IT'S EASY BEING GREENE!

40 Weeks

2012-01-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

Celebrating 40 weeks of healthy pregnancy at Chuck E Cheese with my first born today!

Ben took this series of photos of me hooping it up on the basketball game. I still got it!

Now here's hoping my baby is punctual!

So Ready!

2012-01-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

Dear unborn child of mine,

I just wanted to let you know that we are more than ready for your arrival.
Every piece of your laundry is washed and put away. Every article of clothing, burp rag, bib, and blanket is soft, clean, and smelling the perfect yummy scent of Dreft detergent.

The house is very clean, even down to the carpets, which we had professionally deep-cleaned. You could come out crawling and we would be ready for you. : )

Infant diapers are well stocked and ready to enwrap your cute little bum!

The fridge and pantry are well stocked, and we even have some wonderful friends who are just waiting to bring mommy, daddy, and ben delicious meals once you arrive.
Your hospital bag is packed to the brim and ready with everything you need to get through your first couple of days of life. Mommy's bag is partially packed, but can be fully ready in a matter of moments I promise.

And just in case all of this doesn't convince you to make your appearance, I want you to know that you are making mommy quite uncomfortable. That's right, I have resorted to guilt to get you moving. You are causing me a great deal of pain at night: major leg cramps and intense heart-burn, not to mention the constant urination, are not adding up to a good night's rest. Luckily big brother is letting me nap daily whilst watching a movie next to me in bed on the laptop with his ear phones on. And speaking of big brother, he REALLY wants you to come. I have to tell you that you even made him cry on Monday. He was so convinced you were coming that he told his teachers at preschool that I was at the hospital having you. And when I showed up to pick him up, not only were they surprised to see me, but your brother met me with tears in his eyes, because I suppose he expected for you to be in my arms. As he cried he exclaimed repeatedly, "I want baby. I want baby." Mommy's doctor told us on Thursday some disappointing news that you were more than likely not coming very soon (no dilation, no nothing). I guess Ben understood the news as he very sadly announced to me later that day that "I just want to be a big brother. But I guess baby Jackson isn't coming yet!"
So please my sweet baby, do big brother and mommy a real solid and please come soon! We just cannot wait to meet you!

All my love,

Mommy

Christmas Day

2012-01-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

After church we quickly headed home so James could change and then went to my Aunt Sue and Uncle Dave's in Pleasanton for a quick visit. Unfortunately we didn't get to be there long, but I did manage to get a picture of Ben and his (I mean my) crazy, cute little cousins.

Then to Sausalito we went to spend the rest of the day at Tom and Auntie's place. It's always a fun time there because Tom's family adds a lot more people and a lot more fun (plus two cute lithe guys- Connor and Rex- who keep Ben thoroughly entertained the whole night). It was nice that this year all of our present exchanging was done beforehand between the two families, so no presents were opened on the day of, just good company and good food. I totally grabbed up the last twice baked potato and didn't even feel bad about it. So yummy. : )

Thanks to Alisa we now have a two-year running tradition of playing awesome Minute-to-Win It games. Hilarious. She added to the fun this year by only announcing the name of the game before we chose a person from each team to compete; not knowing what the game actually entailed beforehand. I waited for a game to sound completely non-physical before volunteering myself to compete. I can't remember the name of the game I played, but I knew it had to do with puzzles and I was right. I had to reconstruct a cut up cereal box and totally kicked butt.

Overall it was such a great Christmas. Perfect combination between running around visiting family and relaxing at home with just my little family. I don't feel like I did my absolute best this year to teach Ben the true meaning of Christmas- I had plans to have us volunteer at a food bank or something similar, and have him shop for and donate a toy to a child in need- but I know he knows why we celebrate the day. And that is the birth of our Savior.

Christmas Morning

2012-01-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

A miracle occurred on Christmas night . . . Ben stayed in his bed, drum roll please, ALL NIGHT LONG! That's a big deal around here. And this is how I got him to do it. I told him that Santa would not know that he lived here if he wasn't in his bed when he came and checked on him. I told him that Santa doesn't check parents rooms, so if he sees no kids sleeping in their beds, he assumes they are not home. And that did the trick my friends. Just wish I could some how figure out how to make that work all year long. I wish I could have seen his face when he first woke up and walked into the living room and saw what Santa left him. Instead I saw his cute little face just moments later at my bedside exclaiming,

"I can't believe it. Santa came!"
me: "what did he bring you?"
Ben: "an art easel."
me: "did he bring you a Buzz Lightyear like you asked?"
Ben: "let me go look." And off he ran.
Ben: "he did! he did! And he ate all of my cookies!"
me: "did he drink the milk."
Ben: "let me go look." And off he ran.
Ben: "he did! he did!"

Then he waited for mommy and daddy to get up and we all went and checked out what Santa brought. James and I both were treated to shoes from Santa: I got some amazingly comfortable Ugg boots, and James got a number Jordan of course for his collection. We helped Ben get down both his and Jackson's stockings and he enjoyed the little treasures they held; especially the Build A Bear gift certificates for both him and baby brother (for Ben to make baby brother his first stuffed animal).

We slowly opened up the rest of our presents one by one. I'm so glad that at least for now Ben doesn't just tear into one present, shove it aside, and then look for the next one. He opens it and then wants to open it and play with it right away, and we almost had to cox him into opening up each present afterwards.

Because we didn't have church until 12:30 (has since changed to 9am, which I prefer), we were able to really enjoy the morning. I made a pancake breakfast- chocolate chip ones for the boys- and we enjoyed some hot coco before beginning to get ready for the rest of our day. I loved that Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. In our church we don't have a meeting on Christmas unless it actually falls on a Sunday , instead we have a special Christmas service either the Sunday before or after Christmas. It was really nice to be able to go to church on actual Christmas and I felt the spirit so strongly. My favorite moment was the concluding hymn. It was Silent Night. Ben had grown familiar with the song over the last month from the Huggies commercial. He called it the sleeping baby song. He also knew that it is about baby Jesus. Most of Sacrament meeting Ben quietly entertains himself with his little bag we bring each week containing coloring books, a magnetic Noah's ark, snacks, etc. But when the song began and Ben realized it was Silent Night he climbed up on his Daddy's lap and concentrated very hard to sing some of the words of the song along with James and I. At that moment I felt very happy, very much in love with my little family, and very thankful for my Savior that was born on Christmas day so long ago!

Christmas Eve

2012-01-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

We had a busy and wonderful Christmas Eve. We spent the early afternoon at the in-laws house. It would be the first year in ten years that both James and myself (longer obviously for just James) would not be spending Christmas morning over there. It was a big change that I'm sure we all thought about on Christmas morning, but I was excited at the thought of spending Christmas morning with just my little family. So we spent the morning of Christmas Eve opening up the very generous presents from my in-laws to myself, James, and Ben, and also did the kid swap and gave our presents. It was a fun time and Ben loved his new toys, books, and clothes, and one very cool Mater pillow pet from his Uncle Jay!

We continued our day at my sister and brother-in-laws house. Where we were again blessed with more family and more generous gifts. I think Ben enjoyed most of all holding his new baby cousin, Ashlynn.

After we left the new family we went back to my parents house for a yummy dinner and Ben found out that Santa came early and he got to open up a stocking for both him and his almost baby brother, and you guessed it, more presents!
Finally we ended our night at the beautiful Oakland Temple for a large dose of reality, reflecting on what Christmas is really all about, the birth of our Savior.

Once home a very excited little boy set out his overly decorated sugar cookies for Santa and made sure we poured him a glass of milk to wash it all down. And of course mine and James' night didn't end until the stocking were stuffed and Santa's presents were under the tree!

Parties for Hosting

2012-01-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

James and I, mostly I, hosted our first formal holiday party. We have always been a fan of the formal home holiday parties you see in the movies and on TV, and we finally have the space to throw one of our own. We hope to make it an annual tradition. This year we decided to host James' work team. They are such good friends, and one of their favorite members, Brett, had moved back home to live with his family and telecommute to work, was in town, so it was the perfect opportunity to get everyone together. It was very fun getting the house ready and planning the food and activities. I was very glad when it was over but so glad that we did it. It was great getting to meet the people that James spends his days with and some of their spouses, and to see everyone enjoy themselves. I was extremely bummed to find out that I had been taking pictures all night with a camera that had no memory card. But James went around and took pictures of all of the decor and food, which looked almost the same after the party as it did before because I went way overboard with the food. And thanks to the photo booth area, we ended up with some pictures of the guests.

Arlina's husband, Bob and Tristan

James and Brett, aka "BoBo"

The ladies of the office

Erin

Arlina and her husband, Bob

Richard, aka "Savage"

Two nights later we hosted some family at the house to open presents and we got to get rid of a little bit of the major amounts of leftovers we had and enjoy the photo booth one last time!

Good Intentions

2011-12-29T22:44:00.000-08:00

This is the first of a short series of posts to get all caught up on Christmas happenings. I started the month off strong and had high hopes for all kinds of great Christmas-y plans this year. But then something happened. My pregnancy caught up to me. A picture I almost snapped of Ben (but then he woke up right as I was about to click the camera) sums up perfectly how I felt this Christmas season. In my rear view mirror one day I saw Ben fast asleep in his car seat clinging tightly to a half-eaten candy cane. And that was me this last month. I was clinging tightly to all of my well-laid plans to make this Christmas fun, magical, and meaningful for Ben, yet my body was screaming at me I'm tired, slow down, no more! So I started to listen. And guess what, everything turned out just wonderfully. I had to keep listing to myself the things that we had done during the very fast Christmas season though to keep from feeling guilty at times. I know it's not all about these things we do or think we need to do, but I didn't want to completely surpass all the fun traditions of the holiday. So we did manage to...

get and decorate an extremely large real tree (almost eleven feet). Despite the fact that it fell down on us twice- once after completely decorated- and took us nearly a week to go from purchasing to decorating the tree for the second and final time, every time I look at it I think to myself it is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen.

hang our new Etsy stockings with care on a "real" mantle. I love our new stockings and loved to include our almost new addition Jackson in the mix.

decorate some fine smelling gingerbread people. It was an intense endeavor for Ben as you can very well tell.

drove around looking at Christmas lights and found the mack daddy of all houses thanks to a tip from our neighbor, Sean. A house we have named "the crazy house." We heard their PG&E bill for the month of December is $5,000. Crazy! The best part was the house next door was completely devoid of all lights, except a light sign that said ditto with an arrow pointing to the crazy house. Best part was that it is right in our development, so we got to stop and marvel over the crazy house many nights on our way home from various Christmas activities.

and of course wait in line for the one, the only Santa Clause. Ben was thrilled to tell Santa he wanted a Buzz Lightyear (I also had to convince him that he wanted an art easel, since I already purchased it. And then just days before Christmas he saw Santa again with his Mimi and new baby cousin, and told him he wanted a t-Rex. I told him it was too late to change things up on Santa, and luckily he was fine with it. Phew!

I'm An Auntie

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Very early Monday morning, 12/12/2011 at 5:27 am I became a first time auntie, and my sister, a first time mommy. I must have been subconsciously anticipating the arrival because I hardly slept all Sunday night (less than usual), and was already wide awake when my mom called me at about 4:30 am to tell me they were at the hospital and Katie was already 8 centimeters dilated. I had Ben and I up and ready in ten minutes and we were on our way to witness the amazing miracle of birth (or so I thought). Baby girl just couldn't wait for me and my mom called me a short thirty minutes later to tell me that she was here! My sister labored mostly at home, and actually wasn't convinced it was the real-deal until morning. So either she is a LOT tougher than we ever give her credit for when it comes to pain, or possibly it just wasn't all that bad . . . yet. She finally woke up her husband and they headed to the hospital where he was timing her contractions at just two minutes apart. Katie immediately started asking for an epidural upon arrival only soon to find out that it was too late and the baby was coming, now. My brother-in-law said that Kate looked like a very scared child, looking up at the nurses with huge blue eyes, begging for the medicine. Can you believe it, just an hour and a half after entering the hospital doors and ten minutes of pushing, my niece had entered the world. My sister got through it drug free, and without screaming according to my mom, but with lots of teeth grinding and holding her breath so much that Tim feared she would pass out apparently. I was sad to have missed it, but loved every moment of the time I got to spend with baby Ashlynn Christine Wadkins on her very first day of life. So proud of my sister. I know if you can do it, I probably can too (I'm going to try my hardest to have a drug-free labor and delivery without having an absolute agenda to do so-- if that makes any sense). Ashlynn is very healthy and eating and sleeping great so far. Can't wait for her and her baby cousin to grow up together and experience many firsts together.

Thankful

2011-12-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

Since it is nearly Christmas already (this month is flying by), I thought that I better post about Thanksgiving. It really was another great Thanksgiving this year. For the first time in a long time I didn't go watch the husband at the annual Turkey Bowl (I told him my days doing that were over-- soon he'll have sons to go with him anyways). And for the first time in an even longer time, James did not play in a football Turkey Bowl game, but rather a basketball Turkey Bowl-- it was too cold outside. When James got home from the game we headed to my parents house. Ben helped his Nana and Papa prep for their dinner, we took a few family pictures, and then left around two to Sausalito to Tom and Staci's house for dinner.

Holidays at the Reilly's house are always fun because of Tom's great family. Plus all of James' siblings were home from college, so it was nice to all be together. Dinner was yummy, although I should have eaten more- don't know why I didn't go back for seconds, : )

After dinner little Dylan was extremely worn out so Staci asked the girls to give him a bath and get him ready for bed. Of course Ben had to get in on the fun. It was such a cute sight when I went upstairs and saw this. Makes me really excited for Baby #2 and lots of fun times to come and seeing my two in a tub together!

I have so much to be grateful for this year: a baby growing away in my belly, a super funny and intelligent toddler, a driven husband who is a great provider for our family, a beautiful home that I am enjoying slowly decorating, and a growing extended family (a new brother-in-law and as of two days ago, my first niece!)

Christmas is coming way too quickly and I have lots to catch up on before then, so wish me luck.

Vegas Baby

2011-11-27T23:09:00.001-08:00

Last week James had a week long work conference in Las Vegas. And since he was already going to be there and we found out that Lady Antebellum was performing in our favorite venue, The Joint at the Hard Rock, on the last day of the conference, I decided to fly in Friday morning. Little did we know that that maybe wasn't the best idea. Because little did we know how exhausting James' days would be with all day meetings and how busy his nights would be with company dinners, after parties, concerts, and bull riding (yes, bull riding- James made the finals and had a shot at $200 but was already in his pjs in his hotel room by the time he knew.) What is so great for James about his job is how much he loves his "team." These guys (and two ladies) are seriously best friends. He had such a blast with them in Vegas; it helped that two of them are recovering alcoholics and two are mormon- makes it easier when you are not the only one not drinking.

I am also so, so, so proud to report that James was awarded to amazing honors that week. The first he received by his manager in front of just the ADR team, and that was 2011 ADR of the Year. The second he received (or didn't receive- he actually was late and didn't get to accept his award) in front of the entire HP quota carrying enterprise sales team, and that was 2011 Inside Sales MVP of the Year! I couldn't be prouder of James. He has only been with the company, in fact in the tech world in general, for just shy of fourteen months and the success he has already had amazes me. Actually it doesn't really amaze me. It confirms things that I always have known about James. I know that he can go and do whatever he sets his mind to and it really confirms our decision to take on the tech world and I have nothing but excitement for what the future holds for him and our little family.

Now the reason I said that me flying in maybe wasn't the best idea is because by the time Friday rolled around and I was ready to have a good ol' time in Vegas, my lovely husband was completely exhausted and wanted nothing more to do with the strip. He did manage to maintain his energy and we had a great time at the concert. I'm proud to report that this 32 week preggo lady was able to stand for the entire 3 1/2 hour show and we managed to maintain a very comfortable distance from any rowdy intoxicated fellow concert goers. Baby boy enjoyed the music very much as I often felt him dancing away in my tummy throughout the night.

The next day we both slept in till eleven (crazy) and then after being up for only a few hours, James slept again for another several hours while I enjoyed some shopping time with Nana. We laid low that night and enjoyed a yummy Panda Express dinner with Nana and Mike and some good conversation and then flew home in the morning to pick up a very cute little boy from his Mimi and Papa's house. A little boy who had a blast playing with his girls, Tehya and Alyssa, but has told me many times since Vegas how much he missed me when I was in Las (pronounced Yas) Vegas!

A Day to be Thankful For

2011-11-16T21:45:00.001-08:00

Today Ben's preschool had a short Thanksgiving program and feast at his school. When I arrived he was seated with his class and when he spotted me he gave me a big wave and then attempted to make his way through the crowd of parents to me. His teachers quickly got him seated back with his class, but it sure made my day. Unfortunately he didn't sing along the song they had been practicing- even though he knows all the words- but he sat there with his class very well and made me proud all the same. After the songs his teacher read the children's responses to the question: what they are thankful for? Ben's response just cracks me up (see below). He rarely even watches that show funny kid.

My parents got to come and Ben was happy to have his Mimi and Papa there. He gave them the grand tour and we all sat down for some yummy Thanksgiving fixings (can't wait for the real thing now). For the last half hour or so of school he played around outside and for the first time ever didn't want to leave preschool.

Afterwards we went down to Blackhawk Plaza and fed the ducks. Funny how much kids love doing that isn't it. And when we got home and the grandparents were gone, Ben and I settled into my warm bed for a long winter's nap.

We topped our day off with a matinee showing of Puss & Boots at the theater down the street. I sure love my little companion. He keeps me great company, even when his Daddy is out of town for the week.

My Sister's Shower

2011-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

When it came to planning my sister's shower, I knew that cutesy wasn't going to fly with her. Nothing totally girly and nothing cheesy- like she absolutely vetoed the playing of any "shower games." So I thought why not go a little modern and yellow. And then I decided that a brunch would be casual, flexible with people's schedules, and yummy (breakfast foods are my favorite). Once getting my mom (my co-host) and sister on board, I ran with the idea. First I was inspired to make favors out of baby food jars by my friend Kristina's blog as she turned some of her daughter's baby food jars into little turkey gratitude jars with her son. I simply sprayed the lids yellow, glittered them up, and filled them with assorted yellow candy. Very simple and inexpensive; especially since my son's preschool gave me the jars (they have boxes of them).

I wanted to keep everything white and yellow and went with a very clean table scape. I sewed the table runners up with some yellow fabric from Joannes and made the napkin rings from pom pom trim. We then used our own mixed and matched white plates, and kept things simple with plastic cups and yellow straws. I really would have rather used mason jars for the glasses, but things fell through with a friend I was supposed to borrow them from.

The show stopper was this beautiful yellow and white fondant cake that my mom's friend made. The inside was just as impressive- just imagine caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate in a cake! Very yummy.

The brunch buffet was equally impressive and large in quantities (due to my mom's major fear of not having enough food for everyone). Between the fresh whole fruit, yogurt, granola parfait, three types of egg casseroles, hot off the grill Belgium waffles, banana chocolate-chip muffins, custom made donuts, and croissants- I don't think anyone left hungry. Actually they didn't even leave empty-handed, as we insisted that people take home some of the many leftovers!

Lastly all of my sister's friends and family (my family too) were very generous and she left the party with most of what she needs for sweet little Ashlynn, who is arriving in just about a month. Can't believe it.

Doesn't my sister look great for 36 weeks pregnant? Let's just not play the comparison game to me and my only 31 weeks pregnant figure. : ) I would say based on that smile that Katie enjoyed her shower and it was all worth it. Love you sis! And by the way, isn't my mom beautiful. She always seems to get her skinniest when I'm pregnant. What's up with that!

A Perfect Patient

2011-11-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Ben had a dentist appointment last Friday and was so amazing he made me beam with pride. He has always enjoyed doctors since he was little and had been very excited for his dentist appointment for the last month. He kept asking me what his dentist's name was and I would tell him Dr. Yogabi. So when we arrived and were seated in the waiting room, he kept saying over and over very loudly, "where's Yogabi?" I kept correcting him and saying Dr. Yogabi, but to no avail. I thought that things would go south once he got in the chair and the poking and prodding with the shiny tools began but Ben was a champ. He let Dr. Yogabi scrape his little teeth clean. He did have a slight aversion to the bright light so the dentist handed him the cool shades (see below). Ben tried them on but wasn't much of a fan.

His big objection came when the polisher made it's appearance. I think it was the noise that scared him the most. He did finally agree to let him just try and I think Dr. Yogabi managed to polish a few of his top front teeth before Ben asked him to stop. There were no meltdowns and he simply just asked him to please stop. It was pretty funny. Ben was also quite the conversationalist and told Dr. Yogabi all about his little brother named Jackson and how his Daddy picked out the name, and when asked what his Daddy's name was he replied "just Daddy," with a little shrug of his shoulders. Dr. Yogabi complemented Ben's shoes and he told him he picked them out, which he did. I just sat in the chair next to them simply listening to the little conversation my big boy was carrying on with his dentist, smiling all along.

And the best news of all was that Ben's teeth look great and that mom (me) is doing a

great job! Yah for me. It's not always easy to floss and brush a 3-year-old's teeth,

so I was relieved with the good report.

Passed Out Passenger

2011-11-07T23:08:00.000-08:00

I don't think I will ever grow tired of peeking over my shoulder in the car and seeing this!

It just can't get any cuter than this!

Valley Parent Preschool (VPPS)

2011-11-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Ben started preschool early September at Valley Parent Preschool here in Danville. It is a parent co-op preschool, which means that every child's parent who attends participates in the classroom and on various boards. My responsibilities there include working in the classroom two days a month (the same number of days per week my child attends school), serving on a committee and committing 30 hours of my time throughout the school year in this role (I am on the ever-so-fun social committee), and volunteering five hours per school year to the maintenance of the school. Not only are co-ops a great way to keep crazy preschool costs down but it also is a great way to really be an active participant in your child's early education. I am grateful that I am in the position that I am available to work in Ben's classroom in a co-op

function. At first I was weary if me working in the classroom was the best thing for Ben (his behavior when I was at school was less than desirable at first). But the last two times I worked he could barely care less that I was there. Which meant that I got to observe him in his environment as he normally is on those days I simply drop him off.

Another thing I enjoy about the preschool is that it is a play-based preschool. Which means that a large majority of the time spent there is dedicated to free-choice play. Play that is specifically designed to help the children learn, explore, and discover using all of their senses. The kids are free to choice which activities they want to participate in or not participate in. A portion of the time is also spent in small groups doing dedicated lessons and activities as organized by teachers.

Since starting I have seen Ben grow in various ways. While he hasn't completely branched out socially with the other kids yet, he does talk some of his teacher's ears off (mostly teacher Vicki). He also surprisingly really enjoys doing the art projects there and has become more creative at home, requesting that we do "crafty" things at home. He is constantly wanting to cut things now with his little safety scissors. A magazine and his scissors have provided hours of entertainment for him. I can also see that he takes such pride in his art as he usually can't wait to show me what he made. His imagination has also vastly grown since starting. He now has some wonderful imaginary friends (i.e. Sally, Mater, and Lightening McQueen), enjoys role playing (band practice, going to meetings), and has discovered the joy in building forts, which he often refers to as his house or his gym. I am proud of my little preschooler and can't wait to see how preschool will continue to enrich his life and expand his little mind.

From the Patch to the Porch

2011-11-06T15:32:00.001-08:00

It was a good thing that Ben's preschool went to the pumpkin patch at the beginning of October, because we never actually made it this year as a family. Things kept coming up. I got to go with him on his preschool field trip to a cute farm in Livermore. He got to pick a pumpkin, a gourd, and an indian corn.

On Halloween day we finally went to go get the rest of our pumpkins, but settled on a local farmers market instead of another pumpkin patch. There was a small corn maze and a little petting zoo, so I don't think Ben really knew the difference.

We were going to try and cram in carving that day too, but amongst all the festivities it never happened. So we decided to keep the Halloween season going and carved our pumpkins the day after Halloween. I think we get better and better at the carving every year. I did both the spider for Ben (he picked it out on the computer), and the ghost for my pumpkin. And James' pumpkin was in tribute of his Utah Utes joining the Pac 12 this year. And that's the end of the Halloween posts.

It's A Circus 'Round Here

2011-11-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

We finally decided on just going with Ben's clown costume and a whole circus theme for Halloween this year. It was really a last minute effort, and if it wasn't for James it may not have happened at all. On Friday before Halloween James decided that he could manage his costume all on his own, if I can get mine done (I was feeling overwhelmed having to do both). We set a dollar limit and decided a friendly competition was in order. We kept both of our costumes hidden until the grand reveal just moments before our ward Halloween party on Saturday night. I am amazed at my husband's skill. I deemed him the winner, because I had no clue he had it in him. James was the ringmaster and I was a cotton candy vendor. Here are some horrible phone pics for your viewing pleasure.

We went to our old home town of Los Gatos on Halloween night to visit once again the greatTait Street. And once again it did not disappoint. However, unlike last year, this year Ben developed little things called awareness and fear. We parked on our old street and he enjoyed trick or treating at an old neighbor's house and then at our old house. He was so excited to see our old house and kept saying, "oh, did you see our door?" "I just love our old door!" Silly boy. Once we got onto Tait Street the insane crowd, spooky loud music, scary costumes and decor freaked him out. He started to cry and said he wanted to go home and that he had "enough candy already." That's how you know it's serious. : ) But I was able to calm him down by keeping his eye gaze low at all the cute kids in their costumes and the many dog's in theirs. After making our way through Tait Street we headed down town to visit our favorite candy store (not for more candy, just drinks). And when we got home Ben of course dumped his candy on the floor and examined his loot. He got two pieces that night and we called it a day. Anoverall successful Halloween, but I'm glad it's done. Now bring on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then this baby!

Box Car

2011-11-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

This morning Ben asked me if we could do something "crafty" today? I said yes and then tried to figure out something to do. As I was breaking down some cardboard boxes (we have had several packages arrive throughout the week for Halloween and James' birthday) I got the idea to make a box car. Actually Ben gave me the idea a few days ago when he jumped inside a box and started racing it around. I got to work cutting out the shape of the box while Ben worked on getting the wheels (small paper plates) nice and black.Then he began the custom paint job on the car and chose a different color for each side. We embellished his race car with some cool racing stripes.

We finished it off with paper towel roll headlights, and a paper towel roll steering wheel. Then I simply added a ribbon so he could hold the car up and around his neck and he was off. It's a little small for him, but it gets the job done. Although he has been begging me to put a seat into it so he doesn't have to walk. I've tried to explain to him that it just doesn't work like that. I suppose he wants an engine too!

He lovingly named his car, Lightening McQueen.

James' 27th Birthday Party

2011-10-31T16:12:00.001-07:00

I hosted a small family birthday dinner for James' 27th birthday last night at the house. It turned out just how I had planned it. The food was very simple (crock pot shredded chicken tacos, beans, and rice). And the company was great. I know James felt very loved and enjoyed celebrating his special day with his loved ones. Now for some pictures

The Decor

The Food

The Guests

The Pumpkin Carving Contest

The winner was defiantly Tom for the below two creations.

The Birthday Boy!

It Was a Beary Long Day, and This Mummy is Tired!

2011-10-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Friday was defiantly a very busy day. I hosted a little Mummy & Me Luncheon party for Ben and a few of his little friends from 10 till about 1. I went with of course a mummy theme and purple, orange, and lime green color scheme. We kicked off the party with a dramatic reading (ha, ha) of Ben's favorite book, "Where's My Mummy?" Then played a game of pin the face on the mummy-- loved the kids interpretations of what a face looks like.

Then they enjoyed a lunch of mummy dogs (with horrible mustard eyes), and mummy pizzas.

The cute party guests.

Once all the guests left I quickly got Ben down for a nap to rest up for the next event of the day- a wizard of oz themed party at the rec. center downtown. Ben wore his back up costume, a little bear suit we found at a second-hand store to give his clown costume a break from the festivities. He played a few games, made a few crafts, and enjoyed pointing out everyone's costumes to me telling me what everyone was dressed up as.

After the party we were supposed to go to Uncle Jeff's football game, but opted out because not only were we both tired, I still had to shop for supplies for my costume. We attempted to get everything I needed at the party store and Marshalls, but I realized I had to venture to the mall to H&M for my outfit. I got everything I needed for just under $30, plus I got a new outfit to wear after Halloween. I'll post pictures tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great Halloween tomorrow.

A Good Day

2011-10-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day with my best little friend. We spent the whole day together and I couldn't help but think again and again throughout the day how we don't have many more days left just the two of us. How things are going to change soon, and it makes me a little sad for him. I know he is going to love being a big brother, but I just want to cherish these last few months with him as my one and only. So . . .

We spent the morning roasting marshmallows over an open fire, : )

The afternoon washing our rides,

And the evening browsing the library for new reading material and at home baking sugar cookies.

Mommy loves you Ben so much and I promise to always make time for just the two of us no matter how large our family grows. And according to you "we are going to have lots of babies!"

Ben's Big Boy Room

2011-10-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing baby about Ben's room at the new house. It's kinda sad. But I get to design a nursery very soon, so it's okay that I'll soon have one big boy and one baby boy! Ever since starting preschool Ben has really enjoyed painting and crafting. He was bringing home so much artwork, that I knew we had to do a little art gallery. I still want to expand it with some more frames.

Ben's new big boy bed (a hand-me-down from his Auntie Amanda who is now off at college). He really has to jump to get on here. James said to remember how he struggles to get on now, because by the time we leave this house he will be swinging his leg over and touching the ground. I was worried that he would fall off, but so far, no injuries have occurred.

The shape of the room provided the perfect little nook for his toy box.

Love all the storage and shelf space that this cool IKEA contraption provides.

The reading corner.

The perfect reminder for every child of God, young and old!

I love the built ins in the closet, they provide the perfect place for all of his things. Things I want him to get into on his own are placed below, and those I don't want him to get into alone are out of reach.

I can't wait to start on the nursery; I've got big plans. It will be the first nursery I get to design, so I'm super excited.

Getting Crafty

2011-10-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Ben and I made these adorable mini marshmallow ghosts for my friend's neighborhood Halloween carnival. Simply fill skinny plastic bags, like those used for pretzel treats, with mini marshmallows, and sharpie on little ghost faces. Or in our case hot glue on googly eyes and paint on the mouth (can't find my black sharpie anywhere).

Burlap, ribbon, and black paint were used to create this simple banner for our family room mantel. The mini pumpkins I plan on using for James' b-day party celebration and a friendly carving competition. We will see if they are even possible to carve.

I can't claim any craftiness about the kitchen table, but someone handmade this cute runner, just not me. And I love the sunflowers; they remind me of my mom. And since the table was my parent's old table, it really reminds me of my mom. : )

How to Spend Two Days

2011-10-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I dropped Ben off at preschool and my Dad picked him up for me and took him to spend the night at my parent's house. I will be picking him up today at around four with James. So how did I spend my two days? I think I struck the perfect balance how to spend two days to myself: one day for me, and one day for my family.

As soon as I dropped Ben off yesterday to preschool, only after sitting with him through circle time and a fun visit from a firefighter, I headed to downtown Walnut Creek for a wonderful haircut. I got the works. A scalp massage with lavender essential oil, a deep conditioning treatment and hand massage, and then an amazing haircut. I've decided to grow out my hair, so she just cleaned it up a little bit, but I really like it. After my haircut I treated myself to a little scrumptious snack from Kara's Cupcakes-- a s'more cupcake and milk.

Once the sugar kicked in I was ready to shop. I scoured a local consignment store and scored four amazing designer sweaters at great prices that will work through my pregnancy and then afterwards. Then I headed to my new favorite, H&M for some essential pieces including a black maternity pencil skirt, and a few non maternity pieces that work great. I love not having to shop ALL maternity. They really rip us preggo women off and then you can't wear the pieces once the belly goes back down to normal size again. I ended my me day with a trip to Cold Stone with four wonderful women and chatted it up until nearly ten o'clock at night. Such a great day!

After a thoroughly selfish day yesterday, I thought I better devout my time to my family today. How so? By cleaning our entire house, working on Ben's Halloween costume, and stocking our fridge up with some much needed food. Soon I will be getting in the car to go pick up my baby from his Mimi and Papa's house, and I can't wait to see him. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I'm so glad that he had such a great time and was such a good boy, but I am also glad that he is ready to come home and is missing me. We then will head to mine and James' hometown of Brentwood for a family pumpkin patch outing, then to our favorite local restaurant for dinner, El Camino, and lastly to James' football practice. Yes, his football practice. He signed up to re live his glory days on an alumni football team and today he has his first practice. The big game is in a few weeks. I think we just might feel 16 again tonight, except for the bringing our three-year-old to the pumpkin patch part. : )

Gotta Go, Gotta Go, Gotta Go Right Now

2011-10-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

I have gained such a sympathy for those suffering from overactive bladder syndrome in the last few weeks. The frequency of which I have to "go" has gotten out of control. Baby Boy #2 is quite the boxer or kick boxer (I can't tell which limbs are flailing around on me), and my bladder is his punching bag. My night's rest has become so interrupted with frequent trips to the bathroom, that I am beginning to think that I will be more well rested once he is out and my mind changes it's tune to, "and I don't have to go right now!"

Probably unlikely though!

Clowning Around

2011-10-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

I got the idea to make Ben a clown costume from Parents magazine. It was so simple and very cost effective. Here is a breakdown of materials and directions:

Materials: Girls bermuda shorts size 14, long sleeve t-shirt (both on clearance at Target), oversized bow tie purchased from party store, bag of pop poms, green felt, bag of party hats, large colorful buttons, ribbon, face painting kit, and a medium-sized embroidery hoop. Total cost for everything was around $20-25.

First I stitched the oversized bow-tie to the t-shirt to reinforce it. Then I pinned the embroidery hoop into the shorts (I could have hand-sewn it, but I hate hand sewing, so I just safety pinned it). I had Ben hold them on himself while I measured the ribbon for size and simply sewed on the ribbon and buttons to create suspenders. I safety pinned the suspenders to his t-shirt so they wouldn't slip, but the pants could still slip off.

For the clown hat, I simply cut the green felt to size and hot glued it on to the paper party hat. Then I hot glued a large pom pom on top and on the bottom rim, and glued buttons up the front. He had the perfect clown-like shoes already, so I just taped on some pom poms for added detail. And woola, there you have it.

After looking at the pictures from our friend's neighborhood Halloween carnival (such fun- see below), I realized that his pants could use a little something.

So I have decided to sew some large patches onto the pants before his school Halloween party and parade to add a little flair and change things up a bit. And because we have at least two more events to go to I have to think of a family costume idea. I had a three bears plan in the works, but since I never finalized the bear rentals for James and I and because James informed me that it's "kinda lame," I'm back at square one for now.

Feeling Festive

2011-10-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

For the first time I actually have some space in my home to decorate for

holidays. So without going crazy, I have been slowly getting my home

Halloween ready with some simple do-it-yourself projects.

The bats that greet you upon entering. Made with black socks, felt, and googly eyes!

Simple gourds and indian corn adorn our coffee table.

Hand painted birds cage and hot-glue and buttons create the perfect

two pumpkins for the living room mantle.

Thrift store finds and 50% off pumpkins at joanes create

this table scape on the dining room buffet.

I have a few more crafts up my sleeve so stay tuned for an update.

Soaking up Summer, and Wishing it Adieu

2011-10-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Last week was hopefully the last week of really warm weather. So we took advantage and busted out the swimsuits hopefully for the last time. Definitely the last time for me-- I don't think my non-maternity suit is going to stretch anymore. : ) It was so nice having a pool in our own backyard for the end of this summer for several reasons: it turned out to be a great thing to do with Ben and maybe more importantly, a great way to wear him out. And also because I was not about to go to any sort of public pool with my growing belly. Below is the only glimpse you'll be getting of me in all my glory.

The last three days have been breezy, and overcast, and wonderful. I'm looking forward to cool days and evenings, comfortable covered up clothing, and snuggling under blankets with my family. But first things first. Tomorrow after dropping Ben off at preschool I'm hitting up the mall for some much needed winter clothes for him. Turns out only two pairs of his pants don't flood, and his arms are too long for the vast majority of his long sleeve t's, button downs, and sweatshirts. Yikes. And soon we will have two of them to clothe.

First Annual Back to School Dinner

2011-09-21T16:18:00.001-07:00

Stole this idea from some fellow bloggers and didn't quite do it justice this year. Planning on creating a special theme to live by for the school year, going over it with Ben, and presenting him with some special gift for next year and future years. This year we enjoyed a yummy dinner. went over some basic classroom rules on our handy poster-- turned placemat, and crafted some jello apples. Pictures turned out pretty poor (I'm doing research on getting a new camera before baby brother comes), but Ben enjoyed his special dinner and is loving school so much.

Because I don't want to forget . . .

2011-09-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some phrases that Ben uses on almost a daily basis that I just don't ever want to forget:

"You're the best."
"I love you berry, berry, berry, berry, berry much!"
"Why is it taking FOREVER?!"
"You wanna fight, Daddy?"
"That was my accident."
"I have a perfect idea."
"I'm STARVING!"
"I'm not tired." (said whilst yawning).
"You promise me!"
"Why you so mad at me?
"Tell me!"
"Lets do it."
"You cheat me."
"Two minutes."

Half Way There

2011-09-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am 21 weeks along and feeling good. Everything looked wonderful with baby brother at the ultrasound (which was done at about 19.5 weeks). He's weighing in at about half a pound, and I am weighing in at ___. Yah right! No cravings as of now, only a brief stint with baked potato cravings in the early stages. No obnoxious symptoms of pregnancy yet that I had with Ben (i.e. heartburn and charley horses). But I'm sure I just jinxed myself. Bending is becoming a more difficult task by the day and my back is taking a beating already from the extra weight. I purchased a prenatal yoga video yesterday so I hope to do it regularly to help relieve my aching back and tone and stretch my muscles so I can feel my very best until the end. Yesterday there was a very unexpected thunder and lightening storm that has me longing for cooler days. Fall is by far my favorite season and I am so glad to be pregnant during the cooler months this time around. I have been feeling baby brother move since the day of my ultrasound (August 30th), and he hasn't stopped since. Even James and Ben have felt him already, which was so fun for both since James barely felt anything out of Ben (he wasn't much of a mover). Feeling a little life move around inside of you never gets old!

Mommy's Boy

2011-09-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Not to be confused with mama's boy, because that Ben is not. He is a very tough kid. It takes a lot for him to cry from a physical injury. But a mommy's boy, he very much is. I get more love from this kid than I could have ever dreamt of. I am so blessed to hear all day long, "I love you mommy," and "you're the best mommy." He takes good care of me too. He's concerned if I make the slightest sound of discomfort, which I do often now just doing things like getting up from the couch (this belly is already feeling so heavy). And while he is not always the best at his pleases and his thank you's, he makes sure to thank me for meals with a sweet, "thank you mommy for my dinner." Followed by a demanding, "did you thank my mommy for your dinner?" Directed at his Daddy. And ever since starting preschool last week he thinks about how I'm ALL by myself ALL day long now (it's two days a week, two and a half hours a day in reality). He assures me that I'll be okay because I can "just eat breakfast and then do laundry." And he reminds me of how I will soon have another baby and then I wont be alone anymore. I love this child so much and can't imagine how much fuller my heart is going to be when I get to love two of 'em. I just hope baby brother is half as sweet as his big brother. : )

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today was my baby's first day of preschool. And he did awesome. As soon as I got him out of the car he said "bye, mom" and started walking towards the school. Good sign. Then he got a little cautious and wanted to make sure that I was walking in with him. After washing his hands in the bathroom (which I love that they make them all do upon arrival), I got him situated in circle time and told him that I was leaving and would be back soon to get him. He said okay, so I took my lead and left. Like a bandaid, right. I was the quickest one to leave, but felt good leaving him in a good place, rather than dragging out the goodbyes. I didn't cry, nor was I all that emotional honestly. Mostly it felt strange just leaving him there. I've only ever left him with family and for nursery I'm in the building. So just weird dropping him off and driving away.

When he got home this is what I was able to get out of him over the course of the day: he liked the play doh. He painted a picture of a panda bear, which I'm very curious to see what that looks like (he left it at school). He didn't play with anyone. But it wasn't boring. He was upset that their pet snake was sleeping and the teacher didn't get him out. Yes, they have a pet snake. And yes, they let the kids hold it. All his friends liked his shoes. But no one said anything to him about them. I guess he just got that vibe. Maybe they were all staring at them with envy. He was a little shy to his teacher. He poured his own water for snack. And he got oranges and gold fish crackers. They were asked to bring their favorite stuffed animal with them, and apparently they threw them up in the air. One little boy cried. But he didn't. He didn't miss me (which I told him I was glad because I want him to have fun-- but of course, it sucked a little bit). And someone squirted him with water in the bathroom. What a busy day!

I spent my two and a half hours in a less entertaining matter, but nevertheless quite productively. I: watered the plants in the front and backyard. Washed, dried, and folded one load of laundry. Made mine and Ben's beds. Washed some dishes. Cleaned the kitchen. Enjoyed a pudding cup on the couch. And went to the bank. It's funny how Bentley actually recognized and acknowledged the fact that I would be home alone while he's at school. He pointed out how Daddy is at work and now he will be at school, and I'll be home by myself ALL day long. He assured me that I would be okay and I could just eat breakfast by myself. Silly kid. : )

I am so proud of Ben and couldn't be happier with how the day went. I know that he will enjoy preschool very much and it will be so great for him. Especially once the baby comes for him to have time just for himself, playing with his friends, learning, and accomplishing things that will make himself feel proud. I'm glad I made the decision to start him this year instead of waiting until next. He will get three solid years of preschool before kindergarten and I know he will have a great start because of it. Now here are the classic first day of school pics.

It's a . . .

2011-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday (August 30th) was the big day. The day I have been anticipating since Mother's Day-- gender reveal day. I am just NOT one of those mom's who can wait and be surprised. I am much to much of a planner for that. Plus I wanted to get Ben very familiar with the idea of having either a little brother or a little sister. My appointment was at 2 pm so James decided to take the entire day off, which was very nice. We all got to sleep in a little bit and then headed to our new local donut shop for our weekly fix (we missed our normal Saturday because we were camping).

On the short ride over to the hospital I was nervous for Ben for two reasons. One, he fell asleep on the ride over because it was his nap time, so I was worried he would be cranky when I awoke him just ten short minutes later. Ended up being no problem at all. Two, I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to make out the images we would see on the ultrasound and just keep asking where the baby was and feel let down because I have been telling him for weeks that he would see the baby on TV. Well as it turned out he was an expert at deciphering what he saw on the screen. He kept calling out "look there's the eyes," "and the cheeks," etc. I was quite impressed and so happy for him that he was enjoying it so much.

It was unbelievable for me too. It's amazing how much more real it feels once you see that baby inside of you. Just incredible. At first baby was sleeping with little legs tucked under it's body, bum up in the air, hands held close to the face. After the technician continued to move the camera all over my belly, pressing down slightly, baby was aroused from sleep and began to move a little. At this point however, baby is not much of a mover. It did however give us a nice little wave hello and a thumbs up, both of which Ben thought was pretty cool.

We had asked the technician when we walked in to not say the gender aloud because we didn't want Ben to know yet. The next day we had the families over for dinner to reveal the news and didn't want Ben to give it away before the cake (I'll explain in a bit). We asked her to just say B or G. I thought it was very funny when she actually wrote the one letter and didn't even say it. I just sorta thought to myself: lady, he doesn't know how to read yet. When we saw that letter appear on the screen James and I looked at each other, laughed a bit, and smiled goofily of course-- so overwhelmed with love already for this new tiny addition.

Funny side note: Ben kept telling me during the ultrasound that he wants an orange baby. I thought that because I had been telling him that I was going to make either a pink or blue cake to reveal the gender to everyone at the dinner the next night, that he was requesting that I make an orange cake. What I didn't realize, because I was looking at a different monitor than he and James, was the technician was snapping pictures and some of them were orange in color. He was a little disappointed when his orange baby printed in black and white only. But he is excited to have a picture that says "he Ben" on it to put on his family tree page at his new preschool. After we left the doctor's I requested that we go to dinner to celebrate. So my lovely husband treated us to a delicious meal at The Cheesecake Factory.

The next evening both sides of the family joined us at our home for a pizza party and cake reveal. It was a great evening and everyone was excited with the news that a new baby ____ will be joining the family soon. I'm going to make you watch this to find out!

Back to Blogging . . . Again

2011-08-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Right when I was feeling motivated again to start blogging, we sold our desk and packed up our computer for our pending move (more on the big move later). But I am back now and will hopefully make a better effort at keeping my blog updated. Especially in order to capture the joys and trails of this pregnancy, since I didn't write down many of my thoughts when I was pregnant with Ben and it is such an amazing time. But first I am going to go back to July again and try and catch up from there, July 9th to be exact.

On July 9th my sister, Katie got married and it was such a great day. I feel like I slacked a bit in my duties as her maid of honor due to the rough start of my pregnancy, so luckily her other b-maids stepped up and I think we all pitched in to make the day great for her. Luckily Katie had the foresight to get just about everything set up the day before, making the day of mostly stress-free. As far as I could see everything went very smoothly.

Ben was an adorable ring bearer, although unfortunately the rehearsal went better than the real thing. At the rehearsal, Ben and Matty held hands down the isle and were just adorable. At the ceremony Ben began to cry and would only walk down the aisle with me. So we walked the aisle hand-in-hand. : ) Also after the ceremony he refused to get in any of the group pics, so things could have gone better I suppose, but he looked so handsome.

Everything turned out I believe just how my sister wanted it and everyone just had such a great time. The food was great, the best men speeches were very entertaining, and Ben danced the night away to Katie Perry. Congratulations Katie. So happy for you and Tim!

An Explanation

2011-07-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have been negligent of my blog (until two days ago). But that is not all. I have been negligent of my housework (the house is usually picked up, but not all that clean). I have been negligent of meal preparation (I have prepared a real home cooked dinner maybe twice over the last couple months). I have been negligent in my own personal grooming (I love my black Nike baseball hat). Why? Because I'm . . .

I found out on Mother's Day. How fitting, right? I wasn't suspecting it since we only started trying about a month earlier, and much to my surprise it was positive. I wrapped up the little pee stick in a box and handed it to Ben saying that I got a present for him and daddy too. He opened it and with a strange look on his face asked, "what is it?" Once we explained that I had a baby in my tummy, he very happily exclaimed, "I so proud of you for getting a baby in your tummy!" He knew we were trying (whatever his little brain thought that meant), and was proud that we were able to accomplish our goal! Funny kid.

He has been amazing throughout the process so far. He kisses baby and tells it he loves it. He asks why my baby is "taking FOREVER!" And has been so supportive with me being sick. Always asking me how I'm feeling and being a great little nap buddy during our daily naps. And let me tell you I have been sick. Way worse than with Ben. For about two months I had:

NO energy

Extreme stomach aches

Constant nausea

Daily puking

Multiple migraines

But bye, bye first tri! I am 13 weeks along today and feeling much, much better. I'm already showing, which is a bit alarming. But I hear that's normal. We find out in about a month what we are having, and I seriously can't wait. I am much more anxious to find out than I was with Ben. I think it's because I really have a strong preference this time (not going to say, don't want to jinx it). But of course will be thrilled either way. Ben always used to say for the longest time that he wanted a baby sister, but has since changed his mind and has decided that a baby brother named Ben is what he really wants! Oh yah, and my sister is preggo too! About a month ahead of me. So this should be a lot of fun, or this could be very interesting. Two hormonal sister's hanging out could get crazy. We will just keep our visits short. Ha, ha!

Sweet Summertime

2011-07-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is just flying by so fast I can hardly believe it, and it doesn't always quite feel like summertime around here with the unusually cool weeks we've been having, but we have been able to squeeze in some good ol' fashioned summertime fun.

We have enjoyed a drive in movie or two. With the interesting sights (aka kids on top of SUV's), cheap price tag, and toddler-proofness, you can't really beat the drive in. My little car makes out into the perfect spot too. Although it hasn't been too comfy since we lost our air mattress plug, and although we gave it two good efforts to creatively plug in the air, we failed miserably both times, and spent the majority of the movies on the hard car floor.

Ben has enjoyed a cold snack or two. His favorites include slurpees from 7 Eleven, ice cream cones, and popsicles.

This week we went to a free concert in the park and actually got to see a known band, Neon Trees. It was pretty cold and we couldn't actually see the band, but a bag of cotton candy made it all worth it!

Yesterday our little cousin Dylan turned one and Tom and Auntie threw an amazing party for him on Angel Island. Ben enjoyed his first ever boat ride from Sausalito to the island. It was great weather for the city and we enjoyed a long, fun day with great family and friends.

I am hoping to still squeeze in a short camping trip before the summer completely passes us by, but we will see. Lots of things upcoming.

Three-Years-Old

2011-07-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to blogging about a momentous occasion, Ben's third birthday. I really cannot believe that it has been three years already, even though it feels like this little boy has always been in my life. We kept the day low key with a yummy donut cake for breakfast, and a small family picnic dinner in the evening to celebrate. Ben thought he already had his birthday anyway (his party a couple weeks earlier).

Ben has grown up so much over the last few months, and is really a little person (not much baby left about him). There are so many things I can say (aka brag) about him, but in keeping with his years of life, I thought that I would mention the top three things I love about him.

1.) He is full of personality- Everyone has always told me since Ben was young, how much personality he has. He talks just about non-stop, and once he warms up, he is always the life of the party. He enjoys making people laugh and pays attention to what does it. While he is not always Mr. Outgoing, once comfortable, he will entertain people with singing and dancing. He is very much interested in music, just like his daddy. He knows the words (almost completely) to "Twinkle, Twinkle" and "Old McDonald." He listens very intently to songs on the radio in order to memorize a line or two from the chorus, and then very proudly announces that "I can sing that song now." His favorite song right now is Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" (so age appropriate I know). At his Auntie's wedding last weekend we had the DJ play it just for him, and he ran out onto the empty dance floor and performed a rousing breakdance number for everyone! He is always saying the funniest things, and I really kick myself for not recording down everyone of them. He even says the darndest things in his sleep. A couple nights ago he was in our bed and somehow managed to stick his foot down the husband's underwear. When James pulled his foot out, Ben half way awoke and asked his daddy "why did you take my sock off?" I honestly peed my pants a little in the morning when James told me this. : ) Ben really keeps us laughing in our house, and it's really fun for me to see how this outgoing, talkative, energetic little boy came from two people who aren't exactly all these things themselves. I have a feeling that because James and I look so similar, we are going to have one of those families where everyone really looks alike. But I know that each member will posses an amazing and truly unique personality, all their own. Ben has shown me that!

2.) He is so lovey- He tells both myself and his daddy that he loves us at least fifteen times a day (unprovoked)! He is always asking to snuggle, especially with James, because he knows how much his daddy loves to snuggle too. Ben is very compassionate and always asks me if I am feeling better when he knows I'm under the weather (usually with a migraine). He will even remember the next day if I go to sleep with a migraine, and will ask me first thing in the morning if my head is better. He loves his extended family and asks about them all the time and always wants to visit them. And when six-month-old Olivia (little girl I nanny for) gets dropped off in the morning he tells her she "looks beautiful" and gives her big hugs. I never have to beg for hugs either; all day he offers them and big kisses too. I sure hope this side of him lasts.

3.) He is so observant- Ben will notice right away if something has changed in the house. He always notices when I clean (more so than the husband). A few days ago I cleaned up his room while he was in the bathtub, and when he got out and walked into his room he said, "oh, mommy. My room looks beautiful." He notices when he, James, or myself are wearing something new. He'll ask where we got it and say it looks very nice. Being a guy, these kinds of things are huge. : ) His observant ways also make him very curious (not always a trait I love about him). Ben asks many, many, many questions a day. He can really make my head spin sometimes, but I know it means that he is and will be an eager learner. He always wants to know what's going on everyday, and doesn't forget a thing that I tell him; so if I say something to him, I better be for darn certain that it's going to happen, because he will remind me.

I love you baby and have enjoyed these last three years as your mommy! Happy birthday!

Independence Day

2011-07-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July. It started with us sleeping right through the 5k we fully intended participating in. Oh well. We did make it to the ward breakfast and games celebration however. After some muffins and yummy summertime fruit, we participated in a rousing game of water balloons and then headed back home for some more laziness. We spend a good majority of the day lounging around and trying to stay cool in our un-airconditioned home (it was a long and busy weekend, so we needed it). At 4pm we headed for beautiful Sausalito to Tom and Auntie's house. The company was wonderful, the weather was cool and breezy, and the food was great (especially the s'mores- my idea!)

Ben absolutely loved the fireworks this year. In fact, he was a bit of a fireworks policeman; ordering everyone else to stop talking and watch the fireworks. He even told the teenage daughter of a family friend to "stop texting," "put your phone away," "watch the fireworks." He pretty much had everyone laughing the entire night. We got to see the very up-close and personal show in front of Angel Island, and then got to see the two simultaneous shows over the bay in San Francisco. It really is the perfect spot for fireworks. Traffic was pretty bad leaving, and after sitting in stop-and-go traffic for about ten minutes, a very tired little boy from the back seat asked me if he could go to sleep now. And then with my permission, he was out!

Ben's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-07-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 3 last Sunday! I can't believe it. I'm first going to start with his birthday party we had a couple Saturdays before his actual b-day. I decided to have it at a park this year since our place is tiny and we live too far from the parents to use one of their houses. I really liked it because of the easy cleanup, but because parking is so far away from our picnic spot, setup was a huge pain. It was a mad dash to get everything ready before the guests showed (and it wasn't ALL ready when the first guests arrived) because it took over an hour for James and I to bring down all the tables, chairs, and decor to the picnic spot. Honestly I was pretty bummed about this because I wasn't able to take photos of all of the details prior to the party beginning, and didn't think to get any once the guests arrived. So some of my hard worked out details I didn't get photographed, which makes me feel silly I came home so disappointed about after the party, but I spend a lot of time planning, so I couldn't help it.

But I really think that everyone had a great time, including the one who matters most, Ben. He did start off a little overwhelmed by all the attention and was clingy to me at first, but loosened up when the games started and then of course by present opening time! So many friends and family came out to celebrate Ben, and we couldn't have been more grateful. I'm too lazy to comment on all of the photos, so I'll just let them tell the story of the day by themselves.

It really was a great day and I think that the birthday boy felt very special!

He Talks in His Sleep

2011-06-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

Ben has inherited pretty much all of his Dad's sleeping habits. They both fall asleep very quickly (lucky them), they both sleep with their eyes partially open (creepy), and they both occasionally talk in their sleep.

At about 4 am this morning Ben was in our bed and I heard him start calling out, "daddy, daddy," until James unconsciously grunted, and Ben continued with "I love you this much." I didn't see if it was accompanied by his usual outstretched arms, but it sure had me smiling all morning long.

P.S. This is my attempt to get back into blogging, I should be back soon with party details and pics.

I'm Still Here

2011-05-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

I have been very negligent of my blog lately I know. In all my spare time (i.e. time when Ben is asleep), I have been working on a gift for my little sister-in-law for her high school graduation, and also working on projects for Ben's upcoming birthday party. I have been planning it for so long now, that I really can't believe it is now just three weeks from today. I still have plenty to do, but I enjoy doing it so much. I'm not all that crafty outside of planning parties, so it feels good to be creative. It also just makes me feel really good to make a big deal out of the day for my son, and lets face it for me. It was after all a life changing day for me too. : ) I opted for one simple thing this year, and that was evites. I found a great website that I actually way prefer over the traditional evites website, called punchbowl. It gives so many more options, such as setting up gift registries and organizing food assignments if the event happened to be a potluck. I also love that people actually RSVP this way too. Almost half my guests have already RSVP'd since sending it last night. You can check it out here.

I'll probably be not so good again about posting until this party is done. Perhaps a few sneak peeks though before. Stay tuned. And just because blog posts are boring without a pic, here you go.

What Did You Say?!

2011-05-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

Ben shocks me everyday with what he can say and what he is absorbing. Kids are sponges after all, and my child is VERY porous.

On Wednesday we met some friends at a park within about a seven minutes walk from the house. When we got home I realized that the keys were not in the stroller and must have fallen out when I folded up the stroller. I told Ben the news and that we would have to walk back to the park to hunt for the keys. His response? "You gotta be kidding me."

Whenever my voice starts to raise at him insisting that he do whatever it is I am asking him to do (i.e. "Bentley get over here NOW and get your jammies on.") I have to turn my head so he doesn't see me laugh as he responds with either "calm down, mommy," or "geez, cool it, cool it."

I am constantly telling Ben that I love him, which he always responds with an "I love you too, mommy." Recently he has been initiating the I love you's, but of course says "I love you too!"

On Mother's Day my son told me one of the most heart wrenching phrases (other than his I love you too's): "I so proud of you mommy!" I'll tell you what he is so proud of me for soon. Stay tuned . . .

I love this kid so much. And he loves him some corn on the cob!

Easter Sunday

2011-05-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

The decor . . .

The food . . .

The guests . . .

The reason . . .

Rainbow Cupcakes

2011-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

I have seen these rainbow cupcakes on the web for sometime now and have been wanting to try them. So what better time than Spring to enjoy a colorful treat. Ben was a big help. First I mixed a box of white cake mix together and then divided the batter into five small bowls. Next I added a few drops of neon food coloring to each bowl and stirred (this is where Ben came in). Then you simply scoop the batter into the cupcake liners one color at a time layering them (I guess you could take a toothpick to swirl the colors together to create a tie dyed effect).

We were excited at our first glance at the cupcakes in the oven.

I piped on green icing with a leaf tip and then plopped some blue peeps on top to make them especially festive.

And here is a look at the inside. Super fun and easy!

Say Aaaahhhh!

2011-04-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ben went to the dentist today. Really for the first time. He went when he turned one and sat on my lap while the doc took a brief glance at his few teeth he had then. So really this was his first time. And he was a champ! The dentist and dental assistant kept going on and on about how good he was. My child loves doctors and dentists. It's strange but boy am I thankful. Makes it so much easier. He climbed right up into the chair eagerly waiting for his dentist to arrive. While he got pretty quiet and hesitated opening his mouth real wide for her, he let her look at all of his teeth and even clean some plaque off with the scrapper. He however, was not a fan of the polisher and only let her do a few teeth before he was done. She said she just wanted to get him acquainted with it and it wasn't necessary to do till his next checkup in six months.

I really like the dentist we found. Not only is it in walking distance to our home, and the appointment was 100% covered by our awesome insurance, she was really great with him. She began the appointment by having Ben practice brushing the teeth of a stuffed dragon, and then the dragon squirted water at him, which Ben thought was pretty cool. She showed him all of her tools and what she would be doing with them, usually practicing on his hand first, so that he felt more comfortable.

I was told that I was doing a good job brushing, but that I need to start flossing his teeth. Usually baby teeth have spaces between them so this is not necessary, but Ben's teeth are right up against each other like adult teeth (which is why in my opinion his teeth are so pretty), so I have to floss them like adult teeth. I would just like to know one thing: how on EARTH am I supposed to do that. We gave it two tries today and I could barely get my fingers with the floss inside his tiny mouth. And after getting in between two teeth one time, Ben was through. I guess we will both just try our best. But overall it was a great checkup and it made me so proud of my big boy!

Family of Four

2011-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

No this is not an announcement, but we are working on that . . . No, this Monday and Tuesday I got to sit for my friend's cute as a button 5-month-old baby girl, Adelyn. She is such a doll I tell you. On Monday Ben was napping in my bed, and then James came home and joined him, and then Addy fell asleep in my arms in the living room so we made our way into the room to join them. I sorta dozed off with her in my arms and when I awoke I looked over and couldn't help but feel like I was glancing into my future as a family of four. And I liked what I saw. Except hopefully all four of us in my bed will be a rare moment and not an everyday occurrence. Yikes!

I also got to see my little boy as he may be as a big brother. He really does love babies, and while I don't know how he will be with a baby in our home everyday, I think it is a rare and special thing how much love he has for babies. He was extremely helpful and was actually listening to my every request, so long as it related to helping with the baby. He kept giving her back her paci when she would spit it out, every time saying "here you go girl." And while eating his lunch, she began to fuss a little bit in my arm and Ben said "Oh, she needs me mom." And then looking right at Addy asked in a softer tone, "you need me girl?" I be right there. I almost done." I'm not delusional enough to believe that things are going to be perfect when baby #2 does come, but spending time with Addy made me really excited to see my baby become a big brother one day!

Easter Eggs- Both Real and Pretend

2011-04-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun prepping for Easter this year. Ben was fully aware of the approaching holiday and was very curious about the Easter Bunny coming to his house. We also have been "playing Easter" for over a month now- aka hiding eggs around the house and hunting them out. So while playing playdough, I asked Ben what I should make and of course he asked for Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny. So I delivered.

Then for Family Night last Monday we decorated real eggs. As the eggs were cooling in the sink in a pot I saw Ben playing in the water a bit and didn't think much of it. Luckily James took a closer look at what he was doing and realized that he was crushing the eggs. We only lost about five of the eighteen, so it wasn't a total disaster. I knew I wanted to find a no mess egg dye kit and happened across a super easy kit. We simply placed the eggs in the included plastic baggies, dropped a couple dots of dye onto the eggs, and then swirled the eggs around in our hands until completely covered. Then we covered those babies in glitter and we were done. Ben even enjoyed eating the eggs afterward, although not as much as me. I had forgotten how much I loved hard boiled eggs and enjoyed a couple myself that very day (the ones that Ben had crushed in his apparently very strong hands).

More Easter pics to come from my first ever holiday hosting!

ENGAGED!

2011-04-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

My sister is getting married and I am so excited for her. A few Mondays ago my mom and I went wedding dress shopping with her. She was so relaxed, not at all the bridezilla. : ) She went in the store with this dress in mind . . .

We realized it was much too much dress for her tiny frame to carry.

My mom and I knew she had to try on a mermaid style to show off her figure and brought her this dress . . .

She loved the fit but not the styling, so her consultant brought her another mermaid style and she ended up with this . . . Just kidding, you'll have to wait for that one.

Before leaving the store we spotted this cute dress for her rehearsal. It fit like a glove and she left the store with this in hand (I don't think she'd mind me showing this dress. Besides no one really reads this anyway!)

Congratulations Kate, with my help we will make this wedding beautiful! Wink. I am the maid of honor and dubbed "wedding planner" after all.

Let the Easter Festivities Begin

2011-04-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

I have a few things up my sleeve this week to celebrate Easter and make it special for Ben. We kicked off the celebration on Saturday morning at the Easter egg hunt and celebration downtown. We were glad to have Auntie Katie staying with us this weekend and getting to go with us. We arrived after a delicious breakfast at our favorite diner just in time for the 2-3 year-old's egg hunt. Ben was very excited, especially when he spotted the Easter bunny. As he walked by Ben stuck his basket out at him, but he just walked right by making Ben very sad. He turned to me and sadly said, "he didn't put anything in my basket." I had to assure him that his basket would be full soon and we would see the Easter bunny again later. Ben raced around collecting plastic eggs, but mainly focusing on scoring as many little chocolate eggs as he could.

The crowd was out of control; I could not believe how many people were there. The lines for the petting zoo and pony rides were much too long, so we settled on the little carnival games. Ben enjoyed collecting his little prizes: a watch, chinese finger trap, and a bracelet. The longest line we waited in was for this giant Toy Story ball, which Ben was very excited about. I guess he didn't realize that he actually would get into the ball and then be rolled around whilst inside. It lasted about ten seconds and he was outta there. Oh well.

Finally three hours later we were back at home. Then Ben enjoyed the rest of the day with his Daddy as Katie and I set off for the big city for our microderms. We had a great time doing a little shopping; I love my Easter outfit. And then we were each pampered for an hour, and I was really glad that my sunburned skin was not affected by the treatment. Phew! Such a great day and a great weekend with my sister. We decided that we need to do this monthly and give our men a boy's day.

Scriptures

2011-04-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

Just now we were reading scriptures as a family before bed and while I was reading

Ben was chatting away to his Daddy. I frustratingly said, "Ben, I'm trying to read."

He just looked right back at me and said, "well, I'm trying to talk."

Hilarious this kid I tell you!

Day of Discovery

2011-04-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

A few Fridays ago my parents met Ben, Seb, and I at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose. First Ben channeled his inner Papa, dressing like a bonafide firefighter.

Next we hit up the bubble room while the power was briefly out because no power required there, and enjoyed blowing bubbles and mostly getting really wet and soapy in the water.

Once the power was restored we made our way to the water room, where the boys got more wet and enjoyed seeing the colorful balls fly up the water spouts and get sucked into the water vortex.

And then my phone died (no more pics), but we did continue to have great fun. The toddler room was probably the biggest hit. The boys enjoyed playing in the sand table and doing a messy art project with shaving cream. The last stop of the day was face painting. And I should have known by the look of the other kids painted faces walking around that they actually got to paint their own face. Ben kept it simple with a big dab on his chin and little dots on his cheek, while Seb went with the athlete eye black look.

We then walked to a classic diner downtown and enjoyed some burgers and fries. I'm considering a season pass but still not quite sure about it. While it was a lot of fun, it's a once-in-a-while kind of place, so we'll see. In the meantime we have plenty to keep us occupied and with summer coming up we will be looking for fun pools to splash in. Maybe this Fall I'll reconsider.

Sunday Funday

2011-04-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

I just love Sundays. They are all pretty much the same round here, and all pretty great. I'm usually the first to wake up and quickly hop in the shower before anyone else awakes (it's funny how much I cherish the quiet still of morning before you-know-who is awake). James woke up second today and we were both in the living room when I heard Ben wake up and tell his stuffed monkey, "be right back," which is a classic Ben phrase used all throughout the day. I try and always bath Ben on Saturday evening to make Sunday mornings go smoother. Then set Ben up with his breakfast and a show, usually Cailou, as I get dressed and ready, while James hops in the shower. Ben is the last to get dressed because what mother in her right mind would dress a two-year-old in church clothes and then give him pancakes and syrup! And then we're off to 10 am church (love, love, love the 10 am start time, and the fact that it NEVER changes because we are the only ward who meets in our chapel). Sacrament meeting is for the most part a success with Ben. Although for the life of him he just wont use his whisper voice, and there is inevitably one or two requests to use the bathroom, he overall sits fairly nicely throughout the hour fifteen minute meeting. His favorite part is the actual partaking of the sacrament. As soon as we take the bread he starts asking about the water. He also has recently become quite the fan of the sacrament meeting back tickle. Not sure why it is, but if you take a look around any LDS chapel you are bound to see mom's and wife's giving son's and husband's back tickles. : ) Except Ben prefers his Daddy's back tickles, which is A O K with me. Ben also asks a lot throughout the meeting, "when I go to nursery, mom?" And he is great in nursery. Don't get me wrong, we definitely have our bad days, when I myself am thinking: when can I take this kid to nursery! But overall it is such a blessing each week to have my family sitting with me in the pew feeling the spirit together and drawing closer to each other and our father in heaven. It has amazed me over the past month or so how much Ben is learning and absorbing in nursery and at home during our personal scripture reading and family night. We were listening to a children's hymn and he asked me, "mom, is this Jesus Christ gave me a body?" Which isn't the name of any of our children's hymns, but I'm assuming was the name of a lesson he heard in nursery. I ask him two questions each week about nursery and he always gives me the same answers. Me: "how was nursery?" Ben: "I a good boy, mommy." And Me: "what did you learn about in nursery?" Ben: "Jesus Christ." I try to get more out of him and ask what he learned about Jesus Christ, and he usually just says "I don't know." We'll get there though. And by the rate he is growing up on me, it will be soon.

Once back at home today our day continued on like most other Sundays. I immediately fix lunch because by this time it's after one and James and I are starving (Ben's usually not even hungry because they feed him a feast at nursery). Then Ben and I hit the hay. A Sunday nap is almost a requirement. : ) When we awoke the day was still warm and sunny so we took a nice walk around town. Ben in his shorts and t-shirt with popsicle in tote got a little chilly by the end of the trip. As I got dinner ready (yummy salmon, red potatoes, and green beans), James disappeared into our room. When I opened the door it looked like our closet had thrown up; he called it cleaning. Apparently James caught the spring cleaning bug and decided to purge and organize his closet. Now I have a garbage bag by the door which he requested I take to Goodwill and another bag of dress shirts that he requested be taken to the dry cleaners. But it does look great.

Now these two are in bed sleeping and my day is ending the way it began, quiet and peaceful.

Capitola-la-la

2011-04-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Being that it was nearly 90 degrees yesterday we decided to go enjoy some sun on the beach. So I packed up a picnic dinner, woke Ben up from his nap, changed him into his swimsuit, and we got in the car. Ben immediately fell back asleep and James and I enjoyed the scenic thirty minute drive to Capitola-- the most perfect little beach town. It really does blow Santa Cruz away, which has gone down hill since I was a kid. Capitola was wonderful though. Things we loved about it: (1) 30 minutes from our house, (2) cheap parking (.50 per hour), (3) convenient and close beach access parking, (4) downtown and the beach are on the same side of town (unlike Santa Cruz), (5) amazing patio restaurants overlooking the ocean (next time we go we will dine at one of these-- probably the mexican restaurant, it smelled delish), (6) there was a shallow cove area which is perfect for Ben to play in because there are no waves, the water is warmer, and mommy is less fearful of sharks, (7) fun bright colored buildings, (8) and at least for now it was not crowded at all.

James and I realized yesterday just how perfect a beach trip is for our family. Ben is so entertained playing in the sand. He literally spent nearly an hour filling up his two buckets making "mac and cheese," and then dumping them out again. While James and I got to lay on our giant beach blanket soaking up the sun and relaxing. The only thing Ben cares about is that I don't go to sleep, he kept saying when he could see my eyes close behind my sunglasses, "wake up mommy" and "look at me mommy." But other than that he let me relax and just did his thing.

It will definitely be a favorite spot of ours from here on.

Smoothie Pops

2011-03-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this warm weather. Night and day from last week. And to mark the momentous occasion of the start of Spring and the return of the sun, Ben enjoyed the first popsicle of the Spring/Summer. I try to make a smoothie every day for myself and Ben as an easy way to increase our fruit and veggie (I use a fruit/veggie juice blend) intake. Now I simply blend up the daily smoothie at lunch, pour them into popsicle molds, and by the time the kiddies awake after their nap, I have popsicles. To enjoy outside on the grass of course. Messy, messy. While the boys get half the popsicles in their mouth and half on the grass, I lean back looking up at the warm sun through the leaves of our giant front yard tree, and pray the weather will last.

Because I don't think I can take another week cooped up with two two-year-olds who just can't get it through their heads why we can't go to the PARK! I really don't!

Mommy & Me Week: Day FIVE

2011-03-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

I realized today while laying on Ben's floor waiting for him to drift off into sleepy land (yes I'm still doing that, but yes he falls asleep and STAYS asleep until the next morning at around 7:30, 8 o'clock, so it's a small sacrifice), that I forgot to wrap up our mommy & me week. Plans fell through with my parents to go to the Children's Discovery Museum, but have been rescheduled for this Friday so stay tuned. Thus the highlight of our day was a trip to the Dollar store for birthday party goodies. After scoring some great gag presents to add to our novelty prize table, I spotted some kites and slipped one into our cart. Ben immediately grabbed for it and spent the rest of the shopping trip jabbing passerby-ers and nearly knocking everything in his path off the shelves. Despite the mishaps in the store, I knew that it was the perfect purchase as my hands tightly gripped my steering wheel on the way home to prevent my car from being blown off the highway. Yes a perfectly windy day for flying a kite. Once safely home we ripped off the packaging and then after some light assembly I attempted to unwind the very thin string. The thing was completely twisted, and with an impatient yank, I got loose about ten feet of the hair-like string and called it good. We ran out to the front yard to try the new contraption. Ben was thrilled when I got the thing off the ground. So much so that he began to run around in a frenzy on the grass and came head-on with the kite, snapping the pole in half and permanently grounding our new treasure (in Ben's eyes at least). You know the saying trash-to-treasure? Well, our little kite underwent an opposite transformation, and in five minutes went from treasure-to-trash (when Ben wasn't looking of course).

There's just something magical about flying a kite. So you bet we will be giving it another go. And next time I'll throw down more than a buck. : )

Me, Myself, and I

2011-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night I had my first microderm appointment in San Francisco, so I got to enjoy a whole five hours, solo. Even the drive was relaxing on my own. Ben doesn't fall asleep in the car anymore like he used to, even on long drives, and he has a tendency to constantly ask me questions from the back seat-- so I could actually think. Upon arriving in the city I got my car valet parked in a hotel parking garage (surprisingly no more expensive than other public parking garages throughout the city). Then I enjoyed a nice sandwich at a cafe before heading to my appointment. The environment was wonderfully relaxing and the treatment went great; I already love the results and get to go four more times (more on that later). It was just nice to get away by myself and get pampered. All women deserve that. And mothers need it. In my opinion, especially stay-at-home moms!

In an elevator on my way up to the tenth floor for my treatment.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2011-03-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a very wet, rainy day with two 2-year-olds to keep your house decently clean and your sanity in tact? Take them to Pump It Up's Pop in and Playtime. Let them run, jump, and slide for an hour and a half.

Fill them up with a yummy lunch. Read them three stories. And tuck them in for a long nap. My plan worked perfectly. My house remained clean until 3:30 when the boys awoke, and was then barely messed up until Seb was picked up at 5:30. And I thoroughly enjoyed running, jumping, and sliding around too-- gotta love those endorphins!

But I am so ready for this rain to be GONE already. It's a rough week when we can't go to the park. :-) The sun did peek out for a short while yesterday though. So I bundled the little guys up and we took a walk around the corner to say hello to the firetrucks.

Then there was a friendly race home to avoid the oncoming rain. Not to brag or anything . . . but Ben smoked Seb!

Just for Laughs

2011-03-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to record down a few funny things Ben has said this week. He is talking more and more, and more and more of what comes out of his mouth is just so hilarious.

James and I were discussing something and apparently I was getting a little worked up about it and started to raise my voice. Ben who was sitting next to me on the couch stood up and placed his little hand over my mouth, saying "calm down, mommy." (Lesson learned Ben, thank you).

Ben walked into the bathroom where I was cleaning up and asked me very seriously, "mommy, you like me?" Then after assuring him that I did, he paused for a moment and then asked, "you like daddy?" I told him that I did and he immediately ran out to the living room and confirmed with his daddy that I like him. I'm not sure which one of them was wondering this?!

As I was putting Ben down for his nap today he told me "mommy, close door" (pointing at the bathroom door, which had a load of clothes in the dryer; one article's zipper clanking away). I confirmed, "you want me to close the bathroom door?" "Yes, mommy. So annoying!"

Where does he get this stuff? Oh yah, from me. Time to choose my words and tone of voice very carefully from here on out. Great!

Mommy & Me Week: Day FOUR

2011-03-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday morning at 10:30 am for the last couple months we walk to our local library for Story Time. This particular Thursday Ben was not in the mood for it and told me he did not want to go. Instead we stayed in bed watching cartoons till past ten. I wasn't going to force him after all. To be honest I have before though. It's hard to balance planning activities for your children that are good for them and therefore, you want them to do. And knowing when your child is just worn out and wont have it. I don't want to be one of those parents that over schedule their child, but I also want to provide my child every opportunity to learn, socialize, and develop physically. I guess I have a while to get the balance right, and am not going to start stressing about it now. So instead we spent our day building block houses and trains and setting up domino courses for Ben to knock down. I need to remember that Ben enjoys just spending time with his mommy at home playing toys just as much, if not more than going to the movies, or even the park.

I also have to brag about a trip to Safeway. Before heading to the store I went to Safeway's website and loaded my Club Card with all the deals and coupons I could find for things that I normally purchase anyway. Then I emailed the list to myself so I could pull it up on my iPhone will shopping. After sufficiently filling up my cart, the total rang up before Club Card at $150. And after Club Card . . . $100. I thought that was a pretty successful trip, and will be doing this for every grocery trip.

Mommy & Me Week: Day THREE

2011-03-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Our day started with a wake up call from James. He decided to take an early lunch at around 9 (he gets to work before 5) and take us out to breakfast. We walked to a great little cafe that was recommended to us, and it did not disappoint. Now we know to get the short stack of pancakes because they were monsters, but so delicious. Definitely will become a new favorite spot for us. Here's Ben enjoying some leftovers.

I decided to take Ben to our little old theater downtown and the first showing wasn't until 5:30. So after naps we bundled up and walked to the theater. We saw Rango. It was okay. The animation was strange. Ben kept commenting about how ugly everyone was. They were dessert creatures like Armadillos and lizards. Not one that I will be purchasing, but entertaining enough. Full of "adult" humor. I thought more than normal. Thank goodness for the popcorn and gummy candy I brought Ben, because he wouldn't have lasted long otherwise. James was out-of-town, so after the movie we went and got some Taco Bell for dinner. Then got into jammies and called it a day. (Notice Ben's little friend at the movies-- he now goes everywhere with us. But I think he's contributing to Ben staying in his bed all night, so I don't mind.)

Mommy & Me Week: Day TWO

2011-03-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Day two as planned was spent at Petroglyph painting Nana a little surprise for her birthday. By spent, I mean it lasted about twenty minutes before Ben was bored and wanted to leave. Oh well, he did a great job and his Nana is going to love it. After painting we went next door to the greatest little candy shop there is and picked out a sweet treat. Here is my little guy painting his masterpiece . . .

And here is the result. It cost $14 including the painting fee and for the mug itself. Fill it with a little candy and wrap it up pretty in cellophane and ribbons and you got yourself a great handmade gift for under $20!

Mommy & Me Week: Day ONE

2011-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am without my little guy I sit for this week, so I thought that it would be the perfect time for a Mommy & Me week. Now that I have another child that spends most of our days with us, I really cherish mine and Ben's one-on-one time. I notice that he is such a better boy when I am showering him with attention. I mean, who wouldn't be. I also feel guilty sometimes now that he has to share my time and attention so it's also a way of repressing my guilt for this week. : )

Our first Mommy & Me day started with a trip to our local party store, Affordable Treasures. It's such a great store and had TONS of stuff for Ben's upcoming B-day bash. The theme I'm going with this week is classic fun and games. I wanted a bunch of classic novelty prizes for all the games I have planned for the kids, and scored big time at this store: think Monkeys in a Barrel, Candy Dots, Slinky, and Silly Putty!

After our shopping trip we headed to the main event, a haircut for Ben. Have I mentioned before that my son loves haircuts. We went to a new place (I don't really want to travel an hour to his old place anymore), Kinder Cuts in San Jose. Of all the cool car chairs to choose from, Ben perched himself on a little frog-like critter and was ready. He was such a good boy as usual and got a lollipop to boot.

Then to Joann's we went in search of fabric for Easter (I'm hosting the family Easter this year-- so excited), and Ben's b-day party (which is in June, but I'm giving myself an early start). After some great finds we headed to the cutting counter where Ben announced proudly that the fabric was for his "Birday Party!"

Finally a very hungry Mommy & Ben split a cheeseburger and fries at In -N-Out.

Such a great day with my little guy. On the agenda for the rest of the week is:

Tuesday- painting a ceramic mug for Ben's Nana for her birthday at Petroglyph
Wednesday- matinee movie (I owe him)
Thursday- Story Time at the library
Friday- Children's Discovery Museum with Mimi & Papa

A Few Funny Things

2011-03-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Ben insists on peeing standing up now (just like Daddy).

A few days okay Ben uttered the most complex sentence of his life. "Mommy, I have

an idea" ('clack, clack, clack'-- what he does when he's thinking), "We should

go to the park." This kinda blew me away.

After a bad day with Ben and Seb, and feeling like I lost my cool with Ben one too many

times, I asked him before putting him to bed if I had been a bad or mean (can't

remember my exact word) mommy today? He just looked right at me with sleepy eyes and

said, "No. Your a good boy, mommy." (Tear). He's like his daddy; he doesn't hold a grudge. I'm

working on the whole mommy is a girl, and ben and daddy are boys.

These are the things that make me want to go to work (SAHM) everyday!!!!!!

Midweek Movie

2011-03-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

We were feeling a bit like it should already be Friday yesterday, so decided to go to the movies. Our plan was to see Matt Damon in The Adjustment Bureau, but because we were late, we changed and saw Just Go With It (pretty darn hilarious). James was nervous about how Ben would be, and he did surprisingly really well. It worked out nice that we went on a Wednesday and there were only about five or six other people there. It also helped that he had a giant thing of popcorn to keep him preoccupied throughout the movie. The other day James said to me that this whole potty training thing is a full time job. And he was not kidding; I had to take Ben to the bathroom three times during the movie! I actually got so sick of leaving the movie that by the third time I told him to just pee in his pants (he had a Pull-up on after all). Bad mommy. But good boy, because he refused. I bribed him before the movie that if he was a good boy for mommy and daddy's movie, I would take him to go see a kid movie. I think we will wait for the Shrek spinoff, "Puss in Boots." (Ben's a Shrek fanatic)!

Groupon and the Like

2011-03-06T13:46:00.001-08:00

Have you discovered Groupon yet and other similar websites? You sign up, choose your area, and then they send you daily emails with deals in your local area. I'm in love. It has had three impacts on my life so far: (1) It has given me new ideas for things to do with Bentley and for other people. A month ago I purchased a 3 for 1 pass to Pump It Up Jr.'s pop in and playtime. Ben now is officially obsessed with it and I enjoy taking him and bouncing around on the jump houses with him, and sliding down the big inflatable slides. It also gave me a great idea for my sister in law's upcoming graduation present (and of course I'll be getting a great deal on it too). (2) It has caused me to start treating myself to some luxuries that I never or rarely allowed myself before. I got a $50 haircut for $25 (I'm bad about regularly getting haircuts), I got an amazing 60 minute facial for $59 (original value, $160). And the best deal to date that I have found is something that I have been wanting forever, and James and I always talked about once we had the money we would do it. Last week I purchased a series of five microdermabrasion treatments from a spa in San Francisco, a whopping $750 value, for, wait for it . . . $150 (thanks mom)!!!! I'm super excited and have my first appointment scheduled for this Friday. I cannot wait for the results. I have some pesky acne scars on my cheeks that have always bothered me so much, and I hope, hope, hope that this will diminish or erase them. (3) It has made me more thrifty in searching out deals for things I would have normally just paid full price for without blinking an eye. I now get Fandango movie tickets, 2 for $9, search Internet deals before taking the family bowling or to mini golf (sometimes getting these things for free, or half price). Now the one thing I could really get better on is watching grocery store ads for sales and cutting coupons before going to the grocery store. There are so many deals out there, and it's kinda fun hunting for them, and making the most out of your budget, no matter what it is.

Other fun websites that send daily deals to your inbox are:

Bentley and Sebastian

2011-03-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

Such regal sounding names, huh. There common-man names are Ben and Seb, but they refuse to call each other by their preferred names (more on that in a minute). Sebastian is the little boy I started to sit for about six weeks ago, and it's been a bit of an adjustment for myself and Ben. Ben does fine with sharing me; he does not have the "she's my mommy, so back off" thing going on. In fact, he doesn't even mind that Seb calls me mom (he hears Bensaying it all day, so it sorta stuck with him, even though he finally knows my name now. Oh well. People must just assume that he's adopted). He does however, get possessive of his things. He's not all that bad though about it, except when it comes to his favorites. No, the big issue that Ben has with Seb is that he ignores him. Ben can call Seb's name out (actually he says 'Bastian') ten times without so much as a response. I have to say, "Seb, don't be rude" for him to finally turn to Ben and say "what?" This irritates Bentley, understandably so. And when he gets irritated with being ignored or when Seb refuses to "play basketball" with Ben, Bentley runs over to him and grabs him by the shirt to force a response out of the kid. Oh goodness! This is why it has been an adjustment for me, because I find myself yelling at Ben WAY more when Seb's here than when he's not. When I hear a confrontation going down in Ben's room, and even though I don't know the facts about who started what, I immediately blame Ben; I guess because he's my kid, and it's always more awkward to discipline other people's kids. Also Ben is louder, more demanding, and a tad bit more aggressive, so it probably WAS him. I have faith that it will get better, and both Ben and I will adjust to our new little house guest.

The two of them are pretty funny together. They bicker like two grumpy old men in their side-by-side stroller or in the back of their car in their respective car seats. And like I mentioned earlier, I think they purposely try to annoy each other by refusing to call each other what they want to be called. The following conversation went down a couple weeks ago in the back of the car:

Bentley: "Bastian, Bastian, Bastian, Bastian, Bastian, Bastian, Bastian . . ."

Me: "Seby, don't be rude."

Sebastian: turning his head towards Bentley (as he had had it turned the opposite direction as Ben was incessantly calling his name) "Seb." (trying to inform Ben that he wants to be called Seb.

Bentley: "What?" (Sebastian has a very quiet speaking voice)

Sebastian: "Seb."

Bentley: "Oh, Seb? (long pause) "No, Bastian."

A similar conversation occurred later that day as Bentley was telling Seb that his name is "Ben," and Seb brushed it off and said, "No, Bentley." These two are going to be a handful! But aren't they cute together?!

Valentines Party/ Ben's Birthday Party

2011-03-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I hosted a little Valentine's Party/play date for some girlfriend's and their kiddos. I have been meaning to email my friend Becka for some better pictures than my old iPhone pics, but figured I better post it with mine seeing that it's already March (where did February go?). I was really looking forward to this because I love to plan and throw parties. On the morning of as I was unloading the tables and chairs I borrowed from my Grandpa, I was giving myself a little pep talk: "Julie, don't freak out if no one comes, don't freak out . . ." I had gotten a lot of maybes and probables, so I was nervous that everyone would be a no-show, and I put time and thought into these kinds of things. Well, lets just say I was relieved when everyone showed except one (and they were in Utah so hah).

The first thing on the agenda was Valentine card making. Although with toddlers, I realized I couldn't have an agenda. Some sat down for a few minutes and put a couple stickers on my pre-cut Valentines, and then took off to Ben's room to play. They all had fun though, so that's what matters, right? Ben is so funny, he was more interested in the under one crowd on the rug in the living room, than the two-year-olds in his room. He spent his time bringing toys and books out to Baby Einstein. My friend Marissa, has a cute-as-can-be little baby girl, and as soon as Ben saw her he dubbed her Baby Einstein. We think it's because her hair sticks straight up, resembling the logo for Baby Einstein movies. I thought the name might have been a fluke, until at church on Sunday when he saw her, even asleep in her car seat, all wrapped up, he peaked in on her and said "hi, Baby Einstein." Anyways, after thoroughly messing up Ben's room, I called all the kids back in for lunch (heart shaped PB&J's, strawberry rice snacks, and apple slices), and then we wrapped things up with some cookie decorating.

I really enjoyed watching the kids have fun, and loved chatting with their mom's as they played. Play dates are really a win-win for mom and child alike. I'm already hatching up plans for a springtime play date. Here are a few ideas I have planned for it (as seen on Family Fun and The Hungry Housewife).

Oh, I almost forgot to mention how Ben completely believes that our little V-day party was his birthday party. He even received a valentines gift in the mail that day from his Nana Lin to further make him believe it was his b-day. One of the little girl's at the party, Chloe, thought she was at Ben's birthday party too as she kept singing "Happy Birthday dear Bentley, happy birthday tooooo yooooouuuuu!"

I strayed . . . And paid

2011-02-17T23:50:00.001-08:00

I'm talking about makeup here, so don't get ahead of yourself. I have been using Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals for over ten years. I was introduced to it by my then boyfriend, now husband's aunt, who was a big player in the great company. I have been a faithful user over all these years and have always loved how it felt, how it covered, and the natural aspect of it. My one complaint has always been the lasting factor. I would apply it and catch a glimpse of myself an hour later and wonder if I ever put it on to begin with. This has almost always been the case for me for eye shadows, blush, etc. Not sure what it is about my skin. I even have tried primers to no avail. So when I ran out a couple weeks ago, and while deciding what makeup direction to take next, I picked up a thing of Maybelline's Dream Matte Mouse at Target, thinking maybe a liquid would last longer on my skin. And while the coverage and lasting power is great, my face has completely broken out. I always knew that Bare Minerals is so natural and gentle that you can sleep in it, but never really realized how kind it has been to my skin until I strayed. Sorry BE, now I know that natural is best. Now if I can just get some tips to get the fresh face look all day and I'll never think about straying again. Any ideas?

Life's a Beach

2011-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't know it now (rain, rain go away), but the end of January and early February were just beautiful. It was beginning to feel like springtime, and the trees thought so too (I'll have to photograph some of the blooming foliage around here), but mother nature has thrown a harsh reminder at us here in Cali that it is still winter. I guess we deserve it, seeing as how the rest of the country has been hit with winter hard this year. I'm just glad we took advantage when we did and made a trip to Santa Cruz a few weeks back. I guess I finally feel like a true Cali girl in that I now live about twenty minutes from the beach. People seem to just assume growing up in California that you go to the beach all the time. I only went when on camping vacations or on Disneyland trips. Now I'm sure we will be frequent beach goers; besides being gorgeous and a serene place to pass some time, Bentley was really into playing in the sand and scouting out cool washed-up treasures. Life is good!

I Love . . .

2011-02-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

the gospel. my husband. my son. my sister. my parent's. my in laws. my family. my friends. mac and cheese. snuggling. going on walks. holding babies. looking at photos. love notes. gummy candy. going to the movies. ben's dancing. james' hand holding. vacations. donuts. reminiscing. party planning. reading to Ben. answered prayers. making play dough sculptures. teasing my husband. making Ben laugh. my car. my new Nike running pants (motivation). my cute home. my amazing ward. the smell of pine trees. watching movies in bed with Ben. a clean home. a fully stocked fridge and pantry. mrs. myers cleaning products. unanswered prayers. ben's bedtime routine. laughing with james about all the funny things ben's does. a day like valentines day when i get to think about all the things i love.

Two and a Half

2011-02-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ben is a little over two and a half now (even though he insists he's "just two, Mom"), and is doing something new almost every day it seems. I want to record down his latest and greatest so I can best as possible capture his two and a half-year-old cuteness, I'm just going to skip the bad stuff (I don't want to remember that).

(Background: Ben's legal name is James Bentley Greene). But don't try to call him anything except Ben. He's adamant about it. We have tried to explain to him many times that his full name is James Bentley Greene, at which he usually laughs and points to Daddy. When I asked him the other day if he knew what his real name was, he very confidently announced, "Bentley."

Ben has been repeating prayers (we say a line and he repeats it) for some time now, but just this last week has started to say a full blown prayer all on his own, and it is completely heart-melting. He still needs assistance with beginning with "dear, Heavenly Father," but continues his sweet prayer unassisted. This is how they typically go: "thank you my day, my family, my Bastian (the little boy I nanny for, Sebastian). Thank you my food (and sometimes he goes on to say thank you my cereal, my spoon, etc). Have a good night (asking that he has a good night), my bed. Name, Jia (Jesus) Christ, amen! (He says the amen with great enthusiasm). Makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

When I ask Ben for kisses he gives me one kiss on each cheek, accompanied with a lot of loud smacking, which usually leave both my cheeks wet.

Ben's favorite past time is running. All throughout the day he tells us he's "practicing," starts at the end of the hall and counts down from three, usually not in the correct order, and with a "set, go" he's off down the hall and into the living area where he ends at the refrigerator and makes his way back. The process then repeats, and repeats; you get the idea. At the mall we let him out of his stroller (when it's not overcrowded) and just let him run. He moves his little legs as fast as they can and sets off down the mall. We are never far behind, because face it, he's not too fast. We have been deciding what activity we are going to sign him up at the rec. center this summer; they have toddler soccer, tennis, and martial arts classes. I turned and asked James at the mall last night as my child was running down the aisles dodging some amused, some annoyed shoppers, "I wonder if they have track and field?"

We are well into potty training mode and it is going surprisingly well. Without going into a big soapbox about what techniques I'm using, I just want to record a few funny details about the first few weeks with an almost-pottytrained little boy. He really wants to stand up just like Daddy. He got his chance when at Panda Express this weekend, the girl's room was occupado and of course he couldn't wait, so I took him into the men's bathroom (single stall mind you) and let him have a go at the urinal (it was just short enough for him to reach). He enjoys a good pee in nature (what is one to do when at a bathroom-less park or driving in the car and he says he has to pee, which means he has to pee RIGHT NOW). It's a nice perk about having a boy. He could care less sitting in soaked drawers. He doesn't even alert me to when he has had an accident. I mean seriously Ben... that's gross. He looks completelyadorable in underwear, and I am on the hunt for little boxer briefs!

My child is finally out of my bed and into his own toddler bed. While he still does not remain in his bed throughout the whole night on most nights, he goes to bed without a hitch. I feel like a more normal human being again. I have my nights back.

And I will end it with a segment of Ben Say's the Darndest Things:" When he finally caves into one of my demands after some resistance he will turn to me and say "fine, Mom." (insert attitude and annoyance). When we were in L.A. right after Christmas on our trip to Dinseyland, James got very ill one night and threw up in the hotel shower. Since then Ben is a little preoccupied with throw up. He often tells me, "Daddy threw up in shower" (oh and by the way when reading these you have to take a slight pause in between words for longer sentences, to really get the Ben effect), or "I threw up, (longer pause) yes-ter-day." He likes saying "yes-ter-day," and while he has an understanding that it describes time in some matter, has no actual concept of it's meaning. When we asked him who he wanted to say the prayer, :he kept repeating "Daddy say prayer, yes-ter-day," to which James kept responding "okay, so Mommy will say the prayer tonight," completely working Ben up in frustration, and Mommy too because I knew he was just messing with him, and I wanted to just get him to sleep already! Since six-months-old Ben has had occassional potty-issues (aka constipation). Regular milk really makes him "go" lets say (which is why he drinks soy), so when his tummy is hurting or his bottom (because of harder stool-- TMI?) I give him some normal milk for relieve. He has gotten the idea mixed up with just milk in general, so when he wants some milk, especially chocolate milk, he tells me either a) "my tummy hurts," or b) "my butt hurts." Usually it's b very loudly, and usually in public. : )

P.S. Those are playdough sunglass made by yours truly. They were pretty awesome, for the two minutes they lasted.

2010- That's a Wrap!

2011-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

JANUARY

We celebrated New Years in Vegas visiting Nana and attending a Joh

n Mayer concert.

James began his insurance licensing process, I continued working for my Father-in-Law, and Ben spent his days with either his Mimi (my mom), or his GG (James' mom).

FEBRUARY

James passed the first of three licensing exams. I turned a quarter of a century old.

MARCH

I don't really remember March to be quite honest.

APRIL

James graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Economics. The whole family flew out to Utah in support of him. It was nice to see Utah again after having moved backed home to California six months earlier. It will always be my second home. So proud of James and SO happy to be done with school!

MAY

I think we celebrated Easter in May, or was it April?? Well, here's a cute pic of Ben from Easter either way.

JUNE

Ben turned two in June and I planned a great Dr. Seuss party. I obsess over party-planning and basically have his third birthday well in the works. A lot of friends and family were there and Ben had a blast opening presents and eating all the sweets.

JULY

On July 17th the newest member of the family was born, Dylan Patrick. After years of infertility and failed IVF's with a surrogate, James' Aunt Staci and Uncle Tom adopted their beautiful baby boy. Ben absolutely adores "baby Dylan," and I know they will grow up to be great friends.

AUGUST

James carrer path took a turn as we decided that insurance was not the best fit and he began his new position as an ADR for ArcSight in Cupertino. Shortly after getting hired, ArcSight was bought out by HP. James is enjoying his job and is having GREAT success. I'm so proud of him and we are enjoying life in the tech world of Silicon Valley.

SEPTEMBER

I got a new car! A 2010 Kia Soul Limited Edition. It has four doors (almost the best part of all); after 2.5 years of heaving a baby into the back seat of a 2 door coupe, you'd understand. I love my car.

OCTOBER

On October 15th we moved out of the parent's house and into this little place in Los Gatos, CA (interior pics to come).

James turned the big 26 and as usual had his little freakout (I thought that aging freaked women out the most). We celebrated with an intimate Switchfoot concert in Santa Cruz.

We went with a magician theme this year for Halloween. James the magician, myself, the magician's assistant, and Ben, the rabbit out of the hat.

NOVEMBER

We celebrated Thanksgiving and enjoyed getting settled into our new home and exploring the new home town.

DECEMBER

Christmas was very fun with Bentley this year. He was very into Santa Clause and his little heart's desire was earphones and a phone. Santa delivered with Skull Candy- Paul Frank earphones, and James' old iPhone, encased in a new ifrogz skin and loaded with kid-friendly apps and music.

The day after Christmas we drove down to L.A. for Ben's first trip to Disneyland. It was extremely crowded, but the holiday decor was beautiful. Ben loved the characters and went on lots of rides, with no fear. Can't wait to go again when he's a little bigger, it's a little less crowded, and we feel a LOT better (James and I both got pneumonia).

New Years Resolution

2011-01-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

I was reading this great blog, when something she said really struck me. She was talking about how she has always been a journal keeping person, and how she had stacks of journals completely filled with the meaningful events of her life. However, she said that she regrets not keeping a better record of the little things. The things that make up her family at a certain given point in time. The small, seemingly insignificant day-to-day stuff that can be forgotten so easily. When I realized that I forget how mine and James' life was (other than the major things: our jobs at the time, where we lived, etc.) pre Bentley, and even how our life functioned day-to-day with Ben, both in school, with very little money at our disposal, I realized that she was really on to something. These are the things I want to record. The big stuff we will remember, because they are well . . . big things. But it's the little things that make up the fibers of our life and weave together to form OUR big picture. So, before I post a wrap up of our year in 2010 (since the last time I posted was Easter, I do have a lot of catching up to do), I am going to copy this wise lady's idea and provide our family's "snapshot."

It's funny how Ben pronounces what as "vhat," so clearly knows his v sound, yet pronounces movie as "moomie."

Speaking of, my kid has become a moomie junkie. His favorites are Shrek and Toy Story (any of the trilogy will do).

James gets to work by 6 a.m. So understandably when he comes home from work at lunch (we live about ten minutes from his office), he takes a quick nap. However, he literally sits up on the bed, three pillows propped under him, and naps for about thirty minutes. I guess he doesn't want to get too comfortable.

Rolling out my garbage cans to the curb every Wednesday evening makes me feel like a real adult (being a wife and mother didn't really do that for me)!

Saturday morning means donuts for our little family. We do walk there (maybe a five minute trek), so that makes me feel a little less guilty.

When we had the convenience of living with my parents, James and I were great about a weekly Friday date night (never had that luxury in Utah with no family and no money), and we think it's really important. Our funnest date night? A one night camping trip. And if garbage cans make me feel like an adult, I can't imagine how I feel when we finally breakdown and start paying for a sitter (we are missing date night since we moved, so it may be soon).

James claims that I am the best microwave heater-upper there is. Whether it be his frozen chimichangas or leftover meatloaf; he praises how perfectly heated it is . . . I think he's just lazy myself :-)

Ben thinks it's a crack up to call his Daddy, "James," and for some odd reason, his Mommy, "Mamot." I have no clue!

We have finally implemented a successful bedtime routine for Ben. 7:15 Bath time with California Baby Calming Aromatheraphy Bubble Bath, 7:45 One episode in Mommy and Daddy's bed of show of choice (usually Caillou), 8:10 Ben calls in Daddy (usually from the living room) to say prayers and read three verses of scripture (we are trying to focus on consistency, rather than quantity). Followed by nigh-night kisses and hugs from Daddy. 8:20 Ben chooses two books for me to read. His favorites are "I'll Love You Forever" and "The Potty Book for Boys." 8:35 I turn on his Homedics Sound Spa, tuned to "ocean" and project lighted image directly above his bed. I lay on his floor right next to his opened door (we are going to be phasing this step out soon), and usually within five minutes once the heavy breathing has begun, I crawl out and close the door behind me.

We walk everywhere, because almost everything is in walking distance: parks, the library, restaurants, shops, and Walgreens. I bought a middle of the road (as far as price is concerned) Joovy stroller, which James hates and reminds me of it every time we walk. The front wheels are a little messed up and I just need to go to the store to see if they can dig me up a copy of my receipt so I cam email it to this lady at Joovy so she can send me new wheels (yah, I really need to get on that). Anyways, we love walking around our new home town (it's probably the most appealing thing about our town to me). And we have our best conversations on those walks.

Whenever music comes on the TV via a commercial or whatever, Ben just has to get up and get his groove on. His dancing is a mix between Elaine on Seinfeld and Kevin James in the movie Hitch. It's hilarious! I'll post a video once I catch him in action.

Every Tuesday my Dad, Ben's "Papa" and my Grandpa, Ben's "Papa Ron" come and visit us. We have developed a routine: first Vasona Park, followed by lunch at Hobees, where Ben always orders the Mickey Mouse "PanPans" (pancakes) and "orange ju." A most excellent tradition!

Well, that's all I have so far. I plan on revisiting this "snapshot" of our family often. Because these are the things I don't ever want to forget.

Please give me some love (aka comment) if you are reading this and care. While I want to do this for my own journal keeping, it is motivating to know that someone out there is reading :-)

Easter

2010-05-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

A few days before Easter we decorated eggs with my parents. It was the simpliest egg dye kit I have ever used, and the results were really pretty. All you do is drip a few drops of the dye, and then roll the egg around in your plastic gloved hand until the dye completely covers the eggs. Bentley was afraid of putting the gloves on, so just sat on the table and watched.

On Saturday James and I took Bentley to our gym for an Easter breakfast and egg hunt. It was outside and we didn't dress warm enough for the windy morning. Bentley barely ate his pancakes (his favorite) because he was shivering with cold. So we asked one of the ladies working the event, when the egg hunt and activites started? She told us at eleven (two hours away). We drove to the Greene's to watch conference, planning on coming back just before eleven. When we got there, we saw kids leaving in the parking lot, baskets full of eggs. Turns out they started at 10:30. I was a little upset to say the least! They offered to throw some plastic eggs on the lawn for Bentley, but whats the point of that. We just took him home and did that. I really wanted him to run around with other kids. Oh well, next year.

On Easter Sunday, Bentley must have sensed it was a holiday, and woke everyone up promptly at seven. He was excited when he got down stairs and found three baskets full of goodies (from his parents, grandparents, and great grandma). He went straight for the candy of course. Don't you love his hair?

Later that day we went to the Greene's to watch General Conference and enjoy a yummy brunch and dinner. And that was our Easter. I love th holdiays with my son, and know they will get even more enjoyable as he grows.

About A Boy

2010-03-09T12:54:00.001-08:00

I realize that I seriously need to catch everyone up on my sweet, not so little baby. Bentley amazes me every day how much he has grown and learned in such a short amount of time. He is growing up so fast, and it scares me that I might not be cherishing every precious moment that I have with him. I feel like I need to record more of his milestones on paper, and take more pictures, and capture all of the funny little things he does on film. Most importantly though, although those things are all great, I think mother's loved their babies just as much before all of that wonderful media, I want to really be in the moment with him. Rather than beating myself up about my recent decline in picture taking, I just want to enjoy each moment more. I want to hold on to him at each stage for as long as I can. Take mental pictures of him in my mind; holding on to every feeling he inspires in me, in my heart. I ask him all of the time, if he will stop growing for me; to which he replies, as always, "No!"

Since he refuses to stop growing, here are some of the things that my growing boy has learned or mastered lately:

He folds his little arms for prayer.
He understands threats to be sent to his room, and immediatly stops whatever bad behavior warranted the threat (at least for a little while).

He can climb anything the park can throw at him, and slides down the tall twisty slides all by himself.

He says sorry when we ask for an apology and gives hugs and kisses, just to make sure we REALLY forgive him (of course we do).

He can almost take his own clothes off, until his head gets stuck in his shirt (he has a big head), and gets his pants to his feet (at which time he trips, and looks to me for help).
When we tell him we are going somewhere, he goes straight to the door, and gets upset if we don't immediatly follow.

He has mastered the art of persuasion, especially over the three grandma's in his life. He leads them around all day by their fingers. and gets them to do who knows what for him.

He figured out how to befriend his Grandma Greene's little dog, Chloe (who used to growl at him). He feeds Chloe all day, and they are quote the twosome now. Chloe is always at Ben's feet or underneath his high chair.

His list of words: mom, dad, nana, papa ("bapa"), no, thank you, all done ("all dah"), mornin', ball, dog, and the latest: animal (surprisngly enough, he says it very well).

Like I said I haven't been the greatest picture taker lately (mostly because I lost our camera's charger, so I have to use my parents), here is one picture of my sweet, growing boy. His very first bubble bath. I was always afraid he would eat the bubbles. Again, I underestimated his new found maturity.

Love Day 2010

2010-02-14T21:56:00.001-08:00

I love my family so much. James and I started the celebration yesterday. We went to a Mandarin temple session at the Oakland Temple (just to change things up; no, seriously, we were just late)! Then we went and shared a delicious burger and an even more delicious Sunday at Fentons in Piedmont. Haven't been? You have to go!

Today we went to church. Came home from church an hour later because Bentley dirtied his diaper twice, which has been going on for over a week now, and we decided we didn't want him to spread this lovely bug around nursery. We ate lunch. Then took a family nap. It was lovely. Bentley snored REALLY loud though (he's congested now too). Bentley sat on the counter while Mommy baked heart shaped cupcakes, frosted heart shaped sugar cookies, and baked a heart shaped strawberry, white chocolate pizza for Bentley. While on the counter Ben discovered one of the joys of childhood, liking the batter of the beaters. Then we went to the Greene's for a yummy dinner.

Hope your Valentines day was just as wonderful as ours!

Ben's First Words

2010-02-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Ben has a vocabulary bank of about ten words currently. I know that will take off soon, since he has started to repeat more and more of what we are saying. Like a couple of days ago he said "mornin'" to his Papa, after my dad greeted him with a "good morning" as he was crawling down the stairs.

G Diapers

2010-02-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Obviously the big trend is going green these days. And I am all for it. I'm not extreme or anything, mostly because being gree takes more green than not being green, but I do like to do my part. A stylish way that Bentley does his part everyday is with his g diapers. WHen I was pregnant James became curious about diapers. He thought that it was such a waste to change and throw away a complete diaper every time our future baby were to wet it. He had this idea of an insert that could be removed in layers. depending on how wet the diaper was. One day James' Aunt Staci wrote us that she found a diaper similar to James' idea. What she found was g diapers.

They are cloth diapers, with disposal or flushable inserts that you stick inside a plastic liner. Staci graciously offered a continuous supply of these adorable and environmentally friendly diapers as her gift to Bentley, and to us! We have loved them, and will continue to use them in the future on all our children's little bums. Bentley has super sensitve skin, and he rarely gets a diaper rash (only when he has continuous bad dirty diapers for several days).

They are really cute in all there fun colors. And they can be flushed down the toilet, meaning no waste. Even when they aren't flashed they biodegrade like ten times faster than normal diapers.

Thank you Staci for keeping Bentley's bum covered and green for all these months. We can't tell you how much we have appreciated it. Now, I wonder if they'll start making training pants. . .

New Years in Vegas Baby

2010-02-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

On Christmas James surprised me with John Mayer tickets at our favorite venue, the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. So on Thursday after Christmas we packed all three of us into the car and made the long drive (made even longer with holiday traffic) to Vegas, and realized about half way there that we should have spent the extra $100 or so to fly! James' Nana and Papa live in Vegas, so they were very excited to have us and were in on the scheme with James.

We spent New Years Eve day looking at some of the kid approved hotels with Nana. I especially loved the Christmas display at the Bellagio, I think it was. The whole display was made from natural materials, such as flowers and acorns. It was beautiful.

The concert was amazing. The Joint is a really small venue, so we were about ten feet from John Mayer. Who by the way makes the craziest faces when he sings. But he is an amazing performer. His skills on the guitar are almost more impressive then his singing and song writing skills. We experienced two things while in line to get in to the concert that reminded us what a crazy place Vegas is. The girl two people behind us collapsed at our feet (alcohol induced). And these crazy John Mayer fans (they have been to twenty shows and were from some east coast state) lost their tickets and weren't allowed in. One of the girls was still sitting outside the building, tears in her eyes after the concert. It was sad.

Bentley meanwhile spent that night and the next with his Nana and Papa being spoiled. Nana even broke down and slept with Bentley (his favorite treat of all). It was so nice to see them with him. I just love for him to be around family, since we were living around none for so long. We wish that Nana and Papa Mike lived closer, but we love getting to visit them in good old Las Vegas. It makes for a fun little get away.

Christmas

2010-01-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

I know, finally! Well, Christmas for us was great. Bentley was so much funner than last year. He was really into opening all of his presents. He would make sure evrey tiny piece of tape and paper was off of every present before he even noticed the contents of the package. He also wanted us to open up all of his toys for him right away. It is so much fun having a child around for Christmas; it brings back the magic of the season and especially the magic of Christmas morning. That is one of of the most wonderful things about being a parent; you get to re experience everything from the eyes of a child, all over again!

Here is our Christmas day in photos. Enjoy!

Look at that excited little face. I bet he already dreams about next Christmas!

The Lollipop Haircut Shop

2010-01-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we took Bentley to the Lollipop Haircut Shop to get his first haircut. And boy did he need it. His hair is very fine, and sparse on the sides. It was getting so long in the front, that in order to keep it out of of his eyes, I had to part it to one side. The result: the baby comb over! His hair has been referred to as "mad scientist hair," and "Donald Trump hair;" lovingly, of course.

He fell asleep on the way there. A bad start. When we woke him up he was tired and grumpy. By the time he got into his Hummer barber shop "chair," he was NOT very happy. Basically he cried and cried elephant tears for the first several minutes. Luckily in his crying he stayed really still.

In an effort to stop the torture, we decided that he might be better off sitting on my lap, which he was, until . . . the lady brought out the clippers. The rest of thebuzzing was torturous, but luckily it didn't last long.

Bentley was a much happier camper when the "mean" lady handed him a lollipop. He even told her thank you.

Check out the cute certificate he received. Something for the memory book for sure.

I think he'll do better next time; let's hope!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

Told you no promises on the everyday posting thing. My weeks are just crazy now. Not only do I work from 9 to 5 now, Monday thru Friday, but I also started working out Monday thru Thursday. Therefore, my two hours in between work and working out are spent with my son and not blogging. And I think I have my priorities straight!

James was away in Utah finishing up school until the 20th, so we only had five days to celebrate the holiday season together as a family. And for the very short time that we had, we did quite a few festive things. Our first event was my family's annual Christmas party. Here is Ben participating in the children's white elephant swap. He picked and unwrapped his own present; he got a pink kitty holding a pink blanket. Luckily my cousin Chloe swapped him and he ended up with a Target gift card.

Our next order of business was making sure that Ben saw Santa this year. Last year we didn't get this milestone moment accomplished, so it was a must this year. Bentley screamed when we sat him on Santa's lap. SO we kindly asked Santa to get out of his chair, placed Ben on his chair, distracted Ben thoroughly by dancing ridiculously and singing "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer," meanwhile Santa sneaked back in next to Bentley and they finally captured this picture. The serious face is classic Ben.

Constructing a gingerbread house was the next thing on my Christmas to do list. I want to make it one of our traditions, since neither myself or James grew up doing it (it can be ALL ours). I hope to improve every year (clearly).

The last must do was a trip to see the Christmas lights at beautiful Oakland Temple. It was freezing, but the bright lights and spirit there warmed my heart and made me happy knowing that my family will be together forever, and therefore have lots more Christmas seasons together to come!

Bentley's First Trip With His Grandparents

2010-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving my parents, sister, and grandparents took Bentley to LA to Knottsberry Farm (I put Disneyland off limits, since James and I want to be with Ben for his first time of course). I had to work, and James was still in Utah, so we both missed out on the fun. Bentley loves his grandparents and quickly he learned to say their names. His first was "Nana" (my grandma), and then he perfected "Papa" (my dad), but still hasn't got my mom's chosen grandma name down yet, "Mimi." He says "mama." It's funny how I couldn't say "mama" so called my mom "mimi," and Ben calls my mom "mama," and can't say "mimi." Anyways, they loved taking him along with them and they had a great time. Although Ben would not let Snoopy get too close; he did like the characters from a far.

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving begin for us like it always does, at the Turkey Bowl. Mind you I am the only woman whoever goes to this thing. James just has a thing for showing off for me. So I go for him! Prior to stepping foot on the field with him I made him lose the headgear. Clearly its as much about fashion to him as the game. AT least he backed up his appearance and played really well.

After the game we headed home to get ready; James cutting off all the tape on his cleats, and me changing Ben and myself from our matching Tom Brady jerseys, to our Thanksgiving best. So far since we've been married we have attempted splitting Thanksgiving between the two families (we might change that in the future). So first appearance of the day was at my Grandpa's newly renovated house that my dad and Uncle's have been working on for the last few months. We only got to stay for a quick visit; just enough time to take a family picture and capture Bentley and my cousin's matching Converses.

Our evening wrapped up at James' aunt and uncles house in Sausalito (also newly renovated, and gorgeous). The whole gang was there; grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. The food was delicious of course. And I ate too much, of course. The boys watched football, of course. And cousin Mary Ellen performed two of her audition songs from Little Women for us. It was a great Thanksgiving, and made me grateful to be living nearer to all of those we have loved and missed while being in Utah.

Catch Up

2010-01-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Clearly I am in need of doing just that. My last post was written Halloween night. Two days later I packed Bentley and I up and moved to California to start working full time as an assistant for my father-in-laws insurance agency. We moved on a Sunday, drove all day, and I started work on Tuesday. Needless to say my life got much busier, and quickly. The decision to move Ben and I back to California six months prior to James' graduation was a decision that we reached in two weeks. So everything was very sudden; including my goodbye to Utah and friends. I still miss the beautiful state and my wonderful friends, but am slowly adjusting to being a Californian again. I've been away for four years, and despite the fact that this is where I was born and raised, I am having difficulty having it feel like home again. This could also be due to the fact that I don't really have a home; not of my own. We are currently living with my parents. The house is HUGE, Bentley has his own room (ah, privacy!), there is a dishwasher, and washer and dryer, and my wonderful parents (Mimi and Papa to Bentley), and Grandma (Nana to Ben). I am so grateful to be living here, and the ammenities are fabulous (I come home and dinner is made!), but I think I'll feel more settled when we can move into a little place of our own again (probably two more months).

Other than the beginning work thing taking up my time, I sorta lost motivation to blog because I am now currently residing in the home of my most faithful and anticipated reader, my mom. But after hearing from Nana (James' grandma), among others, that they are missing my blog posts, I thought that I would take another crack at it. Besides I realized that I have no other journal, so I should make an attempt to document at least the big things on my blog.

So here is my catch up plan. I am going to write daily (no promises though) to bring everything current. Whenever others in my same boat play catch up and post like ten posts, I find that I stop reading after the third post. So hopefully a daily post will keep my readers interested. I will start with Thanksgiving.

Hallows Eve!

2009-10-31T21:43:00.001-07:00

The University of Utah "black out" game was tonight, Halloween! So James and I thought that we would go all out and be dead football players. I kept my Cruella hair do, and added some scars and blood to my face. James went crazy, with full out face makeup. Ben cried and cried when he saw him, and when we picked him up from the babysitter (yes, we finally took him to a babysitter and enjoyed a night without him... of course we missed him though!) he cried and cried again. Can you blame him?

I'm Seeing Spots!!!

2009-10-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

I always intended to make Ben's costumes. Last year, with being in school still, it DIDN"T happen. This year I actually had some time for it. I didn't want to get too complicated and sew something completely from scratch. So I thought that a DIY dalmatian costume would be something I could handle. First I bought a white fleece sleeper with a hood (which was a great find). Then all I had to do was purchase black (for the spots and ears), yellow (for the collar), and pink (for the inner ears) felt, fabric glue, and red ribbon (for the collar). Then I simply cut out lots and lots of spots, glued them all on, fashioned the cute collar, wrote "Ben" on it, and wolla! I thought it turned out really cute! And I was Cruella Deville of course (my cape was a similar story)!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

Love,

Bentley

For the Beauty of the Earth

2009-10-27T22:42:00.001-07:00

For the beauty of the earth

for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth

over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to thee we raise

this our hymn of grateful praise!

Kisses!

2009-10-26T22:52:00.001-07:00

Ben has been giving kisses for a while now, but lately improved vastly. He used to give really wet, open mouth kisses. A bit messy, and a must-wipe. Suddenly a few days ago, when we said, "Ben, give kisses," he puckered up his lips and gave a perfect, closed mouth, no drool kiss.

We can't get enough!!!!!!

Bedhead

2009-10-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

My baldy baby finally almost has a full head of hair. He still is a little sparse on the sides, rocking the reverse bald man do. However with this hair, comes the task of having to tame it every morning and nap when he wakes up looking like this!

Skeletons and Playgrounds

2009-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ben's ready for Halloween! Are you? Stay tuned for his DIY costume. It's so cute. And I'm even dressing up this year with him.

Love-Hate

2009-10-19T00:03:00.001-07:00

These two definitely have a love-hate relationship, like all close relationships! One minute they are playing great, and the next they are slapping each other atop the head. Whaddaya gonna do?

Don't you love how quickly Ben can turn on and off the tears!

Family Photos

2009-10-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Shannon, our photographer is done editing our pictures. She sent us a link to her flickr gallery to view them here. We are really happy with them. I absolutely love pictures and think that it is worth capturing my family with beautiful photography at least once a year. I plan on having walls and albums full of photo memories one day!

I think that I prefer most of them in color, because I worked really hard to get us all coordinating, and I'm loving bright orange and blue right now. What do you think?