Could it be the last?

I fear that this could be, if not, one of the last play dates we will have with our wild cousin's. It's has been a summer full of spray parks and Starbucks and I am just not sure I am ready for it to end. As Andria has been searching for jobs left & right ( in between our play dates of course ) she finally has an interview! Woo hooo! 

On another note, School starts very soon ( Aug 17th ) and I am just not ready for it all to end.My what a different life having a child in school brings. School clothes shopping, homework, nightly reading, packing lunches and the hours of my sleep decreased by 2! 

What a handsome duo these 2 are!

Silly boy, it's clear he is too big, but he would not stay off of it!

Ah and to our wild ones, without which, our play dates would not be possible!

Summer treats!

Today I decided to forgo lunch... Well, not cold turkey! The boys did eat but not your traditional PB&J that's for sure! By the time Luke got up from his nap it was about 2. And lately we have been eating dinner pretty early. So, I changed and dressed Luke, threw a shirt and shorts on Andrew, loaded the car and off to McDonald's for some soft serve Ice cream. ( We stopped at Costco to top off the gas tank for The boy's Tahoe Trip tomorrow ) 

I got the ice cream cone, while the boys got it sundae style. Andrew watched me in panic thru the rear view mirror as I eat my rather large cone. "It's going to fall off" he was shouting. I just giggled and said, it's not going to fall off! We got home and Andrew could not wait to dig in. Luke was already diving face first into my cone as I carried him in the house. I was actually a bit full at this point and offered up to him the rest of my cone. He willingly accepted the offer! And surprised to say, he did not make as big of a mess as I thought he would. I think it was so yummy he just did not want to waste a single drop!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Olema Ranch Camping 2009

I was starting to think that our camping trip was not going to arrive. With a couple minor bumps we were loaded and off bright and early! We had stayed at Olema Ranch before, this time not so crowded. Which, in a way, was probably good. During our days, we have some people camp next to us. Some people stayed 1 night and were gone early the next morning.

We kept busy. We pretty much did a beach a day. It was so much running around. I'll be honest, I would of enjoyed a little more down time, but Steven does not like just sitting around relaxing as I do. He did take Andrew one afternoon to a second beach and Luke and I napped. Nothing like taking a nap in the afternoon right in the great outdoors!

We also made the much anticipated stop for the Oysters! They are a big thing down that way. We were actually invited to try them by a camper the last time we were there. That guy had the small ones but Steven got the big ones this time. He eat 10 of the 12! I passed this time.

Despite the nightly raid to our camp site by the Raccoon. All was really well. We had one night we were awakened my a man yelling. It was rather strange. I almost thought I was dreaming, but Steven said something the next morning. The boys slept amazingly well considering how chilly the nights were. Luke slept like a baby that he is. He was well bundled so I did not worry about him, but Andrew, we had to show him the proper way to sleep in a sleeping bag.

All in all, the trip was just what I needed. Does not solve the problems but surely lets you forget about them for a few days.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A FANTASTIC 4th!

Today was spent with nothing better than family. Originally, we did not plan to do anything with the leaving for camping on Tuesday. I did not want to pack too much into our schedule. We decided to BBQ some burgers, and then we invited both our parents as well as my Grandmother and Uncle. With the help of someone bringing something, I didn't once feel overwhelmed! Everything went smoothly. The food was great and the visit was just long enough. 

To have a little more cash for camping, we decided this year to go see Fireworks. Hagan Park was having a 4th of July celebration with a Fireworks show. They were scheduled to begin at 9. Now, I know these things never start right on time, but had I known they were going to start at 10, I would of reconsidered this idea having my 18 month old along for the ride. Boy was he pissed! Usually he takes 2 naps. Today he took 1 and that was early in the day. He did fine up thru 9:00 even 9:30 ish. But of course when the show started he was just done. I got to stand outside the car with a crying pissed off baby, while the boys sat back and enjoyed the pretty lights from inside he comfortable car. I supposed this was all still worth saving the 50+ bucks we would of spent on fireworks in exchange for our much anticipated camping trip.  But we won't be going to any fireworks display during the next few independence day celebrations.

Hope you all had an amazing 4th! 

Another Wild play Date

I'm beginning to like Tia Andria not having to work! ( not really ) but it's surely nice to have someone with kids around the same age as mine. And really it can't get any better than it being Family! Our Cousin's, "Our Three Wild Ones", are great kids, and a blast to hang out with. Not to mention, having some adult companionship myself. It's our second play date, and I am already looking forward to a 3rd. I tell ya, with everything going on with my Mom, it's so nice just to get out in that sun and play with my munchkins. It really helps takes my mind off of things. 

Once again, I was camera-less. But as always, and probably extremely selfish of me, Andria had hers handy! Perhaps I like her camera better too =) A special Thanks to you Andria, for the awesome pics you took of my boys! 

Today we actually did the spray park. We didn't do it last time because it was jut a bit too cold. But today was absolutely perfect. After hanging out in the shade for the first part. We made our way over with the babies to cool off. The water was perfect! Now, this is a huge gamble for me because Luke seems to be afraid of water. Bath time is a disaster with him unless Andrew is in the tub too, which is not always and wont always be the case. But I couldn't believe it! He did not mind the water at all. I let him approach it on his terms , did not push him in or splash him. He was soaked at one point and it did not seem to bother him! Tub time this evening was a 360 as well. He got a little mad when I rinsed his hair. Hopefully with swim lessons and some summer swimming I can cure him of his water phobia! 

Make a Smilebox postcard

Play date with the Wild Ones

Today was the first, of I hope, many play dates this summer. I was lucky enough for the first one to be with my cousin -n-law, Andria,  and her Wild Ones. 

Andrew had a blast hanging around with his cousin Dominic.

Cousin Donovan had a great time scootin' around by himself...

While Devin (L) and Luke (R), had a great time hanging out in the wagon eating Fruit loops.

The 2 hours seemed to go by fairly fast. And Andrew not wanting to leave is a good indicator that he had a good time. Thank You Andria for the pictures. It always seems my camera is out of batteries when I want it most. I enjoyed our adult conversation while enjoying our adult beverages *smiles*. Looking forward to doing it again!

Farewell Diamondback's

As school came to an end, so did our first T-ball season. This year a diamondback, next year, who knows? But I did certainly enjoy T-ball better than I did soccer and I think Andrew did too. Saturday marked our last game of the season and they really made it a good one for the boys. After the game on Saturday, the Diamondbacks headed over to the Sunrise Fun Center. The boys ( and one girl) had a great time! We all met in the Party Corral for some pizza, cake and distribution of Trophies! 

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The cake was oh so yummy!

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The boys, waiting for their cool trophies! 

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Jocelyn did a great job telling a little about each player! 

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Daddy, getting his coach's plaque!

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After being so patient, and having to chase a child down (or pull a coach from the batting cages)

It was finally time to go burn off all that sugar! Most of the kids were too small for the go carts, so the majority of them migrated to multiple bumper boats......

He wanted to keep going and going and going...

... the arcade, water balloon wars, batting cages, and the shortest game of miniature golf cheaters I have ever seen!

Grandpa would be proud! 

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Luke managed to even get in a little riding time.

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Among other things....

What a ladies man!
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By this time we had all been there a few hours! I think we all (including myself) were ready for a nap! I must give credit to mini man. For such a long day he did so good!

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The last photo of the Diamondback's 2009 season

You thought the day was over, didn't you? =) Nope! We went home and rested for 2 hours, and then it was off to Cousin Dominic's 7th B-day!

He/she has moved in...

I think our little bunny friend has made himself a permanent residence in our neighbor's back yard. We see him munching on the grass most of the time, and occasionally catching a little nap.

This is better shot from the last one because it's not thru a screen. Isn't that the cutest little thing you have seen? I just love that little puff ball tail!

School's out for summer!

It's so hard to believe we have already gone through a whole year of school. It was a long one, and certainly shook things up around the house as far as the schedule goes. I know I will be enjoying the extra time in the evenings not having to do homework, or having to make sure all the clothes are clean before the school week begins. Not to mention lunches, taking too and picking up from school. All together, I can imagine, I am getting quite a bit of time back. I won't get too comfortable though, I know this will all start over in August. I will say for sure, I am not going to enjoy another year of half days. But I suppose it's a small price to pay to assure Andrew is getting the best education. I would hate to see how far behind he would fall had we allowed him to move to First grade. 

On another note, I cannot say how proud I am of my little man. I can't believe how much he has learned and grown over the school year. He went from knowing a hand full of numbers to being able to count to 100. Can identify words, can add and subtract, write his name ect. All things he either was rough at doing before or could not do at all. He has come a long way, and for what he has accomplished, I am so happy. I am confident that next year, he can be a leader and it will be a strong year for him. I am going to miss Mrs. Newman, the kids and helping in the class.

Andrew and Mrs. Newman, last day of school.

Andrew, playing around during the promotion ceremony.

And let us not forget Luke, who was less than thrilled to have to sit thru that whole thing.

June Thunder

It's June, and it's supposed to be hot ( in the 90's -100's) But instead we are getting thunder and lightening. Steven took this picture from the front of our house. I must say, he has taken some of our best pictures.

What the heck is in there????

For the past few days, Andrew has been complaining of a " huge booger" in his nose. He has in fact been sneezing excessively, and has not been able to keep his fingers off or out of his right nostril. Normally, this sort of attention to the nose is because it's runny or dry as a result of a cold. Well, his nose is not runny nor is he sick. I really did not think much of it. I just told him to hold the left nostril down and blow really hard, and it should release it. Well, he's five, so I am sure you can imagine how that went. Finally today he carried on and on about this booger and was just constantly in his nose. When I picked him up from school, he lifted his nose and said " look at my booger". I chuckled and said I don't want to see  your boogers. 

Finally, after much persuasion, he convinced me ( purely for amusement) to look inside his nose at this massive booger that has decided to invade him. Now, he was certainly right. There was a "big booger" planted in Andrew's nose. Only... it really did not look like a booger. It was sort of neon greenish. By this time, Daddy had joined in on the fun. And I randomly said to Steven, chuckling, "it almost looks like a neon green LEGO or something". After about 15 min. of negotiating with him, to allow us to pull his "booger" out with the tweezers ( mind you this is a ding dong and a threat to the Dr.s office later, before this all transpired ) he finally allowed up to pull it out. We had to promise it was not going to hurt ( 100 times - literally ).

First grab with the tweezers: A booger indeed. Was larger than the average I would say, but the bigger half of the booger was still up there.

Second grab with the tweezers: Me: what the????? Steven: "What the heck is that?" ( me looking at Steven) " It's a LEGO!" Me: "Andrew, how did this get in your nose?"  Are you ready for it? Andrew: "I don't know!: Me: "You don't know how this LEGO got in your nose?" Andrew: "Mustafa put it up there"

Oh lord have mercy! lol How awful do I feel that these past few days this poor guy had a cone shaped LEGO jammed of up nose, and I just kept telling him to blow and leave his nose alone!

Now, we still aren't 100% sure how the neon green, cone shaped LEGO entered his nose. I can't tell you how many times the story has changed since it's discovery.

Don't worry, no photo was taken ! 

Hippity Hop

One of the great things I love so much about my house is the front. We share a rather large grass area with our neighbors. So, I get a call from Amy today, and she tells me without opening the door or making any noise, look out the front. Now, the first thing I was thinking is oh no, what now? With the Gartner snake, Rattle snake, Frogs, skunks, ducks, rats, endless amount of bugs and coyotes I just could not imagine what could be out there. 

I was shocked to be greeted by a little baby Jack Rabbit munching on the grass that Steven and Chris ( Amy's husband) are so desperately trying to keep alive. It was the most adorable thing. It hopped all over the place for a bit, before it decided to go into Chris and Amy's back yard.

Steven managed to get a shot from the laundry room window.

Memorial Day..

I miss blogging! I have always said blogging, for me, is such a stress relief and with everything going on, you think I would be blogging more. Unfortunately, my mind has been elsewhere. But I have decided that I need to stay true to the things I love to keep my sanity! Including, hopefully going to a movie Friday night with a girlfriend. ( Fingers crossed that works out) 

I miss taking pics of the kids. I was able to get a few cute shots of them from Memorial day.

Andrew, enjoying that soda! 

He can't even reach the pedals, but clearly he could care less.

My little towhead!

It's clear he won't have height for B-ball, but Daddy is shooting for Football!

( I can't believe he is 17 months )

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope Everyone has a safe and blessed Memorial Day! 

Here's hoping I actually capture some photo's today. I always take my camera but never pull it out. I have been such in a slump, I have not taken any pics of the kids.

Update on my Mom

My Mom officially has her license revoked. After the scare with her last driving excursion, she was given 48 hours to report to DMV to take the written test and to take a driven evaluation. The day she went to DMV, unfortunately, was not such a good day for her. She was sick and willingly told them she was in no condition to take either of these tests today. As a result, they had no choice but the temporarily revoke her DL until further medical review. Her Dr. also agreed and told my Mom, we will revisit getting her DL back in about a month. This works out well because it's about the time she scheduled to see the specialist for the Hashimoto's disease. Her Biopsy for the breast cancer is scheduled for June 2. I am glad they are not making her wait another 2 months for that procedure. This waiting game has seriously been a joke. She does, however, have an amazing Dr. Who is the whole reason she was able to get the Mammogram done and the reason the biopsy was scheduled for a sooner rather than later date. They did tell her that they were going to actually open the break up rather than insert tubes and remove samples. In addition they warned her that depending upon what they find, they may have to close her back up, which could lead to partial removal of removal of her breast. 

I will post an update sometime after the 2nd

Team Dempsey!

I must admit I was originally super excited to go to Monterey just to be away from the 100 degree heat. But when we got there, and if felt like a melting pot , I was quickly turned off by the trip. I love Monterey, however, normally when we go, the weather is divine. A little sun to get a light tan, and just enough of a breeze to keep you from sweating. I felt bad but Luke and I spend most of the time in the back of the car. We arrived at Laguna Seca around noon. The parking was ridiculous! We hiked down hill to the track, to quickly spot the highlight of the trip for me. This guys is a sure thing, and owning his own racing team, really increases the odds of me seeing him! Ahhh Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Aka Ronald miller Aka Dr. McDreamy / Dr. Derek Shepherd. Never gets old! The first time I met him was by complete luck. Right time at the right place kind of thing. (This was a few years ago, just found out I was pregnant with Luke) We were standing at the entrance of the race track, just as the cars were coming off from the race. Once all the cars were out, out comes the knight and shin... so kidding lol. He just comes strolling out. You could not miss him.. and he was walking right to me. I mean, wouldn't you be curious if a woman was staring at you with her jaw to the floor? I suppose he thought he would be nice and come and help me attach it back to my face. He is such a nice man, kind as can be. He is always a pleasure and, what I thought was odd was I did not have to go to him. It was clear I was a fan and was just super excited to have seen him, he willingly walked up to meet me. I have met other celebrities, an it's not like that with him. I had met Jessica Simpson and at airport once, before she was really even big. She was a snob! I asked to take a picture and she did not even answer, her Mom had to say yes. But anyways... I managed to keep my jaw off the floor long enough to get a pic of him. I was literally in line for 5 min, and by the time I got up to him, I was beat red, sweaty, and my hair was wet - I felt so gross. But got my pic =)

We had probably been down on the track about 20 min or so and it was right around lunch time. Steven wanted to go back up to the car and eat, which was fine, but I had no idea what I was in for. We parked on a very steep hill, of course, it does not feel so bad coming down, but trying to climb back up pushing a stroller was insane. It was so hot and I felt like I was going to pass out. Because of that hill I had decided to Stay back with Luke and try to give him a nap in the back of the car. I folded the back seats down, and we had us a cool little hang out. It was hot but sitting in the cool car gave us just enough of a breeze to be comfortable. Luke wanted no part in napping. He thought our little set up was the coolest thing! I had the tail gate closed but the pop up window portion open. He was just tall enough to pop his little head out. We relaxed for a couple hours and then the boys decided to come back for some snacks and water. By this time I had found a parking further down the hill, so the guys did not have to hike up again. They seems grateful for that ( I know I would of been ). By this time I think the heat was getting the best of them and they decided it was cool to leave. Andrew has his undershirt on only and he was wet and beat red. We stopped to get had and off to Capitola we went.  I love this little town. We usually make 2 stops when we are there. One is Pizza my heart  I am going to put it out there and say this is probably the best pizza I have ever had! The second is a little shop in the town that sells soap. We love the soap so I always grab some when we are there. After sitting on a bench watching the water, we were loaded with Pizza and soda and back on the road. It was a nice ride home. The closer into Sacramento we got the hotter it started to get. It got me excited for the little trips we are hoping to take over the summer. 

Just say it..

I never had wanted to blog about something like this. I usually tend to keep the blog family oriented with fun things we do. But I hope to keep this blog going and maybe someday publish it for our kids to enjoy when they are older. I just know that the longer I blog the more work it will be to get it printed.  There are things I never want forgotten, even if it's good news or bad news. 

A couple months ago, my Mom passed out at work and nearly broke her food. As it ended up turning out, she had very low blood pressure. For the next 2 months after the incident they were trying to figure out what in the world is causing the low blood pressure and her passing out. This is to begin a long drawn out process. It seemed like she just continued to get worse. She is always tired to the point where she can hardly hold her eyes open, she was always cold even to the touch she would be freezing. On Easter, she appeared pasty and pale almost like  a corpse. She became repetitive in what she says, telling me the same thing over and over each time we spoke, sometimes a couple times in one conversation. She got a call that she has a bad thyroid ( This was before Easter) . Not great, but at least we had an answer to maybe some of the things that have been going on. First challenge is medicating a gastric bypass patient. Easter was when I became more alarmed, her appearance was awful. 

It was a week or 2 after Easter when she got the call that she has Hashimoto's disease. Even more thrilled to have an answer, now we wait until June to see the specialist. Frightening considering she has passed out, our fear is her passing out while driving. We won't have more on this until sometime in June.

As if she has not had enough...

Some time last year ( might not even of been that long ago) , my mom had a Mammogram. The end result was they think there is something there, they just can't see it. In the mean time, since that mammogram, my Mom has lost over 100lbs. They requested another mammogram. My mom had since changed insurance, but of course that should not matter, she still has coverage.

When going to get the second mammogram done, the lady told my Mom that they were not able to do the mammogram, as it had to be done on the exact machine it was done on previously. Well, having changed insurance, the mammogram would not be covered at the previous office because she no longer has that insurance. On a recent Dr. Apt. my Mom's Dr. asked her what was going on with it, and she explained what had happened. My mom's Dr. found this unacceptable ( thank god ) and by the time my Mom got out to her car, her Dr. called her and had scheduled a mammogram for her. She told my Mom to get it done, and if the insurance denies the claim, they will cover it. About 2 weeks ago she had the mammogram and a few days after, it was confirmed that my Mom has Breast Cancer. There are just no words...

In addition to my only daily struggles I have been trying to come to terms with all of this. I have been going through a lot with Andrew lately and it has been emotionally draining. 

Daily, t has been emotional. My Mom needs us more than ever know, and it brings tears to my eyes to see how scared she is. She is so vulnerable and speaks of death as if she is already there.

It has been a painful couple weeks, and I am not sure we are ready for what could potentially be in store. At this time she is scheduled to see a specialist for the Hashimoto's disease and is waiting a biopsy for the breast cancer. At which point we hope to have more answers. The stage, has it spread, ect.

Since I have started this post, I have returned to it after a few days. I mentioned the fear of something happening why she is driving. This is what made me finish this post. Because I think by me posting it, marks that I am ready to deal with it. And I need to do that.

Today...

My Mom was feeling ill at work. And instead of coming to my house as planned, she decided to drive home. While driving home, She ran 2 stop signs and ran 2 people off the road. One of the people she ran off the road, called and reported my Mom's car as a possible reckless drunk driver. This person kindly followed my Mom in fear of her crashing, and wanted to make sure she had immediate help if this happen. As awful but incorrect as this is, I thank the lord for that person that did this. I can only imagine what could of happen if they had just let her go.

By the time she got more into town, the cops were surrounding a 4 way intersection waiting for my Mom's car. Of course she was pulled over, and it was quickly discovered, my Mom was not drunk, but ill, very very ill. At this stage my Mom looks very ill in appearance, frail and weak. Thankfully my Mom carries all the paper work about her medical conditions. The cops were so compassionate toward my Mom and wanted to just get her home safely. My Dad left work to go get her and they officers expressed sincere apologies for what she is going through to my Dad. 

Unfortunately, my Mom's driving privileges had been temporarily suspended, which I am also grateful for. She could hurt someone and herself, and until she in under the care of a specialist, she should not be driving.

Friday Fill in

 

1. Apparently there's some sort of bug going around and I hope it does not decide come back, it's not welcome!

2. Yesterday was a nice sunny day.

3. 2009 has been good so far.

4. I saw Twilight and that was it.

5. For too long I've been putting off working out.

6. I am not obsessed with Twilight; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the calm before the storm because, tomorrow my plans include 10am T-ball game, 2:30 Silpda Party 5:30 Niece's B-day party and Sunday, I want to recover!

Celebrate!

Today is my husband's Birthday! And being an adult does not mean he gets anything less than what the kids would on their special day! I love doing extra special things to make that awesome! 

I had a few things lined up and all turned out well.I requested half the night off so I could actually sit and eat with him. The menu included : Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. And no B-day is complete without some kind of sweet treat! 

I decided to do something other than cake. I had seen this cupcake place some time ago called Cupcake Craving and thought we would give it a try. I ordered Brownie Delight ( just came out yesterday, and chocolate fix. They did not disappoint, absolutely delicious! I almost passed out when I walked into the place it smelled so good! I can't even describe it. Who knew gourmet cupcakes could smell better than Betty Crocker! We will be returning to try the #1 seller, red Velvet Rescue, among many others I am sure.

While today was Daddy's special day, Luke seemed to be the center of attention during treat time. Luke's first B-day did not go so well with the introduction of a yummy hunk of B-day cake for him to dive into. So, today I thought I would allow him to have a mini experience. I gave him half of a cupcake on his tray. By his reaction you would think I plopped a gooey icky worm down. He puckered his little birdy lips and began "chirping" at it with curiosity. After touching and poking  the cupcake several times to figure out what it's ( pulling his hand back with hesitation ) he finally managed to pick up a chunk, it was at that moment he seemed to finally realize what it was and I guess you can say the rest is history. Luckily I got some awesome shots of him devouring it. 

Luke, sharing some of the left over frosting with daddy

Look at that smile! It was well worth the mess!

This is serious business!

I love how he has his feet, they were like that the whole time!