Fishy Tales

Closing it down...

2009-09-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so if it isn't already obvious, I am busy. I no longer seem to have time to write. Nor do I feel like I NEED to do it. Blame it on Facebook, if you will. I get my public attention needs fullfilled quite well. Or blame it on my life evolving. Or on my own personal definition of self clarifying. Or...whatever.

Thanks go to those that took time to read my posts and to comment. I am going to close shop up and continue on with my merry ways. Those of you that are in the know, have ways to contact me. Perhaps you are lucky enough to ready my verbal diareah on FB....yeah, lucky! :-)

TTFN!~ It's been grand~Sayonara~Adios~

One for the Money, Two for the Show....

2009-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Let me just say I am so thoroughly enjoying the challenges of my sewing. I seem to be avoiding blankets and quilts an such-perhaps cuz Mom has already proven to be such a master quilt artist? So I move towards other sewn projects. Someday, I will make an awesome quilt. Now, it is not a priority. So you might ask, "What is?"

Well you all already know about my Peek Bags and Felt Foods. Those continue to be made and sold and enjoyed! I have joined up with my pal Kellie to work more with Felt Foods. She has wonderful and fabulous out-of-the-box ideas.

I have been wanting to try a few other things. More like functional things. 1) a Handbag and 2) clothing of some sort. I remember my mom used to make my clothing. In fact, when I was a wee little thing, Mom had a store called Minor Street Blues in Yreka, Ca. She made (REPURPOSING before it was COOL) all sorts of items from old recycled blue jeans and other materials. Pretty cool huh? At some point, I was not so thrilled with my homemade clothing. Must be the social pressure and my own self confidence steam rolled in. I wanted the store bought off the shelf clothes that my friends wore. Brat that I was....

Well, now, I still wouldn't be interested in a wardrobe of homemade clothes (for me or the girls. Jose maybe...just kidding). There are some cute patterns for skirts and dresses that I would like to try. Just to say I did...I have never sewn closures, like buttons or zippers. I have only ever used a straight stitch or a zigzag. Still a basic level seamstress.

This past week the opportunity came about for me to try my hand at skirts. Poodle Skirts to be exact. We have been attending the weekly Music in the Park series here in our town with our friends. The last event was to be an Elvis Impersonator. As a group we decided to dress our girls (5 of the 6 kids) in Poodle Skirts. Then we decided to MAKE them. I remember in Brownies my leaders made them for all 10 of us-couldn't be THAT difficult...

So we measured and googled for patterns. We made our way through Walmart's craft section. All the fixins were bought. We set up camp on Kellie's kitchen table. Mind you, we started to create on Thursday-the same Thursday of Elvis. Nothing like a little last minute energy to get things done...

I worked on 4! No make that 5. I had measurements for my 2 plus a friends' 2 older girls. Once I had finished, I had some leftover from the M girls' pink felt. I began to make a teeny version for the baby sister. In a few short hours (let's say after the initial 1st hour of learning the pattern), like in 4 hours, I made 5 skirts! I ran out of time and black thread when it came time for the poodles and leashes. So I made do with hot glue and leashless dogs. I will be going back to them and completing them in the next few days.

I now have a very clear idea for a basic skirt. I might endeavor to make something for the girls from this pattern. Of course, out of fabric and not felt...I also have some adjustments to he poodle skirts to make. The waistband was to bulky with a 1 inch elastic. I am going to rip out the waist on Bri's and do a 3 inch waistband attached to the front. We'll see if I like it better. Another friend, was there with us and asked me to make one for her daughter. I only charged for the materials, because I am still approximating. BUT perhaps I will fine tune them enough and can add them to my collection of sellable projects.

Your thoughts on this?

Truely Wonderful Artwork!

2009-07-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

It is time. I promised KIA a million bajillion years ago that I would share this on my blog-o-sphere. She is a friend from here in town and is starting up a new business. I always like to support my fellow mamas that are striving to make a go at a cool idea. So here goes:

She asked to "snap" (sounds so informal-like something I can do...totally does not sell her talent, but does attempt to define her style and easy going personality) pictures of the girls and of course I said YES!

Here are some of her fantastic shots!

Yeah, I know....

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Another very long break from the blog. Kept y'all wondering though, huh?

It's that damned Facebook! Totally usurps my free time. I wish you all could be with me-most of the time I have funny thoughts and commentaries running through my brain. Just doesn't translate to my written communication, without serious effort. And when I remember or gather the time, the moment is lost. As well, makes like a bit mysterious I guess. If you see me, and I am smirking or holding in a giggle, it is quite possible that I saw something or someone that triggered my sarcastic response system. You will have to wonder what the heck it is....

H + J 4ever

2009-06-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day. We (Jose and I) are celebrating our anniversary. Most of you know the story, high school sweethearts, making it in the long haul. Let's just say we were an old married couple long before our time. 17 years ago we were beginning our relationship. He would like you all to know I stalked him. Truth be told, I did. lol Just don't tell him I confessed. I sawe something I liked and wasn't going to let it get away. Little did I know it would be more than a date for Sr Prom.

He asked me to marry him on our 6th anniversary-at our beach in Half Moon Bay. It was the beach we first started to hang out at in our 1st summer dating.

We were married a year later to the day.

It has been great so far. I was looking around tonight while reading the girls their bedtime story. It is amazing to me what our life has led to so far. Even the clutter and messes...they represent LIFE. They represent us thriving and growing and building on our love.

I am so thankful-daily-for my husband. He is my friend, my support, my partner. He is my love, my life, my one. I look forward to enjoying the time ahead of us as we continue to evolve.

Just a few pictures to represent our journey...

Laketime

2009-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we hit the lake. Jose got some fishing time in, and mama got some sunshine, the girls got some fresh air and nature exposure.

Here are some pics from our adventure.

Learning To Let Go

2009-06-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed yet that I am a control freak? This is in stark contrast to my procrastinating and not so tidy household...but, in all other parts of my world I have high expectations of order and control. HA!

When I was teaching, I wrote plans. Plans that told me what to teach and when. They had reason, and if those failed, I had contingency plans. Back up plans to follow plans. All of this would ideally lead to order and control and peace on earth.

Being a parent has given me a venue for my controlling needs....Now, I have 2 little people that are supposed to march and sing and dance within my realm of order. (Don't be thinking I am a Tyrant...not so) To be honest, all the little needs and routines fit right into my idiosyncrasies. Maybe a little too much. I like seeing a formula and then adopting it. So when the experts said to feed the baby ever 2 hours, feed I did. When they said that naps should happen every 2 hours, I napped the baby. When they said bedtime should have a bath, and and music and a story, and happen the same nightly, I made that happen. You see? Just tell me what should be and I will make it happen-perhaps in my own fashion, but happen it will.

This is mostly a good thing. But gone are the days of random spontaneity. We used to pick up and go. Me with my backpack of reading and snacks and various happy day things. Jose with a tackle box. Driving aimlessly we would explore and have a day. Stopping wherever for some sort of food and treats, there were no rules. It was fun.

Having kids made this sort of disappear...If a day of meandering was to happen, there needed to be some planning and organizing. Food, clothes, entertainment all multiplied by 4 or 5 to solve all possible urgencies. By the time we packed, it was hours into the morning and mountains of C-R-A-P at the door of the car. At the end of the day someone was unhappy and the next day would be horrible because of the fallout. It wasn't worth it. I would rather stay home and keep things even keeled and normal.

Life is changing though. My girls are older. They make clothes less messy. The entertain differently. They can eat so many different things (and I can let them enjoy an extra cookie instead of worrying about the nutritional intake). I like it. Truly I do not enjoy OVER thinking things. It's a compulsion.

In that past 2 weeks we have gotten out for a few drives. It's fun showing our world to the girls. It's nice re-connecting with Jose while we drive and explore. We can dream and create ideas of what our future could be like. There is more flexibility and everyone can cope a little bit better. I am finding that it s hard to re-wire myself, but when I do, it's very worth it!

Happiness is....

2009-06-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

You know those bumper stickers? Happiness is being a Grandparent? Yeah, I found myself re-writing them today. Here's what I came up with.

Happiness is:

Listening to my girls play. laugh and interact.
Driving down the street and having Elly label the trees as we pass.
Listening to my Bri talk on the phone with her grandma.
Seeing my babies grow and develop into little people.

There are a million more I am sure, but suffice it to say that simply put-I am happy. Depite the minor complaints, life is pretty damn good.

Today I was THAT Mom with THAT kid....

2009-06-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

I should have known that last night's lack of sleep for at least 2 of us would make for a brutal day. Add that to the impending full moon? A recipe for disaster.

It started out ok. After settling into some early morning sleep, the girls and I woke up around 8am. Not so bad (well if you look past the part that Bri in my bed **STILL** was the reason for sleeplessness). We got some breakfast into us, dressed for the dreary summer day. Headed out with a neighbor for a neighborhood walk. Nice. I was able to get a workout in, socialize-and the the girls were relatively mellow. Nice.

The next step in our day's plan was to pack into the vehicle and head out for some errands. Dollar Store here we come! I am looking for some crayons and notepads in the CARS theme for a bday present. (In my defense I am not cheap-they will be paired with HOMEMADE toys in CARS fabric theme...really-I will snap some pics to prove it in a bit.)

Anyway. Into the store we went. There were no carts, so I opted for hand holding and a basket to carry. Well now. Bri fell apart because I declared it a Mama Only Basket. As in a "I need to not have 2 little girls fighting over who can carry it basket". There I was trying to contain a fully tantruming 2 year old, a spirited independant 4 year old, and scanning the shelves to find my crap quickly and get the heck outta there.

Seriously.

My lack of sleep and this mess was enough to A) make be start bawling myself B)grab all the sugary bad for me snacks for a naptime self medication C) Both of the above D) Pack em up and head out.

I contained myself enough to spot an empty cart. Forced still screaming child into the seat, and steered towards the kids aisles. Alas, after all that I was forced to use option D. There were no freaking CARS things.

As I worked us out of the store, The Tantrum of the Century continued. Now, because she didn't want to go....By the time we were firmly and blessedly back into the privacy of our truck, I realised Bri's sippy was still in the store...Uhm yeah, no chance of me returning. I was not going to go back into the store and have all those people looking at me with stares of "can't you control your child?" and "what's wrong with your parenting, my kid NEVER did THAT".

This gives merit to online shopping....and shopping at midnight while hubby and the girls sleep peacefully. Or becoming a grinch and not spending a dime....

This too will pass I know.

Forward Progress!

2009-06-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, and I think I am due for an update on my mission to be healthier and to lose weight.

I am 1 year and 1 month from weaning Bri. I mark my start date as June '08. I am 19 pounds lighter. I am 3 sizes smaller in my waist. I am 1-2 sizes smaller in shirt sizes (depending on the cut and all that). My boobs dropped a cup size and my feet went up a half size! (Go figure...).

I went from forcing myself to walk twice a week to now walking 2-3 times a week PLUS running (which I crave!). I was pushing to run a block while pushing the girls' stroller. NOW I am setting up to do my 1st 5K! I can run a 10 minute mile!

Where do I go for here? Maintainance for sure! I googled my suggested height and weight. I could probably shoot for another 5 pounds. That would give me some room to play. I will be continuing my exercise regimes. I would like to make my mommy pouch go away-crunches here I come!

I am feeling good about my body-1st time in a long while and I am enjoying the fashions again. My closet took a hit, clothes are old, oversized and uninspired. I am finding extra pennies to pump some life into it again.

I will be trying to do a before and after picture post, but not yet....

Thanks for cheerleading!

The View From the Other Side

2009-06-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

This week, I can finally empathize with parents of the students I used to teach.

Elly finished her preschool session last week. 6 months of 3 days a week, 3 hours a day....not only was she absent from the house those hours, but the energy spent carried into other portions of our lives. She was getting social, intellectual interaction as well as life in a world all of her own. One where we could ask what happened in her day and she could choose just how much she would share (not much usually...).

Now she is home for summer break. She is demanding. She wants activities, she wants stories, she wants to go outside, she wants to go places. Imagine that! I have to write lesson plans for my 4 year old daughter. Somewhere in that I need to make sure the two year old is appropriately engaged. Somewhere in THAT I need to cook and clean (yeah....ok....it sounds good though-right?). Somewhere in that I need to carve out time for exercise and my own crafty projects. It's a lot to ask of me!

I remember those faces, of the parents. Looking into my eyes with apprehension and reassurance. They were hoping I would offer some resource for them that would keep them from having to entertain their children for the next 6 weeks. On the other hand, I was jumping for joy to be saying Sayanara to being center stage for 20 children. Adios, toodles, etc. See ya in August!

Here I am trying to find a balance between play dates, classes, field trips, free play time, and stay home and veg time. It's damn hard.

I do have to say, that the girls are really enjoying each other. They are playing, crafting, whatever. Less fighting more playing. I LOVE IT! I love the relationship they are building. I love the peace, and I love the voices.

As a side note, all the above perceived problems are meaningless in light a friends' news. She has a small son, about the age of Bri, with a stomach tumor. It is cancerous, and proves to be difficult in removing. I am constantly reminded of how delicate life is and how lucky we are to have our girls, bickering and demands included. I am thankful.

Animalia

2009-05-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

This past week was full of ANIMALS!

We headed out to the zoo, and as always it was full of fun!

(Girls with LEMUR art, and sleepy CAMEL)

Then there was a runaway rabbit. It ate my new rose plant, freshly tender and growing...and clipped our 1 remaining strawberry plant for the front yard. (We have millions in the garden in back, but still...).

Yesterday the girls and I met up with Jose for lunch and saw these silly geese. They must be trained to follow people coming out of Carl's JR....

Of course, my girls are manic monsters, but that's a whole 'nother story. :-)

Got Poo?

2009-05-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

In reference to two of my friends' recent blogs, in which Lizzie and Sofia both address the idea of forgoing shampoo in their daily rituals.
There are a couple of reasons for this:

Save money! (CHA-CHING!)

The shampoo companies are ruining our natural hair qualities and stealing our money because they makeus believe that it's the shampoo that will correct problems that are created by commercial shampoos.

Lizzie is trying to convince me to join the campaign...Accidentally last week I did! I went for a run and when I showered afterwards I put conditioner in my hair thinking it was shampoo. When I realized that, I chose not to go back and shampoo and then re-condition. The next day, my hair did great with the flat iron and with control and frizz issues.

People are apparently doing this in 2 ways. The 1st being more extreme-as it washed with baking soda and rinses with apple cider vinegar. The 2nd seems to be the in between step. It's what I would begin with if I WERE to try this out... It uses only conditioner. The biggest step is to look at the indgredients so that some of the bad chemicals (aka oil stripping and wax build up adding) are not included.

Lizzie-I was going to play a trick and attempt to photoshop the following pic with my face on it to make it seem that is what happened to my hair after following your suggestion. It didn't work. But here it is anyway...without my face...

I am not sure where I am on this-I will at least begin to seek out shampoos and conditioners without the yucky stuff, and then perhaps go Conditioner Only....but first I have to finish my Costco sized Dove so that I am not wasting.

Tell me what you think People.

Naa-ssss-T!

2009-05-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

We have been hit! It was Ground Zero at our not so happy household. Some sneaky little nasty-ass bug contaminated us. If we were at all interested in a whole body cleansing, this was the time for it!

Last Wednesay, we were happy making plans for Jose having 2 days off and a family trip to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom, aunties, and Grammy. It was turning out to be perfect! Then, it happened. "Mommy my tummy hurts!" Assuming it was yet another tactic to delay bedtime, we repeatedly told her to go to sleep! Oh how wrong we were....By 10pm, it was clear-very clear-that this was no trick.

Since she was having vomitting episodes, Jose pitched a sleeping bag on the floor of her room. I was in charge of the clingy small child. Since she usually calls out for me and ends up in our bed it was a natural choice. I was laying in bed with her and feeling guilty while Jose dealt with Pukey Girl-and feeling a somewhat happy that it wasn't me on mop up...when at about 3am, my turn began. It was not pretty-someone was getting sick about every hour, and since doors were open and lights were on, even if it wasn't in the same room no one was sleeping. This went on tortuously and all too soon it was daylight. I had to deal with the baby I was supposed to be watching-calling her house to make sure Momma got my text and had made other plans.

Throughout the day we laid about and tried to rest in between clean up duty. Sometime by the evening it seemed to subside. Whew!

Friday was relatively calm-more lounging to recoup and a quick rip to Walmart for some supplies. Plans remained in place for our family gathering....

The truck was packed and we were set to go, when Saturday morning...WHAM! Elly was sick again. It was oh so sad, but we had to leave her home with Jose and I drove off for the day with Briana. That in itself was not so enjoyable simply because she was clingy and I was worried about contaminating the rest of the clan-especially my grammy who is still medically delicate. By the time I returned home, Elly was still really yucky and Bri had started the next nasty symptom-I will not elaborate....

I obtained an appt for Sunday (yeah...Mother's Day.....). As we woke up, Jose found himself feeling horribly and I was on my own (yeah....on Mother's Day...). I dealt with the appt, comvinced the dr that the girls didn't require IV hydration (THANK GOD!), hit up the grocery store for various BRAT diet supplies, Pepto for Jose, and some self pitying pastries for myself (yeah...Happy Mother's Day....). The rest of the day was all yucky. Lounging and cleaning and caring for all of the other members in my family. I was so done-clingy kids, nasty clean up, and feeling overworked. In then end, we were better enough for a short drive and then I self medicated with some chocolate cake and wine....

FINALLY, it is Wednesday again, and we have had our 1st day without any sort of bodily fluids being ejected at mach force to clean up. The whiny clingy pissy kids are normalizing. Dehydration concerns are letting up....

I think, dare I say it....I think, we might be on the mend. If you have nothing else for me, please send me some magic healthy germ fighting vibes. I am so so so done with this crap!!!!

The Creation of a Germaphobe

2009-04-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Generally, I am pretty relaxed about germs and my kids. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely HATE when they are sick-for two reasons. First, it makes me so sad to see them battling and suffering the common ailments of cold and flu. Medicine only goes so far to making them comfortable, and it does make me nervous to dose them up. Secondly, having sick children is so much work! Especially when they are BOTH sick. They make messes, are emotionally needy and grumpy, and no one gets any sleep, even though they need it more than ever!

Lately though I feel a change. This stupid Swine Flu! I worry about sending my sweets out inthe big bad world of nasty germs. We always wash up after shopping and being out and about, Now I wonder if that is even enough. I look at people with the Mean Mama Bear Look if I see them coughing. I walk a wide circle around them to avoid sharing whatever contagious illness they may have.

Schools are closing because of reported cases. It makes me second guess sending Elly to school....

We have a doctor's appt for Bri today-just a standard well baby check since she is now 2. I will be extra suspicious of the other patients waiting. It is hard to contain a 2 year old in the waiting room, and I will just have to hope she doesn't pick anything up.

Jose is a delivery guy and imagine ALL of the germs he comes into contact with as he passes the signing board to a person, or a box gets passed to him.

I mean come on people! This is me, a person who passes on the flu shots because well, the flu always happens shot or not....I survived having the chicken pox, why have a shot for it? Runny nose? Just make sure it gets wiped into a tissue-no need to protect us.....

I hope it gets resolved soon. I understand there are always new icky bugs and there will always be that 1 in so many chances and that sometimes there are horrible reactions....But in the meantime, we will be extra cautious and cross our fingers we can not participate in this disease.

Oh My Goodness I Was Bursting With Pride!

2009-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today I took my loves to JCPenney for our yearly photo shoot.

Right, I know, remind me that I am late and that their birthdays have past already...BUT I got there, ok?

Not only did I get there, I was there with 2 outfits for each of them (matching of course!).

Can I just tell you all how wonderfully awesome the shots were? I wanted almost all of them! Thankfully, I am no newbie at this and I was able to be controlled in my purchases!

The girls were hamming it up with wonderful spirit and smiles! There were so beautiful and my heart was bursting with "Oh yeah, they are mine! You can look and appreciate my sweet peas, but nope-all mine!"

I get the pictures in a few weeks, and hopefully before that the email proofs. Then I can share...until that happens though, you will have to wonder-and of course, agree with me even without the proof! :-)

And Not a Tweet I Tweeted

2009-04-25T20:33:00.001-07:00

So I signed onto Twitter the other day, thinking I wanted to check it all out. Apparently you have to be a Twitter-er to roam the Twitter World. So I started a Twitter Id. I cruised it a bit, didn't see the BIG THING, and sighned out. I planned to foh-get all about it. Then, an email came to me....

"_______" is following you on Twitter.

Then another one....

Ironically I have a following (of 2!). I have yet to Tweet a profound thought. I figure I have my brain wrapped up in Facebook and my blog, not sure how to divide it into yet another social networking website.

This could be dangerous if I allow myself to succomb into it. I will have to step up my learning curve. Hey since I already think in terms of Facebook Status Updates (Hanna is.....sitting on her fat ass watching stupid tv while eating bon bons-As an EXAMPLE) I might as well utilize those to entertain my followers.

Do you Tweet on Twitter? Any pointers?

Earth Day Report Card

2009-04-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last year in May I blogged about our commitment to becoming a more environmentally conscience family. I think it's a good time to see how we have done in almost a year.

This is last year's checklist of what accomplishments:

We compost
We have a very large garden
We water our garden with a very conservative but effective drip system
We use Eco friendly laundry soap (ECO from Costco)
Jose commutes to work in a beater car that gets GREAT gas mileage
We recycle almost everything possible (I "sell" my cans and bottles to the local recycle place, and everything from toilet paper rolls to cereal boxes go out in the bin for garbage day)
We have unplugged all electrical plugs that are not being used
I hang a good portion of my laundry to dry-especially in the summer
We have replaced most of our light bulbs with the cfl bulbs
We have reduced our lawn watering to once a week

This year we can add:

We are using green cleaners throughout the house. I use Bon Ami instead of Comet and other abrasive scrubbers. I use a combination of vinegar and rubbing alcohol for the glass and mirrors. I use the Green Works line and Method as well. We now can add Kirkland's Green Dishwasher Detergent too.
Our garden is organic and we rarely fertilize our lawn.
We recently found an AWESOME source for horse poop-to use in our compost and in our garden.
This year we have purchased so many more organic foods. Since Bri has shown food dye allergies, our choices are so much more limited, thus forcing us to look for better options. This tends to apply to the whole family.
I almost always bring my reusable bags to my shopping trips. On the off day that I forget I try to minimize my bag usage and ask the bagger to "over-pack" the bags and get as few as possible.
As often as possible I do my shopping at Costco and get more at once, so I drive less and my purchases are in larger quantities-making less packaging.
We used less AC less summer and less heat during the winter. Our bill showed we did decrease our gas usage (but not the electricity...it's a fine line I tell ya!)
I am active in a program with TerraCycle to recycle Capri Sun and other juice pouches. I also have shared this program with dozens of my friends and some have taken up the cause as well.
My 4 year old daughter can now point out items she sees discarded on our walks that should be recycled. She also has become a light and water sentry-making sure excessive usage is not happening.
Our household is becoming known for re-purposing "garbage" into new and innovative items. I have been making homemade toys utilizing odds and ends that would have been in our landfills. Jose has made THE MOST AMAZING barbecue trailer that will be a mean-ass tool for competitions and mass cookings. It comes from an old compressor tank. Almost all of it comes from various scrap metals and even the heat shield from our old oven we had replaced.

I feel pretty successful in our attempt. I hope that next year we can say that more of our purchases will be organic and "green" from the grocery store (the cost is so prohibitive!). I also hope that we can continue to educate our friends and family in the quest. Any of our next major appliance purchases (the dishwasher and clothes washer are both limping along) will be energy savers. I try to not succumb to the technology temptations and keeping up with the Joneses. As much as I would love to upgrade the computer, the camera, the cell phone, the radios etc I will not until these items NEED to be changed out. The e-waste problem is sickening to me, and I really try to not be a big part of it.

So that's my report in...any ideas are welcome! What are you doing that I am not? What can I do to move forward in my quest?

The Perfect Birth Control!

2009-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

There's a catchy title eh?

I have mentioned that I am watching a friend's baby. She is the daughter of a lady that teaches near us and is also friends with another mama from my group. The peanut will be unnamed as an effort to maintain her privacy and the respects of her family...

Today's post is definitely inspired from this new job. I have thus far watched Peanut for 6 days earlier this month and then again starting this week. The 1st part was only partially difficult and I chalked it up to adjustment. This week so far (yup, 2 days in...) has been HARD!

Yesterday, I decided to lump us together into the Bjorn and the double stroller. I must've looked like a real fertile myrtle...either that or a crazy mad lady.... We have had some killer heat these past days and so Peanut, being only 3 months old must be protected from the sun. I had her in some lightweight pants and a short sleeved onesie. She had a hat on, and in the Bjorn she sat. I tried to use a receiving blanket to drape over her arms and legs, tucked into the straps of the front pack. With Elly in the front and Bri in the back, I figured I could trek around the my 2 mile loop. Uhm...yeah...not so much. I would get a few steps, and then the paci would be spit out. I would stop and fix that and head on. Then the hat fell off. Then the receiving blanket repeatedly fell off. Trust me, stopping every couple of feet would a happy experience make. I decided to cut our route off a bit to make it home in time for Peanut's Mama to meet us at the house for a nursing session. At one point a 911 emergency call was heading right by us. Usually I cover my youngest's ears, but being that she is not so tiny and delicate as Peanut, she lost on that protection. Luckily, I think the fire fighters saw me and cut the siren for the moment and just ran the lights.

Well we made it home, Peanut sacking out for a snooze and much to my surprise, Bri did too! She never does this....and when she does she wakes up when we stop. Well, not this time. I kept us outside since it was still shady and fresh, and Elly played with her sidewalk chalk. Peanut woke up and had some floor (grass) blanket time. Nothing like tummy time under a shady tree! Bri Bri slept on. Finally I decided to wake her and begin our usual lunch and nap procedures. Well that went to hell in a a hand basket! Lunch was rejected, so I assumed we should take it into naptime. Peanut's mom headed back to school and i had 3 kidlets to slumber into dreamland. Uhm....no nap..no rest for the weary (me). Bri flat out refused to sleep, and when I tried she screeched waking Peanut. Elly only slept an hour of her usual 2.5 hour nap, and by pickup time, I had 3 tired kids and a bald spot-no kidding...but I really wanted to pull my hair out!

Today, was a TON better, but still had it's severe weak spots. We started out horribly. I had to ready the 3 girls, and myself for outing to dance class. I got Peanut fed and asleep for a hopefully long enough morning nap. Got myself looking FLY! (lmao!) Seriously...I was feeling it! Then Bri laughed a bit too loud and woke up the not so sleeping Peanut-who was outraged that she wasn't allowed to continue her catnap. At this point I hobbled through dressing all 3, doing hair on the 2, and grabbing snacks and bottles and diapers all the while to the sweet serenade of Angry Peanut. Elly kept trying to shove the paci in her mouth and Bri kept rocking the carseat...

As I searched unsuccessfully for my sunglasses I found Elly curled up on the couch with her hands covering her ears and Bri was following me with her own wails asking me to hug her (how she says she wants to be picked up). I decided my best course of action was to plunk my girls into carseats and seatbelts grab the baby, forget about the glasses and start the truck. 2 blocks into our 5 minute ride Peanut fell asleep. Dance class was quiet and relatively happy due to an awesome mocha and a cookie for my Bri.

Coming home was equally fine and the rest of the day went better.

Let's just say that I am ABSOLUTELY sure that our family is Spot On Perfect with 2 kids. I have no interest in going backwards. I like that my life is relatively calm and certainly so much more predictable. I will get my snuggles and baby smells while I am watching Peanut and feel content watching my daughters evolve, and my life as a parent take shape.

Bri Bri is a Birthday Girl!

2009-04-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated a birthday! Baby Briana is not a baby anymore. She is 2 years old! As I did for Elly, I will do a quick then and now. You can see for yourelves how she has changed.

Awesome!

2009-04-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today I called for the eye appointment that is WAY overdue. I probably only did it because my last pair of contacts officially died yesterday. I can handle my glasses-except when the sun is out. Since we are having nice weather come our way, it became obvious that I needed to me take initiative. Crossing my fingers I dialed the number. the cheery receptionist answered and I began my quest.

Since they were already booked for the week (Imagine that! People actually think ahead?), she looked for a cancelation. Uhmmmm, yes! 1 opening! Sadly, their one available spot did not jive with our Zoo plans. So, I apologized and thanked her for trying and we made the apppointment for 2 weeks from now. (Probably like MOST people do.)

Then I embarked on the secondary plan. Obtain contacts! I asked politely if the dr would be open to letting me try some samples until my appointment. She checked and AWESOME! I now have in my possession 1 more set of contacts. That will get me to my officialy check up and then I can order them like a good rule following non-procrastinating patient.

The Golden Scale

2009-04-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have this scale, located in the bathroom. It is a digital scale, originally purchased to follow the snail like growth of my Elly.

Now, I use it keep myself on track. It champions me and it hides nothing. I can instantly tell if that extra piece of pizza was detrimental or not. These past 2 weeks I have been so off the wagon, it's not even funny. I haven't exercised because the mole biopsy was taken from my lower left back (or as I tell people from the Back Fat). I was given no restrictions by my doctor, but it is in such a location the every move, waist up, pulls at the bandage. I haven't wanted to pull out the stitch or interfere with healing.

So I figure, if there is no exercise, why should I eat with a conscience? (Yeah, no logic there...but it reveals typical thinking on my part)

So just to make sure I am not so far off my path, I check in with my friendly scale every few days.

1st time: 1?1.8 lbs (numbers are hidden to maintain some semblance of personal pride). My reaction? Ok! I am not so far off!

2nd time 1?1.8 lbs My reaction? Wow same number as before-looks like my body is doing pretty good!

3rd time 1?1.8 lbs. My reaction? Look at Lil Ole Me! I am able to eat like a slob and my weight stays the same. Oh...the exact same...oh as the past few days..down to the decimal...Uhmmm yeah, something is not right.

So I change the battery. Yup, confirmed, fuzzy numbers.

After the battery was changed out, my weight was attempted again for a REAL check in.

1?2.4 lbs. My reaction? Ah ok, so still not so bad, but I have inched upwards again. Time to reel it all back in.

My biopsy site has been un-bandgaged and un steri-stripped for a few days. Looks like my hesitation was right as I did pull it back open reaching for something. It is currently re-bandaged and under a neosporin protective shield. Hopefully as the weather gets nicer again next week and we have no school and dance I can work some calories off and get back on the track to a svelte and total babe bod! (lol, well ok maybe not quite that, but at least 7 lbs down before summer clothes come out).

People

2009-04-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to write this for a while now. We all know how diligent a blogger I am....

In my short career as a Preschool Mom, I have observed some things. It all revolves around the way people drive...

1st of all, it is amazing how quickly people drive past the school and in and out of the parking lot. Apparently that the motivation behind this is only about themselves and their kid. Can you imagine how it would be if that same parent (flooring it into the lot and scraping chassis as they do the speed bumps) slammed into someone-just to get THE parking spot and avoid the tardy slip? I somehow missed this part of the school scene when I was teaching. I certainly passed my share of tardy slips out....but never saw the parking lot scene. It is jaw dropping to me, even several months in. I am there twice a day for dropoff and pick up and the scene is the same.

2nd, there is a certain grandparent that drives me completely bonkers. I just smile and nod....not worth saying anything and making waves. He is one of those guys that ekes total machismo swagger. How obnoxious...I am thankful I am not married to him for that many years of his marriage. He drives in BACKWARDS into the lot, waiting even on the side for the cars with right of way to pass and give him room. Parks in the handicap spaces-which is awful considering our preschool is integrated with special ed kids whose parents probably DO have placards. He leaves the MAN car (yes it's some version of a quasi cop american made sedate sedan) running in the middle of the lot, blocking in others. When someone says anything he puffs up his sagging ex weightlifter's chest over his paunchy belly and replies, "Well tell them to come talk to me, heh heh heh". He lingers after drop off to chat with my friend and I, as if he is one of the girls, but the convo is condescending and centralized on him. We now have taken to walking to one of our cars (not parked in the lot and usually not close to the front) to get away from him. Creepy it is that he HAS to watch the kids enter completely in the building. He cannot accept that the teachers can and will get the class (particularily his grandbaby) without failure.

I figure we have a few more weeks of this year's preschool experience and then come August we will start up again. Take a break and then come back ready to smile and nod and scream inside my head. These types make me crazy-I am typically a rule follower except when I feel obstinate-often...lol. I do follow the rules that are basic and logical, the ones that allow for order of the people and whatnot. The complete disregard for others is what rubs badly to me. I really try to make my circle wide enough to not cause problems for others, to not make waves in their lives. I teach this to my girls, and I had to teach enough ill prepared children in my career that th world DOES NOT revolve solely around them. The fact that he is so blatant about it and then talks himself up like the king of all is vomit inducing....

Just smile and nod...make small talk and run along....thus is the introduction to my life with school aged children.

The Story of A Scary Mole

2009-04-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a Fair Maiden. She was not sun shy and approximately once a year, obtained a sunburn. Much to her dismay, she saw a mark. It was a black mark, similar to a tattoo located on her lower back. Over the course of the next year, she observed it...noting its size, color and changes. At some point she deemed it necessary to seek the advice of a medical professional....

She went in for her appointment, and went away missing a part of her body. The scary mole was taken off of her and kept for further studying.

A week went by...as her back healed her brain kept thinking up the possibilities.

Finally, with her courage bolstered, she put in a call for the results. Much to her delight, the results proved to be heart lifting!

Yes, folks I am the fair maiden and my scary mole is for naught. I can be thankful that the biopsy came back with a benign result. Apparently, they think it is a birth mark that has begun changing hormonally. It had its own blood source and was growing cells and pushing outward. The nurse today told me that I was free and clear-no Melanoma. YAY!

Lesson learned? I can be doing more to prevent situations like this. There are so many unpreventable illnesses and diseases, and for melanoma (skin cancer), all I need to do is wear my sunscreen and prevent sunburns. Hopefully, I can get through this upcoming summer season without a sunburn. AND I can commit to keeping my daughters protected.

Ain't no idle hands here...

2009-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

At least I can say I have been busy. No mental ruts, no hormonal emotional outbursts, just plain ole busy.

After Elly's Tinkerbell party, we were again gearing up. We have had the arrival of my newest responsibility, Baby Girl R. I will be watching her for a few days a month while Mommy teaches nearby and Daddy works out of state. That in itself has been an adjustment for all of us. Next, we were setting up for the girls' double birthday party. Jose and I thought it would be kind to our friends and family to only put on one party for the both, since their birthdays are about 3 weeks apart. That was Saturday. Now, a 1/2 week later, I have a minute to post on the blog!

Next we have some Easter celebrations and 1 more birthday party! Whew!

Happy 4th Birthday to my 1st Baby Girl!

2009-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today is a wonderful day! Elly turns 4! It is with wonder, amazement and pride that I look back at our adventure thus far! From the long awaited pregnancy to the swollen legs and 26 hours of labor, to chubby cheeks and curly first locks of hair, to an inquisitive and sensitive toddler, to our preschooler, it has not failed to be fabulous (even the hard and difficult times are well worth it!) We are blessed to have our Elly Girl and it is mind boggling to imagine forward to all the experiences that will be as we continue to help shape and mold her into an adult. I risk turning this post into a sappy hallmark card of mother's wishes and memories...so in lieu of that I will share a few pictures...

Then

Today

Think Tink!

2009-03-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are preparing for a small friends party for Elly's 4th birthday. She has chosen the Tinkerbell theme. As an activity, we will be doing a spin on the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey. I asked Jose if he would be willing to draw out a poster sized Tinkerbell without wings. The kids will be placing wings on her in the game. Here is his masterpiece!

Of course, it took him all afternoon to complete. The girls enjoyed watching her come to life on his sketch pad, and last night before going to bed, Bri said good night to Tink. Awesome!

Accomplished!

2009-03-23T07:28:00.001-07:00

It's too bad no one can read my mind, because I have written a ton of blog posts...in my mind. They never made it to actuality this week. Let me tell you, I had great intentions....BUT the week was so awesome, guess that's why the time was never made.

It was one of those weeks.....

It was "spot on"!

I felt like it was all working so well, and now that I write about it...I bet the mojo goes away.

Last week was a week when I was feeling it all come together. Perhaps the timing is right and I will be seeing more like this? I have had time to exercise a lot, and seeing and feeling results is amazing! Keeps a girl inspired... I was able to get to more things around the house-makes the world feel less chaotic when it is tidy. The girls and I were jiving without full moon hijacking. They listened more to me, they played well alone and together and as a group we we in good form. It wasn't stressful, emotional or hard. It was smooth and awesome.

Imagine that, feels like life after babyhood is finally congealing a bit. My girls are getting older (almost 4 and almost 2), so we could see some sort of normalcy....sleep is happening, mommy is getting a little bit of mommy back, the girls are developing into little people.

It's a nice feeling. One that this control freak appreciates to the utmost.

Accepting and Acknowledging....

2009-03-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

In the past week I have been mulling over a concept.

BALANCE.

Definition from American Heritage online
verb-To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.

For a control freak such as myself, this is a topic of persistence. I find it permeates in my parenting, my personal world, and general rationalization that often floats in my brain.

Currently it can applied to finding the perfect balance for a person (specifically my Grammy) after having a life altering accident. For me, for this situation....it all balances on the idea of integrity. This is a lady that has had 80 years of strong independent living. She was influenced by the financially critical years of The Great Depression. She graduated at 16 from high school. Having grown up in Maine, she worked her way out to the west coast, stopping at various intervals for work and school.

Without sounding like a eulogy (because while that is something that could be needed at some point in the near future, we are NOT there yet....), my point is to indicate what shaped her as she grew into the person I know.

After falling in November, she has still not left the hospital. Well, she has, but has been in the rehab facility. Either way, it's not home. We as a family have been rushing to arrange matters because Grammy is being released from her facility due to little progress in her physical therapy. Truth be told, I don't believe that anyone believes she will ever be independently mobile. It would be nice...

So now, we are having to recognize that an era is ending and a new reality will have to be created. My mom and aunts have been scrambling to make it happen. I have helped whenever possible. The new reality, will be that Grammy is being moved to my Aunt and Uncle's house. She will require 24 hour care, while being mostly in bed....the balance that I keep struggling with has to do with the extreme change of lifestyle for my Grammy. There is no grace involved. Kinda like a clumsy attempt at dancing (like I do....).

Before the fall, she was out and about on her own-in complete charge of her own care, of her own home and life business, make thoughtful choices about the direction she wanted to go-short term and long term. Now, there is no weekly bridge game, no knitting (she can't remember the patterns she has ALWAYS knitted), no painting, no walking the 2 blocks to Traders for her 2 Buck Chuck and other grocery miracles. Now, she relies on someone for everything-personal care, a glass of water, remembering things.

Her house will be empty for a while, and probably boxed up and sold. Her castle. She left in an ambulance thinking she would be home after her leg healed. She hasn't been back in 3 months. It is doubtful she will again. I walk in there and look around-absorbing it all. Thinking of her motives in decor, of the photos she has all over, and why those are the ones she opted to have out. I look at her food in the cabinets, thinking of her plans to make a meal. Material items being what they are....I think they still have merit. They represent as person, a life, memories.

How do you re-write the reality, and make it balanced to allow for the new needs, but to preserve the integrity of the person. Perhaps I am over thinking this-as Lizzie often points out. But to me it is imperative to keep Grammy's life enriched, to enable her to maintain as much as possible, while allowing that she is not in any shape or form in the same place as 3 months ago. My aunt and uncle and cousins will be re-writing their own realities. How do they balance what they have in place with this new wrinkle?

I imagine, more than anything for Grammy-it is huge just to be released from the institutional world. She is so excited to be leaving. Who knows how long this plan will function, will be in action. Who knows how much my Grammy will maintain for herself, and for how much longer.

I do know I am sad-sad that the stupid simplicity of a broken leg has left her with the complete loss of so much. I know that we have no control over life and death-the manner in which those occur. I am having trouble acknowledging the truth. I often wonder if (and slam me if you wish) coming back to our world after being so critical in ICU, was worth it for her. Integrity-it doesn't come from a Rehab facility....that is deterioration. That is just crossing off the minutes inside of a small 4 walled space, the smells, the noises, the pure and total reliance on a staff that may or may not actually care. It's just wrong. There is no balance in that place.

Ok, I could probably take this long post to another few hundred words, and so I will stop here.

Purely Pictures Post

2009-03-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

The weather is beginning to be enjoyable (ie sunny and mild). Yesterday we took a walk and ended up at the park. It was the 1st time probably all winter that we have all played together-Bri sometimes plays while we wait to pick up Elly at school.

The girls had a blast playing TOGETHER. I am starting to see more of the relationship building. As always, Bri followed her sister and tried it all! (There were times when I was trying to help up impossible advanced climbing structures and then running over to the other side to make sure she didn't go head over...all because Big Sissy was doing it.) Here are a few pictures I managed while I didn't have to work so hard to help Bri keep up with her sister.

Meanwhile, while we were playing, Jose and Chesie were playing too! They went to help out at a hunting competition, and then after had some free hunting time!

Check in time

2009-03-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

So I have been MIA.....This is due to the influx of people in my house as well as continued germs. Both girls were diagnosed with ear infections last week and it took a few days for them to be less whiny and clingy. Then I was on super duper cleaning duty. Jose's parents came for a visit last Friday. We had a weekend of family fun, and then I was helping them to complete some projects yesterday.

Today, the In Laws are off on their own, visiting friends and family. We were supposed to have dance class, but it was canceled because Miss Barb has caught kid germs.

So far, I am enjoying the quiet calm of having no plans. It may just kill me though as my almost 2 year old and almost 4 year old are reaching new lows in their developmental behavior. I can almost feel myself channeling my mother as I holler "NO FIGHTING", "GO TO YOUR ROOM" and "LEAVE YOUR SISTER ALONE!". With the rain and icky sickies that we have been dealing with we are all stir crazy!

To sweeten the mood, I will post recent pictures of my girls.

Remember, looks can be deceiving...

I have a few more days as family hostess. I hope to pop back on again soon.

A New Era

2009-02-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

The other day we went to visit one of my dearest friends and her family. They are a family of 5, with 2 daughters and a son. Heather is one of the first real friends I made while in college. She is part of the wonderful trio-Heather, Shelly and Hanna. We spent our glory-ahem, well we spent our first 4 semesters together at West Valley College. At 1st we met by chance, Shelly and I had a class together and so did Shelly and Heather. Later, we took several classes together, and Heather and I even worked together... It's been a great thing. Now we are respectively, Auntie Heather, Auntie Shelly, and Auntie Hanna. It's been 15 years this year and while we now have to jostle our schedules around to create visits, we are still very close.

The odd thing is this: while we chatted-Heather and I, Jose with Matt, the kids played (my 2 match ages with her younger 2 almost perfectly). Heather and I cruised through a series of topics. At one point, we were discussing our health. She has recently moved back to the South Bay and has the same insurance we have. I was suggesting some doctors that I have enjoyed having. Then we shifted to various health issues. We discussed cholesterol, anemia, thyroid, etc. All the fun stuff.

After a bit, we packed up our brood and headed home. It was a super nice visit. Totally different than those in the past, simply because it was so simple. Bring the kids over, men talk, women talk, and kids play.

As I was thinking over our visit I started to chuckle. Our topics of conversation have changed so drastically. We used to drool over guys, talk about music, fashion, classes, and places to get out to-and often while we cut class at a local cafe. Now we are discussing face creams and aging skin, budgets and recipes, cholesterol and health issues, and kids.

Admittedly, we are growing (or already grown) up. In fact, I turn 33 today. Shelly celebrated in October and Heather will enjoy this new age in April. I seriously have no problem with adding another year (although the number 33 is a bit daunting to me-perhaps the solidness of the double 3's?). It was just another reality check of how my life has meandered into new realities. Long gone are the carefree college girl days. Long gone are the financially irresponsible days, and long gone are the days when life was simple.

I am so wonderfully blessed for the realtionships I have been in and have been able to maintain for so long. It is nice to have friends that support me and match me. We have built a friendship that has contained somuch of our life and I am well aware it will continue for much longer. We will be discussing wrinkles and grey hairs and high school rebellious children in our next era.

If that is the only reason to go to college, then I sincerely recommend it! Well that and the education and career that follows....

Friday Tidbits

2009-02-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well I have a thousand and one things to say, and can't seem to get 1 post together, so I am doing it in blurbs.

I am 1 lb short of my birthday goal-Monday is the BIG DAY
Bri has peed on her little potty quite a few times now. We aren't intentionally training, but it's nice to see soem real interest. Makes me feel like I can turn it into something with purpose soon enough. She won't be 2 until April!
I had an xray today for a lump on my finger. It;s a somewhat painful lump at the base of my index finger. I 1st notice it with some pain when holding things. Then I felt the bump. It's my 4th lump-all are different things!
My dr also referred me to a dermatologist for a scary mole. YIKES the thought of skin cancer freaks me out. The thought of ANY cancer freaks me out!
My in-laws will be here starting Thursday, for about 3 weeks.
I just canceled my MYSPACE page because it was phished. That freaks me out too.

That's enough for now...Just wanted to let you all know I am here, and not fading out.

Peace out!

Sacrilege I tell Ya!

2009-02-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

It is a sad sad day for me.... I come to report the downsizing of yet another icon in our lives. It started with Ice Cream, and Cereal and Gum. In the last year, these are some of the items that have been made smaller, as a result of the current national financial state. I understand that cost cutting and allowances must be made for there to be a balance. This however, is the straw that broke that broke the camel's back.

Honeymaid has made the graham cracker smaller! Yes folks, you read it right. I pulled out a cracker to appease (no, read this as "quiet so that Mommy can play more on the computer") my toddling daughter. As I pulled it out I noticed how much smaller it was. Narrower and shorter. (I will share a picture as an example.) Not only is the cracker smaller, the box is too. Instead of a 16 ounce box, I noticed it is a 14.5 oz box. So much for the simple things staying the same....

Consumers, watch carefully. Especially for products that are your staples. The companies are banking that you will not notice the changes and will continue to pay the same or even more for your regular items. The 2 crackers are from different companies. The bigger one is the Safeway generic graham. The smaller, is as noted the brand name.

As my kids don't notice the difference, I am thinking I will pay the lesser amount for more product. I happened on this box last week, simply because of an awesome coupon from Safeway. A box for 99 cents. So for this price, I am not feeling duped. But in times to come, I will be more wary. Oh, and what's up with the funky shape? There is no regularity....

Customize Me...

2009-02-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

If I had my way.....

I would design my body to my own standards. This is yet another topic I came up with while I was running.

I would have my legs and but from my teen years, but would keep my hips and curves from motherhood. I would take my "badge of honor" from childbearing-my baby pouch-and use it to rebuild my poor lackluster boobs....they took a hit from nursing....

I don't want to be a stick slim no curves gal...I don't mind having some "extra". I would like it to be not saggy, rolling, or lumpy. I would even accept the stretch marks.

I don't mind running and sit-ups and leg lifts and arm curls and squats. I don't particularly like these things, but I would glady trade doing them half heartedly once or twice a week for the conditions stated above...I am not looking to be Mrs. Mom America, only to be a fit more refined. Where is my fairy godmother? A flick or her magic wand could do this right away....

Until I find her (or she finds me) I am resigned to my dietary and exercise agenda. 3 more lbs til my birthday goal, and 8 more to my total goal....

Getting Involved

2009-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Another instance of my brain thinking BIG things! WATCH OUT!

I was running the other day, and as I huffed along, my brain meandered through a variety of ideas. I saw someone's extra large lot and chaotic garden. While we have one of our own, this one reminded me more of a community style garden. Well that streamed my thinking to other gardens I have seen in cities that promote Community Gardening...and that led to the fact that we don't have one here in my town. That led to my involvement with some seriously rocking mamas here in town, that would appreciate a community garden and quite possible could be huge factors in creating one.....Yeah, that's my plan.

I am tossing around the concept of proposing a community garden to our City Council, and if that doesn't get accepted perhaps in conjunction with the school district. When I lived in San Jose, there were several, one being at the school I taught and others at various parks I worked at with the Parks and Rec Dept. There is an awesome one where my mom lives....

A community garden has so many positives outcomes to it! I am so excited at the prospect of proposing this and hopefully being involved in launching it. Our Council is very conservative and so embroiled in internal politics due to city growth and financial failures that I think our proposal has to be well thought out and planned. It needs to have a clear outline, with expected outcome, and city involvement. Some of the results I hope to achieve are:

A heightened awareness of organic gardening-including composting
Helping people to understand more ecological water usage (assuming we aren't rationing water due to drought....)
Utilizing "dead" or underused urban spaces.
Teaching people to appreciate producing their own foods-and getting a bit further away from processed foods.
Involving the youth
Bringing people together in the interest of neighborhood and community in a city that tends to be full of commuters.
Reconnecting with our town's agricultural history

To begin my quest, I have started to talk it up with some mamas that I think are likely to be interested, and focused. I also have been researching online, and hope to investigate nearby cities that have successful gardens. My mom has informed me that I need to find a Master Gardner to help in the planning. Let's face it, my talents are still developing as a grower of green life. Our family garden is mostly due to the talents and energies of my dear husband. BUT I am motivated and LOVE projects. I am committed to our town of residence, and to public education....it will be a teaching moment of grand scale.....

I will update as I proceed, but I thought it would be nice to share this with my blog friends. If you know of any fantastic Garden models, or have any words of advice, I am all ears.

Loss Prevention

2009-02-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today my youngest child, of age 22 months, decided to practice her craft. We were doing some shopping. Our mission was looking for Valentine's Day shirts. While we were in GAP, I had let her out of the stroller. It is a nice way to teach her to stay close and have some freedom while behaving in public places. This is easier to do when it's just me and the little one, her sister being in school. SO, back to the topic at hand....As I was browsing possible outfits choices, Bri Bri had taken it upon herself to also do some shopping. My sweet one was stuffing packs of pajamas into the basket below the stroller. I had seen her doing this, and reminded myself to correct it before we left. I forgot. Could it be that her massive tantrum about being returned to her seatbelted stroller took dominance of my mind? I paid for my 2 shirts, walked all the way around the shopping complex to where we parked. As I looked into the basket for a wayward paci, I saw the loot.

Oh SHIZZLE! I had to walk all the way back (something to be said for the exercise at least). Back into GAP I strolled, already embarrased. As I was piling the packs onto the counter, the cashier walked over to me. I explained that my child had done some shopping without permission. She was very understanding about it, thanked me for my honesty and asked if I wanted any of it. NOPE, it was all 3-6 months boys pajamas. Seriously, not a thread of it useful. After completing my task, I walked yet again (4x's!) back toward the truck.

Silly girl....guess I will have to be watching out for my little sticky fingers...

Why Do I Blog? Possible Pity Party-Be Aware

2009-02-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

There has been a teeny tiny little nagging voice in my head lately. It might explain my lack of posts lately.

Why in the world do I blog?

Sharing everything from my internal innards to my beautiful babies to my mindless ramblings. It is a personal and vulnerable experience.

So why do I do it?

I originally set out to blog because "all my friends were doing it...". Well, sort of. I was introduced to blogging by Lia. She made it seem so appealing. Her blog is well layed out-with great graphics. She has a fantastic following with people who interact with comments. She has even branched out into various blogger groups. There are fun conferences with goodies and perks.

I loved blog stalking. I felt like I was being invited to peek in on her world. I started to read other people's blogs as well. It really gets to be quite time consuming to check in daily with all the blogs on my favorites list.

I always maintained that I was intriqued about blogging but surely I couldn't keep up with the commitment of regular posting. Afterall, I was having trouble staying on top of my various online groups. One more thing was a bit over the top especially with the ever increasing demands of my daughters, household, and husband.

Then, my friend Lizzie started hers. Damn! I decided to jump into the mix. Fishy Tales was born.

I found that there were many parts that I did enjoy. The 1st was the challenge of setting up my blog and learning the ins and outs of this type of technology. I thrive on this. It is how I have learned everything computers/laptops (I seperate these 2 items), internet, and software programming.

I also found that I enjoyed the mental exercise of writing. It helped to imagine the readers and their reaction, taking it from basic journaling to a more exacting article. After years (4 now) of not working, and feeling like my brain is getting mushier and mushier, this is refreshing.

I hoped that my family and more distanced friends would utilize my blog to keep up (regularly) on the happenings in my life.

Finally, I did enjoy the anticipation of the readers. I not so secretly hoped for a following-like Lia and some of the popular bloggers.

Lately I find myself re-evaluating the reason for my blog. I haven't had my friends (real-life) and family reading unless I send the link. There is a small group of people that have been reading (THANK YOU!) on a regular basis. So, where does this leave me? I do still enjoy learning about the technology, and I do still find it nice to collect my thoughts through writing.

But do I need to do it publicly? Therein lies my biggest predicament. Would I continue if I were writing into a traditional journal? Would I do it if it were a word doc? Probably not. I know myself...there seems to be something about peer motivation that keeps me moving.

For now, I have decided to continue-but do share your feelings-especially if you blog.

Also, consider yourself warned that I may indeed close up shop some day, if I can't silence the voice....

Can you hear me now?

2009-01-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

I am trying to decide about my phone issues. I had for the longest time this Motorola phone. It was basic-no camera, no internet. It really served its purpose. I endured it, battered and bruised. Then, in December I went in to our Mobile Provider's store. I was adding my mom to our family plan. I began looking at phones. Those gleaming new phones, with a world of new capabilities....beckoned to me. I worked with the salesman to choose a new one. I settled on a RAZR. Cool deal, I got it for like $19.00 after my 30 dollar rebate. And it is modern, sleek, and up to date. Seems like a win-win....

Not so. I am clumsy. My body is constantly banging into so wall or door (seriously-not the classic abused wife story...). In addition to the poor personal space issues, I drop things. All the time. Sadly, this includes my phones. The 1st phone mentioned did very well with this. It explains the bruising. But that phone took a kicking and kept on ticking. I cannot say the same for the Razr. I have owned it for about 2 months now. It looks worse than the other one. It actually is broken at the hinge and is all cockeyed. I think I damaged the speaker too...it is especially crackly.

Today I went in to investigate my options. I could a) take a loss and revert to the old phone. b) invest some more money even if it extended the contract a bit more. c.) see if there were some way to get the thing exchanged for an exact same thing, only new. d.) finagle a repair job.

The salesman who helped me last time was the one who helped today. That was nice, as he was sympathetic and extra helpful. He looked things up, and learned that I wasn't eligible for anymore cheapy deals. Bugger. Then he did see that I could get this one for $39.99. I had my 30.00 rebate from the Razr. That cost me $9.99. Not a shabby pay out for abusing my electronics. I went for it, especially since he threw in a free car charger (all my other stuff was set for motorola...).

The problem now? I am not sure I like it. There are a ton less functions....texting is horrible, and the menu sucks. I can't seem to make shortcuts happen. I DO like the size. It is a handy little phone and probably is pretty durable. It happens to be the one I got for my mom. It is a cute green color. I could care less about the lack of camera. It is fun to play with but not at all something I use on a regular basis.

So what now. I could return it, pay for the charger and give that to my mom. I think there is a 7 day return limit (need to read the fine print). I really hate plugging money into this crap, as well as creating more e-waste. I also hate being confined by a company. However there is much to be said for product reliability and quality. I guess I will see if I can't slip over there tomorrow and see what they will (can) do for little ol' me.

Popcorn Update!

2009-01-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

So I accomplished my mission. I have made a successful batch of homemade microwave popcorn.

I used a brown paper lunch bag, 1/2 cup popcorn, a tsp or so of EVOO. I mixed the kernels and oil in a small bowl. Then I poured the well coated kernels into a paper bag. I folded the top down 2 times. I placed the bag in the microwave, and pressed 2 mins. I watched the process adding 30 secs intervals 3 times. After about 1.5 mins the popping began! I pulled it out when the popping slowed. As it is I had a full bag, with some uncooked kernels and some burnt ones.

Since I didn't flavor the kernels before, it was a very plain taste. (I imagine tho a pretty healthy one.) My next attempts will be to add flavor, prior to cooking. Also I will be working hard to have the correct cooking balance of oil to kernels to cook time.

All in all, I am not unhappy. The girls ate a bowl each. That says something, right? Especially since there was no flavoring...

Pop! Pop! Pop!

2009-01-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love popcorn. We all know, that Movie Theater popcorn is that evil beast that tastes oh so damn good and is oh so damn horrible for us in every way. Lucky for me the movie theater is a place i have not stepped foot into since I was preggo with Elly. The ensuing birth and care of 1 and then a second child takes up most of my free time. The lack of funds and babysitters takes away the other opportunities for a movie get away.

My second popcorn habit is good old snacking at home. I have always been a fan of Microwave Popcorn. I actually became more of a fan this past summer as I was trying to find lowfat ways to snack. Then I heard a radio interview on talk radio. The guest was Nena Baker, the author of The Body Toxic. She had a lot of evidence against the teflon industry as well as other prevalent chemicals in our everyday lives. Her suggestion, was to make some easy changes. The first being to avoid teflon. We have eliminated our teflon pans. Now we have cast iron and stainless. But that is not to say that things we use dont still have teflon. One of which...the bag that holds the microwave popcorn. Here is an article that explains the caricongens that can be found in microwave popcorn bag. One of her more ominous warnings was for pregnant women. She maintains that of all the scary stuff out there, avoid the popcorn. There is a high chance that the carcinogens cross the placenta, and there is not enough information supporting the harmlessness of it all. Just don't consume mirco popcorn...like we give up wine and cigarettes...

Since hearing this, I haven't purchased anymore of the convenient bags of popcorn. But I miss my snack. So my options are:

The old fashioned way on a pan on the stove.

An air popper

Using a paperbag and bulk popcorn in the microwave.

Out of all of these, my 1st choice was number 2. This was before learning about the cool paperbag trick. I haven't tried it YET. I have heard great things tho, and the ability to custom flavor and season is surely appealing. If this fails me, I will learn number 1, and then I will march to the nearest big box to purchase an air popper.

Follow up review later today on the success (or lack thereof) of the Bag trick.

On a Bender

2009-01-23T13:28:00.001-08:00

Excuse me while I take a blogging time out to continue indulging in falling off the wagon. I seem to be shoving everything pastry and breadlike into my ever ready mouth. If I care to figure it out, the impetus seems to be connected to my coffee shop beverage treats.....

Sadly there are 2 victims from this behavior....my waistband and my wallet. Both are imporing me to just stop. My logical thinking is just not strong enough to beat back the instant gratification urges.

If you can point me in the direction of a program (12 steps or not...) I am all ears. Until then, I must complete the trio of petitte scones. One sad one is just waiting for my attentions....

25 Things

2009-01-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

I was tagged. Lizzie got me on her blog today, and yesterday on my facebook page. She says it was so fun, she wanted to do it again. I actually found myself thinking about more things I could have listed and didn't. So I will do it again...and Lizzie insists I can't cheat and use items I listed on facebook.

So here goes:

Rules: Once you've been tagged, write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. The only rule is that you have to post different stuff if you did one on FB.

I taught elementary school for 6 years, and then had my 1st baby and decided to stay home with my girls.
One big reason that we won't be having more children is that I really like to sleep-and my kids have not been good sleepers as babies. I am not even recovered yet from Bri, who will be 2 in April.
I love to read. I consider romance and easy reading (as often found in the end caps at grocery stores) to be my mindless reading. I can flip through one of those puppies in a day easy. I do enjoy more thought provoking titles (as often found on Oprah's Book Club list). I really don't enjoy the classics and more antique titles.
I am the oldest of 6. My brother and I have the same mom and same dad. With my dad and stepmom, there are 4 more (3 sisters and a brother).
The youngest is 18 years younger than I am.
I love word games (family inheritance from both sides). I play Scrabble online (www.isc.ro). Come challenge me! (wordmami is my handle)
I am very interested in my family heritage.
My dad's side is Italian. Someday I would like to be able to say I have seen the "Mother Country", and can speak the Native tongue.
My mom's side shows a scholarly trend. Great Great Grandpa was a Stanford Professor and published author of scientific studies.
My husband drives my family car to work and I drive the big work/hunting truck. It's all about gas mileage.....
I accidently bought a small sized underwear at Victoria's Secret and it fits! (SCORE!)
There is a spot on the couch that is mine and mine alone....better not sit there!
It is almost 7pm and I am only on my 2nd glass of water all day.
I have found many wonderful friends online that I have never met in real life. Someday, we will see if we have been honest in our virtual representations. :-)
I think I could be a better cook if my husband weren't so critical and picky. It is nice that he has ideas and is in fact quite competent....but seriously...it is inhibitive to the rest of us.
In the 17 years of our relationship-9.5 married, we have never had one of "those" fights. We do sometimes get snarky and pissy, but it rarely goes past a night and never has slamming doors etc.
I am a control freak.
Some of my friends' kids bug me.
Shopping for bargains is an obbsession and often I spend more than I budget because I can't pass something up.
I was named for a Bob Dylan song. Visions of Johanna is the title.
I have never been Johanna except for formal situations.
My parents were hippies....
I often write my blog imagining that scores of people are reading me, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. In reality, I am aware that it is a small handful that read me faithfully. I don't however know how they feel because it is rare that they comment. (HINT HINT!)
I like sewing. I am getting better, but I am no Betsy Ross.
If you are on FB I am obsessed with my lil garden. I like getting plants and sorting them.

Whew! Well, I am not tagging anyone, because I think our little circle has been tagged enough. The tag stops here (unless you would like to do this exercise.....then by all means go for it and share it with me!)

Obama Rock!

2009-01-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

Elly is proving to be an excellent student....

She was very interested in yesterday's inaugural proceedings. She can identify our new President, and his wife and family. She recognizes and hums the Presidential March.

Just today, she was discussing with me about her Grandma watching yesterday and that the local wild deer were listening too. Everyone she encounters is subject to her announcing just how awesome Obama Rock is. She has decided he is named that....I like it!

Here are a few pictures of the girls watching while President Obama is sworn in.

Happy Wednesday!

100 Calorie Snacks

2009-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was reading a website that led to me to a website that led to me to a website. You know how that goes....I can't even remember now what initiated the search. I think, a recipe...

Anyway, I was reading this gals budgeting website. She claims that it is possible to feed a family of 4 with $200 a month and only $30 of that for meat. She has access to butchers that will sell for under the standard grocery store prices. (I am thinking I might investigate this...living in the "farmlands-turned tract homes" should enable this right?)

So she challenged her readers to stop using convenience foods. No pre-packaged, no ready to back, no easy peasy. She suggests that we would save hundreds of dollars a year by making our own convenience foods.

This, in addition to my attempt to eat better and maintain a healthy diet plus my snacky needs led to the next search. How to make my own 100 calorie snacks. Thus eliminating the packaging, the extra cost, and the processed foods. Since I am home so much of the time, I don't need to open a tiny foil wrapped bag of cookies. I should be able to gauge 100 calories (approximately) of something I already have, that is more in line with my dietary and environmental goals.

Score! I found a bunch of websites!

This is one site I saved for future reference and a quick table they had listed for ideas.

Here are some ideas that are all 100 calories or less!

*Individual serving of skim milk (8 oz)

*Silk plain single serve soymilk (8 oz)

*1 oz. or 2 Tbsp. hummus with 5 pretzel crisps (Sabra Hummus To
Go)

*½ of container (2.5 oz.) tunafish (BumbleBee Easy Peel
Sensations, Lemon & Cracked Pepper) on 3 Reduced Fat Triscuit
crackers

*5.3 oz. container of Oikos organic yogurt or Fage Total 0% yogurt
with ¼ cup blueberries

*Half of a medium pear with 1 oz. low-fat string cheese

*15 grapes with 1 wedge Laughing Cow Lite cheese

*½ cup cottage cheese (fat free) with ½ cup any raw veggies

*2 cups light popcorn (94% fat free) with 2 tsp. reduced fat
parmesan cheese

*14 baby carrots and ½ cup bell pepper strips with 2 Tbsp. fat free
ranch dressing

*Half of a medium apple with 2 tsp. natural peanut butter

*1 oz. (about 3 slices) turkey (Hillshire Farms Deli Select Oven

*Roasted Turkey) with 1 slice 2% reduced fat cheese and mustard

*1 slice light bread (Natures Own Reduced calorie Honey wheat)
with 2 tsp. natural peanut butter

It's nice to know that I can snack just as successfully or better without a 100 calorie snack pack of Oreos.....I will be looking for more information. If I find a favorite I will be sure to share!

Progress Update

2009-01-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Thought I would update on my day.

In total, I was "free" for about 8 hours. I accomplished some of my list....

1.) Went for my run. Total route was 2.75 miles and I ran about 1.86 of them. (I use http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/ for mapping my outings)

2.) Showered (and yes shaved the legs!)

3.) Did some online reading about how to make my own 100 calorie snacks. (more on that tomorrow)

4.) Costco and Safeway

5.) Free panties at Victoria's.....

6.) Tidied up the front dining room table. It was buried under the sewing machine and my crafts. I re-located those cluttery items to the extra room.

7.) Laundry-one load folded and another washed (not such a big achiever here!)

8.) Visited with the nieghbors

9.) Sorted the upcoming bills.

10.) Played some online Scrabble.

That is about it. I would have hoped to do more with my time, but in the end, it was a nice relaxing day. Jose came home with the girls. The have a full cooler of fresh trout (dinner tonight!), and a day's worth of stories. The girls are bathed and fed, and having some downtime with Diego on tv. Bedtime will be early.

The Wonder of a Day

2009-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

So I have a whole day.
All to myself.
No kids.
No husband.
A whole day.

What to do?

The irony is that there are soooo many things I could do in this day that I won't probably achieve any of them. A free hour is so precious....a day is baffling. I have no idea how to prioritize the options. I could do something for me, I could take care of things around the house, I could pick a project (loose pictures....file bills....make a movie with my digital pics....etc).

The truth is that within these choices, I feel like if I choose 1, then I am not taking advantage of the time for another thing....like a kid in a candy store.

My plan:

Finish coffee
Have a scrambled egg
Take the dog for a run
Shower (include shaving legs)
Hit up Costco
Yes, file last years bills
Make some cookies (once I have the eggs from Costco)
Laundry (washing machine is being troublesome...takes double the time due to poor draining and subsequent extra spin cycles)
?
?
?
?

Notice that most of the things on my list are not luxurious items....BUT it is a luxury to accomplish them without kid type interruptions. So in a way, I am taking full advantage of my freedom. (If I had some extra cash...I might be at the mall...but I don't...)

Overheard at my house this morning...

2009-01-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Background: Watching Animal Atlas after waking up. The theme is cats-wild and tame.

Elly says, "Briana, when you get bigger and I get bigger, do you want to come to my house? I will have a kitty cat. "

Bri says, "Yes."

Just a chuckle to start your morning.

Friday Night Feeling Fine

2009-01-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

Got the classic rock station on....playing some fun tunes. Food is set for some good eats-tacos with carne asada, fresh chopped salsa, fresh boiled beans and rice. Probably there will be some margaritas flowing soon as the tequila man arrives. Kids are playing nicely. A nice ending to an awesome day and a very excellent week.

Sometimes it just seems so right.....especially coming out of a baaa-aaad funk last week. We'll just label it hormonal depression. Call me on it again if I am bugging next time and the timing is right.....

Happy weekend all! Looks like we may be planning a trip to the coast. Gotta get a fix on that ocean!

Score!

2009-01-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

Get thee to Old Navy! The Clearance goodies have been marked down an additional 50%! Just to brag...

My reciept shows the following treasures...
For me:

1 Vneck long sleeve-$5.00
1 3/4 sleeve henley-$2.49(4.99 with 2.50 off )
1 long sleeve boat neck $2.49(4.99 with 2.50 off)

For Elly:
1 fleece sweat pants 1.49(2.99 with 1.50 off)
1 cords pants 5.49(10.99 with 5.50 off)

Total spent, 18.36 on a gift card----NO out of pocket, double score!

Just thought I would share....perhaps YOU too can be so lucky in savings!

The 1st Day of School....

2009-01-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Was a success! By all accounts, it was a happy (no tears) one. Elly doesn't have much to say about it, so I am gleaming bits and pieces from the teachers and her comments here and there.

Today I woke up at 7. The sleep was good! One peep around 2am, that never became a problem. I slipped out of bed and started coffee and got in a bit of computer time. Around 7:20, Daddy came out with Bri Bri. I sent him to wake up Elly around 7:30. We got breakfast rolling and I went to dress myself and deal with my hair and makeup. Came back out and began to prod Elly towards potty and teeth and changing clothes. Got the Bri dressed and coifed. We left with 20 minutes to spare. Of course it helped having Daddy with us to balance it all out. Even Chester came along for the ride.

We parked and shortly after our friends arrived and we all walked in together. We waited out in front of the gate for a bit. It was cold and foggy! Soon we were joined by the other students and the teachers. They walked us in to the classroom and began to teach the kids procedures of lining up and waiting at the door. Then we all went inside. There are 10 kids total, with 4 being regular ed students. The other 6 are special ed students. The adults are 3 teachers and 2 aides. Awesome ratio in my mind! The kids will have joint lessons and seperate lessons per their needs. Immediately upon coming in, the teachers were amazingly warm and friendly. They showed the children how to place their snacks on the table and their backbacks in their cubby. Then the children had freeplay. The parents drifted out and let school begin.

Since it is a collaborative program with our school district, they will recieve PE with the school site PE teacher, they will have some interaction with the kinder kids for assemblies. There is even a walking fieldtrip to the adjoined park for Dinosaur Digging coming up!

Elly is ready for another day and is planning all of the things she will be telling her teachers (of which she doesn't know their names....).

As an aside, Bri was very worried as we left the school that we didn't haveour Elly. She kept repeating "Elly" over and over. We explained she is a big girl doing big girl things at school. It seemed to be enough.

I am ready for tomorrow too. I have clothes picked out, snack made, papers filled out. We are all bathed and I am hoping that we have another smooth take off.

Here are a few pics to share our morning.

Walking to the truck-Notice the HUGE backpack. It was what she wanted...

Walking through the parking lot holding Ella's hand and Daddy's.

Waiting for the teachers to come. Elly looks excited, Ella...not so much!

Super foggy and cold! The classes are beyond the gate.

Walking up the walk. Great experiences to have with a friend!

Waiting....

Going in! Holding a teacher's hand.
Waiting in line.
The classroom. Note the 2 daddies holding paci loving babies. Those are ours...

Coming out of school. She looks pretty content!

UGH!

2009-01-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

Potential Titles that were considered for this post:

Highs and Lows
Frusterations
Ponderings
Bummed
Hormonal Crap vs Sleep Deprivation
Dog Farts
Feeling Crazy
Dissatisfaction

I guess those are all for now. I can elaborate, and I will. I just am having a lot going on. So many new starts and seemingly endings.

**I know I am at hormonal funky place now. I can feel the pull of the candy bar and the attempts at Mz. Snappy Bitch trying to bust out. I also know that I have many emotions and ponderings that have resulted from my Grandma's fall and subsequent hospitalization. I have been tossing around heavy thoughts about the will to live versus actual vitals (being that Grammy is alive, all functions besides kidney are hers...however the light is just not there....and the mind is just not as quick). Horrible bleak black thoughts that weigh heavy.

** I am exhausted from re-training (aka CRY/SCREAM IT OUT from the crib not 10 feet away from me) the Bri who became spoiled while being sick. Wants back in on the parents' bed action. It makes it harder to cope with the other crap.

**Elly starts school tomorrow. While I am excited, I am sad, and questioning. Is it too soon...Will she adjust well....I can't believe I am sending her off to school already. It is a wonderful program and should prove to be beneficial for her.

**Opportunities are just a little bit out of reach. For instance, I was in a community resource center this afternoon obtaining sample contracts to prepare for watching a friend's little girl ina few weeks. The employee was outlining various jobs within the State and County Education levels. They are EXACTLY what I have been considering instead of going back to the classroom at some point. The hold-up, we are committed to me being home until Bri Bri is in school. I was so exciting talking to her. I felt valued as a proffesional, as an adult, as a potential earner (again!). We really can use a real 2nd salary. We are staying out of the water, but it's hard. Most days I am ok with the budgeting and the Target level shopping. I would love a little wiggle room to splurge here and there, to not be so practical. SIGH....it is not for now.

Of course, I am trying hard to get back on the wagon for my diet and exercise. All of this low energy and dark moods make me want to run fo the nearest carton of deeply sinful ice cream and the largest bag of processed cookies (Mint Milanos sound pretty awesome right now....). Today, I had 1.5 scrambled eggs for breakfast alongside my coffee (E demanded a few bites), a double caramel non fat mocha at dance class, 1/2 a madeliene cookie, a few pieces of sugarfree gum, a most wonderful chicken, cheddar and chipotle (PLEASE ask me all about this as it is one fo Jose's new flavors!!!!!) sauce wrap, a few pieces of See's candy, a big glass of water and a bowl of Life cereal. I think I did ok. It was much better than the past days. So at least something went well....

I am not even sure how much of my rambling is logical or clear. It does help to think it through and attempt to explain it all. I should probably finish up-although I feel like I could keep on flowing malcontents. Most likely I should shut the laptop down, and go to bed. I am certain that sleep would resolve much of my funk.

So trusty follower, I leave you to absorb my ponderings. Tomorrow's topic will be BACK TO SCHOOL!

Not Such a Great Start...

2009-01-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well our New Year was full of excitement!

NOT!

The past 2 nights we have had very little sleep. Tuesday night we were just going to bed, Bri woke up all cranky like. I tried and tried getting her back to sleep. Being that it was 1:30 am, I gave up and into our bed she came. Around 4 am, I felt her playing with my hair and noticed that she was blazing hot. We stripped the pj's off and dosed her with some motrin. We were able to get a few hours of sleep. Over the course of Wednesday, she was a grumpy needy sickly child. We continued the routine of medicine and fever reducing. Trying to keep her calm and resting was hard. Last night after attempting to celebrate with our neighbors, we managed to get her to bed around 9:30. She was asleep for about an hour in her crib, before it was obvious she was uncomfortable. Needless to say we were in bed at 11:30. I think that is the earliest and most mundane New Years Eve since I was a child. It was a horrible night. We all found sleep somewhere around 5 am. Elly was up around 7:30. Lucky for me, Daddy was up with her. Bri and I slept a few more hours. We woke up and she was just as funky. I made an appt and we saw the pediatrician. She looked in ears and throat and stopped there. A quick throat swab was done. Tomorrow we will learn if this is just a nasty cold....or Strep. And so we endure...Jose got out to the lake (I sent him for some mental and physical therapy) and will be at work tomorrow. The girls and I are laying low.

I can only hope Elly can stay healthy. She has dance class Tuesday and Wednesday will start preschool! I can only hope we protect her from Sissy's germs.

Stay tuned folks....

Out with the Old and In with the New

2008-12-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here we are, at the very end of the year 2008. I look back on the year, and am pleasantly ok with what has taken place. Amidst the normal ins and outs of our days, there were certainly some extra sad moments and some exbuberant ones too. I believe that to be normal. I can remember in the past feeling let down by the year and wishing for so much more in the year to come on New Year's Eve. This year, I have none of that. Must be I feel content with my life.
Of course, there is always room for improvement and so I make some resolutions.

OUT:

10 more pounds
spending money on junky crap that has momentary value and no lasting power.
foregoeing exercise and healthier eating
lazy stay at home mom behavior
clothes that are from eons ago and have no place on my body or in my closet

better budgeting
weekly visits to see my grammy
more taking care of myself time
read more
understand the basics of small business start-ups (for the salsa an food products we hope to establish in the next year)

I make similar resolutions every year. Most the time, they get ignored even past the 1st month. I did however make huge strides in my reckless spending, recognizing the power of my few dollars, bettering my health (lost 13 lbs since May) and exercising (can run 2 miles easily), finding time for myself and having some adult sanity time.

I guess the overall goal is to better myself and my family. I am a list person and so to write it down is effective...even more so if I publish it to the web.

I wish for all my friends and family to have a year that is every bit the best possible.

Happy and Healthy New Year to you all!

Homemade things...

2008-12-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my crafty ways. I know I promised eons ago. In light of my current brain freeze in creative writing, I will post my handywork for all to see.

PEEK BAGS (aka I-Spy Bags)

Felt Foods for Imaginative Playing

Fortune Cookies

Cupcakes

Bow tie Pasta

Quesadilla

Raviolis

Ham Sandwich

Ham Sandwich parts

Sausage and Cheese Pizza

Breakfast

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

I know....

Not sure how to start back in again, so instead I will post a couple of holiday pics and then start fresh after that.

Enjoy the family fun!

Bad Blood

2008-12-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

I know....I have been gone, but as they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder".

I however had so much going on...la ti da. No really, I was busting my butt to complete my self imposed "work", I mean crafts. When I had a few minutes I was honestly just plain lazy. THEN, my world went a lot dark and glum.

Last Friday, after the holiday boutique, I was vegging around and my auntie called. Apparently, my Grammy fell while decorating her Xmas Tree. (Stupid tree!) She managed to drag herself to her phone, dial 911, and we assume back to the door to allow their entry. She was taken to the hospital, where they supported her with pain management over night waiting for the specialist coming in the next day. She had her surgery, and the leg was repaired just fine. Then my aunt called again. She had lost blood during the surgery and recieved a transfusion. This caused her body to react with antibodies. It caused a downward spiral from then on. I was called in to the hospital Saturday morning. My grammy was not doing well at all. She was having trouble with her blood pressure (the night before it went dangerously low and during the next 2 days it was super high with meds), her kidneys were not functioning, and her heart rate was erratic.

I hauled ass and was crying as I was driving in the hour to the hospital. I practically ran in from the parking lot, not knowing what was waiting for me.

What I saw, made me so so sad. My Grammy, pale and tied to her bed with about 10 different IV bags flowing into her. She had a breathing tube and arm restraints keeping her from pulling it out. My Grammy, at 80 is more vivacious than people lots younger than her. She stands 5'11" and is strong. Here she was, motionless and unresponsive. So freaking hard. We all collected. My brother and mom, my aunts, uncles and cousins all made the hospital our 1st home and Grammy's house our 2nd. We were there for all the visiting sessions on Saturday, with each one more grim and saddening. When we left for dinner we were certain our return the next morning would be the one where we had to decide....We ate a large table at Applebee's. The waitress, unwittingly asked what our occasion was. I said sadness...she was a bit speechless. We congregated at Grammy's. A giant family sleepover such as never has happened-without her. We remembered, and passed the Jack Daniels around. After being stupid and silly in our grief we managed to quiet down and most of us didn't sleep. I was up a few times, just sad. Sitting next to her favorite chair and remembering and feeling sad about the visits I didn't plan.

The next morning we doused in coffee and choked a few bites in. We even went so far as to make some calls and investigate some funeral homes.

We made our way (leaving 2 cousins and an aunt at the house to come to terms). When we made it to her room...what an amazing, amazing change!!! My Grammy was awake and gesturing and rolling her eyes and shrugging. We called the others, who came as fast as the law would allow.

Now, 3 days later, she is without the breathing tube, is feeding herself the ensure, is off of all meds but the pain med. She is still having kidney issues, and has recieved dialysis twice. We are hoping for this to kick them back into gear on their own without having to continue the treatment. However, she is alive, coherent, questioning her status, and all the little postive steps that tell us we have her back. Simply amazing.

Yay for MOMMY

2008-11-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

My mom is in town....she is helping me with some of the food designs that I couldn't figure out. We are trekking to San Fran today..my lil bro's bday is today so we will be lunching with him. Looking forward to the visit and to the city. Opposed to many I LOVE going to the city. Gotta bring my camera....maybe some good shots to find today! Happy Friday!

Busy lil Mama

2008-11-18T13:42:00.001-08:00

I am working. Well, sorta unofficially. I am my own boss. Not that I mean I am doing those work from home programs. I have been using my craft skills for good. Been making things, and selling things. It all started in August....

My mom was on the organizing team for a quilt show where she lives. We decided to run a booth. Jose was to do his booth for the food vending and I would put some crafty shiz together for sale. I got this brilliant idea to make I Spy bags. I had read about them online and wanted to try it out. So for the show I set out to make 22 bags (11 girl based and 11 boys based). THEN we were rained out. UGH....what to do...I shared them with the owner of our learning store in town. She bought 10. Then I shared with my previous principal. She bought 2. HMMM a concept became real! I sent the remaining with my friend to a few craft fairs. She sold 6. Then I had to make more, and a few orders later (yes! people are ordering them from me! Amazing!) I have made to date, 40 bags.

Now, I have a new venue. I am making felt foods! These are so addicting. I am making inventory for a small holiday craft boutique in a few weeks. I have made, breakfast foods (bacon, pancakes with butter and eggs), fruit (lemons, limes, oranges, watermelon) veggies (snow peas, green beans, carrots --working on more), cookies, and pizza.

I hope to have pics up to share...but in the meantime I am just explaining another absence from my blog world. Apparently with my limited free time, I can only have 1 hobby in the limelight. At the moment, my crafty stuff takes 1st place. As I juggle life around to accomodate holidays and family visits, and my list of porjects I hope to complete, I intend to make space for the blog.

TTFN!

The Number 1 Hit

2008-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

When I was born, this was the Number 1 hit in pop music. When Jose was born, this was Number 1. When Elly was born, this was the hit and for Bri it was this.

Enjoy the musical programing for the evening!

Halloween Candy....

2008-11-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

...has been put away. I really don't need to act as clean up person for the girls. Between their bags and our "didn't get passed out" candy, I have been eating wayyyyy to much. So: the Hershey's, Reese's and M & M's have been frozen for future baking, and the hard sugary candies in the trash. I told Elly that Daddy took it all to kids who don't have candy. It works as a reason, since we have done some fundraisers in the past for children in need. She accepted it. She did say though "Don't worry Mommy, there is more at the store!" Ahhhh yes, she has a good concept of commercialism. I am raising a future shopper for the world.

I already know I will be making fondue with teh Hershey's and cookies with M's (as Elly calls them). However, I am open for suggestions regarding the peanut butter cups. They are mostly the single regular sized candies. Any ideas?

Ecstatic!

2008-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

That is my overall feeling from the Presidential Election 2008. I am thrilled that our country will have a new direction to work towards at the hands of the man I believe will be wonderful for our country. I originally believed Hillary to be the better candidate...but no regrets baby. Not now. I have watched his debates and public forums. I feel very confident in him. He is solid. He is real. He is not cocky or egotistical or condescending. He comes from a place where I do-no silver spoon in his mouth. Barack Obama also represents a slice of America's melting pot. For my daughters, also of mixed heritage, this is huge. My daughters are half Mexican and 1/2 me (little bits of everything with Italian as 25%). They will not see a white man running our country. For their futures, they will see that race does not keep you from being the President of the United States. (Next I hope to see women break in...Hillary or some other equally capale and remarkable woman!)

Watching people's eyes and faces as they listened to the acceptance speech last night was awesome. I felt the unity of hope. I am excited to bid farewell to GW and his horrible legacy. I realize that we have a tough climb ahead of us. However, we would have been seening the same difficulties with McCain. At least now, I feel that there will be positives in exchange for the negatives, and not more drudgery.

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Whew! Halloween is over and I am thankful. It was super fun, but we started "Doing Halloween" just into October. By last night, my kids where nuts and I had no defenses lol. We have been to pumpkin patches, halloween parties, created crafts, dressed up 6 different days in 4 different costumes, watched parades, carved pumpkins, and ate lots of candy (admittedly I have demolished a few bags on my lonesome....). Since we all know how wordy I can get, I will allow pictures to speak for themselves.

VOTE NO ON PROP 8

2008-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was reading Lia's blog the other day and she had a sweet argument for against Proposition 8. All I could do was nod and applaud her. We all know I can run off at the mouth-but when it comes to succinct tidy debates, not really my thing. I get too emotional, and the facts get mumbled. I am against prop 8. I do not believe that anyone should decided who gets to be in a marriage except the couple directly involved. It's not my buisiness if Joe and John or Mary and Anna want to make it official and legal that they are in love and are intending to join homes, hearts and all that go into a marriage. I am a bit desensitized though on homosexuality. There are many from both sides of my family that are gay. So to me, not a big deal. I have no dissillusions about it. As a child I was introduced to the concept of AIDs early...like at 10 years old. My uncle had contracted it in the 80's. As an early case, he received horrible treatment (medically and personally). There were many fears that have since been erased. His funeral home refused to dress his body because of the fear of contagiousness. DUH-dead body=no transferring of the disease...(our family won that lawsuit...).

Anyway, I have been thinking a lot of the stupidity of the prop. On my block we have a fundemntal family, and they proudly have tacked up their YES ON 8 sign. I really want to shake them....and change their minds. I was at the lake Sunday picking up the wee one. There was a crusty old fisherman tinkering with the motor on a boat for 2 ladies. From their appearance and body posture I could guess they were gay. Towards the end of his mechanical check up he says..."Ok girls, its good to go. So how do you feel about Prop 8? How will you vote?" Oh man.....They were classy and didn't even address it....

Then last night the doorbell rang while we were eating. I went to see who it was, and lo and behold...a momma I know from around town. Happens to be from the LDS mommy group. I am not a fan of her and her blase parenting skills (her kid was spitting in the faces of others and she turned a blind eye, then he karate kicked at my face-same result). My fun was being able to tell her I was voting against the prop. She went on her merry mission of persuasion to make marriage sacred. UGH.

Here is something I copied from a message board. I LOVE IT!

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage is Wrong...

1) Being gay is not natural.

And real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning, tattoos, piercings and silicone breasts.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay.

In the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior.

People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract. Lamps are next.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all
Hence why women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed;
And we can't let the sanctity of Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children.

So therefore, gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our population isn't out of control, our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children,
Since, of course, straight parents only raise straight child?ren

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion.

In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

(Did I miss the lesson where Jesus says He hates homosexual people?)

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home.

Which is exactly why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms.

Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

***Thanks for reading my novel....if nothing else I was able to spout off a bit.

Steppin Back Up to the Horse!

2008-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

I went jogging yesterday. It was my first intentional (as opposed to my everyday little bits) exercise. Since Daddy took his little sweeties out on the boat, and left me our furry boy Chester I took advantage of some kid free time. Chessie and I went a joggin'. Consequently, I am very sore today. I realized that it is a different set of movement than jogging behind the stroller. I am sore in places that didn't get tender when I run with the girls. There also are advantages. I had a better distance endurance. I was able to keep a faster pace and run for longer distance than other times. Good! That doesn't mean I am heading out again for a few days tho....lol. I need to recoup! Here are a couple of random thoughts that floated in and out of my head while I ran....

-I like the stroller because I don't need to hold things in my hands. I had my cell phone, the remote to the electronic training collar for Ches in one hand and the leash in the other.

-I saw TONS of recycling (which I normally pick up...environmental and civic duty and a few extra pennies my way)...but no container nor a free hand.

Anyway, Jose liked taking his babies with him on the lake, so I may have more opportunities to work my poor tired body into shape!

-

It's the little things...

2008-10-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

As my babies get older, I get glimpses of them turning into little people. The baby-ness fades (and that makes me a bit sad...once it's gone, there is no getting it back-unless you are Mrs. Duggar).

In trade for this, I get nice treats. For me, seeing the future is not a talent I can claim. I have to rely on getting my picture as each puzzle pice comes into play. What I mean is, we all want to know that our children will grow up to have rich and rewarding lives. In that, I want to know that they will have a sense of humor, compassion, enjoy things, be able to manuever in the world with flexibility and success.

How does this have anything to do with my babies? I am watching them grow by the minute. When I am not overpowered by the complete take over of being a mom, I can step back and enjoy my little people.

Today alone, I was able to "see" these things:

Elly laughing at a tv show
Bri Bri waving and smiling at the Homecoming Parade
Both girls enjoying sitting on a pony
Interacting with our friends
Bri enjoying a candy bar (a rare treat for her) and begging for more....
Elly eating a soft serve ice cream cone.

I compare this to a time when I was teaching. We are so ready to blow the whistle and yell and make little people conform. One day in the fall, I was on yard duty for recess. A fellow teacher and I were chatting near the playground and watched a set of students begin to jump in a freshly raked pile of leaves. We both brought the whistle up to our lips. Before I blew I had to laugh. It was so refreshing watching them enjoy the moment. It was pure. It was simple. It was harmless fun. The grounds crew probably disagreed. We did allow it for a few minutes and then gently corrected them. Instinct was put aside, and with that we were able to see kids exploring and entertaining themselves (no electronics, or commercial involvement, all healthy fun).

I try to remember this lesson as I parent. It helps me take a pause and assess the whole situation. It also allows me to enjoy my role, and take pleasure in the small treasures in my life.

Oh CRAP! (in other words...&*^%%##!!!!!!)

2008-10-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last night Jose crunched the car.....He was driving home and thought he had more stopping room (as taught to him in UPS training). Sadly, he ended up under the rear bumper of the truck in front of him. Thankfully, he is totally fine-physically. He is mentally bashing himself though. The truck in front had minimal damage and the driver was fine just exchanging info. Our car....not so good.

4th Annual Pumpkin Patch Trip

2008-10-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

Since Elly was 6 months and our other friends were just as tiny, we have been going to the same quaint country pumpkin patch. Yesterday was our field trip day. We go, bring costumes, dress them up for a group pic, and then explore the fun places. Afterwards, we hit up Chili's for lunch. (YUMMY!). Here are a few shots of our fun:

Today the 3.5 year old said....

2008-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling of the funny things she has said just today...

1) I am a weirdo kid!

2) Hey there's Ellen (saw a commercial on tv with Ellen and our local news personality). Then she proceeded to show me how Ellen dances in the beginning of her show...Me thinks she notices so much more than I think!

3) Hey they are naked! Regarding the men dancing on Dancing With the Stars after they shucked their jackets off.

4) My tummy hurts. I think we need to call my dentist so I can have my new baby.

UHM yeah....I just listen, remember and record. I don't even bother with corrections. That will come with time. In the interim, I am not ashamed to say I take full advantage of it for my personal entertainment.

I took the plunge!

2008-10-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

(Before, Front new, back new)

So what do you think? I finally did what I was threatening to do for-ever! Honesty is appreciated...

For what it's worth, I printed out my trusty picture of what I thought I wanted and shared it with the expert. She agreed it was cute, and I could make it work-even with my mostly wavy/curly hairs. Today's look is courtesy of my stylists patience of blow-drying, rolling out, and ironing. I can honestly say it won't be straight every day. It will be curly some days too. Kinda like a twofer. I get 2 styles in one cut! NICE...

yUMMy New Snack!

2008-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so maybe not so diet friendly...but damn good!

Ingredients:

1 medium crisp apple (I prefer Gala)

4 FUN SNACK sized Snickers

Directions:

Cut apple to snack sized pieces. I like to chop around the core and end up with 4 biggish pieces.

Open 1 candy bar...Bite the apple and then bite the candy. DAMN good! Proceed to eat the rest in alternating fashion. I often will rotate bites. 3 bites apple, bite Snickers etc.

ENJOY!

You're welcome.....and I apologize.....

Politicians and Trains...

2008-10-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

I feel like this is the 1st year I am actively interested in politics. I have had bits and pieces in the past 14 years (if you do the math you will catch how old I am...) that were intriguing and pulled me in. I know it's my civic duty to know the issues and people and to vote. However, I admit to being bored or not fully understanding the hot topics. The television commercials are fine and dandy, but they are biased. The gobblety-gook printed is equally confusing do to the wording used. I do remember that I was very against Prop 227, and I was activated to vote in the famous Recall of Governor Grey Davis. Otherwise, I vote because I can. I also vote because I would like to see results of my voice in elections. When I don't truely understand or have an opinion, I don't respond to that item. Sad...I know.

This year, I am so so into it. Our local politics have my eye/ear, as do the state level and national level. I am voting with a mail in ballot. I will be able to vote without the pressure of my peanuts pulling at my legs from their stroller. I can concentrate on what my vote will be and why.

The presidential elections are exciting to me. There are definitely hot item topics that shout out to me (and I love the debates! get the popcorn and diet coke out!). Of course, the reactions of people are always interesting.

Here is an email I received from my auntie. I think it's funny!

I Fixed It!

2008-10-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

So today I was tooling around on my dashboard...actually was thinking about a new layout for a new site I mentioned. I was planning on making the switch to a new blog to allow for the missing comments button. Harumph...I saw something that hadn't been then before when I started to have problems with the layout and comments. "REVERT TO DEFAULT". So I did....and I do....have a comments button that is.

Needless to say...I will delete the post I had ready about moving to a new site...and I will be sticking it out with the Fishy Tales Blog.

I am looking for Welcome Back comments. I know I have a small following of readers. I also know that some people have confessed to be too lazy to leave comments the old way. I also know I have some secret stalkers....

Talk to me people! Can we rack up a higher total than ever before? My highest comment day was 5. Yup. 5. Chatter....

Public Service Announcement

2008-10-02T19:40:00.001-07:00

One more for the road...

2008-10-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Just because I was asked about this:

Yes Leigh, I do see you....and in the words of Miss Nancy on Romper Room...

"I see Modesto, I see Heather, I see Lia, I see Andi, I see Rhode Island, I see Sophia, I see Pam, I see Lizzie, and many more!"

Thanks loyal readers for stopping by even in my lapse of writing! Keep up the good work!

Whew!

2008-10-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I can almost, finally see out of my clouds. I have been buried! After our Salsa Competition Sept 20, we have not stopped. Well...we never stop to be truthful. But this time it was all about finishing our entry (which, by the way we won! Grand Prize aka People's Choice, and best Mild flavor) and moving into the next big thing.

We kinda steamrolled into projections and research about starting a business around the salsa and marinades of my creatively amazing husband. I have been reading my Small Business for Dummies book, scouring Craigslist for kitchen rentals, delving deep into Grant lists for possible funding.

However, I also have been sewing, baking and shopping in preparation for a quilt show at my mom's. We are going to have 2 booths. One is a craft and baked goods booth for my mom and me. The other is our Teriyaki Chicken booth. My job for that is "back office". Making and printing signage, buying the goods...etc.

My other huge project is the Pajama Program Fundraiser that I am involved in. I am on the planning panel consisting of reps from 6 moms' groups here in our town. We have been working on our 2nd annual event. Last year we collected almost 200 pairs of pjs and close to 300 books, along with some monetary donations. Our goal is to match or beat those totals. Tomorrow is the event at a local inflatable playground.

After our 3 hours there, I grab my babies head to costco to pick up our goods for the show. Back home again for last minute baking and packing. Friday we are driving up early and Saturday is a long day-but hopefully fruitful. I would love to earn some decent money...we could use it big time.

Anyway, long story short. I have lots of things to write about and no time. I will be bloggable by Monday again. Be ready...it will be prolific I am sure.

100 Solid!

2008-09-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

WOW! I have done 100 posts. Sounds solid! I have enjoyed this forum because it appeals to many facets of myself.

I can "perform" for an "audience". Most people who know me well, know I like my limelight. I enjoy being social, and entertaining (probably a good reason why I was a teacher for a while--instant captive audience....hee hee). If you are a stranger to me and are getting to know me through the blog, then I can imagine you are understanding this about me by now.

I can collect my thoughts on things that are quasi taboo for conversation. Topics like venting about my current stage of life, the self pity, the frusteration, the fears and worries. Pretty heavy themes for the average chit chat. So my blog allows this to occur, thus keeping me light of heart and mind.

I can brag! This is my venue, and I have some cute babies to blab all about! Of course, my babies are nothing short of the best! And everything that they do is nothing short of extraordinary....feel free to agree!

I can feel like an adult. In writing on a regular basis (I am aware of my lapses....) I feel like I am exercising my brain again. It gets mushy awful quickly without daily workouts.

As a finish to my post, I will do my promised READER AWARDS!

1.) Most Comments! This award goes to Andi of The Coslett Commotion. Andi you are the best at cheerleading and supporting. Thanks for taking the time to read and report your thoughts! Also, thanks for figuring out the tricks to commenting period.

2.) Biggest Stalker! (Totally love that someone is so interested in me and mine...). Some person in Modesto (come forward please...announce yourself and make my acquaintance!) This unknown person has hit my site more often than anyone.....COOL!

3.) My most supportive Blog Hopper (as is one who checks me out from other blogs) is M Yeager of No Cheese, Please! Talk about jumping right in...she read my blog posts, and commented....and then, get this has been back and did it all again!

Thanks Everyone, I love the support. I hope in my ditherings there are smiles on your faces, along with nods in agreement and even disagreement. If I can do at least this, and hopefully more...then I am connecting with folks. That makes me happy to know....

13 Down, at least 3 more to go

2008-09-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have lost 13 pounds in my quest for losing the post baby fat. I walk with my girls and my fellow mamas, and I watch what I eat. Plain and simple. I know I could have lost more, and quicker...but I don't live that way. I LIKE food. So I have come up with a way to balance that and my personal expectations for my weight. Slow and steady wins the race they say.

I figure I allow myself quite a few splurges-probably more so than I should. But I am seeing results. I also am doing MUCH better in how much I can handle in my exercise. My usual routine is to run the 1/2 mile to our meet point, then we walk 4 miles, and I run the last 1/2 mile home. The walking is almost too easy. I can feel myself WANT to run, in my off times. Starting to crave it. That is good. I love that my body feels more like a machine as I run, and less like a junk yard jalopy.

Next goal, 3 more lbs and then a re-evalutation. At that point I will also need new pants. I am getting by currently with shorts and capris that are borrowed (I really don't want to buy new shorts NOW, at the end of the season...). I am holding out for the weather to shift and hoping it coordinates with my next 3 lbs.

Just thought I would update....

(Next post is 100...READER AWARDS!)

Can I pull this off?

2008-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am desperately in need of a LOOK. Not just a new look, but plain and simply a LOOK. I have a simple hair cut, shoulder length-that gets put in a pony 9 times oit of 10. It used tohave cute highlights. Then I had kids and ran out of money and time. Now I am realizing that I would like to have a LOOK so that I can have a nice picture of me for my various social websites. (yes I succomb to myspace and facebook......).

So I ask this: Could I pull of the following hair color/style? I really love the color....and the style, well I had it short ways back, and with my curl, it wouldn't be this straight. But I think I could hack it...any thoughts?

A Little Bogged Down

2008-09-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

No not backed up...BOGGED DOWN.

I am currently embroiled in several time consuming projects.

1.) My hubby is entered to compete for the best Salsa recipe this weekend. He has been formulating his recipes since we were in High School. This will be his 1st competition. (If you are local, come root him on!) My part in this is the booth decor, the paperwork, gathering last minute tools/necesary items.

2.)On the organizing team for our town's fundraising drive for the Pajama Program. Culmination is October 2.

3.) Creating crafts and baked goods for a booth at the Weaverville Quilt Show-Autumn in the Alps. Jose will be doing a food booth as well. I am in charge of making sure he has the non-food inventory. He does all the food stuff. I am planning a Costco run soon enough. This takes place Oct 4. (yup, only 2 days past our PJ event...I will be nusto I am sure.)

4.) Normal day to day Mommy jobs and Wifey Jobs.

Needless to say, my blog is suffering. Don't give up on me...I am working on a new one-so my ever lovin' readers can easily leave love notes for me on my comments section....please stand by...

Creative Arts for the Young Child

2008-09-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

(I will start with excusing my absence with the old LIFE HAPPENS excuse...Just got caught up in all my various projects....)

On Tuesday we had a classically creative day. Started out with Elly's 2nd dance class. This was a good one for all. Elly did fine and dandy, for the most part followed her teacher's lead and while is not spot on with the fine arts of Ballet or Tap (3 1/2 years old and 2nd lesson, it is to be expected...) she is enjoying herself and is getting exposure. I left the class for a short bit to go around the corner to the post office. Apparently, they would rather NOT have an audience for distraction. I was able to get a few errands done, and Bri behaved for the time that we were inside watching (last week she kept trying to go and dance.....).

Then, after naps, we painted. Elly is an old hand at this. She knows the routine-protective smocks, scrap paper on the table, paint+paper+paintbrush combo (no walls or other non-standard media), the masterpiece itself, and the clean-up (she evens washes the brushes herself). This time, we added an unknown component. BRIANA. Turns out she did just fine.

100 looming large!

2008-09-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share that I am reaching my centennial mark. This of course is a fluff post to add a notch on my count. Who knows, maybe on #100, there will be some more reader acknowledgements?!?!

On a side note, I am getting my 1st real cold in a long while. Reminds me of when I was teaching. Scratchy throat and sneezing so far. Hopefully it will be mild, and super hopefully my kids won't be infected.

Dancin' Toes

2008-09-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Elly had her 1st dance class today. So freakin' cute to see these little girls in dance clothes and fancy shoes. She is in a preschool combo class and will be taught ballet and tap. So far, she is so excited to just be part of the class. She was totally amped and bounced around, sharing stories whenever she could get a convo in. Lucky for her teacher, that wasn't often. (Me thinks the girl will be hearing much of what I was told as a young student. "Too much talking"....).

Enjoy the picture slideshow of her first class....

Weekend Update

2008-09-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Had a get-together last night to attend. The girls and I headed out to the Bay Area for dinner, fun, and playtime with some friends (the same as the beach trip). It was very nice. J didn't come because he had a prior commitment with DOVES. Opening season....he and the dog went off for an overnight and early morning hunt.

Anyway....some cute pics from the night....

Tic-Tac-Toe, Three in a Row!

2008-09-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Not to jinx myself (we all know it will now that I am writing about it...), but I have had 3 nights straight without a certain someone interrupting my dreams. Perhaps she heard me talking about the Cry It Out Campaign. Maybe she figured out I meant business? Probably, the teeth have stopped bothering her enough to disrupt her sleep....Which means since we are only seeing 8 of 12 for this age, there will be more sleepless nights....."sigh".....and that means, I haven't written the last on this topic.....

Of Course.....

2008-08-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

We are embarking on Code Red Level Sleep Training on the Stubborn One. Bri is still having problems sleeping through the night, which means we ALL are having sleep problems. Up until Thursday, I was getting up with her, sitting by her crib and trying my damndest to hush and calm her back to sleep. This is all part of the theory from our Sleep Training Bible- Good Night, Sleep Tight.

However this little girl is resistant to the charms of this model. So we are stepping up our forces.

Our newest plan is to use the brutal (on all of us) Cry It Out. So we did. Friday morning I was 2 hours into my sleeptime. 2:30 am, the beast awakens. I get up and sat with her for an hour. She is teething, but had enough medicine to cover that. She was just simply awake. Wanting me to get her out of the crib, wanting me to rock her, wanting me to take her to our bed. Nuh-uh. Not gonna happen.

SO...after an hour of no results, I kissed her head and said " It's night time, you need to go to sleep. Since you won't lay down, Iam leaving the room. I love you. Go to sleep."

Harsh...and did she? Not for another hour. Instead, she cried. In fact she screeched. Her mantra of choice? Mama Mama Mommmeeeeeee. Then I heard her 1 paci hit the ground. Uh oh....Insert Pac-eeeeee to her monologue. 45 minutes in, I went in got the paci from the floor stuck it in her mouth, kissed her, and said good night. I walked out. Boy that pissed her off to now end. But it did end. Soon after she settled, and we all went back to sleep.

Our plan, to be continued last night was to be me going in, saying lay down go to sleep kissing her and walking out. Hmmm but it changed.

She slept all freaking night. Woke up at 6:30 (Daddy did kid duty this morning so I could replace some missing zzz's).

I am jaded enough to know that it CAN'T be this easy. We are armed with the same plan for tonight. Here's to hoping though.....

Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!

2008-08-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am in a Girls League for Fantasy Football. Last night was our draft night. I love football, I watch as faithfully as I can when my beloved Niners are on. I have followed them since I was wee one, through the Golden Years, the Suckin' Years, and now the Rebuild Years. Because I am watching so often I get a glimpse of other players and their accomplishments. However, none stick in my mind long after the fact.

So back to my draft....

The time was 5:30. Smack dab in the middle of prepping dinner time. Smack dab in the middle of feed the babies time. Thankfully I have my laptop. I sat at the dinner table with the kiddlets and monitored their simple dinner of pasta noodles, broccoli, turkey meat, string cheese, yogurt and cherry tomatoes. And I sweated.

Nerves hit me because I didn't really understand the draft process. I had no idea how many players I was drafting. I barely knew some of the players, and damn, there's a lot of players to scroll through! My pick was 10th, of 12. That was good because I had time to figure out my next move. but THEN, it snaked back. So immediately after my pick I had to be ready with a 2nd.

Oh the pressure! Add that to a whiny 1 year old, a barking dog, and a curious 3 year old. My brain hurt!

Anyway, after about halfway, I figured out the queue system (DOH!) and began using the down time to line up choices. I figured out the amount of players by looking at my lineup. It showed my filled positions and left over ones. COOL. I came out of the draft with an ok team.

There is money to be won if my players cooperate!

Retratos del paseo a la casa de me mami

2008-08-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

(Did I mention that I am fully bilingual in Spanish? You might find some if it popping out on Blogger.)

Here are a few fun pics from our trip.

sooo tired

2008-08-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

it was a horrible night last night-teething monkey wouldn't sleep, mommy and daddy were desperate....no dice. a whole total of 3 hours for me. early rising, wouldn't you know it....that girl is brutal. consequently, no pictures from our trip ready to share. guess it will be tomorrow's post. just thought i'd pop on to update my status.

100 Thoughts...

2008-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

6 am wakeup*coffee*breakfast on the road*TRAFFIC*5.5 hours driving*rest stop*on the road again*fast food lunch*midday arrival*beautiful crisp blue sky*towering mountains*NO WILDFIRE SMOKE (!)*Hugs and kisses*Stretch legs*unload various travel junk*settling in at grandma's*start cooking grapes down for jelly*pile back into the truck*head to the lake*blackberry picking time*collect about 8 lbs of sweet purple jewels*wildlife*yummy eggplant Parmesan dinner*blackberry crisp*bedtime*whole family in 1 room*many nighttime wakings*early wakeup*daddy fishing*mommy girls and grandma relax*jam/jelly process begins*finish grape jelly*yields 5 jars*blackberry jam yields 8 jars*all stocked up*us girls head to town*check out CAL FIRE helicopters at the airport*ice cream*park*head back to "Dam-ma's"*BBQ Chicken dinner*bath/bed for babies*quiet time for adults*more nighttime wakings*another early wake up*daddy goes fishing*fussy babies*scaredy 3 year old freaking out about 3 kitties*frustrated mommy*adventurous 1 year old*No, No and more No*make lunch*get ready for the swimming hole*head out for a day of play*arrive at the swimming hole*no one else is there*awesome*HOT weather*ice cold snow melt water*soft sand beach*crisp blue sky*beach picnic*baby girls enjoying it oh so much more*end of season last visit to the HOLE*head out midday for car nap/explore the area*1.5 hour nap*1.5 hour peace and quiet for the momma*nice convo for me and my momma*saw cool helicopter picking up supplies for the fire fighters*got it on video*arrive back at the house*clean up and change from wet clothes*begin packing up*fresh trout tacos dinner*final clean ups*final packing*pjs on girls*final hugs and kisses*load up*7pm drivin' away*fussy teething baby*motrin*highlands tablets*soothing radio*drivin' through the mountain roads*sleepy babies*gas up*coffee up*McD's Caramel Iced Coffees*YUM!*Snoring Babies*5 hours driving home*dark ass country interstate*checking voicemail*crink in neck from snoozing in front seat*interesting night time talk radio on AM*pull up to house*unload sleeping babies*unload important junk*shower travel off*settle in*

ROAD TRIP

2008-08-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

Heading back up to my mom's early tomorrow morning. We were supposed to hang out and play at the county fair and swim at the swimmin' hole. The fair is canceled since CAL FIRE is camping at the fairgrounds while they fight remaining California Wildfires.

In it's place will be making jam (I just picked 18 qts of fresh grapes..stems still on...to bring up), the park, the swimmin' hole, some hiking....it should be a nice visit.

Check y'all in a few days!

No more naps....

2008-08-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

I see a trend. Elly, now 3 and 5 months, is not taking naps. Last week, she remained awake during 3 of them, and today too. She is perfectly happy playing in her room with the lights out, curtains drawn, and music on. She plays with her stuffed animals or her babies on her bed. I peek in every so often, and no sign of drowsiness. Luckily, she isn't toast by bedtime. She maintains more or less, her same ol' self. No tantrums, no wipe outs. I guess I need to resign myself to a new era. One that I will be doing less internet surf time, less nap on the couch time, less eat my junky treats so the kids can't see them and ask for them time. Poop! Ah well, I guess as long as lil crazy Bri continues to nap I can deal. (Cross your fingers for that one to remain in place....)

How do you make....

2008-08-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

More Big Ideas and Questions from the 3 year old girl:

She is all about the idea of making things. So her newest prompt is "How do you make _______________?" This includes--

pasta noodles
tomatos
watermelon
other garden delights
tortillas
bread
and tonights newest--PEOPLE (lol I am so not ready for the BIRDS and the BEES! My answer was "they grow in a mommy's tummy and then they are born!" It's plenty for now.)

Pinkalicious Fun!

2008-08-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

This book rocks! It is so cute and fun....totally recommended for little girls to read and enjoy!

I decided to have a party-playdate based on the story. There are lots of ideas out in the virtual world for anyone to peruse and pick from (FYI...)

Remember (read my other post from today explaining my absence online) we had no power so I was trying to keep us unsweaty in all our pink finery. The Pretty Pink Peanuts all arrived in Pinkalicious Outfits. There were some coloring sheets to start with. Then they spread out and began playing with various toys. Once we were all accountecd for, I set the craft out. We had painted some crown picture frames pink and the girls were adding jewels to decorate.

Then it was time for munchies...the whole basis to the book is Pink Cupcakes. So of course, we had those, pink lemonade, plus some rasberry jam sandwiches shaped like hearts, home grown watermelon, and circus animal cookies. This was a 4pm event since the original date was rescheduled due to illnesses (Elly's) and now we are working around preschool and other commitments. Food was hard to plan because of this.

After the goodies, I read the story. Then we passed out goodies bags (a pink bag, a pink feather boa, a plastic beaded bracelet, pink beaded necklace and pink heart stickers. I have 44 pictures, so I thought I would make a slide show to share our fun with our readers.

Technical Difficulties.....

2008-08-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Whew! You know you're addicted to technology when your power goes out, then your phone line goes down and the last straw, your modem draws a blank...and you are all twitchy and snarky on withdrawals. (No I am not delinquent on paying my bills.) Here's the scoop...

THURSDAY: Setting up for a Pinkalicious Party (will explain later) to be hosted at our house with 8 little girls. The power goes down. Oddly enough we had some things working-like the cable box turned off, and the tv stayed on with no signal. Go Figure....Trouble being, it was 100 degrees HOT and no AC...and guests coming over to melt....hmmm. Luckily about 45 mins into the event, we were up and running. In the 2.5 hours of no power the house went from a standard 77 to high 84. It wasn't until about 7pm that the AC caught up.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Setting down to peruse email and other internet fun after the girls went to bed, and no signal for th laptop. The PC is in my room, where lil miss B sleeps and so that wasn't an option. I tuned into Spider Solitare for my electronic wind down. I assumed that the modem took a hit with all the power surging (even with my surge protector). The plan was to hit up BestBuy in the morning.

FRIDAY: Tried to call a friend and no dial tone. Hmm guess that explains the lack of internet. Called the phone company from my cell. Established that my line had a short in it and would need a tech experience. Made the appt for Saturday morning. Nothing else I could do but wait....oh and pick the brains of the BestBuyGuys. We did, learned that I can't just buy a modem without the router. Went home to ponder. Was held to more Spider Solitare...

SATURDAY: Surprise phone call! Yay for service restored! Not so for the internet....We went to the Farmer's Market and got a call saying the tech would be by to verify all was good. He came and tested and all reported to be in fine working order....no internet. I finally decided to get the new modem/router while the girls slept. Came home and installed. No internet. WHY does it have to be so difficult. Nowhere does it talk about changing passwords and using my ip address to match the modem. I hate calling tech support for SBC/ATT. Seems like I always get someone offshore, as in out of the US that has a thick ass accent and a long distance cnnection which makes me feel like I am talking and listening through cotton and tries my very lats frusterated nerve. Well that is pretty much what happened. Fortunately for me (and the support person "Brian") it went much smoother (perhaps because I have done it before and it is familiar?).

Result: All systems go! Oh and if anywone needs a router....I have a perfectly good Lynksys router....just talk to me! It will be going to ebay soon enough.

Night Terrors

2008-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

My nights have been horrible. Most of the time I am dealing with my teeny one's teething pains. She is still getting most of her teeth. Now we are working on her lower teeth. The past 2 weeks have me averaging about 4 hours max of sleep.

Last night was different. She actually slept. Go figure that the big girl would have some issues in place of the little one. She hd NIGHTMARES. I could hear her rolling around on her bed (she hits the wall). Twice, she called out for me. The time she woke up, she was in tears with a racing heart. Poor thing. I am curious to see if she can express what she was dreaming about. She said monsters last night. Crazy because I am not sure exactly how much exposure to MONSTERS she has had. I limit her viewing pleasure to the mundane. She herself is super sensitive. Most Disney movies have her freaked out in minutes. Think Lucifer the cat in the opening scenes of Cinderella.

I think last night I actually slept for 5 hours (broken up of course....)

Endless Bounty!

2008-08-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

We are thoroughly enjoying our garden. Love pulling out our harvest! The girls enjoy walking through and picking the goods. Bri especially is proud of herself for her grape (eating) picking abilities. Additionally, we are always on the hunt for Tomato Bugs (because we run an organic garden). Little did we know that Baby Bri-Bri would be a threat all in her 19 lbs self. She delights in pulling all tomatoes (no color preference) and biting then dropping the remains. Silly little thing....we are gonna have lots of volunteer plants next summer.

All alone but certainly not lonesome!

2008-08-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today marks a first. For me. I am heading out to spend some time with one of my BFF's. So why will I be alone? Simple. No kids! Yipppppeeeeeeee (gee do I sound a tad excited?). Since having girlchild #2, I have had only short bits of freedom. She is what I often term as my velcro child so I just went with it. However, Mama needs a bit of a refresher. So I go. Daddy is gonna take his girls to visit folks, thus properly distracting them from the absence of Mommy. We will all reconvine late afternoon again at our house. Then I pick up my pace again and it will be play time and dinner time and bath time and bed time.

Comparisons

2008-08-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today's reading enjoyment will be a comparison post. My girls and I spent the afternoon with a friend of mine that I have known since our 1st year in college. (Spring '95). She now has 3 kiddos and I of course have my 2 sweets. It was fun times (then and now and in between!). On our last babies, we were due within weeks of each other. Our babies are 19 days apart. Here are a few shots to show how time has passed!

1)Preggo Mamas Feb '07

2.) 7 month olds October 07

3.) Today me with the both

4.)Today Us Mamas

5.) Heather with our lot of kids today
Fun stuff!

Big Ass Bugs!

2008-08-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

Our family has been gone now for a few days, but we are still enjoying the goodies they left behind for the girls. One of the toys they left was a package of MAGIC GROW BUGS. So we staretd them on Sunday morning, and I just took them out a few minutes ago. The girls had a blast playing with them! They are super grossly huge!