The germ is gone...I hope

Well, if you read my friend's blog Addie who is a SAHM as well, it will sum up my past week. I think we have finally recovered from all the illnesses flying around the Locastro household after FIVE weeks of sickies. Yes, you read that correctly! The final straw was when Claire was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis AND a double ear infection. Nonetheless, we had to give her breathing treatments every four hours with a round of antibiotics that she finishes tomorrow! (Thank goodness.) I would never wish this illness upon any child or mother for that matter. Trying to get an baby to hold still for ten minutes with a mask over her nose and face and a loud machine humming next to her infected ear was an absolute nightmare! All I can say is thank you for Dora the Explorer which got us through most of the treatments. And, despite all the craziness we were able to have a fabulous weekend getaway which I'll post about later.

All I can say tonight is...Amen to a healthy family and a new week!

Curious George...two thumbs up!!

If your looking for a great, lovable movie to take your children to I highly recommend Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment's Curious George. What a wonderful fun-filled adventure of a monkey a man and their friendship.

Now, I must tell you a little history about my daughter Victoria. She is a VERY sensitive girl. She is the most compassionate three year old I ever met and she gets frightened very easily. For example, she knew and could say "fast-forward" by age 2 from passing up scenes that frightened her in movies, i.e. the lion fight in Lion King, the capture scene of Nemo in Finding Nemo, etc.

This past summer I made the big mistake by taking her to see her very first movie Chicken Little. I do not recommend this movie for any young children. It started off with a cute baseball game then moved to a horrifying alien invasion, with terrible lessons for any child to see or hear. Unfortunately, the movie ended with Victoria in my lap hiding her face saying, "I don't like that scary monster!" In hindsight, if I thought a movie about a cute little chicken was going to be scary - I would have never taken her to see it!

On a brighter note, Curious George starts off with an exciting trip to Africa (where George is discovered) then on to a wild adventure in the big city. The mischievious monkey does everything a child can relate to. Victoria was laughing the whole time! There were no scary aliens or evil ones, just lots of great family entertainment with wonderful lessons for any child to learn.

Sorry Disney...but your idea of having the main character's parent die/non-exist and generating an evil, scary character to spice up the plot is not my idea of entertainment for children.

So everyone go see Curious George - it's fantastic!

Enough of the sickies!

Enough already...hubby had the flu last week, I'm still recuperating from bronchitis and now Victoria is running sporadic fevers and Claire has congestion and a nasty cough. I thought this week would be a new week but unfortunately it's just more of the same from last week. Ugh! Calgon take me away!

Get in Shape Girl

Ever start a exercise routine to have it blown out of the water the next day. Well, lately I've been a slacker on the exercise. My eating is not out of control but it's not the greatest either. Last week I vowed to start my Power 90 again. I did my cardio and ab ripper, marked my calendar for the schedule and then bam...I get sick. How frustrating is that? I went to the doctor's on Monday to find out I have bronchitis and John (my hubby) has the flu. Not a good combination to have both parents sick with two little ones running around the house. Despite being ill I seemed to eat okay since I wasn't fixing anything big for dinner each night but I so wanted to exercise. It's seems everytime I start up I get distracted some how.

I'm usually very good about getting out and getting some exercise, whether it be running, Power 90, playing soccer, etc. Lately, I have failed at this miserably. I'm hoping and praying that next week I will be feeling better and can start again. Because right now I am feeling horrible about the way I look, my clothes don't fit, and I'm very tired. For those who know me, this is not my normal attitude. I'm just one of those gals that in order to feel good about myself I have to be active.

The bottom line is I need to get in shape girl and stop getting distracted from what's important. (Not to mention I have a 5K to run on February 25th!)

Creative "Nappy Time"

Victoria is usually a good sleeper and usually naps between 2 1/2 to 3 hours a day for me (and stills go to bed by 8:30). However, lately she has started 1) postponing nappy time or 2) skipping it all together. The other day she decided she wanted to sleep in the hallway floor upstairs instead of in her bed. At that point I did not care at all where she napped just as long as she slept - so of course I said yes.
So, she grabbed her Dora pillow and a blanket and sprawled out on the floor. I said good night and came downstairs to enjoy my peaceful few hours for the day. As I was eating my lunch and watching TV I heard little pitter patters across the floor upstairs. I knew that she may be getting in the playroom to get some books or something but she was being awfully noisy for quite sometime. About an hour later I finally went upstairs to check on her because I was still hearing some noises. Above is a picture of what I found upon coming up the stairs...

All of her babies and stuff animals were now sleeping on the pillow and under the blankie! And, as you can see she created her own library of books all the way down the hallway. Needless to say, she did not take a nap that day and I couldn't stop from laughing. She gets more and more creative as the days go by.

Missing Daddy

Well this week has been quite a challenge. John had to leave for Santa Cruz last Sunday for a big Cerner project he has been working on for the last 6 months. From what I can tell he is surviving on Starbucks and no sleep. I think I've talked to him a total of four times since last Sunday!
Me and the girls are really missing him tonight. Victoria has been waking up in the middle of the night crying. When I ask her what is wrong she says, "I'am crying for my Daddy". It just breaks my heart. Not to mention I've come down with some awful cold and cough. In addition, Claire just starting saying, "Da-Da" and "Dad-die" for the first time.

To stir things up even more, John was suppose to come home this afternoon and I told Victoria after naptime today that Daddy would be here. Well, wouldn't you know another node failed at the hospital and he has to stay another night working it out with IBM and the hospital. Try explaining that to a 3 year old. To top it off, tonight before I put Victoria to sleep she says, "Mommy, will Daddy be home after this nappy?" My heart broke it two. I didn't want to say yes in case something else came up - so I simply said, "he should be honey".

Even though I have been sick I tried to keep Victoria busy. We have cooked dinners together, colored, played in the playroom and today we went to her soccer practice. Then, we shared a blueberry scone at Starbucks and went to storytime at Barnes and Noble and played with the Thomas the trains. They learned about the Chinese New Year and made Chinese dragons as a craft. We had a lot of fun...but we will have more fun once Daddy gets home.

What I miss about Texas

Moving back to Dallas has been on my mind for a long time. When we got to Arizona it was super nice. The desert blooms in summer were absolutely gorgeous, the sunshine was radiant and the mountains were breath-taking. However, once we got settle into the rental house things seemed to get a little weird. We still did not know any of our neighbors, the dust started to overtake the house, yard, community and my contacts! Then, this awful smell was hanging around. John kept telling me that Claire's diaper was dirty. I knew it couldn't be because I had just changed it. We finally figured out that the smell was coming from the outside. After asking around we figured out it was the dairy farms in the area (how embarasssing was that).

I also said I was not a fan of stucco houses (I said that before I left TX) but now I am really not a fan. All the houses around here are ALL the same color...beige, tan, or brown - UGH! No more personal mailboxes either. I loved having my own brick mailbox that matched my house. Call it weird but that's what I liked. Not too mention you can hear everything in the house - as if the builder forgot to put in insulation or something? On top of all that, the houses have no storage here. No attics, no crawl spaces and no extra closets or walk-ins for that matter. Where am I going to store my Christmas tree and decorations? And, even though the weather here is beautiful I sure miss my Texas-size thunderstorms, Texas wildflowers, green grass and trees, icy snow storms, and the exciting tornado-watching skies! (That's just the weather freak in me).

I believe for the first six months it felt somewhat like a vacation here - everything was so new, then soon reality set in and I realized that this was for good. Eventually, I started sharing my feelings with John that I wanted to go back to Texas. And the wonderful husband that he is, he said he would move us back...

I love you honey for all the sacrifices you make for our family - I couldn't have married a better person in the whole wide world than you! I can't wait for us to get back to blue bonnets with green grass, pink brick houses with matching mailboxes (and walk-in closets). Oh, and did I mention my friendly neighbors and the Cowboys! :-)

Quote for the week

"Once a Texan, always a Texan!"

Baby Claire and ACDC dancing!

Well the other day I found my old Karoake machine and hooked er' up. Well, for those of you who don't know this, Claire is a dancing machine. (Just like her mommy). As my mom would say, when I was little I would dance to anything - even the washer and dryer! So, we are scrolling through the radio stations and ACDC - Shook Me All Night Long is playing. Well, Claire took off...then later on danced to the Beastie Boys - So What'cha Want! I'll share that later.

But this one is too cute - check out this video of our 10 month old jamming to ACDC (I know it's not the best choice but what can I say, this is the song that got her groovin'! :-)

Theresa's 2005 Top Ten List

After reading several blogs over the past week I have been nudged to post my top ten so here we go: (BTW - New year, new look!)

10. Our family vacation to Disneyland

9. Staying with my mom during our visit to Ohio

8. Victoria memorizing her first bible verse

7. Having John home every night since the move in June 2005

6. Building a new home in Buckeye, AZ

5. Dedicating Claire at Palm Valley Church

4. Me and the girls unplanned visit to Dallas with all my friends

3. Another year of growing in my faith with God

2. The birth of our daughter Claire Elizabeth - February 28, 2005

1. Celebrating another year of marriage with my wonderful husband, John

Wow, what an awesome 2005! I can't believe everything that has happened over the past year. God is truly amazing. May I continue to be blessed and follow his plans for my life in 2006!

Upstairs Laundry Room?

I have made up my mind, my worst chore around the house since being a stay-at-home mom is Dirty Laundry! I swear, the piles never go away! Everytime I turn around there is a pile started on the couch from the night before from Victoria getting "too hot". Then, the pile in the laundry room from John (his personal laundry basket) since being in the rental house. Then, there is Victoria's room, Claire's hamper in her room and the master bedroom with my clothes.

I think the real issue is that the laundry room is downstairs and all the bedrooms are upstairs. Confession: Its been getting so bad that I am now throwing laundry over the mantle instead of carrying laundry baskets full of clothes up and down the steps.

Now it makes total sense why the new house will have the laundry room upstairs with ALL the bedrooms!

The Final...Tah Dah!

If you have been reading my blog recently you would have read how I am addicted to Rachel Ray's Thirty Minute Meals show. This past weekend I finally got a hold of her new cookbook: RACHEL RAY 365: NO REPEATS. Since I have been religiously watching her show our family has enjoyed dinners that I would have never tried on my own such as Salmon Burgers and Ginger-Soy Chicken on Shredded Lettuce. Tonight we had Thai Shrimp with Basil. They all were absolutely "delish" (as Rachel would say)! Now if Claire isn't pawing at my leg or Victoria screaming for Mommy, I can REALLY get them done in 30 minutes or less.

I'm so proud of my dishes that I had to take a few pictures so you can see the results. BTW - John loves them too! Now all I have to do is get that RR Furio Gusto-Grip knife she uses and maybe I can slice off a few more minutes! :-)

Seven Lists of Seven

Two blogs in one night...but this one I have been working on the side.

Seven things to do before I die:

1. Publish a children’s book
2. Visit Australia
3. Learn how to ski
4. Run a marathon
5. Bring someone to Christ
6. Meet Oprah Winfrey
7. Live in the UK

Seven things I cannot do:

1. Give up chocolate or carbs
2. Math, Algebra, Geometry, Calc, you name it
3. Play Volleyball
4. Read fiction books
5. Watch TV all day
6. Speak a foreign language fluently
7. Drive slow

Seven things that attract me to my spouse:

1. How he is the spiritual leader in our family
2. His love for the girls and me
3. His priorities are always: God, Family, Work
4. His generosity
5. His willingness to help me around the house
6. His drive to be a better person and husband
7. The sacrifices he makes for his family

Seven things I say most often:
1. “Victoria, settle down”
2. "I have to go to Wal-Mart for ________"
3. "You’re turn” (to John when it's his turn to go check on Claire in the middle of the night)
4. “We’re running late”
5. "Look at me” (when I’m talking to Victoria)
6. "Victoria/John... check on Claire"
7. "Where’s a bink?” (referring to Claire’s binky/pacifier)

Seven books (or series) I love:

1. Read my answer to - Seven things I cannot do: #4
2. Fatal Distractions by Ed Young
3. The Creative Marriage by Ed and Lisa Young
4. Growing Kids God’s Way by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo
5. Any self-improvement magazines (Parent’s Magazine, Fitness, Runner’s World, Shape, etc.)
6. Currently reading, There’s a Perfect Little Angel in Every Child by Gigi Schweikert
7. Scrapbooking and Sewing magazines

Seven movies I would watch over and over again:

1. Sound of Music
2. Annie
3. The Usual Suspects
4. The Thomas Crown Affair
5. Notting Hill
6. The American President
7. Anything Shirley Temple

Seven people I want to join in, too:

1. John
2. Robin
3. Holly
4. Richelle
5. Tiffany
6. Brian
7. Y'all have been tagged! (I look forward to reading all your blogs!)

I'm addicted to Rachel Ray...

I have joined in the media frenzy over Rachel Ray and I'm hopelessely addicted. For those who have not seen the news, talk shows, etc. lately...Rachel Ray has been a media craze due to her cooking show on the Food Network channel called 30 Minute Meals. I believe now she has up to four shows and several cooking books published. I started watching her in November and I'm so addicted. I anxiously look at any stores that sell books looking for her 30-Minute Meals cookbook, I TiVo her show everyday and just upped it to keep 10 shows at a time.

Tonight was my first night to actually prepare one of her meals. (Besides her five-minute fudge and hot chocolate for Christmas - but that doesn't count). I'm proud to say that I successfully made Crustless Chicken Pot Pie and Apple Pie without the Pie! Fairly easy dish to make but was looking for something healthy. I actually cooked with real white wine, a bay leaf and hold on to your chair - fresh ginger root! Wow, not that is some heavy cooking for me. I'm the typical "Betty Crocker" in a box kind of girl (unless I'm cooking pasta of course). But, I must say it was LOTS of fun and my hubby loved it. Tomorrow on the menu is Salmon burgers with Ceasar Slaw topping. I can't wait!

Thank you TiVo and thank Rachel Ray!! (My friend Robin would be so proud of me).

Jeweler in Uptown

This is a quick blog about our jeweler in Dallas, TX. His name is Matthew Trent. He makes the most amazing, unique, and beautiful jewelry. He specializes in platinum and 18 karat gold. Each piece is brilliantly handmade by him. He made John's and I wedding rings and a few years ago John had Matthew make me a pair of platinum earrings for my birthday. His unique taste leaves you with a piece of timeless jewelry that no other person will most likely own. How cool is that? I still have yet to see anyone with my wedding rings.

If you would like to see his work, you can visit his website at www.matthewtrent.com. The reason I am blogging about this is because first, I just recently checked out his site (as I periodically do) to see what new stuff he has added and there is some beautiful new pieces. Secondly, I wanted to share his work with all my family and friends. Enjoy!

Barbara Walters Special...

Heaven: Where is it? How do we get there? It's that time of year again where people comment, disagree/agree and asks questions about what the true meaning of Christmas is? This was especially addressed the other night during a Barbara Walters special. If you didn't catch it, she basically covered various religions across the world and asked numerous religion leaders, prison mates, etc. what they thought about Heaven. It was very interesting to see throughout the interviews that no matter what religion you were most people believed in some sort of Heaven. The common factor among all, was that Heaven will be peaceful place if you go there. The most disturbing part of the show was when BW interviewed atheists and their "special camps" for non-believers.

One final note, I am amazed when people are asked what the true meaning of Christmas is, the majority of the answers are "giving". Since when did the birth of Jesus Christ turn into a giving day?

For anyone who thinks the true meaning of Christmas is about giving, love, etc. , I have another thought for you...

The true meaning of Christmas is because of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

A Family Tradition

Well it was that time of year again to take our annual Christmas vacation to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. This year was even more fun with Victoria being so into the "princesses" and me not being pregnant this time. Also, Grandma Twyla made the trip with us this year and we had a blast. Our favorite ride was Peter Pan's Flight and of course Small World.

Victoria's favorites were all the princesses and getting her picture taken with Minnie Mouse. We didn't leave the park without getting her a Minnie Mouse dress, shoes and ears. She looks absolutely adorable in it. Claire's favorites were holding on to the fences (that were just her height) at Mickey and Minnie's houses. Everytime we had to pick her up to move in line she started to scream! Her other favorite was getting into everything back at the hotel room.

Again, we ended the trip by driving to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and taking a stroll down Rodeo Dr. The girls had fun getting their picture taken with Santa one more time.

Fake Snow!

Okay, I know I am in the valley of sun and all but come on...I read in the West Valley Views newspaper that there is a real company that will come and dump snow all over your house and yard so you can have a "White Christmas!" How cheesy is that? Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh being from the North and all... but I'd rather drive 100 miles north to Flagstaff and see the real stuff. :-)

Santa Claus at Arrowhead Mall

Tonight we waited one hour in line to see Santa Claus and it was worth it! The girls were such troopers!! I took this picture and I think it will be probably the first and last time I will ever get the both of them smiling and looking at the camera on Santa's lap. Victoria told Santa she wanted "Cinderalla Talking Kitchen and Dora Castle" while Claire tried to remove Santa's glasses from his face. It was soooo fun. I love Christmas time.

I'm Back...and so Blessed

Sorry, I haven't blogged in a while. But, here are my excuses! I've been sick and to the doctor twice now in two weeks and secondly, I have had company in from out of town - the wonderful "Gamma Twyla"!

For all of you who can't get along with your in-laws you may want to stop reading now. But, I have been SO blessed with the best mother-in-law EVER!! Not only is she so loving, caring and thoughtful but we get along perfectly. In short, I am never ready for her to go home and I never get sick of her. She is best mother-in-law who flys to see us on a regular basis.

Since I have been sick she has cleaned my house, taken care of my girls, fixed meals, the list goes on and on. Not to mention she wakes up every morning with Claire (9 mos.) at 5am sometimes 4am so that I can sleep in. Now, how cool is she?

Well, that's my thoughts for tonight...You're the best Twyla and I love you!
(I couldn't have hand-picked a better mother-in-law myself!)