Hello 2013...

Goodbye 2012 and Hello to 2013, another year gone.  It is crazy how fast this last year flew by.  I am at home alone tonight, my girls are with my Dad and Anna and Steve is at work.   The girls would have been home with me but Steve and I are heading out-of-town on a little road trip at like 5 am or maybe earlier.  We are going to Carmel.  I LOVE Carmel.  We are going for an event for the business but still get to go to the beach for a while.    So I get to spend New Years alone,  I am not really ok with it but I have no choice.  I could go out, but I do not want to be out with all the crazies and drunks.  I would much rather sit where I am next to the warm fire and listen to the scanner at all the chaos that Fire, EMS, and police have to deal with.  It is already going crazy out there.  I am safe and sound,  that's where I plan to stay.  I hope all my friends and family have a safe and Happy New Year. 

I do not do New Years Resolutions,  I find them silly.  I usually set mini goals and I don't think I will do that this year either.  Both my husband and I are going to focus on getting healthier and losing weight and by this we are going to MAJORLY change our diet and I mean majorly.  Hubby and I are going to wean ourselves to become vegetarians.  I do not see this being to difficult because I already eat a lot of salad and veggies,  I tend to eat a lot of chicken but I can live without it.  I have been doing ALOT of research and I think that doing vegetarian is the right choice for my husband and I.  We will go to Farmers Market in our town and get fresh fruits and veggies and I will be in heaven.  I love fresh fruits and veggies.  I got a new workout DVD and will be starting an exercise routine.  30 minutes on my treadmill and the 30 minute workout video.  We are excited and ready to make 2013 our year to get healthy again.  

Here is to a new year and new beginnings!  Happy New Year everyone.  Please be responsible and don't drink and drive.

Girls...Girls...Girls!

We have my stepdaughter Genna every Friday.   My girls are out of school on Christmas break, so all 4 girls were here today.  They play very good together. Genna is staying the night so we are having a girls night of fun.  We made popcorn,  watched Mulan 1 and Mulan 2, girls took a bath in our big sunken bathtub and had a blast. They played Candy Land and Bingo,  we had dinner and now the girls are relaxing by the warm fire watching Cinderella.   They are finally winding down. 

Genna got to open her Christmas present today too.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="230"] All smiles[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="346"] Playing CandyLand[/caption]

Kool-aid

So my girls came home one day telling me about how you can "temporarily" dye your hair with kool-aid. So they had wacky Wednesday that week so I agreed to dip the ends of their hair in the Kool-aid for wacky Wednesday.  Well that was a mistake because now I can't get it out of Emily's hair.  I have tried everything that everyone has told me. Now I have to cut her hair VERY short and I am sad :(  I dont want to cut her hair that short.  But that is the only way we can get this out of her hair.  :( She is not to thrilled either but we will find her a cute hairstyle and maybe she will be ok with it. Lesson learned that is for sure.

I will update after we get her hair cut...

New year = Changes!

We will soon be saying goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013.  I am not one for New Years Resolutions so I will make mini goals like I do every year.  It is much more realistic for me to do mini goals and try and reach those mini goals.   So here is to a new year and a great year.  :)

{Christmas Day}

Our Christmas was spent with family, had lots of fun and laughter.   We had Christmas at our house this year.  My Dad and Anna came over and we exchanged gifts and I made dinner.   The last 5 years or so we have always had to work so we were rushed.   This year Steve didn't have to work,  it was nice to not have to rush.   In the years before we had Christmas morning at our house, then rushed to my Dad and Anna's to open gifts at their house then have an early dinner then rush off to work.  That was no fun.  But this year was MUCH different.  We got to enjoy the day and enjoy each others company and not rush at all.  It was fantastic. 

Christmas morning we got up and the girls opened their gifts and we relaxed as they played with their new toys.  My Dad and Anna came over about noon and we chatted for a while then opened gifts from them.  Then I got dinner started.  We had a BIG ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, stuffing and dinner rolls.  YUM!  My stepmom brought over dessert,  she got cheesecake.  After dinner we all sat around chatting and enjoying company.

Girls got all the wanted and then some.  I LOVE my family.  Here are a few pictures from our day. 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] Natalie excited about her air hog Santa brought her[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="230"] Hannah excited about her nail decoration kit[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] The girls got a telescope. WAY cool[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] My stepmom with one of her gifts[/caption]

Well I have many many more photos but I can't post them all. LOL   Hope everyone else had a fantastic Christmas.

T'was the night before Christmas

and all through the house...not a creature was stirring...not even a mouse!!

 I am so excited for Christmas in the morning, can't wait to see my little girls faces when they open their gifts.  I by no means got them everything on their Christmas list, but I did get them some things they want and I know they will be exremely happy.  Tonight the girls and I did some baking (made the doggies some homemade bones for Christmas) no they are not spoiled lol.  Emily enjoyed making the dog bisquits the most.   We did our yearly tradition of reading Christmas books before I tucked the girls into bed.  We put Santa's milk (green milk thanks to Jingle) and cookies out with carrots for the reindeer.   Then off to bed my girls went,  they were fast asleep very quickly, been a busy day.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="302"] Girls ready for bed and ready for Santa[/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="403"] Santa's green milk and cookies :)[/caption]

Steve will be off work tomorrow YAY!  First Christmas off together in 5 years.  I am so happy he will be home for dinner and all the fun we are going to have as a family.   My Dad and Anna will be here about noon and will have gifts for the kiddos to open and I will start dinner.  I am making dinner again,  I think my Dad likes my cooking.  :)  He said I did a wonderful job on dinner at Thanksgiving, that was a huge compliment for me :)  I was so happy both my Dad and Anna loved my cooking.   We will have a nice big ham dinner and all the fixings, and dessert then enjoy each others company.  After dinner if the weather holds out we might go out and go for a walk.  I love our home in the country.   I am feeling very blessed to have the most wonderful husband, kids, dad and stepmom.  While I do miss my mom, gma and sisters and the traditions we once had.  I still love the family I have here and our traditions. 

Well I better sign off,  I still have some presents to wrap.  :/   I have been slacking because I really dislike wrapping presents.  LOL 

Merry Christmas to all,  from our family to yours!  Hope you enjoy your family and have a great day.

Doing our part..

Over 2900 miles away from Newtown, CT.  I organized and put together a candlelight vigil for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary school.  It was a last-minute thing and it turned out great.  A huge thank you to Raleys in Lincoln for donating the 27 balloons that we released one at a time in honor of each victim.   Thank you to my wonderful husband for doing the speaking,  I am NOT good at speaking in front of crowds.   Thank you to those that showed up and paid your respects as well.  It was small but perfect. 

We lit a candle for each victim and placed it in a heart shape.  It was beautiful and brought a tear to my eye. 

We sang along to Amazing Grace, sang by Rhemia a 7-year-old little girl with an amazing voice.  We stood for a moment of silence and then the girls read off the names of each victim as my friend Krystal set the balloons free as the names were read.  I got it all on video and it turned out amazing.  I was so glad the girls were involved.  It teaches them compassion, respect and to care for others even though we never met them.   It was a sad moment and I was in tears for these victims.  Still to this day my heart is heavy for those family members that will never see their babies again or their loved ones.  :(  Sooooo heart breaking.  My girls have also made a card for each kid and adult that was a victim and we mailed them to the school. 

The balloons we chose were white balloons,  white signifies "innocence" and "purity"

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="403"] A white balloon for each victim[/caption]

I bought some white candles and Dixie cups to catch the wax, and gave one to everyone that showed up without a candle one to hold and pay their respects to the victims as well.



My prayers and thoughts will continue to go out the families, friends, co-workers, police officers,  firefighters, EMS crews and all involved.  May you angels RIP! 

3 days till Christmas

So hard to believe it is so close to Christmas.   But I am done shopping, finished today.  Yay! I really hate shopping. I hate crowds, lines, traffic and rude people.  Tonight was horrible trying to finish up the last minute things.  People were ruthless and rude, I never understood why people act like idiots during the holidays.  Still don't understand lol.

My girls are ready, I mean beyond ready for Christmas so they can open presents. I am ready to get rid of this Christmas tree that is causing me headaches, stuffy nose and itchy eyes. I love the real trees but not the allergies that come with it.

Last night we had a cookie baking party.  We baked sugar cookies and decorated them. Had a great time and made some great memories.  With great friends, had a nice warm fire going. Made some snacks and had some sparkling cider and egg nog. I love my friends. We are going to make this a yearly tradition.

I an signing off to go finish wrapping presents.  Goodnight!

7 days till Christmas

It's hard to believe it is only 7 days till Christmas. I have not even finished my Christmas shopping.  Tomorrow we are going to go shopping and get things done and ready for Christmas.  We will be having my Dad and Stepmom over. 

Tonight my girls had their Christmas winter performance. They sang so well and had a great time. After their performance they got cookies and juice. 

This weekend we are going to bake cookies and I will make fudge.  Of course my girls are going to help make the goodies for our get together on Christmas day.  I cant wait. 

Well nothing else for now to report.  No news means good news sometimes. Other than our candlelight vigil went well. I will be doing a blog on this tomorrow when I can upload photos.  :)

Goodnight!

Annual road trip

Today we went and met my Mom, Gma, niece Ashley and my niece Jade for our annual Christmas meet up to visit,  have lunch and exchange gives. My sisters couldnt make it, Jami was on-call at her work and Jodi is due to have her baby anyday now.

It was a very nice brunch and visit.  Love being able to see them especially my Gma..she is 90 years old. But still doing very well for her age.  I love her VERY dearly.  I miss them so much. We went to lunch then went and walked around Pea Soup Andersons and looked at all their great gifts and did some more visiting.

Way to short of a visit but its better than nothing. Ok way to short of a visit and I am just selfish and want to see them more and spend time with them and do fun stuff.  :)

After we got back into town we went and bought candles at the dollar store and lighters for the candlelight vigil tomorrow night and now I am snuggled up with my hubby by the fire and we are going to watch a movie. .

Hope you all had as wonderful of a day as me!!

Candlelight vigil

I am organizing a candlelight vigil for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary school.   I want to bring our community together and show our respect to those that lost their lives and those that have had their lives affected by this tragedy.   A very heartfelt thank you to Raleys here in Lincoln for donating 27 balloons to release in honor of each victim that lost their lives.  I have two DJ's that want to be involved and bring their gear to do the announcing, and I have an email into the girls choir teacher to see if she wants to sing at the event. 

So far we have quite a few people responding and wanting to help.  Thank you to Krystal, my great friend who would stop and drop anything for me.  Krystal I appreciate all your help.  Thank you to my Dad and Anna for all the advice and who I can call and all the information you have given me about people to get in touch with.  I am very happy to put this event on and proud that our community is coming together in such a tragic time. 

May the 27 victims R.I.P.. fly beautiful angels!

{When tragedy strikes}

This world is full of cruel cruel mean ugly people.  It amazes me that someone can do what they did today and kill innocent children let alone adults.  I just keep wondering what or why or how things in his life were like that would make him soooo mad and angry enough to kill these kids and adults.  I just will never EVER be able to wrap my mind around this tragedy.  It is sickening.

After hearing this tragic news I could NOT wait to go pick up my girls from school and hug them ever so tightly.  Once I saw their smiling faces walking up to my car,  my eyes started welling up with tears.  My heart aches so badly for the parents of those innocent children.  On the way home the news was on briefly and Hannah heard the news and asked if someone really did that?  I told her yes and she started to cry.  :(   We got home and Hannah asked if she and her sisters could make cards for those that were involved in this tragedy.  This girl has a heart of gold and always is thinking of others.  I LOVE HER!!! So her and her sisters made beautiful cards for the families involved in this shooting.

Love your family, husband/wife, kids, parents, friends and all the ones you love deeper and stronger.  Never go a day without telling them how much they mean to you.   Forgive people and let things go that are petty.  

 

 

12 days till Christmas

Seems so crazy to think that there is only 12 days till Christmas.  I am half done with my Christmas shopping and will finish up the rest in a few days.  I am so excited about the holidays this year.  Besides being with my family that I love dearly,  I have a very important thing in my life taking place the beginning of the new year.  I cannot wait to get this started and things are falling into place so very nicely. I have to thank my wonderful husband for this.  His support to get this up and going has been amazing and I have people already sending me emails about it and when I will be up and running.  One day at a time is my motto and I won't let one bad day keep me down.  :)   Some things are out of my control but I will remain positive.

On another note Sunday we are going to be driving down to Santa Nella to meet my mom, sister, grandma, and neice for our annual Christmas lunch and present exchange.  We do it every year and I really look forward to it since I do not see my family that often.  It is a nice little getaway and a good time.  Girls are really looking forward to it and have made Christmas presents for everyone and are very excited about that as well.

We are going to be very busy up until the new year and that is the way I like it,  I have alot of fun things planned for me  the girls and some friends of ours.  We are going to be having a crafting party put on by me at my place and will have snacks, beverages and a nice hot fire in the fire place.  I can't wait to have a great night with great friends and their kids.  We are going to be making salt dough figurines, will be making salt dough bowls and some other craft paper projects.  My girls have already been on the countdown till this day.  :)

I love my life, my kids, my husband, my friends (who are few, I know who my true friends are), and my family.  My life has never been so peaceful and easy going.  I live my life for today and regret only ONE damn thing and wish it never happened because I was put in a horrible situation and will NEVER let this kind of thing happen again EVER!  But this thing I regret doing will never pull me down and make me upset, unhappy or anything else.  It was just a life lesson and a lesson well learned.  :)    I will be the best person I can for my husband and my kids.   Some things I know that I have kept to myself would really piss people off and one day if I get upset enough I will tel them things that happened in the past that they were not ever aware of.

Ok ok so  got off subject a little .. hehe  But this is what was on my mind at the time of blogging and well that is that.

 

Bad Jingle Elf

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Bad bad Jingle[/caption]

Day 2- Jingle Elf

Jingle wants to brush her teeth too.

Holding myself accountable..

I am going to hold myself accountable to get off my butt and get some exercise,  wether it be a walk outside around our "loop" or a walk on my treadmill or a cardio workout video.  I HAVE to get motivated and get moving.    So here goes nothing,  here is my pedometer picture from todays walk.  My husband and I went for a LONG walk at home on our dirt road and it felt good.  I have wayyy more energy when I exercise.  :)

{Christmas decorating}

Yesterday the girls and I started to decorate the inside of the house and had a great time.  We got all the inside decorations up.  I love this time of the year.  I love the lights,  the Christmas songs, hot chocolate, coffee, baking, cooking and spending time with my family.  We may not have a lot of money but my kids understand that Christmas isn't about gifts but being with those we love and enjoying their company.

Here are a few pictures of the decorations we did....

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Girls playing in the decorations[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Cutest pug ever[/caption]

Day 1- Jingle arrives

Jingle has arrived at our home and has already made some friends.  She and Barbie have been doing brodie's all over the house.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Jingle getting in trouble with Barbie[/caption]

Thanksgiving 2012

This year we had a great Thanksgiving day.  It was small but perfect.  I got to do the cooking and loved it.  We had all 6 kids together and my Dad and stepmom came over too.  I love being able to spend time with my family.  They are the best.   The holidays can be a little tough for me sometimes because I miss my mom and sisters and gma and our holidays but they don't seem to feel the same way as me and do not miss us.  So I just have to let that roll off my back and love the family I do have.  :)

We celebrated our Thanksgiving on Tuesday night because Steve had to work on Thursday and because of Anna's schedule.  Then on Thursday we went to Drytown and spent the day at my half sisters house and enjoyed the family time with them.  It was a great Thanksgiving and I am ready for Christmas now.  LOL

 

Happy 8th Birthday Natalie..

It is so hard to believe my "baby" turned 8 years old yesterday,  well technically the 18th,   I am a little behind in blogging for her birthday.  Have a lot going on.  Seems like just yesterday I was coming home from the hospital with her and worried sick how it was going to go with a 1 year old and a newborn.   I am not going to lie,  it was verrrry tough at first and for awhile it was tough.  It was double work.  BUT it gradually got better.

Now here it is 8 years later and you are a bright star in my sky.  You are a great kid and try to make sure everyone is happy.  You make me laugh with the cute things you say and ask me.  I love you for always having the cutest things to ask.  Like when you saw all the black and white cows and only one lonely brown one and you asked me if that was the cow that has the chocolate milk.  I will never forget that .. I laughed so hard and you just coulnd't figure out why it was so funny.

For Natalie's birthday we baked a cake and she spent the night at Gma and Gpa's and had fun with them.  They brought her home Sunday and we had cake and ice cream with the family and she got to open her gifts.  We all had a good time.  She was a happy girl.  I am glad she had a good weekend.

Natalie Alice, I love you to the moon and back!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] Birthday girl[/caption]

RIP {Twinkie}

Hard to believe there will be no more twinkies.  When I was younger I used to love twinkies,  I haven't had one in years and years but it is sad to see them go.

RIP- Twinkie

{Genna Sue}

We have my stepdaughter Genna Sue (Yes that is her real name, Well its not Sue, but Susanne) on Fridays and she is quiet the character.  She has no sense of humor and things NOTHING is funny.  LOL  So I am always joking with her and she just rolls her eyes and sighs.  haha  We got her a kids meal and she ate her meal and wanted her toy and I asked her if I can have it and she rolls her eyes and sighs really loud and says,  SURE!   I am going to get this kid to have a sense of humor,  it is doable since she is only 4 1/2 years old.    :)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="367"] Genna today with a rare smile.[/caption]

 

We did a lot of running around and errands today and Genna was really good,  but this is what happened as soon as we got in the car. Rough life eh?

I like it here much better..

I just recently made the switch from blogger to wordpress and with some help from a friend <thanks Desiree> I was able to make the switch smoothly and wasn't overwhelmed.  So here I am wordpress and I plan to blog a lot more if I don't forget.  LOL   I don't know what it was about blogger but they were driving me nuts with the new features and not being able to maneuver through it like I used to be able too.   But I am happy to be part of wordpress,  I like it much better already.

So here is to blogging!  Happy blogging everyone.  LOL

Girls parent/teacher conferences

All three of my girls had their parent/teacher conference this week and here is the results and how they are doing;

Hannah- she is doing very well.  With her IEP and extra help she is doing beyond better than I expected.  She is getting VERY good grades and is still working at her own pace.  She is still behind grade level but she is progressing very well.  I am super proud of her.  Hannah's teacher said that she is doing fantastic at math and has started to read and do her own tests without and intervention which is a HUGE step for Hannah.  One thing that I am VERY happy with this year is that she LOVES LOVES her teacher and has a lot of friends that are not rude to her like her friend last year that had her in tears everyday because she was rude to her.  Hannah has 3-A's, 2-B's and a C.  Hannah you are my smart girl and such a sweetheart.  Keep up the hard work in school... You are doing fantastic.

Emily- is doing well although she is behind this year,  but given this is the first trimester and 4th grade is a BIG difference from 3rd grade.  It is much harder.  Emily's teacher said that she is behind but it doesn't worry her because it is the first trimester and things will mellow out and she is catching on but a little slower as well,  she gets extra help on Math a few times a week because this is her weak subject (all girls actually)  Her strongest subject is social studies and spelling.  We can't be good at everything LOL  Emily was very proud that she got a 100% on her math test today and that she doesn't have to retake it.   Emily has the highest score on her multiplication facts and test for her multiplication facts.  She is very proud.  Emily has 3-C's, 2 B's and a A.    Emily keep up the good work and keep being an awesome kid.

Natalie- is doing pretty well.  Natalie is strong in writing and reading,  Natalie's teacher today said that she has the highest score in Advanced Reader and is above benchmark.  WTG Natalie.  Natalie also had her first detention last week that she didn't tell me about and I heard today from her teacher.  She dared a boy in her class to go to the bathroom and flush a pen down the toilet.  <trouble maker>  LOL  Her teacher says she is a very hard worker and when she comes to school she is VERY ready and eager to work and get started and loves to participate in class reading and discussions.   Natalie, as well as her sisters is struggling in math and getting extra help.  I can't believe they are doing Algebra in 3rd grade,  I remember doing this in high school.  UGH!   All in all Natalie is doing fantastic and we are super proud Natalie keep up the good work.

So all in all I am a very proud Mommy and I am going to be finding extra help for the girls here at home.  Wether it be computer games or online games,  I am going to be doing some google searches and see if I can find some good educational games.

Sick and tired of being.......tired!

I just cannot seem to get anywhere anymore.  I have little to no energy to face the day.  I went to the Dr. and he ordered a TON of blood work to see if everything was going good and to see if I had any under lying issues that were causing the lack of energy.  Got my tests results back today along with an email from the Dr. saying that ALL my blood work came back within normal limits and it all looked great and my cholesterol was fantastic.   So I emailed him back,  that I was super happy to hear that everything was within normal limits BUT what is causing this horrible lack of energy.  I just have a hard time staying awake and it seems worse in the middle of the day.  I used to be able to buzz around the house and get it cleaned in an hour or so,  now I have a hard time getting it done without taking breaks.  The Dr. answer to me asking why the lack of energy etc was that I am entering the "middle" age woman part of life and that I am starting the change of life.  Hmmmm ok!  Maybe he is right I know we all have different times we start the change of life BUT this is ridiculous.  I just want to know what I can do to get my energy back and feel good about myself.  I have to force myself to workout and when I do I feel better but still feel exhausted.  Its a vicious circle.  Dr. also said that is the cause of me not being able to lose weight either,  the change of life that is.  Ugh!

So I have changed my diet and cut out a lot of the processed stuff and no more soda (maybe once in a blue moon)  I drink lots of water and have a cup of coffee a day.  Only thing I noticed I haven't added to my diet is a nice strong vitamin.  I need a good daily womens vitamin.  I already take vitamin D, B-12, chromium picolinate, and biotin.  This is super frustrating when I am doing all in my power to feel better and have more energy.  Some days I have a little more energy than normal but it is short lived.  I am going to keep working at it and find a combination that works best for me and get this back on track so I can be active again.  I still push myself daily to get done what needs to be done and that wears me out.  By the time the girls are in bed I am ready for bed myself but that is when I can sit down and have some peace and quiet for me, and take a bath etc.  Maybe I should just go to sleep.  Maybe I should listen to my body.  I will not let this ruin my life and interfere with what I love to do and that is be active.  So I am going to do some research online and figure out some variations I can try until one works for me.  :)

Until then.....................I will update later!  Wish me luck!  :)

Sick and tired of being.......tired!

I just cannot seem to get anywhere anymore.  I have little to no energy to face the day.  I went to the Dr. and he ordered a TON of blood work to see if everything was going good and to see if I had any under lying issues that were causing the lack of energy.  Got my tests results back today along with an email from the Dr. saying that ALL my blood work came back within normal limits and it all looked great and my cholesterol was fantastic.   So I emailed him back,  that I was super happy to hear that everything was within normal limits BUT what is causing this horrible lack of energy.  I just have a hard time staying awake and it seems worse in the middle of the day.  I used to be able to buzz around the house and get it cleaned in an hour or so,  now I have a hard time getting it done without taking breaks.  The Dr. answer to me asking why the lack of energy etc was that I am entering the "middle" age woman part of life and that I am starting the change of life.  Hmmmm ok!  Maybe he is right I know we all have different times we start the change of life BUT this is ridiculous.  I just want to know what I can do to get my energy back and feel good about myself.  I have to force myself to workout and when I do I feel better but still feel exhausted.  Its a vicious circle.  Dr. also said that is the cause of me not being able to lose weight either,  the change of life that is.  Ugh!

So I have changed my diet and cut out a lot of the processed stuff and no more soda (maybe once in a blue moon)  I drink lots of water and have a cup of coffee a day.  Only thing I noticed I haven't added to my diet is a nice strong vitamin.  I need a good daily womens vitamin.  I already take vitamin D, B-12, chromium picolinate, and biotin.  This is super frustrating when I am doing all in my power to feel better and have more energy.  Some days I have a little more energy than normal but it is short lived.  I am going to keep working at it and find a combination that works best for me and get this back on track so I can be active again.  I still push myself daily to get done what needs to be done and that wears me out.  By the time the girls are in bed I am ready for bed myself but that is when I can sit down and have some peace and quiet for me, and take a bath etc.  Maybe I should just go to sleep.  Maybe I should listen to my body.  I will not let this ruin my life and interfere with what I love to do and that is be active.  So I am going to do some research online and figure out some variations I can try until one works for me.  :)

Until then.....................I will update later!  Wish me luck!  :)

Happy Halloween

Hard to believe that today is November 1st, 2012,  October literally flew by.  Before we know it it will be Christmas and then a new year!  YIKES!!  So the holidays are sneaking up on me.. just like halloween did.  Thankfully I got to order the girls costumes online and they were delivered on time :)

Steve was off work for halloween and it is the first halloween he has had off in over 4 years and I was happy he got to go out trick or treating with us.  We started getting the girls ready for trick or treating at about 4:45 pm and I put their makeup on and did their hair and then we got them dressed.  I took them outside and took a whole bunch of cute photos of them.  I just LOVE them.  :)  It was overcast and I was sure hoping the rain would hold off and it did... YAY!  We left the house and did a little house to house trick or treating and then met my Dad and Stepmom at the trunk or treat and we had a blast.  Emily LOVES the cake walk and won a cupcake and Natalie did too.

We got done at the trunk or treating and we went to feed the girls and as soon as we got in the restaurant it started raining SO hard.  Thank god the rain held out long enough for us to enjoy the trunk or treating .. Girls came home took a shower and went to bed and were out like a light  .. LOL  We all had a good time.  Hope everyone else had a fabulous Halloween.

Happy Halloween

Hard to believe that today is November 1st, 2012,  October literally flew by.  Before we know it it will be Christmas and then a new year!  YIKES!!  So the holidays are sneaking up on me.. just like halloween did.  Thankfully I got to order the girls costumes online and they were delivered on time :)

Steve was off work for halloween and it is the first halloween he has had off in over 4 years and I was happy he got to go out trick or treating with us.  We started getting the girls ready for trick or treating at about 4:45 pm and I put their makeup on and did their hair and then we got them dressed.  I took them outside and took a whole bunch of cute photos of them.  I just LOVE them.  :)  It was overcast and I was sure hoping the rain would hold off and it did... YAY!  We left the house and did a little house to house trick or treating and then met my Dad and Stepmom at the trunk or treat and we had a blast.  Emily LOVES the cake walk and won a cupcake and Natalie did too.

We got done at the trunk or treating and we went to feed the girls and as soon as we got in the restaurant it started raining SO hard.  Thank god the rain held out long enough for us to enjoy the trunk or treating .. Girls came home took a shower and went to bed and were out like a light  .. LOL  We all had a good time.  Hope everyone else had a fabulous Halloween.

Life..Love..Don't take it for granted

As some of you know I recently found out a woman I went to school with tragically and unexpectedly lost her life in her sleep. She was only 32 years old, married and had 5 kids under the age of 5.  Her husband has started writing letters to her that are sooo inspiring and heartfelt.  Since this tragic accident I have had an eye opener to life.. and love.. not to take what we have for granted.  I simply can not stand the thought of losing my husband unexpectedly or even at all.  This has definitely made me hug my husband and my kids tighter.
Her husband writes to her everyday and has since she passed away over a month ago.  August 16th, 2012.  His words make me cry like a baby every time I read what he writes her.  He also just made this video for her that had me in tears too.  She was a beautiful person who loved everyone she met. I just wanted to share it with you all.
http://youtu.be/gQXOJxS5RVg

Life..Love..Don't take it for granted

As some of you know I recently found out a woman I went to school with tragically and unexpectedly lost her life in her sleep. She was only 32 years old, married and had 5 kids under the age of 5.  Her husband has started writing letters to her that are sooo inspiring and heartfelt.  Since this tragic accident I have had an eye opener to life.. and love.. not to take what we have for granted.  I simply can not stand the thought of losing my husband unexpectedly or even at all.  This has definitely made me hug my husband and my kids tighter.
Her husband writes to her everyday and has since she passed away over a month ago.  August 16th, 2012.  His words make me cry like a baby every time I read what he writes her.  He also just made this video for her that had me in tears too.  She was a beautiful person who loved everyone she met. I just wanted to share it with you all.
http://youtu.be/gQXOJxS5RVg

I believe things happen for a reason

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason.  I recently have applied for many jobs and one I was called back had a phone interview and even a group interview and told I was hired and would start training.  So I went to training and found out that this job is NOT for me because I would make less than I do now.  I was only going to be working 20 hours an hour and at $10.00 I just can't make it on that.  So I need at least 30 hours to be able to make what I am making now.  So now I am back to square 1 looking for a job again.

I keep telling myself that this happened for a reason and the reason is there is something better for me out there.  That it might not be right in front of me but there is a better job that I will come across and enjoy more.  So I am ok with it but know that I will not stop looking.  We have the holidays coming up SUPER quick and I am determined to find a job soon that will help out more with our finances.  I am ready to return back to the work force.  I just am going stir crazy.  I signed up to sell Miche purses with a friend and it just seems to not be for me.  I put my all in it at first and then saw that this is not going to get me anywhere so I lost interest.  I love Miche products but realized that with this economy that people are not buying "extra" things because times are tough.  I can understand that and relate.

So again I believe things happen for a reason and better things are in store for me..........

Stay tuned for great news  :)

I believe things happen for a reason

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason.  I recently have applied for many jobs and one I was called back had a phone interview and even a group interview and told I was hired and would start training.  So I went to training and found out that this job is NOT for me because I would make less than I do now.  I was only going to be working 20 hours an hour and at $10.00 I just can't make it on that.  So I need at least 30 hours to be able to make what I am making now.  So now I am back to square 1 looking for a job again.

I keep telling myself that this happened for a reason and the reason is there is something better for me out there.  That it might not be right in front of me but there is a better job that I will come across and enjoy more.  So I am ok with it but know that I will not stop looking.  We have the holidays coming up SUPER quick and I am determined to find a job soon that will help out more with our finances.  I am ready to return back to the work force.  I just am going stir crazy.  I signed up to sell Miche purses with a friend and it just seems to not be for me.  I put my all in it at first and then saw that this is not going to get me anywhere so I lost interest.  I love Miche products but realized that with this economy that people are not buying "extra" things because times are tough.  I can understand that and relate.

So again I believe things happen for a reason and better things are in store for me..........

Stay tuned for great news  :)

My favorite time of year

Even though this is my favorite time of the year,  I really enjoy fall weather and look forward to it cooling down and well that is not the case on this first day of October.  Its ok at least it is not over 100,  I am ready for cuddling on the couch with my honey and a cup of hot tea, coffee or hot cocoa.  I am ready for a fire in the fire place.  I am sooo ready for baking yummy food and well hopefully not gaining anymore weight.  LOL  I have a few recipes already planned out that have to do with "fall" and Halloween.  I am sooo excited to try new recipes and I am LOVING my new jars for canning.  I want to share my recipes and what I make with my friends and family (well those that want to try my new recipes) and I found these jars at Walmart we use for canning our homemade pickles and I LOVE them.  They are super cute.  I made my first 2 jars of honey butter,  that is a HUGE hit in our home.  My girls and Steve LOVE honey butter.  I made blueberry muffins and banana nut muffins and they ate the honey butter on them.  Next I am going to make corn bread with the honey butter. :)  mmmmm Yummy!

I also love this time of year because I love the holidays and October starts off our holidays with Halloween,  although I have never really been a huge fan of Halloween,  I still LOVE to see my kids enjoying it.  I really love the pumpkin patches and Apple Hill,  just never understood why all the candy.  LOL  I try and keep my kiddos out of the dentist and cavity free. :)  I always get excited and soooo look forward to our annual trip to Bishops Pumpkin Patch.  It is by far my favorite pumpkin patch,  we have been to many around the area and Bishops is by far the funnest and my kiddos agree.

I am not sure what my girls want to be for Halloween this year.  I know Hannah is wanting to be like a zombie bride or zombie cheerleader but that changes day to day with her.  hehe  I look forward to taking them costume shopping.  Although it can be chaotic and indecisive but that makes it even more fun.  LOL   I am also very happy that my husband gets to spend Halloween with us this year.  We have been together over 4 years and have never got to spend a Halloween together.  So he will get to go out with us.  :)  YAY!  We go every year to the local church in Lincoln to the trunk or treat.  Maybe this year we will change it up.  Hmmm not sure.  My girls LOVE the trunk or treat.  They have games, haunted house and bounce houses.  It is cool.  So happy the holidays are upon us... can't wait to have family time and create memories.

My favorite time of year

Even though this is my favorite time of the year,  I really enjoy fall weather and look forward to it cooling down and well that is not the case on this first day of October.  Its ok at least it is not over 100,  I am ready for cuddling on the couch with my honey and a cup of hot tea, coffee or hot cocoa.  I am ready for a fire in the fire place.  I am sooo ready for baking yummy food and well hopefully not gaining anymore weight.  LOL  I have a few recipes already planned out that have to do with "fall" and Halloween.  I am sooo excited to try new recipes and I am LOVING my new jars for canning.  I want to share my recipes and what I make with my friends and family (well those that want to try my new recipes) and I found these jars at Walmart we use for canning our homemade pickles and I LOVE them.  They are super cute.  I made my first 2 jars of honey butter,  that is a HUGE hit in our home.  My girls and Steve LOVE honey butter.  I made blueberry muffins and banana nut muffins and they ate the honey butter on them.  Next I am going to make corn bread with the honey butter. :)  mmmmm Yummy!

I also love this time of year because I love the holidays and October starts off our holidays with Halloween,  although I have never really been a huge fan of Halloween,  I still LOVE to see my kids enjoying it.  I really love the pumpkin patches and Apple Hill,  just never understood why all the candy.  LOL  I try and keep my kiddos out of the dentist and cavity free. :)  I always get excited and soooo look forward to our annual trip to Bishops Pumpkin Patch.  It is by far my favorite pumpkin patch,  we have been to many around the area and Bishops is by far the funnest and my kiddos agree.

I am not sure what my girls want to be for Halloween this year.  I know Hannah is wanting to be like a zombie bride or zombie cheerleader but that changes day to day with her.  hehe  I look forward to taking them costume shopping.  Although it can be chaotic and indecisive but that makes it even more fun.  LOL   I am also very happy that my husband gets to spend Halloween with us this year.  We have been together over 4 years and have never got to spend a Halloween together.  So he will get to go out with us.  :)  YAY!  We go every year to the local church in Lincoln to the trunk or treat.  Maybe this year we will change it up.  Hmmm not sure.  My girls LOVE the trunk or treat.  They have games, haunted house and bounce houses.  It is cool.  So happy the holidays are upon us... can't wait to have family time and create memories.

Plantar Fasciitis

I was diagnosed with this a couple months ago and the last two months have been hell.  I think the thing that upsets me the most is that I can't workout and I have gained weight.  I want to workout so bad.  I have a new treadmill waiting here and it is not being used.  Ugh!

The pain is just unbearable at times and I just want to cut my foot off.  And some days I can manage no problem.  Some days I wake up and my first thought is "am I going to be in pain ad soon as my feet hit the ground or not."

Yesterday I went to the Dr.  I finally got him to agree to a cortisone shot. He still didny want to do it but Steve convinced him since I was in a lot of pain.  The shot hurt like HELL but feels much better today.

So the Dr told me if I want this to heal and heal properly that I have to do these few things religiously..

1) Never EVER go barefoot. Always wear my tennis shoes with good support and orthotic inserts even yo go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  Ugh!! Right!!  I can just see me lacing up my tennis shoes and tying them to go pee.  Argh!!

2) Ice it 2-3 times a day for 30 mins

3) Wear special orthotics just for this.

4) Take 600mgs of motrin 3 times a day.

I can do all these.. yes I can but the fact of wearing shoes 24/7 really bugs me.  I hate hate hate wearing shoes at home.  : (  so this will be a big adjustment. 

Wish me luck that this heals now with all the above.  I am not going to gain anymore weight.  I refuse!!

Plantar Fasciitis

I was diagnosed with this a couple months ago and the last two months have been hell.  I think the thing that upsets me the most is that I can't workout and I have gained weight.  I want to workout so bad.  I have a new treadmill waiting here and it is not being used.  Ugh!

The pain is just unbearable at times and I just want to cut my foot off.  And some days I can manage no problem.  Some days I wake up and my first thought is "am I going to be in pain ad soon as my feet hit the ground or not."

Yesterday I went to the Dr.  I finally got him to agree to a cortisone shot. He still didny want to do it but Steve convinced him since I was in a lot of pain.  The shot hurt like HELL but feels much better today.

So the Dr told me if I want this to heal and heal properly that I have to do these few things religiously..

1) Never EVER go barefoot. Always wear my tennis shoes with good support and orthotic inserts even yo go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  Ugh!! Right!!  I can just see me lacing up my tennis shoes and tying them to go pee.  Argh!!

2) Ice it 2-3 times a day for 30 mins

3) Wear special orthotics just for this.

4) Take 600mgs of motrin 3 times a day.

I can do all these.. yes I can but the fact of wearing shoes 24/7 really bugs me.  I hate hate hate wearing shoes at home.  : (  so this will be a big adjustment. 

Wish me luck that this heals now with all the above.  I am not going to gain anymore weight.  I refuse!!

B-U-S-Y

That is my four letter word lately,  from dealing with the girls and school and taking care of my mommy duties to helping my hubby out with his business which I LOVE to do.  Well most of it I love.  I mostly love being able to support him and his decisions with the business.  Recently one of the Medics was taken out of town and had some mechanical issues in the bay area and we had to figure out how to get it back home,  a week later we got it all straightened out and it was great to see my hubby smile again.  He was really stressed about that.

I also have recently started helping my hubby with his business to lighten his load a little at home and I REALLY enjoy it.  Since I am not working it helps to have something to do to occupy my time and I get to be more involved in his business and what he loves so much.  I have recently taken on being an active recruiter for his company and helping him hire new people. It is really right up my alley.  I LOVE it!!   I love the interaction with the people and today was the first day I got to be involved with the interviews and it was a blast.  I got to learn some things along the way and be of great help to my hubby.

I have also been working on things with my own business which I am beginning to think is just not for me.  I cant seem to get this thing up and going.  Almost everyone I know is just not in the financial place to purchase a purse even though these purses ROCK!  I have tried and tried and just about have given up. So with that I am ready to focus my attention on joining the EMT class at Sierra College and getting my EMT to be MORE involved with my hubby and his business and be more help.   

So things here in my life have been pretty busy and I am not complaining.  I love my hubby and my family!

B-U-S-Y

That is my four letter word lately,  from dealing with the girls and school and taking care of my mommy duties to helping my hubby out with his business which I LOVE to do.  Well most of it I love.  I mostly love being able to support him and his decisions with the business.  Recently one of the Medics was taken out of town and had some mechanical issues in the bay area and we had to figure out how to get it back home,  a week later we got it all straightened out and it was great to see my hubby smile again.  He was really stressed about that.

I also have recently started helping my hubby with his business to lighten his load a little at home and I REALLY enjoy it.  Since I am not working it helps to have something to do to occupy my time and I get to be more involved in his business and what he loves so much.  I have recently taken on being an active recruiter for his company and helping him hire new people. It is really right up my alley.  I LOVE it!!   I love the interaction with the people and today was the first day I got to be involved with the interviews and it was a blast.  I got to learn some things along the way and be of great help to my hubby.

I have also been working on things with my own business which I am beginning to think is just not for me.  I cant seem to get this thing up and going.  Almost everyone I know is just not in the financial place to purchase a purse even though these purses ROCK!  I have tried and tried and just about have given up. So with that I am ready to focus my attention on joining the EMT class at Sierra College and getting my EMT to be MORE involved with my hubby and his business and be more help.   

So things here in my life have been pretty busy and I am not complaining.  I love my hubby and my family!

This to shall blow over..

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being used?  That some people don't want to hang out with you or be friends with you because of jealousy? Or because they think your kids are brats?  Do you ever get the feeling that you are only around or exist when it is convenient for them?? I get these feelings a lot!  And quite frequently. 

DISCLAIMER-this is about no one in particular.. I am sure a lot of you wouldn't even fit in these catagories.  So no need to get upset.  END OF DISCLAIMER!!

So yea.. this is the exact reason why I do not have a female best friend.  Hard to find one that will not judge you.. will not talk bad behind your back.. won't flake on you then not answer your texts or calls when you try to figure out what is going on.   : (  I am just going to stick to my husband as my forever best friend.  I do have a few female friends that I have known forever and who I do see from time to time and I love them.. I just get tired of flakes.  I know we all lead our own lives, sometimes verrrry busy lives.  But don't tell me you will come over and see me or meet up with me then flake every time.. if you have a problem with me, my family, my kids, my husband or whatever then tell me and I can respect that .. I know I have done my fair share of flaking but I will call or text and let this person know.. not just leave them hanging. 

So with this said.. I am done ranting.. done trying and happy and content just the way my life is!

Ciao!

This to shall blow over..

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being used?  That some people don't want to hang out with you or be friends with you because of jealousy? Or because they think your kids are brats?  Do you ever get the feeling that you are only around or exist when it is convenient for them?? I get these feelings a lot!  And quite frequently. 

DISCLAIMER-this is about no one in particular.. I am sure a lot of you wouldn't even fit in these catagories.  So no need to get upset.  END OF DISCLAIMER!!

So yea.. this is the exact reason why I do not have a female best friend.  Hard to find one that will not judge you.. will not talk bad behind your back.. won't flake on you then not answer your texts or calls when you try to figure out what is going on.   : (  I am just going to stick to my husband as my forever best friend.  I do have a few female friends that I have known forever and who I do see from time to time and I love them.. I just get tired of flakes.  I know we all lead our own lives, sometimes verrrry busy lives.  But don't tell me you will come over and see me or meet up with me then flake every time.. if you have a problem with me, my family, my kids, my husband or whatever then tell me and I can respect that .. I know I have done my fair share of flaking but I will call or text and let this person know.. not just leave them hanging. 

So with this said.. I am done ranting.. done trying and happy and content just the way my life is!

Ciao!

{ Long time, no talk }

I has been awhile since I have last posted.  It is not that I do not want to but I seem to just get busy and when I do think about blogging I get side tracked.  Since my last blog my girls have started back to school.  They changed to a school that is closer to home and so far they are LOVING it.  It was a little rough start but better now. The girls are settling in and really like their school. Hannah especially and that makes me happy because she had a rough time at her old school with bossy friends. 

Things in my life are ALWAYS crazy.  Seems I can never get caught up.  The girls and I went out of town on Labor Day weekend to see my family,  my mom, sister, niece and gma.  For my Gma 90th surprise birthday party.  It went really well and Gma was so happy to see everyone.  I was happy to see everyone too.  Steve stayed home because he had to work.  That dirty four letter word that he loves so much.  Speaking of Steve it seems all he does is work.  Between his business, firefighting and full time job getting time together is pretty hard to do.  Nothing slows this man down and I hope one day he will slow down to enjoy life, his wife and family.  But I do not interfere with what he loves the most and that is being a public servant.  This is where I sometimes get a little sensitive,  to me life is just to short to be working so much and not enjoy the people who love you.  I just recently found out a friend of mine passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the young age of 32.  She was married and left behind her husband and 5 very young kids.  This really hit home for me and made me realize that it could happen to anyone at anytime.  She was healthy and just found out she had a kidney stone and was put on antibiotics for her kidney stone when she took a medication she never took before and had a reaction to it while she was sleeping. Never take life for granted.  Never go to bed without kissing your loved ones goodnight.  Something I am going to work on is saying things I don't mean when I am upset.  Words are hurtful and I know they are and we all say things we don't mean when we are upset or angry.  I do and I am going to work on changing this. 

Now to change the subject and move on away from that sad story that just keeps playing over and over in my mind.  I have started my own business of selling Miche Purses, I personally LOVE these purses.  They are very creative and such a great thing for women.  Although at times I get pretty discouraged and start to feel that this is not for me.  I realize that it takes time to build a business and get going.  I am one who wants results and want it now.  So I have to constantly tell myself that. It can be a bit overwhelming at times but I manage to get through it. 

I am so ready for fall and excited about the holidays home with my girls for the first time in years! 

{ Long time, no talk }

I has been awhile since I have last posted.  It is not that I do not want to but I seem to just get busy and when I do think about blogging I get side tracked.  Since my last blog my girls have started back to school.  They changed to a school that is closer to home and so far they are LOVING it.  It was a little rough start but better now. The girls are settling in and really like their school. Hannah especially and that makes me happy because she had a rough time at her old school with bossy friends. 

Things in my life are ALWAYS crazy.  Seems I can never get caught up.  The girls and I went out of town on Labor Day weekend to see my family,  my mom, sister, niece and gma.  For my Gma 90th surprise birthday party.  It went really well and Gma was so happy to see everyone.  I was happy to see everyone too.  Steve stayed home because he had to work.  That dirty four letter word that he loves so much.  Speaking of Steve it seems all he does is work.  Between his business, firefighting and full time job getting time together is pretty hard to do.  Nothing slows this man down and I hope one day he will slow down to enjoy life, his wife and family.  But I do not interfere with what he loves the most and that is being a public servant.  This is where I sometimes get a little sensitive,  to me life is just to short to be working so much and not enjoy the people who love you.  I just recently found out a friend of mine passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the young age of 32.  She was married and left behind her husband and 5 very young kids.  This really hit home for me and made me realize that it could happen to anyone at anytime.  She was healthy and just found out she had a kidney stone and was put on antibiotics for her kidney stone when she took a medication she never took before and had a reaction to it while she was sleeping. Never take life for granted.  Never go to bed without kissing your loved ones goodnight.  Something I am going to work on is saying things I don't mean when I am upset.  Words are hurtful and I know they are and we all say things we don't mean when we are upset or angry.  I do and I am going to work on changing this. 

Now to change the subject and move on away from that sad story that just keeps playing over and over in my mind.  I have started my own business of selling Miche Purses, I personally LOVE these purses.  They are very creative and such a great thing for women.  Although at times I get pretty discouraged and start to feel that this is not for me.  I realize that it takes time to build a business and get going.  I am one who wants results and want it now.  So I have to constantly tell myself that. It can be a bit overwhelming at times but I manage to get through it. 

I am so ready for fall and excited about the holidays home with my girls for the first time in years! 

{ Then and now }

Family photos, then and now 

Top photo 2009

Bottom photo 2012

{ Then and now }

Family photos, then and now 

Top photo 2009

Bottom photo 2012

{Family photos}

Three years ago we had our first family photo taken.  So we finally got all the kids together and had the time to go our family photo taken again.  So we headed out in the HOT heat and sunlight and got our family pictures done again.  Hard to believe how much the kids have grown in just 3 years. :)  We went back to the same place and posed us as close to the first picture as possible :)

{Family photos}

Three years ago we had our first family photo taken.  So we finally got all the kids together and had the time to go our family photo taken again.  So we headed out in the HOT heat and sunlight and got our family pictures done again.  Hard to believe how much the kids have grown in just 3 years. :)  We went back to the same place and posed us as close to the first picture as possible :)

4th of July

Finally after 4 years Steve and I got the 4th of July off together. It was a great day.  We got up early and headed over to be in a parade with Steve's business.  Every year Steve's business is in this little parade in Carmichael. This year we took the girls and they rode in the Ambulance and had a great time.

After the parade we came home made lunch and went swimming until it was time to get ready to go see the fireworks.  I wanted to go to Lake Tahoe but it just didnt work out that way.  So we settled for McBean park in Lincoln. They always put on a fabulous show.  :)

Girls were excited this year to see the fireworks.  Hannah usually HATES them but did so well and enjoyed them actually.  Steves business partner Renee went with us also.  It was a great day,  I loved spending it with my family. :)