Remember Today

Our Santa Visit...2010

2010-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Santa reading the letter Jadon wrote him this year...was so precious! His little cursive writing all fancy telling him "i am trying to be good" and listing a few of the top wishes this year! I swear he wants everything he sees on tv!
Jadon & Santa- Holiday Season 2010
4 1/2 yrs old
Love that smile!

Happy Birthday Jadon!

2010-04-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

Rocket Decorating
Rocket Blasting!

Moon cake

Happy Birthday Big Boy... Mom and Dad are so proud of you and the little boy you are becoming! xoxo

Surprise Santa Visit...

2010-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

No Santa didn't come in Feb... Just late in putting this pics up! This was the best surprise I have pulled off in a long time! My memories of Christmas Eve are going to Kollars's house with many of the families I grew up with. Santa always came and surprised us with a gift. This year was our first year doing Christmas at our house and I wanted Jadon to start having some traditions of his own. Santa came after dinner on Christmas Eve and delivered Jadon's rocket! He was shocked and so was everyone else! It was a great Christmas for all of us!

Updates...

2010-02-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

I am a bad blogger...that's all I can say! No excuses...

Let's see if I can add a few updates!

Jadon... loves his friends and going to school, needs constant friends and "special" adventures to keep him happy. He is amazing Jason and I with his zest for learning new things. He is big into telling us letters he see's and telling us what the beginning and ending sounds are of words, writing his name and letters and drawing very cute pictures of happy faces (Dad is a pirate, I have big eyelashes) On the flip side, he is the KING of whining, negotiation and hates eating anything remotely healthy! We are spending a lot of time at Turtle Park, preschool science classes, playdates and Children's Musesum.... Geeks took us to a Coyotes hockey game a few weeks ago. I love this pic of them!

We just got back from a quick trip to San Diego over the holiday weekend. Jadon asked me if we could go back this morning. He wants to ride their trolley/light rail thing so bad! He cried when we were going home. He is so funny-stubborn and opinionated these days!! We spent Valentine's Day at the beach making friends with all the kids, building tracks in the sand and getting splashed by HUGE waves! It was such a treat to spend the weekend there. Thanks Aunt Jeannie!! We had a blast. Promise to post pics soon! :) (in a few months!)

Jason...work, work, work...tax season- that's about all! We did manage to squeeze in date night last weekend. We went to The Mission for his favorite Smokehouse Margarita. I had the 5 Chile Soup and it was to-die-for. The chips, the salsa, the table side guac... yum!

Me...hmm...I'm just trying to keep up with my boys and loving every ordinary and extraordinary day!

Petunia the Class Pig

2009-12-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Jadon and Petunia (Mrs. Seabreeze's Class Pig)

Petunia the Pig came home with us today, which means we have the whole weekend to have adventures with her! I'm sure it will be fun! So far Petunia and Jadon went to lunch at Marley's after school, watched cartoons in the afternoon while I baked Brownie Lollipops for a babyshower tomorrow and tonight we took Petunia on our drive around to look at lights! Now they are snuggly in bed with Lamby! Since Jadon is sleeping with Christmas lights on in his room, I thought I'd probably be safe to go in and snap a quick photo!

Dear Santa...

2009-11-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

O.k. so I'm totally going to work on posting on my blog more! I am such a slacker! I promise I will work on it!!!

Last week we went and did Santa pictures with Amy, Connor and Elizabeth! It was so much fun...our tradition of going to Arrowhead Mall to see Santa continues. The awesome part is that it is the SAME Santa every year... So I have 4 years of Santa pictures with the same set and the same Santa! I love it...and love seeing how Jadon has changed each year.

This year I was able to get him to wear a nice shirt...and a belt! Whoa...this is big for my boy who insists on wearing camo with his "Redbird" Cardinals jersey 24/7...and when he isn't in that-he wants to wear these green shorts with a rockin' orange shirt and socks pulled up to his knees! Awesome!!

What I loved this year was listening to his conversation with Santa. It was so priceless... And just went I thought he couldn't get any cuter he sat on the floor at home that night and "wrote" a letter to the big guy in red.

It went something like this... (I was listening and typing it out on my iphone so I could remember it forever!!!)

Dear Santa,

How's the North Pole? I've been a good boy. You can come to my house. Watch out for the booming things and the tumbleweeds. I'm in Litchfield Park on Colter St.

Classic...

Tonight we put the letter in our Santa mailbox... Santa is writing back tonight and reminding Jadon to stay on the good list by being a good boy! One of our neighbors is giving Jadon that book "Elf on a Shelf" I've heard its so much fun...can't wait to read it.

Jadon is so much fun right now! Well actually not so much right now as he is a little sicky...but usually he has been a lot of fun! He's totally into playing Santa. He pretends to sleep, while I put things from around the house under his tree and then he wakes up all surprised! Then we switch and we pretent to be asleep. He loves all the Christmas decorations. The snow globes are his favorite, and the candy cane reindeer, the silly singing decorations are a close in the top 3. All these singing decorations and most of the snow globes were my Moms. It makes me so happy to have them around the house during the Holidays.

Still obsessed with Curious George...lovin' Curious George's Merry Christmas and pbskids.org games. Loves his preschool class and cried buckets when he couldn't go today b/c he has a fever :( We decorated his room with his camo "boy" tree and lights all around the room's chair rail. It's a bribe to get him to stay in his room and sleep all night...so far its working pretty well!

Jason and I are so looking forward to spending Christmas in our house for the VERY first time EVER!!!!! It only took 7 years to happen, but...whatever! We are excited!!! This year we're having our annual Progressive Dinner in the neighborhood and we're hosting the Main Course. Martha Stewart herself is cooking dinner...J/K!

Happy Holidays everyone...I promise I'll post again before Christmas!

Mexico...The first 24 hours...

2009-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

beer...that is all I can get to upload on this computer...I'll put the rest of the pictures on Facebook I think. Happy Birthday Abbey Krause! Can't believe you are 15 today!!

Memorial Day Weekend in Review & Zoo Day...

2009-05-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing...lots of swimming and playtimes with friends! Jason, Jadon and I had such a fun Memorial Day weekend...a great mix of adventures and hangin' out at home! Date night for Mommy & Daddy at The Mission on Friday night...seriously...the best chips, salsa and Blood Orange Juice Margarittas ever! On Saturday, I dragged Geegu (Uncle Ryan) to the gym with us. We ran a mile and then did a crazy 90 minute spin class. It was awesome and a serious workout! Then we got to have some adventure time at Encanto Park with friends from Tucson and their daughter...sorry no pictures-bad Mommy!! A neighborhood BBQ that night and we were all beat. Sunday we were LAZY and hung out at home, but had a fun swim with Auntie KK, Amanda and Will...again no pictures...gonna work on that. On Monday we all hit the gym early, went to our first Summer Movie, swam more and made some yummy grilled fish tacos for dinner!

Today we ventured the Phoenix Zoo with Amy, Connor & Elizabeth. Jadon was cracking me up today having full on conversations with the animals and continuing to tell everyone about his new super star shoes...I can NOT get him to take off or stop talking about his new Converse Shoes that Candy, Michael & Camden gave him for his b-day! He watched some Zoo Maintenance guys snake the Rhino drain to their swimming pool (that was super exciting)! He made friends with a squirrel when we first got the the zoo, then he found another one over Rhino/Baboon area. He and this squirrel were playing cat/mouse and chasing each other all over the place. Then we found this turtle who looked lost and we were worried...but we asked a Zookeeper and I guess its a Mama Turtle lookin' for a spot to lay eggs.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Jason and Jadon took down the crib, officially proclaiming that a big boy is in the house! Of course that night, the big boy was wandering in our room and up from 3:30-5am, but we haven't had too many nights like that since. Jadon isn't much a snuggler, he likes his space and REALLY likes his own space to sleep.

Jadon and I bounced outside in the bouncy for a little bit in our pjs, we were just waiting to leave at 10:00 for a surprise breakfast. Jason made reservations at the Morning Glory Cafe at The Farm South Mountain. It looks like a fun place to go, that day happened to be very busy and very hot, so we all kind of spent time chasing Jadon around. Our friends Dave & Susie came with, along with Uncle Ryan Geegu, Grandma Kate and Grandpa Doc. After breakfast we had tickets to the D'backs game, where I had my hopes on getting one of the 5,000 D'backs Mother's Day bags, but by the time we got there they were all gone! Such a bummer... I guess a lot of Mommies came to the game. The little boy was tired, hot and pretty grumpy, so we ended up leaving early and just hanging out at home. Jason got my favorite Oriental Chicken Salad from Wildflower for me for dinner and everyone went to bed early!

This is quite delayed but I hope everyone had a very Happy Mother's Day!

Our First Quinceanera

2009-05-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

So...If you read my blog then chances are you've probably read my posts about Javier, who is a VERY special person to the little boy of the house. Javier is our garbage man, from Parks and Sons Co. He comes by our house on Wednesdays and Saturdays...usually...but the last few weeks his been on vacay...getting ready for his daughter's Quinceanera (Jadon understands that Javier is "on vacation" just hoping that he'll be back on Wednesday b/c Jadon is REALLY missing him!!!) Javier came by the house to drop off an invite for us one evening, then came back the next day b/c the invite was all in Spanish to explain it to us. It was so sweet... So here are some pics of my little monkey at the big party, where he partied the night away with Javier's nephew, Marco and watched as Javier and his wife, Norma, walked Marina around the dance floor. We were so honored to be their guests at this special event, it was totally amazing! Wish I would have gotten a better pic of her dress and a picture of Javier and Jadon...but he was pretty busy! Just kind of bummed that we didn't stay long enough for cake! Darn...I'm still thinking about white cake!!!

Jadon and Marina
The cake! Wowzers...

Jadon and his buddy Marco and the little flower girl

Special toast (complete with NASCAR's)

The BIG BOY BED

2009-05-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Jadon got a big boy bed this week... The Famous Race Car...Lightening McQueen-straight from my cousin Luke. Luke (being a big 5 year old now) has outgrown his bed, but gladly passed it on to Little Cousin Jadon. Oh-boy...Jadon's been so excited about it he could hardly wait for Grandpa John to get it out of his car. Here he is putting his bed together (with his new Star shoes as he calls them...Thanks Creel Family!) with Dad. Later that night, Pilar came over to bounce on the new bouncy and Jadon read her a story...bad news that the boy already has a girl in his bed at age 3!!! Will work on a b-day party post soon...it was such a fun party!

p.s. Jadon "redecorated" his room by switching out the rugs a few weeks ago. So his rug is now in the family room and the family room rug is in his bedroom...not sure why he insisted on this, but we're working to bring back the original rug. As he settles into his new bed, we're going to make some more changes to his Big Boy Room...but right now we're just happy that he is sleeping well at night in his new bed! :)

Busy...

2009-05-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy around here...we went to Little Rock, AR for my cousin Charlie's wedding April 23-26th. We were there over Jadon's actual 3rd birthday, so I have trip pics, b-day pics, more b-day celebrating pics...the party just keeps going and going and going.... Tomorrow is Jadon's Birthday Party at the Train Park. He is so excited for his friends to ride the train with him. I hope the day is nice and that everyone has a great time.

Right now I'm making Jadon's b-day cake....mini train cakes to be decorated with frosting & candies tomorrow and placed on a black licorice track. Round one with the first 9 cakes overflowed a little bit. Round Two is in the oven right now! Many pictures to follow... Until then here are a few...

Charlie & Amanda's Wedding Cake

Luke (ring bearer) and Jadon at the Church

Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock...Award Winning BBQ

Lovin' his "All Star" card at his "fancy" hotel...

Random Pics...the last 2 weekends...

2009-04-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

We took Jadon to see his D'backs on Easter Sunday. He HAD to buy himself this batting helmet, which now is a crucial element in his t-ball games down at the grass. He and this little boy had fun together, but we didn't last too long in our seats. In the 3rd inning they advertise the "sandlot" area and its all over when he sees that on the jumbo-tron...plus too much Easter Candy that day had him pretty wired. He was more into the game when we sat in our seats the time before...these seats didn't have a good view of the game to really hold his attention...well and let's face it...the seats in the 2nd level have service. btw...if you go up there I suggest trying the new healthy salmon burger...it's seriously yummy!

Jadon and Uncle Ryan (with his Easter Lamb) who now has the name Lucy....Lucy and Lamby...don't leave home without them... Ryan has a funny picture of Jadon he took on his camera phone at the game on his blog...here is the link: http://ryanparrott.blogspot.com/2009/04/1-week-down-14-to-go.html

Jadon got 3 Easter baskets...one from the Bunny first thing in the morning (but Dad was gone) so then the 2nd basket Dad brought in when he got home from work. This one is from Grandma Kate & Grandpa Rashid. It had little balls in it, which Jadon thought were pretty fun. The way to the boy's heart is with some kind of a sports ball...hmmm.... I don't have a pic, but Jadon got a 3rd basket a few days after when my Dad and Ellen brought him a McQueen bucket full of goodies like a bunny on a bicycle with JELLYBEANS and a Hot Wheels Motorcycle (still a fan favorite after a week!) What a lucky boy to get so spoiled!

Here is Jadon with his "loot" from the morning egg hunt. He got lots of money in his eggs, put most of it in his piggy bank, but did buy a cool rocket from the dollar section at Target.

I took Jadon to Disney On Ice...it was the story of The Incredibles saving Disneyland from Incredi-boy and his "pincher" thing. Jadon becomes "Dash" every now and then and he was completely speechless the whole first half. His favorite part was when Buzz Lightyear blasted through the air and there were planets up on the roof. Buzz and Dash went through Space Ranger training. We had the most amazing seats...2nd row on the ice. It was a last minute thing to take him, but he loved it and it kept him busy and distracted on the last weekend of tax season, when Daddy was REALLY busy.

Jadon met a new friend at the end of tax season party...it was love at first sight as he shared his glow sticks, stretchy snakes and Curious George whiteboard markers with her. By the end of the night he wanted his stuff back...so working on the whole concept of sharing. But just like his cousin Alli he loves his collections of "stuff" and the stretchy snakes are REALLY exciting.

We (Jason, Gee-gu aka Uncle Ryan and I) took Jadon to NASCAR...he loved every minute...the pit crews, the people (whoa...seriously...interesting people out there), the cars, the noise, the shopping (2 new NASCARS), the treats and especially the sparks of "FIRE CAME OUT" when the cars made the turns. We stayed for 75 laps, until the high from ice cream was too much for the 3 of us to handle. Plus we needed to get back to the car before the sugar wore off and the "hit the wall" sugar crash happened.

This week we're getting ready for our trip to Little Rock for my cousin Charlie's wedding. Jadon's really excited to be going on a trip! We'll be there over his 3rd...yes 3rd Birthday on the 24th. We plan to spend the day at the Little Rock Zoo. I can't believe that he is going to be 3...he has big plans to be a big boy very soon, which maybe I'll get to post about soon. This many plans include:getting married to Pilar (next door neighbor girl), going to school, riding on a bus, getting his 2nd cousin's Luke Big Boy McQueen bed and a whole slew of other things.... He has already got this big boy party started by wearing what he calls "Big Boy" Shoes... Daddy bought him flip flops. They had to be a size 12/13 so his fred flinstone foot would fit under the straps. Walking in them is a learning process...and we're learning. If I could remember to charge my camera battery I might have a picture soon of the big boy in his big boy shoes... oh yeah...and the shoes aren't camo (I know...I'm shocked too) They have FIRE on them!!

April 15th...Ode to Tax Season's Finale-In Honor of Daddy!

2009-04-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

So today is April 15th...its a day that is pretty important in our house! It's the day of the tax deadline and for us that means that Daddy (Jason) won't be spending extreme hours at the office anymore. Most people probably don't like this day b/c they have to send their checks in to Uncle Sam...but for us it's a day we countdown to, circle on the calendar and talk about a lot!

Jadon tells everyone he meets this...seriously every teacher at the gym childcare knows his story and today he announced this to the cashier at Target and his friends at Starbucks..."Tax Season is ALMOST over! and afterwards we're going on an adventure to Little Rock, Arkansas and then it's going to be my birthday-and I'm having a party at the train park with all my friends!!!"

When Jason and I were dating/engaged I got little hint of what tax season might be like, but I was very busy with my teaching job in Kyrene and doing my masters. Jason's aunt Jeannie, instructed me on being a "tax-wife widow" and the first few years we were married with no kids, I kept myself busy with teaching, scrapbooking and cardmaking.

I have to admit that this year has been a little challenging as its hard to rationalize with an almost 3 year old about why Daddy has to work so much. Jadon has really missed his Daddy home days the past few months and the past few month or so, he's really missed his nighttime play sessions with Dad. But like most things he's taking it all in stride. Tonight, we'll celebrate the end of another tax year with the other employees and families. It will be quite the celebration.

And so in Honor of Jason...I want to say how proud we are of what an amazing husband and father you are and know how hard this time of year is on you! How I can't quite fathom how you function on 4 hours of sleep and put in 90+ hour work weeks...your work-ethic and determination is pretty amazing! We've missed you a lot and we know you've missed us too! We love you!!

This post wouldn't quite be the same if I didn't also say a few funny things that Jadon's come up with the past few weeks... Jason's back often bothers him when he works so many hours and at times when he comes home he lays around on the couch with his heating pad (and usually falls asleep...) So one day Jadon tried to negotiate taking a nap on the couch and told me "But Mom! my back hurts!" One day at naptime he also tried to pull this "Sorry, Mom...I just have to go back to work" and tried to tell me that he was "working" in his playroom. You can see a general theme here of trying to avoid his nap...but that's a whole other post!

Hope it's a Happy April 15th for most of you...

Opening Day

2009-04-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Jadon and I celebrated Opening Day a little bit early on Saturday...we wanted to go to Opening Day today, but didn't want to go without our Dad! Jason & I have actually been to every Opening Day since 2002 and have all the "commemorative pins" but I guess this year they were giving away t-shirts, not pins...oh-well... They were playing their last Spring Training game vs. the White Sox at Chase Field. Daddy had to work (only 8 more days of tax season left...we aren't counting down or anything...) so Jadon and I went for a little "adventure". Here is my photo diary... Checking out the new gear at the Team Shop...must have soft ball & bat...we're still sporting the camo gear almost everyday! New favorite t-shirt with BAXTER!!!

Wow...Chase Field is amazing...Sitting in Grandpa John's new seats...Sec 211, Row 5, 17 & 18

Found Mom & Dad's brick!

Hard to see, but Jadon is sitting by our wedding brick! Got a new shirt for joining the No Chew Club...and got free kids tickets for Sunday games and some other D'backs Kids Club Prize, which we didn't stand in line for...

Jadon's guess is 12...gotta work on those estimation skills

Things I would like to remember about the day...

*Driving down Jefferson St., Jadon asks "Is this the city...like New York City?" He was in awe of the big buildings, which is funny b/c it isn't the first time he has been downtown, but I think it was more of the view that we were driving into the buildings that really amazed him!

*How totally fascinated Jadon was with the parking garage and that it was just like his garage at home...and when I found a good spot, he announced "Great Job finding Rock Star Parking Mom!"

*How Jadon made friends with everyone next to, behind and in front of our seats...social much?

*How completely interested Jadon was with the game & who the "thrower" of the ball was...wanting to know every players name on the Jumbo-Tron... what position they played... when the music was coming on again ?, cheering for the Relish Hot Dog...trying to find Baxter the Bobcat...and repeating EVERYTHING the man behind us yelled..."Come on!" "Strike him out!" "Get there!" "Watch the ball!"

*That is took Jadon about 10 seconds to remind me that there is a really cool playground with a "neat" slide at the ballpark (that was the 4th/5th inning stretch and potty break...)
*Singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" yes...we made it until the 7th inning stretch!

*That we CAN'T WAIT to go back to Chase Field with our Daddy...very, very soon!!

Jadon Had a Little Lamb...

2009-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Easter Bunny Picture, March 2009

Jadon & Lamby

So today's adventure was to Arrowhead Mall. We went for bunny pictures with Amy, Connor & Elizabeth. Lamby (pronounced Lamb-e) had to come with us...Jadon's newest best friend or aka sleepy toy as he refers to her/him...not exactly sure of Lamby's gender...it changes. Lamby's brother's and sisters also live in his crib, but they don't usually come out to play like Lamby does. Sometimes we can be convinced to leave Lamby in the car, but on this adventure, Lamby's presence was needed.

We did a bit of shopping...Jadon selected many soccer t-shirts at Gymboree, but we didn't buy any b/c we're sure they'll be further reduced any day now, Jadon picked out a very interesting present for his Geegu's b-day on Friday (can't give that store's name away...), got Easter Bunny pictures along with the Easter Bunny Snow globe, which will hopefully appease Jadon so that I don't have to venture into the attic to find his collection of Holiday Snow Globes that he keeps bringing up from time to time. Seriously...I kept his Santa Snow Globe out b/c he is still ALWAYS playing with it, but I guess he wants all the other ones to come out and play too... We ventured into a candy store for a promised "Lolli-pop-pop-pop", found a little potty at the family restroom and headed to the car. I had to steer him far away from Build-a-Bear and the nice lady at Godiva Chocolates gave us a catalog so he could circle what he wants. I thought about stopping at Trader Joe's but decided I was already pushing my luck and that would set things into meltdown mode, so we went home.

p.s. Jadon & I did teamwork today picking out his clothes...I picked the shirt and he did the rest. Camo is like the new neutral in our house...it pretty much goes with anything...

Underwater...

2009-03-21T14:53:00.001-07:00

Jadon and I took these pictures this afternoon in the cuzzi...I've been wanting to test out the underwater feature on my new digi camera for a while. Today after a hot morning at the Phoenix Zoo, swimming and watching the Luke Air Force Airshow from the backyard was the perfect chance. I think it will be easier to take better pics when we are in the pool...the cuzzi is kind of hard b/c its so small and Jadon is so fast swimming back and forth. Here are my best shots... Enjoy!

Does Camo Count for Green?

2009-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Because I can't get Jadon out of his camo pj's today, attacking my stamping markers...who are we kidding-they aren't mine anymore. He isn't moving...not even bribes are getting him movin... (more about bribes later...)

Sorry I'm not feeling the green today...I'm wearing pink.

I don't want to eat beef and cabbage, drink beers...but we might go over to Tailgaters (new neighborhood Bar & Pizza place) with the neighbors tonight? Is a Margarita green enough?

I didn't make green eggs today or anything else green for that matter...but maybe I'll eat a salad today.

Speaking of salads, I was going to share this really yummy salad like forever ago, but that was before Jadon got a nasty virus, turned into nasty colds/coughs, visit to the dr...blah,blah,blah... Things are on the mend now, so all is good.

So back to my "green" salad....

California Chicken Salad with Avocado & Mango

Make marinade: Combine 2T Olive Oil, 2T fresh lime juice, 2 T Mango Chutney (I used the Mango hot sauce stuff we had b/c I couldn't find anything else that was a chutney...), 1T Soy sauce (low-sodium), 3/4 tsp minced ginger, 1 garlic clove minced.

Chicken: 2 chicken breasts on plate-spoon 1/2 of marinade over chicken, turn to coat and let stand 5 minutes. Grill and slice into strips.

Salad: Mixed greens, diced mango, diced avocado...whatever else you might want...I think next time I'm adding cucumbers to my salad. Arrange chicken on top and drizzle with reserved dressing.

Now to the bribe...

Jadon got a splinter in his foot, who knows how/where but this only added to the drama of the whole cold... He would not let us even get close to look at it. So serious bribes were in order... We read online about some baking soda paste...totally did not work... Saw online to use teething gel to numb the area...worth a try. New spiderman bandaids...teething gel, and a bribe to get this ridiculous Ice Cream Truck he saw at CVS Pharmacy and a trip to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream cone. This did the trick, but I'm not really convinced the splinter is out so more bribes may be in the works.

being attacked by a camo monster...must go...

Happy St. Paddy's Day-be safe!

Daddy Home Day...

2009-03-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy Home Day is Sunday, it's the phrase we've always used with Jadon to help him understand why Dad is home on some days and at work on others... It's a BIG deal, especially right now during tax time!

So for Daddy Home Day this Sunday I made the boys a special breakfast of fresh waffles. I LOVE my waffle maker...seriously it is the best! I used a Williams-Sonoma gift card from my Uncle Chuck YEARS ago to make this purchase and its gotten a lot of use! I've used lots of different recipes and pre-mixed batters, but I have to say that the recipe I found this weekend takes 1st prize-it's not lo-cal but they sure were delicious. And by the way I would have NEVER found this if it hadn't been for my friend Duane, who requested I make him this cake (which called for Buttermilk). I just happen to buy buttermilk at Trader Joe's and saw this recipe on the side of the carton. Thanks Duane and sorry you couldn't come over for waffles...maybe next time?

Buttermilk Waffles-made 8 waffles in my waffle iron.
2 cups flour
1/4 c brown sugar, packed
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking power
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cut butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs whites until stiff

In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, butter, vanilla.

Pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients and stir briefly until just combined. Fold egg whites into batter.

Add chocolate chips, nuts, dried/fresh fruit for variation.

Use 2/3 cup batter in traditional iron, 3/4 cup in Belgian iron

Tomorrow I'll share my low-cal dinner recipe that we had Sunday night...it was great too, but right now my pillow is calling my name....

Spring Break-Part 1...Saturday's BBQ

2009-03-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Tom, Corrina, Cadence, Duane and Rebecca all came to Spring Break with us in sunny Arizona. The weather was perfect for our BBQ Potluck on Saturday. It was great to see everyone and we're looking forward to seeing more of the gang this week and coming weekend! Thanks so much to all of you for driving WAY out west to our house! Hopefully some other peeps captured some more pictures of Saturday's BBQ...I didn't have my camera close by and I only got these 2 pictures...didn't get any on Friday when we all went to the Train Park! I put on Cars for the kids to watch...they did for about 10 or so minutes of the opening scene! We're missing Matthew, but you can see that everyone was in quite a trance over the famous race Car Lightening McQueen!

Tomorrow's adventure is at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler and hopefully The Children's Museum on Thursday.

Just a whole lot of nothing...

2009-03-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

o.k. I'm going to admit that I am one of those Mommies who makes my own playdough...not because I have anything against the kind you buy, just because its kind of fun to make fresh playdough...too much time on my hands, yes I know...

Well yesterday is wasn't so fun.

It started out with that I was all out of regular flour, so I tried to take Jadon to the grocery too close to naptime and I ended up carrying him out of the store, kicking and screaming and leaving behind my cart of groceries (including flour)

After nap, he kept asking about the playdough, so I was digging around in the pantry and found some whole wheat flour...I figured why not try?

Let me just say that Whole Wheat Flour is not meant for making playdough...

Even trying to mask the brown playdough with Golden Yellow Wilton Food Coloring didn't help...but Jadon really didn't care that it looked like mustard and was all grainy...

We made playdough, tossed it into the air like the Chef does on Curious George, cut lots of shapes, made pretend tacos and lots of other things.

The first thing out of Jadon's mouth when Jason got home was to tell him about the crying fit he had at the store...like he was holding onto the guilt and he just had to get it out there! Classic. He's quick to apologize these days and its so sweet that its hard not to crack a smile and be serious.

So today we tried again (for the grocery store)

But I didn't subject myself to Bashas, where there is a silly baseball that Jadon thinks he needs (even though he has like 4 different kinds of baseballs and probably like 20 other types of balls...seriously... Ridiculous amounts of toys at this house...enough ranting!)

Instead we went to tiny, little Trader Joe's, where there are no toys for children to insist their parents buy them, but instead there are fun mini grocery carts for kids to push, balloons at the check-out, pretty tulip flowers for Jadon to pick out and lots of other yummy treasures. And free samples of juice (another perk for little boys!)

But...I still didn't buy flour, because I just couldn't pay what Trader Joe's wanted for their organic unbleached flour when I know I can get it for so much cheaper some place else. We will brave another store, on another day....

Until then we'll deal with our whole wheat playdough!

Tomorrow we're headed off for an adventure at the Phoenix Children's Museum to meet up with friends. The Page Family has arrived in Arizona for their "Spring Break" so we are looking forward to lots of playtime with them! Promises for better posts with more fun pictures soon!

Jadon's Quote of the Day... "Guess what Mom? My pee makes bubbles!" We're all about standing up and going pee these days....

Potty Dance...

2009-03-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

This will not be a blog about potty training...

Jadon's buddy Connor and sister Elizabeth sent him an American Greeting card to tell him what a great job he is doing with the whole potty thing. The card is pretty funny...
You can view the card, complete with our pictures by clicking on this link... Jadon & Amy's Potty Dance

How does one even begin to comment on this... "The Potty Dance Video" ????

Picture Share...

2009-02-24T15:12:00.001-08:00

Wanted to share a few recent pictures...haven't had a lot of blogging time lately...we've been busy it seems...Here goes...

Delivering my Valentine Cookies to Javier! I have no idea why these pics are so skinny...I took them with no memory card in my camera and I guess my camera has a little bit of memory without a card...who knew? I guess I should read the book?

Riding the new Phoenix Light Rail...so much fun for little boys who love trains!
Jason and Jadon at the LightRail Station a few Sundays ago on "Daddy Home Day"

Jadon got a haircut last week and had fun fingerpainting today...

Mommy got a haircut...Thanks to Jan who called me when Melissa had a last minute opening and thanks Grandpa Rashid for staying to watch Jadon for me!

p.s. Daddy got a haircut too but we don't a recent picture of him...its a busy tax season! But hopefully will post pictures of everyone tomorrow when we all go to the 1st Spring Training Game at Goodyear's ballpark!

First Date...

2009-02-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Karen and I were intruders of some kind last Saturday when Jadon and Amanda had what seemed like a great "first date" I mean Jadon and Amanda go on all sorts of adventures, but this one was pretty special. There were even somewhat dressed alike (not planned at all!!) in brown/blue stripes and pink/brown stripes.

Here they are cruising the Phx. Art Museum area after their 1st Play... "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" was playing at the Phx. Theatre's Children's Theatre. They were both so good and a great time was had by all.

There are more showings of this fun play tomorrow (Valentine's Day), they added 2 more shows b/c it was so popular.

Jadon is still talking about how the "mouse" climbed up the fridge to scotch tape her picture. It was a great play and brought back fun memories of taking my class from Mirada there many, many years ago!!!!

I Love...

2009-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

In honor of St. Valentine's Day tomorrow I thought I'd do a little post about all everyone and everything I love and what I'm so grateful for in my life right now... Here goes..

My Husband... Jason is an amazing husband and father, loyal and dedicated to everyone and everything he loves, passionate about his feelings, a die-hard Sports fan, determined, loving and supportive. Te amo!

My Son...Jadon is the funniest toddler I know. I am the luckiest Mom in the world to get to spend my days with him. He is always coming up with something amazing lately-and I'm so proud of the little boy he is becoming!

My Brother...Ryan never ceases to amaze me...with his zest for life & sense of adventure he is always on the go...Costa Rica, Biking S. Mt., Snowboarding, Playing Hockey.... Getting information out of him is like pulling teeth...he should have been a Secret Agent! Hey people, Ryan is single (I think?) so we need to find him a girl friend-because he is a great catch!!

My Weight Loss Check in Girls... SIL Shazia, Sharon & Amy...gripes with me about the never-ending battle of trying to lose a few lbs, they are great listeners, great friends and Shaz introduced me to the world of Edward Cullen. Enough said there...

My Home Decorator Consulant Jan-who helped me put some much needed spice back into my house!

My friends...who there are too many to list here, but there are many-havasu friends, college friends, teacher friends, neighbor friends, mommy friends... and I am so lucky to have you all in my life. Past, present, new and old, in touch or out of touch...I'm so blessed.

Randy's 9:45 Tuesday Spin Class at Lifetime Fitness...I'm so addicted to spin class. I can't wait to go again and again.... I'm trying to find a way to get to the 5:45 spin class tonight, because I couldn't get Jadon out of the house in time to make it to the 8:30 a.m. class today.

Starbucks...I just don't know what it is about this place that I like so much. I've changed my drink to a total low-cal option. I'm getting Iced-Green Tea know and I'm totally addicted. At least I'm not having hundreds of calories from Iced Mocha's anymore...

Salmon...I can not eat enough Salmon lately...I can't tell you how long my Dad's been cooking Salmon and for years I hated it, but like Jason says "I'm growing up"

Having Spring flowers in my front yard.

A clean house, with organized cabinets...ahhh

Going to the movies with friends...eating popcorn with m&m's and thinking about how much Mom & I loved going to see shows together!

My neighborhood... We are so lucky to have such a fabulous place to call Home with so many friends surrounding us, always there to help out when we need something!

o.k. so I didn't quite get my post up in time for Valentine's Day...but I'm only a few days late. Will post pics of my "Valentines" later!

What's That Song about 10 in the Bed?

2009-02-09T14:44:00.001-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to Little Pup....

And Dotters...

Little Pup is a white and black Dalmatian Ty stuffed animal. That isn't his "official" name, just one that Jadon made up!

Little Pup was an attempt at finding a replica of a stuffed animal of Abbey's Dotters that Jadon attached himself to while we were in Sacramento. Mission Accomplished...

Little Pup is now a very important guy in our lives... He goes a lot of places with us, but most importantly he sleeps with Jadon in his crib...yes I know he's almost 3 and still in a crib, but he likes it and so do we, so for right now it works!

But sometimes Little Pup is a frisky little dog and accidentally falls out of the crib, thus causing major drama (sometimes crying in the middle of the night and sometimes frantic searching at early hours of the morning when little boys really should still be sleeping...) I thought about ways to "attach" little pup to something bigger, but nothing really seemed to work. So I got into the habit of telling Jadon to just hold onto Little Pup really tight! Well... I think Jadon has solved the problem of losing little pup. Like only a toddler could solve a problem... Little pup gets stuffed down into the front of Jadon's shirt, making it nearly impossible for that "Little" Pup to fall through the slats of the crib. That is some creative problem solving!!!

And now...another friend has joined the bed crew...Our own Dotters has been found! Where did we find him?? Well of course, where else but the Candy Store at Chandler Mall. Who would have known?? Now we have "Little Pup", "Dotters", a pillow, Bob the Bear, 3 Little Giraffe blankets-2 small and 1 big one and depending on the weather/mood we either have the blanket Abbey made for Christmas or the Curious George/Thomas the Train one.

Maybe sometime soon Jadon will need a bigger bed-for all his friends...we'll see?

Tagged...

2009-02-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

So Candy tagged me like forever ago...I'm such a bad blogger...

Jason's was gone for Superbowl (guest post coming someday from Jason...)and I was busy, then our modem went down..excuses, excuses I know...

So...here is my 6th picture in my 6th picture folder...

This was Feb 9, 2007. Jadon LOVED this leap frog toy and the series of pics I took on this day were him figuring out how to pull himself up to a standing position using his favorite toy! He was wearing the cutest outfit, but you can't see the big basketball that was sewn on the bootie of his grey pants!

I would like to "tag" Duane, Tom/Coco, Kim, Jaime, Ryan & Love So now that you've been tagged you are supposed to go into your 6th picture folder and find the 6th picture in that folder. Post it and give a description...

We're looking forward to seeing a Children's Play with Amanda today, Elizabeth's 1st birthday party and for a "daddy home day" tomorrow!!!

Enjoy the weekend!

My Mom

2009-01-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Today is the 2nd Anniversary of my Mom passing away. I'm sure I will shed a few tears today, but mostly I hope to spend the day "Remembering Today" It won't be a super exciting day, going to drag Jadon to the gym so I can go to spin class at 8:30 (after I TEAR him away from his episode of Curious George), then to swim lessons and maybe a few errands afterwards.

These are some funny things I want to remember about my Mom today...

She used to sing in the car and it DROVE us (Ryan and I) CRAZY!!! Jon Denver was a big one...She was always getting into certain CD's and playing them all the time. She went through many Lion King and Mamma Mia soundtracks and was totally into Josh Groban and that Italian opera singer guy...I have no idea what his name is...
Once time she yanked me hair and pulled me out of Dillards crying about making me wear some nasty fushia polka-dot dress to my piano recital...
Mom had a system for avoiding fights between Ryan and I...I was "even" born on the 10th and he was "odd" born on the 27th. If it was your day you got to empty the silverware instead of the dishes, you got to sit in the front seat.... Any conflict was resolved with "Whose Day is It?" It made me mad b/c I got the short end of the stick on those months with 31 days...
She was OVER THE MOON about becoming a grandma...

Most of all, today I will remember our last visit with Mom. She came and spent a few days with us right before she passed away so suddenly. We squeezed in a lot of special Jadon firsts those few days, which is what I focus my energy on when I feel so sad at all she is "missing". Jadon waved bye-bye to her for the 1st time... he said "quack" and she ordered him the book 3 Ducks Went Wandering right away, he got his first haircut down at Melissa's house. She googled "baby genius" b/c he turned pages in books and actually looked like he was reading them and she was convinced at that point he was for sure gifted. We took Jadon to his favorite bookstore and she left me a voicemail that I still keep on my phone. Silly huh?

I just know that there is high-speed Internet in Heaven and I like to think Mom keeps up with the blogs (I'm sure she would have had one too!) So Mom/Nana...we love and miss you lots!

p.s. Life can go on now in our house b/c we just saw Javier after a few weeks of having a substitute garbage man...we had to wrap up in a robe b/c we're running around the house naked, but we got to see Javier and give him the double thumbs up!!!

Pictures....

2009-01-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

My laptop is giving me fits about uploading pictures onto my blog...it is so frustrating!! Anyone have any bits of advice on this problem?
So...here are some pictures I'm uploading from our other computer!

Current view of my very organized kitchen utensil drawer...aren't those heart measuring cups the cutest things you've ever seen? My neighbor Rebecca gave them to me and it makes me want to bake, but that would be bad for dieting, so I'm trying to refrain...

Current view of Jadon's newly organized playroom...complete with insane track we redesigned today...

Watchin' Cars at the dentist...

Jadon getting his teeth cleaned on Monday...he was so good and loved it! Jadon is missing 2 teeth on the bottoms, his bi-laterals just never came in... But on this 2nd set of x-rays it looks like the buds for his grown up teeth may be there, which according to the dentist would be unusual, but would be good. He loved seeing the x-rays of his teeth!!!

Got face-painted at Hannah's birthday party...today Jadon made his own version with my make-up, its was all over the couch (lucky it's leather!) and my make-up is shot. It's not like I ever wear it, so it doesn't really matter!

Wants to learn how to skateboard...Jadon and Geegu

Team Spirit for the Redbirds...

Tailgate at the Cardinal's Playoff Game...Jadon had a great time!

Quotes of the day...

2009-01-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Jadon is on a roll today...he has been "on his game" since 5:30 a.m. and I don't want to forget the funny things he has said today... So here goes.... Enjoy!

Jadon watches me use the remote control and he asks "Are you looking for me or for you?" I tell him, for me and he pouts!! Then, I turn on the TV and explain that today is an important day, that our country is getting a new President today. He climbs up on the red benches and says, "We're getting a present today!!!" No, Jadon...not a present, a President...

Clip comes on of Barack Obama and I show him... This is the new President of the United States, Barack Obama. Jadon replies with his head shaking and doing his I'm full of attitude voice... "What are you talking about Bamack Ottatta"

He is obviously bored by this, so we're off to build the Train tracks of the day...its a good one today...bridges and tunnels, lots of twists and connections! The battery operated James got batteries and is climbing the Polar Express Mountain on his track...Jadon is in love... but then he is bored again and I'm watching the TV, feeling like I guess I should watch this historic day...

So he comes into the family room and uses one of my lines on ME!!! I've got to come up with some new ones...and fast!! He says "Mom, you are just not cooperating, I'm going to have to turn off the TV.... you're just not listening, Mom" Then grins and smiles and how can I not crack up at how funny he is!!!

Later on rushing out the door to the gym...in the car, trying to get to spin class. Jadon announces "Mom, I just dropped my grapes, they fell on the floor and now they are dirty" "I'll just tell my friends about that at childcare, ok Mom" Sounds like a great conversation starter... Jadon tells me no one talks to him at the childcare, I find that hard to believe...but it makes me a tiny bit sad. If he would just leave the TV in the "baby room" and go play on the slides, I'm sure kids are older and more talkative there... oh well....He loves going there and told me today he had fun sliding with a friend names RJ. He talks about an RJ a lot, but I think it might be an imaginary friend!! More disappointment, he couldn't find the bucket with his favorite trains at the gym today... He's probably still wondering about the "present"

Then we're off to Kohl's, last day of a sale, I tell Jadon that I have a 30% off coupon and I want some new socks. He announces to me that he is going to find some boobies at Kohl's. Jason took him to Kohls's last week one night...so I have to dig a little further into this.... He keeps talking about boobies and he is laughing at himself. Then, he says... "You know what I'm talking about Mom, the boobie holders, just like the ones I have at my house" "Jadon, those are called bras" Got it...Jadon likes the bra section at Kohl's... Daddy is teaching him well and well...Mommy's just trying to keep up!

Cardinals in the Super Bowl....OMG!!!

2009-01-18T15:36:00.001-08:00

This is the picture Jason sent me from the game...it pretty much tells anything you need to know... I haven't heard from them yet, I may have to go pick up those fools in a few hours!

Jadon and I had a great time at the Tailgate today...more later...

Here is my Shutterfly album from today...I wish I would have gotten pictures of Jadon at the Rally...he was screaming his head off for "Big Red"

Tailgate Pictures

Go Redbirds!!!

2009-01-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

This morning we're off to tail gate with Daddy & Geegu for the BIG GAME!!! Jadon is so excited and has been running around all morning saying "Are you ready for some football?" I'm sure that it will be a zoo over at the Stadium but we are ready!!!

The boys (Jason and Ryan) are so excited! Jason spent the afternoon yesterday planning his Jalapeno Pepper Roaster recipes...he filled like 30 peppers with crab/cream cheese and some other stuff....He almost evacuated us out of the house when he was taking the seeds out of the peppers. We read online the best way to get rid of the sting on your hands is to dip them in milk-fat (sour cream or heavy cream...who knew???) It's going to be quite a food event! Ryan came over last night to spend the night so they would be ready to leave at 8am this morning. They took their lucky "playoff cups" and towels... If the Cardinals win this game, they say they are going to FL for the Super Bowl...

All of the neighbors are getting together in some way or another...most of the guys are going to the game, everyone else is getting together at Rita's house to watch them game.

Will post pictures later today during naptime!

Have a Little Heart...

2009-01-17T08:00:00.001-08:00

Check this out...http://iloveyoumorethanblank.blogspot.com/

What would your heart say?

I'm working on mine and will report later...Jadon needs my attention now and so does the laundry!

Send out your love...
Amy

Our Weekend...

2009-01-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone for making my birthday weekend so much fun! Here is the re-cap!

Friday night...Sushi at Tomo with my boys! I love how Jadon sings Happy Birthday...it is quite possibly the sweetest sound ever! Crunch rolls and a Raspberry Sake Martini...Happy Birthday to me! Presents from Dad, Ellen, Kate, Rashid, Jason & Jadon. I'm so spoiled! I have a cute pic...I'll try to post it but my laptop has been giving me fits about posting pics on my blog? What is up with that?

Saturday...The Day! More Happy Birthday songs from the boys, followed by many phone calls, emails and txt messages! Thanks everyone! BIG birthday party bash for Jadon's "girl" friend Hannah, followed by Bride Wars with the Colter St. Girls and then BIGGER party mostly for the Redbirds and a little for my birthday at The Miller's house. Kevin and Jan put on an amazing fish fry! Jason got desserts from Bella Luna! More presents from the neighbors... I'm going here to get some kind of spa service in the very near future thanks to my lovely friends on Colter St! Everyone was so excited about the game...and even more excited that the next game is going to be here next Sunday!

Here is what my horoscope says for this year... Mom and I always used to cut this out and read this out of the paper...I used to be pretty into reading my horoscope but I don't do it as often anymore? Hmm....

"Happy Birthday for Saturday, January 10, 2009. this year you often waver about any important decision. Others might find this behavior irritating, as you are generally clear and direct. Look at this waffling as seeing more and weighing the pros and cons. You are unusually energetic this year, and if you don't funnel your energy, it could come out as anger. Your best bet is physical exercise. If you are attached, the two of you will get along much better if you accept your differences. Cancer can be challenging.

So... with that in mind-I dragged my wonderful friend Amy to her first spinning class this morning so I could funnel my energy on the bike. I'm accepting that Jason is a sports fanatic and when he is looking into the options of going to the Super Bowl in FL, should the AZ Cardinals go there, I'm accepting it and taking the position that it's "super!" Jadon and I will go to Orlando and do Disneyworld while he and Ryan do football! I'm not sure who I know who is the sign of "Cancer" besides that my Mom's sign was cancer and the whole part about wavering on important decisions...well who even knows what that means?? That is totally a whole other post for another day!

Today I made Pasta Figoli soup and just stayed home the whole day pretty much doing nothing. Jadon has a cold and had a little bit of a fever this afternoon, so we did a lot of Curious George time.

A Great Idea...

2009-01-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

I think that I have overused this phrase with Jadon...

Usually to get him to "transition" to whatever is happening next I try to build it up by saying something like "Jadon, I have a great idea...let's go read books in your room and get ready for nappy!" It's the teacher in me...

"A Great Idea" is coming back to bite me in the ----! He's using the phrase against me in his own trasitions!!!! But I have to admit he does have some great ideas... It's just that my idea of the time for these great ideas and Jadon's don't always match up. Here are a few laughs for you...

"Mom, I have a great idea....let's have a lollipop for breakfast!"
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's go shopping at Target for TOYS!"
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's go swimming (I know it's AZ but its still cold here!)
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's watch Curious George before my nappy...just one episode...please,please, please!!"
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's go to the bookstore and play trains!"
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's go to Starbucks...You want an iced mocha Mom?"
"Mom, I have a great idea...let's take every toy out and spread them all over the house!"

The sweetest great idea Jadon has was when he said "I have a great idea" and he just ran to the freezer to get me his Thomas Boo-Boo freezer pack. His head and my nose had a collision during tickle time and it kind of freaked him out that blood was coming out of my nose. He was so sweet to take care of me, but the best part was when he said "Mom, just, just don't be sad" You just don't have to cry red tears!" He thought my blood was red tears.... A few minutes later he asked in the most serious voice, "Mom, Can you make some green tears?"

The other thing you need to know here is that after each "great idea" is usually followed with one of the following....

"please,please, please" well...he is learning manners?

"o.k. mom, o.k.?"

This one is my favorite...

"Is the answer yes or no" LOL....

You'll also notice that most of Jadon's great ideas include "Let's GO" I should have known this was coming when he learned how to baby sign "out" and was always banging on the door twisting his hands like he was opening a door. Out.... Go.... Do....

So we have a great idea for today... We're going to the UPS Store to mail Uncle John his birthday gift, we're going to the gym to get our workout in and who knows where else we're going....

I have one more great idea... I have a quote to share with my blog. I've shared this quote with 2 friends in the past 2 days, so maybe it will speak to others the way it speaks to me.

you
can't change
yesterday
but you can
ruin today
worrying about
tomorrow

Let's Go!!!

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

I've started posting my pictures to Shutterfly...I kind of have bounced around at different pictures sharing sites, not really loving any of them. I made everyone in the family a mini-book of Jadon's Christmas pictures this year on Shuttefly and really liked how that came out. I found this "share site" and so I've shared some of the photos that we took of Christmas. It is pretty user-friendly (I think?)

Here is the site for you to view our Christmas photos...I haven't uploaded the "snow day" yet but its next on my list of pictures to do. http://khanfamilychristmas2008.shutterfly.com/

If you look in the album of Christmas with Grandpa John you'll see the pictures I took of Jadon and Javier (the garbage man of the year!) Yes, he came over to our house with his wife and 2 daughters and brought Jadon a very fancy garbage truck! Such a lucky boy...

**Thanks especially to Kate and Rashid for my new camera. It's really amazing with the whole "smile technology" and I can't wait to try out the underwater features. Next week I may swim with Jadon after his swim lessons and play with it a little bit.

Does anyone have any other picture sharing/storing/printing sites they really like? I'd be curious to hear any other suggestions? I have a lot of pictures to upload!

Goodnight 2008

2008-12-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that today is the last day of 2008...I find myself remembering this year, but mostly thinking forward to 2009...

It's amazing to me the little person (with the big personality) that Jadon has become this year...so many changes its impossible to describe. I can't begin to imagine what more changes are in store for the next year. It's a roller coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns and I can't wait for the next ride!

Happy New Year to All of You!

The First Picture of Christmas

2008-12-18T21:30:00.001-08:00

Jadon had his first round of Christmas this morning. Little Elves named Grandma Kate and Grandpa Doc came to town. They flew out this morning to Sacramento (we go on the 22nd), but they gave all of us our Christmas gifts this morning (you know b/c they are too big to take on the plane!) He got this Playhut thing with different tents and tunnels, so we created a long tunnel that stretches from our kitchen to the front door. Not kidding here.... To get to his presents he had to go through the maze...its was 6:15 a.m. blankie came with and here is the First Picture of Christmas! Will try to post more pictures of the loot...We were all very spoiled by the Elves.

Bring on the presents...

Merry Christmas Javier...

2008-12-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Javier came down the street on a very rainy Wednesday morning! Jadon was SO excited to see him and he had one of his first experiences with an umbrella (he thought this was really great)! Arizona kids.... Anyhow, Jadon is walking out in the rain and yelling to him "WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU!" He was really excited to watch the garbage's trucks windshield wipers... Oh boys!! We gave Javier a gift card and one of our Christmas cards with Jadon's pictures from KLP. Thank you again Kim!!! He asked if we were going to be home on Saturday. He told me that he bought Jadon a Garbage Truck from Costco and wanted to come by with his wife and daughter to introduce them to "his boy"! I almost cried...seriously...is that not the cutest thing you've ever heard??? Promises to take pictures on Saturday afternoon for sure.

Up late...

2008-12-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

Making some homemade Christmas gifts... Thought I would post this silly picture of me & my cake from Saturday night. The 4 layer Peppermint Frosting with White Chocolate Cream and Chocolate Ganache glaze Devil's Food cake... I didn't have time to shave chocolate for the top like the recipe called for, so I did my own decorations on the side with candy canes. This frosting was an insane project that almost made me late for cocktail hour of the progressive dinner! Duane, if there would have been any left I would have done a fed-ex for you...sorry about that. Next time you are in town, fabulous dessert of your choice. I promise.

So the good news is that I think I've done all my Christmas Shopping. Giving is so much more fun then receiving! Really...I need nothing! We shipped a box of our winter clothes and some present stuff to Sacramento. Packages are starting to arrive here from our 2nd favorite neighborhood truck, The UPS man! I'm staying current on the laundry...for everyone! Our Christmas cards should arrive tomorrow, so that will be the next project, along with some more baking this week. Jadon and I went to the bookstore today and picked up a few things. He bought special presents for his cousins and his gee-gu today. I have some crafty projects that I'm working on for gifts. Visitors arriving on Wednesday and Friday...thank goodness the cleaning people are coming this week!

The bad news is that I think Jadon is getting another cold. The last two colds have resulted in ear infections and trips to the doctor. Last year, he did the exact same thing and got sick on Christmas Eve. I feel like I'm a little bit on high-alert...just because we are flying and I so do not want him to be sick on Christmas again! Such is life...a trip to see our favorite pediatrician may be in the works this week, but hopefully it will just take its course and be gone. We'll see???

So I mentioned that Jadon has an Elf in my last post. Lately the Elf has been feeling pretty nice and has left candy canes with the itty bitty ornaments. One day, the elf forgot about the candy cane. At a bright 5:30 a.m. Jadon announced "Sorry Mom, No Candy Cane today..." His face was so serious and he could not get over this fact (so sad...the Elf really felt bad!!), but luckily we went to Dreaming Summit that day and Mrs. Vanica gave him a hershey's kiss...so his candy fix for the day was still intact.

Elf Duty calls...

The Polar Express...

2008-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

This year Jadon loves trains. More then anything he likes The Polar Express. We read the book, we ring every bell, we watch the movie (a lot!) and Jadon's "elf" brought him a Polar Express Ornament for his tree. Yes, Jadon has an elf...and elf that brings him treats to his Train Advent Calendar. Little itty bitty ornaments for his personal tree.

So last night we went and saw The Polar Express in 3-D at Imax. He was in total amazement...never even flinched at any of the scary scenes with the train. He loves the part when the train is sliding all over the ice, he thinks its slippery!

Ryan posted a picture on his new blog of Jadon in his 3-D glasses...it is so cute! Check it out.

Laundry is calling...must go now!

We've been busy...

2008-12-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

Baking Aunt Jeannie's cookies!!! Well...we've been busy with lots of other things.... Like working with our neighborhood to do 35 Angels off the tree at school, wrapping gifts, Holly Jolly Festival in Goodyear, visit with Grandpa Doc, making homemade gifts, decorating the house, shopping, shopping online, picture taking sessions, Zoo Lights with the Meese's, ordering cards, shipping presents to CA and today getting ready for our neighborhood progressive dinner. Whew...can you say all that in one breath?

All right the choo-choo is off the track around the tree, so I must go and save the day...

Thanks for the cookie wisdom Aunt Jeannie!!!!!! Jadon made his Daddy some Gingerbread Houses, then we busted out all of Nana Robyn's cookie cutters and found bells and a train!!!

What are you Thankful for?

2008-11-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

It's a popular question to ask this week? I hope that there are many things you can be thankful for in your life....We (Jason, Jadon and I) have many blessings that we are thankful for...too many to list so I'm just going to focus on one.

When the whole "ra-ra" of the election was going on and everyone was going crazy about Joe the Plumber, Jason said "Its too bad there aren't more people in this world like our Garbage Man." If you asked Jadon I think he would say one of the things he is thankful for is his buddy. So here is my special ode to Javier....We are very thankful for the time you take out of your day to make our little guy's day special!

Shortly after Jadon's 1st birthday he developed a total obsession with all trucks, especially the garbage truck. We are lucky that the garbage man comes to our house on Wednesdays and Saturdays...double the fun! So in the mornings we would wait for the roar of the truck to come down the street and watch as the trash can was lifted into the big truck. Life at our house stops when the garbage man is coming, breakfast stops, playtime stops...the world is put on hold for this moment! We can always tell when its our "buddy" coming down the street b/c of his bright yellow shirt!

Sometimes we make our buddy cookies or muffins, a cupcake from Jadon's 2nd birthday.... Somedays Javier stops to say hello, somedays its just a few waves and a thumbs-up. The pictures below are from a funny day when Jadon couldn't stop to put pants on to see his buddy (check out the Route 66 underwear!) We've gotten to know Javier and even when it is dark outside or early, he would always beep his horn for Jadon. Then, he pretty much taught Jadon how to do "thumbs-up" and that is their special way of saying hello.

The bad thing is that sometimes we have a different garbage man, a not so friendly guy who doesn't wave and doesn't even acknowledge this waving maniac in the driveway. It makes Jadon sad and of course when his whole day is ruined and he says "It wasn't my buddy...." it pretty much crushes our day too. But recently, we're bringing that not so friendly guy around and sometimes he looks our way or does a little wave. Jadon's learned that he is a "different buddy" and the day can go on... Phew!!! Tomorrow is garbage day and I'm hoping that Javier will be coming down the street before we leave for Havasu so we can give him a card and a small gift to let him know how thankful we are for him!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hello Mr. C...

2008-11-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today we had our 3rd annual Santa picture day with Amy, Connor and Baby Elizabeth at Arrowhead Mall. Here is a little flashback for everyone...

The first year Jadon and Connor were just little tykes. That year Amy and I waited forever in line and just when we got to the front of the line... "Sorry, It's Santa's Lunchtime!" a little elf told us. Yikes...what to do? Needless to say we got our picture and we learned our lesson about planning our time correctly around Santa's lunch! Who is this little guy??

Jadon and Santa

Christmas 2006

The next year was a whole other story... Amy was put on bedrest while pregnant with Baby Elizabeth in November 07. We couldn't miss our Santa pictures... so with both carseats in Jason's Tahoe, a special Elf named "G" to be our helper, a borrowed wheelchair for Amy and double-stroller for Connor and Jadon we made it to the mall. The kids were a little un-sure of Santa that year, Connor cried and Jadon was just in a daze. The "adventure" came on the ride home when Amy gave Jadon and Connor a snack. As we were driving down the 101, rushing to get Connor home for his nap b/c he was falling asleep...Jadon sticks a raisin up his nose and starts freaking out trying to get it out, but pushing it further up. Luckily I was able to pull the raisin out with a pair of tweezers when we got to Amy's house. Note to self...Jadon + Raisins = A BAD idea! I really laugh looking at how chubby he looks in his face and the poor kid had no pants that would fit around his belly and be the right length. These poor overalls were obviously too short...

Jadon and Santa

Christmas 2007

And so that brings us to today... The mall was empty. We were the 2nd people in line. All children are healthy and happy. Jadon is going crazy for the "set" with trains and hanging presents and trees. He jumps right up on Santa's lap to proclaim " I like your beard" "I like your belt" "Nice-choo-choo Santa, can I get in?" And had a whole conversation with him that went a little like... "I have a list, I want a lifter with a remote control (its at Bashas in their toy section Santa!) and I want a Hummer like my Dad's with a tire on the back, ok?" "I like the Polar Express" "How are your reindeer?" To which Santa told him the reindeer were up in Flagstaff, but not in the North Pole yet. Hmmm?? Picture time. I tell him "Make your nice smile" And here you go...

Such a big boy this year. Yes, so big that we stopped in to see how his shoes were fitting and yikes...his feet have grown a whole size since August. Now he is a 10XW (that's extra-wide people...) New shoes from Stride-Rite click here to see a picture and then off to catch up with our friends at Gymboree where Amy got cute bows for Elizabeth's pigtails. Jadon's favorite thing at the mall was the Thomas Kinkade Gallery, we had to stop there twice! Now this is on Jadon's Christmas list as well...please no one buy this for him...I'm just sharing b/c it is funny! Will post some more candid shots of the day soon!

Stuff...

2008-11-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have lots of "stuff" to say on my blog...it's been a while since I've had time to post anything besides pictures!

I feel like my house is always a mess and I'm always putting away "stuff", giving away "stuff", cleaning "stuff", throwing away "stuff" and yet I never make any progress... What is the deal with this? Does anyone else feel this way? Is this an un-avoidable issue for those with children? Maybe I should not let it bother me so much, but sometimes it just...you know...makes me feel a little bit crazy! Like the fact that b/c Jadon's been sick this past week I have literally spent days bleaching and cleaning all his toys...like his hundreds of little cars and trains that he totes around with him. I've put away a ton of his toys and he hasn't even seemed to notice, so can I just get rid of them? Currently all he cares about are his wooden railroad tracks and trains, but tomorrow it might be all about cars or building with his Lincoln Logs. If you have any insight on my issues with "stuff" please feel free to comment below. I'd love to hear what you think!

I won't discuss the "stuff" coming out of Jadon's nose this past week, but you can get the picture when I say we've been through about 5 boxes of tissues in the last 7 days. It was weird, he was really acting fine, no fever, playing, active...but coughing a lot on Tuesday and Wednesday night. He went to the Dr. on Thursday (couldn't get in on Wed.) and had fluid in both ears, so a double ear infection was on the way and bronchitis. He's on antibiotcs now and they gave us a script for a steriod for his cough. The steriod (like Dimetapp) made him literally insane. He turned into a different child, so needless to say 3 days of that was enough for all of us! Hopefully this round of antibiotics will kick whatever he has and we can go on to being healthy again!

When Jadon doesn't feel good all he wants to do is watch T.V and movies. He is SO into Curious George right now...I'm going to start dreaming about the man with the yellow hat! Yikes!!! But we did manage to mix it up a little bit one night and we watched The Polar Express movie with him for the first time. He is way into trains right now, so it was super exciting. He loved the parts when the train was flying up and down the tracks and when it was "slippery" on ice. He was yelling at the movie "don't you know you are supposed to stay on the track!!!" Hysterical! He was also especially moved by the magic ticket in the movie, how the little boy lost it and then found it again. The magic bell...oh that was the topper of excitement! A few days later, he saw in a Target Toy Catalog a picture of The Polar Express book. He totally was going crazy and when I was able to magically bust out my copy of this book from the boxes of books aka "stuff" under my guest beds...I was Mommy Hero for the day. One of my most favorite students ever, Dani, gave me this book for Christmas one year. I read it at my "Milk and Cookies Night" for my students and then gave them a special bell. Jadon wants a bell really bad...so maybe a special ringing bell will be in his future very soon!

Currently I'm packing "stuff" to get ready to go to Lake Havasu for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Wednesday. We are all looking forward to seeing The Atlanta Shufelts and everyone else too! Jadon is so excited to go to Grandpa John's...he wants to go NOW! He's mentioned going to check out Denis's tractor and can't wait to play with Luke. I'm excited because I love cooking for Thanksgiving and trying out new things. Here is the link to the recipe I'm going to test out... Apples, Bourbon, Butter, Sage, Maple Syrup & Bacon. I'll be sure to report how it goes over with the crowds in Havasu. I used to make a pumpkin dessert each year, but I'm not sure if/what dessert I might make. There are so many options out there its hard to pick!

I have like a million magazines to look at, but I couldn't wait to look at my December Martha Stewart. The baking, decorating and homemade gift thoughts going through my head are insane. I'm currently wishing I had a mantle to decorate with stockings, a staircase to do this with and time/energy to make these and these for everyone! I'm such a sucker for everything to do with red/white and candy canes...I saw these personalized M&M filled ornaments and I think I might have to add that to my to do list as well. Its hard to realize that Christmas is actually coming when we are still wearing shorts here in AZ....oh well!

Missing my Mom over the Holidays is really hard and one of the things that we used to do together was make plans to decorate the table. I have a lot of fun memories of pouring over magazines searching for the perfect centerpiece to re-create or trying to decide on which linens, candles and china to use. A special dessert was the same thing... I couldn't help but think of her when I saw the December of the Month Dessert in M.S. Magazine this year...Chocolate-Coconut Charlotte. I made something similar to this many years ago.... The Pistachio Charlotte that I slaved over for 2 days. I think Mom and Duane were the only ones who truely appreciated this labor of love... I found the cake plate that I gave her for her birthday one year in storage and I know that it needs to have an amazing dessert on it at some point this Holiday. Its been amazing, sad, challenging and dusty to go through the "stuff" in all of her storage boxes, but I've found some treasures in with all the trash to add to my "stuff".

I think that is enough "stuff" to talk about for one blog! Thanks for reading and I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

NASCAR Fall '08

2008-11-14T13:43:00.001-08:00

Checkin' out the tools with Dad...

#17 was parked at Lowes (More tools...)

"Look Dad, It's Mac!"

#17 Show car...Jadon was in love!

It's True Love...Trucks and Tires!

Happy Birthday Powell

2008-11-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on posting pictures from our trip to Havasu (and NASCAR and Tucson...) Anyways...here are a few pictures of a visit down to Powell's Bench.

Sisters

2008-11-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

I blogged about a story a few weeks ago that I've been following. Here is an update for anyone who is interested. Jaimee Rose wrote the most touching article that was published last Sunday in the Arizona Republic. Here is the link A Sister is Held Closer I'm thankful for the friends in my life who have been like sisters to me when I needed them! You KNOW who you are!!!

Last Saturday night there was a benefit concert held for the family. Their two daughters joined on the stage to sing a song for their Mom. Get this tissues...this is amazing! Golden Slumbers by Mindy Gledhill, Claire & Jane

Halloween '08

2008-11-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

So...back in Sept. when Jadon was a bit sick and at the doctors, he grew quite fond of their "toys" His pediatrician casually suggested that he should be a doctor for Halloween...well that was it. Pretty much Jadon was dead set on being a Doctor for Halloween. I thought when he looked through the catalogs, he would go for Buzz Lightyear or something like that...no-way! So we found these super cute personalized scrubs that say "Dr. Jadon" and of course a jacket and accessories to go with. He didn't leave his hat or jacket on too long...it was so hot! Hello...Fall are you there?? Anyways...he looked so cute and we made a special visit to Daddy's office yesterday to show off his coustume too. He had a great time and it sure brought a big smile to Grandpa Doc's to see him all dressed up. We'll take donations at anytime for Jadon's Medical School Fund...

The Doctor and his Bubble Bee at their 1st house Halloween '08

Ready for work!

"My friends are ready for Halloween" quote from Jadon

Mom is making me eat a hot dog before I go trick or treating.... My geegu is on his way to Costa Rica for a week..."I want to go to Costa Rica" another quote from Jadon!

Dr. G and I are "thinking" about what to pick from the candy bowl (Jadon picks a gun!)

p.s. Dr. G delivered Jadon 2 1/2 yrs. ago!!!! Wow!!!

Remembering October...Trip To Lake Havasu

2008-11-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

Trip to Havasu for Grandpa John & Ellen's Birthday Party! Tractor pictures deserve their own posting so we'll get to that next week.

Jadon at the London Bridge with Dad

Swing time during the party on Saturday

Future Race Car Driver?

Jadon's favorite "car" at the Rods & Relics's Car Show with Uncle Mark and Cousin Luke

Remembering October... (Part One)

2008-11-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

O.k so seriously...I started off pretty good with the blogging thing and I have been slacking lately! We've been out of town, sick with an ear infection and well just really busy. Here is Part 1...Halloween is coming in Part 2 (I promise!) Here are some pictures from the rest of our Fall Break Adventures!

Amanda and Jadon on their 2nd roller coaster of the week (first one was at the Farm on Thursday but the camera ran out of batteries, so no pictures of that one. This one they got to do all by themselves at Encanto Park.

Riding the train together at Enchanted Island, Encanto Park

Thursday's Adventure... Schnepf Farms Train Rides, Airplane, Bubble Bee rides, Pig Races...

My swim school teacher, Teacher Otto at Hubbard Family Swim School (We love it there!)

Working on my backfloat with Teacher Otto!

2008-10-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Fall Break??

2008-10-12T17:53:00.001-07:00

What do you get when you've gone to 1 zoo, 1 farm and 3 parks in one week? Memories, Milage and 5 different train and carousel rides. We still haven't voted on our favorites yet. Here is a salute to my special friend Karen (and her kiddos), who spent her Fall Break running around with us. I don't know how she does everything she does and it wasn't much of a "break"... we were busy all week long, but had a great time!

Monday: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with a pit stop at Sprinkles

On the first train ride of the day!

It was really dark in the tunnel!

Tuesday: Wildlife Zoo

What else? The train...

The giraffe licked Jadon's hand and well...he didn't like it so much!

Looking for his other family... The Monkeys!

My Geegu!

2008-10-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

Jadon has a crazy name for his Uncle Ryan...Geegu. It's his own version of the word Unkie from so long ago. Lately, he likes to shorten up names so Geegu also has another version, Geek. Ode to Geegu-Geek and the fun they had last weekend!

"Can I have your Beer, Geeks?"

On the Train with Geeks at Desert Breeze Park

Ready for Football!

Pizza and Movie time after football (We watched The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown)

The Redbirds...

2008-10-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

We all went to tailgate on Sunday for the Cardinals vs. Bills game. It was great weather and we had lots of fun. Jadon liked the people's tent who were next to us (they had cookies and cupcakes) and 4 little girls to play with!

Leave Us Alone!

2008-10-05T14:19:00.001-07:00

Third Date? Riding by themselves in the caboose! NO ADULTS!

Saturday Adventure...

2008-10-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

We went to Desert Breeze Park in Chandler on Saturday. We met up with our Geegu/Geeks (Uncle Ryan) and Auntie KK, Amanda and Will. The kids had fun! Auntie KK and I have many adventures planned for the upcoming week (her fall break from school) so probably lots of pictures coming! Jadon's sense of style is so redneck these days... hello camo boy and yes, that shirt says "Cow Tipper in Training"

Twins?

Go, Amanda, Go!

Waiting for the train...

First Date?

Second Date? (Still won't let Amanda drive!)

BOO!

2008-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

We got "Boo'd" on Friday! Jadon had lots of fun checking out his Boo surprises (loving Mr. Potato Head...) but this year he had even more fun delivering his Boo bags to neighbors!

Checkin' out Mr. Potato Head...

Goin' for the beer bottle...

He's ready to play with Woody now! (Yes, Jadon got a hair cut!)

Why Blog? Use your Imagination...

2008-10-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

So here are some pics of the day I decided for sure that I should start my own blog. I guess I had been thinking about it for a while. This day was so funny it makes me laugh out loud looking at the pictures. Jadon was running around half-naked (potty training in progress) and playing with his favorite toys. Yes, that is right he loves paper towel tubes. He calls them "wackers" and he loves them more then any toy in our house right now. We've painted them, turned them into space-shuttles, taped them together to make binoculars (big hit!) and on this day the wackers were helping us see Curious George. Yes, you see Curious George was flying on a kite in our backyard. Jadon was absolutely sure of this. So sure that he insisted on taking a picture of the sky and then taking pictures of me, his eyes. So funny...maybe you had to be there...maybe not? But now you know. Try and use your imagination and picture how a morning at home turned into such an adventure!

Another thing that I wanted to post is the link to this blog that I've been following. Stephanie and Christian Nielson are from Mesa, AZ. They were in a small plane crash back in August. They are both in a local burn unit still recovering. They have 4 children under the age of 6 who are in Utah right now with Stephanie's sisters. You can read more about the amazing things people are doing to help this family and how the family is doing on her sister's amazing blog, cjanerun. I had read Stephanie's blog many times when Jaimee Rose featured ideas from Stephanie in her blog. It is amazing what people are doing to help this family. I have been really touched by everything that Courtney writes about her sister and her family. I hope that you will find it inspirational in some way as well. I'm hoping to host a bake-sale at our Community Garage Sale to donate money to the fund.

My 1st Blog...Daddy's New H2!

2008-10-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

O.k. so here goes...It's a new month and I'm starting my first blog! I've almost given up the idea that I'll ever scrapbook, but that won't stop me from taking pictures and wanting to share them with family and friends. So here it is... Remember Today

"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."

So yesterday was a pretty exciting day for us. Jason called to tell me that his new Hummer was ready to be picked up. Jadon and I helped him return his rental car, went to Rubios for a quick dinner and some more balloons for Jadon (he loves that they have balloons at Rubios!) and then off to Yates to pick up Daddy's New Hummer!

Yes, it is the same color as the old Hummer but it is re-designed inside with a DVD and rear a/c. Jason is in love, Jadon couldn't wait to "drive" it so we switched the car seat into the new Hummer and took it for a drive. The sunset was amazing last night as we were driving! Wow...and then back to the dealership for more balloons and a NASCAR from Jadon's favorite car salesmen.

p.s. Jadon picked out his outfit for this very special occasion!