i rarely get emails from christopher. we send each other text and voice messages but our emails are generally 'calendar requests' - something we had to start doing a few years back so we can keep track of each other. so when he sent an email with a link to this youtube video, i figured i should take a peek at it. it took me a week, but i just finished watching it and well, it made me laugh outloud! it's a suburban white family *trying* to rap about toyota's new sienna minivan.
minivans are kind of a joke between us because c likes 'em and i'm not a fan - of *any* big vehicles. he appreciates their usefulness and doesn't have the hangups alot of men/dads have about driving one. he simply doesn't care (one of the many reasons i adore him).
he's a proud dad and will say outloud that minivans are practical for families. they are comfortable, offering space for kids, their friends, visiting grandparents, sports equipment and yes, surfboards! oh and how could i forget the sliding doors. he feels these should be standard on EVERY car and will have anyone convinced of this. (he's got a point - i wouldn't have so many little dings from people opening their car doors into my car)
when the day comes an electric minivan is on the market, i wouldn't bat an eye if we had one sitting in our driveway. *grin* ~ i did just read something in the paper this week announcing toyota's 2012 prius - it will be ALL electric. about time! you can read a little more here
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
the modern dad
i came across this card last weekend and had to get it.
isn't it the cutest??
i'm not sure who i'm going to send it to but i have an idea.
this card reminds me of all the great daddies out there who are hands on.
with so many working moms, so many dads are stepping up and carrying
their weight with what was traditionally known as woman's work -
ya know, cooking, cleaning and childcare, etc.
here's to the modern dad {my honey included}. we thank you!
inside: looking forward to our next girl's night.
isn't it the cutest??
i'm not sure who i'm going to send it to but i have an idea.
this card reminds me of all the great daddies out there who are hands on.
with so many working moms, so many dads are stepping up and carrying
their weight with what was traditionally known as woman's work -
ya know, cooking, cleaning and childcare, etc.
here's to the modern dad {my honey included}. we thank you!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
a little crazy for christi
guess who's coming to town this weekend???
ok, so i gave it away in my post title *grin*
YES - miss christi maclaggan will be in san diego for a whole week!
oh how i've missed her beautiful smile and yes, admittingly, the help she gave our family.
i know things can't last forever but she truly was the world's best nanny!
c and i are convinced of this. remember we interviewed 12 girls remember before we found her?
we looked forever and she was a diamond in the rough.
i could tell you christi is coming because she misses the gerber family SO much
but the truth is, her boyfriend lives here and and he's graduating from college next weekend.
she is here to celebrate with him and his family (and it's also their anniversary - 1 yr together) *congrats*
she might give me a hard time for this, but here's a picture of her with her guy, tyler.
i took this the same afternoon i was shooting her and my boys before she moved away.
i hope she's ok with me using this. i asked her for one but didn't get it... *smile*
aren't they adorable? i think so too.
so after many loooong months of waiting to see christi's smiling face,
she'll be here in a few short days.
and the bonus...
she's staying in the cottage
so we'll get to see her between the graduation festivities
and when i can pry her away from ty.
finn and scout are excited to see her too.
finn verbalizes this and although scout's been a bit quiet on the subject
we are sure he remembers his second mommy.
i even have a slumber party of sorts planned for next weekend.
the guest list is small to keep it intimate: maddy (my niece), christi and me
we'll all be out in the cottage eating junk food, playing board games and chatting until late. :)
oh how we've all missed you christi!
4 days and counting.
ok, so i gave it away in my post title *grin*
YES - miss christi maclaggan will be in san diego for a whole week!
oh how i've missed her beautiful smile and yes, admittingly, the help she gave our family.
i know things can't last forever but she truly was the world's best nanny!
c and i are convinced of this. remember we interviewed 12 girls remember before we found her?
we looked forever and she was a diamond in the rough.
i could tell you christi is coming because she misses the gerber family SO much
but the truth is, her boyfriend lives here and and he's graduating from college next weekend.
she is here to celebrate with him and his family (and it's also their anniversary - 1 yr together) *congrats*
she might give me a hard time for this, but here's a picture of her with her guy, tyler.
i took this the same afternoon i was shooting her and my boys before she moved away.
i hope she's ok with me using this. i asked her for one but didn't get it... *smile*
aren't they adorable? i think so too.
so after many loooong months of waiting to see christi's smiling face,
she'll be here in a few short days.
and the bonus...
she's staying in the cottage
so we'll get to see her between the graduation festivities
and when i can pry her away from ty.
finn and scout are excited to see her too.
finn verbalizes this and although scout's been a bit quiet on the subject
we are sure he remembers his second mommy.
i even have a slumber party of sorts planned for next weekend.
the guest list is small to keep it intimate: maddy (my niece), christi and me
we'll all be out in the cottage eating junk food, playing board games and chatting until late. :)
oh how we've all missed you christi!
4 days and counting.
Monday, May 10, 2010
my momma's day: 2010
i wanted to be sure to record a little my mother's day.
c made sure this mom was able to sleep in - a rare treat.
it was just until 8am, but for me, this is sleeping in.
let me tell ya, it was pure pleasure waking up to silence - no 'boy noise'.
later in the day, i took the little guys to tecalote canyon for a short hike.
since christopher spends more time with them during the week,
i suggested this just be a mom and son outing only. c said 'whatever momma wants'.
so the little men in my life and i went, and had a great afternoon - hiking just under 2 miles.
we almost made it to the end without anyone asking me to carry them
key word - ALMOST.
the last 10 minutes of the hike, finn (yes, the 6 yr old) asked me to carry him
c made sure this mom was able to sleep in - a rare treat.
it was just until 8am, but for me, this is sleeping in.
let me tell ya, it was pure pleasure waking up to silence - no 'boy noise'.
later in the day, i took the little guys to tecalote canyon for a short hike.
since christopher spends more time with them during the week,
i suggested this just be a mom and son outing only. c said 'whatever momma wants'.
so the little men in my life and i went, and had a great afternoon - hiking just under 2 miles.
we almost made it to the end without anyone asking me to carry them
key word - ALMOST.
the last 10 minutes of the hike, finn (yes, the 6 yr old) asked me to carry him
i reminded him he was almost as big as me, and that was NOT going to happen! *laugh*
some photo highlights of our lil' trek. 
 |
| photo was taken by scoutie, who insists on taking photos now whenever i pull my camera out. |
Sunday, May 9, 2010
mother's day: 2010
we never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves.
- henry ward beecher
i adore this photo of my mom and me.
there are very few of just the two of us, so i treasure it.
i feel a little sad for those woman who choose not to experience motherhood.
i know not everyone is able to have a baby, or may not even have the ability to adopt,
but i can't help but think if those that simply chose not to, would think differently if they
knew that, as tough as it is, it's also a bit of heaven on earth.
i think about all the different kinds of love we have - love for our partner, friends, family,
and our pets. these loves are strong, very strong, but i don't think they compare to the love a
mother has for her children. it's fierce, protective, and permanent. i'm convinced there is
nothing more powerful.
as my boys shower me with love and affection today, i celebrate my mother too.
though i can't be with her physically, she is close to my heart. i wanted to share some
heartfelt reasons why she is so special to me. here are just a few:
1) mom takes the time to talk to me.
i wish i would have talked to her more during my 20s but i was selfish on some level and didn't realize all the wisdom she possessed. when finn was born, things changed. our talking increased 10x. i called her all the time - to ask questions about parenting, to bounce my ideas off her, etc. i didn't have many friends who were moms yet, and i needed to talk to a pro. there was NO ONE better than my mom to call. today, we continue to talk often and about everything - children, marriage, siblings, friends, work, etc. our conversations flow like wine at a great dinner party. they are warm and so good.
2) mom makes me laugh.
she has a great sense of humor and can even laugh at herself. i love this quality in her!
parenting brings huge responsibilities and since becoming one, i've become a more serious person. i realize this is normal on some level as the task is monumental, but sometimes i'm probably too serious. mom reminds me that - even in all the responsibilites, it's ok to stop and laugh - at the kids, life and myself. she also reminds me that kids grow up and alot of the physical tasks i have to do now will be far less. she helps put things into perspective.
3) mom is the most selfless woman on the planet. she always puts others before herself. there are thousands of examples of this: staying up late hemming pants i bought that evening because i *had* to wear them to school the next day, putting in endless hours helping with school projects, taxiing me all over town, staying up all night nursing sick children, etc. she sacrifices so much to her family, yet she seems to balance her own needs which makes her even more incredible.
4) mom has never met a stranger.
she's outgoing and makes everyone feel special when she speaks with them.
she has the art of conversation perfected. no one would be surprised if a walk around the block took well over an hour. we know she'll have probably stopped and had conversations with several people along the way - some even strangers (until that day). i love this about her and attribute my love of people and my outgoing personality to her. whether she's seated next to a CEO of a major company or an 80 year old grandma on a plane, she's comfortable and will enjoy the company of this person.
5) mom has shown me what a good wife and good marriage is all about. she understands what committment is, has loved my dad through ups and downs, and always made marriage her priority. she taught me how to set boundaries for my marriage, counseled me, and encouraged me by telling me what she’s noticed i do great in my own marriage and even reminds me of the great things my husband does. mom and dad are approaching their golden (50th) anniversary and well, this is special. not everyone is so lucky to witness great marriages between their parents. i am blessed.
happy mother's day mom.
you really do make everything and everyone around you more beautiful!
and to all the moms out there, happy mother's day to you.
- henry ward beecher
i adore this photo of my mom and me.
there are very few of just the two of us, so i treasure it.
i feel a little sad for those woman who choose not to experience motherhood.
i know not everyone is able to have a baby, or may not even have the ability to adopt,
but i can't help but think if those that simply chose not to, would think differently if they
knew that, as tough as it is, it's also a bit of heaven on earth.
i think about all the different kinds of love we have - love for our partner, friends, family,
and our pets. these loves are strong, very strong, but i don't think they compare to the love a
mother has for her children. it's fierce, protective, and permanent. i'm convinced there is
nothing more powerful.
as my boys shower me with love and affection today, i celebrate my mother too.
though i can't be with her physically, she is close to my heart. i wanted to share some
heartfelt reasons why she is so special to me. here are just a few:
1) mom takes the time to talk to me.
i wish i would have talked to her more during my 20s but i was selfish on some level and didn't realize all the wisdom she possessed. when finn was born, things changed. our talking increased 10x. i called her all the time - to ask questions about parenting, to bounce my ideas off her, etc. i didn't have many friends who were moms yet, and i needed to talk to a pro. there was NO ONE better than my mom to call. today, we continue to talk often and about everything - children, marriage, siblings, friends, work, etc. our conversations flow like wine at a great dinner party. they are warm and so good.
2) mom makes me laugh.
she has a great sense of humor and can even laugh at herself. i love this quality in her!
parenting brings huge responsibilities and since becoming one, i've become a more serious person. i realize this is normal on some level as the task is monumental, but sometimes i'm probably too serious. mom reminds me that - even in all the responsibilites, it's ok to stop and laugh - at the kids, life and myself. she also reminds me that kids grow up and alot of the physical tasks i have to do now will be far less. she helps put things into perspective.
3) mom is the most selfless woman on the planet. she always puts others before herself. there are thousands of examples of this: staying up late hemming pants i bought that evening because i *had* to wear them to school the next day, putting in endless hours helping with school projects, taxiing me all over town, staying up all night nursing sick children, etc. she sacrifices so much to her family, yet she seems to balance her own needs which makes her even more incredible.
4) mom has never met a stranger.
she's outgoing and makes everyone feel special when she speaks with them.
she has the art of conversation perfected. no one would be surprised if a walk around the block took well over an hour. we know she'll have probably stopped and had conversations with several people along the way - some even strangers (until that day). i love this about her and attribute my love of people and my outgoing personality to her. whether she's seated next to a CEO of a major company or an 80 year old grandma on a plane, she's comfortable and will enjoy the company of this person.
5) mom has shown me what a good wife and good marriage is all about. she understands what committment is, has loved my dad through ups and downs, and always made marriage her priority. she taught me how to set boundaries for my marriage, counseled me, and encouraged me by telling me what she’s noticed i do great in my own marriage and even reminds me of the great things my husband does. mom and dad are approaching their golden (50th) anniversary and well, this is special. not everyone is so lucky to witness great marriages between their parents. i am blessed.
happy mother's day mom.
you really do make everything and everyone around you more beautiful!
and to all the moms out there, happy mother's day to you.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
a good man
today is my father's birthday.
i found this poem by Debra Stiles that sums up my father so well.
A Good Man
He’s a good man, so smart and serene.
Always keeps his word and always says what he means.
He’s never selfish or boastful, would give the shirt off his back.
Giving isn’t something this man lacks.
Family comes first and he'll protect them at all cost
Working too many hours he knows that's a loss
Integrity follows where ever he goes.
He is a proud man, and it shows.
His wife is so happy and eager to please.
She appreciates him, and all his kind deeds.
His words are loving and uplifting, and always makes her smile
so she's more than glad to go her extra mile.
He knows he doesn’t have to worry. he does his up most best.
He faces his challenges and passes the test.
His friends all gather round and look forward to their visits.
He just has a way that is hard to resist.
He’s a good man, so smart and serene.
I enjoy my time with him, if only in my dreams
i miss you dad and am so grateful to have you in my life.
you are the epitome of a good man
a man who truly understands what's important in life.
if everyone had a man like you in their life,
i think this world would be a much happier and peaceful place.
i'm a lucky girl
happy birthday dad!
xo
Thursday, May 6, 2010
things i ♥ thursdays
i ♥ making the boys' sandwhiches for their lunch boxes
the reasons: i feel like this little gesture connects them to me - in a small way
and because i use various shaped cookie cutters and it's kind of fun!
i started collecting them years ago when i was a big sister with big brother/big sisters.
i am guessing i have over 100 now.
recently finn announced "mine can be plain mom as long as it doesn't have crust."
by plain, he meant he didn't need his cut into shapes anymore.
i wonder if this is his way of telling me he's too old for them? *sniff*
and then there's scoutie who LOVES shapes so much he insists on picking his own daily.
this week he chose a car, fish, rocket and a dog. and my favorite? you might have guessed it.
the heart.
i ♥ skype
i've been trying to use it more to keep in touch with folks far away
the boys aren't interested much in talking on the phone
but when they SEE their grandparents or cousins, it's much more exciting.
i feel the same. i connect with loved ones on a level that i can't over the phone.
it's a wonderful tool - i only wish i started using it earlier.
looking forward to skyping with my brother and his family this weekend.
i ♥ ranaculuses
these might just be my new favorite flower
they are in season from january to may so i've been seeing them alot lately.
finn's kindergarten class took a trip to the flower gardens last week
and rananculuses are the main flower grown there. i so wish i could have gone.
since i missed the trip, i must pick up these pretties from traders joes this weekend
before they are no longer available!
the reasons: i feel like this little gesture connects them to me - in a small way
and because i use various shaped cookie cutters and it's kind of fun!
i started collecting them years ago when i was a big sister with big brother/big sisters.
i am guessing i have over 100 now.
recently finn announced "mine can be plain mom as long as it doesn't have crust."
by plain, he meant he didn't need his cut into shapes anymore.
i wonder if this is his way of telling me he's too old for them? *sniff*
and then there's scoutie who LOVES shapes so much he insists on picking his own daily.
this week he chose a car, fish, rocket and a dog. and my favorite? you might have guessed it.
the heart.
i ♥ skype
i've been trying to use it more to keep in touch with folks far away
the boys aren't interested much in talking on the phone
but when they SEE their grandparents or cousins, it's much more exciting.
i feel the same. i connect with loved ones on a level that i can't over the phone.
it's a wonderful tool - i only wish i started using it earlier.
looking forward to skyping with my brother and his family this weekend.
i ♥ ranaculuses
these might just be my new favorite flower
they are in season from january to may so i've been seeing them alot lately.
finn's kindergarten class took a trip to the flower gardens last week
and rananculuses are the main flower grown there. i so wish i could have gone.
since i missed the trip, i must pick up these pretties from traders joes this weekend
before they are no longer available!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
YUCKY
ask your child what he wants only if he's buying.
- fran lebowtiz
YUCKY has become one of scoutie's favorite words at dinner time.
like most 2 year olds, he's a picky eater,
not interested in trying anything that looks different.
i get a little frustrated with this attitude,
but what's no longer frustrating
is feeling like i have to find something he will eat.
when finn was a baby/toddler and at this same 'picky stage',
we would go through *so* much work trying to find something he'd eat.
i'd pull lots of food out of the fridge and cupboards, offering him choice after choice.
it sounds ridiculous i know, but he was a peanut
and there was some concern about his weight for a while.
later, we were told he was "small like his parents and healthy." *ugh*
now, the boys no longer dictate what we serve for dinner.
there are usually 2 or 3 dishes to chose from,
and if they don't want any of them, so be it.
we don't believe a missed meal is going to hurt scoutie at all.
he has plenty of reserves on him,
and from past experiences, he makes up for it at breakfast the next day.
i enjoy meal time so much more now.
like finn, i think scoutie will become a more adventurous eater as he grows
in the meantime, i will hear, from time to time, what i've prepared is YUCKY.
and if they don't want any of them, so be it.
we don't believe a missed meal is going to hurt scoutie at all.
he has plenty of reserves on him,
and from past experiences, he makes up for it at breakfast the next day.
i enjoy meal time so much more now.
like finn, i think scoutie will become a more adventurous eater as he grows
in the meantime, i will hear, from time to time, what i've prepared is YUCKY.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
a whirlwind weekend
weekends go by so darn fast and this past weekend was no exception.
once again, i crammed a week's worth of activities into 2 days. i simply overbooked myself.
i am exhausted but i did have get alot accomplished and had some time with my girlfriends.
some highlights:
- visit with the eichorn twins: kai and katherine (now 17 months)
- attended a nutrition class saturday morning
- grocery shopping/errand running
- photographed girlfriend erin and her family
- wine and cheese night with the kindergarten moms sat pm
- book club/brunch at char's house sunday
- laundry/cottage cleaning (not a 'highlight' but this took a while)
- mowed lawn (yes i did! i volunteered as i haven't done it since i was in high school). enjoyed it.
- met with a teenage girl in the neighborhood for occasional babysitting (her mom came over too)
- sea world with the boys sunday evening (just 2 hours - we had never been at night)
so there it is.
can i possibly cram in any more into 2 days???
i don't think so either.
next week, i VOW to relax...take more time for me. it's mother's day weekend so i'm entitled right? *grin*
i've got a massage and facial scheduled for saturday - not a mother's day gift. it was a b-day gift from my very generous and kind coworker. i've been anxious to use it and am finally able to squeeze it in!
here's a pix of katherine (kai was on the go and i didn't have energy to go after him - next time)
once again, i crammed a week's worth of activities into 2 days. i simply overbooked myself.
i am exhausted but i did have get alot accomplished and had some time with my girlfriends.
some highlights:
- visit with the eichorn twins: kai and katherine (now 17 months)
- attended a nutrition class saturday morning
- grocery shopping/errand running
- photographed girlfriend erin and her family
- wine and cheese night with the kindergarten moms sat pm
- book club/brunch at char's house sunday
- laundry/cottage cleaning (not a 'highlight' but this took a while)
- mowed lawn (yes i did! i volunteered as i haven't done it since i was in high school). enjoyed it.
- met with a teenage girl in the neighborhood for occasional babysitting (her mom came over too)
- sea world with the boys sunday evening (just 2 hours - we had never been at night)
so there it is.
can i possibly cram in any more into 2 days???
i don't think so either.
next week, i VOW to relax...take more time for me. it's mother's day weekend so i'm entitled right? *grin*
i've got a massage and facial scheduled for saturday - not a mother's day gift. it was a b-day gift from my very generous and kind coworker. i've been anxious to use it and am finally able to squeeze it in!
here's a pix of katherine (kai was on the go and i didn't have energy to go after him - next time)
 |
| the lovely nye family: Lucas (4), ben, erin and sydney (2) |
Saturday, May 1, 2010
the mean man
i'm starting a new fitness program tomorrow with bootcamp 619. this was one of the bid items i won at explorer's art for the heart auction back in march. *yay* i had decided to wait until after our family vacation to start going so there wouldn't be a break in my training.
so this morning, i attended their nutrition class which was highly recommended before i started my workouts. on my way out the door, scoutie asked where i was going and i held up the bootcamp 619 flyer and said i'm going to this man's class and showed him this picture:
scout replied "you are going to see that mean man mommy?" c and i both laughed outloud because this trainer DOES look pretty tough. i can see why a 2 year old would say that. *smile*
so this trainer, chris keith was in the military and is known for being a total hard ass when he's instructing. i admit, i'm a little nervous about training with him, BUT i think he's what i need to REALLY get more motiviated. when i first met chris, i thought he was aggressive and extreme, but in yesterday's nutrition class, i saw a softer side of him. i'm sure i won't see it that often and probably never during our sessions, but it's good to know he has one.
what i'm most excited about is the cross-fit classes he offers. i love bootcamp classes (and he does teach these), but i've reached a plateau and need something new to get the results i'm wanting. cross-fit classes incorporates weight training which has been missing so i am hoping to see some significant changes in my body over the next few months!! i'll be posting from time to time and may even share some photos - maybe even some before and after. (ugh).
so this morning, i attended their nutrition class which was highly recommended before i started my workouts. on my way out the door, scoutie asked where i was going and i held up the bootcamp 619 flyer and said i'm going to this man's class and showed him this picture:
scout replied "you are going to see that mean man mommy?" c and i both laughed outloud because this trainer DOES look pretty tough. i can see why a 2 year old would say that. *smile*
so this trainer, chris keith was in the military and is known for being a total hard ass when he's instructing. i admit, i'm a little nervous about training with him, BUT i think he's what i need to REALLY get more motiviated. when i first met chris, i thought he was aggressive and extreme, but in yesterday's nutrition class, i saw a softer side of him. i'm sure i won't see it that often and probably never during our sessions, but it's good to know he has one.
what i'm most excited about is the cross-fit classes he offers. i love bootcamp classes (and he does teach these), but i've reached a plateau and need something new to get the results i'm wanting. cross-fit classes incorporates weight training which has been missing so i am hoping to see some significant changes in my body over the next few months!! i'll be posting from time to time and may even share some photos - maybe even some before and after. (ugh).
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About Me
- Angela
- San Diego, CA, United States
- I'm a Southern California mom to 2 boys and a wifey to my long-time love. I work full-time and life is a bit crazy, but I strive to remember to take time to enjoy the little things, because in the end, it's those things that will matter most.