L-A-Z-Y!!

All of my children have great qualities. Andy is so smart, funny, and a great big brother. Natali is so sweet, loving, and a people pleaser. Giovanni is so unintentionally funny, sweet, and loves loves loves his brother and sister (most of the time). Along with good qualities each of them have their "need to work on" qualities. Andy has an attitude lately that will send me to my grave if it doesn't change. Natali is super ditzy at times. Giovanni... well, I think pictures say it better than anything.


Andy doing the dishes, he's such a good helper!



We bought these little vacuums the day after Thanksgiving for $9. Our kids LOVE them and usually fight over who gets to use them! Good thing we bought 2!!


Giovanni is eating a Popsicle... is that a chore?!


Natali is such a good helper, she even empties the vacuum bag!


Andy scrubbing away!


Giovanni is done with his Popsicle and what's he doing? Ya, running in the hall! Can we say LAZY?!?! lol

Playin is hard!!

Andy and Natali were downstairs talking to me and Natali tells me that Giovanni fell asleep in the playroom. How does this happen? I went upstairs and THIS is what I found! I would be tired after making this HUGE mess, too!!





And he tries to tell me he DOESN'T need a nap! lol

It's begining to Look A lot Like Christmas!

Our Tree! The kids decorated it, they didn't do that bad a job, huh?! (this was after the bottom strand of the lights went out and I tore them down in frustration. maybe that's why it doesn't look so bad because I re-put everything up?! lol)

This is the little half wall thingy that divides my kitchen and my living room. It's a perfect spot for my little snow men!

We don't have a fire place but I love this screen that was given to us as a wedding gift. We decided the front entry way of our house would be our makeshift fireplace! I really like it there and the kids LOVE seeing their stockings when they come downstairs in the morning!

These are our office doors. I didn't decorate the office but I like the touch of the garland. The garland with lights on it is also going up our banister but I neglected to get that pic for ya!

K, so this is my front door and I LOVE the way it turned out! The wreath is my Mom's and I wasn't really thrilled with it, but I like it and I added the little "Let it Snow" in the middle because it totally makes me laugh when I walk in the door sweating from the heat!

The day after Thanksgiving I noticed my neighbors were all doing something I totally wanted to do... decorate their yards for Christmas. Now, I knew this wouldn't fly with Bry after what happened last year (we hot glue gunned our lights to the stucco on our house and it didn't exactly "pop off" like we thought) so I decided that I would decorate our house instead!
Monday for FHE I wanted to go get a Christmas tree but by the time Bry got home and we ate dinner it was just too late. So Tuesday I said I was getting Andy from Scouts and went and got a tree with him after. It was fun taking him with to try and find "the perfect tree" he would smell all of them and let me know which one he wanted from there. It was funny. We came home and surprised Natali and Giovanni with the tree. Wednesday my parents came over and brought me a bunch of decorations for the tree from when I was a little girl. It was so fun hanging them up with the kids and telling stories about the different ornaments. Then I got my stuff out and we decked the house out! I think it looks pretty good! And for sure it puts me in the mood for Christmas!

Happy 27th Birthday to ME!!

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving, too!

This year was one of my best birthdays ever! Seriously, EVER! My birthday was on Thanksgiving and my family did such a great job of making me feel so special! Tuesday I got my hair done (hence the picture!) and can I tell you I feel so refreshed? I LOVE IT! But the spoiling didn't stop there. Thursday we went out to breakfast (to Burger King NOTHING was open but it was still nice not having to cook), I opened presents from the kids and Bry. Then we went into hurry mode and got everything done for Thanksgiving dinner.

About 2 Bry's Mom and Sis came over and I opened gifts from them and then my parents came over and I opened gifts from them (I liked the gift opening part of my day the best! lol) then we ate! Everything was soo yummy! The thing that was the worst is that you spend all that time making dinner and it's over in like 2 min! Urgh, but it's totally worth it. My favorite part of dinner is when we all go around and say what we're thankful for.

That night Bryant's sister took the kids back home with her and they spent the night at their Bambas house (that's what they call Bry's mom) while Bry and I went to see TWILIGHT!! I LOVED IT! Yes, it was slow, yes it wasn't as amazing as my imagination but it was still REALLY good and left me wanting more! :) After the movie we drove around to the stores to see if people really did camp out the night before Black Friday and I'm amazed to say that people really do! In front of Best Buy people had tents and everything, it was crazy! The next morning Bry and I enjoyed Christmas shopping without kids and I'm happy to report that as of today I'm DONE with Christmas shopping! YAAY!!

I'm so thankful for my family. I'm thankful especially for my amazing husband who tries so hard to make sure that I'm as happy as I can be. I'm thankful that he stands beside me even when I do things that I'm sure he wonders about, he may laugh but he still supports my whims! I'm also thankful for my awesome kids who try so hard to do what's right. They are the best kids EVER! I love that they come and give me "the hug" or "the kiss" just because! I am truly blessed!

I hope everyone had an awesome and safe Holiday!

I really am Grateful! :)

Honest, I am a grateful person, but I am also a VERY busy one, too! :) This last week was crazy busy. My sis-in-law got married, my cousin went through the Temple, and we had to plan our Sharing Time for this coming week!

The wedding was beautiful, sorry I don't have pictures, my camera broke, remember?! But it was good times. A long day, but good times! I will just say one thing- I LOVE that Bry and I didn't do the luncheon and then reception later that night thing, I wouldn't have lasted a minute longer than the few hours we did at our reception! :) I am so happy for Britni (my sis-in-law) she married a guy who is PERFECT for HER. I'm happy they are starting their lives together and wish them all the happiness in the world!

Saturday I was glad to share in Jen going through the Temple. What a packed session! No joke, we were there 45 min early and I didn't think we'd make the session, it was that busy! I am so proud of the accomplishments she's made in the last few months to get her to the place she is now. I loved being in the Temple with my cousins and my Aunt and Uncle. It was so neat. I also noticed that I'm learning more every time I go to the Temple. Could this be that my nerves are finally calming down enough that I can remember what happens next? I'm not sure, but it's a neat thing, too!

This week is equally busy, we're having Thanksgiving/my birthday at my house so I'm trying to get all that ready. Bry gave me an early birthday gift and I went and got my hair done today. I LOVE IT! When Jen gets home I'll take a pic and post it! :)

Today I am Grateful For Gas

Funny thing to be grateful for, huh? But I guess I'm not really grateful for gas as much as I'm grateful for gas prices being low! Yesterday it was $2.05 a gal and today at my lovely QT it was only $1.99!!! Actually, it was $1.99 last night there!! So thank you to whoever is causing it to only cost me $30 to fill up my van!! :)

I am Grateful for Nieces and Nephews

I am grateful for all 14 1/2 of my nieces and nephews, but today I am grateful for 2 in particular. Today is Michael's (my big brother, Jason's oldest son) 15th Birthday and he shares it with Emma (Summer's oldest daughter) who is turning 3!!

Michael lives in Spokane, WA and sadly, I haven't seen him since he was probably 9. He is such a fun, loving kid, and a good big brother to his 2 brothers and his sister. He is over 6' tall, wears a size 15 shoe so I think it's obvious that he loves to play football (he's number 99 in the pic), is the President for his church class, and even COOKS for his parents who are super busy! Good kid, huh? He was my first nephew and has such a special place in my heart. I wish I were with him to spend his birthday with him! Hopefully one day we'll have a huge reunion!

Emma lives in Cedar Hills, UT and I haven't seen her in a year and a half (are we all thinking the same thing I am? I really need to travel more! lol). I was there on the night that Emma was born and I remember waiting, and waiting, and waiting for her. When she finally decided we'd waited long enough she came and was such a beautiful baby girl with a huge head of DARK hair. She has the cutest little laugh and is super smart and a good big sister to her baby brother!

Happy Birthday Michael and Emma! I love you! :-)

Yesterday I was gratetful

I was totally busy yesterday with all the excitement of this week (my sis-in-law is getting married on Friday so tonight is her batchelorette party, tomorrow is setting up and getting primped and Friday is the big day. Then Saturday my cous is going through the Temple so my other cousin and my aunt and uncle are coming to town! Busy week!) so I didn't blog! But, I want everyone to know that I am still grateful! :)

Yesterday I was (and still am today) grateful for my Mom. My Dad flew to Utah and back yesterday (long story) so I met my Mom at the airport at 6am and we hung out all day. It was so fun going out Christmas shopping and my Mom also taught me how to make quilts for my kids as part of their Christmas. I am grateful that my Mom (and Dad) live so close to me and that we have such a good relationship. Not to mention, I love that my Mom taught my kids the pose she did in the picture above! lol :)

An Attitude of Gratitude

Lately I haven't been as grateful as I should be. Maybe it's all the stress, or just the rush of getting everything done on time, I'm not sure. But I saw this cute idea on a friends blog and decided to steal it (hope that's ok Nichole!).

Today I am grateful for my hubby. He was gone last week for training in LA and then came home sick and tonight is still not home (it's 9pm) and he left for work at 6:45 this morning. I am grateful that he is not only a provider for our family, but an example to our family. He is my best friend, my love, and my everything. I know it's not even been 2 years, but I can't imagine my life any different than it is right now. I can't wait until we get sealed and can spend eternity together. I love you, Mr.EBG!

Sheknows.com

I am sooo excited to announce that Bryant has signed a job offer and will be starting his new job on Monday! YAAAY! Bryant will be an AdOps something for the website sheknows.com which is like an ivillage.com type of place (but much cooler, of course! lol) that is located in Scottsdale. There is a lot of room for growth and Bry seems excited! Yaay! I am so proud of Bry that he got a job so fast. There were so many companies that told him if we lived in New York/LA/San Fran/Chicago he'd be hired, and while we entertained the idea of moving we both felt the best place for us to be was right where we are and we knew the Lord would help us make it work!
I'm excited because this job won't be as much stress for Bry, there are no sales involved!! Super yaay!! :)

Top 5 Reasons I'm Happy For the new job
1. We'll have health insurance again!! (always helpful when you have a child on meds)
2. We'll have a pay check again! (always helpful when you have bills lol)
3. Bryant hasn't seemed so passionate about something in a long time (work wise that is lol)
4. Bryant will be gone during the day so I can get out of the house again (he doesn't like to go out and about like me lol)
5. Bry has to do training in LA and I'm trying to finagle my way to going with! lol


Top 5 Reasons I'm Sad
1. Though he doesn't like to gallivant all day, it's been nice having him home during the day
2. He doesn't get vacation time right away (like no anniversary trip this next year, sigh)
3. He has to commute to North Scottsdale (yuck!)
4. No Christmas party in San Fran this year
5. He works from 6-3:30 (good hours just REALLY early!!)

Bry, I hope you know how proud I am of you. I know these past 3 weeks have not been easy on you, but I also know that we've become closer because of this. I am proud that you worked your butt off to get a job so quick in an economy like it is right now. I know your main concern is providing for our family, and I am so thankful for that. This job may not be the pay we're used to, but I also know you are smart and things will work out with all those "side gigs" you have.
I love you, I'm proud of you, and proud to be your wifey. MUAH!

Halloween Fun!

We had such a fun Halloween this year! The night before we went to our wards trunk or treat, it was so different than any I'd been to, it was soo fun! A lot of the trunks were decorated and then a lot of them had little games for the kids to play, there was a cake walk, a cotton candy machine (yummy!), and a TON of candy! The kids had a blast!

The next morning Natali woke me up to let me know that she had her first loose tooth! I was happy for her but it was so early I just told her to go back to bed (I know, I'm a bad mommy) well all day long she wasn't feeling well and when she got home from school (which when I suggested she stay home from school she cried and said she wanted to learn, what a cutie pants!) I felt her tooth and it was SUPER loose! So we went out trick or treating and then we went to Jack In The Box where all of us started realizing that Natali would be toothless shortly. We worked on it there for a while then went to our house and Jess and I got the tooth out! It was soo cool! The one next to it is loose and will probably be out by this weekend, so that will be her bottom two and her top two are loose now too! lol.

Overall, we had a great Halloween! The kids looked super cute and had a lot of fun going around our neighborhood with their friends across the street. Andy was a storm trooper, Natali was a butterfly, and Giovanni was "the skeleton" (everything is "the" right now, I don't know it's cute though!).

Hope everyone had as much fun as we did!!

New Glasses

A few weeks back I got a call from the nurses office at the kids school. I hate these calls. They freak me out! Thankfully the nurse just wanted to let me know that Natali failed her vision screening and she was sending me a note home with Natali with further instruction. I've been having my suspicions for a while about Natali's vision because she holds the book up to her face when she reads, so I just called and made an appointment for the eye Dr. Natali was stoked. lol. The best part was when they had to blow the air in her eye, she cried.

Her vision was pretty bad. -1.75 in one eye and -2.25 in the other. But thankfully it isn't the power that's the problem, it's because she has an astigmatism in both eyes. She loved picking out new glasses and ended up getting ones that were actually made for adults because the kid ones looked super small on her face. But they are cute and we gave them some bling for $2 instead of the extra $95 the office wanted! We think she could totally pass for a younger Sarah Palin, of course a much, much, much cuter one! :)

This pic is of her in the tutu I made her for part of her halloween costume!

Blog Stalking

One of the coolest features of my Palm is the ability to go online. I know a lot of phones let you, and I think it's fab! I've gotten into a habit of going online at night while I'm in bed and looking at other peoples blogs. Not just my friends, like random people that are on my friends friends list or I'll even look at those peoples friends blogs. It's strange I know. But I find people interesting. And I'm totally nosey. lol. Bry has come to call this "blog stalking". I think it's funny. I think he thinks it's irritating. lol.
So, now you all know, I have no life, and instead of counting sheep to go to bed, I blog stalk! Am I the only one who does this?

NKOTB

A few weeks back Jess and I went to see New Kids On The Block! It was possibly the best concert I've EVER been to! It was soo much fun! The best part is they sang a lot of their old stuff along with their new stuff! Ok, so that wasn't the best part. The best part was the girl in front of us, we seriously don't know how she even knew who NKOTB was because she couldn't have been over 18 and they've been apart for like 15 years, but... during the ENTIRE concert girlfriend was in hysterics, crying and saying the funniest things to her boyfriend (what a sweet guy taking his crazy girlfriend to a concert that she cried through) like, "this is all happening so fast" lol. There were so many times that I found myself laughing because of the crazy in front of me. I totally wish I would have taken a pic of her!

And, before ANYONE says that these guys are 40 what are they doing? I will just say... they were hot! That's all!

The worst part of the concert? Right before it started (literally we were sitting in our seats) the flash on my camera went out. I was so sad! But I was able to take a few pics and a video! So enjoy!

Britt, so many of these songs brought me back to us driving along the strand BLASTING this music in high school. It would have been sooo awesome had you been there! Next time, ya? ;)

Jess, I'm so glad that we went together! It was so much fun! I love you and am so glad we live so close and hope we always do!

Family Pics!!

I'm so excited that our family pictures FINALLY came back (it's been a week and a half, but I'm super impatient!). I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! The one where we are kissing we were asked to sign a model release form, fun huh? I am so pleased with the way they turned out! Yaay!!

Answers to Prayers

The past few weeks Bryant has been having a really hard time at work. He's been so stressed when he comes home because his company was having a hard time with its products so then Bryant's clients were unhappy and not spending, it was just a mess. Especially because Bryant's clients spending is what makes us our bonuses. We had been praying to know what it is that we should do to make Bryant less stressed and for guidance and direction.
Thursday we got our answer. First thing Thursday morning Bryant was on a job interview call (he'd been looking but not hard and it was on the DL) and got an IM from his buddy in the office (Bryant's office is in San Fran but he worked remotely from an office in Gilbert) saying that they just got out of a meeting where 40% of the company was laid off. His buddy and 2 VP's were of that 40%. Bryant freaked. I freaked. 2 hours later Bry received a phone call from his boss saying that the company wasn't profitable and that because of that 40% of the employees were being laid off so that as of right then they would be profitable. Bryant was one of the 40%. My stomach dropped when I saw Bryant and knew what had happened. I cried. I was angry, Bryant had done so much for that company, and they were like family. I felt betrayed. A few hours after the shock wore off we both felt total and complete peace. We knew this was an answer to our prayers. We both know everything is going to be just fine. Thursday alone Bryant had 3 phone interviews (most of these type of businesses are based out of San Fran) and Friday he had a few more, and one of the companies from Thursday called him back asking for references and talked waaay more in depth about the job.

We know we will be fine. We feel comforted by the Spirit and know that the Lord is mindful of us. I don't think I've seen Bryant so happy, which I know sounds funny, but he was ready for a new challenge and just needed the push to take it. We know that the most important thing right now is our family and staying close to the Lord.

I appreciate my friends who comforted me on Thursday and told me they knew we'd be fine. I know we will too, and I am so blessed to have friends who are there to listen to me and comfort me. Regardless of where we live. I love you! :) I'll keep you all posted as soon as anything happens.

1st Round of Pictures

A few weeks back my sis-in-law and I took our kids to get "old fashion" pics taken. They were sooo cute!! I really like how they turned out. These are just the ones of my kids there was also a pic of my kids and my niece and nephew that turned out way cute, too, but I don't have a my copy of it yet. So, here's a sneak peak of the pics... I like them a lot!

Window Treatments!

Yesterday I had to return something to Target and the kids were asking to look at the costumes so after making the return we went and walked around Target. And I am sooo glad I did! See, I've been wanting to make my house look a little more homey but I have like no time or talent to do so and while I'm walking by the end caps by the table cloths I see the cutest little window treatments and they were on sale 75% off! Sweet! I found 3 and ran home to put them up! I think it's totally what my kitchen needed! I now just need to find a table cloth and I think I'm going to look for a red one to pull everything together and we'll be good to go! I didn't put the valence up on the window over the sink, it looked weird because that window is soo small. I might use it as a table runner. We'll see.
What do you think?

LA

Last week Bry and I went to LA. It was a much needed relaxing (for most of it) time for me! I hardly saw Bry at all because he was working the whole time but I managed to keep myself busy! :)

We left Wednesday at like 5:45 pm and had a super good drive. The most traffic we hit was getting from Mesa to the outskirts of town- like to where we used to live lol. It took us nearly 2 hours to drive out of town, it wasn't fun. But then after that we were all good. We were staying in a hotel right by LAX and so driving to it I was getting a little worried because it looked like we were in the ghetto, but it worked out just fine! The hotel we stayed at was called the Custom Hotel and it was different to say the least. I totally felt like I was stuck in Ikea and the '70s from the red lights. lol. But it was nice and free so I'm not going to complain. There were just some funny things about it, like in the elevator there were HUGE pics of a man or a woman... just odd. Then on our floor there was a vending machine ROOM. But not vending machines with food or drink... it was with things like wigs, masks, and adult items. Very strange.

Thursday Bry went to meetings all day with Lucy (his boss) and then went to a client party that his company was holding that night in Beverly Hills so I didn't see him until 9:40 that night. But he enjoyed himself and got a lot of work accomplished.

And, as my Mom says, "there are worker bees and playing bees" so I decided to be the playing bee and went to Irvine Spectrum with Britt! It was VERY fun! We caught a movie that was HORRIBLE (I am SOOO sorry, Britt! lol) but we had cupcakes during the movie that were delicious, so that worked out good! It was fun to hang out and not have to worry about anything! I was sad when the day was over because we hardly get to see each other and rarely do we get to hang out without kids!

Friday Bry had some client meetings with the founder of his company (the pic of me in the glasses and hat was what I looked like when I met him- Bry called it my paparazzi look lol) and I totally ordered room service and watched TLC while lounging in bed. It was a perfect morning! When Bry got back we headed down to San Diego to have dinner with Britt, Jeremy, Crystal, and Zac, and all of their kids. It was really fun! When ever I visit it's hard for me to go home, I miss my BFF! But she did introduce us to a yummy yogurt place that I am soo glad I don't live by! :)

Saturday we went to the tattoo expo to meet a client/friend of Bry's who owns the search engine Redzee.com, which, btw is the COOLEST search engine ever. It's totally family friendly and super easy to use. And instead of showing you a list of your results it shows you the home page to the websites, it's pretty cool! (Nice little plug for Ryan there! lol) It was really fun having lunch with him. He's a way cool guy and got Bry and I pretty excited for some projects he wants Bry to head.

To put an end to the perfect get away on our way home we stopped in Palm Springs and ate at Mario's. Yummy! That's all I can say. Wow! It was such a great get away and I am sooo glad to everyone who helped with our kids and made it a possibility for us.

Re-charging

Lately I've been feelin pretty blah. Like I'm in total Mommy mode and not that that's a bad thing, just sometimes it's an overwhelming thing. I was talking to my sis-in-law telling her how I was feeling and that every time I go to get dressed I realize my shirts all have stains on them (and usually they aren't from me), I haven't had the time to get my eyebrows done (or do them myself) my hair hasn't been cut in 16 months- not even trimmed, and I can't remember the last time I did my make up besides for church. I know that not all of this is because of the kids. I know that it's because I feel super guilty taking the time for myself, but I also know that I NEED to take this time so that I'm more relaxed for me.
So, my awesome sis-in-law paid for me to get a massage at Massage Envy last week! It was awesome! They were having a special night where the massage was free you just had to make a donation to the Susan G Coleman foundation, and Rhi was awesome and paid my donation (I watch her 1 year old and 3 year old everyday so it was more like payment, but totally a good payment in my book!). Can I tell you it was sooo nice to be able to relax and not talk to anyone for 50 min?! I actually fell asleep- that's how relaxed I was!! Thank you Rhi, you're awesome! As much as I was saying "No, no, no" I totally appreciate you taking that as "please, please, please!" lol.
Then to really re-charge Bry has a business trip in LA this week that I get to tag along for!YAAY! I am sooo excited! We will be leaving Wednesday and coming back sometime on Saturday! I'm stoked. Just to have a few days to relax, try to see some friends and maybe even (dare I say it) sleep in!! YES!!! It'll be nice to get away and I'm super grateful to both my sister-in-laws and Jenny for helping out this week so I can go away and come back a happier me! :)

Weekend Review

This weekend was pretty fun. Friday night Bry and I took the kids out on a date to Carl's Jr (that's all we had time for) and to see Indiana Jones at the $1 theatre. We had a lot of fun! The kids really enjoyed "date night" and thought loved that it was a surprise to them! We even ended the night on a VERY Autumn note and ran out of gas on the way to the gas station!! Awesome! Anyone who has been my friend in my single days I'm sure has a story about when they were with me and the car ran out of gas! lol. Luckily we were close enough to the gas station that we coasted in! I will tell you, Bryant was less than thrilled with this, but I (having experienced this a lot in my life) was totally fine with it! lol.

Saturday we went and got the kids pictures done with their cousins and I am sooo excited to get them back, watching them, the looked like they would be SUPER cute, but we'll see!! After pictures we went and walked around Arizona Mills and found some pretty good deals there. Like some super cute shirts at Old Navy that are long enough for me that averaged out to be about $4 each! Nice!

My friend Kelli has been visiting from out of town (she and her soon to be hubby are moving here and he's already living here) so Saturday night Bry and I took some time and went to dinner with them. We had soo much fun! I was a little worried at first because Kelli has always been a really strong member and she's marrying a non-member. I was super shocked at first, and I cried. I know, that's stupid, but Kelli gave me her opinion a lot in my life and I felt really, I don't know what I felt. Sad I guess would be the best word. They are getting married on the 27th and I totally want to feel good about this, so that was part of the reason that I went out last night. And I am sooo glad I did!!

We went to Garduno's and had some super yummy Mexican food and laughed the whole time. It was so good to get to know Mike and see why Kelli is so happy. He seems very open to the church, so hopefully for Kel she'll be able to introduce him into it. It was a good night. After dinner Bryant and I went and looked at new mini vans (don't worry, I'm not so lucky to get a new one lol) and then went and said hi to some old friends and then came home.

I love going out with Bry and being us. Sometimes I think we forget that we are the important part of our marriage. I've been feeling down lately and it really helped to rejuvenate me going out last night! I'm looking forward to our trip to LA in just 10 more days! :)

A year ago today...

Today is a special day to me. A year ago today I received my endowment. I look at the LONG path I took to get the the place I'm at in my life and I am absolutely amazed. I honestly don't know how I was the person I used to be, I look at pictures of myself and can even see a difference. I know that I am not perfect- in fact I'm far from- but I really am proud of myself.

When the Temple President's wife was talking to us before the session she said when you look back a year from now you will realize all the positive changes you've made. It's true. Not just the way I dress has changed. My attitude and my thoughts, my perspective all have changed.
I feel so blessed to be a member of the Church. I love the Temple and am glad that I made the changes I did so that I receive the blessings that come from the Temple.

Happy Birthday Andy and Giovanni!!!

I am so excited to celebrate my boys today! It's been a fun day for them and a little bit of fun for me! :) They are REALLY hyper, and very excited about their birthdays! Today Andy turned 9 (well, at 7:44pm he will be 9 lol) and Giovanni turned 4 at 9:24am! :-) It's funny because when people hear that the boys were born on the same day EVERYONE thinks they are twins until they find out they are 5 years apart. Andy was born c-section after Z went through 30 hours of labor, he just wouldn't come. Then 5 years later she was getting ready to have Giovanni and they were picking the date for the c-section and every date they chose the dr was booked. They finally narrowed it down to the 28th because the dr was going out of town. So totally by fluke the boys were born on the same day 5 years apart.

I continued my tradition of letting the kids chose breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So for breakfast I made Andy a HUGE bacon and cheese omelet with salsa and jabenaro hot sauce (he LOVES spicy foods)and he ate the whole thing! I made Giovanni mickey mouse pancakes with a ton of syrup just like he likes! Of course for lunch Andy was at school but I surprised him and brought him Chinese food- spicy kung pow chicken, an egg roll, and fried rice- his favorite! He was soo happy when he saw me in the hall, and he kept telling me I was the best, it was super cute! Giovanni of course had a happy meal- chicken nuggets and french fries with TWO sides of ketchup. lol.

Tonight we are going to Red Robin for dinner (thanks to our dr office they give free kids meal coupons to the kids when we go in!) and Andy gets to order off the adult menu. He is so excited! lol

Andy you are an amazing young man. You have grown so much over the last year and have become such a great example to your little brother and sister. You are such a great helper, so smart,and make me laugh at the funny things you say. You have an old soul and are at times too big for your britches, but even when you are managing to get in trouble you are (usually) mature about it and have a great way of making me feel bad for punishing you. lol. I love you. You are such a blessing in my life. You have made me a stronger woman by becoming your Mom. You have answered my prayers and I am so glad you are my son. Thank you for letting me be your Mom and embracing me from day 1.

Giovanni you are my little lover bugger. From the first day I met you I felt you were my little bug. I am so proud of you and learning to talk so well (though at times it's too much, I'm still proud of you!)! You make me laugh at the silly things you say and the funny faces you make. You try so hard at everything (except the things you don't want lol)and your determination amazes me for such a little guy. You came to me so little and helpless and I've watched you grow into a little boy who is starting to have a testimony and strives to be the best. I am so thankful for you and the love and joy you've brought into my life. Thank you for letting me be your Mommy lover bugger.

Boys, I love you. You kids are my Sunshines. I don't know what I would do without any of you. You have made our family what it is and I am so glad we get to celebrate you today!