The C'de Baca Family

Just What the Doctor Ordered...

2012-02-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

So... life has been pretty tough lately.

Tight Finances, tough.

Family Sickness, tough.

Long Days without Daddy, tough.

Stressed out Mommy, tough.

Sunday night as we were going to bed, Cooper said, "Let's go do something as a family tomorrow morning. Let's not talk about finances, family, or our to-do list. Let's just BE together."

To be honest, it sounded great but I felt like it would be impossible to turn my mind off.

Well, I did, and I'm so glad I did...

This was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered!

Valentines.

2012-02-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here's what you need...

popcorn. chocolate. sprinkles.

Here's what you do...

Pop the popcorn. Melt the Chocolate. Mix together. Sprinkle.

Here's what you've made...

Put in plastic bags.

Here's what you give...

Tie with ribbon. Add label.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Different.

2012-02-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

One has blond hair; the other has brown.

One wears glasses; the other does not.

One knew his alphabet by the age of 2 1/2; the other just says A-B-C.

One could watch TV all day; the other would rather run up and down the hall.

One likes to play outside sometimes; the other could LIVE outside.

One has brown eyes; the other has hazel.

One would pass up a cupcake at birthday party for a plate of fruit;

the other wouldn't dare.

Truth.

2012-02-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

"Your kids must all get along so well. All the pictures you post have them smiling and playing with each other."

The truth is: These are the moments I try to catch...not the ones where I am pulling my hair out, refereeing a fight or counting down the hours until bedtime.

"How much TV do you let your kids watch?"

The truth is: My older one watches too much. My middle one doesn't watch enough. The youngest...well, that's still up in the air.

"Wow, you have 3 boys...you must be so busy...parks, the beach, the zoo, etc..."

The truth is: This is something that I feel guilty about a lot. I don't spend all my time at parks, the beach, the zoo, etc... I wish I did. Sometimes the thought of packing all of them up and then knowing I will chase my 2 year old everywhere makes me tired even thinking about it.

"Are your kids really eating Cheerios off the coffee table without their hands?"

The truth is: YES! I looked over. They were quiet. I was okay with it.

"You must be so tired having a newborn and 2 very active boys already."

The truth is: He's not the one who makes me tired!

As crazy as it is... I do love my life!!!

XOXO

2012-02-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

HUGS

& KISSES!

Change Up

2012-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Somedays [or should I say EVERYDAY] meal time is not my favorite time of the day. I don't like being a short order cook [that is TOTALLY my fault], I don't like debating with my kids about what they are going to eat {You get what you get, and you DON"T MAKE A FIT], I guess I just don't like meal time.

So... the other day we changed it up a bit. Archer asked if he could use a kitchen chair as a table and then use a smaller chair to sit in. I thought it was a great idea!

So, because Archer wanted to do it, Beau had to do it too... of course!

And... they ate ALL their dinner!

Mornings.

2012-01-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

Mornings around here usually consist of Cheerios (both boys), Scooby Doo (Archer), playing in the yard in our jammies even when it's freezing out (Beau), bottles (yes, still for my 2 year old, Beau), hot chocolate and oatmeal (Mommy)...

The past few mornings we've added something new...Do-a-Dot Paint. Archer hadn't done it in a while and it was all new to Beau. They are loving it!!!

And while the big boys are busy painting... someone else is busy working on his SMILE!

Tummy Time... take 3.

2012-01-23T20:28:00.000-08:00

Cole did tummy time for the first time today. I laid him on the colorful mat and within SECONDS two other boys were there with him. I laughed thinking about what this time was like for Archer.

Quiet. Peaceful. No one around but Mommy.

Things are a little different this time around.

Beach Camping in the Winter

2012-01-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Within minutes of arriving to the campsite, we...

jumped off the trailer to Daddy "as far as he could!"

played ring toss with Eli.

played at the beach with Eli and...

all the other kids!

played football with Michaela.

Then we...

ate the oatmeal cookies that Archer and his Mimi made for everyone.

ran around in the dark!

tried to make a lantern using Mountain Dew,

hydrogen peroxide and baking soda... didn't work!

(make sure to look at expiration dates...duh!)

and roasted marshmallows.

I'll skip the part about the child who woke up at 3am WIDE AWAKE and took TWO hours to get back to sleep... and, no, it wasn't the 8 week old. I won't name any names. I'll just give a hint...

Then we woke up the next morning to RAIN! So, we...

ate Lucky Charms in the trailer.

picked out EVERY marshmallow.

hung out together to stay dry.

played games with friends!

spent last moments together before heading home.

Hey, get out of the waaaay...

2012-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

So, Mimi was over hanging out with the boys for a little bit. She, of course, was getting sweet Cole to smile. So... I grabbed my camera to try to catch the action.

About the only action I got was sweet Archer trying to get in on it. Everytime I would go to take the picture, he'd kneel down by Cole. I would say, "Hey, get out of the waaaaay." He, of course, thought that was so funny that he wouldn't stop.

One Size Fits All

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

It Hasn't Stopped {or slowed down}...

2012-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

what hasn't?

The love he has for his little brother!

Mindset Shift

2012-01-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

So, I have just started trying to get the baby weight off. I could just blame it {the baby weight} on Cole, but if I wanted to be honest...there's still some left over from Beau and probably even Archer.

So, the number one way for me to lose weight is it exercise. I don't have a membership to a gym... I have a double stroller with 3 kids... what to do? what to do? MINDSET SHIFT.

So, we headed to a local park that has sidewalks around and throughout it. I figured I could let the boys play while Cole and I ran around the park. It sure wouldn't be the same as running by myself or with just a full stroller, but it could work. MINDSET SHIFT.

So, I started. The first 3 minutes were awesome! They played. I ran. Then... Beau fell, Archer wanted to run with me, Beau wanted to follow, Beau fell again, Beau dropped his snack and a dog ate it, Beau cried... Hmm, was this really going to work? MINDSET SHIFT.

That was all I needed... a MINDSET SHIFT. I figured if I was at least moving I was doing something. I ended up running only 1.15 miles. It took me forever with all my little pitstops in the middle, but at least I did SOMETHING. I told myself not to get frustrated...just do the most I could. It actually ended up being fun once my MINDSET SHIFTED.

I did leg lifts and lunges with my Cole in my arms.

Beau did jumping jacks alongside me.

Archer took it to the next level and did pushups.

We ended up having a great time at the park, and I got to break a sweat {even if it was only a little bit}. I was even contemplating making this my new Thursday routine. I would call this my cross-training day. All I needed was a...

MINDSET SHIFT!

Do You Know Beau?

2012-01-11T19:05:00.001-08:00

If you do, you know that he is a big boy. He has been called things like...

{a brick} - {solid} - {future linebacker}

Well, guess what...

this little guy (or not-so-little) is showing someone up.

We went to his 6 week checkup yesterday

(even though he is 7 weeks)...

He measured 95 percentile for BOTH height and weight.

He is a full 2.5 lbs BIGGER and

3 in LONGER than his big brother was at this age.

This might just be our BIG little brother!

Funnies...

2012-01-09T07:27:00.001-08:00

Someone's been sleeping in MY bed.

KNUCKLES!

Because his baby brother had a hat on, someone wanted one on too!

Pacifiers all around!

She's Hired!!!

2012-01-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mimi we had some peace and quiet from our sweet Cole tonight...

...and our boys had some fun playing games!

Through the Years...

2012-01-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

So... what do you do with your old Christmas cards?

Do you throw them away? Stash them in a box?

Keep them on the refrigerator for the year?

Here's what I do...

Back in 2006, I started trimming the cards after I took them down and put them in a notebook so that we could see all the changes of our family and friends year after year.

Mine is called "Merry Christmas Through the Years"

Step 1: Trim all Christmas [stuff] off the pictures.

Step 2: Appreciate your little ones' excitement for the new pages.

Step 3: Place them on the pages to make sure they fit.

Step 4: Once all pictures are in place, stick them to the pages.

Step 5: Let your little ones look at the new book. They will love it!

The Living Desert

2012-01-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today we visited the Living Desert.
It was such a fun way to spend the day as a family!

Within minutes of entering the park, Beau found meerkat statues...

I guess you could say he really liked them.

Seeing this cheetah was the h.i.g.h.l.i.g.h.t. of Daddy's day.

I think he mentioned "getting to see one that close" 15 more times.

These two had no clue how close they were to something...

that could've eaten them for lunch.

...yes, he was there too!

My 2nd favorite thing about this picture: Archer feeding the giraffe.

My FAVORITE thing: Beau sticking out his tongue like the giraffe.

Doesn't look like we're in California, does it?

Lunch Break.

"Raise your hand if you're excited to be sitting on a warthog?"

...

"I AM!!!"

A mama and her boys.

Seeing this "animal" was the h.i.g.h.l.i.g.h.t of MY day...

Headed home for naps...

Hello Monday.

2012-01-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hello 2012.

Hello 3 boys. To being intentional with my time with you.

Hello friends. To opening our home more.

Hello self-control. To knowing when to say no

[especially when I'm NOT hungry].

Hello family. To being thankful for you ALL the time.

Hello red cheeks. To being more active and losing the baby weight.

Disclaimer: I do take pictures of my other kids too.

It just so happens Beau represented all the "hellos" I wanted to make today. :)

what are you saying hello to on this monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

Bootball Dirt

2012-01-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

Beau came running proudly in the family room to show me

that he was wearing Daddy's "bootball dirt."

From Left to Right...

2011-12-31T03:10:00.000-08:00

Paws; Archer holding Tricky; [the infamous] Big Doggy

These are 3 very important doggies in one boy's life.

Ring Around the Rosie...

2011-12-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

A pocket full of posies

Ashes, ashes

We all fall down.

Two year olds really know how to make

a Mimi feel young on her birthday.

2011-12-29T04:42:00.000-08:00

She's involved...

She's gentle...

She's a good teacher...

She's cuddly...

She's patient...

She cares...

She's LOTS of fun...

She's encouraging...

Did I mention she's FUN...

WHO is SHE???

Why, she's the best Mimi in the world!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We LOVE you!!!

What Goes on BEHIND the camera...

2011-12-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

"Hey, Guys, look over here and SMILE!"

[Beau, you almost have the idea.]

"Okay, everyone, where is Mimi's nose."

[Good job, Avery...but put your hand down."

Crazy whistle sounds and noises coming from adults

[I know they look crazy but SMILE!]

"Okay, guys, show me how you laugh."

[Avers, you sure are good at that.]

"Say: MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

[YAY! We finally did it!!!]

And the prize goes to...ARCHER... for smiling in EVERY picture.

[which has NEVER happened before.]

Merry Christmas to Me!

2011-12-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

The BEST gift I've ever gotten...

A husband who loves his kids more than anything!!!

Mommy's Dream Came True...

2011-12-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

Since the day we found out we were having our third boy, I told Cooper that we HAD TO GET a play structure for our backyard. I needed (or wanted) to be able to say, "Okay, it's time to go outside and play... and stay there for a while."

This week my dream came true. (Thanks, Vic and Eve!)

Beau was all about helping Daddy build it!

More working...

The finished product.

Swinging...

Our first picnic in the clubhouse

I feel like the luckiest Mommy in the world...

my dream really did come true!

Tradition.

2011-12-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is traditions! One of my favorite traditions is getting together with the Davenports, eating spaghetti, and piling in the car to look at Christmas lights.

...this year was the first year we had to pile in 2 cars - thanks to these two little guys! Mommies and babies in one car...

...Daddies and kids in the other.

Gingerbread Shmingerbread

2011-12-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

We did things a little different around here today. I didn't have the tools to make gingerbread houses, BUT I did have the tools for Rice Krispies houses!

Getting all set up...

Taking things very seriously...

Concentrating on his masterpiece...

Archer and Micah - new found buddies...

* I have been friends with Micah's mommy since we were sophomores in high school. Micah and Archer are only one month apart. We never dreamed that we would have kids so close together. The first couple years of the boys' lives we didn't see too much of each other b/c of the typical busy schedule. The last two years they have lived in Oregon. BUT THEY ARE BACK NOW!!! Micah and Archer are having a blast getting to know eachother. So...today couldn't have gone better. Cole was held by Christie (someone who has the baby bug). Beau was sleeping. Archer got to hang with a buddy. AND I got to enjoy...not holding a baby, one toddler sleeping and a preschooler who was entertained.

Micah and his ORNATELY decorated house!

Archer and his MINIMALIST house!

Daddy of the Year

2011-12-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

... for keeping his 3 boys entertained all at the same time!

(Thank you, Wii)

Beau.

2011-12-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

{CRAZY}

two year old.

It's Think it's Safe to Say....

2011-12-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

...they are in absolute LOVE with their brother!

Never a Dull Moment...

2011-12-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

...but someone seems to be sleeping through it all... and it's not me!

They Have Been Spoiled...

2011-12-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Riley Wilderness Park.

Laguna Canyon.

Holy Jim's Canyon.

Aliso Creek Beach.

Cooper has been home with us for the past two weeks...not doing anything, but helping our family with the new adjustment! I have come to consider myself the luckiest girl in the world...getting to have my husband - their daddy- home with us for so long.

Cooper has always loved taking Archer on "boy only" adventures. During this vacation, Beau got to take part in these adventures too...and he fit in just perfectly. These times not only serve as times that will be great memories, but also times where heartfelt talks are shared, bonds are strengthened and mommy gets to stay home and get refreshed.

Maybe I should have titled this post "I Have Been Spoiled..."

First Run...

2011-12-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

Stretching...

and more stretching...

Learning the rules of running... stay on the sidewalk, etc...

Someone thought it was a race...

Getting the hang of it...

Archer ran his first mile! He wanted to stop a few times in the middle...but he didn't give up!!!

Knott's Berry Farm

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, we got 2 free tickets to Knott's Berry Farm on Thursday and decided to use them Friday. We are sure glad we did. It was so much fun...and Cole is a perfect age for it... sleeping on Mommy the WHOLE time!!!

My two little hoodlums.

Mommy having WAY TOO MUCH fun.

Beau LOVING his first ride!

Up, Up, and AWAY!

So, today the first ride Archer went on was in Camp Snoopy. It was a little ride that looked like an envelope and it went up and down. Perfect for a 4 year old. At the end of the day, Mommy took Beau and Cole back to the car to feed the baby. Daddy and Archer were going to go on ONE MORE RIDE! Sure enough, they picked Sidewinder. Because Archer met the height requirement, Cooper thought it would be okay for him... Well, as you can tell by his non-enthusiastic thumbs DOWN, it didn't end up being his favorite ride.

The end to a GREAT day!

What's the Problem?

2011-11-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

The first day Cole came home there was only one thing that could make each boy happy... holding their baby brother.

Proud Biggest Brother

2011-11-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of how Archer has taken his role

of big brother (for the second time around) so seriously.

The second he walks into the room, he wants to hold "Baby Cole"

and make sure he knows his big brother is there.

He quietly shushes him.

Carefully pats him on the head.

Holds him so still.

And makes sure that his pacifier is in the right place.

Oh, what a great big brother he has!!!

Do You See A Pattern?

2011-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Beau was ONLY HAPPY when...

Cole was IN HIS ARMS!

Oh, what a GREAT BIG BROTHER he will be!

Like Brother, Like Brother

2011-11-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

12.08.08 - 1 yr 9 mo

11.18.11 - 2 yr (in a week)

Brothers.

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing Better!

Playing Catch Up...

2011-11-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Looking through books together...

Can you say tired? He fell asleep under our bed!

Trying to figure out the camera...

Kids Club Halloween picture!

Carving pumpkins with Simeon and Johanna...

...and the finished products!

Mario "saving his princess"...as he put it!

Annual Cousin Costume picture... not so easy this year! :)

Family Halloween Picture...

Enjoying the rain...

...and that's what has been going on around here!

A Different Perspective

2011-10-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

TAKE 1:

"Mom, why did you spell my name like that?"

"Like what, Arch?"

"You spelled it A-12-C-H-E-12."

To myself: "What is he talking about?"

Then, I looked at it again...

"You know what, Bud, it does look like that, doesn't it?

Sometimes when you want to make something look extra nice,

you use fancy letters...that's what those are."

IT WASN'T GOING TO FLY!

TAKE 2:

"Thanks, Mom, for spelling my name the right way."

"No problem, Bud."

I've Come to Love...

2011-10-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

So, when Beau was first born and I would take pictures of the boys together, I would always want the pictures to turn out perfect... looking at the camera, smiling, etc... But, now, things are different.

I've

come

love...

ALL these pictures!!!

A Day at the Fields!

2011-10-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for team pictures and Archer's very first T-ball game.

Two of his buddies are on his team too!

Go Blue Jays!

Stretching before the BIG game!

Hanging out in the dugout.

First hit!!! I loved that everytime he hit the ball he would let go of the bat

AS SOON AS he made contact with the ball.

Someone REALLY WANTED to be a part of the team too!

Run, Arch, Run!!!

Little pep talk with Daddy!

...and some coaching tips too!

Goooooo Team! What a great game!

Highlights...

~ Archer chasing after the ball after he hit it, picking it up, and wondering where he should throw it.

~Running to the pitchers mound instead of home plate.

~ Throwing his glove off when trying to field the ball.

Getting Ready for Baby!

2011-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

So, this morning we thought it'd be a good idea to practice our swaddling technique again. ;)

I had two very willing volunteers who wanted to help me since we don't have baby yet.

* I should've gotten this on video to capture how hard they were laughing!

Daddy Time!

2011-10-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday afternoon, Beau took Cooper's hand and brought him outside. "Sit, sit, sit." He wanted Cooper to sit on the slide and just BE with him. They ended up BEING together for at least 20 minutes. I secretly took these pictures because it was one of the sweetest things I ever did see!

Yes.

2011-09-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Yes. That is my son.

Yes. That is his breakfast.

Yes. He is laying flat on the floor.

Yes. He is eating his breakfast.

Yes. I let him.

Yes. I ran to get my camera.

No. This doesn't happen every morning.

Thanks, Roger.

2011-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today we got to enjoy your beautiful garden!

Thanks for already have pumpkins out that we can enjoy.

We can't wait for fall around here, so we got a little teaser today.

Thanks for letting my mom take so many pictures of us in the pumpkins.

Those end up being some of her favorites of the year.

Thanks for letting us take a little break and rest on your lounge chairs.

"Sleeping" in a garden can't be beat.

And...I guess we should say "no thanks" to the "jail" my mom put us in.

We thought she was going to leave us there and make a run to Starbucks...

but SHE DIDN'T!!!

Thanks for letting us look through all your cool shops. Our favorite was the "spooky" one.

Thanks for letting our Mimi come with us too!

She LOVES visiting your garden as often as she can.

(So does Didi and Avery!)

If you need to get out of the house and want to spend some time somewhere beautiful... go visit Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. It's especially fun to go during the holidays!

Thanks, Roger! We'll be back soon!

Someone LOVES to celebrate...

2011-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

...especially when upceeks (cupcakes) are involved!

So... we told Archer that in celebration of his first day of school, he could have a cupcake after dinner. He was excited, but not half as EXCITED as his little brother.

So... little brother COMPLETELY FINISHED his cupcake!

And... big brother... well, he maybe ate 3 bites.

Someone around here knows how to CELEBRATE!!!

First Day of Pre-K...

2011-09-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Archer was soooo excited to start school again today!

Someone else wanted to go to school today too!

He is so happy that our neighbor, Brooklyne, is in his class this year too!

(...and Mommy is happy to have a carpool buddy!!!)

It took no time to get started in class!

My sweet boy!

Now, if this isn't a sign of a good day...I don't know what is?!?!

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures!

2011-08-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Photo Booth! It's blazing hot outside. We want out but don't dare (0r at least this pregnant mommy doesn't dare). So, you came to our rescue!

Growing Up...

2011-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Beau is getting bigger and bigger by the day. Here are JUST A FEW of the things I am loving about him right now...

He LOVES babies (and of course has no idea that the majority of the population would probably still refer to him as one). Everytime he sees a stroller, he says BABY?!?! Everytime he sees a carrier, he says (or maybe I should say... he SCREAMS) BABY?!?!? And, of course, when our friend, Ford came over he wanted to hold the BABY!!! ~ I love Beau's face in this picture... cross-eyed and looking like he wants to take a bite out of poor Ford.

Beau wants to be just like his big brother. If Archer wants him to say something, he'll say it. If Archer wants him to do something, he'll do it. If Archer wants him to eat something, he'll eat it. If Archer has his shirt off, he wants his off too. And here, Archer was headed to the Angels game with Daddy, and can you guess who wanted to go too?

Beau has such a great sense of humor. Always wants to get a laugh out of us! I had to get a picture of him with this piece of tupperware on his head (before it doesn't fit anymore) because VERY OFTEN I turn around and see him looking like this. Just walking around as if it's no big deal...

...and who couldn't love that smile!!!

Fun at the OC Fair

2011-08-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Family picture with EVERYONE looking... very few and far between.

Being silly with friends, Madison and Claire

Fun {expensive} rides

Someone was excited to win a light saber...

bummer, that it broke 20 minutes later as we were exiting the fair.

CAN'T WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR!!!

Angels Camp - FAMILY FRISBEE GOLF

2011-07-03T17:31:00.001-07:00

To escape the heat, we decided to head up the mountain to Bear Valley for a game of Frisbee Golf. We had soooo much fun!

The boys at the course!

Cousins passing off a frog. What fun!!!

Look at that face! Total excitement!!!

Mommy and her baby!

What a GREAT way to spend the day!!!

Angels Camp - ONE FISH, TWO FISH...

2011-07-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Uncle Robert and Cooper took the boys fishing at a Trout Farm.

Archer caught his first fish!

Love this picture!

Taking the fish to get cleaned.

Watching the last step before the Daddies ate it!!! YUM!

Angels Camp - THE DRIVE

2011-07-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Archer wanted to make sure we would not forget anything on our trip to Angels Camp. He decided to pack the cooler with all his necessities... big doggy, Spiderman bandaids, his toothbrush, Batman mask, Cars cars, and his turtle for a night light.

About 2.5 hours into the drive, a stop was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! Beau had been wanting out of his seat since the second we put him in it. After this stop...he was asleep within 20 minutes.

This was my favorite 2 hours of the drive!

We had a few more tricks in the bag...take on and off Archer's sunglasses... until we arrived in Angels Camp. FINALLY!

No Mo' Fro

2011-06-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'll let the pictures do the talking...

Ka-Chow

2011-06-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today, Archer got to go on a surprise "date" with Mommy and Daddy. He was so excited he could barely contain himself all day!!! We didn't tell him what we were doing until we pulled up to the movie theater... WE WERE GOING TO SEE CARS 2!!!

The excitement lasted well beyond the last picture of the movie. He came straight home to introduce Francesco to the rest of the gang.

Lightning Mc Queen and Francesco HAD to watch the boys during bathtime.

...and meeting his Leapster was a MUST!

As I type, a pile of cars is neatly tucked in to bed too...with Archer!

1st Adventure with Daddy!

2011-06-26T13:38:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about Cooper is that he LOVES to take Archer on adventures all by himself. TODAY, was Beau's day...his 1st big adventure all by himself!!!

Getting ready to head out to the sand!

Hmm... not so sure.

Loving being in Daddy's arms.

Little Ragamuffin!

Today was my FIRST big adventure!!!

A+

2011-06-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Archer has figured out a new way of asking for things. Do you see a pattern?

"Mom, my tummy hurts to sleep with you."
"Mom, I'm tired to play Mario."
"Mom, I'm hungry to watch a T.V. show."

Pattern...
1st mention something that usually gets answered right away.
"Your tummy hurts? Why don't you go potty."
"You're tired? It's time to take a little rest."
"You're hungry? Well, let's go get something in the kitchen."
Next, mention something you want to do that you know will most likely answered with a negative.

I give him an A+ for creativity!!!

What's your grade?

Fun with Photo Booth

2011-06-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Early Bird Gets the Worm...

2011-06-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Er... wait, I mean... The early bird wakes his mom up at 7am on Saturday, immediately points to the backyard, and starts squealing...only to start playing on his new play structure he got yesterday.

It may be early, but it sure is FUN!!!

Then and Now...

2011-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Archer just finished his last day of his first year of preschool. He has grown so much in this past school year...

Then...
Now...

Then...
Now...

Then...
Now...

Then...
Now...

My, how time flies!!!

Someone Thinks He's Funny...

2011-04-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

and so do we!

I love my boys!

2011-04-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Watch Out!

2011-04-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

We've got a HUGGER on our hands...

The Land of Misfit Horses

2011-03-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

But...we still LOVED them!

In Case You've Ever Wondered...

2011-03-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

how I keep my windows so clean... and the rest of my house for that matter?!?!

It's all in WHO you can get to help!

Thanks for cleaning the windows today, Archer.

The Birthday WEEKEND has begun...

2011-03-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

We went to Laguna Beach today with Mimi...

After eating a yummy lunch at Johnny Rockets, we headed over to the Main Beach playground. That was fun and all until we found a bigger, better playground...

The ocean!!! Archer would have ran in and out of the water ALL DAY LONG!

He ran and ran and ran...

and RAN!!!

Until it was time to go home and take a nap.

Someone is getting ready...

2011-03-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

for his Batman Birthday Party this weekend...

and so is his little brother!

YES!

2011-02-26T00:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is my one year old eating a tootsie pop.

No, I wouldn't have given Archer one when he was that young.

Yes, he is walking around his room with it in his mouth.

No, I would have let Archer do that either!

Yes, he is hitting the tootsie pop all over the closet doors.

No, I did not care.

Yes, he has a big smile on his face.

No, I did not take it away.

Why? You ask. Well, because this was the best 20 minutes of this past week.

Someone is getting SIX...yes that's right...SIX teeth all at one time.

So...that is why I let him take the tootsie pop that I was eating away. That is why I let him keep it. That is why I let him play with it. And...that is why I might even give him one tomorrow!

Bells and Whistles...

2011-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Growing up, my dentist had all the bells and whistles...movies, video games, stuffed animals, treats, and more... I never really liked going to the dentist, but with so many things to look forward to it never ended up being so bad! Knowing nothing different, I wanted the same for my kids...but with the insurance we have, it turns out that no "bells and whistle dentists" take it.

I took Archer to the dentist for the first time last Thursday! I think I was more nervous than he was...how was he going to respond to someone working in his mouth? would the dentist be good with kids? would they help explain things in a silly way to take the scariness out of the dentist? what about the x-rays...

Here is how it went...

Big Doggy had his first trip too.
Reading "What to Expect At the Dentist."
Preparing for X-rays. Still smiling...
If you look closely, Archer is smiling in the small mirror. He thought it was so funny!
Getting his teeth cleaned. No cavities!
Mommy was prepared with "treats" for one brave boy!

Conclusion: I guess you don't need all the bells and whistles to like the dentist. PHEW!!!

I Know This Won't Last Forever...

2011-02-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Every night, this sweet boy

asks me to lay with him in his bed.

He says he wants to get "snuggie."

I love this time and cherish it EVERY NIGHT!

It usually ends up like this... Mommy falling asleep too. Daddy waking her up at a normal adult bedtime to go to her own bed. Mommy gives Archer one last kiss goodnight and she heads to her bed.

Mimi

2011-02-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

My boys are so lucky to have Mimi in their lives.

She loves them like her own.

She gets on the floor to play with them... whenever they want. She gets them their choice food... whenever they want. She reads them a book... whenever they want. She crawls into their bed and "talks about stuff"... whenever they want.

This list could go on FOREVER!

She wholeheartedly gives herself to my boys and I am so thankful!

I love you, Mom! Have fun this weekend with my boys!!!

Snow Day

2011-02-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

At Archer's preschool, they celebrate Daddy and Me Day on a Saturday...with 18 tons of snow. Yep, you read it right, 18 TONS!!! They create sledding hills and an area to build snowmen, have snowball fights, or just enjoy being in the snow. And...there are no moms allowed!

I Had a Plan.

2011-01-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, I really did. My plan was to pick my three favorite pictures of each boy to share...well, that didn't go over very well. So, instead here is 7 of each boy. That's close to 3, right? ENJOY!

Thanks, Kelsey!

Two Boys.

2011-01-27T10:04:00.001-08:00

One boy is at school celebrating Pajama Day!

The other one is at home with Mommy feeling sick... poor baby!

There Is No Better Time Of Day...

2011-01-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

Then the time when Daddy gets home.

Our house just gets a little more fun!

Just A Little Assistance...

2011-01-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

...from the walker...

...and his brother!

Practice Makes Perfect

2011-01-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

We are practicing...

and practicing...

until it makes perfect!

We are ALMOST there!!!

I Get By With A Little Help From My... Brother.

2011-01-09T21:06:00.001-08:00

READY!

SET!

Look at how proud Archer is...

STAND!!!

This was followed by... "Mom!!! Look Beauzers is standing all by himself!"

Guess Where We Went Yesterday?

2011-01-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

Yep! The Long Beach Aquarium!!!

...and

Bubba Gumps!!!

It was a great way to end Christmas vacation!!! I love my family!

Need a yummy, QUICK & EASY dinner?

2011-01-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

White Bean and Turkey Sausage Soup

Prep: 4 minutes Cook: 16 minutes

Mashing half of the white beans gives this rich soup a creamy texture.

Cooking Spray

2 cups prechopped green pepper, onion, and celery mixture

2 teaspoons minced garlic

4 (4-ounce) links sweet turkey Italian sausage, removed from casings

2 (15.5 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add vegetable mixture and garlic; saute 4 minutes or until tender. Add sausage; cook 4 minutes or until sausage is done.

2. Mash half of white beans with the back of a fork or a potato masher. Add mashed beans, whole beans, broth, and pepper to sausage mixture; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes.

YIELD: 5 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

YUMMY IN YOUR TUMMY!

Snap-Snap-Snap

2011-01-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

EXCITED!!!

The camera lens to my good camera isn't working (that's not why I'm excited). Cooper and I have been cleaning out our garage for the last couple days (that's not why I'm excited either). We stumbled on everything under the sun...including another Nikon lens that fits on my camera. I was so excited...it made every second cleaning the garage WORTH IT!!!! Picture taking is so much more fun with a good camera!

Dear Mom,

2010-12-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!

Today, I want to tell you what a gift you are to me.

You don't know how much it means to me when I see you love my boys like you do.

I feel like you love them as if they were your very own.

I can't tell you how blessed I am to have you be such an integral part of their lives.

I love that you want to spend so much time with Archer and Beau...

...and I know they love it too!

You are one of Archer's FAVORITE people ever!

He loves being around you.

He loves going on adventures with you.

and he loves just hanging out and talking with you.

It is so special to see Beau's love for you grow everyday.

I love how he crawls as fast as he can toward the door when you come visit us...

...or when he reaches out for you to hold him.

Little does he know how overwhelming your love for him is too!

Thank you so much for always being available to watch the boys.

Thank you for hanging out with us when you do.

Thank you for being such a great mom (and Mimi).

I love you!!!

Love, Kelly

P.S. Thanks for letting me call you at 7am in the morning and always answering it when you know it's me. :)

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2010-12-29T07:56:00.000-08:00

who said it has to be BORING?

Doing Him Justice...

2010-12-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

After I looked back over my last post, I realized two things:

1. Beau was hardly in any of the pictures.

2. The pictures he was in...he was crying in almost every one. (Thanks, Santa.)

So, I thought I'd do him some justice and show you how he really is the majority of the time... HAPPY!!!

That's more like it!

Playing Catch Up...

2010-12-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

So, in an effort to FINALLY catch up on here... I decided to pick 2 pictures from each event that I have wanted to blog about. Of course, I had much bigger plans when I was taking picture after picture at each event, so... 2 will have to do!

Santa Came to Town...

We had a surprise visit from Santa earlier this week (thanks to Mimi and Papa!) He came to bring all the kids their Christmas pajamas. Archer was beside himself and could've talked to him ALL NIGHT!

Choo - Choo

Archer got to go down to San Diego with 3 Mimis and their grandsons. What a fun day! They headed down on the train, got off to eat at Papa's restaurant Tommy Pastrami, and then headed back!

Cousins!!!

Uncle Robert, Auntie Tiff, Jesus Marcos, and Loie came down for a Christmas visit. We had so much fun! Can you tell how much Archer liked his new Toy Story pajamas? He would wear them EVERY DAY ALL DAY if he could!

A neighborhood visit to Santa. Do you see a pattern with poor Beau? Someone doesn't like Santa AT ALL!!!

Downtown Disney

We headed to Downtown Disney with the Heinrichs to see the carolers at the California Hotel. We got to visit Santa again! What a great surprise - for one of them!

Hanging out with Kyle and Jayden at Downtown Disney!

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!!!

Archer had his first preschool Christmas program.

As the kids were walking in to the performance, the teachers had told them to be quiet on their way! Someone took it seriously. He walked in the whole way to the stage telling people to be quiet...

He was absolutely adorable! I love his enthusiasm in the picture below. What a star!!!

Christmas Tree Decorating

What a big helper. He took his job very seriously!

These were some of the ornaments I found in our tree. A dinosaur and "Slinky the Dog." Thanks, Arch.

Thanksgiving in the Desert

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Palm Desert with family! We had such a great time. Here Max is wearing a sympathy patch for Arch. So sweet!

Getting a lesson about the "insides" of the turkey. Only Mimi would do this...for sure not his mommy.

Thanksgiving Feast

Archer had his Thanksgiving Feast at school. Mimi and Beau got to join us!

With his preschool class!

Oops... more Thanksgiving pictures! Enjoy!

Trying to get a brother picture!

Loving his Daddy!!! This is what our sweet boy normally looks like... not all the crying pictures! Thanks a lot, Santa!

Beau First Birthday!!!

Someone turned 1! He has added so much to our family that we couldn't imagine our lives without him!!!

Look at all the little fingers that were trying to help him eat his cake!

PHEW... all caught up!

It's a Whole New World!

2010-11-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we found out that Archer needs to wear glasses full time. Everyone has been so supportive, especially one very special guy... CADE! You see... he already wears glasses and was so excited to finally have a "glasses buddy." He couldn't wait to take his new job seriously... teach Archer how to take on/off his glasses, teach him the rules, teach him that is really is COOL!

The day that Archer was going to be getting his glasses, Cade came over with a note of encouragement for him... it said SUPER ARCH and all!!!!

(If Cade compares anybody to a superhero, it's a big deal. A really big deal.)

Getting ready to go in to get his glasses (with his other BIGGEST supporter...big doggy!)

Meet Robert. He is amazing! He is putting the "magic" on Archer's eyes.

YES!!!! It's confirmed... a new "glasses buddy!"

Celebrating together at Ruby's together!

Thanks, Caders!

Look!

2010-11-21T00:32:00.000-08:00

... who got glasses!

... who had his 1st birthday party!

***More pictures to come. (I promise!)

My... How Things Have Changed.

2010-11-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2009

( Avery-3month; Archer - 2 1/2; Max; 1)

Halloween 2010

(Archer - 3 1/2; Beau - 11 months; Max - 2; Avery - 15 months)

Once Upon a Time...

2010-10-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

There was a little boy named Archer. He got to go on his first school field trip a week and a half ago. He went with his preschool class to Tanaka Farms.

He got to spend some time with his new friends while doing some pretty cool things. He got to pet and feed the animals, take a tractor ride...

and pick his OWN vegetables. He got to pick 4 onions, 4 green beans, 4 radishes, and 4 carrots. What a great time he had on the farm.

He also got to take home his very own pumpkin. He could take home any one he wanted as long as he could hold it himself. That was the time to be strong! :)

And, of course, he couldn't get himself a pumpkin without getting one for his little brother, Beau.

THE END

What's Been Going On Around Here?

2010-10-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

So, I want a double jogger REALLY BAD!!! Don't think I'm getting one anytime soon...so, I'm making do...

Someone has got a big brother that wants him to be happy. Archer brought Beau ALL his toys right when he woke up! What a great way to wake up.

Thanks, Johanna and Simeon for being silly with Arch. You made his night!!!

Beau has loved being rocked by Daddy ever since he was born...

and he STILL LOVES it!

This is one of my favorite things to see...all my boys doing something TOGETHER!!!

Things are well!

Such a good sport...

2010-09-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

- Mommy's making cupcakes.

- Brother's playing with his friend.

- Daddy's out of town.

So...Baby drinks bottle on kitchen floor, propped up with a couch cushion surrounded by toys (I mean, tupperware.)

Only ONE More Day!!!

2010-09-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Archer has been taking links off his paper chain for the last 13 days to help countdown to the start of preschool.

Now, we are down to ONE MORE DAY!!! Preschool, here he comes!!!!

Life is Good.

2010-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

These two boys make my life so good. I can't believe how big they are getting. So often Cooper and I will look through past pictures and get tears in our eyes at how fast time goes by. I always want to be able to see their little faces, hear their little voices, and feel their little bodies.

Today we went to Grace Christian Preschool for an Open House. Archer got to meet his teacher and explore his classroom by completing a scavenger hunt. He starts preschool on Thursday and is BEYOND EXCITED!!!

This little guy is wanting to crawl SO BAD. Today he pulled himself up onto his knees (kindof) for the first time. I know that my life is going to change VERY SOON!

One of my favorite things is the desire that Cooper has to be close to our boys. He wants to be involved in their lives, not just a part of it. He dives into them and I absolutely love it. One of his favorite things to do is take JUST Archer on adventures together (Beau's time will come.) So... this weekend they went on one of their adventures. They went to Crystal Cove to explore the tidepools. The tide was too high, but they made the best of it. Archer came home with 2 rocks, 1 shell, and 1 yellow flower for me. :)

I am so thankful for friends. All my friends. On Labor Day, we had a BBQ at our house and had a great time with FRIENDS...talking, playing games in the backyard, eating, watching me make cupcakes (and them eating the frosting), and praying together. Friends like this don't come around very often.

Archer is enjoying Beau so much! He has always been the most amazing big brother. He loves Beau with ALL HIS HEART! Lately, it's been so fun watching them interact even more. I love that the bond they are creating right now will only get stronger and stronger as they get older.

Life is good!

Don't You Just Wanna Hug Them?

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 9 Months...

2010-08-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

to one of the sweetest boys around!!!

Goodbye, Paradise!

2010-08-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

So... we are back at home and trying to get back in the swing of things after two FULL weeks in Maui. We had such a great time! I wanted to share the last of the pictures from our last few days there.

On Cooper's last day, he wanted to take a drive around the other side of the island. I, truthfully, wasn't very excited about it. I knew it would be pretty, but so was the beach across the street... Well, am I sure glad I did what he wanted. It was amazing. After we passed through the tourist towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali, we passed through Kapalua (where the best golf courses are), and then it started... We drove up and down and around on one lane streets and then we came upon this little town...

At Julia's Banana Bread Stand. We got banana bread (of course) and the MOST AMAZING...

coconut candy!!!

After our amazing drive, we took Cooper to the airport to catch a red-eye flight on the way home. We sure missed him the last three days we were there!

But, we still had fun! Here is Archer passed out on the balcony outside. If you look closely you can see Brobee and Plex watching him sleep on the chaise lounge and the lion on the table. I love this!

The morning we left, we had to go to the pool for one last swim!!!

My favorite is this picture... My siblings and I used to have this picture taken of us EVERY year. My parents wanted to document how much we were growing up through the years at Maui Hill. I had to get one of my two boys. I will definitely do this whenever we get to go back too!

We still had the day to kill since we were taking a red-eye flight too, so we went to Kaanapali to have lunch. I realized I hadn't taken any picture of just Archer and Beau together, so here it is!!!

And last but not least, we passed some of our time at the Maui Aquarium. Here is Archer doing his fish face at the fish.

Beau LOVED it too!!!

And now we are back home!

Maui Continued...

2010-08-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

My boys watching T.V. together.

Look who is in love with Mickey Mouse!

Look at what we saw on the road today...wild goats on the lava rocks!

At La Perouse with the family.

We just found a...

CRAB!

Love that sweet smile...

and this one too!!!

Searching the tide pools.

Exploring!

Back to Maui Hill for a game of "Catch."