Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was, simply put, the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! And here are the top 10 reasons why (in no particular order!):

10. It was the 1st real Mazotti family Christmas. Tony's parents were able to spend their first Christmas as New Mexicans. This meant tamales and the luminarias on Christmas Eve, followed by Christmas Day at their house. We are so blessed to have them near us and to be able to celebrate many, many holidays in the future!


9. We introduced "Tiny Quinn" into our Christmas tradition. Tiny Quinn is our adorable Elf on a Shelf, who flies home to the North Pole each night to report to Santa how the kids behaved that day. Then he flies back before the children wake up and they run around the house looking for him! This also introduced the Elf on the Shelf movie and "Chippy" the movie elf. This is one of my fondest memories of Christmas 2011!


8. I received another amazing Tony Mazotti for Lilly Barrack creation! Each piece seems to outdo the piece before. I am in love....with the bracelet AND Tony!


7. Baking cookies. Tis the season to gain 10lbs easily. There is nothing like Christmas music playing while you are baking cookies with the kids. It makes me feel like a kid again (minus the extra weight around my mid-section!)


6. That moment right before you go to bed on Christmas Eve. And I mean the parents. When the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, each present is wrapped with a little bow and the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights are dancing across the room. It is in that moment that I always have a little tear. I turn to Tony and say "we pulled it off again!" There will never be a Christmas where they are 2 and 4 again. Sniff, sniff.


5. Christmas morning! The kids scream "it's Christmas! It's Christmas! Get up! Santa came!" As parents, you just seem to bounce out of bed like you had slept for a week! Never mind the coffee....it can wait! It's Christmas and Santa came!


4. Louis Vuitton. The real deal. Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my husband? Christmas 2011 will forever be the year of the LV!


3. Your door is always open at Christmas. People drop by, friends hang out, and you may even get an unexpected family member on your doorstep at 10pm! Tony's brother Chris flew in on Christmas night to surprise his parents. And boy were they surprised! After visiting for a day he joined us at the cabin for the rest of the week, where he spent lots of time playing "Uncle" to Cienna and AJ. And he even got to partake in our 1st snowmobile rides!


2. Snow angels and sledding. Christmastime favorites. The memories that we are making with our kids will last them a lifetime. I thank God for all of the good times we have had and the good times we have in store!




1. The best friends and family. Whether it was our neighbor bringing over a fruit platter, my grandmother sending cookies, my mom helping me wrap gifts, or my friends saving my sanity with play dates, Christmas makes it easy to recognize the important people in your life. There is nothing like going to your mailbox seeing that you got more Christmas cards than bills! Christmas 2011 I am sorry to see you go....but I can't wait until 2012!

Sweet Justice

Something very exciting happened for the Mazotti family last Friday. We got some sweet justice. Some well deserved sweet justice. And it's about time.

Friday morning Tony called me at the house and said that he thought that he had just spotted the rims and tires that were stolen off of our Escalade last June. He was all amped up, telling me to get all of our paperwork and get ready because he was going to come and pick me and the kids up. After dragging my feet and thinking "what are the odds" about a hundred times he showed up and chased me around the house telling me to get in the car. We drove passed Trillo Tires on Central and sure enough....one of my rims with the tire was on proud display right out front! We pulled in, acted like we were interested in the rim and starting asking some questions. They first told us that the set of 4 would cost us $3000. Then they went down to $1600. Tony asked to see the remaining 3 rims and they told us that they would have to go get them from their other shop a few blocks away. Very shady.

So I jumped back in the truck and called the cops. After they arrived they explained to us that it would be very difficult to ID our rims no matter how much paperwork we had. But they did not bank on us having the rims that we had. With only 350 sets created in the world, each set came issued with a certified letter of authenticity and a number associated with the rims. Ours were set 28 out of 350. About 6 cop cars and an undercover agent showed up and sure enough....the back of the rim was stamped with 28 of 350! There was no denying that these were our rims. And the cops told us that they had NEVER been able to secure rims for someone before. They said that many times they come back and say "yea, those are probably yours but there is nothing that I can do about it." But instead for us, they wheeled the rims and tires back to our truck and loaded them up for us!

The best part? Because this tire shop had been in trouble before for buying stolen rims and tires in the past, they were required by the city to get a driver's license of the guy who brought them in. They couldn't tell us who he was but assured us that they would find him and arrest him for possession of stolen property. And we may even get so lucky as to get some more of our stuff back!

Christmas came early for the Mazottis! Holla!


Back Where They Belong!

Mazottis in New Mexico

About a year ago we discovered that Tony's dad has a cousin who lives in Socorro, NM, which is about an hour south of Albuquerque. Once a year, Arnold Mazotti and his wife Christina travel to ABQ to sell their organic green chile at the local co-op. Well last week we made the trip down to see them and the Bosque de Apache Wildlife Reserve in Socorro.
In typical Mazotti fashion, we had to eat before taking the 7 mile drive through the reserve. Food is always a priority with this crowd. So we stopped at the Buckhorn Tavern, which is famous for it's green chile cheeseburger. It has been featured in Sunset magazine (one of my favs) which had this to say:

"The best roadside burgers are big and brawny and take-no-prisoners. Exhibit A: the green-chile burger at Buckhorn—a patty as big as a big rig’s hubcap, sizzled on the griddle, then appliquéd with onions, cheese, pickles, and more. But it’s the finishing touch of chopped New Mexico green chiles that lifts Buckhorn into the burger pantheon."


It Was Amazing And Worth Every Calorie

After filling up on burgers we started our drive to see the beautiful birds at the Bosque de Apache reserve. We got a little more than we bargained for....when Tony spotted a bobcat! It was awesome!


Here Kitty Kitty!


Me Spotting Them Spotting Something


This Picture Doesn't Do It Justice


The Beautiful Cranes

It was a lot of fun to visit with family and see such a beautiful place. A great way to kick of Christmas break!

Short and Sweet

This year Thanksgiving was enjoyed with my mom and in-laws at our house. It was so fun to have our parents at our home for the holiday. We split the cooking and cleaning responsibilities and it made the day so much easier. I actually got to watch some football!
We have so much to be thankful for. I could go on and on and on naming each and every reason. But instead I would just like to say that I am very grateful for all that we have. I try everyday to keep life in perspective. At times it can seem like you are being kicked when you are down but comparatively speaking....this life is amazing!
I hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving like we did. I am looking forward to what the rest of the holiday season has waiting for us!


Three Generations!


Everyone Stop Eating and Say "Cheese!"


Hates Olives But Loves Olive Fingers!


Never Misses An Opportunity To Dress Up!

Progress...South Fork Style

Last week we completed the 1st phase of our "garage" addition at our cabin. It has taken roughly 6 months to get to this point and we are super pleased with the outcome!
Come spring, it will be stained to match the cabin and after electrical, plumbing, carpet and fixtures are added it will be not only a garage and storage area but also a sleeping quarters for all of our guests!

And since I am planning on spending a month with the kids in South Fork next summer (with Tony coming and going) I expect lots and lots of company (hint, hint!)


It Went From This....


To This!

NOLA

Last week we went on an impromptu trip to New Orleans just for the heck of it. At first, we were a bit skeptical about taking the kids to such an "adult" destination. But within the first 48 hours we figured out the perfect mix of kid-friendly activities and 21-and-over festivities!
New Orleans was amazing. We went to the zoo, aquarium, children's museum and insectarium. We went on a swamp tour and a late-night carriage ride. We (kinda) experienced Bourbon street (where Cienna loved all of the beads)and loved people watching all of the musicians and transients. We took the street car, city bus and did a ton of walking. And thank God for the walking...because all of the po-boys and beignets would have sent us straight to heartattackville if we hadn't!


One Of MANY Alligators in the Bayou


Audubon Zoo


Audubon Aquarium


Carriage Ride (Where Cienna Heard About Vampires For the First Time!)

The latter part of the week we drove the Mississippi coast and I got to see where Tony worked in Biloxi after Katrina. What a beautiful place. Absolutely breathtaking!


Biloxi Coast

On the last day of our trip we drove to Baton Rouge where we visited the LSU football stadium and got to see their real LIVE mascot....a tiger named Mike! After we met my best buddy from World Market, Stephanie, and her husband Scott for a great dinner and lots of catching up. It was the perfect end to our amazing trip!


LSU

We can't wait to visit NOLA again. It was truly a wonderful place and a fabulous trip!

Halloween Festivities

Halloween 2011 was our best yet! AJ is mobile enough to navigate trick-or-treating and Cienna is at the point where she can run house to house. It is fun for all! The highlight of Halloween was seeing Tony and Cienna on the 10 o'clock news. They filmed Tony passing out candy at our house with his big chubby cheeks beaming at the little ones as he tossed stuff into their bags. Then they showed Cienna trick-or-treating with our neighbor Amelia down the street. I am still trying to get my hands on a copy of the broadcast but for now, my DVR plays it at least once a day. It was too cute!


Buzz and Jessie

From pumpkin carving play dates, decorating ghoulish cookies, the Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch hay-ride, Halloween was absolutely amazing! I have to admit I got just a little teary eyed when it was all over. Cienna will never be a 4-year-old Jessie again and AJ will never be a 2-year-old Buzz Lightyear. Nothing like a holiday to make you stop and realize how fast your kids are growing up and how important these memories will be to them one day. I wish I could freeze time!


My Super Scary Feel-Boxes at the Harvest Festival!


Pumpkin Carving


Decorating Cookies

Ever notice how everything Cienna does she does it in a princess costume? Childhood is the best....

Insy

My friend Lindsay aka "Insy" came to visit a few weeks ago. Insy and I have known each other since I was in 7th grade and she was in 6th grade. Wait...maybe I was in 6th grade and she was in 5th. That sounds right. Anyway, we "met" playing softball at JOBL fields. Apparently, I ran into her dugout and tagged out one of her teammates per my coach's request. I don't remember this. Insy does because she said that she didn't like me because of it. But the next year we ended up on the same team and at the same middle school...so the rest as they say is history!

Insy came to visit during the balloon fiesta. We didn't actually make it down to the event, but we did make it out the day before it started to watch a friend of ours get their balloon up. You don't realize how big hot air balloons are until you are up close to them. They are HUGE!

The rest of the trip was spent catching up over cocktails and running the kids around town. Insy is such a trooper. She just rolls with it. No need to entertain her or make sure she is having a good time. She just blends right in with the Mazotti family craziness. Scary.


Watching The Balloons Go Up


Insy and I


Besties


Hopscotch

Insy's visits are always amazing. I miss her already! Come back soon!

Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. Someone must have told God, because my kids were excellent. After dropping off Cienna at pre-school, AJ and I headed to soccer practice where he presented me with my first present of the day...completely great behavior! He listened to the coach, participated with great enthusiasm and gave me lots of hugs, kisses and high fives.

Then came my next unexpected gift. My friend Cherokee texted me and asked if I had lunch plans. She had arranged someone to watch AJ and her two sons while we had a uninterrupted lunch. I had heard that when your kids start going to school, you start to meet some moms that you really click with, and it is so true. My best friends in ABQ have all been discovered at school or kids activities. Cherokee has turned out to be a really fun and thoughtful friend. I was so grateful for the simple gesture!

After picking Cienna up at school and putting the kids down for a nap, the doorbell rang. Flowers and chocolates from my grandmother in L.A. The day just kept getting better!

When the kids woke up we headed over to the fire station to deliver the class thank you note (it was actually a huge poster) that Cienna's class made after their field trip last week. We pulled up and Tony was in jeans....which is odd. Surprise! He found someone to come in and work for him so that we could go to the State Fair. Totally unexpected!

After treating me to an Indian Taco, green chili corn dog and homemade pie and ice cream, I had one of those moments where it's almost like your mind is taking a snapshot...a moment in time that you really take the time to take it all in. I got an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness and know that I will always look back at my 32nd birthday as one that I will miss!

I am sure that you are wondering about gifts. The husband never ceases to impress and amaze me. Not one, not two, but THREE sets of Lily Barrack earrings! And Cienna already put dibs on them!

Cheers To 60 Years!

Last weekend my mom turned 60 years old (which did not come as a surprise to her) but we will still able to test her heart health. On Wednesday Tony, myself and the kids arrived unannounced at her classroom and surprised her. She had no idea we were coming, and I wasn't sure if she was going to cry or vomit when she saw us. But at least her heart didn't give out!

After several days of hanging at Chateau de la Chris Mazotti (in the shed, LOL) we treated my mom to an A's game, a hot dog and a few beers. After a much needed nap, we headed over to Rocco's Restaurante in Walnut Creek to set up for the real surprise. After 30 of her closest friends and family arrived, we yelled SURPRISE!!! when she hit the door. Again, I didn't know if she was going to cry or vomit...but she passed heart health test #2!


One Big Dysfunctional Family


Mom with Family and Friends


Motley Crue


Mom Consoling AJ After He Was Drug Away From The Cake

After winning brownie points with mom, my timing couldn't have been better when I asked her to babysit Sunday while Tony's brother Chris, his girl Wendy, Tony and I went to Golden Gate Racetrack for $1 beers and $1 bets! The venue really made me miss the Bay....houses stacked on the hillside, the ocean air on your face, and running into old friends, Bay Area rappers and athletes. There is nothing like the Bay. It will always be my hood!


The Track

All in all our trip was everything that I imagined it would be. We went from Vegas to Tahoe to Napa to the Bay and finally Laughlin. It fills me up with joy to visit with my friends and family. No matter how much time passes or our distances apart they always have our back! We are already planning our next trip!


Vegas Baby!


Tahoe


Napa with Great Grandma Betty


Go A's!

Till next time!

AJ Turns 2!

Watch out world! AJ is now 2 years old. We celebrated the little nugget's birthday in Lake Tahoe, CA with our childhood friends Jason and Lindsey and their son Landon. It was a fun day going down to the lake, swimming in the gorgeous blue waters and playing in the sand. And it wouldn't be a 2-year-old's birthday without a complete and utter meltdown as we were leaving!


Lake Tahoe


Showing Off His Beach Muscles

Luckily for him he rebounded after a diaper change and a nice long nap just in time to enjoy a private screening of "Toy Story 3" and some chocolate cake.


2 Years Old!


Mom & Dad With Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger

I want to freeze time. Is that possible?