Kings Fever

This past weekend Jeff and I flew up to Sacramento to see our friends, Stacy and Scott. We arrived Friday night, and headed out for a late dinner at this amazing new restaurant. Saturday morning we were actually able to sleep in a bit (past 7am!!!!), which is huge for Jeff and I. We decided to go wine tasting during the day. The weather was great and the wine was yummy.

Scott is the announcer for the Sacramento Kings basketball team. So, Saturday night we headed to the arena to watch him in action. To our surprise, not only did he get us tickets to the game, but really amazing 2nd ROW tickets! I mean, we were literally TWO rows behind where the Kings players sit. We were able to actually hear the coach running plays with the players. So amazing!!! Too bad the Kings lost!(No zoom lens here!)

Sunday we got up bright and early for breakfast with the Butier's and Vermillion's and then headed to the airport for our flight home.

Quite a whirlwind weekend, but well worth it. Stacy and Scott, thank you SO much for some good conversation, great laughs, we can't wait for next time!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Imagine my surprise

When, last night during our teeth brushing chores (yes, I call it a chore!)...I find a tooth breaking through the surface in Emerson's mouth. Yes, my 5 year old. She has finished brushing and I am helping her out with flossing and way in the back, behind what I thought were her last molars, is another tooth coming in. So, my being me, rush to the computer to look it up on the computer to figure out what in the world this tooth is. Turns out our little girl is getting her first permanent molar! Amazing. She hasn't complained or anything and boy, that is a big tooth back there!! The Internet said they usually come in between ages 6-7, and since she seems to be losing teeth and getting new ones earlier than others, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. The joys of growing up.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Pee here, Pee There, Pee Everywhere!!!

Okay, so I thought that my two week break from work would be a good time to get Brennan potty trained...but I guess I forgot to ask him if this would be a good time.

Day 1, talk about going potty on the toilet just like Emma does. Put on big boy underwear, Spiderman nonetheless. Get stock of treats ready for potty successes. 5 minutes after underwear is on, we make our first potty attempt, nothing. 2 minutes later, I hear screaming in the kitchen, pee all over the floor. Clean up, new underwear, and try the potty again, nothing. About half hour later, screaming in the hallway, pee everywhere! Give up on day one.

Day 2, same talk about potty on the toilet, big boy underwear, you all know the drill. SAME attempts on the potty, SAME accidents all over the freakin' house! Most on the tile floor, but lots on the carpet too. Finally, some actual potty success, which is rewarded with treats, phone calls to daddy and grandma and cheers and claps from mommy and sissy. Maybe we are getting somewhere...


Day 3, same ol' process, a little more success, but so many accidents still that I am just about done. I have cleaned up so much pee in the past three days, and done so many loads of laundry, I swear we went through all 10 pairs of underwear I bought him in a 6 hour time span!


But stubborn ol' me, will still attempt this same routine tomorrow...am I stupid?



Lots of love,

The Grady's

List...

Got this from another blog...go ahead, give it a try!



1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Traveled for work.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember making more than exercising and eating right. Pretty much, working out much more than I was at the beginning of the year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Aimee had Maggie:) and a bunch of friends got pregnant

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
Mexico in February and Canada in August

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
hmmm...not sure, was pretty content in '07

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
no one date in particular

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
staying fairly balanced with home and work

9. What was your biggest failure?
ouch...I don't know

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new car:) I LOVE it!!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The kids, they are truly blossoming

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Oh, I would rather not say

14. Where did most of your money go?
The kids! Daycare, school, dance class, diapers, clothes, etc.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our annual scrapbook weekend, Jimmy Buffett concerts, Catalina Trip

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Kenny Chesney Summertime

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder?
Much happier. Very content.

b) thinner or fatter?
thinner

c) richer or poorer?
I wouldn't say richer by any means, but financially doing better.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
spent more time playing

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
wasted time on the computer.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my in-laws at their cabin outside Yosemite

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
A little more each day.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's, Private Practice

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
While there are certainly people that make me nuts, I can't think of anyone I would use the word hate on.

24. What was the best book you read?
The last in the Harry Potter Series, couldn't put it down

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
not sure

26. What did you want and get?
a new car!

27. What did you want and not get?
An understanding of why people do certain things

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Bourne Ultimatum

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out to dinner. Turned 31

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Peace, all around on every level

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Comfort and cute all wrapped up together

32. What kept you sane?
making my own down time

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't fancy just one in particular, like to hear about all of them

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Immigration

35. Who did you miss?
Friends and family all around the country

36. Who was the best new person you met?
A new mom at Emerson's school, love meeting cool new people

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
I can't do it all, I really do need to ask for help sometimes

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Um...

New Year's..

I am still recovering...and no I didn't over-indulge. I am just recovering from travelling and being a full-time stay at home mommy and cleaning and doing laundry and well...you all know.
Anyway, New Year's weekend was great! We drove out to see our good friends, The Hargreaves in Arizona along with Tad, Tif, and the girls. We spent a few days there, kind of like a mini vacation for us. We rested, played at the park with the kids, played games, read books, visited, and ate and ate. It was a wonderful visit and a great way to end our year.
New Year's Eve was a perfect mix of good food, good drinks, fun games, and even better friends!
Thanks, Hargreaves...can't wait to do it again!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Favorite Things 2007

These are a few of my favorite things from the year...

• Spending New Year's with the Black's as they settle in the desert
• Going on a cruise with 7 other couples to Mexico, what a great trip!
• Taking our kids on their first camping trip, even if it was freezing cold
• Having one of my best friends, Carrie, visit from Ohio over spring break. We were even brave enough to take all 4 of our kids to Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo over a 3 day span and had a fantastic time.
• Remodeling our casita as a surprise for Jeff while he was in Asia with his dad
• Celebrating Brennan's 2nd birthday- he will always be our miracle baby, so every year is to be cherished
• Watching Emerson "graduate" from daycare, and leave Miss Patty's
• Flying to Iowa with Emerson to see another best friend, Christa and her family and have Carrie and Cameron join us as well!
• Making our third annual trip to Catalina Island to enjoy some rest and relaxation
• Watching both kids learn to swim
• Serving as a bridesmaid in my best friend's, since 4th grade, wedding in Sacramento, definitely one for the memory book
• Sharing a childhood memory with Jeff and the kids, by going to Seattle and San Juan Islands with my mom and Scott on their boat
• Attending TWO Jimmy Buffett concerts with great friends
• Moving my little boy to a big boy bed and watching my baby girl go to her first day of school
• Celebrating Emerson's 5th birthday, just where has the time gone
• Watching Emerson perform in her first Christmas Program at school, I am sure there will be many more in years to come
• Celebrating Christmas with Jeff's family, and being able to have a white Christmas, my first ever! And introducing the kids to SNOW!!!

We hope you had a wonderful Year 2007, we know how certainly blessed we were. We hope 2008 has as many memorable times as these.

Happy New Year!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

If this is what vacation is...then I am ready to go back to work!

What have I done so far today? Well, let's see...

Wash the dishes
Loaded the dishwasher
Cleaned the kitchen
Did three loads of laundry and folded the clothes from the 6 I did yesterday
played the new computer game with Emerson
Watched a show with Brennan
Picked up the toys and more toys and more toys
Ran to Target with both kids
Cleaned up the bathrooms
Took out the trash

It's only 1:45!!! Are you serious? I've got more laundry to do, finish cleaning the house, clean the garage and figure out what to make for dinner!

I could never be a full time stay at home mom!!! Phew!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Over the river and through the woods...

That about sums up the last 5 days for us...1000+ miles, over 15 hours in the car, 5 grandparents, 1 great-grandma, and a partridge....wait....you get the idea.

It all began Friday night as we headed north for our first Christmas on the road. We drove to Valencia (2 1/2hours), and stayed the night in a hotel, to help break up the drive. Saturday morning we headed out to Jeff's grandma's house in Visalia. We visited with Grandma, Nana Marie, and Uncle Mike. We had the chance to visit and celebrate an early Christmas with everyone.

Saying CHEESE at Great-Grandma's House

We left Sunday morning after breakfast and made our way through the mountains to Midpines, where Jeff's dad and Kathy had been preparing for Christmas at their cabin. The weather was certainly winter-like, minus the snow, but cold enough to sure put us in the mood. Upon waking Christmas Eve Day, we made the 45 minute trek to Yosemite. I must admit I was a bit disappointed when we first drove through the park gates and the weather outside felt like winter, but there was NO snow in sight. I was really hoping for a "White Christmas", but figured a "white" Christmas Eve would suffice. Well, my disappointment didn't last long, a short climb up into the park and before we knew it, a sea of white was all around. Emerson and Brennan, having only seen snow in pictures or on TV, were quite excited. We stopped at one of the many spots along the road and explored a bit. After a mere 10 minutes (maybe less), my little desert-babies were visibly shaking, even though we had gone to great effort to put on the hats, jackets, gloves, boots, etc. So, we made our way back to the car and drove further into the park. We spent the morning in the park, had lunch, and headed back to the cabin to prepare for Christmas Eve.

After we went to Mass in Mariposa, we had a fantastic dinner of ham and the fixings. We spent the rest of the night opening all our presents. The kids were really spoiled this year! Finally, settled them into bed, after making sure Santa had something yummy to eat.
Christmas morning we arose and found our stockings filled and more "Santa" presents under the tree. We packed up after breakfast and finally made our way back home Christmas Day, a long 7 hour drive back to La Quinta. And you would think we would head straight home...but the holiday would not be complete without a visit to the Black's house. Lucky us, we walked in just in time for dinner, pie, and a rousing game of Catch Phrase. What a perfect way to finish off a Merry Christmas.
We hope that you and your families enjoyed a beautiful and blessed Christmas as well.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

In case you were wondering...

I promise we really don't hurt our children on purpose...promise!


Within 10 minutes of being at Jeff's grandma's house on Saturday, our little rough and tumble boy decided he wanted all of our Christmas pictures to be special. We couldn't go for the normal, everyone dressed in their best, smiles for the camera, type shot. Nope, not this year.



He wanted to dress it up a bit more.

Black and blue, cut on the side, and another knot on the other side of his forehead. Yep, no doubt, 110% BOY!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

A Star in the Making?

Friday night was Emerson's first Christmas program. Sacred Heart School had their annual Christmas Program for all ages, PreK-8th grade. The program was to start at 630pm, but the girls were due at their school by 545pm. Good thing we arrived that early, because I jumped into a line of about 50 people that had already gotten there. By the time 6pm rolled around, the line was snaked around the entire church.

We found our seats and waited for the show to begin. PreK was first, so I rushed up to the front with all the other eager parents wanting to catch a glimpse of their children. And wouldn't you know it, our little girl was one of three little ones carrying the special silver star for their song.

Jeff and I always joke that we are raising Donny and Maire Osmond here, because Emerson and Brennan love to sing and perform. Wish I could say their talent for performing actually carried over into the actual singing part...but maybe that part takes extra practice. Anyway, she is quite an entertainer, good singer or not.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Emerson's Birthday

Emerson was one lucky little girl! She had a whole week's worth of celebration for her birthday. It all started with a fun bbq at home with cake and presents.

Then a fun birthday celebration at school, complete with crown for the day.

Finally a birthday party with a bounce house and all her friends!

It sure is nice to be FIVE!!!!

Lots of love,

The Gradys

Little guys

A newborn update...Cole is home! Just had to share the latest picture of the Nanas boys, they are just too cute for words.

Coleman and Asher

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Happy Birthday, my little girl

Wow, five years already. It is really hard to imagine that five years ago, I was in labor with you. Daddy and I were so excited and so nervous about having our first baby, yet so anxious to know who you were and what you would look like, and of course if you were a boy or girl. That moment when they laid you on my chest and someone said "It's a girl!" will be forever ingrained into my memory. Emerson Blake entered our lives.

Now five years later, here we are and I wonder where the time has gone. It really seems like just yesterday we were driving home from the hospital with you snug in your seat. Just yesterday daddy and I sat on the couch, with you, wondering, "now what?". Just yesterday that you were 8 months old and taking your first steps. Just yesterday that you started to talk, later than all your friends, and I was worried that something was wrong...now I can't get you to stop!

You have always had this amazing smile that lights up a room. You have turned in a beautiful little girl, who loves to sing and dance. A little girl who enjoys playing with her friends every chance she gets. A little girl who loves her brother so much, and will stop playing with something to help him. A caring, considerate little person who genuinely loves others.

I know that I can't blink for even one second...because if I do, you will already be going on your first date, or graduating from high school or even getting married. Emerson, I don't know where the last five years have gone, but I do know that I wouldn't trade one moment of them for anything. I cherish every day I have with you and look forward to all the memories that are ready to be made.

I love you more than words, baby girl. Happy Birthday.

Twin Update

I had the privilege of visiting with Temma and Dror and baby Asher this past Sunday. Jeff and I made a trip out to Santa Monica for a training class for Jeff, and while he attended his class I hung out with the new family. Coleman is still hanging out in the NICU trying to "bulk up" before coming home to join his brother. I am amazed at how great they all are. The boys are literally half the size of my babies when they were born, and yet they don't appear all the small to me. Asher makes the cutest little squeaking sounds and is becoming quite the little eater too.
Oh and now I can share their full names!

Asher Dylan Nanas
and
Coleman Samuel Nanas

Congrats, again, Nanas Family!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Like new (at least to us!)

So Jeff and I did a little work on our master bathroom this past weekend. Just a few minor changes that make a world of difference for us! Check it out!

BEFORE

AFTER (tada!)

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Double Excitement!

My best friend from college, Temma, and her husband Dror, welcomed two beautiful, healthy baby boys this afternoon into their lives. Temma has been on bedrest for over a month now and successfully made it to 35 weeks before delivery. Asher and Coleman Nanas weighed in at 4lbs 12ozs, 4 lbs 5 ozs respectively. Mom and babies are doing great!

I will share pictures when I get them....I can't wait to see the little guys!

Congrats Nanas Family!!!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Boot Camp

So for the past four weeks, Jeff and I have been getting up, on alternating days, at 4:45am to go to Boot Camp. Yes, you read that right, Boot Camp. We had read about it in paper, heard about it from others, and finally looked it up online. It is called Desert Adventure Boot Camp. It is a exercise regime that goes three days a week from 5:30-6:30am. It started as a woman's camp designed to jump start a workout routine, but has exploded into 2 woman's camps and a men's camp.

A day at camp resembles something like this: Running anywhere from 1-4 miles, squats, lunges, weight training, squats, sit ups, push ups, squats, jumping rope, squats (did I already mention those?) and everything in between. It is like nothing either of us have ever done before. At first I thought I was crazy, and yes other's called me crazy. But, after about 2 sessions, I was addicted and couldn't wait to go back. Each night Jeff and I talk about how great we have felt that day, because of the good workout in the morning. Both of our energy levels have increased throughout the day.

Part of camp is a pre and post evaluation of your body, weight, body fat %, measurements, etc. I just did my post evaluation last Friday and if I wasn't convinced of the health benefits before, I sure am now. I have gained 8 pounds of muscle and lost 6 pounds of fat (how gross is that!?!). I have lowered my body fat % by 8% points. And I have lost 1 1/2 inches to my waist! Amazing.

And the craziest part about all of this....we are signing up for the next session! It starts this coming Monday after Thanksgiving, and I can't wait!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

A "hoppy" visitor

Emerson came home from school with a little stuffed friend on Friday. Each student has a turn in taking home the class "pet" Froggy for the weekend. You are supposed to take Froggy with you everywhere you go and take photos of your time spent with him. At the end of the weekend are supposed to journal about your experience with Froggy and add pictures to show to the class.

We had a great time including Froggy into our weekend, until of course I had to get the pictures for the journal pages. After three stores and finally a cooperative computer at Walgreen's we finished the journal and Emerson can share her adventures tomorrow in class.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Girl's Weekend

It all started three years ago, the girls wanting a weekend to get away and get some uninterrupted scrapbooking time. We searched online and found this amazing ranch in the Santa Ynez foothills. Now, three years later we continue to head up to "Ree's House" to enjoy being pampered. YOu can check out her place at www.cricketcanyonranch.com. Ree is so wonderful to us each year, cooking great meals and just making us feel comfortable and relaxed. This year, some of the usual group was unable to make it. So it was myself, my mom, my sister, Tif, and her mom. After a bit of a long drive up there (took 1 hour longer than usual) we settled in nicely and had a fantastic weekend.
We had massages, went wine tasting, and of course, scrapbooked. I actually completed 32 pages! A record for me, but a good thing since I was so far behind and now feel a bit more caught up. Once again Ree did not disappoint and the trip rejuvenated all of us.
Pictures to come soon....they are on Tif's camera since I forgot mine...yep that's right, I forgot mine and Tif had hers (I will NEVER live that one down!)

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Ghosts and Witches and Fairies and Pirates

Halloween has never been a favorite holiday of mine. Not sure if it is the whole scary factor, or the fact that you have to dress up (really not a fan), or something else, but I really have never loved the holiday. Well, I think that might be starting to change...having kids does that to a person. The kids were so excited about Halloween and trick-o-treating and dressing up in their costumes.


I decided to put on my "Mom" hat for the day, and volunteer at Emerson's school. Which of course means that I had to call in "sick" at work, but it was well worth it. With both kids dressed, we dropped Brennan off at Patty's and headed to school. The kids began their day as normal with their flag salute and prayer and then inside their classrooms. Myself and the parents who were there to volunteer began to set up their own preschool carnival. We walked all 4 preschool classes through the carnival games. Then I went into Emerson's classroom to pass out snacks and help the teachers get ready for the school parade. The preschool and Kinder classes parade through the rest of the school showing off their great costumes. Then back to Em's classroom. It is now 11:30 am and I am reminded once again why I teach 8-9 year olds and not 4 year olds. Phew, I was exhausted!


Trick or treating that night was an experience all in itself. We were invited to our good friend's house for their annual Halloween dinner and trick or treating adventure. Turned out to be about 40 adults and almost an equal number of kids. Picture this, 30ish kids walking up to your door, all dressed, buckets ready for that yummy candy....yep, did that for about 12-15 houses! The looks on some people's faces were classic. The kids scored on buckets of candy (great, just what we need at home!) and plenty of great Halloween memories too.

Our Fairy Butterfly

Our Pirate

Lots of love,

The Grady's