My Version of the Papasan Chair

I'm going to be brave and post this picture, even though it's a rotten peek at my SUPERGREAT cleaning and organizational skills. I went into the garage just now to throw in some laundry and this is what I found..... Joey using a laundry basket full of towels as a comfy chair. What you can't see is the TV he and Rose are watching. (Rose is under the pink blanket) I had to laugh, then had to get a picture before he moved. For the record, the towels he's lounging on are clean. I threw them there after taking them out of the dryer so I could put wet clothes in. That was a few days ago and there they still sit. The pile of clothes perched precariously above his head are things waiting to go to the cleaners. Did you note the "stay organized" calendar still in it's wrapper in the picture? Andy is SO lucky to have me.

Ok, I just went back out there and found they were both asleep. Remember when I said I let them sleep wherever they wind up and don't move them? This is par for the course for me.....at least Rose is on a couch. Note the giant bag of tortilla chips in front of them? My kids are so lucky to have me.

Meet Bob & Victor! Or as The Who would Sing, Meet the New Frogs, Same as the Old Frogs

When we went to Michael Jr's 3rd birthday party a few weeks ago, David was FASCINATED by the new addition to their family, their frogs. Whenever I couldn't find him, I would go into the kitchen and there he would be, watching the frogs. I would take him outside to get him to eat lunch or join the party and after a minute or two he would ask to go back in to watch the frogs. The bouncy didn't entice him..... Spiderman held his attention for a brief time.... cupcakes? Sure, if I can eat them and watch the frogs too..... "Maria... where did you get the frogs.... I think we are going to need to get some......." So after a trip to Brookstone the next day, Andy and Joey came home triumphant. We are the proud owners of the Frog-O-Sphere, a self contained ecosystem with 2 aquatic mini frogs and a snail. Andy asked the kids what are you going to name the frogs and without a moment's hesitation, Rose proclaimed, "Bob & Victor!" Now as for David, he could care less that they are even in the house.......... of course. Oh, and for the record, PETA is all over Brookstone for selling these..... but we still think they are cute.

More Pictures of the Wedding & Winter Break w/Family

Family Week

This past week was winter break for the kids. My brother Dave came down from Seattle with 3 of his girls, plus the in-laws were here, and Roz and Helene were here too. Unfortunately, Aunt Paula (R & H's mom) was supposed to come out for Stacy's wedding, but was unable to make it at the last minute. We had a great, busy week. Roz and Helene rented a room at the Catamaran Hotel, the same place Andy and I were married. That's also where Andy and Rose were in a wedding summer before last. (I wore the same dress I wore to Stacy's wedding to that one too..... I really need a new dress. I've worn it to at least 4 wedding that I can remember.....) We went down and played at the bay with them a few times, played at the park, had many sleepovers at various houses, spent loads of time enjoying my nieces and ended the week with a trip to Knott's Berry Farm. It was great for me because I was able to go on lots of big roller coasters with the older girls, something I usually don't get to do much. Rose came on one of the big, scary coasters with me and did great. She claimed she had a good time, but when asked if she wanted to go on again, she said no. I hope I haven't scarred her for life on big roller coasters. We all rode the log ride many times, and the boys LOVED it. It was great since the place was pretty empty all day. We were able to get right on most rides. It was a LOT of fun....and a nice, cheap day compared to Disneyland. I got all 4 of us in for $85. Not bad! Andy schooled all the cousins in a rousing game of Grateful Dead Monopoly. (Madeline emerged triumphant.) The Stitzers left Thursday morning, Roz left Friday and the girls left this morning. I miss everyone already! It really was a good week. We missed you Auntie P!