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?

Catch Up

Wow! I can't believe it has been a month since I last blogged. The summer always seems to go by so quickly and there are never as many hours in the day (even with the extra day light hours.) I guess it's all of the fun that summer time activities bring. So just to catch you up a bit....

The Lake
We went to Elephant Butte lake with our friends the Loughridge's and had more fun than I thought we would have with 5 kids in tow. Maybe it was their 4 bedroom "lake house" that made it easy (it seemed that everyone got their own room!) or the "boat" that we went out on that resembled a yacht that I have seen Beyonce and Jay-Z frolicking on a time or two in St. Tropez. It's not really work boating with kids when they stay down in the hull with 2 flat screen TV's and air conditioning. Not that I am complaining! The best part of the weekend was when I discovered (I was actually taught and then looked at in a judging manner when I didn't already know!) that if you put on a life jacket like a baby's diaper it will keep you from having to tread water and you don't spill your drink! Good times with good friends! Here's hoping they invite us back!


Ladies of Leisure


(Some) of the Kiddos Chillaxing


Did I Mention That They Have A Jet-Ski Too?

Big Boy Bed
AJ transitioned to a big boy bed a few weeks shy of his 2nd birthday. We knew it was time when he was not only flipping out of the crib after naps but also insisting that he flip into the crib before naps and bedtime. Funny thing though...now that he just has netting holding him in he is afraid to move!





Just a few more days and we are off on our road trip. Stay tuned for more updates!

Brothers-In-Law

Tony and I had back-to-back visits from our older brothers the last two weeks and I already miss them! First, "Uncle Chris" came to see Gary & Marilou's new house and was able to sneak some time in with the kids. They absolutely love Uncle Chris. I think Cienna loves him because he is very silly and indulges her and her roll playing. I think AJ loves him because they look alike. It was a quick trip but we had a great time...


Chris And His Little Brother Tony


See What I Mean About Being Silly!

Within days of Chris flying back to the Bay my older brother got here. His week-long trip did not disappoint. He rambled off many unknown lines from movies, "Cody'd it" and made fun of just about every one I know. Classic Jay. He kept the kids rolling with laughter and did a pretty good job with me as well. He absolutely made AJ's week though...he bought him a Buzz and Woody doll. After months of only having pictures of Buzz and Woody on his flip flops, carrying them around, showing them to people, acting like they were toys he finally got actual toys. He doesn't look so pathetic anymore.


The Elusive Picture of "Mom" Being All Mom-Like


My Brother w/ The Kids

Thanks brother and brother-in-law for your visits! We had so much fun....

Bueno...No Bueno!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was eventful to say the least. The plane rides were interesting, as AJ rode as a lap child and he was anything but a lap child. But we made it safely and were excited to start our vacation!
We went to an all-inclusive resort which was really the way to go. Every day we went down and had a wonderful buffet with freshly made smoothies and my new favorite dish, chilaquiles. My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Most of our days were spent at the pool or taking walks along the beach looking for seashells. Cienna came home with a large bag of them, and I bet you she could describe half of them to you in detail and tell you which ones are her favorites. Just when you think that all seashells look alike, just ask a 4 year old.


Searching for Seashells

Tony and I also spent our 7th anniversary in Cabo. We got a babysitter and went out for dinner and drinks. It was a lovely way to celebrate.



The following day we witnessed our business partner and good friend Joe marry Melissa on the beach. It was a beautiful ceremony for a beautiful couple. Tony spent the majority of the time throwing balls to AJ and Cienna so that they would not disrupt the event. And at some point AJ recieved his 1st bee sting AND learned how to say "Adios!" Never a dull moment!


Mr. & Mrs. Lane

Then came the "no bueno" part. Wednesday we checked in with Tony's parents who told us that our Escalade had been stolen from our driveway. Apparently, they broke into the car and drove it across the neighbor's lawn in order to steal everything from the wheels to the headlights. It was found abandoned on a busy street in ABQ, with tires on it that did not fit the car and the driver's side door wide open. I have not seen it and I don't want to. I am just happy that while I went through a few hours of crying, frustration, sadness and fear it didn't ruin the rest of our trip.

Our last day in Cabo was probably our best. We hung out on the beach, buried the kids in the sand, played in the surf and enjoyed being a family. Tony and I are so blessed to have two beautiful children and each other. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.








Adios!

Father's Day

We headed up to the Chateau de la Mazotti on Saturday with the whole Mazotti clan. After a riviting game of spades we hit the hay and got prepared for our rafting expedition the following day. One 3 hour float later, we decided that we hadn't had enough fun and we piled in the car and headed over to Pagosa and our favorite hot springs. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend Father's day.
The highlight of the trip was Tony and his dad hanging a tire swing for the kids to enjoy for many summers to come. And then seeing the varying reactions of their maiden voyage. Good times!


The Fathers Being Fatherly


Loving Her New Toy


AJ Not So Much