Fogarty Family

today

2010-10-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

there was a brief period of time this afternoon when every single eye was shut.

one-by-one they are opening.

meals are planned for the week...and shopping done.

hospital bag (nearly) ready.

laundry (nearly) completed.

thinking about what it looks like to trust God with some areas of struggle.

wondering if kate will come this week.

thinking about gentleness.

i plan on making a not-from-scratch carrot cake with the boys tomorrow.

excited to see kellen's face when he opens his birthday presents in a week and a half.

he'll be five. wow!

not thinking about hallowen, costumes or candy. sorry!

planned a yummy thanksgiving menu with my mom today.

beginning my study of james this afternoon.

no signs of nausea lately.

i exchanged it for "mild" contractions and painful pressure.

well, hello October!

2010-10-01T22:34:00.001-07:00

this is it. the final month of my pregnancy.

it's been rough.

i've been sick.

i've survived all year to get to october.

i've complained.

i've been miserable.

tonight my heart changed though.

i feel different...excited to welcome this child into the world.

a child God created and is loaning to us!

she is precious...even if housing her made me ill for months on end.

amazing.

i have friends who are hurting and hanging on not because they feel a little nauseous but, for more serious reasons.

i'm thankful that God knows and God hears. He cares and He loves.

God has used so many people to reach me this year, to pull me in and care for me.

i kicked off my month of "savoring" by taking my kids to see their "gg nana".

they, well one, is always naughty when visit.

he's well known amongst nana's roomies!

look at this picture and tell me who you think i'm talking about....

i know gg nana savored our visit...even if it made me anxious!

***

it's october and i only feel signs of baby. not fall.

it's hot.

humidity doesn't make me want to bake.

or drink pumpkin spice latte's.

or cuddle up with a blanket.

or pick apples.

i'm waiting for the real fall...

5 things

2010-09-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

1. i've been waiting for this day for a long time. the day i posted to this blog. even though i'm the only person who reads it. computer/camera issues were close to the top of the list of reasons why there have been no posts.

2. baby girl fogarty is due to arrive in about a month.

3. i'm still nauseous from baby girl fogarty....reason #1 there has been no blog for nearly a year.

4. it's been way too hot to function.

5. i'm setting out to savor this last month where i only have 2 children....2 crazy amped up boy-children!

a girl can dream

2010-01-06T15:25:00.001-08:00

I've checked out decor8 every now and again. Not quite enough though.

This blog, particularly this post, have getting my creative design juices flowing.

I live in a dream world though. I live in a house full of boys who are dirty, rough and careless.

I can't have glass out. Or candles. Or pretty pillows.

It's ok.

I can adapt.

I can dream.

For now...I'll dream virtually...through blogs...and catalogs...and do what I can!

It's all good.

Today I'm spending some time here:

Apartment Therapy

decor8

and

House Doctor

seems like monday

2010-01-05T16:58:00.001-08:00

i had no idea that a funny morning moment like this:

would end up being a day like this:

whining

crying

selfishness

a big brother waking up his younger brother from his nap

phone shut off

(oops, i forgot to pay it...with visa rebate gift cards...FROM THE PHONE CO.)

no plans for dinner at 5pm

an ENTIRE chocolate cake crumbled all over the kitchen floor

(thanks to naked boy)

4 dishwasher loads

complaining

more crying

more selfishness

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The only thing getting me through is the season 3 dvd's of

BIG LOVE waiting for me when the boys go to sleep.

108 stairs

2010-01-04T11:54:00.001-08:00

and 1318 steps (probably triple that for the boys)...

they ran. and ran. and ran.

to get here:

a.maz.ing.

and when i turned around...

i saw this:

more a.maz.ing.

the new headlands trail...our favorite place!

my list {2010}

2010-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

my goals and resolutions have slowly become a bust since having the boys. as an alternative, i've created a "happy list for 2010". this list contains many of the things i'd like to do this year. this list will give me focus for the next twelve months, regardless if i finish everything or not. also, to have something in writing helps me not to forget the things i want to do!

sew

downsize

host a cooking class for kids

watch tv all day

"adopt" a current biola student

order birth certificates for the boys (i know, i know)

eat at new restaurants

celebrate birthdays well

create and use a birthday/christmas fund

master homemade bread

go away with kenny

go away with girls

go to the snow

meal plan

budget monthly

serve God with other moms

take the bus to the beach

get out of debt once and for all

lose weight

do something creative every week

read an ENTIRE book

grow something we can eat

get life insurance

hang with each boy one-on-one each month

send care packages to loved ones far away

support a missionary financially

do more at the shoreline church

host a frozen dinner swap

...and more

i've already taken a crack at one thing on my list...stay tuned!

one word {2010}

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

"...he must seek peace and pursue it."

1 peter 3:11

this is the second year i've been inspired to choose one word for the new year. on her blog, ali edwards, has initiated a "one word 2010" campaign to motivate her readers to choose a word to focus on in 2010.

PEACE.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

This year I commit to live in God's peace. I commit to study peace. I commit to pursue peace -even when tempted by anxiety. I commit to pray for peace.

I want to be a peacemaker.

PEACE.

2010.

what is your word?

is it really december 10th?

2009-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

i'm trying my best to be intentional with the boys this year as we celebrate advent. i planned something to keep us focused on either christ, our family or others for each day of december. it hasn't gone as smooth as it sounds but i figure a 60% success rate is ok with a 2 and 4 year old.

here are the first 10 days...in no particular order:

we made cookies. they tasted ok but were totally ugly. i had to take them to a cookie exchange and it was horrible. i may not be invited to participate next year ;).

i read luke 2 with kellen

we enjoyed hot chocolate with giant marshmallows...kaysen liked it a little bit too much

we bought a christmas tree. it's a super cute tree and very special to me. we didn't think we were going to have a tree this year so this gift is very meaningful. it's symbolic of many many amazing things that have happened to our family this season.

we delivered food to a local food bank. there were many many many mothers there with strollers picking up food for their families. in. my. town. something to think about.

we delivered a handful of christmas cheer packages

we made paper snowflakes that we hung from the ceiling. they looked pretty for 13 seconds until kellen started beating them down with a stick. ripping them to shreds. awesome.

we watched christmas movies

we went to story time with santa

we opened our new christmas book

we've also made a few christmas gifts and decorated our home - kinda. pictures later.

it's a blueberry morning

2009-08-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

happy monday morning!

we thought we would kick off a fun-filled week with a yummy french toast breakfast- just the way my boys like it.

sourdough bread with a splash of vanilla, pampered chef's cinnamon blend and fresh blueberries, of course!

served on a nice white plate at the table for wonderful morning conversation...

NOT

this is how we roll...

on the floor!

stealing eachother's food.

yelling.

spilling.

i can't believe they were using forks! ;)

i can believe kellen threw his mouth open for the picture!

thankful

2009-08-17T00:05:00.001-07:00

i've noticed a sad pattern in my life.

i'm finding i spend much of my days consumed with things that rob me of the simple joys God has blessed me with. i think way too much about bills, cleaning, weight loss, others opinions of me and our future.

tonight i caught up on a blog i started reading a little over a year ago. written by a mom. i found her blog shortly before the plane crash she was in with her husband. tears streamed down my face as i reflected on the past year of her life. i realized how much i really take for granted. i have to evaluate where my soul is and how i would respond to such heartache and trial.

i have today and i praise God for that. my life can be simple, if i allow it to be. God's been way too good to me and i praise Him for sparing me from what i truly deserve.

today. praise God for who He is and how He has blessed your life.

(all photos taken by "sneaky sam" aka kellen)

i always find his photographs when i upload.

i always wonder where i was during the shoots!

sneaky sam alright!

check out the nie nie blog...it's on my left sidebar

my new addiction

2009-08-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

I discovered TEAVANA a few months ago and have been hooked since first sip!

They have something for everyone and will custom blend the perfect tea for your tastes and needs.

Can you see all of that yummy fruit? I wish you could smell it right now!

I like my tea SWEET. Experienced tea drinkers will tell you to dump the white sugar and honey because it's hides the flavors in the tea. I use this German Rock Cane Sugar. It's unrefined and delicious!

Here are some of my favorite teas right now:

Fruity Diet Blend

Frutto Bianco Pearls White Tea

Pear Luna White Tea

Sweet Fruit Garden Herbal Tea

Plum Harvest Herbal Tea

Zingiber Ginger Coconut Rooibos Tea with

Apple Lemon Pomegranate Rooibos Tea

...just to name a few!

I'm studying the amazing health benefits of drinking tea. I'll post as I go!

Stop by your local Teavana and have their experts custom blend a tea for you.

break is over

2009-08-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

So. What the heck have we been up to?

Honestly...SURVIVING!

I've been cleaning up some of this (Kaysen's crib):

Cleaning up some of this (playroom):

I'm happy to announce it finally looks like this...not decorated yet, of course:

Oh, and this lovely morning I came downstairs to this (Kaysen again, of course):

And I can't continue without mentioning the glitter spill we had last week. Picture hasn't been uploaded. Please just use your imagination.

I've been in pure toddler boy mode since the move. It was quite an unexpected adjustment. I haven't baked, created, cleaned, decorated or cooked anything to toot about since we moved.

I'm back now though...

Until next time...check out some summer goodness from Kaysen as we premiere his (nearly) 1st time surfing just days ago at Doheny:

check these guys out!

2009-04-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

you are special today

2009-04-08T15:28:00.001-07:00

today was a BIG day. kellen went poo in the tiolet.

it took 3 1/2 days...but he did it.

i was so excited that i cried.

then he got the treat he had been working for....an m & m cookie.

i thought it was worthy of the "you are special" plate.

kaysen LOVES potty training.

he also got an m & m every time kellen pee'd.

i wasn't going to cut him off on this glorious occasion.

bra-tee got an m & m cookie also!

i'm sure he was thinking...

"hey, this potty training stuff ain't so bad!"

it's been a draining week.

i need a nap...or a coffee...or a drink now.

peace!

potty training, dinosaur farms and baseball

2009-04-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

i potty trained kellen today. easy.

i was stressed and in a bad mood last week.

i anticipated a war of wills with this child.

he was nervous. i remained patient.

he drank a lot of juice and ate many treats!

i'm SO glad i waited until we were both READY!

we'll see how tonight goes....

while waiting for pee to come....

we made dinosaur farms:

the boys had some practice time at the tee over the weekend:

a break was in order at one point...their coach works 'em hard ;)

a morning with kaysen

2009-04-05T11:21:00.001-07:00

kellen has been at my moms all weekend.

time alone with kaysen is always a treat.

here he is in his fort, without big brother there to push him out or knock it down.

happily goofing off doing two things he loves:

1. eating eggs

2. having his picture taken

stealing the show

2009-04-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

or not.

favorite moments in march

2009-04-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

busy hands

2009-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

after we sorted and tossed a bunch on these:

i needed to occupy kellen while i caught up on some reading here

and got some of this done:

so we painted some of the treasures i've been finding around the house:

speechless

2009-03-26T09:58:00.001-07:00

I'm left speechless EVERY SINGLE TIME I read this blog!

I've been meaning to update my "favorites" blog roll.

Until then, check out this blog!

my first tart

2009-03-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

unfortunately this isn't MY tart. i couldn't find my camera.

i'll give credit to Williams Sonoma right off the bat.

the recipe i used can be found here

i like VERY sweet things and this wasn't too sweet. it was ok.

i may not make a tart again. i forgot the leftovers and

my pan on the counter of Kaysen's classroom.

realized it when i was a mile from home.

kids were tired and screamin' in the car...not going back for a pan.

these are my people

2009-03-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

oops...come on Kaysen...almost

here we go! 6 toddlers all in a row...and we got a picture. amazing.

1 newborn (not shown) and another baby due any day now!

i need to talk about our neighbors.

i love every single one of them.

we live in a modest community...

and what i mean by that is we're all families cramped in

1,100 square feet or less!

we don't just give sugar, butter or eggs.

we hang signs and balloons when you have a baby and then bring you dinner.

my neighbors rush over with tylenol and motrin when my kids are sick.

my neighbors randomly offer to watch my kids while i get dinner started.

my neighbors help me bring my groceries upstairs from the garage

my neighbors drop cookies on my porch.

my neighbors have me over for dinner when kenny is gone.

my neighbors clothed me (and my kids) when we were locked out of our house

after swimming...even underwear!

that's a good neighbor.

my neighbors cleaned my house and fridge when i was completely

ill and pregnant and too depressed to open a curtain.

don't you wish you were MY neighbor?

to be a kid again

2009-03-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

i needed a day to play.

we played at the park. kaysen went down the twisty slide by himself for the first time.

we decorated cupcakes.

how fun is this place? pretty darn fun!

kellen decided on a vanilla cake with blue frosting.

and gummy bears.

and fruit loops.

i was in a spring-y mood.

pink icing and some fun sprinkles....it was sooo yummy!

we also rode the GIANT WHEEL!

kaysen wasn't sure what to think.

the weather perfect.

the view was amazing.

the kids LOVED it.

we also grabbed a fun lunch. kellen's favorite - "bean and cheese booddos".

it's so fun to forget about adult stuff.

it's so fun to be a kid every once in a while!

do you need a play day?

many good haps 'round here

2009-03-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

reporting on some fun things around this place....

bought a $10 table on craigslist.com

i just love the country chic-ness of this table

NOT!

kenny is actually in the garage sanding it as i type. it's nasty, concave, moldy...but it was only $10!

i think it sat on an apartment deck for about a year before the guy listed it. we'll see how it looks all cleaned up. i couldn't bring myself to spend $300 (that i don't have to blow anyways) on a table my kids are going to TRASH.

we'll try this option first. kenny just keeps shaking his head...i always have some idea, craft or project up my sleeve that he ends up having to do for me!

we made these yummy cookies this morning.

packaged some for friends.

i don't love making sugar cookies...too much work.

they have to be too perfect...and that's just not me.

i think they turned out ok though!

i love the icing on these...it dries hard and glossy, like yummy bakery cookies!

and...because we live in CA and are totally spoiled with awesome sun...

we hit the beach yesterday as a family.

not too many tourists.

kenny surfed.

boys played.

i chatted with friends while my shoulders got some color!

except for the unemployment rate, recession and other depressing things...LIFE IS GOOD!

i've been trashin' chuckin' and purgin'...

2009-03-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

like a mad woman.

i don't always have time these days to keep a neat and tidy home.

but when i get goin'...don't stop me.

i noticed something this morning that i haven't noticed in my cleaning before.

i'm finding more and more object generally found outdoors.

is it just me...or do most people find this many rocks in one swift session of cleaning?

i feel like i should note that these were found ALL over the house. some in the couch, one in my bed, in a pile of laundry, in with the toys, etc. i actually sat on a twig this morning.

happy trails...

@ the seashore

2009-03-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

kaysen was REALLY sick last week. still sorta is...

we were inside all week.

cabin fever.

friday sunshine came just in time.

i took in some rays while the boys collected beach treasures (rocks).

they played peacefully.

no bickering.

we even saw the train pass a few times.

yes, kaysen still has a binky. and no, kellen isn't potty trained.

i have a feeling we're going to have a FUN summer.

so many things i want to do

2009-03-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

get going on my sewing machine

begin re-sprucing my house

plan our summer activities

read about 20 books

lose my last 17 pounds

cook something yummy

bake something amazing

finish saving for my camera...and find the best deal EVER

spend some quiet time with JESUS

have craft time with kellen

cancel cable

get back on our budget

get out of debt AGAIN

wash my car

sell stuff in my garage

back-up my computer

run more

lift more

walk more

play more

serve more

create more

it feels good

2009-03-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

these are pictures i never posted. i think from january. we went out in the rain to look for treasures in natures. man, i'm adapting to life with boys. who knew it was possible?

it feels good when my kids get along all day.

chilly weather + sunshine feels good.

long showers when kids are resting feels good.

2 moms + 4 little boys + warm soup for dinner feels good.

it feels good to answer my sons questions about EASTER.

it feels good when your kids LOVE the story you made up about Coco, the trash man.

it feels good when your kids go to bed easily.

a quiet house feels good.

it feels good to know i'll be done with a MAJOR project by the end of the weekend!!!!

amen

2009-03-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

We were one month shy of making it an entire year with only one car. I think our original intent was to save some money for just a few months...maybe through last summer. What I found is that it wasn't THAT hard to make one car work. Granted, I don't have kids in school or activities. I also live within walking distance of three major shopping centers and a bazillion parks and outdoor entertainment options.

I walked a whole lot...especially over summer!

Well, now we're back to having two cars and I feel so spoiled and free. I can pack up the kids when I want and we can go where ever we want. It's so much fun. I have discovered Kids Klub at the gym and can pay $6.00 for 2 hours of childcare for BOTH boys. It's an AWESOME facility and I feel comfortable dropping them off for about an hour...I'm just yards away the entire time.

I spent the hour this morning on the treadmill. Walking mostly. Jogging here and there. I started to think about my body and my health as I started to breathe heavily. Sometimes I can't believe that God has given me an incredibly healthy body. I've taken it for granted quite a bit, indulging in foods that offer my body no benefit. Little to no consistent activity until after I had Kaysen. I feel like I've made a pretty big turn in the last year and have tried to feed my body fuel...and not junk.

Halfway through my workout a woman got on the machine next to me. She had a scarf on her bare head. I couldn't help but assume she has/had cancer. Probably in the midst of chemo. I knew that I would NOT be at the gym if I were in her shoes. I'd be home...sulking, complaining and whining. Wait, I'm well and I complain all the time. Yuck. Again, a heart issue.

I asked God to make my heart right. I have a working body. I have limbs that work perfectly. I can see. I can speak. I can hear. I can walk, write, cook, clean, serve and work. I can process thoughts. I can hug my children and husband with functioning arms. I have NOTHING to complain about. God has indeed blessed me more than I will ever deserve.

How am I serving God with this (near) perfect body He has given me? Am I serving him with my hands? With my mind? With my feet? With my talents? With my treasure?

peace. quiet. happy.

2009-03-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

Kaysen asleep. Kellen @ Myna's. Kenny still fishing. Peace. Quiet. Happy me!

I SHOULD be doing something OTHER than blogging. Laundry...but I don't want to make noise while Kaysen is dreaming. Cutting paper for a HUGE invitation job...I'll do it later. Napping...nah...I'd rather blog. It's been a while!

Here are some pictures from Vanessa's visit last week. With the exception of a trip to the ER for 7 month old Raegan, we had a nice time. It's amazing how our visits have changed. From having "girl time" to squeezing in outings and meals around naps and sick kiddos. No veg time, no movies, no shopping. Now it's playing, chasing and Cheerios. It's all good. It's fun to be a mom with your girlfriends too!

Kellen calls Raegan his BEST FRIEND. He was so sad when we had to take her to the hospital. This little girl is BUSY. She'll be able to keep up with the boys!

Here's V. We've been friends since 1993...I can hardly believe it!

***

You should be happy to know that my house is HALF clean...and I didn't do any of it. My sweet husband redeemed himself after pulling a fast one on me while I was sleeping last night. He said he THOUGHT I was awake. Hmmmm. He asked if he could go fishing at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Apparently I said yes. Was my disappointment THAT obvious? I got in the shower and ready for church while he watched the boys downstairs. When I came down, everything was picked up. Kitchen clean. Dishes done. Toys away. Order (somewhat) restored. How could I be mad at him?

It ended up being a nice day. Church was so great. I NEEDED our sermon today. I've done a lot of thinking about my heart this past week. I decided to give up EXCESS for Lent this year. I feel like I have a huge problem with EXCESS in my life. It goes hand-in-hand with my resolution to simplify in 2009. Whether it be excess stuff, driving, food, words or faults....it all need to be pulled back quite a bit in my life. I'm trying to identify my temptations each day and resist excess by focusing on God and what He did for me. It's been so convicting and I hope that in the weeks leading up to Easter I'm able to resist more and more...and honor God with my choices.

My pastor (re)introduced us to David this morning. David served God. David praised God. David had a heart for the things of God and served/lived/worked with integrity. He patiently waited 25 whole years to be appointed king. He endured and worked on his heart.

My CBS teacher challenged our entire class to spend time each day of Lent to reflect on some simple things. She challenged us to write down about 5 things we can praise God for, another 5 things we're thankful for, 5 or so confessions and finish by asking God to help you with 5 things. A really simple assignment we've all heard before. But who actually makes the time to do it. It was about time for me.

This daily exercise has REALLY helped me to examine my life and simply NOTICE God more. It has also helped me to realize how much cleaning up my heart needs. I've confessed a lot this week...but I've also praised God a lot this week. I'm so thankful for Lent and hope you can also find some time to be still and think about what God has done for YOU! I'm so excited to celebrate Easter, the cornerstone of my faith.

keepin' it real

2009-02-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

I don't remember what he was saying when I snapped this picture. It looks like what he does when he says "are you KIDDING me?"

I keep chuckling in my head thinking about my mom tonight. Kenny dropped Kellen off at her house tonight when I was at work. I called my mom while I was walking out to my car and Kellen was just chatting away...full of energy. She mentioned he had COTTON CANDY ICE CREAM from Coldstone and she was paying for it now. I'm just wondering what time he finally went to bed! I told her not to plan on EVER bringing him home after a trip to Coldstone!!!

Ok so these are recent pictures of my humble home:

Seriously!

Trust me. I KNOW. Disgusting. Christmas lights. Really? Yea.

I'm getting a big fat F in the subject of homemaking. It feels AWFUL. I've been busy. I've been on-the-go. I've been tired. I've been LAZY. My kids follow me around making new messeS when I clean ONE up. Really. They follow me. Always.

Needless to say...my home will be getting some much deserved TLC. Forgive me, Lord, for not taking care of the great home you have blessed me with.

Jennie...are you still my friend?

recent haps

2009-02-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

I'm a BAD blogger! We've been so busy taking care of house stuff, re-settling, cleaning, trying to keep sane with all of the rain. Here are some highlights:

My sister-in-law recently planned a day tour of Angels Stadium. We got to check out the locker room, press box, VIP suite....and a bunch of other fun behind-the-scenes locations!

The front of the stadium:

A punching bag right outside the stadium/dugout where players can release some steam:

The tunnel our players walk through from locker room to field:

We hit the bowling alley on of our rainy weekends...the boys were SO cute:

And I've been cookin', cookin' and cookin'!

Here is a yummy skillet cinnamon roll treat made from homemade pizza dough with homemade icing:

Ok. This was the coolest dinner. Everything was made in ONE POT...steamed. Our chicken, veggie and side (Cous Cous) all in ONE POT. Do you get it? ONE POT. Easy clean-up. So tasty!

My first time cooking/eating Bok Choy...so good!

Any everyday there is a little (or a lot) of this....I came downstairs to blue watercolor water all over the kitchen floor. Who doesn't want a little blue in their house????? It's right up there with mashed banana in the carpet, crayon on the wall and poop on sheets! Awesome....

i resolve...

2009-02-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

to blog more this month.

You can't really screw up PB and Chocolate, so I made these:

Not typically my style - everything is store bought. I usually bake to relax and release stress. These were so easy and fast...I kinda enjoyed the instant gratification.

Pick up a tube of ready-made cookie dough. Plop dollops in a mini muffin pan. (I didn't even know I had one of these!)

Bake according to package instructions.

Push a PB cup into each cookie immediately after removing from oven. Let cool a bit before loosening from pan or they fall apart.

I wish I could remember where I originally saw this idea....I'll let you know!

i heart faces

2009-01-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

back on track?

2009-01-19T14:29:00.001-08:00

I assembled ALL of these invitations in one night last week...with help, of course. It was a hairy job and I'm glad it's over!

This is the view from the park where we stopped after church yesterday. Amazing! We had gorgeous weather all weekend. Too bad I slept most of it away.

Good times at the park:

Random picture of Kaysen from our walk around the harbor Saturday evening:

Earlier in the weekend I ventured out to a local farmers market to pick up some locally-grown- organic-produce. I'm reading an eye opening book call Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - A Year of Food Life. I had no idea the impact and cost of food transportation. I'll post more on the book later...

blah

2009-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have sucked. I don't know how else to put it. I had no idea that my amazing intentions for 2009 would be thrown out the window within the first 2 weeks of January. It's okay though...God is good. I'm moving on and not looking back! In the midst of all the stress, sickness and busyness...I managed to pull this package together. Someone very special to me has a birthday coming up so I thought I'd put a little care package together for her.

I have a new obsession with FELT. It's amazing. I made that little heart thingie...quick and easy with immediate craft gratification! Now, if I could just learn how to use my new sewing machine! The wrapped package is her actual gift...secret...from my favorite store!

***

I hope our weekend provides a little more excitement than the past couple of weeks. I need some fresh air, activity and QUALITY time with my kids...desperately.

don't be koi

2009-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

We made our first attempt at playing a really fun game we received for Christmas from some dear friends. It's called "Guess What I Am". We didn't get very far with Kellen giving every answer away though. It's for ages 3+ in case you're interested. Pick it up if you have little ones. It's fun to guess who you're wearing, or just talk about the card and what the character is wearing, doing, etc.

We went on a job bid in Laguna with Kenny this afternoon. The boys checked out a little Koi pond in the neighborhood. Short and sweet! It was getting chilly and with Kaysen half dressed.....

He did a "big job" (that's what we called BIG POOPS in my house growing up) and it leaked through his diaper, through his jeans, smeared down his legs and specked his feet. I obviously wasn't prepared for THAT. Luckily I had a full pack of wipes! Good as new...but without pants. We figured it would be fine for him to rock the diaper look, we were in Laguna after all!

true confessions

2009-01-05T18:31:00.001-08:00

I swear I'm not a t.v. addict! I'm so excited about all the new shows beginning this week. Don't judge. Here is a collage of some of the shows my (free trial) DVR is going to be hooking me up with this week.

That dumb girl last season let this darling guy go. He's got an ADORABLE little boy too. I think she already broke things off with the geeky snowboarder se chose last season. DUMB girl!

Oprah also had some confessions to share with the entire world. She weighs 200 pounds. Really? Oprah. You didn't have to share it with EVERYONE. 2009 is your year baby! Hope it's mine too! Send Bob over to train me when you get annoyed, please.

Biggest Loser. Love it!

how do i decide?

2009-01-02T14:50:00.001-08:00

Click Here

Will you please list your favorites in the comment section?

happy new year

2009-01-01T12:04:00.001-08:00

Up by 6:30 a.m. (as usual) and decided to head down to the beach early. Grabbed coffee with Christmas giftcards, bundled up and took a nice walk.

Shhh....somebody is gettin' a haircut VERY soon.

Pretty uneventful New Year's Eve. I listened to the New Year's service at Calvary on the radio. Kenny and the kids were asleep early. What a nice evening I had though...reflecting on 2008 and gearing up for 2009. I'm excited for what God has in store.

one little word...or three

2008-12-31T00:03:00.000-08:00

I typically make a list of resolutions at the beginning of each year. This tradition was started with my friend Elise during our junior year of college. Every year we get together and talk about the past year and plan for the new one. Over the years we've simplified our lists and approach to our resolutions.

***

My plan for 2009 seems to be my most simple resolution in 10 years. I was inspired here to pick just one word for 2009. I talk way too much to pick one though. A few weeks before I read that entry, I had already decided to embrace a particular word for '09. Then I read Ali's blog and my mind started spinning. I narrowed it down to three words. Not bad, huh? Will you pick a word for 2009? Make this word something you can embrace for the next twelve months. If you decide to pick a word...would you mind posting it in the comment section? I'd love to see your word and why you picked it.

***

Here are my words for 2009:

SIMPLIFY

my life. my finances. my engagements. my stuff. my surroundings.

SERVICE

to my husband. my kids. my friends. my neighbors. my church and God's people alike.

HEALTH

for me and my family...both physically AND spiritually.

Our Christmas

2008-12-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

2008 Fogarty Family Christmas Card Picture

taken by Beth Moser

I finally sent out our Christmas cards...the day before Christmas Eve. I still have some floating around here...waiting to be mailed. I'm so bad! It was a mellow season for us. Not a lot of decorating. Not a whole lot of parties, shopping, etc. I read a lot with the boys. We talked about Jesus. And the manger. And the angel.

This was the extent of our Christmas decor. Our $80 Christmas tree adorned with about 8 ornaments. You see, I have a nice little collection of valuable ornaments and I just couldn't run the risk of them breaking so for the first time in seven years we left them in their boxes. :( I'm embracing this season of life. With young boys. With slippery hands and careless movement. Many (ornaments/decorations) will break in Christmas' to come. I just wasn't ready this year. Afterall, the ornaments would've been in the way when the boys played forest in the tree all December long! This is me EMBRACING!

ghetto snow

2008-12-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

We received some snow during a storm which hit the week before Christmas. It wasn't the fluffy dreamy stuff you typically think of...this snow was pretty icy, dirty and sparse. The kids had fun and that's all that matters.

Kellen was pretty upset after his high speed travel down the slope on the sled (?). The ending was a crash, a roll and a pity party. This is him watching the other kids use his blue thingy to slide down the hill!

on the 18th day of CHRISTmas

2008-12-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

I haven't sent out my Christmas cards.

I haven't purchased/made any gifts.

I haven't decorated our Christmas tree.

I haven't elfed my family online.

***

I feel no pressure. I feel no stress.

I'm thankful. I'm joyful. I'm hopeful.

I feel at ease!

***

I've searched for my Christmas gift. I found it. In fact, I've already opened it...many many times this year already.

***

The Babe, who lay quietly in a straw-filled manger, has saved me this year from so many things. I'm thankful I can tell my boys that this darkness doesn't last. Soon...soon there will be Light.

presidential candidate 2053?

2008-12-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

A certain family members seems to think that my "baby" looks like John McCain. I know the new do is a little Marine-esque...but John McCain? I also know that Kaysen got my rather large forehead...but John McCain? What do you think?

first of many

2008-12-10T22:07:00.001-08:00

This picture KINDA sums up what I saw today. Pretend like the house is a dresser and picture Kaysen's head where the witch legs are. Ya, you read right. Had I been asking Kellen to stop climbing up his dresser? Of course. Naturally, the moment I left their room to grab a load of laundry, Kellen climbs up and the (very large) dresser fall over onto Kaysen. I hear a huge crash- the drawers falling out and the cabinet door swinging open. Then I hear two little boys screaming and crying their brains out. Then I hear my own screaming. With supermom strength I managed to lift the dresser with one hand and grab Kaysen with the other. Kellen, who was pinned by an arm and shoulder was able to rescue himself. Thankfully, because I only have two arms. I swear, moms should have at least three. We'd be so much better! Within seconds I called Kenny and he was on his way home. Within minutes my neighbor Shane was over to check on things. He's a firefighter and knew what he was looking for. In my head I'm thinking internal bleeding, broken arms, necks, etc. FREAK OUT MODE! Needless to say, they are both fine. My question is....if they can do this as toddlers, what happens when they are a few years older?

kellen's first bug

2008-12-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

i don't do math

2008-12-09T19:43:00.001-08:00

But I can figure out this equation:

busy mom and wifey

90 cookies

the best homemade mac n' cheese i've ever made

tired, teething and active kiddos keeping me occupied all day

kellen pouring a smoothie all over the counter because he simply didn't want it anymore

pancake dinner with kaysen while kenny and kellen went lobster "hunting"

D * I * S * G * U * S * T * I * N * G * !

(and oh how i wish you could see the ick up close)

Go ahead. All of you TYPE A crazies out there. Judge away. You can't relate. Must be nice.

I'm just KEEPIN' IT REAL!

No worries though. With Kaysen down early, the other boys out late, some Christmas music and ELBOW GREASE we're....

Good as new!

wrong elf

2008-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

This is the only picture we have to remember our 2008 visit to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's kinda funny. We picked the wrong elf to take our picture. I wasn't expecting anything great from the kid. Wouldn't he have seen this blur and asked to take another one? Maybe I should've checked it before we left. I don't know. I don't really care all that much. Do you have any idea what it's like to get two toddlers to see Santa? For what? Yea, us, the parents. Actually, it wasn't that bad! We saw Santa for the first time Saturday night at Albertson's. He was sitting behind this display of Coke. Kinda weird. I can't even describe him, he creeped me out. Anyways. Kellen asked me to roll the cart over to him so he could instruct him on what is to be placed under the tree on Christmas (yea, Happy Birthday Jesus has gone down hill in this house...great). We roll over and Kellen says, "Hey Santa (while pointing his fingers in the air), you gonna bring me a garbage truck with garbage in it?". Santa then mumbled something. We make small talk with the old lady elf. I try to escape to get my grocery and then Kellen yells (still pointing up), "Hey Santa, where eers (yours) reindeer?". We made out that Santa said they were on the roof. Great. We shop. We pay. We load up the car. The whole way home Kellen is asking to go on the roof of Albertson's so he could bring the reindeer some carrots.

Merry Christmas...freaky Santa and all!

on the 6th day of CHRISTmas

2008-12-06T16:28:00.001-08:00

First off, beautiful day. 73 degrees and December. Can't beat it. It's funny to see people around town wearing their Ugg boots and scarves- like it's cold out. I'm guilty of this for sure. I think us Californians just like to pretend like it's not warm enough to go to the beach...

After gathering all of my ingredients at Farm to Market, I made 80 of these puppies: Pfeffernussen. A traditional Christmas cookie in Germany. They aren't sweet. You get a little ting on your tongue from the pepper and cardamom. The honey balances it all out. I really wanted to branch out for the cookie exchange I'm putting on with Amber tomorrow. We'll see how they do tomorrow!

Next up, Kaysen's first haircut. He jumped in the arms of his "stylist" as soon as we walked in the door. He was a champ. He's no longer my baby- he now looks like little man.

Also put some finishing touches on a little project I've been working on. I bought this beautiful picture at a thrift shop this week (along with a few other soon-to-be-treasures). Poor Eugene, the artist of this lovely sketch. His art is no mas! Stay tuned....

***

Also made a trip to Target (always fun with toddlers), wrapped a few Christmas gifts, spent way too much time on Facebook and not enough time doing laundry. Off to come up with something for dinner....hmmm...this should be interesting. Cookies anyone?

25 days of Christmas

2008-12-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

I've caught the Christmas bug. I've had to avoid getting ahead of myself. I'd love to go nuts decorating, wrapping and crafting but it's tough with two little boys who are interested in any given thing for 2.5 seconds. What we have accomplished this week is a visit to our local Santa's Village (Santa arrive tomorrow!), a trip to the library to check out a few Nativity books....and one about Bob The Builder and how he celebrates Christmas playing the town Santa! We also made some construction paper rings...which were destroyed by morning.

turkey...then the beach

2008-12-01T12:47:00.001-08:00

strolling

2008-11-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

We've found ourselves outside a bit more now that it's cooled off outside. With Kaysen walking all over, we tend to let him lead without a destination. Kellen can run circles anywhere so it works out just fine.

enjoying today

2008-11-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

Enjoying a warm chocolate treat on this chilly day. Waiting for rain. Still enjoying bright flowers from Kaysen's birthday party.

Made a "gratitude garland" with Kellen while Kaysen was sleeping. Some things he is thankful for this year: Bra-Tee, Daddy, Mama, Myna, Papa Ray, His Friends (Thomas, Jaden, Ruby, Maeli, Harper, Aiden, "my boy", etc.), Toys, Chicken, Peppers, Cucumber, Grapes and Bible School.......These were the highlights!

happy birthday kaysen

2008-11-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Kaysen one year ago:

Kaysen today:Happy Birthday Kaysen! Where does the time go? I have so enjoyed you these past 12 months and am so grateful for every minute God grants me with you. Your smile warms my heart. Your dances bring a smile to my face...and tears to me eyes. Your hugs with Kellen bring joy to my soul. Your grunts remind me of your strength. I pray that we have another great year. I celebrate you today. I love you Bra-tee!!!

don't get fat...

2008-11-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

(picture is unrelated...just can't post w/o a picture. this is kaysen on election day. we were waiting in line to vote at 6:45 a.m.)

A friend suggested I post an invitation to my 1st annual "don't get fat over the holidays health and fitness challenge". Leave your e-mail address in the comment section of this post and I'll e-mail all of the details to you. The deadline to sign up is THIS Friday. The cost is $10. You'll see why when you get the flier. All FAT and SKINNY people welcome!!! You set your own rules. All fitness levels welcome. Get healthier no matter what....and maybe score some CASH while you're at it!

rockin' MY vote

2008-11-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

i hit the polls with kaysen in tow...early...before 7 a.m.

with my neighbors
and it was raining

yes, i took a picture while voting.
i HAD to for a really fun project i'm working on.
i heard sighs and comments from the volunteers...i think i confused them!
i voted for a good man. a man i agree with. a man with experience. a man with upright moral character. i know i made the right choice, even if i feel like i'm in the minority around here. GOD'S WILL BE DONE!

how kellen likes to celebrate

2008-11-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

the festivities began saturday morning when we decided to round up a few of kellen's friends for some play time at our favorite place:

when asked what type of gift he would like from me...he said "make me a blueberry cake!"

i kept waiting for him to change his mind. for weeks i heard "make me a blueberry cake!"

i had no idea how i would make a blueberry cake. oh, and he didn't want blueberry cupcakes (muffins)...it had to be a cake.

what did i do?

i bought MANY MANY boxes of blueberry muffin mix and filled 3 cake pans and baked them for a very long time! yea, yea, yea...it wasn't from scratch. don't hate. what would you have done?

i did make some blueberry muffins while i was at it. i was certain no one would be interested in blueberry muffin cake and we needed a back-up. boy was i wrong. the cake was a hit. i think kellen was on to something all along.

***
we thought we would give kellen free choice for celebrating his third year on the day of...with just us!

of course.....it involved pepperoni pizza....

even babies like pepperoni pizza...

then we threw some quarters in some of the 'vintage' games...remember this weird thing:and this little lady:then, i saw this:TIME CRISIS 3...
boy, have video games changed. a large red warning was posted on this game...gee, wonder why. we moved on to open a present from nana and pops in hawaii:and we couldn't celebrate kellen without eating another one of his favorites:the little beggar squealed the entire time...he wanted one of his own (look at him staring kellen down while he eats). of course i caved for my little heart breaker...i shared a couple (or 10) tiny bites with him...

you're pretty caught up now...we had fun celebrating kellen. he is hilarious and leaves us speechless with all the funny things he says.

i've mentioned that he loves to pray...especially for bra-tee before naps and bed. his prayer last night went like this:

(hands clasped and eyes closed...in a very dramatic fashion)
"Dear Faader,
Please keep bra-tee home.
Please keep mama home.
Please keep daddy home.
Please keep myna home.
And aiden and auntie.
I don't like my bed. I want to give it away.
Amen."

That's Enough...stop reading and go VOTE. NOW. But only if you actually know what you're voting for.

3 years ago today....

2008-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

our eldest son was born...after 32 hours of blissful labor! ha!kellen is a joy to be around and a spitting image of kenny as a young boy. he is our entertainer, our motivator, our good eater, our prayer warrior and our patience tester!
he is growing up so fast...

right now i am...

2008-10-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

feeling...a little tired

enjoying...some time alone

wondering...why kaysen won't fall asleep

listening...to martha stewart discuss why the earth is hot, flat and crowded

drinking...nothing

wanting...some answers

loving...that i used at least one food i froze for "later" in 100% of our dinners this week- very frugal and very resourceful, eigh?

looking...forward to a mellow weekend

and he's off

2008-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is a short clip from late last week. Kasyen is now walking without the cart. He still prefers to crawl but with a little incentive he'll hobble to you. I don't think I'm ready to chase TWO kids around the park. We have very EARLY walkers. His first tooth cut this weekend...much better moods around here!

faces of a teething infant

2008-10-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

and finally...we got him to crack a smile:

right now i am...

2008-10-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

feeling...ready for a fun weekend celebrating with friends and family

enjoying...the swedish pancakes i made for breakfast with kellen

wondering...when kaysen's teeth will come in, he's been sooo sad

listening...to kellen's stuffy nose

drinking...water, of course

wanting...my house to be picked up for me

loving...a semi-quiet house right now

looking...forward to cool weather (will it ever come?)

i should be arrested

2008-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days. I didn't exercise. I didn't eat. I didn't shower until after 1:00 p.m. I didn't like my kids so much. I didn't clean. I didn't do many things because I was too busy putting my (nearly) 3 year old in his room (for too many reasons to list) over and over....and calming a (nearly) 1 year old who is about to cut his first tooth, FINALLY!

I did manage to pull it together just enough to run to the store and local Thai joint with Kaysen. While walking in the produce section I noticed I felt a little "free". It was like a bad dream where you show up to work naked. Well, not that bad. I looked down at my shirt and I had clearly forgotten to snap my NURSING BRA after I fed Kaysen before we left. I could've been pictured in National Georgraphic. After 2 kids in 2 years, they need hoisting 24/7. Is this way too much information?

Back to my point. After I put myself back together I looked at the rest of my clothing choices andcould not believe I was out in public. Now, I'm not interested in impressing BUT, I crossed a line and should've been arrested...or at least picked up by Stacy and Clinton and given a $5,000 shopping spree in NYC and new hair and make-up.

Is anyone with me? PLEASE don't tell me I'm alone.

end of an era

2008-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

We're pretty sad here in the Fogarty home. Mother's Cookies filed for bankruptcy and immediately closed their cookie factories. No more English Tea Cookies...or those icing filled orange, pink and brown wafers. No more Circus Assortment with the yummy sugar, chocolate chip and chocolate sandwich cookies. The saddest loss of all...no more Circus Animal Cookies.

Kenny LOVES the Circus Animal Cookies. I would pick up a bag for him, even when they weren't on sale, when I wanted good wifey points. Now what?

Go grab a package before your store runs out and they are gone for good.

A childhood favorite...GONE.

Another casuality of this crazy economy.

These were the only animals I enjoyed having in my tummy.

funny

2008-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Kellen said the following things to me in the car this morning (made me giggle):

"Mom, take me to get something to eat at the eating place."

***

Kellen: "Mom take my hand off."
Me: "What?"
Kellen: "Take my hand off right now!"
Me: "I can't right now, I'm driving. I don't really know how we're going to do that anyways."
Kellen: "I NEED you to take my hand off MMMOOOOOMMM!"

dear way-too-into-the-game-softball-player-guy.....

2008-10-12T06:01:00.000-07:00

Look what you did to my husband:(and this was a clean picture after a few days of recovery)

Because of you, Mr. way-to-into-the-game-softball-player....
My husband has been in way too much pain for a very long time.

Thanks to you...
*we've learned more about HMO's than we really ever wanted to concern ourselves with
*he's hobbling around like a 90 year old man
*my boys are stuck playing at the park with their mom when they'd rather be with their dad
*he's in physical therapy three times a week
*he's been banned from softball for LIFE

THANKS TO YOU...
we're plugging an ice machine into this thing round-the-clock:
(more on the frost bite i gave him later...oops)

Ok, so MAYBE Kenny played a small role in this whole thing. He's a TAD competitive. And maybe, just maybe, he's not like the other players who just play to get out of the house, away from a wife and kids to drink a beer or four with the guys. Maybe. I don't know.

who decided the early bird catches the worm?

2008-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

My day started around 5:00 a.m.
I enjoy waking up early.
I'm most productive in the morning.
I don't drink coffee to wake up.
I'm usually in a good mood when I wake up.
I've always been like this...ALWAYS.
Both of my children inherited this early bird gene.
Kenny is an early riser too.

Why are we continually surprised when our kids wake up before 6:00 a.m. in GREAT moods, totally ready to start the day? They are ready to get dressed, have breakfast and get outside for our daily walk.

I woke up this morning thinking I'd get some e-mails done, some laundry folded and a Bible study lesson completed.

Not so much....
within minutes Kellen was in my room with a book!

I snapped this picture:

and then went into my bathroom to find this mess.....
.... at 5:44 in the morning!
(BTW...30 seconds later the dump truck dumped)

I can't win. But I don't mind losing. One day I'm gonna miss this mess, so I've been told!

The rest of the day went like this:
Tired kids whining (gee, wonder why)
Errands
Boys went to Chuck E. Cheese(s?)
Mom went to a fun lunch to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Olivia Evelyn
More errands
Walk with Kellen on his scooter
MADE Kaysen practice walking
Boys ate dinner
Mom worked

THE END

Here is my ultra-creative, super organized and totally pregnant friend of nearly 12 years... HILLARY. I wish I looked this cute when I was pregnant!

It was so fun to watch her open tiny diapers, pink sleepers and basics like bottles, binkies and burpies!

what am i painting?

2008-10-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

A recent conversation with an old friend left me with a tinge. It had been a while since we last spoke and e-mails had become sparse. Life is busy. She was extremely surprised when I told her about some things going on in my life. I was catching her up on the not-so-pretty things. She kept saying how sorry she was for having no idea. Then she mentioned that she checks our blog often and always sees smilin' faces and assumed everything was great (all the time). Oh boy. Is that the picture I'm painting?

This conversation got me thinking. Do I paint a glorious picture of life, even when it's not so glorious? Not just on my blog. Am I "real" with friends and other moms I meet at the park? Do I communicate that everything is always great as we inch our way up to ideal?

My fear.

If I post/share/write the dirty stuff, are you going to judge me? Are you going to think I'm ungrateful? Are you going to tell me I deserve these things? Are you going to tell me to stop complaining? You might. But why does it matter? It shouldn't.

The truth is that I AM grateful. I DO have joy.

BUT...
In the midst of pain, hardship, struggle, sin, frustration and saddness...I complain sometimes. I also cry sometimes. I beg God sometimes.

I'm human. I get tired. I run out of steam.

THANKFULLY,
God gently lifts me up and carries me through.

I see the peak. I continue to climb the mountain of life (I know, I'm lame). When I get to the peak I look forward to taking a deep breath and hearing "WELL DONE".

We are all climbing. Can we strive to hear "WELL DONE" together?

first comes love

2008-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with an arranged marriage?
Kaysen couldn't keep his hands away from sweet Kaylie at the mall last week. I know she has many boys to choose from but I just feel like Kaysen is the best suited man for her. I can see it in her eyes!

"i'm a band guy"

2008-10-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

One thing is for certain.

We have NO IDEA where Kellen's musical inclination came from. He is obsessed with his straight-from-the-border-one-string-guitar. And when he's not playing his string, he's banging on his Gladware drum set using my colored pencils.

Whether he's playing an instrument or listening to song #2 on his favorite Johnny Cash cd in the car, he refers to himself as "a band guy". Just think, if I really took my music class at Newhart Elementary seriously, I could be playing Hot Cross Buns on the trumpet in the background.

the job of a ceo is never done

2008-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

My mind has been filled with things I need to do this month. I took a few minutes to make a to do list since I've been known to forget a few things here and there!

October will be spent taking care of things I've been putting off. It will also be spent preparing for November. It isn't just another month in our home. November = celebration! October kicks off a couple of family birthdays but during month #11 I get to celebrate my mom, my husband, my two children and a nephew. Balloons, streamers, candles, cupcakes and gifts OH MY!

we got the beat...or not

2008-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

SO...my friend Elise wins the award for the most creative way to celebrate a 30th birthday!

She gathered up the girls and we headed to the House of Blues for their famous...

We enjoyed a SOUTHERN BRUNCH and an energized GOSPEL CONCERT!
I guess we caught the eye of the pastor/m.c./entertainer/host because we were invited to join the group on stage for some movin' and groovin'. Some of the girls were a little shy...not me! I feel like I've lost all shame since becoming a mom. I make of fool of myself on a daily basis to make my kids giggle and dance. I was the only mom in our group and I THINK I passed the "cool test"!

Here's the deal...they brought us up on stage and taught us a "routine". I'm so glad I had my Spanx on under my dress! After we made COMPLETE fools of ourselves, we had to take a turn in the "HOT CIRCLE". Yea, it's what you think. In order to exit left, you had to dance a solo. For some reason I was VERY excited. Sadly, I don't think the guy in the orange shirt was as excited....or maybe he was. I can't get his moves outta my head. That bad. Poor man.

Yes, I know for a fact NO ONE was saying "POOR GIRL" about me...I was THAT good.
All in all we had a GREAT morning! The singin', the clappin', the dancin'...

i don't like animals in my house or my tummy

2008-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've recently followed my sister's lead and eliminated most meat from my diet. I'm calling my new lifestlye "80V"....I'm a vegetarian 80% of the time! I'll never be able to do without my favorite turkey sandwich..."The Plymouth Rock" or warm chicken in my favorite cold weather meal...Tortilla Soup!

One of my new carcass-free meals is this:

white beans, fresh tomatoes, scallions, evoo, fresh lemon juice, s&p

1-2-3 SKYHAWKS!

2008-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I think it's necessary to catch up on some things...

Kellen recently started a community program called "Skyhawks"!!!

I'd like to say I signed him up for this program so he could learn to work on a team, follow directions and learn discipline. Honestly, I just wanted someone else to help him burn some energy. It's 30 minutes a week and I don't feel guilty about it!

The first couple of weeks he learned some basic skills needed to play soccer. His coaches taught the boys how to......and try their very hardest not to use their hands!!!

Some of the drills were a little bit confusing...like when his coaches told him to...

He got the hang of things and was eager to move ahead...

...by the end of his first day!

And on a side note...watching his adorable junior college aged coaches try to get a bunch of 3 year old boys to listen and cooperate is HILARIOUS!

i heart pumpkin anything

2008-10-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

2 1/3 cups Bisquick Mix
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 vegetable oil (we did 1/2 oil and 1/2 applesauce)
2 TB sugar
1 ts pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs

countdown...

2008-09-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

if you're wondering where i've been...wonder no more. i'm waiting for my new blog. it's been in the works for sometime now and we're right around the corner.

i've been REALLY patient. i'm REALLY excited.

in the meantime, enjoy this picture....kenny fishing last weekend....i don't know fishing lingo. i stay so far from these darn boats. apparently kenny and co (co being his dad, uncles and friends) are pretty hard core. i believe it. i saw pictures of a pretty bloody deck.....

i think we ate this fish for dinner on a day when i wasn't a vegetarian...

i think this is SO WRONG....kenny thinks it's AWESOME (ok, did i cross a line by posting this picture?????? sorry.....):

this is our friend peter. you can call him peter but when you're around kellen he's "peter culp". kellen calls a lot of people by thier first and last name. it's funny:

good friends are hard to find

2008-09-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

But we've been lucky enough to have it pretty easy.

Over the weekend we visited our friends The Spud Farmers!

Kellen had a sumber party with Buddy (while mommies and daddies enjoyed bbq and fondue!)...

In a bed that looks like a VW bus....how cool is that?
The girls became Kaysen's babysitters from the moment we arrived...how great.
Kellen and Buddy...

This was the sad goodbye...

I wish everyone were lucky enough to have friends like Mike, Alison and Co.

fish, a sex change and drums

2008-09-04T03:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning on our way out of town we stopped here:
I touched a Sting Ray for the first and last time....eeewwwww!

This was interesting to me....fish....undergoing a sex change?

Kellen remained a bit timid on our quick trip through the bird sanctuary...

But was content watching the "diver guys doing their job"...

Then we needed a quick cuddle break...NOT
Now this is a break..."Pirate's Booby"When all was said and done...Kellen's favorite part of our aquarium visit was NOT the jellyfish or the giant seahorse or the baby sharks.....or even the "Happy Feet"...his favorite part was this (and I have no idea how it related to anything in the aquarium):

my stroller woes continue

2008-09-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

You see the stroller pictured here: This was the stroller I found at Target to get us through the weekend. I knew it was cheap, small and lightweight when I bought it. Kenny reminded me how very small it was after he put it together in the garage. I didn't actually see the stroller out of the box and put together until we pulled it out of the car to use it Saturday morning.

Ok. This stroller would've been perfect for little Ruby and her dollies. I refused to push the thing for completely shallow reasons. I LOOKED ridiculous pushing this thing. I'M 5' 9"!!! We had to bend over to reach the handles. I chuckled everytime I looked at Kenny pushing this thing.

I swore people were staring and pointing wondering why such tall people were pushing their tall baby in a "toy" stroller.

I thought I could tough it out for a couple of months until Kaysen started walking. Not so much.

The decision was made to return the thing when I was at the mall with my mom on Monday afternoon. Of course I made her hunch over and push it! A woman walked by us and said to her husband, "WOW, that stroller is really small."

My mom and I looked at eachother and knew that the stroller made for LP's had to go.

farm fresh

2008-09-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends suggested we visit a local picking farm on our way home from their house this weekend. We had so much fun and my boys were in their ELEMENT. A tractor drove us to the crops where we picked, and picked....and picked!

We picked amazing tomatoes in shades of red and orange. They were so bright and juicy. Kellen couldn't help but dip into the bags while we were still picking. Yum.
We also picked a carton of red raspberries, colorful bell peppers, beans and lettuce. Kaysen chewed on plastic bags while Kellen played with sticks he found along the way.
Look at this cutie pie:

This is our loot. We picked everything but the broccoli. Less than $20 bucks. What am I going to do with all of these bell peppers? Stuff 'em? Roast 'em? Kabob 'em? We'll see...

it's official...

2008-09-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kaysen is Kellen's BEST FRIEND!!!! Kellen has been walking around {for days now} stating that Bra-tee is his "best fwrend". It brings joy to my heart everytime I hear it. I daily pray for their friendship!

Afterall, who wouldn't want this guy as your best friend?:

goodbye my summer friend

2008-08-31T18:46:00.001-07:00

Today I enjoyed my very last VENTI*SHAKEN*ICED*TEA {SWEETENED w/PASSION TEA} for a while, or at least for the month of September! This $2.10 delight got me through a H*O*T summer with the boys. 99.9% of our summer mornings consisted of a 3 1/2 + mile walk to Starbuck's and back. This iced tea was my incentive to get home via the 2nd largest hill in Ladera.

I know what you're thinking/wondering and I already know. Yes, Dave Ramsey would be flat out ticked off at the cost of my regular indulgence. {I didn't get one EVERYday}. Yes, I could've fed several countries filled with hungry children with my iced tea habit. I know. I'm convicted. I've quit. {I'm being very serious now, in case you were wondering}. In fact, if you see a bright pink yummy lookin' beverage in my hand in the near future, you have my permission to knock it over and make me give you $2.10.

September is H*O*T but I refuse to cave in to my addiction. I CAN do this. I WILL do this. Plus, Pumpkin Latte season is around the corner. Kidding!

a letter

2008-08-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

dear stroller thief,

i hope you are enjoying my italian-made-reclining-cute-blue-and-grey-lightweight-umbrella-stroller. i have many wonderful memories with that happy little stroller. i hope you create the same great memories with my stroller as well. it was good to me and i know it will be good to you and your child. the wheels are a little worn and the sides a little stained- evidence of many walks with snacking boys! luckily i found a new stroller tonight for our getaway. we could've really used our trusty inglesina this weekend. it's okay, target came through with a more economical version. my new one even has a tray and cup holder for kaysen. are you jealous? well, enjoy my stroller. i forgive you.

sincerely,
kelley

childhood favorite

2008-08-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

I remember my mom making pudding for us pretty often.

I even remember the glass cups she used to pour the pudding in.

I registered for the same cups when I got married...just so I could put pudding in them.

I can't wait to introduce Kellen to one of my favorite childhood treats after dinner tonight!

all i have to say today

2008-08-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

toddlers are a lot of work.
baaaaaaa!

anyone out there hiring?

a paycheck would be real nice today...

1-2-3 strikes you're out....

2008-08-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

at the ooooollllldddddd ball game!
Kellen attended his first baseball game last night with Kenny.

rub-a-dub-dub

2008-08-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

We've FINALLY transitioned out of the baby bath thingie. Kaysen has been enjoying bath time so much now that he can move around and play with all of the toys. I know it seems as though this should've been done a long time ago but, I've delayed EVERYTHING with Kaysen. I think I've taken "savoring every moment" to an extreme with him just in case he's our last (which, sadly, according to Kenny, he is). Anyways, here is Kaysen having some fun in the tub! We'll be celebrating his 1st birthday in less than 90 days. Tear.

we should check this out

2008-08-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Saddleback Civil Forum

Pastor Rick Warren will be moderating this forum with Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. You can watch it live online tomorrow night. This will be the only joint event for candidates.

***

So you're up to speed...Kellen said the following to me in the car tonight:

"Mama, I like you now."..."Mama, I love you so much and I be a good boy for you."

Glad he's had a change of heart!

(part of) the week in pictures

2008-08-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

Kaysen is getting so big...I can't believe he's already riding in this thing: I made this Frozen Mocha Toffee Crunch Terrine for my "girls night IN" last night
(recipe is here) Really good:
I had to tackle this today:
...and two dishwasher loads later...this remained (I'm making progress):
Our newest addition now needs to eat with us and nap when the boys nap (per Kellen):
***Side note: I've been told that boys are a challenge early on.
Girls, on the other hand, become a challenge around 12.
Is this true?
Kellen just woke up from his nap in a BAD mood. He said he didn't love me anymore. Isn't this something a pre-teen says to their parent? I told him I still love HIM and chased him with kisses. Boy did that get him fired up!
GOOD TIMES.
Hopefully he cheers up before he becomes a teenager!

good friends

2008-08-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

meet my friend kari. we met at biola in 1996 and have been great friends ever since. she's a great mom and a faithful friend to me. she has conviction and she's humble. she represents joyfullness and kindness to me. she strives for what is right. i love that. she loves frozen yogurt and if you were to ask her if her house was picture perfect clean, she'd probably say "no, i'm too busy playing with my kids" and i love it! we've been in weddings and now get to watch our children play together. we have many great talks and we wrestle with the joys and struggles associated with motherhood, marriage and beings daughter's of the King. we can't hang out regularly but sometimes, when meaningful, conversations over the phone can be even better!

here are some more memories from our day:

kellen as his usual busy self playing at the park near the beach

kaysen gettin' a little tired. he didn't know if he wanted to be happy or sad that day!

kari and beautiful faith

kellen enjoying a "pinkle pupcake"

another reasons why fridays are so great!

2008-08-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

TRASH DAY!all the kids in neighborhood come out for trash day. not only does the trash man come by, the recycle man comes for a visit as well. no matter what kellen is doing, when he hears the thunder of the trash truck...he bolts to the windows. blinds come up and he freezes until our entire street is free from trash. you find kids in windows all over the neighborhood on fridays. if they're outside, moms have stopped strollers, pulled scooters and bikes over...all to watch the incredible trash man. when did the trash man get such a bad rap? he's a hero in my house!

bad mama chronicles part 1

2008-08-08T18:34:00.001-07:00

is it a bad thing if i get out of the shower to discover that my 8 month old baby has frosted mini wheats all over his face? kellen, in his international accent, said that bra-tee was hungry so he gave him a snack. he added that he didn't want milk or baby food.

if this had happened with kellen, i would've stuck my finger in his mouth looking for the rest of the cereal, called his doctor and freak out. my only thought about this was "good thing he didn't choke"!

can you...

2008-08-07T00:11:00.001-07:00

resist this face? i can't.I'm up late and I can't stop thinking about my boys.

They are joy. They are laughs. They are love. They are teachers. They are innocence (for the most part). They are simple. They are satisfied. They are honest. They have saved our family!!!

yummy new find

2008-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love a good panini.....

So I picked the restaurant on Sunday and surprised the boys with my new find. We pulled up and Kenny read the sign quickly and said "Skinny's??? Oh great, mama's takin' us to a HEALTHY place." I asked him to re-read the sign which said SKIMMER'S. "Oh" he said with a smile!
Kellen kept cool with a large glass of ice water and then enjoyed a yummy turkey and cheese panini from the kids menu.
...and then asked me to take a picture of the top of his always sweaty head. He's SUCH a boy!
My panini was so good...a little to garlic-y. Tomato, mozarella, basil....I had to apologize to my waking buddy THE NEXT MORNING. I was still stinky, GROSS!
The best part was the scoop (or 4) of ice cream Kellen got with his meal. Our server HOOKED HIM UP with orange serbert! Lucky kid!

dirty thirty?

2008-08-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Not so much.

My 30th birthday ROCKED.

I planned my own dinner party and most of my favorite people were there.
I missed the ones who weren't!
I got some cool gifts as well.
It's a great feeling to be loved and celebrated!

Here are some fun highlights:

MORE PICTURES TO COME WHEN MY CUTE SISTER GETS HER COMPUTER ACT TOGETHER! HINT, HINT SARA!!!!

good times at 'the district'

2008-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

We met up with some friends at 'The District' one night this week for dinner and runnin' around. I introduced Kellen to an indoor play yard at a "quick serve restaurant" (doesn't that sound better than fast food?). I only agreed to let him play because the place is brand new and totally clean...seemingly free of mold, flu, menengitis (sp?), mad cow, etc.

Kellen had a blast.

My crazy friend Jennie thought we should walk all 4 kids across a mad parking lot to Costco. Hmmm. Didn't go so well. A few close calls. A few meltdowns. We decided to pile 3 of the 4 in this cart to get them back to our cars. This is the same dear friend who thought of walking up to get lunch on a very hot day earlier this summer (remember that post?). She gave us permission to tell her NO from now on! I usually like her ideas because she helps me with my kids and seems to have more control with them than I do. I love it!

meet kellen's match....

2008-07-31T08:01:00.003-07:00

Tyler!

Kellen and Tyler ran around fixing things at Grandma and Grandpa Bartlett's home all morning. At first Tyler was a little hesitant to play with Kellen because he's much youger...a year and a half to be exact! I think he was pleasantly surprised that Kellen was able to keep up.

Kaysen and Faith enjoyed their playtime too!

table for 8

2008-07-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

I got together with some friends over the weekend to make sushi...a lot of sushi. We call ourselves "table for 8" and have been meeting for several years now...maybe 5?.?. Here's how it goes. We set a date and a menu goes out through e-mail. We each pick a dish or two and bring all the ingredients to prepare it in Kari's awesome kitchen! We don't really repeat a menu and generally have a regional theme. We've done Italian (not the spaghetti kind), Moroccan, Ethiopian (ick), Tapas...and much more. After our dishes are complete...we eat...and eat....and eat. This is what the table looked like on Sunday afternoon:We made crab, ahi, shrimp and salmon rolls. We couldn't go without seaweed salad, cucumber salad and a green salad with chicken. Mochi (sp?) was our sweet treat after we cleaned our dinner plates! Yummy!

Annie and Amy

Brooke rolling away

Paula, Brooke, Kari, Me and Kaysen. Yea, Brooke is tempting Kaysen with beer. Isn't she awful? NO...Kaysen has long arms and sticky fingers and grabbed the bottle as we were taking the picture- CLASSIC!