Happy Halloween!

We hope you each enjoyed a spooky and sweet holiday!

We celebrated in our version of Goldilocks and 'da Three Bears

aren't vertical stripes supposed to be slimming?!?

the candy sort!

p.s. I was two different versions of Goldilocks for different parties.
(Those who know of my costume phobia might be shocked, but it worked out alright.)
Here's a peak at the more traditional, and almost totally homemade version.
I told you I was getting into sewing.

Passing the Time

It seems like the boys have grown up quite a bit over the past few months. We've been passing the time lately with some of these fun things....

...clearing the pantry shelves several times a day. I know, you might suggest child locks, but I say, "look at that face, he loves it so!"
...surfing the wave at a Pepp event

...resting in between adventures. (This seems to be the only form of nap that j* is willing to take these days, so I enjoy every minute of it!)

Back in the saddle again...

My last post was in July?!?! How did that happen? It is not for lack of life being full of cute moments, adventures, and stories. Maybe it is because it is so full. At any rate, I am officially back in the blogging saddle.
To kick it off, a few of our highlights and some pics.

j*

-potty trained!!!

-mixed his own 'dough' today while I was changing a diaper (it ended up being about 1 CUP salt and 1 cup flour!)

-favorite phrase: "What we do next Mommy?"

l*

-standing on his own. (I know, I missed the crawling milestone...that happened about August)

-finger foods- for now cheerios and animal crackers are the faves.

-this one's a thinker. He checks people and situations out from a distance. Once he has it figured out, he is off.

-Still gives cuddles.

J and I

-Have made the most of his free Friday afternoons with trips to the beach for the past two weeks!
-I have walked several days a week, while pushing the boys all the way around Pepperdine campus. (For those who have not been here, there are some major hills here.)

-Making time to play tennis with friends. (Even if that means that both boys are playing on the court next to us.)

A Miracle

I know many of you have offered prayers of support for my neice, Izzy, over the past 2 and 1/2 years. Last Friday was her last dose of chemo, and the cancer is in remission! What a wonderful miracle!

It has been an incredible journey for her and her family! Here is a link to her blog which has a new video to document and celebrate this life changing chapter! I hope it reminds you of the miracles in your life!

http://izzycostley.blogspot.com/

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

What would summer time be without a couple good baseball games?!? Well, for me, it would still be a great summer. But for J* it would be incomplete. The boys have been able to enjoy two major league games with us. Both times we were allowed onto the field to watch fireworks after! Pretty sweet!

Go D-Backs!

Hanging out in the dugout at Bank One Ballpark

Can you say, "All you can eat?" Right field bleachers at Dodger Stadium

Enjoying fireworks laying in outfield at Dodger Stadium

This is our version of a summer on steroids without the 50 game suspension.
Sorry Manny, we love you, but you're not top on our list of role models.

As Promised...

...pics of the boys! Enjoy.

To mop or not to mop? That is the question.

It is June! How does that happen? (I plan to post pictures of our growing boys soon, I promise.)





True confession: mopping is one of my least favorite household chores. Not so much because of the back breaking work involved, but more because the floor still doesn't feel clean after that back breaking! Does anyone else have this problem?


Here is my situation: Luke is a few months away from crawling. Of our 600 sq. ft., I guess that 150 of it is a type of linoleum. I usually use the vacuum or broom to get up the dirt. Then I use a sponge mop and a bucket with a little bit of Mr. Clean. Like I said, it just doesn't seem to be clean, even after a few passes.


What works for you? Is hands and knees the only way to really get it clean? Please tell me there is a better option! Do the Swiffer mops work well enough to outweigh the expense? Can't wait to glean your tips!