The Smith Family's Adventures

YES WE DID

2009-01-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

I stole this image from Kayce, thanks!

Santa, at OUR house!!

2008-12-24T21:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,Happy hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, or whatever you may celebrate!

2008-12-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Big Move...

2008-10-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it really been over a month since my last post?So much has been going on. From the staging of the house to sell, to open houses and living in a staged house (sucks!), to finally renting our house out and not being able to find a place to live...at one point we had 2 weeks to get out and nowhere to live. Stress!!! To Grace having a hard time in Kindergarten and trying ro decide what to do about it (and still deciding...I suggest holding back those fall birthday kids...)to the move, which is 10 times harder with kids than I ever though it could be. We moved very close to my work and the kids school, which is so awesome. But it is a MUCH smaller house with ONE bathroom! We came from a big house with 3 bathrooms!! But the neighborhood is so great, the kids can actually go outside and play! One of my new neighbors brought me flowers and welcomed us to the neighborhood, that has never happened before...So now it is unpacking, getting ready for Halloween, etc...Sadly, I may be done with the blog...It's been 3 years and I just feel like I have nothing new to say. I may still post pictures and definitely check up on my blog friends! Here are some Halloween pics.
Grace drew the face on hers and I carved it...I love this picture because Cameron looks like a Jack O' Lantern with his missing teeth!

Cameron's first Jack O' Lantern. He carved it by himself!

5

2008-09-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Gracie girl!!!

We interrupt this break for...

2008-08-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Some pictures. Some of my family comes here only for pictures, so that is all I will be posting for a while

1st day of Kindergarten!

1st day of 1st grade!

Cameron turns 7!

Fun in orange county.

Scott turns 41!

taking a break...

2008-08-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I'm just not feeling it. I can't think of anything to write that anyone would want to read. I think the pressure of the house might be getting to me. We have had zero interest. The other day Cameron spilled his juice in the car and I said "Oh Cameron, what a mess". And he said "what's the matter? You aren't going to sell the CAR are you??" Because that is the only reason keep things clean! I was so hoping this would all be done by the time School started and when I had to be back at work...hopefully when I come back I'll be in a happier place...

4 years ago...

2008-08-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

our Gracie girl joined our family. How lucky we are! Thanks to my sis for the awesome video!

wired

2008-08-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

How many portable gadgets do you have? I am just trying to see if we are normal. (obviously, I know we aren't normal, but in terms of gagdets!) Here is the scene: I am getting into the car to go home from Gilroy gardens. it is about an hour drive. I plug in my ipod to listen to. I set up the GPS. Gracie turns on the portable DVD player. I check messages and e mail on my phone. Cameron needs his Nitendo DS plugged in to charge, so he can play it. I think we might need an intervention.

Lucky 7!

2008-08-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Guess who turns 7 today?

The baby they said I would never have is 7 years old! That's Cameron for you. Don't try and tell him he can't do something, he will do it! (even being born!). He is a Leo through and through. and a little comedian. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Adoption reunion!

2008-08-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time this weekend meeting up with most of the families from our adoption group. We didn't have one last year, so it has been two years since we have seen most of them. It was the perfect day for the beach in Santa Cruz. Can't wait to see everyone again! (sooner)
Babies in China 2004:

Big 5 year olds!

Proud moms! (and one Grandma)

These are so cute!

2008-07-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Scott needed some baby gifts for two women at work, and I came across these. I thought they were so cute! Even cuter than mine, I wish I had thought of it. They have a few other animals, too. you can find them here

2008-07-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Quick update from the land of crazy...

2008-07-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

I Spilled a quart of paint all over the walls, carpet and new Pottery ba.rn rug, 2 hours before the open house. Thank Goodness for the carpet cleaner I bought with the intention of cleaning my own carpets(yeah, right!). if we never use it again, it was worth every penny!
Have had 2 open house and a Realtors tour. No offers, yet.
We live in the car. Literally. Did you know that you can get 3 meals a day at Sta.rbuc.ks?
I drove by a house today with a huge lemon tree full of lemons. It took everything I had to not stop and ask for some. I might go back tomorrow.
It takes me an hour every day to get the house in "walk through condition". I don't have an extra hour every morning. Do you know where I can get one?
When staging your house, just turn everything on an angle. (furniture, vases, pictures)it looks better. Go ahead, try it.
I haven't been able to take any pictures, because I can't find my camera. I had to drop out of my photography class because I missed so many trying to get the house ready. I am sad.

Could the economy get any worse??

2008-07-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today I paid $4.69 for a gallon of gas. But the worst thing yet, the realtor asked me to pick up a bunch of lemons to put in a big bowl on the counter for the open house. I went to the store and put them in a bag and brought them up to the register. She rang them up and I did a double take. They are how much? They were $1.60 each. For. Lemons. I did not buy them. Anyone have a lemon tree? Or want to buy a house?

I don't do perfect (very well)

2008-07-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

I am having a rough week. I know you don't feel sorry for me because I just came back from a two week vacation, and that's fine. We now have T-minus 3 days until the first open house. And my head might explode before then. The house cleaners made me rush home and miss the incoming Kindergarten playgroup that I am in charge of, because they couldn't open the lock box. They couldn't put in a three letter code and open it. So I came home, only to have them tell me that they didn't have time to clean my house this week. WHAT? I sort of lost it. I didn't yell. or anything, but I was very exasperated and asked why they wasted my time making me drive all the way home? So I called the realtor and she convinced them to do the kitchen and baths. When I asked them how much to pay, he replied "I don't care. I am only doing this so I won't tarnish my relationship with the realtor" At this point, my kids are trying to kill each other and I am standing in the driveway crying. So I put them in the car and head out to...nowhere. I had nowhere to go. I had the dog in the car and nowhere to go. And they are still fighting. So we head to the store. The kids only get worse, asking for everything in sight and alternating screaming at each other. Gracie decides she wants Sprite, and I said no. Which starts an hour long screaming/kicking session. Scott happens to call at this time and I am bawling. The kids have really been at each other lately, and I am not sure what to do. That, combined with the fact that the house needs to be perfect, all the time, is putting me on edge...This too, shall pass...

How I am feeling right now...

2008-07-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Susan. This would have been totally different if I had done it on vacation, but here it is!
Tired. On a different time zone and packing all day

Lucky. To have been able to go on a two week vacation with my family.

Panicked. At the thought of getting the house staged by Saturday.

Worried. that the house won't sell.

Hungry. and no food in the house. I guess we will have to go out (oh darn!)

Books, Books, Books

2008-07-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

I love, love to read, but I don't do it as much as I would like to. Partly, it is because when I am in the middle of a good book, I do not like to be interupted. For. any. reason. Something my children do not seem to understand! I can be a litle bit obssesive about my reading, staying up until all hours of the night and gerenerally ignoring all the other things I need to be doing. (like cooking and laundry!) So I only read a few books a year. Except when I am on vacation. I have finished 3 books so far. Then, I discovered Audiobooks on my ipod. I can listen to a book while watching my children in the pool and not being a neglectful parent. I can also listen while making lunch for them and in the dark, two things I cannot do while reading. They are a little on the expensive side, but totally worth it to me...
Here is what I have been reading/listening to and would highly reccomend:
The last summer of (you and me)
by Ann Brashares

This was my first Audiobok, and I thought it was great. I have not read her Sister's of the traveling pants series.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

This was not my favorite Jodi Picoult, I liked My sister's keeper and Nineteen minutes better, but it was still a good read.

The Friday Night Knitting club by Kate Jacobs
I loved this one for it's women's relationships.

Next on my Audiobook list is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

What are some of your favorite books?

It wasn't exactly as I'd pictured...

2008-07-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the 4th of July. I grew up close to the beach and we would spend all day there. Then, at night we would have a fire and watch fireworks. I have always wanted my children to experience that. But in Northern Ca, it is cold in July, and too foggy to even see any fireworks. The water at the beaches are too cold and the waves too dangerous to swim. So I was excited to see that our resort was having an "Independence day beach party" complete with a BBQ and fireworks. It seemed ironic that my children would get to live my childhood 4th of July dream-in Mexico. Still, I was excited. But it was not meant to be. Instead we got this:

I am not sure if you can see the rain in this picture, but I have not seen rain like that since China. Complete with crashing thunder and lightning...So the beach party was moved indoors and we walked back to our room in pouring rain and watched the short fireworks show from our balcony. Not as I pictured, but still fun...

2008-07-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

Beauty and the beast

by the river

A big leezard

I did all the work. She just looked pretty!

Wish you were here...

2008-07-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Fun with my new toy...

2008-06-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

Before we left for Mexico,
I bought one of these:

And I am so glad I did! It is waterproof,drop proof, sand proof, and pretty much anything proof. I can take it anywhere! It is the Olympus stylus 850 SW. Here is some fun we have been having with it...

underwater video coming soon..

How to keep your house really clean...

2008-06-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Pack up 3/4 of your things and move the boxes to the garage. Put all the toys in the garage. Take a third of those things and give them away. Ta da! There isn't anything left to make a mess! We are staging our house to sell. I have never been so tired. We know it is not a good time to sell, but it is what we need to do. Thanks goodness tomorrow we leave for this place:

I so deserve a Margarita. Adios!

Camping is fun...Fires are not...

2008-06-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

We were having a great time in Big Sur with my sister and friends when we heard there was a fire. We were having too much fun to worry. La, la,la, what fire?? When the ranger came by and asked "are you packed up?" and I said "No. why?" She said "because you need to be!", I knew they were serious. So our second night of camping was spent at the Hyatt. In the Hot tub. The kids thought it was great! Almost as great as camping! But the kids got along great (especially Austin and Grace, I am a little frightened of the teenage years!) I have some pictures, but need to upload the rest...It was a fun time...

Berry Picking

2008-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Text says:
We went berry picking at Phipps farm in Pescadero. We wanted to pick strawberries, but they didn't have a good crop. So we picked ollaliberries. They are a cross between a raspberry and a black berry. They are really good! It was a fun day...

The perfect father's day...

2008-06-15T21:17:00.001-07:00

We went to the beach...

met up with the Teague family...Here is Cameron and Austin...

Ryleigh passed out after swimming

and fun at Fisherman's warf.

I filled up my computer!

2008-06-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to upload any pictures because I ran out of memory on my laptop that I have only had for a year! Maybe I take too many pictures?? Many momentous things have happened this week! First this:

Cameron had his spring concert and thought it was hilarious to close his eyes whenever he saw the camera. In every.single.picture. He's a jokster!

Then This:

My baby is going to Kindergarten. Sob! How can this be? Time really does fly right by...

2008-06-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

The scene:
It is evening and I lay down on the couch for the first time all day.
Grace- "don't you have lots of things you need to do?"
Me- "Yes, I always have things I need to do. The list never ends"
Cameron, not even looking up from his video game -"It ends when you die"
Thanks, honey.

2008-05-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is how I've been feeling, lately. I seem to have "over volunteered" myself. Thank God for Coffee...

remember...

2008-05-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

Quotes

2008-05-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, enough with the bad mood. I think when so many horrible things happen in the world, it gets me down. Here is something I have seen on a couple of blogs that I liked. I went here and picked 5 random quotes that spoke to me.

Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.
Bob Newhart

Don't let the bastards grind you down.
General Joseph W. Stilwell

It is a fine thing to establish one's own religion in one's heart, not to be dependent on tradition and second-hand ideals. Life will seem to you, later, not a lesser, but a greater thing.
D. H. Lawrence

Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.
Christopher Reeve

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.
Ben Stein

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.
Harry S Truman
oops, that's 6. Oh well.
I am also participating in Lisa's Pay it forward challenge. I am excited! If you want to play, leave me a comment. I'll pick 3 randomly. (at least 3 people read this, right?)

Nothing

2008-05-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

That's what I have to write about. That's what this post is about. The heat wave only lasted 3 days, as it usually does and now it is 50 degrees and rainy. Unofficial start of summer my @ss! I have pictures to upload of baseball, more lost teeth and a jack o' lantern smile.But I'm too lazy. The next two weeks of school winding down are crazy. Field Trips, picnics, staff parties,luncheons, gifts (which means lots of $) Man, I sound cranky...

Sangria by the pool...

2008-05-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Before you get too jealous, keep in mind that this is the pool. Ha! Also keep in mind that it is 87 degrees inside my house right now.
Recipe:
1 or 2 bottles of dry red wine, depending on how much you want to make.
1 oz. brandy
1 oz. triple sec ( you don't need these if you don't have them)
1/3 cup sugar(or less if you want it less sweet)
orange slices
lemon slices
2 Green apples, peeled and chopped
pineapple chunks
Club soda. You can use lemon-lime flavor and not as much sugar
Combine wine, brandy, triple sec and fruit in a pitcher. Refrigerate, preferably overnight. Before serving, fill glass about a quarter full with club soda. pour wine mixture over, spoon some fruit into glass. enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day to me...

2008-05-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

I had a great day. Scott and the kids got me some cute things including this shirt:

I love Life is Good stuff! But my favorite present is the one I got for myself. Here it is:

I ordered it online, so I haven't gotten it yet, but it is really sad how excited I am! I have always been an Oreck fan, but I have heard such good things about Dyson that I can't wait to try. It doesn't take much to make me happy, I know...

An early Mother's Day...

2008-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Grace had her little Mother's Day performance yesterday. I cried, even though I have seen it 3 times! It is just so cute!

2008-05-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

No internet makes me cranky...

2008-04-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Still have no wireless, I have to sit in my cramped office at the desk(the horror!) I have decided to sell some of the frames. I got so into making them that I made a lot! so if you want one, they are Here. I am just doing this as a hobby. I don't excpect to make much. I have a lot of new ones there. Have fun!

2008-04-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

A little tutorial...

2008-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

For M3. Seriously, these frames are so easy to make! I got the frames at Michael's for a dollar!

I didn't even paint them or prime them, I left the back unfinished. Then I picked my papers. I have to admit, I used my scrapbook of the month kit, so I knew all the colors would coordinate well...

Then I laid the frame face down and used an exacto knife to cut around the paper and cut out the center. I put a cutting mat down first. You could also trace it and cut it with scissors.I used two different papers for each frame. sometimes I put half and half, sometimes just a different strip down the side.

Then I painted the chip board I wanted to use. I love these little paint dabbers, but I also use these wet chalks a lot. Both chipboard shapes and the paint and chalk can be found at scrapbook stores.

Then, the embellishments! There are so many to choose from. Buttons, ribbon,crystals, brads,stickers and cute quote pages.

Then I arranged it how I wanted it and glued it down with quick dry tacky glue. Then glue the entire thing to the frame. That's it! Here is one of my favorite tools. It is the cropodile, and it can punch holes in anything.. thick paper, cardboard, metal, or leather. You Can also use a paper piercing tool, like this one.

If you are like me, and get overwhelmed going into a scrapbook store because you can't decide between all the different Patterns, you should join a scrap at home club. Every month, they send you huge kit with everything coordinated to go together. Paper, stickers, chip board and embellishments. You can make some scrapbook pages, cards, or anything you want. I used one kit to make these frames and that kit cost about $30.00. Here is where I get my kits from. Scrapbook Nook.
Happy crafting!

Teacher Gifts...

2008-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

I had the day off today, so I started on the teacher's end of the year gifts. This school year is flying by! I am making frames. Here is what I have so far.

Baseball

2008-04-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Cool Kids

2008-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

In the convertable enjoying 80 degree(in the city!) weather. It was 55 and windy today, but it was nice while it lasted...

Lazy Blogger...

2008-04-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've to busy/lazy (is that possible?) to blog. So here is what I have been up to. That and American Idol, which I am prety pissed about, right now. How could they vote off Michael Johns? He was one of the best ones...Happy Almost Friday!

A relaxing weekend...

2008-04-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right! because my sister rocks! She watched the kids for us so we could go and have a couples massage and stay overnight by ourselves! I have never been so relaxed! Then today we decided to try Geocaching. I had been wanting to try since Stacey(PW) introduced me...it was fun and we found two caches! the kids were very excited. (me too!) Now we are hooked. Well, here are some pictures from the weekend...

Spring Flowers

Beautiful church at Stanford

Hill rolling (aunt Michelle, too!)

We found our first cache!!

The view from one of the cache spots.

Very late Easter pics

2008-04-03T09:09:00.001-07:00

Easter kind of snuck up on me and was gone before I knew it! I can't belive it is April! So here are the very late Easter pictures. I am not sure what is up with Gracie's expression, she does this whenever I take a picture, now. I call it "scary Gracie"

More surf camp favorites...

2008-03-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love the beach in the morning. It is so peaceful.(well, when Grace isn't screaming that there is sand in her shoes!)

Cameron is loving surf camp. This might be his "thing". It seems to calm him. My sister asked if it was too cold for surf camp. Well, actually, yes! It was 50 degrees outside and the water is 54 degrees! That is why he has 2 wetsuits on! Meanwhile, Gracie and I sit on the beach and freeze...But it really isn't all that much warmer at the beaches here in the summer. The water might warm up a little bit, but with the fog and wind, the temperature outside might only be 62 degrees. In July! So I guess if he really loves this we will have to stock up on sweat shirts...

Surf Camp

2008-03-26T22:05:00.001-07:00

2008-03-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Will she be a ballerina, or tattoo artist?

2008-03-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

only time will tell...

Lucky 13...

2008-03-18T18:41:00.001-07:00

For our anniversary I got a new wedding band. Why? because I lost mine. again. I blame Gracie this time. But this is the 3rd wedding band I had. I lost it on the day we were married and got married with my SIL's band. We found it later. It seems fitting to loose another one on our 13th anniversary...

baseball

2008-03-17T19:44:00.001-07:00

Cameron has started baseball and loves it! The pictures are not great. I forgot my camera, so they were taken with my cell phone. I also went to the Scrapbook expo this weekend and it was so fun! Made some cool projects. I'll try and get some pictures of them.

with Aunt Michelle

After the game

Me and Cinderella, we are so much alike...

2008-03-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of princess talk around here, lately. I cleaned out the closet and put all of my dressy shoes in a bin under the bed. Gracie was looking for them and she said "Mom, where's your shoes"? I asked which shoes. She said "the ones you wear to the ball!".
Yesterday she says "I am going to be a princess when I grow up"
I replied"You know, that doesn't pay very well, you might need a back up plan".
Her-blank stare

Princess Wishes...

2008-03-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, after hearing about it from everyone and having Grace ask me every.single.time. she saw the commercial, when we were going, we went. It was very cute. well, except for the part where every princesses dream was to get a prince and then they do (gag). But it was still well done.

Pretty Paper Purses

2008-03-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't done much crafting lately, so I started this project. It was a kit and you just fold, glue and embellish them. I am going to put candy in them for the teachers at school. Gracie has been very busy making her own purses! That is what we do while Cameron plays the Wii. Is there a 12 step program for the Wii? Seriously.

We have rats!

2008-02-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

Well, they are visiting for the weekend, anyway...

Sometimes I feel like I am doing this...

Minus 10 lbs...

2008-02-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

I was down 11, but then I gained 4 on our vacation. How is it that you can gain 4 lbs in a week, but it takes 3 weeks to take it off? Anyway, I am getting kind of bored with my eating habits. I need more creative health eating ideas...I could also write a book about cheating on weight watchers and still losing weight. Like not eating lunch and having two ice cream sandwiches for dinner and not going over your points. Those kinds of things...

I couldn't take it anymore...

2008-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

I had her bangs cut. Yes, it has only been two months, but I am impatient that way! So here is before and after:

It seems that the sickness in the house has left no one untouched...

2008-02-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

Dora has the Chicken Pox. Yes, that is permanent marker...

My new obsession, I mean, toy.

2008-02-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

It is a BlackJack 2. I can now send and recive e mail anywhere! And read blogs, too! Scott calls it my "precious" because I haven't put it down since I got it. I really wanted an iphone, but I am prety happy with this...

Princesses

2008-02-15T20:48:00.001-08:00

2008-02-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind...Disney pictures coming...

2008-02-14T13:47:00.001-08:00

Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Cinderella

Your alter ego is Cinderella! You often find yourself doing a lot of housework, but if you are patient, your hard work usually pays off. You are prone to losing things, so dont rush through everything.

Cinderella

75%

Peter Pan

56%

Goofy

56%

Sleeping Beauty

50%

Pinocchio

44%

The Beast

44%

Snow White

31%

Cruella De Ville

19%

Donald Duck

19%

Ariel

19%

Having a great time!

2008-02-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Why I don't get my haircut very often...

2008-02-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

They always, always, always, cut off more than I ask them to! I am trying to grow it out and grow out my bangs, Gracie's too, any advice? It is in her face all the time! I have tried clips, mousse, pony tail holders...it won't stay to the side! Help! But back to my hair. one of the problems could be that I go to the same place as the kids and pay like $18.00. So here I sit with my "chin length" hair! (what does "I'm trying to grow it out" mean to you?) Then there are the stupid comments.
Her-"That's your daughter?"
Me-"yes"
her-"she don't look like you"
Me-"No, she was adopted"
Her-"You don't want you own kids?"
Me-"Ummm, they are my own kids. I have one biological and one adopted"
Her-"Oh, you have one of your own. Why didn't you try for another?"
Me-"Ummm, I did. I adopted her
ARRGG!
I need a new haircut place.

How long was I gone??

2008-01-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

That was the sickest I have been...maybe ever. I have to say that Scott really stepped up, calling babysitters staying home from work and generally keeping everybody fed and dressed. (It's Ok to feed them lunchables 3 days in a row, right??) I still can barely sit up, but I couldn't do that yesterday. I have so much to do! Valentines to send (which will now have to be store bought-gasp!), Chinsese new year celebrations at school, and a trip to Disneyland trip to plan for...But right now still working on getting better...

Moms don't get sick days...

2008-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

How I wish I could call someone up and say "I have the flu and will be staying in bed all day". Then they would have to get kids up and dresssed, fed, lunches made and to school. They would pick them up, too and make dinner and get them to bed. But there are husbands with metings and babysiters recovering from surgery and no family near by. So I cry and get up and do what needs to be done. I hope I feel better soon. Is it safe to drive while taking nyquil?

6 lbs down!

2008-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Not doing too bad! My challenge will be our school auction and Disneyland trip coming up...I'll just have to start saving those points...

It's time to hire a housekeeper when...

2008-01-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

You pick up a friend of your 4 year olds for a playdate and when she gets in the car she says "Wow, you car is messy, like ours!". And your 4 year old replies "You should see our house!"

2008-01-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is so cool!

2008-01-11T17:36:00.001-08:00

A very good friend of mine sent this to me for my birthday! I had never seen one. It is a good thing I took a picture of it quick, because it was devoured fast! Now how many points do you think are in those chocolate apple slices??

5 days down...

2008-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Not doing too bad...I am pretty sure I will loose some this week. My biggest challenge is finding time to get to the gym...I make out a perfect schedule and then someone needs to go to the doctor, or the dryer breaks and I need to stay home and wait for the repair guy...and there goes Gym time. I kind of blew it last night. I took them to gymnastics and then we went to McDonald's (bad mom, I know). I had saved up enough points to have a chicken sandwich and a small fry. We weren't even half way finished and everyone had to go to the bathroom. So we left our food and jackets, etc...and went to the bathroom. I see the guy cleaning up around our table. He looks at me and I shook my head no as in "no, we aren't done". we come out and he has thrown all of of food away! I was so mad!(don't come between a new weight watchers member and her chicken sandwich!) So they offered to give us more food, but I just took some more chicken nuggets and one fry for the kids. But they were done, so I ended up eating them! arrg. I really need to work on my self control...

Another year, another pledge to eat healthier...

2008-01-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

I am starting wieght watchers again. I know it works for me and it is relativly easy. And I can still go out and do it. I did great today, staying in my points range and going to the gym. Yay me! One day down...

It doesn't get any better than this!

2008-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! They are heart shaped cupcakes decorated by the kids with enough frosting to sink a ship! yum!

Mexico 07'

2008-01-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

Batten down the hatches!!

2008-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

It's the storm of the century! Rain! Near hurricane force winds! (seriously, is 40mph "near hurricane" force? wait, let me look it up...Hurricane force starts at 64 knots...)The rest of the country must laugh at us...At least we can stay in our Pj's all day and enjoy the weather...
Other things on my mind. The tiger attack at the zoo. The whole thing just makes me sad. I have pictures of that tiger. We have a season pass, but I am not sure I will be able to go back. Not because I am scared that we might get attacked by a wild animal, just because it is sad. I have never been a huge fan of our zoo. It is old. a lot of the enclosures are way too small(including the one that tiger was in). Two of the elephants and the hippo have died. I don't know who was at fault. Certainly the wall should have been higher. But now they are saying that the kids may have had slingshots. I am sorry, but if you are throwing shoes and hitting a tiger with slingshots, maybe you should think twice. I am sad that they had to kill the tiger. they couldn't have sedated it and sent it out to some animal refuge to live? I am sad that a person had to die. Sad. that is all I can say about it...

*I realize that there are parts of California in danger of flooding by all the rain. But we are not one of them..
**Do not mock Mother nature! Not five minutes after I wrote this, the power went out! And stayed out for two hours. But guess what? there are things to do besides watch T.V. and play the wii...like play uno and draw!

Home and happy new year!

2008-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Another fun trip to Mexico. 10 hours in the car is a long time. My sister did an awsome job holding down the fort (and cleaning it, too!!) It's good to be home. I haven't had a chance to upload any pictures. I hope everyone had a great New Year's. Looking forward to 2008!

Finally!

2007-12-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

The favorite gift...

2007-12-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

of everyone! the Wii! What fun Christmas is!!

2007-12-24T20:32:00.001-08:00

I had to upload to youtube...the blogger video upload didn't work...

Fun with the Cousins...

2007-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

And Aunts and Uncles...

Santa, Baby

2007-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Whatever you may celebrate! here is our Christmas card this year. I designed it myself. I am pretty happy with the way it came out...

It's Christmas time in the city...

2007-12-16T09:36:00.001-08:00

Scott and I went into the city to do some Christmas shopping (without the kids, so we actually got to shop!)and look at all the decorations.I love Christmas here! The pictures aren't great, I had to send my rebel in to be repaired...

The best laid plans...

2007-12-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

So I had planned this surprise for Scott. I bought tickets to see a Christmas Carol. I had the babysitter lined up. I had her drop me off at the train station so we wouldn't have two cars. I show up at his office and he is surprised! I tell him we are going to See the play and then out to dinner. We go to the box office to pick up the tickets and guess what? The play is next Friday night. Sheesh. Do these things happen to other people? so we still went to dinner. And we get to go out next Friday! Here is another of my favorite pictures from our photo shoot...

Mom, am I bald??

2007-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, the haircut might be a wee bit short...but it will grow back.

*He actualy asked me this when he saw it!

Ornaments

2007-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Since I have already shown most of my ornaments, I decided to just show the new ones we have gotten this year.

Edited to add:
the rock em'sock em'ornament is a Hallmark keepsake ornament...

1st professional photo shoot...

2007-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Only 2 out of about 30 turned out, but that's all you need! We usually just go to Sears, or something, but I am very Happy with the results...I didn't get them in time for the Christmas cards, but that's OK...

Back to Reality...

2007-12-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

Had so much fun in O.C. Very relaxing. Ate, slept in, went to a couple of craft fairs...I wish I could have met up w/blogger friends, but maybe next time. Here is the "Matching Christmas PJ's and tree picture" I do every year!
And this is what happens when you find a tiny kitten and raise it with a dog...they think they are a dog!

More Christmas craftiness...

2007-11-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

say that fast, 3 times...
I saw this and had to have it! It is an advent calender.I am going to put a treat in for each day. I want to add more pictures, but my printer wouldn't print them that small after the first one(arrgg!) This was a kit and pretty much came with everything you need. I might make some as gifts. I found it at T@arget, of all places. Who doesn't love T@arget? Seriously. Is there anything you can't buy at T@rget? I bought milk and peanut butter there the other day and didn't have to make a trip to the store!

Please don't write and tell me there is some rerason I shouldn't shop at T@arget...It would ruin my Christmas!

Gracie's school photo

2007-11-27T21:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas Crafts

2007-11-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

Julie from To Tess and back asked what Christmas crafts people have been working on. I have decided to give more hand made gifts this year, so I have actually been pretty busy crafting. Here is what I have so far:
Christmas pails. I plan to give one to all of the kids teachers with cookies or fudge and maybe a gift card...

Paper ornaments. I plan to embellish these a little bit more. This is a kit from Basic Grey. You just Punch them out and fold them.

Peace box. I am not sure who this is for, yet, I might keep it! The same paper is on the inside bottom and it says "wish"

Here is a picture of our new tree. We had to stop getting a real one because I get it so early and it is on the top floor where all the heat goes. By the time Christmas came it was so dead! So I finally got a nice pre-lit one. I love it!

Getting up at 3:30 makes for a long day...

2007-11-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

I swear I kept saying "what do you mean it's only 11:00?12:00?" etc... But we are home safe and sound. It was a great trip. We didn't get to do all the things we wanted. We'll be back! The house is clean and almost all decorated for Christmas...I'm going to bed!

Fun in Vancouver...

2007-11-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

It is just beautiful here! Sunny, but cold! Here are some pictures from the last two days...

Gracie at Stanley park...
The Steam clock in the gas lamp.
Ummm...I'm pretty sure your'e not supposed to feed the "wild raccoons"...

Scott with kids watching the beluga whales. The aquarium is so awsome!

I am Thankful...

2007-11-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for...
The mess to clean up after the party, because that means that I have been surrounded by friends...
The taxes I pay, because that means I am employed...
The clothes that fit a little too snug, because that means I have enough to eat...
My shadow who watches me work, because that means I am out in the sun...
The lawn that needs mowing,windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing, because that means I have a home...
All the complaining I hear about the government, because that means I have freedom of speech...
My huge heating bill because it means I am warm...
The spot I find at the far end of the lot, because it means I am capable of walking...
The piles of laundry and ironing, because that means my loved ones are near by...
Weariness at the end of the day, because that means I have been productive...
The alarm that goes off early in the morning, because that means I am alive...

"I am thankful for pokemon cards"-Cameron
"I am thankful for friends"-Grace
Happy Thanksgiving, a litle early!

Saturday at the scrapbook store...

2007-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

Our scrapbook store just opened a creative cafe art bar. It is basically a place where you can go and make really cute projects or layouts and just pay for the supplies. I made this stocking. They had some really cut mittens I am going to make, too. Look for it at your scrapbook store. I also stopped by the consignment store and got this cute dress for Gracie for $9.00! It looks brand new. The girl clothes are kind of a problem for me. As in, I can't stop buying them. The girl has more clothes the the rest of us put together. I could make a lot of money selling them, but I am saving them for my someday niece-Sophie. Anyway, a fun Saturday so far.

A fall day...

2007-11-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

We went to Marin today to have professional family pictures taken. These are not them, just some we got. The trees were so beautiful! It was a little frustrating...why is it so hard to get kids to smile and look at the camera? I hope they came out, we want to use one for our Christmas card, which is ready to print once I have a family picture! Then we headed over the the Bay area Discovery museum. A nice fall day!
I left the journaling area blank so I coul try some "hybrid" scrapbooking.

I'm skipping Thanksgiving this year!

2007-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

That's right. I'm going right to Christmas. Since we will be in Vancouver for Thanksgiving, anyway,(Can't wait!)and we are not having the traditional Thanksgiving, I've decided to get into the holiday spirit! I love Christmas. For me, Thanksgiving just got in the way. So bring on the Christmas carols! The decorations! The present buying!(this is my favorite part. I love to shop, and I love even more to shop for others!) Who's with me?

I am only partly joking. I am going to put up the tree next weekend, so we can decorate it as soon as we get home..

It's Wednesday night, do you know where your husband is?

2007-11-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, me either. I think he is at some black tie awards ceremony. Or was that last night? Maybe he's at a fancy restaurant with new clients. I forget. But we haven't seen much of him during the week lately, that much I know.Last night he got home around 9:00 and asked me what I had for dinner. I told him Macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. He said "no, what did you have?" "I said that is what I had!" I know it is important for him being a new partner to meet lots of people. But I can't help feeling left out. And tired. I told him I had a staff meeting next week and he said he was seeing Al Gore speak. I can't compete with that! Sometimes I am not sure that I am making much of a difference. I mean, I do feel that raising kids and teaching preschool are two very important jobs. But I guess they aren't very glamorous. Well, back to watching the Country Music Awards and eating left over Halloween candy. OK, now I just sound pathetic!

First school picture

2007-11-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T21:13:00.001-07:00