Oh what a life

What's Amy been up to?

2012-02-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

OK, seriously addicted...to pinterest!!! (Find me-mommyinca) Are you??? I cannot stop pinning! Now-the trick will be to use my pins! I have one made recipe so far-cilantro lime rice (YUM!) and taken some of the ideas to do a Valentine-a-day project for Joe. Every day, he gets a small treat attached to a love note. Yesterday he got an Itunes card with a note attached that said "You rock my world!" and today he got a pack of Extra gum with a note that said, "Our love is everlasting!". He is liking it!
In my class, I am doing a spin on a pin (hee-hee) called The Acts of Friendship. I attached little notes that have something we can do for a friend (ask someone to play, help someone in need, make a card for a friend, etc) to Valentine pencils. Each morning, we draw one and then try to do that act during the day. At the end of the day, the kids share what they did and I pick one lucky person to get the Valentine pencil. They are enjoying it!
Using my pins to give me clothing ideas...trying to be more fashion savvy-after years of buying for my kiddos only. Been adding skirts and scarves to my wardrobe. I've gotten a few compliments to my clothes, so I guess it is working!
So, I guess I am using my pins! Now, to try the crafty ones...I really want to do a craft a month-didn't get much done in January craft wise...so in Feb, will do 2 to make it up! I will keep you updated on what I do.
Reading...read my non-fiction book, Quiet. A good read-took me several weeks. I chatted Joe's ear off about it! Next up: 50 Things Every Gentleman Should Know. Need to dig it out.
No recent pics to share-most of pic taking has been on my Iphone...and my ICloud isn't working right, so the pics aren't showing up on the computer yet. I think my poor Rebel has cobwebs...but the Iphone is sooo fun-especially Instagram. But here's a few for my family and friends to enjoy...from Christmas!!

Book Club Day: Do you know your family????

2012-01-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

This month, we read two books! I had the pleasure of reading a very well written book called The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. When Julia travels to Burma to search for her missing lawyer father, she discovers much more than she expected. Join us at From Left to Write on February 1 as we discuss The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

As I read about the woman looking for the truth about her father, and realizing how much of him she didn't even know, I thought about my own family. My father passed away when I was four. I don't have many memories of him, but I do know I was a Daddy's girl. I have pictures of us laying in my crib (together!) and working on his car, a very special picture of him holding me and gazing at me lovingly. Those are treasures to me. My mom remarried and I was lucky enough to grow up with my step-dad as my father, but maybe because of this, I never learned much about my real father from my mom. I didn't even know his favorite color, his favorite food, what he wanted to be when he grew up...his family lived far from me as I grew up, and his mom spoke little English. When I moved to Southern California, it was wonderful to finally be near his family. I started learning some Hungarian, spending hours looking through family picture albums with my Grandma, and spending time with my uncle. My aunt, who was the closest to my father, came to visit several times. She was the one to finally write down and tell me about my father-stories of his youth, what he liked, etc. I keep those papers in a special place. Now I have a picture of what my father was like! I truly wish I knew him.

I hope and pray that I live a long, healthy life with my children, but I want to make sure they know me! I scrapbook (well...not so much anymore), but even when I feel like cleaning out my supplies and giving them away, I decide to keep it up-even if I only scrap a few pages a year-those are family memories and family stories that I want my children to know. A few years ago, I made an "all about me" album and an "all about us" (my husband and my love story)album. Both were kits that I basically had to just add pictures and words. I am so glad I have those. I hope my kids will be so glad, as well, someday. Even if you aren't interested in scrapbooking, keeping your family stories alive is important. Blogs, family journals (I have one and it's just a small spiral bound notebook that I jot down those cute sayings of our kids that we want to remember and think we will...but seriously, we don't!), videos, those fill in the blank "All About Grandma" books (I have one from my mom's mother and I am SO happy I have it. I made copies for the whole family after she passed away)...your family will thank you in the future!

Book Club Day: Don't be Quiet about books!

2012-01-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

Are you an introvert or extrovert?.Author Susan Cain explores how introverts can be powerful in a world where being an extrovert is highly valued. Join From Left to Write on January 19 as we discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain. We'll also be chatting live with Susan Cain at 9PM Eastern on January 26. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Oooh, I am really enjoying this book! I'm not finished, but as I read, I keep thinking of more and more I could write about, but I have decided to talk about the power of books and talking. I've always been a big reader since the days I learned to read from the blue circus reader in kindergarten. Growing up, you could find me snuggled up somewhere, a book in hand. It wasn't until high school that I realized how wonderful it was to read the same books as others and share them. Of course, it was the requisite high school novels, but still....I discovered how powerful and meaningful it was to discover books together.
I joined a book club about 12 years ago and it really opened up my eyes to different genres. I never picked up a historical fiction novel before then. And I fell in love...We always got together for talk at a local restaurant, and after our "book talk", just enjoyed casual conversation. I have to admit, I always wanted the book talk to go on longer! I loved hearing what the others thought about a character's reasonings or why things worked out this way. I also admit, the girls helped me to understand things I missed, too. I read The Life of Pi, in a fog just weeks after the birth of my first child. It wasn't until our meeting when I heard Casey talking about the religious undertones she picked up on, that I realized how much I had missed! I had to go back a reread weeks later (when the fog began to lift!).
After moving to Northern California, I never got involved with a book club and really miss it. I have discovered Good Reads and scour the reviews that my friends post. I often write messages to my friends about books-what did you think about the ending? Why do you think the author did this? Luckily, my friends (mostly my old book club friends) enjoy responding back!
Reading this book, Quiet, with all of its interesting studies and ideas really intrigued me. My copy was soon dog eared. Daily, I have been bugging my husband, "Listen to this! What do you think about this?" I think he can safely say that he knows about as much as me about this book- without even reading it. I even find myself bringing up this book's topic to friends, starting a conversation of what they think about introverts and extroverts. I can't help it-I want to share and discuss with someone! Can't wait to read all the book club posts in the next few days!
As a teacher, I try my best to bring that book talk into the classroom. I think... no, I know, that it can help build a love of reading. And kids really say the most interesting things about books-they often have a different perspective on things-and I welcome it. (They also love it when a teacher remarks that they, the teacher, hadn't even realized or thought of that idea!) I put a lot of effort into book talks last year with my 3rd graders, and I saw the power, I saw the kids stacking books on their desks, and passing books to each other. I even had parents say that finally their kids were reading-and enjoying it! It's a little harder with my firsties this year-some of them can hardly read-but we enjoy talking about the books I read to them. I do think it's a teacher's job to help their students love to read, and I know the power of talking about books really builds that.
Can't wait to finish Quiet and see what other ideas I ~~bother~~ I mean share with my husband and lucky friends!

Blog lovin'

2012-01-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

OK, so one of my New Year's Resolutions...or, well, just a life change, is that I want to dress better-more stylish. I've spent the last 8 years buying for my kiddos instead...I get so excited walking into Gymboree or baby Gap. However, for me, I just throw on whatever. I've been trying to add to my wardrobe, spice it up. I finally got on the boots bandwagon, thanks to my sweet Joe who bought me a pair of black, knee length boots. LOVE them. Now on the hunt for cute skirts to wear with them!!
Anyway, I stumbled onto this blog: The Tiny Twig, and she has a whole bunch of posts about building a "no brainer" wardrobe. Cute stuff. So, I purchased her ebook: The No Brainer Wardrobe. I've only flipped through it, but it looks good! Now, I think I may finally join Pinterest, so I can start "pinning" outfits and styles. I don't know much about Pinterest....so wish me luck!!! Anyone have any thing to tell me about it? Or things you've pinned that you can share???

Reading Plans for the New Year

2011-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

I love reading. I really do...but I have come to realize that I read fiction very quickly, but non fiction....very...slowly....and don't always finish the book. I like to savor them, think about them, but I don't always follow through. I have collected a bunch of non-fiction books that I have not read or finished. So this year, I plan to read more non-fiction. I will read and focus on one each month (still leaving time for more fiction love). Here are 6 I have found to start the first half of the year:
1. Quiet: The Power on Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. (For January) This is for my online book club, From Left to Write. I am excited to read this because I think I am much more of an introvert than an extrovert, though I really wish I was more outgoing...stay tuned for my post in the next few weeks about this book.

2.50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know by John Bridges. (For Feb.) Technically, this book was on my summer reading list, as well. I saw a great idea that some mom read this book to her boys, and had them journal about their thoughts. I really would like to do this!

3. Mamarazzi: Every Mom's Guide to Photographing Kids by Stacy Wasmuth. (For March) I have read about 1/3 of this book-love it! Now need to practice and do.

4. Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Road Map for Raising Confident, Creative, Compassionate Kids
by Nancy Carlsson-Page (For April) The title is so intriguing. I read about 10 pages, but never picked it up again.

5. Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst (For May) I really want to work on my faith this year....

6. Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder by Mariah Bruehl (For June-perfect for summer learning) The pictures are great, and I've already flipped through and skimmed through some of it.

Good thing is, I own all of these already....so I can build up my supply for the 2nd half of the year. Wish we me luck...looking forward to sharing with you what I learn!

Books-of-the-Year

2011-12-29T23:44:00.000-08:00

I have been reading A LOT lately....loving my time off! I did the 100 book Challenge through goodreads.com (the best site for book people!!) and I made it! Of course, some of them were picture books, but I read 110 books this year-or at least rated 110 books-teachers read a lot to kiddos! Here are my top ten (in no order)

1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon-such a GOOD read-you must read it!!! A gothic mystery set in Spain concerning the unusual circumstances of a book and its mysterious author.

2. Cleopatra by Stacey Schiff...this took me a while to read, but was so informative and I learned a lot about the history of Rome and Egypt. I am slightly obsessed with that time period right now...

3. The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure...if you read and adored the Little House on the Prairie books, you will enjoy this true story about a woman traveling around to all the Little House landmarks.

4. In Stitches by Anthony Youn...funny, funny coming of age story about an Asian boy growing up in Michigan and going on to med school. Liked this a lot more than I thought I would!

5. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay I cried and cried reading this book (and still cry thinking about it), but it's worth a read. Heartbreaking, especially since parts are true-a World War II story in France (yes, it got ugly in France! I did not realize to what extent!)

6. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor-This is a children's chapter book, if you have not read it, go now. Young sweet, caring boy, runaway dog, bad owner...a GOOD book.

7. Savvy by Ingrid Law-another children's book, but with a dash of magic. The sequel didn't grab me as much as this one.

8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. OK, I love this author-gothic mysteries...this year, I realized how much I love them. Kate is the queen of writing gothic mysteries...I adore all 3 of her books (though this one probably isn't my favorite!)

9. Their Eyes Were Watching Good by Zora Neale Hurston This took me a while to read-the language was difficult to read-but I can see why it's a classic. The story is amazing and Janie is a very endearing main character, through all of her tragedies.

10. I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridus I've also come to realize that I do like historical fiction this year. LOVED all the Italian history in this book, as well. Very thick-couldn't stop reading it.

What about you?? What are your top reads? Tomorrow, I will update with some of my books for next year, including my plan to read more non-fiction. As much as I love reading, I read non-fiction very slowly. My bookshelf is piling up with those books. I tend to buy those, where as most of my books I get from the library.

December, December...a busy time of year!

2011-12-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

Whew...are you caught up in the hustle and bustle??? I am! Though I am slowing down a bit due to the stomach flu-yuck! It swept through our school-even derailed our Christmas performance of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Just as we were ready to start, one little boy threw up all over the stage-front and center-a few times! Started 20 minutes later-after a quick clean up and plastic tablecloth put down-and then someone else throws up during the show-several kids are crying so hard and even the adorable Grinch gets close to tears during his solo song and his teacher has to sing along with him...but the show was a success and my first graders (including my own Coop) were a hit! So, right now, day 3 of rest for me, it doesn't really feel like Christmas....gotta get back on the Noel Train!
We are officially on vacation! No big plans, just family and rest and fun. Love it. The boys have been video games-in their underwear-and enjoying lots of Daddy time. They are in heaven! My Grandpa is in town, too. Haven't had much time to visit with him yet, but looking forward to spending time with him. My sisters get here later this week-cannot wait! THIS is what the holidays are all about for me. Family time.
Here are some pics to to show you what we've been doing lately!

Vacation * Time

2011-11-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

We love us short vacations....we don't take long vacations, but take short ones often. And living in California, can you blame us? We have everything close! Last week, we extended our Veterans Day break by an extra day so we enjoyed a short trip to Southern California. We did Disneyland for the first time as a family of FIVE.

It was such a blast! Kendall had no idea what to expect, but she loved it!

She was a great age, too! I know people like to wait until their kids are older, and yes, maybe she won't remember much of it, but that's what pictures are for...and the look on her face and the smiles were priceless. She was in love! The boys of course, had a blast!

We found out about an hour before we left that one of Spencer's best friends, Nathan, was heading there as well! We met up with them around 10:30 and then spent the rest of the day with their family.

Nathan's Grandma happens to be a fellow teacher (actually my master teacher when I student taught) and a good friend of mine, so we really enjoyed spending time with them! Lines were short, weather was great, Disneyland was decked out for Christmas...a perfect day!

The next day we headed down to San Diego and spent Veterans Day in one of the most beautiful places in San Diego-Cabrillo National Monument. You must check it out. I guess it used to be a navy base (I am not clear on the history) because there is a big naval cemetery and old buildings, but there is a little museum on the history of Cabrillo finding San Diego and an old lighthouse that was used years ago. You can see all of San Diego, all the way down to Mexico.

There are tide pools to explore, a hiking trail that I really want to try, and old bunkers that American soldiers hid in during World War 2.

Plus, we got to be with my sister and her family!

I really wish we lived closer and especially now that she has Lily, I am so sad that I don't get to see Lily as much as I'd like! She is a sweet baby-she adores her cousins and they adore her!

Can't wait for Christmas!
Now we are on break again for Thanksgiving...a whole week off...and I am actually glad to be home...and no plans....we have been so busy this fall...but I am planning our next short trip-either SF without kids (or maybe with...) and then Santa Barbara/LA in February to start the college tour...yes, we are going to start taking Spencer on the college tours. He will have to get a scholarship to go to school (at the rate of college tuition going up and up....ugh), so might as well get him excited, right? Can't wait to show him UCSB (my college) and UCLA!

Book Club: Children's Names

2011-11-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today's post is inspired by Expecting Adam by Martha Beck. As a member of the Left to Write Book Club, I received a copy of the book to read and write a post inspired by the book. Being pregnant while in graduate school is no piece of cake and even more stressful to learn your unborn child had Down syndrome. In her memoir *Expecting Adam *, Martha Beck battled almost everyone over her decision to continue her pregnancy. Join From Left to
Writeon November 10 as we discuss Expecting Adam. I found this book very interesting-especially the the magical coincidences that occurred to Martha while pregnant with Adam and after he was born. I would love to meet him!

I have always been fascinated by baby names. I used to buy baby name books as a teenager and pore over them, listing my favorites (top contenders over the years-Autumn, Jordan (girl), Connor). I love love learning the reasons behind people's names and how they got them (and once I read the page about where Martha got the name Adam for her son, I knew what i would write about!). So, when I was pregnant with my own children, I happily purchased several more books and set about picking the perfect names! Strangely enough, none came from a baby name book!

My first son is Spencer. My husband's mom wanted to name him Spencer when he was born, but his Dad said no, and so Joe he became. Joe had always loved the name Spencer, so I knew from the moment we started dating that if I married him, we would have a son named Spencer. I didn't have much say on that name. Luckily, I loved the name! It's unique-at least in our section of the country. There are actually 1 or 2 other Spencers in town, but we don't cross paths with them very often. Most people, if they hear "Spencer", think of our son. I like that-especially since I grew up as one of the many, many Amy's in my class. I was always Amy B., or Little Amy, or Brownie.

When I was pregnant with Cooper, we had a list of names we were debating (I don't even remember the other names anymore), but I heard the name Cooper mentioned and I loved it immediately. Joe worked on a TV show at the time where Anderson Cooper was the host, and he thought he was a very cool guy, so Joe liked the name Cooper, as well. We agreed easily, and Cooper he became. We didn't know any other Coopers...but as soon as he was born, so many people said that they knew other Coopers...oh well...he is one of 2 Coopers in 1st grade at his school, but he is his own self, very independent. After we had Spencer and Cooper, we were asked a few times if we were big movie buffs-Spencer Tracy and Gary Cooper!

With Kendall, we already had that name in mind. We had planned for years that we would name our daughter Katie. However, I had a student one year (pre-kids) named Kendall, though she spelled it differently. She was adorable-feisty, fun, and full of spunk. The name fit her to a t-and we fell in love with the name! So, when I was pregnant with Kendall, and she was doing major gymnastics in my belly, it felt right. She is truly a Kendall-very spirited, feisty, and spunky. I can't imagine her a Katie (though I am sure if she was a Katie, I would say the same thing!). Her name has become more popular as well, but I think she can hold her own with the other Kendalls-my girl is no wallflower! Interestingly enough, Spencer has a friend in his 3rd grade class named Kendall and her brother is...Cooper! I guess great minds think alike! Hahaha!

Halloween...

2011-11-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween over...is it me or is time fah-lying?????
We celebrated by BOO-ing several families-one of our fav traditions! We buy cupcakes and candy, leave the treats at their door with a BOO sign, and doorbell ditch! We laughed so hard on some of them-it's the thrill of almost being caught!
Stephanie threw a big shindig-complete with a Haunted backyard-a whole maze to wind through.

We had a blast! The kids went through it over and over!

She knows how to throw a party! Thanks, Steph!
Then, Halloween night we trick-or-treated with the Adrian Family-another tradition-on our neighborhood.

We were joined by other friends, as well. The weather was great, the candy was yummy, and the lights were on! Even for a Monday night, it was happening out there! We had an alien, a gangster (Eminem) and a cowgirl this year. Mostly thrown together, frugal costumes...that's the best kind. The kids are already planning on what they'll be next year!

My honey

2011-10-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

So this month, my online book club read a very interesting book called Lost Edens, about a woman in an abusive relationship-not physical, but emotionally abuse. It was an intriguing read for me since my own relationship is so different than hers. I couldn't understand her in many ways, but I understand that when you are in the situation, it seems different.
To be honest, I struggled over what to write-Jamie was so honest in her writing, but I couldn't think of anything that raw that I could write about (not to mention that the other members can be intimidating because they all write such polished pieces and are accomplished women, and I am sitting here typing out my ideas that always sound so much better in my head than when I actually get them down on the screen!).
In Lost Edens, author Jamie Patterson struggles to save her marriage which may or may not be already over. Keeping her attempts a secret from her family, she attempts to mold herself into the wife her husband wants her to be. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members posts inspired by Lost Edens by Jamie Patterson on book club day, October 27 at From Left to Write. (Please do-the posts are fascinating! I love peeking into others' lives!)
However, as I read this book, I kept thinking how lucky I am in my relationship. My husband truly is my best friend, as well as my husband. We genuinely enjoy spending time together. He is a great Dad to our kids-they are so lucky to have him. We have known each other since we were 16 years old. I actually met him through his girlfriend at the time, a friend of mine. She graduated a year before me and went away to college, and I still saw him around our high school campus. We just clicked. We never had any trouble talking and would spend hours chatting away. And I was voted Most Shy in high school! Our last names were the same, so we started joking that one day we'd get married. In fact, the first time he brought me over to his parents' house, he introduced me as his future wife. I am sure his parents were a bit confused-who was this girl? We weren't even dating! I graduated and moved to southern California, but we kept in touch and saw each other on my school vacations when I came home. We had a core group of friends in common, and that kept us linked. We ended up kissing for the first time my freshman year winter vacation, but after mixed messages on both sides (I guess...), we ended up not speaking for almost a year. After we finally made up, we stayed close and when we started dating after I graduated from college, within one month, we knew that was it. We'd found our other half. We've been through a lot-moves, houses, apartments, jobs, hard times, good times, 3 sweet children, and 20 years after that first fateful kiss, we are still together, happily married for 11 years and looking forward to many more years together. Reading books like Jamie's makes me appreciate, once again, my luck in finding my Joe. I hope Jamie finds her other half (or maybe she has found him already! :-))

And what's new with you....

2011-10-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

I know I have some relatives that read this and would like updates on the kiddos...

Spencer:

Loving 3rd grade. Reading Harry Potter, doing great in math, finding a competitive edge in him, finished season 3 of Splashball (jr water polo). Loves drawing and creating-very creative. Making a movie with daddy about aliens (one of his obsessions). I think he's really into sci-fi! He ran for 3rd grade senator, but so many of his friends ran, that they "cancelled" each other out and someone else won (with not that many votes!). But we were proud of him-he had to write a speech and present it at an assembly.

Cooper:

Lost his first tooth and he was so excited! Enjoying first grade. I can tell you as his teacher, that things come very easily for him (especially math!). He is reading a lot now-trying to read everything. In the middle of soccer season, which he really isn't loving. Wants to try tennis next. Loves to fix things with daddy and is always found with his ipod (favs: Awolnation and Eminem!).
Kendall:

Miss Social Butterfly is loving school. She loves "reading" (reads to her dolls every night). Loves dolls, nail polish, shoes-anything girly! Helping Dad with cooking (mom likes to do it herself!). Doesn't like to sleep...last one to fall asleep at night. Sometimes it's just K and Dad up! Talking all the time...a real chatterbox! Likes to tease us-will say "I just kidding!"

Having a busy, but fun fall. We've been spending a lot of time in the Santa Cruz area, and we really like it over there. I could live there! Beach and culture!
Our family country project is coming along slowly...we've read a couple of books and put a huge wall map in the hallway. I found a German restaurant in the Santa Cruz area to try next time we go over there. I need to stay on top of it. Now that we don't have things going on almost night (soccer practice and splashball), I think I can schedule more family evenings. not that we don't spend every minute together as it is-we've been taking family walks when it gets dark. But I want to do more family meeting type evenings. Does anyone else do that?

Family time

2011-10-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Deborah Reed's debut novel Carry Yourself Back to Me follows heartbroken singer-songwriter Annie Walsh as she digs into the past to exonerate her brother from murder. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members posts inspired by Carry Yourself Back to Me on book club day, October 4 at From Left to Write.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the descriptions of Florida and reading about the family dynamics. However, what stood out to me and something I kept thinking about after closing the book was the fact that we never know what is going to happen in life. Annie lost her dad suddenly, and her fiancee left her without warning. I know we all have had things happen in life that we weren't prepared for or didn't want to happen. I lost my own father at the age of 4, and I've missed out on the chance to know him. Many times I wonder about the some of the character traits I have and wonder if he had them too. I don't even know things like his favorite color or what he liked to eat. That makes me sad.
I talked to a few of my friends about this topic as we celebrated a "Girls' Weekend" together in Monterey this past weekend. Ashley said that she thinks of the quote that you "need to live your life like each day could be your last" (paraphrased by me). So true. It makes me feel teary eyed thinking about that, but also encourages me to hug and kiss my kids and my husband Joe as much as I can. It makes me settle for a less than spotless home when instead, I could be hanging around with the family, chatting or playing board games. It makes me question some of the things I choose to do, things that take away from my family. I've tried to cut back on things that seem like time wasters, including TV. I found that I was spending tired evenings slumped in front of the TV, instead of spending quality time my Joe. It's so easy to sit there, mindless. Which brings to mind the quote about "on your deathbed, what regrets will you have-things you did or things you didn't do?" I don't want to have ANY when it comes to my family. What about you???

New * family* adventure

2011-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

If I had more money, I would love to travel! I want to experience new cultures, strange countries, unique ways of living...I love reading books set in other countries. I've read so many about the Indian culture, that even though I've never been to India, I feel like I can picture it in my mind. So that being said, along with my love for geography and maps and Joe's curiosity about the world (not to mention brushing up on his geography skills), Joe and I have decided to implement a "Country a Month" activity with our family. For October, we are starting with Germany. I've checked books out of the library and been looking online for some ideas on teaching the kids about Germany. We plan to eat at a German restaurant in San Francisco, as well as talk to friends who are German. We also plan to watch movies set in Germany, listen to music, and so on. I am excited to try this! I'm putting up a map in the kitchen, so we can familiarize ourselves with Germany and its surrounding countries. Does anyone have any other ideas that we can try? We have not planned out our countries yet, so we are starting to go month by month. I want to touch on many different places around the world. I'm so excited! I hope my family enjoys this new adventure!

Cleopatra & Amazing history

2011-09-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of ideas came to mind while reading this month's book selection, Cleopatra: A Life by Stacey Schiff. As a member of the From Left to Write Book Club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read the other members posts inspired by this book on Sept. 27 here. I thought about writing about misconceptions in history (Cleopatra wasn't Egyptian!) or how real life makes for a good story (Cleopatra's life is full of very interesting stories...).
However, what I kept coming back to were the things the author mentioned that Cleopatra knew...way back in BC! Cleopatra knew the earth was round-she knew of the existence of the equator_that just blew my mind! This was B.C., people! Didn't we just "discover" this a few hundred years ago?? What happened-and why-did we have to learn this all over again? I was so impressed with the education of these ancient people. It's amazing (and sad) to me that so much knowledge was lost and had to be relearned. I'm wondering about our own future. What will be lost? What will my great-grandchildren know that I don't know or will they know less? We seem so advanced today, but in a way, so did the Egyptians and Romans of the day. Will another Dark Ages happen on earth?

Family Time

2011-09-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

OK, so living here isn't our "ideal", as many of you have probably heard me say. Joe and I dream about moving back to LA again...we loved living there, but I will say that I am happy to be here for now for the main reason: FAMILY. I know we made the right decision to live here. I love seeing the kids connect and make memories with Grandparents, cousins, and aunts/uncles (though I wish MY sisters were closer...)

My sweet in-laws have a beach house in Aptos now (shared with 2 other families, one being my father-in-law's brother) and we got to have lots of cousin time last weekend. The kids had a blast! Playing, playing board games, throwing poppers, beach time, and more playing! We got to hang out with Joe's cousin Janell's kids, who we rarely see, as well as Tyler & Pana. The next day, the Gresham cousins came up (minus Maddie). FUN!

And the Grandparents...I love that the kids have "dates" with them, overnights, and just time away to be with Grandma or Grammy. Coop enjoyed his date today with Grammy!

I have such good memories of my Grandma growing up. I loved being at her house. I'm glad my kids get to make their own memories with their grandparents, too.

Another first day...

2011-08-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

Whew...I.am.exhausted...teaching 24 cute 5 and 6 year olds can be draining...so glad it's Friday, though not looking forward to the hours I'll be putting in this weekend. Not sure how I can be so far behind in only 2 weeks. Hmmm....
Well, this little miss had her first day of pre-school

....cannot believe my baby is going to pre-school. She loved it, of course. She is the typical baby of the family social butterfly. Of course she loves anything with other kids and not at home. This was the same little one who would wake up for her naps with her purse on her arm, saying, "Ready to go. Let's go!"
We're are enjoying Florida weather here...hot and humid. Lovely combination. Good thing I'm in an air conditioned classroom all day. I crank it to 72...my poor kiddos have begun bringing sweaters! They are cold! But hey, if the teacher isn't happy, then no one is happy! Sorry, kiddos. I think Cooper is the only one who hasn't asked me to "turn up the heater". Love their little sayings. Like the hand sanitizer lotion is just called "hanitizer". I think it's perfect! I almost want to make my own and sell it with that name. :-)

Anyway, my blog surfing has been limited to only first grade blogs for ideas, ideas, and more ideas, but here are a few other things I've found in the last few weeks to share:

Photo Walls ideas

An art project I want to do with my kiddos

Need ideas about planning a photo session? Cuteness!

Kids and Chores....something I am struggling with...the best way to set up chores. the boys have certain daily and weekly things, but I want them to do "more"...not for me, but so they can be independent and take care of themselves someday. Spencer asked if he could be excused from cleaning out the dishwasher on his birthday...he's NOT a big fan of that chore! Who is?
Have a good weekend!

First Day!!!!!

2011-08-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

The boys on their first day of school:

*Spencer, Grade 3. Loves his teacher, Mrs. Peterson (I love her, too!)....She reminds me of MY favorite teacher ever, Mrs. Bruno (who I was *lucky* to work next door to for 3 years)...he was nervous, but excited

*Cooper, Grade 1...he loves his teacher and he better...it's ME! He was a little nervous, but happy. Sadly, he didn't get any of his friends in our class (I was super bummed), but he can make new ones (and still plays with his other ones...on the same soccer team with one of his best friends, Jack)

Here's a good year, my sweet boys!

Kendall starts pre-school next Tuesday....yikes! She's still in "summer mode"-enjoying lazy days, pool days with daddy, dates with both Grandmas...

Summer Reading-How'd I do?

2011-08-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

So, I read a lot this summer...loved every minute of it! The kids did the Summer Reading Program at the library and got their free books from the summer program at Barnes & Noble. So, we all read! Here was my list from the beginning of the summer:
(From June)
I am excited to plan my reading...here are some of the books I plan to read this summer:

1. Some classics: reread Jane Eyre and read Middlemarch ***Read Jane Eyre, but did not read Middlemarch...yet!
2. some other more contemporary classics I missed: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ***Didn't get to this one yet
3. Parenting books: I am currently rereading 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know and I'd like to read Growing Grateful Kids. I plan to read 50 Things Every Gentleman Should Know to my boys and have the journal about it ***Not sounding so good, but didn't finish 12 Simple Secrets, neve bought the Grateful Kids book, and didn't have the boys journal the 50 Things, but want to do that this year
4. Some interesting reads: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair, The Paris Wife, Summer Rental ***Still on library wait list for the first 2, but read Summer Rental-total beach read
5. Bossypants-heard so many friends loved it! ***Still on library wait list
6. Finally read Water for Elephants...finally ***Someone borrowed, need to get it back!
7. and whatever else comes up on my on hold list at the library...make sure you friend me on goodreads.com to see what I end up reading this summer
8. I am currently reading The Unexpected Circumnavigation right now for my new reading group: From Left to Write. ***Read, it was OK...needs a major editing job

But I did read: About 28 books and some of my favs were:
In Stitches-very funny read about a young Korean boy growing up in Michigan and going to Med School (true story!)
I, Mona Lisa (historical fiction about who was the Mona Lisa....soooo good!)
Cate of the Lost Colony (ever wonder what happened to lost people of Roanoke Island??)
Sarah's Key-heartbreaking, but excellent
No More I'm Done- Great teaching resource for writer's workshop-LOVE it!
360 Degrees Longitude-one family's trip around the world in a year, so interesting to read their descriptions of other cultures!
The Wilder Life-story of a woman searching for more information on her fav series: Little House on the Prairie (learned a lot from this one!)

What about you??? What did you read? I am a bit sad...now comes the reading drought...my focus is on my kids when I'm at home and doing lesson plans after they go to bed, in place of my reading time...but hopefully will be back to reading soon!

Photography and Music

2011-08-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

OK, a few things to share...
First, Joe and I (and Monica and Allen) went up to Sacramento and saw the most amazing performance by AWOLNATION! The concert rocked, Aaron, the singer and guitar during the show, was a great performer, and the fans went crazy! We had so much fun singing along and getting our dance on! Whoo-hoo! If they come near you, go check them out for a fun time. Here's a link to his Youtube video of my fav song: Burn It Down.

Second, I wanted to share about a photography resource that I really have found useful...Kristen Duke's book: Say No To Auto. I love it! I bought the download version and printed it out in 4 x 6 size, stuck it on a ring, and now it goes with me in my camera bag wherever I go. Easy to understand (even for me, who is still learning what the technical terms mean: f-stop, aperture, etc.). Worth it! And now she has revised it, making it even more helpful. Go check it out!

More coming...the end of summer wrap up...yes, come Monday, I will be spending my days with 24 precious first graders (including my own-Cooper!). I hope I have made my room cozy and comfy for them. Those first grade blogs I have been perusing have been so helpful! Happy Weekend!

In Stitches: Culture Shock

2011-08-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Anthony Youn's memoir In Stitches gives readers a look into the training of a medical doctor who discovers his passion is plastic surgery. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members postsinspired by In Stitches by Anthony Youn, M.D. on book club day, August 9 at From Left to Write.

First off, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun read! I couldn't help but think of myself in junior high when I read about his experiences growing as a Korean boy in white Michigan...I moved to diverse California in the 6th grade, coming from an all white, southern Illinois town of about 9,000. Can you say culture shock? My friends all told me that California was about to fall off North America (Most Californians have never heard this rumor!), so I was terrified about that. My Dad even told me they only ate fish in CA-and I hated fish! Once I started school, I was definitely out of place. What was cool in my small town wasn't so cool here. So many languages, so many nationalities! My new CA friends would tease me about my "accent"-I guess I said "pool" and "cool" with two syllables! When I think back to those days, I realize I was a very naive, sheltered child. Luckily, I think my own children are a lot more savvy!

But I did adapt, and now I wouldn't live in any other state. I think the diversity adds a lot to our state-traditions, cultures, food! I love reading about other cultures, and here I am right in the middle of it all. I read somewhere that America is not a "melting pot", but instead a "salad"-all different traditions and ways of life mixed in together. I like that imagery. As a parent, I've had fun incorporating new traditions for my kids that I have learned about, as well as following traditions from my own family (we are a mix of Hungarians and German, and my husband's family is mostly Italian).
What about you?

Where did summer go???

2011-08-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

I remember in June, the whole summer stretched out ahead of me. I had lists of things I wanted to do, make, play, read...and now...in 2 days I am back to work. I admit, I really love my job, BUT I love my kids more, and I'm sad that it's back to work. The last 2 weeks have been busy busy busy! We headed to the beach house for some family time with Joe's family. Aquarium

, The Mystery Spot,

beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (tip: go on Mon or Tues after 3 for $1 rides!).

Then it was home and my family time!

My sisters both were in town...and LILY...and we had a little get together/shower for Jenny & Lily. It was fun!

If you live in the same town as your siblings, enjoy it. I really wish my sisters lived closer to me here...

The Costume Trunk book post

2011-07-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

My 2nd post for my new book club: From Left to Write.

In The Costume Trunk, Courtney and her friends discovers the magical world of Paddywhack Lane where all they need is their imagination to have fun. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Costume Trunk by Bob Fuller on book club day, July 28 at From Left to Write.

As I read this book about children dressing up in costumes and exploring a magical land, I kept thinking about the power of imagination. It's such a critical experience for small children-they learn about navigating our big world and make sense of the fears they may have by acting it out. However, in our current days, it seems like the world of make believe is being pushed along the wayside. Play kitchens and dress up toys are disappearing from kindergarten classrooms, replaced with desks and more and more work. Video games occupy many kids all day long-playing in someone else's imaginary world. Why not let kids be kids a little longer (especially when being an adult today is pretty scary!)???
This summer, I did not plan much at all for my kids. Yes, there were days when they were bored and whining, yes, there were days I wanted to ship them off to some camp or class...but they did a lot of playing! Lego worlds, car races, lots of rescue games-especially when you have a little 3-year-old girl who loves dressing up like a princess! I loved seeing the interaction between my kids, the push and pull, the conversations I eavesdropped on. Did the TV get turned on? Yes...but once it was turned off, they quickly found something else to do. I really saw the PLAY that happened this summer, and I really think it's for the better. It seems like there is a large group of parents out there (at least with many of the friends I know and some of the blogs I read) who are trying to go "back to basics" with our kids: resisting the blatant consumerism, the push to sign up kids for every activity out there, overcommitting their families... It is a hard balance sometimes. I just know my kids would love doing some of the classes out there. But hey, they have their whole lives ahead of them. They are only young once. So, my kids will be the ones eating dinner at home, playing on their bikes out front, doodling on paper, and saying,"Mom, I'm bored!" And that's OK with me.

New blog obsession...

2011-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh, if you are a teacher...you may want to skip this post. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending many hours blog perusing...
I found the new world of teacher blogs! I have been firing up the printer and getting excited for school! I've been excited for school since Cooper will be in my class this year, but to be honest, I was nervous about 1st grade. I generally like teaching kids a little older. But now, I am super excited! Here are some to get you started...if *first grade* is not your thing, check the links on the sides for other grade levels. Have fun!

The First Grade Parade

The Inspired Apple

Mrs. Kincaid's First Grade

Mrs. Bainbridge's 1/2 Combo (TONS of things here!)
Oh, and here's one offering a pretty cool freebie (just found this site today!):
First Grade Pandamonium Go and check her out! :-)

Photo Fun

2011-07-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

So...my friend Michelle and I were talking about photography and we decided to do a little photo shoot together with our kids. We both took pics of all our kids. It was fun! Here are some of my favs. Her kids are adorable...Nick is super photogenic and her girls are darling! First up is my Kendall...sweet as ever in her pillowcase dress (love it, Donovan!)

Lily Love!

2011-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my mom was heading down to see Lily (oh and Jenny and Justin, too! Ha!) .

She was also going to see my cousin Paolo and his family, so Kendall and I decided at the last minute to tag along.

It was so much fun! I got my Lily fix-I even did the night duties one night so Jenny and Justin could sleep. She is the sweetest baby!

We also got to visit with Paolo and his wife Julia and daughter Lia at a park in Coronado. Jenny and I haven't seen him since 1984!

I can't believe it has been that long. He grew up in the Virgin Islands, and then joined the navy, serving in several places, including Italy. They are currently stationed in Texas, but sent to San Diego for a few weeks this summer.

We had a great visit! I was a little sad, thinking of all the years we didn't see each other or even communicate. Family is so important to me! I hope we can stay in better contact now. I was also sad that his Mom wasn't there-my Aunt Emese. I have stayed in contact with her and even seen her a few times in the past 10 years. (Hi Auntie Emese-I know you read my blog! I will be sending you pictures this week!!)

The trip was too short, but a nice treat. Of course, we had to go to the beach-my kids are all beach lovers! Kendall had a blast!

I love love this picture of her!

She looks so happy!
Now, getting ready for the 4th and planning what we are doing for the rest of the summer. We've been checking things off our summer list!

What about you???

From Left To Write Post #1: The Travel Bug

2011-06-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so here's my first post for my new reading and writing group, From Left to Write. Hope you like it! As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Unexpected Circumnavigation: Unusual Boat, Unusual People Part I on book club day, June 28 at From Left to Write.

Travel...is something that interests me, but I don't think much about it. I'm happily raising my kids in CA, 2 hours to the beach and the mountains and San Francisco and of course, spending several weekends in San Diego (a.k.a my children's fav place) during the year. I haven't much thought about leaving the country on a vacation. Though, to be honest, I do sometimes think about visiting Hungary, where my Dad was born and lived until he was a teenager, but it's not something I'm actively planning (or saving for!).

However, after reading this month's selection this book, The Unexpected Circumnavigation and also
360 Degrees Longitude: One Family's Journey Around the World (checked out of the library-not part of my group's monthly reading) right afterwards, I am anxious to travel! I have been bitten by the travel bug-and for several reasons. Of course, I want to see the tropical waters and the islands that Christi and her husband sailed around (I am a beach girl at heart). But I also want to show my kids other cultures, other ways of life. I totally buy into the idea that Americans are spoiled, we have too much, too much comes easily...I don't want my kids growing up ungrateful for what they have. Being grateful and thankful myself, as well as raising children who are, is important to me. That's why our family started sponsoring Kalab from Africa. But I really feel now that it would be eye opening for my kids to see the world for themselves, to experience it, instead of Mommy just telling them to finish their dinner-don't you know kids are starving!

I admit, too, I've secretly wanted my hubby to find a job in another country (for a year) so we can experience a new way of living together. As the kids are getting older, I see that hope slipping away, but who knows...I've been eating up all these blogs lately about families making a big change, moving overseas, quitting work for a year to enjoy a new life somewhere...sounds so appealing, even to me, a "responsible-lucky I have a teaching job in CA-feet on the ground type of girl". All I know is that I am starting my travel fund today...it's just pennies right now, but hoping it will grow!

SuMmEr Schedule....

2011-06-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

So this year I am not making big plans to have a set schedule.

To be honest, we are so scheduled and rushing around during the school year, that I like to be able to relax and I love having my kids decide how to fill the moments of our days. Play, play and more play. And some fighting here and there...they are brothers after all! But having them work it out and teaching them strategies to deal with each other is helpful. But, being the elementary school teacher I am, I do need a bit of a plan! (I remember making "lesson plans" for my mom and mother-in-law when I would first leave Spencer with them....anyone else do that too???)
So, I read this post: Summer Sanity Schedule and was inspired to have theme days...
Monday will be Library Day. We are in the summer reading program, so we'll go get new books and turn in our reading logs. We spent an hour there today after vacation Bible school looking for books and yes, playing on the library computers! Spencer, who is a big bookworm, just started getting picky with his reading. No more Boxcar Children, no more A to Z Mysteries...he wants more grown up books. We are finishing James and the Giant Peach together, and he and Daddy just started some Dragon series.
Tuesday will be Writing Day. I want the boys to keep a little journal and write letters...we have been sponsoring a boy from Africa, Kalab. We talk about him a lot, have his photo in our kitchen, but we have not been good about writing to him. I want to work on that.
Wednesday will be Cooking Day. This Wednesday I think we will make pickles! I found a recipe in Family Fun magazine that looks easy!
Thursday will be Playdate Day. I will set up playdates for the kids so they can keep in touch with kids from school, as well as our friends and cousins. Though we can have playdates any day, too.
Friday will be Art Day. Unfortunately, with all the pressure to teach standards, art is becoming a forgotten subject in school. So sad...so I want to make sure I do art projects with my kiddos.
Of course, we'll still be doing chores and working on our summer workbooks in the morning, as well as daily exercise, but having a theme will also give the kids something to look forward to (I hope!).
We made our summer list of activities-will post a pic later, but you should see what the mom where I got the idea from did this year: Summer List. I so want a BIG chalkboard. Where can I find one???

HapPy BIrtHDaY, Cooper!

2011-06-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

One week later...we celebrate this guy's special day!

Cooper, we love watching you grow! You are so independent-always choosing how to dress, what to do-we love seeing that creative streak! You love music and want to be a rock star! Someday, I know! You are doing great in school-all 4's on your report card (the highest you can get). You are writing, trying to read everything, and love math! This summer you asked for tennis lessons for your birthday, and you decided to play soccer again in the fall (at the last minute). I can't wait to teach first grade with YOU in my class. We are going to have a great year! Daddy and I are so proud of the young man you are becoming!

Summer Reading

2011-06-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

So, what are you planning on reading???? The kids are signed up for the library reading program, Spencer is finding new series of books he likes (he told me he doesn't care for The Boxcar Children-which I loved growing up and he's "over" the A to Z Mysteries series).
I am excited to plan my reading...here are some of the books I plan to read this summer:

1. Some classics: reread Jane Eyre and read Middlemarch
2. some other more contemporary classics I missed: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
3. Parenting books: I am currently rereading 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know and I'd like to read Growing Grateful Kids. I plan to read 50 Things Every Gentleman Should Know to my boys and have the journal about it
4. Some interesting reads: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair, The Paris Wife, Summer Rental
5. Bossypants-heard so many friends loved it!
6. Finally read Water for Elephants...finally
7. and whatever else comes up on my on hold list at the library...make sure you friend me on goodreads.com to see what I end up reading this summer
8. I am currently reading The Unexpected Circumnavigation right now for my new reading group: From Left to Write. We read a book that is sent to us and blog about it-not a book review, but anything you think about while reading. A cool site-if you love reading and blogging, check it out! This month's book is about 2 30 somethings who quit their jobs and decide to sail around the world for 2 years-and they only took up boating a few years beforehand. This book chronicles their first leg-San Diego to the Tahiti area and all the islands they visit. Very interesting...I would like to visit some of the places she describes, just not by boat-I don't have the sailing/boating personality...

I will keep you updated on what my boys enjoy reading, too. Please leave me a comment with what you are planning to read!

HapPy BiRthDay!

2011-06-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's my sweet Spencer's *8th* birthday!

8 year ago today we welcomed our first born-excited, nervous, far away from family (though they made it to the hospital in time!). I always tell him that HE made us a family (he loves it!). I'm so proud of the young man he is becoming...smart, kind, creative, helpful, considerate...he got all O's on his report card, earned the Academic Achievement Award at school, and his teacher said she was "honored" to be his 2nd grade teacher. That's my boy! And he's not even upset that it is pouring and cool on his birthday (hard to believe we live in CA right now). Happy birthday, Spencer! Daddy and I love you, and we are so proud to be your parents!

4 more days...

2011-05-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

...till summer break! As mush as I adore my students (and they are one of the best classes I've had in a while!!!), I am ready for a break. Ready to be mommy all.day.long! Whoo-hoo! Making plans...June is booked up-swim lessons, tennis lessons, VBS, doctor appointments, fun! Spencer and I are starting a book journal where we write about what we are reading (inspired by this post). I also signed us up for this summer class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. Can't wait! Meanwhile, while I finalize our own summer plans, check out these links to start planning yours. Don't forget to make a summer wish list of actvities....

we loved having ours last summer! We did almost all of them! The pic was taken before we started checking them off-should have taken a pic afterwards! Oh well...this year! We'll make our Summer 2011 chart this week sometime.

*Summer Fun List
*Summer Camp ideas on this blog
*List of Summer Fun ideas
*Funner in the Summer series

And a new *fun* blog I just discovered....Styleberry Blog...loving the bright colors!

EDITED TO ADD: I just purchased a Summer Survival Guide (pdf format) and as I am looking through it, it is well worth the $7-ideas for themes, worksheets, lists, tons of info! Check it out at lifeasMOM (Hurry, the price goes up soon!)

Summers-a-coming...

2011-05-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

And we're on the countdown...whoo-hoo...8 days left...though i will admit, I will MISS my class a lot! I love love 3rd grade and I had the best class! Kind to each other, readers, writers...just a great bunch! While I am happy to be staying at Peterson and going to 1st with my Coop, I will miss 3rd!
Been busy! Went to Tahoe last weekend with some girlfriends and it snowed! It was beautiful! But snow...in May?!

Got a new lens for my birthday-a 50 mm lens...LOVE it! It works so well in low light! Having fun playing with it!

Picked up a new book, Mamarazzi-full of adorable pics and good photo advice. If you are a mama that likes to take pictures, it's worth it!
Got to take pics for Running With the Angels, a 5K run in town to honor 2 families with teen boys who lost a parent way too early. (Cooper did the kid race...and was very proud of his first "runathon"-as he called it!)

It was wonderful to see so many coming out to support them. Our babysitter/2nd mother to Kendall, Miss Michelle, organized it!

She's incredible-such a caring and giving woman. I have been blessed to have her watch over Cooper and Kendall! It's such a hard thing to be a working mama, but she makes everything so much easier and I have never worried a minute about them when they are at her house.
Cannot believe my babies will be soon be in 3rd grade and 1st grade! What in the world?!? One of the best things I ever did was journal about my kiddos-pretty regularly until they were 2. I love looking back on those and remembering moments I thought I'd never forget (but did). Now I keep a family journal, but I have been very bad in updating.
Come back soon! I have some summer plans with my kiddos!

Lily Ilona

2011-05-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

My sister Jenny had her baby on Saturday, May 7!

Sweet Lily was due on my birthday-yesterday-but decided to make her grand entrance 2 days early at 4:03 pm, weighing 7 lbs, 11 oz.

Both mama and baby are doing great! Joe and I decided at the last minute to go see her, and we took my mom (and Kendall) down. My mom had been planning to go down anyway on the train, but this was even better.

It was a super fast trip-got there around 1 AM and left the next day at 1 PM, but oh so worth it to see my little sis and her baby girl on Mother's Day!

Wow! Jenny is a natural. I am so excited for Jenny and Justin-they will be great parents! Thanks to my sweet Joe

for doing all the driving, and for having this idea in the first place-after all, we start and end with FAMILY.
HUGS to all you MOTHERS out there-Happy MOTHER'S Day!

How to get free stuff...or at least cheap stuff! :-)

2011-05-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

OK, I know there are a ton of scams out there, but here are some I've tested and think are worth it!

1. Groupon-if you've not heard of Groupon, it's a "coupon" a day for food, attractions, clothing, spa services, almost anything in your area. They can email you the daily deal. For example, on Groupon, I have bought a Shutterfly photo book for $10 (worth $29) and dinner for two at a Greek place in Modesto (spent $10, worth $20). It was yummy! Joe and I are currently on the lookout for hotel deals for our anniversary getaway this summer. And if you refer people, you get money from Groupon which equals free deals. So NOT a scam. Click here: GROUPON.

2. Living Social: is pretty much the same as Groupon. I spent $9 for 2 movie theater tickets. A cheap date, huh? You can customize to your location OR even look around for deals to a place you are going on vacation! They even have family friendly versions. Click here: Living Social

3. GroopDealz: This is more of an artsy/creative deal site. Cute kids' hats, vinyl lettering for your house, art projects. I love this one. I bought 3 Art prints for $5. Check it out here: GROOPDEALZ

4. Mamapedia: another deal site, and is great for mamas. You can customize your location for deals on house cleaning, kids camps and classes, magazines, food, etc. I got a Family Fun mag subscription for FREE since when you sign up you get a $5 credit! Let me know if you want more info in comments (leave email address) and I will send you a link-again, you get credit if someone signs up from your link. :-)

5. Swagbucks-probably everyone has heard of this! Use it as a search engine and get points, which are then redeemable at many places. I've been stockpiling my amazon gift cards for a camera lens! Click on my link on the right hand side of the blog for more info! This is awesome!

6. Mypoints: this one rewards you with points for buying things online-you do that already, right? Also, they send you emails (warning) BUT you just click the link and get 5 points. I clean out my email mailbox every few days and with a few clicks, make 50-60 points. Redeem these for gift cards. I've redeemed gap, pottery barn, chilis, starbucks to name a few over the past few years I've been with my points. Again, I'd love to refer you, so please let me know and I'll email you the referring email.

Have I missed any? I will update if I think of more...let me know if you know if any, too!

Spring Break Adventure 2011

2011-04-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

We have been wanting to go visit my Grandpa...age 91...for a long time in Tucson, AZ. We had planned to go a few months ago, but due to unforeseen car issues (mechanic telling is we needed $2000 of work done...the day we were leaving), we had to put it off until Spring Break. We had a BLAST! We started by heading to San Diego for a short visit. The kids hit Ocean Beach, their fav beach and promptly got burned.

Oops. The trip to Tucson took 6 hours, not including a stop to Cracker Barrel in Yuma. Joe decided he's not a fan of Southern cooking! Ha! Grandpa was so happy to see us! We hung around his complex the first day, saying hi to his friends, swimming and going out to eat at one of his favorite places, a cute 50's diner.
The next day we went to Tombstone, which Joe and I have been so anxious to take our kids were years. We love Tombstone!

It's an actual town still today-but so many cool things to check out. We saw a reenactment of the shootout at OK Corral, visited Boothill Graveyard,

ate lunch at Big Nose Kate's saloon,

and the boys toured the Birdcage Theater.

By the end of the day, we were all dusty and tired, the kids slurping down sarsaparilla and loaded down with guns! Cooper said it was his best day ever!
We also went to Saguaro National Park while we were in Tucson,

and then we headed back to San Diego for a quick overnight break before heading home. It was a great trip!
Food: Joe and I love watching those food shows on the food channel-Man Vs. Food and Diner's, Drive In's and Dives. So we hit up 3 places: The first was Phil's BBQ in Point Loma. SO delish! We had BBQ shredded pork sandwiches and tri-tip sandwiches. It was seriously the best BBQ I've had-and so cheap! The sandwiches are $6.95 and it's enough meat for 2 sandwiches. Spencer had the $6.95 ribs-that was plenty and included onion rings. I think we will be eating there every time we go. The lines are long-we got it to go and ate it at Jenny and Justin's.
In Tucson, we went to Mi Nidito's, a Mexican restaurant that Bill Clinton ate at in the 90's. Joe and I split The Presidential Platter, which is a sampling of the food he ordered. Yum, especially the tacos.

The last place was El Indio in Mission Beach (San Diego). YUMMY crispy tacos.

I think I am on the hunt for good crispy tacos back here at home. Anyone have any suggestions???
So that was our week-the kids were great in the 30 hours they were in the car! Having DVD players and DSI games helped...But we had a blast as a family and we weren't even sick of each other when we got home! That's a good sign, right? Can't wait to go again!

Catching up

2011-04-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

(Looking for me??? Sign found on pole in Ocean Beach, so funny!)
Whew, never meant to be gone that long. I actually have a bunch of blog posts in my head to do-just need to do it! Did you miss me? :-)
Well...backtracking to March...Kendall, my mom, and I went down to San Diego for Girls Weekend and Jenny's baby shower. Her friend Laura threw a tea party themed shower and it was fun!

Jenny looked beautiful and happy to be setting up a nursery for her precious baby girl to be-Lily. We LOVE the name!
Then, a week later, my precious girl turned 3!?! What in the world? She celebrated with 2 parties-one a friend shower with 4 little girls, playing, arts and crafts and adorable ladybug cupcakes.

Her family party was held on her birthday-nacho bar and cake. She got her first big girl bike-which she wanted- and a big wheel, as well as cute clothes, swimsuits and princess accessories. Maddie got her a manicure set!

So that's it...for now...with pictures to come of our Spring Break Adventure...San Diego to Tucson!

Well, well, well...look who is back

2011-03-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hello...sorry to be MIA for so long! BUT good news: my new baby-uh, I mean, new camera is here...and I will be updating more often! Sadly, I have not been able to play much with it this week, but I will. So bear with me and with these photos from my lil point and shoot (which I do love being able to carry in my purse). However, one prob-I need a new camera bag....any recommendations? I went to Target for a cheapie and the cheapie was $45-so if I am paying that amount, I want a good one! So, please let me know!

Basketball is now over-sad. Cooper LOVED it and we LOVED the coaches! They were so good to the kids! I seriously think Upward Bounds is THE best sports program! I am not a fan of organized sports for kids, but this is great! Focus on fun and learning-not competition! We never kept score, and our coaches goals were that every child on the team would get a basket (even if it meant lifting them to the basket). It was so great to see coaches helping the other team, handing the ball to kids, picking them up-I think every child had a great experience. i wish they would bring Upwards Soccer to town. We haven't been impressed with the local soccer league at all. The parents really bug me-too competitive! Anyway, that's my little commercial for Upwards!

We are working on being more organized and helping out at home-started the boys morning schedules. Spencer does fantastic if he has a list!

He does it, no problem. Will be adding an evening routine next. Evenings can be a little chaotic in our house some nights. I am reading Dr. Leman's book Have a New Kid by Friday, and I love what he says. I will share more when I finish-but his reality discipline ideas are the best. I saw him speak once and he was great!

Kendall had her "visitation day" at her new pre-school-a parent co-op that we love! She was so excited, and seriously, the 3rd child is so different-I think we could have dropped her off and she would have been fine without us! She sat by cousin Pana, played with Sami, and even got a hug from Cassius at the end of class. She can't wait to go back! Cannot believe MY baby will be in pre-school next fall!

Anyone still trying to stay organized??? I am still loving Ton's blog, but another fav of mine, The Simple Mom, is having her Project Simplify right now. Check it out. The first week was to go through your master closet. Well, I went through the kids clothes this weekend-pulling out the spring and summer stuff- but didn't make it to mine. Why is it so much more fun to go through kid clothing than mine? I printed out her suggestions, though, and will be working on that this week.
OK, so share your camera bags suggestions! Happy Monday!

Living

2011-02-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

So this week we had no school...and since our plans got squashed at the last minute, I had lots of free time. I read a ton and cooked a ton. My closest friends will probably laugh, but I have found that I ENJOY cooking! Once you find the right yummy recipes, it is a lot of fun! I love having people try my stuff. Today I am making my own homemade pizza dough (a la Pioneer Woman). It's rising on the kitchen counter as I type.
I also had a lot of time to think...think about life (especially when you read a lot, and see how other people spend their days...fictional, but still...I also blog surfed, too!) I realized that while my life is a good one, I haven't been living intentionally, just living. I first started thinking about this when I read Organized Simplicity last November, and it's been in the back of mind ever since. We live, work, hang out as a family, I nag the kids to help me clean, we read together, play together, spend a lot of time together...but I need to start using my time wisely. I know that someday soon...waaaah...my boys and my girl will be young adults. It's time I really started thinking about that and weird to say, but I need to start getting them ready for the real world.

This post on the great site How Does She? got me motivated. I typed up my boys morning schedules (baby steps here) and we're starting that tomorrow. Then, I'll add the afternoon/evening schedules. I don't want to be too scheduled, I like my kids having free time-time to think, draw, play, be bored...the same reason I don't overschedule my kids. They get one extracurricular activity. Cooper is doing basketball and then, perhaps karate. Spencer starts water polo in 2 weeks and has only been doing the afterschool class of rockets and drama at school. I listened to a friend the other day rattle off her daughters' schedules: ballet, girl scouts (she leads 2 groups, too!), cheerleading, piano...and the girls are only 8 and 5. Whew. I got hives thinking about that. I know some parents love that, but not me. Having dinner as a family is more important to me. I'm also going to try the chores list again-I've tried quite a few, but found one here that I think will work:raisingahealthyfamily.com.

So anyway, back to intentional living: I want to use my time wisely...as a working mom, a big chunk of time is teaching. I started keeping weekly goals for myself in January (thanks to this great idea), but that fizzled out. I am moving that whiteboard to the kitchen, so I can see it everyday. I hardly watch TV, but will cut out more. Family meetings will be starting soon-I'll share how I decide to do it. I just want to make the most of the time with my family as I can. Sometimes I find us all in different room, me blog surfing or reading, the kids in the playroom or watching TV, and Joe working or listening to a podcast. That's fine-we all need a break sometimes, but I want to make sure it doesn't happen too often.

I don't know if this rambling post made any sense to you, but I thought I'd share for my few blog readers, so I can keep myself on track. Isn't making your goals known the first step? How about you?
P.s. My new camera is on its way! Canon Rebel DSLR...cannot wait!!!!!!! So anxious to start taking pictures again. My little point and shoot just doesn't cut it for me, though it's handy in my purse at all times!

Make this. Tonight.

2011-02-24T23:14:00.001-08:00

Oh so yummy: Garlic Chicken Farfalle. Made this and can I say yum yum yum! Think it will be a weekly meal. Spencer had 3 helpings! Just had to share! :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

We have decided to spend our Valentine's Days as a family....at least while our kids are young! Joe and I typically have our date a few days before and then do something as a family. This year, we had heart shaped pizza on our china! Yes, get it out more than once a year! (Anyone think wedding china is worth it? I wish now I had registered for something else!) The kids loved it! Then, we played games-a Cupid Game I found online, and then the Kinect for XBox, which was a surprise for the kiddos from Daddy. It's a lot of fun because the whole family can play along. It was a fun day!

We are supposed to be in Arizona right now....but thanks to my lovely car needing lots of work and our mechanic saying we shouldn't take it out of town...we are home. But we've spent a lot of time hanging as a family, going to Barnes and Noble, cuddling...it's good to be home. The good news is that I think we are going to get ME a new car! Whoo-hoo...it's been fun researching our options. I will keep you posted. Still leaning towards mini-vans...yes, I AM that mom!
Cooper got his first basket at Upwards Basketball last Saturday!

He is loving basketball and we are loving the Upwards program! Wish they had Upwards soccer...we are having a great experience. Our coaches rock, no one really keeps score, and the main goal is get all the kids to get a basket! The coaches help out both sides. Love it!!!
Haven't been crafty lately...but here's some of my latest bookmarks for your perusal.

Rules for Your house...love it!

IF you love handprint art as much as me!

Anthropologie Style Necklace (made by the cutest mama ever!) (I am SO making this!!!)

Reading with your kids (Reading with the whole family...we are so into this. Spencer and I just finished the first Boxcar Children book...one of my fav series as a kid!)

Where have I been????

2011-02-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

Let's see...date weekend in SF with my hubby and friends (Daniel Tosh rocks! See him if you can!)

And then THE FLU. Yes, after almost $500 in co-pays and meds...I have learned my lesson. Get a flu SHOT. Every year. On Time. Oh well. We survived...so anyways....that's where I have been. And if you know anything about sick families, I am STILL cleaning up the laundry backlog, chores, and everything else. Plus, Valentine's Day! The kids all had parties. Joe and I went out pre-Valentine's Day for a date, and then spent last night as a family: heart shaped pizza on our fine china, games, and a movie! It was the perfect family Valentine's Day!
So, I am behind in my organizing...but luckily, I already had a home management binder
and a recipe binder! Who--hoo! Now to get back on track with meal planning....
Hope your Feb. is going great! I plan to be back more often! Promise! Pinky swear! See you soon! Here's some cute shots of the kiddos

....

Keep up the challenge....

2011-01-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

So, Toni is going to keep us going on our organization with weekly challenges! Don't forget to join in the fun! See her blog for details!
*A Bowl Full of Lemons*

Organization helpers

2011-01-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

OK, so Toni asked us on the last day of the challenge {which no, I did NOT finish, but I did make a list of the ones I had to do still...ugh...the laundry room and fridge being two of them...dreading those...., but I promise to share when I am finished!}...to share some organization tips that help us! So here's mine:

I use a dry erase calendar that I love love love...easy to change and add...

but I needed a calendar that showed the next few months for upcoming events and appts. I made the inside of the pantry the calendar section. I put our year calendar, as well as the boys' lunch menu, class photos and school district schedule. Easy to find, but out of sight.

I started my household binder and bought a cute basket to store on my kitchen counter with a bucket of dry erase pens and regular pens (i.e. out of reach of my children).

I also added my perpetual birthday calendar, as I want to be better at recognizing birthdays. My household binder stores phone lists, restaurant menus, medical info, future events, school info, kids' activities....all the of the stuff you'll need to run the household.

My little drawers inside of the pantry that stores batteries, matches, calculator, rubber bands, odds and ends. I LOVE that I know where I can find that stuff when I need it! (No pic)

My library bookshelf. I designated one section of our bookcase for library books only. I know where they are and never have to search for them. I even keep the kids' library books there.

I moved my scrapbooks into the family room instead of a shelf in the office where only I see them. The kids love pulling them out to look through them. Here's one shelf:

I have 2 other shelves. One of the best things I did (adapted from Stacy Julian) was take the pics I develop and put them into nice leather albums with photo sleeves so we can look through them, instead of sitting in plastic boxes waiting to be scrapped. I actually need to go get some more. I got 2 for $20 at Costco a few years ago. Need to see if they have more! I don't scrap as much as I used to, so I'd like us to see the pictures!

Coming soon...my first giveaway. If you have boys, you'll probably like this (though little girls might like it, too!). Happy Weekend!

The challenge continues....

2011-01-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

Working on the challenges:

Here's the spices: don't need to clean out...yet.

Here's my bathroom drawers before: (yuck)

The last pic shows my freebies/cheapies cabinets: when I was on my big couponing kick last spring I stocked up...so much so that we haven't needed to buy shampoo, deoderant, toothpaste, soap, body wash, razors, etc. since April. The cabinets are really thinned out now, so I better go shopping! Time to bust out the coupon binder!
Anyway, added some baskets, threw out a trash can full of stuff (OK, so it was a tiny bathroom trash can, but still!), organized make up in one basket, lotions in another, and voila:

Tackled the medicine cabinet (this house doesn't have medicine cabinets...is that odd?), and we house our meds in a higher kitchen cabinet away from little hands. See my Shaklee Vitamins?
Love 'em! (Not sure what that gunk is on the wall...not gum or anything

I put kids meds in one basket, and adult stuff in another. All clean!

To be honest, I haven't checked to see what the challenges are this week...I will catch up, I promise! (Though I LOVE your blog, Toni!!!).

Here's what we've been doing....

Playroom Clean up

2011-01-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

OK, so I finally tackled the playroom yesterday. It looked like this (THOUGH I will say it honestly never looks like this, I just let it go and didn't make the kids clean up all week since I knew I was redoing it....this is terrible, I will agree)

Our playroom is supposed to be the dining room, but our kitchen is big enough for our table, and we all eat in there anyways...so I converted this area into the kids' area. I took all the toys out of the boys room (to keep their room cleaner). Kendall still has her dollhouse and babies in her own room (need to organize that room, too!).
So, here it is.

I took out the toy organizer (what do I use that for now?) and brought in the bookcase from the boys' room that matched the other bookcase in here already. I threw away a ton of toys/missing game pieces and put some in a donate bag. I used the tubs from our toy organizer so I didn't buy any new ones. I still need to go buy another cartridge for the label maker so I can label the tubs: Little People, cars, musical toys, animals, dinosaurs, people, flashcards, games, puzzles, etc. I had one tub that really is ETC. because those toys didn't fit into the other categories. The boys had fun looking through the toys and picking out the tub to play with.
I plan to work on the other challenges today and tomorrow, need to really hit the laundry room one, but think I will skip the spices (that cabinet is fine, I find my spices easily).
Happy Weekend!

Reviews of Organizing Books

2011-01-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

So, I have an addiction to books...if you are my friend on goodreads, you know that. I also have a slight addiction to organizing books. So, in the spirit of all the organizing going down, I thought I share some of my favs:

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider: if you know the simple mom blog: www.simplemom.net, then you will like this short book. It is broken down into 2 parts: the first gives tools and suggestions for living a simpler life (money, time, schedule, clutter, life goals). I love what Tsh has to say, so I really enjoyed this section. Living simply is something I want to strive for, and we're making progress, I think. The second half is her plan to decluttering your home. It's a 10 day plan, if you go all out for it. I don't have the time to do it in 10 days (maybe summer), but I'm taking suggestions and currently following Toni's schedule (the challenge!), which is more do-able for me, at this time. But a good resource to have. I bought a copy, and I'm glad I have it!

The House That Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark. This is a library check-out, which I have renewed to the maximum....bummer. It's completely different from the other books...but I like it a lot! She helps you see things in "zones" in your house, and that clutter is a result of not being organized in those zones: homework, bill paying, laundry, etc. Basically, set up stations, and organize those stations, and your house will be more orderly. I am enjoying this, though I have not attempted her "plan" that she advocates in her book.

Organize Now! by Jennifer Ford Berry. This is a week by week book to organize yourself, your house, your finances, etc in a year. I bought this and made it to about week 5...but I think I will pick it up again. If you like following checklists, you will love this book! (Looks like the amazon link takes you to new version...new and improved!)

It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh. You know Peter, right? The TLC organizing guru, been on Oprah, etc. Love him! This book is more of the reasoning behind why our homes are cluttered. He leads you through thinking about your things and why we hold onto things. This is a great book to read before starting a big organizing kick because you will look at your things differently. I held onto a lot of things that were my Grandma's (she was crafty), but things I didn't really need or like anymore, but they were hers. Peter helped me to see that when you get rid of something that belonged to someone special, you aren't getting rid of the memories. Sounds simple, right? Raise your hand if you have things in boxes you can't part with yet....I threw away boxes of "stuff" I saved for those reasons.

Absolutely Organized: A Mom's Guide To a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter Free Home by Debbie Lillard (not pictured)
This is a tiny little book, but full of sensible, good ideas for dealing with the children's stuff: toys, clothes, memorabilia and dealing with everyone's schedules. I got a lot of good tips from this book. Checked this one out from the library, but it's on my paperback swap wish list.
So, there you go. I have a few more books, I'd like to check out, like:
Peter Walsh's new book and
One Thing at a Time

What about you????

Hall Closet clean out

2011-01-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

OK, so one day behind (but oh this felt good)...the Hall closet! Holds coats, games, bags, snow and winter gear, summer gear, and who knows what else. It has become my stuffing ground...

During...spread out in the hallway...while making tacos...

And afterwards..voila! I am happy with how this turned out. Put the winter gear into the big red tub, put mittens and hats into the clear tub,

straightened the games and puzzles (we have to keep them up this high when you have small children and small pieces), and even, so happy, fit the vacuum.
So now it can be hidden instead of always out! I moved the summer gear to a blue tub for the garage. I even used a special hanger to hang my bags!

The pink hanging thing (LOL) is from Ikea, and it's supposed to be for Kendall's closet. I stuck it here, threw in scarves and hats, and am envisioning a place for swim goggles, sunscreen, etc. in summer. The boys have one in their closet for soccer gear, baseball uniforms, etc.
Today's challenge: the TOY AREA....that will have to wait until I can literally attack the playroom...this 3 day (whoo-hoo) weekend. I have some major work there (and hopefully some willing 7 year old and 5 year old helpers!).

Grateful for:
Family dinners: Cindy and Charlie took Joe and me out for dinner last night to celebrate (belated) Joe's birthday. YUM!

My label maker...seriously....I am in love! I'm already out of my first cartridge!

2 in one day?!?

2011-01-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

OK, think I am caught up...for now!
#1 Dresser: Here is the before, dusty, with socks to be matched on top...
Clothes semi-organized inside.

We also have a TV stand/dresser in our room that stores the kids' DVDs, Joe's hats, pajamas, and workout gear, and some books that don't fit on the shelves. It doesn't need to be organized inside, but I'm sharing because it is super dusty and needs cleaning, too (though now not sure why I am sharing that, though maybe because Sally shared her microwave...haha! Just kidding, mine looks like that, too, until I get my Shaklee on it!)

And AFTER: Not really showing the insides because...well, you probably don't want to see my undergarments and pajamas, right?!) But trust me, they are organized. I'll share my t-shirt drawer with my oldie but goodie Cure concert tee looking up
(it was a gift, I haven't been to a Cure concert...yet!)

And dust free:

Then #2: Linen Closet
Before, semi-organized, even labelled with my label maker:

And after: even more organized with family quilts on top and my King sheets tucked into my pillowcase (saw that idea somewhere, to tuck sheets into pillowcases to keep sheets together and organized).

(I KNOW it still looks a little messy in the picture, but it's not, I swear! Maybe I need to buy tubs after all to put the sheets in, but I am happy with this!)

All done, even snuck in a jog there. But ask me if I started report cards yet and that's a NO. Oops. Good thing I have a week! Happy Sunday! Hope you at least got some rest!

Catching up!

2011-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I did the under the sink challenge last night (AND in a stroke of good luck, the pantry was already done...I did that right after Christmas, so I am happy about a day already done! Scroll down a bit for those pantry pics). And I had a sweet helper while her brothers were at a slumber party for cousin Tyler.

Here's the before...gross...and the vases mixed in...

And here's the after...much better! I put the "green stuff" (Shaklee, Seventh Gen) in the green basket...get it?? I am so clever..not! LOL! I need some more Shaklee, need to try some other cleaning supplies, though I LOVE the Basic H2! That stuff is the best! I also moved the vases to a new home. The pink basket holds the sponges and Magic Clean erasers.

Other updates:
Grateful for books (some of what I'm currently reading), sleeping children, yummy California burritos at Victoria's, having a girl, and when my sweet kids receive awards: Go Cooper-he got Writer's Hall of Fame!

Other news...still doing my 29 Gifts...love this! LOVE looking around to find someone to gift...last night had a nice 30 min. conversation with my Grandpa on the phone...I rarely call him, but I plan to start calling him every weekend to chat. I know he's a bit lonely! The call was my gift to him, and I felt so happy afterwards! I've heard many people finish this challenge and want to keep doing it. I think that's me!
On Day 5 of my 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels...and I am starting to finish the workout and NOT feel like I will collapse. In fact, I did a few more sit ups after last night's viewing...Catch me in 30 days! Whoo-hoo!

Still truckin'

2011-01-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

So, I am failing miserably on the 21 Day Challenge BUT I will catch up this weekend. I went and bought a ton of organizing bins and buckets and such at Target tonight...on clearance! So watch for those pics updated this weekend.

29 Gifts: Still going on...I'm finding it would be easy to just buy gifts for people each day, but I want to try and do different kinds of gifts. The last few days I watched my friend's boys for a break, cleaned Joe's desk, gave Spencer's teacher a big box of yummy chocolates someone actually gave me (but I know how much she loves chocolate, so I told her I really appreciate her and she should have them. She happily accepted!), and helped Joe with a project (though I had other things to do...love you, honey!). Joe's doing the challenge with me, too, and he's doing great!

Project 365: Grateful (I know I change the name each time! LOL!)...Taking my pic and recording it in my journal. SO much to be grateful for!

But leaving you with a gift...(Kelli, Joe forgot the recipes I printed to give to Brian tonight, I will get you the printed copies, but here's the links now)...here's 3 of our recent favorite recipes and they're easy and cheap. You probably have a lot of the ingredients already:
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup: SO good and filling!

Balsamic Beef and Onion Pasta (crockpot)...seriously one of my favs! I could eat every other day, I think! I always look for a roast on sale when I go to the store.

Beach Street Lemon Chicken: I was on the lookout for a good lemon chicken recipe. Tried one with Jello...too sweet. This one is perfect, light, flavorful and good. I made it for some friends, including the picky husband, and he ate this right up!

So there, another gift...now go cook! See you tomorrow! I leave with pics from our field trip to the Hilmar Cheese Factory with friends over break. That was fun! The kids made their own ice cream (that's what they're shaking!).

Day 3 and Day 2 and what?

2011-01-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

OK, so now that work has started...though I am happy to be back with my sweet class (and since I have to work, it's so great to do a job that I love)...I am behind though....not in my Project 365 and my 29 gifts....
*29 Gifts: Yesterday I gave a fellow working mama a needed break and took her kiddos for a while.
Today, I cleaned Joe's desk (and doubles as my challenge for the 31 Day Challenge). I am having fun with this. It's fun to be thinking about it during the day and trying to gift others. I am finding myself being even friendlier to strangers and giving smiles and thanks yous to anyone helping us in anyway: waitress and cashiers, etc.)

*31 Day Challenge: I am 1 day behind, but that works OK because I can catch up on Sundays! I cleaned Joe's computer desk from this....

to this....

And Project 365 Grateful:
Day 2: Homemade Food (YUMMY creamy mushroom and chicken soup...thank you, Becky Higgins, for the recipe!) and that I am enjoying cooking!

Day 3: Potty Training (and grateful that Miss Michelle is really helping us out on this! She's really doing the actual training...thank you!)

And what are you GRATEFUL for? :-)

Project 365: Grateful

2011-01-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, I did the Project 365 and took a picture (almost) everyday. Still trying to finish it up (hahaha)...but this year I am doing a different kind, inspired by this article: GRATEFUL. Check it out. I made a little journal

to keep track of my 29 gifts (did a few little gifts today: paid the tip on a lunch we were treated to, kind email about a friend) and my Project 365. I am taking a picture, of course, to go along with it. Love that Hailey did polaroids, but don't want to shell out for a camera yet! LOL! Hoping this keeps me grounded and grateful...even when things aren't going my way or I feel slightly down, I will remember how lucky and grateful I truly am!
Day 1: My hubby!

Cliche, I know, but I am truly grateful for him: he is the best Dad, so patient with the kids, loves spending time with them; so helpful and kind to me, working hard on his business, fun to be with-we love hanging out together! Even after being together for almost 16 years (wow!), he still makes my heart beat faster when I see him. Love you, Joe!

Day 1...on track!

2011-01-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of the organizing challenge and all is well. Feeling pretty good, even though the kids demolished the playroom today (was on my list of places to clean), but had a nice dinner with Joe's parents instead...gift 1 of Day 1 of the 29 gifts...gotta lot going on! Cindy wasn't feeling well, so we invited them to dinner: my fav crock pot roast with pasta. SO yummy! So here's some pics of the progress: today's challenge was to clean the junk drawer. Don't have one in the kitchen, so I cleaned 2 random drawers! Note to self: bring home the empty baskets cluttering the classroom counter. I bought storage tubs, but no small, cute baskets. I have a ton in my classroom! Will bring some home to corral the stuff, so the drawer's not technically done....

Pretty good for Day 1...here's the pantry clean out I did last week, too (Do I really have to go back to work??? I could do some damage around the house if I could stay home for a couple of weeks!).

Also, set up our new housekeeping system: stole this from the sherbert blossom website and while her version was so much cuter, this one works for me! I divided up the everyday chores into 7 days, and added the person in charge of dinner. Luckily I have a husband that loves to cook, but I (can't believe I am saying this) actually have been enjoying cooking lately too! So, we'll split the nights, and I decided on 2 theme nights: Taco Tuesday and Pizza Friday (at home, out, our own versions). So here's my cute little organizer:

SO...there it goes....will be back tomorrow with Day 2. Not sure if I can post everyday...homelife is a bit nuts with 3 kids...but will try to be better! (Plus, I'll be doing my 30 day Shred in the evenings). I am a bit tired of thinking about all my projects. I am doing a different version of Project 365 (take a picture a day), but I will share more about that later!
Here's some cute pics of my babies (because I know some of you only care about that! :-))

Are you ready????

2010-12-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

OK, I bought my labeler today...rounding up baskets...started my household command binder last night...and bought the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD...I am excited for the new year! I also have my 29 gifts calendar ready to fill in...here we go!

I'm back!

2010-12-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I have been missing so long...busy busy time of the year! We had a great Christmas! I got a new (little) camera for now...been camera-less for a while now...will get my Rebel next month sometime, whoo-hooo! BUT...I thought I would change up my bloggy blog a bit fro this month. I joined the 31 Day Organization Challenge at http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/, as you can see from the link to the right. COOL blog! Also, I read this amazing book: 29 Gifts ...about a woman battling MS. She has a terrible attitude about it and is feeling very depressed. Someone gives her the prescription to give away 29 things in 29 days....and she follows it. By the end, she feels changed, healthier (not healed), supported, richer in life, etc., etc...with a whole new attitude towards life. I was so inspired by it that I joined the challenge, and both Joe and I are starting on Jan. 1. I look forward to a better me in 2011. Come back and see what I'm up to (and see pics of my darling kiddos, of course!). :-)

I am Grateful...

2010-11-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

(Pictures include Kendall's first haircut...and playing with the WII with the Ferguson kiddos)
....I am Grateful for my sweet family, for my kids who tell me 100 times a day that they love me, for my Joe, who does the same, and buys me a banana shake and McRib when I was sick in bed yesterday, for my mom and dad, who love spending time with my kids and spoil them, for my mom and dad-in-law, who adore my kids, as well, and are so sharing, for my sisters, who are great aunties and sisters to me, for my nieces and nephews, especially Maddie, who I wish we hung out with more...:-) and for my great sister and brothers-in-law....I am a lucky girl! Not to mention all my great friends....oh I could go on...just counting my blessings.

Thanksgiving is almost here!

2010-11-21T16:40:00.001-08:00

What are YOU thankful for???? Here are some images of late...my garland I made for the mantel...I didn't end finishing it, but I like how it looks anyway...my button flower art for Kendall's room...the GREAT saying on my Starbucks...the awesome log cabin that Joe and Spencer created for his class project...so grateful for my family and my sweet Joe, who is the best! Count your blessings today!

Merry {Shutterfly} Christmas

2010-11-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

So every year, I have used Costco for my Christmas cards, and I have been satisfied. And then every year, I get so many cute cards from friends and family, and the majority of the ones I end up loving are from Shutterfly: http://www.shutterfly.com/. So this year, I am using Shutterfly. I am excited to try their cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery! I've always been a big fan of their picture developing (love the bright colors!), so can't wait to design my cards (now I just need to find or take the right pictures!). There are a ton of cute designs, and I really like that I can share more than one picture on the cards. Come on now, admit it, the picture cards are your favorite Christmas cards, too, right? I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed when I get a regular card now. I even started putting together scrapbook pages of the cards I receive so over the years I can see my family and friends change and grow. (Don't remind me that I'm only on the year 2004...haha!).

I'm also thinking of using Shutterfly for Christmas gifts....check out these cool things:
Calendars: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars
Photo Gifts: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts Thinking my Dad (and Joe's Dad) need a mouse pad of his grandkids for work!

Here are a few of my favs....maybe you will be receiving one of these adorable cards from me in the next 47 days! Ahhhhh.....

Mongrammed Card: (Isn't it darling? I love monograms and using several photos!)
Sharing the news/love (SO cute, and a good way to also share family news without writing a full on letter!)

So, what do you think? Where are YOU getting your Christmas cards from??? If you are a fellow blogger, you can try Shutterfly and get FREE cards??? Here's how: http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

My Pumpkins

2010-11-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

We finally hit the patch...the day before Halloween! Where did October go??? I really like some of these pics. I am about to get a new camera, just waiting for my insurance check, and can't wait to be playing with my new toy. Watch for a post later today on Christmas cards...did someone say Christmas cards?!? Yes, folks, there are only 47 days until Christmas!

Good news

2010-10-30T10:48:00.001-07:00

Lots of good news to share...the first is that I am going to be an aunt again...yes, Jenny is pregnant! Whoo-hooo! And DUE on my birthday! :-) What a great gift! We are so excited for you and seriously bummed we are so far away....but she is sending me belly pics so I see her progress.
The second is that I am getting a new camera! Good news for you, too....since I will be able to blog and share more! My camera lens cracked last summer, and at first I was told that my lens would be replaced (gotta love insurance), but the camera was having issues and every picture was ending up so blurry, so they reevaluated my camera and determined that it would cost more to fix than to replace, so I am just waiting for the check now! I am trying to decide to upgrade to a newer Nikon or switch to a Canon Rebel...dilemma, dilemma...
So until I can start posting our creative endeavors around here...here are some postings I have bookmarked lately...
Cute canvas paintings that we can do!
Blessings Board (can't wait to make this!)
I made these! Cute pumpkins from guess what...

Happy Saturday!

Well...hello, my friends!

2010-10-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm back...I know I have neglected my poor sweet blog...life has been crazy...between starting school and homework for 2 kids...and my own classwork (SO happy to be in 3rd again!) and lots of drama at school and just life....BUT I haven been thinking about my blog and decided to change it up a bit. I love love love browsing on crafty blog, seeing all the pretty things I'll never have time to make, BUT I have tried to do more crafty projects lately. I really need to get MORE creative with my life. So, I thought I'd share what I have found and what I am doing to be more creative in my life...as wel las my children's lives. They love creating, too. Nothing creative to post today...but sharing some recent pics of our fall days. Cooper is finishing up his first season of soccer, U6, and loves it! Spencer is finishing up his first season of Splashball (Jr water polo) and loves it, too! Kendall is just being her sweet self...talking up a storm and telling me her feelings now. "Mommy, I happy!" she likes to say. I love it! Happy October!

Soccer Season

2010-09-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

So...here I am...fianlly giving my ole blog some love! Between work and home and life and my camera being semi out of commission..only my zoom lens works and waiting for my insurance check for it...and trying to decide to just buy a lens or upgrade my camera...hmmm.any thoughts??? So...without further ado, soccer season is upon us and Cooper is playing U6 this year and LOVING it! He played his first game on Saturday, played goalie and forward and was good! We had so much fun cheering for him! I think soccer is his sport. Plus, Daddy is a coach, so he gets lots of daddy time!
Spencer is playing splashball (jr water polo). Anything water related, he loves! I need to bring my camera down for that.
Everyone else is fine! So happy that fall is right around the corner...pumpkin patch, Halloween, cooler weather...I always forget how much I love fall until it comes! Happy (almost) Fall to you!

Why hello there...

2010-08-29T21:40:00.003-07:00

...long time no write! Time is busy, life is crazy, I'm back to work, blah blah blah...:-)
The boys are enjoying school....Spencer adores 2nd grade and is HAPPY that mom is back on his campus! Cooper is meeting all kinds of new friends in kinder, and he's apparently very quiet in class! He will soon be sporting glasses..my poor boy got his mama's blind as a bat eyes. But won't he look adorable??? Kendall is talking up a storm, counting to ten, being as cute and sweet as ever, and happy to be back to Miss Michelle's 4 days a week. One day is Grandma Day. The pictures of our first day are not great...my camera is still broken...ugh...so we borrowed a camera, but I had the wrong settings on and missed my great shots. Oh well, gotta start playing with photoshop more!
Anyway, Joe's newest venture is on and he's doing well: www.mercedapartments.net. Your one stop shop for your apartment shopping. New apartments are being added almost daily, and then soon the sponsors will be added. He's already got the next website purchased and planned. I'm proud of him!

Another EW Review

2010-08-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I almost hate to post this review....Julie, don't be annoyed with me! However, there is a reason why i usually don't like the books on the recommended list...like Oprah's...I get very wrapped up in my books and I am a sucker for happy endings (though, to be honest, not all of my fav books have happy endings....). Anyway, I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I read another book by the author and didn't like it. But I was pleasantly surprised! It's the story of a young girl, Rose, who discovers she has a gift at the age of 9...she can taste feelings in the food she eats...the feelings of whoever prepared it. She can even figure out where some of the ingredients came from. She realizes things about her family through, especially her mother. She discovers her mother is not happy with life. This gift is all consuming, and it affects her life at school and at home. As she grows older, she discovers her brother may have a gift, too. This is where the book got weird for me! I didn't really like the last 1/3 of the story. I enjoyed Rose as a character, and wanted to adopt her and shield her from the "gift". I liked that it was set in LA because I recognized where they were located. So, to sum up, I liked it more that I thought I would, but the ending really through me for a loop, and I was very confused! So....I get sick of chick lit, but then annoyed by books that are "too smart"? I am all over the place when it comes to reading! Hahaha!
Anyway...pics to come of our adventures in Yosemite and San Diego...

Book Review

2010-07-22T23:02:00.001-07:00

So, here's my first review for the EW Summer Reading Challenge at www.bookingmama.com.

I read Half Life by Roopa Farooki.
Hmmm...well, it's the story of 2 good friends who reconnect after 2 years apart. It's told in present tense and in flashbacks, and also through different characters' eyes (which made it very interesting). I couldn't stop reading it, very easy to read, but when I finished, I realized that I didn't really like the book! I couldn't stand the main female character, Aruna! I didn't like any of the choices she made, and she was a true b*tch! She treated the men in the story horribly, but they adored her! I know she was seriously flawed because of her life experiences, but it didn't endear me to her at all. I liked the male characters much better, especially Jazz. The storyline was intriguing, and not what I expected at all. However, there were a few loose ends that were never answered for me, and the ending was terribly sad (in my opinion). It's not that I don't mind sad endings...love Kate Morton's books...but this ending didn't work for me...I did enjoy that it was about a different culture: Singapore, India (love reading books like that), but out of four stars, I would give it one. That being said, I liked the writing style, and I would read another book by this author!

Summer highlights so far...

2010-07-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

So what have we been up to???

Swimming...in Steph's pool, at the club (thanks to swim lesson and tennis), anywhere we can! Except poor Spencer now has swimmer's ear, so he's out of commission until at least Wednesday...
Cooper decided he loves the pool, and is about to start week 4 of swim lessons! We'll make him a swimmer soon!
This one loves the water, too, and can't wait to start swim lessons next summer...though I have a feeling she'd do fine this summer!
Cooper finished his first t-ball season. Daddy helped out, which Cooper loved!

Joe and I spent a weekend away...the highlight was a show at PCPA's outdoor theatre in Solvang!
Spencer took tennis lessons and fell in love with tennis! He wants to take another session this summer...we'll see!
Summer school...OK, so honestly I am a summer school drop out...,but we are still working in their workbooks, reading tons of books, doing the summer reading program at the library and Barnes and Noble, taking walks, and lots and lots of play! And we know how important play truly is! One look at my living room/playroom and you'll see trains, little people, cars, legos, markers, play food...i love how the boys are playing and getting along (mostly)...so I thik they are having a good summer and learning! But we are trying to take "field trips"...here we went to an organic dairy farm. The kids had a blast!

Cooper picked those pose...hahaha, my little model!
That's it for now...going to play!

10 years ago...

2010-07-08T14:53:00.001-07:00

...Joe and I were married today! It was a great day, full of fun and family and friends....can't believe it has been 10 years since that day...and now we have our wonderful family...I love you, Joe!

Father's Day

2010-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day this year, we took Daddy miniature golfing. For lunch, we celebrated with a mexican buffet at Grammy's, then whisked him away to Boomers! He said it was his best Father's Day ever. :-) Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy ever!

Summer Reading Challenge

2010-06-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so I stumbled onto this blog, via the LA Times, and since reading is a HUGE part of my life....I have decided to join this reading challenge! I am dipping into the challenge as a guppy...mostly because I am worried that most of the books will be on a waiting list at my library. I am excited to read some of the books on the list (Entertainment Weekly's summer reading list), so do YOU want to join me???? Look for my reviews...coming soon!

SORRY, the picture is not coming up for some reason...here's the link: www.bookingmama.blogspot.com. Check it out!

What's Happening??

2010-06-21T14:07:00.001-07:00

What have we been up to? Not sure why this is typing underlined...please ignore...but besides looking cute lounging with a toothbrush ?!?....we have....
finished up 2 weeks of swim lessons, and finally got it the last day! Argh...oh well!
Went to Gilroy to visit Aunt Jenny who was visiting her in-law's and nephew and niece.

Partying with a pony! And this cute guy turned 7!
And this sweet guy turned 5! Making sure no one blows out his candle....

Made our summer list...shamelessly stole this cute idea from another blog.

Working on our workbooks
Here's Cooper again showing he's 5 with his birthday doughnuts....a tradition around our household!
Went to the Carmel beach...and froze...but the boys loved every minute, making sandcastles and outrunning the waves.
Played at the Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey. If you haven't gone, get there...so much fun...a real train to climb all over, fun equipment, paddle boats...we had a blast!
Started that day off with fun at Casa de Fruta!
Spencer blowing out his candles, and yes, blocking his little brother and cousins from blowing out the candles!

More to come...happy summer to you!

For Vicki

2010-06-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

(BFFs forever...Brian, Joe, Chip)

Sorry....I never got to post about the Hattons visit to CA! (Now that I'm on break, I can go back and share some past events!)

Chip, Vicki, and Lily spent some time with us, and we had a great visit! Cooper immediately declared he was going to "marry that girl" (Lily). It was very sweet! We wish they lived nearby!

Summer School

2010-06-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

Excuse the no pics post...one of these days I will spend the time getting my pics onto the mac instead of only my pc laptop! I have been using the mac a lot more...though mostly because the laptop is super old (almost 5!) and the boys love to use it!

it's officially summer for us!!!!!!! YAY! We are enjoying our days...we jumped in with swim lessons right away, and yesterday spent a family day in Monterey doing all those things we want to check off our summer list...train and carousel at Casa de Fruta, Dennis the Menace Park, paddleboats, Carmel beach, clam chowder in a bread bowl on the wharf...it was a great day!

Today Joe let me sleep in on my first day off, so our "summer school" didn't start yet! Yes, I am doing the Brown Summer School. We are studying a theme a week, and that includes books from the weekly library visit, art project, field trip, etc. I bought the boys a workbook for Grade 2 and K, so they are working on those everyday, as well as time for reading. The time is pretty structured in the morning, starting with chores, walk, breakfast, workbook and learning time, reading block, etc. But the afternoons are pretty free, plenty of time for park, walks, bike rides, playdates, etc. this week we aren't starting with a theme yet. We are coming up with our weekly themes, organizing the overflowing art supplies, starting journals, workbooks, and schedules, signing up for library summer program, swim lessons, etc. We have a visit to a friend on Wednesday (Hi Kim!) and a birthday celebration on Friday, party time on Saturday. But I am excited. I have my own list of summer projects and reading lists. I will share as we go along.

Here are some links to see some great and fun "summer school" ideas:

* http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/ (She is doing a Funner in the summer series...scroll through some past entries like THIS one to see how she is doing her program!)

*Like her summer list ideas: http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/summer-list/

*Another idea about themes http://cleanmama.blogspot.com/2010/05/messy-monday-routines-week-style.html

EDITED: here is another post from my fav blog about summer schooling: No More Summer Mush Mind and the one that got me thinking about my summer school!

Anyone else doing "summer school"? don't get me wrong...we are playing and lazing around in pajamas and breaking out the board games (Battleship is a current fav) and being bored (well, not yet!)...but I also want to capitalize on my kiddos interests in learning. they are at such a perfect age! Loving it!

Cooper graduates!

2010-05-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Cooper is now officially a pre-school graduate! Here he is, with our beloved Mrs. Rodriguez, about to walk down the aisle. Afterwards with Mommy and Daddy

Not sure why this came out sideways, but with two friends having cake, Brandon and Luke.

With Spencer and Jake

At home, ready to enjoy his graduation cake!

No jokes about how it's just pre-school...I know, I know, graduations can be overdone sometimes, but this one is so cute! We LOVE Merced Parent Pre-school!!!! Can't wait for Kendall to attend!

May days

2010-05-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hello there....really need to pay more attention to my poor neglected blog...noticing no one is leaving me comments anymore...is it because you are tired of waiting for me??

We have been busy busy busy...as you all have, I'm sure! I celebrated my birthday, on Mother's Day! 2 special days rolled into one!

Packing up my classroom because...I get to move back to Peterson and teach my favorite grade next year, 3rd! yippeeeee....so thrilled...I get to be with my kids again! SO happy!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

I honor of Mother's Day on Sunday...here's a piece on good parenting suggestions I really enjoyed (and enjoy the pics of my sweeties!).

http://71toes.blogspot.com/2008/02/7-motherhood-ideas-i-love.html

More updates

2010-05-05T21:59:00.004-07:00

SO blogger was acting funky about adding photos, so here's some more...
Kendall enjoying her popsicle at t-ball! Cooper waiting to bat at his first t-ball game! It was the cutest thing!

Daddy loving on his girl!

future model? she put on red knee socks and started posing.

My breakfast partners

and yes, I do have another child...better get some pics of him, too! Love my Spencer, too!

May May May!

2010-05-05T21:47:00.001-07:00

Wow, where has time gone? We are now entering the busiest time for moms and teachers...the end of school! What have we been up to?
Here are the boys relaxing on part of Hawaii...literally...we decided, as I was about to book our Hawaiian vacation...sob...to use that heard earned and saved money to buy furniture and try to have a "grown-up" house. We bought a new bedroom set (bed, dresser, nightstand and entertainment stand) and a kitchen table. I do love it...but will miss playing on Maui this summer. Oh well, there's always next summer...right? Cooper started t-ball, which he LOVES.

Kendall turned 2! Poor girl...her birthday was pretty overlooked. Her actualy day we went to the park for a pizza picnic. No cake. shhhh...that makes me cringe...hope she doesn't need therapy for this in 20 years!

But she did have a birthday tutu!!!!

I {Heart} faces

2010-04-26T22:31:00.001-07:00

OK, so i've been stalking this blog for awhile, but ready to dip my toe in...with one of MY fav pix of Miss K! You probably remember seeing it. enjoy again!

We moved!!!

2010-04-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well...there went April....seriously! started busy and now ending busy! We celebrated Kendall's 2nd birthday! It was very low key. I actually feel bad...so low key...so next year I have to give her a blow out! i'm picturing a pink tea party for my girly girl! then, we moved! Yippee! I don't know if you knew...but I hated my house! The floor plan was great, the neighborhood was fine, but after getting robbed last fall, I had been ready to move on. plus, we were always sick there and it was dark and falling apart. So...when this new house popped up in the neighborhood we really wanted to be in, we were thrilled! So airy and open and light! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, big family room, nice size backyard. We are happy here! We have good friends down the street, our babysitter is around the corner, the kids all have friends close by. I have been bad at taking pics...and now I'm not on my computer so I don't have any pics to share. Sorry! I will update more later. Just wanted to pop in and say {hello}!!!!! Enjoy Earth Day!!!

HapPy EasTEr!

2010-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all of you!!! Hope you enjoy your day and take time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us! I am so thankful that He is risen!

We are celebrating all weekend! Yesterday we dyed eggs (or drew on eggs)at Grammy's with the cousins, (And Joe played with his new toy he got Friday...he finally replaced his stolen camera with this beauty he scored off ebay! Need any video work or editing? Joe's your man!)and then went to Steph's for her annual Easter party. Yummy food and a big hunt for the kids! This year Brian was the bunny! Kendall would not go near him for anything (yes, it was freezing!!! In April! Still not sure how I am going to bundle my kiddos today in their Easter clothes!)! Spencer said, "I knew the Easter Bunny was Stephanie last year! This year it was Corbin's Dad!" Friends...we missed you Chip & Vicki!

Today we are going to church, and then we are heading back to Grammy's for Easter festivities. We are celebrating Nana's and Grandpa's 62nd anniversary today and Kendall's birthday, too. You should see the tutu she is going to wear! So sweet! Have a happy day..and enjoy Spring Break....SO thrilled!

March(ing) on

2010-03-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

Well hello there....how are you enjoying March? A little too chilly for me...but spring is almost here! Yippee!!!! We have been busy! But who isn't??? First we had this...first tooth out...then we had number 2 come out...(he only received $1 from the tooth fairy!)...and in more BiG news...we now have a rock star (in the making) on our hands! Cooper is officially enrolled in guitar classes and proudly owns a real electric guitar! He is SO excited! The teacher suggested electric instead of acoustic because it's easier for small children to hold. Cooper is so excited! He turns on the music channel on TV and rocks along with it. Very cute! Can't believe I let my 4 year old get an electric guitar, though. Am I nuts or what??? I will keep you posted!

(Cooper dresses himself. Trust me, I did not pick out camo and plaid. He's a rock star, what can I say?)

And in other news..coupons...I attended a coupon class last month and was shocked to realize I have been "couponing" wrong the whole time! Basically, if you use just a coupon on a full price item, you would have probably saved money buying generic. You need a manufacturer's coupon, as well as a store coupon, and if the item is on sale, you are in business! The Sassy Saver (http://www.thesassysaver.net/) says she pays about $1 or less (sometimes free!) for each of the items she buys. Her total grocery bill (including toiletries) is around $35 a week! Can you believe that??? So, I am slowly trying this out. Some local friends here are doing very well! Me, not so hot. Spent an hour at Walgreens and spent about $3 total for two tubes of Crest and a bottle of John Freida shampoo. Good...but an hour??? (My coupons were a mess!). Also did well at CVS a few weeks ago, but then lost my CVS bucks (basically $5 free money). So....not too hot yet! The good news is that you don't have to figure out these deals...there are blogs that explain the deals and which coupons to use. Check the Sassy Saver and http://www.myfrugaladventures.com/ for you NorCal people. So snag a copy of tomorrow (Sunday's) paper and keep the coupon inserts! Go check those blogs now or search for some local ones for you. Let me know how you do...and I'll keep you posted on how I do. I can only get better ! :-)

$20

2010-03-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hope this doesn't make me a bad mommy...but Spencer got $20 for his tooth! I asked Joe for some cash..$5 or so...since I never have cash...and all he had was a $20! Neither of us felt like going out for cash, so that's what he got! Apparently his class didn't believe him when he told them! LOL! I stamped up a cute little note from the tooth fairy telling him it was a special he got that because it was his first tooth...meaning: don't expect it again! I am sensing 50 cents in the future, especially since he has 3 more loose teeth now!

Sorry I have been a bad blogger! I will try to update you all more often. First up: apparently I have been "couponing" wrong my whole life. I will share what I learned later this week. Very cool!

fun fact: Did you know that the Chile earthquake knocked the earth off it's axis a bit? And shortened our day by a few milliseconds (or so)...just what we busy moms need, right? LESS time in our day!?! Oh well...

Wishing my sweet Jake a happy birthday tomorrow!!! (my nephew and Spencer's BFF) We're heading out for pizza tonight to celebrate. Happy Wednesday!

Don't visit us

2010-02-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

We have had the winter illness sweeping our house lately...ugh...first Cooper had about 4 hours of throwing up and then he's all better. The next day, Kendall gets diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia...but she's better except for the ever present runny nose....living in the valley allergies? Then, poor Spencer started feeling feverish and coughing up a storm on Sunday. (my sweet guy riding the bull! He did very well!)He's been out of school all week, sick. Today he was diagnosed with bronchitis and ear infections and needs an inhaler now..ugh...poor kid. so don't visit us right now. Seriously need to disinfect everything!!!! I've been feeling a little yucky, but hey, mamas can't get sick, right???

However, Spencer did have a bright spot today...he lost a tooth! His first! I pulled it out since it was literally hanging in his mouth sideways...so tooth fairy is coming tonight. I've been learning from my friends that she doesn't leave 50 cents anymore, like when I was a kid! How much should I leave him? $1? $2? My friend Shelly's son told her that he would take a credit card when he lost his first tooth! Hahahaha! Our kids are not so innocent anymore, are they? I've learned to put my phone away when Cooper told me the other day he needed to text his Grandma!

Sorry about the pics...haven't downloaded any from my camera in a while..on my to do list! But i love the one of Coop and Kendall...playing in a box together, happy! Love those moments!

Sometimes....

2010-02-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

....you find a blog that speaks to you, that is REAL, and makes you feel better about not having the perfect house, the healthy home cooked meals every night, and a fun craft/learning activity several times a day for your sweet children....thank you so much, Kim, for introducing me to your hilarious and real mom friend (who was also a child star....and shares some some interesting stories!) and read this post right now!!!!!: http://hagenhoopla.blogspot.com/2010/02/unattended-homework.html

February

2010-02-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, where is time going??? Already halfway through February! Enjoying the warmer weather we've been having...the boys are playing outside with the hose...little Kendall is napping. I'm actually waiting for her doctor to call since we had a xray done this morning. She's had a lingering cough for a while so I took in her in finally this morning.

(Edited: Doctor just called...she has bronchial pneumonia...poor baby girl!!! She's going to be fine, just needs some meds...)

What have we been up to this month??? Spencer was Student of the Month this month! Cooper sitting with Spencer's class for some of the assembly. That will be him next year! Waaah!!!!Congrats!!! Valentine's Day...Cooper's valentines (bags of candy hearts attached)....I was in co-charge of his school's Valentine's Party. It was such a fun day being a mommy!!! I had a lunch date with Cooper, then went and volunteered for Spencer's classroom party. We made necklaces, one of the projects I had planned for Cooper's party that morning.

Kendall had a party, too...but Daddy went to hers!

Trying to be crafty! Made this silhouettes of the boys! (Kendall's picture didn't come out right...need to finish hers). Simply took a side view of the boys, enlarged to 5 X 7, cut them out, painted them black with craft paint and voila! Cannot take credit for this...but can't remember where I found it either!

Cool blogs: I daily check http://www.howdoesshe.com/ Check the archives for some awesome ideas!

http://www.simplymodernmom.com/ She has this great post about Project 52, date nights! Check that out!

Also, I"ve been cooking! I love being home (off work this week!). Last night I made the Pioneer Woman's Ranch chicken. SO delish! Anything with bacon has to be delish!This recipe is not in her awesome cookbook, but you can find it at her site. www.pioneerwoman.com

Reading! Finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins last night. Wow, that was a page turner for sure...didn't really want to read it because I thought it would be too science-fiction-y for me, but it was a great read. Now I need to go request the second book in the series from the library! (Have I mentioned how much I love the library??? We have access to all the books from Bakersfield to Merced!)

What have YOU been up to?

Disneyland!

2010-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we decided to take the boys for a surprise visit to Disneyland! They were so excited when we told them. Joe and I were so excited, too! It truly is the most magical place on Earth! The lines were so short! Hardly anyone was there! And the sun was shining...hallelujah!

Small World and Splash Mountain were closed, but everything else was perfect! Spencer's favs: Space Mountain (at night) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Cooper's: the Rockets and Star Tours. We missed Kendall a lot...but she had fun staying with her Grammy one night and Grandma the next! I don't think she missed us at all! Well, maybe a little....(I hope!).

Family Time

2010-01-21T21:17:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, we went to the bay area to spend time with Joe's extended family (and missed visiting with Kim and baby Samuel, who were in Hawaii....jealous!!) Anyway...Joe's cousin Andrew is joining the Peace Corp, (here he is with Nana and Grandpa)and he will be stationed in South Africa. He and his family (here's Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve)flew down from the Seattle area to visit with Nana and Grandpa and us! There were about 25-26 of us. The kids had a blast running around (Nana and Grandpa have stairs-which my boys love!). It was fun to talk and catch up with everyone. Andrew and his sisters are in their 20's, newly graduated, and have all kinds of exciting things going on(Katherine and Liz)...med school plans, pre-school teaching, Peace Corp...it was nice to visit! Andrew will have a blog of his experiences, so when I get that address, I will link it in case you are curious. What an experience! So thrilled for him! And here's the Lepere family and Nana and Grandpa. I have to get the group shot from Cindy...she took that one!

We've had some wild CA weather lately....rain, rain, lots of wind, even thunder and lightning...I know we need the rain...but I need some blue skies...maybe this weekend! We are going to try to escape the rainy weather and take the boys for a special surprise this weekend...stay tuned!

Snow Day!

2010-01-04T21:24:00.001-08:00

So we finally went and had a snow day! After all, the snow is only a little over an hour away! Poor Coop-middle child-has never even seen the snow and he is 4! But we made it....excuse the many clashing colors...since we aren't snow goers on a periodic basis, we had to borrow boots for 3 of us and snow pants for me! I actually have ski pants from my back in the day ski days...about a handful of them, ha! But, anyway, thought it might be warmer in snow pants! Well, it was so warm up in the mountains, we actually began to regret our thermal layers and lost the coats pretty quickly. Here are some pics of the fun day...in reverse order, I forgot this is how they load and I'm too lazy to switch around!
Ended the day by playing near Pinecrest. The lake is totally dried up and covered in snow! Fun!

Our snowman....

Not our snowman...

Mama and sweet girl!

Daddy pulling the 3 at Pinecrest.
Someone realized she LOVEd sledding and how dare you leave her!!!!

Cooper's creative shot of Joe and me....future photographer?

Whee!!!! On the sledding hill outside Longbarn!
My *3* sweet kids! LOVED the snow!

Heading up the hill!

Spencer

The boys really wanted to make snow angels!

What a fun day! We can't wait to go back. We also went to Dodge Ridge so the boys could see people skiing and snowboarding! Joe is taking Spencer soon for a snowboarding trip. Both of them CAN'T wait! When are we going back????

New Year, New Plans

2009-12-31T15:59:00.000-08:00

So in a few hours, it will be a new year! And a new year brings new promise, new hope, new opportunities, and a chance to start fresh...looking forward to this! Lately, I've been in a funk, and need to shake it off...so here's to making a new start....

My Resolutions:

1. Less time on the computer...or better quality time...less time surfing the blogs. I've come to realize I get a little depressed reading blogs about pretty families, with perfect homes and lots of fun activities all the time. Come on, I need to see the messy playrooms, the not so perfect kitchen, the times that mom makes a box of mac and cheese for the kids for dinner instead of a perfect, healthy, balanced meal...I have a few blogs I enjoy, and I love getting ideas for decorating and projects, but too much is too much for me (make sense???)

2. More Mommy time with kids...they are only young once, and I need to make sure I spend more time on the floor playing with them. even if I'd rather veg on the couch reading US Weekly while they play with the lego creations, I need to build those legos, too!

3. Learning more about my camera....starting a photography/camera class online Jan. 7! Woo-hoo, can't wait!

4. Doing more fun trips/day trips with the family. This fall, I saw 2 young families devasted by the deaths of a parent. 4 sweet children growing older without a parent...and I BET their parent would give anything to have more time to spend time making memories of doing activities and playing, and not wishing for time for sleeping or chatting on facebook. But it is nice to be in our pajamas until 2 PM on Saturdays, too...

5. Taking better care of me! Sleep more, drink more water, eat healthier, exercise....

OK, 5 is good, right? :-)

And I also am rereading (or simply finishing!) a few parenting books:

1. The 100 simple Secrets of Happy Families (short)

2. 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know by Michele Borba

3. Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay and Charles Fay (the best techniques for raising and disciplining kids I've seen...and I've seen/read a lot! Just makes practical sense!)

4. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephan Covey

Anyone want to read with me? Book club anyone???

Your turn: what are your resolutions?

sharing

2009-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

Cousins Layout

Me and my boys right before Kendall was born (Jenny took the pics) Cooper as Superman when he was 1!

Spencer turning 5! Cooper and his "tar" (guitar) and how it made his day the year he turned 3!

So, most of you know I'm a scrapbooker...I love taking pics of my family and writing down memories in our family journals, so of course, I love scrapbooking! I've been so busy, and so exhausted in the evenings lately, so I haven't been very productive! But I was reading Laura's latest blog entry and felt inspired! The other night I actually stayed up until 2 AM scrapping and going through Spencer's disc of kindergarten pics to make sure I developed the ones I wanted to finish his kinder pages in his school scrapbook (and then being awoken by Kendall at 6 AM...that's another story!). But I took some pics a while ago to share some of the pages I've done. I'm such a simple scrapper, and I start by scraplifting, but during the process, usually end up changing it to fit my own idea, so I apologize if any layouts look a little familiar, I did start by looking at magazines or my idea books. But again, it usually doesn't look like the one I started scraplifting! Enjoy!

Christmas recap

2009-12-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Anyone else feel a little depressed on Dec. 26??? You wait all year for this magical season, have all kinds of plans and expectations, and whoosh..it's over like that! We started our December off so strong, with daily plans and tons of activities...and we did do many things! But this week ended not as planned...we spent a fun day in San Fran with friends, seeing Steph's Wizard of Oz at her theatre, but then Monday came along and Joe got sick..and Jenny got sick...and nobody could play with me! The kids were bonkers! Candy, Santa, staying up too late! And Christmas came and went so fast! And Joe was still sick...he's finally better...this afternoon...but I"m ready for a fresh start, so the decorations are all done and the ornaments safely put away until next year..and I'm feeling a little sad...pics to come...we spent our Christmas Eve (actually Dec. 23 rd since Megan had to leave Dec.24) at my parents' house, and forgot my camera! Ooops..but luckily, Jenny always has her camera and is as obnoxious as I am over taking pics of my kids...so just waiting for her to send the disc of pics to me!
Wishing everyone a happy last few 2009 days...is it just me, but I am ready for a new year...new opportunities...resolutions...what about you????

December Lovin'

2009-12-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

Spencer's 1st Grade "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" performance! (See him in the red and brown pj's!)

Santa visited the Brown Family Christmas Party at Grammy's!

Cousins! Santa visited Cooper at pre-school

(He also visited Kendall's school....and she kissed him! Miss Michelle is emailing me the picture...I will share!)

Hot cocoa after school!

Our family gingerbread house! (Already destroyed...Kendall tried to eat all the candy off the roof!)

Kendall sitting on the stack of Christmas stories that we unwrap and read....saw this shot on another blog...hers looked much better....oh well.... Cooper reading one of the activities they find when they open the Advent Calendar.

Hope you are enjoying your holiday season as much as we are! I've been working hard to make it a great holiday for the kids....trying to do a lot...baking, lights, hot cocoa, Polar Express, games, crafts, everything! If you are my Facebook friend, you know I've been posting our daily activities. So far, so good! We're officially on vacation! Whoo-hoo!!!! Planning lots of reading, crafting, playing...tonight Jenny and Justin will be in town! Can't wait to see them!

I'm sharing some of the pics from December....so enjoy...

All aboard!

2009-12-05T22:50:00.001-08:00

Today we got our first gift of the season...thank you, Mom and Dad...for a fantastic day on The

Polar Express in Sacramento! We started with a fun and delicious lunch at Joe's Crab Shack, then visiting the Railroad Museum (every little boy's dream),(and girl...:-) followed by the surprise of the day for the boys: (This is Spencer right after Grandma told him the good news!)a trip on The Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate, singing, the North Pole, Santa, (this is when we were at the "North Pole")(Is your name on his list???)and the magical bells (can you still hear them ring? I do!). Spencer declared, "This was my best day!" What a blast!

Almost December! :-)

2009-11-30T21:49:00.000-08:00

It's almost here..the most wonderful time of the year....lalala! So excited! Last year, Joe and I were sick on and off in December, plus stressed about moving, and broke, and so on...and this year we are determined to have a wonderful holiday! Here are some of the things we are doing:

*Already got our tree..it's up and decorated and smelling good! It's huge, too! This is the earliest we've ever gotten a tree! Yippee!

*Tomorrow starting our advent activities. Need to type up the list of activities tonight. Need some ideas? Check out this list I found: Advent Activities. I stole some of her ideas, too!

*Also, wrapping up a Christmas book for each night. The kids can unwrap one and we will read! I found a site that lists activities for several books, but don't think we'll be doing too many, after school and homework and life, time is limited....

Anyway...that's a start! Bring on the hot cocoa! Hope your holiday is great!

Thanksgiving was fun! Yummy food, family and friends! Aunt Meg with KendallCooper at his pre-school feastDaddy and Spencer leaving for the annual Brown Family Thanksgiving Day Golf Tournament...no trophies this year, though. But they had fun!Need to crop this still.... :-)We loved our week off together! Somewhat refreshed and back to work...3 weeks until Christmas break, but I know it will fly by. The old calendar is already filling up: Bunco tomorrow, Christmas cookie exchange, family Christmas party, Polar Express this weekend!!! Have a super week! One last bloggy blog worth mentioning: Cut the Crazy Out of Christmas!

Well, hello there....

2009-11-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's November...but we've been busy, busy, busy!
Updates on:
Kendall: 19 months, active, loving, loves shoes! Silly, friendly, happy! Undergoing some medical tests b/c she is so tiny, not gaining weight. BUT we are not worried...if you could see her, she does not sit still! We just had Spencer's soccer pizza party and she was dancing up a storm to AC/DC "Back in Black" and cracking up the whole restaurant! She is so cute! Cooper: fun, helpful, sweet, tough, loves video games and Legos, all boy, loves playing with balls, adores school, does his own thing, Daddy's special buddy right now, they are inseparable!

Spencer: sweet, loving, kind, smart, loves reading and math, LOVES school, eats a ton now-he's growing!, just ended his first soccer season (Go Lions!), not sure if soccer is his "thing", he realls wants to join Skimmers (swimming team).

Papa's birthday party!
Veteran's Day: we rented a 13 person van (so fun!) and travelled to Fresno to go to the zoo with the Fresno Brown's, too! Fun day, capped off with a pizza party.So many little kids now! Crazy!

Touching the sting rays!

Feeding the giraffe!

Here is some of the group! :-)

And now, it's BREAK! Yippeee! I'm ready! Just want to veg with my kids! What about you?

And because I like to share, her are some of my latest internet finds...

Interesting Blog entry about being frugal and/or broke, or just simplifying our lives to what really matters: My Daughter Won't Remember (made me think)....

Kind of local blog: Sassy Saver (if you like her, she is coming to Merced soon to teach people about the secrets of coupon clipping! Let me know, and I'll let you know the time/place)

Have I shared this? Family Rules Canvas! Love it!!!!

LOVE this blog and LOVE this post about decorating cheaply (and prettily)...anyone have any furniture they want to get rid of or sell cheaply???? (she has good friends!:-D)

Happy Reading!

First Christmas Gift

2009-11-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

I just made my first Christmas gift purchase: water for Christmas! Doesn't that sound like a good idea? Water, something we think of that is a given in this world, isn't safe or healthy for many people. This blog entry (BTW, it's a fun blog!) made me immediately go and buy this gift. What do you think?

Because Thanksgiving does matter...

2009-11-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

I know most people are heading full force towards Christmas, but don't forget about an important holiday called Thanksgiving...here are some fun links to do with your families...

Thanksgiving Countdown Activities

Thanksgiving Calendar

Have fun!!!

Oh what a life

What's Amy been up to?

Book Club Day: Do you know your family????

Book Club Day: Don't be *Quiet* about books!

Blog lovin'

Reading Plans for the New Year

*Books-of-the-Year*

December, December...a busy time of year!

Vacation * Time

Book Club: Children's Names

Halloween...

My honey

And what's new with you....

Family *time*

New * family* adventure

Cleopatra & Amazing history

Family Time

Another first day...

First Day!!!!!

Summer Reading-How'd I do?

Photography and Music

In Stitches: Culture Shock

Where did summer go???

The Costume Trunk book post

New blog obsession...

Photo Fun

Lily Love!

From Left To Write Post #1: The Travel Bug

SuMmEr Schedule....

HapPy BIrtHDaY, Cooper!

Summer Reading

HapPy BiRthDay!

4 more days...

Summers-a-coming...

Lily Ilona

How to get free stuff...or at least cheap stuff! :-)

Spring Break Adventure 2011

Catching up

Well, well, well...look who is back

Living

Make this. Tonight.

Happy Valentine's Day

Where have I been????

Keep up the challenge....

Organization helpers

The challenge continues....

Playroom Clean up

Reviews of Organizing Books

Hall Closet clean out

2 in one day?!?

Catching up!

Still truckin'

Day 3 and Day 2 and what?

Project 365: Grateful

Day 1...on track!

Are you ready????

I'm back!

I am Grateful...

Thanksgiving is almost here!

Merry {Shutterfly} Christmas

My Pumpkins

Good news

Well...hello, my friends!

Soccer Season

Why hello there...

Another EW Review

Book Review

Summer highlights so far...

10 years ago...

Father's Day

Summer Reading Challenge

What's Happening??

For Vicki

Summer School

Cooper graduates!

May days

Happy Mother's Day!!!

More updates

May May May!

I {Heart} faces

Book Club Day: Don't be Quiet about books!

Books-of-the-Year

Family time