in love...

Yes, I'm in love. I'm in love with this:

And I haven't even met her yet. I ordered her online like a Russian bride. Except what I ordered is much better. She speaks my language. She'll be delivered next week.

The wait for delivery is killing me. I'm giddy with anticipation. I can't wait to undress unwrap her and run my fingers along her smooth, soft metallic body.

Guys and their technology...there's no love like it in the world. Sorry HotMomma.

creative discipline

We've learned quickly that the "Terrible Twos" were a cakewalk compared to the "Treacherous Threes." Not only is Z-Dub full of what appears to be super-human energy and spunk, he knows how to back talk like a true master artist. He also loves testing our parental authority.

Lately, we've been challenged when it comes to discipline. While "time outs" and threats of "if you don't stop, you're not getting any dessert" or "if you do that one more time the police are going to take away all of your toys" work most of the time, he's getting a little too savvy for them.

It's time to get creative and I think I have a great idea -- Boot Camp-style discipline. We're talking push-ups, laps, etc. I've taught Z-Dub how to do push-ups and he can pull off about three in a row. If he's acting up and fails to heed the complimentary warnings, I can just say "drop and give me three!" or "you have to do one lap to that house down the street and back. And don't let me catch you walking. I want to see some speed!" The beauty of this type of discipline is that it can be employed virtually anywhere. And as an added bonus, he'll be extra fit.

I don't think this type of discipline is cruel either. After all, it's just exercise. The only risk I would probably run into is Z-Dub growing up to hate exercise. He may associate it with a negative and never want to exercise when he gets older, becoming a resentful, lazy, fat slob. Hmmmm....I guess I have to think this through a little bit more.

What are your creative approaches to discipline? Have they worked?

when nature calls

Z-Dub is such a boy. To prove it, he has developed quite an interest in whipping out his pitoy (Filipino slang for penis) outdoors to pee in rocks and bushes. It doesn't matter where we're at -- the mall, park, front yard, etc. -- he rather water the plants than go inside and use the toilet.

Of course, being the good parents we are, we've quashed his new peeing desire, with exception to La Jolla Cove during our vacation last week. The restroom was simply too far and the Pacific ocean was just too cold, so the best place for him to relieve himself was a large bush at the top of the cliff. And that he did, twice. I'm just hoping he doesn't decide to do it in the playground at school next week. That would be embarrassing. Could you imagine the note sent home from his teacher?

Meanwhile...check out The Deuce's new thing.

i'm back

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated the blog. The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. Not only had I a lot to do at work, followed by a two week vacation, but I was also having some health issues checked out. Luckily, all is okay with me and it's time to get back into the swing of things. I've neglected my blog so much that I probably don't have any loyal readers anymore. I hope to redeem myself in the coming weeks with new posts and a renewed effort to read everyone else's great posts.

Of course, it's very late...actually, now that I just looked at the clock, it's very early. So instead of a full blown post, I'll leave you with this video of our vacation earlier this week. As you'll see, the family had a great time. We stayed at the Catamaran Beach Resort and Spa on Mission Bay. It was nice to escape the heat of Las Vegas.

To all of our American readers, Happy 4th of July. To our Brit friends, no hard feelings, of course.

school, vacation and buffness

It's an exciting day today. In about 20 minutes Z-Dub is returning to school after 6 months at home. I think we're more excited than he is, but at least there's excitement. I know what you're wondering, "why is he starting school in the summer!?!" Actually, it's a summer academy in preparation for preschool in the fall. He's going to have a lot of fun as each week is themed, such as art, music, travel, culture, etc. I'm sure he'll learn a lot. And he's going to have an instant classmate as his cousin is enrolled as well.

HotMomma is looking forward to having a break. Z-Dub has been a handful lately. He needs an outlet for his energy and imagination. School is the perfect place. Besides, when it finally get's Vegas hot (it's been unseasonably cool this June), it's difficult to find things for him to do because outdoors isn't an option during the daylight hours. A lot of the time it's even too hot for swimming in the pool. He can only watch so much Wonder Pets!

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You may remember my rant about our elusive vacation. Well, with health issues resolved and two weeks off from work beginning this weekend, I took the plunge and booked us a trip. We're not going to go too far from home, but it's a vacation none-the-less. Z-Dub is going to have a blast here. I'm looking forward to chillaxing on the beach.

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Finally, with my renewed workout regimen in full swing with noticeable results, I'll have no issues with being topless on the beach. Queue the paparazzi. By the way, what are your thoughts on manscaping?

prick!

I hate needles. I hate needles. I hate needles. I hate needles. Yep, I hate needles. You get the picture. And tomorrow I have to get blood drawn for a series of diagnostic tests. Needless to say, I'm freakin' the f%*k out in anticipation. I'm such a wimp.

This is going to be way more difficult than getting my dangling bits groped by the male doctor and an ultrasound tech. There are six things that may happen at 9 a.m. tomorrow...

1. I may throw up.
2. I may pass out.
3. I may (unintentionally) smack the nurse.
4. I may run away while screaming like a girlie b#tch.
5. I may cry.

or, finally...

6. I can man up and take a prick without causing a scene.

Let's hope No. 6 happens, otherwise it's going to be embarrassing. I wonder if they charge more for Nos. 1 through 5?

something to be happy about

I haven't heard great news like this in quite a while. All of us in the blogosphere learned today that after more than two years of trying to concieve, with the help of modern medicine Xbox and his wife ET are finally expecting. 

Those two have been on an heartwrenching journey. They've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions that included hope, optimism, desperation, sadness and disappointment as each month's cycle came and went. Despite it all, they never gave up. It makes me happy to finally see them achieve what they've longed for. I can't wait to read their all-too-familiar pregnancy stories and, finally, the welcoming of a new life. It's an incredible thing.

Congratulations to Xbox and ET!

a weekend of firsts

We've been through these milestones before with Z-Dub, but it doesn't take away from the excitement. The Deuce is entitled to the same attention from his excited parents.

This weekend we achieved several. First, and most important, The Deuce cut his first tooth. It's way earlier than Z-Dub did. Of course, he's been grumpy as a result, but not too bad. This weekend also was time for The Deuce to graduate to the high chair. In doing so he started on baby food too. He's also been gnawing on baby biscuits. He's had quite an exciting weekend.

And finally, my favorite milestone is his repeating of "Dada." He's been saying it like crazy all of a sudden. We also got him to repeat "Dog." Or at least that's what we hear.

Here's a bonus video. You can't deny his cuteness.



As for Z-Dub, he's going through a bit of regression this weekend. He keeps crapping in his pants. It's been a muddy mess and we're frustrated.

progress

My quest for renewed buffness is in full swing. I started this mission a month ago after realizing I look pretty ridiculous at the pool with my spaghetti arms and chicken legs. Not to mention my non-existent ass. I know...too much information.

Since I made this declaration, I've been working out fairly consistant -- at least four evenings a week. I think I can see a difference. HotMomma says she does, but I don't know if she's just saying it to build my confidence. Hopefully she's not f#%king with me.

Now that I'm back to working out regularly, I also want to get into something to get the heart pounding, blood flowing and sweat pouring. Yesterday, as I was driving to work I passed at least 15 people out for a morning run. It made me think I want to start doing that again. Years ago I used to do it in the evenings. I would put my headphones on and just take off. It was exhilirating.

Right now it's too hot during the day, but early morning, just as the sun creeps over Sunrise Mountain in the east, the weather is ideal. It's warm, but not too warm. So I think in the next week or two I'm going to start. And I think I'll keep my shirt on for now.

First thing's first though...I need to buy new running shoes. After a recent purge of old and worn out shoes, I'm down to only dress shoes for work and sandals. It's time for a trip to the outlet mall.

my kid can write...sort of

Recently, Z-Dub has become very interested in writing, which makes us very happy. At three years old our first goal is to get him to spell his name. We've been working on it. However, last night he decided that he was going to spell my name.

"Okay Daddy. I'm going to spell your name now," he said with excitement.

With a pen in hand he says the letters out loud as he writes, "e, u, s, e, u, e. I did it Daddy. I spelled your name."

And this is what his interpretation of the alphabet looked like:

And I still haven't figured out the obscure language in which my name is spelled Euseue.

the elusive vacation

We need a vacation....badly. I have a week off coming up at the end of June, but we still haven't planned what we're doing. This is mostly due to some medical issues that may need to be addressed during that time. What needs to be done, where and exactly when will not be determined for another few days, so planning has been placed, frustratingly, on hold for now.

We'd like to hop on a plane and head off to an exciting, exotic location, but that probably won't be feasible this year. With Z-Dub's surgery earlier this month and some other medical appointments in the family, we've had to fork out nearly $1,500 to pay insurance deductibles, uninsured diagnostic tests and for prescription medications. Needless to say, it's been one extremely expensive month so far. It's probably going to continue to be as such for the next couples months as well.

If we are able to take some time for a vacation during that week, it'll probably be just a quick trip to our homeland of Southern California -- perhaps San Diego. It'll still be fun, but nothing like last year when we went to Montreal. Speaking of which, I wrote an article for Uptake today about  vacationing in Montreal. Feel free to check it out . It was difficult to write because it made me yearn for a return trip. I definitely want to go back for the Jazz Festival and to see more of the city. Maybe next year.

Anyone else have plans for summer vacation this year? Want to invite a family of four?

wordless wednesday: gratuitous kid pic

of doctors, dangling bits and humiliation

Today is a day I've been dreading for the past two weeks. In about one hour I'll go in for another in a series of recent doctor appointments where, for the first time ever, I'll be forced to endure a rather humiliating diagnostic examination. And, no, it's not a prostate exam, if that's what you're thinking. Besides, I'm not that old yet. Instead, this examination will involve a tool usually used to view a baby in its mother's womb and my dangling bits. As if the doctor's recent hand job hand examination wasn't already humiliating enough. Just my luck the person conducting the examination will be a woman...err...or a man. Holy crap, neither would be ideal!

I think the anxiety has to do with the fact that I don't know what to expect. Will I have to get completely naked? Will I lay down on a table or will I be standing? What if it hurts? What if it feels good!?!

I don't know why I'm so freaked out about this. If you think about it, the ladies have to go through yearly examinations that would be considered much more invasive. I'd hate to be violated in such a way every single year. I was happy with my once-in-a-few-years visits to the doctor. I guess this is part of "growing up."

Anyways, who knows what this examination will find and ultimately diagnose. I will tell you that I wouldn't be putting myself through this torture if there wasn't concern.

On a lighter note, Z-Dub is feeling much better. Now that he can eat, he's doing so like a pig. I'm sure he'll regain his lost weight in no time. Thanks to everyone for your continued well wishes. He, and we, appreciate it.

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Finally, I started out strong in Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect "Best Las Vegas Local Blog" voting, but the momentum has slowed down. Now I'm in last place. So, if you have time, please vote. You're allowed one vote per day. Thanks!

squeaky boy

Something strange has happened to our Z-Dub's voice since his tonsil surgery on Saturday. He has suddenly become squeaky and, dare I say, kind of girlie. At first we chalked it up to a post-surgery attempt to get attention and sympathy. It's been almost a week and he still has this squeaky little mouse voice, so now I'm concerned. So much so that I did a little research online.

I was shocked to discover that tonsillectomy can in fact cause both temporary and permanent change to voice pitch. Our doctor never discussed or even mentioned this to us before or after surgery. According to the experts all over the Internets, the causes vary and include:

1. If they were large, removal of the tonsils can change the resonance of  speech (voice would be the same as that's produced by the larynx). 
2. If the adenoids were removed as well as the tonsils (which is what Z-Dub went through), then there could be some velopharyngeal incompetence and hypernasality.
   
3. Muscle tension dysphonia. 
4. Vocal cord damage from intubation injury. 

Whatever the cause, I'm fine with the temporary change as we can deal with our little mouse for a while longer. I read somewhere that it can take up to 12 weeks to go back to normal. However, a permanent change would be a little too hard to swallow, especially if he continues to sound like a eunuch.

it's an honor to just be nominated...

Yeah right! I just found out that this little blog is in the running for the Parent's Picks 2009 best local blog in Las Vegas at Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect. I totally want to win this thing. I hardly ever win anything. 

Of course, I need your help to do it!

Please visit the link and vote. You can vote every day if you want. Voting runs until July 15 and the winners will be announced on August 15.

Featuring the tagline "We're not perfect, we're parents," Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect celebrates the reality of parenthood and make parents' lives easier. Geared towards parents with kids of all ages, from newborns to teens, the site offers unique features like local events and resources; personalized profiles that help parents connect with each other; daily tips for all ages and stages; expert parenting advice; a weekly meal-planner for quick and healthy meals; and guest celebrity editorials. Each age-related section on the site provides users with daily content to help them through both large and small parenting challenges.

Now go VOTE!!!!

a deserving mother

The rules are simple over at Uptake.com -- write a post about why you deserve a “Spa Girl Package” and you can win a trip for four to the Silverado Resort in NapaValley. Despite what some of you may think, based upon what I’ve got going on downstairs I’m definitely not a girl, but HotMomma is. And she’d love a spa getaway with her BFFs. So instead of talking about me, I’m going to deviate from the rules a bit and write about why she deserves to win. Actually, I’m going to give four good (and hopefully compelling) reasons:

1. She's been begging me for a trip to the beautiful Napa Valley and I still haven't come through with my promise to get her there. How many years has it been? Too many to count.

2. The last time I surprised her with a spa treat it turned into a bit of a disaster. Her prized diamond necklace -- a family heirloom that has been passed down three generations -- was lost in the spa and never found. It turned what would have been a relaxing time into one of heartache and tears.

3. Our three year old had surgery last weekend to remove his tonsils, adenoids and get tubes in his ears. He's been in a miserable whiny state ever since. And to make matters worse, he's been treating HotMomma like crap ever since, clingy to his Daddy (yep, me) like a leech and being totally disrespectful to his concerned mother who wants nothing more than to comfort her first born. It's been a bit of a slap in her face and she's feeling down because of it.

4. Mother's Day was a week ago and I still haven't gotten her a gift. Pathetic, I know.

As you can see, HotMomma NEEDS this trip. It will not only provide her an opportunity to rejuvenate, but will also get me out of the dog house. Okay, not completely out of the dog house. Perhaps just one foot. Every little bit helps.

on the mend

Z-Dub had his tonsils and adenoids removed and new tubes put in his ears early Saturday morning and then spent the entire day and overnight in the hospital. He was discharged midday on Sunday.

Since we arrived home he's been recovering at a very past pace, without requiring any pain medication. However, he's very grumpy because he's on a strict liquid and soft food diet. Z-Dub is a little weird because he doesn't want Jello, pudding, popsicles and ice cream. Instead he begs for chicken, hot dogs, pizza, chips, french fries and popcorn. HotMomma did break down and made him some Orzo pasta with parmesan and romano cheese mixed in it. He seemed to like it and it was soft enough for his throat.

Other than the diet thing he's also been very clingy to me, which has been a bit of a slap in HotMomma's face since it was Mother's Day weekend. I have no idea why, but all Z-Dub wants is his Daddy. It's almost annoying though.

Thank you to everyone here and on Facebook for your well wishes. We appreciate it very much.

Just after surgery, all Z-Dub wanted to do was sleep.

A visit from his Grandma.

Later in the evening he got a visit with his bro The Deuce.

Doing great!

Waiting to get that damned IV out of his arm and go home.

kid talk

Z-Dub amazes me every single day with words that come flowing out of his mouth. Sometimes they're funny and other times just out-of-left-field strange. For example, right after waking up this morning:

Z-Dub: "The coyotes are all over Grandma's house! Pandora (sister-in-law's English bulldog) is going to eat the coyotes...and the bats. Bats are flying around Grandma's house. And the chipmunks eat Pandora's food."

Me: "Huhhh!?! Did you have a weird dream?"

A few minutes later while walking down the stairs to have breakfast and get ready to head over to Grandma's house:

Z-Dub: "Daddy, I want to ride the city bus."

Me: "The city bus? How very environmentally conscious of you."

Z-Dub: "Huhhh!?!"

As we're walking out the door:

Z-Dub: "It's raining for us outside."

Me: "No it's not! It's hot!"

Z-Dud: "I want to go in an airplane. I have poo poo in my tummy and I go poo poo in an airplane."



I'm not even at work yet and my brain is exhausted.

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In other news, my latest Uptake.com post about treating your special mother to a poolside retreat in Las Vegas for Mother's Day got picked up by the Los Angeles Times online travel blog. Cool!!!

cough, cough, sniffle

Z-Dub's surgery to get new tubes in his ears as well as his tonsils and adenoids removed is scheduled for Saturday, but we've run into an obstacle. Yesterday he suddenly became sick with a high fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing and an overwhelming urge to whine. As a result, his surgery may be postponed another week. They can't do it while he's ill.

In the meantime, HotMomma is off to the pediatrician with him this afternoon to get checked out. He hasn't sprouted a curly tail and started oinking, so I'm not concerned that it's the swine flu -- oh, excuse me, I mean the H1N1 flu. I don't want to piss off the pork farmers or pig lovers.

It's kind of weird for him to be sick now. The weather is awesome, and even borderline hot (we're almost at the century mark today). And the entire fall and winter season, when colds and flu are common, he avoided any and all illness. Considering his track record, we were ecstatic.

I'm sure hoping it's not the swine...err H1N1 flu. He hasn't even been around any pigs or Mexicans lately. If he sneaked out of the house for a quick midnight rendezvous with a hot Latina in Cancun, I think I'd find out about it.

a mission

VegasDad circa 2003:

A consistent gym regimen (before kids, blog, etc.) and 190 lbs. of pure muscle.

VegasDad present day:

Haven't been to the gym in ages, feeling out-of-shape, pathetic and not even 160 lbs. of softness.

We've got a mission my friends. I'm on a quest to regain the glory of my days of peak physical shape. I don't want to be 190 lbs. again, but a nice muscle-toned body somewhere in between my current weight and my former would be nice. I'm being realistic because, let's face it, I'm no longer in my 20s. And frankly, I don't have the time and energy anymore to commit to what is required to be my previous self. 

Anyways, stay tuned. And if you hear or see me slacking, feel free to tear me apart with your words of disappointment and disgust. 

of needle pricks and hard hits

Have any of the few parents that read this blog ever have to take their child to get blood drawn?

How did it go?

What did you do to calm your child (and yourself)?

We're facing having to take Z-Dub to get blood drawn as part of his pre-operation regimen. He's scheduled for surgery on Saturday morning, so we have to get it done sometime today or during the next couple of days. He's never had blood taken, so I'm fearful about the trauma it's going to cause him. I think we may actually have to strap him down to do it.

I don't know if I'm going to be able to be in the same room with him as its done. I personally have an intense fear of needles due to some extremely excruciating childhood experiences in the hospital with IVs. I remember when I was about 10 years old I spent a week or so in the hospital for one of my many surgeries. I had a room mate, who was a little boy that had a pituitary problem and was going to have surgery to fix it. We decided one evening to race wheelchairs in the hall of the children's ward (this was before surgery for both of us). In doing so, I knocked the IV out of my arm. The result was a punishing replacement. The damned nurses couldn't get the IV back in my arm. They tried 17 times, jabbing long needles into my black and blue arms, with no success. Finally they gave up and stuck it in my foot. That hurt like like hell. Ever since then I almost pass out at the sight of needles.

Needless to say I'm not looking forward to Z-Dub facing the same thing. Not only will he need blood drawn for the pre-operation blood work, but he'll most definitely need an IV for his his surgery to remove his tonsils, adenoids and place new tubes in his ears.

I'm going to be a nervous wreck all week.

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Changing subjects to something much more pleasant...anyone else see the Pacquiao vs. Hatton fight live on Saturday night? We were at a Pacquiao party, eating Filipino food and supporting Manny. He kicked some serious Hatton ass (well, face) for sure.

It was awesome, but I kind of wish the bout lasted a little longer than just two rounds. Oh well. Pacquiao won and that's all we cared about.

blame it on the parents

The other day, while HotMomma was off with her friends having "mommy" time, I took Z-Dub and The Deuce to Target with me to pick up a few things (diapers). While driving up St. Rose Parkway, all of a sudden I realized that Z-Dub was singing along with the song playing on the radio. He seemed to know most, if not all, of the words of the chorus. This was the song:



At least the song teaches life lessons. Right?

Like, if you get her drunk she'll take her panties off.

a post of randomness

Oh dear blog, how I've neglected you. It's been five days since my last post. And, frankly, my last post was nothing more than an embedded You Tube video. Not much to it really. 

Life has been kind of crazy lately. We've been reinforcing the potty training with Z-Dub. He's starting his third week diaper free. He's had a few accidents, but that's expected. He gets distracted by "fun" and forgets that he's not wearing a diaper. He also tends to "hold it" too long before telling us he has to go. As a result, some of his accidents have been while his pants were coming off to use the toilet. 

Speaking of Z-Dub, he's turned into a raging three-year-old lately. He's literally a back-talking, hitting, stubborn brat of a boy. We're working hard to get him under control, but let's face it, he's three and it's how kids his age act. We're trying to find a healthy balance of discipline and positive reinforcement when he's being good. So far, the most effective punishment is withholding toys. And threatening kidnap by pirates seems to be working as well. He scoffs at time out. 

Meanwhile, little The Deuce just keeps eating, pooping and growing. He's been teething lately, so he's a little on the grumpy side. Not too bad though. With the warm weather, he's been enjoying time at the pool. In celebration of a friend's birthday, we had a private cabana and pool at Green Valley Ranch Resort yesterday. The weather was beautiful and The Deuce and Z-Dub and their cousins had a blast splashing in the pool. They also like the endless parade of delicious food. I enjoyed one too many mojitos. It was a great day. 

Want proof, here's some pics.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that we got Z-Dub one of these over the weekend:

It's a Disney's Cars television set. It was an award for all of his peeing and pooping in the toilet. It'll also be great to "take away" as punishment for bad behavior. Just thinking ahead.

excuse me mr., it's earth day

Also, check out my Earth Day post at Uptake.com. It captures a special moment in Z-Dub's life.

it's official

With Z-Dub finally dropping loads of number two in the toilet, and not wearing diapers for more than a week, he's now officially potty trained. He's got it all under control.

FINALLY.

And, just in time for Earth Day. I'm sure Mother Nature will appreciate him no longer filling up the landfill with poopy diapers.

he said what?

Last night, as we were leaving a restaurant, Z-Dub blurts out "we drive in Mommy's dirty ass car." HotMomma and I were shocked, but at the same time, tried to hold back giggles as he repeated "Mommy, you have a dirty ass car."

He was instructed not to say that anymore, even though his observation of the state of Mommy's car was more than accurate.

Lessons learned: clean the car and watch your mouth around the little ones. They're like sponges.

dude, let it out!

I apologize in advance for the content of this post. 

This is yet another post about poop. We're continuing our efforts to potty train young Z-Dub. All of his little friends, many of which are younger than him, are now diaper free, so we're on a mission. He has no issue peeing in the potty. He's had a couple of accidents, primarily due to distraction, but for the most part he has peeing under control.

Our problem is his poop anxiety. He's afraid to do it on the toilet and we've yet to have success with dropping a load into the porcelain throne. In fact, yesterday he was so fearful of the notion, he sat on his little toilet for much of the day without success. Instead of just letting it slide on out, he actually held it in all day long. His poor belly was big and he complained that his "tummy and his butt" hurt. We encouraged him, held his hand and even explained how to relax and push it out. Nothing helped him overcome his fear.

Eventually he went to sleep...late. At 4 a.m., while getting ready to head off to work, HotMomma checked on him. He was asleep with the largest, stinkiest load of poop in his pants. I ended up changing him while he was asleep.

Today he's with his cousin who is six months younger and already potty trained. We're hoping she can encourage him to get over his poop fears.

Any advice?

red rocks and stuff

When HotMomma and I lived in the Phoenix area for a couple of years, we used to enjoy our road trips up to Sedona. It was absolutely beautiful up there among the red buttes. We took off-road jeep tours on the rugged terrain, explored weird vortexes and enjoyed the great restaurants. It was amazing.

Thinking of these past trips, I decided to write an Uptake post on vacationing in Sedona. Of course, now I'm feeling all nostalgic. The article has inspired me to look at booking a Sedona vacation. Although, I'm thinking more of a romantical vacation sans kiddos.

Check out my Sedona post here.

random post about weather and a contest

Like my uber-creative title? I know...it sucks. It's Wednesday and I'm already burnt out from my week, so don't make fun of it.

On to the post. Is it me or is the weather getting freaky? Just two days ago it was in the mid-80s here in Las Vegas. Then the winds came again (they've been a pain in the ass this year) and the weather chilled. Today is supposed to only reach 58. Even more shocking was the fact that when I stepped out the door this morning to head to work it was snowing. Seriously...frickin' snowing in Vegas in mid-April. There's something very wrong with that.

Even more surprising is the fact that the weather predictors are forecasting 90-degree temps by the end of the weekend. It's quite a roller coaster ride going from warm to cold to hot all in the span of a few days. Although I'm not a fan of the cold, I'm definitely not looking forward to the hot weather. I'd like a few weeks in the 70s, like in California. We're going to try to hit Disneyland again next weekend. Hopefully the weather will be perfect.

Speaking of California, the folks over at UpTake are having a contest. You can win a Napa Valley spa vacation for you and three friends. Check out the details here. It's actually really easy to enter, so you'd be a fool not to. I would, if I could. HotMomma would love some girl time in Napa Valley.

a touching tribute

Today is Maddie Spohr's day.  I invite you to visit Mike's touching tribute  to his beautiful daughter.