My Thoughts Exactly!

Happy Love Day....

2012-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

The hubs and I celebrated Valentines the weekend before in Half Moon Bay. The ocean had been calling to me for a little while and I needed to get my fix. If I could live on a beach, I totally would. The weather wasn't real great, but when your away from home, without the kiddos, and by the ocean, WHO CARES! It rained one day and didn't the next. We just made the best of it.

Our view from our room. Very quiet and pretty.

Nice warm cozy fireplace.......especially after a cold rainy day. Who could complain?

We had plans to get all dressed up and go to a fancy place for dinner, but sometimes just hanging out together eating pizza and sugar cookies by the fire, and watching movies is a better choice.

The following day was better.....No rain! We walked the beach for a while and just took in the beauty of it.

Oh my word.......The birds!!! There were so many of them. I had fun chasing them around like a kid and snapped some shots. I don't think they liked me very much. At least I didn't get pooped on.

(Hubs didn't want to take his shoes off and cross the water to the other side of the beach.)

After beach time, we went horseback riding. The last time I had been on a horse was when I was a teenager. I love horses. So beautiful and majestic right? Not ours. Ours were stubborn and wanted to control us rather us control them on our ride. My horse's name was Colorado and the Hubs horse was Grumpy. Every time I'd try and get Colorado to turn or stop, he'd buck his head up and down or turn it to try and nip at my foot. He didn't want any part of me telling him what to do.

We rode for about and hour and a half.....Both on trail and on beach. We rode with another couple and one guide. It was fun and unforgettable. Ohhhh, the full gallop did a number on me. (I'm still sore today) My stirrups were not in the right position and I suffered for it. O-well! The hubs was a natural of course. He grew up with horses. My cowboy!

After the horseback ride, we went to lunch/early dinner and we drove to a place that overlooked the ocean. Sam's Chowder House. I had fried Calamari, Crab Louis Salad and Polenta Fries. The Hubs, who is NOT a fish lover at all, chose the burger. After our meal, we went back to the beach to watch the sunset. (There really wasn't a sunset because the clouds were too thick.)We sat and talked. There was no one else around. I was bundled in a blanket. Perfect! It started to drizzle and we hiked back to the car and headed home.

I loved spending time away with my Valentine.

I wish you all a very Happy Love Day!

Curly Hair.....

2012-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Do you hate wasting time with a curling iron? I do! It's a pain....sometimes literally. I was browsing blogs and saw THIS one on how to achieve curly hair with no heat and by using one rolled up sock. Sound weird? It works! Just check out my pics below after I tried it out today.

See......Told ya ;)

Sunday....

2012-02-05T16:16:00.001-08:00

It's so warm and gorgeous outside today. I sat out to get some much needed Vitamin D and get my mind off of pain. I'm currently on meds from my tooth extraction yesterday. Now I understand the phrase,

"It's like pulling teeth....."

I DO NOT want to go through that again. RIP tooth #19....thanks for the horrible memories & trouble you've put me through.

The hubs has been working on a BIG project. He bought a new Suburban and has been swapping out the good parts from his old one and placing them on the new. Today he was swapping out the front axle. Logan decided to be his assistant.

The hubs learned all about working on cars from watching and helping his father.

The other part of the driveway was being occupied by the little ones and bubbles.

Such a nice day to be outside! I think I got a little color on my face :-)

Goal...

2012-02-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

I need to get skinny.......

Love, Love, Love these outfits!

First Day of February.....

2012-02-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hello February.....I hope you are kinder to me than January was.

Things to look forward to in February~

*Valentines weekend getaway to Half Moon Bay with the hubs.

*A visit from my BFF & my Henry

*My moms birthday

Things not to look forward to in February~

*Getting my tooth pulled :-(

So far, the good outweighs the bad.....I like that!

Little Girls in Princess Clothes......

2012-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

What little girl doesn't love to dress up like a princess? Kady and her cousins had a fashion show for us.

They are just so adorable!

(Logan, the photo bomber)

The Day Came & Went.....

2012-01-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

Logan was baptized!

The day went great and Logan was a happy boy.

Our families & friends came to show their support and love for Logan.

I wish I had taken more photos, but when your hosting, it's hard to do that with a camera glued to your face.

Thank you to all that joined us on Logan's special day.

Good Morning.....

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Tea time anyone?

This is what her hair looks like in the morning.

Busy Week.......

2012-01-23T13:16:00.001-08:00

It's going to be a busy week for me. I'm getting ready to host a lunch for Saturday to celebrate my son's baptism. Remember in one of the last posts I said it was the day I'm also getting my tooth extracted? Ya, that day. Well, I decided to grin and bear my tooth for another week and re scheduled my appointment. Who was I kidding....trying to host a celebration with a swollen, bloody, painful mouth. Anyhoo, I feel better about giving my full attention to details.

Along with getting the house organized and purdy, I've been thinking about the menu. I was trying to go for easy, but tasty. I thought about some comfort food like THIS, and THIS, but instead of ground beef I will use ground turkey. Crock pot=easy in my book.

Then I will most likely have some meat & cheese trays for sandwiches, (since it will be lunch time), and salad. For dessert I'm skipping out on the cake. A variety of sweets like cupcakes, cookies, and THESE will do the trick.

Hopefully I can get my act together and get everything done.

Fingers crossed!

Rainbow....

2012-01-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry about all my complaining in my last post. Sometimes a girls gotta vent! At least there is always something to look forward to after a storm.....

....a rainbow.

This Month So Far..........

2012-01-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

.....I have had stitches,

and

I'll have to get my tooth extracted.

What a start to the New Year! There's also issues with grades, projects and planning a celebration that is mixed in.

OK, so let's start with the stitches. I had to get a cyst removed and what looked like another one that was starting, but ended up only being scar tissue.....from what?, I really don't know. I was nervous when I had my appointment and tried to keep focused and calm. Now, in the past, if I saw blood or needles or even saw surgery on TV, I would start to feel funny and want to pass out. After having kids, that changed. Now I'm fine giving blood or watching some surgery show on Discovery Health. So there I am, laying on the bed waiting for the procedure to start. The shot did hurt, but I was fine with it. So as I'm staring at the clock on the wall to keep my focus, I'm feeling tugging and pressure. I tried hard not to think about what was being done to me, but failed. Vivid pictures in my head flashed with the cutting, the blood and god knows what else. That's when I started to feel funny. The tingling in my head and legs. OH NO! I spoke up to the doc and nurse,
"Um, just to let you know, I'm not feeling to great and I may pass out on you. So if you are not getting any response from me, I'm gone!"
The nurse came over and tried to fan me with her hand for a few short seconds......It helped and I told her not to stop. Then I asked her to strike up conversation so my mind can keep off of what was going on. She looked at me for a second and I started with,
"So, do you have any kids?"
I'll tell ya, if she wasn't there to help, I would have been a goner.
Now I have two small incisions that are healing and a funny story to tell of what a wus I was.

Tooth #19
OH, MY, GOSH! This tooth has been a nightmare since last April. Yes, I said April! It was a tooth that had a root canal done years back. Apparently the dentist that did it, did a botch job. It needed to get a re-treat done......basically getting the root canal done over again. So, I had the re-treat done. Then the temporary crown fell off three different times, my back tooth shifted forward, and I had my gum area around my tooth lazored off. I get a new crown made and it is the wrong one when it came back from the lab. I wait two more weeks for the right crown to come back, get that put in my mouth FINALLY, and I think all is well and done. NO! Three days ago, my tooth had some mild pain and throbbing. I didn't think much of it. Then one night the pain woke me up and I was up for a couple hours with more severe pain and throbbing. At this point, (after I took some pain meds), I just cried out of frustration. I was SO done with this tooth. Next morning I walk into the dentist office and told them about my "dental emergency". They were a little surprised to hear this. After waiting to get seen and get an x-ray from my general dentist, I wait another hour for the Endodontist to come check my tooth and give me her thought on it. The diagnosis was either a fractured root from all the work done to it or there may have been other smaller areas that they couldn't see or get to with their tools.

Option 1 is to get a 3D scan to check for fracture. If it is fractured, then they can't save it and I get it extracted. Option 2, if it's not fractured, I'd have surgery under the tooth as opposed to going in from the top again, to find areas that needed to be filled.

I went home with prescription medication and told the hubs. Then I called my brother in law in Idaho, (who is an excellent dentist by the way), to get his take on all this.
Final decision is to yank the damn thing because apparently it doesn't want to be saved and I've done what I could to do that.

Here is the icing on the cake...
Extraction date is the morning of my son's baptism and the celebration lunch I'm hosting afterwards.

So there you have my month so far. Superb isn't it?

Coocoo Kiddos....

2012-01-13T18:02:00.001-08:00

If you can't beat em, join em!

Ramble...

2012-01-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Don't you love browsing the net and you get ideas, or just dream.

Like this kitchen. I dream that one day it shall be mine.

Look at the floor....Oh my, Love, Love, Love!

This is a great idea to put your paper towel. I like it so much better than on the counter top in one of those holder thingys....(like I have).

Hmmmm, I like this hair cut/style.

Or sometimes you come across something that takes you back and puts a smile on your face.
Do you remember this? You can sit for HOURS playing this. Better than any video game!

How cute are these? Now I need to throw a party just to make them!

How is your January going? Hope it's more productive than mine is. This is my pile of Christmas decoration that I still have not put away. It's been on my dining room table now for a few weeks. Some days I'm too busy to get to it and other days I'm just plain lazy.

Maybe today is the day..........or....maybe not!

Pink Eye.
One word....
UGH!

(is that a word?)

He has it.

She had it.

This is what I got every time I tried to put the drops in her eyes.

No fun.

Special Delivery....

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love getting packages in the mail? We had one waiting on our doorstep sent from my Aunt in North Carolina. The kiddos were giddy with excitement to open it. They found lots of goodies inside.

Thank you Aunt Mary! xoxox

Laundry Overload.......

2012-01-05T09:48:00.001-08:00

When you have a family of six, laundry can become a nightmare. Especially when you have 3 boys that get sweaty, stinky & dirty often. I have decided to give you a glimpse of what my laundry overload looks like.

Caution: Disturbing photos ahead!

Two baskets outside the laundry room. I call them the "never ending laundry baskets". Do you ever, ever see the bottom of them? And what about the washing machine that eats socks!

Socks suck! That is a nightmare all to itself.

Ugh! Even more piled on the laundry room floor. Mostly blankets, towels, and table clothes.

Boys room. Typical sight to see.....clothes on the floor even when the dirty clothes basket is like 5 feet away.

Embarrassing picture, but this is a pile of clean laundry that has not been folded yet on the floor. I like to make a time for folding when I'm ready to put on a good movie or watch shows that I've recorded. Makes the folding move along faster.

Towels piled in the bathroom. Yes, that is a suitcase. It's been there for a week.

I guess it's obvious to say that doing laundry is my least favorite chore to do.

And even when you have the energy to get it ALL done, and when that laundry basket is emptied and you feel like a super hero, it doesn't last long. Maybe for an hour at most. Someone, somewhere will throw a pair of dirty socks or shirt or whatever and the cycle begins again.

Twenty-Twelve.....

2012-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

And so it has begun....A new year!

Some pretty great things will happen this year...

a baptism
a new niece
a new cousin
a wedding
camping trips
a vegas trip
spring break vacation with the fam
baseball games on saturdays

And this is only the beginning.

I'm sure this year will bring some great fun & memories.

A New Year Approaches.....

2011-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

2011 has only a couple days left. When I think about that I am truly amazed. How on earth did this happen. Don't you get that feeling like it needed to be a wee bit longer. I don't know about any of you, but each year seems to be racing by faster and faster. I am sitting in the crowd watching the Nascar races as cars 2000 through 2011 are ripping up asphalt all trying to get to the finish line. Is there a slow motion button for that? Most likely not. Maybe I'm the one that needs the button.

And what about resolutions? I used to have those, but not anymore. I think that if there is anything you want to change or do to become a better you, just do it. NIKE said it best. Really though, don't wait for January to come by to make new goals for your life.

This New Years weekend, we will be with family. We will eat, drink, and watch the clock tick away the last minutes of 2011. We will shout out the countdown with champagne in hand. Then after kissing our significant other, we share more kisses, (on the cheek), and hugs with everyone and wishing them a Happy New Year. Oh, and one other thing.....it's a tradition to eat a cup of cooked lentils which has been said to bring you good luck.

I look forward to 2012 whether I was really ready for it or not. Life continues and I will roll with it. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!

Some Pics From Christmas Eve....

2011-12-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Some Pics From Christmas Day......

2011-12-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve....

2011-12-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Let us not forget the reason for the season.

(that's my mother sitting on a tree stub)

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas weekend.

With Love,

MommyCat

Lights....

2011-12-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

Our home with some Christmas bling.

(i finally got my white lit reindeer...)

Christmas at my Mom's.....

2011-12-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, we went to my parents house for a family day and to celebrate my brother's birthday. One of my treasured memories is when the holidays would come and my anticipation for my mom to decorate the house. I remember I would beg her not to start until I got home from school so I could watch & help. One year she crochet snowflakes and hung them from the ceiling over the table. Every kind of holiday throughout the year, my mom would transform our home and I loved it. It was magical. I knew then that if I decided to have children, I would carry out the same tradition.

My mom has two winter villages.

She kept her tree mostly bare waiting for this days visit for the kiddos to help decorate it with her.

Treasured memories.

Chefs Assistant......

2011-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hubs usually makes breakfast on weekends if we are home. It's just something nice that he does for me so I get a break. Kady loves to sit on the counter and watch him work and sometimes asks to help.

He makes great pancakes & egg-in-a-hole. He will bring my breakfast in bed sometimes too. He is a good hubs.

Funny Posters....

2011-12-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen these? There are tons of them...some funny, some not. I just thought I'd share a few funnies with you.

Enjoy!

Leaves......

2011-12-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

One chilly evening, the boys decided to go play in the leaves while at their grandparents house. They have a great front yard for that.

Did you ever play in leaves growing up?

There must have been something in those leaves because when the boys had their fill of fun and we were all back inside the warm house, they kept coughing & sneezing....as did I. Ick!

Say Cheese.....

2011-12-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Trying to get my kids to take a group photo is a real challenge. They always groan when I say, "OK, it's picture time!" I have to take several shots because trying to get everyone to look decent in the first shot does not happen. If it does, your really, really lucky.
One will smile nicely while one doesn't and one will look away or one is in his own world or trying to make funny faces.

Me: "Look here and say cheese."

"Smile.......please smile.........smile at the camera, not over there."

"No funny faces......stick your tongue back in your mouth please....and NO bunny ears!"

"If you guys cooperate, I'll give you a treat. Just one more.......where is mommy's camera...what are you looking at over there, I'm RIGHT HERE!"

These are the "decent" ones. Oh believe me, there were more taken. These will have to do.

Nico.....

2011-12-13T18:40:00.001-08:00

Isn't she the sweetest candy cane you ever saw?

This is my niece Nico. I'm sure you have seen her on some of my other posts. I can't get enough of this dolly. Nico is going to have a baby sister in May. We can't wait!

Oh Christmas Tree.....

2011-12-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

This is the tree at my in laws. Isn't it pretty?

Kady was admiring it as well.

Friday Ramble.....

2011-12-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is what I've been up to this week....

I had my crown put on yesterday...FINALLY! If you only knew the nightmare I've had with this one tooth. It's been a long frustrating 6 months. I really don't want to bore you with the story. Now it is complete! Thank goodness.......I was ready to get pliers and rip the dang thing out myself. It would have cost a lot less too.

YANK! There. Problem solved!

I signed up my two older boys in Little League. Here we go. For about 3 months or so, my Saturdays will be tied up. Running around for practices during the week and games in two different cities and dragging two younger ones with you, (whether they like it or not), and eating dinner late and making sure homework hasn't been ignored. Don't get me wrong, I think sports is a great thing for my boys, but it's not the easiest on the mom or the wallet. They enjoy it and that's the important part. Childhood comes around once and I think it's good they get this opportunity.

I've been busy editing over 200 photos from a baptism. My brother and sister in law have the special role of being Godparents to this cutie pie. He was so good and such a delight to photograph.

Just downloaded this album. Love his voice. Such a gift. Listening to it as I type this.

The hubs came home last night with a treat for me. Who can't resist See's truffles? I'm in heaven.

So the night before, I was at the desk editing photos and I heard him come in from work. Kady greeted him at the door and I heard him tell her to give something to me. In my head, I'm thinking, "Mmm, I hope it's See's truffles." When she came upstairs, she handed me a folder for a time schedule. (something we discussed earlier to help Nate with homework). I told Jess what I was hoping it would have been. O-well, no See's.

So last night he came home, kids in bed already, and I come downstairs to greet him. He tells me to look on the table. I turn and look. A gold box of See's truffles. When I asked him why he bought them, he replied, "For brownie points." He's funny.

Oh my, my....Sooo yummy. My 2 fav's. Chocolate with chocolate & chocolate with mocha. Oh, and I also like the chocolate with maple.

Ok, I think I've had too much....

Thanks hun! My chocolate craving has been satisfied.

Now it is Friday. I'm not sure whether this week went by fast or slow for me. Depends on the day I guess. Tomorrow is going to be a "whatever day", as in whatever we feel like doing we'll do. Sunday will be a family Christmas potluck and elephant gift exchange with the hubs side of the family. It will be good to see all the cousins. The kiddos are looking forward to it too.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Musical Snow Globe....

2011-12-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Give this girl anything musical and she's in love.

This musical snow globe was from my sister in law a few Christmas' ago. When I take it out of the holiday box every year, Kady automatically lights up. I tell her it's the one decoration she can hold and play with.

Graham Cracker House.....

2011-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

This was Jakey's work of art that he made at school.

He can't wait any longer to devour this.

OK buddy, pictures are done. Go for it!

Up Close & Personal......

2011-12-07T09:52:00.001-08:00

Sleeping Beauty......

2011-12-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

There are some days that I'm running around doing errands and what not, and nap time doesn't always happen at home. They sometimes happen in the car for maybe 5, 10, 15 minutes. I call them, the "power naps". Sometimes they are enough, and other times upon waking her, the dragon is unleashed.

Look at those lips and cheeks! I could just squish her :-)

Santa Claus is Coming to.....the Farm....

2011-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to the farm to get our Christmas tree, take tons of pictures & have a visit with Santa Claus.

Don't you love the matching shirts? Santa told me that he was sorry he didn't have his matching one on.

The boys telling Santa what they wanted this year for Christmas. Nathan was a cutie and "played" along. Yes....I had a talk with him about a month ago because he was starting to ask many questions. He wasn't too disappointed when he found out. I had told him the story of how I found out and that I had run to my room crying. He thought that was funny. He's a good boy and understood that he needed to help mom & dad keep the magic of Santa alive for his brothers & sister.

Santa was a nice jolly old man and told us to go sit in his place for a family picture. The boys thought it was funny that Santa was behind the camera. Then a nice lady said she'd take one of us with Santa in it. Love it!

Kady stayed in dads arms. She was not ready to be near Santa Claus this year. Well, there's always next time.

Hubs hangin' with Santa.

Oh look, Kady is OK with taking pics with Rudolf. Maybe because she knows he doesn't move.

Enjoying some sugar......

After we got our beautiful Noble Fir back home and in it's place, we set out to another farm to drive through the light display.

200 foot tunnel of lights.Great day all in all!

Is it Christmas time yet?.......

2011-12-05T08:50:00.001-08:00

Boxes came out of the garage last Friday and the Christmas decorations were placed throughout the house. Christmas music was playing in the background. Kady danced and watched as I took things out of the boxes. She kept asking, "Is it Christmas time yet?"

This year I decided to put pine garland on the stair banister. I think I like it.

A few years ago, I started a snowman collection. I only keep the collection in one place though....it's not like someone barfed snowmen all over the house. Just in the hutch :-)

This penguin makes me smile. I bought him last year. He reminds me of my Jakey. Why, you ask? They have the same stance.

On Saturday, we went to get our Christmas tree at the farm. A Noble Fir. They are such pretty trees. The smell in the house is amazing! Tonight we will put the lights and ornaments on.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

One day.........

2011-12-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

.....I will take all these beautiful ideas and apply them to my home.

(*insert big sigh here)

Thanksgiving.......

2011-11-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

This year we hosted Thanksgiving for my side of the family. We had about 30 or so people. The days leading up to this day I fell ill. The flu hit me like a freight train. It was pretty bad. I thought about cancelling, but thought I'd give myself a little more time to see how things would turn out. My mom came to the rescue the day before. I felt better and wasn't puking my guts out anymore and the fever had left. If i didn't have her help, I'm not sure if I could have pulled it off myself. My boys helped out in a big way as well. One vacuumed while the other dusted. They had antibacterial wipes in hand going over every knob, light switch and surface. Such good boys. Every table was set, the candles lit, and the smell of turkey and stuffing filled the house.

Here's the hubs trying to get our GINORMOUS bird out of the oven for carving. It was 26+ pounds!

The kitchen was a scene. Every surface area was covered with food. It was a hit though. Every one was stuffed beyond their limits. Success!

I am so very thankful for all the blessings I have...and especially for my mom.

A Girl Can't Have TOO Many Shoes...........

2011-11-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

Saw these sparkly Converse at Nordstroms Rack and HAD to buy them. So fun!

Pie Pops.........

2011-11-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

I came across this recipe from Pillsbury for pie pops. They looked so cute and fun to eat so i tried them out. Instead of the cherry filling, I used apple. They were pretty good.....only complaint is that the stick doesn't stay in tack very well. Click *here for the recipe.

Baby Names.....

2011-11-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

This little miss has an imagination on her, but when it comes to naming her dolls she names them by eye color. One doll has brown eyes and is named Browny. Another doll's eyes are blue...therefore it's Bluey. She's too funny.

Tuesday Ramble.......

2011-11-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

T-Day. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. Are you ready for the holidays? I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed lately and I'm not ready. This year's Thanksgiving will be hosted by yours truly. I don't even know the total head count, but I'll guess 30 or so. I still need to buy the bird.....a really big one too! It would be nice to have beautiful place settings out, but with a crowd that big I don't have that many place settings, and two, who wants to clean all those dishes. The only thing the hubs is looking forward to is watching football in the comfort of his own family room.

Presents. I am glad to say that I'm almost done with the Christmas shopping list. I usually get started around October and just keep my eye open for anything that fits the person I'm buying for. I have done the black Friday shopping in the past and that's always a crazy morning. Don't think I feel up to it this year.

Organizing. Don't you love the feeling you get after you clean and organize? I love it! I tackled the closet under the stairs yesterday. It was a horrendous mess and it was bothering me for months. I should have taken a before picture, but I didn't think about it at the time. I just wanted to gut the whole closet out and start over, (which is exactly what I did). You can actually walk in there now....Sooooo nice! After the closet, I was on a roll and started gutting out my craft dresser. I get like this sometimes. I start to go through cupboards, dressers, bookcases, closets and just become this organizing freak. Sometimes you come across things you forgot you had and it's like Christmas morning over and over again.

Boutique. In a few days, I am going to join my mom in a boutique. I am going to see if I can sell some of my photography art. I am doing some framed photos, making some greeting card sets with prints on the front, and I've done notebooks & address books with a print as the cover. We shall see how it goes. It will be good to hear and see peoples responses to my work so I can grow from it. Have you checked out my photo blog? If you haven't, go check it out here, (you can also click on the camera lens in my sidebar), and leave comments. Again, it helps to get feedback so I can strive to better my art.

I am at a blank right now. Thanks for reading my rambles. Today's to do list is:

get dressed

clean kitchen

throw a load of wash in

put out Thanksgiving/harvest decor

pick up kids from school

take kids to dentist

go to Costco

make dinner

get kids to bed

turn in my time card and crash in front of TV in my room with a cozy blanket until I fall asleep

Halloween 2011 Recap.......

2011-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Pumpkins getting their guts scooped out by the kids.

Logan lends a hand to his lil' sis.

Time for carving! The hubs actually got in on this, (after I asked him for help). Usually I will ask the kiddos what they want and I go to town carving away at 4 or sometimes 6 pumpkins. I realized after I carved I was tired and didn't even think to get pictures of the finished products. O-well.

Here are my three monsters and sweet little girl. Pretty funny!

Look at her expression....

I had a few family members drive up to have a yummy minestrone dinner with us and join us for trick or treating after. It was a very beautiful night. The weather couldn't have been better.

In front of our house. I L.O.V.E Halloween!!

My front window.

Looking at all the goodies back at home. The kiddos usually take the candy out for inspection and then it's eating time. I got a few Reese's PB Cups thrown my way.....My kids know what their momma likes.

Did I Forget To Mention......

2011-11-08T15:32:00.001-08:00

.......that I got a tattoo while in Vegas? Well, I did. I finally got one! It's always been something I've been thinking of doing for years now and what better time and place to get it. The hubs and I said that this was a "permanent souvenir". Yes, it HURT, but nothing compared to labor...hahaha.

Four stars...One for each one of my kiddos. One of which is pink, (Hmm, can you guess why?)

I am so happy I got it. Looks great with shoes too!

A Halloween Craft.......

2011-11-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

I saw this at Micheal's craft store and thought the kiddos would love to do this.

I was right!

Silly boys & girl

After the picture taking was over, they devoured those candies in 5.6 seconds.

Another Season Done.......

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well, another flag football season has ended. The boys had a great time playing and we had a great time watching them. They are really good little athletes.

They received their trophy's and we joined in on a huge potluck celebration with the whole league. I'm sure the boys will join again next season, but for now, the hubs and I get to SLEEP IN Saturday mornings...Yippe!

I had to throw these 2 shots in because they make me laugh. Kady ran off and Logan chased her down. Look at poor Lo trying to carry his sister that is almost as tall as he is now.

Hey there good lookin........

2011-11-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

This guy is cute.....Shhhh, don't tell the hubs. *wink

The Longest Picture Post........

2011-10-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas! What can I say, I love taking weekend trips here. This year the hubs and I went with good friends of ours. This marked my 6th time going to Vegas....and I'm sure it's not the last...not by a long shot.

The picture above was the view we got our our hotel window. Not too shabby eh?

Walking the strip super oober late on a Friday night looking for "breakfast" at 2am.

If you know the Bellagio, you know that they have a spectacular atrium that they always decorate with the most beautiful scenes. Once again, they didn't dissapoint.

This huge framed "picture" was amazing...all done in flowers, branches and shrubs.

A decorated chocolate shop.

Glass is beautiful.

This was a restaurant we kept passing by in our hotel and I was mesmerized by the interesting decor. Next time we will have to eat there.

No gambling this trip. Just didn't feel like it.

Our good friends before going to our dinner reservations. We were going to celebrate my BFF"s birthday.

Mmmm........Delmonico's Restaurant at the Venetian, executive chef, Emril Laggase. Food was AH-MAZING! My fillet mignon melted in my mouth. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

After dinner, we walked around the Venetian and decided to take a gondola ride.

This is a perfect shot of what we did trying to find our way OUT of the dang hotel. The Directory's did NOT help.......They love to confuse you to keep you in.

"Help, we are lost and can't get out!"

After our good friends left for their flight the following day, the hubs and I decided we had enough time to go for a drive and see the Hoover Dam. It was something neither of us have done before.

Lake Mead

WHOA! So incredible!

So glad we went to see this incredible structure. Taking the shot below took a lot out of me...I freak with heights!

A memorial for all those that helped to build the dam. They say that if you rub the feet of the statue, it will bring you good luck.

Sunset on our way back to get to the airport. It was a really fun, relaxing, and wonderful trip. Can't wait to go back!

Crazy Hair Day......

2011-10-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Break.......

2011-10-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

The hubs and I are going here soon. I am counting the days. We are going with my BFF & her hubs. How perfect!

This mommy needs this break in a bad way.

Chalk.......

2011-10-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Fun & Messy

Pumkin Pickin with our Pumpkins.......

2011-10-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin time again down at the farm with our good friends.

Here are some pics from the day!

Look how cute this little pumpkin is :)

(Children of the Corn *circa 1984)

( I realized I didn't have a pic of Jake with a pumpkin. I'm sure it was because he was running around and wouldn't stay still.)

L.O.V.E sunflowers!

Another October Birthday Boy.....

2011-10-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right, I have another birthday boy in the same week. Six years ago, I had my third son, Jacob. He was my biggest baby at 10 lbs 4 oz. He's still big today with personality. He makes all of us laugh. The court jester of the family. Very seldom can I get a picture of him that is serious.

Jake is Jake.....He has his own beat. He loves pb&j sandwiches, loves watching older cartoons from the late 70's & early 80's, laughs & jokes about everything and when he plays with his toys by himself, he is very animated with lots of loud noises.

He keeps things very alive and active in our household. As long as he keeps everyone laughing, he's a happy boy!

My Birthday Boy.....

2011-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Eleven years has passed since the birth of my son. My first baby. Seems surreal when I really think about it. There are so many memories & lessons that I gained as a first time mom. Children are our teachers. They teach you love like no other, patience, and many other things along the way.

(wow, look at how young I was)

One of my most vivid memories of his birth, after 22 hours of labor, was how beautiful and round he was. His cheeks were so rosy. I thought, "This can't be...Aren't newborns kinda gawky when they are born?" So many emotions passed through me.......But two emotions that were definitely felt were awe & love.

(don't we all love the sweet faces of sleeping babies)

(this makes me smile....he was always so full of energy)

Today I look at him and think, "Where did the time go?"

He's a good kid. Caring, protective of his siblings, I see him as a leader.
And he is still so beautiful!

Dandelions & Zinnia's...........

2011-09-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Haven't we all, at some point in our lives, plucked one of these pretties and made wishes?

Look how puffed out her cheeks get.

Lovely Zinnia's. Just look at the vibrant colors!

It's an Apple Hill kind of day.......

2011-09-26T17:36:00.003-07:00

Apple Hill......What can I say....It was a good day. How about I show you in pictures.

Lovely apple orchards.

Apple dumpling with cider sauce, how I love you!

And let's not forget the delish apple doughnut. You can't just eat one!

So much easier to eat then on the stick.

Mmmmmm.....

Apple fritter and an irritated boy not wanting his picture taken.

(my dad) You can always opt for a fresh picked apple.

Mr. Ed? No...more like Mr. Meanie-Horse. This fella wasn't too nice.

My dad tried feeding him an apple core and almost got his hand bit off.

Time to visit & feed the farm animals.

Hello!

The hubs & my bro.

(did u know that my hubs is a goat whisperer?)

Family.....

My Bro & Seees

Me & Hubs

My Ma & Pops with the kiddos...

Thank you once again Apple Hill, for your apple goodness and the memories.

Applicious........

2011-09-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year when you start to feel Fall in the air and you start to crave this.....

.....and this

......and there are TONS of these.

We are going soon, and I cannot wait!

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow.......

2011-09-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of what the little miss is wearing on Halloween. Got it last year on the clearance rack at half off......Love it! I even got the sparkle red shoes.

She's too much some times. I can't stop taking pictures of her....

Labor Day Weekend....

2011-09-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I thought it was time to take the kiddos to the aquarium. They had never been......well, I lied...Nate was a year old and Lo was a baby. They all had a blast, (even though it was crowded up the wazoo, and we had to park and hike 2 miles to get there). So sit back and enjoy some pics from our family day :o)

We had lunch and waited a little longer to get the best seat!

Flag Football...........

2011-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

We are in another season of flag football. Anyone who knows my boys, know they love their sports. This season, Lo decided to join. They had their first games and had a blast!

Three.......

2011-09-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

She is three now. She told me it was her favorite birthday. I am happy. It was pink.....because it's her favorite color and she won't let anyone forget.

Yes, I made it...pink inside and out! Strawberry cake with strawberry preserves in the center and pink frosting. Yummy!

Happy time=presents and blowing out the candle

This is our gift to her. It was time to get her a big girl bike. Pink of course!

And They're Off!........

2011-08-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Once again, it is that anticipated day of the year.......The first day of school! This year we have Nate going into 5th, Lo going into 4th, and Jakey starting Kinder. I think mom is more excited than these guys are.

My goofballs....

He may be smiling here, but I knew he was nervous.

OK, so after we got him all situated, I told him to have a good day, listen to the teacher, and that I'd be back later to pick him up. I left and waved outside the door........He waved back and smirked. I think he will be fine...fingers crossed! I lost it, (eyes started to water and my mouth quivered) for like 2 seconds, and then I pinched myself and told myself to stop! I think I will be fine too ;o)

Saved by the Bell..........

2011-08-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or did this summer take too long?! Next Tuesday marks the first day of school, and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!! This year I will have 3 out of my 4 kids going. My Jakey will start Kinder....yay! I can't think of how wonderful it will be to have 6 hours with just one child........And she even takes a 2-3 hour nap. Pure bliss! I'm sure most of you mom's understand how I feel, right! I think the only downside to a new school year is homework and projects times three. Not my favorite, but I guess I'd take that over all of them home driving me bonkers all day.

Another Year.......

2011-08-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

My baby has turned 3 today! She has been waiting for this day for a couple months now. Today, we will have cupcakes.

Only minutes old....

"Princess" Kady on her first birthday......

Excited 2 year old.........

My beautiful girl today.

Birthday Boy.....

2011-08-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is Henry, the birthday boy! He's my best friends cutie patootie who just turned ONE!

We got to share in the celebration.....I even got to have fun making monkey cupcakes!

First experience with chocolate and lovin it!

We all L.O.V.E Henry!

Pool Time......

2011-08-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

You can't have a summer without some fun in the pool. This was over at my parents house and the kids get excited when they know that Nana got the pool all ready for them. It would be great to have a pool of our own, but we move around too much.

Kady loves it!

Jake is testing the water....He's still a little uneasy with going right in unless he is held.

Nate & Lo learned pretty much on their own this summer without life vests.

Take a Guess.......

2011-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Is it Kadance & Logan??

Try again.

Looking Back........

2011-08-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

My little Kadybug two years ago. Next week she will turn 3, and she has been anticipating it! I went through a bunch of photos from her first birthday and can't believe how much she has grown. It's so amazing isn't it? Your with your child every day since their birth and watch them grow, but you don't see all the major changes until you go back and look at pictures.

These are a few of my fav! They were taken by my brother in law, Mike......"thanks again Mike!"

Let Them Eat Cake....

2011-08-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

We are coming up on Kady's 3rd birthday. Yes, THREE already! Geesh..I really don't know where the time goes. Anyway, I will be having a family party for her all decked out in pink. Pink is her color. She will tell and remind everyone and anyone that it's her "favorite color". I saw these two cakes and thought they were so beautiful and girly. Not sure which one I will do. I think the rose one, in pink of course, might be easier.

Bedroom Makeover.......

2011-08-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is a picture from Pottery Barn magazine. When I get the magazine in the mailbox, it is a happy day! I drool every time I turn the pages. Oh, how I would love to furnish and decorate my entire house with their stuff! I absolutely fell in love with this duvet. It's so different, there's just something about it. I would turn to the page every day and just stare and dream. Then one day, thanks to the hubby, I bought it! Yippee!!!! Bedroom makeover time! I love new projects! The hubs and I made a headboard......First one we've had since we've been married. I have some stuff coming in the mail and I've been taking some existing decor pieces and spray painting them. It's starting to come together. I will post pictures when it's all done and put together.

(I just realized I didn't take any "before" pictures of my room....o-well. Just picture a maroon bed ensemble, with some touches of mediterranean.)

Clowns.......

2011-08-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Who do these clowns belong to???

A Weekend With Kady........

2011-08-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Our boys went on a trip with their grandparents for 11 days. Having just one child at home was such a nice break! The hubby and I decided to have a fun weekend with our girl. She got to pet goats and see other animals.

(I believe Jess is the "goat whisperer")

It took a while to get her to ride on one of the small rides there. As you can see on her face, she wasn't to thrilled with it until the ride ended. Then she asked to go on the merry go round........She loved it and rode on it twice! Thank goodness for daddy because if I was on that thing.......ugh....barforama!!!

The next day was beach day! She must be my girl because she just loves the sand and surf.

The highlight of her day was building a sand castle.

Overall, our little girl had a very fun filled weekend and so did we. These are the memories to keep before they are all grown up or when they are teenagers and realize it may not be "cool" to hang with mom and dad.

Our 4th....

2011-08-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was very laid back and full of family, food, and fireworks!

Hummingbirds

2011-06-28T16:27:00.001-07:00

I luv, luv, luv these little guys! There were about 6 or 7 of them out flying around this ginormous flower vine on the barn at my in laws. I was out there for a while just waiting and watching them flutter every which way. So glad I had my camera with me!

The Game of Catch Up.....

2011-06-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not keeping up with the blog as often as I'd like....I apologize. Let's do a "catch up" for what's been happening in June so far.

First of all, our Logan turned NINE! He got two little parties. One on the hubs side, with a very delicious cake made by "Grammy". We got some special time with sweet Nico! Everyone loves this girl!

Logan making a wish

Grammy & Grandpa

Next party was at home and we celebrated with my family and also celebrated my grandfathers 83rd birthday.

Mmmmm......Lemon cupcakes

Here's gramps with a traditional cake my mom makes for a lot of us for our birthdays. It was so great to be able to have him out visiting and sharing his birthday. We look forward to another visit next year for his 84th!

Summer has finally hit....and hit hard! We are reaching triple digit and what a better way to spend your afternoon than with sprinklers in the backyard.

Kady didn't really get into it but she still had fun. Don't you love little ones in cute bathing suits and chubby behinds?!

My crazy boys in an action shot

Typical....

Looking better.....not sure what Logan's face is all about hahaha

Just recently we went to the S.F Academy of Science Museum and met up with the in laws, & cousins. The aquarium is always a favorite for all.

"Hanging out" on grammy's hammock on Father's Day.

Our nephew Justin came to visit us.......we hadn't seen him in a few years. It was great to spend time with him before he leaves on his Mission. The kiddos had fun getting to know their cousin.

And last and most recent to date.......Poor Jake got a boo boo on his head that required 4 staples. This kid has had his share of boo boo's.....broken noses, stitches, and now staples...and he's only five years old. Hmmm....that tells me he's not going to be done. He's a real trooper though.....no crying at all. He's my tough nut of the bunch. It always hurts a mom's heart to see her kids hurt. Today he is doing great and acting as if it never happened. I guess that's a good thing.

Well, that's what I got for June. Hopefully I can post more on a regular basis....."hopefully"

The New Mr. & Mrs.

2011-06-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

My brother got married, and I got a new sister.

It was a beautiful day, and an amazing celebration!

Old Town Sac

2011-06-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

We went with the fam to Old Town Sac. Little did we know, there was a Jazz festival going on. Let's just say parking was not fun! We definitely got our walking in that day! It was SO crowded and loud music was playing everywhere.

We saw a street performer....sorry to say that he was pretty lame.

The crew!

We got some yummo lunch! Some got this delish sausage, other's got chicken n chips or clam chowder....I got shrimp n chips!

Then we got CANDY!

Had to get this shot with my bro and the....is it a llama or alpaca?..He likes them both anyway.

Kiddo's on the wooden buffalo.

(How come this thing doesn't move?)
This is pretty much at the end of our "strolling". We called it a day and hiked it back to our cars.

Nico

2011-06-06T12:38:00.001-07:00

Do you want to see something so incredibly sweet?

Here you go......

My sweet niece Nico!

We got to spend some time with her and I loved every minute!

Thank you Mother's......

2011-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

(me on my mother's lap, and 3 generations of grandmothers)

I love my mom. We are best friends. I never fully understood the role and importance of a mother until I became one. I want to thank my mother for all that she's done, is still doing, and how much she has impacted my life. Love, patience, guidance, nurture.....these are just a few words to describe a mother's role.

Today I invited my best friend, her husband and son for a Mother's Day BBQ. This was her first Mother's Day.....I am so lucky to have spent it with her. She is a wonderful mother!

We met in 7th grade. She has always been by my side, my maid of honor, and there for each one of my children when they were born. She is "Auntie" to them. Who would of thought we would be here right now, together, still friends and now Mother's.

(and this is why I love my hubby.......he bought me this old dresser/buffet for my mother's day present. Isn't it divine?!)

I hope all of you Mother's out there had a wonderful day and I want to Thank each of you for the important role you play in life.

Fun Mail......

2011-04-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Don't you love getting packages? I do! And so did Kady today. I have been following a blog for a few years now, called Whatever, and she opens her etsy shop from time to time selling all her crafty goodness. I fell in love with her pillows....such great colorful fabrics! The first couple of times I was too late to order one, because of how popular her stuff is, and it all sold out. Bummed, I was determined to grab one the next time she opened her shop. I was in front of my computer and counted the minutes. As soon as it opened, I quickly browsed all the wonderful pillows and then asked Kady which one she liked. She couldn't have picked a more perfect one! So guess what came in the mail today......

A Bridal Shower...

2011-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

I had been a busy bee the last couple months planning a bridal shower for my "sissy to be". I had a few decorating projects to make and I have the hot glue burns to prove it. In the end, it turned out to be a fabulous party with lovely women, delicious food, and a very happy

"Bride to be".

this was a project using about 200 coffee filters, a large matte, and some silk orchids

i took lines from the traditional wedding vows and put them on 4 cylinder vases

"to love & cherish"

"for better & for worse"

"for richer & for poorer"

"in sickness & health"

Tulips.....ahhh, tulips.

i saw this project somewhere and decided to use the idea. paper doilies glued to paper lanterns

anyone for some dessert?

What, what, wha????

2011-04-01T08:41:00.001-07:00

Is it really April? Yikes! We have been feeling so much better in this house. I believe the virus has left the building. Thank god for that! I know I didn't post a couple days worth of "my favorite photo's" and I'm sorry. I've been busy being sick. OH, and trying to finish some projects for the bridal shower this weekend. (pics of that coming soon). So let me just wrap up my March birthday month by saying.....I'm a year older, hopefully a year wiser, I'm blessed with all that I have, and looking forward to a great year!

"the chillens"

Aren't they cutie-pies?

Absence...

2011-03-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my absence...I've been sick as a dog, whatever that means. Actually, my whole family has been sick. Each kid took their turn catching the nasty virus with fevers and coughing. The hubs got it and it's been 6 days. I tried to keep myself from it, but lost the battle. Fevers off and on, and a chest cold. With the amount of hard coughing I'm doing, I better get a 6 pack after. Anyway, I will be busy this week getting all the decorating projects done for a bridal shower I'm helping to host. It's in 5 days. I've been planning this for a couple months now. **COUGH, COUGH, HACK, HACK.........I need another cough drop.

March 25

2011-03-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

my grams

March 24

2011-03-24T10:18:00.001-07:00

summer fun

March 23

2011-03-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

happy sunflowers

March 22

2011-03-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

painted piggy's

March 21

2011-03-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

"roses are red....and sometimes peach"

March 20

2011-03-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

love me some Lori's Diner food

March 19

2011-03-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

i heart Vegas

March 18

2011-03-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

daddy & son

March 17

2011-03-17T08:37:00.001-07:00

today is the hubs birthday....ain't he a cutie pie!

(happy st. patty's day as well)

March 16

2011-03-16T08:06:00.001-07:00

love this face

March 15

2011-03-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

sweet memories

March 14

2011-03-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

tulips

March 13

2011-03-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

brother love

March 12

2011-03-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

smiling goat

March 11

2011-03-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

spring

March 10

2011-03-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

my dad

(it's his birthday today)

March 9

2011-03-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

silly boys

March 8

2011-03-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

baby feet