Mom Moment Monday

We're totally snowed in. In fact, I woke up on Sunday and didn't even know we were supposed to get snow. Then, it kept snowing. all. day. long. I had great plans for the day. A huge to do list actually. All in preparation for E's party in just two weeks. I can hardly believe it. I'm about to have a 4 year old. I'm not sure I'll deal with it very well.

Our weekend was less than earth shattering but we did do some babysitter swapping yesterday. A few weeks back we got a day date while some good friends watched E. Last night, we returned the favor and kept their kiddos. E was so, so excited to have friends over for pizza making and projector movie watching.

Jason and E ventured out to play in the snow last night with the doggies. I don't have proper snow gear, so I stayed inside and took pictures through the window. I also refuse to buy snow gear so I can avoid future snow adventures.

I don't have a particularly funny or earth shattering Mom Moment Monday, but I do have a Mommy Confession for you...

 

Right now, E's favorite show on TV besides Doc McStuffens is Bones. Yes, Bones. On Fox. The show with people getting murdered and blood and guts. This stuff never really bothered me as a kid, and apparently they don't bother E either. In fact, she loves it! She loves to see the bones. She loves when they get cleaned. She loves to see them use them to catch the bad guy. I do think she gets the premise of the show, but since she doesn't 100% get what being dead means (besides that you go to heaven with my family dog, Snickers), she mostly just know that a bad guy (or gal) hurt someone and he (or she) gets caught. Which, is a good enough lesson for me.

 

Maybe I should have never exposed her to the show to begin with. But, getting any quality adult TV time in is rare these days and we watched a lot of shows that until recently, she never really understood. Now, she's a bit older and we have to turn some scenes or shows off due to content. But, we missed the boat on Bones. She's hooked and asks to watch it several nights a week.

 

So, while you judge me for exposing my kid to death, murder, blood, guts and bones, just keep in mind that she might grow up to solve murders because of this early education.... or you could just skip down to the cute pics....

You know you're from Southern CA When....

We've now been in Colorado nearly 18 months. Leaving sunny Southern California was nothing short of my worst nightmare. Seriously, people. I'd barely lived outside of Long Beach, leaving my home, friends, job, and comfort zone was something I honestly never thought we'd do. But, here we are, nearly 18 months later - home owners, navigating life in a snowy state.

In celebration of this ridicules milestone (that I've totally made up), I present to you 15 ways you know you're from Southern California. All of which may very well be based in personal experience. You're welcome.

via

 

 

 

1. You grew up wearing tank tops (or at least short sleeves) on Christmas.

2. When traveling east during fall/winter you have to buy a pair of closed toed shoes for the trip.

3. You generally wear flip flops 354 days a year.

4. You're used to enjoying farmer's market product year around.

5. Your husband buys 10 jackets in the first 18 months of living in a new climate.

6. You dream of In & Out and compare all lack luster local burger joints to it.

7. When the news says there is snow in CO, your family calls to ask if you're snowed in.

8. You boss says you talk like your from Southern California, like it's a bad thing.

9. You've had college classes canceled due to "rain."

10. You don't like swimming in the ocean, but love to live by the beach.

11. You question all seafood since you're living in a land locked state.

12. You only own fashion boots that you "water proof," because snow boots are ugly.

13. You buy your 3 year old a snow suit in anticipation on winter (she's never worn in).

14. You are wearing of polite and friendly people at snows and in the neighborhood.

15.  Your kid, at some point, become accustomed to bi-weekly Disneyland trips.

Mom Moment Monday

Another Monday is here, and that means another "edition" of Mom Moment Monday. I'm so thankful that I have this really funny, kind, and sassy kiddo to provide endless content for Monday Blog Posts....

When picking E up from school I often try to get an update from her teachers on how her day went, but it's always nice when I get a general update on how she is doing. Last week, one of her teachers came up to share with me how much she adores E. She shared that she is a great classroom helper, especially with all the new little kids that have just moved up. She told me that E has already sight memorized all of their names and the first letter, as well as the sound that letter makes. I've shared before that I'm not keeping tabs on the "developmental milestone" list of all the things she is supposed to be doing. But that doesn't mean I don't get excited when I hear that she is doing well.... She also shared that E is the tallest in her class. Surprise surprise.

Tasty scene from cookie baking last week!

Conversation with E.
E: Mommy, when I grow I want to have a different name.
Me: Really, don't you like the name Emery?
E: Yeah, but when I'm 5 I want a different name.
Me: Oh yeah, what do you want your name to be?
E: Saber
Me: As in Saber Tooth Tiger
E: Yeah, it's a beautiful name. When I'm 4, I'll be Emery and when I'm 5, I'll be Saber.
Me: Oh.... ok.

You seriously can't make this shit up. This kid is crazy....

I'm lovin' it.

I'm going to save you the sappy post for today and not show the picture of the beautiful roses Jason sent me at work, or the delicious chocolate covered strawberries that came with. I won't even gush about the sweet card I woke up to this morning or amazing dinner I'm having tonight (hint: it involves steak and shrimp, and likely cocktails).

But, I will show you a picture of my valentines. I've shared before how valentine's day for us about family. So, we shower E with gifts and love and enjoy the evening as a family.

How cute are these two?!

Two sets of fabulous besties!

And while I promise to share some really cute pictures of E in her heart jammies opening her valentines days presents (look for those tomorrow), I have to give a bloggy shout out to my bestie, Bri who is celebrating her birthday today!

We've been friends for like 15 years, never lived in the same state, have BSB to thank for our friendship and were making being besties without having actually met in real life cool before it was cool. (I'm not sure that it's really cool now, but lots of bloggers have amazing friends "online" they hope to meet one day. Yeah, we were doing that in the late 90s). And, now we've got two amazing, smart and beautiful little girls that are a whole new generation of bestie love and two husbands that have this bromance that they would prefer we don't speak about. =)

I love you bestie and look forward to someday actually celebrating birthdays together, our "sister wives" house, and a lifetime of vacations and memories together! I'm so lucky to have your friendship to give me motivation to be a better and more present mommy and wife while juggling all that life throws at us. June seriously CAN NOT come soon enough so we can be reunited in FL on the beach! woop woop!

I'm working on it.

One of my goals for a long time has been to be a more patient and present Mom. It certainly doesn't come naturally to me. My mom is amazing and I ADORE HER,but she was not the mom to help me dress a baby doll or color. She was my girl scout troop leader, she set the example for me about the importance of community service and I never, ever doubted that she loved me. We had "special dinner" traditions of chips and dip and occasionally played hookie to go to Disneyland. It's just different than some people who played dress up and board games with their mom.

E is almost four, but I am still figuring out motherhood and what type of Mom I want to be. Naturally, I'm more like my mom. I'll take E to the zoo or dance class and cuddle her until our hearts are filled. But, please don't ask me to pretend to be a Mommy Dog, or color another picture of a Disney Princess.

My goal is to get to a place where I am some type of hybrid. I want to try to do more "in the trenches" activities with E that pinterest tells me I should be doing, but I also need some sanity. The hubs is traveling for work until tomorrow, so in an effort to turn off the TV and phone and be present with E, tonight, we made cookies. Now listen, I'm a 21st century working mom, so I bought the break and bake cookies. But, added some decorating fun. Daddy is so lucky to come home to these tomorrow!

She is so ready to start decorating!

Shaking on the heart sprinkles. Those were a hit!

Dip it in the icing. NBD. Lick it off. Totally sanitary in this house...

Kid tested. Mother approved.

E had so much fun she asked to do it again tomorrow. We'll see... but it was a good lesson in turning off life and being present. While the cookies cooked, we danced in the kitchen! Now, story time and cuddles!

Mom Moment Monday

Yes, I realize it is still just barely Monday but it's been a true Monday and I'm just sitting down long enough for the evening to put a few thoughts together.... It was another very busy weekend, but I am happy to report that we are slowing down life for the next few weeks. I, for one, and thrilled, since I am the one that does most of the shuttling of our little social butterfly.

Last Friday we had planned to go out for a fun family dinner and walk around an outdoor shopping center near by. It was chilly, but not freezing so it seemed like a good opportunity to stretch out legs. E had other plans. I knew there was a Valentine's Day dance that evening, but for a variety of reasons had planned to skip it. Her school had other plans. They seriously sick them (your children) on you and I swear teach them to nag and beg you to attend their planned events. ::this may be a gross exaggeration, but I seriously have visions of them teaching them this::: (or they just set up and talk about it for days leading up to it)... either way. When we picked her up she literally BEGGED to go to the dance to "jump up and down." It took every ounce of negotiation to get her to go home for dinner (McDonald's - don't judge me) and get into "fancy" clothes. Then, she ran around in circles until it was time to go. There was much former Disney star/ Belieber music to be had and E has a really really good time. It actually turned out to be fun because I got to see a few Moms that I've been getting to know at school. I swear I had intentions on getting some good pictures of the pink mohaked male DJ E dancing. But, this is what you're left with. Enjoy.

Most days when we get home from school, E asks for a snack. Today. Fruit snacks. I sent her up to her room to rest - because she didn't take a nap at school. Again. When she came back down this is what we found in her hair.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a chewed up fruit snack IN. HER. HAIR. She managed to get both the snack and her hair in her mouth and chewed them with reckless regard for the end result. Thankfully it came out reasonably easily in the shower. O.M.G.

And finally, I'd like to celebrate something rarely seen in this part of the country. It something we once had, but lost in the move. Our dates. We found a date day and celebrated gloriously. We spend so much of our time as parents being parents, not a couple. We've made some new friends recently that also lost their dates in a move away from their own friends and family. So, we've decided to reclaim our relationship status' and trade off babysiting. It's actually an amazing, genius idea and I, for one, and thrilled to have rediscovered what it is like to be a wife, not just a mommy. There was no glorious day planned, just a local winter festival which included food and drinks, followed up by shopping for sheets. I know. We're livin' it up. A couple of over the top crazy kids here. But, I am digging my cute new hat that I had to buy because it was like        -100 on Saturday.

And there you have it friends. Another edition of Mom Moment Monday. 

Let the countdown begin.

One month from today, this crazy girl will be 4. Yes, I'm counting down and shedding more than a few tears realizing that she is not a baby, but a girl. She is a beautiful, smart, kind young lady. I am incredibly proud to be her mommy and truly can not wait to celebrate her birthday with a flower party in just one month. It will be especially wonderful because her Grandma, Nana and cousin, Madison will be joining us! Their visit can't come soon enough!

 

Happy Saturday, friends! 

 

Feeling the love.

It's safe to say that I didn't grow up in a house that decorated for anything but Christmas. And, we used up all efforts for the year in that one holiday. But, I was always a little jealous of my friends that had year around decor and parents that made each holiday a little special.

NOW, let's not get too crazy. I've always had an easter basket. In fact, I've had the same one my entire life. It is a really special tradition that started when my mom received the basket in the hospital when I was born her favorite flowers, carnations. That white basket and pink gingham ribbon have been through a lot and I am still totally obsessed with them! My mom continued this with me (and E) by sending me a basket with my favorite flowers to the hospital. This basket is stored safety in a tub and will be used until the end of time for my kiddo!

And, it may be that I've simply forgotten the sweet holiday gestures. But, aside from my favorite easter basket, I'm running a little low on non-Christmas traditions for our family. Holiday traditions, and family traditions, are kinda a big deal in my book. Being able to look forward to special things makes the anticipation just that much greater.

So, now that we're in our first real home (and by real I mean large, purchased and our very own), I'm trying to step it up in the holiday department. Right now, that means buying all new holiday decorations. We've never had anywhere to put these types of things before, so I'm being choosy and picking a few amazing pieces each holiday to add to our collection. It will likely take a while to get to where I want to be in the holiday decor department, but we're making progress.... mostly thanks to pinterest.

 

E and I already made this for our door

I've totally jumped on the fireplace banner train and have found that Target is carrying some amazing options for around $7, a much better deal than the $20-$30 items I typically fall in love with on etsy.

Here is the one I picked up for V-day (I've already snapped up their spring banner!):

More than decor though, I'm excited to continue to give E a special card from her parents. Jason in the past has brought both of us home flowers and E is now to the age when that is such a huge deal! I love that he is showing her how she deserves to be treated and she loves showing off her big girl flowers and talking about how good they smell! I'll likely get her a special tee for school and we'll end the evening with a family dinner.

Jason and I gave up the big fancy pants valentines day dinner long before we were parents. I tend to think the fancy dinner is over hyped and over priced. Although, I'd never take back the first v-day we spent together way back in 2003! We were both crazy nervous, but ended up having an amazing dinner and just further confirming that we were totally in love. These days we tend to make a steak dinner at home with all kinds of yummy sides and appetizers. I plan to dip into my food board on pinterest to make sure it's new and tasty!

Valentines Day is just a week away, friends! How do you plan to show your love to those in your life?

Ear infection -2 our family -0

Well, it's official. 2013 is starting out as the year of the ear infection. E now how has her second confirmed double ear infection AND our foster Ellie has a massive double ear infection.

It's safe to say that we have spent most of the month with antibiotics and major ear cleanings.

I never grew up having these things so I don't know what they feel like or how bad they may hurt. But, having your girl wake up multiple times a night crying breaks your hearts. So, this mama stayed home this morning and made the pediatrician run. It's sad for me that they don't even know me and expect to see Jason come in with E. He wins daddy of the year. In my defense, he has a really flexible work schedule. So it is often easier for him to take her in and then "work from home" with E the rest of the day.

Now, we have something stronger than amoxicillin, have had a snack and are using Mickey to get better!

Monday Mom Moment

Another edition of "Monday Mom Moment...." I have to tell you, I've started to enjoy collecting the tidbits from life with E throughout the week to share.

Last week, E let our foster dog out of the house by accident. Ellie was missing for like 8 hours after a night of 4 inches of snow. E was devastated. But, turns out that Ellie was picked up within about 10 minutes of being out and taken in by someone a few blocks away. While I was walking and driving the neighborhood for hours in freezing temps, Ellie was curled up inside a nice warm home...

We had a particularly busy weekend last week with lots of fun activities for E. I think she got a bit spoiled because now she wakes up everyday asking what friend's house or party we're going to.

We had some amazing snuggle time one morning last week where E grabbed my face and told me she loved me and I made her heart happy. Insert mommy tears here...

I think that E spent too much time with her southern aunties during the holidays because she has officially dropped her "g"s... She asks if we are walkin' or drivin'... Or asks to wear leggin's I guess she is staking her claim on where her heart is..

And finally, somewhere recently E decided to grow up and look like a young lady and not a little girl. What the hell!??