Day 56 - Getting ready for Oscar!

The Oscars are coming! Are you ready?!

This year I'm having some of the girls over for an evening w/the stars!

I've got my decorations out, and the ballots printed.

The snacks were purchased, and the wine is chiling!

Just some last minute odds & ends to do, and then I'll be ready.

I'll be sure to post some pictures of Sunday night!

Day 54 - A "pampered" pooch

So now it's official! I am now a Pampered Chef consultant!

I received my kit, and paperwork in two heavy boxes.

I haven't opened every item yet, but I'm very close!

As I was opening up my new carrying case,

I noticed that Jordy the dog was very curious.

He wasn't too thrilled sitting in my bag.

But at least he isn't curious anymore!

I'm so excited to be starting up my business again.

Here's to cooking shows & yummy recipes!

Day 53 - Just what Brady ordered!

Since Brady's throat is in sever pain, he requested certain foods.

I picked up his medications, and then ran over to the store.

We worked on a list together, and this is what he wanted.

Once I got home, and saw that he was still in bed,

I brought him some applesauce.

He was very happy to have food that was easy on the throat!

Day 52 - One sick boy!

I had my oldest one in the hospital! I was very sad & worried.

Long story short, he came down with a terrible throat infection,

and the doctor said he was exhausted.

This kid never rests!

10 days on bed rest. No school, No work, and No cheer!

It's very hard trying to keep him home,

and following the Doctor's orders. 

I had a meltdown when he insisted on going to practice.

Blog Extra!!

Hello friends! I'm really, really, REALLY excited about something today!

And let me tell ya, I could use something to get me happy today...

Many of you know that I'm in the middle of planning Jordan's 1st Birthday.

And even more of you know that it's going to be a Circus/Carnival theme.

Well the lady/blog site that gave me the inspiration in the first place is 

HAVING A GIVEAWAY!!! 

Not just any giveaway... A circus/carnival theme giveaway!!

Can you imagine my surprise & excitement when I saw her new FB status?!

My heart started pounding, and my palms literally started sweating!

What do you call that? borderline obsessive? Ok, cool!

I'm totally jumping at the chance for this awesome contest!

Kara is the reason why I chose the fun Circus theme for

Jordan's 1st Birthday party!

Wish me luck everyone - I really hope I win!! 

Day 51 - Baby Bumps & Blossoms!

Today I was playing on the floor with Jordan.

I had his tummy time carpet out, toys, and his boppy pillow.

Earlier in the day he started something new: 

He leans to one side and cocks his head really cute.

Well as he was sitting w/his boppy, he cocked his head and

fell forward, hitting his little brow bone on the hardwood floor :(

I scooped him up quickly and gave him a quick once-over.

He cried a bit, but not nearly as much as I thought he would!

Instantly I could see a little red bump forming.

I felt so helpless. Honestly I think it hurt me more than Jordan.

He continued to play & laugh as if nothing even happened!

As I was laying the baby in his crib, pretty blossoms caught my eye!

Once the baby was asleep, I ran out back to snap a picture.

These are blossoms from our nectarine tree - so pretty!

I even caught a piece of the blue sky in the background.

Spring has sprung, and I'm so excited!

Day 50 - Movie, Lunch, & American Girls

Saturday was a day of fun for Nina and her friend Rosemary!

They planned a movie date 2 weeks prior.

I took the girls, and their American Girl dolls to see

Gnomeo & Juliet. A very cute movie I might add!

I didn't actually see the entire movie because I fell asleep...

I had been home sick 2 days prior, and wasn't 100%

But like most moms, we don't like to disappoint our kiddos.

After the movie was over, they played a couple arcade games,

and then it was time to eat lunch!

We drove over to Red Robin. One of my favorite spots!

All four girls enjoyed their meal, and played more video games.

We took a quick trip to Michael's craft store -

The girls wanted to do some craft-y stuff.

Later the fun continuted with a fun Sleepover!

Day 49 - Rainy night Wii game

It's Friday night, and it's pouring down rain!

I got this picture of Jason, Brady, and Nina playing Wii.

I thought it was cute! They all get SO into the game.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl - bringing families together. LOL!

Day 48 - Almost Pampered... Chef that is!

I received my new Pampered Chef products the other day.

Today I was home sick, so I decided to experiment a bit!

I just LOVE my new deep dish baker. 

What's so great about it is that it fits in my microwave!

I also got the Pampered Chef southwestern seasoning mix.

I took some steaks out of the freezer, and sprinkled w/seasoning.

Then I took the dish full of steaks, put the lid on it, and 

(this is my favorite part) PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE!

I put them in for nearly 10 minutes, and they came out DELISH.

Now this is my kind of cooking! Quick & Easy.

I guess I should experiment more often!

Day 47 - Sweet Dreams!

When this picture was snapped, Jordan was asleep for the night.

I had just tucked him, and kissed his little chubby cheek.

From the 1st week he was born, he has slept through the night.

How did we get so lucky? I have no clue!

5am has been the earliest he's woken up. Not bad.

We have two secret weapons that help him fall asleep fast.

Secret weapon #1 - That little lamb you see in the corner of his bed.

The best gift I ever got from Nordstrom! 

It makes soothing sounds, and drowns out some of the house noise.

Secret weapon #2 - The blue swaddle he's wrapped in.

For the life of us we couldn't get that mummy wrap thing down!

The receiving blankets weren't working, so I opted to cheat.

I found these swaddles at Babies 'R Us and they're GREAT!

Some parents use pacifiers, some use night lights...

All we need is a lamb, and a swaddle.

Pure magic!

Day 46 - Formula, Veggies & Fruit - Oh My!

And they say teenagers eat a lot!

Earlier this evening I went shopping - I know what you're thinking...

I assure you, it was only for the essentials! (this time)

My cart was filled to the brim with diapers, baby food, formula, etc.

Jordan is starting on his 5th new veggie, and a 3rd new fruit.

It's actually fun to pick out a variety for him.

He LOVES his veggies! Sweet potatoes are his favorite!

Squash, not so much (can't really blame him) and he likes Peas.

Along w/cereal, he goes through 2 fruit & veggie containers a day.

Plus his usual daily supply of formula.

Some websites I follow say he could be eating more, some say less.

I like to stay somewhere in between.

And I also watch for signs of hunger, and a full tummy.

It's very rare that I get the 'I'm full, stop feeding me' sign.

I guess that's why Jordan has been given little names such as:

Tubby, and Cheeks.

As long as his pediatrician thinks Jordan is fine, then I'm happy.

Day 45 - Tiffany from my Valentine!

Every year for Valentine's Day, for as long as I can remember,

Danny has taken me to Tiffany & Co. to pick out my gift!

It's something I look forward to every year with great eagerness!

Last year on Valentine's day I was pregnant with Jordan -

This year, little Jordan accompanied us to the store!

Below you can see Jordan & Daddy.

Both of them were SO patient as they waited for me to shop.

This Valentine's Day, I decided on this gorgeous purse!

I've wanted it since the day I saw it, a few months back.

My iPhone doesn't do it justice - it's BEAUTIFUL!

Thank you so much Danny! I'm so lucky to have you!

This has been a GREAT Valentine's Day - XoXo

I love you!

Day 44 - Chores & Cheeks!

For the past 4 weekends that I can remember, we've been going non-stop!

Today was the 1st day that we didn't have anything planned.

What does that mean? It means that we got to catch up on chores!

Sometimes I wish we had more days like this...

Jordan, or some of you know him as "cheeks" helped me out today.

I was busy sorting all of the Pampered Chef orders that came last week.

He looked like such a big boy as he sat at our dining room table.

He kept me company, and himself very busy with his toys.

After I was done with my little project, Cheeks went to watch daddy.

It was a beautiful day outside, and Danny had TONS of yardwork!

He couldn't finish it all today, but he did the lions share.

I put Jordan in his jumper, and turned him so he could see daddy.

He jumped & jumped until he heard the hedge trimmer -

then he would just sit and stare, and wait for Danny to shut it off.

Danny would turn around every now & then and wave to him.

"Pretty soon you'll be out here helping me", Danny said to Jordan.

And then Cheeks went back to his jumping.

Day 43 - Beach Photo Fun!

Today we had some family photos taken at the beach!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

So many people were out riding bikes, walking dogs, and sunbathing!

These pictures I snapped with my iPhone in between poses.

Our outfits were carefully coordinated, and the baby cooperated!

In the top photo, Nina was getting ready for a brother/sister pose.

In this picture, Jordan was sitting in a Pirate's chest -

complete with silver & gold booty!

As you can see, the baby really liked the treasure.

I'm really excited to see how our pictures turned out!

Day 42 - Girl Scout Valentine Party!

Tonight I had a great time setting up this cute party table for

Nina's Girl Scout Valentine Party!

I made marshmallow pops, and brought all the decorations to

Nina's Girl Scout meeting.

While the girls were out selling cookies around the neighborhood,

I quickly set up for the party.

When the girls came back, they were ready to party!

The look on their faces was priceless  - XoXo

Day 41 - It's Valentine Central!

 Day 41 was like any other night... 

Chock full of things to do!

Valentine's Day is nearly here - 

And I had LOTS to get done!

Nina was shopping for a "Valentine".

Yep! Cupid's arrow hit the bullseye!

Here she is picking out his card.

This took careful consideration - 

And 2 hours later, she finally chose one!

The lucky boy is getting candy hearts,

a stuffed animal puppy, and a

 heart-shaped box of chocolates!

Tonight I made marshmallow pops!

These are for Nina's Girl Scout party.

And one of my favorite things to make!

I put the pops in a bucket so I can

display them on the party table.

They're always a big hit for any party!

And super easy to make.

I also bought mylar heart balloons.

They will be given to each Girl Scout,

and a few to my co-workers.

I'm also giving one to Danny & the kids! 

Well, this is what I got done on Day 41!

29 goody bags filled for classmates,

6 goody bags for the Girl Scouts,

Valentine cards signed,

Several marshmallow pops finished,

and some minor preparation for the 

Girl Scout party!

I'm sure the girls are going to be excited!

I can't wait to see thier faces when they 

see how much they're LOVED!

Day 40 - Jordan's Hats!

Day 40 found me snapping pictures of Jordan wearing his hats.

Tonight I went shopping at Janie and Jack and found the cute you see above.

It was the last one, and it was on sale - so I snagged it!

We're getting family pictures done on Saturday and I thought this would be cute.

Little did I know that this adorable little hat would be too small for Jordan : (

So bummed! I'll have to go online tonight to see if I can find a bigger size!

I think he looks so cute in it, and it will match what all of us are wearing.

Wish me luck!

The picture below was also taken tonight. This baseball cap was a gift from my cousin.

It's still a little big for him, but he looks so cute wearing it backwards!

Plus I got a great shot of some drool rolling down his chin.

Hopefully we won't get too many shots of drool during our family photo session!

Once again, wish me luck!

Day 39 - A Quick Visit

Cousin Olivia, and Auntie Sara came to visit us after a day at Disneyland!

It's been a few months since Jordan saw them. 

He was very happy while they were here!

Olivia was so eager to hold her cousin. She asked me over & over if she could.

My sister & I sat them down on the couch, and started clicking away!

The entire time Jordan was so mesmerized by Olivia's shoe laces.

He wouldn't leave them alone, but Olivia didn't mind one bit!

Once his Auntie Sara got a hold of Jordan, she could NOT stop kissing him.

After a few minutes she said, "wow, he's a heavy little guy".

It was so nice to have my sister come down for a visit at the last minute!

We don't see eachother often, but when we do, it's always a great time.

We love you Sara & Olivia!

Day 39 - Lots & Lots Accomplished!

There was a lot accomplished in the house tonight! 

I had dinner made, fed Jordan his cereal & veggies, put a load in the washer,

and had Jordan bathed & lotioned - all before 7pm!

That may not sound like very much to some of you, 

but I was VERY pleased with everything I was able to get done this evening!

I snapped these two pictures of Jordan as I was cooking dinner.

The first picture was right before he ate. 

He likes to play with his pacifier. I got a picture of him putting it in upside down.

In the second picture, he had just finished his dinner. 

I left him in his highchair to play as I prepared the spaghetti.

I thought it would be funny to put one of his toys inside his bib pocket.

Doing this really kept him busy - long enough for me to finish dinner!

I announced that dinner was ready, put the baby in the tub, did my laundry,

and then Danny was finally home from work a little after 7pm.

He came home to a delicious smelling baby, and the yummy aroma of dinner.

SUCCESS!

Day 38 - Late Night Rant

Last week my status on Facebook was a desperate cry of exhaustion, not enough hours in the day, lots of chores, needing more organization, and having the feeling that I'm drowning in all of the above.
In no way shape or form was I asking for sympathy. Not even a shoulder to cry on really. I just wanted some good, strong, helpful hints as to how all the other busy moms out there do it all.
Let me start off by saying (or typing, rather) that I've got a husband who will do anything, and I mean anything for me! He helps out with everything around the house. The dog, kids, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, you name it! And I realize that I am WAY lucky!!
Call it crazy, call it Super Mom syndrome, but either way you look at it, I want to be able to do it all!
Why you ask? I really don't know.
I don't see why we can't do it all. Besides the fact that us moms are just stretched way too thin.
When the kids, or hubby get sick, who takes care of them? Mom does.
Who takes care of 'Mom' when we get sick? *crickets chirping... Exactly!

I was actually very surprised at how many wonderful comments, helpful hints, and very wise information I received on my Facebook status the day I was about to have my meltdown.
A lot of my friends put everything in prospective for me. And for that, I am truly grateful!
I felt so inspired, and eager to try out my new information from moms that I consider to be some of the GREATEST out there!

So to make my long, and most-likely boring story short, I don't have a picture to post to my Project 365.
I was way too busy over the weekend, spending some great quality time with my Hubby, and kids.
I need to keep reminding myself that it's OK if I don't get to post a pic, or blog everyday.
And it's ok if the laundry didn't get folded, and put away. It's ok that the floor didn't get mopped today. The dust isn't going anywhere, and the dry cleaning will remain safely tucked into that plastic overlay until we're ready to fetch it from the cleaners. Nobody said my house had to look like the museum I wish it did.
I may not be able to invite that unexpected visitor inside the front door, but that's OK too.
The chores will be there tomorrow. But what might not be there, is another chance to spend that second, minute, or hour with my family.
Life is too short.
Stop and smell the roses now & then, and stop trying to clean up the petals that fell on the floor :)

Day 37 - An Evening with Ethan Bortnick!

Danny, and I took Nina to a concert to see Ethan Bortnick.

It was a nice evening out with just out baby girl.

She's been following this young man on the internet, and has really grown to

enjoy his music. I think she relates to him because he is also 10 years old.

He put on an amazing show, and the 3 of us had a great time!

Afterwards, he announced that he would be out in the lobby signing autographs.

Nina was beside herself with excitement!

She rushed out of the hall, and started sprinting down the long staircase.

I had to yell for her to slow down because she was wearing a small heel,

and I just witnessed an older lady take a little spill down the same staircase!

She ended up taking her shoes off, and continued racing down the stairs.

Nina decided that she would have Ethan sign her program.

Then she spotted his table of concert DVD's, and t-shirts.

So of course, Danny had to take her to purchase a shirt to get signed.

Below is a picture of her smiling next to Ethan Bortnick.

Nina had a great time during our evening out, and she is still smiling!

Day 36 - Girl Scouts, Chinatown & Dragons

Nina's Girl Scout troop took a trip to Chinatown Saturday afternoon!

They were excited to celebrate Chinese New Year, 

and see the Golden Dragon parade.

The weather was beautiful!

It was certainly an adventure catching several trains to get to our destination.

What really made the day special was having all the parents join in the fun!

Jordan even came along, and really enjoyed people watching.

The girls really had a great time together, and they all love to laugh!

It made me smile as I watched them enjoy their day together in Chinatown.

Day 35 - Earning Patches!

Nina had a great time at her Girl Scout meeting tonight! 

Troop 1099 was presented with patches they earned in Hiking, and First-Aid.

They were tested, quized, and did homework assignments in order to earn them.

The girls were so proud, and very eager to let me snap their picture!

Nina has a really great time with these wonderful young ladies, 

and she has learned so much!

Tomorrow we're on another Girl Scout adventure...

I can't wait to snap more pictures of these little darlings!!

Day 34 - My Jumping All Star!

Ok, so I wasn't actually at the gym to take this photo of Brady, BUT...

It was sent to my phone. So technically, it's my picture! lol

I've mentioned before that Brady is an all star cheerleader.

He's had practice everyday this week in preparation for their competition.

This picture was taken during practice as he was jumping.

The whole team is in Palm Springs, ready to compete on Saturday & Sunday.

He's very much looking forward to it, and will get to see a lot of his friends!

I'm very sad that we won't be there to see him perform on two teams -

Saturday morning he competes, and Nina has a Girl Scout outing at the same time.

Sunday he competes way too late in the evening to even consider going.

He tried to make me feel better by telling me there were other competitions.

There's always a link to the video on youtube or facebook, but 

it's just not the same. Good luck California All Stars!

And good luck Brady!! 

Day 33 - 6 months & Sipping!

Today our little guy Jordan turned 6 months old! 

Seriously... where did the time go?!

He's growing by leaps & bounds, and brings so much joy to our family.

To celebrate Jordan's 6 month Birthday, I introduced a sippy cup!

He was automatically drawn to the bright colors.

After giving the sippy cup a once over, he grasped the handles, and

brought the 'Jordan' cup right up to his mouth! 

And wouldn't you know it... he started sucking on it. 

I realize babies do this kind of thing out of instinct, 

but it's still fun to see how much he's developed in 6 short months!

It was bittersweet to witness this new little milestone in Jordan's life.

Before I know it, he'll be 17, and graduating high school.

I'm not going to dwell on how quickly time is flying -

I'm going to continue enjoying every second of this little miracle we call Jordan!

Happy 6 month Birthday baby!

XoXo

Day 32 - Grocery Shopping

Busy moms are forever finding ways to get everything done! Is that even possible?

I have high hopes, and would like to think that the impossible is well... possible!

I've found a way to get most things done, some of the time. 

But I'm always striving to get more done.

That's probably why I don't get to bed until 2am!

Right now I'm sitting waiting for Brady to get out of practice.

Instead of relaxing, and unwinding from a crazy day, I'm doing busy mom stuff.

By this I mean that I'm grocery shopping. 

Yes, I'm sitting on my behind, grocery shopping.

If you're a busy mom, or even a busy dad for the matter, I highly recommend giving

online grocery shopping a try - It's a wonderful time saver. 

And it's actually nice having someone else carry 

all your heavy bags into the house for you!

You pick your groceries, schedule a delivery day, decide on the magic hour, 

and in two shakes of a lamb's tail, your weekly grocery shopping is finished! 

So easy, and SO worth the $9.95 delivery fee. 

Practice is out, the kids are ready to drive home, and my grocery shopping is done!

Busy mom out.

Day 31 - Jordan & California All Stars!

Tonight Jordan took a little road trip to the California All Stars' gym in San Marcos!

He was so happy to see everyone!

He got to see his friend Kiara Nowlin, who asked if she could take him home : )

I think Jordan would have willingly left with her, but Nina said no.

Jordan sat in his highchair, eating cereal & veggies, while 

watching his brother Brady, and his team, practice for 

their upcoming competition in Palm Springs! 

Not long before that, Jordan was smiling & laughing with all the CA parents.

After practice was finished, the California All Stars came over to visit with Jordan!

The cheerleaders, and staff were so cute as they gushed over him.

They were all laughing at how chubby his cheekies were!

And they were all so kind to buy Girl Scout cookies from Nina!

She was SO excited! Some even told her to bring more tomorrow...

She was very wise to bring those cookies with her!

Below is a picture of Jordan w/his new friend Ries Brooks - 

Jordan just LOVED him! He smiled the entire time Ries held him.

Thank you California All Stars for being so amazing with my kids - all 3 of them!