A month....

It's been a month. Yup, a month...well..actually longer than a month by now. I know that life is busy and things happen but the truth is that I just didn't want to sit here and write. I had homework and housework...and work... I'd look at the computer and say..."I should blog" BUT... I wouldn't actually do it. I'm just tired.
I don't know about you...but life tends to get exhausting.

So to recap a whole month...*whew* here we go...you might want to get comfy...grab a cup of coffee or tea...or PEPSI! and start reading!

Hailey did great in her Oral Language Festival. She didn't win the district competition and was disappointed but we were so extremely proud of her.

She asked to have a Christmas Cookie Party on the last day of school and so I made dozens of sugar cookies. I was at Albertson's and I saw that they had pre-made cut out sugar cookies...I was excited because I figured that if I bought those it would save me hours in the kitchen! But...just to my luck...they sold out and I had to slave in the kitchen anyway. I was happy to do it for Hailey but man! It was not as easy as me just buying them! The girls had fun though. I took some pictures which I'll post later. (along with my not wanting to Blog...I also haven't loaded any pictures on the computer and my camera is quickly loosing memory space!).
Of course, Steve had to go on a business trip the last week of school so he missed the 8 screaming girls! but I'm sure he wasn't too bummed about that!

He was bummed though because he missed Jeremiah's program at school as well as Will and Annabelle's. It was so extremely adorable to watch Bella sing in the program. She kept getting up and down off the risers! William was an old pro since he had already been in Christmas programs. Jeremiah the same...still adorable and still making me proud to watch them.

So...Family Feud...
ready for this one?!?!?


We went to the studio on a Sunday. Traffic to LA wasn't so bad...it only took me about 1 1/2 hours. Anyway, we got there early. Rachel did my make up because apparently I'm not too good at it! We were excited to get in the studio. There were 7 other teams and then us. We had a light breakfast (provided by Family Feud). We went through the briefing and we headed over to the actual stage for the rehearsal. It is smaller in person than it looks on TV. Actually, really small. Anyway, we KILLED it in rehearsal! Killed it! We were the only team to actually sweep the board! It was So EXCITING!!!! My dad was the captain, then me, then my sister, then my brother and lastly my mom. After rehearsal we were seated in the audience. (We'll be in the audience for 5 shows starting March 27th holding signs for the other teams and clapping until our hands hurt!)

So...as luck would have it... they changed up our order. They made ME the CAPTAIN! Seriously! I thought I was going to have a panic attack. I didn't want to be the captain because I didn't want to have to talk or have the pressure of making decisions! The casting director said to me... "You shouldn't have been so perky then!!!" lol! They were really fun people and we joked around alot. Ok..so... they changed our line up. No biggie.
We weren't chosen for the first game ... or the second... or the third... We figured that since they came over to tell us that our order was changed that we were definitely getting on the show. I mean, seriously there was another team there that froze up in rehearsal and we all thought for sure they wouldn't get on....but they did. To make a LONG day shorter.... we didn't get on that day. They asked us to come back and gave us a confirmation of when we'd be on. After much talking about schedules and such...we agreed and went back the following Saturday night.

The great thing about going on Saturday was that they offered the green room for our kids! (we were really debating about if we should go back because Steve was gone and we didn't have anyone to watch my kids). SO.... we had the large green room for my 4 kids, Rachel's 2 kids and my Jessica with the baby. Jessica and Michael (my bro-in-law) came to the taping so that they could sit with the kids. Hailey and Jeremiah were SO EXCITED to be there. They were thrilled to see the set and even more thrilled that they got to watch the taping from the green room! They watched the live feed.

Ok so... this is how it went... We went up against a team that had already won 3 times BUT hadn't won the Fast Money for $20,000. We were stoked so we were ready to play and beat them!!!! We did great. I was captain and I think because I had a week to prepare myself...I was fine... =) Not too nervous so that was good. We stole some points and we got our own points....and we WON!!!!!!! YES!!!!!! So, Rachel and my Dad played the fast money. My dad did great! Rachel went next and had fabulous answers! We did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!! ...

Ok so we air on May 7th and May 8th. We got to go back to play again because we won but the team we played was really good and we had weird questions.... we were doing great until the last question...then we lost. But that is ok! We won't the $20k so we were happy! It was even better since the kids all got to watch us win! Awesome!
John O'Hurley was quite the gentleman and we had a great time laughing with him.

Here's some fun pics




Hailey was excited to see a dressing trailer from Hannah Montana's show. I'll post that picture later too. I drove the kids down Hollywood drive so they could see the Walk of Fame. Hollywood isn't as glamorous as they thought...Jeremiah said it was boring! Hailey wanted to know where the famous people live and Will and Bella could care less! We also saw Nickelodeon Studios on Sunset. She was stoked!

After the taping my family and I went to this great place on Hollywood and Highland and it was fabulous! If you ever go down there you have to check out UWink. The guy who created Chuck E Cheese and Atari created this concept restaurant. Click HERE it's a fun restaurant that has you order your food on a monitor...it's a touch screen and you are able to see what your food will look like, all the ingredients, the nutrition info, you can request refills without trying to flag down your waitress, and you can play games with everyone at your table. They had the Steelers football game projected HUGE on the wall along with a bunch of other games. It is an awesome place!

Ok...so all in all... that is our update. We had a great Christmas...I was blessed enough to get a laptop (much to my surprise and I almost made Steve take it back but I didn't and I'm typing on it now!). I love it! It will come in handy for my school. It's almost funny that I have to fight the kids for computer time....but not anymore!

So, that's it. Our month in review. I'll put some pictures up as soon as I get them off my camera...

So Cheers to you. May you have a wonderful New Year's and May you be blessed as we go into this new year. I promise to keep up on my blogging ... especially now that that I don't have to fight the kids. =)

xoxox

Family Feud HERE WE COME!!!

Whooo Hoooo!!!! Can you hear me cheering?! If you could only see my smile! =) Family Fued finally called and we are going to be taping a show in 2 weeks! We are stoked!!!!! My sister tells me I have to get a hair cut...not negotiable! =) That's ok...because I know I need one. You know as a mom...we tend to put ourselves last on the day to day stuff. I haven't had a real haircut in nearly 2 years. My sister has trimmed it but a real hair salon...yea...I almost forgot what ones looks like. It's hard to find someone that knows how to do my hair...it's thin and very fine and just kinda unmanagable. I've found a couple of ladies...but they're not local. I didn't have anyone in Arizona...nor do I have one now... so... anyone in my area want to share their hair girl with me!?!?! =)

Ok...enough of my ranting. Family Feud! I'll keep you posted on our outcome! Keep your fingures crossed...and toes...eyes...and whatever else you can cross! =)

The competition!

Hailey and a classmate competed in the Oral Language Festival this past week. They memorized a piece and said it for the judges. There were a few other "duo's" but out of all of the 4th grade....Hailey won FIRST PLACE!!!!! Whooo Hoooo Hailey!!!!



They will now go on to compete in the district competition. It's a 4th and 5th grade competition. The students had the choice of doing it alone or duo or with a larger group. She chose to do the serious duo. She had wanted to do the humorous duo but there were already 2 groups that were already doing that ...so serious it was. There should be about 15 duo's... so it should be fun. If she goes on from there it will be to county. She is pretty excited and we are extremely proud! They won a medal and she wore it all weekend long and took it to church! =)

Keep her in your prayers for this Friday morning. She will be riding the bus to another school for the competition. We'll be there cheering her on...quietly of course. =) The video clip isn't all that great...sorry. Eventually,we'll get a new camera but until then....here ya go!

Why?

Why does it take me nearly a week to post on my blog? Um...I was lazy this week. Steve was gone for over 2 weeks and I had a lot to do. I just didn't want to do it all! I was supposed to go to the dentist. Yeah, um.... I am terrified of the dentist. I need to go. If I told you how many year it has been since I last went to the dentist...well...I wouldn't. Let's just say...it's been a very LONG time!

So let's play catch up....

We went to the Outback before Steve left because we had a gift card and he was craving steak. Jeremiah decided that he wanted ribs. He hasn't had ribs before. He gets his plate and he looks at me and said... "How am I supposed to eat these?" He picked up his fork...lol We were trying not to laugh. Steve told him to pick them up and eat them. He didn't want to at first but after some nudging he did. He took a few bites and said..."What is this? Chicken?"... Oh my gosh! We couldn't hold back our laughter on that one! We said now...that it was pork. To that he said..."what is pork" lol! Pig. Yeah, um...we got a pretty funny look and then he just kept eating. That is, until his hands got pretty dirty. He then asked for a napkin. At the Outback....they use cloth napkins. So, Steve hands him the napkin. He looked at Steve and said..."I can't use that, I'll get it dirty". Sweet boy! Steve had to convince him that the cloth napkin WAS the napkin and it was OK to use it and get it dirty.... they just wash them. He looked at me for permission! It was cute! So, when I told him that he could use the napkin, and it was ok to get it dirty, he giggled while he wiped his hands! He LOVED the ribs and said he will definitely eat them again!


I couldn't leave out Hailey....so here is a picture of her eating her kid sized steak. She laughed because it was so tiny....then very un-lady like....picked it up with her hands! Yeah...we're working on table manners and etiquette!

Steve and I went to my parents cabin for our anniversary... Lake Arrowhead is beautiful in the fall so here is a picture of the lake side. Lovely!










So, Halloween. We don't really do Halloween. I just don't like what the day represents and the fact that 364 days a year we teach our children not to talk to strangers and not to take candy from strangers YET 1 day a year we allow our children to knock on doors and ask for candy... besides the whole spiritual battle we have this battle... it is my preference not to do trick or treating. We went to the kids' preschool for their "Harvest Fest" and they had food and bouncers, games and candy. The kids dressed up and had lots of fun and it was easy for me since Steve was still gone. So... with that said... Here are their adorable faces! =)
Bella was a princess in the dress my niece wore at my brothers wedding....












Jeremiah was conflicted... he didn't really want to dress up (even though he dresses up daily! Will and Jeremiah have costumes galore...Spidey, Power Rangers, Batman etc)
I tried to get him to dress up in my Starbucks garb! =) That lasted about 2 minutes...enough for the picture....he went....as him self! =)




Hailey was tough. She isn't really a little girl anymore. I tried to get her to wear the dress she wore at Jake's wedding so that her and Bella could match but that was a bust. I let her try on one of my dresses that we tied up in the back. She tried on my shoes... so I guess she went as Me! =) She wore a sweater over the whole dress....so this picture is just at home...


William was Batman. He dresses up daily so this is one is his favorite...

They got their faces painted, went on slides and played some games. It drizzled and was kinda cold...but it turned out to be pretty nice!

Eggnog?!?! WHAT??

So, I was just at the grocery store... picking up a few things...and I saw it. It's October 31st...I know it's the last day of the month but c'mon....already? As I walked down the isles I noticed...Halloween stuff marked down...barely any thanksgiving stuff....and WHAT IS THAT??? Christmas? Seriously! I heard the Christmas music playing throughout the store...aren't we rushing this a bit?

I noticed all the baking stuff being displayed in the middle of the isle.... and then I saw it.... EGGNOG. Yup...Eggnog. And not just one kind....3 different varieties.... Regular, Light (c'mon...if you're going to have eggnog...make it the real stuff!!!!), Cinnamon, and Caramel Apple. Interesting....

I also noticed some mulling spice. Yea... I don't think everyone knows what that is but can I just tell you...it's yummy!!! My parents took the kids up to Oak Glen last weekend while Steve and I were enjoying our peace and quiet... and they brought us back some fabulous Apple Cider from the apple farm. I can't wait to warm it up and add the mulling spice... =)

Oh and .... I bought some eggnog too! =) I like to add it to my favorite Chai and it is such a heavenly drink! I'm glad it only comes around for a short while because if I had access to it all the time...I might be a little rounder than I already am! =) As soon as we get the eggnog at work...we're screwed! It is quite possibly the most popular drink of holiday's! You should try an Eggnog Chai. I'm going to go make one right now...you'll just have to wait until Starbucks gets the eggnog in...or... I can tell you how I make mine at home! =)

Don't all rush out and buy eggnog now....it'll be around for at least 2 more months.... =) Lucky me!

My brother had a picture published!

Ok, sorry.... I'm just SUPER PROUD of my brother. I know I brag about his pictures and stuff but seriously..... he just took some pictures for a law firm (their lawyers, offices etc...marketing stuff) and they used on of his pictures in a magazine! Check out my brothers page to see it.... click HERE

Yeah Jake!!!!

A week? Already?

Um... sorry for not posting for a week. Time sure does go by fast.
My excuses - I mean reasons for not posting are as follows....

I had 13 loads of laundry. No...I'm not joking.

I had to pack suitcases for 4 kids, myself, and a husband that needed 2 weeks worth of clothes.

I had to play with my new dogs.

I had school work.

It was our 10 year Anniversary on Saturday and we hid at my parents cabin for the weekend.

Steve left for a business trip (2 freakin weeks!).

Came back from our weekend and um...I'm tired.

Do I really need to say more?!?! =)

So, it's true. It's been 10 years. Steve and I can't believe it.

We purposely ran into our college roommates (they married each other) this weekend and we visited with them for a bit. We were driving up to my parents cabin and they live up in the mountain community. So, as we drove by Steve says..."If their light is on...we're stopping!" **sorry Ryan and Jaime!** They were gracious enough to visit with us unexpectedly. =) Jaime was my roommate my sophomore year and she had lived next door to me our freshman year. Ryan was Steve's roommate in the...um...1 year that Steve was actually in school.... =) We used to hang out a lot so it was nice to visit with them.

They live up near my parents cabin so it was nice to see them. One of their daughters is Annabelle's age and the other is just a sweet, happy 10 mo. old baby. It was fun because they were having their littlest one dedicated on Sunday and all of their family was going to be there. We went to their church for the dedication and were able to visit with their families.

Steve had a wonderful guidance counselor at college and he truly respected and loved her....well, she was the aunt of my roommate, Jaime, so she was there at the church. It has been about 10 years since we've seen her (at our wedding I'm sure) and Steve was stoked to see her. They are just a great family.

Anyway, Jaime's mom and aunt were reminiscing about our wedding and we just laughed because it rained on our wedding day but they remember it as a "wonderful, sweet mist" !!! lol I love it! I just remember it as RAIN! =)

So 10 years later and 4 kids later....we are still together. =)

The cabin was wonderful. The weather was great and we walked around the Arrowhead Village for the day. We actually shopped and Steve got me an adorable dress and some new shoes! =) Yeah! It was strange that we didn't have the kids... but it was nice to be able to relax. We spent a couple of hours with Ryan and Jaime and the girls. Their littlest one had surgery this past Monday for a cleft palate. She is so little...it's hard to imagine such a little one having to deal with something so horrible as surgery. But she is a trooper because she has already dealt with a feeding tube and other medical things. Keep her in your prayers.

I guess that's about it for this week. I am not working for the next 2 weeks because of Steve being gone so that is kind of a bummer. I stopped in there yesterday and they were busy.... I miss it already!

Oh... it is Parent Teacher Conferences this week at the kids' school. I met with Hailey's teacher today. She has a wonderful teacher who is just the sweetest thing. Hailey is doing well...which is great. Tomorrow I'll be talking with Jeremiah's teacher. We love her too....so it's a good year! =)

It's Wed....

So Jeremiah ripped open his birthday bag so quickly...that I missed it. Sorry, no pics. He was stoked to get 2 Spidey t-shirts and a couple of DVD's along with...candy. =)

Anyway, Steve and I will be celebrating 10 years on Saturday! Can you believe it's been 10 years? We joke that it feels more like 25! =) lol But truth be told...it's gone by pretty fast. He wasn't going to be in town originally because of a business trip but that got delayed so we're heading to my parents cabin. =) Yeah for us!!!! =) It will be a nice time to just get away. It's been so busy the last few weeks that we talk more on the phone than we do face to face. Do you ever have weeks like that? Whew! We do!

I don't work at all this next week. I have NO IDEA what I am going to do with my free time. Maybe I'll get my haircut. I'm totally embarrassed to say....I think it's been about 3 years since I've had my haircut. I'm not joking! My sister trimmed a bit last summer, in my mom's kitchen...yeah...so NOT a salon!!! =) But honestly it's just not high on my priority list. Especially when you consider how much money a salon can cost you.... I can fill up my SUV for what it would cost me... Steve just says...'Go to Super Cuts' ... um.... no. They SCREWED up my son's hair....so they won't be touching mine. Anyone near me know of a great hairdresser?

Whatever happened to the old barter system? You know....I'll cut your hair if you watch my kids for an evening? Or back in the day it would've been .... I'll trade you chicken eggs for some milk? Do know what I mean? Things have just gotten so expensive and so impersonal.

Remember when people used to actually know their neighbors? Yeah...we met 1 neighbor on the day we moved in. Haven't seen them since. We met another neighbor because the boys' ball was found in their yard! (that was a meeting that I don't wish to repeat!) oh and the finally neighbor we met... the couple next door...because their turtle had dug into our yard and was trying to hibernate. Wait...we met him twice....because the turtle got out twice... That's it. We live on a cul de sac and there are about 12 houses on our street. Now, I bet you're thinking..."why haven't you gone out to meet them?" Good question. My answer... lazy I guess. Partly, I know that we won't be here for a long time (maybe a year) and the last time we moved (from AZ to CA) the kids had to leave some pretty good friends. Fear. That's a good one. Fear of what they might think of me and our family. I know that our one neighbor is not keen on 4 kids living next door.... I guess it's just easier to drive into my garage and close the garage door than it is to actually get out and be vulnerable. I'm I preaching to the choir or does anyone else feel that way? It's really a shame. So, I was thinking... Hailey really wants to have a Christmas cookie party before their winter break.... So I thought of doing a huge open house cookie/coffee/hot chocolate party. If I just knock on the door and invite them....maybe they'll come. Maybe our neighbors don't know each other at all...and it would just take us getting everyone together for us to actually meet each other.

I'm going to do it. Whether I feel like it or not, I'm going to be social. =) Wanna come to my cookie party??!?!?!!? =)

Ok...sorry for the rabbit trail. I don't know where my thoughts were today. I have to go and do some homework now. Did I mention that I made the DEANS LIST again!!!!! Whooo Hoooo!!! That is 3 times in a row! I'm pretty excited. Ok...really... I have to go... =) Enjoy your Wed.

It's been a busy weekend and it's not even over yet!!!!!

I just had to post this picture of Annabelle.... She has such a sweet smile.... It's contagious isn't it?!?!?! Ok, now to the reason of my posting...


Whew! I'm finally sitting down after hours on my feet and days of preparation. Last night we did Jeremiah's birthday party at our house and today we had the Fall Festival at the kids' school. The Festival went pretty well and I am now totally tired! I'm trying to blog this.... and I just lost it all!!! So, I'm starting over... my bed is calling to me so I'm going to try to make this fast!

We had Jeremiah's birthday party at our house last night. We rented a jump house and the kids were so excited! We were going to do his party on his birthday (19th) but Steve found out he needed to go on a business trip and he was sched. to leave that day... so... We literally threw it together for Friday after school. I felt like a bad mome because the invitations were such late notices... I just prayed that a few kids would come. On Monday when he got home from school he had an invitation in his bag from another kid in his class who was having a party on Sunday. Good thing we didn't do it on that day! =)

Whew! Anyway, here are a few pics from the party. Oh... the first 2 guests (out of 3 guests) that showed up....were GIRLS!!!!! The last guest was a boy...so that was cool. Jeremiah was funny though because he kept showing off and acting like a clown! I think that he has a crush on one of the girls....and I think the feeling is mutual! =) So cute! I know it won't be cute for very much longer...lol! But it's cute now. She is a cutie!!!


Oh! Jeremiah's birthday present was a bike! He was so excited that he started hugging the bike! =) He is still looking forward to putting out his birthday bag tonight. It will be full of goodies and I'll post pictures of that later...=)

So, since I'm the head room mom for Jeremiah's class, I was responsible for putting together our booth for the Fall Festival. I didn't have too many parent volunteers so a lot of it was on my own. Set up, decoration, running the booth, etc... I did have some parents help out running it and Hailey was a huge help! Our booth was the Missile Launch and the theme was military. I raided Steve's side of the closet and grabbed a bunch of his camo gear. We had a camo tarp that I hung up on the back of the EZ UP and it looked great! My camera is not working so well...so just bare with me on the pictures. I think that you can see the booth ok. That is Jeremiah's teacher in the picture...but not Jeremiah...I didn't get a good one of him...sorry



William was able to throw a ball and have a police man "clock" him! He threw 20 miles an hour!!! Go Will!!!! He was so proud of himself. Bella had a great time too...she loved her candy bracelet!

And here are a few extra pics of the newest addition to our family...=) aren't they cute!!!! FAT but Cute!!!!

I love you...a sweet story...

After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another
woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this
other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.

* * *

The other woman my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who
has been alone for 20 years, but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

* * *

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

* * *

'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?

* * *

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a
surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

* * *

'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with you, I
responded. Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a
moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

* * *

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a
bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too,
seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door. She had
curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn
to celebrate her last birthday on November 19th.

* * *

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I
told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were
impressed,' she said, as she got into that new white van.
They can't wait to hear about our date.

* * *

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very
nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.
After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read
large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom
sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.
It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small, she said.
'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.

* * *

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing
extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's
life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with
you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

* * *

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

* * *

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It
happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything
for her.

* * *

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a
restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined An
attached note said: I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and
the other for your wife.You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.

* * *

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE
YOU' and to give our loved ones the time they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time they
deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'

* * *

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal
after you've had a baby.... somebody doesn't know that once you're a
mother, 'normal' is history.

* * *

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct .
Somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

* * *

Somebody said being a mother is boring .... somebody never rode
in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit. Somebody said if
you're a 'good' mother your child will 'turn out good'.... somebody thinks
a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

* * *

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother....
somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

* * *

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you
love the first ... somebody doesn't have two children.

* * *

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and
delivery....somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for
the first day of Kindergarten .. or on a plane headed for military boot
camp.

* * *

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets
married .... somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or
daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

* * *

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves
home .... somebody never had grandchildren.

* * *

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need
to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother.

* * *

Pass this along to all the 'mothers' in your life and to
everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a mother;
it's about appreciating the people in your life while you have them....no
matter who that person is.

Update because it's been TOO long!

Ok...so I've been distracted...or lazy...or busy...or tired...or whatever! I haven't blogged lately. Last week was crazy and this weekend was busy and all of a sudden I look up and it's Tuesday already. Every have one of those weeks? Months?!?!



Ok so here is the low down....are you comfy in your chair?

Last Saturday we took the kids to Home Depot because they have a kids craft time. It was funny to see the kids using hammers and making a truck. =) They LOVED it!






Last weekend my wonderful sister got us an audition for Family Feud so we drove to Hollywood on Tuesday night. I met my sister early but it wasn't early enough because, as they say.... time flies when you're having fun! We hung out for a bit at the shopping area at Hollywood and Highland. It was pretty fun. Rachel just laughed at me because we went into Sephoria and I just stood there like an idiot! Me...in a make-up store! Um...yeah...not my area of expertise! =) She chuckled because she said I looked like I felt out of place...um YEAH! I laughed because I think I realized that I use my kids as a security blanket. When it's just me, I have no idea what to do with myself. I'm used to having someone else to take care of... it's weird to be alone...in a store...with my sister and no kids! =)


If you look really hard you can see the Hollywood sign! =) I was acting like such a tourist...it was funny!

I had to take some goofy pics for my kids...a star on the walk of fame...the only person they really know (at least in the area I was in...) George Lopez. They know him from Shark Boy and Lava Girl =)
And of course....Sponge Bob....sorta! lol =)

So here is a picture of the El Capitan theatre. They were having a Disney Movie premier while we were there but I didn't see anyone exciting!





Ok...so they're not great pictures...

After we had some dinner we went over to the studio for the audition. There were 22 families there so we had to wait quite a bit. As it goes....we were one of the last groups to go! Figures! Oh well... we had so much fun though! We played a "game" and it was funny to hear the answers that people come up with. They told everyone that if they get chosen that a postcard will come in the mail. So far...no postcard BUT they did say it would be a couple of weeks so we're still hopeful! =)

So I left Hollywood and got home at about 11:30pm then had to be up to go to work at 3:30am! Yeah...I was a zombie! =) I had to go to Bible Study right after work so I was really a zombie in the afternoon. Man, I was tired.

So that was that.

Sunday was my birthday. I am finally 30!!! Yes, 30. Many people tell me that I look like I'm 18 ... until I tell them that I have 4 kids...then I get the weird looks. =)

Anyway, Steve tried so hard to surprise me with something. But I know him too well. He called me Nancy Drew! =) lol
So funny. I told him I was going to clean the play room on Saturday because it was getting out of hand. That's what happens when you have 4 kids and tons of toys! =)
So I came home from work on Saturday and he was scrubbing the kitchen floor...um...not normal. I had to go grab something from the grocery store for dinner and when I came back...he was vacuuming. Ok...somethings up. Then he tells me..."Get goin on the playroom!" LOL!!! I knew it! So I asked him..."OK! Who's coming over?!?!?!" He just got a smirk and said...I don't know what you're talking about! =) Anyway, my parents came out and my brother and sister in law. They stayed the night and we went to church on Sunday.
The funny thing is ... Hailey knew... and I said to here the I knew they were coming...she says to me that she can't wait to see me scream when they bring my present... hmmm... I thought to myself and I was pretty sure I knew what my present was...
They showed up at my door and this is what they brought with them...


















So HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! =)

t

The kids had fun playing football in the back yard with Papa, Uncle Jake and Daddy. Fun in the back yard! =)

Family Feud here we come!

Whoo Hoo!!! My sister got us an audition for Family Feud! We are going on Tuesday to LA to audition and we are SO excited! I can't wait.

It will be my parents, sister and brother and of course me... =)

We are supposed to be "on our A game!" as the guy from Family Feud says... and I know that when the 5 of us get together we get very animated! We have a blast together playing games around my parents dining room table. So, this will be a fabulous time had by all!!!! =)

I will keep you posted on the outcome. It's a bit of a drive to LA and I have to work the next morning but it will all be worth it! Especially if we get on the show!

Cross your fingers....keep us in your prayers.... and I'll hopefully have good news for you! (and me!)

The Next Survivor Series....

Enjoy another funny story!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must makeone unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs,wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.

Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labour, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right ... To be called Mother!

Free Samples....

Hey, so I started working the drive-thru yesterday and today. It is quite a challenge! =) But truly so much fun. I have been working every morning since last Tuesday so I am exhausted! I have tomorrow off...but Steve will be out of town....so no break for me! =)

Anyway, did you know....that at Starbucks.... we are supposed to be sampling throughout the day? That means.... yummy treats. We just started a really good breakfast sandwich thingy that is kinda hard to pronounce... but you should try it. The portabella mushroom one is really good. It almost tastes like a spinach and mushroom pizza. I liked it.

A friend of mine from my mom's club told me about Wal-mart giving out free samples. You will have to give feedback via email when you've tested the product....but I'm cool with giving my opinion so it works for me! Click HERE for the link. Click on the tab that says Free Samples and you are on your way! I am waiting to get my free sample of Gain detergent, Pamprin, and a lotion in the mail. =) I always like free stuff...even if it's only 1 little pack of liquid detergent...or 2 Pamprin pills....I will definitely use it! and it was free! =)

Ok...the house is quiet so I might take a nap. What!??! A nap!?!?!? Yup....no kids in the house... quiet...I think a nap sounds awesome! Don't call me...=) If you wake me up....it might get ugly! =) lol

Awww... brothers!

Guess what the boys are doing right now???? No, not fighting... not even wrestling. No, not arguing over what cartoon they are going to watch.

Jeremiah went out and got both of their baseball gloves. Grabbed a tennis ball. And is now throwing grounders to William, who is catching them (very well I might add) and throwing them back!

I just stood at the window with a HUGE proud smile on my face. How cute are they? I can just see them as they get older and start playing sports.... I love it!

Steve was outside with them yesterday after church tossing the football around. I was outside cheering them on. They were taking turns hiking the ball to Steve, then he'd throw it to them as they ran for the touchdown. The other one would try to stop them. It was Will's turn to make a touchdown and Jeremiah starts telling me...."this is going to be SOOOO easy!!!" I just kinda chuckled... then he did it... He tripped him. I sorta yelled at him for swiping his foot under Will as he ran. Steve just gave me that look! So, I shut up. Until he did it again.... and then he tells me... I'm supposed to stop him mom! Ok...just be careful I say. Then it's Jeremiah's turn to try to score and William is waiting. Jeremiah hikes the ball to Steve and immediately William tackles Jeremiah. They start wrestling on the grass and Steve is just sitting there with the ball. I told them to stop wrestling and Jeremiah looks at me and says (remember....Will tackled him...) MOM....It's TACKLE football not FLAG.... We're supposed to get each other!!!!
Steve and I just laughed. I guess if they were having fun, then that is what it was all about right?! Neither one was mad at the other for tripping, tackling, wrestling or saying "In your face!" lol =) Aww.... boys! =)

Election results and I'm tired!

So, Hailey did not win the race for Secretary. A 5th grade girl who's mom is a teacher at the school, won. Hailey was pretty bummed. I mean, really bummed. I picked her up from school and I could tell she was about ready to fall apart as she walked to the car. You know that look of...if I could just get in the car without crying, I can fall apart when no one can see me...bless her heart. She just fell apart in the car. It made me sad to see her so disappointed...but after a bit she jumped back up and said...I have a song picked out for next year's speech! We are so proud of her for even running and we've told her that, over and over. I do hope that she runs for something next year... =)


I have been busy! I have worked everyday this week and weekend and will continue to work until Wed... I have Thursday off! =) I have to be at work no later than 3:55am...(( I was so extremely early for my first day but my second day...I was 4 minutes late. I left a few minutes later than the day before but underestimated how long it would take me to actually get there... I admit I was late...and take full responsibility...well... the shift supervisor decided to um...well...not be very nice. She made me stand outside for 15 minutes while she took care of the money inside the store. Now, I know that when money is being handled, every safety precaution should be taken...however...when I got to the store...she didn't have the money out yet... so I think it was more of a "I'm going to make a point!" type of attitude. BUT then, once I did get in the store...there was no explanation of why she left me out there. It was 4am and dark...it would've been nice to know why my safety was put at risk... one of the other employees told me that it was because of the money but the supervisor didn't say anything. As a matter of fact, she told me to go sit in the back and just get started on my book once I did get inside - instead of helping set up like I had done the morning before. Ok...I'm nearly 30...a mom... and I've worked for many years... there was no need to treat me as if I was a child and send me to the back room, nor was there a reason for me to be disrespected and left outside without a apology or anything. I apologized for being late...which she pretty much shrugged off. *sigh* Oh well....we're moving on... it really wasn't a big deal but I think she made it into something. ))

Needless to say.... I am SOOOOO tired! =) It's been really fun though. All of the stuff is coming back to me, and once again I come home smelling of coffee. All things have been worked out with me and that particular supervisor...so that is good...


I have been running around trying to find donations for our Fall Festival.... grocery stores, other stores, Costco, etc... Some places just told me straight up that they don't have any money left in their budget for donations so I'd have to wait until next year... others have told me that they have to ask a district manager....but my fingers are truly crossed and prayers being said for Costco and another locally owned grocery store. They both told me that they would get back to me on Monday....I hate asking for stuff....it's so far out of my comfort zone...but I did it! And it wasn't so painful...just a little nerve racking....but not as scarry as I thought it would be.

I started a Bible study on Wed (Beth Moore!) and they mentioned that they were in real need of nursery workers...a paid position and only on Wednesdays. I'm thinking...I might do that too! =) They offer the Bible Study at night... so I can bring my kids to the kids center...watch other people's kids...for 3 hours and get paid $10 an hour...then go back WITHOUT my kids for the night study. Money is so extremely tight right now that the lure of $30 for 1 morning...times 4 weeks... works out to be over $100. I think that would at least help with groceries or gas or maybe pizza for a treat. *sigh* don't you wish there was a money tree? I would love to have farm land for that!!!! =)

My plate is full!

Ok so, my day today has been crazy. Let's recap!

I got up at 3:30am to get ready for work...started at 4am. Got off around 8am and then went to a Room mom meeting at the kids' school...(did I mention I'm Jeremiah's head room mom?) then went to drop of the 2 little ones at preschool... then went to meet a lady about some furniture for my mom...then stopped off at the grocery store to grab a few things...took a movie back...came home and finished my homework...back to pick up the little ones from school...then Jeremiah from school...then Hailey from school... then home. *Whew* It's only 3:30...I'm tired! I still have dinner to do, baths and bed. Steve had to go out of town so I'm left to do it all! =)

On Thursday last week I got a call from the President of the PTC for the kids' school. She wanted to know if I'd be interested in helping out with the Fall Festival and so I said "sure"... she asked if I could attend the planning meeting the next morning and it just so happened that I could. Ok... I'm thinking a planning meeting for the school AT the school. NOPE! It was at the district office with the Superintendent and Associate Attendants as well as the PTC reps from the other elementary schools in our district. I felt like a fish out of water. Apparently, I am now the co-chair of the fall festival! Um...yeah ... like I have all the time in the world! Oh well...it'll be over in 3 weeks.

Then in the afternoon on Thursday I was contacted by the Room Mom Director for the kids' school. Apparently, my son's class is the only one in the entire school that did NOT have anyone volunteer to be the room mom...actually...only 3 parents offered to even help (me being 1 of them!). SO.... I am now the head room mom for his 1st grade class. Holy crap!

Hailey is running for Student Council so we have to prepare her speak for tomorrow morning. The voting takes place on Wednesday...oh and Jeremiah's class is doing a little song right after the flag salutes on Friday...can't miss that either. Are you tired reading this?! Because I'm tired just thinking about everything I have coming up...

So, between raising 4 kids, working part-time, going to school, and being a wife... I am now Co-Chair for Fall Festival and Head Room Mom. OH... and I start a Beth Moore Bible study on Wed. at the church that we found. *sigh* Tired is an understatement!

Well...I have to know contemplate what I'm going to make for dinner...get the bath tubs ready and try to get everyone in bed early...especially ME! =) but not before I clean my house because my mom is coming tomorrow...where is that husband when I need him?!?!?! Oh...he's enjoying the solitude of a hotel...all expenses paid by his company...including meals. I am eating hot dogs and cantaloupe while he gets Applebee's.... *sigh*

I hear screaming... Oh wait...that's just me! =)

Hailey's running for student council!

So, Hailey has decided to run for Secretary. She is pretty excited. She came home yesterday with a list of names...I asked her who they were and she smiled so big and said...The people voting for me! =) How cute is she...

Anyway, we had to make a poster for her to put up in the cafeteria... so I thought I'd attach a picture. She did a great job...with minimal help from me... We'll keep you posted on the outcome. Voting is next week and all the students have to register to vote this week (how cute is that!) =) then they actually vote next Thursday. *fingers crossed* She is getting so big and so grown up. I couldn't be prouder!











Oh, I didn't realize that I didn't post about my first day at work. It was interesting. I forgot how much book training they do. Even though I've worked there before, they still have to re-train me because it's been so long. No biggie but it's just a lot of repetition of stuff I already know. I swear, I sat at the computer with another girl in training, and we spent 30 minutes watching a "training module" on how to mop and clean! Um...I have 4 kids... I think I can manage a mop! I don't go back until next week...at 4am! Whooo Hoooo!!! =)

Funny story...well, at least I think so!

So, my mom sent me this funny little thing. I just had to laugh....I hope you do too!

In this life I'm a woman.
In my next life, I'd like to come back as a
bear.

When you're a bear, you get to hibernate.
You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.
I could deal with that, too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children
(who are the size of walnuts)
While you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs.
I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.
You swat anyone who bothers your cubs.
If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling.
He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup! Gonna be a bear.
(Unknown Author)

Church hunting, yet again.

So, we tried a new church today...again. Seriously, I'm getting tired of trying different churches.
I think that we may have found one today, finally. It's a young church full of younger people and they had a good kids program. Our kids liked it, so that is half the battle.
They've been meeting at a school for the past 5 years and are moving to their new building next week. It was a really nice church and I think we'll be going back next week. =)

Cardboard Confessions...

So, my mom and sister in law told me to check out this on Youtube. I think that for the past few weeks I've been pretty discouraged...but seeing this has rememinded me that God is bigger than my problems. He is here and everywhere and is just waiting for us to take His hand. Check this out


param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FejYwt9E3aM&hl=en&fs=1">

First Day of School Pictures

So, I finally got around to getting the pictures uploaded. I thought you might enjoy seeing all of them...=)



Here is Hailey and Jeremiah on their first day...







Hailey and Jeremiah in front of their classrooms...










Here is Annabelle and William on their first day... the picture didn't turn out too great because Bella has her eyes closed but keep looking...I added a few more...









Here is Will...looking so handsome








And of course Annabelle...this is the front of the building where we check them in... and William grabbing a bike to head outside.










This last one is my favorite of the two of them. They really are eachothers best friends and it's so cute to see how William literally takes her under his arm and cares for her. Oh and P.S. .... Go Angels! Will LOVES his lunch bag!!!!