Family of Five

"You're a Piece of Poo"

2012-02-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

You're a piece of poo.

This is a common thing to hear around our house, mostly from Mya and Tyson. Mostly when somebody does something to them that they don't like.

No, we don't support this kind of language and we have asked repeatedly that it not be said, but for the most part we are losing. And for the most part I don't really care.

I know it's not nice to call names, especially bathroom names, but the kids are learning to express their feelings and I guess it feels better to them to say, "you're a piece of poo" than, "I don't like what you're doing."

Since we have been asking that they not say, "bathroom words" anymore they have switched to saying, "you're a piece of pizza." When I tell them not to call names Ty will say, "I'm not saying a bathroom word, I'm saying a dinner word." This turns into me telling them it's not nice to call names, no matter what type of words you use, and them not listening to me and me wondering how bad it really is to call a person a piece of pizza. (And for the record I think I've decided that I don't really mind being called a piece of pizza - most everybody loves pizza)

So, all of that was to say that I'm pretty used to hearing, "you're a piece of poo" or "you're a piece of pizza" from somebody when they are angry or upset with somebody else. And that leads to yesterday's preschool pick up...

Yesterday when I picked Ty up from school his teacher told me that he had hurt his "A's" feelings because he said to her, "I don't like you" AFTER she pushed him. Ty's teacher was really bothered that he said this to "A" and all I could think was, "at least he didn't call her a piece of poo." So, I asked if he called her a piece of poo...or a piece of pizza and the teacher said "no." And...I'm not going to lie....I was proud!!! Ty's teacher was not nearly as proud as I was. I kept thinking, at least he didn't use a bathroom word (or a dinner word) to tell somebody how he was feeling about them.

After a little thought I told Ty's teacher that we would talk with him and ask him to say "I don't like what you are doing" or "I don't like when you do that" when somebody upsets him. But, now I am wondering if I really care that he told a little girl, who pushed him, that he doesn't like her. I don't like her much myself.

***I really wanted to put a picture of a "piece of poo" at the top of this post, but I controlled myself. Ya'll should be very proud of me!

New York Is Where I'd Rather Stay

2012-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Last week I took my first trip to the East Coast.

It was a long overdue trip to Connecticut to visit my friend Brigitte. She has lived there for seven years and this is the first time I have gone to visit :-(. (Not that I didn't want to go in the past, but pregnancy, new babies, school and a fear of flying have all kept me in California.) Brigitte and I hadn't seen each other in over three years - yikes! - and she has a son who is almost two years old that I had never met. Once I decided that i was goign to go I quickly booked a flight (before I chickened out) and started planning a four day get-a-way.

Last Thursday I visited the East Coast, got to spend a lot of time visiting and hanging out with Brigitte, met her son, re-met her daughter (who, of course, did not remember me from the last time I saw here when she was barely two years old), spent time at her beautiful house in Connecticut, hung out with her husband Ben, saw two snow storms, visited New York, learned how to dress for super cold weather, watched Brigitte's son and daughter go sledding in their front yard, saw the Statue of Liberty, drank a lot of Starbucks, watched the Lion King on Broadway, went to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, saw Grand Central Station, ate lunch at a Korean restaurant (a real experience), took my first real train ride and had a wonderful four day vacation.

Brigitte and I decided that we need to make these get-a-ways a regular thing (and by that I mean at least once every two years). Maybe next time we can meet somewhere neither of us has been before...I'm thinking, like, Australia....hahahahahhahah!!!!!! Brigitte and I had a great time and I think we both agreed that the time away from the kids and the time spend together hanging out and talking is exactly what both of us needed.

And I have to say a HUGE "thank you" to Tony and Ben for taking care of our kids so we could have some "girl time" away. We couldn't have done it without the two of you!!!!!!

Brigitte and I at the top of the Empire State Building. This is the only picture I have of the two of us together from our trip. (cell phone picture)

Grand Central Station (cell phone picture)

My winter attire - I don't think I've ever worn so many layers in my life. I don't even own a scarf, gloves or a hat and I NEVER wear my jacket when I'm at home.

I wish I could remember where I took this picture :-).

Our amazing Korean lunch - Too bad we have no idea what we ate.

The Statue of Liberty at sunset.

Time Square (I think)

Central Park during a snow storm.

Change is Good

2012-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

Do you love my new blog design?

Me too!!! It's perfect and it's me!!!

I have wanted a new design for a long time, but I guess ~~now~~ last weekend was the PERFECT time.

If you want to have your blog designed, or redesigned, you should check out The Frilly Coconut.

Jessica does AMAZING work, she is a peach to work with, she will help you develop a design that is you (even if you don't help her at all, don't know what you want and don't give her anything to work with) and, above all, she is AMAZING...did I already say that?.

So, check out Jessica at The Frilly Coconut - you won't be disappointed.

**Jessica didn't pay me anything to write these words about her - she is way too classy and professional for that!

Winter Break

2012-01-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

My winter break (i.e my vacation from school) has consisted of:

going to Napa with Tony
going to a 49er game
reading a book
taking the kids to Six Flags
catching up on TV
relaxing
taking a group of kids from church to the snow
enjoying Christmas
cleaning house
a lot of jogging
working
taking a photography class
attending a lot of parties
and getting a new blog design

What I have left to do during my last week off school:

Visit my friend in Connecticut
get a much needed haircut
See New York for the first time!!!!

I'd say this has been a fun, productive and exciting winter vacation.

Long Time No Post

2012-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

I don't want to let another month pass without a post, so I'm going to do a quick post right now :-).

Tony got me a photography lesson for Christmas and it was a perfect gift. I now know how to actually use my awesome, new camera. A week or so ago we took the kids out and I practiced my new learned photography skills. This is what I got....and it only took me a little over 300 pictures to get one of each kid that I'm happy with. I'm pretty happy with the pictures of all three kids, but they need more editing skills than I possess. I'm hoping my sister's friends can fix them up for me.

Serious - Mya

Happy - Tyson

Deep in Thought - TJ

Serious - Tyson

Running - TJ

Dare Devil - Mya

I think they were looking at a bug!

I love this picture, but it needs a lot of post-shoot editing :).

This is, by far, my FAVORITE picture - and I don't care that it isn't in focus.

Happy 3rd Birthday Tyson

2011-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tyson!

Three years ago, late in the evening, you were born and our family was complete. You were a calm, quiet baby, but you have changed so much since then. We love your loud, outgoing personality and we wouldn't have you any other way. Even though you are loud and outgoing you are also snugly and loving. You like to rock with mommy you when you are tired and you give hugs and slobbery kisses all the time. I get a huge hug and a kiss every day when I drop you off at school.

You love life and you are almost always happy. You talk ALL the time, sing loudly, have an amazing vocabulary, defend yourself when necessary and already know how to spell your name. You laugh a lot and cry when you are hungry, frustrated or tired. You don't get scared often and you are willing to try new things. You love roller coasters until you get on them, and then you hate them until the ride is over. You go down tall slides and jump off beds, chairs, play structures etc. Last week daddy took you to the Emergency Room because you hurt your foot jumping off our recliner. We thought you'd stop jumping - you haven't. I think that was the first of many trips to the Emergency Room you'll be taking.

In September you started preschool and you are, by far, the loudest kid in your class. You love to sing songs at "circle time" and you are great at doing the hand motions. You don't sit still when you are supposed to and you often disrupt the class. You love your teachers and they love you, even though you offer them a bit of a challenge :-). You ride bikes during outside time and climb up the slide, even though you know you aren't supposed to. When you are misbehaving you get a mischievous smile on your face that makes it difficult to discipline you.

You have grown a lot over the past year. You weight 32 pounds, wear a size 3T clothes and size 10 shoes. You have a head full of curly, brown hair and your eyelashes are long. A small dimple appears on the right side of your face, just below your lip when you laugh or smile. You are completely potty trained, even through the night, and for the first time in over six years we are a diaper-free house. You potty trained yourself in less than a week, but it was on your time schedule, and not ours.

You recognize all of your letters, can count to 20 and know your colors and shapes. You will do art at school if you are asked to, but it is not your favorite. You like to look at books and you love it when mommy and daddy read to you. You are a creature of habit and do not appreciate change. You sleep with the same three blankets, stacked the same way each and every night. Your stuffed animals have to be on your bed, in the exact same place and facing the exact same way or you get upset.

Your favorite toys are your Thomas trains and you love to line up all of your trains in a super long line and push them around your room. You love all things Thomas - toys, videos, books, games, puzzles, clothes, pajamas and even silverware. Your favorite food is "panqueques" (pancakes), but you eat almost anything. You love Mexican food and we had enchiladas at your birthday party. You don't drink milk at home, but you love to drink it at school. You're willing to try new foods that daddy cooks, but you'd be happy to eat the same food every day.

You like playing in the nursery at church, but you are not so fond of Sunday School. We hope that if you keep going you'll start to like it. In your defense you've only been going to Sunday School for two weeks, so hopefully it will start getting better soon. You love praying at the dinner table and before you go to bed. Sometimes you say silly prayers, sometimes you say serious ones, sometimes you sing when you pray and sometimes you shout.

You are an amazing three year old, little boy and mommy and daddy love you SO much. We can't wait to watch you grow up and see who you become.

Love,

Mommy

Halloween

2011-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

Love,

Super Girl

James the Train

and Gingka

***I have picture of all three kids together, but it won't upload.....maybe later.

The Case of the Missing Tooth

2011-10-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's not much of a case or much of a mystery, but TJ did lose his first tooth.

On September 3rd (yes, well over a month ago) TJ showed us his very slightly, hardly moveable, first loose tooth. I guess he wasn't bothered by his loose tooth very much, so he just let it hang out in his mouth for seven more weeks.

On the last days before the tooth fell out it was literally hanging on my a thread, or a root, or whatever teeth hang on by. The poor, dead tooth was laying down, dangling in TJ's mouth.

The tooth finally came out while TJ was at school, so he went to the school secretary and she gave him a special treasure chest to keep the tooth in until he got home.

The Tooth Fairy came and left two dollars - one of them was a gold coin. She sure has gotten rich since I lost my first tooth :-).

The Dangling Tooth

When I'm feeling sad...

2011-10-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

"When I'm feeling sad
'cause someone made me mad
Without tears I'll start to pray
So God can make me glad."

I've been watching Ty sing this song for the past couple of days and I still smile and laugh each time he starts singing. He loves preschool and is learning a ton.

Hot Air Ballons and 5K

2011-09-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got up at the crack of dawn to take the kids to see a hot air balloon show before Tony and I ran in our first ever 5K event. We got the kids out of bed at about 5:00 AM and put them in the car in their pajamas and we kept our destination a surprise during the hour long drive. When we got to the show the balloons were getting ready to take off and it was really beautiful. The kids loved watching the balloons take off and they were impressed by how huge hot air balloons are. It was really a BEAUTIFUL sight.

After the hot air balloon show Tony, my sister Loni and I lined up to run in our first 5K event. Color The Skies raised money to support Children's Hospital in Central California. It was exciting to participate in the run and even more exciting to support a good cause. My sister and I had a lot of fun running and we were proud to run the entire 3.1 miles - a HUGE accomplishment for two girls who hadn't run a mile since high school. Tony ran with us until about the one mile mark and then he had to leave us because he couldn't be "passed by old ladies." Ha! It was a lot of fun and I think will be running again soon.

1st Day of 1st Grade

2011-08-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today three people have told me I'm old because I have a first grader. Does having a first grader make you old? I don't actually feel that old......most days. I can still run 3 miles, I love cotton candy and snow cones, I play on the swings at the park and I do not wear "mommy jeans." NOPE - I'm definitely not old.

But, TJ looked very old (or at least a lot older than he looked last year when I dropped him off for kindergarten) to me today as he walked into his first grade classroom. He was a bit nervous, looked very handsome and was ready to start his second year of elementary school.

At his desk with his little sister standing by his side.

Celebrity Eclipse

2011-08-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I was on my unintentional blogging hiatus I forgot to blog about the amazing cruise that my parents took us on. Loni, Aaron, Tony, my mom, my dad and I went on a cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse back in March. It was an elegant ship and we sailed to the western Caribbean. We visited the Georgetown Grand Cayman, Roatan Honduras, Costa Maya Mexico and Cozumel Mexico.

These pictures tell the story of our amazing week at sea. If a picture is worth a thousand words then here is a 17,000 word story for you!!! You can thank me later for not making you read a ten page book about our trip :-)!

Tony and I on day 1. We were exhausted from our overnight flight but we seem to be having fun!

Martinis from the ice bar. We drank quite a few of these throughout the week. Before the trip we made a decision to purchase an "All You Can Drink" package....and let's just say we got our money's worth!

At the Martini Bar.

Me pouring two martinis at once. They don't normally make you pour your own drinks, but I wanted to give it a try.

At the late nigth show - having fun.

Tony fell asleep at the late night show - Did I mention we were sitting in the FRONT ROW!!!!!!!

A beautiful chocolate creation that we saw during the galley tour.

Chocolate Eiffel Tower

Celebrity Eclipse

Our cooking class in Cozumel!!! Awesome food and unlimited drinks.

The beach in Roatan Honduras.

This ugly guy was on the beach right next to our lounge chairs.

Just hangin' around!

The view from our balcony.

Sunset!

Loni trying the excellent red wine that I was drinking!

Milos (middle) - The bartender that helped us drink enough to make our drink packages worth while. Thank you Milos!!!!

First Day of Preschool

2011-08-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Tyson started his first day of preschool today and Mya started her first day at her new preschool. Both kids were excited about going to school today....at least until we got into their classrooms.

Ty started crying hysterically as soon as we walked into his classroom and I left him screaming in the arms of a very nice teacher. Mya was all smiled for a few minutes when we got to her class but then as I was getting ready to leave she started to tear up. She wasn't hysterical, but she was a little upset and seemed very nervous. One of her teachers (she has 5) came over and started talking to her and then I said goodbye and walked out of the classroom.

I know both kids are going to have a great day and at great year at their new school. The teachers are very loving and comforting with the kids and I felt comfortable leaving them, even thought they weren't very happy. Before I left the school I stood in the hallway by Ty's classroom. I couldn't hear him crying anymore, so I left for work.

I tried to get pictures (with my new camera) this morning, but nobody was really cooperating with me. These are the best I could get - these two crazies refused to take a picture together!

Mya with her hat - she didn't end up wearing the hat to school.

So Handsome!

He was refusing to look at me, so this is the best picture I got of him.

Beautiful!

Goodbye

2011-08-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

Miss Lynn - The World's BEST daycare provider :-)

Tomorrow Tyson starts preschool. I have been waiting for this day for almost three years. It means so many wonderful things - it means that all three of my kids are potty trained, it means that Ty is beginning his formal education, it means that on Thursdays and Fridays (my days off work) I get 5 hours of time to myself....but it also means that today we have to say "goodbye" to the world very BEST daycare provider. Miss Lynn cared for TJ since he was about 18 months old and she cared for Mya and Tyson since they were about ten weeks old. Miss Lynn is a part of our family. She potty trained our children, taught then to sing their abc's, helped them learn their colors and shapes, fed them healthy, home cooked meals everyday and she loved my babies like they were her own.

So, while today is a very happy day for many, many reasons it is a very sad day for one huge reason. I will miss Miss Lynn, but I will always be grateful that we found somebody who cared for our children like they were her own. Somebody who held them when they were sad, disciplined them when they misbehaved and kissed their "owies" when they got hurt.

It will be weird tomorrow morning to drive pass Miss Lynn's street on the way to Ty and Mya's preschool, and I won't lie, I may cry a bit.

Warrior

2011-08-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Loni, my insane sister, had this brilliant idea to participate in a Warrior Dash. I know she is insane, so when she asked me to participate I promptly said, "hell no!" Just like that - no uncertain terms - not gonna do it - ridiculous - won't happen - why pay $65 to jump over ~~fire~~ duraflame logs and swim through mud - bad idea - never - no way in hell - Yup, just like that I said, "hell, no!"

When she asked me I was actually working on telling people "no" to things because I had gotten myself involved in too much and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I was a bit proud of myself for saying "no" and for meaning it. No guilt over my decision and no looking back - NONE!

Until Tony said he thought it would be fun and then he registered us. On October 29th at 3:30 PM I'll run/swim/jump/crawl alongside my sister and Tony for 3.15 "hellish miles" through dirt, mud, water, snow, hail, thunder storms, floods and tornado and hurricane force winds (slight exaggeration).

Click here if you want to join us!!! Don't even think about saying "no!" FYI - for your $65 registration fee they give you beer at the end of the race. That should be all the encouragement you need to sign up. (I get to drink Loni's beer since it's her fault I'm doing this.)

PandaMania

2011-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago our church had its annual Vacation Bible School Program.

This would not be such a big deal if I wasn't in charge of VBS. And if I hadn't decided to change our attendance from 250 to 300 kids this year. And if I didn't bring my kids with me so they can experience VBS too. And if we didn't have to change tons of plans at the very last minute (and I mean at 6:00 AM the first day of VBS). And if summer school finals weren't the same week as VBS. And if I hadn't stayed up late the night before VBS set-up to attend a poker party. And if I didn't LOVE VBS SO.VERY.MUCH!!!

But PandaMania was a big deal, and we did have almost 300 kids on campus, and TJ and Mya did get to come to VBS and we did change plans (quite successfully I might add) at the very last minute, and I did take my anthropology final and got an A in the class and I did stay up until 1:00 AM playing poker and I do LOVE vacation bible school.

So, three weeks ago was a HUGE deal to me. I love VBS. I love all things VBS. And this year I loved our PandaMania themed VBS. I know many people see VBS as three hours of free childcare, but I see it as three hours of time to tell kids about Jesus and show them His love. As the director I get to see all angles of VBS. I see kids who know all about Jesus, kids who have no idea who Jesus is, kids who hop from VBS to VBS all summer long - but during the hours the kids are here I get to plan a positive, fun time that is covered in Jesus' love.

PandaMania was a lot of work, but itwas also a lot of fun for me. I got to climb on the roof of our hut during skits. I got to play in jump houses. I got to eat panda bear cupcakes. I got to make jungle crafts...all in the name of teaching children about Jesus. I love to watch the kids telling stories about Jesus and singing songs to him. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I am their energy is never ending.

During VBS I got the honor of holding many crying children who missed their mommies. I got the honor of putting band-aids on many scraped knees. I got the honor of talking with an upset parent on the first day and then giving the same parent a hug at the end of the week as she told me her child had "the best week ever." I got the honor of encouraging many, many, many very tired volunteers. But, most of all, each and every year at VBS, I get the honor of telling kids about Jesus - His forgiveness, His grace and most of all His love. It is an honor to spend one week of my summer at PandaMania!

Happy Anniversary Yesterday

2011-08-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good day!
Yesterday we celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary!
Yesterday the kids let me sleep in until 8:30 AM.
Yesterday Mya wished me "happy get married day" and TJ sang "happy get married to you" to the tune of happy birthday.
Yesterday I took all three kids to a water slide park while Tony was at work. I wish he could have been there with us.
Yesterday TJ went down his first big water slide - all.by.himself.
Yesterday I was proud of how well my kids can swim.
Yesterday I didn't get sunburned at the water slide park.
Yesterday all the kids took a nap and I got quiet time.
Yesterday Tony cleaned the kitchen for me.
Yesterday I had coffee ice cream for dessert.
Yesterday was a good day!

9 years ago yesterday I married my best friend - the man that I love - a man I knew would be an amazing daddy and husband...and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Summer

2011-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this is our (and by "our" I mean the kids - since Tony and I are still working :-) ) second official week of summer break. Here is what the kids have done so far:

TJ

TJ was hesitant to go to Summer Camp on the first day - actually he was more than hesitant. He had to be carried into the room by one of the leaders. A leader we know very well. I was a bit embarrassed - he wasn't.
TJ is enjoying camp now. On Fridays they have water balloon fights and a giant slip-n-slide.
We went to TJ's end-of-the year baseball party. It was at a pool with a diving board. TJ jumped of the diving board. Tony and I were AMAZED.
TJ attended his first "kid-only" birthday party. We dropped him off and he had a great time!

Mya

Mya is spending her summer at Mrs. Lynn's house instead of at preschool. Mrs. Lynn tells her she is a princess each and every morning. Mya couldn't be happier.
We are going camping this weekend and everyday for the past week Mya has asked, "how many days 'til we go camping?" For the rest of the day she tells everybody, "three (or however many days it is) until we go camping." I think she's a bit excited.
On Mya's birthday we took her out to dinner at Denny's - her choice not ours. After dinner we too her to a park to play. She likes telling everybody that she is four years old now.

Potty Training - Potty Training - Potty Training - Need I say more?
Ty had a mysterious fever last week. No other symptoms, just a fever. He was just as crazy as ever while he was sick. Not much slows that boy down.

And still to come - the rest of our summer:

Family Camping Trip with families from church
Annual (at least I hope they keep inviting us) Camping Trip with the Himenes'
Vacation Bible School
Legoland
and a few trips to Six Flag Discovery Kingdom - since we have season passes :-)!

Happy 4th Birthday Mya!

2011-06-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today you made your entrance into the world. At nine days past your due date, we were anxious for you to be born. You did things on your own schedule back then, and at four years old nothing has changed. Once you decided it was time to be born you didn't mess around. After only six hours of labor you were here. You weighted 8 pounds 1 ounce four years ago today, and now you weight almost 30 pounds. You are a tiny little girl, but what you lack in size you make up for with personality. Your smile is beautiful and your giggle is contagious. You laugh when you are nervous and you cry when you are afraid or frustrated.

You started preschool this past September and you have grown and blossomed since then. You love going to school, you love your friends at school and you love your teachers. Since the first day of preschool you have become more social and a better communicator. On your first day of school I dropped off a shy, cautious little girl and today, on the last day of school, I picked up a girl who has grown and developed into an outgoing, daredevil. You got three black eyes at school this year and they all involved you being crazy on the playground.

Your favorite toy is your baby dolls. You can often be found playing in your room with different dolls. You play school with them, you feed them, they get "3 minute time outs" when they misbehave and you teach them about Jesus. I love watching you mother your dolls and I often overhear you talking to them like I talk to you. Last week you told one doll, "we don't hit our brother" and you told the "brother," "don't push your sister" - both statements you hear regularly around here. One day (many, many years for now) you will be an amazing mother. You are loving with your dolls, you make sure they are well fed and lately you have been potty training them and teaching them how to swim.

Your favorite color is purple. You like purple clothes, purple crayons, purple toys, purple anything. You only like wearing dresses to church because when you wear dresses to school it is more difficult to play on the playground equipment. You have sparkly shoes and you love wearing new, shiny earrings. You are developing your own fashion sense, but you still let me pick our your clothes most days.

You can write your name, although the letters are often backwards. You know and can recognize the entire alphabet and you can count to 30. You love to sing preschool songs and your favorite song is The Chicken Dance. Your favorite TV show is Calliou but you also like to watch Wipeout with TJ and Daddy. Your favorite foods are shrimp, crab and macaroni and cheese. You also love french toast and popsicles. Every time you go to Costco you get a fresh crab to share with Daddy. It is a special bond you two have.

You love playing with Tyson and TJ. You and TJ play outside together and you ride bikes together and you and Tyson play Thomas trains and baby dolls together. I love to watch you when you are playing with your brothers. You have become more adventurous in the past several months and you have started playing on the swings at the park and you are getting more comfortable in swimming pools. Last week you got a ribbon at swimming lessons because you finally put your face underwater for three seconds. I'm hoping that by next summer you will be an amazing swimmer.

You love going to Sunday School and learning about Jesus. You teach your dolls the Bible stories you learn during Sunday School and you explain to them that they can go to Sunday School when they get older. You love to say prayers before dinner time and you always pray for your friends when they are sick. You are compassionate and you have a huge heart.

Mommy and Daddy love you SO much and we can't wait to watch you grow up into an even more beautiful young lady.

Love,
Mommy

Happy Easter - Several Days Late

2011-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great time dying Easter eggs, hunting for candy and eggs and learning about Jesus.

We spent more time keeping Ty from eating the egg dye than we actually spent with him dying eggs.

Mya concentrated very hard while dying her eggs.

The egg that got dropped.

Crazy TJ

Daddy's four color egg

The kids had a ton of fun at an egg hunt they were invited to at Rene, Tobyn and Molly's house. Rene and Tobyn hid over one hundred eggs for four kids to find. They kids were in egg hunting heaven.

I tried to take pictures of the kids after church on Easter, but it wasn't very successful. This is what we ended up with.

No to bad, except that my main goal was to get a group shot!

Tyson

2011-05-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

A few of Ty's funnies from today:

While sitting on the couch in the living room Ty keeps screaming "I wants to go home!"
I found him trying to "hide" in our heater closet. It barely has enough space to store a broom in it. He got his foot in.
Ty took off the shirt I put on him this morning, found his Thomas t-shirt and put it on. I hope the Thomas shirt was clean.
Ty had two accidents in less then 10 minutes so I tried putting a diaper on him. He informed me, "I no baby, I wear Thomas underwear." I informed him that Thomas underwear are for little boys who poop in the potty.
He then put the diaper on his baby doll. It is placed stragically on her head.
Let's just say outdoor, semi-naked hula hooper :-).
Ty went and got his favorite "people crackers" from on top of the dryer. He poured himself a bowl. It was a small bowl, probably only 100 crackers or so.
Ty keeps running around the house chasing nobody, but yelling, "I gonna get you" over and over again.

I can't imagine what he'll be like when he's three!

Happy 6th birthday TJ!

2011-04-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know I say this ever year, but really, "where has the time gone?" It was six years ago today that your daddy and I held you for the first time. You were an adorable baby with a head of straight, brown hair, brown eyes and skinny arms and legs. Six years later you have a head of curly brown hair, brown eyes and you are still very thin. You came in to the world at 8 pounds 6 ounces and now you weight about 54 pounds.

You started kindergarten this past September and you love learning. You have gotten two report cards this year and they have both been great. The only thing you have trouble with is "listening attentively." You love to talk with your friends and sometimes that interferes with your listening I guess. We are working on your listening skills, but we are proud of your great report cards.

You are smart and funny and you love to tell knock-knock jokes. Your favorite TV shows are Pokemon and Dirt Girl. You are writing sentences and paragraphs in school and you are reading short stories. You enjoy sounding out words and are becoming a better reader every day.

Your favorite color is still green and your favorite food is crab or pizza depending on the day. You are the first baseman on your baseball team this year. You enjoy making outs at first base and last week you got a triple with your new bat. You are a great Cardinals player and we are proud of your hard work on the baseball team.

You love collecting Pokemon Cards and you are starting to collect Beyblades. You got a Nintendo DS for Christmas and lately you have been playing it more and more. You are getting better and better at the games, mostly because you can read the directions now.

You are still a sensitive big brother and you make sure the Mya and Ty are always happy and OK. Most of the time you are great at sharing and you love to help Mya and Ty learn new things. You are always trying to teach Mya how to add, subtract and multiply and you taught her how to spell her name

You love to sing in the car, especially "daddy's songs," but VBS songs come in a close second. You love Jesus and yesterday you told me that Easter is your favorite holiday because "Jesus rose from the grave so we can go to heaven and...because we get lots of candy." You love going to Sunday School and Church and you are disappointed if you have to miss either. You and Mya are in the same Sunday School class and it is great to see you two in there together.

Mommy and Daddy love you very much and your are growing up into an awesome young man.

Love, Mommy

I call my children "Pukey"

2011-04-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

I have nicknamed my children Pukey. Well at least the oldest two - I'm still thinking of a name for Tyson....right now Poop Soup seems about perfect. I refer to TJ and Mya as Pukey and they respond...because after 24 hours of almost constant puking their new name has kind of grown on them.

I've also decided that getting a little poop on my arm is nothing compared to the amount of puke I have cleaned up today. I have more puke covered sheets, towels and bath mats than non-puke covered ones. Our carpet is spotted with towels that are covering spots on the carpet that I had to clean puke out of. It looks a bit like a patchwork quilt upstairs.

We've never had the whole Flu Plague in our house before and I hope to never have it again. I can deal with one sick child, but two pukers and one pooper is a bit more than I like to handle.

But on a happier note I'm guessing I have lost at least 5 pounds running up and down the stairs to take kids to the bathroom or change clothes or clean puke or get water or...well you get the point.

And on an even happier note all this sickness has gotten me to start blogging again. I'm thinking that nobody will ever complain about my lack of blogging again :-).

***This sounds like I have done this all alone, but Tony was a big help today. He came home from work early rescue me. I'm very grateful because I was counting down the minutes until he got home....starting four hours before he got here.

Yesterday Was Not Such a Great Day!

2011-03-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

The day started out great - kids got ready nicely - nobody cried or screamed in the morning- we got TJ to school with time to spare, and that is where the greatness ends.

After we dropped of TJ I went to drop off Mya. While I was walking into Mya's school I realized I had guacamole on my arm....wait I hadn't eaten guacamole. Wait a minute, it smelled like poop, oh my gosh.....I have diarrhea on my arm and it is EVERYWHERE. Ty pooped! My arm, Ty's pants, his back, his shirt, his diaper (duh!), down his leg....POOP EVERYWHERE....aghhh....it was a mess, we were a mess! I got Ty cleaned up (thank you Mrs. Lori Ann), borrowed some pants from Mya's school (because yes, I'm a bad mom and don't carry around a spare pair of clothes for my kids), put his jacket on and zipped it up so nobody would see he was shirtless and I took him to his daycare. Poop fiasco over with!

When I got to work I had an email saying that TJ had baseball practice that evening. I didn't know anything about the practice so we hadn't packed TJ's baseball things. Tony didn't have TJ's baseball clothes and I had his baseball equipment with me so we changed our evening plans so that TJ could make it to practice. I don't like last minute change of plans and I was frustrated.

At TJ's practice Ty was a maniac and he ran around like a crazy person. That is, until I saw him standing in one place pulling his pants down. I went over to see what he was doing and he said, "I pooped" and he wasn't kidding. Diarrhea down to his shoe laces. NO JOKE! It was everywhere. And you know I don't have a change of clothes or a diaper bag with me, so I took him to the car, stripped him down, wiped him with some paper towels, put him in his car seat naked , loaded Mya in the car and headed home, without even saying "bye" to Tony and TJ (they had their own car).

I was grumpy and smelly when I got home and I was hungry. Did I mention I was smelly...I hate being smelly.

I got everything cleaned up, laundry started, Ty bathed and eventually I got to eat dinner.

Today is a much better day and so far I haven't been pooped on.

I Missed February

2011-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I NEVER blogged in February....life has been crazy, busy and I just never got around to it. I actually had some pretty funny things to write about, but I never sat down and got to typin'. Here is a brief overview of our February.

For Valentine's Day Tony and I went to Monterey overnight. We had never been there together before and we had a great time. We stayed in a small, old hotel that had a lot of charm. The room was homey and comfortable and was just VERY cute. We also went to a great Peruvian restaurant for dinner. The food and drinks were amazing and the view was spectacular. The restaurant was right on the water and we sat outside by a fire pit before we ate dinner.
TJ started his third year of baseball. He will be a Cardinal again this year and he has improved a lot since last summer. He is a pretty good batter and is much better at catching the ball.
Ty started at Mommy and Me School. He loves Teacher Wendy and he loves his class. His favorite part is playing at the Thomas the Train table and he is learning to share the trains. He has never done an art project in the class but he tries really hard to be a good listener at circle time
Mya took her first ever trip to the Emergency Room. What was a very scary few minutes turned out to not be much at all. Mya had a Febrile Seizure (caused by a fever that rises very quickly) while we were in the car. At the time I didn't know Mya was having a seizure I just knew that she wouldn't talk to me and was staring into space. I drove straight to the ER and they diagnosed the seizure. After a few hours of sitting in the ER and getting some Tylenol into Mya we were sent home. A rough night, but I'm glad it was nothing too serious.

A short month in review for the shortest month of the year. I'll try to be a better blogger this month.

I'm 13 AGAIN!

2011-01-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

Well maybe not really, but my ~~zits~~ pimples look 13. Seriously, who goes through puberty at 32 - oh yeah - that's me. This morning I counted five blemishes. I don't think I ever had that many when I was actually going through puberty. What is going on with my face - this is ridiculous!!!

Pray for me - zits aren't pretty on a 32 year old woman.

**I was feeling a bit sad about posting this about myself, but then I looked over at Tony and he was taking silly pictures of himself with his web cam. Don't be jealous - our Saturday nights are rockin'!

She May Be A Singer One Day

2011-01-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

If she makes it big one day you can say you saw her here first!

The video is a bit long but stick with it because the last song she sings is her favorite one!!!

Diet Cherry Dr Pepper - aka My Crack

2011-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

This is my CRACK...and I love it...and they sell it on Amazon for a little over $15 per 2 Liter (including shipping). So, if you ~~love me~~ like me a little buy me a case and I'll love you forever and ever and ever and ever (you get the idea) and I'll even whisper sweet nothings in your ear at night....if you like that kind of thing.

Thanks

Love, Laurie

P.S. - 12 oz cans are a bit cheaper if you wanna go that route :)

Some Funnies

2011-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few cute (at least in my opinion) things the kids have said lately:

TJ: Mommy, can we go to Beaches? (the vacation resort)
Me: No, that costs a lot of money
TJ: How much money, like 100
Me: No, more like 10 thousand dollars
TJ: I know how you can get lots of money
Me: How?
TJ: You just go to the bank over and over again and they keep giving you money.

Hahahhahahhaha - if only it was that simple!

Background: Ty does not like to take off his Thomas pjs in the morning unless he gets to put on a Thomas shirt. We only have one Thomas shirt so this is a bit of a dilemma. Today I decided that I wasn't going to fight the battle with him and I let him leave the house with no shirt on.

Ty: Too freezing mommy
Me: Do you want to put your shirt on?
Ty: No
Me: If you put your shirt on you won't be too freezing
Ty: Too freezing mommy
Me: Mommy isn't too freezing because I have my shirt on, do you want to put your shirt on?
Ty: No, I wear jacket.

And there you have it - he left the house without a shirt on, but he was wearing his jacket.

Mya: I want oatmeal for breakfast
Me: We are having french toast this morning
Mya: Ok, if I eat all my french toast can I have oatmeal?
Me: Sure (knowing full well that she would never eat all her french toast)
Mya: If I eat half my french toast can I have oatmeal?
Me: No
Mya: If I eat one french toast?
Me: No
Mya: Ok, I eat it all.

Which she didn't do so I didn't have to make any oatmeal.

Oh Well

2010-12-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

Some days...

When the living room floor looks like this

And you haven't showered and it's well past lunch time

And your "to do" list looks something like this

And Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is no longer available on Demand

and ~~you~~ your children are freaking out

This little boy will come over

And smile at you like this

And say, "I lub you"

And all will be right with the world...

Even if your kitchen counters looks like this!

And then you'll blog about it and get even less on your "to do" list finished -

Oh Well!

Christmas Card

2010-11-28T22:16:00.001-08:00

Faith Love Family Religious

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

For the first time in my whole life I ordered my Christmas cards before December....hopefully now I can get them mailed out before Christmas.

p.s. - By posting this on my blog Shutterfly is offering me a $25 discount on my next order :-). Good deal if you ask me...not that you were asking.

Happy 2nd Birthday Tyson

2010-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

My how time has flown by. You are two years old today, you weight 27 pounds, wear a size 9 shoe, have a HUGE head, wear 2T clothes and are in the 90th percentile for height. You are almost the same height as Mya and you weigh the same as she does.

You are an independent little man and your verbal skills are amazing. You speak in sentences and can clearly tell us what you want. I'm always amazed when you say things like, "go away Mommy, I do it myself." You are the most snuggliest of all and you let me rock you for a few minutes before nap and bedtime. I love rocking with you.

Every night Mommy or Daddy reads you, Guess How Much I Love You (yes, every.single.night and at nap time too!) and you know most of the words in the story, turn the page at the right place and when we are finishing the last page and we read, "I love you all the way to the moon" you finish the story by saying, "and back" and then you slam the book shut, sit up in your bed, give us your hands and say, "pray." After prayer time you give us a hug and kiss and lay down nicely in your toddler bed. We got rid of your crib a month ago and you transitioned to a toddler bed very nicely. Most of the time you stay in your bed and go right to sleep...most of the time.

You follow directions well when you are in a good mood and you have a stubborn streak a mile long. If you want something you will do everything in your power to get it and I have a love/hate relationship withe your determination.

You play the Monkey game on grandpa's IPhone all the time and you are very good at the puzzle part of the game. Last week you stole mommy's phone and posted to my Facebook account. I know you had know idea what you were doing, but it was still quite impressive.

Your favorite foods are oatmeal, hot dogs and strawberries. You love jumpy houses, especially ones with big slides. I think you are a thrill seeker and I'm a bit frightened by that. You love tall play structures and to jump off the couch.

You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Caillou and would watch them all day long if we would let you - but we don't. You like TV much more than TJ or Mya did at your age. Your favorite toys are Thomas Trains and trucks. When we are driving you point out every "big, big truck" you see. You sing loudly in the car and you are almost always happy, except when you are sick.

Mommy and Daddy love you all the way to the moon and back!!!!

Love,
Mommy

Happy Halloween

2010-11-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from my Care Bear, Dinosaur and Puppy Dog...

to yours!!!

Better late than never!!!

EB Awareness Week

2010-10-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Jonah

This week (October 25 - 31st) is EB awareness week. You probably don't know what Epidermolysis Bullosa is (don't worry, I didn't until a little over a year ago when Jonah came into my virtual world), but now is the time to learn about it. I want to help raise awareness for this disease, so I'm asking the ~~4 Million~~ 12 people who read my blog to click here and learn a little bit about EB and Jonah. Be careful, this gorgeous little boy will definitely steal your heart...and his mom rocks too.

If you want even more information about EB or if you want to donate to help find a cure you can click here.

Like Father

2010-10-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Like father,

Like son!

I shaved Ty's head (at the advice of the lady who cuts, colors, highlights, etc. my hair) because a few months ago a lot of his hair fell out and what was growing back didn't look very good. I hope when his new hair grows back it will be softer and less frizzy.

P.S. - It's been so long since I blogged that I forgot my login password. Oops - I'll try to do better!

My Big Girl Panties

2010-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

My friend (and I'll use that term a bit loosely right now because, while I care about this person and I think she's funny and amazing, I've only "met" her through the blog world and I've never even heard her sweet Texas voice) posted this picture from her family camping trip last weekend. While, you might not believe this, it has brought me a sense of peace about something I have really been struggling with.

Thank you Jessica for this amazing picture. It made me laugh hysterically and is now helping me get through today. Bet you never though a pair of GIANT panties could make someone thing about serving Jesus.

I want a pair of panties like these to hang on my office wall so I'll constantly be reminded that I am here to serve God, but sometimes I'll need to wear my big girl panties to make it through the day. It's no secret (well I guess on my blog it is, because I've worked very hard to keep my mouth shut) that my job is not as easy or fun as it used to be. Things are different around here and I've been struggling to continue loving what I do in the midst of turmoil and chaos. Don't get me wrong - I love the kids and I love serving Jesus but there is always crap to be dealt with that I didn't have to deal with before.

Yesterday I took a pretty big emotional beating at work. Things that I consider to be my best attributes (and not my physical ones) were insulted. Stuff was said about me (not to my face, but in my written annual review) and I was hurt....correction....I am hurt. I was told that I don't do a good job. I've never received a bad review before and I was CRUSHED! To be fair - not my entire review was crushing - I am reviewed by several people and most had only positive, uplifting things to say to me, but what sticks is the hurtful stuff. I thought about quitting and then I prayed and God said, quite clearly, "stay." So, I'm here today, with my big girl panties on (which by the way are not bright red, but they are a pretty shade of pink), and I will continue doing my very best to serve God while wearing my big girl panties to protect my heart.

And please...don't get me wrong...I know that there is always room for improvement. I am a HUGE work in progress, I have never received any formal training on how to do my job, I make mistakes, I screw up all the time, but I am always trying to do what is best, what will teach the most people about Jesus and what I think will have the biggest impact. I am ALWAYS open to both positive and negative feedback and I enjoy the challenge of constructive criticism, but I don't need my character and self-worth bashed when I am already struggling.

And because this has all been so negative I'll point out one positive from yesterday. When all was said and done and I was sitting in my office upset and hurt my co-workers all gave me support and uplifting comments and they told me they think I do a good job (which means MUCH more to me than one lousy review)! Thanks Ladies!!!

Ouch

2010-09-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I got my very first ever "ouch" report as a parent. Sure my kids have gotten little bumps or cuts or bruises at daycare and school in the past, but they have never warranted a phone call to me or a report in their file.

This is the picture Mya's teach took and text to me after the accident. (No, texting pictures of injured kids is not the typical protocol, but Mya's teacher and I are friend's outside of Mya's school and she knew I'd appreciate the picture - "thanks Crazy Lori").

Here is a picture of her report, which for some strange reason I can't bring myself to throw away. Which in and of itself is very strange for me because I throw EVERYTHING away...why am I so attached to this half sheet of white paper?

The bump/bruise went from how it looks in the picture (which isn't too bad) to a nice share of purple, to a brighter purple and black eye, to a slightly green and black eye, to a yucky yellow and black eye and then finally back to normal.

The best part was she said it didn't even hurt.

OUCH!

All Grown Up - Almost

2010-09-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I sent my (slightly crazy) 3 year old into her first day of preschool...

I picked up that same 3 year old in the afternoon, only now I'm quite sure she is 7.

What have they done to my little girl? She is thinking older, talking older, walking older and acting like a much older little girl.

Whatever did they do to my shy, nervous daughter that turned her into a crazy, loud and very talkative ~~seven~~ 3 year old?

Now if only her body would start growing too - Then maybe we could get her out of 2T clothes.

First Day of School

2010-09-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was TJ's first day of Kindergarten. He did really well and he seems to be loving school. He was very excited to go to kindergarten and his favorite part of the day is recess (big surprise). I did really well too - I didn't cry at all and I was only a tiny bit emotional.

TJ is a people pleaser by nature and his teacher says he is a good listener and a good leader in the class. So far he hasn't called anybody a "booty-butt head" and last week he got a toy out of the treasure chest because he didn't get a time out or his name on the board all week.

Today was Mya's first day of preschool and she did really well too. She has been excited about school all summer and she keeps telling us she is going to, "TJ's old school." She was a bit nervous this morning but as soon as she got into class she found the play dough table and began playing. I left her there with tears in my eyes and a smile on her face.

Some pictures from their special days!

Ready to Go!

First time playing on the playground.

Lined up and ready to go into class.

On the way in! Happy Kindergarten TJ!

Mya refusing to smile - She made funny faces to the camera all morning!

Mya and Mommy

Somewhat of a smile.

And this is where I left her - Playing with play dough at the table!

Oops! I Forgot!

2010-08-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot to share with ya'll why/how I know I could NEVER be a stripper...well besides the obvious reasons like: it goes against my morals, my body isn't nearly good enough to be seen naked in front of oogley eyed strangers, I'd most likely lose my job, my bedtime is the same as a strippers clock-in time and I have stretch marks that are deeper than the Grand Canyon - seriously!

A few weeks ago I went to a bachelorette party with these women:

And to start the party out we took a Pole Dancing class. Holy Moly! First we had to put on six ~~foot~~ inch stiletto heals that I could not walk in to save my life. No Joke! I was a tripping, falling fool. Then when the lesson actually started we had to do squats while looking provocative. There is nothing provocative about me doing squats! Nothing.At.All. After squats we did sit-ups, push-ups and some crazy Yoga maneuvers - all while "looking provocative."

After the warm up was over (yes that was just the warm up) we learned how to swing around the pole without falling, we learned how to do a "naughty" and how to do the "cat prowl." I'm not sure I would do any of those things in the privacy of my own bedroom, but I definitely wasn't excited to be doing them in front of a group of people I barely knew (I knew the bride and her sister) and in front of giant (12 foot by 30 foot) mirrors.

Then we had to perform the routine we learned for the group to watch - Oh.My.Gosh.Let.Me.Die.Right.Now!!!

I did it and I didn't die. It was actually pretty fun and I might even be willing to go to another class (it's good exercise you know) with a group of people I know a bit better. But you can bet on your life you'll never see me working in a strip club....unless of course they want to learn about Jesus!!!

Call Me Crazy

2010-08-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday I decided it would be fun to take the kids to Aqua Adventure Water Park. Aqua Adventure is a small water slide park with a lazy river, spray park area and a toddler pool equipped with a play structure that sits in the middle of it. There is even a large red bucket that dumps gallons of water on top of the play structure every minute or two. Fun! Fun! Fun! (At the water park there are also two or three "real" water slides, but the kids aren't tall enough for them, so I've never even seen them upclose - maybe one day).

I was a bit nervous about taking the three kids, but I went with another mom who had two kids and I decided to brave it. I know that TJ's is a pretty good swimmer and I had a coupon that is only good on weekdays, so we just went. And it was a blast. We were literally the first people in the park, we got our life jackets on (they provide them for free) and the fun began. TJ ~~floated~~ swam around the lazy river a minimum of 20 times and after the first time I let him take his life jacket off and swim. I was amazed at what a strong swimmer he has become and I'm so glad he is following in his mom's swimming footsteps. Ty was a bit afraid of the water in the lazy river but he loved floating on his back as long as he was holding onto me. He really loved the spray park area and would have been happy to play there all day long. He ran through the sprinklers again and again. Mya really loves swimming with her water wings, but at the water park they don't allow water wings. Wearing a life jacket made Mya a bit nervous and it took her a few laps around the lazy river to feel comfortable, but eventually she was swimming and kicking just like she did at swimming lessons.

I am very proud of my three little fish! The day was a huge success and I'm even thinking of going again next Thursday.

I don't have any pictures from the lazy river or the kiddie pool because I had to be in the water with the kids and my camera isn't waterproof :-(.

Waffles and Boogers

2010-08-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Ty started shoving food up his nose. At first I think he was just exploring his body and then he continued doing it because he got a reaction out of mom and dad. I've dug macaroni and cheese, cereal, hot dogs and potato salad out of his nose, but it's always been simple. Once I had to use a pair of tweezers, but the food was always easy to get out....until today.

Today Ty shoved several pieces of waffle up his nose and I could only get some of the waffle out. There was a piece stuck really high up his nose that I just couldn't get. I called the advice nurse at Kaiser, who tried very hard not to laugh at me, to see if I should come in to get the waffle removed. The lady was very nice and she told me if I wasn't squeamish and if I felt comfortable she could give me some suggestions for getting the waffle out at home. I told her I'd give it a shot (after all I am trying to be a nurse and all). First she told me to block the unclogged nostril and tell Ty to blow his nose. That didn't work because he just isn't old enough to understand. Next she said I could pinch the clear nostril and blow into Ty's mouth (mouth-to-mouth style) to get the waffle out of the blocked nostril. I tried a few times and nothing was happening. The nurse suggested I try one more time and she said to try blowing a little harder than before. I did it and a pretty big (like toddler bite size) piece of waffle flew out and shot me in the cheek. I was only slightly grossed out at first and then I saw that the waffle was completely covered in green boogers. Lovely, just lovely.

I'm pretty sure I'll never look at a waffle the same way again.

High Seas Expedition

2010-08-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

This makes my heart smile!

Vacation Bible School 2010

250+ kids
86 fabulous volunteers
5 exhausting days
8 Skeeter and Captain Laurie skits
songs, songs and Psalms
snacks, games and crafts
suprising Bible stories
laughing till we cry
and Jesus!

Makes all the hours, stress, frustrations, and late nights totally worth while.

I love planning VBS, thinking about VBS, registering kids for VBS, getting volunteers for VBS, building the set for VBS, buying things for VBS, decorating for VBS, singing for VBS, playing at VBS and teaching kids about Jesus at VBS. Yup, I love VBS!!

** if you click on the picture it will get larger you can get a better idea of how big VBS was this year.

Coffee

2010-08-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This exceptionally exciting blog is brought to you because I have nothing more exciting to say. I'm annoyed that I haven't blogged in over two weeks so I decided to share this sad, depressing, unexciting story. Oh well, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit. At least that's what Mya tells me.

This morning I decided I wanted to be a coffee drinker. I don't dislike coffee, but I rarely pour myself a mug and I only consider drinking it if somebody else makes the pot. I'm lazy like that and coffee doesn't really mean that much to me. (Starbucks is a WHOLE different story, but that isn't really coffee, is it?)

But this morning I'm not feeling so great (thank.you.TJ.for.sharing.your.sickness.with.me) and I thought some nice, hot, black coffee would help.

This is what is left in my coffee mug. Nice, cold, black coffee.

I think I might have had a sip or two...maybe. I guess I'm not equipped to be a coffee drinker. Oh well - I'll stick with diet coke from now on.

On a much more interesting note...I found out last weekend that I am not coordinated or provocative enough to be a pole dancer. You wanna know how I know this??? Just wait - I may tell you one day soon.

Does that cliff hanger make this blog post a bit more exciting?

I sure hope so :).

Our Whole Names...According to Mya

2010-07-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

I've been working on our family's names with Mya and I think she finally has it down :-).

Me: "Mya, who's that" (while pointing at Tony)
Mya: "Tony Baloney Anderson". (He, he, he - Tony's middle name is Delante, but I think Baloney is pretty funny too.)

Me: "Mya, who's that" (while pointing at myself)
Mya: "Yaurie Mommy Anderson"

Me: "Mya, who's this" (while pointing at a picture of TJ)
Mya: "TJ Teejjjj Anderson" (sometimes I call TJ, "Teejjjj" for short - not really sure how to spell what I'm trying to say....but its like saying "Tee" with soft Js following it)

Me: "Mya, who's that" (while pointing at a picture of Tyson)
Mya: "Tyson Jacob Anderson"

Me: Mya, who's that" (while showing her a picture of herself)
Mya: "Mya Bapool* Anderson" followed by a loud scream and then her saying, "I'n just Mya, just Mya, just Mya." She doesn't like me to say her whole name becaue she knows she is in trouble.

*** FYI her middle name is Nicole - we didn't name her Mya Baboon Anderson or anything crazy like that.

Lady Gaga

2010-07-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

This morning my children demonstrated their "Lady Gaga" walk for me. I'm not too sure where this came from, but it was too funny not to share. They have been walking around the house like this all morning. I think it's only appropriate that while acting like Lady Gaga they are in their underwear and pajamas.

I hope they don't hate me when they are teenagers.

Not Mom of the Year

2010-07-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is a contest hosted by Life Without Pink and the Mommyologist.  I wanna win.  Who doesn't love to win SOMETHING/ANYTHING. Even if it is the "Not Mom of the Year" contest. I'm not even sure what the prize is, althought I'm sure it's posted somewhere. Maybe I should look into what I'd be winning. I surely don't want to win the honor of doing Life Without Pink's laundry or washing the Mommyologist's floors - that would suck.

So here goes - The TOP 10 11 12 13 14 15 reasons (I started at 10, but then the day progressed and I realized I have many more) why I am definitely Not Mom of the Year.

15. I play on the toys at the playground. I even kick my kids off them so I can play first. I spun and spun and spun on the spinner toy today....before I let my son have a turn. He got very mad. I got very dizzy.

14. My kids drink soda. They love Diet Dr. Pepper and Mug Rootbeer. Who can really blame them? Who can blame me for giving it to them? They love it, it makes them smile and it keeps them quiet.

13. I love to be naked; my kids love to be naked too. This disturbs my husband - I think it cuts down on the laundry. We never go out in the front yard naked...I can't rightly say if we've ever gone in the backyard naked.

12. This morning my oldest son asked me if I wanted a "surprise?" I said "yes." He came over and farted at me. I farted back. Then we said, "excuse me" to each other.

11. My baby (not my husband, my youngest son) loves margaritas. Don't ask how I know this. He never sips on my margarita - he gulps. No sipping for him. Sipping is for sissies.

10. My baby also likes dirt. He likes to eat it and play in it. He likes to do both at the same time. Uses his fingers to scoop dirt into his mouth. It's somewhat like a Funstick, but with dirt instead of sugar.

9. I read to my children every night. EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT!  Whether I want to or not. When they pick long books, and I am tired, I skip parts. Sometimes I even skip entire pages. Sometimes I only read the first sentence on each page. Sometimes I only read the first sentence on every other page. Sometimes.

8. My kids have gone to Walmart in their pajamas. Frequently. I'd go in my pajamas too...if I wore any. I go to Walmart in my sweats or my workout clothes. Which ever is handier at the moment.

7. I spank. Not my husband, my children. When they misbehave, when they won't eat the veggies they have been chewing on for over five minutes, when they backtalk, pretty much whenever I feel they need it.

6. I vacuumed my house three weeks ago and I mopped four weeks ago. That's more recently than I cleaned my shower or toilet. I do wash our clothes every week. I don't always put them all away.

5. My minivan (yes I drive one) could feed the starving children in Haiti for a week. Well not the actual van per se, but the amount of food that is all over the floor and seats. I had the van vacuumed last week. Actually "I" didn't have it vacuumed. I loaned it to a friend and told him he'd have to get it vacuumed if he wanted anybody to ride in the backseats. In my defense he works at a car dealership and getting it vacuumed was no big deal for him. The car is covered in Goldfish, Graham Crackers, french fries, etc. again!

4. I let Mya wipe her own butt. Actually, I have to force her to do it. She gets poop in her fingernails and she leave poop on her butt. It's gross and she often has skid marks in her Dora underwear. I'm trying to teach her personal hygiene and responsibility. I'm certain I'm failing.

3. Ty eats breakfast while sitting ON the kitchen table. I don't reprimand him. Instead I take pictures and post a cute blog about him. I'm that kinda mom.

2. I often say, "because I'm your mom" and I fully believe, with my whole heart, that it's a good enough reason and explanation for my kids.

1. I let my children call me a "booty-butt head."  Sometimes I laugh.

Hungry Boy!

2010-07-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

This morning after Tyson finished his own breakfast he climbed on the table and helped everybody else finish theirs. (His plate is the empty one behind his left leg.) When I finally took him down off the table all of the plates were empty.

I guess that's what happens when you don't eat dinner the night before! I'd say, "I'm sure he learned his lesson", but I'm sure I'd be lying.

Camping

2010-07-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on the annual church camping trip that I plan. Eight families went with us and I think everybody had a great time.

Our family had an exceptionally good trip. I was a bit worried how everybody would sleep in such tight quarters, but everything went smoothly. Everybody slept well and one night all the kids went to bed, and fell asleep, at the same time...they even slept until 7:30 the next morning. During the day the kids went swimming in the freezing pool, Mya and Ty took three hour naps, they rode bikes and played on the playground. They were dirty, dirty, dirty each night at bath time. Oh, the disgusting bath water!!!! We ate great food, made s'mores, played games and had a great time.

We can't wait to go camping again in August!

Three little speckled frogs and 99 bottles of beer!

2010-07-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Three little speckled frogs
sitting on a hollow log
eating the most delicious bugs
yum-yum-yum!
One jumped into the pool,
***(loud splash heard from bathtub)***
where it was nice and cool
Now there are two more speckled frogs.

was sang over and over and over and over and over....well you get the point....while Mya was in the bathtub tonight.

And if that wasn't bad enough Tony thought that it would be nice to join in the chaos with

99 bottles of beer on the wall,
99 bottles of beer.
You take one down and pass it around,
98 bottles of beer on the wall.

At 77 bottles of beer I found myself a pair of earplugs and came downstairs to watch the Giants kick the Brewers' butts!

And I didn't even cry

2010-06-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Last week when TJ graduated from preschool I was the picture of composure (unlike when I dropped him off at preschool for the first time). I watched him receive his "diploma" and I clapped along with all the other moms...I didn't even shed a tear. I was just very proud of my ~~little~~ big boy. I can't wait until he starts kindergarten.

seriously - he was happy to receive his "diploma" - he just wasn't happy that I wanted to take a picture!

Purple Princess Baseball Player

2010-06-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that this baseball player...

with her purple, princess bathing suit uniform,

and her Monsters Inc. construction hat,

and her frozen yogurt covered chin,

and her silly faces

might make an amazing lawyer, or doctor, or teacher

or nurse, or mommy, or engineer one day.

But I'm quite certain she'll never be a baseball player!

Just my opinion.

And this little guys says, "here's looking at you Mommy"

Jah and Jesus

2010-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

TJ and I had this conversation on the way to church a couple of days ago.

TJ - "Mom, can you find out what time and where Jah (TJ's friend) goes to church?"

(Now in some parts of the country it might be normal to assume that all of your friends go to church but here in the Bay Area less than 5% of people attend church and/or have a relationship with Jesus. My weekday commute takes me about 25 minutes each way and I use the carpool lane. The roads are packed Monday - Friday. On Sunday mornings on the way to church I'd say we are luck if we see 20 other cars on the road. People around here don't go to church.)

Me - "I don't know if Jah goes to church TJ, but I'll ask his mom."

TJ - "Why doesn't he go to church? Doesn't he want to learn about Jesus?"

Me - These are not my exact words, but I said something to the effect of, "not everybody goes to church and not everybody wants to learn about Jesus. I hope Jah goes to church but if he doesn't maybe we can invite him to Sunday School with you."

TJ - "Why doesn't everybody go to church?"

Me - "Not everybody believes in Jesus and understands how important it is to love Him."

TJ - "If Jah doesn't know about Jesus I'm going to tell him because I want Jah to go to heaven."

Me - "Rock on TJ!"

Happy 3rd Birthday Mya

2010-06-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday baby girl. It has been a great three years getting to know you and watching you grow up and change. You brighten our world, drive us crazy, love and fight intensely and you insure that there is never a dull moment in our house.

Today at the doctor's office, with your clothes on and right after you drank a large glass of milk and ate your breakfast you weighted a whopping 27 pounds, but at home in the morning you only weight about 24 pounds. You are 34.5" tall which puts you in the 3% for the nation - you are a short little girl. In the last year you have gained 5 pounds and grown almost 3 inches. Yippee!

Even though you are a very small little girl and you are still wearing 24 month clothes even though you are 36 months you are full of spunk and zeal. You are not afraid to say and fight for what you want. You and your brothers are either best friends or worst enemies depending on the day. Sometimes you can all be found playing dolls upstairs or building a castle with Lego's and sometimes I can hear you all screaming and fighting for a toy for hours and hours. You normally scream and cry the loudest and you almost get exactly what you want. This trait will benefit you a lot as you are growing up, although you might have to get more gentle with your approach and technique.

In September you will be starting preschool and I think you will really love it. You enjoy learning and playing with friends. In the past few months you have really come out of your shell and have starting building relationships and playing with friends. I think you will have a lot of friends and school and I'm positive you will grow to love your teachers. I am a little bit sad that you won't get to go to Ms. Lynn's anymore, but I also know preschool will be great for you.

You used to shy away from people and large crowds and now you run to groups and make friends at the park. You are growing up so quickly and mommy and daddy love watching you change and develop. The last three times we have gone to the park you have approached other small children and encouraged/forced them to play with you. You don't always give everybody an option when you say something like, "play with me on the slide" or "let's go on the swings", but amazingly most of the children go along with your plan.

You are very smart and you know your colors, animal sounds, a lot of shapes, a few letters, you can count to 10 and you can sing your abc's - along with many other songs you have learned at Teacher Wendy's school. I have had a great time attending Teacher Wendy's school with you this year and I will miss watching you paint, sing and play dolls at school.

I love listening to you and TJ sing in the car almost as much as I love snuggling with you in the morning. You still suck your fingers and you love your pink blankie. You also love to cook dinner with daddy and you enjoy making oatmeal and pancakes with mommy in the morning. While daddy is cooking dinner you can almost always be found sitting on the counter right next to where he is cooking. I hope that watching daddy cook right now will help you grow up and be a wonderful chef :-).

Your favorite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You know the entire book by heart and you can "read" it to us if we ask you too. Last week I overheard you "reading" The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Tyson and I was overcome with pride. Your favorite toys are you baby dolls and you take very good care of them. You feed your babies, take them for walks, push them in their stroller, put them to bed and you even carry them around in a baby sling. You will be a great mommy one day.

You make your mommy and daddy very proud and we love you to the moon and back ~~one~~ three times!

Happy 3rd Birthday Mya!

Love,
Mommy

Nothing Says "THANK YOU" like 16 dozen cookies

2010-06-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

At least thats what I hope because at the end of what has been a VERY long and VERY hot weekend Tony and I are baking cookies for TJ's teachers as a "thank you" for everything they have done this year. I can't believe TJ starts kindergarten in September. Where has the time gone?

I love baking and I love cookies but I don't love baking in a house without air conditioning when it is 95 degrees outside. I had hoped to bake the cookies earlier in the weekend when it wasn't so hot outside, but we had big plans this weekend.

Friday night TJ's baseball team played their last game of the season. They lost the game (ummm....yes....we kept score for the last game of the season....and yes.....this is supposed to be non-competitive baseball.....and no.....don't ask me what changed) but TJ played a good game and we are proud of him.

Saturday was Mya's birthday party. We opted for a small-ish party for her this year because she doesn't have many friends and she isn't prone to having her best moments when surrounded by large groups of people. The party was amazing and Mya had a great time. She went swimming in the little pools, blew bubbles, opened presents, blew out her birthday candles and tried to use a slip-n-slide. My little girl turns three years old tomorrow - WOW!

Today we went to TJ's friend's birthday party. I took the kids by myself because Tony plays baseball on Sundays. I learned the hard way that taking three small children to a water birthday party by myself is no fun at all. It was down right hard work but we had a lot of fun. At the party they had a huge inflatable waterslide that TJ went down no less than 100 times. He was exhuasted at the end of the party and so was I. I don't have any pictures from the party - I had my camera with me but I never really had time to take any decent photos.

And because I'm the world's most fun mom (ok, not really) this is what the kids did Saturday morning.

That is frosting that was left over after I got finished frosting Mya's birthday cake. The kids had a great time spreading it out on the table, writing their names in it, drawing shapes in it and licking the table (somewhat) clean. And I enjoyed the 10 minutes of quite the frosting provided.

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe

2010-06-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

Anderson variation:

There was a young girl who climbed up a shoe

She thought it looked fun, she knew what to do

She started sliding down, and flipped on her head

Then mom dropped her camera, frantically shook off her sandals, ran up the slide and saved the little girl.

The End!!!

No worries - the little girl tried the slide again....

this time with Daddy!

Who Needs?

2010-06-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Who needs a swimming pool when you have an ice chest, an orange Home Depot bucket, some small bowls, hot weather, swimming suits and a 14' x 12' backyard?

Not these three!

Oasis of the Seas - Top 5

2010-06-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

I've procrastinated writing this blog post because blogging about our amazing vacation is a bit overwhelming to me. We had such a great trip and did so many things that I was thinking the post would be 1,762,485 pages long. To save you all from reading my novel I decided to blog about the top 5 favorite parts of our vacation. This will still probably be very long, but much shorter than if I tried to blog about everything.

Here Goes! (in no particular order)

Number 1 - Zip Line in Costa Maya

Yes we are soaking wet, but we are smiling!

I won't lie...the whole zip line excursion wasn't great, it probably wasn't even good. It rained the entire trip, we had to ride part of the way in an open air jeep, the mosquitoes were abundant and we didn't get any food on the trip, which was over 6 hours long. But, the actual zip line part of the day was awesome. We were hoisted up to the top of the zip line tower (there are no hills in Costa Maya, so the zip lines go from tower to tower above flat land) and then we took three zip lines to get down to the ground again. One of the zip lines was fast, one was long and the other had a sharp drop at the end. All were amazing. We were above the rainforest and we could see the ocean all at the same time. We left soaking wet, with many, many, many, many mosquito bites, but it was beautiful.

Number 2 - Chef's Table

With the chef - He's a little bit taller than us!

The 5 courses we were served!

We paid to have a special, private meal with 12 other guests on the ship. The meal was prepared by one of the ships Sous-Chef and was paired with wines by Jacques the Sommelier. We ate smoked duck salad paired with Mer Soleil Chardonnay, a trio of soups, pan-fried scallops and crab cake paired with Belle Glos Pinot Noir, grilled beef tenderloin paired with Caymus Cabernt Sauvignon and passion fruit crème brulee paired with Errazuriz, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. The food, the wine and the experience were all AMAZING!

Number 3 - Mexican Cuisine Class

Cooking Class

The food we cooked.

In Cozumel we did an excursion that taught us how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine. We cooked mini huaraches, veracruz style fish filet and a rice pudding tower. Great food and a fun experience. While we were cooking we were served an abundance of margaritas. Not only was cooking the food a lot of fun but it was great to get to eat the meal we prepared. We liked to food so much that we have made it twice since we’ve been home.

Number 4 - Donuts

I don't have any pictures of the donuts, but you have to believe me, they were wonderful. The dough was different than anything I had ever had before and they had many different flavors. Banana donuts, cinnamon sugar cream filled donuts, chocolate donuts, passion fruit donuts and on and on. We only had a couple donuts each, but I'm sure we could have eaten a couple a day if we weren't trying to be a little bit reasonable.

Number 5 - Paul and the Piano Bar

With Paul at the Piano

With "the Kellys" at the Piano - And yes, I'm wearing Tony's tie!

Paul on the Flow Rider

We went to the piano bar the first night and went back almost every night after that (except for Wednesday which was Paul's day off). Not only was the piano bar fun but we met a few friends there too. Kelly and Kelly (yes they are a married man and woman, and yes they are both named Kelly) were a lot of fun. Kelly (female) is a bit wild and she sang along like crazy. We sang American Pie, Pretty Woman, 3 A.M and many other songs along with Paul. He probably wishes we hadn't sung so loud or maybe he wished we hadn't drank so much before singing with him, but whatever - we had a GREAT time.

This is not to say we didn't do a ton of other fun things on our trip. We rode the carousel, ate pizza, drank a bucket of beer, went swimming in the pools and the ocean, saw the Men's Sexy Leg competiton, relaxed in the hot tub, watched people fall on the Flow Rider, got massages, did a little reading, drank in the concierge lounge, watched Quest, went dancing, watch the ice skating and water show, took naps, slept in a little later than normal and much, much more. We really had a great trip.

Costco

2010-05-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying, "I do not enjoy going to Costco" and the only thing I enjoy less than going to Costco is going to Costco with my children. I'll do it if I have to, and if Tony comes along it's not terribly, terrible, but I avoid seeing myself and my children in Costco together.

There...it's true...it's terrible...and I admitted it.

Today I took a trip to Costco, by myself, to pick up some things for work. The nursery was low on snacks (well at least the good ones that the kids actually like), diapers, wipes and Clorox wipes. So I went, by myself, and all was decent with my world.

I parked far away to avoid the crazy parking lot. As I was walking in I picked my cart and strolled inside all while moving past the annoying people who stand in the doorway searching frantically for their Costco card (sorry if you are one of those people, but I secretly want to run you over with my shopping cart) and past the annoying man who thinks it's a great idea to stop his shopping cart three steps inside the store to look over his shopping list.

I'm not a very patient shopper. I have a list, I have an agenda and I have 30 minutes to get in and out of the store.

Once past the looky loos who are window shopping for a new TV or some new luggage (yes, Costco has a huge display of luggage right now) I started my shopping. I ran to the wine section to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner Saturday night and then I headed to the diaper/wipes section. During my semi-run from aisle to aisle I passed crowds of people waiting for samples and they annoyed me and got in my way and I passed people who left their shopping cart in the middle of an aisle as they walked 1000 steps away to look at something that I'm sure they didn't really need and those people annoyed me too and then I passed a young mother with three young children, about the same ages as my kids I'd guess, and then I slowed down.

They were cute kids and mom was having a hard time steering her cart while toting a baby in a Bjorn, a toddler who was actually sitting quite nicely in the cart and a young boy who was walking beside her. AMAZING - I was amazed by this mom. She looked undaunted as she strolled through Costco. She had a list and I could see she was on a mission, but her mission was being accomplished much more patiently than mine.

As I go past "Super Mom" and her super cute kids I continue to diapers and wipes were I see SM (Super Mom) again in all her glory and patience. She was helping a "more mature" woman load a case of water into her cart and talking to her oldest about helping people when needed and all I could think was, "would I do that?" Would I take a moment away from my "mission" to teach my child about helping somebody out? And then my brain really started going and I thought, "what is SM teaching her children while she is out shopping" - seriously I thought that.

Her children were learning patience because I'm quite sure she wasn't planning on ramming the next person who got in her way (and that is always my plan) and she wasn't yelling when her children were misbehaving and she was even taking time to help a person in need. Her trip to Costco was more like a life lesson for her children than an actual shopping trip. “Way to go SM.”

I continued with these wonderfully fleeting thoughts as I left the diapers and headed to the goldfish cracker section. I didn't walk to the goldfish, I ran to them - my 30 minutes was running out and I wanted out of Costco. But guess who also made it to the goldfish just seconds after me, yup, you got it, it was SM. She still wasn't flustered (which I was) and was still teaching her children lessons in patience only now it was intertwined with a lesson about nutrition and why they couldn't have candy, but could have dried fruit. No kidding - I'm telling you she really was a Super Mom. This time I took a second to compliment her. I told her she was amazing to me and that I dread bringing my children to Costco. That my children always misbehave at Costco. I might have even said I admired her. And then I took off. 30 minutes was almost over.

I was still thinking of SM and her wonderfully, well-behaved children while I was in line. And who should show up but her and her well-behaved, perfect children. I looked over and smiled and she smiled back. I again said “amazing” as she started to unload her cart. And then all hell broke loose. One perfect child started wandering away, one perfect child slapped another, followed by some pinching and one perfect child started wailing…and SM took it all in stride. She gave a lesson on keeping your hands to yourself, about not wandering away and even soothed the baby all while still unloading the cart. See, she is Super Mom. I would have threatened and probably screamed long before this point. And then it happened - SM lost her cool and she raised her voice and told her kids to knock it off and she threatened "no candy" if they didn’t start behaving. She looked over at me and I smiled the, "I know how you feel" smile that every mom knows and then I too felt like a Super Mom. Even if I still NEVER want to take my children to Costco alone!

Oasis of the Seas

2010-05-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from our cruise. I'll post more about our trip and more pictures in the next few days!!! We had an AWESOME vacation.

Day One -At the Piano Bar

Pizza and Beer at Sorrentos on Deck 5

Riding the Old Fashioned Carousel on Oasis

Carlos'n Charlies in Cozumel - FUN!

A little of this and a little of that!

2010-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy lately and blogging has not been on the agenda much. I've missed writing things down and processing my thoughts for the whole world to see :-). Here are some of the random things that have been going on lately with our family.

School is almost over, at least for this semester. I think I'll get 3 A's and 1 B, which I couldn't be happier about. The classes weren't that hard but getting back into the rhythm of school wasn't as easy as I had anticipated. Online classes are HARD, much harder than a traditional classroom setting. I've spend the last two weeks finishing up projects (and I wasn't behind, there was just a lot to do the past two weeks) and I finally have everything done. I have one more final to take and then it's time for a break.

We went to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Saturday and it was a blast. The kids all loved the rides and they wanted to go on more and more. I'm glad we got season passes so we can go back throughout the summer. The Tiger show was fun and we watched the killer whale show without getting splashed.

Mya had her first real nightmare (that we know about) two nights ago. She woke up, ran to the stairs and started screaming for her daddy. Tony and I were still awake so Tony took care of her and she got to sleep in our bed for a few hours (a very special treat in our house). She stayed upset most of the night but luckily last night she went to bed in her own bed again and she was fine.

TJ is playing baseball and at his game last night he got the "game ball". He has been waiting for this for a long time and he was very proud of himself. I'm sad that I was at work and didn't get to see him get the ball, but he was very excited to tell me about it this morning at 6:00 AM!

Last night I went to Great Jump (a giant trampoline place) with the kids from church. WOW - that was quite a workout. They offer exercise classes that I think I'll be looking into. We played a lot of trampoline dodgeball and the kids all love trying to get me out. I felt like I was 10 years old again while we were playing - today I'm sore and feel about...um...50 or so!

I think I will officially call myself a runner now. I try to go jogging four days each week and two of those days I jog over 3 miles. Quite an accomplishment for somebody who wasn't sure she could jog one mile. It still blows my mind that I can jog 3 miles, or better yet, that I don't hate it.

Tyson is talking more and more everyday. This morning his word of choice was, "mommy". He says a lot of "m" words: mommy, more, milk and mine. Ty can also throw a huge tantrum when he is upset, but that isn't often. He is normally very calm and peaceful - a perfect third child.

Tony and I leave for vacation on Friday. I'm excited for our cruise, but I hate flying. As the trip gets closer and closer I get more and more nervous. I'm praying I sleep the entire plane ride.

While we are in Cozumel (I think) we are taking a Mexican Cuisine cooking class. I'm SO excited! Real Mexican Food that I will be cooking myself. I hope I don't drink too many margaritas so I can remember what I learned and remake the food when I'm back home.

That's about all for now. You may not hear from me again until after vacation. Bon Voyage!

On losing weight, being healthy and other such things...

2010-04-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have struggled with my weight for a long time....and by long time I mean since I was like eight years old. I have lost weight and I have gained weight, but I'm not sure I ever got healthy. I spent most of my high school years skinny and some of my college years skinny and I lost a lot of weight before Tony and I got married, but since then it has been an ALL OUT uphill battle. I've lost 20 pounds, gained 30 pounds, lost 10 pounds, gained 15 pounds, lost 5 pounds, gained 5 pounds...you get the point.

About three years ago I went on an all out weight loss plan. I lost 30 pounds and I was doing really well, and then I got pregnant and welcomed back those 30 pounds. After I had Tyson I lost 35 pounds and kept it off for about six months and then I packed 25 of those pounds back on. But now, with a ton of hard work, healthy eating choices and exercise I have lost 36 more pounds. I am not at my goal weight, but I am the closest I have been in seven years. While I'd love to lose 20 more pounds, I'd be happy with 10 more.

I'm very excited about my weight loss, but I'm even more excited that I am being healthy. Never before did I count servings of fruits and vegetables. Never did I worry about my dairy or water intake, but now I do. I strive to eat 6 - 8 servings of fruits and vegetables and 8-10 glasses of water each day. Instead of choosing cookies, I choose carrots. Instead of potatoes with dinner we eat brocolli. Best of all I have started jogging. My initial goal was to be able to jog one mile before vacation so I could go to the gym with Tony in the mornings and jog on the treadmill without looking like an out of shape slob. Well, let it be known that on Tuesday I jogged 2.25 miles without stopping for a break. Who would have thought? I don't think I've ever jogged over 1 mile and that was in high school. I thought I would hate jogging, but I don't. Don't get me wrong, I don't love jogging but it makes me feel good!

I know I'll never wear a real bikini again (thank.you.very.much.stretch.marks) and my breasts will never be ask perky as they were in college (thank.you.very.much.breastfeeding.and.gravity), but I'm healthier now! I can wear a medium shirt again and I bought a pair of size 12 skinny jeans last weekend. I'm taking two size 12 dresses on my cruise and that's a size smaller than I wore on my honeymoon!!!

Eight years and three children later I am smaller than I was on my wedding day (although I weight 5 pounds more, but I'm attributing that to muscle)!

Happy 5th Birthday TJ

2010-04-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to believe that it was five years ago today that I saw you for the first time. Last night when I was looking for a baby picture for you to take to school with you this morning I sat and stared at the picture, amazed and excited about how much you have changed in the past 5 years.

When you were born you weighted 8 pounds 6 ounces and you were 20.75 inches long. Today you stepped on the scale and you weight 46.6 pounds and you are 45 inches tall. You have gained about 6 pounds in the past year and you've grown 3.5 inches. You are the tallest kid in your class at school.

You attend full-time preschool this year at you will start kindergarten in September. You have tons and tons of friends at school this year. When you get to school your friends are excited to see you, when you leave school they all stand at the gate and wave "bye" too you and when you miss school for a day your friends get worried about you. I can't believe how social you are and how many friends you have. Your favorite part of school is outdoor time but you also enjoy free art time and story time. You and a few of your friends make paper airplanes EVERY day and your school bag almost always comes home with at least two airplanes you made that day.

You have really gown up a lot over the past year. Last year you played t-ball with Tigers and this year you are playing baseball with the Cardinals. You are actually starting to understand the game and you are always asking daddy questions to learn more. You have had a couple of great hits this year and you've made a few good plays in the field, but your favorite part is being the catcher. At the beginning of the season you were one of the slowest kids on the team, but you've been practicing your running and you are much faster now.

You love playing at the park and last week you finally mastered the swings. You don't need to be pushed anymore and you can keep swinging all by yourself. You can also go across the money bars by yourself and you love slides and climbing structures.

Academically we think you are very smart. You can write your entire name, you are learning basic addition and subtraction, you write all your letters and know their sounds and you are trying to learn how to read. We don't push you academically (hence why you attend a "play based" preschool), but you have a desire for knowledge. You ask to do math problems and you try to sound out words. You decided two months ago that you wanted to tie your owns shoes so mommy and daddy showed you how to do it a few times and you got it. Now you tie your shoes and all your friend's shoes! Even your teachers were impressed and proud.

You have a very sensitive heart and you care about people. You pray everyday for Joy, a young girl at your school who has cancer. I'm always asking your teachers for updates on Joy because you are always asking me how she is doing. You pray for people when they are sick, you pray for people who get hurt and you praise God for the fun things you do each day. You even try to pray with Mya, but she doesn't normally cooperate.

You are a great big brother. You and Mya play well together' sometimes playing dolls and sometimes playing shooting games. You are a big helper with Tyson. Last night you changed his diaper for me and you are always willing to wipe his dirty nose.

Right now your favorite toys are Hot Wheels and Bakugans. You play with both a lot, but lately you have been playing with Bakugans the most. Your favorite cartoon is the Jetsons and you like to watch LIFE on the Discovery Channel. You and daddy play video games together. Lately you have been playing Lego Indiana Jones together each night. Its fun for mommy to watch you two play because you have the same mannerisms when you are playing video games.

Happy 5th Birthday TJ.

Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back a billion plus one times.

Love,
Mommy

It has happened....

2010-04-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am getting OLDER!

No, I don't actually feel older. I actually feel quite young. I take my kids out jogging, we go to the park, Tony and I still enjoy a night out at the bar, I enjoy playing dodgeball with the kids at church, playing on the floor with my kids is a favorite pass time...and all those things make me feel YOUNG.

But my eyes, oh they are telling a different story.

Lately they have huge dark rings underneath them and they are puffier than a marshmallow. They have been a burden to me for the past few months and I HATE the way they look...but not anymore.

Thanks to the best $15 I have spend lately and thanks to Boots Eye Refreshing Cream I now look much less puffy and the dark rings are disappearing. For a mere $15 I look at least 5 years younger and looking younger is one of the many ways to feel younger!

Happy Easter

2010-04-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

I hope everybody enjoyed their Easter and Easter candy as much as we did. Even though we are teaching our kids that the real meaning of Easter is about Jesus and his death and resurrection we still "believe" the Easter bunny can ~~stop~~ hop by and hide Easter eggs while we're at church.

Oh, you don't put your Easter eggs in a red toy bucket or your toy "grocery basket"? Us Either!!!

Opening their baskets that the bunny left them.

Ty opening his first piece of Easter candy. He was a master at opening the candy, but he wasn't into eating it. Mostly we found unwrapped pieces of candy all around the house!

Pictures

2010-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Since ~~several~~ two of you have commented that you never see any pictures of me (ha! that's intentional - if you hold the camera you will never be caught on ~~film~~ a memory card) I decided to post these two pictures of Tony and I. I'm really only posting these pictures because:
1) we were sitting in the waiting room at Kaiser waiting for Tony's appointment to get "his manhood" surgery and thats just funny (don't you think he looks a little nervous) and...
2) because finally I only have one chin in my photos and not two. Yippee!!!!

Side Note: I put my wedding dress on Saturday night. I had to stuff myself inside the dress, it was tight and I'm sure the seams were screaming for me to "get out", BUT it zipped. I should have taken a picture of that for everybody to see!

Happy Hollow

2010-04-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday Loni and I took TJ, Mya, Tyson and Parker to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. The park has been closed for about a year and a half for remodeling and boy is it nice now. The rides are updated, the petting zoo is clean, large and stocked with friendly animals, the playgrounds are kid friendly for toddlers and interactive and challenging for older children and best of all they still have the Dragon ride and Maze (both parts of the park I remember from my childhood -unfortunately I didn't get pictures of either one).

The kids had a great time and we can't wait to go back again this summer.

TJ on his first ride of the day! It feels like just yesterday he was afraid of rides :(

This bike took total concentration. TJ was the only kid on the track when he was riding, but I bet when there are lots of kids there is lots of crashing!

The ladybug ride. Parker wanted nothing to do with the ride before it started...

once it got going he loved it and Tyson wanted to get off. We found out Ty doesn't really like any rides once they are moving :(

All three going down one of the many slides.

OK, OK, OK - I can only say this because he is my son, but isn't this the most handsome boy you have ever seen.

No really, I was shocked when I saw how grown up and handsome he looks in this picture.

I'm planning on ordering a print for my wall, but I need your help. Which photo is better? A or B? Let me know, I want to order the print ~~ASAP~~ as soon as I get around to it.

"A"

"B"

Reasons Number 101 & 102

2010-03-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Reasons number 101 and 102 why I am NOT world's best mom.

Right now Tyson is in the backyard, by himself, with his right shoe and sock on his right foot and his left shoe and sock are sitting inside on the kitchen table.
Mya and Parker are fighting over a "lellow" (Mya's word) Hotwheel car. Pushing, hitting and pulling each other to try and get the car. I'm letting them work it out on their own. I figure eventually one of them will give up.

20 minutes until naptime...I can't wait!

Holy Moly

2010-03-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday I realized my kids are growing up. No, I'm not crazy and I haven't be absent from their life for the past almost 5, almost 3 and almost 1.5 years...but yesterday I realized that I don't really have a "baby" anymore.

Of couser, Ty will always be "my baby" but he isn't much of one anymore. Anybody who eats double cheeseburgers and entire costco muffins isn't much of a baby. I long ago (and by "long" I mean a few months ago) got rid of bottles, baby spoons, burp cloths, ~~diapers~~ (wishful thinking) but I still look at my kids like they are babies.

When I was looking through all the photos I shot this weekend I really saw how big and old they are.

This photo was taken the day after Ty was born, so about 16 months ago. Mya and TJ both look so young to me in this photo.

and these were taken this weekend.

What a difference 16 months makes!!!

Holy Moly - These kids are growing up on me!!

It's the luck of the Irish...

2010-03-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

First Game of the Season

2010-03-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

On a very warm sunny night in Fremont the Pee-Wee Cardinals played their first ball game of the season. It was just a practice game, but the team didn't know the difference. All the kids were dressed in their game uniforms and they were ready to go.
TJ was excited to play and his whole family was there to cheer him on. He sat the bench the first inning, but in the second inning he made he debut.

TJ (did I mention that him and his daddy both wear #12) started the second inning playing short stop. He came remarkably close to making an amazing play. The ball came to him when a runner was on first base; he picked it up, turned to throw to the second baseman, but then realized the second baseman wasn't there. Instead of throwing the ball away (which would have definitely happened in the past) he threw the ball to the pitcher to end the play.

TJ's first time crossing home plate this year.

In the bottom of the second inning TJ made a smashing hit and ran to first base. Three batters later he was crossing over home plate and scoring a run for his team. His first run of the season! Unfortunately after he scored he sat the bench for the third inning.

In the fourth inning TJ got to play right field, which wasn't nearly as exciting as shortstop, but it was still fun. TJ also got another hit in the inning and scored another run.

The fifth inning was TJ's favorite part of the game. Coach Joe picked him to be catcher and Coach Robbie helped him get the catching gear on. In TJ's own words "being catcher is awesome" and "it was my (TJ's) favorite part of the game."

Coach Robbie helping TJ with the catching gear.

It was a great first game of the season and if I'm correct (which I may not be) I think the Cardinals even WON!

Serious concentration during batting practice!

Weekend Update

2010-03-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

I have nothing exciting to blog about lately, so I thought I'd share a little bit about our weekend.

I spent a lot of time this weekend doing homework. I am taking a nutrition class and had ordered the book from ebay on January 29th and, to make a very long story short, I'll just say it never came in. I ended up cancelling the order and re-ordering from another person and the book arrived last week. So, needless to say, I had a lot of catching up to do, but now it's done. I'm staying ahead in all my classes (something I never did the first time I was in college) and I'm actually finding some of my classes interesting.

Tony and I spent Friday night cleaning our house and you'll be happy to know that our Christmas decorations are now off the walls and put away. We even got all the laundry done this weekend (minus the load that is still hangin' out in the dryer).

TJ went to his second "preschool friend" birthday party ever. His friend Sophia invited him to her birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. It was somewhat of a last minute invite, so we had to scramble a bit, but my mom was able to take him to the party. He had a really good time and got to give Chuck E. a high five.

Tony played in his High School Baseball Alumni game and I think he had a good time. He got one hit, but unfortunately we were late to the game and missed it.

We all went to a birthday party for Tony's cousin's daughter at Gymboree Saturday afternoon. It was a lot of fun. Mya really loved playing on all the mats and sliding down the slides. Tyson is a dare devil. He kept climbing up slides and over rocking horses. He was ok going up ladders, but coming down he couldn't figure out anything past the first step. Overall, the party was a ton of fun. At one point we had to hold our kids in our laps and Tony and I ran out of laps (the joys of parenting by zone defense instead of man-to-man) so the employee at Gymboree told Mya she could sit on her lap AND Mya did it. If you don't know Mya this won't seem like such a big deal, but it was huge to us. Mya doesn't like anybody, especially new people! If you had asked me if she would ever sit in a strangers lap to sing The Noble Duke of York I would have said, "heck NO", but she did it and she had a great time!

My dad took the kids to the park on Sunday after Sunday School and Tony and I actually got to sit in church and listen to a message without constant interruption. That was nice.

And last night after dinner we walked to frozen yogurt. The kids love frozen yogurt and at the place we go they get to add as many toppings as they like. We walked there and it was nice to walk there and home in daylight (thank.you.very.much.daylight.savings).

And that is how a Family of 5 spends a very ~~exciting~~ average weekend.

I think...

2010-03-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

I think...

that watching a child try to lick their own boogers is hysterical and disgusting all at the same time - unless its my kid - then I'm just embarrassed and praying that nobody else saw.
that it's perfectly normal to have two little people pounding on the locked bathroom door while I'm "taking care of business", but I DON'T like it one bit - I secretly can't wait to do the same thing to them...say like, when they are 16 or so.
it was really funny to watch Mya lick her spilled cereal milk off the, not recently mopped, dining room floor - I tried not to laugh, I failed!
that naptime is a gift from God and I should praise Him more often for it!
that Barney is annoying to listen to - Mya loves him, so I do too.
that I should be studying while the house is somewhat quiet, but I'd rather be blogging.
that when I fit back into my wedding dress (just 15 pounds to go) I'll take a picture and post it on my blog - I'll be (secretly) hoping for some comment praise!
72 more days until vacation feels like an eternity - I want to start packing today.
Mya is a stinker, literally - she just put her little booty in the air and "farted at me"

Just a few of my thoughts from this morning.

Mohawk

2010-02-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

The mohawk!!! I hope you like it...but if you don't that's ok, because we do!

Fruits and Veggies

2010-02-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is how we make sure our children are eating fruits and veggies.

It started out as a way to get some healthy food in their diet. Tony and I would sneak baby food into different things. And then we started doing it more and more, but we were still being sneaky. Eventually we stopped being so sneaky and we let the kids see the baby food going into their meals. Squash being stirred into macaroni and cheese and fruit into pancake batter and still nobody seemed to mind. And now whenever we are cooking anything Mya is asking us to "put in baby food" and she even likes to help stir it in herself.

This isn't to say we don't also serve fruit and vegetables with meals, but we don't have to worry so much if they won't eat them.

Try it sometime - Your family might not even notice!

Not Me! Monday

2010-02-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. It is therapy for us less than perfect mommies. What things did you let "slide" this week because it was easier than dealing with them. Did you let your kids get away with a a little more than normal because you were tired? Are your kids dirtier than your neighbor's kids or do they say embarrassing things while out in public? Don't worry about it - we deal with that stuff all the time at our house. For a few laughs or to feel a little bit better about yourself as a mom you can head over to MckMama's blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

While sitting in the cry room at church two Sunday's ago I didn't threaten, very loudly, to spank TJ if he didn't stop kicking the pew in front of him on purpose. In said pew, there didn't happen to sit a brand new mommy and daddy and their almost two week old baby. I'm sure they weren't completely horrified by the awesome parenting skills of the Director of Children's Ministry at their church. I'm sure they aren't at all nervous to, one day, leave their child in my care :-). But trust me, this whole incident never happened because I never spank my children! HA!

I do not hate family dinner time because I know it is important and our kids will someday outgrow this ridiculous stage of not eating:

We never have to hold Ty down and put his head in an arm lock in order to shove a bite of food down his throat. We never have to do this because he always eats nicely and never shakes his head around violently when we are trying to feed him. (do not worry, we aren't trying to feed him food he doesn't like, he just thinks its really funny to shake his head when a fork is coming towards his mouth).
Mya never has to be threatened with a spanking for not swallowing the same bite of food she has been chewing for over 5 minutes. We never set the timer and give her one minute to swallow the bite, but if we did set the timer she would always finish the bite of food before receiving a spanking...because like I said before we would never spank our children! HA!
I have not considered just letting the kids not eat dinner. I do not think it would be a good example of "reality discipline" for them to see how their little tummies feel in the morning after not eating dinner the night before.

Last Thursday I did not tell Mya's that her pajamas were a "beautiful dress" so she would go to the grocery store with me without getting dressed first. I didn't adorn her "beautiful dress" with a pair of beautiful, sparkly silver shoes and some leg warmers. I also didn't just throw a cute hat on her head so I didn't have to brush her hair before we left.

I am not super excited for real pajama day at Mya's "mommy and me" school this Friday and I am not seriously considering wearing my pajamas too!

I am not counting down the days (all 82 of them) until my upcoming cruise with Tony. I do not look at our reservation each and every day and dream about mornings of sleeping in past 7, meals that are prepared for me, magically finding my bed made each and every day (sometimes twice a day) and not a single dish to wash...Nope, Not Me!

And last, but definitely not least, I did not do a "happy dance" for the scale this morning. I wasn't super excited to find out that even after a night of indulging (just a little) in fondue at the Melting Pot with Tony and another couple I was still able to lose a little over two pounds this week! Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...at least that's what they tell me at Weight Watchers.

If the walls had ears...

2010-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the things they "might" have heard recently:

stop picking your nose
don't eat boogers
be nice
eat your breakfast, eat your breakfast, EAT YOUR BREAKFAST!
wipe your own bottom
stop pulling your sister's hair
don't eat food off the floor
a few squares of toilet paper is enough. You don't need to put the whole roll in the toilet.
we will not watch Fresh Beat Band AGAIN
no, you don't "hate" my flowers Mya
you don't "hate" me either
don't say hate, its not a nice word
you can't wear a bathing suit in January
cookies aren't for breakfast
it's too cold to be naked
my little ponies aren't for hitting with
if you can't share the toys I'll put them away for you

Just a normal day around here!!!

Behind

2010-02-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

Let see -

We have NO groceries in the house. No fresh fruit. No fresh veggies. No Almond Milk. We do still have lots of milk for the kids.
Laundry hasn't been thought about since last Sunday. Wel,l except for the load I did last night becasue TJ needed clean PJ's to wear to school today for pajama day.
Christmas decorations still adorn our living room.
You could construct an entire meal out of the crumbs under the table.
I feel like I'm behind in my classes. Seriously! How can I feel behind when classes just started on Monday and I've been doing school work non-stop. (I really hope I get the hang of this again soon!)
Kitchen = DISASTER
we won't even talk about the toilets on this blog

I'm trying to learn to live with the idea that I'm never, ever really going to be caught up. Even when I get the house cleaned, the laundry done, the grocery shopping completed, etc. it only lasts for, ummmmmm, about a day. Lets be real...the house only stays cleaned until everybody waked up from nap or until we eat the next meal at the table and the laundry basket seems to refill itself nightly. I'm fighting a losing battle! So, today I've decided that instead of worrying about cleaning, shopping and laundry I'm spending extra time playing on the floor with the kids. And for today that will be good enough for me!

Oops!

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

On top of being "that" mom who might have sent her child to school rockin' a mohawk and sporting holey jeans I might also be the mom who forgot her kids lunch on the counter at home this morning. Maybe. I'll never tell!

SUPERSTICKIES TUESDAY

2010-02-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the week again! The day we all look forward too! It's...

POST IT NOTE TUESDAY!!!

Hosted by Supahmommy!

Get your Superstickies HERE!

FYI - Since some people find it necessary to decorate for Christmas on November 1st and leave their decorations up until January 1st I've decided that since I didn't put up my decorations until December 10th I have until February 10th to get them down.

Crap - I better get busy, the 10th is just around the corner.

And mohawk pictures will be coming shortly. I won't keep ya'll waiting much longer!!!

A Blogging Funk

2010-01-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

I am in a blogging funk!

I haven't done a real post in about two week because I don't really know what to write about. I suppose you might all like to know that I gave TJ a mohawk about two weeks ago, but I haven't taken a picture of it yet. Or maybe you'd like to know that Ty can throw a real, throw yourself on the ground and scream, tantrum now and we all just step right over him and keep going. I could tell you that this weekend while Tony and I were at the Kidz Connection snow trip my mom took Mya to get her second haircut and her hair looks MUCH better now and is WAY less frizzy. Or maybe I could tell about how I start back to school tomorrow and I'm taking 12 units for my first sememster back in almost seven years. Or maybe everybody that reads this blog needs to know that our living room is still decorated with Christmas decorations because I'm too lazy to put them away...or would you all like to know about why, prior to Saturday night, I hated the Fremont Unified School District, but now I am happy with them. I suppose I could even blog about the cruise Tony and I are planning on taking in May because that is really all I've been talking about for the past week :-).

So this is my request - tell me what you'd like me to blog about. Do you want to know about my weekend with 12, 3rd - 6th grade students or would your rather hear about my new school adventure? Maybe you just want me to blog about a typical day for Laurie - from when I wake up until when I go to bed. I could tell you about the amazing things that my children are doing now or maybe you'd rather hear about the disgusting things they do on a daily basis. I'd even be willing to share about our school district and I guess if somebody asked I'd share about my newest weight loss goals and weight loss success. Your wish is my command - if you ask I'll blog about it! (within reason)

A Great Giveaway!!!

2010-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Jessica designed this blog and, in my humble opinion I think IT ROCKS and show does she. She was fun to work wtih and she was VERY, VERY patient with me. And...now...she is GIVING AWAY (yes you read that right, giving away) three blog designs to three different people ($40 value). This is a great giveaway and you should all click here to enter. Or don't click if you don't want to...makes my odd better if you don't enter :-).

And if you're thinking - Why is this giveaway happening? Well thats a good question. Jessica had her old design company on hold for a bit and now she has opened her new Design Shoppe, The Frilly Coconut. If you think the name is cute you should see the design, its even cuter. So, go enter and you may be one of the three lucky people who gets their blog designs done by Jessica...and that's a great prize!

Click here to go check it out!

It's the most expensive time of the year...

2010-01-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

***Warning - This is my first official rant and it IS a touchy subject. Sorry if you don't like it, but hey, nobody is forcing you to read this blog.

December* is the time of year where we overeat and overspend. I know (thanks to many years of Weight Watcher meetings) that the average person gains 10 pounds during December (and I'm pretty darn close to the "average" person this year) but I have no idea how much the average person overspends. I'd like to think $100 or so per family, but if I'm being real I'd bet most families overspend by more than $500 dollars...and that's just my guess.

* I wrote this post in December and I thought and prayed a lot about it before I actually posted it.

I'm anal about our family's money. This is not to say I'm great or even better than anybody else but it to explain where I'm coming from. I do not like my budget to get out of "whack." I save money for Christmas all year long, I save a little money each month for our bi-annual car insurance payment, I save $50 a month so Tony can play baseball each spring. I am not NORMAL and I know that. I cannot imagine getting our car insurance bill and having to come up with the $700 payment if I hadn't been saving all year long. That would stress me out. I can't ""roll like that. When Tony and I worked in a restaurant we could, somewhat, "roll like that" because we could pick up extra shifts or work a little harder or stay a little later and make a little extra money, but now we both have set salaries so it wouldn't work for our family. I know how much money we make every month (almost down to the penny), so I also know how much we can spend each month. I know my financial limits. Sometimes I wish I was this anal about my food limits...then maybe I wouldn't have $40 budgeted each month for Weight Watchers.

I am, by no means, perfect with our family's money. I do, every once in a while, utilize the overdraft protection our checking account offers, I have, on occasion, carried a balance on our credit card bill and some months we (mostly because I'm lazy) eat out more than we should and I overspend our "eating out" montly budget. One time I even had a student loan sent to a "pre-collections" company because I had completely forgotten about the loan and had never made a payment on it (I was supposed to set up a payment plan when I stopped going to school, but I never did). I think the thing I do differently than some other people is I look at the problem, accept responsibility for it and figure out how I can fix it. I don't live with the financial problem, I am not in denial about it, I change it and make it better. Even if it takes a long time...and sometimes it does.

When did it become "ok" in our society to be in debt up to our eyeballs (and I'm not talking mortgages, school loans and car payments here)? When did people stop being ashamed when credit companies called them to collect money? When did overdraft protection become a "savings" account? When did not paying your mortgage become an option? Why do people use credit cards like they are cash? Why are people not proud to live within their means? Proud of what they are able to obtain, proud of the money they have earned and proud to use it responsibly without going into debt! And I'm not talking about people who have had a life changing circumstance (job loss, illness, death in the family, etc.) that has affected their finances, I'm talking about people who life outside their means on a daily basis and aren't doing anything to fix it. People who continually spend more money than they make because they want things they cannot afford.

I know there are many items ~~I'd~~ Tony would like to have and I'd love to buy them for him, but the budget doesn't allow for that. I'd love to take our kids to the movies or to the snow but I can look at our budget and see that we don't have the extra $50 or $100 dollars. So while sometimes I'm sad that our children might be missing out on things, I pray that my choices and actions are speaking volumes in financial responsibility. And I am proud of that! This is not to say we don't do ANYTHING fun, because we definitely do. My children have probably been on more vacations than most children their ages, we've gotten an annual pass to the local zoo the past two years and we are getting a 2010 annual pass to the local Childrens Discovery Museum, but we purposely save money each month for things we like/want to do.

I want to live a completely debt free life because I don't like debt. This is not a reality for our family right now because we have a house payment and student loans that we are paying off monthly, but one day, before I die, I'd like to be completely debt free. I'm not saying that we won't have credit cards, because we probably always will, we will just continue to pay them off monthly. Right now we have a Royal Caribbean credit card that we use for almost everything. We pay it off monthly and it earns us cruise dollars :-). I like having a credit card in case of a big emergency or in case someplace doesn't take cash (I know, hard to believe, but it is beginning to happen at different places). I like the convenience of a credit card, but I think the convenience has gotten a lot of people in to trouble.

Sometimes I think I'd like to be a financial counselor and I think I would be good at it. It would be fun to take control of somebody else's money, tell them how to spend it, how to save it and how to get themselves out of debt. I think I would love many aspects of this job. I love the idea of helping people with their debt, teaching them how to stay out of debt and giving them back control of their money knowing they have learned how to spend it without going into debt again. I would love seeing people succeed with their money. I assume most people who are in debt probably don't really want to live their life that way. Maybe they do not know how to make the changes they want/need to make to get out of debt or maybe they feel like they can't escape because their debt is so out of control. They may be too afraid or embarassed or scared to ask for help or maybe it is easier to live with the debt than to make the changes that are necessary to fix it.

My real question is - Why are so many people willing to live their life in substantial debt and what can we, as a society, do to fix the problem? And I'm not seeking an answer from anybody, I'm just pondering. Just like I often ponder why I'm willing to make some of the dumb decisions that I make over and over and over again. I am good with my money, but I am bad about how much time I spend on the computer, how much time I sit in front of the television, how much I overeat, how many times I yell at my children or disrespect my husband. I often have a lack of self control, it's just not in regards to my finances.

I'm not saying I want to fix the world's financial problems, but I do think that if each person took responsibility for their finances and tried to make a small change for the better then our children will have a better financial foundation to stand upon.

What Is A Mom To Do?

2010-01-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

What is a ~~girl~~ mom to do...

When the kitchen is is filthy, the laundry hasn't been started for the week, the bathrooms need a good scrubbing, the table is full of clutter, the floor is covered in toys, the Christmas decorations are still up (minus the tree), beds aren't made (not that they EVER are around here), there are 14 pairs of shoes by the backdoor instead of in the closet, coats are thrown all over the place and the children are HUNGRY...

Throw down an orange blanket, get some whole wheat Ritz crackers, cut some slices of cheddar cheese, peel an orange and have a carpet picnic...OF COURSE. The disaster will take care of itself later. Ok, maybe it won't, but at least bellies are full and memories have been made.

*Instructions - After picnic is over throw orange blanket into the pile of laundry that is on the kitchen floor, put kids down for naps and take a nap yourself. You won't regret it.

Happy New Year - 4 Days Late

2010-01-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't had time to wish everybody a Happy New Year. I've been very busy, um, doing NOTHING. Seriously, NOTHING...or at least nothing that was prescheduled or planned. Tony had Thursday - Sunday off work and we spent our days hanging out as a family. We did lots of eating, playing, napping and having fun. We had very few commitments over the past four days (and by very few I mean two, which is VERY few for us) and we spend LOTS of time in our pajamas. It was GREAT. We didn't do much cleaning, the laundry isn't all put away, the grocery shopping hasn't been done, but we did make pizza with the kids for lunch, Mya and TJ went on a short bike ride yesterday afternoon, we walked to frozen yogurt Friday night for dessert and we even too the kids to a buffet for dinner on Saturday. We had a lot of family fun.

Today it is back to reality. Tony and I are back at work, TJ is back at preschool (which he missed tremendously) and Mya and Ty are back at Mrs. Lynn's. It is nice to be back to our routine, but I miss my pajamas.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

BOOYAH!!!!!!

did I mention this is my first year playing Fantasy Football? just sayin'

A Typical Drive Home From Work

2009-12-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

Driving home from work is rarely an enjoyable experience. Today was no exception.

After I picked up the kids I offered them a snack as they got into their carseats. This is a normal thing I have started doing because by the time we get home they are hungry and ready for dinner and dinner isn't normally ready for them.

Today everybody declined a snack and I knew we were in for a long ride home. I immediately called Tony and told him to get dinner started - these kids were hungry. (side note - I know they eat an afternoon snack at daycare so I'm not sure why getting in the cars means they are automatically starving and cranky)

Here are the conversations we had on the trip home today:

Ty - UHGHGHGHGHG (that's him asking me for some crackers -VERY, VERY loudly)

Mya - I no yike (like) Tyson to say dat (that). Tyson huwrting (hurting) my eaws (ears). No do dat Tyson. I no yike you.
Mom - Mya, don't talk like that.
Mya - No say dat mommy. I no yike you too.

Ty - UHGHGHGHGHGHG (time for more crackers)

TJ - Be quiet Tyson (yelling)
Mya - I no yike dat (screaming)
Mom - everybody stop yelling

A brief moment of peace and quiet

TJ - I want to hear Father Abraham
Mya - I no yike dat one
Mom - (after turning on Father Abraham) either listen quietly or sing nicely.

Nice singing for about, ummmm, 12 seconds.

TJ - I want a happy meal (said while we are passing McDonalds in the most whiny voice possible)
Mom - we aren't having McDonalds for dinner, we're having fish and noodles.
long quiet pause
TJ - I'm VERY angry with you (said with authority) and I want Mcdonalds for dinner.
Mom - I'm sorry, but we aren't having it for dinner. You'll eat the fish daddy is cooking.
Mya - I no yike fish.
Ty - UHGHGHGHGHGHG (I'm out of crackers, so he continues screaming the rest of the way home)
TJ - I don't like you and I'm not eating dinner
Mya - I no yike fish
Mom - You will both eat the dinner you are served and you'll eat nicely. Now please be quiet until we get home or sing nicely.

Today's 20 minute drive home (which is about 10 minutes shorter than normal because I only had to make one stop to pick up kids and there is no traffic because, apparently, I'm the only person actually going to work this week) seemed more like 20 hours.

Maybe tomorrow will be better, but I'm not counting on it.

The Family that Works Out Together...

2009-12-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

STAYS TOGETHER!!!

Tonight after Ty and Mya were in bed TJ, Tony and I did Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred". Lets just say Jillian kicked our butts. And in an attempt to be more healthy we even had vegetables with dinner tonight....and a salad. Can you tell I'm a little proud?

Walking, Walking, Walking

2009-12-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

This cute, handsome, intelligent, stunning, funny and happy little boy is officially walking. We couldn't be more proud. Happy walking Tyson!!!

14 Dozen Cookies

2009-12-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks I've wanted to have a baking day, but there hasn't been time. I used to bake all the time but I never seem to get around to it anymore. I don't have enought time to devote a full day to baking and baking with children around isn't all that easy, but I really, really, really LOVE baking. It gives me a sense of control and accomplishment and I enjoy seeing people eat things I've baked. I love planning what to bake, figuring out what ingredients I need, what I already have, what pans I'll use, where I'll store everything - I love planning for my baking almost as much as I love the actual baking. Yesterday I treated myself to 14 dozen cookies and 4 dozen bars of baking. I mixed, measured, poured, melted, cooled, stored, spatula-ed and scraped my way through the day and I had a great time. Mya was my partner in crime and she licked the spoon more times than I did. She loves raw cookie dough just like her mommy! Today the employees at Tony's work and the teachers at TJ's school are enjoying my day of baking. I love sharing baked goodies with people and I hope they love eating them as much as I loved baking them.

On the agenda for today: cupcakes for my niece's birthday party
On the agenda for tomorrow: dinner rolls/bread for a party Tony and I are going to

I love baking and I'm excited that Mya loves baking with me.

Post-It Note Tuesday...I'm Back!!!

2009-12-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Why be wordy when you can put it all in a Post-It Note? Try it...you'll like it. And visit Supah to see what everybody else is saying.

Get your Post-It Notes HERE!

TJ took his first official trip to the ER last night. He is now the proud owner of three shiny staples and a headache. Everybody keep asking us if we've read him the story about the monkeys that jump on the bed. "YES", we have read the book hundreds of times...maybe he'll learn better through real life experience!!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2009-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

It snowed on the hills in Fremont last night.

I took a few minor detours on the way to TJ's school so I could get the kids a better view of the snow. It took a while to get Mya to see the snow, but once she saw it she wouldn't stop talking about it. Even though we didn't wake up to snow at our front door this morning this is the closest I have ever seen snow to our house. It was TJ, Mya and Ty's first time seeing snow and they were fascinated by it. The pictures actually don't do the snow much justice. They were taken with my phone because I wasn't anticipating the snow and I didn't have my camera in the car.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2009-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Jesus is the most important part of Christmas, but it's still fun to go see Santa...especially when you only have to wait in line for two minutes, you get to see him at Pizza Patio instead of going to the mall, nobody cries when they see Santa and pictures are FREE!!! Thank you "Santa Lou" - we had a great time.

December Denial

2009-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

I do not want to accept December. Really, is it already here? Didn't I just take down last year's Christmas tree? I swear last week when I was dusting I found a few pine needles sitting on the ground - those couldn't possibly be from last year...could they? I'm almost positive it's still August around here, last week it was 70 degrees and sunny. Wasn't Halloween yesterday? Is my little boy really a year old already? Was Thanksgiving really almost a full week ago? I'm in denial. If I leave November up on my calendars do I really have to embrace December?

Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love Jesus. I love the story of baby Jesus at Christmas. But I dread Christmas decorating, Christmas schedules, arranging Christmas family get togethers. Don't be confused...I love the decorations, I love the parties and I even love seeing family (mostly), but it is all SO much work and it completely overwhelms me. I love the smell of peppermint coming from my candy cane candles, I love the smell of a real (no fake crap at our house) Christmas tree, I love teaching my children that Jesus really is more important than Santa, I love seeing people that we only see once, or twice a year, I love drinking wine with my family, I love eggnog, I love Toys for Tots parties where we practice giving rather than receiving, I love preparing the Sunday School kids for the Christmas Program and I even love Christmas shopping. I love SO much about December, but I am still in denial because if I actually do tear November off my desk calendar then I have to accept that its time to start scheduling babysitters for parties, time to finish shopping (I actually started in late October) time to pull the decorations out of the attic, time to find time to get a real tree, time to make sure the Sunday School kids are ready to perform, time to go see Santa (preferably where we don't have to wait in line for an hour only to take home a picture with two out of three kids crying while sitting on Santa's lap), time to ask where we are eating Christmas dinner. TODAY it is time. December is here, I'm accepting it. After all November isn't coming back...at least not for another eleven months.

Imagination

2009-11-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

Prepare to use your imagination because you are about to see a picture of "the whole world" through the eyes of a four year old.

"The Whole World"

A Description of the Picture

TJ also drew these spaceships. He drew a picture of himself inside the green one and a picture of an alien inside the pink one. Quite an imagination he is developing.

Superstickies Tuesday

2009-11-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today is the day - nuff said. Just do it! And visit Supah...it makes her smile....I think!!!

Get your post-it notes here.

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!!!

Handy Tony

2009-11-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago when we were leaving to go out to dinner we tried to close our garage door and it closed...oh...about half way and stopped. We could still hear the motor running but the door wasn't moving at all. We left the door half closed and went to dinner.

When we got home from dinner Tony tried to figure out what was wrong with the garage door opener. He found the problem, a sprocket with all of its teeth missing. Tony tried to order the part online, but it wasn't available so we decided we'd get a completely new garage door opener. We'd wanted a new one since we moved in because ours wasn's child safe. It was time for a safer garage door opener.

Tony looked around for a good deal and picked what we "needed". He even decided he would install it himself. This was our first home improvement project that Tony did on his own. "Yes", we have remodeled our kitchen since we've been here, but Bob did all the work for us and "yes" we have remodeled our upstairs bathroom since we have been here, but Bob did that too. This was Tony's first project on his own.

Last Saturday Tony's friend Steve came over and they began taking the old opener down and installing the track for the new one. They got a big portion of the installation finished, but they didn't have time to run the wires for the safety sensors. Since the door won't work without the sensors we still didn't really have a working garage door opener. UNTIL YESTERDAY. Tony was able to get the sensors installed and wired properly and now our garage door opens with the push of a button. The wall button also has a display that tells us exactly how cold it is in our garage, the motor part has a light with a sensor that comes on when it sees motion in the garage and there is even a wireless part that we can put inside our house and plug a lamp into and then when we come home we can turn on a light inside the house by pushing a button on the garage door remote (kinda hard to explain, but basically we can turn on a light inside by pushing a button on our garage door remote). I think we have the world's most high tech garage door opener. And not only does it work, but Tony installed it for FREE and it has lots of cool gadgets that go with it...and best of all it's really, really QUIET.

After two and a half years of being homeowners Tony has successfully completed his first major home repair.

Thanks Tony!!!

Side Note - Tony wants me to mention that he fixed a brake light on his car this past week and he helped me mop the floor this afternoon.

J1, J2, J3, J4 and H

2009-11-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

The teachers at TJ's school are always telling me he is a natural born leader. He has always had lots of friends. When I pick TJ up from school everybody wants to say "good-bye", his teachers told me that when he was out sick everybody was constantly asking about him, one day when I dropped him off late the morning kids were "worried" that he was sick again and wouldn't be at school. People like TJ, and although he likes everybody, he has always had a few, special friends. People he feels close with.

I decided to write a blog about them so that later on I can tell TJ about them. Some of these friends he still sees regularly, some of them he hasn't seen in months and some he might never see again. I wish I was a better mom and could do a better job keeping him in contact with his friend, but I just don't seem to be able to do it.

***Because I don't want to put other children's names on my blog I will simply call the kids by their first initials...and since apparently TJ has lots of best friends who's names start with J, I guess I'll have to number them too.

J1 - TJ's very first best friend. He went to Mrs. Lynn's house with TJ for 3 years. They were self proclaimed best friends. They loved to run around together and they have attended each other's birthday parties for the past 3 years. J1 and TJ both have curly hair, although J1's is much longer than TJ's. TJ said his favorite thing about J1 is that "he always plays with me". Unfortunately TJ doesn't see J1 anymore because this year they both started attending full-time preschool and they don't go to Mrs. Lynn's anymore.

J2 - She is TJ's best friend at church. They attend Sunday School together and sometimes they sit together in church. J2 used to go to Mrs. Lynn's house but now she also attends full-time preschool. J2 is an adorable little girl with long, blond hair and a spunky personality. TJ said his favorite thing about J2 is that she goes to Sunday School "like I do". TJ doesn't know it, but I'd be so proud if he ended up dating or marrying a woman like J2. She is a beautiful, sensitive and friendly little girl and she has a great family.

J3 - TJ's best friend at preschool this year. He is a cute little boy and TJ and he play together on the playground. J3 is in TJ's class at school and they both also attend the after-school program. J3 teaches TJ all about cartoons and has sparked his interest in Transformers and Bakugans. They are a dynamic duo and they love to terrorize their teachers and run around jumping off the playground equipment.

J4 - She is also TJ's best friend at school. A few weeks ago J4 stopped attending school because she has cancer. She needs lots of prayers. TJ has such a gentle heart and he ALWAYS remembers to pray for her. TJ said his favorite thing about J4 is that they liked to read books together. We are praying for you!!!

H - TJ's other best friend at school. Friday was her last day at school because her family is moving to Korea at the beginning of 2010. An awesome opportunity for them to be closer to their family, but a sad day for TJ. Actually, he is very excited about H moving - he says, "now we get to send letters to Korea" and "now I have a Korean friend" (like she wasn't Korean before she was moving to Korea :-) ) TJ said he loves that H always played with him at school.

Those are all of TJ's best friends (at least that's what he told me). Some we still see regularly and some we might never see again...but they will always have an impact on his life. And now we have a few memories of them written down so he'll be able to read about them when he's older...and by then I'm sure he'll have a lot more "best" friends...I just hope their names don't start with J.

A picture of TJ and J2 at VBS this year.

** Sorry I don't have more pictures of TJ's friends, but I was able to ask J2's mom for permission to post this picture.

Post It Note Tuesday

2009-11-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Because I can't resist. I'm deeply in love with Post It Notes!!!

Why be wordy when you can put it all in a Post-It Note? Try it...you'll like it. And visit Supah to see what everybody else is saying. Get your Post-It Notes here.

I decided (once again) that its time to actually follow the weight watchers plan - you know - because you only have to follow the plan if you actually want to lose weight :-)!

Loni - If I'm sore tomorrow I'm blaming you. This was your dumb idea...not MINE!

I love Egg Nog ANYTHING!!!! Especially if it involves alcohol!!!!

Where do they learn this stuff?

It is seriously freezing in the office. I can't feel my fingers. And...yes, I'm whining about it. I know this is California and I probably don't know what "real" cold is, but 66 degrees is REAL cold to me!!!

A mom can dream....Right?

Just kiddin'...kinda....not really....not at all!!! I'm BEGGING!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Tyson

2009-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Today you are ONE year old!

One year ago today I was leaving church and heading to Kaiser in hopes of meeting you. I walked up and down the stairs for an hour, took a detour to Dairy Bell for some ice cream, walked the halls for a couple more hours and at 10:14 PM you were born. A tiny (well my tiniest baby) 7 pounds & 15 ounces and 19 inches long. You were here and you signified the final baby in our family - the completion of our clan - the end of my pregnancy days - and a new family member to love.

Today you weigh 21 pounds (one pound less than your big sister) and you are 30 inches long. You know how to say, "da-da", you give giant, open mouth, kisses, you wave "bye-bye" and you can stand on your own, for a few seconds, if you don't notice what you are doing. You crawl around like a mad man, you can go up and down the stairs and you do it when nobody is watching and love playing with noisey toys. You love laptop computers and remote controls and you are constantly trying to type on the computer or change the channel on the television. You love to scream, "aaaaahhhhh" when you are excited or when you want somebody's attention. You can throw a world class tantrum, but you only do it when you are hungry or thirsty, so I'm ok with that.

You take two naps and day and you sleep through the night. You have a soft, white blanket that you sleep with, and when you have it, you put yourself to sleep quickly. You have never taken a pacifier and so far you don't suck your fingers - that makes mommy happy. When you wake up you will play in your crib until somebody comes to get you. Sometimes I think you play for awhile before we even hear you.

You, TJ and Mya are great friends. They watch out for you and make sure you don't get hurt and you love to watch what they are doing. You are constantly learning from them and lately you have been taking "their" toys away from them. Sometimes all three of you will go upstairs and play together for a few minutes - it is a nice, quiet break for mommy.

You love to eat everything except seafood and you haven't had baby food in your diet in a couple of months - except the fruit and veggies I sneak into pancakes, french toast and macaroni and cheese. You stopped using a bottle four weeks ago and you love your sippy cups. You've had chocolate milk a couple of times and you think its a special treat. You love frozen yogurt, waffles, cheeseburgers from McDonalds, ravioli with alfredo sauce and pizza.

Overall you are a very easy boy and mommy and daddy have enjoyed watching you grow up this past year. We love you SO much and can't wait to see how you'll change over the next year.

We are so glad you are our little man and we love you so much!!!

Love,

Mommy