Happy 2009!!!

I am so excited to see what the new year has in store for me and my family. I have a great feeling that this year is going to be great. I hope you all have a great New Years eve night. We will try to stay up and eat our traditional 12 grapes and drink a glass of champagne. Have a safe and fun New Years. I will leave you with a cute picture from our final Sea World trip for the year. See you all next year!!!! Love, Vickie

YAY I WON!!

I was so excited to check my friends blog to see that I won one of her giveaways. She makes great jewelry. It's perfect and so dainty. I had purchased some cute earrings in the past, but this month I was lucky and won some cute dangle earrings. I love to get things in the mail. What a treat. They were perfect just in time for the holiday season. If you want to check out her blog go to the right of my blog and check out OUR DELIGHTFUL LIFE. Her ETSY store is great. Thank you so much!! I love them.

Our Christmas Morning

We had a wonderful day. The best was seeing the looks on the kids faces when they came down the stairs. We had a blast watching Mia and Ava take turns in the Mustang. And Robert just sat on his bike all morning. Of all the days that week, Christmas had to come on a rainy day. Mia also loved her princess table. Ava got the new Elmo live and she loved it. Santa was also good to me too. I got perfume (my absolute favorite one), Top Chef cook book (love that show),WII fit with a Jillian Michaels game (all of you who watch The biggest Loser know who this is), and Mama Mia!!! We really did have a good day. Gifts aside that whole day was great. I love to sit back and watch the kids and my husband play. Sometimes I just sit back and wonder how I got so lucky. I have 3 great kids and a wonderful husband. We hope you all have a great Holiday Season.

We love the holidays

I love my house this time of year. The lights, the colors, everything. I tried to decorate our home as much as I could. But a little girl( I won't mention any names) AVA takes everything down. My tree barely has ornaments on it. The ouside of my home is great. My hubby did a great job. Just when I thought he was done, he left to Lowes and came back with more. I have a few pictures of the house before the Lowes trip. Enjoy the pictures of our home. Enjoy the weather, your family, and the holiday season. Have a great weekend.

Hello

Just wanted to stop in and say hi to everyone. I am never online anymore because I am busy with the new baby and trying to adjust to 3 kids. It isnt easy I must say. I really want to write a book for moms with more than 2 kids because all of the books I see are for new moms. The other night I had to go to a healthfood store to get something for little mister because he is having some sort of belly problems....so I get there and he was asleep and halfway through the store he woke up and was flipping out bigtime. So I pay and get the 2 girls and go out to the car. I breastfeed him and he was still upset so I gave him some formula then breastfed again then gave him Gripe Water and that really made him cry so it had the opposite effect I guess then I just finally kinda calmed him and thought I better go home since it was 9pm and I had been in the car for about an hour already. So I tried to turn on the car and it wouldnt turn on so the battery was acting up. So I have the baby crying and the girls fighting and saying they were starving and wanted hamburgers but were fighting over where to go meanwhile I am almost in tears. So I get my kids and go BACK into the store ask for the phone because of course I dont have the cell phone. I called my husband to come get me and got the kids a sandwhich and chips and went BACK out to the car and guess what?? The car started and the baby calmed down enouggh only because before attempting to start the care I BREASTFED AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I need a book that tells me what to do in these situations!!. I must say I forgot how time consuming breastfeeding is. Also this is the first time I was brave enough to take a baby out so small on my own which I wont do it again for a while. It is scary.

I like my meat........

CURRIED
MARINATED
SAUTEAD
BBQ
BOILED
GRILLED
BUTTERFLIED
ROASTED
SMOKED
SHREDDED
GROUND
FRIED

YOU MUST SAY THIS WITH THE FOREST GUMP ACCENT SINCE ME AND VICKEY HAD NOTHING BETTER TO DO AND WERE CRACING UP REMEMBERING HOW HE AND BUBBA WERE TALKING SHRIMP SO WE STARTED TALKING BEEF. ARE THERE MORE WAYS U LIKE YOUR BEEF?
HAHAHA

Family time this Thanksgiving

I do love this time of year. Thanksgiving in a few days, and then Christmas just around the corner. I love the smells, the lights, the cool weather, and being around family. This Thanksgiving we will be celebrating Thanksgiving at my Grandmas. My Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, my Sister from San Francisco and my Mom will all be there. I am really bummed that Lisa(my older sis)can't make it out. We will miss her very much. And not only are we celebrating Thanksgiving, we get to sing Happy Birthday to my Grandpa and my son. They were both born on November 27th. Yay birthday cake!! We also get to toast with champagne. My sister's Boyfriend proposed on Sunday. Yay again!! I am so happy for them. This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for. I know at times I may not show it or act like it, but I am so blessed with so may great things, especially my Family.
P.S: The picture posted is my younger sister and her fiance CONGRATULATIONS!!!

The funny little thing that Ava does

Do your kid's do cute, funny things when they are getting sleep, relaxing or about to pass out for a nap? My little Ava does the funniest thing. As soon as she gets her bottle with water or milk she goes straight for her belly button. She always seem to do this when she is tired or is drinking something. It's pretty funny. I have heard of kids pulling on there ears or reaching for the satin part of a blanket, but the belly button. It's so funny to me. We noticed it pretty early on. I took a picture so you can see Miss Ava in action. Do your kiddos do anything like this??

STILL in the NICU

I just wanted to thank you Vik for posting and we are still here. We should be going home today. His levels were actually up again. They were 19.5 when we got here and after a few days of photo therapy they went down to 12.4 and are now up to 13.5. I guess it is normal for it to go up on the 5th day or so . We will have to see the doctor tomorrow and have the levels tested.
I must say it had been an very hard year. Many things have happened but I am hoping things will get better. I thought our hospital stays were over . I just need my life to get back on track somehow. Just being here seeing all of the sick babies and kids has made me realize how LUCKY we are to have healthy kids. I cant imagine having a child with cancer or any other serious illness. In the NICU it is pretty sad. We are at the Phoenix Childrens Hospital and it is really a sad place to be. I am grateful the what Abe had was easy to fix even though I must say I was in tears and a total mess the first few days and have had little to no sleep. Just seeing him under those lights and not being able to hold him when he needed me just about killed me.
I did go home for about an hour to take a shower and also gave the girls a shower and got them dolled up since my husband isnt that great at the hair thing. It was nice to see the girls. Also my house is a total mess. I dont know .....mabey a hurricane passed through there while I have been here and it also smells very funky.
I just ask you all to please keep me in your prayers as usual.
Lisa

My poor Nephew is in the NICU

I'm really sad to say that my nephew Abel is in the hospital. They admitted him Thursday night and he has been there ever since. He is Jaundice. His levels on the blood work he had done were very high. My poor sister Lisa has been through so much during her pregnancy. Not only was she sick the whole 9 1/2 months but she also had so many other thing happen during her pregnancy. And she now has her newborn baby in the hospital. We are all praying that he will be home soon. Please say a little prayer for them. I will post pictures as soon as she sends them. Have a good Sunday.

Ablelardo (Abel) has arrived!!!!!!!!!!!

My little man has arrived. I am so happy you guys dont even know. He is the best baby too. Sleeps and eats but does have a temper. He hates to be changed. I mean hates it so I am sure his first sponge bath later will be nice.
The birth went well and he was born Friday after days of contractions and no sleep. I was so tired I felt like I couldnt even push anymore evn though I only pushed for like 20 minutes. This time is the first time I really felt like I got ran over by a train but today is better. I was in the hospital for 2 days mostly because he was having some fast breathing which seems to be something called STRIDER so if anyone knows about that please give me more information.
We are home now and I just ate my first homemade meal (not hospital food) and I must tell you I have never appreciated being able to eat so much. I was still a little nauseated this morning but I think I am getting over it. Sometimes it takes time.
Well thank all of you for your support throughout.
Lisa

My son's bedroom makeover

This weekend was was so nice and a little sad at the same time. We transformed Roberts room into a pre-teen room. We painted his room a darker color, and hung a few things (we have to look for some more photos and football stuff). My Grandparents, my mom, my Uncle and Aunt all pitched in to buy him new furniture and accessories for his new room. They wanted to get him something for his Birthday and decided on helping with his Bedroom makeover. It was so great of them. They bought him A bed, desk, nightstand, bed comforter and sheets, some goodies for his desk and a desk lamp. His room looks great. The sad part is that my little boy is growing up. He will be 12 years old on Turkey day. I am excited about seeing what kind of a young man turns out to be. I really hope I taught him well and hope he will make great decisions in the years to come. Enjoy the makeover pictures. The first picture was the only pic I had of his room before.

YAY!!! My nephew is finally here

If you're wondering why my older sister Lisa has not posted in awhile, well it's because she has been trying to deal with her last days of pregnancy and in pre-labor since Monday night. I felt so bad for her. She finally gave birth to her son this morning at around 9:30am. He weighed 7lbs. 13oz. He was having some trouble breathing at first, but my sister said he is doing well. I don't have pictures yet. I really hope to get them soon. They did pick a name for him but I am not sure if its a sure thing. As soon as I get details I will post them. I can't wait for her to start feeling better and get back to normal. She has had such a hard pregnancy. She really needs a break. I wish we lived closer. These are the times in life when we need family around. Have a great weekend!! Vickie

Fall Ball is over!

Today is Robs last day of Baseball. It was his first season of baseball. He wanted to play baseball instead of football this year. He did pretty good. He liked it but missed the excitement of football. He said he is definitely going to play football next year. I think he looks like a baseball player, but I think it's me just wanting him to play a less aggressive sport. Of course his dad is all over him wanting to play his favorite sport. I am glad that he is up to playing sports, it makes me feel better about him doing something instead of wanting to play video games all day. Either way I would be proud of him. He is always so busy and he still manages to get A's and B's in school. I hope he continues to play sports in middle school next year, and in high school.(oh my gosh he's going to be in middle school next year, 7th grade) I know we are coming up on the hardest years of a preteen's and teenagers life, but I really hopes he find a sport that he loves and sticks with. I love you Rob keep up the good work.- Mommy (Vickie)

Yummy in my Tummy Taco Soup

Every week I make a weekly menu. We really like tacos around here so It's pretty much on the menu once a week. I try to change the taco fillings every once and awhile to make it different. Last week I got my Kraft food and family magazine, and there was a great recipe for Taco soup. I was so excited to find this. It was just what I needed to give Taco Tuesday a little twist. The soup was so yummy and warm for a cold fall evening. Here's the recipe:
1lb. extra lean ground beef (I used ground turkey)
1 onion, chopped
3 cans of chili beans(15 1/2 oz cans) mild chili beans, undrained
1 can of of whole tomatoes(14 1/4oz), undrained
1 can of corn(14 1/4oz), undrained
1 can of tomato sauce(8oz)
1 pkg of taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups of water
1 1/2 cups of cheese

- Brown Beef with onions in a large sauce pan; drain
- Add all remaining ingredients except cheese; stir, breaking up the tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Simmer on medium-low heat for 5min.,stirring occasionally.
- Serve topped with cheese
Extra ideas: I added cilantro to mine. I also had a bowl of tortilla chips to dip in the soup.

My family loved it, I hope you give it a try. It was soooo good. -Vickie

My Dollar Tree find

About 2 months ago I was reading one of my favorite magazines(ALL YOU) and I saw some very cute wall stickers. They showed words, designs, neat kids cartoons and other fun stuff. When I first purchased my home I knew I wanted to write things on the walls or put up neat designs. But when I saw this it looked super easy to do and affordable. I looked on the back of the magazine to find out the stickers were from The Dollar Tree. I didn't believe it until I went the following day. I found a few of them that work in my home. One of the them was for the girls play closet. They were wall stickers of the Noggin show Oswald. The other one was the famous LIVE LAUGH LOVE saying.I put that one up in my laundry room.I guess it helps to have that in there to look at when I'm grumpy about doing laundry. They are so cute and make a statement. And hey you can't beat $1.00. Check them out and tell me what you think and then go to The Dollar Tree and see what you can find. Have a great day, Vickie

Decision 2008

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
I can't wait to see if my guy wins!!!We shall soon find out.

Our fun Halloween

We had such a great day Friday. I took the girls to my Stroller Strides class Friday morning. We had a bunch of goodies. The kids ran around in costumes. The girls had a great time. Later that night we went to a friends house for dinner. We decided to go somewhere a bit different. We went to Riverside Community College. They had some neat things for the kids to do. They even had some science experiments in the lab. We then took them trick-or-treating. They had a great time. This year was so different now that the kids are growing up. We hope you all enjoyed your Halloween and your treats.

What HYPEREMESIS has taught me so far.....

Well you all know I am in my 36th week of this nausea and puking illness and so far I have learned a few things. I know it is hard to relate unless you have had a taste of it but here goes....
1. Eating crackers before I get up and out of bed doesnt work, wont work and please dont suggest it.
2. You learn who your TRUE friends and family are very fast especially after the so called 3 month period when everyone THINKS it is gonna be over never ends till the end.
3. You learn what a strong person you are when you really think about it.
4. You actually know more about hyperemesis than you OB.
5. You could actaully end up being a nurse if you had to inject yourself with medication day in and day out.

I will add more later as I am sure there is more.

It's sunny in the Bathroom

So, the new thing around here these days is wearing sunglasses in the bath tub. Mia loves to wear them. So of course Ava loves them too. I think it's pretty cute. Ava gets so mad when they slip down. Always a new thing around here, these girls keep me busy.

36 WEEK CHECK UP!!

Well from now on I go weekly so I pray time flys and baby comes early. I went in today and I gained 2 pounds but am still under my pre-pregnancy weight. I am sure after baby is born I am going to blow up because I am so food deprived.
Well the baby looks good but I am still having alot of pelvic pain to the point that at night I just cant walk without being in major pain. Plus the nausea never ends. I am having a hard time with the kids since they both are just being very moody and difficult.
It took everything I had not to get on my knees and BEG to be induced soon. I am going back and forth on begging and just letting nature take its course. I am just so miserable and just feel like I can care for everyone in the family much better if I wasnt puking and having the relentless nausea 24 hours a day. We shall see. I ask you all to pray that the baby comes by 38 weeks. I dont know if I can take much more but either way I dont have a choice because one way or another baby is coming out.
Lisa

Getting ready for some Halloween fun

We can't wait for Halloween around this house. I can't wait to get the kids dressed up and ready to go. Unfortunately Mia has a cold or flu of some sort. I am trying to get her all better for Thursday and Friday. On Thursday we are having a party after our Stroller Strides work out. And on Friday we are having another party at Stroller Strides(different location) and later on that day going to our friends house for dinner and trick or treating fun. Have a great day!!

Journaling and list making

Well I have always been into journaling because it really gets the stress out and helps clear your head. I really want to do this daily even if it is a few lines. Also I have been really stressed about the new baby to come and just by getting things on a list has taken away half of my worries and out of my head. Now I feel more relief than I did. So I just recommend this to you all if you dont already do it just to clear your head.
On www.totalmom.com she reccomends carrying a binder with sections and a calendar and that is a great idea that way you have everything in one place. I am not super organized like my sister Vickie but she even makes a weekly menu and that helps her in a great way especially on not over buying or spending.

Here comes trouble

So I pretty much think the picture says it all. Ava found a new place to hide and get into things. I have this one cabinet in my kitchen that has no child locks on it. I read that kids need a place in the kitchen where they can explore. So when Mia started to walk and snoop around I left this cabinet for her. It had cups, plates, a few snacks and other fun stuff. She loved it. Ava on the other hand takes everything out. And the other day she decided to get in. She loves to climb on anything and everything. I get so nervous. I hope this is not a preview on things to come.

20 things LISA knows for sure

Just kidding I know nothing I just wanted to tease my sister since she is such the Oprah fan. Hahahahahahaha.
By the way my nails look all dirty and stained from the Pomegranates. Yuck. But my man brought me 5 last night.
Also my kids are already driving me crazy. HELP!!!!!

The top 20 things Oprah knows for sure

I read this email today from my sister Lisa and I loved it. It is from Oprah's website. Yes I know Oprah again. She inspires me so much. Her shows make me want to get up and do something to help others or do things to empower myself.

1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)

2. You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.

3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.

4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. (A lesson from Maya Angelou.)

5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.

6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.

7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)

8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.

9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.

10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

11. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn't lie.

12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.

13. Let passion drive your profession.

14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.

15. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good.

16. Every day brings a chance to start over.

17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.

18. Doubt means don't. Don't move. Don't answer. Don't rush forward.

19. When you don't know what to do, get still. The answer will come.

20. "Trouble don't last always." (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite: This, too, shall pass.)

My New Obsession

Ok I am really happy that I am actually craving something. I am obsessed with POMEGRANTES. I bought 2 the other day and then Sunday my husband bought me 6. I put them in the refrigerator so they are nice and cold. Man they are good but the only problem is is that I am out. I ate them all already. Today I only had hald left and didnt have a car otherwise I would have gone just for that. It is almost 11pm and I cant sleep just thinking about it. I have gotten nautious after eating them since my nausea never ends but it is worth it and since I havent puked it up even better. I read that they have a ton of vitamin c, potassium and antioxidants so I am sure the baby is enjoying something good for him finally. I called my husband and told him he better not come home without more of the fruit because I feel like if I dont have one I will die. It is terrible to have cravings. HELP!!!
By the way I am nearly 35 weeks so this little bugger is almost here.

Belly Pic 34 weeks and counting!!!

I thought I would share my wierd belly with you all. Its almost time.

Birthday PIC

HOMECOMING GAME

Last night was The Panthers Homecoming game. We had a great time. The girls were pretty good, they sat still for some of the game. Rob sat and watched and made comments every once and awhile. Mia finally got to see the Panther up close. She wasn't to excited about that. I think she likes to see him from the stands. The coaches wives stayed positive. We always have a great time talking no matter who wins the game. We hope the Panthers have a great season. We like happy husbands on the weekends. Enjoy College football today!!!

Happy Birthday SOPHIE

I just wanted to let everyone know its my little ones birthday and she is 4. Hopefully I can get pictures on here later. We are not doing anything to exciting this year because of my pregnant state and not feeling well. We are doing a cake and gifts and either I will make dinner or we will take her out to eat. Only problem is is that she love the Hometown Buffet.(PUKE) LOL.
Lisa

One of my favorite things about fall

I love this time of year. One of my favorite things to do is get the kids all bundled up. I went to visit my new Super Target today. It finally opened and its about 10 min. away. I don't have to drive far to get to one now. The girls and I took a long walk around the store exploring. We ended up in the shoe department. I found the cutest boots for them. I have seen them in years past, but the girls have been to small for them. I had to get them each a pair. They are now officially ready for Friday night football games and Saturday night baseball games. Enjoy getting your kiddos all cozy and warm. As Mia would say Comfy Cozy.

I finally won something!!

This Tuesday was a very special day for the Stroller Strides franchise in my area. It was the 5 year anniversary. All of the 6 locations got together in one place (Harveston my dream neighborhood) We had a fun class and then had treats. There were snacks, a clown for the kids, and massages for the mommies right by the lake. It was so much fun. At the end of the fun event she had a raffle for 5 months free of Stroller Strides. I took a ticket with hope of maybe one of my friends winning it. She called out one number and it belonged to no one. She picked another and guess who had the winning ticket??? ME!!!! I was so excited. I never win anything. Stroller Strides has been something that I look forward to doing. I get a great workout and I can bring the girls. I can go to 6 diffrent parks and up to 5 days a week. One day a week we have playgroup for the kids. Our playgroup captain plans a fun activity for the kids to do after class. And once a month we have moms night out. Stroller Strides has been so great for me emotionally and physically. I am going on my one year anniversary and I plan to continue as long as the girls fit in my jogger stroller.

Halloween Fun

This year we decided to get costumes early. I hate going too late and you have to pick whatever is left. So this year year we went to party city and let the kids choose. Mia wanted to be a princess, Ava a lady bug ( I kinda picked for her), and Rob the Joker. But now I'm wondering if it was to soon. It's only October 6th and the girls wear them everyday. Mia's dress lights up and I'm hoping it does on Halloween. Well, I guess I got my moneys worth. I only got a chance to take a picture of Mia. I will take more of them soon. Have fun costume shopping!!

Checking in @ 32 weeks!!!

I just wanted to say hello . I am now 32 weeks along and am praying I will have my baby soon. The pregnancy is still very hard and I am taking it day by day. I still have some things I need for the baby but just dont have the energy to get to the store and get it done. It isnt easy with the 2 girls to run around town.
Well I just wanted to say hi to everyone and hope everyone is doing well and geting ready for the holidays to come. I am so looking foward to that time. By The end of November I will FINALLY be able to EAT again. Perfect so I can enjoy the holiday foods.

On Oprah this week

I know what everyone is thinking "Vickie is talking about Oprah again". Well, Yeah sorry if you're not a fan of the show. I watch Oprah daily, but when I can't I TIVO it. So I watched Wednesday's Oprah a little while ago. It was so sad. It was about a mother who left her 2 year old daughter in the car for 8 hours. Just watching the intro made me cry and hug my kids a little harder. The whole show was about mothers who are overwhelmed with work, families and just trying to be super mom. This show came at such a great time for me. Yesterday I felt so exhausted mentally and physically. The kids had been sick with the stomach flu since Thursday. Just finally today they started to want to eat more. The girls are still kind of fussy and clingy. I love them so much, but this week was so hard on me. I had to go to the grocery store, COSTCO, get Robert to practice and my daily activities all with the girls sick and no help. It is so hard. This time of year is especially hard because of my husband coaching football. The show made me really tell myself to SLOW DOWN. I think that at times we feel like we need to do it all and if we don't get things done that day, we feel like failures. We need to learn to ask for help when we need it and slow down and not rush through our day. Please go on Oprah.com and read the full story. It will break your heart, but at the same time make you want to slow down and take a little time out of your day to focus on what is really important.

A new day

My most favorite part of the day has got to be mornings at our house.Everyone is in a good mood and hungry for breakfast. Mia loves her oatmeal. Ava could care less. If she has her sippy cup with milk she's a happy camper. What do your kiddos like to eat in the morning?
Do any of you Mommy's have any ideas for breakfast food that kids love? I need some new ideas to keep it fun.