More Books

I received so many great comments on books for toddlers from my last post. Thank you to everyone that commented and emailed. Some have been purchased, loaned from the library or some we already had and didn't realize we had.

Muncha, Muncha, Muncha
Clifford books
Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom Submitted by Pure Mommy Extract (love her blog)

Goodnight Little Bear
Danny and the Dinosaur
Little Red Caboose
Owl at Home
The Color Kittens
The Seven Little Postmen Submitted by my dear friend Kirsten.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Book Finds

On Saturday I went to a semi-annual used book sale. Last Spring I found some great finds and was excited to go again this past Saturday. I was a bit disappointed by the selection of adult books but the coffee and donuts cheered me up and the thankfully the children's books were pretty good. This is what I found.


This book goes through each letter of the alphabet and every page is full of cars and trucks. Gg is for Garbage truck, Zz is for Zamboni! The pages are really bright and colorful.


I picked this one up for Taro to read to Reagan. A simple book but Reagan is really into tools and helping daddy in the garage with projects. His current favorite toy is a toy power drill.


This book is my absolute favorite, I have always loved Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals and My Favorite Things is a favorite song. The illustrations in this book are GORGEOUS! I can't believe someone would want to part with this book. Lucky me.

33 Things

My sister sent me this in an email. I really do like receiving these but just filled another one out last week so I am posting this here. Enjoy.

What is your occupation right now?
Activities coordinator

2.What color are your socks right now?
Red knee highs with multi-colored hearts (and i am wearing shorts)

3.What are you listening to right now?
leaf blower and my husband talking to the neighbor outside

4.What was the last thing that you ate?
honeycrisp apple. i love washington

5.Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes

6.Last person you spoke to on the phone?
i left a voicemail for my friend Dani

7.Do you like the person who sent this to you?
hells yeah, my sister rocks

8.How old are you today?
33

9.What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
i like to snuggle up to my husband while HE watches sports

10.What is your favorite drink?
duh, bourbon!


11.Have you ever dyed your hair?
No Way! but i do put gloss in it.


12.Favorite food?
whatever my mama or Taro prepares then Japanese or Mexican

13.What is the last movie you watched?
Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Bor-ring!

14.Favorite day of the year?
Thanksgiving or new Years eve

15.How do you vent anger?
i let it out as soon as i feel it

16.What was your favorite toy as a child?
etch-a-sketch

17.What is your favorite season?
Spring- skiing is awesome

18.Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries! another reason why i love Washington

19.Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
yes

20.Who is the most likely to respond?
dunno, i am posting to my blog

21.Who is least likely to respond?
dunno

22.Living arrangements?
One level home (i love not having stairs) husband, son, dog and cat

23.When was the last time you cried?
I can't remember but i got pretty upset last tuesday

24.What is on the floor of your closet?
all my boots that don't fit where the rest of my shoes go

25.Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
dunno, i am posting this to my blog

26.What did you do last night
assembled a K*NEX with my husband and had some Bourbon

27.What are you most afraid of
Snakes

28.Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy cheeseburgers

29.Favorite dog breed?
Bernese Mountain Dog

30.Favorite day of the week?
Thursday

31.How many states have you lived in?
7

32.Diamonds or pearls?
diamonds

33.What is your favorite flower?

cala lilly

Bedtime Story

Has anyone read this book? Reagan and I checkout our first books from the library the other day and this was one of our choices. That night Taro read him the book. Afterwards he gave me some details about the book and told me he didn't like reading it to Reagan. At the time I didn't think anything of it. The next night we settled in for a bedtime story and I decided to read him the same story. HOLY CRAP! The man in the yellow hat is a bad, bad man. He kidnaps poor, innocent George from Africa. He lures George out of a tree then puts him in a bag and they get on a ship to the U.S where he plans to take George to a zoo. Once they get to the city, The Man in the Yellow Hat gives George a pipe to smoke after dinner. WTF? George accidentally calls the fire department and then gets taken to jail. Terrible! I need to do a better job of choosing books. Any recommendations?

Halloween Fun

Halloween is beginning to be a favorite holiday (is it called a holiday?). It is like a kick-off to winter like Valentine's is a kick-off to spring. I love both days and we had a fun time celebrating Halloween this year.
The week before we went to a children's halloween party. The hosts did a fantastic job keeping the kids entertained and the setting could not have been more perfect.
Reagan's buddy is born on the 30th and we all went to his costume party. Toddlers in costumes. It does not get any cuter. Halloween was spent trick-or-treating downtown and riding the riverfront miniature train. We then put a very tired babe to bed and Taro and I headed to a halloween party. We left at 1:30am! It wasn't over! Taro and I partied again Saturday night too. I love Halloween but am happy it is over. I am still detoxing.

GAH!!!

I bought a pair of Arc'teryx bottoms in black to wear under my ski pants. Tonight I saw the same website selling this.



Angry!

One to add to your ipod

This is a lazy blog post but I have to share with you my love for this song. In case you haven't noticed I am a Pitbull fan.

Tumble Buds

Reagan and I have been taking a tumbling class for toddlers each week. It is so exciting to see his improvements from week to week. The class is 30 minutes of structured tumbling and play. He surprises me at how well he can sit and follow instruction. His best event, the bars. 10!

Laughing in my oatmeal

While eating breakfast this morning I came across this. For the record I am supporting McCain this election but I did see the humor in this.

Might as well face it, I am addicted ...

To sunglasses that is. And the one of the best place to get them is another addiction of mine, Steep and Cheap. This website is fantastic and the best deals to be found always lat least 50 percent off and sometimes even 90 percent.

I had to hold myself back on these


Or how about these stunna shades?


This pair would be great for biking or apres ski but it looks just like a pair I already own


I can totally see myself in these sitting in a drop top.


I need this pair for my next beach trip


A girl can never have too many sunglasses

These are a few of my favorite things

Here is a list of the things that make me happy

Nonpariels eaten with popcorn
Snuggling up with my husband and watching a movie at home
Rummikub – Garcia’s love them some Rumikub!
Nibbling dark chocolate while sipping mint tea
Movies: Love Actually, Footloose, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Parent Trap, My Fair Lady
Skiing with Taro and enjoying a fat lunch
Comet cleaner – it isn’t clean unless you use comet
Receiving texts from my niece and nephew
Riding the trolley to Red Robin with Reagan
Veuve Clicquot
Receiving my favorite magazines in the mail. InStyle, Domino, The Week, Allure, Conde Nast Traveler.
Receiving personal mail like notes and cards.
Pretty paper and stationary. This is my total weakness. My favorite is still the traditional Cranes Paper.
My Miggity Mac. It just has taken me some time to switch from PC to Mac.
Make-up! I love MAC and each time we travel I always search beforehand for a MAC Pro store.
Prime Rib prepared by Taro. Better than any restaurant. Hands down.
Pens! You must have pretty pens and markers to go along with your paper.
America’s Next Top Model. This is a guilty pleasure of mine. I usually Tivo the entire season then watch it all in one day.
Chips and Salsa. Oh gosh, how I LOVE chips and salsa.
Hugs from Reagan. So, so yummy.

Maaaaaaama!

Yesterday while preparing Reagan's dinner I heard him calling for me at the back door. Standing very proudly, this is what he wanted to show me.



Yes, that is Henry's poop in that scooper. Reagan was so happy with himself that he had helped Mama clean up the pile that was outside.

FAGA BEEFE

Who remembers this Oscar worthy movie? Midnight Madness was one of those movies that was on constant repeat on HBO when I was growing up. We watched it tonight.



Now we can finally send it back to Netflix. We've had it since April. One down two more to go.

Kiss the Cook

The past week i have been a culinary force to be reckoned with. Well, in my case at least because i don't cook. i have never liked it. I don't care to have my hands dirty and and the thought of preparing a meal gives me anxiety.
People always ask me what i feed Reagan since he can't have wheat, dairy (even beef) and soy. We keep it simple and basic and we are at least blessed that Reagan loves vegetables.
Ground turkey browned with sea salt and sugar snap peas, black beans and a corn tortilla. mmm, there's a party in my tummy.


This is my mom's Charquicán Masuda style. Read; with steamed rice. Reagan licks the plate when i serve this.

Both of the above dishes is a nice change from the regular chicken and vegetables that he usually eats. He loves snacking on broccoli and cauliflower and we always keep a variety of fruit around the house for him. Trust me, he is not missing any meals.

Last week prepared chicken enchiladas...for the first time EVER. My friend Brianne gave me the recipe when she brought over the dish right after we had Reagan. Two years later I finally attempted to make it. What a dummy i have been to have waited so long. It was simple to prepare and tasted great. Thanks, Brianne.

And for the pièce de résistance. Taro's absolute favorite dish is lasagna. We have been together for nine years and married five and i am embarrassed to say i have never prepared it for him. Tonight i did the impossible.


Oh, yeah, baby. It was the bomb.

Mamma Mia!

Each time I hear an ABBA song, doesn't matter which one, i remember of a trip my mom, brother, sister and her friend took to visit my dad who was working in a mine in New Mexico. We drove from Green River, Utah the whole time listening to ABBA.
My older sister was in town visiting last week and so we took mom to see Mamma Mia! As we were walking out I told her how ABBA always reminds me of that trip and she about fell over because she was thinking the same thing. It gave me a warm fuzzy to know that we share that memory. I have to say that my older sister and brother have always had a huge influence on the music i listen to. My brother is twelve years older and sister is almost ten and i have always enjoyed listening to "their music". I remember being excited and also jealous of them when they would travel to Salt Lake to camp out for tickets and go to the arena shows. My brother had the coolest Def Leppard sleeveless shirt of the British flag and a shirt that said, Love At First Sting with a scorpion on it. Oh, and Ingrid when you were gone I used to dance around in you Loverboy headband.

Aye Caramba! Forgot to Post Our Mexican Getaway

A few weeks ago Taro and I jetted off to Mexico to attend a dear friends wedding in Cancun.  Planning for this trip has been very stressful for me. One, because our dear friend is known to me as the Playboy and Eternal Bachelor.  That is until I met his beautiful bride.  

My mom came all the way over from Chile to watch Reagan while we were gone.  Honestly she is the only person I trust Reagan with for that long of time and for those many miles apart.  According to her Reagan was an absolute doll but Henry was the one that gave her the most grief.  Next time we will kennel the beast!

Our trip was spent hotel hopping and visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel and a lot of eating!  BTW- I met my fitness goals and rocked the swimsuit as best I could.

All Aboard!

This years birthday party theme was Thomas and Friends.  Reagan is more than a little nutty for Thomas the Train these days.  The party was held at the Wenatchee Riverfront Railway.  I think all the little people enjoyed the train ride and maybe even some parents.  Of course there was a Thomas pinata and the traditional American Flag birthday cake. Thank you to all that came and for the wonderful cards and gifts that Reagan received.

New favorite song

I can't get enough. Move Shake Drop-DJ Laz Feat. Flo Rida

Happy Birthday Stinker Pinker Pumpkin Pie!

My little man turns two today.  I keep saying that birthday's should be a celebration for the parents instead.  Each evening when we put him down I think, "Whew! We made it"!  The first year of Reagan's life was not an easy one and this last year has been so much better.  We are still dealing with his skin and food allergies but it is nothing compared to what it was like the first 20 months or so of his life.  

Taro and I have really enjoyed this last year with him.  His personality is that of an entertainer.  Or a clown.  Or Joker.  The kid does not stop.  

I can't say this enough, I am so blessed to be able to stay home with him and that Taro has a schedule where we eat most of our meals together as a family.  Not a day goes by where I don't count my blessings.  Days spent watching Reagan grow and change are precious to me.  

Today we are celebrating by having a party at the Riverfront Park Railway.  There is a miniature train that the kids can ride on so we have rented that out for a few hours.  Of course I will post pictures later. 

Happy Happy Sixth Birthday

DSC_0022
Originally uploaded by Haute Mama.

This is my sweet, smart, lovable niece, Sofia. She was born six years ago today. This photo was taken a few days after Reagan was born in 2006 and of course she is a lot bigger now. I don't get to see her as often as I would like but she always has more than enough love to give me each time we do see eachother. We can't wait for her visit in a few weeks so we can properly celebrate her and Reagan's birthdays.

A little embarrassed to admit I like this song

Estelle - American Boy

I love this song. I want to marry it. You like?

Oh it's been a while

I first have to apologize for not updating this blog in forever.  I left for a three week trip to Phoenix and lost my momentum.  I did not even blog about the trip which was fantastic.  

Reagan was amazing on the flight both ways.  Did not sleep but didn't make a peep either.  My sister Ingrid and her husband warmly hosted me, Reagan then Nyssa and Evan, then my mom flew in from Chile, then my cousin Victor and his girlfriend.  Add Sofia and Monica and we had a full house.  Oh, and did i mention we were down to one toilet, the washer broke and the kitchen sink was plugged.  For your information I did not break the toilet, promise!  I think Reagan's favorite part f the trip was Marcela and her baa baa's.  I know that Reagan is a flirt but he was totally taken by my cousin's girlfriend.  

Oh, yeah, there was that one trip to the Emergency room too.  Don't worry, i am fine now.

I started working out full swing once i got home.  I have been working out with a wonderful trainer 3 times a week and taking a bike class the other two days.  My trainer told me that biking is probably the best exercise you can do for your body.  He told this to someone who HATES to be on a bike.  You know why i hate being on a bike?  Because this body has never been on a road bike.  I am more comfortable and i can move more freely and faster too!  I can even do it with those funny shoes that click in to the pedals. I think i have found a new passion.  At least one that will hold me over until ski season begins.  There is a women's bike ride that I joined that rides 15-20 miles on an evening to a restaurant or winery then you are driven back to your cars in a plush limo.  Now that is my kind of riding.  I want to ask Taro if he would like to do a tandem ride together but don't know if he will really go for it. 

Super Saturday

A few Saturdays ago I asked a dear friend of mine to meet me for an early breakfast. She declined. Something about training for a half marathon or something. But she did agree to meet for coffee and then pop into the antique shops next door. What could be better than having coffee with one of your best friends and her adorable little girl and then going antiquing?! She has this gorgeous collection of glass pieces that I have always admired and for my birthday last year she gave me my first pieces.

Thanks, Jen, for giving me the most wonderful Saturday and for the gorgeous treasures you sent me home with that day.

XM Thriller

Anyone who know me knows how much I love XM. It has a station for all my moods and musical tastes. I usually listen to Good Morning America on 155 in the mornings and Broadminded from 9-12 on 155. And for the month of March XM added a new channel on 63 called Thriller. It is all Michael Jackson and I love it! I always say the my ass gets on fire when I hear Michael he had such great songs with the best beats. I think it all started when my was seven my dad gave my mom a Sony Walkman and Michael's Thriller. I wore the batteries out on that thing. Now the guy freaks me out. I don't know if someone that talented, brilliant and so much fame could possibly have all his marbles and lead a normal life.

Book Club

The ladies met at my home last Thursday to discuss Water For Elephants. I tried to stick with the theme of the circus by serving popcorn and peanuts but of course I had to add chocolate and with chocolate comes wine! How is it possible to not drink the wonderful wines from our Columbia Valley? Our next pick is Under The Banner of Heaven by one of my favorite writers, Jon Krakauer. What are you reading? Any recommendations?

Let's Get Physical!

After a very long hiatus from the gym, I finally went back today. I have been meaning to go back for months but things like skiing and a kid needing a nap have gotten in the way. I prefer to go first thing in the morning, it just sets the day right that way.
Taro and I are going to Cancun at the end of May for a dear friends wedding and I want to rock my swimsuit. That means I'd like to lose about seven pounds and 5% body fat. Ouch! With hard work and determination I think I can do it...I just need to get rid of all the dark chocolate that I have hidden around the house.

Sun Mountain Lodge Getaway

This past weekend we loaded up the car and drove to Sun Mountain Lodge where Taro had a Cardiac Conference. This resort is located about 2 hours north in the Methow Valley. While Taro was in his conference on Saturday, Reagan and I set out on the trails and these are the photos that I took. I am so happy that our child loves the snow as much as he does. If he is cranky all you have to say is, mountain, snow or boots and his mood instantly changes. I love it, I hope that never goes away.

I don't like to get my hands dirty

Reagan really enjoys the roasted chicken from Costco. So do I. It is yummy, cheap and easy. The only thing is that i really dislike cutting the meat from the bone/carcass. Grosses me out and I hate nothing more than greasy hands and fingers. I found a wonderful solution to this problem the other day during a visit to Costco. I noticed one of the workers preparing those prepackaged dinners of enchiladas. She had on latex gloves and was ripping and shredding the meat of the bone. GENIUS! So I grabbed a chicken and threw some latex gloves in the cart and came home. The key is to let the chicken cool just a bit, so you don't burn your fingers, before you start tearing off the meat. Don't refrigerate it and leave it for later, you won't get as much meat off that way. Follow these tips and you'll get more for your money and have clean hands left.
I re-heat it by putting the chicken on our Grill/Panini press. Oh, and you bet I am gonna blog about that fine appliance.

I thought about posting pictures but that is just gross.

Happy 27 Birthday JT!

I love Superbowl Sunday. I could care less about the cheating Patriots but I enjoy watching the commercials. I think this one might be a favorite. I love me some Justin.
Magnetic Attraction Pepsi Stuff Super Bowl Justin Timberlake
Uploaded by cliptacular

Go Girl

Oooh! My ass gets on fire whenever I hear this song! That Trina nasty though, fo'sho!

Tag, You're IT!!!!

You know those annoying e-mail forwards that you get where you answer personal questions about yourself then you have to forward it to 10 people and as soon as you hit Send a fairy or Justin Timberlake appears from your monitor? well, i secretly love them! Here is one that i just received.

If you opened it, you have to do it.
Then, send it back to the person who sent it to you
And the rest of your friends

Two names you go by: Big Baby, Patti Cakes

Two things you are wearing right now: Jeans and Chaco’s

Two of your favorite things to do: sunbathe poolside/beachside, giggle and play with Taro and Reagan

Two things you want very badly at the moment: Laptop, another SLR camera

Two people who will fill this out: Dunno

Two things you did last night: Had a lovely dinner, dessert and conversation with two girlfriends

Two things you're doing tomorrow: Having breakfast with a friend then manicures

Two favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and my birthday, HA HA

Favorite beverages: Bourbon and limeades. Not together!

Now, here's what you're supposed to do .. And please do not spoil the fun.

Hit forward, delete my answers and type in your
Answers. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. If you don't you'll receive bad luck, grow a sixth toe, and your cat will get run over.

TAG YOU'RE IT!

My Bucket List

I have not seen this movie (or any other for that matter) but hope to maybe once it comes out on DVD. I really like Rob Reiner's film's and enjoy Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Since this movie has come out a lot of people have made their "Bucket List". Here is mine.

Visit the Galapagos Islands
Play with baby tigers
Play with baby grizzlies
Travel the Mediterranean by private boat
Watch Polar Bears by Snowcat
travel on the Orient Express
Lovely vacation with family (mom, dad, bro, sisters, in-laws, etc.)
attend a fashion show during fashion week in Paris
Visit all Seven Wonders of the World
Inspire someone
Karaoke
Drive a race car
Learn to cook and like it
make a quilt

I have another list of things I would like to do and places I would like to visit but I know that it will be completed sooner rather than later because Taro and I share the same passion for travel. I love that!

My Christmas Puppy

I just snapped these pictures of Henry. Isn't he just yummy? Look at his cute lil' paws!

More Flowers

I have to share another photo of my flowers that I received for my birthday. Taro brought me home the ones on the left and here are some of the cards I received. Don't you just love getting things in the mail?

Yes, I realize our Christmas tree is still up. For your information it is the only Christmas item that is still up in our house. A word of advice: don't ever get a flocked tree. Although incredibly beautiful, the lights are impossible to take off and our city garbage won't accept flocked trees. We will have to pay a fee of thirty dollars, I think to take to the dump. I love the look of a flocked tree. I would do it again if it wasn't so hard to dispose of.

Happy Birthday to ME

I just came home and found the most beautiful flower arrangement I have ever seen! The givers know me very well and they should, it's my wonderful family. Thank you so much Mom & Dad, Ingrid, Bill, Sofia, Toti and Marcos. I love it, fragrant too!

Tonight Taro is taking me to see a show called Trailer Park Musical. I'm very excited to dress up and have an evening out with my husband.

Happy Birthday

Today is my nephew, Evan's birthday. He is turning 13 and I still can't get over it. A handsome boy he has turned out to be. Evan was a really adorable baby and so good too. Ah, my heart is melting just thinking about it. I remember I would always ask him to let me hold him like a baby even when he got to be to big and heavy to carry.
Happy Birthday, Evan. I hope you have the best day! I love you.

18 Month Well Check

Reagan's 18 month (a month later) well check was today and here is his stat's.
Weight: 24 lbs
Height: 32 inches
Head: 48 cm

His pediatrician wants to have his hearing checked because he still isn't saying anywords. At this point I am not concerned. I have no doubt in my mind that his hearing isn't good but the Dr. feels it's best to have it checked.

Fergie - Clumsy

This is my new favorite song. Yes, I have many. I love, love, love this video. The make-up is my favorite part and I love the whole pop-up story book. The girl can't help it

In Case You Were Wondering...

...how I spent my Saturday.
Had breakfast and coffee and watched, I am embarrassed to say, Newport Harbor and Real World Sydney.
Got my nails done (OPI Sweet Heart). I love pink shades.
Played fetch outside with Henry.
Had lunch while reading the Wenatchee Business Journal. COVER TO COVER!
Took a yummy nap.
Missed and thought about Reagan almost every moment.

Happy Epiphany of the Lord

The Christmas Season this last year has been very special to me and I hope to continue some really great traditions. I have tried really, really hard not to get caught up in the stresses that come this time of year and truly focus and remember the reason for the season.
One of the things that I did this year was make an Advent wreath . By placing it on our dining table it helped us to remember to pray before every meal and and think about the upcoming birth of Christ.
Our nativity set was slowly put together. First the manger and animals were put up, then Mary and Joseph were added. We of course waited until Christmas to add baby Jesus. I can't wait until Reagan is older and he can understand all this. I hope to put the Three Wise Men somewhere in the house and slowly move them closer to the scene.
And to today we celebrated and went to an Epiphany Party at church and I plan to take down our decorations tonight. I can't wait until next year!

Freedom!

What to do!? Today i have the day all to my self. Taro and Reagan headed up to the mountain for some skiing and Reagan is in the mountain childcare. I am in heaven right now. The house is clean and quiet, love it. Hmm, I am thinking of getting my hair and nails done, meeting a friend for lunch and then coming home and reading a book. A nap sounds good too! What would you do?

New Year New Glassess

New Year New Glassess
Originally uploaded by Haute Mama.

All my life I have wanted to wear glasses and I finally have my wish! I have always thought I had perfect vision but I have never been comfortable with driving at night. Especially in the rain. I went to an eye doctor and he told me I have a stigmatism and fitted me for eyeglasses with an anti-reflective coating. What do you know, I can see. Crisper too. There is a slight difference with my vision but brightness and glare does not bother me anymore. What do you think of my new glasses?