The Mamarazzi

SURVIVOR CROP - Calling All My Crafters!!

2010-09-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am hosting an island...but won't be unless I can get some gorgeous (or handsome) bodies to fill the table.

Come and craft with me....you do not have to be a scrapbooker and you do not have to stay there for the full 24 hours...I sure will though...as will Big Daddy. So...come and join me!

What is it?
This energy filled event is to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education. All proceeds to benefit the San Diego Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I believe each and every one of us has been touched by someone with breast cancer or perhaps had a personal experience.

For me, this is a personal endeavour to honor a few people I know have been touched so deeply by others...and a couple that still battle the disease. Together, we can fund increased awareness...perhaps pay for a mammogram for someone who cannot otherwise afford it. Maybe our money can be used to help with treatments...maybe even fund research to find a cure.

Join me won't you? I will be there. I need only 5 more bodies that can sign up and promise to raise money...$125 dollars is what you promise to raise. Together we can meet and surpass our goals.

Did you know that $125 will pay for a mammogram? Trust me...lack of insurance doesn't mean that person is lazy or won't seek help for themselves. Let's help...let's give back.

Ok, so how much is it going to cost me??
$110 per person, non-refundable.

BUT- you can transfer your fee to another individual if you cannot make it!

Find out more about Survivor Crop by clicking on the title to this post.

I will post more about my reasons why I am doing this shortly.

xoxox,
m

And So They Grow

2010-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have to be the biggest baby.

No, really.

My youngest starting kindergarten today. I already did this with my eldest son, but for some reason today was just so much more emotionally charged.

Will they remember to give him his enzymes?

Will they keep him cool?

Will they be sure to offer him salt?

Will they be kind to him?

Will they?

Will they....?

Will they.......?

*sigh*

So much had to be done to get him to this point. The medication forms, the IEP, the this, the that...then there is me...dragging my feet...not wanting him to grow up. I have to. He needs to.

I picked up the medication form, took it and him to school. The school nurse so friendly, assured me he would be fine and that it would be hardest on me. She just had one of her three sons head off to college this past weekend...another learning how to drive... She said she was feeling the same way, offered me candy (I would have preferred a stiff drink) and a tissue. She let me hang around outside to make sure things went OK with his enzyme administration.

Not only did Kai take his enzymes just fine, but he went out to the lunch area with the rest of the kids and fed himself his sweet potatoes then drank his Boost. I swear he puts on a show just for me...so I feel needed....that has to be it.

All this...so mom can grow up too.

I love being a parent. I love being a mom. I am going to miss my little baby. He hasn't been that little baby is such a long time. To me though, I will always see my boys as my babies. How do my parents do it? Here I am, grown with my own children...do they still see me as that little baby holding her toy carrot?

Censored

2009-11-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

I can't help it. When I sit down at the computer and decide to start typing...telling a story...I find myself holding back so much. So much of the things I want to say...so many of the words I want to share.

How hard can it possibly be to come up with a title for a single blog? Shuh!

So here I sit...wondering what I can share with you today.

On my computer is the cutest picture from Halloween. It is of Kai while at school. He is wearing jack'o lantern glasses. So precious.

Troi is sitting in his room at his desk. Working on homework that could have been done sooner. I say could have been only because he has one set of school books for home. I spoke to the librarian and she said if she has extras we can have another set for his dad's house. I will see what his dad wants to do about that.

I don't mind having him homework away after he comes home from his dad's. I actually enjoy the questions..."What is the climate in Egypt?" My answer...probably hot. lol

Kai is watching Spongebob in my room. He is waiting for my iPod so he can watch a movie on it. It's getting some "juice" since it was in the red zone all the way home.

*sigh*

I am tired and would love some sleep.

Tooth Fairy

2007-09-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

The tooth fairy forgot to come the other night.

Yep. FORGOT.

This is a fundamental no-no in my book.

In our electronic age, I tried to explain to my nine year old that perhaps the tooth fairy didn't get my email...or with the unusually moist climate the last few nights, maybe the tooth fairy didn't want to chance getting stuck in a storm.

Well, bottom line is...the tooth fell out that day and daddy forgot to tell mommy so mommy could make sure that the tooth fairy came.*sigh*

To make up, the tooth fairy left a hand made card and wrote a note to Troi that she/he was sorry about missing. That the last few days have been unusually busy and that she/he was "swamped". To make up, she/he left TEN dollars! So, this morning I was informed that the tooth fairy did not forget again and that a note was left. As Troi shared the note with me, he made sure I knew that the tooth fairy was stuck in a swamp so she/he could not get out to take care of business.

I think I have saved a believer.

Phew- that was a close one!

his brings to mind the numerous times I tried to earn extra cash by making paper mache teeth, cutting small pieces of paper into tooth shapes, even taking small stones that looked like teeth and putting them under my pillow. I never was able to fool the tooth fairy into leaving me any cash. I was however afraid that when I actually left a "real" tooth that I would get overlooked. After all, isn't that the moral of the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"?

Never in those futile attempts at fooling the fairy did I ever think that there wasn't a fairy. I just figured she was damned smart to not be fooled by me.

Here's to hoping that Troi's teeth never get overlooked again and that the busy schedule the Tooth Fairy is keeping eases up a little. Like me, she/he has probably worked 3 weeks straight with no day off. *sigh*

Oh, the tooth fairy also signed the note "Love, T.F." Which Troi lovingly thought meant "Troi F." ha ha ha. I said no, I think it means Tooth Fairy. Isn't that cool that they have the same initials?!?I thought so.

More Water Fun

2007-07-21T21:38:00.001-07:00

IMG_2635, originally uploaded by Michellene.

The only downside to Flickr is you can't blog more than 1 photo at a time. So- what I will do it link the title to this one to the photo set with all the photos I took of these boys today! :) How's that sound dear reader? Like a plan? Yep, thought so! :)

Pool Time

2007-07-21T21:33:00.001-07:00

IMG_2632, originally uploaded by Michellene.

Troi and his best bud CJ had a great time in the pool today. I rested with Kai. Napping at a late time of day. Which meant I woke up to the sound of laughter and some special rocket ship sound effects. Enter Troi and CJ- two rambunctious boys playing in the pool.

They had a great time playing in the late afternoon hours. The light of day was ebbing and I had to break out the camera.

Happy Mothers Day!

2007-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those mom's out there. From my Moms to my Mother In Law...to my friends that are now mom's...

To my Moms Julie and Bridget- I love you both so much and appreciate how you have set aside your differences and embraced loving me and my children together. You're both excellent Grandma/Nana.

To my Mother In Law - thank you so much for being such a great Mom to me and Jerome and an amazing Granny!! You're so thoughtful in every way.

To Jennifer - Thank you for getting me knocked up. You are a super mom in the truest sense and I am shocked at how much you can do in one day and still be sane.

To all those other moms that have touched my life in so many way...this is our day and I am so thrilled to be a part of it with you!

All my love!

Michellene

Sky's the Limit

2007-04-21T23:08:00.001-07:00

IMG_2271
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Troi just had outpatient surgery yesterday. The only tell tale signs that anything is amiss is a scar you can't see and a walk like John Wayne.

Love and distraction or a combination of both are quick healers. My parents bought Troi an airplane. It's a remote controlled plane that flies very well. It also repairs well. My Dad made many repairs in his few hours here at my house.

Finessing landings was the hardest lesson learned this evening. The last venture brought the plane down in the neighbors back yard. Thankfully they do not have a dog lest my Dad and son would have been kibble for sure.

Thank you Mom & Dad for coming down to cheer Troi up. He's feeling well and that Orange Chicken from Panda Express was a winner too!

Love you!

Babyrazzi

2007-04-21T23:03:00.001-07:00

IMG_2283
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

This is the Kai man. He loves cameras and any within reach are easy targets. He knows just what to do with them!

The future of photography is in the tiny hands of this little fellow.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-04-21T22:27:00.001-07:00

IMG_2305
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Well, I am 37 today! Yippee! My 9 year old son just had minor surgery yesterday and we are all doing very well!

My Dad, Mom, and 2 of my siblings (Esther and Stephen) came down to visit Troi but to share the day with me! What a treat.

Next week is the official party...to ring in my newfound age...

I am actually feeling older today but I think it's because I am just tired!

Another Wee Fave!

2007-04-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

IMG_3670
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Sometimes I go a little crazy (ok A LOT) with the picture taking. I cannot stand being anywhere without my camera. Wee Start Gym is no exception.

Precious Girl!

2007-04-20T19:48:00.001-07:00

IMG_3827_edited-1
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

This is one of my favorite photos of this little bundle of energy and brains!

I can't tell you enough about this little girl. She's super tiny but packs a lot of energy and entertainment into her pint size. She amazes me at every turn and I can't even imagine what she does to her parents!

Jenn and Pete- hope you have insurance and a shot gun. You're going to need it!

Jenn and Nadia

2007-04-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

IMG_3850
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Kai's best bud and mine too! Jennifer is one of my most dearest friends. We have shared so much together, including her getting me knocked up (long story).

This photo was taken at Wee Start Gym. We have had so much fun visiting every week. We don't live far from each other, we just don't have the same schedules. Nadia (or as Kai calls her - Nania) is on a different nap schedule and well, we just have taken this weekly visit and had sometimes visited more. We met for breakfast afterwards and even tried to make it to a puppet show!

I love these two girls!

Wee Start Gym

2007-04-20T19:39:00.001-07:00

IMG_3852
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Thanks to Mama Peggy for the wonderful 6 weeks membership to Wee Start in Carlsbad. Kai and I have enjoyed every moment we have spent with Jennifer and Nadia! This photo was taken by Jennifer in a rare moment that Kai was cooperating. The Wee Start Gym has so many amazing actvities and they pack in a sufficient amount of stimulation for these tots to thrive on.

I know Kai sure has. This tied in with his occupational therapy has done wonders for him. Next on the to-do list is speech therapy.

No, Kai isn't suffering from a learning disorder or disability, but he has some mouth muscles that don't want to cooperate. Or maybe they cooperate with HIS wants and desires far too well. This little man talks, but sometimes the only person that understands him is Jennifer!! He he he

Well, I just love this photo.

Post Op

2007-04-20T19:32:00.001-07:00

0420071329
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Out of the "wake up room" and into the post op area. I was called in once he was ready to start trying to take fluids.

He looked at me and said, "Where is my stuffed animal?"

I promised him a stuffed baby. He had forgotten his favorite silkie and did this entire field trip without out any nur-nurs or pacifiers.

Big boy.

Mom couldn't just pick one, she was torn between two huggable animals that both passed the "hug test" with flying colors. So, a gorilla and a pig.

Sense of Humor!

2007-04-20T19:29:00.001-07:00

0418071923
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Do you see what I see? This kid is just amazing to me. Here he is, two days out from surgery and he's kidding around and having a good time.

Pre-Op Surgery Face

2007-04-20T19:27:00.001-07:00

0418071922
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

We took the tour of the facility.

This is a very information part of the entire process. I personally do better with information. The more I know/understand, the better I do. In MOST cases.

This is no different. I knew exactly where to go and what to do. So did Troi.

This photo was taken when he received his goodie bag with all the the operative essentials, surgical booties, a mask, and this lovely hat/cap.

He's a great kid.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy

2007-02-10T18:18:00.001-08:00

IMG_2085
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Well, this little munchkin turned 2 on 1/28/07. I took this photo on his actual birthday. He was sick with rotavirus and was unable to drink his formula and when he did he couldn't keep in IN or DOWN. Poor guy.

His party was scheduled for the 27th but had to be rescheduled for obvious reasons.

This photo to me, looks like he's so skinny. But he really isn't. I guess maybe I just knew he just wasn't feeling well. This just so happened to be the first day he really started to at least smile again.

On this particular day I revisit the ease at which he actually physically entered the world...and his beuatiful disposition all those days he spent in the NICU doing his best to do the "do" and get home with his adoring family.

No, my pregnancy with him was far from easy...from the very beginning it was tough and I was rather ambiguous about my entire state. No, I never ever thought for a moment I didn't want Kai...just didn't think it was best time for me. I was at my heaviest and I worried mostly that my love for Troi would be diminished or diluted in some way.

Kai was different from the moment he arrived. He didn't make a peep...he was still and so warm..as soon as they put him on my belly still slimy and bloody ... I thought to myself..."What's wrong with him, something is wrong with him."

Mother's intuition is never wrong. Several week in the NICU and on Feb 9th of 2005 we were informed that Kai has cystic fibrosis.

As you can see in his picture, he's a joy and the apple of everyone's eye. He's doing great pulmonary-wise...still has weight issues but we work everyday to resolve them. He won't chomp down real food yet...and we are working on that as well...he visits the occupational therapist every week and we work with him every day to try to get him to just bite and chew.

So, 1/28/07 marks not only the significant milestone of Kai's 2nd birthday...but also the 2nd anniversary of our fight agains this nasty disease.

Santa Was Here

2007-01-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

IMG_3151
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Magic dust marks the spot.

Every year Santa makes his way down the chimney to leave gifts and fill our stockings.

He never fails to leave evidence of his arrival. Magic dust on the logs in the fireplace was all I could get photos of this year. Troi had already vacuumed up the remnants on the carpet.

Some years he will eat all the cookies and drink all the milk. Other years Rudolf will oblidge.

This year was the magic dust all over the place. It was in one long trail from the fire place to the tree.

Troi has a theory about the various gifts Santa leaves at the homes he visits on behalf of Troi and now Kai. At Nana's house, Santa will leave snow, magic walnuts that once cracked open reveal a surprise which is usually coins or money. (And they say money doesn't grow on trees!) Along with the magic walnuts, Santa leaves gifts that are fit for a mountain prince. New boots, new snow bib, things definitely out doorsy and made for the rugid terrain that surrounds Nana and Grumpa's house.

At Papa and Grandma's, he leaves clothes, games, books and other "fun and games" things that Troi just loves. Then he has Granny's house. Where Granny always gets Troi the "sensible" needed gifts like shoes, clothes and the occasional PS2 game that Troi must have been hinting about for the 20K time!

Santa leaves us goodies every year in our stockings at Nana's house. I think he knows that we will be waiting for the goodies there since we don't have gifts in ours here at the house very often.

Thank you Santa for NEVER letting us down!

Baby Boy Troi - 9

2007-01-08T09:48:00.001-08:00

IMG_0920
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

Number 9. Year 9. 9 years old...9 years young.

Doesn't seem like a big number huh? It's still less than 10...but when you think about how long this kiddo has tolerated me interfering in his life, it's a pretty long time.

Nah, this kiddo is so amazing. He's definitely a keeper.

I recall when he was Kai's age (almost 2) and thinking how I couldn't imagine him being 9. I guess it's just the same feelings I have now toward Kai. I am eager to have him grow up and be independent, but still want him to be my baby.

Troi is still my baby. He always will be...9 or 99. He's my Baby Boy Troi.

Troi's Birthday Aftermath

2007-01-08T09:36:00.001-08:00

IMG_0965
Originally uploaded by cf.sucks.

The aftermath of a successful birthday celebration is a miracle to behold. It's a FREAKING miracle we made it through another wonderful event without too much chaos!

Having a child born so close to Christmas is not an easy parental assigment from the heavens. No, it's more of a multi-taskers nightmare.

Troi was born on December 24, 1997.

He was my Christmas gift that year. The same year I received my very first computer. Two HUGE milestones in one fail swoop. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Celebrating Troi's birthday is the easiest of all yearly holiday tasks. It's the preparation for it that kills me every year. I know when it happens- every year at the same time. So why do I punish myself this way?

I have put these crazy limitations on myself. For instance, my rule has always been that we don't put any Christmas decor up until AFTER we have Troi's party. We usually have Troi's party the weekend before Christmas. So that leaves me NO TIME to truly enjoy my precious decorations...some that I have had for many years and some that just my absolute favorites - my Christmas carousel collection.

Why do I not just put up the damned decorations right after Thanksgiving? So I have more time to enjoy them and less stress to put them up only to take them down 2 weeks later.

I have asked Troi and he doesn't mind. So that tells me it's a self-limiting, self-imposed, self-neurosis that I freaking do to myself every year.

He's 9 now! It's time to stop this craziness. Next year I am putting the decorations up early AND still having the amazing party for Troi we do every single year.

Wow, do I feel better or what?!?

"Troi! Troi! Troi!"

2007-01-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

Today those words were yelled over and over again. Not by me! No sir. By Kai. We walked at the new park down the street and Troi was running ahead of Kai and Kai wasn't able to keep up. So he kept yelling for his older brother. It was the most adorable thing I have ever heard.

That is, until we got home.

I was typing away at the computer and I heard Kai yelling Troi's name again. This time, it was because Troi was playing his PS2 and Kai wanted Troi's undivided attention. It was cute...but after about the 20th time Kai said Troi's name I had to intervene.

These photos are from today's walk. I took some photos for the 28 Things for January 2007. It's a scavenger hunt. Pretty cool. I won't post the photos here but rather on my Outta My Head blog.

xoxox

Photo Count - 37K ++

2006-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

Have you evern noticed how many photos you have taken over a certain period of time? I have Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 and it keep a running tally of how many photos you have uploaded and are in your catalog. The earliest photos I have on this PC are from 2002.

I checked last night and it's over 37K!

That's over 25 pictures per day.

Hmmm...that sounds about right.

My poor kids...

Roasted to Perfection

2006-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

One of the neatest stocking stuffers Troi recevied this year was a marshmallow roasting fork. He loves it! Last year there weren't any large marshmallows to roast so this year Nana and Grumpa made sure there were plenty.

Troi is the official "Master Roaster".

Christmas at Granny's (Loretta's)

2006-12-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

We were all so blessed with family, friends and so many gifts we can't even tell you all the wonderful gifts we received this year. I cannot send out enough thanks for everything we were blessed with this year.

One of Kai's favorite gifts is this Bubble Gum Playground. He just loves it! "BALL!" He says...it came with 75 balls and it's the coolest thing. You put the balls in the top and they come spiraling down the middle just like those gumball machines you see at the mall!
Here is Maliah with my step-mom Bridget. Maliah is my niece. She was born on 2/20. She is my sister Carissa and brother-in-law Berts daughter. They have their handsful with this one. She's a little pistol. But she's so darn cute you can't possibly hold it against her...for very long anyway.
This is Maliah's mom, my sister Carissa.

Carissa and Bert bought Kai a cute toy that has a Magna Doodle mini screen in it. Kai loves doodling on it. The different templates have so many different animals to trace...the darn thing even talks to you and tells you the different animals. It's Diego telling you about them. He's not into Diego yet...but I am sure he will be after this.

Click on the title to see all the photos from Loretta's.

As I mentioned earlier, with such an extended family...we have many people to see and love...and it's not easy to drive all over the place...but it is well worth it. I am so glad to have so many places and people to see....

Christmas at Nana's

2006-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

Troi had an excellent theory about the presents Santa brings to each place he gets presents at. For instance, since Nana lives up on the mountains, he gets stuff for the snow, hiking, outdoorsy stuff...then for home, he gets video games, books, pool stuff, toys, clothes for school, etc...the at Granny's he gets different "themed" things too...he had it all theorized...I will have to sit down with him to get the full explanation. It was pretty cute. He explained it in great detail to my mom.

My mom...oh my mom, is quite famous for getting toys that can really push a parent over the edge via insance amounts of noise or repetitive music or sayings. This year was no exception. :) I love you mom!

Kai is dancing to the "Chicken Dance" song...as played by an chicken that flaps it's wings and bobs it's head back and forth. Kai sure can shake his booty to anything he finds shakeable too. He really like this chicken...and the chicken is here at the house...batteries are still in...and it's got a broken wing...it only flaps one wing now when it plays...I didn't do it!!

The PJs Kai is wearing were a gift from Jerome's mom, Loretta. Doesn't he look freaking cute?

Christmas morning we explored the wonderful goodies Santa always brings on our stockings. I have to say that is my favorite part of Christmas. I just love the neat things you can find in there...including the orange in the toe of the stocking.

Here Kai is reading a book about Christmas. He took that book and just opened it and plopped on the floor.
I do love how he looks as if he is actually reading. Aw heck...for all I know he really can!

Here is Kai and Jerome. Putting on "feet" as Kai says. He says "feet" for his feet and his shoes...and those pesky things called socks...are really just a couple of "cocks".

Man these kids are just too funny!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T00:30:00.000-08:00

You know, when you have an extended family like mine, you have so much love going around. It's amazing that any of us are sane by the time the new year rolls around.

Who am I?
What's my name?

Why am I posting?

*grin*

This greeting is coming to you in installments. Since I can only include one link per title!

The link above is how we celebrated Christmas with Loretta...my wonderful Mother In Law. She truly is amazing! She handled all the company without a ruffled feather in sight. Despite earlier than expected arrivals and last minute calls to come and visit others! She's a gem!

My parents came down from Anaheim to visit with us there...that was a very wonderful visit. I really should make it a point to get up to see them.

Next up- Christmas with Nana! (My Mom!) She lives in Wrightwood...we hoped for snow...but Mo-Nature didn't cooperate with our holiday wishes...

Happy Late Halloween!

2006-11-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

I took the boys to Jerome's mom's church for their Harvest Festival. Loretta sings every year and they have so many fun things for the kids to do.

I usually have to park in the north 40 and hike a ways to get to the church. This year we had first row parking and the only trouble I had getting the the church on time was getting a soon-to-be-two-year-old little munchking to cross the street in an orderly fashion.

ha!

Well, we made it and what a great time the kids had.

Kai wanted to everything Troi was doing which of course wasn't possible. Troi went on big kid rides and he also did some things with his baby brother which made Kai very happy. Phew.

Captain Hook, Tink, and The Wolfman

2006-10-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

OMG! My sister Carissa had a halloween party at her house on Saturday. It was so much fun! It was just family at first. I believe she probably had a bunch of people end up coming over. I had to leave early with the kids since Troi has signed up for basketball practice.

My parents were there as well as my sister Esther, and Brother Stephen. Both of them actually dressed up too but silly me didn't get any pictures! Goes to show you where my head is at!

Click on the title above to see the photos of the kids!

Who Likes Mexican Food? I DO!

2006-10-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

What does a Mommy do with two little ba boys when she's early to meet Daddy for the drop off? Um, she eats cuz she hasn't eaten all day. Off to El Torito we went! I love the Burrito Especial with Chicken...yum yum...Kai still doesn't eat anything (he prefers the easy life by drinking the bottle) and Troi, well he enjoyed a quesadilla as well as something he munched on before we left the house. Kid is GROWING like a weed...so that explains the appetite.

Wish that was my excuse! Unless of course growing another chin counts! ha ha ha

These are just some photos I took during dinner and while waiting afterwards. These kids love to be the show-offs and total Goofy Goobers!

I'm Dreaming Of...

2006-10-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this isn't of my kids...it IS a photo I took while standing in the middle of a Wal Mart...yah, I am THAT BAD.

I collect carousel horses and this is what I found...

This thing is the coolest! The Christmas characters ride the merry-go-round over and over...it's amazing! I would love to put this at the top of the back slope of the property...or even on the pool deck...it would look so cool at night and everyone could see it. Even Santa!

My Hammies!

2006-10-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

We were waiting for Daddy to meet us for the kiddo switcheroo...which closely resembles a pit stop in a Nascar race...but anyway...Daddy was running a bit late, as traffic in La Jolla is rather unpredictable...ah hell...what am I saying...that's So. Cal as a WHOLE that's suffering from unpredictable...stops-on-a-freaking-dime-to-watch-someone-change-a-flat-on-the-opposite
side-of-the-freeway traffic...yep, you know the kind...

Anyway, these two little goofballs were entertaining their mother which quickly dispelled any annoyance with anyone being late...after all...he's probably gawking at someone changing their tire...JUST KIDDING! He's the guy that drives like a little granny!

I constantly have to remind him, "Would you DRIVE like you're trying to GET SOMEWHERE?!!!" Mind you, this is the father of my children that has never had a speeding ticket....while their gorgeous mother(ME!) has had plenty....more than she can count and enough to get her license suspended once upon a time (I was very young then!).

Well, again, these kids are just so darn cute! I gotta love them!

Click on the title to see what I am talking about...

Troi's School Photos

2006-10-23T23:39:00.001-07:00

Well, my 8 year old is growing up way too fast!

Here are his school photos.

I purchased the CD instead of all the prints...

I prefer to print out my own instead of the packages...I have a few years accumulated in unsent photos for the family...

So instead I just sent the digital images...

Takes away from actually having a print copy in hand...but it's the name of the game of today don't you think?

Technology!

Great when it works!

The Birds? I don't mean the movie!

2006-10-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my Pensieve too...

These photos of these yard birds are incredibly cool...some of them you can just see their wings in motion.

Misterazzi!!

2006-10-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Troi is becoming the Misterazzi! He's turning into a shutterbug just like his old Mom.

My mom, Troi's Nana, bought him a cute little digital camera that she carries in her store...and this is what he took pictures of!

Click on the title to see them!

It's too funny!

Sistarazzi

2006-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

My baby sister Esther is a Sistarazzi!

I gave her a digital camera and look at her now!

There's nothing she's not getting on pixels!

Rocking Panera!

2006-10-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, 10/12, I met up with my best friend Jenn and her little girl Nadia...otherwise known as my niece.

Jenn and I finally got a chance to get caught up! Dang!

It's so hard being mom's and trying to coordinate when our kids' nap times are different...

This day we decided on Panera which is by far one of our favorite places to eat. Jenn prefers lunch but of course, that would cut into everyone's nap time including mine! (I am still working evenings.) We ate our cinnamon crunch bagels and watched Kai and Nadia have so much fun running around. Jenn tried very hard to keep Nadia in our little 1/4 of the restaurant...but it didn't work...she was showing Kai how to move chairs, climb them, and basically circumvent anything Jenn and I put up to keep them confined...

Here's some photos of our rocking Panera!

My Niece, Maliah, 7 mos, 3 wks

2006-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a beauty!?

What a little lover girl!

I miss you so much.

She's the apple of her Mommy and Daddy's eye! And everyone else's for that matter!!

Beach Bums

2006-10-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Click on the title to see a slide show from today. It was Kai's first time ever going to the beach. I never realized that we never made it a point to take him.

I woke up late - thanks to Jerome letting me sleep in...I was exhausted! ... and when I awoke, I took Troi and Kai to Starbucks to get some coffee for me and hot choc for Troi.

On the way home it dawned on me what a damned gorgeous day it was...so I sugested we go to the beach. Jerome didn't want to go, so it was just me and the boys...

What fun! We had a great time searching for shells...and of course...me and the camera were busy busy!

I don't think Kai knew what to do about all that water...and how chilly it was!

I just love the ones under the pier of the two brothers...they are just too much for me!

Snuggle Bug Baby

2006-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dang- I remember when Troi was little like this and loved to snuggle with me. He's so big now.

I am glad I have this little one to still like to snuggle with mom.

Speaking of which he's here now in need of a nap. I think I will take this moment to take a nap too. Working nights is kicking my butt.

I have a couple days on the weekend to catch up on needed sleep....but you can never catch up....

These photos were taken by my dear friend Kristi. She and I used to work at IRM together. She came over from Colorado to deliver training in good old Carlsbad and stopped over for Chinese food and a long overdue visit. Thanks for these great photos Kristi! She also shared with me some wonderful photos from Germany...which are just divine! I can't wait to edit some of them and turn them into a photoshow for her...

Kai's First WAP Trip

2006-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

WAP- nothing derogatory...just short for Wild Animal Park.

Kai had a great time petting deer and walking all over. We arrived in the morning around 10:30. We were planning on taking a tram trip with Troi's class but his class trip didn't allow for babies on the tram.

So, Kai and I rode the Wgasa Railway without the class and he really loved it. He still babbles and I am unable to translate what he's saying still...some mom I am huh?

Anyway...we had a ball. We met up with Troi after the tram ride and then took off for a nap. It was starting to get warm and we can't have Kai sweating! So we headed home in a hurry because we were both tired and crabby and overdue for a nap.

Here are the photos from Kai's first trip! :)

Natalie Claire

2006-09-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Natalie's Home Page

Say a prayer for this adorable chubby munchkin. She's a lovebug! She's having surgery today and her Grandparents are our next door neighbors.

Natalie's Daddy and Grandpa built our wonderful home for us.

Pray for a smooth surgery, speedy recovery for both her and her parents.

Dancing Kai!

2006-09-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

I sure hope you can see this!

xoxo
Michellene

Frist Day Of School

2006-09-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Troi's first day of school was 8/14. He was happy to be back....as was I. This summer wasn't as great as it could have been for him. With me working nights, it's not easy to entertain an 8 year old while being dead tired.

So, going back was probably a relief for him. Starting this Month (Sept) I plan on decreasing my work hours so I can focus on my family. I am tired of being tired and not having the energy to do what I want to do. It's not just a matter of "needing" to do things like clean the house, do laundry, read to the kids, read for myself...but it's another to WANT to do them and just not have the "go" to do it.

So, now that Jerome is doing amazingly well on the new job, I am going to focus on the fam! Yippee!

Here's some photos from Troi's first day of school!

Kai and Nadia

2006-08-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

I can just hear Nadia now:
"Hiiiii Kaiiii"

ADORABLE!!

These 2 are the cutest together...they loves hugs and kisses!

My baby Kai! He's such a love bug!

Aren't they too cute for words?

I had to post these photos so I can get them out there!

There are some of my most favorite precious photos.

Nadia is Jennifer's little girl. Nadia is 2 weeks older than Kai is. They are buds and I hope they stay friends forever!

Jennifer was helping me out in a big way in April. Jerome started a new job and I needed someone I trust to watch the kids so I could get to work myself...well Jennifer came saved the day!

She took the kids to the park to play and this is what she came up with!

Hi there!

2006-08-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

I have decided to call myself the Mamarazzi. Many who know me - can attest to my ability to shoot hundreds of photos in little or no time. ESPECIALLY of my children.

Once upon a time, not so long ago (but before kids) I was the photographer for the California Independent Funny Car Association. That was such a wonderful experience and every race was an adventure. Once I met my husband, I didn't lose interest in funny cars, but lost time and the flexibilty required to be on the road every other weekend for the races. Once I found Jerome, my life was filled with activities one does when found in love.

Then along came marriage, then baby, not exactly in that order...it was baby, marriage, and then another baby.

So, now I cannot stop taking pictures of my kids. I feel like if I don't take photos all the time I will forget their little baby things they do and when they did them. I mean, hell, I have a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast this morning and can't recall the particulars of episodes of my favorite shows that just so happen to be reruns that I have seen for the umpteenth time.

So, here I challenge myself to post photos, recall memories, and you are invited for the ride too. Here will be some typical milestones and some not so typical since we have a little one with a chronic illness.

I hope to re-experience the joy of parenting these two little monkeys and drag you along with me!

I hope you enjoy it half as much as I will!

Love,
Michellene