Howdy Partner.....a little late!

So I am finally blogging about the boys birthday, I never blogged about their Pirate Party last year, so a few months late this year doesn't seem so bad!

The boys wanted a Cowboy themed party, what fun!!  I found these fabulous foam hats at the dollar store, along with badges and cowboy 'army' men!  Too bad their birthday is in winter, because I would have loved to have had pony rides too!

Birthday parties are alot of work, but it all makes up for it the day it finally arrives, and I see how excited the kids are to have a day devoted just to them!  My mom always made our birthdays super special, I remember a rainbow themed party I had one year (probably because of Rainbow Brite, I also had a Care Bear party one year too!), we made these cute little styrofoam rainbows with different colored yarn.  I hope I am creating those same memories for my little guys and gal!

 Pinata Fun

 Hot Dogs, Chips & Rootbeer in a bottle!  Yee-haw!

 

Birthday Wishes

What will next year bring?  I better start planning now!

How Sweet is Six?

Yesterday the twins turned six!! I sure do love those little guys. They never cease to amaze me with their wit, they are a comedic duo those two. We are sure in for a crazy ride when they get older! They are so inquisitive, and have a zest for learning. They are kind, and think of others, and love to help around the house. Aiden learned to load the dishwasher just this week! They are so imaginative, and come up with the funnest home-made games. Life just wouldn't be the same without them. We are blessed to be their parents, and look forward to the many years of wonderful memories we will create. Happy Birthday to the two most handsome twins I have ever seen!!

Too Cool

Anden didn't break his model pose the whole time, we were cracking up!

Anden

Aiden

Aiden

Anden

Brothers for life

My favorite photo of all time.

XIV Preview

OK, so here is just a little taste of my fabulous trip to LA. In case you have been living in a cave, or haven't been within ear shot of me lately, here is a quick update. My Mom and I flew to LA in January for a belated 60th Birthday Bash, and met up with my sister Sheri. We stayed in a super swanky boutique hotel, and ate at my brothers most amazing restaurant XIV, which by the way is hosting the Sony Music Grammy after party bash tonight, as I type. So jealous! Here are just a few pictures to wet your appetite! Enjoy!

The lobby of our hotel, before the Chauffer picked us up, oh yeah, we showed up in style!

One of our favorite dishes, Heirloom Beets with Burrata, Wild Arugula, Aged Balsamic, New Olive Oil. So Yummy!

This was our first dish, after the traditional Nan Bread was served (which I will go into detail about in my longer, more elaborate post) Michael's Caviar Parfait. I could have died it was so tasty!

This is us, after consuming 14 courses, that yes indeed, I ate without any need to adjust the button on my pants. Oh and that chocolate concoction sitting in front of my mother, was her custom made birthday cake, that seriously was so good, words can't describe it, well they can, but this isn't the forum, and for those of you that have gone to Morning Glory with me, you know what I am talking about! I will post pictures of the inside, it had five layers of chocolate bliss, all infused with a different flower, like lavendar and elderberry, it was so delightful! So there you have it, a taste of things to come, this was such a once in a lifetime trip. Jen, we really missed you, and hope we can make this an annual girls trip!

Fabulous at Five

Today the twins are turning five! I can't hardly believe that five years ago today, I was giving birth to two little spit fires! Boy, how are lives have changed. The twins came 7 weeks early and spent the first four weeks in the NICU. They came home on 02-03-04, so we celebrate that day as well, since that is officially when they became 'ours'. I had planned on having their friend party on Saturday, but had to push it back a few weeks. So today we are having their family party, how boring!

This was their 2nd birthday, Noah's Ark, and Aiden is enjoying that cupcake!

Anden in front of the 'Ark'

Enjoying their present together, while watching TV!

I have posted some pictures of them through the years. They really are the best of friends, and have been since birth. We decided early on that we would have them together as much as possible. The first few days in the NICU, they had to be apart, but they would push the incubators together as close as they could. As soon as they put them in the same crib, they improved dramatically! We even have a picture of them sharing the same 'choo-chee' or binkie, one baby had it in their mouth, and the other scooted over and was sucking on the handle. The nurses took that picture for us, and gave it to us the next morning when we came in. They slept in the same crib and bed up until just recently, and sometimes they even still end up together, cuddled up close like they were in my belly.

Two boys in a wagon, Summer 2006

Aiden trying to kiss Anden, and him wiping it off!

They are very similar in alot of ways, but each has their own unique personality. Aiden is more emotional or sensitive, but is fast at making friends, especially with the older kids. Anden is more reserved and is a thinker. He is also very obedient. If something has a direct consequence, like not brushing your teeth will cause cavities, and not eating your dinner will make you skinny or skinnier in their case, or eating too much sweets with cause fire to come out of your bum (more on that later, but you do what you can to get your kids to obey, and threatening them with the dirty squirties always seems to work!!) he will follow through like a champ, diligently washing his hands while saying the whole alphabet to make sure all of the germs are off! They both are so sweet and protective of their other siblings, especially Sissa. They do not like it when the other gets in trouble and will even try to negotiate the others punishment.

One of my favorite pictures.

They went through a phase when they wanted to dress different because they were tired of their friends asking who was who, but then they realized that even in different outfits no one can tell them apart, so they gave that up too. Thankfully they have similar likes and dislikes, buying presents is very easy. They both love music, and can carry a tune. Aiden loves airplanes, and Anden is obsessed with the Resurrection. Whenever he or anyone else gets hurts, he simply replies 'don't worry that will be fixed when you're resurrected'. I love that they have a natural love for learning, their questions are well thought out, and they are diligent at learning their letters and numbers, without much prodding on our part.

Aiden 'being attacked' by the ABC's!
Winter 2006

Christmas 2006

They are all boy, they love sports, guns, and anything loud. They both wanted Pogo-sticks for Christmas, and when they first got on they could jump three or four times, and by the next day, we stopped counting. They wanted to learn to ride their bikes without training wheels last summer, but we were too lazy to take them off. We keep telling them to wait until spring!

I will be able to blackmail Aiden with this photo later in life!

Their 'Car's' 3rd Birthday! 2007

I could go on and on, but I am sure the only one reading this now is my Mom, so I will stop all the gushing, but I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with Aiden and Anden. Our lives would truly not be complete without them. Each day I am constantly amazed at how sweet their spirits are, and the innocence of childhood. Stay tuned for the pictures and post about their much anticipated Pirate Pinata Party, until then, maybe I will finally get around to posting about the rest of the holiday season!!

Easter 2007

4th Birthday at the Family Fun Center. 2008

Cuddle Bugs, May 2008

Soccer Studs Fall 2008

Mia, the girl that could end this Twin Twosome!!

There you have it, some of my favorite photo's, or at least my favorite photo's that I have saved on this computer. I wish I had a scanner to scan in some earlier pics!!

Happy 60th Granny!

Today is my Mom's 60th birthday, and we are celebrating! I had hoped to scan a bunch of pictures from my Mom's younger years, but just haven't been able to dig all the pictures out. Today is kindof anti-climatic, considering we are celebrating her birthday in January by flying down to LA to eat at my brothers restaurant, all four siblings will be together for the first time in almost five years, what a treat! So today, her only wish was to go sledding with the grandkids! I think we can handle that! She took the day off, and spent all of last night buying the kids new snow clothes, so today we will be on the search for the perfect snow for sledding.

I can't begin to tell you what a joy it has been to have Granny around for the kids. I feel kindof selfish, hogging her all to myself, but hey, if my other siblings want her around, they can move to Oregon too! We are so grateful to never have to get a babysitter, let alone pay for one! Granny is always willing and ready to watch the kids, no matter how short the notice or however long we may stay out! She also spoils my children rotten, she is very thoughtful in her gift giving, and takes alot, and I mean alot of time deciding the perfect gifts. She takes into account their cute little personalities, and knows their likes and dislikes. She has been such a saving grace to us over the past two years financially, she has kept us afloat, clothing my children in the cutest clothes, and providing Halloween costumes, birthday presents, and our entire Christmas! She is truly an amazing Granny. The boys always get so excited when Granny comes home after a few days in Yreka, they always ask 'Granny, did you bring us any surprises?' and Granny always responds 'I brought myself!" Too cute! So here's to a fabulous pre 60th celebration, we will go sledding, eat at Red Lobster (her favorite restaurant), open her dollar store 'treasures' my children picked out for her ie; buff puff, Q-tips, socks, & Kleenex. Remind me to not let my children pick out my presents, what's with all the practical stuff?? And maybe, just maybe, I will get those pictures out and scanned, because let me tell you, she may only be getting Kleenex from my kids on her 60th, but her 50th was a rockin' party in Las Vegas, and I have the pictures to prove it. Lets just say, my Mom got her grove on in a little Piano Bar at the New York, New York Hotel, and danced to the YMCA and Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. I didn't get my spunkiness from my Dad, all those jeans come from my Mom's side of the family! She really is a hoot that lady. We love you Granny, here's to another decade of fun!!

Granny with Adeline at Ryan's Baptism-March 2008

Granny with the twins at the train park, September 2007.

Granny, getting ready for Ashden's 2nd Birthday Party, October 2007.

My Mom and I at a family reunion in Grants Pass, Summer 2000.

Just for laughs, and a taste of things to come! This is me and my brother, I know, I laughed too, so go ahead and let out a big snicker, I seriously laughed so hard when I saw this that I cried! My sisters and I put together a digital photo frame for my Mom, and collectively, each of us has tons of family photos that none of us has seen in almost twenty years, so this has been such a fun trip down memory lane, but so far this is the only one I have downloaded onto my computer!! This will make for some great blackmail for my brother some day!

Choo-Choo This is Who: Ashden Turns Three!!

Monday was our littlest man's Third birthday, and we invited the whole town, OK, maybe not the whole town, but almost 50 people, 32 which were four and under, to help celebrate. We (I mean my Mom!) rented out the Medford Train park, which was a real treat because the park is only open to the public the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 11-3, April thru October, and since our church pretty much takes up the whole day on Sunday, none of us can ever go. I didn't want to be selfish and keep the park all to myself, so I gave an open invite to all who would listen. It was such a fun event. My friend Christine, who's son is Ashden's best bud, was brought to tears from the excitement. The train park is set up like a little miniature town, we went under tunnels and over bridges, we saw 'bears' roasting marshmallows, and squirrels running for cover. The ride is seven miles long, and the track is 1 1/2 miles of continuous track (for all of you train enthusiasts who may be wondering). The train only stopped while the kids quickly inhaled their lunch, and ate cupcakes, and then again while we rushed Ashden through the presents. Other than that, the train was always a runnin'. We even called a couple of Daddies to come and take a ride too!! This was probably one of my favorite birthday parties, the kids had so much fun, and I don't think Ashden moved from his little spot on the train the whole time. Adeline also enjoyed the train, every time we went through the tunnel she would scream with the big kids, and stretch her arms out. Giving me an even bigger reminder that she loves all things boys do, and nothing that girls do. I may need some therapy, where is my sweet little girl that is suppose to love dolls and pink, and only want to be with her Mommy! OK, enough about that, this is Ashden's birthday already! After two hours on the train, the party had to come to an end, so down came the balloons, and off went the paper train placemats, and back to reality. So Happy Birthday Ashden, we sure do love you. Following is a photo recap of the event. Notice that in all the pictures of Ashden, his face is dirty with chocolate. That is our boy, he loves treats, I think he had like three cupcakes, oh well, one for each year!! Thanks to everyone who came, maybe next year we should just rent it out and make it a family affair!

Look at the excitement in his face!!

Ashy, and his best bud Marcus!

All Aboard!!

I don't know who is having more fun, the parents or the kids!!
Going through the tunnel!
Party Time!
Birthday Boy
Yummy, Yummy Cupcakes!!

Adeline's First Birthday!

For those of you who know me, birthday parties are a big deal in my family. I have a friend who will remain anonymous, OK her name is Monique, who seriously throws outlandish B-Day parties. I will have to post more about that later. So here goes the big day for Adeline. Last February I found the cutest Valentine cupcake paraphernalia at Target (my favorite store in the universe), I waited patiently until the day after to purchase said items at 75% off anticipating my one and only daughters first birthday. So with that said, she had a pink and brown cupcake themed birthday. I made cute little chocolate cupcakes from my friend MJ's delightful homemade recipe which I will include at the end of this post, with pink buttercream frosting and brown little jimmies on top. We also had pink and brown whoppers, and strawberries with raspberry marshmallow fluff, and some pink ice-cream strawberry soda concoction. As you are probably imagining, it was a sugar feast, and yes, my kids all had the dirty squirties the day after. I invited her four little girlfriends and their siblings and we decorated picture frames with foam art (my favorite craft item in the world), and then made footprints and handprints to put in the frames. FYI-every good kid party should include a themed craft!! It keeps the party rolling, and makes for a great souvenir. Adeline was dressed in her birthday Tutu, thanks to Granny, and as much as I want her to be a girlie girl, I think she may end up being a tomboy. How sad for me. I will keep pushing the pink for as long as I can. The party was set, the house was decorated, the food look edible, the guests had arrived, the craft was going strong, all seemed well in my world. The husband was put in charge of the picture taking, and it looked like he was capturing all of those precious moments I knew I was going to scrap with my carefully coordinated cupcake paper that matched the party perfectly thanks to Target and the genius' behind their marketing who managed to sucker me into buying every last bit of their Valentine cupcake magic. Who knew that all of that would come crashing down when said husband informed me that he accidentally tried to format the memory card on the camera and erased the whole first half of the party. This may seem like an accident to you, but this same thing happened three years earlier when I received said camera for Christmas and he erased all pictures of Holiday 2005. Someday I will post the pictures I tried to recreate of that Christmas a week after the fact! Enough said, I needed a few minutes in the bathroom to cry just a bit, and recompose myself for all of my party guests. So despite the mishap, it was a fabulous event filled with friends, food (OK, junk), and memories that will hopefully last a lifetime, if not in my mind, at least on cupcake paper in 10 years when I finally get caught up on my scrapbook albums. Following is a photo montage of the day. And for those of you who may be wondering what Adeline's big gift was........her first Cabbage Patch Kid who looks exactly like my first CPK, thanks to the people at Babyland General who launched the 25th anniversary dolls just in time for her birthday. Who knew I had so much power and control!!

Tutu and Pink Mary Janes!!

Sugar induced meltdown.

Adeline and Co.
Pretty as a Princess
Cupcakes
Craft
Coveted CPK