The Aguirre Family

Chick Magnet

2011-06-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Young Women in our ward adore Alex. Last Sunday they combined with the Relief Society for class and Alex was passed all around the girls. He is quite the little chick magnet. This picture is from the Pinewood Derby a couple months ago. I didn't hold him the entire time. He is such a little flirt!

All Played Out

2011-06-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

This picture is a couple months old but it just cracks me up. If the boys aren't tired enough when I put them to bed they will be sneaky and play for a couple hours. I don't mind as long as they are quiet and stay in their room. One night they played forever and I thought they would never go to bed....then I found this. They are so sweet and best buds. Even Jasper was exhausted from the playing.

Whoopsie Daisey

2011-06-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

So, I may have even forgotten that I have a blog with how bad I've been lately. You know when you get to that point when you are so far behind on posts that you don't even want to blog? That is me. I still have a trip to Washington to blog about, Easter, yada yada yada.

I have a good excuse for being a slacker though. I had to get my appendix out three weeks ago. It was very last minute and threw us for a loop. I had a harder time with the recovery than I thought I would (it hurt!!! I may do a whole post about it...idk). I am so grateful to my wonderful friends who helped with the boys, made me food, and in general relieved lots of stress.

I am also beyond grateful for my Mom and sister, Jennie, who dropped everything and came for a few days to help out. We mostly just hung out on the couch (I wasn't the greatest hostess), but it was so fun to visit! I still can't lift more than 20 lbs which has been close to impossible with three little boys.

In other news.....It is summer vacation! Adam's last day of school was Friday. It has been in the 70's and perfect everyday. I love me some summer! Last Saturday I had a garage sale with Tamara and Joy. It was SLOOOOW and we didn't sell to much, so we are going for attempt numero dos in a couple weeks. It feels so good to get rid of junk. I sold our dining room table that we had gotten for free years ago, which means that hopefully we can get a new one soon. (hint hint Mario)

I promise to catch up on some random posts soon. I know it seems silly to go back so far and play catch up, but I really want to have this blog as a family journal. If you get bored reading it....whoopsie daisey!

H is for Hen

2011-05-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

It is mid May and our Co-op Preschool is still going strong. Tyler, who will be 3 this summer, has learned so much this school year. He can now trace his name and recognize it. He can also trace and recognize several of the letters and numbers. He can sing along to the alphabet but can't quite do it on his own yet. He can also count to 12 and knows all the colors. He is even starting to color in the lines and cut with scissors.

These pictures are from when we learned the letter H. I told them the story of "The Little Red Hen" and then we made cornbread and learned about helping. It has been so fun to be a part of his education.

Randomness

2011-05-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on my blogging. I have our trip to Washington to blog and lots of little adventures at home. Sometimes when I am behind I just don't blog because I feel it has to be a huge catch-up session. So, I am going to skip everything for now and go back later. I know, totally living on the edge! So here are some random thoughts for today:

-Yesterday Amy and her adorable family came to visit for a couple hours on their way down to California. I love living off of I-5! It was so great to see her. I hadn't realized quite how much I had missed my bestie!
-The weather has been lovely, which is wonderful, but it also means that today I HAVE TO get our yard in order. I hate being THOSE neighbors.
-Our vegetable garden is doing awesome so far!
-I made homemade chicken broth for the first time last night. It reminded me of Thanksgiving night cousin sleepovers. TURKEY SPRAY!!
-I think Good Luck Charlie on the Disney Chanel is my favorite show. This is either a testament to how lame I am or how bad The Office has been lately.
-Alex is going to be walking any day now. He will stand up in the middle of a room but will laugh and sit down if you look at him.
-Tyler has been SUPER clingy. He will be 3 in a couple months and is way to old for me to hold all day.
-Adam is reading like a pro. It is so exciting! I hope he keeps this love of reading.

Now I am just procrastinating doing the housework and then the yard work. Peace!

Exhausted Much?

2011-05-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

One morning Alex decided to wake up at about 4am and roll around in our bed wide awake trying to play for hours. I was so tired that I just laid in bed half asleep trying to make sure he didn't fall off the side. Finally at 7:30am Mario got up and put Alex in the excersaucer while he got ready for work. Low and behold this is what he found when he got out of the shower. Seriously kid?! Sometimes all I can do is laugh at the joke that motherhood can be sometimes.

Brotherly Haircuts

2011-05-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to go buy soil and plants for our vegetable garden with Tamara. I came home to see three cute little boys with freshly cut hair. Mario had done it without telling me, which was really nice, but I was so sad to miss Alex's first haircut. Oh well! I got out of sweeping up hair. He didn't take any pictures so I only have an after shot. But how cute are they? I love my boys!

Cub Scouts and Cars

2011-05-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I took our Cub Scout troop to see the cars at Lithia, Mario's work. They had a blast! It was a little crazy but Tom did a great job of showing them around. The boys loved the cars and had fun!

Pre-Easter Celebration

2011-05-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Our friends were going to be out-of-town Easter weekend, so we did a little pre-Easter Egg Hunt the weekend before. We had hid 12 eggs for each kid at the church building. All the boys (yes, every child there was a boy) had their eggs within minutes. Poor Tyler, however, took ages to find his eggs. He just didn't understand what was going on. Every time he found an egg he would sit down and open it to eat the candy. Finally the other kids went and found the eggs for him to put in his basket. It was pretty cute.

Terrible Twos

2011-05-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is Tyler eating Macaroni and Cheese out of a pan. The other day he asked for Macaroni and Cheese for lunch. I made it and he refused to eat it. He started crying in little kid gibberish and I had no clue what he wanted. Then I finally figured it out that he wanted to eat out of the pan with the wooden spoon. Usually I would never let him get his way after throwing a fit, but we were running late to get Adam from school. He won this battle for sure. All I could do was take a picture.

Gas, Weddings, and other Randomness

2011-05-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

-Gas is expensive....like really, really expensive. Yuck!
-Bin Laden is DEAD!!! I can't believe I am actually celebrating someones death, but he was such a deplorable person. Thank you troops!
-K, I'll admit it...I LOVED the royal wedding this weekend. Kate Middleton is gorgeous. It is a modern fairytale.
-Kate Middleton is now my fashion icon. Is it so lame that I want to dress just like her? Probably, but I don't care!
-Church today was wonderful. I love my ward so much. They really are my Medford family.
-I get to go home in a couple days!!!! I can't wait to see my Mom and Dad!
-Life is pretty dang good. For reals.

French Fry Face

2011-05-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this picture make you want to reach into the screen and pinch his little cheeks. I just want to smoosh him! We went to In and Out Burger in California and Alex was feeling the fries. That's my boy!

In the (Jelly) Belly of the Beast

2011-05-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm going to blame this title on my complete lack of sleep lately. On our drive how from San Francisco we went to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, CA. Mario thought I was crazy for wanting to go there, but we all agreed that it was well worth the stop. You have to wear a hat and they bring you through the factory to see how the Jelly Beans are made. Then you get a big bag to take home. All for free! It is a really fun atmosphere and completely worth the stop. We all had fun in the car eating the Jelly Bellies and guessing the flavors. Adam freaked out when he got a coffee one. The kid cracks me up. Biggest bonus of all: We got to see lots of awesome Ronald Reagan memorabilia. It made me think of my dad!

San Fran Photo Dump

2011-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

I took a whole ton of pictures on our quick trip to San Francisco a couple weeks ago. I wanted to write more but I have so many new pictures and stories to tell. I've decided to just post a few of my favs from S.F. and move on.

My boys eating million dollar Ben and Jerry ice cream on the Waterfront. I swear, every time you eat something there you spend $50. Oh well!

Tyler loved the horse at the Muse'e Macanique'. The whole place is full of little coin operated games that are very old and mega creepy.

Adam and Tyler found their pirate buddy.

Ginita and Adam standing in front of the sea lions at Pier 39. They are so smelly! It was neat to see such huge animals out in the wild.

Alex and I over Pier 39. I know it's a tourist trap, but I love Pier 39. We shopped a little and had some amazing clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl and, of course, fish and chips.

The kids did a great job and we all had lots of fun! We almost blew away, but that's San Francisco for ya!

The Pacific Ocean

2011-04-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

I adore the ocean. The pure expanse of it amazes me. Mario and Ginita appreciate a nice warm beach, but I think even a cold one is lovely. We only spent a few minutes on the beach because it was very windy but the kids still managed to get sand in every imaginable bodily crevice.

Me and Ginita

The Fam! This is one of only a few family pictures that we have. I love it!

Angel Alex

Tyler and I are gangstas. The whole wall was pure graffiti. Classy.

Don't you want to just smoosh him?

Major Slacker

2011-04-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad about my blog lately. Life is busy. Really busy. I have pictures to post and stories to tell. But instead I am going to watch "The Office" since it is Steve Carrels last episode. Then in the morning I am going to watch William and Kate's wedding. See, I am busy with very important things.

Overheard

2011-04-20T15:07:00.001-07:00

Adam to Tyler: "When I get to 5 you are in time-out! 1......2.....3....4.......4 1/2......4 3/4......"

(Adam is looking over my shoulder and just READ what I was writing! He is learning so fast. And apparently he knows fractions. Or maybe I am too lazy to actually give a time-out, so I count forever. Regardless, I need to stop writing embarrassing things about him, because he will find out.)

Once again, Adam to Tyler: "Don't go in the garage. I'm pretty sure I heard a bomb in there."

(My kids are obsessed with the garage lately. I'm not sure what the big pull is. And in case you were wondering, we don't actually have a bomb in our garage. That I know of.)

Scenic Drive around San Fran

2011-04-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

While in San Francisco we decided to take a scenic tour around the city. All we had to do was follow signs that led us through the touristy parts of San Francisco. Sounds easy, right? Nope! A 40 mile drive took about 3 hours. We kept losing the path and having to find it again. Mario got very good at driving and I got good at reading maps. We could totally do the "Amazing Race" now. Thankfully the drive was lovely, if not long. We found some nice gems that we never would have seen. Like this building:

I think it's a Fine Arts Museum. Gorgeous, huh?

Full House...Rice-a-roni....Golden Gate Bridge

2011-04-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

What's a trip to San Francisco without a cheesy picture of yourself with the Golden Gate Bridge in the back ground? CHECK!

Discovery Kingdom Memories

2011-04-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Rides

2011-04-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Poor Tyler wasn't tall enough for a lot of the rides but he had so much fun on the ones he could ride. There was a little mini-roller coaster he got to go on. I have never seen him so happy in my life. It was adorable. He kept screaming, "WEEEEEE!"

Adam was able to go on a lot of rides. He barely made the 42" cut off, and I mean BARELY. He is a little dare devil. He wanted to go on every ride. Ginita and I took him on a huge roller coaster that spins in a circle at the same time. He was by far the youngest kid in line. I was nervous about him riding but he was sure he wanted to do it. While on the ride he looked like he was going to cry. I turned and told him that whenever he got scared just scream like he was having fun. After that he kept yelling, "WOOOHOOOO, YEAH!" It was hilarious. That night at the hotel he said that he still felt like he was on a ride every time he closed his eyes. I think he was a little motion sick. He is still talking about how much fun it was to go on such big rides.

It was so fun having Ginita with us. She is an adrenaline junkie and wanted to go on all the big scary rides. I got tricked into going on "Medusa" and "Boomerang" with her. HOLY COW! I have never been so scared in my life. I seriously almost barfed, but that's the fun trying to escape, right? Mario, Ginita, and I were able to take turns going on rides with each other, watching Alex, and going on rides with the kids.

Good Times!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

2011-04-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mario and I packed up the kids and Ginita and headed to San Francisco. Our first stop was Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. It was a blast! It is a theme park/aquarium/zoo. We watched a water show featuring a dolphin and an Orca whale. They were amazing. Watching the whale dance was our favorite part. Adam and Tyler wanted me take a picture of the birds so they could show Papa. They always think of Papa when they see birds. Tyler and Adam with Odin the tiger. We also got to see the real Odin, which was really cool. I hadn't realized how huge tigers are.

We didn't spend too much time looking at the animals. The park is just so big. Next time we go we'll spend two days for sure.

On the way to California....

2011-04-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

having a DVD player led to....

...a very nice trip!

Thank you Monster's Inc.!

First Pear Blossom

2011-04-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

After 4 years of living in the Valley we finally made it out to the Pear Blossom Parade this past Saturday. It's just a small local parade but the boys had a great time waving and collecting candy. Their favorite part was the little cars that the Shriner's drive. I was glad to have Ginita there to help out. Plus it exhausted the kids so they slept better in the car that evening while driving to California. Win, Win, Win! Except for my butt...it lost! Two hours of sitting on the street was no bueno! ;)

Excited Much?!

2011-04-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

This was Mario greeting Ginita when she got home from school last week. Crazy kid picked her up and ran in circles. Can you tell that we are so excited to have her home for a week? Jasper shook and wiggled his tail for hours, while Rosie licked her. The boys climbed all over her and showered her in kisses and hugs. She has to leave again this Sunday but we have had so much fun with her here.

*Sorry the picture is so blurry!*

Happy Birthday Mario!

2011-04-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

On April 6th we celebrated 31 years of Mario! His day off of work coincided so it was a fantastic birthday. The boys and I woke up early to make crepes for breakfast. They highlighted Mario's all time favorite thing ever: nutella! He opened his gifts, which were a soccer ball from Tyler and Hawaiian swimsuit from Adam. The boys had put lots of thought into the gifts so it was very sweet. Alex and I got him clothes. Then we did a little more clothes shopping, went for a swim at the Y, and then out to dinner. I made Mario a Tres Leches Cake, which was delicious. Then we were in bed by 9:30pm (crazy party animals that we are). Fabulous and relaxing day!

Family Fun Center

2011-04-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago we celebrated our friend Monica's birthday. They had a party for the kids at the Family Fun Center. Mario and I are the world's meanest parents (i.e. we don't allow video games in our home) so Adam and Tyler were thrilled to play all the games. Look at that skill! I think we have a rock star, motorcycle driver, and truck driver on our hands.

Alf

2011-04-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Rosie and Jasper are my heroes. I am terrified/hate/loathe Alf. Adam think it is funny and picked out this book a while back at a book exchange we did. The other day Jasper and Rosie tore it to bits. Lately Rosie has been chewing up my shoes (grrrrr!) so this was a nice change. Tyler was very concerned about his book. SO LONG ALF!

Toti

2011-04-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Mario has deemed Alex as Toti. It cracks me up every time he says it. Does he look like a Toti to you?

Daddy's Boys

2011-04-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago on Mario's day off work we went to the Mexican restaurant by our house. All three boys wanted to sit as close to Daddy as they could. Poor me! But look at those handsome boys I got to go on a date with.

Taking After Mommy

2011-04-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Adam has become a fabulous reader. He brings home little books from school with riveting titles, such as "Pat Sat", to read to us nightly. Tyler loves to have Adam read to him. Adam isn't quite to the Dr. Seuss reading level yet, but the other night he was explaining the pictures to Tyler. I hope they form a strong love of reading.

Finally

2011-04-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

This kid HATES to sleep. Tyler hasn't taken a nap in months. Then last week I saw this lovely sight. Beautiful, huh?

Lucky Number 13

2011-04-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

You know those people that research for months, weigh their options, and then buy a car? For years they care for and fix said car, until finally it dies with 200,000 miles on it. Yup, that's not us. I blame it on Mario working in the car industry. This past week we bought car number 13. Here's a recap: Nissan Altima (First date. Where we got engaged. The car Adam was brought home from the hospital in.) Ford Festiva ($400 in Rexburg. Mario delivered Domino's pizza in it. Then Daniel and Jennie drove it.) Jeep Grand Cherokee (Our first new car; it was lovely!) BMW 330i (I LOVED this car! My old supervisor from Neilson Research drives it now. I dream of buying it from him.) Buick Lasabre (Archie! Jennie and Justin drive him now. He's sick. So sad!) Ford Escort (I don't remember this one at all, but Mario swears we had it and that it was blue.) BMW 745iL (Looked like a mobster's car. I hated it, Mario loved it. Tyler came home from the hospital in it.) Toyota Highlander (We loved it, but we needed a bigger car for kiddo numero tres AKA Alex.) Subaru Legacy (Very nice car! Ginita got to drive it last.) Mazda Protege (My awesome parents let us borrow it for a few months.) Dodge Grand Caravan (The car we brought Alex home from the hospital in.) BMW 320i (Mario's current car.) and now we just got a 2006 Honda Odyssey. So far it is my favorite. The kids are obsessed with the DVD player and I'm obsessed with how nice it is to drive. I think we're going to hang on to this one for a while!

Flat Adam goes to the Fish Hatchery

2011-03-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday we went on a field trip to the Fish Hatchery for Tyler's preschool. It wasn't anything to fancy but it is close to Medford and the kids had a blast. Alex loves riding in the backpack. We'll have to go on hikes when the weather gets nicer. Flat Adam went for a ride in the backpack as well. The whole group around a pool of Rainbow Trout. They give you a huge bucket of food and let the kids go feed the fish. Tyler made me so nervous and kept trying to get close to the fish. At one point he went under the fence and was standing right next to the pool. I almost had a heart attack. Inside the visitor's center there were all sorts of stuffed animals. It was pretty cool. Steering a ship?

Flat Adam Learns to Juggle

2011-03-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Monday of Spring Break we started our adventures with a trip to Kid Time. They had a juggling group come and teach the kids how to juggle. This resulted in hours of Adam throwing balls around our house in an attempt to at some point actually catch one.

I am sad that the last picture turned out so blurry. I just love it though. Tyler is trying to copy Adam exactly. You can just tell how much he adores his big brother. We ended up at Kid Time a few times over the break. Now it is closed for 2 weeks while they relocate. How will we survive with no Kid Time?! Its a fave!

Adam Stanley

2011-03-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Last week was Spring Break for Adam. His Kindergarten teacher sent him home with an assignment to bring his "Flat Adam" with him on his Spring Break adventures. They had read a book in school about a little boy who becomes flat and goes on adventures, his name was "Flat Stanley". Adam loved the project and kept calling it his "Adam Stanley" instead of "Flat Adam". I thought that was hilarious. We didn't do anything too exciting over the break but I'll put up a couple posts about "Flat Adam's" adventures.

His first adventure was making peanut butter cookies with Daddy. Yum!

Update

2011-03-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

So remember a few days ago when I thought I was all fancy and knew everything? Well, I talked to my doctor and he explained more thoroughly my ultrasound results. Looks like I have a thyroid nodule that is 1.6 cm and looks irregular (?), whatever that means. So, the doctor highly suggests that I go ahead with the fine needle aspiration because the risk is too great. All I can think is, CRUD. I don't want to go and get a needle stuck in my neck. It scares me. I'm such a little wuss. I have given birth thrice, all natural twice. I have stepped on a nail and voluntarily opted for lipo on my chin (which I was never able to go through with thanks to Tyler). But for some reason this makes me want to hurl. As far as the money goes, I just think of the much more fun things I could do with it. I could replace all my doggy chewed shoes for one. Oh well, whatever. Toughen up Linda!

Smart or Dumb?

2011-03-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today I was supposed to get a fine needle aspiration on my thyroid. The chiropractor thought my thyroid was big so I went to the doctor. He had me get my blood tested and an ultrasound. My blood came back normal, but they found a nodule during my ultrasound. I did some research on my own and decided to let it be and cancel my biopsy. It was going to cost $1,200 at least, plus the chances of it being cancer are really low. My blood tests were fine and I feel great (aside from the headache I have had for nearly 2 months, but that is unrelated). I asked the doctor to look at the ultrasound again to see if I really do need to get the biopsy. Maybe I am being totally dumb. I don't know. But I feel like I took my health care into my own hands and I like that.

Notice Anything...

2011-03-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

...wrong with this picture?

Yup, Mario made me take it off him.

He's a Champ!

2011-03-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Adam completed his second season of soccer last Saturday. He says that he loves practices but hates the games because he has to run too much. He's such a goof ball. This season he actually scored quite a few goals and has gotten to be a really fast runner. We are so proud of you Adam!

Photos by Adam

2011-03-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Lately Adam is obsessed with taking pictures. Every time I download pictures from my camera on to my computer I find several mysterious shots. They are almost always of Tyler. Maybe I have a future professional photographer on my hands.

So...

2011-03-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

...I've come to find that a perfect dinner is not dependant on what is being eaten, but the experiences you enjoy at the table. (I say this to make me feel better about making scrambled eggs and toast for dinner.) The boys have been so sweet today. Tyler surprised me with a glass of chocolate milk earlier. It was quite questionable as to what was actually in the glass, but he was so proud. I only pretended to drink it, thank goodness! Then at dinner they were so nice and kept wanting to kiss Alex. Usually dinner is hectic so this was a change. Mario was even able to stop by for a few minutes, which was nice. It is Expo week so the next few days I'll be a Lithia widow.

Psychic Abilities

2011-03-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was like a page out of Harry Potter. Tyler, my (once) loving 2 year-old has decided that he "doesn't like" anything to eat, aside from cookies, candy, and cake. Lovely. So the delicious chicken, cheesy potato, and green bean supper I made for the family was "gross". Kicking and screaming over every little bite, Mario kept sending Tyler to time-out. Adam turns to me through the chaos and says, "Whoa, Mom, I just saw the future! I'm kicking Tyler because he is so annoying." I tried to stifle my smile, but golly is the kid funny! Finally I got Tyler to eat by pretending to cast a spell on his food that made him grow like a giant right before our eyes. He ate the whole plate. If there are any mothers of picky eaters reading this, I'll let you in on the secret spell. It goes: Cheesy, cheesy, cheesy POOF! So now our family has a psychic, giant, and wizard.

Happy Nine Months!

2011-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a babies 9 month birthday even more than the big 1 year. It means that Alex has officially been outside of me as long as he was inside of me! Difference being that everyday of pregnancy dragged by at a snails pace, while time flies now seeing him growing into a little man. Today was Alex's well baby appointment and once again he is perfectly healthy. Best thing about this appointment is that he didn't need any shots. Yay!

At 9 months Alex is:

15 lbs 13 oz - 3rd percentile

27 1/4 in. - 10th percentile

He is going along at the same curve Adam and Tyler did, small but hopefully will eventually catch up. Alex is moving and grooving, babbling and cooing. He still wakes up once or twice a night to feed, but hardly ever cries. We are so blessed to have him in our family.

Things are Looking Up

2011-03-16T08:47:00.001-07:00

Last night, like a brave warrior, I went in for my second cub scout den meeting. I was prepared, terrified, and prayerful. The boys did great! I think last week they may have been stretching the limits to see what they could get away with. Last night, however, I came into a room that had already been set up by one of the boys. What a nice surprise. Several of them had actually completed the assignment I sent home, which was awesome! We learned all about Tall Tales and almost all the boys where able to sign off a whole did section. I read a book to them and everyone payed attention. WOO HOOO! They really are good kids.

Feels good to be remembered.

2011-03-14T17:13:00.001-07:00

This afternoon the kids and I went to the Medford Library to pick up some books. I am teaching the cub scouts about different Tall Tales tomorrow and needed books. We used to go every single Wednesday for story time but now it interferes with Adam's school schedule. Plus I have a Nook now and check out library E-books online. When I go to get the kid's books it is usually at the Central Point Library. It's been ages since we went to the Medford Library! The sweet children's librarian, Leslie, recognized us immediately and came over to ask how we have been. She said she's missed us and that the boys were getting so big. It made me laugh because we get the same reaction from the employees at Target, Gap, Albertson's and Children's Place. Do I need to stay home more often? Hahaha

Sunday Morning Tradition

2011-03-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Most of the week we eat either cold cereal or oatmeal for breakfast. Mario is usually rushing out the door for work and the boys and I are headed to swimming lessons or preschool. Sunday is the one time that we can sit as a family for breakfast. Adam and Tyler love pancakes, eggs, and bacon or sausage. This morning I made it but most Sundays Mario does. Having 2 o'clock church has it's benefits! I love a nice leisurely morning. And a lovely surprise this morning is that Tyler said prayer. For months we have been asking him to pray and he always says no. We haven't wanted to push it (prayer shouldn't be a punishment) and today he just started copying what Mario was saying without even being asked. He's such a good boy!

We've Been Hit

2011-03-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

After months of health our family has finally gotten hit by the bug thats been going around. Tyler is coughing with a bad runny nose and a MAJOR case of the fussies. It doesn't help that I accidentally hit him in the head with the knob on our pantry yesterday. He has a huge black and blue goose egg on his temple. Poor kid!

I have had a headache for a little over a month now. I've been to the doctor's office twice and to the chiropractor a few times. Nothing is helping! I'm nursing Alex still so there is only so much I can do medicine wise. I've quit Diet Coke and haven't had any for weeks now. I thought that might help but it hasn't. Now I have a flu-ish killer headache as well as a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Yuck! I also had an ultrasound yesterday on my thyroid but I'm pretty sure everything will turn out fine with that.

Mario just woke up this morning with a sore throat.....Not him, too!!! This sounds really complainy so I'm sorry! I'm sure we will feel better in no time.

From Noon to Two

2011-03-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

Everyday for a couple hours Adam goes to Kindergarten. This gives me a chance to spend some quality time with Tyler and Alex. Sometimes we run errands, on nice days we go to the park, but most days we come home and play. Tyler and Alex are only 23 months apart. I hope they will continue to be such great buddies forever.

Love from Tia Ginita

2011-03-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late posting this, but Ginita sent the boys the sweetest little Valentine's package last month. We have missed her so much since she left for college in Idaho. The boys were excited to know that she still thinks about them. Thanks Ginita!

Dinosaur Preschool

2011-03-07T17:13:00.001-08:00

Today was my turn to teach preschool. We learned all about Dinosaurs! Adam had the day off school so he joined us. We had a blast!

Making "fossils" with plastic dinosaurs and play dough.

The kids ate like dinosaurs: Dino-nuggets (meat eaters), apples (plant eaters), goldfish (fish eaters).

They also colored pictures of big dinosaurs.

Alex liked to admire our "volcano". It was super cute and easy. I used a soy sauce bottle and put green play dough all around it so it looked like a mountain. Add some dinosaurs at the base and make them extinct with baking soda and vinegar. It was a hit!

I got a blow up dinosaur at the dollar store and some green Easter eggs. I filled the eggs with dinosaur shaped candy and hid them around the room. The kids had to help Momma Dino find her babies. It was really fun and the kids couldn't believe that dinosaurs laid eggs like chickens.

We also read a dinosaur book called "Brontorina" which is about a brontosaurus that wants to be a ballerina but she's too big. After the story I took the kids outside and unwound a 70ft piece of rope so they could see how long brontosauruses where. We have more Dino-fun planned for Friday. I can't wait!

Eternal Perspective

2011-03-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes having an eternal perspective makes all the difference. I've had to learn this lesson many many times, most recently this week. A sweet little girl from church passed away on Monday. She would have been 2 next month. My heart aches for her parents, Anna and Morgan, who have been in my prayers all week. I can't stop thinking about how I had seen her only hours before at church. She was all smiles and sharing toys with Alex on the floor during Relief Society. The funeral was yesterday and I was surprised to find that I didn't shed a tear. I had bawled when I heard the news, but during the funeral I felt a peace. Her father told us of Kaiya's strength despite her health problems, which had hindered her gross motor development. The other speakers bore witness of Christ; that through Him we will be reunited with our bodies. I know that Kaiya is now with a loving Father in Heaven. I am so thankful for that knowledge. It is a comfort to know that there is a purpose for us to be here on earth and that when our life is over our spirits continue on.

According to Adam:

2011-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Pigs are disgusting when they are alive but fantastic looking when they are dead.

With $100 he could buy a race car, so could I please give him $100 instead of paying for swimming lessons and soccer.

The new girl in his class is a very good and polite little kid since she raises her hand and sits criss-cross-applesauce during carpet time.

Spoons can be weights when exercising.

(Five is such a fun age!)

30 Day Shred

2011-03-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

Today was day 1 for me of the 30 Day Shred. It is a workout video by Jillian Micheals. I think she is from "The Biggest Loser". It was pretty intense for a workout video! My goal is to lose 10 pounds in 30 days. Possible? I hope so! I have a group on Facebook that I am marking my progress with. I am already getting sore from the workout today which is a total bummer since I went to the chiropractor this morning and got super painful yet productive massage and adjustment. He did some crazy thing to my neck and relieved tons of pressure. It was fabulous. I hope this doesn't ruin the progress in my neck.

Conundrums

2011-03-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

Open eyes with dancing children or closed eyes with still children? Why is it so hard to coordinate five people to take a good picture at the same time? Oh well, it still melts my heart.

Mario Brothers

2011-03-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Mario's brother, Mario, and his girlfriend came to church with us on Sunday. People kept doing double takes when they saw Mario Wilson. I think rumors were going around that Mario Francisco (my Mario) had lost a little weight. Don't they look so much alike? They are about as different as two people can be but will always be the Mario Brothers.

Yikes!

2011-02-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

So, this morning I got a call from a member of our bishopric for Mario and I to meet with him. Never a good sign. At first I thought maybe Mario was being released as Elder's Quorum President and was excited until he reminded me that it is a Stake calling. Then I knew it was for me. I was shocked when I was asked to be CUB SCOUT LEADER! Can't say I expected that one. I was released from my 4 year long calling as Relief Society Secretary. Since this morning I have been so sad to leave Relief Society. I was working with the most fantastic women and I will miss it. After the sadness subsided the panic set in. Me? In Scouts?! With 8 year old boys?! I know nothing, zip, zilch, nada about the Boy Scout program. I don't camp, I'm not a pro knot tyer, I have no clue how to sew patches on shirts. But the Lord has asked me to serve and I will do it. I think it will be fun and a huge learning experience. If anything it will teach me how to pray and rely on the Lord.

Shoji's

2011-02-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Mario's brother, Mario (no this is not a typo), and his girlfriend Sophia are visiting us from Utah this weekend. It has been fun hanging out with them. We decided to take everyone to Shoji's last night. It was really fun! I couldn't believe the chef was white. Pretty crazy! It is one of those fun places where they cook right in front of you. Good times!

Ole Ole Ole Ole!

2011-02-22T17:20:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday Adam scored TWO goals at his soccer game! I was so proud of him. He is really starting to understand some of the strategy of the game. Way to go Adam!

I *may* have taken this standing behind the Lifetouch guy...Sorry it's so blurry.

Adam's jersey is #1!

Tyler's Special Day

2011-02-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Last Friday while Adam was at school, Tyler and I decided to go to the mall. Alex was asleep in the stroller most of the time so Tyler and I had some nice quality time together. We shared a smoothie and then bought a few shirts for Adam (the kid is finally growing!). I even let Ty pick out any candy he wanted at Rocky Mountain Chocolate. He has some hoighty toighty taste and chose M&M's in white chocolate. It was fun to have some Tyler time.

Alex's New Toy

2011-02-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Alex, 8 months, has started pulling himself up and cruising along the furniture. So we thought it was time to get him a toy to walk behind. He hasn't quite caught on to the fact that he is supposed to walk behind it but he still loves it. Adam and Tyler wanted to build it for him. I think they were more excited than Alex.

Half Way There

2011-02-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

We pass this sign every time we drive from Medford to Seattle. This time we were stuck in a horrible traffic jam due to an accident for almost an hour. While sitting next to this sign I kept thinking that we were as close to Santa as we were to Mario's parents. Deep right?

Best Buds!

2011-02-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Nana on Valentine's weekend. How cute are they?

My Littlest Sis

2011-02-21T22:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't she adorable? I love my little Laura! We got to go see her weekend before last in Washington. Only she isn't that little anymore. She is now TALLER than me and will be 16 in a couple months. My boys adore her and have been talking about Aunt Laura all week.

Bathtime Terror

2011-02-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday.....

Monday....

We are making progress!

"I was super good today, huh?"

2011-02-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

Today was Stake Conference, which meant that the kids had to sit through 2 hours of church with no primary. Adam decided to act like his chair was slippery and kept pretending to fall down. Then he asked to go to the bathroom/get a drink every 3 minutes. When he actually was sitting on his chair he kept saying (loudly), "This is BORING!!!!" Super fun.

When we got home Mario asked him to pick up a towel on the floor and he pretended not to see it. For a half an hour he sobbed in his room and refused to pick up the dang towel. So annoying! Then we went on a car ride and he screamed in the back seat the whole time. We even had to stop and take him potty at a friends house (Thanks Jason and Joy!) because he wouldn't wait to get home.

But what were the last words out of his mouth today?

"I was super good today, huh?" RIIIIIIIIGHT Adam! In his defense, this is not his normal behavior...THANK GOODNESS!

Adam the Panda

2011-02-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

It's that magically time of year again when our evenings and weekends are filled with soccer practices and games. This year Adam is on the Panda team. He is finally understanding some of the finer concepts of soccer, like kicking the ball towards the goal....and sometimes it is the right goal! These 4-6 year-olds are too funny. Adam's friend Cohen is also playing but on a different team. I love this photo of them being best buds.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

2011-02-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Last Monday we learned all about Chinese New Year at Preschool. They made dragons and red and yellow "firework" necklaces. The kids loved it! Then on Thursday we celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday. They glued pennies to an "A" for Abe paper. Tyler is now obsessed with Abe Lincoln and talks about him all the time. I love how well this preschool has been going! Teaching takes some time but is so fun.

This Child...

2011-02-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

...is crazy, exhausting, LOUD, loving and adorable. I love you Ty!

Pretty Cute, HUH?

2011-02-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

Alex at 7 months

Adam-isms

2011-02-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Adam is 5 now and thinks he is about 35. He has been saying the funniest things lately. Today he kept saying "speaking of". Like, "Speaking of homework, I need a pencil!" Or, "Speaking of pennies, can I have some?" He is also convinced that Katy Perry's song Firework was written by our 7 year old neighbor. Then randomly in the car he says, "Our next car should be a sports car, like a golf cart!"

Yesterday I was able to volunteer in Adam's classroom. His teacher asked them to put their picture on a chart saying what they want to be when they grow up. The whole class wanted to be singers, except for Adam who wants to be the US President. I was so proud! I figured I would plant the seed of conservatism and we had a nice talk about government. Then he told me that he only wants to be the president of our family so he can tell Mario and I what to do. The kid cracks me up.

I was...

2011-02-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

...going to blog a nice post. But then I overheard this from the next room...

Adam to Tyler: "Just hold really still. It won't hurt, I promise. Don't you trust me?"

Better go check!

#24 What means the most to me....

2011-01-31T17:48:00.000-08:00

...is being with my family for eternity. I am so grateful that Mario and I have been sealed for all eternity in the temple. Adam just asked me today why we need to go to church. I told him it was to be obedient to Heavenly Father. He asked why (he asks that a lot!) and I explained to him that we want to be a forever family. Adam thought about it and then agreed. Later at church he surprised us by getting up all by himself and bearing his testimony during sacrament meeting. I was in the mother's room feeding Alex so I could only hear the meeting. I heard his sweet little voice bear testimony that his family loves him. Several people came to me throughout church complimenting on Adam's simple but strong testimony. I am proud of the wonderful little man he is becoming. Eternity is a long time; I'm glad I get to spend it with such wonderful people.

#23 15 Facts About Me

2011-01-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

1. I was born in Tyler, Texas but will always claim to be a Washingtonian.

2. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology from BYU-Idaho.

3. I met Mario in April 2003 and was married that December.

4. I have been married to my soul mate for 7 years and have loved every minute of it.

5. I love having all boys!

6. I am part of Na Wahines, a hula performance group.

7. I am addicted to Diet Coke.

8. I can and do read for hours at a time.

9. My dream is to be a successful writer.

10. I like cooking when I want to but hate cooking when I have to.

11. I go to Target at least twice a week.

12. I really don't like TV that much.

13. I can't stand mess.

14. I have a love/hate relationship with politics and listen to Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, and Levine daily.

15. I really want to go on a vacation!

#22 A letter to someone who has hurt me

2011-01-29T20:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Adam,

I was thrilled to find out you were going to join our family. For 9 months I threw up almost every day. I went through two days of back labor and then a failed epidural. I have never in my life before then or since then experienced the amount of pain I had giving birth to you. But now all I see is joy when I look at you. You are my healthy, smart, loving, and fun little guy. You are a wonderful big brother and someone I can depend on. You are worth it all.

Love,

Mommy

photo credit: laulouwat.blogspot.com

#21 What Makes Me Happy

2011-01-29T20:18:00.001-08:00

Mario likes to make Alex ride Rosie around the house. It is hilarious. When it comes to fatherhood Mario is a pro. When I get stressed he can always make me laugh. And look at Alex's face? Come on! That is priceless.

#20 The meaning behind my blog name

2011-01-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well, lets see. I am married to Mario. My name is Linda. Our last name is Aguirre. Super creative, huh? I should have let my boys come up with a name. They, on the other hand, are super creative. For example, this is a spaceship!

#19 Me...

2011-01-28T13:03:00.001-08:00

...as of this second. Rosie won't get off of me so I can type. And Tyler is walking around with his Monkey Backpack having it "eat" things. He is cracking me up.

Tyler: "Monkey, no no eat Mommy's shoes!" "Okay....Eat shoes. Mommy no see....YUMMY, Shoes!"

Alex is crawling down the hall and keeps knocking down and trying to eat my big black candle sticks. Mario is back from a short business trip. He even brought me home Nine West boots and a leather cover for my nook! Adam is reading now! It is sunny and warmish outside, with an afternoon trip to the park with friends in our future. And that, my friends, is why I'm smiling :).

#18 The thing I crave is....

2011-01-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

....Diet Coke! Super cold with lots of ice and fizz. MMMMmmmmm! Make that with hospital ice.......oh, man. So good! I'd post a picture but I think I'll go pour myself a Diet Coke instead.

#17 My Family!

2011-01-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Now do you see why I feel so blessed? Love these boys!

(picture taken December 2010 at Ruth's cabin)

Perspective

2011-01-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life is all about perspective. For example, I can be mad about 2pm church or grateful that we get to spend relaxing mornings as a family. I've decided to be thankful for things in life. Complaining is just a waste of time.

A couple days ago I was feeling grumpy. We found some fraudulent charges on our bank account, which resulted in deactivating my debit card and having to wait a week for a new one. I never carry cash or a credit card, and my debit card wasn't working, when the gas light went on in my car. I was so frustrated that I had to go home and hunt for Mario's card when I had about a million other things to do. As I was grumbling and being just plain grinchy I drove past the local food bank a couple miles from my house. There was a long line of people waiting outside in the frigid cold. I felt like such a jerk for complaining. I was in a nice warm car driving to my home that has heat, clothes, and plenty of food. There were moms in that line with their children. How hard would that be? I feel so blessed and know that to who much is given, much is required. I pray this is a lesson I can remember.

Which Sandwich?

2011-01-21T22:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday was gorgeous. I'm talking 55 degrees and sunny with not a thing to do. We headed to the park (YAY!!!!) with a picnic.

Before leaving I made Adam a turkey and cheese sandwich. He freaked out! Full on tantrum. The kid is 5 so this was not okay. I told him, after he calmed down, that I would make him a jelly and butter sandwich if he cleaned for 15 minutes without stopping. I set the timer and he did it, so I made the sandwich.

Fast forward to the park. This was his face....

Then he tells me that his sandwich is gross and he would prefer a turkey and cheese. AGHHHH! So he ended up eating the dreaded turkey and cheese sandwich.

I will never win. At least my house got cleaned!

It's Elmo, Baby!

2011-01-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Tyler received an Elmo camera toy from Mario's parents. He loves it and wants to bring it everywhere (including stores, did I mention it is a very loud toy?). Problem is....they had a little fight today.

Tyler presses button

Elmo: The camera loves you Baby!

Tyler: I no baby!!! I big boy!

Elmo: Say Cheese! Yeah Baby!

Tyler: NO NO ELMO!!!!! I NO BABY! *tears*

It was nothing a little painting couldn't cure. These are things he will discuss in counseling one day.

#16 My Celebrity Crush

2011-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Celebrity crushes are so 2001. But Rachel saw a girl yesterday with Robert Pattinson's face tattooed on her arm. Classy, right? Maybe I should get one of Mario...

#15 I don't leave the house without....

2011-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

.....this....

....this....

....these....

.....this....

....and three adorable little boys.

Poor Rosalie!

2011-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Rose got spayed today. It is just so sad! She did fine, but now she is just laying here next to me with the saddest look in her eyes. I feel like I took away her puppyhood. I know it was the right decision but it's still sad. She has a huge suture across her belly. Jasper is being so sweet. He comes over and checks on her. Always licking her face and looking so concerned. He stood by the door the whole time she was at the vet. Hang in there Rosalie!

#14 Show I am Currently Addicted To

2011-01-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

This show pulls you in. There are so many twists and turns, secrets, and lies. I want to read the books, too.

#13 My Favorite Musician/Band

2011-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

I listen to different music depending on my mood:

Chillaxin- Sufjan Stevens, Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service
Driving in the Car- Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse soundtracks
Cleaning the House- Muse, Vampire Weekend or Taylor Swift
Reminicent- Nsync, Justin Timberlake or Hilary Duff
Playing with the Kids- Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas or Disney Music
Spiritual- Mormon Taberbacle Choir, Micheal McLean, or Kenneth Cope

BUT my fav of all is Death Cab for Cutie.

Sleeping Sweeties

2011-01-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

This picture melts me....
I took it last night. Adam and Tyler had been fighting all evening. Adam kept running out of his room saying that Tyler was bothering him. Then Tyler would come tripping behind saying, "NO, Adam bother ME!" After sending them back to bed about 50 times and telling them to get along I finally hear silence. I crept to their room and found them hugging each other in their sleep. It made my heart happy. I hope my boys have the same great relationship that I have with my siblings. It reminded me of Jennie wanting to sleep in my bed as little girls.

#11 My Make-up Bag

2011-01-16T20:26:00.001-08:00

I thought this was a dumb post, but it actually says a lot about me.
#1 I love a deal! I got the bag and half the make-up as a free gift with purchase at Clinique.
#2 I have psoriasis. The little tube in the front right side is my cream. I get it in my ears and my right eyebrow. YUCK!
#3 I wear contacts, hence the contact solution.
#4 I am not very brave when it comes to my make-up. I wear neutral colors, no eye liner or shimmer.
#5 I love lotions and potions! I am obsessed with eye creams or anything that claims to get rid of wrinkles. I have way too many wrinkles for a 27 year old.

And that is me in a nutshell.....(actually a make-up bag)

#10 My Favorite Places to Eat

2011-01-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

One of the perks to living in Southern Oregon are the great local restaurant's.

Noho's Hawaiian Cafe is one of our favorites.
Their Macaroni Salad is TO DIE FOR!

Callahan's is a lodge up at Mount Ashland that has a restaurant. We like to go for birthdays and our anniversary. It is so cozy with tables right by a crackling fire place, big windows to watch the snow fall, live guitar music to enjoy, and delicious food to eat.

Kaleidoscope Pizza is melt in your mouth, drool, and return-as-often-as-you-can goodness! It is a tradition to go whenever family comes to town.

Now I am hungry!!!

#9 Something I Last Purchased

2011-01-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

A Diet Coke at Target!

Big surprise there, right? I make this purchase at least twice a week. Difference today is that I had to use Mario's debit card. I don't have one for 5 to 10 days!!!!!! I am going through with withdrawls....shakes, chills, you name it. Mario and I noticed some fraudulent online charges and had to call it in. So, they deactivated my card and I have to wait until the new one comes in the mail. I had to take Mario's card today since I had an eye doctor appointment and needed to get a birthday gift for the kids' friend. My new optometrist is Graham MacPartland. He is my friend Genevieve's husband and a great eye doctor. Give him a call if you need an appointment! (there's my plug!)

#8 A Song for Today

2011-01-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

I taught Joy School today and introduced Mr. Gunny Bag. He likes to gobble up toys that aren't cleaned up. He only coughs them up once a week. But when there are no toys to eat he cries and cries. The kids are obsessed! He is really just a pillow case with a face....shhhhhhhh!

#7 My Dream Wedding

2011-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Since I'm married already to my dream man, I'd have to say that my wedding 7 years ago was my dream wedding. I don't have any pictures on this computer but it was a perfect day. We were sealed in the temple and then had a gorgeous reception. My colors were black and white with red roses. Very elegant. I love wedding so much though that I would totally renew my vows with Mario just for fun. I would do it here:

#6 My Dream Pet

2011-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Jasper and Rosalie are the only pets I would ever want. I've always said I'm not a dog person and that is still true. I only like my dogs. They are adorable and only like to poop inside at Nana and Papa's house, not mine. Whoops! Today Rosie had her first vet appointment. She is healthy and ready to get spayed next week. Mario had today off so this afternoon we took the kids and puppies for a nice walk. It felt like we were a whole caravan of gypsies walking through the park. Our family is getting really big. I love it!

*Adam gets the photo credit on this one*

#5- A photo of yourself 2 years ago

2011-01-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Ack! I don't love this picture of me, at all! But I love the girlies in it and it is so representative of my life two years ago. I noticed in every picture of me from two years ago that I was fat. Which is kinda funny because my excuse was that I had a 6 month old (Tyler). Well, now I have a 7 month old (Alex) and am at least 15 pounds lighter than I was then. Yay for that!

This picture was taken at our annual Chocolate Extravaganza. Just close your eyes and imagine...(insert angelic melody)....chocolate as far as the eye can see. Fun times!

Anja is right next to me. She moved a while back and is greatly missed. Two years ago we were getting together regularly for play dates and girl's nights out.

Janice comes next. She also moved away, but just recently. I miss her to pieces. She is such a creative, fun person and one of my best friends.

Crissy is at the end. I just got to see today at her baby shower. She is having a little girl! She has two boys already. This girl is so fun to be around.

What would I do without my girlfriends and chocolate?!

PHEW!

2011-01-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

So I have been busy busy busy the last few days. And today is no different....

swimming lessons
music and movement
bring Adam to school
baby shower for Crissy
pick up Adam
clean the house
make dinner
plan tomorrows preschool
keep children alive

That is my plan for today. Preschool tomorrow is on cleanliness and order, so I figure I should lead by example and organize my house. It isn't all that bad, just yesterday we went to a party to watch the Ducks game so I went to bed with it messy, which I never do.

#4 Best Friends

2011-01-08T17:03:00.001-08:00

I'm one of those really lucky people who are surrounded by amazing people.

Mario is my eternal companion and best friend. I never get sick of him which is fantastic considering we are stuck like glue forever.

Jacki knows me inside and out. I love her to death. No one can make me laugh like Jacki can.

My mom is an amazing woman that I am so lucky to have as a friend. I want to be just like her someday.

Amy has been my friend for over 20 years now (can't believe I'm that old!!!). She is silly, goofy, and gorgeous.

Rachel is the only person I still keep in close touch with from high school. We have made so many great memories together.

Cousins, sibblings, friends, parents, etc. Pretty blessed, right?

This picture was taken in 2005 I think. Cousins all stacked up. I love it!

#3 The Details of Dating

2011-01-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

For this blog challenge I am supposed to talk about the perfect first date. I think my first date with Mario was pretty dang perfect so I will talk about that. We had met on a Sunday evening (April 2003) when Mario was on the way to have dinner with a girl and her family. After his date he came back and asked me out for the next night. What a player! I should feel bad for the girl....but I don't. We went out Monday night, which probably was pretty irresponsible because we should have been at FHE or doing homework since it was the week before final exams.

Mario drove me to Applebees in Idaho Falls. I ordered chicken fettuccine alfredo and Mario ordered a lot of meat. There was a Mariner's game on in the background, good food to eat, and an amazing guy across from me. Mario was so sweet and gentlemanly. After dinner he got us lost driving the 30 minutes home. I still think he did it on purpose! I knew it wouldn't be our last date and thankfully it wasn't.

That week we ended up studying at the park, going to Hogi Yogi, going dancing, taking walks, talking on the phone...you get the idea. We fell in love fast and 7 years later I can't imagine anyone more perfect for me.

Just last night we were laying in bed and decided that for our 10 year anniversary we need to go somewhere awesome. It will be in December so I am thinking tropical. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband that I can build castle's in the sky with.

This picture is from December 2006, but I just love it! We look so happy and in love.

#2 FOOD!

2011-01-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

Alex is 6 1/2 months old, which is one of my favorite ages. Every taste of food is a new experience for him. It is a delight to see him try new things. Today for breakfast he had one of his favorite meals, rice cereal with applesauce mixed in. I canned the apple sauce this fall with apples from my friend's neighbor's tree. Nutritous and delicious! (For real....I tried it.) The funny thing is that he will only swallow the food while sucking his thumb. Weird! I really hope he out grows it ;)

I am supposed to write something I ate today for the 30 day blog challenge so here goes:

oatmeal
beefy 5 layer burrito from Taco Bell
Diet Pepsi (yuck! The downside to Taco Bell)
A speculaasje cookie
Pulled pork sandwich for dinner

Not the most nutritous day ever. Whatev!