A 2009 Review

As I review the 2009 list of goals I had for myself I'm pretty content with my accomplishments. Of course there's room for improvement and there's a couple that went completely to the waste side (#4 with the boys and #7 with myself) but overall I've done a fairly good job of putting my goals to practice.

2009 List:
With the boys
1. Do more arts and crafts with the boys
2. Visit the library regularly
3. Less TV (even if it is only educational dvd's they watch, I still feel it's gotten out of hand.
4. Have the boys work on clean up every night before bedtime
5. Speak Spanish more often
6. take more walks

myself
1. explore more artistic activities for myself
2. focus more time on my etsy shop
3. shop less
4. declutter our home
5. eat healthier, eat less meat
6. stay in touch more often with friends and family
7. stop letting the mail pile up ( a huge source of stress for me, I know it sounds crazy)
8. and of course keep up with my blog :)

With Christmas over and New Year's just around the corner, it's time to really think about what I want to accomplish for 2010. I'll be continuing some of 2009 but I'm also certain there will be some new goals to add to the list.

Enjoying Holiday Crafts and Fun

The boys are off from school for winter break a total of 2 weeks. During this time thus far since there is 1 more week to go, we've had fun with crafts, baking and holiday decorating. Just lots of simple activities to entertain the boys while keeping my sanity.


The boys had fun making glittery pine cones. This was extremely easy, pine cones, glue, glitter and brushes and your set. So easy, yet entertaining for the boys. Best of all, we get to enjoy the beauty of the end product throughout the holiday season as I have them displayed in a pedestal bowl. Our dear neighbors came over for this activity which added that much more fun.



There was also coloring and construction paper fun that resulted in some great snowman art. Also displayed in our home. The boys just beam with pride when we display their handiwork.


Aidan also made a reindeer hat out of construction paper that we ended up displaying in the tree.


We baked cookies for Santa and the neighbors. Yummy oatmeal cookies with holiday M&Ms.


The boys helped place mommy's vintage baubles in a glass cylinder for display (OK this made me very nervous but we got through it. Next time will use baubles I'm not so attached to.)


We made a swag for the front door. We used the bottom branches that were removed from our Christmas tree for this project. This was more of a mom made it while boys observed..but it still was entertaining for them.


We also made a ritual out of putting the holiday cards we received in the card holder. The kids loved this and the challenge of getting them all to stay on the holder.


We also had a nightly ritual of opening up a treasure in an advent calendar and enjoying the sweet chocolate treat together. Yeah I know this was a special treat, nightly chocolate, thankfully it was just a small piece.


And finally, Christmas eve we put together a gingerbread house with help from Uncle Jess and cousin Zach.

Hot Pot With Friends

Dear Max was recovering from surgery and an endoscopy and would find nothing more comforting than a nice hot pot. I joked with him about being the elephant man because half his face was swollen creating a fold over his eye but this did not deter his desire to have friends over for hot pot. So we did and it was a good time. I think it was a nice distraction for Max in his current state of discomfort.

We had fabulous fixings for this hot pot, crab, shrimp, beef, pork, tofu and an assortment of veggies. We also had yummy sake to accompany the hot pot and finished the meal with Honey's delectable desserts. She made a persimmon tart and her famous chocolate chip cookies. It sure was a feast for all.

Dad's Owie

So Max finally got his growing lump removed from his forehead. (fyi - he had this fatty tumor that was slowly getting bigger) Once removed, he had to get 4 stitches in it's place. The boys were just stunned by this and couldn't figure out what was wrong with daddy. They kept asking what is that? Do you have an owie? You ok daddy? It was sweet to see they were genuinely concerned albeit a bit scared too.

Holiday Treats for a Holiday Party

Aidan had a holiday party on his last day of school before winter break. For this party I baked some festive cupcakes and decided to put together a little gift for Aidan's classmates...so they each got a sweet gingerbread boy and a mini candycane in a cellophane bag with a star tag. Aidan was thrilled!

A Day of Recitals

Today was a day of recitals...Miles and Liam's Christmas program in the morning. Aidan's Winter Concert in the evening. Grandma and Grandpa came to join us in the fun. It was sweet to see Miles and Liam at preschool as this was their first real performance. I know Miles knows all the songs because he's been singing them at home. However, he was more of an observer than a performer today. He smiled and looked around at everyone but he wouldn't sing. I really thought Miles would be the performer, surprisingly Liam was. Liam sang a handful of songs and looked quite pleased with himself. As for Aidan, well lets just say he wasn't on his best behavior. He did sing halfway through the performance but the first half he spent pestering his friend next to him. Although I really wanted to chew him out for this I restrained myself and just encouraged him to do better next time.

Aidan Asks ...Another Curious Thought About Outerspace

Aidan is very intrigued with outer space, planets and stars.

Today he asked me "Mama are there children on other planets?"

Me - " I'm not sure Aidan, I don't think so. But if there were they probably wouldn't be like us, they would be like martian children."

Aidan - " Well I know there aren't children on the Sun because the Sun is a star made of gases and it's very hot."

Me - "I'm sure you're right about that Aidan. Maybe one day you'll be an astronaut so you can go see if there are children on other planets"

Aidan - " Yeah"

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!

Today we celebrated daddy's birthday. Daddy got off of work early and attended the boys swim class. Today was Miles and Liam's first swim class so it was a treat to have daddy there as well as have daddy see the progress Aidan has been making in his swim class. After swim class it was dinner at one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants followed by a drive through a neighborhood that is famous for it's Christmas lights, then home for Tiramisu cake ( one of daddy's favorites) and presents. It sure was a nice day for all of us. Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!

All Aboard The Polar Express

Today we made a trip to the California State Railroad Museum followed by a ride on the Polar Express. Although this trip involved some planning, a small expense, and a short road trip it was well worth all of it. If your kids are train lovers, and you haven't been to the train museum it definitely a place to visit. It's an amazing space with amazing sites and an interactive train table area. I know you're probably thinking, "My kid can play with his train table at home" and I agree but the ambiance of this train museum makes the train table experience unique. The boys absolutely loved it.

Even more thrilling though was the ride on the Polar Express. An absolutely magical one hour train ride that took us to the North Pole. We were served cookies and hot chocolate while the Polar Express story was narrated with live action performance. Waiters tap danced down the aisle, a hobo came through questioning the passengers "do you believe", a view out the window of Santa and his reindeer while Santa reviewed his list, and Santa on board the train handing out sleigh bells to all as a fabulous finally. If there were any questions at all, after this evening my kids are true believers in Santa.

Holiday Parties Begin With Twins

We attended are first holiday party for 2009 today held by our twin club. It was the perfect way to start off the holiday party season. The boys all had a great time decorating gingerbread houses, playing with friends, listening to Santa read a story, doing the hokey pokey and enjoying yummy food especially the sweets! The venue for this years party was fabulous. Thanks to one of our members, the party was held in a church gym that had ample space for seating as well as the craft activities. Delicious Mexican food was served. High school students were hired to help with serving food, run craft activities and cleaning up. In the past, members helped with these tasks (including myself) so this was by far the greatest idea that allowed all members of the club to enjoy the party. We did all still pitch in, I manned the coloring/craft table for quite awhile and Max was one of the official photographers but it was still a much more enjoyable experience not to be all consumed by tasks. So here's a shout out to all those who organized the event, "Thanks, my family enjoyed it"

A Visit From Abuelito

The boys Abuelito (my dad) is visiting for a week. Tomorrow will be his last day with us. I think the boys are going to miss him. We don't see him very often maybe 1 to 2 times a year so this has been a really special time for the boys. Abuelito has stayed in Aidan's room on his trundle, this has been a special treat for Aidan...like a long sleep over. Because Abuelito primarily speaks Spanish, the boys have had an opportunity to practice. I had a real kick out of Liam yesterday, as he sat on Abuelito's lap. I overheard him saying "me llamo Liam." then went on to just say some random things "la casa, arriba" and continue with counting in Spanish. It turns out he knows more than I realized. Each one has had their special moment with Abuelito, an exchange of words, some time on his lap, a story read together, a bedroom shared.

Thanksgiving ...The Holidays Are Busy

I'm realizing it's hard to blog while you have house guests and preparing for the holidays. I'm hoping to catch up soon.

We had a nice Thanksgiving with the Perez side of the family over for the day. They arrived early, so it was a fun filled day of activity. I cooked dinner while my sister and hubby pitched in and helped as needed. Actually, hubby came to the rescue and made a fancy cranberry & pear dish at the last minute as I had completely forgotten about the cranberries in the fridge. I'm thankful for that, as well as, thankful for having such great family to spend the holiday with. The boys had a great time playing with their cousin Zachy who was just super at entertaining them (Zachy is 15 now.) and with their crazy Uncle Jess. There were also lots of laughs to be had especially when the boys decided to dog pile Uncle Jess on the couch. We also had lots of laughs as the adults played a game of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire". We had homemade tamales for lunch that Uncle Jess brought over, Mmmm, Mmmmm they were good and just before dinner we sat around the dinner table and everyone took turns saying what they were thankful for. I really didn't expect Miles and Liam to say anything as this is a difficult concept for a 3 yr old. Miles just stared blankly but Liam sure was cute. He said with the cutest face, eyes darting around to see everyones reaction, "I'm thankful for ham." we all laughed and agreed with him. He was so pleased with himself. As for dinner, we had a feast..
Sage & Garlic Butter Rubbed Turkey
Honey Baked Ham
Ginger Garlic Green Beans
Brussel Sprout and Pecan Salad
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Pecan Sage Stuffing
Sage Infused Gravy
Cranberry and Pear Compote with Honey
and Dinner Rolls
And for dessert, Cheesecake ( Aidan's favorite) and Pumpkin Pie

It sure was a delicious and splendid time.

Comfort Food = Home Made Chicken Pot Pie

With the days getting shorter, the weather colder, and everyone with the sniffles, I thought it was time for some comfort food. I made a homemade chicken pot pie using a recipe from my favorite food magazine, Everyday Food. It was actually pretty simple and yummy. The perfect meal on a cold night.

Contraband Takes All Forms

I'm not sure how it happened or when it actually happened. I have been fairly vigilant about not introducing the boys to any movies or images of guns or weapons not even superheroes of any sort...and we absolutely do not have any toy guns in our home. Yet, the contraband makes it's way into our home in forms of a twig, finger, or a cleverly eaten grilled cheese sandwich (yes I know this is hard to believe but the photo tells all). It really is mostly Liam who plays this. I think I first saw him pick up a twig and make the shooting sounds soon after preschool which by the way this is only his 3rd week at preschool. I guess on the positive side of this, Liam is demonstrating a great sense of imagination and artistic ability to be able to manipulate objects and create something out of something, even if it is a gun.

State of Confusion

A funny conversation between 5 yr olds:

Aidan had his friend Luca over this afternoon for a play date. During this time they had a conversation that went like this:
Remember, Aidan has known his states for quite a while now.

Luca: I'm going to my grandma's for Thanksgiving.
Aidan: What state does she live in?
Luca: She lives in Ojai.
Aidan: She lives in Ohio?
Luca: No, Ojai
Aidan, Looking very confused now: Oh, I don't think I know that state??

Just in case you don't know, Ojai is a town in southern Ca.

Poetic Miles

What Miles (3 yrs old) had to say about the sunset we watched today..

The sun is so bright...
It goes down...
The Sun is like a flashlight.

Art Work Pride

One of the fun things about going to preschool is all the great craft projects the boys get to do. Miles is especially proud of his artwork. He makes sure I bring it home everyday. It's become a standard conversation on our way out of preschool, Miles will say " Mommy, Mommy, my artwork." and I'll respond, "Yes, Miles I have your artwork." He'll respond with a huge smile and will often ask to carry it home. When we get home he wants to talk about his current art project and loves listening to positive feedback, "Oh it's fabulous, I love the colors, Great work Miles etc. etc". He just beams with pride. Miles, our little artist.

Doctor, Doctor

Parker stayed over for a play date with Aidan after the boys birthday party. They played well the whole time but, the sweetest moment was during their doctor play. Parker was the patient while Aidan, doctor, examined him. Aidan checked all of Parker's vital signs as they had this pretend doctor/patient role play down perfectly. There they were engrossed in this pretend play and I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever.

The Overdue Birthday Party or Miles & Liam Turned 3

As many of you know we had to cancel Miles and Liam's birthday party a couple of weeks ago due to the stomach flu. So, we finally made it up to them this Saturday. We celebrated their birthday in a very low key (and may I add low budget) fashion and yet, I think the kids had a good time. We served pizza, the frozen variety. Shoshana our next door neighbor was kind enough to preheat her oven us, so that I could bake 4 pizzas at a time. This worked out perfect, It was Digiorno all the way ;) Setting a side the small detail that Liam was crying and being clingy for about half the time, I think they had fun with their friends. They all sat around the table and had pizza in a very civil manner, another reminder to how they're all growing up. Before lunch, hanging out in Aidan's room around the train table was the place to be for the twins and their friends.


The older boys enjoyed themselves outside riding on the sidewalk.


Cake time came and it was a true surprise. Especially Miles who was so thrilled to see that darn blue train on his cake, it sent him into a stuttering frenzy "mama it's th-th-th-thomas". While, Liam decided to shove Mcqueen down into his cake, I'm glad I caught that before it got messy.



The true highlight of the day was the spontaneous trip across the street at Robin's to see our neighbors the chickens. The kids got to feed them, find an egg in their nest, and hang out in Robin's wonderful yard. (Robin's backyard is magical to me because it brings back so many childhood memories, but that's another story.) I just love seeing all the kids out there in the natural outdoor setting, exploring and enjoying themselves. It sure beat any jumpy house moment I could have caught and it really reminds me how grateful I feel to have such great neighbors.

It Was A Spa-tacular Time!

This past weekend I had the privilege of celebrating Rachel's 40th birthday with her and her closest friends. Her thoughtful and generous hubby provided us with a fabulous spa weekend in Calistoga that included massages and a facial or body polish for everyone.
We stayed in the cutest cottage and had a great time. When we weren't having spa time, we were either in the hot tub,


eating out, or hanging out playing board games and having fun girl time. It was really generous! almost felt like it was my 40th birthday (ha!) Mine is just around the corner and now I feel like the bar has been set really high on how I'm going to celebrate it. The other amazing thing about this weekend was that it was my first time away from the twins, yes I know they're 3 now and it was long overdue. I missed them and felt a bit anxious about being away, but there was something also very freeing about it....a sense that yes I do exist beyond my children. Thanks Rachel for a fabulous weekend hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

ps. yes Max we tailgated in your car lol! We stopped in St.Helena and did a little shopping..decided to have lunch.

Blogging Hiatus

Well it's been an unplanned blogging hiatus and I'm surprised to how much time has gone by. Wish I could say we I haven't been blogging because we've been having just a very busy fabulous time with all kinds of great activities but the truth of it all is that we've been sick. First was a stomach flu that plowed through 4 family members in 48 hours leaving us wiped out, and now boys are sick again with bad colds, lots of yucky congestion, coughing spasms leading to vomitting and just overall low energy. I guess this is what happens when you start a new school, lots of new germs to be had too! MIles in Liam started preschool this past week and instantly became ill, bummer. The one highlight during this blogging hiatus, was a mommy trip to the spa to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday....stay tuned, blog entry about this grand ol time to come soon!

And They Turned 3

So hard to believe Miles and Liam turned 3 today. Although sadly we had to cancel their birthday party this weekend due to illness, we were able to have a small family celebration today with grandma and grandpa. Since the boys love Japanese food we thought it appropriate to take them to Sushi House. They got to enjoy their favorites, tonkatsu and tamago nigiri.


Following dinner we came home and enjoyed 2 birthday cakes, a chocolate eruption for Liam and a Chantilly for Miles, perfectly paired to their likes.



They were both so excited to blow out their candles. After cake of course came presents...a bulldozer and wheel loader from grandma and grandpa and jammies from mom and dad.