The Campbell Cuties

Lily's Girly Girlz Party

2012-01-24T21:26:00.001-07:00

***Warning - a gazillion photos follow this post! :)

For Lily's birthday this year - she got to have a super princessy, Girly Girlz party for her cousins and friends around her age.

OMG! Was she is super duper heaven.

It was a party fit for a princess...and we all know Queen B has no problem being a diva princess. All the girls were dressed in their princess finest. The events of the party included...

A glittery princess up-do
Sparkly makeup
Manicure
A craft of making a foam tiara
Dance and dance and more dance to Princess songs
Playing a game of freeze dance
A cute "charades" type game involving Princess movies
Pizza, chips, pretzels, and pink "tea"
Pink cupcakes
A princess walk to show off their new look

The girls were all so adorable and certainly had fun. Lily got to have Aidyn, Rylee, and Kate come over for a sleepover immediately following the party. The girls (hyped up on sugar) ran around giggling and screaming until I was able to persuade them with popcorn to lay down and watch a movie. Lily picked her new favorite $5 Santa stocking movie Barbie Charm School Princess. Then we (yes, I played) Pretty, Pretty Princess after Lily had zonked out during the movie. Rylee was the night owl staying up until 1am! I finally turned off the TV and she fell right to sleep. I guess not all kids (oops!) fall asleep to the TV like my kids...and me!

What a party. Definitely her favorite one yet! Thank you to all the girls for helping to make Lil's GOLDEN birthday super special!

Happy Golden Birthday Lily!!

2012-01-05T00:00:00.077-07:00

Happy Golden Birthday to our first daughter...

Lillian Mae Campbell

Yep - she's FIVE years old today on the FIFTH of January.

It's her GOOOOOOOOOOOOLDEN BIRTHDAY!

We will be celebrating tomorrow with a Girly Girlz Princess Party with her little cousins and a couple friends. It is her "off" year for birthday parties...but, considering it is her GOLDEN BIRTHDAY...we just had to give in for another party. I would like to thank Stacey for throwing such a great Spa party for Kate because that was our inspiration for this party. I wish I could have put it all together at home just like Stacey did for Kate with different stations for each treatment...but, I was super lazy and never got around to planning a party. So...I called up Girly Girlz down the street from our house and booked a party there. I hope it is just as fun as Kate's!

In honor of Lil's FIFTH birthday...here's FIVE things I absolutely LOVE about her.

1. Her laugh. OMG! She has a laugh like no other. It is SOOOO loud, deep, hilarious...and just a teensy bit obnoxious. And when you get her really going - she just won't stop. I also love that SHE knows how much we just ADORE her laugh and so she exaggerates just a teeny bit to make us laugh even more. That girl is going to be the life of the party. I just know it.

2. She makes friends with anyone - even her little figurines. Seriously - she can sit and play with her barbies, and Littlest Pet Shops and dolls and have full on conversations. But, she doesn't even need figurines. If she is somewhere without any type of figurines - she'll use spoons or cars or really anything as a figurine. It's hilarious. The conversations are even better. It's like she is playing house with all her toys. There's always a mom and a dad and a sister and brother. And, she'll have loud conversations - so loud that we always think she's talking to us. But she's not.

3. She is SOOOO loving. Don't get me wrong - she can be a real pistol, but holy cow she is soooo loving. She always tells us how much she loves us. She tells each one of us - Brady, Charlotte, Bryan, and Me. It's always at the most random times. And she is very sweet and honest about it. She's a girl that certainly wears her heart on her sleeve and I love it!

4. She is SUCH a GOOFBALL. Yes, she's klutzy and silly and crazy and we L-O-V-E, LOOOOVE it! She is constantly saying silly things or doing silly things just to get a laugh out of us. And boy oh boy - she can't hold in the laugh herself. She just laughs away at herself for all the silly things she does.

5. She is as girly as they come. Although this can sometimes drive me crazy - I absolutely love having the girliest girl around. I literally don't know any other little girl that is as girly as Lil. She knows EXACTLY what she wants and she won't hesitate to let you know. She loves everything pink, purple, sparkly, and glittery. The more obnoxiously blingy or LOUD it is - the better. She would prefer to wear dresses EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. and we just have to about beg her to wear pants. She tells me how she wants her hair everyday. And believe me...sometimes I have to talk her out of some crazy hair-dos. She loves it when she and Charlotte match and loves it even more when I wear something a little nicer.

Oh Lilbugs - how we love you!! I am so thankful EVERY single day that we have you in our lives...even when you're whining and being your Queen B self. We love that even more. You're strong, opinionated, and know exactly what you want. Just like your mom :)

Happy 5th Birthday Buggies!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Lily with her bracelet, sticker from school, and her crown from her teacher.

Lily with her new party outfit and zebra slippers.

Lily with her birthday cupcakes she helped to make for her day.

Blowing out her 5 candles!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T21:37:00.002-07:00

Love, The Campbells

Bryan | Dawn

Brady | Lily | Charlie

Majercin Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we kicked off the 2011 Holiday parties with our annual Majercin Christmas! It was probably the best year yet. I love how it's relatively small (35-ish people), super casual, and well...just plain fun!

The kids (there seems to be a lot of them now) hang out outside running around like crazy...and the adults - we alternate between the patio and the living room. Basically, we mingle, eat, mingle, and then it's present time. Oh - and you can't forget the multiple references to Christmas Vacation (because we're ARE the Griswold's), or my dad's jokes to the kids about Santa cancelling Christmas. As cheesy as that all sounds - I seriously look forward to this EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR.

My grandma gives all of the kids her gifts and then off they go to play. We then give my grandma her gifts and everyone passes out some family gifts. It's so much fun! Then - it's time for the grand finale...Our White Elephant gift exchange.

OMG - so fun!

All adults bring a gift around $25-ish dollars. We pick numbers...and then you know how it goes. Normally it's a pretty big battle for gifts - but, this year was rather calm. Either we're all getting really good at buying gifts that will be liked by everyone...or we were just really nice to each other this year.

Last, we mingle some more and then head out.

This Majercin Christmas party has been going on for my entire life. Literally - my entire life. It used to be held at my grandparents house on Christmas Eve and within the last few years it has been taken over by my Uncle Barry's family and even more recently moved to the week before Christmas. Since the family is getting so big and everyone has grown and started families on their own - we've found the week before Christmas is a much easier time to get everyone together. They do such a great job hosting - and this year, even included a Christmas Carol game at which my cousin Jessica's boyfriend, Justin, seriously kicked tushy!!

This year we made out pretty well in the White Elephant. Bryan got hooked up with some Titleist golf balls and tees and I got one of those large 1.5 gallon drink dispenser things. I have SERIOUSLY been wanting one of them and have almost bought one like a zillion times. So - I am soooooooooo thankful I ended up with that!! Bryan really won a huge clock (which I loved) but, it was pretty girly and Cori volunteered to switch with him. Golf balls for the clock.

Unfortunately, I took like next to zero pictures. But...here is one that Kristen took of us.

Zoo Lights 2011

2011-12-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

Last night - together with the Babcocks, we took our annual Zoo Lights trip.

After battling the parking lot...and literally looking for a spot for over 20 minutes - we finally made it in through the gates. We circled around the zoo, saw the "dancing" trees, drank some hot chocolate and headed out. The weather was perfect. It was not too cold and not one drop of rain (thank goodness!!).

Upon leaving - we caravan'd it up to the 44th Street house. OMG! It was packed. The kids LOVE that house and we had not yet made it up there this year. That house is almost better than the zoo. And, it's free! Well - I did put $2 in the "donation" bucket. But, still! And - there is a bubble machine! The kids could literally jump around for bubbles for hours.

Another tradition...checked off the list!

It's almost Christmas - I'm getting giddy just thinking about it. Goodnight! I'm off to Santa's workshop to wrap some gifts!

LSATs

2011-12-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sooo...I know I've been completely MIA.

COMPLETELY MIA!

I was studying for the LSATs. Yes - the LSATs.

You might ask why a 32 year old, married, full-time employed, mother of three children would want to take her LSATs. Crazy, right?

I agree. Kind of.

But - I guess a part of me has always wanted to go to law school...so I thought no better time than now. I was that kind of child that was a great debater. Very argumentative. I'm pretty sure I'm still that person. I know I'm still that person. Privately, personally, and Professionally. It's just who I am.

Here's the thing about the LSAT. It was H-A-R-D! I studied on and off for a few months, typically in the evenings once the kids were asleep. I was going to take a prep course, but the enrollment fees of $500 - $1500 scared me off. So - I was forced to study all by my lonesome. I studied books, online, and took tons of actual old tests that I ordered online. And, the week before the test - I took vacation time to study non-stop.

So, yes - I studied....A LOT. And, I really should have studied more, MUCH more. Although I studied...there really isn't anything to "memorize." It's not your standard test. It measures: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight, the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it, the ability to think critically, and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others. It's a thinking test. And it's timed. It is written for you to fail. It is written to confuse you. It is written to ensure you do not have enough time to truly get through all of the questions.

On paper, the things that are measured by the test are things at which I excel. But, the fact is - I have always been a terrible test taker. My SATs = gross.

But, the LSAT is over. I can now enjoy reading a book (for fun - not for studying). I do not get my results until January 6. I'm not sure how I will fair. I'm not sure if I'll score high enough for an acceptance letter. I'm not sure if we can even make it work if I do even get accepted.

I guess...only time will tell.

Jake's expression looks exactly like how I felt when the LSAT was over.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 7

2011-11-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for...

Learning 2011.

So...a few months ago I was told I could go to Learning 2011!! I'm guessing it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I begged to go...but, it was for very good reason. The keynote speaker was none other than....

President Bill Clinton.

Yep - you heard that right. On the very day of this blog posting...I had the privilege of sitting 6th row during the keynote speech of our 42nd President Bill Clinton. He was awesome. I was pen-less during the speech, so I was limited to what little notes I could take on my phone. But...here are some of the inspirational things that were discussed.

1. He started off by saying how he always likes to be in the audience because when he is talking...he isn't learning.
2. He did talk a little politics - but, it was very tasteful and was more about collaborating than being one-sided.
3. He said when someone asks him a question he always asks himself 3 questions before answering: Will this reduce inequality, instability, and unsustainability? And create more shared opportunities, shared responsibilities, shared sense of community? Shrink the "them" and increase the "us."
4. He talked about when Chelsea went to college she called him one day and said, "Dad - I got the highest grade in the class. It's history class. I really like this class. So, maybe I should study history and not Pre-Med. What do you think." And he told his daughter, "Chelsea, I want you to do what you want to do, what makes you happy. But...people tend to be happiest when they do what they are best at."
5. One issue with politics is each party fights another party with the belief that...If you already have the truth, the evidence doesn't matter.
6. We need cooperation, not conflict!
7. We all need to be learning all the time.
8. You have to be a learner until your last day on earth.
9. The great thing about technology is an 8 year old kid can go on the Internet and find out things that he had to go to college to find out.
10. Everybody has a story.
11. Throughout history, people have learned the most from storytelling.
12. You should never begrudge someone's chance at life.
13. Not just what changes do you want...how do you propose to do it?
14. People have been betting against America for 200 years. Why? Because of innovation.
15. We have a decision making process based on yesterday when it should be based on tomorrow.

He was amazing. There are so many more pages of notes that Ron took...I'm waiting for him to send out all of his notes. His keynote was very informal. Very conversational. The next day we learned that he was supposed to only speak for 27 minutes and then be interviewed for 15 minutes. He spoke for 57 minutes. He just spoke and we listened. We also learned that he had 2 pages of notes. But...he never looked at them once. He was "present" with us.

What an experience. You cannot listen to him speak and not be impressed. Regardless of your political beliefs - he is inspiring.

p.s. - a second keynote and one-man play by John Lithgow was certainly an added plus.

What a conference. I'm thinking all future conferences that I attend will never compare.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 6

2011-11-06T21:20:00.001-07:00

I'm thankful for...

Flights that are not full.

I'm headed out to Orlando for work. A short, busy conference through Wednesday evening. It seems to me that airlines are doing just what we are all trying to do...save money any way possible. Whether it be charge more for flights, eliminate TV, movies, and music, eliminate food, eliminate blankets and pillows, charge for checked bags, and lessen the overall number of flights. I'm sure there are tons of more ways they are cutting costs. With that in mind...it's pretty rare that there are very many seats open. And I NEVER have the good luck that they are actually empty near me. Because of this - I am most often prepared to rub elbows with my neighbor and try to avoid being struck by the drink cart as it passes alongside my aisle seat. But sometimes...when the skies align just right...I get on a flight that is a little open. And an actual open seat - right next to ME!! It's llike a breath of fresh air. Ahhhh...thank you. I love it when that happens. It's like two seats for the price of 1! A place for me and a half of a seat (since I shared the open seat with the gal sitting at the window) for my my jacket and books, etc.

What a treat!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 5

2011-11-05T20:17:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for...

Working from Home.

I know I've said it before...but I am really, really thankful for this somewhat untraditional (albeit becoming more common) arrangement. My typical day is as follows:

5:45am - get up to jog (if I'm not too lazy)
6:45am - return back from jog and shower
7:00am - turn on computer and sign in for the day
8:00am - 1st break - help Bryan get the kids out of the house and to school or the sitter. Then make all beds.
8:20am - work
11:00am - begin to think about lunch
11:30am - shower (if I did not jog/shower earlier)
12:00pm - make lunch
12:15pm - return to desk and eat while working
1:00pm - plan dinner - put food in crockpot, if necessary
1:15pm - work
3:00pm - midday break with snack
3:15pm - back to work
3:30pm - Bryan leaves to pick up Brady from school
5:00pm - check on dinner
5:30pm - pick up girls from sitter
6:00pm - finish dinner and eat
6:45pm - baths for girls
7:00pm - family dance time/game night (Sorry!) and finish up homework
8:00pm - breathing treatments for girls, as needed
8:00pm - Charlie to bed
8:15pm - Lily to bed
9:00pm - Brady to bed
9:00 - 11:00pm - Bryan and Dawn's TV time, study time, work time
11:00pm - bed. but...rarely I go to bed by 11pm. I'm kind of that kind of person that does not need too much sleep. but...then sometimes I zonk out at 9pm.

You can see the actual work time varies throughout the day. I put in my 10+ hours everyday...but, sometimes several hours of it come after the kids go to bed.

One "wrench" into this schedule has been Bryan's new work from home schedule. This started in September. As much as we both "complain" about it...it has been going very well. We have two separate areas. We are now BOTH saving on gas money and we always have someone to eat lunch with.

One negative is that I often wear "comfy" clothes ALL.DAY.LONG. They are clean...but, they're still comfy clothes. I'm pretty sure the Hottie is sick of seeing me with a pony tail and comfy clothes. But...this only makes the days that I do dress up for work or to go out even better. Why? Because any outfit is better than comfy clothes!!

WFH is awesome!! If you have the chance...do it!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 4

2011-11-04T19:03:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for...

Charlotte Grace Campbell.

AKA Charlie.

Best. Surprise. EVER!

You are the most loveable momma's girl ever.

You LOVE your baby doll.

But, you also love baseball bats.

You're turning towards the girly side...

but, still a little tom boy.

You try so hard to keep up with your brother and sister.

Which keeps you very frustrated all the time.

You LOVE food.

Pizza is your favorite.

You could sit in your pink car for hours....

just watching Lily and Brady play.

You are beginning to really love shoes.

You also love dancing around the house.

You play so well by yourself.

You sneak Brady and Lily's toys when they're not looking.

It drives them crazy...

and make us laugh.

You've got the cutest chipmunk cheeks.

CUTEST ever!

And, your eyes have stayed blue.

Oh Charlie....I love you soooo much!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 3

2011-11-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for...

Lily Mae Campbell

AKA Queen B

Our middle child.

Oh boy, Lil - you are in a diva stage.

And we love it...kind of :)

You are hilarious.

Such a goofball.

Obsessed with your "babies."

You still love dancing.

And, Taylor Swift.

You are just about the girliest girl I've ever known.

The more obnoxiously girly something is...

the more you like it.

You care for Charlie like she's your doll.

But are a little possessive about your toys.

You're learning.

You LOVE playing the game Sorry.

And, you hate to lose.

Little things make you sooo, sooo happy.

Oh Lilbugs...I love you!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 2

2011-11-02T21:43:00.035-07:00

I am thankful for....

Brady Ryan Campbell.

My first born.

He is exactly like me.

But, EXACTLY like Bryan.

It's funny.

He is all boy.

The typical, boy's boy.

LOVES sports.

Loves the Red Sox.

Loves the Diamondbacks.

Loves the Cardinals.

Right now - he loves to pitch.

And, catch.

He also loves skateboarding.

But, he's still learning.

He HATES to get in trouble.

He is the most honest kid I know.

He's got the biggest conscience.

And, he's the sweetest big brother.

He's the typical "oldest" child.

Very independent.

Trustworthy.

And, a really good tattle tale :)

He tells stories that I would tell.

And then he sounds like a little adult.

It's so cute.

We laugh and love it.

He's in a bit of a dorky stage.

You know - the 7-9 year old, I say dorky things stage.

We absolutely love it.

He's not into having a girlfriend yet.

But, they sure like him.

Oh....Brades.

I am so thankful for you!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1

2011-11-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ok...it's that time of year again!!

Yippee!!! My very favorite time of year. Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday. Similar to last year - I'm devoting my entire November to the 30 Days of Thanks party.

Because I was recently called out at work (thanks Ron!!) at being the WWB or World's Worst Blogger - I thought no better way to jump back on the blogging bandwagon than to join the 30 Days of Thanks party. So....here goes it.

I am Thankful for Pinterest.

What is Pinterest, you may ask? I really hope not. If you're not on Pinterest yet...you are WAAAAY BEHIND. It is the greatest invention since the smart phone. Well, maybe not that great...but, goodness almighty - it is so darn addicting!

Pinterest is this online catalog-ish site that showcases pictures and direct links to ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING you may be interested in. You literally scroll through gazillions of pictures of....well, anything. And, if something interests you - you can "pin" it to one of your boards. Hence...the name "Pin"terest. So, I'm a regular Pinterester - I've got about 30 different boards - kind of like online corkboards of stuff I like. I have a board for Style, Parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Crafty, Birthdays....and several more. If I come across something in the "catalog" of Pinterest pictures, I will pin it to my specific board so that I can quickly locate it later if I need to.

Holy cow. I love it.

I have boards filled with so many ideas of decorating and birthday parties and gifts and crafts and holiday stuff. I have been filling my spare (what's that) time with crafting up things I've seen on Pinterest. I've been filling out my Christmas List for all the peeps we buy for with gift ideas that I've found on Pinterest.

Pinterest is addicting. Literally addicting. It's like crack. Or, so I can assume. One hour on Pinterest and you will have yourself at least 10 boards and millions of ideas of outfits, crafts, gifts, photography...the list goes on.

Oh, and you can even pin things to Pinterest that you see ANYWHERE online. Yep...so maybe one day someone will pin something of mine or YOURS onto Pinterest. How fun!

Oh Pinterest...how I love you.

p.s. - joining Pinterest is a little on the slow side. It's fastest if someone invites you. So...if you want an exclusive (just kidding) invite - let me know and I will email you the invite for your immediate membership!!

p.s. - I totally forgot another great thing about Pinterest. Just like any social media site, you can "follow" other people. By following people you can see what stuff they pin. If you follow people that like the same things you do - then, yippee ki yay - you'll have a front row seat to tons of pins that are right up your alley!

I've Got a New Niece!!!

2011-10-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!! Yay!!!! Yay!!!!

I could literally not be more excited!! My newest niece, Carsyn Paige Babcock made her entrance into the world yesterday at 7:54pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces at birth and was 20 inches long.

And, she is sooooooooooooooooooooo and I really mean soooooooooooooooooooooo dang cute!!! She could NOT be any cuter. Literally. Call me biased, but she is so darn adorable!

Oh- I will be taking some pictures very soon...but, here's a few from last night!

Before

Family of four...ALMOST 5

Carsyn Paige

She was wide-eyed and alert immediately!!

So flippin' adorable!!! And, seriously - how great does Ashley look!!!!

Dimples. She might be mine - she's got a mini dimple in her chin!

Carsyn and Aunt Dawn - ugh!! Love her!

Yep - definitely the current family favorite!! Love her!!!

Another Girly Girl

2011-09-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

We've got another girly girl on our hands. It has started. She carries her dolls and purses around just like her big sister. She doesn't really care what doll she has...but, she does particularly like this old, beat-up doll of Lily's. It is just about the only doll that Lily lets her use without fighting us on it.

Charlie with her doll...that goes everywhere with her.

August Savings

2011-09-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm one month into couponing. I have clipped and collected coupons the following Sundays: 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, and 9/11. This is what I have learned.

Couponing = lots of organization and planning.
Spreadsheets and shopping lists are a must.
Shop off your list - ONLY!
Collect/buy more than 1 coupon insert.
Save all coupons - you never know when something will pretty much be free...and who doesn't want free stuff?
To maximize your savings, you MUST plan your meals and shopping lists based on what is on SALE, not on what you want to eat.
Carry the coupon policies for each store with you.
Cashiers (and other customers) like it when you organize your items on the register conveyor belt ahead of time.
Get to know your "favorite" cashiers.
A LOT of people coupon. And, typically when there is a REALLY good sale, it can be hard to find those items in stock. You might have to make several trips...or get rain checks.
When there is a Buy 10, Save 5...or something like that - it often MUST be in groups of 10.
It's okay to do separate orders...but, please see #8, have the items organized at the register.
Check your receipts for errors. I have found 3 errors since I began and each time very easily got my money back by talking with Customer Service at the store.
You will often find yourself buying 6+ of one item. So, yes...I'm pretty much becoming an organized hoarder.

This is my typical couponing process as a very new couponer.

Sunday - get 3 Sunday papers from the Dollar Tree within .5 miles of my house. Then, Bryan gets 3 newspapers. (there is a maximum limit of 3 - and yes, they're $1.00)
Sunday - Saturday: I am constantly monitoring my favorite coupon site for news, printable coupons, weekly grocery store ads and deals, and scenario examples.
Sunday - Wednesday: Any free time I get I clip and organize my coupons from the previous Sunday.
Wednesday - Friday: During free time on these days, I will make a list of what I am getting at each store. I use my favorite site as a reference to help me plan my list using the best deals and coupons.
Friday - Monday: I estimate I shop about 3 hours per week total for all stores. Yes, I shop at multiple stores. But, hey - I don't live in the boonies. I have 2 Fry's within 1.2 miles. I have a Safeway .3 miles away. The Bashas' is 2.5 miles and the Albertson's is 3 miles away. And Walmart...it's about 2 miles.

So far - I can say I've saved A LOOOOOT of money. But...I've also spent A LOOOOOT of money. I'm slowly building a pretty good stock of food. My pantry has filled up. My two freezers and fridge are stocked and our mini fridge is full of drinks. Our linen closet is beginning to bust at the seams with toothpaste and toilet paper and deodorant. I'm hoping that by the end of September, my "food storage" will be complete and I can begin just buying the necessary items, along with the really good, almost free items. This is when I anticipate my monthly food bill going down to about $200.

So how much have I saved? Well...let's see....

For the month of August I bought $909.99 worth of food and spent just below $400. It's hard to say how much I normally spend (because I never really kept track before) but, if I go back to my July bank statement and add up all my random grocery debits - I spent $351.42 in groceries. This does NOT include any of our restaurant meals, which I'm embarrassed to say in July was a lot. AND - before, I shopped just to get us through the week. There was no food storage. I had NO extra deodorants or toilet paper. And now...sheesh - I'm probably good for about 6 months, at least.

One thing I've found - is that it is hard NOT to buy 6 (or how ever many coupons you have) items even if you don't NEED 6. For example - I bought the hottie 6 body washes. They are normally $4.99. They were at Fry's for $1.99. I had a coupon for $.50 off of 2. Fry's will increase the coupon to $1. So - $1 off of 2. With the coupons, I paid $1.49 each ($8.94 total) and got 3 deodorants for FREE. The deodorants themselves (Old Spice) are $5.99 each normally....so that alone is a savings of $38.97. Holy cow! Did we need 6 body washes and 3 free deodorants? No. But, will we use them? YES.

This last month, I've stocked us up for awhile on soaps, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toilet paper, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, chicken nuggets, cereal, grilled chicken, boneless/skinless chicken, and lean ground beef. I estimate I've probably bought enough of that stuff to last for months. And - all pretty much for one "normal" month of grocery bills. So far this couponing is panning out very well for us. Let's hope I can start just "replenishing" vs. stocking and my grocery bill will go down even more!

p.s. - for August - I saved the most at Safeway (70.95%).

One Thing To Remember

2011-09-07T21:09:00.001-07:00

One thing I want to remember right now is this...

We clean with music. The music is REALLY loud. We dance while we clean. The cuties get in on this big time. Even Charlie dances. She'll sway back and forth and spin in circles. Brady will bust out is hip hop/break dancing moves (not kidding) and Lily...she'll just jump around, swing, spin and stand up on her toes like a ballerina. We really get into it.

I remember dancing with my family like this and it really is so special. I love these moments.

But, what makes it even cuter is this...

I'll be cleaning off in one room, singing away (in my terrible voice) and dancing here and there and all of a sudden a new song will come on and I will hear Lily or Brady yell...it's our favorite song!!!!! Then, they all run in the living room and sing and dance around like kids. Just like they should be doing. I love it. They've got a list of songs they all love and anytime one of those comes on...watch out. The Campbell Cuties dancers come out big time!

MIA

2011-09-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

2011 is turning out to be a TERRIBLE blogging year for me. I don't know why. Every single day I think about blogging. I rack my brain for a topic. I go to my list of topics on my phone that I have compiled of things I want to say. And then...I don't blog.

Oh well.

August was a busy month. Time really does fly with each year that I age. Summer absolutely FLEW by. I can't even believe I have a 2nd grader and a Pre-K kid...and of course a one year old.

Let's see what we've been up to this last month:

1. School started on August 10. With school comes lots and lots of shopping. Clothes. Supplies. You name it. When it comes to the cuties - I don't care what it costs. It is soooo much easier to spend money on them than it is on myself. I'll blame it on mother's guilt. It's funny because the hottie doesn't seem to feel this same way. I'm not saying that he goes out and spends tons on himself - because he SOOO does NOT, but...he doesn't get buyer's remorse like I do when I do spend money on me.

2. Curriculum nights - We met with each of the kids' teachers and went over what we should expect for this year. It's hard to say what we think considering it's only been a few weeks - but, at least both of the teachers seem very organized. I do love that Brady's teacher is an older 2nd grade teacher. He's probably been teacher for over 30 years. There is just something about those older, strict, totally old school teacher that I like. I bank on them helping me keep my kids in line :) Lily AKA Lillian's teacher is super young and cute. Let's hope its not all fun and games and that she actually learns something. Yes - I know it's only Pre-K and I do want her to have fun...but, let's learn something, too!

3. Swim parties - Brady attended his first birthday party of the year. It was a swim party and boy oh boy - is that good because it's got to be like a gazillion degrees right now. Unfortunately, while at the party he fell onto a piece of PVC pipe sticking out of the cool decking and sliced his foot. He has been limping/stumbling/hopping around for the last two weeks trying to get it to heal.

4. Aubrey's birthday - Last weekend, the cuties and I picked up Ashley, Rylee, and Jake and road tripped it to Goodyear for their cousin Aubrey's first birthday. My cousin Kristen (Aubrey's mom) did such a FABULOUS job with the Sweet Shoppe themed party. The highlight of the party was our dad's challenging all of the kids to pixy stick shot contests. I'm guessing each of our dad's ate about 30 pixy sticks. It was like Man vs. Food...but really Uncles vs. Kids. Too funny!

5. Bryan's Vegas Trip - Bryan has this group of friends from high school/grade school. You know those friends...the ones that you may not see that often, but when you do...it's like you can just pick up where you left off. The best kind of friends. Best, lifelong friends. Well, anyway - one of those BFF's is getting married next year and he wanted to do a Vegas trip a few months ahead while people can still afford it. So, they headed out for a boys weekend in Vegas at the MGM. I've heard they had an awesome time. And considering I know that ~~some~~ one of them (and NOT Bryan) passed out by 8pm...I am sure they had a blast!

6. Photoshop Class - This last month, I attended a photoshop class held by my wedding photographer (and friend) Marnee Marriott. She is so stinkin' awesome - I just love her photos. I learned bits of photoshop and really learned that I need a full on class about photoshop. Maybe one day.

7. Photography with old friends - I already wrote that I had the privilege of taking pictures of one of my oldest friend's newest little one. What a blast that was. Then - after the photo shoot, we headed back out there for a meet and greet with their family. It is so fun to catch up with friends that you have not seen in so very long!

8. Visit from the in-laws - My father in law and Marie were in town for a short, short visit. They actually were coming to AZ to hike the canyon. Yes...you heard that right, hike the canyon. In August. Yes, they've been to AZ in the summer before. Yes, they know it's hot. But...you got to hike when you can get a reservation...so, needless to say, August it was. They had one day before they had to meet their friends at the Canyon, so luckily we got to spend it with them. We always love visits with them and the cuties had a ton of fun, even if it was for just the day. In case you're wondering...the trip to the Canyon was a success. It was super (understatement) difficult. And, they are just waiting for the day when they can look back on it and laugh. Luckily they had a few days to relax in Sedona before they had to make the trek home.

9. Couponing - I'm totally on the couponing bandwagon.

That about wraps up August. I can hardly believe that it is already September. Before you know it, I'll be Black Friday shopping! Yay!! We've got a lot going on with Brady starting up baseball this week, some work travel I'll be doing, baby Carsyn's pending birth (yay

Lily....or Lillian

2011-08-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is has been Lily's first experience with official school. She's had sitters before and still does - but, this is her first official school experience. On all of the school forms they ask for her birth name. Well, that is Lillian. So...I write down Lillian.

She knows her name is Lillian, but we NEVER call her that. She's Lily. From the day she was born she has been Lily.

On meet the teacher night - her teacher asked all of us if our children had any nicknames. She wrote Lily down and has called her Lily since the start. But...it looks like she prepared some things ahead of time - things like her homework/activity kit. So...Lillian it says on that bag. Lily was confused at first because she knows she spells her name L-I-L-Y and Lillian is not the same.

Well, the other night she surprised us by telling us she wants to be called Lillian. We laughed. She was serious. She also said she wants Lily to have two L's...Lilly. Yep. Seriously.

So, introducing ~~Lily~~ Lillian Lilly Mae Campbell. Hilarious. Lucky for us - we got to pick her name. That's our right as parents...isn't it?

I'm thinking we're sticking with Lily.
Sorry Bugs!

The Beginning of Couponing

2011-08-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've always been all about a good deal. I'm not someone the frivolously spends money....especially on myself (on the Cuties...that's another story). I'm always plan any shopping excursions based on who has the best deal - vs. what I really want. It works for me. I don't have millions - and I've learned (after trial and error) that I can't spend like I do.

I love using coupons. I go to printablecoupons all the time and print my Gap coupons, Hobby Lobby coupons, Kohl's coupons, Michaels, Old Navy...you name it. It's rare that I go into Old Navy without a coupon. Or Michael's. Or really any of those stores. I use coupons while shopping at Fry's. We buy Fry's brand whenever it's cheapest (except for Fry's brand Fruit Loops - yuck!) I save my cashier printed coupons (that I've learned are called Catalinas) that they give me when I checkout. I also save all the Fry's coupons they send me in the mail. I have a teeny coupon book that I asked for during Christmas awhile back.

I thought I was doing a good job. But, the fact is - if couponing was a class, I'd get a D. Seriously. My teeny coupon book is filled with expired coupons. I thought it was just a matter of 1) make a list of meals, 2) make a list of groceries needed for said meals, 3) check my teeny coupon book to see if I have a coupon for any of said groceries, and 4) shop and use the few said coupons that are NOT expired. Oh, and of course buy generic, Fry's brand.

Wow - was I wrong.

I recently took the kids over to one of my old friend Jaime's house for a playdate. She has 2 stinkin' cute girls, Alex and Sammie. We went around lunchtime. She fed all of us. The cuties LOVED it. When I talked to her before our playdate I remember thinking (as she told me she'd whip something up for lunch for all of us) that thank goodness it was at her house because if I was having a playdate at my house - I'd for sure have to grocery shop. I mean, I have quick throw together lunches for the cuties...but, I don't think I could feed a whole group.

While at her house - the kids all ate and played. After chatting for awhile, I helped her clean up the kitchen from the mess of all the kids. As I was putting away something in the pantry...my mouth about dropped. Holy crap! Her pantry was S-T-O-C-K-E-D! And, I really mean stocked. I'd never seen anything like it in person. We're not talking psycho Extreme Couponing - we're talking normal, everyday items and A LOT of them. And no, she doesn't have toilet paper hiding under beds. She has normal groceries, toiletries, etc. all in the right places. Each space (pantry, laundry room, and linen closet) was organized, clean, and FULLY STOCKED with everything we use.

Uh-oh...I guess she could tell that I was beyond dumbfounded and she giggled and said that she normally doesn't let people in there. She was joking. The "always look for a good deal" person inside of me was immediately curious. I asked her if she coupons. She of course, said yes. She said that she has been couponing for the last two years. I said - yeah, I coupon...but, I guess I'm not doing it the right way. She then went on to say that now that she is fully stocked that she only spends $150 a month in groceries.

I about died.

$150 a MONTH??!!! That's pretty much what I spend a WEEK to feed all 5 of us. So, the curious, psycho, easily influenced, addictive-personality person that I am immediately wanted in on this phenomenon.

Yes, I coupon. But - now....I could learn from pretty much a pro.

Seeing that I was extremely excited and curious - she went on to show me her laundry room and linen closet. In her laundry room she had a backup freezer (that many of us have) stocked with her meats and frozen meals. In the linen closet she had a good deal of toothpaste and toothbrushes and deodorant and soap and pretty much all of the toiletries you would need. She said that to get a stock like this and to get everything you can out of coupons, you can't always be picky on brands. So...if you absolute MUST use one type of deodorant, you just won't have as big of a supply.

We're not picky over here (remember we buy Fry's brand anyway on a lot of things). I am kind of partial to my Secret deodorant - but, I'm definitely willing to give other brands a try when they end up being free. I mean...unless I'm allergic - I'll use it.

Yes, seriously.

So - she showed me her paperwork she received from a coupon class that she took. She introduced me to thecentsableshoppin.com (best site EVER!!). And, she showed me her coupon system. She even has emailed me a few times telling me what store she was going to, what she was getting, and what coupon she was using. For instance, she was going to Target because they had these Papermate pens on sale for $.88 and she had a coupon that makes them free. Do I absolutely NEED pens right now? No - but, I do work from home and I am always looking for pens. And heck - it's FREEEEEEEEEE!!!! I'm going to Target anyway - so, might as well pick up a free "gift" for entering the store!

couponer. I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking mostly to Fry's...but, I'll make it work. If I can even eliminate $150 from my monthly grocery bill I'll feel like it's worth it.

Thank you Jaime!

p.s. Bryan is totally indulging me on my couponing. He even went into the dollar store to get me 3 (the maximum) Sunday papers while I went into another store for 3 more. Yes...did you know that you can get the Sunday paper at the dollar store for $1?

p.s.s. If you run into at the store with my box of organized coupons, checklist, and spreadsheet. Don't laugh. I'm saving money.

The Night Brady Wrote an Apology Letter

2011-08-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Brady was a handful today. Very needy. Very whiny. Lots of complaining. Tantrums. Arguments. Kind of like a 2 year old little girl. Not kidding.

We'd had enough.

By the time dinner was ready - he was on about the 8th time of being sent to his room. We called him out for dinner and he said - hold on I'm writing something.

We waited.

And this is what he presented to us at dinner.

You can't help but feel bad for him. The only boy and the oldest. It's like 2 strikes against him!

So sweet.

This one's a keeper.

Diamondback Nights

2011-08-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

We're fully in the swing of D-back season. In fact...it's more that half over. Today the cuties and I napped, made dinner, and went out for ice cream. Then - they wanted to pose for some pictures. They love being models. And, I love watching all of their poses. They are so stinkin' adorable!

First Day of School

2011-08-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

Wow...the summer F-L-E-W by. Literally flew by!! The kids have been sooooo excited to start school.
New clothes - check.
New clothes washed - check.
School supplies bought - check.
Backpacks ready - check.
Haircuts completed - check.

School started for us in Gilbert on Wednesday, August 10. Wednesday began with Bryan running to grab eggs at the store so we could make pancakes for breakfast. By 7:30am, everyone (including me) had showered and were dressed. Lily wanted curly hair - so I turned on the curling iron. Brady wanted "cool hair" - so I got out the gel. By 8:10am we were ready to go and the kids even had a hot breakfast! (this is a big deal since they are normally stumbling out the door with cereal). Of course - I had to snap a few photos before we left. On Pinterest - I saw this idea to take a picture on the first day of school every year with a sign that says, "First Day of..." Well - I just happened to find a free downloadable template on HowDoesShe and I printed them off at Kinko's. I only wish I had this a few years ago when Brady started Pre-K. Oh well....first borns, we get jipped :)

After pictures, we headed over to the sitter's house so that we could drop off Charlie and walk from there to school. The sitter lives very close to the school - so we all (Bryan, Brady, Lily, and Me) walked with the sitter, her husband, and their kids to school.

When we arrived at school - I wanted one last picture of two of the Cuties before they went in. Brady was so embarrassed, but he played along. The four of us walked to find Brady's teacher's sign on the basketball court where they line up every morning. What a change from last year. He was so excited and such a "pro." He literally dropped his backpack and ran off to his friends. What? We didn't even get a picture of him in the line. We pretty much had to chase him down to say goodbye (yep, just what every kids wants - their mom and dad yelling out their name to give them a kiss). :) We then walked Lily over to the Preschool drop off area and waited. And waited. And waited. I guess the buses for some of the Preschool kids were running late. The teachers did NOT want us to walk in with the kids (boo!) and so we said our goodbyes outside the school. Lily could have cared less - she was so dang excited!

The school year has begun.

2nd and Pre-K

2011-07-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for the next school year over at our house. This past week was filled with preparation and we have still got some more prepping to go.

Brady and Lily will be at the same school. Brady will be in 2nd grade and is sooooo very excited to have his first boy teacher. Lily will be entering her first "real" school as a Preschooler. We are so darn lucky that our sitter has a daughter the same age as Lily and has volunteered (yes, volunteered) to take Lily to and from school with her daughter. Lily and her two BFFs will be in the same class and boy oh boy is she super excited!

This week started with me buying loads of school supplies. The ~~nerd~~ awesome person that I am gets most excited for this part. I loved, loved, looooooved school supply shopping as a kid and I love it even more now. I will say, I think the list of school supplies is absolutely ridiculous. First off...kids don't really get to pick what they really want anymore, the teacher's pick it for them. At Brady's school - the parents are responsible for bringing the entire list and then everything is combined and separated out when they need it. So...it very well may be that he will end up with some items/colors that we did not purchase. I don't really care that much about that...but, when Brady picked out red scissors...I'm hoping that he will get those red scissors at school. Secondly...teachers are screwed in today's times. They have to spend so much out of their own pocket and that completely stinks. To help, we have things on our list like reams of copy paper, fine point expo markers, and a $10 Walmart gift card. I absolutely do not mind buying school supplies (remember it's my favorite part) but...it just shows you that we do NOT do enough for our teachers and neither does our state.

I also had a couple dates this week. The first "date" was with Brady. We shopped a bit for some school clothes and shoes...oh and of course, the essentials - socks and underwear. I cleaned out his drawers and closet to prepare for our "date" and so I knew exactly what he needed. Although I'm not much of a character-type clothing person (to me plain is best) I have come a very long way and Brady got to either pick out his clothes or veto items that I selected. When we got home from our date...a fashion show took place in which he showed off his new clothes.

The second date was with Lily. Just like with Brady, I prepped for the shopping outing by cleaning out her drawers and closets. With Lily...typically she like the craziest, most obnoxious, pink frilly, blinged out clothes in the world. If you think something is obnoxiously crazy...she would love it. Well, I had to spot those items from a distance and steer her in another direction. She ended up with a few adorable items (and one really niiiiiiiice looking clearance sandals that I just couldn't hide fast enough). Of course, when we arrived home a fashion show took place.

And today - we all met my mom, along with Ashley and the kids at Kohl's. My mom takes the kids on an annual back to school shopping extravaganza. O.M.G. What a trip. It was like a zillion degrees outside and that just stunk - but, sheesh the kids were loaded up with tons of clothes. Of course the girls were trying to find every school acceptable dress in the store and the boys were....well, just boys. Thanks Mom!!!...oops and Dad! The good news is that my mom did get to rake in on some Kohl's cash :) After shopping - we braved the heat once more and drove over to Red Robin to take my mom to lunch as a thank you. What a day!

Of course...fashion shows took place again tonight. Brady and Lily have picked their favorite outfits and decided to strike a pose for some pictures.

her serious model pose

hang loose

seriously? lol!

Knock, Knock...

2011-07-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

of course adjusted blacks, whites, softened skin, and a little bit of sharpening and noise reduction

Lily and the kids at the sitter must be telling Knock, Knock jokes. And, if you've never heard a 4 year old tell a Knock, Knock joke - well, 1) it basically doesn't make any sense at all, 2) it involves the word booty (or something of the like), and 3) it ends in the biggest laugh you've ever seen.

So cute.

Ridiculous. But, darn cute.

Then, Lily told me this one....

Lily: Knock, Knock.
Me: Who's There?
Lily: Lily.
Me: Lily Who?
Lily: Lily Loves You.

Um...tear! Love her!

added to the adjustments above - the Aged preset which i then reduced the brightness because it was so, so bright, then adjusted the saturation on her cute little lips.

One Picture

2011-07-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Greer last week. I'm still working on the the pictures for that blog. But...here is just one adorable picture I can't get enough of. Charlie loved, loved the bar in the cabin. It had these old cabinets with little cubbies and she would climb right on in. She'd end up sitting right next to a garbage can and a blender. Luckily those puppies didn't show up in this photo. Just my cutie patootie.

just a teensy bit of editing of blacks, whites, brightness.

adding a bit of vignetting.

Adding a preset - Antique Light

Adding a Yesteryear preset...bringing it back to the 70's

Cabining

2011-07-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

We went cabining last week.
(More on that soon!!)
It was soooo wonderful.
Here's a little something I brought for each group.

I can't take credit.
It was a Pinterest steal.
I.HEART.PINTEREST.

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha...

2011-07-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

It looks like the tooth fairy will be making a visit to our house tonight!!

Whew - thank goodness that tooth is out.

It has been hangin' (TMI) by a thread for weeks.

GROSS!

We've been wanting this tooth out.

But I for sure can't pull it.

(I've got teeth/mouth issues and it literally makes me gag.)

Brady had an appointment today for sealants.

I was planning to ask the dentist to just pull it since it was hanging.

I picked Brady up for the dentist.

We stopped home so he could brush his teeth.

He brushed.

And, he brushed that tooth right out!

Hee hee!!!

Yay Brades!

p.s. it looks like Brady is making out tonight because the tooth fairy

got cash back at the grocery store...but, never stopped to get smaller bills. Oops!

Guess Who's Walking!!!

2011-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Yay, Charlie!!!

Yippee!!!

We are no longer worried about her foot.

She is stumbling along.

I think she loves walking.

And, she already fell and got her first bump.

Oops!

Lot's more to come.

More pictures coming soon...

Annual We Wish We Were in San Diego 4th of July

2011-07-05T23:46:00.001-07:00

July 4th sucks in Arizona. There is no other way to say it. Well, I guess there is...but, seriously - the 4th stinks!!! It is so darn hot. The ONLY, absolute ONLY thing I feel like doing is staying inside or going on vacation.

The Babcock's have an annual July 4th party. Although it is hot as heck - we always happily go. We have such a great time and somehow forget (as much as we can) about the heat and just enjoy the people, food, and holiday. This year we were even able to swim in their brand-new pool! What a treat!! It sure is beautiful and soooo refreshing after a day of hotness!

Thanks Babcock's!!

Festive July 4th Strawberries I made for the party. Idea stolen from Pinterest!!

Charlie before we headed out.

Charlie mid-cupcake that Ashley made. Yum!

Lincoln in the pool.

Bart preparing for our Big Brother Fantasy League!! Yahoo!!!

Brady with some sparklers. Sshhh...don't tell the City of Scottsdale!

Uncle Brett and Charlie with a free Lightroom preset that I love.

Aidyn and a sparkler

Some ground fireworks. Sshhhh....

Billy and a sparkler. I think he like them more than the kids! Well...I was pretty fond of them, too!

Funny...and Well Said!

2011-07-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sure y'all have been seeing this all over Facebook. But...I LOVE it!!

So stinkin' hilarious.

Learning to Walk

2011-07-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

Charlie is 13 months. She's not yet walking. I'm not too worried yet because Lily also took awhile. Brady was such an early walker. Lily...she waited until between 13 and 14 months. And, Charlie - well, she's on that same clock as well.

Charlie is doing pretty good. She'll take about 6-10 steps at a time and then sit down and crawl the rest of the way. She loves holding our hands and walking with us...or with her brother or sister. Although...Lily tries to literally drag her along because she doesn't understand the concept of walking slow.

A few weeks ago we noticed Charlie turning out her right foot as she walked. (she's definitely NOT pigeoned toed - um, pretty much complete opposite.) It's kind of the cutest thing. Well...when I'm not freaking out about it and ready to call the doctor - I think it's cute. She literally walks with her left foot angled out a bit and the right foot pretty much angled completely out 90 degrees.

Too funny!

She's a Lady

2011-07-01T21:36:00.003-07:00

Charlie has this stinkin' adorable habit of crossing her ankles.

All.The.Time.

Seriously.

While she's sitting.

In her carseat.

In her high chair.

While sleeping.

Literally, all the time.

She is so dang cute.

She's definitely a little lady.

Hello...My Name is Janice Billings.

2011-06-30T21:24:00.002-07:00

fyi - this picture has NOTHING to do with this post. i just love it. the end.

Since we moved, I've been going to a different grocery store. For my big shopping trips, I go to Fry's...but, if I'm just running up to grab a couple things that we need - I go to Safeway. I think the Safeway is a bit pricier, so I try not to go there too much. (because I'm cheap) When I shop at Safeway, I have yet to get myself a Safeway card.

Yes, I'm lazy.

So...instead - I enter a phone number. Our house number didn't work...so, I tried my cell, then my sister's number, and finally my parents old house number. I figured they would have a Safeway card tied to their old number since they live close. Whew. It worked.

Funny thing is - when I pay, they read the receipt and say, Thank you Ms. Billings. Apparently, my parents old house number has been taken over by a Janice Billings. And instead of signing up for a new card...I've continued to just enter Janice's number. It's been 1 year. I'm still Janice.

Yep...definitely lazy.

Crafter Girls Night Out

2011-06-28T21:57:00.005-07:00

A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to get one of the coveted 50-ish or so tickets to the AZ Crafter Girls Night Out. It was held at the Sweet Cakes Cafe in downtown Mesa. I have been there a few times before with the Cuties. Yum!

I was surrounded by some of the most crafty and artistic ladies around. Most (almost all) of them at least have an Etsy where they sell their homemade products. A-Mazing ladies.

When I arrived, I suddenly panicked as I wondered what I would say when someone asked who I was and what business I had. Not 5 minutes in and I was faced with those very same questions. I was filling drinks for Julie and myself when a cute, peppy girl asked who I was. I explained that my name was Dawn (even though I was wearing a Julie name tag) and we laughed. She introduced herself and then asked me what I do.

Ugh....

A million thoughts fly through my head. Lies. Exaggerations. I finally settled on the truth. I told her...I have a blog. Well...two of them. One is a family blog that the other is me learning my camera.

What I got from her was the nicest smile and nod and then we left each other.

What a nerd I am. Nice. Real nice.

From that point on - I made myself the blog stalker girl and she seemed to be pretty popular. Well, at least with my table :)

What a great night with so many inspirational ladies!!

Aren't these little cakes adorable??!!

Add caption

Laura Winslow from Laura Winslow Photography and Kim Stoegbauer from The TomKat Studio

Julie and Me in the cute photo area they had set up.

Holy Crap It's Hot!

2011-06-26T20:04:00.003-07:00

This weekend was a very HOT weekend. I mean super hot. I mean extreme hot. I mean...pretty much hell hot. If that is even possible.

Everyone knows that I love being an Arizonan. (p.s I'm a native.) 8-9 months of perfect weather. Tons of sunshine. Snow (if you want it) just a drive away and the ocean just a drive to the west. For me - it's the weather of happiness. So much sun you can't help but be happy.

However...the summer is the absolute pits. I can't think of anything that would be worse (well, other than any type of natural disaster or blizzard.) 111 degrees feels like you're pretty much sitting on the sun. It's horrific. We live in our houses with the cool A/C or in the pool.

The bad news is this...we no longer have a pool. Nope, the new-ish house is pool-less. It stinks. Don't get me wrong, the lower electric bill is great. But...we sure miss relaxing in the pool while the weather is stuck at 110. The hottie misses the pool more than any of us.

So...we'll have to suck it up and stay indoors (boo!). I see lots of mall window shopping in our future. The hottie even suggested hanging out in the Costco Cooler as entertainment. He was only joking. Sort of. I'm starting to think that's a good idea. What could be better than walking around, snacking on free samples, and cooling off in the Costco Cooler?

Hmm....probably a refreshing dip in a pool. (To be fair - when pool water is 98 degrees...it's not as refreshing as you'd like.) But...it sure as heck beats 110 degrees. In the sun. With no pool. YUCK!!

Tonight after we dined at Joe's BBQ with my family - the hottie and I reminisced back to just 1 month ago when we were able to take nightly family walks. Brady and Lily on their scooters. Me pushing Charlie in her new birthday pink car, and the hottie walking beside me. It was in the 70's.

What the heck happened?

It's 8:22pm and it is still 109 degrees. Holy crap. I've arrived in hell.

At least this will only last for a couple more months. I can't wait. I'm counting the days.

In the meantime...this will be us....

Durango 2011

2011-06-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy - what a trip! Thank you to Marie and Glen for hosting such a FANTASTIC week in Durango!!

You see, my father in law turned the big 6-0 back in April and Marie booked a rental house in Durango for the week. They flew out from CT, we drove up from AZ, and the Osborn's drove west from Castle Rock.

The drive was perfect. The hottie and I were up late packing and getting everything ready - so of course, we overslept. But - we still made it on the road by 5am. We made it to the "vacation house" as we would soon call it by 1pm, Colorado time.

So...what did we do in Colorado?

Well, we...

Played baseball - the boys (and girls) played lots, and lots, of baseball.
Watched movies - Glen and Marie brought 2 Red Boxes and watched them late at night while the kiddos were ~~sleeping~~ laughing upstairs in the bunk room.
Read books - I got a good start into The Help and finished it on the way home. It is SO good!
Ate - we went to the grocery store like a million times and made nice dinners at home. Delish! Everyone (even me) was responsible for a dinner. It was SO perfect!
Went fishing. All minus April, Charlie, and Me...that's when we had our adventure.
Visited Honeyville - a Bee Farm. We tasted Honeyville Honey wine (super sweet) and learned a bit about bees. I also bought a bottle of wine, some honey, and some AWESOME lotion.
Silverton Train Ride. Rode a 4 hour train from Durango to Silverton. Silverton was the adorable old mining town that now thrives on tourists. So cute!! I wish we had a little bit more time before the train ride back. Surprisingly, the kids were very good on the train ride. Thank goodness!
Visted Mesa Verde. We drove around and saw several different lookout points and ruins. Amazing and beautiful. We even hiked down to one of the ruins. Loved it! But, whew - what a hike. I was a nervous wreck walking with the stroller as we went up and down the steep path. But - we made it!
Elk watching. The place we stayed was called Elk Hollow because of all the elk around. The elk came out the first night (we were not there yet) and then once during our stay. So awesome. We just don't get that out here in Gilbert :)
Shopped and browsed around downtown Durango. Such a cute little town. Seriously loved it.
Ate Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Chocolate. I think they pretty much knew us in the downtown Durango store!!
Went out to Dinner for tacos at this cute mexican restaurant where you order at the counter. I will say - it was DELICIOUS! And we KNOW our mexican food!!
Had a water balloon fight. OMG!! Justin and April brought water balloons and the kids had a fight one afternoon. It was one of the highlights for me - even if it only lasted for about 10 minutes. The kids were hilarious! Even when Lil got wet and freaked out!!

Mostly - we were able to relax. The house was amazing. We were so lucky to be able to spend the week with Bryan's family that we really do not get to see enough. It was so much fun. The kids absolutely loved it. And, so did we. Definitely a trip we will not forget.

Thank you Marie and Glen!!
And, happy birthday to both of you!!

Marie and Glen on the train to Silverton

The kids outside the train station

Brady looking for the queen bee at Honeyville...they put a red dot on the queen. We never saw her.

Charlie and Bryan on the train getting ready to take off.

A.J and Brady on the Silverton train before we left the station.

Beauty taken from the train as we choo-choo'd down the tracks.

More beauty from the train.

More beauty. Probably my favorite.

A view of the Animas River from the train. It was really moving!

A view of the train.

More Animas River.

More beauty with a little bit of train smoke.

So pretty...even snow up on the tips.

Snow capped mountains from Silverton.

Lily posing in Silverton.

The boys posing in front of an old taxi.

Our Master Brakeman.

Yep - there were people rafting in the Animas River.

Balloon Fight!!!

Ready...Set...

Bryan watching the balloon fight.

Go!!!!

I LOOOOOVE this one. The boys had so much fun!

Lily before she got wet and cried.

Lily - trying to give it to the boys.

Seriously - she wanted pictures all the time.

The lone elk that came out one night.

The Osborn's

The CT Campbell's

The Gilbert Campbell's

From atop Mesa Verde.

Walking up to the highest point of Mesa Verde.

Marie and Charlotte at the top.

The Osborn's.

The Campbell's

The 5 kids looking out.

The hottie and the Cuties.

Proof of the 1996 fire in Mesa Verde.

AJ down in the "basement" of some ruins.

Brady exiting the "basement"

Hayden exiting the basement.

Lily and Bryan going down into the basement.

Lily exiting the basement.

More Colorado beauty.

The Campbell's in the ruins.

A view of one of the many ruins that have been discovered at Mesa Verde.

A view of the Elk Hollow Retreat. We stayed in the house on the left. The house/garage on the right is the owner's house. It is about 200 yards from the Elk Hollow Retreat. 17 acres. Sooooo beautiful!

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the trees.

Happy Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!!

Love,
The 3 Cuties!

AZ Girl's Night Out

2011-06-16T20:48:00.001-07:00

I am SOOOO SOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO excited.

I don't know quite how I am going.

But...luckily I have a friend named Julie that is NOT a procrastinator.

(nope, not like me)

She was able to get me a ticket the minute they went on sale.

They sold out in like 20 minutes.

They only sold a handful.

So, what is GNO?

Well, tomorrow evening I will have the privilege

to be in the company of AZ's best crafters.

I pretty sure I'm the least crafty person going.

I wish I was as crafty.

I think I am...I just don't act on it.

And, I definitely don't blog about my crafts.

Well...not enough anyway.

I should.

But, I can barely blog as it is.

I'm pretty much all talk.

These girls are stinkin' amazing.

A-MAZING.

I can't wait.

So - who will be there?

Kim, Andrea, Toni, & Molly from The Tom Kat Studio

Laura from Laura Winslow Photography

Michelle from Maddy Cakes Muse

Kristyn from Lil' Luna

And lots more crafty gals.

Oh...and me.

Well, me and Julie.

We probably have our own table for the wanna be crafters.

Just kidding.

I feel like I'll be in the presence of celebrities.

That's how excited I am.

Yay me!

Vodka Sauce and Brio

2011-06-15T21:23:00.002-07:00

I love Brio. It's probably my favorite restaurant.

But, not for kids.

You might take yours.

But, I don't.

It's a date-night type of restaurant, only.

At least in my books.

I love, love, love their Pasta Alla Vodka.

It's serious delicious.

Handmade ricotta filled pasta.

They look like tiny purses.

The sauce....um, YUUUUUUUUM!

I mean, like really yum.

Not to mention their Bistecca Insalata.

My favorite wedge salad. EVER!

Not very many restaurants have a good vodka sauce.

Well, at least that I've found.

I did find a recipe for one that sounded promising.

I adjusted it a bit to fit what I wanted.

And...it was absolutely delicious.

Please try it.

I beg you.

And then you, too, will be stuffed and will be forced to

veg on the couch for the rest of the night.

Just like us.

Ingredients:
1 pound uncooked penne pasta (or any type of pasta that you wish)
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil + 1 tsp. for the chicken
4 cloves of garlic, minced + 1 clove of garlic, minced for the chicken
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 to 3 tablespoons of vodka
1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
6 slices of bacon
2 large chicken breasts cubed

Directions:
1. Boil pasta according to box directions.
2. In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp. Take out of skillet and chop or crumble into small pieces. Spoon out most of the bacon grease from the skillet.
3. On medium heat in the same skillet, place crumbled bacon back into skillet with about 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until garlic is a golden brown.
4. Add the vodka to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Raise the heat to medicum high. Add the tomatoes and salt and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. While the sauce is simmering, in another skillet add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add the cubed chicken and 1 clove of minced garlic. Cook on medium heat until no longer pink.
7. Once sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, add heavy cream. Bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes.
8. Add chicken to sauce. Season sauce to taste with pepper. (I added about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper)
8. Stir in parsley and serve with penne noodles. (Or, you can forget about the chopped parsley that you have sitting in the ramekin waiting to be added like I did)

Um....delish!

So I don't have a picture...but, this one from All Recipes (the inspiration to my recipe) is good enough. However....my sauce was a little pinker because I added more cream. And...our dish looked way tastier.

Just sayin'...

p.s. I used only 1/4 tsp. of pepper flakes because the hottie is a wimp. He thought it was spicy, but he absolutely L-O-V-E-D it. The kids didn't even notice the spice. Me...I wish there was a bit more of a kick.

Oh...one more thing - if I can make this - everyone can.

Nanny & Poppy

2011-06-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

In my family - the kids call my parents Nanny and Poppy. That is what I called my maternal grandparents and that is what my kids now call their maternal grandparents.

Awhile back (bad blogger me) we took some quick photos is their backyard. It is pretty hard to get all 6 of their grandkids (soon to be seven, yay Ashley!!) and a dog to sit still and smile. Here are my favorites.

I love the one above because of Aidyn's face. She is so dang cute and her facial expression is so awesome!

This one includes the "granddoggy" Yogi. Or, as Brady would say - Yogi Bear Trouble Majercin.

This one of Cori and Aidyn is so perfect!

Here's one of my cute 'rents. Aren't they so adorable??!!! I love them!

Durango Adventures in the Odyssey

2011-06-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a nice, lazy, relaxing day. Well, sort of. We (Brady, Hayden, Charlie, and Me) woke up darn early at 6:30am-ish. The sun was out and the windows were letting in lots of light. Justin got up and started breakfast burritos. The kids dressed to go fishing and then our power went out. April, Charlie and I decided to load up the van and head out to downtown Durando to window shop. While driving...we decided to instead make the 40 mile drive to Telluride.

We used our older (and not updated) GPS for directions. We didn't have an address - so we just found something in Telluride and hit GO! The GPS began directing us to Telluride. (Mistake #1)

We noticed that it was about 40 miles per the GPS...but would take about 1.5 hours. We thought the GPS was just wrong on the time. (Mistake #2)

We drove for about 20 miles and were instructed to make a left on Hermosa Park road. The road wasn't there - there was construction and so we passed by the road. The GPS "recalculated." We ended up turning into Purgatory Ski Resort about .1 miles away. (Mistake #3)

The GPS kept telling us to turn left within the ski resort. We didn't. We somehow ran into Hermosa Park road about 1 minute later. The GPS "recalculated" and told us to continue for 18 miles. (Mistake #4)

April checks her phone GPS - the directions are a little different...but, seem to take us the same way. (Mistake #5)

It was a gravel road up the mountain. We felt a little safe since another car was driving up right in front of us. (Mistake #6)

About 2 miles up the road - the other car pulls off to take pictures. We continue. (Mistake #7)

We wind round and round on the almost 1 lane road. About 3 miles in we pass a Trout Stream. We see people and cars. We feel safe. (Mistake #8)

A truck with a trailer drives at us the opposite direction. We feel safe. Others are driving on the road. (Mistake #9)

I hear a noise that sounds like I'm dragging something. I stop. I get out. I look. Yep. Dragging a stick. I remove the stick. I laugh at how dirty the van has become on the dirt road. April gets out and takes a picture. We continue. (Mistake #10)

We continue winding down the mountain. We see water running off the road on the left and I casually say, "Gosh I hope the water doesn't get any higher. What if it crossed over the road?" We laugh. (Mistake #11)

We say - No...there would be a road closed sign. (Mistake #12)

About .5 mile up....the road is covered in water. Oops. I guess we jinxed ourselves. We drive closer to see if we can turn around before the water. Nope. I almost have an anxiety attack. April stays calm. We laugh. We decide to reverse slowly. April remembers (thank goodness) a green grass area that should be big enough to turn around in. So...I SLOWLY back up. Very slowly. It's a little curvy and I don't want to get too close to the edge and the water. Of course there are some big rocks on the other side that I must avoid. I back up for about 100 yards. We find the grassy area. I'm afraid it may be too soft and I don't want to get stuck...so I get out to test it out. Thank goodness the grassy area is hard as a rock. We put a quick game plan on how to turn around...and I do it. No issues. Thank goodness! We have now turned around and begin our 15 mile trek back up and down the mountain, laughing the entire way. Mine was kind of a relieved laugh into a hysterical laugh. Whew. First stop...$5 car wash. No drying needed - we just needed to get the mud/dirt/dust off the van. Next stop...downtown Durango to shop.

I just MapQuested the directions. The Shortest Time takes us a different way...pretty much AROUND the mountain. Highway driving the whole time. I select Shortest Distance. The GPS directions appear. And...in BIG RED WARNINGS on the Hermosa Park Road step - there is a warning that says, "Road Closed Seasonally: Oct 1 - June 30."

Oops. the GPS didn't give us that warning.

Our view and our gravel road.

My dirty van.

The Kids (minus Charlie) in Downtown Durango

2011-06-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

We're having a blast!

Durango...

2011-06-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here we come. These 4 will be hangin' out - all week long.
Yahoo!!!

Milk and Cookies

2011-06-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

Charlie turned 1 on May 24th. I know - that was my last post...it's been awhile. A LOOOOOONG while. For her birthday, I planned a Milk and Cookies party. I had been searching around for a cute 1st birthday theme (because I really like themes) and that one just really stood out. What is better than cookies....especially when you're one year old? Or....even when you're 34 like the Hottie? So...that's what I planned.

I will say that Rainie was a little bit of inspiration to me. She has been planning Talon's party pretty much since he was born. She is NOT a procrastinator (I guess that title is reserved for me.) So - about 6 weeks before her birthday, when Rainie literally had everything completely done for Talon's Carnival Party - I thought I better get started. And, crafting - I did.

I will say....I had a LOT of party inspirations:
A.Party Style
The TomKat Studio
Swanky Pear

You will say - I pretty much re-created all my favorites from all my inspirations. I was definitely laughed at with my spreadsheet-ing and lists and crafts. But, that's okay. It was fun. And you only turn 1 - once...right??!!

Welcome to the Party!!

Aren't these adorable!!! Thanks Ash for making them!!!

Ribbon Topiary made especially for the day.

Ribon/Picture garland...it's now hanging in Charlie's room.

This is a VERY popular design for the cake. Thanks a.Party Style for the idea. But, most importantly - thanks to my Aunt Renee's friend Diane for making the cutest cake ever!

Yummmmmmmy Cookies. The Cookie Bar.

Closer picture of the cookie bar.

Take home bags made from Brady's lunch sacks that I had laying around.

More cookies. Some bought - some homemade. All delicious!

Isn't this so true?

My HB Banner made for Charlie. I love these darn banners!

The birthday girl and her super cute Etsy dress.

Awwww....no crying at your party!

Ready for sleep....cookie coma.

Thank you to everyone for making this such a great birthday. It's the very last 1st birthday that I will plan and boy oh boy did I have fun planning.......and eating the cookies!

Happy FIRST Birthday, Charlotte!!!

2011-05-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Charlotte, Sharlie (as Lil calls you), Miss Charlotte (as Nanny calls you), and Charlie (as we all call you),

Oh my goodness! You are one. One year ago today I was preparing for my doctor visit in which I would be told to just head over to the hospital and really "complain" about my contractions. You were very stubborn and we were very excited for your arrival. We couldn't wait any longer. So...we headed over to the hospital and you were born 6 hours later after (luckily) we ran into Dr. Messer in the hallway and she let us stay.

It is hard to believe that you are already ONE YEAR OLD. This past year has flown by so quickly. You have perfectly completed our family of five. Maybe unexpectedly - but needless to say - you are by far my very favorite surprise I have ever received.

Let's look back at your first year:
1. Lots and lots of movies. Brady never even entered a theater until he was 3.5 years old. You...well, you've probably seen 15 movies. Of course, you slept...but, you were there.
2. Reflux - from day 1. Only at 10.5 months did they finally prescribe you some medicine.
3. Staycations - we haven't really traveled anywhere this year - but, you did join us at a Phoenix staycation with a waterpark. Everyone loves a baby - especially a baby in a teensy cute bikini.
4. At four months you started eating...and you never turned back. You.Love.Food. You're definitely mine! You eat anything. And, you seem to love it when we feed you something tarty, like lemons. You keep eating it just to put on a show of silly faces.
5. A new sitter. In August, we started you and Lily at a new sitter while I worked. You love her. You have been the only infant this year and you are doted on like no other. We love Michelle and she certainly loves you.
6. At Halloween we trick or treated in the neighborhood. You stayed at home with Dad and helped to hand out candy with Uncle Brett. We dressed you as a cute little ballerina.
7. By Christmas you were finally sitting by yourself. You loved to sit by the tree and try to grab the ornaments that you could reach.
8. Dancing fool. Although you can't yet walk - you love to dance. You will pull yourself up and bop your head to the music. You even bounce your cute, adorable, chubby legs. We're big dancers over here and you absolutely love it when we turn up the 'tunes' and dance around the house.
9. You started crawling about 9 months. You move quickly and love to find every single little piece of paper on the ground and eat it. Does it really taste that good!!? :)
10. Your BFF is the vacuum. I'm serious. When I get the vacuum out, you squeal with delight and follow me around the entire house. Like I said - BFF's.
11. Squints. Lately you have been doing the most adorable squints face. You smile, throw your head back and squint. We laugh. You do it again. You're our little comedian. We're pretty sure you'll be the class clown.
12. Your little giggle. Pretty much since you learned to laugh - you do it all the time. You give this small giggle all.the.time. And, a lot of time it is at the RIGHT time. We laugh. You do it again. Another comedic trait.
13. Mama's Girl. Sorry, Bryan...but, you are VERY attached to mom. I'm sure this will change and go back and forth, but right now...I'm your favorite. Although...the vacuum daddy is a close second.

Your brother is smitten by you. He is such a good helper and even at the age of 7 he helps to take such good care of you. You try so hard to keep up with him...but, since you can't even walk yet - it's pretty hard. But, he does a great job at trying to play with you. You love it when he rolls the ball back and forth. You throw it back, too!

Your sister thinks you are her little doll. She hates it when you do not have a dress on. And...she LOVES it when the two of you wear matching clothes. Lily loves to help feed you and even change your diapers. And, she is the best at telling us when you have stinky pants. Thank goodness. At least you know - you won't be dirty for long...she makes sure you are clean with pretty clothes on.

We will be celebrating your birthday tomorrow with just the five of us. We will have some cake and sing happy birthday. On Saturday, we are having a Milk and Cookies birthday party for you. It's going to be a hot one outside....but, it should still be a lot of fun. I'm sure you won't even notice the temperature. There will be lots of cookies and milk and pizza and cupcakes. You'll be in food heaven.

Charlotte, you are our miracle and we are so very thankful every single day that you chose us. We love you so very, very much. Happy FIRST birthday sweet girl!!

Love,

Daddy & Mommy
Brady & Lily

I Hate NOT Blogging, but....

2011-05-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

this is the deal. My 30 days of free editing software is up. It's over. Expired. Gone.

This very well may not seem like a big deal. But, I've grown very quickly accustomed to editing my photos. I like editing my photos. And, now.....well.....I can't.

It's sad.

Editing software is pricey. It's a heck of a lot less if you are a student or a teaching professional. Does former adult corporate trainer count? Nope, it doesn't. So....while I am in the process of purchasing myself an editing software....I don't have it yet. And, my photos just aren't the same.

I have sooooooooo much to blog about:

the Royal Wedding.
Princess Lily and Princess Kate.
My love for British Hats (seriously).
Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Family Pictures.
Milk and Cookies Party Planning.
End of School-itis that even my 1st grader is suffering from.
Sharlie vs. Charlie.
Brady's obsession with squinkies and how he is the squinkie godfather at school.
Lily's sudden need to practice her dance recital routine all.the.time. (not sure its helping:) )
Charlie's adorable facials and eye squints....and her bobble head dance moves.
And...not to mention some other topics that I have typed into my phone so that I don't forget.

But, without my editing software....it seems hopeless.

I know...it doesn't even make sense. But, that's how I feel.

Here's a (yes, unedited) picture of Lily and Jakey.
I.Love.this one. Unedited and all.

I WANT TO WIN!!!!

2011-05-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Laura Winslow Photography is hosting a

HUGE,

GIGANTIC,

ENORMOUS,

SUPER-COLOSSAL giveaway!!!!

It's seriously unbelievable.

$6500 in prizes.

All to one lucky person.

One lucky mommy.

I want to win.

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!

Go here to enter. Or, go here to check out Laura's amazing photographic talent. Or, just wish me luck!

Easter 2011

2011-04-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

Easter is always such a fun holiday. The Easter Bunny did not come until very, very late to our house because some cuties wouldn't go to bed! It was a late night - but, worth it.

We were woken up pretty early - 7-ish by the cuties. I made homemade cinnamon rolls thanks to this recipe from Rookie Cookie. My goodness were they super delicious!!! In fact - the hottie said they were bakery style and loooooved them. It feels good when I make something that the whole family loves! Thanks Rookie Cookie!!

Following breakfast, we had our own mini Easter egg hunt with just us and the cuties. Sheesh!! It was a competition!! Brady and Lily both actually did pretty well looking for the eggs. It was so much fun - I asked if we could hide them again....but the Hottie said no :)

Then it was time to get ready and head over to my parent's house for their annual Easter Party. Tons of food, tons of people and lots of fun.

We played BINGO...

We watched tons of kids running around in their Easter best!!

We hung out with tons of family and friends.

We fed Charlie a lime and then laughed as she made faces like this...

And we even had a visit from the Easter Bunny...even if he was mighty frightening looking

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

It's Charlie's first Easter!!! She didn't want to sit still for a photo - but, these goones did!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!

It Was the Hottie's 34th and I Never Blogged

2011-04-23T09:53:00.001-07:00

And...I was in a blogging funk. But, it has now passed.
Here is a note from Brady...

Happy Birthday Daddy! I love to play Basball with you. I will be your best buddy.
Love Brady
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And a note from Lily...

Happy Birthday Daddy I love you.
lily lilllly
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And a note from Charlie...

vu9786fxrivym u9gg79
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday Babe!

Barium Swallow Test

2011-04-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

Since the beginning - Charlie has been a big spitter upper.
Seriously!
She's pretty much lived with a bib on.
Covering up all her cute outfits.
But...sheesh...it stains!
She has also been having lots of breathing issues and drinking milk (formula) doesn't help. It makes it worse. It's almost like her formula goes up her nose with every feeding. Well, at least that is what it sounds like when she coughs the whole feeding. It seems to go into her lungs. Well...with all her steroids and breathing treatments and ear infections the doctors wanted to check her out with a barium swallow test.
I'd never heard of it.
Well, the doctors don't even like to do it because it does not give good results.
Seriously?
Isn't there another test that has accurate results?
Well, we did it.
She was a champ.
She couldn't eat or drink passed midnight on Sunday. Monday morning at 8:15 we had an appointment at Cardon Children's Hospital for the big test. We arrived at 8am. She was starving. Literally starving. As they took us to the radiology room for her test, we were told the radiologist was with another patient that was refusing to drink the barium liquid. She was 15 and was a drama queen saying that she just couldn't drink it. So we had to wait.........

We entertained Charlotte with toys and a Baby Einstein movie. She got all decked out in a baby hospital gown. And, the Hottie and I alternated taking pictures. Finally the drama queen finished her test and it was Charlie's turn. They made her a bottle. She got strapped into this table contraption. The xray machine opened up above her and she started drinking. She gobbled down that bottle like she had never seen food before. In fact - she wanted more. Drama queen? Nope. She was hungry. To be honest, we have yet to see anything that she won't eat or drink.

Following the completion of the test, we were led to the toy room. O.M.G!!! I was imagining a little toy chest with plastic bracelets like at the doctor...but, oh no...we're talking major toys. Movies. Games. Puzzles. Video games. Dolls. Tons of toys. The nurse said that people donate their toys...you know - like at Xmas and Birthdays when your kids get soooooo many toys and you end up putting some of them up in the closet for "rainy days." Well...instead - I should be donating them to the hospital. So...that's what we'll be doing from now on. The cuties will love it. They like when they "volunteer" to give their toys to the Goodwill - so now...they can give them to the kids in the hospital.

Anyway - as for the results. Her anatomy is correct (um, thank goodness!). It seems as if she has got herself some acid reflux. Ugh! I hate heartburn (I really only get it if I'm pregnant) and I can't imagine getting it as an infant. No wonder she's cranky when her belly hurts.

So...she's now taking a new medicine for reflux. The pharmacist said that we will want to strategically hide the medicine in juice or Kool-Aid (yes, he said that Dad) because it tastes awful - like straight alcohol even though it is supposed to be peppermint flavored. Well...no need. This too she takes down like a champ. As I poured it for her this morning she was kicking her legs and smiling like I was getting ready to feed her a cupcake.

I need food!!!

Ok...maybe these toys will calm me down until I can eat.

You strap me in and you don't even feed me yet???!!!

Whoa - Things Have Changed!

2011-04-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Carolyn posted this on FB today:

When I was a kid I didn't have an XBox or Wii, but I played me some Oregon Trail! My curfew was the moonlight and mom didn't call my cell, she yelled when it was time to come home. I played outside with friends, not Online. If I didn't eat what my mom made me then I didn't eat. Period. Hand sanitizer didn't exist, but you COULD get your mouth washed out with soap. Repost if you drank water out of a hose & survived!

This really got me to thinking. Yes, things have definitely changed.

When I was younger, beginning in about 3rd grade, we did have a weekly computer class in school. Our computers were those old-school apple computers. Remember those - the small, rectangular box computers with a teensy screen? And, yes...I totally remember playing Oregon Trail. We did not have a computer at home until I was...hmmm...probably in college. NOT kidding! I'm pretty sure I even used a type-writer for one of my first college papers. And, I'm not even that old! The internet...well, that didn't even come out until I was in college. I take that back - it was at the end of my high school years, but...no one really had it or used it. Even in college, my papers were written using books. Remember those things?

About XBox or the Wii...we did have an Atari. Oh nelly - I loved me some Donkey Kong and Frogger. Then, in the fourth grade I won the first Nintendo system from my school. Yep, I even played it on a black and white TV in my room. Can you believe I had a black and white TV in my room in the 80's?

As for curfew...well, I'm not sure I really ever had one of those. My parents were pretty lenient. But, I was a REALLY good girl. And, I'm not being sarcastic. They didn't really have to worry. Well, at least about me :)

Cell phones. Wow. I got my first cell phone in college. Before that - remember pagers? Well, I did have one of those...but, I'm pretty sure I never used it. In today's world - kids get cell phones by the time they're 10. Brady already talks about one. He's not getting one - he doesn't even talk on the phone yet!

We definitely played outside waaaaay more than inside. Outdoor games - hide and seek (which we also played in the dark inside at night) and colored eggs. Those were my faves. I can still remember playing colored eggs outside my Nan and Pops house with all my cousins. Good times.

Dinner...I don't remember there being a choice. You ate what you got. I don't remember complaining. But, I do remember a lot of spaghetti and chicken. And, I now cook a lot of spaghetti and chicken.

Last - about the water. I'm pretty sure my parents never bought water bottles. We drank it out of the faucet. With ice from ice trays and yes, it was water from the sink.

The Hottie said to me recently...with all the Blockbuster closures...can you believe that our kids won't really even know what a movie store is? Holy crap! He's right. Red Box, Netflix...they've eliminated the excitement of going to Blockbuster (or Scottsdale Video for the old-schoolers like myself) and renting a movie. There was nothing like walking round and round the store looking to see what was available and hoping that just maybe, the movie that you REALLY wanted would be returned while you were waiting there.

The internet has totally changed things, as well. The cuties never really have to wonder about the answer to something. They can just Google it. Yes, Google is a noun and a verb. Brady knows how to connect to the internet via his Nintendo DS. The other day in the car - he was confused why he couldn't go online to check for games. (which by the way - he can't buy anyway, he just likes to browse.)

FB. Wow...what a change a social network has brought. I was one of the planners of my 10 year high school reunion in 2007. Yes, this is after FB had begun - but, it was not yet very popular...at least for my school. Getting in touch with people was pretty difficult. But, now - high school reunions are not the same because FB has kept people in touch. I feel like I still see people I went to high school with quite often - when in reality...I just get updates from them on FB. When someone doesn't have a FB (Brett!!) it makes me so mad!

Sheesh! These are just some of the few big changes from my childhood. I'm 32. It hasn't even been that long and look at how far we've come. I'm not sure which generation is better. 50's? 60's? 80's? Today?

What are some other changes from your childhood????

Sunday at the Park

2011-04-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

Unedited

Edited

One of the absolute greatest things about our house is that there is a park literally across the street. The cuties love it. I wish I could say we made it over there more often than we do - but, when we set out for our 20 yard walk to the park...the cuties dance around like we're heading to Disneyland.

This Sunday it was just me and the Cuties. The Hottie was working a Dbacks game. I brought my camera. Or, rather I lugged my camera, wagon, cuties, camera bag, baby doll, snacks, burp rags, and a scooter to the park.

I love this picture. It's nothing that special...but, it really tells so much about my cuties.

First, Brady is in the stage where every single pair of pants he has has some sort of hole in it. And, this one is no exception. He is also wearing his gray vans and boy oh boy does he love his vans.

Next, I'm thinking that Charlie has just about the very BEST cankles I've ever seen. I could just gobble those feeties up.

Lily is barefoot. She takes her shoes off anywhere. The car, the house, the park, stores...anywhere. She just likes to be comfy.

Another thing I love is the matching skirts the girls are wearing. I picked up these beauties at Target for pretty much pennies and they are so cute. I love that they're matching. We don't have too many matching outfits over here - but, when the girls are matchy-matchy...if makes me all giddy.

You can't see it...but, Lil and Brades are holding Charlie's hands and helping her "walk" through the grass. She's not really digging the feeling of the grass - but, she loves playing outside and being with her brother and sister.

All that from a picture of feet.

Oh...and the grass is green. (I did make it a bit greener) but, there is no snow, or rain, and the look of the grass just reminds me that the weather is absolutely perfect right now. Do you think it's possible to ask for a raincheck on summer and just to extend the spring a little more?

Infertility Awareness Month

2011-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

Infertility is a heart-wrenching, faith-questioning, relationship-testing, life-altering experience. April is Infertility Awareness Month. Whether a friend, a family member, a colleague or yourself has fought through this difficult fate that MILLIONS of people are fighting day in and day out, post this as your status if you or someone you know has walked to hell & back for the chance to be a MOM.

p.s. I'd do it again and again if I had to. but that's just me.

I searching for a clever little photo - I found some pretty cute and funny t-shirts. Please don't get offended. I didn't and I lived it.

I used to make reference to "my frozens" - it helped me to bring some lightness/laughter to the situation.

Extreme Couponing

2011-04-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

OMG...have you seen this new show on TLC?

Extreme Couponing.

Extreme is an understatement.

One girl bought $2000 worth of groceries...but only spent $100.

Another girl bought $600 worth of groceries...and only spent $6.

Couponing to that extent is a full-time job.

6 hours to prepare for a grocery trip.

5 hours at the store.

2 hours in the checkout line.

But as they leave...a standing ovation.

Maybe it was for the camera...who knows!

You should see their "stockpile" as they all call it.

100 boxes of cereal, 75 paper towel rolls, 50 bags of chips, loads of cleaning supplies.

HOLY CRAP!!

One lady bought 77 bottles of mustard.

Did you know mustard does not have a shelf life?

It lasts forever.

Can you even use 77 bottles in a lifetime?

Each bottle was on sale for $1.39.

She had 77 coupons for $.50 off.

The store doubled the coupon.

So...she paid $.39 for each bottle.

It was like hoarders...but, for groceries.

The only difference is most of the families kept the groceries pretty organized, just tucked away in every room of the house.

The hottie is ready to start couponing.

We already coupon (shows how much he knows).

But...maybe we save $5.00 in coupons.

NOT 98%.

I'm not sure I have 6 hours to spend preparing.

I make a list...that takes me long enough.

Can you imagine the spreadsheet the hottie could make for this?

Oh nelly...he could do it.

I told him to give it a try.

I'll keep you posted.

Just an FYI - one family estimates they spend $140 a month on groceries.

That's about what we spend per week.

Not to mention all the mini trips we take for milk and other necessities.

I guess I better start getting the paper.

I need me some coupons!

I don't know...I was getting anxiety watching the show.

I'm pretty sure I'd hyperventilate spending that much time couponing.

No Cavities

2011-04-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Hottie took Brady and Lily to the dentist for their bi-annual checkup. He'd never been there before now. The results....

NOOOOOO CAVITIES!!

The Hottie says Dr. Quackenbush is hilarious. And, not just his name. The visit went down like this:
7:15am - Appointment time
7:19am - Arrival (oops, they were late)
7:23am - Brady and Lily were called back for their cleaning. Bryan walked them back and waited.
7:23am - 7:55am - Brady and Lily were brushed and flossed and cleaned and fluorided (yes that's a word)
7:55am - Dr. Quackenbush gives the good news to Brady - NO cavities!
7:56am - Dr. Quackenbush tells Lily that she has beautiful teeth and no cavities. Then, Brady says...."Really? Cuz she never brushes her teeth!" Dr. Quackenbush and the Hottie laugh.
8:00am - the Hottie swings through Dunkin Donuts

Yep...dentist followed by a donut. That's how we roll.

Random Phone Photos

2011-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Going through my phone photos last night made me miss taking those quick, spontaneous photos vs. lugging out my gigantic, professional camera - although the quality is not even comparable even in the least bit. But, sometimes it's nice to just quickly point and shoot.

Lilbuggies

Crazy Jake

What a beauty!

Sneaking a close-up picture of Matsui while at the commercial

Brady with the commercial crew and Matsui

such a sweet moment of Lily and Brady watching the water and light show at Chandler Mall

The Forrest wedding money tree I made

This is the inspiration for Charlie's first birthday. Let's see if I can pull off anything even close. Check out this post and thank you to a.party style for this photo...even if it is a picture from my phone in which I took a picture of the computer screen.

p.s....does anyone want to try to make a cake like this for me? I'd be ever so grateful!

MIA

2011-03-28T23:05:00.001-07:00

That's us.
MIA.
Instead of trying to catch up with millions of posts...this is what we've been up to.

1. Spring Break - much to Brady's dismay, we did NOT go anywhere. He complained for the entire week that he was going to be the ONLY person in his class that did not go on a trip. Somehow, I seriously doubt that. He did get to hang out with his cousins during the day and have a sleepover at Nanny and Poppy's. Even though he "staycationed it," - he had a blast!

2. Team Mom duties are overwhelming me. I have the kind of personality that when a "general" email or comment is made to a group of people, I always think it is being made directly to me. You know what I mean. For example, if someone says we need a volunteer for blah, blah, blah...I hear, "Dawn, you must volunteer for blah, blah, blah." So, when the coach asked for a team mom and no one volunteered...I couldn't ignore the request any longer. I stepped up. And I now know, Team Mom is hard. It's not just creating a sign up sheet...it's emails, phone calls, snack sign ups, t-shirt pickups, sponsor coordinator, money collector, hat embroidery drop off and pick up, decision maker, fundraiser promoter, opening day communicator, and fundraiser basket creator. It's awful. It's been the most expensive season of little league for us so far. It's not fun to front money and then run around trying to collect from the rest of the parents. It makes me feel good knowing that all of the other seasons (that I wasn't team mom) I was quick to pay for all the extras. Don't people know I don't have all this extra money sitting around to pay for their kids' little league stuff? It's not fun even in the least bit to constantly ask people for money. Believe me. p.s...I just re-read this paragraph and it's nasty...but, I'm keeping it.

3. Robin's Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party/Spa Day - Robin wanted to skip the shower and bachelorette and instead we had a girls spa day with just a few of us. It was....FABULOUS! We enjoyed a spa treatment and then partied the night away at the Valley Ho. Watching everyone come out of the spa after their treatment was priceless. Our room was unbelievable. We drank, laughed, ate, and drank some more.

4. Gunnar's Birthday Party - One of Bryan's oldest friends recently moved to South Carolina. They were back in town for a vacation and had their son's 3rd birthday party while they were here. It's always so nice to see such good friends.

5. The TomKat Studio - I'm a follower of the TomKat Studio. Are you? She posts the most amazing party ideas and examples from other blogs. She started her blog back in December of 2008 and it her party blog literally just took off. She sells some party decor and invitations on Etsy. She was the guest speaker at the Cornerstone church Working Women group...and even though I don't go to that church, I made a trip with my friend Julie to listen.

6. Farm League practice and scrimmage. Yep, loads of practice for Brady.

7. Wrapping up of spring training. This year, the Hottie worked a load of spring training games since the Dbacks and Rockies now spring train in Scottsdale. Nice extra money for the Hottie and lots of mommy/cutie time. Nice....but, exhausting. For both of us!

8. Little League opening day - this was the first year we participated in opening day for Brady's little league. They announce (all 43) teams. There were silent auctions, raffles, bouncy houses, baseball events, popcorn, food, vendors...it was actually pretty nice.

9. Robin and Aaron's wedding. What a fantastic wedding. I was the wedding organizer. Clipboard and pen...and lots of directions...right up my alley. Once my duties were over, I partied the night away. Drinking and lots and lots and lots of dancing. I'm pretty sure I didn't leave the dance floor. Even the Hottie danced. And he doesn't dance. There was a photo booth...and I'm pretty sure the Hottie has the record for the most pictures taken of the night. The ceremony was so beautiful and intimate. Our cousin, George (AKA Father George) was the "minister" and he married the two of them. It was a perfect, home-y, comfortable, fun, and loving celebration. Lincoln was so stinkin' cute on the dance floor.

10. Taxes. We had our taxes done. Whew. We were dreading it. And, it was actually a nice surprise vs. a terrible bill to be paid. Thank goodness!

11. New computer. We've got a new family member. We got a Mac. A new computer was a long time coming (almost as long as the TV that we still need). But, the TV still works and the computer...well, it didn't. So, the computer won out. It was actually the Hottie's idea. I even tried to encourage the purchase of a TV. But...the good ole Hottie. His vote was for a new computer. So, he won. Or I did. I guess it depends on how you look at it :)

12. Charlotte is mobile. She's a sprint crawler. She moves pretty quick. She's pulling herself up on all of the furniture and each morning we find her standing in her crib yelling for someone to come and save her. She's beginning to "walk" with her walker...and her cute pudgy thighs are dang adorable! She went in for her 9 month (but, really she was 10 months) appointment and she weighed 19 pounds 7 ounces (50%) and she was 27.5 inches long (almost 50%). Her head circumference...well, it was 90%. Holy cow!!!

Aunt Eileen at the Valley Ho

Rainie

The girls at the Valley Ho...after our treatments

Our fundraiser "money tree" for Brady's Farm Little League

Charlie and Lil with Nanny hair

Grandma and Dad dancing at Robin and Aaron's wedding

Rainie and Michael

Marty and Jamie

Bart and Me...the wedding organizer and her assistant :)

Versace during his toast

The bride and groom with Aunt MaryLou and Uncle Bobby...52 years!

13. Lots and Lots of ear infections, pneumonia, and the flu. Lily and Charlie...passing it back and forth and back and forth. Lots of doctor visits...and money! Poor guys. Lily was so sick for about 2 weeks...and Charlie is now finishing her last (hopefully) dose of antibiotics.

Reminiscing Spring Break

2011-03-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, long, long after the cuties had fallen asleep, the hottie and I sat around watching TV. The weather could literally not have been more beautiful. The windows and doors were open and in blew a "chilly" Arizona breeze. The clock struck 11pm and in the distance we heard the sounds of adolescence.

We listened.

We heard our teenager neighbors out running around laughing, giddily screaming, and truly just enjoying their spring break. They were loud. But, I didn't care. They were enjoying their teen years like they should - carefree and happy.

We reminisced.

No bills. No responsibilities. No work. No children. A time of selfishness. ACCEPTABLE selfishness. All you had to care about was YOU. Nothing else. Your biggest worry was studying for a test...or picking out an outfit for a date. A time when you could REALLY enjoy spring break. You could stay up all night and sleep until 2pm and it didn't matter. Of course, there was always lots of drama (especially for teen girls) but, even though it didn't feel like it...it was SOOO not a big deal. Those days were awesome. SO awesome. It really is too bad you don't know just how awesome they are until later.

Now, don't get me wrong...I don't want to do those years over. It was just so nice to sneakily listen to our teen neighbors as they were enjoying their spring break....and be just a teensy-bit jealous.

But, later as I kissed the cuties goodnight (because I'm the psycho mom that checks on them multiple times before bed) I thought how I wouldn't trade this for anything. Not even a true, carefree, exciting, spring break do over.

Senior Prom 1997

St. Patty's Breakfast

2011-03-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

I did it.

I actually made it awake early...super early enough to prepare a hot breakfast for the cuties. Rainbow pancakes. This was really just pancakes with rainbow sprinkles. But...they were a hit. They loved them. I guess how couldn't you...it was basically sugar on a plate.

I also tinted the milk.

Lily loved it. Brady couldn't do it. It was a mental thing. Green milk...he just couldn't. It really tasted no different. I even tinted Charlotte's formula. She was oblivious.

Charlotte even pigged out on pancakes. She loves her food and is getting quite good at picking up her food and feeding herself. Charlotte and her food. They're tight.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2011-03-16T20:47:00.003-07:00

I'm Irish.
Word on the street is my Nan was 100% Irish.
So...that makes my mom 50%.
And, me 25%.
And, the cuties 1/8.
I always think of my Nan on St. Patty's Day.
On other days, too.
But, especially on St. Patty's Day.
I won't be bar hopping.
Or indulging in any Guinness.
(no sitter)
But, I will celebrate by wearing green.
That is if I actually get dressed.
I'll be working from home.
And, that typically means I shower and throw on comfy clothes.
I will be making a special breakfast for the Cuties.
(they normally have cold cereal)
Don't feel bad for them.
We love cereal around here.
Could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But, tomorrow - the Cuties will celebrate St. Patty's Day with rainbow pancakes.

And of course, green milk.

I'll be waking up extra early.

SUPER early.

It will be worth it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

p.s. thank you http://www.motleycollegefootball.com/Images/RainbowLeprechaun.png for this image!

1st Grade Music Performance

2011-03-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Public Schools puts on a 1st Grade Music Performance and on March 8th...Sonoma Ranch had their turn. Oh boy - Brady has been practicing and practicing and practicing for the last several months. Each 1st grader even had the chance to step up to the microphone and read 1-2 lines of a poem. It was very cute.

Short.

But, cute.

Exactly perfect!

The best part of the night was seeing all of the kids all dressed up in their "Sunday best" as was requested by their music teacher. If they only knew that our Sunday best is comfy clothes!! Brady wore his Christmas outfit with a non-Christmas-y sweater that I recently purchased. And of course, he had cool hair. All the girls were all dressed up in frilly Easter-like dresses. So cute!

My parents, Ash and the kids, and Cori and Aidyn came to support Brady. Oh was he so excited.