enormous inflatable baseball bat which really has no purpose on this earth besides enticing 4 year olds to beg their parents to spend money on a game they aren't capable of playing correctly....but it made him happy, which in turn made us happy so we really enjoyed ourselves.

Apparently Robbie has no memory of his first visit to Disneyland at 18 months-old, because he was so taken-in and infatuated with it that he has not ceased talking about it for two days and proudly shows off that inflatable bat to anyone who will listen to his ramblings about his trip to the fair. Take that Disneyland! The Arizona State Fair was more memorable to our child! Ha! Thanks so much for the day at the Fair Mona and Papa Boo! Until next year here are a few pics to keep you company.

Just Wondering Vol. 1

2009-10-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if anyone else notices that Wal Mart has 32 lanes available....and usually only opens 3. What the heck is up with that?!! Why do they insist on spending lots of dough on the register, the moving belt, the light-up numbered sign....when they have no intention of using it---ever? I. Just. Don't. Get. It. Couldn't they "rollback" prices even more if they just built the three regsters they were planning to use?

Every time I go there I promise myself to never come back. And then I do.

Just wondering if anyone else notices this phenomenon.

FINALLY Hit the Milestone!

2009-10-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Elise is crawling. I don't even think I need to say more. I'm so excited and so is she. She is so proud of herself and watch out house! Everything is about to be turned upside down. It only took 11 1/2 months for her to figure it out!

Videos coming soon to Rob's youtube channel.

Makin' a Mess

2009-10-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Elise is still not crawling. Yes you read that right. She's not crawling yet. She is eleven months old and does not crawl or walk. I'm pretty sure she's not paralized or 'lame' because if I hold her up she'll grab onto the coffee table with her legs down. She just doesn't want to, which is actually fine with me because she stays where I put her. But as you can see from the picture she gets around if she wants to. While I was showering the other day she got into the basket on my night stand and made a big mess.

Robbie was very concerned about the mess, but hey--it kept her busy AND happy!

Cookies

2009-10-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

Rob's business is called Procerex. They make crowns, sell them, etc. He and his dad and his brothers own the business, the sales guys take cookies to doctors offices when they visit. Which is kind of a funny situation because they are visiting dentists...and bringing them sugary lattes and cookies...and the doctors offices LOVE them. But--I digress. I make the cookie dough and my sisters in law and I bake the cookies. So once a week I make 20 dozen chocolate chip cookies and I always keep a few back or else Rob gets fussy with me! Surprisingly enough I don't even eat the cookies anymore they actually make me a little nauseas just looking at them. Pretty much every single member of our family is employed by this company in some way. I'm loving a little extra "cookie money".

Yesterday Elise got her first chocolate chip cookie. Needless to say she LOOOOVED it. She was so proud of herself. There is no way unless over my dead body that Robbie at 10 1/2 months would've been eating cookies. I was going to be a "healthy" mom. Apparently I've gotten over that idealism. If a cookie makes my kid happy while I clean the kitchen, then so be it! Rob left yesterday for two weeks so whatever it takes to keep my sanity while he's gone will be done!

A Legitimate Food Blogger

2009-10-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it--I started my food blog--- www.crackedupkitchen.blogspot.com . I plan to post recipes, grocery budget tips, and other random ramblings that may or may not pertain to food.

New York, NY the proof is in the pics

2009-10-08T16:10:00.001-07:00

NOT EVEN all of the luggage for 11 girls for five days.

No Skycaps were injured in the taking of this picture.

A bus just to take us to the hotel from the airport.

Tavern on the Green

Carriage Ride in Central Park.

Red Bus Tour...before we put on the "Snuggies"

Shayla's 21st Birthday!

At the Today Show---Celebrating Lisa's 50th!

Just had to throw in this bad one of Matt Lauer.

I'm a little lazy. Especially when it comes to anything technical. I'd rather not know how to hook up a dvd player...or program a new phone...or upload pics to the internet. Because then that means...I don't have to do it. But I do know how to upload pics (finally) so I just put it off until it's rude to not do it immediately and then get a lot done at once.

SO all that to say that a few weeks later here are the pictures of NYC. Have I mentioned how much fun it was? AND that I wish I was there now? Anyway, see for yourself.

Most of the group pics are on Lisa's camera so this is just a look.

Thanks for Turning 50 and hating parties Lisa!!

Camping...After the Fact

2009-10-01T23:15:00.001-07:00

Apparently I've gotten a little behind on life's events! Over Labor Day we went Camping up in Pinetop Lakeside with Rob's mom and her husband. We had a blast. The weather cooperated for the most part, no one got hurt or sick, and we ate our weight....so a good time was had by all.

Something I'm learning from all the blogging is that I'm the only person taking pictures around here...and as much as I don't usually enjoy pictures of myself, I think it's high time I was in one or two so that my kids know I was on these outings, trips, events with them! So I'm going to have to remind Rob to take some pics of me, and suck it up and post them even if I don't think they turn out. So there. And P.S. preferably of my "good side" with my chin up and no bad arm pics.

Anyway, thanks for the great time Pam and David! We need to do it more often!

Narrowed Down

2009-09-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you're "all" waiting with baited breath...but I do have the blog name narrowed down to two things I really like...but haven't officially settled on one so if anyone has anything genious you haven't shared yet, feel free. Also feel free to vote on your current fave (because you care?)

*Shoestring Fries (good cookin' on a shoestring budget)

*Cracked Up Kitchen (think pepper-mill & off-the-wall humor)

Take a Vote

2009-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to start a food blog. I know that's quite the announcement...but I've actually been thinking about it for quite a while and even prayed about it(gasp.)--I think it would be a good outlet for me--err whatever. I just like it.

Anyway, my biggest problem is...that I can't even think of a good name for my blog. SO, that's where my tens of blog followers come in...you can vote and help me come up with a cute and clever food blog-name. Here are some names I like (that are obviously already taken)

*Hot off the Garlic Press (too cute and clever--that's my favorite)
*Tasty Kitchen
*Pioneer Woman Cooks (I'm not sure how cute or clever that name is, but she's my favorite!)
*Hungry Girl (Amen!)
*Vanilla Sugar

I think my tagline can be: "A stay-home mom cooks gourmet food on a budget. ...and a diet." Unless a better tagline comes to mind and then...that. SO--leave a comment, and vote! (especially Kristin becacuse you have good ideas)

Oh the Woes...

2009-09-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

we've been without internet for five days. That's right. Five. Days. No internet. It's so sad for me. Today I called Cox...again. I was ready to fight. I had my speech all ready about how they were either going to send someone out TOday or I was goiing to find a different internet carrier. I was so mad. "Joe" got on the line and politely told me that the phone/internet outage had been fixed on....Friday afternoon! Gasp! How come my phone and internet hadn't come back on???

Joe had me unplug the modem and router....plug them back in...re-start my computer....and WAH LAH, I had high speed! You know that feeling you got in your stomach on Christmas morning as a kid....that feeling of excitement and anticipation, as if a whole new world of opportunity had opened to you? Yah, well I felt that feeling. I also got a little crush on Joe the Cox man.

He's also sending someone out to my house TO DAY to fix the phone line....which is just in the nick of time for the Tivo to upload the lineup for the rest of the week and record my shows---whew! What a relief. The woes of my job can be overwhelming. But then I have a "success" like today and I realize that my purpose as a stay at home mom is just so much more important than I could've thought! (Ok, just kidding about that last sentence, but not the rest.)

Currently, Robbie is watching the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse movie on repeat in my room so I can blog and FB in peace. I'm such a good mom, it just shocks me sometimes.

New York, New York

2009-09-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast in New York last week! For Rob's mom's 50th his grandma and aunt took all of us girls to NY for shopping, sightseeing...it was great! I have a little bit of jet lag and waking up to two kids after a five day break is a bit of a reality check, but the trip was worth it. I'll post pictures soon!

While I was gone I talked to Robbie on the phone several times and once he said, "Hi Mom, I miss you. Can you come over to my house soon?" I don't really think he got where I was and why I wasn't home. Poor guy! I brought him home a couple goodies from FAO Schwartz and made up for it. I didn't think Elise would even really notice, but she got really excited to see me at the airport last night. It's always nice to be missed!

Happy 50th to Lisa! Thanks for hating surprise parties or else we would've had one of those instead of our fun trip.

Packin' the Bags

2009-09-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend we went to Show Low to camp with Pam and David. Robbie got so excited when I started packing up his clothes that he decided to pack his own stuff. I kept hearing him walk down the hallway and into the garage. When I finished packing, I went to see what he was up to. He was just packing his stuff.

As you can see from the picture, it was obviously a comprehensive pile of stuff so I didn't need to worry about any of the necessities. Spidey raincoat, shovel, gun/sword, superman cape, bat, lawn chair, bucket, baseballs, and of course: rollerskates. Who doesn't need rollerskates while camping? Such a practical little guy.

The Wedding Festivities Part 2

2009-09-13T20:28:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the actual wedding and reception. Mitch and Ariella got married in a church and their reception was at a really cool venue that had a patio outside. Robbie and his cousin, Mitchell played outside for hours. Then he came in scarfed down some food and went outside and played some more. It worked out great!

All in all, it was a gorgeous day in so many ways. So excited for them!

Wedding Festivities Part 1

2009-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

My brother got married to a great girl a couple weeks ago and it was pretty much a min-family reunion. We had such a blast. "We" being: my mom, aunt, sisters, cousins, grandpa and his wife...the list goes on!

Growing up, I thought everyone considered shopping a past time/hobby...turns out everyone doesn't. But my family does, so of course we put in plenty of shopping downtown Flagstaff and even the good 'ol Flagstaff Mall. Rob was a little bummed that none of the other husbands could show for the event, so he managed to keep himself busy and avoid the mall at the same time.

It was so much fun to hang out with these women that I love so much and grew up with. The kids behaved for the most part so that's always a great bonus!

Super Hero in the Bakery Department

2009-09-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

I thought you would all like to see the camera phone picture of Robbie in his "SSSSuper RRRobbie" cape at Target. So, here you go. Proof that he is a bit on the strange side!

I also included a picture of Elise in the cart....she is SO big. I can't beleive she is almost a year old. In a way its really exciting because that means she can feed herself as entertainment, which comes in really handy. And also that she is about to be able to drink milk instead of formula (CHA CHING). But it's sad, because she's really growing out of that baby phase and into the toddler. Although she isn't "toddling" at all, or even crawling for that matter, so maybe she'll hang onto the baby-ness for a while longer!

Strange

2009-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

My child is strange. He just is. I think it's cute...mostly. And kind of funny...mostly. He gets these ideas in his head and there is no changing it! Today he wore his Superman cape over his clothes into the Super Target (only it's not even Superman, it's actually a superhero cape with an "R" on the back that Rob's grandma special ordered for him.). If you're my facebook friend you've probably already seen the picture of him in the bakery department dressed as "SSSuper Robbie!".

Later on this afternoon we ran out to Sam's Club just for one thing. He decided to wear Spiderman elbow, knee, and wrist pads along with some Toy Story socks, a soccer jersey, red basketball shorts, and orange flip flops...a partridge in a pear tree. I talked him down from the socks and forced him to leave the Cars rollerskates at home so I guess I have some sort of "standard" left.

I AM "that mom" whose child is strange and dirty and wearing bizarre and unmatching clothing in public places. I don't even get how I have become that, and why that seems completely acceptable to me...but it does--and it is. I actually said, "that's fine" when Robbie said he wanted to be Batman for Halloween. I've lost all sense of reality and have fallen into a surreal life.

I feel like just around the corner is Elise in a Little Mermaid costume at Sprouts. Probably speaking prohetically there! I think this is where the phrase, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" comes from.

Chillin'

2009-09-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Robbie LOVES to watch TV, so on the weekends Rob will sit and watch a movie with him. The other day all three of them were sitting together on the couch silently watching Ice Age 2...again. Photo opp strikes!

A Real Pain in the Neck

2009-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

You know that saying, "he's a real pain in the neck!"? Well...this week I am beginning to understand why someone saying that about you could be so offensive. I've had a stiff neck here and there over the years along with the occasional sore neck that you had to turn your entire body to see something or someone. But never actual neck "pain". I didn't even know neck pain could hurt like this. Last week I started to feel stiff and thought I was getting sick. Then by last weekend my neck was a little sore. On Tuesday night I think I slept a total of 45 minutes because I was in so much pain, and I barely functioned on Wednesday. Sweet Rob felt sorry for me and called the chiropractor right down the street...turns out they take our insurance and my neighbor was free to keep the kids. Two adjustments down--still a lot of pain but feeling a bit better. Now we'll see how this weekends camping trip helps. I'm pretty sure textbook treatment for neck pain is to sleep on the ground a few days.

Also, Just so you know, if you have chiropractic insurance, a "coupon" would be a better description of what it is.

Horticultural Homicide

2009-09-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Before the serial killer messed with it.

After the serial killer.

For the second time I decided I should grow my own herbs. It can't be that hard afterall...."everyone" says they grow like weeds. So I got some advice on what to do from my friend Terah who grows her own herbs in her desert backyard. Then I came home from Trader Joe's with my own very alive and thriving basil plant. Well...mostly thriving. Elise got ahold of it somehow from her carseat and was munching on several leaves when we got home.

I plucked all the leaves off just like Terah showed me and made a delicious homemade pesto sauce with the basil. Then I watered it and set it on the kitchen table where lots of light comes in. I learned last time that when they say "full sun" on the tag...they don't mean: throw this plant out in the middle of the blazing sun in hell...err Phoenix in the summer.

WELL I tried, I failed. It seemed to be getting wilty after a week or so and I asked my friend and she said maybe I was watering it too much. So I backed off on the watering...then it got really dry so I watered it more. Then it started dying a slow and painful death. Then it was pretty much dead. I give up. I will just continue buying expensive basil and other herbs at the store all the while hoping that some scout from HGTV reads my blog and decides to come make-over my backyard and plant a thriving herb garden that will somehow magically self-sustain. Just add gardening on the list of things I can't do...right below sewing, yoga, electronic repair......the list goes on.

Organs

2009-09-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today I stopped into Fry's Marketplace to grab one thing and a coffee. There was an organ player in the produce department loudly playing Five O'Clock Rock and Take Me Out to the Ballgame. I can't even begin to imagine what the purpose of that was. I had seen my friend's car in the parking lot so I was going to go find her so Robbie could say hi to Jack, but I was so frazzled by the obnoxious music I just left. Organs do not belong in the produce department, or even anywhere in the grocery store as far as I'm concerned.

That's all I have to say about that.

Cute Kids

2009-09-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

I think my kids are cute. That may be debatable to you....but just let me think that. The kids were all ready for church the other day and we had a few miraculous minutes to spare so I took their picture. It's cute.

In other news, Elise and I got in a fight yesterday. Our first one ever. She is spitting her food out in a fine mist all over the place lately. I really think it's her way of showing us she has control....and that she is NOT into baby food anymore. I firmly said, "No spitting Elise." She started crying. Then she proceded to spit every bite I gave her, so I continued to tell her "no spitting" and tap/spank her hand. Then she would cry. Then we would do the previous steps over again. It was kind of sad for me becacuse she has been so laid back and I thought for a second that she would be a compliant child...but maybe not.

Today I actually gave her a corn dog cut into tiny pieces, which I can't actually beleive: A)I did in the first place, and B) I'm admitting to you. She liked it. Yes, I feed my children nitrites. Please feel free to keep your comments and opinions about nitrites to yourself. Elise and I did not have a fight over the corn dog. She scarfed it down like a homeless person.

Chicken Soup...for My Soul

2009-08-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

I know you are all dying to know whata else you can do with a $5 rotisserie chicken so I'm going to tell you. You can make soup. You might be thinking ...."couldn't I just buy a raw chicken from the store, cook it, bone it, and bake soup that way?" The answer...yes. Yes you could. But it would probably cost close to $5 to buy a chicken the size of the cooked ones they sell at Costco and Sam's Club and then that would be a lot more work. So--do whatever you want. I'm buying the rotisserie. Which also may have something to do with the fact that Sams Club is a mile from my house and I was there anyway.

I'm adding garlic, carrots, onion, celery, peas, whole wheat egg noodles, homemade chicken broth that I froze last winter so hopefully it doesn't taste freezer burned, and cream of chicken soup. Should be good. Then it will be a meal to take to a family from church, dinner for us tonight, and I'll freeze the rest for our Community Group Kickoff party next Monday. All for a grand total of $11 to feed at the least 18 people, so take that crappy economy!

The Feeding Disasters

2009-08-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Now that Elise can feed herself the kitchen table and floor are disastrous. Pretty much at all times. However, I will happily take the messy, sticky floor and table ...and child, because it is almost as great as having a babysitter. I can sit her in her little chair, give her a peach, a pear, or a bagel and she will stuff her face and sit quietly for almost forever.

Life is glorious. Until I have to clean up the mess and try to get the stains out of her clothes. Then it gets a little "sticky".

Robbie gets a little jealous about Elise getting photographed now that she does interesting things so I tossed in a pic of him looking happy at the breakfast table too (and playing the fishing game, which by the way was the best $4 investment I've ever made).

The Freaking Dog

2009-08-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

If before today I was in the running for "mother of the year" I'm not anymore. This afternoon we were leaving my mom's house in Flagstaff heading home after my brother's wedding weekend (which i will blog more about later!) and the following conversation ensued:

Robbie: "Mommy where's Tom?"
Me: "Oh crap! We forgot our freaking dog!"
We turn around and go to pick up the dog.
Robbie: "Hi Freaking Tom."
Me: Laughing and rolling eyes at Rob.
Robbie: "Mom, now you forgot your freaking car." (Margaret drove it home.)

In case you are wondering, I do realize that saying the word freaking in itself is not ladylike or even common good manners. So, now I have had to apologize to my child for using inappropriate words and explain to him why he can't say "freaking". Lovely...

(But it did provide a good laugh and some fodder for the blog)

The Glorious Organized Drawer

2009-08-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

I just can't stop opening my "junk" drawer to see this masterpiece. It looks so great I'm pretty sure I slept better for a week because of it. I find that I put off what seems to be "major" projects because I dread completing them ... and then once I set my mind and body to do it--it really isn't a big deal at all and it is finished quickly. So--May I advise you to do the one thing you've been dreading this week I promise you'll sleep better tonight. (If not only because you've exerted yourself!)

Now--I'm off to procrastinate on my seven loads of laundry and cleaning my windows...

The Magical Cardboard Box

2009-08-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

We finally replaced our bar stools a few weeks ago. I had sold my cheesy dorm-room style bar stools for $5 on craigslist.com because I just couldn't stand them one more day. So we went without for about a year, which really isn't a big deal. BUT THEN I was walking in Sam's Club....and there they were. The perfect set of two barstools that matched my table exactly so Rob and I made a deal...if I could buy the barstools (for $114) then he could buy a new phone (for $199). Now that I'm writing this I realize that it wasn't a very fair deal...I should've at least thrown in a pair of jeans or something since I waas getting something practical for the house and he was getting a "toy"...but I won't digress any further and tell you about the Christmas that he got $400 cash and I got a new vacuum sweeper.

Anyway, we brought home the stools...and --GASP, they were completely assembled. It was a Christmas miracle, seriously. (just a little earlier than Christmas) They look great and we are really happy to have somewhere to sit. All that story to say....We put the big cardboard box that the stools came in, into Robbie's bedroom and I am completely convinced that there was fairy dust sprinkled on that box or some sort of magical spell on it. Robbie played for HOURS in that box over the course of a week. He would be just quietly playing cars in his little box or playing "store" or whatever he was doing I didn't even care, he was completely self-sufficiently entertaining himself with a dumb box.

Now to the sad part of the story...Rob cleaned up the back yard and trimmed all of the bushes last weekend so he needed a place to stick all of the bush-parts for trash....and he used the box. So, the box is no more. Thankfully I got a really cute picture of the kids in it before it departed our lives forever.

Sitting Up

2009-08-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Elise is officially nine months-old.

People are always asking "What is Elise doing now?" And what really seemed like FOR-ever all she did was drool and "talk". But a few weeks ago she started sitting up on her own--and now she's a pro. I think the fact that we have virtually no carpetting now has probably adversely affected the rate of her sitting/crawling development. But have no fear...she's sitting now and she really REALLY wants to crawl. She gets on her knees and rocks around a bit and then gets frustrated. So I'm sure it will be no time at I'll that I'll be posting about her new crawling habit. Thankfully she is still very low-maintenance happy girl and doesn't require much to just be content. We love her. I think we'll keep her.

The Ever and After

2009-08-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Rob is out of town for the week--which we all hate and miss him terribly. But, Aunt Margaret to the rescue! (cue Super Woman theme song) So tonight we took the two kids all the way to Avondale to Hobby Lobby looking for a giant "R" for robbie's room. (Which I didn't find if you're wondering.) As we were walking out of the store Margaret said, "Robbie, can I sit in your carseat?" He said no. Margaret said, "What...are you saying I'm fat?" Robbie replied, "You're as fat as the ever and after."

We just laughed and laughed. He is such a funny kid...and thankfully "Aunt Margaret" thought it was funny too and she doesn't have a complex. And as I'm writing this I'm still laughing. He is seriously soo funny. Also on the way home he said he didn't need to go home and go to bed, he was "going to Jack's house to have a party."

P.S. In case you're wondering I used the last bit of rotisserie chicken Sunday night to make a chicken pesto pizza with sundried tomatoes. Seriously, if you haven't picked up a chicken at Costco or Sam's Club-you should.

P.S.S. I should mention that one reason this quote from Robbie was so hilarious could've been that directly prior to the jaunt to Hobby Lobby, I backed out of my garage and directly into my sister's car because I had so many donations to take to Goodwill I couldn't see out the window. We laughed a lot. Her car is a giant heap of crap and we all hate it so it was funny and not tragic.

They Look Just Alike

2009-08-13T12:11:00.001-07:00

Robbie 5 months.

Elise 4 months.

Everyone always tells me that Elise looks "just like Robbie". And I nod and smile, but I've never really seen the resemblance. Until I recently started browsing some old baby pics of Robbie. Now, I see. THEY LOOK a LOT ALIKE! It's crazy. Elise has a different nose and a paler skin....but they look a lot alike!

They love each other so much too, it is so sweet to watch. When robbie just walkes by her she lights up at the very sight of him. Last weekend Rob "tapped" Elise's hand and said "No spitting Elise"--she started bawling like the dramatic girl she is. Robbie looked at her, looked at me and started bawling himself. He doesn't like her to be hurt or cry or be sad for any reason. I'm sure it won't last, but I'm going to enjoy it while it does! Because soon, I'm sure he'll be the one "tapping" her and making her cry.

Smoked Cheddar Kettlecorn---Need I Say More?

2009-08-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

If you haven't ever tried this stuff...you should. Or maybe you shouldn't. It is seriously addicting. Only 150 calories for 2 cups of popcorn...the only problem is if you eat the whole bag in two days it could make a serious dent in your diet program. Hypothetically speaking only of course.

I just had to share that Popcorn, Indiana Smoked Cheddar Kettlecorn is super delicious!! My entire family (besides Elise) is completely addicted.

A Single Rotisserie Chicken...

2009-08-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we stopped by Sam's Club after church to grab a hot dog and a few staples--stuff that really every family needs, like a gallon can of ketchup for only $2.73. Yes, there is high fructose corn syrup in ketchup. No, I have no plans of getting that out of my kids' diet any time in the remotely near future. Thanks for asking though. We probably go through one "bottle" of ketchup every other week. Therefore if I buy the enormous can for the value price and I'm pretty sure I save about $12.00 on ketchup.

Anyway, I digress. The rotisserie chicken is the subject of this blog post. Did you know that there are an infinite number of things you can do with a rotisserie chicken in any given week? I've taken a liking to the little birds...only $5 and I can get at least 3 meals out of it. This week:
1. Monday lunch with friends: chicken salad sandwich (just add apples, red onion, mayo & sour cream)
2. Monday dinner: chicken tacos (just add a bit of water and taco seasoning)
3. Wed. dinner: bbq chicken salads (mix with bbq sauce and add on top of lettuce, corn, onions, black beans, cheddar and ranch dressing)
4. PLUS leftovers of all of the above for lunches, etc.

In case you are wondering, yes I am aware of the other 2,471 things you can make with chicken straight off of a rotisserie. But, hey if you have a great idea of what to do feel free to let me know. I love making chicken enchiladas, chicken pot pie, bbq chicken sandwiches, and chicken chili with it too. Oh AND buffalo chicken dip is also delicious. (Also you could put it in the crock pot and make homemade broth to freeze for future soups too. I don't do that, but if you aren't lazy and are more frugal than me...you could.)

Anyway, this is possibly the most random blog post ever, but I was pretty excited about my chicken and had to share. With potentially no one, because I have no idea if anyone really reads this besides....well, not even my mom.

healthy, well balanced meal

2009-08-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

As always we insist on only fully nutritious, well-balanced meals for our children. As you can see from the picture. Ok, that's crap. I always said "no fruit snacks" or "no juice" or "no candy" for my kids. I knew I just wouldn't ever give my kids junk to eat or bribe them to behave, or yell at them in public, or have the screaming toddler in Target...so far almost everything I said "I will never..." I have ended up doing. Parenting is not what you imagine it will be like. Sometimes it is n't worth making an issue about a cookie at the grocery store or a juice box at a birthday party. Just go with it and brush your kids' teeth before they go to bed.

Robbie was eating a chocolate donut for breakfast at the cabin the other day and ended up with a perfect chocolate mustache. Pretty cute, but again just evidence of our nutritional neglect. (Never mind the cash and perscription drugs in the background either)

Splish Splash

2009-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Now that Elise is sitting up on her own.....she can take a bath with Robbie!! My life has pretty much been revolutionized this summer: she holds her own bottle, Robbie can get himself dressed, and I can 2-in-1 their baths. Pretty great. It's enough to make me not want to have any more children, it's getting a bit easier. (knock on wood)

Then, Rob told me he may have to go to China for 4 weeks. Being a single mom has never been one of my goals in life. Definitely no more children, at least no time soon. Four. Weeks. In. China. I'm pretty sure I needn't say any more about that.

Anyway--back to the subject. The kiddos take baths together, they both love it--it's great. I can read a book to kill the afternoon while they play in the bath if I am desperate enough to survive the day. (while sitting in the bathroom watching them of course.)

Growing Up

2009-08-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well everyone tells you that your kids "grow up so fast" but at the moment it doesn't always feel that way. Sometimes it feels as though one rough day is an entire eternity and will never end. But, really they do grow up so fast. Robbie is already "too cool" to hold my hand in public!! The nerve.

The other day Elise was playing in her room and she has figured out how to roll to get where she wants. She rolled over to the toy box and helped herself. She doesn't seem to have any interest in crawling, but she's smart enough to get from point A to point B on her own. She's "the baby". I find myself asking "how is she old enough to do that?" Which leads to the answer, "they grow up sooo fast."

Another One Bites the Dust!

2009-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who are wondering, "exactly how many siblings of marrying age does Rob have?"....well none left that are single! (Sorry Ladies!) Jesse and Hannah got married last weekend and what a great love story they have! Jesse fell for Hannah's beauty when they were at Summer Camp their early High School years! They dated for a coupple years in High School, broke up....(meanwhile Hannah NEVER could get over him) got back together a few months ago...the rest is history!

Funnily enough Hannah was AT our wedding and she and her sister even decorated the front porch of the cabin with toole....those were the days!

So happy for them. Rob was a groomsmen, I was a bridesmaid, Robbie was a ring bearer--Margaret watched Elise during the wedding! She really does help raise our children. Everything went really well even though Robbie refused to carry the pillow. Hannah was so excited and happy she didn't even notice!

Unfortunately I was too moronic to take a picture of the happy couple together, or even....with us. Oh well. We know where they live.

She wears high heels, I wear sneakers...

2009-07-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Robbie decided to try on Aunt Margaret's new shoes. Kind-of cute, kind-of wierd...hmmmm. Anyway, now it's recorded forever and you all can stare and laugh! My kid keeps us guessing! Today he decided to wear his snowboots to swim lessons, and he got plenty of stares and giggles...he has a strange obsession with footwear!

Peaches

2009-07-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Robbie is taking swim lessons this week and next with the city of Surprise. Somehow it seems impossible to get up, get breakfast, and get there....by 9:40, which is a bit pathetic. Yesterday I really wanted to clean up the kitchen and unload the dishwasher before we left so that i didn't have a panic attack when I came home to a disaster after swim lessons and several errands in 115 degrees.

So I tried something new--I plopped Elise in her bumbo and gave her a peach. She loved it, didn't choke and die, and it kept her happy and safe from Robbie while I tried to get stuff done. YAY. She is finally starting to eat some table food. Some nights I even blend up our dinner for her to eat. Now...to get her off the expensive formula!

Mother of the Year

2009-07-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the other day after a llloooonnnng week without Rob I was carelessly shuffling groceries into the house in the 113 degree weather. Grabbing the last bag with my pinkie, I slammed the car door with my hip and started heading to the house. Robbie started screaming his head off and I assumed he had wanted to shut the door himself (and if you're wondering, yes-- him wanting to shut the door could cause a fit of this magnitude.) But, as I slowly looked around I saw that his little hand was shut into the backside of the door. Lovely. I burst into tears, dropped all of my groceries and got his poor hand out.

I rushed him into the house and got a bowl of ice water for him to put his hand in. I asked him after a couple of minutes, "would some chocolate pudding make you feel better?" He replied, "No but chocolate milk will". One chocolate milk, coming right up!

Attached is a pic of him with Batman tatoo bandaids on every finger.

Thankfully my little man was very forgiving.

Exercise

2009-07-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, Rob had to preach this weekend as he does every summer and it pretty much brings our house to a screeching stop. No noise. No fun. No activity or talking. Just studying. The. Whole. Weekend. For two weekends no less. BUT, in the end he does a great job and God really speaks through him. All that is background information for the purpose of this post. Last night while I was looking for something soundless to fill my night, I opened up my laptop and stumbled upon this: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking Once you look at this glorious website, you will understand why I spent the next four hours reading through her entire blog and salivating. I heart cooking, even more than that I LOVE eating...so does Rob and Robbie and so far Elise can hang too. I plan to make almost everything on her entire website because it all looks droolingly delicious.

For example, this:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/pineapple-zucchini-sheet-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ Which I promptly went to the store after church today to buy the ingredients for, and Rob and I have eaten half of so far.

Which brings me to my point. EXERCISE. Exer.Cise. Whatever---I exercise for the sheer purposes of: 1. fitting into jeans (not a bikini, just jeans. I like to set my goals at an attainable level) and 2. eating. I love to eat. The purpose of exercise to me is to allow me to eat more than carrots and hummus on any given day. (Being a healthy person is just an after thought for me. I'm shallow. So sue me.)

All of this makes me sometimes want to do my own cooking blog. I don't follow recipes though (unless I'm baking, which I rarely do) which would make it very difficult to try to teach someone else how to do. So anyway, all that rambling to let you all know (if there are any "all" out there reading this) that I will be going to the gym tomorrow. To work off the cake that I have eaten today.

Phoenix to North Carolina to Tennessee and Back

2009-07-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

My cousin Chris is seriously "The Baby Whisperer"

Surprise party for Aunt Shirley and Uncle Glen's Anniversary.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

The hurrican wind simulator at the Children's Museum in Charlotte

We had a family reunion for my dad's side of the family in TN last week, and celebrated my dad's aunt and uncle's 60th wedding anniversary. Which is such an awesome thing to celebrate, people can't seem to make it to five years these days, YAY Aunt Shirley and Uncle Glenn!! I so love and respect that couple. When my dad's mom died of cancer when he was young they helped raise him and his three siblings. They seem to always "take in strays" and are very loving and generous. I waant to be like them when I grow up. It's so awesome to see all of my dad's family and get caught up a little bit. I'm not gonna lie, it was especially fun to see Uncle Chuck, Aunt Michelle, Chris and Courtney. They are my favorites and were so great with the kids. They fought over who held Elise, and rolled around on the ground playing with Robbie and Toby and Jacob. We had a blast.

On the way there, our flight was delayed causing us to miss our connection in Minneapolis.....sooo Delta put us on a different flight through Atlanta and UPGRADED US TO FIRST CLASS FOR FREE! You hear stories of stuff like that happening...itjust never happens to you, right? Yah well, for once, it happened to us! Although I will admit it spoils you a bit to know what you're missing up there in first class. That was officially my first trip ever in first class (and possibly the last! ha~)

Turns out Elise doesn't like flying. She was pretty whiny and fussy, but Robbie was a champ. We stayed two nights in Charlotte, NC and spent the day downtown Charlotte Wednesday. Thursday we drove the 3 1/2 hours to TN and spent the rest of the weekend with family. We had SO much fun, Robbie loved every second of it because at any given moment there was someone there to play with and/or entertain him! Thanks to Jim and Terri for letting us all stay at your adorable house!

On the way home, no free upgrade to first class unfortunately! But we were all able to sit in the same row, so that's nice too. My poor sister got stuck in Johnson City, TN at the airport for 6 hours and then had to go back to our cousins because they couldn't even get her on a flight that day because of bad weather. So, sorry for her--but thankfully for the four of us, that didn't happen.

I love all of you Ater's!! Thanks for planning the reunion, and for having us! I'm going to try to post the pics in a slideshow this time because it takes FOREVER to load a bunch of pics on here, so hopefully you can see all of them. There's a couple great ones of Elise. (didn't work, can't figure out the slideshow...so I've been uploading pics for an hour!)

The Laizure's are Home!

2009-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, after our many traveling adventures, we are BACK! I have had so much fun this summer....but I am SO glad to be home, in my own bed, with my kids in their own beds! Our Summer Extravaganza 2009 included our awesome trip to Atlantis, Paradise Island, two separate trips to Lake Powell (equalling 9 nights there), a short weekend trip to my mom's in Flagstaff, and a visit to Charlotte, NC and on to TN for my family reunion. Our children did amazing with all of the traveling, but they are happy to be home too.

Robbie's quote of the trip to TN: "I have a bigger waterslide in the 'Hamas". AND "Mom, Jen just punched me right in the face!" (Jen is his imaginary friend who is apparently abusive)

Elise now has TWO bottom teeth and is working on sprouting more down there now!

Rob is headed to Detroit MI for a week beginning Thursday and then his brother Jesse is getting married n ext Friday!! So, we are "home" but the chaos never ends around here.

Coming soon---pics and specifics on the Family Reunion in TN.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

2009-06-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

May 24-31 2009. Just in case you are wondering, Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas is the BEST place to go on vacation. Seriously. If you ever have money to spend on a vacation, I would highly recommend it to anyone--with kids, without kids, young, old...whoever. It is amazing. There is a huge waterpark with several water slides and 2 lazy rivers, LOTS of pools (including 2 kiddie pools with small water slides and shallow water), several beaches on the property, aquariums, movie theater, comedy club, shopping, casino, great restaurants, starbucks... seriously something for everyone. We had a BLAST! (It is hard to say if Elise had a blast, but everyone else did for sure.)

Rob's grandparents, Mona Boo and Papa Boo took us all (45 of us) on this vacation and it was so much fun. Robbie counted down the "sleeps" until we got to fly on the jet to the "Hamas". Our flights were on time, our luggage showed up, the sun shined every day, the waitresses came to our pool and beach chairs to bring us rum drinks....ahhh.

The first day there we took an excursion with Powerboat Tours that Rob's cousin Shawna had found for us all...it was amazing. We got to go to a private island and feed iguanas the size of dogs --which may sound freaky but was actually a really cool experience. Then we went to another private island where we got to feed stringrays from our hands, watch the sharks be fed (small reef sharks), snorkel, play on the white sand beach and in the clear blue water, enjoy the rum punch from the open bar, and they made an amazing lunch for us with fresh grilled fish and steak. It was seriously Paradise.

Rob and Robbie got to swim with the dolfins and feed them, Rob got to golf on Michael Jordan's favorite course (twice), I got to shop and tan.

On the way home from the airport at the end of the trip, Robbie cried for 40 minutes saying, "I want to go to the Hamas....I want to go to the Hamas.....I want to go to the Hamas....I want to see the dolfins....I want to go to the Hamas..." Needless to say, he really enjoyed the trip. What a privileged life we all lead.

Now we are back to the little inflatable pool and the Thomas the Train sprinkler. THANK YOU Mona and Papa Boo!

Bahama Videos

2009-06-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Rob here... Well not much else I can say than we are blessed out of our minds to have been able to take this trip to the Bahamas. Below are 3 Videos that I posted onto You Tube. More pics will come soon...

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Apologize

2009-05-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Robbie loves music. He actually requests One Republic songs when we are in the car. Rob thinks he is going to be a famous musician....we'll see. (Although he does a great job playing his eucalele along with AI and the ipod) Anyhow, he does have a love for music and he has a great memory about stuff. He has officially seen 5 partial American Idol episodes in his little life. One of them happened to be when Kris sang "Apologize". Robbie now reminds us of that whenever the song comes on the ipod, "Mommy Kris sang Powgize on Ameeria Idol". SO we are now voting for Kris, thanks to Robbie's love of the Apologize song.

The Zoo Vol. 2 (including Toby and Jacob)

2009-05-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

My sister, Elizabeth came for a visit with her family recently. We so wish they lived closer, Margaret and I cried when they left. The boys (Toby, 2 3/4 and Jacob, 1 & of course Robbie, 3) all play so well together, it's just a blast. I miss them!

Here are some pics of our day at the zoo and just hangin around the house.

Easter (Slower than Christmas)

2009-05-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

Without even planning, Ryane and Elise were wearing the same Easter dress.

The Idol Judges.

Well, a month later, here is our Easter post. I've been on the couch and in bed all day with the stomach flu so I have time to do a post!

Every year the day before easter we dye easter eggs at Rob's parent's house. Every year the egg decorating contest gets more elaborate and and much more competitive. This year, the judging was an American Idol theme...and they had their work cut-out for them. In the running for cash prizes was the Jack-in-the Box egg, Obama Chia Egg, Egg-conomy crash egg, KISS egg., Empty Tomb egg..and many more. So we dyed eggs, won some money, ate lots of homemade Mexican food.

Easter morning we do an egg hunt (for all of the adult children) at Rob's parents', go to church, and crash for a nap! Every year we get together for yet another egg hunt with our best friends, Drew and Cindy. This year my dad and Theresa came down and we all went over to Drew & Cindy's for dinner. Fun was had by all. Candy was eaten by all (mostly by Robbie, courtesy of Aunt Margaret).

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2009-04-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I need to start logging some of the hilarious things that Robbie says and does, so here are a couple of recent quotes.

Yesterday he pulled out the microphone Aunt Margaret got him and walked into the kitchen and yelled "THIS is Ameeriah Idol". Do you think we watch too much tv? When Aunt Margaret got here to babysit he did it again for her (unprompted, I might add.)

He had a tummy ache after his nap one day last week and said, "Mom! My stomach hurts. I think there's a snake in there." Actually he was experiencing hunger pains and the "snake" went away after he ate two hot dogs, a stack of pringles, and a bunch of pineapple. Tonight in the bath tub after dinner he was "swimming" on his stomach and said "Mom, my tummy hurts, the snake is back."

I just love this sweet funny boy. Someday soon he will have enough of a social awareness to think about how things will sound before he says them, so we need to really enjoy this stuff while we can!

Oh, and to top it off last night he took a gun, a camera, and a pair of shoes to bed with him. I really hope he turns out ok.

The Prayer

2009-04-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight at dinner Robbie wanted to say the prayer. He's been really getting into praying...we don't think he actually believes in Jesus or has a relationship or is a "new creation" yet, but he sure is pretty dang adorable praying. This is not an exact quote, but pretty close to what he prayed. I just had to get it down before I forgot.

"Dear God. Thank you for the body. Thank you for the body. Bless the body. Thank you Mommy, Daddy, Baby Lise, Zacky. Oh, and Heather and Wayne and Sarah. Thank you food. And one, two, phree, four, nine, ten, weven, twelve, firteen. Amen."

Precious. I just love him. Especially when he isn't throwing a bag of groceries at me because he's mad. After dinner he was walking to the door to go outside and I said, "Hey buddy where are you going?" He answered, "Disneyland." Then just walked out the door and shut it and played with his shovel. He's a "character".

Baby Dedication

2009-04-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

We got Elise (Elizabeth Joyce Laizure) dedicated at church a few Sunday's ago. A baby dedication is really nothing at all like a baby baptism. We don't beleive that she is "saved" now that she's been dedicated, and she didn't get baptized--that will be her choice someday as a profession of her own faith in Christ. BUT, what it really is ...is for us, the parents. We stated before our church family (and God) that she is His baby, His daughter and that we are responsible to pray for her and be godly, Christ-like examples to her, and to teach her what the Bible says about how she should live her life. In essence, to raise "Elise up in the way that she should go."

We chose to do the dedication on Sunday night at the 6:00 service because that's the service we've been going to most of the time. Of course, we were running late which is somewhat of a comedy of errors in that we had a full 12 hours of wake-time to prepare for the service...but still were late. If it had been the 8:30 am service tardiness would've been understandable. Because of our tardiness Robbie's Sunday School class was full to ratio and was "closed"(of course!). On a normal day if that were to happen I would turn around and leave, take my wild toddler home and listen to the sermon online later in the week. This time I had to take the risk of taking my very active 3 year-old into big church. Luckily Uncle Micah and Aunt Shayla and Aunt Margaret were sitting in the back and he sat there with them like a little angel the entire baby dedication. (While eating 2 packs of fruit snacks and a granola bar--but hey, small price to pay for a quiet toddler in church) Oh, and Elise behaved like an angel as well.

Milestones

2009-04-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Click here to see more videos of the Laizure Family

Well, I haven't blogged in a while, but there is much to write about!

Elise has started "eating" cereal (eating is a very loose interpretation of what actually takes place). She typically pushes the majority of it straight out of her mouth but I guess it's training her to get used to food. I hope. I got some plastic bibs which are great because I can rinse them off, there's even a nice little pocket at the bottom to catch the excess! Elise continues to be a delight, she is so happy and smiley and puts up with a lot of "love" from her brother.

Robbie started "playing" soccer (which is also a loose interpretation of what takes place). It's really a class that the parents have to help supervise. His "coach" is this cute British high school boy who wears red shorts, a red Manchester United jersey, and red soccer socks. It's a pretty hilarious thing to watch. Rob insisted that Robbie wear soccer cleats, to which I countered that he would be the only child dressed for actual soccer play and that the other kids would be in their light-up velcro shoes. Still, Rob insisted. So--as you can see from the pics Robbie was the only child dressed for soccer, but Rob was happy and we were able to borrow the shoes so it all worked out. Twenty minutes into his practice Robbie had come to get ten drinks of water... thirty minutes into it, he told Rob he was sick and had to stop playing. (In his defense, his face was red). However, he somehow wasn't too sick to go to the neighbor's birthday party afterward. He's a pretty funny kid.

A Day in the Life

2009-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Robbie had to soak his feet because he got a thorn. He ended up giving himself a bath in that bucket.

My life is oh so--not exciting. To prove to you how un-exciting it is, the highlight of my day today is cooking a 4 lb bag of dried pinto beans. I got 4 lbs for $2.47 which equals at least 8-10 cans of pinto beans which would be $.88/each. You do the math. I'm freezing them in ziplocs to save for tacos, taco salad, refried beans, chili, bbq baked beans...that's my highlight. I'm also dividing up food service sized cans of tomato sauce, tomatoes, and ketchup for the freezer. I'm pretty sure when it's all said and done today I will have saved about $40.

But it's the little things that really get you by. And a lot of times I think that todders are God's punishment....for something. But a lot of times, he is the biggest blessing ever when I look over and he is sitting in the bouncy seat with Elise in his Spiderman underpants. So just a post of a couple pics of my cute-and-strange kids. I'd like to think Robbie gets his strange-ness from his dad....but I may have to take the credit.

A Day at the Races

2009-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Click here to view Rob & Val's You Tube Channel

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and took Robbie to PIR for the day to see one of their friends race. He loved it. I'm afraid they've created a monster and forever Robbie will be dreaming of being the next Lightning McQueen...in real life. And also forever giving me nightmares of being the mother of a race car driver. BUT--really, God is in control of all of that and He answers prayer so hopefully Robbie will go to college and get a nice, safe job in business somewhere... so I'll get off my rabbit trail.
He had the time of his life! He sat in the car, wore the helmet, the gloves, the glasses, and said to Grandma and Grandpa, "I can drive this car." Funny little guy. In the meantime Rob and I had a day almost kid-free. Elise is an angel so we practically were alone! So, we did what every parent with a free day would do. Ate lunch at Culver's, Rob got a haircut while I read a book, took a nap...the usual exciting happenings of tired parents.

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-03-20T11:58:00.001-07:00

One less single, available Laizure boy. So sad for so many! Micah and Shayla got married March 5th at the Castle at Ashley Manor. It was a georgeous location, a beautiful day, a perfect couple....Rob and I and Robbie were all in the wedding. It was a busy week but it turned out great and Robbie was an ANGEL! He was supposed to walk down the aisle, sit with Mona Lee and Papa Rob and eat his bag of gummy bears like a good boy. BUT, Robbie was a bit offended that he couldn't stand up there with the big guys...so he did. Silently. Like an Angel. He stood up there the entire ceremony and didn't make a peep. Up next...pigs fly.

Elise sat with Aunt Margaret and was a little angel too. Until she peed on Patty's leg. That was a downer, but poor girl needed a dry diaper! (don't tell CPS)

The Zoo...Vol. 1

2009-03-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

You've got to read the sign. Funny.

Well, it turns out that it's close to a million dollars just to get into the Wildlife World Zoo for the day, but for the bargain price of $150.00 Robbie and I could have an annual pass and go as often as we want and Rob could get in free...once. So--we did it. We acted like we were rich and broke the bank and swiped the card and bought that annual pass. So--this is the first of probably many posts about the zoo. Because of the frugal in me, I must get well more than my moneys worth out of that pass!

Robbie LOVED the zoo--he ran from animal to animal, I think my favorite moment was at the Wild Dog exhibit. They were sleeping and Robbie just stood there yelling, "Wild Gogs"... "Hey, Wild Gogs! Come Here!" Pretty cute. We had a fun time and were home in time for naps. Elise loved the zoo too--she slept nearly the entire time.

Zoo Passes: $150. Broken Sunglasses: $18. 3 Large Diet Cokes: $12. Packed Lunches: $4. Rob Taking the Day Off: Priceless.

Neat Freak...NOT the same as a Clean Freak

2009-02-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well--I am a self-proclaimed neat freak. I don't like clutter. I don't like chaos. I don't like tripping over toys or a basket of un-folded laundry. I start to twitch a little and get quite overwhelmed when my house is a "mess". I do realize that this is a relative term that can mean different things to different people. I consider my house a mess when the dishes aren't loaded and my bed isn't made and there are at least 5 toys/books strewn about and a magazine on the floor. Lately it has been an explosion! Keeping up with the baby's bottles, handprints on the wall, dirty underwear (potty training), and Christmas and birthday toys strewn everywhere-- all while caring for a baby and a 3 year old has proved to be more difficult than I thought. Sometimes a girl just needs a nap. So--sometimes my house is a "mess". Thankfully Rob NEVER considers our house an actual mess (I have no clue what it would take for him to notice a mess-- probably a literal tornado blowing through the place.)

Anyway, I am a neat freak. However I am not necessarily a clean freak. I don't usually allow people in my master bath or to open my microwave or in my garage. Sometimes you can write your name in the dust on my entertainment center. And don't you dare open up the junk drawer in the kitchen! As you can see in the pictures I had a very very dirty oven. In fact-I'm ashamed to say I had NEVER cleaned it in the five years we've lived here. (Heather and Pam are probably throwing up in their mouths right now) It's really been bothering me for a while now, but I managed to put off cleaning it because it can be shut and you don't have to see the mess inside. However, the recent angelfood cake explosion caused a necessary cleaning. I was so excited to just get it done I had to do a posting about it.

BUT--I also wanted to vent about the last of the instructions on the can of oven cleaner ---to keep oven clean wipe up spills immediately. I am a bit offended that the cleaning company thought it necessary to tell me something so elementary. OBVIOUSLY if I clean up every spill or mess I will never have a dirty oven. However, that instruction could not have been written by someone who actually cooks on a regular basis or who has more than one small child. By the time the oven has cooled off from recent use I have moved on to 5 other projects, jobs, or am asleep on the couch.

Bachelorette Party

2009-02-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the Laizure Clan is about to grow! Our soon-to-be sister-in-law Shayla's bachelorette party was this weekend in Flagstaff. (Micah's bachelor party was too--but we don't have any pics...surprisingly enough!) We stayed at Rob's Uncle Scott's cabin, went to Oregano's for dinner, and Shayla's sister Briana had planned a scavenger hunt for Shayla to complete. OH--and Gabby felt it neccessary to pull out her pink pepper spray in the scary Jack in the Box by the bus station! Danger doesn't take a break you know.

We had a great time--can't wait for her the wedding. We're so excited to have her in the fam.

Naptime Shenanigans

2009-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

Robbie apparently wasn't sleeping when he was supposed to be yesterday. I could hear him talking and playing--but I thought he was on his bed. He wasn't. He was playing with his Einstein's cards and wearing his snowboots. Luckily when I opened the door and saw him sleeping on the floor I had time to take some pics before he woke up. He really is a funny kid. Once he woke up and saw his door open he high-tailed it to his bed so I would think he hadn't gotten out of it. He thinks he's smarter than me...

Also--Elise is getting pretty cute so I included a pic of her making a "robbie" face. They have the same expressions--literally THE SAME--kinda wierd sometimes!

Robbie Taking a Bath at 3

2009-02-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

There is nothing funny or amazing about this video... I guess I just pictured myself watching this video as an introduction to Robbie's wedding video and reminiscing back on his childhood.

Sometimes I grab the video camera just to capture some moments in time that might seem rather insignificant in the moment, but become more heartwarming as the years go by.