Fun things

I saw this on someone else's blog and though it would be fun to do. :-) Send me yours!

12 Movies
1.Wedding Singer
2. Sleepless in Seattle
3. Aristocats
4. You've Got Mail
5. When Harry Met Sally
6. The Wedding Planner
7. The Parent Trap
8. Little Mermaid
9. Go
10.Austin Powers Goldmember
11. Tombstone
12 Guinevere (First movie Joe worked on!)

11 Good Bands/Artists
1. Hometown Hero/Under the Influence of Giants
2. Sublime
3. Depeche Mode (we're seeing in Nov.!)
4. Abba
5. Bob Marley
6. Earth, Wind & Fire
7. The Cure
8. Coldplay
9. Foo Fighters
10. Barry Manilow
11. Imre Szilas (my uncle!)

10 Things About Me
1. Wife
2. Mommy
3. Christian
4. Love to read, read, read
5. Love to scrapbook
6. Graduated from UCSB...go gauchos!
7. Love 70's music
8. Would move to Hawaii in a heartbeat
9. Can't drive stick shift (I know....)
10. LOVE the beach

9 Good Friends
1. Jenny
2. Robin
3. Kim
4. Diane
5. Charity
6. Colleen
7. Nicole
8. Michelle
9. My mom and my mother-in-law
(Sorry, I could only put 9!)

8 Favorite Foods/Drinks
1. pizza
2. Cheesecake Factory's Jambalya
3. bruschetta
4. Killer Shrimp
5. brownies
6. lemonade
7. rice/bean/chicken burrito
8. nachos

7 Things I Wear Daily
1. wedding ring
2. necklace (right now the cross with the ruby for my grandma)
3. underwear :-)
4. robe
5. nightshirt/gown
6. smile on my face
7. glasses in the pm

6 things I hate
1. cleaning toilets, really the whole bathroom
2. being late
3. mean people
4. not having money to buy whatever books I want
5. spiders in the house
6. car problems

5 Things I do daily
1. kiss my hubby
2. kiss my kids
3. read
4. check my email
5. pray

4 Places I've Lived
1. first home in Merced
2. townhome in Thousand Oaks
3. oceanfront apartment in Isla Vista (Santa Barbara)
4. first home ever in Bensonville, IL

3 Shows I watch
1. The OC
2. How I Met Your Mother
3. House Hunters

2 Things I want
1. To live a happy, healthy life with my family
2. To be debt free

1 person I wish I could see now
1. my grandma

weekend notes

We have had a fun weekend so far! On Friday, we took the boys to the Boo Zoo at the zoo and it was cancelled! Augh! Try telling that to a 2 year old all dressed up! He cried, so we took him to McDonalds to play at the playland. He was so happy, climbing up the jungle gym contraption thing, getting his dalmation costume sooo dirty.
Today he went to the movie to see a special screening of Veggie Tales with daddy, and happily ate popcorn and drank soda (when mommy isn't around....). This afternoon we went to an Open House at a friend's house and then to a harvest party at a farm. We rode on a hay ride, went square dancing, and Spence had so much fun going through a small maze set up for the little kids. They had to crawl through it with flashlights. He had the best time! It was so neat to see my baby playing with the kids. He loves playing with big kids. He was actually leading a group of them around for a while. One little girl, probably about 4, was glued to his side. Sooo cute... We danced with his cousins and had a great time. Thanks, Hadley Family!
Tomorrow we rest...for Halloween is Monday! That will be a crazy evening! Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins, pumpkins

OK, here are my cuties from the pumpkin patch. I got great lighting on some of my pics...I really want to become a better photographer. That is a goal of mine. I am loving pics taken in the evening with the golden light. Lovin' it! Try it! But it fades fast...unfortunately I missed it for my family picture. Oh well, maybe we'll just have to take another trip to the pumpkin patch.

Hello

Thanks to Dennis for the alligator/croco info! Alligators have a round snout and crocodiles have pointed teeth and protruding teeth...:-)
We're fine here...my boys are growing soooo fast. Spence has begun learning his colors. He has known yellow for a while...it's his favorite. Now he knows blue, green, white and pink. I didn't even know he knew white until I asked him what color his ceiling fan was and he announced white! So smart. :-) He is beginning to "sing", too. It's adorable. Coop LOVES watching his big brother. When he starts getting fussy, Spence can make him laugh. I know they will have so much fun together.
The weather is starting to finally cool! Yay! Sweater weather....
I'll post later our pumpkin patch pix. What a great time! Spencer loves his pumpkin. He calls it his "pumpkin patch". He had so much fun getting dirty, pulling a wagon around, and running up and down the dirt hills with his daddy. My mom was with us and carried Coop around. He was fascinated with everything.
Congrats to my cousin Jennifer and her husband Clint on the birth of their daughter, Amanda. Congrats to Aunt Marg on the birth of her first great-grandchild!!!! I need to edit that I spelled Ezekiel's name wrong, also. Sorry, Virginia!

i am a dork

Ok, I have having some issues with this blogging site, so sorry I posted Spence's Mickey pix twice. I wrote the "Ideas" post and it never posted, so I added the pic again to my next post. Maybe I'll figure this out soon?!?
Have a great day!

Life

So Jenny is coming home from her honeymoon early. They have decided to get out of Florida while they can...Wilma is coming! When I talked to her today, they were about to go on a boat on the Everglades and look for alligators. That reminds me...I keep meaning to look up the difference between crocodiles and alligators...they keep appearing in Spencer's books and I am wondering...
Today we are headed to the pumpkin patch! Yay! We have several good ones around here. Howver, the best one is in Santa Paula (between Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks). Check it out if you can! We took Spencer there for his first pumpkin patch experience and we loved it! BIG pumpkins, all out in the field, wheelbarrows, crafts, hay rides...
Congrats to my friend Virginia and her husband Michael! They just welcomed their first child, Ezekial! Can't wait to meet him!

my ideas

OK, so I have some ideas for a game for parents of small kids, like a Trivial Pursuit. I never thought I would be filling up my brain with this stuff...Here are some questions: (Can YOU answer them?)
1. What is Dora's last name?
2. What is Caillou's cat's name?
3. What color is Bob the Builder's shirt?
4. What pet does Oscar the Grouch have?
5. Name three of Thomas the train's friends.
And I could go on....

Anyway, we're all fine here. Spencer is testing his limits with bedtime, but hopefully with the ideas I've learned on Nanny 911, we'll get through it. He doesn't want to stay in bed when we put him in. After doing wonderfully for 2 weeks, I should have known it wouldn't last! Ha! Our precious kiddos don't make anything easy for us!
Cooper rolled over today for the first time! He did it very easily and quickly, I think he was really ready! In fact, I put him on his belly right afterwards and he did it again. He's growing soooo fast. He tries to sit up in his car seat and his swing. Time to start looking for his next car seat. I love looking for good deals on the internet. I'll tell you what I find!
Congrats to my friend Virginia and her husband Michael on the birth of their first baby, Ezekial! Can't wait to meet him!

Advice

OK, if you are ever in the San Diego area, go eat at Santana's...mmmm...the California burrito is the best! I am CRAVING it! Joe and I fell in love with it, melted cheese, yummy beans, rice, delicious carne asada...ohhh, should I go on???
Also, go listen to the Nada Surf's "Always Love". I heard it on TV tonight, "One Tree Hill", never watched it before, but caught it while I was feeding Coop for bed. Actually, I liked it and discovered a new song. Afterwards, i went and found it on Napster. Good music!

Poor Jenny...the hurricanes are messing with her honeymoon! They were supposed to spend the first part in New Orleans, now Wilma is heading toward the Florida keys, where she was suppoed to go on Friday! They think they'll head to Miami now instead! I am sure they are still having a great time!
The pic is of Spencer at Ocean Beach in San Diego...my beach baby!

Vacation

OK, saving money is overrated! We stayed at 4 different hotels and let me tell you, that was hard with 2 little boys! We had to pack up sooo much, we had over 10 bags..yes, 10! That included a suitcase for Joe & me, one for Spence, one for Cooper, a shoe bag, diaper bags (2), Spence's backpack, computer bag, food bag, etc...Yes, we saved some money, but was the time and effort worth it??? Actually, my in-laws helped out (thanks!)!!!
But the trip was great. The boys slept in the car most of the time and were pretty good! Spencer looked so cute in his tie for Aunt Jenny's wedding. He was so proud of it. He loved dancing at her wedding and getting cake on his face (he saw Jenny and Justin do it, so he had to!). Coop was adorable and such a good baby. We also hit Ocean Beach on Saturday and Spence LOVED it! He was playing and running in the water. It was cold, but he didn't care. He was soaked when we left the beach, so we had to go buy him some new clothes. He's a beach baby!
Disneyland was a blast, too. Spence was so tired from the other days that he fell asleep at 11 AM during our lunch break, but was up and ready to go soon. His favorite? the 2 "choo-choos" he rode. Cooper loved "Pirates of the Caribbean". Joe and I got to ride the new Space Mountain. It was super fast! AND we were on it when a 4.2 or 4.6 (I forget which one) earthquake struck off the coast of San Diego. Space Mountain was stopped, but luckily we had just ended the ride. I can't imagine being stuck inside!!! I felt a bit queasy after the ride, though....I think my rollar coaster days are over. Guess I am getting older.
OK, back to the real world. Report cards are calling my name!

The wedding

Well, it's official! She's now Mrs. Littrell! Yay, Jenny! It was a beautiful wedding! Jenny, Cara (bridesmaid) and I pulled up in a 55 Chevy driven by my dad. The setting was Harbor Island Park, next to the ocean. The view was Coronado and the downtown San Diego skyline, beautiful! We walked down the aisle to music played by a talented harpist. Jenny was a gorgeous bride in a strapless cream colored gown with beading on the bodice and in the back. She wore her long hair in curls cascading down her back and she had a floaty veil in her hair, as well as red roses. Her bouquet was velvetly red roses and dark red calla lilies. She and Justin looked sooo happy and so in love. There was even a special tribute to Jenny and Justin's beloved grandmothers who both recently passed away. Jenny had pictures of them on charms in her bouquet, also. How I wish Grandma had been there. She was definitely on our minds that day. She really liked Justin!
The reception was at Tom Ham's, a restaurant overlooking the ocean. What a fun party! The guests were treated to a delicious dinner, as well as a special show. Jenny's belly dance troupe performed for the crowd and were a hit. It was a lovely evening and I am so proud of my sister. She planned a wonderful event, a wedding to remember. It was perfect! Now the happy couple are off to Florida for a few days at Disney World and a trip to the Florida Keys.
Congrats to Jenny & Justin! I love you both! :-)

Oops

Oops, I guess it posted...

MIssed post

Hmmmm...I posted last night and it has disappeared..oh well, you missed my mommy meltdown story, which included a hot car, crying baby, whining 2 year old, "Lollipop" song for millionth time, running late to doctor appt...you get the picture I am sure. We survived, though! :-)
OK, gotta get ready for work soon, so I just wanted to post this picture...isn't it the cutest dog you've ever seen?????

Excitement

Excitement fills the air..we are heading off tomorrow on our first little vacation as a family of four. First stop, San Clemente (granted it will be 1 AM), but we are driving while the boys are asleep and will stop overnight in San Clemente before we get to San Diego. Then 3 days in SD, watching Jen get married!!!! Then off to Disneyland. I have been slowly packing, but need to finish tonight. My car is in the shop right now.
Today was one of those mommy meltdown days. Running late as usual (how do moms stay on time? Beats me! I was always an early person until I married and had kids), on our way to Coop's 4 month old doctor appointment...Spencer whining about no more Elmo snacks and wanting to hear "Lollipop" for the millionth time on the radio, Coop screaming his head off (hungry, tired and hot), hitting all reds, hot b/c we are driving with the heat on (my car's water pump was broken, so the heat had to be on so we wouldn't overheat)...I just turned up the radio and tried to calm down. Whew, but we made it and my mom came and whisked Spencer away before Coop's appointment, just as he was laying on the table saying, "My turn! My turn! Aaaah!" and sticking out his tongue. Yeah, I've never seen this excited to see the doctor. He knew it wasn't his day! Ha! Got the car in the shop with a promise to be fixed by 10AM...keeping my fingers crossed!
I'll post some pix while we are gone so you can see the wedding. Check back!

Monday

It is Monday, soo busy! This is the day I start work a little earlier, at 10:30. I have so much to teach with the language arts program, so on Mondays, I start earlier and then later on Thursdays. Works out well.
Dora is on TV. How come kids get so obsessed with her? Spence could watch her all day. His cousin Jake is obsessed, too. I like her, too, but ever since my mom said, "She yells a lot, doesn't she?" I can't help but notice it now! She is pretty loud! :-)
I miss the ocean. I stumbled upon a writer's notebook the other day that I had kept a few years ago after taking classes with the South Coast Writing Project (incredible!!!). I noticed I had written a lot about the ocean. I miss writing like that, I think that is why I have decided to keep a blog, but calling all writers, can you explain this to me? I lay in bed thinking what I could write about and it sounds good, but as soon as I sit down to my computer, I have writer's block. I think of all kinds of interesting things to share and reflect on, but it's gone now...sorry if I am boring you! But I do want to start reflecting more on my life for my kids, keeping a record for them of what life was like now. Scrapbooking helped me realize this. It's not that I just want to scrap the photos, but I want to tell the story, too. There are so many family stories I would love to hear, but can't anymore. I am so happy I had my grandma fill out on of those "Grandma Remembers" books a few years ago. I love having those memories forever.

Memories...

I had a great conversation with my friend Charity yesterday. I miss her! She was Spencer's "other mother" his first year. Charity & I job shared and when I was working, she took care of Spence and when she was working I took care of her son, Tegan. Tegan was born about 14 hours after Spencer. He was Spencer's best friend his first year. They were always together. I have so many great memories of the two of them, the stroller rides, feeding them lunch, watching them play together and get so excited to see each other in the mornings, the giggling from the two of the them in the backseat when Spence & I went to visit them last February. I hope they stay friends forever! The pix here is from summer 2004.
Charity, I will forever be grateful for the love and kindness you showed my son! Miss you!!!!
Kim, I got your comment, weren't those days a blast? Remember "Everybody dance! Everybody dance!" What dorks we were, but we were soo cool then! Hello Sabado!
OK, top three CDs you'd bring on a deserted island (or is it desert island? hmm...)...to anybody that is reading this.
Mine:
70's compilation (Gotta dance!)
Sublime
Hometown Hero (now known as Under the Influence of Giants, but I love their old stuff!)
Can't wait to hear from you!

Random thoughts

Anyone want a Tahoe? Joe & I are trying to sell my car. I love it, but in the interest if saving money (gas!!!), we are opting for a different car for me. What? I am not sure yet. It will be my in-between car before the next real car I get. Does that make sense? :-)
Weird as it sounds (to me anyway!), I am leaning towards a mini-van. I NEVER thought I'd say that, but it sounds sooo nice to me to put my kids in the car without climbing in. PLus, all the other features mini-van lovers brag about. My sister-in-law Michelle loves mini-vans. My friend Ashley sent me info regarding safety and stuff recently...very interesting!
Anyway, one week from now, my sister will be a married woman! I get a little choked up thinking about my lil sis married. The skinny little girl that I know so well...jeanya, jen-jen, JB. I remember our childhood growing up. She was my playmate, my friend, my bratty little sister sometimes, I remember getting grounded for hitting her with a stick and then hiding in the neighbor's car. I remember her climbing out onto the roof from her 2nd story bedroom and our neighbor Brad saying, "I must be dreaming. jenny is on the roof!" That was Jenny!
Now she is a beautiful woman, inside and out, with a heart for art, dogs, dance, kids (especially her nephews), and Justin, her fiance. Congrats, jen!!!!!!
We have a new radio station here that sounds like a mixed tape to me. No commercials, just random songs. I think I heard Dancing Queen, some Police, some 80's, Seal, Bonnie Raitt, Weezer on there this afternoon...random, huh? I love it! I was the queen of mixed tapes for our parties in college. I could make a tape that made everybody dance! We always had to have the dancing parties or start a dancing party wherever we went (O'Malleys, anyone?). I miss those dancing days. Is it wrong for a mom to want to go out and dance one of these days??? Anyone interested???
Have a wonderful weekend! We have a birthday party to attend....Happy 2nd Birthday, Aiden!

Today was a a good day

Today was a busy, busy, busy day...I like it that way. I feel productive and energetic, more so than being home. When I am busy, it's easier to stay on a roll, coming right home, vacuuming, organizing (still trying to organize 6 months after we have moved in!).
We started with MOPS this morning. What a fun time, moms socializing and the kiddos playing. I am really enjoying it and meeting some neat people. One of the gals at my table does extreme room makeovers for kids rooms. I can send anyone her website if you are interested. I am trying to figure out to set up links here so you can see the sites I am drooling over. :-) Start with www.twopeasinabucket. Fun!
Anyway, then it was off to school. I am actually enjoying my 5th graders. I think it was a good change for me. The kids are great and for the most part are pretty independent. My teaching partner is awesome! She is soo organized and I am learning a lot from her! Thanks, Amber!
Then, off for a few errands and my parents came over for dinner. It's great being so close to them. I love seeing how happy Spence is to see his grandparents. He gets so excited when he sees their cars or them walking up the sidewalk. Today he ran to Home Depot with Grandma and of course, conned her out of some cookies. He has the biggest sweet tooth! Where does he get that?
Oh, he did the funniest thing the other day. He got out this cardboard box book holder that looks like a tool box and his sungalasses and started for the front door. "Bye, honey! I go to work!" he says to me. I wave. He gets almost to the door, stops, looks back and says, "Caca?" (His version of coffee!) I give him a cup of water and he sips it gently and replies, "Oooh, hot!" He is a riot! SOOOO dramatic, like his daddy at that age. I think we may have a future actor on our hands. Aunt Steph, you need to open up your kids theatre in Merced!

My boys

Can't believe how fast the boys are growing...blink and Spencer is 2 and almost 2 1/2...He's real good at it, too...moves a mile a minute, shows excitement in all he does, sooo affectionate, love those grubby little kisses...but yesterday he was my tiny little baby coming home from the hospital.
Cooper is 16 weeks. How can it be I gave birth 16 weeks ago? How can it also be that he has only been with us for that long? It seems like he has always been with us. He is getting to be more social now, with lots of great smiles and cooing. He is such a funny baby...he LOVES diaper changes. He actually smiles and even laughs when I change his diaper. He is so ticklish, too, because he laughs when I change his clothes. Awww, love my easygoing baby!
I love being a mom to my boys. Some days I feel done, it's hard work taking them out, getting them ready for daycare. But other days, i think I could handle another one, a tiny little baby..Cooper is already wearing 6 month clothes, so my tiny baby days are over! Hmmm...only time will tell. God has a plan for us, I know.

welcome

OK, so I have been having a lot of fun reading blogs that I decided to start my own. I am not sure who will be reading it, but here goes...
it's October 3, 2005. My sister is getting married next week! My lil sister! Wow! I can't wait to see her. I know she'll be a beautiful bride. It's in San Diego and I am sooo excited to go down there with the family. Coop gets to meet great-grandpa for the first time and see the beach. Spence asks to go to the beach all the time, so he gets his wish.
We're also sneaking in a Disneyland Trip. We'll see how exhausted we are by the end of the half week we are gone....is this too crazy???