The Day After

I had a great day yesterday!  It was filled with so many good things, including (but not limited to); numerous emails, facebook messages and texts wishing me a happy birthday, as well as a much anticipated bible study attendance, and lunch with good friends afterwards, a pretty pink boa (which may have been one of my favorite parts of my day, surprisingly!), a lovely slice of cake to go with lunch, dinner out, and my choice of lemon meringue pie for desert.  So many good and wonderful things, and in light of the video I posted yesterday - I jump in it!

Thank you for all those who wished me the best yesterday and made me feel loved and so very blessed!!!

Most Premium Day

Today is my birthday. Yep, 35 years ago today I began life here on this planet. And what do I plan to do on this most momentous day? Well, since everyone in my family is in good health, I will go to bible study! (which sickness has kept me from these past two weeks!!!) Then I plan to go out to lunch with a few friends. Technically I already have my birthday present (a pea coat from Costco that was purchased last month, however, it's too bad it won't be cool enough wear today) so I'm not expecting anything else, other than a night off from cooking (which I already know is coming my way....or am I heading there? (destination is still undetermined) :) But maybe it's not too late to ask for one more thing.....how about a tiny giraffe? Why not, it's my birthday?!?!!!

It's That Time Again - NaBloPoMo 2010!

The month of November is National Blog Posting Month, and I'm all signed up.  I've participated before, and some years I've done well and actually posted every day in November.  Other years (like last year, I think), I didn't.  But I tried though and that's gotta count for something, right?

Last year I tried to do a 'thankful' post every day, and while I liked that theme, I don't think I'll do that again.  Not every day anyway.  But I'll still be thankful!  So stay tuned.

Happy NaBloPoMo!  Who's with me??

Why It's Not A Good Idea

Dear Self,

Please remember how important a good nights sleep is.  It's really not worth it to stay up late reading your latest book because morning comes waaaay too early.  You know this.  And being a mother of three, you know it all too well.  Besides, you like sleep.  Sleep is a good thing (no matter how good the book may be).  However, next time the clock inches too close to midnight and you're still thinking that one more chapter is a good idea, please consider this; a child or person in your care may wake you up before the sun rises and steal you away from the little slumber that you gave yourself, so PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND GO TO BED!

Sincerely,

Your Self Who's Now Mad At You

ps...the book isn't that good anyway.

I Wish They Came In My Size (and fit!)

Earlier this week I posted about Caleb and his aversion to wearing pants.  Just about everyday since telling him that he's to wear pants this week, he's asked me, at some point, if he could either wear shorts or at least change into them (after school).  The answer has been the same, every time.  And frankly, I'm tired of him asking.  But that all changed yesterday.

Seeing Caleb's need for more pants (he only had, like, 3 or four pair, and compared to his copious amount of shorts, that number seemed too small), we took a trip to the store to get more.  I wasn't quite looking forward to the journey since I knew he wouldn't either, and so I braced myself against whines and complaints about said shopping trip.  However, true to kid-style, he threw me for a loop when he didn't have a bad attitude.  Instead he quickly asked, in excitement, if he could have skinny jeans.  After my initial shock, I told him yes, and we set out to find some.  Old Navy, my dear store-friend, has skinny jeans, so that's where we went.  And we walked out with one pair of skinny jeans and another pair of super-skinny jeans.

If I had known that was all it would take, I would have bought some sooner!  They are now my only hope of surviving this winter with minimal complaints about his wardrobe.  Caleb may just survive this cold season after all!

When I Was A Kid....

Modesto used to have a book-mobile that would come to our neighborhood once a week.  Basically, it was a bus loaded with books from the library that we could check out.  The book-mobile would come to our street and park right in front of our house.  I loved it!  I would return my books from the previous week, then peruse the shelves that lined the bus for more books to check out.

I miss the book-mobile.  I wish one would come to my house every week.  Then I wouldn't have to lug all our books to and fro.  And I bet my kids would love it.  Maybe it would become one of their fond childhood memories just as it is one of mine.

The New Mom Jeans

I went to Old Navy and got a new pair of jeans.  My old pair is showing it's age, or rather, maybe it's me who's showing age (or feeling it anyway).  As I looked at the selections and descriptions of the jeans available, I couldn't help feeling like I should be shopping in the Misses section.  Again, I find myself between sections.  I don't fit in the young adult area but I'm not quite ready to trade in the low-rise jeans for elastic waist bands.

Previous jeans I've purchased at Old Navy were called The Flirt.  They boast a low-rise and boot cut legs.  Old Navy has made it official, I've now moved on.  I purchased The Dreamer jeans.  They have a practical 'classic rise', boot cut legs, and have 'stretch' where needed (whatever that means. and seriously, I don't want to explore that category right now).  I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not.  I'm no longer a 'Flirt' but rather a 'Dreamer' - one who dreams of wearing such things that 'flirt'? *sigh*

Let it be known right here, right now, that I don't exactly approve, or like, the names that Old Navy puts on their clothes.  But if the jeans fit....

He's Such A Southern California Boy

Since it's been rainy and cool here lately, I told Caleb that it's time for him to wear pants.  For this child, putting away the flip flops and shorts is a difficult thing to do.  He lives in them! Oh the protests!!!  You'd think I asked him to sever a limb or something.  Which I haven't, I'm only asking that he cover them up.

Fall-ing

We've been having great Fall weather here lately.  It's gray and drizzly with lots of crisp coolness in the air.  It's great, I love it!  Especially since it's not typical for Southern California.  Besides, it's perfect for an outing to the pumpkin patch.  In years past we've made our trek to the pumpkin patch with lots of sunshine and heat. It just doesn't feel right to pick out pumpkins when it's blazing hot.  So, we had a great time on Saturday with the lovely traditional Fall weather.

I'm not sure how long the coolness in the air will last, or if I'll be able to bring out my Fall/Winter clothes for good or not.  But I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts.

We're Moving

We are currently living in our third house.  The other two houses we've owned, we have remodeled a bathroom.  It seemed that for each house as soon as the remodel was finished, we had to move and never got to enjoy it.  When we bought the house we're in now, I told Ryan that we would either have to remodel a bathroom right away so we could enjoy it, or not do one at all or until we were ready to sell.  With the recent report from the plumber that came the other day to look at a suspicious leak in our master bathroom, I'm thinking that I may have to start packing boxes soon as it has been determined that demolition of the bathroom is necessary.  *sigh*  At least I have a head start with those five boxes I still haven't touched.

Renewal

When we bought our house last year, it came with a one year home warranty.  As the year came to an end we were asked if we would like to renew it and pay for another year.  With as much as it has come in handy, our answer was 'yesiree'!

Over the course of this year we have called on and used the home warranty 5 times.  The first time was when the air conditioner failed to produce cold air during a heat wave.  Secondly, the hot water heater died.  And twice we had issues with the pool (twice denied, but that's not the point, I think.).  Then again this past week we used the warranty for a water leak in the master bathroom.

Never before during any homeownership have we had to use the home warranty so much.  For a few of the things I'm so glad that we had the option to call someone else to come fix things.  Makes me feel a bit like a renter again, but without the landlord stinginess.  Granted, not all things were covered that came up, but still, it was nice to have the option.  So yes, we signed up for the year extension.  But hopefully we won't need it.

One Year

This past weekend was the one year mark since we bought and moved into our house.  It's hard to believe that it's been a year already.  Do you know what else is hard to believe???  I still have five boxes that have not been dealt with. *sigh*  I wish they'd just go away.  Three of them are in my bathroom and filled mostly with things that we rarely use but still need from time to time.  The other two loner boxes sit next to my computer and one might think that I'd see them every day.  But I don't.  They mostly just sit there and don't say a word.  Maybe that's why they are so easy to ignore.  One of these days I'll go through them and make them go away.  Maybe by this time next year.

Aside from the silent, pesky boxes, life in our house has been great.  I have enjoyed our new home so very much.  It has been a great house for our family and we have had fun making it our own.  Maybe this week I'll actually post some pictures of a few things we've done this past year.  Or maybe I'll tackle a few boxes. Decisions, decisions.  Or.....maybe I'll do both!

Up Before The Sun

I'm not sure how well today is going to go.  A little being woke us up at two-stinkin-thirty this morning.  The claim was that her bed was lumpy.  Later I found out that she had just had a bad dream (about a lumpy bed??) and was afraid to go back to sleep.

After waking us up to the report of a 'lumpy bed', instructions were given to 'go lay down on the couch and watch tv if you have to'.  Now, I admit that being woken up before the sun makes it extremely difficult to be a good parent.  I don't recommend giving a 5 year old instructions to watch tv at 2:30 in the morning.  IF, said child is able to turn on the complicated tv and cable system, then there's no telling what she'll end up watching.  Turns out King of the Hill was on - another score for parent of the year.  Good thing she doesn't know how to work the telephone, who knows what would have happened if she had landed on the Home Shopping Network!

I'm just glad that today is a school day for this little girl.  I think I'll say an extra prayer for her teacher.  And plan for a nap when school gets home. 

The Weekend Squall

I find it odd that all through the week I am able to maintain a somewhat clean and presentable house only to have it completely obliterated by gale force winds on Saturday morning.

The other problem is that it takes all Saturday and Sunday to repair the damages.

Oh the joy of raising whirlwinds.

Always - Little Word, Big Impact

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

I've read this verse many times in my life, and most times I get the thought of "Yeah right.  Always?  It's hard to rejoice in every situation!".  But there it is.  A command.  On the other hand......maybe Paul didn't realize what it would be like to be waiting and sitting in the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I have about a month and a half to get myself down to the DMV before my license expires.  Oh the joy.  I could only wonder at the hours of wasted time spent waiting in line with a bunch of unhappy people in a dingy crowded building.  And so today, I packed two snacks and a book and took myself down to the DMV.  After going to the wrong location, I finally found the building and stood in the long line just to get my number assigned to me.  I was number G115.  And they were on G093 when I sat down.  I had no idea what the other letters and numbers were for.  The big screen in the building was flashing up numbers like B109 and C063, with an occasional 'G' number thrown in for good measure, I guess.

After getting my number, I found a seat in the middle of a pretty much empty row.  I sat down, updated my Facebook status (what else is more entertaining that letting others know that I am waiting in the dungeon of doom with the rest of my city's humanity?), then I opened my book and began reading.  Soon a lady and her husband came and sat right next to me.  I was a bit annoyed as I casually looked around the room and saw that there was plenty of empty seats around the room and yet they chose to sit right beside me!  Then the lady began to fan herself and wafting her perfume directly into my breathing space.  Seriously?  Sit next to me and make me smell you also?? *sigh*

That was when I checked my email and saw a response to my Facebook status - I would LOVE to be sitting in DMV reading a book right now!.  I sat and thought about that little statement.  My friend was right.  How often would I love to sit somewhere and have nothing else to do than read a book somewhat uninterrupted?  My days have been filled, for years, with little beings constantly surrounding me, asking me for things, as the household requires errands and cleaning and host of other things from me as well.  And then I realized what a blessed day I was having.  There I was, sitting in the DMV and my children were all safe and happy at school and I am able to sit down and relax and read my little book in somewhat silence.

God be praised!  In the middle of the DMV!  Who knew?!

And so I sat and continued reading.  And my next door neighbor stopped fanning herself.  Then my number was called and within 15 minutes I was done and outta there!

Rejoicing.  It's a matter of perspective.  And choice.

All That AND The Kitchen Sink

Isabel says she loves me. She tells me all the time. Often she'll say "I love you forever!". And I kinda like it.

Today we had another talk about how much we love each other. It went a little like this;

Isabel - I love you one hundred!

Me - Well, I love you a thousand.

Isabel - And I love you a thousand a hundred!

Me - Oh yeah? I love you a million!

Isabel - *silence, as her mind works to come up with her next line. then her little face lights up as she says* I love you a lotta numbers!

Me too, little girl, you have no idea.

One More Reason To Love Target

Today I am thankful for Target's plastic bags. I have quite a lot of them and I use them for many things. They make for great bathroom trash can liners. Also, the bags are good for when I clean out the kitty litter.

But today I am thankful for Target's bags because they don't have holes at the bottom, like most grocery store bags. I am thankful for the hole-less plastic bag today because Isabel got sick and I needed something that wouldn't leak as I cleaned up the mess in the garage.

Yep. Target's plastic bags rock!

New Recipe!

I attended a moms event at church the other morning and in the newsletter I found a delicious recipe for Tomato Basil Soup. Yesterday was a chilly day so I decided it was perfect timing to have soup for dinner. Although I had my doubts as I was making it, it turned out great AND everyone liked it! I'll definitely add this new recipe to my dinner repertoire. Next time though, I'll make some bread to go with it. Can't beat homemade soup and warm bread on a chilly night!

~ Tomato Basil Soup ~

1 onion, finely chopped

3 carrots, shredded

2 16-oz cans stewed or crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp butter or olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp pepper

Saute onion and carrots in butter or olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, basil, chicken broth, heavy cream, sugar and pepper until heated through, but no boiling. Next puree ingredients in a food processor or blender. Serve garnished with fresh bail and sour cream (optional).

Pool Table

On the other side of our pool we have a nice table and umbrella that came with the house. It may not look very big, but it seats up to eight people! The covered table comes in very handy when we have people over, either for a party as it gives extra outdoor seating, or as a nice far-away place for the kids to sit and eat as the adults enjoy their meal together. We have also used it a lot this summer for eating our nightly dinner.

When it gets really hot, having a place to eat outside has been great. The kids love it too. In fact, almost every night before dinner Mae will ask one of us if we will be eating outside. And if the answer is 'no, not tonight' then there is the inevitable disappointed sigh coming from her direction. (I have NO idea where she got that from!) But most nights will find us dining outside.

I picked up a nice-sized outdoor serving tray so I can stack plates and glasses and a side dish or two and carry it out to the table. Also, I have invested in some plastic plates and cups to help save our glassware and everyday dishes from the occasional drop off the table onto the concrete.

Having a place to eat outside has been so nice and it makes me appreciate the blessing of our house even more. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by and join us for dinner!

Isabel's First Day

Yesterday was a great day! Isabel was so excited to go to her new kindergarten class. In fact, here she is the night before as she was making her sandwich and packing her lunch. Can't you just feel her excitement?


I half expected Isabel to have either a hard time going to sleep the night before her first day or that she'd get up super-early the day of. I was wrong on both accounts. In fact, Ryan had to wake her up at 7:00 so she could get ready to leave. However, it didn't take her long to be WIDE awake and ready to leave!

Here she is as we were about to leave the house.


Then again walking to her class (I just love these shots!)


And here she is lined up with her class and rest of the school before the day got started.


Then she went with her class into the classroom, where she found her desk, put her stuff down, then came to the door to wave goodbye. I was strong and didn't cry. I wanted to. But I didn't.

When it was time, I went back to Isabel's school to pick her up. Where she had had a great first day!

Isabels says "I love kindergarten school!". I'm so glad that she does, but I hope she still likes homeschool days with Mom.