The Sauser Family

No Training Wheels

2009-08-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Special Delivery!

2009-08-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Say Cheese!

2009-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Cottage cheese! Maxi is growing faster than ever. 3-4 month check up he was tipping the scale at slighly over 18lbs. He sure is giving Brody a run for his money. He is soley breastfed and I'm thinking about starting him on cereal and oatmeal soon so I can take a little breather.

Sunday Funday!

2009-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

What better a way to beat the heat then in a kiddie pool on your patio? Brody and Maxi both had a blast splashin in the water. I even jumped in for a quick cool down and to take Maxi for a few laps around the pool. Of course we captured it all on camera.

The One Man Rock Band

2009-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Maxi Max

2009-06-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Molly's Sweet 16

2009-04-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Easter

2009-04-27T09:52:00.001-07:00

Fishy Fishy

2009-04-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday night at the Aquarium of the Pacific and walked dinner on the boardwalk. Brody had a blast and it was nice to sneak a night away from the billi light for baby Max.

2009-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

He's a glo-worm

2009-04-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

From Thursday to Friday Max's bilirubin levels doubled. Dr. Maneffa was concerned about this and had a medical rental deliver a bili-blanket to the house Friday evening. Max has to be retested Saturday afternoon to see if the bili-blanket is helping. Hopefully this does the trick to get past the Jaundice.

Mama and baby Max

2009-04-03T14:08:00.001-07:00

No words can express what my heart feels.

Max and Brody, Brody and Max....you would have to love Noggin to understand

2009-04-03T14:03:00.001-07:00

Baby Max

2009-04-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Maxson James Sauser

March 28th, 2009 7:59 p.m.

8 pounds 14 ounces

20 3/4 inches

Morning of induction.

Happy camper after an eppi =P

Mike and I goofing off.......oh happy day!

When one eppi isn't enough, ask for seconds.......oh happier day!

Daddy and his little baby Max

2009-03-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Soccer Practice....the one time we got him there

2009-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy at its best!

2009-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

I am down to the home stretch. Just about 5 more weeks left. My belly is getting much bigger which causes a bunch of uncomfortableness when I try to sleep. I don't move as fast. But I love every second of it. I love my big belly. I love feeling Max move around and hiccup. It's an amazing experience and so much different from having Brody.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2009-03-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

Brody wouldn't let me push him on the swings, but he wanted to push me instead.

The paddle boats made him tired so he opted for another ride on daddy's shoulders.

Although this isn't the best picture of us from that day, the rest of the pics my eyes were flooded with tears. What can I say...I love my corn fed boy!

Brody was so intrigued with the cow with no legs, it also is number 92 ?!?!?!?

My little surfer dude! I love his hair. It has a lot of red in it.

Mike and I wanted to spend some time with Brody before baby Max comes along. We were going to go to a snow day at Santa Anita Racetrack, but after walking outside and feeling the nice warm sun we figured the snow wouldn't last by the time we got there. Instead we went to El Dorado Park and rode the train a mile and a half course, paddle boats, then hit the play grounds in the jeep. After we all pooped out at the park we went for lunch at Taco Surf and head home for a round of Scooby Doo and naps.

2009-02-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

I was about 31 1/2 weeks at the time and Max weights about 3lbs.

Happy Birthday Mike, We Love You!

2009-02-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

I love CSUDH

2009-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Doing Time for Committing the Crime

2009-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Brody was caught drawing on the wall with crayon. Before he was allowed to play in the water he was given a scrubbing pad and some cleaner and cleaned the wall. Hopefully he learned his lesson!

New Ultrasound Pictures

2009-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Close up of baby Max. His hand is next to his right eye.

Farwell 2008, Welcome 2009

2009-01-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

I must admit 2008 has been a great year for us.

We rang in 2008 celebrating with a small party filled with friends and family. We had a great time playing rock band, talking about out times and making new memories. The best part was the balloon drop. Great job Chris.

A few days later Mike and I celebrated my birthday with the sweetest-nervous prospal ever. Of course I said YES! Patty and Morgan came to visit and did a great job keeping my birthday present a complete suprise. I thought I was getting Uggs. The month was filled with much needed practice snowboarding trips for Sarah and I. Later that month school started back up for both Brody and I.

In February Sarah, Tom, Mike and I spent a well deserved vacation in Mammoth. It was wonderful despite the kicked in door and the police. I will never forget how drunk Mike got in the matter of minutes and got lost in the resort. I will also never forget Tom angirly kicking in the room door. I will always cherish the uplifting words from the front desk about our slum lord. The snowboard was wonderful the views were fantastic and I would do it over and over again a million times.

March was the start of a lull, but still just as wonderful. The big even of the month was Sarah and Tom's St. Patrick's Day party. It was fun wearing green and eating everything green and Irish.

April had to be uneventful because I don't really remember anything that we did this month. But I am sure whatever it was, was fun?!?!

May was the end of school. YIPPIE! Many would have thought I would have taken the summer off but I decided it was time to be a work horse. After meeting with my counsler she advised me that I could possibly graduate/kill myself by taking a whole lot of classes in a small amount of time. So I did just that.

June was Brody's birthday celebration. We celebrated with a water slide, swimming pool, and misters. Later that evening there was a water balloon fight and margaritas for all. I was still in school at this time so althought I had a lot of fun, later that night I had to work on my final paper.

July started personal training and bootcamp followed by two summer school classes. We celebrated the 4th of July with family and friends and we had a great time enjoying you all.

By the time August rolled around and I did over a month and a half of personal training and bootcamp and could see definition in my body was extremly upset that I wasn't losing any weight. Thanks to Joyce who convinced me it wasn't because I didn't exercise enough but was completely convinced I was pregnant. I immediately made a doctors appointment. Sure enough, I was! At the end of the month Mike and Brody headed off to Jim's wedding.

September seemed to come and go pretty quickly. Regular semester classes started and I was only in school for two days before I headed off with Jim and Grandma B to Nebraska. I was just trying to keep it together with all the morning sickness I was experiencing. Also because the news was so new and from past experience we decided we wouldn't say a word till the 3rd month. The wedding was beautiful, Congratualtion Jim and Jamie. The Monday back was extremly busy since life went back full swing.

October Mike and I started thinking of Halloween costumes and made plans on how we were going to make them. Of course last minute always seems to be our style around here. In the end the costumes got rave reviews.

November was the light at the end of the tunnel. Morning sickeness was starting to subside. The end of school was growing closer along with the size of my belly and I was looking forward to Thanksgiving.

December however was the best month of them all. I GRADUATED! Seriously this is quite an accomplishment for me. It took me ten years to get to this point, many tears shed and tons of encourgagement from friends and family. I don't know if it would have all been possible without Mike and Brody and those cheering me on and psyching me up for my speeches and presentations this semester. A week after graduation I purchased a book for the GMAT. What can I say I love learning. Christmas was nerve busting. I didn't know how I was going to put it all together. Somehow it went off without a hitch. Mike, Brody and I took off the next day to a much needed vacation in Las Vegas. We took in a show and shopping. It was perfect.

We all are looking foward to all the joys 2009 brings. Mike and I can't wait for Max to get here. Brody is still completley confused.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-12-29T22:07:00.000-08:00

Brody yelling "Giddy up Horsey" at Chuck E Cheese on the way home from Vegas...Yup a 7 hour drive.
Two very tired people after shopping, dinner, and Ka.

Brody saying "smile".

Mike being a nerd.

Me sick and squeezed into a size 4 dress at 6 months pregnant.

Mike, Brody and I left on the 26th to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Palazzo after learning a terrible thing last year at Circus Circus. This time we were very happy with our stay. We were able to sneak in a show at the MGM Grand and saw Ka. It was great. Brody loved to be bossy and tell everybody to clap their hands. We did a fair amount of shopping and hardly any sight seeing. It was fairly difficult to do anything when your pregnant and sick. We enjoyed our short little trip.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

I love being pregnant!

2008-12-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

I am 23 weeks and 5 days. The baby is kicking up a storm. He is awake with me in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep and he kicks when I am taking finals. He is much more active then Brody was, oh no! I can't wait to meet him. The picture was taken in Brody's new freshly painted bedroom. So far we painted and installed a new ceiling fan. We are in the process of putting in managetic, chalkboard closet doors for our little artist.

Brody's Christmas Program

2008-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree shopping and Choo Choo rides

2008-12-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

Today was a trying one. Brody is experiencing growing pains. He was unable to walk for most of the day. He had a few accidents. For the most part we think he is going to be alright and we hope the pain goes away quickly. We tried cheering him up with picking out a Christmas tree and choo choo rides. It seemed to do just the trick and we are glad to have our Bubs back happy as ever!

Mommies are fun too!

2008-12-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

Trying to prove a point to Brody that Mommies are fun too, we went to a special lunch, the park and followed up with ice cream, yum!

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Each and every single one of you were in our thoughts as we celebrated all what we had to be thankful for this year.

Wednesday Mike picked up Brody early from school and hung out around the house till I got home after 4 o'clock from school. I immediately ran to get a pedicure and last minute appitizer ingredient shopping. After we scrambled to get Hannah and went to dinner and In-n-Out and then to the movies to see Bolt.

Thanksgiving day was celebrated at Jim and Sharon's.

Friday morning I woke up early to hit up Kmart for a Sony blu ray player for $179.99. However, I alread purchased the blu ray player two weeks prior. Of course by the time I got there at 6:20 a.m. they were already completely sold out. I was still happy knowing that I had it, I just paid a whole lot more.

When I returned Mike and Brody were ready to get their day started and we went to have breakfast at Fantastic Cafe followed by play time at the park. My mom then called and asked if she could have Brody for the day while Mike and I went shopping. Easy enough, there he went off in grandma's truck. Mike and I then started off at Sports Chalet to either get Molly tall Ugg boots or a snowboarding jacket and pants. However, my lovely soon to be sister in law is nearly insane. She out did herself this year and nothing was under $159.99. Sorry! Looks like a gift card for you.

Then we headed to Sam's Club where I was shocked to see the blu ray player now had a much cheaper new price. Of course I pysched Mike out and headed to the counter with my reciept and got my money back. Then off to the jewlery counter. My favorite part of the day. Mike hated each and every single wedding band that I picked out. Then I think drunk on shopping he pointed to a 2.02 karat round diamond solitare and said how about we just get you this one. OMG! OMG! Of course I shouted really loud. He was dead serious. I was all for it, then reality set in and I much rather save the money for now and go back in a year and pay for it in cash. Trust me I will never forget that ring. Maybe Santa will bring it for me. We then continued with grocery shopping. We ended the trip with a $233 grocery bill. UGH!

Following up there we went to Lowe's were we purchased a few plants for the front yard. Then back home to meet up with Brody, dinner, t.v. and bed.

Saturday morning we went to the nursery and purchased a ton of plants for the front yard. Another insane bill. Then back home to start digging the trenches for installing the new sprinklers. I headed off to yet another nursery. I nearly backed into a huge trailer that I could not see thanks to Mike's huge tool box. After the guy saved me from getting in huge trouble with Mike he jumped in the back of the truck and we drove through what Brody calls the jungle. We picked up three more huge plants with hardly any cash. I now have resorted to haggling. Heck I saved about $80 bucks doing so.

Sunday Mike and his dad went to the car show in Long Beach. Afterwards Mike and my brother's friend Frank moved out the weight bench and loaded it up in Mike's truck. Followed by Mike installing the sprinklers. I worked on three of my papers that are due this week. Brody played in his powerwheels and drove over almost every plant I own.

Weekend

2008-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Two of my three favorite boys

Mike's new glasses

After Friday night our weekend was uneventful. Saturday was spent sleeping in and going to lunch at Taco Surf with Bubbies. When we got home Mike did a few chores around the house and I went shopping for stocking stuffers, Brody amazingly enough passed out watching cartoons. The next morning we were up early awaiting Paul, Marilyn, and Karen. Mike helped them move furniture out of the house, Brody hand fun standing in people's direct path while lifting heavy boxes, and I gave up to date actions via my iPhone. It was interesting to say the very least. The rest of the day was spent doing 6 loads of laundry, a round of the dishwasher and teaching Brody what his responsibilities are. Brody now has to put his shoes in his closet, his clothes in our laundry basket, put all his toys in the toy box and make his bed. It's awesome that he is learning such responsibility at 3 1/2. He is rewarded by licorice.

To my mother, I know you read my blogs!

2008-11-22T11:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Santa (mom),

I was shopping the other day and came across this. I figured it would be a real lovely present. Speakers outside. Doesn't everybody need a set?? Well I came across this sweet deal at one of your regular stores. See I was even considerate and didn't have you go to the mall. (That should score me extra goodies) Since, I have been extra wonderful this year, baking your second grandson to perfection, I think this is just a small token of your appreciation for all the pain that I am going to cause you in that hospital room in April. I could ask for more....but why??Everything else I want (take note) the Margaritaville Margartita Maker also found at Sam's Club with it's own carrying case would also make a nice delicious present for after April. Going halves with somebody??? GE washer and dryer would be a great present (hound Mike) something more realistic? A MOUND OF CASH IN SMALL BILLS FOUND IN AN UNMARKED SUITCASE WRAPPED IN SILVER WRAPPING PAPER UNDER THE TREE WOULD PROVE UBERLY INCOGNITO. Just a thought!

Love,
Dani

shopping with Brody

2008-11-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

At the Lakewood Mall waiting for Mike to get done with his eye exam.
At Ikea, we though we lost him. Of course he was under the table climbing through the rugs...Duh!

Eating lunch. He was done eating because his belly was full....see!

This week Mike and I got out several time to go shopping. We are trying to get a head start on the Christmas shopping but it proves to be difficult with Brody. We just keep telling ourselves that this is easy and to wait until there are two.

First Field Trip and First Bus Ride

2008-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

Corona Fire

2008-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this fire doesn't burn down the new house that Sarah and Jason just bought me. That would be terrible if I couldn't lay out poolside with virgin Margaritas this spring while my chef (Sarah) makes me delicious tummy yummys. Yes! Pregnancy has made me delirious.

Good morning sunshine!

2008-11-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning at 6:45 a.m. there these two sleepy heads lie. I had to wake up extra early to write a paper and then get down to school to meet with my group. These two made getting up difficult.

19 weeks today

2008-11-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

Baby Names

2008-11-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

So I got a little curious on what names we considered naming Brody. I went in search of this little pittiful baby name book that Mike and I got while taking a tour of St. Mary's Hospital back in 2005.

These were the alternatives for Broderick Michael:

Abner

Austin

Avery

Baily

Baxter

Benjamin

Brady

Broderick

Burke

Carter

Clayton

Drew

Eiden

Elijah

Ewen

Finley

Fuller

Garret

Gavan/Gavin

Haddan/Hadden/Haddon

HAuk

Ilias

Jacob

Jonathan

Kiley

Lyndon

Maddy

Michael

Nash

Nate

Nathan

Nathaniel

Neal

Owen

Page

Payton

Price

Reed

Shep

Sonny

Stanley

Taylor

Only a few names made it past the original picking, which were:

Brady

Clayton

So how did we get Broderick if it wasn't even in our last two names? Easy! There was no way in this world that I was going to walk around singing the Brady Bunch theme song when I called my sons name. I gave into Mike on the middle name Michael so he gave in on the first name Broderick. I can't picture my little devil being called anything else.

It's a ????

2008-11-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

I know and I'm not telling!

Baby Sauser staring at their hand

Baby Sauser showing you their hand

I have other ultra sound pictures and a few in 3D I will have to wait to put those on till I can get to a scanner. The baby's heart beat was 160, and failed all of the AFP tests, YIPPIE! I go for another ultra sound Thursday, November 20th at 1 p.m. to make sure there are no other birth defects. Apparently the baby is taking my breath away! My left lung is starting to get blocked. I am now back onto my old asthama medication although I don't think I need it at all, the doctor says its a must. Baby Sauser is due April 10th, 2009.

Vetrans Day 2008

2008-11-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

We were very happy to have Mike home today. We didn't do too much, but we managed to get some shopping in. We went to Home Depot for supplies for Brody's new room. After all that shopping and browsing we walked out of there 2 hours later with scissors and staples. Then we headed off for some lunch and play time at the park. Later on we ended up making another trip back to Home Depot for closet doors, paint, and calkboard paint.

Brody driving his race car through Home Depot

Never too busy to strike a pose

This is where Brody gets his goofballness from

After all that shopping we took a break for lunch at the park

I nearly had a heart attack when I saw him take the leap

The Baby is Kicking!

2008-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

The baby has been kicking for the last few weeks now. It is an amazing feeling. I go back to the doctors on the 12th of this month. Dr. Holtgrave will then schedule me for my 20 week ultrasound in the next week. At that appointment we will find out the sex of the baby. Mike is already convinced it is another boy. He doesn't believe things can change from my 13 week ultrasound. Thefore, Mike is set on the name Maxson. He getting pretty upset when I start singing.... maxin relazin acting all cool shooting some bball outside of the school when a couple of guys who were up to no good started making trouble in my neighborhood....What can I say Im'm a 80's kid that loved The Fresh Prince. To be honest I am not too sure why he is suprised I am singing a song with the a word similar to Maxson. Mike wanted to name Brody, Brady. I would always sing the Brady Bunch theme song when he said Brady. Well enough of that crazy singing stuff. I will update everybody on Wednesday morning once I get more information.

He is an Artist!

2008-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately he chose to draw all over the bedroom door. But it now matches the other bedroom door that he drew all over when Sarah was babysitting.

He's my goof ball and I love him!

2008-11-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

He is super silly, a ton of fun, a laugh a mintue, loud and loopy, but he is mine and I love every single ounce of this little boy!

17 Weeks

2008-10-31T22:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

Insane Asylum aka House of Brody

Front to Back: Brody, Skyler, Hannah, Mike, Me, Molly, Ethan and Stacy
Just the 4 of us!

Making these costumes meant I scraficed 4 of my finger prints

14 weeks 6 days

2008-10-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jim and Jamie's Wedding Photos

2008-09-28T12:26:00.001-07:00

Jack Johnson and Paula Fuga....WE LOVE YOU!

2008-09-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

A day or two before Mike left for his trip to Nebraska we made a trip to Santa Barbara to see our favorite artist of all time, Jack Johnson. He was wonderful. He played at his old college and gave the crowd some info back on where he wrote all the songs on campus.

While Mike was gone I went to his dad's house, where somebody proudly showed me their new cd. Joe Jackson....I laughed then and I laugh now. Each day it gets more and more funny to me. Hey Molly how is that Joe Jackson cd? haa aha haa haa

Check them out I'm sure you will love them just as much as we do.

http://www.paulafugamusic.com/ http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/

Brody's New Big Boy Room

2008-08-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

Buzz Lightyear

2008-08-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

San Onofre Bluffs

2008-08-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

John Mayer...or Michael Sauser...its a toss up!

2008-08-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Special thanks goes out to Mike who tried to break my camera after I complained to him that Brody broke my camera. In a moment of tickedoffness Mike grabbed my camera and tried to break it in half. Instead of breaking it, it fixed it! Thanks Mike!

Uncle's Ride

2008-08-05T12:08:00.001-07:00

Im really interested in meeting the person that gave you the authority to drive this big truck!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T22:03:00.001-07:00

Full Blown Potty Training Day 2

2008-07-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

It is going very well. Last night Brody had a slight accident in his pool. He quickly jumped out and told Mike and I that he had pooped. We were both amazed because we didn't see anything. After super close inspection we quickly scooped it out. We both were very upset as we have told Brody several times that it was unacceptable for him to poop anywhere besides the potty. After all the potty chair was about three steps from the pool. Mike tried getting Brody to sit down on the potty chair but Brody wasn't having any of it. Several moments later I stepped in as sherif and demanded he sit there till he pooped. He sat for all of three seconds. I didn't even get to turn around! He stood up quickly and said "I pooped!" I was in amazement. He did it! I did a whole big song and dance I was so excited.

I sat him down, after cleaning him up, and told him that I was very very proud of him. I then told him I had a special present for him. Earlier that day I purchased him a Scooby Doo puzzle. He seemed everything but thrilled to see it.

I headed off to school and left Mike with his way of potty training. When I called in during my break to make sure Mike remembered to sit him back down there was no answer. I called several more times. When my test was over I jetted back home asap.

I came home to see them both in the pool. Don't worry guys, the pool does have a filter. They were having a blast. Mike said that they were planning on going on a bike ride. I went inside the house to get a few things ready to leave and a change of warm clothes for Brody when he announces that he pooped. Again? Yup, but just a little. Hardly anything. I told him to sit back down till he finishes going potty and that he did. The fastest pooper I have ever met. He jumped back up and reannounced he pooped again.

Last night on our bike ride we stopped off at Cold Stones Creamery. Brody ran in and pointed straight to the M&M's. After all he knows what he wants. Mike and I were trying tod decide on the flavor of ice cream to get him, and I sad vanilla and Mike said peanutbutter. Brody chimed in I want that one, pointing to the chocolate. That it is. One Love it size of what the kiddo wants. We sat down on the chairs outside and told him how proud we were of him and this was his special prize.

This morning I set my alarm clock to get up before Brody. Way before Brody. I wanted to be completely prepared. The night before we put Brody to bed in his underwear. So I wanted to be able to wake him up and have him sit on the potty chair. As I was getting to go wake him up about 45 minutes after I planned out the rest of our fun filled day, I heard him moving around in his room.

He did indeed pee in his bed, however, I was able to get there before he pooped. I had him sit back down on the potty chair and try to pee. He was acting super silly and didn't sit long. I told him he couldn't get up till he pooped and I would be back with a change of clean clothes and wipes. When I got back he pooped. YES! I can deal with the pee in the bed, its still the plastic crib mattress. But I really feel that we are on a quick ride to potty training success. I am just looking forward to the day that he tells me that he has to go instead of constantly badgering him.

My one wish is that we would have started potty training him when we got home from Nebraska when he was 18 months old. He was really into it back then and even came home and produced several times in the toilet by himself. He had then got sick and lost all control and what seemed like all interest. I didn't want to push the issue because I had to return to school and Mike returned to work. Now that we have a preschool supporting us so much it all seems a lot easier now. So why in the world didn't I realize this earlier and change his preschool? Fear!

New Friends

2008-06-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Last night Mike and I started to prepare Brody for his first day at St. Luke's. From Sarah's advice after telling her how he screech last week when the word "school" was mentioned, she suggested I say he was going to meet some new friends. So that we did! Throughout the day yesterday Mike and I mentioned to Brody that he was going to meet lots of new friends, color, paint, ride bikes, play outside, sing songs and have tons of fun. Sounds nothing like school right? This was a great technique, thanks Sarah. It worked like a charm!

This morning I woke Brody up at 7:50 and immediately got him dressed. He even sat down on the potty chair. Following we brushed his hair and teeth. He sat next to me at the table eating his oatmeal while I filled out the last of the school papers. Afterwards we cleaned up the table and got his backpack and lunch together. Since, the school is only 0.4 of a mile from the house we opted for some exercise.

It started off that Brody was holding his lunch and I held his backpack. Not even a block later he said it was too heavy so I carried it the rest of the way. Brody enjoyed the walk and all there was to see in the neighborhood. He pointed out and barked back at the dogs. He saw a big trailer that he was over estatic about. He also commented on the beautiful garden which was way too much for my taste.

We arrived at the school just about 8 minutes later. Not bad for a three year old. I think it got just enough energy out. He saw the preschool as we were turning the corner, but I had my thinking cap on this morning and made sure to bring him on the side that faces the playground. He was so excited. I told him that this is where his new friends were. He jumped and smiled and asked if he could go inside. We found our way through the maze of the school and crept through the hallways. He stood back a bit while I spoke with some of the teachers. Before I knew it, he was driving one of the cars and helping a kid who had falled off of their bike.

I had to make the decision on whether to say goodbye or not. I decided it was the right thing to do. He had already thought that I had left and was adjusting beautifully. I went outside and gave him a kiss and told him I was going to go home and study. I also stated then when he was done eating lunch I would pick him up from school. Basically I need to high tail it back there by 12:15.

The good news is that after speaking to two of his possible teachers. They are both on board to help fully potty train. They asked if we could start bringing him to school in underwear. That they were aware it is a messy process. But undies coupled with elastic waisted pants was going to be our solution. So now I am off in my few hours of free time in which I should be studying to get some new shorts and prizes for his success.

I am so excited!

Potty Training

2008-06-27T16:23:00.001-07:00

On Monday I made the fatefully decision that it would be the day that Brody no longer relied on diapers or Pull Ups. Every 30 mintues I have been giving him a class of water, juice, or sometimes even soda to motivate him. 30 mintues after that he is asked to sit on his potty chair. At times he is more willing then others. He is motivated by either turning the tv on or off, dependinding what show is on. The promise of a snack or treat is often given as a reward. Even cohersion by offerings of outtings at Chuck E. Cheese. Brody has even asked for a truck with a trailer like Ampa Jim. Over the last week we have tried and succeeded at staying home daily all in attempt to master using the toilet. We have a very long way to go since Brody absolutely refuses to actually go potty in the toilet. However, each day is one day closer to our goal. Next week I am planning on going without pull ups all together and trying out the underwear. Wish him luck!

St. Luke's Christian Preschool

2008-06-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

That is correct! Your eyes saw right! St. Luke's Christian Preschool. As of June Brody is no longer attending Long Beach Montessori Academy. The decision was contemplated for many of months now. Both Mike and I decided that it was time Brody start a new adventure with more regimented schedule and loving teachers. We believe we found everything that we were looking for at St. Luke's. Best of all it is at the end of the block! That does not mean that we didn't check out other places. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=3256+Chatwin+Ave,+Long+Beach,+CA+90808&daddr=5633+E.+Wardlow+Road,+long+beach+ca+90808&sll=33.81767,-118.12204&sspn=0.002478,0.006255&ie=UTF8&ll=33.816879,-118.120494&spn=0.008129,0.018711&z=16&layer=c&cbll=33.816879,-118.120494

I researched preschools in Long Beach and the surrounding areas for three months now. I had a list of questions prepared and a note pad in hand. I looked for saftey issues as well as noting down how teacher's interacted with the children. Alough St. Luke's facility wasn't the best amongst the group it was very sufice. More importantly St. Luke's fosters parent participation and involves gaurdians as much as possible.

I will be volunteering in the class one day a week where I will be setting up children's lunches, wiping snoty noses, and laying out cots for naptime. I hope to get more involved with teaching special topics and putting those early childhood development credits to good use. Mike will be helping out on a need basis when it comes to handy man work. Best of all it all contributes towards our tuition payment.

My favorite part is the drastic reduction in tuition. We will be able to utilize that money to continuing saving for our house. You can check out St. Luke's at http://stlukescp.com/

Happy Birthday Bubbies!

2008-06-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Biggest Boy! I love you very much. I hope you enjoy your birthday, presents and adventures. Three is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see all you learn and experience throughout this blissful new year. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms, this year and in all the years to come. Mommy loves you my sweet baby boy.

Pool Boogie Boarding

2008-06-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Brody's Happy "Birthdays" Party

2008-06-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

Opening presents is quite distracting
Uncle Chris bought the complete matching hat, shoes, and shorts...matching just like him
Loved it! Thanks Marlena, Alex, Michael, Cristy and Charlie
Just call me Jack Sparrow

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy with a Kickety-kick ball and four presents. Many many thanks to Gmama!
Allison and LaLa...together these two have more personality and attitude then anybody I know
LaLa and Brody waiting for the pinata to break..They are so sweet together
What's going to work? TEAM WORK...thanks Andrew!
He freaked when he saw this...Thanks Fairy Odd Parents

Thank you so very much to all our family and friends that gathered to join in celebrating Brody's 3rd birthday. We love each and every single one of you. Those that were unable to make it we very much so missed and in our thoughts. Brody had a delightful time. We were able to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones like Stacy and Silas. We splashed and played in the water with Sophie and Ruthie. Slipped down the water slide with Marlena and Allison. Recieved kissies from Sydney. Learned a thing or two from Julez. Had a water balloon fight with Fred and LaLa. We had such a great time with you all. Sorry we didn't have more water, bottled, for you guys. We didn't realize two cases wasn't enough. It was a scorcher and you all hung in like troopers out there in the misted patio. Many were holding on to get a savory bite of that delicious Wubbzy and he was oh so tasty. He was made of yellow cake with lemon filling, marshmellows, cookies and sponge hands. He was the hit amongst the kids. The pinata was undestructable. I think I am going to build a bomb shelter out of one of those. It was even a chore to get the candy inside. Once again thanks for coming out to celebrate Brody's 3rd birthday. We hope you enjoyed it. At the end of the day Mike sighed and said....never again very softly. We are looking forward to ringing in his 4th birthday at Disney World.

Miss Mash of Random Randomness

2008-06-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

father's day lunch at the 50s diner that doesn't accept atm cards
mike trying ti figure out his father's day presnt, brody proud of what he made
ampa jim
drawing circles
this is how he rolls
sarah teaching brody to swim
digging his hole to china
passed out cold after a great day at the water park, thanks stacy!

welding and driving

If you believe then anything can happen

2008-06-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

This morning we were all awakened by the sirens of a fire truck. Brody excitedly came into our room and asked me if I could please, please buy him a fire truck. I told Brody that it cost a lot of money but that didn't phase him. After another series of please please I told him that even cities have to finance the purchase of a new fire engine. Well of course that wasn't in two year old so he didn't understand a single word I said. I then told him we could try to find a little one and the begging immediately stopped and the hugest smile crept across his face.

Later on in the afternoon Brody and I had a picnic outside. We took out the sidewalk chalk and created some masterpieces in the front yard. Lots of giggles and chalk all over our clothes we spotted a fire truck down the street. Brody's eyes grew wide and we waved down the big red truck. The Long Beach Fire Department was kind enough to come down and maneuver right in front of our house. Brody was able to talk to a fireman and shake his hand. He told each one of them "wow, thank you". One fireman even gave Brody a sticker. Brody realized that dreams really do come true. Now I need to break the news that not all dreams come true just the ones God feels we are worthy of.

Brody in rare form

2008-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Brody was in ultra rare form or perhaps it is just a little of what I can look forward to when he turns three. Brody was an excellent listner, especially last night. After getting Brody ready for bed he asked if he could watch Wow Wow Wubbzy. First he asked daddy and daddy replied with I rather you go to bed but you should ask your mama first. He came over to me with his big brown eyes all lit up and said, mama can I watch Wow Wow Wubbzy. I explained to him that he could watch ONE Wubbzy and when it was over it was time for him to go night night. He agreed and proceeded to the television. Mike and I headed in seprate directions cleaning spring cleaning through in different areas. I took the path less taken and cleaned out everything we haven't touched in the bathroom in the last 2 months. Two groocery bags later I realized that maybe an industrial trash bag would have been a smart option when spring cleaning. Sooner then later Brody walks into the dining room just as Mike and I both were crossing paths. He said Wubbzys over night night. I was shocked, I turned, I was suprised when the tv was off. He listened! Mike and I both praised him generously and swoooped him off to bed. A few minutes later I went in to check on him and I found him again in rare form, camping out on his bedroom floor.

Happy 5th Birthday Myja!

2008-06-07T19:38:00.001-07:00

Myja your cupcakes were delicioso, the jumper was terrifico, but Brody thought the agua as numbero uno. Mi gusta it when your padre rushed off the phone "to save a life". Good oso Mike, good oso! I am convinced if the kid just stood up he could have saved himself from drowning. And I just proved that I too can have my own cartoon speaking broken spanish and calling it educational.

thrill seeker

2008-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

and finally some friends came along

2008-05-31T20:24:00.001-07:00

still playing in the water

2008-05-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

water play, all day.

2008-05-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

Toddler Exercises

2008-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Friday is His Fun Day

2008-05-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Friday ended up being a real treat. Brody and I woke up bright and early, 5:30 a.m. Since we woke up the sun, we figured we might as well get some things done around the house. After two loads of laundry and watering all the inside and outside plants we started our day. We left to go for a tour of CSUDH. During our little tour we stopped off at the book store where $25o later we walked out with two books and a 4T shirt.

On our little tour I explained to Brody that mommy goes to school just like he does. I told him that when I drop him off at school that this is where I go. He then quickly asked me if I use markers. I replied with a giggle and a no. Then he asked me if I color, agagin I said no. Then he said well it is still amazing! This time I laughed a little harder as there were several students that over heard our conversation that found it quite amuzing as well.

On our way home Brody asked for chicken for lunch. So we stopped off to get him some stars at Carl's Jr. and headed home. To our suprise Mike was already home from work and it was just 12:15. Yippie! That meant we were able to mow and edge the lawn quickly and set up the watersilde. Brody invited the girls from next door over and had a blast.

Brody helping clean up so he can play

At the very top Sophie, climbing the wall is Ruthie and Brody getting ready to tummy surf on his beach ball.

you're looking at miss 2.82

2008-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yippie! I finally finished the 2008 Spring semester at California State Univeristy Dominguez Hills. I attempted five classes this semester which is one more then I am comfortable. Yes, for all you people quick at math that does mean that I got a C. For those more curious of my grades below is a breakdown.

Operations Management B-
Humanities 200 B-
Organizational Behavior A-
International Business C
Humanities 310 Success and Values B

Starting Monday June 2nd I am attending Summer school from 6 to 10 p.m. I will be taking Employment Law and Administrative Financial Resources. Next semester I am really stepping out of my comfortability zone and attempting six classes. Why? Well if I take so many classes that I no longer recgonize my soon to be three year old son and never see my lovely fiance. By December of this year I will be a GRADUATE! I hope to apply for the Master's program in early 2009 and hopefully can start classes over the next summer. The Master's program is ten classes and takes about 18 months. I figured I have been in school so long that a real scholar would have been working on their second Ph.D. so I might as well have a Master's.

Thanks Dad and Nana, whom I am sure will never see this. But thank you for all your prayers and having more faith in me then that I had in myself. I am doing it for you. I hate to hear you guys nag.

relentless Mike

2008-05-29T10:21:00.001-07:00

Mike has been set on getting a new wagon for the past couple of months now. Since we already have three other ones I didn't feel guilty at all saying "NO!" However, Mike's agenda is a lot different then mine. He crept off to Sears saying that he needed to pick up some work jeans. Of course I didn't even think what he was really going for. One pair of jeans, shorts, and flip flops later all pulled in by a monster wagon, brought our grand total up to four.

Brody loved it! Mike took him for a few trips around the dining room table and through the kitchen then down the steps. Brody said he wanted to go to sleep in the wagon. Enraged I agreed.

this shirt reminded me of Uncle Chris so I bought it

2008-05-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

not too sure why this polo reminded me of Uncle Chris, but it did. so I bought it for Bubs. he was he best dressed crazy haired kid at preschool that day. don't worry we got his hair cut yesterday.

Congratulations Gretchen!

2008-05-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Gretchen and I at her graduation party
Gretchen's niece and nephew and my two new babies- Soso and Dorian

Congrats Girl!

I am so very proud of you. You are a strong beatiful woman and I will follow in your foot steps. I promise I will do all my shyster monkey techniques to get into grad school with you.

sorry folks! i am his manager

2008-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

hi grandma!

2008-05-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Bye Lions!

2008-05-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

During our trip around the block Brody found

doodie bags holder (mike lost the night before when frankie took off after the basset hound freaks)
used but remarkably clean tennis ball (he was going to give it to frankie, but when he threw it in, it bounced out the other end..he never noticed)
one bubble maker with missing bubble holder

Brody also found a few friends to talk to along the way

Old Man Sam- they discussed the weather
Random lady neighbor on other side of the block- advised Brody to not pick up hitchhikers
Old Man Sam- they then talked about his truck and "great" driving skills
New Fireman- Brody showed him his found treasures. He advised Brody to drive with two hands on the wheel

Thanks neighbors for your random advice! Now I am being asked about hitchhikers, why driving with your cell phone has been outlawed and what the weather forecast is for tomorrow.

dateanelephant.com

2008-05-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Before my Ogranizational Behavior final this morning I spent a few moments at the computer lab, located on the first floor of the library. This memo was left at every cpu in the media center. Unable to control my laughter, I had to excuse myself . Needless to say, little studying took place. I had to inform all my friends of such sarcasim. I must admit this sparked my curiosity to see what dateanelephant.com is all about. It reminded me of two things, there is somebody for everyone and BIG GIRLS NEED LOVE TOO!

P.S. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did.

picture perfect

2008-05-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today I received Brody's 2008 school pictures. Here is a little sneak preview!

driving the sink

2008-05-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

treehaw! this is for you Sarah and Tom

2008-05-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

hi grandma!

2008-05-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Nana and Brody "Cleaning" the backyard

2008-05-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thank You Mr. President

2008-05-16T22:07:00.001-07:00

I absolutely loved your little present today automatically deposited into my checking account. I will be thinking of you when I get that much needed massage. I already have it all spent in my mind, but I'll hold onto it till I can think of something really good to spend it on.

the one man rock band

2008-05-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

like mother, like son

2008-05-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

splish splash!

2008-05-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

happy tuesday!

2008-05-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

my view of Brody (don't worry we weren't driving)
Brody was more then happy to smile for the camera
aww my cute little monkey, I love him
showing off his Poptart...shhh he still hasn't figured out that they come with frosting

Brody woke up in such a happy and cheerful mood. He grabed his guitar and started singing Johnny Cash. I let his good cheer spread and opened his door and started dancing. We had a little jam session with the two guitars before I got him ready for school. Brody was really silly this morning and it is just one more reminder to me why life is so sweet and special.

we went green

2008-05-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

sushi anyone?

2008-05-11T18:34:00.001-07:00

i Ysushi

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T17:29:00.003-07:00

So far Mother's Day weekend is off to an awesome start. On Friday Brody and I started by hanging around the house. We slept in, made pancakes and watched a few cartoons. We had a nice lunch together and played outside till Mike came home from work, early! I was very exctied when I could spend a few hours at the local nail salon getting a manicure/pedicure and an extra massage. Since I was a mom they gave longer massages for the Mother's Day weekend. It was so nice, relaxing and peaceful.

That night was a girl's night out with some new and old friends. We all met up at Tracy's where good times between friends were shared.

Saturday morning was spent making pancakes. Soon after I headed off to work on a presentation with Joyce. We met up at Panera where we had breakfast while enjoying our free wi-fi connection.

Upon my arrival back home my mom showed up with a few goodies that Brody convinced her to buy. A purse, braclet, necklace and tuplips. Thanks Brody! But how did you convince Daddy to get me something too? Later on Mike gave me the icing on the cake and handed me my new Sony digital camera that I so terribly needed.

I can't wait to take and share more pictures with you all. Thank you mom and THANK YOU to my boys. I love you, all.

i did it!

2008-05-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Brody was very proud of himself that he finally mustered up the courage to climb up and slide down. He isn't very fond of having water splashin' him in the face, but after observing the first two days it was up, by the thrid he was all over it.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears...Oh my!

2008-05-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Suprisingly engough, Brody didn't quite like the zoo. Although we talked it up the night before and made all kinds of animals noises the second we got there he was already done with it. We took him to go see the alligators, which is a personal favorite of mine, since I grew up having one in my great-aunt's backyard. Brody told us it was a shark, not an alligator. Shortly after that we hiked our way over to the mist pit aka the Gorilla House. Then we headed off to see the lazy lions. We soon approached the Giraffe's. Brody didn't even see the correlation between them and his blakine. I told Brody they wanted their blankie back. That just set him off in a 2 year old melt down. At that point we decided to high tail it out of there since most of the displays were closed. However, we were able to sneak in a few pictures when Brody wasn't looking. He pretty much so refused to let us take pictures of him instead he took several of Mike and I.

And The Roof Goes Up

2008-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

How exciting! Finally after nearly a year the roof is going up. It looks like it will be finished by Brody's 3rd birthday.

You Are an AMAZING Little Boy!

2008-05-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Last night Brody, Mike and I were all sitting down in the family room watching Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on Noggin and I began to realize. Brody is growing up so fast. He started talking about how he needed to fix his house tomorrow. Then he ranted on with how he was going to get his hammer and his nails and put the wood and nail it all together. Right then I realized he is no longer my little baby. I grabbed him, sat him on my lap, put one hand on each of his chubby little cheeks, looked him dead in the eye and said, "you are an amazing little boy!" In return Brody put one hand on each of my cheeks, looked me square in the eye and screamed "you are an aammaaazzziiinnnggg little boy!"

Pomona Car Show

2008-05-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Brody and "little" Fred