The Stress

The stress of the last few days must be getting to The Phi. This morning while brushing her hair I found a white hair.

I tried to trade her for a Dachschund today

The Phi is out of control. She is still in a mood and has become Monster Phi, and to top everything off she pissed herself during one of her tantrums this morning. My cousin in Hawaii sent pics of a new Dachshund puppy. I emailed her back to see if she would trade the new puppy for Monster Phi. I am still waiting for her response.

(This is what Monster Phi looks like, but red and blotchy. And usually doing this half whiny half crying sound. Oh yea and with wild curly hair.)


And this is after yesterday. Oh man yesterday sucked. We worked our normal shift with Monster Phi in full effect. We had errands to run after work and I told her to go pee before we left. Monster Phi refused. So we went to Wal-Mart to buy allergy meds to get rid of all these damn hives I have been experiencing. Then we had to buy an adapter for a toy she got for Christmas. So we had to walk through the dreaded toy aisle. I found the adapter I wanted, I found it on the top shelf. There were signs everywhere saying, "Please ask for assistance for items on the top shelf". I started to wander looking for someone in the blue apron to help me. I could not find one person, and God knows they were not at the registers because only 2 of the 22 were open. Anyways as I was wandering trying to find someone Monster Phi spotted a Wiggles book. After about a 10 minutes super monster melt down She finally pried herself away from the book. Even her screams did not summon a worker and so I walked back to where the adapters were and God must have wanted to give me a break because there was one adapter on a bottom shelf. I grabbed it, and we headed to the self-checkout to get the hell out of there. Then we had to stop at the library. We had a video and book due that day. Oh man, little did I know it would be our last trip there for awhile.

Okay first you need some back story. We were at the library about a month ago. It was night and we were looking through books. Apparently in order to work at our local library you have to have absolutely no social skills or common sense, or even manners. There is a strange man that works there and while we were looking at kids books he asked me how old The Phi was. I told him and he directed me to the board book section, all 5 of them, telling me that those would be better because "she can't t-e-a-r or r-i-p them." I was thinking ummm thanks a-hole but my kid knows not to rip books. So we keep looking around and then we headed to the adult section so I could try to find a book. (not like xxx rated section) The Phi told me she had to go potty, so we head over to the bathroom. There is a big sign that says we need a key so we go back to the desk and Mr. Spell Everything Out is behind the counter and I ask him for the key. There is someone in the bathroom so we have to wait. As we are waiting he tells me "I will tell you something if you can take a joke" so I am like "Okay" and he goes, "If its an emergency we ask you wait outside in case of accidents." I stare at him with a 'get some freakin tact' look on his face. And I am thinking if you don't want kids ripping books or having accidents then you should put a big sign on the door that says "WE DON'T ENCOURAGE READING FOR TODDLER, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR CHILD OUTSIDE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT WELCOME HERE".

Okay back to yesterday. We had just walked into the library and I turned in our books and was looking at the new arrival section and The Phi was climbing onto a chair. I picked a new book and The Phi told me she had to go potty. So I told her we had to get the key and picked her up to head to the counted. As I was walking to the counter I shifted her onto my hip and noticed she had had an "accident". Her pants were soaked and I was like "Damnit, today sucks". I saw Mr. I Hate Children out of the corner of my eye so I threw my library card at the lady, checked out my book and bolted for the door. We power walked out of there and strapped The Phi in and as my tires screeched I thought, great now we can't go to the library anymore. But them I thought, that's okay they suck anyways.

Christmas 07

We started Christmas Eve by uniting my family at a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to caffinate for the long night ahead. Then we headed to this street that gets all decked out for the holiday. We walked the block.

Tia Day-Day doing the Peanuts dance.

Me and Chone with our favorite, "Lilo & Stitch".

We then headed to Big Nana and Big Tata's house. As soon as we walked in my Tia Ang gave The Phi her first gift of the night. She LOVED it.

The Phi on her Big Wheel

Santa paid a visit to a bunch of crying babies.

The best part of the holiday, my whole family together.

They are wierd-o's even on Christmas.

PR Mom, The Phi, and Big Tata

We got the kids settled and put to bed and then we woke up early to a mountain of gifts.

The Twinkies loving their gifts. It just looks gender biased but they both got truck and they both got dolls.

The Pro gift unwrapper.

Chone smiling and happy its Christmas

Our resident baker with some new tools.

After a quick stop to see my BFF Jess and her baby belly and then another quick stop at the cemetery to wish my cousin a Merry Christmas (we ran into a few cousins there), we headed to PR Dad's grandparents house. Where another pile of gifts awaited The Phi.

Syriah is just a doll!!

PR Dad was Gma's Secret Santa and he bought her a gorgeous necklace.

Oh yea and The Phi bought me some Spongebob Squarepants PJ's. This is just the pants, there is a matching shirt. Oh yea sexy. PR Dad also got me some LAMB perfume. It was a great Christmas. We are all still recovering!

For all the Christmas pics Click Here

My Heart Exploded with Love

Over the holiday we stayed in Santa Barbara with my parents for a few days. On Christmas Eve PR Dad and I left The Phi with my parents and went to see a movie. I have been wanting like desperately to see the film, "Juno". It is a only playing in select theatres and the area I live in is not one of those "selected areas". I guess they figure people who live for Nascar were not the film's target audience. Anyhoo, since we were in Santa Barbara we found the film playing at a small theatre on State Street and for the second time since The Phi was born we went to a movie without her. I have to tell you that there are no words to express how much I loved this film. The main character 'Juno' is the girl in high school I wish I could have been, instead of made fun of. She is smart, mature and oh my god funny. Diablo Cody, the film's writer, has taken a serious issue like teenage pregnancy and adoption and in some magically way turned it into a warm and fuzzy, yet pretty realistic movie. The story is broken down by the seasons and follows the story of 'Juno' a 16 year old high school kid who after having sex (because she was bored) with her "best friend" she finds herself pregnant. After a failed attempt at the abortion clinic she decides that adoption is her best option. After finding the "perfect" couple in the Pennysaver (you can find everything in there!) things seem to be in order. After some unexpected twists and turns the ending leaves you with a smile on your face(and wanting a hamburger phone). The soundtrack was filled with fun and folk sounding songs and we can't wait to download the soundtrack from i-tunes. Even PR Dad and his cold black heart liked this movie.

And the best part was the hand holding and walking with PR Dad's arm around my shoulders and when we got in the car he looked at me and said, "I think sunshine comes out of your butt" .

Too Much Christmas

This was the first Christmas that The Phi really understood what was going on. She was excited and anticipated the big day. She loved all the decorated houses and the shopping. The trees and holiday cartoon movies. Well when the day came she was on Christmas overload. After the late night at Big Nana & Tata's and then a early morning with mounds of gifts and toys EVERYWHERE, she lost her mind, and not just once, but she was a grouch all day. By the time we made it to PR Dads family's house she was a nightmare. A Nightmare ON Christmas. We are back at work today and she is already knocked out on a chair. I hope she catches up on her sleep and goes back to the sweet little girl we all know and love. Lots of pictures and Xmas update to follow soon! Stay Tuned.

Haunted By the Fallen Snowman

Last night after an awesome visit with Uncle Sam and dinner we headed out to check out more lights. The Phi loves it (and so do I). The day out here in the desert had been windy and there was one house with one of those giant inflatable snowmen that had been knocked down. It was laying flat on his carrot nose in the front yard. The Phi yells, "Mommy he fell down!" This image of the snowman on his face haunted my kid for the rest of the night. She kept talking about the snowman that fell down. I kept telling her that it was okay and that someone would pick him up. When that didn't satisfy her I told her that Santa would stop and pick him up. That worked and she went to bed. This morning she got into our bed and after asking me if it was Christmas, she said, "Mommy the snowman fell down!"

Merry Christmas from PRP

Well tomorrow the craziness that is Christmas is upon the PRP family. All the packing, and driving, food, family, stuffed houses, Santa visits, wrapping paper piles, toys that are too loud. Things get super crazy for us this time of year with all the families to visit but we wouldn't have it any other way. To us family is the most important part of this holiday. For all of us to be together in a house too small for all is my favorite part of Christmas.

So from the PRP family to you and yours......

Merry Christmas

Enchiladas 101

So they called and cancelled my appointment because the nurse practioner called in sick. So me and my fat lip have to just wait it out. It already has gone down a lot so hopefully all will be back to normal soon. But this is good news for you all because now I have time to post the pics from last night.

Here is my set up for making enchiladas. It is always messy and I have to wear my apron but they are always worth it.

How I Roll

The Phi helped make brownies.

The Phi was super excited when PR Gma showed up.

Her first Xmas gift of the season. The first of what I am sure will be many. She is now an expert gift unwrapper now. I think watching me wrap gifts for 4 hours helped her realize what is under all that wrapping.

Every year PR Gma buys The Phi the best stuff. She always buys gifts that The Phi uses all the time and this year was no exception. The Phi got some cute PJ's, a awsome skull shirt, black stretch pants, and the big gift was the Island Princess table with chairs and tea party set. I know you all know about my Barbie and princess but The Phi loves it. I am looking into how I can color the Barbie's hair brown without ruining the whole thing.

Here is the happy kid with her gifts.

Slacking on My Pimpin...I mean Blogging

I have been a slacker blogger lately. There have been some things going on at Casa PRP. But the craziness is behind me now and I can get back to thinking about something else. (Thanks Pops, you have no idea what it means). I was going to post pics from our Xmas celebration with PR Gma (PR Dad's Mom) last night, but instead of uploading pictures I took 2 benedryl and knocked out. Why the benedryl you ask? Well after dinner, and opening gifts we were sitting around drinking coffee and I my wrists and neck were really itchy. I was scratching and noticed hive-like raised skin on my arm. I later noticed them on my neck. But that is not the worest part. My upper lip was feeling tingly and itchy and after about 1/2 it had totally ballooned up. So I took the allergy meds and went to sleep totally thinking that it would be gone by the morning. Well its not. Its is still not. I am still here with a fat upper lip looking like Howard the Duck. This happened to me about a month ago but with my eyelid. It had swollen up but went away within a few hours. This wont go away, so I have been forced to make a dr's appointment. Well a nurse practitioner appointment, because god-forbid I see actual doctor. I am sure it is an allergic reaction to something, but what????

A Chicano Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas and all through la casa

Not a creature was stirring, only the masa.
Mama making tamales con mucho cuidado

In hopes old Santa would feel obligado

To bring all the hijos, both buenos y malos

A nice batch of dulces and other regalos
Mis hermanos and I went to sleep in our camas

Some in calsones, some in piyamas

Cuando out in the yard I heard un gran grito

That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito
And who in the world do you think que era?

El mero mero with his venados estaban afuera

Santa Claus in a sleigh with a big sombrero

Came dashing along like a little bombero
I watched as they came, and this little fat hombre

Was shouting and whistling, and calling by nombre

"Ay PEPE, AY JESSE, AY CUCA, AY BETOAY PANCHO,

AY CHATO, CHUY Y NETO!"
Then standing straight up, with his hands on his pecho,

He flew to the top of our very own techo

With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea

He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea
Then huffing and puffing, and a little cansado

He picked up a bag that looked so pesado

He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos

For none of the hijos had been very malos
Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento

He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento

As I heard him exclaim and this is verdad,

"MERRY CHRISTMAS A TODOS! FELIZ NAVIDAD

** taken from a forwarded email**

Wrapping Paper Hell

This holiday season is so much more fun this year. Just watching The Phi enjoy all the decorations and lights and talking up a storm about "snowman" (that's what she calls Santa) and "presents" is fun. You know what is not fun? Wrapping presents. I spent about 4 hours wrapping gifts and I remembered that wrapping gifts is one of those chores I hate to do and it is because I suck ass at wrapping gifts. I can never cut the paper straight. I usually cut way to much or way to little. I can never get the creases right and the paper always ends up bunchy. Most gifts I just throw in a decorative gift bag, but Christmas gifts are different. I love the kids ripping through the paper and the piles and piles left all over the living room. ( I am sure my Mom is not a fan of trash all over her living room, but I am!) The twins and The Phi are now at an age where opening gifts is fun for them. So because of that I spent 4 hours wrapping gifts. So if you get a gift from us and the paper is all jacked up, I am sorry but Merry Christmas anyways.

Holiday Shopping Stress

PR Dad is stressing out over buying gifts for The Phi. He thinks we are not buying her enough. He wants her to have a good and memorable Christmas. And in his minds a good Christmas means lots and lots of gifts. We spent ALL day yesterday shopping and we got through our entire list except The Phi. We still need a few things for her. We bought her big gift already and I need a few things to complete her stocking. But PR Dad is stressed, he doesn't think we have enough for her. After a long day of shopping we came home and The Phi sat on her little laptop playing and she asked PR Dad to help her with a game. So he sat next to her for a long time, helping her little hands move the mouse and play the games. I was unloading bags and packages and I could hear him encouraging her and both of them cheering when she would win. PR Dad doesn't understand that the time that he spends with her and the attention and love he showers her are the things that she will always remember, and not what she got for Christmas.

think McFly

i finally know what "think mcfly" means. yes peeps i saw back to the future for the first time last night. and yes i finally moved from the rock i was living under. what a great flick. kind a weird when his Mom kisses him but good. It made the 80's look like a simpler time. And the bonus is there is a sequel.

At least we dig each other....

PR Dad and I have been together for 4 years today. 4 wonderful and very fast years. In those years we have fallen in love, made a home, and became a family. We have had ups and downs, but not one fight. It hard to believe that it has been 4 years since that Never Heard of It / The Erks show at Chain Reaction and the infamous kiss in the Norm's parking lot by the green truck but it has. And looking at everything we had done, all the wonderful memories that I have tried to keep track of. ( I swear one day you will thank me for all the pictures!) we have had an amazing 4 years together. Pr Dad is truly my best friend. There is no one I want to spend my everyday and every night with. He has kept me laughing the entire time and I still think he is funnier than Conan.

Disneyland, March 2004

Feliz Dia De La Virgen De Guadalupe

I stepped outside into the cold morning and remembered that today was your day. That it was this time of year, in this kind of cold that you made roses appear out of rocky ground. I am not what one would call a religious person, but I believe in you and your power to watch and care for us. This past year you have watched over my family. You have kept my Nana and Tata in decent health. I know that you were there and protected my sister during her car accident. Thank you for being there, for watching over her and giving her the strength the heal back to the outgoing person she is. I know that you were there to take our Roman from this world and to heaven. You were there to stop his hurting and guide him on his journey to eternal life. You were there for all of us to comfort us and help us understand that it was time to let him go. During that time I have never prayed to you more. I prayed for understanding and answers as to why my family was is such pain and eventually you sent all the answers to me. You have given me the patience to raise my daughter and I thank you for her everyday. You are everywhere at all times and today is the day to thank you. To light your candles and bring you flowers and sing for you. So thank you Virgen. Thank you for taking care of us, giving us strength when we thought there was no strength left. For lifting us through the hard times and allowing us to enjoy the good times. Enjoy your day.


Reddragondesigns.net!">

One Step Closer to Disneyland

On Sunday PR Dad had a rare weekend day off and we had no plans. So last minute we meet up at our Compadres house. I love having them closer to us. We went out to Downtown Disney. The Phi is well aware who Mickey Mouse is. I don't know how or why, but she knows him. JZ thinks that is just knowledge that all kids are born with. Downtown Disney was all decked out for the holidays and despite The Phi not having a nap she did pretty good.

PR Dad and The Phi is front of the giant Christmas Tree. Right after this picture was taken Patty traumatized The Phi by pretending the nutcracker ate her arm.

JZ trying to be as cool as PR Dad.

We ended the night with a nice long dinner at BJ's Brewery and then coffee and Family Guy at their place. Ahhh Good Times.

Confident

I am confident in saying that The Phi is potty trained. She has not had an accident or a wet pull-up in well over a week. She always tells us when she has to go and even will go in public restrooms with no problem. So the only question is....

Nana and Tata, when are we going to Disneyland?

Yea winter finally decided to show up

Labels

Someone left a comment yesterday (that I deleted!) regarding something about speaking Spanish. I have no idea why the comment came from because the post was The Phi's letter to Santa. Maybe they were commenting that The Phi's letter to Santa was not in Spanish. And asked if I was into the whole "Latina" thing. I deleted the comment but it did make me want to comment on the idea of labels. The term "latina" is fine, if you want to generalize and talk about a whole bunch of women. To me the term "latina" lumps together every single woman from any Latin American country or even from a country that speaks a language derived from Latin. That terms is too general for me. Way too general for me. I will admit that I do not like being called "Latina" the term I prefer is "Chicana". To me the term Chicana is defined as a woman of Mexican decent, born and raised in the United States. I have often been told that I am "white-washed" In fact my husband (who is not Chicano or Mexican) often tells me that I am the "whitest Mexican he knows". Because of the way I dress, the way I talk and the language I speak that I am white-washed. To me white-washed means that I have turned my back on my culture and immersed myself in "white culture". This is so far from the truth. I grew up here, and not just here but in a upper-middle class town. My friends looked like a United Colors of Benneton ad. Through the people I have encountered in life I have developed my own interests and style. Because everything in my life is not what people think of as"Mexican" does not mean that I have lost my culture or my identity. In fact I am very confident in my identity. My taste in music, clothes and the language I chose to use 98% of the time does not determine my cultural identity. I believe that there is a new Chicana paradigm happening. I feel that my cultural identity is centered around my family. The traditions, the love and support. Because I am Mexican everything I do is Mexican. No matter what it is. My identity is in me and everything I do is a part of that even if it doesn't fit into a stereotype.

What is your cultural identity?

Dear Santa....

Dear Santa,

What up Homie? How is been going this last year? I have had a pretty crazy year. I think the best has been all the talking I have been doing. I know so many words now. Its pretty awesome. But let me tell you Santa the real big news. I don't wear diapers anymore. My Mommy and Daddy have worked really hard with me and now I wear chonies all day long!!! Its very exciting stuff in my house. Besides that I have been a good kid all year long. I put my toys away, and I am trying harder to listen to my Mom. I sleep in a big kid bed and I even help my Mom with the cooking and I help my Dad watch cartoons in bed. I have had my rough days when I throw a tantrum and don't listen to my parents, but there are much more good days. So Santa if I have made it to your nice list here are a few things I want.

• I am wearing 3T clothes now. I just had a growth spurt and weighing in at about 28 pounds! My shoes are a size 8


• Some of my favorite shows are Yo Gabba Gabba, The Wiggles, Curious George, Clifford and my very favorite is Spongebob Squarepants. I can even sing the theme song.


• I am really liking playing tea party with anyone who will play with me.


• I am really into wooden puzzles too. And let me tell you I am pretty good.
  
  
• I love to paint and color and cut things out with scissors.

Well that's all I can think of now. I hope that your Christmas is not too stressful. And remember that I will be at my Nana and Tata's house with all my cousins on Christmas morning. I will make sure that Tata cleans out the chimney for you! Until next year!

Love, Peace and Hair Grease,

The Phi

Freak Out in Wal-Mart

After dinner last night we headed to Wal-Mart to pick up milk. While wandering the aisles PR Dad was trying to console an upset Phi (damn those set up video games) and he was hunched over pushing the cart and talking to The Phi. I was walking next to them when PR Dad looked up and over at a lady standing a few feet in front of us. All of a sudden he ducks his head lower, slows his pace and starts muttering, "Oh shit that's my ex-wife" I looked over at the lady and all I could say was "Are you serious?" as we got closer instead of saying hi, PR Dad just kept saying "Oh shit, oh shit what the hell is she doing here?" We walked right past her and PR Dad looked away and she didn't notice him. As soon as we walked by I started cracking up. I have never seen PR Dad so freaked out. He was completely caught off guard. His ex-wife was the last person he ever expected to see in our local Wal-Mart. I asked him why he didn't say hi. He said that he never thought he would have to deal with her ever again and was just in shock to see her after probably about 7 years. Unlike my ex-husband and I (who are still friends) PR Dad had not seen his ex-wife since she left their house.

Then he started freaking out when I said, "Maybe she lives here."

He was like "if she does she could walk into my store at anytime."

"Then you should have talked to her. Said hello, and see what the hell she was doing here. Maybe she was just passing through."

He agreed and we walked around scanning the store trying to find her again. But the ex-wife must have been sucked into a black hole because she was no where to be found. I would have loved to meet her and talk to her. I am strange like that. I mean there is nothing to be insecure about. I have the fat diamond ring, the house and the gorgeous child.

Now I didn't get the best look at her, but I did get a look at her and I noticed a wedding ring. After giving her a quick glance I could not imagine PR Dad with someone that looked like her. (ya ya I know don't judge a book by its cover blah blah blah). She dressed like she walked out of a chico's ad. Complete with black linen capri's, she had her hair pulled back tight and well she looked nothing like me. She looked more like one of my Tias than like me. She was dressed much more "grown up" despite that fact that we are the same age. She had on her comfortable black pumps as I cruised around in my Chuck Taylor's. I must admit I never thought I would see or meet the ex-wife. I was a little shocked, but nothing like PR Dad was. It is strang to think that he had a life with this woman before. Their marraige last just about a year and a half. I think because I was married before (for about 4 years) it doesn't really bug me. PR Dad and I have pasts. But I believe that because of our past relationships, we have learned about ourselves and these lessons have lead us to the wonderful marriage that we have today.

This morning as I was giving PR Dad a kiss good-bye. I joked with him and said "Tell your ex-wife hi for me if she walks into your store today" He was not amused, but then I told him that I was happy that he was mine and that I was his wife.

Griswold Status

Today was PR Dads day off and we spent the afternoon out in the front yard putting up Xmas lights and garland. See when we bought the house PR Dad promised me he would put up lights. See my first husband was a JW and I never got to decorate. Well here he is making good on his promise 4 years later....

Not quite Griswold status, but still cute!

Then we enjoyed watching "How the Grinch Stole Xmas"

Pssst...

You can find a new article by me HERE

A First for Us Both

For whatever reason I had never seen the Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer movie. I know I know. I have never seen "Its A Wonderful Life" or read a Harry Potter book either. So the Rudolph movie was on TV tonight so The Phi and I cuddled under the covers in my room to watch the movie. The Phi is way into everything Xmas right now. The movie was kind of weird. Kind of a lot weird. So I understand that the little elf guy was suppose to feel left out, but a dentist? I was about to open a book when they landed on the Island of Unwanted Toys and the movie reeled me back in. I loved every single one of those toys! The train with the square wheels, the bird that swims, the cowboy who rides an ostrich, the boat that can't stay afloat, but I especially loved the polka dot elephant. I so want a stuffed polka dot elephant now. I found one on line for like$50. I could not figure out what was wrong with the doll though. The Phi loved the movie, mostly because it had snow and Xmas trees. 2 of her favorite things right now. All in all it was a good little Xmas movie. It was no Frosty the Snowman (that's coming on Friday!) or How the Grinch Stole Xmas (stink stank stunk). I like that The Phi is starting to like this whole Xmas thing. It gave me the motivation to decorate the house and watch these Xmas movies. As she gets excited over ornaments and houses with lights I feel my bah hunbug-ness slowly melting away and like the Grinch, my heart for Xmas grows.

The First Shopping Day of the Season

We survived the first day of Xmas shopping. We had to go on a Sunday which made is all the more crazy. We hit up 2 malls and The Phi's favorite Pro Bass Shop. The Phi was a champ and went potty and stayed dry all day! We knocked out a few names off our list and even managed to have some fun.

The big tree in the courtyard at the mall was up and gorgeous!

Yes even my 2 year old is a Starbucks snob. I can only imagine what we looked like with the three of us holding our Starbucks holiday cups.

The Phi was so good we took her to see Santa. Here she is waiting.

She liked Santa and had some laughs. Although we realized that she does not understand that Santa brings gifts. He asked he what she wanted to Xmas and she just gave him a blank stare. After the silence we were like "awkward!" He handed he a lollipop and we were on our way.

Holiday Tradition

Growing up we had a tradition in our house during the holidays. My Mom would buy an ornament every year. It was something that represented a big event during the year. Since PR Dad and I have been together I have kept up this tradition . Today we were out Xmas shopping and we stopped by a little stand where you can buy personalized ornaments and PR Dad found the perfect ornament for this year.

The Power of Santa

I just read this post. This is something PR Dad and I just talked about the other day. While out to dinner at The Phi's favorite Thai place she got to watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Yes The Phi has a favorite Thai place where she gets fun kids plates and gets to watch cartoons. Anyways she couldn't take her eyes off the screen. She asked questions about the wreathes, the sleight, and the presents. This is the first year that The Phi understands whats really going on around her. After breakfast yesterday PR Dad headed out to work and The Phi and I decorated the house. She knew that presents were suppose to go under the tree. PR Dad and I were discussing if she was old enough to understand the concept of "Santa is watching and he keeps a list of the good kids, and the good kids get presents". PR Dad thinks that maybe next year we can use Santa as bribery, but I think we can totally use it this year. We are going to be taking her out to visit Santa soon (maybe even today!) and after that visit we can start to explain Santa to her, and I have a few Xmas videos on her Netflix that may perk her interest. And once she graps the concept than I am hoping using the Santa factor to get her to pick up her toys, and listen to her Mom more.

Her First Kiss

The Phi and Elias share a kiss!

Bong Fong Fong the next generation!

More More More

I have 2 other blogs that I post. And if that wasn't enough I am now a contributor over at Alternative Subculture Moms. My first book review is up now. Check it out in the Rad Reads column. And look around at all the other columns.