tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66701790144874963622024-03-14T09:38:17.469-07:00Laughing with SpoonsFamilies are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-68805813185398735142012-04-26T22:12:00.001-07:002012-04-26T22:12:22.049-07:00Update...My dad has always been unique. Always different in a good way. It's no wonder his cancer is just as unique as he is!<br /><br />He has been diagnosed with a malignant Neuroendocrine tumor. It's very rare in that only .5 percent of malignancies are this kind. That's 1-3 people per 100,000. Insane.<br /><br />So he is scheduled for surgery. Pre-op is next week and surgery the following. The tumor is possibly attached to the Vena Cava which if that is the case they will not remove it. It's too risky. He will have chemo and radiation in hopes to shrink it. They also believe its attached to the small intestines which will be no problem removing as they will just remove part of his intestines.<br /><br />I'm worried. A lot. Especially since its attached to a major vein in the heart. It's so scary. I love my dad so much and the fact he's going through this tears me up. The fact he can die with this surgery (as anyone can in any surgery but this is pretty risky) makes me sick to my stomach. I'm scared but I'm praying. I know God has a plan for all of us and I just want...no...need more time with him and I'm praying God allows that.<br /><br />PLEASE keep praying for him!<br /><br />Please also keep my grandma, his mom, in your prayers. She's 94 with fluid in her lungs and having problems breathing. She's been in the hospital a few days and was suppose to transfer to an assisted living home to gain strength. Well tonight, right at the end of dinner, I received a text from my cousin telling me she's not having visitors right now because she's had a setback. More problems breathing. I guess it's not looking good. <br /><br />I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders right now. Between my dad and grandma I'm worried and scared. It's hard to focus on other things but I have to. It's been REALLY hard on me but I'll get through. It's a part of life. <br /><br />But on a bright note...my Sweet little Allison has taken to her glasses just fine! Hardly any issue of her taking them off at all. And can you believe my precious Emily is actually reading! It blows me away when she can read something. It's SO amazing watching her! They are growing so fast! Hard to believe Emily will start kindergarten and Allison preschool this year!! Oh how time flies!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-52101115531586522992012-04-22T09:00:00.001-07:002012-04-22T09:00:06.184-07:00PrayersIt has been a whirlwind lately. So much going on in my life. So many things occupying my thoughts. It's been hard to sleep. It's been following me around everywhere. I just need to remember this isn't something I have any control over and I need to just pray.<div>
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Of course I am talking about my dad. The new tumor they found, the one that is 5 inches wide, 4 inches deep, way bigger than his kidney...turned out to be cancerous. I foolishly believed it wouldn't. I mean, how can it not have been cancerous if he already found out he does have cancer? But I woke up Thursday feeling so hopeful that when I received the call - it would be to say "it's benign and he just needs surgery to remove it". But an hour after the appointment time and still no call...I felt anxiety set in. Then the call came an hour and a half after the appointment time to tell me it's malignant; tests are being run; he will meet with the surgeon next Thursday.</div>
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Oh this waiting will kill me more than anything. So I am just asking for prayers. Prayers that it is something they can remove. Prayers that he won't get sick from chemo or radiation. Prayers he can have the new kind of chemo that doesn't make you sick or make you lose your hair. Prayers that it isn't pancreatic cancer. BIG HUGE PRAYERS that it isn't pancreatic cancer. If you pray for anything; pray for that. I am nervous. I am scared. I am sad. </div>
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I know as we grow up, we lose our grandparents. We lose our parents. We lose our siblings (or perhaps we go before they do). But although we all know this...when you are REALLY facing it...REALLY being reminded that it happens...it's scary. It's emotional (oh man is it emotional). It's scary. Scary scary scary.</div>
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So I just ask for prayers if you are the praying type. Maybe good thoughts if you don't believe in prayers. Perhaps send out positive vibes and energy is you believe in that. For my dad. None for me...save it all for my dad. </div>
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And if anything? Pray for an end to cancer. As most of you know, I participate in the Relay for Life each year and this year it has taken the most personal turn for me. So I am working my ass off even harder so no one else has to hear "you have cancer" and feel these emotions I am feeling. Or feel the emotions my dad is pretending he isn't feeling. We need an end to this. We need it soon. For my children. For their children. For everyone's children.</div>
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I am not soliciting donations by way of this post...just soliciting prayers. BUT if you DO want to donate...please let me know and I can send you a link. I won't post it because it's not about that. It's about my dad and the serious need for prayer right now. I am praying this meeting with the surgeon on Thursday goes okay. So far each appointment it hasn't. I am hoping there is some good (okay...it won't be 'good' but perhaps decent) news.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-91710575815711533522012-04-20T21:49:00.001-07:002012-04-20T21:49:34.366-07:00My four eyes...I read this blog post and it immediately had me in tears. This lady knew everything I was feeling. She had felt it too. I am not alone in how I feel and I am happy for that. Sad for that but happy for that. <br />
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Allison needs glasses. It SHOULDN'T be a big deal but it kinda is. I have so many emotions about it. I'm glad it will help her. I am sad she has to be helped. I worry about kids being mean to her. I worry about her not liking how she looks. I hope it isn't a battle to keep those glasses on. Allison is VERY strong-willed and VERY difficult to get her to listen sometimes. I pray and pray these little glasses will stay on her face. But...lately she's been tugging at her bad eye and saying "my eye" and things like that - so it gives me hope that the glasses may just stay put. <br />
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I worry how it will look when she takes them off because I know it will magnify her eye that turns in. She has <a href="http://www.pedseye.com/strabismus_accommodative_esotropia.htm">Accommodative Estropia</a>. Her right eye turns in. Not 100% of the time but enough to be a problem. Glasses will help correct the problem But once she is in glasses and the glasses come off for bed or bath or swimming or whatever...her eyes will be a lot worse. Ugh. That scares me. I'm scared to see it (fear of the unknown) and worry about other people seeing it. I shouldn't, but I do. <br />
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At any rate...I came upon <a href="http://littlefoureyes.com/tag/accommodative-esotropia/">this blog</a> and read <a href="http://littlefoureyes.com/2011/05/26/me-and-my-four-eyes/">this post</a> and it hit me so hard - I cried. It said EVERY.SINGLE.THING I am feeling. The comments from others also stated everything I am feeling too. <br />
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I think tonight, after watching her tug at her eye and say "my eye" in a whiny "this doesn't feel good" voice...I have resigned myself to the fact she needs it. She doesn't need the 2nd opinion we were going to get. She just needs the glasses. Point blank. As much as I don't want her to have them...she needs them and THAT is what is most important. Her health. Her well being. I am her mommy and that is my job...to take care of her. She won't be any different...just will have glasses. That's all. <br />
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So this is the blog post that touched my heart today...enjoy:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Last week, we found out that our sweet girl needs
glasses.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>She is quite farsighted, in fact.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>She was having trouble reading her T.S. Elliot
Poems at bedtime, so I decided to have her eyes checked.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Oh. You know I’m kidding. She can read
Preludes just fine. It’s her daddy’s car magazines that she’s having
trouble wading through. I don’t blame her, actually.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>In any case, we started to notice her eye turning
in,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>which happens to be exactly what happened to my
mom at 3 years old</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and my sister at 2 years old,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>so we took her to a wonderful eye doctor and low
and behold my baby needs glasses.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>This news rocked me.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>The rational, sensible, adult part of me accepted
it with a smile,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>while every other part of me was screaming “No! I
don’t want them!”</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>They’re just glasses. Many people (including many
people I love) have them.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>But, to me, they’re a (n albeit small) challenge
for her. They will, as my best friend said, make life only 1% more difficult for
her, but that’s 1% more than I’m comfortable with.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And so, I’m looking inward, mustering up all of my
strength, and trying to cope with this situation with a sound mind</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and clear eyes.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>All four of them.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>There’s my one eye,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>my scared eye,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>that worries for her. Will this make life hard for
her? Will she be sad that she can’t just jump in the pool without worrying about
being able to see in the water? Will her eyes get worse? Will she feel bad about
being the only kid in preschool with glasses on her face? Will she resent her
glasses? Will they make her cry? Worse, will other kids make her cry?</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And then, there’s my shallow eye.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>My eye that sees my daughter, my beautiful,
precious little girl, with the most perfect angel face, and the most soulful
“Atlantic Ocean eyes” and thick, long black lashes, that will now be covered in
a pair of little wire frames. Will the lenses distort her eyes? When people look
at her, will they see only glasses? Will she only be known as the girl with the
glasses? Will she be “cute, despite” them? Why do I care? Why can’t I get past
this?</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And then there’s my ashamed eye.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I’m the one who celebrates differences. I am the
one who stands up for equality and tolerance. I am the one who preaches about
acceptance and beauty that comes from the inside out. And yet, I am the one who
is worried about the way my daughter will feel and look and think. I’m the one,
who when I am being really, deeply candid, cares what other people will think. I
am ashamed to say this, but it is the truth.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And then there’s my grateful eye. The eye that
sees, so vividly, how lucky we are. We have a problem that has a solution (as my
dear colleague reminded me yesterday). So what. They’re glasses. They will help
her to see. We have a great doctor, and wonderful friends, and the resources to
buy her whatever glasses she chooses. She has a tiny problem. Her problem has a
cure. For that, I feel so very blessed.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Four eyes, all in conflict inside of me, sitting
together like a lead weight in my gut as I stare at my little girl, and want
only the easiest, most perfect, happy life for her. When I ask my sister, who
has been wearing glasses for over 20 years, if she ever felt bad about herself
because of her glasses she laughs, and reminds me of how cute she was.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>She was known as the girl with the big, red Mickey
Mouse glasses,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>but also as the girl who woke up whistling because
she was so happy,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and who always was surrounded by friends</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and boyfriends</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and was showered with more love than she knew what
to do with.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And so, I’m going to try my very best to quiet my
worries,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>to assuage my anxieties,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and to keep on showering my baby with all of the
love that I can muster.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I am going to look into her eyes,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>now magnified by her tiny lenses,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and tell her how beautiful she is,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>how smart she is,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>how everyone who meets her loves her,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and how she makes my heart sing.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>How proud of her I am.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>How I cherish every part of her,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>including all four of her cute, little eyes.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And, I am going to continue to give her as many
bites of my Key Lime Pie gelato as she likes.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Yes, from here on out it’s eyes bright, heart
light and glass(es) half full.</b></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-16657445542197336742012-04-14T13:39:00.000-07:002012-04-14T13:39:48.205-07:00Thoughts...It's been so long since I blogged. I feel like I never have much to say. Seems like life is the same thing every day. Kids are growing so fast, Erik is working, I am busy with things I am doing...same ol' same ol'.<br />
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This time of year always finds me extremely busy doing something I am so passionate about...Relay for Life. I started doing this because I lost my grandmother to Leukemia, a very close person and mentor to breast cancer, my uncle was fighting, a sweet 2 year old was fighting, and my closest friend was a survivor! Last year the experience was something I don't think I could even put into words. I was told it would be life changing but I didn't really KNOW how life changing it would be until I participated.<br />
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I was able to walk with survivors, was able to be honored as a caregiver to my grandmother, was able to meet those fighting and hear stories of those who lost their battle. I was the second-highest fundraiser last year and I vowed to do the same this year.<br />
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So far I am! :)<br />
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But sadly...this year I am adding two people to the reason I Relay. I am adding a sweet two year old boy, Jared McDaniel. He is only a couple weeks older than Allison and is fighting Leukemia. It's so unfair ANY child should have to fight this battle and it breaks my heart to know there are many like him.<br />
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I am also adding my dad to my reason. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few weeks ago. Monday of last week he had a scan done because he was losing weight and having some other symptoms. Come to find out, they found a very large mass (5 inches wide, 4 inches deep) in between his kidney and liver. I am so very scared. They biopsied it on Thursday and we will get results this coming Thursday. The waiting is the worst part. My mind goes crazy with worry and I feel stressed. I guess the good part about the stress and the worry is that my house has never been so clean!<br />
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I am praying praying praying this mass is non-cancerous but since he already has cancer...I am not too optimistic. He isn't either. The doctors are not either. :( So I am praying. Praying praying praying.<br />
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At any rate, our team is in 2nd place right now with the most funds raised and I am hoping we come in first again this year! We raised over $11,000 last year - the most any team has ever raised! YAY! <br />
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I was asked to create a website for our team so I did...you can always check on what is happening with us (we have a bazillion events coming up) by clicking <a href="http://dazedandconfused-amcan.blogspot.com/">Here</a>. I just created it today so there is A LOT to be added so beware!<br />
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At any rate...that is where I am at. I am fighting to find a cure for cancer and doing something I am passionate about is awesome! I encourage all of you reading to join this fight with me! If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can do so here:<br />
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<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/tacs/site/Donation2?idb=2017845762&df_id=1009542&FR_ID=36396&1009542.donation=form1&PROXY_ID=19972963&PROXY_TYPE=20&JServSessionIdr004=8748vuslg1.app316b">CLICK HERE TO DONATE!</a><br />
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ANY donation - no matter how big or small is so very appreciated!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-26785342352341080862012-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:17:48.401-08:00New YearSo I could spend hours and hours uploading pics of the kids. I could tell you all about our trip to Disneyland (awesome), Allison turning two (wonderful), Christmas (beautiful), New Years (fun) and today (same ol' same ol'). Not much has changed in the last few months/weeks since I have last blogged...3 months ago.<br />
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Emily is still in school 5 days a week and loving it. She is SO smart and SO adorable - I am so blessed! In less than a month we will register her for kindergarten. WHAT! REALLY???? It's mind blowing. She can't be growing THAT much can she? She is loving playing - doing puzzles - reading and just being a typical 4 year old. She has expressed interest in maybe trying dance class again - so we will see. Not sure she's ready for that again but doesn't hurt to try! She's grown so much from 2-4! <br />
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Allison is still Allison. Getting into everything she shouldn't. Running crazy. Energy I wish I could bottle up and sell. Cuddling like no other. Soon we will begin the FUN task of potty training! :) LOL! She's so tall now - wearing 3T because she is so tall! <br />
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Perhaps I will get better with pictures and even blogging here on this little blog. Seems like there is never enough time with two kids...but perhaps I'll try a little harder! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-81598312929842283112011-10-01T19:49:00.001-07:002011-10-01T19:49:45.012-07:00BusyIt's been 3 months since I last blogged. Quite pathetic! But...with 2 little ones and a husband who has been working like crazy...it's been difficult to do anything...like I dont know...relax!<br /><br />We've visited family that came over from Illinois (my brother and his family), spent time in Monterey, celebrated my dad's 70th birthday, celebrated Emily's 4th birthday and my...errr...30-something. Spent time at the fair (where I won 1st and 2nd place for my cupcakes). We've hung out with family and friends and have been busy creating memories!<br /><br />I'm on my phone blogging so I'm just going to add pics from the last three months. Lazy blogging, yes...but blogging nonetheless! :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658709376148204274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYKKESwNhyphenhypheno2ZH9JPGjij9iM8oK0eJC06JhF2B9uCZl-lt4NzH8OaE00_HGa6YiKsYklJANSWTfzzr-X5S4eX4xZpuR817FvSBQtkGZsXs-wW_vJ6nvOQvLXw7o8b2Cpoh66of7hxnVjk/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658709389418241954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecI_RQvqvd-x8huQD-kiSqrPUZSgGgxvGIW0BgmWCmAJVE4XG2PUAvz7sMa1jfj8AnBOZR6YMJlrM6Kgrd_8houLyi4IiPHrus4vO_4dZH7xBeNNEAtax7VfyZWPDhWPfJqg61tj9H8Vh/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658709392652839666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm71tbrM9cWwiFVsX8rtnXclvYT_2EUSrx6gOXq50jY0GEh5PRECzOjIv8V-7O7hcUway8LuU4pqChlu_zLQF5QPq264U8V15pb9sqSY-9J0xr53Rk1E3cSQKReIxksn87tHlZnkhWzZmA/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658709401469093218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniaiVRDal06smO3Uj8L9JOAk6LpjTRU7wDa2Deotqo7FtV7dDclWc9l4UHLvDOPfLzqexesueLSEyqmVt5pc1qoGiyGbkRngzUReDoryw3em0vDKHNZKS4C90p_n3OglyrDqyhehst8JL/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658721135646724770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv-Bmu7-7DUvPbxgZetiJUXuUHMFRhx_tHR3Ih6OLruk0C_NyvQiIvijFPMIyIZLSeAYMno2Se2m-SYue_zNOX4aETsdvG3s_dTv6oYoV2oZd9TKqcSdqZTFiE8SWPZwT8Z00xQiXqlT0/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658721147787982610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2bqbbcaSLpAh7xhmBFg9S0wy3_ZFptudondEvRE-MtbjYlAwApsxAS9jp7BdJjyfA2EdFtU4z_Nrg489KBqdGMaiKlTRiM1szJIafAhiAUNWVNQDDkCbFVNaOz4oRxNiKpo04oFYOf4y/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='168' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a 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href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5658721559790210642'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCgWL6jhmfjDiFLjwNPyzBWi5eUBIwommJg2Z_7rEd0x8KLjkC5mlnRoV_MwJKPn1eAx0qSc7tb2wfUjnlKRymVeaJDWK-wn1BOBy2S8MrcxrQHsnGShQy7219Xavqc9NS0JrxKABqTIy/s288/29.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-69041740462652768342011-07-01T19:05:00.000-07:002011-07-01T19:05:51.742-07:00It's Because I Can...The past weekend was the Relay for Life. It was the first time I had been able to participate. It was such an amazing experience. It was emotional as I missed my Grandma, my dear friend Tina, and thought about a special 3 year old, Rylie. They all lost their fight to this disease. I was inspired that my Uncle is in remission and my friend is a survivor! I thought about my husband and my girls and prayed they never ever have to fight this disease. I laughed and cried and feel like this was a very personal life changing event.<br />
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I was humbled that SO many people donated to me. 49 people donated online. Many more donated in person. Words could never express my gratitude to each and every donor. I was brought to tears many times over my donations. <br />
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The day started bright and early. I picked up balloons that I was able to get Safeway to donate and headed to the track to wait for the opening ceremony to begin. Little did I know that I would be called to the front in front of every single person there to receive flowers for being the second highest fundraiser for the entire event! After the opening ceremony commenced, all the survivors took the first lap, followed by caregivers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoydD19btv_7c011KsHaiBn0Dgy0HhfucT7CHON7phxUJgPWedK4XoAIUR9sW5XULgcBD32KNnhPUlhp_yh9f5XzrmDwMYmQVomxdwkANFDxpklqJ53-_LoXQJBBlImnULIDt7JVe6Y1gW/s1600/Relay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoydD19btv_7c011KsHaiBn0Dgy0HhfucT7CHON7phxUJgPWedK4XoAIUR9sW5XULgcBD32KNnhPUlhp_yh9f5XzrmDwMYmQVomxdwkANFDxpklqJ53-_LoXQJBBlImnULIDt7JVe6Y1gW/s640/Relay.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
So we walked. We walked and we walked. We stopped at booths. We learned. We visited. We had fun. After a few hours I had to head home to put my girls down to bed. I was able to put my feet up and relax a bit before we all packed up and headed down again. This time my girls and Mother-in-law joined me in the walk - where we walked and we walked and we walked. We stopped and got beads for each lap we completed. I had bought purple spray for our hair so we stopped and got our hair sprayed. We bought cookies. We walked. We held hands. We had fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UKZj7rXKfJYiPuPA1TgaPkoZHFjosvjz-plSNxamh4ZKPhUBX9aUZmhK7erOB7eWvsCN167LKp8ap_8qu4Di9tSJ9kvSlzr_vFqKyrBRgSaiI0SodtNMHrXQaOleowG1QpvSdu_kGkEf/s1600/Relay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UKZj7rXKfJYiPuPA1TgaPkoZHFjosvjz-plSNxamh4ZKPhUBX9aUZmhK7erOB7eWvsCN167LKp8ap_8qu4Di9tSJ9kvSlzr_vFqKyrBRgSaiI0SodtNMHrXQaOleowG1QpvSdu_kGkEf/s640/Relay2.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
Right before I had to leave to get the girls dinner, bathed and to sleep, they started setting out the luminaria bags. Those little bags made me tear up right away. I found my friend Tina's first, and then my Grandmother's bag. The bags are <span style="background-color: white;">set out to</span> remember those that have passed, those that are currently fighting the disease, and those who are survivors. Once the sun goes down they light the bags. It's an emotional event to see those bags lit, to share in the personal emotions with every single person there. They played a slide show which had every person I was walking for in it. I had the ugly cry. I missed my grandma so very much. I was so heartbroken for Rylie and her family. I thought about how she never got to do the things my girls get to. Three is such a young age. I missed my friend Tina tremendously and thought about the last words she shared with me. I thought about my Uncle and knew that the battle he went through was probably a lot harder emotionally and physically than he let on. I thought about my friend Trina and how scary it must have been to have been pregnant with her first born and going through chemo. I thought about the new friend I had just met who was wearing her husband's sweatshirt that passed away. My heart broke for the little girls who sat in front of me bawling their eyes out because their daddy was in heaven. I thought about my husband and how I'd never want to be sitting there wearing his <span style="background-color: white;">sweatshirt because he had passed. I thought about </span>how I'd never want my girls to be feeling the raw pain that those girls were feeling and crying as hard as they were. I thought about my girls and prayed and prayed they never fall victim to this disease.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC_kX4ptIcyNHxypgJLOjvr6ZmniLKq3xVCj9j4xso1suObvGgwPNv7fc_UnblpGbyn5k9YIygovSmp2J8ddL11Sx_1MIUV18uD-O1Hrwd0u4M-1TCZN75T5qufdB-N-cruz-Pw_OlYGj/s1600/Relay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC_kX4ptIcyNHxypgJLOjvr6ZmniLKq3xVCj9j4xso1suObvGgwPNv7fc_UnblpGbyn5k9YIygovSmp2J8ddL11Sx_1MIUV18uD-O1Hrwd0u4M-1TCZN75T5qufdB-N-cruz-Pw_OlYGj/s640/Relay1.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
I am honored that I stood with over 200 men and women that want to see a cure. I am honored that I was among survivors. I am honored that others donated to support me in this event. If I could have walked all night, I would have. But with a husband on shift and a mother in law watching my girls, I had to leave around 1030. Next year, I hope I can stay the night. <br />
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Between my girls and myself we walked about 8.5 miles. They originally said every 4 beads equaled a mile. Then some other people that worked the bead booth later on said every 6 beads equaled a mile. Then right before the luminary ceremony, I was told every 8 beads equaled a mile. Whether we walked 8.5, 11, or almost 17 miles, I wish I could have walked more. <br />
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I don't think that unless you experience the Relay first hand and you are doing it for personal reasons that someone can truly *get* how life changing this event can be.<br />
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I am leaving you with these words that were very fitting. They were in the bulletin from last year:<br />
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I am tired. I smell. My feet hurt. My eyes feel like grit, and my head is pounding from lack of sleep...but I am grateful.<br />
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I have all of my body parts with which I was born. I have all of my hair. I didn't lose my breakfast in a bucket. I can hold my loved ones.<br />
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I will collapse in my bed tonight and pray for all the people we raised money for through Relay For Life, and I will cry for the people we were too late to help. I will pray for all the people who helped make Relay a success. I will give thanks for every minute of my life and all the blessings in it.<br />
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I will NEVER ask myself why I wear myself out raising money for a fight against cancer because I know why.<br />
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IT'S BECAUSE I CAN...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-42560795573758846232011-05-26T09:34:00.000-07:002011-05-26T09:34:53.060-07:00Cuteness OverloadOkay okay okay. I KNOW. I know I've been slacking on blogging. I have been busy. You know...same ol' song and dance! I guess what it takes to get me to blog these days is a whole lotta buggin. :) At any rate...I'm attaching some much requested photos of the girls. These are all cell phone pics because I am too lazy to pull them out of the video camera, upload and photoshop. Deal with it. At least be happy I am blogging, right? :) <br />
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We've been busy lately just playing. The weather has been warm. Okay no. That's a lie. The weather WAS warm for about 2 days. Warm enough to run through sprinklers! It now appears that October is here with rain and cold. I'm not complaining though - I LOVE the rain but some sunshine is a wonderful thing! We've also been trying to get to the park everyday - now that the best one for both girls is re-open! And of course...Emily has been able to play with her BFF...something she absolutely LOVES! :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So...the right side of the pic has been cut off some...if you want to see the full picture - you have to click on it.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also visited <a href="http://www.fairyland.org/">Children's Fairyland</a> in Oakland. The girls had a lot of fun! They were able to slide, crawl, explore and go on rides! As you can see, Allison is already a rule breaker by standing up in the ferris-wheel while it was going. Sigh. But they had a lot of fun! I had fun watching them explore!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To see the full pic - you have to click on it. Not missing much - just looks better when it's the full pic.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also spent the day down at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We went down there to see all the fish - and to see the husband. The husband has had to take a few classes down there and since we missed him so much - we headed down to check out the sights! I was SO impressed that Emily wasn't afraid to touch all the stuff in the water this time! If you look at the picture of her holding up the green seaweed- she is yelling "LOOK MOM! IT'S LETTUCE!!!" It was adorable! Allison also was able to touch some stuff as well. As you can see - the day tired Allison out and she pretty much passed out back at Erik's hotel room where we bathed and put pjs on for the ride home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again...click on to see full picture. Not missing much on this one - just it looks better if you click.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>So we've been busy. Yay. Busy is good - but it's also exhausting! :) So the past few days we have just hung out and took it easy. Tonight Emily has a graduation performance at school. Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that she doesn't get too scared and not perform. She isn't graduating but will be promoting to a new class this fall. The girls are just growing SO fast - it's just amazing! <br />
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So there you have it. I blogged! YAY! I should now get a gold star for my efforts...right? Eh. Instead I'm off to "reward" myself by doing laundry. :-| Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-80473395531504360312011-05-17T06:42:00.001-07:002011-05-17T06:42:02.937-07:00Do's and Dont'sIn thinking about my role as a parent lately, I ponder all the things I've been told and warned about versus what this gig really offers. New parents are faced with a lot of truth and fiction and I have learned over the past 3.5 years that what works for one parent, won't work for another.<br /><br />Since of course I'm an expert on parenting (please note the sarcasm there) I'll give you my list of Dos and Don'ts I've learned during my time as a mom. <br /><br />DO know that when your baby is brand new, it will be the easiest part of parenthood. Although that baby cries and wakes up all night long, it will be the easiest part. No back-talk. No time-outs. No tantrums. Just a squishy cute baby that actually sleeps more than you realize!<br /><br />DON'T hesitate to ask for help. We all need help. It's the hardest thing for me to do. But it's important. The absolute BEST present my husband and I got when we brought home our baby for the first time was several hours of sleep while our baby was watched. It was heaven-sent. <br /><br />DO back up your videos...OFTEN. As much as a pain in the ass it is to back up all your videos (especially when it is a HD camera and your computer doesn't support it) it's SO important. It's absolutely gut-wrenching to have most of your child's "firsts" stolen from you when your house is broken into. In fact the only item you will care about recovering is that video camera. Years later it will still bring tears to your eyes thinking about all the footage you lost. BACK UP OFTEN. Even when it's a pain in the ass.<br /><br />DON'T listen to experts or friends or family that tell you your child should be doing this or that by a certain age. Sure, some things should be checked out if significantly delayed but your child will coo, smile, sit, crawl, stand, walk and talk on their own time. Take in each moment and actually be ok if they aren't crawling or walking right away. You will like that more than you know.<br /><br />DO take a step back and realize this time, no matter how difficult, will fly by. Before you know it, that child you brought into this world, the one you taught about life, will be out of your arms as you offer the world back to them.<br /><br />DON'T worry, Supermoms and Superdads don't really exist. Laundry will pile up, dusting will be put off, crap will accumulate throughout the house. If you, your spouse and your kids are clean, fed, smiling, laughing and happy...you are doing a damn good job.<br /><br />DO believe the pediatrician when they tell you the average number of illnesses the first year of preschool is a minimum of 30. No matter how clean your house is, how many vitamins you give and how often you wash hands...your kid will get sick from the germ-infested breeding ground known as preschool or daycare. Believe it or not, your kid won't be the only sick one although it will feel like it. Those germs will also get your other children, your spouse and yourself sick. Be thankful if it's only sniffles and flus. Strep, lice and even pinworms (ack!!!) are also common.<br /><br />DO know that having two children is insane. It's doubly hard. More than double. But also know that it's a wonderful wonderful thing and so worth it!<br /><br />DON'T listen to others. Don't listen to the mom that offers condescending advice. It's ok to formula feed, use store-bought baby food and disposable diapers. Don't listen to the mom who thinks they can discipline or calm your child better than you. Don't feel like a bad mom if your child rolls off the couch onto their head in front of said moms. <br /><br />DO know that when you go to bed later than usual...your kids will wake up WAY earlier than usual. Every. Single. Time.<br /><br />DO love. DO laugh...all the time. DO hug and kiss and then hug and kiss some more. DO teach. DO bend the rules. DO allow ice cream. And DO back up your videos!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-61015502433007602912011-05-08T12:54:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:54:58.642-07:00Mother's DayToday is Mother's Day. For whatever reason I am sitting here wondering what exactly MAKES a good mom. I know you don't even have to give birth to a child to be a "good mom" but what if I don't even measure up under the definition of "decent mom" let alone a "good mom"? I guess perhaps there is a difference between a "good mom" and a "super mom". "Super moms" don't really exist I suppose - but for some reason - society makes us think there a million of them running around out there and we are failing at our jobs. At least it does for me. It's a RARE RARE thing where I am told by someone that I am a "good mom". As a matter of fact...minus my husband...I don't think ANYONE has told me that. My husband gets compliments about being a great father all the time - but me? Not so much.<br />
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As a mom to two girls, and the wife of a firefighter whose schedule does not give me a partner that is home every single night (and lately - has not been home for a couple weeks), I find myself feeling like a failure as a parent. I yell. I put in time out. I make my kids cry. I cry. I feel like a bully. I crave alone time. I have been known to have the kids watch some tv so I can take a break and decompress as best as a stay-at-home-mom can. I have checked out a time or two. I am not a good play-partner. I don't spend as much time as I should with them. I can't quite figure out how to give both of them all the attention they both need at the same time. I can't seem to keep the house clean. I can't seem to please everyone.<br />
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Hmmm. Maybe that's the problem? I spend so much time pleasing everyone else (or at least trying to) - I forget about me. But does a "good mom" just do that - forget about themselves and put everyone else first?<br />
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I love. I laugh. I tickle and make them snort when laughing. I've even been known to make them laugh so hard they snort and fart at the same time. I hug. I kiss. I scratch backs to relax. I wipe butts. I sing. I rock. I read books and play with puzzles. I take them places. I TRY to teach the ABCs and 123s. I TRY to teach how to spell C-A-T or D-O-G. I give them a sense of family by having grandparents and aunts over (to me it's so important to have a good family bond with extended family). I bake (although I know they only help so they can eat the batter or the dough). I bring them to the park when I can't stand going to the park. I allow them to learn on their own (as hard as that is). I feed, clothe, bathe and fix boo-boos. I dry tears. I love. <br />
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I don't know what makes a great mom. I'm sure my mom wondered if she was a good mom herself. I am sure most moms wonder the same thing. I guess the one thing I DO know is in my heart I love those little girls more than I could ever find the words for. My actions may not always show that - but it's true. I just really hope I don't screw them up to where they need therapy later in life. I make mistakes. I am human. I am a mom. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-43149107773769961672011-04-27T16:42:00.000-07:002011-04-27T16:42:14.871-07:00I Could NEVER Begin to ImagineI cannot get the <a href="http://rockitrylie.blogspot.com/">Cruz Family</a> out of my mind. I cannot begin to even understand what they are going through. I cannot stop thinking of <a href="http://rockitrylie.blogspot.com/">Rylie</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://rockitrylie.blogspot.com/">Rylie</a> is such a beautiful little girl who has been suffering through Neuroblastoma. A seriously horrible form of cancer. She is Emily's age. <br />
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She is now in her final days...final hours on this Earth. My heart is broken for this family. I'm praying so hard that the next few days are filled with love and smiles and Rylie is kept as comfortable as possible. I wish I could wrap my arms around this little girl, her sisters, and her parents. I'm praying so hard for peace in that family. I could NEVER begin to imagine that heartache.<br />
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I'm asking all of you to take a few moments out of your day to pray for the Cruz family. They need all the prayers they can get as they go through the next few days and hours. <br />
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Now take the time to hold your children close. Really close. Rylie went from a normal 2 year old to being diagnosed with this horrible disease and starting her journey down this difficult road. No matter how crazy your children drive you...love them. Hold them. Let them know you care. Be their friend. Be their mentor. Be their parent. Love. Laugh. Build a solid future. You NEVER know what life has in store for you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-32272737404993704882011-04-25T11:29:00.001-07:002011-04-25T11:29:44.216-07:00Bad Case of the MondaysHaving a SERIOUS case of the Mondays today. It just seems so wrong to have so many things happening after such a great Easter. Wish I could wiggle my nose or cross my arms and nod my head to make things better. Today these two creatures are the only thing getting me through...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5599590157278239810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0pBrRH76E9fHGXNSWkiRMNXZFUbsQbRPoGdJLTJK66SkfqzCNFZJf5o8z7IVdBrd5sFeBSPJlA6PB66Bpc_0LJ-SvssbZq0HGFOzVEBGdOpv8sClNbHirOq251UGCILJoikyjir1QbCd/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-60723886480708092772011-04-03T06:59:00.001-07:002011-04-03T06:59:46.319-07:00RemindersI'm sick. It's not fun, especially with two little ones. I'm so sick, I actually made the husband leave his shift and come home. I felt it was safer for the kids because if one of them needed me...more than usual...I wouldn't be useful and that's not so good. Stay at home moms aren't allotted sick days like your average employee...but this time I actually lowered my pride and requested help.<br /><br />The hubby is here although he's about to get up and go to work leaving me to fend for myself. He's been great while I've been miserable. <br /><br />At 4am, since I'm already awake with a sore throat that is about to have me reach in and pull my tonsils out myself (yes I still have mine). A nose that won't allow air in, and a cough I'm positive is giving me some wonderful ab muscles. I'm miserable. I hear the youngest coughing and I hear the husband stumble in there to try and soothe her. (The husband has been sleeping on the couch. I'm sure it's because he doesn't want my cooties but I tell myself it's so I can sleep soundly. Ha!) She's still coughing. I get up to take motrin to lower my fever and make my throat stop hurting and sudafed to open up my nose. I grab her water and stumble in there to see if he wants me to give it a try. We switch shifts. <br /><br />I rock and sing (as well as anyone can with half a voice) and as she's finally dozing off...I'm reminded.<br /><br />I'm reminded how small she use to be. How with both girls I remembered rocking them as newborns in their chairs, so tiny they only filled up my arms. I remember always thinking that one day they will be as long as the width of the chair. The thought at the time seemed crazy but I knew it was going to happen. Today, I realized the youngest is not only the width of the chair, but longer. Where did all that time go?<br /><br />I'm reminded as I rock her again (after she wakes up crying after I try to lay her down...classic) that before I know it, this baby will be her sister's age and may not be so cuddly. I'm reminded that if I just blink long enough, this little baby will be a teenager with attitude, annoyed by her parents.<br /><br />I always wondered how the girls would look as they got older. At three, five, ten, teenager, adult. I never imagined those ages would come so quickly. My oldest is already 3.5. I'm reminded how quickly time really does fly.<br /><br />I'm reminded, as I rock and cuddle my daughter, of a little girl named <a target="_blank" href="http://rockitrylie.blogspot.com">Rylie</a> that is Emily's age and fighting for her life. She has cancer and I can't even begin to understand how that family has the strength it does. I can' begin to imagine the strength of that girl. She has more strength than I think I will ever have. As annoyed as I can get with my girls, they are healthy. My heart breaks for Rylie and her family. I cannot for one second understand the pain inside that mother seeing her precious daughter so sick. I am scared for my own children. Rylie was just diagnosed last year. <br /><br />Life. We seem to take so much for granted. We seem to move so fast and fail to take the time to really enjoy all the things this world has to offer. When's the last time I actually took the time to really see life? I get so caught up with the kids not listening, doing things they shouldn't, whining and having temper tantrums. But I fail, often, to smile in those times and remember these are little humans just learning about life. Something that I am responsible for teaching them. But the funniest part of that is...as a parent we spend all our time teaching our kids about life, but they are actually the ones teaching us what life is all about.<br /><br />Reminders are good. It helps to get back on track. I just wish I wasn't one of those that NEEDED reminders...I just wish I lived like that all the time. <br /><br />But it's now time to get out of bed and move on with this day without the help of my husband. And although I don't feel good at all...I think today will be a good day!<br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-75191725655492500192011-03-29T16:19:00.000-07:002011-03-29T16:19:44.445-07:00InfestedMy house is infested with germs. I'm about to sport this new outfit in hopes of getting out alive:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioumWsmQ6IOLXPKvr471RNlbxskR4qfKWM_2Z_1r2hC-e4_9nr85LYt-XRgeV7SpqkkBqRQfbJc-yaapwEgp79YXBSexP496TxRexv27KS-Zdw_KmNLxdkZ6fnZpgrevmEiaQ83zqQmsiq/s1600/no+germs.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioumWsmQ6IOLXPKvr471RNlbxskR4qfKWM_2Z_1r2hC-e4_9nr85LYt-XRgeV7SpqkkBqRQfbJc-yaapwEgp79YXBSexP496TxRexv27KS-Zdw_KmNLxdkZ6fnZpgrevmEiaQ83zqQmsiq/s1600/no+germs.bmp" /></a></div><br />
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It seems like every time I turn around someone is sick. I'm praying it doesn't hit me this time.<br />
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Poor Emily is miserable! Fever, cough, snot. Miserable. Allison is experiencing hives off and on for whatever reason. The doctor thinks she has what Emily does but the symptoms present themelves differently. Why yes they do. <br />
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At any rate sick kids = tired mommy. <br />
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Hoping this sick little girl heals soon...it breaks my heart to see her like this!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnwFJlwDf3O06OXSyatBzG5xNHrhi7HhC_Rxtc2NWTnyrBZw9JAiSQilL2mSU7mchS0Nc1-fNbuhQ8w9XXWHsfEHHx7LmeP1GSQPTwT6v4rV_imXXdmh0xGlrM3F_SQGYfLd1IZEs7kcY/s1600/Recently+Updated1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnwFJlwDf3O06OXSyatBzG5xNHrhi7HhC_Rxtc2NWTnyrBZw9JAiSQilL2mSU7mchS0Nc1-fNbuhQ8w9XXWHsfEHHx7LmeP1GSQPTwT6v4rV_imXXdmh0xGlrM3F_SQGYfLd1IZEs7kcY/s400/Recently+Updated1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-81422835427265535392011-03-28T10:27:00.000-07:002011-03-28T10:27:20.398-07:00It just HAS to stop!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=19972963&pg=personal&fr_id="></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://main.acsevents.org/images/content/pagebuilder/146813.gif" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I NEED YOUR HELP!</span></strong></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This June I will be participating in the Relay for Life here in town. There are so many reasons why this is important and why I am doing it. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am walking for my dear Grandmother that I lost in 2008. I'm walking for my Uncle who is currently battling the disease. I am walking for someone who was very special to me - a mentor to me who lost her battle in 2007. I am walking for one of my dear friends who is a survivor. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-NmnZVxx2Wp_sBwA2sC4PbfjIc8dg8UK-OBydawYof0qHRrDhMrpQuhK-fZB0HsRZEMkOaTkg5tkOki_M6iJaua0lNSTjguDEUWsmZcmqdzMcEiKqtAyb4JKxgUrIDDBZAKm64AEJxry/s1600/colage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-NmnZVxx2Wp_sBwA2sC4PbfjIc8dg8UK-OBydawYof0qHRrDhMrpQuhK-fZB0HsRZEMkOaTkg5tkOki_M6iJaua0lNSTjguDEUWsmZcmqdzMcEiKqtAyb4JKxgUrIDDBZAKm64AEJxry/s320/colage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am walking for these four.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also walking for every single child that has been diagnosed and battled this horrible disease. I am walking for my countless uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who have lost this fight, braved this fight and those that are survivng. I am walking for every single person who is going through it now. I am walking for the future. I NEVER want my children to have to battle this disease. I don't want any of your children to battle it either.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you PLEASE help? If you know me - you know it's EXTREMELY hard for me to ask for help - but this is something so important to me, I'm letting my guard down and doing so.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know times are tough. I know this recession has hurt all of us. I know that sometimes just thinking of giving to a cause is overwhelming because funds are tight. But EVERY tiny tiny bit helps. Every dollar. A cup of coffee. A fast food meal. A gossip magazine. All those can be traded in - for only ONE day - to help fight this disease. <strong>Just one day</strong>. Just $5. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you help me??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have set a personal goal of $1,000 and I'm on my way but need your help to get me there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® is a life-changing event that gives people a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Relay For Life® helps raise much-needed funds and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please support my efforts by visiting my personal web page to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every donation really does make a difference, and helps the American Cancer Society save lives every day by helping people stay well and get well, finding cures, and fighting back. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you so very very much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=19972963&pg=personal&fr_id=29188&fl=en_US&et=leeY2hYILP4ibq4YHIL2Bw..&s_tafId=596708">PLEASE VISIT MY PERSONAL PAGE BY CLICKING HERE.</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-21327643883730532002011-03-24T20:42:00.001-07:002011-03-24T20:42:22.915-07:00Long Day TodayI'm so exhausted! The little one had to have surgery today. It was a simple procedure to open obstructed tear ducts. <br /><br />She did GREAT! She amazed us how well she did with no food! She was a trooper and a cute one at that!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857805673249298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMa7pxdeiAU-kAsKDOmaZGz0EBtwqJ4WA1vJw9sAZ-amUqb0fAmgBBbV7axq4AaDGTzxZ7kO4TlkBYRNWENCtjDwnIfgGKvMWQ8tjvgPYLQO_Tb8K8XJCIgPhzguW561Vnr5Isz8RTMI1/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857810416631026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOwXJ_Y_IuYx_MCXQfWlOroPvRakCNoGa5tXTsvJ7ssCnJubhhNaglye-kSnFmNUeg3a7NHmaxEnobW11c5ublSVGsJd5OyMJ-5CShasow3BbZABI5TYj-DRi32wBqFJCqopHaXCGFNqy/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857818827621106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZI4UQSXxaD1YU9_2EohOqxcvxz5Gsw_ca8zAuFeUTwZOwXoClebhZMBYXYOo6_dAvDkecRYfIJEOnjTAH9zFKrA9PSCsUEDmkLsZP4F8aUvlGgHVEj_n8F3d_xxcLfH15yUt1sw7yonI/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857824807435458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYoKSUcFag4yksA9DcY5kuofhS-KSNxNTPRgVXuOj-nGQXgskxfGxDO3rJ7gS7GRZN-PKkmNncX8VK_d-kC1LnJDmQLCgZw3e-fpRH8Q0PKQMdTHETxM9CH1L6ukazwjJdak2tao-MgPr/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857831616357554'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjMVH_9X9Q894oOi44G_Fg9ohQotiQvYNaOBcDLBqoAwfl9s5Mb1IOPORPodOmUHiyxZU7mwwygWigWK_d2DVAyxOBbjZvmntOXCed9GvWjM0-nvUqgptCH3hZB4xJjfKKAPKu4lcY6mB/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857840541934930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqRaQ-mW3GkP5oALBXA8miWIiA7ecPZdZyi5zhYavwak7veFrRu152Po8O14Vt4r3y1UnW45Y2LNaowd5GAHvDiSguF1BHX2HXNoDvlwurHZUqfTLGYmotvaUnPisWWHD_Zt49i8tWbxs/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857849179483154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtBie4d2u8tHa1SMo1ocn2MH19tn96MhI16Li-ufVHjRJPQHYIh2-g8VGOBWLNJ0Cx2_QbQgRpF4HvU8URxCeyyHmsrS_2lApAa-ztQmMDWNHTEYsReGlpcqHDr_PtWy7IRrWIE06ecLX/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm so exhausted I can't even bring myself to write much more. I'm on my phone rocking her to sleep. <br /><br />And big sister Emily got to have her very first sleepover! She was SUPER excited!! She did great!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5587857851276231602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalttKRJKEOdTrptzTtvSvrWBx5YV31DUoHXx-kdCWV7-JKKn9nWX3MGWPb4IVBNj3q1ZMZ1-bkvYyO3pkwk9Lit0nV6hUxmQJpbuLhumRLN3ZXn_22I8UCoEd-UaOoX8lkl8H6QNfpZ8k/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It turned out to be a good day! But I'm off to bed! Night all!<br /><br />ZZZzzzzz<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-88131326247558522932011-03-16T22:17:00.001-07:002011-03-16T22:17:32.242-07:00Things My Momma Didn't Teach MeMy mom has taught me many things in my life. Some I've listened to. Some I haven't. Most I should have.<br /><br />But there are things she didn't teach me that I wish she could have.<br /><br />I wish she could tell me how she stayed so calm when I would dilly-dally and we were already 10 minutes late leaving. How did she not show her frustrations when I just didn't listen or just wanted to do my own thing at the moment.<br /><br />I wish she could give me her secret of taking care of two little ones who get into everything and make the house look like a tornado has run through it...repeatedly. <br /><br />I wish she could give me the recipe on mending a broken heart when you've yelled at your child unnecessarily and there are lots of tears...of your own. Tears of guilt, tears of disappointment in yourself, tears of being a huge failure.<br /><br />I wish my mom could have explained to me exactly how to raise children. Why didn't she give me her manual?<br /><br />I wish my mom would have taught me how hard this whole wife and mother thing is. She made it look so easy. She still makes it look so easy.<br /><br /> Through all her trials and tribulations, she's always stood tall even if she probably felt like crumbling to the floor and dying. She's laughed and smiled and has been so lighthearted through the most stressful situations. She's outgoing. She's fun. She's beautiful...inside and out.<br /><br />She's taught me so much. In those instances where I'm stressed and wanting to just run away from life...I think of her and and remember how I've seen her handle the hardest of times with what appeared to be a gentle ease. <br /><br />She's taught me to always have on clean underwear, to keep gas in the car and that sometimes in life we have to do things we don't want to. But why didn't she share her manual or even give me her manual on child-rearing. She must have had one, right? <br /><br />All I know is I'm honored and I'm blessed she is my mom. I can only hope to be even half as good a mother as she has been to me. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5584913689634983858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1DoNb0DG7kvpTvApEC3NDE1OcBP8zA9uPk6pjz6xYqXaw4IemKY7wtycXMhBaTY5-Is6rkDwLRVAwph7nwUBOfA42hE8e2PnSDMyhQpIjZ9nAwZhvSqxB9hCOPMTC8H1FGHEQhyYMFfN/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now click on over to <a href="www.mamakatslosinit.com">Mama Kat's </a> and play along with her pretty much world famous Writer's Workshop!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-29369524816511014972011-03-13T14:51:00.001-07:002011-03-13T14:52:23.859-07:00Same Thing...Different DayI'm sitting here watching the rain outside right now. Oh how I love the rain! Emily is sleeping, Allison is getting into everything and the husband is paying bills. <br /><br />There really hasn't been too much going on lately. Same ol' same ol' in our neck of the woods. <br /><br />We've had some sisterly love going on...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685568815601938'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NWIqhjq6hZp-bpvJ0y87Yld9pEjdFyhRFgD3iEcp0oNrq0zX31syUlGYLYVlI1Kr30iP_kZcURskTQSRhz6ZwKiHOGREW4rIXsMVWeCwVs3aB1gVcfApTqAIh3g4ADDRTUSt77-0rcwz/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And some playing...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685569386655490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu9FCfyUNSoW9jk9xtEllcbqb7j2Sknt609g3_umymx-fyPE2-4eOVg4W7jdc_DZjpCklEO_AjATiXDqJ0QcC3_Kn4NMv9bk2EH5frwy_s7UgIrfixS5D_SzHvFtLY4ZVsLkRN36gjrUr/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We've had lots of bubbles (I blow bubbles when someone is grumpy to help lighten their mood...or I blow them just to bring smiles!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685576417952290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI8qUaa-jrLaSLs81f9ZyAZ-nPPcg_9feeHgc6E1xeatFDqLv6KqX0zau50GOwsQqQRlDGOink3eRCo0AH6FO83Wq2-JbaXW0JSG_Ld0zUmA-vBYol-lffh9aSsfRF72Hr81nQA1skq5e/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I've notice how much the girls are growing up...and so quickly..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685585219725186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtz0Xlm7by2gfdR8dQHR83Iod-9CjsKDxp3AgAUpZ8NCsG7qkilNRADRJfQV8cyP5KXDvJIWU_M_C3VdIm20Gt_lQoGMoz640GbBVmYIwFlpBt70OMzbqiiC1rmnItG26t4CR8JUKQvfs/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Allison has started using utensils...as best as she can...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685587766928226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCQYOZ_vS7_EWlZzTGnYEHAmorIjcCDzvXrsP9FuoFhfgYVuHFtL6QrJNtuwAgj9HgtKj0GDIVoRok81ctLnaJPC9B97Xebw03yKcUTsiix859MtWZo5LB0qA8lfHXDj4gbPUsyqhmyZg/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685591648832018'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDODv5lIw6ak-OTuyNe7adpchjqycZu1BISwc9qSs2U1BrRU0-k_3CVyPWCpFNNLwmn4qi4yar8_AEnkAfJpW3ISDLjsVXcqnmETZdi7lbtRcVAbUhmf1R8lCRij0wb6YNV09X-p6zeLn/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And we've just been doing what we normally do...<br /><br />Laugh...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685596671201138'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4YRum3COmpF82epDMXiuh-iTtKz2ETdkZDI4KnFNvEyUECE9Mv09UKbb3bYHX2_9IoM-yV3JKsp6iyBEjlBMS4u3mH0GejznjvAb2q_974Xw4ibfB7B-0k73VcD9M9q5gEQ2PeTd0wqf/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Play...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685602094686738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgaUxcffDOsB18M1mVrtdJiD7MMXsSwvV5KET3nInuPDPRIHuNFcI5x4Dm8PHqK-Rlr8FnRnnL3tkZxjmo2GgjjMwlCbG0BYxvZV02EZGRTrGnjjcSWnNOnocC9LKx-yvpFDAqcJcaTJ0/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685604468525218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdBYfLgbvV1gt7yvtJE4dv-9jMr7niWzQxDa7Iar3o5WfcBzPX10S22uumzWGpNeHudRoDQgWx47X02Pb4QlJQ3LcHj8p2FHUuz0qRCcw4sE5qDV48TE0GwsKjhY3y-ubWwhYiekJC4mn/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And just be...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5583685608199657298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUsqQUr3yXDBliAFdz2CGPPy-hltruT2EdS4OBgbrz6xV7k8BN3Y65y3Ptz9k-rJeoUJYnLyX7Zwav4m6MRMXPzHxjNWCvGn1_F-8Pn5WYCs5OF6ZDWLrm6aKJCxm4zeTrgzGir381A0J/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Really not much to complain about right now! Life is good! <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-32385321471507752642011-03-03T22:34:00.001-08:002011-03-03T22:34:06.698-08:00Snip SnipSo the little one got her first haircut a couple days ago. Okay...can't really call it a haircut...it was a bang trim. But nevertheless...she looks much older now...at least to me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109173860817458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MaSxdQzTUeF0zP6uCnkTilsRzX30Ki9XAb3DUmWGZmZqfh-Tuw5_g1n_16ZpEZsoJThAaJyln2r4KVMRCK7gMlwLGH6E3IJiAuUbrP8cn5hLqe84ord6GUNXisFr4n3tXVHRfhvOrlJs/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109183140240066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLUQc0m3r2nFGUbobalEJWHd_kesa8k1a-Duc2l_kkuOnLLhl0vuJx1iDsbTYWoobrOxBe0rVwmRG77ARSzFRnIsJRFS5HH2M0yGiF8dCcyrEYzJdVlB6dAoAn3BLBrAr8I17SMaPBlDv/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109191521987506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiA7Q3Uv1901jT3yvli90YzTrbTgdYDSHIUjZZwxef52y4AKxlzx6LpWMB_UF7tDx757NgYQiu7coVvcySQqL76Kh__rxZKobYT3qkL6Onp-ovyrNxRb_tWJIEcuWuxm8wyke0v3ipqin/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109197580919474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw875kXWCy5YhuHkYxBWVNtRVFZPm8K_rh8DYZ2cgXtZOMjkSI84P30gn_yLKO0fSzrprSZcRLjPaOhDtfgliv6ptpNtQS1Ot_P9M-80eJD4ROM2NRMVe19lnIpBLe9EUV4honEDCpIwVI/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(she loved getting it done)<br /><br />I'm sure I have better pics on the video camera but these are from my phone of course.<br /><br />She's growing so big! She's having surgery on the 24th. Minor surgery but it's still scary because she will be put to sleep. Wait. That kinda sounds like she's a dog. She will be put under. Eh...you knew what I meant to begin with.<br /><br />I know it will be okay but still asking for a prayer or two...if you are the praying type. And even if not, positive vibes, extra thoughts, whatever would be awesome!<br /><br />Anywho...the hubby's cousin from Sweden came to visit recently. It was a great visit! Emily wasn't sure what to think about him but Allison loved him! She literally walked over to him, wanted him to pick her up, and just hugged him. For a lonnng time. The kid doesn't even hug me that long and I feed her!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109207056547170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jn2oLk2JvWS07RRrY6xvYRubCnyNfoFH9PQT7Uk0xkQe4FTXplrnEoUgoXRwpGMHPCSpWmg8PiEU3HppEyGwxnGlBjOVG6mwpuHm6OkGl9yyLaGA_cf6cYtGzIlerYRQVvAZ17scrt1_/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It honestly was a touching moment. My heart melted and I'm sure Lars-Peter's did too!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109212627028034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9P0sZkZknbbT2YkY4q20joRh5cJfu5NXQGyZae-Zj9Lsqt4mtEYtNsAnvOssQJBZaPOAsdc4Z8O_FsWj0jg3aRZ6zTbWoy8mYthMNHdVPOo8boOBBokMAoIprkU0fUYaS9Z3RW2uhzmX/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Trying to get a picture with both kids was a tough thing to do. But...we tried.<br /><br />We had a big brunch the day he left and it was great seeing family. The weather was nice and we sat outside for the first time in a while. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5580109320688010642'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOf_i3weCHySphoJX5y7LraTXFWst1cKsKP6TlbJhsFPkwP7CcRc4Ht-rL9W2fuTTd4-bfrFgipDc3BUWxtj65pOOnL9I_qbdo3viw0GVdPyepENKKtbR0rUnr1p-TCXudZ2rvHQ8Jvi-/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's been a good couple weeks and now we are blessed with germs. Hoping it passes quick for all of us! :-)<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-74506761344645933352011-02-19T07:57:00.001-08:002011-02-19T07:57:55.398-08:00The interesting life of a momI've learned that being a mom is NOT an easy job. In fact, it's the hardest job I've ever done. I thought working with hot-headed attorneys, or super busy law firms, or competitive paralegals and secretaries was hard. I thought owning a business and having every single thing on MY shoulders was difficult. But really? That was a cakewalk compared to being a mommy. <br /><br />This week has been exceptionally rough for me. I'm glad it's Saturday because that means the week is over and POOF everything is going to be better, right? RIGHT?? (this is where you humor me and say "OF COURSE!")<br /><br />This past Thursday we went to Habitot out in Berkeley again. I LOVE that place. It's SO fun for the kids and even for the parents to watch their children explore and take it all in while having a blast. The time there started out great!<br /><br />Emily and her friend Kaylee practiced with make up for their teen years. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5575430485201428546'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXocYUdSWUxZ0okSRQzEoakew8BGsF2Ql-dcJVcmf5gls43GXZz5lzquLA8yrdxv6N93VjnYGY8c8JjcV3QiyOuIkkn9NGfx5ORSsujWDjIZaP2uV-1C-D8uRQjRMBRhgKeP37Y1-paFl/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5575430494900592722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR2wWKL9U03IAR4wKlcet0FFEzOVGOj2y5BzzFZSqU_yYtsn2i5bDjjE7sOFnSvYiZUD5vmABzkZtnNq5Y58rBwMJCJkjkhka_pbkMnKkYiLmIYv3lMxyD6QLDHy02jqRpoF86xsYGDMS/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And just had a blast...<br /><br />(those were the only pics I got).<br /><br />Allison had a blast in the baby area climbing and crawling through things and practicing walking. All was happy in our little world...<br /><br />Until the hubby and our friend needed to move the cars out of metered parking. I assured them I'd be fine and I'd see them in a bit. The husband asked me if I was sure because 3 kids by myself is hard. NO problem...I've done it before.<br /><br />Two minutes after I was left with three girls...Emily experienced her very first text-book tantrum. In public. In front of other moms who some were shooting me the judgmental looks and others giving me the sympathetic ones. She was hitting me, kicking me, screaming "G-D DAMNIT" so the whole world could hear. She was refusing to walk to her time out with me and I couldn't do a whole lot because I was holding Allison while she did all this. I tried grabbing her hand in the middle of all this (several times actually) and she would lay on the floor hitting, kicking, screaming and cussing. Jaws were dropped and one mom chimed in to say "let her play over here". Um lady. That's not the point. But thanks for your unwanted advice.<br /><br />FINALLY Kaylee's dad, Adam, showed up, I literally just about threw Allison to him, picked up my screaming, kicking, cussing toddler and headed outside for time out. She cried. I didn't at the moment but almost did (and did later). It had already been a difficult week. <br /><br />But...order was restored, she hugged me, reminding me why my job is so important and so worth every difficult moment. Those big brown watery eyes looking at me telling me she was so so sorry made everything in the world not matter at that moment. <br /><br />Being a mommy is so hard. I'm tired. I'm exhausted. I'm always wondering how I'm screwing them up and how much therapy they will need. But it's worth it. The good and the bad. The smiles and the tears.<br /><br />Here's to a good ending to a horrible horrible week. Hoping next week is much much better!<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-91503526041162594042011-02-16T09:24:00.001-08:002011-02-16T09:24:05.698-08:00No Business Like Snow BusinessCheesy title. Sue me.<br /><br />Anyways...last week we made our way up to Tahoe to play in the snow. We had a GREAT time! Both girls loved it. Emily did great walking through it...better than I did! And Allison LOVED being pulled on the sled. <br /><br />We did sledding at an empty resort. It was crazy how empty it was! Perfect for us though!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5574339433112971634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSmopZbYgYZfySfbGzdnhYKsAlDQ3Sc0aSnI_7dch23sUJjNGj7OW2abaZQU77vocVf6k8BzePXmtgvLGKpKjExr0sDE6CWGdUQbhEI4zPsqgWDCkWMbFiSGRbXXZDAykK-g_SvVpcCGV/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5574339443321301986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EUGm6-JVMhT3ohpLz4aELJkt80hw7RVdvHbVrBq5-bsrRJ4j-mUc8UAckp46Tr9m2Zte8ZoI4-Hi8Y7eoD0GLArXg6fJau2IRR4sst-ltVcnZR6RpARrfKqWVZot9mAnRjuEof-cDU2d/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5574339453235575282'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4N4dYMN4xglw7xM2xKPBfuje11Vz16uGriW0tVrPCJI9Z1FYtlw10m5L9Ui0IBPJlwjWG9ZBXESoyvRD5lVGVonw5gRtadRHBsHBG4uG3zDdybArwg2kop8vvoYYMj5greE887bxHI0b/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5574339461106002514'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCG3sbY9FT5RAOhn3R8XxewtkvLK-DNeQaa0YBbnFD3LkHjYP2JjoZkh8wKjw5ZcqshBfV2h5KDrOg4iiqml1OBNlCr3SZ3ze1Um0Mc-MXWg9e0rLAtxN_9xfC9-54I1ySF9ltFpgisgh/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were able to relax...hang out...have fun! Something desperately needed! I of course have more pictures but they are on the video camera and I'm on my phone. I'll upload them...one day! :-)<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-58099371803746134402011-02-14T13:17:00.001-08:002011-02-14T13:17:29.767-08:00Every little step countsSo the munchkin has walked once on her own. Well, once without help. She can totally walk but isn't confident enough yet. However, just a bit ago I was doing dishes and looked up to see her walking without begging or pleading or threats. So proud!<br />And in the time it took me to post this, she's been walking more! Proud mommy moment!<br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-16566242948246520822011-02-13T10:26:00.001-08:002011-02-13T10:26:48.943-08:00Testing...Since I do not have as much time to sit at the computer and blog (kids do that to you...or me at least) I'm trying it with my phone right now as I nurse my sick one year old.<br /><br />Does this really work like it says?<br /><br />And she doesn't look all that sick (although this was taken yesterday). We were practicing for the future (it's a time out chair).<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5573242357722450338'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpp8pPnQ9fDvI1YgWhZ9yd0PPr0V4peD8GN0KqmJAR6fHsEhbEYJxO1ExfssL2TOXrBs7qnI2GHdGHEG7UnIJIkE5jm6UIa7_W9WuAI1sxc-J-lpla5yL4jBm9Gy8ba6vSr5cxbdObaTE/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And my oldest helped make the cookies for her Valentine party at preschool yesterday...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5573242362351781570'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNGupGSC-X1wxG64jowm6Cg_Fqt7Wcn7Qd6gqEdrM5Cy6BJHecXYlFcrdx62pGTd0gVilgGaWMAA1xjL3pB9wfQg8-a59YRmr_bAHcHq13qRNbwMoWslRWLt-N9ezDi6EaBnTAFsONA34/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And they turned out awesome!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107983520376687369801/LaughingWithSpoons03?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzxs6H-zrPUqAE#5573242368430163842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7vcybleKiTo6m1TrLmxspkc518V5wOgkxOMt75UqF30Lco4bv7tz5zly6qgidNvbhk9HktSYcI52HjoIUxzwbHQkZ7Rm3tSC6bS_n-lqs2HJI1o2LS_xXpbni7CaUnH8qid68GHJoXbp/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Now let's see if this posts!<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-66904761981649272032011-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:002011-01-30T13:45:59.486-08:00I think I'm Over It...I use to LOVE to blog. In fact, I did it daily. But now? Not so much. Maybe it's because I don't have as much free time to myself anymore? Since I stopped blogging so much, I have lost a ton of readers and I find myself with hardly anything interesting to say anymore. <br />
<br />
So...do I keep at it or just give it up? I like the aspect of having something for the kids to read should anything ever happen to me. Morbid. But true. I also like having things to look back on and remember. But I don't like the time it seems to take to do it. Uploading pictures takes forever and with two crazy children in the house...the 1/2 hour of time to do this would be better spent reading, or napping (yes...1/2 hour nap if I can get it is wonderful!), or just "being". Now...if I could blog from my phone and upload pictures that way...it would make life much easier and I'd blog A LOT more. <br />
<br />
Just thinking out loud. <br />
<br />
I do have a lot of pictures to upload. Hell - a lot has happened since last year. Allison turned 1. Christmas was awesome. New Years was spent with me sick...but at least the hubby was home. We've been starting to FINALLY decorate our house after being here for over a year. I realized after all the Christmas decorations came down that our house is very bare. So now it's time to decorate. It's actually been fun coming up with ideas and buying things here and there. We will paint and do crown molding and get things looking good in here. It won't happen overnight - but it'll happen and it's exciting. <br />
<br />
Allison STILL isn't walking yet but she can stand on her own. Honestly, I think she CAN walk - but she's just not confident enough yet. Before long I'll wish I didn't want her to walk and wish she was back to crawling. She's already into EVERYTHING...I can only imagine how it will be once she's walking.<br />
<br />
Emily is doing great in preschool and is just growing and learning so many things! It's SO awesome to watch her write or draw or just listen to her imagination. <br />
<br />
Erik and I have been doing well - and having fun with the house projects. We are getting ready to go up to the snow here soon - and I CAN'T wait! Time away will be great and much needed! <br />
<br />
So there's my quick update. I can't promise I'll update again soon. I can't promise I'll ever get around to adding birthday and Christmas and every day pictures...but I'll EVENTUALLY get to it. One day! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670179014487496362.post-90620883579692236272010-12-13T17:59:00.000-08:002010-12-13T17:59:46.688-08:00No Title...I can never come up with clever titles to my posts - so this one really doesn't have one! :)<br />
<br />
I've been busy. Same ol' song and dance that I write about in each post. I'm busy. Blah blah blah. We all are I'm sure. But let's see...where did I leave off...what's been going on in my life??<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Halloween. Really? That's where I left off. It's a miracle if ANYONE reads this blog anymore, and rightly so. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But here we go...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0HyiEye7ynAj8DdH1pOi8wEwZgIO8t8jn3YC9ErKuBCIgoyc_A3yaSDHwfhaQkHcUVLkjmESTda7R3TWuMmc5bOy5li9OsOVXB14WvY6aAkrDNoQV1BC2eycA8uDc9_nNvdLkxn7gI_T/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0HyiEye7ynAj8DdH1pOi8wEwZgIO8t8jn3YC9ErKuBCIgoyc_A3yaSDHwfhaQkHcUVLkjmESTda7R3TWuMmc5bOy5li9OsOVXB14WvY6aAkrDNoQV1BC2eycA8uDc9_nNvdLkxn7gI_T/s320/DisneyPhotoImage19.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the Happiest Place on Earth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCxD2Ot16SsY0A3zfXHSxV00j6lJ_pJm5Z2bFFZLDFCaGYutDzf77bVtg4PKS_kbXSAsaGWeMBGXjSryERwN9F-ova6FzZqsJp5n9up6_byi0J2uKkDg_zYoKeu4TxO1HqnaCOOF4avbM/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCxD2Ot16SsY0A3zfXHSxV00j6lJ_pJm5Z2bFFZLDFCaGYutDzf77bVtg4PKS_kbXSAsaGWeMBGXjSryERwN9F-ova6FzZqsJp5n9up6_byi0J2uKkDg_zYoKeu4TxO1HqnaCOOF4avbM/s320/DisneyPhotoImage13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met Santa - and someone wasn't a fan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXiSI3tgr4arDe-42ca9Ajj3Z21ooi4hRhg7a1kKemlUyXRgP3kE2pf0hLjGz84GTseYFMN-uiZY4_WO2ujGKcJH7aUzpDrgYdAPHrXgDMCUxKXdeC87gpY_VbU2-g-Vqm9JOxI9aL0o8/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXiSI3tgr4arDe-42ca9Ajj3Z21ooi4hRhg7a1kKemlUyXRgP3kE2pf0hLjGz84GTseYFMN-uiZY4_WO2ujGKcJH7aUzpDrgYdAPHrXgDMCUxKXdeC87gpY_VbU2-g-Vqm9JOxI9aL0o8/s320/DisneyPhotoImage21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met Mickey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3CdjNOEXfeFYW_YqSCHztYQHaASuAmLBMJR6MCck9WclH21m_yGrujsGjDeXnFYzQ6YpXDJw05w4P3hyphenhyphenYTZQvy4u_MqhOYv9sBjOp3hy6Ef2i9vIRdJKE4Hz8571GeaghCK1bwkGmbgk/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3CdjNOEXfeFYW_YqSCHztYQHaASuAmLBMJR6MCck9WclH21m_yGrujsGjDeXnFYzQ6YpXDJw05w4P3hyphenhyphenYTZQvy4u_MqhOYv9sBjOp3hy6Ef2i9vIRdJKE4Hz8571GeaghCK1bwkGmbgk/s320/DisneyPhotoImage37.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took pictures with Princess Jasmine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEtvj4D30LUgHiD80gQg2inN8PDh2IUFsOqqIVjtxxEI5DmHezvcXuhuu3WocqnCQc5u1gKnQz9hMBqltVcXVJ597ia0B7zHCwiYAbrhs3vl3iOu8pXpvQwOcUiKGSYbCw23-7O_1UZxY/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEtvj4D30LUgHiD80gQg2inN8PDh2IUFsOqqIVjtxxEI5DmHezvcXuhuu3WocqnCQc5u1gKnQz9hMBqltVcXVJ597ia0B7zHCwiYAbrhs3vl3iOu8pXpvQwOcUiKGSYbCw23-7O_1UZxY/s320/DisneyPhotoImage39.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was in awe of Sleeping Beauty</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe88JKnifQXNoPTXqTUPGmG2BsKTcLTD7cyxu9QZIegUdoCeVTKFMtGuLUcIVq73rIsM1fGwqPo71Z8ARACfMAWqBVlw7ryaXVWrjsUs_bQCciVKnJCp0W4JvOhouSs8zHAcPAzK5rFy4/s1600/DisneyPhotoImage43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe88JKnifQXNoPTXqTUPGmG2BsKTcLTD7cyxu9QZIegUdoCeVTKFMtGuLUcIVq73rIsM1fGwqPo71Z8ARACfMAWqBVlw7ryaXVWrjsUs_bQCciVKnJCp0W4JvOhouSs8zHAcPAzK5rFy4/s320/DisneyPhotoImage43.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved Snow White</td></tr>
</tbody></table> And there are a ton more pictures...but that requires time. Time to pull them out of the camera (meaning watching the videos and capturing pictures inside the video), load the card into the reader, edit the pics and then upload them to blogger...which honestly...can be a pain in the ass. So there's a preview of SOME of the things we've done. <br />
<br />
I have more pictures to share and more events to write about - but this will do for now...or at least will have to! :) Perhaps I will be less boring next time around! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2