Happy Birthday Hubby!

All day long, I've wanted to post about my hubby's birthday. I've been running around from doctor's appointment, lunch date (with hubby), picking up Ryann from school, Big 5's, making birthday pancakes, and baking in school for 5 hours.

During the very short, moment I got to spend with Cliffy-Clif I was able to give him his gift and a birthday cake made out of pancakes (he doesn't care for sweets). Chris even helped to blow the candles out with "Dear Old Dad" (the only rugrat missing was Sugar Raye).


This is the first moment I've had all day to write this post, and there's only 9 minutes left in his birthday. Well babe, I just wanted to tell you that I love you so much, and I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

I truly am blessed to have a great husband... one who deserves to have wonderful day, and great birthdays. You're the best-est!

Here's what the Old Man received as a gift...




...a grown up gift, for my growing up hubby!

Chemotherapy Session (#1)

So, for those of you who do not know (or know me personally) my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2008. Fast forward a couple of months (I don't think it's right to disclose her personal information) we are now at the point of having to do chemotherapy.

I'm happy, and blessed, to report that all has gone well with her first session. She's feeling good and causing trouble around the doctor's office (anyone that knows my mom will understand). We don't go back for a few weeks so she has time to practice all of her jokes on the family.

A little bit of information about the session is that (her's) is held in a "group type" setting. There's about 6-8 people in a semi-circle, all receiving their treatment. Patients can talk to one another, have a visitor, read, eat, drink, watch their iPods, play on their laptops or get some rest. So don't be afraid if you find yourself in this situation ... read up about it, and you'll be ok.

Keep us in your prayers.... and don't forget to go to (or schedule) your check ups!

Happy Birthday to me!

That's right... February 20th is SoCal Pastry Chef's birthday.
I turned somewhere between 25 and 45 today... so that gives you some homework this weekend.
Hopefully my night will be better than my day. I've been running errands and not sitting still at all.
Remember when you were a kid and the ENTIRE DAY was all about you? Hell when I was younger I even use to take off from work for my birthday.

Now it's just another day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Chris!

Two years ago today my youngest son was born. At around this time, on that day, he had already received his bath, met his brother and sister and stolen the hearts of both mommy and daddy.

Today, my precious Chris is going through "bottle withdrawls" because TODAY is the day that we throw away the bottle and begin potty training (I know... what a horrible birthday gift).

Every year on his birthday I remember a picture that I took when we was only a few weeks old. The pic shows just how small he was... I mean "really" small (6lb 3oz). I also take a picture every year to show just how big he's gotten.


We had a party for him on Saturday, and lots of his friends/family showed up. We played the Wii (friendly competition), blocks, and ate lots of food. Chris tired out before the party was over, but we woke him up just in time to blow out his candles.


He is truly a special little guy. He's the smartest baby I know and has an incredible memory. He's able to make us smile and laugh any time he wants and we love him for being his own little person (with an attitude and all) already.

Thank you baby for making mommy so proud and happy every day.

Bad mommy, shame on me.

On January 15th, my daughter played in her Winter concert. She performed, while playing her clarinet, 4 songs. I was unable to make the beginning of the concert because it was my first night back to school (see me, the doofus, in my chef coat).
My instructor, did allow us to leave early on the first night, and I was able to make it for the last song (I know there's a CHP officer somewhere on the 405 still looking for me).

Mommy is proud of you, babe. That's my 11 year old, 5'4" daughter standing next to me. Oh, and my 8 year old 4'7" son passing along the bunny ears!

So this picture below is not that good, um... because the light was behind us, maybe?
That's my family: me, my hubby, all 3 kiddies and Papa (the grandfather).

The GREAT pancake eating concest of 2009

So my husband and daughter are constantly battling each other when it comes to eating food. My middle son gets involved sometimes, but on a consistent basis it's those two. Anything from "I bet you can't eat an entire slice of pizza in one bite" to "I dare you to eat a jalapeno pepper and not drink any water." It was inevitable that a 'pancake' eating contest was going to come up. They both love them and swore they could out eat the other.

Everyone got involved, of course, except me. There was a couple next to us that laughed when they found out what we were doing..


Battle date: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Battle location: IHOP - Manhattan Beach, CA
Battle participants: Ryann vs. Clifton vs. Raye

"Eaters, pick up your forks & knives" (the battle didn't begin until the pancakes were butter and syrup-ed)

Winner (by TKO) is Clifton.
Score: Clifton 10, Ryann 5, Raye 3.


You've done your country proud soliders!

introductions

So, what motivates me?
Well I have 3 (ahem) wonderful children that keeps me on my toes and who I adore to know end. I also have the world's greatest husband (of course you think yours is better - sorry) who supports me, takes care of me and most of all LOVES me.





So here they are:
youngest - Chris (aka Bam-Bam)
middle child - Raye (aka Sugar Raye)
oldest child - Ryann (aka Candie - don't ask)
Husband - Clif (aka Mack-a-matician - again.... don't ask)

Not only do I have the best husband but the best kids (when they're being good - j/k)

There! You get a closer look into my fam-bam!