~Icky Stinky Wednesday~

I know I should be a little more excited that today is Wednesday, but I'm not.  I just wish that today was Thursday already because that would mean that I don't have to go to work tomorrow.  But, you can't speed up time and so I guess I'm going to have to suffer through two more days of work before I can have another 4 day weekend!

Muahahaha... I get another 4 day Weekend!

Oh, we didn't make it to Rowan's Back To School Night last night.  Derek had to get his haircut last night at 530 and the guy who does it takes forever to cut his hair!  He didn't get home until 615pm and we only live 7 minutes away!!  Ugh.  Oh well, there is always next year!

Derek headed off to Reno this morning with some "Fire Boys" and a few other cops.  It is a "Boys Weekend Out".  He won't be home until Friday evening.  I hope he has fun though... And doesn't do anything I wouldn't do :) I just told him to not be stupid too and get too drunk!  He doesn't need to make his Roommate sick by heaving his guts out all night long!

Hahaha.  Aren't I a nice wife???  Just told him to go and have fun but to make sure he doesn't get stupid sick.  He did tell me that they'd be bringing IV's with them so that the EMT's can stick them and make them feel better.

Because Derek was leaving today, I asked him to take us out to dinner last night.  We went to a local Italian resturant and had some really yummy food.  I had their Salmon dish.  They make it with this lemon sauce over the top with capers, and the outside is really crispy!  Oh so good.  It also comes with mashed potatoes and veggies.  I barely could eat much of it, because I had some of their mozzarella sticks!  Yum Yum!

Anywho.

Poor Miss Rowan woke up this morning Barking like a Seal.  I don't know why she is, because she wasn't coughing or anything last night.  I just tried to call my mom and see how she was before she went off to school, but I couldn't get ahold of her.  I hope she was okay!

I guess she'll just sit on the couch today and rest.  We don't have to do anything today, so that will be a good game plan.  If it gets any worse, I'm thinking we'll be going to the doctors on Friday.

Well, I'm empty of things to say.  I don't really have any thoughts on much stuff lately to ramble on about!!  Haha... Oh yes, I started listening to my Audio Books on CD yesterday and I'm really enjoying having someone read to me while I drive to work!! lol....

::C-Ya::
~Jenn~

~Feels Like Monday~

Goodness, how this morning feels like a Monday morning!  I woke up all dazed and confused this morning... Wondering why my alarm went off and what not.  Not to mention that I was sleeping on the couch in my bedroom...

Long story short, I just got too hot this morning and had to get out of bed.  Derek was producing such a great amount of heat, that it was killing me!  Come to find out, he was having bad dreams.  And you can only imagine what kind of bad dreams cops have!

Anywho, so when my alarm went off this morning I was a bit off.  I seriously thought that it was Monday.  I even started to think what kind of lunch I was going to make Rowan for school and came very close to waking her up for school!  Good thing I stopped being a Dodo-Head or Derek would have been very mad that I woke her up!

Yep, Derek is home with the kids today.  I just hope that Zach slept in a little longer than usual because Derek had dog training last night and didn't get to bed until after 130am!  So, knowing him, he'll be a cranky butt today!!

Just hope that he isn't cranky tonight.  Rowan's preschool (actually the school) is having Open House, so I told him I'd like to go.  It starts at 630, so we'll see if we make it.  lol...

Rowan's gym class went well last night.  She did really well, although it didn't seem like they did much.  She is getting really good at following directions and just paying attention.  I'm so proud of her... She is one of the best behaving kids in the class.  Her coach rarely has to say anything to her- in the negative way.  I'm just wondering if she'll want to continue with gymnastics as she gets older.

Anyways, I'm getting excited about the new seasons of all my favorite shows coming back.  We (the girls in my office) have been going through all the networks, looking for our favorite shows and then putting when they start and what times on our calendars!!  Silly, I know... But let me tell  you about some:

                     The O.C.- 9/8 @ 8pm Fox
                     Gilmore Girls- 9/13 @ 8pm The WB
                     Supernatural (NEW!)- 9/13 @ 9pm The WB
                     Survivor- 9/15 @ 8pm CBS
                     7th Heavan- 9/19 @ 8pm The WB
                     Nip/Tuck- 9/20 @ 10pm FX
                     Law and Order: SVU- 9/20 @ 10pm NBC
                     CSI (The Las Vegas one)- 9/22 @ 9pm CBS
                     Charmed- 9/25 @ 8pm The WB
                     Desperate Houswives- 9/25 @ 9pm ABC
                     Grey's Anatomy- 9/25 @ 10pm ABC
                     One Tree Hill- 10/5 @ 8pm The WB
*Thanks to Raven from So This Is Life for reminding me about the shows in Red!  If anyone else has any to add, please let me know!*

Haha... I'm sure you all are very happy that I shared this information with you!  But if you are anything like me, you'll want to have your DVR set to record your shows :)

Well, I must get going.  Many things to do and what not.  I hope everyone has a great Tuesday, because I am going to try hard to!

::Smiles::
~Pickle~

~Just Your Average Monday~

Well, I guess you can say that today is just an average Monday.  But for me it isn't.  Why you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  Okay, you ready???

I'm not at work!!!!

That is right ladies and gentlemen.  You heard me.  I'm not at work.  Can I get a "Woo Hoo"??  lol.  I know, I know, I'm a dork.  But I am the one that gets Two, yes Two, Four Day Weekends in a Row!!!

How did I get so lucky you ask?  Well, for one, I'm lucky to be able to work at an office that you only have to work 4 days a week in.  Then, I'm lucky that my mom is away helping my dad at a conference... ::Miss You Mom and Dad:: So, because my mom is away, I don't have a babysitter for the kids.  And then next weekend is a Holiday, so I automatically get Monday off again... This time it will be paid though!

So, that is how I got to be so lucky.

But other than being off today, its been a pretty average Monday so far.  I woke up at 6 am to give Zach his meds.  Then I went back to sleep until 640 and then got the Girl up to get ready for school.  After feeding her and making sure she found the perfect outfit to match her Black shoes (just like her pink ones but in black) and doing her hair... We were off to her school.

Goodness, does she like it there.  She always seems to be quiet and shy when she first walks in, but then just in a minute or two, she is off and running.  This morning I left her at a table that had trays with shaving cream and toy cars on them.  I can only imagine the fun that she had with them!!

After dropping her off, Zach and I went to Target.  Yeah yeah... Nothing new with Jennifer going to Target, I know.  But they had Carnation Good Start formula on sale for $21 and I had to stock up!  I also picked up some Luv's diapers that were on sale and some make-up for me.  Fun stuff.  I also picked up two packages of onsies for Zachary because he is totally outgrowing his 3-6 month ones.  Goodness, that boy is getting big!  But I did get something for Miss Rowan too.  She has been talking about the movie "The Aristocats" lately and the fact that when her YaYa's new house is built, she'll be able to watch it (because my mom has it and we don't).  So, I picked it up for her today and I'll put it in the DVD player in the car so when she gets in, it will be playing!  I think she'll like that :)

I do also have to go to Walgreens today and pick up Zach's prescription.  I hope they have it ready, because I don't have any for his 2pm dose.  We had to 'fight' with the insurance company again to get it filled.  I don't know why, but they think that we get a 30 days dose but we only get enough for 10-12 days.  So, again I had to tell the lady that we had none and that he wasn't even getting the 1.6ml on the prescription, but was now getting 1.8ml.  Ugh.  Its funny, because you are thankful that you have insurace to pay for your bills, but then again you can't stand them because they make you jump through hoops!!  Oh well.  He's getting his meds and that is all that matters... It keeps him healthy.

I'm so ready for a nap, it isn't even funny.  I don't usually take naps but I think today when the kids lay down I am going to too.  I just hope I can get my butt up and moving later, because Rowan has gymnastics tonight.  And for some reason, she is all jazzed- more than normal- about going.  Me on the other hand will have my hands full because I have to take Zach with me today.  Hopefully I can keep him occupied for the 50 minutes we are there.  Just gotta remember to bring the duck and a bottle... ::reminder to self::

Well the Pooper Boy is complaining in his crib.  I am trying to get him to go down for his morning nap, but more than likely he has lost his binkie.  Best go pop it back into his mouth!!  And boy, do I hope the UPS man comes soon... I wanna play with the new purse... hahahaha.

Have a Fantasic Monday all
::Hugs and Loves::
~Pickles~

~Biting Off Laura's Style~

Yep, I'm biting off Laura's style.  I saw that she was so excited about a weekend away with just her and her husband, that I thought I'd go and see about booking a weekend away... Just for Derek and I.

I'm also biting off where she had planned to go with Bill- her husband- but couldn't get reservations for.  I was lucky enough to pick a weekend that they weren't having any weddings or conferences... Sorry Laura, but I'm sure you and Bill had a great time in Old Sacramento this weekend!

So, the 16th of September, Derek and I will be off to Wine and Roses in Lodi, Ca.  I'm really excited.  Not only is it reasonably priced, but they have a Spa and Resturant on site!  I haven't booked anything in the spa yet, because they don't do Couple Massages... But I'm sure Derek and I both will be willing to go into our own little rooms and have a 60 minute massage.  I am just going to have to clarify with him before I book.

We will also be having dinner in their resturant on Friday night.  I'm excited because it looks totally Yummy!  If you go to their website, check out their menu.  Mmm Mmm.  I'm sure it will be a pretty nice bill ($) but who cares... I can't remember the last time that Derek and I went away for the weekend!!

Thanks Mom and Dad for giving us this chance!

Now we'll be having Two Great Weekends in September!!  First a weekend at a pretty B & B, just the two of us alone... Then the weekend after that the whole Clan (Derek's family) will be heading down to Pismo for the weekend!!! 

When we go that weekend, we'll be staying (sharing two bedroom suites) at the Pismo Lighthouse Suites.  It is such a pretty place.  In walking distance to the beach and all the great resturants.  And I can't wait for Zach to experience the beach for the first time!  I'm sure I'll come back with plenty of pictures to share with you all!

Oh goodness, is it September yet???  Just a few more days, really!!!

I'm so excited... Yippee!

Just thought I'd share this with you all.  Hope you all have a great Sunday!!

::Toodles::
~Pickles~

~Waiting~

I'm not waiting for anything important, just to let you know.  But I am waiting for some things.

First of all, I'm waiting for two new novels and two new audio books.

I finished "The Wedding" by Nicholas Sparks (Hey Lisa, there is the Author!!).  It was really good and I suprised myself by crying at the end.  I really don't cry all that much, but I did cry at this.  The book is really good and I just love how Sparks takes true-to-life emotions and happenings to make his books seem so real.  But you'd probably want to read "The Notebook" before you read "The Wedding" just so you know some background to the story.

I purchased Pamela Anderson's second book "Star Struck".  Her first one was good, raunchy, but good... And she says this one is even better.  I'm guessing she probably means more raunchy than her first :)  Oh well.  Its all good. 

I also ordered an Amy Tan book, her newest that is also a bio, called "The Opposite of Fate".  I think I've read all of her books, so I had to read this one.  Just so I can say that that I've read them all :)  I'm so silly.

Then I also ordered two audio books, well, just because I wanted to.  Actually, I have the two books that I got and have been wanting to read them, but I can't find one of them.  See, they go together.  I figured that because I have such a drive each day (total of 70+ miles), that having someone read them to me sounded nice.  Plus, I usually am reading more than one book at a time and this kills two birds with one stone.

The books on CD are by Anne Rice and they go in sequence.  One is "Blackwood Farms" and the other is "Blood Canticle".  They both have to do with Vampires and Witches.  So, you get two for one again.  lol.

I'm such a tard, I know...

I've also got some things coming from UPS on Monday too!!

I decided that because Derek spoiled himself with a Quad (that the jackass already crashed!!) that I was going to spoil myself with something I love too...

Another D & B, please :)  Yep, I know, I'm horrible.  But you know what, I think everyone has vices and mine is purses.  I don't spend money on alcohol or smokes... I spend my money on purses.  And I don't get them all the time either.  Me getting two in the last month is something that NEVER happens.  And it won't happen again either!!!  I'm pretty sure about that.

:::waiting:::

:::waiting:::

Is it night time yet?  I really want to go to bed, but I'm sure going to bed at 430 in the afternoon isn't what I should be doing.  hahaha.

Zach had a bad night again last night.  He woke me up screaming at the top of his lungs at midnight and wouldn't calm down for anything!  I swear, it took me a good 10 mins to calm him down and then finally get him to take a bottle.  After that he was out until 430 in the morning (his normal time to wake up).  I was lucky though.  I got him to take another bottle and go back to sleep until almost 8!!  Woo Hoo... Thats awesome.

So, needless to say, my Venti non-fat Vanilla Latte was my bestfriend today... lol. 

Well, the kids have woken from their naps.  They gave me a good two hours to myself... Thats always nice.  I better get a move on.  Rowan wants to bake a cake... Yum Yum ;) 

Have a great Saturday!
~Pickle~

~A Prince and a Sink~

I just thought I'd share some pictures that I took yesterday of Zach taking a bath in the sink... He was so cute!  He learned how to splash and was making himself crack up.  I couldn't help but laugh too :)

  

  

  

  

  

~What I Looked Forward To~

Oh the details the details...

Laura and I did get to meet you guys... And it was Great!

We met at the local mall, a mid-way point for both of us, since she lives to the north and I live to the south. 

The meeting spot at the mall, none other than Starbucks :)  Rowan and I were a tid-bit late meeting them, not because it took us forever to get to the mall or something- because we'd been there since 1230 (we were meeting at 1)- but because she had to use the potty for the SECOND time...

When we walked into the Starbucks, it was like meeting a friend that I've known for a while.  To me, there was no uneasiness.  Laura was just as sweet, funny and great as I imagined!

And Mr. Daniel... Oh what a cutie pie.  Although both of our kiddos were a tid-bit on the shy side when we first got them together, they seemed comfortable around each other by the end of the day.

After Starbucks, we made our way over to Build-A-Bear.  Rowan, the pro that she is, knew what she wanted and how she was going to do it.  Daniel on the other hand, was a little overwhelmed by it all.  He did seem to enjoy the Fluffing machine and all the colors.  He helped Laura make his monkey, which she named Dude and then went back to watching the machine.  He was just too cute.  Changing the colors of the lights by hitting the according buttons. 

I think Laura and I had more fun helping make the "bears" and dressing them and finding matching things than the kids did.  lol...

After we finally managed to get out of BAB, we headed over to the play center that they have in the mall.  Neither Rowan nor Daniel had every played in there, so they both seemed excited to finally get in there and play.  Good thing they had fun too, because it finally gave Laura and I a real chance to talk.

I'm guessing if we were distracted by the kiddos, we could have enjoyed our time together more... But it was okay, we had a good time and so did the kids.  I just wish I could havegotten a picture of us together and the kids together... Oh well, maybe next time!

I also wish that Rowan hadn't started to become such a butt by the end of the afternoon.  She was tired and didn't want to listen to mom.  I was so embarrassed... But I tried to remember that Laura did have a three year old also and I'm sure she'd been there before :) 

Oh yes, Rowan also decided that she was going to (accidently) spill her Strawberries and Cream Frap all over the floor in the mall.  I used my one and only cloth diaper (for burp rag) to wipe what I could of it up and then had to toss it.  Goodness... I think my face was probably a little red by then :)

After she started to get testy, we decided that it was probably a good time to go.  Both kiddos were tired and we had other things to tend to...

But it was a good time and we are hopefully going to get together again soon!

One meeting with a J-Land friend down... Many more to go :)

~Just Because I Can~

Well, just because I can... I'm going to go ahead and answer one more set of questions.

I got this comment in my email earlier and I couldn't say no:
Comment from: stupidsheetguy
"hmm, I was on the disabled list and missed the deadline AGAIN! I like the ones that everyone asked though, and you are a true sport for answering them so thoroughly!

I'm gonna push my luck...

::Questions he asked::

LOL, awww c'mon, one time for the old guy?

Jimmy"

Well Jimmy, how could I say no to that???  So, here goes...

1. What song would you say best applies to your life right now?: Goodness.  What a question.  I truly have no clue, so I'll go and say that I really love "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, because when I look at my kids, I want them to succeed in every little thing they do!

2. Do you like your name?: Yes, infact I do... Even though it is VERY common.

3. If you could be the Boss of any company for a day, what would you pick?: Oh, perfect question for me!!  I'd pick Dooney and Bourke!!  Woo Hoo!!!  Gotta love the employee discount...

Thanks for asking these great questions Jimmy... Wonderful as usual!!

Hugs to all,
~Pickle~

~Looking Forward~

I'm looking forward to many things this weekend.

After 330pm (or so) I will be starting my 4 day weekend.  So, I'm looking forward to that.

Yep, I've got me a 4 day weekend.  Isn't that nice?  Really, its only because Mommy will be out of town until Monday... So that means I won't have anyone to watch the kiddos that day, but I still get the day off :)

That isn't the only think I have to look forward to.

I get to take Rowan to school on Friday too.  I love taking her.  Is that weird?  I love seeing how she interacts and reacts to the people there.  She loves all of her teachers and they've seemed to takin' a liking to her too ;)  One of Rowan's favorite teachers, Miss Stephanie, is now pregnant though. 

Its funny how Rowan told me.  We were eating dinner the other night and she just bursts out with "Miss Stephanie can't go down the slide with me anymore because she has a baby in her belly".  I seriously had to do a double take and ask her what she said again because I just didn't believe she was telling me that.  See, Rowan just randomly throughs things out lately... Its actually kinda funny.

Yesterday, when I was on the phone with Barbie, I mentioned that we'd be staying in a hotel when we go down to Pismo next month... Well, because Rowan heard hotel, she spits out this long story about how she stayed in a hotel and had pizza with mom and dad.  Then she slept in the bed with us and we saw brother...

See, its kinda funny because that did happen... In MARCH!!  Rowan came up to see us when we were in Sacramento with Zachary, stayed in the hotel with us and had pizza in our room!!  Smart girl she is to put hotel and hotel together.

Anyway...

Friday brings other things to look forward to...

A Meeting Of J-Land Friends!!

Yep, that is right.  Laura and I will be meeting... Along with our kiddos... at the mall to have Starbucks, possibly do some shopping and just some talking.  I am really excited because this will be the first J-Land meeting for me- another one is in the works- and I promise details and pictures (hopefully!).

But I do know that if we go to the mall, Miss Rowan will more than likely want to stop off at Build-A-Bear :)  I might have to put that off though... Don't know if Daniel (Laura's son) will be able to get one and I DO NOT want to be rude and let my daughter build one when he might not be able to.

See, I do have some things to look forward to.

:)

I've been making my way to a lot of Journals lately that are playing that "Ask Me 3 Questions" game.  I think it is so neat that people are opening themselves up.  And you know, ::knock on wood:: I haven't seen one person ask a rude question! 

But now that I say that, I was sorry to read this morning that Lisa is getting Rude Comments from AIM users in her journal.  I just don't get how people can be like that.  People that do these journals are opening themselves up for other people to read about and what not... Well, I don't think its right that other people come in and start crap.

(watch... now that I've said this, I'll start getting rude comments too... but I don't care, I will just go and DELETE and BLOCK like everyone else does!)

Anyways, I'll step off my soap box now... lol

Oh yes, I'm about 120 pages into "The Wedding".  Its a Goodin' too :)  Very romantic and very sweet... Something I'm not usually into.  I'm sure I'll finish it this weekend, so I'll let you know how good it is when I'm done!!

Well, thats about all I have in my rattled head today.  I hope everyone has a Great Thursday!!

~Hugs~
Pickle

~Rambles and Finishing Up~

Well, its Wednesday and that means I have only one more day- Thursday- before I can start my weekend.  I don't know what is up with me, but I'm really needing it this week.  If I could, I think I'd just spend the weekend in bed.  Under the covers with my new book that I picked up yesterday.  Yep, Jennifer got her hands on another novel :) 

I never browse the "book and magazine" aisle at the grocery store, but yesterday I did.  I'm kinda glad I did too.  I found a book by Nicolas Sparks (The Notebook) and its called The Wedding.  It takes place after The Notebook and involves Noah and Allie's daughter Jane and her husband Wilson.  I read about 75-80 pages of it last night and I'm really enjoying it.  I'll let you know if it is good or not when I'm done in a day or so.

But anyways. 

I'm not going to be able to spend the weekend in bed.  Derek is working (is that anything unusal) and my parents are going to Monterey for the weekend.  Its not for pleasure, but for work.  Daddy has a conference down there this weekend and my mom has offered up her time to help set up and do stuff like that.  Isn't you a nice wife ;)

So, the kiddos and I are going to be pretty much by ourselves.

I do have an exciting "Adventure" of sorts that is coming up on this Friday... If all goes well, Laura -from Adventures in Juggling- and I will be meeting up at the local mall (she lives about 30 mins North of me) for coffee and some "adult chat".  Lol.  I know, I know... I've probably jinxed it now (lets hope not)... But I needed to share something exciting!

Hmm, lets see what else I can some what ramble on about before I get to those last sets of questions I have to answer...

Well, I guess I can share the fact that Derek went out yesterday for the first time with his quad.  He went to the hills with a bunch of the "fire boys" to do some riding on the trails up there.  And wouldn't you know it?  He goes and freakin' rolls the damn thing.  lol.  Yes, he is okay... He did jam his wrist and got some scratches, but other than that, he is fine.  His quad on the other hand... Well, she isn't as pretty as she was before he left.

Yep, the dodo bird that he is messed it up.  It no longer has a head light and the front break is being held on by duct tape.  The body has scratches too.  I'm glad he had fun and what not, but geeze, he has to go and break it on his first run out... Ugh! ;)

:: Love You Babe::

Oh, I have another thing to share with you!!!  Last night I started using those Crest White Strips that I told you I was going to buy.  I did it last night and this morning and I swear, I already see a difference!  I can't wait to see what happens after I'm done doing all those applications and wearing them for 30mins at a time :)

Well, I guess I'll get to answering those last two sets of questions that I got...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comment from: icewitch96
Yay! I still have time!

1. What is your most secret fantasy or desire and has it come true?: My secret desire would to be able to live with out any worries- financially, physically and mentally...

2. You win $100,000,000 in the lottery...what would you do with it?: Pay off Bills.  I'd pay the house off, pay off credit cards, loans and such.  I'd pay off family members homes and give them cash.  I'd buy a new house, car and then just put money away... Oh yes, I'd go on a Honeymoon too!! -never got one after D and I were married-

3. What would you do if something ever happened to Derek?: Wow.  What a hard question.  Truthfully, I don't know.  I guess I'd have to be there for my kids and stay strong for them... That is the only thing I could do.  And from there, I just don't know... And hopefully I won't ever have to think about it.

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Comment from: dazeychic
This is wayyy cool! I learned so much about you!
But I already knew you were a cool chick! ;)

Um...I have one question if that counts...

And only one because it's my favorite question to ask people!

Ok, ready!?  Think Indecent proposal here, you know the movie with Woody H.

If some rich guy offered you a 10 million dollars to sleep with him for one night...regardless of Derek... Would you do it?: Okay guys, don't go and think I'm a Hoochie (using a semi-nice word) or anything like that, but yes... 10 million dollars is 10 million dollars.  Do you know what you could do with all that cash???

And to follow up... Would you ask your hubby what he thought? Or would you even tell him about it?: Yes, I would ask/tell Derek.  And I know what he'd say, "Do it... its 10 million dollars!!!"  Yeah, my hubby is weird like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay guys...I'm going to jet now.  I hope each and everyone has a wonderful "Hump Day"...  

::Much Love::
~Pickle~

~Oh The Answers~

Well, when someone wants to play, you guys sure want to play along too!

I've got so many questions already, that I thought I'd do these for now and see if I get anymore today.  Remember, the cut off is tonight, Tuesday, August 23rd!  So, if you're questions aren't in tonight, they'll be left unanswered... Okay, they might not, but you never know ;)

And we're off...

Comment from: brandilynneliz

1.  Favorite Color:  Blue and Pink

2.  Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

3.  What would you do if you weren't a mommy?: I'd still be in school probably... that or hopefully starting my career.  What career?  I don't know, but I'm not sure if I'd be working at a Pickle Factory... lol

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 Comment from: Kelly (kellaw2)

1.  Ok lets see...I noticed that Row Row is older than the amount of years you have been married...and you are a young one...lol....How long have you and Derek been together: Derek and I have been together, officially for almost 5 years.  We 'dated' on and off from the time I was a Sophmore in high school until we got together in November 2000.  We've been married 2 years and Rowan is 3 (4 in January).  We got married when she was 16mons old.

2.  Derek looks like he might be a little bit older than you...Is he?:  Derek will be turning 25 in October.  I turned 23 in May... So yes, he is a tid-bit older than I.

3.  Besides Derek, is there anyone you ever thought wouldbe the love of your life?: No.  Truthfully not.  Derek has always "been there"... Even when I was with other Boyfriends... ;)

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Comment from: xxcrazygerl17xx

1.  Have you ever been to college? if so, what for?: Yes, I went to college from the fall of 2000 until the spring of 2002.  I went pretty much full time and worked at a grocery store while I was pregnant with Rowan.  I took a "break" after Ro was born to prepare for my wedding and never went back... I was going to college to get a degree in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Animal Science.

2.  Did you have a big wedding?: Yep, my wedding on May 17, 2003 was a big wedding.  Or at least I think it was.  150 people, 14 people in the wedding party (including Derek and I) and it was so much fun... Thanks Mom and Dad!!

3.  Do you have any tattoos?: Yes.  One on my ankle that is my pernament souvenir of Hawaii... A black "sun".  And then I have one on my back that is an 'open' (flat) Irish Claudage ring...  

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Comment from: luckyshammrock77

1.  Do you plan on having anymore children?: No, no more planned children.  Two Hands for Two Kids...

2.  What city/state are you from?: I was born in San Jose, Ca. and then was 'transplanted' (what they call it out here) to Ceres, Ca.  I now live a whole 10 mins away from the house that I grew up in...

3.  What do you do for a living?: I work in the office of a Pickle Factory.  I do the Accounts Payable and other stuff.

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Comment from: redpoppy007

1.  Where are you from?: Hughson, Ca... Central Valley California... just 10mins south of Modesto- think Laci Peterson Case!

2.  How many children do you want?: 2- so we are done now :)

3.  What is your favorite book?: "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice.  

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Comment from:scotthlori

1.  What is your guilty pleasure? (ex.  food, tv show...): Food... Totally!!  And mostly desserts... Brownies, Cakes, Ice Cream.  I'm horrible when it comes to sweets!!

2.  If money where no object, what kind of vehicle would you drive?: Truthfully, a big SUV like I have now ('05 Tahoe)... But I would drive it everyday, to and from work... Unlike me driving my PT Cruiser because its better on gas :(

3.  What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?  (Ok, so I stole that from a blinkie...hehe!): Go back to school... Become a NICU/PICU Nurse, like those wonderful people that helped Zach when he was Sick and Laura over at "Adventures in Juggling".  

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Comment from: barbaramck

1.  Books or Movies?: Books... Books are always better than the movie!

2.  One day of total happiness or five years of just okay?: One day...

3.  Iced Vanilla Latte' or Caramel Mociotto (sp?)?: Hmm, for a Hot coffee, I'll take the Venti Caramel Mochiato (sp?) but for Iced... The Vanilla Latte... Yummy!  

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Comment from: yaya1

1.  HAVE U MOVED AROUND ALOT: No.  From San Jose at 7 years old to Current Location...

2.  HOW LONG HAVE U BEEN MARRIED: 2 wonderful years...

3.  WHAT DIDNT U GET FROM UR CHILDHOOD THAT U GIVE UR CHILDREN: Wow, hard question because I got a LOT from my childhood... Truthfully, I don't have an answer for that  

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Comment from: kathlyna22
1. What is one thing you will never let your children do, for example, bungee jumping naked?: Shoot, if they want to bungee jump naked, whatever... But I don't want them screwing up their face or body at a young age.  So, I'd have to say I wouldn't let them get anything pierced (besides their ears) before the age of 16...  

2.  When's the last time you recieved a ticket, speeding or parking, and what was the first thing you said?  ::Knocking on Wood:: I've NEVER gotten pulled over :)

3. Is there anything you regret from when you were younger?:  Saying "I Love You" to people (boyfriends) that I didn't really love, because until you truly find your "One True Love" those words are meaningless...  

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Comment from: ravenlark2
1.  If you could meet three people, living or dead, who would they be?: First I'd love to meet my husband's grandmother that passed away before I got together with him.  He was such a big part of his life and I feel that I missed out on meeting such a great person.  I'd like to meet Anne Rice, just because I'd love to hear what she has to say on a ton of different subjects.  Lastely, I'd love to speak to George Washington... To ask him if there is truth behind all the rumors of a secret society!!

2.  What's your favorite way to pass time when you get an afternoon free to yourself?: Read... Veg Out... Simple stuff.

3.  What is one thing you hope to see happen in your life time? (IE-Woman president, Cure for Cancer, Happiness for a certain family member...etc etc etc. Can be world event or more personal): I'd love to have all the deadly diseases cured... To have someone find the one thing needed to cure it all.  Heck, who knows, it could be hiding deep in that Rainforest we all hear about!!  

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Comment from: brianswife7378

1.  What made you decide to put Rowan in Gymnastics versus a different class like a dance class or swimming classes?: When Rowan first started Gymnastics, she was only 18 months old... it was more Gymboree type class just to give her some child interaction.  She was too young to be in dance and I've always said that I'd teach her to swim, because for one I did swim/play water polo competitively and two, my parents taught me to swim and I cam out okay.  Now, she just enjoys gym so much and is truly good at it for me to switch her out.

2.  Do you get along really well with your MIL, have you always gotten along with her?: Yes, I get along great with my MIL.  I have from the time that Derek and I started to date.  In fact, when I got pregnant (oopsie) and Derek told her, she said "well, Jennifer was already a part of our family, she'll just now be a bigger part of it".  I do also work with and for my MIL at the Pickle Factory... She is the office manager.

3.  Tell me about how your house is; layout (open floor-plan?, traditional ranch? two story?), square footage (how many bedrooms and baths, cool appliances and features?), how it's decorated and with what colors... (not cuz I'm creepy and stalker-ish.. you know me... ) just cuz I love houses (a sad side-effect of being a home-builder's wife)... I'll even tell about mine, if you wanna know.: My house was built in 2002.  Its a one story, 1700 square foot home that has 3 bedrooms and a den (that is now being used as a bedroom for my parents until their home is done).  We have two full baths and Pergo flooring through out the house.  Besides Rowan's room, the rest of the house is painted in Cottage White... Thanks to the builder.  Rowan's room has 3 white walls and one purple.  We are actually in the process of looking at colors to paint the rest of the house.  A hard task because Derek is "afraid of color"!!  Hmm, now our home decor is a bit traditional... Maybe with a little French Country thrown in it.  Nothing too much or too dual :)  We do have a beautiful mirror above our fire place that my parents bought us the first Christmas we were there... Its our main focal point in the house.  We are still finding places for things and learning what we want to do in the house, even after 3 years :)

Okay guys... Thanks for the great questions... I'm still up to answering more, if you can think of some ;)  

Have a great Tuesday
~Pickle~

~Let's Play A Game~

I found this over at "Up Against Myself"...and I wanted to play to...so here goes....

Ask Me Anything

Let's Play A Game!
The game:  ASK ME ANYTHING

Here's how we play:

- Ask me 3 questions. Any 3, no matter how personal, private or random.
- I have to answer them honestly. I have to answer them all.
- In turn, you post this message in your own blog or journal and you have to answer the questions that are asked of you.

Questions must be submitted in the comments thread of this entry, no later than 9 PM (PDT) tomorrow night - Tuesday, Aug 23.

I know I've done this before... But I do have some new readers... And possibly some "lurkers" (come out, come out, whoever you are!) who don't know everything about me...

So, lets have some fun!

~Pickl~

~Veg Out Weekend~

   
                   Zachary Justice Matthew... Asleep in his highchair...

This weekend was good for me.  It did my head good, if that makes any sense.

All I really did this weekend was Veg Out.  From Friday until Sunday I just basically relaxed. Did some deep breathing... A good suggestion.  Huh Barbie ;)

Friday evening was spent at home, with some of my girlfriends.  We basically just had "adult talk" and a good time.  We watched "Six Feet Under" and none of us understood it besides one of my friends... So she spent the whole time explaining it to us.  It was good though.  Then we watched "Honey".  Haha... Its such a corny movie, but it was A-Ok.

I should have know that watching that movie would have started a trend for me... Because all I did the next two days was watch movies!

Hmm, lets see...

Saturday I watched:  "Forgotten", "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and "How to Deal"...

Then after all those movies, I went to my BIL's and watched UFC: 54.  It was good... One dude got knocked the funk (hehe) out by being kicked in his head... He crashed down to the ground and his hands were still up in the "protection" mode.  It took him a while to wake up too!  But the "Champion" fight was the best.  Chuck Lidell (sp?) fought Jeremy Horn and beat the crap out of him!  Jeremy Horn had to quit fighting him because Lidell hit him in the socket... He couldn't see.

Goodness, listen to me ramble on about these men beating the shite out of each other... Thanks Derek for getting me addicted.  At least I'm not the only Girl I know that watches it.  My SIL was right there with us, enjoying every bit of it too :)

With Sunday came more movie watching.  I swear, I just need to decompress, as My Daddy would say.

I watched:  "Shrek 2", "Open Range", part of "Quigely Down Under", "Catwoman" and part of "Hell Boy". 

Yes People.  I sat on my butt pretty much the whole darn day!!

But I don't care.

It helped my spirits and my mood...

Anywho...

Enough about me being a Lazy Butt!

Today I'm going to be pretty busy.  I need to get a dent into my work here at work because at 1215 PT I have my Fantasy Football draft through NFL.com.

Yes people, I play Fantasy Football.  Just one of those things that you pick up from being with someone... Among many other things that I would never have thought about!! <get your minds out of the gutter people!>

I'm also going to go to Target this evening before Rowan's gymnastics class... ::Reminder to Self, BRING CAMERA::  I am going to pick her up some new sheets and new comforter.  Poor thing tinkled in her bed on Saturday- thanks to crashing HARD and drinking too much water during the day- and we don't have replacement sheets for her room!  We have replacement sheets, but nothing that I'd want to keep on her bed for a few days...

I'm also going to pick up some of the Crest Whitening Strips.  Coffee and Diet Pepsi's are running a muck on my teeth!!  I hope they work... I've heard they do a good job, I just hope they do a good job on my teeth!!

Okay people.  I gotta run.  I need to get started on Payroll... So I best do it or no one is going to get paid, lol... Oh yes... For you guys out there who have hinted to me in my SUCKY entry that "maybe I'm preggo"... I'm not :)  I take the little pill faithfully every night... lol.

Have a great Monday folks...
~Pickles~

~Hi-Di-Ho~

Wow, I can't believe that I didn't post yesterday.

I didn't even have a good reason not to.

I guess it is just hard to get on here and write about stuff when you are in a phunk.

::you like that spellin' don't ya::

I know I know... I have no reason to be in a phunk, but I am.

My mind hasn't been all there lately.

Can't really explain it.

I just haven't been me all that much lately and I've been told so too.

But anywho...

Other than being in a phunk, stuff has been really good.

Rowan is enjoying school.  She does have a hard time in the mornings, getting ready and what not.  But I think it is the whole separation anxiety thing that makes her have a melt down.  Because once we head out and then get to school, she is as happy as a lark.

Zachary is growing by leaps and bounds.  He is sitting unassisted very well and will actually try to sit up from the laying position.  He doesn't get more than his shoulder blades up, but he is sure trying.

He loves to just stand too.  He'll hold onto the table and just stand there.  He'll hold onto your fingers and pull himself up into the standing position also.  Everyone at home has been telling me that they think he'll just go straight to walking and skip the whole crawling thing... Like his Uncle Boo- who walked when he was 8 1/2 months old!

I hope he does crawl though, at least for a little bit.  Seeing them do that is the cutest thing.  Rowan used to do what we called the Pirate Crawl.  She'd literally put her left leg up and push with it, like a Pirate hobbling on a wooden leg.  She took her first steps to her Daddy the day after Thanksgiving, November 2002.  She was almost 11 months old.

I just hope Zach isn't like his Daddy when it comes to the walking thing.  Derek didn't walk until he was almost 15 months old :)  He was such a fat, lazy baby... lol.  He is  Mama's Boy... I tell ya.

Nothing much happened on Thursday.  I did get to sleep in due to having to stay home for a bit while my mom had an appointment... So that was nice.  But other than that, nothing else happened  ;)

Today I took Miss Rowan to school and paid ahead 4 months.  I figured that I didn't want to worry about payments during the holiday months.  You know, pay it now and we'll have a little more cash in our pockets to buy gifts for Christmas.

After Zach and I picked her up, it was off to the grocery store.  Goodness, I got out of there under $100, but didn't buy anything good.  Seriously.  I bought Oreo's, Pound Cake, Chocolate Milk and Ice Cream.  I did buy some fruit... Peaches and Apples.  But I bought Carmel dipping sauce for the apples :)  I guess I am having a major sweet tooth lately. 

Oh!  I did pick up that new Sara Lee White Whole Grain bread.  I love white bread, but I liked the nutrional idea of the whole grain.  SO, we'll see how much I like it... I'll make sure I let you all know.

Hmm. What else, what else.

I've been thinking about buying Zachary a walker.  My dad kinda reinforced the idea this morning.  He said he's sure that Zach would like it... Since he likes to be mobile.  I just need to get my butt to Target or Babies R Us and check them out.  Any new mommies or mommies period have any good brands or walkers that they like(d)??  If you do, let me know!

lallalala...

Tonight my friend Amy and my other friend Nicole (who's wedding I was in) are coming over to hang out.  It will be a Girl's Night... Plus the kids... lol.  Derek is working and my parents went to Yosemite for the weekend, so it is just us.  We all need a Break for some reason or another, so I am guessing that is part of the reason that I got all those sweets :)  Sugar always helps, right?

Speaking of Sweet.  I tried a new coffee drink today, thanks to a recommendation from my Friend Barbie.  She told me to try an Iced Vanilla Latte.  Let me tell you, it was Nummy!  It wasn't too sweet and it wasn't too bland either.  I think I'll have to have another one sometime soon...

Hmm, what else.  I know I was going to tell ya something.

Oh yes.  Tomorrow Derek is off... Woo Hoo.  He took the day off and we'll be going over to his bro's house to watch the UFC on Pay Per View.  Should be fun.  Just hope he doesn't want to stay there all freakin' night!!

Ugh.  Thats it.  My brain is tapped and Rowan is wanting a snack.  If I'm lucky, I'll be able to lay on the couch a while while Zach continues to nap!

Have a great weekend Friends.

::HUGS::
~Jenn~

~Sucky~

Sucky. 

If you were to ask me how I feel, that is how I'd answer. 

Sucky. 

Yep, thats me today.

No fun I tell ya.  I feel like I'm getting sick again.  My throat is killing me and my head feels foggy.

I seriously hate this feeling and I can't figure out why I keep getting sick (?) like that!

Maybe its too much A/C?? 

You know, too much stale air?

Plus, I woke up at 2am feeling sick to my stomach.  I actually got up and hugged the toilet, thinking I was going to be sick!  Thankfully, I didn't get sick, but I did sleep on the couch in my room... To stay away from Derek and the baby... And to be closer to the bathroom, just in case.

I feel better now... In the whole sick to the stomach thing.  But not my throat.  I just hope that I'm not getting sick again like I did last month.  I don't want to get a shot in my booty again :(

Anywho. 

Poor Miss Rowan didn't have such a good morning either.

Silly girl.  She woke up at 545 this morning and didn't go back to sleep.

So, by the time we tried to get her dressed and do her hair... She was loosing it.  Having a major melt down, I tell ya.

And when we finally did get her calmed down and sitting on the couch, I had to leave for work.

So you know that brought on more "water works".  I haven't asked my mom how dropping her off at school went... But hopefully it went well.

I feel so bad for Rowan lately.  I don't know what is going on with her, but she has been whining and out-of-hand.  I feel sorry for her, because sometimes my patience is shot.  I can't take it everyday... All the time.  I know, I probably sound like a bad mom or something, but its the truth.

Maybe Rowan is just going through a "phase".

Anywho...

Lalala...

I drove by Chevron this morning on my way to work.  I about died when I saw that the price of gas went up another two cents... From Monday!!  Shite, regular gas there is $2.75!!  I don't get it... Why do we Have to pay so much.

I know I'm going to have to budget like $150 for just gas when we go to Pismo next month!!! 

Yippeee... A trip to Pismo!!!  I can't freakin' wait.

Oh yes.  I do have a little tid bit of a secret. 

Well, its not really a secret... But I really don't want to say something to jinx the plan that "we" have.

But it has to do with J-Land... and a possibly meeting of friends :)

I'm not going to say when, where or who... But just keep your fingers crossed, okay?!

Well my Friends, I'm going to get a move on.  I'm going to put my head into my work and possibly look to leave a bit early this afternoon...

::Ta::
~Pickle~

~GOOD~

Holy Cow!  I feel GOOD.  A good nights sleep and a Venti Carmel Mochiato on top of it... Oh yeah, I'm good.   

As you can tell, I'm in a pretty good mood.  Zachary slept great last night for the most part.  He did have a crying fit around 1030pm last night that lasted a good 10 mins, but other than that, he slept until 4am!  Derek and I couldn't figure out what was going on with him when he did have his crying fit.  It kinda scared me, because he'd be almost asleep and then he'd act like stuff was coming back up his throat (like acid reflux) and start crying again.  Finally, I got him asleep and then just put him in his bassinet.  I checked on him a few times in the middle of the night and at one time, he had the cutest little smile on his face!  Aww, what a sweet heart.  

Anywho.  I hope you all enjoyed those pictures from yesterday.  I had a good time taking them!  And yes, my parents have good genes :)  

Speaking of pictures.  I'm so bummed.  I took my camera to gymnastics last night.  I was so proud of the fact that I did too... Well, none of the pictures came out that I took!  I guess it has to do with the fact that there is plexi (sp?) glass up.  So, there was this awful glare each time I took a picture.  I guess next time, I'll have to ask the teacher (who I know is younger than me!!) if I can go out there to snap some pics.  Hopefully she'll say Yes.  

Oh!  Zachary had a cardiologist appointment yesterday.  My Little Man weighs 18lbs and is 27 inches long!  The doctor said he is doing really great and actually told us we didn't have to come back until October.  No more monthly visits.  He did happen to say that because Zach had such a rough start that he wasn't sure if he'd start to take him off of his meds at a year old, but thats okay with me.  I want to make sure Zach will be just fine off of the medication!!  He also didn't seem to be worried about Zach and he's new eating habits.  That sucker won't eat more than 4 ounces at a time, unless its really late at night or early in the morning!  I just don't get it...  

Anywho.  Yesterday afternoon, we went to dinner over at my inlaws.  Actually, we brought dinner over to their house... In a thank you to them for letting us keep our quad there.  It was really tasty too!  I'd have to say, Derek can sure cook yummy.  Potroast in a bag, with carrots and potatoes, and then mashed red potatos.  Oh those were NUMMY!!!  

Well guys, I know I didn't spill too much today... But I'm fresh out of stuff to talk about.  I hope you all have a grrr-eat Tuesday and what not.  

~Toodles~
Jennifer

~Photo Entry~

As promised, I am sharing pictures.  Pretty much, this will be a photo entry.  I'm super busy and need to get my butt going on work!    
                 Fuzzy Photo... Rowan in the stroller
   
          I don't know why they are fuzzy, but they are...
   
                    Rowan and I on the carriage ride
  
        YaYa (my mom) and Rowan... Carriage ride again
                  Rowan, all proud, sitting by herself!
   
                Velvet, the horse pulling the carriage...
   
                   My Brother, Chris (Uncle Boo), 
                         his gf Amy and Rowan...
  
                     Rowan in a mini log cabin...
                  She had a blast playin' in there...
  
                                Pouring Coffee...
  
              The Three Musketeers in front of Gold :)
  
                 Rowan, pouring tea for the girls...
  
                          The Girls, enjoying tea...
  
                 The Boys... Boo, Grandpa (my dad)
                            and Mr. Zachary...
  
          Boo... It took me 3 times to get this picture...
                    Damn him and his Goofy Faces!
  
                Rowan in the Old School House,
                         pretending to read...
  
                     Rowan again... Reading. 
               She had been playing with Chalk...
  
          Rowan, Crashed Out... She'd been watching
                            "Finding Nemo"...
  
               Zachary, chowing down on a popsicle...
  
                 Holding on tight to that popsicle...
  
                         Num Num Nummmm....
  
                  Rowan, getting in on the action...
  
                                 What Mess???

Okay, thats all I've got :)  I know its a lot... hehe... Gotta run.  Tons to do!   ::Toodles::
~Pickle~

~Road Trip~

Oh goodness.  Such a busy day.  My brain is overloaded with things to tell you all!   Today, we went to Old Sacramento and bummed around for a while.  My brother and his girlfriend Amy, also came down from UC Davis, to spend the day with us.  

So, this morning, we left the house around 945am and headed up to Sacramento.  It was a smooth ride.  Rowan watched "Snow White" the whole way up there and never had to stop to use the potty.  Big plus there... It took us just an hour and twenty minutes to reach Sacramento and then another 10 to park and get down to Old Sac.  

I do have to tease you a bit and tell you that I do have pictures from today... A bunch or really cute ones.  But because I'm not going to load them up on my parent's laptop, I'll have to wait until Monday to post them.  Don't fret though, I will do it!  PROMISE.  

The first thing we did there was take a carriage ride.  Well, at least my mom, Rowan and I did.  It was so cute to watch Rowan waving at everyone and bouncing along to the clicky-clack of the horses hooves on the cobble stone.   

Truthfully, I think Rowan had the most fun out of us all today.  She got to explore the Discovery Museum and all other things.  She was a very good girl and ate well too!  Thanks Mom and Dad for lunch... and EVERYTHING else :)  

I did treat myself to some treats today though.  We stopped at a Chocolate store and I picked up a Carmel Apple, two chocolate covered carmel squares and a big square of English Toffee.  Oh yum yum.  I only have one piece of carmel left and the carmel apple.  Hehe.  I'm naughty naughty!  

We left Old Sacramento around 3pm.  We weren't there long, but it felt like a long day.  But unfortunately, the ride home wasn't as great as the ride up.  Poor Mr. Zachary started complaining as soon as we hit Stockton, which is 40 minutes from home!  Thankfully my Daddy is awesome and kept him pretty much occupied the whole way home.  

Miss Rowan also fell asleep watching "Finding Nemo".  I had my Mom take a picture of her... She looks too cute.  I can't wait to get the pictures up for you all!!  

Well, I just wanted to drop in and say "Hello" to you all and wish you all a great Sunday.  Hope you all are enjoying your weekend.  

 ::Many Smiles::
~Pickles~

~Lazy Dayz~

Boy.  It is such a lazy day, it isn't even funny.  I know I could be doing a million things, but the last thing I did was sit on the couch, watching a movie, while Mr. Zachary got a much needed nap in my arms!

I'm sure all you mother's (and Dad's, Jimmy) know what I'm talking about... How hard it is to get things done when you've got a VERY Cranky child on your hands.

Poor Zach.  He has a runny nose still.  His gums are still inflamed... Which you can only catch sight of when his fingers come out of his mouth, for those few seconds.  His appetite has even gone down.  Instead of his normal 6 ounces a each meal, he is eating just about 3-4. 

Of course, this bothers me.  One of his signs of SVT when he was sick was no appetite.  But, like the worry-wart mother that I am, I've taken his pulse just about 5 times today and each time, its been fine.

I'm going to say that his lack of appetite is due to the stuffy nose and it being hard to breath and eat at the same time.  That and the fact that he is now very easily distracted by things.  He'll quit eating and check everything out around him.  If you sit off by yourself and feed him, like I do in the wee-morning hours, he will down 5-6 ounces!

So, needless to say, when you have a child that doesn't like to be out of your sight or set down too often, it is very hard to get things done.

The only other thing I did do today was go and get my nails done this morning with Mom.  Goodness, did they need it!  We went the same wait (3 weeks) in between last time and this and my nails grew sooo much.  The gal did a really great job and cut them down a bit.  Boy, does that help on the typing.  Haha.

I did get some dragon flies and flowers painted on my big toes.  Let me tell you, this gal does great work.  All by hand too!  I can't believe it.  I'm going to have to take a picture of it and share it with you later... haha... Thats if I can get just the painting and not my whole toe in the pic!

Oh!  To all you gals out there.  I did try that Veet Razorless shave gel this morning.  I was pretty happy with it.  Yes, it did stink a bit, but it worked okay.  I left it on about 6 mins (it says not to exceed 6!) on one leg and 8 on the other.  The one that was 6 came out okay, but the other leg with 8 mins was better.  It was worth my $6.  I just hope it prolongs the hair growing back.  Hey Nae, how long does your mom get away with it???

Tomorrow my parents, the kids and I are going up to Old Sacramento for the day.  My bro and his girlfriend are going to meet us down there for lunch.  It should be fun, just as long as it isn't too hot and that Zachary doesn't get too cranky!  Lets keep the fingers crossed, okay??

The kids and I are home alone tonight.  Derek is working his normal shift tonight.  I tried to get him to call in sick because he is sick... But he won't do it.  He says he can't because he is the street warrior and they need him out there!

My parents went antiquing up in Jamestown.  So, I guess its just us for dinner.  The local Chinese joint in town just started a delivery service, so I think I'll take them up on that and order me some yummy dinner!

Well, Zach is cranky and Rowan is getting into stuff... Better get going!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

::Many Hugs::
~Pickle~

Weekend Assignment #72: The Ultimate Battle

VS      

From By the Way...
Weekend Assignment #72: The Ultimate Battle

Weekend Assignment #72: Which is better -- cake or pie? Explain your reasoning. Will you choose the moist sponginess and frosting-topped goodness of cake? Or will you side with those flaky crust-adoring, fruit-filling fanatics of the pie nation? You must choose one -- and only one! No trying to suggest that Boston Creme Pie is really kind of like a cake, or how cheesecake is actually not unlike a pie. Take a stand! Be true to your pastry orientation!

Extra Credit: Having chosen cake or pie, now admit your favorite variety of the dessert you did not choose. So if you chose cake, tell us your favorite pie. Prefer pie? Tell us your favorite cake.

Oh John... Why did you have to make this so hard??  And we only get to choose ONE???

Well, I'll go and say that I will take Cake over Pie any day.  I know, it is hard to just choose one... But thats what I'd choose.  My favorite?  Chocolate cake with Chocolate frosting.  A big ol' chunk of cake, in a bowl, with milk poured on top... Just the way my Daddy likes it!

Nummy Nummy Num.

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting is a close runner up!  But geeze, is there a theme with the chocolate?  I think so :)

Extra Credit:  My favorite pie would have to be Berry.  Warm and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.. Oh yeah!  Totally tasty!

Thanks John... this was fun, but such a tuffy!

If you play along guys, let me know!

~Pickle~

~Lucky~

I don't have much to share today.  I really don't know what to write... Infact, Barbie and I were talking this morning and we were talking about how we both were pulling a blank when it came to writing.

Well, I thought I'd share a thought or two that popped into my head at 230 this morning, while feeding Mr. Zachary Justice.

As I was feeding him, I looked down at this pretty perfect child.  Yes, he does have to take heart medication, but besides that he is pretty much a normal, healthy child.

I realized how lucky I am.

I'm lucky to be able to have children first of all.  There are many, many deserving, loving couples out there that should be having children, but they aren't able to... For many different reasons.  And then there are the unloving, undeserving people popping children out left and right. 

I'm lucky because my child survived a very scary incident.  He was dealthy ill and because of medication and good doctors, he was able to pull through it.  Some parents aren't so lucky when it comes to that.  Their children get sick and never get better...

I'm lucky because at 23 years old, I have the life that I've always dreamed about.  I have a husband that loves me, children that I adore and a family that is supportive and caring.  I have a home, cars and a great job...  Don't get me wrong, just like the "normal" people out there, we do struggle with personal and money issues, but I love my life.

Not everyone is lucky to have a life like I do.

And I realize it... More than you probably think.

As Zachary finished his bottle and I burped him, I flashed back to the first time I was able to hold him again after being taken off the ventilator in the hospital.  I never wanted to hold him so much... And truthfully, for the first few days there, I wondered if I would be able to hold him again.  And I did.  And I continue to...

That is why I'm lucky, besides many other reasons...

As I lay Zach down to go back to sleep and checked on Rowan sleeping in my bed (oops, we backslid on that one!) I got this warm happy feeling in me... And I thought...

"I'm one lucky gal"

And off to sleep I went...

Have a great day Friends.  Thanks for sharing in this 'semi-sappy' entry...

::Love and Hugs::
~Pickle~

~Damn You Mr. Sandman and Pics for your Viewing Pleasure~

I am so mad at the Sandman it isn't even funny.  He needs to learn how to make the little man sleep better... But that is all I am going to say on that topic!

Today is going to be more of a photo entry than anything else.  I think I will post a few pics over at "And One More Thing" too.  So, watch out for that alert too!

Yesterday Derek got his Quad.  Such a Little Boy he is.  So, I thought I'd show you what he is so proud of!
   
   
   
Yes, she (do you call a quad She??) is pretty.  And mighty fun if I do say so myself.  I did ride her around the court a few times... While Derek sped up and down the road :O  Miss Rowan even got a few little rides... Slow at first, but of course, the dare devil she is wanted to go Faster and Faster!!

Derek is keeping the quad at his parents house in their empty third car garage.  Good thing they offered too, because I didn't want to keep it in the backyard like Derek was going to!  Ugh, no way.

While we were loading up to go, I snapped the above pictures and then some pictures of Derek and Rowan:
   
Derek caught off guard.  He had to pre-approve all the pictures I took before I could post them... Something about not wanting to look stupid???
   
The Princess and her Daddy... Can you tell she'll never pass up taking a picture??
   
My pretty little girl... She told me, "Mom, take my picture too!"  Sheis so darn funny!!

Yesterday, I think the picture bug bit me because I decided to take my camera with me and take some pictures on the way over to the in-laws.  These are the pictures that I snapped while going and coming from there... Its mostly country roads:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
I know, a lot of pictures huh??  My favorite is the barn in the corn with the sunset behind it and then pictures of the red barn.  But how sad is it that this poor engine is covered in graffiti!!  Some people!!

Hopefully I haven't bored you to death yet with all these pictures, because I'm not done yet... lol.

I'm sure you'll like these the best, because they are of the kiddos!!  I had to take a picture of Rowan on Monday with her pink shoes... She is still only wanting to wear those shoes and no other!!!
   
   
                   The famous shoes... They never come off :)
                
                             Rowan and one of her poses!

Isn't she hilarious?  I swear, she's such a Ham!  Gotta love it though.  Some kids shy away from the camera... But not her.
   
I snapped these pictures of Zachary this morning while he was hanging out on my parents bed.  Even with his lack of sleep, he was still in a good mood!!
   
My smilie boy... And yes, them eyes are still BLUE at 5 1/2 mons!!

Of course, I couldn't get out of the house easily this morning.  Missy Moo started crying, so the only way I could get her to stop was take a few pictures with her... So, I will leave you with these!!!
   
God how tired I look... I guess I need to do better on my eye makeup!
   

Have a great day friends... I will be around... Maybe I'll add more later, but I've spent way too much of my work time doing this... So I best be off!!!

::Loves::
~Pickle~