For Our Winged Friends

I don't think it's a shock, I'm not very crafty. I try. But I'm just not. Even with all my education. You know, I was supposed to go into the field of education. But well, you know. Life happens. I'm getting off topic here....

It's been so hot here. Been in the 90s for weeks! And the boys are dying to do all kinds of crazy things outside. They've hunted lizards for weeks! Literally, no lizard is safe in our yard!! They all end up in a jar. With 2 boys poking them. Staring at them. Just being curious.

Bugs get the same treatment. I find Mikey digging in the yard. And Danny standing there, with another jar. Ya, no jar is safe in our home. I do make sure, to poke holes in all the tops. I'm trying to save the creatures here. :)

With Mike being gone, fighting the wild fires, I'm all the kids have. So I've been trying extra hard. To be a good momma. We go on daily "nature walks." Early in the morning. It's the only time it's cool out. And in the evening, we head to the park. So they can play with their friends. But around the house, I'm a little at a loss. What can we do?

I found a fun project. That involves a Slinky, birdseed, and birds. Even I can manage this one! I bought all the supplies yesterday. And today, during the "peak heat hours," we're going to create some wonderful things. For our winged friends. :)

What are some of your "go-to" activities to do with your kids? Especially in the heat. We live in the desert. For about 5 months out of the year, it's tough to be outside, between 9AM and 7PM. I'd really like to hear some great ideas. I know my sons would appreciate it too!

♥Rach♥

Who Would Have Thought?

Mike and I, have been looking for some DIY projects to tackle. Outside. For our boys. They are very curious, and active. My boys, are totally the typical "boy." Their days include chasing our dog, hunting lizards, and digging in the yard. Nightly baths, are not optional in our home.

We have a nice playset for them. That they love! I tell you, I've got 2 little monkeys here. :) But we're always looking for something new. Something to keep the boys active. And to keep their sense of exploring going on.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this. On I Heart Naptime. Which happens to be one of my favorite blogs! Who would have thought? A tire...into a sandbox. :)

We happen to have a friend, who has a Ranch. And I'm tempted to call him, and ask him if he has any old tires. I think this would be a fun project to tackle with the boys. Something that they've helped their daddy build.

♥Rach♥

Bad News

I should have known. When I saw the news yesterday. And there was another fire. Mike is heading up to the fire. He should be there no later than 9AM today. I feel so bad for the people up there. They are already evacuating the area.

But we miss Mike. It's been weeks since we've seen him. Mikey asks about Mike every single day. And I feel just like him. I can't wait until Mike is safe at home. But we know, as a firefighting family, that sacrifices have to be made. And we're OK with that. Because we know, Daddy is doing good work.

We just ask that everyone keeps Mike and all the firefighters in your prayers. They need all the support they can get. We love them all. And we hope that they are able to get their work done quickly and safely. Because they all have families who are waiting for them at home.

♥Rach♥

Ugly Animals!

I'm pretty sure, my boys and I are hooked on PBS' Nature Show. It's amazing. And the boys honestly enjoy watching all the animals. I'm always learning something interesting. It's just a "Win-Win Situation."

This week was about the world's ugliest animals. Which of course, my boys were so into! This pig thing, Mikey wants one. What the heck?! I'm sure Spot wouldn't enjoy this guy.

Let's just say, I'm happy these animals are on TV. And not anywhere near me. :) Oh, and we're super excited! Mike is supposed to be coming home, sometime Tuesday. I'm so excited! He's been gone for what feels like forever! I can't wait until our family is back together again. :)

♥Rach♥

Cars 2 Date

I'm not even going to lie. I had a blast with my boys today! I just wish that Mike was around. To be part of our "Family Date." The boys had a great time. But I also knew, they were missing their daddy. I was too!

We started out our adventure with a late lunch. Pizza at the mall. Nothing too special. But we had a blast. Mikey just loves the pizza at our mall. Is it funny that he asks for it often? We don't have it very often. But he will ask me for it more than he asks for toys. Yes, I know my son is funny!

But after lunch, we got to see Cars 2. Mikey was cracking up. He laughed so hard, he made me laugh. I enjoyed the movie, just because he was having so much fun. Danny slept through part of the movie. He watched the more exciting part at the end. He really seemed to "get it." I'm so glad the boys enjoyed their movie.

And after the movie, we went out and had a fun dinner. The boys giggled and laughed. We shared lots of yummy finger foods. It was just a lot of Family Fun! Just what we needed. It's so tough when Mike is gone. We're so proud of him and the work he does. But we miss him so much when he's gone.

On the way home, I thought both boys had fallen asleep. I was quietly singing with the radio. When I heard Mikey. "Mommy tank you. We have so mush fun! I wuv you." It melted my heart. I teared up. My boys mean so much to me! I'm so glad that we had a fun day out!

♥Rach♥

Echo the Elephant

Earlier tonight, the boys and I watched a story about Echo the Elephant. Made me cry like a big 'ol baby! Not even lying. It was part of PBS Nature. Honestly, must see TV! Now more than ever, I wish I could buy this movie.

The boys were so thrilled with all the elephants. They just loved watching them play together. And just all the interaction. Mikey was showing Danny how elephants walk around. They were just cracking up.

I was completely interested in the story line. I'm not even going to lie. It was completely an amazing evening. I was so tempted to call my local PBS channel. Just to give a donation. So I could get the DVD for our family.

Instead, I'm going to search on ebay. Hopefully I find it there. For much cheaper than the $250 that PBS was asking for. But it was definitely a fun night. And I'm looking forward to watching much more of this type of TV with my boys!

♥Rach♥

Welcome to Our Family Danny!

Mikey has a new baby brother! Daniel (Danny) waited for his Daddy to come home! Mike was able to come home for a week. And he arrived early on July 14th. The night before, I had begun having some fierce contractions. And I labored well into the morning of July 15th. But it was all worth it. Just to meet our little man! Danny we love you so much. Our family was definitely not complete without you. I see an entire lifetime of fun ahead for our family! But for now, I'm going to be spending lots of time with my boys!

♥Rach♥

Crying Like a Big Baby

I've been really down today. I just can't shake it. And I don't know why I'm feeling this way. I'm thinking, It's because Mike is away fighting the wildfire in CO. And I'm due later this month. I miss Mike so much. It feels like he's been gone for months.

Poor Danny. I hope his daddy doesn't miss his birth. He went north a few weeks ago. I was so stressed out. But he had to fight this fire. Now, he's in CO. Maybe Mike might get to come home just for a few days. Or Danny can wait a few more. Or maybe, I'm just dreaming.

My parents are in LA. That's where I'm originally from. And my in-laws live 4 hours north of here. But I have great friends. I just miss my husband. My in-laws are supposed to be planning to come down here and stay with us for a while. My FIL has agreed to watch Mikey when I go into labor. And my MIL is going to be with me at the hospital. My parents are going to come after Danny gets here. Because last time, they didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with Mikey. We're trying something new here.

But I'm still sad. The gloomy and stormy weather we've been having in the afternoon/evenings/nights isn't helping either. But there's not much you can do about that. I've been crying at commercials, pictures, songs. I'm a little emotional these days. But right now, I'm going to go snuggle up with my napping boy. I feel like I need a nap too!

♥Rach♥

Happy Memorial Day

We had a pretty amazing day today. And none of it could have happened without all the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Thank you all!



We took Mikey to the park. Mike wanted to take the wagon. So we loaded it up and left early. You know, before it gets hot out here.



When we got back home. Mikey napped. And Mike got to grilling. Can I say it? My hubby is an amazing cook! He didn't just grill all the meat. But he made some amazing food too!



And of course, Memorial Day is all about remembering those people who sacrificed so much for us. For our freedom. And just to allow us to be safe. Thank you!

♥Rach♥

2 vs 1

Lately, I've been stressing a little bit. About going from 1 little boy, to 2. You know, this is a big adjustment. I was almost in a panic by this time during my 1st pregnancy. But we had a ton of support! And I did OK. Mostly because of Mike.

Now, I'm really stressed out. 2 little boys. Am I in over my head? Fine time to think about that. I'm a nut! Mike keeps telling me to just breathe. That it's going to be OK. I know he's right. But I also know it's going to be a little challenging.

For one, we're definitely not going to sleep. That's not new. All new parents lose tons of sleep! My worry is whether or not we are going to have enough time with each of our kids. You know, will Mikey feel neglected? Will we pay enough attention to the baby? I always feel like parents don't take the same amount of pictures of 2nd and 3rd babies. They forget to document all those things that they did with their 1st baby.

I want to be a good mom. But most of all, I want for my kids to feel loved. To feel special. And know that we love them so very much! I just hope I'm ready for everything in our future.

♥Rach♥

Just Like Dad

I had to go exchange some shorts for Mikey that my mom sent him. And while we were in line at Old Navy I saw this shirt...



I just had to get it for him. I know it's long sleeved. And it's a million degrees out. But I bought it big so he can wear it this fall. Mike really liked it too! He wanted to know where his "Hunk" shirt was too! :)

♥Rach♥

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We had such a nice day. The Easter bunny definitely spoiled Mikey this year. And he really enjoyed his Easter much more than last year. :)

We started out with church. Which was a lot of fun. We all got dressed up. And then they had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Lots and lots of fun! Then we headed out for breakfast. Where we met up with some of the guys from the fire house. They had this for Mikey!



Thanks guys! I don't know if he needed another Easter basket. But he loved it! He got a total of 5 baskets this year. Spoiled little guy, huh?

The guys come over with some of their families. Most of the guys are still single. And we had a nice dinner and Easter egg hunt for the kids. It was really a lot of fun! And before he went to bed, Mikey asked to his Jesus stories. :) We read from his Children's Bible in the morning and we usually read a book at night. I guess he just knew today was about Jesus. :)

♥Rach♥

Car Rug

Over the holidays I happened to mention that I wanted to buy Mikey this rug.



I hadn't seen it until I had finished Christmas shopping for Mikey. And we had already spent enough money. So I figured that I could save up the $45. And buy it sometime before spring. You know, just a fun little pre-baby sibling is coming preset. :)

The minute I mentioned it, Mike wanted to buy it. He liked it. He and Mikey are always playing cars. And my parents and in-laws we're all over it too! Everyone was talking about how we needed to buy Mikey one right now. I thought they were nuts! But no, we headed to Home Depot and Target looking. No luck! And on the website, they were all sold out!

So I was in shock this week! When we got 2 visits from the UPS truck!!



My in-laws sent this cute rug on Monday. On the website it goes for $45. Really cute with all the buildings and roads. Mike and Mikey have been loving it! All week they've been playing on it. So we decided it should go in the den. :)

Then today, we got another package...



My parents sent this one. If I haven't mentioned it before, my dad is a big NASCAR fan. So a racing rug was only natural! For $35.

Um, did you notice how the cute one that I picked out was avoided by the grandparents? :) It cracked me up! So we put the racing rug in the playroom. And Mikey put his race cars on it. The boy knows the difference!

All night, he had Mike running back and forth. They'd play with the trucks and cars on the one in the den. And the race cars in the playroom! I know Mikey just loves these things! I'm glad that our parents got them. But I think they're spoiling our little man too much. Nobody agrees with me. Apparently, that's a grandparent's job!

But these are going to be great now in the cold winter months. That way Mikey has something to entertain himself with. Honestly it doesn't get that cold here. But we could have used these in December when we got all that snow! Thank you grandparents!!!

♥Rach♥

Glow Worm

I just couldn't resist this little guy! I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some groceries today. Nothing big. Just some things I couldn't find at Albertson's. Then I spotted this guy. I think someone was buying him for Christmas.



I had to get this Glow Worm. I'm already done with my shopping. But I thought Mikey might like this little guy. I know I loved my Glow Worm when I was little!

♥Rach♥

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Yes, my son likes this show. How did it happen? I don't know. OK, I sorta know. Every afternoon, I start making dinner at 4:30pm. Early I know. But my husband generally gets home around 5pm and is starving! My big boy is usually hungry by that time too.

So I put on the small tv in the kitchen and start dinner. At about 4:45pm I put Mikey in his high chair and finish dinner. Oh, and my son is watching whatever PBS show is on. We don't have cable on our small little tv. Why? We only watch it in the kitchen when we're cooking.

About 5 times now, I've forgotten to change the channel. And instead of watching PBS, it's on FOX. On "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" And Mikey just laughs hysterically. It's so cute! I even had to record a video for our families. Mike just loves to get home a little early to see too.

I don't know if it's the host, the kids, the lights. But whatever it is, my son loves it! And he laughs. Even when they are just showing the promo commercials for it. :)

♥Rach♥

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! We had such an amazing day. It really was fun. And my little man, he looked oh so cute! He was a fireman this year. Yes, my husband went out and bought him this costume!



But my little man sure did look handsome. We spent the morning at the Farmers Market. Where they had a parade for the kids. It was so cute! And of course, Mikey was a HUGE flirt. Only my son! He and Spot won for the 1 year old group. We were so proud!

This evening, we took Mikey trick or treating. Something we skipped out on last year. Oh last year, he was so cute. He was a dalmatian. Very cute! But this year, we went to a few houses. Actually, we went through 2 neighborhoods. And stopped to see some of the guys from the Fire Station. They were handing out trick-or-treat bags.

We had such a great time! And Mikey had a blast. We have candy for years. No lie! One of our neighbors dumped her entire candy bowl in a bag and gave it to us! Yes, my son was showing his cutie smile! Now, I'm going to go curl up on the couch with my hubby, and dig into our candy. :)

♥Rach♥

Spot

I don't know if I mentioned this. But we got Mikey a puppy. A real dalmatian. So cute! And they're already the best of pals. Spot, our dog, sleeps under Mikey's crib when he's napping or sleeping at night. I think it's adorable! And they are really best friends already. I think Spots is the best present we could have gotten Mikey for his birthday. :)

♥Rach♥

Mikey's Birthday Party

We had an amazing birthday party for Mikey today. We had so many friends and family over. And all the guys from the Fire House showed up too! Mike was really happy about that. Mikey got so many gifts! I swear, we don't have to buy him clothes or toys for a long time! I mean a long, long time!

I owe a lot to my friend Lola. Who completely hooked us up for the party! She made Mikey's cake. I wish I had a way to get my pictures from my camera to my computer. It was so cute. A fire truck. With a little dalmatian! And she made a bunch of the decorations for us. Thank you so much Lola! And she came way early to help us decorate, put together the gift bags, and help with some of the cooking.

Our families were amazing too! Helping us with all the cooking. Thank you guys so much! It was amazing. And it was so yummy! and we just had a great time. Mikey just loved ripping all the wrapping paper. I think he enjoyed it more than the actual presents. Silly boy!

Well, my son is asleep. Our house is...well it survived. And we have lots of family over. Me, I'm ready for a nap. I'm definitely ready for a few hours of good sleep. But we had an incredible time. I really enjoyed my son's 1st birthday party. I hope he had a great time too!

♥Rach♥

Lots...

I'm so exhausted! But it's great to have Mike home. :) And today was moving today. Lots and lots of stuff! How did we fit all this in our apartment? I still have no clue. But all the guys from the fire house came to help. Thanks so much!

Our house is in shambles. Complete shambles. But some new furniture was delivered today. :) And all we really cared to put up was our bed and Mikey's crib. Which looks adorable! It's nice that Mike got the painting done yesterday. That way we could start putting Mikey's room together.

Oh, and it's been raining. A lot. It's ridiculous! But there's nothing we could do. But get our stuff from our apartment to our house. And we did that. The next few days, I'm going to have to work hard to get our house in order. You know, I have 4 days...

But we have some good news. Our friend Jose is back from Iraq. He has been out there forever! And he is going to be getting out of the military soon. He was so happy to be home. And his wife Jelly, she was so excited to have him home. We all enjoyed a big "Welcome Home" dinner. So much fun!

Well, I'm falling asleep here. And I have so much to do the next few days. Please send me all your positive thoughts. I'm going to need them. :)

♥Rach♥

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Dear Little Man,

Happy Birthday! You turned 1 today. You are such a big boy. We went to your doctor's appointment earlier this week. He said you are perfect. Absolutely perfect! I already knew that!

Your Daddy surprised us all! He came home early this morning. With a big birthday cake too! We are so lucky to have him. And all the guys at the fire house. They made it possible for your Daddy to come today. :)

I still can't believe you're 1. It feels like I just found out I was going to have a baby. When I think about you, I still see your little newborn face. But my baby is growing into my little man. Too cute you are! I love to cuddle with you in the mornings. And I absolutely melt when you start to flirt. You're just like your daddy. Flirting all the time! :)

This morning you just loved tearing up all the paper. I think you liked the wrapping paper more than you liked your presents this morning. Daddy and you just loved playing with all your new fire trucks.

Other things that you are doing that just surprise me, well you've been walking for about 2 months. But you are getting a lot better at it. Definitely not falling as much. But when you fall, you usually just laugh and smile. And you are definitely a good eater like your daddy. Hmm, you really liked your birthday cake too!

This past year has gone too quickly. It really has. But it has been so much fun being your mommy. I can't believe how amazing you are...my little man! And I'm so happy to be your mommy. I can't wait to see what this year is going to bring for us! I hope you enjoy it all!

Love,

Your ♥Mommy♥