Arizonan Adventure

So this took me quite a while to put together. Made me realize why I post about a day or one activity at a time. A week is quite overwhelming, but here it is...

Last week (the 18th-the 25th) we went on a little desert-style adventure. The 2 short guys and I arrived on Monday and were escorted to Glendale by a charming Kiwi gentleman (Pete). The adventure almost ended right there because as we were pulling up to my Dad and Sue's house I realized that the key to the house was on my keychain...which was with Beau...far far away in California. Hmmm---well, thank goodness for cell phones and cousins. My little nanny/cousin, Jamie, showed up not too much later with the key. Thank you for the rescue Jamie. After a good dinner, and a good pudding (with GGma, GGpa and Pete), Curious George and the rest of us were ready for bed. I had a nice visit with the bride-to-be, Sarah, which was fabulous considering her wedding was the main attraction this week and how often do you get to spend time with the bride on their wedding day? Thanks for making time for me before your wedding Sarah.

First things first, we were off to Walmart to get some diapers for Cruz-man. Wholly cow. Super Walmart REALLY is SUPER. I know it gets a bad rap at times, but as I was in there, I definitely got sucked into it all. I was able to get diapers, groceries, and a few other goodies all in one stop. Thank you Walmart, I mean SUPER Walmart. I took a picture of Cruz in the cart because that is how he rides--side saddle, turned so he can see where we're going. If I try to turn him back he keeps twisting around. Makes sense, he sees where we've been everytime he's in his carseat--may as well see where we're going sometimes.

These 2 pictures are of the little men in my Dad's jeep. We decided that we'd take it around the neighborhood for a joyride. I didn't know what the boys would think of everything blowin' in the wind, but they LOVED it. Oshyn said, "I knew it would be windy, but not THIS WINDY!!" Then he and Cruz just laughed and laughed. Well, needless to say, every time we had to go somewhere life became a joyride...and the Jeep became our main ride.

That is until we went out to GGma and GGpa's. Then it was the golf cart. Yep, its still going strong and GGma and GGpa made one little boy very happy with the rides he was given.

What a double blessing to be able to see my grandparents when we were in Arizona. I think the world of them both and got as many hugs and kisses as I could. The boys are so lucky to have great grandparents like these two.

We got to swim in their heated pool--wahoo! I think it was a bit warmer than Oshyn's little escapade in my Dad's spa. When a boy wants to swim, he'll get in wherever. I had a bit more patience for once in my life.

Randi, Dylan and baby Jake came over on Wednesday and we went to the park. Boy was Oshyn excited to have a playmate and me a great friend to spend time with. I love you Ran-bug!

Baby Jake all snuggled in

(I had a girlfriend of mine over almost everyday and I was trying to get a feel for what Oshyn thought...he said he liked Dylan the most).

I really wanted Oshyn to go on a hike with me. He was so in awe with the cacti and would yell out..."There's another ONE!" whenever we saw one. If you've been to or live in AZ you know that is quite often. So we took our joyride vehicle to 67th Ave. and Deer Valley Road on Friday morning and bada bing bada boom, a plethora of hikes to choose from basically in my Dad's backyard. Talk about a good time. Oshyn couldn't believe how high we were and how tall of a mountain we climbed. Funny part is, these thoughts came in the first 5 minutes of our "hike". The desert was blooming with sweet little flowers and we saw plenty of cool rocks and cacti--Oshyn kept jumping on big 'ol rocks and singing "I'm the king of the mountain! I'm the king of the mountain!"

We picked up Beau on Friday and then headed over to the Bowdens. Long lost Hawaiian born bruddahs--Kirkie and Oshyn had a blast together. They are SOOO much a like its almost scary. Nahh not scary, just super fun for them and us. The only difference was that Kirkie was incredibly strong. His muscles were bulging out of his shirt the entire afternoon. When we were leaving I thought Kirkie said he wanted Oshyn to "leave" his home, but he said that he wanted Oshyn to "live" here.

Blair was 100% sweetheart. She was busy taking care of her dolls and Cruz when he was near. Made me realize our mother-like qualities are instilled from the get-go. Cars are to boys as Babies are to girls...at least in this crew.

Mr. and Mrs. Rico. A good reason for going to parts of Arizona I never knew existed.

Beau, Cruz and I drove down to Tubac, AZ with the Paxton's for Sarah's wedding. Cruz was a good time, full of entertainment and natural party animal at only 8 months. Good job Cruz.

It was good to see a lot of my high school girlfriends all dolled up. Beautiful wedding. Beautiful desert. Beautiful friends.

(Oshyn stayed up in the northern parts with Aunt Connie, Aunt Judy, Jamie and crew. Rumor is he went to the zoo and got jumped on by a goat, glasses going straight in the dirt. Wish I had a picture of that!)


As always the best part of going to Arizona was seeing family and friends. Thank you so much for everyone that made time to visit with us and drove over to the West side. We love to see all of you and appreciate all you do for us. We missed you Dad and Sue, but felt close to you staying at your house!

You ready for me Krzyzewski?

This one's for you Uncle Sean. We love you and are rooting for you!!

Oshynism's #12,430-12,439

Beau and I keep thinking Oshyn looks so smart in his glasses. He IS smart, but he still says funny kid stuff that I never want to forget.

He calls Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) Nehor

Don't you dare do that to my mom--he's just learning, right mom? (upon Cruz taking a bite down on his main food source)

Is Eddie a power ranger? (He's a forest ranger)

O: Daddy are you not afraid of anything? B: Nope, not anything. O: Not even the big bad wolf?

Powerful lines (power lines)

In all the world!!! (the words that proceed this...the biggest...the tallest... or whatever seems fit for the moment)

Me and Dean know A LOT about animals. 2 minutes later...Are gooses animals, Mom?

Don't tell me that. I'm my own person. I don't want to do that. (I have been trying to explain to Oshyn about free-agency and that everyone can make their own choices)

You know, coffee isn't good for your tummy. But you can make your own choices. (In a conversation with my mom and her hot drink :)

Out with the Old, In with the New

Vintage Nobmann's

21st century Nobmann's

The disco music is dying down and I've traded in my bell-bottoms. The 70's have officially left the building. Our "vintage" stove has done us well these past 3 1/2 years, but we'd be lying if we said we missed it (or the gas fumes). Thank you again Dad and Sue.

Welcome to Lodi, SUN!

We have had a lot of rain this year. I have been thankful for my lovely rain boots many many days in a row. But when the sun decided to finally make its way through the clouds last week, the perm-a-grin on my face made me once again realize which kind of weather I love most... SUNshine! Needless to say, mother's have an incredible amount of influence on their children. We are all happy campers when the rays grace our faces. Today Oshyn even had on his swimsuit and I put sunscreen on him. When he smelt the lotion he said "Ohhh! This makes me feel like we're going swimming!!" Then he told me we were "practicing" for summer.

P.S. Cruz, no matter how many times you try the weeds they WON'T taste better the next time.

Lover Boy

In honor of Valentine's Day and per Leah's tag request, here is "The Man"...I mean, "MY Man"...

What is his name? Beau Ellis Nobmann
How long have you been married? 5+ yrs.
How long did you date? August to August
How old is he? 27 years old (he was born in the 80's)
Who eats more sweets? my little diabetic-wanna-be, Beau, does--its not a food group k-do
Who said I love you first? I don't remember, but that probably means me. Who is taller? Beau
Who can sing better? same same
Who is smarter? book smart, me...street/life smart, Beau
Who does the laundry? that'd be me, unless I'm out of town
Who pays the bills? I do, but who makes it possible--Beau
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I sleep on the right, Beau on the wrong :)
Who mows the lawn? some nice Hispanic guys
Who cooks dinner? we both do--he's best at it though
Who drives? mostly Beau
Who is more stubborn? I'd love to say him, but that would be a lie. We are perfectly = on this one
Who kissed who first? I think he went 90 and I went the last 10. Can't wait to replay that one in heaven
Who asked who out first? hmmm...I think Beau, if that even ever happened
Who proposed? He did (after a nice fight we realized we wanted to get married)
Who has more siblings? He's got 3 sisters and a brother...I have a brother
Who wears the pants? Beau wears pants, I prefer shorts or skirts

I didn't know what I was getting into when I decided to marry this guy.

Best decision of my life.

TAG--you're it Animal house girls--you got the ice cream for this guy and now its time for paybacks

It's B-ball time!

Oshyn and Isaac (his cousin) are playing on the same basketball team, the Jazz. Oshyn is just a tad bit excited to be playing basketball. You won't be able to tell though. These are clips from his 2nd practice. Does this remind anyone of Beau's defense skills? (When you're watching this, keep in mind that his coach said, "Look alive Oshyn!") His first game is tomorrow--watch out!

Croup dee doop

One might think it would be funny to hear their kids bark like seals. It would be...if they were doing it for a good laugh. Not so funny when they are sick with croup and have a hard time breathing at night. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that Oshyn doesn't get it. Cruz is a trooper.

Superman & Robin

Oshyn has been a bit into superheros lately. He has these Superman pj's that have a cape you can velcro onto the shirt. Well, on Monday he told me he didn't want to get dressed because he needed to fly around with his cape. I had an idea--why don't we make another cape so the desire to stay in our pj's might die down a bit and the motivation to get ready for the day could take a notch up. So I asked what color cape Oshyn wanted. He said, "Green". That is his favorite color you know. I sure didn't have enough green fabric, so after a few seconds I thought of this old green shirt I had. Perfect size. Perfect color. We went upstairs and brought it down to cut. Next brilliant idea as I was cutting...leave the neck on so no velcro would be necessary--I highly recommend that idea to any old-shirt-cape-makers. A few little hems or whatever the proper name is and vwala! A Green superhero cape was born! I tried to convince him that it was really cool to have an "O" in the middle, but he informed me that he was Superman, not Oshyn. So there you are, after a few more cuts and stitches (later in the day) and "Superman's" cape was finished. Now he can play Superman and Beau or I can be Robin. Yes, you read that right, Robin--we don't have the heart (or desire) to correct that one! I think the cape is a hit. After flying around the house, the park, to Bella's or wherever, he has proceeded to show me how far he can jump with his cape on...and how far he used to be able to jump without his cape on. WAY FARTHER!

God be with you 'til we meet again

The heavens are smiling on this great servant. What a special man to make people feel so close and loved without even having to meet him in person. He saw himself no different or better than anyone else. Honestly I felt as though he was like another grandfather to me. His quick wit, understanding and love for every single person on this earth is an example to all of us. I pray that now that he is in heaven looking down, he may know how greatly he is loved by so many different people. I, like so many, am so happy for him to be with his beloved wife, whom he has missed so much. Praise to the man.

"'The best is yet to come' as we take the gospel of Jesus Christ down into our hearts as [Gordon B. Hinckley] did". Henry B. Eyring

Gordon B. Hinckley, the "great communicator", well known for the The Family: A Proclamation to the World ,the 6 Be's, the Perpetual Education Fund, the building of temples worldwide and especially his love for people of all faiths around the world.

All figured out

Cruz has the timing on the camera down to a science. These pictures with his eyes closed aren't an accident. He sees the orange light on the camera and squints and when the flash goes off he closes his eyes. It makes me want to take more pictures--it is that funny to watch the little squinter perfecting his work. More comic relief from the Cruz-meister.

Get Up, Stand Up

Marley would be proud of this little munchkin. Cruz has been pulling himself up and standing for the past 2 or 3 weeks. Everytime I turn around he is on his two little feet. Yesterday he was standing behind the chair I was sitting on and I thought he was on his knees. Not a chance...2 1/2 feet just isn't that tall.
(Did I mention I'm thankful for skulls? Well I am.)

The best CASE ever (and the glasses that came with it)

I don't know what was more exciting, getting the glasses or the case. I'm pretty sure Oshyn can see better with them on...although when we were picking out the frames a few weeks ago, he thought he could see better with all of the different glasses--and they were just plain glass. I'll let you know if he miraculously starts reading or something.

Mind reader

Ever since Cruz was about two months old, we have known what his thoughts are. Second child you say? Nope, that's not it. Let's just say he wears his heart on his sleeve...I mean his onsie.

A bit haughty for a 2-month old

Couldn't agree with you more

Already loyal to the fam

That's a no-brainer!


Speak for yourself

We love you Cruz! Is this the onsie you want for your birthday?

The Recent Specs

After playing "paper, rock, scissors"
for who had to sit on the left side of Oshyn at dinner, I figured a trip to the eye doctor (for the funky right wandering eye), was due. Neither Beau or I have had any eye problems yet in our lives, so we didn't quite expect this one. Off we went, last Thursday morning, to see--or not to see--the doc. The first test that was given was a bunch of stenciled pictures in varied sizes. It started with a huge jetliner. Oshyn immediately shouted out, "AIRPLANE!" Then it got a bit tricky. Up came a... bird. Well, for those of you who really know Oshyn, you know that the animal kingdom is not his best subject. He thought and thought and then finally said, "GOOSE"--I was proud, even though it didn't have a long neck (or any neck), at least he guessed in the bird family. Following the "goose", came a house, a birthday cake, a hand, and then a picture of a guy on a horse. We had quite a pause on that one before he said "FLOWER". Like I said before, they were stencils, but this is just classic Oshyn. Blind or not, he just isn't an animal guy. Period. Show him a wrench, a big rig or combine harvester---NOT ANIMALS! We were almost laughing at that point and asked the doctor if she could just put all of the pictures up big so we could tell him what they all were. After we had done that his answers were more accurate, but then he tried to be a little brainiac. If he really couldn't see the picture, he would just start guessing using all of the answers he remembered us talking about. Luckily they don't determine your vision using just one test. Following the stencils they dilated his eyes and did some measurements. The verdict was in, in less than an hour...Oshyn needs glasses! He is far-sighted, which explains his head turning when we read and silly eye at the dinner table. All a result of his poor little eyes just trying so hard to focus. He was pretty pumped for most of the day, saying he wanted glasses just like Dean (his cousin). I will post more pictures when the specs arrive. In the mean time, if anyone can let me in on some prescription info, please do. Supposedly +3.50 is only 1/2 of Oshyn's prescription so his eyes will still have to work a bit. Has anyone ever heard of being +7.0?

The Caged Animal

How I found Cruz this morning. He must have been listening to Oshyn's advice.

Pink Polka Dotted Pleasure

We've had quite the storm sequence in the Lodi parts these past few weeks. Both of these fallen trees are just outside our house. The one that fell in the street I actually predicted. This is how it went... (me)"Wow! That tree is really blowing! It looks like its going to fall down." (the tree) "Crack...Boom!" The tree split right in half and landed right on one of our neighbors cars. That tree, and a few others have had to be completely removed--leaving stumps as grave stones.
The wind has died down from the 50+mph that it was blowing, but the rain is still coming down, sometimes sprinkles, sometimes cats and dogs. The day after the first big dump, Oshyn went outside and said "Is my favorite puddle there?!" Then we proceeded to the outerside of our fence. It was there and boy was somebody happy! (...her little boy was too). You know what that means--RAIN BOOTS coming out of the closet. Probably one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Let the brawling begin

2 Pureed Peas in a Pod

Before Cruz was born, I was a tad nervous that the gap between the two boys would be too big for them to be buddies. Well, much to my delight, I have been proven wrong. Oshyn thinks Cruz is beyond wonderful, gets so excited when he does just about anything, and is already showing him the ropes. Cruz thinks that Oshyn is the best thing since pureed peas and lights up as soon as Oshyn enters the room. Buddies? Naaahh...better than that. BROTHERS!

Sharing the 'secret of a good time'...the laundry basket.

Protecting him already--notice the towel behind Cruz's head and also on both sides of him. (And by the way, Cruz can sit up by himself--these are a just-in-case added measure of Oshyn's doing)

And as always, cuddling--whether Cruz wants to or not...Oshyn runs the show for now.