The Pickle Jar

If Anyone Finds Mine, Please Return!

2010-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Lost: One Money Tree - belonging to me - Please return if found!!

I find it fitting that I'm getting ready to make a post about having to spend money and I get a phone call from my son's after school program reminding me that our payment is due. Gah. There goes $100!

I feel like I'm bleeding money this week.

Our dishwasher finally bit the bullet. It has been giving us a hard time for months now and it finally said "Screw You" and stopped working the correct way. Damn it. So, this weekend we are purchasing another one. It's hard to decide on where to get one from. Sears or Home Depot. Or maybe even another place. Everyone is having good deals right now due to the holiday, but we are gonna have to look around and figure out what model is the best one for our money.

We are also buying a "new to us" couch from the hubby's brother. We have had our couch for about 8 years now and while the Girl Child and I were in Ireland, it seems that between the boys rough housing and the monster dogs jumping on it - it broke. The whole middle section of the couch now leans backwards... It's not very appealing to the eye, let me tell you. So, because the BIL is looking to redecorate the game room/office of his house - we are getting a smashing deal on a very gently used couch to replace ours. Still costing us some money, but a whole lot less than what we had planned on spending for brand new stuff from the local furniture store.

I've come to the conclusion that I (we) need to learn how to save money... instead of spending it. I'm sure it won't be easy - but I think it's time I (we) grew up and planned for the future or incidentals that we don't see coming - like couches breaking or dishwashers giving up the ghost.

Oh, the wonderful life of being an adult... eh?

Success!

2010-09-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, both kids had their gymnastics class.

The 2nd for Zachary and the 1st for Rowan... both had previously been in gymnastics, but it's been a good 18 months or more, since they've had a class.

I really think that they enjoyed it... and I mean, enjoyed it.

Both came out of the class with sweaty, pink faces... with HUGE smiles on!

Again, Zachary told me "I LOVE gymnastics Mom!!" while Rowan just sat there, obviously pleased with herself.

I watched both during their class and they seemed to have done really well. I even heard one of Rowan's coaches ask her if she had taken classes before because she was doing so well on the bar...

Seeing my kids do so good and truly enjoy themselves while doing it makes me one happy momma!!

Like I'm Not Busy Enough

2010-09-20T20:53:00.001-07:00

Like most mommas, I'm pretty busy.

Between work, after school activities and other functions - we run full tilt around here.

And well, I've gone and made things more busier.

I signed the boy child up for gymnastics - all because he wanted to do it. But hey, why would there be any other reason to, right?

So, tonight, he had his first class in the boys' pre-progressive group. He seemed to enjoy himself and came away telling me, "I love gymnastics Mom!". I'm thinking signing him up will be good for him.

Right now, Rowan is doing cheer leading and has guitar lessons - So I was thinking he might have been feeling somewhat left out. I think his age is good to be doing this... and who knows where this will lead. I do know he wants to do some kind of martial arts, but I'll see how he handles these classes before putting himself else that takes a lot of dedication as well.

And you want to hear something even crazier?

I have gone and added Rowan to a girls class that is the same time as Zachary's.

Yea, like we don't have enough on our plate with her - between Cheer, guitar and 4H. LOL

I honestly don't care though. I believe putting the kids into as many things possible - with out having their grades or health falter - to keep them involved and out of trouble.

Having sports and other activities (like 4H) that make you keep your grades up and keep yourself out of trouble to participate in are good things for the kids. I know it made a difference for me when I was growing up... and I want my kids to have that same experience.

With all these activities, I think it's time for a sign on my car that says, "Mom Taxi"... LOL

20 Random Things About Me

2010-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

20 Random Things About Me...

1. I've always enjoyed peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches - gross, I know... but it was a childhood favorite and every once in a while, I'll have one.

2. I will always have a pet. I don't care if it's a dog or a cat... but I can't be with out a pet.

3. I don't care if my bra and panties don't match. I'm not one of those girls. Just as long as they are clean and cute, that's all that matters!

4. I have a bad habit of biting my nails. I'll break the habit every once in a while, but I always end up biting them again.

5. I love taking pictures. I'm not a great photo taker and I don't take nearly enough pictures, but I do love taking them.

6. I love to read. If I can, I'd ignore everything else in the world and read books forever.

7. I taught myself how to knit. It's something I only really do in the winter - when it's cooler and I'm less busy, but I still do it.

8. I have stomach issues and I hate it!

9. I became a mom at 19 and wouldn't change it for the world. I want to be one of those cool, young mom's.

10. I don't have many "in real life" friends. Most of my dear to the heart friends are ones I've met via the Internet.

11. I love Sushi and could eat it multiple times a week - but I don't. I'd be broke if I did.

12. Dark beers are my favorite. I'm all about the Smithwicks and Firerock Pale Ale.

13. I love watches. Just rarely wear them.

14. I don't know what my real hair color is. Guessing it's a dirty blonde by now.

15. I can't sleep with any part of my body hanging off the bed - the boogie man might get it.

16. I can't stand scary movies.

17. I find myself, as I'm getting older, to be less patient. Which is a bad thing.

18. I like to be connected to the outside world - via phone or computer - but really didn't mind not having the ability to use my iPhone at times in Ireland.

19. I've only been out of the country once... and that was just recently to Ireland.

20. I will go back again.

Yuck

2010-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Yea, that would be a great way to describe how I'm feeling at the moment.

Colds seriously suck.

They suck the life out of you.

They make you not want to do a single thing. And they pretty much not allow you to accomplish anything you had wanted to do... um, like work out.

I've found it hard to work out when you can't breath out of your nose... and being a mouth breather sucks.

The chapped lips suck even more.

Ugh.

What a downer of a post this is, right?

So, I'm pretty sure you've guessed, I didn't accomplish my work out that I wanted to do last night... After suffering through cheer practice, I went home and melted into the couch and stayed there until it was time for bed.

I wasn't even able to stay up to watch the season premiere of "Sons of Anarchy".

Thank goodness for DVR's.

Now, to attempt getting through the day...

Well, Well...

2010-09-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Look who has returned from the great beyond...

I have had the inkling to return to blogs for a while now. So I figured that I'd take the time and do that today...

I don't know how much I'll be around... but I'm intending on using this blog as sort of a journal - to talk about my journey with exercise and weight loss (again)... as well as just being used to do the normal blogging stuff about daily life...

So, about the exercise and weight loss.

I have decided that I need to get back on the wagon and continue my goal of losing the weight that I don't need... which is about another 25 -30lbs. I have sorta slacked off for the last few months, which ended up making me gain about 7lbs back from my initial weight loss... which pisses me off.

I signed myself up for the September Challenge over at the Shredheads blog. I'm partaking on "Team Bob" challenge which includes doing Bob Harper's newest DVD's - Inside Out Method. I started off really good... went home and did my work out and then the next day was an off day (I'm following his work out plan).

After that, I didn't do anything. I came down with such a bad head cold, that I couldn't even think about working out... I still feel rotten, but tonight, no matter how I feel or how tired I am, I will be doing my work out.

I realize I can't continue to live this way - over weight and tired. I need to better myself - Inside and Out - so I can be a better person all around.

And, I can't let my husband - who has been working out and lifting weights, making himself look good - walk around with the fat wife. LOL

So. Like I said... I hope to be around here more. I do read lots of your blogs... I don't comment much, but I am going to try to start doing that again... I miss the community.

*photo from http://www.weheartsit.com/ (thanks Brandi)

Update

2009-07-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-10T18:12:00.001-07:00

... 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

2009-05-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

... 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...

2009-04-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-04-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

... 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...

2009-03-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

... 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

2009-03-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-02-22T08:34:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-15T09:54:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-02-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-23T19:16:00.001-08:00

... 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

2009-01-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-14T08:47:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-12T20:21:00.001-08:00

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::

2009-01-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

... 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!

2009-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Happy New Year's Eve...

2008-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

(imaged borrowed by - Link - )

Happy New Years Eve, friends...

Sadly, I won't be doing much celebrating myself tonight though...

Unless you count relaxing on the couch - watching videos, shows and vegging off vicodin :)

Yesterday morning, I had minor surgery - I shut down the baby making factory (got my tubes tied)... so I'm in a bit o' pain.

I guess it could totally be worse... but I'm still not enjoying the pains in my shoulder from the gas they put into my diaphragm. Or the tenderness of my lower abdomen. Or the fact that my throat is sore from the tube the put in to help me breath...

Oh well, I'm sure I'll be back to normal in no time - I'm actually feeling a whole hell of a lot better than I did yesterday afternoon/evening...

I really can't believe how quickly 2008 and flown by us. It seems like just last week we were celebrating the New Year! Shoot, I still remember staying up, knitting a scarf - I believe for my Twinnie Girl - and then watching the ball drop with my hubby and kids. Of course, there was some champagne.

Like I said, tonight won't be such a party. I think if I'm feeling up to it, we'll be playing some Guitar Hero World Tour - you know, with the drums, two guitars and singing? Yeah. We'll see though. I love that game - and I kick Derek's ass most times - but we are going to play everything by ear tonight.

Luckily, we don't have to worry about a menu - we have plenty of Schwans (oh! gotta make an order today for tomorrows delivery!!) and home made Chicken Soup that my WONDERFUL hubby made. That and some warm bread from the oven... Oooh weee. We'll be set!!

So, friends... I hope you all have a safe and sane New Years Eve. If you drink, please don't drive. Find someone else to take your sloppy ass home ;)

Have Fun.

See you next year!!

Still Alive...

2008-12-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still alive.

I know I didn't post any updates while in Disneyland... or after we got home in fact.

So, here it is.

Disneyland at Christmas time is magical. Let me tell you. I love Christmas period... but you know what, seeing Disneyland decorated from top to bottom with Christmas stuff is something to see. Speaking of seeing, you can see Cinderella's castle right here... its covered in snow and icicle lights... Its amazing to see in person...

Speaking of decorations... Here is one that I took a picture of in California Adventure park. There were wreaths, balls, lights, etc everywhere! I loved it.

You all know how worried I was about the weather... well, in the end, we didn't have to deal with too much bad stuff.

Sunday when we got down there, it wasn't too bad... but we weren't going into the park either, so it didn't really matter much.

Monday, we woke up to rain. It was a light spitting of rain... so it wasn't too bad. We wore our ponchos and hats... and dealt with it for the two hours that it really rained good. For the rest of the day, it was a hit and miss of sprinkles.

I was glad I shelled out $5 for each of us to be covered... not to mention $15 for a plastic stroller cover so Zach rode in style around the park... that got us a bunch of looks - mostly from other parents who didn't have the cool cover to keep their kids from getting wet! lol Actually, both Derek and I were a bit worried we'd find out stroller missing it at some point... but we were all good.

Tuesday was a beautiful day in the OC. The picture of the decoration above was taken on Tuesday... there were the beautiful fluffy white clouds and blue skies... no rain at all. It was even a bit warm after walking around for a while.

Tuesday night after spending the day in California Adventure park, we went back into Disneyland. Right when we walked in, we ran into Minnie coming out to visit people. We were so lucky with all the characters we just happened to see... literally. Zach actually got to meet Buzz Lightyear by chance. Let me tell you, he was estatic!!

I'm so glad that we covered both parks in the first two days there... and did almost all the rides (Rowan is such a dare devil!!) and attractions possible... because Wednesday, we woke up to some HORRIBLE weather.

The rain was coming down in buckets... and the wind. Gah, the wind was horrible. Something like 30 mph gusts!! It was a struggle to walk from our hotel, across a parking lot... to the other hotel for breakfast.

The rain wouldn't have been too bad if it hadn't been so windy... we would have stuck it out... but in the end, we just hung out in our hotel room for a few hours. We eventually did leave... to do some shopping in Downtown Disney and made our way into Disneyland park.

We had dinner at "The Blue Bayou" restaurant there... which was interesting in itself... the service happened to be horrible... but the food was okay. The idea of eating inside the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride was cool though...

Thursday was the day we headed home... and as we were getting ready, D's brother called him to say that the Grapevine - the hills between Disneyland and home - main connector for Southern and Central Cali, was closed due to snow. I ended up calling one of the trucking companies we deal with at work to get the low down... and sure enough it was closed and wasn't expected to open until around 12pm!

This was at 9am.

So, instead of waiting around for 4 hours... to see if it was really going to open or not... we decided to go ahead and take the long route home... hit up 101 and went through Santa Barbara, Pismo, San Luis Obispo and onward home.

It took us 8.5 hours... instead of the normal 5.5-6 hours.

Thankfully, our kids were amazing. We stopped about every two hours and stretched our legs and used the restroom... they both napped once and also watched a movie. I was amazed they didn't complain until the very end...

It was a wonderful time...

I'm extremely happy we went... even with the unfavorable weather.

Disneyland is STILL my favorite place ever... and I can't wait to go back. Whenever that will be... LOL

We are Ready...

2008-12-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

(picture borrowed from travelcuts.com)

So, we are ready. Ready to get on the road to the Happiest Place on Earth.

I think we all - well, at least the kids and I - will have a bit of a time sleeping tonight because we are so excited.

Our bags our almost packed.

Our rain ponchos are ready to go. I even picked up a plastic rain cover for the stroller... that way Zach didn't have to sit in a wet stroller. I really don't think the rain will keep us from having a great time.

Really, I'm only worried about traveling over the Grapevine tomorrow. Supposedly, we are looking at some nasty weather for that area. High winds combined with low temps and rain could equal a messy time. I'm hoping none of that hinders us getting over...

As for the weather report... I've seen a few different forecasts. Anywhere from raining the whole time we are there... to raining on Sunday and Monday... to a few showers each day we are there. I've been checking the weather forecast on www.abc7.com - the local Los Angeles TV station... It looks like Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are expecting some bad stuff... thankfully, Disneyland is in Orange County.

::gah:: I'm obsessed, aren't I?

Anyways, we are ready. We are ready to see Mickey and Minnie. The Princesses on Tuesday for breakfast... to have dinner at the Blue Bayou, which is in the middle of the Pirate of the Caribbean ride... we are just ready to see it all decorated for Christmas...

But most of all... we are ready to spend some time away from the normal life... and to spend time together as a family.

Please wish us all the luck in the world with the weather... I can deal with some rain... showers and drizzle... but down pours will kill it all for us.

Have a fantastic weekend and week friends... We'll be bringing the computer down with us... so check back for pictures and updates!!

Feelin' Old.

2008-12-09T18:07:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling old today.

I'm not sure if its because I didn't sleep well last night...

Or if its because of the spill I took last night... well, I'm guessing that has something to do with it...

But I'm feeling old.

I'm extremely sore right now from my fall. I can't believe how big of a klutz I am. Granted, if I wasn't such a klutz, my hubby and I would have never met years ago... but hey, sometimes it sucks to be such a big one.

Like last night damn it.

I really think I jacked my arm up by jamming it into the ground when I fell. But I guess I'll heal. I just hope it doesn't take too damned long. LOL

I'm just greatful for my crown and coke right now... It'll ease some pain... LMFAO.

Anyways, I'm really bummed about something right now though.

Its sad to say, but it has to do with Disneyland.

I've been looking up the weather for when we are down there... and right now, they are predicting rain.

Yeah, for "never raining" in LA (actually, Orange County) it sure seems like it will be when we are down there...

I just hope it doesn't rain too much... I can handle a bit o' rain... but nothing that will soak us through!!

Well, now I'm going to go sulk in my rainy sore mess of a life right now... and try very hard not to get mad at my kids because they are screaming up a storm!!

Ahhh, the joys of motherhood!

Counting Down

2008-12-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Ya'll like my tree?? Its so purty!!

So, the count down has begun here at my house...

We've got 5 full days until we leave for Disneyland. I'm ready... and I'm thinking its going to be here before I know it. Which I'm greatful for!!

We also can't wait for Christmas. Its only right around the corner... but damn, I really need to get some shopping done. I am thinking about trying to sneak out tomorrow sometime before I pick up the kids to get some done. Maybe I can convince my mom to watch the kids while Derek and I get some shopping done.

I really liked it when my kids were younger - at least Zach -because I could shop while Rowan was in school and he had no clue! Now, I can barely try to put something in with out them noticing!

All I know is that I'm down a good handful of presents - for the kids, for Derek and for family. It needs to get done. Like NOW. lol

Right now, I'm very sore.

No, my fat ass didn't do any excersising... I was a major clutz and tripped and fell tonight. See, the kids and I were picking up a pizza and Zach decided to go all tantrumy and wail and cry because I didn't let him have a toy out of those quarter machines that are "convinetly" placed at restaurants and grocery stores...

Well, while trying to usher the kids out... I miss judged a step and fell face forward into the parking lot... I scrapped up my hands, my knee, my elbow. God, it was embarrassing.

Oh yeah... and I totally jacked up the damned pizza. It wasn't so pretty after that. It still tasted okay though!!

But now, I'm sore.

My fingers hurt.

My hands hurt.

My elbow hurts.

Damn. I'm just falling apart right now. LOL

Something New

2008-12-06T08:12:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday afternoon, I went to the salon with a "new look" in mind. I have been contemplating a new cut for some time now... just ask my Twinnie, Bridgett. We have been emailing back and forth about it and she was gun-ho for me. Me? I wasn't too sure. I still wasn't sure when I sat down in the chair Wednesday... and I was completely unsure of what I did when I left that evening!

I really walked out of there in shock.

But anyways, you can see that I chopped off all of my locks and I am now ROCKIN' this hair style.

Yes, I'm okay with it now... beyond okay. I'm loving how quickly I can get it done. 10 mins tops. See, I have VERY thick hair... and a lot of hair. So just to blow dry it took a while... and then there was the flat ironing or the curling iron... depending on the look I was going for.

Now I have free time in the morning - to actually do stuff like put my make up on at home instead of in the car... or to start some laundry or dishes.

Anyways, never be afraid to try something different... You might just like what comes out of it!

So, we have 7 days until Disneyland... A week from tomorrow, we'll be there... scoping out Downtown Disney and wishing it was Monday morning so we could go have breakfast with Lilo and Stitch... and then waiting to get on rides!!

We can't wait... and thankfully, we are all feeling much better... Zach's cold is pretty much gone. Derek and I fought off something for a day or two. Not sure what it was... just feeling kinda odd and having a headache from hell. There was no throwing up, poopies or fever... must have been some kind of virus though... because I felt like crap!

I just hope next week flies by quickly.... which I'm sure it won't, since we want to go so badly!! lol

Today we are going to be busy bee's... Derek is at department training, so its just me and the kiddos. We have to hit up Target for the necessities... go to Costco to get our Christmas cards from their photo department... and then to Tractor Supply for some dog food (cheaper at places like that!) urine guards for the rabbit cage (because they are nasty fecking animals) and some hay and shavings for the rabbits.

We are also going to a Pampered Chef party at my MIL's. I don't know what I'll be getting... but I'm sure I'll find something to waste my money on... lol No, I'm just kidding. I love their stuff, but I don't know what I want.

Is everyone ready for Christmas? I'm SO not. And its only 18 days.... I did order a game for the Wii for Rowan - Disney's Sing It - and a Wall-E U-Command for Zach... but oh, guess what... the game is on back order until after the first of the year and the Wall-E is unavailable and they don't know what it will be so. So, I'm guessing I will have to give those to them on their birthday's... Jan for Ro and Feb for Zach.

I did get them these really cute digital cameras from Disneyshopping.com. They aren't anything too expensive, but they'll enjoy them. Derek and I are thinking of wrapping them up and bringing them with us to Disneyland... letting them have an early present and then they can take pictures there. I'm not sure what we'll do... because I don't want them to loose them or break them... We'll see.

Other than that... its just "Kung Fu Panda", "Wall-E" and a "Wii" game for them. ::sigh:: I guess I best get shopping, huh?

Alrighty friends... I'm outta here... much to do... and people to see.

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Pictures...

2008-11-29T19:24:00.001-08:00

Just thought I'd post some pictures this evening... I'm a bit tired... so I thought I'd do an easy peasy entry...

I caught Rusty (the red pit bull) and Rosie snoozing in the sun. Yes, they are on our table outside... but really, we aren't using it right now, why shouldn't they?

Ooops. They caught me. Isn't he a gorgeous dog? That's some good breeding!!

Here is "More"... one of Miss Rowan's rabbits. She was cuddling on my chest.

Robo and Lil' Bit. She's working on showmanship skills, which include flipping the rabbit on their back.

Time for some cuddling now... Rowan is really enjoying her rabbits. Heck, so am I :o)

Have a great weekend, ya'll.

Germs... ::gah::

2008-11-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

Germs. I can't stand them.

Poor Zach woke up on Wednesday morning with a croupy cough. He stayed home from school with his daddy and sister... Then early on Thursday morning, when he crawled into my bed with me, he complained that his ear hurt.

Never a good sign with him.

All day yesterday it was cough here... hack there. Then the poor guy, last night had a very tough time getting to sleep. Thankfully, when he did, he slept pretty well... but when he woke up at six this morning - screaming that something was in his room (mind you, it was the humidifier!) he was hacking up both lungs.

I finally gave him some medicine - I'm trying not to over medicate, because its easy to do - but the only thing I had for him was night time stuff... needless to say, he slept until 9am!

We went to the doctor this morning... god, I love acute-care! Anyways, he's got a bit of a virus that turned into an ear infection... and of course, the cough. So, for the next 7 days, he'll be on antibiotics. Thankfully, we still have 15 days until Disneyland, but I'm just hoping no one else picks up the bug.

We'll be doing a lot of hand washing and no sharing drinks/foods and hugs and kisses for while, I think...

Anyways, today is a beautiful Fall day here... I'm really stoked because this year, Fall has actually stayed Fall for a while. Usually, it goes straight from Summer, a week or two of Fall, and then rushes right into Winter.

This year, the trees are actually turning colors and the weather is brisk in the morning... and cold at night... Its been down in the 40's in the late night, early morning. I love the cold!!

Right now, I've got a window or two open... letting in the cool air. I can't stand to run the heater - which we haven't done yet, although it can get chilly in our house at night - but I would rather sit on the couch with a blanket.

Right now, its knitting that I have instead of a blanket. I want to make Rowan's teacher (she's had a substitute since Sept.) a scarf for Christmas... a way to say Thank You for helping her and the other kids while the normal teacher was out on maternity leave. But if I want to get it to her before we go to Disneyland, I need to get my booty into gear (see, we leave the week before Christmas break).

We are also going to try to get our Christmas stuff up today. We have the tree up - but two rounds of lights are out... But I'm not sure if we'll be getting to it today, Derek is unsure if he'll have to go to work. I hope we get them up today though... I need to get my Christmas cards done!!

Okay, going to go knit and watch Rowan play "Super Mario Brothers" on the Wii. Have a great Black Friday, ya'll.

So, I Suck at This.

2008-11-27T11:37:00.001-08:00

Say hello to our new friends... Their names are Lil' Bit and More... you get it right? Lil' bit more? Haha. I kill myself.

Anyways, these little girls - Polish dwarfs, 2lbs each - are Rowan's 4-H projects, along with our family pets. They are still adjusting to their new home (we just picked them up last Saturday). We are all showing them attention and trying to get them to be a bit more tamed. They do really well, but sometimes, they freak out a bit. LOL

Anyways, so I've come to realize that I just suck at this blogging thing. I never seem to do it enough or well enough - in my opinion. But, I'm still going to keep on trucking and make posts - when I find the inspiration or I'm "yelled at" to ::cough Jolene cough::

So, today is Thanksgiving. I was able to sleep in until about 9am - just in time to catch the parade. Which we've been watching all morning. I believe its almost over (thank god). Today, we are just relaxing... preparing to get our Christmas decorations up tomorrow. We've got the tree up, but there are two strands of lights that are out, so we need to figure out what we are going to do with that.

This afternoon, I think we'll take a family nap before we head over to family's house for dinner. We are responsible to bring veggies - thank goodness for Schwan's frozen veggies... corn and asparagus are on the menu!

We did do a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner this last Sunday with my family. So, I'm glad we aren't having to cook too much today. Its always nice to not have to do too much work ;)

As for the rest of the weekend, like I said, we'll be decorating... relaxing and probably eating left overs. I'm also going to get my kids in their Christmas PJ's and take their picture in front of the tree for our annual Christmas card. I know they are getting older, but I love the PJ's picture. I think its going to be a tradition! So yeah, Rowan will be 16 in front of the tree in Christmas PJ's and I'm sure she'll hate it... but I know I'll love it! LOL

We are counting down the days here at our house... no, not for Christmas - although, there are only 27 days for that! But no, we are counting down the days for Disneyland!!

Yes! We are going to Disneyland... I can't wait. I've always wanted to go see it decorated for Christmas and this year, I'll get to. We are staying 4 nights and will be in the park for 3 days. We've got character breakfasts all lined up... dinner at the Blue Bayou - the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride!! We've got some friends from the police department going down at the same time, so I'm sure we'll be hanging out with them as well... but gosh, I can't wait!

I promise we'll come back with PLENTY of pictures!! Because you know I'm the mini-paparazzi and I have to have tons of pictures to make me happy :o)

Alright friends... I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving... I'm thankful for each and everyone of you for being in my life... and I'm thankful for my beautiful family... a husband that works so hard and still finds time to love me completely... and two beautiful children, that yes, can make me pull my heart out... but I'd never change a thing about them.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's been a bit... My bad.

2008-11-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

So, I guess I haven't been doing as well as I could have with this blog.

Life has been pretty damned busy up until just this Saturday, actually.

Rowan is finally done with her cheerleading... so that means our Saturday nights won't be booked for a while.

I'm glad too... we all had a blast with this first season, but I think we are glad it's over for a while. Now Rowan will focus on school and a bit of 4-H for a while...

It's finally feeling like Fall/Winter here. I'm enjoying the cool mornings and the mild days. I can really only hope for some more rain - we need it.

The poor doggies don't like the cold though... actually, Rusty (the 60lb- 9 month old Pit Bull) gets so cold at night that we have to cover him up with a blanket! I guess he doesn't have enough fat/fur to keep him warm...

I'm just glad I can start wearing my boots and sweaters with out getting too hot during the day!!

One of the bad things about the Fall/Winter is all the colds that get passed around... ::sigh:: I've got a pretty cruddy cold going on right now. Last night, I was asleep by 9pm. I'm never in bed that early! I think I beat my kids to night-night land! lol

Alright, I'll leave you with some pictures... some of Halloween... and a picture of Rowan snuggling with Rusty... its hard to think of him as a puppy still!!

So is Miss Ro

2008-10-29T19:53:00.001-07:00

She's learning early too!

Gotta love her.

Rockin' it for a Great Cause

2008-10-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

I'm rocking it for a good cause!

One Foot Forward

2008-10-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

One Foot Forward.

Mommy and Rowan... Together.

Photo for the Day

2008-10-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Rowan and I picked up some new boots today... Its her first "western" based pair of boots... They are made by Ariat and mine are the black ones - Fatbaby Boots - and Ro's are Heritage Crepe. Soo cute.

Even better, I got them on Sale :)

Oh, its Friday... and I'm full of complaints.

2008-10-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's Friday.

I'm very glad it's Friday, as well.

The last few days have been complete crap.

On Wednesday, we noticed our fridge was acting all hinky. The defroster gets frozen over and that means that it doesn't defrost - sending the cold air into the fridge. Mind you, we just had it worked on at the end of September... I'm a bit frustrated.

So, D spent about two hours working on it last night. We had just bought around $100 worth of Schwan's frozen foods... so we needed it to work.

I think he has it jimmy-rigged for a bit. Although, I'm noticing that the ice cream isn't completely frozen... but that could be from the freezer not being turned all the way up.

Because I was a bit miffed and upset about the fridge, I decided to up and go to the corner store for a candy bar. HAHA.

Well, on the way back, as I turned into my court and made a U-turn to park in front of my house, my car died. Literally... I had to coast to my parking spot. Not cool.

I just had my car in the shop just last week!

Derek had some thingy-majig from work that he plugged into my car to see what the hell was going on...

It showed that the idol is off and that there is also a misfire some where along the way... SO NOT COOL.

So, Sunday night... we are taking my car in. Mind you, we have to keep the RPM's up above 2000 or the car will die. I'm making Derek drive it because I don't want to have to sit there and keep revving it! lol

Then this morning, we got some more bad news.

Derek and I - along with another couple - had made plans to go to Reno, NV to watch an Elite XC fight and stay the night.

Well, I called the hotel to make reservations, only to find out that the fight had been canceled. Nice huh? Yeah, I guess the Elite XC is filing for bankruptcy and isn't holding anymore fights.

I was very much looking forward to spending a night away with my husband... and enjoying some adult time and entertainment.

The only plus side about it being canceled is that we are saving a bit of money... ::sigh::

My kids are not feeling all that great too.

It started with Zach this morning... I got a phone call from his school saying that he was crying, saying that his belly was hurting. Zach doesn't normally cry about stuff like that... so I took it seriously and left work to go get him.

Mind you, I had only been there 2 hours... but because my parents are gone - and they (my mom) are my usual child care, I had no other option - Derek being at work as well.

I don't know what's going on. He says his belly hurts and he's got some burping going on. Now Rowan is complaining that she's got bubbles in her belly. I'm not sure how true all that is, but time will tell.

I hope neither one of them has a stomach virus... I can't really afford to be home... lol. And not to mention, she's got a game tomorrow night as well.

I swear, I feel like I can't catch a break lately with the Crap in my life... haha. But I'm sure many of you know how it is...

I need a drink... Bud Light Chelada Please!

Photo Project, Day ? So what? I'm behind... lol

2008-10-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

Today's Lunch... Tortilla Soup - Minus the Tortilla Strips.

I'm trying to clean out my pantry... this sounded good!

Photo Project, Day 2

2008-10-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a ball game hot dog!

Crazy Hair Day - Photo Project, Day 1

2008-10-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today was Crazy Hair Day at Rowan's school. So, last night we put sponge curlers in her hair and she slept on them...

This was her this morning. I swear, she is so looking more and more like Derek lately. I don't mind, but I kinda liked having a Mini-Me :o)

This is Ro's hair after the curlers came out. She wasn't really digging the curls. She thought she'd be the only one with Crazy Hair on Crazy Hair Day. Well, she wasn't.

My Cutie Patootie. She loves the camera!!

Thinking...

2008-10-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

... of starting a photo project.

I've seen a lot of Blog's out there where they take pictures and then post one a day for a year...

I think I might do it... Anyone else interested in participating too?

NEW LOOK

2008-10-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my Twinnie... I now have a new look to my blog.

Its really neat that we can do this... instead of on AOL where its just the ability to change colors.

I think I'm digging Blogger now :)

Monday Already?

2008-10-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Wooza. Its Monday already? Where did the weekend go?

Our weekend was pretty lazy. We didn't do a whole lot. Of course, we had Rowan's game on Saturday evening.

Fall has set in and let me tell you, with the wind we were (are) having, it made for a chilly evening. Thankfully, they were able to wear their jackets... they did say we could have gone home to get her some sweats to wear... but unfortunately, we don't have any. I think I'll be picking her up some leggings today though. Just in case her last two games are on the cold side again.

Sunday was the laziest day I've had in a while. I did manage to get a few things done... nothing major though. Just some laundry and some dishes. lol

I did make some yummy dinner. Meat loaf and hash brown casserole. Of course, some veggies on the side. I haven't made dinner in a while - Derek does most of the cooking - so it was nice to make something that they all enjoyed so much.

I just wish I would have had more time off... lol. It seems like the weekend goes by so much faster lately. Maybe because we are all so busy? I hope everyone had a great weekend too. I think I'll be back later with a meme or two...

Toodles.

Oh So Busy...

2008-10-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

So, now I know how my parents felt... having to drag us kids here and there to make sure we made it to a practice or a game on time. Taking us from one place to another and never really having much Down Time.

I feel like we've been going non-stop since August with Rowan. At first, for cheer, it was practice every evening for the first two weeks... after the first game, it went down to practice 3 days a week... just an hour practice because of her age. Leaving us only two days during the week for nothing...

Saturday's are game days... which means we have to be there 45 mins ahead of schedule... and depending on where the game is, leaving even earlier than that.

I don't mind. Really. Rowan loves cheering. I love watching her cheer and blossom into someone new and different... with a bit more confidence and a bit more attidute ;o)

Now we've got more on our plate... Recently, we signed Rowan up for 4-H. I'm looking foward to seeing her enjoying this as well. I never did 4-H in school, only FFA when I got to High School... but god, how I loved every minute of it. I love the bonds I made with the people... the experience of growing something... of raising an animal... the experience of being a leader and traveling to different places, participating in activities.

Now, its Rowan's turn. She joined the Primary group as well as signed up for the Primary Rabbit Group. Yes, that's right... she'll be raising and showing a rabbit out at our county fair!

Oh, how I can't wait to see her in her whites... She's going to be so stinking adorable!

She's just excited about getting a rabbit. I'm not sure she's fully understanding the work that comes with raising an animal for the fair, but I think it will be good for her.

The thing now is... all the meetings that come with joining 4-H. We had our first meeting last night... but there is a community meeting once a month, plus your individual group meetings. So, if you counted correctly... there will be at least 3 meetings a month we have to attend. Three. And I'm sure, as the fair season comes up - and after she gets her rabbit in February - there might be more.

Oh well... all of that stuff is so good for her. For her confidence. For school. For her future. I don't mind. Not to mention I love all that raising animal stuff :) I even signed up to attend the AG Booster meetings for the local high school FFA and the 4-H. So, yeah, we'll be SUPER busy!! HA!

Spam Blog!

2008-10-08T12:48:00.001-07:00

So, for some reason, Blogger and Google think that my blog is a Spam Blog... not too sure how a blog about my life is a Spam Blog, but hey, its under review. So, hopefully they'll come back and say, "yah, we were wrong, you aren't spam"... duh!

2008-10-08T12:47:00.002-07:00

Sometimes, I forget she is 6.
I don't know why, since it seems like yesterday that I had her... 9 lbs, 2 oz. Such a big baby... holding her head up on the night of her birth... I still remember the crinkled face and chubby cheeks.
Then I look at her... in pictures like the one here... and wonder, "Where in the world did time go?"
My baby girl isn't much of a baby any more... in just about 4 months, she'll be 7... Before I know it, she'll be 17. ::sigh::
But anyways, isn't she gorgeous?
Just had to share - and brag :o)

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2008-10-08T12:47:00.001-07:00

Well, today marks Derek's 28th birthday... So! Wish him a happy one!We aren't doing much in the celebration way... just the four of us hanging out at home.I had planned on the kids and I making dinner - Derek requested some Chicken Fetticin Alfredo and Garlic Cheese Bread.We are also going to make a birthday cake... a Fun-fetti one... as requested by the birthday boy! He loves that kind of cake :o)We are going to have a movie night... watching "Ironman" and chowing down on some popcorn and possibly having rootbeer floats!Derek's birthday isn't the only thing that will be taking place today. Our town is celebrating its Homecoming - the whole town shuts down and the high school and the pop warner teams take part of it.Well, since Rowan is cheerleading as a Mascot for the Varsity team, she has to ride on a float. So, in a bit, we'll start getting ready... which you know, takes time because she has to look like a little princess. Curled hair, makeup, the works!I hope to post some pictures later - possibly this afternoon or tomorrow. I'm sure there will be some cute ones :o)Have a great Friday ya'll.

So, This is Home?

2008-10-08T12:46:00.002-07:00

I did a bit of looking around today... okay, just a few minutes really. But, I did notice that a lot of people from AOHELL have already started a new blog or are already in the midst of transfering them - like my dear friend Bridgett. Moving 5 years of journals... Really, it doesn't seem that Blogger is going to be that bad - they show updates on blogs you follow and give you the option to "decorate" your blog as you please... btw people, if anyone knows how to spiffy up my blog, please let me know!Hey, did you know that Blogger also "saves" your work as you go... so you can't lose it! AOHELL would randomly eat a journal entry every once in a while and there was no saving as you went. I think that's pretty awesome!Anyways, like I said... it won't be that bad. We are all still here...So, today is October 1st.Its unbelievable how quickly 2008 has flashed by. Really.In just a few months, we'll be ringing in the new year - 2009! Amazing.This month is going to be a busy one... which I don't mind... because busy means it goes by quickly... and the quicker it goes, the sooner December gets here... and the sooner December gets here, the sooner we go to Disneyland!!The Husband's birthday is this Friday... he's going to be a Big 28! We'll be celebrating quietly at home... with a home made dinner and cake by the kids and I... and possibly with a movie. I'm thinking "Ironman"! Sometimes, big bashes and lots of people isn't what is needed to celebrate a birthday :o)Of course, Friday day will be busy in itself! The Girl Child has a parade that she'll be in for the Homecoming celebration in town and then of course, cooking dinner and the cake!It will be a nice weekend... possibly with some rain! Hopefully it doesn't rain on Rowan's game on Saturday night though. That won't be too pleasant sitting in the wet!When ever I do figure out how to post pictures, I'll post some... 'cause I've got some pretty cute ones sitting on my computer!Alrighty... this is it for now!Have a great Hump Day!

Hello Blogger

2008-10-08T12:46:00.001-07:00

Well Hello Blogger!It's so good to meet you.I would have rather met you on different terms... maybe when I choose to come to you... not when I was FORCED to come on over from AOL deleting our journals.I know I didn't journal as much as I had in the past or would have liked the last year or so there... but that didn't mean that I wanted to see it go.AOL Journals connected me to SO many of my friends... friends that are near and dear to my heart. Friends that I can't go one day with out talking to or I feel like I'm missing out on something.So, to the Uppity-Ups over at AOL... I salute you... not with a raised hand... but with a finger... and is not the thumb, pinky, ring or pointer!! I hope to keep up with as many people as possible over here on blogger - or what ever home they choose to go to. Anyways, this is obviously my first official post at The Pickle Jar on Blogger... I hope there will be more to come... and I hope I can figure out how to make it pretty and share pictures and all that jazz.Until then...

Where You Can Find Me...

2008-10-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

My New Place... The Pickle Jar

Come by and say Hi!

OH!

2008-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

One final note...

Only 85 days until Christmas!!

MUAHAHAHA!

Moving?

2008-09-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

I guess we are being forced to move...

You will find me here... The Pickle Jar @ Blogger.com

See you on the Dark Side... :::muahahaha::

In Case You Were Wondering...

2008-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

... there is only 128 days until Christmas.

Have you started shopping yet?

Anyone else...

2008-08-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

... thanking who ever they thank that it is Friday?

::sigh:: I know I am.

I'm so ready for this weekend, it isn't even funny.

Its been a rather long week at work... as well as in the Pickle Jar. I've literally been running from work, to my parents to pick the kids up, then home, then straight to Ro's practice.

From practice, its home for dinner and then its getting the kids in the showers and bed.

I swear, at the end of the evening, I'm practically falling asleep on the couch... and truthfully, I've been slacking on my walking because of it.

Its hard, very hard, to walk in the heat (its been in the 100's this week) as well as it being very hard to get up at 445am to go walking before work.

I hope I can get back my motivation and get back on track this weekend... I've been feeling like POOP because of it.

Tonight I'm going to dinner with some friends... it will be nice to take a break from the havoc and enjoy some Me Time and Girl Time...

I think I might even have a drink or two... ::weee::

Then tomorrow, my mom, Rowan and I are going to do some shopping...

Gotta get Rowan and Zach some Fall (god, it can't get here soon enough!!) school clothes... gotta run a few more errands... but it will be "Girl Time" for Rowan.

She needs that every once in a while...

Saturday night will be spent hanging out at home. I've got a bunch of knitting to do before next weekend - my friends baby shower, which I'm doing a blanket for - and I'm just wanting to spend time with my kiddos and hubby.

Sunday, we are celebrating my MIL's birthday at the local pizza place... But other than that, the days will be spent relaxing.

Sounds like a pretty good weekend, huh?

I'm sure there will be other things we accomplish and some things we won't... but I'm so ready for the weekend!!

Oh! Before I jet... everybody please keep Heather over at "This-n-That" in their thoughts...

Heather, I hope your recovery is quick and painless! Big hugs, Girlie!

Today...

2008-08-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

... is Rowan's first day of First Grade!

Here is a picture of her this morning... taken from my cell phone... I promise more pictures and an update later this evening!

Isn't she freaking adorable?

Sunday Sunday

2008-08-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Oh, its Sunday.

I wish it was Saturday... but I'll take Sunday.

This weekend has gone by too quickly. I'd love to have another day off to relax with my family and to do a few things around the house.

Yesterday was spent cleaning... and then of course a nap was taken. You gotta love your Saturday afternoon naps, right?

Last night we had finger foods and some potato soup for dinner... god, I love the fact that my hubby cooks and LOVES to do it. He made some awesome Copy Cat Tony Roma Potato soup... so very tasty.

I know is August and soup is more of a Fall/Winter food... but I was dying for some!

We also watched the UFC fights that were on TV. Man, I love watching those guys go at it. It takes so much skill and dedication to be a fighter like that. It amazes me!

Today, my mom is taking Rowan out to lunch and then to see "Wizard of Oz"... its being put on by the local theater group. She is so excited, let me tell you.

I'm not sure what D, Zach and I will be doing... but I'm sure what ever it is... it will be okay.

Is anyone catching the Olympics? We are watching the heck out of them here... gotta love the Swimming, Water Polo and Gymnastics! In fact, I think I'll get back to watching them!

I hope everyone has a great Sunday.

Death

2008-08-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

We had a death today in the Pickle Jar...

Poor Miss Rowan lost her hamster to the Hamster God's.

She has had him for just over 2 years... and recently, he had been sounding pretty awful. Sneezing and some snorting, grunting type stuff.

This morning, I found him stuffed into the corner of his cage.

He didn't move when I blew on him.

Or when I knocked the cage.

Or even when I tipped the cage sideways.

Yeah. He was dead as a door nail.

::sigh::

When I first told her, I think she thought I was playing...

Until she saw for herself.

Then she was a bit sad... some tears and asking Why.

But once I got him out of the cage and into a box... and then into the trash can outside (LOL)... she seemed fine.

The next minute she asked... "Can I get a rabbit now?"

Haha... Guess she wasn't too upset after all!

The Stay-in Date Night

2008-08-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Derek and I are having a Stay-in Date.

After I take Rowan to practice - where I will spend my time walking around the park/neighborhood - and after I shower - because I'll be STINKY!! - Derek and I are going to kick the kids to our bedroom so they can watch their shows (aka Disney channel) and he and I'll have our Date Night.

We are going to lounge on the couch and watch the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics... maybe have a drink or two... lol

I think I'll also be doing some knitting... lol. I'm working on a baby blanket for a friend's baby shower that is coming up at the end of the month... Hmm, guess I need to get my booty going!

Busy Busy Pickles

2008-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Life in the Pickle Jar has been quite busy the last few weeks...

We all have been doing this ~ n ~ that (hi Heather!) around town lately.

Derek has been working... with his new assignment, he can be called out at a moment's notice and be gone any where from 1 hour to 10! His new assignment is a rather fast paced one... and he is really enjoying it. It fits him to a T.

I've been busy being "taxi"... lol But what mom isn't, right?

Rowan started Cheerleading on July 21st for our local Pop-Warner team. She is too young to be an actual cheerleader, so she is a Mascot. The Mascot's still learn and perform cheers... but they can't go out on the field and perform at half-time.

I was disappointed hearing this because I know how much my daughter loves to shake her booty - but I think she'll enjoy the cheerleading part well enough.

She did have a tough time this last Monday... See, she is the Mascot for their Varsity team. There are close to 20 girls on the team - only 4 of them are new to the program. Of course these girls all know the cheers and moves... so when it came time for Rowan to learn them, she got overwhelmed and very upset.

She is so like me.

The poor thing started crying... and it took everything in my body to stay in my seat and not walk down to the field to comfort her.

I have to say though, she has been doing much better the last few days... I'm so proud of how quickly she is learning the steps and cheers. There are a few complicated ones that she is still struggling with... but I think she'll eventually get them down too.

Right now, she has practice Mon-Fri, from 6-730pm. Yikes! Thankfully, after the season starts, it will be only three days a week.

I can't wait to see her out on the sidelines - cheering her little heart out. As soon as I get some good pictures, I'll be sharing them :)

I'm also taking Rusty (the puppers - who is now 6months old and weighing 42lbs!!) to an obedience class on Wednesday night. I think it is doing really good things for him - not that he is a bad dog... but I think doing this now, while he is a puppy will keep him a good dog.

He is so mellow and rarely gets excited about too many things. He is an odd little duck - dog, excuse me - he doesn't have the drive to chase a ball or play tug-a-war.

But he sure does love going on his walks with his Momma and sister (our Rottie Lola)... He is such a Momma's boy, it isn't even funny. I think Derek is a bit jealous... since he was meant to be more his dog. Haha.

Zachary doesn't really have much going on... just his gymnastics on Monday nights. He hasn't been going much lately because of Rowan and her cheerleading. He'll start back up next week - only if Derek is home to take him! lol

I'm hoping that even with our busy schedule, I'll be able to keep up with this journal... I'm glad I finally came back.

Guess Who!?!

2008-08-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Guess who?!

I know some of you are probably falling out of your seats right now... seeing me appear out of no where like this.

I can't believe I haven't been here since April. Wow, where does the time go?

I have played with the idea of returning to blogging... I wasn't sure where I wanted to reappear. Here in AOL or some where else. I tried doing the blogger. The wordpress.

And you know what? None of those places felt right. Like home.

I've been here since May of 2004. Four years people... that is some good time...

I only figured it was right that I return to the blog world here... in AOL.

As you may see, I've changed the look and feel here in The Pickle Jar. I didn't want to change the name completely, so I kept the Pickle part. It seemed only fitting.

I don't know how much I'll be writing or what I'll be writing about... but I just wanted to write. Here, in my Pickle Jar.

Life in the Pickle Jar has had its ups and downs - but what life doesn't now, with our economy and with all the gas and food prices rising?

We are happy and healthy - that is all we can ask for.

Who cares if we are broke, right? lol

The kids... oh my, the kids are great.

Most of you are friends on my Myspace, so you see pictures of them all the time...

But for those that don't, I'll share soon.

Rowan starts first grade come Tuesday, the 12th. Yes, 1st grade. When I started this blog, she was a mear 2 1/2 years old! God, its crazy.

Zachary... my little man... he is my angel and my devil wrapped up into one. 3 1/2 and he is already in preschool... such a joy to be around - especially when he flashes you his million dollar smile.

Derek, well, he's Derek - always working and enjoying his new position. We get to see more of him and are truly enjoying that.

Not much else has changed in the last few months... but I have a renewed want to write here and share with everyone...

I'm glad I'm back... I hope you are too.

Rusto!!

2008-04-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just a shot of Rusty... he's now almost 10 weeks old and getting so big :)

He's sure made himself very much part of the Pickle Jar!!

Problem Fixed...

2008-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

The red x's are now gone... pictures of Rusty are up :)

New Addition to the Pickle Jar

2008-04-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, we welcomed a new addition into our family. He is 8 weeks old, an American Pit Bull Terrier and such a cutie...

Please say "Hello" to Rusty...

We are enjoying him and he is already becoming such a member of the Pickle Jar...

Okay, What's New?

2008-03-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

So, its been a while since I've done an entry... I swear, I'm becoming a slacker at this whole journaling thing...

Anyways, I guess I should write about what is "new" or "going on" in the Pickle Jar...

Lets see:

* I am just getting over the flu - again. Yes folks, you read that write. I had the flu back in late January... and ended up with it again earlier this month. Last time the flu gave me bronchitis... this time I got a bit of the bronchitis again and a sinus infection. Oh god, sinus infections are so painful.

* Not only did I get the flu this time... but so did Derek, my parents and I think even Zach got a bit of it.

* Derek and Zach were both lucky and bounced back really quickly from it... but my parents and I weren't so lucky. We are still feeling the effects.

* Tomorrow I'm going to get my hair done... and then have an evening out with my friends for my best friend Amy's birthday.

* I'm really thankful that I'm going to get some Adult Time... it feels like its been FOREVER...

* It's not like I don't love my kids and love being around them... but sometimes, a Mama needs a break, ya know?

* Easter is Sunday - we don't really have any big plans. Derek works the night before and that evening... so we'll have a little Easter egg hunt in the morning and probably a breakfast... then he'll sleep. The kids and I will be going to my parents house that afternoon for Easter dinner...

* Mom thinks she is going to make Corned Beef and Cabbage because she didn't get to have it for St. Patricks Day, due to being sick. I told her that sounded great (I'm not much of a traditional ham person!)...

* The kids are excited... actually, I would say its Rowan more than anything... Zach doesn't really understand that Easter is on Sunday... I'm sure he'll be excited that morning... but Rowan is counting down the days!!

* Speaking of Rowan... she started T-Ball last week. Its so cute to watch those little munchkins run around and try to hit off a tee. I hope she has a good time...

* Pictures will be a must :)

SO, yeah, that is about all I can think of at the moment... I'm rather ready for my day to end...

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday weekend...

Happy 3rd Birthay, Zachary Justice!!!

2008-02-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Man...

Presidents Day Weekend Dinner Menu

2008-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Friday – Chicken Taco Soup with Salad<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Saturday – Steak and Asparagus Soup

Sunday – Hot Dogs and Mac~n~Cheese

Monday – Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Fresh Veggies

Should be tasty!! Ican't wait to make and try the Asparagus Soup!! YUM!

Bullet Update... 'Cause I'm Too Busy to Do a Real One

2008-02-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

*I'm finally feeling better - for those that didn't know, I had gotten the True Blue Flu - fever and fatigue for 3 days - and then developed Bronchitis.

*I still have a bit of a cough, but I'm so much better than I was!

*My kids have both been fighting a cough and Zach has had a runny nose as well. I really think he has allergies, but being in preschool does nothing in helping to NOT bring home germs.

*Rowan is doing amazing in kindergarten. Learning to read and just did her second "book report" - something similar, anyhow.

*She turned 6 years old (God, where does the time go?) on Jan. 23rd. We were going to have a birthday party for her that weekend, but because I became sick, we postponed it.

*Zach turns 3 years old - do I even have to say it?? - next Friday. He is becoming such a little man... so funny, so stubborn and so stinking cute.

*We are having a joint party for them on the 24th... just an early dinner with family and some friends. Rowan wasn't too hot on sharing a party, but as long as it is just this once, I think she'll be okay.

*My mom and I are having a girls day tomorrow. We are going to head up into the foot hills and visit some of the older mining towns up there... Going to hit up some yarn shops too :)

*She has to pick out yarn for her hat and scarf that she will be wearing when she is in Europe... and I think I'm going to look for some yummy yarn to make blankets for both of my kids. Something they can have for like, forever.

*But I don't know... yarn shops can have expensive yarn... and I don't know if I'm wanting to spend so much right now... lol

*Next Friday, Rowan, myself, Ro's friend and her mom are going to go see Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes. She doesn't know we are going... so it should be a very nice surprise for her!! I'm excited for her :) lol

*Okay, I can't think of anything else to throw out there - although I'm sure there is plenty... maybe I'll come back later and add another. Have a great weekend!

More Pics... Because I'm too Lazy to do a Real Entry!

2008-02-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

I got the kids their Valentine Presents today... They were supposed to stay a Surprise until Thursday, but Miss Ro accidently caught a peak of the boxes... and well, there is no hiding "Build A Bear" boxes... So they got them tonight...

The Kiddos Bears... Scruffy the Dog and Love-A-Lot Bear

Isn't her outfit just the cutest thing!?!

I Love Scruffy's Sweatshirt... I dressed him how I would dress Zach ;)

Then this is just a random picture of Zach in his bed... Derek was playing with our new camera and snapped it last night... I can't believe how quickly he is growing up!!

Drive By Photo Sharing...

2008-02-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share some photos that I've taken as of late... the ones below are of some of my knitting...

Zach and his newest hat... I swear, I could make this child a beanie every day and he'd be happy!!

This is the sweater that I have been making for my friend's new baby boy... Because I was sick for over a week, I haven't done much on it... but I hope to finish it soon!!

And this is a beret I made... well, it was supposed to be a beret, but because I didn't use a chunky yarn that the pattern called for, it became more of a large beanie... but it is okay... I can wear it and my hair actually fits under it :)

Is it Weird???

2008-02-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

... that I all of a sudden have to turn my TV on at night to sleep???

Weird, eh?

Tid Bit Update

2008-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on the Pickle Jar...

*Life is pretty good... full of love... tight on money... but good.

*The kids are doing pretty good... Rowan has a nasty cold... but she'll live...

*Speaking of Rowan, she turns 6 years old next Wednesday... God, where did time go?

*Zach is growing by leaps and bounds... chatting up a store and becoming his own person... he is definitely a joy to watch.

*I had to take him to see the Ears, Nose and Throat doctor last Friday... he recommended Ear Tubes, like I had a feeling he would...

*Derek and I have to make a decision soon... its really hard, actually. We just have to figure out what is best for that little man...

*I'm going to a knitting class tonight - I'm so loving knitting, by the way. I'm going to learn to make a baby cardigan... I've already got in mind who it will be for (see below entry!!)... and once I learn how to make this one, I have a few other babies that I know of to make one for...

*Derek and I are going to a Phil Vasser concert tomorrow night with a whole group of friends from his work... like 10 other couples! We are going to have dinner at one persons house and then walk to the concert - it is at a local auditorium.

*I can't wait to have a night out with my husband... they really seem to be few and far in between...

*We are moving my grandma up here from the Bay Area next weekend... This weekend we are going down to her house and packing up stuff that we don't want the movers to pack up...

*She's 90 years old and its finally time she lived closer... in fact, she is going to be renting a home that is lessthan a mile from my parents house... Its brand new, was a model home... and has everything that she would need... Including the proximity to us!

*I think I've run out of tidbits for now... I hope everyone is well...

xoxo

Congrats Jolene!!!

2008-01-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

Jolene over at "One Vintage Housewife" has gone and delivered a Happy, Healthy Baby Boy!!!

The STATS:

Name: Warrick

Bday: Monday, January 14st @ 10:51pm

Weight: 9lbs 5oz

Congrats to you and your boys, Jolene!!

Can't wait to meet him!!

Did You Know?

2008-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

... that a call to Afghanistan is expensive?

Like, $12.80 per minute expensive?

Like, 11 minute phone conversation comes out to $140 expensive?????

No!? Neither did we....

But we do now!!

*Yes, we were calling a soldier. Actually Derek was. He was calling a buddy who used to work at the PD and went back to the Army after 9/11. He's having a hard time over there, so Derek called to check on him and cheer him up... I guess the high bill was worth knowing he got to talk to a good friend...

New Digs...

2007-12-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

... For My Knitting

"Pickle Learns to Knit"

Come by and visit...

It's not great yet... but it will be :)

xoxo

On Knitting Break...

2007-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

... of sorts.

I have decided to take a bit of a knitting break after all the knitting that I did prior to Christmas.

My hands just literally did not want to work on what I picked up yesterday to play with... I really felt like they were revolting! Telling me NO and that I needed a break!

So, I'm going to do what they say... lol.

Kinda.

I'm going to pick up a few books that I have around the house and actually do some reading - or more that you can do than in a visit to the bathroom ;)

Right now, I'm reading "Water for Elephants" (which is quite entertainging!) and just purchased the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyers on Amazon.com.

I've also got a book called "Plain Truth" at home... I believe this book has been made into a TV movie that has the gal from Law & Order: SVU in it... but I'll still read it anyhow...

But I really feel like I've neglected my love for reading after I picked up knitting... so I'm going to take some time to do that...

Yet still knit in between.

I really don't have any projects that have "time lines" right now, so I can do a bit of both of my loves - reading and knitting...

I do have a project that is already started that I'm going to try and finish by Saturday...

One of Derek's friends has a newly adopted newborn daughter (like as of last Wednesday!!) and since I've already got a baby blanket in girl colors started, we both thought it would be nice to give him (her) that...

I will take pictures of it soon... I love the yarn it is made with... so soft and fluffy...

After the new year, I'm going to start to learn how to make socks... I missed the last class she put on back in the middle of December - damn red wine! - but I'm determined to learn how this time...

AND! I'm going to make myself something... since I haven't yet... lol

Shoot, I think I need something for myself... after all the other stuff I've made...

Anyways, so yea... I will be posting pics soon... probably tonight... of knitting and Christmas... so watch for those!

Have a great day...

xoxo

So... Hard...

2007-12-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

... to get out of bed this morning.

Just had to keep reminding myself that I have three days of work... and then another 4 day weekend...

::yawn::

Ah hell, I still want to go back to bed... the last two days were very tiring... screwed up my sleep schedule to "see" Santa... and do other things ::cough knit cough::

Oh well, such is life, yes?

Hope everyone has a great day back to work (if you are lucky folk like me!) and a wonderful Hump Day!

xoxo

It Came On Time...

2007-12-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

... and now its over.

Merry Christmas to all my friends out there... I hope your Holiday is treating you well...

Our presents have been opened and the kids are running around crazy. Derek is fast asleep... having not slept all night because of an awful head cold.

The kids will be going down for early naps today... I was woken up at 715 this morning and I think we could all use the quiet time.

Santa was good to the kids... we did not go overboard this year. Bought things that were mostly educational... books, Doodle Pro's... leapsters and leapster games... Rowan got a Disney MP3 player (after asking for an iPod!!)... PJ's of course and color books and crayons.

I finished all but one knitting present... which is okay, because that neck warmer was a second gift for that one person.

Grandma's throw is done... but not with out some heart ache. See, the throw is broken down into 5 panels - according to the pattern. Well, I had done two and then spoke to the gal at the yarn shop... Well, she convinced me to finish the last three all together on a circular needle... if that doesn't make sense, I'm sorry... basically, instead of having to knit 3 separate panels, I did all three together (so I wouldn't have to sew them together later on)...

Well, I stayed up until 1am on the night before Christmas Eve... knitting the last three panels, blocking and pining...

Only to attempt to sew them together last night to find out that the two panels that I had previously knitted were longer than the panel with the three....

I don't know what happened... I made extra sure that I did the correct amount with the 3 panels... but maybe some where along the way with the other two, I screwed up.

So my plan is that I will give Grandma the 3 paneled throw... explain to her what happened and either fix the other two or just knit two more panels together... I'm sure she will be appreciative of what I've done... so it probably won't matter too much...

I am a bit disappointed though... but live and let learn, right?

I did pick up some knitting today... but promptly put it down.

I think I need a break... I just hope it isn't too long of one... I've got a lot of things I want to do... Maybe in a day or so... when my hands decide that they will work for me again ;)

Anyways, I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their family and friends...

Should be back with pictures later... I will have to steal my parents camera... unless I get a new one ::wink wink:: Hey! A girl can wish, right???

So....

2007-12-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

... is everyone ready for Christmas???

No?

Don't worry... neither am I!

Still have knitting projects to finish... and presents to wrap...

Gosh, so much to do... and only 5 more days!!

Eeek.

Red Wine...

2007-12-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

.... last night, I thought you were my new bestest friend...

but this morning... I'm not thinking so.

Acutally, I think I'm going to start hating you...

::sigh::

Derek and I had a blast last night... Didn't get in until after 130am... I'm still in bed... while he is picking up the kids.

Damned Headache and Liquid Belly ::Gag::

I hope I'm feeling better in a few hours so I can go to my knitting class... I'll be awfully disappointed in myself if I can't make it because I over indulged with "Smoking Loon".

WOOHOO!!

2007-12-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

WOO HOO...

I just about finished my Christmas shopping today...

I have one more present to pick up and then I.Am.Done!

But then there is the wrapping... and the finishing of the knitting projects... but it will all get done!!

Tonight Derek and I are attending a White Elephant Christmas Party... along with Red Wine Tasting... it should be a good time... and I've got a new outfit and shoes to wear!!

And it will be nice to be with my hubby alone...

Then tomorrow, I'm off to a knitting class... going to learn how to make socks!! I'm so very excited about it...

Have a good weekend Folks.

Merry Christmas From the Pickle Jar!

2007-12-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

This is the picture I used for our Christmas card this year... I thought it was perfect because this is just who my monsters really are... silly, sweet, babies :)

I know its still, what? 12 days to Christmas, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Pictures, Pictures...

2007-12-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some pictures of my knitting...

They aren't the best... and its not everything - and actually, the work that looks like it is in progress is actually finished... I couldn't get everything because my battery died (bummer).

Enjoy.

A scarf for my neice...

An upclose view of the colors... its a basic garter stitch scarf.

This one is for my SIL... its actually very long and wide... its in a Seed Stich... Knit 1, Purl 1 all the way across.

This is Zach's hat... he wears it all the time... I've actually made one for Rowan - but with a rolled brim - and one for my other neice, the same as Ro's... the one like this for my brother but in reds... a black one for Derek... and am working on one for my dad and nephew.

I will share the rest of the projects once I get my batter charged... but until then... here is some!

::Insert Big Cheesey Smile Here::

2007-12-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Guess who's husband brought home a brand new Scan Disk this morning so his lovely wife could upload photos onto the computer?

Oh yes, that's right...

MINE!!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... I will be uploading photos tonight when I get home to share...

I've gotta make my Christmas cards - Thank you Costco.com - and I SO need/want to share my knitting accomplishments!!

Until then...

Toodles!

Oh, btw...

2007-12-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

only 12 days until Christmas Eve!!!

Eeeek....

YAY For Me!~

2007-12-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

Yay for me.

I did some Christmas shopping online last night and knocked a few things off of my list...

Seeing that most of the things on my list this year are hand made, it was quite easy.

But still, I got some stuff done!

I'm going to look online at Amazon.com today to see about some books... Gotta love giving books as presents... I know I enjoy them!

Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday...

xoxo

Bump in the Road... But Moving On...

2007-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems like it has been a bit of time since I've done a real entry... you know, one that actually lets you know what is going on in The Pickle Jar.

It seems like life is just too busy to sit down and write out stuff... and share photos.

Right now, my concentration is finishing knitting projects that I'm giving as Christmas presents. And I mean, its my only concentration... you should see my house, it is a complete mess... because I come home from work, start dinner, maybe start some laundry and the dishwasher and then I knit.

My poor couch is covered in clean clothes that I have yet to fold because I just get sucked into knitting... I swear, I could be working on something and look up at the clock and an hour or so has passed! It happens a lot...

I did have a bit of a knitting rut on Tuesday night. I had stopped at the yarn store - which most of you knew I would - and picked up three balls of the most prettiest yarn...

Well, I got home and picked up some needles... started to cast on and knit and I couldn't believe how thin the wool was... I was completely thrown off and actually my knitting buzz was killed!

I tried a few different needle sizes and finally got so frustrated that I just threw the balls back into the bag, determined to not bring them out again!

I then tried working on this blanket for my grandma... it is going to be beautiful when I'm done with it... but right now, I've only got 1 panel done for it... and it calls for 5... Well, my mind wasn't really on knitting after the buzz kill from the other yarn so I just went to bed... getting nothing done!

So yesterday, I decided to stop by the yarn store (again!) and ask the gal what to do... well, she turned me on to the idea of taking that thin yarn and paring it with another... and even gave me a pattern for the scarf!

Needless to say, I got home and pulled out the yarns and needles and got down to business!! Oh, it is gorgeous... and its just about 1/2 way done - thanks to large needles and chunky yarn! I'm sure I won't finish it tonight - Ro has gym (but I'll bring something else to work on) - but it will be done by this weekend!

After that, I've still got 2 hats, 2 other scarves and my grandma's blanket to do... all in 18 days... I'm determined to get it done... Determined!! I'm sure there will be some full days of knitting (weekends) and some late nights, but it will get done. It has to!!

Wish me luck!

Okay, enough about my knitting obsession...

We've been fighting the sickies in my house for over a month...

My poor son is the worst. He had to go back to the doctors yesterday for the 3rd time in 4 weeks for his ear.

The doctor put him on his third antibiotic and is passing a referal on to an Ears, Nose and Throat doctor to discuss his problem with ear infections. I'm kinda apprehensive about the whole tubes in the ears thing... but then again, I don't like the idea of him being on antibiotics long term either. Its never good to build up a resistence to antibiotics...

I don't know when we will be seeing the ENT. I'm sure we'll be hearing from the office with in a week or so... Zach has to go back to the doctors (pedi) on the 19th (unless we go see the ENT) for a recheck... I hope by then his ear infection is gone... because there is nothing fun with seeing him hurting and not feeling well.

Rowan is doing well in Kindergarten. She is enjoying it a lot actually. We had her Parent/Teacher Conference a few weeks ago and the teacher said she is doing great... That she is a pleasure to have in class... And is a really great listener!! (wish she would show more of that at home... lol) Rowan finds it fun to do homework (!!!)and we read a lot between our house and my mom's. We've started working on reading more than her site words and she does quite well sounding out the words...

It's amazing that Kindergarteners are actually learning to read!!

The weather out here is finally starting to look like Winter. Today it is cloudy with chances of rain and there is plenty of wind... I love this time of year... But 10 to 1 I won't be saying that come March... lol

Okay, I've really rambled on long enough... I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week and great Holiday!!

xoxo

Somebody Stop Me!!

2007-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm fighting the urge right now to stop at the yarn store on the way home from work...

I've gotta pick up some yarn for 3 projects that I need to do before Christmas...

I'm going to be at the yarn store on Friday for a class (on how to make hedge hogs) and I can pick it up then...

But gawd, I have this urge to go now and find something pretty!!!

So Much To Do... And Not Enough Time?

2007-12-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh.

I have so much to do. And I’m not sure if I’ll have enough time!

4 Beanies…

3 Scarves…

One HUGE blanket.

And there is only 20 days until Christmas!!

I guess some things around the house are going to have to wait until after Christmas to get done!

Did You Know...

2007-11-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

That there is Only 27 days until Christmas?!?!?!

Nap Time at YaYa's...

2007-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

It looks like it is Nap Time at YaYa's... The Boy and the Dogs thought they all would take naps...