A day in the life of the Sanchez Family

February already...

2011-02-14T10:10:00.001-08:00

Ok..I promised, more blog this year. My goal is at least once a month, so I am getting behind..

I am on a new Adventure..I have decided somewhere along the way, probably a mid-life crisis, but oh well..That I needed to do something. I needed to be someone. Now, at first I think it was just something to get me out of the .."I am not a normal, Mormon Mommy with a lot of kids" person. I mean, There is nothing wrong with that, and I am sure if my reproductive organs functioned correctly, I would have more kids, but that just isin't gonna happen, so I decided what is it that I am all about, I have one kid in school all day, and one in pre-school, and in a matter of a few short years he will be gone too..then what..Just sit and clean the toilets all day..fold laundry, mop, dust..if any of you know me..you will know, that is not my favorite past time, especially the toilets..lol..I mean there is only so much housework one can do before they lose their minds.

I am 33, I think I can safely say that my dreams of taking over the music world, probably have to come to an end. lol..

so what I love second to music is...FOOD...Hello, of course, that's why I gained so much weight for so long..Mama loves to eat..I could watch the food network 24 hours a day, and the cooking channel..mmm..

Anyhoo, long story short, I decided to open a little biz..you know baking and such, who knows what will happen, probably nothing..but at least I have a goal..

and as my husband was talking about it at work, like he does (big mouth) I have had 2 cake orders, that I fulfilled last week, and they actually paid me to make them..I have to admit that was pretty cool..money for baked goods..yum...and the baked goods don't sit at my house, waiting for me to eat them all and put back the 40lbs that I have lost..so it's a start..I have another order for the end of February..We will see how it works out. I love to be in the kitchen, so might as well put it to good use. :)

I know I really probably got a little to wordy here, sorry..but here are a few pics of my cakes, not a pro or anything..but I am going to be taking some cake decoration classes, just to get the more professional look, can't wait to get my hands on some fondant..:)

I struggle with the thought sometimes, or at least I have, that my worth is not as great as someone who can bring lots of kids into the world, that maybe I am just not good, or at least not good enough, but in more of my tender moments that I have, I realize that it's not a competition down here, who can have the most babies..that we are all different, and have different talents, trials, desires, but that we are ALL precious in his eyes, and he knows what our mission is here, and mine is different than others, but it is no less important.

Not that baking is a mission or anything..lol, just thinking out loud, all I am trying to say, is we all contribute in different ways to this world, and for Today, I am happy to be me. (of course this attitude of enlightenment could all change tomorrow) :)

lots of love friends and family..xoxoxo

New Year..

2011-01-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I have gone and done it again, neglected the blog, for almost 3 months. Sorry, and if not for people..ahem..you know who you are, telling me that I need to update, I probably would forget about it all together..:)

The Holiday's have come and gone, and I am a little happy..I love the time of year, I hate the stress. Every year I say, it's gonna be more simple next year, and it never is, just more things to do, places to be. Thanksgiving is nice, I have family that comes in for it, that I don't get to see much, Christmas is fun, with family and fun, and trying to remember the reason for the season. But by January, I need a vacation..Serious people, I need a vacation..

And as a New Years resolution, among my 50 other..I plan to document more frequently so it does not become so overwhelming..

I have tried adding pics, but it keeps giving me an error signal, so I will have to figure that out, and then hopefully later or tomorrow, I can get some pics up..

few more pics of the wedding party and cousins.

2010-10-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

My California Trip.

2010-10-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

In the begining of October, I had a little vacation, I was in my cousin Tara's wedding up in Norther California. Beautiful part of California, and it was so nice to be with family. It was the first time EVER that I left my kids. Jeff was a trooper and did a great job with them, with some assistance from grandma as well.
It was a nice break to be able just to have to worry about myself for once, but I did miss my kids, especially at night time.

We had a great time,and am thakful for my family, I love them all.

here are a few pics of me and the cousins.

few more pics..sorry..

2010-10-18T19:19:00.001-07:00

Braedon's Birthday

2010-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Braedon turned 3 in August.
He is a joy to this family, 95% of the time, the other 5% , well...is the other 5%. :)
I love him very much, he is all boy, loves cars and making belching noises, just like brother and daddy..I guess it's a good thing I don't have any girls (yet) , they would be pretty schocked at all the testosterone around here. :)

here are some pics of the day..or days..of his celebration.

4 months later...

2010-10-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

So I know I have fallen off the earth for the past 4 months in the blogging world..I just got really lazy over the summer, and I am still lazy, but trying to be better at this.

I really don't want to go through the whole summer's agenda, that would take to long, so let's take it up on the first day of school.

Keaton is in 1st grade this year, and is doing good.
Braedon is in preschool, and loves it.

here are a few pics.

Swimming...

2010-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The summer is here, and that means swimming lessons, which means my fat butt has to get into a swimsuit to be in the water with Braedon, which means not a lot of fun for on lookers..lol..

anyway, the boys are doing well..Keaton is doing really good this year, my cousin Marisa is his instructer, so I feel really good about that..

Braedon, is just pretty annoyed with it all, but hey it's a pool and he can jump into it, so he puts up with it..

pics continued..

2010-06-11T15:06:00.001-07:00

more of the birthday celebration and time in the mountains..

May 2010

2010-06-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Let's see so much catch up..

Well, Keaton finished his first year in school, he is officially a kindergarten graduate. How did I get a first grader, that happened way to fast.

He also turned 6 years old, of course we had 2 birthday parties, one with one side of the family and some friends from school and Church. and then one of them up at Phil's cabin, which is Keaton's favorite place to be, he could live there..his theme this year was basketball..he loves it..

I love him soooo much, there are days when I wonder how I will keep all the hair attatched to my head, since I would love to pull it all out, but he is turning into such a great kid, so smart, he got an award for reading 50 books at school, he is doing well, and has such a personality, and of course he is a little bit gorgeous, soooo..yeah, a little bragging there from mommy..but enough of that, here are some pics..

What a Poser!!!

2010-04-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

And not in the lame way...this kid is going through a phase, where whenever I want to take a picture he poses so silly like this..it is funny..but seriously, when I want a picture, he won't take a serious one..

Easter

2010-04-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

And then there was Easter..UGH...It was not my favorite this year. it was Easter and General Conference, which was a little much all at once, because on Easter, I was to busy to really enjoy conference with baking and cooking for family functions, and from the weekend of Easter Candy, My kids were unhinged, and I was ready to sell them to the highest bidder..anyways here it was..

Catch up Time..

2010-04-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

So this was the first year Keaton was in Baseball..T-Ball to be exact.. He is a Florida Marlin. I have to say it is pretty hysterical watching 5 year olds play ..The competitive side of me, wishes it was a little more..well...competitive. for T-ball they call it 3 and a treat..meaning 3 innings then your done, and you get a treat..lol.. and no one wins. or they all win I guess. which is cute, but I want to see some action..c'mon this is why I have my boys, so I can be "That Parent" at a ball game, screaming and yelling..lol..

The other day Keaton was on First base, and the guy behind him hit his ball, so he started running to 2nd base, well...he noticed the little guy on the other team having trouble getting the ball to try and get Keaton out, so Keaton stops running to 2nd and goes and help the other guy get the ball..lol, he was totally helping the other team..I love that he is being nice and helpful, but we had to have a talk about helping his team..

here are a few pics..

Life with a boy...

2010-03-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

So....Keaton gets a small allowance, and is always ready to remind us of payday. He states.."I want my Dollar", well what have you done this week..look at your room it is a mess.

5 minutes later..."Mom, I cleaned my room reall GOOD..come see..this is what I find.

needless to say he gets his cleaning skills from me, As a child, I mean..This was my idea of a clean room growing up, My mother always said, I hope you have a child that is just like you some day. I would always laugh, and say, well I am pretty cool, so I hope so too.. After living with this little stinker for almost 6 years, I am finding out that Yes he is like me, and..well, I am gonna feel real bad for his future wife, if she ever came home to this, with him saying..Honey, don't worry about it , I cleaned up the house while you were out. :)

Getting back to ME!!!!!! :) very long and probably boring, sorry.

2010-03-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

I usually don't use my blog to blog about me., A- I really hate talking about myself much, I mean, sure on the phone when people ask how's life, I tell them, but putting personal stuff about me on the internet freaks me out a little bit, not for security reasons, I am just a little shy about ME, so I am pretty to myself. Okay, that was WAY to much explaning but anywhoo.

I am going to write a post about me, well, kind of, just something that I have been thinking about for a long time, and it might get a little wordy, so if you have any ADD at all, you probably won't wan't to read this.

for years, I have had the same struggle in my life, or my married life, I should say. the struggle to "multiply and replenish" the earth if you will. :)

I have been married for 8 years this past November, I have 2 wonderful Beautiful children, both boys, and I love them more than anything. But it was not fun, trying to get either one of them here, it was painful physically and emotionally and even financially challenging at one point. I would never take back those experiences for anything, although, I hated the time that I was desperatly trying, and all the crying and bitterness, it brought me my boys, and I am grateful for them. As I have looked back though, I have noticed one thing...I forgot me. I think I checked out of "my" life for a while, I was so in to " oh my gosh, I have to have a crap load of kids and I can't" kind of thinking that I just put "me" on the backburner.

I mean, I use to have things I loved to be involved in, one of which was music, I have loved music, since my first one man band set I got as a Christmas gift when I was young. Something about it, is so serene to me, it can take me from sad to happy in a moment's notice, It has always healed me, when I needed it. I relate everything through music.

I kind of forgot that for a while. A- I am super shy, and so most people don't even know that I have any musical ability at all, I am pretty private about it, and almost prefer that no one knows, so why I am posting this on my blog is a really good question. But I have made a decision..I am taking back Erica, not Erica the Wife, daughter or Mother. but just Me. I have things I love to do , I am gonna do them. I need to "get a life" I guess you would say.

Yesterday I saw this and posted this on Facebook. this girl is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitar player, etc. and I just had this chill run up me, and this voice saying, You need to get back to this kind of stuff. I have this guitar sitting in my closet in it's case with so much dust on it, Now, I can only play a little, but I have decided to take it out, start playing and practicing again and hey, maybe even write a song. Music is a healer to me, and it hit me , this whole time I have been stuggling in my life, through many different things, I put aside one of the things that always helped me most. Well No more.

I am so excited about this, I know it does not sound like much to anyone, but I am so happy to feel like I can live again. I might not fit into the cookie cutter mold like I think I need to, but I am Me, and I have some things I can do, and I am gonna start doing them again, who knows where it could lead me. propably nowhere exciting..lol, but to a much happier place that's for sure.

I know now, that the trials I have , are something that I have been trusted with. I think The Lord has much more faith in me than I do in myself. And it's almost like that Epiphany just hit me for some reason. I am stong, and I will make it , no matter what. but what's wrong with a little extra happiness in there somewhere.

Okay, I am sure none of this made sense, but I just had to get it off my chest,and shoulders this thing I have been carrying around for so long all by myself at times. I give it back. I take me back. and am looking foward to the peace, I know it will bring me.

Everyone's life is different, I am grateful for my life, my Family, Kids, friends, and yes even my trials. It has made me stronger and more resiliant.

Here is the video, That started this all for me. Priscilla Ahn, is amaing and has inspired me.

New Years..

2010-01-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

New Year's we went to my Grandma's, she always has a New Years party for the Grandkids and families.. The kids love it and have a lot of fun, and at Midgnight, we are out like idiots running in the street and watching all the neighboorhood fireworks ..

I have to say, Braedon...I love that kid, but not the most excited about lot's of things, especially being up past his bedtime and or anything pertaining to fireworks or loudness..I am not sure where he comes from, not this loudmouth family..just kidding..He is such a kick, but when he gets around other's he becomes pretty quiet, just observing everything around him..

Keaton, he just has fun with his cousins, and is loud and hyper and can't wait till midnight, he just is the life of the party..now, that he get's from me, of course..

here are some pics from that night, with my family, including Grandma..we love her very much..

Christmas

2010-01-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was nice..

Keaton is our little outdoorsman..seriously, most boys like to play ball and stuff like that, Keaton is obsessed with Hunting..which is a little scary to me, but hey, I'm going with it. his favorite channel is not Disney, it is the Hunting channel.. you see where I am going with this..He could live at the Bass Pro shop ..we could spend all day there and he would still not be satisfied, he knows more about weapons than I do. lol..

What can I say, my kid loves to kill God's creations..lol, Ok I am being a bit dramatic.

So..all in all he got what he has wanted. a hunting game, as a family we bought a Wii, which I never thought I would, I always said nope..Not gonna be a video game family, just did not want to go there, but it is a lot of fun.

He could hunt with his wii game for hours, I am finding myself having to really put limits on it.

both boys were spoiled this year, and they have been having fun ever since.

It's been a while...Recap..

2010-01-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am sucking big time at keeping up with the blog..so here is a quick recap..

Let's break this down into a few posts..

In December Keaton had his Christmas Concert for School, he got to stand up on stage with all the Kindergarten kids and sing a few songs..It was all over in about 2 minutes which had me laughing, but it was cute..

Then comes the Temple light pics..We go every year, usually with some friends..but this year that did not work out, so we went one evening by ourselves., I just want to say, we all look like ragamuffins in these pics..my boys look messy and so do Jeff and I...lol..oh well..we love to go see the temple lights..such a peaceful feeling to go to the temple grounds anyway, but at Christmas time, it is a really great experience..

here are some pics..

Here she is in all her glory...:)

2009-12-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Did I get your attention..lol..

This is my Sister from another Mister, Cylee..
She was in town for a visit with her in-laws, and we got to hang for a night, it was wonderful , steak dinner and a movie. We giggled like school girls the whole time, and I am pretty sure everyone around us thought we were a couple, but it was such a great time.

Cylee was my roomate many years ago, one of many that I adore and love, but this chick really got on my nerves when we first met, she was just so dang mormon. she had this ridiculously bright glow about her, it annoyed me so much,..I thought..yeah right who is this excited about going to Church for 3 hours..yep Cylee..lol..

all kidding aside, she really is one of the closest people I have here on this Earth, she loves me despite my many many flaws, and she doesn't even flinch when I say something outrageous, she loves me for me, such a rare quality in a friend,

Even though, I know I drove her completely nuts, with my harsh attitude and sarcasm (which never seems to go away), she never gave up on me, I am so glad she didn't ..

those long years ago when we lived together all of us, Liz, Amy, and Cylee, was some of the best times in my life,.

I am grateful for this lady, even though this picture is somewhat well, not the best, and the background is well WOW!! I loved spending this night with her..so fun..I wish she lived here again, but in her words, "never gonna happen", lol..

love ya Cylee, thx for being you..

More Pictures..

2009-12-04T12:46:00.001-08:00

Here's some that did not fit, mostly of Thanksgiving time..

I'm a little behind.

2009-12-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

so I am not as good at keepin up with this thing as I would like to be..

For Halloween this year Keaton wanted to be a Skeleton..well I could not find a costume under like 30$, and I am sorry...that is just to much for a costume he will wear once for an hour or two..so I decided I can make on..well if you know me at all, you know I am not creative in that type of way at all, so I was freakin out.
My Grandmother was going to help me, and we had our plan all ready on how to make it, which was a little overwhelming to me to say the least, when all of a sudden one of the skeleton costumes went on sale, a really good one, bringing down to a price I was happy with, especially since I did not have to make it..:)

Braedon was an Indian, this was Keaton's costume when he was Braedon's age.

we also spent way to much money on a Pumpkin from a Pupmpkin patch, I thought Jeff was going to have a heart attack..but nonetheless we did it, and it turned out cute.

We had family in town for Thanksgiving. it was a blast, love seeing family and hangin out..you would of thought I got more pics of actual Thanksgiving than I did , but oh well..

I also had a chance to hang with my sista from another mista for a night..and I will tell you all about that , when she get's off her booty and emails me the rockin picture we had taken, so I can post it, and tell all...that's right..you need to stop reading this Cylee, and go to the computer and email me our pic..thx..:)

more soon.

Hooray For Cousins!!!

2009-10-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

October has been a special month..I have got to visit with 2 Cousins, each from a different side of the family..

I really enjoyed seeing them.

I see my cousin Tara more often than my Cousin Melissa, but I don't see them both enough..

it was so much fun chatting..my Grandma and her sister, kept telling me and Tara were talking so fast how could we understand eachother..lol..we had lots to catch up on..thank Heaven for email and facebook..but it is always better in person..

my Cousin Melissa and I have not seen eachother since we were 12..I wont say how many decades that is..but we discovered we had a lot in common, she is really neat, she is from Canada, and I was busy asking her all about the differences.. we had a great time as well..

I am so thankful for family, even though some of us are scattered all over the place, it is nice to know you have family, and can have family forever..no matter what..

here are a few pics of the cousin crew..ignore my inability to take a good picture, I don't think I have taken one in my entire 32 years of living..lol..oh well..

One more pic..

2009-08-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I had to put this last pic of Braedon in..

I laugh so hard..cause Braedon is not my most smiliest kid in pictures..in fact, he does not like his picture taken, as you can kind of tell in these..but this one was to cute not to put in..

sorry for the picture overload...lol..

Braedon Turns 2!!

2009-08-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last week was Braedon's Birtdhay..2 years old, and such a little fireball..
He is definately very different than his brother. so funny to see all the difference they have. When the 2nd is born, you just kind of think, well he will be like the #1, but oh no..not so much.

Braedon brings such joy and laughter to this family, we are constantly laughing at soemthing he does or says.

a few pics from the birthday parties..Yes I said parties..if you know my family, you will understand..lol..

Keaton's First Day of School....sniff sniff..

2009-08-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe I have a 5 year old..but now to make matters more crazy..I have a kindergartner..

Keaton started his first day of school a few weeks ago. I of course was traumatized , he of course was happy as a clam..

I sit here, and still remember the day I found out I was having him. I was in schock first of all, and so grateful. then came the day he was born, that feeling was amazing, (well, not the actual giving birth part, that hurt), I held this sweet little boy in my arms, I was not sure I would ever get to have any little ones, and there he was. so sweet, in all his 9lbs 10oz glory..

then came the 1st birthday, wow, then 2,3,4 and finally 5.

He's amazing to me, I know without a doubt, he was supposed to come to my family, he fits in perfectly. I love him and am so proud to be his mommy. here are some pics of the big day at school..:)

More Pics..

2009-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Summer Happenings..

2009-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have not updated this in a while...Summer has been busy...swim lessons..karate , cabin trips...it has been fun..

We have been to mom's boyfriend's cabin a couple of times, it is very nice..the boys love it up there..Keaton was truly made for the woods..he could be a mountain man..which I am not that excited about..since I am pretty much a city girl..lol.

Keaton also has been taking Karate..it is so funny to watch..he loves it..he is one of the youngest ones there..so they are a little easy on him..which I am thankful for..cause they are pretty strict with all the older kids..

he likes it..here are some pics of the summer happenings around here...enjoy..

well he went and turned 5 on me...

2009-06-03T21:15:00.001-07:00

Well he went and turned 5 on me....

Can you believe it...they just go and get older and older...Kills me..I mean..don't get me wrong, I love to watch him grow and learn and become independent..but every year he gets older, I think..only a few more before he won't want to snuggle with me, or kiss me so much...lol..

We had a party at Peter Piper Pizza..I loved it..I did not have to do anything, but say more pizza please..ha..and bring the cake..

He had so much fun with friends and family..and of course made a haul of gifts...

It was fun..here is just a few pics of him...I have way to many to post...

Thanks to all that came and had fun with us...we love you all..

Graduation ....Oh the tears..

2009-05-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

Last night was Keaton's Pre-School Graduation ceremony....I am so proud of him...Yes, I am proud he graduated Pre-School...I think it's a great milestone..he has learned so much this past year. And I feel better about letting him go off to Kindergarten with the knowledge he has..

I tear up whenever I think about this..Wasn't he just born the other day..He will be 5 years old in 2 weeks..where did that time go..People tell me it goes fast, but I never thought it would go this fast..

I have so much invested in this kid..It took me forever to have him,and now that he is here..I wonder..do I tell him I love him enough, do I spend enough time with him, do I teach by example. Trying to raise a young man is tough. You want them to be a little boy, and love all things little boys love, but you want them to be sensitive, to grow up and respect girls, and treat everyone with respect.

I love this little boy..and am so grateful for him..I know I can be hard on him sometimes, there are nights when I want to wake him up from his sleep and tell him I am sorry for not being the best mommy that day and tell him how much I love him..but then I know he would never go back to sleep and I scratch that idea..lol..

When they say time flies..I know what that means now..I used to wish for time to hurry up..everything went so slow it seemed...but now I wish things would slow down just a little..

Anyways enough of the blubber..here are some pics of his special day..

Enjoy..

The Proud Mommy..

Happy Birthday Mom...

2009-04-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my Mom's birthday...so we invited her and her boyfriend Phil, and my grandma and brother over for dinner..

It was fun celebrating ...The boys have lots of fun with Phil and my brother..

I hope you enjoyed it mom...we love ya...

here are some pics of the party...and by party I mean, dinner and cake..ha...

The real meaning of Easter..

2009-04-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for Easter..not because of bunnies, or candy...but because of Jesus, and all that he did and still does for me...

Happy Easter....

Date Night at the Chuck E. Cheese...

2009-03-28T21:49:00.001-07:00

I am so lucky that Keaton wants to date his Mom...ha..does that sound totally inappropriate..yeah, it kind of does..but it is not..

I love that my almost 5 year old son, thinks I am cool enough to go out with...He always says mom, I love our Dates...can we go on a date again....Now, I am not totally stupid..I pretty much know that it means, mom take me somewhere and spoil me rotten, more than Mom I want to spend time with you and only you...but hey I will take it...

I know there will come a time, when he will roll his eyes at me (and I will want to smack him), and not want anything to do with me...so for now, Date night rocks...

Keaton and I went to Chuck E. Cheese for date night last night....Um...they are redicoulsy expensive...but anyhoo...we ate pizza, talked, played games, collected tickets, bought a rubber spider for all of tickets we had...which by the way is a total rip off, ...ha...We even got to see the Big Cheese himself....Good Times.....

We topped the night off ,with some ice cream...and it was a great night..

Now of course he would like to know, when the next one is...:)

I love Keaton....he is such a bright and shining light in my home...he makes me laugh, he amazes me with his wisdom, of course he also drives me up the wall at times...but I am so glad, he is my son...and I look foward to even more date nights...I am hoping he will pay for the next one...what do ya think....:)

The Question I have been dreading for almost 5 years..

2009-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

MOM IS THAT A TATOO ON YOUR ARM????????

UGH...I thought I would have another couple of years before that came up..ha..

It was pretty funny trying to explain to him..that When Mommy was young she did this, and she really regrets it..

Keaton: Why don't you like it?

Me: Well, I don't think we should treat our bodies that way..

Keaton:, I guess it's just for guys then?, just boys get tattoos..

Me: Oh no...Boys should not have them either...(As I am panicking with the thought, he would want one..ha)

Keaton: well, someone's mom probably took their kids to get it done..ha..(that was my fav line)

Me:.Yeah I don't think so bud..Momm'ys don't like their kids to have them.

Keaton: Well, Guess you were not thinking right huh??

Me:Exactly...

Now is the time I pray ...that Keaton does not come home someday with a tattoo, and blame it all on me...:)

If it wasn't 200 degrees in March in AZ..I would not have been wearing short sleeves and we might have avoided this convo for another few years...ha..

Oh well..I knew it was coming..Boy I hope he makes better decisions than me..., He is a good kid..I know he will...

I hope I don't offend anyone reading this with Tattoo's I don't mean to...I just regret mine, I was young, and I did not think it through...and Now they are a permanent part of my body..No meaning to the one on my arm at all..just thought it "looked cool".., and said let's do it..and I did, and now I hate it...

now I am babbling...time to end...

Happy Valentines Day...

2009-02-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

I know I am a few days late..

I had a nice Valentines Day...

I have to say I am touched by my men in this house...
You all know my Husband...he is what we call a penny pincher, ha..
Weeks before V-Day, he says, don't get me anything , I don't want anything..V-Day is a ridiculous Hallmark Holiday..blah blah..,
So I thought..Fine, I won't ..of couse I do anyway..just some chocolates, and a card, but something..
I did not expect anything...
Well on V-day morning, he got the kids up and said let's go..he took them to Michael's , they picked out some nice silk flowers, a vase, some thing to decorate it with..they put together a nice floral arrangemnet for me..yes it is simple..but the meaning behind it, means everything.

Jeff told me..."I am trying to raise 2 young men here, I want them to grow up and treat their future wives like queens..I don't want them to be like me in this area..It is my resposibility to teach them this value...

I am so grateful for Jeff...He always does the right thing...he is a good Father and Husband...I know he loves me, and our Children, and I cannot ask for anything else..

except maybe a pedicure....ha..Which I got as well, for V-day...:)

So glad I buy toys for my children for Christmas......

2009-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ha Ha...They would rather play in the pantry with the canned goods...Hey if that is all that it takes to make them happy..heck, I am going to the grocery store for their birthday gifts...

New Years....

2009-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well it's 2009...what should my resolutions be.....AHH what's the point..Like I follow them anyway....ha ha..

I really do have some "goals" for this year., I hope to be a little better with my patience..I am not the most patient person...more giving...less heavy..:), more happy..enjoy my life more...I am really blessed to have a great life with a great family...so lucky to be with my boys...

have great friends...That I don't always get to see or talk to ...but hope they know I love them..

I hope everyone who reads this , (which I am sure is not many..ha ..) has a wonderful 2009..

Here are pictures from New Years Eve with the kids...we were at my Grandma's...Keaton loves being there with his cousin David..they have a lot of fun together...

I know ...enough already...almost done...

2008-12-29T10:52:00.001-08:00

ha ha..more...I know seriously...

2008-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

And more...

2008-12-29T10:44:00.001-08:00

More Pics...

2008-12-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

More...

Family Pictures...

2008-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ok...In Nov..we had family Pictures...By a friend in our ward...Erin Bentley.

She did a great job, we had fun doing them....so now of course I am going to post a crap load of pictures..ha ha...enjoy..

Testing...

2008-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jeff...

2008-12-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

So the day after Christmas is Jeff's Birthday....Yeah...The day after...
Ha Ha..

He hates it...he thinks he gets the shaft every year...and he pretty much does...but I try to make it a little special...

This year..we were so tired ..we did not do much...we did go out to dinner...and then he got to open gifts at Nana's house, and have cake...

I hope you have a wonderful 32nd year babe...That's right...I said your age...your old....ha ha...

some pics of the day..Yes I am wearing a Santa hat...No I don't like to.....Keaton took the picture...He is actually a good little picture taker...he just gets really really close to your face...I have to always tell ...back up a little..ha..

More pics...

2008-12-28T19:45:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008....

2008-12-28T19:36:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a Great Christmas this year...

I am somewhat sad that the season is over...but to be honest, a little releived as well...

It is always a busy time of year, when we get to see our family more than we see them now...I always enjoy being with my family...I hope someday, my kids will look back and remember that is was fun being with their family...ha ha..

Christmas day, My mom and Grandma, came over in the morning to watch the kids open gifts..we had breakfast, and hung out...it was fun...of course Keaton just ripped through gift after gift, and acted so suprised when there was no more to open...like ..was that it....ha..

Braedon could have cared less...I had to beg him to open a gift....but he is finally getting into all his goodies..and having fun...

at 2:00 we had dinner with at my Grandma's with mom, ryan, grandma, phil and all of us..I think my grandma really liked having it at her house..she is a little older, and gets tired pretty quick..but I think it was really important to have it there...and I know she loved it..

Later in the evening, we did my other Grandma's house...with my dad and uncles and kids ....it gets a little chaotic..but it was fun too...

I am grateful to have so much family to be with..there are many..that don't have any..I need to count my blessings...

here are some pics from the big day..

Keaton's School Christmas Party....

2008-12-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Keaton had his School Christmas party today...

The kids got to do a little skit about Joseph and Mary...it was great..of course my little guy was Joseph...The Teacher said he wanted to be Joseph so he could be married to his friend Roxie who was Mary...Of course he denies that...:)

They also sang some Christmas songs...

The kids had a gift exchange, and made their mommies, cute little Christmas tree ornaments..to hang on the tree..

Then they served all the guests cookies...it was fun...

I can't believe how grown up Keaton looks to me...It kind of breaks my heart..:)

Ward Christmas Party....

2008-12-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah so....Last Friday was our Ward Christmas Party....It was a Pajama Party, we had Breakfast for Dinner..stuff for the kids to do...it was great...Oh...Yeah...and also some after dinner entertainment.....

This is our Bishopric....that's right ...the ones in the tu tu's ...so funny...I love those guys..we have some real talent there don't you think????

Holiday Baking ...Round 1...

2008-12-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

So I love to bake at this time of year...who doesn't ...This year ..I have about half of my baking done...

I made Sugar cookies with the Glace icing...I have never been able to do it right..but thanks to the help of Our Best Bites..A site That is on my blog that I go to..I got an easy receipe and they turned out pretty good for my first time...

I also made some Yummy ...Peppermint Bark Popcorn...mmmm..so good, and so easy ...also on Our Best Bites...

So Round One is done...I still have many more goodies to deliver...So Round 2 will be next week..so if your reading this and did not get some goodies..don't worry...Round 2 is coming soon...:)

here are some pics of the creations....Keaton wanted in on the fun...he decorated his all by himself....

Merry Christmas...

I Love my Family....

2008-12-03T08:18:00.001-08:00

So at Thanksgiving I had a chance to visit with some family from Iowa, and Canada..

Cousin Becky from Canada..A.K.A. Christy the Clown...yes she is really a clown..she has a lot of fun doing it..and does quite well in Canada..I have not seen her since I was a little girl...It was fun to visit.

Also my Great Aunt Kas, and Cousin Barb...I loved being able to visit with them, Barb keeps everyone laughing...I don't get to see them and their family enough..

My family is very Musical...And everytime we get together on that side of the family, instead of saying a blessing on the food, we sing it..to the hymn "Bless be the tie that binds"

Barb took some video of it this year..so I thought I would post it here..

I am proud to come from my family...I loved seeing everyone..and hope to see them again before I am 40...:)

Christmas lights at the Temple...

2008-12-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...

On Saturday Night, we went to the Mesa Temple to look at the Christmas lights with our good friends...We always have fun when we are with them..

I loved looking at the lights...It felt so peaceful there...Watching the Manger scene always makes me tear up..

I am determined this year to remember the true meaning of Christmas..and not get so wrapped up in all the other stuff...

here are a few pics of the kids ...Keaton's BFF Colten...they are 2 peas in a pod ....and Also Keaton's future wife (ha ha), Marlee..., and Braedon...his 2nd time to the lights...and as always not very impressed with it all :)

New Header...

2008-11-24T11:28:00.001-08:00

I have not been on in a few weeks..I have been super busy...

We have a new Header for the blog...I absolutely love it...Thanks to Jeana ..a great artist, who took this on..and thanks to my cousin Tara for refering her ....

It is great..I love it..

Well it is the Week of Thanksgiving...and we have been busy...But I really need to slow down and remember what I am thankful for... I have so much in my life to be thankful for ...

I am so lucky to have a wonderful family whom I adore...And to be a mom to my children...sometimes I feel like I am not the best mom..but because of my children..I always try to be better...

I am lucky to have a wondeful extended family..whom I am so happy to spend the holiday's with..and every day..

I hope that I can always remember how much I have to be grateful for.,

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving...and I will update soon...hopefully with some pics...

Happy 7 years Jeff...

2008-11-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today was my 7 year wedding Anniversary...I can't believe I have been married that long...it really did go by pretty fast...

I am very lucky to have married a wonderful Man...He is a great Husband and Provider...and he is an awesome Daddy...

He loves me very much, and I know that can be hard sometimes... He always thinks of his family first..He rarely takes anything for himself..and has always been my safe place to land...

I never thought I would get married, much less to someone this great...We have had lifes trials thrown at us every which way, and we are still a strong family unit.

Family is the most important thing in life..I have the 2 most amazing boys, and I am so glad that Jeff and I can share that journey with eachother...

Ok...I am so not a sappy person..but hey it's been 7 years...I had to get a little sappy...

I love you Jeff...XOXOXXO

Yes I know how to spell Pumpkin...duh...

2008-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Kay Obviously I spelled Pumpkin wrong....Thanks Jeff for pointing that out...now I feel like a dummy....

Halloween Pumkin and Halloween...

2008-11-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

So after the Urgent Care visit...:)

Of course Keaton still wanted to Carve a pumpkin...It was pretty easy..we had a kit taht we could stick on ears and nose and eyes....Carved the mouth and that was it...he had fun...even though you could tell he did not feel great...

Also pics of Halloween, Keaton of course was a soldier....I am convinced it was so he could have a gun (thanks grandma):) and Braedon was a Lion (again thanks grandma), you can tell my little guy is jus so joviel...:) he did ok...it was kind of humorous to look at him..he could not figure out where his hands were..

Went to see grandma and both great grand parents...and did a little trick or treating...

I was exhausted by the end...but it was fun...

Keaton's School Party....

2008-11-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Keaton had a Halloween Party at the park with his preschool...

It was fun...Of course we live in AZ and it was like 90 degrees....but other than that..it was nice...

included are pics of that day...Braedon was just not lovin it...:)

House full of Sick People...:(

2008-11-01T12:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah so....not a fun week here at the Sanchez's ....

Monday- Braedon gets the Stomach Flu..throws up all over his bed...and floor, and well everywhere....

Tuesday- Braedon getting better...woo hoo , it is probably just a 24 hour bug..

Wednesday-Erica wakes up...Throws up about 6 Times...I have never lost so much fluid in my life...it makes Pregnancy a walk in the park..., I was so sick..Jeff had to stay home to take care of the kids....

Thursday-Erica feels better, Jeff very sick now...has to stay home again...Not a happy camper...

Thursday Night- Take Keaton to the Urgent Care....has a wierd sounding cough....kind of freaks me out...He has to have Prednisone to help him breathe....is put on Albuterol, an antibitoic, and Prednisone for a week....That is fun to get him to take his meds....

Friday- Halloween....Keaton is a little bit better...Braedon is fine...I am almost 100%, and Jeff is doing fine...

So if anyone is wondering how my week was.....There you have it....

Jeff, Keaton and I have all had our Flu shots....next on the list Braedon..(and quickly)

Chuck E. Cheese and another Field Trip..

2008-10-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ok..

So we took the boys a couple of weeks ago to Chuck E. Cheese's ..I have not been there in years, And can I just say how sad it is now..that you have to have a hand stamp, and yours has to match your kids, just so some nut job won't try and leave with your kid...Yikes...We do not live in the world I grew up in....

Anyway...

Keaton had a lot of fun..even had his pic with the big Cheese himself...Braedon was just a little overwhelmed with all the lights sounds and kids running everywhere..but it was fun...

Also Keaton had his 2nd Field Trip ...it was to Fry's Grocery Store..they toured the store, and got to sample some of the food..and learn about how the store works...

there are a couple pics of his Field Trip, one of them is with his good friend Roxie...

Our new addition to our Family....

2008-10-10T15:55:00.001-07:00

NO...I am not Pregnant..:)

We have bought a car...Finally...we have been a one car family for almost 2 years...After I was in an accident 2 days before Christmas..It has taken us a while, but we finally finally made the decision to buy another car..

It is a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Touring...It is A very Dark Blue...Leather seats...seats 6...did I mention I love it...

I am including a few pics....of my new baby...

Pretty sad I get this excited over something so material...but what can I say...I am human...

2008-10-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ok..I have been tagged by Tammy..here it goes..

1. I don't like Fish...The thought of eating fish makes my skin crawl...I am happy to say, that I married a non fish person like myself...The smell alone makes me sick..

2. I love blues music...I don't think anyone knows that about me....I don't listen to it enough.

3. I am a soda addict...Seriously , when I say..I think their should be a 12 step program for it..:) it is hard for me not to drink it all day..I only let myself have one a day, maybe 2 on special occasions...like any day that ends in "Y" :)

4. I can't eat Luch until at least 12:00, for some reason my brain will not let me eat luch foods until after noon..which is hard when your making luch for your kids at 11:00 and y ou can't sit and eat with them, because you just can't make yourself do it..

5. I like old cars..like vintage cars...I would love to have an old Chevy or Ford to drive around in..like from the late 50's early 60's..

6. I like to sing to my children...I sing songs I make up all day long..my oldest does not think it is that cool anymore..but my toddler just laughs at me.

7. I am a bad scrapbooker...UGH...I can't make my self do it...I just don't know how to make it look right..then I get mad and then I give up...Maybe someday, I will master the art..

That was fun..Now I tag...Rachelle, Cylee, Meg, Savannah..Good luck girls...Yeah I only have 4 people to tag..I am kind of a loser...:)

Homemade Tortillas and Refried Beans...

2008-10-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

So...I decided that I wanted to make my own homemade Tortillas and Refried Beans..

I was a little scared..My mom used to make them A lot..and all though, I don't think the Tortillas turned out quite as good as my mom's..I have to say not bad for my first time..I definately will have a very hard time eating canned refried beans ever again...They turned out great...Though Jeff thinks they needed more salt...he's a boy what does he know ..:)

anyway , here is a picture of my creation...

If the economy keeps going the way it is ....and inflation takes us over...I will be glad to say...I could live off my tortillas and beans for a long time...:)

Welcome Brody Fox....

2008-09-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

My Step Sister had her 1st baby on Wednesday..Brody Fox, came into the world at 7:23p.m. weighing 8lbs 11oz, and measuring 21 inches...he is beautiful...it was a long journey to get him out...:) , I am so proud of Dan'yl she is a trooper...she did a great job..

Made me think of how women are incredible..we are so strong, even when we think we can't go on...we do...we are truly amazing..

I know Danyl will love motherhood..it is very rewarding...very hard, but very rewarding..

Welcome Brody...we are happy you are finally here...(especially your mama and Dada)..

Here is a pic of Brody....he is so cute..

Keaton's First Field Trip...

2008-09-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

So..Keaton's preschool had their first field trip the other day..they all got to go to Chevy's Mexican food Restraunt. they got to tour the kitchen, see how they make tortillas etc, at the end they all got to have tacos.

The preschool teacher had all the kids make a shirt with all their handprints and names on it, she calls it their field trip t-shirt, they are to wear it at every field trip.

Keaton was so excited to wear it...until....well, when we put it on him that morning...the shirt was so big, it came down to his knees...he right away said..Oh no...I am not wearing this...I can't wear this...He was so mad that it was to big, he through the biggest fit, and almost did not go to his field trip....Of course when we got there, before they went in, they all stood in line and sang songs..can you tell by the look on Keaton's face he is not thrilled.....It is so funny...I had to take pics of him being a sour puss....

But once he got inside, and they gave him that hat..he was fine....

All in all, it was fun..and we will see what next months field trip brings...

Riding in the car....

2008-09-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

It is moments like these that make me happy to be a mom....This was so funny...Keaton driving his little car, and Braedon sitting next to him...as you can tell by the look on his face, he is just praying that he stays in one piece...

I love my boys...

"Chicks Dig me"

2008-09-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Enough said....

I love it..look at his face, he thinks he is a model....

Brother wanted in on the action too....

Brotherly love, Braedon's hair and my messy house.

2008-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I love watching my boys interact...(most of the time)..

Keaton is a great big brother, and Braedon just eats it up...He just follows him around ..First thing in the morning , Braedon wants to see Keaton, and he just lights up when he sees him..

they love to wrestle, which always has me a little nervous, but it is cute to watch.

People keep giving me a hard time about Braedon's hair. I have never cut it..I just can't bring myself to do it. it is super long on top, and it has cute curls in the back..it's not that bad is it...he is my baby and once you cut their hair, they seem to look like a little boy instead of a baby..

And yes that is my house at 10:00 in the morning...good thing Jeff is not home to witness it :)

My song to Anna..(turn on your speakers)

2008-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you turn on your sound on your computer...

The first song on my playlist, I am dedicating to Anna...It is Mariah Carey's song Bye Bye..

I always think of her when I hear this...

This is for you Anna..

This is dedicated to Annamarie Sanchez...

2008-09-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

It has been 2 years ago today on September 4th (which was labor day that year) that we lost Anna. I can't believe it has been 2 years. It is still very real in our minds, like it happened yesterday. She was taken way to young. she left behind a beautiful daughter, who looks just like her, and a family that misses her every day. there is not a day that goes by that she is not in our thoughts.

So this day is dedicated to you Anna. We love you so much, we miss you, and we know that you are still with us, helping us through are days here on Earth..

Love,

Your Family..

1st day of preschool...

2008-09-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it..My little baby is a preschooler now..He was so cute with his little backpack ..4 years went by so fast...

I hope he loves his school, his teacher, and all the new friends he will make..

UGH!!! why do they grow so fast...

I am so proud of the little boy my baby is becoming.......Excet at dinner, then he's a little brat, and I feel like selling him for a dollar on the corner....(just kidding)...:)

Disneyland Vacation..

2008-09-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well went to Disneyland 2 weeks ago...

It was a lot of fun, it was Keaton's 1st time going and obviously was Braedon's first trip..It was so much fun watching them ooh and aahh at everything in Disneyland..we took a ton of pics, maybe I can put them in a slideshow, if not, here are a few pics...

My Birthday boys...

2008-09-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

So since I have not written since February..there are new things to write about...since I cannot remember a lot of them right now...let's start with my birthday boys..

Keaton my oldest turned 4 years old in May..I cannot believe I have a 4 year old..he is going to be starting Preschool tommorrow..I am scared is that normal...he is not ..he is so excited..we went and picked him out a spider man backpack, and he is ready to go..

Braedon is my youngest and he just turned 1 on August 19th...Again,..that went by way to fast...he is busy learning new things every day...especially about all out outlets and plugs..he just loves electricity...:), he is starting to walk, but would rather be carried...he lights up our family with his little personality..we love him...

I blame Cylee Pressley for this....

2008-09-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

So I am a total slacker on my blog, and then BFF Cylee, decides Oh I am going to do a blog...well I can't make her let me look like a slacker, so now I gotta keep up on this....

Darn you Cylee Pressley....

Ok, I am actually kind of happy to do it...I am going to post a new family post, and some pics , if I can figure it out...

More to come...

Erica.

Motherhood is Wonderful!!!!!

2008-02-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have got to say, Lately , I have had such a burning in my heart about being a mom...I look at my 2 boys and are so grateful for them..it took me a while, and a lot of pain, crying, complaining, bitterness etc...but I have been blessed with these little boys...I know they were supposed to come to my family...from someone who maybe 10 years ago, was not in the best place in her life, and would have been a nightmare of a mom, I feel like I have come a long way...

I know this is my calling in life...I am so grateful for that...

Now..Me and Jeff might disagree on the # of kids we want...but I do know that if I am blessed with more children, That will be great ....If not....I have the best little boys anyone could ask for...

BTW!!! I do have my moments..of wanting to pull my hair out..and want to run away for the day...but for the most part..Motherhood is Wonderful!!!

My goal in life...is that my boys grow up...and look back on their childhood, and have the happiest memories..and always be mamas boys at heart..., (cause I don't want to have to fight the daughter in laws , but I will)......Just kidding...

I am still learning how this site works but will have pics on it soon....

Erica

My name is Erica and I am a first time Blogger..

2008-02-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I have decided to keep a blog about my family, and our day to day happenings...I have no idea what I am doing, but I like this..It is like a form of journaling..

I am married to Jeff..He loves me, despite my many many faults..especially, if you ask him, my lack of organization, and failure to put wrappers in the garbage at a timely rate...

We have 2 beautiful boys..Keaton who will be 4 in May, and Braedon who just turned 6 months yesterday..I love them more than anything..It took me a long time to get them here..some of you may know my battle with infertility, and some may not..but it was a long hard road , with lots of bumps..but in the end, I have been blessed with these sweet spirits...They keep Jeff and I really busy...

Keaton, is becoming his own little person..he has a big personality..the other day in the car, he was asking for French Fries, again and again and again...Finally I said, Keaton stop saying that...he was quiet....then from the backseat I hear, Mommy, is that a bad word...I said what...he said French fries...we laughed...He figured since I told him not to say that anymore..It must be a bad word...he always has something funny to add to the family..

Braedon, is so laid back...he is an easy baby for the most part..he loves his big brother so much...we are crossing our fingers he does not have food allergies like Keaton..so far so good...

I will be posting about my family often....and I hope whoever ends up reading this will enjoy our little adventures in being a family of a dad ( with a little bit of OCD):), and a mom, who is learning as she goes.. and 2 boys who capture their families hearts...