Brown's Life

Birthday Birthday...

2011-07-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Thomas' second birthday with some beach and Bull Taco. He was so happy that night when we put him to bed...all smiles about being celebrated. Hooray for family, fun, and food! Let the wonderful world of 2 begin! xo -ag

2

2011-07-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I have been hiding for all this time...and now my baby boy is nearly TWO!

Oh Thomas...you are starting to talk ALOT! You still love your sister and your daddy (and your mommy, best). You also like to cry at breakfast...apparently I put the butter on the wrong side of the bread (maybe you should ask auntie Greta about this). You try to be a big boy and use your potty, but at the same time you want to be a baby and suck on your paci. You have strong opinions about what you wear and it makes me crazy at times! You are still a good napper and an overall good sleeper, you love to be in your bed! Even though you can climb out, you only do if you really really want to! You have watched and learned so many things...some of our favorites include - heel, toe, heel, toe, heel, toe, yew! from Party at Mickey's! and the crocodile snap! You love Lalo...you call yourself Momas...and your white white hair is amazing! I think we hear comments on your hair daily! We are so lucky to have you in our lives, you make us all better people! Go Tom Tom...blow it up baby boy!

Nine!

2010-04-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today, Thomas is nine months old. It is amazing how quickly the time has gone and how much he has grown. Each day brings something new...and usually it involves a bit of trouble. He still loves his sister, his blankeys, and his pacifier. He is great in the pool and loves to go underwater...today he was even paddling his arms while he was "swimming." He also stood up alone today at the YMCA...after we swam, we played in the splash pad for a bit. Thomas loves the running water...it's fascinating. I stood him in the middle of a fountain and let go, he was holding the streams of water so he thought he was being supported...but he wasn't and alone he stood, until he realized. It's just a matter of time before he is walking (no shit, right?)...He still isn't the best sleeper, but I guess I am not the strongest parent and will go to him as needed. Plus, he is cute and sweet and gives me snuggles and kisses...we are surviving happily.

Today was also a bit sad...we sad a final goodbye to our favorite pediatrician, Dr. Ng. She is moving up north to be with her husband. She cried (which made me cry) saying goodbye, she is awesome and I am so glad that she was our doctor...Lillian was one of her first babies...being a dork, I brought the camera in and took some photos...we sure are going to miss Dr. Ng!

Otherwise, we've just been living the dream here in South O...a little adventure mixed with a lot of routine...but that's how we like it...xo -ag

It's okay...

2010-04-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

go night-nighty...you're ok...go to sleep...

hum, I wonder if I will ever sleep through the night again...

Am I happy? actually, yes I am. I wouldn't change it for the world and regardless of how many moments I spend complaining about this, that or the other...in the big picture, in this lifetime, I am happy. I love being at home with my kids, I love my kids, and more importantly, I love my husband. As I learned in my book club reading of "...Bliss...", I can keep the good and discard the bad...I can be genuine and a fraud all at the same time...and I always ask myself does it really matter? and really who cares? often.

And in the end...I am happy, only certain parts of it really matter, and I try to put 1000% of myself there...and the other parts...well maybe it's just me pretending...being in the moment but somewhere else at the same time...maybe I should move to India...now I need to get back on track with recipes...I have been slacking for the last few weeks, lacking inspiration...but I will persevere...see you soon..xo-ag

Poor Posting Habits...

2010-03-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am currently suffering form PPH, I will apologise to my two readers in advance. I have been completely into my routine, it is a busy one at times, and I am still very focused on trying to be fit and maintain my weight loss...I have lost 20 pounds since January and I am wanting to lose about 10 more before summer. I am feeling great and I am completely amazed at the fact that my clothes are too big, it blows my mind each time I put something on.

I am also happy to say that my TNR Tuesdays are going exceptionally well. I have exposed my family to new foods and learned a bit about cooking. Sometimes, I do struggle for inspiration, but I love that on one night a week, it's something new for all of us.

I think that is all I am giving you tonight...I have a post about happiness brewing in my mind, but I still need to finish my book club book (even though we already meet to discuss it)...The Geography of Bliss; One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World. Until then...I hope you are all well...can't believe it is already March...xo -ag

Double Up

2010-02-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I am not so good at this blogging thing...I guess Exercise TV has been distracting me...at least I hope it has...so I missed a few weeks...Here's a recap

Chicken and Bean Chilaquiles (or Silly Lilly's as we were calling them)

Cooking spray
1 cup thinly sliced onion (SKIPPED)
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken - I was feeling lazy so I bought a rotisserie chicken...
1 (15-ounce) can beans (recipe calls for black, I used pinto)
1 cup chicken broth
1 (7 3/4-ounce) can salsa de chile fresco (I didn't have this so I used some salsa)
15 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
1 cup shredded queso blanco

Directions - Preheat oven to 450. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray (I used olive oil). Add onions, saute for 5 minutes (or until lightly browned). Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Add chicken, cook 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to medium bowl, stir in beans. Add broth and salsa to pan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Place half of the tortilla strips in bottom of an 11 x 7-inch bakign dish coated with cooking spray. Layer half of the chicken mixture over tortillas, top with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Pour broth mixture evenly over chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until tortillas are lightly browned and cheese is melted.

-->Good dish, super easy. Jeff didn't like the green things from the salsa and I used the wrong cheese so it didn't get meltly. I enjoyed as leftover lunch, too. I served it with salad and called it a night. I will make this again and I see how easy throwing this together with leftovers from a taco night could be.

Hearty Frittata
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz artichoke hearts
1 cup thinly sliced leek
3/4 cup grated fontina cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 450. Cook bacon over medium-high heat in a 10-inch oven-proof nonstick frying pan or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels, reserve 2 tbsp. dripping in pan (discard the rest) and set aside.

Whisk together eggs, milk, chives, salt and pepper. Stir in bacon and artichoke hearts and set aside.

Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add leeks and saute in reserved bacon drippings until softened, 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add egg mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minutes, then gently stir in 1/2 cup of fontina cheese and the parmesan. Cook without stirring until deges of frittata are set and the center is still a bit soft, approximately 2 minutes. Edges should appear firm when the pan is gently shaken, the top layer should appear wet.

Sprinkly remaining 1/4 cup fontina over top and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown., 5 - 7 minutes. If top is not browned, broil for about a minute or so.

--> YUMMO! I loved this. We had this frittata, salad, and oven roasted potatoes...so good. I did modify the recipe since the only oven-proof nonstick skillet I had was smaller than what was called for I made this with 6 eggs (I also felt like 8 eggs was a lot of my family), changed the milk to 6 tbsp...left the rest the same...which made it a bit heavy with artichokes, which I like, Jeff and Lillian, not so much. I will definitely made a frittata again...it will be our version of breakfast for dinner, since I have never been able to let myself just make scrambled eggs for dinner...

Happy cooking -agatha

T.N.R Tuesday Menu...

2010-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Spice Rubbed Flank Steak...
mix 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon thyme (didn't have any) pat onto flank steak. Broil 6 to 7 minutes per side. Thinly slice...

I served it with some rice pilaf, brussel sprouts, and salad. Lillian ate all her meat and salad, but did not like the brussel sprouts or rice. Jeff loved and ate it all...but I am pretty sure he would eat anything meaty...he did mention that he liked that the steak was thinly sliced, he was able to eat it easily, no knife necessary. For me, I enjoyed to seasoning on the steak, which is always a challenge for me...what to put on my meat to make it yummy, so this worked nicely and was super easy. The flank steak was on sale at Ralph's making this meal fairly cheap! Definitely something I will do again...happy cooking -ag

TNR Tuesday

2010-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Lemony Lentil Soup with Greens

1 tsp oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of chicken broth, plus more as needeed
8 ounces of lentils
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
one bunch of kale, chopped
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon

Heat oil is 3-quart pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the carrots are softened. Add 6 cups broth, the lentils, basil, thyme, and salt. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat to low; add kale. Cook 30 to 35 minutes, or until lentils are tender, adding additional broth if necessary. Stir in lemon juice and zest before serving.

--> I found this recipe to be yummy! Jeff thought it was good, but he's not a soup guy and it had no meat...Lillian slurped up a ton of broth and got a few bits of kale and lentils and thought they were yummy. So overall it was a successful recipe. I am always looking for ways to use kale, it holds up well in soup for sure, and lentils are one of my favs (in case you didn't pick up on that already). This was good El Nino Winter Storm 2010 weather, warm, filling, and comforting. Each serving boost 313 calories and 19 grams of fiber. A keeper for sure! Happy Cooking! xo -ag

Happy 4th Birthday Lillian

2010-01-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is four today...it's amazing to think four years ago I was at the hospital in labor for the first time...so eager to see what flavor baby we were having, so excited to begin our adventure as parents. Little Miss Lillian, ahhh, she is smart, snugly, and cute...but she can also be whiny and naughty. She responds well to structured events and routines, sometimes needs her mommy to count to 10 before we can understand her because of tears, and does way better in stressful situations when I keep my cool. She is the queen of the castle at times, and rules the roost...and has her daddy wrapped around her finger. She is a loving big sister and does a great job with her brother. I love watching her grow, watching her learn, and I cannot wait to see what this next year brings for her...Love you Lilly! Here's some photos of her cuteness over the years! And, Yes, I do love me a number shirt! xo -ag

One Year Old

Two Years Old

Three Years Old at Disneyland for her first (and only) time

Three Years Old

My big four year old!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Thomas

2010-01-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

Wow...baby Thomas is 6 months old today...time flies. Maybe it's the lack of sleep but it seems like yesterday I was pregnant. Anyway, Thomas is doing well. He still loves to snuggle with his aden + anais swaddle blankets and his sister can always make him smile! He loves to play with his toys and roll around on the floor. He has started to eat solids...rice cereal, banana, sweet potatoes, avocado, and peaches so far...I think he likes the avocado the best, and the rice cereal the least. He has been swimming twice and seems to enjoy the water. He naps nicely but does not sleep through the night. Today at his doctor's visit, he weighted 19 pounds 3 ounces and is 27 1/4 inches long. He sure is cute...and it's a good thing since he, on some nights, likes to wake up every 2 hours...yikes! Here's some photos of his cuteness...xo - ag

July 20th

Happy Birthday Thomas!
One month old

Two months old

Three months old
Four months old
Five months old

Six months old

T.N.R Tuesday

2010-01-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Coconut Chicken Chili

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
1 onion chopped (no onion for me, although it really needed it)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp flour
1 14 oz can of unsweetened coconut milk
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 carrots, cut into "matches"
1 stalk of celery, sliced
1 green onion sliced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Fresh basil and sliced jalapenos (optional)

Directions: Cook first 6 ingredients with 1/2 teaspoon of both salt and pepper in the hot oil over medium heat for 6 - 8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more. Add coconut milk, peanut butter, and 1 cup of water. Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans, carrots, celery, green onion, garlic, and chopped basil. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Serve with rice, top with basil leaves and sliced jalapenos, if desired.

So...it was good. I found it a bit bland, definitely needed the onion (which for Jeff I left out) and I added more salt and jalapeno to my plate. The beans didn't really offer anything, I thought they were a bit mushy, I wanted some more crunch...maybe some cabbage?? Not sure if that rhythms but it sounded good to me. Now, Jeff and Lillian loved it. Lillian ate ALL of hers...even the beans, carrots, and celery and she never eats cooked veggies! Jeff forgot to eat his last night, but took it to work today and apparently everyone wanted to know what it was...I will tweak the recipe a bit for my next use but it was fun to cook with coconut milk, I had been wanting to play with this ingredient. So overall, Coconut Chicken Chili was a success! Happy Eating...xo -agatha

Before it becomes cliche...Best Memories of 2009

2010-01-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Memories of 2009...well it was an easy one for me with the birth of Thomas. That was my initial answer and then I asked others (via Facebook) and it made me think more about my favorite things from 2009...

Thomas Malcolm Brown was born on July 20th. A highlight of the year, briefly followed by the stress of having another baby in the NICU. Holding him for the first time on Friday the 25th was amazing, the best feeling ever and finally getting to introduce Lillian to her little brother and bring him home on July 30th was also awesomeness!

First Meeting

First ride in the car together
Snuggling

Some of my other favorite moments came with spending so much time with Lillian. She came with me to each doctor appointment, she listened carefully to the babies heartbeat. She ran errands and helped me all summer long. It was good times spent together. I painted her toenails for the first time during the summer. Ahhh, she loved it!

This favorite memory Greta helped me remember...Our sister friends trip to Arizona was great and the best part was definitely Maja pulling up at the airport to pick me and Greta up...in this convertible wearing that lovely orange hat...and she had hats / wraps for each of us! Oh what a trip that was! Can't wait to do another sister friends vacation!

2009 also involved adding on to our house...it was a year filled with adventures and quality time with the family! I can't wait to see how 2010 turns out...so many cool things in store for us...Jeff and I will celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, Thomas will turn 1, Lillian will be four....Wow, hopefully I can appreciate it for all it's worth! xo -ag

Try a new recipe Tuesday

2010-01-06T11:20:00.001-08:00

As part of my new year's goals I am going to try a new recipe every Tuesday.
Hooray for new food...

Tuesday, January 5th
Lentil Chili...from Better Homes & Gardens (modified a bit)

2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained
chopped onion & chopped bell pepper, but Jeff won't eat food with onion or bell pepper any...so I added chopped carrot and shredded zucchini
1/8 cup of chili powder
1 TBSP garlic powder
salt
4 ounces tomato sauce
3 ounces tomato paste

It was pretty easy, and most of the ingredients I had on hand...I mixed all the ingredients expect the tomato sauce and paste in a big pot with 1 1/2 cups of water...brought it to a boil and then simmered it for about 40-45 minutes, the recipe said 30 minutes, but my lentils were still kinda hard at that point...once it's done simmering, add the sauce and paste...put some cheese or sour cream on top and there you have it...

I thought it was delicious...Lillian tried it and said it was yummy but barely ate more than a lick, and Jeff ate all his and went back for more...but I apparently ruined it when I said it was lentil chili...I also added sausage since my husband needs meat in his meal, but it definitely was not needed nor did it add anything...so overall, this recipe is a keeper...yum yum xo -ag

Leather

2009-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

while polishing some shoes, including Lillian's new boots that got handed down from Devlin, I was explaining why we can polish them...they are leather, and leather is from a cow...Lillian says, Oh, did a cow used to wear these boots? Yes, Lillian, that's why they are cowboy boots...sometimes you just have to roll with it...xo -ag

milestones

2009-12-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

December has been a busy month...both with all the holiday hoopla and with Mr. Thomas. He is growing so fast...and getting to be such a big boy...he still loves his sissy, giggles almost on command, and is mostly happy! I still wish he would sleep longer...but he falls asleep easily and back to sleep easily, so I'm not going to complain (that much). He's have hit some notable milestones this month...his Bla Bla tiger is going to have to change his name many times this month...

First, he sat...barely, but he sat, nose touching the floor, but he got stronger day by day! first sit November 27th

Then to my surprise, he rolled over, from back to front (honestly, I didn't think he was ever going to roll over)! December 22

And now, he is eating his rice cereal...yummy... December 26th

Oh my baby boy is getting so big...I want him to be my sack of potatoes again...xo -ag

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Christmas Morning...presents under the tree, a relaxing morning with the family. Lillian loves her ballet/tap things, she can't wait to start her class. Her Kitty Piano was also a huge hit and she spent the morning arranging her dolls and stuffies for the show, which involved singing, dancing, and piano playing! Thomas loved his new dog, but I think Lillian liked his toys more. Grandma Terry and Grandpa Malcolm's house brought some fun time spent with family. Lillian gave up on opening her presents once she made it about 75% through, daddy had to help her finish the rest. Thomas was a gamer through most of his, but then got hunger...and I was the last person left opening gifts...we all got wonderful gifts from our very generous family. Our king sized bed was covered with gift bags that we had to go through and organize...biggest hits with Lil - her Beach Party Barbie (from Aunt Barbie) that rides a bike and has a dog, Fairy jewelry box from Aunt Susie, and her marble maze & animal masks from Grandma Terry & Grandpa Malcolm. Thomas loved his new exersaucer...and Jeff and I got a big stand heater for the roof!

Gifts are great, but my greatest happiness came from watching Lillian give out her glittered sand dollars to everyone and giving Grandma & Grandpa their handmade bags. Both kids also got to spend some special time with their family, one-on-one, Lillian playing with Aunt Barbie and Thomas giggling away with Aunt Susie...it's so nice to watch my kids make others so happy. It was a small group and a mellow day, which was the perfect end to the holiday season. I really enjoyed my December Days...and Nights.

So to all my friends and family, I am sending you much love and joy this Christmas. xo - ag

More Counting

2009-12-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

December 15 - oh no...I think this day may have been a catch up day. Jeff was home from his trip and we mostly played around the house...working on some Christmas crafts, organizing gifts, enjoying family.

December 16 - Make a gingerbread house...ok, I used a kit from Costco, but it was still fun...this is a first in our home, haven't done one before...and will do it again, but probably on a smaller scale, using graham crackers and cardboard to make a smaller house! Daddy even got in on the fun!

December 17 - Make cookies for the Kalikimaka Hula party! Lillian won third place in the Hawaiian words game for her class...but she also cried and spazzed out a bit...short party, we were a bit late, lots of yelling answers...overwhelming for a three year old.

December 18 - hummm...not sure exactly what we did...I'm thinking we worked on finishing up some more of our crafty stuff...here are some ornaments that we made...fun with paint!

December 19 - Breakfast with Santa! Thank you to Ms. Sandy! We joined the fun at the Jonathan Tarr Foundation Breakfast with Santa. We ate yummy pancakes, visited with Santa, won some raffle prizes (thanks Danny!), and watched some hula. What a fun day and definitely an event we will go to next year! Check out my sister Greta's blog for fun photos!

Later in the day, dressed in tank tops and shorts, we headed to Legoland with the Ott's and Auntie Maja! Fun stuff...I think Lillian's favorite was the Let it Snow musical show...with real "snow" aka soap bubbles...Jeff liked it, too, but don't tell him I told you!

December 20 - Christmas at Auntie Wilma + Uncle Will's house in Warner Springs. We celebrated with Jeff's family and cousins from Malcolm's side...food was yummy and Lillian had fun with her daddy and Nick out in the hills, climbing rocks and hiking around. She also got way too many gifts...as did Thomas, who slept through present opening.

December 21 - Give the teachers their Christmas presents. Lillian was very excited to surprise them with prAna shirts and homemade cards. We also went to the library and got to color some Christmas pictures.

December 22 - Cookie decorating at the Ott's. This is a family tradition! As children, my sisters and I would go to Great Grandma Greta's house to decorate sugar cookies and then eat tuna sandwiches for lunch. Greta has continued the tradition, but the kids ate PB & J and the adults had egg salad sandwich and salad...yummy. Lillian only decorated about 5 cookies, apparently cookie decorating is not her thing...she did enjoy "coloring" them with the food markers though...she is quite the meticulous artist...her 4 colored cookies took her a long time...no wonder she only did 5! We also made an ornament craft! Yahoo!

December 23 - Heading to the mall...Carlsbad Mall, to enjoy the holiday decorations, and buy some last minute gifts. Today we also need to finish up all our handmade projects and wrap things up!

December 24 - Christmas Eve on Europa! With cousins in matching PJ's and cute hats. Loud music nothing like a polka party Must be Santa sing & dance -a-thon, walk to the beach with some caroling children, and yummy dinner! And the best part...Zhu Zhu hamsters for the kids, wow, who knew such a silly little toy could be so much fun!

We spent the morning baking scones and cookies, and right before we left for Grandma Joanie and Papa Phil's house we delivered treats to our neighbors and nearby friends! Fun!

December 25 - Hooray for Christmas! Santa brought Lillian all the goods for ballet and tap class, she was so excited, especially about the tap shoes! She also got some clothes, a computer game, and the Kitty Piano...so fun! She loved all her gifts! Thomas got a stuffy Boxer dog that Lillian has named Scooby Lillian, it's a girl dog you know, the Fisher Price Farm House, a wood toy, a new ball, some cool shoes, bowls and a sippy cup. Hooray!

...it was fun, hard at times just because the day would be busy with school...there were a few things that I didn't get to do that I really wanted to add...hopefully we will get to these next year...donate a toy, go ice-skating, Jungle Bells at the SD Zoo, Sea World. I hope Lillian enjoyed it as much as I did. I tried to focus on what we could create to have some Christmas Spirit instead of what we could buy or what gifts we wanted to recieve...Hope your holiday was filled with wonderful memories! Merry Christmas to all! xo - ag

Counting til Christmas

2009-12-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

December 14 - Glitter time
We glittered up some pine cones and sand dollars today and our fingers!

December 13 - Pie Party
Happy Birthday Uncle Tim! Went to a pie party at the Ott's...it was a party alright. We ate yummy pie, played with our friends...and even got to see Vanessa and Jon, and little Mr. Walking Van. Hooray

December 12 - Oh no running out of things to do...today was free day, finish up other project and wrap presents. Lillian worked on some of her projects, I wrapped presents and we watched Happy Feet!

December 11 - Craft Day. Make bags for gifts for some special family member.
I bought some basic bags at Joanne's and let Lillian go crazy with the fabric markers and a bit of paint. Not exactly the most beautiful bags you have ever seen, but they are her creations and they are made with love.

December 10 - Bake Cookies and color some ornaments with Finn
yummy!

December 9 - Watch Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
The one I used to watch...with the land of misfit toys...I bought it last year at Lou's on VHS...fancy!

Planning an activity and getting ready for it each day has definitely made me spend more time with my sweet little miss and we are loving it! Hooray for creating a memorable holiday season! xo -ag

The counting continues

2009-12-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

December 4 - Get our Christmas Tree

Lillian was so excited she even ate dinner outside to watch her daddy get it all ready to come inside! Here she is with our tree! Pretty Happy! She said getting the tree really meant that Christmas was coming!

December 5 - Encinitas Christmas Parade

We had a great time, got down to Encinitas super early, got a close parking spot, unloaded while both kids napped in the car, and then we got to enjoy the town a bit before the parade...stopping by Rustic Rooster for a photo with Santa, the Rooster was looking super cute, all dressed up for the holidays. Then we went over to check out the tree...hum, decided not to stay for the tree lighting, so back down the street we went...making our own parade, to get some food and get ready to watch the parade! Is there anything better than watching a bunch of Indian Guides go by...while enjoying good friends, yummy food, and for the grown-ups some wine! I spent more time chatting and drinking than parade watching, but Lillian watched the whole thing...and loved every moment of it!

Lillian with Teagan and Finn

The Cousins...with adorable hats knitted in the round by Greta

Parade watching with her best friend, on a chair for 2 under a blanket...ahhh!

The Parade Crew

December 6 - Write a letter to Santa

"Dear Santa" Lillian asked for ballet lessons. She dictated the letter, and asked Santa for a stuffie dog for her brother, I was trying to get her to say a piggy bank, it looks like he will be getting a stuffie instead! She did sign her name on the end...now we need Santa to write her back...

December 7 - Shop for stuffing stuffers for her cousins

Online, of course, we picked out some little beanie baby bears for Dev, Finn, and Malley. New with tags from Ebay!

December 8 - Make Snowman Cards for her teachers!

Found this craft in Family Fun. We had fun, although I did have a hard time letting her do it all. We created a snowman body, top hat, and carrot stamp out of the felt used to put under chairs. Lillian painted the stamp and stamped them on paper. We added some dots for eyes, mouth, and buttons. Then we personalized our cards for each of her teachers, including Mr. Troy the Music teacher. She finished each card by writing her own name.

Snowman bodies

Working away

The finished product

Hope your are getting into the holiday spirit! Happy HO HO HO to you!

xo -ag

Day 2 & Day 3

2009-12-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Counting the days until Christmas...hooray, it's so much fun!

Day 2 - Make and Eat rice krispie treats
I know not really a Christmas thing, but we used our Christmas cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes...and it was a great ways to get rid of the marshmallows and some old cereal...Lillian thought it was pretty fun to use all the sprinkles to decorate them!

Day 3 - Oceanside Tree Lighting

Yahoo for Oceanside, we had a great time at the Sunset Market and Tree Lighting! Santa arrived on a decorated fire truck, a big countdown, tree lighting, and the Military Band was rocking. Lillian's favorite parts...the big tree and the music. We saw lots for our neighbors and friends, ate some food, and danced on stage. Grandma Joanie joined us for the fun, which made the night even more special!

The Tree!

Grandma Joanie and Thomas...
check out his new hat knitted by Auntie Greta!

My little elves...love them!

Can't wait for more holiday fun! xo -ag

Creating a new tradition

2009-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

I have wanted an advent calendar for years...and not one with chocolate in it, but one where you put something in each day. This has been an ongoing process, a few years ago I cut out 24 mini mittens, actually I cut out 48 and cuffs and I still need to sew them together. Before that, I bought little boxes that I thought I could wrap with scrapbooking paper and stack...and donated those to the DAV after they sat for over year. I had planned on stuffing the pockets/boxes with ornaments for a Lillian Christmas tree and I have the ornaments, bought online, still in their packaging. And now finally in 2009, I have discovered my new idea, my new tradition, and it makes me happy.

Though my calendar is a not exactly what I hoped for, it will work and maybe I will finish those mittens...not that those are perfect either...but at least I have the concept in place...so here is how it works...I am stuffing each day with a Christmas activity...some are extravagant, others very small, but all focus on creating lasting memories for Lillian and one day, Thomas I am hoping to share with them the joy of this magical season Christmas.

Today, December 1st, is day one...I explained my plan to Lillian last night and this morning when she woke up, she was very excited and told Jeff that she thought he was Santa...when we got out of bed we went to find the calendar on the wall and pull out the first slip...Make Snowflakes! Yeah, she was so excited. And we did make snowflakes, I did all the cutting, and she watched in awe as those little snips with scissors turned into beautiful snowflakes when unfolded...and then she become the art director and sequin glue-er...and even when it was getting way too messy, I remember that this is Christmas and we are having a great time together...and isn't that what it's all about! Well, friends that story doesn't end there...well actually, it doesn't begin there, because our day started with an impromptu trip to the outlet mall in Carlsbad and a visit with Santa...there was no line...it's my first year taking Lillian to a mall Santa...and I convinced her to sit with him because her Bubby was going to sit, too...it's amazing how a little brother changes everything...too bad today's note didn't read...Visit Santa, oh well...today was a 2 for 1 sort of day...

Ok, we did have to wait in line for a little bit, and here is a great shot of Finn and Malley eating the candy canes while we waited...my niece and nephew are pretty cute and silly!
Hooray for December...xo -agatha

Hello

2009-11-01T20:45:00.001-08:00

Hi friends...
My name is Thomas...I am 3 months old. I am a very sweet and happy baby. I'm growing fast, my mom and dad feel like time is zipping by. Before they know it, I'll be walking and talking. My favorite things are my big sister Lillian, my muslin blankets, eating, and taking a bath. There aren't many things I don't like, I'm pretty easy going. I still sleep in the bassinet next to my mommy and daddy's bed, daddy said he was going to set my crib up this week, hooray, I am very excited about stretching out and having more room! Here are some recent photos of me, I think I look pretty good in blue...and with that awesome mullet wig! I can't wait to have more hair!

Hope to play with you soon...xo - thomas

Sunset Market

2009-10-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Oceanside...
Lillian, Thomas, Maja, Grandma Joanie, and I enjoyed the Oceanside Sunset Market tonight. It was fun and the kids got to wear their Halloween costumes and do a bit of trick-or-treating. I love the lights that are hung across the streets and it's just the right mix of street fair, farmers market, outdoor dining, and entertainment. We are going to try to continue enjoying the market until the weather gets too cold. So, if you are looking for something a bit different on a Thursday night, come join us...xo -ag

Desert Desert, when I'm in the Desert

2009-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we made our annual trip to my parent's desert house to celebrate Borrego Days. We had a blast and the kids were excellent campers...Thomas' first camping trip! Yes, my mom and dad do have a house in Borrego, but in true Phil-style it only has one bedroom, so any guest must figure out their own accommodations. We went for the tent and camper shell action...Jeff and Lillian in the camper shell and Thomas and I in the tent...it worked perfectly and both kids slept well, close to their normal schedule here at home. The trip also included a special treasure hunt, private viewing of the praying cactus, a parade, desert exploration, Papa Phil bonding time, scootering, a pool party, and some awesome star gazing. I saw 3 shooting stars our first night there...the tail end of the meteor shower, the sky was amazing. It was the perfect easy getaway, that was surprisingly relaxing.

My favorite moment of the trip was at lunch on Saturday. After the parade and a quick stroll through the festivities in Christmas Circle, we headed to Red Ocotillo for lunch. While we were there, Lillian was coloring on the napkins and asked me for help with some letters. She was sounding out "Be Smart" on her own and asking for help to write it...she came up with "B CMT." She has been super excited about letters and the sounds they make lately and I thought this was very clever of her...she is smart, and I'm a dorky mom who saved the napkin...

Our camping set up
Grandma Joanie with two of her grandkids

She found another clue

Visiting the praying cactus...
the newest attraction at Casa de Papa
We also found another clue here...
do you see the moon?

She found her prize

Waiting for the parade to begin

She loves a good parade

Fun Times

Pool Party

Thomas was a good desert napper

As we packed up and left on Sunday, my dad joking asked me to bring my sisters next time...so ladies, are you ready for some dusty desert fun? xo -ag

Done...but not finished

2009-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

We are done with our home addition...and we have passed our final inspection, but we are definitely not finished. There are many small tasks still to complete and perfect, but we are living in it and really enjoying it...it really was the right thing to do if we were going to keep living in this house. Now, we need to get our old room painted and get Ms. Lillian moved in to her bigger pad...and then Mr. Thomas can have a space of his own beyond the bassinet. Here are some photos of the completed addition...remember it's done, but it really isn't finished...hopefully by Christmas...

The before picture...6/19/2009

Progress - July 8th

July 17th

August 5th

From the front - August 9th

August 14th

August 21st

September 28th

Our new room minus the furniture - October 9th
Can't wait to have you all over for a party! Cheers...xo - ab

ps. This is for you Ms. Sandy!! Enjoy!

August 27th

2009-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us!
Wow...nine years!
I love my husband!

ps...look at our 5 week old baby...haven't posted any photos of him yet...oops!

36 weeks...

2009-06-26T10:12:00.001-07:00

Here I am in my big belly glory...36 weeks down, 4 more to go!

xo -ag

Showered with Love

2009-06-23T20:15:00.001-07:00

Greta and Kristen hosted a baby shower in my honor last Saturday. It was a lovely morning with great friends and good food. I didn't bring my camera, so I don't have any photos to share of the day, I think everyone had a nice time. I was very proud of my sister for delegating some of the responsibilities to others who were willing to help and it made me feel even more special since so many wanted to pitch in...it does take a village.

I was overwhelmed with the generosity of my family and friends, there were many gifts to open. I think I might own the entire Carter's layette in the whale / ocean theme. I got some amazing hand crafted items, too, and was hoping to highlight those here...I had lofty plans for individual photos of each, but in the end I have one big picture of most things handmade and I wanted to highlight my friends who created them.

My sister Maja created the octopus onesie with matching blankets and beach ball. She also made some amazing booties and an embroidered anchor wall hanging, as well as some decorations for the shower. That Maja, she has talent...her ability to put fabrics together and create unique and stylish pieces never ceases to amaze me...read about her work on her blog sew nice.

The adorable tie onesie and baby scrapbook were created by Jill. Jill one of the girls from Maja's group of friends, but in Maja's absence has adopted my sister and I. We are in the bunco group with these girls and share time together chatting about children, husbands, and life. Her handcrafted gifts were amazing, and the scrapbook is perfect for me...poor Lillian never sees any baby pictures because I am still trying to scrap for her...she's 3 1/2 and I have only done pages up to May 2006 (the year she was born)...one day I will finish! Anyway, Thanks Jill...Asian Barbie, you've got talent!

Mikayla knitted me the cute blue hat and made two onesies with that super cute motor scooter stitched onto them. I always knew that Mikayla had great knitting skills, but her sewing skills were a surprise...I guess they really shouldn't be since her mom is a sewer...but I don't know when Mikayla has the time to create such cool things...I can barely get my butt in front of my machine...great work Mikayla!

The beautiful hooter hider, nursing cover, was made by Leilani. She is also promising me some fun burp clothes as well...I can't wait. Plus I am super excited about the hooter hider, titty tent, or whatever you want to call it because I was planning on just using Greta's which was a bit girlie...Thanks Lani!

The embroidered whale side snap shirt, Thomas Malcolm blanket, and polka dot pants were all whipped up by my momma...Grandma Joanie. I did give her a hard time because she was trying to work ahead and put the baby's sun sign on the blanket already, which if he is born on his due date will be Leo (this is also my mom and Maja's sign)...but what if he comes early...not that that will ever happen for me, but still, where's the hope...

I know it's hard to see here but look closely, hanging over the hooter hider is the amazing necklace Sandy made for me. It is a silver donut circle hand stamped with Lillian and Thomas' names and a beautiful pearl hanging in the middle. Sandy never creases to amaze me and she loves to craft...she tries her hand at everything, always creating clever pieces and inspiring others. She also works, takes care of her son, and runs a spot in Leaping Lotus with her crafty husband Tony. Let's not forget to mention her amazing coffee cake she made for the shower...so yummy! Read all about Sandy's adventures on her blog The house of jacks.

I do want to also mention Laura Bennett's amazing fruit plate that she prepared for the party...it was so beautiful with fruit kabobs, sliced kiwi and strawberry and then fresh mint laid all around...very nice work. She also has a blog, and her entries are amazing and heartfelt. Visit her here on Sweet Mama.

Hopefully, I did not leave anyone out or hurt anyone's feeling. I love shoppers, too, and as I said, we truly appreciate every one's generosity and love. Baby Todo Super Why Brown will be well taken care of. Thank you to everyone...you girls are the best ever!

xo -agatha

Ready, Set, Remodel

2009-06-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Let the construction begin...

Our house before...

After Day 1 - deck removed...digging for footings starts

After Day 2 - Jacuzzi moved, concrete removed, ropes are up showing dimensions of the addition

xo -ag

Enjoying a first...

2009-06-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

This week has been a bit hectic...It is my last week of work and my school has an odd schedule which has me working 4 days...unheard of! Ha! But, these four days are busy with cleaning and organizing all my stuff, deciding what to leave behind for my co-workers and what to save for the day I return to work. Lillian is going to be at school for 4 days in a row, a first for her, and we are feeling the effects. She is worn-out...so I wanted to give her some TLC today...so I painted her toenails for the very first time...I did mine last night and she loved them, so I decided to do hers too. She was too cute, taking her chairs out into the sun for drying, sitting still and giggling while I painted them, it was very sweet. And, if her daddy hadn't told her they were dry, she might have sat on her chair for ever...her my little miss with her bright pink toenail polish...xo -ag

and the days just keep flying by...

2009-06-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

When you are in a routine, I guess you just don't notice how quickly the days and weeks and months go by...and suddenly it's June, my last week of work begins tomorrow, I am having a baby in 6 1/2 weeks, and wow, the last time I updated my blog was in February...where does the time go...

I remember thinking about how I would be feeling and how things would be going in our household when I just thought I may be pregnant, how would Lillian be acting, would I be able to keep up with her and her needs / demands? How big would I get? So far so good, everything has been rolling along smoothly, we are all excited to meet this baby.

We have filled the past months with the daily grind...Mondays - Jeff and I work and Grandma Joanie watches Lillian. I meet them at hula at 4pm for Lillian class, she began in taking classes in March and just danced in her first ho'ike. She loves hula and is such a good listener in class...too bad I don't get that same level of attention and respect at home...Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jeff and I work and Lillian goes to preschool...we love Kids by the Sea and so does Lillian, she goes full day...I drop her off around 7:40 and pick her up around 4pm...then we scramble to make dinner, take a bath, watch a show, and go to bed by 7pm...Wednesdays and Fridays are our free days, no work for the girls, and we run errands, go to doctor's appointments, and try to squeeze in some fun here and there...each week continues with the same...a little variety in what we do on our days off, but overall, it's the same plan each week.

I have taken the camera quite a few places, I have taken pictures and thought of what I could blog about, but in the end, I never did any of it...by the time Lillian's asleep, I sit down at the computer, read facebook, maybe email a friend or two, and then it's either grading time or TV time...and then off to bed...blogging hasn't been a priority, but I love when my friends tell me they still check my blog...hey even I check it from time to time to see if there is anything new...silly me. But, we have been here a great time, enjoying family time at the Zoo, the WAP, the park, the beach, the boat, the pier...we celebrated Easter (and forehead stitches), Jeff's birthday, we have been to birthday parties galore, a few wedding (where Lil has gotten to bond with Lanna), and watched a bit too much tv...but we are loving our days, even if they just fly by...It is time for us to kick it into high gear and get ready for baby Todo Super Why Brown, maybe next week...

Here's some photos highlights...from the past few months...

Lillian's first Ho'ike with Kehulili O' Kailani-June 6th

Lillian and Finn...

Getting ready to "feel the beat"

Sharing a milkshake at Ruby's on the Pier

Daddy's girl...on the pier-May 31st

Outer Space...art from school - May 28

Flying her fishy kite at the beach - May 16th

My belly, nearly naked...May 16th...30 weeks

Playing at Marshall Park - May 15th

I gonna try to do better and update more often...and I know I can do it...because I am going back to being a stay at home mommy...Hooray...xo -ag

Sending some after the fact Valentine Love

2009-02-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

Preschool Valentines...

"You make my heart GLOW"

Glow stick attached...

Valentine Lil with a giraffe

She's a cutie...and so is that jiggie Auntie Maja made her when she was born. Still fits!

Little Miss on Valentine's morning, playing with her special valentine.

New animals and a felt farm mat with tree and grain silo, handcrafted by her mommy!

Hope your Valentine's Day was special.

xoxo - ag

Weekend Fun

2009-02-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Hooray for some family fun...the past few weekends we have managed to pack in some adventures as a family...

Saturday 2/7 - A trip to check out the tide pools at Taramar. It was very beautiful out and Lillian learned how to make a sea anemone squirt. It was her favorite thing to do. It was great, until we all got soaked, good thing Lillian had just got her rain boot stuck in the sand and Jeff was holding her or she may have ended up out to sea. Didn't get any photos of our mishap with the tide, although we probably looked like a bunch of fools, we did get a few other fun shots...

Sunday 2/15 - Rainy days and chilly weather forced us inside on Sunday...to build a fort. Lillian allowed us to come inside because it was very comfortable.

Hoping to have some more of these fun weekends together...
And a belly shot...about 17 weeks, 3 days, not that anyone is counting
xo -ag

I SUCK

2009-02-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

so yeah, I am a terrible blogger...my life is hectic...new textbook at work, prego, 3 year old testing out her brat stage, husband under mucho stress at work, all in all good times!

We celebrated Lillian's birthday and had a blast. On her actually birthday, we went as a family to Disneyland. It was so much fun, she loved it. Dumbo first, the carousel, Casey's Train...oops then Alice in Wonderland, where we let her sit in front alone...in the dark, off with their heads, she was scared, but we convinced her at the end that they said Happy Birthday to her with a big cake...the day was great, and she really enjoyed it all. We finished the day with a train ride all the way around...she loved the dinosaurs, since they are "studying" dinosaurs at preschool right now. They are one of Jeff's favorites, too, so they had a dinosaur moment...It was great, I can't wait to visit California Adventure!

To really add to her complete Brat persona, we threw her a birthday bash at home, too. With a huge bounce house, friends, family, food and fun. It was great...and we survived with no tears...she was in the jumpy from about 10am until 4pm with very few breaks...and daddy had the great idea to get helium balloons and put them inside the jumpy, very cool indeed!

I will post pictures some day...maybe, no promises, but that was our January highlight...xo -ag

March 08

2009-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

To keep things rolling along...I am Marching on through...

March was another busy month...there is always something going on...

Early in March, Lillian and I headed to Sea World. Lillian and I watched our first show, Clyde and Seamore's Risky Rescue...she loved it. We got to visit all her favorites, the beluga whales, the flamingos, the dolphins, and we touched starfish. So much fun, thanks Grandma Terry and Grandpa Malcolm for our passes!!

Next up was a family trip to see the flowers in the desert. So much fun... Here's some photos from the trip. I love going to the Borrego house to play with my parents, so much fun, but usually too much drinking...especially by one Joanie Morgan...but hey, why not!

A trip to the WAP was part of our March fun to see the Butterflies...it was awesome. Everyone should make it a must see in 2009. It gets crowded but it is pretty amazing to see so many butterflies in so many colors in such a small area. I can't wait to take Lillian this March.

A finally a big Easter gathering, at our house. With a great Easter egg hunt, good food, and a wonderful family. My great uncle Alan was a bit full of himself in his new post of eldest family member, but hey I guess he really has only had a few moments of glory in his lifetime. Here's a photos of the kiddos eating...I must say, I do get a bit silly with my thematic flowers...I do love them though...

A that's pretty much how our March went, a bit of car time, a bit of adventure, nice weather, good times, good times...xo -ag

February

2009-01-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

February 2008 turned out to be slow month for us last year...I think it always is. I always have lofty plans on crafty things to create for Valentine's Day, but nothing ever really turns out as cute and clever as it is in my mind. Oh well, I just keep trying and maybe one day I will create my masterpiece...

Here's a photo recap of our February 2008...

Bath time sillies with Daddy A playdate with the cousins

Yoga time
Post Yoga Scooby Blanket Snuggle...he was a good dog.
Dancing with a dolly

Not terribly amazing, but another month none the less...xo -ag

January 2008

2009-01-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

So I had big plans to do a year in review post...the whole year one post, but that is just a little too much to ask of myself, so I thought I would go month by month, and it generates more posts which will help me with my lackluster blogging skills...so today we start with January!

January -
We rang in the New Year very mellow...in bed by 10pm. Oh well, I guess that's life when you have a little one. January always brings the frenzy of preparing for Lillian's birthday. My sister, Greta, always says that after Christmas she has the big let down from no more crafty, bakey, shopey things to do...well she should have had a January baby...I wanted to throw Lillian a very mellow 2nd birthday, just a few friends, lunch, cake, hooray. Originally, we had planned a beach party with sand castle building, but the weather didn't hold up and neither did Jeff's health...so we opted for a home party, which was great, except Jeff felt like shit, ended up going to bed half way through the party (and later we found out we got a majority of our guest sick, oops), but Lillian was very happy to dance and play with her friends and still talks about her 2nd birthday.

Lillian's birthday also brought our last San Diego visit with Grandma Shirley. Things had turned from sketchy to terrible around Christmas, and finally my Aunt came out to access the situation. After a few weeks, she decided that she needed to check on her home in AZ and took Grandma with her. Long story short, my grandma now lives in an old lady house in Tuscon. My Aunt and my grandma stopped by Lillian birthday party which was a nice surprised, but we didn't really realize it would her last visit to our home, oh well, I feel good about where she is now and I have no regrets.

January also brought visit with family to celebrate lots of birthdays on the Brown side. Plenty of snuggles with Scooby and days spent playing with new toys and books. Looking back at photos, Lillian's hair was very short, but it was finally starting to grow after the pulling stopped. Giving up her pacifer helped end the majority of the pulling and 2008 become the year of hair! Hooray.

Lil's Birthday

Papa Phil, Grandma Shirley, Grandma Joanie, and Aunt Jane Ann

Thanks for coming to my party!

Lillian snuggles with her Great Grandpa Doc

Blankey time for Lillian and Scooby

xo -ag

Is it a seahorse?

2008-12-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

"No, Lillian, it's not a seahorse, it's a baby. You're going to be a big sister!"

Hooray, we are finally going to have another baby. Just one, thank you, due at the end of July. We are all very excited but Lillian was a bit disappointed to hear it was only one baby. She was hoping for a boy and a girl, big like her, a baby, and a dog. Oh my, I don't think that would all fit.

So, yahoo, just wanted to share the news.

I know I just sent this out as an email, but I have to start my comeback somehow...so why not with a little cut and paste magic. Hoping to be inspired to post more...xoxo - ag

Comeback...

2008-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

I am considering one...it's not that I have been doing anything fun or fantastic...I was just feeling silly posting and I was also starting to feel like I was a big bragger or something...at least that's how my sister was explaining blogging...like bragging and I realized, hey it kinda is...and I need less self promotion and more focus on taking care of business...this blogging stuff isn't business...but I am feeling that I might make a comeback...maybe...no post a day nonsense...but maybe an occasional silly story, cute picture, or brain dump...who know...anyway...if you have been continually checking to see if I blog anymore...keep checking, I may be back again soon...until then...hugs and kisses - ag

A pirate says Arrgh!

2008-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Harbor Days in Oceanside was great fun...we meet the Ott's and Auntie Maja was even down to enjoy the fun. We dressed the small people up like pirates, enjoyed a harbor cruise on our nameless boat, enjoyed food and free bag fun, and my favorite the "exhibits" by the Marines, Navy, Coastguard, Firemen...there were some many cool things to explore and check out. We had a blast...so stop thinking that Oceanside is a scary place, but it's actually really cool!

xo -ag

Kitchen Update

2008-10-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's coming along...we are nearly finished, hopefully by next week the backsplash will be up...so here are some photos of the new countertops...here with the old door...
And here with the new out-swinging door...so nice...it really opens the kitchen up and you can see the tile backsplash...it's going all the way up to the bottom of the countertops...it's a little flashy with gold in it, but we love it and can't wait for it to be finished.

xo -ag

Promises Promises...

2008-09-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Yeah Yeah, I said all that stuff about posting oodles of photos about this that and the other...old news now...oops!

But...I have some fun photos of Lillian...
Jeff's co-worker Kip came over on Sunday and did a little photo shoot of Lil...
Jeff says "She was funny!" and of course, very cute...

I'm happy, free photos with a big fancy camera...I take it any day...and one day she might even be on his website... http://www.kipgerenda.com/

xo -ag

It's my birthday

2008-09-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hooray it's my birthday...
I have had a great day...
My students were great and kind...I even got a hug!
My teacher friends got me gifts, flowers, cake, and lovin',
I had many silly singing messages from friends and family,
My sister Maja made me an amazing new purse,
My husband, lillian, and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner out.

Good times, good times! Thanks everyone...Brownie is feeling the love!

And just so I don't feel so old...I found In the Club or sorry...that's In Da Club by 50 cent on our itunes...go shorty, it's your birthday, we gonna party like it's your birthday...

xo - ag

ps....In Browntown...today is everyone's special day, so I hope you, too, are celebrating!

I have so much energy...

2008-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have so much energy,
I have so much energy,
I have so much energy.
Yahoo, I have so much energy!

I can't get it out of my brain!
Salsa dancing and girls night out was awesome!
And thanks to Kevin (who happens to work at prAna)
I have the following quote stuck in my brain
I have so much energy...
try it, it kinda works...

I promise I will be back soon with photos of
the new countertops...love them!
Lil's new haircut...she was too shaggy!
Salsa dancing funniness...I was an excellent dance...
some pirate fun...arrrgh! from Harbor Days!

Until then, just say it with me...I have so much energy, I have so much energy, I have so much energy! xo -ag

I wonder...

2008-09-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

I just found this article and was completely fascinated by it. Would I recognize beauty when it was right in front of me, out of context, interfering with my life? Or would I just continue marching along because what I had to do was so important?

I would like to imagine that if I were in that situation that I would stop and listen, maybe even sit down and enjoy the show, but who knows really...it is just so interesting to me to ponder. Hopefully, you will ponder it to, and maybe we will all slow down and see the beauty in the day to day...recognize excellent art, natural wonders, excellent music...maybe...

xo -ag

This, that, and some crafty fun

2008-09-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get back into the swing of things...
Summer is over...and I am back to work. I increased my teaching load to 60%, so I am teaching 3 class periods on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Same as I was planning to do when I was only 20%, but now I work all day. I am happy about it and I gladly accepted the increase, except for some reason I just feel like I am running about, out of sorts, all the time. I am just feeling unorganized...which is not at all my style...

We did spend some time cleaning our house this weekend, which makes me feel good. And I even found some time to complete a couple small project...now I just need to deliver my creations to their recipients...maybe tomorrow...

A frame from Greta's summer fun playdate, and two freezer paper stencil onesies

Close up of the flower onesie LOVE onesie
Lilly rockin' the same hairstyle I wore in the 7th grade...and I am not kidding

Ok, I am off to Bunco tonight...Hooray for the $10 therapy...
or maybe it's the wine I am excited about...
xoxo -agatha

Tent Mahal

2008-09-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

So, Jeff picked up a tent at work the other day. When we went camping, we realized the tent that went with the van was rotten...holy mildew batman, it was bad. We had to borrow a tent from the silly boys dad to successfully complete our Carlsbad camping mission...which made us realize that we needed a new tent. It was in the back of Jeff's mind for weeks...he mentioned it occasionally, and then on Friday he brought a tent home. Tod, one of Jeff's coworkers, purchased the tent with a pro-form, so it could not be returned...and apparently it was too big for Tod's family of 4. Apparently, too big meant nothing to Jeff, he realized what a great deal it was and how convenient it would be, so Jeff paid Tod cash and ran with the tent...Kelty Pavilion 6...um, it's frickin' HUGE...it took up the entire 2nd level in our backyard...it really is the Taj Mahal of tents...the thing will take up an entire campsite, no joke...here are the photos...

These are the tent itself, very open and airy...
With the fly cover and vestibule
ok...just kidding
Playing Camp...in our backyard

So, do you want to go camping with us?? xo -ag

Our New Kitchen

2008-09-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

At the encouragement of my sister Greta, I am posting some pictures of my new kitchen...it really isn't done yet, we still have countertops, backsplash, and new door on our to do list...but here are some photos to hold you over until the project is completed...hopefully within the next 2 weeks...xo -ag

ps...don't you just love my plywood countertops...they are all the rage

Lillian's first day of preschool

2008-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

My little girl is growing up so quickly...

Today we dropped her off for her first day of preschool...

She did some deep breathing in the car as we got close...she told me she was "nerbous"...

But she did great, no tears...she happily ran from toy to toy, she had to touch everything...

She stayed for nap time and actually slept a bit...not quite enough, but sleep none the less...

Her favorite part of the day was playing in the castle...and of course, having her Finny Finn there for moral support. It's great when you have someone in your corner...

And although Greta and I thought that Lillian would do all the talking and Finn would be the quiet shy one...the opposite turned out to be true, Lillian didn't really start talking until about 5:30pm tonight.

Hooray for school...xo -ag

Hawaii Photos

2008-08-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Beach Day...Kailua Beach with Rain and Katie

Cheesy Lillian...out to dinner
Kisses before surfing...in Honolulu
Hill sliding with Daddy...North Shore

Frolicking in the ocean...North Shore

Corndogging...North Shore

Hula dancing with baby Cassidy,
before the luau started

Family Fun
Dark and hard to see...
but this is Lillian making her stage debut
xo -ag

More August Fun...with Photos

2008-08-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

I nearly forgot to mention another event that made our month of August so awesome...
it started with a visit with Nikki and Derek and baby Kai...well their visit was ending, but the month was just beginning. We hosted a little BBQ party for old swim friends and everyone had a blast...at least that is what they said. I didn't take many photos, but here is one of The Brown's with the Hart/Matthews family.

Lillian and Paige in the bathtub...
Lillian and Paige have a sort of love / hate thing going on.
Since her visit, Paige has been blamed for many things in our house...
sure Lillian, Paige did it.

And the beginning of August marked the end of Parent Tot swim class at Lomas. We did enjoy our days at the pool, Lillian does like the water...she just doesn't want to put her eyes in...
maybe next summer...

xo -ag

Don't worry I am alive...

2008-08-29T14:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you dear anonymous for joking me about my lack of recent post... I will play catch up in the form of an extremely long post about the month of August!

August has been a wonderful month.

Swim team ended with our Championship Meet on August 2nd, we came in 2nd place overall (Fallbrook beat us, again). It was a nice meet, the kids did well...our party was on the 6th, we gave away some special awards to the right kids and really touched some parents, while making a big impact on the swimmers. So, all in all it was very successful and it will be a nice way to go out. Yes, this was my last summer coaching swim team at Lomas, I will miss my little sharks, but I've had a great run and I don't regret one moment of it.

On the 8th, Lillian and I joined to Ott family in a pre-birthday celebration for Devlin's 6th birthday...so crazy that Dev is six, I just cannot believe it. I remember the day Greta told me she was pregnant, it seems like yesterday...

On the 9th, we hopped on an airplane and headed to Hawaii for a little vacation. Lillian was great on the plane, but wasn't all that thrilled with Hawaii...actually she really wasn't all that thrilled about Pete & Katie's nephew Rain...oh well, we just kept them apart...Lillian did have some good times frolicking on the ocean and rolling around in the sand...and we went to a luau at Sealife Park. That was the highlight for Lillian, for sure. She even got on stage without her mommy or daddy and danced (with a zillion other people and she didn't really dance she stared, but it was pretty funny). It was a very mellow, relaxing vacation and Pete and Katie were very kind to let us stay with them...especially on the last day when Lillian decided to pee on the coach and the floor...good times.

We returned home to a gutted kitchen...surprise. Ok, it wasn't really a surprise, and it was nice that the major demo was done while we weren't home. More on the kitchen later.

On the 15th, less than 24 hours after returning home from Hawaii, I jumped back on another airplane, for a much shorter flight to Oakland with my mom and Greta. We went up to help Maja celebrate her 30th birthday! Hooray Maja. It was very fun...we free of small people, did some shopping, lots of eating, and lots of cackling. Josh was a very good sport and did not get grumpy with us at all! Happy Birthday, Maja!

Once we returned home, it was back to work for me. Inservices days, planning, prepping, preparing classrooms...oh so fun! I was on going to teach one class period and I did that all this past week, but we are opening up 2 sections of math, so I am picking both those up. I am excited about it, Jeff was a bit grumpy, but I think it will work out ok for the family.

On the 27th, Jeff and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. I got out our wedding photo album and we looked at it with Lillian. She was very excited and could name so many people in the photos! We had a nice dinner out as a family...Happy Anniversary Jeff...time flies when you are having fun!

So that's August in a nutshell. xo -ag

Just Kidding...

2008-08-01T21:26:00.001-07:00

This is my new favorite photo...I swear...

xo -ag

Three in one day...

2008-08-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Crazy, I know, but I just downloaded a bunch of photos and need to post before I forget or get too busy...

I think this is my new favorite picture of Lillian, we did another dinner / sail last weekend...and we actually put up the main sail. I love sailing, not motoring...sailing is so peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable...all you hear is the wind in the sail, the water slapping against the boat, an occasional seal, it's just awesome...anyway, this is lillian watching Jeff raise the main sail...she was in awe...

Our favorite destination...the seal buoy

Family boating fun...

xo -ag

Lillian and Kai

2008-08-01T15:59:00.001-07:00

Too cute...xo -ag

Friday Fun

2008-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Friday, Hooray for swim team almost being over, Hooray for Nikki, Derek, and Kai being in town, hooray, hooray, hooray!

Found this Friday Fill-In and thought why not.

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the 50's to see you Grandma Shirley and my Grandpa Tom, when they were in love...before Tommy got sick, etc...

2. Give me wine or give me a margarita.

3. I am listening to absolutely nothing except the clicky clack of my typing, and the hum of the computer.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking it's time for a drink (it is Friday, you know)!

5. I'll always be loud and silly

6. My idea of a good time includes friends, family, food, and wine...I see a theme developing.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to dinner out with Nikki, Derek, Kai, and hopefully Will and Kristin, tomorrow my plans include a yard party with lots of kidlets and old friends and Sunday, I want to relax a bit, and get rolling on the kitchen remodel!

Not really as fun as I had hoped, but fun just the same....I think I am going to go get on the trainer...xo -ag

Play Date...with the cousins

2008-07-26T21:49:00.001-07:00

On Friday, Lillian and I went over to Greta's for a playdate, it was a blast...here are some photo highlights...

Messy Cinnamon and Sugar Bagels...Yummy!

(OK, Devlin's not that messy, but she still is real pretty)

Bubble BBQ...Lillian thought that the tongs were grab nabbers...she loves those Little Einsteins...

Then for the grand finale, we played with sidewalk chalk and paint...oh they had so much fun, we had to hose them down at the end...

xo -ag

A new routine

2008-07-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today marks Day 1 of Lillian's new bedtime routine, and I am happy to report it was successful-ish. She didn't go to sleep until 9:30pm BUT she didn't cry, play, get out of her bed, whine...nothing, well she chatted to herself a bit, but she went to sleep alone! HOORAY!

It's a good thing, because I was about ready to sell her...I already had the ad planned in my head...For sale by owner - 2 1/2 year old little girl. Very tan, cute, smart, and fun. Turns into a crazy person at bedtime... Anyway, I made a groovy sticker chart with each step of her bedtime routine listed with picture, we reviewed it a zillion times today...and I waited to get started until 8ish and it worked! I'm so happy! Jeff offered Lillian a special prize if she could follow her routine like a big girl for 3 nights in a row...he thought maybe the zoo, or sea world, no...Lillian would to go to Finn's house as her prize...

So, that is what's new around here...just enjoying the summer day by day! I will post a picture of Lillian's chart once I snap one, I am really proud of my handy work...xo -ag

updated to add

Day 2 of the new routine...would be called a failure-ish...no nap, in bed by 8pm, lots of crying (too tired) and lots of needing mommy's love...oh well, she slept until 7:45am this morning...

Day 3...nice nap, started bedtime routine at 8pm (I set the kitchen timer)...asleep by 9:30pm, but needed lots of repetition / review of the routine and Lillian is trying to break all the rules, as usual...

My hope is that by day 10 I can say the routine is a no brainer...we will see...xo -ag

House guests

2008-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

I love having house guests, I really do...it's just that easy sort of fun. I look forward to chatting in the am over coffee and watching silly tv and more chatting at night! That's my kind of fun...mellow, easy fun!

Maja and Josh just left today...they arrived last Sunday and stayed a whole week, our office become their little SD home while they had visits with friends and family...Maja does most of the visiting and Josh is along for the ride...I hope they had a good trip down, we always enjoy having them...and they probably don't believe me since they got to witness some awesome arguments and endless Lillian crying at night...ahh, good times.

Here are some photo highlights...

Maja snuggles with Lillian as she wakes up from her nap

Cool Pool Party

Family Outing to Pannikin in Leucadia

3 sisters...at the Space OTTessey

More house guest coming soon...next up is a visit from Nikki, Derek, and their baby Kai. We can't wait. It has been a summer full of friends and family, so much fun! Hooray! xo -ag

Camping Fun!

2008-07-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

We took a mini camping vacation right in Carlsbad on July 12-13th!
It took us by surprise, I had booked the sight months ago, knew it was a Saturday in July but wasn't really sure when...Friday night I decided to check...oh no, it's tomorrow...but we were able to round up some camping stuff!

We already had dinner plans that evening since our friend, Lyle, was in town. That definitely made it easier...and it was at the silly boy's house, so Lillian was very happy!

We had a few glitches...moldy tent anyone...but it all turned out groovy. We had a great beach-side spot, the moon and stars were beautiful, and sleeping in a tent listening to the ocean was relaxing!

Lillian (finally) feel asleep around 10pm out by the fire

...then Jeff and I had some drinks around the fire...
Here's our campsite all set up
This is the chuck box, made by my Grandpa Tommy

In the morning, we cooked up some yummy breakfast, headed to the beach, and made it home for a nap! Fun, easy, close to home vacation! xo -ag

Sailing Sailing...

2008-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Over the ocean blue...
Here's a photo of Lillian sailing on our boat...
Yes, we have a sailboat, and we occasionally use it!
This was on July 5th, we headed down, bbq'ed hot dogs
on our little boat bbq and then motored around O'side
(the sails never went up...not enough wind or time)!
If you bug us enough, maybe you can come sailing, too!

This last photo is proof of my bad bun math...I have no clue how I ended up with so many extra buns after the 4th of July...they are now living in my Grandma's freezer!

Summer Fun...xo -ag

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Go America...

We had a great 4th of July celebration...something annual and yes, the party has changed, from sneaking "hot dogs" on the beach while peeing between rocks to a walk to the park so the kids could play, it's scary to see how far we have come...man, I am getting OLD!

The party was great, Lillian was thrilled having so many nice, sweet friends over to play with her and all her toys...and then the Silly Boy came...Forrest, an older man, about 8 years old...she was smitten and is still taking about him...I think we are in big trouble already!!

Here's a photo recap of the parade, I was too busy to take any pictures before we left for our parade, but let me just say, the food selection was amazing...I love a good potluck...Hooray! Can't wait until next year!!

The gang's all here... Riding Away
Lillian in her wagon
Mr. Finn and his scooter
Watching the slip and slide at the park...
Lillian is sitting next to the silly boy!

xo -ag

Hectic

2008-07-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Holy Hectic first week of July...
How do I get myself into these things, I guess it's the love I have for chaos.

Tuesday, July 1st, I hosted Bunco. Twelve lovely ladies came over for dinner and dice. Since I own an authentic OlyO's table, I did an OlyO's themed Bunco...Pizza, Salad, and Garlic Bread. I thought it turned out pretty good, my house smelled like OlyO's and I had OlyO's under my fingernails, gross, but true. It's a taste that lingers. We played outside, enjoyed conversation and lots of wine...and a few late-nighters even joined me in a dip in the jacuzzi...fun fun!

Today, I am hosting a swim meet at Lomas. It's pretty much done, I just need to do some cutting and ordering of time cards, but I am feeling good-ish about it. Some parents of my swimmers are LAME and suffer from poor communication. It always puts me in a bad spot because I had to penalize a kid because their parents suck...

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and we are having our annual bike party...scaled down. We have decided to forgo the adult bike ride to the pier and focus on the small people. Kids bike/wheels parade around the block...it will be perfect. Now I just need to do all the shopping for food and get all the decoration out, decorate the house, find something red/white/blue to wear...yikes, it makes my head hurt just thinking about it...

It always turns out fine...so Happy Hectic July to everyone...Have a great fourth...and Nikki & Derek, Happy Anniversary! xo -ag

Here's some pictures from the Inaugural Kid's Bike Parade 2007

Happy Birthday...

2008-07-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

to Finny!
Wow, you are a big 3 year old boy now...
You are my best friend...thanks for always playing with me!

xo - Lillian (Auntie Agatha and Uncle Jeff, too!)

Hooray for...

2008-06-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

baby Rowan Helena McFadden, Mikayla and Brian's yellow baby is a pinkie! Mikayla had pro skill and delivered without meds, and according to certain witnesses, did not show up to the hospital until she was 9 and 1/2 centimeters dilated...which was around 2am-ish and her doula didn't show up until 1:30am-ish...Mikayla is a warrior! I can't wait to meet their little miss...

and Del Mar fair fun! We had family day at the fair, we got there right at 10am and like true fair goers, and the consumers that we are, the first thing we did is walk the tents full of fair wear...and we made our purchases...a corn dog (Jeff tried to sneak it, but I totally caught him), some stuffed pillow pets (yes, we already have one, but money burns a hole in Jeff's pocket and he loves his Lilly), beef jerky, and we bought Lillian a very nice (and expensive) silk comforter. Jeff and I have one, we've had it for years and it's amazing. I tried to buy Lillian a regular comforter...but that didn't work out right. The silk comforter is so thin but always exactly the right amount of warmth regardless of the season. Ok, it's not a infomerical...although I could write a whole documentary on our bee experience...maybe coming soon...anyway, here are some photos from the fair today...fun fun...

Dahlia's in the garden zone, my favsGrandma Joanie does the hula
Lillian's Canoe Ride
Whale Ride with Friends...Finn, Teagan, and Lil
Weeeeee!
Chaperone Dad...
Ferris Wheel Family Fun...
or Steering Wheel, as Lillian refered to it
Ahhh, remembering what we used to do on the Ferris Wheel
She makes faces like her dad...

Hope your Sunday was fun...xo - ag

Houston we have a problem...

2008-06-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Look who decided our backyard was the bees knees...

Did I mention that my husband is allergic to bees??

Night on the Town

2008-06-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Jeff and I joined some friends for dinner and too many drinks last night. It was fun to be grown up and enjoy the company of others...I got some great photos of my husband boozing it up....I will have to post soon (since the office is still not back together and who know where the cable is to download photos).

Today was a beautiful day at the beach. Lillian got to play with her friends and that always makes her happy...

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Sunday...xo-ag

Here's the photos...a group shot a dinner

and the final shot of the evening...

To get to your friends house

2008-06-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

...you have to drive up a big mountain and then all the way through Australia. Just in case you get lost, Lillian can show you. xo-ag

Happy Birthday Fun!

2008-06-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

My little niece Malley turned one today...it seems so crazy, I feel like she is still just a little baby! I can't wait to watch her grow over this next year...she really is the sweetest little girl.

We got to celebrate with Malley at a lovely tea party...Greta made a very fancy table...the works, saucers even. It was very fun! Yeah Malley!

Today was also my last day of school, 8th graders promote tomorrow, so I don't have to detain them in my classroom any longer. It's always bittersweet, the last day of school...you're glad it's over, but sad because there is that comfort and expectablitlity(is that a word...if not I made it up) about it. It was a pretty fun year, and I do enjoy being in the classroom.

Tonight is a nice night...Malley's birthday...summer...ahhh! xo -ag

True Blue...

2008-06-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so color week got rough near the end...maybe 7 days was really too many...I was good up to five, and it was super fun to know that there were new posts to read everywhere I looked...thanks girlies for playing along.

I also learned that the act of blogging is very time consuming...maybe that is why I do a poor job. I write a post, add some photos, and then I re-read it about 10 times to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors...then I post, look at it and decide I need to change it about...so about 4 hours later I am done. I guess I need to rethink the amount of effort I put forth...I was never this thorough in English class.

So Blue...

Here are the photos for Blue day, I had them ready, just lagged on blogging... Here is Lillian in her pretty blue dress at Aydan's 5th birthday party. Very fun carnival themed party with games, popcorn, nachos, and face painting. Finn got his face painted like a tiger, so guess what Lillian choose...a tiger...Roar!

Happy Mohawk Monday

2008-06-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon...
Finally, My Blue post from color week...I have the photos...I just lost a week.
The reflection on Color Week
Mikayla's shower fun!

But for now you get Mohawk Monday...it was all Lillian. I worked today but rumor has it that she sported the Mowcock (as she says it) all day while she was shopping with my mom & sisters at the Forum...I'm a bit embarrassed...kids, gotta love them...xo -ag

Pink

2008-05-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

We went to the Home Depot today to get a quote on a kitchen makeover. Clint, the man who helped us wearing a pink shirt...looked great with his orange Home Depot apron. He is fairly new to his job and keep asking his boss type, Steve, for help...well, Steve joined our discussion and made a comment about the pink shirt...Clint swore it was the color Salmon, not pink...Steve quirked back, that doesn't look like the Salmon I ate last night...poor Clint, left blushing a few shades deeper than his pink, I mean Salmon, shirt...

Rocking some oldies but goodies for pink today...you'd think that I would have been very inspired by pink, it is my favorite color and all. And since having Lillian, I have even done loads of laundry that are nearly all pink...but I spent the day doing home depot fun and yard work...so here's what I got...

Photos in Macy's in New York City...
this is the actual ball they drop on New Year's in Time Square...

Two little cute girls in pinkness

Silly Lilly in lots of pink...her outfit was purchased in Australia

And of course, a flower picture...from our trip to Tucson in April
xo-ag

I pick a color and the color is...

2008-05-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

WHITE.

I know, that really never happens, when you pick a color, well, you pick a color. My mom even questioned whether I picked real colors at all...anyway, today is a day of white. Here is Oceanside it was a gray day, no blue sky with beautiful clouds like Nikki got pictures of...but I went on a house search for white while Lillian was taking a bubble bath, so here is the things I found...

Lillian in the bath...had to start there right...

If you ever come to play at our house and it's nap time or bedtime, you will see Jeff or I with our favorite accessory since the birth of Lillian...
the baby monitor.

Shells from the beach in Bali, we spent many days at the beach on our honeymoon, Jeff surfing, me laying in the sun, walking along the shore gathering shells...the small white ones where extra special. There was a little old lady that gathered them everyday and make bracelets and necklaces to sell to the tourists, we couldn't really communicate to each other all that well,
but we spent hours gathering shells together.

White bedding in our blue bedroom

Scooby's paw print...I have plans to make a stepping stone and incorporating this into it...Putting Scooby paw prints on a stepping was on my to-do list, but I waited too long, and before I knew it I ran out of time. We got this from the Circle of Life crematorium.

Speaking of dogs, here are our Scottie dog salt and pepper shakers. These belonged to Grandma & Grandpa Brown...they were Scottish...
and I have always had a thing for Scottie dogs...
can you guess who is salt and who is pepper?

Wearing white on your wedding day...

That's all my whiteness...Hope your day was clean, white, fun...xo-ag

orange...the color you can eat

2008-05-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today, Lillian and I searched for orange...

It rained a bit this morning,
which means only one thing when you are 2 years old...
RAIN BOOTS! Pretty pink and orange ones that are a bit too big...

Then we headed out for a trip to the Wild Animal Park...
Lillian chased some geese (they have orange feet)

I spy a GIRAFFE (that counts as orange...doesn't it?)

Finally...flowers, I love to take photos of flowers...these are in the backyard

Orange is happy, it's fun in the sun, it's juicy and sweet. It's also caution, Halloween, and fall...but right now orange is feeling summery to me! See you tomorrow for good clean white fun!...xo -ag

red...

2008-05-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

So I was very inspired by my sister Maja, and I had lofty plans to craft something up for red...but no luck, I did do a brief bit of sewing but it's not coming together as nicely as I had hoped...oh well, I tried.

Red is supposedly my color, or at least that is always what my mom tells me...you look so good in red...and I have done my best to wear red when I can. In high school, I had a small thing for red dresses...I was even in that silly airband...I was Annie as in Annie are you ok? Are you ok, Annie? I wore a red dress (a poorly constructed one at that)...and I was dancing...well, they kicked me out because I cannot dance...I really don't know how I ever ended up in that airband anyway...

I gave myself the day to think about red, and I tried to avoid taking pictures of plants, even though I could easily find red plants in my yard that I love. I thought about red as I drove to work, I thought about red at work, and on my way home...and I kept getting stuck on this red dress...

My sisters called this the sleeping bag dress. My mom spent hours working with that beautiful red satin...I picked the pattern, fretted over ever detail. Yeah, what was I thinking? I also wore this in the Miss Encinitas pageant...but in the pageant it had big puffy sleeves and no rhinestones, we added those for my senior prom. I thought that I looked very foxy, fashionable, and mature...

So my quest to take photos of the photos of that dress...took me on a stroll down memory lane...and yes I have wore a lot of red dresses...

This is sideways, but oh well...a family trip to Mexico ...wearing our matching dresses, sorry Maja, apparently that didn't make it in your size...This trip is probably why we did very little traveling as a family...3 cackling, bickering children, one broken down car, 1 million cockroaches...good times!

Dressed up pretty for Maja's 6th grade graduation...I was in 10th grade and I thought I was hot shit...check out the shoulder pads!

My favorite high school dance photo ever, and my favorite high school dance dress ever, again constructed my Joanie...Jim Bradbury at La Jolla Country Day's formal...I was a little nervous that I was going to be too fancy that night...for some reason I didn't understand that when you are rich and live in Rancho, wearing a button up shirt, tie, and slacks that you own was as fancy as renting a lame tux...so I tried to dumb down my outfit...I didn't do my hair, I wore a silly digital watch, and when Jim picked me up I was wearing my uggs instead of heels (I brought them along, though)...maybe that is why I had so much fun in the dress and at this dance...

Not a dress but a picture of me and Jeff at Grandma Shirley's house. I found it in her stash of photos and swiped it. Not exactly the best photo of us, but I like to look at it and wonder what we were thinking about at this time in our relationship, about each other, about my family...and I love how young Jeff looks... Hot stuff, that red...xo -ag

green

2008-05-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is the green photo I had in mind for today. These are the leaves from the ficus tree that Jeff and I removed from our backyard. It was a big ugly tree, and I really didn't like it. Why? because I hate raking leaves...so after 4 years of living with it, I convinced Jeff to chop it down. The leaves really are pretty in the photo, just not so much in real life.

So today, as I looked though all my photos I found lots of good green shots. Lush green landscape photos from vacations, the green in Mikayla's wedding, photos of plants...tons of photos...so I am trying to pick my favorites, the best greens I've got...

Variegated bamboo at the z-o-o

Lovely green vine thing growing near the ocean in Kauai
the plants and shells used in Mikayla & Brian's wedding

Scooby in an apron...he was such a good sport Blankey time, Lilly and Scooby
Family hike with Pete & Katie in Kailua
Lillian at her first baseball game
in her pink Padres hat with a green frog
Lillian painted herself green...

this is the day she spilt her lip and got stitches
Silly Maja in a green dress...Josh is silly, too
Kiwi love...do you see the heart?

Hope you had a great green day...xo -ag

Purple

2008-05-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Oxalis regnelii atropurpurea - fun color & easy to grow

Sprinkler head...my favorite to use,
we are in the process of trying to make our grass look really pretty and green for Mikayla's baby shower on the 31st, so our life is currently all about watering...

Lillian & I painted today, this is my secret message watercolor...
A + J, ahhh!

My first purchased Majajane bag...
now hanging in Lillian's room filled with her sunglasses

playing hooky from work today...Lillian is on the mend from some bouts with barfing (at 5am), diarrhea, and running a fever...so her mommy stayed home to give her extra loving!

Lillian sporting some purple big girl panties...gotta love her booty!

Hope your Monday is filled with purplicious fun! xo- ag

p.s. I dared some of my friends to play color week...check their blogs to see if they do...

Nikki, Greta, Maja, Marisa, Sandy ??? Who's in??

Let's play...

2008-05-19T13:02:00.001-07:00

Color Week...

So, I have invited my blogging friends to join in a photo color week,
use the color of the day for photo inspiration...

Monday - purple
Tuesday - green
Wednesday - red
Thursday - orange
Friday - white
Saturday - pink
Sunday - blue

This beautiful iris bloomed in my yard today

and inspired me to find lots of purple things to take photos of, which got me thinking about playing color week, why not...Lillian randomly picked the other colors for the week. Hope you join me for some photo postings...xo -ag

Cheers...

2008-05-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

to Friday nights, yahoo...and

to my sister friends in Tucson visiting Grandma Shirley, and making the trip a fisaco, which makes me jealous that I am missing it

to my mom for being herself...and helping me

to my teacher friends at work...I like you all

to making big girl beds not scary

to the dolphins we watched play in the ocean tonight

to the yard not being fing dry

to The Office...that show is just too funny

all these with a glass of wine...

yum...xo -ag

Big Girl...

2008-05-13T20:22:00.001-07:00

Lillian is now officially a big girl...she reminds us daily. Don't you dare call her a baby, she will instantly correct you..."no, I not a baby, I a big girl." So, we got her a big girl bed to celebrate! She helped us pick it out, and she got to help daddy with the tools to set it up. So exciting!

Saying good-bye to her crib

Hello big bed

First sleep in her new bed...it's so comfy!

She is also convinced that she grows while she sleeps...today when she woke up from her nap she showed me how even her feet grew while she was sleeping...she's silly and very cute...we just love her to pieces...xo -ag

Oh my Scooby...

2008-05-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

With great sadness in our hearts and tears in our eyes, we said goodbye to Scooby on April 28th. Scooby was a great dog who lived a full and happy life. He loved to do his circle dog dance to say hello, and would wiggle his whole body when he got really excited. He ran hot laps filled with tight turns, and enjoyed relaxing in the sun. He was Lillian's perfect playmate...always allowing her to cover him with blankeys and snuggles. He cried with us as Jeff and I gave him lots of hugs and kisses and let him know that he was a great dog...one that we will always miss.

So, here's to Scooby...he was truly one of a kind! He brought us immeasurable happiness, love and joy. We will forever be happy that he was in our lives...jeff, agatha, and lillian

We love you, Scooby!
June 1, 1996 - April 28, 2008

This is the email I sent out to friends and family...and yeah, it pretty much has been the roughest experience of my life, so far. Our house is very empty and quiet, I miss my dog, but I know in my heart we did the right thing, and it was what we had to do. I just keep trying to repeat to myself...don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. But, it is still hard, and it is hard to talk about...just ask the bunco girls...$10 therapy is what we should really call it.

So, the response to the email was amazing, and the kind words and thoughts of our friends and family really help...so I am going to share a few of them here...

*I just want you to know that Scooby was the luckiest dog ever to have such a wonderful life with you guys. The best we can do is love them with all of our hearts knowing that there is only a limited amount of time to do so. Scooby was a good dog, I will always remember him with fondness.

*He was what every dog owner wants and what every dog aspires to be...loved.

*So sorry to hear of Scooby's death. He was a great dog. I remember when you got him. You were walking him down Crest Drive and I was out front. He was so handsome. I remember what a good sport he was with Zoe and Tallulah. I remember playing the "I like Big Butts" song and watching his butt wiggle.

*I remember when you first got him as a puppy... can't believe it was so long ago. He was lucky to have such a loving family to live a long, happy life with. We'll miss him, too.

*lots of memories about that dog---first time you got him and we took him skating at the fed x banks, halloween parties with those bunny ears on his butt and late night sessions of him pulling us on our skateboards down neptune wayyy too fast---i know he was a special part of your fam much more than a dog--and you gave him about a good of a life as any dog could have--every dog only wishes to be soo lucky--he will be missed and just sending positive vibes and love to you guys

*Scooby was such a good, good dog with such a good soul. I am so glad he picked you. You gave him the life every puppy dreams of and more.

*I am sorry to hear about Scooby. He was the one that introduced me to Boxer crazyness.

*he was still the best dog i ever lived with. keep your heads up cause he was happy and well loved his entire life

Ahhh, dogs...they really are super. Give yours some extra lovin' tonight...and thanks for letting me heal my heart here...xo - ag

My dad always said...

2008-04-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

we couldn't get another dog because they die. I always wanted a dog when I was a kid, I really really wanted one. We had a dog, well actually, my parents had dogs, Tim & Cindy, when we moved into our house in Leucadia when I was about 18 months old. And eventually, as development started in the lot across the alley from my parent house Tim ran away or died or something, I don't really remember, but we still had Cindy, for a long time...and then she got old like dogs do and we had to put her to sleep, she had hip dysplasia, and I remember being young, feeling sad and crying in the bathroom. I wanted to have another dog. I asked for a dog all the time, and I always got the same response...but a dog of my own was something that I remember always wanting, no silly hamster, bird, or bunny would ever make me want a dog less, I really wanted a dog...and one day I got one.

I was living with my friends in the house on Freda Lane...Jesse had already gotten a dog for Jenn, Ginger, a brindle boxer puppy, and I so wanted a dog. Watching them care for Ginger, and some of the health issues she faced early on made my brain say NO WAY to getting a dog, too much to deal with, but we lived in this big house, with a yard, and I was young, and I so wanted a dog. I had gone with Jesse when he bought Ginger, and at that time, there was also a litter of fawn boxer puppies, still teeny tiny...I had said that I would go back for one when they were ready...but still my mind was saying NO WAY. And then one day I came across the number for the puppies, and I called, they were ready, and I hoped in my Buick Century painted primer gray with Jenn, and off we went to get a puppy.

He chose me, there were so many little puppies, and every single one was so cute, and so covered in fleas, and so needing a loving home...I was touching them all trying to make an educated decision, a good choice, and then this tiny little puppy, no bigger than my hand, climbed up this huge cement step in the backyard and pawed at me...saying, pick me, I will be a good boy...and that's how Scooby became my dog.

And now, my dog is an old man, and I am faced with the sadness that my dad was trying to warn me about, trying to save me from feeling...don't get a dog, they die. When he used to tell me this when I was a younger, I always had some smart ass remark back to him about kids dying and he had three of us...so what was his point. But now, I understand. I don't want my dog to die, I know that he will, because all things die, and I know that it will be OK, because everything always is OK...but I am still sad watching Scooby get old, knowing that soon he won't be with us anymore. He is a good dog and I love him so much...my little buddy scooby.

Catching Up, Part III

2008-03-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

We went to visit the butterflies on March 16th at the Wild Animal Park, it was the day after the opening of the Butterflies and Orchids exhibit. It was so cool...there were butterflies everywhere, and the area is pretty small, so it is up close and personal...of course the battery in my camera (which is currently in the ER) died shortly after arriving, and we all wore black or white (not the the best butterfly attracting colors), but we had a great day at the park...butterflies, the baby lions, the baby elephants...good times, good weather...fun fun! xo -ag

Easter...

2008-03-24T17:14:00.001-07:00

So we celebrate Easter on Saturday...we had a great time here at our house with a crew of family. The Ott family, the Gallahan family, Grandma Joanie, Grandma Terry & Grandpa Malcolm, Uncle Ryan, and Great Uncle Alan. We did the usual eat, drink, visit, and take photos. The kids did some egg hunting, the mommies drank wine, the men had beer...it was fantastic fun!

The cousin gang, getting ready to hunt for eggs
They were almost all looking...

Lillian was a bit slow but gathered some eggs with help from Grandma Joanie, she did have to stop, put down her basket, pick up the egg, put it in her basket, bend over and say "Thank you Easter bunny" each time, that may have attributed to her lack of egg hunting speed...

Action shot (and the yard looks pretty good)

I just love this photo...Lillian's jungle shoot, the glasses, the shadows, her facial expression, the hidden egg in the palm, Tim is the background shooting away...it just too much...it makes me giggle.

Our new *matriarch* with the boys...

And before I go, I must leave you with a photo of the awesome Easter eggs Lil and I did. Painting eggs sounds good in theory, but didn't really turn out like my vision. I guess it doesn't help when the painter really enjoys mixing the colors and painting her own arms...
I haven't dyed eggs is a while, so I had fun!

xo - ag

Washer Update

2008-03-23T22:29:00.001-07:00

because you were all on the edge of your seat, wondering what would happen next...

The washer is done...well actually it still works, but we got a new washer (and dryer) instead. We even had uncle shane come build a new home for them...it's nice...yeah

don't mind all that junk on top, it was dog bed washing day...xo -ag

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hunting for eggs...

thank you Easter Bunny!

...we did the family fun yesterday, had a beach day today...I even got a sunburn! My husband has run away to vegas with his brother, he comes home on Tuesday...so I am trying to catch up on junky TV. More Easter story and more photos to come...xo -ab

Catching Up, Part II

2008-03-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

Daddy's Shoes and Picking Cotton...

Here's to you Jesse Turner...taught Lillian how to pick cotton recently. It's one of her new top favorite things to do...Oh no, my cotton all gone...xo-ag

Catching up, Part 1

2008-03-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

A trip to Borrego to see the Desert Flowers...March 8th

The desert floor was covered in carpets of color, we drove out Coyote Canyon in search of the desert lily, we never found one. Instead we watch the desertscape change colors and we drove farther and farther out...white, yellow & white, yellow, yellow & purple...very very pretty.

Here's Grandma Joanie in her element
Lillian enjoyed the flowers...
she had to have a nap in the car while we were driving out
the bumpity bump road

Having a hippie moment...

Enjoy the daylight savings time, enjoy nature, enjoy it all...xo - ag

Think, before you speak

2008-02-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

So it's Friday, it's Leap Day...Yahoo.
I got to teach a lesson on solving equations with factoring...
you know you remember it...somewhere...
Make zero equation, factor fully, set each factor = 0, solve mini equations...fun fun...
So, I was trying to get my 6th period class to focus, so I decided to talk in "test-ese" language...meaning what I was teaching would be on the test, so pay attention...
BUT saying "test-ese" out loud to a room full of 8th graders probably not the best way to get their attention...as soon as it come out of my mouth I knew I was in trouble...
oh well, we had a good laugh...and I was able to pull them back in...
lesson learned say it twice in your head before you let it out...
xo -ab

Rain Rain

2008-02-24T21:13:00.001-08:00

Apparently there is some sort of blogdom that has set in...new posts please. I don't have much that is exciting or newsworthy, but here are the thing on my mind tonight...

Had a good observation review at work...our principal rocks and is so good at giving constructive criticism, he totally motivates me to do better and to become a better teacher, I like it!

My grandma shirley has been in AZ with my aunt, and it got bad, but now it's getting better. It's going to be a rough road, I just hope we can keep it all together...each time we stumble, we learn something, at least I hope. I know that I come to understand the characters better with each new chapter, but I stand to understand how to deal with them better...it's a work in progress

apparently I don't know how to take care of stuff...but even though I suck, we are going to get some new appliances and we are going to fancy up our house a bit...we will probably stay here as long as we can...

totally...I say it too much and now Lillian has been saying it...totally hilarious.

my washer is dying...he lives outside with the dryer, both are aging well before there time, it must be the environment...anyway, the little tab that the lid hits when it is closed is broken...I must have slammed the lid down too hard (see above about my lack of proper care)...we are now using a pencil to hold the lever down...if it ain't broke...

birth stories...I really really need to write mine for Lillian...write the stories down because you will not remember all the important details...believe me. I have finally started to complete Lillian's first year scrapbook...oh she's two...I have only gone up until she was 3 months old...YIKES...and the feeling now are so different than they were then...

speaking of, my wonderful, awesome friend Nikki wrote her baby Kai a letter on her blog...it made me all teary and made me remember how wonderful that brand new first baby high really was...maybe I do want another...I just keep turning my current life soundtrack up so I don't hear my clock...ticking, tick tock

xo - ag

I love to shop...

2008-02-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

especially online...please help. Gymboree has lured me in yet again, I need to say no, but I say YES and I keep adding things into my basket just so I can use my coupon and still get gymbucks...it's just plain craziness. But, I did get some cute things for Lil and a couple of gift items, too.

A new baby

2008-02-17T15:36:00.001-08:00

My great wonderful friend, Nikki, had her baby last night...I am so excited for her...I wish I could go see the new baby boy but since she's in New York, I guess I will have to wait...the pictures she sent were adorable! Congrats to the new mommy and daddy! xo -ag

Lillisms

2008-02-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

That's so silly, mommy. It's Lillian's new phrase...about everything. And now it's becoming my phrase...that's so silly

She also really wants to go on a hairplane to Ha-why...that would be fun. She found my Hawaiian Visa card in my wallet and decided that we needed to go. How she knew that the Hawaiian card was the Hawaiian card I don't know...

Lillian has renamed the doll that sits on our guest bed. She is named Agatha, but now she will be know as Greta. That's so silly.

We have recently revamped our night time routine...and have been watching way less TV...from at least 1-2 hours a day to only one show (about 30 minutes). She watches the show after she takes her bath, I get her in her jammies in front of the TV...top choice Backyardagins...Race Around the World. So now anytime she wants to watch TV instead of asking she says, I need to take a bath...

xo -ag

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a super duper day.

I got to spend part of my day with middle schoolers...apparently Valentine's is a big day for them! So many girls in head to toe pink and red outfits I was scared...and one boy showed me his fairly inappropriate secret admirer card that had a line about "couch" sessions...OH MY!

Nothing too fab happened here, but we did have Finn, Malley, and Auntie Greta over on Wednesday of some heart shaded sandwiches and tea...fun fun!
Love to all...xxoo -ag

My new friend

2008-02-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

I LOVE my new elliptical trainer! Haven't really got to spend enough time on it, but it's nice to know that it's there for me when time allows...

Here's a few things I whipped up for the Bunco girls having the babies...
For Baby Patrick, a burpie & a painted onesie crafted by ME!

For Baby Morgan - another painted onesie don't worry, he gets other stuff too!

Got the idea from this tutorial...just kidding the tutorial is gone...sorry folks. But I used freezer paper to make a stencil, added some special sauce to the paint and painted away...fun fun fun. Way less stressful than appliques!

Oh and one last thing...Lillian got a new rug for her bedroom. When it arrived, Jeff unrolled it in the living room and Lillian was SO excited because Foofa brought it for her...she loves Foofa...and her new rug! Here it is in her room!

xo -ag

Birthday, Birthday - Have a lot of Fun

2008-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

So the sandy fun at Lil's birthday turned into come over to my house and play because the weather was sucky and my daddy doesn't feel good. But it was nice, easy, relaxed type fun. And Lillian did cry...she just doesn't like it when her house gets rearranged and things are too messy, but she was able to recover, and was very happy about having her friends over to play. It was a happy birthday! So here's the photo recap...

The invites

Good Morning Balloon Decorations...aka My Mom is a Dork!

Hats and fishy favors

Sharing some fishy fun...but, all she want's to do is dance!

Lillian with Grandpa Malcolm, Grandma Terry, and Malley...so cute!

Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear lillian...

The kidlets...playing together

thanks everybody...

and I leave you with a family shot...my dad, my grandma shirley, my mom, my aunt...it was an extra special treat for us to have papa phil, grandma shirley, and janeann, all here at our house...it makes me happy and it makes grandma shirley happy. I don't know how it happen or why it happen, and I think most people feel this way about their children, but Lillian is really special. She draws you out of yourself and into her world, she really makes so many people feel special and important. I watch her in awe nearly every day, as she connects with people in such a way that as we age, we forget how to do it. But she loves grandma shirley and I feel like when grandma shirley is around her nothing else really matters. My grandma is so wonderful with children...she really is. I know my sister will vouch for me on this one! I just hope that she holds onto that part of herself for her entire life...whether or not grandma knows my name, I want her to look into the eyes of a child and feel the happiness, the hope, the joy...the things that we all forget as we grow older and wiser, at least that's what they tell us...I think that is one piece of the shirl I want to carry forever...her love of children, the way she makes small people feel important...it's a gift she gave me for sure! Thanks grandma shirley, we all love you lots and lots!

hopefully, you are ok with your photos being "out there" if I posted it on here today...if not, please let me know, and if you want to see more of uncle tim and aunt greta's awesome photos from Lillian's birthday please let me know and I will send them your way...those two really are an amazingly artist team. They do great work...thanks for reading...xo -ab

Silly Lilly

2008-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow my baby girl turns 2! I cannot believe it...I also cannot believe I am posting this right now when I have about 1 million things to do for her small little party tomorrow. She is very very excited about her birthday, and I (we, her daddy is helping tons) are trying to make her day very special with little special bits that we can do each year. So for now...here's some photos of my little miss...then and now...I will post tons of birthday fun photos tomorrow night-ish. Love and kisses to you all...ab

That's my baby...Happy Birthday

On her 1st birthday

Here she is...now....turning 2 tomorrow...so crazy in love with her

Guess Who

2008-01-20T20:44:00.001-08:00

5 Buncos, 2 wipeouts, and a baby...

2008-01-15T23:00:00.000-08:00

and I won $40 bucks. It was a big day for Mrs. Brown today. It was bunco night, in case you didn't figure that out already, and it was a big day. And the stars were aligned, the moon was right, and it was all good...at least I am hoping so...

My five (5) buncos...
Cheers, it was a lucky bunco night for me, five bunco, which won me the $40 bucks, with a $10 buy in, but who cares about that part...anyway I decided to dedicate each one to someone for something that left a mark tonight...

For the Golden Margaritas...from Jose Cuervo
Try it, you'll like it, try it, you'll like it...there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy...really, try it, you will like it...yummy yummy...I know bad place to start, but nothing starts off this blog better than a good drink...

For my sister Greta, who is so solid when I need her. She rocks my socks and even when I give her a hard time it comes from love, and regardless of the situation, I know that she will always be on my team, and that counts more than anything...so G-love sorry I joked you tonight (and every other night that I do) but remember, I love you no matter what, you are my people

For Lani, for reading my blog, for feeling my pain, and for being woman enough to say something about it. Lani, you rock, I feel so lucky to be your friend, because truly you are my sister's friend...but I like you lots and I admire and respect you. I think you are amazing, and I celebrate you for being you...regardless. And it makes me happy to see you in a place where you do the same thing. You are one of a kind.

For my friend Nikki...I know you don't play bunco with us, but if you lived here you know I would make you play. I love you so much. I am happy when I read you comments, and I think of you all the time. You are etched in Lillian brain forever, New York City, Nikki, Derek and Duece are a part of her memory...she runs though it ever night before she falls asleep...and I am excited for you guys and your baby boy...

And for Courtney, for hosting us tonight, for letting me be loud in your house. For having a perseceptive and an angle on life. I love you and your boys, and I love watching you all be together, Michael, too, of course. It makes me want to tie you all up in a bow and just take you home...

2 wipeouts...
for watching my uncle today...watching as he let go of all his feelings. Watching him feel all his feeling...it made my heart hurt, but at the same time I am happy. These are the right feelings to be feeling, and it's ok for everyone to express them as they wish. And it made me see my grandma shirley again. I still see parts of her every time we visit, but today I saw more of her, the whole her. I saw her be mommy to her son, as he was sad, and it made her sad, but that was ok, because part of healing is being sad, it is expressing your feeling, and I got to watch and help heal, at least I hope I helped. But I am happy about the choice my father has made and I support him. He is my dad after all, whose side did you really think I would be on?

for my husband, who crunched the car in front of him as he was getting off the freeway...coming home so I could go play the buncos...minor, but still a sucky bummer...

1 baby...
Little Mr. Bunco baby born on bunco night and a boy at that....and I kept saying it was a girl, but as Greta pointed out it had to be a boy, and it did...coming full circle really is special. What a lucky boy...congrats to the new parents, you did great work! And we all cheered, and had goosebumps...his entrance made us all feel special...

love you all....thanks for reading...now leave a comment so I know you are there. Writing, putting it into words that others read, it feels good, and it makes me feel better...xo -ab

The Grind

2008-01-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

...it happened. Back to work, and quickly, I fall back into the daily grind. And I only work 3 days a week, and only part time at that, but the predicable pattern of my life is back, and I actually welcome it. Today was one of my days off...so we did some fun stuff, running to the market, walking to the park, and I even managed to get grandma joanie to come over and babysit so I could get my hair done. Hooray!

Something about knowing what to expect each day makes life ok, even thought it's not spontaneous or even overly exciting...it's definitely a life I enjoy living. I have even found some time to create my list of things I would like to do...make felt food for lil's kitchen (hopefully, some will be crafted from recycled wool sweaters...time will tell), train elliptically (got to buy that thing), craft some surprises for Lil's birthday (better start working on that)...now I just need to get by butt in the garage...

Speaking of assets, here's a photo that Lillian took of me the other day...of her Mommy's best feature...I do love my legs!

And here's what Lillian picked out to wear that same day...Pretty cute, huh? Got to love shorts when it's raining...babylegs did save the day!

Things are just moving along, at a pace I enjoy, without extraneous stress...I'm loving it...xo-ab

PS - Things with my grandma are great. Her children are rallying around her, she is feeling lifted by their energy and gaining back her sense of silly sassyness. It feels like the weigh I was carrying has been lifted, and I no longer cringe when my cell phone rings. Hopefully, we can find a fix to this situation that keeps things going in this direction, it looks pretty good!

PPS - only because it makes me laugh

PPPS - I never did this video, I swear, but I did have a crush on Eric when he was on Real World...I was young, what can I say.