A Touch of Destiny

I have something to say....

2011-10-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers has been a victim of some blogland meanness. It makes me mad. She is one of the sweetest people ever...
She was told to grow up and get counseling...you should read her blog...and be nice to her. One of the things I love most is the honest spirit of her blog...like evey human she has struggles. The way she approaches her life is a huge blessing. Below is a little snippet from today's post. The way she describes how she "feels" things, emotions, music, etc...really spoke to me. Those could be my words. And while I don't have the same struggles that she spoke about... I just really love how she described herself.

"Yes, I feel things deeply, and I am really incredibly emotional, and sometimes I cry over the silliest things, like when I burnt our salmon last night. But what's wrong with that? I like to think of my "mental issue" as a gift...not an issue at all. Through my gift to feel things deeply, I have learned to be a more compassionate person. I am able to connect with people. I am a great listener. I am more open to different ideas. When I hear music, I don't just hear it...I feel it. When I see a painting it's not just a painting, it's a different world for me. I don't have mental issues...I have a gift."

So...do me and yourself a favor and jump over to her blog... Her name is Lauren. You will love her:)

The sad part...

2011-08-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

So...my big kiddos are going back to school next week. Monday. I can honestly say...I am heartbroken.

They make me crazy enough to be admitted to a psych ward. But still...I don't want them to leave me.

We seem to have just found our summer stride. Not as much sibling fighting, more helping mom out...a fair measure

of giggling and shushed whispers from imaginary expeditions... And now they are going back to school.

You would think I was sending them off to boarding school. I'm not. Just down the road a bit...for sixish hours a day.

I am sure the baby and I will stare at each other for the first week. The entire week. We won't know

what to do. That...or we'll party. A party in Target...or Ihop. Swell.

I still wish summer lasted longer...

I have a list of activities to Accomplish before then end of summer...

Up next. Canning. With the kids. It will be an adventure.

It will be epic!

Hair today...gone tomorrow

2011-08-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

This post was meant for the beginning of the summer...the kidletts...the big ones got their hair cut. It was high drama and much debate...Shane likes his hair longer and shaggy...but he gets so hot in the summer...so of course the Mann and I wanted him to be cooler...hence the whole let's shave his head conversation happened. Then there's Amelia. She wanted a short summer "do". And after fighting her every single morning before school to brush her long locks...I wanted it too. The Mann was a different story. He wants his little princes to have long hair. So...there was A LOT of discussion on the matter. We finally reached a compromise...on both counts.

Here are the before pics...

Mister Shane

Amelia

All three Itty Bittties...not so Itty anymore:(

Amelia so very happy to have less hair

Shane...I promise he liked it. Promise.

The littlest Bitty...looking so very sneaky....

And the puppy. The giant puppy. He is really huge.

I wanna have a party...

2011-08-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

...like now! But what to do...

How about a Great Gatsby Party??? How fun is this wedding??

...or a jazz party...So many fun ideas!

What kind of party are you having?

Am I invited?

Summer love

2011-08-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

There are certain things that scream "SUMMER" to me...here are some of them...

I really like this...Might have to try it sometime! Look here...for more:)

Have I mentioned how much I love anchors? And navy? Well...i do. AND...I WANT!!! Found here...

You can buy the print here...but if you buy it before I do...prepare to be tackled and robbed! Just a warning!

One of my new favorite blogs...Oh, and I WANT that bag!!!

I like this idea...It makes me happy. Found over here...

Loved this the moment it popped up in my reader...It is in a little Etsy shop called fog and swell. Love that name! Found on poppytalk

What screams "SUMMER" to you??

Pretty much...

2011-08-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

A) I LOVE the Brooklyn Bridge. I consider it "my" bridge. Some day I will stand upon that glorious structure and publicly claim it as only mine! I will! Watch!

B) I love pocket watches. Not as much as "my" Brooklyn Bridge...But boy...I sure do love them!

C) Conclusion...I really should have this necklace. Like now. I mean it. Really.

Found here... It popped up on my twitter. I guess it is supposed to appear at this fantastic shop...However, I don't know when that will be...So I did some research (read : stalked around the interweb)...Lookey what I found!

Seriously...I'm just sharing cause I'm so nice...You buy it before me??? You know the drill... You will be tackled and robbed. Just in case you wanna risk it...This fantasticness can be found here....

You are welcome. And warned!

Oh...get inspired! #2

2011-08-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

So...its been almost a month since the last post...well, not counting yesterday. Here are some things I've been loving ALL month long. I saved them just for you! Yep, I'm just that awesome!!! Enjoy!

Super love this idea for a "party in a box"! See the tut over here...

A wedding that combines peacock feathers and anchors??? yes please!!! I mean you had me at "anchors". See the rest here...

This Picture...

and this one reminded me of a friend...love the hot air balloons:) For even more inspiration, look here...

This photo made me giggle. I even showed the Mann. He chuckled.

Pretty stinkin' amusing. Found on this blog...

Loving everything about this shoot...except the nude lips. I just can't get behind nude lips. I don't know why...Do you like them? Here is the rest of the shoot...

How amazeballs(yes I just said that) is this window??? I want one. Stat!

Here is a close up...pretty swell, yes? Read more here...

Ever need a creative way to display photos? Here is some inspiration...

Now wasn't that fun? What has been inspiring you this summer?

Baby Belly...

2011-08-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Love this for a maternity shoot....Almost makes me wanna get knocked up again...Almost. Check out the full post here...

a little more sweetness...

2011-07-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

I love that line...it is at the end of every post from one of my favorite blogs
...kiss the groom So i borrowed it...just for today:)

I love this banner. Wish I had come across this post sooner...I would totally make it! Maybe I will, for next year. Super duper ahead of time!

And this is what next years party would look like...Don't you love it. There's much more over here...

This wedding idea is beauteous. And perfect for our red white and blue weekend! Lots more fun over here...

And here are my sweetnesses...eating some tasty water melon after swimming this weekend...I think they are pretty darn amazing.

Miss Amelia

Sir Shane

and... Miss Ayla

Red, white and blue food...Part one

2011-07-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Here it is...the fantasticness that I have been talking about ALL day...
Grilled Chicken
Mango Salsa
and Sister Salad

You may now applaud.

It was a huge hit. The Mann liked it. I liked it. The kiddos liked it.
Major success! Whaaaaawhooooo!!!!

Just look at that juicy mango...the sweet red pepper...spicy jalapeno!!! Oh my!
I didn't use a recipe. I made it up after looking around the food web.

Ripe Mango- I used about eight
Red Pepper- two nice big daddies
Red onion- About a quarter thinly sliced and then CHOPPED!
Jalapeno- Half. Finely chopped. Don't want the kiddies to burn the little mouths.
Cilantro- About one tablespoon(or to taste). Again, finely chopped.
Lime juice- A nice splash will do.

That is it. I didn't add anything else. It was yummy!!!!
Another option is to add Avocado. I am going to try that with my leftovers.
Yes, they are my leftovers. I may or may not share. We will see.

And then the Sister Salad....It is a secret family recipe...I could tell you but...
well, you know the rest;)

Oh...get inspired!

2011-06-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here is some loveliness from my blog universe this week...Enjoy!

In honor of the Fourth of July...I love this wedding shoot. I mean really. Who wouldn't!

I also LOVE this wedding! Check out the Mason Jar candles. One of my favorite things

Speaking of vintage....I am having a love affair with this ring. Someone tell the Mann!!! STAT!

And now for a bit of my love affair with burlap...and white. Perfection!

How about this beach proposal? Darling!!!

Thanks to this little inspiration I now want desperately to have a summer social. Complete with tissue paper fringe, cupcake garland and paper bunting. Oh...and ice cream. YUM!

I want this inspiration board to be a place. And I want to go to there. And get lost. For a long time....

What a sweet piece from this wedding shoot...Kinda wanna go to there too:)

Sorry for the absent blogger right now. I have been kicking my...(ahem) "tail" at the gym. Its kinda killed my creativity. I've decided to change some stuff. Like my name. Well, the Blog name. And move it. Soooooo....stay tuned for "newness"

Things I love...

2011-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Pretty much...I can't believe its Thursday already. I was pretty grumpy at the beginning of the week. Not only did I not feel Like blogging...I didn't feel like even opening up my google reader either. My mood is much better now. I have even caught up on ALL my blog reading...and that is saying something!!! These are some pretty random things I loved this week. Hope you love them too!

Love this barrel planter over on Design Sponge...

I am so making this little pencil/ric rac ditty for one of the kiddos parties this year...It is from a super hero themed wedding over here...It pretty much rocks!

I totally dig these "Links of Love" instead of a guest book...check it out here...

These napkin holders would brighten even the most foul mood! found here...

Someone...please do this cake stand!!! Wait...maybe I will!!! found here...

What a fun idea!!! I found it over here...

In other news...spin was awesome. My legs were on fire. Tonight I did a rad kickboxing class. Like I said, it was rad. I am hooked. My left hand is still shaking, makes typing pretty interesting, but...that means it was beyond awesome!!!

8 Weeks...personal style

2011-06-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the non-blogging...I have a lot on my mind.

It makes me not want to blog.

I will try to be better:)

In the meantime here is this weeks

8 week topic.

If you haven't been reading along...you should. Catch up over here...

This week Personal Style is being discussed...Read the post here...

I love the guest blogger this week! I actually follow her! Yay for me!

A good friend suggested her blog to me and I have not been disappointed!

Read her blog over here...You will fall in love with her!

1. Go through that blasted closet of mine. Toss the junk.

2. Make a list of the stuff I need...so I don't buy junk when I am shopping for clothes...Even if its three dollars on the clearance rack.

3. Try to be the slightest bit adventurous when considering my wardrobe this week. I'm in a serious rut. I need to Un-rut myself!!!

Can you tell I'm a bit cranky?

I think an early bedtime is in order.

Spin class is tomorrow...I'm pretty stoked

to try it out. It'll be my first time...ever. Eeek!!!

Sleep well peeps!

Home Sweet Home

2011-06-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Yep, its that time again. Time to read this post. Over here.

In case you aren't reading that fantastic blog...this week, the topic is Home Sweet Home. It's all about making your home a wonderful place to live. Mandi is the contributor this week. You can read her blog over here...

She has three great tips for making your home a wonderful place to live...

1.Don't buy or keep anything you don't love.

2. Start small.

3. Don't neglect function.

You really should read her full post...C'mon...You know you want to! Just click here!

1. Those blasted junk drawers. I need to go through those things. I think there is a
cupboard or two that could use my attention too...

2. Shampoo the carpets. Yes, I know, that really isn't decor related...but, if I feel they are dirty...it makes my home feel un-wonderful.

3. Paint "that" wall in the living room. It makes me cringe every time I look at it!

So, tell me, what are your goals this week?

Tornado Warning: What to eat when...

2011-06-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

...you might blow away.

Apparently Northern California has been

transported to some other longitude/latitude.

One that harbors nasty weather patterns who seek out

and destroy trusting Californian towns.

Ok, I jest. But honestly, What is going on here???

See that picture of dinner? I was so preoccupied with the

weather report, that I over cooked both the stew and the pop overs.

Regardless, they were still beyond tasty and quite the Super Mom

hit! And while I know that our "tornadoes" are by no stretch of the

imagination anything close to what the Midwest has been experiencing...

That was a bit FREAKY!

People of the Midwest...you have my heartfelt condolences

and vote as some of the bravest people on this planet.

Hang in there...we are rooting for you!

C'mon baby light my fire!

2011-06-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the super cheesy title...But I am just a bit excited...
Remember that goal I posted about my PC???

Well...somehow I got it running again!

I had to delete pretty much everything

including photo shop...boo!!!

But at least now I can get the pictures off my

camera and play "I'm a big bad blogger lady"

Haha!!!

So, I am one of those crazy people that

uses or tries to use every last drop of something.

I have been known to cut open lotion containers...

add water to shampoo and conditioner to ensure they

are sufficiently used up and save my "candles in a jar"

for the purpose of melting the extra wax for a brand "new"

candle.

A couple weeks ago, it was raining (I know, shocker.)...

I was bored...and wanted to light lots of candles.

I found a few "used up" jars and decided to

make some new candles.

Here is what I did...

I put the "candle jar" in a pot on the stove...

in about an inch of water, and turned on the heat.

While my wax was melting away..

I readied my container...
I just love mason jars. They are

so very useful...and built for heat.

Once my was was melted I pored it into the waiting

mason jar...

While the first batch of wax set up, I started

melting the second jar of left over wax...

I melted some leftover wax from a freestanding

candle too. It was white...

Aren't they pretty?

I got a little carried away adding text to the pictures..

I might avoid that next time.

Now. Should you choose to attempt this fun little project,

Please take the proper safety precautions.

Have at least a potholder handy...safety glasses if you think

they might be necessary...and even a fire extinguisher if you are

pyrotechnically inclined.

Be careful!!! You are messing with hot stuff!!!

If you burn your fingers...or your house

to the ground...I will totally say "I told you so"!

Tuesday...or is it Monday...or is it Tuesday????

2011-05-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well, this day is odd. It's a Monday disguised as a Tuesday...or something like that.
We had super busy weekend...

Friday was super exciting! My friends Billy and Tiffany opened
their graphic design studio. Yay! It was so fun!!!! I didn't take any
pictures...of course. But I did make some super-duper tasty
Jello Bytes. They were a huge hit. Almost as huge as the new studio!!
Check out Different by Design. They are awesome!!!

Saturday we had a BBQ with some friends...it was supposed
to be swimming weather, yeah...not so much! The kiddos
spent the afternoon in the hot tub...while it rained. They
loved it!

Sunday was an easy day...I went to a Friends house warming
shindig. Her house is so cute! I love it. I got to hang out with some
old pals I haven't seen in a while. It was so nice to catch up:)

Yesterday I slept in way too late ( thanks babe...I guess I needed it)...
but ended up getting a lot accomplished. More on that later:)

So...it's a little late but this weeks "8 weeks" topic is
Loving life and Having Fun. The guest blogger is Lauen of Busy Bee.
She is super cute and real. I love real. You should check out her blog...
And Sometimes Sweet too. They are super rad. Super!

So my first goal is the most important for me...

Not saying anything negative about ANYONE for a week. Yikes!!! Not that I am an overwhelmingly negative person, but I can smack
talk with the best of them. So, gotta cut it out!

Number Two...

Get the darn PC fixed up so I can post pictures...I feel like I can't take picture when I don't have anywhere to put them.

Number Three...

I gotta go through my clothes. Never did that last week. Super need to get on it!!!

K...gots to get moving. It's cold, and if I don't get going I might freeze to my chair. Where o where
is my California weather???

Rain, rain...rain

2011-05-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Breaking news....it's raining again!!!!
Let me tell you, this weather is seriously bumming me out!!!
I think it might be sapping all my creative juices too...

That being said, I feel like we need more "green" in our little
lair. These seem like a good idea. Maybe little fingers won't be able to
rip off leaves. ( big fingers crossed) And, BONUS!!! I have the perfect
container! Nothing too fancy...but at least I won't need to buy
something new. Yay!! Hope you're having a happy Wednesday.

Found these here...with directions on how to do it yourself.

I love these. They would perfect for a ceterpiece...find them here...

Love...

2011-05-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

So...happy Monday. We had a superstore busy weekend...but I have no idea what we did.

Because it's Monday, we are visiting the "Eight Weeks to a better Me" topic. This week the topic is...Loving Yourself.
You can read the post here...
To be completely honest... This is a tough one for me. Really tough. Right now I'm now very happy with "me". My silly body really isn't
cooperating with me these days...and I have way too many insecurities. I was totally hiding from my blog today so I didn't have to
write about this. Boo! Now, this doesn't mean I hate me...I'm just seriously irked at this point. But hey...I'm working on it!
Read the post. It's good. Really. Read it!

I didn't do too well with my goals for last week...
I'm NOT good at breakfast. This is my breakfast this morning.
Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon ( from last nights dinner), basil, spinach and arugula. It was yum.

I cut down on my coffee sugar. But then I ate the kids Easter candy. Ugh! And the veggies didn't happen at all.
If at fist you don't succeed...try, try again...trying again this week! I need to drink more water too...I just can't seem
to get behind the whole water drinking thing. I still don't like it. Even with limes, or cucumber... Bleck!

For my goals, I am totally stealing points from the post. Totally stealing.

1. Find something that makes you feel good! ( This is one of the reasons I blog...)
2. For every negative thought you think about yourself, think a positive one! ( that's a toughie!!!)
3. Take inventory of your closet! ( I need to inventory my closet, dresser and a big tub in the garage. And then get rid of the "bad" clothes)

I'd love to hear your input on this subject. You can post a comment below. You just need a Google account.
And I'd super love to have you follow my blog. It will make me smile. I love smiling!!!!

Have a good night! Hubs and I are catching up on Criminal Minds episodes! Yikes!!!

Confessions...

2011-05-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

...of a somewhat sane Mommy.

You know the days where you know what you want to say, but
Can't seem to find the words? That's my day today.

I don't think I realized just how wonderful my mom is until I became a
mother. I mean I always knew she was amazing. She has been my hero for
quite sometime, for so many reasons. I will never forget a certain daughter
yelling that she hated her. My mother quietly turned away, went to her room,
picked up her Bible a just read. I'm sure she was reading something along the lines of...
" Thou shall not murder your teenage daughter...even if she deserves it!!"

This week we started trying something new. We are all sitting at the table for dinner.
Shocking right? When the big kids were babies...The hubby and I would give the kiddos
dinner in the kitchen...in their high chairs. We would feed them, bathe them and put them to bed.
Then we would clean up and eat...together in the living room.
That has been our routine ever since. Then we started fighting meal time and bad manners.
My very wise mommy suggested eating as a family. So far it is working wonders. Mommies
Are so smart. I hope someday to be a smart as my Mommy.

Last night Shane was finishing up a little project for school. He got carried away with
the scissors. Some of the project got cut away...tragedy. I could hear how upset he was from
the other room. I knew what happened before he told me. So...I put his mind at ease. Sent him to bed.
Glued everything to a new piece of paper and cut it out. This morning I was his hero. This
afternoon...I am sure I will be his nemisis. Sometimes that's how it is...

I have been reminded daily how quickly my kiddos are growing up.
Today I had one of those moments where I saw into the future...

I was in the living room with the Itty bitty...she was busy watching a show
I asked "where's my Itty bitty?" She looked at me and smiled. Not just a
Baby smile, one of those grown up smiles that start creeping in at this age.
I could almost hear her tell me she didn't have time for my little games.
I felt my heart rip out of my chest...why do they grow up so fast?
I really did think she would stay little for a bit longer.

I hope my disjointed post didn't drive you crazy... My brain seems to be on
some type of unexpected hiatus. I would love to know how you hold on to
every precious little moments with your Littles...

What works for your family to make those difficult times of day, less difficult?

Whew!!

2011-05-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! So glad its Wednesday! Yesterday was quite productive. I worked on about five different projects...
Finished two sewing projects and once again cooked dinner. I am starting to feel super 1940's domesticated.

Ok..maybe I should explain... Hubby went to culinary school. He loves to cook...and is a super awesome chef.
Unfortunately, our little town does not have very many cheferly opportunities. And because of this,
Hubby doesn't work in his dream job. His job is very un fun. But... Hubby usually cooks dinner for our
Little family. This time of year, his job gets even harder than usual. I thought I would be super sweet and take over the
cooking obligations. Hence my current feelings of extra domesticity.

One of the sewing projects I finished was this one.

It is, of course, pillow. I saw it here...there is a tutorial. I would just like to warn you...this pillow takes FOREVER! But it is SO worth it!
I love the finished product. LOVE! I might even make more. Like I said...it's totally worth the time!

And this is what I made for dinner...we had a spiral sliced ham for dinner on Monday...this was me using left overs!!!
Yay me!

I soaked the beans ( navy) for a couple hours in the morning...rinsed them and added fresh water, the ham hock ( I shaved off the extra hangers on of meat, and cut it into bite size pieces too) three bay leaves, A bit of thyme and rosemary. No salt! There was plenty in the ham. Then I let it gently simmer for four and a half hours. Yum! It is not often that any bean dish gets a thumbs up all around the table. Apparently we are adding it to our list of menu items! Yay for me!

I also made Artichoke and Basil Bruschetta...I found the recipe at Shutterbean...check it out. There are tasty things afoot! I am going to try the Coconut Waffles this weekend. Can't wait!

Ps...I apologize for the terrible pictures. Hubby was sweet enough to let me use his phone for pictures...not very pretty, but at least
I can show you what I was working on:)

Why I run...

2011-05-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!
Yesterday I showed you a lovely picture of me...all covered in mud.
It was kind a really huge deal for me. Wanna know why?
Yep....I'm about to tell you why...brace yourself!!!

So...I danced when I was little. I danced and I loved it.
I had the best teachers. I started with tap...then I quit and moved
to ballet...there was one little problem. My knees were KILLING me!
So then I quit. No good. I was sad. They just kept hurting...nothing really
helped. Doc said I would grow out of it. I didn't...I started swimming and that wasn't
too bad. But still there was no running. Because...ouch! All the time!
I just figured I wasn't made for running...it became my mantra...
"you're not a runner...you're not a runner"

I don't know what changed, but one day I decided I wasn't
going to let my body tell me what my limitations were anymore.
So I started running...on our treadmill. I think I started the year
after Shane was born. He will be eight this year. I wouldn't
even run outside...I had visions of Phoebe from friends
running through Central Park...arms waving wildly...gulp!
Last year a great group of gals asked if I would like to join them...
They ran in the wee hours of the morning...when its dark, and nobody can really see you!
I was ridiculous. Could barely make it 100 feet! I would get so frustrated.
When oh when would I be able to run a mile???
One day it finally just clicked. I'm still super slow. But I can do it! Yay!
So thats why I was so nervous about the run. I really didn't want to fail.
Also..my sweet little girl was there watching me. I think that was even more scary.
I really wanted to impress her. I know...I'm ridiculous. She though it was
so funny that I was gonna be tromping through the mud...rolling around in the mud.
Fully submerged in muddy, dirty, nastiness. She was literally dancing around the house
that morning! She used my phone to video me...and I loved seeing her there on the sidelines:)
"Mom, that was awesome!" followed by "Thank you SO much for letting me watch you!"
Yeah. It was pretty much epic. My mommy heart was full...super, super full!

On the running front...we are currently doing interval training...hopefully
I will improve my speed. (crossing fingers) Now I am stalking around
the web...looking for new runs to run. I really can't wait. Really!

And then there is the mommy aside of things...it seems that I have regained my
coolness factor in my daughter's eyes...for now.

Run, runng, ran...

2011-05-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

So...I did it. I ran my first official run. I did pretty good...I let myself get super nervous and worked up..

So I almost puked my guts out. Then I decided to stop being a giant baby and get my butt in gear.

I have no idea how long it took me...but, whew! It exhausted me! Here's a little after picture.

I had to shower with my clothes on...I was totally caked in mud. I had mud in my ears.

Can't wait for the next one!

After my mud run...we got ready to go watch one of my very best besties graduate from

Law School. I am beyond proud of her! I took pictures...but they are stuck on my camera...

Hopefully I can share them soon!

I did really good this week...I only messed up once. I'm gonna try to stick with last weeks goals...and add

three new goals this week. Yikes! Kidding...I know I can do it:)

1. Eat breakfast. I never do. I know I need to.

2. Cut down on the sugar intake. The major culprit is my coffee. I love the fancyshmancy creamer...and I love a LOT in my coffee.

3. Double my raw veggie intake. Veggies make my body happy.

Happy Monday! Have a great week!

Grrrrrreat!

2011-05-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sad that my yesterday's post was deleted.

I was beyond witty. Over the top eloquent.

Ok...I have no idea what I said. I know

there was talk of the gorgeous weather...

Some home improvement chatter...

We discussed the changing of a certain

wall color.

And then I told you how I was gonna

make some old lamps over in the

style of these chandeliers...

I LOVE this chandelier. LOVE. I found this picture here...and started searching and searching....till I found a seller on etsy here... But, I still think I'll make them.

Tomorrows the big run....que the nerves. Yikes!

Running...

2011-05-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

My goodness. I'm just tired. Tired and sore.

We got back to running yesterday, after a couple weeks off.

And we did intervals. Kicked my you-know-what.

I'm doing a mud run this weekend.

My first run. Ever.

Yes...I am totally nervous.

I have this mental picture of myself

running all cattywompus with my arms

waving all over the place. Picture

Phoebe from Friends. Running through

Central Park. Yikes!

Hopefully it goes well.

After this weekend it will

be time for new shoes. Yay!

I really want to try these shoes...my sister has some. So does my brother.

Now want some of my own...

(source)

Sunny weather is project weather..

2011-05-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Man! What a beautiful day. I just wish rain wasn't in the forecast for the weekend. Boo!

This weather makes me dream up home improvement projects. Yes... That

sound is my Hubs screaming in terror. Don't worry babe...nothing too serious!

I have been threatening to knock down a wall...but I think I will save that

project for later. Right now the most pressing project is our "accent" wall

in the living room. We originally painted it a dark chocolaty brown. I liked

it for a while..but I feel like everything is dark in our house. Time to

lighten it up!!!! Anyway...we have tried a Mediterranean Blue. It was a giant nope!

Next up was a burnt yellowy orange. No number two. So, I decided to

paint it the same color as our dining room wall and the bottom half

of our kitchen cabinets. I can't wait. I wanna do it now! But first

I have to prime...blah!

The other pressing matter is the wall above our couch. It's huge.

And empty. I can hear it mocking me. I have some ideas...but Brad Pitt

was on tv this am...he was fly fishing. I got distracted. Sorry.

I will try to take pictures and share what we come up with.

As soon as I figure out why the PC crashed, or how to work the iPad

more efficiently. Good luck to me!

In the mean time...I am going to try to make these. But, on a smaller scale.

I have two lamps that need to be rewired and painted. We'll see how

it turns out.

I LOVE these chandeliers. LOVE. I found this picture here...and started searching and searching....till I found a seller on etsy here...

2011-05-10T11:12:00.001-07:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Help wanted!

2011-05-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome blog somehow...I don't even remember how. I wish I did. Anyway, I love it.
She is a mommy...and has tattoos. I know...gasp! Kidding! Her blog has helped to inspire me to make some changes.
She has a new project " 8 weeks to a better me" I decided to join. Here is her explanation:

"The idea of this project started off when I realized how much I loved making smaller, more attainable goals every Sunday night that I would work on for the next seven days. I loved having a fresh start and going into my week with a sense of purpose, and ending it with a sense of accomplishment. I made a post on this a month or so ago, and found that you guys loved it too! I think many of us found that it was easier to set goals that were immediately relevant to day-to-day life, and when I started seeing results from this simple goal setting I was hooked. Since I first made that post, I've continued to make small goals every Sunday night that I keep in my mind throughout the week. I usually will write them down in the notebook I always keep with me, or on a small chalkboard in our kitchen. They can be as simple as "eat more green veggies," "workout five times," or even "blog more about my daily life." Anything. And when I starting grouping my goals into categories, I realized that choosing a category and focusing on it was really beneficial for me, kind of like a "theme for the week." And even though I was only working on each goal for a week at a time, I found that after that week was up, my good habits carried over. "

So at the end of this post are my three goals...I set them on Sunday. I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime...hop over to
Sometimes Sweet. And meet my inspiration.

On another note...we are in a meal slump. We need ideas. SO badly! Please help! Leave your favorite summer recipe in the comments...and we will try it. The only rules are: It can't be a casserole. We don't need it to be hyper healthy...just reasonably healthy. We are big grilling family. So that's always a plus. Ummmm....and there are three youngish kiddos who are only slightly picky. ( we make them try everything though) Maybe I will do something special for our favorite. Yes, I think I will. We have about a week till our next grocery trip. So you have till then. Thank you !!!!!

1. Cut out grains for a week. See if it helps
2. I always put those " H2O to go" things in my water...I'll only use it every other time I fill up the water bottle
3. Walk to the school on the days I pick up kiddos

Oh...and if you have time, I would be oh so pleased if you would follow my blog. Pretty please:)

Weekend happenings....

2011-05-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

So. I had a wonderful weekend! Saturday I woke up early and went golfing with my pal Luis. It was my first time ever!
I LOVED it! I have a new hobby I think. Yay!!! So I went looking for golf gear...I was stalking all over the web.
And then...I got to thinking about vintage golf fashion...and got totally sidetracked...
Don't these guys look dapper?

I found them here...
And then I found these pictures....I think next time I will dress like them.

I found these vintage golf shoes here...

The Hubs and I did a pub craw in the afternoon...it was a riot! Some of the groups dressed in costume...there were pirates, golfers, derby girls...and my personal favorite...The village people! So funny! It was all to benefit a golf academy here locally. They give golf workshops for free to kiddos. What fun!

Sunday was great. I love being a mom. This year I was so exited that one of my dearest friends was able to celebrate mothers day for the first time. She is one of the cutest mommies ever!
Anyway...of course there was complete spoilage mixed in with normal everyday mommie duties. I wouldn't have it any other way!
We all went to Bro and Sis-in-laws for a late brunch...we had the traditional quiche that J's grandma usually made. She went home to be with Jesus on Christmas. She would have loved that we were all together eating her food...we really miss her.

The day was finished out with my Hubs making his delicious BBQd ribs. Ribs, greek salad and seasoned fries. Yum!

It was a perfect day. I hope yours was too.

Fri the day...

2011-05-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know what is going on with that title. I think I was trying to be clever. Not quite sure I succeeded.

Today is grocery shopping day. We usually go as a family...but doing our bulk shopping and then the dreaded "W" store has been leaving
All parties involved...cranky, yelling, crying and just plain mutinous. ( I may have just made that word up...not sure...but I may have)
Sooooo....I have been roughing the dreaded "W" in the morning with the Teeny Tiny.

Irksome things from the "W":
That place smells odd
There was an almost newborn crying in an umbrella stroller because
He couldn't feed himself his bottle. I almost picked him up and
Gave the poor guy his bottle myself.

Pretty awesome "W"moments:
I was parked with the engine running, chatting away on my cell...and a dapper older gentleman came to check and make sure
Everything was ok. Too sweet.
Running into the Grandma of one of my son's classmates from kindergarten. I haven't seen her in over two years:)
Getting out of there without completely losing it....

While I was there I picked up this mop...

I've been wanting to try it for a while. I love my Swiffer Wet Jet. But, I feel like the cleaning solution leaves my floor....sticky. I really don't want a sticky floor. Even if it is clean. With the new mop I can make my own cleaning solution...or use water. And...wash the mop pad. That makes me happy.

I'm gonna go try it out. Yay! Happy Friday!!!

I found the mop pic here....

Obsessions.....

2011-05-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new BHLDN decor line? I am kind of freaking out over it.

I want pretty much everything they have listed. Yes..everything.

Sometimes I do worry about myself. I could become a hoarder.

I would hoard all things beautiful.

On a completely different note... These are another obsession of m. ne. They work wonderfully! Even on my eight year old daughter ( who is now just as obsessed as her mother)

I saw them in stores, but I was super skeptical. Then I read this little post at The Dainty Squid and was SOLD. Check out the rest of her blog...not only is her name pretty cool...but so is her blog!

Photo cred....

True blue...

2011-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have lots of thoughts to share...but I decided I don't want to start any fights. So instead I will talk about mascara.

Such a miracle product. A little swipe, and PERFECTION!

Lately my perfection in a tube was giving me fits. This irked me. Greatly.

Now, normally I am a very loyal person. I find a product I like and I'll stick with it till the bitter end.

Of course every now and then I venture out and try something new...is time I was super risky.

I tried a new mascara BEFORE I finished off the one I already had! Gasp! I know it's shocking.

I have been quite the fan of Covergirl masacra for pretty much my whole make up life. I've tried

The fancyschmansy stuff...but nothing worked like good ol CG. This time was no exception.

Please meet my new mascara. Thrilling...right?

One of my favorite things...

2011-03-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite bloggers and etsy people. Her name is Amy. She is a new mommy. Her little guy is darling!!!! She has a giveaway going on over at her blog. Check it out...she has super cute pieces.

My one sweet Daffodil

2011-02-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

These little guys poke up every

single spring.

This is the first year that we have had a

Bloom.

It's just one....

But at least she is here!

I am hoping it is a good sign

for what this year holds...We

sure could use a "good"

year.

I've been doing some major

soul searching and goal revamping...

Stay tuned for the latest.

Tuesday Morning...

2011-02-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

This was my coffee this morning.

So very tasty.

The mug was a Birthday gift from my

Sweet friend Amy.

She rocks.

I had a wonderful Birthday.

I got to sleep in, the Hubby made

me a delectable omelet for breakfast,

we took the kiddos to the pet store and

almost came home with every animal in there...

Luckily we escaped with only four new fish.

Then the Hubby and I went to dinner

here in town. YUM!

It's funny what makes you happy once you have kids.

Odd how a trip to the pet store can bring so much joy to two

grown ups. Seeing the sheer joy on the faces of the two older

ones, as they show the baby every little critter in there...and watching

the baby discover them. Priceless.

There is always a little unpleasantness on birthdays.

Like realizing just how much you haven't accomplished

since the last birthday...Or just since the

beginning of the year. Ugh! time for a goal evaluation,

This may require a bit of "tweaking".

Hope everyone is enjoying February.

Before you know it....it will be July!

I think I wanna get married...

2011-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Don't worry...

The Mann I want to marry

put a ring on my hand almost

ten years ago.

But still...

I think I want to marry him again.

I kinda like him.

I like this dress.

Okay...I love it. I mean Polka dots and tulle???

I would die!

You can find more of these fantastic dresses here

And then there is this bouquet.

Sigh...

Succulents as a hair accessory?

Double sigh...

You can find more of this creatively beautiful wedding here

All of this creativity was found here

It is one of my favorite blogs. Ever.

Super Special Things...Come in teenie tiny packages!

2011-01-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

I had a fun little visit with a sweet friend

of mine last week...

She brought me the sweetest giftie.

Teenie tiny things.

I love teenie tiny things!

Here are some of them....

Here is her little man.

He slept on her lap while we visited.

I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture.

She brought me another little giftie for my hair.

The baby put it in a squirrel hole

somewhere...

When I find it...

I will share it:)

If you want to see some of her

work...

Look here!

Goals and junk....

2011-01-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

Well...here we are the seventeenth day of January.

This year instead of making resolutions, I decided to

set goals.

For some reason this seems less scary and

more attainable.

This is me starting on my goals.

Seventeen days into the year.

Two of my goals should have started

On January 1st.

Oh well! Here we go....

One of my goals is to Blog at least once a week.

Another one is to do a 365 project.

My poor camera and I are strangers...

We desperately need to become reacquainted!

This is my first picture of my 365.

This moss is on my side fence. I look at it out my kitchen window....

As soon as the rain starts it turns a vibrant green. My

little sideyard brightspot in the dreary weather.

When the weather turns dry...It is suddenly brown and withered.

so very sad...but that is a story for another day.

My silly little collection of pictures will be here...Enjoy!

Catch up Blogs: Birthdays All Around!

2010-11-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

I have fun Blogs to blog...But first I wanted to catch up

On all the happenings around these parts...

Here are some of them:

My sweet Amelia turned 8! Can you believe it? I can't!!

She had family, and school friends and friends we consider family over.

I was proud of my cupcakes. They were revolutionary!

But that is an entire post on its own...Her party

was supposed to be "Girly Pirate"...It became a

Pink and Black day of fun...She loved it:)

Sweet Ayla turned One! This is her actual birthday...she LOVES

her birthday MiniMuffin.

Here is the party. It was a Nautical theme. My sweet Friend Tiffany
and her Hubby designed the invites and the favor cards.
Again...she loved her desert!

And then sweet Shane. He turned 7.
Such a little Mann...His party was Mario Bros.
My brother frosted and decorated the
cupcakes. I think they turned out
Fantastic!
Can you tell I am a bit
Obsessed with cupcakes?

Fun Giveaways...

2010-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already time to start thinking about

Christmas cards! CRAZY!!!!

Luckily there is a giveaway on one of my favorite blogs

that can help check Christmas cards off your list.

Check out Little Birdie Secrets

and then follow them...they rock.

After you get your Christmas cards out of the way,

You should check out

Joie de Vie

She has a giveaway for a

monogram stamp.

Perfect for the back of your

Christmas cards.

If I were you I would follow her blog as well...

And check out her Etsy shop...

Little Gifties....

2010-09-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

Here is a fun little giftie

that was in my mailbox

today....

Found in this darling Etsy shop called...

birdNbeez...

My sweet, sweet friend Tiffany

sent it to me...

You should visit her blog...

Or her Hair Pretty page...

Or her and her hubby's Different by Design page.

Or...all three!

Thank you Tiffany! LOVE IT!!!!

Mommy's heart....

2010-09-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

After a long day of Baby needing Mommy SO much,

Mommy was happy that Baby was

quietly sleeping .

Then the sound from the bedroom that let

Mommy know her services

were required.

Mommy lifted Baby into her arms...

close to her heart.

Baby tucked her head under Mommy's chin.

And sighed...

Mommy choked back tears.

Mommy knows that very soon

she will miss this.

Little hands.

Huge little smiles.

Little legs tucked under Baby's bum...

Little Baby lump on Mommy's chest.

Once again Baby is sleeping

quietly, knowing

Mommy is near.

And Mommy?

Her heart is full

and very grateful...

Not believing that soon

her Baby

will be

One.

Spicy and Sweet.....

2010-09-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last night the Hubs and I....

Pickled Jalapenos!

This is our first pickling

experience...

In 30 days we will know

how well they

turned out...

The Jalapenos are fresh from

a local grower...

makes me feel all

organic and stuff.....

Let me tell you though...

Our house now smells like Jalapenos...

Last night it was super spicy

My poor eyes!

I found these yesterday.

They make me smile,

they were only a

dollar,

and

think I

need more!

A sweet treat for me....

2010-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

This little sweetie is from Junghwa

by Amy Stewart

I follow her blog

and...stalk her etsy shop...

She is a wife and Mommy to be...

And I think she rocks!

I can't wait to order my next Junghwa piece!

Scallywags...Hoodlums and such...

2010-09-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Because I am trying

to get back

into the blogging spirit...

Here is another pretty picture

The big kiddos are of course in school again....

Hence, they are missing from these

Photos...perhaps this

weekend we will take an adventure...

In other news, our puppy is home from the vet.

He is happy and on the mend.

Our little family has missed him...

Searching for inspiration....

2010-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

I promised to blog

But...

I am

Busy taking pictures

of SassyPants Magoo...

Promise...

2010-08-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

I will start blogging again...

This week

I promise.

For now...

Here is my favorite picture

Quite a good cheerup!

See you

Next week!

New Blog...Fun giveaway

2010-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog I found...It doesn't hurt that there is a super fun giveaway! For some silly reason I can't upload a picture...But, there is a DARLING ruffled necklace up for grabs!!!!!

For the Birds...

2010-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

I have always been a little obsessed with
birds...bird nests...their little eggs...feathers.
I have nests stashed around my house, complete
with their little bird residents and egg babies.
I thought it would be fun to put together
a post just for them...Here are some of the
things I found. I will be trying to make a
few of these...I will let you know how it
turns out!

Top row: First Picture, Martha Stewart
Second Picture, Martha Stewart
Third Picture, Esty, Bossysfeltworks

Second Row:First Picture, Pottery Barn
Second Picture, Williams Sonoma
Third Picture, Pottery Barn

Third Row: First Picture, Pottery Barn
Second Picture, Martha Stewart
Third Picture, Williams Sonoma
Fourth Picture, Etsy

Fourth Row: First Picture, My Sparrow
Second Picture, Pottery Barn
Third Picture, Martha Stewart
Fourth Picture, Martha Stewart

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-02-24T10:37:00.001-08:00

It was my Birthday this month....I don't really
like the year it gave me, but, this cheered me
up a tad...

Gotta love Etsy....this is by SummerSaylor.

More prettiness....

2010-02-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ok I love these....I have glass cylinders and rocks and
ferns....I will let you know how they turn out! Oh,
I think this is another great idea for my sisters' tables.

Outdoorsey stuff I LOVE....

2010-02-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

I really want this to be my party...
I LOVE all the cotton and birch...My sister is getting married in June...
Maybe I will talk her into letting me do her tables!

Check out more pics here

I saw these on another blog I follow....I love to follow blogs. More than blogs...I love gardens...Someday I will have a "Secret Garden" with this swing for my kiddos...

And aren't these fun...perfect for summer festivities...

Chickens made from recycled plastic bags...
DARLING!

Bug Mugs...For coffee or tea in your garden...

And last but not least...Chic and environmentally responsible...Although, I'm not sure what "Courgette" is. Any ideas?

Check out Hen&Hammock for more fun stuff!

Ahhhh.....

2010-01-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

The Wheatfield on Etsy....

Saturday Somethings....

2010-01-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

I love these birds...
They want to come live at my house.
You can find these birdies at My Sparrow along with lots
of other cool stuff.

this ring, so simple...

Find it and many other fun pieces at Bittersweets. She is based out of New York. You should check her out!

Things I'd love to copy....

2010-01-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

I love this idea! I might have to steal it for something...

Find it here...

This is an AMAZING piece by an amazing artist...She inspires me every time I look at her blog. I love all her links, If you want to be inspired...Find her here...

Happiness is...

2010-01-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

This wreath makes me happy...right down to the scalloped edges of the ribbon.

And I really want this little box, just to have hanging out around my house so I can gaze upon it fondly....I don't think I would ever open it.

And check out this Photographer...Simple and Beautiful!

New Year...New Goals

2010-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe its been almost a year since my last post. So much has happened, just sharing all the details is a bit overwhelming. I guess there is just one MAJOR news story from 2009. It seems like it occupied most of our time and effort over the year...Yes, every other story pales in comparison to one. Last January we found out we were going to have another child added to our family. Surprise! On September 21st, Ayla Marie joined our crew. We all are totally and completely in love with her. She is such a sweet baby...Amelia and Shane are brilliant helpers. It is so much fun watching them get to know their little sister, and see how she responds to them.
So...I am going to try to keep up on my blog this year. I will probably rename it. As soon as I figure out what I want and need to accomplish this year, I will share and you all can follow along on my journey to get it done. Happy New Year all! I hope 2010 is filled with great adventures and lots of fun!

Holding hands...

2009-03-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

I like to fall asleep holding my hubby's hand. Yes, his hand. Unless I am feeling rather insecure, cold or needy, I'm not a huge cuddler. But, falling asleep holding his hand is...comforting. Makes me think of us sixty years from now...holding hands as we drift off to sleep in our posturepedic bed. Me with my bad hip, back and arthritic hands. Him still strong and handsome as ever...holding my gnarled digits gently in his. I'm sure I'll think back to today, and still be grateful to be holding the hand of the man whose hand I want to hold for the rest of my life.

What dreams are made of....

2009-01-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new year is a great time to examine what exactly you want out of life. For me this year is a double whammy. I have an epic number birthday approaching quicker that I'd like. The new year, and the stampeding approach of my birthday got me thinking. What do I REALLY want to do in this lifetime? What are my dreams, for me, not the family...me?

We all have dreams throughout our lives...I have had more than my share. There are a few that have been with me for as long as I can remember.

The first...To be an Olympic ice skater. This was a sure thing. I knew/know with out a doubt that the moment I set foot on the ice, magic would happen. Without any instruction I would glide, leap, spin with perfect technique. The world would be in awe that such perfection actually exists. Imagine, a thirty something mother of two, standing on that podium accepting a gold medal! Oh, the inspiration! Only one thing stands in my way....I have to actually get ON the ice someday...

The second dream you may think is a little more attainable...To write children's books. Not having a television growing up, books were my entertainment. I love that simple words can take you on a journey to far off lands and open up whole new worlds to explore. I have even started writing a children's book. It's great. Full of fun and adventure, ready to inspire a whole new generation.

The third dream has been with me since before I can remember. I was taken on an adventure by images surrounded by a bright yellow rectangle...Transported to the Far East, Amazon jungles and my own backyard. Images, like words, can take you anywhere. One picture can tell an entire story. I can remember trying to commandeer my fathers equipment...begging for my own. I wanted to be a photographer. I would set up fantastic shots with my 310...Wait in breathless expectation for my film to be developed. Most of the time the pictures were terrible...On occasion an image would surface that would inspire me so much that I would rush out and buy endless roll of film to fill. I begged for a camera for years. My Dad had an ancient 35mm that I would use. I loved it! Finally, for my graduation, I got a camera. Oh the joy! Sheer happiness...It was only a point and shoot, but I loved it SO much! It was mine. I loved it and the camera loved me. We took terrific pictures together...But it wasn't enough...I needed more. After Jason and I got married, I bought my 35mm Cannon. That is when the fun really started. It got kind of expensive...developing all that film. The day I discovered that it had been mysteriously broken...that was truly a dark day. It was Jason's idea to make a major upgrade. He told me to follow my dream...start down the path. I guess I've always been on the path, I just needed to realize it.

So, here is one of the many pictures that inspired me. I remember the first time I saw this picture. I will never forget this girl....

I want to take pictures like Steve McCurry...Have you seen his stuff? It is amazing. This picture was the cover of National Geographic in June of 1985. I was six. Six.

Game of "Spoons"

2008-12-18T22:21:00.000-08:00

Life is like a game of spoons...Right now I'm not winning. The person to my left isn't passing the cards fast enough. Everyone else keeps getting four of a kind....I'm left with out a spoon.

My fridge died and I'm a little down. I mean really...Its Christmas and my fridge died. REALLY?!?!?!? WHERES MY SPOON?!?!?!?!?

Stupid Whirpool Fridge!

Family Pics...

2008-12-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

These are some pics Chris and I did this weekend.
I know, what a photogenic family, right? There is
something to be said for great photographic talent
as well....

Update!

2008-11-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

GAS NOW $1.99! YES! YOU READ CORRECTLY! $1.99!!!! Amazing...

SO EXCITING!!!

2008-11-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot...Last night, I paid $2.24 for gas! Yes it is true. Gas under $2.50! I did a dance. A small dance, but a dance none the less....Is is possible? Might we see gas under two dollars. I'm waiting with baited breath...

Wow.....

2008-11-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

I don't even have words....

Parade...

2008-11-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

So I did It...
I grabbed the camera and the kiddos....Off we went.
The closer we got...the louder it was.
So glad we went...Kind of made me proud to be an American...Really proud. Thank you for our right to assemble.

Favorite Photos....

2008-11-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

These are my two favorite Photos.
I think the father was not happy I took his picture...Turned out great though!

2008-11-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Right Now i am listening to the Sikh parade and festival noises drifting into the window on a breeze. It sounds like a confusion scene from a movie...The room starts spinning, and unfamiliar sounds whirl around the subject until they burst through the bathroom doors and run pell-mell to the sink. Cold water on the face is the only cure for confusion scenes. If I was smart, I would be at the festival...taking some phenomenal pictures. I am not smart. I am sore from my morning run. It is REALLY loud this year. I wounder if they changed the parade route. I think they are marching around my house. I have always wanted to visit India. Today I am there!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pics from the Patch! Enjoy!

Tidbits...

2008-10-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

I took this picture over the weekend. I love it. Just thought I'd share....

Thought you should know.....

2008-09-19T09:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Babe...

2008-09-07T23:09:00.001-07:00

Here is my babe. He turned 30 today.

That means...My countdown has begun.

Only a matter of months till I am

separated from my twenties FOREVER.

Back to my babe...Isn't he handsome?

All studly in his thirties? Yep! I'm

a lucky gal...Here's to you babe!

Happy Birthday to my love...

Camping

2008-09-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

We went camping for the first time. Well...not including Mexico. It was such a great way to spend Labor Day. We had a blast! No major injuries...Shane was bit by meat bees. Once on the hand and once on the leg. Then he got got by some thing right next to his eye. His hand swelled up...His leg swelled up...And his eye swelled shut. Completely shut! I didn't get a picture when it was full blown. I did get a picture a few days later. Crazy...we had fun though. I haven't been that relaxed since forever. Jason and the guys caught 18 fish that weekend...We cooked them over the fire...Yum! Now I am craving fish...I guess its back to camping! Here are a few pictures...Enjoy!

Camping pictures

2008-09-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Spotlight...

2008-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

My Mom has a very good friend by the name of Cher. When I was young she lived close by and was at our house all the time. We thought of her as Aunt Cher. She would have me and my sister Laura over for sleep overs all the time. Here is the cool part. She danced when she was our age. She had tons of old dance costumes, AND an old spotlight. We would dress up and she would turn on the spotlight....The music would come on....we would whirl and twirl, jump, pose and prance. This would go on forever until we collapsed into giggling, sweating heaps of joy. I loved those times. I hold them SO dear, they are some of my most cherished memories. I promised myself that I would pass on the tradition. So I saved all my dance costumes....

Last night we had friends over. They have little girls. Out came my costumes. There was prancing and twirling, Ohs and Ahhs. My heart danced and pranced with them. How priceless! All I need is a spotlight....

Beach cuties...

2008-07-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist! We stopped in San Diego, at least I think it was San Diego, on the way home...At Imperial Beach. Shane and Amelia jumped right in the water... NO FEAR! I was freakin' out. But they were so cute...Oh, and thats Josh Betts with them...

I didn't take my fancy camera with me...Good thing too. Some time after this picture...My other digital camera was.......Killed! It still takes pictures. I can't view them on my screen...The LCD or whatever was damaged!!!! I might try to get it fixed...it is a nice little camera....

Home Sweet Home...

2008-07-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Well...We are Back!

What a great trip! I really learned the power of prayer this trip.

We had car problems on the way down...But God healed our bus. We had sick youth kids...They were healed too.

It was an amazing week. Three of our youth kids accepted Christ, We were able to REALLY minister to the pastor...

We had to be extremely flexible...

The crafts and stories were a huge hit with the kids...On day three some of the mothers even made cups!

That was huge for me!

We were blessed by the pastors wife with a meal every night. It was incredible...They had NOTHING...Yet instead of saving what they did have for themselves...They Shared with all of us! The food was fan-tastic by the way.

I loved all the time spent with all our youth kids...I am so proud of all of them! They grew SO much. It was amazing to see!

I loved watching my husband serve...He is amazing!!!! He laid tile all week...What a servants heart!

Amelia and Shane were great! I am so glad they were able to be there with us!They are still speaking Spanish and Singing all the songs...

The way home was tough...Car trouble and the sickys again. We ended up stuck on the Grapevine...The Highway Patrol shuttled us down the hill....We rented SUVs and finally made it home.

I watched some of our youth kids tonight at church... I love their fire and Love for God.

I am happy to be home. I leave on Saturday for camp. Just the kids and I are going...I will miss Jason SO much!!!!

I am excited to see what this next week has in store...I'll let you know!

Mexico or bust...

2008-06-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day....We are leaving town hopefully by 7am. Today I have to finish packing and get the house all cleaned. Last night I finished the last of the craft preparation. The village we are going to visit has other vbs groups this summer. In order to not repeat crafts and stories...we came up with all our own crafts. We based it all on the life of Joseph. His stories went along great with our theme, "Because of his love and faithfulness..." I am totally stressed about the crafts. I hope they all work and are liked.

For the first day we have the story of the coat of many colors...The craft is a grid like coat printed on card stock. We will glue small squares and rectangles on the grid...making a coat...of many colors.

Second day is the story of the Cup Bearer and Baker. Joseph interprets their dreams. We have the pull apart plastic cups and they will decorate the insert. Of course the insert has the memory verse printed in Spanish. I am really excited about this craft. They will be able to use their cup everyday and be reminded about this lesson.

Third day is the Pharaoh's dreams. Skinny cows eat fat cows...Skinny sheaves of wheat eat the fat ones. We are making cow sock puppets. Hopefully this works! It did at home....

The last day is Joseph forgiving his brothers and giving them food to eat. That day we will focus on forgiveness...Joseph forgave just like God forgave us and so we need also to forgive. The craft that day is the Wordless bead necklace. Same concept and the bracelet...it just hangs around your neck in the shape of a cross. I am really excited about this day also...

Of course there are a bunch of lose ends that never got addressed. Skits are one of them. We will see how story telling goes...

I am sure it will all come together...God will use us just as we are needed. I just really like to have everything planned out...down to the last letter. I will let you know how it goes. We will be back soon with lots of stories....Till then...

Stories, stories and more stories...

2008-06-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's been FOREVER...I know! I've been lazy/busy/really beat! So, I'll start at the top!

I had a great mothers day! Jason made me breakfast in bed. We got a bunch of flowers to plant in the back yard, spent time with his family. I finished off the day watching DH with my gals. We had a blast...

Candle is still missing. We have no idea what happened. I feel like someone walked into my house when my back was turned and took her. Of course Amelia is still crushed. We have our good days though. I found a bunch if pictures of them together. That helped a little.

Shane is out of school for the summer. Amelia will be done at the end of this week. I can't believe I will have a first grader! No more kiddos in preschool! CRAZY!!!

Shane told me a funny story yesterday...He said he met a spider on the back patio. The spider's name was Billy. Billy was angry and wanted to bite another spider,Willy, a black widow. So Shane squashed Billy. Billy was a Daddy long-leg.By the way Shane LOVES spiders...they are his favorite!

I had another run-in with a spider this week. There was a giant Wolf spider having a party on my living room floor...He was huge! I was so brave! I dropped a giant glass bowl over him. Jason rescued me. As soon as he was in charge I jumped on a chair! There was NO way that arachnid was crawling up my leg. We enrolled him in the Spider relocation program. He now lives in the back yard.

We are nearing our Mexico trip....I'll write more on that later.

We had a blast with Liese and Danny! Of course the dummy that writes this blog didn't get any pics of her and her besty. I am ashamed of myself! One of the youth pastors from our church is going to the Ukraine in August...I'm gonna see if I can come in one of his carryons...

That's all for now...

Well, but upset....

2008-04-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

We are missing our kitty Candle....Both of our cats are indoor cats. Somehow she got out of the house....Dilly is REALLY traumatized! For some reason I have decided that if I stay up really late then the cat will miraculously turn up at the front door. I wonder how late I have to stay up....
I really hope she comes home soon...She is far to cute to be wandering the streets this late at night...and alone....with no street wandering experience!!!
I tried driving around to find her...That did not work! No sign of the cute kitty! I am sad. I hope she turns up...

On a very happy note....I get to see my bestest pal Liese and her hubby Danny on Thursday...I am so excited!!! I can't wait! Oh, they are super amazing missionaries from the Ukraine...We haven't seen them in FOREVER! By forever...I mean a little over a year...EXCITED!!!!!

Medals of Honor for piles of puke....

2008-04-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

We have sick Kiddos in our house. It seams to be a 48 hour bug. Shane is feeling much better, however Amelia is now puking. Luckily she makes it to the bathroom almost every time. Shane was mostly stand up and puke. Have you ever noticed how far vomit can bounce? Especially off of vinyl flooring? Yuck! It also amazes me how the pukes come on in the middle of the night. Why is that? Here you are sleeping peacefully, all of a sudden you here a scream and then a splatter...Then crying...Your stomach turns over fifteen times. You know what THAT means!
Then your Stomach of Steele kicks in. You take care of business. Just when you think you can relax... it happens again. I got smart. There is a trail of towels to and from the bathroom...It seems to magically cut down on the "accidental pukes".
Sometimes I wonder...Why did the Mommies get Stomachs of Steel? Why not Daddies?

Spiders...

2008-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you know just how much I HATE spiders. THEY ARE CREEPY!!! Bunch of eight legged freaks crawling around, under things, up and down the walls. OH! Just the thought sends shivers up and down my spine! There was a huge on one the living room wall this morning. He wanted to eat me! He was watching me...following me around the room with his beady little eyes!(shivers again) I was Brave(shiver)....I wielded my weapon with masterful skill! The telescoping Dyson wand almost wasn't long enough...Then it turns out the spider was some sort of he-man. The super suction powers of my vacuum were clearly not working on him. I repositioned myself...So did the spider. I am still not sure if I got him. He could still be running around my house. I don't think I will sit on the couch for a few days...just in case(SHIVER). If I did get him...there is a chance he will regain his he-man spider powers. I can just picture next time I am vacuuming...Long spider legs reaching out of the top of the wand...Reaching towards ME!!!! (scream,shiver...then jump up and shake till all spiders that might be hiding on me are sure to fly off) Oy! I hate spiders!

Easter...

2008-04-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Easter was lots of fun....

Of course everyone LOVES pictures. I just can't take enough...It does help that my subjects are so beautiful!

Spring...

2008-03-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Don't you love this spring weather? I do! It makes me SO happy! It is the hope of many more bright cheerful days ahead...The beauty of a fresh new year! You don't get that feeling in January...New Years comes and goes, it will be frigid for weeks. But when those trees blossom and the sky turns blue...We are reminded that there is a reward for staying hopeful. Even if it is "just" better weather.

In other News.....

We had a second accident free day with the puppy.

We also turned in all our passport info for the youth mission trip to Mexico. We are going as a family....In June...To Ensenada! This should be VERY interesting!!!!!

Puppy News....

2008-03-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

So we hit a tiny milestone yesterday...We had our first "accident free" day!!! So exciting! Never mind that the sliding door is always a tad open...Never mind the flying insects that traipse into our house uninhibited...We are one step closer to shampooing the nastiness out of our carpet!

Oh yes...Look who Lady loves...And to think, it was MY idea to rescue her!

This we also had her first round of shots...I can't wait to bo able to run her! She has WAY to much energy...

More weekend stuff....

2008-03-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

We also visited the park on Saturday...I love the sheer joy on their faces...Remember those days? You would spin and spin and spin until you felt like hurling...Then you'd step off and fall this way and that as the world spun and you stood still. I miss those days. The spiny thingy just doesn't have the same results now as it did when I was younger...

What a GREAT weekend...

2008-03-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Jason had to work so, The Kiddos and I went driving and picture taking. Its been a while since I took pics of both of them together. Off we went...

The first stop was this orchard I had my eye on for quite some time. The Kiddos were afraid of the farmer...They made sure not to touch any of his trees. It was such a beautiful day, The pink of the blossoms against the blue sky. Add my Kiddos to the mix and its the most beautiful sight ever!

They came up with these "poses" themselves....

The next stop was the Buttes...The Kiddos think that Ya Ya lives in the buttes. There was a tad bit of disappointment when they realized that The Buttes aren't in Santa Rosa. They loved looking at the Cows, Horses and Sheep. It really got windy when we were out there...Oh, well we LOVE the wind...

My Kids are Hilarious...

2008-03-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

There are days when I realize just how funny the kiddos are...Today was one of those days.

Amelia lost her fourth tooth...There was SO much drama. I had to pull it. The poor tooth was hanging by a thread, or nerve. Whatever it is that they hang by. So I pulled it. She was heartbroken! She is now So excited to be able stick her tongue through the giant gap. Of course she found this great talent just in time for school pictures. She couldn't wait to tell me how fun it was to smile with her tongue sticking through her teeth!

Then there is Shane...This morning we were driving home from dropping Amelia off at school. Shane pointed out that the new "Up and Down Burger Store" was almost ready to open. They have REALLY yummy burgers at the "Up and Down Burger Store". He was talking about In n Out Burger. I was Laughing so hard! I will be calling In n Out by Shane-O's name. I took this pic at nap time. He was in bed like this when I came to tuck him in.

Long overdue....

2008-03-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Wow...What a wild few months it has been! Our roof is finally fixed, Amelia is back in her room...All is calm. Then I get a wild hair and think...We need a puppy!. OK, this is the story...

Our pals the Byrnes found puppies in front of their house. Being the kind animal lovers that they are...They kept them safe till the owner came for them. The owner had recently lost his job and was planing on disposing of them in the river bottoms. I could not let that happen! I had to do my duty and rescue a sad, malnourished, homeless puppy! So I did. Much to the chagrin of my hubby. Don't get me wrong Jason loves animals...Oddly enough I am more of an animal person than he is.

As you can see, She is darling! What a sweet girl! And she LOVES us...She just needs to be house trained, crate trained...Well, trained! I am in for it...I feel like I have a newborn again. A newborn that poops and pees in the house, stinks and chews on everything! This is going to take some getting used to!

Here we are...

2008-01-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the beginning of the year...I am amazed how quickly time goes by! Jason and I have been married for over 6 years now. Amelia is 5 and in kindergarten, Shane is 4 and in preschool. I decided to start this blog as therapy for myself...I have a lot to say.