A Day in the Life of a Kearney

6 Months!

2011-10-26T16:18:00.003-06:00

Collin on the top and left, Casey second and right! Look at Casey's hair! Look at Collin's widows peak (just like his Mommy)!

My Nelly Girl

2011-10-13T19:04:00.004-06:00

Hopefully writing about my Nelly will help me feel better...

Nelly passed away Monday in my arms. She had been diagnosed with a slight heart murmur a few months ago, to which there is no treatment for a dog. In most cases, it leads to congestive heart failure. It can take anywhere from 2 days to four years for a dog to pass from this problem. Unfortunately, Nelly was "most cases". Saturday night she started breathing very loud and raspy. Not panting, and not like there was anything caught in her throat, just very weird breathing. I had also been noticing her eating less, being more grouchy, and coughing a lot. Rian decided to take her into the emergency vet. She was in heart failure. Her heart was not pumping hard enough to make her lungs work as well, and fluid started building up in the lungs. The vet could give us medicine to make her life last a bit longer, but there was no guarantee for how long. Rian decided to bring her home that night and let us have one more day with her Sunday. We cuddled and loved on her all day. Monday was the hardest day I have ever had to go through, but it was the right choice. I was holding her and she went very peacefully.

With Rian traveling so much, I had no idea how much I rely on my dogs. I have noticed how much more lonely I am and I am struggling with that. She was also mainly "my" dog. She was VERY loyal to me, and I was her Number 1. Anyone that met Nelly, knew where I stood with her. I miss my constant shadow and am even sad when I go potty and she is not sitting there staring at me.

With that, here are some of my favorite pictures on my Nelly girl.

5 Months Old!

2011-10-05T14:16:00.002-06:00

Collin

Casey

4 Months Old!

2011-08-21T20:42:00.002-06:00

Collin always on left and Casey always on right.

Collin has become the sweetest baby! He coos, smiles and sings to anyone who will listen. He will charm the pants off of any lady who crosses his path. He still is very demanding when it comes to meal time, and no one is in doubt when this kid is hungry.

Casey is more bashful. He talks to Rian and I all the time, but is wary of strangers until he is good and warmed up. He L-O-V-E-S his brother Cameron and tries to watch his every move. He has finally grown out of the major barfing spells and hasn't projectiled for two weeks (knock on wood)!

July 4, 2011

2011-07-21T12:31:00.004-06:00

We have a little tradition going and have been spending July 4th with my bestie Whitney and her little family every year. Well, she had baby Braelyn less than two weeks before, and Rian and I were exhausted. Instead of bbq and fireworks, we all decided to go to Ted's Montana Grill and watch the NYC fireworks on TV. It couldn't have been more perfect for us this year.

Amazing Progress

2011-07-18T17:26:00.004-06:00

Collin always on left, Casey on right.

iPhone Friday 4

2011-06-24T20:50:00.001-06:00

Me holding Whitney's new baby! Braelyn Grace was born this morning!

Collin and Casey holding hands in their crib.

Collin with his hat. He looks like he is doing the west side sign.

Lindsay and Cameron are ready for the zoo!

Babies ready to go to the park. Collin in front, Casey in back.

Father's Day at Sam's #3.

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My Babies' Daddy

2011-06-19T17:01:00.001-06:00

Isn't he so handsome?!

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iPhone Friday #3

2011-06-17T19:11:00.001-06:00

I know it is a bad pic, but it's Noah holding Collin for the first time! He was so proud of himself and grinned the entire time.

Cameron excited to be heading back home.

At a rest stop in Iowa. They are looking for animals down by the creek behind the stop.

Intensely watching a movie.

"It's not a pick!"

Collin holding his head up. He is such a strong boy!

Casey giving Collin his best left blow.

Cameron was so worn out from our trip. He fell asleep at school during lunch. His teacher said they were eating lunch and she looked over and his head was in the table and he was out. So she moved him to the reading corner where he slept until I got there. When we got home he took a 3 hour nap!

The babes sleeping together for the first time in their crib. Isn't Casey's arms funny?

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IPhone Friday #2

2011-06-10T20:24:00.001-06:00

At the People's Fair last Sunday. Tiger face to match the tiger shirt. He growled at everyone who passed him by.

In Omaha at Old Chicago's waiting for our pizza from the world's worst waitress.

Lindsay enjoying her very first Culver's Butter Burger. She ate like she has never ate before.

At a park in Omaha. Cameron played while we fed the babies.

At the park still!

A lovely dump pick up service in Omaha. Lindsay used this service a lot in Omaha.

Got my hair done! Woohoo!!!

iPhone Friday

2011-06-04T16:07:00.001-06:00

(This was supposed to be posted yesterday, sorry!)

I thought it would be cool to post the latest pics from my iPhone every Friday so you could see cute babies and random stuff I take pictures of during the week.

Sorry, no rotating feature on my phone. Collin only needed to wear oxygen in the car, so Rian rigged up this system of using the sweat band to hold it on instead of putting the stickers on and off every time. It worked pretty well, but we don't need it anymore. Collin got off his oxygen Wednesday!

The best picture I could get of Cameron holding Casey for the first time. Notice Casey is wearing my favorite outfit "You're No Match For My Mom"

Casey thinking about smiling.

Collin grinning!

Cameron and I on a golf cart ride at my parents house.

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Spring Sing!

2011-06-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

At Cameron's preschool they put on a little singing program at the end of the school year that coincides with the older kids "graduating" from preschool. I think that I was more excited for this than Cameron was...I ended up making "Cameron's Special Day" to go along with the Spring Sing. He hasn't been getting too much individualized attention lately, so I thought this would be a good chance. My parents, Rian's mom, brother and sister-in-law came and then we went to a BIG SPECIAL DINNER at Olive Garden afterwards. Cameron loved every minute of it!

Cameron and Mommy before the Spring Sing.
What Cameron did during most of the Spring Sing. He stood there and gave dirty looks to people or made funny faces with his eyes. This was before he spotted me.
After he spotted me, he got into Humpty Dumpty for a few verses.

Cameron's best friend at school, Sophia! They love each other.
Our special guy!

1 Month Old

2011-05-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

(This post is a couple weeks late, but the pics were taken on their month birthday!)

Casey

Some facts and thoughts about 1 Month old Casey:

He is very laid back. I like to call him "Free Bird" because he is just so calm and easy going.
He likes to lay down on his own rather than be held. We were at a party and people were passing him around and he started fussing a lot. After I got him back, I just laid him down on the couch and he was as happy as a clam.
He can sleep through anything. This means he can sleep through his Collin and Cameron screaming and crying and our dogs barking.
He cry giggles. When he "cries" it usually starts out as this tiny little whimper that sounds like "huh huh huh." That is usually the extent of his crying.
He likes to stay up late. He is like his Mommy in this area. We would MUCH rather sleep in and stay up late.
He usually stays awake after he eats for a little while.
He usually gets us with pee and poop. That stuff can fly!
He has much chubbier cheeks than Collin, that is how we tell people how to tell them apart.
Nicknames - FreeBird, Meatball, Whopper Jr., 40 ounce, Tub-o-Lub, Casey-Case (this one is the favorite).

Collin

Some thoughts and facts about 1 month old Collin:

When it is time to eat, it is time eat. No dilly dallying with this kid.
He still is on oxygen. Hopefully he will be getting off sometime this week. He really only needs it in the car at this point because of how the car seat angle constricts his lungs.
We thought he was a real grump, turns out he just hates having stuff shoved up his nose. We weren't driving anywhere for a few days, so we took his oxygen off. He was a new man! NO FUSSING! Put the oxygen back in...fussing. Poor babe. I don't like things in my nose either.
He's his own man. We have no idea who he really looks like. Everyone else has an opinion, but Rian and I are undecided.
He has my coloring I think. More olive as compared to Rian's pasty white skin.
He has huge hands and feet. You know what they say about big hands? It applies in this situation :-)
He's the puker. While it is not very often, he'll get you with a TON right when you don't expect it.
Nicknames - Handsome, Collin-Collin (what we came up with after we got Casey-Case)

Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-11T12:57:00.000-06:00

Teacher Appreciation Week was last week, and I missed it. But, Cameron and I made up or it this week to his teacher, Miss Liz. A few times a student or parent has remembered this week and I got a few nice notes and small gifts. I vowed that when I had kids that went to school, I would do this every year!

Here is what we did:

1. I went to Home Depot and made a little pot of flowers for her. Nothing major, but it was pretty. I forgot to take a picture.

2. I asked Cameron what he liked about Miss Liz and then I wrote this on Cameron's own stationery. I wrote it upside down and with my left hand (I'm right-handed) to make it look as childish as possible.

3. Cameron delivered it and posed for a picture with Miss Liz!

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For the first time....

2011-05-03T18:45:00.001-06:00

Cameron holds Collin! We'll work on Casey next...

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Sleepy Babies

2011-05-01T12:12:00.001-06:00

Collin in front and Casey in back.

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Funny "Game Day" Text

2011-04-28T20:01:00.001-06:00

I have two former favorite students who attend CSU. Ben and James are awesome and I love them.

They have been teasing me since I told them I was pregnant with twins that I needed to name the babies Ben and James.

The day they were born (game day) I sent out a mass text that said "Collin Robert and Casey John are here!"

Here is the text I got back from Ben: "That is a weird way of spelling Ben and James but congratulations!"

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Presenting....

2011-04-25T22:23:00.001-06:00

Collin Robert and Casey John!

They were born Sunday, April 17th at 1:22 and 1:23pm! What a beautiful day

My very short, but sweet birth story:

Thursday night I started feeling bad. I was having major rolling contractions from back to front (they hurt my butt, has anyone else had that?) and they were about every 5-6 minutes for about an hour and a half. I called Rian, who was at a work function, and made him come home to rub my head and calm me down. It worked. I didn't call my doctor that night.

Friday night, exact same thing happened as the night before. I didn't call the doctor that night.

Saturday. I woke up and could barely walk because there was so much pressure in my nether regions. I had been having a lot of pressure for about three weeks, but this was worse than normal. So bad in fact that while I was peeing that day I had a talk with the babies. I basically begged them to come out of me soon and that if they came the next day I would get their daddy to buy them a car when they turned 16. I was crying. I was done. Mentally and physically exhausted. So tired and so grumpy. My dad called me that night to check on me because I looked so terrible that day. On a whim, Rian decided to go to Dairy Queen that night. I decided on a Peanut Buster Parfait, totally forgetting all about the "thing". My mom ate a PBP The night before she went into labor with y sister and I. Apparently, about 4 others my mom told that too, worked for them too. Worked for me!

Sunday. I woke up and went potty. I saw blood. Not a lot, but enough. I decided to wait and eat breakfast to see if more would come. More came and so did the rolling back, butt, vagina pain contractions I then decided to take a shower because each time I have been to the hospital before, I haven't showered and regretted it. I knew if I called my doc, he would make me come in, so I showered. I started having stronger contractions while I showered. Then Rian showered. And THEN I called my doc about 11:15ish. He said, "Come in and be prepared that this MIGHT be the day we meet these twins." Rian and I took our time. My mom came and got Cameron, Rian and I made our bed for the first time in history, we talked about what to pack. We made sure we had cameras just in case, etc. Basically, we took our time. Then about 11:50, we headed to the hospital....

We get to the hospital at 12:15. While walking in, I say to myself that if this IS the day, then the babes will probably be here around 7pm. I had no idea. We get to the labor and delivery unit and the nurse takes us in our room and says "we were worried about you guys. The doctor even called your house to see where you were.". Hmmm...

I get changed, do my urine sample (tmi- which wasn't pretty), and walk out. Rian asks the nurse what is happening. She says that I am going to get on the monitors for a few minutes and then surgery time. He says, "so what is the eta? I need to call parents.". She says, "your surgery is scheduled for 1:00pm.". It was 12:35.

They frantically do everything to me. Trying to put an iv in so fast that the nurse blows vein #1, which still hurts today. They check me, I am almost dilated to 2cm. Get this. I am having contractions every 2 minutes! Ouchy! Now I know what that back, butt and vagina pain was all about! I ask Rian to check the camera. Guess what? I had charged the battery that week and forgot to put the battery back in. Rian had to race at the speed of light to the gift shop and buy a disposable camera! I was in the operating room at 12:58 getting my epidural. Rian came in at 1:10 and Collin was born at 1:22 and Casey at 1:23!

Collin

Casey

Cameron taking a picture of the babies. We still haven't convinced him to be actually be in the pictures with his brothers quite yet.

I guess we will be buying a car when these guys turn 16!

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Meals for Bed Rest

2011-04-11T20:38:00.001-06:00

As prepared by Rian.

Turkey sandwich, cheddar kettle chips, apples and peanut butter.

Patty melt, Funyuns and a Coke (picture taken after half my sandwich was eaten)!

Rian serves me all of my meals on a pink tray in my bed! I love him.

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Thoughts on Bed Rest

2011-04-07T08:06:00.000-06:00

I did have to go on strict bed rest almost two weeks ago. I had another (third) pre-term labor scare. This one landed me in the hospital for two nights and three days. I had to take a LOT of meds to stop contractions and get steroid injections in case the babes did come early. This way their lungs, heart and brain would be protected. While in the hospital, I got an ultrasound from the perinatologist (the preemie doctor basically). There was a certain level of concern because the smaller baby boy didn't have as much fluid around him as the bigger guy. Because of all these things adding up, I was put on strict bed rest. Staying in bed or my recliner most of the day, getting up to go to the bathroom, shower and walk around to make sure my circulation stays flowing.

We did get a follow-up this week and the fluid looked better, so the bed rest is working. But that doesn't mean I get to go off of it anytime soon. I get checked every week from here on out.

But... There are definite plusses and minuses to bed rest. Here they are:

1. It isn't as fun as it sounds. Everyone says "oh you get to watch tv all day and stay in bed!". It's good for about two days and then you have to practically beg your husband to drive you somewhere so you can get a view of the outside world that isn't from your bedroom window. Also, there are many hours during the day that there is nothing on tv. I have to rely on DVR during those times. I am starting to run low.

2. You are alone a lot. Rian goes to work, Cameron goes to my Mom and Dad's and to preschool (just started this week at our church). He wasn't going to start until fall, but they found out our situation and bumped him in! I do have a permanent little heating pad with my dog Nelly, she WILL NOT leave my side.

3. You gain weight faster. I have been very good about my weight gain, but the past two weeks I have gained a lot more. No where to go to burn it off I guess!

4. If you push it too hard one day, you are out of commission for almost two days after that. By pushing it too hard I mean, going to the doctor and dropping Cameron off at school. Tonight I am out of commission. I do not even have enough energy to go downstairs and get Cameron a glass of water.

5. You realize how valuable your husband and mom are. They have done everything for me. Everything. If I asked them to wipe me, they would. Of course they would tease me about it, but they would.

6. Cameron gives me a lot more kisses and hugs. I love it.

7. Rian got me a new iPhone. I play "Words with Friends" all day with about 10 different friends, family members and old students. That helps keep my brain going!

8. Texting is different than calling (ie. Communicating). Now most of you know I love a good text conversation. But...when you are scared and emotional and worried almost every time you stand up that your water might break, an actual phone call once in a while means a lot more than a text. Also, you can text me a thousand times that "I can call for anything." But the ones that mean the most are the "down to business texts and calls." For example, my mom called and said, "I am coming over to clean the bathrooms today, unlock your door.". Or Whitney called and said, "I am going to bring you Noodles for lunch. What do you want?". That means more because I don't have to think about it and it takes the pressure off.

9. Bed rest is a more serious situation than many people think. Read up on it before you say to me some asinine comments about it being fun and that myself and the babies are so big that if they did come now, they would be fine. Yeah, fine. After weeks in the NICU because even though they are big, they aren't fully developed. I do not want babies in a NICU if I can avoid it. You shouldn't either, because you won't get to see them for a long time.

Can you tell I had a bad day?

There is an end in sight. The babies will be here April 27th as long as the amniocentesis on the 26th shows that their lungs are mature. This means they will be delivered at 36 weeks and 2 days which makes me nervous, but I trust my doctor and the perinatologist whole heartedly.

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Eagles

2011-04-03T15:11:00.003-06:00

My Aunt told me about this to help pass some time while on bed rest. Check it out!

Stream videos at Ustream

Cameron and the Pirates

2011-04-02T16:23:00.001-06:00

There is a new show on Disney called "Jake and the Pirates" and Cameron loves it! Cameron wanted a pirate headband just like Jake, so I rounded one up for him (recognize it Vegas peeps?).

We could only find a pink one for Noah to wear. Don't worry though. Since then, they have both acquired new camouflage pirate "headbands".

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Bed Rest at the Zoo

2011-04-02T16:10:00.001-06:00

This is what being on mandatory bed rest looks like when "you can't take not going to the zoo."

Rian got me a wheelchair and pushed me all over the zoo. My parents and nephew went and they got to ride in the wagon. I got plenty of stares and only two nice comments. Oh well.

Confession...

2011-02-25T12:45:00.002-07:00

I miss tanning. Tanning in a tanning bed when it is cold and dreary outside like it is today. I haven't tanned in about 5-6 years, and today of all days, I can't stop thinking about it.

The first time I "fake tanned" I was a junior in high school. Never regularly, until mid-college. I was working at the library on campus 15 hours per week, doing 15-18 credits per semester and I got another job. At a laundromat/tanning salon. I only worked there about 10 hours per week, but it was a good job and I got to tan on days like this. I worked there about a year, and never tanned regularly, but more than I ever had. The only time I realized I was tanning a lot was during the months of January and February that I worked there.

Maybe I should go to a doctor and see if I have a small case of SAD.

So today, when I am not feeling good at all, it is yucky out, and there are a few sad things going on around me, I really wish that I could go lay in the tanning bed. Listen to some country jams (my favorite music to listen to while tanning), maybe fall asleep, and get really warm and toasty.

A Sad Story that Affects MANY People I Know

2011-02-22T15:20:00.001-07:00

26 Weeks

2011-02-14T22:17:00.002-07:00

Today I turned 26 weeks pregnant. I am giant. Very giant. Giant enough to illicit unwanted comments, stares, and very large measurements at my doctor's office. Here is the picture so you can see what all the hullabaloo is about.

More Golden Globes - 2011

2011-02-07T15:17:00.006-07:00

I have been such a slacker on the blog! Here is the catching up part...

Best Dressed and Best Guys at the 2011 Golden Globes.

BEST DRESSED

7. Carrie Underwood

I love a pretty, sparkly dress on a youngish girl. She just always looks so pretty!

6. Emma Stone

This is a Calvin Klein dress in peach. How many times do we see stars wearing peach? Not often, and I loved it. I also loved how they would show her during the "commercial breaks" and I kept saying, who is that? She looks so happy and pretty. Good work Emma and your stylist!

5. Jane Krakowski

Maybe it's just me, but I love a pretty pregnancy bump dress. I loved this. Still a bit sexy with the high slit, but classy, and showed off the bump just right.

4. Catherine Zeta Jones

While normally, big, ballroom, flowy dresses aren't my style, I loved this. She looked so pretty and I loved the hair.

3. Eva Longoria

If only I had somewhere to wear this dress someday! I absolutely love it! The cut-out on the back is beautiful and I love the little detail around the cut-out. So pretty, so perfect.

2. Mila Kunis

Another emerald green dress? Yep, and this one is fantastic. One-shouldered, strap in the back, on Mila. Fantastic.

1. Claire Danes

Another Calvin Klein dress. Calvin, when I become really skinny and famous, I obviously would like to wear your dresses. This one is AMAZING. I put two pictures up of it for a reason. All the pictures from the red carpet played off as a lighter color pink, but then when I saw Claire on TV, the color seemed darker pink like the first picture. This is the second year that Claire has killed it at the Golden Globes. KILLED IT. Just fabulous.

BEST GUYS
There is only one best guy and it is...

Jon Hamm. Be still my heart.

Oh No! Anderson Cooper got Punched!

2011-02-02T17:24:00.003-07:00

I understand you are mad Egyptians, but leave Anderson OUT OF THIS. Do not get near those baby blues again.
Anderson Cooper details attack by angry Cairo mob

By Alex Dobuzinskis Alex Dobuzinskis Wed Feb 2, 3:27 pm ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – CNN's Anderson Cooper said he and his crew were punched and kicked in Cairo on Wednesday by supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, but that they escaped with just scratches as anti-government protests turned deadly.

The incident occurred as supporters of Mubarak rushed a crowd of his detractors, charging on horses and camels and wielding sticks and petrol bombs. The anti-Mubarak protesters fought back by throwing rocks at their attackers.

Cooper told Reuters in a phone interview from Egypt that he and his CNN crew were walking through a crowd of Mubarak supporters heading toward the melee, when a man tried to grab their camera.

Members of the crowd punched and kicked Cooper in the head and body, and set upon the rest of the crew, including female producer Maryanne Fox, he said.

"We were moving quickly and a bunch of guys who hit us were also on the move, a lot of it was sort of glancing blows," Cooper said.

The TV journalist said he and his crew escaped with just scratches, but that the crowd tried to tear off Fox's clothes.

"There was some thought that maybe someone in the crowd recognized me, but I couldn't know for sure," Cooper said. "I think anyone with a camera is under threat in that crowd."

Escorted by some of the protesters, the journalists were able to get away to a building where they ascended several stories and described the melee in a broadcast on CNN.

Separately, ABC journalist Christiane Amanpour said in a statement that she and her crew also were confronted on Wednesday in Cairo by protesters.

"An angry mob surrounded us and chased us into the car, shouting that they hate America," Amanpour said. "They kicked in the car doors and broke our windshield as we drove away."

Egyptian state television reported at least one death from Wednesday's protest, along with more than 400 people wounded. The clashes followed recent days of relatively calm protests in Egypt where anti-government demonstrators are calling for Mubarak to resign.

Mubarak, 82, declared on Tuesday that he would not stand in elections scheduled for September, but protesters continue to deride the president and demand that he step down immediately.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Why I Love Glee: 1 and 2

2011-01-25T21:06:00.004-07:00

Here is why:

And this too:

Worst Dressed - Golden Globes 2011

2011-01-24T22:26:00.006-07:00

There were MANY great dresses at the Golden Globes this year, so the worst dressed list was very easy to come up with. I have 8 ladies who unfortunately missed, and one who...well who the hell knows what she does. Let's get this party started.

NOT WORTH MENTIONING ON ANY LIST: Helena Bonham Carter.

I get it. You are in weird Tim Burton movies and you are weird and try to own it. Own it in a pretty way, please.

Back to the list....WORST DRESSED - Golden Globes 2011

8. January Jones

Umm...I see you brought your own Golden Globes to the party. I may have liked it without the whole boobs and cutout stuff, but I didn't. To damn slutty. Sorry January.

7. Christina Aguilera

Eww...she grosses me out. That's all I have to say about that.

6. Sandra Bullock

This is one that I was most disappointed in. Last year was so great and so sad for her. She had this time and this awards show to come out and look (in my opinion) devastatingly BEAUTIFUL. You didn't. The bangs? The weird ashes-of-roses pink? The weird draping by your belly? I am not mad at you Sandra, just disappointed.

5. Scarlett Johansson

This dress is the same color as your skin tone Scarlett, and I don't like it. I also don't like those granny sleeves (for lack of a better term). I also don't like you tat, but that's just me.

4. Leighton Meester

Let me admit something. I love Gossip Girl and I love Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. I have also enjoyed watching Leighton's fashion sense through the past couple of years. I detest this dress. It just is awful. Leighton is better than that.

3. Julianne Moore

This is another one where I just don't have words for how awful this is. The sleeve thing?

2. Michelle Williams

This dress is crazy weird and awful. The champagne color is awful. Just because it is champagne doesn't make it classy enough for an awards show. Flowers? Daisies? I was SICK when I saw this. Sick. Literally, dry-heaved.

1. Heidi Klum

Worst dressed, by far. Ugly hair, makeup and dress. What were you thinking Heidi? I have seen better shit than this from the designer who gets kicked off first on Project Runway each season. I HATE everything about it. I am not disappointed in you Heidi, I am mad.

You've Been to Snooze, Right?

2011-01-12T12:03:00.002-07:00

Because, that is our friend Marisha (in the middle), and she designed it. She also designed a lot of other really cool stuff. Check out this article HERE.

XAN Creative

Words: Kristin Mccartney Mann / Images: Crystal Allen

It’s a beautiful Saturday in downtown Denver. You’ve just enjoyed a late breakfast of sweet potato pancakes at Snooze. You decide to walk to a salon appointment at Crush and afterward sneak a view at the home listings at Kentwood City Properties. You’re heading back to your car when a vase in the window of Urban Lifestyle catches your eye. After what’s turned into an hour of impromptu strolling and shopping, a friend calls to see if you want to meet for an early dinner. You grab the Toscana at Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizzeria and then top off the night with a pint of Hercules IPA at Great Divide Brewery.

What one might not realize is that each of those spaces is a product of the team at Xan Creative. This small firm has been quietly adding its touch to the evolving face of LoDo (and beyond) for 10 years. Longer than that, actually. Xan owner/designer Melissa Friday and designer Marisha Farbotko met while working at a LoDo design/build firm in the mid-90s, where the duo worked on Vesta Dipping Grill. A couple of jobs and a leap of faith got the two started on their own in 2000.

Xan Creative has stayed busy since. If the name doesn’t sound familiar, don’t be surprised - the firm focuses its energy on promoting its clients’ efforts more than its own. Xan may have flown under your radar, but the upbeat, retro-mod atmosphere at Snooze most likely has not.

When you walk into the Xan office (appropriately situated in the heart of LoDo) be prepared to want to stay and hang out a while. Jaz, Xan’s resident dog, will greet you at the door with an enthusiastic welcome. Equally enthusiastic is the welcome one receives from Friday, Farbotko and Xan’s newest designer, Moe Elio. The small but electric space seems equally suited to marathon brainstorming sessions as it does to unwinding with a beer afterward. The relaxed yet productive vibe in the Xan office is a reflection of the firm’s motto: Have fun, get it done.

“Fun: It has everything to do with who I am, what I do, why I do it, how I do it - whether with my kids, my business, my clients - everything. It’s the core,” says Friday. “But I think that fun can be misinterpreted as ‘not serious.’ We definitely have the ability to get serious because we have the ability to get the job done. Having fun and getting it done - they can both happen simultaneously, believe it or not.”

So, take note. Just because they’re having fun doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly, nor does it mean that they don’t know how to get things built. “We’re not interior decorators,” points out Friday. “We spend every day dealing with plumbers and electricians and contractors of all sorts. It takes them a little while, but eventually they realize, ‘These girls know what they’re talking about.’ ”

“It’s been rewarding (working with Xan),” says Tom Cella of Spectrum General Contractors. “They’re a departure from the normal design groups that I deal with - architects and interior designers. They are very much hands-on and experienced in the world of real constructability, which is most helpful from a contractor’s point of view. They not only know what can be built, they also know how to build it.”

The company specializes in “space branding,” with the objective of creating an environment that unmistakably represents a client’s personal vision. The customization goes beyond a color palette or use of a particular material. Friday’s background in industrial design has played a huge role. Whereas other design firms might assemble spaces out of items from a catalog, Xan Creative often starts from scratch. “The custom elements give us the ability to create a space that’s truly unique to a business. If you’re going to spend money, do something that sets yourself apart,” says Friday.

All of Xan’s projects include custom-made pieces - furniture and fixtures - that can’t be found anywhere else, including other Xan projects. “With Snooze,” says Farbotko, “it was by no means a massive budget, but they love it because it’s unique to them. It’s something that nobody can go out and duplicate. Every couple months, we get phone calls from somebody who wants the ‘Snooze’ round booths and we tell them, ‘Nope. You can’t have it because it’s theirs. You can have something similar but not THAT booth.’ ”

Click to Enlarge:

“I researched them a while back when I kept going into Vesta and thinking how cool this place looks and how cool it looks now - fifteen years later,” says John Schlegel, owner of Snooze. “They were able to create that element of timeless … eye candy, almost.”

Xan’s creative involvement doesn’t end with the completion of a space. Clients seek advice on everything from menu design, glassware selections, t-shirt colors for the staff, even what color car to buy for themselves.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with them on the design of my personal residence and my office space,” says Dee Chirafisi of Kentwood City Properties. “Both experiences were very positive. The process of working with them is always delightful.”

“Anytime there’s anything even slightly creative related to the space, they call us,” says Friday. “It doesn’t mean it’s our responsibility, nor does it mean we get paid for it, but typically they run just about everything they can think of by us. We’re always good for an opinion.”

“Sometimes whether you want it or not!” jokes Farbotko.

“They’re really good project managers through the whole process, Schlegel says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to drag them around space to space when I had no money and no idea where Snooze was originally going to go. They just kept working with me and working with me and working with me - and we were finally able to find both the financial means and the space to make it happen, and they were the first people that we wanted to work with.”

In addition to having creative opinions, they have the knowledge and resources that come with experience. They can tell first-time restaurateurs how to go about obtaining a liquor license; they refer first-time business owners to the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

“A lot of our clients are small, first-time entrepreneurs,” says Farbotko. “They go into it completely blind: ‘I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m taking my life savings and throwing it out there and I’m trusting you with it.’” Adds Friday, “It’s important that they know that we’ve listened, we get it. Now go do the million things you have to do and let us do this. Not in a ‘stay out of it’ way, but in a ‘don’t worry’ way. We’ve got this.”

Click to Enlarge:

The Xan team takes pride in the role it plays in helping its clients achieve their hopes and dreams. “We always end up playing a much bigger role than what new clients might think, because we’ve been through it with so many others before,” says Friday. “Ultimately we’re just as invested in our clients’ projects as they are. If you like somebody, you care and you want to see them succeed.”

Xan Creative’s ‘above-and-beyond’ dedication to its clients’ successes has led to the creation of a Xan “extended family”’ of sorts. “If there’s something I’m most proud of after 10 years, it’s that none of our clients would think about going anywhere else,” says Friday.

“We do what we do because we love it. There’s nothing cooler than getting into these old buildings and tearing them apart, transforming the space and then standing there opening night of a restaurant and getting to see people experience the space. It’s totally why we do what we do.”

“They have a fun time with what they’re doing,” says Cella. “Restaurants have been some of our best projects because of the creative nature that goes into the environment of restaurants and such.”

The fact that they’re having a fabulous time along the way? That’s the icing on the cake. Or, rather, the syrup on the pancake.

Boy oh Boy oh Boy oh Boy

2011-01-05T11:05:00.002-07:00

I just realized I haven't done a post on the sex of these two little kicking babes in my tummy.

TWO BOYS!

So, I will be the one girl in the family with 3 little boys and a husband!

Girl time will be a must.

One of my Mom's good friends, who has three older boys herself, told me that I am lucky because they will love me so much and spoil the heck out of me. Here's hoping!

Just in case you want to see the proof:

20 Weeks Pregnant

2011-01-04T12:41:00.004-07:00

Here are some of the comments I have heard since returning from Christmas Break:

"OMG Mrs. Kearney! That looks like it hurts!"

"You really got big over break."

"You might want to ask your doctor to check you for twins!" Ummm...read your Memo lady.

The best thing for me about this 20 week photo is that my boobs look kind of small.

Brad is Back! Be still my heart....

2011-01-04T11:59:00.003-07:00

I was going to write a long post on my love of Brad the Bachelor and how he is back. However, I read an AWESOME BLOG, "If You Ask Me", that depicts the episode and my love of Brad in a much better way than I ever could.

So, thank you Audreya for putting in to words what I would have tried to do. My favorite part of the entire post is when she uses her "psychic prowess" to describe what Brad was thinking during the Rose Ceremony.

Check out her post HERE.

P.S. Don't kid yourselves. I read the spoilers about 20 minutes before the show started from Reality Steve. I still enjoyed every single minute of this episode.

Christmas Card 2010

2010-12-21T09:19:00.003-07:00

We had a small issue with our Christmas Card order. So...if you don't get one before Christmas, I am truly sorry, but it is coming.

If you can't wait until then...look to your right. -------->

Belly Update: Week 17

2010-12-14T08:34:00.003-07:00

Going to the doctor today to make sure everything is growing okay! I think it is (obviously).

Can you believe I have only gained 7 pounds? Eating is just not my favorite thing this pregnancy. Actually, strike that. Eating ice cream and cookies is just not my favorite thing this pregnancy. Compared to Cameron, I had gained about 15 by this point. Weird.

Miley Cyrus is Gross

2010-12-10T08:18:00.003-07:00

But...

The hair color she has is exactly what I want.

What do you think? Can I pull it off?

Something I am Still a Little Sad About

2010-12-09T07:40:00.002-07:00

Must get this off my chest.

I obviously had some pretty bad fertility problems. Not the worst of the worst, but enough for me to possibly need some therapy in the future. Anyways...

Rian and I found out we were pregnant on Day 9 after I had my "get pregnant" procedure. I just had a feeling and took a test. It was WAY early for us to find out, but we did, I went to the doctor and received some very high numbers (they are called Betas, which should double every 48 hours-ish in the first couple months). My betas were SO HIGH the first few times, we kind of had a feeling there was more than one. Possible more than two. My numbers were matching the numbers of triplets and quadruplets.

Then I felt some major cramping. My doc said just to come in and do a quick ultrasound even though I was less than a week away from my official 6 week ultrasound.

The cramping was from the stretching my uterus was already doing because I DEFINITELY had more than one baby in there. At 5weeks and 5 days pregnant, I had 3 babies in there. We couldn't see babies at that time, all you could see were gestational sacs, but there were three. They bumped back my ultrasound to 7 weeks since I had just seen them. Rian and I spent that week and a half in SHOCK. Three babies? OMG. We need a minivan. We need a nanny. I am going to have to go on bed rest at the hospital. What is Cameron's life going to be like? OMG.

At 7 weeks and 1 day pregnant, I went back. There were only two babies. One didn't make it. My doctor tried to make me feel better by saying that it very well could have been a shadow my uterus was making with their ultra-sensitive ultrasound machine, but I just KNOW it was a baby.

While I am ecstatic that I am having twins, and a little relieved that I won't have to be put on mandatory hospital bed rest (like they do with triplets), I am still sad that the third little babe didn't make it.

And...I keep seeing all those damn triplet commercials for the Nissan cars and the Chase Credit card. And the ones with the three cute little girls who all have their own personality but are triplets (I don't remember what company that is for).

Everyday I think about that little babe. But then I try to remember that it is not alone up there, it is up there with the other 2 little babes I lost. I have 3 in heaven now, and soon to be, three on earth. That helps to bring me some comfort every day.

Don't know what to get your wife/baby momma for Christmas?

2010-12-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Dads (or Moms who read this and then forward on to their husband),

I know what you can get your wife - from your child - that is special, easy, and can go on and on through many gift giving holidays.

A charm bracelet. Easy as that.

Start with Christmas and get the actual bracelet and just one charm. Then, as years go on, through Mother's Days, Birthdays and Christmas', your child can always just go and pick out a charm for Mommy and give it to her. It is seriously so easy.

Here is an example (I will use James Avery jewelry, however there are many more companies that sell charm bracelets. I like James Avery because they have an entire "Create Your Own Charm Bracelet" feature on their website):

Here is a nice starter bracelet to add charms to.

The medium twist bracelet in silver - $49.
Then add charms! Here are a few of my faves right now...

The jingle bell charm (for Christmas)
The Birthday Cupcake Charm
The ABC Apple Charm (I am a teacher)
The Popcorn Charm (I LOOOOVE going to the movies and eating popcorn for dinner with Rian)
The Peace Charm (because I love Peace signs and anything peace really)
The Initial J
The Baby Shoes Charm (you can get names and birthdays engraved on the bottom!)
The Flip Flop Charm (because it reminds me of summer and Mexico)

These are just a few I like, but really, if Cameron picks it out...I don't care what it looks like, I will love it!

Fingernails - Update #2

2010-12-06T22:29:00.002-07:00

Don't ask.

I will be starting all over again tomorrow. It was a rough week.

For Erin, my sis-in-law

2010-11-30T07:57:00.001-07:00

Need I say more?
We love you Jon Hamm.

Twin Picture #2

2010-11-29T13:57:00.002-07:00

Man. I look large today. But, in defense of myself, I am arching my back pretty bad in this picture.

Holiday Card Preview - 2010

2010-11-22T19:38:00.009-07:00

Every year I give a little Christmas card preview of the photos we may or may not use. This is year is extra special because I am also going to give you a preview of the ACTUAL Christmas card we are going to use!

Wonder why I am doing this? Because Shutterfly is awesome.

They are running a special promotion that allows bloggers to write up a little something, and you get free cards in return! Isn't that awesome? I think it is.

I use Shutterfly for everything picture related. I have this SITE where I post all of my photos for friends and family to see and order from if they so desire. I order my Christmas cards from them every year. I made a Guest Book for Brett and Kristi's wedding with pictures from their ENGAGEMENT SHOOT.

This year, when we got our PROFESSIONAL PICTURES, I knew I had to get some killer Christmas cards.

Here is my favorites from Shutterfly:

This is a good one to show off more than one picture from a set of pictures.

I like this one because of it's simplicity and beauty. You really can't get more beautiful at Christmas than snowflakes.

I love this one also because of it's simplicity but with the pizazz of the "sparkly" JOY. Perfect for one good picture.

I love the Christmas Light String. My first Christmas card picture was of Cameron with a string of lights. I like the colors of this one also.

Now...which picture(s) should I choose?

Black and white or color? Entire family or just Cameron? One picture or a lot of pictures? Help me decide!!!

P.S. If you are interested in getting your Holiday cards from Shutterfly, click HERE. Or if you want to check out their calendars, photo books or any other photo gifts, just click on the links!

P.P.S. I am definitely getting some of THESE!

Fingernails - Update #1

2010-11-22T09:18:00.005-07:00

I am doing alright with my quitting. The hard part is when they start growing a bit, they have really bad jagged edges. This is when I would naturally bite them right off. Just yesterday, I filed the jagged edges down. I am also dealing with the bad cuticles. You can probably see this in the picture with a sore on my ring finger. So disgusting. But, the good news is, looking at these pictures makes me want to vomit. So, I look at them everyday.

Start of Week 1.

Start of Week 3. Do you see the white at the edges?

My Christmas Wish List - 2010

2010-11-17T09:49:00.008-07:00

Rian asked me to do this for him, I happily obliged!

These are in no particular order, just things that I have been thinking that I would like.

1. Tiffany Peace Necklace
I have always loved all things Peace. Always. This is a new necklace, just released this year, and I love it. Find it HERE.
2. Amazon Gift Cards
Remember that I recently got the new Kindle? I did. It would be awesome to get some Amazon gift cards so that I could buy books electronically for free! Find gift cards HERE.
3. Kindle Cover
With the new Kindle still in mind, I need some sort of cover for it. You can get those many different places, Amazon being one of them. To find Kindle Covers, go HERE.
4. Sperry TopSider Leopard Print Loafers
I am having a bit of a shoe crisis at my house right now. My feet grew when I was pregnant with Cameron, and I think they are growing again. I went up a 1/2 size with Cameron and we'll see what happens this time around. So, right now I am a bit low on shoes. I ADORE these. Check them out HERE.
That is it! Can you believe it? Only 4 items!

Stay tuned for a play-by-play on what I plan on getting Cameron for Christmas and what I think Cameron should get me for Christmas.

Thank You PEOPLE...

2010-11-17T09:20:00.003-07:00

For doing this:

You are so hot Ryan Reynolds. So freaking hot.

Cameron's California Adventure

2010-11-15T08:22:00.009-07:00

Rian and I wanted to take Cameron on a last hurrah before his brothers or sisters come and also while I was still comfortable traveling. We were supposed to go a few weeks ago, but had to reschedule because of some work related stuff. So we went this past weekend.

WE HAD A BLAST!

I found myself teary eyed a few times because of the fact that Cameron was so excited and smiling and glad to see everything.

So, without further ado, our trip to California...in pictures.

Cameron got his very own seat on the airplane. He was so excited to see the trucks and other planes.

So excited in fact, that he fell asleep 10 minutes after the plane took off and didn't wake up until about 10 minutes before we landed.

We are finally at Disneyland! We are taking the shuttle to Downtown Disney to get some dinner and explore. Cameron loved riding the buses almost more than he enjoyed the rides at Disneyland.

Waiting in line for dinner. Just chillin' with his hands in his pockets.

We ate dinner at a Mexican Restaurant located in Downtown Disney. They had a balloon artist and Cameron requested a shark. Funny story: On the way out of the restaurant, there was a group of 20-something year old girls. Cameron is carrying his shark, he walks by them, sees a girl and pretends the shark is biting her. He shoves the shark into her boobs and growls at her. Hilarious. The girls at the table all got a good laugh and of course told us how cute Cameron is. Mission accomplished.

Do you think we wore our little guy out? Airplane, bus, Downtown Disney, hitting on chicks, dinner = tired babe.

Most of the rides wouldn't allow photography during the ride. So a lot of our pictures are from waiting in line. This was our very first ride, "Pirates of the Carribean." Cameron was a tiny bit scared going down the little hills on the boat, but all of the characters and other stuff, he was just fine. If you were on our boat, you would of heard things like, "Oooohhh, look at that cute puppy." "Wow! Treasure!" "I don't want to get wet Mommy."

Being the boy he is, Cameron was more interested in the flying spaceships instead of the flying Dumbo ride. Daddy took him on this one while I put my feet up and rested a while.

Mommy and Cameron on one of Cameron's potential "favorites" for the day. He LOVED the carousel and cried when we had to get off. The other big favorite: The Jungle Cruise. The only ride that we actually rode twice that day.

Mommy and Cameron after "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!"

Did I mention that the day we were there was the first day of Disney Christmas? It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The entire park was decorated in Christmas decorations. It was the first day of the Christmas parade. There was a giant Christmas tree. Above is Sleeping Beauty's castle. Do you see the snow on it? That was the first day! At 5:30 when it got dark, they did a lighting of the castle and made it snow in Disneyland! THEY MADE IT SNOW! The castle was lit up with millions of icicle lights.

One of the trees that I got a picture of in the park.

Disneyland all day. Drive to Oceanside right afterwards (about an hour and a half). What a trooper. He fell asleep in this position and didn't wake up when we changed his diaper, shirt or pants. He slept like a little rock. So did Rian and I.

Day 2. Sea World. We also ate lunch at In N' Out Burger before heading there...delicious as usual. We hit up Sea World and it was far from crowded. We felt like no one was there compared to Disneyland the day before. Here is Daddy and Cameron touching starfish!

Cameron waiting to see the Shamu show. We got there a bit early and were watching them play. There were 2 babies and 3 larger ones. You should have seen the babies playing. Jumping all over the place and entertaining us! Isn't Cameron's new Lighting McQueen hat from Disneyland cute? He has barely taken it off even to sleep the past four days.

Daddy and Cameron watching the Shamu show. They both thought it was hysterical when Shamu splashed everyone in the first few rows.

Shamu.

Daddy and Cameron after the show checking out Shamu up close.

Cameron loves sharks. He was very interested in this one.

The brand new dolphin show at Sea World. Pretty awesome. A bunch of dolphins, divers and crazy tricks!

When we were leaving Sea World, we saw these two people taking pictures of each other by their cars. We thought it was kind of funny, so we did the same. It was a beautiful view and sunset in the background, but there were a lot of cars too. Rian is obviously trying to be a serious model in this picture.

And last but not least...the view from our hotel in Oceanside. This was right across the street from us.

We had a glorious time in California. Now it is time for us to focus on getting ready for these twins.

Ride 'em Cowboy!

2010-11-10T08:58:00.002-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch back in October. It was really fun. They had the "barrel train" ride that Cameron was pumped for. However, he was a little nervous to do it on his own, so I squished in there with him.

I have never laughed so hard.

He was yelling things like, "Wooooooooo," "Ride 'em Cowboy," "This is Awesome" and "Hi Ducks and Goats!" We were having a blast.

Can you tell by the picture?

A Letter to Me About my Fingernails

2010-11-08T07:44:00.003-07:00

(Has anyone seen those creepy commercials where people are writing letters to themselves about quitting smoking or drinking? I am putting myself in that creepy category with this letter to me.)

Dear Me,

It's time to stop the gross, disgusting madness of biting your nails. You have done it your whole life. If you quit now, by the time you are 62, you will have bitten your nails for half of your life. Gross. You have the tools to stop (Anti-Nail Biting Cream ordered from some shady website online). You know you can do it (you have done it for a few months at a time here and there over the course of your life). When students tell you how disgusting your fingers look, it's time. When your husband looks at you like he is going to vomit while you are biting them, it's time.

So, you are going to post pictures of your nails on this blog starting with once a week until you have quit. Week 1 is going to be awful, especially if a lot of people look at this post. They are seriously in the pits of despair and look like vomit.

Good Luck.

Love, Me

Week 1:

1st Picture of Twins (in my belly)

2010-11-05T07:57:00.002-06:00

It has been a rough week for me! Last Saturday, Rian and I went to a Halloween party and had a blast for it not necessarily being our favorite holiday to celebrate. We danced, danced, danced. And I paid for it. At about midnight, I hit a wall, or, the wall hit me square in the face. We went home immediately and I went straight to bed.

I didn't get out of bed ALL DAY Sunday. I felt like crap. Exhausted, my back was hurting, I was cramping, I had a headache. Basically, I felt like I had a horrible hangover with cramps on top of it.

I have a pretty good schedule at work and the next morning, I only had to teach during first period. I came home immediately after that and went back to bed. I decided in the wee hours of Tuesday to call in sick. That day I went and saw my doctor.

Everything is great with the babes and my body is really just feeling the effects of ligament and uterus stretching. It hurts. Today is the first day that I am not feeling any cramping (yet).

I need to stay positive and just realize that realistically, this will probably be the last time that I am pregnant. I need to enjoy the ride. This week was tough and I am sure there will be more tough weeks, but, I am getting to little babies for it in the end. Worth it? TOTALLY.

Guess who is going to DISNEYLAND?

2010-10-14T12:08:00.005-06:00

WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are going over Fall Break next Saturday and I cannot wait!

Here is the amazing reason we get to go:

Rian's parents got a free trip with their time share. It was at certain locations within the lower 48 states. They transferred it to us and all we had to do was pay $100 to reserve it!
THAT IS A FREE HOTEL ROOM!
This summer Rian and I went to St. Louis. On the way back, Southwest overbooked the flight. They made an announcement that they would hook you up with some stuff if you offered to take the later flight. I knew immediately that we could do it. Rian's parents were watching Cameron and we weren't going to get him until the next day anyways. I had heard or read somewhere that if you wait 3 times for them to announce and get people to take their bait, it get's sweeter. It sure did. Rian and I each got more than $500 worth of vouchers that we could use or transfer to someone else.
THAT IS A FREE FLIGHT FOR ALL OF US!
Rian travels a lot. When he travels he uses the same rental car company. He racked up so many miles this year, that he has tons of free rentals.
THAT IS A FREE RENTAL CAR!

So, we are going to Cali for free! We can't wait, and we are already trying to talk up all of the rides that Disneyland has to offer to Cameron. He doesn't quite get it, but I think he is going to love it when we get there!

What's Going to Happen?

2010-10-04T13:37:00.006-06:00

Cameron is doing and saying some of the funniest things lately! I write them down in a journal/baby book, but I thought some others might be interested too!

Cameron HATED wearing anything on his head until about a month ago. Somehow, I convinced him that if he wore a hat, the sun would stay out of his eyes. This did the trick, and now almost every day for an entire month, he has worn a hat. This includes his CSU Ram hat, his Disney Squirt hat and a silly straw hat. He loves wearing them so much, he even wore the hat to take a nap in the other day. He will wear it backwards or forwards and it is so cute. He loves it so much that he even had to wear it to his uncle and (now) auntie's wedding rehearsal. I was terrified I wasn't going to get him down the aisle on wedding day without wearing one.

Cameron making a silly face while wearing his Squirt hat.
Cameron at the rehearsal dinner. I tried to class it up with some linen pants.

When Cameron and I get home from work/school/daycare everyday, we walk in and immediately let the dogs out to go potty. Apparently, I was calling Macy "Honey" a lot. One day, we walk in and Cameron says, "Go outside Honey!" For the rest of the day he called Macy Honey and he still does it occasionally.
He is TALL and has BIG feet. He almost wears a size 9 in shoes and on his 2nd Birthday he was 36 inches tall!
Cameron growls, screams, hoots, hollers, etc. Whatever noise an animal makes, Cameron likes to pretend he is that animal too and will make the noises.
He loves to play outside. One of his favorite weekend pastimes is picking up dog poo with his Daddy. Rian and I are not sure where he got that from, because neither of us like to pick up dog poo.

Cameron playing with his Daddy outside by the Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat this summer!

He loves going to the zoo which is great because Rian's parents got us a membership for Cameron's birthday. We have it really timed out well so that we get to see the seal show and then go watch the Lions eat their lunch. Cameron grows at them to try to get their attention.

Cameron pointing to the Seals at the zoo with his cousin Noah.

He loves babies. He loves to see real babies, he loves to play with his baby doll, he loves anything that has to do with him. His latest thing is getting his baby doll "Baby Kearney" and putting it to sleep on the pillow and covering it up with a KiKi so it doesn't get cold. He also thinks it is too funny when Rian or I cuddle with Baby Kearney.

Cameron playing with Baby Paul. We now refer to every baby we see as "Baby Paul".

Cameron likes to dance! When he hears a beat he likes, he either starts jumping around or dancing. One of his and Daddy's favorite songs to dance to is Memories by David Guetta. This happened last night. The song came on, Cameron yelled "Yay!" and then said, "Shake your butt Mommy!" So cute.
If we are watching Cars or Princess and the Frog for the 5 millionth time, Cameron will walk up to you and breathlessly whisper "What's going to happen?"
My little dude still loves to cuddle with his Mommy and Daddy. You can tell when he is getting tired, because sometimes he will just come up to you with KiKi and sit in your lap, or he will ask. Or, he will ask if you want to lay down on the couch or in bed with him. It is very hard to say no to a little guy asking to cuddle with his Mommy or Daddy.

Cameron cuddling with Daddy after a long day.

He sings along with us! He knows a few songs, so he tries to sing along with us. There is nothing more precious than hearing a little, sweet voice coming out of the backseat singing the "Elephant Song" with us.

Changes

2010-09-29T10:55:00.001-06:00

There are going to be some big changes around these parts in the next few weeks or so. If you have been mad at me for not blogging, get ready, because I am full of topics to write about. Full!

13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

2010-09-08T14:05:00.001-06:00

LOVE THIS:

A look inside a teacher's mind could help you understand lesson plans and maybe even guide your child to perform better.

1. If we teach small children, don’t tell us that our jobs are “so cute” and that you wish you could glue and color all day long.

2. I’m not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let’s stick to Dakota’s progress, not how your husband won’t help you around the house.

© iStockphoto / Thinkstock

3. We’re sick of standardized testing and having to “teach to the test.”

4. Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don’t know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it.

5. When I hear a loud belch, I remember that a student’s manners are a reflection of his parents’.

6. Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others.

7. Please help us by turning off the texting feature on your child’s phone during school hours.

8. Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year.

9. We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.

10. Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy.

11. Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A thank-you note: even better.

12. We love snow days and three-day weekends as much as your kid does.

13. The students we remember are happy, respectful, and good-hearted, not necessarily the ones with the highest grades.

Sources: American Federation of Teachers; interviews with elementary and middle school teachers in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.

Etsy Love: Treasure Again

2010-08-25T09:24:00.002-06:00

Everyone knows I love Ball Mason Jars. Check out THIS shop on Etsy! Isn't the picture below beautiful? If I could redo my wedding, I would definitely use all of her stuff!

Etsy Love: Leen the Graphics Queen

2010-08-08T21:15:00.002-06:00

Check out THIS Etsy page for decals!

I am Going to Make This...

2010-08-01T21:36:00.002-06:00

I am a bridesmaid in Brett and Kristi's wedding in a few weeks. I am going to make one of those pretty ribbon, "jewely" headbands. I got navy ribbon to match my dress and diamond, button-like jewels. Here is a picture of something like what I am going to make. It is kind of a creepy picture, but it shows that I want to tie the ribbon like that at the bottom, and it isn't going to have to many jewels.

Weiner Dog Festival

2010-07-27T11:16:00.007-06:00

The really cool thing about Canon City (where Rian is from) is that over the summer they have tons of festival type things. We went to one in June called the "Smoke Out Festival." I like to refer to it as The Weiner Dog Festival though because the best part of the whole weekend is the weiner dog races and costume contest!

We got to take my nephew Noah with us and even though it rained the ENTIRE time, we had a blast! Our main goal was to wear the HECK out of our two little boys and judging by the pictorial evidence, I think it worked! Check out the pictures.

On our way to Canon, wearing matching sunglasses and CSU Rams jerseys!
Yep, they have matching rain coats!

Getting ready to bounce on the very wet bounce house.

Touch the sky!

Eating hot dogs on a stick. Big hit for the night.

Look at those curls from all the rain and humidity!

Noah always trying to make people smile and laugh.

Back home and ready to get in the hot tub. Must get some good piano playing in first.

Cameron and Noah shared an air mattress bed that night. Out like lights within 5 minutes or less!

The next morning, out on a nature walk with Daddy and Papa John.

Starting to get tired, cuddling with Nana.

On our way home, we made it 10 minutes out of Canon when I took this picture.

My Baby is 2!

2010-07-26T21:24:00.007-06:00

I totally understand I am behind. I have had a busy summer.

Cameron turned 2 on June 28th this year and we had a BLAST!

Rian and I took Cameron to the Denver Aquarium late morning.

He loved looking at the "Nemo" fish, but the biggest hit of the day was definitely the sharks!

We then came home and took a little nap before the "big party" that night. The party consisted of going to my parents house and opening presents.

Eating spaghetti (Cameron requested sketti)

Then going on a long golf cart ride with Noah and the balloons!
After the golf cart rides, we had birthday cake. (Noah got a little jealous of the singing and candles, so we lit him some candles and sang "For he's a jolly good fellow." It was perfect. I recommend that to anyone who is having a birthday party with other little kids present!)

Then we ran through the sprinklers with no pants on!
Is there any better way to spend your 2nd Birthday? No way, this was the best!

Tears (and tears, and tears, and tears) of JOY.

2010-07-05T10:38:00.003-06:00

Here is a teaser picture from our recent family photo session.

To see more click HERE. Then follow Julie Harris' blog, she is a creative GENIUS.

Hug Time

2010-06-16T20:37:00.002-06:00

Cameron's favorite book is Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell.

Click HERE to hear someone actually reading Cameron's favorite book!

I have a Really Good Looking Family

2010-06-04T21:12:00.002-06:00

Check out my soon-to-be brother and sister-in-laws engagement photos HERE!

Aren't they awesome? I am SOOOOOOO jealous. My engagement photos aren't nearly as beautiful and artistic.

They are awesome Kristi and Brett! Can't wait for August 21st!

We are Getting Family Pics

2010-06-01T17:31:00.002-06:00

We are getting family pictures for Cameron's 2 year Birthday! We are getting them done by a total professional and I am over the top excited. I already have our outfits picked out...but I am still worried about my semi-short hair. Therefore, I have been looking through pictures trying to find out what I want. Do you like this style? Kind of pretty/hip. Kaytie - Can you do this?

Etsy Love: Ball Jar ANYTHING

2010-06-01T12:05:00.001-06:00

Check out these Ball Jar Lanterns as centerpeices. I am emailing Kristi and Brett right now just in case they don't have centerpieces nailed down yet.

Guess What I Got Today?

2010-05-25T14:19:00.003-06:00

I have been searching high and low for the perfect photo albums to put all of our pictures in from the past 5 years. I wanted something uniform that I could hopefully just keep going for years to come. I found them today on a whim!

Pebble Photo Album from Crate and Barrell

I bought 5. I am considering buying 5 more next month just in case they are discontinued in the future so that I have them.

I also got THIS! Remember how I wanted this for Mother's Day? Well, I just bought one today!

Etsy Love of the Week: Retrofied

2010-05-24T11:40:00.003-06:00

Retrofied - Cute bags, laptop cases, etc. Check it out!

Cute Etsy Shop

2010-05-14T09:08:00.001-06:00

Check out Volume 25 on Etsy. So cute!

I bought this today!

My Sick Little Babe

2010-05-12T21:55:00.004-06:00

Cameron taking a nap in the big boy bed. The only way he was able to be consoled at the time.

Last week was awful for Cameron. He had double ear infections that were causing vomiting and really high fevers. He went to the doctor last Monday and got some antibiotics. On Thursday, he was still not doing better at all. In fact, he was crying about every ten minutes grabbing his ears and was still running a high fever. He also had ate nothing all day and had only had 2 wet diapers. At about 8:00pm Thursday night, Rian and I couldn't take it anymore. He was inconsolable, in pain and had a fever. We decided that we couldn't wait for the doctor in the morning, so we took him to the Emergency Room at the Children's Hospital at Parker.

It was so sad. The nurses had to literally pry his mouth open to check his throat, give him a strep test, force fluids down his throat and give him medicine. Awful. I cried. Multiple times. He didn't have strep thankfully, but he did need a new antibiotic because the first one wasn't doing the trick. He also got some numbing drops for his ears to help him get a bit of uninterrupted painful sleep.

We finally got to go home about 11:30pm. The next day he did a bit better and has been feeling a bit better ever since. However, it was one hard week for all of us. We are still trying to catch up on sleep.

At the hospital reading "Hug Time." Cameron's favorite book.

Amazing Quote!

2010-05-12T16:29:00.001-06:00

I read this on another blog today and had to post it here so I will remember it!

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” -Anonymous

So true!

Katie Holmes has done it again

2010-05-10T09:13:00.005-06:00

I wish that Katie Holmes hairstylist was mine for all time. I love every hairstyle she has had since her and Tom got together. I saw this picture this morning. She is on the left, it is from an article about how she will be playing Jackie Onassis in a future film. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her hair in this picture. I think my hair is almost long enough to pull this off! YAY!

The Stilletto Award

2010-05-03T11:12:00.002-06:00

My friend Elaine at FIRST BABY BUMP nominated me for my very first blogging award! I got so excited that it has pushed me into actually doing a better job of blogging! Thank you Elaine! Check it out!

What is a Stiletto Award???

There are thousands of blogs, and there are hundreds of awards. The Stiletto Award is a little different than most!
The Stiletto Award Is For Excellence in Blogging!
I want to salute the women who balance life, family & relationships with style & class! Those women who share their experiences with us…who encourage us, inspire us, teach us, make us laugh and basically keep us going! You know who they are! While you read this blog, your family is looking at you wondering what the heck you are laughing about so hard…or why the tissue is necessary for internet browsing. It’s the one that the kids are excited about cuz a new post means a new craft project or family outing. The one that inspires you to be a better mom, friend, person in general. The one that reminds you that we are all “in this life together” and you’re not the only one going through the hard stuff. The one that you secretly wish your blog was like…

If you’ve received this award, someone out there thinks you deserve it! Be proud! Display the badge with honor! You earned it…after all it means that you brought something special to at least one other person, and really, isn’t that what life’s all about????
THE RULES!
This blog is meant to be shared, to be given out, to be bestowed upon any and ALL women who exemplify what the stiletto represents. If you’ve received this award, here’s what you do:
1. Display your Stiletto Badge of Honor on your sidebar! Wear it with pride!

2. BRAG ABOUT IT
3. SAY THANKS
4. SHARE THE LOVE
5. DO WHAT YOU DO...keep at it. Keep inspiring and encouraging and sharing your life! We love it and we thank you!!!

Mother's Day

2010-05-02T21:06:00.006-06:00

This is a test. This blog owner will now be performing a test to see if her husband even reads her blog.

A friend of a friend at THE BJORN IDENTITY did a post on what she wished for Mother's Day. Here is my wish list. I definitely don't need all of them, one or two would be great though!

1. The Picture Keeper. Our computer is getting old. I am constantly worried that I am going to lose all of my memories. The Picture Keeper plugs right into the USB and finds the pictures and can save them to it. I must get one of these soon. I am thinking about getting one per year that I have digital pictures saved (I think since 2005).

2. The Tiffany Key. I am a sucker for romance and I think that the idea behind the Tiffany Key is so romantic! Your husband giving you the key to his heart? Isn't that a beautiful, loving thought? I even like the one with the heart (even though I usually hate heart shaped necklaces). Also check out Blair wearing a Tiffany Key on one of my fave's, Gossip Girl.
3. iPad. Remember that our computer is old? It is about to kick the dust. All I really need in a computer is pictures, email and some basic word processing. I think the iPad is for me!
4. Fleur de Lys Barware. I love, love, love, love, love, love, love these barware sets! I love all the four colors-blue, pink, green and clear. I am pretty sure that I am going to tell Rian as soon as I am done with this post, that if he doesn't plan on getting me these for Mother's Day, then I am going to go buy them for myself tomorrow! Only $11.96 for a set of 4! A MUST HAVE!

eReaders

2010-04-30T11:07:00.001-06:00

I am SERIOUSLY debating getting a Nook or Kindle. I like that you can get books cheaper, read them right away and read a bunch of books without having to lug them all around.

However, I am not sure that I want to give up buying a nice book and cracking it open and being able to "love on it."

What do you think?

I Must Admit

2010-04-29T20:43:00.002-06:00

I was addicted to Farmville. Bad. I know it sounds weird, lame, stupid, whatever you want to think. But, I love playing it. I don't have to think about anything else.

However, I was really addicted. There were points on certain weekends that I made Rian and Cameron wait to go places or make them come home early so that I could farm. So I decided to take off the entire month of April from farming to see if I could do it. I did.

Now, I think that I am going to quit for good. During my month off, I finished crocheting two blankets, read a few books, and had more time for Rian.

Now, I just need to make myself quit getting the updates. I am still working up some courage for that.

Finally!

2010-04-20T10:29:00.002-06:00

Two years after painting the master bedroom a lovely shade of blue, I have finally found bedding that goes amazingly with it! Guess from where? TARGET OF COURSE!

It is a beautiful neutral tan with just the slightest amount of bluish/gray just like our walls.
You can't really see the blue in the picture, but it is there, just subtle.

I love it!

Baby Boy Vaughn

2010-04-19T14:40:00.003-06:00

Paul Ryan Vaughn was born on Friday April 16th to my friend's Elaine and Ryan! Isn't he so cute?

I haven't seen him yet because Cameron has a runny nose (not sure if it is allergies or a cold yet), but I don't want to freak out the new parents. Someone did that to us when Cameron was a babe and they brought their kid to visit. I knew he was teething, but it totally freaked me out at the time, and I don't want to do that to someone else. So...we will be patiently waiting to see this sweet little guy!

Time Out

2010-04-06T08:16:00.004-06:00

While Cameron is a good baby 95% of the time, he has been starting to throw a few temper tantrums. Usually it is because we are not giving him what he wants and he gets mad and starts screaming, crying and hitting. So, I put him in time out. I said loudly, "You are going to time out." Then I sit him on the bottom stair and walk away. It worked pretty effectively. It still works effectively, but...

This is a picture of Cameron getting mad at his Daddy before leaving for daycare in the morning. He is pointing at Rian and telling him NO!

Last night he started to throw a small tantrum and I said, "Do you need to go to time out?" He said yes, grabbed his KiKi and walked over to the stairs and sat on them himself. He also waited until I came over to get up. It was so cute and sad at the same time.

It got me thinking about something I read about just having a "cool down" spot for kids because that is what they need MOST of the time and time outs should be reserved for only when the child behaves badly.

So, am I doing this right? Should I let him still just walk himself to time out? Should I let him take his KiKi when he is kind of in trouble? What do I need to be giving time outs for?

I hate punishing my baby, so to lighten up the mood, here are a few recent pictures.

Eating spaghetti or "sketti".
Enjoying warm weather with the window rolled down in the car.
Kickin' it at the park.
So cute.

Spring Break 2010: Day 4

2010-04-01T14:45:00.002-06:00

Rian took the day off!
Doctor's appointment at 8:00am.
Took Cameron to gymnastics and had some serious playtime.
Chipotle for lunch.
Afternoon of watching DVR'd shows (Parenthood, Gangland)

Spring Break 2010: Day 3

2010-04-01T14:43:00.002-06:00

Slept in!
Met my Mom and a few of her friends for lunch at Olive Garden.
Rian got home!
Went and got measured for my bridesmaid dress for Brett and Kristi's wedding.
Hung out together all night!

Spring Break 2010: Day 2

2010-03-30T12:53:00.002-06:00

1. Slept in a little bit.
2. Went shopping with my Mom. Got a dress for Erin's wedding and an Easter/Wedding outfit for Cameron.
3. Went to Chili's for lunch.
4. Crocheted while Cameron napped.
5. Walked up to the park with Cameron and played on the slides and swings for a while.
6. Watched some Yo Gabba Gabba and then the babe took another nap! (I think it was the wind at the park combined with us walking there.)
7. Ate chips and salsa for dinner.
8. Gave the babe a bath.
9. Watched Biggest Loser and American Idol minus commercials!

Spring Break 2010: Day 1

2010-03-29T17:19:00.004-06:00

1. Slept in.
2. Watched Aladdin with the babe.

3. Went and got my hair done.
4. Ate milk and cookies.
5. Watched Enews.
6. Got Tokyo Joes To-Go.
7. Ate while watching Dancing with the Stars
8. Watched Jungle Book with Cameron until 9:45. (I let him stay up late and watch a movie...it was a blast.)

Not done yet...to be continued!

I Want These

2010-03-22T12:49:00.003-06:00

Aren't these cute?

I might get them for my 4 year Anniversary. They have flowers on them. The traditional gift for 4 year anniversary is flowers and fruit. Can you think of anything that is not OVER-THE-TOP lame to get your husband that incorporates fruit and flowers? I can't and he can't think of anything for me. So, we are going to forgo presents this year and go to a really nice dinner and I am going to eat a fruity dessert or drink a fruity cocktail.

I think next year's Traditional gift is wood. I can hear the jokes starting already :-)

Sleepy Time Items

2010-03-15T08:21:00.004-06:00

Cameron is so cute.

His new "thing" is to take a new item with him when he goes to bed every night. In the past, it has usually been a stuffed animal. However over the past two weeks or so it has changed to a bunch of different things. Here are a few sleepy time items so far:

basketball
the farmer from his Fischer Price farm (a small plastic guy)
the St. Patrick's Day card that Elaine sent in the mail to him - cute side story on that one. I gave it to him in the car to open. He proceeded to open it and pulled out the card and yelled, "Oh awesome!" Isn't that so cute? He then wanted to take it with him when he went to bed that night.
Books (see picture evidence from last night below)

Disney on Ice!

2010-03-11T22:07:00.002-07:00

Cameron got to go to Disney on Ice today with daycare! Can you believe that? We even had to pack a little sack lunch for him, which was so cute but made me sad that he is growing up.

Mrs. Dawn said he was enthralled and just loved it. He was cheering and clapping and dancing! He did get a little scared when the big whale from Pinocchio came out because it was loud and shook his chair a little. He was in the front row after all!

I don't blame you for being scared little guy, I am an adult and that movie kind of scares me a bit as well.

Vaccinations

2010-03-11T14:29:00.002-07:00

I know this is a topic under fire, however Cameron has all of his and got them regularly. Including the Flu shot and H1N1. I work with a bunch of dirty, gross, sick children. Of which, 8 have had H1N1! 8 STUDENTS IN MY CLASS! I am not going down with that yucky sickness, and I am not letting my family go down with it either.

Here is a post my friend BECKY wrote about the topic. I couldn't agree more. In fact, I wrote an open letter to the person that she is referring to in this blog post. Here is a copy of it, (with names changed for protection) for your enjoyment:

Open letter to Amy:
Well, I hope your kid doesn't get measles and die someday. Or pass it on to a bunch of kids and then it mutates and kills even more people including all of the children

Also Amy, remember when you stabbed your leg because Kevin Arnold dumped you? I do. I bet you were glad you got that tetanus shot because you used a dirty knife to stab your leg.

Regards, Jennifer

Tales from Daycare

2010-03-10T10:14:00.003-07:00

I was a little worried about Cameron this morning because I didn't think he was feeling well. Here is an email I just got from Mrs. Dawn:

He is just fine. Was smiling about 3 minutes after you left. We are getting ready to play in shaving cream-- a little tactile stimulation today---fun, fun!! No fever and seems to be feeling okay. I've added Cameron on the 25th and yes you can just add that to your next payment. Have a splendid day!! D

Flying Somewhere?

2010-03-10T09:15:00.002-07:00

If you are going to buy plane tickets anytime soon, buy them on Tuesday afternoon. I have heard this rumor plenty of times, but...it is true.

I am taking 7 kids to Louisville, Kentucky for DECA Nationals this year. Our conference is the week before the Kentucky Derby. Plane tickets are off the charts expensive. I have been looking for about a week and a half trying to get the lowest price for me and my students. They have been ranging anywhere between $350-500 to fly in to Cincinnati (the next closest airport to Louisville. It is about an hour and 15 minute drive). To fly directly into Louisville, it was even more expensive. So yesterday, I planned on buying their flights for about $350 with one stop in Chicago on the way to Cincy. I knew I needed to buy them tomorrow night at the latest. So I decided to wait until 2:30 and recheck the prices. Remember, they were $350 with a stop at about 9:00am yesterday morning.

I login at 2:30 yesterday afternoon. $242 for a NON-STOP FLIGHT TO CINCY! Can you believe that? It is true, they drop the prices on Tuesday afternoons! Also, I rechecked this morning, and the prices went back up.

My recommendation: BUY AIRLINE TICKETS ON TUESDAY AT 2:30PM MOUNTAIN TIME.

Oooh Betty

2010-03-05T22:03:00.007-07:00

Rian and I have recently taken up watching MadMen. It is so so so good. One of the best parts of the show is just seeing what Betty Draper will be wearing.

She has had some good days in fashion:

However, as I was watching Season 2 (Episode 7: The Gold Violin) tonight, I gasped when I saw how gorgeous she looked. The color on TV was a little more "icy" than what is pictured here. Beautiful.

This is a Cute Article

2010-03-02T15:07:00.002-07:00

CHEAP FUN FOR KIDS

It doesn't take much to thrill a kid. In fact, it's often the "small stuff" that makes for the most meaningful childhood memories: your mom pulling off the road to let you climb a tree, being allowed to jump on a hotel bed, splashing wildly in mud puddles in the rain… The best part? Many of these kid-charmers are low-cost or even free.

In that spirit, here's a collection of simple, cheap, memory-making activities that are sure to be a bright spot in your child's day – and yours!

5 cheap and fun baby activities

Let 'er rip

Maybe it's that pleasing shredding sound or maybe it's the satisfaction of making a permanent change in something, but babies love to tear up paper. So plunder your recycling box for magazines or junk mail – when you see that gappy smile on your baby's face as she gets to work, you won't even mind the mess.

Dog days

You could take your baby to the zoo, but don't be surprised if he falls fast asleep – or favors the water fountain over the orangutans. Instead, try a park where he can see dogs playing. It's a lot less overwhelming and every bit as exciting, plus it doesn't cost a penny. Just be sure to practice good doggy-and-child safety habits. You might want to carry your baby in your arms or a baby carrier to make sure he's safe when watching and petting the pups (with permission, of course).

Flashlight games

Turn off the lights, close the blinds, grab a flashlight, and lie back on the floor for a rockin' light show with your little one. Dance the light beam along the ceiling and walls as your baby stares in delight. An older baby might like to try holding the flashlight herself (though you shouldn't be surprised if all she does is gum it). Just don't let her shine it directly in her eyes – or, for that matter, in yours.

Dining out

For a change of pace, set up your baby's highchair in the backyard or out on the front stoop and, between bites, let him fling the food wherever he likes. He'll feel like he's won the lottery! A bit short in the yard department? No worries – bring a booster chair to the park and set it right on the grass. Throw in some bubbles and you've got a perfect recipe for a fun-filled morning.

Go clubbing

In your living room, that is. Turn on your favorite music and dance with your baby in your arms. She'll be in seventh heaven – after all, she'll be enjoying three of her favorite things in the world simultaneously: music, bouncing, and closeness to you.

5 cheap and fun toddler activities

Hop a freight

Toddlers love transportation, especially if it's a departure from the same-old-same-old car seat. Check out your local airport or hospital – many have a free shuttle or tram that you can ride as often as your little one's heart desires. If you don't usually travel by bus, check your local bus system and take a spin around town, enjoying things from a thrilling new vantage point.

Play dough

Borrow a tip from kid-friendly restaurants and let your toddler play with a gratifying hunk of pizza dough. Not too sticky and not too runny, it's the perfect consistency for little fingers. Get some from your local grocery store or pizza parlor or mix up your own. A rolling pin is the icing on the cake for this activity (or, shall we say, the cheese on the pie). If you're feeling motivated, you can bake a pizza with the rest of the dough while your child plays with his portion. Otherwise, simply freeze or refrigerate the rest for future playtime.

Fancy wrappings

If you've ever watched a toddler open a present, you know that she's likely to ignore what's inside and focus all her attention on the box, wrapping paper, and ribbon. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Wrap up something small, such as a pretty postcard or a toy you already own. Make sure to use lots of ribbon and paper (Sunday comics work great). Present it to her with a flourish.

It's a plane!

Check with your local airport to see whether it has an observation tower – or a room with huge windows where your toddler can watch planes take off and land. Bring along some lunch and enjoy the show.

Baker's man

While your toddler isn't yet old enough to wield an electric mixer or flour sifter, he may be ready to be put in charge of the cookie-sprinkle department. So bake up a batch of cookies (you can even buy pre-made dough) and let him go nuts with a container of sprinkles. You'll probably end up with several bare cookies and a few heavily sprinkled ones. Don't forget to take a picture!

5 cheap and fun preschooler activities

Bathing in the pink

Or the green, or the blue… A few drops of food coloring can go a long way toward making bath time something special. It's especially fun to mix a couple of primary colors together, such as blue and red to make purple. And no, your child won't emerge from his bath looking like a grape – a few drops of food coloring diluted in a tub of water won't dye your child's skin.

Time travel

You know those old photographs of your own third birthday party or your ninth-grade dance? Dig them out and snuggle with your preschooler for a trip down memory lane. Wedding videos work well too! Of course, she'll also enjoy seeing pictures and videos of herself when she was "little." So break out the snacks and make an evening of it.

Ravishing radishes

When it comes to instant gardening gratification, radishes are the way to go – they pop up in a matter of weeks! After winter's last frost, take your preschooler to the gardening store and let him pick out the package of seeds with the picture he likes best. (It'll cost just a few dollars.) At home, find a sunny patch of yard and have your child plant the seeds directly in the ground or in a small planter. You can even grow radishes inside in a container set in a sunny south-facing window. Your little gardener will love digging a hole, sprinkling in the seeds, and covering them up. The fun continues as he gets to water the radishes and watch them grow.

Monochrome meal

We grown-ups like a little variety in our meals – but kids, who often love uniformity, get a kick out of having a special dinner in which everything is the same color. So serve up a meal that's entirely orange (macaroni and cheese, sweet potato, orange juice, carrots), green (pesto pasta, limeade, broccoli), or yellow (lemonade, scrambled eggs, corn, pineapple).

Hunting down nature

Give your child a bag or bucket and go on an old-fashioned nature hunt. Take your time and let him collect whatever he likes – pinecones, leaves, rocks, sticks, burrs. When you get home, break out the glue and cardboard and get him started making a collage or sculpture. He may also enjoy painting a rock or two (it could become his new favorite pet).

5 cheap and fun school-kid activities

Bon appétit!

Let your child be in charge of dinner – with you as her helpful assistant. She gets to decide what to make. Some suggestions: English muffin pizzas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, pudding or gelatin for dessert. She can act as the "head cook" and even draw up some fancy menus. She may especially enjoy doing this activity with a friend.

Rest for the weary

You know those nights when you're beyond exhausted, and you just wish someone would put you to bed for a change? Here's your chance! Tell your child that you need a special helper to put you to bed early – and ask if he'd like to do the honors. He can pick out your pajamas, make sure you brush your teeth and wash your face, read you a book, tuck you in, give you a kiss, and turn out the light. It's a safe bet that you'll hear some delighted giggles from beyond your closed door! (Of course, this assumes your partner or another responsible adult has agreed to take on the nighttime duties for your child – and you'll likely find yourself returning the favor sometime soon.)

Camp in

Wait for a dark and dreary day. If your child has a case of the "nothing-to-do" doldrums, all the better! Now suggest that you go camping – in your family room. Make a "tent" with sheets and blankets draped over chairs. If you have sleeping bags, dig them out – or just create some bedrolls with blankets and pillows. Tell stories and sing songs around an imaginary fire. And when the lights go out, make a beautiful galaxy appear on the ceiling of your tent by shining a flashlight through a colander.

Kid's choice day

Let your child "run" the day. She can make the important decisions such as what to eat, what show to watch, and what activities to do. Give this day a special name so that she can plan it, as in, "On my next 'Ali Day,' I want to ride bikes, wash the dog, and eat spaghetti. (Helpful hint: To avoid power struggles with your child's teacher, don't do this on a school day!)

Treasure hunt

Send your child on a treasure hunt, right in your own house. It takes a little preparation, but the excitement is worth it! Give him a note that says something like, "Look in the flour canister." Or make it a bit trickier by writing a clue he has to solve, such as "Look for the white powder that we use for baking." (If your child's reading skills are still primitive, simplify your notes, help him read them, or draw pictures instead.) In the flour canister, he'll find another note telling him where to look next, such as in the refrigerator or under the welcome mat. Let the hunt include a few more hiding places, and put a prize in the very last one (try under his pillow). The prize can be very small – for example, a piece of candy or a pad of paper. As in all true treasure hunts, the real joy is in the search.

I am So Proud and Excited!

2010-03-01T22:31:00.003-07:00

You have most definitely heard me talk about one of my best friends, Christine. (Remind yourself HERE).

While fighting cancer, her mom, Val managed to write a book based on her own life! SpyMom

Until Val Agosta’s diagnosis, few knew how passionately she—a lover of Nancy Drew mysteries as a child—fantasized about becoming a hard-boiled female gumshoe. Motivated by her illness to finally pursue her goal, Val opens her own private investigator firm and becomes an undercover mother.

Using woman’s intuition and “mom smarts,” powered by a deep faith, Val turns everything that might be considered a liability—gender, age, family, illness—into assets and becomes an inspiration to anyone pursuing a dream despite tremendous odds.

IT IS COMING TO BOOKSTORES AT THE END OF THE MONTH! Christine wrote the afterword!

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE:
SPYMOM

I have pre-ordered 10 copies for myself to give to my family and friends. Maybe I can get you an autograph. My bestie is famous!

Pictures!

2010-02-26T12:03:00.003-07:00

Cameron did NOT want to get shots today. He also wouldn't let us take off his shoes.

You know he is really tired when his head nods to the side!

At the bacon and eggs and Cherry Creek Mall.

Rian and I went to lunch, and Adele Arakawa was sitting right by us. I used some stealth picture taking techniques to capture this shot.

"Diiiiiiiip!" Cameron would prefer to eat dip with just his fingers. Gross.

For Uncle Clif

2010-02-07T21:05:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday last month! A little late, but better late than never!

I did it!

2010-02-02T13:07:00.002-07:00

I didn't eat fast food for a month. The only thing I did eat was a chargrilled chicken sandwich on a whole wheat bun from Chik-fil-A. But, REALLY my goal was for me not to eat cheeseburgers and french fries at a fast food place. I did it!

Guess what else? I have lost 9 pounds. My new goal is to lose 15 by my birthday on the 27th, I think I can do it!

Top 10: Best Looking Guys from the 80s

2010-01-31T00:04:00.009-07:00

10. Jon Bon Jovi: In the 80s you really had to love "hard core" rock to love Jon Bon Jovi. Cut off t-shirts, acid wash jeans and really long, really styled hair. I'm halfway there......

9. Michael J Fox: Look how cute this picture is. This is Michael J as Marty McFly in Back to the Future. He also looked very, very cute in "Secret of my Success."

8. Patrick Swayze: So hot in Dirty Dancing. I love the picture below, he looks so young and cute. Bless his heart.

7. Jordan Knight: He definitely has the Right Stuff for the 80s. Nice eyebrows, nicely coiffed hair, and brown eyes to make girls swoon. I had the Jordan sweatshirt.

6. Kirk Cameron: Mike Seaver was so much cuter than his brother Ben and his best friend Boner Stabone (Rian just told me that Boner deserves a spot on this list). I LOVED Kirk Cameron. My first MAJOR crush. I will always love him and I am disappointed in myself that he is only Number 6 on my list.

5. Rob Lowe: Think of Rob playing the sax in St. Elmo's Fire. Great. Now all the women reading this are probably thinking of sex. You and me both ladies. You and me both.

4. John Cusack: In high school I secretly prayed that whenever my boyfriend Blake and I got in a fight, he would come over to my house and relive this exact scene below. He never did. John is so cute. His sweet little grin/smile and his kind eyes. I love him.

3. Scott Baio: He was the new boy in the neighborhood and the very first "Manny." My sis and I watched this show every day after school, and we loved us some Charles. This picture is lame, but it shows his boy-next-door cuteness which is what I originally loved him for.

2. Andrew McCarthy: Another hottie in St. Elmo's Fire. But SO HOT in Pretty in Pink. He was so popular and good looking and then he chose Andy of all girl's! I still love him to this very day. Did anyone see him on Lipstick Jungle? H.O.T.

1. Tom Cruise: HOLY CRAP! Isn't the picture below so awesome? He looks so HOT in this picture., and, this picture could totally translate to today with those aviators. Do I even dare mention the volleyball scene in Top Gun?

Honorable Mentions: Tom Selleck (that one is for you Mom), Christian Slater, River Phoenix, Mark Harmon.

Top 10s

2010-01-30T23:59:00.003-07:00

In an effort to be a better blogger, and get more than 8 official followers, I am adding a new segment to the blog. Top 10 lists. I loved doing my Top 10 Golden Globes and I have already made a list of Top 10 lists I can write about. So, stay tuned and follow me, or tell your buddies to follow me.

Farter

2010-01-29T08:10:00.003-07:00

I have a student in class who is a farter (or a tooter as Elaine prefers). The first TWO times it was pretty funny. Especially because this student will totally own up to the fact that it is him. The first time he did it and owned it, I laughed so hard I cried. The second time I still giggled, but now, it is getting old and kind of annoying. I would say that he has done this in my class now around 10 times. Now it bothers me and I think it bothers a few other kids. Do I tell him to stop? Do I take him out in the hall and say please stop tooting in my class? Oh man....help please.