Goofbot Dance

Mason loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Adam was able to catch him dancing to one of his favorite episodes the other night. Everytime I watch this video, I can't help but smile.

Friday Favorites

Sorry for the late Friday Favorites post, however, I'm finally able to get around to it. This has been a great week all around. Pictures will have to wait until next time, however, be sure to check back next week because we took a ton of pictures this week.

5. Pink's Hot Dogs.

I don't usually go anywhere to eat hot dogs. If I'm in the mood for a hot dog, I will grill them at home. However, there are two exceptions to this. First, James Coney Island in Houston. Seriously, love their hot dogs. Second, Pink's Hot Dogs. If you have ever watched Travel Channel's favorite eating spots, when it comes to hot dogs, this is on the list as one of L.A.'s favorite establishments. Today, I finally had a chance to taste one and it was worth every bite.

4. Mason's 100%.

They told us it would take about a week to recover from the surgery and they weren't kidding. It wasn't until Tuesday that he was finally back to his old self. You could tell because he kept asking to eat. The poor boy was starving and couldn't wait for each meal. It was joy to watch him eat without grimacing. On top of that, he is sleeping for 12 straight hours at night.

3. Free tickets.

We were offered free tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure. It was completely unexpected and a nice surprise. This time, Adam is going with us.

2. Eat Clean.

A friend of mine mentioned she was "eating clean" and I was curious as to what this meant. After talking with her and reading the books, I'm on my journey to eating clean as well.

1. Family time.

I've mentioned how chaotic it has been since we came back from Houston. Things are finally starting to slow down for a bit. It has allowed for some great family time and as the kids are getting older and experiencing new things, it has been wonderful to see the changes and grow as a family.

Pictures from Mason's recovery

The week of Mason's surgery, we moved him into our room for the night. Grandma stayed in his room. Having him in our room, made it easier to check on him in the evenings and administer any pain medicine. Thankfully, we still had Mason's Cars toddler bed. Here are few pictures of Mason resting last week.

Ten on Tuesday

After a summer in Houston, we have been back in Bakersfield for a little over a month. With doctors appointments, pneumonia, and Mason's surgery, it feels like we haven't had any time to just relax. Hopefully this week, that will change. Maybe even my blogging will get back to normal and I will be able to do my regular weekly posts along with some new stuff. Since it's Tuesday, it's only natural that we do this weeks Ten on Tuesday questions.


1. Growing up, what was one favorite item that you had to have with you at all times?
When I was a child, I could not spend the night anywhere without my baby blanket. Now, I have passed down the blanket to Mason and he is the same way.

2. Being an adult, what is one favorite item that you have with you at all times, and what happens if you don't have it with you? Do you lose your sanity or just go back home to get it?
Chapstick. I can't stand dry lips and I'm constantly applying it all day. If I don't have it with me, that is really rare and I go insane. I have Chapstick in several different places around the house and one in the car as a backup.

3. Where is your favorite place to be to just hide away from everything and breathe for a moment?
If it's at my house, then I would say my bathroom. It's usually just a moment, because the kids follow me almost everywhere I go. If I can actually get away, then I would say my car. I love to go for drives and clear my head. It's extremely relaxing for me.

4. What is your favorite thing about your partner?
Just one? His compassionate heart.

5. What is your favorite thing about your job? (If you don't have a job, then what is your favorite thing to do during the day?)
I'm a stay at home mom and my favorite part of my job is knowing that I get to cherish and be a part of the moments that build who they are the first years of their lives. My favorite part of the day would be breakfast. The kids are so chatty and very affectionate in the morning.

6. What is your favorite lesson that your parents taught you growing up? Looking back, is it something that you want to use to teach your children when they reach that age?
To have a serving heart. If someone was in need, my parents always found a way for our family to help out. It's something I plan to instill in my children.

7. What is your favorite song, that will always bring a smile to your face and make you think of something happy?
Madonna's "Like a Prayer." It takes me back to High School and the fun summers I would spend with my friends Lindsey, Jessica, Megan, Valerie and Ashely.

8. What is your favorite thing about being an American?
Freedom of Religion.

9. What is your favorite meal that reminds you of being a child?
My mom's country fried steak and mashed potatoes.

10. Name 3 things that other people would say are their favorite thing about you?
I cheated and asked Adam and this is what he said - passion for my kids, loyalty, and optimistic. His first three answers I couldn't put on the blog, ha!

Kern County Fair

Last week while Grandma was in town, we decided to take a few hours and head out to the Kern County Fair. We knew seeing some animals and getting out of the house would do Mason some good. Mason was such a trooper and even though he didn't feel great, he still managed to have a good time.

Checking out the Cows

Grandma & Daddy with Mason & Taylor

We were front and center for the parade. Mason loved seeing all the old cars and firetrucks.

Checking out the baby goats.

We were VERY limited on what Mason could eat that night, so of course he asked for Ice Cream. (We loaded up on ice cream before the surgery and of course this was the only ice cream he ate all week)

Such a good big brother, sharing his ice cream with Taylor.

The Family

Random Saturday Thoughts

Why don't more people blog on the weekends? (myself included)

GAP had a really great sale on jeans today. I bought two new pairs. Is it sad that the last time I bought jeans were before I was pregnant with Mason?

I seriously love College Football.

Mason is sleeping in his room tonight for the first time in over a week.

Mason is in serious need of a haircut.

The last time we gave Mason a haircut, it took four people to hold him down just to buzz it.

Taylor doesn't like to share her food. She reminds me of Joey from Friends.

Since both kids are sound asleep, it's now time for me to spend some time with my husband.

Friday Favorites

5. Nutella.

A few weeks ago, one of the stores I shop at had Nutella on sale and I decided it was time for me to try it. I opened it up for the first time this week and oh my word, delicious. It's a good thing I didn't discover this when I was pregnant with Taylor, otherwise I would have gained way more weight with my sweet tooth cravings.

4. Extra help around the house.

I had two extra hands during the week to help out, Adam and his mom. Adam travels frequently, but due to Mason's surgery, he has been home this week helping with his recovery. Adam's mom, Nancy, arrived last Saturday and it's been great having her here with us. The kids love spending time with their grandma and when Mason just wants Mommy, it's nice having extra hands to help with Taylor and play with her, so she doesn't feel left out.

3. Fall Show Season Premieres.

This week, a lot of our shows had their season premieres. I'm thankful for DVR. It's nice being able to watch them on your own time. Remember the days of VHS tapes? I might still have a couple of VHS tapes of Dawson Creek episodes I recorded.

2. Mason's recovery.

I think I'm still in shock at how well Mason is recovering. He still has his rough spots and his throat is still raw, but he is so tough and is bouncing back quicker than we could have ever imagined.

1. Brother/Sister Love.

The other day the kids were in the stroller when Mason wanted ice cream. He really wanted to hold it, but we knew that Taylor would want some too. I decided to go ahead and let him hold it. He took one bite and then got another one ready on his spoon and said, "Here you go, Taylor." Every time he took a bite, he offered one to his sister without us having to ask. It's moments like that when I smile and thank God for such loving children.