A Beachy Life

Weight Watchers: Week One

2011-01-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Hello there! How is everyone doing? Can you believe we are already in the 2nd week of January!? I swear, as I get older the time goes by faster and faster!

So, today, I thought I would share a little about weight loss. I am working on trying to lose the baby weight from #4 (oh, who am I kidding, from the first child!).

I used Weight Watchers very successfully in the past. This was 9 years ago. We moved and it all went downhill from there.

When I got pregnant with Addie, I was careful about what I ate. I had to be. I become a gestational diabetic with each pregnancy. Unfortunately, with Addie, I had to take insulin. In the past, I was able to control it with diet. So, I was very mindful about my eating. It was very hard to put on weight. Thankfully, baby was perfect when she was born. The weight came off really easy too. I enjoyed that part, especially. In fact, I lost 10 pounds more than what I weighed before becoming pregnant.

Then, I started my medications again (for high blood pressure and anxiety). I think these medications make me gain weight. Then again, it could be those McDonald's Cinnamelts (seriously, have you had these? I DIE!!!) and all that chocolate that I was eating.

So, here we are starting a new year. What do I do?
Of course, Resolution #1: LOSE WEIGHT and GET INTO SHAPE!

So, about a week ago, I took the plunge and signed up for Weight Watchers Online. The first couple of days, I checked out the site and made sure I knew how to work the program. Then, last Monday, I began. As of this morning, I am done 2.8 pounds! (and it was time for my monthly visit from Aunt Flo. I know, TMI, but I want to be completely real here!)

So, here is what is working:

1. I am tracking EVERYTHING I eat. Even when I know that I am not making the healthiest choices. I do this so that I know where I stand. With WW, you are given a beginning Points allowance and an Extra Allowance on top of that ( to use for special events, etc). I have been trying to stay at my beginning range. More on that in a minute.

2. Move. This week, I didn't exercise nearly as much as I would have liked, but I did do a few days worth. Better than nothing and hopefully I can add to that this week. (My secrets: I HATE exercise, but if you find something you can bear (for me, walking) AND you have good music (audiobook, podcast, whatever to keep you occupied), it goes faster). I am walking on a treadmill, using an interval type workout. This keeps it interesting so you don't get bored. I am thinking I would like to try the 100 Challenge (pushups, situps, and squats) and add yoga for sure!

3. More water! I had gotten into the habit of drinking ONLY diet coke. ALL. DAY. LONG. That has to change. I would like to get to the point where I am drinking ONLY water. We'll see.

4. Set up a goal/reward system. Of course, make the goals easy and the rewards NON food related!

        5 lbs.: Eyebrows waxed
     10 lbs. :   10 new songs
     15 lbs :    Pedicure
     20 lbs :    New shoes
     25 lbs : New outfit (of course, I will probably need lots of new clothes by this time!)
     30 lbs : New Hairstyle

So, there ya go! 2.8 Pounds GONE and working on making it more! Join me? Let me know your favorite weight loss tips, workout songs, 'diet foods', etc. Share!

Disclaimer: Weight Watchers is not compensating me in any way to write these posts. I have joined and payed for my account myself.

All pictures are from HERE

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

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Hello!

Long time, no see! (AGAIN!)

Seriously, where does the time go?

More importantly, why do I not continue to keep this blog up??

I guess the answer to that is that I have been struggling. Struggling to find my "niche". My spot in this little blog world. So as 2011 dawns, that is my number one goal: Find where I fit in. But more importantly, make the time to post to this blog. Because I love it. I love to write. I love to share the projects and crafts that I work on. I love to share my funny kid stories. I love to connect with other bloggers! I want to connect with more people.

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So that my friends, is my NUMBER ONE Goal (NO resolutions here!) for 2011.!

Looking forward to seeing everyone more!

XO,

Angie

MegaBlocks Party

2010-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was contacted by Mom Select to host a MommyParty with Mega Blocks.

Knowing how much Little Bit enjoys playing with Bubba's Legos (with very close supervision!), I jumped at the chance.

A couple of days later, 2 HUGE boxes of MegaBloks arrived at our door. It was like Christmas morning. Little Bit was so excited to see her new Bloks!

All the Mom's were so impressed with 2 things:

Number One: the quality of the products is great! The MegaBloks vehicles that were sent along to give to our guests are so durable. The Play n Go Table (retail value 39.99) is one of the best inventions. Little Bit has climbed on the table and it held her (even still, I wouldn't recommend allowing your child to sit on it for long!). The top pieces come off to reveal storage and then lock into place to allow for travel. We recently took this on vacation with us because it folds flat and was so easy to take along!!

Number 2: We all noticed (and were impressed by) how long it kept our children (ages 1-4) entertained! Moms of toddlers will appreciate that the kids were able to play on their own without any help from us, giving us a moment to enjoy a cup of tea and take a deep breath! LOL.

We were very fortunate to receive such a generous package from MomSelect, MommyParties, and MegaBloks! We received enough MegaBloks to share with 10 of our friends and play with on our own! My opinions are my own and are not monetarily compensated in any way.

Even Daddy has fun playing with MegaBloks!

Thanks again, MegaBloks! I'm sure that we will be adding more to our collection very soon. These make great Christmas Gifts!

Winner!

2010-11-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 3 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner is comment #3:
Karen said...My fave part of Thanksgiving is a tie between the pumpkin pie and the turkey leftovers, esp turkey sandwiches on the rolls with cran jelly. I could eat those forever. :-)

Karen: Email me your address and I will get you hooked up! (fivekerr2000 at yahoo dot com)

Tasty Tuesday and a Giveaway!

2010-11-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! How are those Thanksgiving plans coming along? We have already had our Thanksgiving 'Beast' (in Little Bit's terms), so the stressful part is behind me! I love leftovers, I think it may be my favorite part of Thanksgiving! ;)

Today, I have a little tip to share with you for Tasty Tuesday (and stay tuned for a giveaway!).

Normally, during the week, I make pretty quick and easy meals. I don't have time to fuss around and make some 4 course meal on a normal Wednesday evening. I save those meals for the weekend.

However, once in awhile, a meal calls for Mashed Potatoes. You know what I mean, if you make meatloaf, you have to have mashed potatoes on the side. Right? Or is that just me? Am I crazy? Don't answer that!!

So, when MyBlogSparkcontacted me to review Betty Crocker's Instant Mashed Potatoes, I was thrilled. My family LOVES mashed potatoes, so I knew that we would enjoy these too. I was NOT expecting two things: #1 They have a new flavor (or new to me)Roasted Garlic. YUM! and #2 These potatoes are so easy to make! My kids made these by themselves several times (including for an after school snack!). Quick and easy! LOVE it!!

Go to this website to download a coupon for yourself. (http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/4775/) and enjoy a quick and easy side dish!

Now, would you like to win a Prize Pack for your own Betty Crocker Instant Mashed Potatoes?? Of course you would!!! Just leave me a comment telling me what your favorite part of Thanksgiving is! That's it. Then I will draw a winner on Friday, November 22, 2010. Good Luck!

Disclosure: MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker provided me with samples of the Betty Crocker Instant Mashed Potatoes. The information was all from the MyBlogSpark website (including pictures and coupons). MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker are hosting this giveaway and will send the winner a beautiful prize pack, as shown above! All opinions about this product are my own.

I am linking up to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday! Head over their for some more fabulous recipes and food ideas!

Shutterfly for Christmas Cards

2010-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

I take A LOT of pictures! An amazing amount of pictures. Pictures that I want printed or to share or to just store. What's a girl to do??

Let me tell you a secret. Come closer. Ok (looking around to be sure no one else is listening) Shutterfly. Did you hear me? Good. Now let's keep that between us because I don't want to have EVERY body knowing about this AMAZING secret!!

Shutterfly is a great site to upload pictures and share them. Here is a link to my share site http://kerrfamily6.shutterfly.com/. This is the place where I would upload before I started REALLY blogging. The great thing about this is that you upload your pictures and click share. Done. Two tasks taken care of. Your pictures (in large quantities) are all saved so just in case your computer dies, you won't lose all those precious memories. And, you can email Grandma and Dear Aunt Millie to direct them to see those pictures. They can then order whatever pictures they want to!!

But.....this post is about Christmas Cards!! Do you send them?? I do, every year. I love the whole process of doing it, writing the family newsletter, picking the perfect picture, and the perfect card. I also LOVE receiving cards in the mail. One of my favorite parts of the holiday, in fact.

Shutterfly has come to my rescue for the last couple of years. I can go to their site, upload our picture, pick a card and have the cards/envelopes sent directly to me. (The great thing is now, you can just send them directly from their site!!)

Here are several links to cards on Shutterfly's website:

Christmas Cards can be found HERE:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

Photo Christmas Cards:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Holiday Cards:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards
These are a few of my favorite designs....I tell ya, that is the hardest part, picking the card.....Also, another great thing, you can print your family greeting (including a newsletter update) right when you pick the card! What a time saver!!

Snowing Joy 4x8 photo card

Holiday Love Sketch 5x7 Folded Card

Retro Love Holiday Card

And......if you can't get your Christmas card out in time, because of all the Holiday Festivities that you have on your calendar then you can send out this (or any one of the beautiful designs Shutterfly offers) for New Years!

Fanciful Flourishes New Year's Card

The hardest part is going to be picking out which card is your favorite! Here's a tip: Curl up with a blanket, a Christmas station playing on Pandora, and send your hubby/kids out of the house. Take your time. This will be the card that you will remember!! Have fun!

Oh, and here is a sneak peek of Our Christmas card...these are NOT the actual pictures or newsletter that will be sent, but you get the idea....

Holiday Berries 5x7

I think......

Have a very Happy Holiday Season!

xoxo
Angie

By the way, Bloggers can get 50 cards free from Shutterfly! Just go HERE

Disclosure: While I am getting 50 cards free, I had planned on using Shutterfly anyways! I use them for ALL of my print needs and have yet to be disappointed by any order that I have placed.

The World As We Know It

2010-11-18T00:14:00.001-08:00

I don't know if it's the change of the season, the end of the year, or something else....but there is a feeling of needing to refresh. I am wanting to remember the moments that are our life today.

Do you ever notice that there are things in your day to day life that you think, "Oh, I'll remember that." You know, like when your kid says something super cute or the firsts begin/continue to happen. The next thing you know....you remember NOTHING. Where does it go? I mean, sure, there are things that are forever embedded in our hearts and minds: our wedding day, the birth of our children. But the little things, those are the things that I want to remember too.

I think that this blog will serve as that place that I dump all those memories. Induldge me. Read along or don't. I just know that I want to have a place for me and hopefully, my family, to read about the funny, mundane, crazy antics that are part of my day to day life!

OK....let's begin, shall we.....

Miss Moo came home this week with a big announcement. A boy asked her out on her first date. I'm sure this is going to miserable for her to read on my blog, since she flipped out over the thought of this being announced on facebook. LOL. Oh, well! That's what mom's are for, right? I'll keep you updated.

Bubba, oh, Bubba. Friends, on and off again, with his best friend since Kindergarten. And let me tell you, the boy has more mood swings than me or the girls put together. It's insane! I thought teenage girls would be bad, I have a feeling, I am in trouble!

Nothing really new with Scoot. Although the girl can sleep! Let me tell you. I believe that if the world came crashing down around her, she would still be snoring amongst all the rubble!

Oh, Little Bit.....She is growing like crazy. Talking up a storm. Her favorite phrase right now is "Punk", as in, "Punk, I'm gonna beat you up!" Oh, boy, we are in trouble with her. It's crazy! But she is super cute and we love her to pieces.

The pictures that I am including are taken by a dear friend of mine. These pictures are all un edited and still look absolutely amazing (atleast to my un trained eye!).

So now that I have caught you all up on the excitement, I have some fun things coming up to share with you. Of course, Christmas decor will be posted. I hope to take some better pictures to share. A couple of giveaways/reviews are in the works, and in the next few weeks, I would like to update the design of the blog. If you know anyone who does that sort of thing, I am in desperate need of help! I have no idea where to begin or what to do.

P.S. All names have been changed to protect the innocent! :)
Hugs,

Hugs

2010-10-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last night, I found out that one of my daughter's classmates (an acquaintance) passed away. He was a sophomore, 15, and was running on the football field for a PE class. He collapsed and even though the defibullator and CPR was used, the child still passed away.

Such a sad, sad story. Unfortunately, it has been reported more and more lately. Kids dying during football practice or games. Why? My theory is that coaches are pushing the kids harder in order to compete with other kids. I just don't understand.

So tonight, as we all put our kids to bed. Hug them tighter. Tell them you love them and linger a little longer in their room. You never know what God has planned tomorrow!

WFMW: Fall Cleaning

2010-10-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

As the seasons change, I always feel an overwhelming need to do some sprucing up around the house. Anyone else?

So, with Fall here, I have been trying to add a few more things to each day to get the house clean. This works great for those who are having holiday get togethers.

Here is my suggestion:

1. Walk through your house with a notebook and pen. Start at the entry way.
2. Try to put on your 'realtor' hat or visitor glasses. Try seeing things as guests would see them or what a realtor would ask you to fix or spruce up if you were selling. If you have gone through the house selling process before, you know exactly what I am talking about.
3. Write down everything you can think of. You may not get to all of it (or even half of it). That's o.k. Atleast you have one spot for all those tasks that you want to get done.
4. Each morning, take this list and add one or two tasks to your daily list.
5. Cross off the items as you complete them. This one I really enjoy!

Before you know it, you will have a much better handle on those pesky tasks that you keep putting off, like cleaning baseboards or wiping down the front door.

Tasty Tuesday-Impossibly Easy Chicken ‘n Broccoli Pie

2010-09-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

I’m trying a new recipe this week, and I thought I would share it. This recipe sounds really easy and pretty healthy with chicken and broccoli. Of course, anything with cheese is normally pretty good, too! LOL

Let me know if you make it and like it! I will give a review of what my family thinks too!

Impossibly Easy Chicken 'n Broccoli Pie

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

1 cup cut-up cooked chicken

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 eggs

Heat oven to 400ºF. Grease 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle broccoli, 1 cup of the cheese, the chicken and onion in pie plate.
Stir Bisquick mix, milk, salt, pepper and eggs until blended. Pour into pie plate.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or just until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes.

This recipe comes from the Betty Crocker website.

Enjoy!

No Mom Talk Monday

2010-09-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Friends. I hope the weekend was a good one for you! I had a very relaxing weekend!

So, for this first "No Mom Talk" Monday, I thought I would post about something that is bothering me. My weight.

I was doing so good after Little Bit was born. Then, I don't know what happened. Oh, wait, YES I do.....it's called "I have no self control".

Unfortunately for me, that means that I have gained a bit of weight. It's time to be disciplined.

After reading countless magazines, websites, books, etc. on 'the right way' to lose weight, I have decided that I am going to implement these following suggestions:

From Dr. Oz's website:

1. Walk for 30 minutes Daily
2. 3 Days of 'stamina' training (for me, I am going to do the Couch to 5k Program
3. 2 Days of weight training based on this book
4. Stretching (or yoga) Daily

For my eating plan, I am going to TRY using the suggestions of Jackie Warner
Breakfast: Protein
                  Grain
                  Fruit
Snack:       Protein Shake W/Fruit
Lunch: Protein
                  Vegetable
Snack: Vegetable
Dinner:      Protein
                  Grain
                  Vegetable

The great thing about this eating plan (NO DIET HERE) is that it is very similar to the diabetes eating plan that I used while pregnant with Little Bit. Also, I plan on adding in a SMALL treat for myself on the days that I do good. An example might be a small bite of chocolate.

So, there you go.....to hold myself accountable, I am posting this for the world to see. I hope to check in every Monday to let you all know how I am doing! Feel free to join me on this adventure! It should be interesting!!

Oh, and btw, I hope to have Abs like this SOMEDAY (LOL):

Thou shall not....

2010-09-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post....hopefully to get me back on track with posting.

As I was spending time reading a devotional, I came across a passage from Exodus that I thought, I would share.

Exodus 20:17-- You shall not covet your neighbor's house......or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Hmmm, that stings. I find myself doing this daily, lately. I read home decor blogs, parenting blogs, organization blogs, etc. all the while thinking, "Why can't I have that?" or "Why doesn't MY house look like that?" Jealousy sets in. Funny thing is: If I spent the same amount of time taking care of my house, kids, etc., as I do reading these blogs my house WOULD look like that!

Yes, Lord.....I'm listening!

How to Make a Memory

2010-07-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Our family is a tad spontaneous. What can I say?! We like to do things, unexpectedly. Why? I don't know...but it's kinda fun, and it really makes for some great memories for the kids (and us).

This last weekend was no exception to our spontaneity. We bought a tent and a couple of sleeping bags a couple weeks ago (we had other sleeping bags, just not enough for the 6 of us). It sat in the back of my car.

Last Saturday, Hubby goes to the gym, comes home and says, "Let's go camping!" Uhm, o.k. sure! So, I, we ran around the house throwing things into a suitcase and a couple of tote bags.

We decided to go to a fairly local (an hour away--inland--read HOT) place in case things didn't work out. LOL! We arrive at our campsite and begin unloading, all the while listening to kids ~~whine about how hot it was~~ played together, making those wonderful bonding memories!

Side note: it gets very windy in the afternoon at this local camp spot. Hubby knew this (he had been there before), but failed to mention it.

Setting up a tent was VERY interesting. If it weren't so terrible, I would have laughed. However, I think my hubby would have left me at said campgrounds. I had one previous setting up a tent. Hubby, I'm not sure he's ever set up a tent. DD, a Girl Scout, wanted no part of it. After getting it 'set up', we filled it with our 'gear' to be sure it wouldn't blow away.

We went to eat....at the Golden arches....because we only brought food for ONE meal. uhmmm, ok, first on the list of things to remember next time: More food! Came back, to find our tent hanging by a string (or whatever those things are called), literally. After moving it around and around and around again, a few cuss words, dirty looks, we finally found a spot that would work. Hubby and I set up the tent AGAIN! Later that night, we would find out that we placed the tent on a downward slope (HILL).

We walked around the campgrounds, in the heat. Now mind you, it was 90 some odd degrees. We are used to 70 or so in July. We laughed and talked, looking for a small store....found. $30 later, we were all hooked up with drinks and ice cream, as well as the necessary ketchup/mustard needed for dinner (list), marshmallow sticks for s'mores, graham crackers and chocolate. It was literally the best ice cream and water that I have tasted in a LONG time.

We went back to the tent. Success, it was still there! Woohooo!! As we are all talking about random stuff, the oldest daughter yells out, "Squirrel!" reminiscant of the dog from the movie "UP"......we all burst out laughing and several times throughout the day, one of us would yell "Squirrel!!"

Dinner and s'mores went well. All the kids played, got dirty, laughed, talked and had a great time. Bed time. Hmmm, this is going to be interesting. We have a 2 year old, who still sleeps in a crib. Daddy finally gets her to sleep, kids go to bed. We decide to make one last pit stop at the potty before turning in ourselves. Oh, yeah, we have no light. The lantern we brought: takes batteries, duh!?!

As we are walking back, we hear something in the trees and it jumped....racoon. Oh, my, gosh! Jon and I both jumped so high! We had a good laugh over that!

Into the tent, to find not one, but all four kids wide awake! Jon promptly goes to sleep, leaving me to ~~fend for myself~~ singing lullabys and hush my sweet children to sleep! Addie kept us on our toes, we laughed as we watched her run from one end of the tent to the other, lean over Daddy and say stuff like, "Daddy, you so cute!", and find my iPod and turn on rap music, LOUD and dance her booty off. I think it was about 3 am before I finally got to sleep! Of course, Mommy brain steps in, I wake about an hour later to do a 'head count'. One, two, three, fo wait....there's a child missing. Lexi! How could that be? Daddy was in front of the door. Where could she have gone to? I wake Jon, my heart pounding. We look around as best we could in the dark, feeling our way around. Finally, Ashley wakes and says "She is laying behind my feet." Buried in the seam and corner of the tent, behind both Ashley and Addie, is Lexi! UGHHHHH!!!!

Needless to say, at 7 am, we packed up and left. I think we will try again, but I think I need to recover for a little while first!!

This Little One had an AMAZING time, she was so FILTHY....I'm still finding dirt!

Linking up to Works for Me Wednesday

Family Fun Friday

2010-06-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that SUMMER is here? Already?! Where did the time go? As Little Bit would say (arms raised up) "Dunno". Cute.

I'm trying to come up with ~~cheap~~fun activities that keep the kids ~~from fighting~~ brains from turning to mush. Or telling on each other for liking the Jonas Brothers (really??)!

Source: DisneyDreaming

BTW, anyone else deal with constant tattling just for the sake of tattling? I don't know what to do about it anymore. I have tried telling them that I only want to hear it IF someone is bleeding, dying, or could be bleeding or dying. Otherwise NO!!! I really don't care if she came in your room and looked at you while you were building the World's Greatest Lego Masterpiece of All Time. Awwwwww, mom! Yes, I DO feel like this guy sometimes! (and no, it's not Bubba's work, but....he DOES do amazing stuff with Lego's!)

Source

Imagine my surprise when I get up this morning and take 5 minutes to myself to check email. I see an email from MomSelect. The email Subject Line was 'Primrose Schools & Dr. Z Help Bust Summertime Boredom. Definitely opened that right away.

I was really excited to read the 11 Boredom Busters. What's great about all of these items is they are fun, easy to do, cost little money and aren't the typical "Take your kid to the Library".

So, without further ado, I'm sharing with you these great ideas!

1. Boredom Buster Jar: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family "Boredom Buster Jar." They'll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a "neat" idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone's ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues.

2. Stories Alive: It sounds too simple, but reading is one of the most important ways to keep young minds engaged during the summer.Make reading even more fun by finding ways to bring the stories to life. For example, in the book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran, children create a make-believe town in the desert out of rocks, boxes, and their imaginations. Read the book with your children and then challenge them to create their own town with materials they find in the backyard.

3. Art Start Box: You'll need to gather basic art supplies-child safe scissors, glue, markers, tape and construction paper. Put them in a special box along with empty oatmeal boxes and paper towel rolls, colorful magazines and bits of aluminum foil. Occasionally add a special surprise like chalk, stickers, or stamp pads so there's always something new for the children to find. Even if you normally have these supplies around the house, it's fun for children to know that the Art Start Box is just for them. They'll probably have some good ideas of other household items that can be recycled to fuel their creative energies.

4. Family Performances: Break out old clothes or costumes and encourage children to make up characters and create a play to act out. They are the directors, actors, and producers. They can also make musical instruments out of pots/pans, wooden spoons, empty canisters and have a parade; or everyone can play along to your family's favorite songs. Record or video the performances, and enjoy the replay. You'll also be capturing a bit of family history everyone will enjoy for years to come.

5. Family Dance Party: Crank up the music and encourage your entire family to boogie down. Dancing gives children a great outlet for self-expression through their own motion and helps build self-esteem. It also enhances motor and coordination development by incorporating skills like jumping, landing and leaping. Dancing is a great activity that can involve the whole family and doesn't take very much preparation.

6. Fort Building: Children love to build all kinds of structures--from small towns to large towers. Constructing forts or tents is an activity that can keep children focused and problem solving for hours. All the items you need can be found around the house- some chairs, cushions, blankets, and of course adult supervision.

7. Cookbook Fun: Have you ever shared your favorite cookbook with your children? Take it out and ask your children to choose a recipe to try. Measuring can be a fun and easy way to keep math skills fresh.

8. Summer Scrapbook: All you need for this project is a spiral notebook. Encourage everyone in the family to draw pictures of favorite activities and collect mementos from special events throughout the summer. Children love to go back through scrapbooks and albums and tell about what happened at each occasion. They will also be building their storytelling skills at the same time.

9. Listening Game: Lie down in the backyard, in the den or at the park and listen. What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear? Can you imitate the sound? This is similar to watching the clouds and naming the shapes, and it encourages everyone to slow down and focus on listening.

10. Camping Out: Pretend to campout in the backyard. Plan a meal, pack a backpack and set up a campsite. You might even decide to spend the night!

11. Scavenger Hunt: Make a list or picture cards of common household items and have your children find the items on the list. Invite friends or neighbors to join in the fun to make it a competition.

How great right?!?
What's even better? There are more tips like this at Dr. Zurn's blog: DrZandme.com
and Primrose Schools.

Enjoy!

**Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

WFMW--Mom, I'm Bored

2010-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Those dreaded words: MOM,I'M BORED!!! About this time every year, I am on the countdown to the end of school, almost as much, or more than my kids are. Then two hours into Summer Vacation those dreaded words are spoken.

That is why it is important to have a 'backup' plan. Here are some ideas that I have to keep my kids 'entertained' this summer.

1. Chores: scrub the floor, clean the fridge, wash the trash cans....you know, all those yucky, icky chores that you don't want to do yourself. SO MUCH FUN for the kids---hee hee hee!

2. Read: No, not Twilight. Shakespeare, baby!

3. School work: Yep, I plan to scour the internet, library, bookstore, etc. for some books to help the kids keep those skills they learned through the school year.

4. Take a nap:: When all else fails, this one is pulled out. This is terrible torture to my children! BWAAAAAHAAA!

So, after a couple days of doing dreaded chores, schoolwork, and naps I usually stop hearing "Mom, I'm bored!"

Now, if I could just figure out how to stop the "Mom, I'm hungry!" nagging!!

Linked to: We Are THAT family

Friday Fail---I'm BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKK!!!

2010-05-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Oh, my! I have FAILED! Big. time! So when IS the last time that you heard from me? I don't even know. Sorry about that.

So, with that said.....I would LOVE to get back into blogging. You know. About important stuff---weight loss, decorating my home, kids ~~driving me crazy~~ doing adorable stuff. That is, of course, if you will have me back--LOL!

Up first: As I said---I have failed. Not only at NOT blogging, but at losing weight. I was doing good. Working out, eating ~~somewhat~~ healthy. Then, we went on vacation. Really. What is it about vacation that makes me think: SURE, you can eat whatever you want!?! Don't I realize that I will have to put on a bathing suit?! UGHHHHH.

So....I'm working on getting back on track. Sparkpeople is my friend. I need to log on--EVERYDAY and keep track of eating/working out. Oh, and YES, I have to work out. Tonight I did Yoga. I always love how I feel when I am done with yoga. Centered and even a little sore from stretching myself to the limit. I am going to add yoga into my workout plan.

My workout plan is this: Cardio 5-6 days per week. Strength: 3 days per week. Yoga: 2 days a week. Sound good?! Thought so.

Here we go again! :) Looking forward to reconnecting with my bloggy friends and making some new ones along the way. I plan to participate in some cool blog parties ('cuz, I want ~~need~~ to be part of the In-Crowd!), host some cool giveaways, and POST!!!

Thanks for humoring me!

Linking to:

What a Deal!!!

2010-04-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends! I'm sorry that I have been MIA! We went away on vacation last week. What a great time we had! I promise to post some pictures and info soon.

I also have some other great items to bring you. I am working on a surprise birthday party for a friend of Scoot's. So, I have some cute crafts and more to post.

Today, I have something really cool! Did you know that Safeway/Vons has a great deal on Betty Crocker products. (0.69 each!!) That is a crazy, good deal. It is one of those great stock up prices. The great thing about cake mixes is that you can use them all the time. We all have birthdays! Take one to a friend who just had a baby! Take one to a neighbor or a friend, just because!!

Visit Bakesweetmemories.com for some great coupons to download directly to your Safeway card. While you are at it....take a look around....there are some really cool and fun baking ideas to use anytime of the year! I recently found this website and LOVE it!!
Plus, if you come back and visit my blog later this week.....I have a really cool prize pack for you to win, courtesy of MyBlogSpark, Safeway, and Betty Crocker!!!

Note: Safeway, Betty Crocker, and MyBlogSpark provided me the information, a special VIP coupon, and really cool giveaway items. :)

And We have a Winner....

2010-03-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Thanks for checking out my little blog. I appreciate the comments on my giveaway post (actually, all of my posts!!). Blogging is a lot of fun and I am trying to find a way to fit it in more.

So, onto the winner....

I put the 4 numbers in Random Number Generator (sorry, don't know how to include a link to it....

The winner is #2 Olivia !! Congratulations! Email me your address and I will get you set up!

Don't forget to go check out Progresso's website to enter the trip to NYC before Monday!!! All you have to do is submit an essay (200 words) stating what you love about Progresso soup and/or why you deserve a makeover!!! Who wouldn't want to win that??!!!

Have a Great WEEKEND!!!!

Tasty Tuesday and a Giveaway!!

2010-03-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I am working hard to lose some weight. I would like to lose around 15 lbs. So far, this hasn't proven easy. However, I am determined and I WILL get through this!

Recently, as a member of MyBlogSpark, Progresso Soup sent me a package! It was very exciting to open up the box and find soup!!! No, I'm not being sarcastic. Who doesn't love a good can of soup on a cold, rainy day. I was thrilled to find a cool Progresso Mug and Jump rope (that counts your jumps!!).

Imagine my surprise when I started reading the labels on these cans: many were less than 100 calories per serving! I have been enjoying them daily for lunch. So far, my favorite is the Italian style Vegetable! Yum. Another great thing about these soups is that they have a full serving of vegetables. This is huge for me! I struggle to fit in enough vegetables each day, but with the soup it was much easier.

Even my dear hubby has been enjoying the soup. He likes that he can pop open the can without a can opener (great for work!).

Of course, the kids have been bugging to use the jump rope and the mug. That mug is MINE!!! The jump rope will get lots of use when it stops raining!

If you go to Progresso's website: http://www.progressosoup.com/, you can sign up to win a Makeover trip to NYC!!! How fun is that?!?! In order to win, all you have to do is submit an essay (200 words or less) stating why you love Progresso Light or 100 calorie soups and why you want a makeover! Easy, peasy!! Also, you can print coupons, as well!

Want to win a Progresso soup prize pack? This includes your very own Progresso Mug, a jump rope, and of course, SOUP!!!

Just leave me a comment telling me that you want to win, and I will draw a winner on Friday morning! Good Luck!!!

Disclosure: Progresso and MyBlogSpark provided the soup for my family to try. All the information including here regarding the soup was provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

I'm linking up to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday

7 Quick Takes Friday

2010-02-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

While reading another great blog (Roots and Rings), I came across this website, which hosts 7 Quick Takes on Fridays! Brilliant!! Just the sort of thing I need to do for my blog. I needed something to force me into writing today. I knew that I haven't posted in FOR. EVER!!

Ok.....So, on to my 7 Quick Takes for this week!

1. It's been A LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGG week. I'm so looking forward to the weekend! We had my father in law in town and Jon had to work. Need I say more?! I love my In Laws, but it is A LOT of work to entertain 24/7!

2. Little Bit is quickly becoming a Terrible Two. She is still so sweet and adorable, but just learning to push her limits! How quickly we forget these stages, right??!

3. School (for me) is going really good. I am down to 4 classes---wooohooo!! This means that I will graduate in October. Crazy!

4. A trip to IKEA is in my future!! We have decided to change our living room up a bit. I will post some pictures as soon as it is done! For now, just know, it is including my sewing skills, picture hanging techniques, and some tablescaping. I am so excited to try out some new things!!

5. I am LOVING being a part of MyBlogSpark! Recently, they sent me 4 VIP coupons for General Mills cereals. This is great for our family. We eat ALOT of cereal. Seriously. What I didn't know is that General Mills cereals is on a mission to make breakfast healthier. You know, instead of the mounds of sugar in most cereals, General Mills is lowering it's sugar counts! This is great news for a mom like me, who does worry about the amount of sugar my kids consume, especially first thing in the morning! You can go here to get a coupon for $1 off!!!

6. Our kids are constantly on the go. Someone is always needing to be driven somewhere, picked up from somewhere, a meeting here, etc. It's crazy.....sometimes I don't even feel like we have a weekend. It's nonstop! But, I am glad that my kids are getting to that age where they can start stretching their independence a little! It's scary, but good!

7. Today's mission: Clean the house and catch up on laundry! Oh. Joy!!

I hope everyone has a great day!!!

I'm also linking up to Home Sanctuary's Company Girl Coffee

Tips for Bloggers

2010-02-03T00:55:00.000-08:00

This week’s Work For Me Wednesday is about Blogging Tips. Now, I am not a popular or professional blogger, by any stretch of the imagination. However, I do READ blogs. A LOT!!! I have 125 blogs in my reader, as we speak type?!

So, because Blog Reading is my ~~drug, food~~, entertainment addiction of choice, I have some tips for the blogs that I read (and LOVE!). Please, take what I say or leave it…..I’m okay with it, really. I will just check into some rehab center somewhere for blog addiction. “Hello, my name is Angie and I am addicted to reading blogs.”

Okay, on to the tips:

1. Keep doing what you are doing. Ignore everything that I am about to tell you. No, really. I LOVE all of the blogs that I have in my reader. You are obviously doing something right. I appreciate it!

2. Stay true to yourself. Blog about what makes you happy. Decorating, organizing, cleaning, mommy hood or (my personal fave) a mish-mash of all of the above.

3. Show us some “real life”. I love when my favorite organizing blog shows an area of her home that is less than perfect. It makes me feel like it is okay. I really like it when that area is an area that I have organized—hee hee!! It gives me a sense of accomplishment. LOL

4. Don’t worry if you don’t post every day, or respond to every comment, etc. I know that some blogs are professional (or trying to be) and that is okay. I understand wanting to make money doing this. (I, myself, LOVE some of the free samples that I have received). But sometimes, life gets in the way. Kids get sick, cars break down, houses need to be sold, etc. It is OKAY…..I will still read when you come back, I promise. And again, show us some of that real life adventure!

5. Share your secrets. Now, I am not saying to put your address out there or name your children. But tell me, how do you do it all? Keep a house clean, while wrangling 14 kids, after working out for 2 hours, making nutritious meals and decorate for EVERY. SINGLE. holiday?????!!!

Now, in all seriousness, I go back to Number 1-----Keep doing what you are doing! I love my daily fix of blog reading. You all inspire me to become better. Thank YOU!!!

Hugs,

Missing in Action

2010-01-27T18:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, man!!! Here it is the END of January! This is only my 2nd post for the month!!! Great....guess I'm doing REALLY well with setting and achieving my goals. um, not! Oh, well. The great things about goals (instead of resolutions) are that they don't have to start on January 1st! They can start tomorrow, or Monday, or even tonight, if you wanted to! Which, yes, I do WANT to start over! Soooooooo......If you will humor me.....tomorrow (or maybe, Monday) is January 1st.

So.....where have I been?! Busy. Remember, I have 4 kids, a husband, and I am going to school full time. The first of the year, brought sickness. Miss Moo, who NEVER gets sick, was really, really, really sick. She started throwing up on a Friday morning. She was able to drink water and kept that down on a regular basis. However, any and ALL food came back up for 5!!! days. Finally, I decided that I needed to take her to Urgent Care. She wasn't showing any signs of dehydration. The doctor came in, told her she would have to take blood, place an IV, and run a urine sample. One of the things they checked for was pregnancy.......oh my!! Now, Miss Moo is far from even having a boyfriend, but the hospital had to do it. The IV took 2 tries and Daddy coming in to be able to get it put in. Thankfully, the IV worked. She didn't throw up after that. Still have NO idea what it was.

Other than that.....I have been busy: making lists, trying to get myself and the house organized, working on school, etc. I haven't worked on everything on my goal list, but I am trying and tomorrow is a new day!!!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T20:15:00.001-08:00

Well, obviously, I took some time off. With 4 kids, the Christmas season can be a little crazy.
So, I wanted to share my mission with all of you, in order to keep me accountable. Now, notice that I say ‘mission’. Too often, I have made resolutions and haven’t kept them. So this year, I am starting something new. I am on a “mission” to make some changes in my life.
Per Ali Edwards, I have chosen my word for 2010. It is ‘mission’. To me, that word is a starting point for reaching my goals.
So…..without further ado, my Mission for 2010:
Spiritual:
Read the Bible in 90 days (see Momstoolbox for more information)
Attend church
Marriage:
Be a better wife
Stand beside my husband in the difficult times as well as the fun times
Family:
Take kids to church
Help kids with school
Get Little Bit on schedule
Doctor/Dental appointments
Personal:
Blog daily (M-F)
Work hard at school
Make doctor/dental appointments
Create routines and follow them
Health/Fitness:
Workout 5 days per week (cardio, strength, yoga/pilates)
Drink more water
Stay on track with medications
So, it seems like a lot….but, I have implemented a lot of this already. I just need to get back on track with it after taking a break over the holidays.
Here’s to a Happy, Healthy, Fun 2010!!

Linked to The Happy Housewife

Do you see what I see?

2009-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I love decorating--even though, I'm not very good at it.--as witnessed by these pictures. But, it's fun. I LOVE looking at everyone's homes and seeing how 'they' do it! So, thank YOU all who are linking up to the Nester's Home Tour.

A Holiday List!

2009-12-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

Today's Mama is hosting a GIVEAWAY!!! Sign me up!! So, the requirement is that I answer these questions and link back. Here it goes:

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
1. IPhone (this is a DREAM---aka, will never happen!!)

     2. New laptop (scratch that, Santa delivered early!!)
     3. Wireless networking (ok, I must have been good, I got this too!)
     4. A pea coat like this:

Courtesy of Macy's

5. Flat boots like these:

Courtesy of Payless Shoes

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
      Any of the handmade items from my kids. I love them all and look forward to putting all the ornaments on the tree each year!

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
      Hmmmm, this is a tough one. I have made several handmade gifts in the past. I guess a Quilt is the next on the list of 'things to make'.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
     Oh, I'm going to age myself here and let everyone know what a GEEK I am all in the same sentence. When I was 14, I received a Word Processor. I was so excited and played with that thing for hours. It helped me to receive an A on my first "REAL" English paper (which included color coded references). Sad.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
    A camera for A. Legos (again) for Bubba. Anything 'peace sign' for Scoot. Little Bit jut can't wait to open packages!!

6. What is your favorite holiday food?
    What isn't my favorite?? HA! I love Fudge, Sugar cookies, pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, mmmmm, the list could go on for days!

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
    The only thing that I made this year was the Christmas countdown calendar. Unless, of course, you count the food: fudge, sugar cookies, and banana bread are on the list to make.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
    Hands down: A Christmas Carol. Any version (except Scrooged). LOVE. I went and seen a play when I was in 4th grade. Ever since then, I have watched it every.single.year. Atleast twice.

9. Favorite holiday song?
    White Christmas. Love it. Reminds me of growing up in Michigan.

10. Favorite holiday pastime?
   Eating. Wrapping. Eating. Spending time with my family, eating. Shopping. Eating. You get the point!

Now GO enter the Giveaway for yourself!! There's lots of fun stuff to win.

Batteries not included and Some assembly required

2009-12-07T18:55:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh, probably the most dreaded words at this time of year. Santa’s Elves just can’t put together EVERYTHING, so that leaves us parents to do the job.
One year, Papa bought Ashley a Rocking horse. Such a great present for a two year old. Except, putting it together was no easy task. After going to midnight mass, Jon stayed up working on that darn horse. There was one spring in particular that gave us such an issue! There were many, many words that cannot be repeated that were said during the HOURS (yes, hours) that it took for Jon to put it together.
But, oh, the look on that girl’s face when she came down the stairs!!! I’m sure it was worth every minute, in that tired daddy’s eyes, to see his little girls excitement on Christmas morning. Although, there will never, ever be another Rocking Horse in the Kerr household—unless it comes pre-assembled by Santa’s Elves.
_________________
The best Christmas Ever!
Jon and I had known each other for awhile. We were pretty serious, planning on moving in together after the New Year. We were inseperable. The only time we weren’t together is when Jon was at work or we were in class.
One night, a few days before Christmas, we were in my living room talking. My mom went to bed for the night, so we were trying to be quiet. We decided to write our conversation out. Somehow the talk turned to marriage. I half jokingly asked if we were getting married. The conversation went back and forth without no real answer between us. It ended up with us saying we are getting married. How it happened, who asked it first, who said yes (and who didn’t), is still unknown. But here we are……married!
That is the story of the Best Christmas EVER!! I really don’t see any Christmas topping that in my lifetime.
Hugs,

Angie

Perfection

2009-12-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh, the ‘perfect’ Christmas tree. Neatly wrapped packages. All the lights on the tree, working at the same time. I have dreamt of this tree for the past several Christmas seasons. I wanted the tree to all be themed and matching. With 4 kids, that just wasn’t in the cards. How boring for them?! They want to put up ‘their’ ornaments. Who can blame them.

As we took out our Christmas boxes this year, I started thinking about how I wanted the house to look. I wanted some rhyme or reason to our decor. So, I put half of the cutesy stuff back. There is no need to use ALL of what we have (4 big boxes, full to the brim).

The kids and I began to hang the ornaments on the tree. As we did, the kids (as usual) wanted to hang up ‘their’ specific ornaments. The ornaments that they have gotten through the years. I unwrapped and handed them their ornaments, telling them (as I do every year) how someday, they will inherit these when they move out. The kids suddenly started saying things to me that almost made me cry. Ashley mentioned how when she moves out, she still wants to come home to help decorate the tree, the day after Thanksgiving. Lexi mentioned how next year, there will be no more handmade ornaments coming home from school until Addie starts. Wow.

No more handmade ornaments!? No more cutesy Buzz or Barbie? My tree will look like this:

Sad!

So, while my tree may not live up to Martha’s idea of perfect or is exquisitely beautiful like those in a Pottery Barn catalog. It is okay and in fact, it is absolutely PERFECT. I want the ‘kid’ tree for as long as I possibly can.

Hugs,

Angie

Pictures courtesy of Martha Stewart and Walgreens.

Oh, the weather outside is….

2009-12-02T09:29:00.001-08:00

Ok, ok, so it’s not frightful to most. It’s a balmy 57 degrees and will reach a high of 64 today! Woohoo.

However, it’s cold to me!! Right now, I am in sweats and warm socks and I’m still debating a blanket. My kids all went to school with sweatshirts on. A far cry from the snow boots, hats, gloves, and winter coats that I bundled up in every winter in Michigan.

But, I haven’t lived there in 14 years! So, my body has adapted to our warm weather and when that thermometer dips below 75, I have to restrain myself from breaking out the hats and gloves!!

Thankfully, scarves are in style!!

Yes, I do miss snow on Christmas. But you know what, I hated it after that (and don’t really care for it now). I wasn’t begging to go sledding or wanting to build snowmen. I wanted to be inside with a warm blanket, some hot cocoa, and a movie (probably something with Molly Ringwald in it! What can I say, I grew up in the 80’s!!)

So, today, we will make paper snowflakes and enjoy our cooler weather. Who knows, I may even turn on the heat tonight—it is supposed to be 40 degrees!!!

Hugs,

Angie

Christmas Countdown Calendar

2009-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

So, as I said in my previous post: I am extremely excited for Christmas this year.

I wanted to do something fun to countdown the days till Christmas. My kids are too big for the Christmas paper links that we all did in school. I wanted to come up with a way that I could give them little treats, fun stuff to do, and reminders of the true meaning behind Christmas.

This is what I came up with:

I found these small envelopes at Michaels. There are 25 of them. I also used an old Making Memories Christmas number paper. I cut the numbers out, attatched to the envelope and placed them on ribbon with a brad. For the frame portion, I just added a piece of scrapbook paper, some stickers and called it good.

Now, if you know my kids, you know it is NOT a good idea to place the ideas/notes in the envelopes now. They will LOOK!! I decided that each day, I will decide what activity we will do (cookie decorating), what small treat they will receive (mechanical pencils are BIIIGGG in our house right now!!), or what Bible verse/story I would like to share with them. I am also planning on throwing in a day of no chores, a day to pick a gift for a needy child and food for our local food bank, etc. Honestly, I have so many ideas, that 25 days may not be enough!!

If you are wanting to do something like this with your kids, it is quick and easy. That means that you still have time to get it done TODAY!! If you do want to do this, let me know: it would be fun to see what other families are doing throughout this month!!

Hugs,

Angie

P.S. I'm linking up to Somehwat Simple: Strut Your Stuff: Holiday Crafts! GO, take a look around at what some amazing ideas are out there!!

December 1, 2009

2009-11-30T23:56:00.001-08:00

My Manifesto:

Starting today, December first, I will keep a Christmas journal. In it, I will write
something every day to reflect on the holidays of my past, enjoy the holidays of
the present and dream about the holidays of the future. To some, this would be a
stack of papers and trivial
scribbles, but not to me. I
am taking back my
Christmas, I am letting it
be something I relish and
most importantly I am
giving at least fifteen
minutes to myself, every
day, no matter how crazy
this season becomes. This
Christmas I will make
something with my own
hands, my own words and
my own memories.

Welcome, December!! A month of new beginnings. I have vowed to exercise or move daily. I have committed to doing/giving/being with my kids every day with our Countdown to Christmas calendar. I am going to, at the very least, journal Christmas memories: Past, present, and everything in between. Most importantly, I am vowing to bring the real meaning of Christmas back, not only for myself but also for my family.
My earliest holiday memory: We had a house at the end of my Grandma’s street. (that street and home are no longer there). I remember my mom making No-Bake cookies with a friend of hers. We loved those cookies and they were a really special treat in those times, because life was tough. My mom was a single mom, on welfare. We struggled to make ends meet. That one Christmas with the cookies really sticks out in my mind. One of the presents that I received that year was a beach towel. I can’t recall the design on it, but I remember really treasuring that gift.
That is what the season is: treasuring those special moments, no matter how small. To often we get caught up trying to make big memories for our kids: trips to DisneyLand, vacations, and large gifts. However, the ones that truly matter are the ones that make us feel loved and special.
Angie

Journal Your Christmas 2009

2009-11-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

Here we go again. Another Holiday season is here. I am not sure if it’s the fact that we have a new baby, or what but this year, I feel more in the ‘Holiday Spirit’ than I have in a very LOOOOOOOONG time!
We put up our tree, in our usual tradition, after Thanksgiving. This year, when all the boxes were open, I went through each piece and made decisions on whether or not I would use the decor. More than half was put away. I love the way my home feels. Decorated, but not overwhelmed. I will post pictures soon. But that isn’t the reason behind this post.

The real reason is the extreme excitement I have for this year’s Journal Your Christmas Class. I signed up for this last year, but didn’t even come close to completing it. O.K. I will be honest---I only completed the Cover and MAYBE the title page.
This year, it’s a new year. I want to make Christmas special for my kids. I want them to remember what it was like when they were this age. I want them to know what Christmas was like for me when I was their age.
In addition, I will be using the Holidays in Hand prompts to my Album. I still haven’t decided HOW I will do the album, but for now, I will be doing the journaling portion on my blog. I will also add pictures. That way every thing will be in one place that I can go back to after the Holiday madness is over and make my album the way want to without feeling stress!!!

Personalized Burlap Placemats

2009-11-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

If you read any blog, you will see that burlap is POPULAR right now. Like Kelly from 90210 Popular. Crazy. So, wanting to be part of the In Crowd, I joined in. I went to Joann's armed with a 50 % off coupon. Burlap is cheap--2.99/yd. No wonder it's so popular. Ok, not like that!!

So, how did I make these cute little placemats??! Well, my friends, I will show you.

The supplies you need:

A ruler

Burlap

Paint

A foam brush

Stencil

Scissors

Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun

First: Cut the placemat to size. Don't worry about it being perfect. Burlap is tough to cut. I made mine 11x14.

Second: Glue ribbon to the edges. A couple of tips: Glue the short ends first and overlap the long ends over the short ends. Use a ruler to help keep your ribbon straight.

Third: Stencil on your image. As you see, I used the initial of our last name and a swirly. Be generous with the paint on the foam brush and dab into the stencil. You may need to go over an area a couple of times.

Final step: Trim the edges of the burlap and ribbon. I turned my mats over and cut that way.

After you have completed your placemats, be sure to take a picture. If your home is anything like mine, it is the only time that the table will have all the placemats on at the same time. Plus, the picture will serve as a reminder to your kids about how the room is SUPPOSED to look.

That's it. Enjoy this easy project. It's super easy and cute. It literally took me 30 minutes (aside from the hour or so that I spent in Joann's debating which color of burlap to get--did you know it comes in different colors?!).

I'm linking up to DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Go check out her website for lots of other great projects.

Thanks for looking!!

Hugs,

Angie

Why I (Kinda) Blog

2009-10-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, we were in the process of buying a house (long story, but it didn't work out). During that time, my mind began swirling with possibilities for each and every room. I wanted to decorate this house. Actually decorate. Not throw together what furniture we had with mismatched chairs, kids handmade decor (not that I don't LOVE that), and dog hair. I wanted to live like a grown up! Not college kids with kids of our own.

So, I started reading The Nest. The Home Decor Section was my ~~crack~~ daily source of inspiration. However, I noticed that some of my favorite posters were blogging. Hmmm.....so I started to flip through them, loving everything I seen! I am now confessing, I am a Blog Addict. Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone. It's a sickness, really....I get up every morning, take kids to school, put Little Bit down for a nap and sit with my McD's Diet Coke (another addiction) for 2 hours!!!! (or as long as Little Bit sleeps!). Sad, I know.

While reading, I started finding things that I wanted to copy. Things that I knew I could do. Ways to make my home pretty. Crafts to try. Recipes to cook. Ideas to help my kids behave like angels. (ok, not really on that last one, but if anyone DOES have any ideas...help a girl out, wouldya!?!) I LOVE blogs, what can I say.

So, that is why I started a blog. I thought if I have a blog, I will do all of those things. Doesn't work that way. Why not? Why don't I make my house pretty? Why don't I craft or cook? Because, people, I am too busy reading everyone else's blogs!! (and enjoying every minute of it).

Rest assured. I have bookmarked and saved tons of inspirational photos, ideas, and recipes that I plan to try and blog about. Maybe someday....if I can ever get my Google Reader empty and I don't find any new, great blogs to read.

Hugs,
Angie

P.S. I am linked to Tip Junkie's Talk to Me Tuesday post. Go take a look. You will find some other great blogs to read, too!!

And the Winner is......

2009-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I apologize for not putting this up sooner. It was a crazy weekend.

So without further ado, (I've always wanted to say that) our winner is (thanks to random.org)

Suzanne at Southerninspiration: Taco night AND fun??? sounds great.

Congratulations, Suzanne. Email me with your contact info and you will be enjoying a free, fun taco dinner soon!!

Hugs,
Angie

Oh, Yes.....That is our family!! (and a Giveaway!!)

2009-10-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, on another blog (don't ask who's---I can't keep track of my kids names, let alone which blog I read this from) I seen an ad for MyBlogSpark. Interested in making my blog more fun by offering up prizes to my ~~many~~ one loyal reader (Hi, honey!! Just kidding, I don't think he even knows I HAVE a blog!).

I signed up and within a few days (or hours, who knows) I receivd an email asking if I wanted to participate in a really cool offer. Absolutely! Especially with a name like El Tacodor!! Fun, right?!?! The email stated that I would receive a package containing a game list, score cards, coupons for Old El Paso products and a gift card worth $10. SCORE!! All I have to do is convince the family to have Game Night at the dinner table. Hmmmm, I have a teenager. This should be interesting.

The package arrived and I promptly got busy shopping and preparing a feast fit for a king. Tacos, refried beans (what was I thinking, I have to sleep with that king?!?), chips and salsa. Perfect! Old El Paso products have long been a favorite in our household. I love how easy it is to make a meal that my kids enjoy and includes vegetable.

So, the time comes for the family to sit at the table. The younger kids and I had already read over some of the fun game options on the game list that was in the package. Okay, okay, maybe we DID practice a little (shhh, don't tell) before the big El Tacodor show down. (I don't think it gave us any advantages, though!)

We started off good. Played a few rounds of the games listed. Even the teenager was involved! Then, things changed. The next game was to make a poem (that RHYMES!!) about your taco. All down hill from there. Seriously. My family cannot keep anything clean. Their mouths should have been washed with soap for all the inappropriateness---yes, mine too. I couldn't help but get involved. We were laughing and having a good time though and I think that was Old El Paso's intention! (and for the record, for our parents who may be reading this: it was age appropriate dirty mouths). It really wasn't THAT bad. Just not langeuage that we normally approve of at the dinner table.

So, yes, we are THAT famly. Oh, and yes, in these pictures, my hubby doesn't have a shirt on. What can I say. Another example of being THAT family. He hardly EVER wears a shirt at home (unless, of course, we have company or it's Game Day).

We had a good time and the kids have even asked when is the next El Tacodor night. I think this may become a regular thing in our house. We already eat together every night, so having games involved broke up the monatony of "How was your day?" "Good." conversations that we already have.

Okay, so you read this far......Congratulations. Now, you can enter to win your very own El Tacodor Prize Package. You will receive the same package that I did. A $10 gift card (to use on the 'fixins'), coupons for Old El Paso products (YUMMY!!) and the game list and scorecards.

How do you win....just write a comment below. That's it. Easy as Taco Pie! I will randomly draw a winner on Monday morning (when I get home from taking Scoot to school). So, tell your friends, family, neighbors, etc. to enter to win this great package!!

What are you waiting for......we are talking FREE FOOD here people!! Enter today!!

Hugs,
Angie

P.S. I'm also linking up to Kristen's 2nd Blogaversary Part-AYYY!!! at We Are THAT Family. Stop by and say Hi!! She has some great prizes to win, too!!

Where Have You Been??!?

2009-10-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well, for one.....at the beach, getting these beautiful pictures taken by my dear and wonderful friend!

But, okay.....other than that?!

I have been dealing with 2 kids with THE flu! Yep. My kids had too much bacon or made out with a pig. Ok, in all seriousness: Bubba came home last week, with a SLIGHT fever and cough. Within a few hours that slight fever was 102. He was out of school for the rest of the week and Monday of this week. Not fun. Of course, Little Bit was next. Thankfully, it really wasn't as bad as what I was expecting. Just fever, cough, congestion and an overall feeling of YUCK!!

So, what else has been going on? I'm so glad you asked.

Miss A. has been rehearsing day and night for her Ensemble parts in her school play. She has 3 parts with only a minor speaking role...but here's the kicker: she has to dance! Now, those who know Miss A. may remember that she was in ballet and tap for several years. She LOVES dance and is very excited. However, this is NOT ballet and tap. Welcome to Dancing with the High School Kids: She has to learn 3 dances: The Swing, The Jive, and a Waltz. Ok, let's check the judges scores: Carrie Ann Inaba.......oh, sorry, I got carried away....

Scoot, our little politician. I swear, we have ALWAYS known that she would run for office someday. Ok, ok, I know it was only President for the school but still....unfortunately, she wasn't elected. Oh well, honey....maybe the President will make you Secretary of State (or something like that). Hee hee!! We still have high aspirations that she WILL be President or run for office in some capacity. Hey, Scoot....don't forget us little people when you are in office!

In unrelated news, my dear hubby will be turning 4-0 this weekend. I have been working on a big surprise for him......and it came to fruition last night!

Last night, we went out to eat. (this was all part of the plan!!! insert evil laugh here). I had taken chicken out, but it didn't thaw completely....so I told Hubby, let's go out. Sure. So, we went to our favorite upscale restaraunt---The Golden Arches. Very chic place, btw! (Did you know: Monopoly is BACK!!!). We pull up, and see: RONALD MCDONALD!! Red and Yellow Balloons every where. Yep.....I planned it this way, just for my dear Hubby!!! (not really, but I like for him to think he is special). Ronald was having a show, just for us...and a ~~few~~ ~~twenty~~ none of our closest friends. He gave away prizes to everyone, made jokes, and even wished MY hubby a Happy Birthday!! Yes, I go all out for him. Thank you McDonald's for helping me to plan such a great party!!! LOL! Aren't you wondering how I will top this for his 50th??!! I'm thinking a visit to this guy might be in order:

Let's see, I think that is all for now. I do promise to post more often. I have some special things up my sleeve in the next few weeks! Keep checking in to see what might happen next!

Hugs,

Angie

Lessons Learned

2009-10-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh, it's been a tough week. Or tough couple of weeks. The stress levels in our home have been doubled and tripled. Of course, none of us wants to admit that it is US that is the problem.

Yesterday, in an attempt to break the monotony around here, I decided to make it a good day. I showered (novel idea), put on make-up, did my hair, and actually made effort to be in a good mood. You know the saying, "Fake it, till you make it." This is what I was doing. I was going to be in a good mood whether I wanted to or not--LOL!

All was going well. Bubba came home; I hugged and kissed him at the door. Teased him about the spikey hair do, asked about his day. Later he said something along the lines of, "Mom, why were you being so nice to me earlier?" OUCH! Shouldn't I be that way EVERY DAY?? Yes.

This really made me stop and think. I pick up Scoot every day at the back gate of school. While there, I meet with the 'back gate crew' as I call us (2 of my very dear friends). We chat, laugh, talk about husbands, kids, tv, etc. Even when I am not feeling overly happy, I make effort while I am there. So, why, then when I get home, am I acting angry and mean towards my family.

So, that is Lesson One. Treat your family as you do your friends, neighbors, strangers. Act kind and nice to them. Even when you don't feel like it. Now, yes, I know sometimes, they can drive you crazy and you NEED to be angry with them. That is understandable. Trust me, I know....my family drives me batty on most days. However, I can CHOOSE to act nice and sweet towards them during those times.

Lesson Two:

As part of my "Be Nice to Your Family Day", I decided to make a nice dinner: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas. Everything is going good. I was cleaning up the kitchen and went to run the garbage disposal. Uhmmm, yeah, I got sprayed with water from the opposite side of the sink. Turns out that you should NEVER put potato peels down the garbage disposal. Supposedly, I have been told this a million times before---hmmmm, honey, that doesn't sound familiar. :) Oooppppsss!!! (yes, I really do know not to do it, but I always think, just this once, it will work and I won't have to pick up soggy potato peels to put into the over flowing trash can.).

So, not only did my dear, sweet hubby come home to a wife who was near tears, soggy, and covered in potato peels. He also came home to a broken pipe. NICE! Thankfully, he was able to fix it. I told him he was my hero and that should he ever lose his job, he could work as a plumber.....hee hee!!

So, that was my day yesterday. I tried. But you know what, I picked myself back up and this morning, I am trying again. Here's hoping for a better day.

Pretty, Pretty Notebook

2009-09-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this with you. I am very excited by my creation. It's a 1/2 in. notebook that will hold all of those important notes that I take at all of my important Mommy meetings: ya know: Yearbook staff, Drama parent meetings, Girl Scouts, and of course, blog ideas, lunch with friends, etc.

So, I have been on the lookout for something sturdier than the cheapy spiral notebook that I was carrying. Plus it had to be CUUUUUUTTTTTEEE! I mean, Hello, who wants to carry (and use) something that isn't pretty. However, after much searching, I wasn't finding anything (or I should say, anything in my price range---which is $0.00).

Last night, after Little Bit went to bed, the kids were ~~watching tv~~ reading important novels, I whipped up this cute notebook with supplies I had on hand. A couple sheets of scrapbook paper, ModPodge, ribbon, and I am good to go.

I included dividers for the important stuff inside and also made an adorable (if I do say so myself -- and YES, I do, thankyouverymuch!!) bookmark to keep my place. So now, I have a designated spot to hold all my important Mommy lists, To-do's, and other stuff (like ideas for the blog, a show I want to watch, books to read, etc). Because you know, I have Mommy Brain (defined in Merriam Webster's Dictionary (it's there, trust me--lol) as not being able to remember really important things because your brain is fried from giving birth to children).

So, what do you think?

Hugs!

Angie

Papers, Papers, and more Papers!!

2009-09-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

When you have 4 kids, a husband who works from home once a week, and endless amounts of mail coming in, there is bound to be atelast a small forest to take care of from time to time.

In this day of technology, more and more companies are going digital. So why is it that there seems to be MORE paper coming into my house? Is it just me??

After spending a few productive moments clicking through my Google Reader this morning, a recurring theme kept coming up. How to deal with paper. So after the 100th time seeing it, I thought that I would post my way.

***Note, I am NOT an expert. Ask my husband how many times I have lost important paperwork. Yes, I say I because, no one else in my house EVER touches papers or moves them. Four kids, who can't keep their hands off of anything else, magically don't even think about making paper airplanes out of last months bank statements. (yeah right!!)***

Ok....so on to my list of ways to keep some kind of handle on the Mountain of Paperwork.
1. Deal with it as soon as it comes into the house! Sort the junk into the recycle bin or the trash can. You will not believe how much time this will save later. In the past when I didn't do this, I was constantly amazed by how much trash I had in my 'to-file' pile!

2. I have 4 different color folders in a letter organizer on my desk.
     Red= Bills and papers that Jon needs to go through (also stamps and the checkbook are in here)
     Blue= kids papers from school, soccer, Girl Scouts, etc
     Purple= my stuff and stuff that needs to be filed (more on that in a minute)
     Green=coupons to be cut and restaraunt coupons. Also in here is take out menus

**These folders are the cheapie ones that you can buy at back to school sales for pennies. Pick up a few extra to keep on hand for other files to make. **

3. I also keep 2 expandable file folders---one to file important papers: statements, receipts/warranties, car info, health care info, etc.   The other is for Kid stuff: this one is where I file report cards, copies of schedules for Girl Scouts and soccer, and any cool paper that my kids did while in school that I want to save. This file makes it easy at the end of the year to sort into their "special boxes".

4. In December, I take the entire expandable folder for important papers and put into a box with previous years folders. It is labeled with the year. This makes it easy for us to keep those important papers without much hassle.

5. In June, I do the same as above with the kids expandable. I just purchase new expandable folders and label with the current year and move on. Easy peasy!

So, these are my tips.....do you have any to share? I would love to hear how you deal with Mount Paperwork.

Hugs,
Angie

P.S. I am linked up to We are THAT Family's WFMW Go check it out. There are LOTS of great tips there!

Seriously??!! Seriously.

2009-09-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Our lives are a constant chaos of funny, crazy, silly, poignant moments that I never want to forget. I look at my kids and realize how quickly they have grown up! That's one of the reasons I have created this blog....to share the UPS and DOWNS of my life.

First, A. our freshman daughter, decides to ask THE boy to Homecoming. This boy is the crush of the entire freshman class. This boy is the same boy who said he hated my little girl last year. Why then, would she ask him to the dance..... no one knows. So, in getting no response personally, but rather through a friend (who does this kid think he is....Dad is NOT happy!!), A. decides to post on facebook. Anybody want to go to Homecoming with me.....ughhh, we removed that post. It's tough being a mom to a teenage girl in this day. What do I do?! I keep telling her that she is better than this, worth more, let the boys chase you. It's not working!

Ok....on to something funny, shall we?

Little Bit, the one year old, is becoming more and more of a toddler. All of those things that I "forgot" they know how to do, she is doing them. For example, crawling under tables and not being able to get out. Laughing her butt off as I try to squeeze my big butt into that tiny little space to get her out! Eating dog treats, not once, but twice!!!! Yeah, that's a funny story. During nap time, I gave the dogs a treat. Little Man likes to hide his and save it for later (really, it's to taunt Holly). Anyways.....Little A. is all quiet, I'm wasting time (I mean being productive, of course), on the internet. All is good.

NOTE TO SELF: If it's quiet, it's not good.

I look over to see a HUGE smile coming from Little Bit......wait, what is she holding, and eating. Oh it's just a cookie. A COOKIE??!???! Yes, the dog treat looks like a vanilla strawberry filled Oreo. Oh. My. So, I do what any mommy does. Laugh. I mean, immediately run to get the cookie from her and wash out her mouth. Doesn't work that way. She screams and cries (real tears and all, this girl is GOOOOOD). Lays her head down on the couch and sobs (until I give her baby cookies: Animal Crackers, for those not familiar with toddler speak).

Another crisis averted and I vow to be a better parent. Diligent. Paying attention to my child instead of the mounds of laundry and endless pile of dishes. Great....that works....for 5 minutes.

Dishes call my name, what can I say. So, Little Bit secured in the Living room with the prison gate (baby gate) and Little Bear on tv. All is well. The house is quiet again. Wait, quiet?!??

Yes, because, guess who is standing next to me, ready to help me load the dishwasher......Ding, ding, ding.....Little Bit. With a BIG smile. I give her credit, atleast she is cute when she is causing me stress. Yes, she broke down the baby gate at 13 months. Oh my. And as my dear husband pointed out last night, "It's just beginning, honey!"

So, if I don't post for a few days......it's probably because A. and Little Bit have driven me over the edge and I have been put away in a padded room. I will return, I'm sure that it will be temporary.

Oh, and don't even get me started on the trials and tribulations: AKA Bubba and Scoot.

****I have changed the names of the innocent (and not so innocent) to protect their identity)***

If you know our family, please don't laugh too hard at me when you see me in public all frazzeled. It's just a Beachy Life!!

Hugs,
Angie

Where were You??

2009-09-08T12:35:00.001-07:00

Where were you 8 years ago today? Can you believe 8 years have passed? I remember it so vividly that it could have happened yesterday.

8 Years Ago.....It started as normally as any other Tuesday morning. We took Ashley to school, 1st grade. I brought home the little ones and laid them down for a nap. Then I did what I normally NEVER did. I turned on the tv. I think I had wanted to watch something on Martha Stewart--seems so trivial now. Good Morning America was still on and as I stood in front of the tv, I seen and heard the story about something happening at the World Trade Center. The first reports said bombing.

I called my husband. As we spoke on the phone, the cameras were glued to the Towers. I watched the second plane hit. "Oh, my God. It's a plane. " I told my husband and almost dropped the phone. I couldn't stand, speak, barely able to breathe. I kneeled in front of the tv. "What?? What are you talking about?" By this time, his whole office had turned on the news and was watching it as well. I was shaking.

My baby was at school. Granted, we were in Florida. But all I wanted was MY family home with me. I went to get her, as many other parents did that day. I hugged other parents, her teacher who's son had just signed up for the military and had gone into boot camp that day. We were all frozen.

Once home again, I kept the tv off until the kids were down for a nap and Ashley was safely playing, coloring, and watching some Disney movie. Jon called periodically with updates. When I was able to turn on the tv again, I watched in horror as the towers collapsed, cried when I heard about the Pentagon, and prayed harder than I ever had before.

For the next 24 hours, no one knew what would happen next. Watching the Senators stand on the steps and sing God Bless America, spontaneously had such an impact on me. It was then that I knew what Patriotism was. It is a belief that no mater what, our country will stand together in solidarity and get through whatever the Enemy wants to throw at us.

I am so thankful to live in this country, OUR country. We are all truly blessed to have the freedoms that we do. Please, don't take them for granted.

Remember today and ALWAYS, those people who died in that tragic event. Pray for their family, that they may make it through another anniversary with hope and faith. Pray that our country will continue on it's path to heal and become a better nation.

Where were you? I would love to hear your story.

Hugs,

Angie

Join others who are sharing their stories with the Blog Hop!

Zumba

2009-09-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0q6qtThF4

Sorry, I don't know how to imbed a video (anyone have any tips?).

I took this class today. Oh. My. Goodness. SO much fun!! Who knew workouts could be so enjoyable.

I lack rhythm like nobody's business, but I sure do try. I came home sweaty, tired, and still a little sore from Tuesday's class. But I feel good. I actually worked out! And laughed and tripped over my own feet.

So.....here's my challenge for you....try something new today! Maybe a new recipe, download a new song, something.....anything..... Let me know what you tried and if you liked it!

Oh, and by the way, YES, I will go back for more fun!

Hugs,
Angie

Learn Something New and the Kindness of Others

2009-09-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

Shimelle Laine is a great scrapbooker, instructor, and all around creative person. Last year, I was introduced to her through the TwoPeas community. I immediately knew that I wanted to take one of her online classes. I signed up for her Journal Your Christmas. Each day through January 6th, she emails prompts to keep you, well, journaling your Christmas. It was a fun class (and I will be taking it again this year!!).

Well, I have been wanting to take another Shimelle class. However, it just wasn't in the budget for me to sign up right now (hubby's birthday is in October and it's a BIG one!). But, Shimelle, wonderful girl that she is...offered a giveaway. If you won, you were able to invite 4 friends to join with you....how great is that!?!??!

So, of course, I entered......I didn't win. Oh well, no big deal. There's always next time.

This morning, browsing emails, I see one from Shimelle. I immediately open it to find that the person who did win, Terri, chose ME!!!!!!! as one of her friends!!!! I don't even KNOW Terri.....but, oh my, she is now my BFF! How great is that???!!! How very sweet!

So, I am signed up for Learn Something New Everyday thanks to the kindness of a complete stranger. It totally made my day and I can't wait to get started. (Actually, to catch up....I have 2 days to catch up on---it's going to be a late night:))

Hugs,
Angie

Routine and Schedules

2009-09-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

When you hear the words routine and schedule, what comes to mind? For many people, those are bad words that denote strictness and discipline.

In my world, routine and schedule are blessings. I love to know what is going to happen and when. I try to apply this to all areas of my life. I like knowing that Tuesday is the day that I clean the bathroom. Now, if I don't get to it, that is ok. I will next week....no big deal.

I am applying this concept today to cleaning. I often hear from other moms that they don't know how to schedule their cleaning time. "There isn't enough time!", "I don't want to spend all day cleaning."

Guess what....neither do I! And....hello, is there anyone that does??!!!

Photo credit: dave from morguefile.com

So for me, my cleaning schedule and routine work.

This is my daily cleaning schedule: (adapted from flylady)

Morning:
Make bed
Swish bathrooms
Empty dishwasher and reload
Dogs fresh water/check food/feed fish
Take dogs out
Start laundry

Afternoon:
Zone work (15 min. in designated weekly zone-see below)
Lunch
Clean up
Laundry cont.
Daily Chore (see below)

Evening:
Laundry finished
lay out clothes for tomorrow (Addie and mine)
10 min. tidy (quick house pick-up)

***** Side note: I have 3 kids who have chores (will share more on that at a later time)******

Zone work: Each week, a different area of the house is deep cleaned (walls wiped down, windows cleaned, carpets cleaned, etc.)

week 1: Porches/scrapbook area/office area
week 2: Kitchen
week 3: Bedrooms
week 4: Bathrooms/Laundry room
week 5: Living room/Dining room

Daily Chore: One area of the house that gets a quick go over. Usually I spend no more than 10 minutes doing this. It keeps my house presentable and ready for company on short notice.

Monday: Weekend Cleanup (I do an all over house pickup, getting things back on track to start the week)
Tuesday: Bathrooms: Tubs, sweep and mop, and wash towels
Wednesday: Living room/Dining room: vacuum and dust
Thursday: Bedrooms : wash sheets, vacuum and dust
Friday: Kitchen: fridge cleared, counters wiped down, cabinets wiped, sweep and mop

That's it. As you see, I don't schedule cleaning on the weekend. We are usually busy with soccer and other family outings that I don't worry about the house during that time.

I would love to hear how you schedule your cleaning and what your favorite routines are. Please share!

Hugs,
Angie

P.S. I am linked to We are THAT Family's: Works for Me Wednesday. Go check out other great ideas from fellow bloggers!

Two Posts In One Day!

2009-08-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

Ya know it must be good.....

Well, let me tell ya....it's good. I found out about this cute Blog Design website(Once Upon a Blog) that is offering THREE giveaways to celebrate their birthday and Grand Reopening! The website is gorgeous and I really, really (pretty, pretty please) hope that I win the blog makeover! Seriously, how great would that be??!!!

Go check out the website and enter to win a makeover for YOUR blog. I promise, I will be happy for you!

Hugs,
Angie

Encouragement

2009-08-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)

This Bible verse has always been one that I try to follow. I say, try, because it isn't always easy. There are days when gossip is being spoke all around me, and I tend to join in. I need to work on it.

However, I also read "between the lines" of this passage and think that we are being told to listen and help those who may need to talk. Sometimes it is just listening. Sometimes it may be to make someone smile or laugh. What matters is that we try to be there for others.

In my life, I have several close friends. These friends are the type that I KNOW I can call and they will come running. If I need a shoulder to cry on, they are there (hopefully with wine). If I need a sitter, they are there to help. It is encouraging to know that I can depend on these friends.

I am thankful daily for the friendships of other women in my life. The ones that make me laugh so hard that I think I may pee my pants. The ones that have my back and tell me that I have a booger. (sorry, was that too gross?). You know the kind of friends, who, if I call and am locked out of my house, they commiserate with me and help me figure out a way to break in.

As women, we wear many hats. One more that you may need to put on from time to time, is that of "Chief Encourager". Be brave, wear the hat with style. Your friends will thank you and will, undoubtedly, return the favor.

Hugs,
Angie

Linked to (In)Courage Me : a Great new website, all about encouraging YOU!! Go check it out!

Making the Most of What you Have

2009-08-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Just a quick little note: today is Ashley's 14th birthday (I had her when I was 12!! Just kidding!) Happy birthday, my sweet girl. Hope your day is amazing!

I was reading my profile yesterday. One of the things it mentions is that we are buying a house. Well, we have made the decision---as tough as it was---to not buy a house (for now). We live in a very good location. All of the schools are within 2 miles of our home. We are minutes from the beach. We have loads of good friends who are also parents to our kids friends. Which means that we have "eyes and ears" all over the place. We are very lucky.

With that said: we live in a VERY expensive apartment. It seems that living in an apartment has some sort of stigma attached to it. I'm not sure why. I don't know if it is because people think that families shouldn't live in an apartment. That families should buy a house because that is what you do?

Well, for our family, we decided that THIS apartment (in its 1000 sq. feet glory) is our home. Yes, it is small. Yes, in some ways I would LOVE to have a big house and yard. My kids share rooms (horrors!! Can you imagine??! Wait a minute, I shared a room and I turned out ok). They are also each others best friends (and sometimes, mortal enemies). It's because they are together. They learn to work out the differences.

We like to hang out as a family. My kids all like to cuddle with mom and dad to watch tv. We aren't lost in our home.

So, we are making the most of what we have. And loving every sq. inch of that space!

Enjoy your weekend.
Hugs,
Angie

DIY Day

2009-08-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so very excited to participate in my first DIY day, hosted by Kimba at A Soft Place to Land.

I told you in a previous post, that I was up late, with ideas swirling around in my head. Well, today, I finally worked on making those ideas a reality. Keep in mind, that I am NOT a decorator. But I love reading everyone else's blogs and seeing the great decorating ideas out there. So I put those ideas together and did this:

Before: (excuse the mess made by Hurricane Addie)

After:

(Forgive my posting, I'm still new and a little shakey with all of this stuff).

But, I am so proud at how this turned out. I had been waiting on my wonderful hubby to hang pictures for me. Waiting and waiting and waiting.....so today I decided why not try to do it myself. It really wasn't so bad. (Just don't look too hard, I'm sure they are not even or level and there are probably eighty five nail holes--shhhhh, don't tell anyone).

Another project is that "table" behind the sofa. Using what I had, (and knowing hubby wanted to use/keep those awful speakers), I thought about how I could make them pretty. We had purchased those wood planks at Christmas to hold my Department 56 collection. They make a nice surface to place my scrapbooks and a few decorative pieces.

As I said, I couldn't be more happy with the way this turned out. I am very proud of myself!

Check out more DIY projects at A Soft Place to Land. Kimba always has fantastic ideas and all the other bloggers listing their projects are fun too!

Have an amazing day,

Angie

The Lovely List

2009-08-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

This is a new website created to expand our blog reading horizons. Do I seriously need more blogs to read?? No, but who can resist a CUTE blog, right?

I love reading blogs and find so much great inspiration from faith based, kid loving, home decorating and funny blogs.

Check out her new site!! She has some great giveaways listed too! Good luck!!

http://www.thelovelylist.com/

SURPRISE!!

2009-08-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, as you can see, I couldn't sleep last night. That means that I was able to find an amazing blog template (for free!!) from Smitten Blog Designs. Thank you!! I love the new design. What do you think?

Then, I layed in bed for hours...literally, until 3 am, re organizing my house. You see, I LOVE to read home decor/design blogs (see my blog list?). I would love to have just an ounce of creativity that these women have. However, I don't. Soooooo, I take their ideas (I mean, borrow) and come up with some really cute designs in my head. Hmmm, I need to change that. I need to actually try these ideas out.

So, that is my plan. This week, I am going to work on implementing (with help, of course) some of those new plans. I can't wait to see how it works. I am going to post some pictures soon to get your opinions.

Thanks for reading!
Hugs,
Angie

Oh, glorious summer

2009-08-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

Summer, where are you going? Please don't leave us just yet.

I look at my calender for August and am thrown by the number of things to do before school starts. August 27th is just around the corner and the kids will head back to school. But before then, we have: Registration for Ashley, which includes yearbook pictures (seriously??!!), freshman orientation for Ashley, and 6th grade orientation for Jimmy. In the span of a week. What?!??

Oh the fun begins. Endless piles of paperwork to sign, fill out, and include your life information (times 3). Lunches to be made, kids to get up and used to a SCHEDULE again. What is that? You mean I can't stay up until 3 am, reading blogs??? And the kids can't stay up too, so that they will sleep in the next day with me?

No more pool trips with the girls. I have felt like some rich, fancy stay at home wife this summer. We have spent just about every Tuesday and Thursday, lounging around the pool with the kids. Crazy. Spoiled. Fun.

So, with that being said, a few last trips to the pool and beach are on the schedule. Major housework is being done (to be Mother in law ready--she comes on the 13th--I love her dearly).

So, hopefully, my idea of re doing my blog will happen sometime in September. After, someone pulls me out of the mountain of paperwork that willcome home the first week of school.

Hugs,
Angie

Mothers

2009-06-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading (and posting) on a post from a fellow blogger Sarah at Clover Lane, regarding mothers.

This post hit a nerve. I totally agree with everything she posted about. I have thought and said as much to my husband many times.

The honest truth of the matter is I often think the same thing about my own mom. Where was she? I was "allowed" to have a boyfriend move out of state with me (and share my room) at age 16. I thought at the time this was right. Now that I have my own children I think, what was she thinking. I also left home at 17 to move with above boyfriend to another state. Again, as a mom, I would be chasing my daughter and pulling her home by her ear. Maybe not the "popular" thing to do with my kid. But one thing we need to remember as moms: WE ARE NOT THEIR FRIENDS!!

Our children were given to us for only a moment. Entrusted to us. God blessed us with this life to raise up to be amazing human beings. It is a great responsibility. It is difficult. But if you weren't up for the challenge: don't do it!

We have 18 years to instill a love of God, a love of others, and a love for them selves. It is a blink of an eye, in the grand scheme. It is a selfless job. It takes patience, love, discipline (on both our own part and that of our children), and most of all respect. I have been known to complain, to want to throw my hands up and just let the kids do what they will. Then God shows me an article like this and I feel an overwhelming pull back to what matters most to me: raising 4 amazing human beings who know how to treat others and respect themselves enough to demand the same from those around them.

I don't proclaim to be the perfect mother. However, I do try harder than my own mother did and sometimes that is all I ask of myself. Other times I must demand that I do more.

Just my thoughts.
Angie

The World Comes Crashing Down

2009-05-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ughhh......I hate this.

This morning the bank decided to cancel our contract. The loan process was taking too long to complete and the bank decided to pull out. I can't even describe the painful heartbreak that I am feeling at the moment.

My heart was into this home. I had decorated it in my mind. We have been in the process of purchasing this house since early March. I feel sick. We have tried so many times to make this happen. Doors continued to close and being stubborn we chose not to listen. Today, the door slammed and locked. I had prayed for resolution. I am feeling that this is God's will. There will be another house. Right now, however, I am not in the mood to look. I don't want my hopes raised, my heart set on something, only to have it torn away again.

God will lead us through this and we will come out better because of it.

Seriously, A YEAR????!!!

2009-05-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I am shocked to look back on this blog and realize that I haven't posted anything in a year. So much has changed/happened.......

So, I have decided to re-start blogging. I have a new obsession with home decor/organizing blogs. I LOVE to read them and have gotten some great inspiration for what will hopefully be our new home.

So, I will be posting more about what I would like to do to our house, some great finds, and just general updates. I wish I could say that it will be funny and entertaining. Honestly, it probably won't be for most....but, the blog will keep me honest.

I want to have a list of items to be done in the house: items to purchase, change, update, etc. I really love it, but there are ALOT of things that need to be done.

Number one on my list: PAINT!!! Seriously, WHO??!! paints a room bright yellow and red (think McD's colors!!)---I apologize if you have those colors in your home and love them (I am sure they look fabulous---care to share a picture??)

Ok, so maybe I should put that as number 2. The new number 1: Cleaning. There is so much grime. Apparently (insert gossip from neighbor here): the original homeowner hasn't lived there for over a year and a half. So think of all the dust, cobwebs, and general dirt that is COVERING this place. And in all seriousness....(shhhh, don't tell the original owner, if you know her) her housekeeping skills leave much to be desired. Now, I will not try say that I am a master housekeeper....far from it, but I do enjoy my house to be clean. That's why we have kids. (Just kidding!!!!o.k., maybe not!---does anyone know the laws of child labor? Please forward a copy to me)

So......my idea is to learn everything and anything I can about blogging: design, how to be funny and witty and have lots of readers (like all of my bloggie friends), and how to actually keep up with posting. Keep your fingers crossed that it isn't a whole 'nother year before I post again.

Angie

Oh Fun!!

2008-05-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

Well, I knew it was coming....I have gestational diabetes. However, this time around I have to test my blood 4 times a day and call to report numbers to my doctor once a week. I guess that means no cheating. Honestly, I will do ANYTHING to avoid having to give myself insulin shots. Please pray that it doesn't come down to that.

I have been having contractions, nothing timeable yet but some have been pretty painful and long. After a bad one last night, I told Jon I will take the epidural NOW, thanks!!

I have to say that I am very lucky to have Jon as a husband. He has been wonderful in cooking dinner and telling me that I need to stop cleaning the house and being out without him. Very sweet!! My only worry is what will my house look like by the time the baby comes. Thankfully, we have had the kids doing chores for quite awhile and they take care of most of them without problems. I firmly believe that kids (both boys and girls) need to learn the responsibility of taking care of household duties.

On that note, Ashley is also starting to do her own laundry. She will be 13 this year, and I was doing my whole families laundry by that age. I figure I am adding a child's laundry I might as well take one away. Now Jimmy and Lexi want to know when they can start their own. Not sure I trust them yet.

My BEST friend Amanda is HOME!!! I am so happy. I have missed her so much while she was studying in London. Amanda is graciously hosting my baby shower. I am looking forward to seeing a lot of people that I haven't in quite awhile. It will be fun.

Okay, that is all for now. Back to bed with my feet up. I bought a new book and have some magazines to read so that should keep me occupied for now.

Hugs,
Angie

Happy Anniversary Honey

2008-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

my love, I want you and the world to know how much I love you!!!! We have spent the past 11 years together and each year is better than the year before. I thank God everyday for you.

Here is the song that I feel perfectly captures how I feel....Enjoy. (Even if it is country).

XOXO, me

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMu9MZQpMus&feature=related

Happy Birthday, Grandma B.

2008-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say Happy Birthday to my grandma. She passed away almost 12 years ago. She would have been 94 today. Undoubtedly, my grandma was THE MOST influential person in my life. I stayed at her house A LOT!! Just about every weekend and a good portion of the summer. Grandma B. raised 9 kids, had an amazing garden with fresh tomatos, red and yellow raspberries, green beans, and was the strongest 4'11" women I have ever met.

I miss her like crazy!! These flowers remind me of her because she had a beautiful lilac bush in the center of her backyard. Just looking at this picture, I can smell those flowers.

Tell someone today that you love them and what they mean to you.
Hugs,
Angie

Brownies for Breakfast

2008-04-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

AKA....Happy Birthday Lexi.

Lexi turns 9 today. Isn't amazing how quickly they grow up?!? We celebrated "officially" over the weekend. Lexi and her best friend, Alina (and mommy) all went to get manicures and pedicures. So much fun!! The girls were only expecting to get their toes done, but daddy paid for both. They also had flowers painted on their toes too which they LOVED!!

After that, we came home, went to the pool and then on to Chuck E. Cheese (another surprise for Lexi). The kids had a great time! Alina spent the night and we enjoyed movies, games, a cake that looked like a hamburger and fries. Oh yeah and a LITTLE sleep. All in all I think Lexi had a good time.

So, this morning, I thought, "what can I do to make today special without going crazy?" So, brownies sounded good. Why not, right?!?! You only celebrate a birthday once a year. I think this may be a new tradition in our household. Lexi certainly thinks it is a great idea. By the way (for the grandparents reading this....)they DID have milk with their brownies-hee hee!!!

Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEXI. We love you very much and you bring us such joy everyday.

Love,

Mom, Dad, Ashley, Jimmy, Addison, and all the animals

XOXO

We are having a......

2008-04-08T13:20:00.001-07:00

Baby GIRL!!! We are so excited. This picture shows her little nose and chubby cheeks just like Jimmy and Lexi have. We have another picture that shows her foot and it is so cute (and big, like Ashley!).

So, baby Addison is doing really good. Measuring right on target for August 21st. She weighs approximately 14 oz. right now. Boy was she active during the ultrasound. She kicked the hand of the technician several times and moved the wand. I had to laugh because up until the whole thing started she had been asleep. The tech even mentioned that that was good so she could get some good measurements. Well, sleep didn't last long.

Jon and I went shopping and bought some cute PINK clothes, a bib that says I Love my big sister (to show Lexi what the baby is), and little white shoes with lace.

Anyways, that is all for now. I just had to post to update everyone. Enjoy the picture!!
Hugs,
Angie

20 weeks and counting!!

2008-04-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it has been awhile since I posted anything. Things have gotten a little crazy around here: I had to postpone school temporarily in order to keep my sanity, the kids are keeping us busy as usual, I have had near (and sometimes actual) fainting spells, Lexi is recovering from an ear infection, etc. CRAZY.

Anyways, here we are....5 days until the BIG ultrasound. I can't wait to find out if it's going to be......Jacob Paul or (drum roll here, we chose a girl name....) Addison Irelynn.

Lexi went with me to my last appointment. I am trying to involve them as much as possible with the pregnancy, so I will take each one individually to an appointment. Lexi felt so grown up and was happy to report back to daddy all the details of the heartbeat (145 and strong) and what I need to be doing in order to prevent myself from passing out. Next regular appointment is April 22nd and Jimmy will be going.

On Wednesday night, the baby was very active and we could actually see him/her moving. The kids really liked that. They watched him for about a half an hour and he happily moved around the whole time. (Either happily or scared out of his mind that he is coming into this family!!!:) )

So, I will come back and post on Tuesday or Wednesday next week to let you all know whether it's blue or pink! We are celebrating by going to an Indians/Angels game that night. Hope the baby likes baseball (or I should say ALL sports as much as the rest of us).

Hugs,
Angie

Well, here we are....

2008-02-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here is me...12 weeks, 4 days...and of course our little guy. The two white spots toward the right are his feet. I know it is kinda hard to see these things. Jon and I went to our second appointment today. We met our doctor, who seems very nice and he was so thorough with us. My blood pressure was up, so they want to see me every 2 weeks now.

We were able to get another ultrasound done because they were worried they wouldn't be able to hear a heartbeat. Well, we seen the little flicker which made us very happy. We also seen a face and a hand. No "parts" yet, but soon.....and we all KNOW it's a boy (keeping fingers, toes, and everything else crossed). So what do you think?!? So cute, right? He seems to be doing really good, all developing the way he's supposed to. Even measuring 3 days earlier than we had thought...changing that due date AGAIN to Aug. 21.

Jon and the kids have been calling me Buddha because I have grown so much. However, I have not gained one pound (just tells me that I needed to lose alot of weight--thank you to my medications).

We are very excited and have started picking out baby gear. It's amazing though how your tastes change the 4th time around. I am not looking at too much cutesy themed stuff. I also realize what is necessity and what is just frills. I have looked at the baby websites that list what you need and deleted half of it!! We are waiting to buy anything until after April 8th. We have the BIG ultrasound then and will (hopefully) be able to tell boy/girl.

Okay, so enough rambling. Please let me know if you read this. I would love to hear a little comment or two. Also, we are taking suggestions for girl names (that start with A). If you have any let us know!!

Hugs,
Angie and Baby

I'm sorry

2008-01-23T22:23:00.000-08:00

I apologize to the 2 people who read this blog. I have been terrible about keeping it up. Let me just say that I have a really good excuse. Morning sickness is kicking my rear end!!! There are some days, like today, when I can hold nothing down. It has been really hard.

On to other baby news...since I last posted, I went to the doctor and we had our first ultrasound done. Well, I am not as far along as I thought I was. My due date is now August 24th. This will prove interesting since it is around that time that the kids start school. Fun. Oh, well. We'll figure it out, I'm sure.

My school is going good. I have finally setteled into somewhat of a routine again. Trying to get back into has been tough but, I think, I have finally gotten it.

I signed up for Library of Memories (Big Picture Scrapbooking)!! I am so excited because I have wanted to take this class since last year. It starts in February and I am really looking forward to it. Speaking of scrapbooking, I am taking one day off a month to scrap. My first day doing this is on Friday and I can't wait. I have a couple of projects to work on. This just means that I HAVE to get all my school stuff done tomorrow.

The weather has been interesting here lately. This week is a rainy week. It is also VERY cold, so I am hoping for snow in Julian, so that we can head up this weekend and enjoy it. Julian is about an hour and a half away. The kids love to go up there in the snow.

Well, that is all for now.
Hugs,
Angie

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. We stayed home (as we always do) and watched the ball drop with the kids and toasted with sparkling cider. I was exhausted and extremely sick!!! Morning sickness is kicking my butt (can't wait till this part is over!).

We have begun moving very slowly into our apartment. We are going to get a truck this weekend and finish up the big stuff. It is kind of weird having stuff in 2 locations but it has been nice to set up as we go. Hopefully this means that the unpacking will be minimal. We have been tossing a TON of stuff, and also have a bunch ready to go to Goodwill. Trying to be mindful of the tiny apartment + new baby.

Jon bought me the most gorgeous bed on New Years Eve. We have been shopping for a new bed and found one we liked at IKEA. So we planned on getting that this weekend. Well, we went to the mall and there was a furniture store going out of business. It was the last day so they had like 4 or 5 pieces left. We immediately fell in love with this big wooden bed frame. Very rustic looking. Price tag 1900 originally. Marked down to 800 or so...guy comes out of nowhere and says, 80 % off of everything. That bed is $225!!!!! Okay, we will take it. Poor Jon, he is moving everything by himself (he prefers that, we have had offers to help). I wish I could do more. I have been packing and unpacking as we go though, so hopefully that is helping him somewhat.

Well, my first appointment is Monday. Can't wait. We will have an ultrasound, etc. so hopefully we will have a picture to post next week.

Love to all,
Angie

Wow!

2007-12-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been an interesting couple of weeks for our family. We found out on Friday (after 2 tests!!), that I am pregnant. Right now the guess is that I am due July 28, 2008. Let me just tell you, this is a total surprise right now! I don't think we have totally wrapped our brains around the idea yet.

8 years ago, after Lexi was born, I was diagnosed with PCOS (which many of you know). Honestly, this devastated me at the time because we were told without help we would not have any more children. I really wanted to have another baby, I have felt that our family was incomplete. It took awhile but somehow I did manage to accept it (still secretly hoping...). So here we are 8 years later, I began feeling "funny". Not quite right. Ok, so maybe wishful thinking, I took a test Friday am....almost immediately that second line showed up. So, I called Jon and told him, then proceeded to call just about everyone else in the world. LOL.... then I thought, what if that test was wrong....ok, I am going to the store to get test #2. Different brand/different store. Just in case. Came home and again that second line showed up immediately. WOW!!

We are very excited. We are hoping for a boy, but will be just as happy with a girl. Happy and healthy is the main wish. I just feel that we are in such a different place this time. A little older/wiser. A little more financially set. Plus the kids will be able to enjoy the whole idea a little more. (although 2 of the 3 could care less--Ashley and Jimmy). Not the response we expected from Lexi who is absolutely thrilled.

So...if I don't post often for a few weeks, keep me in your prayers. Morning sickness has begun (although it has been more like ALL DAY sickness!). And I cannot get enough sleep. Most nights I am out before Jon which is unheard of in our house. Plus a 2 hour nap during the day seems to be getting me through for now.

So, that is all for now!! First appointment and ultrasound is on Jan. 7th, so I will scan and post the picture soon.

Hugs,

Angie

P.S. this is our Christmas tree this year. We didn't want to have to unpack/repack the big tree and decorations since we are moving back into the old apartments on December 30. Next year I plan on going all out (baby's 1st and all....)

An Update!

2007-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Hello. Sorry it has been awhile since I have posted. It has been a crazy couple of weeks.

First, Jon and I have been sick. Jon actually went to the doctor last week. She put him on antibiotics, which made it worse and it's still not better. Fun!

We went to AZ for Thanksgiving to see my sister in law and her family. We had a blast with the girls. Thanksgiving dinner was great (especially since I didn't cook or clean up). We ate at one of the hotels near where we were staying. All in all a nice, relaxing time.

When we came back, we knew that the house auction would be happening. Well, we called the number and were told that it had been in fact bought by a bank. A couple days later, we received a letter from a realtor telling us to stop paying rent (we already did), and that they would call us to work out something. So now, we wait on that call.

But.....last night, we went and looked at a condo just down the street from us (read:same schools!) and we made an offer. It needs some work (new carpet, ASAP), but we are happy with it. Especially for the price. So now we wait for that call to see if it has been accepted or not!

So for now, that is all. I hope to post some pictures soon. Jon bought me a really nice camera for Christmas (yes, early) and I have some cute pics to share!

Have a great week!! I will update as soon as I hear anything, I promise (for the 2 people reading this :) )

Hugs,
Angie

Cute!

2007-11-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of cute things to start off your week home with kids or soon to be visiting family--hee hee!!

This mom is so cool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anSpBUxsgAU How true is this, moms??

And, introducing..... a new baby in the family......Her name is Holly Berry. She weighs 6 lbs. and is so much fun! We love her to pieces and can't get enough of her. What do you think?! Don't mind me in the picture. It was taken last night, right before bed. Got to love Jon!!

Have a great day and an even better week!! Be thankful for your blessings!

Hugs,

Angie & Holly (who is sitting on my lap as I type this)

What Can I say....

2007-11-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry, it's been awhile. Jon and I have been very sick. Really bad colds, not good. Thank God none of the kids got it, but let's just say, they had a few fun days with mom and dad being down for the count--LOL!

So, I think I am back to feeling pretty much normal. School is still going good. I finished my first set of classes and got a 4.0!! WooHoo. So cool. I also registered for the spring semester: 3 English classes and a math class. That should be fun.

Jon and I just celebrated our "dating" anniversary. We met in college in August. (not saying the year to protect those who still think I am 12--lol). We became friends, called each other to chat, hung out during class breaks, etc. Just had fun. Well, I had a crush on him. I thought he had a girlfriend so I did a little snooping. During one of our class breaks, he had left the room, so a friend and I opened up his notebook for class. Inside was the neatest handwritting I had seen. So that proved he had a girlfriend (AND...she was doing his homework!!). Turns out, my husband just has neat handwriting. I am sure that I will never live that story down. Oh well. So we went out on our first date on November 9th. and then out again on November 10th. After that we were pretty much inseperable. And as they say...the rest is history.

Update on the house....auction has been postponed, AGAIN, until November 29. We have talked to several people who say that we have 60 days from the time it sells to move. If that is the case, we are here until the end of January. However, we have been looking (or I should say, Jon has been looking) for somewhere to live. I really want to stay here. I love being this close to the beach, the schools are great, we have a lot of close friends, etc. I know that everything happens for a reason so we will see what happens.

Hope everyone is doing well. I know that I have been meaning to post some pictures and I will try to do that soon.

Hugs,
Angie

Pictures

2007-10-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

My truck...I seen from Jimmy's window that it was covered in ash. I couldn't believe how much once I went out and actually seen it.

Ash on our porch...see how it is piled up?!?! Amazing since there is hardly any wind. I seen pictures from Vista that show the night sky "snowing" with ash!!

Sun Peaking from behind our house...it's a bright orange/red color (It's 3:00 pm in the picture)

Packed and ready to go......

What a week!!

2007-10-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

First off...we are safe. The fires evacuated almost everyone around us. We waited for the phone to ring, or a police officer to come by. On Monday, we decided to go ahead and pack the car, just in case. I stayed up for the night watching the news. There were definitely some scary moments as the evacuation orders got closer and closer. I think the scariest part for me was when during one of the many press conferences, someone said that they felt the fire would reach the coast.

The humidity has gone up. The wind hasn't been much around here at all for the last 3 days. It has been eerily quiet outside. Since everyone is told to remain indoors as much as possible, the streets are quiet. We have a street that is right behind our house. During a normal day (and night) there are cars constantly. It has hardly any on it now. I have been out a couple of times to take Little Man out or just check on things. My car is covered in ash. We have piles of ash along the curb in the front of the house. I have a gardenia in the backyard that was white, now it is a strange orange/brown color. But honestly, if that is all we have to deal with, it is so minor.

I know that several of our friends have had to be evacuated over the course of 3 days. Last I heard, everyone is safe...I pray that is still true. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I pray this is over soon.

I would just like to thank ALL firefighters around the world for the job they do. I can't imagine how tough it must be. There have been such acts of heriosm shown on the news. THANK YOU!!

On to other news: because of the fires....the auction of our house is now postponed another 2 weeks. This is good news because now we won't have to move until after the holidays! God is good. I know that everything will work out for the best.

School is going great. I am on my last week of my 1st set of classes. I am excited to start some new classes. So far, still doing good. :)

I hope you are all safe and healthy. Please email me or call me to let me know you are safe.
Hugs,
Angie

P. S. We took a couple of pictures that I will post in another post.

Granted One Wish

2007-10-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was THE day. The day that the house was supposed to be sold at auction. We got lucky, they postponed it by one week. That gives us another week to stay here. And we continue to look for a new house. We are going to try to buy something. Wish us luck.

On to other news, Wednesday was Jon's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweetheart. We had a very low key celebration at home with just the family. It was very nice.

School is going great. I couldn't be happier! I have one week left in my first set of classes. My classes are 8 weeks long, which is great since it seems to be about that time that I have grown tired and I am looking for something new.

The kids are doing great too! Ashley just received her progress report. Very proud--3 A's/3 B's. Jimmy is working very hard to try to learn the violin. Lexi is doing wonderfully and excelling so good in 3rd grade.

I am forever thankful to have such a great family. I wouldn't change it for the world. I am also so thankful for the few REALLY good friends I have. I have to say how wonderful it was to call Amanda and just cry on the phone. It felt good. I think that in your time of need true friends will be there for you, no matter what. Amanda has called 3 times to see how I am doing since. I know that she is crazy busy but she made time to check on me!! I LOVE YOU GIRL!!!

Ok, so that is all for now....OHHHH......by the way, I have been inspired to scrapbook again! I went and got a really cool new acrylic album at my local scrapbook store and I am so excited to make something new out of it. I will post pictures soon! I also have to say, the scrapbook companies just continue to wow me with the new stuff that comes out all the time! Can't wait to see what's next.

Hugs,
Angie

2007-10-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory....

Yesterday, we had to have our beloved Lady put to rest. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy about 2 years ago. Apparently, in certain breeds it is very common. Unfortunately, Lady was a mix of 2 of those breeds. She began having seizures that would happen once or twice a month. When we took her to the vet, they put her on medication, which worked for a little while. This medication had side affects that we had to weigh whether it was the best for Lady. We decided to stop the medication and the seizures were the same. Lady went for a couple months recently without any seizures. Then she had one. And then another and so on. In a 36 hour time period, Sunday to Tuesday, she had 11 seizures. The seizures are really hard to watch. She began throwing up and was just not herself. So we made a very difficult decision. We know she is in a better place.

A little history of Lady: we adopted her from a Humane Society when she was just 3 weeks old. (That was 10 years ago). We had to bottle feed her since she was so young. She became our baby. We had gotten her about 2 months before we had Jimmy, so she grew up with him. When we first got her and we would take her out, she would bounce around the front yard and we could hardly see her. She was considered the runt of the family. She turned out to be alot bigger than we imagined! At our house in Florida, we had orange groves behind us. Well, as Lady grew...so did her curiousity. She would run through those orange groves and through the neighborhood as fast as she could. We would have a heck of a time trying to catch her. She would wait for the front door to open and her chance to go and she was gone!!! A lot of our family and friends had a chance at one time or another to chase Lady! (Even my father in law, after I chewed him out and used a few words I won't repeat because he had let her out). It became a bit of a joke.

So today, Lady is running through those orange groves and having a good time! We will miss her dearly.

Rest in peace, our sweet "moosie". We love you always!

36 hours, 24 minutes, and I don't know...

2007-09-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

how many seconds...but the countdown is on to the new season of Grey's!! Oh my, I seriously cannot wait. I have so many unanswered questions. I watched the repeat of the season finale last week just to refresh my mind and it was soooo good! Didn't realize how much I missed it. Now, I need to go get a bottle of wine, some chocolate, and wait.

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Ok, so Jon and I are a little anal about this. It started when we first had Ashley. (and little money!)We would go to Walmart/Kmart starting in June/July to put stuff on layaway for her. Every year we would have our shopping DONE by October. This was great! So we continued it. It is also a really nice way to "hide" those Christmas presents from nosy little bodies. So, on Monday Jon took a half day off work and we did a little shopping/planning for what we are going to get the kids this year. I am really happy with our decisions. I think the kids will enjoy it too.

I am thoroughly enjoying school at this point. It is so nice to see a good grade and feel as though I have accomplished something. So far, I have gotten 100 percent on everything I have turned in. I am learning A LOT!! I think that everyone should take a class or find some way to stretch your mind. There are studies done that the more you use your brain the less likely you are to get Alzheimer's disease. It's worth a shot, right?!

Speaking of stretching, I am patiently waiting on my first package to arrive from http://push.tv. This is a cool program that is customized by you. You pick the trainer, the music, the workout, etc. Each month they send you a new DVD. I like that it is customized and each month builds on the previous month. Check it out!

Well, my American Democracy book is calling my name. I guess I should go!
Hugs,
Angie

Brrrrr!!

2007-09-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, it is getting cold! I think today the high was 67 degrees! Just seems crazy for the middle of September. I am hearing that we are to get the worst storm San Diego has seen in 20 years...we'll see. I'm sure for San Diego it will be, but when you live in Florida for 5+ years you really know what a storm is...I'm not even talking hurricanes. :)

Can you believe that we are in the 4th week of school already?!?! Time flies, right?!

Jimmy started his violen lessons. Right now, they are just practicing strumming the strings with their hands. I can't imagine what happens when he REALLY starts playing. Thank God for ear plugs--hee hee--just kidding (sort of).

Lexi and I have been watching this show on BBC America--How Clean is Your House. Man, these people are disgusting. It inspires Lexi and I both to get up and clean.

So, I have been home now for a couple of weeks and have to say that I am enjoying it. I keep thinking Jon is going to get wise to my set up and tell me it is time to go back to work. I will keep bribing him with a clean house and dinner. That seems to be working for now.

Well, that is all I have for now!
Hugs,
Angie

The Biggest Loser

2007-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Have you watched this show? I have watched it since season 1. It is an amazing show. If you haven't watched it (you should), the show starts off with contestants from all over the country who have a lot of weight to lose. They are divided into 2 groups and compete (by losing weight and other competitions) to win a grand prize at the end of the season (and be called the Biggest Loser). It amazes me each season to see these people who have so much weight to lose, get out there on National TV, and 1. weigh themselves (girls in sports bra/spandex shorts, real flattering! Guys in shorts only) and 2. work their booties off (literally)! I can't even motivate myself to walk for 20 minutes. These people are working out for HOURS at a time! I bow down to the contestants!! They are all inspiring. In fact, the most inspiring to me last night was Jerry. He is 62 years old!!! He won the 1st competition and went on to lose the most weight ever in BL history! He lost 31 lbs in a little over a week. Amazing!!! Anyways, if you need inspiration or a good cry(trust me, you will cry!) Watch this show. It's on Tuesdays at 8 pm, I think. It's on NBC.

Ok, on to other news....I got 100 percent on my first assignment for my government class!! Woo Hoo! So excited. My kids were all high fiving me!

I also bought the most gorgeous bedding for my bed. We have not updated our bedroom in, let's see....hmmm, I don't think we have EVER updated our bedroom. So, yesterday, I went to JCPenney. I knew they were having a sale on bedding. Well, I came across the 75 % off table. I found a sage green bedding set for 64.97! King Size! Ok, now off to find sheets. Score: sale on sheets : 19.99 originally 70.00! Now, we need pillows....on sale....60% off! So I purchase these items and take them to my car. I go back into the store to go into the mall and browse a bit. A little treat for myself--alone time at the mall, awww....what luxury! Anyways, I see the cutest little throw pillow on the clearance table. Price 60.00!!!! (I'm serious when I say LITTLE). No way...ok, price check please....3.97!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I will take it. It's the same green as the bedding with crystal beads sewn across the front, too cute! So I'm ringing up with the same girl from the original purchase, she says, I have more decorative pillows in the back for your set want to see them? Sure why not! $110 worth of pillows for 19.99!! Woo Hoo, all told I spent 150.00 to redecorate my room...savings was.....are you ready......$750!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY....never before has my bed looked so beautiful. Now to keep the kids off of it--LOL. It felt like sleeping in a hotel bed last night. First thing I did this morning was make my bed so that I could just sit and look at it! That's one way to motivate me to clean right?

Ok, so are you ready for fall??? I am!! Fall is my favorite season ever! I brought out my fall decorations yesterday and put them out. I even bought a new rug for outside the door. I love pumpkins, leaves falling, cool weather, FOOTBALL!!, apple cider, etc. Oh yeah, and the kids are back in school--hee hee!! Do you think it is too early for the decorations? I hope not, because I am enjoying seeing my cute little scarecrows and small fake pumpkins on my ledge. Also, the smell of pumpkin pie candles---mmmmmm!!!!

Ok, that is all for now! Hope everyone has a great week!
Hugs,
Angie

Just a quick post!

2007-09-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank all of my wonderful friends (family) from EA. You all mean so much to me. You have all been there for me in ways that no one else was and I appreciate it! I had a blast last night and was glad that the night was filled with laughter instead of tears. I did get a little teary eyed reading my scrapbook! So kind of all of you! Oh, and Monica--amazing job designing the cover. It is beautiful.

First Assignment Down--250,000 to go !

2007-09-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Well, ladies and gentleman...I did it...my first assignment for my government class was submitted just a few short moments ago. I am still sweating and shaking. I will now sit anxiously waiting to see what my grade will be. Oh, the nerves...I called Jon today and said, "What was I thinking? I can't do this!" He reassured me (AGAIN) that I will be just fine. I did hear a tone in his voice. Not sure if it was the frustration of him telling me that for the 500th time or maybe he thinks I really CAN'T do it!!!!!!!!!LOL. It better not be that!!

I looked over the next few weeks for my 2 classes. OH. MY. I wish I hadn't done that. In my New Testament class, I have a 750-1000 word essay due EVERY week! The government class is a little better. But don't these people realize that I am not a NORMAL college student. I have 3 kids, a husband, a house, and soap operas to watch (ok, so yes I can tivo them, but still). Maybe I will submit that as one of my essays.."The Reasons I Cannot Write These Essays Every Week."

No really, I am excited. Just a little overwhelmed and still trying to get into the groove of it all.

I am going to start helping out in one of the Kindergarten classes next week during centers. This makes me so happy and keeps my mind focused on why it is that I am making myself insane with worry. I helped out in centers with all 3 of the kids kindergarten classes so I know what I am doing at this point. It is a lot of fun to see the little light bulb go off over there heads when they finally "get it".

My EA family is having a going away party for me on Sunday. I can't wait to see everyone. I am sure that I will cry. I have promised to come in all the time. I'm sure that they will finally get tired of seeing me and ban me from the store. But until that time comes, I will go in every chance I get. I do have to keep adding to my scrapbook stash after all. I can't let it get below a certain toppling over point in the Harry Potter closet. I think that I may have lost a kid in their the last time I opened it. Hmmm, maybe that is what that smell is....(just kidding, mom!).

That is all I have for now.
Oh, except for a quote from Lexi: As we were walking home, Jimmy says to Lexi: "In 5th grade, we get to ride our bikes to school, dad says". Lexi turns to me and says: "That's because we will be grown up then and we will know KUNG-FU!"as she is doing her best kung fu kick and karate chop action. Where do they come up with this stuff and yes I will talk to daddy about NOT letting them ride their bikes to school in 5th grade!

Hugs,
Angie

A Changed Title

2007-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I realize that I haven't kept up on this nearly as much as I said I would. I have changed the title in hopes that MAYBE I can succeed--hee hee.

This week has been full of ups and downs. A lot is changing in our little family:
Ashley started 7th grade. I know, she was in middle school last year too. However, this year she is not in one little section of the school. (6th graders have ONE area to go to, 7 and 8 have the rest of the campus). On the FIRST day of school, we get a call on our answering machine..........FROM A BOY!!!! Ok, not just any boy. This is the boy that Ashley has had a crush on for 3 years! He asked her "out". Oh, and yeah, if she wants to go out with him, give him a hug in the hallway sometime----WHAT?!?!??! So NOT ready for this. You should have seen Daddy's face--lol.
Jimmy started 4th grade. Again, shouldn't be a big deal right? Well, that means he is on a different playground then Lexi. This worried me a lot because he has always been there to keep an eye on her (although, I suspect she also kept an eye on him). He told me that yesterday, him and his friends came over and played on her playground to check on her. AWWWW, melted my heart!
Not much has changed for Lexi. I am sure that it is coming though. She is now in 3rd grade. She already wants to be on Student Council, just like Jimmy (who, btw, is running for Treasurer).

School starts for me next week. I can't wait. I am so beyond excited to get going. I had to do a full day of online tutorials yesterday just to be ready. Fun!! Also, my last day of work is next Wednesday. I am so going to miss it. I have gotten teary eyed every day for the last week. It will be hard since I have worked there for 2 1/2 years! They are like my family.

Oh, we have moved our "wedding" to May 16th. This is our original date. We just felt it best since we don't really know how long we have until we have to move again. Hoping for the best though.

Well, that is all for now. Hope all is well with everyone else.
Lots of Love,
Angie

WOW! What a Weekend

2007-08-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ashley's birthday party was Saturday. We allowed Jimmy and Lexi to invite 1 friend each, and Ashley invited 3 to the Wave waterpark in Vista. Unfortunately, only 1 of Ashley's friends could make it to the park but they did spend the night.
What can I say....the waterpark idea was THE BEST idea for a birthday party (for kids old enough to swim).
I do have 3 suggestions though:
1. Make sure each child has a buddy. That was the #1 Rule for the day--Do not go anywhere without your buddy.
2. Bring snacks. The website says it isn't allowed--I smuggled them in my beach bag. Great for those times between lunch when the kids said they were hungry. Note to self, next time bring water bottles too.
3. Rent the cabana #15 (or any of the cabanas that are above the Lazy River. It was so nice to be able to spread out our stuff while we went on the river or the slides. Also, great to have some shade and a table to eat lunch. Very nice!!

It was a lot of fun. I would post pictures but don't want any parents upset for their child being on the internet.

We then came home, and Veronica and Amanda came over for dinner and cake. The kids were all playing and having a blast. So the adults were all just chatting. Somewhere during this chat, Amanda and Veronica start talking about getting V's belly button pierced. Ok, let's go now! So we head off (leaving the kids/dinner to Jon--you are wonderful honey!!).

Amanda already has her's pierced and I have been wanting to get mine done too. However it will have to wait until I lose this annoying weight! I held V's hand, while Amanda was the official photography. I think I still have indentions on my hand. I felt as though V was in labor, not getting a belly button piercing--LOL! We made it through. It looks amazing and I am so jealous by how great both of these girls look!! Awww...to be young again!

When we got back it was time for cake. Great job, Ashley. She picked out a really cute Tinkerbell Cake -- chocolate with fudge filling and buttercream frosting. As one of the girls said at the party--birthday calories don't count which is really good because that cake was pretty sinful. The kids then settled down for movies. Amanda, V, and I went up to my room to watch Music and Lyrics. This was a really cute movie. They left around 10 pm, and about an hour later all the kids were out!! I couldn't believe it--must have been the water, sun, and running around all day.

Sunday, I pretty much slept all day. Jon and I are really sunburned. We did put on sunscreen?!?!

I promise to post some pics soon. I know, mom, you want to see the house. I am hoping to take some now that the house is finished tomorrow and then get them onto a cd so I can download them. Hopefully I can get that done soon!

OHHHHH, I almost forgot! I am enrolled in school now. I start on Sept. 4th! I can't wait. I found an online program to get my degree and certification together. I should be teaching by 2010!! I can't wait. This is going to be quite an adventure.

I promise to keep this updated more. Just been crazy couple of days.
Hugs,
Angie

A quick post with another pic!

2007-08-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here is the newest baby of the family. This is Jon's car. I haven't really fallen for it like he has. First, I can't drive it like I said earlier. Second, whenever we go anywhere it is a pain because it only has 2 doors--reminder: we have 3 kids--hee hee!

I will admit it is pretty. But not nearly as HOT as ME!! And Jon, you better remember that :). Love you honey!

Good night all, the next few days are crazy busy! I will update soon.

Love, Angie

Where does the time go????

2007-08-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Jon just sent me this photo. It was sent to him by his uncle. Can you believe how little they are??? Starting at the left: Lexi, 2; Jimmy, 3; Matthew,2; Rhea, 4; and Ashley, 6.

Now, here we are 6 years later...Ashley is turning 12 in 6 days!!!!!!! I can't believe how quickly the time goes. It happens way too fast. It literally feels like yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the first time. I can remember exactly how I felt, how she smelled; all of the sites and sounds around us seemed to disappear. Amazing.
When you have your first child you can't help but realize there has to be a God. You hold that child, counting fingers and toes, and all of the pain that you just went through is somehow magically gone. (Trust me, you remember it real quick with the later ones though :))
So now here we are 12 years later, she is inviting several friends to a waterpark/slumber party. On her wish list she has things like: CD's, downloads for her MP3, sunglasses, makeup. Crazy! What happened to Barbies and Baby Dolls?
I have to say though, that even during the difficult times of a colicky baby, teething, terrible 2's, 3's, 4's...., etc. I have loved EVERY single stage. This new stage is exciting too. Ashley is becoming more lovable (I know, I am trying to enjoy it while it lasts), I am able to talk to her about more things, and she is just fun to be around. I can't wait to see what the year has in store for us!

Well, enough for now.
Hugs, Angie

Counting the days

2007-07-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, Back to School is only 4 weeks away!! Anyone who has kids knows exactly what I am talking about. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids but.....it is very hard to keep them entertained all day long. Plus with 3, some combination of them is ALWAYS fighting. "Mom, she hit me." "She won't let me play with her and her friends." "I'm hungry." "I'm bored." These are the 4 phrases I have heard over and over again this summer. UGHHH!! Every time I hear the door close and those little footsteps coming around the corner I just want to run and hide. LOL!!

So, back to school is exciting this year. I will have a 7th, 4th, and 3rd grader AND.....I have also decided to go back to school myself and finally do what my heart has wanted all my life. I am going to teach. I am excited and very apprehensive. I know that I will do fine once I get started but it is always the fear of the unknown. I am the type that doesn't like alot of change. So, I do the same things until I am forced to move on, even when I am not happy doing those things. In this case, Jon has been telling me for awhile that he thinks I should go back to school. Like I said earlier, I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 5 and I had the BEST kindergarten teacher. After that, my 4th and 6th grade teachers inspired me in ways that still affect me today. I love the way they made the light bulb go on for me. I want to do that for kids too.

Ok, so I have had a couple of questions in previous posts that I will answer.
V---The only quiet time I have is at 6 am. I KNOW this is an ungodly hour. I am not a morning person, however if I want 5 minutes of uninterrupted time, this is the time to do it. :)
Casey--Yes, I kind of have a scrap area in my new house. We have a formal dining room with a large table and I have a Harry Potter closet (named by Amanda)which stores all of my supplies. I have scrapped 3 or 4 times and like the set up. I do have a cabinet that is in the process of being repainted and once that is set up it will make life a little more easy.
Also, I do need to post some pictures of the NEW car (which btw, is getting a lot of attention lately--not that I am jealous or anything--hee hee). It's just been a crazy couple of weeks for us. Normally I am home more at night, but my schedule has me at the store. So, when I am home, Jon has the car at work. We are both home tonight so I will see what I can do.

I love answering your questions, so keep them coming. Also, I hope to update this blog soon. There are several sites that have been inspiring me lately and I want to share them. Keep your eyes out for that!

Hugs, Angie

The Best Intentions

2007-07-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

I love to be organized. Let me rephrase that....I would love to be organized. However, it just never seems to happen for me. I start off great keeping things put away, making lists (yes honey, I know ANOTHER list--hee hee), etc. etc. Usually within a day or two, it gets thrown out the window and I am back to making piles. Not a good idea in my house.

So I try again. I have gone to tons of websites (flylady, organizedhome, etc) to help. For some reason I can't get the hang of it. But the other night at work, one of the girls mentioned that she makes a list of things to do every morning. She crosses off as she goes. Not everything gets done and that is ok, just move to another day--DUH!! Hello, why didn't I think of that. I make a list and get so frustrated that the list isn't complete at the end of the day so I give up.

I started my own list the next morning. It was great. It was also helpful when I made phone calls to have that paper handy so I could write down the important stuff and relay it to Jon when he came home. No more searching for that scrap piece of paper while on the phone, then a pen, ok a crayon....and then trying to find said piece of paper when I needed it, only to realize that it is either A.in one of the piles mentioned above or B. the kids have written their trollz passwords all over it or C. I thought it was kids numerous artwork so I tossed it.

So, I kept that list going for 3 days and completed almost all of it. Today I started fresh, listing phone calls I need to make, etc. I hope it works for me.

The other thing that I realized during the move is: I am not good with filing. hmmmm, 4 boxes of paper!!! Not good. Well, as I was going through the boxes I came across an accordian file that I had used successfully while on vacation (to hold plane tickets, car reservations, maps, etc--highly recommend!) and decided to use that for my wedding planning stuff. Ok, that is working. One place to keep all of those papers. Found another one and put it to use for resteraunt coupons. I think I am on to something here. Those piles are shrinking. I have a PLACE for those things now. I think I will get a couple more accordian files: one for bills and one for kids stuff. I also thought this morning, one would be great to put all those pages from magazines that I would like to use but couldn't seem to get to work in a binder system. I hear everyone else uses that option, but I couldn't get it to work.

I guess, it's all about finding the tools and ideas that work for YOU. It might not be perfect, but if it helps me these systems will make me very happy. I will let you know.

Have a great day. I know mine will be because it will be a little more productive. :)
Love, Angie

The Red Mustang

2007-07-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

No, the mustang isn't mine...Jon decided tonight to go and buy a red mustang. It is really nice but I don't think I will be able to drive it being that I am just a few inches too short (ok, ok...more than a few) Hee Hee!

A quick post really to say thank you to my dearest Mac N Cheese! You rock girl! Thank you for staying late with me. Also, please thank Adrianna for addressing the envelopes. Pizza is my treat on Saturday!

Well, good night for now!!
xoxo,
Angie

P.S. Amanda--if you are reading this--I am having withdrawals. It's been a week since we have had an adventure and I miss you like crazy!

The Notebook

2007-07-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know that I am behind the times a little. When you have kids it seems the only movies you ever see are kid related (which some aren't too bad, btw).

I recently joined Netflix since it is summer and honestly, there is NOTHING on tv! I heart Netflix!! It is such a cool thing to have a DVD arrive in your mailbox which you can return whenever you want to. So cool.

So I have probably 100 movies waiting to be sent but there was one in particular that I knew I HAD to see on good recommendation from all of my closest friends: Camille, Amanda, Andrea. The Notebook arrived about a week ago. It has been sitting on my shelf waiting for the right moment (when does that come with 3 kids?!?!) Anyways, I decided last night was the night to watch.

OH. I have not cried that much or that hard in quite awhile. It is truly my #1 favorite movie (I'm thinking of watching it again today and purchasing it this weekend). It is such a sweet love story. Without giving anything away in case you haven't seen it....it really opened my eyes to the reasons behind why I scrapbook. I know, a little strange, but if you've seen the movie you know what I am talking about. If you haven't seen it, please see it soon. I highly recommend it. Just keep a box of tissue next to you!

I went to bed at 1:00 and couldn't sleep, just layed there watching Jon snore and cried. I finally got up, went downstairs and poured out all of my emotions in a letter to my children. This letter states why I scrapbook. It's about sharing those memories that you don't want to forget but someday will. It happens, trust me. We all get older, new things happen and some of those sweet, precious memories start to fade. The smell of your newborn after a bath, the way I used to feel on a summers day at my grandma's house, the sounds of my children laughing for the first time, how yesterday I wanted to pull my hair out because my kids just would NOT stop fighting!! YES, I even want to remember that. This is why I scrapbook.

I don't just want to remember the events: trips to Disney or the zoo, birthday parties, etc. Yes, those are wonderful but I want to remember the everyday stuff.

So this letter that I wrote inspired my to start a book that will be Letters to My Children. Some of the pages will have pictures, some won't. In my mind atleast, scrapbooking isn't all about the photos. It is about preserving those moments you never want to forget. I started writing out a list of things that I want to share with my children from my own childhood on to now (and someday beyond). I am inspired and excited to start this project. It has been awhile since I have felt such inspiration. I actually almost scrapbooked last night. :) But it was 2:45 before I was finished getting all of my thoughts out and I was afraid I wouldn't be worth anything today...remember those 3 kids: they get up at the un-godliest of hours!!

Even if you don't have children or scrapbook :), start writing down those things from your own childhood, things about your parents and grandparents that you don't want to forget. Later you will be thankful to have those thoughts and memories saved for future generations.

So now that I have bored you (or hopefully inspired you). I will sign off for now. Thanks for reading my randomness for today!!

Love you all that read my blog!!
Hugs, Angie

4 months to go!

2007-07-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a few days since I posted and I am sorry. The holiday threw my whole routine off.

We had Katie's girls on Thursday (plus 6 other girls from the neighborhood) who all enjoyed watching High School Musical. Poor Jimmy, the only boy...secretly I think he LOVED it. hee hee.

Then Thursday night, my Amanda came over. We all went to Peppertree for dinner and ice cream---yummy!! Jon got me a large chocolate dipped cone (what was he thinking). I looked worse than the kids. I had ice cream dripping down my arm. Thankfully I was sitting on the ground where I could let it drip with no problems.

Katie and Amanda came back to the house where we all scrapbooked until way too late. So much fun!! I actually got some pages done and am pretty proud of them.

On Saturday, we had Jon's friends over from Hemet. Bill and Lorraine are the funniest people to be around. We had a blast and took the kids to the pool. They have a little boy who is 4 (and 2 girls:one a senior, one in college: talk about CRAZY!!). Aaron can't swim so he had on floaties. He would get a little away from the wall and BEG everyone around him to help him. It was so cute.

On the house front, with so many people coming by to enjoy the house, it is finally done!! I do have a few little boxes in my closet to work on. I hope to get those done today. It is nice to have it all together!

Soooo....on to my title...4 months to go...until the BIG day. Jon and I are renewing our vows in Julian. I can't wait. We didn't have a big wedding the first time so this time it will be the wedding I always wanted. We are going to have a big party! The thing that excites me the most is actually having some professional pictures taken. :)

So, with only 4 months left...I am on a major diet/exercise program to lose weight and get toned up! So far, so good...then again I just started on Monday--hee hee. Wish me luck.

To end this LONG post....a quick shout out to my friend, Casey, who just made the Rusty Pickle Design Team. Way to go!! I wish I had an ounce of the talent that you have. I wish you all of the best. Can't wait to see some of the projects in person.

I promise to update more often. Please leave a comment if you are reading this. I would love to know who is reading. Thanks!
Love,
Angie

Thank You For My Freedom

2007-07-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a quick moment to post a thank you to all of the military men and women out there who are defending our country. I am so proud to be living in the United States where my family has the freedoms that we have been given.

So thank you....and thank you to ALL military families. Honestly, I don't know how you do it. God Bless each and every one of you who have chosen to stand up for me (even though you don't know me) and every other citizen of the USA!

Wishing all of you a very happy and safe 4th of July. Enjoy the BBQ's, the fireworks, and a day off (if you have it) with your family and friends. Oh, and don't forget to thank a military person today!

The Best Husband EVER!!!

2007-06-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it has been awhile since I have posted. Moving is hard work. I shouldn't really say that because I haven't done a whole lot of the heavy lifting stuff.

My wonderful husband has moved every thing out of the old apartment into the house. Set up the beds, set up the furniture and he has gone back to the apartment to clean it!! How in the world did I get so lucky?!?!? Thank you honey, if you read this, you are the best. I love you.

So, I am so enjoying the bigger space. I feel lighter for some reason. I am so looking forward to having everything unpacked so that we can invite people over. Yes, there will still be decorating stuff to do but atleast we will have the space to enjoy our friends and family. I can't wait.

On Sunday, the EA team had a going away party for one of my all time favorite people Veronica. She has worked at the store for a couple of years now and she makes everyone laugh so hard. I love her spirit. She has confidence and a positive outlook on life that I wish I had at her age. The party was awesome. We partied at the boss' house, complete with a pool. It was a blast. Perfect way to wind down a weekend of moving.

Well, better run for now. I have to work tonight. Anyone have plans for the 4th yet? I am sure that we will hang out around the house enjoying the new back yard and maybe go to the beach for the fireworks. FUN!!
Lots of love,
Angie

Almost There!

2007-06-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

Here we are 2 days before our move. Now to most of you, moving is probably not so exciting. Let me try to explain what it means to our family.

We moved here almost 5 years ago. My husbands job transferred him out here, paying all of our moving expenses, etc. We thought at the time that it was a great idea. A fresh start. Still think that it was a good move. However, we sold a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house in Florida before we left. Ok, we thought, we know that we will HAVE to pay more for a house. Never did we imagine how much more. When we decided to move here, we knew no one in the area. We wanted to be in a good area, close to schools, and the place needed to accept dogs. No problem, we found all of that in one TINY apartment.

Key word there....TINY. It is 960 square feet. There are 5!! of us. Plus 2 dogs. When we first got here, we thought ok...we can do this for a little while until we find a house to buy. Well, the housing market here is a little bit different than Florida. We thought we would wait it out, hoping that the prices would lower to a more affordable rate. That didn't happen, unfortunately. So in our tiny apartment we stayed. Yes, we could have moved to another area...but we love this area, the schools are amazing and you certainly can't beat the weather or being 10 minutes from the beach!

Now here we are. Moving. It's almost unbelieveable at this point. The kids are getting older and need more space. We will be able to have friends over whenever we want and not feel that we are sitting on top of each other.

I am looking forward to having space to organize. I am looking forward to getting some normalcy back to our lives. Right now I am sitting in the middle of a million boxes. It will be nice to have it all put away. I still have stuff that didn't get unpacked from our original move. I don't even know what is in those boxes. It will feel like Christmas!

So, I am sure that I will not be able to post over the next couple of days. I will add pictures as soon as I can.
Love, Angie

32!

2007-06-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

So I know I haven't posted in a LOOOOONG time....sorry! But I do have good excuses. One is I was sick for a couple of days--not fun. And the second is I have been celebrating my birthday week. Yes, I said week. I am NOT one of those people who hates birthdays (atleast not yet). I love to celebrate and my birthday is no exception.

So the week started with a Sunday meeting at work. The crew sang to me, made me a card, gave me two gift cards (Home Depot and Color Me Mine :)) and a huge pot of flowers for my new front porch. Next came Wednesday, when my all time favorite scrap celebrity came to the store. Ali Edwards is the coolest, down to earth person you will ever meet. Super sweet, ultra talented, and extremly funny. Coolest part of the night: sharing pizza after the big event with Ali! So we had a TON of food left over so Amanda and I shared a cheese and cracker dinner with brownies for appetizers and dessert (hee hee). That was Thursday night.

Now we are at Friday, which btw, was my actual birthday. Amanda "kidnapped" me for our latest adventure. We went to Old Town in San Diego where we went to a tea house and shared a really cool tea party. The lady who owns it greeted us at the door and told us to pick a hat and a boa. Too Much fun trying out lots of combos. She took us out to the cute little bench and took pictures with "hattitude" :). Inside for raspberry creme tea--yummy---, scones, lemon cake, brownies, fruit, etc. It was an amazing time---thank you Amanda for that special treat.

Ok, so you know Amanda and I cannot hang out with out getting into some trouble--hee hee. When we were leaving, we backed into another car. I think we sat and looked at each other for a few minutes before we got out to check the damage. Thank God, there was none. It took us both a few minutes to calm down before we bust out laughing. Only the two of us!! So now we head home.....uhm, kind of...the fair is going on so we got stuck in major traffic. Then we heard there was a bad accident up ahead. What else are we to do but get off the freeway and drive along Coast Highway. It too was pretty packed but atleast we had a nice view (of the beach and a few hotties along the way--minus the fat dude, who really needed to put on a shirt--yuck!) Finally home. Thank you again Amanda, you are an amazing friend. Love you lots..."because of you"

When I get home my voice mail is full. A couple of messages from friends: Heather, Kim and Abby. Thank you girls for thinking of me. Also, my dad called. He also sent an amazing bouquet of flowers. Jon came home, he brought me a Pink phone. Too cute. It's for our new room. ONLY 6 more days!!!! We went to dinner. Then picked up brownies. Ok, so yes I am a little spoiled and no....it's not over yet.

Tomorrow we are headed to the SD county fair. Can't wait. I love the fair...the food, the animals (pig racing is sooo funny), and just hanging out with the kids and Jon.

So, I tried to download some pictures from my camera. Unfortunately the driver isn't working. Jon will have to look at that. But did scan one in. Hopefully this will work. Let me know what you think!

Have a great night everyone. XOXO

IKEA-Quite Possibly MY Happiest Place....

2007-06-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

On Earth! Went today with my bff Amanda :). Can you believe Amanda has never been to IKEA?!?!? That is absolutely crazy in my book. So I suggested a road trip. Amanda and I sort of have a "thing" every summer. We go on crazy adventures, scrapbook together, enjoy cake, and just tons of laughs. Ok, so back to IKEA...after a slight detour (read as LOST), we are in the parking lot. (BTW, Wednesday at 10 am the place is pretty empty.) We meant to have our picture with the cute VW Ikea Bug covered in boxes, but we forgot when we came out. I led Amanda on the tour through Ikea. We sat on beds, fell in love with all of the way cool decor, and just had too much fun.

We did have a purpose for going: I needed a new kitchen table and Amanda needed a desk. After putting several things in our cart that looked nothing like a desk or table, we did find what we were there for. Thank God that there were a couple helpful IKEA employees to help us poor, little girls out.

After that it was on to pick up lunch and Jimmy from school. Then I took Amanda to see the new house. She is the first one to see it officially. I gave her the grand tour and we had our lunch in our formal dining room, on the floor--heehee.

Ok, did I mention that Amanda and I tend to get a little crazy when we are on above mentioned adventures?!? We decided to try to put together my new table and chairs. First we opened the box backwards!! Then we finally pulled out one chair and its corresponding nuts, screws, etc. There was directions, but really who needs those, right? I put the wrong piece in twice! and had to get the wood pieces out with my teeth--yes, I did get some fiber. :)ewwww. We finally got one chair mostly put together....and it's name is Ishamel. Long story don't ask...but there are some pretty funny pictures and my stomach still hurts from laughing so hard. It was just what the doctor ordered for me....a day to relax and have fun with my Amanda.

Tonight my baby Lexi was in her 2nd grade play. She was a Cheetah aka the Party Animal. She had one of only a few speaking parts and played the roll perfectly. She is amazing! Everyone laughed at her little 'tude. Love her to pieces. Also found out that she made the GATE program, which is for gifted and talented students. Let me tell you, this child is amazing. She does reports on her own! She also will open a notebook and make up math problems to do. She can't get enough learning. So cool!

Okay, so enough for tonight. Time for bed. Sweet dreams everyone.

Why.....

2007-06-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Please tell me why it is that life seems to get sooo crazy all at once?!?! I feel like I am juggling about 3,954 things in the air right now...moving, classes, kids last minute school stuff, etc., etc., etc. Oh, and did I mention I am also trying to plan a wedding (well kind of...my hubby and I are renewing our vows as our 10th anniversary gift).

Oh, and NO I have not started packing. Do you think I should or should I just throw it all into the truck and haul it to the new house :) Just kidding. I am a little anal, like I said in my last post. I have a huge list going and now a map of how I want each room layed out within the new place. I can't wait until I can see it all finally coming together. I will hopefully figure out how to add some pics on here soon.

Well, I did bring boxes in so I think I will just jump in to packing and see how much I can get done. A little is better than none right?

I would love to hear what crazy stuff you all have going on in your lives right now....

Ok So I joined the BLOG community

2007-06-02T23:28:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. I decided to start my own blog. So many people I know have one, so I jumped on the bandwagon.

We are getting ready to move in 3 weeks and I have SOOOO much to do. I have yet to start packing (not looking forward to doing that with 3 kids). I want to be ruthless and throw out a TON of stuff. I have a 4 page list of things to do for the new house. That is the exciting part of moving...the new stuff and space to decorate. We have been in our tiny apartment for 5 years and it is beyond time to go.

I am so glad that the kids still have a couple of weeks left of school. Hopefully that will give me time to get a lot done without them bugging me about keeping this or that, what they can have for snacks, and how they want their room to look. :) Don't get me wrong, I love my kids more than anything else but....well, you other moms know what I am saying. Once we move, we have a ton of neighbor kids to keep them occupied. I am a happy mom because it is a small gated community and we know a lot of people around us.

Well, that is all for now. I need to work on a couple of class samples for upcoming classes. I will post some preview pictures soon.
Love, Angie