some are EWERS and some are mine

Here Fishy Fishy ...

2012-02-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Fact no. 1) Our house is on the market
Fact no. 2) Our Realtor told us to be 'scarce' last Saturday
Fact no. 3) Monterey Aquarium is in our backyard
Fact no. 4) We have close friends who have annual guest passes to said aquarium

Need I say more?

P.S. - The pics of Addi with the dino were taken on the way home. It might have been the highlight of her day.

Fired

2012-01-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

I should be fired from blogging. My post rate has been lacking at best. But instead, I was fired from my job of 8 & 1/2 years....

Well, I wasn't technically 'fired' - that's just how it feels. I was 'laid off.'

The company I worked for went bankrupt and is in run-off. Being in Marketing, I had a 'Group A' boarding pass to lay off land. About 200 of us were laid off at the beginning of January. I knew the lay off was coming, but I didn't know that the company I gave so much time and energy, long hours and sacrifice, would give me nothing in return. The severance package was a joke. Instead of 'severance', I like to call it a slap in the face. You're probably like, 'but Summer, the company is bankrupt!' Right, it is bankrupt but somehow they are managing to promote people who are still there, AND offer a crazy insane retention package where executives (who are still there) will literally get 140% of their salary at the end of the year if they stay on board. Yep ... you read that right.

So yea, I'm sitting at the 'bitter, party of one' table. But this last month has been a struggle for me. And I needed to vent to an unbiased source.

I feel somewhat selfish for feeling this way. There are so many good people who have been out of work years. Me, I am just entering this vast universe of endless resume submissions and rejection letters. So forgive me for being self consumed right now. A lot of emotions running around my head but I just keep holding it together, chin up!

Our house goes on the market tomorrow. Bitter sweet. I have no idea where we will land post sale. The unknown is scary and exciting. I am just trusting in the Lord that we will land where we are meant to be.

As a way to say thank you for enduring my self pity babble today, enjoy these two incredible smiles...

Cousins kick'n it at the Folsom Zoo

2012-01-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Giddy Up!

2012-01-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Christmas came and went faster than you can say, 'cat in the hat'

Despite the crazy schedule, sick kids, sick husband, episode of pink eye ...

we had a wonderful holiday filled with sweet memories.

One memory is of Addi and her BFF getting to ride horses at Papa's daughter's ranch.

They were in seventh Heaven! So while we get our Christmas pictures organized and ready to post, let these tide you over.

ROA*R!

2011-12-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

We received a very sweet Christmas card from Great Granpda Ewers - and because of said Christmas card, we were able to take Addi and Fletch to the dinosaur exhibit at Lawrence Hall of Science, (Cal Berkeley).

We had a great day and both Addi and Fletch each left with a new friend.

The very best Christmas present. Thank you GGE! *heart*

We love you & salute you ... CDR. US. Navy RET. William E. Ewers

2011-11-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Special love this morning-

to CDR William E. Ewers, Naval Aviator, WWII Veteran ...

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech....

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag.

It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag.

God Bless you Grandpa.

We are so proud & blessed to call you our, 'Commander'.

i heart this guy

2011-11-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

can't you see why?

Carmel by the sea

2011-11-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have I proclaimed lately, just how awesome my husband is?!

Well, amuse me and let me just say...

MY HUSBAND IS AWESOME!

Back in October, the 19th to be exact, we celebrated our 10 year 'dating anniversary' -
what started with a blind date has led to an amazing past 10 years that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Brian surprised me with a quick trip down to Carmel - we stayed at the 'Tickle Pink Inn' ... STOP, I know what you're thinking 'cause I thought the same thing when Bri divulged the name of the hotel. Seriously like an X-rated film title, or hotel with heart shaped beds -right?

But this hotel is absolutely gorgeous, amazing. So amazing, that Bri actually booked our reservation months in advance. I would highly recommend TPI. I can't wait to go back ("can I go back now?" I'm thinking as Fletcher is crying by my side)...

To the best husband in the whole world I was blessed with - for which I am so grateful-

" Thank you. Cheers to the next 10. I love you."

ahoy mateys

2011-11-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

halloween '11

Sneak Peak

2011-10-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

My oldest brother (Guy) and his family bought a farm in Penryn, a mandarin farm.

(and we couldn't be more excited for them!)

I'm flattered that they want me to handle the marketing/graphic design.

I snapped a few pictures of the property at dusk last Saturday.

Here is a sneak peak of R4 Farms.

Lots more to come from them!

The many faces of Fletcher man (in the bath)

2011-10-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

'mom, really? pictures?! i'm TRYING to take a bath' ...

'i'm a HAM so i'll play along and pull out my fake laugh' ...

'WHAT?! you didn't buy my fake laugh?!' ...

'okay, okay. here is a REAL smile

('cause i stole sissy's yellow goat and got away with it!)'

bath time is so much fun - until sissy notices her yellow goat is missing

oy vey.

Addi (Mia Hamm) Ewers

2011-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

A little 'presumptuous' you ask?

And I say 'probably'...

but you should have seen her move that ball
down the field on Saturday.
Ok, I will admit there was one butterfly chasing,
but no picking daisies *wink*

Addi and her BFF rocked the field for their very first practice.

Plus, don't they look SO cute in those shin guards!!!

Dinner out for a good cause

2011-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

as if we need an excuse to go out to dinner (actually we do - hence living on a budget),

so when tutu and papa invited us out on a monday night we just couldn't say 'no'.

what made the invite even better, was that all proceeds from the restaurant yesterday evening went to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

can't think of a better way to start the week. thanks again tuu & papa!

"may i help you?"

2011-09-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

mac n cheese attack...

2011-09-13T20:55:00.001-07:00

ALRIGHT, Alright, alright

2011-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

I know.

There has been some serious slacking going on around this here blog.

And I apologize...

But, I'm happy to share some recent pics of the kids to make up for lost time.

Happy Birthday to Judit! ... this post, is for you.

I'd like to call this photo series, "Fairy Tutu Addi and the Attack of the Pink Chef" - enjoy

Ode to Chloe...

2011-09-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Chloe leaves for Cal Poly tomorrow -

thought it was fitting to put together a collage of photos to celebrate where she came from, and where she is going!

Luv you Chlo

i am in love...

2011-08-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

with this wallpaper!

have the same taste?
then do yourself a favor and check out
the home decor line @ anthropolgie

~toodles~

Ode to a Grapefruit

2011-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ode to a Grapefruit-

Pretty in pink, you hang out in the

produce isle at the grocery store.

I look at you and smile.

We haven't always had the best

relationship, me and you.

I hear you're good for diets, staying strong, and blah blah blah...

But sometimes I just wanted to eat

chocolate. Pretend you weren't there and indulge in sugar.

But memories come flooding back - reminding me just how sweet you are. And who am I to let you down? So I put down the chocolate...

And I reach for you, take you home, and proudly display you on my favorite plate.

In the morning I go downstairs and see your pretty, pink, tartness smiling back at me. And I'm reminded just how very good you are for me. All chalked full of vitamin C, antioxidents, and other things I can't pronounce.

You truly are the perfect fruit.

You give power, energy, and fill the soul with love.

You're beautiful and strong on the outside, but packed full of fight on the inside.

You have kept me happy and healthy for the last 30 years -

And I promise to keep picking you up in the produce isle for at least another 30.

Xoxo

Last Call For The Chambers House

2011-07-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

This past week we took what will probably be our last trip to the "Chambers House". It has been up for sale but since last summer but it seems a perfect storm of my family leaving the Tahoe area has brewed and I don't see it lasting much longer.

Shortly after my grandmother passed away my dad sold his house in Tahoe, my uncle Jim and aunt Tammie now have theirs for sale with plans to move to Hawaii by Fall. My grandpa lives in Reno and is having a fantastic time traveling the world via cruise ship. My other uncle Tim will be the only one left in Tahoe (don't worry Tim, we'll come visit!)

This past week was the longest time I've spent there in years. The week was spent with my wife and kids, grandpa, uncles, Tim & Jim, aunt Tammie, and my sister in-law Gab. The rest of my Tahoe family has moved away. We had a great time visiting with family, hiking, spending time at the lake, and just enjoying the great outdoors.

It wasn't until we were driving away that the reality of this being my last visit to the Chambers House really hit me. As we drove away the picture of my grandpa standing in front of the house and waiving goodbye was all I could see in the rear view mirror. A lump grew in my throat and the memories flooded in. I thought of the house buried with the soft glow of Christmas lights coloring the fresh snow below. I thought of my grandmother cooking spaghetti, planting flowers, taking me to the beach, and just watching me watch TV. I thought of my uncles, grandpa, and dad, telling stories and laughing around the kitchen table or standing in front of the fire in the living room. I thought of all things I could recall, small, random, and momentous alike. It makes me sad to look at all these things in a rear view mirror and think my kids will not have these same memories. At the same time I start to understand the role Summer and I have as parents to help our kids build their own memories and stay close to family. Houses may come and go but the memories I have will last my lifetime and I am a blessed man to have shared so much time in one place with people that had a profound role in shaping who I am today.

Below is a slideshow of pics from our trip, we had a great time and thanks again to all the Ewers for takins such good care of us!

Last Call For The Chambers House

Last Call For The Chambers House from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

Inseperable

2011-07-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

We have some great pics and memories to share but while we get them organized for a new post here are a few shots of these two who were inseparable all week! So Tammy, how much for the dog?

missing you...

2011-07-11T10:17:00.001-07:00

dear stationery,

i miss you.

came across this design and it brought back such fond memories of late nights spent in front of the computer.

we will reunite one day.

until then,

xoxo

Waterbaby meets diving board!

2011-07-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

For best viewing click HERE

Waterbaby Meets Diving Board from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

Fathers Day 2011

2011-06-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

For best viewing click: Fathers Day 2011

Father's Day 2011 from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

Here comes the Sum!

2011-06-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Long story short...

The shirt Addi has on in these pictures says
"Here comes the Sum"
and this shirt use to be mine, when I was Addi's age.
My mom had this shirt made for me,
because eveytime she took me bike riding
I use to scream from my seat
"Here comes the Sum!"

How special and awesome to see Addi sporting this shirt now -
and it fits her ... perfectly.

i owe some pictures...

2011-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

quick update:
the kids and I escaped the bay area last weekend and headed 'home' to grandma dee dee's house where addi chased lily cat, fletcher chased addi, chasing lily cat, and i chased fletcher, chasing addi, chasing lily cat. fun for the whole family ::wink::

JAWS (the sweet version)

2011-06-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Bath Time from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

the fletch man

2011-06-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

we just love this little guy!

Simply called "The Red Bench" series...

2011-05-29T22:30:00.001-07:00

Thx for a completely goofy & impromptu photo shoot Chlo!

Xoxo

CAK Senior Ball

2011-05-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

My little Chlo Chlo is all grown up - when did that happen?!

Graduation is right around the corner, then she is off to Cal Poly.

How beautiful she has grown up to be...inside and out.

Couldn't be more proud of you Chlo!

Xoxo

Acalanes High School

Lafayette, California

Class of 2011

get that girl a pillow...

2011-05-15T20:56:00.001-07:00

addi was laying under the dinning room table and said to me...

it's my cozy spot.

please say she will always be so low maint!

There are some girls that like Dinosaurs and then there is Addison

2011-05-05T23:09:00.001-07:00

We have the large leader types.

We have the predators

The Dinosaur train of course

The Brontosaurus family

Old friends that were playing this game 34 years ago with another dino loving child.

The whole team less a few contributions that played hookey for the shoot.

We love our little dinosaur Addi!

CAK Sr. Pictures, 2011

2011-05-01T22:05:00.001-07:00

I had the honor of taking Chloe's Sr. pictures.

Despite the bees, wind, and transients ... We had a great time!

She is one beautiful girl (if i do say so myself!)

Here are just a few of my favorites...

mt. wanda

2011-04-30T22:31:00.001-07:00

an impromptu stop at mt wanda thursday evening provided for some cute pics of addi. it also provided me with a reality check (out of shape!)

now all she talks about is going back to mt. wanda! lucky addi - we pass mt. wanda every day.

next time i will trade in the banana peep toes for some some appropriate kicks.

Chloe's Sr. Pictures...Coming Soon!

2011-04-28T21:58:00.001-07:00

Easter 2011...

2011-04-27T20:37:00.001-07:00

...thanks to all the fam and friends who made for an extra great (and busy!) Easter.

my mommy wants me to tell you...

2011-04-26T21:27:00.001-07:00

that she'll be posting
Easter pics real soon!

balance...

2011-04-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

where might one find it? i'm referring to balance between life: ...work...husband...children....house....laundry....dare i say, myself (gasp!)

i got a promotion a few months back and as much as i absolutely love my new position - it has me wiped right now. the other day bri said, "ever since you started your new job, you've been kinda of a space cadet."

ooohhh. nothing like the finessed words from a man to make one feel better right? but he was RIGHT. i have been a little 'out there' lately. which leads me to the title of this post...

can we have it ALL? a career, a family, a....life? i seem to be chasing myself, day after day. can't keep up with the laundry piles in my garage. i'm embarrassed to open my garage door at this point for fear of what my neighbors will think. my house is clean one day (thanks to my rock'n sister!) and then it's down hill from there (when said sister leaves).
i should be vacuuming right now but writing this post is therapy so carpet, forgive me.

so tell me, how do i balance? does the word 'balance' even exist in my vocabulary these days? and if not, is that OK?

all i know is that my children are clean, loved and tucked into their beds each night. i wake up each morning to amazing smiles, and ending my work day feels like christmas at the thought of picking them up.

my husband is AMAZING (who had a birthday this weekend - happy birthday babe!) and puts up with my scatterness lately.

this promotion/new job is awesome, i love it! (a dream job if you will-forgive the cheese level)
i will adjust, i am adjusting to the new levels of responsibilities. and it feels great.
please don't take this post the wrong way either...i am not complaining about my job, or the fact that i am a full time working mom. i am grateful to be employed right now PLUS employed in a job i love. how blessed am i? i just need to find that rhythm. and a new word besides 'balance'...

how about 'surviving'? well, until i find that new word all i need to do is look at these faces and then words just aren't important anymore.

did you ever think I would blog again?

2011-04-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

i don't blame you if you didn't
really.
i won't hold it against you.

excuse you ask? hhhmmm
between my promotion and brian's promotion-
that's right! bri got a well deserved promotion last week.
he is now a sr. fraud analyst and is rock'n.
i am so proud of him.

where were we? excuses...right.
to make up for the lack up blogging
please enjoy the following pics
i stole this evening.

fletch is on the move now - crawling all over.
addi is on the move - running all over.
both are doing great and continue to amaze us each and every day.

xoxo

what do you think this is boompa...

2011-03-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

a short-order house?!?

current score...girls 3 - boys 1

2011-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

meet raleigh,

2011-03-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

raleigh, meet the big wide world...

carpe diem!

2011-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

princess addi was all dressed up this morning, ready to direct her squires

and rule the land of day care.

happy wendesday!

eight (months old)

2011-03-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

fletcher, you're eight months old today!

and since my memory is lacking at best, these days,
i wanted to tell you what you're up to at this age (before I regretfully forget)...

you are the SWEETEST little guy and you love to give kisses
(big, mauling type kisses. did i say big?)

you're trying really hard to crawl, but so far have only mastered
the backwards stealth army slither

you love music! and books!

you love to cuddle and be held

you love to be sang to

you have two teeth!
(front bottom two smack dab in front)

you love bananas, sweet potatoes, fruit
(anything sweet, really. you must take after boomi & tutu)

you LOVE it when dad or i hold you and run after your sissy

you love to watch your sissy play

you are very easy go'n when sissy takes your toys
(however, your sissy has a rude awaking coming in
few months when you can actually fight back)

your smile starts in your big, blue eyes

your laugh is contagious

you are destined to weigh more than your sissy
(by the time you're one)

your hair is blond
(thank you grammy dee!)
don't know if it will stay that way. my money is on 'dark'

you are the LIGHT of our lives and your SWEET little spirit brings
a smile to whoever you're around.

xoxo
mom, dad & sissy

so happy together

2011-02-21T22:30:00.001-08:00

he just couldn't wait

2011-02-17T12:58:00.001-08:00

we are thrilled to welcome the newest member to the roland family...

raleigh cannon roland

February 14th

7lbs 1oz

(two weeks before his due date)

congratulations lisie, scott & kenzie!

xoxo

proper attire for a bunny hunt

2011-02-16T22:16:00.001-08:00

last weekend, addi had a very special invitation -

an invitation to go on a 'bunny hunt'

what does one wear on a bunny hunt you ask?

i answer for you in the picture below...

boomie & boompa's neighborhood is thriving with bunnies.
addi found one bunny (better than none!) a little white and gray guy
(upper right hand corner of this pic)

next time fletch will be old enough to go -but that probably
isn't good news for the bunnies.

Better late than never

2011-02-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

It was recently brought to our attention that we never blogged with any photos from our Disneyland trip. It was a fantastic trip and we had the best intentions of making a little movie with some film clips and photos but time got away from us so now we just wanted to get the pics posted before it moves any further to the back of our minds!

The G's and GG's

2011-02-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Addison had a very special treat.
A dinner date.
But not just ANY dinner date...
a dinner date with her
Grandma (Boomi) and Grandpa (Boompa)
and
Great Grandma (Tutu) and Great Grandpa (Papa).

Burger, fries, chocolate milk shake w/whip cream for dinner -
then a trip to toys r us.

What more could a kid ask for!

Sorry for not having Fletch in the recent posts-
he has been fighting Bronchiolitis
(baby bronchitis).
But, I am HAPPY to report Fletch is doing better today!
We love you little guy
and can't wait for you to feel better.

the look for spring 2011...'panda bear'

2011-02-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

addi tried her hand at make up this weekend
(unbeknown to us at the time).
she was rather proud of her work.
i'm thinking she may start a new trend.
how about it M-A-C, we can call it 'panda'

like mother, like daughter

2011-02-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

ocd (obsessive compulsive daughter)

it's becoming apparent, at her very young age of 3,
that addi is following in her mother's shoes.

and so begins her obsessive need to organize...
(please notice the toys are lined up perfectly, by size and some even by color)

she must be my daughter ::heart::

Give me an "r"..."R!"

2011-01-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

...Give me an "a"..."A!"

OK, I will spare you from the drama of spelling out a name and just get right to the point (after all I have dishes to wash and laundry to fold before midnight).

We can't WAIT to meet baby RALEIGH!
I was honored to throw a baby shower for my sis-in-law, Lisa, last Saturday. She is due February 23rd with her first baby.
The shower was lovely. Lisa looked beautiful and has to be one of the coolest pregnant women I have met. She never complains, and has kept an upbeat and positive attitude the whole pregnancy.

She is coming down to the wire now (February 18th is my guess!) and will soon be blessed with an amazing gift. And we can't wait to meet him!

Special thanks to Gab, Chlo, Mom, Kenz, Danielle, Nancy, Erica, and Marcia!
Xoxo

i don't know what to title this

2011-01-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

...but this last picture sure makes me laugh.

fletch just had his 6 month check up and beside the
baby bronchitis, he is doing awesome.
6 mo stats:
Weight: 16 lb 13 oz (22%)
Height: 2' 3.25" (61%)
HC: 17.99" (87%)

please rest assured-
addi was just fine. she just didn't want to stop
playing to take a picture with her brother.

Bedtime Story courtesy of Addison

2011-01-27T00:16:00.000-08:00

Addison reading "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight" to the little Fletch man.

For best viewing click here.

Bedtime Story from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

caution

2011-01-24T22:48:00.001-08:00

when one has a tom-boy for a daughter,
and that fearless daughter has a race car track,
and that race car track has battery operated cars...
put her hair in a pony tail before use.

otherwise,
you will have to cut chunks out of her hair to free her from the wheels,
due to her curious little nature,
because she lays down next to the track to get an up close and personal look at the zooming cars...

which consequently wrap up her long hair in their unforgiving wheels.

picture worth a thousand words...and a bite

2011-01-20T20:11:00.000-08:00

clearly addison's love for dinosaurs back-fired the other night
t-rex found a late night snack
while addison was off in slumber land

fletch meet squash, squash meet fletch

2011-01-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

...match made in heaven

Sir, are you a member of the club?

2011-01-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not, I'm with the Underhills.

Stars and a lullaby

2011-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was walking down the hall to turn in for the night, I heard a little voice call out 'mommy?'

I went in to find Addison still awake, laying in bed.

She asked me to grab a pillow and lay down on the floor, next to her little bed, and sleep with her.

I happily obliged- grabbed my pillow, a blanket, and got cozy on the floor next to her bed.

I was staring up at her ceiling all lit up with stars. Her lullaby CD playing in the background-the same lullaby CD she has had since a newborn. I love this CD- it takes me back to rocking with a tiny, 6 pound baby girl. But this 6 pound baby is now a full blown little girl.

I was laying there, reminiscing, when all the sudden I see a little hand reach over the bed wanting to hold my hand. I grabbed it and never wanted to let go.

And thats how we fell asleep last night.

Holding hands.

And I savored every moment knowing there will come a time when she will be too old and too cool to hold mom's hand. But not last night.

remember this post?

Day out with dad

2011-01-10T12:04:00.001-08:00

I lost my voice.

That is what a 3 year old's birthday party will do to ya.

Yesterday, my wonderful husband recognized my need for rest. So, on his very OWN, he swooped up the kids, got them fed, dressed AND out the door.

He took Addi and Fletch to DVC's parking lot so Addi could test out her new set of wheels.

And what's an outing without a McDonalds tail-gate picnic?

Thanks Bri - you're the best!

Happy Birthday to our little Maniac

2011-01-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

3 years old today!
Happy Birthday Addi!

You light up our lives with your sweet spirit, whitty humor and gorgeous smile.

We love you sis!

Xoxo ,
Mom, Dad and Fletch

p.s.- sorry for the low quality of the picture as it was taken with my blackberry this am.
p.s.s. - sorry for not blogging lately. our mac at home is maxed out on space so we can't do anything with it.
p.s.s.s -sorry for the new funky layout of the blog. i did something to the code and can't seem to fix it. will keep trying.

Where were we

2010-12-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, Christmas....

I hate to say that Christmas pictures are scant at best this year.

Fletcher has been fighting a stomach virus on and off for the last week.

This scenario didn't leave free hands for a camera. So this is the best I can do this year.

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Thank you to all our family and friends who made it wonderful.

i wasn't sure it would happen

2010-12-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

me blog again? i know that's what you're thinking. and i can't blame you. i have been lacking at best. when my sis-in-law bekka is blogging more than me, i know i am in trouble. reason for the lapse in time you ask? my new job requires me to be online, focusing on social media initiatives. so the LAST thing i want to do when i get home is jump back on line. excuses, excuses i know. i will try to juggle this better. i don't want to keep you from the latest and greatest about the ewers clan. well really, the latest and greatest about addison and fletcher. brian and i are old news right?

so the latest would be the fact that we got a Christmas tree up. wasn't sure it would happen. but it did, with the help of bri and addi. it came together and looks great. plus you can't beat the winter pine smell it releases into the air. that alone is worth the over-priced greenery sitting in between our living and dining room.

so without further ado, i give you the ewers family Christmas tree 2010

and while i have your attention, here is another 'latest and greatest'...
last weekend we joined family and our good friends the trujillos, for a ride on the 2010 train of lights through niles canyon.

the train ride was awesome. truly one of the most nostalgic Christmas outings. this is our second year riding the train and we plan on making it a family tradition! special thanks to: mom, gab, chloe, jon, kristin, toni, carl, tutu, papa, kris, karen, & dan! we are grateful to have you all in our lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen!...

2010-12-14T22:02:00.000-08:00

Introducing Addison Jane Ewers in her very first public performance....
(she's the one in the red bow with the black & white dress)

Enjoy!

For best viewing click here!

Addison Christmas Performance from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

serious catching up...soon

2010-12-13T22:53:00.000-08:00

i promised my sis-in-law i would post the video from addison's VERY first performance- her pre-preschool 'winter fest' celebration.

well its approaching 11pm and uploading the video, editing, and then posting, is just not in the cards.

BUT tomorrow is another day (thank you scarlet) and the video will be up, along with pictures from disneyland and some other misc stuff.

so come back later tomorrow evening and we'll have some catching up to do.
in the meantime i hope you like this sneak peak of addi from the winter fest!

school girl

2010-12-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

addi's fall school picture!

no grapefruit after 8:00pm

2010-12-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

this is a quick post why you shouldn't have grapefruit after 8:00pm.
and no, i don't mean the 'citrus' grapefruit...
i mean this grapefruit.

i had grand visions of jumping into a cozy, fluffy bed before 9:00pm tonight.
get a good nights rest, be fresh and awake for work tomorrow am.

but then i decided to check her blog.
and i was inspired.

inspired to take the three old bananas i had been staring at for the last week,
and turn them into a chocolate treat to surprise addi with in the morning.

no, grapefruit didn't blog about chocolate banana bread tonight.
but she did blog about love, and surprises.
and that was enough for me.

so its 10:15pm.
i still have laundry to finish.
clothes to get ready for tomorrow morning.
toys to put away.

but addison will have a yummy surprise in the morning.
and i will eventually jump into that cozy, fluffy bed-
a little more tired (with some flour hidden in my hair)
but definitely more satisfied.

thank you grapefruit, for being an inspiration to us moms out there.
night night!

happy five months fletcher william

2010-12-02T20:08:00.001-08:00

happy five months mr. f!

right now your nick names include:

'mr. man'
'biscuit'
'little man'
'fletchy'

what you're up to these days:

-you love silly faces and paper noise
-you are ticklish on your feet
-your eyes sparkle right before you smile
-you tuck your head after you smile, like you're shy. it's adorable
-you are past the colic stage and only cry when you're hungry or super tired
-your eyes are a beautiful steel blue
-your skin is fair (taking after the english side of the family)
-your hair is blond with a hint of red (which seems to be fading the older you get)
-you love attention
-you love to be held
-you love the bath
-you will chatter for hours at end (literally)
-you love to watch your big sis play
-you are the perfect addition to our family and we are so blessed to have you

we love you biscuit!

november? what november?!?

2010-12-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

man, did last month flew by? i had the best intentions of blogging every day about different things i was thankful for. u can c from the last post i didn't get very far.

thanksgiving has come and gone, and while we're all still working off the extra serving of mashed potatoes and gravy i can't help but want to finish what i started. So here is a list of what i'm thankful for...

an amazing husband
one sweet daughter
one smiley little boy
loving family
nanny gabby
caring friends
a roof over my head
a car in the garage
gas in the car, in the gargage
a job
my health
food in my tummy
clothes on my back
the Lord who blesses me with all this and more. yet i don't feel worthy for the amazing blessings he has given me. everyday i try to live a better life, be a better person. yet i don't feel there is enough i can do to deserve all this. and for this alone, i am most thankful.

we didn't get too many pictures from the thanksgiving festivities. the day was pretty mellow which was good considering we were all fighting a cold. but here are a few pics from the day.

stay tuned... disneyland trip 2010 blog coming soon!

what i'm thankful for

2010-11-21T20:57:00.001-08:00

what better time of the year
to express gratitude for the countless
blessings in my life.

to start it off, i am thankful...

my two little munchkins
who make me smile every day.

2010 Halloween Cube Decor

2010-11-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

I know it's sick but it sure was fun watching the expressions of 2 days worth of visitors!

For best viewing click here!

Halloween Cube Decor from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

easy like sunday morning

2010-11-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

4 month stats

2010-11-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

and in this corner...

the reigning light weight champ, weighing in at 13.11 oz (20th percentile for his division)

Fletcher 'THE FLETCHINATOR' Ewers
(insert screams here, aaaaaa!!!!!)

with a height measurement of 2' 1.25" (57th percentile for his division)
he is sure to tower over the competition!

and don't even think about messing with his head. with a current hc reading of 17" (71st percentile for his division), he'll block out the competition!

his rolling over technique is one the competition will have to watch out for. that, in combination with his contagious smile and adorable giggle, he is sure to charm the competition to their knees!

ultimate compliment

2010-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

tonight i got the ultimate compliment

as i was tucking addi into bed,

she reached up and gently admired my earrings.

i said to her

'careful sweetie, don't pull. the earrings go though a hole in mommy's ears'

then i asked her

'when you get bigger, do you want pretty earrings?'

'YEA!' she declared

and then she said,

'i wanna be mommy'

and my heart melted

calling all witty, smart a**, conservative women...

2010-11-07T22:17:00.001-08:00

if you don't know who jen lancaster is, get to know her! Click HERE

Trick or Treat?

2010-11-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

Turn up your volume and enjoy

For best viewing click here.

Ewers Halloween 2010 from Brian Ewers on Vimeo.

Picking Pumpkins 2010

2010-10-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

rain couldn't stop us from getting out on a saturday
morning to enjoy the company of family amongst the pumpkin patch.

what 'it' is!

2010-10-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

ever since i can remember
my mom has outfitted her home to the 'T'

when it comes to holidays.

halloween is NO exception. one of my fav decor pieces, is her 'halloween tree'. i have wanted one for YEARS & this year i VOWED to have my own.

& somewhere between being back @ work, w/a demanding promotion, fussy baby, active toddler, fussy baby, keeping up a home, oh yea and a marriage, (did i mention fussy baby?) i somehow made it happen.

thanks to my sweet husband for stealing a little manzanita on our last visit to tahoe, i TOO have a
halloween tree.

but more importantly, a CHERISHED tradition started in my own home.

multi tasking

2010-10-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

two baths for the (time) price of one!
what more could a working mom ask for?

face of a cold?

2010-10-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

is this the face of a cold?

-or-

is fletch just faking it so mom and dad would have to stay home from work?

you be the judge

What is it?

2010-10-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

or really...

WHAT is it going to be?!?

Check back in a couple days to find out!

D.Q.

2010-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

No, not Dairy Queen
(although a brownie Blizzard sounds mighty fine right now)
No friends and family, D.Q. as in
'Drama Queen'

I'm afraid we might have one our hands
Let me explain...

Friday, during playtime outside, Addison was in possession of a car.
You know, the kind that have the doors and are open at the bottom so kids can kick themselves around.
Well, Addison got out of the car for some reason.
While she was out of the car, another child got in it.
Addison apparently wasn't done with the car, so she
LAID down in front of the car so the other child couldn't go anywhere.
Her teacher came over and said "Addison, get up!" to which Addison replied
"I can't move"

I am a little proud of the very creative and expressive way in which she displayed her objection
On the other hand, I think we should stop any future exhibits of such drama.

As my sis-in-law would say... 'Oh dear!'

keeping up with the Jones'

2010-10-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

we all have them...

friends who have the beautiful house, drive the cool secret service style suv, throw the BEST parties, and who couldn't be MORE sweet (which makes it even worse, right?!) our friends who fall into this enviable category happen to be the trujillo's.

last weekend, they again, threw a killer birthday party. charlie, their son (addison's future boyfriend) turned 3 years old. karen magically turned their house into a farm. she even made a barn for the kids to play in, AND three animal cakes. karen, you have seriously been holding out your martha skills from me! their back yard was complete with a giant pile of hay, hay bales, a petting zoo (containing a couple of extra 'friendly bunnies'), and the grand finale TWO PONIES! addi got to ride a pony for the very first time. she did great.

thank you karen and dan for another FABULOUS party!

wish we lived closer to each other.
you guys are the best, and we luv your adorable family!

birthday boy charlie!

yee haw!

look into my eyes

2010-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

cha & dala

2010-10-10T20:09:00.001-07:00

once upon a time
there was a 'cha' (aka becca) and a 'dala' (aka summer)
and they were best friends.

they met in kindergarten when dala walked up to cha and said...
"hi, i'm summer. do you want to be friends?"
that was nearly 29 years ago.

they grew up in a rural town. with long hot summer days spent spying on matt jackson, and summer nights spent swimming next to the turquoise light in cha's pool.
cha taught dala how to ski. dala taught cha how to snowboard.
there were rainy nights spent listening to sting. there were crying conversations and broken hearts. there were early morning trips to cest bon for blueberry muffins. flight to san francisco to visit blaine cha's dad. suprise birthday cakes on the beach. church dances.
driving lessons and late nights at the lake. they even had a tradition of leaving goodies and notes in each others lockers in highschool. cha was a cheerleader and dala was a skater girl.
two opposites yet best friends at heart.

summer's were spent at education week at byu. the cure blasting away while cha and dala sat on the floor giggling about boys, the future, and dreams.

then junior year rolled around and cha's parents moved to utah.
the two friends were heartbroken.
but they saw each other as often as they could.

distance grew between them.
mistakes were made.
and the two went down different roads.
but never, not once, was cha out of dala's heart.
she knew that even during the few years they didn't talk, they would be friends again.
and sure as flowers bloom each spring, their friendship was rekindled.
but it had still been years since the two had seen each other.

until this weekend. when two long, lost roads crossed once again.
cha's husband had business in san francisco.
san francisco just happens to be on the other side of the bay from dala.

dala heard the truck pull up and ran outside to greet her long lost friend.
she saw her, and fought back tears of joy.
they hugged. and it felt as if no time had gone by. no distance had come between them.
the night was spent catching up, laughing, soaking up the few hours they had to hang out.
there was no weird air. there was no lag in conversation. there was no hesitation
-like no time had gone by. dala and cha looked a little older, a little more mature. each with their own families. living in different states. but still in each other's hearts.

and that is how true friendship feels.
like a warm hug from a long lost friend.
someone who doesn't judge you, who loves you unconditionally.
who will laugh at your stupid jokes and cry on your shoulder for support.

and it all goes back to a warm september day at greenhills elementary when a brown haired, hazel eyed girl walked up to a blond haired, green eyed girl and asked...
"do you want to be friends?"

here's to the next 29 years cha! i am so blessed to call you my friend.

xoxo

Happy 3 months and 1 day Birthday

2010-10-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Happy 3 months and 1 day Birthday Fletcher!
I wanted to post yesterday, on your 3 month birthday, but let me tell you why I didn't...
First, your dad decided to cut his finger open. He cut it so deep that he got sweaty and sick to his stomach. And instead of going to the hospital, he drove himself to Rite Aid and bought super glue to seal it shut.
Second, you cried all day long. We literally could not put you down, and you wouldn't sleep.
You were not a happy camper this weekend. We are doing everything we can to help you feel better. But you are just fussy and will outgrow it eventually.
I drove you out to Antioch this morning and Auntie Kristin adjusted you which seems to have made a difference today.

Third, your sissie got sick and was coughing all weekend. She isn't going to school tomorrow.
Fourth, your dad washed my favorite giraffe print throw with a pink blanket, and now my throw is pink and brown instead of white and brown. Ok, so this didn't prevent me from blogging I just felt like bitching about it. Oh, and there was a lizard in the house today. Your sissie got a kick out of it. Me, not so much.

So there you have it. I had my hands full this weekend. I hope you understand.
But beyond all the craziness, you have added so much joy to our family.
We feel complete with you here.
You have been smiling and cooing away at us (when you're not crying). You have the cutest smile ever and I love to hear your stories.
You love looking at yourself in the mirror (hope this is a passing phase) and you love your bath. You don't like to be cold, you love to be held, and your hair is turning more brown than red.
Your eyes are still blue. You are sleeping about 5 hours straight into the night. You will stir around 4:00am but I can normally get you to go right back to sleep.
You weigh over 13 pounds and are getting longer every day. You will definitely be taller than your dad.
You love to be sung to, and taking rides in the stroller is your new favorite pass time.
Your nick names right now are:
Mr. Man
Fletch
Fletchy
Fletcherson
Banana
Fussy Fusserson

You start day care tomorrow. You will be at the same school as sissie which makes it a little easier on mommy and daddy, knowing you two are together.

You are a SWEET baby boy with a contagious smile.
We love you Mr. Man!

Happy October 1st!

2010-10-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Who's excited?

Did I really?...

2010-09-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

Addi got a movie in the mail today- 'Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue.'

It was hot when we got home. Too hot to be outside. So we put the DVD in and sat back on the couch while pixie dust twinkled on the big screen.

I got up and went to the kitchen, came back to the family room where I proceeded to ask Brian,

"What are they doing, did I miss anything?!" As the words came out of my mouth, I could feel the smile developing on Brian's face. Did I REALLY just ask if I missed something?!? His wide smile and laugh confirmed that yes, indeed, I was truly into the Disney Fairy movie. Can you blame me? After a long day at the office, who wouldn't want to escape to a land of happy little beings. Maybe it's because I read a very sweet Fairy post from Grapefruit earlier in the day - you can check her blog out HERE.

Or maybe it's because I have a little daughter whose imagination is blooming.

What ever it is, I plead the 5th!

Alright, let's get down to business and what you REALLY came to the blog to see, some recent pics of the baby...

good night!

don't be jealous

2010-09-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

i have an exclusive new interior designer. her name is addisaurous. i have her contact information if you're interested. she is wonderful at accenting your home with prehistoric creatures- on your cupboards, on your floor, on your counters, wherever your heart desires.

p.s.- here's a little known fact about me- my dream job was (still is)to be an interior designer.

but hey, in the meantime i will enjoy my daughter's sense of style.

Tahoe

2010-09-22T20:53:00.001-07:00

A long weekend spent up in the mountains...
Listening to the wind blow high above through the pine trees, the needles rattling in the breeze creating a music that is soothing to your ears.
Crisp Tahoe air full of pine and beauty.
Sky blue, clear, chilly lake (that couldn't keep a brave toddler out).
A morning spent exploring Blackwood creek.
An afternoon spent picnicking in the company of a retired WWII Naval Pilot (who also just happens to be Addison and Fletcher's Great Grandpa Ewers).
A father sharing a favorite memory with his daughter- freshly picked thimble berries.
An evening spent bbqing outside, in the company of family.

Can we go back next weekend?!?

A special THANK YOU to Grandpa Ewers for driving to the Chamber's house and opening it up for us.

A huge THANK YOU to Auntie Tammie for not only stocking the fridge of the Chamber's house, but also cleaning the house (you're the best Tammie!) AND cooking us dinner both nights!

We love you guys.

excuses

2010-09-21T23:31:00.001-07:00

returning to work and a long weekend relaxing in tahoe with the family has kept me from blogging obligations. these two factors also made me space on my oldest brother's birthday...
happy birthday big bro! better late than never right?! hope you had a great time fishing in oregon.

stay tuned...pics from our tahoe trip (including the one of fletch above) coming soon!

p.s.- bekka, tag- you're it!

Family Affair

2010-09-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

for everyone that was convinced we must be the 'addams family' after my last post (yin & yang)
please rest assured we are indeed quite normal...

left to right:
brian, addi, me, baby fletch, papa, tutu, toni, baby alysse, kristin, jon, bekka, nic
and in the very front would be carl

don't be scared. well, maybe just during the month of october.
(lucky you grapefruit - you'll be visiting smack dab in the middle of the month!)

Super Sum and farewell to tan lines

2010-09-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

(Brian's post)

So this is a short 2-part blog. First part is about my amazing wife, Super Sum. This past Friday was my first day solo with both kids. It was hot and cold, Addison was great all day but Fletcher spent half the day very unhappy to say the least. It was a tough day for me but really gave me yet another layer of appreciation for stay at home parents and especially single parents. I swear it takes a special brand of person to have that steady patience day in and day out, especially dealing with more than one child... different needs, or demands, at different times. It also made me marvel yet again at my amazing wife.

Summer came home from work around 5:00 .... ahhhhhh, relief! The night went on and Addi was in bed, Fletch finally settled down, dinner was done and so was I. It's not often that I turn Summer down when she offers to watch a zombie movie but I felt like I was the zombie movie so she watched something she'd recorded while I lay lifeless on the couch. I got a second wind and listened to some music on my headphones at the dining room table and just thought about what an inspiration she was to me with the kids, especially Fletch going though his colic, fussy baby stage. I watch Sum just stay so steady and patient day in and day out with the kids, keeping up with the house and never complaining at how much time she has to herself. She really is very selfless and it inspires me to want to be more like the amazing person she is.

To top off the awe I was already in her recorded show ended and I remained in the dining room almost oblivious to what she was watching until a bit later I look over and she switched the channel to starz showing Zombieland... that's my girl!

Part 2 is saying farewell to tan lines as today marked the last day of the summer for us at Waterworld. Bitter sweet because I have really enjoyed it and has been a much needed escape for 2 water babies but also a special day because for the first time Summer came with Addi and I. She really got a kick out of watching Addi do her little routine, watching all the places she goes and little things she likes to do there. It was great for me to have Summer there, spending the day with her and Addi and watching her enjoy what I'd been enjoying most of the summer. We even shared a monster funnel cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and chocolate sauce for lunch!

I am a very blessed man, my wife is my best friend and an inspiration for me to be a better person.

Yin & Yang

2010-09-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

"Yin yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, although yin or yang elements may manifest more strongly in different objects or at different times." -definition courtesy of Wikipedia

My Husband Brian.
Nothing better than the Yin Yang concept, can better explain him tonight.

I was upstairs getting Fletcher dressed after his bath when Brian stuck his head in the door and said, 'Don't be scared!'
Normally this statement is followed by some type of injury requiring stitches*.
But not tonight. Oh no, tonight was another kind of treat.
Observe 'Exhibit A' below...

Yes, I'm afraid you read correctly.
This is indeed a picture of a 'Bag O Gore'**.

This lovely package of fake flesh was delivered to our house today. For those of you who don't know, Brian is a HUGE fan of October, and Halloween, and horror movies. Think 'Wes Craven'.

Now, before you close the post thinking 'Oh my gosh, I can't believe her husband is so sick!!' rest assured there is another side to this lover of all things fake blood.
Insert 'Exhibit B'...

To the simple eye this might look like the top of a dresser, containing numerous baby items.
But there is more here. My horror movie, fake blood, slashed up fake flesh loving husband was up in Fletcher's room, getting Fletch's outfit ready for tomorrow. Brian did this all on his very own. And to the right of the dresser is the rocking chair. And on it, a neatly packed diaper bag equipped with all the essentials Brian will need tomorrow as he ventures out of the house alone with both kids.

So you see, Brian might love his scream fest horror movies (we'll call it 'Yin')
BUT
the adorable soft fluffy teddy bear side (we'll call it 'Yang') of him has his kids essentials all packed up and even their outfits picked out and ready.
He is the perfect balance.

Now, do they make a horror movie with a soft fluffy teddy bear?

Footnotes:
*Nic and Jon- Let the record show, it is not Brian's turn for stitches.
** Brian would like to point out that the 'Bag O Gore' is a prop for the desk decor competition at work and that we don't leave 'Bags O Gore' laying around our house.

Back to work...again

2010-09-06T21:22:00.001-07:00

it's official
i am a corporate working girl again, starting tomorrow
wait, that didn't sound right...
let me start again...
IT'S OFFICIAL
i am a working MOM again, starting tomorrow.
yes, it's true.
maternity leave has come to an end.
people always ask "how do you feel about going back to work?"
let me answer as simply as i can-
with MIXED EMOTIONS.
i like working. i have had a job since i was 16 years old.
but the mom in me feels 'guilty', maybe even a little 'selfish'.
guilty for leaving my kids during the day. selfish for racking up bills and having a large mortgage that requires us to bring in a second income.

'grateful' also comes to mind. grateful for my job and Bri's job, especially in this economy. grateful to provide for our children. and if that means i have to work right now then so be it.
'lucky' that we have family who are willing to watch fletch until he starts day care next month.
'blessed' to have two amazing children to come home to.

i may not be home with my kids during the day,
but that just means they get extra kisses and hugs from me at night.

Betrothed

2010-08-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

You might remember a certain post from way back where I introduced you to Charlie...Addi's future boyfriend CLICK HERE to view the post (and scroll down to the middle of the post).

Saturday evening was spent at the home of our GOOD friends, Karen & Dan.
Karen & Dan happen to be Charlie's parents (they also have two adorable girls).
We planned to BBQ and swim, enjoy the hot August sun. But our lovely 'California' weather didn't live up to it's stereo type. It was a scorching 75 degrees on Saturday.
Not really swimming weather.
But at least Addi and Charlie reconnected like no time had gone by in between visits.
And Brian and I had a GREAT time visiting with our friends.
Thank you K&D!! I wish we got together more often. Maybe your next move could be to Martinez?! That is the next time you buy furniture of course ::wink::

Here is just more confirmation that A&C belong together...

Are these two not adorable together?!?
The couple that works together, stays together...

Addi just might have a bright future in earth excavating...

For the record: Addi and Charlie are not betrothed (obviously since we don't live in mid-evil times).
But if their moms have anything to do with it,
they will go on at least one date down the road, like WAY down the road.

Playdate

2010-08-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Addi (in the teal top) and Elizabeth (in the pink).
They are third cousins. And they are both adorable I might add...

On Friday, Elizabeth, her mom Allison (Brian's second cousin) and new baby brother Owen came over for a play date.
(Don't worry, there won't be a test later.)
Owen was born just two weeks ahead of Fletcher.
Can I just say how nice it was to communicate with another human, PLUS another woman, PLUS another cool mom, who HAPPENS to be family!

Allison was a God send to me after Addison was born.
I came down with post partum depression and
she is the reason I didn't suffer any longer than I had to.
Spending the day chatting with her was really great. And much needed!
She is young, and fun, and happens to live right across the freeway. Why it took us so long to get together is beyond me. Oh wait, I know...we are both working moms. And new moms. With little guys at home and little girls. So we might be a tad busy. And while the intention to get together for so long has been genuine, we finally made it happen.

Addison and Elizabeth played so well together (despite Elizabeth being older than Addi).
They painted magnets.
They made home made playdough.
They played with Addi's train table.
They ate lunch and cake together.
They ran around together, like two friends.
And all the while I got to talk with Allison. Relate to another mom. Validation that I am not loosing my mind from sleep deprivation!

Thank you Allison, Elizabeth, and Owen for coming over and sharing the day with us.

Addison & Elizabeth

Elizabeth with her pretty in pink playdough.

Addi forming her playdough man. Aaahhh, if only all men could be created this way.

Peek a boo!

By day she is 'Addi'. By night, she becomes 'The Roller'

Playdough dinosaurs. Guaranteed not to become extinct
(as long as you keep the in an air tight container)

Look what I made mom!

Fletcher in the navy - Owen in the white

Cousins: Addi, Fletcher, Owen, & Elizabeth

Special note to this post:
1) For the recipe on how to make home made playdough, please visit
the blog of my oldest BFF Becca aka 'Grapefruit'
Her blog is entertaining and inspiring! Trust me, you will be glad you visited.
Click HERE to visit The Daily Grapefruit blog site.

2) Earlier this day, Addison sang songs over the phone to her
GREAT GREAT Grandma Olker (who is 100 years old!)

Jack and the Giant Sunflower Stalk

2010-08-26T14:43:00.001-07:00

I have a confession...
I am a bit of an anal clean freak when it comes to certain things.
Like my house for example. And my yard.
I've even had a conversation with my bro-in-law about the importance of clean baseboards.
I know, who does that?!

I grew up in an immaculately clean house.
Before my parents got divorced, we lived in a large home. I can not EVER remember that home being dirty. Or anything out of place for that matter.
I have no idea how my mom kept up with that house.
My mom was (and still is) a wonderful house keeper.
That is one of the many things she has instilled in me.

But this clean freak obsession comes with pit falls-
Before Brian and I had kids, I use to be so anal that I would have to clean before we ever had any guests over. This got so old for Brian (rightfully so!) that at one point, he threatened to spray paint vacuum tracks on the carpet so I would stop vacuuming (true fact).

FORTUNATELY having two small kids helped me (more like MADE ME) relax when it comes to housekeeping. And yard keeping. And driving a clean car, and....
well you get the picture.
Don't Fear- I am happy to say that I will let the dishes sit in the sink while I spend time playing and being silly with a certain little girl AND

I hardly ever have to vacuum before company comes over (mostly).

But I must confess that this obsession came sneaking it's way back. More like creeping it's way back over the last few months as I watched these two large sunflower stalks creep up, up, neverending into the sky. Their tall, lengthy appearance was completely throwing off the plant chi in my small front yard as they hovered over my lavender. I waited everyday, hoping, more like WILLING the sunflowers to open so I could HACK their giant jack in the bean stalk like stalks down.

Ah ha! The day had finally come. The bright, golden yellow flowers bloomed.
I didn't hesitate, grabbed the clippers and CUT those stalks down!
I put the sunflowers in water to display them proudly in the house. See, I can't grow ANYTHING (but apparently two giant sunflower stalks.)

But now that the sunflowers have wilted and died, and the giant eye sore stalks are in the yard trash- I find myself missing those awkward, tall, lengthy, prickly, sticky, chi throwing off, sun flower stalks. Maybe Brian could spray paint some on the fence? Mmmm, maybe not.

Post notes:
1) Before anyone decides never to invite me over to their house again after reading this post, please be assured that the clean freak obsession ONLY applies to my house. No one elses!
2) I coud give a rip about chi and feng shui. That was thrown in for effect only.

crabby

2010-08-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

poor fletch
he is crabby.
and you would be too if some nurse poked your little
legs with three needles.

fletch had his 8 week check up today-

weight = 11 pounds 1.2 ounces ( 46th percentile)
height = 1' 11" (65th percentile)

despite his crabby post shot disposition in the picture,

he is doing great!

Daddy, Daughter, Mommy Date

2010-08-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

08-21-10

some are EWERS and some are mine

Here Fishy Fishy ...

Fired

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R*O*A*R!

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Addi (Mia Hamm) Ewers

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i am in love...

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did you ever think I would blog again?

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Sir, are you a member of the club?

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i wasn't sure it would happen

Ladies and Gentlemen!...

serious catching up...soon

school girl

no grapefruit after 8:00pm

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ultimate compliment

calling all witty, smart a**, conservative women...

Trick or Treat?

Picking Pumpkins 2010

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multi tasking

ROA*R!

i heart this guy