Another Tradition

Besides going to see lights with the kids I also watch them the eve of Christmas eve while their parents shop. Then we wrap presents into the wee hours of the night. This year Sydney was spending the night at her cousin's house so it was just me and the three littles. We had Wienerschnitzel for dinner and then we had a pj and ice cream party on the couches while we watched Spiderman.

After the movie we had potty time (Tiny is in training); however the boys peed outside with Chuy. Tiny tried to chase Buddy while he was peeing. I tried not to laugh but I couldn't help myself! (I didn't have my camera either)

Christmas Lights

Every year the kids and I get Dairy Queen and then look at lights. The last few years John has been going with us and this year Zac and Nita joined us as well. This was also Tiny's first year and he enjoyed his ice cream cone; however he did not make it to the lights before he passed out. It was too cute! Chuy also came along for the ride and loved looking at all the lights and moving figures.

Christmas Programs

I am always lucky to arrive just in time for my nieces' and nephew's Christmas Programs. This year however I was unable to attend Mallory and Buddy's because I had my wisdom tooth pulled earlier that day. I was able to help get them ready so that made me feel okay about missing it. The next night I was feeling better and went to Sydney's program. It was like American Idol but with reindeer and Mr. and Mrs. Clause.

Here are some pics...




On Friday the girls had one last show, their piano recital, and they did fantastic!

Dirty Boy

Today it snowed and STUCK! It was also very very cold...23 degrees this morning but according to AccuWeather it "feels like 3 degrees". I am glad to be going home in a few days, as is Chuy. We had an accident in the house today because he was refusing to go outside. He has to put his jacket on just to go pee!

Today I stayed indoors (and in PJs) to study for my final tomorrow. MY LAST ONE! So while I was studying I decided to wash all Chuy's toys and stuffed animals as well as his clothes and blankets. I have decided he will have his very own little suitcase to check! He was so sad when I took all the stuffed animals down stairs to wash; but what was the most pathetic is when I put all his plastic toys in the dishwasher. He just sat there and watch it until it was done. He was so glad to get all his treasures back! He was a little upset they smelled so good (he had worked so hard to make them dirty).

Here is a pic of our sink, that the washer drains into, after I washed his animals...

Winter Wonderland

Today was the first day it has snowed this winter and Chuy's day was packed with fun and adventure. It all began at 8 am when Zara came over to play until 4; while she was here it began to snow and they went outside for hours to play in it. I know for a fact Chuy would have hated being outside in the cold and wet but since he had a friend over he sucked it up. You can see in the pictures below he is not too sure how he feels about it. After they played and napped (and played) I rushed Chuy over to PetCo to get his picture taken with Santa; needless to say it was an interesting experience. He hated Santa and as you can see in the picture Santa looked a little creepy. Oh well! He wore his elf suit and looked adorable. I will have to get much better pictures of him in it and post them later. Enjoy the pictures and the video of my littlest man and his biggest girlfriend!

Bienvenido a Miami!

This Thanksgiving my father flew me down to Florida to meet up with the some of the family. He ended up not coming because of health issues. However, Zac, Adriana, my mom, and myself had a FANTASTIC time. The first day we went to the Monkey Jungle, the Tea House (for lunch), the Coral Castle, and Zac's game. He had the best game of his college career that night. I am so glad I was able to see him (he has grown up so much)! The following day we went to the alligator farm, shopping, Zac's game, and Tony Roma's, I had not had ribs in forever (I am sure I would have scared Katie)! The last day we went shopping, Zac's game, and Macaroni Grill. I had so much fun just hanging out! I had a hell of a time trying to get back on Monday but I made it to my class on time to give my presentation. I cannot wait to get home in 11 days but I do not look forward to flying again (especially with Chuy).

Here are some pics of the trip...

Goodnight Moon

I was looking through photos today and realized I have a million snapshots of my little man sleeping. It was so funny to see the weird positions he falls asleep in (and the props we add sometimes)! I decided to put a few photos I found and make a slide show for all to see. I know I have millions more on my cell phone but I have yet to get those on my computer. I hope you enjoy my little man's slumber pics!

Here We Go Pens, Here We Go!

CMU was able to get student tickets to the Penguins game this last Monday. I have never been to a Pittsburgh sporting event and was excited I had the chance to go. It was so much fun! We were able to get tickets next to Chris and his wife Ashley as well as Brent and Liz...the puppies had to stay home though. :( Maybe next time! The Pens won and the crowd was happy. Next I want to see the Steelers (make it happen Jubby).

His Dogs Were Barkin'

The weather has been extremely beautiful here in Pittsburgh. I have been pleasantly surprised considering this time last year we had seen snow. I am extremely grateful for not only my sake but for Chuy as well.

Today we went on a long walk to return a DVD and check out a book. He loves to walk around the busier streets here in Squirrel Hill where he can be the center of attention. Sometimes it is hard for us to not get stopped numerous times because he is so adorable! The walk to day was a fast paced one and when we got home he literally collapsed on the floor in the middle of the house. It was too cute!



This picture is from my phone and from afar since I did not want to wake him.

Its a GAGA Halloween

This year I decided to get dressed up and go out...the first time since I was in junior high. We all decided to go as Lady Gaga...a very easy costume. You can see our creative/craftiness. Liz and Brent were the hardest couple to find (Carmen San Diego and Waldo).

Chuy also had a ton of fun with Zara. Chuy had a wardrobe change half way through the evening (as did Zara). Here are some pictures from the evening!

I do not have any of Zara but as soon as Liz gets me some I will post them...she is adorable!!

Eathan Mao III

This morning I found Eathan Mao III (my beta fish) on the floor. He committed suicide by jumping. I may have filled his bowl up too close to the top or he couldn't stand that we got a new beta (that was much fancier). Anyway, I know he is just a beta but I was still a little sad. Thanks Heyward for taking care of the body!

Two down...How many more to go?!?!

As you all know Zara came to play at our house two Thursdays ago. She had a lot of fun! Maybe even too much fun...

The following Tuesday night she started heaving and coughed up one of Chuy's little toys. A plush bone of some sort; I still cannot figure out which one it was. We were glad she puked it up and all was well.

However, being anal about his things I searched and racked my brain to figure out which toy she had eaten. I still do not know. I told Brent this last Thursday that I had no idea which toy it was BUT through my searching I realized he was missing his little hot pink mouse (a cat toy we bought him when he was too small for dog toys). Well...

This morning around 8:30 I received a text from Liz asking if I was missing a hot pink mouse because she has it now. Poor Zara coughed up another toy that has been in her precious belly over a week! I sincerely hope this is the last one. I do not know what would happen if there were more in there.

We love you Zara...and we will make sure next time there are no toys laying around that are too tiny!

Play Date

We finally had Zara over to play with Chuy. They had so much fun chasing each other all over our place. Although Zara is much bigger than Chuy they are playing quite nicely. While they were playing the rest of us had pizza, brownies, and watched Chris Rock, The Office, and Project Runway (they were playing a LONG time). THANKS LIZ & BRENT for letting her play...and thanks for hanging out Graham and Erin (we need to get you two a puppy)!!!!

Zara Has Come

Chuy has a new friend; Saturday night Liz and Brent brought their Great Dane home. Chuy was not quite sure what to think of her, especially since she did not move and slept the entire time we were over there. I know that as soon as she gets use to her new home she will keep him busy. I cannot wait to see them playing together in the backyard...a Great Dane and Chi-Weenie!!

They both have matching Halloween PJs; however they were too big so we will have to wait until the end of the month (when she gains some weight and we hem his). I will definitely get a picture!

The Giver

I had always seen kids reading this book yet I never took the time to check it out myself. But this weekend when I went to visit the North's Joanne gave me a few books to read and this was one of them. It is a very short book (179 pages) and a very easy read (written for younger people). I really enjoyed the story and where it was going...well at least where I thought it was going. I got to the last chapter and knew there was no way the ending was going to be what I had hoped for, and of course it was not! I read some reviews online and they mentioned readying the next book to see what happens. So I went online and requested it from the library. We shall see what Lois Lowry comes up with in the sequel...I hope it ends better!

W&J Homecoming 2009

This past weekend was homecoming at Washington and Jefferson College. We went to the outlets, I saw the North's, ate at Old Mexico, and then went out to see everyone! It was a lot of fun to be in Washington, PA (glad we do it once a year). Here are some pictures of everyone happy to be back together.

"When our hair is white, we'll still have our sister love"

This book was given to Sabra and I around the same time from our sister Katie. I think I am the first to finish; which isn't a surprise considering that my sissy now has two jobs and 4 kids that keep her extremely busy. (I won't give too much away)

I will just say...

I really enjoyed this book. It follows two sisters on their journey through life together, which of course consists of hard times and struggle (China in the early 1900s). It became more than just a "really good read" by the time I finished the last chapter. This story made me think about the relationships we have with our sisters. Most importantly it reminded me that although we are very different and may not choose to go through life on the same path, we will always have each other and there is nothing quite like the bond between sisters.

I love my sisters and even though we may have many differences we are very much the same.

An Expanding Wardrobe

PetCo's dog clothing was on sale for 99 cents. So of course Chuy has many new pieces; some he can wear for the winter and others that will have to wait for much warmer weather. He also got some new Halloween toys from the $1 section at Target. Hims is a spoiled dog!!

Here are just a few pictures we took during his fitting...and yes some of them might be a little girly (but its ok).