SOOO.. I'LL Catch You Up!

It's been a rough past few weeks with this topic being one of them. Chris and I decided that we were ready to call up the landlords and see if they would work with us on getting a family dog. I had prayed and thought about the right way to ask many times before picking up the phone and dialing. Diane and I had a wonderful conversation and I had started off by saying in no way did I want to put her on the spot and feel like she had to answer; that I was sure this is something she would want to talk to her husband about. She agreed that she needed to talk and get back to me the NEXT day. THREE PAINFUL DAYS and the dreadful phone call came through. Luckily I was at my sisters front door when she called and didn't answer, because, well, as you may guess.... "I hate to have to tell you this but we REALLY don't want cats or dogs we've worked really hard on that house." I respect the decision however, it does make it hard for me considering there's been atleast 3 tenants that I know of that have had a dog there. I'm sure it was a hard call for her to make just as it was for me to hear. I still like Diane and respect her decision mostly because I believe it wasn't her call. Her mom next door (if you want to be real) is an old crank butt. ;)

If you were wondering (or not) why I haven't been blogging... Well, we are all sick. Alexa and Brielyn had gotten congestion and coughs (no big deal) but.... Brielyn had to be on antibiotics and steroids 3 times; the runny green nose and infection kept coming back a few days after she was done with her doses. End result: Dr. Lowe (who we love) says that the sinus infection has made a home in her head and she needs to be on antibiotics for a month along with Singulair one time a day and a nasal spray at night. UUUgggghh. then Chris gets sick and tries to just "ride it out" But the day the whole family was in the dr. office, the dr. hears his cough.. huh.. he was on him, giving him all kinds of meds. Longer story short, I end up getting sick and when momma bear gets sick, how the heck can I take care of the kids? With the help of antibiotics, steroids, numerous phone calls to Dr. Lowe and CVS, and my Mom (thank you so much) I am managing to make it through. We have spent $248.00 on Dr visits and CVS meds... so if we are at your door with our bags packed, you'll know why..and that's with insurance. So I'll shut up, because we are blessed!

This is for you my dear friend Alicia!!! Alicia was a New Kids On The Block fan from way back. So my uncle takes my family out to a restaurant in Long Beach off of 4th St. called Lola's Mexican Diner. His friend he works with in the Union owns this place. My cousin comes with us and brought his friend JR. After dinner we come back to our place and play Farkal. All of a sudden this kid sits up and does a Sigh... then says... " I guess it's New Kids On The Block Time" He takes off his jacket and we all start CRACKING UP! It was AWESOME.

The best part is.. he can sport it. Chris and I both decided that if he were to ever wear something like that... he'd look like a complete IDIOT, FOR SURE! I think JR's dreds make it! He's a great kid and we had a lot of fun that night.

Brielyn devouring a homemade Red Velvet cupcake

The finished product. Miss Betty Crocker!

Mimi always bakes with the girls. This time they were super excited.. Duncan Hines came out with a Red Velvet Mix. So... Mimi and the girls jumped all over it and I'm pretty sure they enjoyed it. The cupcakes were YUMMY

Brielyn's quiet, I'm looking around for her.. not in the playroom, not near Alexa, not in her room... where is she? I go to my room, then the bathroom... and see THIS FACE!

UGGGGHHHH BRIELYN, WHY? Why do I buy you toys? Yes, that's a million Q-Tips with a tube of lotion a bottle of shampoo and a lint roller.

Sorry I didn't spare you on this one! The night we went to dinner with my Uncle, he came in our car with us. He was in the back and found a dime. Alexa says " Oh, that's mine" so he gave it to her. She was already strapped in the car seat; we were about to go home. All of a sudden she starts crying and is nervous ... "Daddy, I swallowed the penny!" What? Well, we knew it wasn't a penny; but still. She's almost 3, she doesn't put stuff in her mouth anymore, that's like Brielyn's age. We have no idea why or how she swallowed it, but she did. She was able to breathe and function so we didn't make a big deal out of it.

But then it was 3 days later and she STILL refused to poop. She was scared. So when we were at good ole Dr. Lowes; we mentioned it. He pushed on her tummy, no blockage. Gave her a pinkie swipe ... sent me home with gloves (to go fishing) and sent me to CVS to get Milax to soften her stool. About 15 minutes after the Milax , WAAAAALAAAA.. THE LONG LOST DIME! And it was pretty blue and green color. Yep, we are saving this dime.

OK, SO NOW ... HOW HAS YOUR WEEK BEEN?

Brandon Bradford comes to CALI!!!

Nice Picture * This is what Brielyn thought about taking a picture * I'm sure Brandon felt really good about that. His face is like: HUHHH I'M NEVER HAVING KIDS, THIS IS WHY!

My Alexa and Brandon * She really liked taking a pic with him, even after; she stayed on his lap smiling

Brandon ROLLIN' * Yes, we play on my cutting board. LOL

Me and Chris playing Farkal *Chris' infamous face making while I'm trying to take a pic.

The Glonchaks with Brandon

The Grumbles with Brandon

Could I possibly open my eyes next time? I despise this pic but it's the only one I got with him.

Pam (my Mom) with Brandon

My cousin Brandon Bradford was in Anaheim California for the NAM Conference last week; so he decided to drop in and visit his family. That called for a POTLUCK PARTY. On January 15th we all gathered at our house for a yummy potluck dinner, family and games. We had a really good time and some of us even got a picture with Brandon. I can't even remember the last time I saw my cousin.... it was neat to have a conversation with him and bond. We enjoyed playing FARKAL and the later it got, he was unfortunately able to see my delirious side. That's not good. We'll see if he ever visits me again! ;)

And since he's cool and knows people.... maybe he can hook me up with Jessica Simpson next time? We'll see. He was hanging out with Alicia Keyes and lots of other music people while he was here.

Brandon, we look forward to seeing you again soon. We hope you had a fun time in California and that you visit us again. Maybe next time you'll get a ONE WAY TICKET??? WE LOVE YOU COUSIN!

BEACH DAY IN JANUARY.... HECK YEAH!

Brielyn sifting sand...this is kinda new to her. But Fun!

Cutie Butt

Brielyn and Daddy

Brielyn and Daddy

Alexa, Brielyn and Noah playing in the water

We met up with The Glonchak's on Saturday for a beautiful day at Bolsa Chica Beach. Brielyn and Alexa didn't care how cold the water was, they were playing with their cousins and having a BLAST. Chris helped them all dig a 4ft hole in the sand, they thought that was the coolest thing.

The Irvine Regional Park

The beautiful peacock that I stalked for a while. It was beautiful to see nature and it wasn't behind bars or a fence.. it was just wandering off the path.

Brie's thinkin'.. "Are you serious? I already know how to ride a horse!"

Alexa happy on her pony

ALL ABOARD! CHUGGA CHUGGA ... the girls and I on the train

Alexa petting a baby goat

My favorite exhibit at their zoo

One Saturday Chris and I took the girls to Irvine Regional Park. It was BEAUTIFUL, another windy day; but it was hot. The scenery was so beautiful and I loved seeing the mountains and hills surrounding the park....so much that I didn't really want to go home. I was amazed at the numerous roaming peacocks, my husband had to pull me and keep me on our destination. There's so much to do there. We went to their zoo, rode the train and ponies. We got to see lots of beautiful nature. It was a fun Saturday.

Santa Ana Zoo

Alexa's new friend Maya. They got a long so well and just became BFF!

Seriously, do you have to pick your nose while your friend Bella gives you a hug?

Alexa happy on her cheetah
Brielyn and Ashley waiting by the carousel

Alexa and Aaron

My neighbor Heather across the street invited the girls and I to go to the Santa Ana Zoo. We had a great time and we brought Ashley Bambrick with us to share in the fun. The day ended up VERY windy (hence the Santa Ana winds) but we had fun and got to meet some new friends.

CHRISTMAS RECAP

Oh boy! the first present I got to open... a week before Christmas. Thanks Atsuki for my Pink Princess Pony!

Alexa and Atsuki!

Brie loving on Taylor... they are BEST BUDS!

I'm really tired of playing "rudolph"

The girls with Taylor (gpa and gmas dog) She is amazing with the girls and we fall more in love with her each time we see her.

Yes, every present was wrapped in leopard paper. Gold and leopard was the theme of our whole tree. That red bowed present came from the in- laws... that wasn't supposed to be in the picture. lol I'm excited for our new leopard stockings that will be part of next year! Yeah for our themed family tree!

Chris trying to mimick his crying kid... or wait, is he special-ed? The kids did a book exchange and were all really happy!

This took the cake for BEST WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT....I think, or was it the Dickie I got? I didn't even know they existed... (the cutoff turtleneck!) This is Aunty Norma with her new printer-that doesn't work!

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed every time I think of blogger because I am so behind. So, to ease the stress I'm going to post a few pictures and captions. That way I won't keep putting it off.. because then; it just gets more behind. The christmas pics might linger since I have to get some off my father in laws camera.

UPDATE: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Well, due to the holiday season I've been spending lots of quality time with family; and loving it. But I've neglected the blogging world. So I thought I'd catch you up!

Every year my husband gets 2 weeks off for Christmas. It's a really fun time for the girls and I. They get lots of time with their Daddy, whom they adore. It actually is really funny because since I've stayed home they are pretty much Momma's girls but as soon as he's home for a few days straight, they tend to become Daddy's girls. Nice! That's okay, he'll be back at work soon and they won't have a choice! LOL.

The festivities started on December 23rd when Grandpa Hal and Grandma Hoff came down in the motorhome with Dewey and Taylor (the dogs) They parked it for Christmas and we had a blast together. December 24th rolled around and we all headed to my sister Lyndsay's for a Christmas Eve Celebration. There we ate lots of food, chatted, played the White Elephant Gift game (where you pick a number and can steal a gift) the kids exchanged books and we ate some more and chatted. (My cooking contribution was homemade guacamole and half dipped milk chocolate peanut butter cookies.) (I'm already planting ideas in my head for next years white elephant gift)

That night the men put together some toys, brought in all the presents and prepared for Santa's arrival. Alexa even wrote Santa a letter this year. Uncle Nick and Courtney arrived that night as well as Papa Dan. They stayed at our house to be ready for the big morning.

Christmas Morning the girls woke up around 6:40 they opened their stockings, opened some presents, opened some more presents, and some more presents.. played... opened some more presents.... played.... opened some more presents. About 2 1/2 hours later myself, Hal and Chris got in the kitchen and made waffles, eggs, toast, sausage and bacon. We had a great breakfast and approached clean up time. Chris, myself and the girls cleaned up and went over to the Boulton's house to let the cousins exchange gifts. We ate some more, opened more gifts and chatted.

WE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVE AND FAMILY.

For New Years ;Chris and I got invited by our good friends Joel and Erica Beukelman to The Stampede in Temecula. My dad was so sweet to watch the girls for us so that we could stay out there since we'd be up late and it's about 1 1/2 hours away. Chris and I had a blast hanging out with friends, having a few drinks and just being together without the kids.

THANKS JOEL AND ERICA FOR A GOOD TIME AND INCLUDING US IN RINGIN' IN THE NEW YEAR! WE LOVE YOU BOTH.