We Do Things

O' CHRISTMAS TREE

One of the best traditions The CA Grandma & Grandpa started when The Kids were littles was putting up the Christmas Tree after Thanksgiving.

When we used to rotate holidays, The CA G&G were not guaranteed to have The Kids around for Christmas, so they decided that at least The Kids could help to decorate their tree when we did go up north for Thanksgiving.

Adding some more Grandchildren to the mix only makes it better. The Littlest Niece is now old enough to help out, even if she doesn't quite understand why people would put all these great toys on a tree!

The Boy tried to help explain it to her, but have you ever tried to explain things to a two year old?

The Boy sent her to her daddy. Let him deal with it.

But have you ever tried to explain things to your own two year old?

TLN's Daddy sent her elsewhere for explanations.

The Dog patiently attempted to explain things to her, but when he started talking about the dinner table instead of the Christmas tree, well, we all gave up and just let TLN do her own thing.

She was happy, we were happily exhausted.

Because this? This is what it feels like to try to explain things to a two year old.

In the end, the tree got decorated. We elderly people sure don't remember much about it though.

THANKSGIVING WITH FAMILY

We have just recently began traveling for Holidays again. We used to travel every Holiday when The Kids were younger. Then we realized that it was just too much stress and work. So, we decided that we would stay home and our families would always be welcomed into our home. It was a hard decision to reach, but we felt it was important The Kids got to celebrate Holidays in their own homes, as well as without stressed out parents.

Now, The Kids are getting older and The Dad and I have discussed breaking old habits and taking advantage of everyone's time off to spend time with other parts of our families.

This Thanksgiving, we ventured to The CA Grandma &Grandpa's house.

The Girl enjoyed dance time with The Littlest Niece, while I lounged off a wonderful Turkey dinner.

The Dad had not seen The Littlest Niece in quite a long while. It took her a bit to warm up to him, but once she did she promptly wrapped him around her finger.

The Boy and TLN tackled him and had him begging for mercy with their tickle attacks.

The poor tortured man.

As two year olds often do, TLN moved her attention elsewhere, leaving her older cousin to bear the brunt of The Dad's revenge.

I think that must be the best thing ever if you're a 10 year old boy. To take on your old man. Lucky for The Dad, he's not too old yet and managed to survive The Boy's attacks.

My parents have learned that we are happier traveling as a family and my mom has come to tolerate, if not even enjoy, The Dog's presence.

The Dog is not one to let himself be left out of the wrestling.

I think The Littlest Niece is most spoiled when we venture northward. All of my photos seem to focus on her. I'm sure Cousin J would have figured in just as much, but he was at his mother's house this Holiday weekend and we missed him dearly.

"You jump on his back and I'll take him from behind. He'll be so worried about you getting hurt that he'll let us take him."

"Giddy up!"

I think it was love at first piggy back.

 

F4F & FAVORITE THINGS FRIDAY

Once again, I'm combining two of my favorite weekly events.

I can finally start to reveal and revisit some of the homemade gifts we all made this year. This was our most homemade year thus far and with The Kids getting older every year, it seems like we may be able to break our record next year.

 I want to show you the  I Spy bags we made for both The Littlest Niece and The Littlest Nephew.

The Boy even was super involved in this project, making most of the Littlest Nephew's bag all by himself.

The Boy measured and cut the fabric, then after a quick sewing machine tutorial, he stitched it up. It was a most fun afternoon, working on these with my boy.

The Littlest Niece was quite upset because she wanted to actually play with the toys, not just spy them!

We even sewed a list on the back, so TLN&N would know what they're looking for. Of course, it may take them a few years to learn to read it, but at least their parents will know.

As The Boy and I sat back and enjoyed a hard afternoon of work, I realized that I had sewn the front of The Littlest Niece's back on inside out. The Boy had sewn The Littlest Nephew's bag perfectly however.

I fixed my mistake the next day and we had to wait almost a month to gift these wonderful toys. My favorite part thing is getting to be creative with The Boy and spending an entire afternoon working with him.

THE GOOD FRIENDS FAMILY

Some people come into your life and you are never the same. They match you in ways that you never thought complete strangers could. They become family.

We have been hanging with TheGoodFriendsFamily (TGFF) for years. Through various activities, camping trips, family get togethers, and Holidays spent together, they have become much more to us than simply Good Friends. Or even Best Friends. They are Family. It is a handy thing to have, when our born families are so far apart. We know that no matter what, we have them. I hope they also know, they have us. No matter what.

Due to financial difficulties this year, I guiltily tried to work my way out of our gift exchange for this past holiday. TGFFMom looked at me, I think in shock and astonishment that I would be so cheap, and said it was not possible. They had already been working on something for us and I could cheese out on them, but she would never consider cheesing out on me. (Okay, maybe she didn't say all that, but my guilt filled ears heard it. I had become the loser friend. Worse, she was much too kind to ever say so to my face)

I arrived home from delivering some baked goods around town one day to find this sitting on my kitchen counter.

Our family as gnomes. It is quite possibly, the best gift ever.

The detail. Those bottlecap mushrooms just about kill me. The preciousness of those tiny, perfect stitches on the moss.

Each one of us, presented in miniature perfection! Why, I'm as skinny as a twig! Those faces, the hair! The hair!

Why, we even look happy to be together! Happy! With a 13 year old gnome daughter! TGFF are magical.

The best part is when The Boy saw it, he decided that it could indeed be TGFF or us! Depending on the day and how much he misses his TGFFBoy counterpart, it is either family.

I hope you all enjoy your Fondue Maker.

Maybe, one day, when your dipping cheesecake into chocolate you might just find it in your heart to forgive your lame friend and invite her over?

HALLOWEEN 2010

Another Halloween is on the books for The Family. This one was different from the past, as it was the first year The Kids went off in different directions.

The Boy off to the popular haunt to Trick or Treat with his gaggle of friends from school.

My personal favorite? The Travelocity Gnome.

The Girl had plans to Trick or Treat sans adults around our own neighborhood. I know, our neighborhood isn't the cool one? Don't worry, it shocks me too.

Well, you know how it goes, the best laid plans of mice and men...or teenage girls.

Just as The Girl feared she would be hitting the street with dear old mom (yes, isn't that a picture?) one of The Friends showed up and The Girl was spared the embarassment of TorT'ing with me.

So, the Two Zombies and Sherlock Holmes headed out to fulfill their dentist's wallet, um, to gather as much candy as kidly possible. I drew the long straw and got to stay home dealing with The Manic Dog and handing out candy.

This year was a transition to having two older kids for sure. The Carving of The Pumpkins was slightly different as well. Meaning I didn't even get off the couch this year.

Although, The Boy still hasn't learned that old Pumpkin goop lesson.

One of the most difficult things about Halloween, after finally settling on a costume is what to carve into your innocent pumpkin.

The Boy chose Kirby, which forced The Dad into shaving his pumpkin since The Boy couldn't stay in the lines. Really, do we want The Boy using the big knife again?

My answer is no.

You'll have to take my word that Kirby lit up really nicely. The picture makes him look like crap, but we had a ton of Trick or Treaters comment that we were "The house with the cool pumpkins"

I have to admit to being a tad concerned about The Girl's choice of carvings.

If we were better parents we would probably be looking into some alchohol testing or drug testing or something for her. Instead we just relished in the happiness her pumpkin brought to others. It was a hit. As a matter of fact it's still oozing on our front porch if you all would like to come on by and see it in person. Can't wait to hose that off my porch.

Besides, as parents we can only worry so much and currently I'm too busy watching my back. Zombies in The House are a serious issue. Especially when they're wearing purple vans and combat boots.

It's coming for you...

 

LOMBARDI 2010

Our yearly venture to the community pumpkin patch is getting shorter every year.

I think we were there for a 1/2 hour this year.

The Kids almost don't fit ontop of the Jack O' Lantern any longer.

We made our way through the Scarecrows. The path didn't seem nearly as long this year.

No more unpredictable tantrums to control. Just real, thought provoking conversation.

The kind that can only occur during Scarecrow visiting.

Teen angs staring you down.

Things are a lot easier. No strollers, no corraling young children for the traditional pictures.

Only one child to try to tame now...

Humorous pictures no longer embarass.

Pumpkins are picked in seconds. Instead of hours.

Even while texting friends.

Pictures of Mom and Dad can be taken by The Kids now. Proof we were actually there. Besides the dent in our wallets.

Here's to hoping you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween. I know the excitement in our house is at a fever pitch.

A DECADE OF LIVING

Today marks an exciting day for The Dad and I.

Today, we celebrate keeping our second child alive for 10 whole years.

 

From this bitty shown here at almost 4 months to this monster.

He has brought 10 of the best years to our lives. This has not been an easy year for The Boy. He has had experienced the gamut of high highs to low lows. He was beaten down. By a system that should have nurtured and protected him.

As in most cases of adversity, he has come out the other side stronger and funnier.

He is The Boy who will wear a dress at the New Year's Eve party because it puts a smile on everyone's face. He is the class clown even as he swears he doesn't like people looking at him.

This year will always be especially precious to me, as it was the year I had the honor of being his teacher once again. I got to know him in a way I've missed. He is a sensitive, smart, and sloppy student. His brain goes in 90 different directions in any given moment. Keeping up with him was exhausting, but I know it kept me sharp. He gets that from The Dad.

 

It was another year of Baseball fever. For the past few years he has thought he wouldn't play again. He is ever so happy when he decides to join again. He has become much more coordinated and strong. He had an amazing hitting streak this year and his ability to catch the ball improved tenfold.

Three years into his martial arts career, he tested for and received his Purple Belt.

Purple just happens to be his favorite color. Sifu just happens to be one of his favorite adults. His form and again, his strength have become much better. He is confident in his ability to defend himself now. A skill he severely questioned at the beginning of this year. He has learned that you can't always be nice, sometimes, you have to stand up and fight back.

He is one of the most fair people I know. Lying is not allowed. There is good in everyone.

At the beginning of the year, we worried there was too much good in him. He was a bit of a pushover. He stood strong that two wrongs don't make a right. Sometimes, kids are smarter than their parents.

He grew into his own version of strength. He learned the great art of evasion and diversion.

We no longer worry about other people pushing him around. He won't allow it. It was a journey he had to go through mostly on his own. As tough as it was to have to sit back and watch, he came through it much more confident than if we had overly intervened.

Have I mentioned his humor? This Boy has us in stitches constantly.

 

There is no such thing as an ordinary bike ride with him along.

 

For being the baby of The Family, he is an extremely attentive caregiver to his younger cousins. He cherishes them and absolutely dotes on them. It is beautiful to see him shower them with the love he has.

 

Happy Birthday Bubba. We are so incredibly proud to be your family. Watching you grow is our special privilege. I hope you know how much we absolutely adore you.

Now go clean your room...

INDEPENDENCE DAY

As slack as I was about the picture taking duties on the 4th, apparently, The Dad picked up my slack.

I love when we go somewhere and I'm too lazy I forget to take pictures only to come home and find that The Dad has uploaded, to my computer, the pictures he took to document our family fun. Yet another reason, I'll be keeping him around.

Also, when he does the picture taking, it looks like I was actually there!

We usually host a little BBQ at The House and then head to The Mall to catch the fireworks. I know, fireworks at the mall? While we have a lot of open land in our area, it is also very prone to catching fire, so the display is done in the mall parking lot, which conveniently has a Fire Station right across the street.

This year, when our guest list dwindled down to just us and TheGoodFriendsFamily, we were pleasantly surprised with an invitation to join one of The Boy's Dungeons and Dragons Buddies for a potluck at their house. AND! They have a swimming pool. It didn't take long for TGFFMom and I to decide that was a much better idea for keeping All of The Kids out of our hair all day, plus, we would get to visit with some awesome people and not just stare at each other across a table wondering if it was too rude to take naps.

After getting over the embarrassment of knocking on the wrong door, on the wrong street, we found the BBQ. It was completely my fault, ask for directions? Nope, I've been there several times already. At night. In the pitch dark. I should totally be able to find the house during the day right? Eventually, I did.

Oh, and if you all think The Dad was thrilled to be carrying a cooler up and down the street while I debated which house to knock at, only to find out that we were on the wrong street entirely, well think again. It was the first time in our relationship that he was really mad at me. Very angry. Luckily, the carrying the cooler thing slowed him down enough that I was able to run to safety.

Once we got to  the correct house, The Boy jumped right in the pool and didn't get out until it was time to go to the front yard to watch fireworks.

I mostly stayed right here while the lovely hostess and handsome host brought dish upon dish, including the best homemade ice cream I have ever tasted right to me us.

 

Around 9ish, we gathered the freezing children out of the pool and herded them to the front yard to watch the show. Yes, it was freezing in July in Southern California. Literally, it was around 68 degrees during fireworks.

Perfect view.

Playdates were arranged during the fireworks show. New friends cemented during the day had to come over this week! As a matter of fact, while I write this post, the new friend is here! And has been all day. And will be until 8 tonight! Happiness abounds.

Another perfect celebration of our wonderful country. Great friends and great food, All of The Kids got along, for the most part, and nobody was ready to leave.

Even if some of us were cold.

PULLED PORK DONE RIGHT

The Dad is the chef in this house. He does 99.9% of the cooking.

As a really special treat for him for Father's Day, I planned the most delicious meal I could think of for him.

My pulled pork.

Then, because my pork is so incredible (it really is people), I knew I had to do some research to find the World's Best BBQ sauce ever.

I had a last minute brainstorm (sometimes my brain is very stormy) to make some Carolina Slaw to go on top.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the internet?

 

The Dad was drooling folks. This is actually his second sandwich and I had to yell at him to take a picture before he bit into it! It is that good.

And, it is a crockpot recipe. How awesome is that?

Pulled Pork to Die For or Green Chile Shredded Pork

5 lb. Pork Shoulder Roast

2 1/2 large onions, sliced in 1/2

10 (yes, 10) cloves of garlic

27 oz. can of whole roasted Green Chiles

7 oz. can of diced Green Chiles

4 cups beef broth ( I use chicken because it's usually what I have)

Kosher (or Sea) Salt and Fresh ground black pepper

Olive Oil and Coconut Oil

In a large Dutch Oven (if cooking in oven, if using crockpot, us a large pan) pour once around the pot w/ olive oil and add 1 Tb. Coconut Oil. Place over medium-high heat and allow oils to melt together and get hot. Add onions to pot, cut side down in an even layer, allow to brown 3-5 minutes. Brown all sides, remove to plate.

Saute garlic, remove to plate.

Move oven racks to lowest position and pre-heat oven to 350. Of course, if you're using the crockpot, skip this.

Season roast w/ salt & pepper. Sear and brown roast, remove to plate.

Add 1 cup of broth to pan and whisk up the brown bits (deglaze). Put roast, onions, & garlic back in pan (or into crockpot). Pour in chiles and remaining broth. Cover and cook about 4 hrs. Or cook in crockpot on lowest setting.

It should pull apart w/ forks, if not, keep on cooking it.

Serve w/ warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges. OR, turn into the best pulled pork sandwiches ever by soaking it in BBQ sauce.

Might I recommend this recipe?

Which again, I owe to someone's wonderful blog, I failed to bookmark. Unbelievable really for it is my new BBQ Sauce.

1 cup Ketchup

1/2 c. brown sugar

4 T. wine vinegar

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 T. Chipotle Tabasco Sauce

1 T. Soy Sauce

2 T. Water

1/2 tsp. (or a smidge more) Dry Mustard

Whisk together in a small pot and bring to a light simmer.

Delish!

Carolina Slaw recipe is here. Also muy delicioso.

SPRING BREAK ON THE ROCK

One of the silliest things about me is that I was born in Spring. Not just anytime in Spring, but the early Spring. Like when Spring Break always occurs for The Kids' school schedule.

Every time my birthday rolls around I find myself on some journey with The Kids and usually my parents. The Dad is usually stuck home alone being a slave to the man.

This year, we found ourselves journeying up north to TheCAGranparents' abode. Every single time we go up there, TheCAGrandpa swears up and down that he will never return to San Francisco.

Every single time, we talk him into it. There is just too much that The Kids need to see there.

China Town.

Ghiradelli Square.

There are elevators to get stuck in, airshows to watch, fountains to play in,

and, this time,

Alcatraz.

 

The Island looks so tiny when you come approach it in the boat. After walking it for hours with three young ones so full of energy, it feels gigantic.

 

These three were born to be together. They are three peas in one pod.

 

They balance each other out so well. They're also terrible troublemakers together.

This Seagull was our ship mascot. He sat up on his perch and enjoyed the ride. Until he decided it was time to race!

 

There was a lot of racing going on that day

 

and playing tag. Lots of tag. Have you ever tried to take an audio tour in the midst of an uncontrollable game of tag? It is not for the faint of heart.

 

There was some sibling bonding going on in the prison library. Some of you may be shocked that The Kids ended up in the prison library. Myself? Not so much. I always knew they'd be well read no goodniks.

 

This one's for my brothers because, well, they know why. The Girl would not go inside. It didn't help that we had just watched the Alcatraz episode of Ghost Hunters.

 

Here's some real bad boys. I think the tour would have been more spooky if there weren't a billion other people crowding the halls with us. We all decided we need to come back sometime in the off season, bring a picnic and stay all day soaking up the history.

 

I tried to take this home as my souvenir, but the Park Rangers threw quite a fit. I just couldn't understand it. Next trip, I'm carrying a bigger purse.