Friday Fill ins

 

1. I'm so blessed, I'm grateful, I just can't say that enough.

2. Why do I have so many purses and not even half of them are actually used.

3. How does this state IOU thing work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put moisturizer on my face.

5. I consider myself lucky because by the grace of god , I have a job, a home, food and family.

6. One day we’ll see Italy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Andrew's first T-ball practice, tomorrow my plans include hopefully getting a hair cut and Sunday, I want to take the boys to Caitlyn's birthday party!

Dr, Dr gimme the news!

 A little late on this but for some reason, Andrew's 5 year check up, which is supposed to be in November, when he turns 5, got pushed out to February. Not sure how we ended up doing that but since they can't do the appointment any sooner than the year before, here we are!

Today Andrew's anxiety was mighty high as we got up, got ready, dropped off brother at daycare for a few hours ( which he could not understand why he was not going with us) and headed to see Dr. Chang! The whole way there it was:

Andrew: "I'm not getting a poke (shot)?" 

Me: No Andrew, you are not getting a shot this time! There is nothing to worry about...

Andrew: " I wonder what Luca is doing?"

Me: "He is probably playing..."

Andrew: " No poke this time"?

* laughs* And with all the reassurance I provided, he still broke down crying when the nurse got out the little monkey gown for him to put on. He only believed me when the Appointment was over and his arms were band aid free. He had a good time talking with Dr. Chang, and while his anxiety was not noticeably gone until we actually got home to his safe haven, Dr. Chang did a good job of helping to calm  his nervousness. If there are no, infestation of germs thru the year, Andrew will not have to see Dr. Chang until next February.

Andrew's 5 year Stats:

49.2 LBS

46.5"

20/25 Vision

Perfect hearing

I love faces!

We're a Diamondback

We finally got the call this past weekend from the team manager! Andrew will be playing on the Diamondback's.  He will be on a team with quite a few of his school buddies, which I am so excited about. We are super excited to get the season going. Daddy is going to be assistant coaching the team, which I am sure will be extremely fun for him seeing as he loves sports to no end. And what better way to coach but your son's team? We have our first meeting tomorrow evening, and most likely will have a first practice this weekend. I am sure we will find ourselves at a sports store this weekend getting some gear, which will include  some Diamondback hats for all of us. I'm even hoping I can find Luke a little one. I just hope they make one that small =).

Stay tuned for more Diamondback new.. We are just getting started! 

Just another Manic Monday

 

What's one of the simple pleasures in your life?

For me, I am so addicted to Starbucks. Everything is just fine and dandy if I have my Starbucks. lol - Pathetic I know, but fits it with the simple pleasure. 

What do you like to snack on when you watch a movie?

Depends on the mood I am in. Sometimes I can go and want popcorn, others a Hot dog. But I always need to have something to drink.

If you were a Survivor contestant, what would be your luxury item?

Mascara - love my MAC mascara!

It's been a while..

Today I received an award. Once I do cherish. It's hard being a Mom these days, a good one at that. And If I can give the impression I am a good Mom to my readers, who only read a fraction of my life, then I have to be doing something right!?!?!? Seriously, for someone to think of me to give an aware to is wonderful.

So, thanks Gen for the:

Now, I need to pass this thing on. I think all the blogs I read are super Mom's because frankly I think that is all I read are Mom, kid and baby blogs. But I would like to give it to Mom's that I know read my blog and I read theirs. So, I would like to give this award to:

My cousin's Kristie and Andria, of course.

And to some of my favorite blogger buddies:

Rachel - Little Bites of heaven 

One of my favorite new blogs:

Kelly's Corner

Another fairly new blog I read and love:

Maggie - Life with boys

And last but certainly not least:

The Bair's Double , The Bressington Crew

& So much to Seay

Thanks again Gen!

Friday Fill ins

 

1. Give me camera and I'll make memories.

2. Whenever I hear them laugh it just melts my heart.

3. I wish this economy would shape up soon.

4. Tri Tip was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world takes patience and  kindness .

6. Other than this one, Kelly's Korner is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include taking Andrew to a birthday party and cleaning up the house and Sunday, I want to relax before work!

Sympathy vote

Yes, it's that time again folks - American Idol season 8! And while this year is not starting off the way I would expect it to, as some of the talent of the first group of 12 is questionable, I can't help but to notice the first 3 that got into the final 12. For instance, Alexis Grace the 21 year young mother, the 27 year old rough neck labor worker and the adorable widower that

( I predict ) will be this years idol winner, Danny Gokey. I think Danny is the only one purely based on talent, is deserving enough to be in the top 12 after last nights line up. But, all of those 3 have the sad struggle, basically a single Mom story. And while I can appreciate their dreams, It boils down to who is the best. I question the sympathy vote card here. And I am tired of hearing that being "likable" is enough to get a vote. This is a singing talent competition.

I just hope the next 2 groups of 12 totaling 24, bring more talent to the table, considering only 6 of the 24 are going thru. Because so far, with the exception of Danny, I am not feeling the talent here. My last years favorites, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and David Archuleta  gave me chills when they sang, and again, so far, Danny is the only one that has done that. 

But one this is for sure, I am still addicted! 

Tuesday Toot meme

 

This Weeks toot goes out to a special lady, not just special but my Sister n-law. So special, that at times I find it stupid when I say "this is my sister n-law". Because for most people the n-laws are more dreadful than they are enjoyable, and I honestly think of my sister n-law, Leslie, as my sister. I have always thought as my husbands family as my family. They have always included me in everything, even when we were just dating. And are truly wonderful parents. They remind me so much of mine, selfless and will do anything for you. Luckily, the kindness they offer was passed down to their offspring =). Leslie is probably hands down the funniest person I know. I don't think we have ever had a conversation where she hasn't made me laugh. She is just one of those people who you enjoy being around and love to talk to. She's a down girl and loves to have fun and it's such an honor to have her as my sister.

This is Leslie with her daughter, Emma.

While I am unsure Leslie would appreciate me posting this picture in particular =), I felt it's the best picture because it represents the 2 of the things I know she loves most : Emma and running! For some months now, Leslie has been dating Justin. From day one when they started dating it was different. Leslie was different. Even her mom said, there is something different this time, I have never seen her like this. And while it did not take that long for Leslie to feel that Justin might be the one, it did not take long for Justin to feel that way either. On valentines day Justin proposed to Leslie!!! While It is not my place to share personal details in her life, I will just say that if there is anyone I know deserves what Leslie has found, it is her! I am so Happy for you sis, more than words can say. And I know that you and Emma are going to be so happy starting this new life with Justin, I can't wait to get to know him better.

And what I think is the sweetest thing out of this whole thing, is that Justin had asked Emma a couple weeks ago, if it would be alright if he asked her Mom to marry him. How stinking cute is that? I am so proud of her for keeping it a secret. She knew this whole time and did not say a word! Emma said yes btw =).

Special Delivery

The boys were having their nightly play, like normal, and somehow they had gotten a hold of one of the bags I had used to pack some stuff in for the over night stay at Man and Pop's. Half the time I don't know what they do out there because I am in the room working. This particular night they decided to bring the fun to me in the room. I am sure glad they did! I had just enough time to grab the camera and get a shot!

I can't help but laugh. He is so tiny, we would never of been able to do this to Andrew!

What cracks me up is he looks comfortable! 

Okay, Party is over guys! 

Before

Here is a before picture of the office prior to the new furniture. I hope to be done with it this weekend. At which point I will post the "after" Picture.

The old desk was coming out long ways where the white body pillow is laying.

Just another Manic Monday

 

Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up for the rest of your life? Mexican food - hands down! 

Which month of the year do you think best describes your personality? I'm going to say the month of my Birthday, March.

If you could be a contestant on any game show, past or present, which show would you pick?

Who wants to be a Millionaire 

My funny Valentine

I had an amazing valentines Day! At first I did not think we would end up doing anything. Our morning started with renting a Budget truck to go pick up some office furniture from my parents house, and to drop off the kids for the night. Them staying was not for Valentines day, but so we could have the time to set up this office ect. I guess we just got lucky on the day- he he.

We spent the majority of the morning and afternoon setting this 7 piece of a monster up,  but I have to say it was 100% worth it! It provided us so much space we did not have. 

One units provided me shelves to store my Scrapbooking supplies and the bottom portion to file important papers and more scrapbook stuff. 

The third unit serves my work area. I have the long desk and the shelves on top to the side, that I use to display some of my Disney snow globes , the bottom ( under the desk ) is where we will store books and other misc. items. The last unit is my husbands little unit. He has the shelves on top for some of his stuff and then the desk portion for our home computer. The printer is under that in a closed cabinet. I cannot thank my parents enough for passing this down to us, and I hope they know how much it's appreciated! 

We did not finish this project but the hardest part is done. Once we decided we had enough cleaning for the day I headed off to take a shower and get ready. It was the strangest thing being able to take my time. And the best part was I got to plaster my face with some MAC makeup. It's not often I get to be girly as with 2 kids time does not really permit that. 

We hit the town about 4-5:00, somewhere in there. With a new casino recently having a grand opening, it was not hard to decided where we wanted to go. Red Hawk Casino is about 20 min or so from us. The plan was to eat at the Waterfall Buffet , but the line was backed up from the entrance to the escalator. We were way to hungry to wait in a line as ridiculous as that. I am sure my feet would not have appreciated that either. We ended up at Henry's Steakhouse and I am so glad we did. The lights were dim, there were candles on the table, and it was the perfect place to have a romantic Valentines Day dinner. They were  booked with reservations til 10:30 so it was first come first serve in the bar area, they had 4 pub style tables and lots of hungry people. We waisted no time moving in on a party with their checks in hand.. And as soon as they stood we pounced like cats! lol

It was very busy, but our server was amazing and managed the crowds well in my opinion.  Our meal selections were Salmon for Steven with Oxtail soup ( very delicious BTW ) and I had my favorite - Fillet Mignon. Let me just say that it was the BEST steak I have ever had. Yes! I said BEST. I almost feel bad saying this because I have 2 awesome men in my life that can make some mean steaks.. but this steak.. the flavor.. with the onions.. OH! I savored every bite, intentionally cutting small sliver like pieces just so I could enjoyed every 8 oz of that baby! My steak accompanied a massive, and I mean massive, baked sweet potato. Being so full.

Being full, we passed on the dessert. Perhaps the anticipation to hit some slots. Something about "throwing" money away makes me uneasy. And I guess it's only throwing it away if you loose.. right? I set 20.00 aside for the slots.. we did some dollars, quarters and some nickels. We won 64.00 but cashed it out at 50.00. Heading back down the hill, we stopped in El Dorado Hills to see what was playing at the movie's. Nothing caught out attention, so the wind blew us back to the car and landed us at Ruby Tuesdays where we had some dessert. By this time our food had settled.  Our night ended around 10 something. Steven had to work in the morning and with all that work earlier in the day we were pretty tired. 

Did I mention that we had the night with no kids ? And can you guess was we talked about the majority of the time ? =)

Happy Valentines Day

Since tomorrow will be a day of cleaning, which I have to say I am rather excited about, I wanted to post this now. I am not sure I will even celebrate this day of Love, to which I find odd seeing as both of the kids will be staying at my parents tomorrow night. But I am sure we will find romance putting together our new office furniture, maybe curl up on the couch and watch a movie.  I am not one to expect some lavish gift or anything, but on a night with no kids, you think we would take advantage of at least going out?

Hope everyone has a day filled with love and sweets!

Friday Fill-Ins

 

1. It seems like just yesterday I had my babies!

2. Close the lid on the toilet when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you would have liked it I'd of got you one too!

4. Forever is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means reminding those you love just how much they mean to  you.

6. God gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe watching a movie and getting the office ready for the new furniture, tomorrow my plans include attacking the office and getting it done once and for all and Sunday, I want to do nothing, but I have to work!

No kids!... What?

My parents have decided to down size some. Currently we have a space issue. We need shelves, a file cabinet and space to put things to get organized. This is mainly in the office. Some may remember in December, I was supposed to be tackling this project while on vacation, it also included other things that tied in with it. Well, finally have Luke in with Andrew and the office is pretty much in shambles. Oh! And I still have not taken anything to Once Upon a child! There is stuff everywhere.

We have had tons of blessings this year, I thank god! My parents, in the process of down sizing, have decided they no longer want the 7 piece office furniture set they bought some years ago for like 2,000 ( or some rather large number ) and have decided to pass it on to us. They feel it will serve more purpose to our family, give them the room they need, and in turn we will pass on our lovely office furniture. Which suits their needs right now. Everybody wins =) I can't wait it, is so nice! 

Now, if that's not enough. They are keeping not 1 but both of the kids this weekend! We are going to give it a shot! Luke is not as easy as Andrew was, so we are taking a risk here. I am going to give little man the benefit of the doubt and say he will do good. He is going to be there all day, so I think by the time night falls he will be comfortable. Wish me luck, because I agreed that if we get a midnight call, I am the one that has to go get him.

Why Do YOU Blog?

I have to thank my cousin-n-law, Andria, for this post. While I am only a few posts past my cousin, I have to sit back and think of that # 250. That's 250 memories that we've stored. While I am curious to know numbers to some of the other Blogger's out there. I still think 250 is a large number of entries. Like my blog addict cousin, I got started blogging because of the same person, my other cousin- n- law, Kristie. It was random for me at first, I mean I have lost count of how many journals & diaries I have started that lay somewhere collecting dust. And here I am some years later, with 250 something entries under my belt. So, without further ado - Here is why I blog:

1. Great stress relief! Even though I may not always blog about the exact thing that is causing me so much stress, the writing in general relaxes me. Blogging is my outlet!
   
2. Blogging is a great way for friends and family who don't live close, to to see what we have been up to and see how fast the kiddos are growing.
   
3. Like my cousin Andria, I too have some monsters running around my house that make for great blogging material.
   
4. Blogging is just one more thing I can add to the "me time" category.
   
5. I have always said that one day I am going to write a book. Well, here it is!
   
6. When I am old and senile , I will be able to look back and remember all the special moments that we made.
   

So, those are a handful of reasons for which I blog. If you would like to take part, head on over to MommyCommunity and join in on the fun! And if you choose to list your reasons for blogging be sure to leave a comment so I can head on over and take a look!

Tuesday Toot Meme

Happy Tuesday everyone! I always say I do not get enough time for me. Mommy time. I spend so much time cleaning, taking care of the kids, cooking ect. And while these are all things I passionately enjoy, it seems that everything else around me stopped when I had kids. This is to be expected to an extent, but should I have to stop doing any and all things that I enjoy for myself because of it? No! Steven has the things that he enjoys and I gladly encourage him to do those things. But what about me? Where do I get my time?

I have learned that you just have to make the time and take it. That is my goal this year is to have more time for me. That also includes taking better care of myself all around. But this weekend I learned that, because the schedule is so busy, there is a small price that comes with taking that time.

Friday after we had dinner at Bucca di Beppo we headed over to Arden Fair Mall. I had a pair a boots that the soles literally exploded on so I was in desperate need of a new pair. Now, I do not buy things that often for myself, because I always think, what could I of got for the kids with that money? We ended up at Macy's, and while I was just really looking to see what they had with no intention to buy, I couldn't help but to take advantage of the insane sale they had going on. I mean if I was going to get a new pair of shoes and spend the money why not be on major sale? The boots were marked down 40% off with an ADDITIONAL 30% off!! You would of done it too. By the time all was said and done, I got a $100 pair of boots for a whopping 

$ 35.00!  

Feeling the urge to not pass up that sale,  I went back later that evening alone. I bought one more pair of boots and a pair of Ed Hardy flip flops! (They were adorable and that is all I wear in the summer!) I left with both the boots and flip flops for $ 87.00 The boots were originally 100 and something and the flip flops were like 35. Now, you are probably thinking I was done right? NOPE!  I headed over to the cosmetics counter and picked me up some new skin care. A complete system too, complete with some eye cream! By the end of the trip I was feeling great! I cannot tell you how long it has been since I had put some money out for some skin care that did not come from Target. It was much needed. After having 2 kids and this crazy weather, my skin has really changed. I think now more than ever is a good time to start taking better care of it.

Sorry guys I have a lot to toot about!

My best friend was also in town this weekend. She was only here for a few days for a funeral. She lives in FL so I could not have her come, and not see her. I was going to see her no matter what it took. After being up since 6:30 on Saturday morning, having already gone to breakfast with one of my great friends, a family B-day party in the afternoon, and back to Macy's to get Steven a few things. It was already 8:00. I was exhausted! But she was leaving at 6am the next morning - it had to be that night. I freshened myself up and headed to pick her up. We ended up meeting 2 friends from Jr. High at BJ's for some food and drinks. I was driving so I had a 2 drink limit on myself. By the time we all met up it was after 10. I did not get home til after midnight. I was over exhausted and ill. I got sick, probably from all the dang food I eat, and the fact that we probably did not get our food until 11:00. A small price to pay to be able to see my best friend, but my point is, this weekend was full of awesome time for me. I can't thank Steven enough for his support in allowing me to take the time.

Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep *lol*. Thanks for listening to me toot!!

Miracle on the Hudson River

My Grandmother sent this to me and I thought It was blog worthy.

This is Rex Babin's interpretation of the miracle on the Hudson River

Happy Birthday Sydney & Peyton!

On February 6, this gorgeous 2'some turned 3! With Peyton on the L and Sydney on the R. ( The princess in the middle is big sister Bianca ). We have the pleasure of living the street over from this "triple threat", though we don't see them as often as we'd like, we surely take any and ever opportunity we can to do so, and a Birthday party is no exception. Today's fun-filled birthday was celebrated at Safetyville USA. It was a chilly morning, but certainly nothing a little sweater wouldn't take care of. It was a great way for the kids to burn off all their energy. Luke was asleep before we got home, he was just getting pushed around in his stroller the majority of the time. Can you imagine what kind of nap some of the kids who were triking and scoot'n all over that place had? I can tell Andrew was tired, but seeing that he has no school tomorrow I was not going to force him to take a nap.

Peyton and Sydney enjoying their cake!

Is this not the cutest cake you have ever seen?

Happy Birthday Peyton and Sydo, We hope you had a good one!

Manic Monday

 

# 154

What is your favorite candy?

There is so much Yummy candy out there, is it really possible to name just one type of candy? I suppose rather not listing anything, I should provide a list of my favorite, weight gain in a bottle , treats. In no particular order:

• Snickers 
• Kit-Kat
• Charleston's Chew
• Whatchamacallit

Again, just to name a few... or 4?

Name one thing that you'd want to receive as a gift for Valentine's day.

Although, I enjoy getting gifts, the # 1 thing I always long for is time with my husband. We do not get enough of it. Dinner and a movie is great, even just a movie. Do  you know how many weekends we said, wanna see Benjamin Button tomorrow? We even looked the show time up online Friday.. but never went.

Can we truly love someone who loves another? 

Yes, because I have, unfortunately. I allowed myself to fall in love with someone that was still in love with someone else, had I known, I would not of allowed myself to open my heart to him. It was too late by the time I found out and the damage was already done. 

Construction has wrapped!

I decided to go completly south with my look look. I had done the black elegant look for some time but I really did not feel it fit "Fantastic 4". That is something I would want for ME not the family. So, I decided on something fun. Several, and boy to I mean several attempts of creating something via Scrapblog, I think I got something here I really really like! It fits my fun boys and more of the testosterone life I live with them.

What do you think?

Friday fill-ins

1. Please don't tell me what to do.

2. Can you ever sleep past 7am in the morning? --> ????? ( I added the extra questions marks )

3. The color pink makes me want to have another baby ( A girl )!

4. I have a craving for anything sweet.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it at the scene of my wedding and babies being born.

6. Eyes are the video camera for your memories.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe renting some movie, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party and Sunday, I want to recover - after I go to another birthday party!

Saturday in the City

One of our most favorite things to do is take little day trips or drives. Saturday we ended up taking a drive into the city with my N-laws and my niece. It was a nice drive, no traffic and the weather in the city was prefect as always. We took a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then headed to In--N-Out for some lunch. We got home early evening to move my desk from our bedroom into the new office.

Wordless Wednesday: Giddy Up Horsey!

Just another Manic Monday

Ahhh.. I don't think there is a better way to start this Beautiful Monday morning and week out any better than with some good ol' blogging! As I sit

here in my new office digs sipping my Venti Iced White Mocha from none other than Starbucks!

#153

What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod (or music collection)?

Let me start by saying there isn't just one! I probably have one of the most craziest iTunes libraries! Just in purchased music alone I am racking in almost 1,700 songs! That is not including my separate CD collection! In this collection you will find a little bit of everything. Starting with some Alicia Keys to Al Green, then on over to some Backyardigans " A Pirate Says Arrgh!", then over to some Bon Jovi, maybe taking a stop for some holiday cheer, Burl Ives 

(yes, got to have my Christmas music too), Oh oh.. how about some Chipmunks?? Got a little Dane Cook for you funny people... Getting soulful with some Joss Stone.. Being "Bad" with some Michael Jackson, Acting more childish with some Raffi, going back in the day with some TLC and Vanilla Ice ( remember Ice Ice Baby?) Yep, got that song too! A little White Snake never hurt nobody... What you ganna do about some Wrex-N Effect " Rump Shaker"?

So, as you can see I have a strange, but some might say healthy, variety of music in my Library or on my ipod. Everyone needs a little variety in their life and mine just happens to come in the form of music. That is just a fraction of the weirdness but at least it gives you an idea.

How much time do you spend each day in your commute? (Or if you don't work outside the house, how much time do you spend in your car or other preferred mode of transportation?)

I work from home, so the most time I might spend in the car is on the weekend if we go places.

During the week, the furthest I go is just a few miles to take and pick Andrew up from school.

There may be the occasional trip to Costco or Starbucks ( teehee), which both are about 5 miles from my house. Other than that I am very much so happy to call myself a home body.

What's your favorite wardrobe item and why?

Oh gosh! This is a good one.. I am just now building my jewelry collection and it's starting to be a favorite.  Nothing better than making an outfit pop with some beautiful Jewelry. And I just got a ton of it from my Silpada Jewelry party last weekend! So, it's a new and exciting thing to me. I used to wear it more often but, unfortunately, a house we were renting 7 years ago was robbed and all the jewelry I had received from my husband when were dating was taken. All that was left behind was my birthstone band bracelet and the diamond earrings I had just got for Christmas. I was so crushed! They had taken my cross necklace, my pendant, even my engagement ring! And what is worse, they had just left our 600 dollar Camera on the bed. To tell you the truth I would of rather they taken that! The meaning to all that jewelry cannot be replaced.

Anyways.. So, I'd have to say Jewelry is my new favorite wardrobe item. But then again purses are always fun ( wink wink ).. That is a whole other blog =)

Have a Fantastic Week!