Ostrich Festival

Published March 11, 2012 by mylifewiththems

It was  70 degrees this weekend and the perfect temperature to spend some time with the family outdoors at the Ostrich Festival at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park. Our first stop (and always our first stop at a fair/festival) was to dine on some fatty, not so good for you food!  We had indian fry bread with beans and cheese, giant dill pickle, homemade iced-tea, soft serve chocolate/vanilla ice cream and fried corn-on-the-cob. And not all in one sitting.

Our day was filled with carnival rides, local vendors, children’s shows, ostrich races and a kid friendly petting zoo.

Maya & Daddy on the carousel..

A new member of the farm family was born about an hour before…too bad we couldn’t have seen his/her live birth…

It wouldn’t be the Ostrich Festival without an Ostrich….

Stop and Smell the Bubbles

Published March 1, 2012 by mylifewiththems

Lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with my work load at the office, home responsibilities and the oh so needed quality time with my family. I always feel like I’m in a rush and when I’m spending time with the kids, I tend to be thinking about the 100 other things that I need to be doing.

During bath time we like to blow bubbles and Maya says, “Mommy, Stop and Smell the Bubbles“. It hit me right there and then…she is RIGHT….I need to Stop and Smell the Bubbles.  When I’m with them, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

Renaissance Festival

Published February 29, 2012 by mylifewiththems

Last weekend we all made our first visit to the Arizona Renaissance Festival.  I never realized the whole Renaissance culture. What a place for interesting people watching. Families, couples, adults and kids all dressed up in 18th century costumes (and no they weren’t working). We even heard people using some pretty bad fake English accents.

We did have an amazing day and the kids loved every minute of it.

Twig the Fairy – Maya was in awe…I would love to hire her for Maya’s 2nd birthday but she travels around with the festival and won’t be available.

Twig the Fairy

Maya & Mitch riding an elephant…

Elephant Ride Renaissance Festival

We all enjoyed listening to Harpist Sarah Mullen

Spectators – NOT EMPLOYEES of the Renaissance Festival

Daddy’s Angel

Published February 12, 2012 by mylifewiththems

Daddy’s Angel..Daddy’s Angel…Won’t you be my angel…Mitch’s daily song to his little angel.

She is definitely daddy’s little girl and how lucky is she to have such a wonderful man in her life.

I ♥ them so….

My Favorite Baby Items

Published February 5, 2012 by mylifewiththems

Moms love to give advice. A friend, who is a soon-to-be first time mom asked on Facebook what were the must have items for her baby registry and she received over 100 responses. And of course I was one of them.

With so many items on the market, it can be overwhelming for a first time mom. Here are some of my favorite top baby items.

#1 Peg Perego Prima Pappa High Chair

This is one item to splurge on. I purchased the Peg Perego Prima Pappa High Chair and it has had many hours of use. It has a double tray which is one of it’s best features. You can easily remove the top tray to clean it and when you’re in a rush, you have a 2nd tray for use later. It also has an adjustable backrest, pouch in back for bibs and is stain-resistant. And when I say stain-resistant, it literally looks brand new, 2.5 years later.

#2 Bumbo Seat

This is probably one of the most brilliant inventions and another item that has had hundred of hours of use in my house. You can use the bumbo seat when your baby is about 3 months old or is able to hold his/her head up. We still use this for Matty who is 9-months old. We started using this at dinner time so that our baby would feel included. I now use this as a high chair when Maya insists on using hers. You can also purchase a removable tray that allows for easy feeding.

I do suggest purchasing a neutral color so it can be used for your next child. See pink use below. :)

#3 Pack ‘N Play

This was of my mom & grandma’s favorite items. I barely used the bassinet portion, see #4 for suggestions for that. I also rarely use it to put the kids in to play. I mainly use this item for traveling to grandma’s house or road trips. I’ve also used the Pack ‘N Play to store toys.  It folds down very easily. Again, always buy a neutral color.

#4 The First Years Close and Secure Baby Sleeper

The First Year Close and Secure Baby sleeper won’t get a ton of use but it sure helps the first 2-3 months of your baby’s life. I’m a believer in early co-sleeping and both of my kids didn’t like the  bassinet. This item can be used right in your bed and provides quick and easy access to your baby. Matty also slept in the secure baby sleeper on the couch when napping.

I really loved this item and believe it helped Matty become a great sleeper.

#5 Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor with 3.5 Inch Color LCD Screen

We have tried about 5 different video baby monitors and this is by far the best. The screen is awesome and Mitch’s favorite part is that there is no static noise. The Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor with 3.5 Inch Color LCD Screen features a color LCD screen, portable, zoom, two-way communication and more. We absolutely love ours and use it every day. If you’re looking at monitors, I suggest using video, you’ll be surprised at how much you will want to see your baby and what he/she is doing. Plus, when they get older, you can watch them more closely and even speak into the monitor and tell them to get back to bed.

#6 Gerber Graduates BPA Free 2 Pack Fun Grips spill Proof Cup, 10 Ounce

I think I’ve tried about every sippy cup known to man. I’ve tried expensive ones, decorative ones, ones with straws, etc. The Gerber Graduates Fun Grips is by the best. It is truly spill proof and lasts a long time. Don’t mess with any of the sippy cups with straws! They always leak and I’ve had one that grew mold on it.

#7 Fisher Price Baby Bouncer

I don’t prefer a specific brand over another but this is a must have item. You’ll probably only use this for a few months but it is a lifesaver when trying to take a shower, cook or do anything while trying to keep your baby occupied.

Let me know what baby items you love and couldn’t live without.

Greer Lodge Resort Getaway

Published February 4, 2012 by mylifewiththems

We used a Groupon deal and stayed at the Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins. Greer is about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix. We had an amazing time. The cabin was brand new and the resort offered complimentary rentals on snow tubes, boots, games and even a telescope to view the stars at night. Everyone went sledding (about 4 miles from the cabin) while Matty and I stayed back and enjoyed  the views from our deck.

I would highly recommend the Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins as we are already planning our summer visit. In the summer months, they provide free kayaks, fishing gear and more.

View from our cabin..

Snowball Fight

My Snow Bunny

Sledding at Snowbowl

The joke was Hayley wearing her Burberry Rain Boots…this wasn’t a fashion show. :)

Waiting for the country store to open…

Daddy’s little girl…

Mitch’s artistic shot…

Spring Cleaning Brings Good Luck?

Published January 22, 2012 by mylifewiththems

When you have a 2 year old and an 8 month old, deep cleaning seems almost impossible. So, I’ve decided to take on a small project every weekend until I have to start all over again next year. I started with Matty’s closet last weekend and tackled mine last night while both kids were asleep. I haven’t gone through my clothes in about 3 years since I’ve gone up & down in weight with 2 pregnancies. And, today is actual the Lunar New Year’s Eve and many Asian cultures believe that households should thoroughly clean their homes to expel any negative energy or bad luck. So here’s to some GOOD LUCK in 2012!

I ended up donating 7 bags of clothes.

The end result…

Next weekend I’m going to tackle all of our bathroom cabinets. Keep the good luck coming!

Three of My Favorite Things

Published January 16, 2012 by mylifewiththems

Oh how I want to be doing this right now!

Lying on the beach in the Caribbean catching some rays, drinking a Corona (bottle preferred) and spending time with my favorite little man.

How many days until my next getaway? 45 to be exact…Orlando without the kids.. just me and my main squeeze…I can’t wait!

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