~Day 2• 59: She meant to do that!

Today was a busy day!  It started out with Nick taking Ashton to earn a badge for scouts.  The girls stayed home with me and attempted to clean their rooms.  Then I went and ran errands when Nick got back.  When I got home, Nick and Ashton got ready to go golfing with Aunt 'Sa and Uncle John.  So that meant that the girls and I got to play with JJ today!

The girls were very excited to see him!  I think he liked seeing them too.  I had changed his diaper and he was happy to be free...The bottom left picture is cute because he was eating the blanket. I had fed him, but he wouldn't let the blanket go.  He is pretty funny.

When everyone left for golf, the girls and I went over to John and Alissa's house because JJ was asleep.  I was expecting him to be nervous when he woke up because I'm not his mom.  He was a little hesitant at first, but then warmed up to us.  Since we weren't at home, the girls brought a few things to play with.  Cailee brought her ponies and Brookie brought the comic book she was writing.  Then they ended up playing across the street  with the little neighbor kids.  It was a fun afternoon.

This kid had elastic bands for arms.  He is good at rolling over, but I am amazed at how far back his arm gets when he rolls the other way!  This would hurt!  But after a few times, I stopped correcting him lol I think he is going to be a contortionist when he grows up...

We put JJ in his bouncing thing.  He loved it and it was so fun to watch him get excited while he was bouncing around.

He warmed up to us.  Brookie got the most animation out of him.  She meant to tickle him and it was cute to see him try to laugh.  And then he sat and had along conversation with the little owl hanging over his head.  I don't know what he was saying, but it was sure fun to watch him!

Ashton loves to golf and go to the driving range and drive the golf cart.  I haven't been with him when he has played because he goes with Nick, but I love seeing the pictures!  From what I understand, he is getting pretty good!  The weather was a little cooler today.  It sprinkled rain a bit and the wind blew some, but it didn't stop them!

Ashton really did have fun.  Even when his beloved Auntie tried to take him out with a golf ball.  From what I understand from Ashton, she 'meant to do it.' But I think he didn't move out of the way when she hit the ball and it skewed toward him....  those pesky golf balls have a mind of their own!  Or else you could pay attention and move when a ball is hit haha  poor little man.  Ashton had a little mark on his stomach and I was joking with him that I wanted to see it.  Nick was joking too by holding Ashton so I could get a picture of his war wound.  No such luck.  I'm glad he is ok!  And I do not blame my sweet sister-in-law for trying to take out my son... 

~Day 2• 58: Experiments and Leftovers.

So... I had a helper tonight.  Cailee helped make pancakes with me.  She had fun mixing the stuff.  Then I took over and created the first set of pancakes. No, they aren't burnt.  Close, but not black.  They weren't the first ones people reached for to eat.  I should have thrown them away.

 My mom always had a saying that went something like, "Children should be like pancakes (or waffles).  You should be able to throw the first one away."  (insert sarcasm here) 

There is a running joke in my family.  The Experiment (the oldest) and the Leftovers (the youngest). Yup.  I am the first one.  The Experiment.  I'm fabulous.  I know.  And my siblings are thrilled to have me as their oldest sibling.  Thrilled and privileged I might add.  My youngest sister doesn't let me forget the fact that it took my parents four more tries to get things perfect.  And that's right.  They did.  The Leftovers showed up 10 years after me.  Leftovers are the things you throw out ...Too bad about that.  She sure is fun to tease.  If we throw her out we will have to just move up the line...Poor Loren.  Oh, and the pancakes tasted great.  Good job, Cailee!

Speaking of experiments... this is my new one.  My work is providing the program for me to learn Spanish.  Eek.  I'm excited, but also a bit nervous.  At work I am over the Latin America part of things... I won't go into it here. But there is a language barrier.  I asked my boss if I could learn Spanish, so here it is.  Maybe I'll learn how to 'accidentally' swear at you in another language...If I do, I can claim that I didn't know what I was doing.

And the leftovers.  My friend Tarah told me about these Mousse Dome thingies from Kneaders.  I made a stop today after work and picked one up for her (I'm her Visiting Teacher, and it's the end of the month so I had to bribe her to forgive me for leaving things to the very last minute).  If I was getting one for her, I had to try one for myself.  And it was fabulous!  She was right... it is very yummy!  (oh yeah, and the leftovers are going to be seen on my right thigh).

~Day 2• 57: My Little Man (oh, and Bunco!)

I worked from home today, so I was able to sit with Ashton for a little while.  He was trying to convince me that he needed to play on the iPad.  I didn't want him to because I didn't want him to spend all night on the electronic device.  I wasn't giving in though.  So we started talking and then we starting a rousing game of "see if you can move your hands before I slap them."  I have no idea what it's called.  It was quite fun!  We were both laughing a lot.  Then I asked him to help get dinner ready.  I'm slow at teaching the kids to cook and it's because I don't enjoy it much myself.  He did quite well and it was fun cooking with him.  I sure love this little man!

And it was Bunco night!  St. Patrick's Day theme.  It was so fun and the decorations, food, and company were fabulous!

These ladies are great!  We took a picture after some ladies left, but we had to get the photo taken and show off Stella's  winnings... Michelle was the hostess and she provided a great evening!  And the prizes were epic.  Stella won for the most points, and she picked the children's cute backpack full of items she can use for school.  It was kind of the joke that she was flaunting it (she wasn't really, but it was fun giving her a bad time anyway)  We are a fun group!

~Day 2• 56: Give me your wallet.

Who wouldn't give this little guy their wallet?  Aunt 'Sa and JJ came for a visit today.  I happened to get home from work early... ok, on time... and they were just coming up the street.  It was so fun to see them!  JJ was sure fun.  He was kicking and wiggling and smiling....He is getting to the fun stage.

He liked it when uncle Nick held him.  He kept kicking his feet while his mom played with him.  We put him on the floor to see his rolling over magic.  That little guy can move.  I sure love his little grins.  He is such a good little guy!

The kids have their fun run tomorrow and they called grandma and grandpa on facetime to hit them up for money.  I hate asking people for money, so I don't push the kids to do fundraisers.  I feel like a robber with a bandana on and a toy water gun pointed at the wall behind you.  Give me your wallet or I'll shut off facetime until the next time I need money.

~Day 2• 55: Two Beauties

Today Cailee went to the zoo. She got to wear the shirt she made. She had to dress in layers because the weather was kind of icky and unpredictable. She was so excited to go! She saw monkeys and pet a stingray.  She loves the zoo!

Brookie asked me to take her picture this morning after I took Cailee's. She stood there for a minute and then said, "wait!" And she put her hand on her hip, bent her knee and pointed her toe. The poser. I about died laughing. Cute little beauties. 

~Day 2• 54: She played the "mom, I just want to be with you" card...

Today, the mom in me came out.  This morning Brookie came to snuggle with me and she was uncommonly clingy.  She was coughing a bit more than she has recently, so I was concerned.  We started talking about medicine and doctor visits and she wasn't having that.  I think she recovered from that.  But then the clingy-ness started in.  Last week I was a pretty non-existent parent because of work.  I think she felt it more than the other two.  I really hope she didn't put on a show, because I fell for it.  I got on the computer for work to make sure I didn't have anything pressing for the day.  I didn't.  So she and I spent the day together. We had our own sick day.

We started out at IHOP at her request.  She loves that place.  At first she wanted the pancakes with the faces they put on it.  Then she only wanted grilled cheese.  She loves the grilled cheese.  and then she was so excited when she got hot chocolate with extra whipped cream on top.  She was in heaven.

On a whim, I thought it would be fun to have her get a manicure.  Most places will do color change for pretty cheap.  So I found a place down the street from where we ate, and we both had our nails done.  The lady that was taking care of brookie took her to do a mini-pedi.  I didn't ask her to, but once B got in the chair, she looked so cute.  So she got her toes one as well.  She was ecstatic!  She brought those little fake flip-flops home and colored them.  I think she is going to hang them on her wall...

After the salon, we headed to the fish store.  We picked out a beautiful flame angel (my FAV fish!) and an anemone for the two clown fish we already have.  She thought it was pretty cool that we got to pick out the next fish.  Then we were off to the scout office to pick up Ashton's new boy scout shirt and manual.  She didn't think that was nearly as exciting as the other stuff. I think because it wasn't about her anymore.  I did make sure to explain to her that this was a once-in-awhile deal.  I was not going to take days off to just go play.  I explained that I did this because I felt bad over last week and wanted to spend time with her.  I will do it w/ the other two, but her day was today.  I really did have so much fun with her.  She is a sweetheart.

When we got home, we both laid down for a rest before the other two came home from school.  When they got home, I made sure each of them were ready for piano lessons.  They all sat together and did their theory.  It makes me happy when they do their piano work.  Then I took Cailee and Brookie to the park for a short while before piano lessons.

After dinner, Cailee had a project to finish for school.  Tomorrow her class goes to the Zoo for their field trip.  They made shirts with colors for their 'Team Sanchez' group.  This is so they can be easily identified I think.  She was making marks on the white shirt with permanent markers and then dropping vinegar on it so they would spread, like tie-dye.  Brookie was a lot of help.  I think they had fun together.

Today was a very nice day.  Very busy, but nice.  I'm glad I got to spend it mostly with Brookie.  But I look forward to the next days I will have with my other two kids as well.  I am very blessed to have such great kids.  I sure love them.

~Day 2• 53: Will they survive?

The plants! I'm talking about the plants! 

Cailee gave me some tulips yesterday and I decided I wanted to try to keep them alive.  I told her what my idea was and she got excited.  She went and grabbed her own flower pot and said she wanted to plant flowers, too.  

We went to Lowe's yesterday and picked out some supplies.  Brookie came with us and decided she wanted to plant flowers, too.  So we got enough things for all three of us to plant flowers.  We ran out of time last night to plant anything, so we played in the dirt today.

They had a lot of fun filling their pots with dirt, putting in their flower seeds, and watering them.  When we picked out the seeds, it was a big deal as to which flower they wanted.  It took them awhile to decide what they wanted.  I just hope all the flowers live.  I have a VERY black thumb.  I can kill the plants that supposedly cannot be killed...So we shall see!

~Day 2• 52: I was just thinking about you!

This morning I had a nice surprise.  Cailee came into my room holding these beautiful flowers!  Cailee was up early and went to the store with dad.  She saw the flowers and thought I would want them.  Dad let her get them.  She told me I would like them because they were red (red is my fav color!)  She also said that the pink paper was for her.  The green leaves for Ashton.  Red was also for Brookie and dad.  She is so thoughtful!  Then she asked me if I would get out of bed.... it was difficult, but I accomplished it.  And I'm glad I did... Cailee and I were rearranging the pipe-cleaner flowers so we could make room for real flowers.  We were going to go to Lowe's to get some 'real' flowers to plant along with a large pot to re-plant the tulips.  I hope they don't die! She is so cute!

My girls sure like to ham-it-up!  They had just put on some lip gloss and had to show off their cute lips.  They put the lip gloss on at the same time I put on mine.  So we bonded.  It was fun!

Brookie was busy this morning.  She loves art.  She colored a picture this morning and she did really well!  Ashton and Cailee were busy figuring out some game on the computer (this was before we banned them from the electronics and made them go outside)  Ashton and Dad went to the driving range while the girls and I ran some errands.  We went to Ross for something and Cailee found the shoes she thought I needed.  Then we ended up at the library and they had some therapy dogs there today.  Once a month these dogs come and you can read to them. We didn't know that before now and plan to go back!  The dogs were beautiful!

Ashton looks like he is getting the hang of golf.  He really wanted to go play 9 holes today, but they didn't start out early enough.  I think he really wanted to just drive the carts.  They are going to try to go again next week.  I love that he enjoys this.

Jenn!  She and I worked together at the gym.  She is the only one I still do anything with after I left there.  We have wanted to get together forever and it finally happened today!!  We went to Red Robin for lunch and both had very messy burgers!  It was so great to see her and catch up!  Miss this girly!

I told Nick this week that I wanted to go out this weekend.  We needed to spend some time together.  It was nice to be out with him, but I wish the experience was better. We tried a new Mexican restaurant and the service was horrid.  The hostess forgot to leave us menus.  Our waiter took forever taking our order.  It took our appetizer about 45 minutes to come out to us.  We had to ask for separate plates so we could share the appetizer.  The waiter messed up Nick's order, but we had already waited for over an hour, so he didn't send it back to be fixed.  The food definitely was not worth the wait.  We had great hopes for this place.  We debated on even leaving a tip, but Nick was nice and did.  They won't be getting a very good review from us.  But I'm still glad we went.  We talked about what we are going to do on our trip to Utah/Idaho.  We were checking out hotel and routes and it got me excited for June when we leave.

It was a busy and full day.  I look forward to seeing the insides of my eyelids...

~Day 2• 51: Go ahead. Make my day.

This week was kind of brutal.  At my work, it was our fiscal month end.  So there was a lot of work to be completed by a certain deadline.  It can become quite stressful.  I told my family it was going to be a long week.  I feel bad because I was basically non-existent.  I saw my kids before school, and maybe an hour before they went to bed.  I might have told my hubby to have a good day at work as he was walking out of the room in the morning... before I was awake.  And I got to see him for a short while before he went to bed and I stayed up till all hours of the night.  It's hard to shut down your brain after a long and busy day.  Everyone handled it well.  And I am grateful for that. I'm also grateful that Nick was there to take care of the monkeys when I wasn't home.  He really is a good daddy!

The sleeping pics are from last night, but I love them so much.  Cailee buries herself under her stash of blankets and pillows.  Ashton usually has a mountain he's sleeping on, or under.  And Brookie--I never know how I will find her, or where exactly.  She's all over the place.  I sure love these kiddos of mine.

My cute little niece, Braylin, called me while I was at work.  She will periodically call to 'chat' and it absolutely makes my day.  She will tell me what she does in school, or what game she might be playing.  Today she told me she was sick and so she got to watch some shows, and we chatted about the movie "How to Train Your Dragon 2."  I have never seen it, so I got some spoilers out of her.  She is so sweet and it tickles me that she wants to call me.  It seriously made my day today.

My good friend Julie sent out an SOS today about needing a girl's night.  I was so happy to oblige her!  There are those moments when you just need to be away from work, home, the world, whatever.  We just need time to regroup.  After tonight I feel like I can start tomorrow and next week fresh, with a better outlook on things.  We started at the NY Pizza Department.  I have never been here.  I felt like pasta since it's so healthy.  It was really good!  And then we found a movie that looked good.  We saw "The Imitation Game."  It's the story of the man who helped pioneer computers.  He helped break the German 'enigma' machine during WWII.  It was such a fascinating story.  Of course I cried.  But it was so good!  I'm so glad we went.  We also had some good conversations tonight.  Much needed for both parties I think.  I'm so glad she hit me up to go!  It helped close off an icky week.

Next week will be better.  Tomorrow will be better.

~Day 2• 50: Reverse Claustrophobia

I love my job.  I work with some really fabulous ladies.  They know how to 'un-stress' some stressful days.  Today was one of those days.  Gini (top left) used to sit next to me, but she got a new position in the company.  So she moved buildings.  She came back today and it was great to see her!  We took a picture for her standing under a sign that read "You Dirty Rat." We were going to have a stuffed rat dressed up in Disney clothes since she loves Disney.  But the rat was in Texas.  So we have a stuffed beaver instead.  It was the source of great entertainment today.  Many laughs were had by all.  We sure miss Gini in our office!

We went down to the cafeteria for lunch today.  I normally don't get out for lunch because I forget and just don't go.  We had some good posole (pozole?)  for lunch and some conversation today.  I found out there is a thing called 'reverse claustrophobia.' I'm sure there is a medical term for it, but someone doesn't like to be outside on the open ocean on a large ship or in the mountains with the black sky full of beautiful stars.  Someone gets nervous.  Yes, I laughed at the term 'reverse claustrophobia.'  And I'm not going to say who the person is.  I need to go on a cruise with her to rid her of this fear.  I think she should purchase my ticket and call it medical research.  Or Blackmail for keeping her name a secret...

The kids have loved having fish in the tank.  Nick discovered we really have a couple of puppies in our tank.  If you stick your finger in the water, the fish will come up to and start to nibble at it like it's food.  I think he trained them.  It was really cute to watch!  Ashton wouldn't do it, but Brookie loved it.  I couldn't stop laughing.  So fun!  And I don't think the fish are claustrophobic...

~Day 2• 49: My Monkeys- after a long day at work

I worked another extremely long day today. I came home pretty tired and I heard three voices say 'Hi mom!'  My cute monkeys made my night. 

I think Brookie was more tired than I was. I took pity on her and didn't show her tired and tear stained face lol  

Cailee was all smiles and I enjoyed listening to her read Fox in Sox. 

Ashton was trying to convince me to let him read for a few more minutes. I gave in. 

Love these kids!

~Day 2• 48: I'm the king of the ....

... The something! It's Mardi Gras! Complete with King Cake, masks and friends! Our fun neighbors celebrate some fun holidays! Today was Mardi Gras  and they invited us over to have the king cake. There was a baby Jesus baked into the cake and everyone was able to write their name on a flag and stick it in the cake where they thought the baby was.  One of the littles found it! (Little G I'll call him) I understand that  since they started this tradition, the adults are usually the ones who find the baby. So it was exciting that he found it!

The kids all had fun playing together and running around with their masks on. And the cake was yummy! 

It was a fun night and we were excited to be invited over!

~Day 2• 47: My new Texas dance.

Nick finished a few more pictures from our family photo shoot last weekend. I think he captured our kids pretty well. I can see their personalities coming through.  I can't wait to get these on our walls. 

Cailee said she was doing her new Texas dance. Not sure where it came from, but she was on one! The goof!

I recorded the 25th anniversary of Americas Funniest Home Videos. The kids loved it. I loved it. And I loved watching the kids love it.  Cailee thought it was great fun to steal dad's chair. That was the highlight. The sillies.

The tank lives! It's taken a long time, but the water is finally ready for the fish. The kids all went with Nick this morning to pick out Nemo and Marlin.  The girls named them Dorothy and Toto. Nick wasn't  going for that. I'm not sure what their name is. I'm sure it will change weekly. 

We had our friend Conner over to play today. He and Brookie decided to lounge around on the yoga ball and the beanbag. Not my idea of comfortable, but to each his own. 

Then we spent awhile at the park. They ran around and played and ran and played. I think they ran out a lot of energy. They went to sleep pretty fast. 

It was a fun day! It is going to be hard to return to the real world tomorrow. 

~Day 2• 46: Growing

Nick had to show me how long Cailee is getting.  She said by the time she turns 7, she will reach all the way to his feet...She's got a lot more growing to do.  But I'm sure it will come faster than I want.

The kids were each playing each other on the Xbox.  They are concentrating pretty hard.  Especially Cailee with her crossed ankles and pursed lips.

I have had these pedigree books for quite awhile, but haven't bothered to open them until tonight.  I started taking pictures of the pictures so I can upload them to FamilySearch.org, if they aren't already loaded.  Nick and I were put in as family history consultants in our ward a few months ago.  I haven't done much work till now, but I'm getting a bit more excited.  I didn't realize how time consuming this is.  Hopefully I find some items that need work done and I just don't have the duplicates.  We shall see as I get going deeper into my family tree.

~Day 2• 45: Take my picture!

So, I don't feel like going in the order that the pictures were taken.  Cailee was so cute tonight, I had to start with her.  She jumped into bed and had to show me how her 'pillow pet' sat on her head like a hat.  She said, "Mom!  Go get your camera and take my picture.  Then show me so I can see it!" So I did.  I just love her cute grin.  Since I had my phone in my hand, I went to tuck in the other two monkeys.  Brookie and Ashton picked out a few books at the library today.  They were busy enjoying them tonight.

We don't do a lot for V-day, but Nick got me some very pretty flowers (the ones that will die, because I can't keep the other ones alive to save my life) and I love them!  He also got me some red velvet cake.  The kids immediately thought I had to share with them... I'll let them have some.  Maybe.

We were at the library with enough time before they closed, so the kids got on the computer for a few minutes.  Cailee didn't go, so we picked her out some books.  She was excited to get "if you give a pig a pancake" and was busy reading it.  So fun.

For dinner, the kids made their own mini pizzas.  I got the idea to make these kind from my friend, Jenna.  The kids all enjoyed it and said it was fun.  I'm glad they enjoyed it... then maybe they would eat them all.

I had to run an errand tonight, and it turned into a lot of sitting in my car, alone with my audiobook.  I had to go to Best Buy, and it's in the local mall.  I drove up to the mall and it was really busy... I assumed it was because of V-day and everyone and their dog were out to dinner (one reason nick and I don't go out on this night).  Anyway, it took me at least 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot because there was a fire at Best Buy.  No one was around to stop traffic from coming in.  No one directing people out.  It was a disaster.  So this is how I spent my V-night.  But there was a beautiful sunset, and of course my dumb phone doesn't do it justice.  Oh well.  I enjoyed it.

I hope everyone had a great V-day!  I really did.  I love my little fam.  That's all the V-day gifts I need.  (the flower and cake were a bonus)