Happy Happy Birthday Jut!

I thought I posted this yesterday.  I'm sorry.

Just a quick shout out to my little man!  Happy Birthday Justin!  Thank you for bringing such happiness to our lives!!

Black Friday is no time for Thanksgiving!

Every year, I bundle myself in a scarf and gloves, zip up my coat and trek out into the madness of Black Friday shopping, armed with an armful of ads and a cup of hot chocolate.

This year was going to be slightly different.  I had to work, which means I had to be out of the stores by 6:00 am and I would shopping by myself, which I have never done.  Even under those conditions, I was willing to face the madness. 

I should have known by the start of my morning (it's funny to even call it morning since I was at Walmart by 12:15 am) that it wasn't going to be an ideal experience.

It started with the lack of parking.  I had to park at a nearby store and the only spot available was right next to a snow bank which meant I couldn't open my driver's side door.  I had to crawl over the middle console and exit out the passenger door.  "It's all good" I thought to myself. "At least I don't have to wait outside in the cold."

With my hands in my pockets, I walked with determination to the store doors, plotting out my strategy for the deals I most wanted.  That was when my boots found a patch of black ice and my knees came crashed to the ground.  And before I could even retract my hands from their cozy pockets, my body lurched forward and into the ice my face went as the passersby continued on, not even offering a neighborly, "Are you okay?".  It wasn't quite the awakening that I was looking for, but what can you do?

I knocked the dirt and ice off my face and pants and stood strong, ego and knees a bit bruised by otherwise still determined.

When I reached the store doors, there was not a shopping cart in sight and the lines where already wrapped around the store.  Oh dear.

"That's okay.  I'll be able to move throughout the aisle with more ease and I won't be able to splurge because I can only buy what I can carry."  I told myself.

As I walked through the store with my arms filled with toys and pajamas, resembling poor little Gus Gus with his cheese pile, I was pushed and shoved and literally cattled to move by carts of INSANE people.  At one point, someone actually took some of the pajamas right out of my pile that was IN MY HANDS!

My stride had lost it's confidence as I made my way to the back of the line.  And I stood quietly and patiently, trying to maintain my composure as I continued to get shoved.  I had finally had enough.  I looked down at my measly pile of goodies and thought, "forget it.  I'm outta here."  So I set aside my pile and walked out the doors with nothing but a small tear in my eye. 

I came home, kicked off my shoes and got back in bed, defeated.  When my alarm went off, I wiped the eye make-up out from under my eyes and called it good.

The Lizard

So last night before the "big storm" I had to go to the store for our last minute Thanksgiving preperations for tonight.  It's our Pre-Thanksgiving with my parents today!  Yumm!

While we were driving I had the radio on and the newscasters kept talking about this "horrible blizard".  And I urged the kids to cooperate with me at the store (which they did VERY well) so we could hurry and get home before the storm hit.  Next thing I know Ciara says, "Mom!  I'm so afraid of the lizard!  Is the lizard here yet!?"

Poor thing! 

Furt

So I've been trying not to post too many Glee themed posts.  But after last night's episode I just can't help myself!

Last night was one of the best episodes to date!  When there was word of "the worst storm in ten years with possible black outs", I panicked!  No!  Not on Glee night! 

But thankful (just one more thing to add to my list of things I'm thankful for!), the power stayed on all night and I was able to get my Glee on!

Last night's storyline revolved around the marriage of Kurt's dad and Finn's mom (hence the episode title - Furt).  And the episode tied in the bullying storylines very nicely!  I was glad to see the gang team up to protect Kurt.  And Finn's "Just The Way You Are" made me cry! 

The wedding was one of the best I've seen on TV!  I loved the kids "gleeing" down the aisle to "Marry You"!  And I laughed so hard as the happy couple "gleed" along with them!  And the vows were very touching! 

And believe it or not, I'm actually going to miss Sue as principal!  She was great!  She was caring and supportive all while still being Sue!  Amazing writing!!

Another excellent episode!  Thank you Glee!

Horse Poo

Saturday, Misty came over with a trailer of horse manure for our gardens.  The kids were about confused on why she would bring us poo.

Katie asks, "What kind of poo did Misty bring?"

I answered, "Horse poop."

She gets this funny little look on her face as her eye brows furrow with confusion.  "What do you do with horse poop?"

And my sweet little Justin chimes in without skipping a beat to answer her, "You throw it at the neighbors."

I just busted out laughing!  He said it so innocently, like it was a matter of fact.

Classic Skating

One of Katie's friends, Malachi, has been inviting her to go skating with him almost every week since they met in 1st grade.  I am still a very protective parent and I don't want to just allow her to go without me knowing the parents.  So I've become friends with his mom, Natalie.  She's really nice and we have a lot in common.   She started inviting all of us to go skating with them for about a year now.  Not only is her son in Katie's class but her daughter is in Justin's class.  So the kids are all friends.

So what's the problem?  They go on Tuesdays.  As most of you know, I don't like to do anything during the week.  AND Tuesday is GLEE NIGHT!  Hello!!

So when I finally admitted this to her, she laughed and offered to take the kids so I could have a kid-free Glee night.  Although I know her better now, I'm still just not comfortable with them going without me.  But this week Glee was not on and the kids have been BEGGING to go.  So I agreed...under one condition.  They had to let me put their hair in pony tails.  I didn't want the girl's hair in their face the whole night.

Justin immediately said, "But my hair's not long enough."

I just couldn't help myself.  I started to play with him.  "Of course it is.  EVERYONE has to wear pony tails in order to get into the skate rink.  Even the boys."

His little sweet eyes pondered that statement for a few seconds.  "So if I don't wear a pony tail, I can't go?"

"That's right."  I know...I'm so mean.

"And ALL the boys wear them?"

"Yes - or they aren't allowed in.  Do you want to go or not?"

So he agreed!  I was shocked.  I didn't expect him to fall for this joke.  So I HAD to keep playing.  He stood there like a good little boy and let me put the tiniest little pony tail on the top of his hair.  It was the funniest thing I had ever seen!  I just busted out laughing!  That's when the tears started to roll, but he still was willing to wear it in order to go skating.

I didn't let him cry for very long. Just long enough for me to get a pic and then I told him the truth.  That Mommy was just teasing and I'm sorry I made him sad.  I removed the pony tail and kissed his sweet little face.  I still feel bad, but I also still think it's funny that he LET me put that pony tail in his hair.

We grabbed the kids scooters and joined our friends.  I hadn't been skating since I was a teenager.  And I've never been rollerblading.  I tried it once, but I just couldn't get it.  So I was glad to see that most adults were actually on good ol fashioned roller skates!  Woohoo!  AND I'm happy to report that I did not fall!  That doesn't mean I didn't do the balance wave with my arms flinging in the air, but I was always able to catch my balance.

The kids had a GREAT time!  And surprisingly, so did I.  We stayed til close, which is only 9:00 but that's pretty late for us to be out on a school night.  The kids are already begging to go again. 

Family Movie Night

Last night was Family Movie Night at the school.  They didn't do any parties or parades during the day, but they invited the kids to dress up in costume for a Halloween Family Movie Night.

My kids were so excited! 

It took us almost 2 hours to get ready!  Don't ask me why!  I only did make up and hair for the girls and I kept it pretty simple but somewhere between the ironing of the costumes and getting out the door  - I was glad I planned early.

When the kids were all done up, I asked them to stand by the wall and smile so I could send a picture to their daddy.  This is what I got!

I think they planned that!  What do you think?  LOL

Rocky Horror

Over many years I have heard many RHPS stories!  I remember watching the show when I was a teenager and thinking everybody was INSANE!  I'm not sure if I even got through the whole thing.  I just don't think I "got it". 

With buying and LOVING the Glee CD and really enjoying the tribute episode, I thought I should give it another shot.  So I rented it from the library yesterday, sent the kids downstairs (for those that were worried) with their library movie and sat down to give RHPS another shot. 

This time around, I found the humor in it.  And I realized it is just one big spoof.  LOL  I don't think I understood that the first time around.  Sometimes it takes me a while.  LOL

I don't think it will be added to my movie collection (yet), but I was at least able to enjoy it.  Tim Curry is just awesome!  What a crack up!  And BTW - The Glee versions of the songs - much better!  Please don't through hot dogs at me!

What I got the biggest kick out of though was the special features on the DVD.  You can actually watch the movie with participation prompters!  HAHA!  A little pop-up type subtitle appears in the corner:  "Throw rice now", "Don your party hat",  "Throw your toast".  Too funny!!

ALSO - you can watch the movie along with a live audio taping of one of the midnight showings.  This was a little more frustrating than enjoyable.  There are so many chants and such that it's nearly impossible to hear the actual movie and I couldn't understand MOST of what the audience was saying.  But boy howdy!  They could sure cuss!

All I gotta say is WOW!  You guys were crazy!  NOW I understand why Nana felt it was appropriate to do the Ninja Rap in the middle of the theater!  I miss you Nana!  I love you mucho mucho!  XXoxoxOXOOXOXOxooxoxOXXxoxoxOXoXooXoOXoOXoOXOXox

More Happy Glee Day

As if my Gleek jokes weren't enough to celebrate my new favorite day of the week..here is some extra special news!!

A GLEE CHRISTMAS CD!!

Can I get a Woot Woot??!!

The CD is scheduled to be released on 11/16!  I can hardly wait!  A Christmas themed episode is scheduled for 12/07 named Yuletide, however it has not been confirmed if all the songs on the album will be from the episode!

•  We Need A Little Christmas (Jenna Ushkowitz, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer)
• Deck The Rooftop (Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, and Jenna Ushkowitz)
• Merry Christmas Darling (Lea Michele)
• Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Chris Colfer and Darren Criss)
• The Most Wonderful Day Of The Year (Chord Overstreet, Mark Salling, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Heather Morris)
• Last Christmas (Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Chris Colfer)
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Lea Michele, Amber Riley, Naya Rivera, and Jenna Ushkowitz)
• O Christmas Tree (Matthew Morrison)
• Jingle Bells (Cory Monteith, Mark Salling, and Kevin McHale)
• You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (k.d. lang and Morrison)
• Angels We Have Heard On High (Amber Riley)
• O Holy Night (Lea Michele)

Just food for thought...Isn't Rachel Jewish?  Maybe she's pulling a Barbra!  And is there a possible boyfriend for Kurt?  It's a male duet for Baby, It's Cold Outside.  Hmmm...

You Might Be A Gleek...

Happy Glee day!  Don't forget to tune in tonight for The Rocky Horror Glee Show!  Woot Woot!! 

So I was bored the other day and I needed something to cheer me up so I sat down and started writing "You Might Be A Gleek" jokes.  A few of them are actually funny!!

You might be a gleek if you are considering switching satellite providers because your current provider doesn't subscribe to Sue's Corner.

You might be a gleek if you eagerly set up your next dentist appointment in hopes that you too can have a Britney daydream sequence.

You might be a gleek if you have signed up for Asian Summer Camp and you are not Asian.

You might be a gleek if you have searched Amazon to see if you could buy an Acefellas CD.

You might be a gleek if you now prefer to karaoke Proud Mary while sitting in a wheel chair.

You might be a gleek if you think that Clariton D is a vitamin.

You might be a gleek if you are disappointed every Sunday when Single Ladies does not play over the sound system when watching the kicker prepare for his field goal.

And of course, You might be a gleek if you are actually writing "You Might Be A Gleek" jokes.

HaHa  - More to come.  If I ever open my Glee blog, I'll have to include these!

HOT Salsa

Last week was crazy.  Without going into details, I was really thankful that my sister was there, although, we didn't get a whole lot of "sister time".  It seemed like we were constantly running errands.  And if we weren't, we were trying to think of other errands we COULD run.  It was such an odd feeling.

Friday everything came to a head.  We went home completely exhausted from the emotional strain. 

Shawn had the night off, so we pulled out a deck of cards and the three of us sat at the kitchen table playing cards all night.  It was great!  We had to sit through a few John Denver and Hank Williams (NOT Jr) songs, but it was worth it.

Shawn taught us a new game called Knock Knock.  He's tried to teach me before, but could never remember how to play.  I still think he was kinda making it up but it was fun, nonetheless. 

The object of the game is pretty simple.  Each person is dealt 4 cards face down.  You can only look at two cards.  You draw and discard one card at a time, trying to get the lowest points.  When you think you have the lowest points, you knock on the table.

We made a rule that the loser had to take a big ol chip full of Shawn's, now famous, habinero salsa!  Ouch!  It is pretty hot!  It burns your nose just smelling it!  And it's just as hot going in as it is going out, if you know what I mean! 

I don't know why we made this rule, but it made the game really fun!  And poor Jenn was the biggest loser!  I think she lost almost every game!  The maximum points you could have was 40 and she ended almost every game in the 30's!  Poor thing!   But she was a good sport about it!  We laughed and laughed.  Just what we all needed! 

I love you Jenn!!  And I miss you so much!  I can't wait for our next game of Knock Knock!

::sniff sniff::

A few months ago, I went through the majority of my baby things and donated them to Big Brother Big Sister.  It is so hard on my heart, that I just couldn't go through all of it, so I left the last bit to go through at a later time.

Yesterday, Shawn asked me to please go through the the rest of the things so we can get rid of them.  Part of me wanted to just get rid of everything without even looking at it, but the other part wanted to keep a few special outfits for my kids.  So I went through them. :(

It is so hard.  Especially knowing this is the last of it.  It's like I'm giving up on the idea of having more babies.  I always thought I had one more waiting for me.  :*(

However, as hard as it was...I remembered to text my sweet cousin last night and ask her if she wanted any of it.  She will soon be a newly wed and although babies aren't in her IMMEDIATE future - they are in her future.  When she said she wanted it, it made it just a little easier, knowing that they were going to someone I love and will be worn by a future someone I love!  :) 

What I found most odd was, although I always wanted another boy - it was the little girl things I found harder to give up.  I guess it is easier for me as a girl to give up trucks and trains - blue and green, than it is to give up cute little princesses and flowers, purples and pinks!

Anyways, point is.  It's done.  ::sniff sniff::

My NEW living room!

After months and months, we are SOO close to being done with the living room.  The only thing we have to do now is touch up paint on the trim and finish decorating!  I am so excited!

I really wish I would have taken a before pic with our old furniture, but alas, I was far to anxious to get things started to stop and take a picture.

Here is the after.  I wish I had a better pic - it doesn't really show off the room the way it should. Plus it was dark and taken from my phone.  And I couldn't really get a very good angle.  But enough with my excuses.

He has done A LOT!  We extended the wall (and of course when I say "we" I mean him.), bricked and walled in half the window, replaced the window, replaced the sliding door with beautiful french doors, put in recessed lighting, refinished the wood floor, textured the ceiling, repainted, and replaced all of the furniture.

Who knew that ALL of this would come from asking for a fresh coat of paint! It was worth the wait!  I can't wait til it's fully decorated! 


AND I was able to talk him into a new TV!  We will be picking it up today!  He resisted at first, but once he realized I was right (of course!) or rather that I wouldn't stop talking about it, and that we could pay for it out of our savings, he agreed.  I am so excited!
 
Thanks for ALL of your hard work, Baby!  I love you!

"I'm sure you're aware, but..."

So today a friend kindly inquired about my blog.  "I'm sure you're aware, but hasn't it been a while since you updated your blog?!?"

Yeah, I know...  I'm sorry.  :)

So here's a fun little story I've already shared with people, but I still think it's blog worthy!

Thursday I found myself driving in Downtown Salt Lake.  Ugh!  Not a favorite pastime for me!  I dread it and avoid Downtown like the plague.  However, there are those times that it is just inevitable.  And Thursday was one of those times.  I had to go down to the Social Security Administration to get a new SSN card.  -I'm still aggravated by this so I won't go into details on why!

So I got Downtown pretty easily and to the building I needed (or so I thought) without much stress.  So far so good.  Now it's time to park.  Oh my!

All I could find was meter parking on the street.  Which would have been fine if I had any change.  Unfortunately, I planned on paying for parking...with DOLLAR BILLS!!  Imagine that!  What was I thinking!?

So I turn into the building and find some parking but it's all permit parking.  I'll just go a bit further and see if I can find some regular parking. 

Soon, the drive turns into a one way road...and gets very scenic.  There are beautiful flower beds, fields of grass, park benches....hmm.  That's weird.  And since when have there ever been statues in a parking lot. 

It was about then that my eyes popped out of my head and my jaw dropped to the floor.  The horror on my face was undoubtedly priceless as I realized that I was not in any kind of parking lot but was actually driving along on the walking paths of the city building! 

Oh no!  What to do?  What to do!? 

I can't turn around.  It's definitely a "one way" road - for a car at least.  If I attempted at all to turn around I would have ruined a beautiful garden bed or hit a statue!

I hate Downtown!  I hate Downtown!!  Sweat started pooling up on my brow as I anxiously look around for some kind of out and to my dismay, I only find odd expressions on strangers faces as they exit the building.

My only option is to keep going.  Oh please help me! 

And then, there it is!  The small opening between two cars parked at meters on the street!

The only obstacle in my way is two nicely sized statues.

Can I do it?  Can I squeeze through?  What other options do I have?! 

So I squeeze my boat of a car through the statues with great success and jump the curb!  Yes!  I'm back on the road!!  Phew!

So I drive a few blocks, find an actual parking structure and walk back to the building only to find it is the wrong building. 

Luckily for me, the correct office was just across the street!

And I'm happy to report that after all that stress (and a little flirting - it's good to know, I still got it!) I walked out with a smile and a paper saying I'll be mailed my SSN card in 7-10 days!

Long Time, No Post

I know it's been awhile..so sorry.

I am extremely busy at work.  You know how it goes, feast or famine.  I definitely prefer the feast. More money comes with feast!  But it means less posting.  I guess there is no win/win.

I just wanted to tell everyone how much I love you!  And thank you for loving me in return.

Hugs and kisses to all.

Introducing Ashlyn Lashae

Wednesday morning, and I mean in the wee hours of the morning, like 3 am morning, I get a text from my beloved sister in law stating that her water just broke and they were on their way to the hospital!  As excited as I was for them, at 3 am the text threw my heart into over gear and almost gave me a heart attack!

That morning I was summoned for jury selection, as I was waiting before we were given instructions, I got a phone call from my brother.  I assumed it meant he was holding his baby girl.  I couldn't talk because the room was so quiet, so I sent him a text.  He informed me the baby still wasn't there yet, but soon. 

Soon after, we were told our phones had to be turned off as we were going to be given instructions and were seated to view a very retro video on how we were selected for jury duty! 

A few hours later we were given a recess and were told we could turn on our phones as long as we did not speak of the case at all or seek any info regarding it.  So immediately, I texted.  Any news???

In return I got a beautiful pic of my new niece!

So exciting!! 

Through out the night, I got a few more pics!  So cute!  I swear it makes my uterus throb for another baby!!  I can feel mini contractions just looking at her!

I haven't had a chance yet to actually talk to RJ or Mandy yet (imagine that he hasn't called me back yet!  LOL) but I hear that both mom and baby were troopers! 

Congratulations on your sweet new addition to your beautiful family!

My Eclipse Premiere

First I have to give a big shout out to Donna!  Thanks for coming with me and on such short notice!  I love you!!

Second, I MISS MY SIS!!

So I brought her with me!

Here's a zoom in of the thought bubble.  It's a little fuzzy but you should be able to read it.

We had lots of fun!  I went to a different theater this time and was a little disappointed in the lack of enthusiasm, (and the lack of Eclipse posters and cut outs - we were limited to ONE!) but it was still a blast!  Although, I must admit, I wish I had more pics of Donna and I.  But since both of us are a bit camera shy, maybe that's for the best!

And as you can see from the slideshow (if you can view it - I still have problems) Jenn even came with us the next morning to share the movie with Mom and the kids!

We love you Jenn!!

Don't forget to check out my Twilight blog for my random thoughts about the movie. 

Mirror Image

When is it too early to be "checking yourself out"? 

I typically don't allow any of the kids to come to Katie's piano lessons with me.  They would be bored.  But last week, Ciara begged and begged to come!  She wanted her sista!  She was so cute, I couldn't resist.

It took her less than a second to realize that the room had a full length mirror.  It kept her busy the first half of the lesson.  She just kept looking at herself and posing!  It was so funny!  She really like to watch herself dance.  She definately thinks she's "got the moves!" 

But soon, even her cute self, wasn't enough to keep her attention.  I had to take her out in the hall where they had a candy machine!

PS- She won't be coming with us again. 

This last pic is my fav!  I love the "over the shoulder" attitude!

Fishing with the Fathers

Better late than never, right?

Saturday, we went fishing!  We wanted to go camping, but it just didn't work out with Shawn's schedule so we deciding fishing was the next best thing!

It took us a little while to find a good spot, but when we did - it was nearly perfect!  Not too many people and the water was clean enough and warm enough for the kids to play! 

We had a lot of fun, and after some pleading from the kids - they were even able to get ME into the water with them!  Good thing Grandma Karen brought a light sun dress I could slip into so I didn't have to go in my jeans!

It's a shame that we couldn't get either grandpa in the water!  The kids liked teasing Grandpa Troy about being afraid of the "were-fish!"  LOL 

All in all, it was a wonderful day in the sun with my family!  I am so thankful that I was able to get my Dad out with me too!  I really think he should spend more time with me!  I think I'm a pretty fun person!  ;p

PS- Sorry for the lack of photos.  I took a few when we first got there, but ever since my beach fiasco in Cali last year - I shy away from having my phone too close to the water!

Open House

Yesterday was not only CiCi's birthday, but it was our Open House at work!

Once a year they allow you to bring in your family to show off where you work.  They have fun activities planned for the kids and serve dinner.

This year they brought in some K9 dogs from the Taylorsville unit and showed off some of what the dogs can do.  My kids REALLY enjoyed this. After the presentation, they let the kids try on their training suits and bullet proof vests!  Katie tried on a SWAT team bullet proof vest, which is heavier and stronger than a regular one.  She got a big kick out of that!  I wish I had some pictures, but pictures are not permitted inside the building for security purposes.  I did however, get some pics of the kids in the fire trucks outside!  They had a great time climbing in them and checking them out!

And a VERY happy birthday to my sweet CiCi girl!  I love you, Sweetie!

I'm Online!

You may recall that I have been on billboards and in the newpaper! 

Well, you can now see my face online, recruiting for American Express!  I think it's pretty cool!

Come check me out!  hehehe

Shortcake CiCi

Happy Birthday Shortcake CiCi!

Saturday we celebrated Ciara's 3rd birthday style, Strawberry Shortcake style!

She looked so cute in her shortcake dress and leggings that Grandma DeeDee made for her! 

She had lots of fun playing with her cousins and stuffing her face with cupcakes, ice cream, candy and of course, strawberries!

Thanks to all for sharing in her day!

We love you!

Turkey Lurky

Yesterday I was talking to CiCi and referred to her as my Turkey Lurky Girl. 

She didn't care for that at all.  She crossed her arms across her chest and pouted, "I'm not turkey urky!"

I smiled and grabbed her. 

"Oh yeah?  Well, you LOOK like a Turkey Lurky!"

"And you SMELL like a Turkey Lurky!" As a nuzzle my head into her neck and chest, sniffing her up.

She starts smiling.

"And you TASTE like a Turkey Lurky!"  As I pretend to gobble her up!

She's no longer pouting what-so-ever.

"So you MUST be a Turkey Lurky!"

"Yep!  I'm a Turkey Urky!"  She says laughing!  So it's agreed.  She's my Turkey Lurky Girl!

Katie's Year End Cultural Program

Last night was Katie's Cultural Program where the kids show off the Spanish songs, poems, and dances they have learned through out the year.

It is always so fun to watch her dance!  I love it!  I was finally able to record it (with a few heads in front of me - even standing on a chair!) but I did it!  I don't have the capability to share the video here, but I do have a few pictures of her in her costumes.

As we were leaving to get to the school.  Maybe I'm biased, but I think she is SOOO pretty!

Her Spanish Polka Costume.  This is the same costume and dance as last year.

Her Mexican Hat Dance costume.  She REALLY likes this one.  It's new this year and fun to watch!  Although, I really enjoy the Bottle Dance too, which they didn't do this year!

Katie and her best friend, Alhondra.  Can you believe the size of the earrings that girl is wearing!  I can't believe they didn't pull her ear down!

And Katie with her teacher, Mrs Sainz, who she is going to miss VERY VERY much.  She has been their teacher for two years and will not be moving with them to 3rd grade.  The whole class was in tears after their performance because they love her so much.  Can you see Katie's littl tears??

And I had to include this one of my Justin Boy!  He is so darn cute and was such a BIG help to me yesterday with Ciara!  It's not easy to record and keep an almost 3 year old happy.  Thank you Justin!! 

What a GREAT weekend!

I had such a wonderful weekend with my family!  We decided not to go camping because the weather was so uncertain and we were a bit afraid we would be camping in mud.  Yuck.  So we decided to stay home and spend some good ol quality family time together! 

Saturday (Shawn had the day off too!  Woohoo!), we took the kids to Thanksgiving Point to check out the dinosaur museum.  It was really fun!  Very different from what I expected, but the kids had a GREAT time!  It is more interactive than a typical museum and the kids really got a kick out of being able to "play"!

After that we went out to an early dinner and a movie!  The kids have been bugging and bugging and BUGGING to see Iron Man 2.  Shawn didn't really want to see it, but he couldn't resist their pleas any longer.  The kids really enjoyed the movie, Shawn and I...not so much.  So I got to hear a lot of "I told you so's" after the fact.  LOL

Sunday was a nice peaceful day!  I took the kids to the park and we had a picnic.  Then I got to spend a few hours with my Nana.  She was pretty much sleeping the entire time, but I was finally able to wake her up at the end and spend a little time together.

Monday was another great day.  My mama joined me and the kids on a zoo trip.  I love having a year pass!  Not because I can't get enough of the zoo...because believe me..I can.  I'm not the biggest fan, but I love having a place to go and take the kids when we want to just get out of the house for a bit.  We had a really nice time (even though it was ridiculously busy!) and the kids enjoyed helping Grandma up the hills!  lol

So there you have it...another weekend come and gone.

School Carnival

Yesterday was also the school Carnival.  I wasn't going to go.  I am not a big fan of these things.  However, despite my intentions, I couldn't ignore the kids' pleas. 

The kids were all VERY good!  They had a lot of fun!  And the rain stayed in check.  It was overcast all evening and I was certain it was going to start raining on us, but it never did.

Wish I had better pictures to share!  I thought I had taken a picture of Katie with some of her friends, but it must not have saved.  Oops.

Kindergarten Graduation

Congratulations Justin!!

Yesterday was Justin's graduation ceremony from Kindergarten!  It was such a cute little program!  The kids showed off art they had done and sang songs they had learned through out the year.  Then the teacher awarded them with "The Favorite Student Of The Year Award" (which every student got!  But it was cute cause she'd say a little blurb about each kid and why they were her favorite!) and awarded each child with a certificate in an area on which they shined.  Followed by a slideshow.

It was really cute and Justin's sweet shy "don't look at me" smile was adorable!

I love you buddy!!

PS- I can't even begin to tell you how "UNFAIR" Katie thinks it is that Justin is done with school!  LOL

(Although, he does have a state test he has to take on the 1st - but that's just a half hour appointment!)

Justin's Last Kindergarten Fieldtrip

Ciara and I were able to tag along with Justin and his class yesterday for their last fieldtrip.  They followed a "map" and walked to a nearby elementary school and played at the park.

The kids had lots of fun!  Ciara always enjoys being with "the big kids". 

PS- The slideshow isn't showing for me.. ::grumble grumble::  Please let me know if you can view.

The time has come....

To let go of the baby stuff.  ::sniff sniff::

We are going to get rid of all of our baby things, including the crib, toys, jumpers, clothes, etc.

If you know someone who is having a baby and may be interested, please let me know.  If not, these things will probably make their way over to Big Brother Big Sister.

Thanks!

Random CiCi Pics

I hate putting up pics of just CiCi, but I just couldn't resist these!  One of her favorite things is getting her picture taken while waiting to pick up the kids.  So here are just a couple from the last few days...even with her messy messy hair!

You just gotta love this face!!

She sure loves the sun roof! 

And I just thought this one was funny.  We got her a new car seat a few weeks ago and she loves it because she can unbuckle herself!  Here she is, having fallen asleep right before she was able to unbuckle.  You can tell she wanted to soo badly!

10 Years Later...

(Bad pic - I know.  It's a pic of a pic! LOL)

I can't believe it was 10 years ago that we ran through that casino - running late for our own wedding!! 

It seems crazy to me!  I can't believe how quickly the years have passed!  And yet, I'm more in love with my husband today than I was back then!

We had a wonderful weekend together - I'll keep the details to myself.  ::wink wink: 

AND I got a new ring!  My finger has been bare for so long, I was almost afraid I wouldn't like the way it would feel.  I had nothing to worry about.  It's almost like it's been there the whole time!

I love you, Baby!

TGIF

Update on RJ and Mandy

As of yesterday, they are no longer San Diego residents!  They are in the process of moving to FLORIDA!  They are very excited!  New home and soon to be new baby! 

We love you guys!  Please send the new address soon!!  Oh, and PICS!!

Happy Mother's Day

I had such a wonderful weekend!

Saturday was spent with my Mama and my Nana!  We enjoyed each other's company, a movie and some pizza!  It was really nice!

Sunday I woke up to a dozen beautiful pink roses, a handpainted vase by my Katie Lady, a sweet hand print poem from my Jutt Butt and a NEW PORTABLE DVD PLAYER from everyone!  Woot woot!

For those that don't know, I use a portable dvd player in my bedroom EVERY NIGHT!  I know...awful.  But that's how I go to sleep.  It's been giving me problems the last few months but if I smack it around a little, I can always get it to work.  That is, until I smacked it around a little too much.  It finally was sick of the abuse and gave up on me last week.  So I was VERY excited to get a new one!  And it's red!  How cool is that!!!

Love to all and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!