Determined Housewife

Routine

2011-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

I have always said that I am a "fly by the seat of my pants, kind of gal" (Pretty Woman, for those who don't know). Well, as it turns out, I might not be so much.
School started yesterday and I am so happy! Really, really, happy! We are back to routine were I get to run in the morning, have breakfast, make the kids lunch, take them to school, and getting stuff done. I got so much done. I'm looking forward to working in their class rooms, and going on field trips, because, after all, I love my kids. But it's nice to have them back in school.
As part of this new time on my hands, I can put more time into blogging, and scrapbooking, and baking, maybe some sewing. Things I have not done ALL summer long. Well, baking, I'm always doing that.
I also see that after my kids have been apart all day at school, they play together more in the afternoon. I'm not saying there hasn't been fighting... but this is what they are doing right now.

Back to School

2011-08-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today Morgan started 1st... how happy does this kid look? Mommy was happy too. ;)

Hayden is going into 3rd grade (she skipped 2nd). Another happy, yet nervous kid.

Happy Birthday, LOVE

2011-08-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today was Josh's birthday, he turned 33. He went to work this morning, and came home for lunch, where I had tacos waiting for him. Then we loaded up pool stuff, and dinner and headed to the pool house. We swam for a couple hours and then we ate dinner... Jon BBQed turkey, YUM! And then we had cake, which I'm pretty sure my mom and I are the only ones that liked it.

Happy birthday, to my man. I love everyday I get to spend with you, and all of our adventures. Here's to another great year.

Relax

2011-08-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

We are still in Irvine, we leave tomorrow. After a fun couple days of adventure, I decided that today we would just play at the pool. While I was getting everything together, the girls were on the bed and Hayden was reading the new book that Charlie picked out yesterday. I love these moments.

We ate lunch pool side... I made PB&J's in the hotel room. We stayed out for a couple of hours, and went back to the room to wait for Josh to come back from class.

Our Anniversary

2011-08-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up with a very large coffee being held in my face. My wonderful husband got it for me, before leaving for class today. Which he had to be in until 5 o'clock.

So, I came up with some fun stuff for the girls and I to do today. First I took them to a park. This park was the nicest I think I've ever been too. The girls played for awhile, and we fed ducks, which jumped up out of the water and came at us when we stopped feeding them. It freaked the girls out, but I had a good laugh.

After we fed the ducks I drove to a local Children's book store, and I let them all pick out a book to buy. I had to help a little, as I didn't want to spend a fortune. :)

Next to the bookstore was a frozen yogurt place... which is one of my new favorite things. So, we all got a little yogurt before heading back to the hotel.

That night, when Josh got back to the hotel, we went out to dinner. We went to a Mexican restaurant with a handful of Josh's classmates. It was very fun and relaxing, as a couple of people played with our kids while we were eating. I meant to get a picture of Josh and I, but I forgot. So, all I have of this day is a lot of pictures of the girls and the fun things we did.

Irvine

2011-08-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the kids and I drove to Irive, because Josh has to be here all week to attend some classes. Last time we came with him the girls and I got sun burns from sitting by the pool for 3 whole days. So, this trip I have planned out some fun things to do, and get less sun.
Today is not that day, as my plan is to be at the beach. :)

We had a wonderful time on the beautiful beach, the girls didn't want to leave. It was very nice.

Special

2011-03-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a BBQ at our house. Mostly so Caleb and Kymm could see our house. It was pretty laid back, because us girls: me, my mom, Kelsey, and Kymm, all went shopping in Fresno for 5 hours. I was very excited after dinner to enjoy a special K bar that my mom made and brought over. YUM!

Family Time

2011-03-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

After lunch today we went to the park... I got some good pictures of my little nephews.

I got a few of the other kiddos too... but I don't get to see these two very often!

Babysitting

2011-03-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today Kelsey called and asked if I could just sit at her house with the kids while she ran to have her yearly "woman" checkup. Claire was sleeping, and the kids watched a movie. So, pretty easy.

Bangs!

2011-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Cut my bangs even shorter this time, and bought a new hair color... I went darker this time.

Hand-Me-Downs

2011-03-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Morgan is wearing my most favorite pair for Jeans today... and they just so happen to have been Jessie's. I love when my girls wear clothes that I can picture a Bender girl wearing... as well as my kids.

Hayden's Journal

2011-03-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Today was my day to have my parent/teacher conference with Hayden's teacher. At the end, she handed me Hayden's school Journal... and told me there were some great stories in it with grandma.

But this was my favorite one.

Flee Market

2011-02-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Today after church we drove to the flee market, and Cameron came with us. LOTS of fun for Josh and I, it's like a gigantic garage sale... with some food for sale as well. We didn't get anything this time around, but I have found some fun treasures in the past.

Because the girls get tired of walking and start complaining, we borrowed Kelsey's wagon and stroller.

Dessert and a Movie

2011-02-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

After dinner tonight Josh took the girls up and put on a movie for them, and I brought up dessert. Banana ice cream sundaes. YUMMY! Hayden got in trouble with Josh while I was downstairs, and therefore she didn't get one, so I ate it... didn't want it to go to waste.

Sewing

2011-02-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

Josh wanted Hayden to learn how to do some basic sewing with a needle and thread. I showed her a basic stitch, and then how to sew a button back on. She is sewing it onto a napkin. She now asks me just about everyday if she can sew something.

Messy

2011-02-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a little behind on my house work... mostly the laundry. I have PILES of clean and dirty all over the family room floor. I took this picture to make Krista feel better about her saying her house was a mess.

Ears

2011-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

On the way home from San Francisco we stopped in Gilroy, which has the biggest outlet mall I've ever seen. First store we had to go in for the girls, was Claire's. Hayden wanted to buy some new "long" earrings. Charlie was watching her two big sisters picking out earrings, and she said she wished she had her ears pierced. I told her to ask her daddy, because she could do it today. So, she asked Josh and he said, YES! She was very brave, and I asked for a lady on each side (after fighting Morgan for over an hour and needing TWO people to hold her down). She did cry when the lady got her glove stuck on one of the earrings and they had to take the back off. OUCH! But she recovered and was very happy to see them in the mirror!

San Francisco

2011-02-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

We drove to San Francisco on Saturday morning. Chony met us at the hotel (she's on a two day lay over to Washington D.C.). We went swimming at hotel all afternoon, because it was raining a LOT. Then we went to dinner that night! Very fun, very yummy!

Today we went down to the wharfs... I wanted to take the girls to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory (we went when I was 16). But we found out that it closed and moved 2 years ago. The original store is still there, so we got to buy chocolate, and they have a small machine making some chocolate that we got to see, but the big stuff is gone.

Then we walked down to the water and headed toward pier 39... the most popular. On the way grandma bought Charlie a ring off a street vendor. Now they all have rings! (Later this weekend Morgan's broke though).

We also walked a mile to China town, taking turns carrying Charlie... maybe we still do need a stroller!
We started our day at 9am, and got back to the hotel at 7pm. So we then went back to the hotel and crashed.

Brrrrr....

2011-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

Today when I got up to run it felt VERY cold. I looked at the temp and it's 34 degrees... so, it is cold. Everything was frozen, but I still ran over my mile, but didn't make it to two today, my legs were literally frozen. :)

Stayed Home

2011-02-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today Morgan is still covered in a rash, so I kept her home for the second day in a row...

I called the school to let them know, and they told me she was contagious before the rash, and without a fever she needs to be in school... so, she'll be going back tomorrow.

Slap Face

2011-02-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up and thought Morgan's face looked red, but sent her to school.

Then after their bath I noticed her back... looks like slap face.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today is not just Valentines Day in our family, it is also my parents Anniversary. Today they celebrate 30 years of marriage. As it doesn't often work out for them to go out on this day, being that restaurants are so busy, I invited everyone over to our house for dinner. I put ribs in the crockpot in the morning, because I was working in the kindergarten room for their Valentine's Day party, and I also had some chicken in some marinade.

The girls and I decorated the house after school and got everything picked up, and I started cooking.

We had a very nice night... and Kelsey brought dessert (cupcakes) and champagne! Random pictures of our night!

Blossoms

2011-02-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

While doing more yard work today, we noticed the the strawberries have blossoms! Amazing! I noticed that our pear tree is not far behind either!

Yard Work

2011-02-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today we did a LOT of yard work we wanted to get done. So, we got up and hitched up the trailer and went to get a yard of bark. While out, Kelsey called me to see if we could watch Wyatt for a few hours, so they could drive down to Bakersfield and look at a Tahoo. I of course said YES! So, we got home and put the kids in the back yard to play and Josh and I got to work hauling a lot of bark.

The kids got hungry, so I stopped to get them some lunch... they were hot so we moved the table into the shade. Later we even went and got them ice cream... it was such a nice day. I got a sun burn to prove it. :)

I was such a happy Auntie today... this is why we moved here, and I really hope that I get to do this more often!

The Jungle Book

2011-02-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today was Hayden's class field trip to Fresno to see the Jungle Book ballet. Josh meet her class there, since he works in Fresno, and I had to take Charlie to Mommy and Me.

They had a LOT of fun... but couldn't take picture... but Josh snapped one at the very end!

Firsts

2011-02-11T19:52:00.000-08:00

I love *FIRSTS*

First Steps, first words, first kisses...

Today was Claire's first sucker... and man did she like that! I have had so much fun watching this little girl grow up and get to see all of her firsts.

I also don't mind that I am her FAVORITE. She runs to me with arms up now, and kisses me when I pick her up. She throws herself out of someone's arms if she can reach me. I LOVE IT. :)

Field Trip

2011-02-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today is Morgan's class field trip to the post office and the fire station! I went with Hayden's class last year, and it was raining... but this year it was cool but VERY sunny! Much more FUN.

First, the kids all get to mail a letter they've written, that is addressed to their parents....
Second, we walk a few blocks to the fire station... which takes longer than you'd think with 45 kindergartners. :)

Then after all the showing around and explaining of the equipment, the kids ALL get to squirt the house.

Then these last two pictures are just because I had so much fun with her, and because she's so cute. *Notice the adult teeth finally coming in!

Fruit

2011-02-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Making fruit a bigger part of my day...
I eat strawberries, and blueberries with yogurt and granola every morning after my run. And then for a snack in the afternoon, I've been splitting up 2 chocolate puddings between me and the girls and adding fruit. On top of theirs I add a little bit more fun. :)

Starting the Garden

2011-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today while Josh was at work I planted red onions, carrots, and dill. Then I had to stop to feed the kiddos lunch. When Josh got home he planted lettuce, and some broccoli, and separated and spread out the strawberries. Can't wait to see it all come up! WooHoo!

ZOO

2011-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up and saw that it was going to be 69 degrees, so I called my mom and sister and asked if they would like to go to the zoo (also, no school).

So, we went to the zoo! We ate lunch at a park and got to the zoo at about noon. The kids were so excited. My kids were even more excited that Josh called when we got there to tell me his boss gave everyone the afternoon off! So, he came to the zoo, too! We had so much fun and it was such a warm day.

That made me in the mood to BBQ. So, I did! YUM!

We're Back

2011-02-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 8am, and got up, packed and went to breakfast. Which was paid for, and very yummy. Then we headed home, stopping at Old Navy and Nordstrom Rack first.

The girls were very happy to see us. I spent the afternoon on the couch cuddled up with them... meaning I didn't unpack or do the laundry!

We gave the girls our gift... stamps! Charlie was the only one that didn't like it that much.

Relaxation

2011-02-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning and had breakfast, and then Josh had a 45 minute meeting. While he was doing that I was painting my nails, and getting ready for a day with my hubby. At 10am we went to a very nice mall across from our hotel. I went in to a Bloomingdales for the first time. Picked up a $400 dress, put it down, and then went to a sale rack and picked up a coat, it was on sale for $1,495. After that, we left that store, and headed to the toy store to find something for the girls.
Then, we headed to the beach. We paid $15 to park the car, and then walked down to the beach, and found a little restaurant. The wait was over an hour... so we walked the beach.

We ate lunch at 1:00. Fish and Chips, and Clam Chowder.

Then we headed back to the hotel and took a NAP. Yes, a nap. Over one hour of uninterrupted sleep, in the middle of the afternoon! We woke up, still tired, but got up and got ready for the night. I put on the giant jersey (Thanks, Cam)... and then the tutu. We had a very fun night! A great end to a great day.

Day Off

2011-02-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today Josh had the day off, because we have to drive to Newport Beach, which is a 4 1/2 hour drive. So, Josh came to school with me and Charlie. She was so excited to have him there. She told him that I never play with her at school (which is NOT true)... so he made sure to get on the floor and play with her.

Also, Josh got to see how long it is there, and how tired you get from sitting there... he asked a few times when it was over.

Hair

2011-02-03T17:10:00.001-08:00

I have so many heads to do. Today is gymnastics and karate. Tonight should be bath night, but we get home really late. So, I gave the girls a bath this afternoon, and then I did ALL of their hair... which for their activities needs to be pulled back. Charlie wanted pigtails, so then Morgan did when it was her turn, and then Hayden did as well.

Dinner

2011-02-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

So, I got called in to sub in the Pre-K room tonight at church. I didn't get time to really make dinner... so I warmed up some leftovers for Josh and the girls, and he added some stuff to it, then I took a bite and ran out the door. But first I grabbed my Midnight Milkyway that Josh brought home for me. We got in a little fight today, and Josh came home with TWO of these instead of flowers, because you can't eat flowers - his words. :)

Anyway, this was my dinner. I did have to eat some cheese and crackers at 10pm because I was STARVING.

Nap Time

2011-02-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

I was SO very tired today... I had about 45 minutes before I had to get Hayden from school. So, I did what I used to do when the girls were little. I told them to play in their room and I layed on the floor in front of the door to take a little nap. I let them take my picture, and then they tried to lay with me. I think I might have fallen asleep for 10 minutes before the alarm on my phone went off to go and get Hayden. So very tired...

To Do List

2011-01-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

My list keeps growing... I decided today was the day to tackle as much as I could.

My List:

Mow the front lawn
Pull weeds
Rack the bark
Clean the van
Clean the garage
Clean the BBQ for Spring
Sweep the drive way
Take the 3T out and get 4T in
Make dinner and clean the kitchen

These are the things that I accomplished today... not to mention that I woke up at 5:45am and ran 1.49 miles. :) I was more than tired after dinner. So, I took a bath and soaked for a LONG time, and Josh took care of the girls.

My picture... all the clothes from just Charlie's side of the closet that I had to move around!

Braids

2011-01-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight after the girls bath I braided their hair while they watched America's Funniest Video. My kids LOVE this show, and they like that they have a bath on this night, and that we do their hair while they watch... usually we do curlers, but I was in the mood to braid. I have to say that my hands hurt when I finished. That's a lot of hair. Morgan wasn't happy to have to look at me, and not the TV.

Neighbors

2011-01-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

Josh and I are trying to meet ALL of our neighbors and be more neighborly. We've been going door to door meeting them, also letting them know our neighborhood has a facebook page. We have so many neighbors who LOVE this and we've met so many people. The kids have found a lot of school friends that actually live near us as well.

Our next door neighbor came down with Shingles this last week. So, I made up a gift for her. We've chatted before and I knew that she really liked air popcorn. So, I bought her some, with flavorings, a candle, and some chocolate. To me these are "get well" things.

Best Run

2011-01-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

Today was my best run. My farthest distance. Although I did run my mile at my fastest yesterday at 10:09, I came close to that today as well. This was also my second day in a row that I did my run without stopping to do any walking. I have to push myself a LOT mentally to do it, but I did, twice now. I also was very excited to see that my total miles for the last 12 runs is now over 15 miles, close to 16. And that isn't including what I was running before I started using this ap.

I have to say, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself.

No picture

2011-01-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sad I know. My first day I forgot to take a picture. My plan was to take it of Charlie at gymnastics, because she got bumped up to a higher level. She also went from 45 min. to an hour. So, instead here is a preview of what I'm working on for my Valentine's Day cards.

Decorating

2011-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

So without spending ANY money, I have made our bathroom more fun to be in. More romantic over our tub. So, I moved some of my clocks around, and got this one to work in our bathroom, plus I like knowing what time it is, and how long I have to linger in the shower. Then I rounded up a few things from our house that were in odd spots and put on a shelf, that was in the family room, but not really getting used. Next I decided to put up the Chandelier. I bought it about a year ago at Home Dept, meant for the girls bathroom. It was on a clearance shelf from $70 to $20. I ended up deciding I didn't like it in there, and putting it away in the closet. So, up it went in our bathroom today!

Change

2011-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I like change. And that I can't keep the same for very long. So, after only 7 months in our house, I have already rearranged Hayden's bedroom. And I must say, it works much better this way!
I can't believe how dusty things were, how much was under her bed, how dirty some of the walls are.... people, it's only been 7 months. KIDS...
Oh, but I did finally get her bed skirt on! :)

Summer?

2011-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

Today the fog lifted just in time to get Hayden from school, so we decided to walk. Morgan hates to walk, but Charlie is always asking if we can. So, we got ready and started walking. Half way there I noticed Charlie's feet. Flip Flops? I asked if she was cold, and she said, "No, the sun is shining." Kids.

Girly

2011-01-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

Last night I painted my toe nails, and then decided to paint my finger nails. I painted them extra girly, just to see if the girls would notice the next day. Morgan was the first to notice at breakfast... and then they ALL wanted the same nails. So, this afternoon I sat and painted the girls nails. In the end, Hayden was the only one that picked the same color as me.

Foggy

2011-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to run. I was feeling a little bit better this morning, and I know that my pattern is that if I stop an exercise routine for to long, I just stop all together. So, I forced myself out of bed at 7:45 this morning and went for my run. I had Josh take my picture because it was so foggy. This is the second morning it was this thick... the reason the girls had "foggy day schedule" yesterday.

100th Day

2011-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today Morgan's class had a big party for the 100th day of school. They needed parents to help out, but I had to take Charlie to "mommy and me" and Josh and my mom were both out of town... not to mention that I was also very sick.
Morgan made this crown in school... I decided to take her picture today, because she wore it all day. She didn't take it off until she climbed into bed.

NEW

2011-01-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Wal-Mart and bought a new coffee pot! I decided not to get the same one I just had, but to go back to having a "pot". I got home and got it all set up and ready to go for the next morning! So excited!

Tutu Cute

2011-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Today I couldn't get Charlie to wear anything but her new tutu. I told her it was to cold outside and not the right thing to wear to school. She came up with this outfit as a compromise. She's a very determined child. All the mom's at school thought that she was so cute. I like that she picked her boots with her "girly" outfit.

Broken...

2011-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

After a day of taking pictures of the girls, and having fun with the camera yesterday... it broke. I went to take a picture, and the viewing screen is black. I had Josh look at it when he got home from work... and he said that it is in fact broken. I had to take my picture today with my phone, it's of the girls singing Happy Birthday to JAKE!

So, along with my coffee pot, I now have a broken camera as well.

Tutu

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

Charlie has been asking for a Tutu for a week. She read a book in preschool with grandma about a little girl in a tutu with ballet shoes and she wore a ring. She has been asking for these three things. Well, she got sick over the weekend, and grandma felt bad, so she went and bought her a "tutu"... it's a swimming suit. She is a very happy girl, but is still asking for the shoes and ring.

She also let me know that for her birthday she would like a wallet and a purse, because she doesn't have one.

Fancy Night

2011-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy lately, Josh and I feel like we haven't had much time with the girls as a family. We're trying to save money, so Josh came up with a fun idea for dinner tonight.
While I cooked, Josh told the girls to get dressed up for dinner, then he made them place mats. We gave them fancy cups with soda, and I lit a lot of candles. Then we called them down and we served them their dinner. It was a lot of fun.

Then I cleaned up the kitchen while they got ready for bed. I made a popcorn treat and brought it upstairs, and we sat and watched America's Funniest Home Video, our kids favorite show.

Two Weeks

2011-01-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Today I have been running a mile everyday for two weeks. I'm jogging a little faster, and two days ago I jogged it without stopping... a first for me in my life!
Ok, so after weighing and measuring today, I have lost another 2 pounds this week, and another inch in my waist. So, total so far is 4 pounds lost and 2 1/2 inches in my waist. Not to bad.... for the feeling of GREAT everyday after my run. I don't have any "goals", so it's just fun to see what I can do.

Today I used my ap that I got from Rayna... very nice. I enjoyed it a lot. However, after I got home, Josh and I looked and me using a running tool on my phone every morning and listening to music has used over half of my data usage for the month, and I have 21 days until my bill cycle. Not sure what I'll do without music yet.

Another Crazy Day

2011-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Today, all of my kids have school, Charlie is in the "mommy and me" preschool program. I had to be at a meeting with Josh up at his office from 10-2. So, grandma came to my rescue and took over at mommy and me, then picked up the other two from school, and took care of lunch for me. I'm not sure how I could have figured that out without her. I planned on taking a picture of Josh and I at our meeting, all dressed up. But I forgot. So, here's a picture of Charlie doing the dishes at grandma's house.

Crazy Day

2011-01-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thursdays are my craziest day as a mom... the day of gymnastics and karate, and in two different towns at the same time. Josh had worship practice last week, and couldn't help me, and he did again this week. Next week he'll be out of town on a business trip, so I will again have to find help (Cameron). Here's a shot of all of my girls getting ready for our crazy afternoon.

Dinner At Grandma's House

2011-01-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Josh had a meeting today that included him going out to dinner after work, and Jon had to coach a basketball game tonight. So, Kelsey and I took our kiddos over to grandma's house for dinner, which she made for us. YUM. I did do the dishes, as I didn't have to cook. :)

That's Not a Caterpillar

2011-01-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

I got the girls Despicable Me for Christmas. They have probably watched it 50 times over the last couple of weeks. They love that there are three girls in the movie, just like them. So, they all pretend to be the character that is "them" while they watch the movie. But now, I also here them acting it out in their rooms while they're playing.
Today I bought a bag of "Natural" Cheetos, which I love and so do the girls. Charlie begged me to open the beg right away and not wait until lunch to have some. I agreed and gave her a small bowl of them. Each time she picked up a Cheeto, she would say, "Oh, my caterpillar didn't turn into a butterfly.". Then in a different sounding voice, "That's not a caterpillar, that's a Cheeto." Back to the other voice, "Oh," And then she would pop the Cheeto into her mouth and eat it with a smile. She did this with every single Cheeto.

This is her eating her lunch with more Cheetos, doing the same thing as before, with EVERY Cheeto. Silly girl.

Another One Bites the Dust

2011-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

This morning I went to start my coffee pot and I found a big puddle of coffee on the counter. I didn't understand why, so dumped out the old, and started my new batch for the day.

Well, later in the afternoon, another puddle. I stood and watched and a drip came out of where it dispenses out. Bummer, another thing broken. Not that I am going out to buy a new one, so I just have to make sure I don't keep coffee sitting for very long, so I don't have a mess. At least this one made it about 4 years!

Not a great picture... but this is my picture of the day! :)

Hats in Heaven

2011-01-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

January 6 was the 9th anniversary of my grandma's death. I didn't think about it that much on that day, but then today came, the first Sunday after the anniversary... the day I wear a hat in remembrance of her.

In the last 9 years, I think I have cried less than I did today. Today, as I got dressed and pulled my box of her hats down out of my closet, I could not help but go over every Sunday I ever watched my grandma get ready for church.

My grandma would get up and make breakfast. Usually she would make hash-browns (potatoes were a big staple). She would feed my grandpa, and me in the years that I lived with her. I watched her do the dishes and walk up the stairs to get dressed. Growing up and until I was 18 years old, I would sit by the door in her closet and watch her carefully pick her outfit and then her jewelry. Then she would go to the bathroom and do her make up and curl her hair. She would rat all her curls until her hair was nice and big, and then walk back into her closet, crawl onto the floor and behind her clothes to the boxes of 99 hats. She would explain to me how she had them color coordinated and in the appropriate boxes for seasons. I would watch her pick the right hat, crawl back out and in front of the mirror, and then cover up the hair she just ratted. Then she would find the matching shoes and walk back down the stairs. She would stand at the bottom of the stairs and wait for my grandpa to take her picture -- in the same spot he did every Sunday (later that picture would be added with the others to her photo album called "The Mad Hatter").

I went over all of these things in my mind this morning as I got ready, and chose my hat (her hat) for the day. When I came out of my room, all of my kids wanted to know why I was wearing a hat. So, I sat down and I told them about my grandma. Morgan immediately wanted to wear a hat too, and soon so did Charlie, and then Hayden. So, before walking out the door, we made sure that we all had a hat on today.

I loved my grandma. I love that she loved God with all of her heart, and that Sundays were one of her favorite days, and some of my best memories. I thank God today for her time on this earth that I got to know her, and watch her. I thank God that some day I will again be with my grandma in Heaven, and that she and I will get the chance to wear hats, because I believe there are hats in Heaven!

One week!

2011-01-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

So, as of today I have been running a mile everyday for a WEEK. Josh and I measured our waists and weighed ourselves when we started. As of today, I am down 1 1/2 inches in my waist and have lost 2 pounds. I'm not as concerned with the scale as I am the inches. I also started out jogging my mile in a little over 14 minutes, and I am now coming in 2 minutes sooner. But I do still have to use my inhaler every time. So, my picture of the day is my measuring tape... to represent the inches lost!
Also, today I allowed myself SWEETS... all day. I've been doing one small sweet thing a day. Today I decided that I will eat whatever I want on the weekends... but still not eat after 7pm.

2011-01-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today Hayden had a friend from school over to play. I picked them both up from school, and she stayed and had dinner with us (PIZZA NIGHT). Then shortly after, her mom came and picked her up. So very happy that today is Friday. It was a long week, going back to school and all.

Here's a picture of Hayden, Emily and Charlie playing in Hayden's room.

Silver

2011-01-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Today I ran around like a crazy lady, no really, I did. I had to work in Morgan's Kindergarten class this morning. Then go get Charlie from my mom's house, and back to the school to get Morgan. Home for lunch, back to the school to get Hayden. Home, gave the girls a bath (I knew we'd be home to late tonight). Then I met Josh in the driveway, just to say goodbye. He stayed home with Morgan to take her to Karate, while I drove the 20 minute drive to gymnastics. Charlie's class was from 5 to 5:45... then we RAN over to subway to eat dinner, and RAN back to gymnastics for Hayden's new SILVER class at 6:15 to 7: 45. After we jumped in the van and drove the 20 minutes back home to run in the house and get pajamas on and get the girls straight to bed. Now, breathe. Oh, and Cameron was home with Morgan, he had to pick her up from Karate, because Josh had worship practice.

My picture of the day is of Hayden. Why? Well, she advanced a couple of months ago to the Bronze class and then last week they told me that she was ready for the next level, SILVER. There is only ONE class at this level for the entire week, and only 6 girls in the class. They pushed her hard tonight, and she did really good.

New and New

2011-01-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the new Big 5 Sports in Dinuba. I went looking for running shoes... I don't have any kind of tennis shoe. I don't do a lot of sport actives, ok, I don't do any, so that would be why I don't have the shoes for them. Anyway, I went hoping to not spend a fortune, but get a good shoe.
I saw right away the pair that I liked. They were on sale for $39.99, original price was $74.99. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but I thought I'd try them on. I asked for two sizes to try on, a 8 and 8 1/2. The 8's were a little tight, but the 8 1/2's fit. I looked at the boxes, and I noticed that the size 8 box had a little yellow sticker on it that had the price $29.99. So, I asked why one pair of shoes was cheaper. The young man that I asked said that it was an accident, and he asked if those were the ones that I wanted. I told him that I wanted the other size. He said they have to give the price that is put on them, so he gave me the shoes that I wanted for $29.99. I was a happy customer.

The other new thing today was my cell phone. My new iphone I got before Christmas never charged right with the wall charger. I had to bend it a certain way for it to charge. So, we took it into the apple store and they gave me a new phone. Happy, but all my stuff is gone. I have to work on putting all my apps back on, and changing things around. I lost all my appointments on my calendar, and my alarms that were set. I know what I'm doing tonight! :) Ha.

Painting

2010-06-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is the "before" shot of Hayden's room... this is what is hanging over her bed.

This is what Hayden and I did yesterday. I stenciled a few stars and then Hayden helped me and we glued on some "bling". :)

Oh, ants.

2010-06-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

The thing about living in California is... lot of bugs. The biggest pest of them all is... ANTS. Most of the time it's hard to see where they're coming in, but fortunately we can see exactly where they're coming in this time. Right through the back door. It wasn't properly sealed on the bottom, and you can pretty much see right outside... and the ants come in from time to time. Well, one night the girls and I made blond brownies, and I spilled some sugar on the floor and counter. I thought I cleaned it all up, but I guess not. And the smell of the sugar just call to our little ant friends. So, in the morning when I went to make skinnies for the girls, this is what I found in the sugar container. And there was a trail of them all down the wall and out the back door. :)

Green Toe

2009-08-12T15:27:00.001-07:00

So, I know that I do NOT have a green thumb. I have killed every plant that we have ever had in our house our seven years of marriage! I can't seem to keep any plant in the house alive.

Well, when it comes to the yard, I'm really good at keeping things watered and alive, not good at planting things though (Josh does that).

Yesterday I mowed damp tall green grass in FLIP FLOPS... when I was done I looked down and saw that my toes, mostly the big one on the right, were very green. I take this to mean that I might not have a green thumb, but I have a green toe! :)

Also, I showed my daughters, they laughed and called me Shrek!

Complicated Apron

2009-07-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

I made a few aprons last year for Thanksgiving and Christmas that were kind of hard to do and took me a few days to sew. Then a few months ago I tried doing a few different kind of aprons that turned out pretty cute... but not as cute as the aprons that my sister and I saw last week at the local fair. So, after seeing those it inspired me to make yet another apron.

I went to Joann's and found a pattern that was close to the apron that my sister and I saw. I started it a few days ago, but had a hard time figuring out how the pattern was saying to finish up the sides. After a few hours yesterday I finally figured it out and finished it.

I added a few things that weren't in the pattern: the brown satin collar, the pearl necklace, and the pocket.

Now that I think I can make this apron faster, I'm thinking this might be what I make this year to sell at my husbands work bazaar in November.

Wearing My Dress

2009-07-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

So, here I am in our backyard in front of the garden, wearing my very own dress that I MADE. :) And it fits.

Summer Fun!

2009-07-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid my mom would fill our kiddy pool with warm water and bubbles, and we'd take a bath outside... only in the summer, of course!

So, the other night, after my kids had played outside all day, I decided to fill the little pool with warm water and bubbles and let them take a bath outside. I realize that our little pool is VERY little and as a kid we had a much bigger one, but the girls loved it! So, I think I might just have to go and buy a bigger kiddy pool for them to bathe in!

I made a DRESS!

2009-07-22T11:59:00.001-07:00

So, after sewing so many baby blankets this last winter, I took a long break from sewing. Then while I was at Joann's a few days ago I saw a couple dress patterns that were so cute I just had to get them. So, I bought some fabric (I love polka dots)... and that night I got started.

So, I don't have a zipper yet for the back, but I'll take a picture of me in the dress when I get it completely finished.

Another Blanket

2009-01-31T14:01:00.001-08:00

I just made this little boy blanket this morning. It's for a good friend, but I thought I'd post it on here anyway because I think it's cute. :)

In Her Honor

2009-01-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

I woke up this last Sunday morning like I do every Sunday... I got on the elliptical for 20 minutes, showered, started breakfast, got the kids clothes laid out and then went to dry my hair and put on my make-up. As I stood looking into the mirror and putting on my make-up I realized completely out of the blue, that I had missed the anniversary of my Grandmother's death. My grandma passed away 7 years ago this last January 6th. This was the first year that I didn't remember her on that day, and I felt so horrible. Then it just hit me, I could honor her on this very Sunday morning by wearing one of her hats to church. So, I got dressed and went and picked out a hat to wear. I took great pride that morning walking into church wearing HER hat. I miss my grandma all year long, every year...
About the hat - my grandma wore a hat to church every Sunday. And she wore a different hat every Sunday for a year. When she passed away she owned almost 100 hats... which we divided between my mom, 2 aunts and 6 of us granddaughters. I think that every January from now on I will wear a hat to church in honor of my grandma.

Finally....

2009-01-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

I started sewing curtains for our Master bedroom back in September, but I put them on hold to sew all my baby blankets. Then with the holidays I didn't do any of my "project "stuff. Well, as January is a slow and boring month with cold days that you spend indoors I have started to finish some of my projects I didn't finish in the fall.
The first project to finish was the curtains in my room. I think they turned out pretty good - considering I didn't use a pattern. :) Next I plan on painting the walls a light blue in the room and bathroom. Oh, and I've started to do a little remodel with PAINT in the bathroom as well, I now have WHITE cabinets like the kitchen. Busy, Busy!

Christmas Baking

2008-12-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

I started some Holiday baking today. When I started I had a hard time finding all of my recipe cards. Most of the recipes that I like I've gotten from other people, and I NEVER get out a cook book. But it occurred to me today that I should take some time as I cook or bake put these recipes together into a book of my own including pictures. Creative Memories Storybook has a recipe book template to even help me. I'm so excited to get all my recipes down into a book... even some of my mom's and grandma's that I love. And then I will use a book to cook, my book.

These are a couple of the cookies that I made today. I had to do some baking for Josh and I this weekend... so these aren't for US to eat... but I sure do love this time of year - just for the BAKING!

Cutting down our Christmas tree!

2008-12-08T13:02:00.001-08:00

When I was a kid my family drove up into the Montana mountains and we walked through the snow(most years) and we picked out our tree in the forest and cut it down, and put it on my dad's trailer and drove it home.
I have wanted to do this with my own kids for a few years, but they've always seemed to little to do it. I decided that this was the year to start. So, I found out where to get a permit and I bought three, one for us and the other's for friends. Now, it's actually very cheap to do this. It costs $5 for a permit, and then just the cost of gas to drive up the mountain, which with falling gas prices, isn't to much.
I think that my kids enjoyed this, and I hope we do this for many years to come. I did learn that as a kid I remember the trees being big and full and so pretty... and I was always so proud of our tree. When we drove up the mountain this last Saturday the trees didn't look like I thought they would, they were more "Charlie Brown" like. So, after coming down the mountain, I called my mom. And she let me know what the trees really looked like when I was a kid, and they too were "Charlie Brown" like. But to a kid, I think that the journey up the mountain, and looking for the "best" tree is all part of it, and is much more meaningful then finding a full and expensive tree in a tree lot. (the picture of the car with a tree on top is one of our friends driving down the mountain in front of us... I thought it was a cool picture.)

All of us wives... holding the chainsaw!

Back home in the living room stands our tree that we picked in the wild and cut down and brought home... this is taken with no decorations.

Zoo!

2008-11-04T16:45:00.001-08:00

So, I've done this one before, but with a darker blue satin trim, and the strip on the other side was a little different. This blanket also has 3 matching burp cloths.

Princess Crowns

2008-11-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

For the little princess. :) This is very cute with Crowns on both sides and a very light pink satin trim.

Firetrucks

2008-11-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

For the fireman in every little boy. :) I had this blanket almost done for months, but I couldn't decide on the silk trim, and then I thought... RED. :) I think this turned out really cute.

Labels

2008-10-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

About 3 weeks ago I came up with a name I wanted to call all of my sewing creations. Kenga Kozy. I got the labels a few days ago, so now it's time to get out all my blankets and sew on the labels.

Animals

2008-10-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to doing another blanket set today. I did one crib sized blanket, two bibs, and two burp cloths. They all have a yellow plaid back side and animals in squares on the front.

Lemon Bars

2008-10-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

I bought a LOT of lemons the other day... I was just in the mood. So, last night I made lemon bars... yummy!! I have a lot more lemons, but I'm not sure what I'll make with them next. Cake? :)

Tarp Messenger Bag

2008-10-16T07:24:00.001-07:00

I have a very hard time coming up with Christmas gifts for my husband. He's got things in mind that he really wants, but if I try get them I might not get it just right. I'm talking mostly about tools. Then when he mentions something he likes I try to pay attention and get him just what he asks, but I generally misunderstand.

A few months ago he e-mailed me a picture of a tarp messenger bag and said how cool it was, and how he'd like to make one. So, in passing I mentioned buying him one, and he said he'd want one "made". Then I mentioned that I could make him one out of fabric, he said he wanted TARP.

Well, I spent a few hours yesterday, making a TARP messenger bag for him. It's kind of hard to sew, because it's very slippery. But after getting it cut and then figuring out what I was doing... it turned out that it wasn't to hard.

Here is the inside... I put one pocket inside. I also used Velcro to keep the front flap down.

Now, you might be wondering what Josh is doing with the bag on his shoulder. :) Well, because he's SO hard to get gifts for I was just too excited to wait. And it's a long story, but I'm glad I didn't wait.

He likes it a lot, and even wore it to work today. He likes it so much he put it out there on the same site he sells he's welding stuff, and someone already wants it. :) So, I guess in between sewing baby blankets I'll be sewing tarp messenger bags.

Ducks

2008-10-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

I made this blanket awhile ago, but forgot to take a picture of it. Blue and yellow with ducks in the crib size.

Pink Camo

2008-10-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

Here is a crib sized blanket, 3 burp cloths and one bib. These are all in pink camo on both sides, blanket with white satin trim.

Pink Dot Bibs

2008-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

I found more extra fabric that I didn't have any use for, so I made another bib. :) These are actually really fun to make, but I didn't think they would be.

Bibs

2008-10-06T12:48:00.001-07:00

I had some left over fabric I didn't know what to do with, and so I made bibs. :) Two. I haven't put the Velcro on yet, because I have to buy it, but I tried them on my 18 month old and they fit just right. These of course match a blanket and two burp cloths that I've already done.

Fall Is Here

2008-10-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

Fall is here and we have a LOT of sour apples in the back yard. Most of them are small and have fallen to the ground. But we got a few good sized apples and I decided to make a pie. I LOVE making pie crust. I think it's really fun to make and shape into the pie pan, and this time I cut out a little apple shape in the top. :) It turned out very yummy and we of course ate it with vanilla ice cream.

I look forward to fall and more yummy homemade goodies. I'm a big fan of holiday cookies, both the making and the eating. :)

Dinosaurs

2008-10-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Dinosaurs... in blue, orange, green and red. I thought this was so cute. But I didn't think that it was very "baby", so I didn't make matching burp cloths, just a blanket... in the crib size.

Pink Roses

2008-10-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

This is a crib size blanket with two matching burp cloths. Pink roses and a green satin trim.

Elegant

2008-10-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

I think this is the most elegant blanket I've sewn yet. A light blue background with white and brown flowers. I think the combination is SO pretty. This is a crib sized blanket with 2 matching burp cloths.

Dragons

2008-10-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

This blanket is the same on both sides. It is covered in green and blue dragons, and says Dragon all over it. I thought this was very cute. This is in the crib size.

And I of course made two matching burp cloths to go with it. :)

Ballet in Blues

2008-10-02T07:57:00.001-07:00

I've done the ballet dresses before, but I changed the back side, and this time made matching burp cloths. This is very girly. :) I like it.

Cowgirls

2008-09-28T17:34:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine is due with a little girl in December... I made this crib sized blanket for her, with matching burp cloths. :) Hope she likes it... I think it turned out really cute.

More Footballs...

2008-09-28T17:32:00.001-07:00

I sold one of my football blankets, so I decided to make another one... this is very brown. :) This is in the crib size.

More Burp Cloths

2008-09-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

So I've made two crib sized blankets in this fabric, now I have a matching snuggly blanket, and two burp cloths. I think this is so cute... I LOVE these burp cloths... to bad I'm done having babies.

Butterflies

2008-09-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I finished up another girl blanket... crib size. Purple butterflies with greens, yellows, hints of pink and light blue.

TRUCKS!

2008-09-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

I think that this turned out really cute... it's construction! :) So, because of the construction cones, I went with orange satin... I like it. This is in the crib size. Oh, and thanks to my friend Jill for buying me orange thread, so I didn't have to take my crazy kids back to the fabric store. :)

This is close up of the trucks...

And of course I had to do two matching burp cloths to go with the blanket!! :)

Combinations...

2008-09-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished this blanket... it's pinks, purples, and greens. This is in my crib size.

I made matching burp cloths(2), and a little snuggle blanket that match. To be sold separately or together... or just pairs. But I like the options it gives. :)

A Very Long Day

2008-09-24T17:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a long day. I just so happen to finish TWO blankets today, and a few burp cloths. This blanket is my second for the day... with two matching burp cloths. It's very pink, with white kittens, and a white satin trim. This blanket is in the "crib size".

Baseball with RED!

2008-09-24T13:57:00.001-07:00

I made this blanket already, but with white satin, not red. I think I like the red better. And this time I have matching burp cloths. :)