She's making a List

As Christmas is vastly approaching I thought it only appropriate to make my list and check it twice!

!. Finish Christmas Shopping.

2. Wrap the presents, I need motivation here people.

3. Create elaborate baked goods for the neighbors. No time like the present to become a baker.

4. Complete a 35 page scrapbook for my friends daughter. No small task.

5. Cruise over to Las Vegas for 2 days with Brian's Family. Black Jack here I come.

6. Buy lots of food in case there is a famine. What is the expiration date for frozen pizzas?

7. Get my years supply of Dr. Pepper. There really could be a shortage, just ask Guns N Roses.

8. Purchase an expensive purse and wallet from Coach. Hey someone has to stimulate the economy!

9. Buy a hand gun. I need to be able to protect the new purse and Brian's personal electronics, a sub-division of Best Buy and Ultimate Electronics.

10. Fill a syringe with Holly Jolly Christmas and inject it into the cranky people in line at the stores. Okay this is the nurse in me, not to be mistaken for evidence of my experience with drug abuse.

11. Exercise! I am doing a sprint triathlon May 9th, have I got work to do!

I have checked my list twice and a few things are abundantly clear!! I will never be ready in time. I will immediately remove exercise from the list, isn't that what everyone does. I can certainly wait till January 1st to exercise, isn't that what New Year's resolutions are for? Down with Baking, everyone who knows me realizes this was a pipe dream. Store food later, there will always be another time to create food storage, right? Not very Noah of me. I suppose Coach will have to be postponed. In the spirit of giving I will let the chic in the Mercedes have my $6000 Sabrina Ostrich this year! I really should let my husband wrap all the presents, it brings him such joy, and after all practice makes perfect. And Seriously, who needs a scrapbook?

Oh good now my list is far more manageable!

Where does that leave me?

1. Shopping.
2.Vegas.
3. Dr. Pepper.
4. Gun.
5. Syringe of Jolly.

Glad to see all of the essentials will be taken care of this holiday season. Ho. Ho. Ho. Merry Christmas!

I will fade out with the abridged lyrics of Need A Little Christmas

Yes, we need a little Christmas right this very minute...

For we need a little music
Need a little laughter
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter
And we need a little snappy
"Happy ever after"
Need a little Christmas now

Little Miracles

We spend most of our time at home, staring at each other all day, that is very boring. However, because my children just LOVE to stay home, we stay home. Luckily for me, we can find enough mischief right inside our very own home! :) My recent increased exposure to the outside world through work and blogs has made me increasingly aware of how special life's tiny miracles really are. There are many going through heartrending and very difficult times. There are also many accounts of lives miraculously saved!


A baby girl named Chloe whose surgeon was lead by the spirit to leave a section of the brain alone, and subsequent exams revealed that her brain is functioning perfectly. This little girl likely would've had long term deficits if the surgeon had removed that section of the brain, but a prompting to leave it alone from an all knowing Father in heaven protected this sweet infant. Divine intervention!


Most of us follow the Nielsen's story. A family that has been through such tragedy both parents severely injured in a plane crash, months in a medically induced coma. The family have rallied to care for their 4 small children and have been open to sharing the daily joys. What faith they have shared. The mother has unquestionably been divinely protected. There road is not an easy one, but these parents have been saved to be reunited with their children.

My nephew is a little miracle in our lives! Rhett is the youngest son of my brother Ben and his wife Kim. He sent a few clues that he intended to make his arrival early, but the OB's office misjudged his cues. Once these little hints developed into obvious painful contractions, there was no doubt someone was requesting an audience! He patiently waited several days until just the right balance of lung maturing and antibiotics could be achieved. This little guy came 6 weeks early, perfectly healthy, and an amazing 5 pounds. Quite a feat for such a young boy! He has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, Just 2.5 months later and he is over 11 pounds, When you see him now you would never even believe Rhett was a preemie! What a special treasure!!

Our first child decided on Christmas night that he was ready to join the world. It may have been the sounds of "The Lord of the Rings" that made him fear the end of the world was coming so he'd better get his life started. All 3 of my boys have caused me grief while trying to join the human race! With each delivery I have heard, "You may need a c-section," or "We are committed to a healthy baby," what they are saying is "We are very worried about your baby, you may need an emergency surgery!" I know all of their little tricks as I read from that playbook regularly. It is hard when you really do know the gravity of the situation you are in. It makes it all so important to have faith that things are in God's hands. Always the extra oxygen mask! Additional Nurses and monitoring equipment galore emerge. Tears cascade as I worry for the safety of the tiny unborn. At least twice, special blessings were requested! In the end, all three passengers have safely reached their destination! Not one child has released the emergency hatch on my belly and deployed his parachute. My 3 little Miracles! Each one special and unique. Each boy with his own special personality. The sweet wide innocent eyes. The loving kisses after biting my hand or whacking me in the head with a flying object. I believe each child was given a secret mission, and the exact weapons necessary to attack me where I am most vulnerable! Yes, they look so sweet and innocent, don't let them fool you! These guys are 3rd degree ninja super-warriors who have been secretly trained in the art of the three fingered eye-jab! I am so thankful for each of my miracles. They may know just how to challenge me, but they are also my ambassadors of kwan. They know just how to show me the love! Snuggle Fests, Slobbery Kisses, and Secrets of love whispered in my ear. They leave no doubt that I am a loved and essential part of their universe. The Christmas season is all about miracles. What miracles great or small have you enjoyed?

This Thanksgiving Griffin Gets Busted!

Mommy's Thanksgiving Weekend

I pulled down a shift at the hospital. I think the nursing powers that be were smiling down on me because I had an amazing assignment. I could NOT have asked for a better assignment for holiday pay. My sister saved me some excellent left overs, which was great since no one is really open at 9pm when I finally got off work! A mere 13.5 hours of work, but who is counting the money?!

Day 2: Mommy Holiday vacation officially begins! I realized there was no point in getting up too early so I rolled out of bed at 9am and was out the door by 10. I won't bore you with the details, but I will say this...

Victoria's Secret Gap Gymboree Target Men's Wearhouse

Fiesta Mall Chandler Mall Tempe MarketPlace

Read Twilight (Yes I know a little late!, but the interest and time just became available)

Day 3: Target Bed,Bath, & Beyond, BodyWorks PotteryBarn Kids, Walmart

In order to avoid strangleholds, I will not bore you with every last detail. I will admit the above list intentionally excludes details of all of the purchases from said shopping extravaganza. Enough said!

I did miss my sweet family. However, I have 7 years of mommy self-sacrifice and 9 of wife hood! It is okay to get a break! I would like to thank my employer for making working a Holiday too lucrative to pass up. Thanks to my man for being superman, without whom none of this would be possible!

My friend called me last night and said her sister wondered if Brian and I were having marital trouble because she hasn't seen Brian around lately...

No, No troubles, Just one Amazing dad and husband!!

Daddy's Thanksgiving weekend with the boys!

USC Trojan Football Game

Little Brian said "the WATCHING of the game was boring, but the FOOD was good!" He apparently told his uncle this 3 times so he could understand the game wasn't boring it was just "The watching" that was boring.

Griffin finds himself in police custody for pulling the fire alarm. We even have a picture of the boys covering their ears from the deafening siren. When you break the law in California they are strict, even when it comes to minors! Griffin came home and said, "Policeman take me away."


Then there were the pony rides, Lincoln loved it the most. Who would've thought they let a 20 month old ride by himself? As he was pulled away from his ride, he kept crying "Horsey, Horsey"

That little ploy bought him a second ride! Hooray for grandparents who love to spoil!

On to the train ride!

What would we do without Papa to protect the wee Lincoln! Chuga Chuga, Choo Choo!

We love Daddy for being willing to work so hard, so we could have SO much FUN! Thank you Tutu and Papa for creating enough excitement that my husband can't resist the company, yummy food, and all of the fun USC activities! Thanks to Aunts Amy and Britt who played with us and gave us tubbies, and Uncle Jorge and Uncle Justy who embraced their inner child and entertained ALL my boys with rock band, XBOX 360 and endured the little men at the game! Special thanks to the Daw Clan for sending all my boys home safe and sound!

With Age Comes Wisdom

First time parents are overly protective with some things and too relaxed on other things. When Little Brian was a baby we were not good about brushing his teeth, or adhering to a strict bedtime. Eventually we came to our senses and put the child to bed at 8pm each night and never miss a brushing. All of the boys are trained in proper dental hygiene. On occasion even Lincoln takes charge!As a new parent it would NEVER be acceptable to share sippy cups, pacifiers require sterilization EVERY time they fall, NO sick person is permitted within a 2 mile radius! With two small boys in the same house, ALL bets are off.

Each child has his own toothbrush, but when Lincoln uses his toothbrush on Griffin's teeth, what do you do? Two words, Take Pictures! Yes, first time parents rush to the rescue of every scrape, bump, and cry. Seasoned parents get out the camera and capture every angry and pathetic cry for future viewing pleasure.
It would seem that this decreased hyper vigilance comes from apathy. This may in fact be the case, I am not going to lie! However, it also comes from a realization that within two minutes of the "traumatic ordeal" that same child will be smiling and laughing. No matter how well you try to sterilize things and segregate yourself from society, there will still be illnesses. Yes, even if you battle the toothbrush war and apprehend the offending toothbrush before "damage" is done, the germ exchange is just one sippy cup away. Often it is better to just sit back and relax. Suddenly a shocking discovery is made, everything was going to be fine without your help.

I leave you with pearls of wisdom from Little Brian.

I went to brush Brian's teeth this evening and he said, "Mom did you know there is a bone at the bottom of your mouth?" I told him yes and it is called the Mandible. He told me, "Yeah I knew that." I was curious so I asked, "Wow, who taught you that?" His response, "My brain told me that." "Oh I see," I replied.

We finished brushing his teeth and he asked casually, "What was the name of that bone again?"

Nothing says I love you like a Pee River!

I feel it is only right and fitting that I post a picture of the Griffinator in his new do. As you all played a special part in getting the boy what he rightfully deserved! :)

So he fell asleep on the way to the Snip-Its for his haircut. He had been having a very successful day of potty training and was in underroos at the time. I got the perfect parking spot and was able to sit in the car while Brian "embraced baldness" and then we traded spots and I went in and got Lincoln's hair trimmed up.

Well Mr. Griffin had peed his pants while slumbering in his car seat. I brought something to protect their seat during his haircut. The girl was amazing and understanding (Was it my day or what!).

He stayed half asleep through the entire cut his head would just bobble back and forth as his eyes roll around sleepily. The haircut was complete and Griff was finally awake. I finish paying and start gathering the boys, WELL, Griffin started peeing, and peeing. There was a small lake! This baby was huge! The hairstylist knew us from last time, thank goodness I tip well! She didn't even let me clean it up, "oh we'll just mop it up don't worry". Oh yes, Good Times!!

Rain Drops are Falling on My Head

Brian needed no blog support to receive a haircut. He was his own personal haircut advocate. No one could convince him that there is anything cooler in the world than the least amount of hair possible. The girl cut his hair and then showed him in the mirror, his face light up like Christmas morning. He hopped in the car and said, "When you slide your hand up the back of my head it feels like rain! I knew it, I knew this was an awesome haircut!"

I tried to get a few pictures to reflect the stark change in hairstyle. He was just too pleased with himself. A plain smile was absolutely out of the question! He asked, " Will my hair grow even a little bit before school tomorrow?" I assured him it would look the same, and was he ever thrilled.Last night we were out on the trampoline and I yelled for him to come out to play. He played a few minutes and said, "Mom, now that I am bald, I need to go back in the house because my head will get too cold." Omniscient as I am, I quickly informed him a beanie would do the trick.

As you can imagine...many ideas are circulating in this kids brain. He can't help but express himself. We washed his hair tonight and he was quite pleased with how little shampoo it required, it was so easy to rinse, and it dries in a flash. He informed me, "Dad's have the most hair. I said I think I probably have the most hair. He said, but dad's have the most hair on their whole bodies! If you have seen manly arm and leg hair, then you would know the kid is probably right!

Kicking and Screaming

First, I would like to thank everyone for their excellent support on my last post!!! This will be the last great picture taken with Griffey Long Stockings! It was great to get so much response, fuels my hopes of readership! :) Without Further Ado...

I wanted to get a picture of the boys so I set out on a shopping extravaganza.

• Vests: Children's Place, Charcoal, Chocolate, Grey

I love vests, Dad doesn't , I win :)

• Shirts: Perfect shirts at Gymboree, Big Boys khaki stripe, Lincoln Check
• Pants: Dark brown cargos, lovingly purchased for all three at Gap,
• Shout out to Gap! Oh so great Cargos!

Much to my husbands delight I found matching clothes in our closet! A tie and pants in the perfect khaki and a dress with both brown tones and a hint of Girlie Charm! Viola! Family Picture!

Our last professional family picture was 3 years ago. Yet, it was an ordeal to convince THE MAN of the gravity of the situation. Seriously! The dad mumbled and grumbled, played dead on the floor, invented a disease, spilled kool-aid on his shirt, and every other attempt at avoiding the adventure. I told him, these were my words, "What if one of us was injured severely or died and we never took a family picture?" I have a real fear of this. When I was 8 months pregnant the insurance guy scared me into doing a will and buying life insurance... he even warned me against going on my vacation without it.

After all of the dust settled, pictures purchased, little people chased out the door, I looked down and realized, Holy Crap, I forgot to wear a bra!!!