Carmine's 1st Haircut

Before .............................. After

"Booo!" ....................... "Yay!"

When little old ladies telling you how beautiful your little girl is, then you know it's time to get your little boy's hair cut. Brad had a day off of work last week so we took Carmine to Hair Diddle Diddle and got the 1st Haircut Package. It was totally overpriced, but hey, you only get a 1st haircut once, right? They put him in the fire engine, turned on the tv, and handed him a giraffe and wooden train. He was an angel. Discard the dried syrup and pancake chunks in the before pics.

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2 Year Old Predator Attacks Cute Baby Boy in Mall Play Area

I remembered how several years ago I would take Dominic and Ethan to the mall and let them play in the "play area". We would stop by American Cookie Co., they would get an Elmo cookie, I would pick up a cup of coffee, then we would take the elevator down to the "play area". Always tons of kids. I remember the older annoying kids. They would run around and unknowingly bump and send the little ones to their bottoms. And for whatever reason, the bigger annoying kids always had filthy socks on with holes. And they were always half on - half off. Why is that? Big annoying kid's mom's never paid attention either. Always texting. As the years passed, Dominic and Ethan became the bigger annoying kids, and to their disappointment I banned them from the "play area". They were getting too big and too rough. Besides, their socks were dirty. I just couldn't be one of those moms. I know all I would do is sit there and text. I would not pay attention. One of my boys would send a defenseless toddler to their fluffy bum. But now, now I can return to the "play area" with my adorable Carmine. I will be diligently hovering over him. One of the good moms. My arms will shield him from big annoying kids (ahem, or small annoying kids). My baby will love the "play area". In fact I will even take off my shoes. I'm so awesome.

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Today is the Day!

"TODAY IS THE DAY!" Ethan exclaimed. He had been working hard over the weekend on getting his training wheels off his bike. He got determined. He got mad. He got bruises. Then he finally "got it". Yaaay!! He ran into the house this afternoon periodically to give me updates. "Mom, I peddled 4 times." "Mom, I peddled 5 times." Then finally "MOM I CAN DO IT!!". So I grabbed the camera and this is what I got...

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Happy Easter 2010

We had a leisurely Easter Sunday. But how leisurely can Easter be with 3 kids? Well not all that bad because because Grandma Jean came up and spent the night. Brad's been putting in some late hours at work and even though he's been getting some Friday's off, it's been exhausting for both him and I. Some nights Brad doesn't even get to see the boys, in which Dominic says "It just doesn't seem right." I agree. Jean was a tremendous help because she never put Carmine down freeing up my arms and legs to move around. Ahhhh freedom.

Coloring Easter eggs Saturday night was great. The boys are getting better handling the eggs and figuring out what they want to do with them. On the other hand, we had a 10 month old sitting at the table trying to grab everything. Did I say 10 month old? Aye, aye, aye.

Last year the Easter Bunny made the boys search for their easter baskets by giving them clues inside a plastic egg. One egg led to the next egg that had another clue inside. They hoped he would do it again this year. In fact Ethan wanted to leave a note for the Easter Bunny asking him if he would do it. I like how on the bottom of the note he added "Say yes or no" then he added a little box for him put his answer. How could he refuse that?

In the morning after everyone was up and coffee was made (and in that order), they ran downstairs to find a note on the kitchen table. While last year the clues led the boys right to their next clue, this year the bunny made things a little bit more challenging and they actually had to hunt around the room for the egg. ... Listen for Dominic's comments when he finds his basket in Carmine's closet. He wasn't that impressed with the toy the Easter Bunny left. He scoffs then after a pause he add's "Oh well, better than nothin'."

I think they were more excited about the donuts than anything.

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Easter morning. Looking for eggs in the backyard.

On the run.

Premature Buzzing

I know it's not summer. But they needed a trim and we wanted to save money and basically all we know how to cut are buzzes. Ethan was my guinia pig and let me experiment on him with an actual cut. It was very choppy, but I can see that if over time I continue to practice it will be pretty easy to cut a "normal" boy cut. Whenever we give them buzzes we always pay them $2. It's a terrible thing to pay our own kids for a haircut. But believe me, it's worth it. Choose your battles I say. I had to tip Ethan too. He was such a good sport. I think he sat in that chair for an hour. That'll do boy.

Before.............................. Experiment Hair............................ After

Before.............................. Reverse Mohawk................................... After

Dang we make cute kids.

Spring Break

Allthough it is nice not having to get up at 6:30 to get the boys off to school, I think spring break got old around.. oh, say, Monday morning. Well I guess that's not entirely true. Dominic and Ethan spent the first weekend with Grandma in Midlothian, so Brad and I were able to get some things done around the house. NOT! We had another baby, so it was all about switching off the job of baby holder so one can either paint a wall or any other odd job around the house. Carmine did manage to crawl around the floor of the garage. He got a tastey sampling of dried leaves, dusty cobwebs and other courious garage floor bits. Mostly I hovered over Carmine while Brad repaired an old chair, finished putting together his portable workbench, assembled a cabinet, and painted a wall. See, he got it done after all.

We've had pretty nice weather during the week. It actually got into the 70's. Beautiful. I treasure these days in Texas, I realize how much I took for granted the good ol' days in California when we were very rarely subjected to mother nature's mood. Now, today is Saturday, it's 35 degrees (but feels like 22) and we're expecting 2-3" of snow overnight... That's Texas for you. But maybe the frost will kill off a few more insects. See how I see the silver lining?

Wednesday night we had cousins Lizzy and Walter spend the night. And Thursday we took all the kids to Bear Creek Park in Keller. It was a nice park. Dominic and Ethan each got to pee on a tree (yesss) and we all had a turn in pushing Carmine in the swing. He didn't stop smiling.

Dom diggin' the swings.

Ethan could swing himself the highest, and he loved to push his little brother. A little too much. Carmine got much air.

Aunt Heidi made Carmine laugh. He was so cute with his crooked smile.

Mommy and Carmine in California

This past weekend Carmine and I went to California for a long weekend. It was so nice to see everyone, even though the trip was over in a flash. In fact it feels like we never even left Texas. But 3 days is better than nothing. What was awesome is that we managed to surprise everyone. With many a close call, neither I or Grandpa spilled the beans.

Thursday night we all went to dinner at our old stomping ground... Stewart Anderson's. Back in the day, Stewart Anderson's is where The Johnson's used to go when we wanted a fancy night on the town. I remember all 6 of us sitting in those big boothes with the even bigger walls seperating us from the other guests. It was like dining in a cubicle. We would all get to laughing so loud. I remember others staring. It wasn't much different this time either.

Friday morning Nicky came over to spend the day with Grandma and visit with us. We all met Grandpa at the usual breakfast place in Huntington Harbor. Nicky was so funny playing with Grandpa's phone trying to find the animal noises. Later he made me nervous because he would go right up to the edge of the docks to look down on the water. He showed no fear and it made my legs turn to noodles. Friday night Carmine stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa while Cameryne, Deja, Julie, and I went to see Alice In Wonderland and eat a fabulous Pinkberry. Aaaaahhh... I know how over-priced they are Brad, but I just don't care. It's THAT GOOD.

Saturday Julie and Christian came over. I can't believe how much that boy has grown! And to hear him talk is a riot! By this time Carmine was nearly 100% recovered from his ear infection while my sinus infection was in full force. I felt like crud. To make matters worse I wasn't getting much sleep because Carmine was still on Texas time. He was waking up at 5am. I wanted nothing but a bottle of Nyquil, my earplugs, and a bed in a dark room. However I quickly perked up when Grandpa brought home In-N-Out for dinner. Carmine ate his first french fry that night. Saturday night Julie, Carmine, and I drove our butts out to Ontario to pick Samantha up at the airport. This would be the only time I was able to see her. Even though the the visit last a few short hours, and I was incredibly sick, I would do it again. We got home at midnight.

Carmine woke up at 4am Sunday morning. Yes, I said 4am. I can't remember the last time I felt this tired. Thank God Grandpa came to my rescue and swooped up Carmine. I slept in until 8! When I emerged from my cave, Grandma and Grandpa had a feast cooking. Bacon, 2 kinds of sausage, muffins, bagels, pancakes, potatoes, and eggs. After a lot of eating a quick good-bye to everyone we were off to the airport. And let me add, from now on, non-stop is the only way to go. Especially when traveling with an infant. And especially when you are sick and traveling with an infant.

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Steppin' Up

I'm serious this time. We need our gates.

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Ethan's 2nd Grade Production - PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL

Last night Ethan had his 2nd grade production at school. He was pretty excited about it. Constantly reminding me when he needed to be at school Thursday night, and that he had to be in the 2nd grade hall but parents were not allowed. He even told me what songs they were going to be singing. And don't forget that I had to make sure he had a plain white shirt to wear. Plain white. No writing on it. He did admit that he "was getting embarrassed to sing in front of everyone". Trainslation, stagefreight. I reminded him that not everyone in the audience will be looking at him. Most parents will be looking at their own kids. So when he feels freaked out just look at us.

Stagefreight, I'm afraid, is an understatement. Terrified maybe? He was cute as can be of course. But can't you just see the pain in the poor boy's face?

He was our star though.

And he never found us in the audience.

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Spaghetti Dinner

Carmine eats spaghetti for the first time. I chose elbow mac instead of linguinni because I thought it would be easier for him to get a hold of. He really enjoyed it. Even the meatballs. I'm still trying to figure out this movie making software so please forgive the portion that is really stretched out. I haven't figured out a way to rotate it 90 degrees without it looking warped.

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A Film

The boys got two snow days last week on top of a holiday weekend. That's 5 days without school. By the 5th day we had to get pretty creative to help pass the time. Brad and I recently discovered that we had some fun movie making software on our computer. I'm so glad I married a person who has a clue about computers, because I sure as heck don't. I would've been playing around with this years ago.

I gave the boys freedom to make a movie short. I told them it can be whatever they wanted it to be. Just please, no one getting shot or macheted. They are obsessed with weaponry, blood, and bodily functions (in that order). As they walk in the door after school the conversation will go like this:

Dom : "Ethan guess what. Micheal made a bad choice today and took his DS to school. Mrs. Doyle saw it and took it away."

Ethan: "Ha ha! Did he take a knife and stab her neck?! Haha!"

Dom: "Ha ha ha ha ha! Yea, Micheal was like "YEEEE - WAAAA!! CHUUUU!!" Then a swift karate chop to the air followed by running after Ethan with a pretend knife in his hand. All the while Ethan runs about with his arms flailing making blood spewing noises.

Should I be concerned?

I tried my best to encourage cute stuff for the movie. Like chipmunks. I was a fool. I've included the dialogue because it can be a bit hard to follow. You'll see why. This was all them. I had nothing to do with the plot, the dialogue, or anything (my disclaimer).

Ethan: "Hello, I'm Ethan."
Dominic: "Hello, I'm Dominic."
Both: "We will be performing a dance."
Ethan: "Do you like the circus?"
Dominic: "I love the circus!"
Ethan: "Do you like pie?"
Both: "We love pie! Now let's do our dance."
Carmine: Squeak!
Both: Chipmunk robot sounds. (???)
Mom: "I knew one of you would end up dead."

Dominic: "Hi Grandma! Can I have $2 for the toy store?"
Ethan: "Sure. Give me .25 cents back."
Ethan: "Aaaahhh..."
Dominic: "To be continued"

Dominic: "Ha ha! Very funny Grandma."
Ethan: "But what if I am not your Grandma?"
Dominic: "Maybe your a murderer."
Ethan: "They always run... To be continued."

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Hide and Seek

Lately I have to catch the boys candidly in order to get something cute or funny to share with the world on our blog. When they were younger I could say, "Hey Ethan, show everyone your new trick and flare your nostrils", and ta-da!! Or on a whim they would perform the latest song they learned in music class. This morning I begged them to give me their rendiditon of Lady Ga Ga. But they just wouldn't do it. I told them if they both did it together then it wouldn't be embarrassing. They didn't fall for it. Oh well. I haven't given up on them so stay tuned.

This afternoon I caught Dominic and Ethan playing hide 'n seek with Carmine. It was so cute. I had about 5 mintues of video, but I've scaled it down in this clip. Oh, and please know, Ethan picked out his own clothes this morning. I hope that's obvious.

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2010 Pinewood Derby

Go Team Volini!

Brad felt the pressure this year to prove that last year was not a fluke. We were thrilled in 2009 when the boys took 3rd and 4th overall. Yes, quite thrilled. But even more shocked. You simply have no idea how your car is going to perform until you see it (hopefully) fly down the lane during it's first race. In fact, your car even making it to the finish line is in question. And if it does make it to the finish line with any speed, your golden. Being that last year was Brad's first ever pinewood derby he's ever attended, the first pine car he's ever constructed... I think my husband is pretty awesome. Needless to say, we reminisced in the after-glow for days. Well, actually more than days. We really enjoyed it and we really looked forward to this year's competition.

Team Volini basically constructed this years cars in the same fashion we did last years. Only Brad found a few more pointers on the internet that he wanted to try out. After the drill press, band saw, sanders, dremmels, funky oatmeal paste, graphite, glue, paint, tape, pipe cleaners, toothpaste, and weight ... Team Volini had completed their cars. #16 & #21. Blue Thunder and Bumble Bee. We took them to weigh them in on Friday night and found that they were slightly over the official weight of no more than 5 oz. So Brad had to remove some of the weight on both cars, which explains the blotchy paint job. But hey, it's not about looks is it? ... ...

This years competion was fantastic. In fact 2 other boys from Dominic's den placed 1st and 2nd in his rank. Den 4 dominated the Bears. It was a lot fun.

We would like to thank Uncle James, Lizzy & Walter for coming to support Team Volini this year. It was nice to hear the extra cheers for the boys. And Uncle James can really cheer.

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So Proud

Awards day for the first semester of the school year was on Friday. We're so proud of Dominic and Ethan. Dom made the A/B honor roll and Golden Eagle (conduct). Ethan made the A honor roll, Golden Eagle and perfect attendance. They each earned a free video rental from their school at Blockbuster for making the honor roll. And as promised from mom and dad, they get to rent a Wii game of their choice. Oh, and it was Hat Day.


Ethan. A honor roll. Golden Eagle. Perfect Attendance.




Too cool for school.




Dominic with Michael and J.T.




The honor roll kids.




"Mommy! Take my picture! Micheal will be like, "Aaaah! I can't believe it!" and I'll be like "What?! Aduuuuuh!!"

Gates! Where are our gates??

This is the second time I've caught him pulling up to his feet. The first time I saw him I didn't dare leave him to get the camera because his little legs were shaking and he was in such a state of shock. I didn't want him to fall, get hurt, then be afraid to pull up again. This time I happen to be waking with camera in hand (it was meant to be). Sorry about the Kermit/Grover/Big Bird soundtrack playing in the back. Oh and also, I'm doing my stupid narration again. I even scared my baby at the end causing him to land on his bum. Why did I have to yell so loud? On the other hand, if I don't say anything it doesn't seem right. Plus, I think when I talk it motivates him. I have that effect on some people.

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WHITE CHRISTMAS

May your days be merry and bright... And may all your Christmas' be white.

Wow. A white Christmas in Lewisville. Carmine's first Christmas was the first in North D/FW history with recordable snow. What a surprise treat. Usually when we get snow it comes down for an hour or two then stops and is gone in 24 hours. But on Christmas Eve this year it snowed all day. Nearly. And on December 26, today, we still have snow in our front yard. There are still snowmen on our street.

The first clip I attempted to narrate, but the wind was blowing so hard that you couldn't hear me most of the time. It was cold.

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Grandma Jean came up from Midlothian. She made it just in time. If she would've left any later the roads would have been too icy and she wouldn't have made it. After the boys opened presents from Grandma Jean, it was time to make a plate of cookies for Santa and go to bed. I wish getting to boys to bed every night was as easy as getting them to bed on Christmas Eve. For Christmas dinner we went to Uncle James and Aunt Heidi's for turkey, ham and everything else.

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I know that this Christmas will be one that we will always remember.

The Soldier Crawl

He's on the move. For weeks now I've been putting Carmine on the floor on his bottom in the middle of a donut of toys. He's pretty content and I LOVE this stage of babyhood. He's even holding his arms up when he wants me to hold him. I LOVE IT. However, as quickly as this stage has arrived, the next stage is sadly on it's way in. The dreaded crawling stage. Crawling is cute. Sure. But that means my floors have to stay extra clean. Sugar is a long haired cat and her hairballs are everywhere. I can vacuum and 20 minutes later more hairballs. I just can't have a cat and a baby spitting up hairballs. Besides getting rid of Sugar (which we've considered for this reason alone) there is just no getting around it except vacuuming every morning. Awesome. So lately I've been finding Carmine under the tree batting at the low hanging ornaments. It's really cute. But now I'm freaking out that he's going to be putting Christmas tree needles in his mouth. (Yes, we are one of an endangered species, the real tree people.) This is a 4 minute video of Carmine doing the soldier crawl.

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Taking Carmine to See Santa

Waiting in line to see the man in red. This was the first year that the big boys actually didn't want to sit on Santa's lap (wiping tears from my eyes as I type this). I didnt' make a big deal out of it, but I was secretly crushed, like most moms would be I suppose. Dominic and Ethan just wanted to get it over with because if they were good, I was going to let them look around at GameStop. Stupid video games are turning my little boys into.... well, little boys.

See, I think they were kind of excited about the whole thing. Even though they are getting big and just too cool to have their picture taken with him, they did remind me a few times that they did send him a letter anyway, so it didn't matter if they told them in person what they wanted.

Cake Auction

The boys slam-dunked the cake auction this year. Or, I should say, Brad slam-dunked the cake auction this year. Why does he continue to put the pressure on himself? It will be hard to beat the "campfire" cake he made this year. The boys and I are so proud of his work. The detail is amazing. I definitely don't think I have the patience to pull off a cake like Brad's-I mean, Dominic's and Ethan's. Allthough, my "cookie" cake was nothing to sneeze at.

The auction was a lot of fun. They boys discussed ahead of time that they would agree on a cake they both wanted, all the while keeping in mind the personal bidding allowance we set for them. Then Ethan would represent the both of them when it comes to the bidding. This was to prevent them from bidding against each other like they did last year. The cake they both agreed to bid on was, of course, the Lego cake. Their second choice cake was (get ready for it) the SpongeBob cake. They were not allowed to bid on the campfire cake, or mom's cookie cake.

Half way through the auction the cub master annouced the winners of the different categories. The boys won the "Best All-Around Cake" award. No doubt, due to all the blood, sweat, and tears (I think Ethan's cheek grazed Brad's elbow once) they surely deserve it. When the Cub Master called them up for their certificate only Dominic could bask in the glory because Ethan was... where? Where else. In the bathroom doing what Ethan does best.

At the end of the night, Brad's "Campfire" cake brought in $26 dollars and my "Cookie" cake brought in, what? $31. Yes, my cookie cake was the dark horse. (Go me!) Since the video I made was all about the beautiful "Camfire" cake I thought I'd pop in a picture of my beauty...



Here's a few pics of Brad's masterpeice. We are so proud of him. He really put a lot of time and effort into this cake and it was a little hard to let it go when the Wolf paid for it and walked away. I think I saw Brad get a little misty-eyed. Sigh. Good-bye lucious pound cake topped with chocolatey goodness. Hello Lego cake (Ethan ended up getting the highest bid on the crowd pleaser. $16.)

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Other honorable mentions that we liked...

This one was my favorite. Van Gogh's Starry, Starry Night. It won "best works of art".

The French Fry cake

The Lego cake

Very creative. Won "best scouting theme".

The Californian in me loved this one. Take a close look. The beach towels are strips of gum. I love it!