What happens in Vegas...

You are all familiar with this phrase....but I think it is important to share a few details of a trip that was filled with some amazing adventures!

We took a trip to Vegas this past weekend to help celebrate our good friend Joseph's birthday. Normally the drive to Vegas is about 4 hours. But, Joseph decided to surprise all of us with a quicker mode of transportation! Can you even believe it?!?

Tiffany our co-pilot

40 minutes in the air certainly beats almost 4 hours in the car!

We stayed at the MGM Signature Suites, which I highly reccommend. The rooms are beautiful with lots of living space. The next two days were spent eating, drinking, gambling (a bit), people watching, and laughing unitl we cried many different times.

We can't wait to head back for another trip soon!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Do you ever wonder?

I guess this only applies to other bloggers...but do you ever wonder who is reading your blog? Are they people you know? Or are they people that bounce here from other blogs, like I do all the time to blogs of people I don't really know. I certainly wonder who is out there...
post a comment! I would love to know who is out there:)
Lots of love,
The Grady's

Close to my heart

I never thought I would be one of those people that had a cause that they felt strongly about. In fact, I never could completely understand some people's dedication to raising money for a cause or in some cases their complete devotion to a particular cause. About 4 years ago, I began reading a blog about a sweet family that lost their 9 month old daughter to leukemia. It was then I began to understand that mom's commitment to helping other families to deal with all the heartache she had just endured.

I truly understood that desire after the birth of Brennan. I don't think you can really feel that pull, that intense desire to make a difference, until you are faced with the harsh reality of what cause you are fighting for. That cause for me is raising awareness for congenital heart defects.

February 7-14, 2009 has been designated Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week. An estimated one in every 100 children born in the United States each year have a malformed heart, making it the MOST common birth defect.

To be honest, before I had Brennan, I had never really heard of heart defects in newborn babies. Two days before I delivered him, he was diagnosed with a heart defect that we were told would take his life. After two open heart surgeries and about a week spent in the hospital we brought him home for good. Without research, amazing doctors and surgeons, I am not sure that we would have the same end result.

I cherish everyday we have with him, because I know what the alternative could have been. I know there are many other families that have lived in our shoes, and many more that will. I can only hope that as research and technology advance, so will early detection of the defects and the procedures used to repair them.

Please take an opportunity this week, to find out more information about these defects, tell someone you know about this important week and what it means, ask a question to learn more.

"A mended heart is a special heart."

Lots of love,

The Grady's

10 on Tuesday

1. Work sucks right now. I feel like I have so much material to cover and just not enough time in the days. My students aren't exactly the best behaved either. Ugh.

2. Watching Biggest Loser, amazing how these people lose more than 10 pounds in a week. Who does that???

3. Conversation the other night with Brennan.

Me: Brennan, you need to sit down and eat your dinner

Bren: Mommy, I WILL.

Me: Brennan, I am not going to ask again, sit down and take a few more bites.

Bren: Ugh....Mommy you are, you are making you crazy!

LOL! I guess I must tell him that often, nice.

4. Why do they make bowling shoes in the most obnoxious colors? 5. I think I am one of the last people not on Facebook. But honestly I just can't imagine managing that on top of emails, blog, etc.

6. Praying for some colder, rainy weather later this week. February and 80 degree weather just don't work for me.

7. My knee is seriously messed up right now. It is really starting to make me mad, I can't do any kind of exercise, nothing. Had an x-ray, no visible bone issues, going back to the Dr. tomorrow. Need something figured out.

8. Emerson had her first mini dance recital last week at school. Jeff was able to go and watch, since it was during the school day. He was so amazed at how natural she was performing. She totally ate it up.

9. Why do more stores not carry Tall sizes? I mean honestly, I am not a giant. But basics at just about any store are not long enough for me. That is so annoying.

10. Jimmy Buffett just released 7 west coast tour dates, the most I have ever seen. Can. Not. Wait.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Birthday fun!

I love birthdays! I love helping others celebrate their birthdays, I love surprising people on their birthdays, and even better I love my birthday. This year certainly did not disappoint. Jeff told me about a week ago that he had some plans for me for the day, little did I know all he had in store for me.

My morning started with an amazing massage at one of the local resort hotels. My mom picked me up at home and Tiffany, her mom, and my friend Whitnee all joined us for some pampering a the spa. The spa was wonderful, complete with private pool, sauna, steam room, and very attentive service. After our treatments we took in some lunch by the pool.

After lunch the 2nd part of my surprise was to discover that Jeff had gotten a two hotel rooms at the Hyatt for all of us for the night. He had spent the day there with the kids playing in the pool and sliding down the water slide. The thought it was the greatest thing ever! They couldn't stop talking about it.

My mom took the kids home and Jeff, me, Tad, Tif, Whitnee, and Joseph spent the afternoon lounging around the pool. We had a mellow dinner, and my final surprise was to be joined by my parents, our great friends Cindy and Steph, and Pam and Craig. We danced the night away at the local piano bar.

I really do love surprises even though I am a total control freak, and not knowing what was going to happen next was a little frustrating. Tiffany got a kick out watching me not be in control, laughing all the way through. But even though I was sure what was around the next corner, it was the greatest to feel completely taken care of.

Thank you sweetie, for putting so much time and thought into making my birthday so special, I love you.

Love,

The Grady's

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

Year in Review

I thought the best way to review 2008 was to take a good look at it in photos...because photos really do speak volumes, don't they? Here is a favorite photo from each month of the past year...

January

Stacy and Scott invited us up to Sacramento for a fun filled weekend of wine tasting and the royal treatment at the Kings game.

February

A visit to Disneyland to celebrate Mason and Kaitlyn's 5th birthdays.

March

A beautiful Easter Sunday.

April

We took Emerson on her first hike at Indian Canyons in Palm Springs.

May
Our little man's 3rd birthday. Ahoy Matey!

June

A great visit to Ohio to see my dear friend Carrie and family. Cameron, Kennedy, Brennan, and Emerson having a ball in the bath!

July

Emerson and Daddy enjoying some time on Lake Union in Seattle.

August

Brennan learning how to boogie board in Huntington Beach.

September

Our baby girl's 1st day of Kindergarten.

October

A year is certainly not complete until we attend a Jimmy Buffett concert! This year there we more than 16 of us, including those dear friends of ours from Ohio!

November

My annual scrapbooking/wine tasting trip to Santa Ynez. Such a fun weekend with great people!

December

Our sweet little munchkins!

So as we get ready to send 2008 out with a bang, we wanted to be sure to wish you all a wonderful new year. I cannot wait to see what 2009 will bring!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Our Christmas

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas this year. I have to admit that not having to pack up and go anywhere, even across town, was really nice. It was a mellow Christmas with just my parents and the four of us. Christmas Eve, Jeff and I took Emerson to mass at church, arriving about 40 minutes before mass we thought we would be rather early, but we actually we able to grab the very last seats in the whole place. The church quickly filled up with standing room only. Then we had dinner at my parent's house, then finally back home to prepare for Santa's arrival.

Emerson and Brennan showing their excitement over Santa's treats!

Admiring the tree before bedtime

Brennan opening one of his gifts on Christmas morning

Emerson opening her Hannah Montana MP3 player!

Brennan rocking out to our new family gift, Guitar Hero!

Emerson strumming along.

Brennan taking a rest with daddy

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that yours was just the same!!!

Lots of love,

The Grady's