Robins Nest

Sledding

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving we got together with my family in the mountains. We stayed in a lodge and had access to an industrial kitchen. It was actually super nice to be able to cook in such a big kitchen, it never felt crowded when there were 4 or more people in there. We had a fire blazing the entire time in a huge fireplace. Which led to some smoky rooms upstairs, but we lived. The best part was that it was only 2 hours from home.

The guys also made us a sledding trail. They had to build up some snow since there wasn't much on the ground. To those of you who live in the snow this must look pathetic, for us in California it was awesome! Enjoy the photos.

They had just gotten in trouble. Can you tell?

Huge shocker, my mom took a turn.

My brother and his wife and kids had already left. Just as last minute thought before we locked up the lodge.

Saturday's Bike Ride

2011-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

We love when Onkel A comes to visit. This weekend we went on a bike ride together up two brutal hills and ended up at the lake. Lil Sis was miserable. At one point she stopped to tell us, "I can't bear it. I need a picnic." Funny how once we got to our destination her mood did a 180'.

Misery!

Happiness!

Now we are happy.

Post Halloween

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls and I had a great time. A Halloween party at our neighbors/friends, then on to Trick or Treating. I find it kind of sad that not many more kids go Trick or Treating now, like I did when I was young. I have fond memories of going with my brother and friends.

Our Princess Leia and Pippi Longstocking.

Lil Sis' costume kind of fits her personality to a "T". Rather than take the normal route off the porch, she needed to leap over the bushes.

Big Sis is more of a rule follower.

Fall adventures

2011-10-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

It has taken me forever to post. Can I blame it on the fact that I am the PTA president this year? Probably not! The girls have both been in school for almost a month now, so I really do have a lot more time during the day. I think I'll stick with that excuse though.

The girls are doing really well. About a week ago they had a random day off school in the middle of the week. We took some time to be together as a family and thought we'd go apple picking in Oak Glen. Sadly there weren't enough apples this year, so we didn't get to pick any. We did however find a great nature preserve with a comfortable trail. I think the girls favorite part was picking wild blackberries.

Finding notes

2011-05-06T12:05:00.001-07:00

Big Sis loves to write notes and draw pictures. Often M and I are the recipients of her work. Just a day ago I found this on my desk.

Translation: You are in danger.

M found it disturbing and was very concerned. I of course laughed like crazy. Big Sis later told me that she thought it would be funny to leave me threatening notes. I wonder where Big Sis gets her sense of humor? At times my humor is a bit irreverent. I wonder where I got it, Dad?

Here was today's threatening message.

Holiday Location

2011-04-26T11:56:00.001-07:00

M and I have found a hotel we would love to try, check it out...

We may however be harming some innocent creatures. See statement on web page regarding the safety of the birds for a good laugh!

Happy Easter ... Frohe Ostern

2011-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had a great uplifting day at church, remembering our Savior. Now we are off to play and eat with family!

Whale Watching

2011-03-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we went whale watching with my dad and brother. While we didn't see any whales we did get up close to some seals and dolphins. It was a great time. I expected it to rain and be miserably cold, but as soon as we left the Long Beach Harbor we left the rain behind. We even caught moments of sunshine.

Super Stars

2011-03-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Lil Sis loves it when we go to Oma and Opa's house and she gets to sing with him.

You know you are a product of the seventies when Puff the Magic Dragon brings back memories. I can still remember as a kid my dad playing his guitar and singing us songs.

Yumminess

2011-03-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our little neighbor was over and Big Sis explained to her why we pray before we eat. "We pray to Heavenly Father so that our food will taste yummy." I'll need to remember that when she says that she doesn't like what I've cooked. I mean she did bless it that night, it should taste wonderful!

Video Skills

2011-03-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

Big and Lil Sis tried their hand today at video making with some encouragement by M. Take a look:

We've done some celebrating...

2010-12-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

First was Lil Sis' 5th birthday. I still can't believe my baby is getting older.

Then we celebrated Thanksgiving. There are so many things I am greatful for, Lil Sis is one of the big ones. It was so fun to see her perform the annual Kindergarten Thanksgiving Play at school. She was a cute fat turkey. She kept messing with her headpiece during the dance.

Apple Farm

2010-11-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

My friend organized a fun trip to the Oak Glen Apple Farm last week. The girls had two days off school. We had been to the farm before with our Pre School group. Big Sis and Lil Sis had fun with their friends. Most of the fun was had after our tour at the Colonial Farms pond. They spent a couple hours there. Oooh and we had yummy caramel apples. I was more than happy to finish off the girls!

Halloween Party Weekend

2010-11-02T20:55:00.001-07:00

This weekend we made the long haul to Salt Lake City for the famous Day Halloween Party. It did not disappoint. Thank you to our Aunt and Uncle D. Lil Sis went as the Corpse Bride. Big Sis as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was still sewing her costume on the drive up to Salt Lake! M and I went as Popeye and Olive Oil. M was busy taking photos on his brother's camera that night. I've gotten a hold of some of those photos. Uncle D had a seamstress custom make his Army man costume. He even went so far as to paint himself with Latex paint to really give his costume a professional finish! Amazing. The girl's cousins N and W were cute Batmen. The girls had a ton of fun playing with their cousins on our whirlwind weekend.
Holding a very cool bubble filled with smoke. Awesome party trick!
Proudly showing us her trophy for winning the Best Kids Costume.
I think I would be creeped out by Lil Sis too, if I was baby Peach!
Just a small sample of the amazing decorations!

On the way we stopped at our Aunt and Uncle M's house. We played in the leaves and ate apples straight from the tree for the first time ever. Our Uncle and our cousin the Frog showed us how it was done.

Whole Wheat Bread

2010-10-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I attempted to make bread. I had never tried before and I felt like it was about time. Wow, did I bomb it. It was super hard to knead. I thought I might pass out. Husband tried to relieve me, but the dough was tough for him too. So I put it in a bowl to rise. It never happened, it just hardened and looked like a rock. I was furious that I didn't get it right the first time. I can usually get most things to turn out decent on my first try.

The next day I went to the store to buy some ingredients to make the whole wheat bread from the Lion's House cookbook. I also used a different attachment for my mixer. And what do you know it worked. Hurray! Glad I didn't give up. It was super yummy and filing bread. What a big difference between store bought bread and homemade.

We made pigs of ourselves...

2010-10-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

at Farrell's. My dad remembered going to Farrell's as a kid. He and my mom came down to visit a week ago and treated us. The ice cream is by no means amazing, but there is a really fun vibe and atmosphere. The people working there keep up such a high energy and get the crowd into it. They had us all stand up and sing a little song about us being Pigs. Well my dad and I sang. Oma and the girls got a little stage fright I think. I was really surprised that Big Sis didn't have a stomach ache that night.

Beach Camping

2010-10-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Wow a whole month has gone by since Husband had his birthday. For his birthday the past few years he has asked to go camping. This year we did it. We drove up to Carpenteria with our good friends and had a great time, despite the fact that there was no surf and it was cloudy almost all day.

If I pull my sister's hair, I bet she'll look at the camera and smile right?

We did a lot of bike riding. Very fun ride into a very cool beach town.

No vacation is complete without tears right?

Bad hair day, well every day. Need I say more!

The camp host loved these guys. They cleared the sand from the parking spots. She even made them an award for the "camper of the month".

Even the little man was hard at work keeping the campsite clean for the ladies.

Lil Sis really wanted to take Dokka for a ride.
My favorite picture of the kids!

First day of School

2010-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a momentous occasion in our home. Both girls are now in school. Lil Sis started kindergarten with our favorite teacher. And Big Sis is now in school all day, with two recesses! Everyone loved their first day. And as usual it was really hard to get them to talk about anything that happened today. Don't they know I want the play by play. I feel so left out.

Circus

2010-08-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to the Circus with some friends from Irvine. We saw the Barnum and Bailey's Funundrum at the Pond. It was exciting. I always watch thinking either a:) I wish I could do that or b:) wow they make that look easy. I especially want to try walking on the stilts. Tigers are boring, I much prefer the elephants.

California Adventure

2010-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

We've found a new favorite spot in California Adventure. Its back out of the way in Bear Country.
Our family went out on a limb and tried the Turkey Leg. We called it a "meaty hock". It was really fun being silly and trying new things. Surprisingly we didn't have too many crowds where we were at.

Self Portrait

2010-08-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

What artist's work is complete without a self portrait?

Career Training

2010-08-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

Lil Sis is in training for a career in photography and Big Sis in modeling. Here goes their shoot, from somewhat normal to weird!

And the pièce de rèsistance.

Summer has started!

2010-07-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well at least it finally felt like ours started this week. We didn't get out of school until June 23rd. That seemed so late to me. Then the very next week I went to girls camp with the young women from church and the following week was overcast and rained. This week was hot and we had our first major sunburn, me! You would think I would know better. I made sure the kids had sunscreen, but I got busy unloading and setting up, by the time I put some on it was to late. It made for one painful week.
The girls started their swim lessons. There is already such a huge improvement. Lil Sis is way more confident. I think it really helps that she and her best friend are in the same class. Although they really love to play around when the teacher isn't paying attention!
Big Sis is working on her strokes this summer. Her backstroke and freestyle are looking really good. I love to watch her doing the side breathing. She doesn't quite have the total confidence to just turn her head. She lifts it up a little in the water so as to have her mouth completely out of the water.

First Year of School

2010-06-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

As this first year of school draws to a close I am amazed at the growth in Big Sis. She has learned so much. They have learned to read and are working on simple addition and subtraction. I remember playing house and taking naps in Kindergarten! Last night we went to the school's Open House and Big Sis took us on a tour of her classroom then showed her dad all the books she made. I love them.

The spelling was too cute.
wif = with, sol = saw, butrfli = butterfly, bref = breath

A trip to the ER

2010-06-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Big Sis had an accident today. She collided with a swing. This is what happens...
A trip to the ER and three stitches later, we are back to our happy self. Her biggest worry was that her play date was over and that she might not make it to the school's open house tonight.
We giggled like crazy in the ER. We joked around about the cotton ball on her lip. I said it looked like a spider's egg sack coming out her nose. Then we joked around about the stitches looking like a spider. The Novocaine they placed on her lip reduced the blood flow and her lips were a bit white when we left the hospital. As we left the room, she asked me, "mom, can you put some lipstick on me so that my lips will look normal?" The nurse chuckled and told me that I'm in for trouble!
It looks like she was miserable, but she really just wanted the camera. Okay who am I kidding, I think she was maybe a little miserable. But then we started having fun. After her anesthetic I thought for sure someone had slipped her a happy pill. She was giggling like mad. She did take some photos of the ER room and my mug.

Going for something serious!

We took this because she wanted to see what her face looked like. She was very worried that her friends would think she looked funny.

School Campout

2010-05-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our school has a really fun tradition. Every year they hold a campout with the principle. Big Sis was begging us to go. So we went. Everyone had a good time. The girls loved spending the night in the field, running around wild with their friends, making new friends, and not having mom and dad keep constant watch over them. As an added bonus we got to try out our new tent. Some chuckles from my friend upon seeing our 7 man monstrosity. Yes I know we were only there for one night, but I needed room for my air mattress and I couldn't have the girls wiggling next to me all night. The tent doesn't look that big in this picture. It has a front porch!

Thank you for the visit!

2010-05-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Robins and Aunt C came for a visit before they went on their cruise to Alaska. We had a blast. Yummy food, rock band, and painting nails. Not to mention the 138 balloons Grandpa and Aunt C provided. The girls couldn't stop talking about the balloons that filled our house to their friends.

What is my problem?

2010-05-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

You think I would learn from past mistakes. My poor kids. Lil Sis is getting ready for Kindergarten. Part of that includes immunizations. I thought she was up to date. Nope. SIX shots for the poor kid and she had blood taken for some labs. She remembered last years ordeal with Big Sis. The morning of her doctor's visit she exclaimed over breakfast that she wouldn't cry. She was true to her word. Only one second of a whimper at the beginning of her shots and then she held it together for the remaining time. The blood test was a little hard at first, but I think that's because she wouldn't look away. She really wanted to watch the nurse insert the needle. This is one time that her stubbornness could be considered a blessing.

Turns out that her cholesterol is a little high. We are going to have to watch her diet closely. I would never of thought that she would have a cholesterol problem. She is my healthy eater.

Working hard ... well one of us

2010-05-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

We have been busy. (If I'm being honest, it was mostly M doing the work!) The girls and I were there to help out here and there. Our backyard was a nightmare when we moved here a year ago. Slowly trees have been removed, trimmed and new ones have been added. M installed a sprinkler system and this weekend we laid some sod. Gotta love instant grass!

Planting an avocado tree. Lil Sis was so excited to plant this and declared that she loves avocados. Funny since she had never even tried one before. When we went grocery shopping that week we purchased one. Turns out she really does like them. Or maybe she couldn't admit that she was wrong and didn't like it. Lil Sis rolls like that.Getting ready to help dad put in the sprinkler system.
The girls lasted about 15 minutes.
This was the only day I helped out. M is amazing even if he looks funny in his yard work get up!

Big Sis took all the pictures for us on Saturday. I thought she did a great job on the two above and the two below.Can you spot my awesome Mother's Day gift.
I have wanted a garden gnome ever since I visited my oma's sister's garden in Austria when I was a teenager. There were gnomes peppered throughout her garden. I mentioned that life long desire one day to M. The girls and M didn't forget it. Isn't he sweet? M and the girls are trying to come up with a name for him.

Ready for a laugh?

2010-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Funny things, from the mouths of our babes.

Last night we dropped off a Mother's day gift for my mom, a cute pig watering can. I was explaining to my mom that we could have purchased the larger one, but I though the smaller one would work better in her home. Then Lil Sis chimes in, "Mom you said it was too expensive". Big Sis, "You shouldn't lie to your mom!"

Caught. They listen to everything I say.

Another funny moment I had forgotten about until now. While we were in San Francisco the girls and I were walking around downtown after our visit to the museum. We were trying to kill some time while waiting for Dad to pick us up. As we approached a cross walk there was a homeless man with a cup begging for money. Lil Sis exclaimed, "Mom why does he want to give me money?" Well I guess he was shaking the cup at her.

Celebrity Sighting

2010-04-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Guess who we saw last week?

This guy.

(photo captured by Lil Sis)

Apparently he vacations in Carlsbad, CA. He was literally bombarded with kids and adults each time we saw him. Super cute thing was that he kept little candy canes in his pockets to hand out.

Overheard

2010-04-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Big Sis: Your not the boss of me.
Lil Sis: I know, I'm just telling you!

Patters to the side of my bed in the middle of the night.
Lil Sis: I can't sleep.
Mom: What's wrong?
Lil Sis: Big Sis is "a-noise-zing" me
(Big Sis was sick and coughing all night)

For Sale

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Big Sis decided to start a business. She wrote two books, bound them, and created a for sale sign. They were placed out front by the mail box in hopes of a passerby purchasing the riveting tomes.

More are in the works. Dad told her to write something for Grandpa Robins, because he loves to read. She replied, "Yeah Dad, he can buy one from me!"

(Ssh can you keep a secret? . . . . Dad is now the proud owner of the two orignals.)

We need to return the lovely hat to our friend and neighbor!

Fields of Flowers

2010-04-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last week during spring break we took a trip with some friends to the Armstrong Garden's Flower Fields in Carlsbad, CA. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect. But, I don't think I can handle going again. I definitely have allergies. I felt it coming on in the sweet pea maze. The fragrance in the maze was overwelming. I could feel my sinus headache coming on. I tried a sinus rinse when I got home, but it was too late the damage was done. Let's hope this sinus headache doesn't last two weeks like the last one. My left eye ended up swollen, red , and with massive amounts of discharge. Not fun.

Making faces with their friend.

They love their little friend.

Easter has come and gone...

2010-04-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

These two move so fast. It was hard to get them to stand still for photographs this year. We seem to be a little more lax about documenting the moments lately. But here they are enjoying Easter. We spent the afternoon at Great Grandma and Grandpa Tolman's. There was even an earthquake that day. Half of us felt it and half of us didn't. I didn't.

Getting Dirty

2010-04-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday I ran in the Irvine Lake Mud Run with some friends from Irvine. It was a lot of fun and much different than I expected. For some reason I thought there would be more running. There was running, but that part was easy. The mud pits were the challenging obstacles. I think I could do much better the next time around now that I know what to expect. I kept getting held up by people in front of me and the slower I went through the mud the more my feet seemed to want to stay put. Next time I'm going to charge through and pass more people slowing me down. And I definitely did not pick the right bra! Sorry to all of you who witnessed my embarrassing display.

The girls ran the kids mud run. Big Sis loved it. She said she wanted to race with Lil Sis and I, but I could tell she was itching to break free of us. She would run ahead passing up kids and realize that she had left us behind, so she would stop and wait. Lil Sis was doing great up until the mud pit. Once she got her feet in the mud the complaints started. "I don't want to do this". After some encouragement she kept moving. It didn't help that she got mud splashed in her face. Big Sis charged through with a smile on the whole time. We crossed the finish line. One girl in tears, the other grinning from ear to ear. Now that the event is over Lil Sis is talking about doing it again. Like today! I think she realizes now that the mud washes out. Their favorite part was the car wash bubbles.

Before the race.
Our cheering section!

Proof we did it!

Happy to start our race.

Charging forward.

Getting mud in her eye.

Grumpy and Happy and the "Meanest Mom"

Still at it.

Pretty upset about her legs, shoes, and that her unmentionables were dirty.

Happy racer.
Her favorite part of the race.

A Bubble Oompa Loompa.

We had a ton of pebbles in our shoes.

I do have a heart after all. I carried her up the hill.

Happy and ready to try again.

The San Francisco Treat

2010-02-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Big Sis had Friday and Monday off school in honor of Presidents Day. M had a project up north in the bay area. So we decided to tag along and make a family vacation out of it. We lunched at Casper's Hot Dogs in Hayward. It has been around for over 40 years. Amazing hot dogs and fun retro establishment (retro as in never been renovated). I think even the women working there and customers there have been there that long.
While M was working on his project in Hayward and Redwood City, the girls and I took the BART from the Hayward station to the city. I didn't know what I was getting into. My girlfriend from Sonoma must have thought I was crazy. Apparently there have been shootings there. The girls loved it. There were some colorful people, crazies, men missing teeth, blind gangsters, sweet little old ladies knitting, and us. I'm sure they were just as intrigued by us as we were with them. I had to remind Lil Sis that it was rude to stare, but sometimes I catch myself doing it too. Big Sis had the man behind her smiling the entire trip with her running commentary on the things see saw from the window. Lil Sis decided she needed to pee as we were waiting on the platform with only 8 min. left until the train arrived. That was one long train ride, I had forgotten that trains make so many stops, but I really didn't want to use the station's bathrooms or miss the train. Lucky for us when we got off at Powell St. I immediately saw a sign for Nordstroms. Thank you Nordstroms for your clean and safe restrooms.

We then walked to the Zeum museum for some fun just two blocks away. It was awesome I want to go back when the girls are a bit older. We definitely needed way more time. The carousel was a big hit, as was the Yerba Buena Gardens playground. Afterwards we walked around the city for a bit and ate yummy Gelato until M had finished his project in Redwood City.
Then onto Sol Food, hands down the yummiest food ever! A über cool Puerto Rican restuarant. You order and sit down at any available table. I reminded me of Europe. No one was brave enough to sit with our family even though there was plenty of space. Once two young women sat with us and then moved on when something else was availabe. Should I be offended? I did shower that day and my kids were really well behaved! We tried a coconut soda. I didn't think I would like it, but I was surprised. It was actually really good.

The next day we attended church with my best friend from high school in Petaluma. I tried to prepare the girls by letting them know that their church was very different and that they might have a band. It was a bit of a shock to them and I may add to myself to have a "rock" band at church. The pastor delivered a very nice simple sermon. Gave M and I something to ponder on. Then we had lunch with my friend and her family at Cornerstone Sonoma. My sister-in-law would have loved their gardens. Such a visual feast.
Then onto the Jelly Belly factory, every 4 and 6 year old's dream. While waiting in line for our tour the girls went and tried samples of the different Jelly Beans. I told them that if they tried the Barf bean I would buy them a bag of Jelly Bellies. Little did I know everyone on the tour would get a free bag of Jelly Bellies. I feel bad that I coerced them into it now, but hey they rose to the challenge and ate the Barf bean!
That night we swam at the indoor hotel pool. Big Sis was in heaven and I started to get sick.

The next day was super foggy. We had planned to stop in the city and take some photos of the bridge, visit the CA Academy of Science Museum and eat Dim Sum, but decided to move on. Oh well another trip maybe. I was really bummed about the Dim Sum.

I love the northern coast. I would move there in a heart beat. We drove through Big Sur watched the sun set and then spent the night in Cambria overlooking the ocean from our room. We had hoped to roast marshmallows over the fire, but there was glass covering the opening. The girls were super bummed, so I did something crazy. I suggesseted we have dessert for dinner. Apple Pie. Olallieberry Pie, Chocolate Rasberry Cake, and Chocolate Cream Pie. And we all survived, but we may get the bad parents of the year award! I still can't believe M let me do it. His mother never would have allowed that, come to think of it I doubt mine would have either.
The next morning we took a walk on the boardwalk directly out side the hotel. Then onto Morro Bay for donuts and Fish & Chips (the best ever). We spotted some seals and came up close to a seagull.
I am glad we had this adventure together. I am glad to be home.

More to come...

2010-02-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous family trip. We had beautiful/foggy weather. Stay tuned for more.

Bowling Party

2010-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Big Sis had a combined Birthday Party with a friend from school. Their birthday's are just a day apart. We had it at the local bowling alley. The kids had a blast. Lil Sis was awesome. I told her once to throw it a little harder. She proceeded to chuck the ball as hard are she could directly at the floor. The next time I showed her how to roll it between her legs. She then fell on her butt after rolling the ball away. So classic. Big Sis was pretty good. I guess the practice she had with my parents and her uncle during Christmas break helped.

Lil Sis right before falling on her butt!
Check out the perfect stance!

Random Photos

2010-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I let the girls take my small camera to have some fun. I am always surprised at what they deem worthy to photograph. Sometimes the results aren't too flattering; my messy bedroom, my guilty pleasure (coke), dad's bad posture, and me in the bathroom (that definitely got erased!) But sometimes their stuff is pretty cool. Can you tell dad has been working really hard. We are making some progress on our backyard. Yeah!

What happens when...

2010-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

your kids eat loads of sugar for breakfast...

Oh but those donuts tasted so good. Especially the fresh ones right off the conveyor belt. Yummm.

Hurray for Disneyland

2010-01-14T23:46:00.000-08:00

We love that we can go to Disneyland this year with our passes. Big Sis asked me this morning. Why are kids so happy at Disneyland?

Lil Sis hates and I mean hates the Pirates of the Caribbean, but loves the Matterhorn. Really? The Yeti is a bit scary. We think we've figured out that she doesn't like the dark, the drop in the beginning, and the water splashing up.

M and I are excited that the girls can now go on almost all the rides, except Indiana Jones. No more kiddie rides for us, bring on the roller coasters!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to some wonderful mysterious elves in Mission Viejo we enjoyed some tradtional English crackers. They pop when you open and contain a toy or treat as well as a fabulous crown. So fun. I think we will make these a tradition every year.

Happy New Year to everyone. We have had a wonderful 2009. It brought us a new home, the start of kindergarten, wonderful new friends, and many great family memories.

Funny Moment

2009-12-31T19:44:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve, Santa came to our Family Christmas party. Big Sis had us in stitches that night. Santa went over some things on his good and bad list for each of us. My Sis-in-law recently got a ticket for talking on her phone while driving. Santa asked her who she was with (referring to her insurance carrier), Big Sis turned to him and said, "She's already married, Santa." Hilarious. She was on a roll that night. Unfortunately I didn't get a single photo, we couldn't find my purse. Thank goodness I have my Sis-in-law. Look here to view.

Happy Birthday

2009-12-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

Big Sis had a birthday. She is now "6". We had a fun family party on Sunday to celebrate. She picked her own breakfast the day of her birthday. Donuts and green eggs and ham. Random. It was a little heavy for me and I felt ill afterward. For her birthday dinner she requested Chicken Pot Pie, her favorite dish.

We have had a lot of fun this past weekend, then I got sick. Thank goodness my parents took the girls home with them Sunday night. I was able to sleep and recover peacefully. While they were at my mom's they went bowling, to the movies twice and rode an elephant at the zoo. As I opened the door when I went to pick them up last night they were shouting hooray for Opa. Turns out it was me and they were super bummed about going home.

Christmas Baking

2009-12-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas music blaring from the radio and my two little girls helping me bake. That is what I call a memorable holiday moment.

Fashion Model

2009-12-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Big Sis is learning about cultures and countries around the world in school. I even went in one day to tell the kindergartners about Austria and share some goodies. It was really fun. One little boy asked me to sing O' Tannenbaum in German. I was so nervous, you'd think I was singing at Carnegie Hall. A week ago Big Sis and her class put on a fashion show and invited their parents. They all wore costumes from their country of origin or the country that their ancestors came from. Big Sis delivered her memorized line very well and gave a twirl to show off her dirndl. Very endearing.

Big Fat Turkey

2009-12-02T00:34:00.000-08:00

Big Sis' kindergarten class puts on a big production every year. The same program has been performed since I think maybe the 70's? Anyways a long time. Big Sis got the part of the "big fat" turkey. At least that is what she called it. The costume was amazing. The kids all did a great job and had so much fun. I took a million photos and if I can ever figure it out a cute video clip of Big Sis' dance.

She is still singing the songs all day long! She and Lil Sis gave us a performance the other day in the living room.

Oh boy are we in trouble. She has quite a following of admirers. I mean look at that flirty smile in the last photo. Where did she learn that? Everytime we walk across the play ground kids are shouting hello to her. It is such a crack up.

Happy (Un) Birthday

2009-12-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

Bad mom. I forgot to mark Lil Sis' special occasion. She turned the big "4" two weeks ago. I love how happy she is. She picked out her own gift, breakfast, and birthday cake. We feasted on Lucky Charms and sprinkles cake with sprinkles frosting. My mom made schnitzel, a family favorite. Best of all the very next day she got her cast off.

Wow that was a nasty looking ankle/leg. I couldn't believe they didn't wash off her foot for me. I mean they are getting paid over $1,000 dollars! We went straight home and did some major scrubbing. It looks like she might have a minor scar. Time will tell.

New Improvements

2009-10-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

Lil Sis got a new cast yesterday. This one she can technically walk on. However, I think she is still a little too scared to try it out. I am sure that by the end of the 2 weeks that she has to wear it she will be walking. It took some time for her to just bend her knee after getting used to being immobilized from the last cast. This one is a really cute little red sparkly cast. It matches her Minnie Mouse costume for Halloween perfectly.

My Man Delivers

2009-10-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

While I was hosting the book club at our house, dad took the girls to a 3D viewing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. They had a blast. Dinner at their favorite, the golden arches and a movie, life is good for them.

I had a great time at book club. We read The Shack. I haven't finished it yet. It has been difficult to read. I am half way through and I don't love it. It is always hard to keep moving on in a book that hasn't grabbed you from the beginning. It reminds me of the many books I was required to read in my literature classes in college. Painful. However, I am determined to see it through so that I can give an honest review.

After discussing the book in heavy debate we loosened things up by playing Rock Band 2 on the Wii. Our new favorite game. I felt like a teenage girl with my girlfriends. We really let our guard down. Too bad there are no incriminating photos or videos!

Really?

2009-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Why on earth would a favorite store of mine carry this item in Orange County California? Really? Perhaps my hairdo needs a little lift?

Actually my fabulous hairdresser friend has given me an update. I love it. After trying to grow it out for two years it was time to go short again. I don't know why but I am much more comfortable with short hair. So here is the new red headed me!

A Blue Sparkly Cast

2009-10-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Lil Sis is doing so well. One would almost think she loves the new cast. This weekend at church she soaked up all the attention. When I took her with me to shop at my local Henry's supermarket she actually chatted and initiated conversations with fellow shoppers. Wanting to inform them of her situation. This is not typical of Lil Sis. She loves to cast dirty looks when strangers try to talk to her. Now she is like a completely different person. She hasn't complained about having to sit in her stroller. Just yesterday she was sitting in the stroller for at least 4 hours straight. I kept asking her if she wanted to get out. Nope. Today she helped me at the Book Fair at Big Sis' school. When dad came home to watch her while I finished my shift she cried because she wanted to stay at the book fair. I think she really loves the attention all the kids coming in would give her. Is my little introvert going to become an extrovert through this experience?

Peace out!

My Poor Baby

2009-10-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while I was volunteering in Big Sis Kindergarten class, Lil Sis had a bike accident. She fractured her ankle down to the growth plate. She was riding a bike with dad and decided to get off the bike by placing her foot on the moving tire. Well her foot ended up caught between the spokes and the front fork in the bike. Dad removed it and took her to the doctor. Poor guy, I didn't have my phone on and he had to track down which doctor I took the girls to amidst her panicked cries. I really should have a list of those kinds of things for him. You never think about those things until a crisis.

Today she received her first cast. It's a beauty. Dark blue with sparkles per her request. Pictures to come soon. She didn't complain too much! But there were a few moments of panic and crying. There is a scrape or burn on her ankle that bothers her, but other than that she has been great. Tonight she was scooting around the house on her bottom, since she cannot walk. The doctor doesn't want her to place any weight on the ankle so that the growth plate isn't affected. They placed her leg in the cast in a bent position to prevent her from trying to walk. It looks like we will be carrying her around for the next three weeks. 40lbs never seemed so heavy.

On our drive in the car she told me, "Mom, when dad asks me if I want to come work with him in the yard, I have to tell him I can't." That seemed to be what saddened her the most about not being able to walk.

A huge thank you to our amazing home teacher and my awesome visiting teacher. Last night our home teacher came to help dad give Lil Sis a blessing. She loves our home teacher. As luck would have it, his wife is also my visiting teacher. She took Big Sis for me this morning and dropped her off at school for me, so I could take Lil Sis to the Orthopedic Specialist.

They weren't kidding

2009-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

I never believed people when they would tell me how busy I would get once the kids started school. Between volunteering at school for Big Sis and doing Joy School/Pre School for Lil Sis, life is moving at lightening speed.

Big Sis wanted to take some photographs for a Reflections contest at school. The theme was "Beauty is ...". When we asked her what she would like to photograph, she said "a valley of flowers". Since we do not have a valleys of flowers nearby, dad took them to the Huntington Library a couple weeks ago. I let her use my nice camera. Dad got some crazy looks from people. They were probably questioning our judgment in letting a Kindergartner use a expensive DSLR!
Here is the photograph that she decided to enter.
Some more photos she took.
And this is what "beauty is" to me.

First Day

2009-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I would cry, but I did. (not at school mind you!) Big Sis started her first day of school today. She loves her kindergarten teacher. I think she is going to do well.

Yesterday I dropped Lil Sis off with Oma so that Big Sis and I could go to the school for a meet-n-greet. While we were driving around getting together some last minute things Big Sis would need, Big Sis asked me, "Am I going to get paid when I go to school?" I swear I saw the wheels in her head turning, contemplating the things she wanted to do with her salary. Ha ha ha. Wouldn't that be nice, but no! She was a bit confused because dad goes to school and he gets paid. I had to clarify that teachers get paid, but students do not.

Why do we do it?

2009-09-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

It seems there is a natural impulse when feeding a baby to open your mouth while offering them a spoon. I've been caught myself many times when the girls were little ones.

Company

2009-09-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Aunt L and the Frog came for a visit. We really had fun and took them to all our favorite haunts. Thank you for visiting. Aunt L is a dream guest. She is always so helpful and somehow manages to still keep up with little Frog.

He must be thinking about how sandy he's going to get.

Maybe having sand all over your face isn't such a great idea.

Lil Sis actually let me take her out waist deep to jump over the surf. This is a major breakthrough.

Dad taught Big Sis how to make drip castles. Very cool.

Family photo, many years ago DH and I took engagement photos at this very beach, Victoria Beach.

The wave was coming, guess that photo session is ended.

A favorite haunt. In-n-Out. I generally don't like to eat burgers, but I do love eating an In-n-Out Burger, with Coke and fries. We took Aunt L and the Frog have some (of course not the coke!). I think he liked it.
Our other favorite haunt is Yogurtland. Can you tell who the yogurt belongs to? Lil Sis had already devoured most of her sugary choices. Sometimes the girl's toppings make me sick just looking at them.

Happy Birthday!

The next day we went to another haunt, Zoomars Petting Zoo. Aunt L had her work cut out for her keeping the Frog from eating the bunnies and guinea pigs treats. He loved crawling around and chasing the little critters.
Lil Sis was so animated and excited after her pony ride. That girl just loves horses.

The Frog's smiles are just too cute. The girls really miss him.

Happiest Place on Earth

2009-08-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

My Aunt now works for Disneyland. This past Friday she signed the girls and I in for "free". Yeah. We love it. We got there at about 8:30 am (way early for me!). By lunch we had already ridden 10 rides. After that the lines got a little longer, but not horrible. We stay til 11pm. I was exhausted. Lil Sis fell asleep in line for Autopia, she requested that we go one last time. She slept through the entire ride! She loved driving the car. My neck not so much! Lil Sis also went on her first roller coaster, Matterhorn. Her favorite ride was the ferris wheel.
Big Sis' loved Space Mountain, it was her favorite ride. She screamed the entire ride, a happy scream I am told. After our last ride, my Cousin K, wanted to stay and watch Steve Rushton perform. I guess he is a pretty big deal or will be among 15/16 year olds. His singing style seemed a bit like the Jonas Brothers, not really my thing but he did give a really fun entertaining performance. And a British accent will make any girl swoon!
This picture says it all, Big Sis loved hanging out with my teenage cousin.

Aunt D spoiled the girls. I can't remember how many times they have asked me for those lollipops and I have said no.

Beach Bums

2009-08-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

The past week we have taken many family trips to the beach. Big Sis went surfing for the first time with dad. Lil Sis was busy taking pictures with my camera, so I didn't get a shot of them riding the wave. I did however get may shots of the sky, ocean, sand, and some random dude's beer belly!

She is finally venturing closer to the breaking water.

Big Sis kept finding heart shaped rocks.

Just keepin' it real. Wow, did I really look that bad or that white? My hair needs some help.

Mammoth

2009-08-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went camping in the Mammoth Lakes area. It was so beautiful. We hiked to Rainbow Falls one day. The girls made it the whole way there about 1 1/2 miles, but needed help for the trek back. We found an awesome spot to camp with "free" hot showers. The showers are heated from a natural hot spring. I felt spoiled. The girls did not want to shower. I can't believe how dirty they got. Our whites are brown, yuck. Hopefully my washing machine can work its magic. My parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and nephew also came along. Baby M was such a trooper. I don't know if I could have handled camping with a 7 month old, but my brother and his wife somehow managed very well.

Lil Sis loved to play in the bushes and tall grass. She was in heaven exploring the camp site. She got so dirty from playing. One morning she was having a fit and started crying and there were black streaks running down her cheeks.

Big Sis got to sleep in her very own tent with Onkel A. She loved every minute of it. The very next morning she informed me that they didn't sleep at all, they stayed up talking all night! One night she must have slid down into the bottom of her sleeping bag, couldn't find her way out and woke up in a fright. Onkel A rescued her and helped her calm down. She really is growing up way too fast. It seems at times that she isn't content being a little girl anymore.

Who needs toys

2009-07-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

DH is always telling me that we have too many toys and that girls don't need toys. I think he feels super triumphant when he sees them entertaining themselves for hours on end with cardboard boxes. So here's to DH, you were right, kids really don't need toys!

These are their new homes for as long as they'll hold up or until I get sick of the sight of them in my living room.

Summer Fun

2009-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you've never done it, try it. Although it was a super hard work out peddling four kids on our own. We had a fun time last week at the beach with my friend and her two kids. We love Doheny. I got a wicked sun burn. I tried to apply my own spray sunscreen, bad move. Now have I the ugliest blotchy skin on my back. I need a cabana boy!

They're fishes!

2009-07-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks Big Sis has been taking swimming lessons. She already knew how to swim, we just needed to work on her technique. I signed her up with the City of Irvine at the William Woollett Aquatics Center. I was so proud of her. She did so well. Now she is trying to learn to breathe on the side. It makes such a huge difference in your swimming. One thing she struggled with was hanging on to the side of the wall while the instructor was busy with another kid in the class. I kept hearing "Abi stay at the wall". She just wanted to keep moving. The last day they were allowed to go down the slide.

She has inspired Lil Sis. Lil Sis is now asking to take lessons and she even let me take off her arm floaties this week. Guess what she swam. I knew she was capable, but just using the floaties as a security. (Sorry no photos of Lil Sis, I was in the pool with her teaching her to swim!)

Seeing the swim teams practicing, especially the Masters Team made me yearn to get in the pool again and swim some laps. I really miss that feeling of accomplishment.

Where in the world was I?

2009-07-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have been at Girls Camp in Beaver, Utah this past week with the young women from church. Wow it was fun. Those girls are awesome. I can't believe how well they did camping and trying all kinds of fun high adventure activities. Let it be known that I slept in a tent, cooked on a camp stove, washed with COLD water, survived the wild rain storm and I loved it. It took a lot of preparation to get there, but I would do it again in a heart beat. (Hence the lack in posts lately)

The girls partied hard at Oma & Opa's house for a couple days. Thanks mom and dad for spoiling them. They had so many stories to tell me. Chuck-E-Cheese was a huge hit.

DH held down the fort. Amazing man that he is even cleaned the house. I love coming home to a clean house and fresh laundry. Thank you! He must have ESP.

After sacrament services at Chapel Rock.

Shooting the 22 rifle. So fun.

Trust Fall

Before Rock Climbing and Rappelling.

Horseback riding. It was so beautiful and just amazing. My horse was "Fred". He was very good to me.

Going on the flying squirrel. Scary but fun.

Much anticipated trip

2009-05-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

This past week a friend of ours called to see if we wanted to use some tickets to California Adventure. They were going to expire the next day. Uh, hard choice, yeah we'll take them. Lil Sis was beyond excited and hoping to see some characters. Specifically Minnie Mouse.
A couple years ago when we had a pass to Disneyland I made a scrapbook for Big Sis of all the characters she met. Lil Sis loves to look at the book and asks us occasionally to take her to Disneyland.
We had fun, despite the fact that Lil Sis was limited by her height (not many rides for those under 40"). Lil Sis also insisted on taking the camera from me and being our photographer. Needless to say I have a ton of random shots of people. A few surprised me, but most of them made it to the trash. They were unflattering shots, given her height or they were shots of random tourists. One woman who sat across from us on the tram got a lot of screen time.

We got lucky!

Good for a laugh

2009-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

So maybe you'll laugh til you pee your pants or maybe you'll be offended. (I must admit the former and not the later!) Take a look and see...

Awkward Family Photos

It was one of those days that you dread

2009-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Warning: If you don't like needles don't read this post! (Not for the faint of heart.)

Big Sis is getting ready for Kindergarten. And that means a trip to the doctor. Last week she received 6 shots. (Bad mom that I am sometimes, didn't keep up on her immunizations. So poor thing had a full dose.) She handled it pretty well, only a few tears during the process.

Per the doctors orders we went to the lab today to have from blood drawn for tests. I had Big Sis all prepped for the event. She asked if it would hurt and I told her it would pinch and then go away. I was not prepared for what happened. The nurse could not get the needle into the vein. Why don't the just take the needle out and start over instead of poking around for what seems like minutes to find her tiny little vein. Finally she got it going. Things were okay, just a few tears. Lil Sis was patiently waiting. The ordeal was now over, or so we thought...

Ten minutes later I am shopping at a store nearby when my phone rings. Its the nurse. We forgot to run one of the tests, can you come back in? Aaargh!!! I informed Big Sis that we would need to go back. She seemed okay until we got into the room. Panic, hysteria, and sobbing ensued. She clutched her arm and fought like crazy to keep it away from the nurse. It probably didn't help that the nurse kept apologizing to me. Lil Sis was in the room and exclaimed, "I am leaving, I don't want to be in the room with the crying." Great, just great. Okay what should I do. I guess Lil Sis can't get into too much trouble so I opted to stay with Big Sis.

I explained that we needed to have the tests done to Big Sis. I informed her that I could either hold her arm still or she could choose to hold her arm out for the nurse. If she chose to do it, it would hurt less. She was brave and chose to give me her arm. This time thank goodness the nurse got it right on the first try.

The situation was so out of hand that it was laughable. Is the trauma going to be way worse next time for Big Sis? Was Lil Sis traumatized by the situation? I am really hoping its like childbirth and they will forget what the pain was like.

So I guess now we are ready for Kindergarten, eight band-aids later!

Another visitor...

2009-05-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Uncle A & Aunt E come visit. No trip to California is complete without going to the beach. DH took Uncle A surfing at Doheny and then later we all went for a ride in the surrey. It was fun despite DH attempts to live on the edge.

I know it looks like she's licking the brake, but she's not!
Harnessing the waves or something?Uncle A teaches Big Sis the finer points of wave chasing.
And their off!

And now no trip to visit the Robins is complete without visiting the Balloon at the Great Par k. The girls miss Uncle A and Aunt E already and please note that you are invited to come to Lil Sis' birthday party. You are the only ones that made the cut along with her bestie Pita. When I informed her that you would be living too far away, she said that you should just fly with an airplane to get to the party. When do kids start to learn the concept of money?

She insisted Uncle A carry her everywhere. So lucky to have a willing uncle, cuz mom certainly wouldn't have schlepped her around.

Gardens

2009-04-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

We inherited a jungle for a backyard. No sprinklers in the backyard either. I find it hard to believe that a home built in 1968 never had a sprinkler system installed. So DH is busy planning, pruning, digging, cutting down trees, removing massive roots, demolishing a pond and just being awesome. I love to watch him sweat. It makes me love him so much more.

We will to have to move the garden. But no big deal we only got a few plants to grow anyways. Here's what we were able to grow:

I would love a yard like this, but I think we need grass for the kiddos. I will however use it as inspiration.

Woking hard for the $$$

2009-04-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

We are attempting to improve the efficiency of our home. This winter it was pretty cold in the house despite the fact that we had the heater running. It was also pretty hot this past Sunday and Monday in the heat wave that hit California. So we've added some insulation to the attic. Thank goodness it was so overcast today.

We thought it would be a really hard job. It turned out just to be a really dirty job. I kept the hooper fill with cocoon insulation, all 20 bags. DH was in the attic spraying. He was a little panicked at first in the small crawl space over the kitchen. He was imagining being stuck up there and the insulation coming at a fast rate and suffocating and trapping him there, being unable to tell me to stop the machine. So Big Sis and Lil Sis kept watch for me since I couldn't hear while the machine was running. After the first bag DH realized that we were okay. So we sent the girls back to their movie.

I feel so green now and I feel like we could somehow qualify for Mike Rowe's job. Okay well maybe not!

The before.Check out those white eyelashes.The after!

Check off my want list

2009-04-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Before we moved into our home I started compiling a want list. One of the things that I loved was open shelving. Here is my inspiration. I forgot to write down where I found these, so I can't give proper credit.

DH made that dream a reality for me. Slowly maybe the other dreams will come true too! (Come on economy pick up!)

It is so easy to access my dishes. I love it.

DH even put in my microwave/oven and cook top. We lived without a microwave for about 3 months. Surprisingly it was not that bad.

My Failed Attempt

2009-04-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

This year I thought I would attempt to make the girls Easter dresses. It was so bad I won't even post a picture. Lesson #1 learned . . . . pick a good pattern. The one I picked from Simplicity/New Look was awful. It seriously looked like I cut holes in a pillow case for arms and their heads. Lesson #2 learned . . . . patterns run really big, I mean really big. Big Sis fit into a 3T. What? Come on get it right pattern makers. Can you please keep your sizes consistent with the retail industry?

My mom came to the rescue and found these adorable smocked dress for only $12 at Macy's. Score. Thank you mom!

Never fear I still want to try sewing some clothes for the girls. I think I'll start with these patterns. I love them! I love the idea of making the girls clothes with my own two hands.

And their off...

2009-04-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

We finally live in an area that is condusive to learning how to ride a bike. Big Sis was too young when we lived in Irvine and it was too dangerous when we lived in Chino Hills (we lived on a very steep hill). Now our street is pretty flat and we have taken the girls outside to practice their riding skills.

Big Sis started riding what is called a Puky bike when she was about 2 years old. My brothers brought it home from Switzerland for her. The idea behind the bike is that the children learn to balance thereby eliminating the need for training wheels. Let me tell you it works. Big Sis is riding her bike after only two times out with her dad.

Now Lil Sis is practicing her balance on the Puky bike. She is already getting the hang of it. In fact she was trying to pull out some fancy tricks, both legs up in the air!

Aren't helmets so dang funny?

The Great Park Balloon

2009-04-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa flew down this week from Utah to spend some time with us. We took them to the Orange County Great park and went on a balloon ride. I still can't believe that it was free. So fun. I loved the ticket design, so simple. Too bad that I couldn't keep one. They were going "green" and reused the tickets for the next patrons. In fact most of the park so far, seemed to be using recycled materials from the old marine base.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the fun visit. We loved having you. Congratulations on your mission call.

Sorry Grandma, didn't realize your face was so obstructed!
Grandma and I found some time to relax in the sun. The weather was amazing.

This is for you Mom & Dad

2009-04-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last month my parents gave us the ultimate gift. A night off. They took the girls over night. After I dropped them off in the afternoon they took the girls to see The Little Mermaid Ballet. They were in heaven. Big Sis exclaimed loudly during the performance, as she watched the dancers leap across the stage, "they haven't taught me that in my class yet Opa." Lil Sis enjoyed the show but had a hard time sitting still. At one point during the show my dad said that she threw her arms forward and wrapped them around the head of the boy sitting in front of her. She quickly realized what she had done and was embarrassed.

I had my parents bring my camera so that I could get a few shots. A belated thank you to my parents. You are amazing!

Yes that is the boy whose cranium got some lovin' from Lil Sis!So funny, Cinderella couldn't even spell her name correctly (Cinerella). I guess they don't teach you that in dance class!

Planting seeds

2009-03-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

The other day I spent a small fortune on fresh herbs. When I came home I told DH, that's it let's get a garden started.

Well today was that day. Everyone helped out, in some way or another (despite that fact that there is no proof ie. pictures that I worked, I promise I really did). Lil Sis decided to help and when she got bored she would prune the bush in the backyard. Everytime her shoes would get dirty she'd run and get another pair. I think she went through something like 5 pairs of shoes this afternoon. Big Sis was a big help and lasted the longest. She was way more interested in the process and even stabbed her dad by accident with her tool in her exuberance. We only finished one section. Tomorrow the work continues.

It felt good to get dirty and plant something. I can't remember ever planting a garden as a kid. I remember eating from the garden though! One summer visiting my Oma in Austria, I remember sneaking out of Sunday School at church and hiding in the garden out back with my friend eating raspberries. They were heavenly.

Lucky for me DH is quite adept at gardening. Thanks to his mom and dad's tutelage. Let's hope it all turns out well. I'm excited for "my" herbs and veggies.

What Big Sis picked to plant.

Disclaimer: I did not dress this child, she came up with this ensemble all on her own! She really needs helps. I mean three different patterns, stars, hearts, and flowers, yuk!

Just found ...

2009-03-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some photos that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law had and found these gems. They are growing up so fast. Big Sis will be starting school this fall. Lil Sis believes that she will be attending with her sister. I better get geared up for her heart break.

Sad day

2009-03-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I love this Eames rocking chair, but the original is just way to much right now. I missed an awesome sale on the knock off at Overstock.

Remodel Ideas

2009-02-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

So our house has been known as the house with the "red" door. When I told people at church where we lived they remembered the house based on the red door. However it is badly in need of paint. The red is flaking off in parts revealing the lovely mint green color it had been painted before. If I could afford it I would love these new doors.

The one above retails for about $10,000 or more. Can you say ouch! I definitely will be heading to the hardware store for paint, because something tells me this door is not in my future.

Would you...

2009-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

take your kids to play here?

found in my hood

Couldn't they have thought of a better name? It just conjures up the wrong image for me, but then maybe my mind is just in the gutter!

Fun in the Super Market

2009-02-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I like to hand the camera over to the kids. Here's what you get.

I love how they will pose and smile for each other, but not for me. What's up with Big Sis? I think she may want to be America's Next Top Model. Lil Sis must still be in her awkward phase. What is really fun is watching the people around me giggle/smile. I love brightening someone's day. Especially those lonely old folk. They love to stop me in the grocery store and say hello to the girls.

Hardworking

2009-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

I love that DH works so hard. I mean take a look at this root he pulled up today, it's massive. It had been choking a poor lemon tree in our yard. Now hopefully we will get some lemons. I love fresh squeezed lemonade.

Hopefully our neighbor's tree won't die! But technically it was okay to chop the root, it was on our property, right?

Favorite Book Friday

2009-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

My Sis-in-law recommended this book years ago. My girls love it. Cute, funny and a nice twist on what it is to be a princess.

Our new nest...

2009-02-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

We finally have a home to call our own now, after a year and a half long search. We couldn't be happier, despite the fact that our grass is dead looking, there is some major yard work to be done, and the kitchen is totally not my style. Slowly we will get there. I tried to take some photos of the house, but it seems that my camera can't get a wide enough angle. I'll figure something out later. Here's the kitchen. We tore down some upper cabinets that made the kitchen feel like a cave. It really opened it up. Now what to do about that unstained patch?

(anyone interested in seeing some of my dream kitchen inspirations?)

The girls really wanted a bunk bed. What an awesome purchase. Not only does it function as a bed, it also doubles as a fort! Hours of fun for them.

Here's to our adventures in the house with the red door.

Visitors

2009-01-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

We have had the best weekend. First we closed escrow on our new home. (I promise there will be pictures to come soon)

Then Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt "C" came for a visit to So Cal. They took us to a favorite haunt in Newport Beach, Villa Nova, for dinner. Grandpa's manicotti was to die for. I can't remember the last time I've been to a restaurant and was actually able to have a conversation and hear the said conversation. Most places we eat at seem to have extremely loud background music. Thanks for the memories.

Saturday we ventured to Long Beach. No trip to California would be complete without witnessing a traffic accident. We made it safe to the Aquarium. Wow, wow, wow. It was beautiful. We didn't even see all the exhibits. A seal in one of the tanks was way into the girls unicorn shoes. The girls got a little tired of all the tanks. Big Sis followed Grandma and my lead and touched a sting ray. Very cool. They loved tagging along with Aunt "C" and holding her hand. She was so patient and willing to take a slower pace for them. I must admit sometimes I forget their little legs don't travel as far as mine and I get impatient (I like to move fast).

Here are some of my favorites. I didn't get many good shots (I've only posted the good ones). I'm still learning how to work my camera. It's really hard to figure out lighting.

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

My baby turned "5". I can't believe how fast it has gone. Poor kid has such a bummer birthday. After Christmas we are just all so burnt out on presents and celebrating, I neglected to post this.

She is such a kind person. I love her personality and couldn't have asked for a better first child.

I'm almost jealous...

2009-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Isn't Utah beautiful at Christmas? I was jealous of this view from my in-laws backyard. Then reality kicks in, shoveling snow, cold, dirty cars, etc. But really Utah was heaven. I mean check out the fun we had.

having your dad pull you around the yard.
making snowmen with your cousins
staying up late to play in the falling snow
late night sled rides behind the tractor. thanks grandpa.
can you tell we loved it?
having dad pull you again, and again, and again, and...
thanks uncle "a" for the snow fort
diets consisting of snow and ice!

The other favorite ...

2009-01-08T22:13:00.001-08:00

This was our other favorite hotel "amenity".

the luggage cart!

Two little monkeys ...

2009-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

I don't normally encourage this behavior. But hey, we were on vacation. We love hotels. Swimming in a heated pool and jumping on the bed. Life doesn't get better.

Coming up, some snowy pics from Utah.

This sums it up nicely...

2008-12-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

"Exploding Head" by Keith Haring

The last time we purchased a home we were in escrow during the holidays and visiting family out of town. It seems we need to learn a lesson in stress management. It's happening all over again. Déjà Vu. Only this time we have two little ones along for the crazy ride that is our life.

That being said. We are excited to have a new home soon and spend some time with our Utah family for Christmas. Snow here, we come.

Outtakes

2008-12-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

Getting Lil Sis to smile for the camera for our Christmas card photos was torturous this year. She fell asleep in the car on the way over. And in typical Lil Sis fashion is an extreme grump when she wakes up. I tried every trick in the book to get her to smile (candy?). I resorted to some pretty funny stuff. What finally did the trick is a little too embarrassing to post! Since I embarrass the girls enough on this blog, I thought I deserve a turn now. Enjoy the pics. (BTW we did get one shot of her smiling, just the one!)

Baby M is here!!!

2008-12-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Ludikus had their baby boy today at 1:16pm. He weighs 7lbs. 1oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long. Congrats to my brother and his wife.

We're singing in the rain...

2008-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

Finally some cold weather around here in California. I got to wear my new scarf I just picked up here.
The girls played in the rain.
Then we had a great thanksgiving at my grandma's. I was in charge of making dessert. My mom, gave me a tutorial on how to make pies. They turned out really well, if I do say so myself. Everyone loved the Gingered Apple-Cranberry Pie. I'm hoping my in-laws will let me make it for them at Christmas.

Just for giggles... this is how we found Lil Sis after Thanksgiving dinner.

Happy Birthday Lil Sis

2008-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Lil Sis just hit the big "3" this weekend. She requested a Pony Pinkie Pie cake. A little to ambitious for me so we settled on cupcakes with a Pony Pinky Pie decoration. We just had a family party, and invited her bestie Pita and her family. I really can't handle big birthday parties every year. Both girls birthdays land right on the two biggest holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

She enjoyed her party. I learned an important lesson. I'm going to remove the toys from the boxes before I wrap them. I mean it took the whole family cutting and sawing our way through all that plastic packaging about 10 minutes. Toy makers if you hear me, please do something about this!!!

It's funny how siblings get so jealous when its not their birthday. After Lil Sis received a gift from Oma and Opa, Big Sis exclaimed "wow, thats just what we wanted." It has been hard for Big Sis to come to terms with the fact that these new toys belong only to Lil Sis.

A big thank you to Grandma J. We love the CooCoo the Rocking Clown Game. It is a lot harder than it looks, even for mom and dad!

We've been quilting

2008-11-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

My mom is an amazing quilter. One of the benefits of living with my parents is all the knowledge I am gleaning from my mom. We have been busy quilting like crazy the last couple months. On Monday we started a baby quilt and it was finished by Tuesday night. (I won't tell you how late I stayed up though!) The girls love to come watch and poke around with the needles and thread while we do our projects. Big Sis loves to take the scraps of fabric and lay out quilting patterns. Lil Sis had been begging me to let her do some quilting. This week I decided to buy some big plastic needles and see what they could do. I pre-punched some holes in some red felt to make it easy. They had a blast and were proud of their creations.

My finished project. I love the way it turned out.

Missed Birthday

2008-11-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

I missed posting a Happy Birthday shout out to my little brother. Happy belated birthday. You deserve the best. Check out the photos, you were always so serious!

Costume Swap

2008-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last night we went Trick or Treating with our good friends. As girls typically do, they swapped outfits/costumes for the night. Way to make dressing up even more fun! The girls had a blast. Even before candy consumption they were off the charts excited. Lil Sis, Big Sis, and Pita would run from house to house chanting "Trick or Treat". They wore themselves out, especially once their buckets weighed a few tons. Thanks to Lil Sis smooth tactics, we have more than our fair share of candy. If the homes let her pick her own candy she would inevitably take extra. At a few homes she even asked, "can I have some for my mommy and daddy?" I swear we didn't put her up to it, but thanks babe!

On they way down to the OC, Big Sis exclaimed in the car that "when you die mom, I want to go and live with N. She is so fun. And then I won't be alone." Thanks for letting us be part of your family last night!

She's hurting...and I had no idea

2008-10-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

I found out Lil Sis is getting her back molars in. That must have explained the recent über grouchiness and the drippy nose. While watching Alice in Wonderland with Big Sis she got scared and then went to cuddle with Opa. While he played the ukulele, she fell asleep.

It's amazing how hurting brings out the worst and best in all of us.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

We partied hard this weekend at the annual Trunk or Treat at church. The girls were excited to dress up and have pink hair. I was afraid it wouldn't wash out, but luckily it did. So we may be adding some more on Halloween night. Lil Sis loves her "Pinky Pie" costume. She loves My Little Pony. We often have to listen to a storybook CD about "Pinky Pie" 10 times in a row in the car. It can get annoying, but hey! Big Sis and I were dressed as witches. She didn't want to wear green make-up though. I am apparently the evil witch from the west and she is the good witch from the east.