Time to Give it Up?

Raif has been having a hard time giving up his bottle. Bailey gave it up at 15 months, Raif will be two at the end of Ocotber, and has no desire. Well, this morning as we were watching Yo Gabba Gabba in my bed, Raif was having a great time and then showed me his winning prize. He completely chewed off the nipple of his bottle.

It made me wonder, how do women still breastfeed when their child has teeth on top and bottom? I, as most of you who know me, know, that I did not breastfeed either of my children. Gasp....I know. Whatever! It is not a discussion I get in with anyone. Period. Not even my husband. It was my choice and I knew it wasn't for me. Period. End of discussion.

But, anyways, back to my post. Wouldn't this hurt! Bailey was never a chewer. Raif obviously is. I was cracking up as he showed me, with pride, what he had accomplished. Little did he know he would not get a bottle for the rest of the day. Ha, ha, ha! If you can chew it, you don't need it. I did crack tonight. We can't solve everything in one day. Hopefully we are on our way to no bottles. I really just want to get rid of them. One less thing to throw in the dishwasher.

His winning prize! He looked at me as if to say, "Look what I did, Mommy!"

Oh, The Life...

Raif loves watching TV in Colby's and my room. I had to sneak the camera past Raif so he didn't see it and do his silly "cheese" face. I would love to cozy up with him. But, somehow when I get on the bed with him it becomes, "let's jump on mommy time and be silly." At least I get to get in some laundry while he's relaxing.

The Master's Fishing Tournament

As most of you know, well if you don't know then you don't know Colby, Colby is an avid fisherman. Two weekends ago Colby, was in the Master's Tournament, which is one of the biggest non-money tournaments in Southern California. He asked me before he left if I wanted to go to the awards banquet, my response was, "only if you win!" Well, sure enough we attended the banquet, because he and his team won! The boat caught and released 4 marlin, Colby catching one of those on 12 lb. line using a circle hook. I could go on and on about the technicalities of everything, but I won't, and just leave you with a few pictures of the night. It was a big night for him, and I'm glad I got to share it with him.

Pre-party pictures on the boat they went on. They were all so proud of all of their flags they proudly had out!

Colby and his fellow anglers being presented with the 1st ever Circle Hook Award.
Their team, Bill, Rob, Curtis and Colby

Naples Street Dance

We had our last concert in the park in Naples this past Sunday. It is my favorite one of the summer. We danced in the street to our neighbor's band, The Elm Street Band, a Long Beach favorite. Raif and Bailey didn't stop once they got up and started dancing. We "dined" on Albertson's fabulous fried chicken! A great way to end the summer.

Raif actually did have to stop for a few minutes to ice his head after a little fall.
Raif wasn't in the mood to pose with his sister.

Where did everybody go?

Raif is waiting for our neighbor's little boy to get a bit bigger so he is not the only boy. Bailey is dancing with our neighbors Annabelle and Vicki.

Happy 15th Anniversary Kelly and Eli!

15 years ago today my sister and Eli got married in a small ceremony in Bullhead City, Nevada. They both knew what they wanted and had an inexpensive wedding and moved right into their first home. They are now on their 3rd home and have two beautiful girls. I have known Eli for about 20 years now, and he seems more like a big brother than brother-in-law. Kelly and Eli know how to make each other laugh, and I think that is why they have been together so long. Congratulations to both of you! Here is to the next 15!


Yes, I know this should be a picture of Kelly and Eli, but I can't find the one on their wedding day. So for laughs and giggles, here is a picture of Kelly and me at her bridal shower.

Say Cheese!

Every time Raif sees the camera, he makes this ridiculous face and says, "Cheese," it sounds more like, "eeeeeeees," but we know what he is saying. Bailey is also a ham in front of the camera.

Happy 14th Birthday Jaymee!

Jaymee had her 14th birthday and 1st day of high school this past Wednesday. We celebrated her birthday dinner at my mom and dad's house Saturday night. She opted for a pumpkin pie instead of cake, which I was also happy about. We had no candles, so we used tea lights instead! When they become teenagers things such as candles don't mean as much, hey at least we lit something! My mom made baked spaghetti, a crowd favorite.