My Reading Obsession {Mary Poppins She Wrote}

Ever since I picked up Zeitoun a few months ago I have been a reading fanatic. Two weeks ago Trevor took me to see Saving Mr. Banks, where I learned the film was based on the author of Mary Poppins, P.L Travers' life. I instantly HAD to get my hands on the book...

Mary Poppins She Wrote by Valerie Lawson is my latest read. I have been trying to savor the pages as she disects Mrs. Travers' characters and analyzes each one to fit the characters written in the beloved Mary Poppins books.

While I am well aware that books never exactly translate in to movies I do have to say so far translating a biography onto the silver screen in Saving Mr. Banks has been spot on. I loved the movie...but any movie with Tom Hanks in it is a good one in my book!!

I am not trying to write a review for either the book or the movie, but if you love the story of Mary Poppins I do recommend both!

Beating the Winter Blues

We continue to have the strangest weather here in Reno, we are talking mid to high 50's during the day and then 20's at night. Since it's only January the sun is still setting way too early for us to enjoy time at the park. We will not and cannot complain though, because we are so thankful for our warm, cozy home, plenty of yummy food and snacks and Mommy and Daddys' creative ways to entertain during family time.

Most of the time our family time ends up with us all snuggled up on the couch watching a million and one cartoons before bedtime. As part of our New Year's "Resolutions" we want to make our family time memorable - - take the kids on outings and have adventures with them they will remember in 10 years! Obviously we can't do it every night, but we are working on it! On Monday, I was really hoping to get off early and surprise the kids with a trip to Starbucks for hot coco and cake pops, unfortunately my schedule didn't permit the early exit. So, we decided it would be a fun treat for after dinner. We loaded the littles up, refusing to tell them where we were going...when we pulled into the parking lot they still had NO idea where we were.

When we walked in and I told them we were getting hot coco and they could pick any flavor of cake pop they wanted their eyes lit up. After much debate, Ethan picked salted caramel and Carter picked chocolate. Anyone who knows that child will not be surprised by his selection!

After we all finished our treats we moseyed on over to the fireplace and sipped our hot coco by the fire. The kids were fascinated by the giant stone hearth, both kept telling us it was making their faces hot!

Do I expect them to remember a random trip to Starbucks in 10 years from now?? No, as I know there will be a million trips similar, but what I do hope is that when they look back at all their childhood memories they remember we didn't just plant them in front of the TV and leave them to fend for themselves. I hope they look back with fondness and remember how much fun Trevor and I try to make each day!

Big Love? Missing it BIG Time

Well, it's official, I miss Big Love big time!!

Somehow I have managed to move on since HBO decided to end my beloved show, but lately I find myself on Sunday nights wishing it was on. Lucky for me Trevor bought me all 5 seasons on DVD...I just need to track down the Season 1 box so I can catch up with this quirky family.

Oh how I have missed Barb's biting one-liners, Nikki's mean-girl behavior and Margene in general. I think I know what I will be doing while I fold baby clothes tonight!!

Seahawks, Bully's and Time with Daddy

Trevor and I have been talking a lot about making it a point to spend one-on-one time with each kid, especially since their world is about to be disrupted by another baby. Trevor decided he wanted to take Ethan to Bully's for a special Daddy-Ethan Day! Ethan decided awhile ago that the Seattle Seahawks were his favorite football team mainly because he loves their colors.

We didn't anticipate Ethan would last long at Bully's watching a football game, we just didn't think he'd be that into it! But, as most kids do, he surprised us!! He lasted until the 3rd quarter and had a blast!! Daddy gave hime $4 worth of quarters to play in the arcade...he brought home 4 little miniature football players. He told me the intent was to get a Seahawk player but after four tries he was unsuccessful, however, those football guys are our newest fave!!!

I love how involved my husband is with the kids and I can't wait to see how things evolve as they get older and are able to have more daddy days doing the things they both love!

Friday Night Lights

I got another special treat this week!! I know football is over so don't let the title of this fool you...basketball season is just kicking off, so think of that as gym lights!! Anyway...as you all know Ethan came to 6 hours of basketball games on Tuesday, well the whole crew came to 4 hours of basketball games on Friday!!

Reed played McQueen at McQueen so Trevor loaded the boys up and brought them to the games! They were in 7th Heaven!! Carter gets passed from girl to girl, they gave him lots of treats and special attention. While Ethan got to see his crush again and play with one of Trevor's co-worker's daughters.

I am really hoping the family will continue to make the basketball games family time because football season didn't see the Bradshaw crew as much as I hoped!! I can't wait to see if this week I get my loves supporting the Reed Raiders!!!

Thursday Night at Baby's 'R Us

Trevor and I scooted out of the house Thursday evening to pick up the littles and take them to Red Robin for dinner. After that we decided that 12 boxes of baby clothes weren't enough so we went shopping!

After fueling up we started out on our whirlwind shopping trip at Baby's 'R Us. I can't let this new little come home in a hand-me-down outfit. I know that sounds caddy or just plain stuck up, but I want each of my kids to have their own outfit to pass onto their first baby!

In true Bradshaw style this little bundle of joy will be coming home in a little baseball layette, just has his two brothers before him did!!

January Birthday Wishes

The Bradshaws want to take the time to wish all of our family and friends who have birthdays this month HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!

To all of our kind, smart, wonderful family and friends who are celebrating turning a year older this month we hope you love your cards (if I can ever have 5 minutes to finish them up) and know that the Bradshaws are thinking of you and love you!!

Wish we could celebrate with each of you!!

xoxo - The Bradshaws