Lola eats...

...South Beach Diet Protein Bars?!? She always makes her way to the pantry and begs (screams) for it to be opened. She takes inventory of what is in there and then finds the snack she wants and picks it out - I swear, in our next house, there will be NO FOOD in the pantry, it is going in the cabinets, so she doesn't wreck shop! Regardless, today she found my favorite breakfast! She always gets bits and pieces of mine, but never just the bar on her own, well, today was different, she wasn't settling for just a bite or two. She wanted the whole thing and she ate the whole thing! She looked so funny walking around the house - so proud of her big girly-ness! Oh yeah, when she showed me that she was all done, I asked her to throw her wrapper in the trash, and she did!

Dinner-Beer Marinated Chicken Tacos w/ Tomato Salsa

Hands down the best dinner I have had in a long time! I am not a guacomole fan - but there was something about this salsa that made my mouth water, other than the fact that it was hot as hell! So good, and worth the two hour marinade wait on the chicken! I wish there was some left over to snack on today, but I am pretty sure, anything left went to work with Chad today! Best part about dinner? I didn't make any of it! Chad did it all! He is a way better cook than I'll ever be!


Beer Marinated Chicken Taco
Marinade
1 cup dark Mexican beer, such as Negra Modelo
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 4 ounces each

To make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the marinade ingredients. Place the thights in a large, plastic resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place the bag in a bowl, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Remove the thighs from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill over direct high heat until the meat is firm and the juices run clear, 8-10 minutes, turning once or twice. Cut the chicken into thin strips
Tomato Salsa
1 and 1/2 cups roughly chopped ripe tomatoes
1 large ripe avocado, finely diced
4 to 5 green onions, white part only, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 to 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno chile peppers (without the seeds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Tabasco (we used Chulula) sauce

To make salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the salsa ingredients, including salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste.

Rockin' with the Rosies

Yesterday, after the movie, Frank and Chrissy stopped by, along with Jayla, Susie, and Jearel! We visited for awhile, ate some Pizza Hut, and rocked! It was fun hanging afternoon hanging out with our friends!

The true highlight of the day was when Kyan asked Chad if he could go outside! Well, Chad was a little shocked that he would ask that since the kids go out the doggie door all the time, but said yes! Next thing you know, we see Kyan standing outside with his pants around his ankles (he didn't have a shirt on at the time anyway, so it looked even funnier) PEEING! OMG, it was the funnies thing I have seen in awhile! He later told me, when I asked him about it, that he didn't think that we could see him because the curtains were covering the windows. I can see where he would think he was in the clear, because when you look in, you just see the curtains, you can't see anyting, but from inside, we saw it all!

For some reason, Jayla and Lola loved sitting on the gate that blocks the dogs from the room!

Tickling Kyan! The girls were all laughing until Susie took the picture I swear! Jayla thought it was funny!

Frank and Jearel rockin' on the guitars! Jearel was a little reluctant to play, but when Kyan's shoulder started hurting from the strap - Jearel stepped in and played and I think he mighta liked it!

The "men" rockin'!

Yep, I was the singer! Tried to give up the mike, but no one stepped in! Where was Brian when I needed him, he always steals my mike! HAHA!

Swisher/Roseland Band

Chrissy and I looking tired - can't imagine why?

Ahhhhh, Kyan so sweet just trying to give his sister a hug! What you don't see is that Lola's binkie was on it's way out of her mouth (can kinda tell in the pic) and that she tried to bite his belly! Kyan didn't even notice, I told him what she was trying to do as I was pulling her off of him! Little turd!

Kyan wanted his turn on the camera, so these next few were curtosey of him!
Chad and I - little blurry!

If you look close, Kyan got everyone in the picture, even himself! By this time, our Garrett friends had left the building!

Chrissy and Frank

My Sister's Keeper

Ok, so the first thing that I want to say about this movie is DO NOT WEAR EYE MAKEUP!!! I cried from the second the little sister Anna started speaking at the very beginning of the movie to the very end of the movie. Even in parts that make you laugh, you are still crying.



I am not a fan of movies made from books, HOWEVER, this movie did justice to the book and you could feel the emotions that you felt from the book in the movie. Sure, did they leave stuff out - absolutely. Were things different, yes. Didn't matter to me, I thought it was a great show. Could have been so good also, because it hits so close to home.

I thought about Brion the entire time and the different stages of cancer that he went through. I cried a lot because I am sure that most of the stuff that Kate went through, Brion went through too, except Brion did it alone. Then I felt more sad, because no one was there for him, not that we wouldn't have been, but because he wanted it that way. When I looked at Kate, I saw Brion. I think that Brion never wanted us to see him like that and only allowed us to at the end because he had no other choice. Then I felt bad because I wish I would have said so many things to him before he died and am mad at myself that I couldn't muster up the courage to tell him how incredible I thought he was. Not sure this is the right thing to blog about, but, I kick myself for being a coward for not saying it to him, so thought everyone should hear how wonderful he really was...this is what I would have said.

Brion,
I love you. You were one of the most incredible men that I have been blessed to have in my life. You treated me always like the daughter you never had and I will always remember that you said you finally got your daughter the day I married your son. You treated me like your own child and loved me unconditionally. You were an amazing father and grandfather to Chad, myself, Kyan, and Lola. No one was more proud than you. I was so happy that you fought hard enough to see your baby granddaughter born - she truly was the daughter you never had. I wanted to have a girl for you, not just for me! When they told us, "It's a girl!" in the delivery room, it was you that I thought of immediately and couldn't wait for you to hear!
I was so happy that Kyan was able to stay with you at the end and help take care of his Grandpa B. Some people might say that it wasn't right to have Kyan there seeing you slowly slipping out of this world and into a much better life, but I disagree. I think he was there for you and for Chad and brought comfort to you both. You will live on through him. He talks so sweetly about you, his Grandpa B. We explained everything to him and he knows you watch over us from heaven. We know that you hear us in heaven every time we sing your song ("What I've Done", Lincoln Park) on Rock Band!
I am sorry that you had to be in so much pain at the end of your life. Seeing you slowly slip away was the hardest thing I have ever had to watch in my life. I hate cancer and what it did to you. I pray that one day they will find a cure and that others will not have to suffer like you did.
With that all being said, I do know you are in a better place, I knew it the moment that I saw that you had passed - with the biggest, most comforting smile on your face. Seeing you like that made me feel secure in knowing you are in a better place, but that you are still with us everyday, still taking care of us in your own little way. Thank you for being who you were and having a part in making us who were are today. I am sorry that I didn't say these things before you passed, but I hope you hear me now. I love you.
Jenni

Lunch w/ Camille and Avery!

Friday we met up with Camille and Avery for a little lunch at Applebee's! We had the little gym at ten and had a million errands to run, but were delighted to enjoy some salad and wings (we love the wings!) and time with our girlfriends! I was able to snap a few pictures of our time out! Thanks girls for meeting up with us!

Belated Birthday Post - Mama and Joel

Mama - What I realized while trying to find a picture of you is that you aren't in too many of my pictures?! Are you hiding from my camera? That will have to change for sure! Hope you had a happy, happy birthday - I am sorry that you only got flowers and the card that way instead of your usual card in the mail! You are still the best mother in the entire world and I am so lucky to have you! I can't wait until you make the move to AZ permanent! Happy Birthday! Love You!

Little brother - can't believe I thought you were only 25! I think I was secretly wishing I was younger! Means I am pushing the you-know-what-number soon! Not yet though, got another year before that happens! I also realized that I don't have too many pictures of you either! Maybe because you are in the ARMY and live all the way across the country right now! I took some of you and Braiden when you were here last month but no clue where they went, so I had to settle for one from my wedding! Kyan asked who you were and I told him Uncle Jo Jo and he laughed and said you looked funny! HA! You were so little back then - like how Uncle Bill asked when you got out of prison last because you are so ripped! Happy Birthday Little Bro! Love You!

Roseland Recommends: If I Stay

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

***This book is amazing and really makes you question yourself and what you would do if you were in Mia's situation. It leaves you feeling incredibly sorry for her, but at the same time wanting her to fight the unbearable fight!

SOLD!

I sold the car this afternoon! Oh, how I do love craiglist.com! Not only have I purchased items from those selling on craiglist.com, now I have sold items! WOOT! WOOT! Chad told me that it was my money to spend since I have been doing everything that goes along with listing a car (which, let's be honest, WAS NOT hard to do!) - so my head is spinning with the endless possiblities that the money now brings!?!

What? We have to wait 2 weeks, at best?!

This week we put a bid on a house out at Estrella Mountain! My uncle is a realtor and is going to do his best to push the bank to make a decision, as the house is a short sale! He said that the realtor who has the house listed said she would push for the bank's answer as well - then said in the same breath that it is about 2 weeks at best! OMG, so I have to wait in agony to see if they accepted our offer, and I am not a patient person! They have a few other offers in, but we are hoping that ours will work out best! In the meantime...I will just dream! I am almost sure, that by me posting about the house, I have sealed the deal and we won't get it, but oh well! What is meant to be will be! Here is a little peak at the house! I fell hard for the backyard!

New Favorite Song and a car for sale!!!

Please enjoy the music while you check out this great car for sale - priced UNDER Kelly Blue Book! If you don't want it, but know someone who might, please let them know and give them my number! I want this car gone, so I am willing to negotiate!
Asking $6000 for this 2001 Honda Civic EX. 74,000 miles, Premium Wheels, Clean Title, Silver Exterior w/ Charcoal Interior, Moon Roof. Was Chad's car, then he sold to his dad, now it is back to Chad - so it has only been in the family. Never been in any accidents, but has had minor body work done after someone dinged it in a parking garage at an apartment complex. It has been well taken care of! Call me if you want to see it!

Happy Father's Day!!!

To all the" daddies" in my life, and Kyan and Lola's, and Chad's:

Chad - you are one amazing daddy to our children. They adore you and I love watching them with you! Thank you for all that you do for them and for me!

Dad - best dad in the entire world, I mean come on...what other 28 year old still has their daddy paying for her cell phone? HA! I know you don't think that I hear what you are saying half the time, and I argue all the time, but I value and take in everything that you say to me! You are a pretty smart guy, and usually always right, so I guess I need to give you the credit you deserve! I love you!

Michael - thank you for being such a great father-in-law, weird how I am not catching as much crap from you lately, glad Kristen is finally back to take some of my heat! Thanks helping watch my kids all the time - you guys do have them a lot and it is because you are really the only people I trust with them!

Brion - we miss you everyday and on our San Diego trip we were reminded of you all the time! You were such a great father-in-law to me and would do anything to ensure our families happiness! We love you so much and our thinking about you today even more!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of our dad's and to all of the dad's out there reading this blog, okay, wives - tell them I said Happy Father's Day!

Vacation Day 6 - Where are my pictures from this day?

***Somehow my camera got no pictures from Day 6 - Chad must have been hiding it from me!

Susie and I took the girls for a little shopping - more like walking though! We started at the roller coaster way down on Mission Beach and walked, in hopes of finding some cute little shops along the board walk, back to our hotel on Pacific Beach. We really didn't have a whole lot of luck shopping, but got in some great exersize!

We met up with the boys afterwards and headed our separate ways for a little while, the Roseland's headed to the bike shop where Kyan picked out his new horn for his bike! He had quite a hard time deciding what to pick as there were so many choices!

Then it was back to the hotel to lay Lola down for a nap! Kyan, Chad, and I headed to the pool for a little bit and I talked Kyan into a nap too! I had to promise him that he could go to the hot tub with Chad and I later that night, but he was so excited and went right in to take his nap! Susie and I went down to the beach and got to have about an hour of relaxation by the ocean without any kids! It was nice!

After our alone time, we did the family thing again! Lola and I walked around PB while Kyan and Chad hung out at the hotel! After dinner, and as promised since Kyan took a nice nap, he enjoyed a late night hot tub with Chad and I! This is something Chad and I did every night we were there, after the kids went to sleep and Kyan was so excited that he got to go this time! Just so everyone knows, the Beach Haven is really small and you can see right to your room from the pool/hot tub area - so yes, the kids were in the room by themselves, but it isn't like we couldn't see them! It was nice to get a little Kyan time in! We talked about his favorite parts of vacation and how much fun we had as a family!

What an amazing vacation we had!

Vacation Day 5 - Gaslamp and more fun at the Beach!

We started off our morning with a family stroll along the boardwalk for some breakfast. Kyan said he was hungry for pancakes, so pancakes is what he got! After breakfast, the kids stopped to play in the sand. Kyan even snapped another picture of Chad and I! He loves the camera as much as mama does!

After our walk we headed to the Gaslamp for some shopping and lunch! We stumbled upon this place called Dicks, well...where the waiters were just that! It was so funny and we laughed our entire meal! The food was delicious!

If you click on the picture above you will see the back of the sign that this girl was holding up! It was her job to stand outside and try to entice people to come in and eat - she was really funny and acted like a total airhead! If people didn't want to come in to eat, she would flip over her daily special sign, where it had the letters FU on it and what looked like the middle finger being waved! One wouldn't notice it as they were walking away because their backs would be turned, but it sure was funny to watch her flip her sign at people and chuckle when they told her no!

They put bibs on you when you first sat down - Jearel and I got the piggy bibs! I left mine like that the entire time, but Jearel had to take his down, Jayla wasn't sure what was wrong with daddy and it was freaking her out!

After Gaslamp, we headed down to the beach, where Jearel and Kyan built a hole to China with a bridge across it! It wasn't until Chad was freshly napped (on the beach) that he joined in on the fun! At that point, Kyan was determined to get water into the hole, so the daddies helped out!


The kids all took their turns in the holes that their daddies made!

Lola was sharing her food with Jayla, just not right here!

Snuggle Time - Lola curled up with the beach towel - she was ready for ny ny!

Happy as a clam!

This round of photos makes me laugh!