5 years

Five years ago I met the biggest pain in my ass  love of my life. Today marks 5 years.

2007 before Mack

I think back and it sure goes by real fast. I don't want to bore you to death with mushy and gushy words, because dur! You all know I love him and such.

Dear Ian, 

" We made it 5 years. We have set ourselves up a pretty good life together. We created the most beautiful daughter which has made our lives complete. You are the best dad. You care and love her and I'm grateful for that. I remember being too crazy kids living the kid-free life. There are some days where I miss it and some days I'm glad we are parents. Although, through the years its been tough, new challenges, new parents etc. We stuck it out and I come out of it pretty good. You are one person that can make me laugh and be mad in one day. Although, you still aren't very good at cleaning up your mess in the bathroom or pulling your dirty socks right side out. I love you. I hope in the future we have 1 or 2 more kids, buy a house, pay of debt and light your snowmobile on fire. Anyway, I love you and happy 5 years. I'm sure this year will be the best year yet together." 

     Love,

       Kristina

1 year anniversary:  Dinner at Rapscallions, Seafood house

2 year anniversary: Jake's on the Lake, another fancy place. I think the best by far.

3 year anniversary:  Yes, roundtable pizza and salad. I was pregnant and happy with it.

4 year anniversary: Home cooked meal at home. filet mignon Yummers


5 year anniversary: I will be taking a account test. But who knows the possibilities are endless.

December 2010

Mack Monthy Update

This month marks Mack's 2 1/2 birthday. Hold the phone.. say what!?! I can't believe how time has flown by. Not only is my beautiful little girl growing so quickly it's making me think that number two needs to be in the cards soon... "Shut the Front Door!" It's crazy to me that in 6 short months she will be three and the pressure will really be on to jump in the sack with the hubs and get in baby making mode. Side note: yikes! I'm way more into practicing right now, then doing the real deal deed.

Wait! This is suppose to be a monthly update on Mackenna not jumping in the bed with hubs and baby #2. Back on topic I swear.

Mack

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Weight: 34 lbs
Height:
New Words: farted, raining, "oh man!", clean up, why?, NO!
Eating Habits: This kid is really getting picky, I mean picky.
Favorite Movies: All the Toy Story's and Planet 51
Activities: Sticking Stickers on paper, coloring, painting, playing in kitchen, playdoh
Potty Training Status: She is now telling us when she has to go to the bathroom.

She is getting so big and picking up words daily. She loves to read books and is more into trying to read them to us, then us trying to read to her. She will pull out every book in her room and have a reading picnic on the floor in her room.

Mack's First Movie - Tangled

I finally took Mack to her first movie in the theater. We went and saw Tangled. It was a cute movie. We loaded up on popcorn, M&M's and a sprite. She sat there the entire time and was overall pretty quiet. Her cousin belle and mommy came with us and both of them did a good job for their first movie. 

All in all it was a great event and day. Except a minor speed bump. Please read: It could happen to anyone. 

Mack and Belle had a great time. 

It could happen at any time...

Before I was a parent I used to be judgmental to other parents when I saw them in public with there kids. I always told myself I would never let me kid do that, say that, or let anything happen to my kids.

Let them run around the store
Screaming @ a restaurant
Yell at a infant or toddler for crying or being loud
Discipline in public

When you become a parent and have a child of your own everything changes. It changed for me. I'm guilty and I have guilt. I have too let my kid run around the store and I'm chasing her around just to get her back in the cart. I'm also guilty of my kid throwing a fit in a store and me picking her up and telling her to "stop it" or " we do NOT act that way in a store." I've been there before and my mom of the year award has been taking away from me.

Where am I going with this.....

Today, I took my daughter to the movies. We were leaving the theater and I carried her part of the way. She asked me if she could walk. I put her down and told her she needs to hold mommy's hand in the parking lot. I held her hand until we reached the car. I let go of her hand to open the car door to get her into the seat. She moved to the front of the car. I asked that she please come to me so we can get into the car. I said we were going to get something to eat... so let's go and get in the car. She moved in front of the car next to us. I walked over to her and told her that we don't play in a parking lot, it's not safe. Before I knew it she took off laughing straight for the street around the car next to us. I ran after to her. All of a sudden there was a car driving through the lot, pretty fast. I couldn't react fast enough, I miss her hood. I panicked and grabbed the back of her hair. I pulled back on her as hard as I could. She literally missed the car by seconds.

Yes, my little girl was almost hit by a car. I Immediately screamed at her. "Don't you ever do that again!" "We don't run in the parking lot." She was scared more than anything. Not to mention I hurt her a little by grabbing her hair to stop her. I was so shocked and sacred, I yelled at her until she cried and said "you hurt me!" I looked into her wet and teary eyes and all I could think of to say was, "Mommy is sorry!"

This is any parents worst fears. Their child getting hit by a car. I just remember thinking what kind of mother could let that almost happen. Why didn't I keep holding her hand until I had the car door open.

Then I thought... this shit just happens. It happens. You pray to god that nothing ever happens to your little girl or boy, but you just think.. it could happen to anyone at any time. It happened to me. It scared the shit out of me and my little girl, but again she was fine and nothing happened.

I talked to her in the car on the way to get lunch and apologized for hurting her and explained why we don't play in the parking lot. I saw the tears still on her face and I looked back at her in the rear view mirror and said, "I'm sorry! It's my fault, I shouldn't have let that happen. I said I love you!" She replied, "I love you!"

I'm not the mom of the year. I make mistakes. I'm not perfect. Things happen.

Hello 2011, Goodbye 2010

Happy 2011, we made it through the holidaze coaster ride

I'm going to share with your my new years resolutions. I know they are late and it's corny and it's already the 5th day into the new year. I'm going to tell you anyway, so deal with it. I kid, I kid, I love you all, but seriously I'm still telling you anyway.

When sitting and thinking of what I really want to become, who I am, what I want, and what I want my future to hold, I really started to get a little depressed. Sappy moment to myself! This year is going to be the year that I focus on the things I want and make them happen for a change. So here is the list... don't hold your breath... they aren't that great. 

1. Go to yoga once a week

2. Continue to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week (on my lunch)

     (Ideally, 5 days a week)

3. Commit to giving myself a little time to do the things I want to do. 

     (Knitting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, home projects)

4. Finish Mackenna's baby & Scrapbook.

5. Commit to a diet plan and stick with it

6. Finish craft room/office

7. Pay off 50% of Credit Card Debt

8. Be a better housewife

9. Spend even more time doing things with Mack.

    (Baking, art projects, coloring)

10. Keep car clean for more than 3 days in a row (don't laugh at me)

11. Start saving funds for family vacation

12. Open account for college savings for Mack

13. Stick to cleaning schedule so I have more time with family

14. Remember to send everyone's birthday cards this year

These are just to name a few things that I want to accomplish in the year 2011. I'm so excited for a new year and a new start. I have also printed this list and made it a new item on my mirror in my bathroom so I'm reminded of all of things I want to accomplish this year while I'm getting ready everyday. 

Bye Bye 2010. You were a good and a bad year.

Good -

1. Mack started Preschool

2. I started working 8-5 like normal people, so I can be the one that get's Mack ready in 

    the morning and take her to school. I get to see her smiley face every morning now.

3. We moved into a new house and love the new location.

4. My mom moved from L.A. back to Truckee

5. Family from New Zealand came to visit. 

6. We survived another year together as a young family

Not so Good -

1. My mom fought cancer with radidation and chemo most of 2010.

2. Tore my ACL

** not much on the list for "not so good"

What are your plans for the new year? 

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Jamie @ Avant Garde Parenting

‘Roll’ into 2011: Rolos + Pretzels = Kid Friendly Deliciousness

Hey guys, I’m Jamie from Avant Garde Parenting, a website that offers tips, tricks, and unique ideas for parents of young children. I’m so happy to share one of my favorite kid-friendly recipes with you. It’s a yummy treat that’s easy to make and honestly, I don’t think it really has a name. In my family, we just call them by the two main ingredients: Rolo Pretzels. Truth: I’ve never been a fan of chocolate and pretzels together but trust me, these are to die for.

Here’s how you make them: Have your kiddos spread out mini pretzels on a cookie sheet. I put a silpat underneath, but wax paper works fine, too. Unwrap a Rolo candy for each pretzel and have your kiddos plop them right on top. Bake at 325 for 4-5 minutes until the candies are just melted.

Here’s the fun part: Making them your own. You can leave them plain, make pretzel sandwiches, press a pecan half on top of each one, sprinkle with shaved coconut, or top with your favorite (other) candy. Use your (and your kiddos’) imagination! Whatever you decide to do, these treats are delicious, easy, and a surefire party hit. Have fun and enjoy!

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Tiffany @ Mom-Nom.Com

Tiffany is a wife to her best friend and a mother to two beautiful children, Bubs & Bubbette {No, those aren't their real names. Sheesh.}   When she's not doing public relations for one of the top zoos in the country, she's over-sharing at Mom-Nom.Com, {http://mom-nom.com} the e-result of her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnoses, after nearly losing Bubs in an accident in July, 2009.  Now? She's just trying to figure out where they go from here...one post at a time. 

http://mom-nom.com

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Hi, I'm Tiffany
 
I blog over at a little land called Mom-Nom.Com. (http://www.mom-nom.com) and Kristina was kind enough to invite me to her space to help share the holidays with y'all.  She's amazing like that.  This time of year, there is nothing I love more than starting a fire, grabbing my favorite blankey, making a nice big bowl of stew...and taunting my kid with Elf on the Shelf. 
 
Wait. 
 
What?
 
Yep, you heard me right, friends.  There is nothing more traditionary in my home than the month long torture that Elf of the Shelf brings to my son.  {Side note:  a lot of normal children are tormented by the mere sight of Elf on the Shelf.  Fortunately, for us, my son is not among them.} 
 
 
I give you Exhibit A:
 

 
And the resulting Exhibit B:

Son: BUT WHY!
Me: Elf is watching. 
Son: ugh. 
 
or
 
Son: This is not fair. 
Me: Don't forget about Elf. 
Son: ugh. 
 
or, maybe even
 
Son: Please, Mom. PLEASE!
Me: Elf said no. 
Son: argh. 

I am all about traditions, people. 
 

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Elizabeth @ The Writer Revived

Please Welcome Elizabeth from The Writer Revived
She is a writer and currently working and editing on a book. She has a cute daughter SB and she lives in Florida. If you want to hear her brag about florida, her daughter and her book. Follow her tweets and blog.

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Hello! I’m Elizabeth. I live in Florida with my husband and our two year-old
daughter. After she was born, I made the surprising (to me anyway) decision to
become a stay-at-home mom. In that first year, I was immersed in motherhood.
But as my daughter grew from an infant to an increasingly independent toddler, I

realized I had neglected to nurture myself. Most importantly, I needed to get back
in touch with my creative side.

Shortly after my daughter’s first birthday, following a long hiatus, I rediscovered
my passion for writing and jumped in headfirst. I developed an idea for a
nonfiction book (about motherhood), wrote a proposal and began querying
literary agents. That proposal is currently with two agents for consideration.
My blog, The Writer Revived originally started out as a way to detail my writing
journey.

As the blog evolved, I also began to write about motherhood. It became a great
release for me to share about my experiences as a new mom. It also connected
me with tons of other moms and enabled me to develop a strong support
system. And it is the subject of my book, so it made sense to take the blog in that
direction. At this point, about half my posts are about being a mom, and half are
about being a writer. Please stop on by if you’d like get to know me a little better.
And help me get to know you! I love making new connections!


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Let it Snow?

I moved to Florida to get away from snow. After 30 years in the Midwest, I'd
had enough. However, 80 degrees year round did not particularly appeal to me,
either. So I settled in Northeast Florida, where we do have a change of seasons.
It goes a little something like this:

December = Fall
January = Winter
February = Spring
March - November = Summer

OK, I may be exaggerating a little. But I like that it can get cold here, albeit for a
short time. I get to wear sweaters and build fires in the fireplace. It can even get
really cold. But I don't ever have to worry about the white stuff. Or its very nasty
cousin, ice. Which is more than fine by me.

As much as I do not enjoy snow as an adult, I can appreciate how much fun it
is for a child. Now that I have a daughter, who turned two yesterday, I want her
to be able to experience it. When she's a little older, we will plan a trip around
seeing some snow (perhaps we will visit Kristina and her family in Tahoe!). For
now, we had the opportunity to witness it right here in the Sunshine State.

Don't get too excited. I'm talking about the machine-generated kind. America's
oldest city, St. Augustine, plays hosts to Winter Wonderland Florida, where you
can count on snow every night at 7:00 during the holiday season. Earlier this
month, we took the String Bean (SB for short) there to get in the Christmas spirit.
I'm not so sure she did...

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Jessica @ Straight Take Jess

Please welcome Jessica from Straightalkjess.
She has an awesome blog, and needs Mountain Mum readers support. Please go and check out her blog and leave her some love.
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I'm started blogging almost three years ago and since then my blog has evolved to be a little piece of me.  I use it as a sounding board, I complain, I talk about my kid, work, fashion victims, and anything else that strikes my fancy at the moment.  I've been married 8 years and we've got a 5 year old daughter and another baby due June 2011.

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December is a busy month in the "Straight Talk Jess" house.  To be fair, being a lawyer, with a {now} 5 year old Princess and a baby on the way {coming June 2011},  2 stinky dogs that always seem to be hungry, and a partridge in a pear tree, things are always busy in our house (you can check out the random craziness and my two cents on anything and everything at my blog).  We have the celebration of our sweet baby girl (who was born early and saved us from spending Christmas in the hospital 5 years ago).  We also fill our December with decorations, Christmas parties, cookie baking, and the trek home to spend the holidays with our family.
Here are a couple highlights of our busy month:

1)  Christmas decorations!  Now that my sweet girl can fully appreciate them (more than just staring at the lights in awe as a baby), I love having her help decorate the tree. It's so sweet and something I remember being such a special thing for me and my family when I was younger.  We put the Christmas music on and I let her go to town on the ornaments.  Of course she gets a little help from mom and daddy to make sure that there are some ornaments towards the top of the tree too.

2) Santa!  We have  to visit Santa.  It's tradition!  It's awesome to watch her grow from year to year and see her go from cautious, to crying, to bribed, to more-than-happy to see her with Santa.

3)  Birthday time!!! It's hard having a birthday in December.  So we don't let hers get lost in the shuffle.  This year we celebrated "Ava Day" with a couple celebrations that started with these delicious cupcakes at school and ended with a day spent doing what she wanted over the weekend. I think it's definitely a new December tradition in our house!

4) Home for the holidays.  Another big part of our December is family, of course.  We don't live close to family so we make the trek home to share our Christmas every year.  Luckily, both of our families are in the same city so we don't have to worry about visiting families in alternating years or spending one weekend here and the next there.  It's a lot of visiting {we have THREE big celebrations in one day.  And that doesn't even count what Santa brings on Christmas morning!}, a lot of family and a lot of food, but we couldn't imagine it any other way.

Hope you enjoyed the sneak peek into our whirlwind holiday month.  Thank you Mountain Mum for letting me join you!
From the "Straight Talk Jess" house to yours, I wish you a beautiful month and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS filled with joy, love and family.

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Rebekah @ Country Mouse Tales

Meet Rebekah from Country Mouse Tales. 
Check out her uber cute blog, and her cute family. All you Mountain Mum followers, please leave her some love!
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I am a 20-something Pennsylvania girl, wife to a handsome teacher, and stay-at-home mom to a one year old boy.  I am learning to cherish the little joys that life can bring as I see the world through the eyes of a child once again.  I have been chronicling my successes, failures, and kitchen disasters at www.countrymousetales.com since 2008.


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Reclaiming the Ordinary Day


-'Mama' he cries.  His little hands tangle in my hair as he clutches my neck, his eyes still heavy with sleep.  We slowly make our way down the stairs to being our morning routine.  


-Coffee percolates and I prepare his bowl of oatmeal as he sips apple juice from his favorite blue cup.


-Laundry to the left, last night's dishes to left, and a laughing boy chases the dog around the kitchen, leaving a trail of juice behind him.  


-We bundle in our coats and run to the car.  'Dog!' he yells excitedly as he sees the neighbors pet looking out the window.  'Woof, woof' he proudly barks, showing off his newest skill.  I strap him in and he gives me a smile before we head out.  


-Hours later, the turn of the key in the door.  A smiling face, handsome eyes, and a squeal of 'Dada!' as he toddles as fast as his legs can carry him to the entryway.


It's not perfect, but it's mine, and now that the hustle and bustle of the season is quickly dying down, I can finally take a look around and appreciate the gifts (not the presents, although those are nice too!) that I have been given over the last year.  The life, the love, the laughter, not so much the laundry but I'll take the good with the bad.  


It is so easy to feel down at the end of the holiday season.  The parties, the glitter, the lights, it's all gone - basically overnight.  January 1st rolls around, and the discarded Christmas trees at the curb mark the end of another year.  Three months of winter are staring us dead in the eye.  Three months of 'Ugh it's so cold' and 'I miss my flip-flops' as we trudge through another snowstorm.  I know I tend to wallow, to get stuck in the misery of the everyday instead of choosing to see it's beauty.  This winter, reclaim your day.  See the beauty in the ordinary.  It doesn't come naturally to me, but this is what I have learned in the last year - we don't get these days back.  We will only have their memory to cherish through the years to come.  I want to remember the beauty of now, the laugh of my toddler, the faint beginnings of smile lines on my husbands face.  There is beauty here. 

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Jami @ Boy Crazed Momma

Please welcome the first guest blogger this week. Jami from Boycrazedmomma.  

She is a hoot on twitter and check out her blog and let her know that you are visiting from MountainMum.com I have asked some of my favorite tweeters and bloggers to guest post for me this week, while I'm in Seattle, Washington visiting family. 

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I am a SAHM mom to two adorable, young boys--Sweetie Pie is almost 4 

and Boogaboo is 19 months. I spend my days trying to keep the chaos to a minimum while not losing my mind. I get way too little sleep and drink way too much caffeine. You can find me on Twitter (@boycrazedmomma) where I will have you captivated with my wisdom on raising boys, being the perfect wife, and just life in general. Did you sense the sarcasm? My momma motto is “Sometimes a momma’s got to do whatever it takes to survive the day and make it to tomorrow.”

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I grew up with many Christmas traditions. My aunt’s fudge. The mantel display

my mom put up from the time I was itty bitty that has now become a Christmas

fixture on my mantel. But of all our family’s Christmas traditions, the one that is

the most special to me is Christmas at Mimi & Papa’s house. (Now just Mimi’s

because Papa has been gone for 11 years.)

My extended family on my mom’s side is huge. I think we are up to around 60

people now. My Mimi & Papa had 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and I’m not

even counting up the number of great-grandchildren. And you can’t forget the

poor souls lucky ones who married into this chaos. For years our family met for

Christmas at Mimi & Papa’s the evening of Christmas Eve. Papa was adamant

about it. ADAMANT. Everyone was just expected to be there. No one questioned

it or even minded that it was more of a requirement than an option. When it was

Christmas Eve, we were there. Growing up the grandkids would always put on a

skit. And me being the bossy one meant I always put myself in charge. We’d sing

Christmas carols for the adults. The tree at their house was always decorated with

apples with all of our names on them. (Most of the apples have been lost now,

but some of the apples are still around. We still look to see whose name is on

the tree every year.) We’d open gifts. We’d eat way too much food, mainly Aunt

Gloria’s fudge. (One Christmas the fudge disappeared. We found it in Papa’s room

with him. He was rationing it out!)

I remember the first year someone missed Christmas Eve at Mimi & Papa’s. It

was my cousin. I can’t recall now why he and his wife couldn’t be there. What

I do remember is all the flack he got for missing Christmas with us. It was all

in good fun, but let me put it this way: He and his family have not missed a

single Christmas at Mimi’s since & that was 13 years ago. We are serious about

EVERYONE being there. One year we had to miss the gathering because my

family lived in another state at the time and a blizzard blew through on the 23rd.

We finally had our “own” Christmas in our own house and, although it was fun

and relaxing, we missed our extended family greatly. I still remember calling to

talk to my cousins and the bitter-sweet feeling it was because I wanted to be

there with everyone.

As years have passed & our family has grown larger, this tradition as morphed

a bit. We no longer have Christmas at Mimi’s on Christmas Eve. It’s now the

Saturday before Christmas Eve. This year for the first time EVER, our Christmas

get together will not be at Mimi & Papa’s house. Our family has just gotten too

large, so we’re meeting in a community center. We’ve gotten a little more lax

with letting people off the hook if they can’t make it—a little. (I mean come on.

I can tell you the date for Christmas at Mimi’s in 2014 right now—December

20th. Plan around it folks. But things do come up—like the year I was 38 weeks

preggers and my OB told me I had to stay in town. I missed it that year.)

As extended families go, mine is extremely close. I never realize how lucky I was

to have this growing up. I just thought everyone did. But now I realize that we

are the exception, rather than the rule. There’s something special about knowing

if you need help or just a kind word, there are at least 59 other family members

who will provide that!

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We know the celebration is a success when someone laughs so hard they pee

their pants. (And that doesn’t include anyone wearing Depends.)

We in the third generation get a kick out listening to the 1st and 2nd generations

discussing their health and surgeries of the year….each one trying to top the other

one.

Twas the night before Christmas

I'm working today, which is ok. I'm off at 3pm and the office is going to be nice and quiet. The best part of being a parent is being Santa. I can't wait for Mackenna to wake up and open up all her gifts. This year we are doing Christmas eve at my house and Christmas morning.

** The family is having a rib cook off ** 

Everyone in the family is getting their ribs prepped and we are going to have a rib cook off and see who has the best ribs. This is going to be awesome. 

My uncle Jeremy from New Zealand, " That's awesome, I will be a judge!"

So, this evening the rib cook off will commence. I will update with photos another time with the racks stacked up to each other.

This Christmas I'm really Thankful:

- We had money to get gifts this year

- Surrounded by love

- My family is here from New Zealand

- Partaking in lot's of food and egg nog

- Having time off of work to visit family in Seattle

- 6 awesome guest bloggers that will be featured on my blog next week. 

I'm so thankful that we are still very fortunate to partake in Christmas and be surrounded by family.

Merry Christmas Bloggers & Followers!

Blog Redo

Lindsay from Happy Housewife Designs, was running a special for blogs that she has already designed a redo with the same kit you picked out for $20. So I sent her some photos for my new header and she redesigned it for me. I really love how it came out and its a fresh look for the new year.

If you already have a design done by Happy Housewife Designs, email her at lindsayintx@aol.com if you would like a redo with the same kit for $20.

Or you can have her redesign your whole blog for $40 with her New Years Special. She is so easy to work with and she has the best designs. Plus, if you have any questions for her she is always willing to answer them. 

Grab my button or my new button --> is located on the top right of my side bar.

This is my old design... 

Family from down unda

I'm been slacking on the ol blog this week due to family in this week. 

** Stay tuned next week, I have 5 awesome bloggers that are taking the stage **

So, thus far I've been staying up pretty late, since I have to work this week to hang out with family. 

Their America bucket list

* try a twinkie --> my uncle thought they were awesome. He even tried a Ho Ho

* Drink our Local Beer

* Tour Lake Tahoe --> I heard the hubs was a really good tour guide

* Watch NFL football

* My cousin Jade wanted an American Hot Dog --> she ate the whole thing

* My Aunty calls potato salad, freakish looking salad

* My Aunty doesn't like tater tots

Today, I believe they are headed up to the ski resorts to go snow tubing and check out the villages at Squaw and NorthStar. I'm having lot's of fun with my 4 year old cousin Jade. So damn cute. 

* Christmas Update * 

I've actually pretty much finished my christmas shopping. Just need to wrap up and print some photos from the family photo shoot. 

Are you ready for Christmas?

Ice Skating Adventure

At the local resort, NorthStar @ Lake Tahoe, they have an ice skating rink. I really didn't have any intention of going out on the ice at all. My daughter is only 2. Once we got there, Mackenna immediately went to the ice rink and want to go out there with just her boots on. I figured if she was that interested that we would go rent skate's and give it a go. We walked into the building where they were doing the ice skate rentals and the line was almost out the door. Mack gave me a look like she didn't really mind. She waited in line with me for over 20 minutes and we got our skates. Once I put them on, she couldn't wait to get on the ice.

I held both her hands and put her in front of me and skated the both of us. It was a little nerve racking because I didn't want to fall or anything with me holding her. That would have been bad. 

She loved it... she was screaming wooohooo and yeah mummy! The entire time. 

Also, this weekend was pretty eventful. Friday night was a pretty chill night... sorta. I dug a friends car out of the snow at work and then chilled at home and went to bed pretty early. Saturday was the big day of my party for work at the Ritz Carlton. It was a great night and lot's of fun. 

My aunt Danya, Jeremey and Jade made it to the great ol U.S of A on saturday. I went down Sunday morning, through the most ugliest weather ever to see them. I played with my cousin Jade.

Here is the restaurant we built out of blocks.

Great weekend, partied, snow and family. How was your weekend? 

365 Days in Pictures 

21 and over cupcakes

There were several people's birthday this week and last week at work. So I decided to get my act together and finally cook some cupcakes for the office. I convinced my friend Marea that lives down the street from to help me cook Pink champagne cupcakes. They were easier than I thought and they were really good. 

Here is some photos of the process.. 

The Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 18 1/4 ounces white cake mix, no pudding, and must be white to taste champagne
• 1/2-3/4 cup champagne, chilled ( pink, white, sweet, dry)

Frosting

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup champagne
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 5 -5 1/2 cups additional powdered sugar

Directions

1. Use a box of white cake mix (NO pudding) and substitute champagne - 1/2 to 3/4 cup to replace all of the liquid called for in the cake mix. So if the box says 3/4 cup water replace with 3/4 cup champagne. I did use one that had 1 1/4 cups water and replaced with champagne, just depends on the cake mix brand you buy. The kind of champagne/sparkling wine (pink, white, sweet, dry) used will determine the flavor. I usually just buy the cheap pink sparkling stuff in the grocery store, it's sweet and yummy in this!
2. Tint with red food coloring to a soft pink, use a drop at a time, this stuff will stain, probably take about 3 drops.
3. Bake cake as instructed on box. I usually make in 9x13-inch pan, but for an elegant layer cake use two 9 round cake pans, a heart pan would be perfect for Valentine's Day!
4. Creamy champagne frosting:.
5. Beat 1 cup softened butter for 30 seconds. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar.
6. Beat in 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup champagne, and 1 TB vanilla.
7. Beat in 5-5 1/2 more cups powdered sugar till you can spread it or is consistency you want.

I'm parent of the week!

Hello fellow bloggers I'm being featured over at Avant Garde Parenting as the parent of the week. 

Please go on over and leave me some love. 

Jamie Contacted me a month ago or so and asked if I wanted to be featured as 

one of her parents of the week. I said yes..!

I wrote about Mackenna's birth story from Ian's perspective. 

Tis the Season to be... Stressed

Last night I licked, wrote and stamped more than half of the Christmas cards. What a relief to get those baby's done. With all the hussel and bussel this month I haven't had a change to breathe let alone have a moment of peace or relaxation I feel like.

What is left for me to do 11 days for christmas:

* Noel night's --> Northstar @ Tahoe... We go every year and have Mack's picture taken with Santa. It's a fun night and they have a Starbucks up there. 

* My Christmas Party @ The Ritz Carlton @ Tahoe. My company Christmas parties are so much fun. Food, drinks, dancing and prizes. Last year we all got Ipod's I wonder what is in store for us this year. 

P.S. I got my dress in the mail from Macy's and I'm in love. Love, Love it. 

* Picking aunt and uncle up this weekend from San Francisco. They are flying in this weekend from New Zealand. 

* Christmas Shopping... I have a confession... I haven' started. Oh My! Next week I'm going to be doing it all. Getting photos printed from our family photo shoot and framing. 

* Wrapping gifts, baking cookies and breads, and filling stockings. 

* Christmas Dinner... This year we are doing a ham and deep fried turkey. We usually go to other family member's houses for dinner on the holiday's but this year we are hosting Christmas Dinner at our house. 

* Pack and organize self for Mack and I's travel to Seattle to see my side of the family... I don't even want to think that far ahead. 

What's left on your list to do before Christmas?

Do you have as much to do as me with 11 days left?

I'm starting to get a little stressed out and I might have a mental breakdown at some point this week... I can feel it. However, the holiday's are all about spending time with family and making the most of the season. I always feel like it has to be perfect. Does it? Maybe not.. I guess I need to just cool it.