Costa Casa

Makin the List

2012-01-03T14:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas season kick off with writing letters to Santa. Zo informed us that she is both Naughty AND nice....at least she should get some points for being honest.

Working hard scribbling

Ri informed me there wasn't enough room on the space provided to write a letter....so she had to unfold and flip over to squeeze everything in.

Concentrate...don't. forget. anything.

Bia...and me...pretending to write Bia's list...but more likely making one for myself.

Next day Riley making sure Santa got the letters.

WOOT WOOT!! Postal Elf delivers yet again. Took the letters and left candy canes as a symbol that he received them.

Bia got a candy cane despite her lack of effort writing the letter.

Christmas magic sparkly in little Zo's eyes. I love it.

Glitter and Gold-Christmas pt 1.

2012-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

"Hello. My name is Shea; and I'm a Christmasaholic."

"Hi Shea"

"I have no intention of giving up my unruly behavior during the Christmas season of becoming too giddy, excited, and down right childlike. I will forever buy too many gifts, put up too many decorations, and plan too many Christmas activities. I will eat absurd amounts of Christmas frosted cookies and continue to watch for Santa on norad.com. I will forever make a Christmas list and hope that I have been nice. I will consistently seek out cute nativities that I want to display and blast Christmas music too loud starting in November.
I will spend too much money.
I will puff paint men's tube socks.
I will cry reading a story about a little Angel.
I will go "shopping" at malls only to hope and find a performing group singing in Santa hats.
And I will never stop because that's how I was raised. Thanks to my mother and my Grandfather I will never kick my addiction. So bring on more bells, carols, and hallelujahs. Read more stories about the birth of our Savior and play more games around the table. If you have kicked your habit I am sorry for you.
That is all."

Gobble Goiter

2011-12-29T17:35:00.001-08:00

1 of my favorite words is Gobble. Cuz it's super fun to say. And it's even funner to say if you say Goiter after it...10 times fast....Gobble Goiter, Gobble Goiter..... go ahead....try....no ones watching.....

Things I am thankful for:
My husband
My children
My parents
My siblings

Everything else is the fluff stuffed into each one.

This year sister Damon called me 2 days before Thanksgiving and told me her and Mr. Schmelz were coming last minute for Thanksgiving!!!

This made my soul happy. You see, it's like a tradition to have her here. We decorate for Christmas immediatly following Thanksgiving ; and she is usually here (usually by coincidence).
The girls were also thrilled to hear they were coming. I think Riley has a crush on Uncle Jeff.....

We ate dinner at my Uncle Steve's house cuz all the cousins and big scmogisborg of people were there. (ok, not ALL the cousins, cuz that is about 8 million.). It was a mini family reunion.

The food was fantastic. The company was better. And I was all kinds of giddey cuz Thanksgiving officially marks the Holidays.

She found the chocolate. Gross.

Sister Damon and Me. Love.

Riley a little too thrilled to decorate some ornaments.

Caught in the act.

The hubs. He's so good.

Jeff and Damon. We love you guys!

Zo's turkey.

The Birds and The Bees

2011-12-29T13:36:00.003-08:00

I'm a wee bit strage in case you havent figured that out by now. Initially for Halloween I wanted Berns and I to dress up as 2 birds. Then I wanted the 3 little munchkins to dress up as little bees. "The Birds and the Bees". However, my husband refused to dress up as a froofy bird (why?!) and the eldest munchkin (Rooster) refused to dress up as a bee. *sigh* So being that all my my glorious plan was RUINED my two tiny ones got to be my guiny pigs. (usually).

So I pulled out the trusty sewing machine and whipped out a colorful fantastic bird for zo--it suits her quite well. And fashioned a Bee costume for Beee-a. They were the birds and the bees. And quite fantastic if I must say so myself.

Riley was persistant on the fact that she wanted to be a cowgirl. She gathered up all she could and came up with a purty cute lil outfit.

My fabulous parrot-birdy-thing.

Fuzzy Bumble Beeee-a.

She had one thing on her mind the whole time.

Little Claire and her poodle pooch. She's scrumptious.

Ride em cowgirl.

Enjoying the Halloween Chili cook off at our church. Pretty sure Bia is just eating asfault.

Lil Claire and poppa Niels.

Kinnsi and her little strawberry Raija.

uh, I'm not too sure what's happening here...your guess is as good as mine.

Zo and her best bud Preston. 1 same person in 2 bodies. They are crazy and fantastic.

Trick or Treat!

Harvesting

2011-12-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Halloween wasn't THAT long ago... *insert shake-head-in-shear-disappointment here*...well, ok, However I'm still gonna write about it cuz that's what I do. Late Schmate.

Every year us Costa's start off the spooktacular festivities with a pumpkin carving party. Riley looks forward to the "Goblin Goo" (sprite with lime sherbet) the most. Zo just likes the fact that there is limitless amounts of goodies to devour. I love to throw get togethers and shindigs--so whatever the occasion is, I enjoy it.

Berns?! He just goes with the flow...He's a good one....

Bia? Who knows where she was all night. Most likely stealing peoples treats.

So proud of Ms Suz. She actually came with her game face on and carved a pumpkin this year...I lied...she carved one the first year we lived here too--but that's just cuz she wanted to impress us--huh Suz ;)

Never mind the fact that she conveniently "forgot" her pumpkin after working so hard to carve it....

Partners in crime.

Avery wins the prize. Apparently this pumpkin deserved what was coming for it. Poor fella.

Riley had the idea to "design" hers before she cut it out. I tried to explain to her that cutting out what she had drawn would be tedious, hard, and time consuming....she didn't seem to mind.

Claire. The little beauty of the evening. I love her. End of story.

Zo socializing with all her buds. I'm not sure she even knew there were Pumpkins there.

The besties.

Riley digging into brain surgery.

My girls are the best. Again, however, Bia was no where to be found. No fears, we did eventually locate her...just not in time for a picture.

Rooster Roo

2011-12-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

I’ve always wanted to raise my kids to be better than myself. It never realized one of them would accomplish that by the time she was 9.

Riley is unbelievable. She is who she is and outwardly displays every aspect of who she is.

She is an incredible reader. A 4^th grader that is reading at an 8^th grade level. She reads any and everything she can get her hands on, so consequently is full of random facts and knowledge. Definitely knows more than I do.

She is a dancer. This girl gets her groove on. I keep waiting for the day that she tells me she is packing her bags to go audition to be America’s favorite dancer on “So You Think You Can Dance”. She’s got rhythm and some pretty sweet moves.

She is an amazing big sister. She loves to teach her sisters, play with them, and help their little minds explore. She is ready and willing to help out in any way she is asked. My two little peanuts are lucky to have such a fantastic older example.

She is such a spiritual little ball of goodness. She definitely keeps both Berns and I on track when we should be doing something that we aren’t. It makes my soul smile.

I’m so proud of the little lady she is becoming. I look back at all she has been through in her 9 short years and can only sigh a sigh of relief that I didn’t mess her up. She is a trouper and one strong cookie. I admire her and the person she is becoming. When I grow up, I want to be like Riley.

Black Gold

2011-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

There is a little town about 2 hours away from Belo called Ouro Preto. It’s a World Heritage site and full of history and goodness. We don’t usually go every time we visit Brasil- usually only when we take people with us (Justin, Mom and Damon, etc etc.)—but we hadn’t gone since our wedding and decided it would be fun to take the girls on a day trip down there. Brasil, in general, is heavily Catholic. This little town has hoards of historical Catholic churches. However, because everything was built so much cooler and artistically back in the day (really—why don’t people build cool buildings anymore?) these churches resemble Princess Castles.

The first time we took Riley my mother came with us and narrated stories about different princesses that lived in each “castle”—she got pretty believable.

Anyways, we walked around the little town looking at the beautiful scenery and buildings, shopped in the little farmers market full of hand carved goodies, and ate at a yummy restaurant that happened to be in what use to be a basement of a house where the slaves were kept.

Its little trips like this that make me want to travel the world more. There is so much more that cultural experiences can teach you that school cant.

The girls looking through the gates of a cemetery where all the priests and others were buried--It's on the same lawn as the church. Pretty interesting.

Riley standing at the front entrance to one of the churches. The doors to these places are ridiculously huge. It's outta control. But the bright blue is fantastic--don't you think?

Little B learned how to walk in Brasil and took every chance she could to meander into the world unknown.

It's a beautiful little town snuggled in between some lovely rolling hills. I'd move there.

The cobblestone roads are my favorite. Because the town is a world heritage site they have to keep everything how it is. When renovations have to be made--like the street being repaired---they just have to put the cobblestones back. Rollerblading would be a problem though.

1st Day--Take Two

2011-12-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

Riley originally started her 4th grade school year doing an online school called K12... Nevada isnt all that top notch when it comes to education...and Riley was out smarting the whole family, so we decided we would go this route. The curriculum was great and right up her alley. It was hard and challenging and she LOVED it.
It was super nice having so much flexibility, but after about 2 months of giving it a go I started to go crazy....no, not quite "let's lock up the looney" crazy....but enough so that I had to get her back in a brick and morter school.
My 2 smallest nuggets I found were being ignored. I spent so much of the day just doing Riley's schooling that I found the 3 year old and the 1 year old off venturing into who-knows-what. I decided this had to stop.
EXCEPT, she couldnt go back to her former school--it was WAAAAAY too boring and unchallenging for her. AND I'm too mean of a mom to let her skip a grade.
And then, just like that---as though my little chubby fairy godmother (I assume she's chubby, because I'm pretty sure all fairy godmother's are chubby.) waved her wand of fairy dust and a tuition free charter school presented itself.
woot woot! So, Riley decked herself out in a uniform (and oh buddy, she was STOKED for uniforms...I kid you not. I've never seen someone get so excited to wear navy and white.) and headed to her new school.
The girl loves it. She comes home happy and cheerful and willing to help and play with her little sisters everyday. Just watching her wake up every morning actually excited for school makes the whole thing worth it.
Now, if I can just figure out a way for her to stop growing all of my problems will be solved....

Little sis zozo sending her "sissy" off to school....yup, she cried for about 10 minutes after she left. Zo loves her sissy.

Some Birthday Goodness

2011-11-19T22:18:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago my sweet little B-bird turned 1. I am a horrible procrastinator and am just now posting about this....yes...her slideshow will show up soon as well.

Now that I apologized for posting late, I shall rant and complain about how ridiculous it is that it has already been a year. I know I do this with each child, each birthday, every year...but Bia is still only supposed to be about 6 months old by my calculations (I never was good at math...)

Despite my protests and attempts at stopping her birthday from coming--it came--and so since it decided to come, I begrudgingly gave in and threw the cute little button a birthday shindig.

We invited some of our closest buds, ate too many treats, partook of a delicious potato bar, and watched unruly amounts of little children run around the house.

The fact that children grow up in such a short amount of time makes me the saddest person ever. The fact that I get to watch them grow, learn, develop, and turn into such neat little people makes me the happiest person ever. Its a win-lose situation here.

Bia at one year:
~Little B loves to snuggle. She loves giving loves.
~Little miss adores babies--she takes after Zoie in this way.
~The girl has learned how to hold her own. With two older sisters this little lady has got survival mode perfected. She can squak loud and make a run when she sees them coming for the toy she has. Pretty sure she could survive in the wilderness by herself.
~She still doesnt sleep....*sigh* We are hoping by the time she is 15 she will outgrow this nasty habit
~Her favorite toy is my toothbrush
~She dances and sways her dress back and forth to any music or anything that resembles music.
~Her personality is stronger than Zo's....we are in trouble.
~She's perfectly perfect.

I love you little B.

Zo's best friend Preston came to partake of the festivities--and made binoculars from the trash of the presents....cuz he's that cool.

Showing off her new toys

ymmmm. cake.

It took her awhile. She was a bit iffy about that cake...but she eventually gave in to its delicious sweet temptation.

BFF Claire. She is just as deliciously adorable.

Little buddy Raija--she was thrilled to be at the party.

I love this little face.

Scrumptiously delicious birthday cupcakes. Dont look too close at their frosting..I'm not a cake decorator.

Pink and Turquoise candy. Yes. I had to have it match. That's how I roll.

Shimmer

2011-11-04T23:07:00.001-07:00

"She's born to shimmer, she's born to shine
She's born to radiate.
She's born to live, she's born to love....

This smile get's me everytime. This little one is a funny little creature. I'm nothing less than blessed to call her my own. Her little personality is coming into full swing lately and this pretty much sums it all up.... Thanks for shining little lady.

Some good reasons

2011-11-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Most people who tell you about a trip to Brazil will tell you stories of a mountain known as Sugar Loaf, a lady from Copacabana, a statue of Christ with arms wide open, string bikinis, speedos, and beautiful people.
And yes, these are all very common things in Brazil-- our stories of Brazil will be different. Our reason for visiting this beautiful place is because of these fantastic people.
They are our family. And they live too far away.
It breaks our hearts to leave them every time.
I am hoping the star trek "beam me up" method of transportation works sooner than later.

Until then we will continue to skype and look at pictures and look forward for the better reasons to visit Brazil. Rain forests, beautiful beaches, and monkeys in the tree tops are just an added bonus.

Super cozy in gma's arms.

Gpa Gui taking the girls to partake in the tradition of a futebol game.

GALO!

Grandpa Wilson. Coolest. Man. Ever.

Tio Felipe and Tia Mariana.

Some pretty good lookin ladies.

Fancy girls at a fancy 9 year old's birthday party.

Bia being her silly snoofy self for Vovo Ceriz.

The tropical sun

2011-10-31T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's no secret, us Costa's love visiting the land where Berns hails from. Good ol' Braz-il holds some pretty wonderous things that include the most delectable treats and gorgeous flora and fauna. Being that our girls are part fish it also holds some glorious swim time.

"Shea, you live in Vegas and have swim time ALL summer"--ya ya ya. You HAVE to swim in Vegas cuz its so dang hot and you might melt into a pool of nothingness if you dont. Swimming surrounded by gorgeous Brazilian forests and greenery is simply relaxing.

Take a glance at the pics and relax vicariously through them....and then next time, just come visit with us.

Almost a decade

2011-10-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Riley turned 9 this year. For those of you clapping and hoorah-ing please stop now. This is not ok. 9. repeat: 9. That is almost a decade. That is ridiculous. My baby is no longer a baby. She reads. She comprehends. She KNOWS things...she's like...a person....a smart person. Usually smarter than I am. She spurts off random knowledgeable facts. She reads long chapter books in a matter of hours. She accessorizes. She comprehends. She can tie her own shoes, ride her own bike, make her own breakfast, lunch, and if needed, dinner.

She is busting out of the seams of childhood.

And

its

not

ok.

However--all of the above stated is why she is such a remarkable young lady. She is special and glamorous and enrapturing. She makes me proud to be her momma.

We were in Brazil for her birthday this year. This girl sure does get lucky when it comes to getting birthdays in Brazil. We did a small celebration on her actual birthday with goodies in the morning, presents, and a dinner that evening. When Berns came to Brazil a few weeks later she got a huge "Brazilian style" party along with cousin Julia, and Zoie and Bia since they weren't in Brazil for their birthday (pictures to be posted later.)

I'm so glad she's my little girl and such a great example to her younger siblings. Love you little lady.

Grandma Ceriz bought her the ENTIRE set of Harry Potter....this girl was in paradise

Opening something marvelous I'm sure.

The morning goodie basket courtesy of auntie Nini--go ahead, drool over the Guarana.

The usual Riley face.

Goodies+Birthday=Big Grins

Her very own sarong so she could stop stealing mine.

Bagunca

2011-10-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

She made this mess all by herself.....*sigh*.....

Gold Rush

2011-10-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ms. Roo started the 4th grade this year. However, I think they placed her wrong. I believe by the way she carrys herself and walks around like a human encylcopedia she is well on her way to graduating high school.
Everything the little miss does has to be fancy. There are moments when she comes downstairs after getting dressed and I am not too sure if a 9 year old just walked down the stairs, or a 90 year old--the girl likes frill, gold, lace, more gold, and leopard print, and big ugly flowers. man oh man.
I adore this little ball of personality. I'm so happy she sticks to who she is and not who everyone wants her to be. Because of that I let her wear the gacho pants with a leopard print jacket pinned at the top with a fake diamond broach and brown horse riding boots on the bottom.....*most excellant*

For the first day of school she toned it down quite a bit. It's quite normal infact. Granted I'm not a fan of the floral leggings, but what do I know about style. She did manage to squeeze in the gold (look at the feet) and adorned one of her fingers with a "diamond"--awww, gotta love this fashion diva.

Love you Roo. Thanks for making fashion so....sparkly.

Swimmin In Style

2011-09-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Uggs+Tankini+ little bird legs= pretty sweet fashion combination

Auntie Pam and A Furry Friend

2011-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Being that I have to have a Visa to get into Brasil, I am required to renew it every 5 or so years. This was the year and the closest place is in L.A. Bummer eh? We HAD to take a trip to the beach...Darn. So the 2 littlest ones and I packed some weekend bags and decided to go crash at good ol' Aunt Pammy's house. Poor little Riley missed out on the trip because she was visiting her dad in Colorado for the first part of the summer.

It's always nice to find an excuse to invite ourselves into Pam's house. She always gives us a warm welcome and probably the most comfortable beds known to man. That girl sure does know how to make a bed. Little puffs of cloud heaven surround you. It's unreal......

ANYWAYS-- the 4 of us girls took a stroll down some little canals near the beach and found a little park. We were on a mission to feed some ducks some popcorn. (Everyone deserves some buttery deliciousness). We found us some ducks...and then we found us a little fur ball.

A baby duck!!! And the little guy was friendly and kept following us (he wanted some buttery salty goodness I bet.) Pammy decided to befriend him and picked him up for the girls to hold. They were in heaven....

Little Zo named him Herman...or Henry....I forget.

I'm pretty sure Pam liked him the most though. I felt an intervention coming on and thought I might have to bring in some troopes to prevent her from taking the little guy home.

The weather was perfect and it was nice to escape the nasty Vegas heat for a few days. The girls loved just being outside.

And of course we got pedicures and manicures--cuz no trip to Aunt Pammies house is complete without one.

Thanks Pammy. We love you...and Henry...or Herman...

Gettin caught in all the wrong places.

2011-08-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you only learn how to crawl backwards.

"hmm....this is silly...I seem to be stuck"

"uh....a little help?"

"*sigh* it's hopeless, I give up."

It's getting a little ridiculous

2011-08-21T21:51:00.001-07:00

This is my daughter that completed the 3rd grade this year. Wait, I don't think you paused and gave that a dramatic enough gasp. I'll re say it. This is my daughter that completed the 3rd grade this year. *insert loud gasp and comments of disbelief here*.

Yes, I know, I know. You can bring your jaw back up from hitting the floor. Mine did the same. My Roo is growing at unexplainable speeds. I have searched and scourged the Internet as to some logical explanation as to why children have to grow up so fast. There was no answer. I even "asked Jeeves.".

I have given up, tried to embrace it, learned I can't embrace it, complained about it, lectured her that she needs to slow down, and now am going to complain as I blog about it.

Regardless, my sweet little child that, I thought was still 4, completed 3rd grade this year. She was thrilled beyond measure for that last day of school and, for some reason, feels as though 4th grade is sure to hold something much more magical and amazing. She acted as though k-3rd was for amateurs and little folk. 4th grade makes you officially old and cool. I guess it's the "upperclassman" of elementary school.

So there you have it friends. If you find a justifiable reason as to why she feels the need to grow so quickly, please let me know. I am about to make her play with rattles and plastic keys to see if it could reverse the vicious cycle a little bit. I'll let you know if it works.

Fofa

2011-08-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

I will sell some squeezes. Who wants one?

Blind Date.

2011-08-11T22:11:00.001-07:00

At first she was a bit shy and coy.

but after about......7 seconds.....

she warmed up to him.

That's a magic number

2011-08-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Three is a magic number,
Yes it is, it's a magic number.
Somewhere in the ancient, mystic trinity
You get three as a magic number.

The past and the present and the future.
Faith and Hope and Charity,
The heart and the brain and the body
Give you three as a magic number.

It takes three legs to make a tri-pod
Or to make a table stand.
It takes three wheels to make a ve-hicle
Called a tricycle.

Every triangle has three corners,
Every triangle has three sides,
No more, no less.
You don't have to guess.
When it's three you can see
It's a magic number.....

And Zoie is magic. So it suits her well that she turned 3 this year. I'm hoping she turns 3 every year.

Some of this little magic's favorites at age 3 are: Purses, things inside of purses. Treats. Bubbles. Swimming. Stickers--hoards and hoards of stickers. any food that is considered not health. Dancing to Little Shop of Horrors, Footloose, and Seussical the Musical, Big Trucks and strawberries and blueberries.

We adore this little ball of energy that we so luckily are graced with on a day to day basis. However, she is currently quiet--and with Zoie that is never a good thing...so it's time to be done with this post so I can see the magic she is creating.

A glimpse of her perfection.

If only you could see the shoes better that she picked to wear for the day. They were sparkly red high heels. that lit up....I want some in my size.

She wanted goldfish and fruitsnacks for her birthday breakfast.

A new purse filled with treats. This girl was on cloud 9.

Some-sum-summer time.

2011-08-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

When you live in Vegas and it's summer that means you do one thing and one thing only.

2011-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

Spring break came late this year. Who has ever heard of spring break being in the middle of April? It's dumb I tell ya. Riley ventured off to Colorado for the week and the 2 itties and I ventured to a faaaar off place known as St George with our buddy Brinlee and her adorable little redhead Kimber. It was such a fun relaxing trip. We spent most all day splashin at the Splash Park and cooled off in the evening by strollin down to "moo" at some cows and draw on the sidewalks while sucking on delectable suckers. We ate some super pizza at the Pizza Factory and scrumptious brownies made by Brinlee's sister.
Zo was in heaven taking a road trip with her buddy while Bia just chilled with her 8 month old self while strutting her chubby thighs in her swimsuit. Next time it will have to last more than 48 hours.

Pretty much my favorite picture from the 2 days. She is hysterical. If her mother would let me I would adopt her.

pure joy. Being a child must be the coolest thing ever.

The Super Slow Bunny

2011-08-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Easter came and visited us (yes, it came on time...I'm just 4 months slow at typing).

Easter is my second favorite holiday. Christmas comes in first...obviously. However, I get super excited about Easter. I'm grateful for a mother that was uber into traditions--I think it is because of her that I go all out and ridiculous on Easter.

However. I have never had to cook my own big Holiday dinner...and this was the year. My older sister Britt laughed at me when I called her stressed over it:

"Shea, Easter isnt a big dinner"

"Uh...Britt, it has ham, and potatoes, and salad, and rolls, and jellos, and this, and that...and some more this."

"Ya, that's easy...isn't that what you eat most Sundays?---Meat, and a couple of sides and some rolls?"

To that I replied...no...I'm not super woman...she is...she takes after my mother.

Regardless, I pepped talked myself into cooking for about 4 weeks prior. I let everyone in the family pick a dish. (Riley chose deviled eggs...now THOSE I know how to make...I sense she was worried of my stress). I invited Dad over (a pretty big food critic--I can't rely on Berns, he'll eat anything.). When it was all said and done, dad said, "Thanks. I'll take some potatoes home for left overs."--Which translates to "Man oh man that was delicious."--that's how Dad communicates.

Enough of the food. The girls loved seeing their baskets of goodies and fun reading materials. And of course a new church dress and shoes. Bia was besides herself with all of the plastic eggs. Heck with buying toys next year--she's just getting empty eggs.

All I've got left to say is it's memories like these and moments like these that I sit back and think, "I've got the best life ever"...I challenge you to show me a better one. You can't do it.

My ridiculously good lookin kiddos...I know I know...I'm bias.

Wasn't kidding about the plastic eggs....

They all got jellies--I was super bummed they don't sell jellies in my size....or Berns' for that matter.

We don't kid around....a big ol bucket of those awesome plastic eggs.

.......annnnnnnnnd eggs........

The Big Cheese

2011-06-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

So, I stumbled upon this the other day:

When i inquired about it, someone got a weeeee bit sensitive.....

But you all know, as well as I do, who the little cheese mongrel is. She came clean. She also said it was, "so so good". Of course it was. It was a huge bite of cheese.

The next Olympian

2011-06-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Roo had field day a few weeks ago and it was stupendous. Let me time travel back 20 years to when I was in third grade and what my field days look liked.
We ran 100 meter dashes, did the triple jump or long jump, some relay races....you know...track and field stuff.

Man, was I missing out. Riley's field day consisted of water and plungers and chairs with wheels and more water....Don't get me wrong, I am pro-sports and athletes--but Roo's field day let the kids just be kids.
Not to mention, we live in Vegas. If you are gonna have a field day the end of May when it's a million degrees water HAS to be involved.

I'm not gonna lie, I wanted to jump in and play the games with her...maybe I'll have her teach me this summer.

The awesome plunger game. She had to fill up a bucket with water carried in a plunger. Let's hope they were new.

The water fight. She's preparing to do some damage.

Simplicity

2011-06-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

This girl right here is simple. And I've decided that there is no other way to be.

She smiles

She babbles

She snuggles

She loves.

I am utterly smitten by this itty bitty. I'm nothing but grateful for her daily reminder that life is simple and that all the flutter and fluff I get disgruntled about on a daily basis really means nothing when it comes down to it. I wish I took more time to

smile

babble

snuggle

and love.

oh...and eat ridiculous ammounts of snacks. Cause she does that too.

Getting Warm....3 months ago.

2011-05-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm seriously the biggest slacker with these postings as of late. And then I take a quick glimpse at my pictures and realize that I need to remember these precious little moments...so here we go taking the time machine back to February. Nothing fancy. Just some warm weather that called for park outings. Bia got to enjoy some swings for the first time--and needless to say--was thrilled and giddey the entire time. Zo, of course, got the brillant idea to have B swing with her. so, I stuffed B's chubby little legs into the same swing with Zo. They both thought it was hysterical. And then came the time to get them out. They were stuck...literally. I had to recruit a friend to push on Bia's legs from the bottom while I pulled from the top. Bia decided the swings were not as thrilling at this point. Zo's bird legs were getting pinched from Miss Thunder Thighs taking up the entire leg holes, so she didn't find it much fun either. It's safe to say both girls use their own swing now.

The Happyiest Snappiest Place Around

2011-05-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up going to Disneyland at least once a year. It was kinda my dad and my "thing". Anytime I would go visit him, he would take a few days off work and we would trek it down to Disneyland. The "magic" of it wore off eventually. Don't get me wrong, it was still cool and fun to ride the Matterhorn or good ol Space Mountain--but the beach would have been sufficient enough too.

Then I had kids and the magic came back because I got to see the wonder of it through their eyes. To watch them gleam at the sight of every little thing is worth the MONSTROUS amount of money it costs for a ticket.

Then I had in-laws and cousins and aunts from Brasil. And the magic came back again. I kind of had forgotten the fact that Disneyland is pretty ridiculous and miraculous. And being that there is nothing like it anywhere in Brasil these folks were astounded. And it was more entertaining to me to watch their reactions on the Pirate ride then to pay attention to it.

Disneyland is magic. No questions asked.

Brace yourself for some ridiculous picture overload. Zoie LOOOOOOVED all the characters. Riley, however, is still in the silly age where it is absolute torture to get her picture taken, so any chance i had to get one was a rare and precious moment.. oh, ya, one more thing to point out...Check out our ghetto fabulous lunch. We were too cheap to eat lunch in the park (and by cheap I mean we don't have $600 a person for a hot dog) so we set up a swwweeeeeet picnic in the parking garage. You can steal our idea. Don't worry....I won't mind.

The only picture I could get Riley to take with a character...because she was a queen. It was a sad thing when I realized she is gettign too big to think characters aren't cool.

Trying to sqeeze Disneyland and California Adventure is exhausting..yes, that's Zoie in Bia's car seat...I don't know where Bia is....

Our ZoZo

2011-05-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh, oh ya.

2011-05-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

Remember that one time when we {the fam} took a trip to California? No, you're right, you dont remember because I forgot to document it. In the midst of raising 3 girls, directing 2 casts in Suessical, attempting to build up my new lil business (Whimsical Pudding--don't ask me what the name means...cuz I dunno); oh, and attempting to stay sane I forgot to document the fun things we do.
You WILL however remember that Berns' family came to visit back in January. Well, we packed up 2 cars and journeyed 3.5 hours west to the sunny beaches of So Cal. Our main goal was to meander into Disneyland (which we did...but that will be in a different post--you know--three years from now). But to begin with we decided to stroll down Venice Beach, pretend to be stars in front of the Kodak Theater, and let Bia get her first feel for fuzzy beach sand and crazy cold pacific water.
The girls loved every bit of it.
We of course partook in In-n-Out...even though we have it in Vegas too---it tastes better under California skies.

Nuttin but love

2011-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've decided sisters, are without a doubt, the best thing you could ask for. (No hurt feelings Justin and Tommy)
I love sitting back and watching my 3 little partners in crime. Riley is an amazing oldest sister. She is very nurturing and loving. She will play with Zoie in a heart beat despite the 5 year difference. And Zoie just loves and adores every minute Riley pays attention to her.--Even if it is just bossing her around.
And because Riley is such an amazing sister, she has influenced Zoie to be a super little lovey on Bia. Bia adores it when Zoie is around. She laughs and smiles and vocally expresses how wonderful she thinks she is.
These 3 little ladies make me flutter. I love that they love each other so much. It makes me feel like I'm doin sumthin right...maybe just a little...but then again--it could be that I just have the best 3 girls ever.

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child. ~Barbara Alpert

Best Toy on Earth

2011-04-30T22:13:00.001-07:00

well, well, well, what do we have here?

WHOA, it grows. Wowzer what fun!

HOLY HANNA! This thing is huge! (she gears up to full blow jump in the water fully clothed.

Nuttin better to do with it than play in it! This thing is loads of fun

*turns around to see alll the other fountains*, "Oh, ME GOODNESS!" (Zo was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of so many awesome fountatins to play in!)

It's official--Random fountains in Hollywood, CA= happiest place on earth.

Let's not forget

2011-04-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

It was 90 degrees in Vegas today. I said, "uff...already?"..then I found these pictures and reminded myself that it does, get cold enough for winter apparel in Vegas...however, I have packed it away and stored it in the attic because Project Heinous Heat 2011 is fixin to start. Oh goo.

Fun with gramps and grams.

2011-04-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Berns' parents (as well as a couple aunts and 2 crazy cousins) came to visit us in January for a few weeks. It was nonstop fun for all. Bia got to soak up the sun while Vovo Gui gave her her daily dose of Vitamin D. Riley enjoyed having everyone wait on her hand and foot and Vovo Ceriz walking her to the bus stop every morning, and Zo loved the fact that she got to get away with practically everything. It's sad that we live so far away from such great family members--I have told Berns he should now become a pilot so we can go visit them more often--I'm not getting very far with that. --My next plan is to present him with buying us a plane and hiring a pilot. One way or another we will get down to visit them again soon so the girls can bask in the glory that Vovo Ceriz and VoVo Gui are.

The Reunion

2011-04-13T21:33:00.001-07:00

Remember these 2 cuties?

They met up again at Disneyland for another date. Face it friends, it's written in the stars.

The Newest Trend?

2011-04-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, I know I'm not the most stylish person in the world. But, really, I didn't think I was soooo bad that my two oldest daughters wouldn't be able to figure out how to coordinate things. I am blaming this all on Berns.

I apologize deeply for Riley's last outfit...white tights, plaid shorts, a floral shirt...man oh man...oh, p.s.--when she put it on she made sure to come wake me from my slumber to show me how great she looked. I quickly turning on my acting capabilities and asked her if I could wear it when she was done. She was crazy proud of it.
I repeat...blame Berns.

Slept through the countdown...

2011-04-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

....to New Years I suppose. Seeing as it is the beginning of April, and as I recall, New Years happens in January. Let's play catch up--not so much for all of you; but more so for me when I look back many years from now and wonder what the heck I did December 31st 2010...cuz I do things like that.

We meandered our way to Durango for New Years this year after Christmas to play with Grandma Nisey. Being that I'm a Colorado girl--New Years has always been spent in freezing weather and snow--and it just doesnt seem right to hang out in Vegas in mildly warm weather. Good ol' Durango didnt let us down and we freezed our tushies off, so we stayed in doors and danced to wii dance for hours and ate unruley ammounts of food. The girls loved it and still are begging Berns to buy a wii just for that purpose-(yes, the GIRLS are begging him--not me---no way...*wink*).
Poor papa Berns was working and didnt get to enjoy the fun in Durango with us. We miss having his goofiness around times like this. Hopefully he'll join us next time. Until then--yup, you guessed, some pictures!

Crazy crazy lady and her crazy crazy granddaughter.

Lots of love--Gma Nisey is top notch.

Lil B sure does love her Gpa--he was the only normal one in the room.

Zo loves the sparkling cider aka "fuzzy juice"

Sweetest thing ringing in the new year

and then there is Landon...nuff said.

Bia Soup for the Soul

2011-03-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are supposed to warm your heart and make you feel all fuzzy wuzzy inside.
Well, that's just what this little tiny person does to me. And I'm a little irritated that she is already 7 months old. I had to post pics, cuz let's be honest, she is rather scrumptious.
B is the most chill baby. she loves anyone that will smile and snuggle her. She loves being squeezed. She loves her older sisters. She loves to rest her head and take naps on anyone shoulders.
If I were magic, I'd freeze her how she is. She's wonderful. She warms my heart and makes me feel fuzzy wuzzy inside.

An apple a day....

2011-02-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

....makes this baby barf.

What do you think friends? Doesn't look like this gal is too keen on her Washington's.

You would also think that this would go away....no. she likes baby food...even the nasty "country garden sumthin-or-other"--but you stick the apples in her mouth and I get this reaction time and time again.

I think it's hysterical...so I continue to give her apples....I'm a mean mom.

Christmas in February

2011-02-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

*before you read, please be well aware that there are are unruly amounts of pictures in this post. That's what happens when you combine Christmas with my camera and my brother's crazy camera.*

It's finally here folks--a post about Christmas. I'm really on top of my game these days.
Christmas was yet another classic this year. Adding another child to the mix provides for more fun because I get to buy more toys. Berns' might think differently.
We moseyed our way to Utah again this year to spend Christmas with my side of the fam. If you read this blog time after time, year after year; this may seem like a repeat post (and let's be honest, I'm soooooo incredibly interesting, that I'm sure you are alll repeat readers..baha.)
This year Rooster went to spend Christmas with her dad in Colorado. I always get sad and down when I don't have her for the holidays, but the fact that she had a great time helps a bit.
It was nice to have the rest of the fam there minus Jess (who is currently serving a mission in Slovenia/Croatia; so I suuuupose she is excused from Christmas this time around)
There was lots of singing (usually), lots of laughing (always), lots and lots of food (most definitely), hoards of presents under the tree (so many that Britt threatened to start putting them in the garage and bring them in in "waves" on Christmas), and many memories.
I have officially reached the ripe ol age of "old" when you can care less about presents and packages and really just want to be with the people you love and adore.
Christmas and my family are my two favorite things (besides those little candy hearts at Valentines)--I'm glad I got to enjoy both at the same time.

In other words, Zo got a plasma car from Santa....it rocks...I want my own.

Ms. Izzy is great, this picture just proves that statement.

Zo was jealous everyone got to play piano and sing and dance. She wanted her own turn.

Apparently we plum tuckered her out.

Deck the Halls

2011-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a weeeee bit addicted to Christmas. I usually make my fam set up the tree and the hoards of paraphernalia that I have the day after Thanksgiving. This year I was late. It happened 4 days after Thanksgiving instead. Dang it.

Bernsie and Riley sorted through the hoards of twigs and branches to assemble our tree. Zoie sortede through the hoards of Christmas schma (and made the biggest mess she could.) And little B...slept through the whole thing. I took pictures, cuz that's what I do best. And now you get to enjoy them....2 months later....

Bia tuckered out from all the excitement.

Zo trying to help set up the tree. Don't mind the Quasimodo look--she had an eye cold

My little decor team. I like em lots.

My little christmas train. The S is for Shea, B is for Berns, and the J is for Jack. My awesome nephew made it for me. It's my favorite Christmas decoration.

Remember how I was going to catch you all up on our lives and I started with Thanksgiving....wellll, after weeks of waiting, I will post now about Christmas. i might catch up with all we've done this time next year.

First Up: Giving Thanks

2011-01-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

My position in the family currently is that of Slacker. If you look inside my window (but please don't creepers...i.e. John Eckhoff), you will find mountains of laundry that need to be folded (that's right...I washed them, just haven't folded them yet); a very messy post-holiday house, dishes to wash, projects to be sewn, a slew of toys in the backyard that belong inside, and more. You will also notice the hoards and hoards of pictures on my computer waiting patiently to be uploaded to a blog (ok, maybe not...but you get my drift).
I am far behind on updating this cyber journal of mine. So I will back up...just a little ways...to Thanksgiving. From there I will hopefully move on to Christmas--but I might forget and not get to that for a few months. Take what you get.

Being that Berns had never met the wonderful lady that helped form my crazy family--GGma--we ventured down to El Centro for Thanksgiving. As wonderful luck would have it, my madre and Paul were there too. It was a most wonderful time being there with grandma, my mom, my stepdad, my aunts, and uncles, and insanely delicious Mexican food.
We ate unruley ammounts of food. (I devoured all the middles of the cinnamon rolls...the outsides are good for nothing), we played games, I sewed projects, and we enjoyed sitting in GGma's reading room and listening to her wise wisdom.
Thanks for the hospitality Kjersti and GGma--Riley loved it so much she wants to move there for a year. We'll be back to visit soon.

Thanks for that Zoie....

One classy couple

I like them...lots and lots

Riley has great manners. The fact that she got the turkey leg thrilled her to no ends.

some goon

dancin on grandpa's feet

meeting GGma for the first time

Zo and grandma dressed as princesses on the tramp...completely normal...oh wait...

Get Down Tonight

2010-12-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

So, when the 8 year old asks if we can have a dance show in her room for FHE, OF COURSE the only answer is yes.
So we all took turns dressing up and getting our groove on. Bia just looked on in utter confusement as to why on earth she entered this world into such a strange family. I must say, my moves should have won me a medal.

Smitten

2010-11-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

This one has captured my heart.
This is how she is....all day...every day.
Another healthy, happy, peanut.
I'm beyond blessed.

Saving the World

2010-11-20T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to some pretty awesome Super Heroes. They came around the Vegas area to save the world Halloween evening.
1. Super Soccer Girl:

2. Super Beast:

3. SUPER Round:

4. Super Awesome:

5. And last, but not least, Super Foreign:

These super heroes are pretty awesome if I must say so myself. So whether you are in need of your cat being saved out of your tree; of if you need someone to prune your trees, fight crime, eat bad guys, or any other random thing; give these Costa's a call and your life will be complete.

Timeless

2010-11-06T23:47:00.001-07:00

It's good to know some things never change....

This is me, age 16...junior in high school. I dressed up as a super hero. No, not for Halloween... I just did it because I'm Shea. ANd if you knew 16 year old Shea, it makes all the sense in the world.

This is me, 11 years later, age 27....mother of 3. I dressed up as a super hero. Yes, this time for Halloween. It is unfortunate that the picture is hiding my cape, spandex, bottom half of florecent pink bikini that was worn on top of the spandex, and rollerblades (yes, I had on rollerblades Damon....) I did it because I'm Shea. And if you know 27 year old Shea, it makes all the sense in the world.

And if you by chance knew 16 year old Shea, but haven't seen her since her junior year of high school; rest assured that 27 year old Shea is pretty much the same thing...with a lil more flab.

Somethings never die--my crazy ability to save the world in bright colored spandex attire and sweet capes is one of them.

My Rolly Polly

2010-11-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

I love this baby. Plain and simple. She is getting so big and more amazing every day. When she smiles she shows off her little dimples. She's content pretty much all the time and only "squaks" a small amount when she is hungry. She even allows her 2 year old older sister to poke, prod, squeeze, and "snuggle" her anytime Zo wants. She's a good one. She's an amazing one. And she's all mine (well, I guess I'll share her with Berns).
If you are nice, I shall let you snuggle her and squeeze her incredible chubby thighs. You can find us most days at home getting nothing accomplished and snuggling the day away. Come and join and fall in love as much as I have.

8 is Great!!

2010-11-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

This post is looong overdue. Almost 2 months overdue...but let's look past that.

My Riley-Roo turned 8 this year. When I look at her I get super mixed emotions. I get sad at the fact that she grew up so fast. She has been with me through thick and thin and has always been my saving grace. Her baby face has turned into a lil beautiful girl face. She is so smart and spiritual.
Miss Ro decided to get baptized. It was so nice to see the whole family come for the occasion. Riley felt so special and loved. I'm so proud of the girl she is becoming and the lessons she continues to teach me. She is, without a doubt, my lil angel. Congrats baby girl--i love ya like the dickins.

Stick It

2010-10-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

I figured since Zo is fearless, tiny, and feels no pain; that gymnastics would be the PERFECT sport to start her in. To say that Zoie loves gymnastics would be an understatement. Lil miss Zo loves being the dare devil she is while venturing across the balance beam. She gets a kick out of the trampoline--mainly because it's placed next to a huge mirror and she thinks that she looks silly bouncing up and down.
She also loooooves hanging on the bar like a possum. But her favorite thing is getting to say "ta-da!" after all her tricks.

MY favorite thing is the unitard that comes with the whole experience...let's be honest--seeing her wear that awesome piece of clothing makes EVERYTHING worthwhile.

Interior Design

2010-10-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

This is my newest kitchen decoration:

Can you not see it good? Lemme zoom in:

I think she looks quite nice sittin upon my counter top. And she loves sitting in her Bumbo. If you would like to come cook cookies while having this lil friend keep you company just let me know.

Every Girl Needs One

2010-10-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

I'm a lil obsessed about my girls wearing cute bows in their hair. (Don't worry, my bow to head ratio is reasonable...I'm not one that sticks a sunflower on my infants head.)

Riley is a lil obessed with making things....any thing.

Sooo, when my obession and Riley's obsession combined THIS is what comes of it:

Yes, Riley saw me making some bows for Bia and asked ever so kindly (trying to contain excitement) "Mom, can I make Bia a bow too!!?" So she took the lovely materials I will never use (I'm such a nice mom giving Riley the "junk" I don't like)--and she created this masterpiece for B.
But from the looks on Miss B's face, she enjoys her bow quite a lot. Riley should make it a living. Who wants a Riley bow?

This one's for you VoVo Ceriz:

2010-10-05T22:46:00.001-07:00

Bahaha.

Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun

2010-10-03T18:46:00.001-07:00

Our Rooster turned 8 this year.
*silent pause...deep sigh....drop head and shake it in unbelief.*
When I was 8 I remember my mom and thinking she was super old. So I must seem super old to Riley. I can feel the wrinkles forming as we speak.
But enough about me and my deep dispair.
Because Riley turned 8 she got to have a super huge birthday party. (Eight is Great right?).
She invited 13 friends (all of which where girls besides 1 little boy...poor guy). Ri decided she wanted a Hawaiian luau. She had debated for weeks and weeks. She really wanted to have a cowgirl party--but after much deliberation she decided swimming sounded more fun than riding a horse.
We spent 3 hours swimming, eating pizza, opening presents, pounding on pinatas, and devouring delicious cupcakes.
My family was able to come down and join us for the fun festivities! Hooray for uber amounts of fun with lots of 8 year old girls, 1 8 year old boy, a grandma that acts like she's 8, an odd Zoie, an odder Landon, and a precious Riley.
Here's a picture overload. Enjoy:

The Blink of an eye.....

2010-10-02T22:47:00.001-07:00

...ok, maybe it wasn't quite THAT quickly. But this is what happens when Zo finds herself alone for 20 seconds with Bia. I ran upstairs, threw something in the laundry room, then came back downstairs... this is what I found. Mind you, this is after I took some off of her eyelids...

Very pretty Zo, thanks for decorating the baby.

This one's for you Vovo Gui:

2010-10-02T22:40:00.001-07:00

GALO!

It all seems to make sense now....

2010-09-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Growing up one of my FAVORITE movies was Drop Dead Fred. Those of you that haven't seen it--WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?--those of you that have know what an epic amazing film it is ;)
It's about a lady going through a divorce and her childhood imaginary friend comes back to visit. The movie takes you through various "memories' showing what mischievous horrible things Fred had this girl do.
Fred is a naughty naughty friend but, oh so very funny. But because he's imaginary the little girl gets the rat for all the naughty things that happen.

Well....remember this little girl that we have nicknamed "Beast":

Remember how she is the epitomy of toddler and always gets into trouble in some way or another?
Well...I have figured out the culprit behind the little angel face. And her name is "Chaka Khan".
Zoie has an imaginary friend. Zoie has been talking about Chaka Khan for the past few months. At first we thought it was just a word she was saying...some kind of babbling. Then we started to catch on to things. Like she would ask where Chaka Khan was. Or she would randomly say "hi" to Chaka Khan. We soon came to realize that Chaka Khan is Zozo's friend.
She walks around telling us what Chaka Khan is doing and I will randomly see her in the corner saying hi to someone.
So it's official. Zoie has her own "Fred" The beastliness all makes sense now.....Welcome to the family Chaka Khan.

I'm Not Ok With It

2010-09-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Maker of Time,
Please slow down. My newest itty bitty has been growing too much too fast and I would prefer that you slow things down a bit. Her rolls have tripled in size. Her chins have tripled in numbers. And while it is all good and dandy because we LOVE us some chubby baby--it has all happened a bit too fast.
Thank you for still allowing her to be small enough to sleep for hours on my chest--it is something I shall hold onto dearly and neglect cleaning my house as long as you will allow.
If I slip you a twenty could you please promise me that things will start slowing down from here on out? Thank you very much.
Regards,
Momma Costa.

Belated

2010-09-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

This is FAAAR overdue--but i still needed to post it.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

School Is Cool

2010-09-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

First day of 3rd grade...wait...WHA?! Seriously? Roo is already in 3rd grade and I don't know how I feel about this. 3rd grade might not seem that old, but she is already to the point where she worries about what to wear on the first day of school...
This girl is gonna be trouble in years to soon come--but until then, she makes a pretty darn cute 3rd grader. I shall just sob over the fact that my kids are getting too big too quick.

Zoie's Twin?

2010-09-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

While you watch this picture the little kid is a girl...and there you have exactely how Zoie is....another justification for the nick name "Beast".

"Spunky"brewster

2010-09-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

This girl is all about spunk...and pizazz...and I like her.

Through Grandma's Eyes

2010-09-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

My girls are Grandma Nisey fans. Riley monopolizes her, and Zo idolizes her. They have officially named the guest room "Vovo Nisey's room". Lately you will hear Zo walk around the house saying, "I Love it, VoVo Nisey." (when Zoie likes something she will say, "I love it" followed by what she loves.

So, when the opportunity presented itself to wear grandma's glasses, Zo took it. She strutted around while making us laugh. Dispite Zo's attempts to bend and brake them, Grandma laughed and smiled in awe. It's lovely to have such a great grandma. It's even lovelier to have kiddos that want to "walk in her footsteps"--or in this case, "see through her eyes".

Party of Five

2010-08-28T08:25:00.001-07:00

It's been 2 weeks since we welcomed our new little peanut to the world. It's been quite the adjustment for everyone.
Zoie adores Bia--she wants to snuggle and hold and poke and kiss and feed and bathe, and rock and etc etc etc her. However, Zoie doesn't like that the baby requires attention from mom or dad. She also hates the fact that she can't yoink Bia's binkie....that's a big deal.
Riley is trying to figure out how to keep herself entertained the last few days of summer since we have been "trapped" in the house most days. However, she loves the fact that she actually gets to watch some movies during nap time so that I can nap with the other 2.
Berns' biggest adjustment is that he no longer works at home, so he has been at the office for the past 2 weeks (not the best timing to switch from working from home). He loves coming home to snuggle each girl.
I forgot that little babies don't sleep...so I walk around like a zombie most of the day. I don't recall the last time I actually got dressed or brushed my hair...I'm looking awesome.

Dispite the lack of sleep and the 1500 diapers a day; I wouldn't ask for anything more. My 3 girls are stunning. Simply put. I like them and love my calling as being mom to them.

Come visit--you may take turns snuggling them too....if I decide to share.

"Pwincess"

2010-08-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Reason #eleventy-hundred-six-six to have little girls:

Zo and Ri have been dressing up as "pwincesses" for the past few weeks. Riley drapes things on Zoie and Zo just twirls and spins in delight.
Riley, however, has decided she is too old for crowns and poofy dresses--so she takes time to dress as a "princess warrior" or a gypsy...

And if you look real close to the picture, you will find that even daddy gets to play every now and again...Thank goodness for daddies that love having little girls and all the frills that come with it.
Hun--you look dashing as a Pwincess.

Sumthin Schmells in here....

2010-08-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

The REAL reason for our trip to Durango:

My beautiful lil sis got married. I bawled....several times. I laughed, a lot of times. She was stunning...all of the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmelzle. Jeff--Welcome to the crazy, but never dull family. We welcome you with open hearts...but mainly because you have a SWEET last name.

A Green Table

2010-08-22T20:22:00.001-07:00

So remember how I lived in Durango for soooo long and never went to Mesa Verde (yup, it's only 45 minutes away...). The last time I was there was when my Dad took us on a road trip when I was like...7..maybe...
Regardless--it was about due time to go. So while on our lovely trip to Durango I packed up the car and the girls and I headed up the mountain (along with my sister Britt and her family). Papa Berns had to take a early flight home on Monday (for work), so he didn't get to join us.
I'm not going to lie--climbing up and down the trails on the mountain in HOT weather being 8 months pregnant was not the FUNNEST thing to do in the world; but the girls had a great time.

Riley's new mission you ask? To make houses on the side of a mountain just like the Indians did. She planned out her mental blue prints the entire way home....First a cowboy and now an Indian...this girl is on one.

Giddey Up and Git-r-done

2010-08-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

If you give me an excuse to go "home" to Durango I'm usually bound to jump on the bandwagon. My lovely sister Damon decided to get married in Durango the third week of July so we packed up the girls and a few delicious car trip goodies and headed to the land of elk and deer. Never mind the fact that my OB/GYN advised me time and time again NOT to take the trip because it was too close to my due date.....

Being that it's a 10 hour drive, I begged and pleaded with my lovely lovely husband to let us girls stay for a week instead of just a quick weekend trip. And, yes, my lovely lovely husband agreed. While there we played all around grandma's "farm", got dirty, ate lots of food, sang some mountain music, played in the dirt....rolled in the dirt, road horses in the dirt, brought dirt inside, etc and etc in the dirt.
The morning of Damon's wedding Berns took the girls horseback riding. Since Riley has been on a cowgirl kick lately she was SUPER excited to go. Zoie ADORED the horses and didn't want to stop riding them. Riley ADORED the horses too...BUT she preferred feeding them instead of riding them.

It's always nice to go back to Colorado--every time Berns and I try to figure out a way to move back--but until then we will enjoy our quick trips of playing in the dirt to some good ol' mountain music.

And now...enjoy some obessive overload of pictures:

Slacker with a side of {ketchup}

2010-08-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

I would like to say that due to the fact that I just had a baby I have not had time to blog about all of our adventures this summer...HOWEVER, all of our adventures happened in June and July--so me having a baby in August is probably not a good excuse. So bare with me as I take time to catch up on all of our whereabouts.
Sorry if I bore you---let's be honest--it's more for me to look back on--we aren't THAT exciting of people.

Regardless...what better way to reminisce about summer than with pictures of swimming pools and darling little girls?

After Rooster got her casts off, the girls and I spent as much time at the pool as we could. Riley and Zoie both turned into fish once the summer sun hit Las Vegas---and my big whale pregnant body enjoyed cooling off submerged in the cool water. Once the pool closes this coming October I will be at a loss for what to do with the girls...looks like we will be scoping out the indoor lap pools...

And Now I Present to You.....

2010-08-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

Lil Miss Bia Eliana
Born 08/13 at 13:08 (1:08pm). 7 lbs, 5 oz- 19 inches long. She is nothing short of wonderful.
I went into the hospital at around 10:00 with bad back aches, a few random contractions here and there (but nothing that I thought was labor inducing), and some "leaking" (sorry if that grosses you out). I had called the doctor's office before going in to see if any of those things should concern me since I was already dilated to a "4" the past 2.5 weeks. They told me to just go to the hospital and get checked.
Berns was singing and dancing the entire way to the hospital and I tried to keep him grounded telling him that most likely they would send us home.
Well, to my pleasant surprise, when they checked me around 10:30 I was dilated to a 5. They decided to keep me and get this baby out.
Everything else went so quick it's kinda a blur...a painful blur, but a blur.
Epidural man came, then they broke my water, then checked me again about 12:15 and I was at an 8. Checked me again about 5 minutes later and I was a 10. I had to push for about 40 minutes and she was out. Labor lasted about 3 hours! The only problem was my epidural didn't work on the right side of my body so I felt quite a bit more pain than I really cared to.
Little Bia entered our world sucking her hands and with a 1 dimpled smile. She already has us all wrapped around her little finger.
Zoie refuses to do anything except hold the baby, Riley oohs and aahhhs about how tiny everything on her is. Berns is twitterpaited and in 7th heaven with another little girl. I'm just in utter amazement because I'm so blessed. I look at my 3 girls and can't help but get teary eyed. This is what life is about and nothing else seems to matter.
Welcome home Bia--we love you

A wee little bug

2010-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have horrible luck with computers.

I will leave it at that.

And, yet again, my luck has run out.

For a nasty little virus has struck my computer not letting me open ANY files....meaning the beautiful place where I keep all of my pictures you are DYING to see; is not accessible.

So until I find Mr. Computer Fix It Man...you will be kept in the dark over the whereabouts of us Costa's.

I have quite the stories to tell. But what good is a story without a picture...so you will just have to wait.

Those of you that live near me and know where Mr. Computer Fix It Man is when I need him...please inform me. Regards.

Cowboy? hmm....

2010-07-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

During the 4th of July weekend Riley discovered her "calling" in life. She has officially decided what she wants to be when she grows up.

I went into my sister's basement to discover my child dressed like this:

After staring at her with my head cocked to the side in a befuddled look I said,
"Riley....what are you wearin?"

"I'm a cowboy mom!"

"uh...REALLY?! lookin good ol' chap"

"Mom, I've decided when I grow up I'm going to be a real live cowgirl."

There you have it folks. A Cowgirl it is. She has talked about it nonstop since that weekend. She currently is in the works for saving for some boots and a hat.

I like her. I like her lots and lots.

Freedom, Fireworks, and too many pictures

2010-07-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

The girls and I took an impromptu trip to Utah for the 4th of July. Papa Berns had to stay home and work. But being that it's eleventy thousand degrees in Vegas, and Riley wasn't allowed in a pool; I decided it was much too hot to stick around for a 3 day weekend.
Zo had a blast devouring too many otter pops while she followed her favorite cousin Cole around everywhere.
Riley enjoyed playing make believe cowboys and cowgirls with Jack and Riian.
I enjoyed doing absolutely nothing :)
Saturday before the 4th we went to Thanksgiving point to run wild on the endless fields of grass and watch fireworks.
We munched on yummy food and delicious cake on the 4th while setting off our own fireworks.
Yay for Britt and Nate who decided to accommodate us last minute. Excuses to visit family AND get out of the heat are superb. I'm tempted to do it more often. Now if only Papa Berns could come with us.

Justified

2010-06-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Zoie's nickname is "The Beast". People tell me that I should stop calling her that soon as it will give her a "complex". However, after this next incident, I believe it still fits her quite well....

Berns and I decided it was time for Zo to get a "big girl bed". Transferring her from a crib to a toddler bed had me worried. Keeping her in the crib had her contained. I was afraid she would wander in the middle of the night, not go down for her naps, fall out of bed, etc etc etc. Not to mention I'm soooo not ready for my baby to be big enough to sleep in a real bed.

Regardless, I gave in and bought a cute little bed for the little one. Zoie's excitement and pure enjoyment for her new bed was just priceless. She runs around the house telling all that will listen about "Zozo's big girl bed".

And to my amazement the first night and the first couple days she went right to bed. Never got out except when she was done sleeping. She came and joined Berns and I in bed the first 2 nights, but no roaming the house, no getting out and refusing to go to sleep...nuttin like that.

UNTIL.....

we had had the bed a few days. It was nap time. I put Zo to bed and went about my business. She stayed uber quite, and she had proven to us that she would go to bed nicely when we put her down. A few hours later (after Riley came home from school), we heard the Beast stirring. I thought to myself what a fantastic nap she received! Riley went in there and came back saying, "MOM, Zoie drew ALLLL over herself. I can't find the pen that she used....go get her".

So I meandered into her room not only to find some colored legs, but this as well:

Yes, she did that beautiful mess all by herself. Don't get me wrong...it's nice that she still got a good nap--she just had to make things a "little" less organized before she did so. I'm pretty convinced she had emptied every drawer in her room...and then more.
But then the little peanut looks up and gives me her sweet little look so disciplining her and telling her no is so much more difficult.
Instead she got a laugh and a snuggle. I made her help pick it up. She hasn't done it since....but we will still call her The Beast...justifiably so.

Bad Timing

2010-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

What's worse than having to bear the heat of a Vegas summer?

Having to bear it without the use of a swimming pool....

Poor Miss Rooster will be spending the next month swimming in her own sweat. The poor girl broke her elbow at school on the playground. She did it on a Friday late afternoon. Just as luck would have it she wasn't able to see an Orthopedic until the following Tuesday to get it casted. The entire weekend the rascally little 7 year old had to be tamed by lying on the couch in excruciating pain.

Berns and I spent those 4 days explaining to her that casts are not waterproof and the poor girl would not be able to partake in diving and cannonballing at our pool until the cast was gone. Being that Ri just finished her swimming lessons and has become quite the fish, this ruined her.

When we got to the doctor on Tuesday he delivered many splendid bits of news.
1. The break in her elbow missed her growth plate (huge sigh of relief--no surgery!)

2. She would only have to keep her cast on for a month, meaning it would come off right before we had to travel to Durango for auntie Damon's wedding.

3. THEY NOW OFFER WATERPROOF CASTS!!! WOOT WOOT WOOT!! and I'm not talking about a little water resistance--she could full blown submerge the thing in the water. This stuck a huge permanent grin on Roo's face. (not to mention swimming with a bright pink cast is super stylish)

Well...some things are just too good to be true. Wed night Riley joined me to watch the show Cinderella that I had been directing. She had been complaining that her hand was hurting. It had been swollen since she broke it, but the doctor didnt seem too concerned. After the show that night she just moaned and moaned about her hand. I decided to call the doctor the following morning because it was MASSIVELY swollen, and she screamed bloody murder if you just brushed by it.
After convincing the doctor and nurse that I was pretty sure it was more than just a little swollen they told us to come in.
They ran some xrays and couldnt find any more broken bones. Doc said that her nerves had been bruised--but was stumped as to why it was hurting so much.

Regardless, he decided that she needed a full length cast to include her hand to protect it a little better. Sad thing was...he couldn't make that one waterproof.
Riley was relieved to have her hand feeling a little better, but super disappointed it meant she was no longer allowed in the pool. Doc told her to come back in a week to reevaluate her hand to try to figure out what is wrong with it.

I've tried to make light of the situation with ice cream, telling her how cool it is that she gets 2 colors of casts, drive in movies, and theater performances--but the poor girl wants to swim.

On the bright side...we've only got 3 more weeks. Grandma Nisey--you better have a blow up pool for the girl to jump in when we get there.

I'm pretty sure I bought it for the kids.

2010-06-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

I found a superb little train table for the kiddos for $20. Being that my house is anything but extravagant and elegant, I decided it would fit nicely in place of our living room coffee table. (That's right kiddos...party at Shea's house...I have otter pops too).

Zoie jumped right on board with the idea and played and played. Riley played "cool" for the first little bit (you know....7 year olds are much to old and cool for this)--but then she too was engulfed in building new train tracks.

And then there was the third child in the house...no not the one in my stomach....I'm talking about Mr. Bernardo. I would find him at the train table playing and making sound effects long after the kiddos had moved on to a different project.

Well, at least I got my money's worth!

I take full responsibility

2010-06-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

for these amazing little people.

I like her....

2010-06-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

.....lots.

Her father's child

2010-06-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well friends. I've said it time and time again. But here is even further proof that Zoie is practically ALL Berns:

yes, the child did this by herself. I was folding laundry on my bed and she was helping. I left the room for a wee minute and came back to find her looking like this. She had put socks on and then put her flip flops on top---something you will find Berns doing on a regular basis...
She was quite proud of herself--so was her daddy....

Camping?

2010-06-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend we had grand plans to go on a lil family camping trip. We packed up all the shenanigans--tent, sleeping bags, camping food, portable stove with itty bitty propane tank, fire wood to build a fire, bug spray...the whole shebang.
Well, as luck would have it, when we arrived at the camp grounds they were completly full. Berns immediately felt defeated and got sad. I tried to pep things up a bit by saying we could still grill by a fire, roam around, and then we could go home when it got dark. After a few minutes of pursuading Berns that this would still be fun, we parked the car and started unloading the goodies.

Well, we soon found out that the only place we could build our fire was in the little grills that were by some picnic tables. Berns found that pretty pathetic--but that didnt stop us! We built our ghetto fire and grilled our brats and hot dogs and roasted our marshmellows.
Dinner was delicious--the girls loved digging and playing in the dirt (that was as soft as beach sand mind you) and climbing around on the rocks.
We even got to see some wild life roaming around.

We will attempt our camping adventure yet again in the near future--but until then, it's fun little mishaps like this that make memories so much more enjoyable.

My Green Thumb

2010-06-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

I received plenty of laughs when I told people that I was going to plant a garden. Not only were the laughs about me planting a garden--but more so me attempting to grow anything in Las Vegas. I'll give it to you nonbelievers---for being a first time gardener with intense heat, it has proven quite difficult.

However...I planted the first part of April...now it's June....take a look. Those of you unbelievers and mockers--you owe me apologies as well as a smoothie (I'm hot.)

This is right after we planted in April...not much too see

The girls helping me spread the seeds. Let's be honest--it's probably because they planted them that anything is growing.

Miss. Roo has to look stylish at anything she does....garden gloves never looked so good.

The garden currently...uh, wait, what's that? OOOOH...stuff grew!? Booya.

Scrumptious tomatoes

Juicy ripe strawberries

The girls displaying some of the "fruits of their labor"--they tasted delicious in a salad later that night.

Everything has sprouted except the cilantro...but I can live without that. We've got lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapenos, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, onion, and snap peas....Uncle Brent would be so proud :)

Cuz that's what grandma's do....at least this one....

2010-05-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Britt and I went to the store for literally...15-20 minutes and left G-ma Nisey at home with the kids. By the time we returned this is what we found:

Just to clarify--that is my kitchen table above their heads. They had built an extravagant fort and were having a tea party under the table.
Britt and I forgot that leaving grandma with the kids meant that their would be no adult supervision...