Mom to 4!

Swagbucks!!!!

2010-04-10T22:59:00.001-07:00

Seriously,
SwagBucks is AWESOME!!!! It's a search engine like google or yahoo or whatever.... but you earn bucks for using it! I have over 600 for just 2 weeks.... and I can redeem them for gift cards =) YES!!!! and....it's all FREE!!!!!!

You should sign up.... and use me as a referral... =) It's free!!!

Click HERE to join me...=)

I'm a mom but I wanted to be an architect!

2010-03-13T20:02:00.001-08:00

Some of you may know me well enough to appreciate what I have to say...others may not know me as well and therefore care less about what I have to say... where ever you lie on that line...I hope you get something out of my pen on paper moment...

How long has it been since I've sat still and put my thoughts on paper? Too long. So as I was driving home from work today I just started thinking. I thought about how far I've come in life and where I'm headed. I used to write all the time. I wrote poetry daily. Since my life took some detours...I haven't put pen to paper. Why? I think because it was easier to ignore then accept. So I'm writing...

How many of us have accomplished goals that we set for ourselves when we were younger? Be honest now. How many of us were told by our parents that we could be president one day? The reality is....there have been 44 US Presidents since the beginning of the Presidency. 44...that's less than the amount of kids in 1 high school homeroom! The odds aren't exactly great when you think about it. Not that it's not possible...just not exactly reality for most of us.

We have been asked since we were young, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" But how many of us have actually followed through with that idea? Are you a pretty ballerina? A movie star? Better yet, a Rock Star? Or a Sumo wrestler? An astronaut? Are you a Policeman or Fireman or pro-surfer? What about being a lawyer or doctor or teacher? Some of us are those things. But we have these dreams as kids about having this grandiose life, because that's what we've been told will happen. Yet at the age of 31 I have accomplished only 2 of my original childhood dreams. 1. Get Married 2. Be a Mom That's it.

There are many jobs that are not suited for me and I know it. For example, there is no way I could ever be a lawyer. Why? Because I am not a confrontational person so why in the world would I want to argue in front of large groups of people? No thanks! I also know that I am not a salesperson. I hate being under pressure so why would I make you feel pressured to buy something? I couldn't be a police officer because of the fact that people scare me! I like living in my little bubble where I can pretend that the world isn't as dark and ugly as it really is. I'm not sure I could be a firefighter either. I like to help people, and I'm not afraid of fire or hard work...but I am scared to death of heights and I can't see myself climbing up that huge ladder... =) If I was going to be a doctor then I would've been a pediatrician - because I love kids. But honestly, I really never thought about any of those jobs. What did I want to be when I grew up? Alot of things. I wanted to be an architect because I loved drawing and designing houses. I asked for sketch/drafting pads that had all the boxes on them so that I could use 1 square to equal 1 ft. I had books of layouts that I designed and sketched. I even bought a stupid computer program that helped you design your own house. Did that dream come true? No.

I had a goal of finishing college and I started my college education by majoring in Sports Medicine. I had the great idea of becoming a physical therapist/sports medicine tech. I thought it would be great to travel with a team and tape up all those ankles, knees, and hands! I think I would've fit extremely well into that field. I loved my Human Anatomy class and I just loved sciences! But after a year of that...I was talked into changing my major to Business. Why? Because it was less work and easier! lol But did I finish college then? No.

While in college I was working for Starbucks and my DM had approached me about the Assistant Management training. I really thought about it...but then one of those detours jumped into my pathway and so I turned in another direction. Funny as it is...I am back working at Starbucks after having many other jobs in between. I love it. I'm happy there. I enjoy what I do and without it I wouldn't be me.

Tonight as I drove home I began thinking about what would make me happy. In the past few years I have found myself slowing fading into the background of life. We've moved twice in 5 years and I've lost myself along the way. It's inevitable that things chance and circumstances change ... but through it all I changed. No longer was I the fun-loving person that I had once remembered. The last time I was truly happy and laughing was in high school. I faked it pretty well in college and there were some times when it was real...but life changed for me along time ago. What would make me happy?

I became a wife (goal 1) and then we had 4 kids (goal 2). I finished college too. 11 years after I started but I finished. I have a degree in something that I didn't even think about until recently. My BA is in Early Elementary Education. I had a goal of teaching. Perhaps at a Christian School so that the kids could attend, but with our education system being what it is out here in California....I didn't get my teaching credential. So...here I sit.

So...what now? What would make me happy now? Goal 3 - Singing. I miss it. If I could be in a choir or singing group again I would love it! Goal 4 - Basketball. I miss that too. Luckily, I was offered an Assistant Coaching job for Hailey's club team so I can check this one off the list! =) I could put Goal 5 - A job that suits me...but I think I'm happy where I'm at. I actually look forward to going to work!
Even if it's not what I originally planned...it makes me happy.

Eventually, I will sing again. I will Coach basketball. I will join a Bunco group again. I will own my own house and actually live in it! (we own a house...but we rent it out). I will become organized. I will be the wife and mother that my family needs. I will be a friend to others and I will give where I can.

Every choice that I've made has affected my life in some way. Every decision is important. So I will decide to be happy. There are days when putting myself first isn't possible...but my name at least needs to get added to the list! So many times everyone and everything gets pushed higher and higher on that list until there are so many things ahead of myself that I get lost and forgotten. As a mom...it's easy to do. But the saying...."If mom's happy, then everyone is happy" is hilarious because it's true!!! There are days when I'm bummed....and I find that the mood of the house is the same. But on those rare days when I'm happy, upbeat and full of energy...then so is everyone else.

So even though I didn't become the architect or physical therapist that I had always wanted to be... I have become who God intended me to be. That doesn't mean that when the kids are all grown up and out of the house that I couldn't go back to school to become an architect...lol =) It just means that right now...I am everything I need to be.
With kids... I am a lawyer - or more like a judge! I have to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying. I have to issue punishment for the crimes!
I am a chef, a chauffeur, a life coach, a cheerleader, a maid, a friend, a doctor, a fireman (but hopefully not as often!), a teacher, a guidance counselor, an example... I am a mom.

2009-07-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

So obviously it's been too long. Blogging has just been one more thing on my plate and my plate is already overflowing! I hate that I don't have time or maybe it's that I don't make time. I find myself bending over backwards to take care of everyone else yet the 5 or 10 minutes that it would take me to blog seems like a luxury that I can't afford. How many times do we as moms loose ourselves? I have that mom guilt...you know what I mean because I know you've felt it too! So today I say NO MORE! I WILL take care of myself. I WILL take time for me to do something that I enjoy and that does NOT include grocery shopping! I WILL tell myself that it's ok...everyday. Let's be honest... life is sometimes overwhelming. There are days when getting out of bed is a chore...let alone making the bed! There are days when we as moms, wish that time would stand still for just another hour so that we can sleep just that much longer!

Whatcha Doin?!

2009-06-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

This is how the conversation (joke) between Annabelle and William went...

Bella: Hey momma...listen...

Will: Yeah mom, it's funny.

Me: OK tell me.

Bella (to William): Whatcha doin? (in her girly, sweet, 3 year old voice)

Will: Eatin' chocolate.

Bella: Where'd you get it?

Will: The doggie dropped it. (roaring laughter from Will and Bella!)

oh to be 3 and 5 again! =)

Think BEFORE you Speak

2009-06-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

These are all oldies, but they sure LIGHTENED MY day and hopefully you'll get a good laugh!

Here are six reasons why you should think before you speak -
The last one is great!
Have you ever spoken and wished that you could
Immediately take the words back....
Here are the Testimonials of a few people who did...._

FIRST TESTIMONY:

I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids intow
And asked loudly,
'How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?'
I turned around and walked back out and never went back
My husband didn't say a word..
He knew better.

SECOND TESTIMONY:

I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf
balls....
I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using.
After browsing for several minutes,
I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who
works
At the store.
He asked if he could help me.
Without thinking, I looked at him and said, 'I think I like
Playing with men's balls'

THIRD TESTIMONY:

My sister and I were at the mall and
Passed by a store that sold a
Variety of candy and nuts.
As we were looking at the display case,
The boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help.
I replied, 'No, I'm just looking at your nuts.'
My sister started to laugh hysterically.
The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away.
To this day,
My sister has never let me forget.

FOURTH TESTIMONY :

While in line at the bank one afternoon,
My toddler decided to release
Some pent-up energy and ran amok.
I was finally able to grab hold of
Her after receiving looks of disgust
And annoyance from other patrons.
I told her that if she did not start behaving
'right now' she would be punished.
To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice
just As threatening,
'If you don't let me go right now,
I will tell Grandma that I saw you
Kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!'
The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange.
Even the tellers stopped what they were doing.
I mustered up the last of my dignity and
Walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow.
The last thing I heard when the door closed behind me, were
Screams of laughter.

FIFTH TESTIMONY:

Have you ever asked your child a question too many times?
My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty
training And I was on him constantly.
One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch, in between
Errands It was very busy, with a full dining room.
While enjoying my taco,
I smelled something funny,
So of course I checked
My seven-month-old daughter, she was clean.
The realized that Danny
Had not asked to go potty in a while.
I asked him if he needed to go,
And he said 'No' .
I kept thinking
'Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any
Clothes with me.'
Then I said,
'Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?'
'No,' he replied.
I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the
smell
Was getting worse.
Soooooo, I asked one more time, 'Danny did you have an
accident
? This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants,
Bent over, spread his cheeks
And yelled
'SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!'
While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos
laughing,
He calmly pulled up his pants and sat down.
An old couple made me feel better,
Thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST TESTIMONY:

This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days
And a very embarrassed female news anchor who will,
In the future, likely think before she speaks.
What happens when you predict snow but don't get any!
We had a female news anchor that,
The day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't,
Turned to the weatherman and asked:
'So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?'
Not only did HE have to leave the set,
But half the crew did too they were laughing so hard!

Now, didn't that feel good?
Pass it on to someone you know who needs a laugh
And remember
We all say things we don't really mean,
So think before you speak!!!

Business Trips...

2009-06-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

So, Steve has been gone for a few days on a business thing. We considered driving out to be with him for a day but the logistics of me, cooped up in a hotel room (since the weather is too cold to swim) with all 4 kids...not my idea of fun.
How is it that he gets to go out to lunches and dinners (paid for by the Co.) while I'm eating mac n cheese from a box?! Or just flat out be alone. Or hang out with other adults. No, feeding the kids, folding laundry, sweeping, unloading the dishwasher - reloading the dishwasher, playing referee, cleaning, bathing, etc...
I know it's hard for him to be away. He misses us. But really? 4 days of not having to take care of anyone else but yourself...I have NO IDEA what that's like or even what I would do. Granted he's working...but you can't work 24/7. He went and played golf this morning with one of the other DM's. Oooo how hard. I woke up with Annabelle's feet in my back and the kids asking for breakfast. Then I get to do 10 loads of laundry (which by the way isn't even all of it) while attempting to do some homework.

So, I just had to vent for a second. The worst part is... this is the first of 4 business trips. The month of July will be oh so much fun! Anyone have a job for my husband that doesn't require him to be gone 4 days a week??!?!!!?!?!

The kids start VBS on Monday so that should be great fun! =)

Get off your phone...Get off your phone...GET OFF YOUR PHONE!!!!

2009-06-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

So first off.... Don't you LOVE my pin?!?!? I love it.... found it on Facebook and thought it was hilarious!

Ok. So I just have to rant for a minute. As you know, I work at Starbucks. My store has a drive thru. I LOVE working the drive thru. It's busy and fun. So, what's my rant?!?! CELL PHONES!!!! C'mon people! Get off your phone! I am so tired of being told to hold on while someone finishes their phone conversation...at the speaker box! I am tired of remaking drinks because "Oh...I had wanted that Iced not Hot!" Um...HELLOOOOOOO We repeated your order 2 times PLUS it was on the screen in front of you as you ordered! Her excuse?!?....."Oh...I was on the phone (while she is still holding the phone to her ear)..so maybe you didn't hear me...or maybe I didn't say it loud enough" ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

Now.... I totally don't mind remaking a drink if I mess up or we mess up or it's our fault.... BUT.... It bugs the crap out of me to have to remake a drink because you were on your phone while you ordered...on your phone while you paid...on your phone while you took the drink from me....and on your phone while you complained about it not being Iced. OMG!!!!! It's sooooo rude!!!!!!!!

We work hard. We are expected to get your drink order right - the first time. We bust our butts to get you through the drive through with as little wait as possible.... but if you change your order...because you were on the phone...and I have to remake it.... you have now made everyone behind you late for work!

Whew! Don't be offended if you talk on the phone in the drive thru lane. Just please at least put the phone down while you talk to me. DO NOT put up 1 finger to tell me to "hold on"....DO NOT mouth the words "thank - you" or "no" so that I can't hear you and neither can the person on the other line.

We are people too. We do not work for you...we work for Starbucks. Treat me with some respect. I just spent 8 hours at the drive thru window...2 days in a row.... I have been told to hold on, I have said hello to you (by the speaker box) at least 4 times before you finally tell me what you want, I have been ignored completely, I have been handed a credit card without you even looking at me OR even rolling your window down all the way!, I have been yelled at, I have been told that I was wrong not you (of course...while you were on your phone)...AND the kicker.... I have handed you the wrong drink...and you drove off with it...still talking on your phone! That last one was hilarious because I handed her a Frapp. and she ordered a HOT Latte!!!!! She took off before I could catch her!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT REALIZE THAT YOU WERE GIVEN A COLD, BLENDED DRINK WHEN YOU ORDERED AN EXTRA HOT DRINK!?!?!?! oh wait I remember..... because you were on your phone!!!

Ok... so thanks for letting me rant. I realize that no Starbucks is perfect. We make mistakes...we're human. There are days when you will wait for a while in the drive thru.... but please know that we are doing our best. Show us the common courtesy of getting off your phone. And honestly, I rarely hand out the wrong drink...that one time just happened to be a fluke but the truth is there.... she didn't even notice because she didn't even look at me...she was on her phone.

We had a lady sit in the drive thru for 5 minutes yesterday, parked at our speaker box, windows rolled up....on the phone. One of the guys walked out to see if there was a problem - if she needed help - if there was anyone behind her... and no to all of it. She was just talking on her phone for 5 minutes. She finally ordered...came up to the window...still on the phone.

It's just hard to be perky and happy in the morning when I'm being disrespected at the drive thru window.

Sheesh!

Please take no offense. I am just expressing my frustration. I do NOT represent Starbucks in anyway... just myself.

But know that I appreciate it when you say thank you, or smile at me. I try to do the same for you.

So proud....

2009-05-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ok so funny thing... you know how kids make up their own words? You know, like han-ga-burr for hamburger or host-i-boldt for hospital (yea...those are my kids!) Annabelle made a cute one the other day... I was making lunch and we were having quesadilla's... these are Bella's favorite. She tells me after she eats..."Thanks for making me a cheesydilla mom" LOL I just had to laugh. She was clear and precise with her other words but cheesydilla!!!! Awe...so cute.

Also...I'm addicted to Facebook. Oh, wait...I think I already told you that! I think it's because I am finding people from forever ago. Like my friend Abby from High School (um...13 years ago) or my friend and floormate in college - Amber (um...10 years ago) and my friend Todd from my Starbucks days down in Newport (10 years too!) It's fun to play catch up and see where everyone is. LOVE IT.

Jake and Jessica took some more photo's and they're awesome (as always)... just check out Jake's website... click HERE then click on Blog..it will take you to the pics. My sister Rachel is the bride model on the top of the page. It's sick how beautfiul she is!

That's all. I'm tired...(it's now 11pm) Steve's been gone for 2 days now and tomorrow will be 3... I need a nap, and a bath, and a good book (which I can't find because I think it's under the laundry pile) and my husband back. I can't sleep when he's not here....

Last Class!!!!!

2009-05-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday. It's the first day, of the last week of this class I'm taking. I am jumping for joy inside...because once this week is over...I will be starting my very LAST class!!!! Whooo Hooooo!!!!! And what makes it even better is that it's Intro to Criminal Justice! LOL!!! I'm excited! I can't believe it's been 2 years of hard work...late nights...dozens of papers...tons of research...and finally - the end. I just checked my GPA... and it's at 3.78! YES!!!! I'm pretty stoked!

So...once I finish this paper that is due this next week I will be done...and moving on to the last class standing between me and my BA!

*sigh* can you can senioritis when your 30? =)

Facebook is crazy fun!

2009-05-23T16:20:00.001-07:00

Ok... so I've found high school classmates, college classmates and old friends I used to work with! I'm stoked on Facebook right now! I love catching up with people I haven't talked to in a while and it's so great to find out how they are. Whew... it could get addicting...=)

p.s. I'm finally on Facebook...

2009-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

SO.... wanna be my friend?!?! lol

Come find me ...

Pictures!!!!

2009-05-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's been a while and I've finally downloaded some pictures from my camera. Our desktop has taken a turn for the worst and now all of our computer stuff has to be done on my laptop...so...I have finally downloaded the necessary crap and we're up and ready to go...so... here are some updated pictures...

The first one is of Jeremiah and Annabelle on Easter...

This next one is of my Grandma Mariano and all of her Great Grandkids! Whew! 4 of those are mine...2 are Rachel's and the cutest baby on my Grandma's lap is Jake's.

Here is Hailey getting close to a miniture pony at CALM (California Living Museum)...there are a couple from our day at CALM. It's definetly NOT the Wildlife Safari Zoo that we LOVED in Arizona...but it was pretty cute.

Annabelle and Hailey getting up close and personal with the pony...

Here's another one of the kids and then of Steve feeding the goat...such yummy little pellets!!! =) I'm guessing they're treats or something...shoot if you put me at a fence and hand fed me OREO's then I'd eat out of your hand too!!!! lol

Here's Bella!!!!

OOOHHHH.... Hailey's first dance... well sorta... it was a Father Daughter Dance... How cute are they!??!?!

William at his preschool graduation.... it's hard to believe that he will start kindergarten in the fall! 3 kids in school and 1 to go.....

ok...so that's about it for now... unless I can find some more pics.... =)

Background updated....

2009-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

hey so do you like my new background? I do! =) It's more me... I was just ready for a change. You know how you get to that place where you're bored with what you have and just need a spruced up boost!!!??? well...that's me in a nut shell...

Enjoy

Time...whatever that is!

2009-05-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hey. So I've been bugged to update my blog so I have caved. I've been crazy busy...but also a bit lazy when it comes to blogging or replying to email or whatever... so...sorry...

Here's and update.

Our Family Feud show aired and we laughed our heads off watching ourselves on TV. Laughed and blushed from the embarassment of looking so...um...not thin!!! =)

I'm working like mad and I love it!

The kids have a few days left of school and I'm dreading summer vacation. Will and Bella are done on Friday (with a party tomorrow and no school wed/thurs). Hailey and Jeremiah get out next Friday.

Steve had a little health scare last week and we are now recovering. He had a short stay in the hospital for heart related problems and now has an appointment to see a cardiologist on Friday. We'll see how that goes. Keep us in your prayers.

Hailey tried out for Robin Hood at a local children's theater and we'll find out later this week if she got a part. She also just got her hair cut...but I'll have to post pictures later.

I finally joined Facebook. Wanna be my friend? =) lol
I've found some friends that I haven't heard from since highschool and college. It's kinda fun!

Um...the kids' school wants to send them to a different school and I have to petition to keep them where they are. It's stressing me out. William starts kindergarten in the Fall so it's a super important issue right now.

We do NOT like our town... nope...not one bit...we wanna move... anyone want to offer my hubby a job?!?! We are ready to go.

Oooohhhh I have 1 class left and I will graduate!!!! Yeahhhhh yeahhh yeahhhh FINALLY!!!!

ok...so that's about it in a nut shell. We're pretty boring... =)

FAMILY FEUD

2009-05-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Our show airs Thursday and Friday May 7th and 8th. I just wanted to post it up and let everyone know... =) Don't laugh too hard!

I made the Dean's list!

2009-01-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so I did it again! I made the Dean's list at Ashford University! I'm so stoked because I have made the Dean's list every quarter for the past 2 years. My GPA is 3.79 and I'm pretty excited about that too!

I only have 4 classes left to take and I will FINALLY have my Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences with a focus on Elementary Education. My estimated graduation date is July of this year....=)

I'm going to borrow my brother Jake's cap and gown from when he graduated college and pretend it's mine...take a picture with my Degree and be done with school! =)

It's only taken me 12 years to finish...but hey...at least I'm finishing, right!?

I just thought I'd share that tidbit of good news with you all... =)

Free tall coffee from Starbucks

2009-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Sorry it's late notice but Starbucks is offering a free tall coffee to anyone who will pledge to volunteer for 5 hours! That's it...5 hours! Imagine what a difference we can make in our communities if everyone pitched in! Anyway, the promo is continuing through tomorrow the 25th. It was only for this week and I'm sorry that I didn't post on here sooner. Here is a brief intro...

Starbucks has teamed up with the HandsOn Network to launch the I’m in! campaign from Jan. 21-25 in the United States. Customers and partners are invited to pledge five hours of their time and in return, Starbucks will offer a free tall brewed coffee at U.S. company-operated stores and participating licensed locations. This is part of our StarbucksTM Shared PlanetTM program goal of generating more than one million annual hours of community service by 2015. (www.starbucks.com)

For more information click HERE

FREE 3 yr Subscribtion to Today's Diet and Nutrition

2009-01-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent this link to me and I recieved it and so did she. I thought that I'd send it along to anyone who wants a FREE 3 year subscription.... Enjoy...

FREE 3 Yr Subscription To Todays Diet & Nutrition
Enter Promo Code INAUG09
**Offer Expires 1/24/09 **
http://www.todaysdietandnutrition.com/subscribe.shtml

Whatever!

2009-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

Today is January 22. Time goes by too quickly to even think about and sometimes I just wish it would slow down. I know that it's not possible but I'd still like for it to not fly by!

Christmas has passed us and then New Years (which by the way...we stayed home and just hung out). Now I see Valentines stuff everywhere I look oh and Easter stuff too. We are a society that lives holiday to holiday. Consumers that do nothing but consume. I find myself going holiday to holiday as well. Not necessarily consuming but it's my calendar. The kids had Christmas break (or Winter break if you're in a liberal state like mine!). Then we had MLK day and therefore no school on Monday. We'll have Presidents Day in Feb. and they won't have school that day either. Eventually it will be Easter Break (or spring break). And finally summer vacation. We'll then start the process over with Labor day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc... Holiday to Holiday and back again. So I say...whatever. =)

I haven't been blogging. I haven't been doing much of anything actually. I'm working, doing school work, trying to clean my house, taking care of kids, doing more school work (both mine and helping them with theirs), cooking, Church, Bible study group, fitting in a shower somewhere in there, more cooking, more cleaning, more schoolwork, work some more... You get my point. Things just get busy. Life gets busy. There are days when I'm so run down and tired that 7:30 looks pretty good for going to bed! I know...7:30pm! but seriously, I'm tired.
So because of that tiredness...and lack of energy and what seems like a million other symptoms...I made and appointment for me to see a doctor. It's funny that we as mom's tend to do EVERYTHING for our kids and forget ourselves. My kids have been to the doctor, the dentist and they get exercise...but I haven't been to the doctor in over a year, the dentist in...well... lets just say it was in the 90's! and I haven't seen a gym in 2 years. I justify myself by saying...I walk up and down the stairs multiple times a day, chase the kids, work and just basically do everything else so...why go to the gym?
Bottom line is this...
2 years ago I felt that something was off with me. I went to my OB and she did some blood work...she said that since I had just had Annabelle within that year that my body was just adjusting. The blood work came back normal. You'd think I'd be relieved but I was just more frustrated. I know my body....I know when it's not at 100% but the tests are telling me I'm wrong. So...I let it go.
About a year ago it started again but we were in the process of moving and my DR. chalked it up to the stress of moving. Whatever.
Now...it's so bad that I can't function. What you might ask? What am I feeling? A lot but let me just tell you briefly because I'm sure you don't want to know it all. I am light headed and dizzy almost daily. I am lethargic and completely exhausted (yes I know I have 4 kids and a husband that works alot but that's not the cause), I have severe and I do mean severe back pain on my left side. So bad that there are days when I can't get off the couch or move because it hurts to walk. Steve, bless his heart, will offer to rub my back but it's not the back muscles that hurt...it's internal. If you've ever been kicked in the kidney's or had a kidney infection then you can imagine my pain.
So...I went to the doctor. Told her everything I just mentioned plus more. She ordered blood tests and an Ultrasound. I'm waiting and waiting and waiting. I received a referral to an OB and I went and saw her. I sat there for 20 minutes trying to tell her that there is something wrong. She told me it was hormonal. That I am stressed from moving here. That the "pill" is the answer to all of my symptoms. I told her that it was more than that....I felt that I had a cyst on one side and possibly fibroid's. She examined me and said she didn't feel anything and that I was fine. She once again pushed the "pill". I sat there getting more and more discouraged. I am tired of doctors treating me as if I am a child and have no idea what I am feeling. It's my body. I've birthed 4 kids for goodness sake! I know when something is not right.
She just talked at me...not listening.... finally the nurse came in and brought her the results of my ultrasound (they had to call to get it because no one sent it over...) She looks at the results and says....Oh...you were right. You do have a cyst and fibroid's. **sigh** It's about freakin time!
Her answer to the fibroid.... the "pill". **ARGHHHHH**

I'm seriously frustrated, discouraged and disappointed. The blood work never was sent over to her office so she has no idea what that result is but I'm telling you...something is not right.

I was sharing this with one of the ladies in my Bible Study group because I've just been so down lately...she said that she experienced the same thing but ended up having to seek a second opinion because the OB she say just brushed her off (like me). She pushed and ended up finding out that her fibroid was taking so much of her blood that she was anemic and that her body was taking blood (or whatever) from her bone marrow. If she hadn't pushed for them to run more blood tests who knows what would've happened.

I have another appointment with the Primary doctor next week...so we'll see how that goes. But it's just frustrating.

I know that doctors hear the same thing over and over from many patients...but that is no reason to treat everyone the same. I am not the same as the patient in the next room...so don't treat me like I'm an idiot. **sigh**

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest. Steve was saying goodbye to me this morning and he hugged me and said..."Don't be in a funk today"...You know why I'm in a funk? That STUPID "pill"!!!! I agreed to take it for 3 months so that she can see if that helps (it won't in my opinion). Then I will have another ultrasound to see if anything changes. So in the mean time...I get to deal with the horrible hormonal crap that the "pill" does to me...and my poor husband gets to deal with it too! I'm really having to make a point to not be irritable with the kids...I hate the "pill" because of the way it makes me feel. So...if you see me within the next 3 months... just love me despite my hormonal ugliness ok?!?! =)

So pray for me. And Steve! =)

I'm going to try to blog more. I just have little motivation right now...Any suggestions from anyone?

A month....

2008-12-29T15:48:00.009-08:00

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!!!

2008-11-21T14:54:00.003-08:00

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!

2008-11-19T18:24:00.006-08:00

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?

2008-11-08T10:31:00.017-08:00

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??

2008-10-31T12:05:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-10-28T18:36:00.002-07:00

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?

2008-10-28T18:08:00.002-07:00

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....

2008-10-22T18:44:00.003-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-10-18T19:40:00.029-07:00

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...

2008-10-15T17:48:00.004-07:00

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!

2008-10-14T09:54:00.013-07:00

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!!!! =)

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!

2008-10-03T14:34:00.003-07:00

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....

2008-10-01T12:12:00.002-07:00

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....

2008-09-30T10:53:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-09-29T15:12:00.002-07:00

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!

2008-09-27T14:48:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-09-22T15:49:00.002-07:00

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!

2008-09-18T11:07:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-09-16T17:58:00.002-07:00

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.

2008-09-14T20:01:00.002-07:00

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...

2008-09-13T18:24:00.002-07:00

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

2008-09-12T19:21:00.014-07:00

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!!!!

DMV...are you KIDDING me?!?

2008-09-12T19:01:00.002-07:00

Oh my gosh. The CA DMV. Can you see my hair turning grey and steam coming out of my ears? If not...trust me... it is!

We had to get our car registered and our CA drivers licenses. I thought I was being savvy and made an appointment online. We walked in... got our number and waited for only a few minutes. I was stoked...until we got up to the counter and the lady snipped at us for not having paperwork! Um...why didn't the lady who checked us in (with the confirmation of appointment paper...so she knew why we were there...) give us paperwork? So...after filling out the paperwork and waiting for a bit... our lady went on her break! Yup, her break...it was only 10:30am...
So... I had to get a new number. Finally, after awhile our lady came back from her break. *sigh* I really don't like the DMV. Because I had a CA drivers license before, I didn't have to take the test so that was fabulous. =)

BUT can I just tell you ... when we went to get our drivers license in AZ, it was a pleasant experience... not a walk in the park...but at least the people were nice. When I got my picture taken for the AZ license I started to leave because I figured they'd send it in the mail like good 'ol CA...but nope! AZ prints it out right there. 5 minutes and I had my license. *sigh* Not the case in CA. I should expect my license in 7 - 10 days. Are you joking?!?! So, right now I'm driving around with my AZ license with a hole punched in it! and a piece of paper from the CA DMV stating "Temporary License"... lovely.

We were just glad to get out of there. We still have to get the car smog'd, which means we have to go back again. Oh and it was EXPENSIVE! Can I just say that it was more than a few hundred dollars! I remember when I got my license at 16... it cost me $12. Today... $28. But it's the stupid registration that kills you! Where in the world does all that money go? Cuz you know there was at least 100 people in the DMV this morning...all paying fee's of some sort... I'll remember all the money we paid when we drive down the street and hit our head on the ceiling of the car from all the wonderful bumps and pot holes in the road... =)

It's official!

2008-09-11T12:22:00.002-07:00

Whew! I am, once again, an employee of Starbucks! I start Monday and I couldn't be happier! It's been a while but I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just glad my clothes will be smelling of coffee and not grease! =) I remeber in college when we had friends that worked fast food...not a pleasant smell in a dorm.
When I'd get home from work before, Will would always come and give me a big hug and sniff me! =) He said I smelled yummy from the coffee.

What's for dinner ...

2008-09-09T10:48:00.003-07:00

Dinner... well... tonight we have Skaterama at the kids' school. Me, roller skating... yeah, I don't think I've skated in over a decade! lol This should be funny...moreso because Will wants to try and if Will is doing it then Bella will want to as well.... Look for pictures in the near future. I'm sure it will be a good laugh!

So, for dinner it will be simple.

Taco Salad. Mainly because I have everything on hand, it's easy and the kids actually eat it! =)

I add avocado to ours and I mix sour cream with a bit of salsa for the dressing. Hailey likes it just plain but the boys like dressing. Annabelle just eats whatever the other kids eat so she doesn't care...=) as long as she gets her pink bowl, life is good.

Classroom Fun...

2008-09-09T10:35:00.002-07:00

So I helped out in Jeremiah's 1st grade class today. It was so cute to see the kids figure stuff out. I love my son's teacher. She is great with the kids and really has the classroom running smoothly. They are encouraged to be independent and it's fabulous!

Did I mention that the school only has 1 male teacher. 1! He teaches 5th grade... Even the principal is a women! =)

I want to help out in Hailey's 4th grade class. I think that as of now, I really like the 3rd grade level and I think I would like teaching that age...but I still want to check out the 4th grade. I'll be done in April with my degree...then off to the credential program... so... I have some time to decide but I think that I would do better with the middle ages. I have a lot of respect for those teachers that work with the Junior High and High School. I'm not sure I would have the patience...same with Kindergarten. I think that if I co-taught Kindergarten it would be fun but I'm not sure I would be able to do it all alone.

Jeremiah's 1st grade class has 20 kids... not too bad... Hailey's though...has 31! Holy Crap! 31 kids...wait.... 31- 10 year old's! Girls are getting to the "click" age and boys are realizing that girls exist, and girls are maybe thinking that boys are cute but they still stink and are gross... I think Hailey's teacher needs a HUGE hug and a LARGE cup of coffee! =)

So, all of you teachers out there... THANK YOU. Thank you for pouring into our kids' lives every day. Thank you for giving of yourself, your family, your time, your money, your love and your lives. Thank you for making school and environment that out kids want to go to and enjoy going to.

And, for all of us parents... volunteer in their classrooms if you can. Ask the teachers what kind of supplies they need and keep replenishing them when you can. (It's week 4 and she has already gone through a bunch of glue sticks...and erasers) Send notes of encouragement and appreciation. And teach your kids (as I teach mine) to be respectful and loving. To use manners and be kind. Spoil your kids' teachers because they are making a difference in your child's life. =)

Starbucks called!

2008-09-08T20:20:00.002-07:00

Yup...I dropped off resume's at 4 different Starbucks near me and finally after 2 weeks I heard from one. She called at 6pm... and I just got back from the interview! That was quick! I think the interview went really well...they are hiring for the hours that I am looking for and since I've already worked for them, it will make the training/transition much easier. This one has a drive thru so I'm excited about figuring that one out! =)

Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers going. This would be a fabulous opportunity for us! The crazy thing is that the store opens at 4:30am! Whew! That's early!

I'll keep you posted.

First Day of Preschool!

2008-09-02T16:33:00.002-07:00

William and Annabelle started their first day of Preschool. They were SO excited! Annabelle especially! She just practically ran into her classroom and wouldn't take off her backpack.

It was quite a wierd feeling to have no kids...none.. the house was quiet. I worked out for a little bit, till I got bored... then I did some homework...then I went and ran a few errands...OH... and I turned in some job applications.

I'm exicted about their next day at school. I think I might actually get A LOT of cleaning done! I might even be able to mop the floor without having to remove little ones...so maybe the floor with stay clean a little longer. =) Yeah right! But we can all hope can't we!?!?!

What's for Dinner?

2008-08-31T20:21:00.002-07:00

I had the idea to just start blogging what I make for dinner. I know that there are days when I run out of ideas and would like to find some suggestions so... here is my suggestions.

I put 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot with a small bottle of BBQ sauce...put it on low for about 8 hours. After about 6 1/2 hours I shredded the chicken then put it back in the crock pot. We then put it onto hamburger buns and enjoyed! Corn on the cob and kiwi fruit on the side and dinner was on the table. It was pretty good...easy...and the kids liked it. Plus, there is leftovers for Steve's lunch this week.

It's definitely something I'll make again. Jeremiah liked his with some cheddar cheese on top...that was pretty good too!

Awesome Photo's!!!!!

2008-08-28T08:32:00.012-07:00

Jake and Jessica came to visit for a couple of days, bringing with them my most adorable nephew! He is so cute and getting so big. It was wonderful to just be able to visit with them and hold him. I swear newborn smell is intoxicating! =) Well...until we have to change a diaper but there is nothing that can compare to that newborn smell. I love it!

Anyway, I know that I brag about how talented Jake and Jess are but truly...they are. They managed to get some great photo's of us in the backyard...after a long day and whining kids... somehow they turned out fabulous! Check 'em out... I've posted a few... Jake has a few on his blog. I have the link on the right side of the page or you can click HERE to see his blog.
Thanks Jake and Jess! We love you...and Micaiah! =)

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-28T08:28:00.002-07:00

I know it's late but it's been a busy week... Steve turned 30 on Tuesday! =)

We just kinda laugh that we are only 30... well he is... I still have a couple more months till I'm that old! =)

School Started!!!

2008-08-20T19:33:00.002-07:00

Whooo Hoooo!!!! =) The first day of school was Monday. It was alittle chaotic because it's a new school and we didn't get a chance to tour it before school started. Hailey's teacher sent her a postcard in the mail so that was awesome to at least know who her teacher was... we just had to find her classroom once we got on campus. We got a letter in the mail stating who Jeremiah's teacher was and her class number. There were SO many people on campus... we had to park a good distance away and walk for awhile to get there. The kids were very excited though! Their teachers seem really nice and eager so I'm excited.

It's day 3 of school...so far so good... =) Will and Bella start in September... now I just have to get a job to pay for it! =)

So, I checked my email last night before I headed off to bed and I freaked out! One of my bank cards has been compromised and someone made 2 charges in Vegas for $500 each! I called my bank and had to file a claim but CRAP! Why do people do this? and how? I had my card...it's never left my side... I hardly use it... so... how did they get the info? A little scarry. It's frustrating... I'm just glad it wasn't our account...just my "fun" stuff account.

I've got to find a job. I'm putting in my application at Starbucks again. I'm hoping that since I'm a certified Barista it will make it a little easier for them to re-hire me. Fingers crossed! I'll keep you posted on what happens... =)

Summer Vacation

2008-08-16T15:32:00.019-07:00

The last fun of the summer is now over. School starts Monday. Yeah! Oh..um...I mean..bummer! =) lol So, our last fun of the summer was spent at Huntington Beach, Angels' Stadium and Knotts Berry Farm. We really had so much fun that I wish it could've been a longer vacation. The kids, of course, LOVED the beach. Bella was a little timid of the water but enjoyed running and digging. The boys and Hailey loved having the waves knock them over! They didn't get the idea of "body surfing" ! It was so fun for Steve and I to watch them giggle and have fun. The day was really great too because it was a litte overcast and so the sun wasn't so flammin hot! I had to give you a glimpse of my fun... the camera isn't working so great lately so ignore the poor picture.

So after the beach we went and checked into the hotel. Have you ever used Hotwire? I did for the first time and it was such a surprise. We got a killer deal on a HUGE room. The hotel was called Candlewood Suites and it was perfect for us. There was a full kitchen - including a full fridge, and a seperate bedroom for Steve and I. The kids slept on the fold out couch and recliner chair.
It was really nice and I would HIGHLY recommend them!

Anyway, from there we went to the Angels game.

The family section is our favorite because you are right behind the bull pen and can see all the pitchers warm up. If there is a homerun to left field then there is a good chance for catching a ball. The game was going great...Angels were winning... we were having a great time... till an error was made and then another...and another... they lost. *sigh* Bummer...12 innings ... and they still lost!

The kids had a blast though!

It was late...and the hotel wasn't too far so that was great. We woke up the next morning and headed out to Knott's Berry Farm. Steve and I remember going there when we were little and were excited for them to experience it.

I took Hailey and Jeremiah when they were tiny...4 and 2 so they pretty much didn't remember a thing. It took them a while to get excited but once we went on a couple of rides they were bouncing around. Annabelle was funny because she really wanted to try every ride! I'd tell her that she was too little and she'd come back with "I'm not too little". Knotts has a great kids area call Camp Snoopy and they had quite a few rides that she could do. Some of them, though, parents couldn't ride on...so I was a little nervous about letting her go alone. Hailey took her on the airplanes and she seriously had a blast!!! The race cars too.

It was one of those proud moments as a parent when you can sit back and watch your children be a child and have fun. Hailey is such a great help and a wonderful big sister. Bella adores her. Jeremiah and William are buds too and it was so sweet watching Jeremiah help Will. They went on this mailbox ride and Will was a little to small to get up on the seat by himself so Jeremiah - without me asking - went over and picked him up and got him in the seat. Then he sat next to him and they just laughed.

I felt like a little kid again because we took advantage of the fact that the park wasn't packed so I got to ride some rides! =) It's been a LONG time since I've been on a roller coaster and it was so much fun. There were no lines... so I practically just walked on. I think the longest I waited was for 10 minutes. Steve took the kids on the Log ride (big drop and lots of water!) and they HATED it. He said his ears were hurting from their screams! lol We did manage to get Hailey to ride with me on Sidewinder. It was so fun. She was scared but did so good. I told her I was so proud of her. She ended up going again with Steve and then on Jaguar twice and Montezuma's revenge (her first upsidedown roller coaster)!

We will cherish these memories.

The kids have already asked us when we can go back! =) I love it!

Procrastination....

2008-08-11T12:43:00.003-07:00

So, I'm supposed to be writing a paper right now. Actually, it's due tonight so I should have been writing it a while ago... but I haven't. School is getting monotonous.

*Sigh*

I'm schedualed to be done in April... so lets hope that the time will fly by.
What else should I be doing?... unpacking more boxes, mopping the kitchen floor, getting stuff ready for dinner tonight, organizing the playroom, finding a place for everything that has been unpacked but not put away. I remember now why I don't like moving.

Oh... we got our first electric bill. YIKES! I hate paying bills. Just when you think you've gotten ahead, you realize you're still sitting in the same spot.

Do you ever feel like your life is boring? I read some blogs from my friends and wonder how their lives stay so full. Even with 4 kids I feel like we are bored. I think the kids have enjoyed the park down the street and playing outside since it isn't 120 degrees like it was back in Arizona. But, seriously.... we're boring people.

Steve is taking some days off next week and we've decided to take the kids to Knotts Berry Farm for the day. We're going to see and Angels game too... the boys are excited about that. We didn't get to one last season so it'll be fun. I'm sure when school starts life will pick up...or when I find a job...but for now... we are enjoying the leisure of summer.

Camping in the backyard!

2008-08-08T21:40:00.007-07:00

So, Steve took the kids camping in the backyard. They set up the tent and are all sleeping with their sleeping bags and glow sticks! Mommy, of course, is sleeping on her queen sized bed with the full thickness astronaut foam bed thingy, you know the one that forms to your body!, yes that one.... whew... am I a bad mom? NOPE... They need daddy time, right?!? lol

We visited with my little nephew last week and of course the kids LOVED holding him... and swimming. Jeremiah is getting pretty good at dives and flips and boy energy causing him to cannon ball and jump off of everything....including my brother in law's shoulders.

David Crowder, Mercy Me, and I'm a new auntie!!!!

2008-07-27T12:57:00.013-07:00

Ok. So it's been a busy week. I always start out with the best intentions of blogging every day or at least a few times a week. It's been a week. Whew! Tuesday night I went to see David Crowder Band and Mercy Me in concert here. David Crowder was awesome and hilarious!!!! Mercy Me was really great too. I didn't realize I had my camera until Mercy Me was practically done so I was bummed. But here is a picture of Mercy Me. And they sang one of their favorite songs at the end so here is a clip of that. Oh and check out my playlist at the bottom of my blog. There is a few songs from both groups... I bet you have heard them before but didn't know who sang that song you LOVE!!!!!
BUT here is a link to YouTube so that you can see David Crowder... HERE

My sister in law went into labor so I drove out there to see them. It was quite the ordeal for her. But I finally have a nephew =) He was transferred to the NICU for breathing difficulties but he is doing better and they are hoping to release him tomorrow or the next day. Here is an adorable picture of him...ok well here is a few! =) My brother says that the picture on the right makes him look like Yoda! =) He's just stinkin cute!

So since we were at my parents house awaiting the baby's delivery we took the kids swimming. So here are just some fun photo's of the kids and my dad in their backyard.

Tried a new church today.

2008-07-20T14:33:00.002-07:00

I miss my church. REALLY REALLY MISS MY CHURCH!!! Nothing compares. We tried a church this morning since it's the first Sunday since we've been here that we've actually been home. We went to the church that hosted the VBS that the kids went to this week. It was different than mine back in Arizona...(by the way...if you live in Arizona...check out CCV...I have the link on my blog...I LOVE IT!!!!) but it was good. Smaller. WAY smaller. But I'm sure most churches are smaller than CCV. I mean, CCV has 10,000 people on a given weekend. No that wasn't a typo...10,000. But it didn't feel that big. I have to say too...I miss my mom's group. *sigh* Starting over is so hard.

When we first told Hailey that we'd be moving she was very excited to get back near family but when we realized we wouldn't be in the same town she got pretty bummed. She cried and complained because she'd be leaving her friends in Arizona but not moving near her CA friends so she is going to have to make new friends. She, of course, says it's not fair and that I don't have that problem. I had to explain to her that it's NOT easy for me. I explained to her that when we moved to Arizona I left EVERYONE that I had known since I was a little girl...my parents, brother and sister, church, friends, job etc... It took me a little while to get to know people in Arizona but I did....just like she did. Now, it's hard again because just like her, we are not moving next to family... sure we're closer (2 hours instead of 6) but I still have to meet people. I don't know anyone here just like she doesn't so I do understand her tears.

Growing up can be so hard and at her age she is just way more aware of what is going on. She is 9 and going into the 4th grade. I pray for her everyday and I know that the Lord will have someone for her to become friends with...it's just a matter of getting Hailey to get over the shyness and meet someone! =) She can't wait for school to start...and for the weather to cool off so that they can play outside.
So, we'll keep trying churches till we feel like we that is where we are supposed to be.

Found my Camera!

2008-07-19T12:40:00.014-07:00

I found the camera and so here are a few pictures of the house. We're still settling in so some rooms aren't done yet. So here is a picture of the front of the house. It's practically brand new.

Here is the kitchen on the day we moved in. It's got a huge pantry! We'll be getting a couple bar stools for the island and a kitchen table for the eat in area...eventually... =)

Here is the formal living/dining room. We just got the piano for Hailey and she loves that! So do the rest of the kids so we have to try hard to keep them off of it.

Here is some pictures of the awesome park that is 3 blocks away! The kids really really love it! Here is a video of Annabelle being silly! She likes to hit the button on the water spout and then run away when the water starts to come out!

Annabelle...and her diaper...

2008-07-18T15:13:00.004-07:00

She hates it. I mean, wouldn't you? She just keeps taking it off and leaving it places. We have a huge house, so I am seriously searching for it. I'll ask her where it is and usually she'll tell me exactly where it is but sometimes not.

This morning was one of those mornings. The alarm went off and I just laid there for a minute. Then... Will comes in my room SCREAMING that Bella took her diaper off and threw it at him! Great. But then it gets worse. She had more than pee in the diaper. So.... good morning to me!

I spent the next 30 minutes cleaning the carpet, ripping off the sheets (because she decided to climb up on his bed) and cleaning her up. WHY? Why are kids fascinated with such things? It's gross and frustrating. She is ready to be potty trained. In fact, she's gone on her own a couple of times but the whole moving thing kinda pushed the potty training aside. But this was the last straw! Seriously!

I know that I'm not the only parent to deal with this right? You would think that since she is my 4th kid I'd have it down, but no. Maybe because she's my 4th kid I'm not surprised by anything anymore.

I hear yelling from upstairs... I guess that would be my cue to go. I think MOM and Ref are one in the same! =)

California...and their LAWS!

2008-07-18T14:54:00.002-07:00

SO.... as of July 1st you have to use a hands free phone device if you want to talk on the phone while you drive. They have huge billboards advertising it and TV commercials... maybe it's a good law... maybe. Being from Arizona... we didn't have that law. The fine for talking on the cell without one is over $200! Luckily, Hailey has been sitting next to me in the front seat so she has been my hands free device for the past 2 weeks! =) She of course thinks that is AWESOME.

Steve threw away the boxes that our cell's came in and of course didn't bother to check what was inside so...he threw away the ear piece/mic thingy. I went to Best Buy to buy a hands free thing but found out that the one I bought didn't fit it. So today I went back to get a different one. AND I found out that my phone has Blue Tooth capability...didn't know that! I thought I had a cheapy phone but apparently Blue Tooth is included on the cheapy phones! =) So now I have an ear piece. You know, the ones that stick out of your ear and make you look like you are talking to yourself!

I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually. But right now I feel like a dork! At least I know that I'm not the only dork in CA!!! =)

FINALLY!!!!!!!

2008-07-15T11:39:00.003-07:00

Finally, we are in the house. Finally, the cable guy came (after waiting nearly 2 weeks). Finally, the kid's beds are put together and they are sleeping in them. Finally, I have fresh towels on the 2 towel bars...and the only 2... that are in this house! Finally. Finally.

Do you know how irritating it is to pack up a house in 1 state thinking that you'd be in a new house in another state in only a matter of a few days, only to find out that its going to take longer than you thought....then you realize you only packed enough clothes for you and your 4 kids to last you...oh...about...a week! Time goes by...4 weeks... and FINALLY we can move into the house. I've been sleeping on the couch (or the floor) because our bed is one of those lovely inventions that requires water tubes....sorta like a water bed but there are 8 individual tubes that you fill with water... well the bed is 10 years old... the tubes...yeah um... leaking. So, we don't have a bed set up... those stinkin tubes are $30 a piece to order replacements. We need about 5 so...do that math! Yeah, I think we just need a new mattress. =) *sigh* So, my wonderful parents loaned us their air mattress. I have it set up on the box spring so that I can "pretend" to have a bed! lol
did I mention that the floor boards upstairs squeak very LOUDLY?

The kids are enjoying their space. The house is pretty big. The Lord really blessed us with a lot of space. I'll post pictures later when I can find my camera under the piles of boxes! The house is a 2 story with a formal living/dining room and office off the front of the house. The kitchen is big and has a step in pantry AND a wall pantry AND an island! =) The family room is connected to the kitchen...like a great room. There is a niche for this wonderful computer that I am typing on (did I mention that I can't find the keyboard for the computer and had to run out to Wal-mart and by a cheapo one? not happy about that). We then have a play room and full bathroom as well as an INDOOR laundry room!!!! *giggles* I'm stoked!
Up stairs is 3 kids bedrooms and a kids bathroom. We have our pet turtle up there in her own little niche as well. Then the master with a HUGE bathroom that has a big TUB!!!! So...add it all up and it's a 2500 sq. ft. 5 bedroom 3 bath plus office. The backyard is landscaped and nice plus we are on a cul de sac which is great for the kids. There is also a brand new park only 3 blocks away that has tennis courts, basketball, volleyball a HUGE playground and the best part is a water splash pad (water comes squirting out of the ground or raining from the umbrella looking thingy). The kids love it, I love it.... and I guess Steve loves it. I think he's happy that I'm happy! =)

So... off to unpack some more boxes. Oh joy.

Wait... did I tell you that I have the best family? My brother and sister in law (who is 9 months pregnant) drove the 2 1/2 hours with my mom and helps me set up a lot of the down stairs. We used my brother's muscles to do all the heavy lifting and my sister in laws creative eye on decorating and my mom's good eye on everything else. My parents then came back and helped me get the kids' beds all set up (stinkin bunkbeds and missing screws!)

Okie dokie... Now I really have to go. The boxes won't unpack them selves....and I can't trust the kids to do it. And hubby is out of state for a few more days so... that leaves me. =)

No...I didn't fall of the face of the Earth!

2008-06-11T22:47:00.003-07:00

Hey. I haven't had 2 seconds to sit by myself let a long Blog. Sorry about that. So, we moved out. It was HORRIBLE. But here we are....still at my parents house because we haven't found a house yet. It's not like we haven't been trying. I have been on the computer every day searching. I thought I found one, we drove out there, saw the house, and was truly disappointed. So....we keep looking.
The good news is that we have a potential house lined up as of today....haven't seen the inside yet. But it's big enough to hold all of us and down the street from a new school so we'll see.
My parents have been great. The kids LOVE being here and getting to swim every day and having Papa take them on the boat. (My parents live on a lake) I've enjoyed the company and extra help so it's been nice. Steve is still staying in his temporary place and coming down on his days off. So we see him about once a week. I can't believe it's been 2 weeks already. I miss my friends and my church terribly!!!!!
SO as soon as we find a house and get settled I'll post some pictures and get back to blogging. Right now...I'm going to bed! =)

PODS are coming...PODS are coming...

2008-05-20T15:28:00.002-07:00

Whew! I have tried calling all kinds of places to get some moving truck/storage/movers etc... and everyone is booked! BUT Pods is not! =) So, tomorrow some time we'll be loading the PODS... I'm soooo excited to get stuff finally cleared out. I have boxes piled 4 high in my front room. We can start taking beds apart and furniture down...now that we have a place to put it. I'll keep you posted on our PODS experience because I've heard both good and bad things...so lets cross our fingers that ours is a good report! =)

Kraft Food and Family

2008-05-16T20:42:00.003-07:00

Can I just tell you how much I love Kraft's Food and Family Magazine!!?!??! It is such a great magazine. Plus, it's FREE! They send it a couple of times a year. The one I just got was the Summer '08. I think they send them out for every season. Check out the website and sign up, it's free and they send you coupons as well... http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/registration/contextualsignuplogin?RegistrationActivityID=1237

Enjoy!!!!

Packing

2008-05-13T12:32:00.003-07:00

So it's been a while since I posted. It's not that I didn't want to post...just haven't had the time to sit down and put my thoughts into actual sentances! You know how that goes don't you.... the 2 year old refuses to go to sleep and now that she can climb out of the crib she thinks it's fun to get up in the middle of the night. She wanders into my room and says "Morning Mommy!" but....it's only 2:45am! AM!!!! No, Bella, it is not morning let get you back in bed... again! After a few nights of this, I am EXHAUSTED!!! So my thougths tend to be sporatic and fatigued! =)

Since I'm also trying to finish my degree by taking classes online, I have homework (which my kids find hilarious!) and Monday night is when everything is due... Did I mention the class is on the American Constitution! Yea....um...I don't do history very well... and me being determined to get an "A" in every class....I'm screwed! =) lol I have had an "A" in every class but 1...it was a "B+" !!! 2 stinkin points away from an "A"...
Anyway, so between kids....school...and packing...I'm tired.

This whole moving thing has really began to stress me out. It's not packing and the move itself ... it's the fact that we still don't know where we are moving. I decided to take a few days to really pray and fast about what the heck we were going to do. In the midst of my time with the Lord, Steve's company informed him that his district will double at the end of the month but they can't tell him where the stores will be yet. >=( Why.....why can't we catch a break? After I begged him to find out some more info (like a general vicinity of locations) he was told to stay along a specific highway. So not the answer I wanted!!! It's in the middle of the state! So, my dream of moving to the beaches of the central coast were just put on hold... and now we are trying to find a place to rent.

We'll be moving in about 12 days.... and ask me if my house is packed! =) NOPE! Still working on it... somehow I misplaced the huge tape roller....so I'm on pause until I can find it...=) The joys of packing with 4 kids that decide that those items you put in the box were really items that they can't live without! and so "please, please, please can't we just keep them!!?!?!?!" as they pull the items out of the box... Yeah...I'm getting lots done! =)

Yummy Coffee-Mate!

2008-05-01T08:05:00.003-07:00

Hey! Want some FREE coffee-mate? Go to http://www.coffeemate.com/ and click on the little coffee cup on the right! =) I'll probably get my coupon about the time I'm moving...but hey...I'll use it eventually! =) With all those early mornings unpacking 50 Million boxes!!!!! =)

I need some advice...

2008-04-23T16:51:00.002-07:00

So, you know how we go through stages in our lives? Most of us start out with nothing and then work our way to something. Rarely is anything really handed to us.... we must work, save and achieve. Am I right?

Have you ever said to yourself "This is just a stepping stone" ? I know that we have. Our first house was and is a stepping stone to a bigger house. It's the "starter home" - you know the one... 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and small square footage. My husband's first job out of the Navy was a stepping stone job to get him to something better. You have to gain the experience needed to get you the career... following me?

Ok so here is my thought process... we are moving out of state... that is a fact. We can practically move where ever we want because he has to drive to specific stores....that is a fact. We own a home...that is a fact. Enough for the facts... now to the question....

Should we take another stepping stone or should we jump to where we want to be? In other words.... do we move to the town that isn't really so nice - that we'd want to move from in a couple of years? OR do we move to the nicer town...smaller house....but a town we could see ourselves living in for quite a while?

We were cautioned to not settle for the stepping stone if we don't have to.... we don't HAVE to buy a house since we already own one... so we could rent.... so why not rent in the town that we wouldn't mind staying in for a while? Sometimes it seems like those "stepping stones" turn into anchors and you get stuck where you really didn't want to be.... make sense?

Our oldest will be in Jr. High in 3 years and High School in 5..... so I don't have too many more moves in me... I refuse to make the Jr. High years more difficult by making her the "new girl" over and over...

Have you made multiple stepping stone choices? Have you regretted any of them? Have you said "screw stepping stones...we're going for broke!!!" ? If so.... I want to hear about it.

Keep us in your prayers.....

Tamar

LONG WEEKEND!!!!!!

2008-04-21T13:51:00.011-07:00

Well...Steve came home this weekend because he was miserable without us! =) lol He thought he missed all the chaotic noise until he got home and heard it! =) We had a busy weekend. Will's preschool did their end of the year Parents night. It was so cute to watch all the kids sing songs! Here is a small clip. They were singing the song It's my Father's house... The kids are singing...
"there's a Big Big Yard where we can play FOOTBALL!"

And I told you I might have been gifted with 8 arms like and octopus to be able to keep up with my 4 kids.... well... I found a picture I took of Annabelle eating that messy chocolate cupcake! =) Aren't you glad it's not your kid?!?!

On Saturday I was so excited to go to a High Tea with some girlfriends. We had a very nice time. It is always enjoyable to be able to be a girlie girl every once in a while! We all got to wear funky hats! =) It was truly a wonderful and relaxing time! So the picture of the table is lovely.. those things in the middle...scones! I love scones and these ones were HUGE and wonderful! Don't our hats look so festive??!?!?! =)

Wait there's more!!!! AS if this weekend wasn't busy enough!

We finally celebrated Will's 4th birthday! We went to the fire station and got to have a tour. The kids were soooooo excited!!! The firemen were awesome! They gave them a tour of their TV room (and um....they have 2 LARGE screen TV's with some really really really nice leather recliners....) their kitchen with 3 HUGE stainless steel fridges and a super nice stove...(I want it!!!) their sleeping rooms, and their gym (um...yeah...I want that too!!! lol) and then the kid's favorite part...the TRUCK!!!! After the tour, the firemen gave the kids little Jr. Fire Fighter hats! How cute is that!

After the Fire Station we went to the park... so much fun to be 4 again!

So...Steve left....reluctently....and we're counting down the next few weeks. I guess I'd better start packing some more...but first I have to finish my school work for tonight and clean up this mess of a tornado that blew threw here when daddy was home! A mom's work is NEVER done! =)

Is it Monday already?!?!?!?!

2008-04-14T09:51:00.005-07:00

So, today is Monday. Really...already?!?! What happened to my weekend? Oh.. I know... it was full of sleepovers and birthday parties! With Steve away....I think I might be crazy to have thought I could pull off a birthday party for 10 "9" year olds! 10! At the park thankfully and not in my backyard but add to the 10 my other 3 kids... and boy oh boy! Not to mention....it was 98 degrees today. I'm sorry...did summer some how show up unannounced because I thought we were still in the spring time season? It's April right? Not June? So...10 "9" year olds at the park, 98 degrees, 3 other kids on the playground, CHOCOLATE cupcakes (told you I was crazy) and water balloons. Yes, water balloons. We did a 3 legged race, egg and spoon race, water balloon volleyball, water balloon toss and then finally a water balloon fight - which ended when my daughter (the birthday girl) fell into tears because they dumped water on her! Whew! The drama starts. All in all....we had a good time. The chocolate Hannah Montana cupcakes were a hit...even with my 2 year old that basically covered her ENTIRE body with chocolate frosting! If I had a few extra hands on my person then I would've managed a picture of that one...but since the Lord only blessed me with 2.... I missed the picture opportunity.

Steve has decided that he can't take it any longer and he is coming home for the weekend! =) Yea!!!! The kids are counting down the days and are sooooo excited! He is too, which is funny because I thought he would enjoy the silence and the lack of chaos. He says he hates how quiet it is at the RV. Oh...wait... quiet from our kids but not from everything else. He told me last night, while we were on the phone, that he just heard 3 gun shots....then an ambulance a few minutes later. GUN SHOTS!!!! Oh...then he says... yea, that's not the first time I've heard gun shots....we probably don't want to move to this area! Um...YEAH! No kidding! I pray for his protection every day...all day!

So speaking of Bakersfield.... our renters just gave us notice. They'll be out at the end of this month...so now we have to find new renters. The bank has decided that they can't give us the full amount that they had originally told us and until we get renters to sign a lease....they can't give us anything. Which means.... that we have to reapply for the loan because it's past the deadline date of use or whatever! So my parents say to me....why don't you guys just move back to the house while your still deciding what to do... so picture this.... 6 of us in a 3 bedroom 1.75 bath house....that is 1250 square feet. Sound like fun? So if you are a praying person.....keep us in your prayers.... =)

As always, I'll keep you posted.... =)

The Mom Test

2008-04-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

Mom Test

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from herand I asked her not to do that.

"Why?" my daughter asked.
"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs," I replied.

At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration an d asked,"Momma, how do you know all this stuff, you are so smart."
I was thinking quickly."All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it, orthey don't let you be a Mom."

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidentlypondering this new information.

"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad." ''Exactly," I replied back with a big smile on my face.

When you're finished laughing, send this to a Mom.

YES! All 4 kids are mine!

2008-03-30T17:04:00.002-07:00

And Yes, they were planned. And Yes, we know what we are doing! I am so sick of people being surprised that I have 4 kids. I am tired of the sideways glances and the comments regarding the number of kids we have. I can't believe some people have the nerve to ask me if they were all planned or if we're crazy. Or the best comment..."you do know what causes it don't you?"...or "did you miss a pill"!!!!
I have people ask me if they are "all mine" ...as if I can't handle 4 kids! C'mon! We are not perfect but I have the Lord as my strength. My house is NOT spotless but we have a happy home. Our house is a place for the kids to land when they've had a hard day. My kids are gifts from God and I hate that I feel like I have to defend myself for having 4 children! My gosh...my dad is from a family of 5 and my Aunt and Uncle have 7 kids! Just a few years ago it was very common for people to have a lot of kids! So what the heck!?! Why are families that have more than 2.2 kids looked down on? Why do we get the snide comments and the judgemental glances? I don't appreciate older women looking at me and saying "boy, you have your hands full. did you think about that before you had so many?" Excuse me? I didn't see a sign on my chest asking for your 2 cents or for you so called "advice". I had one guy tell me, "You'd better be able to educate them all!" No joke. What give strangers the right to let me know that they disapprove of the number of children I have.
Granted....I have had many comments about me looking like I'm 19 but seriously...I am so NOT 19! I thought maybe I'm getting glances because I look so young but does the large wedding ring on my figure not mean anything?
Ok...I just had to vent. It's just irritating to go to the grocery store and be bombarded with this annoyance! Any other mothers of more than 2.2 kids feel my pain? I think that we all need to support each other!

1300 Miles!!!

2008-03-25T13:34:00.002-07:00

Holy crap! For the past few days we have practically driven all over the sate of California! Wed. we left from Phoenix to Temecula, CA. Then Thursday from Temecula to the Bakersield area. Friday Bakersfield to Orange to Corona to Victorville. Sunday Victorville back to Phoenix. So...5 days and over 1300 miles later.... I'm home!

The kids did pretty well being in the car, for what seemed like days....We passed through LA. EWE. Yea... um...I was born and raised in CA....and NO LA is not pretty! =) Hailey kept thinking she would see famous people on the freeway! ha! Nope....just graffitti on the walls and Jeremiah says...I like the way the writting looks but it was bad that they did that! Oh the logic of a 6 year old! =)

So, Steve is settled in CA and I am here. 2 days down and too many to go!

More Giraffe Feeding

2008-03-18T13:12:00.002-07:00

More of feeding the Giraffe's. Seriously, we loved this! Can you tell?!?!?! I have like 20 pictures of the kids feeding them! lol It is so fun!

Video of the baby tigers

2008-03-18T13:02:00.004-07:00

Here is the video of feeding the Giraffe and the lower one is of the baby tigers playing...aren't they cute? They kids got a kick out of watching them pounce on eachother. They play like little kittens even though they are so much bigger then kittens!!! We love this zoo! I wish we could take it with us to California!

Feeding the Giraffe's

2008-03-18T12:53:00.003-07:00

We went to the Wildlife World Zoo and had a blast feeding the giraffe's. The kids didn't want to stop! Their necks are so long and their tongues are practically black! You have to climb some stairs to this platform and then you are face to face with them! They are truly adorable!!!

More Pictures!

2008-03-18T12:47:00.003-07:00

We went to the park with daddy one day. We had lots of fun feeding the ducks! Actually, one climbed right up into Steve's lap. The park is right by our house so we like to go as often as the weather is nice. Doesn't the duck look all cozy snuggled into Steve? lol!!!

2008-03-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

I finally loaded the Pictures!!!!

2008-03-18T12:37:00.004-07:00

Ok so I finally got around to loading the pictures on the computer! Whew! That's over! So here they are... Annabelle's first real haircut. I took her to "Little Chops" a kids haircutting place nearby. The picture of her in the playhouse is of her ratty hair! =) lol It's thin and it gets tangled. She was content on playing in the playhouse but not happy about having to get in the chair...even though it was a race car! She was not happy!!! The top one is of her wanting out of the race car!!!

The picture on the red wall is her after the haircut! =) She had to sit on my lap because she was so against it! But now she talks about her haircut and was yapping her brother's ear off about her hair! 2 year olds!

Diapers.com

2008-03-11T17:15:00.002-07:00

I heard of this cool website from a lady in my mom's group this morning. So I checked it out. It looks to be a fantastic deal!!! I saw on there that you can buy over 200 Pampers in a HUGE box for about $47. I think the best deal I found was for over 100 Pampers at Sams Club for $29.... so it's a good price. Some of you may have gotten this email... if not and you use diapers or know someone who does... check it out...

Thought you might be interested in this website I discovered, www.diapers.com. They deliver diapers, wipes, formula and other baby necessities at really low prices with fast free shipping. They carry all the big brands and hard-to-find products too.

If you enter my email address or Referral Code on the shopping cart screen, you'll get an extra $5 off your first order. And I'll get a $1 credit each time you order. It's a great way we can both save!

My Email Address: calltamar@yahoo.com
Referral Code: Tamar
Check it out at www.diapers.com

My Awesome Brother!

2008-03-11T14:20:00.005-07:00

Did I mention that I have a very talented brother? Well I do. (I have an awesome sister too and my dearest friend...love you Rach!)

Jake and his wife Jessica are absolutely fabulous with the camera. Both video and digital. I'm totally amazed. Anyway.... this is his website and I have added his blog to my list of favorites. He has lots of pictures on there that they have taken. Some of my family. I'm so proud! Check out www.whitecloudpro.com

It's Monday

2008-03-10T10:31:00.002-07:00

So it's Monday. I'm already tired and the week has just started. My weekend started off with a bang. Hailey had to go to the dentist on Friday and had a tooth pulled and some cavities filled. Holy Cow that cost us an arm and a leg! And to think we have 3 more behind her that will need to see the dentist. I'm afraid! =) lol

Friday night Hailey had a birthday party to go to and it was at a skating rink. How fun for her. I remember going to skating rinks when I was little. This was her 2nd time on roller skates and she really had some fun. Steve went to pick her up when it was over and she suckered him into renting some skates! He did and she thought it was so funny to watch daddy skate. It was the first thing that she told me when she got up Saturday morning. She was loving the fact that he did that with her! Go Daddy!

We've started to really pack now. We have some things cleared out and the house is starting to look lonely. The pictures are off the wall and it's weird.

We will be heading out to CA next weekend to get Steve settled, look at more houses and celebrate Easter. I can't believe the time has flown by! But I can't wait to get out there. My brother and sister in law just informed me that they will be having a BOY so I am excited!!! My first nephew! =) Hailey heard me say that I was happy for them to have a boy and she stood in the kitchen and screamed "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" apparently she wanted them to have a girl! lol We haven't had a boy in the family in 4 years but we've had 3 girls...so a boy will be fun! =)

Ok enough procrastinating... I have to get my stuff done! Schoolwork, housework, mommy stuff, packing, cooking, sleeping, working....and somehow I have to fit in a shower! =) lol

Enjoy your Monday. Thank goodness it's half over!

Pepsi

2008-03-09T11:18:00.003-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where everything and everyone is annoying you? Today, is one of those days. Perhaps it's because of the looming separation from my husband or perhaps it's the fact that I have to pack up this house. Whatever the reason....I need a Pepsi! =) Yes, that is my vice. Pepsi. Sad isn't it? Steve will call me throughout the day and ask how things are going. If I sound overwhelmed or if I tell him "I'm loosing it!" =) He'll show up with a Pepsi for me! Not in the can, or in a 2 liter....a fountain drink! =) What a good man!

So today...we are packing. We are really packing. This week will be Steve's last full week so we're trying to get as much done as we can. It's slightly overwhelming. For a family of 6 we have a lot of stuff. Not major furniture...just stuff. Books, movies, papers, TOYS and blankets. My kids love blankets...weird. Hailey, I swear, sleeps with about 6 blankets! =) We're clearing out the garage. Oh boy. That is a chore in itself. With Steve staying in CA without us...he is only taking what he can fit in the RV comfortably...yeah...um....not much. I pretty much will be packing for what seems like...forever! =) lol

We'll be having a garage sale though...April 5th. So...if you live in AZ...come help me clear out my "stuff" by taking my "stuff" to become your "stuff"! lol =) Seriously, anyone want a teeter totter, or climbing outside slide, or Gateway computer, .... the list could go on... Craigslist is looking really really good right now!!! =)

So basically...it might be a 2 Pepsi day!!! =) I should buy stock!

I haven't blogged in a while.

2008-03-06T09:50:00.003-08:00

Ok so it's been a few weeks. I kept telling myself that I'd blog when I could load the pictures on the computer. We went to the park and I wanted to post it. Annabelle got a haircut. Her first one. I took pictures. Have I put them on the computer yet? NOPE! It seems like whenever I get a second to actually do something I want to...I can't. Why... oh becuase there is a chaos!

Saturday...I went to wash my dishes (which I hate doing) and as I turned the faucet it broke off into my hands. Water then sprayed me in the face until I could get to the thing to turn it off! So..soaking wet I had to figure out what to do next. We spend most of Sunday trying to fix the darn thing. The landlord of this house hasn't kept up with anything so the pipe underneath the sink was just rusty and corroded. Steve's arms were killing him from trying to twist the nut and get it off. Seriously, it took like 3 hours! After mulitiple trips to Home Depot...we have a new faucet. Who knows how long it will last though!! lol =)

I've been packing too. All the non-essentials. Which is kinda hard with the kids. What I see as a non essential they are freaking out about not having for a couple of months. I have to pack when they are in school so they can't see what I'm doing! lol Same with all of the toys. I think I've gone to goodwill a few times....with their stuff!!! =) They funny thing is...no one has asked me for that toy that they can't seem to find...so I guess they won't miss any of the stuff I donated.

Steve will be getting ready to go to CA next week. We're a little sad but we know it will be all better when school gets out! So, if you are thinking of me...pray for me. I will be doing it all alone for a few months...I will need the prayers! =)

Ok...that's it for now. We have an eventful weekend coming so I'm sure I'll have more to write about. As I always do. Steve laughs at me for blogging...but hey...I tell him it's either this or I talk his ear off! =) He supports me blogging! lol =)

My husband ~ What a guy!!!

2008-02-19T08:53:00.003-08:00

So we spent 4 long days in California trying to find a house! We looked at like...25 houses! It was A LOT of houses! We found a couple that are very workable but nothing that jumped out. We're back home now and we are finishing getting all the financial stuff in order. Hopefully, we'll be ready in about 3 weeks to do it all over again!!! =)

Anyway, Hailey had a birthday party to go to yesterday (Mon) so we were going to pick her up on our way out of town. We hit some traffic but nothing too terrible. All of a sudden the car in front of us started swerving really badly. Then Steve yells out to call 911. Freaked me out! What we saw was horrible. The guy in the car was hitting the female in his car. Brutally. Elbows and such. He was so preoccupied with her that he wasn't paying attention and was swerving into all 3 lanes. Steve was on the phone with highway patrol and was giving them a account of what was going on. We gave them the make/model of the car and the license plate number. The highway patrol actually asked Steve to follow the guy at a safe distance. So we did. The guy pulled onto the shoulder real abruptly and tossed her out of the car. He then took off down the offramp and left her walking along the side of the freeway. We pulled to the side with our hazard lights on and asked her if she was ok. She says yea, she's fine and keeps walking. The highway patrol said that they had someone on the way and to stay with her. We just slowly stayed behind her then realized that he had pulled over at the end of the offramp and was screaming at her from a few hundred feet away. She just kept walking towards him. He then got back into his car and started going in reverse up the off ramp. Cars were having to move out of his way. He then hit the side guard rail which ignited his anger even more. He started yelling at her again. We were told to stay with them, that help was coming. She started to get back into the car, but he speed off. He pulled over again and she kept walking towards him. She eventually got back into the car and we started following them again. Still waiting for the police. He ran a red light so we got stuck but we could still see him. We managed to catch up and at about the same time 3 police cars showed up. They pulled him over right away. We were able to then go up the street and turn around (since we were going in the opposite direction of where we needed to be). As we came back passed them we could see that he was cuffed and on the curb, she was in a cop car and the police were searching his car.

Oh my gosh were we shaking. I would like to think that we saved her life and the lives of the drivers on the freeway since he was driving so badly. It would've been only a matter of time before he just hit another car in his tyraid! We just had to pray for her that she doesn't put herself back into that situation. It was real scarry to see a man attacking a women...in the car no doubt!

I was proud of Steve that he took the time to get involved. You know some people would've kept driving and said "that's sad" or called the police but not get too invloved. I'm proud of him... =)

LOVE AND RESPECT!!!

2008-02-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Steve and I went to the Love and Respect marriage conference this weekend and it was AWESOME! We really learned alot about eachother and how we think and therefore communicate. We would HIGHLY recommend the conference to everyone but if you can't get there...READ THE BOOK!!! www.loveandrespect.com

So my favorite part was this... The difference between a guy and a girl... Imagine... a married couple is getting ready to go out. The wife is standing infront of her closet and she says.."I have nothing to wear" BUT what she really means is "I have nothing new!". The husband is standing infront of his closet and he says, "I have nothing to wear". BUT what he really means is "I have nothing clean!". They both said the exact same sentance...but meant 2 totally different things!

This book and conference is all about our differences. We aren't wrong....we are just different.

Will the HERO!!!

2008-02-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

So funny thing happened last night. I had just given the kids a bath and dressed Annabelle. Will was suposed to be getting his jammies on so I ran up stairs to use the bathroom. Hailey comes charging in and says...Will answered the door and it isn't our friends! OMG so I ran down stairs to find our neighbor standing there and Will at the door nekked!!!! Yes, naked. That is Will for you. Anyway, after my total embarrassment, my neighbor asked if I could help her. So, basically... a lady down the street locked herself out of her house and had wondered if one of our kids was small enough to crawl through her dog door. William fit that description. After I threw some clothes on him we walked down the street and we found the dog door. It was VERY small. We were able to get him in there and I talked him through trying to get that door unlocked. He was so brave. All the lights were off in the house and he found the light switch. He managed to get the key for the door and unlock it. The lady was SO grateful and I was SO proud of him! He was proud of himself too. The neighbor kept telling me that Will listened to my directions so well and he was so smart. =) She also said that I was so patient and encouraging! What a wonderful compliment!

Hannah Montana!!!!!

2008-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

SO my wonderful Mother in law and Sister in law surprised Hailey with tickets to see Hannah Montana in concert! She FREAKED OUT!!!! All I heard was high pitched screaming for 2 hours! We had lots of fun though. Her first concert! We had pretty good seats...if it was the hockey game then we would've been 2nd row - center ice! But the stage was to our left so we have crooked necks! Thanks Grandma and Auntie Tracie!!!

Annabelle Grace!

2008-01-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

So my husband made the Dean's list but I didn't!!

2008-01-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

What the heck! Steve makes the Dean's list but my name is no where to be found...hmmm.... it makes me wonder! =) I am really, truly proud of him. He has been working extrememly hard to do his school work and it will pay off. He is surprised that he made the list... He didn't even know what it was! =) lol

I'm very proud. =)

I only have 10 more classes till I'm done so OMG I can't wait!!!!! Yeah for college. I know that we are setting the example for our kids that even if you quit something you can always complete it!

My first blog...

2008-01-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

My first blog. Don't I feel grown up...well not necessarily grown up but maybe at least keeping up with what is going on. =)
So, I live in Arizona. It's hot here. Yup...like 120! You get used to it and I know that it sounds silly but you do. I hate how hot it gets but it is great at Christmas time when I'm still in shorts and tank tops!
We will be moving back to California pretty soon though. I'm excited to be closer to family but honestly I have mixed feelings in general. I have come to really, really like where I live. I have everything I could ever want within just a few miles of my house. Our kids ride their bikes to school and my husbands job is only a few miles away. I'm nervous about leaving the creature comforts that I have come to really enjoy.
Well... I'll keep this short because the kids are in the kitchen getting a "snack" and who knows what it will look like when they get out so...off to be the mom to 4 that I am!