Cartoon Cuts

This is the Ikea bookshelf I put together for Ash's room!  Although in the end, I ended up with 2 extra screws and when I moved it against the wall a couple of pieces came apart, I told Ash this is strictly a bookshelf and to not climb in it or...it could fall apart.  Although it serves its purpose for now.

The kids and I have many "parties" downstairs with each other with a special movie and its so cute because the kids cuddle up together in one chair instead of using the couch.  I hope they always stay close.  

Jonathan came home for 2 days.  We hadn't seen him in over a month and he left again and comes back April 1.  We had a great time together!! 

Ash got her hair cut at Cartoon Cuts at Fair Oaks mall last week!  She loved the pampering!!!  

The passing away of Sammy

Sammy.  Our beloved Beta fish that has been alive for over 3.5 years.  What fish lives for over 3.5 years?  Sammy does.  In fact we called him Samurai Sammy because he was such a tough warrior. We'd taken care of Sammy, neighbors have fed Sammy while we were away on vacations, he was much loved.  He was gift to Austin before Ashley was even born given by Grandma and Pop LaBarbera.  Well, Sammy moved on to a better place on Saturday night.  We think its because of natural causes, but murder is still an option.  I came downstairs and Ashley was on the counter top with sammy in her hand and said, 'Sammy died.'  But even if it was murder, it was Sammy's time to go.  He had slowed down quite a bit the past couple months. The funeral was sad as the pictures show.  We love you Sammy!  To the best fish ever!

7-11

We drove by a new 7-11 store and saw the Geico lizard standing and waving and the kids love this lizard.  We then saw that this 7-11 store was having its grand opening.  Upon going inside, they handed all the kids a bag to fill with all sorts of free goods!  Twinkies!  Sub sandwiches! Ice cream cones!  Potato chips! Junk galore!!!  There were also drawings and a clown doing face painting and balloons.  The kids had thought they'd gone to the circus.  And all free for me.

She found the Binki!

Valentines Day 2009

We had a super-fun Valentine week!  Between a preschool Valentine party at Burger King, (Ash of course used Princess Valentines) and Austin's 100th day of school/Valentine party we had a great week!  Mom enjoyed enrichment night, running outside in the 50-60 degree weather we've had here this week.  Dad is in Austin TX this week.  Dr. Rice is doing all of her farewell speeches and I'm super jealous he's in TX without me!  Hope you had a great lovey hearts day.

Olga the Great

So since Jonathan's been gone I've decided not to shave my legs.  I don't know why I've decided this.  Maybe for the same reason that men grow out their beard when they're away.  The longest I've been w/out shaving my legs in the past has been 1 week.  I love the feeling of smooth legs. But I'm going all natural.  Grunt grunt.

Magna Cum Laude

Kidding.  Annie did graduate though last night from her final obedience class! She's doing great!  Next is intermediate training.  Yeah! Woof!

Lady and the Tramp

Okay, this is a grotesque version of Lady and the Tramp.  I don't know if you can see in the picture here, but Ashley actually has spaghetti in her mouth that she is sharing with the dog.  Ewww!  I don't know what's grosser-that, or the fact that I didn't stop it immediately and laughed and took a picture!  This pic will be seen by her future husband...he'll see what all she's kissed in her lifetime!

Obviously last week was the first snow of the season.  Yeah!  School was closed and another morning delay due to the ice.  The kids had a great time.  At least Austin did.   Ash is like her mom.  We like it in the warm, looking outside.  

Here's to winter finally here!

Ashley's words

Words Ash says that makes us laugh:

Ingees-earrings

'I meed this'-I need this

'Annie you big baloof!'

I have no capaties-I have no cavities

Baby It's Cold Outside

Baby it's Cold Outside

This week was a fun week!  It began with my friend Amy Peterson and her 3 kids (and one on the way) coming to visit over last weekend.  We had a great time together catching up, talking in the bed till we both fell asleep and letting our kids play with one another.  Thanks Amy for coming down!  I love you Willow!

Then Erika and I took Austin and his best friend Cameron to see the movie Bedtime Stories in the middle of the week.  They boys were thrilled and it was so fun to do something out of the norm, with just our boys.  The little ones stayed at home.  It has also been a whirlwind of birthday parties this week for Austin.  Fun for him, crazy for us.  Pump it Up, Chucky's, etc.

Ash had her Little Gym "Super Beasts" class finale this week.  She loves ringing the bells, singing the super beast songs and doing the gymnastics there.  We love the Little Gym and she'll be doing Funny Bugs next semester.  It's also a tradition of ours to always go to Panera after her class.  She loves to sit by the fire and share a yummy warm meal.

This week has been chilly.  Make the cold.  Actually, freezing!  We're talking temps in the twenties, teens, then single digits.  But yet no snow here.  

Jonathan and I got to see Marley and Me on a date Friday night.  We also went out to dinner and enjoyed some alone time.  He leaves Jan 26 and will return April 1.  Boo.  So we're trying to be together as much as possible.  Is that possible with his job?  Just wondering.

I'm on week 2, starting week 3 tomorrow of our ward's biggest loser challenge (diet).  I have 10 lbs to lose.  And who was the winner last week of highest body fat percentage lost?  You guessed it.  Moi.  Last summer's winner of the challenge as well!  Let's just hope this losing lasts another 8 weeks.  By the way, did I mention how good all the Valentines Candy is looking now?  

Stay warm.

Angie

 

Who is this girl?

Can you tell we're brother/sister???  This is Aaron-or (Uncle Rocco.)  Graduating from getting his MBA at Duke in May!!! YEAH!!!!

Who is this little princess?  We saw this dress at Target.  Ashley immediately says, 'Stop!  That's my wedding dress!'  So it was on clearance (I love Target clearances!) and I bought it.  She has worn her wedding dress everyday this week.  And who is she marrying?  Daddy of course, in the temple.  Everytime she sees the Disney castle on a movie we're playing, she'll say that's the Temple I'm getting married in!

Santa Monica

FRIDAY-JANUARY 2, 2009-Santa Monica Pier

I just got all caught up on blogging.  I'm starting with Jan 2 and working backwards.  

The last day we spent in Cali was with Uncle Rocco and Aunt Reghan.  We went and walked around Santa Monica pier, went to Pink's hot dogs and enjoyed spending time with our brother and sister.  And of course enjoyed funnel cakes on the pier!!!

Uncle Rocco and Aunt Reghan

While we went to the Rosebowl, the kids spent a day with Rocco and Reghan.  The kids had a blast!  So much that they didn't want to leave.  They were putting on masks, jumping around like monkeys and had a great time.  

Duane and I were completely spoiled and surprised when they said they wanted to take the kids for the night so we could have the night at the hotel to ourselves.  What an absolute TREAT!  Before that, we ate at Zeke's BBQ in downtown Montrose (La Crescenta area).  Loved it.

So Reghan set up a tent for the kiddos in the living room and they had a sleepover.  The kids also ate little California oranges called "cuties".  They couldn't get enough of them. They were sticking them in their pockets, and thoroughly enjoying the company of their Aunt and Uncle.  

We enjoyed a relaxing night to ourselves.  Thanks Rocco and Reghan!!