My Favorite Recent Close-Ups

These pics capture such unique sides of my boys (& South Paw!): not the normal sides, but the in-a-glance-goofiness.  I just couldn't help myself in sharing them!

And this one was just too good not to blow up!  

Snack Shack Nite!

There is a wonderful snack shack in the village that satisfies the American-food-craving on every level.  And to top it off, they have an on-site playground!  So the boys and I just jumped in the car (mismatches clothes and all!) tonight and headed into town.  1st: hot dogs, curly fries & Sierra Mist in the trunk of the Mommy Car (allowing Ashton to bug us, err, I mean, roam, freely).  2nd: play at playground (I know for a fact that to Aiden, that should have been first, but mommies always seem to overrule all outside demands).  3rd: ice cream!  (duh!) 

Ash-Babash (newest nickname!) is also Mr. Cause-and-Effect (Daddy's nickname for him): every toy I gave him ended up being chucked.  Nothing new to me.

No!  Not my cell phone!

Ok, so I TOTALLY realize this is a ridiculous pic of me and my cherry-dipped soft serve, but it was the best I could do one handed!  That is my yummy-face, fyi!

And this is Mr. Aiden.  Mr. Predictable.  Mr. Stable.  Mr. Everything-Had-Better-Be-Normal with his vanilla and sprinkles.  Happy Boy!

Now they are tucked in bed, out for the count.  After 6 months of being stuck in-doors, this was quite an adventure for my boys!  I am looking forward to many more impromptu visits to the Snack Shack!

Will It Be a Rough Day?

Ok, so these pics were from a week or so ago, and all the messes and clean clothes have actually been picked up and put away, but just one day of me slacking, and it could all come back again!  And I am hoping today will be a good day, despite what is already present.  First, today is the designated day that my family back in Arizona is remembering my Granny and Papa, by going out into the desert and spreading Granny's ashes.  Closure, but still sadness.  My heart is with them today.
Andy came home early from work last nite, and was up all night sick.  The flu bug bit him.  And Aiden has had a few close calls this morn, so he's on the couch with a metal bowl, just in case.  And South has a vet appointment this afternoon (during nap time, of course!), due to a hernia (or so I think).  So it will be me and my 3 year old, 1 year old, and 8 month old boxer mix pup at the vet, during nap time.  I think I am a glutton for punishment!  Is there really even a reason to shower?!
Well, I would love to keep pouring out my thoughts, but I might pass out if I don't go change that poopy diaper.  So .... so long for now!

Poopy Situation

I knew it would happen.  I didn't know the details, but I knew at some point after the adoption of South Paw, something with dog poop would happen.  Here's how it went down: I went out back to scoop the poop.  I asked Aiden to help me find the piles (in an extra-excited voice).  He said that he didn't think there was any anymore.  Anymore?!
Me: "Zib, where is all the dog poop?"
Aiden: "I frew [threw] it."
Me: "You 'frew' it where?!"
Aiden: "Over da fwence."
Me: "What did you use to 'frow' it?"
Aiden: "My hands!"

Me: "Andy!  Get the tub ready!"

Oh No He Did Not ... But Yes He Did!

After over an hour of being awake, Andy casually told me about his day at work the evening before.  To skip the details, he received the highest performance rating one can receive at his work: "excellent."  Humbly (after I stopped jumping up and down), he nixed the going-out-to-lunch idea and chose to clean his grill instead.  What a guy!  He is more than just an excellent engineer .... he's an excellent husband and an excellent father.  He is my man after God's own heart.  Forever and Always ... plus a day!

Is That A Hubbie and Wifey Date?! For Reals?!

Here are pics of us on a date that Andy set up because he wanted us to spend some quality time together.  Isn't he more handsome than ever?!?!

P.S. Oh yes, that IS a chocolate creme brulee!  My first (and last, ironically!) boss introduced me and got me hooked on the wonderfully delicious dessert.  I have since passed on the passion to Andy, and we taste test it wherever we go.  I like the phenomenal texture differences, whereas Andy prefers the idea that he is consuming something that just minutes before was flaming with fire.  At any rate ... It's a rough hobby, but someone has to do it!

Playing the Matching Game

Aiden is a little genius when it comes to a matching game that Gigi and Freddie sent.  He and Daddy
play it together, fist-pumping at each correct match.  South even got in on some of the action!  

Boy With the Flu

Zib had the flu Sunday night, and is still on the mend, working on building back up appetite and energy.  And although he might not be as crazy as usual, his mouth still runs a mile a minute - all questions.  I finally told him, "Aiden, surprisingly, Mommy doesn't know everything."  My brilliant son replied: "But I do, Mamma.  I know evryfing!"  Oh, ok, that explains it, then!

Just A Few Minutes Ago

I walked around and took pics of all living things in the house and what they were up to.  Just the usual: Aiden refusing to eat breakfast, Ashton playing with his favorite "green machine," quickly followed by his escapade of stealing a bone from poor South, and then moving on to "skateboarding" with an old remote.  When I took a pic of the flowers, Aiden asked, "Mom, did the fwowers smile?"  Yes, the flowers are always smiling - a reflection of God's beauty and perfection every moment of their lives!

Birthday Cake