Things Zeke loves!

I was just thinking of the things we seem to do daily, actually more like constantly, and I thought I would compile a little list of Zeke's favorite things!
1. Unfortunately his hummer
He has loved this ridiculous thing for a year, we are very anti hummers, but he insists on constantly playing with it. We saw a huge one in Toys R us and he literally threw his in the back of the cart and said he needed that one his was old and too small. Talk about consumerism, how embarrassing!
2. The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, our great friends Steve and Karen gave us this book for Zeke's 4th b-day. It is all about taking care of our Earth and what happens when factories take over. It is so cool, we read it not kidding 10 times a day, and it is not a short book. There are all kinds of fun things like Bar ba loots, and swomme swans. And he uses phrases like schloppity schlopp, and gluppity glupp. I highly recommend it! We have caught Zeke reading it to Sofia, so sweet!
3. Speaking to us in quotes from Cars the movie. He says things like "hey stickers you got me out here now what are we gonna do?", or "I am so not taking you to dinner mama." It cracks us up.
4. Playing pretend, it is mainly him acting like he is Lightning McQueen driving his dump truck around the yard.
5. His huge dump truck, from aunt Lindi, he absolutely loves this thing, he plays with it everyday all day. He wants us to yell out on your mark get set go and he takes off through the yard.
6. water: now that it is not as hot we don't fill up the water table everyday anymore, but he asks us to. He lives outside and wants to play in the water constantly. The bath is the same thing, he stays in as long as possible, until the water is cold and his feet are prunes.
7.Wrestling with Daddy, they do all kinds of real wrestle moves that he is not allowed to do on Mama, because I literally can't handle it. They do the full nelson and body slams, many others I do not know the names of but Zeke does and asks Dan to perform on him. Zeke needs at least 1 hour daily of wrestle time with daddy.

These are in no particular order, just some things that fill up our days here at the Lance home.

The first real haircut

Before
During
After

So Zeke and I went to good ole Fantastic Sam's today for the first haircut. Usually every summer we shave his hair into some short of stylish mo-hawk or fo-hawk, this summer we let it go! So as you can see from the before and after pictures his hair needed a trim. We actually wanted it cut a lot more than that, but what are you gonna do it is Fantastic Sam's. Zeke has been wanting his hair cut for awhile, he says like Daddy's but we are not ready to let go of his beautiful hair yet! (we live vicariously through his hair). When I explained to the girl what I wanted she described back some type of bowl cut which was not ok. We went into the hair cut with a lot of bribes riding on the outcome, chocolates, a long ride on the Vespa with daddy, and lots of praise about what a big boy he is. He did awesome except for when the hair dresser snipped his ear! There was a scream and "hey you hurt me" extremely loud! But he calmed down enough to finish. So when she did finish and it was not what I wanted I had to let it go so we could finish the first hair cut on a good note. We ended up trimming his bangs when we got home because I don't think she even touched them with her scissors! I was very proud of him, those of you who know him, know what a big step this is!

How did I get poop on my knee?????

What an afternoon! So lately Sofia has made eating time unbearable, she has always sucked her thumb while eating her afternoon veggies and her cereal. But now along with the thumb sucking she uses her free hand to grab the spoon and push it away, thush causing food to be even more places than before. Her bottle time after that has always been a clam time which I love. We sit in the rocking chair and watch Zeke play in the backyard. But now she is constantly sitting up pushing the bottle away, grabbing it, throwing herself back into me. It is no longer calm and peaceful. Well today as we were lurching back and forth Zeke came running inside yelling"watch out mama I gotta poop!" He ran into the bathroom only to return very shortly half naked and say "I got poop on my knee" I think my reply was "what the heck, how did that happen" He of course did not know. So Sofia and I walk in, (I am still feeding her at this point) and investigate the situation. From the evidence left in the bathroom I can only conclude that Zeke kind of made it to the toilet, kind of didn't. So somewhere in that chaos, poop ended up on the knee and many other fun places I got to clean! Oh the joys of being a mom, why couldn't this have happened just a few short hours later when Dan was home! I guess it will be another fun story to add to his journal that he can read years from now!

The Office YAY!!!!

Is anyone else so excited about The Office tonight!!!!!! It is the season premiere and I can't wait! That show is so stinkin hilarious, even when we watch re-runs and know what happens we still crack up laughing and sometimes pee our pants. Not really, but it is a possibility!
Anyway really no point to this blog except to say that I am excited and can't wait to laugh really hard!

Just call me America's Next top Model (p.s I love that show!)

Recently I have been trying to wear make-up again. I took a short haitus from it with a new baby and all. ( not that I wore it that often before Sofia) But my friend Trish was here last weekend and I said can you teach me to put it on right??? THis morning as I was trying to remember her tips as I applied my eye shadow I thought back to my first meeting with make-up. I think I was in 8th grade and I wanted to wear make-up so bad, so my mom ordered me this Jafra eye shadow compact, the colors were all purples, not kidding. Anyway she showed me how to put it on and I think I wore it for a week and thought it was too much work. I still had that eyeshadow when I graduated high school. I just relied on my sister to do my make-up for mid-winters and Proms! Anyway then about 6 years ago my best friend Annette was making tons of money doing Mary Kay :) and so she taught me again how to apply the make-up. Now this time it stuck I was 23 at the time, and I began wearing make-up almost everyday!
Fast forward to today when I wear make-up for church and work. But I have to admit when I know I will be staying at home or only running out to Trader Joes for some fruit and hummus, the idea of apply three different colors of eye shadow and curling my lashes sounds ridiculous! BUt since last weekend I wore make-up 4 days this week. ( Trish I have been using my brushes!) Of course I am still using my revlon eyeshadow from CHristmas, it was in my stocking, but I say hey work with what ya got right. Anyway here I am almost 30 and I am still learning to wear make-up! Good thing Dan loves me al natural! Just some random thoughts today about how in style and hip I am. Am I too old to apply for America's Next Top Model?

Sofia's first trip to D-land

So we went to disneyland today on a whim. It was supposed to rain so we didn't think it would work out but the weather cleared and it was a beautiful day! We only went for about 4 hours, but with 2 kids it was long enough. We actually stayed in California Adventure for the whole visit. We went on the huge Ferris Wheel, which I did not enjoy at all. It swings back and forth and we were so high, I was freaking out but pretending to enjoy it for Zeke's sake. He for the most part does not enjoy Disneyland until about the end of the trip. I think it is overwhelming and scary for him but he did great. We ran into friends, the Quesada gang and had fun cruising around the park together. We did the carousel, and Monster Inc, the boys did Tower of Terror.
Sofia did great, but both kids were so tired after the day was over.
Yay for living in So Cal so we can get passes, because I could not hack it if we had to stay all day!

Life lessons with Zeke

This might be a monthly installment since I am always learning things from him! He is 4 years old and so bright and hilarious! A couple of days ago Dan was gone all day and evening at Smashing Pumpkins, it made for a very long day with no adults to speak with and no relief from constant chaos. Anyhoo we decided to head out for a walk to break up the evening. As I was pushing our massive double stroller around our neighborhood, I realized that to be on the side walk and go up and down the drive way dips was ridiculously hard! The stroller is so heavy and it felt like it was going to tip over. I assume I was making a dramatic statement about how hard it was when Zeke said (in a soothing tone) "relax mama, your ok". I had to chuckle because he is always repeating me and it is just funny when your 4 year old can calm you and make you see how dramatic you might sound!
Anyway I can't keep track of how many times a day he cracks us up. Just this morning as we were taking care of business in the bathroom I said why is your poop green Zeke, he calmly replys "oh I was eating grass" Then cracks up at himself! Fun times and life lessons!

stinky pee

I just wanted to complain about washing cloth diapers for a moment. By the time I got around to this last batch of dirty diapers it had been too long. I keep a pail outside the laundry room door and it smells so bad!!! The smell is an overwhelming nose piercing pee and poop smell, but added to that is two weeks of stewing together in a warm pail. At least it has not been hot the last 2 weeks, oh wait... Anyway my laundry room reeks (sp?) now and it is nasty.
I know it is worth it, but on mornings like today when I was gagging I did wonder.

The girls are back in town!

That title should be sung in your head as if you are singing that song, "the boys are back in town"
Two of my girls from college came for a visit this weekend and we had such a blast. I met Trisha and Leslie about 9 years ago, and actually became close with them after we were out of school and livin' la vida loca in Redding!
We had a great time getting our nails done, eating yummy food together, and cracking up at memories we have of ridiculous things we did in college. I just love these friendships because even though we have not seen each other for 2 or 3 years we can just pick up right where we left off. It is so cool to see where we are now, in such different places but still linked together and able to share our lives with one another. Thanks girls for a great time! I will always remember hot doggy dog!

ahh a clean house

Is there anything better than a clean house? I just love going to bed with clean sheets, and knowing my house is clean. And I mean really clean! Tonight I went to help Dan with his Anthem show for a couple of hours, picked up the kids, put them to bed and got to work! I turned on some Killers (sam's town album) I love to rock out while cleaning! I cleaned the whole house more than I have in months. I mopped the floors on my hands and knees, cleaned the bathroom, did the laundry, and the dishes and I feel so great! Yay for a clean house and it will last more than 10 minutes because the kids are in bed. I am going to savor this because tomorrow morning by 7:30 it will be dirty, after the dog comes in from outside and Zeke heads out to cover himself in dirt and sweat. But that is the joy of kids and pets!
Right now I have a cleansing face mask on, I am going to jump in the shower and I just might treat myself to a no pudge brownie from Trader Joes!

just some pics

These are just some random pics I took these last few weeks, except for the one I am in obviously. They are all from camping at the beach!

Target is finally turning green!!

How excited was I when cruising through Target with the kids and I saw biodegradable diapers and wipes!!! We use g diapers for Sofia with cloth inside of them, because they are a little on the expensive side to use. We use the disposable g diaper at night and then cloth during the day. Dan and I have been saying for months why don't huggies and pampers produce biodegradable diapers, shame on them for making diapers that don't break down for 500 years!
Target now has these new diapers called Nature baby care, which are $9.49 for a pack of 40. I checked and pampers were $9.49 for a pack of 48. That is not a bad price for a difference of 8 less diapers! And the wipes were comperable (sp?) also. Now in my opinion you have no excuse if you buy diapers to not at least try biodegradable ones! So do it moms and dads!

carrots anyone?

I just had to post this picture of Sofia eating carrots! She is such a messy eater, she enjoys putting her thumb in her mouth after each bite, and so not only is her face covered but her hand also. She then proceeds to rub her eyes, and forehead, touch her legs and belly. She is a crack up, except that carrot does not come out of clothes very easily! Anyway I thought everyone would want to see how cute she is covered in carrots!

ball of stress, that is my nickname

It is so hard not to worry. I feel like it is in my nature to be a constant ball of stress and worry. To be consumed with the what ifs of this crazy world. I need so much help to turn this around, to start over and trust God to take control. It is so easy to say God will take care of it and he is in control. But the truth is that he is in control and his idea of a good plan is not always fun and easy. In fact it just might suck and be really hard. I guess what I need is to be ok with that. My husband who seriously saves me from going crazy told me to read Luke 12 this morning. I did and Jesus said these simple words which we have heard a thousand times, but I really needed to hear again. " Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows"
I don't want to be afraid and stressed out all the time, I want to rest in the truth of his love for me. Thats all, just sharing my struggle of a life time with ya all.

my toes hurt

I think I broke my toes yesterday. It is not even a cool story. The phone rang, it was Stacey, really it is her fault. ANyway I run to answer it and the dog runs in my way I jump over her and slam my foot right into the door. Let me just say it hurt like the dickens! I did not however let any words slip out because my son was present. I did scream loudly which was very upsetting to him. So all day yesterday it was throbbing, and Dan had to carry me around piggy back and do all the chores. Today it feels a little better since I iced it for hours last night. But as Dan said on his blog this morning was crazy, and my toes are partly to blame for that! I also have to admit that I am a wuss and have a low tolerance for pain. I hope my picture doesn't gross anyone out, just looking at someone else's feet is kind of nasty, so sorry for that.

butterfly mugs and tight jeans

This morning I was making myself some coffee with the French Press ( I am recently addicted to coffee every morning). And I was getting a mug out and I reached for my favorite and I had to smile because my long time friend Leila made me this mug as a present for my 21st birthday. And in about a month and a half I will be turning 30!!!! What the heck time flies. I still feel like I am 25 until I am at the plaza and make comments about the kids these days, and what they wear! Maybe I am just jealous that 15 year old boys can wear jeans I can't. Anyway it was setting in that I am almost out of my 20's and how crazy that is to me. Thankfully I have friends who are 30 and they look great so I have hope for myself! Leila if you read this thanks for my mug I love it, it's yellow and happy looking which I need in the morning!

Date night

Last night Dan and I went on a date for the first time since June! We think it must have been June, all of July was devoted to preparing for Kyrgyzstan, and then traveling and being there for 10 days. All of August was devoted to settling in with a new baby, getting used to a family of four, and I started work again, Dan had a few shows. You know life just keeps going, and we had to jump right back in to it. So it was so fun to go out last night. We did the usual dinner and a movie, but since we had not been to the movies since Pirates of the Carribean it was a real treat to go to the movies! We saw The Bourne Ultimatum, which we very much enjoyed, and had dinner at El Torillto, yum. We talked without interruption and didn't have to scarf down our food in order to help someone else or clean up spills and spit up! It was awesome. Family is so fun, but having time alone is so refreshing. Yay for grandparents!

camping!

So the past few days were spent with great friends camping in Santa Barbara. Yay for cooler weather, I heard it was 113 in Riverside on Monday! We have a group of friends who go camping every labor day weekend. We have gone for the past 6 years, wow times flies, we started with only 3 little kids, this year we had 11! It was a blast! Day at the beach, campfires, dirty kids, and only a few little fights. It added up to a great time with friends who I love and miss. (annie!)
Next time the pictures might look more orderly, I am still figuring out this crazy blog thing ( I am so old) and Dan is not home, if he were it would look much better!
These pictures are a small snipit of the hundreds of pictures I took of the weekend, as you can see there is a bit of a theme, Zeke and the dirt were close friends! But isn't that what camping is all about!