{presidents weekend and valentines love}

this past weekend was valentines + presidents day weekend.

valentine flowers were bought for the first time in years.  that husband of mine is the least romantic person ever.  but I'm thankful for him. and the flowers.  i baked some cupcakes to deliver to our cousins and then we headed to the bay.  we kayaked around the bay. remi on my lap trying to wrestle herself free and jenner with our old neighbor john.  it was a beautiful day and a good little work out. between trying to hold remi in the kayak and paddling around i was sweating! 

later that day jenner, brad and i headed to the desert leaving remi at my moms.  it was the first weekend i have been away from her.  we have done many single nights but not 2 days in a row.  i had to fight back a few tears on saturday when i started feeling the mommy guilt.  i wished she was with us.  but the desert is  no place for a little.  it was fun to be able to relax for two days straight, seemingly unheard of for me for the past 4 years.  but with jenner now old enough that he is somewhat self sufficient it was a good break.  

 
the funny thing about being away from your kids is that you rush back to them, guilty and excited to see them.  only to get there and realize that not much has changed in 2 days - the whining, crying, laughter and demands are still the same.  within minutes of being back in action.  maybe we should learn to take our time rushing back home.

jenner was my co-pilot for the weekend.  we drove around in borrowed razors and had loads of fun.  i could have done without the dust, which i'm pretty sure everyone was tired of hearing me complain about.  but you literally couldn't see 3 feet in front of you it was so dusty.

we headed back on sunday evening, picked up our baby gal and home we went.  luckily for me monday was a holiday so we slept in and lounged around the extra day.  

january birthdays {galore}

the month of january is a hectic one for our little family.

 

it all starts with my dads birthday.  he is {59}.  he is still strong.  he is still ALIVE.  he is still awesome in his own way.  in a way some people dont get. but i do.  he is an only child.  he acts like he is still an only child, despite having {3} children of his own.  i dont say it enough. or ever. i love my dad. 

 

 

 

second birthday belongs to jeffrey.  a snowy birthday party was had.  i missed it. jenner and brad joined the fun.  jeffrey is my fellow pineapple on the pizza, raisenetts eating white person. amongst all the mexican candy eaters.  

 

third birthday of the month belongs to my very first ever niece. a girl that has my heart. she is smart and cute and so lovable it hurts. she is calm and clear. she is funny. she is beautiful. everything about her is special. i love her. she is {8} and i am beyond proud of her.

 

 

 

 

the fourth birthday to be had belongs to my sister.  she is {37}.  she is selfless and giving.  caring and nurturing.  she trys her best to help always.  she is silly and so different from me.  she is happy and loving.  she worries alot. about everything.  she is dedicated.  and i love her with my whole heart.

im so happy that this is the only photo i have of her in my phone. 

mostly donuts. mostly.  

 

the fifth birthday is my good pal jeannine.  we have been friends for 16 years now.  i remember her in class in her ugg boots, short shorts and bomber jacket.  mostly i was jealous of her prettiness and popularity.  once i got to know her, i loved her.  she is funny + witty, she is smart + determined. she does what she sets her mind to do. whatever that may be.  she is cute and confident.  im blessed to call her my friend. forever.

 

 

we did a girls night camping to celebrate jeannines {34}...

 

i left the tags on there because someday it might be funny that technology was so lame.

 

the following day was the carlsbad marathon in which willy completed his first ever full marathon and audra + jeff completed the half marathon.  super kudos to them.  we cheered and cheered for all the runners.  

 

 

other january highlights include:

 

jenner asking us what a "hooker is". 

he loves the movie dodge ball

(side note as to where the term "hooker" came from.

jenner went to monster trucks with his daddy

he skied all by himself at big bear.

he's really into spelling stuff.

he moved into the bigger class at school

(because he is so smart, or mostly because he turned 4 and was ready) 

he is mostly the best boy ever.

 

remi started saying boots, more, evy, frammy, swing & cookie

she still loves shoes, swings and food. 

she loves baths and water.  but not in her face. 

she loves to dance. always. to anything. 

she goes on lots of time outs for being bossy.