We made this cool cake for Jake's Cub Scout meeting. It was lots of fun to make. We had a snowman pan which made it fairly straightforward. Our cute snowman was quickly decapitated at snack time.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Snowman Cake
We made this cool cake for Jake's Cub Scout meeting. It was lots of fun to make. We had a snowman pan which made it fairly straightforward. Our cute snowman was quickly decapitated at snack time.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ice Skating at the Beach
Seaside Ice Skating Rink set up right on Redondo Beach. The boys went skating to the sounds of the waves crashing. Sam and I hung back and took some photos...except that Sam wasn't up to posing that night!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Goodbye Old Friend
We had to say goodbye to our long time companion, Sydney. It is hard to believe that it was fourteen years ago when we got her as a puppy. She was a house warming gift in our first house. She had a lot of good times with us, and we will always remember them.
The time she and Sofia got the leftover turkey down off the counter on Thanksgiving is a classic. This prompted Kate, who was about three and didn't talk a lot, to say "Julia, Sydney and Sofia are into the turkey Tom". We tell that story every thanksgiving.
Also, classic is the time in San Diego when I was trying to get a cute pic of the boys playing in the backyard. I uploaded the pictures, thinking how cute are these going to be? When I noticed Syd taking care of her business in the background of every shot.
Then, there were her amazing jumping skills when she was younger. She could clear a four foot high wall easily. She loved to jump the wall and roam the neighborhood.
She loved to chase critters: desert rats, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits. She didn't discriminate. If it was small, and moved she would go for it.
She has not been herself for a long time, and though it was hard, we know she is no longer in pain. Our always entertaining and often annoying pet and protector we will miss you and loved you well.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Riding Away
This morning Jake rode his bike to school. It wasn't the first time. He had done it once when I was out of town. He got a little lost, and didn't ask to try it again. Today he felt brave enough to try it again. He asked me to discuss his route with him, and maybe draw him a little map. The best route to ride a bike is different than our driving route, so he was a little unfamiliar with it. The school is almost a mile away, and none of the streets go straight through, so it is a little challenging.
As he was getting his bike out of the garage, I just looked at him. He's getting so tall. His shirt was inside out for "inside out day" at school. As he turned around to put on his helmet, I said "This is how I am probably going to feel as you drive away to college". "How's that, Mommy?" he patiently asked (sounding a bit like Jason with a tone of...I will humor her) "Proud, but a little sad.." was my answer. Of course I was getting a little teary by this time. "You cry at all kinds of things" (Jake) "Yeah, Mommies cry a lot" (me) "you laugh a lot too" (Jake) "yeah, you make me laugh and cry" (me)
Then he got on his bike and started down the street. He looked back a couple of times to see if I was watching. His confidence grew as he made his way down the street. Then he turned a corner, literally...and I couldn't see him anymore.
As he was getting his bike out of the garage, I just looked at him. He's getting so tall. His shirt was inside out for "inside out day" at school. As he turned around to put on his helmet, I said "This is how I am probably going to feel as you drive away to college". "How's that, Mommy?" he patiently asked (sounding a bit like Jason with a tone of...I will humor her) "Proud, but a little sad.." was my answer. Of course I was getting a little teary by this time. "You cry at all kinds of things" (Jake) "Yeah, Mommies cry a lot" (me) "you laugh a lot too" (Jake) "yeah, you make me laugh and cry" (me)
Then he got on his bike and started down the street. He looked back a couple of times to see if I was watching. His confidence grew as he made his way down the street. Then he turned a corner, literally...and I couldn't see him anymore.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Our evening at Dancing with the Stars
A few months ago Jason found some random website and signed the whole family up for tickets to American Idol or Dancing with the Stars for the finales. We didn't get any then, but last Thursday his mom got an email about the Dancing with the Stars (dwts) season premiere on Monday. We got tickets! So Barbara and 3 of the 4 Carruthers headed up to LA from Phoenix at 4 am (yikes!) The best part is they brought Uncle Conrad along to do some free babysitting! We got dolled up and picked Jason up from work to head over to CBS studios (I know it's an ABC show, go figure). We dropped Amanda and Barbara off at the curb while we parked a couple blocks over at the Grove. Good thing too because they only let about 225 people in, and we were 190-194 after getting there around two o'clock!
We got into the lot and they herded us to sit on these painfully uncomfortable benches. This became a people watching feast. The tickets said "elegant attire" was required. There are ALL kinds of interpretations out there on what is elegant. For those of you in Phoenix, think Van Buren. For the LA crowd I guess think Sunset. Our group looked stunning, of course. However, you can imagine that I looked like I was with the wrong group: Barbara probably about 6'2" in heels, Amanda was as tall as Jason with her heels on, and Jason clockin' in at 6'5". I may have topped the charts at 5'3 1/2 with my ultra cute Calvin Klein sandals. (At least they didn't pretend like they didn't know me, so I guess I was okay.) Quick excerpts from people watching: Me - "I'm thinking those green velvet ballet shoes were a big mistake for that woman over there" Jason - "and that purse shaped like a sundae isn't?"
We were told it would be a 15 minute wait at 3:30; therefore at 4:30 we finally shuffled into the studio. We were in the back row of the balcony over the judges. We couldn't see the judges, and we could only see about half of the dance floor. (we could see the Kardashians..yawn..Courtney looked plastic) They had monitors up, so that we could scope out what we were missing. The stage and floor looked much smaller in person. We quickly learned that our not-so-great seats had one advantage. If we craned our necks we could see backstage. So we saw most of the dancers before the show only a few feet away. We learned a few things: Max and Alec-cuter in person, Edyta's body is even more "smokin" (Jason's term) up close, approximately three inches of fabric is all it takes to cover Julianne's amazing butt, and there are no camera tricks being used, Susan Lucci looks incredible in person. We were instructed on how much noise and clapping we were supposed to do, and then the show started at 5:00 L.A. time to be live on the east coast. I have to say by the third dancers my hands were tingly. A couple more and Amanda and I were both sure we popped some blood vessels, then by the end I really couldn't feel them anymore, so I got over it. I must insert here that Rocco DiSpirito looked pretty tasty in person. I believe I said "he could saute my onions anytime", but I am sure this was okay since Jason was drooling over Julianne Hough. The show was a total blast. The commercial breaks seemed much shorter than at home when we zip through the tivo. It was a lot of fun watching it again at home with our insiders' perspective.
The cherry on the cake of our night came at dinner. We went to the Marmalade Cafe at the Grove and sat on the patio. We had a possible Jason Bateman sighting (Amanda and I weren't 100% on that) Then we saw Derek Hough and Shannon Elizabeth walk by, very lovey dovey, so don't believe the break up rumours. A few minutes later we saw Julianne holding hands and smooching some guy. Then Mark, Kristi Yamaguchi and hubby and several other dancers. I am sure we were total dorks getting all excited that they were walking by, but you know we don't get out much!
We got into the lot and they herded us to sit on these painfully uncomfortable benches. This became a people watching feast. The tickets said "elegant attire" was required. There are ALL kinds of interpretations out there on what is elegant. For those of you in Phoenix, think Van Buren. For the LA crowd I guess think Sunset. Our group looked stunning, of course. However, you can imagine that I looked like I was with the wrong group: Barbara probably about 6'2" in heels, Amanda was as tall as Jason with her heels on, and Jason clockin' in at 6'5". I may have topped the charts at 5'3 1/2 with my ultra cute Calvin Klein sandals. (At least they didn't pretend like they didn't know me, so I guess I was okay.) Quick excerpts from people watching: Me - "I'm thinking those green velvet ballet shoes were a big mistake for that woman over there" Jason - "and that purse shaped like a sundae isn't?"
We were told it would be a 15 minute wait at 3:30; therefore at 4:30 we finally shuffled into the studio. We were in the back row of the balcony over the judges. We couldn't see the judges, and we could only see about half of the dance floor. (we could see the Kardashians..yawn..Courtney looked plastic) They had monitors up, so that we could scope out what we were missing. The stage and floor looked much smaller in person. We quickly learned that our not-so-great seats had one advantage. If we craned our necks we could see backstage. So we saw most of the dancers before the show only a few feet away. We learned a few things: Max and Alec-cuter in person, Edyta's body is even more "smokin" (Jason's term) up close, approximately three inches of fabric is all it takes to cover Julianne's amazing butt, and there are no camera tricks being used, Susan Lucci looks incredible in person. We were instructed on how much noise and clapping we were supposed to do, and then the show started at 5:00 L.A. time to be live on the east coast. I have to say by the third dancers my hands were tingly. A couple more and Amanda and I were both sure we popped some blood vessels, then by the end I really couldn't feel them anymore, so I got over it. I must insert here that Rocco DiSpirito looked pretty tasty in person. I believe I said "he could saute my onions anytime", but I am sure this was okay since Jason was drooling over Julianne Hough. The show was a total blast. The commercial breaks seemed much shorter than at home when we zip through the tivo. It was a lot of fun watching it again at home with our insiders' perspective.
The cherry on the cake of our night came at dinner. We went to the Marmalade Cafe at the Grove and sat on the patio. We had a possible Jason Bateman sighting (Amanda and I weren't 100% on that) Then we saw Derek Hough and Shannon Elizabeth walk by, very lovey dovey, so don't believe the break up rumours. A few minutes later we saw Julianne holding hands and smooching some guy. Then Mark, Kristi Yamaguchi and hubby and several other dancers. I am sure we were total dorks getting all excited that they were walking by, but you know we don't get out much!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
New School Year
Here are the big boys ready for the first day of school. Jake started the THIRD grade! Max started FIRST grade. Where has the time gone? 
Extremely unusual for Jake to actually smile while I am trying to get a picture (he's too cool for that) He was in a great mood, and looking forward to the day. What you can't tell in the picture is that he will soon be taller than me (not a big feat, true). 
Here's Max's usual picture pose smile. He is a hoot! 
"I can't believe Mom is making us pose" direct Jake quote. We were walking home from school. They both had a great day!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Max's request
Max advised me that Jake and Sam's birthday cakes were on the blog, and his wasn't. So to keep the Jan Brady syndrome under control...here is Max's birthday cake.
So to catch everyone up on our summer...Sam turned two at the end of June. He seemed to know it was his special day, so he started off his day lounging in Mom and Dad's big bed with some friends.
He is obsessed with music of all types. He steals my ipod whenever he sees it. He can switch it to coverflow so he selects the songs by pictures. He totally knows how to work all the dials and can find his favorites easily. On this day it was Benny Goodman and now his fav is Chaka Kahn! Interesting ...
For whatever reason he insisted on wearing his mouse ears half the day. Here he is favoring us with a piano piece. He gives a private recital nearly every day.
This was his favorite present. Nana gave this to him and he played with it for hours!
The brothers helped him unwrap.
Jason teaching Sam how to ride his new trike. As gigantic as he is his feet don't quite touch the pedals, but he can operate the bell expertly!
Demonstrating his bell technique.
Sam is the Cookie Monster, so we decided to make his cake reflect this. I think my fingers are still blue from dying the frosting.
Making a wish!
Monday, August 11, 2008
The busy Spear Family
We have gotten a few queries as to why we haven't updated in a while. My original intention was to do some sort of post each week...ha! I promise to try to do better! We have been moving at a pretty constant pace the last couple of months. Life with three active boys doesn't leave a lot of down time. So if you haven't heard from me in a while here are my reasons...
Reason #1- The computer hog!
Jake loves to go on game websites and read up on the current and upcoming video games (which limits my computer time). He can even impress the 22 year old game store guy with his knowledge. He knows the month and year of release for most of the popular games (rated E , or course. He is so smart, and totally has Jason's crazy memory. Those of you who remember the days when I had your social security numbers memorized, have no fear! Jake took all my memory brain cells...your numbers are safe!
Reason # 2 - The Academy Award hopeful!
It's hasn't been a day at the Spear house unless Max has played out at least one dramatic scene. He can be carrying on like the funeral scene in Steele Magnolias...and when I get to the bottom of it it's usually something like "Jake said he's going to throw me in the trash can" When he isn't laying down the drama, he is my sweetheart. One week, he made sure he picked a flower for me every day! (He was really not bothered by the "don't pick the flowers" sign at Sea World) He is always the one who stops to smell the flowers and watch the snail crawling to his home.
Reason #3 - Curious George!
Sam has to check out everything! Anything his big brothers are doing, he needs to be a part of too! He is not very popular when they are trying to play chess, or pokemon cards. If they are drawing, he comes and takes the lion's share of the crayons. He found all the erasers from Jake's pencil box and wore them on his fingers one day (pictured below). He exhibits most of Jake's personality traits from the same age (this isn't all good!) But if we need to know where anything is we just ask Sam...he has Dad's scary memory too!
Reason #4 - Creative Venture
In May, I became a consultant for Close to my Heart. I got hooked on all the cool stuff they sell, and wanted to show people how to use it. Each month I have a "club" where people come to our house, and I show them different techniques, and they leave with four pages completed. It has been a lot of fun so far! Below is a page the boys and I made for father's day and framed for Jason's office. (Jake's hand is the same size as mine!)
Reason #1- The computer hog!
Jake loves to go on game websites and read up on the current and upcoming video games (which limits my computer time). He can even impress the 22 year old game store guy with his knowledge. He knows the month and year of release for most of the popular games (rated E , or course. He is so smart, and totally has Jason's crazy memory. Those of you who remember the days when I had your social security numbers memorized, have no fear! Jake took all my memory brain cells...your numbers are safe!
Reason # 2 - The Academy Award hopeful!It's hasn't been a day at the Spear house unless Max has played out at least one dramatic scene. He can be carrying on like the funeral scene in Steele Magnolias...and when I get to the bottom of it it's usually something like "Jake said he's going to throw me in the trash can" When he isn't laying down the drama, he is my sweetheart. One week, he made sure he picked a flower for me every day! (He was really not bothered by the "don't pick the flowers" sign at Sea World) He is always the one who stops to smell the flowers and watch the snail crawling to his home.
Reason #3 - Curious George!Sam has to check out everything! Anything his big brothers are doing, he needs to be a part of too! He is not very popular when they are trying to play chess, or pokemon cards. If they are drawing, he comes and takes the lion's share of the crayons. He found all the erasers from Jake's pencil box and wore them on his fingers one day (pictured below). He exhibits most of Jake's personality traits from the same age (this isn't all good!) But if we need to know where anything is we just ask Sam...he has Dad's scary memory too!
Reason #4 - Creative Venture
In May, I became a consultant for Close to my Heart. I got hooked on all the cool stuff they sell, and wanted to show people how to use it. Each month I have a "club" where people come to our house, and I show them different techniques, and they leave with four pages completed. It has been a lot of fun so far! Below is a page the boys and I made for father's day and framed for Jason's office. (Jake's hand is the same size as mine!)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Proud Moment
I am so please with myself. I posted all the montages we have done on One True Media. If I can figure out how to organize them I will consider myself brilliant...I am not holding my breath on that one.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ommission from last day at sea
Max was quite upset when he discovered that I omitted "swan" from the list of towel creatures. He insisted that I add it on for all to see. He also got to have the swan on his bed for the night, as he won the best boy contest.
Family Vacation: last day at sea
Our last day at sea. It was a little rocky in the early day. There were some pretty big swells in the ocean, but we hit smoother water after noon. We played some games: mini golf, shuffleboard, ping pong and bingo. The big boys went on a scavenger hunt at camp carnival and had a blast going all over the ship looking for Freddy.
They had a build a bear type thing at the kid's camp on the last day. Here is Jake with is sailor bunny.
Max made a bunny too, in a Carnival uniform.
Sam got a Funship Freddy doll. He loves it. He takes it to nap with him.
It was a nice sunny day. Not too cold, not too hot. Everyone was out by the pool. The boys and I went to check out the "hairy chest" contest while Sam took a nap. Jake is still laughing about it.
Max and Jake needed some hot chocolate to warm them up after their fifth ice cream cone of the day.
Sam was on an apple kick all week (well, apples and french fries).
The last night after dinner up on deck. Jason and Sam posing for mom.
Sam in the library.
Here I am with all my little guys. We had such a great time, and they were just excellent on the trip. The whole family wants to go again some time.
Family Vacation: day three, Ensenada, Mexico
Our third day started a little rocky. Max woke up with "a ear head ick". So we had to take him to the ship's doctor (it felt like a Love Boat episode...) It was confirmed that he had an ear infection. Probably from the 85 trips down the water slide the day before. He was able to get some medicine and was feeling up to exploring in no time at all.
Of course we left the camera on the boat (we remembered all our kids so we get credit for that right?). We had a lot of fun shopping. Sam got some maracas and was very into shaking them. Jake got a bracelet with his name on it, but the guy didn't have one with Max's name. He said it would only take three minutes. I was skeptical, but extremely impressed with this guy weaves a bracelet for Max within three minutes. I am a crafty gal, but this was incredible! The boys also had fun looking at all the chess sets. Jason broke down and got them one, which they loved playing when we got back aboard the ship. Even with our early morning drama, we were heading back to the ship when everyone else was just going into town. The advantage of having kids is that you can get there early, and beat the crowds.
The big boys went to Camp Carnival to play some games and paint. Sam was writing his memoirs while I did a trivia contest (okay, since you wondered...I won!)
Sam and Jason entertaining themselves during the trivia contest.
Sam hanging out on the deck .
After dinner we went to a TV theme show contest (no, we didn't win, but Jason remembered the Mr. Belvedere song...)
Max in the lounge. 
All the boys looking very cute.
When we came into the room and the boys saw an elephant towel animal, you would have thought there was a million dollars on the bed. They were so ecstatic over it. They are still talking about it.
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