The Glass Is Half Full

Our Newest Family Member

2009-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today, March 3rd, the adorable Hunter Stephen Maxwell entered the world! After months of waiting for his arrival, we all gathered around at Banner Desert Hospital and watched as his proud BIG brother met him for the first time. It couldn't of been any sweeter. Before we left the hospital, Jeffrey said that he "wished for a little brother more than he wished for his DS, Wii, and anything else at his house". And actually, we all agree that this little blessing who weighed 7lbs and 10 oz, truly was brought into our lives because he has a big brother who wanted nothing else in the world. We all fell instantly in love with the "mini Jeffrey" and couldn't be any prouder of his mommy who couldn't of done a better job carrying the little guy in her tummy despite the most hectic of schedules. And although Bryan didn't actually deliver Hunter, he did one heck of a job taking care of Emmy through out her pregnancy and the delivery. Congratulations on such a wonderful son! We love him SO much already!!

Me: So, Jeffrey, what is your favorite thing about your baby brother?

Jeffrey: He has a soft nose and head and just everything!

Me: What did you think of when you first saw him?

Jeffrey: I was thinking about all of the good things and how I have to get used to having a little brother.

Me: What do you think will be the best part of having a little brother?

Jeffrey: Him having a good life and a good time and watching him grow!

"What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas"

2009-02-25T11:56:00.001-08:00

So our little sister Julia turned 21 on February 17. To mark the occasion we ended up in Vegas the Monday night before her big day. Although our trip was too short, we packed in as much as we could and celebrated in style with Julia having her first drink at the Bellagio. Jamie and I couldn't help but laugh because unlike most 21 year olds, she really had not had an alcoholic drink before....and I'm not kidding. She could barely drink her first (and last) drink because it was so strong. We tasted it and thought it tasted like sugar water...(what does that say about us, ha ha). We saw an awesome show called Le Reve at the Wynn. It was the most amazing event I have ever seen and I think Julia enjoyed it as well. We shopped, ate, gambled, ate, ate, hotel hopped and probably ate some more. I hope you enjoyed your celebration little sissy! We love you so much and couldn't be more proud of what you have done with your life and what kind of woman you have become!!

CHEERS!!!!

Jules with her first drink as a 21 year old!!
The bartender carding her...his name was Mark. He became our new friend.
Jamie teaching Julia how to play the slots! Cha-ching!

Talking to our mom when it struck midnight Arizona time!

Doing a little shopping at the Ed Hardy Store!

2 + 1 = A New Puppy

2009-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

A house divided. Two against one. Mom and daughter team against Dad. Here is the story. Ever since the beloved Lucy left their home too early, my mom and little sister have wanted a new doggy to love. With no pets at home, there has been a definite void. My dad adamantly said no how, no way. End of story. After all, he is the one to clean after the family pets. After months of begging -it happened. He caved. Not only did they get a DOG but a brand spankin' new puppy. We couldn't be happier and she couldn't be sweeter! Welcome to the family Nala!

The sky is the limit...

2009-01-29T13:30:00.001-08:00

Mike took advantage of the beautiful day and pointed out jets to the boys. They were just a little interested.......ha ha!

Sleeping with mom...

2009-01-22T07:47:00.001-08:00

When I was little, the only way to sleep in my mom's bed was when my dad was out of town. I loved it! What is it about sleeping in your parents room that is so comforting? Being allowed to sleep with my mom was like having a sleep 0ver at your own house.

So at midnight when I heard the pitter patter of little feet coming towards my bedroom, I welcomed Preston in my warm bed. After all, Mike was out of town. Although this was not the first time he has slept with me, I could not help but appreciate my mom and the sacrifice of decent sleep so that I could feel special in her bed. Thank you mom!

Is it possible?

2009-01-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to have a child that looks like me? As I have said before, Preston IS his dad. In every way. Lately...well actually always...people tell me that Mason looks like me. I decided to bring out a couple of baby pictures of me and compare them to Mason. What do you think? Is it possible?

Kimmer!

2009-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends came to visit over the weekend! Kimm and I have known each other for about 6 or 7 years. I adore her! Fortunately for her but unfortunately for me, she left Arizona for California 5 years ago. How dare she! We spent the weekend catching up with some of her old friends and laughing so hard that my stomach is still sore! The boys were in love too! Within minutes of seeing her again, Preston (it had been 2 years) was hugging her and saying "I love you!"

Come back soon!!!

My life in 3 pictures-

2009-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

Seriously...I have the funniest boys. I had mentioned underwear on the head before....well here ya go. Out of nowhere this morning they came running in my bathroom while I was getting ready and jumped into the bathtub wearing THIS:

Fun in the snow with the Maxwell's

2009-01-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun visiting the snow with Uncle Bryan and Jeffrey. It was Jeffrey's first time seeing snow so that made it even more exciting!!

Hispanic by marriage-

2009-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to have been brought up eating the best food prepared by my Grandparents. Yummy tortillas, enchiladas, beans, red and green chili and much more. For New Year's Jamie invited us over for a Mexican Fiesta. When we discussed what our family would contribute, Kirb offered to make my grandparents signature red chili. This was not his first attempt at making it but my first to blog about it. The guy is amazing. Have I said that before? Anyway, after working in the kitchen for quite a while-the smell was heavenly and brought back memories from my childhood and the taste was incredible too. Although to make it perfect, it would require my grandpa's tortillas but I must say it came pretty darn close. I have had it left over about 5 times since then and keep thanking him over and over again for being so ambitious and such an awesome cook. He always tells me that if you can read a recipe that you can cook too. I say nope. Not true. He's a natural. Thank you for out of this world chili sweetheart!

Me, Martha Stewart? HARDLY!!

2008-12-29T19:44:00.001-08:00

My poor kids! I was so excited to decorate a gingerbread house with them last week. After participating in the activity for years with kindergarten students, I was thrilled to share in the fun with my OWN kids. Here is how it goes. You take all of the pieces of the gingerbread house and glue them together with frosting. After it is nice and stable, the fun part begins and it's time to decorate the lovely house with lots of candy. Well folks, my inner Martha was gone that day. I could not even get the house to stay together. The roof kept falling along with all sides of the house. I was humiliated. Stumped. Frustrated. Sticky. Do you understand what I'm saying here? I could NOT get the darn thing to stay together. The simplest thing ever. Anyway, despite my troubles, the boys had a great time. I laid the pieces flat and Preston put tons of candy on the sides and Mason had a blast eating the candy. I have to constantly remind myself of a saying that is repeated often when working with children......"It's the process not the product". And the process was fun!

It happens ONCE a year....

2008-12-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

I speak for all in my family when I say that Papa's homemade ravioli is our favorite Christmas tradition. This is not just ravioli. It is the ravioli. The ravioli that is coveted by all who enjoy any sort of pasta. The ravioli that melts in your mouth. The ravioli that takes Papa hours upon hours to make and is made with love. The ravioli that the family fights for. The ravioli that could not be replaced by any other Christmas meal. The ravioli that everyone ditches their in-laws for to have a seat at the house with the to-die-for meal. I have enjoyed this tradition for as long as I can remember and hope to enjoy it for many more years to come!!

Papa and Preston sharing the job of ravioli making!

Papa showing Mason how it's done!

Auntie Jules and Darrel helped just a bit too!

Preston and Papa making ravioli....his first time!

Papa and Mason making ravioli for his first Christmas!

You know you have boys when....

2008-12-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

When you find yourself quoting Mrs. Brady from the Brady Bunch when she said "no throwing balls in the house". She knew what she was talking about. A light fixture was broken thanks to a wondering ball.

When there are knobs missing from each dresser set.

You know you have boys when you have a huge gap that is missing ornaments on your Christmas tree. Ornaments are better used as baseballs, soccer balls, and even bracelets (I'll let you figure out who likes the bracelets).

When the underneath part of your ottoman is ripped from too much (un-allowed) jumping occurs.

When end tables are empty of picture frames, plants, or any sort of decor due to the fact that it would last about 5 seconds before it is knocked off or broken.

When there are so many scratches and peeled off paint on your walls, you give up trying to cover them up.

You know you have boys when it's not uncommon to have mud all over.

When kitchen utensils are used to build things not to actually cook.

You know you have boys and love them when they are last to make you smile at night and the first little people you want to see in the morning-mud and all!

If the shoe fits....

2008-12-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

Then wear it!! Apparently Mason feels the need to throw up gang signs to look tough while wearing my shoes. I love these boys! Not a day goes by when they don't make me laugh!

Some pictures to re-cap our weekend!

2008-12-08T07:40:00.001-08:00

The boys relaxed on the new pillow from Costco. It is a body pillow that Jake and Maddy have. It is the best pillow ever and is so incredibly soft!

Let's see! The boys had fun dancing to Christmas music and boy do they move! They especially like Mannheim Steamroller.

After his T-ball game, Preston decided to be goofy and add my Uggs to his uniform. Preston goofy? Hard to imagine, right?

Mason is a chip off the old block....mom's block that is. I found him reading my copy of US

magazine on Saturday night. He needs his fill on celebrity gossip.

Kirb made delicious shrimp cocktail along with crab legs. The shrimp looked exactly like the picture...very fancy. What a guy! He is the best chef I know and I'm so glad he is married to me!

We bought our tree on Saturday. The boys were so excited to decorate it. All I have to say is THANK GOODNESS for shatterproof ornaments. Within seconds they were everywhere and being thrown like baseballs (thanks Mason). Mason refuses to leave the ornaments on the tree which then leaves Preston to put them back on. That explains the bulbs placed erratically. We keep forgetting to put our star on top of the tree. We'll do it tonight.

And finally, thanks to Auntie we got our Christmas picture taken and our Christmas cards are ordered! The first pictures are what I call the "Kirby Family picture bloopers" and then the final picture is the final shot.

To leash or not to leash?

2008-12-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Mason,

It's Mommy. I swore that I would never do it. I laughed at people who did it. I made fun of people who did it. I was disgusted with people who did it. I would not in my lifetime put my dear child on a leash. Nope. Never. No way.

BUT

I am now considering it. In the last couple weeks you have run into the middle of the street and/or busy parking lot at least 5 times. Spanking you, yelling at you, crying because of you, and quadruple threatening you DOES NOT WORK. It's as if I have not said a word to you. I try to hold you most times but I get conned into thinking that THIS time you finally understand the implications of your actions. Every time you do this your little life flashes before my very panicked and freaked out eyes. I can't handle it anymore.

You can be quite the stinker my little one. You throw nail polish on the tile, you jump off any surface regardless of the height and scare me to death, you say "no" to me at all times, you insist on taking your clothes off at least twice a day, you bite your big brother, you have to eat everything that I am eating, even when we think we child proof everything in the house-you still find something to get into, you climb out of your crib at all hours of the night, you throw fits when you can't play with my ipod or cell phone, and you demand to take your diaper off and pee-pee in the toilet but as soon as I put big boy underwear on you, you pee in them.

BUT

Mason, I love you so much. I love that I found out I was pregnant with you on CHRISTMAS day. What an awesome gift! I love that you made my pregnancy so easy. I love that when you were in my tummy I'd ask you to kick and you would right away. Because you were already such a nice little brother, you waited to enter our lives until your actual due date and not on Preston's birthday two weeks early. I was also only in labor for a little over 2 hours and having you was quite easy. And Mason, on the day you were born, the only way you would sleep was snuggled right with me and that's how you stayed all night. I knew right then that we would be close. I love that you were an early smiler. We couldn't even keep your binky in because you would smile it right out. I love that you resemble me just a bit since your brother is a carbon copy of Daddy. I love it that you are always willing to try new foods but you have to smell them first. I love that you will do anything to keep up with Preston even if physically you should not be capable of it. I love that you eat dog food with absolutely no shame as if it is socially acceptable and everyone should be doing it. I love that before you could say "yes" you instead made a noise that almost resembled a sneeze. I love that your favorite outfit consists of jeans, a tee, two bracelets that you wear proudly and a Diamondbacks hat. I love that your blue eyes and very black eyelashes make me melt. I have loved you since the day I found out you were growing inside of me. I love you so much that if something terrible were to happen to you, I would never be the same again. And that's why I have considered a leash. Please, Please, Please for the love of God, Please don't make me do it.

Love Always,

Mommy

SIDE NOTE: Although the thought of something happening to Mason is not funny, the idea of me getting a leash is. I would not really do it. I will hold him from now on!

A shatterproof Christmas

2008-12-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have found these at Costco! They are lovely AND shatterproof! All bulbs in tact this year! I feel like dropping one just to make sure! ;-)

According to Preston-

2008-12-02T14:59:00.001-08:00

This is what Santa will be toting around in his big RED bag on Christmas Eve.....

Preston- kaleidoscope gears and pin wheels

Mason- a basketball and lots of balls

Daddy- an octopus and a bracelet

Mommy- tap shoes

Papa- candy

Mana- butterflies

Grandpa (in California)- a snowman

Grandma Jean- a vacuum

Granny- a beach ball

Grandpa- magazines

Auntie Honey- a yo-yo

Uncle John- tap shoes

Daniel- a baseball

Dylan- guitars

Uncle Bryan- books

Auntie Emily- crayons

Jeffrey- chalk

Auntie Jamie- a jelly sandwich

Uncle Scott- bread and gears

Maddy- a pet cat

Jake- race cars

Auntie Bree- pumpkins

Uncle Brian- apples

McKenna- birthday candles

Auntie Julia- bouncy balls

Darrel- new cars

Mrs. Slama- tinker toys

Mrs. Brabb- a back pack

SOOOOO.......you better be good! Santa (Preston) is watching you!

Plan A turned into Plan B

2008-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

PLAN A
SO, for weeks now we planned on going camping in Rocky Point late Thursday night after being stuffed full of all that Thanksgiving was to offer. Our plans took a backseat to what really panned out. Mike had ordered his birth certificate weeks ago and even paid to over night it. Well, the Vital Records office in Orange County where he was born had another idea. Processing took too long and a birth certificate was absent. Although some were sure that we would not need birth certificates to get back in the United States, we did not want to chance it being that we would have two small kids with us. Another unfortunate event took place on Wednesday when Mike left work early to pick up our trailer and low and behold.......the place was locked. I was at Fry's with 3/4 of the camping groceries when he called to let me know. The place is run by a little old lady. There was a sign on the door saying that it was closed due to medical purposes. HA! Medical purposes that landed her out of town for the holiday is what we suspect. So my sissy Jamie and her family had to go enjoy the amazing beach without us. Next year it's ON!!!

PLAN B
Well, we were desperate to go SOMEWHERE after all of this talk of camping. We ended up at a campsite that we love (thanks Jami and Cory) near Payson. The weather was a bit chilly but we had a great time. There was actually some snow on the ground. S'mores were enjoyed by the dozen (ok, not a dozen but TONS) and the campfires were awesome. Plan A would have been so much fun but plan B worked out just fine and we had quality time as a family without computers and Nick Jr. ;-)

A few Thanksgiving funnies~

2008-11-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

The joke is on you kid!

2008-11-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Mason was so excited to help daddy use the drill. Little did he know that he was helping him install child safety locks so that my hair products (yes, he loves putting my hair products in his hair) and make up would be off limits.

MONDAYS!

2008-11-24T18:46:00.001-08:00

Bitter Beer Face

2008-11-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, not bitter beer face but bitter pickle face! He loves them!

Favorites

2008-11-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

Gifts are always fun to get right? Well, my mom scored big points this year when she was kind enough to purchase one of my favorite things in the world.....lip gloss! This is exactly what she bought for me! LOVE IT!

A man's best friend

2008-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

I have to do it. Who knows how long this post will stay up here once he sees it but my husband has a best friend. Wyatt Earp. Smelly, slobbery, big, dirty, over-sized tongue, has no control over his movements which causes scratches and bruises, terrible gas, always in the way and did I mention slobbery? I have to post this information because despite his 6'1 stature, his "it's all in your head, you can make it happen" attitude, his very Republican and conservative ways, his "never say die" mantra that he learned from his father, his ability to make a camp fire out of two sticks, his Eagle Scout courageousness, his way of fixing everything and anything, I gotta tell you something. The guy IS A SOFTIE! And it is just one of the many reasons why I love him so much. P.S. He even shares his beer and camping chair with him as pictured.

Once upon a Someburros....

2008-11-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

"Someburros night" has been a weekly event in my life for about six years. My beautiful mom, wonderful aunt, and amazing sister's are all included in the event. A really good night is when Jules surprises us and makes an appearance. You would think that we hadn't seen her in years and that she must be royalty. And when we are really lucky, Granny joins us too! We start off the day with a "Happy Someburros" text or phone call to one another. We ask each other when we should all meet although 99.9% of the time we meet at 6:30. We get together and we gossip, laugh, cry, gossip, laugh and laugh again. We solve the world's problems in just two hours. We get renewed energy to face the exciting, happy or stressful week that is in store. It pains us to miss a week! It is like waiting to go to a party with your best friends and well for me-they are my best friends! The employees know us so well that they have our chips and salsa waiting-even the million sides of mild that we each have to have! We are referred to as "The Sisters" and often times people think my mom IS my sister. A little too often actually! Just kidding mom!

My personal favorite "Someburros night" happened almost exactly five years ago. Two of us had a secret. Two of us were pregnant. My Aunt Wendy (who from now on will be referred to as Auntie Honey) was pregnant and SO WAS I! Now, you have to understand something. My Aunt and I are very close. We have been close probably since I was born. She is my God Mother and has played such a special role in my life consistently. We tell each other most everything....but not this special secret. We decided individually to tell the crew about our news on the same night. I knew that a baby was in the plans for her so a couple of days after I found out I was pregnant I asked her if she was. "Nope" she responded. I was kind of sad thinking that I was and she wasn't. Mike and I had just started "trying" (and yes I hate that term but whatever) that month and so no one even knew it was a possibility for me.

A couple of hours before Someburros I headed to my mom's house to let her be the first to know. She is the one who gave birth to me after all and now I was going to have a baby of my own. Julia happened to be there and when I told her the news and explained that I was going to fill everyone in on the news that night she said and I quote "Oh, I'm not going to miss this". Well, she already knew about Auntie and also that she was going to tell her secret that night as well.

At the dinner table, we were all seated and I decided that Maddy (my sister Jamie's daughter) should be the one to share my news. I whispered in her ear "Maddy, Auntie Trisha has a baby in her tummy". She looked at me with such excitement and shouted to the gang the exact words I just whispered. "Auntie Trisha has a baby in her tummy". After all the hugs and congratulations were given out, Auntie said that Daniel (her first son) had a message for us as well. She opened up his jacket and his t-shirt read "I'm the big brother". The only word I can think of right now to describe the goings on right at that moment is MAYHEM! There were screams! There were tears! There was "What!" "What!" "BOTH OF YOU PREGNANT?" "NO WAY!" "WHAT!!" It was one of the most amazing moments of my life. My aunt, who would do anything for me, got pregnant because God forbid I do it alone. Thank you Auntie! We had similar pregnancies with our due date being on the SAME DAY!! Dylan decided he needed to beat Preston and check things out to make sure the world was safe and made his debut on July 22 and Preston exactly one month later. I have posted a few pictures with this post. One is of Auntie Honey and I hugging RIGHT after we found out. It was scanned so I apologize for the quality.

We are off to a good start this morning!

2008-11-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

I can tell this blogging thing is going to be addicting! I could not sleep last night because I was thinking about all of my future blogs. What I should write about, what I should not write about, who might read it and how much time it will take to add super cool things. I think I slept maybe 3 hours last night.

BUT! Mike saved the day and brought a Starbucks coffee for me (peppermint mocha) and muffins for the boys! So despite a crazy night, we are off to a good start!

More Reasons to blog....

2008-11-20T00:11:00.001-08:00

Why I have decided to blog:

2008-11-19T20:27:00.000-08:00