VAN

lead toys from Fisher Price..

2009-02-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's toys

click here to see the rest of the list of toys.

Units: About 967,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Congrats...

2009-02-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Congrats Cassie, Ford and Kelton on your new bundle of LOve!

We can't wait to meet her....

Peyton Curtis Blakely
2.8.09

Friday's inspiration

2009-02-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

I have been eyeing these great planters and the modern clean lines of these plants. Once I find the time I am out to find some horsetail and some cool planters like the ones above... Design carries over into all mediums. Don't forget that and have a wonderful weekend.

Sugar in the Stream..

2009-02-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

or click here to view it larger

Our President Body surfs?

2009-02-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

The President gets a wave in...
Well it could be worse he could be on a boogie board...

image via: http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

Tomato Basil soup

2009-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am always craving this tomato basil soup, so instead of buying it. I scooped up all of the ingredients at the store to make it in my own kitchen.....
Van loves to eat soup so this would be a great thing to make for the kids too you can throw some pieces of bread in there and use organic canned tomatoes....
NOTE: I tried this recipe and I actually think you can use less flour than it calls for. I would use
half a cup instead of one cup.
Here is one more recipe that you could try - the heavy whipping cream might work better.

Check out the recipe here ---
or

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - More DIY How To Projects

bye bye print.

2009-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Condé Nast Folds Domino

So my favorite magazine Domino is going under because they are not making enough ad revenue.

I have been with Domino for a couple of years now, my subscription is good until 2011...now what? I love sitting down to read it, I am always inspired and I always make a change to my home from some fun photo or idea that they supply us with.

cleansing

2009-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ever since I returned from Puerto Rico I have been as sick as a dog.... I have had no appetite for 5 days now, I have lost almost 7 pounds, want to sleep all day long and night. I also have stomach and back cramps to go along with all of that awesomeness. Not sure what I got, my mom sent me to a Dr. yesterday that said I looked fine and took my temp and listened to my heart. I said I feel like I am dying. I am going to get some blood work done, but I don't really have anything cool to talk about except that I just purchased the ultimate colon cleanse and I am excited to see how much it will help me with this crazy illness I have.

I have had several friends that have done the master cleanse and I am very eager to try that as well as soon as I get better...check it out
It's gcrazy but I know how much crap our bodies store up over time and I want to rid mine of everything bad and start fresh....

Spring can't come soon enough...

2009-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see David Arquette, David Bedwell and Ben Harper's new line propr out in stores SP09. Who knew these two would ever come out with a fashion line. The clothing has a simply tailored look with classic styles echoing a faint seventies vibe. All of the fabrics are eco-friendly and most pieces are made from organic cotton. I wish I was a celebrity some times, it seems like things like this come so easy to them.....

Puerto Rico

2009-01-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico has been a breath of fresh air. From the skinny streets we drive down to get into town, to the handful of toys we brought for Van. It's nice being somewhere different and seeing him adjust to the change in a positive way. Each morning after our breakfast of bananas, corn meal with cheese and butter, orange juice and coffee. We walk up the driveway to feed the horses a banana. Van likes to spray the momma off with the hose. She looks hot and seems to like the water cooling her off.

It always takes a few days to adjust to the mentality of the island and the lifestyle. We have so much at home and all of our needs are met. This week we ate lobster that Conner speared and papays off of Stefan and Summers trees. It tastes fresher when it's not from a store.

We have been to a couple of the most beautiful secluded beaches.
The Local Puerto Ricans love our little gringo boy - they stop in the grocery store to dance and sing for him. He waves his hands in the air and shouts, "HELLO" & "HI" to everyone we pass. The landscape is beautiful and the terrain is rough, the island is full of people but they are all spread out. The trees are thick and green and the frogs call out at night with their high pitch whistles. The air is damp and wet but so fresh to take in. Tomorrow we are off for more adventures on the island....

moments

2009-01-15T20:11:00.001-08:00

Grilled Chicken Tostada's

2009-01-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

We had a little dinner party last night and decided to make it casual. We tried this recipie and it was so delicious. I did not include the olives. We served it with lemonade & firefly vodka! Try it....

Grilled Chicken Tostadas [1]
From Cooking Light [2] magazine

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon 40% less-sodium taco seasoning (such as Old El Paso)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cooking spray
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
6 cups packaged coleslaw
1 (7-ounce) can green salsa
4 cups chopped tomato
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives, chopped
1 1/4 cups fat-free refried beans
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup unsalted pumpkin seed kernels, toasted (optional)

1. Prepare grill, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush chicken with juice; sprinkle with seasoning and sugar.
3. Place chicken on grill rack or grill pan coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Cool slightly
4. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch strips; set aside. Place tortillas on grill rack or grill pan coated with cooking spray; grill 30 seconds on each side or until golden brown.
5. Combine coleslaw and salsa; toss to coat. Combine tomato and olives; toss gently.
6. Spread about 3 tablespoons beans over each tortilla; divide chicken evenly among tortillas. Top each serving with about 2/3 cup slaw mixture, 2/3 cup tomato mixture, 4 teaspoons cheese, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 2 teaspoons cilantro. Sprinkle each serving with 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds, if desired.

Serves 6.

Nutritional Information: CALORIES 361(23% from fat); FAT 9.2g (sat 3.6g,mono 1.5g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 28.7g; CHOLESTEROL 65mg; CALCIUM 221mg; SODIUM 844mg; FIBER 6.8g; IRON 3.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 43g
Source URL:
http://www.yumsugar.com/user/partysugar/recipes/574438

Links:
[1] http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1036278
[2] http://www.cookinglight.com

I want to show you...

2009-01-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

These two photos were not that great, but when I put them together they spelled out the way I feel for Van so well. I know he's going to go off and do his own things and experience the world. I just want to be there for him as much as I can.

I think this is probably the way he feels about me too, he's so little in such a big world! He is growing so fast and learning so much! He says Cool, and alright all the time. He sings A,B, C's and says HI all the time... The gift of children is the most wonderful thing in the world, they are little gifts from above. This will be a wonderful NEW YEAR.

REDO IT...

2009-01-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

FIRST of all HAPPY NEW YEAR.
This Christmas season flew by and was a whirlwind of fun and bright lights and big bows.
It was amazing and I have some photos to post soon of our family.

I am in the mood to recover and renew... I am really into black and white floral pattern fabric at the moment and I am looking all over for a modern fabric that I can recover our couches in the man cave in. It needs to be masculine, modern and a tiny bit fem all at the same time since it's the man cave we are talking about here.... I did find a great fabric/ creative idea website check it out!
I am learning how to redo an upholstered chair also. I am looking for cheap modern furniture with clean lines. Love this chair... learn how you can DIY HERE!

I also found one other website I thought I would share with you. It has some great art!
check it out

love....

2008-12-29T09:17:00.000-08:00

When you love someone,
more than you.
when you listen,
when you trust,
when you are trusted.
when you talk to your sister,
make a friend,
when you listen,
when you hear.
When you look ahead,
and not back.
When you take a leap,
into the air,
and ride the wind,
into your life.

via: http://hospice.bedlamfarm.com/

Enjoy The Show!

2008-12-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Show - Lenka
The Show - Lenka

My thoughts today...

2008-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have had any time to write...
I remember going to sleep a few days a go and writing blog posts in my resting rem periods.
I just know that this phase of life we are in is an ever changing ever imperfect one, and I am slowly realizing that as much as I want everything to be perfect in my own mind. The harsh realization is that it never will be. The ever present struggle for internal peace and world peace will always be here. It's just how we deal with it that signifies how strong we are. I truly love being a mom, but realize every day how many children live in this world and need better lives. More loving parents, more time with people who love them, and more time to learn what love means. I realize that we all truly need LOVE more than anything else in this world. Especially God's love. When Van hasn't had enough time with me during the day he gets needy and asks "up, up". I immediately pick him up and hold him until he tells me he has had enough. This season I vow to accept that GOD is the only perfect one. I will look to what is right about life, and remember that we are always going to be imperfect. Our challenge is to love each other as much as possible and show compassion for those who are neglected and lost.

tea bag quote...

2008-12-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

giggle

2008-12-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks....

2008-12-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you for filling my heart with more love than I ever thought I could feel. Thank you for teaching me that you are my heart - just outside of my body. I realize I can't be there all the time for you, but I always want to be and I always want to make your boo boo's better. When your sick, I am sick too..... I love you more than you will ever know. Sweet Dreams my little Duck Man.

Fun Gifts for your fam...

2008-11-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Ask for Handmade jewelry...
Find him something @ Fred Flare

Teach your ducky how to say their abc's in style..

13 ways to comfort your sick tot.....

2008-11-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Comforting ways to soothe your little one when they are sick!

Duck Man and I have been sick lately, here are a few ways to soothe your tot when they are not feeling good...

Baby Vapo-rub - I have been runbbing this on his little chest at night and after a warm shower to help him feel better!
Warm apple juice with a little lemon and honey - he's too young for herbal tea yet, but this helps him feel a little better and he thinks he's getting a special treat ;).
Cool washcloths on his forehead if he is feverish - he also likes to suck on them and rub them on himself.
1. Popsicles! Not necessarily healthy but it cheers him up and gets some liquid into him. You could make homemade ones with 100% juice, we buy the Dole juice bars with the fruit chunks.
2. Chicken noodle soup - the chunky kind with the penne or the spiral noodles is easy to feed to him.
3. Duck Man loves to do his ABC's too so we found this website that he likes to repeat the letters after the lady's voice says them.
4. A warm heating pad on my chest with a blanket on top, then him lying face-down on my chest - gives him the benefit of the heating pad without exposing him to too much heat (also helps my chest too ;)). Only use this if they don't have a fever, of course, and make sure it's set on low heat.
5. Lots of books, music, and new TV shows/movies - he enjoys the Animal Channel, the Backyardigans music, and all of his books. This keeps him entertained but relatively quiet and resting.
6. Warm baths with Johnson's Vapobath - I like to run the shower on hot before he gets in there to create some extra steam, keeping the door shut and the air off to lock in the humidity.
7. Warm showers with Mommy and a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the air (I just put it on a cotton ball or kleenex and put it up high where he can't get it) - similar to the vapobath idea, only he prefers showers and it helps unstuff him in the morning.
8. Sprite - not so healthy again, but he loves to steal "sips" of mine out of a straw and thinks it's a special treat. It also helps keep him hydrated and soothes his tummy.
9. Smoothies - even when he refuses regular food, he'll usually drink a smoothie. It's one of the few ways to get fruit into him, and helps cool him down if he's feverish.
10. Cuddles - lots of cuddles in a nice, warm bed, helps him feel better every time!

Friends and family - Quiksilver

2008-11-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family Event: 3 Ways to get 40% off your purchase Nov 20-23.
1. Shop Online using promo code FFN8
2. Print this email and bring it into our stores
3. Order by phone: 800-892-2281

Movin Forward....

2008-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Is it terrible to say I am addicted to Facebook? Does that mean I don't have much going on?
I think facebook is my outlet when I am bored I put mildly important things aside like taking a shower, sleeping, and feeding myself to check out other peoples photos and see what new friends have found me! I love connecting with all of these people but are we really connected? Do we really want to be? I haven't seen you in 15 years, do you want to be my friend again? uh - hmmm.

So we are getting ready to do some traveling for ten days during the thanksgiving week to VB. We are planning our family trip to Puerto Rico in Jan which will be fun to see our amigo's and show Van some culture...

I do hope we get a camera by then, because ours is broken and I am sorry to say that I don't have many cool photos to upload these days because we are lacking in the digital dept. Oh what to do about our Christmas card this year... I shall pull old photos and make a yummy collage of sorts. I did find Pear Tree Designs that has some good Christmas card designs printed on 100% RECYCLED paper and the prices are right.
I am always up for designing my own so this year I am going to go with a Andy Warhol feel like this....
Well I am off to drink wine with my husband, check you later....

exfoliate!

2008-11-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am one of those people who loves to exfoliate my skin when I am in the shower. Especially with the grapefruit chamomile sugar scrub from Trader Joes, however I no longer have a tj's by me. So I am thinking this little recipe might be fun to mix up at home. Also great for holiday gifts too. You can get plastic jars at the craft store and wooden spoons and wrap it up with a recycled ribbon or raffia.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

2 cups brown sugar or Sea salt ground fine - can be found at the health food store
1 cup of honey
3 Tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons of fresh ginger

Method

Place the sugar, honey and lemon juice into a bowl
Grate the fresh ginger and add it to the mixture
Mix it all up and run to the shower!
Apply generous handfuls all over and give a good old scrub while you’re doing it.
Leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash off.

Viola! Sweetly scented, gorgeously soft skin!

recipie via: here

Domino's

2008-11-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

A room by room guide to creating a home that makes you happy! available now @ domino

Our New President!

2008-11-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Congrats we are a country ready for CHANGE! I dedicate this song to our new man in the house.

Change is upon us....

2008-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have had blog block lately and I seriously haven't been able to write about anything -believe me I have tried.... With a one and a half year old tugging at my arm and pushing my shut down button. It seems hard to be inspired to write much. I am very eager to find out who our next president will be however. With less than 48 hours until we find out, I am waiting patiently. I am so ready for CHANGE. Life has been full lately and not full at all. It's hard to explain, there is something I am supposed to do right now, but I am not sure how to get there. I have this tugging in me to create and with not much time on my hands it's hard to be creative. The desire is strong and it is ever present.

I found some interesting info on BPA and wanted to share it with you....

Bisphenol-A has had its fair share of media coverage this year and things are definitely not quieting down. Just this week a scientific panel released a report charging that the FDA ignored valuable studies when it concluded last summer that BPA is a safe chemical. Many retailers and manufacturers have responded over the past year by voluntarily phasing out the suspect plastic. Despite these clear market signals, the manufacturers of BPA aren’t giving up without a fight. Here is the latest in this on-going chemical saga:

The Good

• Kudos to Canada for officially declaring BPA a toxic agent and banning the sale, import, and advertising of baby bottles containing BPA.

• Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, along with the Attorneys General from New Jersey and Delaware, sent a letter to 11 baby bottle and formula container manufacturers asking them to voluntarily stop using BPA in their products.
• San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier wants stores in the city that sell baby bottles made with BPA to pull them from the shelves -- and Safeway already has agreed to do so across its grocery stores nationally. She will also be asking hospitals to discontinue their use of these products.
• The National Institutes of Health’s National Toxicology Program released a report on October 23rd reaffirming their 2007 findings that BPA does indeed pose a health concern. Now if they could only convince their FDA peers…

The Bad

In addition to the piles of studies that have already raised red flags, new research continues to demonstrate BPA’s potential ill effects.

• The first study on humans showed a link between BPA and heart disease and diabetes.
• In tests on breast cancer cells, researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that BPA may protect cancer cells from dying off when they are exposed to anti-cancer drugs, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
• Based on a review of 261 scientific publications, the National Toxicology Program found that BPA may alter brain development and behavior, and increase the risk of prostate cancer in children, infants and fetuses.

The Ugly

The government agency that has the authority to protect us from this chemical, the US FDA, has declared BPA safe. Since they made this declaration, many have been asking why. Investigative reporters from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel uncovered a dirty, little secret: the FDA report claiming that BPA is safe was written largely by the plastics industry and others with a financial stake in the controversial chemical.

The American Chemistry Council, the trade group representing chemical manufacturers, submitted their own (biased) review of BPA studies that the FDA used as the foundation for their evaluation. In addition, it recently came to light that the chair of the FDA subcommittee failed to disclose receiving a $5 million “gift” from a major BPA user. Science for sale, anyone?

"This latest revelation makes clear that no matter who is in the White House come January, he has to rebuild the FDA," said Environmental Working Group (EWG) President Ken Cook. "An agency that once epitomized independent, impartial expertise in the service of public health has degenerated to a disgraced stenographer for the chemical and plastics industry."

Make your voice heard!

Sign the petition supporting legislation (S. 2928, HR 6228) introduced this summer that bans BPA from all food and beverage products. The Consumer's Union has already gathered almost 18,000 signatures! Add yours now.

via: www.healthychild.org

Love Birds

2008-10-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

We went to such a fun wedding last weekend and I wanted to share some of the photos with you!
The creator of SPANX, Sara Blakely married Jesse Itzler co-founder of Marquis Jets (who also used to be a rapper by the name of jesse jaymes in the 80's) - they threw some very fun parties. The entire weekend was one big smile..... Olivia Newton John showed up after the wedding to sing a few of her best hits, Doug E. Fresh rapped two nights in a row, and we went to a carnival/ Cirque du Soleil concert one night where Sara and Jesse ended up in dunk tanks at the end of the night!

faves....

2008-10-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

decor8

My friend Jon has a great blog, that I just found out about!

One of my faves - love to read this blog it keeps me current!

Vandance

2008-10-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

You Shine.....

2008-10-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Van.

You bring a smile to my face every day so many times I can't even count them. You are already so comfortable in your new home and it hasn't even been a week. I know this is home and nothing feels better than being home with you living, cooking, singing, reading, brushing, tickling & giggling.

Tonight dad and I talked about how much you love us and when you go to sleep you say our names with "hi" in front.

We have been through so much in these past few months, I looked at you tonight and realized that you have grown up so much. Life got so busy and so hectic. I want to tell you that your the most important thing to dad and I and we are so happy that you have your own little space again, with your things. I realized through all of this that our home is truly in our hearts and that no matter where we are when we are together we are home. You make our hearts happy buddy.

love Mom.

Playdoh is natural.

2008-09-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

For some ungodly reason today i woke up wanting to dye my hair brown and get some fake nails.
Normally I am a pretty natural girl but today I had some alternative feelings. As if we have not had enough changes I want to make more! I have been learning a lot about myself lately. I am a creature of habit and I am one who needs their own space to feel rested. I rejuvenate when i am alone.

Anyways sorry for the short entries that lack depth!

I did find this great little recipie for making your own playdoh.

How to Make Playdough (Play-doh) - More cool how to projects

Halloween Costume HELP!

2008-09-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have finally moved on past the feeling or not being settled yet for three months now, and I am on to bigger and better.... Um what should Van be for Halloween this year? I need a costume and I need it asap. I always wait until the last minute to figure out what we are going to be so this year I need your help...

Here are some cute ones that I found (Monkey, chicken, donkey) but I would love some more input... I don't think they sell redneck costumes so we wont be going down that road yet! HA
I have one more year until he will be a big boy and then he will want to be something like a scary skeleton or a ghost - BOO! Next year he wont think being a chicken is very cool so I should milk it while the baby dayz are here!

gdiapers

2008-09-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was just placing an order on diapers.com and decided to try these gdiapers! check them out. TRENDY and ECO - FRIENDLY. I love this stuff.

Why are gDiapers good for the planet?
No landfill required. 50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day, where they sit for up to 500 years. gDiapers are plastic-free, so they break down in 50-150 days. gDiapers are cradle to cradle certified which means that everything that goes into making the refill is reabsorbed by the planet in a neutral or helpful way. It’s very cool.

Naturally, best for your baby.
gDiapers are breathable. Plastic-free flushable refills keep babies dry and happy, so they’re less likely to get diaper rash.

Starter Kit
breathable • comfortable • easy fit
* Contains 2 ‘little g’ pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills and a H.U.G (handy user’s guide).
* Easy fit ‘little g’ pants are breathable, so babies are less likely to get diaper rash.
* Now in fun, gender neutral colors (genuine vanilla bean and golden orange).
* Each ‘little g’ comes with 2 waterproof snap-in liners to reduce washing.

Features

*flushable

* no elemental chlorine
* no plastic
* no perfumes
* no inks or dyes
* no latex
* no garbage, no guilt.

* Snug, easy, non-bulky natural fit.
* Soft velcro closures around the back.
* More stretch in the waist and legs fits all babies better.
* Comfy baby-soft waistband.
* No elemental chlorine, no perfumes, no latex.
* Machine washable.

Did you know?
* If you can’t flush? it’s ok to toss the refills because everything that goes into the refills is reabsorbed by the planet. It's very cool. Or garden compost the wet ones. They’ll break down in 50-150 days.
* We recommend having six pair of pants on hand for full time gDiapers use.
* The ‘g’ stands for genuine, green, global, gentle, grassroots, gee. At gDiapers, we love babies and the planet which why we started a diaper company that is gentle on the Earth. Being from Australia we call it 'fair dinkum,' which means being genuine and real with everyone we meet. –Kim and Jason Graham-Nye, co-founders.

Dianneerwin Creative

2008-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Dianneerwin Creative just had a fun project - I got to design a logo & packaging label for flip Sammy's Naturals - a flip flop freshener! Right up our alley. All natural and lemon scented.

Check out the art work!

Floating

2008-09-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

We are moving again! Into a different house this time, but less than a mile away.
Seems the house we rented had black mold, air quality that children should not be subjected to and now a water bill that is costing us over $500 for one month! The landlord has given us until the 26th - this Friday to be out. We will put our things in storage for a week and move into another house on the 4th of OCT. There we will settle.

I feel like a fish swimming in murky water because the water has been changed so many times. We are happy and doing fine other than these minor bumps.

Life is funny - just when you thought things were calming down they get a little rougher.
I am lifting it all up at this point and letting God sort some things out, no fighting. Just floating....

lila guide!

2008-09-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this website today and thought I would share!

On the move....

2008-09-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Van to the beach and we brought the dogs along. Since Van and I are staying at my moms and the dogs are still in the house we rented he doesn't get to see them much. So we walked out onto the white sand. Van was in nothing but a diaper, white birds were all around us and the dogs ran into the water, a gentle breeze blew by us. The water was crystal clear and there was not a person in sight. For a moment I got a feeling of what heaven might be like except my husband was missing. No bugs were in sight, the heat was not that bad and for a moment I took it all in. It is for moments like these that we moved here. Lately I have really been missing home (California) my friends, having the door open in our house and letting the cool breeze blow in, watching Van play outside in our yard while I do things in side. The comforts of our life are so missed right now. It's funny that saying "you don't know what you got til it's gone". It's true. We will try Florida out for a year and see how it goes. I know it takes time to build a life anywhere, but it's hard. I know why people stay put now....

We looked at it as an adventure when we were packing up and leaving. Today it seems much harder than I thought it would be. I know this much Van turns one and a half this week and he knows his family, and it makes me smile to hear him call my mom's name "non". I always felt out of place here in Florida, the minute I arrived in California I knew that was where I was supposed to be. Turns out that is where I found some of the most important people in my life aside from my family. I love you Conner, thank you for enduring for us, I know you have given up so much to be here. What an adventure we are on huh?

In a nutshell...

2008-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

I walk dogs, for extra money. So I can buy Trucks.

I get Ice Cream when I am good. "which is all the time"

I go on the potty!

What a whirlwind of events that has taken place in our lives lately. We found out today that we are living in an unsafe home. The landlady needs to remove all moldy anything before I will bring Van back into that house. We took a road trip to South Carolina to see my college buddies and get out of town for the weekend. When we returned it was my birthday and I had a nice relaxing one! My mom watched Van and she gave me the best massage while we watched tennis and relaxed. Then she watched Van at night and Conner and I got to go have sushi with the family! I got some awesome gifts including a gift card to nordstrom and my favorite signature perfume Angel. Conner gave me some running shoes so I can run away from here! Run forest run! I have felt pretty defeated lately - just to be honest. I want to write that everything is awesome and we are all smiles, but since we have arrived it has been a rocky road. Everything has been a challenge. Van is sick again I think he got a cold on our trip but this time he can't keep food down and is running fevers. I feel like a hamster running in my ball and I can't get anything accomplished..... This to shall pass - Conner reminded me tonight as he drove away after dinner to the house we are supposed to be living in as a family. Van is needing MOM even more these days as he is not sure where home is and he is feeling ill. We love this boy more than anything in this world and just want a safe place for him to call home. Where he can play with his trucks and doggies...

Here are a few photos of the milestones from the past few weeks. He is about to turn one and a half and I enjoy every second with him, even when I am getting thrown up on four times in a row.
My sister sent me this poem that she found and I love it..

My Baby Boy and Me:

It's three AM, they're all asleep, and no-one's here to see.
As we rock slowly back and forth, My baby boy and me.
His little hand is feather light Tucked up against my chin.
I hold his tiny hand in mine, and stroke his baby skin.
The house about us creaks and groans, The clock hands creep around.
He snuggles closer to me still, And makes his baby sounds. I love these quiet hours so much, And cherish every one.
Store memories up inside my heart For lonely nights to come.
All too soon he'll be grown up, His need for mama gone.
But until then I still have time For kisses and for song.
Time for quiet hours like this With him cuddled in my arms,
Where I wish he'd always stay Protected, safe and warm.
And yet I know the day will come When his tiny little hand, will be bigger than my own. He'll grow to be a man.
But until then he's mine to love With no one here to see. As we rock slowly back and forth,
My baby boy and me.
...Author Unknown

blah blah

2008-08-27T20:33:00.001-07:00

Van received the cutest back pack in the mail from his auntie Kat yesterday! It is just like the frog one pictured above but it has a monkey! It is adorable I can't wait to pack it up for our long weekend away! We are so happy to be getting out of here for the weekend to see friends that we miss so much! I need a break. Life just seems to overwhelm me at times, and I just keep finding myself stumped at how I am supposed to keep up with everything. I am working a fun freelance job, along with my part time job, and trying to keep up with my boy who gets a little spunkier by the day! Tonight I held him close to my heart and told him how deeply I love him. I rocked him for so long and cried a little because he is getting so big now and almost out of the baby phase. We are currently having our new home tested for black mold. Please keep us in your thoughts that we don't have toxic mold growing in our home and we can stay here. If it turns out that we do have it we will have to move again. Happy Long weekend.

One is silver and the other's GOLD!

2008-08-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

As I was rocking my big boy to sleep last night, I was thinking about how much I miss my friends on the west coast. It takes so much effort to go out and meet new friends and build new relationships. Along with still trying to get settled, working & raising a baby! I know I know wah wah. But moving is hard! I feel sorry for Conner he left amazing weather and perfect surf, to live here in a house with a green couch! We have had our share of drama since we got here but I will spare you the details. They are messy and complicated. I will explain more once things get unraveled a little more. I do love getting on our bikes and riding to restaurants to have dinner. Van loves his little wee ride kangaroo bike seat.

When I grow up!

2008-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

My mom thinks Van is going to be a rapper when he starts to talk - she seems to think this might be one of his first songs!

...drag me here...drag me there, hand me stuff when I make a noise, sicka
the same damn toys, feelin sticky and hot, Here comes an old hot ba-ba,
and I keep callin "MaMa!!! " Now through the air, comes a gold fish
cracker?, - it's stuck in my hair - and hell! I really don't care. she
smiles and says, "Honey, Just stay in your chair, we're almost there."
Can't mention my diaper, can't move in my chair. Keep callin MaMa!!! and
I'll soon be there..

Tropical Storm Fay on her way!

2008-08-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Tropical storm Fay is on it's way! We now live on a barrier island, walking distance to the beach and the bay. So today we are making preparations for the evacuation tomorrow if that's what it comes down too. She is supposed to turn into a category 1 hurricane and come ashore around 2pm tomorrow. This brings back so many memories of my childhood, every year right around my birthday a storms heads to Florida. I spent many a birthdays cleaning up our house and paddling down the street in a canoe after the storms hit. My best friend Kathryn and I would get so into the storms we would draw them on a map paste them to the ceiling of my bedroom and track them with a flash light for hours. Just when we finally got a little settled we have to make plans to leave again! More later.....

Olympics

2008-08-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

I love watching the Olympics I really do, all of those amazing muscles... I mean those amazing athletes with the determination and dedication to their sport and their country! I think it is pretty amazing to watch. I am astounded by Michael Phelps and Dara Torres, I was a swimmer and I know how much practice it takes to be good. Those little gymnast girls with their flippy ponytails and their schunchies are really fun to watch as they fly through the air too. I do have one question however about the NBC Olympics Anchor Mary Carillo. I know she was a famous tennis player, but do you think she was born a man?

Conner and I literally had an argument the other night I thought she was a man who had a sex change and he thought she was gay!

I keep wondering call me nosy or simply curious. I think people are watching Michael Phelps nightly on NBC and making note of the many shots they see of Debbie Phelps cheering from the stands. We see Michael's mom, but what about dad? I looked his dad up and apparently his dad is not really in his life and never really has been. His sisters and mom raised him, and his father is somewhere in Greece. They exchange emails back and forth every now and then. Just some stuff I was wondering about that I am sure some of you have thought about too.... I am sure he will be sending his little mikey an email tonight! AMAZING!

GO ROGAN!

2008-08-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Please keep the Crawfords in your prayers, they just learned their 19 month old Rogan has leukemia. They will beat this with your prayers and GOD's help!

Life is a changin

2008-08-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

We live a cross the street from the beach and finally a week after moving in we decided to walk across the street and check it out, seaweed and yes no waves in sight at all! There is so much to do that we forget we need to enjoy life too and take breaks every now and then! Somethings we can't seem to get used to here are the crazy mosquitos that bite the hell out of you, ants, spiders the size of your fist, and the humidity and heat. It's so dang hot you can't work out outside either. So what are we to do? Watch tv in the air conditioning and eat pizza and fries all day? hmmmm Should I purchase one of those thigh masters from late night TV and work out in my living room as my dog tries to hump me?

silly wAGON!

2008-08-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Check it out they have some cute stuff! But At the moment, I need a portable dishwasher. I am sipping on pink champagne, and trying to stay away from my room which needs to be organized! GOOD NIGHT!

Garden of EDEN!

2008-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Please dear GOD just drop one of these down to me! My computer has seen it's day and it's tired of working for me. I think it told me it was quitting last night in that strange little voice it uses to tell me what time it is every hour! Will work for laptop.

Some pics from the past...

2008-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from the past few weeks. Things have been so busy, and sitting down to write a post on the blog is not something I can find time for these past few weeks. Van was so happy to be reunited with his dad, and he couldn't take his eyes off of him. It is so great to be back together. We are moving into our house this week, and looking forward to that feeling of sleeping in your own bed again! We have had so many changes that everday seems so monumental and unique in it's own way. My family is wonderful, thank you!

Another Safe Sippy! Hooray

2008-07-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

Meet The Safe Sippy™ stainless steel drinking cup – one small step in creating a less toxic world for our children. The Safe Sippy™ cup breaks away from the all-plastic sippy cup designs of the past. From the clean, non-leaching stainless steel cup to the unique safety features to the plastics free of Bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals, The Safe Sippy™ cup was created to accomplish one simple goal: Clean In, Clean Out.

Features:
* Top rack dishwasher safe
* Holds 11 ounces
* Ages 6 months and up
* removable easy grip handles
* lid made of safe plastic

chicken soup for your soul!

2008-07-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Today I let this little jewel of a house go! Don't ask, we just couldn't afford it and it was over 1,400 dollars. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So we are now signing a lease for a house without a dishwasher.....
It is near the beach and it does have a fenced in back yard for the dogs & Van!

All of you single moms and military mothers, you are strong women and I admire you more than ever after five weeks without my husband. I did have a few breaks but not enough. Van went to the DR's today. He has an inner ear infection, and a chest cold. He also got his first molar, today sometime during the 5 hours of crying, I looked into his mouth and saw something white in the very back. A TOOTH???? But he only has 8 teeth, why would a molar all of the sudden show up? This one isn't just popping through the gum, it's been there for a while and I didn't even know it! He is on antibiotics now, so I am hoping tomorrow will be easier on us both.

Let Go....

2008-07-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's funny when someone close to you dies, how your mind and your emotions kind of take over and help you mourn almost naturally. I still think about Jeff everyday when I go throughout my day. I wonder, and worry, and keep him alive in my memory. I keep seeing older men that remind me of him. I finally had a dream about him last night for the first time since he passed. I was in his house, but it was a new one. He didn't have any medicine in the house, it was clean, and he had a crib in there for Van. I got the message that stuck with me until I woke up that he didn't have any more health problems, so there was no need for medicine in this house.

You know how you dream at night and in the morning when you wake up you can only remember fragments of it? That's how this dream was, and I tried with all of my might to piece it all together. Did he come to visit me in my sleep, or was it my minds way of healing the wound that still lies in my heart? I decided to walk down to the dog park with Van and the dogs. No matter what dog park I go to I can't help but remember all of the times I spent with Jeff at the dog park. It truly felt as if he was there with me. Before I moved here I went over to Jeff's house to get some of his things and something he had in his garage for my sister. I found a black feather on the ground in front of his garage with white spots on it. Not too sure why I was so drawn to it, but I put it in my pocket and held on to it. I wrapped it up and brought it to my mom. She has this special connection with birds and so did Jeff. I had never really seen such a unique little feather.

Today as I was leaving the park I looked down into the grass and that same type of feather was laying there right before my feet. How odd that on this day of so much rememberance I would find something this symbolic of him. I got pretty emotional. I put the feather in the trunk of Van's car, because it gave me something physical to hold onto. Van looked up at me, reached into his trunk, pulled out the feather and gave it to zeke, it dropped into the grass and after searching all over for it, I realized that I needed to let go of him. Van is only 16 months old but he teaches me something new every day. Let go Mommy! I may read into things too much at times, but I always learn something. I finally have my emotions back!

Conner is on his way home from Indonesia today, I can't wait to have him here with us again. We have missed you so much. You are such a very important part of our little family. See you soon, DAD!

This little house!

2008-07-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a week since my last post and I honestly cant remember a time when i have ever been this busy. And I have help! Van's Mimi flew down to be with us for a week while I looked for a place to live... I have found two houses one is amazing and all we could ever want but $200 over what we had budgeted a month. It is on the water, brand new and has 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms! It's absurd. Next is a house with a yard that has 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom. The kitchen is the size of a tuna can and it doesn't have a dishwasher. They are both a block from the beach! So that part is great.
The little one has a fenced in yard for the dogs, and the big one with the ELEVATOR does not have a fenced in yard. Oh and that price is $200 less than we had budgeted for which means we could start paying some debt down! I have been so stressed about this decision that I have not had any other time to think about anything else. My emotions have taken a break lately and I have gone into robot mode. When your in robot mode you can't really write anything that anyone would want to read either. It's too shallow. It's basic and weird. I will have more soon when I get back to normal. I will have photos too!

1.5

2008-07-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 1.5 years son, you truly make me laugh everyday! Your smile warms my heart. We have our very own language that no one else understands. Thank you for being here while Dad is away and keeping me company. Dad would be proud of how funny you are and that every girl that walks by you, you try to get their attention by making faces and yelling out random words. We love you and all of the many blessings you have brought into our lives.

"He just is"

2008-07-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

This is where I found Van the other day.
Talking to dad on the web cam we miss you dad!
It's so dang hot here! This is my favorite spot to hang out.

Here is a little look into Van's daily activities...
Things are really busy right now, and the coffee is not strong enough. I love that expression "it's like putting lipstick on a pig" that's kind of what drinking coffee is like for me lately. It only lasts so long, and it's not pretty. I have been walking around in a daze lately.
I can't wait to get settled. I have to run Van is in my moms liquor cabinet!

We live in a box.

2008-07-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

Hi my name is Van - I live in a box.

not much to say, it's been a tough day.
I leave you with these....

Happy Day Dad!

2008-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I truly forgot how awesome it is to be around family. This past week has been a reminder. I admit i have been so caught up in trying to find a home and many other things, so taking a couple days off to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday in Miami was exactly what I needed.
Two of my sisters, my dad and I took a two day surprise trip to miami to ring in the 70th year of our dad's life. We had fun kissing & swimming the dolphins at the miami seaquarium. We had a memorable dinner at the forge restaurant, we slept and swam at the world famous biltmore hotel sipping on yummy pina coladas.

Dad - you have set such a great example for me about how to go after what you want in life . You do what you love, and you never have to act your age. I love your energy and excitement for life , and I want you to know you will always be Young! I loved celebrating your birthday with you. Cheers to you, I love you.

Thank you H - for watching Van and making it possible for me to have a getaway.

Potty Training 101...

2008-06-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have been eyeing this potty for Van, not sure he is ready yet. But how could I pass up this deal at the recycled baby store for $12. So today we peeked in, and he looked back at me with question marks in his eyes.

What is this for mommy?????

On a separate note today I went jogging "in hell", and I had a coffee in my cup holder on the stroller, not a water? Hmmmm mistake number one! I was so parched for water by the time we were jogging back to the house, that I was drinking my own saliva. I know it's gross. But I had to survive, guys.

Just spending my dayz looking for a place to plant our roots.

Ready, GO.

2008-06-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well we have arrived officially. It was hard to say goodbye but we did it and by the time all of our things were out of the house it truly didn't seem much like home anymore. It was hard to say goodbye to all of the people who we will miss so much. Friends who we will continue to miss and love forever. This is quite a journey. Tonight I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the dogs. they flew today and happend to be on a plane that got stranded in Texas for three hours, Zeke doesn't fly well either. I know he will be scarred from this trip and it will take a little while for him to get back to normal. I plan on taking them somewhere to run and play tomorrow. Van is adjusting well, tonight he danced with a waitress from Thailand who fed him every last bite of his sweet potato and the band sang twinkle twinkle little star and the itsy bitsy spider to him while he sat in his high chair on the dance floor. He is happy and that makes me feel content.

Green Salad. yum

2008-06-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

We had a little going away dinner last night with the OC friends. It was fun, and kind of sad at the same time. My friend Lori made this yummy salad and I thought I would share the recipie.

1/2 cup (or more) sliced almonds & 3 Tbs sugar (cook
on stove until sugar coats almonds and then cool on
wax paper)

1/2 head green leaf lettuce
1/2 romaine lettuce
1/2 red leaf lettuce
2 whole green onions chopped
1 11oz. can of mandarin oranges, drained

*you can use more or less on the lettuce, depending on
how much people you're serving.

dressing:
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup of oil (i used canola, taste better than olive
oil)
1 tbs. parsley (can use fresh, i used dried)
2 tbs. sugar
2 tbs. vinegar (i've used rice wine or red wine, both
work)
a good dash of tabasco

*i usually double the dressing recipe, just so i have
enough.

serves 4 people

Don't try this at home

2008-06-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today was full, and packed literally with things to do. We are weary and tired. I must say i will never again in my life pack up an entire house to move thousands of miles away by ourselves, with a small child running around in circles. Tonight when we got home from our little going away party. I heard Conner say to Van let's go upstairs and get ready for bed, so I thought awesome time for me to separate the recycling. I heard Conner coming down the stairs a few minutes later with a huge box (my clothes) and I said "hey where is Van". Conner said I thought he was with you. "uh NO, you took him upstairs to get him ready for bed, Hello!" Our front door was open so I immediately ran outside, and found him standing by our Pod (storage container) talking nonsense and pointing in the sky, as if it were some alien ship that just landed in our parking spot and is now sucking up all of our belongings and turning mom and dad into zombies.

I freaked out, but everything was alright. Last time, we will let this little guy out of our sight. It is soooooo difficult to pack boxes and be efficient with a little one running circles around me. It's tiring enough just taking care of him! So anyways. The pod is cool and all that but having people to help is so much cooler.

Living...

2008-06-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

My mom sent me this today I am not sure where it is from but it lightened my load.

Living....
To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it:
To woo and tempt and court a bliss—and not attain it;
To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly, Lest it
become a necessity and cling too tightly:
To watch the sunset in the West without regretting:
To smother care in happiness and Grief in laughter,
To hold the present close —not questioning hereafter:
To have enough to share—to know the joy of giving:
To thrill with all the sweets of life --- Is Living.

Trouble in paradise...

2008-06-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

This week has been trying, losing my cousin, packing up my house to move, Van getting a new tooth, and since toddlers are such creatures of routine this whole packing the house thing is overwhelming to him. He has been crying a lot this past week. I pick him up and try to console him, when we leave the house is when he returns to normalcy. Thank God that I have had Conner's little sis here Kat to help me pack and play with Van she has been a God send. I did need help, and I am so glad I asked or I would be doing this alone while Conner works. Anyways I gotta keep it short. I have been really sad about the death of my cousin, so I am not so inspired to write much this week. I will get back on the train shortly.

Oh I do want to say one thing,
hey you people who drive SUVs, throw perfectly recyclable bottles and cans in the trash, clean their bathrooms with — gasp — bleach and think nothing of sometimes blasting the air conditioner or taking wickedly wasteful long, hot showers. (okay I do the shower thing every once in a while).

You think you know the type: the ones who think global warming is a hoax and scarf up natural resources like candy.

Start teaching your kids that this planet is not here for us to destroy, it is here to start preserving for them. Not sure if you have noticed or not but the entire US of A is switching over to greener, more sustainable ways of life. You should too, start somewhere, you have no excuse except that your lazy.

Reasons to start reducing, reusing, and recycling:

1. conserves natural resources; consider that if we didn't recycle newspaper we would have to cut more trees to produce new newspapers,
2. conserves landfill space; landfills would fill up proportionately to the amount of materials we don't recycle - if we didn't recycle anything, most landfills would be full 10-30% faster than had we all recycled,
3. saves us money; yes, actually it does - a new landfill costs millions of dollars to develop and build - money that could better be spent on schools, roads, and public safety, and
4. it makes cents - yes - more people are employed with recycling businesses and many people sell recyclable materials.

peace brothers & sisters.

God Speed Uncle Jeff

2008-06-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today I received a phone call from my sister, any time someone starts out a conversation with are you driving. You kind of brace yourself for the worst. She said,

"It's Jeff....

he's gone..."

A neighbor found him. I am his only related family member in the area, it was comforting to know he was close. He does have a family who has been so amazing to him and they have taken him in as their own over the years, and he was like a grandpa/dad to them they will miss him so much as well. I just found out last week he had to have a surgery to remove his gall bladder and to clear a passage to his liver. But I guess after that he had reached his limit and decided this was the best way to go. I am hit so hard by this, as I am ready to depart from here. I went through my emails and realized I did try to get him closer to his family... I knew things weren't easy for him financially. and his health was deteriorating due to a loss of hope and stress.

Here is an email I sent him a few months ago trying to get him to make a change. I did try...

Hi Jeffrey!

How are you doing?
we are back from our travels and wanted to see how things are with you.
Before we left you didn't seem that great, are things moving in a better direction with business?

We looked at some rentals while we were home. It is so much cheaper to live there it is crazy.

If you want to move with us, just say the word. We are trying to move by April. I think we are actually going to do it.
Lets meet at the dog park this weekend, maybe on Saturday morning?

If that doesn't work out maybe we can do an early dinner at our house one night next week...

Here is a pic of my mom when we surprised her for Xmas.

talk soon,

Love. D

I will miss him, I met him often at the dog park to talk and walk with our dogs. He was always interested in hearing about our life and Van. Here are a couple photos of Jeff and Van that I took recently. I will miss you Jeff. I wish you decided to move with us. I hope you are in a better place where there is no more pain in your heart.

Life is a funny thing, it is what you make of it, isn't it?

HOTTTTT....

2008-06-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

Thissss...... makes me laugh.

Pick me a winner...

2008-06-12T23:28:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those days, I cracked open a beer the minute the clock hit 5pm. I needed it. Van hid my phone today, acted like a mini tornado, missed his nap and then we had to take off for the pediatrician for some shots. So he was not a happy camper, did I mention that he is getting a tooth too!

One thing that is kind of funny is that Van has found his nostrils. I am not sure he knows what he is doing but man does his finger get up there..... talk about digging to china. I am just one of those people who doesn't want my child walking around with his finger in his nose. Well nobody is. really. So I have been having some discussions with him about it and he just yells out random peoples names after we have our talks. hmmm We are spending a lot of time lately learning body parts so maybe that explains the exploration up into nostrilville. I did overreact a bit the first time I saw him doing it. I was exercising with my class the other day while discussing with them that this was happening and they were all chuckling, I peered over the stroller, and yep you guessed it. Digging to china.... So they all said not to overreact and just let him do it? Because he will think it's funny to get my attention and keep doing it. So I ask you this do I just go on with my day and go out in public with my son who likes to stick his fingers entirely too far up his nostrils to the point that it looks painful and ignore it? Or do I say something to him and let him know that is unacceptable and inappropriate?

It's getting HOT IN HERE...

2008-06-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

In preparing ourselves for the hottest state on the planet. Conner and I have started going to Bikram Yoga. The first class I went to, I thought maybe I had just died and gone to Hell. Conner's first class was about the same, he felt as if he were going to vomit, and when the teacher saw him looking rather pale and nauseous he gave him some magical coconut juice that brought him back to life. Today it actually felt great, I breathed life and energy into every muscle in my entire body... I came right home and indulged in chocolate chip cookies and did not drink enough water. At the moment I am feeling kinda weird and woozy , I keep picturing that guy who placed his mat way to close to mine, with the pierced nipples. His sweat dripped on me at one point he was so close to me... enough about me, here is some important info you should know about Hot Yoga.

The recommended temperature is minimum 105F degrees and about 40% humidity.
( did I mention that we are preparing to move to the hottest state on the planet?)

The room is kept at this temperature or more for the following:

Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception)
Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching
Detoxing the body (open pores to let toxins out)
Thinning the blood to clear the circulatory system
Increasing heart rate for better cardiovascular workout
Improving strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state for reorganization
Reorganize the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure

Bikram’s Yoga:

Teaches you to breathe fully and correctly
Helps reduce symptoms of chronic illnesses and injuries
Helps promote better sleep – you may even need less sleep
Promotes a deep sense of well-being and a peaceful mind
Helps in weight-loss and toning
Improves posture and body awareness
Improves flexibility of your spine in its range of motion in all directions, allowing improvement in the functioning of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind
Improves the healing and regenerative powers of your body
Maintains (and regains) youthful appearance and skin tone
Works all systems of the body: cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, immune, digestive, reproductive, muscular and skeletal
Helps to reduce stress
Helps improve heart and lung capacity
Lubricates the joints
Helps to eliminate back pain by strengthening the spine;
Builds mental strength by holding your mind in a focused, meditative state.
Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces.

Okay so I can tell you I am on the search to find balance and this is most definitely
helping me release stress that I have about moving and put my mind at ease!

RIP Foxxy....

2008-06-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

We did a little photoshoot in the fox (Conner's Beach car) last weekend, the whole family was in the car for some shots! Van loved this car as if it were his own, everyday when Conner would get home he would run to the door and ask to open it, he would climb in and pretend he was driving, until we peeled his little fingers from the wheel. His two obsessions - the fox and the milk cartons....

Yesterday Conner called and said "the fox is dead a lady hit me." It turns out she had taken a bunch of pills and didn't even know where she was. She pulled over into his lane as he was crossing a major intersection on PCH in Carlsbad he was going about 40 mph so he is very lucky considering the fox was a tuna can. We bought the Fox "beater" just so Conner could have a car for a couple months until we move. Car accidents don't sit well with me at all. We are pretty sure the Fox is totaled. It's pretty amazing that both of the cars needed to be towed away, but they both walked away unscathed. Whew close call good thing he got that seat belt ticket last week so he was wearing his seat belt! Foxxy we will miss you, you did look like a piece of oragami all balled up on the street when we saw you last, but we know you were strong on the inside. I laughed at you when i first saw you but you grew on all of us! RIP.

it's the little things.....

2008-06-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Is it bad that I get excited about washing my hair these days? yesterday I had a day... It wasn't bad or good really, just weird. I felt weird, things were hard to do, and the day seemed to get away from me. Reality was knocking at my door, and I didn't want to see his face.

So at 8pm the ups man knocks on my door and leaves a yummy package to help me out at the end of my weird day! I ordered this shampoo my girlfriend Lori had in her shower and the best part was that I got a FREE bottle of conditioner too! Who gives things away free these days, I mean gas costs 5 dollars a gallon....

Well I figured I would share kind of a funny little not so funny story with you about Van. I mean after all this blog is called vanerwin.com for a reason.

I will start by saying I am not perfect...

Today we were running a little late for swim class so I decided when we pulled up I would put Van's swim trunks on in the parking lot. I stripped him down next to the car, and threw his 1st swim diaper on then his trunks on over that. I did it fast and something seemed awkward but I couldn't seem to figure it out. So I let him stand there waiting as I gathered our things for class. He started to walk away and as i looked back he was lying on the pavement, and looking very awkward at that. I scooped him up and started walking towards the pool when I noticed I had put two legs into one hole of his swim trunks and the reason he fell was because A. I was hurrying and B. because he couldn't walk, he was a merman. That explains the awkwardness. I got him in the pool and he was all smiles again, with parking lot dirt on his forehead and cheek! Another mom said, "he is so freaking cute, I think I like him because he flirts with me". Yep that's my son flirting and charming the ladies -hmmm wonder who he got that from? I have no idea....

Full Circle

2008-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I ran into a man last week who I met 8 years ago when I arrived here from the east coast. He is a salty single, guy and looks as if the beach has lived within him for years. Sandy grey hair, tall and kind of lanky. The type of guy you remember when you see him again 8 years later. He had some great words of advice for me when I had arrived. I was a beach girl at heart, but wanted so badly to work in the surf industry so I traveled across the country alone to find a place to call home. I signed a lease and was out here within a few months with a cast on my foot (I fell off of a curb walking down a hill to the beach, we don't have hills back home, ha) and almost all of my belongings. The only things I had to leave at home were my animals. They arrived a month or so later and I had never been so happy to see them because honestly I was a bit lonely.

I was waiting tables in a bar and applying to work in the surf industry every other free moment I had. The salty guy whose name is Randy told me he knew a few people who worked at quiksilver, and to go for it, that I was the perfect type of person for that company whatever that meant..

I met a woman in the bar as well who took a liking to me for some reason and I to her. She wanted to hear my story and I told her that I had journeyed across the country, to find my dream job and a surfer boy to marry and have a family with. That was it pure and simple. She told me she was praying for me and that "he" (the surfer boy, was looking for me right now as we spoke). I met him a couple weeks later. Funny how life has it's way of speaking to you through other people. People you might never see again, or maybe 8 years later to thank them and show them what you have now, and how they may have helped you a little to arrive there. It was at that moment when I ran into salty Randy that I realized my time was up here. I didn't need to keep wondering if this was the right decision any more. I came here to do two things and I can now cross the country again with my son and my surfer boy and look back on all that I did while I was here and smile.

I traveled to far off distant lands in search of perfect beaches to have photo shoots. I had the chance to work with some of the greatest minds in action sports, I learned from the best art directors in the business, I got to fall in love with my beautiful surfer boy, I got to design books with HarperCollins, and cell phones with Motorola. I got to attend swanky parties with the who's who in surfing and action sports. I have had my fill. I will always have a special place in my heart for Southern Califonia, this is truly where I found myself, I will hold onto that forever.

Sample Sale.

2008-05-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy week! My writing skills are lacking, and so I will leave you with this!
images via Paulfrank.com

Happy Memorial Day.

2008-05-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Bembo's Zoo is a fantastic typography work that plays with letters to create animals for each alphabet letter!

You

2008-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Do you lay your head on the pillow at night, and your mind races with all of the things you didn't get to do, and the things you did do? Did you do them right, did you say that right, did she seem weird when she said that to you? Judging, analyzing, stressing... Quiet your mind, get in control. Empty it.

I would pray for a while at night and I still do, but after my prayers are finished I move to a place of quiet solitude. A place within that is so deep, I can call it my own. This is where everything is for me, this is where I live. It's not within these four walls.

When you turn within and take control, your need to control things around you suddenly seizes. This message keeps coming to me loud and clear. Your inner self holds the key to your complete happiness. Your life mirrors the way you see the world. Your inner happiness spills out to others and then returns to you. My husband has been telling me this for a long time now, and maybe it is just now sinking in. But everywhere I turn this message is right in front of me. I love this moment. He handed me his book today and had me read his favorite part. It was exactly this, we are on the same page.
I took Van to the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center in Encinitas this week. I let him run around barefoot in the meditation gardens, while I sat watching him play. It is easy to quiet your mind in a place like this. It is amidst the chaos and the noise where we find peace, that is the true challenge.

Organic

2008-05-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Your all so stylish, you inspire me! Thanks again for being with me and celebrating my move all the way across the country!

Hey have you seen Rogans new line at Target, it's impressive & organic cotton! I am so excited.
check out more of the stylish duds here.

This is Home.....

2008-05-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

So I have to admit that I have watched American idol religiously this season, I have never been a fan until now! I am a little torn between the two David's but I must admit David Archuleta won tonight! Last week David Cook sang dare you to move by switchfoot.
Jon & Tim are friends of Conner's. We were lucky enough to have Jon sing two songs at our wedding.
Anyhow this is Switchfoot's new video "This is Home" from the Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian. It strikes a chord with me at the moment. You know how you hear a song and you make it into exactly what your going through at the time? I have been doing that lately.

I find comfort in music.
I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home

Nostalgic already

2008-05-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

Today I got a little emotional when Van and I were playing in his room, we made a fort out of sheets and played with his toys in there. I tried to take the moments and capture them in my memory. His room, the breeze blowing in the window, the curtains billowing. The music floating through the air. I started thinking about all of the hard work and energy we put into designing his room. Conner worked so hard on it. The thought of leaving the first home we owned and the place we brought our son home scares me a lot. There has been something really nice about being in our own little bubble out here. Change is hard on me, I start missing a place before I am even gone. I know it will all be fine but the waiting is harder than the arriving. I look around at this beautiful place and know it will live on in my hear and mind forever.

I just read this article and I am getting nervous about flying my dogs across the country in the middle of summer.... What should we do?
Our only other option would be to have Conner drive cross country with them when he comes in August. He will be out of the country for about two weeks in July so we would need to board them in a kennel and I think that would cause more stress on them than the scary six or seven hour flight across the hot country....

Vangenius

2008-05-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Van and I work on his vocabulary a little everyday, he is just like a little sponge learning all sorts of new words. I really like using these flash cards. I bought them in Puerto Rico, but they are available everywhere!

She's Fresh.

2008-05-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

So here I am at 12:58 am, still awake. I just repaired some major problems to the site. But after a few hours I think I have it fixed now. Here is a preview. At the moment it is basic. I just got the framework in there and now I am going to spice it up with some design elements. It looks so stale to me.... But it has been a long road to get this far. Man building websites is a tough job, but I am slowly learning the ropes of the information super highway! zzzzzzz

HAPPY 60th Pop Pop

2008-05-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

I hope we can play ball together soon!
I miss you so much. xoxoxox your grandson VAN

HAPPY MOM"S DAY!

2008-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

To all of you wonderful mother's out there that work 24/7 and don't expect much in return. You are so loved and appreciated. Have a wonderful day today and take a deep breath and remember that you are perfect in every way just the way you are.

Blessings.

Postpardum depression

2008-05-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

I went to mamafest this week with some friends from my strollerstrides class and I was moved to tears by Michael Spangler's talk on losing his wife to postpardum depression .

Just as every woman is different, every woman's childbirth experience is different. And since the vast majority of new mothers eventually get some sleep, feel comfortable caring for an infant and fall into the rhythm of being a family, those who don't feel only more isolated and alone.

That's what happened to Annie Spangler. A naval officer, a pharmacist, she was stunned to find, at 46, that she didn't feel in control. One day, it got to be too much.

His story is life altering and it will change the way you feel about anyone close to you having feelings like these. I am making a point to support this cause, please help out in any way you can.

Love and Marriage.....

2008-05-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

Conner and I celebrated four years of marriage yesterday, we had a mellow night at home, with some of our favorite foods. It's amazing that four years seems so long, but in the grand scheme of things it is really so short. We have gone through so much already in these four years of marriage. I do know that when we were hugging each other yesterday and looking at Van I felt so much energy and happiness for the moments we share and what we have built together. I have some beautiful flowers from my mom and sister, and lilly's from Conner. I got a gift certificate for a massage too! Good luck this weekend in your surf contest, Dad! We love you.

It's a relationship...

2008-05-04T22:05:00.001-07:00

This coming week is a big one, Conner and I celebrate 4 years, mothers day, and Van turning 14 months old (Next Monday). Oh and I planned a little going away party for myself with my closest friends that I have made here. It is Saturday night! So I am looking forward to having them all together in one place with me for a night, so I can give them a little gift and celebrate having them in my life.

I do miss my most lovely friend so much, she is in South Carolina and I have not seen her in too long. I just stumbled upon this photo of us together before any kiddos were in the picture. Now I have a one year old, and she is growing a little one in her tummy. I am so excited!!!

I feel GOD working in me everyday, I have a relationship with him that I constantly maintain. I tell him things that I would never say aloud, he listens.... This relationship is not a certain religion in my mind. I speak to him even in my unconscious states. Sometimes when I am asleep I wake in prayer. I have found peace lately amidst the chaos. I have found that I am the only one who makes my days, and the better I am for myself the better I am for those I love. Yes I am working on myself, I am not going to lie. It is an ongoing process, but having a child look up to me makes me want to be a better person.

Clean baby.....

2008-05-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Van can hold his breath under water now, he is a little fish? He is just now grasping how to come up for air when his swim teacher pushes him towards the wall.

I love it when Van is clean, I met a girl at Van's swimming lesson the other day and she was using her non disposable diapers and she told me all about how to make my own baby wipes. I looked it up when I got home and altered the recipe a bit, and it works great. No harsh chemicals and Van's skin is soft with no irritations! I am using earthfirst 100% recycled paper towels from costco! These paper towels are not bleached using chlorine so no harsh chemicals on baby's bum or face.

Making your own baby wipes will not only save money, but you will know for sure that no harsh or drying chemicals are touching your baby's bottom. I found this article on about.com

Here's How:

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife and remove the inner cardboard core.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and 'start' the roll by pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.

Tips:

1. These also make a great gift for new parents. You can decorate or personalize the container and, of course, be sure to include a copy of the recipe.
2. Save the other half of the roll for use next time you make wipes.
3. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each use to prevent drying out.
4. When your baby is older and his skin is less sensitive, you can add about a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the mix.

What You Need:

* Round plastic container (Rubbermaid #6 or #9 works well)
* Thick, strong roll of white paper towels
* Sharp knife to cut paper towel roll in half
* 2 cups water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature
* 2 Tablespoons of castille soap - I like Dr bronners baby mild soap
* 1 Tablespoon olive oil
* 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract (you can find this at any health food store)
* 5 drops of lavender oil for scent and relaxation

Downward Dog

2008-05-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

I am seeing a lot of this,
and this lately. It's a new take on talk to the hand. It happens mainly when I am saying no or be careful. It's Van's way of protesting. He does know how to make me smile!

wall graphics

2008-04-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

I am getting excited about redesigning Van's nursery in a new house. Yes we are officially moving and it will be a new adventure. It is a Little too much for me to wrap my head around at the moment for fear that it will fall off of my body, but I am gathering strength from those around me at the moment in order to prepare for this life changing event. We are moving to Florida. But my blog will remain on the information super highway for years to come! Anywho I have been thinking I will be using some of these fabulous wall decals to make his room more exciting. Check out ellynelly's creations on Etsy.

Nothing like having a fake dog on your wall to look at... I took my dog to the vet today and they called me with some concerns..... They said number one he is severely overweight, has really bad plaque (is that why his breath smells like a trash can?), and he has a couple little cysts on his side. Zeke is a special dog, and I mean that in the nicest way. But lately I have been disappointed in him, he takes books off of our book case and rips them to shreds while we are gone and lately he has been chewing up my shoes..

I walk him 2 times a day, and he still has it out for me? If Van didn't love that dog so much I might just send him off to Jenny Craig or something... But he is truly van's best buddy. He lays on him, hugs him, and sits on him pretty much any free moment that he has. So we will keep him for now.. Once a rescue dog always a rescue dog!

BPA free-dom!!!

2008-04-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

So I was wandering around the internet looking for some more info and this is what I found on a great blog about family health and parenting.

BPA Free Bottle Products

Adiri Natural Nursers
Avent “Via” disposable bottles
BornFree - All bottles and cups BPA free *see note
EvenFlo Glass bottles
Playtex Opaque Soft Bottle, Playtex Drop in liners
Gerber: Gerber Clearview, Fashion Tints (also called “Plastic Pastels”), Gerber GentleFlow
Medela: All bottles
Sassy MAM bottles (UltiVent), Baby Food Nurser Kit
Green to Grow Bottles **see note
Sassy Baby Food Nurser Kit
ThinkBaby Bottles
Momo Glass Bottles
Nuby: Standard Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, Standard Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, 3-Stage Wide Neck Easy Grip Feeding System with Non-Drip Nipple.
Nuture Pure Glass bottles
Babisil Silbottles
Weego Glass Bottles
Siliskin Glass Bottles
Dr Brown’s: Glass Bottles (all vent system pieces BPA Free), Dr. Browns Polypropylene bottles (due in store’s April 15th)
BPA Free Sippy Cups
Avent Magic Cups
Playtex: Coolster Tumbler, Insulator, Einstein Training Cup, Sipster, Create My Own, Quick Straw, Insulator Sport, Sip and Discover, First Sipster
Gerber: Sip & Smile Spill-proof Cup, Easy Grip Insulated Soft Straw Cup, Insulated Cool Cup, Fun Grips Color Change Spill-proof Cup, Grins & Giggles Spill-proof Cup (source)
BornFree sippy/drinking cups
Kleen Kanteen
Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups, and drinking bottle with straw
SIGG Toddler Water Bottles
Kid Basix The Safe Sippy
Boon Sippy
GrowPure Multi-Stage Feeder and Sippy Cup
iPlay Aqua Bottle
ThinkBaby Training Cup
Sassy Snack Time Infa-Trainer Cup
Munchkin: Cupsicle, Cupsicle Straw Cup, Big Kid Sippy Cup, Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cup, Mighty Grip Trainer Cup, licensed character Sports Bottles, Re-usable Straw Cups, Re-usable Spill-proof Cups
Nuby: No-Spill Sports Sipper, Insulated Soft Silicone Spout Cup, Soft Spout Easy Grip Cup, Gripper Cup with Soft Silicone Spout, 2-Handle Cup, Tinted Mega Sipper
The First Years: Take & Toss, Spill-proof Cup, Insulated Cup, Licensed character sippy cups, Insulated Spill-proof Cup, 2 Handled Cups

BPA Free Food Storage

Avent Snack Cup / Formula Dispenser
So Easy Fresh Baby Food Kit
Baby Cubes
Laptop Lunch System

Just Livin...

2008-04-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Van went to Conner's office the other day for a visit, and he learned that headphones are awesome especially when mom is talking...... hmmm

Van's excited he just found out advent is coming out with a BPA free bottle in summer 08! We are smart about our plastic bottles and sippy cups now!
I just added some new cards to the vanerwin.com collection they can be for girls or boys. If you would like to place an order please feel free to email me.
$12 per 8 or $23 for 16.... Great for birthday gifts, cause all kids need to learn how to write thank you's. They are printed on 100% recycled 100lb pape (thick paper). enjoy.

Earth Day 2008

2008-04-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

In honor of earth day tomorrow, I purchased all new bulbs for my kitchen to replace with the old ones that don't save any energy whatsoever. The eco-bulbs last up to seven years. So I am virtually saving 70% in energy costs with these new bulbs. The prices are usually discounted by the electric companies as well. If you replace your old bulbs with these new ones you will save money on electricity bills, use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and help stop global warming.
Van and I went to the beach yesterday and picked up trash along the shore. It was disappointing to see how much trash was in the sand. Go out and do something for your mother this week, she is so good to you!

A new way of thinking...

2008-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

So I was getting the mail at the mailbox yesterday and as I was walking back to the car, I was stopped by a man who uttered these words "how often do you work out"? I looked around and then I checked behind me to see who the heck he was talking to....
Then I realized he was TALKING TO ME?
I repeated his question out loud to him, with some snickering, behind my glasses.
I said "I work out about three times a week I think!" I smiled and quickly got back into the car.

Was that a pick up line, or just a guy being nice? I am so jaded that I think everyone is being weird when strangers talk to me. I immediately look for an escape route. I created this way of thinking for myself, I really don't think it is my surroundings but I like to blame it on where I live.

I am reading a good book Eat, Pray, Love that is slowly teaching me to control my way of thinking in order to find stillness and peace in my every days.
I am slowing down enough to hear my inner voice and peeling back the layers to find stillness is waiting.

Just say no to BPA

2008-04-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

My head is spinning from all of the emails from friends who have heard about all of the research being released about plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, tableware, utensils, feeding aids, pumping supplies, etc that contain BPA. I just found out I have been using the wrong type of bottles all along too and they leak BPA into my sweet child's body. We go out and buy the best car seats, the fancy strollers, and the 400 thread count organic sheets, but we use pacis and baby bottles that leak BPA? I think not! I just purchased a few of the bottles that are BPA free from thinkbaby.
The company produces PES (polyether sulfone) plastic bottles and sippy cups. And stainless steel and plastic drink bottles for adults as thinksport.
First of all what the hell is BPA anyways right?Bisphenol-A is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. It has been known that scratched and worn polycarbonate feeding bottles will leach this chemical into liquids.

Healthy Stuff

2008-04-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

My good friend Cassie sent me a link to this great website and i wanted to share it with you all. I have always had a fear that plastic cups and bottles leak out harmful chemicals into the food and drinks we consume.
So here are some great products that are save and free of any toxins that might just be getting into your food and drinks. they have some really cute ones for the kiddies too.

As you know chemicals released by plastics can cause cancer (It is not the water that affects you but the chemical released from the bottle)

Check the bottom of the bottle there should be a triangle sign and there will be a number on it. If the number is higher than or equal to 5 --> then this bottle is safe to use. Numbers under 5 will release the chemical. For most bottled water, the number is 1. Remember to check and stop reusing those bottles.

article via: plastic myth busters

Do Something....

2008-04-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

I've just signed a petition asking my senators to co-sponsor the reauthorization of PEPFAR, America's response to the emergency of global AIDS, malaria and TB.

ONE is trying to get fifty senators to co-sponsor this lifesaving legislation. You can help by adding your voice.

http://www.one.org/pepfarsenate

ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans - one by one. So far, over two million have joined ONE in support of a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world.

Together as ONE we can make a difference!

Thanks!

Feeling not so groovy, baby.

2008-04-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

We took Van into the ER on Saturday night, he had a fever of 104 and his heart was beating so fast. He had short breaths, was not eating, and was sleeping way too much. On top of that he was lethargic and completely out of it. I felt so helpless, this was the first time I could not do anything to make him feel better. This past week was long, and drawn out. I felt completely exhausted by it. Worrying about your children takes all of your energy away, doesn't it?
The only thing that seemed to take his little mind off of his state was taking a walk in the bob, or watching baby einstein in our bed. Did I mention that he only wants to be held? I love holding him close when he is not feeling well. I know he has just felt scared lately and probably wondering why he is feeling so bad. It is a test of patience however, I am hoping tomorrow will be a little easier for all of us. The Dr. at the hospital told us he had a virus but my friend mentioned this specific virus to me today I just researched it and this is what I think he has.

Coxsackie virus – It usually affects children ages 6 months to 3 years. Symptoms include:
- High fever – often up to five days.
- Severe fussiness – this is often the worst part of the illness.
- Severe mouth pain or sore throat
- Copious drooling
- Refusal to eat or even drink
- Rash – small, red or white spots may, but not always, appear on the hands or feet (thus the name of the illness). A red, lacy rash can also appear anywhere on the body.

The funny part was while we were in the hospital Conner was eavesdropping on all of the other people who were in the emergency room. Especially the illegal immigrants who the police dragged in after getting into a fight!

Design on a dime...

2008-04-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

I was checking out Wal-Marts new line of baby stuff baby mod and I found these for only $39 on clearance. They have great modern furniture that looks similar to the Ouef crib that Van has.

Set includes comforter, bumper, fitted sheet, and bed skirt.
Fabric: 100% cotton, 180 thread count

I have to say I am loving simple modern design in interiors lately. I found this great article about interior design on a budget and thought I would share it with you! I love what they have done with each room and I am stealing some ideas for my house.
These are too cute and they play chimes when you rock em . $7.50
Check out their website where you can purchase them.

Happy Day

2008-04-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Husband & Dad! One more year for you and what a year it has been!

My Boy

2008-03-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love you little buddy, you brighten my every day. Thank you for being mine.

Van's Alias'

2008-03-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Van's Nicknames To-date

Van the Man
The Pimp
Vanimal
Officer Fussarelli
Squeak
Squeaky
Hair-do
Van Wayne
VW
V-Dub
Bud
Bub
Smiley
Party Boy
Blue Eyes

There are more names I have forgotten and will add later. If you have a nickname for Van that is not on the list, please comment below.

Crying is for Babies....

2008-03-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

So Van's Auntie Kat just left yesterday after almost a week of getting to hang out with us.
We had fun, she got to experience the new ear wrenching scream-like crying that Van is doing in order to get something he wants. The sound makes my stomach tie into knots, and I will pretty much give him anything in order to get the noise to cease. I will be honest it makes me want to drink and I am not talking about fruit juice or milk. This is a e phase where I need to be taught a thing or two about not giving in.
Today was just one of those day where I took one look away and Van was either playing in the toilet or breaking a glass in the kitchen trying to help me load the dishwasher..

One thing after another, but I truly love this boy more than I ever thought I could love anything, thank you Conner for sharing such a wonderful little being with me.