Taste Test

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.

Hi-larious

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

It was a good day

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.

Party like you're 5

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.

Cell Phone Pictures

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

Fall is here!

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.

Tent Camping

There was a heat spell right after I had Caroline. At that point in time I declared I wanted to go camping on the beach. It sounded like a perfectly logical idea. Go tent camping with two small kids and an even smaller baby. So we reserved a camp site for a 4 day'er in June and we were off.

Having returned now I can share the knowledge I have gained from the adventure.

Things that we learned tent camping with 3 kids and 2 dogs.

1. First thing to pack is extra patience.
2. Make sure to bring toys for the kids, they don't like just chillin next to the fire taking in the scenery.
3. Dog crates take up too much room.
4. Chip will howl at night when he hears coyotes in the distance.
5. Playing with new campground buddies will increase your vocabulary.
6. Momma will forget tons of things for cooking at camp.
7. It is quite cold at night at the beach.
8. Make sure to have a place for baby to go that isn't bright light.
9. Dog poo at the camp site stinks, especially when James sits in it.
10. Going to sleep when the sun is down and getting up when it rises is not really enough sleep for small children.

We had fun over all. There were a few moments when I had to threaten to become the white trash momma and let the whole campground hear me yelling. But playing on the beach with the kids and dogs just kind of warms your heart and makes you want to go again. It can be quite hot here in the summer.

I guess they are paying attention

"I am the fireman, I make the money. Hannah is the mom and she stays home to take care of Baby James"

As Hannah is wearing her baby and eating pretzels, just like her momma.

Things I didn't think I needed to know

Being a mom has added another level to my education. I still have to work on my memory skills on a daily basis. My science understanding is tested daily. Then there is the English language skills that I have to help grow into proper grammar.

It's "she" not "hers".

Who drives the number 17 car?

How exactly do you say Deinonychus?

That monster truck is Wild Hare.

This is just the boy stuff.

Don't forget you have to know all the princess names plus what each baby in the crib is named.

And where each kid's shoes, cup, hat, sunglasses and favorite toy was last seen.

All the while being a bit short on sleep. Who said this motherhood stuff was a brainless job?

A list of things

1. We still haven't settled 100% on a boys name.

2. Tomorrow's weigh in is going to be terrible. Housebound boredom eating = bad!

3. I can't seem to get my house cleaned up.

4. Have been enjoying TV less days.

5. Finally getting hair done. Last time was before I knew I was pregnant.

6. I have been getting leg cramps at night.

7. Bakersfield is blooming and my sinuses are paying for it.

8. I am beginning to like our dog Chip.

9. I got my kids haircuts and they look fabulous again.

10. I am going to go build a fort out of blankets and chairs for my kids.

cell phone pictures

What's more fun than random pictures from random days? this sums her up

beautiful cheesecake brownies

my helper

James & baby Jake

the one and only attempt at making candied almonds

sweetness

watch out I'm coming to eat you

see they can play nice together

couch time

my attempt at a Halloween costume

A few of my favorite things

Just so everyone understands, the kids and Jerry are of course number 1. Somethings don't need to be stated right?

Day 4

Soaking in the bathtub & reading. Can you think of a more relaxing thing to do when hubs is gone and the kids are in bed? I can't. Plus it really helps with the sciatic pain I have been having. My love of the library goes hand in hand with this one. I save money and keep myself entertained while relaxing.

A few of my favorite things

Day 3

Bedtime. The kid's mostly. But I am savoring my bed lately as well. The quiet time at the end of the day after I have put the kids to bed is my reward for surviving the day.

A few of my favorite things

Day 2

Sephora - Duh!

I could spend soo much money there. In fact I am on restriction. Jerry did get me a gift card for Christmas and that was a very special treat. My two favorite things there are LAVANILA and Boscia. Both are very natural and the best treats for my skin ever. Of course there is lots more to love but I don't have the time.

A few of my favorite things

Keeping on a positive side I will list a favorite thing everyday until I run out.

Day 1

The way James snuggles when being read to. The boy doesn't sit still or quit talking all day, unless you are reading to him. Then he mushes right in next to you, leans his check on your arm and listens to the stories unfold. Every time I gush about this Jerry reminds me that he has loved being read to since day one. Since I love reading myself, I love that he loves books. I hope he always loves them.

I guess I know where I stand

James woke up early this morning and was calling for me. So I booted Jerry out of bed because I was enjoying the warmth of my bed too much to get out. After they played for awhile James came in and gave me a kiss and the following information.

"Momma, get up. Dad needs his coffee and Hannah needs orange juice and I need orange juice."

7 years already?

We are home from a trip that I am still gathering my thoughts about. I will post about it later.
Today is my 7 year anniversary married to Jerry. It's hard to believe 7 years have flown by so quickly. I am sure my grandparents thought the same at their 60th.

We usually hit up the central coast on our anniversary. I think we will postpone for a while and try to make it over before number 3 arrives. We haven't missed a trip yet. Just a fun way to celebrate with each other.

Interview with my children

I got this idea from another blog.

An interview with my children.
January 08, 2009 at the breakfast table.

Momma: What is your favorite color?
James: Blue
Hannah: Pink

M: What is your favorite food?
J: French Toast
H: Bacon

M: What is your favorite Movie?
J: Tractor movie
H: Wall-e

M: What is your favorite TV show?
J: NASCAR
H: Princess

M: What is your favorite toy?
J: Hats
H: I don't know

M: What is your favorite stuffed animal?
J: Mr. Lion
H: Doggy

What do you want to be when you grow up?
J: Race car driver
H: Tinkerbell

What is your favorite dinner?
J: Meat
H: Beans

What is your favorite thing to do outside?
J: Drive my tractor
H: Quad

What do you like to do at school?
J: Play with my friends
H: Nothing

What is your favorite book?
J: Monster Truck book
H: Princess

What do you like to wear the most?
J: Flip Flops
H: Nothing

What is your favorite song?
J: Picture to burn
H: Joy to the world

What is something else you like?
J: Swimming on hot days
H: Warm water

All answers are exactly what they said.
Hannah did all her answers after James. She may have been influenced by him on a couple of questions.

Happy New Year

2008
- We drilled a dry well and started having an architect draw up our house plans
- We made the decision to buy a house and move
- We moved to Bakersfield
- Jerry re-hurt his back
- Jerry started a new position with in the fire department
- Jerry turned 30
- I turned 30
- We got to go on two wine tasting adventures Paso & Napa areas
- I got pregnant again.
- My kids started preschool
- We survived the everyday chaos


2009 The Year of the Mom
- We will celebrate our 7th year anniversary
- We will welcome a third child into our family
- There will be bridal showers & bachelorette parties to plan
- My sister in law will get married and end the line of weddings in my husbands family
- Jerry is going to continue to heal
- I am going to start running again after #3 and hopefully do a few races
- My first born will turn 5
- We will continue to survive the everyday chaos

lace & Lacie

We went wedding dress shopping today for miss Lacie, my sister in law.

It was fun and made me reminisce about my own wedding. Lacie of course is gorgeous and made all the dresses look good. I think she found the one and we all we all knew it. It's amazing how that works.