Steph's Monkeys

Saying good bye

2011-01-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure I will be shutting down this blog. I am going to save all my post as they are a journal of sorts for me. But I never blog anymore. All my spare time is put into www.stephaniehorwedelphotography.com so I am going to blog more there. Thanks to my couple of readers and as soon as I figure out how, I will be taking this one down.

Intuition

2010-11-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

This is one of those things you see on Facebook or an email forward. I thought it would be funny to do here. Here are the rules. If nothing else this proves I have some of the most random music ever.

1.Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

Song Name -Artist Name

1. If someone says 'Are you okay?' you say...?
Food Is Still Hot - Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack

2. How would you describe yourself?
Mexico - Cake

3. What do you like in a guy/girl?
Every Breath You Take - The Police

4. How do you feel today?
Symbol in My Driveway - Jack Johnson

5. What's your life's purpose?
Super Disco Breakin' - Beastie Boys

6. What's your motto?
Maneater - Nelly Furtado

7. What do your friends think of you?
Somma Time Man - Salt-N-Pepa

8. What do your parents think of you?
One Tribe - Black Eyed Peas

9. What do you think about often?
Sad Songs and Waltzes - Cake

10. What is 2 + 2?
Love Me Like You - Magic Numbers

11. What do you think of your best friend?
Pay For What You Get - Dave Mathews Band

12. What is your life story?
Deja Vu - 3OH!3

13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Typical Situation - Dave Mathews Band

14. What do you think when you see the person you like?
Suspect - Daniel Powter

15. What will you dance to at your wedding?
One of the Guys - Terri Clark

16. What will they play at your funeral?
The Way it Goes - Dispatch

17. What is your hobby/interests?
Hold On Tight - The Backyardigans

18. What is your biggest fear?
Put a Girl In It - Brooks & Dunn

19. What is your biggest secret?
Desperation - Miranda Lambert

20. What do you want right now?
Peacock - Katy Perry

21. What do you think of your friends?
Rhyme & Reason - Dave Mathews Band

22. What will you post this as?
Intuition - Feist

.

Happy Birthday James

2010-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

I can't put up a bunch of pictures of him as a baby. But I can reflect on my baby boy. 6 years today. I absolutely can not believe how fast time has gone. I am so proud of this little boy. He had a wonderful parent teacher conference. His teacher loves him. He is the oldest in his class and a leader by example. He is learning to read right before my eyes. He is a good boy. He would climb into his dad's pocket and stay if he could. For the most part he is kind to his sisters. He loves to build and create. He is learning how to clean up his room and be helpful around the house. He is very sensitive and doesn't like being in trouble. I am looking forward to the years ahead, but I very much would like to pause time and keep him this age forever.

Last Minute Trip

2010-10-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

So Jerry's family was all going to Disney Land and we were not planning on going. But plans change. We decided on Friday that we would go to Disney Land with them on Monday. It was an action packed day. The kids had a ton on fun. It was worth it. We are all beyond tired today. Got home last night about midnight. James has minimum schedule this week. So instead of 11 - 2:30 its 7:45 - 11. Throws the whole week off. But we are rolling with it.

Every once in awhile I let go, and fly by the seat of my pants. It's harder to do doing the school year. But now we are good with Disney for a couple of years again. Or at least until Caroline understands standing in line.

Oh, my aching head

2010-10-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Um, yeah...

Should have taken the computer, web design classes at the end of my college career. But even that would be outdated at this point.

Building a website is turning out to be difficult. I can't even get word press to work for me. But I suspect and error with the web hosting site I am using.

Patience would help right about now.

Scott's Senior Pictures - Bakersfield CA

2010-10-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

I love the light in this picture. I didn't edit it much because I didn't want to change it.

Freak Out Update

2010-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have the old external hard drive being looked at to see if I can salvage any pictures. The new external hard drive is with it ready to catch them.

My camera has continued to give me the error message. I have two senior picture sessions that I have to get through then I can send it in to be serviced. Thank goodness I filled out the warranty card on that one.

My senior pictures have been so fun to to do. But I have two appointments that I have rescheduled several times due to weather and illness. So keep your fingers crossed for me on Sunday and Tuesday.

Next up is trying to schedule family pictures...

Freak Out!

2010-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

So I am freaking out a bit. I haven't had any time to look into this problem but it sits in the back of my mind freaking me out.

My external hard drive where I keep all my pictures is not working. I don't know if its a crash, or what.

Who knew you needed a back up of the external hard drive. I kind of thought it was the back up.

I have all my pictures for my business on my computer. Phew. But every other picture is on the hard drive. I know I have flikr as a pseudo back up. However, I only put a fraction of the pictures I take on it. Plus I started my flickr when I was pregnant with Hannah. There are pictures on the hard drive that I need for the cook book.

The other problem is i have been getting an error message on my new camera. Now I love that thing, more than I should, so this is breaking my heart a bit. In the process of uploading the pictures from pizza night the other night and clearing my card to go take senior pictures I have erased or lost all of the pictures of pizza night at grannies. Now this wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact it was the first time all of the great grand children were together and I was the only one taking pictures of the night with a camera and not a cell phone.

So I am going to take a couple of deep breaths and hopefully find someone who can help me.

Nicole - Senior Portrait Bakersfield CA

2010-09-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy. But the best part is I got to take some Senior Pictures. It was a bunch of fun. Thank you to Nicole and her Mom Michele for the opportunity. Here is a peak. I love sun flares and I like experimenting with them. That's why I am sharing this picture on this blog.

This is life

2010-09-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's just about 8 in the morning. I am starting another load of laundry that I won't get around to putting away. Everyone around here has clean clothes they are just wrinkly.

Kids and I are fed. Coffee is being consumed.

Gym is going to be attempted. But first I have to pack a lunch for James. He has to eat lunch before he goes to school. School starts at 11:00.

Come home put baby down for nap. Take shower that is needed after gym, but can't be taken while baby is awake.

Pick up James at 2:25. Take Hannah to ballet at 3:30. Chase Caroline around lobby and listen to James whine for 45 minutes.

Start some kind of dinner. Clean rooms (fight with children about cleaning rooms). Baths and good night sweet children.

Get ready for the Senior pictures I am taking on Wednesday.

Do it all again but a completely different schedule on Wednesday.

3 baskets of Laundry that need to be put away. A very helpful baby wearing hand me down Jammies. A poor dog that needs to go on a run. This is life and it's all mine.

cc

2010-09-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

A little constructive criticism is good for everyone. I added a few of my pictures to a site for some constructive criticism today. Funny, I think only the bullies came out to play. I don't mind and I actually thought the same things that they did. But they had nothing nice to say at all. It's a hit to the self esteem. But I keep on rolling and will share another picture here.

Where no bullies will comment.

Oh, I crack my self up.

Caroline

2010-09-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

There was a little girl

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There was a little girl,

Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good,

She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was horrid.

Dear Caroline,

Tonight while I was vacuuming, this poem popped into my head. Maybe it was because you kept wrapping the cord around your neck every time I turned around. It could be because you like to bring the stool into our living room and climb up onto the tv stand. Maybe it's because the chairs can't be next to the table otherwise you will climb up onto the table. Or because today I have caught you playing in the toilet five times. Or the fact one of the toilets is very, very clogged right now and I am worried there is more than human waste down there. Don't forget you like to get into the garbage can and eat what you find.

You make us laugh, scratch our heads, and cover our eyes at times. You are our little sweet mush. You are our big trouble maker. We love you. You are giving your mom and dad grey hair in our early thirties.

You like to give hugs and pat us on our back. You like to cock your head when you smile. I don't want to forget a moment of you right now. But quit being such a trouble maker.

You are 16 months old right now and you are my little personality clone. You run everywhere, momma appreciates a fast walker. You are stubborn and independent, just like me. You look just like your dad, right now. But there is a whole lot of me in that personality. I know you are going to be trouble and I love you for it.

Love you my little baby,
Momma

Good Bye White Step

2010-09-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Jessee & Cody Engagement Pictures - Parkfield CA

2010-09-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

These two were so photogenic and we had a good time wandering around the pasture at Horse Camp. I can not thank them enough for letting me photograph them.

This is just a sample of many outsanding pictures these two took. It's a great start for Stephanie Horwedel Photography as well.

Ballerina Hannah

2010-09-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hannah has started ballet classes. Cutest thing ever. I forgot my camera the first day. But I captured some of the action today.

Weekend Warrior

2010-08-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have never looked froward to a weekend like this since I worked. I have to say last week was one of the busiest weeks I have had in a long time. So what do we do over the weekend? Paint Hannah's room and move Caroline in.

Lots of girl power pink in here. James declared he wasn't playing barbies with Hannah anymore in this room.

I still have to get around to painting the kitchen set white. Dragging my heels on that project.

Yes the closet is purple and I love the color. All organized and put together. Let's see how long it lasts.

Hopefully there won't be any climbing in drawers to get down stuffed animals.

The Monkey of the House

2010-08-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Actions (photoshop that is)

2010-08-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Actions are a series of steps in photoshop that are recorded. You just click it and it does all the work. You can adjust them to your liking or leave them as is. Here is my peanut at the river with several different actions applied to her picture. Some are as is and some are adjusted.

A. The Original SOOC (straight out of camera)

B. This is the action as is

C. This is the action adjusted some look at peanut's skin

D. This is the action as is

E. This is two actions put together and the first one adjusted down

F. This one I played with a bunch and completely changed the original purpose of the action

G. This one used two different actions that I adjusted

Which one looks best? My head starts spinning after playing with it too long.

An Interview with my children #3

2010-08-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Back to school next week. Time for the interviews. I once again did the kids separately so they wouldn't influence each other. James is in blue and Hannah in Pink. To see the first interview click here and to see the second interview click here.

This is straight from their mouths. Didn't change a word.

1. What is your favorite color?
Blue and green
Pink, Purple, yellow & black (um, what? when did yellow & black make it on the list?)

2. What is your favorite food?
chicken nuggets & hot dogs (I was guessing aritchokes drenched in butter)
peanut butter and honey sandwich and peaches

3. What is your favorite movie?
Toy Story 3, Bolt, & the John Deere movie
Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Phineas & Ferb
Dora

5. What are you favorite toys?
Legos & Cars
Barbies

6. Who is your favorite stuffed animal?
Mr. Lion, Rex & Max
Maggie

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Fireman & NASCAR driver
Nurse

8. What is your favorite thing to do outside?
Swing, play with water, swim, & fish
Play

9. What is your favorite book?
SkippyJon Jones
Dora

10. What do you like to wear the most?
My corvette shirt and my shirt with the fish on it. (the shirt says "I am off the hook" with a large mouth bass)
Dresses, Jewelry & shoes

11. What is your favorite song?
Good Night - Black Eyed Peas
Brown Eyed Girl

12. What else do you like?
Drawing, Cutting with scissors, playing with friends
Playing in my room and hugging momma

13. What is your favorite place?
Swimming at Mimi's & Max & Campbells
Jorgias & Max & Campbells

14. What is your favorite thing to do at school?
Play
Play

To me the funniest thing about these interview is how easily they are influenced by what they are doing at that moment or what they ate that day or even who they saw. If I were answering for them I would have come up with a few different answers.

School Days

2010-08-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

They are a coming. I am mourning the end of summer. Well summer days that is. Heaven knows we have plenty of summer temperatures left.

This week has been busy already with school. Wednesday we had open house at the preschool. Today was new parent orientation at the preschool. Tomorrow is meet and greet at the elementary school.

With my new job at the preschool as membership chair. I got to run the orientation, it was fun for me. I have lots of paper work to do. Filing and inputting every new child's information including their immunization records into the computer. I will make it work.

Next week is the first day of school for the kids. James starts Kindergarten on Monday and peanut's first day of preschool is Wednesday. I am kind of a wreck inside thinking about my baby boy starting Kindergarten, yet I am so excited for him.

Peanut is really lucky because she will have had all three of the teachers at our preschool. Not many kids get to do that. Makes me smile thinking about it.

My days are going to be a bit hectic with two different schools. I might be in my car a whole lot more than I want to be.

M: PS 9 -12   K 11-2:25
T:                     K 11-2:25
W: PS 9 - 12 K 10:30 - 1:30
T:                     K 11-2:25
F: PS 9 -12     K 11-2:25

Not to mention Peanut will be starting Ballet on Tuesday. I am so excited about that. So is she. We will try to get James into some type of Soccer program. I was looking into Golf today but he wouldn't be able to start until February. What the heck why not bite off more than I can chew.

Have I mentioned Mush is straight up crazy baby? I brought her to open house but I wasn't able to watch her because I was working with the new parents. She was running around with one shoe, eating crayons, climbing playground equipment and getting a lot of laughs. She runs that place, I guess. She is going to be so ready to be the one at preschool next year.

So the annual first day of school interview is coming soon. It's sad how absolutely fast it goes.

The Many Faces of Caroline

2010-08-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Peanut's Hair

2010-08-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Peanut cut her hair again. It was a nice chunk just behind her ear on the side that is visible. So I decided I had enough of her hair lying funny and sticking out. I gave her this hair cut. Why would any mother with no hair cutting experience decide she should be the one to give a four year old a "chunky" bob? I don't know. But it needs to be fixed. The one thing I can say is Peanut looks good with short hair. I love her with a bob. Her big brown eyes just pop out. It works on her. Lucky for me. Not the best hair cut but a cute kid anyways.

practice

2010-08-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Taste Test

2010-08-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Summer time is Chardonnay time. It's because we drink it chilled, duh. I still like the Viognier but this summer it has been about the Chardonnay. My mother in law introduced us to La Crema. It became my instant favorite. The other day I noticed a Fresh and Easy brand. I thought I would do a taste test comparison. There is about a $9 difference in price. They are from the same area and the same year. Why not compare?

I let Jerry do the taste test blind to see what he thought. Somebody had to pour right? Well La Crema easily won. The Small Wonders has left overs for another night. Its still a good wine. Just not as smooth as the La Crema.

Self Portrait

2010-08-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

I think all aspiring photographers take the self timer self portrait at some time. Here is my best shot. The kids didn't recognize me when they saw the picture. I don't know what that means or says about me.

15 month update

2010-08-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mush became mush because she was this little butter ball of a baby. We have called her short, fat & smart, but she is growing up. Today she had her 15 month check up. She is doing good. No ear problems, tubes look good. Lungs sound good. She is an active one who loves to dance. Not much into talking yet. I am sure she will out pace the siblings one of these days. Her stats came in at 90% for her head size, and I can believe it. We sometimes have problems putting on shirts. She weighs a whopping 22.6 lbs and that puts her at the 45% her height is now 31 inches and she has bumped up to the 75%. My little baby is growing up. The doctor also saw a molar cutting which I hadn't seen yet. But I knew it was coming based on the attitude.

How does color please your eye?

2010-07-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

I seem to be drawn to warm colors. I am finding as I play in photoshop I enjoy warming up my photos. I think that's how you develop your style. The blogs that I like the most have the warmest colors. I need to print my pictures one of these days to see if I have taken it too far. I wonder if the computer screen and printed images have a different look. Here is one picture that I played with 3 different ways. Trying to enhance the colors of the grass and Caroline's skin in different ways.

First one is the original. Followed by a skin and light enhancement. Then I only adjusted the saturation of green in the picture. The last is a color curves action that does all the work for me.

Editing Practice... again

2010-07-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Business

2010-07-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking, pretty much non stop about jumping into the photography business. I got a higher powered camera and have been practicing on my poor children 24/7. I read blogs, twitter, and facebook posting by other photographers, the work out there is amazing. There is a ton of photoshop and actions to go with it to brighten, pop and enhance my pictures. Finding the time to figure out how to use it all makes my head spin. I wake up in the morning and grab a book. I move out make coffee and grab the computer. Then when I am not reading or looking at something I am planning in my head photo shoots. We we drive I am looking at the scenery sizing it up for a back drop. On the way out to the Balch Park I saw this little ranch that had an awesome barn, an old truck and a fence covered in shiny hub caps covers and I thought wow that would be a great location for pictures. My head wont stop spinning and moving. I will be setting up a website, a blog, a facebook and a twitter account all for this business. I just have to get out and start taking pictures of other people besides my children. The one thing stopping me right now. The heat. Yuck. Who wants to go out for the best sunlight when it's 100+. I don't, but I need to see which of my friends and family do.

Adventure Time

2010-07-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Jerry was going to be working a 72hr shift because of a trade. He called yesterday morning saying his trade had been canceled and what did I want to do today. Not being a huge creature of spontaneity, I had to think about it. Luckily for me he had some ideas thanks to his book. So we set off on an adventure to Balch Park.

Lets just say we are looking forward to going back. It had two little lakes that the kids can fish in, an easy hike/nature walk, a little museum and a campground. And by the way there are giant sequoias there!

The original

2010-07-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

I read in an interview with a photographer who only uses film that you should "get it right the first time". So I try. But it is still fun to play with photoshop. I don't think I have the photoshop thing down yet. I also think parts of what you can do in photoshop is your style. Well anyways here is a beauty shot from little mush.

Having fun, Keeping cool

2010-07-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

Just not doing it for me

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

I have been changing the blog everyday. I can't find something I really like for the background and layout. So I will just keep playing with it until I do. Might take awhile. Funny how I go from not blogging for months to changing it every day. Work in progress, I guess.

Good Morning

2010-07-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Found a good spot for pictures

2010-07-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

It was an impromptu stop. Notice the outfits and the tattoos peanut gave herself on the car ride. But it made me happy. I had been thinking about this place for awhile. I haven't had a chance to play with the pictures in Photoshop. But here are the originals.

Torturing my kids one photo at a time

2010-07-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Photography

2010-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Absolutely obsessed these days. Reading blogs, taking pictures, playing with Photoshop, finding locations and "window shopping" cameras.

I have taking well over 200 pictures in the last 3 days. Only problem, cant find the battery charger after Carpenteria. Oops, going to run out of juice soon, then what?

That's what I am up to.

Swing Swing

2010-07-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, haven't been blogging much. But did you really want to read about the 8 straight weeks of antibiotics, the 3 cases of pneumonia, the constant ear infections, and the $220 paid in co pays? Didn't think so. Nor did I have the energy or desire to write about it.

School ended and the crazy month of June had trips. Carpinteria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, The Sequioa National Forrest, Buena Vista Lake, and Fresno. I have the pictures in flickr to show you. I saved my self the time of writing and just took a bunch of pictures.

I have been known to swing back and forth in my interests. But one thing I keep coming back to is photography. So the other day all three kids took a nap and I got to play with photoshop on the new computer. Something I didn't used to get to do during nap time. I wanted to show you the before and afters. I am just learning but it is so much fun to play with this program.

Artsy Fartsy

2010-04-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Had the creative bug again today. This time I made pictures to hang near my wine. I was inspired by etsy and went out and tried it on my own. I sent them to Costco to print in different sizes with a matte finish and a torn edge. I can't wait to see them. The monogamy wine is one I like to look at and drink.

pictures

2010-04-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things for me is taking pictures of my kids. Don't get me wrong. I have my camera out all of the time and I take lots of pictures. The problem is getting them to fulfill my creative vision when I want to take "nice" pictures. I get these ideas in my head, and when my little models wont sit still to make it happen, I get really frustrated. Then when I get home and upload it's not always what I thought I was taking.

Today we had a spur of the moment photo adventure. Here are the results.

I tell the big ones. What ever you do, don't stop looking at the camera. Ha! I took over 100 pictures today. I had my camera on the wrong metering setting so the auto focus was off. Oh well, I guess you live and learn.

3 Things List Time

2010-03-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Procrastinating as usual.

Last 3 things I have googled;
1. Zhu Zhu pets
2. Iphone
3. canon lens

Top 3 things I should be doing;
1. laundry
2. cleaning
3. playing with my kids

Last 3 things I have complained about;
1. sick kids
2. economy
3 not losing the baby weight

3 things I am thankful for;
1. kids
2. husband
3. staying home

Last 3 things I have eaten;
1. wheat thins
2. mac and cheese
3. yogurt

3 things I have thought about posting;
1. sick kids
2. pizza delivery guy
3. sick kids

3 things I am looking forward to;
1. wine
2. finishing the cookbook
3. Jerry coming home

Backyard Adventures

2010-02-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

What have I been doing for 20 days? I don't know but it's been crazy. (I started this post on 2/23) Make that what have I been doing the last month? Life, I guess.

I took Caroline's 9 month pictures myself. In the past I have taken the kids to a professional place. But now I do it myself. The problem is I don't get them printed very well. At her 9 month apointment she was in the 50% for height 50-75% for weight and 90% for her head. Her hair is starting to get curly on the ends. It's pretty cute.

The other project that took 4 full days to accomplish was a back yard playset. We decided it was time to have something else for the kids to do in out backyard. Digging in the dirt is fun and all but swings are even better.

It came in 5 boxes and absolutely nothing came pre-assembled.

Jerry worked very hard and the kids couldn't be happier. They are thrilled to go outside and play. I hope it doesn't wear off.

Caroline 9 month update

2010-02-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

We haven't been to the Dr yet for her statistics. Here is what she is up to these days.

She has a hybrid inchworm crawl. She starts on her belly, moves to a plank, then down dog, then her knees, she moves forward like that. Mix in a few rolls and she can get anywhere she wants. She is starting to pull up and likes to stand now.

She will eat almost anything you put in front of her. I have gotten so bad that I let her self feed almost all her food. There isn't enough time to spoon feed her. She loves easy mac, yogurt melts, crackers and cheese.

Caroline has two bottom teeth. I think more are coming soon.

The last three nights she has slept through the night. I am guessing it is a fluke because she has done this before. She usually gets up once a night. When she does get up she nurses and goes right back to sleep.

Caroline is moving into that stranger awareness phase where she doesn't want me to leave or go to anybody else.

She is babbling lots of sounds. For sure we have Momma and Dada coming out. Jerry and I think we heard doggy yesterday. Sometimes it seems like she is trying to say Hannah.

Caroline is a funny little girl. I think she is going to have a big personality with a very mischievous side. She is only 9 months and I can see it already.

Not even nesting

2010-01-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

I have been working very hard at getting organized lately. Cleaning and organizing and giving away as I go. I have several large bags to take to a woman's shelter. The hardest part is keeping the momentum going. Jerry has to be home and we can't have a ton of other things to do. When does that ever happen?

The laundry room, garage, and our bedroom are done. The kids have had their closets raided. The two big ones have their stuff pretty much organized. The office is the last big one. Because it holds baby stuff, bill stuff, craft stuff, books, sewing machines, etc it is the hardest to clean and organize.

To make it even more complicated Caroline is getting two new teeth on the bottom row and she is crabby! I am most productive when she is asleep. But she sleeps in the office. See why it's a mess?

I also finally today put away the rest of our Christmas decorations. There is one last box that we have to deal with because we took apart our tree there isn't enough room in the boxes any more. A trip to Lowes to get a storage box needs to be made before we can be finished.

Orginization.

2010-01-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Just Can't Win this Winter

2010-01-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I think I am coming down with another bug. I am going to fight it, hard. But seriously is there a bug I haven't caught yet? The kids have been healthier than me.

Just when I get going on a good gym routine too.

Hi-larious

2010-01-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

The kids were playing house today. James when he is playing anything, usually wanders out to check on me and what I am doing. Well he got caught up in the show I was watching. Hannah pushes her babies out in the stroller and tries to get his attention.

"Husband! I need your help."

No reply from James.

A little louder this time "Husband! I need your help!"

James still doesn't respond.

"Husband! I need your help!" And this time when he doesn't respond she rams her stroller into him.

He turns around, all surprised like, where did you come from and why did you do that?

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO

How did this happen?

2009-12-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

Caroline is 8 months old today. I am lost as to where the time went. Survival I guess. I am not doing to well at slowing time down so I can savor every last sweet baby moment of hers.

She is such a funny baby. The faces this one makes. Watch out. She cracks us up daily.

She is rolling everywhere. She can get to any place she wants. She rolls and pivots and gets into trouble. She eats really well. Haven't found a food she will turn away. You can tell by the rolls on her body.

Naps

2009-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Naps can be a double edged sword. The kids really need to take one some days and they wont. Then they are awful for the rest of the day. Then there are the days they actually sleep during nap time. Then they stay up that much later because they can't fall right asleep. Regardless if they sleep for nap time they still go on lock down almost every day. "Resting" time is my time to take a breath and relax for a moment. Usually I have to bounce kids back into their rooms. Usually they both have to poop during lock down time. Jerry and I wonder how they have trained their bodies for this.

Completely off subject but I have to throw this in. Caroline cut her first tooth last week. No more toothless grins.

Santa's shopping list

2009-12-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

So little Hannah wants a Moxie Girl. And man o' man is she focused on a Moxie Girl. Too much TV. A Moxie girl is really just a younger Bratz doll. She has asked the mall Santa, the Santa at the preschool and it's in her Santa letter.

Santa already decided a BFC ink doll was a better choice.

But dang it we can't convince Hannah.

Lou has a future

2009-12-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

And we thought we had a crazy dog. We should put her to work.

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Caroline 6 month update

2009-11-30T18:39:00.000-08:00

I know she was late going to her appointment. But, her sixth month stats are; 17.5 lbs 50%, height was 25-50% and head was 75% . So she is sticking with short, fat, and smart ratios.

And that my friends is the end of November! Hip, hip, hooray! 30 posts in 30 days.

Rug Doctor

2009-11-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting my carpets cleaned for a long while. My personal carpet shampooer is broken. I wanted to hire someone to come in and do it, but I never found such a person. I kept forgetting to look up someone.

Once I want to do something and it's in my brain I will be forgetful for a while then I just want it done. While sitting in the waiting room for my ct scan I was watching the today show. They said the rug doctor that you can rent from a grocery store works really good. So I had to weigh the time it would take me to do it myself vs. the ease of having someone else do it against money spent. You know the ol' time vs money issue.

Well today I finally got sick enough of my carpet I went out and rented one. The living room is clean. The kids rooms are after the living room dries. I had to "wear" Caroline for 1/2 of the living room, she actually fell asleep over the noise. Thank goodness because my back was screaming.

Now I am happier about getting out the Christmas decorations.

Is it December Yet?

2009-11-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

I did this whole "post everyday" thing with good intentions. Yet it turns out it is making me resent my blog. Not the same effect it had last year. I should have left it alone.

We keep having a recurring conversation in this house. You know the one about how I don't have any energy? Same can be said here. I don't have much energy to put into my postings.

Waaa waaa.

I try really hard each morning before I get out of bed to make the day a positive one. Some days I can make it work. Some days I can't. I bet when I sleep a whole night through again my days will become more positive.

I am picturing Donkey from "Shrek" right now signing I am all alone. I don't know why.

The lost me

2009-11-27T19:36:00.001-08:00

I used to be on the ball. For most things I would say. Now I forget most things and feel flustered most of my days. I have been losing things lately. I think one of the biggest things lost would be me.

One of Jerry's aunts asked me if I was already done Christmas shopping. I almost died laughing. Now the old me, that could have been a possibility. The new me, the one with 3 kids, no way. My wheels have been spinning since April.

I can't get anything cleaned up. And as soon as I do, it's ruined with in minutes. I think I might have thought I was invincible, now I know I am not. I am the barely showered frazzled scream at your kids mom you see everywhere. I am sure one day I will find myself again. But for now, we are just surviving.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

It was a good day. I have lots to be thankful for. My only wish would be to get to see all my family at all the holidays.

over it

2009-11-25T20:10:00.001-08:00

I am so over it. Too tired of my blog to write anymore.

picture of the day

2009-11-24T14:40:00.001-08:00

Today I went back to August 2005. One of the oldest in a folder. Here we have sweet baby James and Great Gramps Jerry swimming. Good Times!

picture of the day

2009-11-23T22:57:00.001-08:00

I decided to do a picture of the day. Top of the world hike. I would die and go to heaven to have this much energy and athletic stamina again. Look at how little the kids are. Crazy.

Do nothing day

2009-11-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am lame. If I have one busy day the next day becomes a complete "do nothing day". I guess with 3 kids I have to recuperate a whole day. Nobody got dressed today. We watched NASCAR and played. The dishes are done and the kids are bathed but that is about it.

Busy week ahead. I can't believe it is Thanksgiving time already. Holy Cow! Maybe after I get to the bottom of all my sinus issues I will have more energy and my house will become clean. And if I am really dreaming big I might get back to the gym again too.

It was a good day

2009-11-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

I almost pooped out on today. But I didn't and I had a good time.

Our credit union held a chili cook off at the training center in LA. It was fun and lots of good chili to taste. The kids had a blast.

Then we decided to stop by my father-in law's fire station. We had the run of the place. In fact we scared away most of the firefighters. 5 grand kids in one place can do that.

It was a bunch of driving, but totally worth it. I am looking forward to next year.

Jr's sister

2009-11-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

I have my hands full with this one. She cracks me up all the time. Don't tell her what to do, she will do it herself.

The other day she was playing by herself because brother was out with dad. She came up with this outfit and declared she was Jr's sister. I was directed to have Caroline in the shot with her.

The little things

2009-11-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

How can the littlest things make your day? I went to pay bills and the credit union's web bill pay was down. So I had to call to pay my power bill, because I was nervous it would be late. Anyways, when I called the bill was about $80 less on the phone than on the paper. So I waited to talk to a person and he told me it was a credit to my account because the price of gas was less than what we actually paid for. Nice!

These are the things that excite me. I would have over paid if the website was working properly.

By the way. Apparently they don't care if your bill is a couple of days late. I was told to wait for my bank's site to come back up vs paying a fee of $1.40 to pay over the phone. I guess they can't charge you for a late bill. I wouldn't try that with a credit card.

Never Ending Sinus Infection

2009-11-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

Might as well have a picture to go with this story.

Two years ago I was told I needed surgery. I didn't have one. I got a second opinion and that Dr. had me treat the infection with antibiotics. Every time I got an infection I would go back to him. Until we moved here. I have had several sinus infections already this year so I went back for another CT scan. Guess what, I still have the same problems. Somethings have gotten better some things have gotten worse. I have chronic sinusitis in every single sinus. I would be very interested in comparing these CT scans with the ones I had in college before my sinus surgery.

Tomorrow, I am going to get some blood taken so we can allergy test. I had the skin test done my first year teaching and living in Palmdale. I didn't come up allergic to anything but cats & clover. I am very interested in these results. Because I don't like taking allergy medicine if I don't have allergies.

The other thing is, I am currently taking a 14 day antibiotic that is a huge dry horse pill that get stuck in my throat every time. I don't think antibiotics even work for me anymore, considering how many I have been on. Plus, Caroline is not reacting well to it. I think. She has had an upset tummy since I started it.

Fun stuff.

Six Month Fun

2009-11-17T18:01:00.001-08:00

Caroline

James

Hannah

A crazy thing happened

2009-11-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

The kids and I were driving along, minding our own business, and a crash happened right in front of us. It was a bad one. It freaked me out. There was nothing I could do to help, with 3 small children in my car. I tried my best not to scare them. But they had to cover their eyes as I got out of the way.

I wish I could have had more calm, cool and collected about me. Considering my husband is a firefighter I would think I would know better what to do. But I didn't. I froze. Osmosis failed me.

I couldn't believe how close it was to us. I can't not think about what could have happened if I had been driving just a little faster. Today driving the kids to school some lady was digging in her purse and swerved right near me. I almost had a heart attack. Then some other guy was driving too fast and that made me nervous. I realize you can only control yourself. How can I protect my babies when everyone else is a maniac?

Do I sit and dwell on the what if's or do I keep moving forward and live my life the best I can? I am thankful for my life, I am going to try to stay more in the moment and stress less about all the other stuff.

Amazing what a crazy car accident can do for the brain.

Trip back

2009-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Party like you're 5

2009-11-14T19:06:00.001-08:00

James had a successful birthday party. The kids had a great time. I am sure the other parents were dealing with over tired children today as well.

As much work as it was, it was a good time. The best part is when everyone is there and you get to relax. I constantly worry ahead of a party that people are not going to have a nice time. But once every one is there, all you can do is sit back relax and have a glass of wine.

We had Tanner mow a race track in the back yard. They raced the John Deere and the Escalade around, and around until the batteries ran out. Then Jerry set up James's slot car set in the living room and they played with that. Plus every NASCAR car James owns was out in the living room being raced around. The little boys all wore racing suits. We had 2 Jimmies, 1 Jr, 1 Tony & 1 Jeff. It was pretty cute.

We had to carry James to bed. He was screaming at the top of his lungs that he didn't want to go to bed. I had to hold him and Jerry had to brush his teeth. We put him in his bed in his clothes because he was so tired.

Clean Sheets

2009-11-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

Is there nothing better than sleeping on clean sheets? I think if I had the time and energy I might wash my sheets everyday.

Now that the weather is changing I need to remember to cover up my warm spot when I go to Caroline. That way when I get back, it might still be warm. It makes falling back asleep that much easier.

Oh, NO!

2009-11-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hannah's favorite song is a Miley Cyrus song. Please help. How has this started? Why do we all have Party In the USA stuck in our heads? It's because "butterflies fly away."

All good little girls like butterflies and pink and purple. But should they be allowed to like Miley Cyrus?

It's clean, for now

2009-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

We cleaned today. Now it's time for the kids and Jerry to move out. I think that may be the only way to keep it clean.

More cleaning to come. Birthday Party on Friday. I am not doing any more birthday parties until Hannah turns 5. I think I will even skip Caroline's 1st.

What my house really needs is a fresh coat of paint and the carpets clean professionally.

Here's dreaming.

Complain Complain

2009-11-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

I have the never ending headache.

That's it.

Is it over yet?

2009-11-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

This year this challenge is tough. I am not witty or creative. I don't have much to say and I don't have much time to say it.

This blog is for me and this is how I will remember this time in my life. Hectic.

For instance, today I was at Trader Joes buying some food for the family. I get home and I am unloading the groceries. I look up and I see that we are the snack helpers for school tomorrow. This would have been nice to have noticed before I went shopping. So I scavenge to see what I can throw together for a class of 16 plus 3 adults.

The menu:
Mini bagels
String Cheese
Mandarin Oranges
Raisins
Milk

I had to steal some cups from the birthday stash and they get little paper plates. I really, really, really, didn't want to make another trip to the store.

Last year I put such effort into snack. Oh well. We have snack again next week. Maybe that one will be better.

The Great Destroyers

2009-11-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

Pick an item, any item. Chances are my kids have ruined it.

Food processor, yup.

Ear phones in car, you bet!

Soccer ball, why not?

They either stick things in their mouth, pick them apart, use them wrong, or let a dog get to it.

This makes me nervous with the new birthday presents. I am hoping 5 years is going to be a new leaf in James's life. No more destroying things.

Happy Birthday baby boy

2009-11-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

My baby boy is five.

Where has the time gone?

Today was crazy busy. Preschool pancake breakfast a success. Nap. Cleaning. Dinner out to some yummy Mexican food. Home to put kids to bed.

Now I know where the time has gone. Fast away to busy days.

I am blessed.

My baby boy is five.

Dinner Conversation

2009-11-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight we sat around the dinner table listing our top 5 favorite NASCAR drivers.

Here are the results;

James:
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Joey Logano

Hannah:
1. Matt Kenseth
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Kasey Kahne
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
5. Kevin Harvick

Jerry:
1.Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Ryan Newman
5. Tony Stewart

Stephanie
1. Tony Stewart
2. Joey Logano
3. Jimmie Johnson
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Kasey Kahne

Drivers not liked:
Kyle Bush
Michael Waltrip
Carl Edwards

Now, do I realize I just had a whole post dedicated to NASCAR?

Yup. This is what it is. I am shaking my head right now.

How did we get here? Ask James, our original NASCAR fan.

Here I sit

2009-11-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

The kids are in the shower. Caroline is practicing siting in her crib. I have a moment for the first time today to "computer". It was a interesting idea to participate in NaBloPoMo. I am committed. But I must have forgotten how much less I am online. Caroline sleeps in here now. I guess I will have to save my pennies for a lap top or something.

Keep Moving Forward

2009-11-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Nothing went as planned today.

Gym trip was ruined by a crying baby.

Kids did some naughty things.

Projects went unfinished.

It's 8 and I am just getting started on a project that has to be done for preschool in the morning and I just remembered I have to take in something for a birthday treat for James's class.

So I squeeze in today's blog post and I keep moving forward.

looking back

2009-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Random pictures to warm the heart on this warm day in November. James is going to be five in 4 days. I feel a little weepy about it. How has time gone so fast?

does it really help

2009-11-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

The boy leaves his soccer shoes outside on the ground. I look out find the dog chewing on them. I run out grab the shoe throw it at the dog. Turn around throw the other one at the boy's room. Come inside, slam the door. Yell at the boy. Return to my business as usual.

Will anything change? Does it ever?

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Going to do it again.

3 kids this year.

Much less time.

Why not?

11:45

2009-10-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

It is late, I have a busy day tomorrow. But I can not sleep. I was laying in bed wide awake, thinking. All kinds of blog topics bounced around in my head. So I got up, came to the computer and I am removing them so maybe I can sleep.

When I first started this blog, my main topic was sleep. You see Hannah was around the 1/2 year mark and sleep was becoming very difficult for us. Not much has changed. I can still gauge my days based on sleep. Caroline isn't the problem. In the morning it becomes real clear real quick if the kids have had enough sleep. Today Hannah cried about everything. James had a couple of melt downs as well. So bedtime was a priority tonight. I got them to bed only to have James come out of his room several times. It makes me freak out. Because I know how tired he is, why doesn't he?

November is coming up. It is National blog month. Last year I actually managed a post for every day in the month. I actually like the idea. It refreshes your brain on the blogging point. It gets you going again. It happens to everyone, you go strong then taper. I usually taper because I am in the trenches. As I like to call it. It's when we are so busy we don't have time for anything, but everything we are doing is boring and the same old stuff. Boring and Busy, who wants to read about that? So I don't post.

I do read many blogs. When I have time. There are so many styles out there. My favorites are funny, the ones where the authors don't take themselves to seriously. They usually post very often and the stories are not usually to long. Quick humor. This is what I aspire for.

This brings me back to why do I blog? It's my life with my monkeys. I hope that in the future I can look back and remember what it was like. Good and bad. A quick note in cyber space to save a memory. If I quit posting and don't write down the memories I am cheating myself? I don't know if anyone really even reads this but my mom. But I do it for me. That is what is important. Complete with bad grammar and comma splices.

I was thinking about a friend today and how much crazier I am than her. Her oldest is 5 months older than my oldest and her youngest is 5 months younger than my middle one. I used to say youngest. My oldest is about to turn 5 and I have 3 kids. No wonder I am tired. But not enough to sleep, tonight.

Happy Fall

2009-10-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Cell Phone Pictures

2009-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile! Random Pictures from the Summer.

Doggy Bonding

Harvick Fan In Bakersfield?

First pedicure

Still fits in Bumbo

Lacie with the Kids

Lots of miles

First boat ride

Papa G falling asleep while playing with the kids

Nascar Slip n Slide

Costco Smoothies

A little too soon

2009-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

I was feeling better yesterday. Phase 2 hit last night, or maybe I caught something new. So far I am the only sick one in our house. I hate it. But really who likes being sick?

The worst part is night time. I actually dread going to sleep at night when I am sick. I know it's not going to be a restful night. Then I have to get up and out of bed to nurse. Torture.

Off to drink some liquids and get a nap.

Every once and awhile

2009-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I go a little crazy and think I can do more than I can. I get a little too busy, make plans, follow through, fall apart.

Monday after a whirl wind trip south and back I was so tired. Then I became sick. It hit like a bus, fever, body aches, headache and a cough. Luckily now all that is left is a cough and sore muscles. It feels like I have been working out, and I haven't.

I panicked and thought the worst. I have swine flu. I guess it was possible. So today the kids got their flu shots. But get this,to vaccinate for the swine flu each kid needs 2 shots at $17 each. Nice. $102 to try a brand new vaccine, that I am not sure I want to get at all. So I am going to do a little more research. The pediatrician recommends it, of course.

So I am the only one in our house who still needs the flu shot. I haven't had one yet. Big decisions. I guess as long as I don't try to do too much I won't get sick. Logic.

2009-10-13T12:52:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Fall is here!

2009-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing is better than switching from flip flops to uggs. I have already been wearing mine around the house in the morning while it is still chilly.

Another favorite is the down comforter up around my chin when I lay down at night. To be as tired as I am and get to snuggle like that is heaven.

Caroline gets to wear her footed pj's and we all know nothing beats a baby in jammies.

Candles. Lighting a candle in the summer is just lame.

Using the oven & crock pot again. We had a pork roast tonight and it was the best thing I have eaten at home in awhile.

The DVR is full again.

Not constantly sweating. That's a great one!

Switching up the wardrobe, a little. I don't have much to wear these days so it is fun to wear my one pair of jeans I fit into.

Socks

2009-09-30T09:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't folded a sock in years. Who has time for folding socks? If it's clean and mine it goes in my drawer. They get sorted by person and put away. No folding.

Last night Jerry couldn't find two socks that matched. It was dark in the room. But, this got me thinking about our socks.

Today I have a big vat of adult socks soaking in bleach. If they have a partner and are free of holes and crazy stains they will make it back to their drawer. Does this mean I have to fold them? Maybe just today.

Caroline Update

2009-09-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Caroline is almost 5 months old. Seriously where has the time gone. She is no longer resembling a little new baby. She rolls and moves and eats all the time. She is getting bigger by the second.

I am getting into that zone where she is going to learn a new trick every day. Scary.

Her stats for her 4 month check up were: Height 24" (25-50%), Weight 13.8 lbs (50%), & noggin 42 (75%). Short, fat, & smart.

Today we gave her some rice cereal for the first time. She took about 5 bites like a champ. She didn't spit too much out. She has been so interested in food and eating I thought I would give it a try.

In My Head

2009-09-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

You know when you have so many ideas floating inside your head; projects to create, things to do, people to call, & future plans.

That the ideas overwhelm the time to implement them. So you just sit down and watch TV and keep the ideas locked up.

That's where I am at these days. I will be efficient one of the days, I just know it.

glass 1/2 ...

2009-09-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of trying to blog again. I will give you two posts in one day.

Most of my ingenious posts come to me while nursing. I think when I nurse. Especially at night when it is quiet. If I have been woken up I will just try to remain asleep and not think about anything.

I was thinking about something someone else had written today in an email. It was one of those questionnaires that you fill out and forward to all you friends. On of the questions was are you a glass 1/2 full or empty person.

I got to thinking about this. Deep in my heart I wish I could say full. But I might lean towards empty most of the time.

Why?

I have a beautiful family, a husband who I love and is good to me, a home, a secure job for him, and our health. Why am I perturbed most of the time? Can this feeling be contagious?

I think back to the trials of the last few years. One of the major obstacles for our family has been Jerry's injury. Did it change our outlook on life? Did we or me become pessimistic after it? It totally stinks but we are still battling the workman's comp and the Drs and the adjusters for treatment. Jerry doesn't think he can snowboard, wakeboard, golf, work out, etc. anymore.

Or is it that I have my hands full? Three kids 4 and under, not really easy street. But, when I look at them with a conscious attitude they take my breath away. They are amazing kids. We are blessed to have them. Time management and battles over toys are just part of the game. But do these daily battles take so much out of me that I am a crab?

Could it be something I was raised with. Maybe part of my personality or my sign? What really makes you a positive person verses a negative one?

Momma Come Quick!

2009-09-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was in the kitchen and I hear screams coming from James room. I start on my way towards the noise. It is usually nothing more than a fight. Then it becomes clear James is screaming "momma come quick!"

I start to get nervous and I hurry up. Hannah meets me in the hall with a worried look. My heart drops. James is still screaming. I am thinking how did something so bad happen in his room?

I get in the room and he is standing on his bed holding up the United States Map poster that we had just hung. That's it? Your poster fell?

I start yelling at him. You do not scream like that unless some one is hurt and hurt badly. You scarred Momma to death. I rehang the poster and wander off shaking my head.

The reaction was more than the problem. How many times in life do I have a larger reaction than needed? Did my son inherit a drama gene? Oh boy.

She's a Mover

2009-08-30T09:11:00.001-07:00

I knew I was in trouble with Caroline when she was in my belly. This baby moved ten times more than the other two ever did.

Jerry and I watch her moving and she does things the other two never did. She is becoming more athletic by the day. Rolling, grabbing her feet, pushing up on her belly, and scooting along the floor.

James and Hannah both waited to walk until they were past a year. Hannah never fully crawled she scootched along on her hiney. But they were always ahead for their vocabulary and talking skills. They will both talk you to death.

So two talkers and one mover. Watch me become one crazy lady next spring.

An Interview with my Children #2

2009-08-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Since we go back to school tomorrow, I am starting a new tradition. I am going to interview my children before they go back to school. It's one way to watch them grow up. James has his answers in Blue and Hannah is pink. This is our second interview and this time I questioned them separately so they couldn't be influenced by each others answers. Once again this is straight from their mouths. I didn't change a thing they said.

1. What is your favorite color?
Blue
Pink

2. What is your favorite food?
Pancakes
Chicken nuggets

3. What is your favorite movie?
Cars
Jasmine

4. What is your favorite TV Show?
Special Agent Oso
Kai-Lan

5. What is your favorite toy?
My cars
Zebra

6. What is your favorite stuffed animal?
Mr. Lion
Horse

7. What do you want to do when you grow up?
Race car driver
Put on lipstick

8. What is your favorite thing to do outside?
Play
Play with toys

9.What is your favorite book?
Curious George
Dora

10. What do you like to wear the most?
My Corvette T shirt
Blue dress

11. What is your favorite song?
Hero (Foo Fighters)
ABC's

12. What else do you like?
I love my sister
Throwing my stuffed animals

13. What is your favorite place?
Sonic
Costco

14. What is your favorite thing to do at school?
Play
Play

vices

2009-08-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

I was watching Top Chef and the chefs had to cook a dish based on a vice that they had. I thought to myself, what are my vices and how would they become a dish?

1. Internet - I don't really need to explain this one.
2. Coffee - I'll take it with lots of vanilla please.
3. Food - Why do you think I gain 40+ lbs with each pregnancy?
4. Hardheadedness - You had better not tell me what to do. And I can do by myself anyways.
5. Alcohol - It maybe a glass of wine or a cold beer but I do enjoy it.
6. Target - You can get almost anything there! Target walking to get rid of boredom is never good.
7. Products - Why do I love shampoo, soap, lotions, perfumes & make up so much? I rarely get to use them.
8. Purses & Wallets - I am not a name brand girl here. I like to mix it up and change all the time.
9. Checking the mail - It gets almost obsessive compulsive. Must have today's mail!
10.Complaining - I too easily complain. Must be a glass is 1/2 full type of a girl.

Would you like some Fried Mice? Maybe some head cheese? I can't really think of anything for Target, Products, Purses, or Checking the mail. Now I know why almost all of the contestants had a vice of a good brandy in the evening. Maybe because they can cook with that ingredient.

A tale of Two Children

2009-08-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I can do this story justice with my story telling skills. But I will try.

I have been battling the toys lately. I have been trying really hard to make sure the two kids have cleaned up the living room and their rooms each night before bed. For some this may not be hard but for us it is. You see I don't like the fight. Most nights it is just easier to let their rooms be a mess. Well back in July, I did the mommy freak out, and loaded all their toys into garbage bags. The toys were in the garage for a couple of weeks then they earned them back. Needless to say this worked, on one child.

My son James, is a sweet boy. He is very sensitive and empathetic. He has a huge heart and is easily scared by threats.

My daughter Hannah, is a funny little creature we haven't yet figured out. Cute as a button but feisty as heck. We haven't found the key to disciplining her.

Can you guess which child the garbage bag system worked on?

Tonight it was clean up time and I told James "go clean up your room." And he did. I told Hannah "clean up your room, start by putting the stuffed animals on the widow ledge." She told me "I can't." Actually she whined "I Caaaaan't." So I proceeded to just close her in her room. I told her she couldn't come out until she had picked up the stuffed animals.

James finished cleaning up his room so I bargained with him. "You helped Hannah make a mess, you help clean it up, and I will let you have some lemonade." OK. He was off to help her. Minutes later he is out "I can't clean up her room when she is just playing with her toys."

No kidding.

Then dinner was ready so I brought them out to eat. Cleaning was put on hold for awhile. Jerry called from work and I was asking him "What are we going to do with this child?" As I was on the phone I told her to pick up her toys or they were going in the garbage. Hannah shrugged her little shoulders and said "do it." No joke. I actually had to hide from her because I started to laugh.

I set the timer for 10 minutes and what ever wasn't up was going in the garbage. James started shrieking and running around and crying. Hannah just stood there and looked at me. So I turned off the timer and grabbed the garbage bag. So you want to play, do you?

I went into her room and started putting things in the bag. At this time James is in hysterics. I am hugging him trying to explain they're her toys and she doesn't care, don't worry about it. Nope. I put a white teddy bear in the bag and he starts crying "that's my favorite!" OK, go put it in your room. Hannah starts crying.

OK! I finally got to her. Nope. She grabs the bear and sticks it back in the garbage bag. She then starts picking up her floor and putting the toys in the garbage bag. She isn't fazed in the least bit.

So I have her come with me to the garbage can. On the way out, the garage door gets her toe a little bit. I get to the can. Throw the toys in the can and she starts crying. FINALLY! I got through.

"So, Hannah, why are you crying?"

"My toe hurts."

Augghhh!

I come back into the house and try to peel her brother off of the ceiling.

What am I going to do with these two?

Baby Sitting

2009-08-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

I need to apologize now for any past or future baby sitters. I have the hardest time leaving my kids. I might be one of the most annoying parents.

It's not that I don't trust the baby sitter. Because I do.

It's not that I worry about the kids. I know they are fine.

It's not that I miss them. It's nice to get away now and again.

It's not that I think I am the only one who knows what to do. I don't most of the time.

It's not that I feel guilty being away. Because I don't.

It's that I know how much work those kids are and I worry that I have become a burden for the person watching my kids. I worry more about the adult than I do the kids.

I call too much and I rush to get back. Whenever I talk to who ever is watching the kids they are always fine. I mean I survive everyday, why is it that I think another adult can't.

It doesn't matter who it is, I worry about being a burden. I guess I have this mentality of, I birthed them so I had better take care of them. It's my job and my responsibility. It's fun when they are good but it's hard when they aren't. Now how many kids show their true colors to anyone but their mom? I don't even like asking anyone to watch them. Only in a pinch will I ask for help. Part of this could be my whole, I can do it myself, mentality.

I need to let it go. I think my kids like it when I am gone. They need a break too.

I've got to just stop sometimes

2009-08-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at my kids and they take my breath away. It can be a picture of an expression or just them siting there in front of me. Children, it's hard to explain, love them to pieces and yet we struggle sometimes with the little stuff. It's a good thing to stop and take them in. They grow up so fast, I could cry.

Toys

2009-08-10T14:32:00.001-07:00

Not the first posting about toys.

The problem is there are too many toys.

The friends and family like to buy them toys.

The kids don't know how to clean up their toys.

The mom takes away the toys.

The lesson learned is they don't need so many toys.

The dad gets tired of the mess in the garage and back comes the toys.

The kids go back to playing with all the toys.

The mom wonders how she is going to manage the toys.