Grandma

It's amazing how special Grandmas are. When you are little, they spoil you rotten, allowing you to eat things you wouldn't normally be allowed to, buying you anything and everything, and letting you get away with way more than you ever could at home. As a teenager, they don't judge, and just love to hear your stories (and still spoil you rotten). As an adult, and now a parent, I've seen my grandparents in a whole new light; providing wisdom and support when I need it. And now, my kids are the ones being spoiled rotten. My situation was a little different than most of my friends in that neither sets of my Grandparents lived anywhere near me (not even in the same state). Growing up, we alternated between Colorado and New Mexico; constantly visiting family. That was always our "vacation." My Grandparents were always thrilled to have us, and we loved spending time at their house in Colorado. She was a little lady - claiming to be 5'2", but as my Dad says, that was never verified. :) She had a way about her that was inviting to anyone. She never judged, no matter what any of her crazy grandkids did (myself included), and was always there to listen.

My Dad told a story at the Memorial that I'd never heard, that I want to share. I was the first grandchild on both sides. This was a huge deal in the Pettine family for several reasons. One, I was the FIRST. Second, and most importantly, I was a GIRL. In the Pettine family, "girls are a treasure," according to my Great Aunt Ann. We really are hard to come by. :) My Dad is one of four boys, and there are ten grandchildren. Only four are girls. Of the three great-grandchildren, no girls. So I was born late on a Saturday evening, and back then, I guess they were a little more strict on the visitation hours in hospital nurseries. My Dad was standing outside the nursery window looking at me, and he heard a commotion down the hall. My grandparents had driven in from Colorado to see me, and apparently the nurse was telling them they'd have to come back the next day because visitation hours were over (I was supposed to be born the day before, but totally denied my mother of a baby with a failed induction - then came on my own the next day. Stubborn, much?). As he's walking towards them, he hears my itty-bitty Grandma tell this nurse that SHE HAS BEEN WAITING 50 YEARS FOR THIS BABY AND BY GOD SHE WASN'T GOING TO STAND IN HER WAY. This just sounds exactly like my Grandma. Itty bitty is stature, but such a little firecracker. :) Needless to say, they let her in to see me.

There are few people that will talk Bronco Football with me like my Grandma would. On my last trip there, we had a lengthy discussion about Brandon Marshall (Broncos WR) and how she thought it was time to trade him. (I did NOT agree) And now look who's begging for a trade... I know she's smiling down on me for that one. She was the only other woman I knew that would sit and watch an entire weekend of football, and love every minute of it. She was an avid golfer, and love being outside. I know there is so much of her in me, and I miss her tremendously.


Love you Grandma!!!

Me, Grandma, and my Uncle Chris:

Britton, right after his "Nona" (she insisted on being called this by her great-grandkids - we're italian, just go with it. :) ) gave him his first taste of ice cream EVER at 9 months! I think he liked it just a little bit...

This is by far my favorite picture. I just love the look on her face with little Britton. Sadly, she never met Leyton, but I know she would have LOVED him.

Boys Weekend

This past weekend I went to Colorado to visit family. I went solo, and left the boys at home with PJ for a fun weekend with Daddy. I was hesitant to go; not because I don't trust PJ, but because I knew I would miss all three of them immensely. It ended up being a great weekend for everyone. I had a nice little 'break' from the typical mommy stuff, and the boys had a ton of fun with Daddy (so much so, that Britton asked when I was leaving again so they could have another "Boys Night").

The boys had a little too much fun this weekend I think... They were both absolutely beat by last night, and both were in bed asleep by 7:00! The list of activities included a trip to Red Robin (Britton's absolute favorite restaurant) where Red Robin made a cameo appearance, just for my boys. (Thanks cousin Danielle for working that one out) They both had some fun with Gigi and Grandma Cindy, and I'm told rented a movie and ate ice cream and popcorn on Saturday night! And I have to give PJ props - I came home to a very clean house, and my boys were happy. What more could I ask for? He's wonderful. :)

For me, it was a very busy three days. All of my Dad's side of the family lives in CO (with the exception of a few cousins), and it was a great chance to catch up with everyone. That said, my family is Italian, which means lots of relatives. :) My main purpose was to attend my cousin's college graduation party, and we did that Saturday night. I couldn't be more proud of my sweet cousin - Roni (Veronica)! She's such a doll, and has done some amazing things in her years in college. She's travelled the world, and now is fluent in several languages - including Spanish and Arabic. I love to read about her travels, and she keeps me laughing! We love you Roni!!! I also got the chance to see all of my uncles (my Dad's 3 brothers), some of my cousins - Rachel, Joshy, Barrett, and Slava, and spend time with my Grandma, Great Uncle Eric and Great Aunt Ann (who are two of the funniest people I've ever met. Seriously - I was laughing so hard I was crying). I'm embarrassed to say though that I took no pictures. Seriously, not one. My cousin Rachel took several and promises to post them on facebook for me though... :)

So here's a few pics PJ took over the weekend of the boys and sent to me to keep me "in the loop" on what they were doing:

8 things

Valerie did this on her blog and I thought it was such a cool way to just get a glimpse into your friends' daily lives. :) Here's mine:

8 things I am looking forward to:
1. A mini family road trip this weekend! We love taking the boys on short day trips! I think we will be headed to Joe's this weekend... Britton informed me he needs "a new Pistol Pete shirt. This time with bullet." Hmmm....
2. Leyton's ears FINALLY being ear-infection free!
3. Taking the boys to the splash park this summer (Britton asks almost EVERY DAY if it's open yet)
4. Girl trip! Don't know where we are going yet (or when), but we've been talking about this for over a year!
5. Stolen from Valerie's list - Being totally debt free! We have become crazy Dave Ramsey watchers and are really working hard on this! Very close now...
6. Taking both boys to the swimming pool this summer. Britton is a fish, and Leyton is old enough now to go as well (last year he was still just too little).
7. Leyton's first summer at Summer Camp / Preschool with Gigi! I think Gigi's the MOST excited about this one!
8. Playing indoor coed soccer again with my hubby and friends - starting this week! Always a good time!

8 things I did yesterday:
1. Played my last outdoor women's soccer game for the season. We won!
2. Took the boys to eat lunch with Daddy at Chick-fil-a
3. Hit the GAP baby sale
4. Dusted the whole house
5. Wrapped teacher's gifts for Leyton's last day of school
6. Read another chapter of our Bible Study book - 'A Heart like His'
7. Worked from home
8. Worked on the book Britton and I are making of "his favorite things"

8 things I wish I could do:
1. Spend more time with the boys and my husband
2. Travel more - I'd love to go back to Europe (I can never get enough of that continent)
3. Run a marathon (*note the key word is WISH! Never going to happen - I don't like running that much. Just wish I could say I could!)
4. Learn to shoot photos like the professionals. Really - I suck
5. Wear a bikini (or any swimsuit for that matter). Seriously. This big ol' leftover baby belly is not cute in anything form fitting. :(
6. On that same note, tummy tuck anyone? :)
7. Decorate my house. It would be easy - if money grew on trees. I see so many things I like!
8. Have more hours in each day. I swear there's just not enough time. Ever.


8 shows I watch:
(ha, ha, if you only knew my DVR was backed up with 2 months of shows I haven't watched yet!)
1. Criminal Minds (my new found love)
2. Survivor
3. Lost (can this series please just end already? I can't quit now - I've been watching for 5 years, but really, I'm done.)
4. Flashpoint (another new one I love that I don't have time to watch)
5. Friday Night Lights
6. House
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. The Office

8 bloggers I'm tagging:
Yeah, I'm not going to tag anyone. But if you play, let me know and I'll read it!

tip & squeeze

"tip & squeeze" = handstand

I've mentioned before that Britton does gymnastics at the same gym I competed for... Well this past week was the end of the year "awards," where the parents are invited into the gym to watch for the entire class period (you can watch from the observation rooms on the monitors each week, but this is much better). Britton loves gymnastics, and is always so proud to show off his tricks.

I've had to really think when he comes home and tells me his new trick of the day - it always seems to have a funny name I'm completely unfamiliar with (tip & squeeze was a new one on me). His coach, (who was one of mine growing up actually) apparently likes to come up with fun creative names for the tricks to make it easier for the boys to remember. Some of my favorites - tip & squeeze, koo koo hang, koo koo swing, tip & kick, the list goes on... Here's some fun pics of BK in action...

Silly BK:


Tip & Squeeze:

Koo Koo Hang (and yes, there is a skill that will come from this strange position, just trust me on this)

Britton doing his chin-ups. Now I realize there is a rubberband helping him, but trust me, it's not easy. Especially since he did 40 of them! I've never been so impressed!

Receiving his award and showing off his "gymnastics stretch:"

big money!

Last Thursday, Leyton had the long overdue ear tubes surgery... The doctor told us his ears were full of "goo" (his very scientific medical term, not mine) and he should be hearing much better now! We never thought he had any trouble hearing us, but apparently we were wrong. He is now noticing every little sound - including the t.v.. On Thursday evening I had it on Wheel of Fortune while I cleaned up dinner and he was mesmerized by the spinning wheel o' colors, and had to clap every time they did. I thought it was hysterical, especially since I swear I'll be on this show someday (I'm sure I'll win nothing, but hey it's good to have goals)...

mother's day... how I love thee...

I'm very blessed to have a wonderful family that treats me like a queen on Mother's Day (and most every day of the year!). My two boys and hubby are the sweetest around, in my very biased opinion! This year, they did a number of special things for me, but my favorite is always the cards. PJ generally picks one out and it's from all three of them, but this year Britton also wanted to give me one of his own. Completely unprovoked, he went into his room yesterday afternoon, found an old Valentine's card I had given him several years back, and re-decorated it to be a Mother's Day card for me - complete with a drawing of the whole family, and the names to match each person. He came out to find me, quietly said "Happy Mother's Day" and pulled the card from behind his back. That was by far the highlight of my day. We also saw both of our Mom's - PJ's Mom at lunch; and my Mom came over for a family dinner. The boys had a great time playing with their cousins at both gatherings, and we loved getting to catch up with everyone.

This is one of my new favorite pics - Grandpa Poncho sporting the apron we gave Grandma Cindy for Mother's Day. Both our Moms love to cook and I decided these would be perfect gifts (thanks Katie, for the idea!). Since it was MOTHER's Day, the Dads were cooking... Somehow it was just not the same on Grandpa. :)

i love these pj's

Both my kids have worn these, and in my opinion, they are the cutest darn PJ's out there. Actually, they were my nephew's, Trenton, first, and all three boys have looked so cute in them. Maybe it's because they are so skin tight they show every little baby pudge on them (which I LOVE), the chicken legs (which just come with being a part of this gene pool), or maybe it's because they are old-school style and button up the back. But we always get a good laugh, just cause they are so cute in them! Gotta love the big belly! Check out the comparison - so funny to see them each in them (and they are almost the exact same age in these pics)...



Little Britton first (I can't believe how young he looks in this picture):


And sweet Leyton - they are definitely a little snugger on him than they were on BK... :)

topsy turvy

Wow - I'm way behind. Expect to see an explosion of garcia posts in the next day or so. We'll start with some fun ones from this week...

Britton is a man after my own heart. I was so thrilled to find him like this when I walked into Leyton's room today:



For those that don't know, I was a competitive gymnast for more years than I can count. It was my life until I was 17 (when I tore up an ankle for what would be the last time) when I decided to retire. I still follow the sport closely, and have put Britton in it at the same gym I competed for. He's definitely a little monkey (just like his momma was), and seems to have a knack for it. Too bad I have a problem with male gymnasts... His days in this sport are numbered. :)

As for Leyton, he's now walking - full speed ahead. He's still not incredibly stable (and leads with his super cute belly), so the "topsy turvy" title fits him as well. I remember this stage with Britton; a state of constant bruise on his head from whatever he fell into that week. Currently, the forehead bruise count for Leyton stands at 2. Super. Here's a quick pic from this week (so proud of himself!).

the latest happys

I just wanted to write down a few of my favorite "sayings" from both boys in the last few weeks. Britton says something hysterical on a daily basis (sometimes hourly), but here's my current favorites -

1. PJ and Britton went to our church Easter Egg hunt last week and apparently the "Easter Kangaroo" was present (Yes, Kangaroo. But I think they were promoting VBS). Apparently Britton got a hug from said kangaroo and came home to tell me about it:
BK: Mom, I hugged the Easter Kangaroo!
Me: That's great BK!
BK: (With a look of disgust) But I felt a zipper on his back.
Me: And so what does that mean?
BK: It's just a costume.

So who wants to fess up to telling my child that Easter Kangaroos don't really exist?!? He said he also noticed that when he shook the Easter Bunny's paw, he felt fingers. I thought 4 year-olds weren't supposed to notice such things, and should still blissfully believe in the magic of the holidays (all holidays with dress-up creatures included)?? I'm brokenhearted by this latest development. The Easter Bunny did redeem himself somewhat on Sunday morning though by leaving a trail of eggs from Britton's room to the backdoor in the middle of the night. Tricky bunny.

2. Leyton picked up his sippy cup the other day, pointed to the liquid inside and exclaimed "WA WA!" I've never been so impressed, and he was pretty darn proud of himself. He also has started saying "Bye Bye" (or something similar) when it is said to him.

3. We went to dinner the other night, and Britton was busy eating his chicken and fries. He looked at PJ and said, "Please can I have more ketchup. Brought to you by State Farm." WHAT? Has someone been watching a little too much March Madness?? I couldn't believe he picked up the sponsor line that you so often hear on t.v. during sporting events. PJ and I were dumbfounded.

4. Also at the same dinner out, the waitress was asking Britton if he liked having a little brother. He said "Yes, and I think I'll have a little sister too." UM, NO. Not anytime soon anyway (if ever). Mom has all the babies I can handle at the moment. Good try though. :)

5. We have a gate at the bottom of our stairs to keep my youngest monkey from climbing them and hurting himself severely. So he loves the stairs (of course), and anytime Britton is up in the playroom (and he has seen me allow Britton past the gate to go upstairs), he gets very upset that I won't let him climb up as well. He then stands at the gate and screams up at Britton - "BAA BAA!" (Bubba) "BAA BAA BAA BAA BAA BAA!!!!" And on, and on.

a week of "firsts!"

The week of Leyton's birthday was a huge week for him. Not only was it his FIRST birthday, but he had his FIRST taste of sweets (in the form of multiple birthday cakes/cupcakes), his FIRST trip to the zoo, FIRST haircut, and one more small item: his FIRST steps!!! At his check-up, he weighed in at 20 lbs, 13.5 oz, and was 29.5 inches long. I realize that's not huge, but in the Garcia world (where we are referred to as "the Keeblers" by many of PJ's relatives), this is a pretty good size kiddo!

He is talking more and more, and is getting to be quite the walker. He still prefers crawling (because he's so darn fast that way), but we catch him taking steps here and there regularly. I'm never quick enough with the camera, but I'm just so thrilled we SAW him taking his first steps. This week he's a little under the weather with a double ear infection (and two ruptured eardrums - ouch!) but I know he'll be back to his busy self in no time. :) Here's some fun pics from the last couple of weeks:

This one is just funny. I had pushed the racks on the dishwasher in (I was working in the sink right next to him), and apparently he really wanted the plastic fork, so he just climbed in himself to get it. I turned around to find him sitting in the dishwasher. :)


This was at the zoo... It was cold and a little rainy, but it turned out perfectly because all the animals were the most active I've ever seen! Even the polar bear was swimming all over and kept coming to the window to bump his nose into it (*the polar bear is always asleep when I'm there so this was quite a treat!)!

Leyton with Tia Anna, who gave him his first haircut! Better, no? :)

This picture was from his birthday party (which I'll post more pics of later). Think he liked the cake? :)

Grandpa Poncho and Grandma Cindy gave him a wooden rocking horse, which he loves!