Memory Card Full

I hate that phrase.

This is one thing I HATE about digital cameras. I just...um...I don't know...3 weeks ago went to Costco and downloaded all my pictures to 2 discs so that I could delete the photos and start anew on my camera chippy thing.

Today...I'm out with the Cuties on a playdate - snap 5 pictures - and UH OH...maxed out again. I look at the camera. In the past 3 weeks I have taken over 300 photos.

WHAT???

I think digital has allowed us to take pictures all willy-nilly. I miss the good 'ole days when you only took a picture if you knew for sure it was going to be a good one - because those 35mm or Instamatics (my mom's faves) only took so few- 28 pictures.

Yes...you're right, I can delete the ones that I don't want...SURE. But...once you've looked at them - even if they're awful - it's really hard for me to delete a memory. Well...unless it is super bad...and of me - that's a different story. I only wish I didn't like those weird/candid/strange-angle snapshots soooo much!

So - I guess I'll be heading back to Costco tomorrow - to pay $3 for a photo disc and probably $15 on the development of photos that I just CAN'T SEEM TO LIVE WITHOUT...even though, I'm sure they'll just end up in my computer desk in the same white and red Costco envelope they came in...at least for the next several years anyway.

But...p.s. - I got a new camera from the Hottie and I L-O-V-E, LOVE it!!

I'll Huff and I'll Puff...

Brady's strict, yet SUPER awesome Pre-K teacher Mrs. Allison set up for the Children's Puppet Theater to come to the school today for a presentation of the Three Little Pigs.

After - she had a pig craft fair set up which entailed:

1) Pig beanie bag races

2) Create a piggie out of cups/foam/glue

3) Create a piggie out of paper/paper plates/glue

4) Create Three Little Pigs "craft stick" people

5) Yummy Snacks

Before the crafts - there was a quick musical performance in which the classes (all 40 of the AM/PM Pre-K kids) sang along to Three Little Pig music.

Guess who stood out? This video was the quietest he was the entire song...even other parents commented on his...."ability" after the performace. Too funny!

I can't say enough how much I adore the Pre-K program through the Gilbert Public Schools - Thanks Mrs. Allison - she is the best and exactly what Brady needs to succeed!

I Wanna Wear Pedroia....

Brady got a Red Sox t-shirt for his birthday. He has lots...but, he didn't have a Pedroia and goodness was he ever so excited when he opened the gift.

So was the Hottie - guess what he got???

Brady loves to match his Daddy and wear the same Red Sox shirt. He will often change his shirt to match whichever one his Daddy is wearing. This is the ONLY time Bryan will allow such coordination. You see, I bought them these matching hawaiian shorts last year...guess who refused to ever wear them?? Bryan. No worries, Brady didn't let it stop him from wearing the cute shorts...he loved them!

p.s....Brady is wearing the Pedroia shirt to bed tonight. He has patiently waited for me to finish washing it and he will be christening the shirt as jammies. (I'm weird and things have to be washed before worn.)

Friendly Face Interview

Julie Ann Voeller Thorn

I have known Julie for only about 1 1/2 years. She is one of my co-workers...but, also one of the most genuine and honest people I know. She truly cares about people and always makes them feel so special. And...she does have the very best purse/shoe collection I have ever seen....SERIOUSLY!

Born: August 7, 1982 in Great Falls, MT

Currently Resides: Gilbert, AZ...(about 1 mi. from me)

Married: to Stefan Thorn. We've been together for 9 1/2 years and married for 2 1/2 years.

Kids: No human kids...just 2 crazy dogs (Brooklyn & Bentley) and 3 cats (Zoe, Oliver, & Tucker)

Work: as a Corporate Trainer for Progressive Insurance

Dream Job: Designing shoes and owning my own shoe boutique

Favorite Vacation Spot: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Future Favorite Vacation Spots: Manhattan and South Africa...when I finally vacation there.

Favorite Food: I have LOTS of favorite food...I love Mexican (just not La Fonda), any kind of seafood (crab, salmon, escargot, and scallops are my favorite), sushi, PIZZA (with just pineapple and cheese), and I absolutely LOVE cherries...oh, and sweet potato pie...and collard greens. I hate to cook, but I absolutely love eating food!!

Favorite Holiday: Christmas...there's something about the holidays that just makes me smile!

Favorite TV: I don't watch much TV, but I love watching football, college basketball, Run's House (I think I'm the only one that likes this show), Grey's Anatomy, and my little addiction called The Hills.

Favorite Book: I have a few...A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, Monster by Sanyika Shakur, Mitch Albom's books, Wasted by Marya Hornbacher, How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill, A Million Little Pieces & My Friend Leonard by James Frey, and I am a closet Twilight reader...ok so now it's out!!

If You Were to Put Your iPod on “shuffle” What Would You Hear?: Lots of old school rap and hip/hop, and a mix of pretty much everything….. Jazz, a little country, some alternative, rap, hip/hop…. My favorites: Jay-Z, The Show Soundtrack, Musiq, Talib Kweli, Amos Lee, Nas, Kanye, Dixie Chicks, Ray Charles, Anthony Hamilton, Tim McGraw, Obadiah Parker, Joss Stone, Pearl Jam, John Legend, Barry White, Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Common…. I LOVE music!!

Describe the “perfect” day:
Waking up without an alarm
Bikram Yoga
Breakfast with my husband – Eggs Benedict
Shoe shopping
The spa for a massage, facial, mani, & pedi
Lay by the pool and read a good book
Dinner at the Keg… crab and a filet mignon with a bottle of pinot grigio

Friends over to watch football, have some drinks, and enjoy the rest of the day…

Hobbies: I am addicted to Bikram Yoga - I'm doing a 30-day challenge right now so I feel like that is my only hobby at the moment. I'm also getting my Master's degree, so school is also a hobby right now. I also love the spa, the Seahawks, shopping, traveling, football games, music, laying out in the sun, the Washington Huskies, and hanging out with friends, family, and my dogs.

Pet Peeves: Ignorance, people chewing food with their mouth full/smacking their food, people that walk/drive slow, when I'm walking with someone or with a group of people and I'm not in the lead (it's weird, but it drives me crazy, I have no clue why), when people don't clean up after themselves, and parents that can't/don't discipline their kids.

Favorite Childhood Memory: Playing dress up...I LOVED dressing myself and never wanted anyone else to dress the same as me, I loved spending time at my grandparent's house in Montana, and picking cherries at the orchard at their house on the lake...Family reunions were always a lot of fun and made me realize the importance of family early on.

Most Memorable Childhood Memory: I think this one has scared me for life…. But when I was in kindergarten my mom dressed me up as a clown for Halloween. I wasn’t just any clown though, I was a fat clown. She had me wearing one of my dad’s work shirts with a pillow underneath the shirt, suspenders, funny-looking pants, my dad’s shoes, painted face, rainbow curly wig, foam red nose…. I was a pretty good fat clown. So she dropped me off at school (remember, this is Kindergarten and Halloween is just a couple months into the school year), I walked into the class, and guess who else was dressed up? No one. Apparently my mom didn’t get the memo that you weren’t supposed to dress up your kid for Halloween at school. The best part was that neither my mom nor dad had a cell phone back then, so I wore the costume all day.

My Hero: My dad...My life was really put into perspective a few months ago when my dad had 6-bypass surgery after a silent heart attack he didn’t realize he had. Thankfully I was able to be back in Washington with my family during the time, but it was really difficult seeing my dad in so much pain after the surgery. I really look up to his strength and determination while he endured such a difficult recovery. His entire lifestyle has changed as a result; he walks 5 miles every day and eats healthier than I do now! He’s really stubborn (I got my stubbornness from him) but I can’t respect him enough for everything he’s gone through, and still facing each day with a positive attitude and the same sense of humor he’s had forever.
I Love My Husband because: He's a good cook, he's smart and he always has me questioning my views on particular issues, he makes me laugh, he shows pride in his accomplishments and supports me in my goals, he understands me, he takes pride in everything he has and everything he's done, he can finish my sentences, he's got good fashion sense, and he doesn't mind me spending a lot for a pair of shoes or a fancy handbag.
Marriage Advice: Respect each other, enjoy every moment, take time to appreciate each other, and don't take anything for granted.

Favorite Thing about Yourself: I like to consider myself an optimist, but also a realist. I try to see the positive side of every situation, but also completely recognize reality.

World's Biggest Problem: Wow...where do I start? Wars in Iraq/Afghanistan, failing economy, global warming, ethics/integrity, lack of racial tolerance and discrimination...

Biggest Challenge: Walking both of my dogs.....in heels.

In 10 Years, I See Myself: Happy, successful, and accomplished.

Describe Yourself in One Word: Determined.

Read about Julie here on her new blog!!

Lions & Tigers & Bears - Oh My!

Yesterday- I took the day off from work. So...I decided to load the kids up - along with Cori and Aidyn head to the zoo. We met Ashley, Rylee, Jake, Lincoln, Tara & Ava.

We started with a bit of lunch. We ate REALLY fast - due to a large number of bees flying all around. But, it sure made for some excitement!

I will say - this was one of the best times I can remember at the Phoenix Zoo. It was a perfect day to be out walking - perfect temperature, a nice breeze...and best of all - ALL the animals were out.

The kids had a blast. We even let Lily and Jake out of the strollers. I know - seriously! I don't think they could have been any more excited about that. Of course, we finished the zoo with a carousel ride.

This is what the kids looked like as we drove back home:

And...here are some of my favorites from the day:

Brady is 5!!!

What?? How is it possible that Brady is 5 years old?? Believe me - Brady reminds us that it is possible. He is completely aware that today is his 5th birthday.

So, in light of the special "one whole hand" birthday,here are 5 Things I Love About Brady:

1. He's a bit of a perfectionist - so, yes...I know that he is definitely my child.

2. He loves to snuggle. I'll take all I can get - I know this doesn't last forever.

3. He loves anything sport related - baseball, football, golf - so we know he is definitely Bryan's son, too.

4. He's all boy, yet he has a soft serious side, too.

5. He's really good at school...and saves the troublemaking for at home. There's nothing like the teacher telling me how great he is in school, especially when I've just put him in time-out for the gajillionth time. SERIOUSLY! :)

Brady, you made me and daddy parents and we are so thankful and proud to have you in our lives. You are a great big brother and Lily looks up to you - she wants to do everything you do (which is sometimes scary). We love you Buddy!! Haaaaaaappy Whole Hand Birthday!!

Golf Anyone?

The Hottie LOVES golf!! Remember on his 30th birthday when all of us surprised him with brand spankin'-new golf clubs?? Well...guess what Brady got for his 5th birthday??

New clubs!!

Well...they are NEW to him...but, not necessarily new. A few months ago - our neighborhood had a garage sale. Our neighbor was selling these perfectly almost new kids clubs. So cute...and best of all, SO cheap! They were way cuter than the sets in the store...and for the cost of a tank of gas (even less) we were the new, happy owners. Brady doesn't even need to know - does he?

He was super excited - but, I think Bryan was even more excited.

So...the boys have taken their first official golf outing - to the range. And, boy did they have a blast.

Strike!

Once again - we voted (as a family) on doing Disneyland instead of birthday parties this year. That trip is planned for Valentine's weekend...but...Brady wanted to go bowling. So, Saturday - we all met up in Mesa for some fun, family bowling time.

It was just a small group - us 4, Cori, Mike & Aidyn, Ash, Ry, & Jake, Billy, and my parents. It was very low key, relaxing and fun. The kids actually LOVED it and were super well-behaved.

I know - SHOCKER!!

p.s...Brady would never have picked out pink cupcakes...but, you get what you get when you didn't order them or make them ahead of time.

Who Protects Who?

Or... is it Whom?

Anyways...ever since I was little, I always wanted a boy child first. I'm not sure why. Maybe it has to do with the protection an older brother could give...or maybe it's the cute friends possibility. Regardless, I always wanted a boy first.

While I was newly pregnant with Brady...we thought for sure it was a girl. I was wrong - and I had the first part of my childhood dream: A boy child first.

While pregnant with Lily...we thought for sure it was another boy. I was wrong again. Now I my complete childhood dream. Boy first, followed by a girl.

Wow - I was lucky!!

Protection? Brady does seem pretty protective...most of the time. As long as Lily is not stealing his toys. But today...it was Lily who protected Brady. Here's how it all went down.

It's 5pm and we're waiting for Daddy to get home. The kids are getting restless...can you blame them? So was I!! Well...I thought - let's play a good ole game of Hide-N-Seek. The next 40 minutes were full of screams. laughter. more screams. more laughter. And, of course...lots and lots of counting.

The last round - my turn to hide. I hide in the hall bathroom tub, behind the curtain. Did I mention, I'm a really good hider? Well...I guess anybody is against a 2 and an (almost) 5 year-old. Oh...and...I had to literally book it like I've never run before because Lily is chasing me the second I leave the room...so of course I'm panting...quietly.

Here's the rest:

Brady: 123456789, 10...Here I come. Mommy? Where aaaaaarrrrrre you?
Lily: Chuckling
Me: More panting
Brady: Mommy?
Brady runs down the hall, I can see him peek in the bathroom.
Brady: Nope. Not in the bathrooom.
Brady runs back down the hall.
Lily: Again, laughing standing at the bathroom...because she watched me run in there.
Brady: Mooooommmmmy?
Me: Brady & Lily...I'm in heeeeeeere!!
Brady runs back down the hall.
Brady: Mommy? Where are you?
Me: Silent
Lily: Still standing at the bathroom door.
Brady: Mommy...are you in the tub? Say Yes or No?
Me: Silently chuckling.
Lily: Chuckling loudly.
Brady: Lily...go look behind the curtain - see if Mommy's in the tub.
Lily walks to the curtain and pulls it back.
Me: Boo
All: Laughter..Screaming...Excitment

So...this leaves me with 2 questions:
1) Who will protect who?
and
2) Can it get any better than this?

Fresh and Clean

I had my tile cleaned today.

Ahhhhhh......

p.s. I don't have a "before" picture for you...because...well...that would have been gross!

p.p.s. I no longer have to wear slippers just because I hate the way the tile feels under my feet...but, I probably still will because I love slippers. :)

p.p.s. I got a really good deal - way less than my former tile/carpet cleaning co...you know, the one that drives the yellow trucks.

Mother Load

Last night was Ladies Night Out!! And...we had a great time.

7 of us went to dinner at Los Olivos (my favorite...although it wasn't too great last night) and then over to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts for the one-woman show Mother Load. It was super cute and poked fun at the craziness of motherhood in today's world.

Snapshots of us ladies.

My 100th Post

I cannot believe it! As I was getting ready to sit down and write tonight's post...I realized this is my 100th post. Amazing!! Unbelievable!! Exciting!!

In tribute to my 100th post - here are 10 things that I have learned:

1. Writing is therapeutic.

2. Writing about life...gives me a chance to reflect on life.

3. I have found a love for photography - especially of the Cuties.

4. Blogsurfing is fun and addicting.

5. Blog ideas are endless - ask Bryan about his "in-the-works" blog.

6. Social Media is not only for the future - it is for TODAY.

7. I find myself wishing everyone I knew had a blog.

8. I find myself truly caring about other bloggers - & somewhat jealous of their cute blogs.

9. Sometimes I don't have much to say.

10. Sometimes people don't like what you write.

Most of all...blogging reminds me - of how much...

I Love Him...

& Him...

& Her...

Isn't life great?

Bushy Bush

Yesterday, when I picked up the Cuties at my parents' home...this is what Brady told me:

Brady: Rock Obama is our new president.

Me: Wow!! Who taught you that? Did you learn that at school today?

Brady: No. My Nanny told me that Rock Obama is my 2nd president. Bush was my 1st president. I'm 5 and I've had 2 presidents.

Me: Good job, Buddy. You are right!!

Brady: Bushy Bush was first and now Rock Obama!

Hee Hee...I didn't have the heart to tell him that it was not "Rock" but "Barack."

Later that evening as I was reading my nightly news on the internet, Brady saw a picture of Obama and he said - "That's Rock Obama!!" I could totally tell how proud he was that he knew who our new president is.

Thanks Nanny!! You are awesome!

** thanks azcentral...I loved your inauguration pictures!

History

Isn't it Exciting??

Wow...

I'm a Googler

I'm addicted to Google. I'd say I go to that site literally about 25 times a day. No joke. I'm seriously obsessed.

Google knows all.

Remember life before Google? Like the time in high school when I needed information on euthanasia for a research paper. Or in college (yes, college) when I was looking into companies for my internship. Sheesh - Google would have been awesome then!!

I CANNOT live without Google.

Just today - I wanted a information on motorcycle parts - where did I go? Google. Then I was looking into sewing patterns - Google again. And...at Christmas when I wanted to know how to make silhouettes for a Christmas gift - Google was my saving grace.

Google is amazing. The information is endless.

Have a question? Just Google it!

Thank you internet peeps -

I heart Google!

***And, thank you Google - once again...I used your image search for the picture of your logo.

Super Bowl Here We Come!!

Wow!!!

Can you believe it?

The Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl.

Awesome.

Exciting.

Unbelievable.

What's makes this even better?

Brett...and his promised "tramp stamp" once the Cardinals WIN the Super Bowl.

Before the first playoff game - Brett made a deal...the Cardinals WIN the Super Bowl and he gets the infamous tramp stamp with a Cardinals logo.

Go Cardinals!!

You Can Do It, Dawn

I am scared of a lot of things, I'm sure of it.

One of my biggest fears...Mouth Injuries.

Toddlers are the worst. You know when a toddler is finding their walking legs for the first time how precious it is? The waddling, tip-toed adorableness is SO cute. Well, this cuteness comes with many falls. And...unfortunately, it seems that toddlers always lead with their head...therefore, many mouth injuries.

I have been known to cry out, "Are the teeth missing?" many a times after a fall.

The other day Lily fell and bit her lip. She and I were alone in the house. There was blood. I took a deep breath, felt for the teeth - they were still there. Whew... I took a cold towel and instructed her to bite on it. I saw the blood (which by the way was NOT that much) and quickly took Lily to the couch...I was seeing stars. I had to sit down.

I'm a basketcase.

Last night, Cori called me. At first it sounded like there was excitement (maybe she won a big poker tournament online???). I was wrong. There was excitement...but, not that kind of excitement. Aidyn fell and her mouth was bleeding. There was a lot of blood. Cori and Aidyn were alone. I said I'd be right there.

I dashed to the Majercin abode...well, maybe drove like a very proper maniac obeying all rules, but speed.

Along the way - other than call my mom...dad...Ashley...and Cori - I talked to myself. This is what I repeated over and over again. "Dawn, you can do this. You can do mouth injuries." I am dead serious. I was giving myself a prep talk.

Sometimes I'm good in an emergency situation - sometimes. Like the time when Aidyn at 2 mo. old ate an M&M. But, NOT the time when Brady's elbow was pulled out of socket.

At the Majercin abode...Cori proved she was good in the emergency situation - she had it all under control. I was barely needed. But...it's always good to have a sister there for support, you know?

On the way home...I wondered to myself...Why am I always so freaked out about mouth injuries? The only reason I can come up with stems back to a childhood babysitting issue with my 3 siblings. And once again - that mouth injury just happened to affect Cori.

I'll never get over my fear of mouth injuries. But, thank goodness for pep talks...they totally work!

p.s. - I SOOOO love this picture. It was taken before the boo boo, obviously.

Whoa...

Can you say close-up?

I totally think the world needs more close-up photos.

Sometimes, they make the absolute best ones!

Friendly Face Interview

April Denise Osborn

April is my sister-in-law. She is the Hottie's sister. She and her fam - Justin, AJ, and Hayden moved in August of 2007 to Colorado...and boy do we miss them. We definitely don't get to see them nearly enough!! I met April and Justin soon after Bryan and I started dating...even before AJ was even born - we were instant friends. Thanks April - you're awesome!!

Born: August 18, 1973, in New London, CT

Currently Resides: Castle Rock, CO

Married: For 13 years to Justin. He is such a wonderful husband and father.

Kids: 2 boys, AJ (age 9) and Hayden (age 4)

Favorite Childhood Memory: Going to my very first Red Sox game at Fenway Park. My Pepe and Meme took me and I can remember wearing my Jimmy Rice t-shirt. Yes, he was my favorite player and YAY he's finally getting into the baseball Hall of Fame. They took me to several games as a kid and I would love riding the train into the city.

Favorite Food: Mexican

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Favorite Season: Fall

Favorite TV: Reality TV has become very addicting...here are a few that I love: Amazing Race, Biggest Loser, American Idol, Survivor, HGTV and the Travel Channel.

Favorite Book: I'm not a very big book reader, but the most recent book I have read is Too Fat to Fish by Artie Lang. You either like him or you don't and he makes me laugh!

Favorite Thing About Yourself: I am a very caring person.

Dream Job: Well, to NOT work would be very easy to say, but I do like working. I've been with my current employer for 11 years and now that I'm in Colorado and working from home is an option...well, that is my DREAM job. However, this will become reality.

Hobbies: My family and I have found a love for Geocaching. We were introduced to it 3 years ago from my mom and step dad (Thanks Mom!) and we just love it. Geocaching has allowed me, Justin and the boys to be very adventurous and to see places that we have never been. It's a great family hobby and spending time together...well, you just can't beat that. I also like to shop and be outdoors in the Rocky Mountains.

I Love Being a Mom Because: I just love spending time with the boys and seeing them grow and achieve. It's very rewarding.

Parenting Advice: Show your love for them everyday and tell them "I love you." I think it is also important to listen to them speak.

Marriage Advice: I think communication is very important. With good communication all things are possible. Love each other and have patience.

World's Biggest Problem: The government!!! Don't people realize that taking money from one set of people (that being the hardest workers) and giving to another set for any reason is just a definition of socialism. Oh great, we all know that it just doesn't work.

Biggest Challenge: Making it to the gym at least 4 days out of the week.

Pet Peeves: A messy house just drives me crazy and of course people who have a hard time saying "THANK YOU."

Hopes for the Future: I hope that my kids will have a great life and be blessed like I have been.

Person You Admire Most: The person I admire the most would be my Dad. My father is just the easiest going person I've ever known and he is always there to help me when I have needed it. He taught me how to play golf way back in the day and had a great "drying machine." I love you!!

3 Wishes: 1) To stay healthy (that is an everyday wish for me), 2) That my kids are happy and healthy, and 3) To win the Powerball.

You are Happiest When: On vacation with my family.

Describe Yourself in 1 Word: Outgoing

Something Special and Close to Me: That would be the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). I personally suffer with Type I Diabetes and have since the age of 18. I support the foundation as best and as much as I can because I am someone who benefits from the help of the foundation and new discoveries. For the past 3 years, I have been part of "JDRF Walk for the Cure," and raising more money than what I set for my goal. I have even recognition for what I have done. I was just approved for a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) which was funded by JDRF. This device will work with my insulin pump and keep track of my sugars at all times. I'm super excited - what a great step in the direction we need to be going in to find a cure.

To read more about JDRF, go here.