Whoever Said "There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch" Wasn't Looking Hard Enough

Now that we are actively trying to buy a house, I have the perfect excuse whenever Chelsea wants to buy random toys. I say: Do you want to have this toy or do you want to have a house when we move to California?

We've been budget-conscious since we decided that I would stay home with the girls. We had to be. But now that the house is in sight, I'm thinking about every penny.

And I'm getting even more pleasure out of free stuff.

Last week, it was Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's and we each had a scoop. Since then, every time Chelsea sees an ice cream place she says, "Let's go get some free ice cream!" File that under: Not Quite Clear on the Concept.

Yesterday, we got 3 free bagels from a local deli and ate those for lunch with some free cream cheese from a sale at the market.

And today may have been the best yet: free chicken dinner at El Pollo Loco! I didn't even know we had an El Pollo Loco in Massachusetts. We went early and ate our "free dinner" for lunch. Each of us got two pieces of grilled chicken and a few tortillas. I added some salsa fresca from their salsa bar and had a nice little chicken burrito... for free!

I know. Bagels and cream cheese? Chicken and tortillas? Not the greatest lunches, but they were free. FREE! And it's not like the girls' usual fare (mac 'n cheese or PB&J) wins any healthy lunch prizes.

Now if only I can figure out a way to get organic milk for free we'll be in that new house in no time.
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Why Jacoby is Mommy's Favorite

I'm not really a baseball fan.

But if you live in Boston, it's kind of impossible not to get swept up in "Red Sox Nation." The first fall we were here was the year the Sox won the World Series for the first time since forever and after that we were hooked.

Fenway is small, so there are no bad seats. The fans are rabid and hysterical. And the players are just amazing. So I guess if I'm not technically a baseball fan, I'm at least a Red Sox fan.

In our family, we each have our favorite players. Jeremy's is Mike Lowell, 3rd baseman. Chelsea's is Jonathan Papelbon, the closing pitcher. Mine is Jacoby Ellsbury. We even picked a favorite for Savannah: Dustin "the Destroyah" Pedroia. (Only in Boston does Pedroia rhyme with Destroyer.)

Last night, playing against our arch-rivals, the Yankees, Jacoby managed a feat that is nearly impossible: he stole home. You really just have to see it:




Do you see how amazing he is? Plus, just LOOK at him.

Photo credit to scoobie7555 on photobucket

He's cute as all get-out. And he's the first Native American with Navajo heritage to play in the majors... what's not to love?

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You're Here, Now Go Away

I know, I already have Amalah on my blogroll and you still don't go over there but I'm going to send you there anyway because you need to read this. To the end.

Go.

Git.

Scoot, already.
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Honkeys in Chinatown

In California, Jeremy and I attended my girlfriend Mia's wedding.

Here she is freshly married, with her new hubs, Vance. Aren't they cute?

The ceremony was a traditional American-style affair but the reception was a mix of American traditions (first dance, silly DJ antics) and Chinese traditions (tea ceremony, multiple outfit changes).

This was costume change #47, I believe: red satin loungewear.

The menu, however, was full-on Chinese banquet, complete with ten main courses and lots of things we could barely recognize. Actually, Jeremy recognized most of them but only because he is a marine biologist. The menu included jellyfish, whole abalone, and giant crab (tried 'em all) as well as geoduck and shark fin (couldn't bring myself to eat those!). We weren't the only people at our table who felt a bit like fish out of water (marine bio humor, geddit?). There were a few other non-Chinese guests, including a pair of evil geniuses:

The Evil Zappamotos!

There was much drinking, dancing, and late-night carousing which was all very wonderful for this stay-at-home mom. I've already posted a pic of Jeremy having a good ol' time at the reception, so here's one of me:

"Look how much fun we're having!"

Congratulations to the happy couple and to my girl, Mia: go out and get a damn job already!
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Mister America

Please to enjoy this photo of Jeremy at my friend Mia's Chinese banquet wedding reception:



Jeremy was pretending to be a pageant queen at the urging of the DJ, who was making all the guests play a silly game in order to take home the table centerpiece. Jeremy spent most of the time posing, blowing us kisses, and walking around with a smug look on his face. Props to our tablemate and new friend Lionel for snapping this shot.
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Musical Beds

It's everyone's least favorite game! Perhaps you've played at your house, too?

Round 1:
Everyone in their own beds.

Round 2:
(after Savannah cries and wakes up Chelsea)
Savannah in big chair with me.
Chelsea in her bed, with Jeremy on the floor next to her.

Round 3:
Savannah in big bed with Jeremy.
Chelsea still in her bed.
Mommy on the couch.

Round 4:
Savannah back in her crib.
Chelsea still in bed.
Mommy comes back to her own bed.

Round 5:
(after Chelsea wakes up repeatedly for no apparent reason)
Chelsea in big bed with Daddy.
Savannah still in crib.
Mommy back to the couch.

How to determine the winner:
Winner? Hahaha! There is no winner!
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California Stylee

How the girls kept busy for the past couple of months in San Diego:

Swimming

Baking

(Trying to fatten cousin Kendra up with sweet treats, but mostly just helping Uncle Pete gain 5 pounds! Sorry, Peter!!!)

Shredding

(aka Doing the 30 Day Shred, we might've eaten a few of the treats, too.)

Riding in style with Auntie Bev and Oma.

Visiting every book store and toy store in a 10 mile radius.

But only if they have a train table.

Waking up early. Way too early.

Eating pizza with Grandma and Grandpa.

Workin' out on the treadmill with Opa.

(Had to work off some of that pizza, too.)

Playing with make-up.

And just being ridiculously happy to be near family and friends.

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