With the Christmas season winding down I look back at all the little things I stressed over and realize they were trivial to what should really matter. With Dave traveling, studying for numerous tests and graduating from school all in December, we didn't think about Christmas shopping until 2 weeks before Christmas which was kinda nice. Considering Dave just graduated and he doesn't have a job yet, shopping for both sides of the family without breaking the (very small) bank was tough. I like Mom Grace's idea that we just spend our money each year on going somewhere as a family, like renting a cabin in the mountains, instead of buying so much.
I tried to plan more activities to celebrate Christ's birth instead of focusing on gifts. We did have a great time on family outings. Next year I will plan a service project so we can give the kids a bigger picture of what Christmas is all about. I want the kids to remember each Christmas for what we DID for others instead of what presents they got that year.
On that note, our sweet Jessie got to stay up with Dad late a few nights before Christmas to wrap presents. Dad helped her wrap all her gifts to the family. Then they wrapped several in a row for Toby from Mom and Dad. Jessie started to cry and blurted out through her tears that she wanted to give Toby more than the one gift she had picked out. J felt bad that she only had one gift for Toby while we had several. She melted my heart right there and I realized how much little Jess loves her brother. We worked it out so that she gave Toby one of the gifts we had for him and I thanked Heavenly Father for such a thoughtful, loving little girl. I hope she keeps that Christmas spirit with her forever.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Merry Christmas to all!
Love the Bennett family!
We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. It was a whirlwind weekend getting ready to host Christmas Eve dinner at our home, but well worth it. There's nothing better than forgetting about work & responsibilities for a few days to play with the chillies, lounge with family and enjoy good food.
My side of the family came over for dinner and some present fun on Christmas Eve. That meant we had 8 adults plus our 3 chillies in our tiny apartment. We put a big table in the living room and dusted off the nice china for a buffet feast. Tom BBQ'd the turkey (so delicious!), and we ate broccoli salad, fresh rolls, broiled potatoes and sweet potatoes. So many carbs so little time! ;)We opened gifts and enjoyed watching the kids bounce off the walls with delight. They were so excited and so sweet to everyone, including each other! J and TJ even got to see Simon (Dan & Lauren's dog) and play fetch with him in the front yard.
The chillies woke up way too early Christmas morning- 7:30 AM- even after staying up later than usual. It was awesome to watch them get as excited to see other family members open gifts from them as they were opening their own gifts. Dave's family came over in the afternoon to exchange gifts and spend a little time together. We did it right this year! :) Everyone came to our house instead of trecking the chillies all over town. They were so well behaved because of it too. The only place we went was to Great Gram's house for dinner on Christmas night.
J-Bird (6) wrote the cutest letter to "Satu" about wanting a gold hoola-hoop and wishing him a "mairy Christmas." Santa wrote her a letter back saying Hoopy the hoola-hoop elf was sick and couldn't make any hoola-hoops this year (because according to the kid at Toys'R'Us they are a summer thing). Santa knew that J wanted a kitty but that Mom and Dad were allergic to the real thing so he brought her an electronic kitty Giga-pet. She loves that thing. We get hourly reports that Kiki's health is at 93% and that she loves baths, being pet, etc.
TJ (3) helped retell the story of Jesus' birth on Christmas Eve which was a nice surprise. He really does listen at church and home when he's wiggling around and playing. Ben 10 and dinosaurs are his thing this year. Grandpa Dave gave him the Ben 10 watch which "changes him" into 10 different monsters. He hasn't let that thing out of his sight since yesterday. If one needs to locate TJ you just follow the annoying beep-beep beep-beep of his watch. It's fairly amusing to hear some of the names of these monsters fly outta TJ's mouth. Stinkfly, Wildmutt Heatblast, Diamondhead, GhostFreak and Ripjaws come rolling off his tongue like butter. I just shake my head and blame Daddy for getting him hooked.
Coop (20 months) is too young still to get what is really going on. There came a point yesterday when he didn't care to open another wrapped box and was content to play with one of two toys- his Little People farm or cars.
It has also been confirmed this year that Mom and Dad like shopping for toys way too much. Fisher Price made a killing on us this year!
What an awesome Christmas season! We are so blessed with a healthy family, close extended family, and the knowledge that Jesus Christ lives and is our personal Savior.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
sleep deprived.............
Our entire family has been keeping late hours the last week. The chillies are starting to look like zombies complete with major bags under the eyes. On Sunday we were at a Christmas concert until after 9. Monday was dinner at the parents and walking around Cripps Court (a local neighborhood that decorates like crazy!) then back to parentals for pie and quick baths/jammies for the chillies so they could fall asleep in the car and go straight to bed. *whew*
Since Dave is done with school (Yeah! Still lovin' it!) little J is the only one who needs to get off to school. We are having a hard time waking up to get her there on time. Mornings lately consist of jumping out of bed, throwing clothes on J and stuffing breakfast down her while I make a lunch. We race through the brushing hair and teeth bit then dash out the door to get her there 2 minutes after the bell rings but still enough time where she doesn't get a big red"T" for tardy. She keeps track of those things you know.
Since Dave is done with school (Yeah! Still lovin' it!) little J is the only one who needs to get off to school. We are having a hard time waking up to get her there on time. Mornings lately consist of jumping out of bed, throwing clothes on J and stuffing breakfast down her while I make a lunch. We race through the brushing hair and teeth bit then dash out the door to get her there 2 minutes after the bell rings but still enough time where she doesn't get a big red"T" for tardy. She keeps track of those things you know.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
To keep this busy time in perspective......
Those of you who know me know that I dislike Martha Stewart, a lot. Sure, I've been known to browse through one of her magazines but I can't stand her television show or watching her in person. These letters to Martha from Erma Bombeck and vice versa are hilarious. Great example of the sickeningly sweet, too-perfect Miss Martha.
Erma Bombeck's Christmas letter to Martha Stewart:
Dear Martha,
I'm writing this on the back of an old shopping list, pay no attention to the coffee and jelly stains.
I'm 20 minutes late getting my daughter up for school, packing a lunch with one hand, on the phone with the dog pound, seems old Ruff needs bailing out, again.
Burnt my arm on the curling iron when I was trying to make those cute curly fries, how DO they do that?
Still can't find the scissors to cut out some snowflakes, tried using an old disposable razor ... trashed the tablecloth. Tried that cranberry thing, frozen cranberries mushed up after I defrosted them in the microwave.
Oh, and don't use Fruity Pebbles as a substitute in that Rice Krispie snowball recipe, unless you happen to like a disgusting shade that resembles puke!
The smoke alarm is going off, talk to ya later.
Love, Erma
Martha Stewart's Christmas letter to Erma Bombeck:
Hi Erma,
This perfectly delightful note is being sent on paper I made myself to tell you what I have been up to.
Since it snowed last night, I got up early and made a sled with old barn wood and a glue gun. I hand painted it in gold leaf, got out my loom, and made a blanket in peaches and mauves. Then to make the sled complete, I made a white horse to pull it, from DNA that I had just sitting around in my craft room.
By then, it was time to start making the place mats and napkins for my 20 breakfast guests. I'm serving the old standard Stewart twelve- course breakfast, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I didn't have time to make the tables and chairs this morning, so I used the ones I had on hand.
Before I moved the table into the dining room, I decided to add just a touch of the holidays. So I repainted the room in pinks and stenciled gold stars on the ceiling. Then, while the homemade bread was rising, I took antique candle molds and made the dishes (exactly the same shade of pink) to use for breakfast. These were made from Hungarian clay, which you can get at almost any Hungarian craft store.
Well, I must run. I need to finish the buttonholes on the dress I'm wearing for breakfast. I'll get out the sled and drive this note to the post office as soon as the glue dries on the envelope I'll be making. Hope my breakfast guests don't stay too long, I have 40,000 cranberries to string with bay leaves before my speaking engagement at noon. It's a good thing.
Love, Martha Stewart
P.S. When I made the ribbon for this typewriter, I used 1/8-inch gold gauze. I soaked the gauze in a mixture of white grapes and blackberries, which I grew, picked, and crushed last week just for fun.
Yeah Erma. I know that life well. If Miss Martha had more than one kid I gaurantee her "good things" would be more like getting everyone in the house dressed with socks AND shoes on before 8 AM- or making it through one day without pee, puke or poop ending up on bedding and/or clothing. That's my idea of a good day. :)
Erma Bombeck's Christmas letter to Martha Stewart:
Dear Martha,
I'm writing this on the back of an old shopping list, pay no attention to the coffee and jelly stains.
I'm 20 minutes late getting my daughter up for school, packing a lunch with one hand, on the phone with the dog pound, seems old Ruff needs bailing out, again.
Burnt my arm on the curling iron when I was trying to make those cute curly fries, how DO they do that?
Still can't find the scissors to cut out some snowflakes, tried using an old disposable razor ... trashed the tablecloth. Tried that cranberry thing, frozen cranberries mushed up after I defrosted them in the microwave.
Oh, and don't use Fruity Pebbles as a substitute in that Rice Krispie snowball recipe, unless you happen to like a disgusting shade that resembles puke!
The smoke alarm is going off, talk to ya later.
Love, Erma
Martha Stewart's Christmas letter to Erma Bombeck:
Hi Erma,
This perfectly delightful note is being sent on paper I made myself to tell you what I have been up to.
Since it snowed last night, I got up early and made a sled with old barn wood and a glue gun. I hand painted it in gold leaf, got out my loom, and made a blanket in peaches and mauves. Then to make the sled complete, I made a white horse to pull it, from DNA that I had just sitting around in my craft room.
By then, it was time to start making the place mats and napkins for my 20 breakfast guests. I'm serving the old standard Stewart twelve- course breakfast, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I didn't have time to make the tables and chairs this morning, so I used the ones I had on hand.
Before I moved the table into the dining room, I decided to add just a touch of the holidays. So I repainted the room in pinks and stenciled gold stars on the ceiling. Then, while the homemade bread was rising, I took antique candle molds and made the dishes (exactly the same shade of pink) to use for breakfast. These were made from Hungarian clay, which you can get at almost any Hungarian craft store.
Well, I must run. I need to finish the buttonholes on the dress I'm wearing for breakfast. I'll get out the sled and drive this note to the post office as soon as the glue dries on the envelope I'll be making. Hope my breakfast guests don't stay too long, I have 40,000 cranberries to string with bay leaves before my speaking engagement at noon. It's a good thing.
Love, Martha Stewart
P.S. When I made the ribbon for this typewriter, I used 1/8-inch gold gauze. I soaked the gauze in a mixture of white grapes and blackberries, which I grew, picked, and crushed last week just for fun.
Yeah Erma. I know that life well. If Miss Martha had more than one kid I gaurantee her "good things" would be more like getting everyone in the house dressed with socks AND shoes on before 8 AM- or making it through one day without pee, puke or poop ending up on bedding and/or clothing. That's my idea of a good day. :)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Christmas family night
We went to Dan and Lauren's house in San Jose for family night dinner on Monday so they could take the fam to Christmas in the Park in downtown SJ. We enjoyed the lights, rides and smells of fabulous food- kettle corn, gyros, churros and hot chocolate to name a few.
The chillies and Dad ate churros, I sipped on hot chocolate like the rest of the fam and we walked around to see the trees and decorations. J's highlights were riding the swing ride and dancing under the "snow" machines that spit out bubbles. That's my kind of snow- melts instantly on the pavement and isn't cold whatsoever. nice. TJ's highlights were riding the dragon on the merry-go-round, sitting on Santa's lap, and watching the chipmunks sing. Coops favorite thing was getting out of his stroller and driving around like a blind person hitting everyone on the way. He loved the lights and was content to watch his brother and sister go on the rides. He would have screamed like a banshee if we took him on any of them. Oh, and all the kids couldn't get enough of Simon, Dan and Lauren's chocolate lab. They would pet him and feed him treats all night long if possible. We almost didn't make it home with J and TJ because they were ready and willing to sleep the night ON Simon's bed with him.It was an action-packed AND enjoyable night (those things don't always go together with 3 small chillies).
Definately a highlight this season.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Presenting Dr. Bennett!!!! YEAH!!!
It's official!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave is one of the newest Doctors of Chiropractic. I don't think it's really hit him yet. It was an awesome graduation ceremony at Chabot College in Hayward. We had the whole family there, both sides, and produced a roaring cheering section for Dave. What a fantastic end to the long road of graduate school. It felt so good to finally see (and feel) the stress melt away while Dave celebrated on the stage.
I had this pic up on the screen and Dave says, "Whoa, that's a lot of grey." Yeah, all that stress, long hours, and test taking has taken a tole on his hair. He has greyed a lot in the past 4 years. I told him it will only help him in practice. He looks very distinguished and people will take him as seriously as they should. He's a darn good chiropractor. "Dr. Feel Good" as some of his patients say.
I'm just thrilled that Phase II is upon us. Phase II being finding a practice, saving up some money and getting out of this apartment manager thing.
Friday, December 08, 2006
T minus 21 hours and counting!
Graduation is upon us! Tomorrow morning is the big day. I am so excited for Dave! We just got home from his school where they had an informal clinic graduation ceremony. Dave and his classmates went all out. They passed out noise-makers, boom sticks, cow bells and shot confetti poppers when each graduates name was called. It was a lot of fun to see them celebrate after all the hard work they put into school.
Dave busted out the trike to take to school. This thing is a chopper-inspired trike on steroids. The picture doesn't do the huge tires and studded leather seat justice. Picture that trike with that guy riding it down the halls at Life Chiropractic College West with a girl standing in the basket making as much noise as possible. I gues it's a school tradition that the graduating class does something crazy the last week at school. Dave wanted to hire a marching band to go through the halls but that didn't work out, so instead Dave lead the march through the halls on the mega-trike.
It's all happening fast. I ironed Dave's graduation robe tonight and we are ready to go for tomorrow. It's going to be a great day!!
Dave busted out the trike to take to school. This thing is a chopper-inspired trike on steroids. The picture doesn't do the huge tires and studded leather seat justice. Picture that trike with that guy riding it down the halls at Life Chiropractic College West with a girl standing in the basket making as much noise as possible. I gues it's a school tradition that the graduating class does something crazy the last week at school. Dave wanted to hire a marching band to go through the halls but that didn't work out, so instead Dave lead the march through the halls on the mega-trike.It's all happening fast. I ironed Dave's graduation robe tonight and we are ready to go for tomorrow. It's going to be a great day!!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
T minus 2 days and counting!
2 days and 19 hours to be precise until Dave GRADUATES! He called me today after his last test and almost sounded like a different person. I was told by everyone, and kept reminding myself, that this hard time while Dave was in school really would go by fast. Now that we are so close to graduation it does seem like the time went quickly. I think we were blessed with selective memory! A lot of the bad, stressful times have been forgotten.
YEAH DAVE!!! I am so excited for him! He is an awesome Doctor of Chiropractic and I think he even has a job. I'm not going to jinx anything so no formal announcement yet. Good things are coming his way!
It's been an entire week of accelerating celebration. Tuessday night Dave and I went to his senior dinner at Scott's in Jack London Square in Oakland. We had a nice meal and listened to a few speeches from the Dean and several students. Dave got a certificate in a cheesy frame for being selected as a "Who's Who Among Students" in American Colleges and Universities. *whew* It's a long name for a recognition that basically gets your name in a book that you can buy for a nominal fee ($70!) and your name in the local paper. Those people recognized are nominated by their teachers and faculty so that's cool that they honored Dave. I think he's been amazing with all he accomplished during school and it's nice that he's been recognized for it.
YEAH DAVE!!! I am so excited for him! He is an awesome Doctor of Chiropractic and I think he even has a job. I'm not going to jinx anything so no formal announcement yet. Good things are coming his way!
It's been an entire week of accelerating celebration. Tuessday night Dave and I went to his senior dinner at Scott's in Jack London Square in Oakland. We had a nice meal and listened to a few speeches from the Dean and several students. Dave got a certificate in a cheesy frame for being selected as a "Who's Who Among Students" in American Colleges and Universities. *whew* It's a long name for a recognition that basically gets your name in a book that you can buy for a nominal fee ($70!) and your name in the local paper. Those people recognized are nominated by their teachers and faculty so that's cool that they honored Dave. I think he's been amazing with all he accomplished during school and it's nice that he's been recognized for it.
My Mom sang with a choir at this Christmas Creche Exhibit in Palo Alto on Sunday. I'm just now getting to the computer to write about what I was thinking about on the way home from the concert. (where does the time go?) Dave was sick so he stayed home with the boys and J and I made it a girls night. It was awesome- beautiful music and amazing creche scenes!
The hour-long concert was superb. I wish I had a recording of a lot of the songs they were that good- they sang more difficult arrangements of Christmas songs that I, as a long-time choir member, appreciated very much. There was a bell choir, violinist, flautist (yes, that is a word), fantastic organist and the choir. Mom sang a happy solo towards the end and I wished it was longer. When the choir director announced Mom's name as the soloist Aunt Lauren turned to J and said, "Do you know her?" J said NO. She only knows Mom as Gramma Evie so hearing her formal name didn't register. Plus she was too busy talking to Uncle Dan on his lap.
There were nativities from all over the world on display. It seemed every large room in the church was filled with glowing tables of nativites. The highlights were a picture of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus made out of Legos (incredible!), nativities carved from wood, made out of foil paper, formed from clay, made out of bottle-brush and beautiful ornaments with the Madonna and Child on them. It was a feast for the eyes!
My favorite nativity was a contemporary scene carved out of different colored woods from China. J-bird loved the Lego creation. She thought it was cool that it looked funny up close and then came into focus the farther she stepped away. It was good I didn't take my camera because I would have been SO tempted to snap away even though photos weren't allowed.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
2 down- 2 to go
I went to the dentist today. I grew up hating the dentist and it hasn't changed much. Being born with very bad teeth (soft enamel) means that I have had my fair share of time in the chair. My Mom-in-law says she falls asleep getting her teeth cleaned. Are you kidding me? Who can sleep through a high pitched, rotating tool in your mouth? Crazy.
Kudos to my current dentist though. I didn't feel a thing except a sore jaw after the juice wore off. One of the perks of Dave's new profession is that it is easy to trade services. He is helping Dr. Dentist with chiropractic treatment in trade for dental work for the fam- a lot of work in my case.
Today was my 2nd appointment- 2 more to go and I'm free from the chair for awhile.
So on a completely opposite note- Candy Cane Joe-Joe's from Trader Jo's are the best Oreo type cookies ever! I am going to stock up the next time I am at Trader Joe's. They are full of peppermint- chocolate goodness. Mmmmmmmm.
Kudos to my current dentist though. I didn't feel a thing except a sore jaw after the juice wore off. One of the perks of Dave's new profession is that it is easy to trade services. He is helping Dr. Dentist with chiropractic treatment in trade for dental work for the fam- a lot of work in my case.
Today was my 2nd appointment- 2 more to go and I'm free from the chair for awhile.
So on a completely opposite note- Candy Cane Joe-Joe's from Trader Jo's are the best Oreo type cookies ever! I am going to stock up the next time I am at Trader Joe's. They are full of peppermint- chocolate goodness. Mmmmmmmm.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Birds and Babbies
It's been the most wonderful 3 days since Thanksgiving. We weren't home for Thanksgiving or "Black Friday" much. I sit here surrounded by, you guessed it, chaos. Our house is a mess and the laundry pile is erupting over the hamper again. The plan today was to get our ox out of the mire and clean but neither Dave or I could muster the courage to do so. We slept in until 11, played with the chillies and cleaned the living room for an entire 20 minutes. Awesome!
J-Bird got to sleep over at G&G Bennett's on Wednesday night. We walked up and spent most of Thanksgiving day there just hanging out and helping cook. TJ finally put it all together and learned to ride his bike that day. We made him get on his bike and ride up to Bennett's. He rocked that bike ride and now he doesn't want to get off. He is constantly asking to ride his "bike with no training wheels." Not bad for a 3 year-old.
Lots of birds this week- I walked the lake with the chillies twice this week and we saw so many birds. The usual geese, ducks, coots, seagulls, pigeons and finches were all around. We were excited to see 2 big pelicans sitting in the middle of the lake both days. It was an unusual treat. Then the most delicious bird of all- the Thanksgiving turkey- made its appearance at Gram Bennett's complete with a fabulous pot-luck meal with both sides of the family.
What we are thankful for this year (as stated on the car ride home from Thanksgiving dinner):
Dad: Mom (Me) who takes care of the family and house, J-Bird who loves math and is a good big sister, T-Bone who learned to ride his bike and likes to play with Dad, Coop who is learning to speak so well and is fun to play with.
Mom: Dave who loves me tremendously, our awesome chillies, that Dave is 2 weeks away from graduation!, church and my calling in the Primary (kids are the best)
J-Bird (6): Jesus, Mom and Dad, my warm house and my warm blanket
T-Bone (3): playing guns at Ben's house and playing super heroes.
Coop (1 1/2): Binks! Noot-nacks (fruit snacks) trains and his softee blankey
And rounding out this long entry is our fabulous crab feed on Friday night at my parents house. I don't remember when the retail gurus named the day after Thanksgiving Black Friday. I think it's lame and accurate all at the same time. To me, the day after Thanksgiving is RED FRIDAY because we drive to Half Moon Bay, buy fresh crab right off the boat and have a crab feast that night with family and friends. It was an awesome day!!
Little Coop was so scared of the crab but he couldn't stop talking about them and wanting to look at them. He would point and say "Babbies" for crabbies then crinkle his nose and back away. So cute. J-Bird was a crab eating machine. Our 6 year-old weighing in at 47 pounds ate at least 1/2 crab by herself. She sat at the table and cracked her way through that crab with the rest of the adults. T-Bone tried the crab too. He liked playing with it more than eating it and provided some entertainment for the table I'm sure.
J-Bird got to sleep over at G&G Bennett's on Wednesday night. We walked up and spent most of Thanksgiving day there just hanging out and helping cook. TJ finally put it all together and learned to ride his bike that day. We made him get on his bike and ride up to Bennett's. He rocked that bike ride and now he doesn't want to get off. He is constantly asking to ride his "bike with no training wheels." Not bad for a 3 year-old.
Lots of birds this week- I walked the lake with the chillies twice this week and we saw so many birds. The usual geese, ducks, coots, seagulls, pigeons and finches were all around. We were excited to see 2 big pelicans sitting in the middle of the lake both days. It was an unusual treat. Then the most delicious bird of all- the Thanksgiving turkey- made its appearance at Gram Bennett's complete with a fabulous pot-luck meal with both sides of the family.
What we are thankful for this year (as stated on the car ride home from Thanksgiving dinner):
Dad: Mom (Me) who takes care of the family and house, J-Bird who loves math and is a good big sister, T-Bone who learned to ride his bike and likes to play with Dad, Coop who is learning to speak so well and is fun to play with.
Mom: Dave who loves me tremendously, our awesome chillies, that Dave is 2 weeks away from graduation!, church and my calling in the Primary (kids are the best)
J-Bird (6): Jesus, Mom and Dad, my warm house and my warm blanket
T-Bone (3): playing guns at Ben's house and playing super heroes.
Coop (1 1/2): Binks! Noot-nacks (fruit snacks) trains and his softee blankey
And rounding out this long entry is our fabulous crab feed on Friday night at my parents house. I don't remember when the retail gurus named the day after Thanksgiving Black Friday. I think it's lame and accurate all at the same time. To me, the day after Thanksgiving is RED FRIDAY because we drive to Half Moon Bay, buy fresh crab right off the boat and have a crab feast that night with family and friends. It was an awesome day!!
Little Coop was so scared of the crab but he couldn't stop talking about them and wanting to look at them. He would point and say "Babbies" for crabbies then crinkle his nose and back away. So cute. J-Bird was a crab eating machine. Our 6 year-old weighing in at 47 pounds ate at least 1/2 crab by herself. She sat at the table and cracked her way through that crab with the rest of the adults. T-Bone tried the crab too. He liked playing with it more than eating it and provided some entertainment for the table I'm sure.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Wicked Witch Returns
I went to small claims court this morning. After one surprise phone call from our property owner at 7:30 AM, and a mad dash to get J to school and the rest of us presentable I was sitting in court with my two boys about 10 seats away from the wicked witch. Ya'll thought she was melted by Dorothy, but in fact the wicked witch and her 3 flying monkeys resided as our upstairs neighbors for 3 LONG years. Ironically, she took us to court for $1500 because she thought the destruction she did to her apartment was "normal wear and tear." I guess if you're used to houses crashing on your relatives than the apartment wasn't so bad. But I've never had a tenant leave an apartment in worse condition. I had pictures to prove it.
I know, you're thinking "Man that's harsh." To that I say, if you would have been this womans neighbors you would say the same thing. There are only so many times a person can stand being woken up to their ceiling vibrating from music at 7 AM on Sunday morning. And walking up the stairs every other month because the lady can't pay her rent on time gets really old. We won't even go into the many times the 3 little monkeys destroyed things around the complex or were found playing in the pool with no adult supervision (a huge no-no). I know she thinks I am a witch. I am here to tell her that I may be a witch but a very different kind. Glinda was a witch too. I was so patient. I gave her every benefit of the doubt until the last 6-9 months. I think the turning point was when she almost burned the complex down. No kidding. Ignorance IS bliss and her ignorance was threatening MY family's and other tenants safety.
So there we were in court. We listened to the irrelevant facts about how I formed a conspiracy against this woman to charge her for every little thing that she damaged, and we rebutted the false accusations that my actions were in retaliation to her. Thank you Mom, for rushing down to sit with the boys while I went before the judge! The judge took the case under advisement which I've learned means there will be some sort of judgement against the plaintiff. I'm only glad it didn't happen in court or the judge or I might have found ourselves at the mercy of her broom.
So here's to you Ms. Witch. Because of you I am a better property manager. I've learned to write down EVERYTHING and be firm from the beginnning. I let you walk all over me with those pointy shoes and playing dumb attitude when I was a new manager and it will never happen again. I feel lighter and happy now that that is over. I think I'll float away in my bubble now and continue to enjoy life without you living upstairs.
Glinda out.
Friday, November 10, 2006
comfort food
One of my favorite meals to make has become chinese potstickers. (A little burnt, I know, but Dave likes them that way) We had them last night for dinner with vegetable stir-fry and it was DELICIOUS. To me, they are the chinese version of mashed potatoes with gravy- totally comfort food. I could probably eat a dozen with sauce.
It's been a good week in the kitchen for me. Usually I have a hard time getting motivated to cook. Since the weather is finally getting colder I am more willing to spend time in the kitchen- to stay warm.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
It's finally official!!
My sis-in-law is getting married! She has been dating her man for a year and practically had the wedding/honeymoon planned these last few months. The proposal was last week and now there's a ring and a date. June 2, 2007 is going to come quick. Yeah! Congrats Denise and Arnold!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
What a guy!
Another hectic day at church with no hubby. Being Primary President (kids organization at church) is really hectic this time of year. We had the Halloween party to plan and the annual Primary Program to write and plan for next week. Li-Li and Tina, you two are the best counselors a girl could have. Thanks for all you do to help me and remember what I forget!!
Anyway, the chillies and I were fried after church- tired, hungry and ready for a nap! We pulled into the parking lot at our humble apartment complex and Dave's car was parked in our spot. Yeah, Daddy's home! But he was supposed to be gone until 5. We walk in to find this:
Not the best face on that cute hubby but that's okay. He came home early from board review class and had lunch ready for us when we walked in. What a guy. It was the best thing about the entire day. We ate and took a long snooze. All except TJ that is. That little guy will NOT settle down long enough to take a nap. He ripped apart his room playing and kept busy while we snoozed. It's a good thing J (his bunk mate) is a heavy sleeper.
Thanks babe! You're the best ever!
Anyway, the chillies and I were fried after church- tired, hungry and ready for a nap! We pulled into the parking lot at our humble apartment complex and Dave's car was parked in our spot. Yeah, Daddy's home! But he was supposed to be gone until 5. We walk in to find this:
Not the best face on that cute hubby but that's okay. He came home early from board review class and had lunch ready for us when we walked in. What a guy. It was the best thing about the entire day. We ate and took a long snooze. All except TJ that is. That little guy will NOT settle down long enough to take a nap. He ripped apart his room playing and kept busy while we snoozed. It's a good thing J (his bunk mate) is a heavy sleeper.
Thanks babe! You're the best ever!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Hamster Wheel Gone Wrong!
| Don't run too quickly.... - > www.be-dumb.com | |
I happened across this video from a forwarded email today. I had Coop and J on my lap and TJ standing next to me when we watched this clip. It hit all of our funny bones because we sat there belly-laughing for a good 5 minutes, watching it over and over again. The legs kicking like crazy at the end is the best part. Little Coop was the best- he would giggle, then cackle and finally stop laughing when he couldn't breath. So funny!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
ER x2
I took J to the ER for the second time in 3 months. I sure hope this doesn't become a regular thing. J has been sick for 3 weeks. She missed one week of school because she couldn't stop hacking her lungs out. Then back to school last week to catch up on work. Sunday night her fever started and my paranoia set in thinking she would erupt with puke any minute. We had enough puking this last summer- enough already. Thankfully, it never happened, but J was getting more sick. So after a few days of Daddy keeping a close eye on her, a trip to the hospital, chest x-ray and once over by the ER Doc we came home with the same diagnosis Daddy gave her (way to go Dad). She has an ear infection that is finally getting better and a packet of school work to plow through at home. Finally, some mandatory slow days for me and the kids. I'm excited!
Our sweet J. She was so "melted" at the hospital- very quiet and cooperative as long as no needles emerged from the deep, dark corners of the ER. When I told her we needed to go to the Emergency Room she freaked out- still a little traumatized by the stitches incident a few months ago.
Our J is quite the heart breaker already. Daddy might really consider a shotgun when she turns 16. ;) Our entire visit at the ER I kept hearing people talking to each other about how beautiful her eyes were and how well-behaved she was for being sick. Every once in awhile someone would pop their head into the exam area where we were to see "the girl with the beautiful eyes in #14."
Our sweet J. She was so "melted" at the hospital- very quiet and cooperative as long as no needles emerged from the deep, dark corners of the ER. When I told her we needed to go to the Emergency Room she freaked out- still a little traumatized by the stitches incident a few months ago. Our J is quite the heart breaker already. Daddy might really consider a shotgun when she turns 16. ;) Our entire visit at the ER I kept hearing people talking to each other about how beautiful her eyes were and how well-behaved she was for being sick. Every once in awhile someone would pop their head into the exam area where we were to see "the girl with the beautiful eyes in #14."
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Halloween's over!!
I have to say I am relieved. Halloween was too stressful this year. I had fun making a few costumes but since it was the last week (even hours) before the parties it was a little too much. I proved once again that I do work best under pressure.
Here's my costume repertiore this year. A goth-style vampire cloak for Tom, J's Wonder Woman costume, TJ's batman cape (easy) and part of my Phoenix costume. Mine was whipped together ON Halloween day so it's not what I envisioned but at least I attempted to dress up. Poor J tried so hard to keep in good spirits even though she didn't feel well at all. She missed all the fun at school Halloween day and barely made it through the party to trick-or-treat a little. Her face in this picture says it all.
A huge thanks to my family who came to the church and helped me set up the night before for our church party. It was fun having family night at the church with pizza, goodies, and decorating.
Here's my costume repertiore this year. A goth-style vampire cloak for Tom, J's Wonder Woman costume, TJ's batman cape (easy) and part of my Phoenix costume. Mine was whipped together ON Halloween day so it's not what I envisioned but at least I attempted to dress up. Poor J tried so hard to keep in good spirits even though she didn't feel well at all. She missed all the fun at school Halloween day and barely made it through the party to trick-or-treat a little. Her face in this picture says it all.
A huge thanks to my family who came to the church and helped me set up the night before for our church party. It was fun having family night at the church with pizza, goodies, and decorating.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
the prodigal phone returns!
Dave teased me endlessly for not getting over the loss of my phone. Sounds cheesy right? I missed my old phone and still caught myself looking all over the house and cars for it. Even after my brand new phone arrived from some vendor on e-bay I wanted my old phone. SO, I got the last laugh when my missing phone found its way back home yesterday. My little red phone was sitting in a church pew for a couple weeks when someone found it while they were cleaning the church. I guess if you're going to lose a phone, church is the place to do it!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
pumpkins, popcorn and ponies
Even though practically the entire family is coughing and tired, we packed up chillies and the big red wagon and went to Joan's Farm in Livermore today. I completely spaced a homeschool field trip with friends to the farm this past Monday because I didn't write it on the calendar. grrrrrr. I was SO frustrated. It's a sign that I'm getting older. I can't remember much unless I write it down. But I digress.
One would never know it was fall today in Northern Cali. The weather was fan-flippin'-tastic. 96 degrees in the middle of October is almost wrong. Dave and I are anxious for it to cool down. For the purposes of exploring the farm with the chillies and picking out a few pumpkins it was a perfect day. The chillies highlight of the day was riding the ponies. J picked out Trigger, the biggest pony there, and TJ rode Spinner. Coop was so interested in the ponies from the other side of the fence but we knew he would have fallen apart if he was on top of one of them. The kids fed the goats/sheep and ate popcorn while we walked around.
We also took the opportunity to scout around Livermore a little to see if we could live there. We are really under the gun to find Dave a place to practice but we need to decide where to look first. We both decided Livermore could be for us- time to job hunt.......
One would never know it was fall today in Northern Cali. The weather was fan-flippin'-tastic. 96 degrees in the middle of October is almost wrong. Dave and I are anxious for it to cool down. For the purposes of exploring the farm with the chillies and picking out a few pumpkins it was a perfect day. The chillies highlight of the day was riding the ponies. J picked out Trigger, the biggest pony there, and TJ rode Spinner. Coop was so interested in the ponies from the other side of the fence but we knew he would have fallen apart if he was on top of one of them. The kids fed the goats/sheep and ate popcorn while we walked around.
We also took the opportunity to scout around Livermore a little to see if we could live there. We are really under the gun to find Dave a place to practice but we need to decide where to look first. We both decided Livermore could be for us- time to job hunt.......
Sunday, October 15, 2006
sleepy Sunday
So I usually don't write or think about Sundays after they're gone. It's one of my favorite days of the week because Dave is almost always home and my brain only has to function enough to get to church and Gram's house for dinner at 6. We just hang out and enjoy our little family, and take wonderful Sunday naps!
Ever since I was called to be Primary President things are more crazy on Sundays. I think today was the most stressful one yet. I had to get myself and all 3 chillies ready and at church by 8:30 AM. Dave left before 8 to get to a board review class, so I was flying solo all day.
I was playing the piano for a vocal solo and that was a huge stress on its own. I don't play much outside of the house so the nerves were killin' me. It's not hard to get up and sing in front of people anymore- I've done it so much that it's easy. Playing the piano though sends me into a marshmallow like state. It's hard to get all ten fingers moving to the notes they should when one often forgets to breath and is shaking like a leaf at times. That being said, I did alright.
I sat in the beginning of church hoping Grandpa and Grandma would walk in soon so that I could leave the chillies without drama to go up front and play the piano when it was time. Thankfully, they came and sat with me and helped a ton! Then it was straight to Primary to do Sharing Time and scramble to get parts assigned and to the kids for our upcoming Program. Right after Primary I had a meeting with a member of the Stake Pres. and then back up to the Primary room with the chillies for a Presidency meeting. Kudos to my sweet chillies! They were so good all day and Coop even stayed in nursery the entire time. That made the day a lot easier for sure.
Our entire family was sleep deprived this morning. I, being the eternal night owl, stayed up until 2 AM doing church stuff. Then J woke up at 3 AM for the third night in a row with a huge coughing spell. I don't know what happened to her. We went to the zoo on Thursday and ever since then she is hacking and coughing. Since I just went to bed (I really gotta stop that) Dave got up and helped J so that we could all get some sleep. Coop and TJ both woke up at about 3:30 and needed to pee, wanted a drink, cried for a bink and blanky, etc. I think everyone finally fell asleep after 4 AM and got up at 7 to get to church early. Whew. It's not hard to predict that after church and Mom's meetings we came home and everyone crashed in bed for 3+ hours. Ahhhh the beauty of Sunday afternoon naps. I think that's the only reason I'm functioning right now......after midnight.................again.
Ever since I was called to be Primary President things are more crazy on Sundays. I think today was the most stressful one yet. I had to get myself and all 3 chillies ready and at church by 8:30 AM. Dave left before 8 to get to a board review class, so I was flying solo all day.
I was playing the piano for a vocal solo and that was a huge stress on its own. I don't play much outside of the house so the nerves were killin' me. It's not hard to get up and sing in front of people anymore- I've done it so much that it's easy. Playing the piano though sends me into a marshmallow like state. It's hard to get all ten fingers moving to the notes they should when one often forgets to breath and is shaking like a leaf at times. That being said, I did alright.
I sat in the beginning of church hoping Grandpa and Grandma would walk in soon so that I could leave the chillies without drama to go up front and play the piano when it was time. Thankfully, they came and sat with me and helped a ton! Then it was straight to Primary to do Sharing Time and scramble to get parts assigned and to the kids for our upcoming Program. Right after Primary I had a meeting with a member of the Stake Pres. and then back up to the Primary room with the chillies for a Presidency meeting. Kudos to my sweet chillies! They were so good all day and Coop even stayed in nursery the entire time. That made the day a lot easier for sure.
Our entire family was sleep deprived this morning. I, being the eternal night owl, stayed up until 2 AM doing church stuff. Then J woke up at 3 AM for the third night in a row with a huge coughing spell. I don't know what happened to her. We went to the zoo on Thursday and ever since then she is hacking and coughing. Since I just went to bed (I really gotta stop that) Dave got up and helped J so that we could all get some sleep. Coop and TJ both woke up at about 3:30 and needed to pee, wanted a drink, cried for a bink and blanky, etc. I think everyone finally fell asleep after 4 AM and got up at 7 to get to church early. Whew. It's not hard to predict that after church and Mom's meetings we came home and everyone crashed in bed for 3+ hours. Ahhhh the beauty of Sunday afternoon naps. I think that's the only reason I'm functioning right now......after midnight.................again.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
$$$$ in the mail!
I got a nice surprise in the mail the other day. A paycheck for a layout in this issue of Memory Makers Magazine. I've had work published before but only got comp issues or product as payment. It was nice to get some extra $$ in the mail.
I should start submitting work to mags again.
where the heck did my phone go??
I lost my cell phone 2 weeks ago. I never misplace my phone. I thought for sure it got stowed away somewhere in the house by Coop or it dropped in the car or something. I was so busy at home the last 2 weeks that I didn't really miss it- until a few days ago. I was out running errands and missed having a phone at my fingertips.
It has also confirmed that I am a photo freak. It didn't dawn on me at first that I had a camera phone and there were some pics on it that I didn't want to lose. All the sudden I really wanted to find my phone! Phooey. I still haven't let go of my phone. We don't have the extra $$ to buy a new one either. The real kicker is my phone worked well. Dave has the same phone and his sucks. It should have been his phone that got lost.
a look back
I had a great birthday last weekend. We planned to go to Monterey on Sat. with both sides of the fam. Everyone flaked out on us so we almost stayed home. I'm so glad we didn't! We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, ate delicious seafood at Jack's Bar & Grill on Cannery Row, and made it to the beach to see a beautiful sunset. My parents came too and stayed overnight for a belated anniversary trip. It was nice to spend time together out of Fremont. Thanks Mom and Dad for your help with the chillies and for the scrumptious dinner!
Little J was SO FUNNY when the server brought out the crab dinner that Mom and I were going to share. She took one look at the plate and went into fits. "Is that a REAL crab? You're going to EAT that? EWWWWWWW. That's so DISGUSTING!" She went on and on. Fast forward to 10 minutes later when she got brave enough to try some and J wouldn't stop eating crab. "MMMMMMMM this is delicious. I love crab. Can I have some more?" were the next words coming out of her mouth. Between the 3 of us we polished off a half a crab in no time. We can't wait for our annual family crab feed in November.
The Aquarium was fun- a little crazy with 3 small chillies but we managed with some extra help from Grampy and Grammy. I totally splurged and used some b-day money to buy a membership for the year. We will be visiting the Aquarium (and seafood restaurants a lot) and I'm excited about that!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
new level of multi-tasking.....
It was 8:28 AM and J's school bell rings at 8:30. The boys and I were going to walk the lake after we dropped J off so I was planning on being gone for awhile. As I passed the laundry room I remembered I had 2 loads in the dryers. I ran back for the laundry basket and loaded kids and laundry in the car.
Fast forward to a red light on Auto Mall. We're waiting at the light, listening to some tunes, and before I realize it, I'm folding laundry in the overflowing basket sitting next to me on the passenger side. I really need to slow down sometimes.
Check out my sweet chillies and the huge pile of laundry looming over them.
The best part of folding laundry? Chillin' with my little guys and watching a Disney flick. They are totally zoned out in this pic munchin' popcorn while I fold clothes.
I usually don't mind doing laundry. I mind a lot more lately. It seems to have multiplied 2 times in the last few months. It's probably due to the fact that I have 2 growing, messy boys and it's starting to rain and get muddy. *sigh* I forgot about soccer on Saturdays too. hope it doesn't rain Friday/Saturday morning.
Fast forward to a red light on Auto Mall. We're waiting at the light, listening to some tunes, and before I realize it, I'm folding laundry in the overflowing basket sitting next to me on the passenger side. I really need to slow down sometimes.
Check out my sweet chillies and the huge pile of laundry looming over them.
The best part of folding laundry? Chillin' with my little guys and watching a Disney flick. They are totally zoned out in this pic munchin' popcorn while I fold clothes.
I usually don't mind doing laundry. I mind a lot more lately. It seems to have multiplied 2 times in the last few months. It's probably due to the fact that I have 2 growing, messy boys and it's starting to rain and get muddy. *sigh* I forgot about soccer on Saturdays too. hope it doesn't rain Friday/Saturday morning.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
happy birthday to me & Breven & Tori & Jen
The first week in October has become birthday central as our family grows. My birthday was Sunday. yeah. one year closer to 30. ug. My nephew Breven's b-day was Monday.
Hapy Birthday to Breven!
And my sis-in-law Tori's b-day was yesterday.
Happy Birthday Tori! The big 18! Yikes.
AND my friend Jen's b-day is this Friday.
Here's all of the girls (Tori, Jen, Gayle and me) at our quadruple b-day party at Gram's last Sunday. The night was all about the food- requested by the birthday girls! We had as much dessert as dinner and it was delicious! Dinner was salmon, roasted beef, fresh-cooked veggies, Aunt Lita's awesome salad with Balsamic vinegar dressing and feta cheese, baked potatoes, & french bread. Brownies, strawberry angel food cake, carrot cake and Death by Chocolate rounded out the birthday goodies. Such a fun night.
Hapy Birthday to Breven!
And my sis-in-law Tori's b-day was yesterday.
Happy Birthday Tori! The big 18! Yikes.
AND my friend Jen's b-day is this Friday.
Here's all of the girls (Tori, Jen, Gayle and me) at our quadruple b-day party at Gram's last Sunday. The night was all about the food- requested by the birthday girls! We had as much dessert as dinner and it was delicious! Dinner was salmon, roasted beef, fresh-cooked veggies, Aunt Lita's awesome salad with Balsamic vinegar dressing and feta cheese, baked potatoes, & french bread. Brownies, strawberry angel food cake, carrot cake and Death by Chocolate rounded out the birthday goodies. Such a fun night.
Monday, October 02, 2006
playing catch-up!
Where did the last week go? It got sucked into a black hole and I don't remember much.
Happy Birthday Gayle!!
We went to a rockin' surprise birthday party for our dear friend Gayle two Saturdays ago. Joey had been planning the entire Cajun-style party for MONTHS and Gayle never found out- which is so cool! We ate BBQ'd alligator, listened to a groovy Zydeco band, and enjoyed the balloon artists, charicature artists and face painters that Joey had brought in. Everyone had an awesome time! TJ went through probably 10 balloon swords, Coop ran everyone down pushing his stroller in the courtyard and J had the best time playing with all her church friends as a beautiful tabby cat (courtesy of the talented face painting artist). We all took a turn in the face painting chair. It was a fabulous family affair!
The rest of last week is a blur. The only thing that sticks out is how much I hate my job right now. In the middle of an annoying apartment turnover- for so many reasons. Tired of working for the other guy. Tired of my "boss." Almost burnt out. I just have to hunker down and tough it out for a little while longer.
Dave was home all last week for his LAST BREAK between quarters. It was nice to have him here to take J to school and help out during the day. The chillies were in heaven having Dad home to wrestle, play and snooze next to.
Happy Birthday Gayle!!
We went to a rockin' surprise birthday party for our dear friend Gayle two Saturdays ago. Joey had been planning the entire Cajun-style party for MONTHS and Gayle never found out- which is so cool! We ate BBQ'd alligator, listened to a groovy Zydeco band, and enjoyed the balloon artists, charicature artists and face painters that Joey had brought in. Everyone had an awesome time! TJ went through probably 10 balloon swords, Coop ran everyone down pushing his stroller in the courtyard and J had the best time playing with all her church friends as a beautiful tabby cat (courtesy of the talented face painting artist). We all took a turn in the face painting chair. It was a fabulous family affair!
The rest of last week is a blur. The only thing that sticks out is how much I hate my job right now. In the middle of an annoying apartment turnover- for so many reasons. Tired of working for the other guy. Tired of my "boss." Almost burnt out. I just have to hunker down and tough it out for a little while longer.
Dave was home all last week for his LAST BREAK between quarters. It was nice to have him here to take J to school and help out during the day. The chillies were in heaven having Dad home to wrestle, play and snooze next to.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Phase II is so close
I can't believe it's been 3 years this December since we took this apartment management job. Dave laughed when I informed him that phase II was so close. What is phase II you ask? Well, phase II consists of Dave finding a pratice and making money instead of borrowing it so we can save up for our own house. Dave graduates from school in December. I still can't believe this long road of chiropractic school is almost over for Dave and our family. So excited for him to get on with his career.
Our 5 year plan is still on schedule. I don't want to live in this 2 bedroom apartment anymore and five years is the MAX. It is darn nice to not have a rent payment every month, but I'm already feeling burned out. Some people are not meant to be homeowners and I don't want to babysit them any longer than necessary. I'm excited for phase II!!
Our 5 year plan is still on schedule. I don't want to live in this 2 bedroom apartment anymore and five years is the MAX. It is darn nice to not have a rent payment every month, but I'm already feeling burned out. Some people are not meant to be homeowners and I don't want to babysit them any longer than necessary. I'm excited for phase II!!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
I hereby vow........
..to turn the TV off and turn the music ON! I realized yesterday that since the beginning of school for J I have let TJ watch way too much TV. He is such a visual guy that he would sit in front of the TV almost all day if I let him. It became a convenient babysitter since I have been busy with apartment work this week. So instead of turning the TV on I will reach for a good CD. We get so much more work and playing done with some rockin' tunes in the background. This is what I've been listening to the past 2 days and the album hubby has been waiting for. He even pre-ordered it from Amazon.
Ode to John Mayer
Your lyrics are so clever,
Pleasant melodies stick in my mind.
Guitarist talent shines through every endeavor,
Each album a golden find.
(Dude, you lost some major cool points dating Jessica Simpson. What's up with that?)
I have been so sensitive lately to the thought of losing my parents. "Stop this Train" by John Mayer totally hit a nerve with me.
"Don't know how else to say it
I don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own
Stop this train
I want to get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly, won't someone stop this train?"
The rest of the song just reiterates that thought. I almost started crying. I must be nearing 30 or something.......
Ode to John Mayer
Your lyrics are so clever,
Pleasant melodies stick in my mind.
Guitarist talent shines through every endeavor,
Each album a golden find.
(Dude, you lost some major cool points dating Jessica Simpson. What's up with that?)
I have been so sensitive lately to the thought of losing my parents. "Stop this Train" by John Mayer totally hit a nerve with me.
"Don't know how else to say it
I don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own
Stop this train
I want to get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly, won't someone stop this train?"
The rest of the song just reiterates that thought. I almost started crying. I must be nearing 30 or something.......
Monday, September 11, 2006
patriotic day
*It was wear red, white and blue day at J's school.
*I heard a replay of 9/11 reports from the day the towers went down while driving to the Lake
*Dan dropped by in his uniform after a training session for the Air Force and hung out for a couple hours with me and the kids
It was a good day to reflect on my blessings living in the good 'ol USofA. I'm so thankful for the family I was born into in this country and the family hubby and I have together. We have a blessed life and so many freedoms to choose here. I think about that often. I admire my brother Dan and all the men/women serving in the armed forces. Thank you for your dedication to this country!
*I heard a replay of 9/11 reports from the day the towers went down while driving to the Lake
*Dan dropped by in his uniform after a training session for the Air Force and hung out for a couple hours with me and the kids
It was a good day to reflect on my blessings living in the good 'ol USofA. I'm so thankful for the family I was born into in this country and the family hubby and I have together. We have a blessed life and so many freedoms to choose here. I think about that often. I admire my brother Dan and all the men/women serving in the armed forces. Thank you for your dedication to this country!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Happy B-day Dan!
My little brother is growing up- he's married now (going on 2 whole months) and just turned 25+. That means I'm 1 year away from 30 in a few weeks. Not sure how I feel about that. The last 10 years have kinda blurred together as far as birthdays go.
Newlyweds. Aren't they cute? It's still weird to see a wedding ring on Dan's finger. We had Korean food for dinner and Lauren made a delicious marble birthday cake. The kids loved sitting next to Dan and Lauren and watching the birthday festivities. Great night!
Newlyweds. Aren't they cute? It's still weird to see a wedding ring on Dan's finger. We had Korean food for dinner and Lauren made a delicious marble birthday cake. The kids loved sitting next to Dan and Lauren and watching the birthday festivities. Great night!
kids = shop vac!
I haven't been here in awhile.............need to update.
So J puked ALL OVER the kids room last Thursday night. Dave wakes me up with, "Hey babe, J puked last night. I gotta go." Perfect. He got to help later though. My back and shoulders hurt so bad after being hunched over the floor half the day that he gave me some much needed adjustments and muscle work.
J has thrown-up more this summer than should be allowable for any kid. It's not hard to imagine the magnitude of grossness that is the stomach contents of a 6 year-old all over the floor. The worst part is she sleeps on the top bunk. It not only dropped but splashed everywhere. So gross. As I was cleaning the entire carpet I thought back to one piece of advise my big brother gave us right after J was born. "Buy a Shopvac!" he said. You WILL use it. At the time I thought it was kinda crazy. Not anymore. I decided to tell all my friends to buy a shopvac when they have kids. I couldn't have cleaned up without it.
So J puked ALL OVER the kids room last Thursday night. Dave wakes me up with, "Hey babe, J puked last night. I gotta go." Perfect. He got to help later though. My back and shoulders hurt so bad after being hunched over the floor half the day that he gave me some much needed adjustments and muscle work.
J has thrown-up more this summer than should be allowable for any kid. It's not hard to imagine the magnitude of grossness that is the stomach contents of a 6 year-old all over the floor. The worst part is she sleeps on the top bunk. It not only dropped but splashed everywhere. So gross. As I was cleaning the entire carpet I thought back to one piece of advise my big brother gave us right after J was born. "Buy a Shopvac!" he said. You WILL use it. At the time I thought it was kinda crazy. Not anymore. I decided to tell all my friends to buy a shopvac when they have kids. I couldn't have cleaned up without it.
another hurtle cleared....
J's first FULL day of school was today. I pretty much wasted several hours piddling around the house and with the boys just waiting for time to go by. I'm just not used to having my girl gone so long during the day. I hope she gets as much as possible out of school cause it sure does suck up a ton of time. She's having a grand old time though. That makes it easier.
TJ, Coop and I hung out on my bed and read stories, had tickle wars and just snuggled. It was great spending time with the boys all morning.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
bittersweet week
It's been a roller-coaster week. J turned 6 on Monday and started 1st grade yesterday.
I am:
*missing J's spunk, giggles and help with the boys during the day already
*looking forward to a little more me time to scrap, read, and just veg during naptime
*annoyed that our morning schedule has changed- no more early morning walks around the lake with Grammy
*happy to see J growing up and developing a sweet (very spunky) and smart personality. She's a hoot to be with. The last six years have really flown by.
*confident that J will do well in school but bothered by the fact that school is so long, hourly and yearly. I love being with my kids. I love early release Wednesdays! School should be from 8:30 to 1:15 every day! It should teach my kids how to read and structure sentences, math, and pure science/history and leave the "diversity training," "I Have Two Mommies" literature and liberal sex-ed out of it. It would take up much less time that way. Then teachers could work on stuff that they usually take home for that extra hour or two at school. That's my idea of public school. *whew* that soap box slid right under me ;) *jumping off now*
So on a lighter note- I learned the hard way yesterday that you don't take a dietary supplement with natural sources of caffeine after 12 PM. I was so sluggish and tired all day that I popped a serving of Dave's BioLean supplements at about 3 PM. I was awake until almost 3 AM! COULD NOT sleep if I tried. I now know why the directions say to take them in the morning. I did get a lot of Photoshop time in though. Had fun playing around and made my first photo collage.
It's definately rough but I learned a lot putting it together.
J had a spoiled weekend with a b-day party Sunday evening at Grams and another party on her b-day on Monday. We had the whole family/friends plus J's 2 friends over for dinner at our place Monday night. It was fun filling our apartment with people. We had 21 people in our little 2 bd. apartment and we all fit pretty well. Then it was off to Golfland for some mini-golf craziness. With 4 kids to look after, Dave and I didn't get a REAL game in. It turned out to be watch the kids hit their balls willy-nilly until they guided them in the holes. Pretty funny to watch. The seven holes we did play Dave beat me by 1 stroke. Grrr. We will do family night there again soon for a re-match.
J's first day of school went great. Dave played hooky from his first class to come with us to drop J off. Her favorite part of the day was coloring a birthday cake ("even thought I didn't finish" she said) and playing at recess. She's right on track- what kid doesn't like recess?
Now everyone needs to get used to the new routine and we'll be set. As I type this at 10 AM both TJ and Coop are sleeping. So strange since it's early for Coop's nap and TJ NEVER naps. I'm lovin' the quiet time to do me things right now.
I am:
*missing J's spunk, giggles and help with the boys during the day already
*looking forward to a little more me time to scrap, read, and just veg during naptime
*annoyed that our morning schedule has changed- no more early morning walks around the lake with Grammy
*happy to see J growing up and developing a sweet (very spunky) and smart personality. She's a hoot to be with. The last six years have really flown by.
*confident that J will do well in school but bothered by the fact that school is so long, hourly and yearly. I love being with my kids. I love early release Wednesdays! School should be from 8:30 to 1:15 every day! It should teach my kids how to read and structure sentences, math, and pure science/history and leave the "diversity training," "I Have Two Mommies" literature and liberal sex-ed out of it. It would take up much less time that way. Then teachers could work on stuff that they usually take home for that extra hour or two at school. That's my idea of public school. *whew* that soap box slid right under me ;) *jumping off now*
So on a lighter note- I learned the hard way yesterday that you don't take a dietary supplement with natural sources of caffeine after 12 PM. I was so sluggish and tired all day that I popped a serving of Dave's BioLean supplements at about 3 PM. I was awake until almost 3 AM! COULD NOT sleep if I tried. I now know why the directions say to take them in the morning. I did get a lot of Photoshop time in though. Had fun playing around and made my first photo collage.
It's definately rough but I learned a lot putting it together.
J had a spoiled weekend with a b-day party Sunday evening at Grams and another party on her b-day on Monday. We had the whole family/friends plus J's 2 friends over for dinner at our place Monday night. It was fun filling our apartment with people. We had 21 people in our little 2 bd. apartment and we all fit pretty well. Then it was off to Golfland for some mini-golf craziness. With 4 kids to look after, Dave and I didn't get a REAL game in. It turned out to be watch the kids hit their balls willy-nilly until they guided them in the holes. Pretty funny to watch. The seven holes we did play Dave beat me by 1 stroke. Grrr. We will do family night there again soon for a re-match.
J's first day of school went great. Dave played hooky from his first class to come with us to drop J off. Her favorite part of the day was coloring a birthday cake ("even thought I didn't finish" she said) and playing at recess. She's right on track- what kid doesn't like recess?
Now everyone needs to get used to the new routine and we'll be set. As I type this at 10 AM both TJ and Coop are sleeping. So strange since it's early for Coop's nap and TJ NEVER naps. I'm lovin' the quiet time to do me things right now.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
i can make an impact
So I was browsing J's elementary school website when I found this. The first 2 weeks of Kindergarten last year our J was lost twice because there was chaos at arrival and dismissal time around the open gates. What good is a gated Kindergarten wing when there is no enforced procedure? Any scary Joe off the street could have walked in there and led a kid away and the teacher standing near the gate (which happened to be J's teacher!) would look the other way. Needless to say there was no procedure or direction given to parents to drop off and pick up their children safely. Heck, another kid was lost the same day as J.
I had one futile conversation with the principal and wrote a firm letter to said principal and the superintendant of schools. See Dad, I did learn something from you. Namely, you can accomplish a lot with a strong letter! :) Too little, too late for us but it feels good to see that the school is formally doing something about the problem this year.
I had one futile conversation with the principal and wrote a firm letter to said principal and the superintendant of schools. See Dad, I did learn something from you. Namely, you can accomplish a lot with a strong letter! :) Too little, too late for us but it feels good to see that the school is formally doing something about the problem this year.
back in the shoes again
So Mom and I have been walking Lake Elizabeth religiously since..... oh, at least April. We both had dresses to get into for Dan's wedding. It was time for the summer slimdown. Dragging the chillies out every MWF at 7 AM was necessary to shed some weight and feel better. Some days I had to talk the offspring into it- sometimes not.
Well, the wedding is over. and J got sick the week after that (couldn't in good conscious drag her to the lake that way). then Mom was gone the next week. then I was camping the week after that. then Mom was gone to Girl's Camp the next week. then J goes and sabotages this week by messing up her lip (see post below). And all this translates into the fact that I haven't raised my heartbeat for longer than 10 minutes in weeks. I feel soft and flabby again. I learned it's a lot harder for me to get 3 chillies out the door by 7:30 am if there is no one at the lake to meet us. Heck, it's impossible because I didn't do it once while Mom was gone.
So in exactly five hours I'm going to lace up the running shoes and try again. J feels well enough to ride the scooter again and my friend Jen is coming with us. I will pick up where I left off and finally shed some weight FOR GOOD.
With that I am going to bed. Five hours sleep is really not enough.
Well, the wedding is over. and J got sick the week after that (couldn't in good conscious drag her to the lake that way). then Mom was gone the next week. then I was camping the week after that. then Mom was gone to Girl's Camp the next week. then J goes and sabotages this week by messing up her lip (see post below). And all this translates into the fact that I haven't raised my heartbeat for longer than 10 minutes in weeks. I feel soft and flabby again. I learned it's a lot harder for me to get 3 chillies out the door by 7:30 am if there is no one at the lake to meet us. Heck, it's impossible because I didn't do it once while Mom was gone.
So in exactly five hours I'm going to lace up the running shoes and try again. J feels well enough to ride the scooter again and my friend Jen is coming with us. I will pick up where I left off and finally shed some weight FOR GOOD.
With that I am going to bed. Five hours sleep is really not enough.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
our brave girl
****Warning- picture below might scare babies and young children!;)*****
Sweet Jessie cut her face open yesterday and we spent 4 hours in the ER getting it stitched up. The chillies and I were almost ready to walk Lake Elizabeth with Gramma Evie at 8:30 AM. Jessie and TJ had helmets on and scooters ready. Logan was exploring on the grass and riding J's scooter with her. I was just packing up the diaper bag in the car when Jessie let out a panicked cry that I instantly knew meant trouble. I turned around to see her face gushing blood from a huge gash right above her mouth. She had lowered her handle bars to let Logan ride her scooter and then tried to ride it with the bars low. She lost her balance and hit the edge of the bar on her way to the ground. After a minute putting pressure on her cut with a napkin it was obvious J needed stitches. I told J we had to go to the hospital to get the cut stitched up. She looked at me and said, "Does that mean we can't go around the Lake?" :( Gramma Evie pulled up and we were off to the ER. J and I stayed while Grammy took the boys to her house.
We sat in the waiting room for 45 minutes to get a bed. Then we waited for the ER Doc. Then we waited for the plastic surgeon who was in surgery. I read stories to J and she colored to pass the time. Finally, the plastic surgeon came in and took a look at J's cut. He explained what he was going to do and went off to get supplies. I tried to explain further to J what was going to happen; there would be a sharp pinch when the Dr. put sleepy juice in the cut and then she wouldn't feel anything while he stitched her up. As long as J knows what is coming she is a trooper in dealing with any pain or discomfort. Unfortunately, both Dr. and I negelected to mention that he would have to shoot her up more than once. Watching J struggle and cry under nurse Karen and my hands was almost heartbreaking. I whispered to her to "be still" and it would be over faster and she did. She layed there and took the last couple shots like a trooper. Towards the end of the procedure J almost fell asleep (although she did ask several times if he was done yet.)
It was pretty amazing to watch Dr. stitch her up. I'm so glad we waited all that time for a plastic surgeon because his work was so clean that J should have little scarring after it fades. Twenty stitches later and we were off to ice her quickly swelling face and chill out the rest of the day. Good thing we had no plans.
J chillin' on the couch at Grammy Evie's with Jamba Juice for lunch. We spent Family Night eating dinner and watching Nanny McPhee (super cute movie) since J didn't feel well.
Sweet Jessie cut her face open yesterday and we spent 4 hours in the ER getting it stitched up. The chillies and I were almost ready to walk Lake Elizabeth with Gramma Evie at 8:30 AM. Jessie and TJ had helmets on and scooters ready. Logan was exploring on the grass and riding J's scooter with her. I was just packing up the diaper bag in the car when Jessie let out a panicked cry that I instantly knew meant trouble. I turned around to see her face gushing blood from a huge gash right above her mouth. She had lowered her handle bars to let Logan ride her scooter and then tried to ride it with the bars low. She lost her balance and hit the edge of the bar on her way to the ground. After a minute putting pressure on her cut with a napkin it was obvious J needed stitches. I told J we had to go to the hospital to get the cut stitched up. She looked at me and said, "Does that mean we can't go around the Lake?" :( Gramma Evie pulled up and we were off to the ER. J and I stayed while Grammy took the boys to her house.
We sat in the waiting room for 45 minutes to get a bed. Then we waited for the ER Doc. Then we waited for the plastic surgeon who was in surgery. I read stories to J and she colored to pass the time. Finally, the plastic surgeon came in and took a look at J's cut. He explained what he was going to do and went off to get supplies. I tried to explain further to J what was going to happen; there would be a sharp pinch when the Dr. put sleepy juice in the cut and then she wouldn't feel anything while he stitched her up. As long as J knows what is coming she is a trooper in dealing with any pain or discomfort. Unfortunately, both Dr. and I negelected to mention that he would have to shoot her up more than once. Watching J struggle and cry under nurse Karen and my hands was almost heartbreaking. I whispered to her to "be still" and it would be over faster and she did. She layed there and took the last couple shots like a trooper. Towards the end of the procedure J almost fell asleep (although she did ask several times if he was done yet.)
It was pretty amazing to watch Dr. stitch her up. I'm so glad we waited all that time for a plastic surgeon because his work was so clean that J should have little scarring after it fades. Twenty stitches later and we were off to ice her quickly swelling face and chill out the rest of the day. Good thing we had no plans.
J chillin' on the couch at Grammy Evie's with Jamba Juice for lunch. We spent Family Night eating dinner and watching Nanny McPhee (super cute movie) since J didn't feel well.
Friday, August 18, 2006
5 going on 15!
Hubby and I are unwinding in the living room while Jess is taking a shower. We can hear her playing, laughing and singing a variety of songs from Wonder Pets to her own creations. I figured she was doing the usual stacking cups of water and lathering up. Daddy goes in to check on her and I hear him say, "blah, blah, blah, with the RAZOR?"
Great. The girl has got a hold of the razor? She's only five. I can understand her desire though. The sweet thing probably has more hair on her body than her 16-month-old brother has on his entire head. Jess was sitting in the tub merrily shaving all the hair off her arms and legs. I just hope it doesn't grow back much darker.
After a quick talk about how we don't shave our legs until about 12 years old, Jess finished her bedtime routine. "Come on silky smooth," Daddy says. "It's time for bed."
Laser hair removal is definately in Ms. Jess' future. Hopefully, it will be a lot cheaper then.
Great. The girl has got a hold of the razor? She's only five. I can understand her desire though. The sweet thing probably has more hair on her body than her 16-month-old brother has on his entire head. Jess was sitting in the tub merrily shaving all the hair off her arms and legs. I just hope it doesn't grow back much darker.
After a quick talk about how we don't shave our legs until about 12 years old, Jess finished her bedtime routine. "Come on silky smooth," Daddy says. "It's time for bed."
Laser hair removal is definately in Ms. Jess' future. Hopefully, it will be a lot cheaper then.
yesterday was a....
good day. So good that I didn't take time to write about it until now. Just enjoyed my chillies, had a nap, and made a nice meal for company. It went something like this:
1. woke up with the kids about 7 AM in time to say goodbye to Daddy
2. chill out on the couch with all 3 chillies for a couple cartoons
3. got dressed and ate cold cereal for breakfast
4. TJ and Jess put on new soccer shoes/shin guards and socks to go kick around their new soccer balls- they're both excited to start soccer next month.
Silly Coop found a puddle after the sprinklers were on and decided to wash his hair. Bend over, dip hair, stand up and drink water dripping off nose. Gross.
5. read with Jess, played swords, ball, soccer and rode scooters/bikes outside until 11:30 AM
6. fixed leftovers for lunch
7. avoided all housework, phonecalls and apartment business
8. Coop and Jess take naps, TJ doesn't nap but played quietly in his room so I layed down for an hour snooze.
9. woke up, went to the grocery store to get food for dinner with the Elders
10. TJ passed out on the couch while I fixed hawaiin haystacks & corn on the cob for dinner- just what elder morris wanted
11. Dad gets home from clinic/school just in time to eat
12. bathe Jess and Coop after dinner and chill out with daddy before bed.
13. enjoy the quiet, read, watch tv with hubby
The moral of this story? The less cleaning and work I do, the better the day. Just hung out and enjoyed my family.
1. woke up with the kids about 7 AM in time to say goodbye to Daddy
2. chill out on the couch with all 3 chillies for a couple cartoons
3. got dressed and ate cold cereal for breakfast
4. TJ and Jess put on new soccer shoes/shin guards and socks to go kick around their new soccer balls- they're both excited to start soccer next month.
Silly Coop found a puddle after the sprinklers were on and decided to wash his hair. Bend over, dip hair, stand up and drink water dripping off nose. Gross.
5. read with Jess, played swords, ball, soccer and rode scooters/bikes outside until 11:30 AM
6. fixed leftovers for lunch
7. avoided all housework, phonecalls and apartment business
8. Coop and Jess take naps, TJ doesn't nap but played quietly in his room so I layed down for an hour snooze.
9. woke up, went to the grocery store to get food for dinner with the Elders
10. TJ passed out on the couch while I fixed hawaiin haystacks & corn on the cob for dinner- just what elder morris wanted
11. Dad gets home from clinic/school just in time to eat
12. bathe Jess and Coop after dinner and chill out with daddy before bed.
13. enjoy the quiet, read, watch tv with hubby
The moral of this story? The less cleaning and work I do, the better the day. Just hung out and enjoyed my family.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
break from vacation..........
We got back from camping for a week in Pinecrest last Saturday afternoon. Four days later I'm still catching up on laundry, housecleaning, paperwork and the like. So I told myself I would never go camping again without hubby after last years tiring, frustrating week in the woods. I stayed with family who helped a lot, but I was still responsible for feeding, bathing, and disciplining 3 kids while trying to keep up with the dirt. Yuck.
This year was going to be different. Hubby spent 2 days with us and we stayed in a cabin instead of roughing it in a tent. We spent most the days at the campsite in Pinecrest then went home for wonderful hot showers, a kitchen and washer/dryer- a Mom's best friend when in the mountains with chillies. Thankfully, this year was a more pleasant experience and I wasn't stressed out every minute. Highlights included fishing on Uncle Mark's new boat (J), playing in Pinecrest Lake, roasting marshmallows (T) and making smores (Mom) at the campfire, and that clean fresh pine smell in the air (Dad). I almost forgot the raging Nerf dart gun fights we had in the cabin. Dad found a bunch of guns cheap at Walmart in Sonora and outfitted the entire family for a huge showdown. It was crazy fun!
Jess had a rough first 3 days up there. She threw-up twice before we left so she was pretty tired and dehydrated already when we got up to Twain Harte where the cabin was. Three more days of nauseu, throwing up and lethargy and we figured out that J probably had altitude sickness. After numerous cups of ice chips and a strict BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) she was as good as new 12 hours later. J felt better just in time to go fishing on Uncle Mark's boat and show everybody up by cathcing 4 fish in about an hour. Grandpa B and Sam caught one. Mom and Toby caught zippo.
Toby talked about catching a fish all week. The first time he went with Mom and the gang on Mark's boat he caught nothing. Two nights later Grandpa B and Mark took him again. Toby finally caught a fish that night. After reeling it in and watching it flip around in the net he got a little scared. The first words out of his mouth were, "Put it back!" The rest of Toby's camping vacation was shooting water guns wherever he wanted (except people), peeing in the bushes and trees, stick swords, and flirting with Aunt Tori's friends and the 10 year-old girls in the next campsite. He can attract quite a group of ladies already. I don't want to see him at 16.
Little Coop was in heaven with dirt, rocks and water bottles all around. He acquired a new hobby while camping- turning water bottle lids off and on and dumping half the bottle down his shirt in an attempt to get a drink. Any water in his sight was not safe from his dirty, sneaky hands. He loves working the cap and probably felt nice and cool with a wet shirt most the day.
I don't think Great-Grandma B will go back to camping in a tent trailer in the dirt. We converted her to staying in a cabin and visiting the dirt and lake during the day.
So "camping" was a success. It's nice to be home though.
Beautiful Strawberry River
Chillies loved seeing the huge windmills in the Livermore hills.
This year was going to be different. Hubby spent 2 days with us and we stayed in a cabin instead of roughing it in a tent. We spent most the days at the campsite in Pinecrest then went home for wonderful hot showers, a kitchen and washer/dryer- a Mom's best friend when in the mountains with chillies. Thankfully, this year was a more pleasant experience and I wasn't stressed out every minute. Highlights included fishing on Uncle Mark's new boat (J), playing in Pinecrest Lake, roasting marshmallows (T) and making smores (Mom) at the campfire, and that clean fresh pine smell in the air (Dad). I almost forgot the raging Nerf dart gun fights we had in the cabin. Dad found a bunch of guns cheap at Walmart in Sonora and outfitted the entire family for a huge showdown. It was crazy fun!
Jess had a rough first 3 days up there. She threw-up twice before we left so she was pretty tired and dehydrated already when we got up to Twain Harte where the cabin was. Three more days of nauseu, throwing up and lethargy and we figured out that J probably had altitude sickness. After numerous cups of ice chips and a strict BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) she was as good as new 12 hours later. J felt better just in time to go fishing on Uncle Mark's boat and show everybody up by cathcing 4 fish in about an hour. Grandpa B and Sam caught one. Mom and Toby caught zippo.
Toby talked about catching a fish all week. The first time he went with Mom and the gang on Mark's boat he caught nothing. Two nights later Grandpa B and Mark took him again. Toby finally caught a fish that night. After reeling it in and watching it flip around in the net he got a little scared. The first words out of his mouth were, "Put it back!" The rest of Toby's camping vacation was shooting water guns wherever he wanted (except people), peeing in the bushes and trees, stick swords, and flirting with Aunt Tori's friends and the 10 year-old girls in the next campsite. He can attract quite a group of ladies already. I don't want to see him at 16.
Little Coop was in heaven with dirt, rocks and water bottles all around. He acquired a new hobby while camping- turning water bottle lids off and on and dumping half the bottle down his shirt in an attempt to get a drink. Any water in his sight was not safe from his dirty, sneaky hands. He loves working the cap and probably felt nice and cool with a wet shirt most the day.
I don't think Great-Grandma B will go back to camping in a tent trailer in the dirt. We converted her to staying in a cabin and visiting the dirt and lake during the day.
So "camping" was a success. It's nice to be home though.
Beautiful Strawberry River
Chillies loved seeing the huge windmills in the Livermore hills.
Friday, August 04, 2006
the unholy trinity................
of bodily fluids that is. Poop, puke and pee. I dread cleaning them up in that order. It's no surprise that I wanted to crawl back in bed by 8 AM this morning after cleaning up ALL 3!
J has been sick since Wednesday when she puked on the living room rug. Nothing since then until I went to check on her this morning. She looks up at me and says, "Mom, I puked last night but was too tired to get out of bed." *sigh* First thought- great she's been rolling around in wet puke all night. Thankfully, she quickly leaned over her top bunk and puked on TJ's clothes from the day before that he forgot to put in the can(hamper). Great aim J! Now I only had some splatter on the carpet and laundry to do instead of shampoo the entire area again.
In the middle of Pukefest TJ wakes up and announces he peed all over his bed. *grrr* By itself that is easy to take care of but I'm still worrying about J and the puke.
And the final straw? Coop wanders in the kids room with the cutest look on his face and poop streaming down his leg. *Aaahhhh!* Suddenly, I am wishing hubby would magically walk in the front door complete with superhero cape to save my day. No luck. He's busy saving the world one patient at a time at school/clinic.
So the plan of attack became-
1. clean the kids up and turn on a cartoon for them to watch
2. clean up all the mess as quickly as possible and throw everything in the laundry with an extra kick of bleach
3. Bleach the kids room, bathroom and well, basically the whole house and forget about the entire morning.
As a Mom I have to expect days like this. I'd like to think I am learning to handle the chaos more calmly and with less stress. Seriously, I'm ready for a nap at noon.
J has been sick since Wednesday when she puked on the living room rug. Nothing since then until I went to check on her this morning. She looks up at me and says, "Mom, I puked last night but was too tired to get out of bed." *sigh* First thought- great she's been rolling around in wet puke all night. Thankfully, she quickly leaned over her top bunk and puked on TJ's clothes from the day before that he forgot to put in the can(hamper). Great aim J! Now I only had some splatter on the carpet and laundry to do instead of shampoo the entire area again.
In the middle of Pukefest TJ wakes up and announces he peed all over his bed. *grrr* By itself that is easy to take care of but I'm still worrying about J and the puke.
And the final straw? Coop wanders in the kids room with the cutest look on his face and poop streaming down his leg. *Aaahhhh!* Suddenly, I am wishing hubby would magically walk in the front door complete with superhero cape to save my day. No luck. He's busy saving the world one patient at a time at school/clinic.
So the plan of attack became-
1. clean the kids up and turn on a cartoon for them to watch
2. clean up all the mess as quickly as possible and throw everything in the laundry with an extra kick of bleach
3. Bleach the kids room, bathroom and well, basically the whole house and forget about the entire morning.
As a Mom I have to expect days like this. I'd like to think I am learning to handle the chaos more calmly and with less stress. Seriously, I'm ready for a nap at noon.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Six flags
On a cooler note, we went to Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo with Ken & Cassie's family and Grandpa and Grandma on Monday. It was hot! We had lots of water rides and fun to keep us cool. It was the highlight of the weekend- next to Dan's wedding, of course. The kids loved all the water rides and play areas. The big kids LOVED the huge roller coasters, especially Medusa. I haven't been on a coaster in at least 10 years. Not because I don't like them. Dave and I went twice in a row because there was no line, and we might have gone a few more times if the fam wasn't waiting for us. Good times.
We saw Shouka the whale with her trainers and a fun dolphin show. Shouka was hammered from the heat too. Instead of a full show they did a 10 minute training session. The trainer would ask Shouka to wave or splash the audience and she just floated on the surface as if to say, "Are you kidding me with this? It's too freaking hot to move!" Come to think of it, Grandpa Bob was heard saying the same thing.
There's so much to do for all that we had a great day! We are definately buying season passes next summer!
LOL! As I am typing this Jessie is saying a prayer over the food in the kitchen. All I hear is "thank thee for this food and thank thee that I could ride the Cobra at Marine World..........." Yeah, it was a memorable day.
We saw Shouka the whale with her trainers and a fun dolphin show. Shouka was hammered from the heat too. Instead of a full show they did a 10 minute training session. The trainer would ask Shouka to wave or splash the audience and she just floated on the surface as if to say, "Are you kidding me with this? It's too freaking hot to move!" Come to think of it, Grandpa Bob was heard saying the same thing.
There's so much to do for all that we had a great day! We are definately buying season passes next summer!
LOL! As I am typing this Jessie is saying a prayer over the food in the kitchen. All I hear is "thank thee for this food and thank thee that I could ride the Cobra at Marine World..........." Yeah, it was a memorable day.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Melted wedding weekend
Our day of rest this week was Tuesday. Chillies and I were layin' low in this incredible heat and doing laundry. We just had an action-packed weekend with family here for my brother Dan's wedding on Saturday. The time flew by. Everything was perfect- except for the weather.
So the weather here in Northern Cali has been beautiful this summer- until last Wednesday. It was hot as Hades all weekend while our fam was participating in Dan and Lauren's wedding. We spoiled Bay Area Californians are NOT used to temperatures above 95 degrees for more than a day or two. From Wednesday to Monday we boiled as the temperatures went past the big 100 degrees every day. Dave just told me that 80 people died in the Bay Area in the last week because of the heat. Yikes.
My big bro. and sis-in-law and their 4 kids packed into our little 2 bd. apartment to sleep every night because the place we planned for them to stay had no AC. Sorry Ken! I still feel bad thinking about you guys sleeping on my living room floor. :( It will be funny as soon as it cools down, eh?
The wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday were beautiful. Most of our family arrived on time and even early which was quite a feat. The ceremony was overlooking a pond and waterfall in a huge grove of redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains. The setting couldn't have been more picturesque. Unfortunately, after the ceremony we all roasted at the dinner and reception in an open-ended barn in full sun. It must have been 105+ in that place with no escape or respite from the heat.
Our little J looked up at me after the dinner and said, "Mom, I am melted." That's exactly how we all felt sweet girl. Melted.
So the weather here in Northern Cali has been beautiful this summer- until last Wednesday. It was hot as Hades all weekend while our fam was participating in Dan and Lauren's wedding. We spoiled Bay Area Californians are NOT used to temperatures above 95 degrees for more than a day or two. From Wednesday to Monday we boiled as the temperatures went past the big 100 degrees every day. Dave just told me that 80 people died in the Bay Area in the last week because of the heat. Yikes.
My big bro. and sis-in-law and their 4 kids packed into our little 2 bd. apartment to sleep every night because the place we planned for them to stay had no AC. Sorry Ken! I still feel bad thinking about you guys sleeping on my living room floor. :( It will be funny as soon as it cools down, eh?
The wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday were beautiful. Most of our family arrived on time and even early which was quite a feat. The ceremony was overlooking a pond and waterfall in a huge grove of redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains. The setting couldn't have been more picturesque. Unfortunately, after the ceremony we all roasted at the dinner and reception in an open-ended barn in full sun. It must have been 105+ in that place with no escape or respite from the heat.
Our little J looked up at me after the dinner and said, "Mom, I am melted." That's exactly how we all felt sweet girl. Melted.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Single Mom on strike
Notice to hubby:
So, when you made plans to go to your last ART seminar in San Diego over Father's Day weekend I was okay with it. We tried to bring the family along for a mini-vacation, but decided to save the money we didn't have for the trip.
Then the soccer team wanted you to travel with them over the weekend for their back-to-back games two weeks later. Again, we tried to make a family weekend out of it, but it just wasn't going to work.
Finally, Tom sprung plans for a bachelor weekend for Dan on you for the next weekend. So while you were eating out, playing and lounging in a fishing boat at Pinecrest with the guys I got to thinking.................
I'm tired of being a single Mom on the weekends. If I have to put the kids to bed alone, pack everyone to church and back, and wake up to your empty side of the bed again any time soon, you might come home the next time to an exhausted shell of the hot wife that you once knew. All of this has made me realize what a great Dad and companion you are. We miss you so much when you're gone.
So, my dear hubby, consider yourself forwarned- the next time you make plans to be out of town for the weekend I am inviting myself and the kids to tag along. period.
love you.
So, when you made plans to go to your last ART seminar in San Diego over Father's Day weekend I was okay with it. We tried to bring the family along for a mini-vacation, but decided to save the money we didn't have for the trip.
Then the soccer team wanted you to travel with them over the weekend for their back-to-back games two weeks later. Again, we tried to make a family weekend out of it, but it just wasn't going to work.
Finally, Tom sprung plans for a bachelor weekend for Dan on you for the next weekend. So while you were eating out, playing and lounging in a fishing boat at Pinecrest with the guys I got to thinking.................
I'm tired of being a single Mom on the weekends. If I have to put the kids to bed alone, pack everyone to church and back, and wake up to your empty side of the bed again any time soon, you might come home the next time to an exhausted shell of the hot wife that you once knew. All of this has made me realize what a great Dad and companion you are. We miss you so much when you're gone.
So, my dear hubby, consider yourself forwarned- the next time you make plans to be out of town for the weekend I am inviting myself and the kids to tag along. period.
love you.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
things are changing............
I realized not 5 minutes ago as I was checking email that a lot of aspects in my life have changed the last 2 weeks.
First email- reminder of a Young Women's/Young Men's activity next Wednesday to see the Giants play at PacBell Park. As of Sunday I am no longer a teacher in Young Women's. I was just called as the Primary President for the kids in church. I look forward to being in Primary with the sweet kids. More responsibility and demands on my time is something I am starting to worry about.
Second email- a reminder from CAVA (J's homeschool academy last year) about summer activities for the kids. Hubby and I decided that J is going to public school for 1st grade. She will be such an awesome 1st grader! I have no doubt she will make the transition just fine. I am left to phase out our just-perfected routine at home and switch gears to carpools, homework, and making school lunches.
Third email- reminder from Lillian at the office about repairs and scheduling for #17 turnover. Dave and I have decided to take on extra work at the apartments when possible to pay off the credit card. While Dave's been on break from school we are painting the 2 bd. upstairs (hallelujah those tenants are gone!!!). It's convenient to be able to work 20 seconds from home, but our already tight schedule is getting stretched thin. On the bright side- I usually start painting first to get a little alone time (which is kind of sad, really) while Dave spends some much needed time with the chillies.
On a related note, we are beginning to get nervous about what lies ahead next year. Dave will finally graduate December 9th and be an official Doctor of Chiropractic soon after that. Now that we're in the home stretch time is flying by.
Lots of change.........I'm not sure I deal well with change. We'll see.
First email- reminder of a Young Women's/Young Men's activity next Wednesday to see the Giants play at PacBell Park. As of Sunday I am no longer a teacher in Young Women's. I was just called as the Primary President for the kids in church. I look forward to being in Primary with the sweet kids. More responsibility and demands on my time is something I am starting to worry about.
Second email- a reminder from CAVA (J's homeschool academy last year) about summer activities for the kids. Hubby and I decided that J is going to public school for 1st grade. She will be such an awesome 1st grader! I have no doubt she will make the transition just fine. I am left to phase out our just-perfected routine at home and switch gears to carpools, homework, and making school lunches.
Third email- reminder from Lillian at the office about repairs and scheduling for #17 turnover. Dave and I have decided to take on extra work at the apartments when possible to pay off the credit card. While Dave's been on break from school we are painting the 2 bd. upstairs (hallelujah those tenants are gone!!!). It's convenient to be able to work 20 seconds from home, but our already tight schedule is getting stretched thin. On the bright side- I usually start painting first to get a little alone time (which is kind of sad, really) while Dave spends some much needed time with the chillies.
On a related note, we are beginning to get nervous about what lies ahead next year. Dave will finally graduate December 9th and be an official Doctor of Chiropractic soon after that. Now that we're in the home stretch time is flying by.
Lots of change.........I'm not sure I deal well with change. We'll see.
Friday, July 07, 2006
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