Christmas - Part 2

My kids love these towels. They were on sale from $24.99 to $6.99 on Black Friday. Paige is a lion and Blake is a dinosaur. They have a dog and frog in Denmark.

My little boy in his old man slippers and robe

She is always wearing my UGG slippers so I had to get her her own

The last family picture of the 4 of us. Soon Jude will be part of our family. Yippee!!!

I love you Paige and Blake and hope you had a great Christmas. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Merry Christmas - 2008!

The kids waking up in the morning... getting ready to run into the family room to see what Santa brought.

I always try and do a themed basket. Paige is really into HSM so she received everything under the sun that had to do with that. Blake received the true boy basket - pirates, star wars, and spiderman themed stuff.

She is definitely very girly but also loves to be outside and can hang with the boys pretty well. A skateboard was a must!

Light Sabers - Finally!

Paige and her HSM dolls - Ryan and Sharpay

My Big Girl

The Future
Makena & Blake Califf and Paige & Luke Oliva

Before

After she lost her first tooth - 5 years & almost 2 months old

My Little Bakers

We celebrated Christmas with Danny's parents last evening and Danny's mom made these aprons and hats for the kids. They looked so stinkin cute. 

My neighbor doesn't have any kids at home so she always asks the kids to help bake cookies (well, this year Paige reminded her). Paige loves it and has such a great time. 

This was Blake's first year baking cookies with Kim. He really had a good time and did a great job. 

Gosh they're cute!!

Pink cookies for Christmas? Why not? 

Our Trip to Vegas

At the Teammates for Kids Dinner we were surprised when Jay Leno arrived to host the live auction part. He was hilarious and made us laugh our asses off. Unfortunately, he didn't put me into labor. BUT, he managed to make a few good jokes of Garth, Michael Jackson, and OJ. 

Limo ride..... look at my chin fat. Honestly, why????

We took this for the kids. Our picture with Mr. and Mrs. Caesar. I'd like to see Danny in that outfit. 

We went to Vegas last weekend and met up with our friends from the old San Jose MLS Team (2005). While we were there we attended a few events for Garth Brooks Teammate for Kids Foundation. We were lucky enough to meet him at a private event in the Penthouse at Caesars Palace. He is a great guy and so easy to talk with. 

Doesn't it look like we are on a roller coaster ride? This is the view from the Penthouse. 

Besides the players, Aimee (Hot Mormon) and Jeremy were our first friends we met in San Jose. They both mean a great deal to us. We always love catching up with them. 

First off, this picture is taken at the Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood. The best buffet EVER!  I was pretty excited to be pregnant this trip. I ate SO MUCH! 2 of the 3 couples live in Houston now and 1 is still in San Jose. We miss them so much and enjoyed talking for 3 hours at the restaurant. We had a lot of catching up to do - kids, soccer, soccer, and kids. 

This is Craig and Julie. Danny played with him with the LA Galaxy in 2000. We have been good friends with them ever since. They are hilarious, so down to earth, and make us laugh non stop We have a lot in common, minus the kids thing.. BUT, they are working on it, right Julie?? 

(we went and saw KA this night. We weren't so impressed. LOVE is so much better) 

I've been Tagged AGAIN

I've been tagged by my friend Shannon, who, like me, just has to do these... So, Here goes... And, I can only use one word. This is going to be HARD.

1. Where is your cell phone? Danny
2. Your significant other? Talented
3. Your hair? Gross
4. Your mother? Cleaning
5. Your father? Tired
6. Your favorite thing(s)? Sun
7. Your dream last night? Dialated
8. Your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
9. Your dream/goal? Business
10. The room you’re in? Family
11. Your fear? Dying
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? California
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you’re not? Shy
15. Muffins/donuts? yummy
16. One of your wish list items? Jude
17. Where you grew up? Orange
18. The last thing you did? computer
19. What are you wearing? clothes
20. Your TV? small
.21. Your pet? none
22. Your computer? expensive
23. Your life? content
24. Your mood? uncomfortable
25. Missing someone? no
26. Favorite pastime? reading
27. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
28. Favorite Store? Target
29. Your summer? Busy
30. Your favorite color? Red
31. When is the last time you laughed? Today
32. Last time you cried? ummmm
33. Who will re-post this? Lisa?
34. Four places I go over and over? Bank, Store, Nordies, and Target
35. Four people who e-mail me? Danny, Shannon, Andrea, and Kim
36. Four of my favorite foods? Pizza, Tangerines, Burritos, and Candy
37. Four places I would like to be right now? Bed, Hawaii, Hospital, Spa
38. Four people I tag? Lisa, Lindsey, Andrea, and Jen

Still Pregnant

I went to the doctor today and was given an ultrasound. Looks like another big baby - small head and long legs... so they say anyways. Feels to me his head is the size of a watermelon and is ready to come out. However, I was checked and I have nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. UGH! Have I said before how ready I am? The only good news is that I can go to Vegas with my hubby this weekend. I can't wait to spend time with him and the Roulette table. I LOVE VEGAS!

Time in California so Far

Well, the kids and I made the 17 hour trip to California. They did great on the flight but didn't sleep at all. I think I went to the toilet 50 times between the 3 of us. BUT, we made it safe and are glad to be back at Nana and Papa's house.

We've enjoyed visiting our favorite places - Disneyland, the park, Target, Pancho's, our friends houses, the mall, riding bikes outside, and just enjoying the sun!!! The most recent outing was to the Orange Circle with a bunch of friends. (some pics are from there)

I went shopping on Black Friday, which I've never done before. It was fun, tiring, overwhelming, and satisfying all at the same time. I got some great deals and am about 90% done. This weekend we picked a family in need off the Giving Tree at Church so we are headed to Target to fulfill their wishlists. The kids rolled their change yesterday, ($35) so we are going to get some fun stuff. The boy wants cars and trucks and the girl wants High School Musical stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing what Paige and Blake pick out.

I'm enormous and ready to meet The Jude Myster. I go in on the 8th for another scan to see if he is bigger than he should be at this time... if he is the doc said he might consider inducing on the 20th. Yippee!!! I'm so ready.... and I think the kids are too. They are tired of hearing, "don't touch mommy's belly, Mommy can't do that because I'm pregnant, I have to go to the bathroom again, Mommy's tired, I need to rest, and so on.." They have been troopers and my mom has been a big help.

You just gotta Love him

Lately we have been having a hard time with Blake. He doesn't do so well ending something he is doing, in order to do something else. Stop playing and come to the table for dinner, stop watching a movie to go get dressed, etc.. Well, last night was the same thing when we were getting him out of the shower. (He LOVES the shower). Danny got him out and he threw a fit telling Danny he was a mean dad and that he was sad and had a sad face. Blake tells Danny he is not going to smile. So, Danny says (even though we do not have any), "Do you want some Banana Bread?". Of course he smiles and says Yes. Well, Danny laughs and says sorry it's time to brush your teeth and get into bed. Blake responds with -That's not going to make me smile Dad.

Isn't he cute???

Thanksgiving

We had our friends from Aalborg over for a Thanksgiving Dinner this week. Pernille and Allan are expecting their 2nd child in 2 WEEKS. I look like I am due tomorrow (feel like it too) and still have 2 MONTHS. I wish the heigth thing was on my side.

Blake decorated the center piece and helped set the table. He is a good helper (most of the time.)

Allan and Danny played together at AaB. Allan also played in France and loves wine. Danny, believe it or not, has been drinking a few bottles a week. He is really interested in learning about wine and is enjoying trying them. I can't wait to have a drink with him.

Paige helping make the yummy gravy. It was such a nice dinner. And, it was Allan and Pernille's first Turkey and Thanksgiving Dinner. We enjoyed them coming over.

Blake and Danny

I think I've said this before but Blake loves to cook and bake. He is such a good helper and loves to taste everything - that's what the chef does (it's the best when he says that to you). Well, today he and Danny made applesauce.

Tonight Danny and I were getting ready to go on a date and the table was set for dinner for Paige, Blake, and Abby the babysitter. Blake started eating the applesauce and Danny told him he needed to eat his other food first. He is going to be a lawyer, but a little too honest sometimes.

Blake's response:

Well Dad, (moving his plate) when you're gone I'm just going to put the bowl back in front of my plate like this and eat it like this with Abby.

My Poor Paige

At the end of today

In the morning

Another thing about this house that we loved was that it had a fireplace. Great on the very cold nights here in Denmark. So, last night we decided to light a fire, like we have several other times. It gets the house super hot. The bad side is, that it is in a shitty location in our living room. I am a recorder constantly reminding the kids to be careful that the fireplace is hot.

Well, 2 mins before bed time Paige decides to be a bridge (from the couch to the fireplace which she often does during the day for Blake) forgetting that the fireplace is still hot, she touches it. 

Needless to say, my poor Paige has 2nd degree burns on her hands. Luckily the ER here is a piece of cake to go to so Danny took her (there and back in 30 mins). I slept with her and kept wet towels on her hands all night. 

Today, we went back to the ER (1 hour this time) and they popped the blisters and told us they looked great. She is doing OK and is able to touch other things now. When the doctor was about to pop the blisters, I was so proud when she still used her manners. She asked him "Please be careful with my hands, please? Then, as we were leaving we saw an elderly man in a bed getting wheeled in by an ambulance. He had long brown hair. I thought to myself, he kind of looks like Jesus... then, Blake says, "Is that Jesus mom?"... Too cute!

Note: For burns - run cool water on them for up to an hour. Then, rest cool, wet towels on them. DO NOT APPLY any ointment. It says to wrap with a clean cloth but Paige did not want this - said it made them burn more. Also, if blisters arise, pop them and get the moisture out. Don't cover the area either. The fresh air is the best thing for them. Also, wash with soap and water often to keep germs out. 

The Califfs Play Santa

Each year I take new toys to Orangewood for Christmas. I love doing it and love taking Paige with me. Unfortunately, you aren't able to see the kids receive them so Paige and Blake don't get to see their reaction to receiving this gift.

So this year, I've come up with an idea... this is where you come in. Instead of donating to Orangewood, I'd like to know about a few families that are really in NEED this Holiday Season. I'd like them to have kids so Paige and Blake can help shop with me - but really any family in NEED will do.

What I'd like:

*Send me a letter as to why you are recommending this family (single mom, dad lost his job, mother has cancer, house burnt down, medical bills, etc..)

*The family must live within 10-15 mins from Orange so we can deliver the gifts and play Santa

*You must not tell the family but be able to give me ideas of things they really NEED (or want to get for the kids) Please include all family members.

*I'd like to know about the family by the 5th of December so I can start planning and shopping

I'm really excited to do this with the kids and to help other families this Holiday Season. Thanks for your help.

Troy Boulton Califf

For Paige's actual Birthday I took her and a friend to see High School Musical 3, for the 2nd time. Danny had a double so I let her choose what she wanted to do for the day. She chose cereal for breakfast (which she eats every morning - Fiber One and Flakes mixed, with 1 Splenda and a lot of milk), quesadillas for lunch, and Burritos for dinner. 

Later in the evening she was using the "pot", doing her thing and she was ready to talk, like she always is when she is doing her thing. 

I was rubbing lotion on my belly, as I always do and did when I was pregnant with Paige and Blake, hoping it will help the stretch marks... it doesn't but it makes me feel better. 

Anyways, my conversation with Paige:

Paige: Do we have to name the baby Jude?

Me: Yes, honey, we've already chosen his name. Why?

Paige: What if we change it to Troy Boulton? (for those that don't know HSM, he is the cute boy in the movie)

Me: Smiling...

Paige: He's so cute Mom

Me: (laughing inside) I don't think Daddy would like that. 

Paige: OK. When can we go see HSM 3 again???

Me: HURRY UP!

My Memory of Paige's birth

My Paige-e Poo is 5! I can't believe it. Where does the time go? I can remember the day of her birth like it was yesterday. We had to report to the hospital at 6am to be induced. I was ready at 5am and told Danny at 5:30am that we needed to go. He told me to relax (as he is eating his breakfast and watching TV).. we lived 5 mins away and to chill. I was so ready!!

At the hospital Danny was wearing a black knit beanie, with a shirt that showed his tattoos. My mom told me later that the head nurse asked if he was in a gang or something... too funny!

The contractions weren't so bad.. I remember crying over them breaking my water. I hated that part... I was peeing, warm, gooey stuff. Yuck!

I remember so many visitors... especially my friend Melissa. Something about her red hair. 

To this day, I don't like hearing the word sciatica. Everyone asked my condition and the word was used each time to describe my pain - Her sciatica hurts! I now hate that word!

I remember pushing and telling my sister to give me more ice chips... I didn't open my eyes once for the entire 40 mins I pushed... I remember the nurse calling and saying she needed juice stat for the dad (Danny almost fainted - can you believe that??). 

Paige finally arrived, and was quiet as a mouse. She didn't cry until the doctor pinched her. Her eyes were wide open and she was ready to eat. Had a full head of hair and a nice cone head to compliment it. Luckily I was prepared and had a pretty pink beanie for her (thanks Michelle!). 

I remember a ton of visitors coming in and out for the next two days. I thought that I looked "good" but looking back at the pictures what in the hell was I thinking? I had terrible acne, was swollen everywhere, and looked exhausted. Never again will that happen!

Luckily she is a cutie and a keeper! I love you Paige. 

Birthday Girl with Friends

Esther, Alex, and Paige - taking a break from dancing to HSM

The girls posing after they get their face painted.

Listening very intently to the next clue of the Princess Scavenger Hunt. Blake has something else on his mind though!

After the "Crown the Princess" game... (yes, our front door is a chalkboard)

Decorating downstairs...

The Birthday Girl

My very girly girl - she loves having her face painted.

She has such a great smile.

I adore her laugh.

She enjoys baking with me... maybe it's because I let her eat the batter???

Happy 5th Birthday Paige! You are my only daughter and I will forever love you!

Decorations

This is our front window in the kitchen... perfect spot for the presents. I will also add that we woke up to frost on the ground... 30 degrees!!!

Paige and I decorated the cake table this morning... she is a perfectionist like me. Uh oh!

Part of "Paige's Party" sign. They decorated tiara's, picture frames, and did wall art. Later, the face painter came and the girls danced to High School Musical. It was SO MUCH FUN!

Art table and "Paige's Party" (made by P and B earlier in the week) sign is displayed.

I took Paige shopping (it was so cute watching her choose her dress, shoes, hair things, etc... - she is a true girl and loves to shop. She's very picky so I always have to take her with me) and this is the outfit she chose. I can't believe my baby is 5!