Update

So, life has become busy once more.

Cheerleading started this Monday... its 5 days a week... for 1.5hours each day... that is until after Aug 22nd... then we go to three days a week. Thank god. Because I bet by then, I'll be even more whopped than I am now!

Rowan returns to school on the 10th... I'm sure she will be shell shocked with school activities plus cheerleading for the first few weeks. I can't believe she is going to be in 2nd grade. It kills me. Really, it does.

Working out has been going really well. Well, at least most days. LOL

Since the middle of May, I have lost 19lbs. I'm hoping for another 16 lbs more by Oct. 1st. Not sure if I will make it, but I'm going to try hard.

I'm doing a lot of different things. Lots of treadmill, some videos - like Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred" and "No More Trouble Zones"... even have done the CardioMax video from the "Biggest Loser". But mostly, its at least 30 mins of the treadmill almost every day.

I'm eating better... feeling better. Its amazing what exercising and being healthy feels like! LOL

I have dropped just about 1 1/2-2 sizes... and I can totally see my body toning up and developing muscle structure from the weights. Oh, yes, I'm doing that too... its in the videos - but I've also done it with the husband at the gym too. LOL

Told you we were on healthy/exercising kicks!!

I took some recent pictures lately - from when we went to Tahoe for the weekend... here are a few:

I wish I could share some of my honey and me - but, well, because of his job, I'm not going to... plus, most of you are friends on my facebook any how... so you will see them there!!

Hope all is well... Gonna go relax now... its been one of those day!!

Good Gravy...

... where the hell have I been, eh?

I have no excuses... except for that I find life to be very busy under the Pickle Jar.

We really don't have too many extra curricular activities going on - besides getting ready for fair - but I find that I'm constantly on the move. Okay, not constantly, because damn it, I've become addicted to "Farm Town" on Facebook... but moving enough.

I've moved on from the 30 Day Challenge on the Wii Active to doing the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michael's from The Biggest Loser. I'm not doing it 30 days in a row - but more like every two to three days... then take a break and just do cardio or like today and yesterday, just doing nothing.

The last three days, I've done the level and then hopped onto the treadmill for more cardio. Well, between that, the dreaded Curse, stress from my parents being gone... and life in general, my body decided to up and get tired and give up on me. So yesterday and today were down days.

Tomorrow morning, I'll be right back at it... Its funny how exercising can become some what addicting or rather, part of your routine after not being a part of your life for some time.

I'm still struggling with some issues - getting it done and eating better - although, I've pretty much cut out all sodas and most alcholic drinks... lol But I can honestly say I'm enjoying the work outs and the results I've been seeing.

I've lost about 15lbs since starting the 30 Day Challenge back in the middle of May... and I hope to lose another 20 lbs by October. I really need to keep track of my food intake - thinking of starting a food diary along with my exercise one... because I want to make sure I'm eating enough and not too much to lose the weight I want.

Anyways, enough about my weight loss challenge - although, I highly recommend Jillian's DVD's or rather, any of the Biggest Loser one's!!

The kids are great... Rowan is enjoying her Summer break. She is particularly enjoying the fact that I'm on vacation this week (my parents are gone, hence the need for child care)... she is getting herself ready to show her rabbit come next month at the fair. I got all of her whites for show, except her shirt... I can't wait to see her all dressed up. It will be too damned cute.

Zach, well, what can I say about him... he's my love bug and monster boy all mixed in. He is growing his hair out and looks like a long lost Jonas Brother. His laugh is unbelievably catching... and I don't know what I'd do with out him - although, some days he makes me want to rip my hair out.

Right now, he's going through a stage where he doesn't want to nap... and he wants to back talk. Its no fun. I think he's getting the hint that his mommy doesn't like it too much. LOL

Derek is good... he's dropped a bunch of weight too - the bastard. I hate how men can just drop the pounds with out trying as hard as us women. No fair. He's working a lot, but not as much as he had been...

We are looking forward to a trip we are taking at the end of the month to South Lake Tahoe for a wedding. It will be just him and I for two nights - plus the other people going as well - but I mean no kids... it will be a good time, I'm guessing. Its been a while since we've gone away by ourselves. Its over due!!

I've been keeping up on blogs, just so you know... but honestly, I'm not commenting like I should. I know that makes me a bad blogger friend... but sorry... sometimes, there isn't time or I don't know what to say! But I am reading...

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend... we are in for another busy one. There has been no breaks the last few weekends for us...

Toodles!!

30 Day Challenge

So, I decided that its time to make a life change.

Its time to do that dreaded thing and lose some weight.

I can honestly say I don't eat too badly. Mostly I don't eat enough... and then sometimes, when I don't eat and then eat, I eat the wrong things or eat too much because I'm so hungry.

I've decided to throw some exercises into the mix along with eating better - small, healthier meals more often during the day.

I recently saw some commercials on a new work out videa game by EA Sports. Its called EAS Active... You can find it HERE

It has a 30 day challenge that you can do... and I decided that is exactly what I needed!! I don't have the time or money to go to a gym. We have a treadmill (when its not making funky noises like tonight!) that we can use... so all I needed was more "gym" like stuff to do.

I really think that the EAS Active is what will be right for me - along with the cardio on the treadmill.

I have a goal.

I would like to drop at least 30 lbs by the end of September. If you average it out, its about 7.5 lbs a month... I know it will be hard... but I'm determined!!

Wish me luck, alright?

Its Cool to Celebrate Your Birthday All Week

Yea, that's what I've been doing all week pretty much!

My birthday was this Thursday, but I had been celebrating since Tuesday at work where we had BJ's Brewhouse brought in and I so enjoyed a Stuffed Baked Potato! Yum.

I even got a crazy cool balloon - that is still up and floating in my living room! Isn't it stinking funny???

We have gotten the last 3 or 4 birthday people some kind of Holy Cow its your birthday balloon... so I guess it was my turn!

Then Thursday, my actual birthday, I didn't have anything planned besides Rowan's Open House... because Derek had been scheduled to work all week during the evening.

Well, come 5pm on Thursday evening, when I was still at my parents house waiting to go to the Open House, Derek called and asked when I was going to be home because he was there waiting for me!!

Yup, my husband pulled a fast one on me. He got off work early and went and picked up stuff to make for dinner. He cooked a feast!! Stuffed chicken breast, bacon and jalapeno wrapped shrimp, twice baked potatoes! Omg. So yummy. He even picked me up one of my most favorite desserts - ice cream cake!!

I couldn't have been more surprised!! I swear, I'm one lucky duck to have him!

He even went to the mall and bought me some new Roxy flip flops - but he didn't get the right size :( So, I have to go and exchange them. But still, it was the thought that counts!!

I was off Friday from work and didn't do too much... pretty much took the kids to school and ran an errand to Target where I picked up some new sunglasses because my other pair had broken on Thursday morning.

I love Target glasses because they are cute, but if you break them, it isn't that bad because they didn't cost you a fortune!! I mean, $15 isn't the same as $150 you know?

The rest of the day, was pretty much spent being lazy! We played outside by the pool in the evening and did some more BBQ'ing... just the way I like to spend a day off.

Saturday was the last of the celebrating of my birthday though.

After our baseball game in the morning - where we did great! - and after Rowan went and got fitted for her cheer leading uniform (it will be here before we know it!) - we went to my parents where they were throwing a combo party for both my birthday and Derek and my anniversary.

I got some fantastic gifts, too! Some cash from the Grandma that Derek and I are going to put away for our Vegas fund - October is just around the corner! - then I got a Border's gift card and if you know me, you know that is like Gold. Then my MIL got me this cool Roxy bag and a gift card to Famous Footwear so I can buy some new sandals. And my parents got me this beautiful, I mean beautiful necklace when they went on their cruise. Its a round circle, with diamonds and two beautiful Emeralds on it. I was shocked! I can't wait to wear it...

We spent the afternoon/evening in the pool... enjoying drinks, snacks and a wonderful BBQ. I think that is pretty much a standard thing in the Central Valley when its summertime though. When its 100+ degrees!!

Today, its supposed to be around 104!! Can't believe its going to be that hot when its only the middle of May. That is more like mid June weather!! Its craziness!!

And today we are supposed to be working out in the yard!!

Thank goodness for the pool... if we get too hot, we'll just jump in and then hop on out to finish!!

God, I love summer! I am determined to get tan this year too! LOL

Have a great rest of the weekend ya'll!!

Poppin' In

... to say Hello!

Life is busy busy here... tball has taken off... we have practice 2 days a week and as of Saturday, our games have started.

We had opening day on Saturday and it was nice. We played our first game and let me say, it was interesting.

The kids did surprisingly well. They paid better attention during the game than I ever imagined! Only a few decided to do that cute thing called "Chasing Butterflies" instead of paying attention to the ball game.

I threw Rowan in as the catcher the first inning the other team was up to bat. The child has never played catcher before... but I was SUPER surprised and VERY pleased on how she did. She caught balls, she threw them back to the other coach with no problem. As we came off the field to get ready to bat, I started to tell her how well she had done and she broke down crying!

I guess she was rather flustered playing the position and she also said the dirt and something in the helmet (??) was making her eyes burn. I told her to shake it off and get ready... but kept repeating how well she had done... and she kept telling me that she didn't do good at all.

In fact, she is still telling me that... Truly, if I have anything to say about it... she'll be a rocking catcher - just like her momma was :)

Zach did pretty well... although I did have to carry him off the field after he "struck" out at batting. See, the kids get three pitches from the coach and if they don't hit off of those, they get three swings off the tee... if they don't hit the ball on those three swings or if they hit foul balls, they are "Out".

Well, Zach didn't want to hear that his time up to bat was over. He kept saying, "Puhleeese Momma... let me have another try"... well, it couldn't happen so I ended up just picking him up and carrying him off. Oh how he cried... but it was still too cute!!

Dear husband was unable to make the game... which was a bit of a disappointment, but its okay. He made some OT and my parents and his mom came to watch the kids. They had a blast watching the munchkins... and truly, I pretty much enjoyed the whole thing. I did get a bit flustered a few times, but I pushed on... LOL

I wish I had some pictures... I will have to wait until my momma emails me some pictures because I wasn't able to take any.... but when I get them, I'll share for sure :)


Everything else is going well.

My tattoo is healing well. Itchy like a muther f'er... but its healing and I love the way it looks. I'm already contemplating another one. I've got a few ideas... its just a matter of figuring out what I want and where to get it!

I will be getting another piercing done this weekend, I believe. I'm going to be getting a Monroe piercing... the one that looks like a beauty mark above the lip? I think it will look totally cute... and I get to go with one of my bestest friends (who is also getting pierced) Coley.

So, now I have something to look forward to besides another busy weekend... and house cleaning.

Hope you all have a good week!!

New Ink...

Okay, I know this isn't the best picture - Rowan took it and you know, a 7 year old isn't the best picture taker... but this is my new art...

I had it done this morning, so its still sore and oozing a bit... not to mention a bit more red than need be... LOL

Its a Celtic Motherhood Knot... which each circle at the top, the color of each of my kids' birth stones...

I'm sure happy with the outcome... its my first tattoo in 8 years!! Craziness... I'd like to get more later on, just not sure what though. LOL

Pass me a vacation in a bottle, um, k?

Okay, I know I'm technically on vacation right now... but that is from work... not life. LOL

I could really use a few days away from my normal life - preferably with the husband and to somewhere nice... doesn't have to be warm, but that would be a plus.

Derek and I have talked about when he is done with all this mess of a case about us going away for a day or so... just him and I. We threw around the idea of doing a Northern Cali tour - going to Great America and Six Flags Marine World - also hitting up bars and hotels along the way, ya know?

I think that would be fun... but I'd like to spend the weekend in the City - San Francisco for those who don't know it as that - but Derek isn't a fan of San Francisco, which totally blows!! He says its dirty and there are too many bums there. He is partially right about that... but there are other parts that are truly beautiful there!!

Yet, who is to say when Derek is going to be done with this... he is gone again... He left today and won't be home until late tomorrow night... if not Thursday. We'll see.

The kids and I have enjoyed our first two days off together. Zach is still going to school, but his days are over around 1145am.

Yesterday, we didn't do much... but today, we went and saw "Monsters vs Aliens"... and then tomorrow, we are going bowling with my SIL and niece and nephew. Thursday, we are going with a girlfriend and her daughter to the Sacramento Zoo. I'm excited about that. It will be the kids' first time! So you know there will be plenty of photos from that!!

Speaking of... here is a picture that I took of Rowan in the car the other day... I'll leave you with her toothless grin:

Easter 2009

We had a fantastic Easter... Brunch with family and then dinner with my grandma. The kids were spoiled and ate too much junk... but so did I. I hope your Easter was just as nice!

Rowan and Zach - my cheese balls.

The kids and I at my in-laws... this is right in the middle of the egg hunt - hence the kids looking like they are being interrupted.

Out of Nowhere...

... in walks me... ha!

Hello! I decided today that I would blog... so here I am.

Life is, as always, a bit hectic here in the Pickle Jar.

I feel as if I've been running around ragged for the last three weeks. In fact, I'm sure I have been.

My lovely husband is on a new assignment at work and they have a ragging case going on right now... I will not and can not tell you what it is... but its keeping him from us. He is working his damned sexy ghetto booty right off on this case.

I am extremely proud of him... and I can see him enjoying taking on this new aspect of his job - this is one of his first REAL investigations - but I can also see it taking a toll on him.

In this last pay period, he has reached 100.5 hours of OVER TIME! Yes, over time. So, he worked a total of 180.5 hours in just two weeks. Craziness, I say. Craziness. It will be a somewhat nice paycheck... but surely the money isn't replacing the time he spent away from home.

I know all this is part of the job... I grew up with my father being gone because he is a police officer... I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I got with him... I accept it. I am a VERY proud police officers wife... but I can tell you this, I do miss him greatly when he is gone...

And my children can sure DRIVE ME UP THE F'ING WALL when I'm all by myself with them! LOL

The last two and a half weeks have been quite interesting actually... I've made a trip to the Urgent Care for a child - you'd expect me to say Zach, yes? Nah... wrong. It was for Rowan. She is fine... she just did a number on her leg jumping on a trampoline at a friends house. If my parents hadn't been with me (Derek was out of town for his job) I think I might have gone off the deep in just a bit more than I already had.

You know, when your daughter screams bloody murder and cries out in pain when they are carried/moved, that something is truly wrong. At the urgent care, the Dr thought Rowan might have broken her femur... but in the end... after x-rays and wraps... she only pulled muscles or ligaments. ::whew:: She was on crutches for two days, but she is doing just fine right now...


This weekend should be a pretty good weekend if Derek doesn't have to leave out of town again... I hope to get all four of us out in the front yard to do some landscaping. My WONDERFUL mother came over week and a half or so ago and brought with her plants and a swift kick in the ass for me... and we worked in the yard... There are just a few more things for us to do in it to make it look perfect... and I'd like to get that done if the weather is nice.

I'm also looking forward to Easter. We are going to Derek's parents house for brunch and an egg hunt with the rest of his family. My parents will be out on a cruise enjoying some time to themselves... Derek and I plan on spoiling the kids a bit this time around. Both kids have been interested in the Nintendo DS Lite... so we are thinking of spoiling them and getting them one. We know its a lot of money at once, but Derek (and I) love to spoil them and since he'll be getting some extra money this check, he thinks its a perfect gift for them. I can't complain. Daddy is gonna do what he wants to do ;)

After Easter, I'll be off all week... I took vacation because Rowan is on Spring Break and my childcare (parents) are going to be off on their own vacation. I'm looking forward to spending time home with the kids and doing some fun things with them. I'm thinking of the movies and possibly a trip to the zoo. I'd like to take them to the San Francisco Zoo... but its a bit farther than I'd like to drive... so it might be the Sacramento Zoo instead. I've never been there, but I think the kids would have a fantastic time!!


Well, I know I've rambled on about a bunch of different things... LOL. I hope everyone has a nice holiday!!

It seems...

... that two weeks is my normal 'in between blogging' time now. Or at least pretty darned close.

I guess its the only way I can give myself enough time to come up with something to write about - not like our lives aren't super busy or anything ;)

Yep. We are Super Busy. I feel that sometimes, I need a Super Mom costume to run around in! I'm zooming from one place to another, it would make a whole lot of sense!!

We started Tball practice two weeks ago. So far, so good. Its a bit different for me. I guess I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. Dealing with 10 children at once is a bit hard. Thankfully, a few father's have stepped up to help lil' ol me do the practices.

My kids seem to enjoy it. Although, Zach is one of the youngest on the team and he seems to get bored if we are moving at a slow pace. At Thursday's practice, I looked up to find him on the bench just sitting there. I asked what he was doing and he said he was bored and wanted to sit down. I gave him about 3 mins on the bench before I made him get his booty back on the field.

We don't even have a game until April 25th - our opening day - and I'm hoping that by then, we can get most of the "techniques" down. Basically if they can hit the ball, throw the ball and make sure they get the ball to 1st base and back to the picture to stop the play, I'll be golden. So far, we aren't there yet. But I'm sure we'll get there.

4 H has also taken up a bit of our time this month... We've had 3 meetings and total and its just the 15th of the month. I can only imagine as Fair approaches (July) that it will be more and more. Rowan is practicing with her rabbit daily - the nice rabbit, not the feral one. She seems to be getting used to the idea down on how to show a rabbit.

This last weekend, we had a dinner we had to attend for the City. It was where they acknowledge the new hires, promotees, and the Police/Fire/Personal person of the year. I told Rowan that we had to look nice because Daddy was getting up in front of the people... so she picked out her own outfit. She looked so pretty in her green dress... Such a good Irish Girl.

Of course, I had to get a picture of the Super Model. She loves to pose - always has. And even if she is missing 4 teeth - with 2 more lose ones - she is simply gorgeous...

Of course my son couldn't be left out... I dressed him in such a cute outfit - although I got plenty of Shite for it. See, I put him in a pink shirt... and to me, I think that is fine. You know, "Real Men Wear Pink"... but a handful of people had something to say about it and by the end of the evening, I was ready to lay into someone! Now tell me, isn't he damned cute in that pink shirt??

Who can say that him wearing that is wrong??? I think he was totally ROCKIN' the look... not to mention his cool ass flame shoes!

He might be a Momma's boy... But he is surely a BOY! No questions about it ;)

Busy Weekend

This weekend was a bit on the busy side...

I came home from work on Friday early - not feeling all that well - and after making a pit stop at the local Home Depot for a few things. We needed a new filter for our air system and I also picked up a new shower head for the shower in my bathroom. I've been wanting a shower head that has those changeable settings and what not for a while... so I decided to pick one up.

After that, I spent the evening on the couch. I couldn't really pin point what was wrong, but I was just feeling Off. Still sorta am, but not as bad as Friday. That's for sure.

Saturday, Rowan and I spent the day with my mom... a Girl's Day out. We went to a GIANT mall about an hour and 45 mins North of us - Galleria at Roseville. We have a mall here in town, but its NOTHING compared to that one.

We did a bit of shopping - some at the Disney Store - and then met my brother and his wife at a restaurant there at the mall. It was SUCH a nice lunch... the longest I've had in a while. I swear, we were there for an hour and a half! I even tried my first Dirty Martini! I can honestly say that its not something I'll have again - but I'm glad I tried it.

After lunch, we went back to shopping. See, my mom decided to take Rowan shopping as her birthday present - so that's what we did. We shopped at Gap Kids and my mom and Rowan picked out a BUNCH of cute things. I got some outfits for Zach - because I couldn't resist. But damn, now I know why I shop mostly from Target and Children's Place when it comes to my monsters... That place is OUTRAGEOUS!!

The mall has a Louis Vitton store as well... we went in just to look around. The purse I liked was SO cute... but of course, it was as much as a monthly house payment for me! I can't believe it. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have one... but its just too much money for me.

We had such a good time, being together... for a Girls Day Out. But we were all super tired... that much shopping and traveling can wear a girl out. For sure. We didn't get home until 630pm... and I was asleep by 9!!

This morning, we had our 4H clubs breakfast. Rowan and I signed up to work 830-1030am. That sure seemed like the busiest time to work, oh my goodness.

The turn out was great though... I'm sure they made plenty of money for later on...

This picture is the picture that we turned in to the Rabbit Leader to put on the Primary Rabbit Group board at the breakfast... Personally, I think she is gorgeous, but I might be a bit biased ;)

And yes, that is pink in her hair... she got a pink extension put in on Friday. It looks so cute. It will be there for about two months or until she gets tired of it. I don't think she'll get tired of it though... LOL. She's already talking about getting another one put in!!

Overall, it was a good weekend... although somewhat busy... now, its off to watch a movie with the hubs... I think it will be early to bed as well! Have a good week!!

In a League of My Own

Tonight, we had a coaches clinic for all the tball and rookie coaches in our youth baseball league.

I'm sure, you can guess by the title and picture what I'm about to tell you...

I'm the only, yes only, mother (woman, whatever) coaching!!

I was surrounded by men tonight... usually, that is something any woman might dream about... but not me.

Or at least not tonight ;)

I was overwhelmed. I was looking forward to see what other mother had the guts to join "the boys club" and coach their son or daughter - or in my case, both.

Well, I was left alone. All by my lonesome to be there with men upon men. Buddies who grew up in this town and know each other for forever... guys who looked at the lone woman like an enigma.

I sent an email to my mom tonight while there (gotta love my blackberry) saying how I was the only mom coaching...

I should have known that emailing her wouldn't get sympathy... but rather "YOU GO GIRL! You can do it... Be a "----" (my maiden name)"... Instantly, I felt somewhat better.

I even stuck up for my team when it came time to pick the field date and time! I basically said that being "odd woman out" that I should get one of the first picks... I am woman, hear me ROAR!! LOL

I'm looking forward to coaching... I know its not going to be the easiest thing to do. Partially because I'm doing it alone. I have no assistant coach and Derek has no desire to coach... so its just me. I'm going to rely on parent help... which, being a first time coach, I'm going to welcome. But I know I'm not going to let some egotistical man overstep the boundaries and take over the team!!

Again, I am woman, hear me ROAR!!

So yea... I'm in a league of my own (my favorite movie of all time, so its kinda fitting)... but I'm SO looking forward to it!!

Someone Turns 4 Today...

Today, my baby boy turns 4 years old...

Its amazing to see how he is becoming such a "Big Boy" and isn't a "baby" anymore...

He's my sweet little cuddle bug boy... and its hard to see him grow up... knowing he is it. The last one.


We celebrated both Rowan and Zach's birthday last night with family and some friends at a local pizza place. Zach's birthday theme was WALL-E... hence his WALL-E outfit in the picture...

Today, we are going to my parents for a late lunch/early dinner so celebrate again - but this time with my grandma... since she didn't make it last night.

So, Happy Birthday Zachary Justice. You are 4 years old today!!

Lil'Bit Out and About

Rowan took Lil'Bit out for some fun this morning...

Thought I'd share a few of the pictures that I took while she was out...

Miss Rowan and Lil'Bit...

Lil'Bit hopping around on the couch. Of course, Zach snuck in there...

She decided to climb up onto my lap... and proceeded to climb on the computer too! Guess she wanted to see what I was doing :)

Lil'Bit standing up to say Hello!

Chopped

I chopped my hair off, once more...

It was short to start with - but I cut more into the back and now I'm really Loving it!


The husband doesn't like it... he says its too short. But you know what I say? I tell him its my hair and he's not the one having to do it... so just deal :)







I also had her fix the color. I wanted some high lights, but I didn't want the color that it turned into the last time she did it...

This time she did something a bit different and I'm loving the creaminess of the colors. They look more natural and not as harsh as bleached out blonde.

I'm still trying to prefect the look - I'll get there - but I just wanted to share!

Party Party!

Last night we had Rowan's birthday party with her friends...

It was supposed to be four girls total - with Rowan - but unfortunately, one of her little friends came down with a stomach bug, so she was unable to make it!

There was pizza and snacks - as you can see from the picture - and cupcakes for the girls to decorate!

I think the girls were a little shy because one of them ate the pizza - but you know all three girls indulged in the cupcakes with a SUPER amount of sprinkles!!

They played Rowan's Disney Wii Sing It for a while... its was so cute to see them rock out and sing their favorite songs together...

Its funny to see kids interact outside of school... I think its a lot better for them... since they don't have the Pressure of other friends, ya know?

They also played some Twister and then it was time for presents.

Rowan is the proud owner of a brand new $10 bill and some High School Musical PJ's. I believe she said that she was going to buy something for herself at Target when we go today with that $10.... That's going to be a hard one to explain to Zach why he's not getting something ::sigh::

I'm not sure when we'll be heading out... The weather is horrible today. Extremely windy, cold and wet. It doesn't make running errands very easy.

I want to go to Kohl's or Bed Bath and Beyond to see about getting a new bedding set for our room. I'm tired of the mismatched stuff and I want something I've picked out - rather then handmedowns. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the handmedowns (from my in-laws) because they are really nice bedding and if I don't have to pay for stuff, I'm down for that. But I'd like to have something that Derek and I picked out. We haven't bought any bedding for our bed and we've had it for about two years now.

I'm thinking something like a tan and blue mix. I love those color combos and I'd love to paint my main wall a blue gray color and then do a light tan on the rest of the walls. Now, I just gotta convince Derek to do it! LOL

Okay!

I'm off to eat Cinnamon Rolls with the kiddies - horribly bad for you, but horribly tasty!!

Have a good weekend Friends.

Huh

Damn, I'm such a slacker... really.

I seriously try to come here and post... but when I open up the "post blog" window, my brain kinda just peeters out and I don't know what it was that I was going to write.

Things have been pretty good here...

Busy as always with the family and work.

I signed up to be a t-ball coach this year - and I'm going to be coaching both Rowan and Zach's team. They are on the same team, so it shouldn't be too hard.

Technically, Rowan could have moved up a level and played Coach Pitch... but truthfully, she wasn't all that great last year, so I think one more year building her skills will be fine. Plus, I'll never get another chance to coach them together. You know?

Cheerleading has already started as well. Okay, not practices and what not. But fundraising and sign ups.

Yea, I'm not looking forward to shelling out money already - but its got to be done. We are doing fundraising too, for sure!! It will help with the cost and what not.

Derek and I honestly can't wait for Football season. It was so much fun to watch the kids play and our beautiful daughter cheer. This year will be different though, since she'll be moving up to Jr. Novice. Earlier games and she'll be cheering with girls her own age - instead of being a mascot with girls in Jr. High.

OH!

And don't forget 4-H.

Rowan's rabbits are dealing with something, so I'm not sure what we are going to do. We are going to separate them and see how they deal then. If they don't cooperate, we'll be having to purchase a new rabbit - or trade the others for new ones from the breeder.

We'll see how it goes.


It really seems like time is just flying lately...

I just realized that in about two weeks, my son will be turning 4. It seems like yesterday that he was born...

We'll be doing a joint birthday party for both Rowan and Zach come the 21st. Its just so much easier to do it that way right now... we're having friends and family and pizza and what not. Oh, a bounce house too, if the weather holds.

Rowan's make-up birthday party is this weekend.

She's having three little girlfriends come over and we'll be watching movies, decorating cookies and cupcakes, and presents and what not. It technically was supposed to be a sleepover, but I don't think anyone is going to. Actually, I think its just one girl that will be... so, that's okay. Better than 4 babbling girls staying up until two a.m. LOL


Hmm, what else, what else.


Derek and I just had a good weekend alone together.

Yes, I said alone.

My parents took the kids up to Yosemite for the weekend to spend some time in the snow...

They had a wonderful time... and so did Derek and I.

We did a long of hanging out as a couple and just relaxing... like getting pedicures (yes, my hubby did!! He loved it!) and watching movies.... drinking beer and eating. You know.

It was nice to just be a couple... and not have any interruptions.

I would recommend any couple to just have some alone time... its LOVELY!!!

And with that... I'm off.

Its about time for bed... I'm whopped.

Today...

... my beautiful baby girl turned 7 years old.

I truly can't believe it... time has sure flied.

We have spent the evening playing "Wii Sing It" and enjoying a nice meal.

Tomorrow, we'll go see a play - "Disney's Aladdin Jr" and do the whole cake and ice cream thing...

We had to postpone her birthday party due to a case of Pink Eye - don't even get me started on how she got it!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl... Here's to another FANTASTIC year!!

Super Saturday

Today has been a Super Saturday...

I woke up around 745am... might not seem like a big deal to some, but when I get up at 545 most mornings, the extra two hours do seem to be a nice surprise. Every once in a while, I'll get to wake up and see 9 or 930am... but it doesn't happen all that often.

After a nice bath this morning, the kids and I went to Target to pick up a few supplies for the house. Zach was a monster... crying and whining and what not. He hasn't been feeling all that well due to a cold and croup- but slept pretty good last night... but I still think he was tired... so, he was a cranky boy. Complaining that he wanted something to drink and what not. LOL

Anyways, we made it through Target we headed to the grocery store. We were expecting some guests for dinner and the UFC fight tonight, but that fell through... but I got stuff to make enchiladas... along with rice and beans.

The enchiladas are cooking right now. They smell really tasty. We have beef with red sauce and then chicken with green... Goodness, its going to be such a good dinner! We'll also have rice and beans... along with home made jalapeno poppers when we watch the fight.

The jalapeno poppers are SO good. We put this Cheesy Bacon mixture into raw (uncooked) jalapenos that we make into "boats" (we just the sides off and take the seeds out). Oooh, they are so good!!

Anyways, its just been a Super Saturday.

Derek and I are getting along GREAT - not always an easy feat sometimes. LOL

He (Derek) went and got cornrows put into his hair - I'm not going to post a photo here, but those of you who are my friend on myspace, you can see it there... LOL

Its different, that is for sure!!

Okay, I hope everyone has a FANTASTIC rest of the weekend... I'm off to have dinner! YUMMO!!

I Forgot What They Were Like...

Sleepless nights.

Goodness, I forgot what they are like.

Last night, I was reminded to one of the reasons why we won't be having any more babies. LOL

My poor children are sick.

Zach has been dealing with a cold on and off for about a month now. Its now here with a vengeance and he's got a pretty nasty cough.

Its a bit of a croupy and crackling. My mom took him to the doctors yesterday, but the doctor said it was just a cold. He didn't need anything for the cough - except to use Vicks Vapor Rub and what not...

But early this morning - around 3am - he woke up coughing. Poor guy. I felt so bad for him. So, I gave him some juice and then put him back to bed. Luckily, he went back to sleep and then didn't get up until around 730am. I tell you, my boy loves his sleep... Now, that he is older, that is.

Then poor Rowan decided to come in around 345am and say that her stomach hurt... she looked upset, so I believed her... but she said she didn't feel like she was going to throw up or anything.

I put her back to bed with some Pepto. But not 30 mins later, she was in the bathroom, throwing up.

Poor thing.

She didn't have much on her stomach, so it was mostly bile and pink stuff from the Pepto. LOL

She threw up a few more times later on... but hasn't thrown up anymore. She is still saying that her stomach hurts, which I don't doubt... but she is also asking for something to eat. Ha. Her daddy is bringing home some 7-up, Gatorade and Chicken Soup. I hope this is just a quick bug... I don't like to see my babies sick.

So, I'm home today... and of course, I didn't bring anything home to work on for work stuff... so, I'm here with out getting a few extra dollars in my pocket. Boo. Oh well. My babies need me, that is for sure!

Off to check on Rowan... and Zach... well, he's satisfied with a movie and juice right now!!

Cookie Monster

Please give a hardy HELLO to our newest family member... "Cookie Monster". This is Zachary's baby...

We just got her last week... sorta as a special treat... since Zach doesn't have someone to call his "own".

Yes, we have many animals in our family. Rosie dog is a favorite of Zach's - she loves to cuddle. And the cats don't seem to mind him too much either...

Yet, he didn't have anything "special" to him... like Rowan... with Stewart (mind you, I just found out he is in fact a she! lol) and the rabbits.

So, when we made a stop at the pet store the other day for bedding for Stewart and chewies... I didn't balk at the idea of him asking for his own rat.

Cookie Monster seems to be doing pretty well for her first few days... We still haven't held her too much... she is still a bit hesitant... but every day, we hold her for a few minutes longer than the previous.

I would love to have Stewart and Cookie Monster to be friends - but right now, Stewart is plagued with mites that is causing her to have mange. Yuck. Its very easily spread, so they can't play right now. Hopefully in a month or so, they'll be able to hang out!

::eh::

It's fitting that the first picture I found after I googled "gloomy picture" that this one came up. The title is "Gloomy Sunday"... which, in my book is exactly what today is.

Granted, its a beautiful sun-shining day here in Central California, but I on the other hand am feeling a bit gloomy.

I don't often feel gloomy and would rather try to work through gloom, but today, its sticking.

Oh well, I have not doubt that it will disappear soon and I'll be feeling better. There are just a few things that need to be worked through and figured out first... but I'm sure I'll find the answer to those.

Anywho.

This last week has been a whirl wind.

I went back to work after being off the previous one from my surgery. Let me tell you, by day's end, I was whopped. Whopped I say.

Not only was I tired from my surgery recovery and what not, but I also got a cold. A cold that didn't really make me feel too ill, but rather made me sound like a very raspy Rachel Ray. My husband told me I sounded like I smoked two packs a day for years - mind you, I don't smoke. Well, besides the occasional cigar with a drink every blue moon... lol

This started Tuesday morning... but Thursday, I was barely able to squeak out a few words!! Mind you, at work, most of the business stuff we do is over the phone - I am the one that primarily answers the phone too! It was, to say the least, interesting.

To top it off... at work on Friday, our phones and Internet went down. It happens a lot due to our location and the fact that we run off a T-1 line. Blah blah blah. Anyways, after contacting AT&T for them to test the line and say that there was indeed a problem, I had all the calls forwarded to my cell phone. That was something... lol. I even had my Bluetooth in my ear, making it easier to answer calls! LOL

By Friday afternoon, I was super ready to call it a day...

Thankfully I had a hair appt. that afternoon and was able to relax some. Oh! And I get to try something new tomorrow... working from home!

Yup. When I got my lap top, I was able to connect from home to my work computer... so on days when I don't have child care - or when I feel like working for home for a few hours, I can. So, tomorrow I get to do that... along with taking Stewart - one of our rats (we have two now) - to the Vet.

The damned rat was $9... I'm sure its going to cost me more than that for the office visit! ::sigh::

Oh well. We can't let our pets suffer, right?

Anywho. I hope everyone has had a good weekend...
Bring on Monday!!

Playing...

For Christmas, my parents totally rocked my socks and got me a Pink Dell laptop computer. Let me tell you, it was a complete surprise...





The computer has many cool tools and buttons - some of which I'm just finding and figuring out. Okay, finding... maybe not figuring out.





I just realized that I have a built in web cam... that comes with photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6. Now, I don't know if this is the "good stuff" or just normal... but so far, from what I have been able to figure out (not a whole hell of a lot) its pretty cool!



See the picture there? Of Rowan and me? Well, I don't know exactly what element I used - I think Water Paper? - but it turned out pretty cool. I actually like the look! Silly I know.

So, now I need to figure out exactly what Adobe Photoshop Elements entails and what I can do for it... anyone know?

Pass Me the Advil

I'm suffering for the world's worst headache today.

Its literally taken over my head - even after 3 Advil - and is making me feel kinda sick.

I wonder if its a migraine.

Hmm, I don't know. I don't ever recall having a migraine before - but there is always a first for everything!

Anyway. I'm hoping to get out today. I'd like to hit up the mall and pick up a few things that are on sale. Oh! And I need to go to Target - we need the necessities - like the toilet paper and what not. Not to mention, my poor children have both out grown their under-roo's. I guess its time to buy them some better fitting ones! LOL

I figure by getting out that I might actually feel better. Its a gorgeous day here - so it would be a good day to do so!

Now, I just need to get rid of the headache - that's a mood killer, for sure!

Okay.

I'm going to quit talking about getting out and actually do so! Have a fantastic Saturday ya'll.

Feeling Like...

... a slug. Seriously.

I really haven't left my couch since I got home from my surgery on Tuesday afternoon.

I've been watching TV and movies... been surfing the web... playing on myspace, facebook, blogger.

The last three hours, I've been watching "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" on the Travel Channel.

I'm really feeling like I need to get out of the house - but I don't think I'll be up to doing too much. Derek and the kids are going to do some errands... but who's to say if I'd make it... or if I did, how much I'd be hurting afterwards.

Shoot, taking a shower last night whopped me. I was dead on my feet afterwards.

Seriously, I didn't realize that this "minor" surgery would wear on me so much. LOL

Oh well, I can't go and change what I've done... No worries. I'll be better before I know it.

Or I'll forever be a Slug.

Haha.

Welcome 2009!

Well, 2009 is officially here!

I really can't believe that its already 2009. Life seems to be flying by lately... faster than it used to. I suppose that's because of the kids and the busy life we lead.

Unfortunately, I wasn't up to ringing in the new year last night. I literally passed out - medicine induced - around 930 last night. My kids were able to stay up and see the ball drop, but their poor mommy was fast asleep on the couch!!

Oh well.

I knew I probably wasn't going to make it.

I did wake up at mid-night to a kiss on the forehead from my sweet husband. He said he had to give me a traditional kiss at mid-night, even if I was sleeping.

I thought it was too sweet.

Then I promptly fell back to sleep until about 2am... then I managed to get my sore body off the couch and into bed. I wish I could say that I was more comfortable in my bed, but then I would be lying.

It happens that I can't sleep any other way then on my back... I can't sleep on my side due to the gas in my chest/abdomen still. Its too painful still. And I'm not used to sleeping on my back... so its a bit uncomfortable to me.

Oh look, I'm just a bucket full of complaints right now... not what my blog about 2009 finally being here was supposed to be about!!


Anyways, I'm hoping for some changes in 2009... I'm not going to make resolutions, but hope that we can change some things.

I would love to be able to make better life style changes - health wise mostly. I could use to lose a bit of weight... so making those healthier decisions could help that.

I would also like to change the way we deal with our financial situation. I want to be better savers then spenders... and to find a better way of dealing with our money. Be on top of it more. Does that make sense?

I also want to say we had more fun in 2009... be it free fun or bought fun. I want to do more fun things with the kids. Spend less days inside and more out. Do more things as a family, I suppose.

So, there is what I hope for our 2009.

I hope your 2009 is something to look forward to as well...

Happy New Year!!

Welcome 2009!!!