Whitlock's What-Not's

Rest in Peace

2011-01-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to end this blog and start a new blog for a new year! Hopefully I will be better about keeping up with blogging. Please email me if you would like an invitation to my next blog and I will send you the link. I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the new year! Love you all...

Boo at the Zoo

2010-10-17T19:57:00.001-07:00

2010-07-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Check out my new fan page for my eBay store, Iris's Trendy Treasures for Kids! Thanks!

http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/pages/Huntersville-NC/Iriss-Trendy-Treasures-for-Kids/140689739283642?ref=ts&__a=6&ajaxpipe=1

Zoo days..Columbia, SC

2010-07-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

In progress...

Outerbanks of NC

2010-07-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

A place like no other, the Outer banks of North Carolina. We stayed in Nags head and Ocracoke. In one sentence: Quiet, beautiful fishing/beach towns with lots of history...and good food of course! I'm dreaming of the soft shell crab and broiled scallops that tasted like butter!

The island is small enough that you can use your bike, most the time. Lydia and little cousin Brody were brave enough to let me pull them.

The Ocracoke lighthouse, one of the oldest in the U.S.

An up close shot of an Ocracoke Spanish "pony". The theory behind them is that their descendants were left behind from the Spanish explorers, De Soto or Cortez in the 1500's.

We visited the Lost Colony of Roanoke site and went to the outdoor play. Amazing!!

Yvette, Brody, and Lydia panning for pirate booty...Too bad they never found my wedding ring I lost on the beach! =(

We had so much fun. Thank you abuelito and abuelita (and the Bowmans) for spending time with us in this beautiful place. We will never forget it!!

Moms Week..

2010-05-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

First, I want to pay tribute to the beautiful woman who started it all. My little Lydia gets her name and her beauty from her dear abuelita. Mom, where do I start....I love you! I love your patience, (which I struggle with, I know ;) your kindness, your concern, sincere love for your family and friends-pretty much everyone around you, your unselfishness, your energy, your endless lists of talents, and of course you always are there to listen....and to ease my feisty, determined nature. As I work on myself, I hope to develop a lot of the wonderful qualities you have. My life right now is a never ending, fast-paced roller coaster-but I know I need to take more time appreciating the wonderful family, especially mother, who will always be there for me, through thick and thin. (getting teary eyed) I hope you know that I love you mom. And even though we don't get to talk all the time I know you are thinking of me and praying for me. I feel your love and support from hundreds of miles away.

Izzy! (Someone.... cue the Cyndi Lauper song, "Girls just wanna have fun" ) You are a fun mom! Isaac and Maile are two lucky kiddos! You grab life by the......horns. Thank you for being such a loving, supportive sister. You have a talent of building others up and seeing the positive out of life. We're glad to, hopefully, have you closer!
Issy-I love this picture! Thank you for being a thoughtful, caring sister and aunt. I think this photo captures that! I know someday you will make an awesome, patient mom. You treat your nieces and nephews as if they were your own..It is so sweet to see! Thank you for your warm cards and calls. I think it is a true talent -- to always be thinking of everybody.
Eva, I'm laughing right now because you and Bro Bro are two peas in a pod! I love that you are a hands on mom, always going and doing. That's why our lil' Brody is so stink'n smart! We're sooo excited, that you might be coming to the beach with us!! Hope it works out!

I am so lucky to have the best kid in the world! (okay, maybe I'm a little biased). Sometimes I wished I had one more, but I am grateful for what I do have, God has blessed us with a beautiful, smart little girl who keeps life exciting. I'm honored to be her mom. To all my friends and family -hope you have a wonderful mothers day!

Miss, "No, I'll do it!"

2010-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Little miss is growing into be her own person..independent, sweet, fun. She hates to be shown how to do something...and wants to be hands on the whole time (like mom).

Valentines Gratitude

2010-02-13T21:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day..here are some Beignets for you all! I had some this morning.

February was a crazy month for me. About 3 weeks ago I had surgery and a biopsy because of a previous irregularity with a mammogram. It was nerve wrecking waiting for the results-and on top of that I had quizzes to take and a research paper to turn in. Luckily I have very supportive friends and family who have been praying for me, so that really helped. About a week ago, the results of the surgery came back and luckily everything was benign. No abnormal cells found. I'm very grateful, I hear so many stories of situations going the other way. Good health- what an awesome birthday gift!

Santa came !

2009-12-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

We had a very laid back Christmas at the Whitlock house. On Christmas Eve morning Lydia and Josh popped popcorn and watched my favoite, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". For dinner, mom made chicken enchiladas, spanish rice, and "REAL" refried beans. We drank hot chocolate and ate more chocolate. We finished the night with reading from Luke, about the birth of Jesus. On Christmas morning , it took about 2 and a half hours to put together the Barbie Townhouse pictured above. Josh cursed Santa for not putting it together himself...but after it was finished, the Christmas spirit reigned again. Lydia loves it, and we're hoping it's structurally sound.
We hope everyone had a relaxing, happy Christmas. Now to focus on New Year's resolutions...

Christmas Fun

2009-12-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Singing "Silent Night"

She's already 'boy crazy"..we're in trouble

Making our yearly gingerbread houses with Grandma and Grandpa

Decorating Cookies at Lydia's school

Stuffed of stuffing

2009-11-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Being that the Whitlock's hate clean up and left overs, we decided to go out for our Thanksgiving dinner...and I'm so glad we did. We went to the North Harbour Club and sat as close as we could do the water without being outside. Our dinner had a Southern kick to it. I thought I would post the menu for the Arredondo girls, since we all love to cook and eat!

Started with:
Sauteed Carolina Crab Cake, Chickpea Mash
&
Seared Carolina White Shrimp
on Chipolte-Corn Cheddar Grits

Main Course:

Pomegranate Glazed Turkey
Honey Roasted Ham
Herb Marinated Top Round
Apple Cider Mopped Pork Loin

Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Vanilla Bean
Slow Roast Nutmeg Scented Acorn Squash
Roast Autumn Vegetables with Thyme
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Southern Style Green Beans
Spiced Cranberry Relish
Turkey Gravy

For Dessert:
Toasty Pumpkin Bread Pudding
with Maple Pecan Praline, Spiced Ice Cream

I guess I'll be on the treadmill tomorrow ...
When we got home we made our Thanksgiving "paper" turkeys and listed 5 things we were grateful for. Josh and I wrote the obvious stuff 1.Health 2. Jobs 3.Family 4.Lydia 5.Mom/dad
We were excited to see what Lydia "drew", since she really can't write, or so I thought, but to my surprise she wrote 5 things too. 1. Poop 2. Poop 3. Poop 4. Poop 5. Poop
Either "poop" is the only word she can spell or she has a twisted sense of humor...
(see picture below )

Random pics from Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T16:35:00.001-08:00

How Cute is She !!

2009-11-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sadly, the soccer season has come to a close. But mom and dad have had fun cheering on the sidelines for "long-legs, Lydia", as Coach Katie calls her. Lydia was recently given the "Fierce Competitor and Team Leader" award for her soccer team. She's so much fun to watch, and of course, a natural athlete. Next on our list, dance!

Dorothy's not in Kansas anymore...

2009-11-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful night to be trick or treating last night. On the way down the yellow brick road we met a sumo wrestler, Octo-mom (yes, octo- mom, she had a black wig, fake Chanel sunglasses, and 8 babies attached to her), spider man, Darth Vader, and a crazy man in a grey sweatshirt and shiny white Pumas that kept wanting to take pictures of us....to name a few. Later that night, Josh decided to go through Lydia's candy to "make sure they were safe." Only problem was when he gave them back, most the candy bars were gone...?

Remember When....

2009-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm just feeling nostalgic and sentimental tonight. The pictures speak for themselves. How they grow up so fast!

2009-10-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my "Mini-me"

2009-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I can't call her my baby anymore. Lydia has corrected me several times, "Mom I'm not a baby or a little girl, I'm a big girl." It's hard to remember how life was without her. It's seems like she has always been there, my little buddy
I guess I've been feeling a little nostalgic lately. It seems like only yesterday that we were in the small, cramped delivery room in Williamsburg, VA. Like many of you moms out there, I remember that day crystal clear. To summarize it, screaming like hell after pushing for two hours, but quickly forgetting about the pain once I finally held her in my arms.
We wanted to make her 5th Birthday extra special so we braved going to Chuck E Cheese on a Saturday night and invited 10 of her best friends. (We started with a list of 20) I'm thankful for her little friends who love her so much- by the way, most of them still call her "Wydia", which I think is hilarious. A few of mom's friends came too, which I am very grateful for. They have been so positive and supportive through the up's and downs.
Lydia woke up to a blueberry pancake breakfast, made by Grandma. We are very glad grandma and grandpa could visit too! She felt very special this weekend. To my sweet family in Texas and Utah, thank you for all your calls and emails.

Fall Is Here

2009-10-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Fall is definitely my favorite season. What do I love about Fall: the changing leaves, scarecrows, pumpkins, hay rides, candy, costumes, Halloween, and of course, Lydia's birthday. It's been nice to enjoy ALL the seasons in this beautiful part of the country.
Last week we went to Patterson Farms with Lydia's Preschool class. Despite a rainy day, we were still able to go on a tractor ride, pick pumpkins and visit their petting zoo.

Soccer Girl

2009-09-04T14:28:00.001-07:00

Miss Lydia started soccer a couple of weeks ago! She is doing great and loving it and, of course, always looking super-stylish. She's on the Team Syndey Sharks. She gets soooo excited for practice and looks so cute running around out there. Her first game is September 12, and her and Dad practice in the backyard every chance they get.

Mama's Going Back to School

2009-09-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Lynchburg, Virginia.

I'm going to graduate school!!!! I got the news last week that I have been accepted into Liberty University's Masters Program in Professional Counseling. It will be 60 hours total. I will be doing the distance program option, meaning I will have to go to campus for 3 separate weeks during the program, and I will do the rest online. The nice thing is that the school is only 4 hrs away, in Lynchburg, Va (close to Charlottesville). I'm so excited to be able to do this and still stay home with Lydia. My first purchase will be a new laptop. ;) First class: unfortunately, Statistics. Then I'll get into the good stuff, like, Counselor Professional Identity and Ethics.

Thank you, Josh and Lydia for being very supportive of me!

Attention Ladies!

2009-08-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

I feel superficial doing this post... but I really want to do something different with my hair. So I'll take any suggestions. About every 6 months I get ansy. Okay ladies: Bangs..no bangs..highlights... Should I just let the thing grow out???

Random Summer Pics

2009-08-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Here we have my new best friend, the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction maker. It makes the best daiquiris, smoothies, snow cones....etc The best kitchen appliance I ever purchased. Mmmm, couple that with Beach shrimp (below)-makes for a great party.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

2009-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a hot Summer day? Of course, sell lemonade! Yup, our little business woman. She said, "Mom, I want to have a lemonade stand and make lots of dollars!" She wanted to charge five dollars a cup, but we convinced her that one dollar a cup was plenty.

Texas trip

2009-07-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

REEL BIG FISH

2009-06-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

Last month we went fishing at Blythe Landing near our house. Can you spot the fish in these pictures? Ha ha! This was Lydia's first time fishing. She did pretty good for her first time. We even had Hannah Montanna fishing pole!

Spring!!

2009-04-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy Spring. We've celebrated Dad's birthday, enjoyed Maile and Isaac's visit from Texas, lots of weekend getaways , and over dosed on Chocolate hershey eggs..

Ahh..look what I found!

2009-02-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

Engagement 2000

Halloween 1999

Back in the day... bad highlights and all...

Vintage Josh ......

2009-02-28T16:19:00.000-08:00

He was such a neat freak!
Separated at Birth- Josh and Vera (Jim Carey as Vera de Milo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4-2b2DjEs

This was his GQ pose, watch out ladies!

Valentines and the Big 3-0

2009-02-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

I had mixed feelings about turning 30, and Josh was burned out from working a lot in January, so we decided to treat ourselves and get away to the fabulous Grove Park Inn, Resort, and Spa in Asheville, NC last weekend to celebrate my b-day and Valentine’s Day. It was awesome! (Grandma and Pawpaw graciously offered to take Lydia for the weekend.)

The Grove Park is a beautiful place with unbelievable mountain views and cool amenities. I would highly recommend it to anyone! We got there on Friday afternoon and spent some time relaxing on the huge back porch in one of the rocking chairs looking out over the mountains, then we went to downtown Asheville to our favorite restaurant, Salsa. After dinner, we went back to the Grove Park for the “Starlight and Chocolate Party.” Inside, they had chocolate and wine pairings, a huge chocolate fountain, and classical music and dancing. Outside, they had high-powered telescopes, astronomy experts to tell you about what you were looking at, and a big fireplace with lots of blankets. It was a blast! We finished the night at Elaine’s, the Grove Park’s dueling piano bar, which was packed and was a lot of fun.

On Saturday morning, I got a nice surprise. I’ve been trying to get Josh to watch Twilight with me since it came out, but he always finds convenient excuses to not be able to. Well, on Saturday morning at 7, he woke me up and said, “Okay, let’s watch that vampire movie you’ve been bugging me about.” So we ordered it and laid around in the room and watched it. Very cool. Josh actually liked it too—especially the Radiohead song at the end. He won’t commit to read the books, but he did say that he’ll see the next movie with me.

After the movie and a nice breakfast in the BlueRidge Dining Room, we went back to the room and took a loooong nap (one of Josh’s fave parts of the trip) and then went to the amazing spa (the outside of it is pictured above) for massages and body treatments. In the afternoon, there was a cooking demonstration (one of my fave parts of the trip) where a chef that has been on the Food Network (and is totally hilarious) showed us how to make cocoa spice rubbed pork tenderloin with bittersweet chocolate-cherry sauce and then how to make chocolate boxes with tuxedo strawberries. Finally, Saturday night, we got dressed up and went to the Valentine’s Gala where we had a tasty five-course meal and then danced all night to this really great band that played mostly seventies music like “She’s a Brick House” and “Play That Funky Music, White Boy.”

The pictures above are from our weekend. It was sooooo nice. Can’t wait to get away like that again!

A Sad Day

2009-01-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

If any of you know Josh, you know that he is a huge sports fan. He especially loves the Panthers. We were really hoping for them to make it to the Superbowl this year. Unfortunately our dreams were crushed. I saw it coming as early as the 1st quarter. The Cardinals beat us pretty bad and we ate a big piece of humble pie. Yes, we were talking trash to our friends Jen and Brannon who watched the game with us, but we spoke too soon (from Arizona). I took some post game pictures:

Post Christmas Pictures

2009-01-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I guess it's taken me this long to get back into the swing of things after Christmas and New Year's Break. I just took down my Christmas tree yesterday!

We went to Texas for Christmas and got to spend time with our cute cousins, aunts and uncles and of course "'lita and 'lito " as Lydia would say. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to Isaac and Mailes house and watching all the kids act out the nativity scene. Dad, Uncle mark and Uncle Steve were the 3 wisemen. Our creative and talented mom made the costumes.
(Last picture: Hmmm, didn't know they had Blackberrys back then..)

CUTE COUSINS

Lydia had fun with all her cousins. She and Maile are like little sisters. Thank you Maile for being so patient! (They're only 2 yrs apart.) We 're excited for when they come visit in April ;) I wish we lived a little closer to everybody. We miss little Brody's fiery spirit and watching him push his walker across the floor, Isaac's ( little scientist) morning weather updates, Maile's shy little smile and loving nature. We'll be here when ever you want to visit. We weren't able to see Kalea and Simon but we got to talk to them on Christmas day.

Big hugs from us in North Carolina.

Tacky Sweater Party

2008-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Our good friends Jen and Brannon hosted a tacky sweater party. I've never been to one but it was hilarious what some people came up with. I really never realized just how many tacky sweaters there are out there. (okay.....I didn't wear one because I was too indecisive)
We also had a white elephant exchange where the gifts ranged from a "Gay-dar" to a Pooping Santa figurine! (Courtesy of Spencer's Gifts)

Let Christmas Begin...

2008-12-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Since we will be in Texas on Christmas, we decided to tell Lydia that Santa's coming on Saturday, which was this morning. We really couldn't pack all her toys and take them with us on the plane..So here we are opening presents at 7 o' clock in the morning. We think she might be onto us though. She asked if Santa came down the chimney, and when we said "yes," she said, "But we don't have a chimney. Is there a hole in the roof? I want to see the hole in the roof that he came through. There's no hole in the roof." She also said, "I only told Santa about the Barbie Car. How did he know everything else I wanted?" Our litte sleuth...Santa brought her a : Hanah Montana Wig, Baby Alive (that pees and poops), Barbie Bike, etc

Sports Fans???

2008-12-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to our 2 favorite teams this year, UT Longhorns..Hook em Horns! and Davidson College Wildcats.....go Stephen Curry!

Thanksgiving plus more...

2008-12-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

TIME TO UPDATE: Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...and yes, Christmas is almost here! Here are some pics we took over Thanksgiving. We went up to beautiful Williamsburg, VA and saw Lydia's Great Grandma and Grandma. We even got to stop by and see our town home that we lived while in law school....where we brought Lydia home for the first time.

Our friend Landon had a very nice Thanksgiving bash for all his little friends. Doesn't Lydia make a cute little Indian?

Lydia decorating our Christmas tree..

TWILIGHT MANIA

2008-11-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, It's junior high all over again!! So I saw Twilight on opening night yesterday with a group of 10 other obsessed women! We sat behind a row of 14 yr olds who screamed every time Edward was on screen. I have to admit, at some parts I was screaming along with them =)
Overall, I loved the movie-very entertaining (partly because I have read all the books) and of course it has been graced with the gorgeousness that is ROBERT PATTINSON.
I have to admit, I did not like him at first, but he started to grow on me. Maybe it's the hair...

Overall Critique:
The beginning was a little too rushed and Edwards character seemed awkward. Luckily, the acting skills started to pick up in the middle. The baseball scene was my favorite-with the special effects of the Cullens flying in the air. Their budget was definately not high enough. ( Did they buy Jacob's wig at a dollar store!!???) I'm hoping if they make the other 3 movie sequels, the acting and story line quality will get progressively better. (It has to with all the money its making) I am in love with the Edward and Bella love story and every single one of the books. So I guess, because I love the books so much, it is inevitable that I would love the movie despite some bad acting at times.

My Best actor/actress awards go to : Charlie, Dr. Cullen, Laurent, James, Rosalie

Good luck Twilight, It is projected to make 60 million this weekend!

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN IT, DID YOU LIKE IT?

- YES
- NO
- SO-SO

We finished off the night with raspberry white chocolate cheese cake at Redrocks. Mmmmm!

I love my Recipes

2008-11-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Issy! Since I'm kind of a slacker..I only will be posting one recipe tonight. Here is an awesome, light, easy recipe for

"Strawberry Walnut Salad"

1/2 cup light balsamic vinaigrette dressing
2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese
1-5 oz bag of baby greens
1/2 cup walnuts (chunks)
1 pint fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar

In a nonstick skillet, combine walnuts and sugar on medium heat, and stir well. Remove when sugar is melted and walnuts are slightly browned. Let cool. Cut strawberries into wedges or slices (use how many as you want). In a large bowl, toss salad with strawberries, blue cheese and dressing. Sprinkle caramalized walnuts on top. Serves 4

I'm tagging 3 people to post as many recipes as you would like

1.Jen Holl
2.Wendy Smith
3.Ruben Arredondo (I know you have some good ones) =)

President Obama!

2008-11-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ready or not, here he comes. The 44 th President of the United States. He came from a racially mixed- single family home, put himself through college and law school, and went from no name lawyer to President in 13 years. You gotta' give him props!

Update: My brother added an awesome comment that I wanted to share:

"IT IS PRETTY COOL THAT OUR NATION ELECTED IT'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT. JUST THINK, ABOUT 45 YEARS AGO OUR NATION WAS PUTTING BLACKS AT THE BACK OF THE BUS, HANGED, BEATEN BY COPS AND OTHERS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO BE LIKE THE REST OF AMERICANS. NOW WE HAVE ELCTED A BLACK MAN TO BE OUR PRESIDENT. LAST NIGHT I KEPT THINKING TO MYSELF "ONLY IN AMERICA!"
- Ruben A.

Lydias 4th Birthday!

2008-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lydia. I can't believe you are four now! We had a fun weekend with all our friends and family. Lydia had her party at Young Chef Academy. Her and 10 of her friends made pizza by hand, even kneaded their own dough! Then finished the meal off with cake and punch. The kids were all pretty wired after all of it. It was so nice to not have to do anything, though. We came in and the party was thrown for us, no set up or clean up! Grandma and Grandpa came in Saturday night to wish her a Happy Birthday.

What mom and dad love about Lydia: Her 100 percent honesty, beautiful smile and dimples, thoughtfulness, her girly girly side, her rough and tough side-- she loves to wrestle with dad, her made up songs she sings in the car, her little words that don't make sense and that are too cute to correct. . ( She calls the elevator "alligator"...."burgers" instead of boogers)

2008-10-20T16:23:00.001-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Lazy 5 Ranch

2008-10-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post these. We had the animals eating right out of our hands!

I cut my hair!!

2008-10-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

A F T E R ...

I got sick of my long hair! I told the stylist to do what ever he wanted with it, as long as I didn't look like a "Butch". I like it much better short!

Yvette and Brody

2008-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Eva and Brody just visited with us for a few days and we had so much fun! We went to Disney on Ice, Discovery Place Children's Museum, where we watched rats play basketball, and of course, you can't go to Charlotte and not visit the Lazy 5 Ranch! We also cooked, baked, and ate out... of course. It would not be an Arredondo Reunion without the food! Luckily Josh was there to finish off most of the desserts. Here are some pictures of what we made http://bradandyvette.blogspot.com

We were able to get some awesome pics at Disney on Ice. Lydia was pretty enthralled most the time. I had to bribe her with popcorn so she could leave her seat and go to the bathroom. Brody actually was into a lot of it.... and danced and clapped with Lydia! (1st picture: Notice Brody pulling Lydia's hair..we caught in the act! =)

Lydia and Ella Strike a Pose

2008-10-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Family Portrait

2008-10-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone will be as excited as I am about this, but Lydia now knows how to draw stick people. She came home one day and started drawing circles with hands and legs. Then added on hair, nose, and ears. The one on the left is Lydia, with a "milk mustache" and "lots of hair". The one in the middle with the bigger head is mom. And the smaller one with "big ears" is dad. (The sun is above us.) I didn't teach her how to do this..it's like one day it just came to her. She's now been trying to practice drawing her friends, Jarret and Landon. I can't believe my baby is going to be almost 4 soon!

SIDE NOTE: *Four years later, and I still can't get rid of this "baby fat" =)

A little Quirky!

2008-09-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday night I went in to check on Lydia after repeatedly telling her to stay in bed. She kept running up and down the stairs opening and slamming the cabinets. Finally after I heard about 20 minutes of silence, I opened her door and she was fast asleep on the floor, which she does a lot! I looked up at her bed and there was a random pile of "stuff" on it. Seriously, about 3 or 4 times a week, she makes random piles of stuff on her bed, sometimes covering her bed! Then she'll sleep on the floor because there's no room!
So in this picture, some random stuff. Wondering what's going through her head, " Umbrella, check..flashlight, check....wire whisk, check...talking Dora, check..check .
What an imagination =)

Josh through the Ages

2008-09-17T18:09:00.001-07:00

Top picture is circa 1996, next 1992, then 1976 and last 1974. Wow Josh, no matter what your wearing,you always look great! Thanks for being a good sport! ( This is always fun to do on family and friends) Just go to: http://www.yearbookyourself.com

September 25th Premier

2008-09-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! Thursday, September 25th is the Season Premier of "The Office"! My favorite characters are Michael, because he's just, Michael--Kelly, because she is such an airhead and a little on the desperate side, and Kevin, because if you were to watch the show for the first time, you might think he was mentally challenged!

Funniest Episode (with quote): "Gay Witch Hunt"

Michael: If I don't know how to behave, it is because I am just so far the opposite way, you know? I'm just... I, I can't even imagine... the... thing. Maybe we could go out for a beer sometime. And you could tell me... how... you do that to another dude.

Oscar: That sounds like a great, wonderful idea, let's do that.
(says sarcastically)

Be Careful Houston (Hurricane Ike)

2008-09-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell family and friends at home that I'm thinking about you. Please be safe and if you need to leave.. ..come to my place!! It may get up to a category 4 Hurricane-pushing through Galveston/Houston and then up to the Dallas area. I'm crossing my fingers it will not be as bad as they say.

TWILIGHT!!

2008-09-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Has anyone out there heard of Stephanie Meyer? She is a Mormon author who writes Young Adult Fiction books. Yes, I know you are probably thinking....okay, kind of cheesy. (I usually only like self help or parenting) Well, I thought that at first, but then I had at least 5 people tell me how addicting her books are. Her most famous are the Twilight series . There are four books in this "romance" series. I started the FIRST book on a Monday night and finished the FOURTH book on Sunday night..less than a week. I couldn't put them down!
Basically, the main story line is that a "plain Jane", named Bella, moves into a tiny town in Washington where there are rumors of vampires living among humans. She falls in love with the most handsome guy in school, who happens to be a vampire.
MTV productions is doing a movie on the first book, "Twilight".

Before any "haters" start "hating", check out the movie trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqJEvevHRNg

What color are you????

2008-09-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors.

While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around.

Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease.

You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows!

Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Back to School!

2008-09-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

WOW! Can't believe my little girl is now going to preschool 3 days a week! The night before, she tried on several different outfits and slept in the one she wanted to wear to school for the first day-refused to put on pajamas. The next morning she woke up at 7:00 and tried to run out the door with her little back pack and lunch bag. She told me she sidn't have time to eat breakfast...school doesn't start till 9:30. Sound like anyone you know??? In one of these pics, Lydia saw that another girl was crying for her mom and didn't want to stay so she walked over to her, handed her some toys and started playing like they had been friends forever.

The Wiggles

2008-08-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, a little dark, but you get the picture! Somehow we ended up at the Wiggles on Saturday. Lydias friend, Emma was there.They danced thwe whole time...

CHARLESTON, SC

2008-07-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Lydia went to her Grandma and Paw-paw's house, so Josh and I got away to one of our favorite places, Charleston, SC. (For anybody who hasn't been to Charleston, you have to check it out. It's a beautiful city with tons of cool stuff to do.) We shopped on King and Meeting Streets, walked along the battery and checked out the amazing homes on "Rainbow Row," relaxed in the swings at Waterfront Park, took a boat tour of Charleston
Harbor and Fort Sumter, spent a day at a beautiful beach on Kiawah Island, and, of course, ate at a couple of our favorite restaurants--Hyman's & Jestine's kitchen. The food in these pictures is from Hyman's, which Southern Living has chosen as the best seafood restaurant in the southeast for like nine years in a row. It's seafood with a southern twist--stuff like shrimp n' grits and cajun scallops--I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! It was an awesome weekend--a nice getaway and some much-needed R&R. Lydia has been asking to go to the beach all summer, so we're heading back down to the Charleston area in a few weeks to Kiawah and to Isle of Palms. I can't wait!!!

DAN NICHOLAS PARK

2008-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with our friends Brady, Cooper and mom , Sam at Dan Nicholas Park. It has everything you can think of. Petting zoo, water sprayers, paddle boats, mini train, carousel, playground, concessions, gem mine..etc and yes
we did it all!

Discovery Place

2008-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes during the week dad will meet us at the kids museum in downtown, "Discovery Place".
Lydia loves the toddler room. There's a fake animal farm with cows and horses that make sounds. She wanted to give the cow a kiss! Another favorite is this crazy machine with pulleys and funnels that you pull and it releases hundreds of pellets. Lydia's fascinated with it. She almost fought an 8 yr old boy twice her size because she wanted another turn! AND, of course we always have to hit up Discovery Place Cafe when we go. WE all have an addiction for Pizza Hut Pizza. Is there a 12 step program for that? Notice the apple in between the fries and pizza, hah!

Growing every day!

2008-06-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Lydia finally had her 3 yr old check up today...and of course Lydia hammed it up. The doctor was sitting at her doctors stool and had the stethoscope around her neck. After she checked Lydia, Lydia checked her. She somehow got the stethoscope off her neck and put it around hers. Then she grabbed the ear thermometer from the doctor's coat pocket and tried to stick it in her ear. She did this all in a matter of seconds. The whole time I was trying to tell Lydia to let the doctor finish..but the doctor kept saying"she's fine, she's fine". She finally grabbed the stethoscope and tried to lift up the doctors shirt and said "Can I check your belly". She kept talking to the doctor as if she was the one getting checked! As we left she looked up to the nurses and said" You know, I'm going to be a doctor when I get big"
Anyway, I took some pics of her this morning..She was so proud because she dressed her own self- and topped everything off with her Dora hat. ( Underwear is on right, shorts are not inside out, shoes on the right feet) =)

Little Gym

2008-06-19T19:46:00.001-07:00

I had to post these even though they are from last year..Lydia was in Little Gym and has been begging to go back. So we will be starting up in the Fall! Enjoy!

Introducing ....Lydia, Dad, and Mom

2008-06-11T18:52:00.001-07:00

Our little, energetic LYDIA loves to play dress up. We think she's 3 going on 16. She has her own vanity and princess chair in her room. She'll look in the mirror and primp, using the makeup for a while, then she'll start putting clips in her hair and spraying perfume.....she knows exactly what to do-wonder where she got that from? Sometimes Lydia will look up and say, "Mom, I'm not beautiful, I'm VERY beautiful".

JOSH is such a good daddy!I think it's because he's a kid at heart! I'm sure he has to be the"tough lawyer" at work, but Lydia has got him wrapped around her little finger at home. Sometimes he takes Lydia on daddy daughter dates- which they both love. I think we'll keep him! IRIS , aka, mom has been kind enough to put all these pics together!What a nice mom!

TRENDY TREASURES FOR KIDS

2008-06-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

This is my side job ..for fun! I have an ebay store selling kids clothes. Here is the link,
http://stores.ebay.com/Iriss-Trendy-Treasures-for-Kids

Out of the Dark Ages!! WE ARE HERE!!

2008-05-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

OKAY, finally everyone has convinced me to get off my butt and do a blog!!! SO HERE WE ARE!
THIS IS

THE WHITLOCK'S WHAT- NOT'S!

The story of LYDIA , IRIS, AND JOSH and their adventures in beautiful NORTH CAROLINA.

So this is our backyard view! It backs into the Cook Family Farm. There's usually lots of cows out and about. And of course, above, is a Carolina Sunset. Thanks Issy, for the pic!