The Bartee Bunch

Halloween - 2009

2009-11-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
SHAYNA BETH MARIE BARTEE

This is the costume that Shayna picked out on one of our numerous outings to Toys R' Us this past month. Tis the season for birthday parties AND Halloween! We have been to no less than 10 birthday parties in the last month and a half! We have Joey's birthday party this Sunday, one next Saturday, and one the following Saturday. After that, if your name isn't Mark, Lorie, or Shayna, we cannot come to your birthday party. I'm done... cooked!

Here is a cute picture of Shayna and our neighbor, Larissa, aka WordGirl!

Here's a great shot of the girls with our next door neighbors, Joan, Sal, and Jeeves!

Mark and Shayna taking a break from trick or treating!

Here's Shayna with her Grammie & Granddad!

We had a great time scouring the neighborhood for lots of treats with family and friends! Next year, I'll be pushing another trick or treater in a stroller! Holy cow!

A Walk Around the Neighborhood

2009-10-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last week, Shayna and I took a stroll around our neighborhood because I haven't really been exercising too much. I was doing my aqua-aerobics class with the "much older" ladies... but because baby is sitting right on top of my bladder... and there's a ton of jumping around... well, you get the picture...

Walking is probably my best bet... so we headed out to, what Shayna likes to call the, "faces." Every year, an elderly man trims his front hedges into these cool hair and beards for the "faces." Shayna absolutely LOVES when we drive by and check them out. Ever since she was a wee tiny one, she screams out, "FACES" every time we drive past!

We get so excited because we know that come October 1st, they go up... but on November 1st, they come down. This year, however, I might have to knock on that man's door and ask him to hold off one more day, in honor of Shayna's birthday!

Haircut, Finally!

2009-10-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

Shayna has been complaining to whoever will listen, about her hair getting in her face and how annoying it is... so I finally got up the nerve to go and get it cut. The gal took about 4 inches off the back and gave her some bangs. It's a really cute cut and Shayna LOVES it! I think it makes her look like she's 10 and I guess I'm not ready for that. Oh and BTW, today was Face-painting at school (this week's letter is "F").

Almost Halloween...

2009-10-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today, Shayna and I spent some time after school at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Seal Beach. I guess it's a tradition for us to go there every October to check out rides and, of course, the petting zoo. It's also a time where I take a picture of Shayna with the ginormous pumpkins (see pictures at the end of this post).

We met our friends there today and had loads of fun!

First, we went on the slide.

Then, the train!

The Pink Elephants were next... (that's Shayna with her buddy, Camille)

The spinning Tub O' Fun, with her friend, Mason... where they spun around and around for what seemed like 45 minutes...

Here's Shayna, post Tub O' Fun! No, she didn't puke! What a trooper!

Then we were off to the "fun" picture taking area. Here's a funny one with Shayna and Mason!

This has to be my favorite shot of the day!

Here are the pictures from 2005 to 2009:

October, 2005

October, 2006

October, 2007

October, 2008

October, 2009

...and YES, I cried while posting these last photos... it must be the preggo hormones...

Hawaiian Vacation - Part I

2009-09-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

We got back last Wednesday night after spending an awesome week in Oahu with the family. Mark's parent's, Art and Lynn, graciously hosted us in gorgeous setting and I am forever in your debt! Thanks again!

We boarded our plane from LAX on the Wed. the 16th. Mark and I have not been to Hawaii since 1997 and I haven't been to Oahu since 1989... so, it's been a while. I've always said this is my favorite place in the world and once again I was not disappointed. Our flight was perfect. Art and Lynn's plane arrived 15 minutes afterward and we headed to the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. What a beautiful resort! All I could think about was selling my belongings and moving here. The grounds of this resort are simply beautiful… Peaceful... Relaxing. This placed was designed perfectly... for kids and adults alike... We had an ocean view and enjoyed the sunset every night.

It was wonderful to wake up every morning and have absolutely nothing planned. The toughest choice deciding... beach or pool... I wish that I had that decision to make every day of my life!

We went to a Luau on one of the nights and Shayna had a blast! Mark and Shayna actually got up on stage and learned how to perform the hula. It was very cute and they both were very good at it! Here's a cute picture that Shayna took of her Grammie and Grandad at the Luau.

One of our days, we spent in Waikiki. Shayna was really getting into the boogie boarding thing, so we needed some waves. We spent about 2 hours on the beach and another 2 hours eating lunch and shopping. It was a great day... lots of memories!

Here is what I'll remember... only because my feet have a crazy tan line from the sand. Hahaha!

...Stay tuned for Part II of our trip to Hawaii...

ALOHA!

2009-09-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Patricia Kuras

2009-09-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Project 2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2009, 2,996 volunteer bloggers
will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives,
and not by remembering their murderers.

Todays post is something a little bit different. Today we remember... We remember the victims of 9/11 . Today I am honoring Patricia Kuras. She was killed eight years ago while at work as a Facilities Manager at One World Trade Center. She and 294 of her colleagues at Marsh and McLennan, a professional services firm, were murdered by terrorists. Patricia was only 42 years old and from New York, New York. I read about Patricia online and found her to be a kind, gentle person. Someone you could easily be friends with. I read her eulogy, which was delivered by her brother, Thomas Kuras on October 12, 2001, with a heavy heart. How could this happen to such a beautiful person? We'll never know... but the one thing I'm sure of is that I will never forget what happened that morning of September 11, 2001

***WE MUST ALL NEVER FORGET!***

WEEK 20 + Pre-Kindergarten = Tired Mommy!

2009-09-09T14:34:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm half way there! I can't believe that it's been 5 months already! Mark and I are so very happy that we've been blessed twice, now. Yesterday, we had our "anatomy" ultrasound, which consisted of a technician jamming her wand into my stomach and bladder. I'm glad that I went to the bathroom prior! It seems that baby was sleeping, all curled up on my right side. She finally awoke him with an uppercut and he cooperated. She got her measurements and other things required for the doctor... then she found what we have pretty much known all along... a penis... YAY! Check out the picture to the left... the arrow is pointing to the region. Now I know why I haven't been in the mood to pick up the house or clean dishes!

Here's a cute profile picture... doesn't he look just like his daddy?

On another note... Shayna had her first day of Pre-Kindergarten today! Here she is with one of her good friends, Maura, this morning. There are 21 kids in the class and 12 are girls! We have never been in a class where there were more than 5 girls in a class.

This year, the school has changed all of the room numbers to fruit. So instead of being in Room 2, Shayna is in the "Banana Room." It's really cute and the kids love it. Shayna is also in the class with the oldest kids in school, so I'm happy about that. Her teachers are very competent and I know she will get a lot out of the competitive environment. Also, I'm really excited that she is in Mason and Camille's class! Their mom, Lisa, and I were in the same class together since the 8th grade! It's really special for me! Shayna also starts Spanish next Tuesday. She is really looking forward to that!

19 1/2 Weeks

2009-09-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 19 1/2 weeks along... I don't think I was this big with Shayna until the 8th month... We have our big ultrasound on Tuesday at 8:30am, so I'll post baby picts as soon as I get home.

We had a blast today at the Long Beach Greek Festival. There were a ton of rides for the kids and lots of yummy Greek food... including baklava - my favorite. I probably ate 2 pounds of it! Gotta love being pregnant! I needed 2 forks and a knife just to eat it all!

Shayna also won a goldfish... well, sort of. We let her throw some ping pong balls and paid the guy $5 for a goldfish, which she promptly named, "Lovey Dovey." She calls "her" Lovey and we had to stop off at the pet store on the way home to get some fish food. All in all, it was a fun night and I'm sure Lovey is happy to be living with our family - I just hope she doesn't die in the next couple of days, like our last go-around with goldfish!

Preggo Update...

2009-09-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 19 weeks, taking a snooze at the park, while Shayna played on the jungle gym! Do those weeds make me look fat?

Just Another Saturday...

2009-08-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Shayna and I spent the day up in the Valley with my mom, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, and my sister-in-law, Mindy. We hardly ever get to see my nieces, so I thought it would be fun to get the girls together, since they are in town visiting. Here's a cute picture of the girls with their new cousin, Levi.

It was in the high 90's today in Long Beach and over a 100 in the Valley. We've been blanketed by a thick plume of smoke throughout the Southland. When I was driving home tonight on the 405, I could see the flames of this fire all the way in Long Beach - that's over 40 miles away!

Check It Out!

2009-08-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Last month, I was contacted by a company to review some new and exciting products from Dove. I have to tell you...these new body washes are so luxurious that I can use them everyday! I have really sensitive skin so I was nervous about using the Gentle Exfoliating product on my face. It was wonderful! I didn't break out, like I usually do, and my face was so soft, that I was actually glowing! The products feel like lotion when applied but wash off so easily to reveal beautiful skin.

NEW Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture™:

• Repairs and maintains skin’s protective layer during cleansing

• Unlike moisturizers in other body washes, Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture™ penetrates surface skin deep down to replenish and nourish

• Clinically proven to significantly reduce dryness and improve moisturization

• Available in Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin and Gentle Exfoliating

You can visit www.dove.com for dramatic video proof, product information and to learn more in-depth explanation of the science behind Nutrium Moisture.

Here's a cool video about the products!

Ahhh....Baby!

2009-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Finally got to meet my new nephew, Levi Benjamin Oleesky! Ahhh.... he's so cute! Congrats, Josh and Mindy!

Finally....

2009-08-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

A new post! Wow! Has it been more than a month? So sorry, but so much has happened that I couldn't possibly fit it into just one post. So let me start with today... Today we spent most of the day at home because I overdid it yesterday. Mark and I are getting over the flu (most likely H1N1) and we decided to meet our good friends', the Lindsays, at the Pirate Festival down in Shoreline Village. It wasn't too much fun... and when Shayna pointed to the shirtless pirate with nipple rings and laughed out loud, we decided to go somewhere else.

Here's a cute picture of Shayna, Mason, and Camille!

We hopped on the Aquabus and took a short tour of Long Beach Harbor, which included the Queen Mary. They let us off at the Pike and we made our way over to Gladstone's for dinner.

It was a wonderful day and I'm glad we ventured outside for the first time in almost 3 weeks! My back is aching from the little walking I did yesterday. Hopefully, I will be back to normal soon! Speaking of back pain... I thought it was pretty funny that my Pregnancy Journal had this to say for today (click on picture to enlarge):

THE Bar Mitzvah!

2009-07-12T15:34:00.001-07:00

Last night we celebrated my little (who's not so little anymore) cousin, Brian's Bar Mitzvah. It was a wonderful event and we all had a blast! I am so very proud of Brian. His portion of the beautiful service was flawless! The party was indescribable!!! Mark and Jackie hosted THE EVENT of the century! Here are some pictures... I'm happy to report that there aren't any pictures and/or video of me dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller!!!

Here are Shirley and Shayna looking good!

Here are Shayna and Joey. So cute!

Shirley rockin' the night away!

Here we are looking good!

Happy Father's Day to the Man of my Dreams!

2009-06-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

I love you, Mark... for the man that you are, have been, and will always be. I thank G-d every day that we are together. You are such a wonderful father and I couldn't have ever imagined 10 years ago, where we are right now. I am so proud to be your wife....

Saturday Night Baseball

2009-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time I was thinking about all of us getting in a car and heading up to Chavez Ravine to check out some EXPENSIVE Dodgers baseball action. With ticket prices soaring and concession prices skyrocketing, we decided that we ought to try out a less expensive alternative. I got 4 tickets for Saturday night's Long Beach Armada game. We did not pay for parking and dinner was around $20... for all 4 of us. Pretty good deal, for sure! Tickets are $8 a piece, so if we had to leave the game early, it's no big deal. The game began at 7:05pm and we were outta there by 8:30... about 4 1/2 innings worth... it was fun and the girls enjoyed themselves! Plus, it's only about 5 miles from our house! Gotta love minor league baseball!

Last Day of School

2009-06-13T17:29:00.001-07:00

Shayna had her last day of school on Thursday. We organized a pizza and ice cream party for the parents and kids. I think that everyone had a great time and we will miss all of Shayna's classmates. Here's a picture of Shayna with her beloved, Miss. Carro. It was their last day together and I think they both shed some tears!

Here is a picture of Shayna's classmates.

This is a cute shot of Shayna eating her lunch. It was CRAZY dress-up day for the last day of school. Shayna wore her wetsuit with a pink tutu and her UGG boots. It was fun! This Fall we begin Pre-K... I am so not ready for that!

June Showers Bring July Flowers

2009-06-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun stuff going on here at the Bartee household. Right now it's raining outside, which is very rare for us this time of year in SoCal. Things are a bit hectic, but for the most part, everyone seems to be adjusting quite well. We've got kiddo #1 signed up for school in the fall, as well as camp, for the summer and kiddo #2 is handling the pressures of being a "soon-to-be middle child" just fine. Even though kiddo #3 has some time til "its" arrival, I can already feel the changes going on inside my body. First, I am a hormonal raging beast, lashing out at everyone. If anyone is reading this that I have been mean, too... sorry, it's not me... or... I just cry if I see or hear anything that's beautiful. At yesterday's Pre-K graduation at our school, I was a chocolate mess! Wow, it's gonna be a long 9 full months!

Oh My!!!

2009-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well... OK.... Let's see here... WE ARE PREGNANT! We weren't trying to get pregnant, but in any case... it's ALL GOOD and we are so very happy! It has been a whirlwind of a month and there's too much to post in one blog entry, so stay tuned. (Thanks, Jenna, for giving me a boost to update my blog!)

How Long Has It Been???

2009-04-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

OK... where do I start??? It has been so long since my last post, that I forgot my Blogger password! Nice!

Well, first I will start off by saying that my so-called 10-week Census job will end this week... boo-hoo! What was supposed to take 10 weeks, actually took about 3 weeks. We were just too efficient! So I will have some time next week to update the blog more often! Hoooray!

Mark's parents visited us during Easter week. It was a great time for all of us! I worked the maximum amount of hours and Shayna got to play with her Grammie and Granddad! Because Mark and I were gone for the majority of the week, I only got one picture!!! From what I hear, the trio went to see a movie, played at the park, and went for walks! The weather was great so they had a great time! Also, Lynn cooked us dinner every night, did our laundry, and gave Shayna a beautiful hairdo every day! What more could we have asked for??? Art and Lynn even bought us an amazing grill for our wedding anniversary! We owe them many thanks and they both are certainly welcome to come here for next year's Easter Break, as well! Thanks again!!! I must add that I do have the BEST in-laws in the world!

Busy... Busy... Busy...

2009-04-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

The past week has been a bit hectic for me. I started my new job with the Census Bureau and it has taken me a little while to adjust. I am walking for 4 to 5 hours straight, which in all likelihood, no one is used to. I am having a blast, though. My coworkers are great and the people that I speak to are so friendly. It seems that just about everyone I speak with is interested in the Census... and why not? As per Wikipedia, "The United States Census is a decennial census mandated by the United States Constitution.^[1] The population is enumerated every 10 years and the results are used to allocate Congressional seats (congressional apportionment), electoral votes, and government program funding.^[2] Some states or local jurisdictions also conduct local censuses."

This morning, Shayna ran in her very first race. A 1K event held in Seal Beach. I ran the 5K event and placed 845 out of over 1900 participants! I also broke my PR by almost a minute! Yay! Needless to say, Shayna was so very excited to receive a "Champions" ribbon at the end of her race!

Air Force One

2009-03-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Air Force One is visiting southern California and I couldn't stand it if I didn't go and see it! There's tons of security so we didn't stay too long... plus Shayna is still not 100% after having the stomach flu all day yesterday. The plane is parked over by the old Boeing buildings at the Long Beach Airport. I was really surprised to find so many people interested, let alone, there taking pictures of the enormous plane!

This is probably a once in a lifetime experience, so I just about forced Shayna to stand there and look happy for the picture. She'll be happy that I took this shot... in oh about 20 years!

Orange Marmalade

2009-03-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my good friend & neighbor, Jenny and her daughter, Larissa, came over to make some orange marmalade. Mark and I pruned our orange tree last weekend and filled almost 4 buckets full of oranges. What to do with them was the question... well, we've juiced them, cut them up into a fruit salad, given bags of them away to the teachers at school... and finally, made some marmalade (although we ONLY used 7 or 8 oranges).

Here's the beginning stages of the marmalade.

Here, we are getting ready to put it into jars.

Here's how the girls entertained themselves! Worked for us!

The finished product! I don't know if I can wait 2 weeks for it to set!

Ditch Day!

2009-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I decided to join my friends, Lisa and Jayci, along with their kiddos, at the South Coast Botanical Garden in Palos Verdes. We got there a little early, so we explored the Children's Garden. here's Shayna on the bridge... She looks so much older than 4...

Here she is with her buddies, Luke and Mason, studying every sluggish move that turtle made. I don't even think it moved at all...

After the gardens, we headed over to the San Pedro Marine Mammal Care Center to visit the sea lions and elephant seals. Shayna and Camille befriended a huge sea lion by pretending to be sea lions themselves. Who knows what they were "barking" to the sea lion.

We ended our awesome day at Ports O' Call Village with some fish n' chips and of course... ice cream! It was a great day of fun with our friends and also a wonderful "educational" ditch day (shhhh, don't tell Shayna)!