Catch-Up

Why is it every time I look at my blog I feel guilty? I ALMOST just gave up on it all together, but then I remembered that this is my journal too, and we've had quite a few important happenings around here that I really should document. Sorry, I know these catch-up posts are a little boring...

It was Amelia's FIRST birthday last week. We celebrated by going to the park as a family. Then, I made some cupcakes and we sang "Happy Birthday" and opened presents that Oliver helped me pick out earlier that day (wrapped in leftover Christmas wrapping paper because that's how I roll).

Then, my mom came to town last weekend and we celebrated again, this time with Jacob because it was his birthday last week as well. We had dinner at El Pinto, a beautiful New Mexican restaurant in the old part of Albuquerque.

Outside El Pinto. I know, my eyes are closed. We're working with what we've got here.

The next night, we had glazed poppyseed bundt cake for Jacob, which is my all-time favorite cake. If you've never made this, do- now. You won't regret it.

It was so fun having my mom here. She's so fun and easy to talk to and is such a great listener and friend. Come back soon, Mom!!!

"Until next time, folks!"

Blast from the Past

Inspired by this post (my SIL), I decided I would do my own little "blast from the past."

The first time I saw this picture (which was only about a year ago) I was seriously struck by how similar Oliver and I looked. I also really like the pole-dancing move I was doing here.

Um, community bath anyone? The weird (and scary) part about this is there are 3 people in there with us that I don't even know. And this is not an illusion (though it may appear that way with the 80's-style bathtub and mirrors) but we were fully un-clothed.

I kid you not, my mom let me go out in public with this 'do. The 80's were not kind to us. But, wait, it gets worse...

Yep, that's me. Don't act like I'm not making this work. This is what I call the trifecta of 80's perfection: perm, mullet, acid-washed jeans. One word: h-o-t.

SUCCESS!!!

"Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity that was at hand."
–– Bruce Barton

That quote could just as well have been said by Little Oliver, right??:) I had a mission companion who, EVERY time she came out of the bathroom, would throw her arms in to the air and yell, "Success!" It must be noted that most Filipinos (who live in the Philippines) talk very openly about their bowel movements. This was somewhat alarming to me at first, but that's another post for another day... now back to Oliver. Yes, he did it! He is officially POTTY-TRAINED!! Ok, not officially, he had a little- no, a BIG accident (for which both his underwear AND his jeans are the dumpster right now) during his quiet time yesterday, but all of his pee-pee's have made it in the toilet. And, here's the clencher: it only took half of a day for my 3 1/2-year-old to get it down. I am sooooo proud of him, as well as relieved that I no longer have to change my child's man-poo diapers (hopefully).

Now, on a MUCH lighter note, here's some of the pics we got back from Amelia's latest photo shoot with Liz Evans, photographer. Liz was commissioned to take pictures for an Etsy shop, Bowtique, that makes little girls' bows (I don't own any of these bows). So, she asked a bunch of moms in our ward to bring their girls over for a photo session. Excuse me if this is a little overboard, but I really can't resist.







Sidenote: Liz is an INCREDIBLE photographer. I was super impressed the entire session. So, if you're looking for someone to shoot you, your kids, or your family, I HIGHLY recommend her. She can be found here.

GIVEAWAY!!!

FYI: I am having a giveaway on my other blog, Peachtree Cooking for a FREE Demarle Silpat in honor of the launch of my new Demarle website! Go on over there to check it out and enter!!!

QT to Denver

We made a last-minute, quick trip to Colorado last weekend for my nephew, Gabe's baptism. My sister's family lives in the prettiest little town outside of Denver called Parker. We got there Thursday night and Gabe's baptism was on Saturday so we spent the time chatting, exercising, and cooking. It was so fun to be able to spend time with family and be there for this special milestone in cute little Gabey's life. Congrats Buddy!

My Mom reading to the little boys, Oliver, Gabe, and Hayden.

Amelia had an adoring fan club all weekend with all her cousins. Here she is with Izzy.

Oliver and Izzy loved jumping on the tramp together (maybe because she was the only one Oliver could keep up with on that thing).

The special boy, Gabe on his special day.

Hayden was always there when I needed a break from holding Amelia. He was sooo sweet with her and would just sit and hold her for like 20 minutes at a time.

Grandma and the Tubba Love.

Could this girl be any cuter????