Friday, February 26, 2010

Chasey-Isms...


(picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post)

That’s what we call them around our house…I've mentioned it before, but I actually have a notebook where I write down funny/cute things that she says...Here are a couple from yesterday...

Last night while watching the Women’s Olympic Figure Skating…

Chasey – Mom, why doesn’t she have an apartment?
Me – huh?
Chasey – Why doesn’t she have an apartment? Why is she alone?
Me – OOOH!! She doesn’t have a PARTNER…because this is Singles Figure Skating.
Chasey – I love figuring!
Me – you mean figure skating?
Chasey – yes…I love figuring!

Yesterday Cash was sick so we stayed home. I had to run to the doctor to drop something off...On the way home, we stopped at Chic-Fil-A for lunch…(Cash was feeling MUCH better by the way)

Conversation in the bathroom…

Chasey – I washed my hands mom…
Me – that’s great Chasey!
Chasey – Mom…is this HANITIZER?
Me – Yes Chasey!…it is Hanitizer (hand sanitizer) go ahead and squirt away!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chasey is a Fashionista...

Chasey has a "thing" about tags, long sleeves, itchy clothes....So, I cut the tags out of EVERYTHING! She rarely wears any of the 20+ long sleeve shirts that she has...and I've had to get rid of most of her pajamas because they are too "itchy!"

This nightgown isn't itchy...but it had long sleeves! Chasey's solution...Cut the sleeves off and make them cute legwarmers! Completely her idea!

She's Good!!


Don't mind the strange face she's making!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Couch Nights...

This is most nights at our house...Cash usually goes to his bed to fall asleep, but this night he fell asleep half-on/half-off the couch!
I love to snuggle with my babies on the couch.
Cash wakes me up early every morning...I'm convinced it's so he can get "alone cuddle time" with mommy while we watch tv and wait for the sun to come up!


that's Goose...he never leaves her side




Tonight we will be doing this again....Watching the boys perform on American Idol!! We are so addicted to that show!! We all love it! Cash even sings along...it's so cute!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

My baby boy is a "KID" now...

Bye Bye sweet curls...It was time for a haircut! This really isn't his first official haircut...his dad shaved his head last May (pic included)...but it was just your typical buzz cut and it grew back. I took him to an actual haircut place and he got his first "big boy" haircut!"

He REFUSED to wear the cape so he had hair clippings from head to toe...but other than that, he didn't move, wiggle or scream! Thank you! Thank you! I was prepared for a meltdown!




picture from his buzz cut last year with the "strategically placed" scooter!

Monday, February 22, 2010

I always grab the camera....

When most people deal with spills...or near accidents...or near falls...or actual falls...they rush to clean it up...or stop the accident before it happens...or give hugs and kisses when there are ouchies...

What do I do? I grab the camera!

Here are a couple of those moments from the weekend!


Sunday, February 21, 2010

A Break in the Rain....

It rained most of the day yesterday and we spent the whole day inside. For a couple of hours though, the sun peeked through and we had the Bright blue, big fluffy cloud sky! My favorite!

Everything in the backyard was wet...so the kids added to it and made a homemade water slide. It was only about 60-something degrees out and I thought it was chilly....the kids are kids though and stripped down and played in the water! Then...came in for a warm bath!

It was fun watching them work together! No yelling, no screaming, only 1 (small) bite (Cash bites these days) and no hair pulling!

Friday, February 19, 2010

So NOT fun...

Ever since my divorce I've had stomach issues...The kind where I'm totally fine for a week or two...then one day my food starts going through me like water. Totally "too much information" but it's becoming a problem.

I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so I can totally handle it...but everyone around me is telling me OVER and OVER again...CALL THE DR!! So I finally did!

Chasey had her 5 year well child visit this morning and she is healthy as a horse...70th% for height and 20% for weight...the dr said she was a little "thin", but I told him if he saw pictures of me and her dad when we were little, he would understand. Both of us had knees bigger than our thighs...We were the super rail thin kids. He still is...I've got a little meat on me now...but I'm still tall and thin(ish).

My appointment was right after hers. I thought they forgot about us because we waited almost an hour while person after person was coming and going and we hadn't been called....I did meet an AMAZING woman in the waiting room though. She was the friendliest woman I've ever met. She talked to Chasey for a little bit and Chasey was being shy so I did all the talking. She's moving back to Mississippi for Ministry in June and that is her calling (she told me so). I am NOT into religion at all....much to the dismay of my mother...I just have zero desire to go to church...so I don't. But honestly...if this woman was my pastor....I would go to church every week. She was just THAT inspirational! And I only talked to her for about 10 minutes. I hope someday I run into her again...I think I will always remember her. Funny how some people really strike a cord with me?!

Ok...back to the dr appt! I finally got in there....she wanted to know full details about when I have stomach pains, what I eat when this happens, where the pain is, family history, etc etc....She ruled out an ulcer...also ruled out hemoroids (by checking...THAT was fun! ha), then sent me to the lab for bloodwork and lucky me...I got to bring home THIS...

I wont go into details...but I have to return it as soon as I can with a "sample"....NICE! blech!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A long post about being a Mom....


WARNING-Longest post ever! Just feeling chatty today I guess!

Nothing in particular happened to warrant this post…It’s just that being a mom can be totally overwhelming somedays. Usually it happens in the morning when I’m trying to get all 3 of us out the door so that I can get to work…late…as always. I haven’t been on time to work in forever! Or sometimes its during the nighttime routine and nobody wants to go to bed or brush their teeth.

I just want to be a good mom! Really...that's my biggest goal in life. I want to raise two happy, healthy, independent, respectful children. Some days I'm totally at a loss as to how you are supposed to know what the "right" thing to do is!
I feel like I totally failed in some respects of raising my kids. Luckily, they are still young and I am doing my best to "Do my best" and I don’t think I’ve totally ruined them…yet! Nothing has gone the way I “planned” in my life…but that by no means is a bad thing…it’s just the truth. I’m a planner…but if I get thrown off course, I can steer my way back pretty well.

For those of you that don't personally know me, Chasey was born 9 weeks early. She was 3 lbs 12 oz and spent almost 6 weeks in the NICU. She was SO fragile and I did everything in my power to keep her from getting sick and held her every second of every day and never let her become independent. It didn't help that every time she would cry, my ex (her dad) would get annoyed so I would pick her up and NEVER let her cry. That is one thing I look back at and just can't believe how much I sacrificed of myself and of Chasey to make sure HE was happy all the time. (still bitter about that...but that's the past...no more eggshells to walk on...whew!) She never even held her own bottle until she was about 18 months old!! Crazy! She shouldn't have been drinking out of a bottle at 18 months old, but another place that I let her have anything and everything that she wanted so another FAIL.

I was a stay at home/work at home mom for the first 3 1/2 years of Chasey's life. The only time she was watched by anyone was when she went to my aunts house or her Grandmas house. She was spoiled. No doubt about it. I tried to put her in preschool/daycare when she was 2 1/2 so that I could work at home (I started a business during the first few years of her life and it was hard with her at home sometimes). After 2 weeks of non-stop crying while she was at school...she was KICKED OUT! Yes...My child was KICKED out of preschool! I didn't even know that was possible! Looking back, it's actually kind of funny and it was best for everyone since she made the other kids upset with her non-stop crying!

Chasey went back to going to my aunts a couple of days a week and she loved it there...but then again she was the ONLY kid, got 100% attention and was spoiled rotten.

The day before Chasey turned 2 years old, I found out I was pregnant! I had NO intentions of getting pregnant because my marriage was already in shambles...AND we were about to launch our business and the last thing I needed was morning sickness...but...life doesn't always happen the way you planned!

I'll save many of the details for future posts..like the details about how when I was 6 months pregnant with Cash that my husband told me he was done...WHAT? REALLY? How do you tell a 6 month pregnant woman that you are done with her? After 13 1/2 years together? Holy crap...I thought my world was ending....(looking back...it was just the beginning of a REAL life and I have actually thanked him for letting me go...in a smartass way, but I meant it).

Sometimes I think I’ve failed with Chasey…but then…I have a morning where I realize that she has grown up to be such a sweet, amazing little girl. Even with all the chaos in her life…prematurity, a new brother, divorce, getting thrown into full time daycare because Mommy had to go back to work full time, moving from the “brown house” that she did not want to leave, adjusting to life with James and I and only seeing her daddy every other weekend.

Chasey turned 5 in December...I dropped her off at pre-school this morning...she gave me a big hug and a kiss...then another hug and another kiss...and went out to play with the other kids. She's a big girl now. Learning to be independent, learning to respect others around her, learning how to share with her little brother, her "little buddy" as we all call him. The poor child has been through SO much in her short life, but honestly....I think the second 2 1/2 years of her life, she has grown into such an amazing little person. It wasn't by choice, but my 100% focus in life shifted from her when I thought my world was collapsing around me and looking back, I don't think this was a bad thing.

I am a FIRM believer in the "you should never stay together for the kids" mentality...Now more than ever. Co-parenting is extremely difficult and sometimes I can't stand that this is where we've ended up...but then I realize how much I've grown, how far I've come and how much of a better mom I am to them now because I am happy! They see that a woman should be independent, that a woman should not live her life for everyone around her and she should have priorities of her own. They now see that a mom should have her own opinions and not get lost in the "don't make dad mad" life.

So...with the help of my amazing boyfriend...we have the kids 85% of the time. He was married once before, but never had kids. He has stepped into his role as "father figure" so amazingly well. The kids love him. Chasey...of course...gives him attitude sometimes. But then turns around and smothers him with hugs and kisses and I love you's. Cash knows no life other than "Mommy & James" and "Daddy". To Cash, this is normal. He knows nothing else. James is helping me to raise these 2 crazy, silly, funny kids. We just try to have fun. We give the kids freedom to be kids...we let them get dirty, we let them eat candy sometimes and drink soda as a special treat when we are out to dinner. We discipline when necessary and definitely have rules. We talk about travelling with the kids and showing America to them…(and me..considering I really haven’t ventured too far from Southern California and Southern Illinois), we talk about the big yard that we want (we live in Southern California…land is at a PREMIUM here), we talk about our future. It’s so nice to have someone that wants to raise these 2 crazy little monsters with me…rather than someone that stood by while I did all the raising and he was just “there.”

And…because no post is complete without a cute picture….here is that crazy little 5 year old…for the 5 thousandth time!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Gymnastics...

Chasey started gymnastics again last night....we took a 6 month hiatus!

She's in the "advanced" 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 year old class....I would hardly call it advanced, but it's what they call it. I asked the teacher how she did after class and she told me that her and her friend Chandler (my good friends daughter) talked alot, but they did good....Chasey translated that into the teacher said I was terrible and I DID NOT goof off and talk to Chandler the whole time! I had to deal with grumpy Chasey the whole way home....She kept saying "the teacher said I was bad!"

I had to explain to her that the teacher was NOT talking about her gymnastics skills and that she is in fact very good! So hard to have to explain to your five year old that she is not letting you down....she is VERY dramatic and I know she just needs to get over it...but it pulls at my heartstrings to hear her upset!

Here are a couple of pics!

Peyton, Chasey & Chandler


learning her backwards rolls

Monday, February 15, 2010

Wish you were here....

What a beautiful morning!!

I'm sitting on my patio....sipping a hot cup of vanilla flavored coffee...perusing the internet and listening to the birds chirping like crazy! It's supposed to be in the high 70's, low 80's today! In FEBRUARY!!! I love San Diego!

I'm nursing my EXTREMELY sore body back to health by being lazy! I need to get up and get the house back in order before I go get my kids from their dad. I miss them like crazy on the weekends that I don't have them...but it sure is nice to get a little break sometimes...As I'm sure any of you moms out there understand!

I always tell people...the ONLY good thing about divorce is that I get a free babysitter every other weekend and I don't feel guilty about not being with the kids because I know they are with their dad and they need that time with him too. Oh...and there are a few other good things about divorce....like finally being able to be yourself and not walk on eggshells everyday...Yes...THAT is the best thing about divorce!

Off to do laundry, grocery shop, and get the house picked up so that the munchkins can come home and destroy it again! :)

Chasey starts gymnastics again tonight...We took a 9 month break! Can't wait to see how she does. She is going to class with her friend Chandler so I think she will love it even more because of it!

Happy Monday! Ahh....the sun feels SO good on my shoulders!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day...

too tired for much of a post, but wanted to send out a Happy Valentines Day to everyone!!
I spent the weekend snowboarding with my Valentine!

Every bone in my body is sore....tomorrow is going to be worse! I need a massage!



Happy Valentines Day! xoxo


just for fun...check out this guy...REALLY?? Put on a shirt!! (James was posing for me so I could get the shirtless dude in the background!) I know it's warm out...but REALLY?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Valentines Dinner...

The kids are going to their dads for the weekend so we had Valentines dinner a little early. Do you do a special Valentines themed meal? Am I the only crazy mom?
Our menu...
PINK mashed potatoes with heart shaped butter!
Panko crusted chicken with mozzarella and PINK vodka sauce (this is Chasey's plate...she wasn't going for the sauce, so it's missing from the picture)
Corn....just because its one of the few veggies my kids will eat and I wasn't sure how to turn it pink! :)
PINK white Chocolate pudding
Cherry 7-up and Red Wine for the adults!

Some people think I'm crazy (James), but I really love doing "special" meals and small things for holidays. I think the kids really enjoy it...I know Chasey does. I don't feel like I go overboard...not yet at least! :) Cash doesn't care...he just reaps the benefits of actually getting to eat dessert! (We always eat late and it's too late for dessert...so my poor underprivileged children rarely get it)

Here are a few pics from our special dinner!

My little helper...



cute plates from Target


So...I guess if you write the word "Antioxidant" on a 2 liter bottle of soda...some people actually believe that it's healthy? Really?


He ate his pudding...and stole his sisters when she got up to grab something in the kitchen! Little stinker!



We had cinnamon toast with PINK sugar and strawberry smoothies for breakfast today! Then I sent them on their way! Love you babies! I'll be snowboarding in Big Bear all weekend! Have a great weekend at your dad's! You have made the smallest of holiday's SO much bigger and better for me! xoxo

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Love these girls...

Two of my favorite celebrities...

Jessica...you are too cute! I think we would be great friends if we actually knew each other. You seem so fun and down to earth...Not to mention that you are married to a guy named "CASH!" Love that name...of course! You are such an amazing cute mom! Oh...and since you've already been photographed in that dress...can I PLEASE have it? I absolutely love it!


Carrie...you are adorable...but...I think I bought that same dress for Chasey at Target. That dress looks cheap...I would probably wear it, but my budget is WAY different than yours. I love your voice, I love that you are from the midwest just like me. I love that you have succeeded and done so well for yourself, I love that they "discovered" you on American Idol...because it is my favorite show!! Oh...and your fiance is cute too!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Speech...

So...today I used my best "Mommy Judgement" and pulled Cash out of Speech Therapy. I'm a little torn on this, but honestly...I think he's progressing just fine. I mean really...how much can he learn in the one hour per week playing with his speech therapist? I think the other 167 hours per week are helping him grow and learn and progress just like any normal kid.

My thinking is this...why on earth would his speech teach EVER tell me he's ok and doesn't need to go anymore when they get paid by the state for him to be there? (Thanks to Arnold though, the funding for early intervention is going away and soon I will have to use our insurance which is a $20 co-pay every time we go...which adds up quickly!) If I honestly felt like he needed it and it made a huge difference I would pay whatever it took to get him up to speed...but I just don't feel like it's the only thing in his life that is making his speech improve.

Cash is only 2 1/2 and has been in speech since before he was 2 years old. Many kids don't talk at 2 and end up just fine. My grandma told me that my mom didn't talk until she was almost five and now you can't get her to shut up! haha...We love Grandma "Wacky"!

So...as much as we LOVE our really cute speech therapist girl. I cut her off. I felt like I was breaking up with her when I talked to her on the phone. She even said "so, that's it?" I think she liked us as much as we liked her! I have her email...I'll send her pictures of the kids!

He may not talk much...but he catches bees with his bare hands!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Another Storm....

I just saw this snowman picture on Fox News and I thought it was really cute and funny...just wanted to share it!

Hope everyone that is getting dumped on in the Mid-Atlantic stays dry, warm and safe! We're a little wet here in Southern California....but I'm not complaining!


photo from Fox News

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Best Hamburger...EVER!

My boss is buying a new house so we went with her realtor to see it today. He took us to the BEST little hamburger "snack shack" I've ever been to!! Oh man! It's one guy at the counter...one in the kitchen and that was the BEST burger I've eaten in recent memory! I was really hungry....but it was REALLY good! There was a line out the door by the time we were done eating!

If you are ever in Fallbrook, CA...check this little place out! Such nice people and AMAZING hamburgers!
(excuse the crappy phone picture!)

They "pre-cook" the cheese in a skillet before putting it on the burger so it makes a "skirt"....kind of crunchy on the edges. Something I have NEVER seen before, but so SO yummy!

Now I feel like a pig and I could take a good long nap...but it was worth it! :)

I have family in town and I'm SO excited to spend the weekend with them! Wine tasting in Temecula tomorrow!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

My Dad....

YEAH!!! My dad won the primary election and is now the Democratic Candidate for Judge in Marion County, Illinois!!!!

Last night was so much fun! I'm 2000 miles away from my family and on nights like last night, it makes it really hard. But...thanks to the Internet, text messages and phone calls I felt like I was right there celebrating with him!

My dad is running for Judge in Southern Illinois. He is a Criminal Defense lawyer back there and a damn good one if I do say so myself! He ran against 3 other lawyers for the Democratic nomination and HE WON!!! I'm SOO SOO proud of my dad! He wants this SO BAD!

Check us out! We are on billboards all over southern Illinois right now! Having my cute kids on there won him the election...I just KNOW it! haha!

(camera phone picture...it's all I have)

If you happen to live in Marion County, IL...please check out www.veltman4judge.com to read all about him and what he stands for.

The kids and I flew home to surprise my dad last Halloween. Our family had a big "Vote for Veltman" float and the kids all rode on it. The next election is November 5, 2010....looks like the kids and I will be flying home to be in the parade again this year and staying through the election!

Way to go DAD! I love you lots!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Not Me Monday...



Jumping in on MckMama's "Not me Monday"

I did NOT happily drop my kids off at their dads on Friday.

I did NOT dance the night away with my girlfriends while my daughter was at her dads with a double ear infection. (she felt fine...but did have an ear infection)

I did NOT sleep THREE hours on Saturday afternoon and wake up after dark!

I did NOT wake up in the middle of the night to find my crazy boyfriend relieving himself in our closet on my NEW pair of pants...NO...NO...I did NOT!!! (disclaimer...he doesn't drink much these days and he had been out golfing with the boys all day...then we went to dinner and had several margaritas! He had a fun night!) I've never laughed so hard!! I'm STILL laughing just thinking about it!

I did NOT leave my house an absolute mess ALL weekend...although I had no kids at home!

I did NOT spend Sunday afternoon on the golf course with the boys and almost kick all of their asses! Nope...not me! I hadn't been on the course in THREE years, but I still came out swinging! :) I used to drive the "beer cart" at an upscale golf course! The pro shop guys gave me a few lessons back then!


I did NOT take a 2 hour nap at 5pm on Sunday night and do absolutely NOTHING but lay on the couch and watch the grammys.

Nope...I did not waste my weekend away with over 5 hours in naps!

AHHH...at least I'm rested and SO READY to pick my kids up after work today! I miss the little boogers!