Boys and their tractors.

Geez...I'm behind on my blogging. So much to say so little time. I'll live. 

Trucks, trains, and now tractors! The life of a little boy. I love it! So, last time we went to the central coast to visit the family "Easy" got a little treat. There was work going on across the street from his Nana and Opa's house. So "Easy" would stand in the window and point to the "guck." (We call them tractor trucks.) Knowing they were there when we he went out to play he ran down the drive way as fast as he could. Pointing the whole way down. We realized he wanted to see the tractors. The owners were out and Joel told him he was in the business so they let "Easy" and Joel explore. It was sweet father son time. "Easy" was very excited. Actually, Joel was just as psyched to show him all the tractors and explain them. Anyone who knows Joel, knows it was a detail description. Ha. He's such a good daddy!

My first award!

Yay! I got my first award...hehe. Thanks Another Online Mom! So nice of you to think so.

With this award I'm suppose to list 6 things that make me happy! Here they are:

1. "Easy's" laugh! ahhh...its the best! so contagious. Makes a mommy melt.
2. Hubby surprising me by coming home early. When he pops in that door earlier than I thought ready to play with his boy, it makes me all warm and cozy inside.
3. Spending time with our amazing families! We are lucky.
4. Going for a jog...childless. Not only is that jogging stroller getting flippin' heavy, but I love to be able to just think. My total sanity keeper!
5. Vacations! Who doesn't like vacations?!? And better yet...when those vacations include our favorite hobbies. Snowboarding, wakeboarding, snorkeling...anything active really...
6. My hot cup of coffee in the morning...its heavenly!

And now I'm to pass the award on...One Fabulous Mom and It is nap time. Fun mommy blogs to read.

My smart boy.

He's a genius! I know...all parents say this about their kiddos. Serious though, he's WAY smart. At least borderline genius. hehe. "Easy" knows all his animals, most of their sounds, and puts together all his puzzles himself! Maybe watching the "Sesame Street barn animals" cartoon a million times helped? Proud mama here.

Driving 101.

I thought I would share a helpful driving tip that I've figured out along the way. Driving with a toddler can or used to be a stressful thing for me. I'm naturally a stress case in general so it doesn't take much. And its my first kid. I guess when its your second you let them scream? hmmm...still cant see myself doing that? Anyways, the car used to feel very unorganized and that didn't help my stress levels. So here it is....I put a basket at the foot of "Easy". Its filled with must have items! Let me tell you...its been a life saviour! I keep it stocked with snacks, diapers, wipes, pacifier, a extra change of clothes, sunblock, toys, etc. I LOVE it! This has been a learning process for me (you know, having a kid and all) and I ran out of diapers out in public or lost the pacifier somewhere along my errand route. Its not fun. It brought my stress level up a notch for sure! So I recommend every mom get a basket and fill it with extra goodies and must haves. I don't know? Maybe this is common sense? Maybe everyone already does this? I not to long ago figured it out with the help of my mom. So here it is. The basket tip, just in case someone doesn't tell you. 

Also, If your kid is an avid reader like my "Easy" (not kidding..obsessed with his books) keep some books in your basket. I pick up those little board books or even flip books whenever I see them and when I feel whining or a scream coming on I throw him...oh I don't know? A "pooh bear" book? Its the best. He will sit there and read it for a while. Just some mommy help I wanted to throw at you...

My sweet boy!

"EASY" cuteness...

I'm LOVING my morning in my new house right now. Its so HOMEY! Sipping on my coffee, "Easy" and I are eating blueberry muffins, and beef stew in the crock pot. Oh yes, and Barney in the background. ha. Anyways, Ethan's changing in rapid speeds! Not kidding! Something new daily. He tries to copy everything we say. UH-OH. Maybe this is the time we should start watching our mouths? Anyways...

Here's some morning cuteness for ya:

So he covers Toby (our pug) with his blankie and says night-night. He thinks its the funniest thing in the world! Poor bubs he puts up with alot.

He recently started calling Joel, "Joal" Whats up with that? Isn't he a little young to be doing this already? It started a couple of days ago. Joel's like dude..."I'm Daddy!" Ha pretty cute. 

Oh ya, and we have this one Barney DVD. Well, he's obsessed with it! go figure huh? Most kids are. I guess he is soothing.

And must I mention he tests everything!!! I think the terrible two's have come early? oh joy! We have an episode most times we go out in public. When I tell him "NO" he thinks its hilarious. And the more stern I get the funnier it is. And he started to do this high pitch scream. It really gets to me. Cute right? We don't spank...any advice? 

Out with the old...In with the new!

It's official! We're in! We turned in the keys last night and now our new garage is packed with all our crap (I mean treasures.) Project home sweet home has begun!!! Gosh, what a hellish-ly long weekend. Poor Joel is exhausted. Moving really sucks. Everythings in disarray and very unorganized. I'm trying to go with it, but one thing I did learn this move is that I'm bit of a control freak!?! It was a hard move on Joel. With a toddler running around and into EVERYTHING, I couldn't help as much as I wanted. Big shout out to my Brother, Sister, and J!!! Thanks so much guys! We couldn't do it without them. My Mom's coming today to help unpack a little. I'm paralyzed by looking at the mounds of stuff. She knows I get like that. oops. We LOVE LOVE LOVE our new place! So far I really don't miss the old one. I said our goodbyes last night and I think it was a clean break. 

The boys humored me and posed for a picture. Weirdos...

I'm not good with change....

Obviously I know this move is NEEDED! I'm very excited. We're doubling our square footage, added a 2 car garage, and lots of dirt trails for "Easy" to roam. I know its important for "EASY." He really has outgrown this apartment and so have we. The new townhouse is beautiful and I know for once since Joel and I's marriage its going to feel like a home. With all that I can't help but feel sad? Weird. I don't even like this cave...oh I mean apartment. I think its because I have sentimental attachment to it. We moved here when I was a huge preggo about to pop. I remember walking laps like a crazy women trying to get this labor started. haha. Joel was a drill Sargent. We have some pretty funny videos. "Easy" was brought home from the hospital for the first time to this apartment. It was his first nursery. Joel was such a proud daddy and made it so cute and cozy. All of his firsts was here. The first steps, the first words, the first bad falls. Many sleepless nights. It all makes me sad to leave it behind. But I know this change is for the good. Our family grew and we need more space. We will all be sooo much happier. I'm very glad for this house search to be done. Its stressful. One thing we did learn. We love this area! Wanting a house, we looked inland. We tried to talk ourselves into the notion that we like it there and its best for "E". Than we went down to the beach, and harbor and realized we really do LOVE this area. We can't move away from it. We're beach people through and through. Joel's always wanted his little boy to grow up in a beach community like he did. He can't wait for Saturday surf sessions with "EASY." I am very happy, I'm just not good with change. I know there are going to be many more new firsts at our new place and awesome memories. I guess knowing that tonight could be our last night here I'm feeling a little sappy. Anyone who knows me knows I go in waves. Sappy now...THRILLED in 5 minutes! More updates on the new place to come...

and by the way, boxes really are the best toys EVER!

I'm scared!

Why must "Easy" stand on EVERYTHING?!? Is he trying to give me a heart attack?

And the grand finale....

Nike Reuse-a-shoe!

Not usually a huge fan of Nike. Not big on their ethics and I don't even like their running shoes. Anyways, they do have another great idea. Between Joel and I, we go through so many pairs of running shoes! Probably a couple pairs a year each. And their not cheap. The pack rat in me has a hard time getting rid of them. With all this moving and all I realized my pile of old running shoes is ridiculous and knew I couldn't, nor need to take them with me. They look in great condition, their just broken down. So it felt wasteful throwing them away. Nike came up with this great idea. Its been around for awhile, but now they are making it easier for people to do it. They're collecting worn-out athletic shoes, they process them, and the recycled material is used to make sports surfaces. Like basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds... Joel's old community college track was resurfaced in recycled running shoes and tires. Its a pretty neat idea.

For more info check out letmeplay.com and find out where you can donate your old running shoes.

decisions, decisions...

This java momma needs a new coffee maker. Mine is on its way out. Its been good to me and lasted a long time. Time to move on. Which one should I get? Opinions?Recommendations? Anyone have any of these?

Cuisinart® Grind & Brew Thermal™ 10-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker.

Automatically grinds coffee beans prior to brewing. Grind off feature turns grinder off, so you can brew your favorite pre-ground coffee as well. The double wall insulated brushed stainless steel carafe can hold up to 10 cups of coffee and stays hot for hours. Program it to grind and brew any time of day. Includes a special feature to brew 1 to 4 cups, or 5+ cups, depending on your needs. It also has a digital clock. Lid lifts up for easy filling of water reservoir. Brew Pause™ lets you taste a cup before brewing cycle has finished. Shuts off at the end of the brewing cycle.

Cuisinart® Stainless Steel 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Coffee maker with a classic steel design and brushed finish will add an attractive touch to any kitchen. Best of all this coffee maker produces delicious coffee due to a charcoal water filter that removes impurities. Indicator light lets you know when it's time for a cleaning, so you can remove calcium buildup.Also includes brew pause, 1-4 cup setting, programmable timer, cord storage and auto shutoff.


Delonghi® Stainless Steel 14-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

With its brushed stainless steel exterior and 14-cup capacity, this Delonghi drip coffee maker is compactly designed with a 24-hour programmable timer and internal water level indicator. Fill with an appropriate amount of water and set the timer at night only to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. A convenient freshness indicator keeps track of how long the coffee has been sitting with an illuminating LED light that will flash several times as a reminder. An aroma button provides you with the opportunity to select from various brewing cycles, enhancing the flavor and aroma as you see fit. Includes pause and serve function for interruption and automatic decalcification warning when it is time to clean the unit.

Really like the one that has a grinder built in, but then I don't think it has the water filtration? Hmmmm...what a coffee junkie to do? 

Nostalgic.

I went for a run this morning and it had eerie familiar feel to it. It was a cold, crisp, yet sunny morning. I had that burn in my lungs, my hands were numb and tingly, my stomach was queasy. It got me thinking and reminiscing about my old college track days. ahhh...do i miss it! The weather and this familiar feeling reminded me of the many training days I endured. Such a great time of my life. Met my love of my life on the college track team. Always will have fond memories of that time. I'm glad I got to experience it. I love running. This is the best time of the year to get in shape. With the cold months ahead of us you can hide yourself in baggy sweaters and secretly be running your butt off. Summer comes and then BAM! You shed off the extra layers and there hid a skinny, toned, in shape girl. HAHA! Maybe not so dramatic, or super hero-ish, but I do want that BAM factor. Or at least loose the extra lingering pounds from "EASY". Almost there...more hard work ahead...but I do enjoy the process. 

Playdates.

I'm convinced play dates are needed for the mommies just as much as they are for the babies...if not more?It keeps you sane. Adult conversations with fellow women experiencing the same day to day struggles of entertaining a toddler. Its demanding sometimes. There are those days I just want to sit and do nothing. Nope. Not allowed for long. "Easy" is busy, busy, busy...wanting constant action. So my days are filled with parks, mall playgrounds, petting zoos, gymboree classes, beach trips, and even better...play dates! Yep, play dates are saviors. I like to schedule as many as I can. Sometimes I even double book with naps in between. Now that's just crazy...haha. kidding. Not to mention, "Easy" LOVES them! He loves to play with other kids his own age. And him being an only child I know its great for him. Anyways...this day we went to a big regional park that had a pumpkin patch (yep, we went to another one) and the best part....a train! This is monumental! "Easy's" first train ride! He didn't let me down. He was very entertained. Boys and their trucks? Well same goes for trains! He was in awe! We met some friends and their babies there. It was neat because all the babies were the same age. Except this time "E" was the only boy. Good times. Here's some cute pictures of "EASY E"...

Wordless Wednesday...

Happy Fall!

Fall is about feeling refreshed. Not too hot, not too cold and how can you not like the colors? I don’t know if there is a prettier time of year? The colors of the leaves begin to change, the sky seems to be bluer, and the evenings are crisp and cool. For us So-Cal people, we can finally start shutting off the A/C at the house and save some money. Hehe. Even though its such a teaser. Some days its nice and cool, but those hot ones are still sneaking in. I love waking up in the cool mornings. For some reason I find it easier to wake up and greet the day with a smile. I love the holiday season upon us. We went to the Avila Valley Barn this weekend in San Luis Obispo and it got me excited about fall! Its the neatest place with a little zoo, homemade ice cream, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, hay mazes, and a huge pumpkin patch! Besides the weather changing, it got me thinking about a few of my favorite things about Fall...

Soups and stews and comfort foods, yum. I will post some great recipes soon!

"Easy's" cold cheeks and runny nose when he plays outside.

Pumpkin pie

Fall scented candles-pumpkin spice, ginger, cinnamon, etc..

Snuggling up in a cozy sweater

Bonfires

Ciders, hot cocoa, and of course my coffee. Which reminds me...the seasonal pumpkin spice creamer flavor comes out soon! If not already? YES!

Season premieres-We don't get to watch much TV, but we have a few favorite shows that are coming back! The Office, 30 rock, Lost...oh my!

Warm homemade applesauce

The holidays! Halloween and Thanksgiving...which lead to Christmas! I can hardly stand it!!!

I'm so cheesy and I LOVE putting "Easy" in PJ's that match the season or holiday! So much fun. Here he is in his Halloween PJ's. Oh...and stay tuned, he's gonna be the cutest lil' giraffe for Halloween EVER!
Gosh, we need to move ASAP so I can decorate already! Its killing me. I want to make my home all fall'd out!

Yummy Toddler Smoothie!

So Ethan's been teething real bad...AGAIN! Poor guy, can't catch a break. Its his canines now, which I hear can be the worst! Good thing it's his last set of teeth until his 2 year old molars. He's handling the pain pretty well (he's such a trooper), but I can't get much food in him. I know he's hungry and all he wants is milk or as he calls it "gilk!" He's borderline obsessed? I was looking through "The Baby Book" by Doctor Sears. I love this family of doctors! They pretty much match perfectly with a lot of my attachment parenting style. They're big on breastfeeding (if you can), later scheduled vaccines, healthy eating, no crying it out...etc. Anyways, I was looking through it once again, and came across an AWESOME smoothie recipe! Its perfectly balanced loaded with great nutrients! It's a sneaky and healthy way to get food in Ethan that he would otherwise shun. Ha! Been there tried that! Remember the tofu incident? He HATED it! Don't blame him really. I don't like it either. This even has tofu in it and you can't even tell. I gave it to him and he loved it! This was totally a "ah ha! I am a good mom moment!" I was very proud of myself. Joel and I tried it and seriously it was pretty good. Okay, enough rambling here is the recipe:

Sears Family Smoothie

2-3 cups milk or soy or rice beverage 

1 cup of yogurt

1 banana

1 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup other favy frozen fruit

4 tbsp. flax seed meal

4 ounces of tofu

2 tbsp. peanut butter (healthy kind)

cinnamon or nutmeg to taste

1-2 servings of choc or vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp of honey if you want it sweeter? 

Blend until smooth. Serve immediately. 

I cut these ingredients in half and it made plenty! It kind of tasted like a peanut butter, banana, and jelly sand which-ish?!? Enjoy! 

Friends & Family

We used this past weekend for much needed catching up to do with friends and family. It was a busy, busy weekend! We started if off going out to my Mom and Bud's house Friday night.

Saturday afternoon we had a BBQ party to attend at the Cantelletta house. Jessica and Marco had the great idea to bring all their different groups of friends together that have kids to let all the munchkins play and meet each other. Wonderful idea since they will be mingling in the future. Ethan had a blast playing with all the kids! Great back yard guys... Great job Marco! We had alot of fun!

Sunday morning Joel and I got to get away, while my Mom watched "Easy." Trying to follow Married for Keeps blog advice and date regularly. They have some good marriage advice about this HERE! We went on a run together and out for a nice breakfast. Great way to start off our Sunday. That afternoon we drove out to San Diego for my cousin Michelle's baby shower. She looked radiant and it was so much fun to see family we haven't seen for awhile. We love those guys and don't see them enough. We need to make a more of a point to do so. It was a nice weekend with lots to do! 

Cousin Michelle, My Mom, and Aunt Sandy

Mom and Ethan

He loved it!

Side note: Check out my yard sale find! So stoked! Got this for Ethan and keeping it at the Mom's house until we get our backyard. I already know he is gonna fall off that thing and get hurt. Excepting the thought of that now. He does love it!