Sippy's Baby Shower (and other weekend fun)

Yesterday we went to the shower for Baby Ezra. It was at an adorable gourmet pizza place in downtown Redlands. It's always fun to get our kids together and marvel at what attractive children we have all managed to produce. Seriously...it's out of control.

I am a lame picture taker so I stole this from Jessica. Why would I bother when the queen of cameras is present?

Afterwards, Ariella and I got our kiddos together for an evening playdate (no pics...too busy munching on McNuggets and enjoying each other's company).

It was "Fight Night" at Von's, so we made a quick stop at his house for some FABULOUS gumbo (still no pics...too busy stuffing my face).

Lucky Girl

We usually don't go too overboard for Valentine's Day...maybe some flowers or a nice dinner in. This year, it just so happened that my laptop AND my watch gave out at th same time. Shane saved the with double V-Day presents.

I've been wearing the same watch since my 21st birthday, so I was long overdue for a new one.

(PS...he got a really smokin' deal on the lap top)
Don't go thinking I'm spoiled....those who know me know that this year is making up for years worth of kinda lame Valentine's Days. Sorry, Babe...I'm just sayin.

Here's an email I sent to Shane a couple of months ago (maybe it was near Thanksgiving time??):

I am thankful that you are a good dad. I am thankful that you make the coffee everynight. I am thankful that you love to cook. I am thankful that you like to cuddle (eventhough you pretend like you don't). I am thankful that you clean the "schmagma" off my coffee cup. I am thankful for our date nights. I am thankful that you helped me make a really cute kid. I am thankful that you bought a beautiful home for our family. I am thankful that you always put the car seat in for me (because I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to do it). I am thankful that you put up with my mental melt downs about stupid things like a messy house. I am thankful that you don't take up very much closet space. I am thankful that you do most of the grocery shopping. I am thankful that you are my best friend. I am thankful that I never have to worry about anything when you're around. I am thankful for our little family, and I am thankful for the last five years with you!

Ice Skating

Penalty box

Kamden and Olivia

Valentines Day in Room 8

I got to go to Kamden's class Valentine's Party. It was a blast and made me miss being in the class room (but not enough to consider teaching anytime soon). We love Mrs. Ontiveros...it's been a great year for Kamden so far.


Good ole Capri Sun. Yes, that's Pappa Jim in the background.


Kamden and our good friend Molly.

There were lots of cute class photos, but I think it's against some kind of ethics code to put them on the internet w/out parent consent.

Christmas with Dad's Family

We went to "that cowboy town" to have a very belated Christmas celebration with my dad's family.


We finally got to spend some quality time with our cousin Ty.



Poppy gave Cash a "Cozy Coupe" and he loooooved it. Before we could get it put together, he was already trying to sit in it playing with the steering wheel and making vroom vroom noises.



A big thank-you to the newest member of our family, Wendy. She was a great host and even cooked for us all weekend. She was a lot of fun too! I hope she decides to stick around.


We got together for a family photo. Cash could not be removed from his car long enough for a quick pic...hence the car in the photo.

Super Bowl Pesto Cheese Pastries

I'm making an effort to cultivate a little skill in the kitchen as I currently have NONE. I decided to try a new appetizer for Alex & Jackie's Super Bowl party. They turned out fabulosa!! This is officially a new favorite of mine.

2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 oz Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp prepared basil pesto
½ pkg frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet),
thawed
2 oz (60 g) thinly sliced deli ham (about 6 slices)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line Large Sheet Pan with Parchment Paper; set aside. In Small Batter Bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth using Stainless Whisk. Grate Parmesan cheese into batter bowl
using Rotary Grater; add pesto and mix well.
2. Unfold pastry dough onto flat side of Large Grooved Cutting Board; lightly roll seams using Baker’s Roller. Arrange ham over dough, overlapping if necessary. Spread cream cheese mixture over ham using Small Spreader. Bring bottom edge of dough up to create a 1½-in. (4-cm) fold; bring edge up again make another 1½-in. (4-cm) fold. Repeat on opposite side. Fold dough in half, bringing folded edges
together. Press dough lightly to seal.
3. Cut dough crosswise into sixteen 1 inch-thick (6-mm) slices using Bread Knife. Place slices cut-side up onto sheet pan. Bake 22-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

PS- Don't expect too many more cooking posts from me...my kitchen masterpieces are few and far between.