Red Head + a Little Chick

"A" is for Alameda

2009-11-13T23:41:00.000-08:00

In June, I had the great fortune of taking two friends and heading for the Alameda Flea Market.
Let me just say, I Love, Love Alameda!!!

As an avid collector of everything vintage, this is the place to go. A dream come true. The pot of gold. The find of finds. The place you can go to find all of those delicious do-dads that bless homes in the pages of magazines like Country Home and Country Living.

Did I mention that I love Alameda?!

We took our Expedition. Stayed in Walnut Creek. Went to the movies and caught a cute chick flick. Ate at a wonderful Italian restaurant where we all ordered something different and shared everything (it was sinful). Turned in around 10:30pm and woke at 4:30 the next morning so that we could be "early birds" on Sunday morning.

Now the reason I mention we took our Expedition is that there were three of us. Three of us who all love similar things. Three of us on a mission. Three of us armed with a little money to have a lot of fun with. Three of us whose "finds" would have to be stuffed into that Expedition!

We shopped, scoured, haggled, searched, snatched and grabbed. One of us got a "Home Depot" style cart to hold all of their booty. One of us bought a very cute vintage shopping cart in which to carry all of her goods. Its wheels squeaked and rattled over the uneven pavement row after row. And as she passed, some people would comment about the terrible noise coming from that cute little vintage cart. Some people were actually down right rude and made snide comments about the cute little cart that squeaked even louder as it begin to fill with lots of other vintage treasures. (Ok, it was me...I bought the cart. One thing I can say about its noisiness is that it helped the other two girls keep track of me!)

By 3:30, my cart along with my friends' pallet-style cart and every arm available were full. All three of us had "large" objects set aside for us at booths located in various places.

I brought my car to the loading area and parked. We unloaded the carts and picked up our purchases at the other spots and stacked them up next to the Expedition. Then, we cracked up...Would we have enough space? It would seem we had not thought of space when we were on our spree? Hmm...

We attracted the attention of others loading their U-haul trailers and moving vans. People were walking by saying what great items we had. Some even wanted to purchase some of our items. (No Way!!!). Most seemed to be placing bets on whether or not we could actually get all of this JUNK (oops), good stuff, into this vehicle.

Well, we shocked and amazed those betting against us. We were women on a mission. Everything had a spot. Miraculously, all of our vintage goodness fit. Mind you there was absolutely no inch of that vehicle not occupied by something and I, being the driver was the only person whose lap wasn't holding at least two bags!

The car looked something like the one the Beverly Hillbillies came to town in! The picture at the beginning of the post is a little peak of my purchases.

Mom and Dad are coming in March and we are going to Alameda...Ooooh, I can hardly wait. :)

"When is the next conference?"

2009-11-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

This was what Frank asked as he opened the curtains of the 1000+ square foot suite we stayed in at Olympic Valley in beautiful Lake Tahoe.

The hospital sent me to an Infection Control/Engineering conference here and encouraged me to take my family. I can't tell you how glad I was that they were able go. For one, I would have felt terribly guilty if I were the only one able to enjoy the breath-taking views from a such an AMAZING room.(Brag, brag) But also because we had such a great time!

On the way, we were able to visit the Train Museum in Old Town Sac. Franky has wanted to take Red there since he was around three months old!!! They were in heaven...

The training itself lasted three days (the hospital let us stay four). While I was in class, the boys hung out pool side, explored the golf course, Olympic Valley's Village and watched TV on one of the two HUGE flat screen TVs. (I'm sorry I'm bragging, again...)

When I finished for the day we would walk around, eat yummy food, drive around Lake Tahoe, take pictures like tourists and call to brag (hee, hee) to any one who would listen, about how beautiful it was!

On the way home we got to stop in Auburn, which was where I spent most of my summer's with my great aunt. It is a wonderful little mining town, rich in history and cute as can be. We met up with some family and had a wonderful visit and breakfast, then got to look around at some fun antique shops in Old Town.

What a awesome trip. Definitely a place we want to visit again!

Let's Play Ball

2009-11-13T22:21:00.000-08:00

With Spring of 2009, came T-ball. Red's first go at organized (ha ha) "team" sports. Honestly, I don't think there is anything more entertaining than 40 four and five year olds with mitts, cleats, saggy uniforms and an abundance of energy vs. two or three grown ups (usually men) bringing them together in an effort to play something resembling a baseball game!!!

For those of you who haven't experienced this before, it looks something like this: Four kids are in the outfield. One is sitting in the grass looking at bugs crawling around, one is picking her nose, one is doing some version of the "pee-pee" dance, the fourth is waving at his family who is doing the wave in the stands.

The short stop is looking at the clouds. The kid on third is showing the kids from the other team how he can jump on one foot, the one on second is standing on the base trying to push the other teams' runner out of her way and yelling "He won't get off!!!".

The kid on first is the coaches' Son and actually knows what to do and is being watched by recruiters from the Dodger's farm team. The batter from the other team nearly takes out our coach when she swings at the ball before it is placed on the "T".

And Red? Well, he's all over the field, chasing the ball where ever it goes, tackling his team mates and who ever else who may have reached said ball before him...I think maybe he got confused as to which "organized" team sport he was playing! Let's just say he LOVED it.

The season lasted about two months. We usually had two games a week. Red had a blast and I laughed so hard, I now have six-pack abs! Can't wait until next season.

We're back...

2009-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

Really, we've been here the whole time...just haven't been bloggin'. To be honest, I've missed it. I miss reflecting on our day to day life, our adventures, Red (and how incredibly fast he is growing into such an awesome little man). So many things to look back on...

Life has been good. There has been a lot of change this year. Some already written about, but so much more that I want to share. Moments that I want to remember...

Time has passed so quickly, I want to document these experiences so that they are more than just a memory inside my head.

I think I wrote this very words in a post before. One which I had taken a break from writing and was playing "catch up" just like today. And as I sit here on the couch, four (yes, four) dogs surrounding me, the music from the blog drifting out the speakers of my pickle-green laptop, diet Pepsi by my side, Red sound asleep under his fuzzy red blanket, my best friend (and soul mate) making noise upstairs, I look back to the very beginning and am reminded why I created this Blog in the first place.

Wonderful Whirlwind

2009-04-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Such is our life at this very moment. An absolutely wonderful whirlwind of activity. I continue to work full time at a job I am absolutely loving. In the beginning of March, the hospital sent me to a conference in Houston where I learned lots and met some very neat people. Red turned 5. We took a trip to Disneyland to celebrate. We had a blast there with Lyssa and her friend Jax . Red joined little league and now eats, sleeps and breathes t-ball. He has one practice and at least two games per week. (I have pain in my ribs that won't go away from laughing at our little player and the rest of his team! I recommend t-ball therapy to anyone who is feeling blue...It is hilarious and guaranteed to lift your spirits.) Our weekends have been filled with birthday parties (three in one day...), laundry, playing in the yard, cleaning house, playing with the dogs, catching up on some ZZZ's, visiting with friends, riding our bikes and about a billion other things we manage to fit in! I wouldn't have it any other way. I love this whirlwind I'm in...

What a beautiful day...

2009-03-07T16:02:00.001-08:00

Light pink blooms on young almond trees, green-green grass, a beautiful blue sky, fluffy white clouds, perfect lighting, a camera (with remote), a tripod, two very handsome boys, lots of smiles and one very giddy Mommy...I had been driving past this spot for two weeks on the way to work, thinking each day what a beautiful spot it was and how perfect it would be as a picture place. So, last weekend we got dressed, loaded up in the car and off we went.

We (I) had such a blast. The boys were a little grumpy at first but after seeing how the pictures were looking, they really got into it. These are a few of my favorite pictures from that day.

I can't believe how grown up Red looks. I know he's growing. I see it in his "high water" pants. I hear it in his conversation. I feel it when I try to pick him up and hold him like I did not so long ago. But it is when I see him in a picture that I realize just how much. Life is sweet.

Say "hello" to his little friend...

2009-02-23T18:52:00.001-08:00

Red was squealing with delight when he found this little guy beneath the street light in front of our house. From his dirty little hands to the water filled gutter, hopping down the street trying to escape only to be captured again, this little friend is probably very happy to be in the comfort of our very weedy flower bed where he can eat bugs and hide from that wild Redheaded kid.

Such a funny sight to see. Such a wonderful memory. Such an amazing boy.

Somewhere between...

2009-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

Chasing Red around, spending time with Franky, doing laundry, cleaning up my clutter, going to the feed store for a automatic waterer for the dogs, spending 45 minutes holding bunnies at said feed store, spending 15 minutes convincing myself we DID NOT need a bunny, checking out the swap meet, eating yummy little tacos, eating a yummy churro, visiting with friends, taking a long hot bath, taking a long drink of NyQuil, eating breakfast with Red, playing Wii, watching Reese chase Red, going to get a flat tire fixed, picking up a few groceries, making grilled cheese for lunch, taking Red to Burger King to exhaust some energy and watching a little TV, I forgot to post about my new job!!!

As I said, I absolutely LOVE it. It is so different from my last job. Everyday is different but has many of the same components. I'm working Monday through Friday. In my role there is a lot of teaching, interaction with staff from every department, referrals, surveillance, organizing, lab interpretation, data collection and compilation. The list goes on!

The people are terrific. Very friendly. I feel like I've been there for years already! :)

Red goes to a daycare in town so he and I have 30 minutes in the morning and in the evening to chat. He LOVES the person who is watching him. He looks forward to going everyday.

Everything has been so seamless and easy in this transition. I really think I'm in the place I need to be and that feels GREAT!

I got a new job...

2009-02-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

and I totally LOVE it!!! I am the new Infection Control/ Employee Health Nurse for Delano Regional Medical Center. I promise to write about it this weekend. It is keeping me quite busy during the week! Can't wait to tell you all about it. : )

*Lyssa-Lou, I'm going to call you this weekend and we can figure out a plan for you to come visit! Hope all is well with school and your new job. :)

Red's totally loving...

2009-02-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

...these playful days. He is eating them up! Each day a new adventure. "What are we doing today, Mama?" Lately it has been lots of fun with friends. All of which happen to have little girls. Red doesn't mind a bit. In fact, he LOVES it! I do too.

When Red plays with girls, he is a little more balanced. He's a little more careful. A little more considerate. More willing to share. More willing to go second. And the more he plays with these little chick-a-dees, the better it's getting.

Of course he still LOVES to show off in front of them. He's like a preening rooster at times. But with the girls it works. They just sit back and watch. Not interested in competing as another boy would be. Actually, they seem very impressed with his antics. We may be in trouble if this pattern continues through the teenage years... :)

An American Tradition

2009-02-01T16:27:00.001-08:00

Hey football fans!!! We're just hanging out watching the game. Red has picked the "yellow and black" team. I'm rooting for the Cardinals. We have a nice rivalry going here. We're the loudest fans on our block!

Looking forward to all the great commercials. Red is excited about the sneak peeky of the 3-D Monster Vs. Alien movie. (Reese is too.)

Have a fun day. We sure are! :)

Simple Pleasures

2009-01-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love the feel of soil in my hands. I haven't always. When I was young and we had moved from the city to the country, we (my brother, Mom, Dad and I) spent an hour each evening doing yard work around the three acres we lived on. I don't remember feeling the same sense of joy that I felt today perking up my front porch with a little promise of Spring.

I do remember (with fondness) working in our vegetable garden. I LOVED that. We planted one every spring. Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa all determined to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Summer squash, zucchini, okra, tomatoes, sometimes cantaloupe or watermelon all planted in neat rows.

I loved to watch as they dug out the channels for the water to run through and irrigate the plants. It got even better when the hose was turned on and the water made its way through the maze of little seedlings. I always made it a point each evening to follow Grandpa when he would water. I think he liked watching it move around the plants as much as I did.

It seemed that in no time, we were picking loads of vegetables. We made sure to give some to anyone who stopped by. And each night we would sit at the table and delight in our home grown goodness. What wonderful memories... all brought about by today's trip to Lowe's!

Red was very vocal about which plants we chose for the porch project. I had picked up a few herbs to put in with the flowers we had chosen. He loved to smell each one and would describe their fragrance in great detail after each sniff. His favorite was the lemon thyme. He also selected a pot of mini daffodils saying they would look "so beautiful" with the other plants we had picked. He was right. :)

When we got home, he helped me plant. While I was finishing up, he rode his scooter and played in the yard. He was excited when he found this little wasp nest in our neighbor's driveway. I love these (when they are empty of course). I had to grab my camera and snap a picture of our sweet boy bearing this gift he was so proud of.
Another day. Just enjoying the simple pleasures life brings...

A Little Pink

2009-01-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

Today Red and I got to spend the afternoon with a double dose of pink sweetness. We met MamaChanga and her two Gorgeouses for lunch, a little play and some fun photos.

Red was in heaven, he had two little cuties to show off for. They watched his every move and giggled as he spilled his silliness.Red delighted in the fact that he had their undivided attention. They looked like a gaggle of geese walking around our quaint little lunch spot.

I had so much fun taking pictures of them. It was pure bliss to have a little pink in the pictures. These girls are the epitome of all things girlie. But I have to mention, they keep right up with Red. I LOVE that! I have to tell you, being around them makes me want somethin' pink around my house! :)

These pictures are among my favorite. I love the shot of the girls holding the flowers with their sweet little fingers. They loved picking them and putting them into a nearby fountain.

They would place them in the water, watch them float, put their hands in the water and splash around a little. The three of them attracted a lot of attention. How often do you see such beautiful children?! (It's my blog, I'm allowed to be biased!)

What a perfect day...

My Playroom

2009-01-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished working on my scrap booking room. It is absolutely wonderful! Now I actually have three separate work spaces. One (my fabulous apothecary cabinet given to me by my parents for just this purpose) I will stand at to put my projects together. The second is our desk that (for the first time) will be a place where we can use the lap top, write out bills, work on homework (Red starts Kindergarten this year) and enjoy our view of the neighborhood. The third spot is the white cabinet that holds our desk top. It was normally a "catch-all" for junk mail, bills, Red's preschool work, old magazines and lotsa dust bunnies!

To some, this space may still look a little cluttered. But to me it is PERFECT. I am surrounded by many things I love. Paper, material, rubber stamps, buttons (both old and new), ribbon, adorable little millinery supplies, pictures, my Grandmother's old sewing machine, vintage cameras, books and the list goes on...

I don't think I'll ever leave this room. :)

My most favorite "new" object in my playroom is this old printer's drawer. It is the perfect stamp holder. I got the idea from one of the scrapping pros. It was originally intended for something much different. I love the peely old green paint and the wonderfully rusted hardware. I look at it and can imagine a bustling print shop. I imagine all of the hands that have touched the handle, pulling out the drawer to find just the right stamp...Ooooh, I LOVE that!

I feel so very inspired to create something fun...But then I look at the rest of the house.

I take one last look at my beautiful space and smile. Now to tackle another room. Can I make another space look equally inspiring? Hmmm. We'll have to wait and see.

Cupid...

2009-01-24T08:12:00.001-08:00

has a little competition in the form of an adorable little redhead with gorgeous blue eyes, angel kissed cheeks and nose, a dimple chin and a smile that is sure to melt your heart. Just take a look at these pictures and I'm sure you'll agree!

I'm working on a little Valentine's Day project and can't wait to use some of the pictures I took of this guy! I will post pictures when I finish...hopefully before the actual day has passed. :)

I have also been doing some reorganizing/redecorating. I will post pictures of my progress when I get a little closer to being done! I'm excited about the work I've done in my scrap book room. It has been a major under taking. At various stages, it has looked like a major tornado had blown through.

Red (and our three furry kids) seemed to want to be right in the middle of it all. I had to laugh, I asked Alex why he wanted to be in there. He says, "Because it's your room and I like the colors in here." I reply, "But it's REALLY messy right now." He says, "Yeah, but it's really beautiful Mama." How cute. That gave me the motivation to keep working on it!

Now that I am near completion, I have a very large bin of scrap booking goodness that I am giving to another scrapper (my cousin, Lori). I had planned to send the care package in the mail but now I think I may have to rent a U-haul and deliver it personally!

Anyway, I am really enjoying my time off. I love spending the extra time with Red. He loves it too. On the days I have things to do in my search for a new job, I take him to preschool. (He prefers to stay at home.)

One of the days I had decided to have him go, we arrived at the school to learn that it was closed. Martin Luther King's Day. ( I guess when you don't work, you become unaware of things like holidays!!!) I told Red, "Well, I guess you DO get to stay home with me today. It's Martin Luther Kings Day." He says,"Oh, Mom! That is MY favorite day!" I cracked up!!!

So here I am...

2009-01-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

The New Year has been an interesting one. On December 30,2008, we received an email at work saying that the county would be laying off 300 employees due to budget issues in the coming year. Everyone was shocked and disheartened by this announcement.

Unfortunately, I was one of those employees. You see, I worked as an "extra help" employee.I chose this due to the fact that Franky is out of town a lot and I could arrange my work schedule around our family's needs. The bad part, when there is a lay-off, the extra help employees are the first to go.

So, here I am. I feel lost. I told Franky it is sad that so much of who you are is defined by what you do in your work. I loved my job and what I was able to do for families in the position I held. It was a very rewarding 6 years. I am hopeful that I will find something I enjoy as much.

In the meantime, I am going to enjoy some extra time with Red, clean and reorganize the house and who knows what else.

There is a reason for everything and I'm looking forward to what God has planned for me.

How Time Flys

2009-01-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

The rest of December was pretty much a blurr. There was Grandma Mary's Annual Ice Cream Social at Rosemary's. Yum Yum. What a great Christmas gift.

Then in the middle of the month Franky attended a class in Illinois. While he was there, Mom, Dad, Alex and I went to the coast. Mom and I got to visit our favorite shops. The Nest and Feathered Nest. We were sad to see that the Susan Branch Store in Arroyo Grande had closed.

Over a couple of days, we went to the movies and saw Bolt, ate fish and chips,visited the Avila Valley Barn and explored SLO. On the way home we made a stop at Good Ol' Burger and delighted in their gigantic burgers and onion rings. We had so much fun.It was so awesome to spend time with my parents there.

Christmas was really nice. We spent time with all of our family. It was wonderful. Santa was very nice to Red. He was pretty overwhelmed with all of the gifts he received.Thanks everyone for spoiling our little redhead!

I was excited that on Christmas my cousin's daughter Alyssa(aka Lyssa-lou)got to spend the night with us. We stayed up late (late for me anyway) and played cards. The day after Christmas, we hit the movies and saw Marley & Me and Bedtime Stories. Both very good movies.:) We were sad when Lyssa had to leave and go back to Long Beach. She definitely needs to come back to visit again.

The rest of December was taken up with relishing the last bit of time with my parents, playing cards, playing with Red and cleaning up Christmas. I'm still finding bits of Christmas in the house!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas.

Where to begin?

2009-01-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

So much time has passed and so many things have happened since I last posted. I guess it would be best to start where I left off. Our trip to San Francisco was AMAZING! It was so awesome to spend time reconnecting and enjoying the beautiful city. We left on a Friday. Red was not even phased by the fact we were leaving. In fact he was pushing us out the door excited to begin his own fun weekend with Papa and Mow!

I enjoyed the ride. Franky and I talked (not just about Red!), we laughed and enjoyed ourselves without a peep from the back seat. That was a little strange for both of us, but really nice. :)

When we got to the hotel we decided on a game plan for our weekend. Then off we went. We started off at a little deli that Franky visits when ever he's working in the Bay. I don't remember the name but will say that they had the BEST tri-tip sandwiches I have EVER had!Because it is mostly a grab and go type place, we had a little picnic in our car. How romantic...

After we finished eating, we headed to Berkley. I love to walk through the shops there. Franky, not so much. He was a great sport though. I found a great scrap booking shop that I would've spent the whole weekend exploring.

We left Berkeley and decided to go to the movies. We saw the Transporter 2. It was ugh... really bad. I guess the first one was better. I never saw it. Don't know if I'd want to! We enjoyed ourselves though. We had a good laugh at some of the bad acting and unrealistic stunts. If any of you have seen it, our favorite bad acting moment was when the red headed girl says (three different times), "Am- I -in -heaven?" We still joke about that phrase...Bad, bad acting.

The next day we took the BART into the city. It's interesting the people you meet. I spent most of the trip talking to a guy who gave me a detailed history of the BART and the politics surrounding the placement of its stations. When he asked where we were from and we told him Porterville, another man joined in our conversation. He was a very handsome man in his 50's. He told us that he currently lives in the Cayman Islands but was born and grew up in Terra Bella. Wow, what a small world. He laughed when I told him I regularly visited Terra Bella with my job and that it probably still looks exactly like it did when he left!

When we got to the city, we went to Golden Gate Park to visit the Conservatory of Flowers. It was so beautiful. We scoped out the Museum of Science and decide it was a place we would need to visit with Red. We visited Fisherman's Wharf then took the trolly to Chinatown. I had never been there before. I felt like I had stepped into another country. The architecture and colors were amazing. I felt so immersed in the Chinese culture as we made our way down the streets and through the shops.

By the time we had left the city, we had taken every form of public transportation available, walked miles, taken lots of fabulous pictures, eaten wonderful food,lost a box of Sees candy (we bought for Mow & Papa), shopped a little, watched the "bush man" scare people at the wharf, bought a souvenir for Red and just enjoyed being together.

On Sunday, we (I) was lucky enough to get to experience the Alameda Flea Market. I could write for days about how wonderful it is but I won't. I'll just say that I LOVE it and can't wait to go back!!!

Red was happy to see us when we got home. He had a blast. My parents said they would happily keep him again for us but the dogs...not so much. I guess Reese and Sophie were revolting because we were gone. They were terrors. Reese even got on the counter and ate two rolls of salami my mom had bought to send my brother. Papa wasn't too happy about that one. :0

Thanks so much Papa & Mow. We had a GREAT time!

What a City...

2008-12-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

A Bit Wiggly...

2008-12-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, usually those are words I use to describe Red when he is about to experience something great and is very excited. Well, the title of this post is describing me. Yes, I am VERY excited.

You see, on Friday, for the very first time in the four plus years we have had Red, we are going away for the weekend and he is staying home with Papa & Mow!

We are going to San Francisco, one of my very favorite places! I can hardly wait!!! Whoo hooo!!! (Picture me doing cart wheels!)

I plan to take lots of pictures and will post about our adventure when we get back! Only three days until we go!!! Yippee!!! :)

Thank you, Papa & Mow!!

Red & Reese

2008-12-01T21:09:00.001-08:00

I wish each of you would've seen these two playing in the leaves this weekend. It was comical. Red was dying to jump in a leaf pile. Begrudgingly, Franky allowed the leaves to collect in the front yard over the last week or so. Then on Sunday he raked them into a nice size pile. Alex was wiggly with excitement at the site of this huge mound of leaves and could hardly wait to take the leap. When I headed out the front door to witness the romp, Reese ran out.

Red looks at the pile and then at Reese. Reese looks at the pile and darts toward it, Red not far behind. Then for the next forty five minutes the two of them rolled, romped and played in the leaves.

Red would throw them up and Reese would do his best to catch every one. Reese chased Alex. Alex chased Reese. When they finally stopped for a break, they both had leaves strewn all over their bodies. It was a hilarious site! I love watching them play. What a great memory. :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Just had to post these. We stopped for a bit at the Towne Center in Santa Clarita. It was so pretty there. The weather was perfect, flowers were blooming, Christmas music was playing and decorations were up everywhere. What a great place to get little Christmas shopping done and (of course) take a few pictures.

Too bad I wasn't wearing any makeup, this might have been "the Christmas card picture". Regardless, I love these pics!!!

March AFB

2008-12-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

... Me & Red.

...Our future pilot.

...Daddy & Red

...Flying at March AFB

On the way home on Friday we got to make a fun stop. March Air Force Base Museum was right on our way. Franky had been wanting to take Red there forever.

Alex loved it! He "flew" around and explored every inch of the museum. He was awed by the size of the aircraft and was ecstatic when we bought him a souvenir in their gift shop! He played with his Discovery spaceship all the way home. He even told us he was going to fly one of those big planes when he grew up!

On Christmas morning he will be surprised when he opens up his very own bomber jacket, complete with official patches! Can't wait to see our little future pilot

Thanksgiving Fun

2008-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did. We spent the holiday at my Aunt and Uncle's who live near Temecula. Red was so excited on the way. He was convinced we were going to a "party". In fact when we arrived he hoots, "Yeah, we're at the party!!!"

If he was disappointed that this "party" didn't have a bounce house, you would've never guessed. He made himself right at home! He was laying right up in the center of my Aunt's bed watching "Elf" fifteen minutes after we got there!

We ate yummy food and had a great time visiting and playing cards. Thank you Uncle Charles and Aunt Paula for having us!!! Red loved that Uncle Charles played the guitar for him. Aunt Paula, Alex is still talking about the bells on your clocks. He LOVED them!!!

Thank you Sharie, Lyssa-lou, Al, and Lori for a fun game of cards. (Lori, I may have won the first game of cards, but during the second game I really did consider leaving for a vanilla coke!!! I lost terribly...)

Thanks Lyssa-lou for spending time with Red. He had a blast playing with you. I have some great pictures to prove it!!!

I am thankful we got to spend Thanksgiving together.

Building Buddies

2008-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

These two recently had fun at Lowe's. They built this wooden race trailor with such speed and precision, they were recruited by the Lowe's racing team! :)

Luckily, there were no injuries. Although Red did knock Papa's fingers with the hammer a couple of times...Oops!They had a great time and it was fun watching them. Watch out, Bob. Here comes the new building crew!

Top Ten Reasons (Excuses) For Neglecting My Blog:

2008-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

10. I forgot the log in password for my computer. (?)

9. Our new Target store opened and I've been busy getting acquainted with it.

8. One word: RED.

7. I ran off and joined a circus...

6. Feeling guilty about content of the last post. (However true it may be!)

5. I've been busy turning my home into a Christmas wonderland.

4. Did I mention our new Target opened?

3. I've had writer's block.

2. I wanted to see how long it would take for someone to mention that I hadn't written in a while!

And the best reason is....

1. My parents are here and we've been having a blast!!!

So now I'm back. I am so excited my folks are here. Franky has been home, too. It has been awesome. : ) I have lots of pictures and posts to come. Glad to be back.

Halo and Horns...

2008-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Can you see the mischeif in this freckeled little face? It's there, just take a closer look!

This week I have seriously contemplated calling in to the Nanny 911 show to request a visit from that lovely woman with the British accent. Either that or placing a sign around Red's neck that says "free to good home" and placing him on the front curb... I'm only kidding. (I think.)

Yes, I have had a very challenging parenting week. Red has tested me in every way and has even shocked and surprised me with some four year old fall outs. One second he is melting my heart with his sweetness, the next he's behaving much like Satan's spawn. Hence the very fitting title.

Today was much better and I'm hoping we're over this little defiant stage. At least for a while... I am realistic and know this occurs normally as children go through the various developmental stages. But I need a break from it...

I love Red so much. I feel so fortunate to be his Mommy. I've been praying a whole lot lately. Not for patience (that one backfires...) but for the safe return of my sweet little redheaded boy!!!

I wonder if lighting a candle will help?!

Cobb Ranch

2008-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Our last stop on Sunday was Cobb Ranch. This is a huge pumpkin patch close to Children's Hospital. I've always seen it when driving to the hospital and have been wanting to visit forever. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. It is really big. The set up is neat, they have hayrides, a tractor "train" ride, tricycle races and a little area with farm animals you can feed.

I guess I'm just used to the little pumpkin patch by our house. This one just seemed too commercial. We had a good time though. Red rode in a tricycle race, rode the tractor "train" and we both went on the hayride.

We didn't buy a pumpkin there... Bummer. I think part of it is that we always visit the pumpkin patch as a family and since Franky wasn't with us, it just wasn't the same. I can't wait until he comes home. Our little pumpkin patch is waiting for us!!!

Riverpark Romp

2008-10-14T22:16:00.001-07:00

After hanging out at the bookstore for almost two hours, we went over to Riverpark. It had changed so much since we had been there last. We walked around the shops, enjoyed a smoothie, and took some pictures. It was a great place to be with Red. He could run around and play without me hovering over him.
He had fun balancing on the flower beds and playing in the grass. The weather was perfect and he was having so much fun. I enjoyed watching him. What a beautiful day. :)

Red the Reader

2008-10-14T21:59:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, we took Daddy back to the airport for his last two-week stint in the corn maze state (Illinois). After we left him, we decided to hang out in Fresno for a while. For some reason, this crazy city waits until 11:00 am to begin its Sunday mornings so we had a little time to kill.

We found a Barnes & Noble and we were both in heaven. Red and I both love books. Once inside we made a beeline for the children's books. We selected a couple and took a seat beside the little stage where on certain occasions, story time occurs.

We read "Spongezilla", a Halloween story about Sponge Bob Square pants. Then read a book about a little pumpkin who longed to become a jack-o-lantern.

After looking around a while Red says,"Mom, sit down on the bench and I will put on a show for you." I sit and he gets up on the stage. He goes behind one of their little props and comes out as if saying "tah-dah". He begins his show. Our cute little red head stands in the center of the stage, looks at me and says very matter of fact (while gesturing with his hands as if addressing a large group of people),"Some people can read. Some people can't....I can't read, SO-I'll put on a magic show instead."

I cracked up!!! He proceeded to put on a magical show. Pretending to pull a rabbit out of mid air and even discovered a bird behind my ear! What an imagination. So lucky to be witness to it.

Fun at the Fall Festival

2008-10-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

The fall festival was awesome. Jean Marie and her cute little lobster joined us for a night of fun. We ate hamburgers and hot dogs and watched as Red showed off his best robot moves as he walked down the stage of the costume show.

It was cute to see all the kids so excited about the nights activities. They were all so cute in their little costumes.

The booths were great. Such a variety. Jean Marie and I enjoyed a treat at the "Decorate a Halloween Cookie Booth." Franky took Alex to each and every booth. Red's favorite was the "Yuck" booth where the kids got to stick their hands in a hole where on the other side, their curious little hands met a bowl of gooey gunk. Red is still talking about it!!!

Here's a pic of Red the Robot and Me - as a hot pumpkin mama with big hair!!! (What was I thinking?! The movie "Hairspray" comes to mind...)

Anyway, it was a great time. Everyone who participated went all out to make it a wonderful activity. Can't wait until next year!

Sew Much Fun

2008-10-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Loads of orange and black glass glitter, glue, ribbon, felt, orange and white gingham fabric, polka dot cardstock and lots of fun equals FABULOUS decorations for Red's fall festival. On Saturday morning, I got up and in tru Christmas elf style, completed all of my pending projects.

I would have never finished if it weren't for Gma. She glued and glittered, ironed fabric I needed to sew together and entertained our little red head. Muchas Gracias, Gma Mary!!!

And here's a little peek of our booth...

I have to brag, our booth made almost $600.00 dollars (almost as much as the food booths!)AND Mr. Nate asked me to leave my decorations at the school until Halloween is over! :)

I love it!!!

Something Fun

2008-10-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

We have had an incredibly busy and extremely fun few days. Last week, G Mary came to visit. We had a whirlwind schedule of activities planned and to my delight, all went very well. The list looked something like this: host a sewing play day, make cupcakes, finish Red's Halloween costume, pick up Daddy from the airport in Fresno, meet Jean Marie and sweet Sophia at Fashion Fair Mall, start our Christmas shopping, pick up a couple of necessities from Boot's Camera shop, sew together eight banners, a table cloth and make a sign for the cake walk booth at Red's fall festival. All to be completed by Saturday.

So, on Thursday morning I got up and ran a few errands and picked up some of the supplies I needed. I came home and made some yummy banana nut bread (as a treat for our play date). Gma and Red put together a snack for the little ones. I couldn't resist taking their picture. They were having so much fun and had quite the assembly line going with that snack mix!

At 2:00, my friend Lisa's mom (who had volunteered to be the teacher at our sewing play day) arrived, along with my friend Dalia and her two year old twin girls. We got our machines set up and turned on some toons for our little peanuts.

We had such a blast learning about and playing with our machines. We talked, giggled and just really enjoyed spending time together. All the while Red and the girls played. When they left, I felt so inspired. I was ready to start tackling the projects I needed to complete for the fall festival.

We have decided to have a sewing play day once a month. I can't wait for our next one. I have a couple of sewing projects that I can't wait to start!

Ride

2008-10-05T12:50:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid, on the weekends we would frequently go for a "ride". That was a trip in the car just to enjoy each other's company with no particular destination in mind.

We would drive around town, past homes that we liked, to the small towns in the foothills nearby. Sometimes we would end up stopping for lunch or exploring a new place we had been lucky and found. Where ever we ended up, we always had a great time just being together and enjoying the ride.

When Franky and I got married, we carried on the tradition of weekend wandering. Most of the time we end up in Springville, sometimes other neat spots close by. Still, just enjoying our time together.

I loved the conversations we would have as we rode along. Sometimes silly, other times deep conversations about our hopes and dreams.

Now that Red is with us we still have the wide range of chat. Only now it's interjected with the occasional "Where are we going?", "This is taking a long time.", "Did you see that cow?", "Can we listen to the 'Hey batter swing' song?", "Are we going to Walmart?!".

Even with the chatterbox in the back seat, we still love the ride. Perhaps even more than before since one of the dreams we hoped would come true is behind us in his booster.

Today Red and I took a ride. Just a short one. We drove through Success Valley. Red hooped and laughed as we rode over the hills that make your belly feel like you're on a roller coaster. It made me laugh to hear him cracking up in the back seat. It's the little moments like these that make me realize how much I miss Franky. He would've been amused by our little redhead too.

I had taken the camera along with the intentions of getting some pictures to use in a fall themed album. I spotted this cool fence and thought it would be a great back drop.

We were surprised when this horse decided to come and visit. Red carried on a conversation with him for a while. I snapped some more pictures and then we headed back home.

Red (who had been not so happy to go for a ride) says, "Mama, that was a fun ride. I liked the hills and seeing the horsey."

I had a fun ride too, Red. Maybe this will be a tradition he will enjoy with his own family someday. :)

No, It's not a microwave. It's...

2008-10-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

my latest invention.

Yes, I have a new project. I am in the process of creating a little robot. He has an endless supply of energy, an electric personality, an incredible mind and is very cute. If only I could harness that energy for things like cleaning house, ironing and cooking. That would be fabulous!

Actually, as you have probably already figured out, I am making Red's Halloween costume this year. I wanted something unique and fun. Red loves robots and so it was an easy pick.

I started working on it this morning. I was lucky to have found two boxes in our garage that were perfect for the robot's body. I wrapped them in foil and massive amounts of tape. I've been embellishing the body with things I have around the house and in my scrap booking room. It has been so much fun.

It is only about a third complete. I need to buy the supplies for his arms and legs and then Franky is going to add a real special touch to our little creation. I can't wait to see it completed.

Red is already asking to wear it. I've had him try it on a couple of times to get some measurements. When I took this picture outside, he asked if he could go show it to every one. "They really need to see my costume, Mama!" He is pumped up about it.

The costume will make it's grand debut at Red's school. They are having a fall festival this next weekend. It's going to be a blast.

I've gotta get...I'm making decorations for the "cake walk" booth. :)

It's finished!

2008-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pics of my finished book. I love the way it turned out! I may have to start another one soon. I had so much fun putting this one together.
It helps that I had these great pictures to put in it! There are some simply adorable pictures of our little red head in this book.
Hope you enjoy the little peek!

little by little...

2008-09-21T21:39:00.001-07:00

My mini book is coming together. I worked on it last night and a bit tonight. I love the color combination. These are some of my favorite colors.

It has been kinda weird working on this. You see, I have not printed out ANY pictures yet. Usually I design my pages based on inspiration I get while looking at them. I plan to use some of the pics we took in Exeter. I just don't know which ones. It will be so much fun when I get them printed out!!!
I think this will be one of my favorite albums. (I say that about each one I work on!) When I finish, I'll let you all see it! Maybe by next weekend?! For now, sweet dreams blogging world. I am getting a little sleepy.

Hey, it's past 9:30! I must be turning into a night owl...

Nah! :)

Feeling Accomplished

2008-09-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazing weekend we have had. Friday, Saturday, Sunday every day something fun and wonderfully fulfilling. It was awesome to spend time with our friends, play, take amazing pictures, scrap a little and today accomplish a BIG not-so-fun project.

Today's project took basically all day. It was one of those things you put off until you don't have a choice. I took EVERYTHING out of every kitchen cabinets (and the pantry), wiped them out, threw out lots of out dated stuff and reorganized. It looks fabulous!

How does SO much dust get inside of cabinets that are shut most of the time? I think there was a layer an inch thick! (I'm kidding, it wasn't THAT bad.)

Red played in his playroom, raced his cars in "the alley" (our entry hall), watched movies, helped me dust a little, discovered where I stash all of his play dough (uh oh) and his box of musical instruments (I feel a headache coming on).

He had been asking to paint for quite some time so I brought his easel down into the kitchen and he created a few wonderful works of art. That little Picasso felt accomplished too.

We (I) am seriously missing Daddy(he's in Illinois) and so I must once again say thanks to all my beautiful, fun, terrific girlfriends for an unforgettable weekend.

Thank you little chickadees and Gorgeouses for making Red's weekend such a blast, you are all just way too cute and fun to be around. :)

Me and Red

2008-09-21T18:37:00.001-07:00

A Little Sneek-Peeky

2008-09-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

Today my friend Miriam and I loaded up Red and headed to Exeter to do an official photo shoot. I initially decided to go with the intention of getting some great shots of Red for my mini-book (which now has a new theme).

Because Miriam was there, our photo shoot changed into something truly amazing. I was actually able to get some wonderful photos of Alex and I.

Franky always wants pictures of him and I but I always seem to keep myself behind the camera. Today, Miriam took the behind the camera role for part of the day. (We got some amazing shots of her, too!)

She was so awesome about snapping the shots right at the perfect moments. Red loved walking around to the various spots and would even stop and say "take my picture here, Mama".

It's funny, I felt so beautiful in these pictures with him. I guess there's something to sharing the spotlight with someone who has such an amazing energy and love for life!
What a day. So relaxing and fun. A great way to recoup from a wild night!!! I may post more pictures from today. You'll have to check back to see!!! :)

I'm the one in the upper left corner...

2008-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

What has happened to me? I used to be the "Queen of Slumber Parties". I was the one who would stay up all night, outlasting all the other girls (who would inevitably wake up to frozen bras and other silly sleepover pranks). I would dance and sing to all of those cool 80's songs. Eat all the junk food I wanted without regret...

I am SO not that girl anymore. Sadly, as I said in the pre-sleepover post, I really do turn into a pumpkin around 9:00. My bed calls me from upstairs, tempting me with its nice soft pillows and promise of blissful sleep. My body listens to that call like a soft lullaby and I get sleepy. I yawn. I begin to think about my comfy jamas. I yawn again. Around 9:15, my eyes begin to burn, begging to be closed. What does this all mean? What happened to that fun girl who laughs at a 9:00 bedtime?

She's outta' here!!! :)

All joking aside, we had a blast last night. We ate junk food, took the kids to the McDermont House where they jumped in gigantic bounce houses for over an hour (Yawn), played video games and air hockey. And without any lapse in the energy flow, at 10:00pm,(Yawn)returned to our house where they played and watched movies until 12:30am. (Yawn)

Honestly, Red would've stayed up until five o'clock this morning if I'd let him. He was so excited and full of energy. He's actually been approached by Red Bull to be in one of their ad campaigns. jk. He was seriously fired up to have the kids here.

We will definitely do it again. Maybe next time, I'll be extra rested and prepared to stay up late (Yawn). I'd better start now!!!

I can't wait...

2008-09-19T15:52:00.001-07:00

to see what this becomes. I've been feeling a little inclined to do a mini book (since it has been a while). I think the last one I made was for my parents at valentines day. So, I've gathered all of these wonderful supplies and placed them in a pile to work on tonight when my little peanut goes to bed. The photos in this album will be all about home. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Speaking of fun, Red and I had a play date today. We met MamaC (the wonderful woman who introduced me to the blogging world!) and her two "Gorgeouses" for lunch, then played for a while here at the house. It was great to be able to visit while the kids played. The girls were so cute and despite our house being filled with mostly boy toys, I think they had lots of fun. Red had a great time and asked when they were coming back as they drove away. :)

Tonight Red and I are hosting a slumber party. My friend Lisa and her two chickadees, Jon and Emily, are coming over. We are going to watch movies, eat popcorn and pray that we outlast the kids so that we can scrap a little. What are the chances?!

I turn into a pumpkin around 9:00...I think I'm in trouble.

A Message From Reese...

2008-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Dad. I wanted to write you a little note to let you know I'm taking good care of Mom and that wild little redhead. I can tell they really do miss you. I'll say it... I miss you too. In fact, I'm only sleeping on your side of the bed for half the night (the other half on the floor) so that I don't get too comfy and start to consider it mine.

We've been going for walks in the evening time. The weather is getting cooler and it's nice to get out. That redheaded kid even helps Mom walk me. For some reason he likes to use my collar to guide me instead of my leash. I'm blaming that on you since you taught him to do that in order to get me to follow him...

I hope you come home soon. I'd like some peanut butter....

My Favorite Subject...

2008-09-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

I guess maybe I'm in a bit of a sentimental mood today. Or maybe it's just that I see pictures like this one, my heart melts and I just have to do something with all the emotions. You see, I absolutely LOVE these boys. They brighten my days, make me laugh and make my life completely full. Seeing them together sharing a snuggly moment like the one in this picture makes me smile. Not just a smile that spreads across your face but one of those smiles you can feel over your whole body. Such an awesome and completely consuming feeling. Thanks, boys.

*Daddy, we are totally missing you and are so glad you'll be home tomorrow. We love you.

Funny Little Farmer

2008-09-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday we were invited to a BBQ at my Aunt & Uncle's house. Red was beyond excited, you see, they live in the country. They have chickens, goats, sheep, cows, a horse, dogs, and a turtle. A personal petting zoo for our little redhead.

The thing he likes the best about visiting there is NOT all of the critters... He LOVES his cousin Rachel, Aunt Sally, and Uncle Billy!!! They are our camping buddies and whenever we go camping, Red asks if they will be there too.

We had a great time. Red got to collect eggs from the chicken pen, feed a baby goat (she was too cute, I wanted to bring her home with us!!!), and give the horse a couple of apples we picked. We ate yummy food (Sally, those tomatoes were amazing!!!) and visited. It was so awesome just spending time together.

I have discovered, I come by my "collecting/junk loving" personality very naturally. I knew my Mom and I shared that interest but I didn't know that my Uncle also has an eye for the "good stuff". He hits estate sells and finds some pretty cool stuff. He's added a couple of vintage cameras to my collection! (Thanks again,Uncle Billy! We're gonna have to come go hunting with you sometime soon!!!)

What a way to finish off a long weekend. : ) Hope you all enjoyed it, too.

*I've got my eyes on the lookout for books from your favorite author, Uncle Billy! Just sit tight in that giant, extremely comfortable, never -want- to -leave- it recliner!!! (I can't stop giggling) Your secrets safe with me...

**Red is asking some pretty interesting questions about those eggs...I'm referring all his questions to you, Aunt Sally.

***Can't wait to see ya at the fair, Rach! Take good care of little Tae! : )

A little artwork

2008-09-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite vacation pic...
A roll in the hay at the Avila Valley Barn...
An oldie from Red's 2nd year. His Surprise...a BIG BOY BED!!!
A little bit of Reeses...
Hope to scrap some more soon!!!

Good-bye Morro Bay...

2008-08-25T16:43:00.001-07:00

We had a great time. We will miss your cool, foggy mornings, the romps on the beach, long bike rides on the paths, the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, exploring your rocky shores, visiting all of your yummy restaurants (candy shops and bakeries!!!). We can't wait to see you again.

Hermit Hunters

2008-08-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

While walking into town yesterday we spotted a family down on the narrow beach of the bay. They were wading in the water along the rocky edge and looking at something very exciting. It turns out this was the perfect place to find hermit crabs...

Since we didn't have the appropriate "wading" attire on then, we decided that today we would walk down and let Red explore a little. We took off our shoes, rolled up Red's jeans and headed into the water. It wasn't long before Franky and Red found a jackpot! Red was thrilled. He was holding a shell in his wiggly hand just waiting to catch a glimpse of the little friend inside. But for some reason (?), the crab was content to stay in his shell.

Red handed it to me. I was admiring the pretty little shell he had made his home in when there was a little movement in my hand. I called to Red,"Hey, come here!!! He's coming out." Sure enough, a tiny little tentacle makes it's way out of the tiny shell...followed by a HUGE (ok, so it seemed huge to me) crab claw! I screamed and sent the poor little crab on a trip!

This made my two boys crack up. That was until Red finds the motion sick crab on the sand. He bravely picks him up and gives me this look as if to say, "You big chicken. I'm only 4 and I'm not afraid of a tiny crab." He holds him a minute and then all of a sudden the little snapper (probably ticked off from his turbulent flight) comes out of his shell and pinches Red's thumb. Red screams, sends the crab on another flight, then starts cracking up. He says,"That crab made me scream like a girl!"

After that we were all content to hold the crabby little guys by their shells and watch them crawl around on the rocks. We will definitely explore this spot when we come back to Morro Bay next time. Maybe a little savvy on the handling of hermit crabs. What an adventure!

Street Fair Fun

2008-08-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more fun on a Thursday night than the street fair in SLO (San Luis Obispo). I love that it stimulates each of your senses on so many levels. As you walk onto Higuera, you are amazed by all of the people. Students, vendors, families (young and old), musicians, clowns, and artists all gather together for this one night. As you fall into place in the crowd your senses are delighted by the sights and smells.
Beautiful displays of flowers and produce every where. The yummy sweet smell of tuberose floats through the air as you pass a booth selling flowers of all colors. Big, juicy strawberries are abundant as well as many other of mother nature's sweet treats.
Red is all wiggly and excited about the possibilities of the nights' activities. We make sure his squishy warm hand is in one of ours, so that we aren't separated.

He can hardly keep his hands off all of the wonderful produce as he passes. Temptation becomes to much as we pass a booth selling huge red tomatoes. We remind him him to keep his hands off. Such a hard thing for our sensory-seeking redhead!
We sit on a curb and eat. A hot dog for Red. BBQ for Mom and Dad. Red spots the balloon man and decides to have him make a sword....Oh, boy! He entertains a number of people waiting for a band to start playing by showing off his balloon-sword-swinging skills. This was one time it was ok for him to "play in the street" and he loved every minute of it!
The smile on this cute little freckled face is the perfect way to express the amazing time we had. We love you, SLO!!!

Down on the Farm

2008-08-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, we took a drive to one of my favorite places. A place that makes me long for a home in the country where I can garden, have chickens, goats, and sheep. A place where Red can run around and explore without worrying about cars or strangers. Where I can enjoy the peace and quiet of a dark starry night from a comfy chair on a huge front porch.Since this is but a day dream, I come to the Avila Valley Barn. For a moment, I can live my dream. Red runs around so excited to be there. He loves to walk through the barn and look at all of the fresh produce. We talk about which are fruit vs. veggies, which we've tried and haven't. We get a bag of scraps to feed the farm animals then of we go!
This time we got to see some new members of the Avila Farm family. There were lots of baby goats (only 6 weeks old). I snapped this picture of Red feeding the smallest one. It was so cute. The Mama goat kept trying to get the scraps and Red tells her,"You need to share with your baby!"
We had such a great time. Love the memories made here at this wonderful place. Can't wait to go back again. Maybe in the fall...

Their Daily Romp

2008-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of two very happy dogs...Each day we take them for a romp on the beach. They absolutely love it. As soon as we put on their leashes they are raring to go. As we get closer to the water and make sure it is safe, we disconnect the leashes and they're off!!!

They roll in the sand, explore the mounds of aromatic (eeeewww) seaweed, chase the birds, and follow Red around. Then one of them will find a rock, a string of kelp, a stick, what ever they can fit in their mouth and the real chase begins!!!

It is usually Sophie chasing Reeses. They run in circles at a dizzying pace. Reeses runs out in the water, Sophie follows him barking and jumping through the water. It is quite a site. People stop and watch. We all crack up at this 60 pound doodle running from our little rat terrier. Too much fun! :)

When you have a little red head...

2008-08-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

your family pictures look like this. Yep, he's a regular comedian! You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I was going to put this picture on our blog...now who's laughing?! Actually, he still thinks it's pretty funny.

Today Franky made us wonderful sandwiches and I packed up some goodies. Our plan was to take a trolley ride up to the museum, look around a bit and then have a picnic. We got everything together and walked downtown to catch our ride.

Who remembers going to the museum in Morro Bay? Franky and I both have distinct memories of our last time there. Franky remembers Indian Artifacts, sharks teeth and that after a short time, he was ready to leave cause it was "BORING". I remember the artifacts and seeing pictures of all the various birds that find their home in this area. I didn't think it was boring at all.I have to say that Red will have a very different memory.

The museum has had a major face lift and is now an awesome place to visit. There are lots of interactive exhibits that demonstrate everything from how surface wind stirs up all of the minerals and other sea life on the bottom of the sea to how Morro Rock was formed. Franky and I both agreed that we would've spent more time exploring but we had an agenda (it was getting close to lunch!!!).

As we walked out of the museum, I suggested we walk up the trail that leads to a view point that has amazing, unobstructed views of the bay. We got to the top and were all in awe of the beautiful site.

It was here we took the family picture. ( I tried out my new toy, a remote for my camera. Ooooohhh, it is so cool!) After taking a few pictures, we were ready to munch down on those yummy sandwiches my darling hubby made. Franky pulls out our drinks, chips and what do you know? I forgot to take our sandwiches out of the fridge... Uh, oh. We rode the trolley back to camp where we enjoyed them immensely (probably because by that time we were starving! jk).

Red is down for a nap. I can hear his soft snores as I type. It is so peaceful and relaxing. I cannot believe that we are going to be here six more days. : )

A Little Shopping in SLO

2008-08-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

Since we've been here, I have been able to visit some of my favorite shops. The Nest is located in San Luis Obispo and is such a wonderful place to get a little inspired. As you step inside, you instantly fall in love with the beautiful displays and relaxed cottage feel.

I found a great student lamp. It is a warm shade of chocolate brown and is going to look terrific on the wicker desk in our bedroom. A cute little white wooden picnic basket also made it into my bag. It will probably find it's home in my scrap booking room where it will hold some of my supplies.

My name is Michelle...and I am an addict!!!

Little Flirt

2008-08-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning we rode our bikes into town and found ourselves at the little french bakery by the wharf. We picked out a few pastries to share and took a spot outside so that we could enjoy the salty sea air. Red was in the midst of enjoying his cream cheese danish when he looks up and sees "her".

She was about 6, with a head full of blond and light brown ringlets, riding a Barbie scooter. Red says, "I'm gonna go and talk to her." Franky and I look at each other and smile. She and her family walk inside the bakery. She picks out a seat by the window, directly in front of her little red headed admirer.

Red gets out of his chair and walks inside. He coyly approaches her, says "hi" and high tails it back out to where we are sitting. He says,"Mama, I said 'hi' to her." I asked,"Did you tell her you like her pretty hair?" He thinks for a minute then he's off again. As we watch from the other side of the window, Red works his magic. The little curly-headed girl is smiling and laughing at Red and her family is thinking they have inherited a little red head.

I walked in to corral our little guy back to our table. He gestures for me to go away and says,"Mom, go back outside. I'm talking to her."

We knew this peanut liked girls, but I think we're in trouble!!!

Sand between our toes,

2008-08-17T11:37:00.001-07:00

cool ocean breeze, waves crashing on the shore....We are officially on vacation. Ten whole days soaking up the sun and wonderful weather. As I write this post I am listening to the sounds of the gulls, wearing a sweat shirt because it is just a little chilly, and watching Red run around our campsite.

Lots of fun to write about and a ton of very cool pictures to come...

Lessons Planned

2008-08-06T22:02:00.001-07:00

On Monday was Red's first swim lesson. When we got to the pool, he was a little disappointed that the water works weren't on but was happy to be at the pool none the less. We weren't sure what class was the best fit, so one of the instructors suggested he start at tiny tots II. This class takes place in the very shallow water and is very "play" oriented.

Red thought it was great and began to play with a few of the water toys. A couple of other kids joined in the fun. And of course, being that he now had a little audience, Red began to show off his under water swimming skills. The instructor looks up at me and says, "He's ready for the guppies' class!"

She escorts us to the section of the pool where 5 wiggly boys are being instructed to "Be cool on the wall." This is the pose you see in the first picture. It is the "listen to the teacher", "wait your turn", "be still" pose.

The teacher tells Red how to be cool on the wall. Red says,"watch me!" Then proceeds to go into a head-under -water-bottom-in-the-air float, holding his breath for what seems like forever. The teacher is talking to him trying to get him to pay attention, and the 5 other wiggly boys are starting to copy what he's doing! Uh oh...

Finally she gets his attention and they go through a number of activities most of which are done holding onto the side of the pool. Then, the moment of truth. The teacher asks the kids to use their arms and legs to swim while she supports their belly. Red looks up at me and says,"Mama, you know, I'm only four. I'm little. I'm not old enough to do that. I need to be over there." (He points to the wading part of the pool.) I had to laugh. This little peanut is one smart cookie!!!

He toughed out the first day and was wiped out when we got home!!!

The next day, he told me he didn't want to go to swim lessons but by the time he got to the pool, he was ready to go. He even won a breath holding contest!
Today, he was one eager boy. He was even doing a great job of listening and being cool on the wall when he was supposed to. (That's is the hardest thing for this redhead!) He can't wait to go back tomorrow.
He's excited that Daddy will be home and will get to see how awesome he's doing! So proud of this little redhead. :)

Red Hits the Public Pool

2008-08-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

So we finally did it. We signed Red up for swim lessons at our public pool. Despite valiant efforts to teach him ourselves (in our own pool) Red wanted no part of it. I honestly thought we were getting somewhere this summer (nope).

On his terms, he splashed and went under water with his kick board. But any effort we would make to "help" him swim resulted in a screaming tantrum or Red's arms in a choke hold around our necks!

His first lesson was going to be on Monday the 4th. On Sunday I decided to take him to the pool so that he would know what to expect the next day. He LOVED it. He splashed and played in the "water works" area that has fountains and water dumping from buckets overhead. Then, all of a sudden, he did it... The little stinker starts swimming under water. Not just putting his body under but actually swimming 6-8 feet at a time. I was so excited. I said, "Red, you're doing it. See I knew you could. You're swimming!!!"

He was pretty proud. He would do it for anyone that would watch. He even went up to the life guard and said,"Hey, watch me!!!" He was a mad man- jumping in off the sides and swimming like a little fish.
He had a blast splashing around and couldn't wait for his lesson the next day.

I Scrap, He Naps.

2008-08-06T21:05:00.001-07:00

I have a new love in my life. He's been working his way into my heart for about four months now. He has curly brown hair with blond highlights that fall in fuzzy curls around his beautiful hazel eyes. He has a very sweet disposition. He loves to snuggle.
When Franky is out of town he occupies his side of the bed. He loves Red. He makes me laugh. He's Sophie's buddy. And when I scrap, he naps! This Doodle has totally captured my heart.
Shhh! Don't tell Franky...

How can you not fall in love with this big fuzzy guy?

Queen of Procrastination

2008-07-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

Well, the deadline to enter the contest I had thought of entering is three days away and this Queen of Procrastination has not made any steps toward getting these pages submitted.

In part due to lack of time to sit and write out the material lists. And, I will admit, partly because I am a chicken.

As the day approached, I became more and more nervous about sending them in. So, I decided to just go ahead and post some of them here. I really have been having fun working on these pages.
I've just been selecting my favorite photos and colors that inspire me. And maybe one of these days, I will send them some where!
I have a few favorites. On the top of the list is the page titled "grow". I love the photo of Franky and Red walking in between the two giant trees. So metaphoric of life and watching Red grow.

My second pick has to be the "peek-a-boo" page. The day I took these pictures, Red and I had spent a fun evening in the front yard. One I don't want to forget.

The third page I like the best is "happy". My parents had just sent Red a new driver and golf bag. The smile on his face would've lit up a dark night. That page was quick and easy. Love the colors, too.

The "makin' a splash" page was a lot of fun to put together. Those colors are such a representation of summertime. They make you feel as though you are a part of that wonderful day in the water.

I like the page of us at Morro Bay, too. It isn't too often that I relinquish control of the camera long enough to allow a picture to be taken with me in it! Franky and I have made a pact that I will start letting him have some "behind the camera" time so that Red will remember what I looked like as he looks back at his childhood!!!

I hope you all enjoy my work! I will keep everyone posted. You all will be the first to know when I do submit a layout! Until then, I'm going to keep on playing and having fun recording our memories.

Mr. Roboto

2008-07-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone who LOVES Target, raise your hand!!! I love that store. We went there last night to have some pictures developed and look around. When Red saw these 'jammas, he said,"Mama, I have to have those. They're JUST like Daddy's!" Franky has a pair of shorts like these he wears around the house.
After his nap today, he asked to wear them. Now he's parading around doing the robot dance and being silly. I had to snap a few pictures of this little peanut. He's just way too cute.
What a fun way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Sweet Escape

2008-07-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

The title of this post couldn't be more true to life. It has been what seems like forever since we have been camping. We were all having withdrawls! So on a whim, (which is the way we roll!) on Thursday evening, we headed up to Quail Valley.

This would be Reese's first camping trip and good practice for our much anticipated August get away.

We arrived so late on Thursday that we basically set up camp and went to bed. At the crack of dawn (Remember, I am with Franky and Red) on Friday morning, we were up and eating breakfast. Red was on his bike, riding down hills by 7:30am. No major crashes, only a short flight over his handle bars landing in some soft dirt (Thank God!).

As the day warmed up, we found ourselves in the creek. Reese was the first to take the plunge. He LOVES the water. I got in after him. Red was pretty skeptical. No, THIS boy does not like "dirty" water. The kid who would roll forever and a day in the sand or dirt, did not want any part of the creek. After about thirty minutes, he decided it really didn't look all that bad. He jumped in and started making mud pies.

Reese thought they were pretty tasty and would either eat a bite or dig his paws in them. Red thought it was pretty cool that Reese was helping him make the pies!

Our Rat Terrier, Sophie, even got in the creek. She didn't want to be left out. Besides, she and Red had made friends with a couple of girls who romped and played with us. It was pretty cute. The girls were at that age where they felt "too old" to be playing with Red but they were drawn to him and kept coming back to our camp asking to play with him and the dogs.
It was so nice to get away this weekend. I feel relaxed and refreshed despite the mound of laundry that has crept out of the laundry room and is slowly making its way down the staircase!!! Can't wait for our trip in August. If anything, this weekend has made us look even more forward to it. : )

Class is in Session

2008-07-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to say that Reese's Basic Training Class number two went remarkably well. (No, I didn't have Red harnessed and duct taped!) I used the good ol' reward for good behavior trick. I can't believe what this redhead will do for a bag of Skittles!

This week we actually ventured out of the training room and worked on walking our dogs around the store on their leashes. Reese did very well. He got a little nervous as people approached us asking, "What kind of dog is THAT?"

I hope at some point to get some pictures. I think we are going to go to class on a Saturday one of these days. That way Franky can go with us and be the monkey handler! : )

Red Makes a Splash...

2008-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

We have been having so much fun lately...Here's Red having a blast at his friend Emily's birthday party. It was all about water, right up Red's alley. There was a slip and slide, two kiddie pools filled to the brim, beach balls, bubbles, and a hot tub (cool water, of course) just for the 6 and under crowd!

I had to laugh, at one point there were about ten kids in the hot tub. One yells, "It's a Dance party!" On cue all of them started showing off their moves! I wish I would've had a video camera...

Speaking of "dance parties", we also went and saw the movie Mama Mia. It was too cute. ABBA now has a number one fan who's 3 1/2 feet tall, has red hair, freckles and knows almost every word to many of their songs!!!

At the movie, Red danced in the aisle and sang along with the music. The people behind us were cracking up! We now own a copy of the sound track which Red likes to listen to each morning while getting ready for school. :) His favorite song at the moment is Dancing Queen!

First Day of School

2008-07-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first night of Reeses' basic training class at PetsMart. We decided to take him so that he could get a little more exposure to other people, animals and places. In hopes that (maybe) by the time we go on our vacation to the beach, he will become more of a social guy instead of a 50+ pound scaredy cat!!!

Red didn't know we were going until I picked him up from school. When I told him where we were going he let out a big hoot and told everyone he was taking his dog to "school". I explained on the way that he needed to be very cooperative and that we had to listen to the instructor so we could learn how to train Reeses. He was in agreement.

Have you ever heard that if you live with someone long enough you begin to look alike? Have you heard that applied to dogs and their owners? Well, tonight I was witness to it! No joke, you could easily separate the dogs from the owners and have a great chance of pairing them back up correctly based on their appearance. Myself not included of course, I don't really think I look much like a labradoodle!!! (Just give it time. Maybe I should get a perm...jk)

By the time the class started there were six pets and eight "trainers" plus the instructor and her pup. The scene was something like this, two dogs barking non-stop, one dog pulling his ten year old girl all over the room, a schnauzer and a little jack russell scuffling, growling at one another and rolling around the floor together - their owners tugging at their leashes, the instructor with squirt bottle in hand trying to "correct" the barking dogs' behavior, Red is laying on the floor in front of her (arms flying in the air) saying (in a very loud voice)"Betcha' can't squirt me", me begging Red to sit down and pay attention to the class, the instructors' pup is raiding the treats and knocking over boxes of stuff the instructor brought with her. And Reese? Laying beside me quiet as can be. I wish I had his ability to drown all of that out!

It was really quite an experience. Turns out, Reeses knew all of the things we worked on today. I learned a few new things which I plan to use with all three of our furry friends. I also learned that instead of a collar and leash for Reeses, next time I'm taking them for Red. Along with some duct tape....I'M KIDDING! (What a terrible Mom!!!)

All Dogs Love Peanut Butter

2008-07-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

In an effort to win the affection of one HUGE and ever growing Doodle, Franky goes for broke!

This weekend, my Mother in Law was visiting. The last time she was here, Reese was shy and didn't get near her. A few times he even barked at her. This time, Reese decided to make friends with her. He followed her around, let her pet him, ate treats from her hands and even went outside when she opened the door. [wow!]

I think this made Franky a little jealous because after three months, Reese still hasn't really warmed up to him. The only time he will have a thing to do with Franky is when we go to bed (and then I think it's because Reese is trying to find a "nice" way of telling Franky to get off HIS bed).

Well, this weekend Reeses began warming up to Franky. He was letting Franky pet him and would actually sit next to him on the couch where as before, he did anything to get away. So, while we were sitting on the couch this afternoon, Franky pulls Reese over into his lap. Reese stayed. We were in awe. Franky yells to Red, "Hurry! Bring me the peanut butter!!" He gets a glob of peanut butter and with Reese in his lap, sits and feeds it to him. How pathetic. It worked though. I just had to snap a picture. This will be something to laugh at down the road...I'm still cracking up!

Angel Kisses

2008-07-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

{Prepare for gushiness...}

Every once and a while, I have one of these moments when I look at our little redhead. A flood of emotions comes over me as I realize how blessed we are to be his parents. Blessed that God trusted us in the care of this spirited boy. Blessed that each day we get to see him grow, explore and learn.

As I look at this picture, I see what an amazing boy Red is becoming. A boy who is destined for great things...you can tell by the bright shine in those big blue eyes and the spray of angel kisses across his nose.

We love you so much, Red!

Someone Call the Playdough Police...

2008-07-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or are there others who just love the smell of playdough? (You're thinking I'm nuts? Just wait.)

Red has been having a really rough time at preschool lately. I've tried all sorts of things to get him to "do what your teachers ask", stop spitting (something he learned from one of "those" kids, because I KNOW he didn't think of THAT on his own...hmm), play nice with his friends, stop arguing, stop talking back, the list goes on and on.

So, today I decided to try a reward for good behavior (aka. blackmail). When I dropped Red off at school today I told him I was going to call his teacher to check on him. Instead, at lunch I dropped by and found out that he had been behaving well. This wasn't surprising to me as his day usually gets a little rocky around nap time. I knew if I could have an impact on the rest of the day, this was my chance.

I pulled him aside and told him he should be very proud of himself for having such an awesome day. Then, the bribe...I told him that if he continued to have a great day, there would be a wonderful surprise for him at home. One that he would be sooo excited about...PLAYDOUGH!!!

Red's eyes were bright with excitement. His hands together on his chest, a HUGE smile spread across his little freckled face. The kid LOVES playdough. His Mama, not so much...

I really do love the smell of playdough. But when it's in my house, that's about the only thing I love about it. I guess you could say I have a love/hate relationship with the stuff. I hate the little pieces that fall onto your floor, I hate the thought of it in my carpet, I hate that it gets deep into your finger nails where it stays for weeks, and the last (most) bothersome thing...I hate when someone mixes the colors...even just a little. There, I wrote it. (I told you you'd think I was nuts.) Does someone have a little control issue? Yepp. I actually think someone must have brain washed me at some point in my life. I feel that strongly about it.

Today, Red decided he was going to provide me with some much needed "therapy". He has this playdough set that someone got him for a birthday. I have had it hidden deep inside our pantry but I had promised, so I pulled it out. It came with four colors of playdough. Being the control freak I am, I opened two colors.

We started playing and honestly the set was so cool, I opened the other colors. Before I knew it, Red had mixed the blue and green. AAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!! I didn't say a word. Red says, "Look Mama. This fish is so colorful!!!" It was. It was actually very cool. I don't think I've EVER mixed the colors. It was AWESOME! He says,"Mama, lets mix ALL the colors together and make a colorful snake!!!" I say,"Go for it, Red!" (I'm actually freaking out, the Playdough Police are going to come and take our playdough away!!!) We played with the playdough for a good hour. Red had so much fun. I confess, I had fun playing with the playdough. I was still a little freaked out by the mixed colors. We now have three containers of "colorful" playdough as Red calls it.

Red helped clean up. The mess wasn't terrible.

Just before he went to sleep tonight he said , "I had fun playing playdough with you, Mama. I think we should do it again tomorrow."

OK, who cares about the stinking mixed colors! :)

Our Little Firecracker

2008-07-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

We had a really nice and quiet 4th of July this year. My Uncle and his family came over in the afternoon and we BBQed and celebrated their daughter's 14th birthday. Great food and wonderful company.

Red has so much fun with Rachel. She is such a cutie! Red is already asking when she's coming back so they can play in the pool and eat more cake. :)

Our neighborhood was really quiet this year. Usually we set up chairs all along our cul de sac and everyone takes turns putting on a show. This year it was just us and two other families. It worked out great though. In the past, I think all of the fireworks intimidated our little firecracker. This year he was ready.

Franky put on his earphones (that he wears at the races) which made the sounds much more tolerable. Funny, Red can be the loudest thing in a room but if something else is loud, he can't stand it!:)

Red loved the little show Daddy put on for him. He even held the sparklers this year. It was so awesome to see him waving the sparklers, making shapes in the night sky. He was so impressed with himself. It reminded me of when I was young and thought that sparklers were the most beautiful thing about 4th of July.

As I sat and watched Alex, I began to miss my Mom and Dad. The 4th of July was always such a fun time at our house when I was growing up. We always worked our tails off preparing the house and yard for a huge BBQ that we had every year on that day.

We would play volleyball, badminton, croquet and swim. We ate great food and then would watch the fire works show. We OOOOed and AAHHed as the sky lite up with the bursts of color. Such an AwESoME time spent with family.

It was at one of these BBQs that Franky and I started dating. Such unforgettable memories...

Happy 4th of July.

Summer Home

2008-07-06T15:53:00.001-07:00

SuMmER...What is there not to love about 100 degree heat, hot sidewalks beneath bare feet, sweet seedless watermelon, dips in the cool water of the swimming pool, the bright yellow faces of the sunflowers growing in our backyard, butterflies fluttering around trying to avoid Red's butterfly net and a little mouth circled in color painted by a ice cold Popsicle?

OK, so the 100 degree heat I could probably do without, but would we enjoy the rest of the things on the list as much if it wasn't so stinking hot?! Maybe...

This is the time of the year I long to be at the beach. Breathing in that fresh cool air, listening to the waves, sand between my toes. Unfortunately, this will only be a daydream until August when we take a little time to go camping in Morro Bay.

So, what better to do than redo a few things. Since I have such a love for the sea, in much of our home you will find colors that remind you of the beach. Sea shells sit on shelves and peek out of containers of all sorts.

I've been working on little projects all over the house, but most of my focus has been upstairs where the majority of the "beachy" things are found. I just need to find the right fabric to make some sort of window treatments and this room will become the retreat I've been dreaming of since we moved in.

I found a few photos of us at the beach which seem to fit perfectly in this old peely bookshelf. I love things with peely paint on them. Our county's lead program would likely have a fit if they saw some of the things I have in our house. Lucky for me, Red doesn't chew on furniture!!!
I found this cute little rack that made a great place to hold some fun things in my scrap booking room. I love it when something is beautiful in it's appearance and also functional. I have been having so much fun in my little room lately. I have actually decided to submit a few layouts to a magazine called Memory Makers. I'll keep everyone posted on how things turn out. I'm not expecting anything big but am excited at the possibilities!
This last photo is of a treasure I received from my Mother-in Law. She handed this to me when we visited last and said that she was getting ready to toss it but thought that I might would like it because I loved sea shells. After I finished gasping at the idea of this beautiful treasure (given to her by her Mother-in-Law) could have been gone forever, I nearly jumped with joy. I LOVE this box which sides are made of either oyster shell or mother of pearl. It is pieced together with brass which has the most beautiful patina. I am so thankful to have it and will treasure it forever!

I hope you all survive the summer heat and enjoyed a little peak of my "Summer Home". :)

A Day in the Life of a Labradoodle

2008-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that all of you have seen at least one version of the movie Freaky Friday? Well, I've decided, if I were ever given the opportunity to switch a day in the life with someone, it wouldn't be a person. Nope. It would be our labradoodle, Reeses. He is one lucky dog!

He gets to spend his days in an air conditioned house with all the amenities. Treats are plentiful. He doesn't have to watch his weight or worry about getting dressed and getting to work on time. At night he sleeps spread out on 3/4 of a california king sized bed, the rest of the day he just plops down and naps wherever he wants. He has a basket full of toys. He is pampered with lots of love and attention. When he drinks water, some lady wipes his chin off so he doesn't drip water everywhere. What a life...

Yep, he has captured my heart. Red's too. The verdict is still out on Franky. He is still clambering to get Reese to like him. :)

Off to See Some Giants...

2008-07-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the month, we decided to take a trip up to the Giant Sequoias. It had been years since Franky and I had been. We both had wonderful memories of our last trip (except for maybe the dog getting car sick...long funny story). My two nieces, Karlie and Chelsie, were with us and had a great time. So, we thought it would be a neat experience for Red.

We loaded up in the car stopping in Three Rivers to pick up stuff for a picnic. Red tells the lady who helps us," We're going to see a GIANT!" (I can only imagine what he was picturing in his little redhead when we told him we were going to visit the"Giant Sequoias"!) She laughs and tells him to have a good time.

When we get up to the trees, Red was in awe. He loves the outdoors and thought the trail to the General Sherman was his very own race track. He ran weaving back and forth on the trail. Hooting and yipping along the way. We had to remind him a few times that we needed to be a little quiet so that others could relax and enjoy the scenery. He actually listened and mellowed a little. Then to our amazement, he was the first to spot a young deer near the path. He whispers very excitedly,"Look Mama and Daddy, a reindeer!!" We were amazed how close it came to us and how quiet Red was and that he didn't scare it away.

When we reached the General Sherman Tree, Red was mesmerized. He stood and looked at it for a good minute then decided he was ready to hit the trail.

We had such a terrific time. It was so peaceful amidst those giant trees. So amazing to see something, once very small, has grown into something so beautiful. When I think about it, I am witness to this kind of miracle everyday. I am watching Red grow.

Growing into an amazing boy...

Girls, do you remember the phrase, "Aunt Shell, she's got that look in her eyes..." That was such an adventure! What a trip. So glad you guys were with us, though. Wish you were with us this time. We miss you.

Our Little Swimmer

2008-07-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

How cute is this little redhead? His smile is like a ray of sunshine. Oh, how I love this boy!!! More pictures to come...

At Long Last

2008-07-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have once again taken a break from the blogging world to chase Red, scrap a little, play in the swimming pool, play Wii, do a little redecorating for summer, wipe up the water left on the floor after Reese drinks (no joke). Ya-da ya-da....excuses, excuses.

So, for those of you who are stalking my blog (you know who you are!), this one's for you!!! : ) And, just so you know, I appreciate everyone who reads about this crazy/wonderful life we have. It's great to know that you take time out of your busy lives to stop and see what's happening with us.

June was a fun month. It got warm enough to enjoy the pool a little. Red loves splashing around on his kick board and is just starting to venture into the "sink or swim" phase of summer. That is what I call it when Red becomes brave enough to let go of the "life-saving" floatation device of choice and swim to me or to the side of the pool. With each passing summer, this phase begins a little earlier.

Red has a motivator this summer. You see, Reese is already jumping in and swimming to us...He LOVES the pool. I guess Red figures he can't be one upped by a dog! It was really funny the other day, we had put Reese outside the pool fence so that Red could practice (if we don't, Reese jumps in on top of Red...not good.). It takes Red a little while to warm up to the idea of swimming but he really wanted to show his Daddy the progress we had made. So I get out in the middle of the pool and count "1-2-3". Red says,"Wait! Wait! I have to stretch my legs!" He stretches them out to the sides and toward the back. Then with toes pointed stretches them straight out in front of him. "This is how 'they' do it." OK, Red. "Ready? 1-2-3..." Nothing happens. "Are you gonna jump, Red?" Reese is outside the fence whining. "Wait Mama. I have to do this." He sticks his head under water and blows bubbles. "See. You have to do that before you swim." OK. "Ready-Set-GO!!!" Still no jump. "Ok, Alex. Reeses really wants to get back in the pool. Are you gonna jump or what?" He finally jumps. I'll bet by the end of summer, he will start swimming. Then next summer we'll start all over again!

Fun times!

Inspired

2008-06-01T22:20:00.001-07:00

I wanted to add a few more layouts that I finished this weekend. I feel so InSPirEd lately! Hope you all enjoy my little works of art. :)

Tee Time

2008-06-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the day. We took Red, his new golf bag and driver out for a test drive (No pun intended!).

We decided to go to the golf course in Lindsay. It is after all Red and Papa’s stomping grounds. Red was fired up. Franky got his bag out of the car and helped him to position it where it was easy to carry.

Red was off...

Straight into the club house where he walks in and announces, “I have a new golf bag and a BIG golf club. Mom, what’s it called again? Oh, yeah. A driver. I have a new driver.” The man behind the counter smiles and we pay for our round of golf. He only charges us for one adult round ($6.00). I guess it was the camera around my neck that made him think I was not going to do much golfing! (He was right!)

It was so much fun. Especially since we were all able to enjoy it. It is definitely something we'll have to do often. It's great exercise too. When you're golfing with Red, you do a lot more walking than normal!

He can really hit the ball with his new club. There were people watching him and complimenting him on his game. He ate that up!

We didn't keep score this time. We skipped a couple of holes (by accident). The weather was beautiful. Perfect for golf. I don't know that we have the next Tiger on our hands but if the love of golf has something to do with it, we just might!
Thanks again Papa and Mow. We all love the gift. Prepare to be amazed when you guys come back to visit. We're planning to do a lot of practicing!!

Red Goes to the Firehouse

2008-06-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday our local fire station had open house. Red could hardly contain his excitement when he found out we were going to get to go there. He loves the fire trucks and (like every other four year old boy) is enamored with firemen.

We arrived a little before the open house started and were greeted by several firemen ready to begin showing everyone around. It was really awesome to be the early birds.

Red made quick friends with a fireman named Nick. He was great. He would lift Alex up to see things, let him turn on the siren in the fire engine, dressed him up in mini fireman gear and tirelessly answered all of the questions that little Red asked. Red was very enthusiastic and with every answered question would reply with "awesome" or "that's so cool". He LOVED it!!!

Actually, I think his Daddy was just as thrilled with the open house as he was!!! Both him and Alex left the station with a big smile on their face. Elated that they got to visit the station and learn about how everything works. What an awesome day!

Doesn't Red just look way too cute in this uniform?! His big toothy smile makes my heart melt.

Watch Out, Tiger!

2008-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Actually, anyone standing in a five foot radius of Red better watch out!!! Today when we got home, there was a box on the front porch. When Red found out it was for him, he was thrilled. He says,"Mama, 'Brown' brought something for me!"

It's funny that he recognizes the "UPS" logo. He and his Daddy are always pointing out the delivery trucks. I explained that it was actually a present from his Mow and Papa. We went inside and called my parents so they could be part of the excitement of opening the gift.
I cut the tape on the box and Red opened it. He was so excited when he saw the contents. An awesome little Red-sized golf bag and a Nike driver. He immediately asks if we can go golfing. He was raring to use that "BIG" club. We headed out to the front yard so Red could try it out.Now Papa has taught Red some golf etiquette, but I have to say as soon as we got on the grass, the reckless swinging began! Hence the "Watch Out" title! Once I was able to get him focused, we sit a ball down. Red lines up and swings sending the ball far into our neighbor's yard. "That was COOL, Mama!!". It was. I'm just thankful there were no windows broken!

After much pleading/bargaining/manipulation, I was able to get Red to put his new gear away. I have promised to take him golfing on Friday. He can't wait! Thanks so much Papa and Mow. Red is one happy little guy!!!

**So, Dad, remember the time You, Me and Tracey were practicing pitching in our yard and you made the comment that if anyone broke a window, they were going to pay to have it fixed? I think it was your very next swing that sent your golf ball screaming through the windshield of MY car!!!

I mention this because I didn't see a Responsibility Disclaimer in with the clubs...So, if Red breaks a window, we'll go in halfers with you!!! jk :) Thank you both again. He's going to have some fun with that driver and bag. As he picked it up to carry it outside, he said,"Now I'm just like Papa and Daddy." Way too cute.

Front Yard Fun

2008-05-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

This evening, we decided instead of our usual walk, that we would play in the yard instead. We started out in the back yard. We had to check out our garden to see if there was anything exciting going on there. There was. One of our summer squash plants has ten (yes, ten) little baby squash on it. Very soon, I predict we will have squash coming out our ears!!! I planted seven plants...

Our Roma tomatoes are also doing very well. Cumulatively (with all six plants), we have 9 tomatoes and lots of blooms. Red is very excited about our home grown produce and asked if we "could eat them now."

It's hard to tell him "no" when Reeses is munching out on the little green apples from our apple trees. They are about the size of a ping pong ball and I guess very tasty to him. :)

After checking out the bounty, we headed to the front yard. Reeses and Sophie joined us. It didn't take long before the dogs were enjoying their favorite chasing game. The one that inevitably ends in Reeses jumping into my lap (basically tackling me) because he needs protection from that mean little 10 pound Rat Terrier. Honestly, the dog thinks he's a Chihuahua!!!

Red and Reese played tag. Very comical. Red got tackled and almost lost his pants. We couldn't stop laughing at that. Our neighbors probably thought we had gone crazy over here. We simply had a blast!
We will definitely take a break from walking to do this again. Red is asleep. The dogs are pooped. I am enjoying the peace and quiet of the house. Doesn't get much better than that.

"True"

2008-05-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

The last page of the day. Everything is tucked away neatly where it belongs until another day. On the final page, I decided to use a great shot of my parents. I love when I catch my Dad glancing at my Mom. You can see that look in his eye. The one that says 'I have found my soul mate', 'I am so lucky she is mine', 'I love and respect you'. It is the look of true love.

In the journaling, I wrote how lucky I was that I had them to show me what true love is.

Thanks Mom and Dad for everything you are. I love you guys. :)

My Creative Weekend

2008-05-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

...has almost come to an end (tear.) I had such a blast working on these pages. Some of my favorite pictures from the last year or so. I have to give another shout out to my adorable husband who helped out with Red so that I could create! THANK YOU a million times!

I now have seven finished 12x12 inch pages. Funny thing is, I don't have an album that size. I've looked several places over the weekend but being my picky self, didn't find one that I thought was perfect. So until I find it, my pages are in a plastic container.

I am so excited about these pages. Every time I finished one, I thought,"Oh, now THIS one is my favorite." I still don't know which I like the best. Let me know your favorite. I'm kind of leaning toward the "Always" page. I love the colors. The picture doesn't do it justice!

I love this picture (below)of the kids. It is too cute. They have all grown so much. I love that I've been able to take so many pictures each time we've gone to MN. I really enjoy looking back at them and seeing how much everyone has changed.

When I was snapping the picture of this layout, Red decided to get a closer look. I love that his little tootsies are in the picture!

I hope everyone enjoyed this nice long weekend. I'm taking a break to take Red to BK to get rid of some energy in their monkey cage. I hope to finish ONE more layout tonight. If I do get it done, I will post a picture of it.

Happy Memorial Day.

Doing His Work

2008-05-25T20:07:00.001-07:00

I had to add this photo and tell the little story behind it. Since I was in the my scrap booking spot for most of the day, Red decided he wanted to do some art too. I pulled his table in the office, he brought his chair. I got out the crayons and a Cars coloring book and away he went.

Now, Reese has to be where ever I am. (I told my Aunt Sally just this evening, I feel like I have two toddlers!) Anyway, he was laying at my feet happily chewing on a rawhide. Sophie, our rat terrier comes in the room and takes the rawhide away then lays down a couple of inches from where Reese had just been. She taunts him, he taunts her. Then Reese gets upset and starts barking at her.

Red looks up from his color page and in a very serious tone says,"Reese, please be quiet. I'm doing my work."

A Rainy Day

2008-05-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Perfect weather to play inside. Franky and Red were watching the race so I got to have some fun. (Thanks, Honey.) I am so behind in where I should be with Alex's book that I just used a few random pictures. The "Nest" page is a photo I took in the Spring. Just something fun since I love all things "nesty."

The picture of Karlie and Chelsie in the page below was taken last fall when we visited. Such an adorable picture. Shows off what great personalities they have and what beautiful girls they have become.
The "I promise" page picture was taken of my two favorite guys on Mother's Day. Aren't they just too cute?

It was great to be able to work on something fun that also documents our lives so that we can look back at these moments and remember them like they just happened.
I hope you all find something that gives you as much pleasure.

A little escape.

Uh Oh...

2008-05-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

For quite some time we have had a problem. You see, the neighbors who live directly behind us have three dogs. I know, so do we. There is a difference though. The neighbor's dogs bark constantly and have the very bad habit of digging into our yard. I guess it's the whole "grass is always greener" thing. They dig into our yard, use our grass as a restroom, eat our dogs' food and bark at our dogs while they stand in the center of OUR yard. To say the least this has been very frustrating. We have tried the following to rectify the situation:

1. Refill the holes as soon as they dig them. (didn't work)
2. Place pavers in the spots where they usually dig. (they dug somewhere else)
3. Talked to our neighbors. (hmm)
4. Installed a "hot" wire all along the back fence. (BINGO!)

This was working beautifully until Thursday. I guess while weeding the flower bed we caused the wire to become very loose. The biggest of the three dogs figured this out and dug a GINORMOUS hole into our backyard.

I happened to be letting our dogs into the back yard (Red in tow) when all of a sudden that big dog ran out of our dogs' kennel, across the grass and under the fence. I yelled, "Dumb dog, get in your own yard" (very effective) and threw one of Franky's tennis shoes at him (missed by a mile).

I was very distraught to see that not only had he dug that hole, but also ruined some of my flowers. AAAGGGHHH...

Red witnessed the whole account but didn't say a word.

Later that day, Alex was in our bedroom upstairs looking out the window. He notices a little girl playing in our neighbors' yard. He yells, "Hi". The little girl sees him and says "hi" back. Then Red yells, "You know, your dogs are digging holes in our backyard and it is making my Mom REALLY MAD!!!"

Twenty minutes later we were in the backyard and what do you know? The hole was filled.

Way to go, Red! (Watch what you say and DO around this guy!)

"Red"

2008-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Last week when I picked up Alex from school, his teacher pulls me aside. She has a big smile on her face so I am very relieved that it isn't one of "those"talks. She proceeds to tell me this story:

The kids had all been playing in the art & drama room. It was getting close to lunch so the teachers were asking the kids to start picking things up and get ready to line up to go into the lunch room.

Alex had been helping to pick up but when his teacher called his name to have him line up, he ignored her. She says,"Alex, did you hear me? It's time to line up." He looks up and says (very matter-of-fact) ,"My name isn't 'Alex'. My Mama calls me 'Red'." :)

Bath Time Attack...

2008-05-25T17:47:00.001-07:00

So here it is...The proof is in the picture. Red is being attacked at bath time. It starts out innocently enough. Reeses sits wantonly by the edge of the tub just watching Red as he splashes and soaks in the bubbles. He is waiting. Waiting for the opportune time and ample space for his 40 pound body to fit in the tub.

Then with the stealthiness of a crocodile, he slips himself into the warm soapy water....

Actually, I described it wrong.

This is more like it...

Just like a three hundred pound man jumping from the edge of a high dive, he SPLASHES into the tub sending water up in a huge spray that soaks everyone in a six foot radius!!!

Red and I burst into giggles at this silly sight. Life is such a fun thing.

Throw Like a Girl...

2008-05-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

and you might just become a celebrity in Brainerd, Minnesota.

That is if you do it like Karlie and Chelsie. Just wanted to brag a little and tell my nieces that we are so very proud of them. The photo above is from their summer league last year. This picture has both of the girls and my brother in it. Chelsie is the first one on the bottom left. Karlie is also on the bottom row and is the last girl on the right. Tracey is in the back on the left.

Currently, Karlie is a freshman and is pitching for the varsity team. Chelsie is in eighth grade and is also doing some pitching for the high school varsity team. How awesome is that?! Way to go!!!

Keep up all of the hard work girls. Have lots of fun. We love you and miss you lots. Can't wait to see you guys sometime this summer.

Question

2008-05-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Our new puppy (who weighs nearly forty pounds and is only 4 months old now) LOVES the water and enjoys getting wet where ever he can find water.

The question...

If Reeses jumps into the bath tub while Red is taking a bath, do I start all over or just consider it a two-fer?

*I'm leaning toward the two-fer option. Actually, by the time Reeses jumps in and out of the tub a few times, and I mop up all of the water off the bathroom floor, I'm actually killing three birds with one stone. :)

1 clean (?) red head
1 clean (wet) dog
1 mopped bath room floor

Let me know what you think...

"Great Job"

2008-05-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

While on a walk Friday, we saw four vintage airplanes flying over head. Red was so excited. He loves anything that moves. Airplanes and trains make the top of his "favorites" list. On Saturday, we decided to take a ride out to the airport to see if there was anything going on. Lucky us! There were about 40 vintage airplanes there who had flown in to practice formations and drop flour bombs at a target there on the runway. We spent much of the day there, even had a little picnic.

We got to walk around and see all of the airplanes up close. Many of the pilots talked to Red. One of them let him and Daddy get up on the wing and look into the cock pit (I think that was just as exciting for Franky as it was for Red!). Another pilot had been talking to Alex so when he was getting in his plane he told us to watch him take off. He waved at us then took off straight up into the air (this impressed us all!).

There were a few pilots who practiced flying in formation. When they flew over the crowd, smoke trails followed behind them. Red thought this was the greatest. When they came in for a landing, one of them parked close to the fence where we were sitting. Red watched intently while the pilot took off his helmet and got out of the plane. Red says,"Mom, I'm gonna talk to him." He waited until the pilot was completely out of his plane and then tells him (in a voice that everyone watching can hear),"Excuse me, Sir. You did a great job up there." The pilot was grinning from ear to ear and tells Alex,"Well, Thank you young man." Red smiles a huge smile that makes my heart melt. What a cutie bug!!!

Oh the places we go...

2008-05-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

A Little Fun

2008-05-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

Lately my "scrap booking" room has been feeling a little neglected. I haven't worked on anything since February. I walk into the room, leaf through some of the neat things in there and then walk out. So, last weekend, I decided to play a little.

I have never really been one to make cards. The thought of working on a card only to have it meet an uncertain fate usually doesn't appeal to me but, I decided to make my Mother's Day cards and a birthday card for one of our nieces.

I had so much fun! It was surprising how much I enjoyed making them. The pink one was the birthday card, the "Love" card was for my Mom. I will definitely do more of these!

I hope to have a scrap booking day sometime soon. Hmm, there's a three day weekend coming up... Maybe I'll get to play some more. :)

Lucky Girl

2008-05-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. This picture was taken on Mother's Day last weekend. Looking at it I am reminded how truly blessed I am. First, to be lucky enough to have married my best friend, soul mate and exceptional Daddy to Red. I couldn't have asked for a better husband. He is the person who reminds me to have faith and believe in our dreams.

One of those dreams was to be a Mom. I wasn't sure that dream would ever come true but after eight years of marriage and lots of prayers, God answered in an awesome and unexpected way. We were given the opportunity to adopt and I became a Mom. It has been such an awesome adventure. Red is an amazing, smart, BUSY, sweet, fun, social, lovable boy. I can't think of anything better than him waking me up every morning with hugs, kisses and a "good morning, Mommy."

I am a very Lucky Girl.

Meet Reeses.

2008-05-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

We have a new family member...he is a 3 and a half month old Labradoodle. We have had him about three weeks now. We got him on the day of our 12th wedding anniversary. He is a cutie and so much fun. He is kind of shy but is coming out of his shell. He loves going for walks with Alex and I. Look for stories to come, he has a mischievous streak just like Red Head!

How Many Points Do I Have?

2008-05-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been on Weight Watcher's. Franky and I started back in February as an attempt to not only lose weight but change the way we eat and get healthy. When I told Mom we were on it, she got motivated and she and Dad started as well. When they got here, Mom joined with me and while they were here, we both attended the meetings.

I have to say it was so awesome. We all participated in making our meals. We all became addicted to pico de gallo (Franky and I had started that trend and were already addicted to it when Mom and Dad got here.) We would all help cut up the various components. Mom cooked all sorts of wonderful dishes from the Weight Watcher's cook book and we modified some of the recipes to make them even better. In the evening we walked to the strawberry patch close to our home and got fresh strawberries for shortcake. Dad would cut them up. We would take turns preparing them. Dad liked it when Franky made them the best...he really loaded up the cool whip!! Mom and I would scrap it off and give it to one of the guys!

Red caught on quickly that something was going on. All this talk about "points". He frequently asks "How many points do I have." We just tell him he has lots of points!!!

I am very proud to say that I have lost the 100+ pounds I gained over the last 12 years. I currently weigh 15 lbs. less than when Franky and I got married. Even better than losing the weight, my lab work relating to my diabetes is all normal! Yeah!!!

Franky has lost around 35 pounds and is currently weighing what he weighed in high school. We are exercising and feeling great.

Mom has lost 11 pounds so far. She and Dad have started walking now that they're at home. Yippee!!! So proud of us all.

Just Like the Pros...

2008-05-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

While my parents were here, Papa picked up where he had left off on Red's golf lessons. Before they left for Minnesota, we had gotten Alex a putter and Papa had taught him to putt. He was actually quit good when he would take his time and line up.

My Dad was tickled when he found out that the little golf course in Lindsay didn't mind if Alex practiced there and for the bargain price of six dollars, they could play nine holes! Red loves to go places with Papa and was very excited to be able to go golfing.

The first time they went, Mom and I met them for lunch afterwards. Dad looked pooped and when I looked at the score card I felt like nominating Papa for sainthood. It looked something like this:
first hole- Papa 3, Alex 16
second hole- Papa 4, Alex 19
third hole- Papa 4, Alex 20.

After that, there were no scores. I asked Dad if things got any better. He said the scores were pretty much the same except after the third hole he let Alex putt his too. That went on for nine holes....Papa is officially a SAINT!!!

Alex was of course no worse for the wear. He was ready for the back nine. The only little hiccup was that he was so excited and having so much fun, he had a little accident.

Alex's score card:
-1 pair of camouflage undies

The next week, Papa took Alex again. We had a long talk about letting Papa know if he has to go. Even if you're having lots of fun, you can stop and then come back to playing. Red agreed.

Like the last time, Mom and I met the boys for lunch after their game. As Alex slides into the booth next to me at Taco Bell, I immediately ask him if he needs to go. He says no then changes his mind. We head to the restroom. As he sits down, I realize, he's had an accident, a bad accident...very bad...

Alex's score card:
-1 pair camouflage undies
-1 pair sport themed boxer briefs

When we get back to the table, I tell my parents about the accident. My Dad kinda giggles then proceeds to tell me that the while they were out there, he asked Alex a few times if he had to go. Alex said no. Then on the next to the last hole, Dad says Red squats down in front of his ball, kind of grunting.
Papa: Alex, do you need to go to the bathroom?
Red: No.
Papa: What are you doing?
Red: I'm doing like the pros do, Papa!

Dada says after that he was kinda acting funny... Poor guy. This will be one of those embarrassing stories that as an adult you pray no one will tell and will haunt you forever!!!

I actually joined them for the third round. I hadn't been golfing in years. I had an amazing time. No mishaps. Only a great bonding experience for Me, Alex and Papa. Can't wait to do it again.

I'm Thinking of Something...

2008-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

So, as I eluded to in the previous post, I have a lot of catching up to do. I'll start by saying that it was so AweSomE to have my parents here for the entire month of April. I miss them terribly. It was great to be able to visit and spend time with them. The month seemed to fly by (as is usually the case when you wish it wouldn't.)

My parents got here right before Easter. I had to laugh, being that there has been snow on the ground in Minnesota since November, Mom and Dad hadn't seen green in a while. In fact, my Mom was so tickled by all of the greenery and flowers in Laughlin (yes, Laughlin) as they were driving through, they decided to stay there an extra day!

On Easter Sunday, we drove up to the foothills and took this and the other pictures from the slide show below this post. The weather was beautiful. Everything was so green and the wildflowers were gorgeous providing a terrific background. It was really nice.

I hate to admit this and am now wondering if indeed I did "have a bug", but these pictures are (almost) the only photos I took the entire time my folks were here...How sad is that?

Very sad, but I am happy to say that instead of pictures, I have great stories to tell. : )

The week after they arrived, we left for the coast. We had the trip planned since June of last year and were really looking forward to it. When we arrived at the beach, we were all kind of surprised by how cold it was. Even the "it's 10 degrees but feels like -15 and I'm only wearing a sweat shirt" Minnesotans were FREEZING. It was a "wet cold" don't ya know? (I'm only teasing Mom and Dad, it WAS cold there.)We made the best of it though!

The day after we arrived, Franky and Dad went golfing while Mom, Alex and I went shopping. First we went to our favorite, "Birds of a Feather". It was as wonderful as ever. We found some very yummy Easter decorations there. Next we drove to the village of Arroyo Grande. There we went to Susan Branch's store which is just too cute. I found an adorable vintage step stool there. Alex really liked it and we decided that it had some pretty great potential as a "time-out" chair! jk

After all of that shopping, we rewarded Red for being so patient (did I just use Red and patient in the same sentence?!) with a sweet treat at his favorite ice cream shop. Mom and I watched as he ate every last drop. We were (and still are) Weight Watchers and managed to stay on track. I must say though, I really enjoyed watching Red really enjoy eating his ice cream. I guess it was one of those "living vicariously through another" moments. : )

We had decided to head back to camp and were driving through SLO. It used to be that there was a terrific little shop called Anthology that we loved to go to there. The last time we were in SLO we were disappointed to see it had closed. The owner had previously had a shop Lavender in Pismo that we loved as well. On a fluke, we drove down a side street on the way back to the freeway and happened upon a shop called Nest.

We were both so excited as we walked through the door, it was fabulous!!! The funny thing was, turns out the owner is Connie, the woman whose other two shops we had admired so much. It was like a reunion. We visited with her for a while. I found a couple of great old cameras, a vintage picnic basket and a couple of "nesty" things that are perfect in my scrapbook room.
We had a great time.

The rest of the time we were in Morro Bay, we walked along the beach, rode our bikes, ate wonderful meals, played dominoes and visited with my parents, Aunt Sally, Uncle Billy and their daughter Rachel.

Red had lots of fun. He did have a few periods of naughtiness. He figured out pretty quickly that if one person told him no or not to do something, he could find someone else that would swing his way. Actually it was quite hilarious how he worked his magic.

As we were packing up getting ready to head home, Alex was having a particularly naughty behavior streak. Just not listening, doing the opposite of what we told him to do, etc. Needless to say, he had been in time out a lot that morning. When we were pulling out, Red decided to ride with Mow and Papa. You see, they are WAY more fun and they have Bubble Gum... Since he had been in trouble earlier, I told Mom not to let him have any gum until he started behaving better. She agreed and we all left. About 15 minutes into the trip we had stopped to get gas my Mom comes to our car cracking up. She told me this story:

After they got into the truck and got Alex all buckled in, he asked Papa if he could have a piece of gum. My Mom tells Red that I had said that he couldn't have any gum until he started behaving himself. She suggested they not talk about it and when they stopped for gas, he could ask me if he could have some then.

Mom says about a minute passed when Alex pipes up, "I'm thinking of something... It's squishy, and it tastes good...and you can chew it..."

Mom tells Alex he isn't supposed to be asking for gum anymore. To which Alex replies, "I didn't say gum, Mow!!!"

Little Stinker!

Easter

2008-05-08T21:10:00.001-07:00

Got a Bug...

2008-05-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Not me, the laptop (aka Dill). I still don't quite understand what happened. The last time I used Dill, I was sitting in our trailer at Morro Dunes....

I was downloading all of the great photos of my parents, Franky, Alex and I that we had taken over Easter weekend. I was connected to the wireless network they offer (with the intent of posting an entry). I decided to work on the blog later. Instead of logging off, I just closed Dill.... I didn't open it until after we got back from our trip. When I did, it shut itself down right after I had logged in. Dill was not happy with me!!! The feeling was pretty mutual.

After that, I pretty much ignored the fact that I had a laptop or a blog for that matter. I enjoyed the time I spent with my parents while they were here, worked, played, chased Red...

So today was the day. A whole month and a half later. I called Dell.

They determined that Dill had caught a bug or had a problem with some sort of update. The man on the other end told me they would need to restore Dill to its factory settings (meaning I would lose everything on the computer).

Luckily, we have an external hard drive. I was able to save my 2000+ pictures. (You all thought I was joking when I said there is a paparazzo in our household! That's just the pics I've taken since Oct. 2007!!!)

Well, things are back to normal and I have a lot to catch everyone up on. Lots of silly things have happened that I have to share. So, stay tuned. : )

A Little Disney Magic

2008-03-16T21:53:00.001-07:00

A Picture...

2008-03-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Truly is worth a thousand words. Over the weekend we went to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!! Yep, Disneyland. We decided to go to California Adventure Friday afternoon and Disneyland on Saturday.

We had such an awesome time watching the parades. Alex loves to be the "pre-parade entertainment". He gets right out in the center of the parade path and jumps, dances and sings. It's too cute. He had so much fun seeing all of the characters. This time he loved them all.

The last time we had gone, Alex wasn't tall enough to ride a couple of the rides. Thanks to a major growth spurt, this time he was able to ride them. We rode Soaring Over California, Big Thunder Mountain, a cute little jelly fish ride and Star Wars. He was so excited!

As we rode the Monorail, I was trying to talk him in to riding the Matterhorn (he did last time). He looks at me and very seriously says, "Nope, you and Dad can ride it. I'll stay here." This cracked up the people sitting by us. He remembered that at the end a big snowy monster pops out...he made it clear he did not like that! : )

I have to tell you all something I did. (Franky was insistent on this since I wrote about him dragging Alex in one of my posts!) We had gotten sandwiches for lunch. They came plain and you were able to doctor them up at a little salad bar type area. I was fixing Alex's for him. He likes his sandwiches with mayonnaise, so I put it on, finished fixing my sandwich, then we go sit down.

Now Red has a hard time sitting still for anything. He was getting out of his seat jumping around, pretending to be a dog (licking my arm) when I tell him to "SIT DOWN AND EAT!!!" He sits and takes a huge bit of his sandwich immediately sticking out his tongue (food all over it) and says,"Mom, it's too spicy!" To which I say, "It is not spicy. Just EAT!" (I'm thinking turkey sandwich with mayonnaise is about the most bland thing you can eat.) He proceeds to pick at the sandwich, eating only small bites of turkey, some apples and grapes. He pushes away his plate almost a whole sandwich left on it. I take a bite of the (almost whole) turkey sandwich and my mouth immediately begins to burn...what I thought was mayo was actually HORSERADISH!!! Poor, Red. Lesson learned...

So what about the picture at the beginning of the blog? On Friday night, we left the park at around 10:15 and walked back to our hotel. Alex had not had a nap all day and was still going strong when we arrived at our room at 10:45. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Then at 5:15 am woke us up and says, "Come on! It's morning time! Let's go eat and go to Disneyland!" We did just that. Got to the park as it opened at 8:00 am and went all day. At around 6:00pm, clouds began rolling in, the wind kicked up. It was COLD. We were talking about getting something to eat when Franky suggests we just go back to the hotel and order a pizza. We were waiting for a protest but Alex said that's what he wanted to do. We got on a bus to head back to our hotel and didn't get one block when our little red head fell fast asleep. : ) He was pooped!

What fun. Can't wait to go back next year. Red may be just tall enough to ride all of the roller coasters Franky refuses to ride with me!!!

Spring is in the Air...

2008-03-13T21:34:00.001-07:00

The weather has been so beautiful. The mountains to the east of us are covered in orange, yellow and white wild flowers. Everything is green. The new baby sheep have arrived at the farm near our home. This is my most inspired season. I love everything about it! (Except for the allergies!)

I've got all of my Spring decorations out around the house. Just like Christmas, when I open the boxes of my Easter decorations, my heart flutters with excitement! How silly to be so dramatic about decorations! But when you have cute little chicks like the one in this picture, you just can't help it!

I'm also getting very excited because on Monday, my parents will be on their way out to California for a visit.Red is counting down the days, too. We already have a camping trip to Morro Bay planned. Mom and I are looking forward to visiting our favorite little shop in Cambria, Birds of a Feather. Talk about inspiring. I could move my bed right in the center of that shop and be as happy as a clam! (Franky, quit rolling your eyes!!!) It is adorable. The shop owner has a knack for displaying simple objects in such beautiful ways...oooh, I can't wait!
I'm very proud to say that I have had one of the pictures I took of Alex and my three nieces published in the Brainerd (MN) Dispatch! My Mom took the picture (of the kids at the Brainerd Lodge showing off their tattoos) to their local paper to be published in their reader picture section. It is one of my favorite pictures. I can't wait for Alex to see himself in it! I told Mom and Dad to buy about 25 copies since this would be Red's first appearance in a newspaper! : )

I hope to get some scrapping time in soon...I have so many ideas floating through my head, I can't wait to see what they become. I hope each of you find inspiration and delight during this wonderful season.