Unable to Aim Low, Weird.

I really love to search the web and find fun, enlightening and sometimes informative blogs to read. This has become one of my favorite pastimes, after watching tv. In fact, I can do both of these at the same time. I truly enjoy Aiming Low and sometimes the posts make me laugh so loud that I wake the neighbors. They are now running the Back Burner Recipe contest. I think all that is required is that you use a utensil and came up with food. The site is called aiminglow, don't forget. So, tonight when I was making breakfast for dinner, it dawned on me that I should enter this contest. I mean, I opened the bacon package, cracked the eggs and took a fork to them, I considered this a back burner recipe. BUT, I didn't stop there. I decided we needed biscuits. Low and behold we didn't have any biscuits in a can, so what did I do? I made some from scratch. This does not count as aiming low. I tried, and then I baked from scratch.

Here is another example of how I am overachieving today. I mean, let's not even discuss how I woke up, actually put on non-sweat pants and took one child to this place, the other to that place and then worked all day and then cooked my breakfast for dinner to include homemade biscuits and then registered the kid for kindergarten and now I am blogging. WHEW! I am tired! But I can't stop now. Here are pictures of my spectacular dinner last night at Spinnaker with my little family, my wonderful parents and our Denver "family" members who were out here planning Auntie J's wedding in September. Now, this is an example of not aiming low. Planning a wedding eight months ahead. WOW!

Grandma & Auntie J's Mom


Auntie J & James


Memory Making


MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

PS: I really have enjoyed reading aiminglow, but please read this about the woman who started this site. It is a sad and it could happen to any of us. The woman who started aiminglow suffered a stroke in November. Her struggle is documented here by her husband. You can read her prestroke posts at her original blog, FreeAnnisa. Read her story and be moved! I managed to make biscuits from scratch; she survives. That is aiming for the heavens!

I will repeat this from my post from a few nights ago: PS: All of these pictures are taken with my iphone. Once the sun goes down the pictures don't come out too well because there is no flash. I have a digital camera, but I can't manage to haul it around and transfer pictures. Not sure how this is any different, but still. Seems harder. So my point is, Steve Jobs, take note... We need a flash in the iphone camera and please don't come out with the new phone until my contract is up at AT&T and I can get the new version. Or better yet, send me a very fancy digital camera, like this, and I don't need a flash in my phone. Ok? Thanks!

The weekend, so far...

Today has been one of those days. Happy to be home, running errands with the kids and watching football. Yes, football. The season has yet to finish. Football season lasts like four hundred years. But that is a post for another time.

I am still reveling in the wonderful behavior of my gorgeous daughter over the past two days. She had been hell for like the last two weeks, but it seems that once I changed my attitude, gave her time to adjust to being gone and then home again and I took a few deep breaths, she was fine.

To celebrate or really to just avoid cooking, we took the kids to our FAVORITE Mexican restaurant in the city. When I was pregnant with James, we ate there once a week and it was the first thing I requested after he was born. I wonder if this is why he was so angry for the first six months of his life? Hmmm, I will have to contemplate this as Tia Margarita's does nothing but make me happy!

A good time was had by all!

James had his first booster seat only dining experience. Personally, I thought I would die but he did well. Turns out give him a bowl full of guacamole, and he is right as rain!

I was able to stuff my face and enjoy my wine while watching two of my favorite people laugh and love and create memories!

The whole wonderful evening was followed by a miraculous "late" morning. Not only did James sleep until 6:45, which is unheard of these days, but Jeff let me stay in bed until 8:45. A perfect Saturday morning! This was all topped off by the children enjoying the very expensive and numerous gifts given to them over Christmas.

NOT!

We received boxes from Denver today which were full of toys and stuff and even more stuff. AND THIS IS WHAT THEY PLAYED WITH FOR OVER AN HOUR: a falling apart Macy's box and a Huggie's Wipes box. People, take note. My children are not hard to please. They take after their father!

happymommy

PS: All of these pictures are taken with my iphone. Once the sun goes down the pictures don't come out too well because there is no flash. I have a digital camera, but I can't manage to haul it around and transfer pictures. Not sure how this is any different, but still. Seems harder. So my point is, Steve Jobs, take note... We need a flash in the iphone camera and please don't come out with the new phone until my contract is up at AT&T and I can get the new version. Or better yet, send me a very fancy digital camera, like this, and I don't need a flash in my phone. Ok? Thanks!

Returning....

A quick recap of our journey home from Denver, in pictures....

What a happy family

See the smiles? The excitement?

Do you love Jeff's backpack? It's really a car seat. We are quite ingenious and this is how we roll through the airport. If only I had captured my huge smile and sunny disposition!

You must always pay attention during the safety demonstration while reviewing the pamphlet in the seat pocket in front of you.

I managed to have one of these...

Gave James on of these....

And I celebrated when everyone got this...

After sixteen days, tons of fun and one very long travel day...

we arrived.

It may only be Oakland Airport's Baggage Claim, but to me, it was like heaven.

I had...

I composed a really funny blog in my head this evening while cooking dinner despite having one of the worst days with Lilly I have ever experienced. It was like having a teenager and if my sister read this, I can see her giggling just a little bit.

According to her, she gets whatever she wants no matter how she acts. She doesn't want to be my kid. I am stupid. I am trying not to react, but for the love of everything holy, she is four. Not fourteen.

I will attempt to get back to the funny side of life tomorrow.

happymommy, or better yet, sadmommy

Going Home...

My family and I have been gone for days, sixteen to be exact. Although I love being here in Denver, I am ready for my own bed, my own refrigerator and my own dog. I adore my family and my friends. I will miss them until next time. But for now, I am ready for home!

Side note: While in Denver, I went to few wedding dress appointments at various bridal shops around town. No, not for me as I am already married, but for our great friend, Auntie J. We had a blast, and although I never felt like I was on Say Yes to the Dress, it still was quite overwhelming. Just look at Lilly, she couldn't contain herself long enough to stand still!

The last sixteen days...

Over the last sixteen days we have experienced family, friends, way too much food and drink, sports and exhaustion. I miss my home, my parents and my sister and her family and my dog. However, I wouldn't trade this for the world. The people Jeff and I have the PRIVILEGE of having in our lives are gracious, caring and wonderful. Our crew from California was here for a night and they just added to fun that is our life.

Jeff and I can't help but look back at who we were and what we have become and think of the great shoes we have to fill. My parents... His parents... They haven't been without their bumps in the road, but they are still together, in love and giving enough to love us and love our children. Could we ask for anything more? We are blessed and lucky beyond anything we deserve.

Big shoes to fill....

WOW!

Welcome 2010. I consider the 2nd the real first day of the year because as is par for the course, I am a tad bit under the weather today. Last night was just wonderful, but I felt it this morning. I must say, I feel better this morning than I usually do on New Years Day. Must be my age.

I look forward to 2010. It is going to be my best year ever. I will excel in my marriage, my parenting and my work. I will continue to grow spiritually and better myself physically and mentally.

This is my year. Watch out people!