it was all yellow

a whole lotta random

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:58:00 +0000

Meet Ellie

Nope!

She is not ours (thank goodness) she belongs to the cute college girls next door.

The kids struck up their first dog sitting deal.

It was a 30 minute job.

There were lots of kisses involved.

if I am honest...the whole dog-kissing-face thing grosses me out

but the look on Avery's face is priceless.

They were so excited to play with this sweet little bundle.

These pictures remind how we got suckered into getting Snowy.

He was small... and cute...and fluffy...and so snugly....

just like little Ellie here.

and the kids

well...

they were just as irresistible when they met him.

If only I knew before hand just how much work puppies are.

Oh Well!

Ellie went home with her little puppy love tank FULL!

You know, there is a reason we call Whole Foods, Whole Paycheck.

Because, not only do they carry great wholesome foods...they also have shoes!

I just could not resist the great fall colors of these Toms.

Love them!

I was craving Mimi's Cafe Thai Chicken Wraps tonight.

Bummed to find out that Mimi's doesn't make them anymore.

So I did my best to re-create.

Items needed:

-chicken

-cilantro

-broccoli slaw

-pita chips (or something kind of salty and crunchy)

-rice ( not pictured. Mimi's uses jasmine rice...we had brown rice, so that's what i used)

-tortillas ( Mimi's has theirs on a sun dried tomato tortilla...i just used what i had)

-Trader Joe's Asian Style Spicy Peanut dressing

Pile all ingredients onto tortilla and drench with dressing.

Eat.

Enjoy.

Craving satisfied!

I could drink this from the bottle. It's that good!

Joseph picked up these almond yogurts today at Sprouts.

We have yet to try them.

Have you?

I am hoping they are yummy.

Now these bad boys... I LOVE!!

They are one of the best protein type bars I have ever had.

taste just like peanut butter cookie dough

Chalk full of ingredients you wouldn't even believe.

like papaya, tomato, red bell pepper, kelp and spinach to name a few.

They are kind of tricky to find though.

I usually get them at Sprouts.

I have found them in various spots depending on the store.

They are typically in the refrigerated section with the yogurt, sometimes I find them with the kombucha.

Perfect breakfast for when we are on the go.

That's all for now.

hugs

this boy and his toys....

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:22:00 +0000

Snippets of some recent conversations with Ethan......

Me: " Hey buddy, what are you most excited to teach your baby brother?"

Ethan: without hesitation..."To balance. If he can't balance he won't be able to skateboard or ride a bike or surf..."

duh... of course!

for a second i thought maybe this fourth little guy would be mellow....hahahaha.

not so much.

if baby e's personality in utero is any indication of how he will be out of the womb, this little guy will definitely take after his brother.

it's Gods perfect fit for our family. i could not imagine ethan having a mellow brother...he needs someone to be extreme with!

Ethan: "Hey Mom, can I use my screen time to do some research?"

Me: "Um sure! What are you researching?"

Ethan: "Well I am going to compare prices of dirt bikes and make notes here in my notebook to make sure I am finding the best price and the best dirt bike."

the apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree...

Ethan is, and always has been most happy outside.

i think the kid would rather go a day without food than a day without being able to play outside.

he seeks extreme physical challenges. every. single. day.

always has.

he often defies gravity.

he is

brave and adventurous

tender and loving

logical and willful

he grows and stretches me in ways only God knew he could!

24 weeks and a trip to the beach

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far along: 24 weeks as of today...25 on Tuesday! That amounts to 107 days left to bake this little guy! Holy Cow!! I have a feeling the time is going to fly by!

How big is baby: I still don't know...really why is this even a question? Is there a website that tells you how big the baby is?

Total weight gained: 14lbs. Take that Dr L.!!

Maternity Clothes: YES! And I am sooo much more comfy. If only the weather would cooperate with the pants and long sleeves I have stalked up on.

Movement: He's a mover alright! Non-stop action! It's constant jerks,kicks and punches. So different from how the girls would just roll and stretch so gracefully but similar to how Ethan would move.

Sleep: Much better the past few weeks. I got some new pillows which seemed to have helped.

What I miss: My brain! Seriously! I am loosing everything . Keys, shoes, kids, you name it, I've lost it! I can't think straight or speak in cohesive sentences...sure hope this isn't permanent. Then again who am I kidding....4 kids!! It might just be!

Cravings: nothing much! It's been so hot that food hasn't really sounded good. However, last night Ethan woke up in the middle of the night starving so we shared a bowl of peanut butter panda puffs with vanilla almond milk topped with a little midnight moo (chocolate syrup). It was pretty darn good!

Best Moment This Week: Watching the all the kids reactions to feeling the baby move! Wish I had pictures, their facial expressions were priceless!

Moving on......................................................................................................................................

Check out these cute beach babes! As much work as it is to get to the beach...it is ALWAYS worth it! It was freezing, but they didn't mind a bit. They just laughed and played in the water!

Ethan caught his first wave standing up! I missed it! Such a bummer! He was way too cold to go back in and do it again. I guess that just means another trip to the beach is in store....soon!

Avery caught her first wave on the boogie board! She was sooo excited!

Sweet girls all snuggled up!

After we froze our tooshies off..we headed to Starbucks for a much deserved hot coco!

Happy Monday!!

22 weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 22 weeks

How big is baby: Really? It's my fourth..I have no clue. According to the doctor he is measuring just right!

Total Weight Gained: 13 lbs... and I want to cry! Baby weight or not...I hate seeing the numbers on the scale get larger and larger.

Maternity Clothes: No, not really. I use a bella band for my pants and shorts does that count? I think within the next few weeks I will totally be needing them though. My sweet sister-in law was nice enough to hand down hers.. Yippee!

Gender: BOY! We are super excited!

Movement: This little guy never stops. I am pretty sure that he will be playing soccer with his brother as soon as he is out of the womb.

Sleep: What's that? Ohh the stuff you are supposto be catching up on before the baby comes. Yea...there isn't much of that going on around here. I think I am up at least every 2 hours. No bueno.

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and back. Who am I kidding... I miss sleep all together. Ohh and beer! Beer? I don't even drink. For some reason the just smell of an ice cold Corona with freshly squeezed lime makes my mouth water!

Cravings: This week....cheese and decaf pumpkin spice latte's. Wish it was something like kale salad.

Symptoms: My back is killing me. I have tried multiple pillows and sleeping locations...no luck! Does anyone have a pillow brand they love? I like my pillows somewhat firm.

Best moment this week: Hummmm... I guess it would be still fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans even after my doctor scolded me for gaining 9 pounds this month. Ha! I am, however praying I don't deliver a 16 lb. kiddo or that my weight gain does not continue at the rate it's at now.

That's all I've got for now.... I am hoping to get back on the blogging band-wagon on a somewhat regular basis.

Love ya all! {hugs}

Boy or Girl?? What'll it be??

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Avery's first day of Soccer

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:12:00 +0000

Avery has been eagerly anticipating her first soccer practice all week!

On Tuesday, she laid out her outfit and filled her water-bottle, and put it in the fridge, so she was all ready to go for today.

My babies are quickly growing up into big kids.

She was a little timid at first, but after a while, she seemed to enjoy herself.

She looked so grown up with her "soccer hair"

This is the beginning of 2 soccer practices and 2 games a week.

It's a bit crazy.

Ryen can hardly wait for her turn to play soccer, but for now,

I am enjoying the time she and I have on the side-lines.

a few of my favorite things

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 06:28:00 +0000

Coconut oil is one of my all time favorite "fix- it" products!

I use it for everything!

I cook with it, use it to cure eczema and rashes, slather it on bumps, cuts and scrapes, it's a great moisturizer for both my face and body and, on occasion I will use it in my hair as a conditioner.

My kids love it, which is great because they absolutely hate lotion or any kind of ointment.

Avery calls it licking lotion.

I'd be lying if I said I haven't ever caught her actually licking it off her skin.

Next up, Finley hair powder.

Let's just be real here. I don't wash my hair everyday or even every-other day...gasp!

Just in case you were wondering I do wash my body everyday. TMI??

At least my body is fresh and clean.

Back to the Finley hair stuff.

Ok so, all I do is apply a little of this amazing powder on to the roots my dirty little head and poof... just like that I've got fresh smelling bouncy, voluminous hair

**side-note**

Ever use Outrageous shampoo? I used to love it! I am sure it is full of harmful chemicals that cause cancer and whatnot...but it smelled ohh soo good! Well, the Finley powder smells exactly like it! I love it!

Kombucha! Nope, I didn't sneeze! ( hehe)

I actually drink this stuff! Like a lot!

"Some call it a tea, some call it an elixir, but no matter what you call it, Kombucha is a miracle, and it's been used around the world for centuries to help promote health and wellness."

Check out the amazing health qualities here.

Lastly, I love Tarte mascara!

It doesn't flake... awesome reason #1

It gives you amazing long and lovely lashes... awesome reason #2

Unlike other mascaras that are made with charcoal, this one is made with bee's wax.... awesome reason #3

Ok girls! What are your favourite products! I would love to know!

I am in market for a new razor...anyone have one they love??

not even kidding...

{Alli...hope this keeps you entertained for the next week...lol! love ya, girl!}

Fencing and splashing...

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:11:00 +0000

Is it just me, or do you ever feel like you want to blog...you just don't have the words?

I think I have used up my word allotment for the day.

Ethan's new sport this semester is fencing!

He loves it!

I mean really, what boy doesn't want to attack anything or anyone with some sort of stick/sword/gun type thing?

His coach is great!

He is an ex Marine who means business, but is also very fun.

Like that bandanna?

The kids have to wear them under their gear, it also makes them look pretty tough.

When they aren't practicing with the foils, they use foam pool noodles..supposedly the Olympic Fencers practice with pool noodles too. Who knew?

With the weather being so warm we headed to the pool. Well, the girls and I did.

Ethan, for some reason didn't want to get wet.

Weirdo!

He played at the park instead.

These girls love to swim... like mermaids.

I get asked ALL the time if the girls are twins. I don't think they look alike at all.

Then again, I'm their Mommy.

Thats all I got!

Let's catch up...shall we?

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:38:00 +0000

It's been forever...I know! Life has been crazy-busy here, as I am sure all of yours has been too. Some of you have asked ever so politely and others of you have begged and pleaded that update this here little blog, so, because I am a pleaser.... here I am...blogging! Yee ha!

Where to start??

I've been busy working as a photographer! eeeeek! It has been so exciting and fulfilling. There is something so amazing about capturing real life moments. I absolutely love it!

Check out at this sweet guy all ready for his first birthday!

and this beautiful belly!

I have been so blessed by this new opportunity.

I am so grateful to my in-laws for gifting us that first camera, without which I would not be where I am at today!

Thank you so much Art and Susie! I truly appreciate your generosity!

Moving on...

We are still homeschooling. I love it! I'm not gonna lie though, there are days that I think I might seriously lose my mind. Yesterday, after a rather tough morning, I asked Ethan to give me 8 great reasons why he likes to be home-schooled. All of them totally valid in his 7 year old mind. His number 3 reason was because he loves me, and number 5 was because his sisters want him home. Sweet boy, melted my heart. It was just what I needed to re- focus my day.

On Monday, Joseph had the day off. Since it was raining, we had the perfect excuse to try out Sky High. This place was soo much fun for all of us. Those dark blue things the girls are jumping on are giant trampolines! This building was full of 'em. There was even a pit you could jump into and trampoline dodge ball which was the boys favorite.

If I could figure out how in the world to use picasa to make those cute collages you all make .. I would have! But I couldn't...nor did I have the patience to find a tutorial and do it. So, you are stuck with a bunch of full size pictures. :/

Crazy!

Ummmm don't you just love the jumping hair?

Lets see...how about some more randomness...

My girls LOVE these Anne Geddes babies. We have had to replace Avery's ladybug baby several times. This sweet bunny is new to the collection. These cute little babies are great gifts. The come in a little egg and are super soft and lovable.

Since I have been busy with photography, so have the girls (and Ethan too). I used to let them take pictures with my Rebel, but not with my new camera. So they fight over my little point and shoot. This seems to be a every day battle.

It was like 40 something degrees, we didn't have the heater running and Avery comes running out in her bathing suit. Apparently she was hot.
I love she still kept her undies on... My mom has pictures of me in my ballet leotards with my undies hanging out just like this.

Avery's turn with the camera. And who better to photograph than her babies Ladybug, Fairy, and new to the collection Pink Tiger. OooooAhhhhh!

I know this last pic is all blurry, but its ohh so funny. Avery snuck off into our bedroom. I found her on my bed giggling and taking pictures of herself. This one was the only candid shot I got before she realized I was taking pictures of her taking pictures! Silly girl.

I suppose that is enough randomness for now... I am hoping to blog a bit more...we will see!

Thanks for all your sweet comments asking where I've been, and if I am ever gonna blog again! Hopefully, I can keep it up!

Love you all! {hugs}

my little scientist

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 08:22:00 +0000

Avery is my little scientist.

She loves making mud pies, collecting rocks, sticks and snail shells.

These collections are her treasures.

We have been to this park 3 times this week.

Each time she stops at this particular cactus. She inspects it. Checks to see just how prickly those thorns are. She understands the danger of the cactus, yet cannot resist it.

I love to watch her in her element. She is so happy, content and curious.

i heart faces~silhouette

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:15:00 +0000

life...Ethan Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:57:00 +0000

We have been non-stop lately. I figured I would give a little peak into our day to day.

This is the Ethan Edition.

In no particular order.... here we go!

We spend our Fridays at the HomeSchool Campus of OC. If you are a homeschooler, and live in the Orange County area... you gotta check this place out!

one word.... PHENOMENAL!

Lego engineering class

Science Class!

Yes, that is a brain... a real sheep brain....baaaaa!

I almost tossed my cookies while taking this picture. Ethan on the other hand, thought it was the coolest thing, ever.

Soccer!

This season has been so exciting to watch.

It's hard to believe that just a few years ago he refused to play at all.

Writing silly sentences!

(I am running fast because eight little mother's are chasing me....aaaaahhh!)

Piano Lessons

Ethan's piano teacher is also a full blown magician. After lessons he puts on a mini magic show... the kids love it!

Chess is a newly acquired skill.

Ethan got beat by a 5 year old at school the other day and has been perfecting his skills ever since.

Here he is teaching Great Grandpa how to play.

Shooting hoops with the big kids!

One of the biggest blessings of homeschooling is the opportunity to interact with kids both older and younger than Ethan. It is so awesome to have the older kids mentor him and to see him do the same for others.

Gymnastics!

He's a monkey...need i say more?

Rock Star in the making!

Service projects!

A tangible way to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Next up.... life, Avery Edition!

This Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:04:00 +0000

‎

‎"These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will sure come to pass. Just be patient!

They will not be overdue a single day!"

Habakkuk 2:3

skinny jeans and pumpkin bread

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:40:00 +0000

How is it that some skinny jeans and a pair of boots make the girls look 3 years older than they did just minutes before in their jammies?

Spicy and her sister Sassy!

Upon the girls request, we had a mini photo-shoot while we waited for their brother, who was at writing class.

After writing class, we ate a quick lunch and headed to my Grandma's house to make pumpkin bread.

It was the perfect day for baking, overcast and cool!

Now, I have to start by saying that my Grandma is absolutely amazing!

Like philanthropy- award-winning amazing. When we got there she had everything ready. Ingredients out, measuring spoons ready, and recipe tripled so that everyone would get the same amount of pouring, cracking, stirring, and measuring.

I would have never looked at a recipe and thought "oh, maybe I should triple this so that it's fair"

I'll keep that in mind for when I am a Grandma or when I've got a bit more time on my hands...which will probably be about the time I actually am a Grandma. Ha!

Moving on...

Little Miss Spicy measuring the flour.

These pictures are pretty self-explanatory, so I am gonna brag a bit more about my lovely Grandma.

Grandma is my Dad's mom. My Mom's Mom passed away a few years ago. Now, Grandma Mary (the one pictured) and Grandma Sharon ( my Mom's Mom) were great friends.

Like, friends in high school kind of friends.
The kind that raise their kids together
grow wise together
and
the kind that share the same Grandkids.
(my Mom and Dad grew up together...there are pictures of them as toddlers playing in the sand together...how cool is that!)

So naturally, they shared recipes. The recipe we used just happened to be my Grandma Sharon's pumpkin bread recipe. It's amazing. Super moist and yummy!

Sassy, was not a fan of the pumpkin smell ( i don't blame her). That girl has a nose more sensitive than a pregnant woman. Its funny. So she covered her nose with her shirt or waved her hand in front of her nose almost gagging for a few minutes... drama.

Ok, back to the Grandma story.

Sooo, before we actually got started mixing, my Grandma had this picture out of all the my kids Grandmas ( this grandma talk is getting confusing, huh?)

That is Grandma Sharon to the far left, next is Grandma Mary, my Mom, me (9 months pregnant with Ethan), Josephs Mom, and Joseph's Grandma's.

It was fun for the kids to see all the Grandmas and soo awesome of my Grandma Mary to find the picture and have it ready so the kids had a point of reference as to which Grandma's recipe we were using.
See, she is that amazing!

While the bread was baking the kids colored pumpkin pictures

and spooky ghosts

while Grandma got out stickers, ribbons, leaves and other other fall decoration doo-dads so the kids could decorate bags for the pumpkin bread to be packaged in.

We packaged them up...

and delivered them to Grandpa, and my Aunt and Uncle who work down the street!

We had such a fun day! I love the way my Grandma loves my kids and me. I always leave her house with my love tank at full and spilling over some.

If you are interested, here is Grandma Sharon's Pumpkin Bread recipe... tripled.

350 oven

4 3/4 cups flour

4 1/2 cups Sugar

1 T Baking Soda

1 1/2 t Cinnamon

11/2 t Nutmeg

3/4 t salt

Combine the above, make a hole with a spoon in dry ingredients, add the following and mix well.

3 Cups Pumpkin

6 Eggs

1 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil

1 Cup Water

1 1/2 Cups Nuts

1 1/2 t Vanilla

Bake in greased loaf pans for 1 hour or until pick comes out clean.

Happy Birthday Buddy

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:21:00 +0000

Holy Cow! I have a 7year old! How did that happen??

Ethan you are such an amazing little guy.

We spent the day doing all Ethan's favorite things.

French Toast for breakfast

Skateboarding with his new skateboard

Surfing with buddies

and

Dessert with Family

As I was tucking my newly 7 year old into bed he said

"Today was the best birthday EVER.. thanks Mom"

ahhh melt my heart!

Fathers Day Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:01:00 +0000

We spent Father's Day at Joseph's parents house splashing around with all of the cousins.

Ok, so I seriously have the silliest husband EVER. He brought his flippers and goggles out to splash in the kiddie pool. I think I almost peed my pants laughing so hard..pretty positive the kids did.

Uncle A couldn't resist any of the fun.

He was showing the kids how to make waves and big splashes.

With all the splish-splashing going on, I kind of felt like I was in the soak zone at Sea World.

These 2 had so much fun together. They were wet and wild!

Miss Priss daintily running through the slip and slide.

And little Miss Spicy would not let me take her picture all day... so all I got was this!

A fun and relaxing time was had by all!

Summer Fun Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:19:00 +0000

We spent some time here today.

picking lots and lots of these

With MY Grandma, the kids GREAT Grandma.

He found the perfect blueberry.

She found the most blueberries.

This little firecracker, well, she just made sure her blueberries were nice and safe.

They all enjoyed themselves.

Only a boy would turn this very berry mustache into a berry flinger that worked something like this.

I love the things he comes up with.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

just for laughs

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000

under construction

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 05 May 2010 03:45:00 +0000

while i loved the yellow polka dots and cutesy red flowers... i am soooo ready for a change.

please excuse the mess

cause this blog is under construction

lots of fun pictures comming soon!

we have had super -busy- adventure- filled -few weeks

HUGS

toothless wonder

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:53:00 +0000

How is it that just one little tooth can make such a difference?

Yesterday, Ethan lost his first tooth...well, kinda. He actually had to get it pulled. His adult tooth had already started to come in and that little baby tooth still had quite a bit of wiggling to do yet.

We decided to have it pulled because it was bothering him so much.

Here is his before shot. All ready to go. He LOVES the dentist! Thank Goodness.

And here is the after.

He was really funny about the whole thing. He has been waiting for his teeth to fall out since kindergarten. Once he got it out he kept asking me,

"So what do you think? Did you want me to have it out? Do I look older?"

To which I asked : "What do you think? Do you miss your tooth?"

He replies, head held high, silly grin ( kinda like the one in the picture above)

"I feel older and bigger"

and then there was the whole bit about the Tooth Fairy...

Ethan is saving all his teeth to put under his pillow at one time (which by the way totally grosses me out).

He figures more teeth = more money.

I tried explaining that he could save the money and it would all add up to the same amount.

He wasn't having it.

He's hoping the tooth fairy leaves enough money to buy a giant Star Wars Lego set.

huh? are you kidding?

Whats the going rate for Tooth Fairy's these days? geepers!

Happy Birthday Babe!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:46:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to the MOST wonderful

Husband, Daddy and Friend!

We started the day with Cinna-bon Cinnamon Rolls. Joseph's Favorite!

I am so blessed to have such an amazing Daddy for my kiddos. HE is soo fun! Always thinking of fun games and ways to make the most mundane things exciting.

A loving and supportive husband. Willing to explore whatever endeavor I might come up with. From homeschooling, moving to different places ( i dream up new moving situations ALL the time) or buying chickens so we can have fresh eggs (we dont have a chicken...but I would love to)

He is my BEST friend. He is both silly and serious.

A tender and supportive Daddy.

and a hard worker.

So blessed to have this man in my life!

Happy Birthday Babe! We love you!

all at once

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Yep...

This is what all 3 of my kiddos were doing all at the same time.

We had some painting going on in the backyard. While it looks fairly contained and not too messy here,within five minutes of taking this picture, she had taken off her clothes and painted herself. Her whole self. Hands, tummy, feet...she pretty much looked like a smurf once she was finished.

We were baking in the kitchen. Avery got out all the ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies. She gave me that pathetic "I'm the middle child, I need some extra special time with Mommy" look so I agreed to baking with her. I allowed her to do all of the measuring and pouring herself, which turned into a total disaster. While I was checking on either the naked painted kid or the lumberjack (see below) she had made it snow in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Ethan had gotten out his Daddy's saw, some gloves, an apron, clamps, a hammer and nails, and some wood. In the midst of the flour-snow-storm disaster and, the naked painted child running around the house, Ethan came in and told me he needed some alone time outside. "OK great!" I say. Thinking he'd just go outside check out who was playing and come back in. WRONG! After about 10 minutes I went out to check on him and he was doing this...

Mmmmmhummmm saw and all! I had to give it to him for wearing gloves and goggles. Safety first.

He worked on sawing that wood for a good 45 minutes.

Just enough time to finish up the cookies and throw the painted child into the bath.

I love it!

I love the chaos

I actually thrive in it. ... well most of the time.

It makes for funny stories..right?

Im back...an update!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:27:00 +0000

I’m back. Anyone still there?

“Anonymous” here’s to you! Your comments have given me the giggles and encouraged me to “blog on” if you will.

Just to be honest, I have this love/hate relationship with blogging.

I love to read others blogs.

I love to be inspired by all the creativity out there in blog-land and, to be quite honest… I love your comments. They fill up my love tank.

However, I’m not a big fan of feeling obligated to write. It stirs up writers block. I find myself typing and deleting and ultimately getting nowhere! Silly, I know.

Sooo here’s a little recap of what we’ve been up to.

We went to The Skirball Museum and saw Noah’s Ark.

It was awesome! All of the animals are made from recycled products, or everyday items such as mop heads or rearview mirrors to name a few. It was kind of like a real life "I Spy" book. There were all kinds of things for the kids to do from manipulating the animals to move by pulley, or conducting a storm. There was even a rainbow.

For whatever reason, my kiddo’s favorite part of the trip was scooping the pretend poop and launching it down a shoot from the second story of the ark. Lovely, huh.

We celebrated Ryen’s 3rd Birthday! She insisted on a Strawberry Shortcake theme. We had strawberry spinich salad, strawberry salsa with cinnamon sugar chips ( super yummy- you can find the recipe here) and of course Strawberry Shortcake. The kids ran around the neighborhood and through-out the house. It was the kind of chaos I thrive in. Love it! She enjoyed being the birthday girl...helmet and all!

Thanks to Ali, who took these awesome pictures. Without her we would have had nothing. Poor Ryen has no pictures of her actual birth or her 2nd birthday because the computer somehow "lost" them. Such a bummer

The kids finally met, and totally fell in love with their sweet cousin, Grace. They ooooed and ahhed and talked baby talk to her all day. She is sooo beautiful. Being an Auntie is so much fun! We can't wait till she gets a little more mobile and we can really play with her.

Inspired by Shaun White, Ethan has been practicing all kinds of new skateboarding tricks, including skateboarding upside down.

He has absolutely NO fear and often askes,

"Mom why do people always think I'm going to break my body ?"

Funny story, we were watching Shaun White during the olymics and Ethan says in all seriousness "MOM, we've gotta pack up NOW and get to the snow. I've got to get there before Shaun White beats me to the gold metal!" Sweet thing... since he was 2 he has been into everything extreme sports. With the determination and dedication he has to skateboarding one day he might just be the next Gold Metalist.

We had super special out of town guests.

There is an awesome story about how our super special guests and I came to be friends…I’ll be sure to fill you in on that soon! We were non-stop! It was an adventure to say the least! Here are a few pictures of our week.

Its GOOD to be back!

sending you some love...

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:26:00 +0000

i just love an adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Wednesdays always seem to be our 'adventure' day.

We usually go to the beach or a nature hike with some friends.

Last week the kids explored IKEA's play-land while it poured rain, and this week we went
roller skating!

It was SO much fun.

I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant.

I had visions of broken legs or wrists.

But all three kiddos did wonderfully.

No broken parts.

No falls.

We were all smiles.

Side note...taking pictures and roller skating with a 2 and 4 year old while dodging 75 the other crazy kids all at the same time = crazy fun/kinda blury pictures...lol