Feeling loved...

It all started over 6 years ago...I logged onto a website looking for some advice on my first pregnancy. What I ended up finding were two of the greatest friends I would ever know.

Over the course of my pregnancy I began posting on a message board for other moms due the same time that I was, in November. Time passed and we talked about everything imaginable related to our pregnancies and our lives. We all had our babies and still continued to talk about problems or achievements we were having with our new little babies. As the months wore on, some women were able to "check in" at least a few times a day, some women began to form closer bonds with others, and some stopped posting altogether. I can't quite pinpoint the time it happened, but I slowly stopped posting on the public message board and I instead began emailing Carrie and Christa instead. See, we were some of those that had started to develop closer bonds with each other.

It has been at least 4 years now, and we rarely miss a few days without an email in each other's direction often several email "conversations" each day. We live in very different parts of the country (CA, OH, IA), yet we have been fortunate enough to see each other in person almost once each year. These girls have seen me through some of the highest and lowest points in the past 4 years...we have this amazing bond and amazing friendship that I will never quite be able to explain. We know that we can count on each other for support, understanding, and unfaltering friendship. I know that if I called either of them and asked for their help, they would be on the next plane out my way...I am so very grateful for them.

A few years back we decided (probably after we all had our 2nd kids), that instead of buying the kids presents on their birthdays and holidays, we would splurge and get each other something special on our birthdays. I mean really, the kids are always spoiled, why not spoil ourselves. We work hard thinking of just the right thing to get, and somehow we always nail it.

This year is no exception. They are always able to read my mind...I couldn't have asked for anything better. I have been wanting something that I could wear everyday and now my little ones will always be close to me.

Thanks for making the start of my birthday week (yes, I celebrate for a WHOLE week!) so special. I love you girls!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Zoo and Theatre

This weekend we took advantage of the beautiful weather outside and took the kids to the Living Desert. Our annual passes expire next week, so wanted to make sure to squeeze one more trip in. The kids were very content watching the huge train display and playing at Gecko Gulch playground.

Jeff and Brennan panning for gold.

My school district partners with the local theatre to provide art experience to our 3rd grade classes. I am our school's coordinator and this week I was offered 4 tickets to see the Musical Production of Flat Stanley. Emerson and I invited Tif and Kaitlyn to join us at the theatre. The girl's seemed to really enjoy their first theatre experience!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Here is the recipe I used the other night, super yummy!

1 spray(s) cooking spray
8 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow (I used whole wheat pasta)
10 3/4 oz Campbell's 98% Fat-Free Cream Of Celery Soup, or Chicken Soup
1 cup(s) fat-free mayonnaise
8 oz low-fat cheddar or colby cheese, shredded
1/2 medium sweet red pepper(s), chopped
4 oz whole-wheat crackers, mashed into crumbs
2 chicken breasts, cooked, diced

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a 9 X 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, about 7 minutes; drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add soup, mayonnaise, cheese, pepper and chicken; mix well to combine.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with cracker crumbs.
Bake, uncovered, until top is golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve.

ENJOY!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

10 on Tuesday

1. So last week I am was out of my classroom for three days, and this week I am out for another three days to attend a conference in Pasadena. 6 days of sub plans is not my idea of a good time.

2. There is nothing better than dancing in the kitchen to random music with the kids. Memories to cherish.

3. Once again I am addicted to watching the Bachelor. It is certainly a show I have grown to love and hate. It is like a train wreck, you can't turn away from it. He better pick someone good, and not waste my time.

4. Explain to me why it was 83 degrees today and it is still January! What happened to winter?

5. Why does our house get dirty so fast? I mean we clean, dust, vacuum, do dishes, pick up toys...and still every time I turn around I feel like the house is messy!

6. When did my little girl become a little lady? I mean she acts so mature sometimes, so much like a little lady and not my baby girl! I hate it.

7. I have to wake up at 430am tomorrow and instead of going to bed, I am posting and watching Biggest Loser.

8. Homework tonight for Emerson: spelling words, sight words, and a full page of addition problems. A little afraid that Emerson would be overwhelmed...boy was I wrong. She sat right now and did it all with a smile on her face!

9. Brennan scared the crap out of me yesterday morning. Long story short, he decided to play hide and seek without letting me know he was playing...and I thought he was just gone. All of this happened before 7am, not how I wanted to start my day.

10. I made the yummiest homemade macaroni and cheese last night. Low fat, with sliced chicken, delicious!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Just what we needed...

After spending three days driving, attending grandma's funeral, visiting with family, dealing with Grandma's affairs at her house, and grieving we certainly needed a little relaxation. Our good friends invited us up to their cabin in Lake Arrowhead for the weekend. So we made our way up there Friday night to reunite with our kids and enjoy a weekend of great fun! While it may be close to 80 degrees at home, it was still fairly cold up the hill. Cold enough to have some great snow on the ground. The kids (and the adults!) had a great time sledding, eating snow, and throwing snowballs.

Kaitlyn taking a break!

Daddy and Brennan

Emerson and Mommy

Domenique eating snow.
Brennan sharing his snow with Lauren (one of the cutest things I saw all day!)

Tif getting ready to give Emerson a push!

Lauren getting ready to slide down the hill!

Jeff giving it a go!

Brennan

Joseph and Brennan

Lots of love,

The Grady's

In Memory

Friday, January 2, 2009 Grandma Panero passed away at her home in Visalia. Jeff's grandma was a beautiful woman who lived a long and wonderful life. At 89 years old she has seen two world wars, served in one of them, travelled halfway across the world to be with her love, had two children, 1 grandchild, and 2 grandchildren. We feel so blessed to have been able to spend some quality time with her this past Thanksgiving. She loved the time she had with Emerson and Brennan, loved watching them play and run around. She always said that Brennan was a true Irish boy, rosy cheeks and running wild. She loved to talk to Emerson about school and all she was learning.

We will travel to Visalia Wednesday for her funeral...and to say goodbye to a wonderful grandmother. We love you, Grandma.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Happy New Year!

We celebrated New Year's Eve at our friend Nina and Greg's house this year. No better to way to celebrate then one where you are surrounded by friends! We watched the ball drop in New York and actually made it a few more hours before heading off to bed. The only problem with this great night, the fact that our kids still woke up at their usual 6am! Ouch, not so fun after only a few hours of sleep ourselves.

Tif and I trying to stay warm!

Nina giving Jeff a New Year's kiss.

Nina, Whitnee, Tiffany

Whit and I

New Years Day was just as great! We all hung around in our jammies watching football, eating lots of food, napping on and off well into the afternoon....what better way to celebrate the new year!

Lots of love,

The Grady's