We got see baby Dylan...
And go to Aviela's 4th birthday party where she and Ella wore the exact same bathing suit- unplanned!
And Everett spent some quality time in the doll crib. ;)
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Busy Beavers
We had a very busy week (thankfully!) filled with lots of fun, and I did manage to take a few photos...
We got see baby Dylan...
And go to Aviela's 4th birthday party where she and Ella wore the exact same bathing suit- unplanned!
And Everett spent some quality time in the doll crib. ;)
We got see baby Dylan...
And go to Aviela's 4th birthday party where she and Ella wore the exact same bathing suit- unplanned!
And Everett spent some quality time in the doll crib. ;)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
What a Week[end]
I'll admit that I have a hard time when Gary leaves for his 2 week business trips- my personality was not meant for single parent-dom! I try to fill up our calender while he's gone with playdates and dinners at friends houses to make my life easier and busier. So you will not believe my week and weekend.
First of all, our dinner plans Wednesday night; our dinner plans Friday night; our playdate Saturday afternoon; and our playdate Sunday morning ALL canceled! We rarely have to reschedule things so what are the odds that the week Gary is gone, we have that many cancellations (all for good reasons- totally understandable)?! At least we were able to reschedule most for next week so we'll have a lot to do for the harder second week alone. ;)
So we also a birthday party in San Diego at the beach on Saturday morning. I hesitated going in the first place because (a) I'm too scared to watch both kids at the beach or pool when Gary isn't there, and (b) I try to keep the 2 weeks Gary is gone completely stress and anxiety free to keep me sane so I don't do usual things like take both kids out to eat, do playdates at locations where they run in different directions, pool dates, etc.
But we all really wanted to go to the party so we head down there and sat in 2 hours of traffic...by the time we get there Everett is screaming because he's tired and hungry, and it is PACKED. We drive through the parking lot, and there is not one spot available so we start driving through every.single.street. in the area- not ONE spot. Not to mention, I drove Gary's car because my a/c isn't working so I literally *almost* sideswiped at least 4 cars because his car won't fit down the streets when another car is coming down. We are just driving...and driving...and driving...meanwhile, Everett is SCREAMING in the back. I am now completely sweating and feel panicked. My mom and I start talking about how we might just have to leave, and now Ella is hysterical because (understandably) she thought she was going to a birthday party. We just keep driving in circles- we're so far away at this point that it would be like a hike to get down to the party, but we're willing to park anywhere at this point. Even that far away, there is not ONE spot! So we try the lot again- that was a mistake. There are now 500 more cars trying for spots so we are just sitting in the lot. Stuck. Everett is screaming. Ella is crying. We all have to go to the bathroom. I'm about to cry- we've been in the car for over 2 hours. My mom and I finally decide we have no other choice but to give up because in that entire time, we have yet to see one open parking spot anywhere. We keep looking on our way back up towards the freeway, and still nothing. So we turn around and sit in ANOTHER 2 hours of traffic all the way back home- Everett screamed almost the entire way minus the 30 minute nap he took. So we literally drove to SD and drove back...can you believe that story?! When we got home my mom said, "did that really happen?"
I felt SO bad for the kids!!! My mom was kind (smart?) enough to take the kids to the park when we got home because I was about to lose it. Then when she got home, I took them outside to play since they had been cramped in carseats for 5 hours!
First, we "hiked" in grandma's backyard...
Then we went on more of real hike up the hill in front of grandma's house. Bottom of the hill...
Top of the hill (notice Everett not in the photo- he gave up in the middle and booked it down the hill so I had to chase him and carry him back up!)...
Needless to say, mama needs a massage next weekend!!!!! :)
First of all, our dinner plans Wednesday night; our dinner plans Friday night; our playdate Saturday afternoon; and our playdate Sunday morning ALL canceled! We rarely have to reschedule things so what are the odds that the week Gary is gone, we have that many cancellations (all for good reasons- totally understandable)?! At least we were able to reschedule most for next week so we'll have a lot to do for the harder second week alone. ;)
So we also a birthday party in San Diego at the beach on Saturday morning. I hesitated going in the first place because (a) I'm too scared to watch both kids at the beach or pool when Gary isn't there, and (b) I try to keep the 2 weeks Gary is gone completely stress and anxiety free to keep me sane so I don't do usual things like take both kids out to eat, do playdates at locations where they run in different directions, pool dates, etc.
But we all really wanted to go to the party so we head down there and sat in 2 hours of traffic...by the time we get there Everett is screaming because he's tired and hungry, and it is PACKED. We drive through the parking lot, and there is not one spot available so we start driving through every.single.street. in the area- not ONE spot. Not to mention, I drove Gary's car because my a/c isn't working so I literally *almost* sideswiped at least 4 cars because his car won't fit down the streets when another car is coming down. We are just driving...and driving...and driving...meanwhile, Everett is SCREAMING in the back. I am now completely sweating and feel panicked. My mom and I start talking about how we might just have to leave, and now Ella is hysterical because (understandably) she thought she was going to a birthday party. We just keep driving in circles- we're so far away at this point that it would be like a hike to get down to the party, but we're willing to park anywhere at this point. Even that far away, there is not ONE spot! So we try the lot again- that was a mistake. There are now 500 more cars trying for spots so we are just sitting in the lot. Stuck. Everett is screaming. Ella is crying. We all have to go to the bathroom. I'm about to cry- we've been in the car for over 2 hours. My mom and I finally decide we have no other choice but to give up because in that entire time, we have yet to see one open parking spot anywhere. We keep looking on our way back up towards the freeway, and still nothing. So we turn around and sit in ANOTHER 2 hours of traffic all the way back home- Everett screamed almost the entire way minus the 30 minute nap he took. So we literally drove to SD and drove back...can you believe that story?! When we got home my mom said, "did that really happen?"
I felt SO bad for the kids!!! My mom was kind (smart?) enough to take the kids to the park when we got home because I was about to lose it. Then when she got home, I took them outside to play since they had been cramped in carseats for 5 hours!
First, we "hiked" in grandma's backyard...
Then we went on more of real hike up the hill in front of grandma's house. Bottom of the hill...
Top of the hill (notice Everett not in the photo- he gave up in the middle and booked it down the hill so I had to chase him and carry him back up!)...
Needless to say, mama needs a massage next weekend!!!!! :)
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Treat
I took Ella to Target and told her she could pick out whatever she wanted as a treat for going potty by herself and not waking me up (I want to positively reinforce this behavior!!). Out of everything in Target, this is what she chose...
Glitter glue sticks, a $1 pencil holder to put them in and a .30 cent notebook. Uh, ok. There is a whole aisle filled with princess stuff and baby dolls...she's a strange bird. ;)
By the way, I put 2 new recipes on my cooking blog- YUM!
Glitter glue sticks, a $1 pencil holder to put them in and a .30 cent notebook. Uh, ok. There is a whole aisle filled with princess stuff and baby dolls...she's a strange bird. ;)
By the way, I put 2 new recipes on my cooking blog- YUM!
Night Success & Trouble Maker
First of all, Ella got up all by herself last night, took off her diaper, went potty, changed into underwear and went back to sleep! I'm so proud of her!!
We never night-trained her because, frankly, we're lazy and didn't want to have to stop giving her liquids at night, waking her up at 10pm to use the potty, etc. Unfortunately, she hasn't been so into wearing a diaper at night lately, and she's been waking herself up if she has to pee so a few times, she's come in to get us to use the bathroom. So every night, we've been saying that if she wakes up and has to pee, she needs to go use the bathroom herself and then just change to underwear...not thinking she would ever do that...but she did! Hurray!!!!
Here is a random shot from Crystal Court a few weeks ago...
The other day, I was working, and Gary was supposed to be watching the kids. Ella walks up to me and looks like this...
She got into my mom's lipstick and used MY concealer brush to put lipstick all over her face. So I walk into the family room to find Everett quietly drinking milk with completely pink cheeks!
It's kind of hard to see, but that is left cheek completely covered in lipstick- ugh!
We never night-trained her because, frankly, we're lazy and didn't want to have to stop giving her liquids at night, waking her up at 10pm to use the potty, etc. Unfortunately, she hasn't been so into wearing a diaper at night lately, and she's been waking herself up if she has to pee so a few times, she's come in to get us to use the bathroom. So every night, we've been saying that if she wakes up and has to pee, she needs to go use the bathroom herself and then just change to underwear...not thinking she would ever do that...but she did! Hurray!!!!
Here is a random shot from Crystal Court a few weeks ago...
The other day, I was working, and Gary was supposed to be watching the kids. Ella walks up to me and looks like this...
She got into my mom's lipstick and used MY concealer brush to put lipstick all over her face. So I walk into the family room to find Everett quietly drinking milk with completely pink cheeks!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
New House Blog
I finally started another blog dedicated to the renovation! Just click here: The Cape Cod Ranch Renovation.
I'll probably be posting in there A LOT more than I post in here, but I'll try to at least update with some cute kid pics once in a while!
I'll probably be posting in there A LOT more than I post in here, but I'll try to at least update with some cute kid pics once in a while!
Monday, August 5, 2013
We Have a House!
We officially closed today! I went right in and tried to demo. I hit the wall that we are taking down twice with a hammer and gave up (in my defense, it's tile and cabinets on one side and wood paneling on the other...I'm sure I could have done plain drywall!). I don't think demo is my "thing". ;)
We hired our contractor today as well! So here is the general schedule of things...Gary is starting demo tomorrow with another guy we hired to help. They will work on that all week and probably next week. Our contractor is pulling the demo permit tomorrow. Our structural engineer is out of town until Friday, but he will come measure the entire house next weekend and start on the plans, which our contractor says will only take a few days because we pretty much know exactly what we want. Our contractor will then submit the plans to the county to obtain the rest of the permits. In the meantime, we will be working on a 3D kitchen design with the custom cabinet maker, as well as a design for the vanity in the master bathroom. While we are waiting for our cabinets to be made and our plans to be approved/permits issued, we will be working on the kids' rooms (which unfortunately involves a lot of demo b/c there are awful built-ins everywhere)- demo, painting, paneling, etc.- and the kids' bathroom, which is just a gut job. That way, as soon as the kitchen and floors go in, we can move into the 4th bedroom and live in the house while the master bed/bath addition is completed and other minor things are completed.
Our contractor gave us an estimate of 2 months to complete and 30 days before move-in...I think he is GROSSLY underestimating the time, but I certainly appreciate his understanding of our rush to move in! Oh, and "complete" only involves the inside of the house- we have A TON to do on the outside (all new flatwork, walkways, pathways, California room, all new landscaping, painting the house, adding shutters, creating a pitched roof porch with columns, etc.).
I'm super excited and super scared/worried all at the same time!
We hired our contractor today as well! So here is the general schedule of things...Gary is starting demo tomorrow with another guy we hired to help. They will work on that all week and probably next week. Our contractor is pulling the demo permit tomorrow. Our structural engineer is out of town until Friday, but he will come measure the entire house next weekend and start on the plans, which our contractor says will only take a few days because we pretty much know exactly what we want. Our contractor will then submit the plans to the county to obtain the rest of the permits. In the meantime, we will be working on a 3D kitchen design with the custom cabinet maker, as well as a design for the vanity in the master bathroom. While we are waiting for our cabinets to be made and our plans to be approved/permits issued, we will be working on the kids' rooms (which unfortunately involves a lot of demo b/c there are awful built-ins everywhere)- demo, painting, paneling, etc.- and the kids' bathroom, which is just a gut job. That way, as soon as the kitchen and floors go in, we can move into the 4th bedroom and live in the house while the master bed/bath addition is completed and other minor things are completed.
Our contractor gave us an estimate of 2 months to complete and 30 days before move-in...I think he is GROSSLY underestimating the time, but I certainly appreciate his understanding of our rush to move in! Oh, and "complete" only involves the inside of the house- we have A TON to do on the outside (all new flatwork, walkways, pathways, California room, all new landscaping, painting the house, adding shutters, creating a pitched roof porch with columns, etc.).
I'm super excited and super scared/worried all at the same time!
Quick Recommendations
I haven't done a recommendation post in ages, but I just have a quick few...
(1) Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Nude 8: Since I can no longer get the Boots lip gloss I posted forever ago (so sad- my fav!), I've been looking for a replacement. This is the closest I have found in color. I don't like the consistency as much because it's that really sticky type of lip gloss, but the color is great, and it does stay on longer than the less sticky Boots.
(2) Roy's Happy Hour WITH KIDS: Yes! Ok so we are THOSE people that take our kids to nicer not so kid-friendly places, so I want to give props to Roy's. First of all, their happy hour starts at 4:30 seven days a week. Second, the happy hour is AMAZING. Their food is amazing anyway, but all their drinks are on happy hour, and a bunch of the delicious appetizers. But finally, they were so welcoming and accommodating to us when we brought the kids to a BAR TABLE last night! I was craving filet mignon so we planned on going to Flemings, but they don't open until 5, it was 4:40, and the kids were starving so we headed to Roy's (by the way, the filet was even better than at Flemings!). No one gave us dirty looks (although the table next to us had 3 kids so our 2 probably didn't look so bad), the waitress brought FREE quesadillas and veggies for each kid, FREE milk in a kid's cup (just fyi, Javiers doesn't even have plastic cups in their restaurant- wtf?), and then after we finished, she brought each kid a FREE ice cream sundae with their names written in chocolate on the plate. And lucky me, Everett didn't want his so mama got a free sundae! ;)
(3) Corner Bakery: I know everyone already goes here because it's kid-friendly, cheap and easy, but I also wanted to give CB props because Ella and I went there with some friends, and I ordered a breakfast sandwich with potatoes (you have to pay extra for the potatoes). They brought a fruit cup instead of potatoes, and the girl said that they were out of potatoes. I said that had I known I wouldn't have paid extra so she offered to refund the potatoes. When she comes back, she said she refunded the entire breakfast for my trouble- how nice is that?! So unnecessary, but these stellar customer service situations seem to never happen anymore (where did customer service go by the way?!) so I really appreciate when a company exhibits excellent service!
(1) Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Nude 8: Since I can no longer get the Boots lip gloss I posted forever ago (so sad- my fav!), I've been looking for a replacement. This is the closest I have found in color. I don't like the consistency as much because it's that really sticky type of lip gloss, but the color is great, and it does stay on longer than the less sticky Boots.
(2) Roy's Happy Hour WITH KIDS: Yes! Ok so we are THOSE people that take our kids to nicer not so kid-friendly places, so I want to give props to Roy's. First of all, their happy hour starts at 4:30 seven days a week. Second, the happy hour is AMAZING. Their food is amazing anyway, but all their drinks are on happy hour, and a bunch of the delicious appetizers. But finally, they were so welcoming and accommodating to us when we brought the kids to a BAR TABLE last night! I was craving filet mignon so we planned on going to Flemings, but they don't open until 5, it was 4:40, and the kids were starving so we headed to Roy's (by the way, the filet was even better than at Flemings!). No one gave us dirty looks (although the table next to us had 3 kids so our 2 probably didn't look so bad), the waitress brought FREE quesadillas and veggies for each kid, FREE milk in a kid's cup (just fyi, Javiers doesn't even have plastic cups in their restaurant- wtf?), and then after we finished, she brought each kid a FREE ice cream sundae with their names written in chocolate on the plate. And lucky me, Everett didn't want his so mama got a free sundae! ;)
(3) Corner Bakery: I know everyone already goes here because it's kid-friendly, cheap and easy, but I also wanted to give CB props because Ella and I went there with some friends, and I ordered a breakfast sandwich with potatoes (you have to pay extra for the potatoes). They brought a fruit cup instead of potatoes, and the girl said that they were out of potatoes. I said that had I known I wouldn't have paid extra so she offered to refund the potatoes. When she comes back, she said she refunded the entire breakfast for my trouble- how nice is that?! So unnecessary, but these stellar customer service situations seem to never happen anymore (where did customer service go by the way?!) so I really appreciate when a company exhibits excellent service!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Kiddos
It's all house all the time, which is why I need to start a dedicated blog to it, but here are some random kid shots. One of the greatest things about their ages right now is that they are finally playing together! I love watching them play chase and laugh hysterically the whole time.
Cuddle time with sissy (I swear Ella does wear clothes- I don't know why it seems like all the casual photos I take she is naked!)...
We love our puppy!
Ella took this of Everett...
Ella's face painting from the fair...
Cuddle time with sissy (I swear Ella does wear clothes- I don't know why it seems like all the casual photos I take she is naked!)...
We love our puppy!
Ella took this of Everett...
Ella's face painting from the fair...
Bye Bye NP!
Our house is officially sold! It looks like this now...
I left this on the counter for the new owners...
I know I'm supposed to be really sad since it WAS the first house we bought together, the house we brought both kids home to and the only house the kids have ever lived in, but I'm just happy to be out of there! I am sad to leave my friends in the hood, but I think my excitement over the new house overshadows everything! Gary and I were talking about all the totally random things we are SO excited about...
I left this on the counter for the new owners...
I know I'm supposed to be really sad since it WAS the first house we bought together, the house we brought both kids home to and the only house the kids have ever lived in, but I'm just happy to be out of there! I am sad to leave my friends in the hood, but I think my excitement over the new house overshadows everything! Gary and I were talking about all the totally random things we are SO excited about...
- Street parking. Yup. You can park all over the place in our new neighborhood, unlike most of the neighborhoods in our old city where there is nowhere to park so your guests have to park miles away or risk getting ticketed.
- Not being gated! This doesn't really affect us, but I always felt bad when my friends had to wait forever to get in.
- A HUGE non-tandem driveway (one of our biggest excitements)...no more moving cars around because the person in front needs to leave...yippee!!!!
- A 3-car garage...might I actually know what it's like to park inside a garage??
- Single story house...my dream come true!
- A dedicated playroom with doors to close it up and not see it...dreamy.
- A real entryway...no more walking into the living room- the most exciting part to me. And yes, I know being this excited about an entryway is weird.
- NO MORE CARPET. Best.thing.ever.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
BBQ with our Cousin
And Everett got his first haircut from Aunt Jennie!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Happy 4th!
We went to our annual neighborhood July 4th carnival and then to the pool with friends for a bbq, but I managed to basically take no photos!
Here we are on the train at the carnival...
And Everett chillin' with Gav...
I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday!
Here we are on the train at the carnival...
And Everett chillin' with Gav...
I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Me & My Bestie
How happy are these two that they now live 2 minutes away from each other?!
And the future couple...it's actually amazing that we got these two to stand still long enough for a photo!
These two are happy too...who else likes to do "date night" together on a Friday night at Walmart??!! ;)
And the future couple...it's actually amazing that we got these two to stand still long enough for a photo!
These two are happy too...who else likes to do "date night" together on a Friday night at Walmart??!! ;)
Monday, July 1, 2013
We're Outta Here!
If all goes well with inspections and escrow, we will be moving into our dream house in our dream location in the fall! It's going to require a lot of work (and living with my parents for a few months), but we are so excited!!
In that regard, we are selling out the joint. We've already sold our couch, treadmill, washer and dryer and chaise lounge. (So we're sitting on the floor, in dirty clothes and not working out!). I figured I should try putting some stuff on here and FB so maybe I can avoid more random Craigslist people coming over...although I have to say, everyone that has come over so far has been extremely nice and haven't tried to rob me. ;)
Ethan Allen coffee table- great condition since it's just been sitting in our LR. We bought for $650 (still have original receipt), and we are selling for $300. Approx. Dimensions: 46-1/4"L x 26.5W x 18-3/4H
Ikea Falster dining set- table and 6 armchairs. We just bought this about 5 months ago and are only selling because we don't want to store it! It's really cute. Original price was $505- you can look it up on the Ikea website. Selling for $300.
The Cellar (Macy's) dinnerware set. This was actually quite an expensive everyday set that we got for our wedding. It's really pretty- kind of an offwhite with deep reddish hints on the edges. I'm selling because we now have 3 sets of everyday china! There are some chips on some of the pieces, but overall, it's in good shape. Selling for $35 for the entire set, which includes:
12 plates
9 salad plates
6 bowls
5 large ice cream/cereal bowls (not part of The Cellar set but included for free)
1 serving bowl
11 mugs
I also have some never used Nambe Flare silver salt & pepper shakers and a brand new in the box with tags still on Waterford crystal picture frame- I'll send pics if anyone is interested.
In that regard, we are selling out the joint. We've already sold our couch, treadmill, washer and dryer and chaise lounge. (So we're sitting on the floor, in dirty clothes and not working out!). I figured I should try putting some stuff on here and FB so maybe I can avoid more random Craigslist people coming over...although I have to say, everyone that has come over so far has been extremely nice and haven't tried to rob me. ;)
Ethan Allen coffee table- great condition since it's just been sitting in our LR. We bought for $650 (still have original receipt), and we are selling for $300. Approx. Dimensions: 46-1/4"L x 26.5W x 18-3/4H
Ikea Falster dining set- table and 6 armchairs. We just bought this about 5 months ago and are only selling because we don't want to store it! It's really cute. Original price was $505- you can look it up on the Ikea website. Selling for $300.
12 plates
9 salad plates
6 bowls
5 large ice cream/cereal bowls (not part of The Cellar set but included for free)
1 serving bowl
11 mugs
I also have some never used Nambe Flare silver salt & pepper shakers and a brand new in the box with tags still on Waterford crystal picture frame- I'll send pics if anyone is interested.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Ella's First Dance Recital!
Pure cuteness (Ella is 2nd from the right)...
I was so proud of her! She did such an amazing job- it was actually the best she ever did her routine! You go girl!
The final bow...
Ella and Aviela before the show in the dressing room...
Ella and her teacher, Miss Alyssa...
After the show...
I was so proud of her! She did such an amazing job- it was actually the best she ever did her routine! You go girl!
The final bow...
Ella and Aviela before the show in the dressing room...
Ella and her teacher, Miss Alyssa...
After the show...
Friday, June 21, 2013
I have a confession to make...
I let Ella wear this out in public...all day...
Not only is it character clothing (which I swore I would never let her wear), that is a NIGHTGOWN! So I let my child wear character pajamas out in public! Oh, and the flip flops are Ariel too. Yup. Never say never people.
And a school update...
Ella came home after her first day of Orange Room and gushed about how much she LOOOOOOVES orange room and LOOOOOOOOVES her new teachers. It made me so happy because I was very worried about the transition since she has been in the same room with the same teachers for 2 years.
As for Everett, I did want to clear up some things about the whole face attack incident because so many people have asked me about it. We LOVE the kids' school, and we LOVE their teachers. So I didn't want to give the impression that I was blaming the school/teachers. I did talk to the director of the school. She said that he was in the buggy (kind of a large stroller type thing that holds 4 kids- 2 rows of 2) and as soon as the teacher heard him cry out, she stopped the buggy and got him out. The buggy has a big sun shade over it so it's just like how if you have the sun shade over the child in your stroller, you can't really see them. They said that they were absolutely shocked that the child did that because s/he has never ever done anything like that before, and they did talk to the parents about it. They are also leaving an empty seat next to Everett for a while to prevent anything similar from happening.
Two of my close friends are starting their kids in Everett's room this summer so I didn't want them to think it's a war zone in there! Haha!
Not only is it character clothing (which I swore I would never let her wear), that is a NIGHTGOWN! So I let my child wear character pajamas out in public! Oh, and the flip flops are Ariel too. Yup. Never say never people.
And a school update...
Ella came home after her first day of Orange Room and gushed about how much she LOOOOOOVES orange room and LOOOOOOOOVES her new teachers. It made me so happy because I was very worried about the transition since she has been in the same room with the same teachers for 2 years.
As for Everett, I did want to clear up some things about the whole face attack incident because so many people have asked me about it. We LOVE the kids' school, and we LOVE their teachers. So I didn't want to give the impression that I was blaming the school/teachers. I did talk to the director of the school. She said that he was in the buggy (kind of a large stroller type thing that holds 4 kids- 2 rows of 2) and as soon as the teacher heard him cry out, she stopped the buggy and got him out. The buggy has a big sun shade over it so it's just like how if you have the sun shade over the child in your stroller, you can't really see them. They said that they were absolutely shocked that the child did that because s/he has never ever done anything like that before, and they did talk to the parents about it. They are also leaving an empty seat next to Everett for a while to prevent anything similar from happening.
Two of my close friends are starting their kids in Everett's room this summer so I didn't want them to think it's a war zone in there! Haha!
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