The Adventures of Chasey & Cash

November...where did you go?

2011-12-05T11:56:00.001-08:00

November sure did come and go in a flash! The month took a crazy turn when my 4 year old got sick and we spent 3 days in the Emergency Room at Children's hospital! They kept sending us home and we kept ending up back in there! The third time we were sent there from the dr's office in an AMBULANCE!!!

Look how sick my poor little guy was...This was day one in the ER

Thankfully....he's healthy now...turns out he had a severe kidney infection which caused a high (105 high) fever and he had a febrile seizure on Wednesday morning...around 5am....His fever went down with meds and they did a chest x-ray and ended up sending us home...Said he had an upper respitory infection of some kind?! He started throwing up in the car on the way home from the hospital and then could not keep anything down so we went back to the ER at 5am Thursday with a 104 fever! Tests....tests...and more tests ensued....They found a kidney infection while doing a Cat Scan on Thursday....urine tests were not showing it. Gave us antibiotics and sent us home...Friday morning follow up at the dr. and he had 103 fever and was super lethargic....Had a stiff neck and could barely move. We were sent back to Children's in an ambulance....I rode in the back with him and I got carsick! I almost threw up!!!

Long story short....he had a rare bacteria causing the infection and the antibiotics they gave him were not working so by Saturday we had him on the correct meds and he was starting to feel better....At the follow up appt on Monday, the dr discovered that he also had Coxsackie virus (aka-hand, foot, mouth)....So the stiff neck had been caused by blisters in the throat that were not visible! He was back to his normal self by Thursday of that week, but it was a good solid week of sickness! It was crazy for my hyper little monster to be so sick and just lay around for an entire week!

We did a lot of laying around waiting for tests and test results...I think they need bigger TV's in the ER! If I'm ever super rich...I'm donating them to the Rady Children's ER!

What I love about Children's Hospital is that every time you have a procedure done they give you stickers! Not just one...but like 4 or 5! Cash came home with a TON of stickers!! He loved that part!

When you drive to the ER before sunrise 2 mornings in a row...You get to enjoy a magnificent sunrise from the parking garage!

Cash's buddy Ashlynn came to visit him when we got home. She missed him!

Finally got him to eat and drink...He downed a smoothie, but as you can tell...he is super skinny!

Chasey missed going to see the sold out Annie on Friday night because I was at the hospital with Cash...My friend's husband and son were kind enough to give up their tickets for the Sunday show so Chasey could see it! It was a junior theater production and it was Awesome!!!

So....as far as "being thankful" in November goes...I realized how truly blessed I am to have healthy children! I'm thankful everyday, but when you spend a few days at a Children's Hospital and see the families that are basically living there day in and day out you truly truly count your blessings!

~Mel

Never a Dull Moment...

2011-11-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm posting over here too....so I'm a little absent from this blog...but you can find me in both places...Just thought I'd let you know! (again)...shameless plug for my business...but the blog is mostly personal!

Wanted to share this video from last night with you....Chasey is a rock star....and Cash just cracks me up! He loves to sing Baby Baby by Justin Bieber and I finally got some of it on video! They usually stop doing what they are doing when I break out the video camera...but last night they let me film all the action with my phone!

enjoy!
Mel

Fall is finally here!

2011-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I wrote a post over HERE about this cute centerpiece that I made! I love it!

Reminds me of my "carrots" centerpiece that I made at Easter! (just looked back and realized I never posted it...shoot!)

9/11 - Where were you?

2011-09-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

(photo from google images)

I can't believe the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 is this Sunday! 10 years? Only 10 years ago? Or seems like yesterday?

I've had so much happen to me in the last 10 years...it could last a lifetime....A lifetime of joy, sorrow, pain, happiness, struggles and triumphs. I keep reading other bloggers posts about how 9/11 seems like yesterday. Although I remember the day vividly...it really does seem like a lifetime ago.

Where were you on that morning? I don't know one single person that can't tell you the exact moment and place that they were when they heard about the towers. I was living with my ex (he was my fiance at the time) and his mom....Our phone...you know...the old school house phone....rang around 6:30am. We're on the west coast so we were still in bed. It was my ex's brother...calling to tell us to turn on the tv. Our TV was up in the corner of our room. I can still picture myself standing there under the tv....just staring up at it in disbelief.

I had to get ready for work so I had to peel myself away to shower and get ready....I was getting ready while constantly checking the television. Somehow I managed to get ready and out the door. When I got to work there was a note on the door. "The office is closed...please go home"....or something along those lines. There were still a couple of planes "missing" and my office was only about 10 miles away from the San Onofre Nuclear power plant...and just south of Camp Pendleton Marine Base. I went home and glued myself to the tv.

My aunt was here visiting from Illinois and was supposed to get on a plane that day.....but all flights were grounded so she was stuck here for a few days. It just so happens that she found out she was pregnant the day before she was supposed to leave so I went and picked her up and took her out to lunch. I stopped at the grocery store and bought her a rattle....See...I told you I remember all the details of the day! Being out to lunch was surreal....we went to a restaurant that I used to work at and it was just a strange feeling....like everyone was walking around in a haze. I had a fish kabob and a double salad with ranch dressing.

At some point I made it to bed that night....but I had nightmares for weeks on end. I just KNEW that there were people trapped in air pockets....people wanting help and still alive, but no one could get to them. I actually had vivid dreams of people stuck. It was horrible...it was hard to sleep. I'm sure....well...I know I was right because there were a few survivors that tell tales of people still being alive after the towers collapsed, but dying after a few hours or days. I wanted to help, but I was on the west coast. If I had the means I would have been on a plane to hand out waters, to feed the rescue workers...anything...just anything....I wanted to help so badly.

Chasey is in first grade now....I'm sure she will ask about it soon. It's history...and I lived it. It was one of the saddest times in my life. It was also the first time that I was truly proud to be an American and I was thankful for the country that I live in. I had a flag in the window of my silver Honda Civic and I was proud to display it.

I will be glued to whatever TV programs are on this Sunday....I really don't want to relive that day....but the lives that were lost deserve our respect and they will never...ever be forgotten!

I'm over here now...

2011-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

So...I've been busy this summer...working on launching a new online "Eco-chic" boutique Terra Collection! We finally launched last week and I will be writing the blog for Terra Collection. While I of course will have some of our lives on that blog, it will not be my personal blog...I'll still be here sometimes, but most of my time and effort is over there these days!

Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we have been!

Has your summer been as busy as mine?

2011-08-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

We love Spring!...

2011-04-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE the ages my kids are at now...if I could stop time and keep them here forever, I would be one happy mommy! They are just so much fun! They are both learning so many things every single day. Chasey is reading now...actually READING on her own. She writes letters and cards to us almost daily. I have saved them all because the majority of the time things are spelled out as she hears them....instead of how they are actually spelled...but it is really the sweetest, coolest thing ever! I will post some of her letters soon!

Cash has grown up so much too! He is still my baby...but he has grown up so much! He talks a ton now...he mimicks everything we say! He will stand next to me, James or Chasey and literally copy every single word that comes out of our mouths....sometimes it's really annoying....but for the most part, I'm just SO thrilled that he is talking so much now! He is the coolest, most athletic, most coordinated little guy I've ever known! He can ride a bike like a pro and can hit baseballs over my head! He's THREE!!! and a half....but still...THREE!

For Easter....that crazy bunny brought the kids 2 really cool kites! Not the kind of kites we had when we were little...but cool....awesome...super huge kites! James put them together for us the other night and we took off to the park to try them out! The park was full of soccer practices....so we walked off into the trails by the lake. It was super fun and so cool to be a part of teaching the kids something that I loved as a kid myself!

True...Pure....Excitement!

DC Twinsies!...haha

Potty Training....when you gotta go....you gotta go!

Many days I forget that I live down the street from such an amazing, beautiful lake, hiking trails and rolling hills! I've been here over 2 years and I am just now visiting the area almost on a weekly basis! Once again...another reason why I love the kids ages...we don't have to take a stroller everywhere we go...and the kids enjoy "finding treasures" (thanks Aunt Vicki for teaching Chasey about "treasure hunts") on our walks and they are enjoying all that nature has to offer! (of course being unemployed and trying to find "free" entertainment all over town helps too! Kind of makes you look at the whole world differently...for the better...for sure!)

xo
Mel

Happy Easter!?...or is it?

2011-04-24T11:10:00.001-07:00

This isn't how it's supposed to be...I'm sitting here....on the computer...Easter baskets overflowing with goodies....but my kids aren't here to find the hidden eggs or squeal with excitement over the new Wii that is now hooked up for them (thanks to James who spoils them rotten). A new pink controller in Chasey's basket and a new black controller in Cash's! Just Dance 2 is SOOOO ready to be rocked! I don't even get to see my kids in their new Easter outfits that James and Chasey picked out together! (yes...he took her shopping at the mall for new shoes...and they ended up with new Easter outfits AND shoes! He melts my heart over and over with the little things that he does with the kids)

I'm a huge advocate for it's better to be alone than to be miserable when it comes to divorce....but Holidays can suck sometimes! At least I have James and great friends to spend the day with and we will be over at their house soon...but waking up without my munchkins here really does suck.

ps-I totally know that Easter Baskets and the Easter Bunny are not the true reason for Easter......it's just the fun part when the kids are little and I'm not getting to enjoy it with them today.

Oh well...here's a "Peep" show for a laugh...I needed a laugh and this just came through on my phone while I was typing this post.

Mel

When the Cat's away...

2011-04-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed a night out with James and a couple of friends last night in Los Angeles. We went to see his all time favorite band...Queens of the Stone Age...I was mostly there to people watch! and there is some AMAZING people watching to be done in LA I tell ya! I enjoy the live music, but I only knew one song...I'm more of a pop/country girl....it was a fun night out though!

My twin nieces babysat the kids for us last night and I let them use my computer. I was cracking up this morning when I got on and saw all the photo booth pics that they took. At least this explains why there were rabbit ears, heart sunglasses, mickey mouse ears and princess tiaras on the table when we got home! I love to see how much fun my kids have when I'm not home!

xo
Mel

Cash paints his nails....

2011-04-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Warning-you will see a little boys butt...I don't know how to edit video! It's the cutest little butt though! :)

Spring Break!!!

2011-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first year that we actually have "Spring Break" around here. Now that Chasey is in school, we really enjoy the time that she is off and we get to sleep in (she does...Cash doesn't let me), go to the beach, park, whatever we feel like and we are not on a time schedule...
Love it!!

One of my best friends from high school and her family are staying in Newport Beach for the week so we went up and stayed a couple of days with them. She has 4 kids so my kids were in heaven with so many people to play with!

We spent the first day at the pool, made smores by the firepit at night and spent all day yesterday at the beach...and then the pool! Now THAT is a vacation! Even if it was only for 2 days!!
Were back home...it's sprinkling and everyone is napping! It's a great day!

I'm Pregnant, Getting Married...and I'm in Jail!

2011-04-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite Aprils Fools jokes to play on my mom....I don't do it anymore though because she would be so excited about the first 2 (she LOVES...LOVES James)...and the last one is just mean! Why are moms SO EASY to play April Fools jokes on?

Are you playing practical jokes on anyone today?

Happy Aprils Fools Day! Off to the gym! Ha...I WISH I was kidding about that!

Another gorgeous day in the "hood"! Happy Friday my friends!

Melissa

What's in your bag?

2011-03-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

I've seen a few other bloggers write about the contents of their purse/bag on any given day...I thought it would be funny to dump out my purse on the kitchen table and see what lurks in there!! Interesting...at least it gave me a chance to clean it out!

1. My beloved Custom Tylie Malibu purse...It says "CHASEY" on the strap...yes...I got it BEFORE Cash entered my life and I still carry it...every...single...day!
2. Crappy....only here until my birthday....cell phone! I'm getting the Iphone for my birthday...either from James...or I'm buying it for myself! I NEED to enter the world of "apps"!
3. Groupon to Barnes & Noble!
4. Coupon Organizer...I use coupons religiously
5. Paint Color Samples and Idea book...looking to re-do the bathroom and master bedroom
6. My old phone...I carry it because my phone numbers didn't transfer to the new (old) one and I need to look up numbers every now and then
7. Checkbook
8. Wallet...I won't even begin to look at what is in that thing...it doesn't even shut!
9. H&M reusable grocery sack
10. gum...always an assortment of gum in my purse for my 2 little gum monsters
11. Motrin, Tylenol, Aleve...there is an assortment of headache medicine in that little bottle...for days when the kids just push me over the edge! (or...days that mommy drank too much wine with her friends!)
12. You know....stuff for when "Aunt Flo" is in town
13. dental floss...my mom will be proud that I carry that with me!
14. Purse Hanger...it's super heavy and weighs down my purse, but I use it all the time at restaurants!
15. 3 pens
16. Assortment of lip gloss, lipstick and chapstick
17. Chasey's dress-up rings
18. Really old bottle of visine...Not sure if I've ever even used it
19. too much change...another reason why my purse is sooo heavy
20. "Easy Chops" or whatever they are called....little plastic things that turn chopsticks into kid chopsticks in a snap!
21. Spy sunglass bag
22. Pair of Chasey's socks? Not sure why those are in my purse
23. little green man
24. safety pins...never know when you will need one of those
25. Wristband from Zehnder's Waterpark in Michigan...went there over Christmas break and its STILL in my purse?!
26. Pretzels...yes...pretzels were floating around the bottom of my purse.

So...there you have it...I'm a hoarder! Obviously!

The things I learned at Disneyland....

2011-03-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Always...ALWAYS....stop to take a picture at the Mickey head made out of flowers when you first walk in....

$50 worth of face painting for three little munchkins is SO worth it because it makes them SOO SOO happy!

A day at Disneyland with your cousin is going to be one of your lifetime favorite memories! (you may not know that yet...but mommy does)

I am SO very lucky to have a little boy that will take a nap ANYWHERE and can be transferred a thousand times during that nap and stay asleep!

I STILL get excited when I get to see Mickey!

After 1 full day at Disneyland...even little ones need a pick me up before the 2nd day!

The Jersey Shore likes Disneyland too!

Cash is now tall enough for almost every ride and he is going to be my little brave one!

I will NEVER ride the crazy ferris wheel at California Adventure again...yes...it looks like we are having fun...and we WERE...but I felt super carsick by the time it was over!

Margaritas are a MUST after getting rained out on your last day at Disneyland! (my brother Dougie and his wife Tanya)

and...My absolute FAVORITE picture of the trip! My niece Kylie was not a big fan of that ferris wheel that I was talking about either!

Grocery Store...UGH!!!!

2011-03-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

There is really nothing I hate more than taking both kids to the grocery store alone!! One at a time is fine...but together, they are complete terrors!! The rule is that they have to both sit IN the cart.....but that doesn't always work out so well for me either!

(Right about now...I should be in Fantasyland with the munchkins....thank you "time stamp")

Going Back to "The Happiest Place on Earth"

2011-03-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just waiting for the rain and hail to pass over and then we are headed to DISNEYLAND!!!

My brother, his wife and my niece came into town yesterday from Illinois (they brought the rain with them...I swear!)...as soon as Chasey gets out of school today, we are headed to the Magical land of Disney! I love LOVE having family come visit...even if they do always bring the cold weather and the rain...its ok...I just love getting to visit! I didn't tell the kids that their cousin was coming...I surprised them yesterday! Chasey was standing at the airport not having a CLUE who was going to come down the escalator! She had guessed it was her cousin Kylie...several times...but I kept telling her that it wasn't her! haha
Not only were they surprised with a visit from their cousin...but also they are going to Disneyland for 2 days!! YAY!!!

The kids had a chance to play yesterday before the rain came in....There is nothing better than the bond of cousins when you are a kid! I was lucky enough to have about 20 or so! Our entire family lives in Illinois....so for Chasey and Cash...this is a special treat!

I'm officially a Soccer Mom....

2011-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cash started Soccer this past weekend! I know I've said it before, but now that my kids are a little bit older...I actually FEEL like a MOM!! I've been a mom for 6 years now, but once Chasey started kindergarten...and now Cash is in soccer...I feel like a mom. I do "mom" things! I've always done "mom" things...like the park, Sea World, playdates, dance class, etc...but Soccer and school just seem like big kid things to me. I've arrived to "Momdom"

I don't even like soccer...but watching my little guy out there makes me so happy! Rain or shine...I will be at every one of my little guys practices and games! I am a very proud mom and can't wait until he actually starts playing little scrimmages and runs to the wrong goal! (Doesn't every 3 year old soccer player do that?)

All that running makes a 3 year old tired!

Super Soccer Sister!

Cash & Ash getting their groove on....

2011-03-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded my pictures from the "Worlds Largest Sunflower" event. Cash and Ash were groovin' to the music...so cute!

a pic of our crew...

I ran for a girl I've never met....

2011-03-12T15:13:00.001-08:00

I've never met Chelsea King....but last weekend I ran my first 5k for Chelsea....Yesterday I took the kids to RB park and we were part of the "world's largest human sunflower" in honor of her!! It's amazing how close of an attachment you can feel to a person you've never met.

First...we'll talk about that 5k that I didn't intend on running! I was asked last minute to join a couple of girlfriends at the race. I haven't worked out in a month, but what the heck...I'll go...I'll just walk it! I woke up extremely early (like no person should ever wake up that early...early)...and went to Balboa Park for the race. We got there around 7am. Spending an early Saturday morning in March in Balboa Park makes you realize exactly why we pay outrageous amounts of money for our homes here in Southern California! The skies were blue, the birds were chirping and the park was packed with over 5,000 people there to support the Chelsea's Light Foundation and run/walk the 5k! I have an overwhelming attachment to Chelsea King...I never met her, but the man that took her life was living in my townhouses...YES...the EXACT same townhouses that I live in!! He had been staying at his moms house and she is the one that lives here in my neighborhood. I never had met or even saw him, but knowing he lived around the corner was the creepiest thing. Chelsea went missing from a park just down the street from here. When we had dogs, we were at that park several times a week. So...needless to say....it hit REALLY close to home...TOO close!
Back to the 5k! My friends and I all had "timed" numbers because they had been training a little and were ready to actually run the race...Me...not so much....Oh well...I started off running with them and made it to about the 1/2 mile mark and decided I either needed to pick up the pace and run a little faster or give up and walk....I'm SO proud of myself for picking up the pace...I felt bad leaving my friends behind, but I take REALLY long strides so running slow is way harder for me than running at a faster pace. I ran non-stop to the 2 mile marker...walked for about 2-3 minutes...then ran to the bottom of the hill at the 2 1/2 mile mark. I WALKED the hill...That hill was a killer...then at the top I ran to the finish line. I finished in 35:34!! My first 5k ever!! Although I haven't gone out running since...I want to go do more 5K's and beat my own time!! I kind of "get" the whole running thing now! I'm not...never have been a runner, but being with all of those people gave me the adrenaline that I needed to get out there and run! I felt SO great!

I even made it into the online version of the San Diego Union Tribune! Well....the back of my head is in the paper! See the post here. My ponytail with a sunflower is about half way down.

(photo from Sign On San Diego)
I've never let Chasey know about what happened here in our neighborhood...I never told her about Chelsea King. I never fully explained to her why the helicopter told us to go inside and lock our doors the day after Christmas when the kids were riding their new bikes. (the first attack on a runner that the "creep" made...but she got away") I've never explained to her why we have sunflowers and blue ribbons on every light pole in town. She's too young...I don't need her to worry about living here. She's been taught about strangers, etc, etc....but there are some things she doesn't need to know. We don't even watch the news at home. I read it online or watch before the kids wake up in the morning.
Yesterday...I DID feel it was important for her to take part in the "World's Largest Human Sunflower." My friend and I took our girls out of school about 20 minutes early so we could all participate. It was a great event! We ended up being out in the sun for 2 hours and the little ones (the 3 year olds) got a little antsy...and FILTHY playing in the dirt....but when it was all said and done, I couldn't be prouder that I took my little family to this amazing event! Someday I will show Chasey this picture and she will know about Chelsea and she will know that she took part in something great!

My heart goes out to the King family. They were at the race on Saturday and I wanted to hug them. I feel like I know them.

This mom loves a good deal!

2011-03-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

The kids and I have 2 year passes to Sea World so we are frequent visitors at the Shamu show! It's so nice to have passes because we can just run down there for the afternoon and not feel like "we didn't get our money's worth" if we don't stay the whole day and see each and every show! Our normal routine is that I tell the kids we can see TWO shows...which always turns out to be the "Shamu" show and the "Pet's Rule" show....which is the dog & cat...now turned dog, cat, pig, ducks, emu's, kangaroo and macaw's show!

Both shows are good so I enjoy them just as much as the kids. I'm bummed that the trainers don't get in the water with the Whales anymore...but who can blame them. It's still magical seeing those large mammals following directions and jumping so high out of the water! Amazement every single time!

I took the kids down on Saturday afternoon and they each had $10 to spend. Money that they got from their Grandparents for Valentines Day. Chasey picked out a small (like the size of my hand) penguin with big eyes. It was adorable, but I told her to wait and we would come back to that store to get it before we left if we did not find anything else.

As we were headed to the Shamu show we passed a store called Trader's Cove...I've seen it a thousand times, but never went in. I thought what the heck, let's check out this store...The sign outside said "Nothing over $10"...Perfect!

We walk in...and what do we see? Sea World's Clearance Department!!! HOLY COW! Clothes, toys, trinkets, stuffed animals...ALL marked down to under $10....Guess what my kids got?! For $9.88 each!! I'm still amazed!

Mr. Independent wears "Surf Pants'

2011-03-03T12:59:00.001-08:00

I'm struggling to get through the mornings these days! (No...I'm not pregnant!ha) I remember this feeling all too well from a couple of years ago when Chasey was about 3 1/2 or 4 years old. I was a frazzled mess walking in to work at least 2 or 3 days out of the week. Since I've been off work, things have been a lot less stressful and getting Chasey to school by 8am each morning is not so bad...we rush out the door EVERY morning regardless of whether we have 90 minutes to get ready...or 30! Doesn't matter...somehow we are always rushing at 7:50am!

Well...Cash has recently found his streak of independence! He can do EVERYTHING himself! Although I think it's great that he's growing and changing, there are some things that mom should just do for you at this age!

Number 1...getting dressed in the morning when you have to do it quickly!
Cash REFUSES to let me dress him! I learned this the hard way the other morning when he ran and ran and ran from me and Chasey was over 10 minutes late for school and got a "tardy." UGH! It's kindergarten...but still...no reason she should have been late. I almost took him to school naked...but it's a little chilly outside! The past 3 mornings I lay his clothes out at 7am and tell him he can do it himself. 10, 20, 30 minutes go by and he hasn't done it and he still refuses to let me. It's a battle that I'm losing and it's driving me up a wall! Bribery is the only thing that works these days...but candy is the last thing he needs that early in the morning!
Number 2....he hates to let me wipe him! This one is REALLY bad! I have to physically restrain him so that I can wipe him. He tried to do it himself the other day and got it all over his hands! Then....came up to me and grabbed my face! Blech...i want to throw up just thinking about it! He was being sweet and trying to kiss me, but still...blech!
Number 3....If I tell him he can't have something...or do something...he does (or at least attempts) it himself! Example below...I REFUSED to put batteries in this train because I was warned by the friend that handed it down to NOT put batteries in it because it is so obnoxious.....he decided he was going to do it himself! I thought it was cute enough to take a picture of it...but I still didn't put batteries in it. Well...he sweet-talked James into that very night! Now we have an obnoxious train that makes annoying animal sounds AND train sounds roaming around our floors all day!

All this is just "growing pains"....Growing pains for mommy that is...Cash is cool with it all! But as much as I want to strangle a 3 year old some days....I want to hug and kiss and squeeze him tight the minute that he says "I love you so much mommy!" over...and over...and over! It's music to my ears and makes my everyday struggles disappear into thin air!

and....Mr. Independent wears "Surf Pants"....because he now refers to his swim trunks as his "Surf Pants"....because he surfs in them...so he says! If given the choice each day to pick out his own clothes...he will most likely put on his "Surf Pants!" Thank God we live in Southern California where our "cold" days are in the 60's!

just a random picture from last week of an everyday Cash antic! The boy can really make me laugh!

"Winter Break"

2011-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

Chasey had a week off last week...It's "Winter Break" or "Presidents Week"...whatever they call it, It's nice to not be tied down to a school schedule for a week!...We slept in most days...did a lot of lounging...and had some fun in between! Here's one or two...or so...pics from the week!

It was my "Every other weekend" for the first part of the break and I took a trip to Big Bear with 15 girls!! Yes...15!!! We stayed in a huge gorgeous cabin and had so much fun just having some girl time! This picture cracks me up...It's the 2nd one that was taken and Carolina was getting in the hot tub and jumped in the pic behind us. We didn't know until she started laughing!

Since I'm having a "rotating issue"...here is the 1st pic!

Then the girls left and James came up for a day!

Spent a nice Valentines Dinner at home with my 3 favorites!

Met up with some old friends at the Long Beach Aquarium. The Lorikeets there are SO friendly! They would get on your finger even if you didn't have food! Loved them!

Had a "Bowling, Bieber and Sushi girls day!"

A nice big Fat Lip...

A little bit of "SingStar"

And finished it up with some Motorcyle Racing at the San Diego Supercross!! It was Cash's first race and he loved it! It poured rain, but luckily we had seats that were covered...so we stayed completely dry!

As much as I loved a little break...it's nice to be back on a schedule...but I am looking forward to summer vacation! :)

A sign? I think not!

2011-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

I pinched my finger in the corkscrew opening a bottle of wine the other night...I even got a blood blister!

James says "I think it's a sign"

I say...."I think I need more practice!" haha

My new FAVORITE wine! Worth the blood blister! :)

"You can make new friends...but you can't make old ones!"

2011-01-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

One of the...well...maybe the only reason I love facebook! Reconnecting with old friends!

It's seems crazy to me how much I lost touch with some of my BEST FRIENDS! Through our twenties we all kind of went different directions and completely lost touch. There was a group of us in high school that was together constantly...for years on end! I did stay in touch with about 4 of them...but there were a few that were just as much a part of the group that we lost touch with. I'm still amazed that we were not at each others weddings!! Now that we've reconnected, it's like we haven't missed a beat! Yes...we spent about 15 years doing "other things" but now we are all mid-30's...have husbands (or have had them at some point), have kids and really, truly appreciate great girlfriends!

I can't even express how thankful I am for great friends!! I was at Marshalls the other day (one of my favorite places!) when I saw a sign that said "You can make new friends...but you can't make old ones!" I should have bought it! But now it's my new motto! I love to make new friends...but I will NEVER EVER take for granted the lifelong friends that I have!

James even tells me how much he appreciates the fact that I have great friends and I make such an effort to see them! His ex only had 1 friend...He says that should have been a warning to him! Live and learn...another motto of mine! :)

The five of us...have created all of this...plus 2 more that are missing from the photo!

There's a couple more that live out of state...Emily, Bridget...I can't wait until they come visit so we can all get together and cause some havoc somewhere!

A New Chapter

2011-01-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

So...my divorce is final! FINALLY! It only took so long because my ex and I drug our feet on a few things...but it's over. And I'm actually glad it took so long! I opened the letter last week and read it....and not one single emotion came over me! That is exactly how it should be! I didn't feel like a bowling ball had hit me in the stomach...I didn't feel happy about it...It just was! Ahhhhh......I'm over it! It's nice to know! I've been over it for quite a long time, but little things would creep up and it would still hurt...Like going to Costco a couple of Christmas's ago and the photo guy gave me "his" Christmas cards and not mine...When I opened it...It was MY kids....him....her...and all of her kids! I about died! If that happened now, I wouldn't care at all...but at the time it still hurt a little! Him and I get along fine now and I even sent him a "Happy Divorce Day" text! I told him he could finally start dating!! haha....that was funny since we both live with other people now! I wouldn't quite consider us friends...but that's not because of me...I want to be friends with everyone!

So...with my new chapter...I'm getting organized! Trying to at least! Here's a pic of the new toy storage in the living room....and a before and after of the toy storage on Chasey's half of the bedroom! Living with 4 people in 1100 sq. ft can get a little tight! We are trying to make the best of every square inch!

and this is my living room on a typical night....Cash trying to get naked...Chasey making clothes out of napkins and doing gymnastics off the couch!

Here's to Chapter 3 and all of it's possibilities! Bring it on!
(chapter 3 because...chapter 1...before marriage....chapter 2...marriage...chapter 3...my life now!)

Fuzzy's Christmas Vacation!

2011-01-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Wow...it's been over a month since I posted! We've been busy! Super busy! We spent 2 weeks in Illinois and Michigan with our families over the holidays! So much fun! I love spending time with my family! James family and friends got to meet the kids for the first time too...now they have even MORE family! They are the most loved kids in the world!

Chasey turned 6 on December 19th! My goodness...my sweet little preemie is SIX YEARS OLD! SO much has happened in the past 6 years...It feels like she's been here for a lifetime already! I don't really remember life before her! Because it was her birthday, she got to take home "Fuzzy" the kindergarten class bear! Each kid gets to take it home for a weekend and then write a couple of pages in his book and then bring it back to share with all of the kids. Well...we were lucky and got to take him for TWO whole weeks! He flew on an airplane, spent birthdays, Christmas, New Years....all with us! We loved having him and here are the 2 pages I made to put in his book! I wanted to include a ton of pictures without taking up 10 pages!

We are so happy to be home! It was a great vacation but with little ones, it's nice to be on a schedule again! We have friends coming for dinner tonight and we are trying out our new "salt slab." It's a 7 lb block of himalayan sea salt! You heat it up on the grill and then cook your seafood on it! We got it here. I bought grouper and scallops. Grouper wasn't my first choice, but it looked the freshest!

Happy Saturday night my friends! I'll let you know how the seafood turns out!

YOOOOO Gabba Gabba!

2010-11-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving at home just the four of us...it was not really a Holiday..just another day of the week since we sit down at the table for dinner almost every single night. So...we tried to make up for it the rest of the weekend.

San Diego did NOT disappoint the tourists this weekend! It was chilly...actually REALLY chilly, but the sun was shining and it was gorgeous! We have woken up to frosty white grass every morning, but by 10am, the weather is close to 70 degrees!

Here's a little rundown of the rest of our weekend...

Mexican food picnic at Torrey Pines Beach on Friday

James was golfing so I was alone with the kids all day Saturday...thought I'd brave the crowds and take the kids to see the "Surfing Santa" at Seaport Village. The crowds won...I drove around the parking lot with all of the other parents looking for a spot that did not exist and finally gave up. Cool mom mode kicked in and I said "Hey kids...You want to go to Sea World?" I won the cool mom prize that day! We have passes so going for a few hours does not hurt the wallet!

This is now my FAVORITE thing at Sea World. It's kind of hidden, but it's the underwater viewing area at the "Dine with Shamu" tank. It's awesome to be so close to such a large animal! I have so much respect for the trainers. It really sucks that they don't get in the water with them at the shows anymore, but hopefully someday we will see that again. The interaction between the trainers and the whales is amazing. (I always dreamed of being a Shamu trainer when I was young...can you tell?)

This Dolphin was SO friendly! It wasn't feeding time and they normally don't come up to the sides unless you have a $6 tray of fish in your hands...but this guy was different! He just wanted to be splashed! We splashed and splashed and he was "eating" the water! The people next to us were petting him. I couldn't get Chasey close enough and keep a hold of Cash too. But...he was right there and we had such a great time watching him entertain us!

and my last picture from Sea World....look how cute my kids are! They were being so well behaved for me! They fight a ton these days so it was really great to get out of the house and not have any issues for the afternoon!

Then...something we've been waiting for since May! YO GABBA GABBA LIVE! at the Sports Arena! I bought tickets the DAY that they went on sale back in May and we never told the kids we were going. Chasey wasn't too thrilled when we first got there...she's a little too "cool" for Gabba...or so she thinks! About 20 minutes into it, she was up dancing and singing and yelling YOOOO GABBA GABBA!!! Such a fun (expensive) night with the kids! At least the tickets were paid for months ago...when I sitll had a job! ha Cash had a blast! Well...he sat on James lap the entire time clutching the balloon that came down from the ceiling...but...his eyes were fixed on the stage and we woke up this morning to Cash singing "There's a party in my tummy...so yummy" in his bed!

Late lunch at Phil's BBQ before the show...SO good!

DJ "Cash"

Whew...that was a long one....If you made it this far...Have a great night! Time for bed...

ps-I'm now writing for www.babyrazzi.com too! Nothing posted yet, but I'm their new product review mom! I love this!

Table for Four!

2010-11-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

(photo from flickr)
Can you believe something this small has caused such a NIGHTMARE in our house?? Do you have any idea what this thing is? It's head lice...well this is a louse because it is just one, but LICE came home from school with Chasey and it's been an absolute nightmare! (Six other cases at her school that we know of...so were almost certain that is where it came from) I wasn't going to say a word about these damn things because the stigma associated it with them is not good. But..I want to come out and say that these things can happen to ANYONE? Clean, dirty, rich, poor...it doesn't matter! It just happens! If your kid is around other kids...you have a very high chance that you will have to deal with them at some point in your life.

And the WORST part about this....Chasey crawls in bed with me almost every night...so the only reason I even knew we had lice was because my head started itching! Once my head was itching I just knew! I had a nurse look at me at a baby shower that I was at and she confirmed that she saw a few eggs. At that moment, I left the shower, bought RID and treated us both immediately! Well...that was over a week and half ago! The next day I saw eggs in Chasey's hair againso we did a home remedy. 2 hours of Listerine on our hair, 2 hours of vinegar....helped...but still eggs....did another round of RID on my hair....still eggs. Spent THREE straight hours picking eggs out of Chasey's hair and was hoping I got rid of every last one....My aunt came over and did the same to mine.

2 days later...eggs! James even found a live one in my hair! UCK! This is after 3 chemical treatments and hours of handpicking the eggs out!

Bought an "electric bug zapper" comb! Don't know if this works or not, but the comb sure feels good on my head. Our heads are have tons of little scabs on them so we itch even when the bugs are gone! Lice feed off your blood....they bite you 2-3 times per day to live. They also lay 6 eggs per day...that is why they multiply so fast! The eggs DO NOT wash out...they are super sticky and have to be pulled out...you grab a hold of it with your fingernail and pull it all the way to the bottom of the hair strand. That literally is the only way!

2 nights ago...(10 days into this process) I SLEPT with my head covered in Vinegar. Vinegar is supposed to loosen the glue on the eggs. I woke up and washed my hair and knock on wood....Haven't seen any since. It's harder on me because I can't check my own head. I diligently look in Chasey's hair so she is good. If I happen to see anything, I pull it out immediately and I think were good on her hair!

All the stuffed animals, dress-up clothes...even the couch cushions are bagged up in the garage in "Quarantine!" I have spent so many hours fighting these damn bugs! My power bill is going to be through the roof with all the laundry that I've washed in "hot"! My hair is breaking from all of the crap I've put on it and we had to cancel our Thanksgiving plans....I would not wish this on my worst enemy!

Table for Four please? A little lonely, but at least we had each other!

Took the kids to the duck pond before we ate so they could run off some energy!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! I have so much to be thankful for...even if these bugs are trying to kill me! haha

Don't look Grandma's!

2010-11-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

I know the Grandma's are reading this now...I kept it private for a very long time...well..private as in not letting anyone in my family read my blog! The cat's out of the bag now...I pissed people off...but I can't please everyone. I was hurt. bad. and sometimes those feelings still come out. I probably shouldn't share everything with the world...but I would tell a stranger my life story. That's just me. It's how I've always been...it's how I'll always be. My life is an open book. What do you want to know?

The title of this..."Don't look Grandma's" is because the kids and I have been working on Christmas presents. Chasey is SO artistic. She would do "art stuff" all day long if I let her! She loves it so much and she's very creative and can draw way better than me! She gets the drawing skills from her dad...that's for sure!

We had half days at school all week so we've actually had a couple extra hours each day to get some projects done! We painted some Christmas balls. They are so cute. The kids did them almost completely by themselves. I did some of the detail, but for the most part, Chasey and/or Cash painted them!

check out the concentration on their faces!...and that's paint in Chasey's hair! She had it everywhere!

You like my creative "ball holder" Some unsharpened pencils, chopsticks from sushi take-out and a box...and I have a drying rack!

We walk...but wish we didn't need to!

2010-11-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

I walked in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k on Sunday. I walked for people that are close to me, I walked for people that I don't even know. I wish more than anything in the world that I didn't feel the need to walk, but I have to do something. I have to do something for this cancer that is affecting my 34 year old friend and mother to 2 little girls. I have to walk for my best friends mom who is one of the most amazing Grandma's ever. I walk for my grandma, for my half brother's and sister's mom, I walk for so many people young and old who are affected by this terrible disease.

There were lots of people with signs...the one that got to me and made me cry was held by a girl about my age. The sign had a picture of another girl...about my age...it said "Last year Breast Cancer took her hair"..."This year...it took her life!" It was a picture of her, her husband and their 3 little kids.

I walked with 10 other girls and 2 babies while our friend lays in bed nauseous from chemo. She would be here for any one of us so it's the least we can do to bring attention to this disease and help find a cure! We all kept saying "I wonder how much money actually goes into cancer research" We all figured it all goes to advertising, administrative costs, etc....but to my surprise, I found out that 75% off all proceeds go directly into Breast Cancer Research and foundations right here in San Diego. At least that's what the Susan G Komen rep said on the news and I usually believe everything I hear! haha...but really I'm gullible!

I didn't do much...but at least I did something!

and then...we went out to lunch in Old Town!

and this...
this is just a random picture from junior high that someone tagged me in on Facebook....Yes...that is me...on the right...the one with the chicken legs! HOLY COW! I was skinny! Sheesh! And SWEEEEET parted down the middle feathered hair!

577 Measly Votes!!

2010-11-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

So...we lost...The entire family is in shock! Thought for sure he had it in the bag! As we can see from the voting results of the entire country there is a huge shift toward Republican. About 80% of the Republican candidates on the ballot in Marion County, IL won.
I was online for hours last night...hitting "refresh" "refresh" "refresh"....just waiting for more precincts to log in their votes! At first it was 50% reporting and the votes were EXACTLY 50/50!!! I almost died when I saw that....Then...61% reporting...STILL 50/50!! It was nuts....Then at 71% reporting, the other guy pulled ahead to 52.6% and my dad at 47.4%....then at 100% it was 52% and 48%! SOOO SOOO close! Everyone involved with his campaign worked so hard and put so much time and effort into it. I'm super sad! But then...I think about the ballot....I guess someone has to lose! More people lose than win so it's not like we are the only family that is a little bummed today.

Lots of love and hugs to the world's best Grandpa!

Vote For Veltman! and a whole bunch of other stuff!

2010-11-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

So....today is a HUGE day for my family! My dad is running for judge in Marion County, Illinois!! He won the democratic vote in the February primary election and is now the sole democratic candidate for the position on the ballet today! He's up against another local lawyer who is Republican. Although I live a couple of thousand miles away, I am there in spirit! I wish more than anything that I was with my family tonight! My parents split when I was little, but they still get along and my mom and step-dad are there, my step-mom, all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, brother, grandma's, grandpa's...my ENTIRE family...except for the few of us here....are all there supporting him today!

They are all getting together and the votes start coming in at 5:30 my time (Pacific). I have the page bookmarked and I will be hitting "refresh" "refresh" "refresh!" just like I did in February! It's so nerve wracking!! Everyone says he has it in the bag, but...you just never know! A bunch of republicans can rush the polls today...who knows?!

The few of us here in Southern California got together last night to send our love...via Facebook!...

and...since I missed Halloween posts...here are a few pics!

My boyfriend..."The Biebs"

40 year old Biebs...and 36 year old Hannah Montana!"

Chasey was a kitty...but for some reason she refused to wear her ears or tail to school!

Hopefully I'm back with good news tonight!! :)
Vote for Veltman!! Go Dad!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

2010-10-20T20:44:00.001-07:00

There is never a dull moment around here!

I guess I haven't totally F&#@ed her up! ....at least not yet!!

2010-10-19T21:19:00.001-07:00

My poor kids....Divorce is never a good thing for kids...When you are 2 1/2, I'm not sure if it's harder because you have NO CLUE what is happening...or if it's easier...because you have NO CLUE what is happening! I'm thinking it's the latter...at least that's how I sleep at night. I feel like it was going to happen eventually so I'm glad it happened when it did.

My kids (according to those around me who tell me this...people like their old daycare providers/preschool teachers) are pretty well-adjusted. I've tried my hardest to keep their lives pretty normal and it was rare that I ever even cried in front of them. I cried ON Cash many many nights while he was nursing...taking a shower in my tears, but I kept my tears to myself when it came to Chasey. Looking back, I'm pretty sure I did the right thing.

So...Chasey is more my concern with long-lasting effects of divorce than Cash. Cash was oblivious to all that was happening around him and now he is just one lucky little guy to have a dad that loves him AND to have James in his life who loves both of my kids dearly. Basically my kids have 2 dads! I have 3 dads...and I consider myself one of the luckiest girls in the world! (I won't get into details on my 3 dads today...but really...I'm just lucky).

I was walking Chasey to school the other day and we walked past one of those dandelion seed things...You know..the kind you blow on and the seeds go flying into the air!? We walked past it and Chasey RAN back to get it. She brought it to me and said "Mom, make a wish!" I did...and I blew on it....I only blew half and told her to blow on the other half and make a wish.

As we were walking onto campus, she looked at me and said "Do you want to know what I wished for?" Of course I said yes. She told me in her sweet little five year old voice....
"I wished that everyone in the world was healthy!"

WOW! I thought for sure she would wish for the latest and greatest toy she saw on a commercial that morning...but no...she wished for everyone to be healthy! I don't even know if she realizes what it means to really be sick?!

My heart melted! I am one proud mom! I've done good! (and yes...I say I...because I take credit for about 75% of their upbringing! Disneyland Dad is just that)

and...just a picture of why it's cool to write reviews...When I get frozen products (ie...Seapaks new frozen "popcorn fish") the kids get to play with the dry ice!

oh...and HI MOM! We love you and miss you!

Blogging is so....time consuming!

2010-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

So...I have completely and 100% neglected this blog all summer! I thought for SURE once I wasn't working I would have so much time on my hands! HA! That's a joke! I'm WAY busier now than when I was working full time. Not really sure how that works, but all my other unemployed friends say the same thing!

I HAVE been blogging all summer...just not here. I write for Lady & The Blog and it really takes up quite a bit of time to review products, gather info, pictures etc to get it all posted in a timely manner!

I'm LOVING this new gig though. I've reviewed everything from chicken nuggets, to beautiful Italian leather boots, to cookbooks, to makeup and everything in-between. It's so much fun to have the UPS guy or the Fed-ex guy or the mailman deliver packages to me all the time!

The kids are loving their new schools! Chasey looks forward to going to school every morning and always tells me how much she loves homework. She told me Friday that she REALLY wants to tell her teacher that she is the best teacher ever, but she's too embarrassed to tell her! AHHHH...how sweet! I told her she should make her a card....so when she gets home from her dad's tonight, that's what we are going to do! We will make the teacher a card! She needs to know how much she is appreciated! With 17 boys and 9 girls to deal with everyday, I'm sure a "thank you" every now and then is MUCH appreciated!

The kids have kept us quite entertained lately. Now that it gets darker a little earlier we don't have time to be riding bikes or playing outside after dinner. So now Cash entertains us with his "dinner dance" so we've named it! Around dinner time every night that kid lights up and dances, sings, dresses up in his sister's princess dresses and just does whatever to make us laugh!
Here a few pictures of his recent antics!

I have a headache...I'm going to take a nap before the kids come home! xoxo

Bike Ramp? For a 3 year old? Sure...why not?!

2010-09-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Another thing we've been doing this summer....teaching Cash to ride a bike with no training wheels! He took off on the day of his 3rd birthday.

I was at back to school night...James was home with the kids...and I came home to this video! It's actually hilarious...knowing that he's totally fine!

Unemployment? I'm kind of liking it!

2010-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! Remember me?
Chasey and Cash's mom? Yeah...I've been lost for awhile...well..not LOST for real.. just "blog lost"...I've been playing Monster Trucks, doing "art stuff", riding bikes, picnics, trips to the park, the beach, taking Chasey to school every morning...then walking to pick her up a few hours later, laundry, packing lunches, doing dishes, napping (ha...well, sometimes I sneak one in), homework, cleaning house...and...oh yeah...a little trip to Cabo with 8 girls!! Life isn't all that bad around here! Last time I posted I was not convinced that I was liking this "stay at home" thing....but...I'm starting to get used to it! My 2 favorite times of the day are walking Chasey to school in the morning and then walking to pick her up when she gets out! I'm so thankful we live so close to school.

Oh yeah...since I was here last...Chasey started KINDERGARTEN!! REALLY BAD first day...but now she absolutely loves it! She has friends now and we've even had a couple of playdates with a friend from school. It's so cute to see little girls play together. My baby is growing up and for some reason having her in school makes me feel like a "real" mom! Yes, I've been a mom for 5 1/2 years now, but for some reason, having a kid in school makes me feel like a mom! I'm not sure if I feel old or what...I just feel complete as a mom now!

The first day of kindergarten went from this

to this...in a matter of seconds...

but then when I picked her up...all was well!

So...I'm a stay at home unemployed mom...but yet I managed to squeeze in a trip to Cabo with 8 of my friends & "second family"! My priorities are TOTALLY in the right place!! haha! I'm the token brunette! I joke that they only keep me around so they don't seem prejudice!

I've worked hard for many years! I deserved that trip AND my time off with my kids!

I have time off..yes...but somehow I feel busier than ever! I love it!

She dresses him up like a Princess...and she stole his nose!!

2010-08-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

Hello Blog! I've missed you!

I'm off work...well...I've been off since July 1st! My company moved and is now an 85 mile commute in Southern California traffic...soooo...needless to say, I chose to get laid off instead of making the drive. 2 hours a day EACH WAY in traffic just isn't in the cards if I plan on being present in my kids lives! It was bad enough working full time and having them in daycare all day. Having them in daycare from 7-7 just was NOT an option. So...I'm home now...loving some days....wanting to pull my hair out other days. It's a huge adjustment around here. I'm not one to want to be a "stay at home mom". Yes...I love my kids dearly, but I'm just not cut out to stay home. I like to work. Plus...I NEVER EVER want to be stuck in a relationship because I can't support myself and can't leave. It happened once...I didn't leave when I wanted to and then it all ended badly. No regrets because I have 2 amazing kids...but...I know I should have left long before it ended.

Moving on...the summer has been a BLAST! We went to Illinois to visit family for 2 weeks! Yes TWO WHOLE WEEKS! I haven't been on a vacation that long in forever! It was so much fun. I really really miss my family! They are so crazy and fun! We've spent quite a few days at the beach, the pool, playdates and some days just lounging around the house.

I have a funny story to tell....The kids have been fighting quite a bit...because they get bored so easily...one of them takes the other kids toy, whatever and they end up chasing each other around the house or one of them hits or bites the other one. Some days I want to scream...well...some days I DO scream! Yesterday morning as I was making breakfast, Chasey "stole" Cash's nose! You know...like your grandpa used to do to you when you were a kid...Well...she took off running and wouldn't give it back! It was actually REALLY REALLY funny and I didn't know whose side to take in that fight! Chasey was just pretending...but Cash thought she really had his nose! I was laughing and yelling at Chasey all at the same time..."Chasey...at least PRETEND to give him his nose back"....Cash was freaking out! In the end...she "GAVE" his nose back and we moved on.
Look at this picture!! This is just ONE of the pictures, videos, etc that I have of Cash this summer dressed in his princess gear! That's the downfall of having a big sister I guess!

Goodbye Sunny San Diego...

2010-07-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY begin to have a summer and we are leaving for vacation for two weeks! We will miss you San Diego!

But...we'll be visiting family in the midwest...we'll be fishing, swimming, going to carnivals, baseball games, bbq's, boat rides on the lake....the kids and I will be having a blast!

Busy...Busy...

2010-07-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is how busy we've been....My kids can't even stay awake!

Happy 4th of July...

2010-07-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I will be bringing to the party today....

Cowboy Caviar!! Oh sooo yummy!

Please be safe out there! :)

We've got Vegetables....or are they a fruit?...

2010-06-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Remember this little guy?
He's now huge...

and gave us this....

and...to the most amazing "step-dad" my kids could have ever asked for...Happy Father's Day to you! (we did celebrate on time...this post is just late!)

Busy...Busy...and Preschool Graduation!...

2010-06-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

We have been SO busy. James is back at the river this weekend for his annual "boys river trip"...so it's just been me and the kids this weekend.

Chasey graduated from preschool on Friday. It was SOOOO cute! She was so nervous and so excited! Her little tummy was hurting that morning from nerves! She did great and sang louder than the other kids and knew all of her sign language. The kids all wore cap and gowns. The whole thing was less than 15 minutes...but it was so awesome to see my little girl growing up! Her dad & crew, Grandma, Aunt Gina and my friend Kathy and her kids were all there to celebrate with us.

We made cute vases for Teachers Gifts....inspired by The Anderson Crew

Chasey got to pick where we went for dinner after...Of course...It was SUSHI! She chose sushi over McDonalds!! THAT'S my girl!! :)

Yesterday I volunteered for a Charity Golf Tournament for Fight ALD. I drove around and helped serve beer, sell mulligans and take photos. It was super fun. The kids came and joined me for the dinner and awards ceremony. I bought raffle tickets and put Chasey's name on them and she won a limited edition bottle of Sawyers Triple Beer from Stone Brewing Co.! Hahaha...it was pretty funny that she won. She was really confused! I took a million pictures...but not with my camera so I don't have any to post here today.

and a random...Why I love summer picture....

Off to the beach today...let's hope the marine layer is gone by the time we get there! June is the strangest weather month is Southern California...it was freezing cold 2 days ago (well...freezing as in 60's and windy!) and today it's supposed to be in the 80's!

Happy Sunday!

Louisville...and F*&K....my hard drive crashed!

2010-06-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

I swear...we never slow down! We go, go, go...and when we have a weekend to relax, I usually have it overplanned by Friday just because I hate to "not have plans" It drives James C-R-A-Z-Y and I've been told I cannot make ANY more plans for the summer! I already have the majority of weekends booked up until Chasey starts kindergarten at the end of August...Holy cow...MY BABY STARTS KINDERGARTEN! Yes, I know it's happening...but typing it...wow...I just can't believe it!

Another weekend of Madness around here...We took off to Louisville, Kentucky for the weekend...Yes...flew all the way there and back...JUST for the weekend! And it was OH SO WORTH IT!!!

I have one aunt and uncle that live in Louisville...the rest drove over from Southern Illinois where my entire family lives...My mom, step-dad, dad, step-mom, brother, sister, sister-in-law and my niece were all there. Fun, fun weekend!

Lots of fun was had in the backyard....

Introduced the kids to horse racing at Churchill Downs!

James drank Mint Juleps...just because "he had to" since we were in Kentucky!

Back home, back at work....and my Mac took a dump this morning!! I've had it for four years and never had one single problem...I was on Facebook this morning before work and it froze...and it's done! So...so sad...A guy here at work is going to put a new hard drive in it for me this weekend. I backed up my photos a couple of months ago...so I think I lost the last couple of months...but it's better than losing a couple of years like I hear horror stories about! And...I send my family kodakgallery albums almost weekly so I have tons of pictures in there!

Off to the River tomorrow...again...go, go, go...it's how I like it! :)

Dear Blog...

2010-05-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

You have been neglected...I know that...but this is why...

We've been at the beach

I took the kids to a Renaissance Fair and scared the crap out of them! Seriously! They cried for about 2 hours every time someone in costume would even come NEAR them!
But then...we did turtle races...and all was ok!

We've been playing at home...some of us in our underwear!

(deleted this picture because I am realizing that pics of kids in their underwear are driving way too much traffic to my blog....DISGUSTING!!!)

Then...when the kids went to their dads...James and I went camping at the beach...It was our "trial run"...since I haven't been camping in SOOO long. I wanted to try it out before bringing the kids along! I can't WAIT to go back!

I'm still new at this outdoor thing!

and...because sometimes I still think like a 12 year old boy....this was in our "bonfire" wood pile!

Tubes, Adenoids...and Popsicles...

2010-05-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

Cash got his second set of tubes this morning and his adenoids removed...we had to be at Children's Hospital at 5:40am!! That is EARLY! I forgot my camera...but got a phone shot of him waking up.

He threw up once when we got home...Anesthesia does that to you sometimes. Other than, he's been perfect...He even got to enjoy popsicles!

Now he's passed out! He is such a trooper!

Chasey...

2010-05-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

is a model!!

Her first modeling gig!

Now if only I could convince her to do it more often...She REFUSES to model or do photoshoots....BUT...her dad told her that he was just taking her to the beach to take some photos just like mom does in the backyard...She did great and was a pro!

I mean really....

2010-05-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Could they be any cuter??

I am such a lucky girl!

Happy Early Mom's Day!!...

2010-05-08T17:04:00.001-07:00

to me...

I woke up to these cute little guys on my topsy turvy tomato plant!!

Then Chasey and I went for these....

that is...after James and Chasey went to the mall this morning...and honestly...just the fact that he takes Chasey on his own to go get me something for Mother's Day means more to me than any present that they will give me!! He is amazing!

Then...Cash did some of this...

Then I took Chasey and Cash to a birthday party and did a little of this...

Now Chasey is asleep on the couch, Cash is playing quietly, James is golfing...and I'm about to pour myself a glass of wine and start dinner!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's out there!! I have so much respect for every mother...it truly is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world! Hug your babies...and have a relaxing day!

My Mother's Day plans...
Going to breakfast with my best friend and her mom and family...then heading to the beach! xoxo

Coupon?...

2010-05-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

In the ladies restroom at work...we have these...

and no...that's not my hand...I bite my nails...uck!

So...Chasey came to work with me last week...the day we went to Hannah Montana...She came with me for a couple of hours so I didn't have to drive all the way back to daycare to get her before heading to Hollywood...

She doesn't let me go to the bathroom at home alone...so why would work be any different...She's standing in the restroom with me...looks over...sees a stack of "see above picture" and asks me....

"Are those Coupons?"

Hannah Montana!!!!.....

2010-05-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

So..My daughters dream came true last week! We were invited to attend a taping of HANNAH MONTANA!! An old friend of mine is a camerman on the show and he's been trying to get us in all season. This is the LAST season and the show actually wraps next week...FOR GOOD! It was a last minute trip, but I called my friend Jen and her and her daughter joined us for the day. Such a memorable experience for the girls...and us mommies!

view from our seats in the audience

Chasey got to pretend she was the camera girl!

For all you die-hard Hannah Montana fans...the set does not look familiar because this is the set for the FINAL season...which has not started to air yet. We were actually there for the 12th show out of 14 for the season

In the final season, they move into a new house in Malibu

The new hangout is "Santa Monica Pier" and no longer the beach hangout...this is the arcade

Blue Jeans (Miley's horse) now lives at the house...he can actually peek into the girls room from his stable

Chasey had the BIGGEST smile on her face all day! It was so great to get to experience this with her

again...the girls were SO lucky! They even got a script from the episode and laminated backstage passes!
I had all of the pictures made into a photo book for Chasey...I can't wait to get it. I figured that was a whole lot easier than letting a 5 year take a bunch of pictures to school to show her friends!
The day was amazing...I swear I have the BEST friends with some of the coolest jobs on the planet!!

Doesn't everyone brush their teeth in high heels?...

2010-04-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

My kids are obsessed with my shoes!! Not just Chasey...but Cash too! He especially loves my Hot Pink and White Polka Dot Betsy Johnson heels!! They are ridiculously cute...but also ridiculously uncomfortable!! So...at least someone is getting use out of them! Of course...I don't have a picture of him in those...but I took these of Chasey brushing her teeth the other night before bed!

Daning in the Dark...

2010-04-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

What do you do with the light up Mickey Ears that you have in the toy box? Turn the lights off, crank up the music and have a Dance Party...in the dark!!

I took these pictures in almost complete darkness! I would just shoot and these are some of the funny ones that I captured of them all dancing around! The kids had a blast! Mommy and James were having fun getting in on the action too!

Chasey just cracks me up! She really gets into the dancing thing! :)

blurry pic...but so funny that she's "DJ'ing"

Then...she got hot and grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer!!

Got it off my chest....

2010-04-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

I’m the worst communicator! It’s actually VERY surprising to the people that know me well because I really don’t shut up…but when it comes to talking about ANYTHING serious I clam up…I just don’t deal with it and I hope it goes away. I did this for 13 ½ years with my ex…When I would have anything to say that I knew might make him a little mad or upset him, I just didn’t deal with it. Occasionally I would write him a letter….Yes…I would write him a letter and sit there with him while he would read it! I know! I know…so childish…but if I didn’t I would NEVER say all the things I wanted to say. I would start and then forget all the important parts. I gave him one of these “letters” about 4 months before we got married. It was about how I felt that we were getting married because we were “supposed” to…because we had been together for 8 years and that’s just what you do. Turns out, I was right….but…no regrets! I have two amazing little people because we did move forward with our marriage so…I’m ok with all of that. But…crazy how you just KNOW! I really did and I went through with it anyways….I wonder how many other brides walk down the aisle not being completely 100% sure that what they are doing is the right thing to do?

So…the point of all this…is that I’m REALLY REALLY trying to get better about communicating! James is amazing with helping me learn how to communicate and if he does something that makes me mad…I usually hold it in for a little bit (like a few hours) and then I just let him have it. He’s really funny when I do this because he knows how hard it is for me to even get the words out. He almost always has an explanation for whatever and he always apologizes for whatever it was…it’s usually something stupid, but he appreciates that I let him know that he said or did something that really bothered me. Example…we were out to dinner one night with another couple. James made a comment about OUR bed….being HIS bed (because it was his before I moved in)…so stupid I know…but it really hurt. He ASKED me to move in…He WANTED me and the kids to live there with him…..He didn’t even realize that I would take it like that and once we got home I told him how I felt (through streaming tears)…and he felt so bad and gave me a huge hug and made me laugh!

My ex drives me nuts…we do get along…but ONLY because I am so non-confrontational and I let him get away with ANYTHING! I know…I’m a total pushover, but it’s just how I am…I’m trying to be better….The fact that he ONLY sees the kids when he is obligated to do so (every other weekend) has really been bothering me lately. He’s pretty good about taking them on a weeknight here or there if I ASK…and ONLY if I have something going on and I ask him to take them. He does come to Chasey’s gymnastics practice for about 45 minutes every week, but it’s down the street from his house and I don’t really count that as quality time….So yesterday, he stopped by my work to pick up some papers from me and although my stomach was in KNOTS just knowing that I wanted to say something to him….I told him how I felt!! I told him that someday his kids are going to realize that he LIVES with his girlfriend and her FOUR kids, but yet he ONLY sees Chasey and Cash every other weekend! And….this is the part that blows me away…he goes the WHOLE 12 days between “his” weekends without even seeing them! He calls almost every day…but we live 10 minutes from him….He could come get them anytime…take them to the park…to dinner…have them come spend the night….Of course he had excuses when I confronted him, but at least I said something and it felt SOOOO good! Now maybe my nagging voice will at least be in the back of his mind. Trust me…it’s not that I want my kids any less than I have them now…I work full time and I enjoy my time with them…but I don’t want them to grow up resenting their dad for not spending more time with them!

So…there’s my ramble for the week….here’s a really cute picture I found yesterday of back when C&C were little! It’s my background on my computer right now! I just love the smile on Cash’s face! I think he was about 4 or 5 months old there and Chasey wasn’t even 3!

Happy Wednesday my friends!

It's Big Mommy!...

2010-04-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Cash blew me away this morning...one of those "oh my gosh, I can NOT believe my kid just said that" moments...You know, one where you want to laugh uncontrollably, but really, he was just stating a fact! I LOVE this parenting gig! I get so many laughs and good times in my own living room!

Cash just woke up...
Me: got him out of his crib and brought him to the living room to change his diaper
Cash: "Mommy, my pee pee is BIG!"
Me: Yes it is buddy! (while dying laughing on the inside)

So simple and innocent and really just stating a fact...it WAS morning afterall (if you know what I mean)...but the 12 year old in me was just dying!

Here are a couple of pictures of that Crazy kid!

We are NEVER without entertainment in this house!
(and don't mind the glad trash bags behind him...I swear...all I see when I look at this picture is Glad trash bags and dirty carpet! ACK!)

My Newfound "Green Thumb"....

2010-04-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well...at least I hope I can keep these plants alive! I have a tendency to forget to water things!

This weekend I planted a few things to do my part in "keeping the planet green"....I planted a veggie, 2 herbs and lots of flowers....I live in a condo...so I don't have room for a real garden...I do have the room for a raised garden box, but first I want to see if I can grow a few things before I try my hand at growing a LOT of things!

I bought one of those "topsy-turvy tomato planter" things a couple of weeks ago. I honestly thought it was an "all-inclusive" purchase and I thought it would have everything I needed inside that little box. I sat down to put my planter together a few days after my purchase and realized that I needed potting soil...so I put it all back in the box and waited until another free day to buy potting soil and get this thing started!

Sooo...Saturday morning I ran out and bought potting soil and came home to put together my tomato planter...What do you know?? It doesn't come with a tomato plant!!! I did NOT think it would actually have a plant with it, but I thought it would have seeds? and I thought it would have potting soil...you know, the kind that you soak in water and it grows to 100x it's size! I've bought other kits and everything was always included!

After a trip to Home Depot and seeing all the pretty garden veggie plants....I came home with a really cute Cherry Tomato plant...and a Sweet Basil plant and a Cilantro plant. Wish me luck!! If this works out...maybe next year I'll plant a "real" garden!

Thankful for good friends...

2010-04-07T16:27:00.001-07:00

You know...along with a divorce comes SO many other things that you really don't think about when it's just the two of you, not getting along for a long period of time, deciding that you should no longer be together...thinking life will be better if you don't have to share it with each other.

Then...reality hits....YES...life CAN be and IS much better...but there are so many other aspects of life that divorce affects.

There are little things like going to use the body wash in the shower after he moved out and realizing that HE TOOK it!! Dammit! Or that he took one end table and now there is an empty space in the living room...these little things are the "first" things that bother you...and then the "REAL" stuff sets in...

You KNOW that it will affect the kids...but you don't realize HOW MUCH it affects them....and truly we will never know because they were so young, but they will grow up to be totally different people than they would have been had we stayed together. James and I just KNOW that Cash actually has a fighting chance of not being moody like his dad since he's with us 85% of the time, but Chasey...she was already moody when we left...so she's got his "Moody Gene"! It's ok...I dealt with his for over 13 years...I can deal with hers...she came out of me! I will deal with pretty much anything she throws my way! :)

You KNOW that it will affect your living situation and financial sitution....in my case, I had to move out of our house and living alone for a year and a half was a VERY strange thing. At first it was so nice to not have to answer to anyone and the kids and I did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted...but then it got lonely...We are very happy where we are now...

You KNOW it will affect parts of your life, but I never dreamed how much it would affect my "family"....The family that I spent EVERY holiday with...from Christmas to the 4th of July...was HIS family....now, officially, they are no longer MY family! I still love them dearly, and I still talk to them all the time, but we no longer spend holidays together and that ONE thing has been the hardest part of this divorce for me....I honestly thought we would still be able to spend holidays at his families houses and it would still be the same....but when you add in new boyfriends and girlfriends...its just not possible. I think "the ex" and I would be fine around each other...its how uncomfortable it makes everyone else. It's just weird now...so I kind of feel like I lost my FAMILY!

Then....the title of this post steps in...I am SO thankful for great friends...Friends that really weren't your best friends before the divorce, but stepped in when you needed them the most and are there for you! There for you, your kids, your new boyfriend...your visiting mom...whoever comes into my life is welcome in theirs! That's how MY family is...(My family in the midwest)...but as we all know...I am WAY too far from my family and I miss them all dearly. I had "HIS" family....and now I don't even have that 365 days a year...(I have them still...except not on the holidays...which to me...are some of the most important).

These are the girls I'm talking about...I spend Thanksgiving, New Years, Christmas Eve, Easter, birthdays......Friday nights......and many other times with their families! They are sister-in-laws and their family has welcomed my family...just as it is...with open arms! I love them dearly and can't thank them enough!

Here are a few...(I mean LOTS) pics from our super fun Easter Sunday...Lots of wine was consumed, lots of shattered eggs from our "egg races" and just a super fun day all around for the adults and the kids!

The Happiest Place on Earth...

2010-04-01T14:44:00.001-07:00

Well...I don't know if its the "HAPPIEST" place? Or the most tiring place in the whole wide world?! Whatever...it sure was fun!

We did 2 days in a row...thanks to Southern California Residents "2fer" deal! Pay for a day, get the 2nd free!! I LOVE a deal! The first day was a full day at Disneyland...the 2nd Day was at California Adventure. I had NEVER been to California Adventure and I would actually like to go back without the kids (do NOT tell them that)...but it's more of a roller coaster, older kid kind of park...and they serve WINE!! (My kind of place!) The Pixar parade was awesome though and the kids loved all the characters from their favorite movies, Nemo, Cars, Toy Story, The Incredibles....

A day at a theme park is NOT complete without face paint...according to Chasey

Whoever was in that Mickey costume was TINY! My sister is tall, but Mickey was super tiny!

Pretty much sums it up!

I have the sweetest little boy ever

Cutest Dress EVER!

another Sewing creation!! Ariel is on the purple fabric...it's the only cute Disney fabric I could find last minute

Made a hair clip to match

I wish I had these shoes! Chasey is so lucky...and SO spoiled!

I have family in town this week...It's been so much fun! I really really miss my family!

I love my Chasey...

2010-03-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I love my girl...

A friend of mine recently had a miscarriage...and the only advice I had to give was that I did understand what she was going through...and nothing anyone tells you will make you feel any better...but the ONE thing in my life that makes me feel so much better about that miscarriage and about that baby that I lost.

If I had never lost that baby....I would NOT have my Chasey!! My sweet, loving, curly haired, beautiful little girl!

This morning I was in the shower and Chasey came in and asked me something..I couldn't really hear her so I peeked my head out and asked her again.

Chasey - "Mom, Can you teach me how to read?"

Me - "Of course!!!" (me...also wondering what prompted the question...I bet she saw one of those "your baby can read" commercials! haha)

Chasey - "Ok...when you get out of the shower?"

Me - "Well, it's going to take a little longer than that, but go pack those books that Mary gave you and well take them with us for the week" (we are going to stay at a timeshare with my dad, step-mom and little sister...Just a few miles up the road, but still a mini-vacation! :)

Chasey - "ok" (and totally convinced that she's going to learn how to read this week)

So...I guess we are going to work on learning to read! I have NO idea how to teach a person how to read...?? This whole Mom thing is hard sometimes!

Guess where we were all weekend?
Lots and LOTS of pictures to post...I have to weed through them first.

I learned to SEW!!!....

2010-03-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

So...I learned how to sew!!! YIPPEEE!! I keep seeing cute tutorials online and borrowed a REALLY old sewing machine from my aunt...No instructions..no one to tell me how to even turn the thing on...Needless to say I got frustrated and put it away!

The next weekend my "ex" mother-in-law let me (long term) borrow one of hers! Newer...with instructions and she gave me a quick lesson on how the machine works! It took a few hours and definitely used my seam ripper a few times....but VOILA!
My FIRST skirt!!

And my SECOND skirt!!

The first one...I followed a tutorial...kind of! I thought I could do my own thing...It's best to LEARN how to sew before making your own patterns....It's still cute and it has a tie in the back (that's the part that I was "winging it" on).
The second skirt I actually FOLLOWED the directions and what do you know? It all worked! It has an elastic waist and it's WAY too long...but once again, still cute! I have the cutest little model so I really can't go wrong!

Stay tuned for many, many more sewing projects! :)

edited...to add link to tutorial that I used
Note-I did NOT use Moda pre-cut strips...I cut my own out of fabric that I liked and I made the stips a little wider (3") in the pink and black skirt.

The Dentist....

2010-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to the dentist this morning...It was Cash's first visit. He wasn't the best patient...but he IS only 2 1/2!

Chasey has been a few times before, but i just took her to my dentist. I decided not take her there after the butchering I had done there recently...Can I just say OUCH!!!...and it was just a cleaning!!! I got a referral to a pediatric dentist. I will recommend to ALL my mom friends...Take your kids to a pediatric dentist!!! Don't even bother with a regular dentist. This place was so cool! There were video games in the waiting room, TV's on ceiling in each room and the kids got to pick their own movie to watch...AND jars of toys on display for for them to pick one when they were done! The only way I got Cash to sit still was to keep reminding him that he could get a truck from the jar if he just sat still for a little bit!

Didn't have my camera...only my phone...

"THUMBS UP!!" No cavities!!

staring at the TV on the ceiling

Scariest picture ever!! Swollen eyes this morning! I felt like CRAP!

St. Patricks Dinner...and a visit from the Leprechauns?

2010-03-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

The picture is not the best...but the food was oh so yummy!!

Our family is not a big fan of the traditional "Corned Beef & Cabbage"...so this is what I came up with for our "Green-Themed Dinner!"

Baked Chicken....topped with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, avocado and Pesto sauce
Asparagus
Green Mashed Potatoes

I had green jello for dessert too, but Chasey informed me that she no longer likes jello, Cash was being a stinker and was in time out and was NOT going to get dessert...so I didn't bother to make it!

And another thing...Do Leprechauns visit your house?? I know they never visited mine so I really didn't know about this...

Chasey came home from school yesterday and apparently Leprechauns came into her classroom the night before and made a little mischievious mess and left candy for the kids! A few of the kids were talking about how the Leprechauns had been to their houses too.

Needless to say...my sensitive little Chasey was so upset that the Leprechauns didn't visit our house...I made up a story about how they are so tiny that they couldn't get around to everyones house in one night...they aren't Santa after all! I figured I would do something...I have no idea what...but something...after the kids fall asleep.

Fast forward to 4:20am....OH CRAP! Having one of those can't sleep for an hour in the middle of the night moments....and realized the Leprechauns (well...me) forgot to stop by our house!

So...at 4:20am...I went into the kitchen...got out the girl scout cookies...took little bites out of them and left crumbs all over the counter....Got out the art stuff...found the glitter....sprinkled green glitter all over the mess...and left 2 small 100 grand candy bars for the kids (leftover from Halloween!)....It was a small effort...but worth every bit of middle of the night panic when the first thing Chasey said when she woke up was (in a whiny voice) "the leprechauns didn't come"...I said..."I think they did...go look in the kitchen!" I had one very happy, excited little girl.

It doesn't take much!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!....

2010-03-17T14:44:00.001-07:00

We love holidays around our house...all holidays...big and small!

After our pink themed Valentines Dinner Chasey now expects a "Green-Themed" St. Patricks Day Dinner. Not a big fan of traditional "corned beef & cabbage" so...I'm going to figure out another "green" dinner...I'm sure there will be green mashed potatoes and green milk involved...Oh...and Green Beer for Mommy and James!

Hope everyone has a great day!

I asked Cash to go hug his sister...and this is what he did! Silly kid!

So True...

2010-03-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

If you do have kids...Read this...it will give you a laugh...

If you don't have kids...and you just don't "get it" when your friends with kids are too busy for you....Read this...(and really...if you don't "get it" as to why your friends are too busy to stay in touch...You should make the effort to go spend the day with them and to see what their life is actually like! If it's anything like mine...if I get a spare minute to myself...sometimes I just want to spend that moment alone!)

Just a little of our weekend...

2010-03-08T13:55:00.001-08:00

First off…I signed up with some friends to play on a softball team….I haven’t played softball (without alcohol involved…aka: Sloshball) since I was in high school…and even then, it was only in PE. We had practice the Friday night before…and we Suck…with a big capital S! WE SUCK!! It’s ok…its just for fun, so who really cares! It’s just a fun night with my girlfriends and the kids run around and it’s going to be fun….
At least that is what I thought!... Me…and the other 4 girls that I know (it’s co-ed…I just don’t know the rest of the people) were planning on having a fun time together. Recap of our first game…the other team is SO SERIOUS and we got our asses kicked!! They were REALLY good and made it not fun for us at all….I guess whoever signed our team up signed us up in the last spot available in the league…In the Upper division!!! So stupid! I really don’t care if we win or lose…I just want to have a good time. It was so bad that the other team was pissed that they had to play against us! I don’t blame them…what fun is that for them? So…we will be playing every Friday night…well…THEY will be playing every Friday night…I will play for a few more weeks and if they don’t switch our team to another level then I will not be making the hour drive just to stand there and get my ass handed to me! I’m not a quitter…but even the umpire told us we didn’t belong there and we would be having a blast on the other fields! (the lower levels). UGH! I really really want to play…but for FUN! I’m not trying to relive my childhood years!

Ok…that rant is over…the rest of the weekend was really fun, rainy and mellow! I went to a sample sale early Saturday morning…I mean EARLY…get up at 5am early…just to go to a SALE! But…it was worth it for sure! James watched the kids for me....I snuck out at 5am…Cash woke up at 5:30!! It’s normal…but James was really hoping he was going to sleep in! Haha…I told him “welcome to my life!” He sent me this picture while I was shopping…I can NEVER get my 2 crazy kids to both look at the camera at the same time….but HE managed it! With his phone nonetheless! It’s cute…they were being really good for him!

The kids…trying on one of my sample sale finds!

Don't mind that dress! Chasey was playing dress-up!

Just a couple more random pics from the weekend….

Cash imitating the picture James drew of him!

Chasey getting tossed around and loving every second of it!

Cash…looking like that kid in peanuts that always plays the piano!
(How bad that I can’t remember which kid that is? Help me people…which character is it?)

Then…deciding to play with his feet!

Got me thinking...

2010-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

I got this email from a good friend today...just wanted to share it.

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say "good-bye", say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage.....And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?

I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said.

Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow.

I LOVE YA!!!

Live today because tomorrow is not promised..

Sometimes they fight...

2010-03-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

I almost burned the house down...

2010-03-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

I was crafting away all afternoon Saturday...with CNN on in the background just WAITING for the tsunami to hit Hawaii....and all of a sudden I heard a loud POP and flames shot out the front of my glue gun....then the back..I had to blow them out!! James was napping on the couch and jumped up!

My poor little overused glue gun....

I went out Sunday and bought a nice fancy "cordless" one! I haven't gotten to use it yet...I'm SO excited! Sheesh...I can't believe that the purchase of a new glue gun is what makes me happy these days!

I'm sick to my stomach...

2010-03-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

On December 27th I took the kids outside to ride their new bikes that they got for Christmas...This outside playtime was cut short because of the helicopter that was flying overhead telling me that a woman was just attacked and they were looking for a white male, 6 foot about 220 lbs wearing a blue jacket...and to please go inside and lock our doors!

REALLY? I couldn't believe it! I live in Suburbia!! Nice, calm, comfortable, quiet neighborhood! This is nuts! And even more nuts that I have to explain to Chasey that she cant ride her new bike right now because there is a bad person in our neighborhood and we need to stay inside.

Since that day, I NEVER leave the doors unlocked.

Friday morning...February 26th...The damn helicopter is out again. I thought there was NO way they were looking for someone AGAIN? Poor Chasey asked, "Mom, did they ever catch the bad guy? Why are there bad guys?" It's so hard to have to explain reality to her.
I called James to tell him that we live in the ghetto and there is a helicopter out again. (We live FAR from the ghetto...I was joking with that reference). He had heard on the radio that morning that a 17 year old girl was jogging on Thursday and was missing. Great! Just Great!

Fast forward to Sunday....the search is still on...there are police everywhere, a volunteer center has been set up and this is all happening in MY neighborhood.

I read online Sunday night that they arrested a 30 year old sex offender and he is being charged for rape and murder. He is from Lake Elsinore...about an hour north.

Fast forward to Monday morning...Details emerge...this guy was living IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!! IN MY TOWNHOUSES....I could throw a rock at his mom's house where he was staying!!!! His mom's condo is 1100 feet from the elementary school....He is a registered sex offender and cannot live within 2000 feet of a school. They are 90% sure that he is responsible for the attack in December as well...luckily she got away by punching him in the nose with her elbow.

My stomach is a mess...knowing that this guy was living right next to me. I don't remember ever seeing him, but he was there. I have 2 little kids and he was living by us.

Chelsea is still missing...I have an extremely bad feeling that they will find her body and she is not alive...but just in case, please look at her picture.

Hug your babies, never run alone, take self defense classes, carry pepper spray with you if you do run, always lock your doors...because you NEVER know who could be living next door!

Chasey-Isms...

2010-02-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

(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!

Chasey is a Fashionista...

2010-02-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

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!

Couch Nights...

2010-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2010-02-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

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!

I always grab the camera....

2010-02-22T20:11:00.001-08:00

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!

A Break in the Rain....

2010-02-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

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!

So NOT fun...

2010-02-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

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!

A long post about being a Mom....

2010-02-18T10:22:00.001-08:00

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!

Gymnastics...

2010-02-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

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

Wish you were here....

2010-02-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

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!

Happy Valentines Day...

2010-02-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

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?

Valentines Dinner...

2010-02-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

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

Love these girls...

2010-02-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

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!

Speech...

2010-02-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

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!

Another Storm....

2010-02-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

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

Best Hamburger...EVER!

2010-02-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

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!

My Dad....

2010-02-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

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!

Not Me Monday...

2010-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

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!

Friday night...

2010-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

Had a great night out with the girls on Friday night!! Junior Seau (now plays for Patriots...former Charger) was sitting right behind us! We finally asked if we could get a picture with him and he was SO nice!

I slept all day Saturday!

Please stop....

2010-01-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

I know I already posted today...but I just read this story...and I just had to put in my two cents...

To Bob & Michelle Duggar: Please stop having babies!!!

The Duggars have just released pictures of baby #19! Read the story here I'm sure they are a very loving, happy family....but having a 31 weeker myself and knowing how hard it is on the poor helpless babies....please quit while you are ahead. I don't know the circumstances as to why she had the baby at 25 weeks and I know there are a million opinions as to why or why not it is ok to have that many children...but please...in my humble opinion...stop having children! (Let your kids do that now and be Amazing Grandparents!)

Just my two cents...had to get it off my chest...

Picture of Chasey at 7 weeks old....5 lbs and smaller than her Cabbage Patch doll! With an apnea monitor cord attached! Which stayed attached for the first 11 months of her life!

Just another Thursday...

2010-01-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I wish!! I'm usually sitting at my desk on Thursdays...but not yesterday...
THIS is where I was!! Hello Big Bear! I've missed you! It was great to see you again yesterday!

I'll be back soon Big Bear!! I promise! :) Wish I could have stayed longer!

I came home to a whiny Chasey...her "head" hurt...then it was a definite "MY EAR hurts...on the inside!" ....so I slept with her and woke up every hour trying to calm her tears....Went to the dr 1st thing this morning and she has a double ear infection. She is much better already...She's off to her dad's for the weekend with Cash.

Me....I've got a big GIRLS night! Oh how I love my girls nights! Actually going to a nightclub! Haven't been to one of those in awhile. Sometimes I still think I'm 21...until I walk in the club and I feel SO OLD!!! Oh well...us "old ladies" (old in a 21 year old eyes) still got it! I'll be putting my dancing shoes on and I plan to sleep most of the day tomorrow! :)

Snow Day....

2010-01-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

I live in one of the best places on Earth!! (I wonder if Snapple is made here? It IS made with the best STUFF on earth, right? hee hee)

20 minute drive to the West...gets me here...

1 hour drive to the East...gets me here...

Since we had so much rain last week, James and I surprised the kids Sunday morning and took them sledding in the snow!! We packed up the car (even hid the sled under a towel) and told the kids to get bundled up...It drove Chasey INSANE that we wouldn't tell her where we were going!! That was the BEST part!! She did guess it when I told her to put on leggings under her sweats...but I told her she was wrong and she didn't know where we were going! Bad mom!
It was well worth the fibbing though! The kids got a sled from Santa (just in case we woke up on a Sunday morning and wanted to drive to the mountains...we didn't want to go "sled-hunting" at all the sporting goods stores) We did some serious sledding...both kids loved it and went down on their own. I don't have any pictures of the actual sledding because I got a video camera for Christmas and I video'd (sp?) it all and then went to the car and switched cameras so I could take a few still shots!

a small tumble!

I love this man.....for being so great to them....

I can't wait to go back....

After the Rain...

2010-01-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

We play in the creek!

This is normally a small trickle of really gross water, but because we got 6 1/4" of rain last week, we had some "clean" water running though! I let the kids play for awhile...I just really hope there's not some random bacteria in the water...
I'm still alive and I played in tons and tons of creeks growing up! I would hate to deny my kids of that fun!

Fun...at our house....

2010-01-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

This is our version of fun!
When Cash brings me a newborn size diaper (that I saved for Chasey's dolls) and INSISTS that I put it on him!! Of course I did it and we all got a good laugh! These kids make nights at home full of laughs!

my future plumber!

(that's a birthmark on his leg)

ps-He actually peed in the diaper in the 3 minutes that he was wearing it!! Stinker!

10 Things that make me happy...

2010-01-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

in NO particular order...

1. This sweet amazing girl...

2. This amazing peanut butter eating early riser of a boy....

3. This "I don't know how I got so lucky to have him in my life" man....

4. Visits to Illinois to see my family...

5. Dinner with the Girls...anywhere, anytime, any place. (i prefer this...)

6. Nordstrom Rack

7. living in Southern California...

8. Finding a new fun craft and figuring out how to make it...

9. Watching American Idol as a family with #'s 1-3

10. Moving on....and this quote...
"Embrace the family you have, not the family you envisioned. We all have a dreamy picture in our head of what we would like our family to be. Most of the time, because of circumstances or choices or turns in the road we never saw coming, this is not the reality. As hard as it is, let go of that. It is just fine to grieve that loss, but it is more important to move beyond that to make the family that you have the happiest, healthiest and most secure that you can" (author unknown)

This...is MY family!

Rain...Rain...and More Rain!!

2010-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

I think we are going to float away!
Growing up in San Diego...I'm a TERRIBLE driver in the rain! I freak out, I drive really slow and I panic when it gets to the point where I can't see in front of me! My dad was visiting one year (he lives in Illinois) and we were driving to Los Angeles and it was POURING rain! He laughed at me the whole way...he thought I was nuts for being such a baby about driving in the rain! I was driving his rental car and I even got rear ended...just minor, but STILL! It just added to my stress about driving in the rain!

picture from Fox 5 San Diego...because I am too lazy to go outside and actually take any pictures in this rain!

She's Crafty....

2010-01-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

No kids this weekend meant...I got an ENTIRE day to "CRAFT!" It really is my favorite pastime! I think I love the challenge of figuring out how to make something more than actually making it though. I love the process of researching online....buying the supplies and then making it for the first time! The problem is...I buy enough supplies to make 100 of whatever it is so I will be making headbands and picture frames for awhile! :)

Thanks to this tutorial I made some REALLY cute headbands yesterday! I also made some cute picture frames that the kids will be adding the finishing touches to (flowers, hearts, etc) for all the grandmas for Valentines Day.

So cute! Thanks Tanya for the awesome tutorial!

Mommy Guilt...

2010-01-15T11:24:00.001-08:00

I've got it bad today....I've just been "off". I'm pissed off at the world...I walk around in a funk and I yell at my kids too much.

I really have no idea what's wrong with me...I'm usually a happy go lucky person, but for the past week or so, I've really been "off". My kids are driving me NUTS and I yell at them WAY more than I should...James is wonderful, but I've even been mean to him. Not MEAN...but bitchy for sure. Thank god he can joke about it with me and he calls me out. If he took it personally, he would be out the door!

I know this is MY fault....but I've always let Chasey make her own choices when it comes to what she wants to wear...this has REALLY become a problem lately. Everything is "itchy" or "uncomfortable" or she just won't wear it for whatever reason. I pick out 5 different outfits each morning before she will actually put one on. It's not until I've lost my mind and walked out of the room that she finally decides on what to wear.

Cash got the brunt of it this morning...as I stormed out of the kids room after dealing with Chasey, I walked out to find Cash in the hall closet making a huge mess! Of course I yelled at him too and made him lay down so I could get him dressed...all while he was crying because I had just yelled at him. UGH! I wanted nothing more than to drop them off and get to work.

and now....they are dropped off...they have their car seats, the suitcase is packed...and they are going to their dads for the weekend. We made up (well...mommy snapped out of it) and lots of kisses and hugs were given at drop off, but I feel SO bad....they are only young once and I am going to WISH I could get these crazy insane mornings back someday.

Someday you will read this (that is...if I print a book at the end of the year which I PLAN to do)...and I hope to god crazy insane mornings like today don't stand out in your memories! I love you both more than anything in the whole wide world....

to be brutally honest...I NEED this weekend....I am glad you love going to your dads!

(this is an old picture....it was when they first started "going to their dads" for the weekends...It was for a flickr group way back when)

ps-I promise if I don't snap out of this I WILL go see a dr! Maybe I do need that "lexapro" that Grandma Jackie was telling me about! :)

I love Sundays....

2010-01-11T19:53:00.001-08:00

Donuts...coffee...and the Sunday paper! (I still like to actually read the paper!...even though I've already read most of it on the internet!)

Shiny Sparkly Shoes....

2010-01-09T14:32:00.001-08:00

I would have KILLED to have either pair of these shoes when I was a kid! Some of the sparkles on the ones on the right even light up when she walks! Love them!
I swear...My kids are SO lucky! AND spoiled! I guess that's what happens when you grow up poor...you tend to give your kids all the things that you wish you could have had! It's becoming a problem! :)

Thank You Cards....

2010-01-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas, we had Chasey's 5th birthday party. Several of her friends brought her gifts and I feel that teaching kids to send thank you cards is such an important part of life. Chasey fought me a little on it, but then she realized how "cool" it was that she was writing to her friends herself and she enjoyed it. It took us 2 nights to write 8 thank you cards, but that's ok. Her little hand gets tired!

James thought I was a little crazy having a 5 year old send thank you cards, but I think it's important and she's never too young to start doing it herself.