Easter Eggstravaganza

Easter weekend:  visit from Aunt Bella…his partner in crime, brunch at our house with the fam, egg hunts, baskets overflowing with treats, and a new bike compliments of the Easter Bunny!! I love this time of year!

        

Goodnight Moon

Fun Finds of Our Day

Find #1: Landon and I happened to find the Town and Country farmer’s market yesterday when we stopped to shop at Trader Joes.  Lan was just as excited as I was to shop the organic produce, holding back not to eat the colorful, delicious finds.  As we loaded up on our produce treasures, all Landon could talk about was eating “delicious carrots like the Easter Bunny”. 

 

Find #2:  Trader Joes grocery shopping, always a favorite of Landon’s and mine.  Pushing his “teeny tiny shopping cart” (as he calls it), we always have to head to the sample counter to see what is on the menu.  Item of the day:  Thai Beef.  Two small servings into it and Landon’s response, “Mom, we gotta buy this”.   I have to share this recipe, it was a hit at last night’s dinner.  Love finding new, simple recipes!

1 ½ lb cubed sirloin

1 cup low fat coconut milk

1 cup Thai red curry sauce

Organic Jasmine rice

Organic Stir fry vegetable

In a crock-pot, combine sirloin and sauces. Cook on high heat for approximately 6 hours. Add vegetables to crock-pot 30 minutes before serving. Serve over rice.

Find  #3:  The introduction to a new crafty blog has my creative spirit going. I scanned the site and fell upon a few ideas.  Let me preface by saying,  I do not have much of the creative gene, but I think these moss covered letters turned out pretty good! What do you think? 

Happy 34th!!

My sweet hubby turned the big 3-4 yesterday and I just need to take a minute (and a post) to dedicate to just him!  Friday I surprised him with small birthday bash, family, close friends, and an abundance of Mexican food.  Saturday, relaxation day, which is a rare treat. Hanging by the pool, massages, and sushi.  Thinking I would be working all day for his actual birthday, we didn’t have any plans set.  Fortunately, I sent myself home early, was home by noon, and spent the day with my boys. I prepared a feast for dinner, while Scot and Landon could just enjoy playing outside together, without interruptions.  A wonderful couple of days celebrating….just what he  wanted!

Scot, the love of my life, married for almost 10 years and have known him for almost 17!  The years are steadily aging us together from when we met, when I was 15 and you, 17, but we are doing it together,every step of the way! Through all of life’s crazy curve basll, you have been our rock!  You have pushed me into so many amazing experiences that I was too hesitate to take and opened my eyes to beautiful new avenues that were waiting for me to explore.  Life with you is the true meaning of love! You are kind and giving, peaceful and energetic, crazy and sane….you are the other half of me!  Happy Birthday, babe!  I love you!

Combat Logistics Battalion 6

Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Marine Company Brandon Tucker……aka Uncle Tuck to us.  My brother in law was deployed this week.  His expected time away is 400 days.  First, short stop is in North Carolina, until he gets the call to leave immediately to Afghanistan.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tucker, as you are serving our country!

   

Landon just adores his Uncle Tuck!!!

A “see you soon” dinner at Baby Kays, followed by cigars for the boys!!

Tucker and his new bride and my sister, Jenna!!

Nothing can stop her!!

86 years old and our Nannie still knows how to keep the fun going!  My Nannie and Aunt Holly were in town for a much needed visit.  The first day after their long car trip here and Nannie is out playing soccer with her great-grandson!  Nannie is our cherished grandmother, she is “our rock”, an amazing, inspirational woman, that has a heart made of gold and a heavenly soul. When I was younger, my brothers and I joked that Nannie can do anything….she has special powers and skills that would allow her to be our super hero!   I am very close to her, as she is with all her grandchildren, and I am so thrilled that she takes so much time to travel here to be us and, more importantly,  with Landon.  

Dad and Lan days finally recorded

I am always telling Scot to bring the camera on he and Lando’s adventures together.  Scot and Landon spend every Sunday through Tuesday together, doing the guy-thing, when I work.  Scot is an amazing Dad, never a dull moment.  They are  “regulars” at Peter Piper Pizza, the train park, and Landon’s favorite, the reptile store.  Our boy has taken a small, recent liking to snakes.  Scot and he spent the  day at the zoo, specifically to see the snakes……yuck.  Camera finally in hand to record their fun for me. 

 

The Z’s

Back blogging, but these photos are some of my favs.  An unexpected Sunday off, found us with a chill family day.  Breakfast, lounging, and dinner at Scot’s parent’s house.  Prior to me working every Sunday, we used to have dinner nearly each Sunday over at Mumzee and Pop’s house.  Homemade pasta, crazy stories, and lets not forget plenty of wine and limoncello.  The tradition came alive  again this Sunday, complete with some park time to work off our carb fest!

Happy Birthday, Papa Jimmy!

We celebrated Jimmy’s birthday last night at Baby Kay’s….you just can’t have Cajun cuisine without our Papa! We pulled off a surprise dinner with my mom, sister Jenna, her husband Uncle Tuck, as Lan refers to him, and Jimmy’s mom.  As always, our family time is so precious to us.  We are so fortunate to all be so close, share crazy stories and memories.  I am so thankful for my mom bringing Jim into our lives, as he is always there to to fulfill what we need in a moment’s notice……that pep talk that was needed, relationship advice, travel arrangement assistance, photography mentor, computer genius, basically a resource for any type of trivia, you name it, he knows it.  We love you!  Cheers to you and many, many, many more family birthday celebrations together!

“My Bella”

Landon’s, Aunt Bella, stayed Friday night with us. Landon refers to his aunt, as “my Bella’.  His first sleepover with Aunt Bella was so special.  These two just adore one another and at seven years apart, they are more like cousins, than aunt and nephew. We went to opening night of Rango……a movie must for kids and adults, played like crazy, and Landon showed off his moves at baseball practice to his Bella.

Hoping to get much more Bella time over spring break and summer!!!  We love you!

Hiking Buddy

There is very little we do without our Landon and he is always up for new adventures!  This week, Landon and packed up our backpack, leashed the dog, and off we went to Cave Creek Recreational Park to hike the trails.

Time passed so quickly as we walked, explored, enjoyed the beautiful weather and landscape.  Landon caught the attention of majority of the hikers, as the youngest hiker seen on the trails.  He was quick to introduce our dog, to everyone that stopped to meet my friendly toddler, and discuss how we were hiking to the top of the mountain! This is a definite addition to our weekly activities, while the weather is just perfect.

And Just Like That, February was Gone…..

Can I cram all this in one post? 

A side from our day to day activities, we fill our hours with play dates, outings, cooking, family gatherings, etc, etc, etc.  You know the drill, life is BUSY!!  I find my camera less and less attached to me as we travel through our daily adventures. Camera used to be my natural appendage, I was never without my trusty side kick.  However, as Landon’s intelligence grows and his zest for life and adventure becomes more and more apparent…..hold that thought, he has just discovered that blue and red paints make purple and has painted his hands and face……as I was saying,  toting  along my camera can seem more of a burden when running out of the house at warp speed to our next adventure.  Blogging, such a small priority during the day and each time I fill the  page with a post, I vow to make this life collection of stories, more of a priority.  Enough about that!  I certainly am not complaining nor making excuses, just rationalizing my lack of postings more for myself than anyone who follows my blog. 

Lets start with our star attraction, Landon! He loves an audience and is quick to say, “where’s my people to watch me?”. Only child syndrome perhaps or do I see a thespian in our future?!  Still heavily into firefighting, his love for fire trucks is still strong!  His imagination is out of control, as he will set his own rules of play and can create fun without toys and just using his hands and creativity.  It seems as though the “Terrible Two” battles are fewer and further between as he is growing into a little man.  Battles or parental/toddler disagreements have become more complicated and complex.  He has a come back for each of our reasons and can be quite quick witted with his responses.  It’s a fine line between continuing with the battle or complimenting him for his critical thinking skills!  We have taken a temporary hiatus from school.  The cold and flu season was getting the better of us and we spent more time passing around our germs than actually enjoying life and learning.

 

Watching a firefighter tutorial online.

Playing fire tucks…..of course.

Lan loves spending time in the kitchen and we couldn’t be more thrilled, since Scot and I love to cook and entertain.  His dexterity is great with chopping, stirring, and cracking eggs.  His expertise and comfort around a kitchen will make his future wife thrilled.

Making homemade soft pretzels, like I used to do with my Mom! 

 

I turned the big 3-2 in February!  Birthdays come and go, but seem to be slowly leaving me small gifts of age…..a new wrinkle here, a few more grey hairs, ugh.  We squeezed in a few nights of celebrating!  Dinner a Posh with my hubby, family dinner night, and a lunch with my Dad!

 

32 and counting!!  I have to mention, my amazing husband, and his thoughtfulness.  My birthday always falls over his busiest time for his company, The Phoenix Open, WM Open, whatever the name is now.  He managed to find time to whisk me away for date night, send roses to me at work, and fill our bedroom with hundreds of balloons and  champagne chilling  when I cam home from work.  Ohhh, what a good man!

Landon and Tata, lunch at the Spotted Donkey, one of my favs!!

Trying a new recipe tonight!

Cooking tips from a pro, Cousin Jackie, who happens to be in culinary school.

Our masterpiece:  Lobster Da Fraviolo.  The lobster head was Landon’s final touch and he wanted the head on his dinner plate. 

My bro, Anthony, and his fiancé, Kori,  came into town for a quick visit.  We soaked up as much time as we could with them!  Landon cannot get enough of his Uncle Ants!!

We retreated to “Our Spot”, Sauce, for wine, food, and hours and hours of laughter!!

Brunch with Kori’s family, while they were in town!

Kori, Anth, Lan, Scot, and me….such posers! We miss having them in AZ to goof off with!

After my early, early morning yoga class, I found the hot air balloons just outside our gate.  I raced home to get my boys, so Landon could finally see the balloons up close and personal.

 

Somewhere in all that, we managed to buy a kitten.  Yep, we are officially Zee Farms and suckers for animals:  2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 hamster, and several fish (recently 1 fish had approximately 30-40 babies, all but one was eaten by the others).

Callie, the kitten, keeping close to Wonder Per, the hamster!

Managed to capture a few moments on camera and several not on camera.  One thing is for certain, Z life just gets better and better!!

Kids say the darndest things!!

6am, Landon is lying in bed with me...I thought he was sleeping.  I'm in a peaceful slumber when I hear him whispering,
"Mom?"
My eyes still closed, "hmmm"
"Mom?" in the sweetest whipser in my ear.
My eyes still closed, "hmmm"
Lan no longer whispering, "Mom, open you mouth to talk to me!"
My eyes flew open and my mouth hysterical with laughter....where did he pick that one up?!!

Lil' Slugger

Last week marked the beginning of Landon's baseball season.  We are eager to let Landon try out every sport or activity he is interested in to find his liking.  Coach Nathan took the boys through the fundamentals of baseball, teaching  good sportsmanship, skills, and fun!  Landon laughed and smiled though the entire practice, taking good care to listen to Coach, playing great with the other boys, and just having  a first-rate time in everything they did!  Occasionally, he would shout across his playing field at me, "Mom, can I get off this now?" (referencing the spot Coach instructed him to stand on).  I would remind him, "Not until Coach says you can." Landon would jump back on his spot, dancing around awaiting his turn. He followed instructions amazingly, whether it was from his Coach or us saying to listen to Coach, and is quickly picking up the art of patience.....he was an awesome player with a lot of spirit!!

 Landon talking to Coach, "When's my baseball game?" 

Practicing their throwing skills.  Coach lined up the boys as a firing squad as he encouraged to them to aim and throw the ball at him.  Landon threw back his arm and nailed Coach right where it hurts!!! Notice the smile on Lan's face, the placement of the ball on Coach and his expression!!  Priceless!! 

 

All set to hit.  Hurry, Coach, and place the ball before I lose interest.

Home plate, AKA, "the house", as the boys were calling it. 

A prayer for the new year

I came across this written work last week.  I read it, then re-read it, made Scot read it, and typed it for a personal copy to keep handy.  The words really grasped me and I wanted to pass this along. 

A prayer for the new year…
By Shonto Begay

May our footings be aligned in beauty again…today
In beauty, we walk our holy path…today
The supreme truth of my mind will no longer battle me…today
His clarity I now possess…today
I will be embraced in kinship from all…today
I am recognized in love
I will give to all in grace
Today
My child, comeback into the innocent hearth
Today
I have returned
My child, let us know your voice in earnest again…my prayers are heard again
Into the gleaming of age, upon the arc of beauty
All of creation is set again in harmony
All is blessed.
May we all continue with courage, undaunted by doubts.
May our heart be content of compassion always
May we all recognize the beauty of our Mother Earth and always be her ally
May we all be blessed by the beauty of benevolent, and know it
May all the perverse and divisive tools of our demise be crushed…and washed away
May all the harsh words and deeds lie impotent at our feet
May all that is taken from us in stealth be retrieved
May all the gains be so much more than the losses, except in weights
May all who were taken from us be alive within us
May we sit in awe to the great changes in our lives, to witness miracles
May we be an integral part of that change for the good
May the past years’ trauma fade into distant memories
May the lessons learned remain fresh and thus accompany our actions, in great consciousness
May we reclaim our lust for life, fearless
May the lives of our children be so much more than we know
May they be blessed in new knowledge, new actions and greater and richer results
May we have unwavering confidence in them
May we all know the mountains, and see them as sacred
May we send forth our prayers in her presence
May we all receive our mothers and our fathers in kindness
May we all say ‘welcome” often to them, see them
May we all respond to the kindness
May we all remain a vessel of light unto all our kind
And unto our cohabitants of this planet, animals, the vegetations and water
May we all be in kinship with it
May we all hold upon our heart our “Grandfather”
May we all unclench our fists so a paintbrush can fit
May we all explore the artist within us with no reservations, no judgment
May we all share our visions if not only to ourselves
May we all dry our tears so we can apply a clown face paint
May all of our lives be buoyed in mirth, always
May the silvery laughter always accompany us
May we all welcome in the new years yet to come, with fewer resolutions
May all of our yearning hearts be filled with romances
May the words “I love you” become our mantra
Again
And may we all dance on
May our chiefs and leaders be compassionate and wise…again
May they invigorate our passions into action
May we all cherish and promote mercy, unto all of our neighbors
May we all receive the blessings and he grace of the Great Mystery, unto all of our neighbors
May we all