The Pico Posse

Because who really needs sleep?

2012-01-17T01:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the clock reads 3:51 am. Why am I up? Well about an hour and a half ago, a huge bolt of lightning and a giant clap of thunder rocketed my 4 year old into our bed then as we were going to put her back into her own bed, the tornado sirens went off and we were getting ready to go to the basement when they stopped. So we had to do bed time all over again including changing Val's sheets and giving him a bottle, calming Isa down and getting her tucked in after another potty run and then we finally crawled in bed and now I can't sleep. CURSES! So here are a couple of pics having nothing to do with the storm and everything to do with why we were up.

Cub Bear, Serena, and Isa all sporting left over tiaras from Isa's birthday party.

The kidlings.

Val Val the Itty Bitty Pal

2012-01-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

That's what we call the little prince around here. Along with the Nugget, things are pretty crazy right now. I had no idea that 2 children was so much more work until I had to get them out of the house while there was a cold snap that hit. Getting those 2 ready to brave the elements was NOT pretty but we made it.

Val being all smiley for Daddy after church.

The aerial view of the baby on the couch.

There's also this thing I'm doing for the new year. Maybe you've heard of it but there's this website that's taking over my life called pinterest. It's all crafty and awesome and I saw this way to organize your home in 31 days. Now it may take this overachieving turd only 31 days to clean her already clean house and take pictures of it, I'm tackling 1 project a weekend and hoping I can still find all my stuff by the time Easter hits. Don't get me wrong, I like my chaos, the only thing is that if someone asked me where my car keys were, I would never give the same answer twice and while this wasn't a giant problem, now I need the help so stuff has to have a constant home around here- thus my organizing crusade. It's looking pretty good though, I've got the 2 big closets, my laundry area, and now my kitchen pantry looking so organized I think Martha Stewart herself is pea green with envy at my newly discovered organizing mad skillz.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

Val with Santa. This was the only picture because shortly after this was taken, Val decided he was too hot so I had to strip him down and let him go to sleep. Anyway, this is his first Santa picture.

Isa with Santa. This is the first non-photoshopped pic we have. Every year Miguel has had to fix red eye, deal with tears, or his wife bossing him around saying "take 10 pounds off of me in this Santa picture!" She did great this year. Such a big girl!

Isa and Val on the morning of their Christmas party at school. Looking lovely the both of them.

I love these shirts. I made them and am super proud! They both look so cute!

This is because of pinterest. This Christmas there were so many great ideas and how to make them it almost ruined my life but in a great way. I made the bows out of burlap and did all my wrapping in brown paper shopping bags. Not a half bad way to wrap presents on the cheap.

THE present this year. We made this kitchen out of an entertainment center and put it in a new play room in the basement. Great Christmas present!

Merry Christmas from the posse!

All pics, no captions.

2011-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally got some pics to load (fingers crossed for a Christmas miracle). These are of Isa's Christmas play and her birthday...at least I'm pretty sure, there's just code on the screen but the preview looks good. Merry Christmas to all, and let's try to scale back next year to get some sleep!

Happy and Merry

2011-12-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

I would be a lot happier and merrier if the pics I selected would load onto the blog. Ok, I'll get the tech team (Miguel) to take a look and in the mean time here's what's going on.
1) Thanksgiving, we're thankful and the only picture we have is of me and the kids sitting at Mary's kitchen table, not that great but it's my facebook profile pic if you want to see it.

2) The house with lights on it. Yes we finally hit the jackpot, big lights. I love big lights and they're awesome and then we got the picture and blew a fuze out of the first strand and they haven't worked since and now we look like grinches in our hood because everyone else has their houses lit up like the Vegas strip and we're all dark up in this hizzy. We got the picture though and that's what counts.

3) Isa's Christmas spectacular at her school. Yes Christmas fans, Isa played an angel and wore a costume and sang in her school play this year, a first on all 3 counts and the pics are adorable. She was so happy and cute I could almost explode with pride on how well she did. These are the pics I tried to load with no such luck!

4) Isa's birthday party. It's that time of year again, birthday time. We had all the usuals over to the Posse pad yesterday to celebrate Isa's birthday and it was a butterfly themed blast. All the kids were cute and good and took great pictures.

That's it. I'm sincerely hoping there are pics to come otherwise I'm going to have to close down the blog, because there's no way you're here for the witty captions.

Ourself, Elfed.

2011-11-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treating

2011-11-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Posse Hits the Patch

2011-10-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kidlings this morning while I was buying a truck load of formula and using up the coupons before the 31st (aka expiration date)

Yay Lynn! Granted I'm not look'in too hot, but it was worth it! Isa is sporting her princess butterfly costume, Val is a shrimp, I am a tired Mommy and Lynn is a godsend! It was a great visit!

Isa and Ben at the pumpkin patch this year.

Yeah, it's a hat that looks like a candy corn.

Quick, get that pumpkin!

Miguel with the kids.

So adorable, you'd never guess she was a living nightmare behavior wise there. Too much stuff to do and too many pumpkins to see!

"Driving" the tractor.

And then it was Val's turn.

They had a play ground there.

Out in the pumpkin field.

Yet another tractor.

Val and me having a serious chat.

Both of 'em. Too cute.

All 3 kidlings.

Val in a wash tub of gourds.

Isa asking for a small token of the day.

October Got Busy

2011-10-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Ah, the kidlings in the nursery. On the rug I made, it's nice that after all that work someone can use it besides the dog. Val's update is that he's working on some teeth (thus explaining the drool).

Check these peeps! Isa's big girl swingset has been popular this past summer, a couple of weeks ago when the boys came over to play Miguel snapped this one of them. From the left, Isa, Sam, Gabe, and Elijah.

I'm in my shark towel, what's up now?

These earrings remind me of the past before mom let me get my ears pierced. Loving the dress up also.

How beautiful am I in this sparkle dress mommy?

Isa and Val at the Farmer's Market in Kirkwood. Now that Val's a little bald I don't mind putting him in hats, he's a mighty fine looking little lad in that hat if I do say so myself.

Aunt Teresa with me and the kiddos, Miguel was working at home. We had so much fun, perfect weather for some pumpkins and some tractor riding!

Me working on Isa's Halloween costume. She invented it herself and will be a Princess Butterfly.

She put her rocking horse in front of the fan Miguel had on to blow out the paint fumes and told him she was "riding so fast" with her hair blowing in the wind and all. I love the stuff she comes up with!

This is MY masterpiece (not just the kid in this case). This year I made Val a shrimp costume. I made up the pattern and everything. Pretty proud of myself on this one. The kidling in there is pretty cute too.

So cute I added another pic of him. Great pic Miguel, you must have had someone helping you with the lighting.

Isa getting ready for school. I have to shout out to the Shawleys, thanks for the tights. She LOVES them, in fact she had to wear that outfit because she refused to take them off that morning before school.

I don't know, it's too adorable though.

Look at what I made at school! Paper plate jack-o-lantern!

Val Val the Little Bitty Pal. Chillin in his room.

What?


From Val: We hope you enjoyed this post. From Isa: Peace out G.

Getthing updated

2011-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

The big boy in his bath chair!

So mad!

What's up? Yeah, this is how we roll when mom is sorting out clothes and dad is working in the yard.

Ready for school today.

At the Balloon Glow with the Gerst family.

What's better, lots of hot air balloons that you can walk up to or a bunch of glow bracelets?

This was too cool.

Isa and Ben traveling in style.

Some rain pictures. Thanks to mom and auntie for the freakishly small umbrella, she looked like a circus act out there playing in the rain. She had a lot of fun though.

Checking... and it's still raining. Ok, on with the photo shoot.

So happy to be outside!

Strike a pose Nugget.

And with the big umbrella.

Happy little man, not to be out cuted by his big sister.

What a pair!

Both of them giving me the "what's up mommy?" look.

Nephew's Birthday party and beyond

2011-08-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Out back reading with Daddy.

A visit from the Shawley peeps! Awesome dinner with awesome company.

Working on some coloring

This is the pre-party.

Watermelon shark- thank you pinterest.

The fam at the party.

Happy birthday Sam and Elijah from the Pico kiddos!

Erica with my childrens.

One birthday boy- turning the big 0-4.

Post party- you carry around your doll in a party hat.

Dad and Nugget out in the backyard, so sweet I had to take the pic.

Not to be outdone by ANYONE with a camera, Miguel decided to take a few pics himself.

Kidlet Pics

2011-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Auntie holding Val while I was working. Thank goodness she was there- he was losing it!

My sweet baby boy on the kitchen table. Yeah, we were right there (we're not the type of parents that lets our kids Bumbo by themselves on the table.)

I LOVE this picture. Val was talking to Daddy in this one while Isa was posing.

I love Val's expression in this one, it's just so him. Isa is also giving her "I'm almost done here and after, I'm getting into some trouble" smile.


Rolled up hair, grandma, and a story. Is there really anything better?

Ah, yes, before the baptism I was cleaning, cooking, running errands and Miguel was... taking pictures of the kids in the middle of the kitchen. I only wish he had caught some of my hard work in the background but since my kiddos are so darling I'll settle for these pictures.

This is how the Posse Parties

2011-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

The other night I was having my wits charmed out of me by this little cherub.

After Sara Blackwood's 29th (again) birthday party, this little animal was partied out!

This is Val in the Winnie the Pooh jammies given to us by Lynn. And speaking of Pooh Bear jammies, let's have a look back...


Ah yes, this is Isa wearing the same jammies on the same spot on the couch at the same age. Loving the jammies and the models in them! Thanks Lynn!

Cutie Patooties

2011-07-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Alison and John Gerst came over to our house and brought with them their oh-so-adorable son Ben. Isa and Ben invented this way to share her trike.

Triking around the driveway.

No, Ben NEVER gets to drive.

After all the action, there's nothing like sleeping in your tent in your room!

More kiddie pics

2011-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

So happy after the bath and a bottle.

Bathing beauty.

Bath time.

This is how you look at your parents when they're trying to get you to smile.

Looking adoringly at Daddy.

The little guy

2011-07-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

So thoughtful this morning.

Why yes, I AM busy, can't you see I'm working on giving myself an arm hickey?

Neighborhood watch. I have some pretty nosy little kids.

Here are some of the little man of the house. Thanks to Miguel for letting me sleep while these were being taken.

While she was supposed to be asleep.

2011-07-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Why sleep when you can put together so many other looks? This week Isa has decided to take on her own fashion. Ironically enough while she's supposed to either be napping or in bed for the night. Seeing as how I'm putting together lesson plans, keeping the house in some sort of order and taking care of Val around the clock, I decided to document this week's anti-sleep maneuvers. Enjoy!

This first one I call:

Why take a nap when you can dress up and dance around the living room?

Working hard on the tower. Again, while she's supposed to be taking a nap.

I laugh in the face of bedtime. Stylishly of course.

Why yes dad, mom did put me in bed in my jammies. I just decided that they did not rock hard enough so I put this little ensemble together.

I know posting's been sparce- blame it on the baby.

2011-06-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Miguel for this adorable pic taken while I was taking a nap. Both were much needed.

This is what a partied out princess looks like. After we came home from Gabe's birthday party she crashed on the couch.

I wasn't going to include this pic for some reason but Isa insisted that this specific pic be put in here. She said, "Mommy, let's put the picture of my new swing set my daddy invented on the computer." So there you have it Miguel- thanks for inventing the swing set! Such a wonderful dad my kiddos have. Happy Father's Day Babe! Thanks for being an awesome Daddy!

Random Stuff

2011-05-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Isa at the Greek fest jumping and having a great time in the puddle!

The kiddos and me, really early. Hence the hair!

Isa playing outside, yes, it's too hot for pants yet she still needs her puppy shirt.

Playing outside is the best. Meanwhile, inside the house...

Someone's getting a bath in the sink. This is how he is when he gets a bath, completely out!

Getting ready for bed.

Here's another pic from the Greek Fest, I don't know why the other one's at the top. Sorry!

Another round of puddle splashing and we're done!

Somebody else takes some pictures

2011-05-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I love pictures of my kids. Today Julie took some amazing pics of Val. She got some of Isa and me in there too, but he was really the star of the show. Check them out on her blog:
http://blog.sungazingphotography.com/?p=1637
(For mom, you highlight the above line, right click, click on copy, go to the browser, highlight that, click paste and be prepared to have your socks knocked off.)

Julie is a friend from grade school with her own photography studio. She is wonderful at catching people at their best. Thanks for a great shoot and a chance to catch up Julie! You rock!

The Prince of the Posse

2011-05-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's just a foot but it's the cutest little foot I've seen since Isa's. He was getting printed.

Getting monitored and probably wanting his mommy.

The 3 of us for now, snuggling with your brand new baby is the best!

Isa came to the delivery room soon after Val was born to say hi to her new baby brother.

This is our first full family portrait. We've waited for what felt like a long time for this! We're all so happy to be together.

Isa waiting and watching Val from outside the nursery while I was coming upstairs to the recovery floor. That's Val in the background.

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Terry came by, Miguel caught this one of Val and Uncle Terry.

Val and Mommy snuggling up.

The big sister of the year with her brand new big sister shirt and her new pink giraffe (A gift from Auntie and Joel during their visit that day).

I put this in here on purpose (Miguel because I know you'll yell at me about it). We put in a LONG night and this was right after I got into the recovery room. I'm just proud we all made it to this point. It's all uphill from here...right?

A little pic of the little prince.

Miguel's parents visiting Val.

Check out the hair on this kiddo! This is how he spends most of his days, sporting the faux-hawk and sleeping.


Keeping in the theme of the frogs for going home. Isa wore a frog sleeper to come home in. I couldn't help but dress him to kill in this little frog ensemble. Too darling if you ask me.

. Weighing in at 8lbs. and measuring out at 21" Valentino Oscar completed our family. He's such a wonderful little baby with the best head of hair I've seen since Isa was born. Isa is such a great big sister, she's a helper and likes to sing songs to Val when he cries or seems sleepy. We're so happy to celebrate this time in our family.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Isa and me at the Ester egg hunt at church, we got done just as the rain started.

Checking out the loot!

Look at this Daddy!

We all moved inside the gym where there were bouncy toys and face painting for the little guys to do.

Jumping around!

Waiting in line for the "big kids" bouncy toy with Daddy.

The Easter bunny left the basket with eggs and presents. She got diving rings, modeling clay and the best... crab shaped swim goggles for the pool this summer.

Showing off her pie crust making skills... oh yeah, the goggles were on almost all day too.

Isa and the cousins.

Sam in the Easter clad wilderness.

A cool shot thanks to Miguel (nice job sweetie!).

After all the festivities it's time to go home. She was asleep about 10 minutes after this picture was taken.

Isa in her Easter dress before any mud, sweat, or anything else got on it. It was awesome. Thanks Doug and Jami, Anna has great taste in dresses. This is the picture of a little girl who's ready to party!

Easter Fun (and yet ANOTHER trip to the zoo)

2011-04-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Isa looking out at Daddy, I think I was working on lesson plans at the library.

As part of Miguel's home improvement, he turned what once was my sewing room into a giant pantry. I love it, it's so handy to be able to find everything.

Isa in the pantry before the demo began.

Getting ready to roast some hot dogs for dinner with the Lorenz household.

A perfect spring day at the zoo out in front.

Auntie came with us and as always we visited the penguins and puffins- a must if you're there with the little miss.

A ride on the carousel was perfect too. Auntie hopped on the elephant to the right once the ride started, and yes, I, 8 1/2 months pregnant, got on the bear to the left and rode.

Isa outside with the only jacket she'll wear right now because she can do the buttons all by herself.

Jammies and curlers, SOME little lady is getting ready for church and the Easter festivities tonight. We can't wait for the egg hunt!

Neighborhood watch right here. I hope she doesn't grow up to be one of those old ladies sitting around in her curlers nosing around in the neighbor's business. I guess it all starts here.

Showing off her range of emotions, she goes from nosy old curler lady to surprised face. This is something she's been working on- as in "Mommy look at me be surprised (insert surprised face)".

Some Lovely Pico Pics

2011-03-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

I love these 2 pics Miguel took of her! She does too and I only know that because as I am typing this very sentence, she is oohing at herself and telling me how beautiful she is. I can only agree.

In other news, all the major work in the nursery is done, the walls are patched, sanded, and painted as well as the baseboards. We decided to forgo the dresser and install a truly pimped out closet and I love it! (pics to come soon on that one) we made a valance for the window and installed the shades, I re-covered an old bumper pad and it now matches the stripey goodness that IS the nursery. We've still got a couple of projects but it is coming together, thankfully. We did debate a couple of times driving out to Eureka to get the cradle and crib and stuff from our respective parents, but with gas being the price it is right now, we figured we'd wait until we were truly ready to move in all the furniture and not make a couple of trips. Now if we could just find some time to come up with a name for this little guy it would be perfect!

Random posting to get caught up

2011-02-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Oh my! So much has happened. There was the terrible "blizzard" which gifted us with about 2 1/2 inches of ice and almost no snow. Isa saw her first high school basketball game, we found out that the new baby will be a boy (no name yet so we're calling him Ninja due to his amazing nocturnal kicking abilities), Isa's first school Valentine's Day party, a serious plague of illness that fell on the ladies of the house avoiding Miguel all together, the first snow man to see our yard, and Isa's first kite flying adventure. And THAT'S just the highlight reel! We've been very blessed to be this busy with getting the nursery ready and having so much fun outside lately. Now I appreciate it a lot more due to the fact that Isa dragged some sort of bronchitis mess home from school, gave it to me and we were both miserable for a while. But now everyone is healthy, happy, and very busy! We're looking forward to a great spring with lots of stuff going on and the new baby coming.

This is the very first loaf of cinnamon raisin bread I ever made from scratch. It's awesome and I love it, it is now a household staple.

Our first snowman! Isa and Miguel built this dapper fellow when the snow finally melted enough to stick together. I don't know anything about the baby stroller, Miguel took this picture.

Again, I have no clue about the stroller, but Isa does love to push it around outside. She had such a blast this year playing out in the snow!

On the toboggan racing around the yard with Daddy!

Putting snow in the bucket, dumping it over, then stomping on it. A perfect way to kill some time outside.

Daddy and Isa in front of their handiwork! Great job guys!

Ninja's room, pre-everything. It's a slow process but it's looking better every day.

The fan is installed and the changing table is getting used less and less. These are 2 facts that make a momma very happy. Potty training is well underway here, I hoping for at least 1 diaper free month before we start all over again!

Ready to share some love! This is the Valentine's Day party outfit. Isa added her tutu and beads. We did her valentines together and she had a pretty good time at her party.

Poor sick little baby! Crashed out on the couch and drooling away. I'm so happy she's feeling better now.

A couple of other moms from my MOPS group and I hit the zoo last Thursday (it was 70 and sunny for crying out loud!) From the left we have August, Isa, Ben, and Leeza. All in all, a pretty good looking bunch!

3 animals squaking at some animals.

Kite flying!

Hang on with both hands!

Isa learned how to launch the kite correctly. Way to listen to directions!

Loving the Snow!

2011-01-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

My little snow angel.

Mid snow face-plant!

Look at me mommy!

Christmas This Year

2011-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Isa enjoying her Christmas presents from everyone. Thanks, the outfits are all that much better wearing the ladybug boots and looking through the kaleidoscope!

Isa at her first Christmas program. She didn't sing, but at least she didn't scream. (Check the kid to the left, yep, the entire time- I felt kind of sorry for his mom)

Paying attention to the teacher. And no, Isa did absolutely nothing to those two little boys. The camera flashes started and they started up.

More of the program. Believe it or not, the whole thing was only about 15 minutes long, but it was 15 of the cutest minutes I've ever experienced.

Clapping along.

Showing off her new necklace from Mommy and Daddy she got that morning.

Reading the new book Grammy brought.

Christmas Morning. Opening presents with Mommy (in the background finishing up a project) Daddy (taking the picture), Grammy, Poppy, and Uncle D.

Putting together the new train set from Grammy and Poppy.

Opening the music box from Uncle D.

Our house on Christmas Eve night before we went to church. We couldn't believe it! A white Christmas 2 years in a row!

Isa outside in her Christmas Eve outfit. Proof that I did curl her hair for church. It fell out by the next picture.

Having some fun!

It's cold Daddy, take the picture please!

Thinking about presents.

Surprise!

Christmas Eve at Aunt Teresa and Uncle Terry's house. Sporting the jammies that Santa brought her.

Playing the piano with Uncle Terry.

Isa giving Uncle Terry a piano lesson.

Uncle Terry pointing out the important points of sheet music.

Mommy and Isa by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

The Big Birthday, 3 years old!

2010-12-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

Isa trying to warm up to Santa.

The end is the beginning I guess. This was the last picture of the night, how it ended up so far up here, I don't know. All 3 kiddos riding the carousel at the zoo.

Isa did really well when Santa sang Happy Birthday to her in the middle of the mall before he started taking requests.

Uncle Terry and Aunt Teresa with Isa at the mall to visit Santa. This was before the Santa meltdown.

Caroline was showing Isa how it was done and Isa was not having it. She cried and did NOT want to talk to Santa at all.

FINALLY- a decent picture- maybe next year will be easier.

Isa and Caroline surveying the scene.

Looking at the cards waiting for everyone to get into the dining room to sing.

Ariel view of the Ariel cake.

Getting the candles ready to light so we can sing to the birthday princess.

Everyone is ready for some cake.

Some party-going kiddos.

This is a kitty from Mandy and Gianna, she sleeps with that cat. And it's loud- Thanks Mandy, I'm remembering this for Gianna's next birthday!

Miguel made the Ariel out of different colors of paper (seriously there are about 80 different pieces of paper on my wall).

Everyone looking at the new princess vanity from Grandma and Auntie.

Isa checking out the decorations while sporting a princess dress up complete with dress up shoes.

Grammy & Poppy with Isa.

The birthday girl with a cake fit for a princess.

Caroline, Isa, and Katie all dressed up to the nines. Koren make the cake, AND cookies, AND chocolate sea shells. That cake was amazing- Thanks Koren.

Grandma and Auntie with the birthday princess.

A few of the party guests. Joel, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Dan. It was so nice to see so many people that day.

Every princess needs a cake break.

The little family! Happy Birthday big girl. You're a wonderful daughter and you'll make an awesome big sister! We love you so much.

Isa loved riding on the monkey at the zoo.

Sam looking at the name of the animal he chose to ride.

Sam on the tiger at the zoo on the carousel. We all went to "Wild Lights" to wrap up the day.

Elffed

2010-11-27T09:35:00.001-08:00

Crash!

2010-11-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

While I was at a meeting one night Miguel took this video of Isa playing with her giant blocks. We LOVE those things. I loved her crash, which she chooses to say every time she bumps into something. Never a dull moment around here.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

The triumphant completion of this year's jack-o-lantern.
At Boo at the Zoo this year. Yes, we battled out the crowds and went with the Blackwoods.
I think I smell something... like ZOO!
Riding a puffin on the carousel.
Close up shot of a happy bumble bee.
Getting ready to go out trick or treating.
Hauling home the haul.

Pumpkin Patchin

2010-10-16T13:25:00.001-07:00

At home all decked out (Thanks Auntie and Joel for those kick'in specs).

At the entrance to the pumpkin patch.
Up on top of one of the slides looking out at all the pumpkins.
Being a scarecrow.
Picking out the perfect pumpkin took some time.
Mommy and Isa with just a few pumpkins in the background.
All of us having a fun morning together (finally)!

A couple of videos about monkeys

2010-09-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Isa was reading her Monkeys Jumping on the Bed book to me this morning. It was so cute I thought I'd share!

Chicago Weekend

2010-08-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

From the left, you've got me, Elle, Isa, and Amy. The little girls decided to switch strollers for the ride into the zoo. A great way to spend the morning with great friends.
3 of the loveliest ladies! Isa, Kayleigh (Jen and Bill's daughter) and Elle.
The little girls (Elle and Isa) off on some sort of zoo adventure!

Isa playing on the splash pad at the Brookfield Zoo.
How you like me now?

Post zoo Mickey's lunch. A place I enjoyed in college.

This past weekend (we left last Thursday and got back Sunday) we went to Chicago. Chicago is one of my all time favorite places. Some of the best people in the entire world live there and we're fortunate enough to be friends with them and they let us visit. We stayed with Bill and Jen (thanks! You guys are awesome) and we got a chance to spend some time with Colin and Amy (so much fun!) . It's nice that Colin and Amy moved there so we can get the majority of our out of town visiting done in one swoop. Thanks for making this weekend so much fun!

Last Vacation Day and First Day of School

2010-08-23T11:36:00.001-07:00

Now that Mom's at the "All School Kick Off" for her school, let's see what Dad will let me get away with. Here we go!
Playing a little soccer in the driveway. She loves to kick the ball around!
Queen of the castle, ok maybe just the kangaroo climber. You can tell I'm gone and Dad's in charge, I yell at her if she's up there, but here's Dad- no rules, just pictures. These 2 really live on the edge when I'm gone.
Extreme close up! You can tell how much fun she's having by the amount of sweat that's in this picture.
Hurry up and take the picture Dad! I have me some serious learnin to do!
On the front porch waiting to go to school. WE ARE READY!

I made the name tag on the bag. (thanks Koren and I can cut it off when/if Katie wants it back). She was so excited to have her stuff in her own bag that she asked me to take a picture of it. We were in a hurry so Yes, I know my shadow is in the pic and I'm sorry, Miguel's the pro, not me.

First Night in the New Room!

2010-08-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

We finally finished Isa's room, the painting, the re-painting, it was high drama around here for a while. Well, we're almost done hanging up all her stuff and here are a couple of pics of her first night in her new room!

Grant's Farm

2010-08-03T12:13:00.001-07:00

All of us on the tram that took us on a ride through the farm.

Feeding the goats with a baby bottle. Isa LOVED this!

Mike loved this too, until the goats started chewing on his shirt. Mike is my art teacher/giant hick friend and his wife and kids are awesome.

Mike holding up Isa and Taylor so they could see the horses.

Mommy holding up Isa to look at the horses.

Mike, in the hospitality room, drinking beer and holding his kid. Who would do such a thing?
Oh wait, yeah that's how you beat the St. Louis heat while carrying 30 pounds of kid on your shoulders.
The Lorenz kids (mine was in the gift shop trying to get candy from the lady who worked there) and Mike and me behind the bar.

What else do you do in 102 degree heat? You head on over to Grant's Farm of course. Seriously, we got out before it got too hot. Isa had so much fun there with the Lorenz kids this morning. We were all pretty ready to head home at about 12:30 though. Great St. Louis day!

Why haven't you been to the zoo?

2010-07-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Loving lunch inside. This is the first time I've ever eaten inside while at the zoo, but 100+ heat index calls for it!
Who is this wild animal?
The crazy water animals in their children's zoo habitat.
Isa doing a little zoo farming after she got done playing in the fountain.
We finished up the visit with a ride on the train. Thanks Sara for being our zootogropher!
I loves me some crazy zoo times!

Kitchen re-hab

2010-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Isa in the oven hole. Yes it was a week of performances in there. It was a puppy house, her new bed, and a perfect stage for singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" while I made dinner.

Nice legs baby!

Smile happy home owner! Yes, he's in the wall hole.
Yes, this sad piece of crap is what I was using. (I'm using "piece of crap" as a term of endearment in this case, but still!)
This is what replaced it. It works great!
When that was all taken care of, it was time to do the next project, painting Isa's room.

While the Cat's away

2010-07-06T10:09:00.001-07:00

I was at a training seminar for my new job teaching Spanish to grades 1-4 and I was gone for a week. Miguel took a couple of pictures to help illustrate the antics that ensued while I was gone. Evidently nobody combed Isa's hair or bothered to put pajamas on her (all I saw were the pictures) all week but everyone survived. Thanks Aunt Karen, Tara, Mary, Becky, Sara, and Mike. We never would have made it without y'all!

Before I left, the oven broke. Miguel was trying to find what was wrong and fix it and Isa decided to help. But let's face it, I bake all the time and that oven was brand new in this house in 1968. The green eyesore is now out of the wall and in the garage. We're installing a new one (black this time) this week.

After a full day of wearing people out and fixing ancient appliances, she is finally ready to be done for the day! I don't even want to know about the army of toys she's sleeping in the middle of, her bath status, or why she's not wearing pajamas in this picture. Sometimes I've got to let stuff go.
AND AS AN ADDED BONUS POSSE FANS:
Our annual 4th of July post. We didn' t do much this year but here's a look at last year:
And the year before that:
And now this year, she's ready for church. Since the dress was so short I put red and white bloomers on her and tied the bun in her hair with a red ribbon. She was too cute!

Our neighbor saw the photo shoot going on and she gave Isa a couple of dasies out of her yard to pose with.

Science Center

2010-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

This was our first summer outing with Caroline and Sara. We chose the Science Center because of the crummy weather and the fact that I am babysitting a 4 month old who would have melted outside today at the zoo. Don't worry, we'll probably hit the zoo next Friday.
Catching some speeders over the highway.

Caroline, Isa, Logan (the little baby I'm watching this week), and me under the arch we built.

This was taken when Isa was 7 months old at the Field Museum in Chicago. Remembering the picture...
Such a big girl now! I couldn't help myself. As I was looking for the previous pic, I was thinking how grown up she is and what a baby she looked like in the other picture.
Which one should we flip over Caroline?
Sara got the girls a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear Workshop. Isa chose an orange dinosaur she now calls Fluffy. Than
Ah yes, running away from Mommy only to be met by the giant animated t-rex. I guess Isa was going to show him what her new dinosaur looked like.

Florida

2010-05-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our vacation pictures. This is the only picture we have as a family from Florida because Isa was so busy with the pools and ocean that we had to watch her all the time! Needless to say, no time for pictures really. We took this on the way to the airport to fly back home. Thanks random bike guy.

The first night there we saw the sun set from the back patio and went down to the beach.

This was the first and last time this shovel was in her hand, we bought it about an hour before this pic was taken and it was lost forever minutes after.
The ladies on the beach at sunset our first night there.
Running into the waves for the first time. The only time she was ever in the ocean without her life jacket.
We got a 1 bedroom beach villa (that's fancy for condo) with a kitchen and stuff so we set Isa's bed up in the living room. She was so tired from swimming all day, she was begging to go to sleep every night.
A sunburn baby ready for bed!

National Day of Puppetry

2010-04-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

My little girl and me sitting down to build the bird puppet.

Putting on a show with her puppet in the upper part of the History Museum.

Building her little red bird puppet. (that's half of Sue's face on the right)

Yes, it's the National Day of Puppetry, a small holiday I didn't know existed until I worked with Sue, who's son is involved with the Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis. She informed me that there would be some kid friendly, fun stuff going on in the History Museum today and we should check it out. It did not disappoint, Isa had a blast watching the performance of "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears" and making her own puppet. The perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday if you ask me.

My Famous Baby

2010-04-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know how tacky it is to plug a friend's blog on your blog BUT I'm not sorry-

Ok, so she's only famous on my blog. But I did stop by a friend's photography studio and she snapped a few of Isa that are just beautiful. You'll have to visit her blog or website to see the pictures because after you see the ones of Isa you'll want to look at all the rest of them. Julie has such an incredible talent for capturing people in their element and letting the pictures she takes show the personality of her subject. She is so talented! Thanks Julie!

http://blog.sungazingphotography.com/

Easter Part 1

2010-04-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dad, is it time to go to the Easter egg field yet?! I made Miguel take a picture of the dress. Thanks Kathy!
Mommy and Isa after we collected our 10 Easter eggs and had to get off the field so the big kids could get some eggs. Thanks to Bob and Kay for the handmade Easter basket, Isa got that before she was born.
Check it Daddy! My first collected Easter egg!

Grammy and Isa opening eggs to see all the choking hazards lying inside.

Poppy got in on the egg opening action. Nicely sporting the Disney princess sticker gifted to him during church.
Quiet baby with her sheep tattoo and face painted drinking milk in the carseat. So tired and comfy and ready to go home and fall asleep waiting for the Easter bunny.

This Sunday is a first for me. This is the first Easter Sunday morning I did not attend church. We went to an amazing Easter service last night and participated in all the Easter kidling festivities taking place including dinner outside, kid crafts, face painting, those huge jumpy things outside and a 10,000 egg Easter egg hunt in a field. We were joined by Miguel's mom and dad for all the goings on of last night. All in all I think it was a succe

Spring At Purina Farm

2010-03-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Waiting to go inside and see all the baby animals.
Running through the tunnels in the barn is way more fun than walking on the walkways.
A kid petting a kid. That goat was wearing a sweater, I would have gotten a picture but Isa spotted a "puffy doggy" in the next area. So she raced off to learn that it wasn't a puffy doggy after all, it was a lamb, she loved it anyway.
Petting the lamb.
She took well to these little guys. She kept saying "Come here little pliglet." And kissing in the air to get the piglets to come over to her.
Running like a crazy woman to see the fish pond. We got a lot of action shots today, she was a very busy little girl.
Taking off after that cow told her what was up. Before this was taken every time the cow would moo she would moo back...very loudly. Finally that cow decided she'd had enough and licked Isa's face. I have to hand it to the cow in this situation, that is definitely one way to get a kid to pipe down.
We lost interest in the dog show so we decided to take a wagon ride around the farm. She was waving at all the other children doing all the farm stuff.

The MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group went to Purina Farm today. I took Isa and we had a blast!

Potty Princess

2010-03-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

I took this last week some time. Isa was sitting on her potty and I heard talking in the bathroom. Sure enough she lined all her loyal subjects up to listen to her as she spoke from the throne. I also intend to use these as blackmail later.

The baby visits

2010-03-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

One of my dear friends from high school came to visit with her little girl who is 4 months old. I got out Isa's old baby swing and tried to put new batteries in it only to find that the old battery had exploded so of course the new batteries were useless as well as the swing itself. They showed up before I could move the swing downstairs. After they left Isa decided she was going to be a baby and crawled up into the swing with her snack and put the tray down and everything. She was watching Sesame Street and singing along while these pictures were taken. My baby swings again!

Powder Valley and Beyond

2010-03-10T07:46:00.001-08:00

Cheesing it up before the big hike. She said goodbye to this frog on the way back out to the car.
She also told me she's a "moobie star" with my sunglasses on.
Yes fans, this is the picture taken mere seconds before she shot off like a rocket down a hill and fell face first into the concrete. Thus awarding her with the suspiciously famous mustache immediately under her nose. She was actually fine and without scrapes until her feet kicked up over her head from the sudden stop of momentum. You'll see what I mean about the scrape.
Post huge spill. The cut underneath her nose is finally starting to get better. She didn't cry for long... She's so tough! She has also told me that the apple tastes better eaten whole after I take a bite out of it to get her started. That's the only way she likes apples now. Evidently cutting up an apple is just a baby thing.

Taking a rest on one of the decks they have built into the hills. The perfect spot to stop, drop you apple on the ground and strike a pose.

mmmmm, apple! Snack time yet again!

No Dad, I will not smile for you, take a picture of me eating this or take no pictures... and like it!

We went hiking in a nature reserve around here this past weekend. Anytime I go hiking anywhere I always tie a bandanna around my head so Isa had to have one too. No I would not let Miguel take a picture of me in that condition, I'm not nearly as cute as Isa. It's quite the "outdoorsy" look, well as much of an outdoorsy look as I have. I"m not much of a camper/hiker but when the weather is finally so nice and Miguel doesn't have to work on a Saturday (finally) attention must be paid and a fun time MUST be had!

Park Videos

2010-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

These are videos from the park today. ENJOY! I know I did, it was the perfect day for the park.

Busy Sunday for the Camera

2010-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday in February, I had to go with the most wintry item in the closet. When she was all done, I made Miguel take some pictures of her, I could hardly believe this was the same little sloppy-haired, drool covered, pajama half off monster that climbed into bed with us at 6:45 this morning. It was a miracle!
Ooo-la-la French Braids! Yes, it's been a while, but Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was on this morning when it was hair time so I went for the gold standard of hair-do's. The ribbons stayed in until nap- that's a record for her!
The pre-church scooter ride. She was most distressed when she had to give up riding the scooter to ride in the car this morning.
Crouching Isa, hidden dragon. She's getting ready to spring... onto nothing, fun
Rock'n the big girl slide this year! No more baby stuff for her. Now if we could get this whole potty training thing under control she'd be great!

OK, so it broke 45 degrees which means 1 of 2 things had to happen, I either had to take Isa to the zoo or the park. I didn't feel like driving to the zoo so we opted for Queeny Park by our new house. This was my first visit to Queeny since my high school graduation ceremony. They have an AWESOME park there. As featured above.

Dad's Clothes, Better Model

2010-02-25T14:05:00.001-08:00

Little angel all snuggly in her hoodie.

Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse getting ready to go.
Yes, that's drool on her chin, what's up now!?!

Pictured here is a gift from Miguel's mom. His old hoodie that his parents bought in Santa Barbara. It's the perfect jacket for running into buildings from the car.

Be My Valentine!

2010-02-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... These need just one more thing- SPRINKLES! They're the answer to life's hardest questions!

Quality controlling the frosting- That's how I know she's MY baby. Gotta love the icing!

Here's the beautiful finished product. Note to self: If toddlers lick surfaces that appear to be disgusting, they will lick ANYTHING with frosting on it... that's a guarantee!

Opening up the jacket and getting ready to try it on. This was a hit! She wore it the next morning to lounge around in her Mickey Mouse sleeping bag while she ate her raisins and drank her milk.

I know I'm a day late, but we had a pretty good Valentine's Day around here. We got Isa a pair of Cinderella princess socks and a pair of panda bear slippers. Isa and I made cookies on Saturday and Auntie and Joel stopped by this week to drop off a Valentine's Day present- a cute green and pink polka dot jacket. Thanks for all the love peeps!

Snow Baby

2010-02-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

We are so digging the snow!
The initial shock of the cold took about 2 seconds for her to get used to.

For a baby born a week before Christmas you would think all this kid ever does is play in the snow. Not so, for one reason or another this is the first snow I've taken her out in to play. It snowed all night last night resulting in about 5 inches of accumulation and Isa had a ball playing in it this morning. She's been fighting a cold lately so we didn't stay out long. Here are pictures of Isa's debut performance in the snow, I think she likes it.

The Big Girl Bed

2010-02-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Getting the "all ok" sign as far as the new bed goes.

Loving her new bed. Snuggly and warm with her new big girl pillow and blankets!

Daddy and Isa taking apart the baby bed. She was such a big helper.

So I know that every parent has to do this. I have to suck it up and realize that the tiny baby they held in my arms is no more. Instead, there exists a very different version of what once was. A more independent, more adventurous person instead of the helpless baby. "Why so reminiscent?" you may ask. We just dismantled Isa's crib and put her to bed for the first time in a toddler bed. I know I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill. I know parents do this all the time and 2 years and 2 months was a very good long run for the crib. There's just something about such a big milestone in her life that pulls a little at my heartstrings. It may just be first time mom syndrome but I don't care. Another piece of my little baby is replaced by this amazing big girl who I've had to put back to bed 3 times since I've started writing. Make that 4.

Music Video

2010-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, the best part of bumping your head is getting to wear the purple ice mask afterwards. Why use it on me right? Those bags under my eyes are not going anywhere, I taught too long then had a baby and managed never to sleep since! All of it was worth it though.

Ok all you screaming Isa die-hard fans. Here it is. She's finally overcome the fact that she's on camera and she's singing her version of Itsy Bitsy Spider (with the motions). Zorro wanted a piece of the spotlight so he decided to finally eat his breakfast during the song and I wanted her to say something so I wispered to her and she decided that was her cue to wisper back. That is SO how it goes around here. I LOVE how she looks like Stevie Wonder a little when she sings, she's just really into it!

Thanks to everyone for your opinion about the photos, we'll just see what happens. Most people liked the first one shown but after some professional critique, we decided to enter a picture of her that looked more like a snapshot at Christmas.

Million Dollar Baby

2010-01-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Picture #1

Picture #2
Picture #3

The title is a lie but here's what's up:

OK, so there's this contest we want to enter, the prize is a substantial amount of money put towards Isa's college education and I'm trusting you, dear readers, to help with a difficult decision. Which of these pictures is the best one? For whatever reason you want, it doesn't matter. You can explain yourself or not, I don't care. What we need to know is which one of the three is the best. Comment, facebook me, email, call, WHATEVER, the point is that we want your opinion...desperately! Give us a shout out, the deadline is Friday (it's not just procrastination, it's our lifestyle ok?). THANKS!

Communications of our own

2010-01-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Skype just doesn't do a greeting justice. We'll see you soon and we miss you.

Dedicated to the one I love

2010-01-14T18:44:00.001-08:00

Miguel,
I know it stinks being on this trip because there's so much to do and you'll be gone for so long. We miss you here because without you, it's not the same.

We're such fun girls to be around I know you miss us too. Here are 2 pictures from tonight that I took. Isa used to have that yellow headband on her bath baby and took it off and brought it to me with a "prease ma" so I put it on her head. She cried like crazy when I had to take it off for bath. But she was dancing around in her diaper and t-shirt and I couldn't resist. She's just so cute! She was being super nuggety this afternoon in her outfit with that stupid headband on. She capped off her look with my pink crocks and those red oven mits.

I love you so much babe. Thanks for doing this for the family.

Love,
C

Sew it Seams

2010-01-04T07:25:00.001-08:00

Deep in concentration... well, one of us anyway.

Having a little fun with the project.

I picked this fabric for Isa's nursery before she was born and now I can't find it anywhere. I needed to make a new topper for Isa's curtains in her bedroom and I got the last of the fabric from mom's house and decided that since it was snowing and we didn't have anything else to do a project would be perfect. Isa helped me hold the fabric and she pushed a couple of buttons on the machine. I think the finished project looks great and I know it's all thanks to my helper.

Christmas This Year

2010-01-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

Playing on the chair while Mommy gets ready. I am so digging the candy cane tights in this picture.

Isa getting ready to see Santa this year again with Aunt Teresa and Uncle Terry on her birthday. Awesome tradition for having a birthday so close to Christmas!

Isa took a while to warm up to Mary and John being over at the house on Christmas morning, until then she stayed on my lap. Man did 8 am roll around early this year! We were going on about 4 hours of sleep between last minute cooking, wrapping and toy assembly I think Miguel and I are going to skip asking Santa for presents next year and steal a couple of elves to help out!
Isa stayed on Miguel's lap when we got to my mom's house. There were a lot more people there and thus a lot more noise. Ah, I love chaos at Christmas! Isa took some warming up to the crowd though. She loves her doll umbrella with her name on it.

This is her princess bed with her baby Snow White in it. She adores this! You can't tell by the picture but Miguel told me (and I agree) that Snow White's hair smells like hooker perfume. Isa overlooks this and has a blast playing with her anyway. The hair thing is just a fun fact.

Showing off to Auntie! This winter season is not complete without your white tiger wrap and mittens, topping off this outfit is her Minnie Mouse cup.

This Christmas brought with it a new found sense of family for me. Since we didn't have the extra money this year to focus on presents, I got to do my meager shopping and then focus on family and friends. We're so blessed to have these people in our lives. Thank you for the visits, the stories, the understanding, loving my little girl, and your generous hearts. You made 2009 a great year for my family and me.

Happy Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-12-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

Who's up for some cake? She left the Mickey ears on all day for the record!

Presents were in the living room. This is Mary, Todd, and the top of Kathy's head watching Isa while Uncle Dan and Dave talk in the backround, John is taming the dog I think and Caroline and Sara are in some deep conversation about a Magnadoodle. It was a busy party! Thanks for all the gifts, you people rock!!
I tried to de-Christmas as much as I could so we birthday decorated the dining room in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse colors. We had cake in there and all the kids loved the cupcakes. Thanks for watching the kids while they were playing in the bedroom Koren, one of these days we'll get together and be able to visit.
Her 2 favorite gifts were the tub doll from Grammy and the stroller from Grandma. Leave it to the grandmas to pick out the favorite toys! I thought it very political of her to pick one from each to favor!

The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake that I made.

Today is Isa's second birthday and we're all very excited around here! I told Miguel last night that we're way better off now than we were 2 years ago. I always thought my mom was joking when she said that on EVERY SINGLE BIRTHDAY I HAD, but she wasn't and she earned the right to say it. Every day with my little princess is a gift, even when she has to sit in time out all day or starts crying and throwing a fit while we're in traffic. You're awesome Isa, the world is better because you're here and your dad and I love you more than words will ever express.

2009-12-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

TheTerror of Snake Mountain

2009-11-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

All of us on the last day of the DC trip. Right before we pulled out of the driveway to go to the airport, Doug, Jami, Miguel and I took this picture. I know the title of this post reads Snake Mountain, but that's really about the video of Isa at the end.
Me and my girl, and Julia Child. Her kitchen was moved to the Smithsonian and it was awesome. It rained so hard that day so we took cover in the museum and got to see this. When I grow up, I want a kitchen just like Julia's.
I promised to post this adorable picture of her in Lambert airport. I think she was doing exceptionally well given the "flight bump" circumstance at 7am.

Last night as I was walking the dog around our new hood, Miguel and Isa were playing in her room. When I came back into the house I was greeted at the door with a giant "hey!" from Isa and Miguel came around the corner with a huge smile on his face and said, "come in here." I followed him back to Isa's room and he had put a battery into this stupid microphone that attaches to this plastic Snake Mountain (yes, Skelator's pad, and yes, we have a Greyskull too). He started talking and laughing into it and as soon as I sat down on the floor to give it a shot, Isa took the microphone out of my hand and antics ensued.

Our Nation's Capital

2009-11-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

The National Archives with us underneath. Contrary to the sign we're little.
Miguel and Isa stayed in the lobby of the Holocaust Museum while Jami and I took the tour. Isa learned to count stairs and Miguel got this adorable shot. Thanks for the time with Jami sweetie!

After some MUCH needed play time at the Museum of American History. I let Miguel and Jami off the hook and told them to look at something they wanted to see while I played with science experiments and magnets and some other cool stuff they had set up in the kiddie place.

Mommy carries the baby better in the backpack.
Isa is Daddy's co-pilot. Yay for the Air and Space Museum. (Thanks for helping out with Isa there Doug, it was nice to read some of the plaques and stuff).

Isa exploring her career options.

All of us in front of the capital building.

Ah to have wonderful friends! We visited the Shawleys last week and had a blast exploring Washington DC. We saw so many exciting things, it was definitely our kind of place, LOTS of museums. We hit as much stuff as we could and I must say, as long as Isa was not in the airplane to or from St. Louis, she was great. She rode in the backpack mostly and was pretty good. Thanks Doug, Jami, Sarah, Nick, & Anna, we miss you so much! Come back soon!

I'll post more pictures of other stuff when Miguel is around to help tell stories. It was hard to pay attention to everything while we were dealing with kiddos, so I need some help with my narration but more to come!

Cute Little Cupcake!

2009-11-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hey are you ready for some trick or trick pictures? Get ready people! This is Isa getting the cherry barrette attached to her pony tail.
Mommy and a little cupcake out in the new hood.

Scrunching down inside the cupcake is the only break she got, she was working hard for that candy!

On the porch, being charming for some candy.
We had a party later to attend, Miguel went as a chef, I went as a slutty rocker ( I wore jeans, t shirt and an apron to take Isa trick or treating though).
Home again, time for some candy.
Peanut butter pumpkin, ROCK ON!

In the Midst of Moving

2009-10-19T18:40:00.001-07:00

Angelically uplit, yet hang on..

Sweet baby or evil purse snatcher? You look at that guilty little face and make your own judgments.

After breaking into the purse and serving the time out, it's time for some stretches.

Zorro was oh so much help in packing... oh wait! He kept his cool all day and then he escaped out into the neighborhood that night leaving Miguel and me calling for him up and down the block for about 30 minutes.

When Isa was sick she wanted to get into bed with me so after the initial shock wore off of being woken up by a 2 year old, we took some pictures.

In the midst of moving the drama has happened. Yes, the flu descended on our house like a plague wiping out both Miguel and Isa and leaving the dog depressed and yours truly 2 inches away tearing my hair out. Thankfully the illness is coming to a slow end. Miguel and I moved a lot of stuff this past weekend and I think he undid all the rest he was getting. I'm thinking the worst of the flu is behind us and we, as a posse are on the mend.

Some of us

2009-10-07T16:57:00.001-07:00

Getting sleepy. Wrapping up books and putting them in laundry baskets makes a little girl sleepy at the end of the day!

Mommy and her princess.

I swear she was dancing until she saw the camera. Still, I think a little jam session with spaghetti sauce on your belly, dancing in your Mickey Mouse diaper says to the world, "If being dressed after 6:30 pm is wrong... I don't want to be right."

The Posse Gets a Slice of America

2009-10-02T10:52:00.001-07:00

Let's take a cruise down the hall shall we?

This is Isa's new room. It feels huge compared to the closet-sized room she's in right now. She loves to run in there and hide in the closet.

This is the middle bedroom. Sorry the picture is bad. It'll be great when we're done with it.
My closet and my other closet in the master bedroom. Sorry Miguel, I guess you're getting dressed in the basement.
The master bathroom. Yes, it's pink. I'm kind of feeling sorry for Miguel, whose life got a serious influx of pink when we had a daughter.

Isa surveying the scene of the future potty training site. I hear this blue was popular at one time, I'll have to take everyone's word on that.

I know harvest gold was thought to be beautiful at one point in time. This house was built during said era. Please note the carpet matches the drapes. ;)

Yes, this is the dining room and that IS in fact harvest gold textured carpeting with matching draperies.

I have not one, but TWO, count 'em, harvest gold rooms. Along with this lovely lighting fixture. Miguel and I both agreed that the carpeting will be the first thing to go.

The family room. Updated carpeting, dead squirrel skeleton (Rocky to us) in the fireplace. Both are going to go when we get the keys. I'm really excited to have a fireplace though!

This is going to be my sewing room. I called this room the second time we went to look at the house. It's a little bar off the kitchen and since Uncle Terry hooked us up with a completely sweet bar for our wedding, I called dibs on this little space. The cabinets will come out and my stuff's going in there. It's one of my favorite rooms in the house.

The pantry is on the right and yes, that's an avocado green double oven on the left, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. It has a dial that allows you to set it for different meats. That's right, there's a ham dial on that oven.

I am seriously in love with the kitchen light. I told Miguel if he threw it away he would get into major trouble with me. The cook top matches the oven but the cabinets are good and there's lots of counter space. I also really like the metallic gold tiles in the back splash. I guess it's one of those endearing things to me. I can't help it.

The day in sweats

2009-09-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

Running away with the Minnie Mouse ears up after she ripped off the sunglasses.

Laughing and clapping, that's how we finish breakfast around here!

Waving to her adoring fans over scrambled eggs and potatoes with milk in the morning.

Clapping for the camera is a great way to start the day. She's always so happy in the mornings!

Yesterday we hit the zoo. Isa rode in the backpack and I hoofed it around and all we needed were jackets. Today we needed all out sweats because it was so cold in the house. Thankfully a little warmer weather is on the way.

I'm trying to hold out on dragging out the winter wardrobe until we move. That's right the posse is relocating! We're outta Webster and moving to Ballwin (for all you St. Louis folks). The closing date on the house is October 9 and we're all ready to go!

Isabel: post-church

2009-09-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

Pointing at mom who is telling the baby to look at daddy for a picture. I truly used to despise people who did this, I thought it was annoying until it was my princess' pictures that needed taking.

She sat still long enough for me to do this to her hair this morning. It helped that she had grapes, milk, and Disney channel was running a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse marathon while I was braiding.

Hi Dad, I'm looking right at you after you and mom have managed to drive me crazy taking these pictures!

Mom, I don't want to play around the fountain, I'm busy with these stairs!

After Isa played in the nursery, and yes, I DO fix her up like this to go to church even though she plays in the nursery the whole time, we stopped by City Hall here in Webster to take some pictures. It has an awesome fountain in front that Isa loves. Usually I can't pry her away and yet this Sunday she just wanted to play on the front stairs and wave to the cars. Still cute none the less.

All dressed up

2009-09-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome Friends!

Yesterday Isa wore an outfit we picked up at a garage sale before she was even born. It was so weird to think of my baby ever being big enough to fit into it, and yet here she is on the steps of church and in our backyard wearing a dress that she can't wear again because it will be too small by next week. Crazy!

Come on in!
I only look like I attended church, really I was playing in the nursery.

Taking a break, being beautiful can make a girl tired.

She has taken forever to start talking but now she talks all the time, if it isn't a real word, she'll make up something. Her most popular words are: shoes, kilk (milk), gakes (grapes), and kickey (mickey). This limited vocabulary does not in any way hinder her ability to make noise all the time though. Call up the house and see what I mean sometime.

How do you dry a baby?

2009-08-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

How do you dry a baby? You let her crawl into the dryer of course. This was last Saturday when I took a load of laundry out of the dryer to fold and did not shut the dryer completely. She crawled in and started calling for us. Miguel and I, being at home and bored on a Saturday night got the camera instead of doing any kind of discipline. We said to each other "she'd never be able to even close the door so it's not a big deal right?" WRONG! Let's go to video to see why the Pico dryer is always shut and Isa is no longer allowed to go into the laundry room.

Saturday Night

2009-08-23T09:40:00.001-07:00

It's so nice to have a helper in the kitchen! Isa "helped" me cook dinner on Saturday night.

Isa is taking a break from cooking to pose for a picture.

After all the cooking it was time to sit down for a minute and take a picture with both babies.

It's been pretty slow around here lately. We've gone to the pool in the neighborhood and visited the library. Mostly just catching up on the housework. Nothing new except the cute pictures.

What to eat for dinner.

2009-08-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Being a stay at home mom has a ton of advantages but there are some pitfalls too. I just got onto a facebook page that had about 3 nagging folks being miserable about planning dinners so I'm going to do a little experiment. I'm going to post what I'm cooking for the next 3 days and I'm encouraging you commenters to do the same. Just something quick people can throw together for dinner.

Tonight- I found some ham in my freezer, I opened up 2 cans of potatoes, and 2 cans of green beans and put it all in the crock pot. I'll pair it up with a batch of Jiffy corn muffins and POOF- Dinner!

Tomorrow- Pizza- I can post the recipe for my friend Katie's home made crust if there's a demand for it, but I'm kicking it up mexican with fajita mix in the hamburger, black olives, and pepper jack cheese.

Friday- Stuffed green peppers- I cut this all up and bake it like a casserole. Wash and chop peppers into 1 inch pieces, add rice and cooked burger and mix all together with a jar of spaghetti sauce. Then bake until the peppers are tender.

You can make rice in the microwave (1C rice, 2C water, add a bullion cube, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 min, then without opening the microwave, another 15 min at 50% power).

I hope this helps some of you stumped followers. I'm also open to suggestions!

Kick'in It Up Old School

2009-08-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

Milk? Check. Lip gloss? Check. Sun bonnet? Check. Let's hit the road and go to church!
This was my outfit when I was a little girl. We were getting ready for church this morning and I came across this little dress that has been hanging in Isa's closet since before she was born. My mom wrapped up the outfit and put a picture of me wearing this dress on the front. I have to admit it was almost as cute on me as it is on her. I think she makes the dress look fantastic.

This photo is NOT old school, it's from Kathy. Along with a batch of clothes was this adorable outfit. As soon as Miguel saw her in it, he decided a picture MUST be taken. I was inside making blueberry pancakes while the photo shoot was going on. Awesome Saturday morning if you ask me.

Pretty Baby!

2009-08-04T11:42:00.001-07:00

Church has summer hours, these hours for the month of August put us exactly 1 hour late for church this past Sunday. Yes, we got there in just enough time to see everyone going downstairs for donuts and coffee. I felt too guilty to actually go down there and eat donuts without attending church so we headed off to the park and will definitely be on time next week.

This dress is brought to us by Kathy and the pictures are courtesy of Miguel. I was the one holding the stuffed kitten and the sippy cup of milk. I also go to clean all the grass off the baby and change her wet socks and shoes upon coming home. I am in love with this dress though!

Isa in the house!

2009-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Word to all you Isa fans. A special shout out to Doug and Jami who gifted us with all the baby junk they no longer wanted/needed/felt like moving. Along came this clubhouse that Isa adores! She's particular about shutting the door and yelling at the dog from the windows. Needless to say, it's a good time to be had by all.

Random Pics

2009-07-05T21:35:00.001-07:00

Exactly 1 year ago at the 4th of July parade by our house. What a difference a year makes!

Isa on the morning of the 4th. She's very grown up with her headband. When I caught the headband on the dog we switched to 2 pigtails, the staple hairdo.

Another reason to love Miguel, I love these shots of her. She's a lot better for the camera when I'm taking the dog for a walk each evening.

I love the sunlight and how it illuminates her hair in this one. Even Zorro looks good in this one!
That's it fan club! Just 1 cheezy parting shot!!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

What a great 4th of July! Our little town of Webster Groves throws a carnival with rides and games and stuff and has a parade too but the BEST part of here is that we are within short walking distance to a wonderful fireworks display. This year it was on the 3rd and 4th so we decided to take Isa down on the 3rd as a trial run to see how the 4th would go. She was amazing! I was fully expecting to have to leave but she was fascinated and sat on Miguel's lap the entire time and oohed and ahhed and squealed at each one.

We usually have a party on the 4th at our house and this year was no different, just a little smaller than previous years. These pictures are of Isa at the fireworks on the 4th. Yes, she's in her jammies, she went to bed and woke her up, backpacked her down to the fairground, and she was STILL good!

Turned around at the loud noises.

Facing daddy and exercising her right as an American to ham it up big time for Stefano's camera.

Sorry, ok? But there are pictures to make up for it!

2009-06-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

When I was so sick and needed to sleep one Saturday morning, Miguel and his parents took Isa to the Botanical gardens. This was my favorite picture from that adventure. She had such a great time, I could tell by how worn out she was by the time she came home.

Sam on the train! Thank goodness for Mike. Sam took to him so well and had so much fun.

Isa riding on the carousel. She got a little freaked out after it started to move so she had to switch from the puffin she was riding to the stationary giraffe you see in the background.
All 3 kiddos by the giraffes. They're Caroline's favorites. We made sure to see everyone's favorite animal, but this was the only picture we got of all 3 looking at the camera.
Every kid in the metro area who has visited the zoo has a picture with Phil the gorilla. Isa and Caroline being true STL girls are no exception. That's Sam's head at the bottom of the picture, he was running away screaming.

Between sharing a case of strep throat and bringing Sam back on 5 days a week we've had a pretty hoppin house around here. Last Friday Mike, Sarah, and I took Sam, Isa, and Caroline to the zoo. FUN! I love the zoo, as I've stated before, but I love it more now that I have my baby to share it with it brings everything into a new light! Everything that I thought was so mundane all of a sudden comes to life when Isa gets to experience it for the first time. It is one of the biggest rewards of parenthood.

Random Pictures

2009-05-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

It's the same excuse, I've been busy. But it's true! When Isa was so little everyone told me to enjoy the "down time." I had no clue what they were talking about and more so, I thought they were liars because there was no down time with her. Little did I know that the bigger and more adventurous she got, the more trouble was to be had. I'd complain, but how can you complain about a healthy, smart little girl who just loves to explore?

Isa up on the bench. She's not supposed to be up there all the time, but I was out of town this weekend. Evidently Dad doesn't know all the rules.

Fried Rice night! Here she is using her spoon like a big girl!

Ah, the artsy shot by Miguel. Our little super model.

Isa in another outfit from Kathy choosing which toy to pull out next.

I love the peach and the pigtails! She's waving to the dog out in the back yard in this picture. I wish I had a video of her new "thing"... telling Zorro "no." She does it all the time and stops when I pull out the camera. Poor Zorro doesn't even have to be doing anything bad, she just tells him no all the time because she can. She's awfully cute when she's doing it though!

Playing peek-a-boo and hiding are her 2 new favorite games.

Another beautiful shot of my beautiful little girl!

Happy Easter To You

2009-04-12T20:15:00.001-07:00

This is the best picture of Isa we got this year. Auntie bought the dress and sweater and I made the hair bow. She looked so darling! It's so much fun to have a real live baby doll to put in pretty dresses!

The 4 little angels sitting on the swing. From left to right, Elijah, Gabe, Sam, Isa.

Because it's just not a blog entry without one of Isa and Sam. My sister swore to Miguel and me that he was clean before they left the house.

This is a picture of Aunt Beedy (a very dear family friend) holding Isa.

The Woes of the Slack off Blogger

2009-04-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, sorry to all the fans of "the posse" out there who thrive on our lives. I've been busy ok. I never thought stay at home moms were very busy with much but as it turns out, I got taht way. I'm back up to watching my newhew Sam 3 days a week, I've taken on the baking responsibilities of all the food related events at Miguel's office and this past week was my mom's birthday. (happy birthday mommy, I know now to be sorry for anything I ever did that was stupid, made you worry, kept you from sleeping or made you haul my butt into the doctor's office more than once a week. I love you a lot and we're all lucky to have you!)

In addition to all the stuff I committed myself to, my godparents got a new dog (super cute and so sweet!), my kiddo has cut 5 new teeth (all at once), and it was such a nice day on Wednesday that I took the kids to the Botanical Garden. THe bulbs are in bloom, the birds were out and the garden is free on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. They have an awesome kids garden with covered wagons and treehouses and stuff that is completely cool to play all over. Gotta love STL!

I'll post pictures of Easter and all of us in our Easter outfits with our winter coats on over (it's going to be like 50 or something lame that day).

Happy Easter to all and to all a good night!

Spring at the Zoo

2009-03-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a zoo-a-holic but what can I say? It's fun, free, safe, educational, and great exercise. The zoo has always been my favorite place to go in St. Louis. Today we went with Caroline and Sara Blackwood and had such a good time. I was a little nervous when I saw Caroline was walking and I was making Isa ride in the stroller but it turned out perfectly. We couldn't have asked for better behaved girls at the zoo this morning!

Getting ready to go! She held her sippy cup and her monkey book the whole way there.

Mommy, Isa, and the statue of Phil. Isa wasn't so sure about Phil at first but then she saw Caroline get her picture and decided if I was there it would be ok.

It takes a lot of name shouting and hand holding, but this is proof that we took 2 VERY good girls to the zoo this morning.

It turns out Caroline likes the monkey house as much as Isa does. They had a blast running from display to display to see all the different monkeys holding the babies.

Getting over the stranger danger phase! She's warming up to different people so much so that she gave Sara a hug and let Sara hold her and point out monkeys.

Taking a break with the sweetest smelling flowers that just happened to match her outfit. All she cared about was eating her cheese crackers but the photo op was too much
This is to make up for the not- so-great picture of her I posted yesterday.

2 Kiddos... Again

2009-03-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Whadda ya say? Let's blow this popsicle stand! I've got my play keys, I can make it sound like we're going anywhere.
Hang on Sam, I'll be right there, I just need to play with mommy's decorations really quick.

Now I've got my keys, I'm outta here!
Party on!! 2 kiddos taking a break from some serious dancing.

Ok Mom, these pictures are for you. You were lamenting not having any pictures of your youngest grandson so here are a couple. I like the one with him holding the play keys out like he's making his big get away. They both were very cute watching Shrek 2 (the bonus features have the characters singing and dancing). The perfect way to end the day... a Disney inspired dance party.

Cherries on a Sunday

2009-03-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday a couple of friends of mine needed some help cleaning out a house they're getting ready to move into so Isa and Miguel had the day to themselves. Most of it was taken up by nap time but that's ok, I don't think either one of them missed me all that much. The only problem with that whole situation is that she slept too long during nap and she was still very revved up at bed time. What to do? Go to the park of course! Isa has a hard time pacing herself with all the room to run and the sheer excitement of the park itself so she gets exhausted after a very short amount of time. I don't think I can remember having so much fun in the park than to watch my lilttle girl running and being brave while climbing and sliding. It was the best! These are some pictures of her on the big kids slide.

At the end of the tunnel slide!

Sitting at the top waiting for mommy to catch at the bottom.

Needing a little help getting up the nerve, but that was fun!

For her birthday, Isa's godparents, Bill and Jen, got her a bunch of outfits, all cherry themed and cute as can be. They are perfect for playing all day and a quick trip to the park. Thank you so much!!!

AWWW! Little girl with her cherry outfit. Too darling!
Here is the back view of the outfit. I love that little pocket!

The outfits came with a bunch of onesies, all cherry themed and to match, she got the jacket and pants.

2009-03-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

We have 2 videos for you folks at home that need some serious entertainment. As you can guess they both are of Isa and my feet are making their debut appearance on the blog.

The first one is of us "dancing." Isa considers dancing any time she turns around in a circle enough times (about 3) to take a few steps like she's been sucking down some serious booze then falling on the floor. This is usually accompanied by squeals of laughter and a seriously wound up dog.

The second video is a shout out to all the hard core Isa fans that evidently live inside the camera. Miguel was trying his best to video her doing her little spinny happy dance and just ended up getting poked in the face. As soon as she hears the camera she makes a beeline towards it pointing and doing her "camera face" (scrunched up and snorting).

Cute either way! Gotta love the end of the day and parents who are WAY too easily entertained but I refuse to apologize for Miguel or myself because we watched it live and you people are watching videos of it...probably more than once. (seriously, we love you if you're spending time watching this)

Long Time, No Blog

2009-03-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is the best picture I've caught of her in a while. She loves the red "lobster claw" oven mitts and of course no outfit is complete without sunglasses. Especially when you have your mommy's killer shades to wear. This picture just proves the time-honored theory that if you have the right accessories, you don't need pants or shoes. Don't you just LOVE that girl behind those Foster Grants!!!

Sorry for all the time between posts. Miguel and I have been looking casually at the real estate market. This leaves little to no time for pictures. That all turns out to be ok though because Isa rarely stands still long enough to get a picture in focus and snap it. She's been very good about looking at different houses. The hardest thing (aside from creepy dark basements- NOT HER FAVORITE) is not being able to let her get down out of the backpack and run around. Call me crazy but those mystery stains on carpeting are disgusting enough, but the thought of even the bottom of her shoes touching that stuff is more than I can handle.

Valentine's Day and Practice Portraits

2009-02-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Isa loves to play soccer and catch with her new ball.
Miguel was practicing his portraits and snapped this one of Isa.
Let's try the party hat on the lion.
We put a leash on the lion and Isa found her party hat from her birthday party and we all had some fun.
Mommy and Auntie reading "Cutie Pie" while Isa took control of the flipping of the pages.
Grandma Jill loves getting a story before bedtime! Especially if it's read by a princess wearing such fierce specs!!
GOOD MORNING!!! I seem to have Isa dressed up in something cute all the time, she IS the darling girl I've always dreamed of. Miguel got tired of the "fixed up" shots of her and decided to show all her fans how she looks first thing in the morning. I told him it's ok now but you can't do that to a woman after the age of about 5.
Happy Valentine's day! I made this wreath out of wire with sparkly hearts all over it and ever since I put it up, Isa has made a major grab for it every time she gets near the thing. Enter Daddy, not knowing any better and looking for a great photo op. I'm in the shower and Isa is tearing up by wreath and he's taking pictures of it. Let's just say they're both lucky that the wreath was easily repaired and the pictures turned out great.

This is a video of Isa watch Elle Roust on Amy Roust's blog. Isa loves to look at that baby and we played this video for about a half an hour for her. I was truly shocked she sat still for that long. Thanks Rousts!!! I really needed that break!!

First Trip to the Zoo 2009

2009-02-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

This picture is for Auntie! Isa loved the elephants and was pleased to eat her lunch while the elephant in the background took a little snooze.
Lots of running room where the wild things are! Here you will see a hot pink clad wiggle worm in a very natural habitat.
In front of the jungle in the primate house. Just monkeying around!
Running with the monkeys. Isa fit right in here with the squealing and goofing off. The primate house was perfectly empty for running!
MMM! The primate house at lunch. Isa really seemed to like these little furry guys. Once she saw them eating lunch she was ready for the cheese, crackers, and turkey I brought for her.
Us with the biggest giraffe. There was a mom and a baby in the next cage over.
We always see the puffins and penguins at the zoo. Penguins were my grandma's favorite too.
Snuggly and warm at the zoo today. Going to the zoo when it's cold is one of Miguel and my favorite things to do. The crowds are minimal, the animals are out still, and as long as you're ready to be a little chilly it's a sure fire good day. We had to get Isa started early so we packed up her lunch and hit the zoo today!