Trekking Mt. Mommyhood

And now... time for a quick crafting break.

2012-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Heads Up people! I think a miracle may have occurred! I actually had time to get a wee bit creative this weekend! But, I had so many other things to do, I actually felt a little guilty!

I was working my buns off and running around in circles on Saturday morning. In between checking my lists and nagging the kids to get their work done, I ran out to the garage to put something away (ie: threw it on the giant pile of stuff that needs to get put away!) While I was out there, I noticed that the items from the last Costco run had not been shelved so I proceeded to unpack the tissue, toilet paper and the paper towels and put them neatly on the shelf. Then I moved over to another pile that I thought I could easily straighten up when I spied them! Oatmeal boxes, 3 of them! I had JUST seen a great idea on Pinterest (oh, the ideas that you can get there... trouble!) and thought, I should do that NOW, before I forget.

I quickly came inside and fired up my trusty glue gun, both of them actually... a super hot, burn the material you are working with type, and a not so hot and will barely hold anything type. I also grabbed some left over fabric and some ribbon and started working away! How excited I was to learn that oatmeal boxes are just about 1/4 yard wide!!!! That was what the width of my fabric was... yay!

I covered the first box with some left over material from another family room project and covered the raw edges with ribbon. It looked sooooo cool! I realized that it could not be used for it's original intention, but rather could make a handsome remote control container! Here it is! I tried to cover the inside with white contact paper, but it didn't work. I considered painting it, but feared it would buckle. I decide to like the look of raw cardboard.

Next, I covered the other two boxes with the material that I bought "just in case" for that family room project. I used some scrap ribbon and finished the two boxes off. They are PERFECT for storing all of Ella's headbands. I stashed extra hair nets, bobby pins and rubber bands in the bottom one and put all of her cloth type headbands in the top one. Stacked on top of each other, they hardly take up any counter space AND she can see all of her headbands at a glance! Yeah... I feel like I totally rock.

On Super Bowl Sunday, we had some friends over. I got to cook with Andy, which is always fun! He made Moroccan Sweet Potato Fries and Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies and I whipped up salsa and 7 Layer Dip. We laid out a yummy spread and a nicely stocked bar. Then I made some homemade frosting for my Football Cupcakes! Delish and cute too! Since we had some left overs from Ella's birthday party, we put out a Peanut Butter Sandwich Bar for dessert. The food was glorious and the company great! Thanks everyone for a nice Sunday!

Crafty and Cooking! That is the way I like to spend my weekend, even though it meant that some of my to-do list got pushed to Monday!

Side note: WOW!!! I love the new publishing aspect of Blogger! So much easier! Yay! (except that it did not publish the way it looked when I was done.. boo!)

Time keeps on slippin... into the future....

2012-01-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have the greatest plans, and then life happens! I have a couple of good, deep, meaningful posts that are just waiting to be finished but life keeps on "getting in the way."

Not really, it is the life I want after all!

We went to New York during the summer along with a lot of camping so that was good times for sure! I also had some minor surgery to help repair the damage to the urinary tract system that was caused by childbirth. Not such fun times, but the results are AMAZING!

I am still without permanent and full time work. I have been subbing, organizing, cleaning and bookkeeping for money. A few things here and there, but nothing substantial. I have applied for some jobs, gotten a few rejections, but more "wait and see" than anything else.

The family is good and growing. I have been volunteering in the classrooms and have taken on the role of co-leader for Ella's Daisy Scout troop. Gavin is now on medication for ADHD and it helps greatly. He is on a very low dose and it seems to "take the edge off" for him, he is better able to concentrate and has more control over his emotions.

Andy and I managed a little Vegas escape right after Christmas and then came home to support a family that we are very close with as they helped their father transition from this world to the next. It was an exhausting and very sad time, and will be for a long time to come. We are thankful and better for having known Rosario Bono and look forward to meeting him again someday!

We stayed at the Aria in the City Center... awesome! We were there with several other couples to celebrate Giacomo Bono's 40th Birthday! Incredible!

Instead of gambling our money away, we placed our bets on a sure thing and saw the Elvis show! It was so much fun and the best part was...it was in our hotel! Just a short walk to the elevators and we were in our room 15 minutes after the show ended!

Hanging out at the Bellagio... strolling and talking and relaxing.

We just celebrated Ella's 7h birthday and that seems impossible! But we had a "Candy Bar" party and so much fun.

Showing off her lollipop garden and new outfit from Justice! Ready for the guests to arrive.

Candy button cake. Thank you Pinterest!

The "Candy Bar".

The Peanut Butter Sandwich Bar.... lots of choices here! PB, fudge, jelly, marshmallow creme and minis, chopped up candy bars, fruit, granola, potato chips. The girls made some amazing creations. My fav: Creamy PB, cocoa spread, twix and strawberry. Ella's fav: Creamy PB, marshmallow fluff, mini marshmallows, m&m's and sprinkles.

I am going to try to post more often... especially now that I have a more reliable computer. So, hopefully... you will see me around!

Crossing the Threshold

2011-07-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

There are times in our lives that are like no other. There are moments when we change, forever. When you had your tenth birthday, you said good-bye to single digit ages - forever. When you lost your last baby tooth, you (hopefully) would never have that funny wiggling sensation again. After your first kiss, you would never again be a person who had never been kissed.

Life is like that and sometimes we pay little attention to the times when we crossed over and yet, other times it is so poignant and significant we remember it for the rest of our lives. It shapes who we are becoming and adds to the construction of our memories and our personality.

Marriage. It is a big change, it is a huge commitment. It is the act of making a promise to be by someone's side as their partner - forever. For some women, it means changing your name. The name that you have had since you were born, will now be erased and a new name will be a part of the new person that you are becoming. This was so significant for me that I pulled away from the idea. My name, I thought, is ME. It is my label. It is who I am. I knew that I wanted a partner, but I did not think that I wanted to change who I am. If you take the label off a carton of milk and change it to say lemonade...nobody will really know what is inside. And, what a terrible shock to someone who assumes that they are pouring lemonade and come out with a glass of milk. I was torn on this, but eventually, I realized that no matter what the label says, the milk... is still milk. What I didn't know at the time, is that I would change right along with my label. I was becoming someone different than I was before. I was becoming a wife, a partner and Mrs. Huffaker. Twelve years later and I am still struggling with who Mrs. Huffaker is, but I think I am getting to know her and ... well, she is pretty cool. Not the same as Miss Yvonne Cutler, but pretty cool nonetheless.

Marriage - threshold

From Mother to Son - Crystal Stair

2011-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps.

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now—

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes, 1922

Ugh... blogger

2011-04-04T21:44:00.001-07:00

I did not intend for that last post to be one long run on paragraph, but after formatting and re-formatting it 4 times and having blogger change it back.. I surrender.

Weighing In

2011-04-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Just finished up my Spring Break. I don't think that the word "break" and the word "mother" belong together in any thought. I did get to play a little, but I still had to "work" a lot. The kids have break next week and Andy follows that. Kind of a bummer, but I did enjoy some peaceful moments to myself. I tromped my resume all around town and will definitely be on the substitute teacher list for Whittier City next year. Other districts took my application, but I don't really know what my status with them will be yet. I got a chance to go to Arizona and visit with Darci and scrapbook. Our hotel experience was a comedy of errors. We moved rooms once, discovered that we could not shower, could not have dinner at the restaurant and had no microwave. The sink also backed up.... they comped us two out of three nights... so.... I guess it was all good in the end. I also got a lot of scrappin done! I spent a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs with Kate. Totally relaxing and totally fun. Great day with a great friend. Other days were spent doing paperwork and volunteering at the kids' school. The annual Fun Run was postponed due to rain and was re-scheduled during my break! Yeah! Ella was super cute and Gavin was mostly a blur around the track! I have lost 12 pounds on Weight Watchers and have met my 5% and my 10 pound goals. I am trying to lose 20 all together. (I think) Slowly but surely! Most weeks I weigh in and find I have only lost 1/2 a pound. BUT... it is still a LOSS (that is what the person who weighs me always says!) I can't believe how close we are to the end of the school year! (and how little I have written this year!) I still have lots to say, but I keep falling asleep! Keep on trekking !

Hey There

2011-02-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

I am still here... are you? I check other blogs and get really bummed when there is nothing new to read. I wonder, do you check mine and feel the same? I hope so... I mean.. um.... do you miss me? I miss me.

I am good and finally feel settled into my job teaching 2nd grade. I found out that I will not be staying however and that makes me terribly sad, but excited to find out what my next great adventure is going to be. I just hope that it does not involve the unemployment line!

The family is well. Andy got braces and had some teeth removed. That has kind of sucked, but it is not forever. Gavin is struggling with his teacher in the 4th grade. We are going to proceed with testing him for ADD. The principal has pushed this issue so hard and has told us that there will be no changes unless we do this and write a 504 plan for him. The kid is SO smart and is so frustrating! We hope that this plan will make a difference for him. We'll see. Ella is loving Kindergarten! She is a Daisy Girl Scout and has finally made the real leap into reading! We are having sooooo much fun.

I joined Weight Watchers after so many years of doing the plan on my own, I decided that I would pay someone to weigh me. I like the new program it is better for lots of reasons but mostly because I can't just carb out like I used to. I started 5 weeks ago and have lost 7 pounds. That was holiday weight and came off pretty easy. Now on to the tough stuff that has made me hips it's home for the past 6 years! The real bummer is that Andy has lost almost double my weight loss in the same amount of time. Hmmmmm....maybe I should get braces!

I have so many things to write about, but every night I sit on the couch and write lessons until 11 p.m. and then crawl off to bed. Last night I was up until 1:00, and when you get up at 5:30... that is NOT good! I am pooped out and can hardly imagine the hours of work I still need to put in tonight.

Hanging in there.... that is how I feel. Hanging by a very, very fine thread. I am glad that it is strong and 3 ply! Faith, Hope, Love.... it's about all that holds me together.... oh, and a big, strong dose of stress is the glue that keeps me from flying off into a million pieces.

Off to lesson planning I go.... Math and graphing await me! (as does a lawn chair and a cold beer sometime soon... please?)

The end of another year!?!

2010-12-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Yup, another one in the books.

I really can't beleive it. I thought that this might be THE year. The year I stopped yelling, the year I found peace and joy in every mommy task and moment, the year that I stayed on top of projects and household tasks, the year that I caught up (on work, on bills, on scrapbooking), the year that I made more money, the year that I ceased to fight with or be angry with my husband, the year that all of my questions were answered.

It wasn't.

But, it was the year that I finished my masters degree, and got my teaching credential. It was the year that I realized that relying on others and God, was not as scary as I thought that it might be. It was the year that my husband and I came to a new level of understanding and commitment to each other and our marriage. It was the year that I got my first teaching job. It was the year that my baby boy turned 9 and my baby girl turned 5, the end of an era for each of them in a way. It was the year that I found out, who my friends are and what that means to me. It was a year full of fun, trials and learning. A year full of tears, laughter and joy.

Another year of growth and "becoming".

Another year.

Another, coming.

Settling In

2010-10-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Things are settling down, we are finding our new rhythm and adjusting to the new schedule. My meltdowns are less frequent and not as dramatic and I am feeling more confident and in control. At first I was breaking down in tears every couple of days...either because I was overwhelmed by the amount of work in front of me, insecurities about the "office politics", or the feeling of failure to be a great wife and mother amidst it all.

Now, I feel like I am done freaking out (I am not saying that I won't still freak out on occasion). But, I am chaneling my energy in a more positive way and I am finding ways to connect with my husband and kids. I may not spend as MUCH time with them, but I am trying to make sure that the time is QUALITY. Today, Gavin and I played a couple of rounds of War and I sat with Ella while she picked out her clothes for the week. Andy and I took advantage of a kid free two hours on Sunday and sat together before heading out to Target.

The holidays are coming and I know that they will provide some more challenges to overcome, but I am ready. Heck, they are coming whether I am ready... or not.

Who has time?

2010-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

I do not have time to blog, I do not have time to think, I barely have time to breathe! Work is good, but full of challenges. Home is good and full of joy. Today, I am home sick. I tried REALLY hard to have a clean time sheet for the month, but last night I had a fever of 100 degrees and decided I had better just stay home to rest. I am resting, but I am trying to get a head start on lessons for next week at the same time.

I miss my friends, I miss my family, I miss so many things but only because I have so many other amazing things to fill my time!

Tonight is Gavin's first Webelos meeting and he is so excited that he has read huge chunks of his handbook already! Soccer is going great! We think Ella likes it and know that Gavin LOVES it!

The Halloween decor has started to appear so, even though the 101 degree weather tells me differently, I know that Fall is really here!

Onwards and Upwards!

A new school year is under way!

2010-09-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ella with her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pimper. She is really cool and Ella is having loads of fun!

My sassy fashion plate striking a pose, please note her crazy brother trying to get some attention in the background.

My big upper grader! We cannot beleive that he is in the 4th grade. He has been rising to the challenges so far. He gets to walk to school by himself and even ride his bike one day a week.

Back to School! Yay! I think! Busy and tired pretty much sums up the way I am feeling. I am not sure yet, but I think that being a first year teacher requires almost as much work as my Masters classes! I have stayed late at work almost every night and last week had Parent Orientation and a teacher In service. The kids have started soccer and Ella is back in dance. Tomorrow we will attend the Cub Scout welcome party together. We have been attending a new church and are enjoying it. Especially the kids who are loving having a large group of peers to interact with. (Our Jr. Church program at our former church was extremely small and many weeks it was just the two of them!) I do not have time to write much as it is dinner time on Saturday and I have yet to go to the grocery store! I also have work to do for work. eeek. I did take a nap today, but it did not help much. Hopefully a quiet evening at home with my family will cure what is ailing me and I can get recharged for another week of adventure!

The kids are settling in well to their school schedules and Ella has already had her first Back to School cold. She shared it with Andy, so he is a bit under the weather today but he still took time to kick the soccer ball around with the kids. We will be having a gourmet dinner tonight, prepared by my personal chef. Oh... sorry... I slipped into a fantasy for a moment! We are having chicken nuggets and mac and cheese (the yellow kind from a blue box) for dinner tonight. Neither Andy or myself could muster the energy for much more.

I am learning how to juggle all of the responsiblity of working full time, taking care of my family and home and not forgeting to take care of ME too. Last week I got a C for that one. Two nights I was showered with my teeth brushed and in bed reading a book before 10. Those were A nights. Two nights I fell asleep on the couch in a crazy contourted position, watching trash reality t.v. and then crawled off to bed with fuzzy teeth, stripped off my clothes and colapsed. It was after midnight. Those nights earned my an F. Good thing we work on averages here!

Looking to more A days in all ways. Wish me luck.

Vacation : Part II

2010-09-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

So, we took the vaca up north and then we came home for a few days because the kids had Reading Club parties at the library and Andy had to work for a day and a half. Then, we packed up and headed south to San Diego. We stayed at my Dad and Stepmom's place which we affectionately call "Casa de Cutler". It was really awesome to visit with them without all of the chaos and mayhem of the holidays and loads of other guests around.

We stayed for a week and did LOTS of sight seeing. My dad was able to take some time off and join us and we got to see Leah in the evenings and on the weekend. We ate some awesome meals and had plenty of time to relax.

Our first day, we went to Balboa Park. While there we visited the Japanese Friendship Garden

and then headed to the Museum of Man. Later, we lunched near the Arboretum and walked through it to see all of the plants.

The next day we were off on a boat ride with my Dad out on Mission Bay. Ella and Gavin each got a chance to drive.

We couldn't seem to get enough of boats and bays, so we went down to Seaport Village to take the SEAL (Sea and Land) tour. It is a bus that turns into a boat and Ella was infatuated with the idea of riding it.

While out on the water we saw lots of boats and military aircraft... and ... Sea Lions!

The kids were made Jr. First Mates! They thought it was pretty fun, and so did we!

We went to an old haunt, "Rockin' Baja Lobster" and had a great dinner before heading to Sea World to catch the night shows and fireworks. We had been on another day to hang out and ride the "wet rides", my Dad and cousin Valerie and family joined us that day.

The weekend came fast and we were off to the Cabrillo Monument and Lighthouse. I read the kids a book called, "The Ghosts of Cabrillo Lighthouse" that my Gramma had given me as a kid. It put some excitement into the visit!

At the Cabrillo Monument the kids did the Jr. Ranger program and learned a bit about Cabrillo and the Spanish explorers.

The got to try on the armor and check out a sword! Doesn't Ella look ready for battle?

On our last day, we went to visit my Dad's horse, Shadow. We all had a chance to ride and then the kids got to brush him down before he settled in for the night. I am an experienced rider, but was a bit leery of Shadow, he has been known to be rascally. I would not have had my Dad lead him, but I had Ella and did not feel like I could control him and keep her on at the same time.

Andy really loves riding, even though he has only been a few times.

Gavin fell in love with riding last summer and would love to take lessons (and own a horse!)

So, that was our trip. Now we are looking back on the memories and looking ahead to the school year! Hope that you found ways to connect, relax and enjoy the summer!

Y'all ready for this?

2010-08-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Back to school!!!! I had really hoped to have my newest post done before this day, but alas... that has not occured. I have some thoughts brewing around in my head that have only partially made it to "paper", but they will have to wait!

In the mean time, here are the pics from our vacation (Part 1 at least). They are not in order, because Blogger kind of sucks that way. I still have not found a successful way to move the pics around... have you?

We started our camping trip in Pismo Beach, then drove Highway 1 to Monterey and then headed to the Redwoods of Santa Cruz. We traveled with some of our favorite friends who rented a motorhome so that they could join us on the adventure. We parted ways in Santa Cruz, they headed home and we journeyed on to the Jelly Belly Factory where we took the super deluxe floor tour! We stopped for a few days to visit family in Fresno and then headed home for a couple of days.

Vacation Part 2 was in San Diego, and maybe tomorrow I will have time to post some pics from that! For now, I have finished my duties for the evening and am going to sit on the couch and watch "smut" as my husband refers to it. The Bachelor Pad.. pretty smutty.... but hillarious.

The kids anxiously awaiting to go in for our tour of "Mecca"

All suited up and ready to see Jelly Belly's being made!

The entire crew (minus the photographer!)

Gavin in front of the train that we rode through the redwoods. He might be 9, but he still thinks that trains are pretty darned cool!

Dad and Ella exploring the Tide Pools along 17 mile drive in Monterey (now dubbed 17 HOUR drive by our family)

Those crazy dunes in Pismo.. boy did they have a BLAST!!!!!

Dad and Ella in front of the one remaining bridge at Natural Bridges - Santa Cruz

View of Morro Rock - ummmm.... yeah... it was cold.... and this was one of our warmer days.

A 5 year old silly girl, some stickers and a 4 hour car ride produces some outlandish photo ops.

On Vacation

2010-08-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am around! We are still on vacation. Even though we are at home. We headed North and froze to death at the beach, marveled at the Redwood forest and visited the birthplace of Gavin's favorite candy. I am not going to go into detail now, but promise to post pictures soon. We are home for the weekend to rest and do laundry and get ready to head South to San Diego for a week of play and rest down there!

I found the coolest website, Food On The Table, that helps utilizes the sales at your local market and creates a menu for you for the week. Since I am headed out of town, I just did a quick meal plan and found it to be easy, fast and wicked cool! Thought I would share! http://www.foodonthetable.com/dashboard

Enjoy! I know that I will.

Oh, and for any of my local friends... I really miss you all! Let's get together soon!

Enjoying Summer

2010-07-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Now that the first full month of my summer vacation is almost over, I really feel like I am "into" it! (Especially since the sun decided to come out for two whole days in a row! Very strange to have had such cloudy and cold weather for so long!) We did our traditional weekend in Chula Vista and had a great time. It was really relaxing! The kids are getting easier every year and Andy and I are loving the time spent with them.

The kids went to Broadoaks Science Academy for the first two weeks of summer while I was still working. It was really cool to be on the same campus, but I am even firmer in my belief that it is good for us to be at different schools. Gavin took tennis lessons (and even walked across the college campus by himself to come to academy! Wow! What a big kid!) and the kids had swim lessons at a new pool this year. They learned a lot and had fun (except for the first week that was super cold). We did the summer reading program, went to the Farmer's Market, saw a free movie, went bowling, had the a/c fan replaced, did some home repairs, attended a birthday party, went to a baseball game, hung out with the Arizona Huffakers, swam in the pool, went to the Santa Ana Discovery Center and played at Jumpin' Jammin'. Whew!

I also worked with each kid to do a full room clean out! Each one took two days and from each bedroom we got two bags of trash and one big bag for our next yard sale. Whew! Clean and organized! Not the most fun you can have ... but needed nonetheless! I have also cleaned out several closets and the vacuum cleaner.. gross.

Last weekend Ella performed in her first real dance recital! She was in "Little Miss Muffet" and did a GREAT job. She has proclaimed that she wants to dance forever and Gavin is insisting on signing up for the hip hop class that the studio offers!

This week the kids have been back at Science Academy for dissection week and have looked at brains, hearts, lungs and eyeballs! Strange that Gavin's class is also doing Cooking Academy this week... kind of gross, really! They are also working on acts for the Talent Show! I am home alone and have found time to shop and relax and clean and SCRAPBOOK! I was hoping to "catch up" on Ella's book, but I am still terribly behind. I have had a nice time, but it is getting a bit lonely.
Not to worry, I will not be lonely tomorrow and Saturday when I have a class! Yup... back to school! Just for two days though! I am going to a "Step Up To Writing" class that the rest of my teaching team will also be attending. It will be fun, but feels a bit intrusive during my time of relaxation!

This weekend we will head out for our vacation! Andy is finally going to be done with work for the summer and we are headed north! Pismo, Monterey, Santa Cruz.... and then way down south to San Diego! Can't wait, but should probably get back to the laundry so that we all have clean clothes to wear!

Is your life turning out the way you thought it would?

2010-07-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm..... Someone posed that question to me about a month ago and it caused me to pause and think. Has it? Will it? Did I ever think about what might life would or could be like?

I think, that when we are children, we don't think about this much. We wake up and see what the day has in store for us. At the end of the day, we can decide whether it was a good day, or a bad day. Then, we go to sleep and start all over again. At what age, do we start to "plan" for tomorrow? When do we go from living in the moment to planning every second?

Did you ever dream about your life? Did you think about having kids? Did you envision your wedding? When did it start? Do you think about your future now? Do you plan for it? Do you spend most of your day looking back, instead of looking forward?

I know that I hoped that I would have kids someday. That is about as far as I ever got in making a plan! I know that when I hear people say, "I always imagined my husband/wedding day/wedding dress..." I think to myself, "I never did that!" I never imagined my wedding day! I never pictured myself in a white dress! I thought about getting married and hoped that I would meet someone to spend my life with, but I certainly never spent hours fantasizing about it! That was good, and bad when it came down to planning! I had no vision or expectation to meet, but... I had no vision or expectation to meet. Do you see the problem? It left all possibilities open to me, but I really had to start from scratch and the ladies at the dress shop (and the cake shop and the reception facility) could not believe that I had NO IDEA what I wanted! I don't remember ever playing dress up as a child (except on Halloween and then I was usually an animal - or a cocktail olive as my turtle costume was mistaken for.) I don't know if this was because of a lack of interest, or a lack of available dress up clothes. Either way, I didn't do it. My wedding was beautiful and incredible and I could not have imagined it any better! Was this because I had no vision? Maybe.

This kind of open minded attitude works well for some situations (like weddings and finding mates) but not always. In trying to decide on a career path I have found that not having a plan or a vision has been really tough. I don't think that I thought about "what I want to be when I grow up" unless the issue was forced by a school teacher. I do remember having to write a "career" report in Jr. High. I chose: "cartoonist", "bus driver" and "teacher". (don't ask about the bus driver.. it had more to do with available interviewees and a funny sketch of a witch driving a buss than a true desire) As a child, I always thought that I would be a teacher. I didn't plan for it but I just thought that I would be.

Sometimes I wonder if I just thought that I would be at school forever. Maybe I didn't think that I would teach, but just that I would never have to leave school....never have to choose, never have to grow up? Was this really a vision, or was it just the childish way of thinking that leads us from one day to the next? Was this healthy? Was it helpful? Is it now? I wish that I had developed some kind of plan for my life...but then again....

My life has been one heck of an adventure! I have had jobs working with kids, in a library, stocking shelves, selling and painting hand painted clothing, doing inventory, teaching archery, coordinating weddings, bookkeeping, data entry, planning events at a night club, being a research assistant for a professor, acting as a personal assistant, teaching, parking cars and introducing people to Mr. Lincoln! I don't think that ANY of that was planned! I went to Whittier College and met the most amazing people (one of whom I am now married to), I have traveled to Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, N and S Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Maine, D.C., India, England, Holland, Belgium, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and all over California. NONE of that had any more planning than a month (maybe a few more to go to India). I have lived in several apartments and houses and currently hold a mortgage on one. No advanced planning.... bought a motorhome, found a great job, became a godparent.. nope... no planning!

Those of you who know me well, might find this entertaining. I am a planner! I make long lists and elaborate plans. But, what I have come to realize is that these are all about the little things. I make plans for the weekend, I write out menus and shopping lists and to-do lists. I plan parties- the food, the layout, the gifts, the music, the decor. I choose my clothes for the next day (and sometimes the entire week) ahead of time. The little things. The big things I seem to be able to let happen. I have let my life unfold before me and what I see amazes me!

The one exception was my babies. They were planned. Very well planned. But, then again having babies (as I said earlier) was the only vision that I ever had! I see how difficult it was to have a vision! I was completely neurotic about conception, diet, documentation of all things pregnancy and baby related. I had to have the decor in the nursery "just so". Ask my mom! She shopped with me for bedding for Gavin's room. I must have gone to 5 different stores and looked at 100 different options before deciding on the one that was PERFECT. Same for Ella's, but I spent hours on line shopping. I kept amazing pregnancy journals and baby books for both kids and I agonized over their first birthday parties. Having a vision, was exhausting and frequently disappointing.

So then, I wonder... how do I guide my children? How do I give them enough structure to build a plan without leading them to construct their entire life before it even begins? How do I teach them to plan, a little bit? Do I encourage them to think of their future and question themselves about what they want, what they feel passionate about, and what their vision might look like? Or do I set them loose and let them wander and see where they end up? I hope that I can find a way to do a little of both.

The fact that I never really had a plan led me to an amazing place but it was not an easy place to get to. I took a great deal of wrong turns, drove down dirt roads, found dead ends, met obstacles and "hitch hiking ghosts", ran out of gas, got flat tires and became desperately lost without a map. I found my way. I wish that I had been given a map. At least with a map, you know what is possible. You know what choices you can make. You can see where you are going and where you might end up. You can decide where it is you are headed and see where you have been. You can look up a highway when there is construction on the back road that you've been traveling on.....or.... you can just crumple it up and drive whichever way your heart leads you.

I guess I will try to help my children create a map for their lives. In it we will detail the possible routes and roads to take them to their desired destinations. We will figure out how many miles each trip might be, how long it might take to get there and what they might need along the way. After we finish the map and they are happy with it... I will tell them, that it is o.k. to leave it in the glove box, sometimes.

A quick update

2010-06-06T21:01:00.001-07:00

Happy 11 Year Anniversary Picture

The graduate and her family who saw her through!

There has been so much going on here, I have hardly had time to think, let alone blog!

First: I finished!!!! I did it!!!! I graduated and did it with honors! It is still hard to believe and has not really sunk in yet, but I now have my Masters in Education and have applied for my Preliminary Teaching Credential for the State of California. Whew! A long haul, but definitely worth it!

Second: We partied! I had a whole crew at the ceremony rooting for me, which included my kids and my awesome husband. It was really neat! We had about 25 people over for a big

bar-b-que and had a great time. We also hosted my dad and step-mom, my aunt and uncle (who are also my god-parents) and my aunt from New York for the entire weekend! We hiked in the hills, went out to eat AND got to go and see my younger brother perform in a play that he is staring in! My cousin and her family came down from Oregon and we celebrated her 40th birthday with a little pary at our house and we also got to join them at Disneyland! My kids both rode their first "real" roller coaster (Space Mountain) that day AND it was the first time to Dland withOUT a stroller!

Third: It sounds like our home loan modification will be going through. We heard that our file is done and that they should have an offer for us by the 15th. We just hope that it is something good that we can work with. We are having faith that it will be.

Fourth: I got a job!!!! I was offered a position at Broadoaks (the private school associated with Whittier College where I have been working for the past year as a Grad Fellow). I cannot yet say what grade I am teaching as they don't like to make this public until right before the start of the school year, but it is a grade that I am happy with and I will be working with a team of three other teachers who totally rock! The position is a Credentialed Internship (read: the pay is still low), but it is a job working at a place that I love and I am really excited about the upcoming year!

Fifth: I have the summer off and Andy got a summer school job. This is what we had hoped for (although I always wish that he was going to be home all summer too...it is better financially and he says that he would go crazy being off for that long). I am going to chill with the kids, be their taxi service and enjoy long weekends (Andy has every Friday off!) We are going to have three weeks of vacation over the summer and have started planning our camping trip to the Northern California coast!

*We have also been to Sea World a couple of times and had our first camping trip of the season! We went to Leo Carrillo (just North of Malibu) and visited the tide pools, had a campfire and RELAXED!!! Andy and I celebrated our anniversary while camping...Hamburger Helper and S'mores... we can tell we have been together a while! We have some home project ideas in the works, but nothing is started just yet.

That is it for my updates... I have been thinking about a couple of posts and maybe now I will have time to write them. I found myself completely exhausted (not to mention 5 pounds heavier - ugh) after the last week of preparations and celebrations and have not been feeling well. I went to bed at 7:00 one night and slept all night, then I slept in on Saturday and later took a 5 hour "nap". I still went to bed at 11:00 and slept all night long. My stomach is still upset, but for the first time in a long time, I don't feel tired! It may take a few weeks to recover from the last two years, but I am feeling so excited for whatever is coming next. Life is so good I can hardly stand it!

Finally, for those of you who couldn't be at the ceremony.. here is the good part.. my name being called and my hood and diploma being awarded! YEEEEEHAW!!!!

New musings

2010-04-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know that I sounded very down last week, but... that is just the way it goes sometimes. I am really doing very well and have taken this time to think and meditate and muse upon what it is that I really want. I don't know if I have an answer, but it is forming.

At church last week, our minister said something that made me think. (Well, she usually does, but this gem hit me right between the eyes!) The quote was, "We can choose our actions, but we cannot chose our consequences." WOW!!!! Yes!!!! I can make all of the choices that I want, but I cannot decide what will happen because of them. I can drive 90 miles an hour down the freeway, that is my choice! But, I cannot choose what might happen because of it. I could get into an accident, I could hurt others, I could get a ticket! The way I really connected it with my life is: I chose to buy this house, with a big 'ol mortgage. That was my choice. The consequence for that choice is that I have to go to work full time. (the consequences of that are many!) Therefore, I must be very clear with myself, that I am o.k. with that consequence. If I am not, then maybe I need to make a different choice!

I know that I want to be right here in this house, with my family. Maybe giving up the house is not "it", maybe it is giving up some of the "stuff" that we do. We do a lot! Concerts for the kids, sports, lesson, classes, lots of stuff.

This summer, it does not look like we are going to have much money so, I have had to start thinking about what we will not be able to do. By doing this however, I have started to see all of the things that we CAN do! If we do not have to be up early for Sports Camp, we can sleep in! If we do not have to keep to a schedule for swim lessons, we can go on an all day adventure. If we do not drive all over creation, we can play in our own backyard. If we do not have a ton of commitments, we are free to read, swim, drink kool aid and hang out together! It is starting to sound really good.

I am still working through all of this "stuff"... but I am getting there... I feel it... I am growing, again!

Ahhhh emotions

2010-04-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

I am feeling very.. humph, I don't even know what words to describe it. On the surface I might say, depressed but there is more to it than that.

I feel overwhelmed by the fact that I do not have a job for next year, or any real prospects of finding one. I have a lot of great ideas, but whether any of them will pan out remains to be seen. I also feel guilty that I am the one that spends so much of the household income, yet currently contribute nothing to it. I have tried to remind myself that it has only been during the last two months that I have no income and then I remember that I am still earing Ella's child care and my tuition, so I am contributing something....But, that is not helping. Today, I had to make a Target run and escaped with only a $25 bill... really good, huh? But, I don't really have $25 since we are already negative by about $500 this month. We have borrowed from our own savings to cover expenses but I feel like we are "in the hole".

I am starting to worry about our mortgage. When we bought this house 3 1/2 years ago, we had a great plan. We knew that we were taking on a BIG mortgage that we really could not afford at the moment, but our "plan" made us confident that we would be able to pay for it in the very near future. The bank offered us an interest only payment for the first 5 years and that would allow us time to start making the money that we needed to make a full payment. After the 5 years, our interest rate will adjust and can be set at 3x the market rate. (that could be 12%!!!) The plan was simple: I would go back to school and then get a teaching job. We would then re-finance the house for a better and fixed rate. NO problem, right? Problem: The housing market tanked and we owe more than our house is worth. Can't re-fi. Also, with all of the budget cuts there are NO teaching jobs and because I quit my old job to go back to school, I now have NO job at all. Hmm. Well, we heard about modifications and decided that might be a way to get out of this mess.

For the past 10 months we have been trying to modify our home loan and my emotions have run the gamut. I have been confident, strong, excited, nervous, scared, hopeless, angry and the list goes on. The first attempt, Andy handled all of the phone calls and paperwork and we were denied because our financial situation is not "permanent". That was about the stupidest reason ever! DUH! If I got a job then I wouldn't have such a problem, but I don't have one, so until I do... what? We then hired a mortgage specialist to help us through this process. She reviewed our case and felt very confident that she could help us. Three and a half months later, they are playing games with her and with us. They constantly need updated paperwork because they drag their feet and then we are into a new month, they lose faxes and pass the case on to someone else causing set back after set back.

I don't want any major debt forgiven (but if they want to do that I won't say no!) I don't want anyone to feel bad for me because the bank loaned us too much money. I don't want pity or sympathy or anything like that. I just want someone to realize that our intentions and our plans were good and that we just need help to weather this storm. We need a lifeboat to crawl onto until I can get a job (and not one at Wal-Mart or McDonald's). I just want time to work this out. It would be horrible to have our rate raised, lose our house and then the very next year find a job.

I have tried to remain positive and hopeful, but the system is wearing me down. I will pray for strength and guidance and FAITH and know that whatever happens is exactly what is right for us. I also understand that this might not look the way I think it should. What is right, might not mean staying here and I guess that is what is making me sad. Today, I feel like we should just drop the whole process and limp along and let them adjust the rate and see what happens. I just don't like Limbo!

The other thing weighing on me lately is keeping my family safe. I have been really worried about what I will do if there is a major earthquake. I have developed an emergency plan for our household and we have all practiced earthquake and fire drills. I have emergency water, food and supplies and even checked with the RV storage place to make sure that I will have access to the motor home, even if there is an emergency and the power is out. (Part of our plan includes cooking, sleeping and using the bathroom in the motor home if our house is too damaged.) I feel like I am obsessing. I probably am. Every night, I go to sleep and review the plan and jump at every little noise.

Last night I had a horrible night mare that was all about bio-terrorism. It was very scary and the worst part was Gavin's face looking at me and asking me if we were doing to die. The answer was yes, but I lied. The dream was absolutely horrific and went on and on. I would wake up, try to shake it off and then I would go right back into it! I have also had dreams that involve car accidents and one that was about me getting very ill and dying. Apparently my understanding of how helpless I might be in these situations is getting the best of me.

Tonight, I am supposed to go scrapbooking.... I don't even know if I feel like it. I just want to sit with my family and hold them close and never ever let them go. I love and cherish them so much I just do not know what I would do if anything ever happened to them. Yet I know, that things will happen. They will get sick, they will get their feelings hurt and their hearts broken. They will have car accidents (fender benders only, please), they will get into debt, they will feel sad. I cannot protect them from life, even if I wanted to.

A friend just sent me a text and invited my family to dinner. I think that might be just the right thing for all of us. A night together among friends who know us, love us and understand. A night off. A night away from worry and fear. A night to remind myself of my blessings and the gifts that are right in front of me. The ones that have nothing to do with the house I live in, the clothes that I wear, or the car that I drive. Love, Joy, Family. I do not need any more than these. Except maybe a new pair of shoes and a nice chocolate bar once in a while. I know that these feeling will pass and that there is just a lot to sort out right now. Thank you for listening and praying and loving me through it.

Hi There!

2010-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am still here... are you? I hope that I have not lost all of my readers due to my lack of posts! I have been...... fill in the blank, I dare you!

You are so very smart! Yes, I have been busy! Student teaching in the second grade is going well, I will have 3 weeks more to do when I return after Spring Break. I had a couple of amazing teaching days that I am very proud of and I am enjoying the enthusiasm of these younger kids. I am on "break" right now and working diligently to complete the two sided, single spaced "To Do" list!

I went to Arizona for my annual scrapbooking weekend with my best college bud. She lives in Tucson and so we "meet in the middle" which happens to be Yuma. This year we were super lucky and got to stay at my Dad's "second home" there. NO HOTEL BILL!!! We scrapped, slept, rested, walked, shopped, ate and TALKED for 3 days. As always, it was great to get away but even greater to come back home!

I have a new nephew! Andy's brother and wife brought Micah Vardiman into the world on March 29th! We have not met him in person yet, but hope to make the long drive out to Arizona in the next month or so. For now, pictures will have to suffice.

We had a wonderful Easter weekend in San Diego with family and were close enough to the latest earthquakes that we got a little adrenaline rush to go with it. No damage so we were thankful for that. We also got another visit to Sea World wedged in there and even though it rained, we had a great time!

Spent the day with good friends yesterday and had a field trip to the biggest Whole Foods market on the planet. We had lunch with 5 kids and three adults... ratio not too bad. Then we went back to the house and cooked up an amazing multicultural meal including a yummy chocolaty dessert. It was a really fun day!

Andy has spent the week working on finishing painting the kitchen cabinets. This was a challenging project that he started 2 years ago and then I went back to school and it made a good reason to put it off. The majority of the kitchen is done, it is just the bar at the end of the room that did not get done. Today, we will stain the top and he will hang the doors and we can call this one, wrapped up. Feels and looks great.

I am going to take my car for a long overdue car wash and Ella and I will be getting mani/pedis later! She has never been and it has been two years for me. Should be fun, girly bonding time! Tonight we will visit with friends that we have not seen in a while so we are looking forward to that.

Life is good and full of joy... hope that you are enjoying Spring and all that it has to offer.

New Adventures

2010-03-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

I finished student teaching in the 5th grade. It was really great. I learned a lot and had fun. I know that this is what I am supposed to do, and I know...that I am really good at it. There were challenges, but I overcame them and now I am moving on.

I was supposed to start at one school in Kindergarten, but that got changed. Then, I was assigned to a different school to be in the 1st grade. That too, got changed. This morning when I reported for my new assignment at 7:30 (gasp! I had to get up at 5:30!) the secretary informed me that I was not going to be in that teachers class after all. She called the principal (who I was told was going to be there to meet me this morning, but was not.. seeing as how she was on the phone) and then proceeded out into the hall to ask teachers if they wanted me. Sheesh! Good thing for me, someone said "Yes!" I am now going to be student teaching in the 2nd grade.

Seeing as how the teacher had all of five minutes to prepare for me, I only stayed long enough to teach the kids how to say my name and to introduce myself. Then, I left. This provided me with the opportunity to run around, do errands and finish the laundry. Thank goodness.

I am prepping for Gavin's birthday and still really had no idea what I was doing for the cake. I know now! I also had the time today to prepare the items that I will need for the party itself. As do most days, this one went by quickly and now dinner time approaches. I have paper work left to tend to, but I wanted to let you all know how it is going.

No major revelations, only a reminder that life is sweet and precious and fragile and love is the one thing that can save us all.

That is pretty major, it is just not a new revelation. I was reminded of these truths over the weekend through birthday celebrations, blessings of new families and good people just doing what is right.

I once, was lost...

2010-01-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas time, I decided that buying juice boxes was really wasteful. Not for parties or camping or the occasional picnic but for packing into my kids lunches every single day. I realized that I could not only save money, but save the environment one little juice box at a time. I decided to invest in a thermos for each child. Now, if you know me... you know, that once I get an idea into my head I cannot sleep until I have accomplished whatever it is that I have now decided to obsess about. (It is what makes me so productive, AND so neurotic!)

I headed out to Target one night with a long list of "necessaries", one of them being thermoses (is that how you pluralize that?) I went to the isle and started looking. Little did I know that the thermos has come a LONG way since I was a kid and they were plastic, simple things with a lid and a cup. They CAME with your lunch box back then, remember? Well, in case you didn't know...the "thermos" is now made of metal and comes with a fancy straw that pops up with the push of a button. They do NOT come with a lunch box, but with a rather high price tag. $15! Yes, I said $15!!! EACH!! I was in a bit of shock! This was going to cost me $30 for two of these suckers. I mulled this over and let it roll around in my brain, but like I said earlier.. .when I get an idea. I decided that I would recoup this in no time because bottles of juice are cheaper than the juice boxes AND I could also pack milk and maybe even the occasional lemonade which is even cheaper. I then chose a cute flowered girly one for Ella and a wicked cool Clone Wars one for Gavin. Deed done.

The first day of thermos use. I went to write the kids names on the sides and Gavin protested. He said it wasn't "cool". I discreetly wrote his initials in "cool" Star Wars style writing. I then filled the bottles and sent the kids off. When the kids came home and I went to unpack the lunches, I discovered that Gavin's thermos was not there. I came only slightly annoyed and asked him where it was. He told me that he had taken into the classroom and used it in the afternoon and when he left school he had put it into an outside pocket of his backpack. After that, he was unclear about where it had gone. I came unhinged! I railed him for being irresponsible and not taking care of his things. We had been through this before with jackets, towels and other items. I lectured until I turned blue and he quit listening.

The next day, we checked his classroom, the lost and found at school and at daycare and we asked all of the teachers and the staff if they had seen it. The answer was a resounding "no". I lectured and got angry some more, because somehow I was sure that if I chewed him out enough, he would pay me back $15 worth in guilt and sorriness.

The thermos never showed up. We have checked the lost and found. No thermos. I told Gavin, that he would just not get a drink packed in his lunch. Looking back, I realize now that I should have just said this and not gone on and on giving the kid a load of grief. Hindsight... hmmmm...

Last week, Gavin wore his good heavy jacket to school one day because it was raining and really cold. The jacket came home without it's hood. Who in the world makes hoods REMOVABLE from kids' jackets!? Must be people without kids. Again, I lost my mind and ranted and raved and laid the guilt on thick. I really needed him to learn a lesson! He needed to learn to be more responsible with his things! These two incidents are only a few in the many times that I have hounded this child with the lecture about how we treat our property.

Last weekend, I went scrapbooking. I left, without my jacket. I did not realize it until Tuesday when it was cold and I had no jacket to wear. I spent the entire day trying to figure out what had happened to it. Did it go in the laundry? "Andy, have you seen my black jacket?" "Nope!", he answered. I stomped around positive that SOMEONE had touched my jacket. Then, I remembered that I had hung it on the back of the chair and had not worn it home. Ooops. I called my friend and she said that she had my jacket. Silly me.

Last night, I went to Target. Gavin came with me and we picked up some storage containers and other items for the house. When we left it was raining, I grabbed one bag, handed Gavin the other, popped open the umbrella and we ran for the car. This morning, as I was getting ready to leave for work I was looking for my wallet. I looked everywhere. Not in my bag, not in my room, not on the entry table, not in my car. My heart suddenly dropped into my stomach. I had left my wallet in the cart at Target. The rain and the late hour had me worn out and rushing and in that state of mind, I forgot to grab my wallet. With $500 cash in it. Now, I NEVER have cash, but Andy and I have been trying to pay for things with cash and this was the grocery money for the month that I had just gotten from the bank. I usually keep this in a different spot and only carry the cash I will need for the errand I am running. Not tonight. I had been in a hurry and just left it all in my wallet, the wallet that I had left in a cart outside of Target.

I called Target...not open yet. I went online to check card balances...no purchases had been made on the debit or credit card. This was a good sign. I hoped that someone had found my wallet and that they had turned it in. I hoped that they had not taken the money. I called the store again, no answer. I got mad. Mad at myself for being so stupid and careless. Then I felt guilty to my family for losing the money. What were we going to do? That was all we had for the entire month! Then, I cried and told Andy I was sorry for being such an idiot. He said that it was going to be o.k. and that he wasn't mad. I called the store again...no answer. I decided to just drive down there. I went to the service desk and with my voice wavering, asked if anyone had turned in a wallet the night before. My hands were beginning to sweat as the sales girl opened the log, I saw my name in the book right before she said "yes" and asked for my name. It took 15 minutes for the manager to bring my wallet from the safe. I was relieved, but still felt nauseated at the thought of the money being gone. The manager told me that it was a man who had returned it and that he said that he hadn't even opened it. I did. The money was there, all of it. Thank you, mister.

While driving to work I realized that the universe was again at work - teaching me. I had needed to learn a lesson. We are all human, we all make mistakes, we all misplace, forget and lose things. Some things are small, like a jacket and some are big, like a $15 thermos and others are so huge we start to panic in the face of the loss. I realized that my son had not lost these things because he was careless or that he didn't care about the value of them. He lost them, because he is a little boy. Because he is human. I realized that he had probably already beaten himself up for losing them. He was already sorry and that the last thing he needed was a mom to beat him up some more. He needed me to help him look and then, deal with the loss. He did not need my anger or the guilt.

I was humbled today, by my human-ness and realized that I need to show more compassion. My husband showed me that with his calm way. I mean, come on - I lost my WALLET!!! FULL OF CASH!!! I am very, very thankful that God did not decide that I needed to actually lose the money to learn the lesson and I am grateful for the chance to grow. You know God, you made me sweat a little! I apologized to my son tonight and he had the chance to see me grow as I admitted to my mistakes. My mistake at not being more careful with my wallet but more importantly not being careful with the most important thing...my child's heart.

More news and musings coming soon....

2010-01-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

The holidays flew by.. photos coming soon....
Ella's 5th birthday... whoosh.. photos coming soon....
Teaching 5th grade... already in the middle of week three out of 8.....

Time.... flies....dips....soars....and slips away....

Growing and learning in more ways than I thought possible.

New book, new insight: "Scream Free Parenting"

This author had me in tears as I realized how much I have been holding my children responsible for my own happiness and the climate of our home.... and how little freedom I give them over themselves, their decisions and their lives. Whew... eye opening to say the least.
Before tonight, it has been three weeks since I have "screamed" at anyone... and tonight, I only raised my voice as a chunk of bread flew across the room and a glass of milk went spilling down onto clean cushion and floor. I also apologized for the raised voice and got myself in check very quickly.

My children no longer have to clean their rooms. I have not lost my mind, but it means that I no longer have to nag and yell at them to clean their rooms. There are consequences...when Gavin wanted me to come in and hang out (in a room that looked literally like a bomb had gone off in it), I declined. I told him that it was too messy in there for me and it made me uncomfortable. He could join me in my room. His room has not looked like THAT since. He has also been informed that if the laundry is not in the hamper, it will not be washed. It is in the hamper, every day. If I cannot walk through the room to access said hamper, the clothes will not be retrieved. There is a path.

The children must clean up their rooms the night before the house cleaner comes. Last week, they were so excited you would think that I was handing out golden tickets for the cleanest room. Both rooms were clean and neat in less than a half hour WITHOUT ANY nagging, begging, or screaming!

I do not scream in the morning ANY MORE. There are consequences for not getting out of bed, dressed and to the table for breakfast. Breakfast is over at 7:40. If you are not there before then, you will not be served any food. Period. Both children have missed breakfast several times. I am happy to report, that no one has died of starvation. If you are not ready when I walk out the door at 8:00, I am still walking out the door. And I am leaving, with our without you in the car. As of yet, no one has tested this consequence, but I think that we all know.. I am not kidding. I will absolutely freak out if I leave a child home....but they will never know it. I trust that Gavin will get himself off to school, whether he runs there or calls Grampa. I am not sure... about Ella, but I don't think it will come to that with her. Yet. If you decide to stay in bed until the last possible minute.. you will only have that one minute to get dressed and get ready. Gavin has gone to school with crazy hair and bad breath.. really...it is his image, not mine... as soon as the other kids comment, I am sure that this too, will end.

Ella picks out her own outfits now, with no help or input from me. Please don't judge me for the all pink outfit or the completely mismatched articles of clothing that she decides are the height of preschool fashion. I will not engage in this battle, not at age 5. When she is 15 and her boobs are showing, it will be a different story, but not now. I have been given the privilege of choosing her outfits on Saturday, this is our compromise. Oh, but only if she is not going somewhere "important" or "where my friends might see me".

No screaming? You bet! In my head? Hell yes!

I am the Master

2009-12-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

I wrote this post on Saturday the 13th, a week ago, but it took until today to get the pics in!

Holy Smokes!!! What a week!!!!

Camping was super great! Fun time with the family and we got loads of "weather" which put us in the holiday spirit. Friday afternoon turned WINDY and the very blustery day turned into a very blustery night. The wind howled and the rain poured down. Sometime during the night the rain turned to hail and we woke up to an icy wonderland. The wind died down around 10 a.m. and the hail and sleet turned into snow. It was gorgeous! We spent most of the day inside in various locations (the motorhome, my uncle's trailer or the small rented condo) playing games and eating away.

Gavin became ill during the drive up (and by ill I mean that he yacked on the carpeted floor of the motorhome). He had a fever and felt terrible all day on Thanksgiving. He ate nothing more than a slice of bread! On Friday, he was better but still had a fever and later that night I noticed that he had a rash. By the time we got home he was on his way to a full recovery.
Monday started out in normal way, but after nap time Ella would not get up and she did not look like she felt well. We took her temp and discovered that she had a fever and just as we were about to call her Dad, she puked. In my lap. Thankfully it was no more than juice as she had not wanted to eat snack or lunch. She went home and rested, but by the evening she too had the rash. I had my suspicions, so I called to get her and Gavin into the doctor the next day. I had already planned to stay home with her, as Andy had a meeting that he couldn't miss. The doc confirmed my suspicion and pronounced it Scarlet Fever. He put us all on anitbiotics and sent us on our way. I worked on my paper and got my first major revision completed.

The next day, I had a fever and sore throat and Ella slept most of the day. This proved to be a blessing as I completed my second major revision on the thesis and had to have a plumber out to hydro jet our main sewer line to clear it of tree roots.

Thursday dawned with Ella and I feeling great, but not having been fever free for 24 hours, we both stayed home. We went to Target and ran a couple of errands before heading out for our big adventure. I had a doctors appointment to go to, but the tests that they ran didn't take very long so we were off to Burbank to see a special screening of "The Princess and the Frog". It was at the Disney Studios and was really cool. We met up with some friends and had a great time. The movie is super fantastic and they had a big Mardi Gras party afterwards! We got to meet EVERY princess (well, I took pictures of every princess while Ella hid behind my legs and waved). There were games, cupcakes and even an animator who worked on the film and was giving demonstrations. This may have been Ella's favorite part. She sat down at one of the tables and started drawing away! It was a wonderful event and it was even more wonderful to share it with my daughter.Friday we were back to work and school and it was like Monday after vacation all over again! The day really wiped me out. I had to finish our preschool version of "report cards" and write a lesson for next week and by the time the day was over I was ready to fall down. Ella had her dance class and then she and Gavin joined my in-laws for a movie night at their church. Andy and I took advantage of the time, grabbed a quick burger and then did the majority of our Christmas shopping. Whew! Later, Andy proof read my entire Thesis and reported that it only needed some minor cleaning up and a few changes. I slept so well!

Today, Andy worked on cleaning out the motorhome and putting up the Christmas lights while I have spent my day with my bum glued to the couch, computer on my lap, finishing my thesis. I am DONE! I even powered through and finished the 10 page Research Design Proposal!!! All I have left now, is to print both and then create a five slide power point presentation for class on Wednesday. AMEN!!!! I did it! I am so happy and releived and so very excited to spend some time with my family! In fact, I am not sure why I am still here on this computer and not playing Monopoly Jr. with them right now! Oh, wait, I heard whining.... I remember why.

Actually, I am off to make dinner and relax with some cocoa, next to a fire with my family while we watch a Christmas movie.

I did it.... I really did it... my Masters.... I can't beleive it!

It's crunch time!

2009-11-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks left until I have completed all of the work for my Masters degree in Education, but it feels overwhelming! I have my Annotated Bibliography done and a REALLY rough 5 pages (out of 30?) Then I have a Research Design Proposal and Oral Presentation with Power Point to complete. All due, on December 9th. That is it. I will be done in a few weeks and I can hardly concentrate I am so excited. My goal, right now, is to finish my rough draft before Thanksgiving. We shall see!

It has been a rough semester with all of the changes and adjustments that we are making, but we are pulling through. Gavin struggles with not getting enough time with Mom and Dad and Ella does too. It is rough because I do not see them on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday! I go to work and then to the library and don't get home until after they go to bed. Andy is overworked at home and is exhausted, but he is incredible.

We started having "talk time" with Gavin where one of us spends 15 minutes just hanging out with him and chatting. Catching up on his life, friends, school or the latest book that he is reading. He is responding well to this and I am loving the time to connect. I think that after I am done with classes, we will make this a nightly thing and trade off kids so that each one gets some one on one time with each parent EVERY day. If I don't have 10 minutes to devote myself to one of my children every day, I really need to get my priorities straightened out. They used to get some one on one during bath time, but they both shower independently nowadays.. so we lost that. I think that we are on to something good here!

We have made time to do some things together... we have been having Friday Family Nights still and have gone out to dinner, ice cream, done crafts, made cookies, watched movies or played games. We are loving that! We also went to a play last weekend which was really neat! The next couple of weeks will be really rough for everyone because I am going to be at the library every night except for weekends when I will be working at home on my Lit Review. I keep reminding the kids that if I can get done before Thanksgiving I can hang out all weekend long. (I will take time to edit, but probably when they go to bed.)

We decided to go camping this year for Thanksgiving and I am beyond excited. My mother's side of the family is getting together in the mountains above San Diego. I have not celebrated Thanksgiving with this part of my family for a LONG time, and the kids never have! We are going to have a great time (and try not to freeze to death!)

I am at the library now, and took a break to post this update. I appreciate my friends and family who stick with me and support me and love me through it all. I could not do it without you! NOW... It is back to work!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

Another month has come and gone...We had a great time and especially love when Halloween falls on a Saturday. It gives us an entire day to play and have fun together!

We had ghost pancakes for breakfast that Andy and the kids made. We made a Gingerbread Haunted House and some ghost and mummy cookies to take to a party later in the day.
Gavin played his soccer game and then we carved our pumpkins.

We all took a nap and then donned our costumes, headed off to a party for a big potluck dinner and then we were off to Trick or Treat. It was a fun and spooky night. Ella was very independent and just went off on her own to the doors of our neighbors. Gavin got brave and even went to the "scary" houses.

Today, we are putting away the decorations and cleaning up the house and doing laundry. Later I will be working on my thesis and we will have dinner with my in laws. November, here we come!

The End

2009-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

What a scary looking title! What comes after THAT? Well, it is not the end of my blogging days, in case you were wondering... but.... it is the end of a few things for me and my family.

The end of surprise announcements, the end of baby clothes, the end of diapers and cribs and bouncy seats, the end of birth control, the end of worry every month, and the list goes on.

After about two years of debate, discussion and several scares a decision has been made. We will not be having any more babies. At least, not genetically! (I would never rule out the possibility of some amazing opportunity to have someone else's baby live with us! Even though I am not seeking it) Late in August, Andy finally had his "procedure" and in about a month he will be tested to make sure that the "coast is clear"!

Last year I was sad and still conflicted, but seriously, once the decision was made I just wanted to move on and be done with it. After it was over, I thought that I might feel sad but honestly we have been so busy, it has been the furthest thing from my mind. I am happy that we came to this decision and blessed to have a wonderful husband who took care of it and didn't leave it up to me. Getting the appointment was a challenge and took forever (he even had to take a "class" and sign all of the paper work and release forms) but the procedure itself didn't take very long at all. Fifteen minutes? We were in and out so fast our heads were spinning! A weekend of relaxing with a strategically placed ice pack and he was back on the run! The bruising looked horrible, but he said that he didn't feel too bad!

Ahhhhh I feel like I can relax in a way that I have not known for 9 years! It is very freeing and a huge relief, although it still seems strange to have closed the book on this chapter of our lives. I keep reminding myself that there are plenty of chapters yet to be written and I look forward with anticipation to what comes next. My pen is poised. Ready? Yes!

Really?

2009-10-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

So, while we were on our vacation in the hills above Santa Barbara... I got a message from my Mom. Hand delivered by the front gate guard on his golf cart. He said that I needed to call her, it was urgent. As my face blanched white, he smiled and said, "She said that you would worry, so I should tell you that it is good news." The first thought that flashed through my mind was, "Hmm, my mom had her tubes tied, so it can't be that." I almost immediately knew what she was calling about, even though it was a million miles from my radar.

I scrounged up the money I would need to use the pay phone down at the country store and called. (We were in a beautiful area with zero cel service...blessing...yes... strange, also yes) When I got a hold of my mom we had the worst connection imaginable, but she told me that the Director of Broadoaks had been trying to reach me because she wanted to offer me a position at the school. I don't know how I knew that this was the news, somehow I have the strangest ESP. It only works for pregnancy announcements and gifts, but occasionally for things like this!

I had applied for a Graduate Teaching Fellowship position at Broadoaks for last school year and was told that there just weren't any openings at the time. This was very disappointing, but I just figured that the Universe had something else in store for me. I did beat myself up a bit because the year before, the Director had encouraged me to apply and was really pushing me (indicating that I would most likely be brought on board). Ella would have only been 2 1/2 and I was really just not ready to start working full time and go back to school, so I waited. Then, there was nothing available. This year, something opened up and they found themselves with an open position, just for me!

A fellowship is like a paid internship and are only granted to a few students each year. You must be enrolled in the Masters program at Whittier and go through an application process. They had held onto my application and pushed for me to get a spot for the coming school year. I told my Mom to let the Director know that I would call her the next day at 12 noon to have a conversation. (I knew that I would have cel service where we were going the next day) I called and we talked and indeed, she offered me the spot. She told me all of the pro's and con's and explained more about what I would be doing. The benefits are: Working at an incredible school with amazing people, a small paycheck, tuition remission for myself and for Ella. I get retirement and health benefits too and I think, after a year, I get one free meal a week at the cafeteria. But, this is when I found out about two difficult elements of the position. The first is that I would not be able to complete my student teaching during the fall semester, but they would try to work it out so that I could do it in the spring. The second is that I would be teaching pre-school. Not only preschool, but the LITTLEST kids, because Ella is in the Pre-K class, it would mean that I would go to the class with the 2 1/2 - 3 year olds. Really? Really? Didn't I JUST finish with this at home? Wasn't I just saying how glad I was to be done with the whining and the pee pee pants and the boogers!? Wasn't I just saying how this is NOT my favorite age!? I told the Director that I would think about all that we had discussed and that I would call her back in two days to tell her my final decision. I really knew what my answer would be, but I wanted some time to process all of this! When I called back, she was delighted to find that I was accepting and I figured that the Universe must know something that I didn't and besides, I am never one to pass up an Opportunity when it falls right into my lap.

This news really shook me up! I had a plan and it was being completely overhauled.. I DON'T like to change my plans!

Original plan: Student teach in the Fall and not work at the church for the semester. Spring would see me working one or two days a week and writing my thesis while both children were in school. I would graduate in the Spring followed by working part time during the Summer and hopefully finding a full time teaching job for the next year.

NEW plan: Work full time NOW, write thesis NOW and HOPE that I can student teach in the Spring. Graduation in the Spring (with or without my credential) followed by maybe working at Broadoaks over the Summer and back with them full time next year.

With the original plan, I would have had two full weeks when the kids were back at school and before I started student teaching, allowing me some much needed time to work on projects around the house. With the new plan it meant coming home from vacation, unpacking and spending the next week scrambling to get myself ready to begin working full time! I had to do a lot of leg work at the college, filling out paperwork, changing my financial aid, dropping and adding classes... eek! It was crazy! I also had to arrange for child care because Andy and I started two weeks before the kids!

Well, we worked it out and went a little nutty, but here we are. I am now working full time and knee deep in research for my thesis. Thankfully, I thought about a topic all summer and even had a tentative outline in my head. I am looking at Gifted and Talented Education (or the lack of it) and finding lots of great information! There is a LOT to do and not much time to do it! Adjusting to a new work environment and schedule is extremely taxing, not to mention that my students hit, bite, pee their pants and haven't learned how to share!

Andy is working his buns off to keep things running smoothly around here and we are just going to hang on by the skin of our teeth until Christmas. My thesis will be done by then, and I am sure that we will be much more well adjusted to the schedule. I greatly appreciate Fridays and the time that I get to spend with my family during the weekend and I have found myself longing for the time to dust baseboards. The things that used to seem like drudgery, I now look at as something that I miss. Strange the way it works... I have on my pack again and continue to climb. I have requested prayers and accepted lots of help. This life of mine, well, it is quite a journey and let me tell you, the view from up here... it is incredible!

Time?

2009-09-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

Well.. looks like you don't get to hear all about my fabulous vacation or see the amazing pictures. I don't have time...

Also appears that you won't hear all of the jucy details about how I got my new job.
I don't have time....

You also won't get to hear all about my 4 day trip to Vegas with just Andy... I will say it was GREAT... other than that,
I don't have time...

No time for a haircut, mani, pedi...
No time to bake cookies, walk Gavin to school or volunteer...
No time to watch tv, clean house, or do laundry....

But life is still good and amazing and tonight I made time to read to Ella and have dinner with Gavin, and to let you all know that I would love to share more about all of the wonderful things going on in my life.
I just don't have time...

Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes....

2009-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

About a million things seem to have happened since my last post and life is no longer in the "chillax" mode. We are on high speed and gearing up for a new school year. The short story is that vacation was awesome, visit from New York Aunt was fun, I registered for classes, was offered a position at Broadoaks school, accepted position, dropped classes, changed all plans for school year, re-registered for classes and resigned from job at church. Oh.. also, we started soccer and registered the kids for piano and Ella for dance.

Today and tomorrow we are going to squeeze the last little bit out of summer by heading to Splash! (our local water park) and San Clemente with family the next day. Andy and I both start work on Wednesday and I think that we have emergency child care (almost) sorted out for the next two weeks until they start school.

I will post about vacation and the job... AND about my fabulous new shoes as soon as I have a spare second. Tonight I have to take my CPR class but maybe tomorrow?

Enjoying Summer

2009-08-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

The kids have been enjoying a little extra time in the mornings to watch cartoons.

Well, it seems that I have not had much time on the computer lately. That is a good thing! I have been having a wonderful summer hanging out with the kids and relaxing. YES! I said RELAXING!!! It has been incredible! I have cut down my workload to only what is necessary. Laundry, shopping and light cooking. We have been grilling and keeping food prep to a minimum, except for the Fridays when we have had company over. We have been to the water park, the free movies and of course to Gramma and Grampa's house to swim. We also went to an awesome concert series for the kids at the Hollywood Bowl! Gavin and I have watched the first two of the Harry Potter movies and Andy and I have a date on Friday to go out and see the new one and have dinner together. We made tie dye t-shirts with friends and are gearing up for our vacation.

We will be heading to Lake Cachuma in the hills above Santa Barbara. We had many ideas about this summers trip, Andy wanted to go to some lake somewhere and stay and I wanted to drive up the coast until we got to Oregon. We decided that the coast trip would be too much driving for the kids and not enough sitting for Andy. We have also had to scale back on the cost of our trip, due to a serious money crunch. Andy did work summer school, but the hours were cut and we were left with only half of the salary that we expected. We made some cut backs and it will certainly be tight, but we know that it will be fine. We are also trying to plan for the coming semester when I will be student teaching and not working at all. (eeek!)

The compromise was this: Go to Lake Cachuma and stay there for 12 days. Because we have a membership to the campground, we pay nothing for our stay and because it is so close, we pay almost nothing for our gas. I will follow Andy (driving the motorhome) with the van so that we can drive without unhooking and resetting up. There are TONS of things to do in the area, so I am happy about that! We plan to go into Santa Barbara, see the missions in the area, do some wine tasting, go horseback riding, visit Solvang, swim at the pool, do some nature hikes and a boat trip and do some more RELAXING!

Andy and I have been utilizing our Netflix and have watched a ton of movies and I have gotten through several novels! I usually only make it through one, maybe two! I read: Cry the Beloved Country, The Third Summer of the Traveling Pants, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Little House on the Prairie, The Shack, and The Good Earth. I don't know what I will pick up next, but look forward to cracking a new book! I also completed my scrapbook(s) for 2007. It was the longest and busiest year of our lives! The three books are 160 pages (320 sides!) and chock full of some great pictures of all of the fun stuff that we did that year!

The garden is in it's final days and we harvested quite a few cucumbers (I am making pickles later today!) The tomatoes have been mouth watering and my only disappointment is that the purple ones got too much shade and did not produce. The corn was purple and sweet and delicious and the harvest was plentiful. The snap peas never got pulled up and finally gave us a handful or two to enjoy. The carrots are still growing (although we picked a few baby ones to eat already) and the pumpkins are not very big, but growing! I would call this garden a success! Now, what to plant for fall and winter?

Today we did this:

We are still waiting on our Praying Mantis egg case to hatch, it may be a dud... but we are waiting! They will have to go on vacation with us (I am not thrilled) but the company has reassured us that they will send us a new one if nothing happens with this one.

Summer has been great and I am glad that it is not over yet....still more time to enjoy!

Another Haircut!

2009-07-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ella got her hair cut! I had always said that I would cut her hair short right before Kindergarten, but..... After a long semester in classes, I looked at her and realized that she had not had her hair trimmed since December (I had done her bangs). It was REALLY long! She and I talked about it and decided that she would let it grow just a bit longer so that she could donate her hair to Locks of Love. It finally got long enough and off went 10 inches! She really seems to understand what we are doing with the hair (we visited the website and saw pictures of girls who had lost their hair and pictures of wigs, etc...)

I am not sure that I would choose to cut it quite this short again, but it does look cute on her! In fact, her first comment was, "I didn't know it would look so cute!". She is loving the freedom of hardly having to do her hair in the morning and I am missing hair to braid! Her hair grows fast however and I am sure that it will be to her shoulders (at least) by Christmas.

4th of July

2009-07-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Not many words needed. Camping with family down by the water. Bike parade, boat ride, dancing, swimming and eating. Lots of fun, lots of love.

Ella's Room

2009-07-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my little sweet girl, all dressed up and ready for a picnic. She begged me to take her picture in the garden and I obliged.

With all the summer activities I am really struggling to get things done! I am the Mom Taxi for much of the day and the sun and heat really wear me out. Not a lot of blogging getting done, obviously! (or much of anything else, really!)

We did finish Ella's room and I just realized that I never posted about that! We completed it before summer started and other than refinishing the dresser, painting the bookcase and labeling the bins (I am tired thinking about it) The room itself is done! I can't find "before" pics of the kids room when they shared it, in fact, I can't find my camera at all right now. Ugh.. don't get me started!

Here are the pics of the finished room... I was going to paint the bookcase a shade darker than her walls in the same tone pink, but now I am thinking that there is an awful lot of pink going on in there (I am wishing that we had painted it a soft blue, but oh well) So, now I am thinking that the bookcase should be white. Any opinions?

This is her room as you walk in the door... I went from the right of the room and around for these shots, to help you get a better sense of the space.

This is her doll house to the right of the door as you walk in. At first we had it on the opposite wall but it was way to chaotic to look at when you entered the room. I just noticed the picture frame on the wall that is wood colored, I am going to paint it white.

This is her bed and her name over it. It was really hard to decide what to put up in her room. We still had all of the decor from her nursery, but it felt too babyish (I am saddened by that) But the frames went up, one has her cross stitched birth announcement that I designed and stitched. One has her hand print (that will most likely change, later) and the other had a photo of her feet, we put in a recent portrait of her instead, but I don't like the dark background in it. It will do, until I find something else. I would like to make a pressed flower picture with her, and I am hoping that we can collect some wild flowers during our vacation for this purpose.

A straight on shot of her bed, with the closet behind me. I used her crib comforter on the foot of the bed to add some color and pattern, and it is perfect for napping under.

Her dresser, which we are going to repaint in a sour cream white to match the other furniture. We are going to change the trim from blue to the mint green that you see on the pillow on her bed. I found the angel at a little shop in town and just loved it, so did Ella.

The kitchen and doll area. I wish that there was a way for it to be neater, but there just isn't. I also wish that the kitchen was pastel (Ella does too) but when Santa brought it, he thought that we were going to have it in the family room forever.

The bookshelf. Perfect for toys, collectibles and of course, books. White? Pink? Green? My Aunt Trudy and I created the floral arch for Andy's and my wedding. I had thought that I would have a pretty living room some day to hang it in, but our living room is NOT the place for this. It seemed to fit perfectly in Ella's room. There are lots of dolls packed away that were mine that are collectible and I think that they might find their way to this space, someday. (the ugly air freshener is gone too) ...And the bins will get labeled before summer is over.. they will, they will, they will.

Well, there it is.. her new (very pink) room. Now, to finish up the furniture and move on to the bar in the family room!!!! (and the cabinet, and the trim, and the baseboards, and.....)

Flashback!

2009-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get all of my stuff out of my mom's basement. I realized that at my age, I should take over the storage of my possessions. I am sure that she is relieved by this. My husband, is not. He has had to endure many boxes being brought in and unpacked. Of course, I want to share these memories with someone and he has been my chosen "victim". I look over each item and decide it it is going to the trash, goodwill, to be given to the kids, or put into storage in the attic. He has listened to every story and tried really hard to sound interested.

I brought home a box of miniature doll house furniture this weekend and it went to the attic. The other box was dolls and knick knacks. Some of the stuff was silly, like a plastic mother deer with two fawns chained to her. It was supposed to look like glass, and I know that someone gave them to me, but I don't remember who. (they went in the trash) Gavin got a small train and Ella got a Holly Hobbie and Carie doll in addition to this family......

The Sunshine Family! This is the newer version, the originals looked even more "hippy-ish". Mom had long flowing hair and so did Dad and the little girl was a baby.. these guys were headed into the mid-70's with the long flowing dress and the dad's perm..and they had a new baby. Ella is thrilled with them. I only wish that I had the old camper that they came with. AHHHH, childhood.. and memories.

Can't wait to open up some more boxes. (Sorry, Andy)

The Corn

2009-06-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

OH! The corn... I forgot to follow up.. for those of you who were left hanging.. I am sure that you have been checking my blog every hour to see what has happened...

(I AM kidding, ya know....)

The corn is holding! It has put up it's little flowery things (a farmer, I am not... ) and is looking really healthy! It looks like Andy's hard work is going to pay off!

We have a second crop of those purple beans. I am considering pickling this batch.

Still no sugar snap peas, the plants are going this week for sure. The tomatoes are growing, just waiting for color! I have a handful of recipies ready and waiting. (though, I will just eat them sliced with salt and pepper, or some balsalmic... I will eat them ALL..... oh, o.k. I will share!)

Summer is on!

2009-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last week was awesome! I got to relax, sleep in, read and hang out with the kids. We watched "Hans Christian Anderson" from when I was a kid (KTLA ran a Family Film Festival on Sundays and that movie was shown every year!) They LOVED it and I loved that they loved it! We went to the library to sign up for the Reading Programs and the kids helped me with the grocery shopping.

We painted, did crafts, played outside, and started reading "Jungle Book", Ella couldn't hang with it and Gavin is balking at it a bit, but he is sticking it out with me and I am simplifying the language a bit. I baked and cooked every single meal from scratch! (I am already missing my Dream Dinners, however!)

Last Thursday I spent the entire day in the kitchen in preparation for our weekend in Carpinteria. We had the usual hot dogs, pancakes, etc.. but what I cooked ahead were Citrus Rosemary Ribs, Country Potato Salad (with a tangy ranch dressing, roasted potatoes, garlic, red onion and corn) and a Five Bean Salad. The work was well worth it, our meal was fabulous and I didn't have to do a thing but put into serving bowls!

The photo above is the view from our campsite! We went last year and it was heaven on earth! This year was a bit chilly and cloudy, but the sun did come out enough to get my cheeks pink and allow the kids to swim in the waves. Gavin tried body surfing and went in up to his chest and Ella was brave enough to go in to her ankles alone! It was loads of fun and although I am always happy to go, I am equally as happy to come home. I spent today trying to get the laundry done and the motorhome unpacked!

Today we started our summer activities! Gavin will be at Science Academy (Broadoaks at Whittier College) all day for the next two weeks. I missed him, but he came home tired and worn out and full of stories! Ella started swimming lessons which will continue for six weeks. Gavin will join her after Science Academy is done. He will go to Sports Camp for two weeks, but it is only a morning program, so he will catch up with us and swim at the same time as Ella!

I am working and trying to get in 15 hours per week at the office and Andy is teaching Summer School so he is gone in the mornings, but gets to join us for lunch everyday! He has a long list of honey-do's to fill his afternoons! I am so glad that summer is here, but I know that it is going to just fly by! I am really striving for a balance of work and play, busy and relaxed. We will see how I do... I am new to this kick back thing, but I think I am liking it!

My old "Martha" self even made an appearance today! I felt like making cupcakes, and so.. I did! Here they are:

I wanted to have a little of the beach with us today... but... I did not want 24 cupcakes sitting around my house while I am here, so I delivered plates of cupcakes to our friends and neighbors!

Tomorrow I will have coffee with a friend, grocery shop, take Ella to swimming, and work on my Student Teaching packet that is due at the end of the month. Gavin is having a friend over and I am going to read a magazine. See.. busy, but balanced! I think get it.... maybe....

The Garden - O.O.C. (that's "Out Of Control")

2009-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

It grew fast and we have already harvested! We grew purple snap beans (like green beans but a bit fatter and purple) and had them for dinner last night. We were all kind of bummed and surprised to find that the beans turned green when we cooked them!

We have had a few small tomatoes and lots of parsley, sage, rosemary and cilantro! The pumpkins have taken over and we have figured out a better configuration for next year. They have spilled out onto the grass and we are going to let them continue right where they are. The vine that went down looks like it will be a pretty good producer and we don't want to damage the vine by moving it. The sugar snap peas never really did much and we have two tiny plants that we have already eaten all of the peas from. They will be coming out thereby giving more room to the pumpkins.

The corn fell over the night after I took these pictures and we decided that the seed had not been planted deep enough. Andy came home and piled about 3 more inches of dirt around the bases and staked them up with bamboo. We really hope that they make it! Purple sweet corn, who knew?

I am here..

2009-06-11T23:21:00.001-07:00

I have been busy! Busy RELAXING! (and putting my house and life back in order!)

I put things away, I made lists, I read a book, I scrapbooked for an entire day, I watched two movies and a whole bunch of Oprah's, I have cooked and baked and yesterday, I slept for 12 hours. Yes, you read that right! TWELVE hours! I don't think that I have done that, since college! (technically I AM in college right NOW, so maybe that is why!) I fell asleep on the couch at 7 p.m. after my sweet son covered me with a blanket and my daughter snuggled up with me. At 11 p.m. my darling husband turned down the bed and I slept until my alarm went off at 6.. I then hit snooze until 7 a.m.!!!! I feel really good today! (ya think!?)

The garden is CRAZY out of control!!! I will post pics soon!

We went to San Diego last weekend. Here are the highlights: Before leaving, we discovered that our DVR died. It would not turn on. Ordered new one, it came on Tuesday and is now installed. Took a u-haul truckload of furniture to my cousin who is in college and moving into her first apartment. We got lost. Unloaded furniture. Drove to return truck - got lost. Went to family graduation party for my cousin who just finished high school. Had a blast, until Ella came to me crying and holding her arm. Subluxation, nurse maid's elbow, dislocation, call it what you want, it hurt like hell and we took her to the ER. Way to break up a party! Andy and Gavin went with my uncle to his house (where we were planning on staying the night) My aunt and cousin (who was the grad) went with Ella and me to the hospital. My cousin and her friend had been swinging the kids. One had the feet and one had the arms and they were swinging them like a hammock (is that spelled right?) Used to do that with my little cousins! It's fun, until a loose jointed peanut like my daughter gets her arm out of whack! Waited several hours for x-ray and when the tech moved her arm, it popped back in. 7 p.m until 11 p.m. at the ER... not too bad, really! Visited with friends on Sunday and finally saw their new place, had lunch and lots of fun! Drove home. Watched a movie, a video tape, the last one we might ever see, our VCR died. (what is up with this!?)

I passed the CSET... with flying colors I might add (or brag!). SO relieved! I think that is why I slept so long! Today I spent the day with my mother-in-law! She cashed in her Christmas present! There are a bunch of antique and gift shops along the Boulevard that we both have wanted to check out, so together we went shopping today! I got a cool night light (my early birthday present) and I did some Christmas shopping. She bought a nice grocery shopping bag and a clock. We stopped for lunch at a little bakery and had chicken salad on fresh croissants (heavenly) and a homemade chocolate chip cookie for dessert! Yum!!! It was a great day!

Ella had her last day of preschool today and Gavin will enjoy his last day party tomorrow. He is sad and excited to be leaving the 2nd grade. It was such a great year for him! He has grown up and matured SO MUCH this year and especially in the last couple of months. The tantrums have almost dissappeared and the level of focus and responsibility have increased. Oh, I do see the light! He has been practicing piano (WITHOUT BEING ASKED) EVERYDAY!!!!!! He really likes his songs right now and FINALLY realized that if he practices...the songs are REALLY easy!!!

I should get off to bed, the house is a mess and we have company coming over for dinner tomorrow. They might be shocked to see my house this way! I will be running the popcorn machine at the party tomorrow and then we are going bowling to celebrate the end of the school year! Later you can find me drinking Mojitos and celebrating my wonderful and amazing life with my incredible family. If you are local and care to join me.. stop on by!!

Crazy Projects

2009-05-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else "assign" themselves "crazy" projects? Things that you decide "must" be done, but really may not be all that important? I do it, I do it all the time! Cleaning out cupboards, reorganizing closets and other such things.

This time I have started on a project of transfering all of my childhood records onto CD. Of course, I can't just transfer them, I feel the need to copy the album cover, reduce it to the size of a CD and then type up all of the information from the back jacket onto a paper and create the insert. I have several CD's made, and several copies of the albums copied, but the rest is just waiting.

The pile is hiding on a dining room chair and I am hoping that after school is over for the semester I can complete this crazy project. It has been really fun listening to these recordings and my kids are enjoying them now too. I will be glad when I can dump all of the old records (sad, isn't it?) into the trash can and get them out of the box in my garage. (before you ask, I looked into selling them, but really I only find them for under $1.00 most places that I look!)

Crazy Projects... do you have any?

New Bikes

2009-05-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Our yard sale was a success and we met our goal of making enough money to get the kids new bikes. They had both outgrown what they had and it was time! Thankfully, Toys R Us put bikes on sale and we headed there quickly, before the sale ended.

The kids didn't know WHEN they were getting the bikes, so for our Friday Family Night, we had dinner together and then the kids did a treasure hunt. They found clues and plastic coins hidden around the house and when the came to the end, there was a small treasure chest. Inside, they found some chocolate coins, the Toys R Us ad page and a coupon for ice cream!

I have never seen those kids move so fast! They left a vapor trail as they ran to the car! We picked out the bikes, loaded them up and then went to Baskin Robbins for dessert. We had enough money for the bikes, some accessories, ice creams for Mom and Dad (the kids had free scoop certificates) and even enough to pay for some video games at the pizza party that we went to on Saturday!

It feels so good to pay for things in cash and KNOW that you have the money for them! Andy and I put the bikes together on Saturday afternoon and Ella could not get enough! Once she figured it out, she rode for 2 hours. On Sunday morning, she was up and dressed WITH shoes on and asking to go out and ride!

Gavin likes his bike, but wants to ride with a friend. I am sure that he will ride a lot on our next camping trip. He went up and down the street a couple of times, and then played handball.

Here is a quick clip of Ella riding, I am not sure why she was going in a circle, but my guess is: because she can.

How Does Our Garden Grow?

2009-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

It is all coming up! Everything is looking good, our only problem is that there are tomatoes popping out everywhere and it is hard to tell what should be pulled up and what should not!

The sugar snap peas did not come up at all, which is strange, but Andy is going to replant. They grow so fast it won't really matter!

I think that I am most excited about the corn. Last year's was a complete failure, but we have four rows this year and I am hopeful that it will work! The carrots and the cucumbers are barely showing but the beans and pumpkins are doing great! We are also going to plant watermelons in some tubs down the driveway. We don't have room in the garden and we think that it might just work. Keep you posted!

Let's Play With "Dirt"

2009-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Dirt? Goo? Playdough? Yup!

Pair it with this book of silly poetry and you have a great afternoon!

Recipe:

1 c. flour

1 c. coffee grounds (collect them yourself or get a massive bag FREE from Starbucks)

1/4 c. salt

3/4 c. cornmeal

Mix it all together and add warm water until you have "dough"

Ice Cream for Lunch?

2009-05-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yup.. this was Ella's lunch yesterday! She ate the remainder of her breakfast at snack time and asked for an Ice Cream Cone for lunch. The strange thing, is that I said "Yes". I just figured, what the heck? Besides it bought me some more time to work on my final project.

(Later, she ate an apple and ham...it all balances out, right?)

Haircut

2009-05-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Gavin decided to have his hair cut! I did it myself and it looks good, even though it is REALLY short. We both decided that we will like it better in about three weeks when it gets a bit longer. He freaked out at first, but it didn't take him long to start to like it. I feel like "Gavin" has been gone for a really long time, and now he is back. I swear that he acts different, but it is more likely that I RE-act to him differently. He looks more like "my little boy".

My Pa

2009-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, after sitting here at the computer crying for the last half hour, I have come to a great understanding of myself. Growing can be so painful and when we finally understand something, it is a release.... I found myself being released from one of the biggest chains that has bound me for the last 40 years. Even though I will still carry this chain on my journey it does not bind me so tightly anymore.

I find it fascinating that we can be working away on something and not even realize where it is taking us. It is often as if we are divinely guided to seek our own truth, and when we are not even aware that we are on a journey, the arrival at our destination can be surprising and even take our breath away.

I have been working on developing a unit on Westward Movement for one of my masters classes. I based my unit on the Little House books because I have loved them from the moment that I got my hands on them. I dreamed of living on the prairie, with long braids swishing as I ran down a big hill toward my little home. I went to a summer camp when I was about 10 or 11 that was called Pioneer Days. It was a sleep away camp and we did wonderful activities like, make our own soap (with lye), create corn husk dolls and even cook a turkey in a pit, overnight. It was like a dream come true. I watched the Little House series and usually cried at the sappy sentimentality of it all. I honestly believe that it is possible that in a previous life, I was a pioneer girl, living life in a little cabin and discovering the joys all around me. All of that, led me to create this unit. I figure that if you have to do work, do it on something that you have a passion for. So, here I am... working away.

Today, when I opened my email, I got a message from my step mom saying that she and my dad would not be able to come up for the weekend that we had planned. There is a LOT that goes into this, but basically, my father and I are not close. For most of my life, I have felt as if I don't really have a "Dad", he hasn't really been there for me. He is not the guy that a girl can call when her car (or her heart) is broken, or when she has a financial question, or needs help to build a patio cover. Being around him is a lot of work, and can be very painful. He doesn't like me much and really doesn't know me, at all. I wish that we had a relationship, but he really seems to have his priorities mixed up and is more concerned with Rotary picnics and watering his lawn in Yuma, Arizona. Needless to say, I was very hurt and disappointed by the news that they wouldn't be coming up to visit. (from San Diego..just wanted to clarify... they do not live very far away and we have not spent time with them since Christmas)

So, I have work to do and after I finished erasing their names from both of my calendars for the weekend that they were supposed to come (which of course was in pencil.. I have learned at least that much). I cried. I cried because they don't care much, and it hurts. I cried because my kids are not important to them and I cried because I feel very, very alone in the world a lot of the time and I have, for much of my life. I decided to let myself have a five minute cry and then, get over it. I know that I should not be surprised or hurt by this news, but I am, I always am. I took a deep breath and got back to work.

I sat writing out lesson plans and adding books to my annotated bibliography when I got to a small book. A biography on Laura herself and I read about a time when Laura had slapped her sister and then gotten whipped by her Pa. The book says that she sobbed and sobbed as if "her heart would break" It was what came next that took me by surprise, this simple passage:

"The little house ... was suddenly much too small. There was no place for Laura to go, no place to hide and cry. Laura sat on a chair in the corner and felt miserable. After a while Pa said again, 'Come here, Laura.' Her heart melted when she heard that kindness in his voice. Pa pulled her onto his lap to comfort her. As his big strong arms surrounded her, she felt that everything was all right again. Pa had always understood Laura."

I broke down and a flood of thoughts, memories and emotions took me by surprise. I understood, why these books and stories had meant so much to me and it was NOT the reasons that I had thought.

I felt a lot like Laura when I was growing up. I was a little rebellious (if not in action, at least in thought) I did not always fit in and I was jealous of my sibling (he was younger and a boy, but I shared much of Laura's feelings that she had towards Mary). I felt heartbroken and as if there was no where to go and nowhere to hide from my family, my feelings and myself. The crucial difference for Laura, was that she had Pa. I think that I read these stories so that I could have a little bit of Pa for myself. I suddenly remembered fantasizing about working with Pa in the fields and helping him with the animals. I think that lots of times I cried at the TV show, because of Pa and his love and devotion to his family and the way that he always understood Laura. Mostly, because he always loved her. NO MATTER WHAT. When she was rascally, or in trouble, he loved her. When she was struggling to behave or do her school work, he loved her. As she grew, so did his love for her, and his respect. I think, that I was filling myself with that. Drinking in the Pa that I did not have for myself. I think I was fascinated by that relationship and that gift that Laura had, and I think that I may have been a bit jealous, too. I also think that it is why I cried so bitterly, when Michael Landon passed away. He was my Pa... he was a bit of a hero for me, when I had none.

So, here I am. Writing a unit. Getting my Masters. For who? For me? For Pa? For my Dad? I had NO idea that I would be HERE, emotionally, right NOW. I was not prepared. I am constantly amazed by the direction our path can take us and by the unexpected treasures, discoveries and mysteries that we find along the way. Here is what I learned today...

Some girls are lucky enough to have a "Pa" and some girls are smart enough to find one for their own daughters. I am blessed to have have found both in my life, even when one of them could never put his arms around me, I believe that he taught me what to look for. I may not have had a living man to look up to, but I had a beautiful example of a father. I was never as alone as I thought I was, and I might have missed out on some things, but I was still given a chance, to be with a father and learn from him. I have been given gifts that I have never even opened and I need to remember that sometimes the most beautiful and profound things are just waiting to be discovered, right in front of you. Thank you, Charles Ingalls for teaching me what a father should be. And, thank you Laura for letting me share him with you.

Reader's Theatre Script

2009-04-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

For my integrated Social Studies unit, I had to write a Reader's Theatre Script. My unit is designed for 5th grade and is focused on Westward Movement using Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series as a basis. I have lots of activities included and this is just one of them. I balked at the project at first and was irritated that we had to write an original script. Once I got going, I really enjoyed it. I would write one of these again to use in a class room and I feel that this one is good enough to use too! I wanted to share some of my hard work with you, so...here it is:

The Ingalls Family Heads West
Written by Yvonne Huffaker

Overview: The Ingalls family is packing up the covered wagon for the move west to a new home on the prairie. As Pa packs, the girls ask him questions about the trip and they discover what adventure lies ahead.

Readers: 7

Suitable for ages: 9-12

Roles: Narrators 1-3, Pa, Ma, Laura & Mary
________________________________________________

Narrator 1: In the mid 1800’s, many people lived on the east coast and the eastern part of the United States and made the decision to pack up and move out west. People had started to move into Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakota’s.

Narrator 2: Some went further west, but many just moved around in that area, trying to find something that was just right for them.

Narrator 3: Some people moved because of religious reasons, some were looking for work, some wanted a better life for their family.

N 1: Some thought that their town was getting too crowded and overpopulated and some, just liked the idea of adventure.

N 2: Charles Ingalls seemed to fit into that last category. He wanted to get out of the crowded area where his family lived. He did not want to listen to the chop of an ax or the bustle of the building and traveling that were going on in his front yard.

N 3: So, Pa built a covered wagon and he and Ma packed up the family and all of their belongings and headed Westward.

N 2: Westward-ish.

N 1: You see the Ingalls family moved from Wisconsin and then south to Kansas and back and forth in between. When they finally settled down, it was in South Dakota, which WAS west of where they had started from in Wisconsin, but it wasn’t very far.

N 2: They moved around a lot, trying to find somewhere that they liked, that was not owned by the government, or had too many Indians, or was too far from a town.

N 3: This is the story about packing up, and leaving.

N 1: It’s about what they took with them and what they left behind.

N2: They left a well established settlement to go out on their own. Alone, with no wagon train and with no help. They didn’t really even have a plan for where they would end up.

N 3: Pa planned to go, until he found a place that “felt” right.

Pa: Well girls, I am almost done building the wagon. Why don’t you come out and give me a hand?

Mary: Pa, why is the wagon so big when it is only going to be You, Ma, Laura, Carrie and Me?

Pa: Well, Mary, we are going to take some of the furniture, the blankets, lots of food, cooking pots and some things that are special to our family with us. There has to be room for all of that AND us in this wagon!

Ma: It sounds like so much! We are taking a lot, but we won’t need to take the beds, table and chairs because Pa can always build new ones when we find our new home.

Laura: We will take your little china woman, too. Right, Ma?

Pa: Of course Laura, your Ma has had that with her on every move that she has made, and she won’t take up much room at all. We will pack her up deep inside of the flour barrel so that she won’t get jostled during the trip.

Ma: We will put the eggs in there too, to keep them from breaking during the ride!

Mary: Don’t forget your fiddle box, Pa. We will have to have that so that we can listen to music when we stop in the evening!

Pa: I won’t forget Mary, I already have it tucked away safely, right here behind the bench seat!

N 1: Other supplies that they would carry with them would include smoked meat, sugar, salt, baking soda, dried beans, dried fruit.

N 2: Rice, vinegar, corn meal, ginger, raisins, and molasses.

N 1: They would also have rope, canvas tarpaulins, an ax, shovel, tools, knives and tin dishes.

N 2: A water keg, iron pot and skillet, feather beds and blankets.
N 3: They carried everything that they had and that they would need during the journey and when they set up a new home.

Laura: Pa? Where will we sleep while we are traveling?

Pa: In the wagon, mostly. We will stop at night and cook on an open fire and then snuggle down together under the quilts! It will be just like camping!

Mary: Why are we going Pa? Why can’t we just stay here in our house in the Big Woods?

Pa: There are just too many people here in the Big Woods Mary. I don’t like hearing the chop of an ax that isn’t mine.

Ma: And the road in front of our house is always busy with wagons coming and going. Why, it isn’t even safe for you girls to go out front and play!

Laura: Why are we leaving now Pa, when it is still so cold and the house is so warm and cozy? Don’t most people wait until spring to travel?

Pa: We have to go now Laura, before the ice breaks on the Mississippi River. It is far too wide and deep for the horses to swim across! When we get to the Missouri River, we will be able to ride a ferry! But we have to walk across the Mississippi, and we can only do that while it is still frozen.

Ma: Are the new horses ready for the journey, Pa?

N 1: Ma was worried that the horses wouldn’t hold up to the long trip.

Laura: Can I name the horses Pa?

Mary: No! I want to name them, can’t I please?

Pa: Well girls, seeing as how there are two of them, I suppose that you can each name one!

N 1: The girls chose the names

N2: Pet

N3: and Patty.

Pa: Girls, did you know that oxen always have the same names when they are used for a wagon train?

Girls: No, Pa!

Pa: Well, they do! The oxen on the left are named “Buck” and the ones on the right are named “Bright”. All of the teams are named that way, so that anyone can drive the team if need be. Think how confused those animals would be if they got new names any time that they were sold!

Laura: Are we coming back?

Mary: How long will it take us?
Laura: Will we still have to do chores?

Mary: What will we eat?

N 1: The girls shot questions at Pa faster than he could answer.

Ma: Now girls, give your Pa a chance to answer.

Pa: Well, now… where do I start with that list of questions!? You two sure are curious, aren’t you?

Laura: Start with me, Pa… start with me.

Pa: O.K. Half-pint, I will start with you! I don’t believe that we will be coming back here Laura, I think that we will find a new home and we will settle down and that we won’t ever see the Big Woods again.

N 2: At that news a tear slid silently down Ma’s cheek, for she knew that Pa was right and that she would probably not ever see her family or her home in the woods, again.

N 3: Although she was excited about the trip, she was nervous and fearful. After all, she had three young children to look out for and there were many dangers on the trail.

N 1: As it turns out, the family did return for a short time to the Big Woods, but only to visit and make plans for the next move, but that is another story.

Ma: And to answer your other question, yes Laura, you will still have chores. You will fetch water, help with the cooking, wash dishes, help your Pa to collect wood and shake out the blankets and make the beds before we start off every day.

N 2: Laura was disappointed, she had hoped for “time off” from chores during the journey, but she still felt satisfied that there would be less work than there was at home.

Pa: Now Mary, to answer your questions.

N 3: Mary looked expectantly at her Pa.

Pa: We will eat biscuits, potatoes, bacon, cracklings, dried meat, crackers, dried fruit, cornmeal, beans and eggs, while they last. We can’t take much milk with us, because we will have no way to keep it from spoiling.

Ma: But, some of it we will make into “wagon butter” to enjoy on our first few days.

Mary: Wagon Butter!? What ever is that, Ma?

Ma: We will put the milk in a jug and hang it off of the side of the wagon and all of the jostling will churn it right into butter!

N 1: The girls clapped excitedly at the news of fresh butter for the biscuits.

Pa: As for how long it will take us to get where we are going, well, I don’t rightly know. Mostly because I don’t really know where we will stop, only which direction we will be heading! I guess we will know how long it took, when we arrive! I can say that it will be some time and that we will all be tired when we finish.

N 2: The average wagon could only travel about 10 to 15 miles in one day.

N 3: That’s about as far away as Disneyland!

N 1: Can you imagine it taking an ENTIRE DAY to just get from our school, to Disneyland?

N 2: It only takes us about a half an hour to go that distance in a car!

N 3: Not to mention the fact that if it were raining or muddy, they could only go one mile! That is only as far as the grocery store!

N 1: In a covered wagon, it might take you five or six days to go as far in one full hour as you can go today.

N 2: The horses and oxen didn’t go very fast, and they had a very big load to pull.

N 3: This is why it was such a big deal to go west. Or to go anywhere, really. It was not like packing up and heading to Grandma’s house for the weekend.

N 1: It was a big production and there were lots of risks and danger.

N 2: But people were courageous, and went.

N 3: They went for adventure.

N 1: They went to find a new home.

N 2: They went to make a name and a life for themselves and their families.

Ma: Are you ready girls? I think that we have everything packed up and ready to go. It is time to kiss your cousins goodbye!

N 3: They said their good-byes, climbed into the wagon and slowly rolled away from the Big Woods.

N 2: They went because they were pioneers, and they were ready to discover something new.

N 3: Laura rode in the wagon, looking back on where they had come from and what they were leaving behind.

N 1: She thought to herself, “What a grand adventure my life is. What awaits us on this journey? What will our new home be like?”

N 2: She pondered these questions and then thought, “This will be a story that I will tell my children, and maybe even my grandchildren, someday.”

N 3: And that,

All: Is exactly, what she did.

Tessellation

2009-04-20T16:52:00.001-07:00

I created this for my Arts Integration class and I think that it is pretty cool.
"Run, Run, As Fast As You Can"

A Quick Update

2009-04-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Our next project.. Ella's room!

Gavin's room is really done! REALLY!!!! The fan is up, the glow stars on the ceiling are up and the little party lites under his bed are up! I feel so much relief! I love his room and I love how we all worked on it together and I LOVE that it is DONE!

In addition, we re-arranged Ella's room, moved out the last of the jungle features and brought in her furniture (even though it has not been refinished yet). This really helped us get a better idea of how the room will work and what we need to do to get her bed put together properly. We bought an old 1920's dresser and bed set for her at a yard sale and the bed is not the same as the current standard size so it will need some modifications. Bringing it in and setting it up was the only way that Andy and I could figure out what we needed to do! Now, we feel energized and excited about tackling this next project. If only I could decide on paint colors! Andy is going to start painting next weekend, so I had better get with it!

We had our yard sale and what we didn't sell was carted off to the Goodwill. My patio is back (and boy does it look BIG) and we made $128! We hoped to make enough to buy bikes for both kids and if we go with the less expensive models... we did it! We sold Gavin's old bike, so he gets first pick and Ella has her heart set on a Barbie bike. Toys R Us, here we come! We also sold the dresser and night stand that the kids had in their bedroom - which is why we had to bring in the unfinished dresser. I was not willing to have Ella's clothes on the floor for the next couple of weeks (or months)!

The kids got to go to the Circus with Gramma Sharon and Grampa Jack while Andy and I continued to work around the house. We also got to run errands, shop for a couch, get some decorating ideas at some new model homes and have dinner together! Andy got the garden planted while I took the kids to church on Sunday and then we all went down to Bellflower to shop for some Dutch goods at the Holland American market. After that we stopped in Little India to have a snack! It was a fun and very productive weekend! I feel rejuvenated and energized!

I have a TON of work to do for my classes and I have to study for the CSET (which is completely freaking me out) but ... there is nothing I can do but WORK. Work hard and be persistent and focus. That is the hard part, the focus. I feel torn between my job, and the house and the family but I know that right now, I just have to work on the class work and then I will have time for all of the other stuff. So, my nose will be to the grindstone for the next couple of weeks and I will have to let some other stuff go. (oh, darn.. when I just started to feel on top of things!) Off I go!

Here are some pics of our little garden!

My herb garden- sage, cilantro, parsley, basil and thyme! The kids planted marigolds in between!

The rows of corn!

We also have, red bush beans, sugar snap peas, carrots, cucumbers, and white and orange pumpkins.

Some tomatoes from seed and some plants. There are sungold, San Diego heirloom, Giant Steak, and Cherokee Purple and some other funky kind that Andy got!

Gavin's room - The transformation is complete!

2009-04-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

O.K., not really.. the ceiling fan is still not up, but it should be by the end of the weekend and since you can't see it in the pics, I decided to not keep you in suspense any longer. (I know that you were checking the blog daily, huh?) His room came out great and we all love it!

Here are the before shots, with it painted mint green and with some girly stuff still hanging out!

Walking into the bedroom. (Well, I guess you CAN see the fan...)The loft bed. The only drawback to this, is that I cannot kiss him goodnight, which I miss, but it gives him so much space!Underneath the loft is his library and reading chair, which he is in, every night!Below his window is this cubby unit with his "treasures' and cd's.

The bookshelves even have more space left in them!
The big map, corn snake and parrot have found a home!

Break for Fun!

2009-04-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to put the photos in that last post.. if you want to check them out.. clean garage and messy patio! The yard sale is this weekend and I can't wait to get my patio back! Spring Break was great fun, we relaxed at the beach, played with the kids, had a date and started the garden! Now it is back to the grindstone to finish up work for school! Here are some pics of what we have been up to!

Ella and I spent a fun day together at the La Habra Children's Museum!

She sat on a statue of a Llama and thought it was pretty funny!Let's go fly a kite!

Gavin, taking some time out from his day in the ocean!Trying to pull the plungers out of the tar!Tar bubbling up out of one of the pits outside.. cool!

Peace for Spring Break

2009-04-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Clean Garage

It seems that blogging has not been high on my priority list as of late.. but I am not really sure what HAS! *note: I wrote this a few days ago, but got interupted...

We have been busy, as always... baseball, classes, STILL trying to get the house put back together! I did finally organize my desk and new cubbies...although I need more bins for it before it is officially "finished"..Gavin's room, well.. it hangs there, not QUITE done...it's the ceiling fan, really and that is it. Andy had to wait until his cast was off and then, well.. We cleaned the garage! Unfortunately, we again forgot to take before and after shots but let's just say that before, you could not walk into the garage, but only squeak around to get to the fridge and storage shelves. Now... it is a big, wide, open space that is very organized and lovely to behold! I find myself walking out there to just stand in it and appreciate the order.

The side effect of a clean garage is a REALLY messy patio! We pulled out a ton of stuff to sell at our yard sale in a couple of weeks, including the crib. Yup.. we are done... you heard it here first. I have come to the place where I am o.k. (actually adamant) that we will not have any more babies (other than our godson Alex and any other babies that need cuddling!) Andy has even conceded and is going to be contacting the urologist after Spring Break.

Messy Patio

We were going to start working on Ella's room (and FINISH Gavin's) during our Spring Break, but it seems that the universe has other ideas for us. A friend called yesterday and offered us a campsite at San Clemente State Beach for a couple of days. It is taking some shuffling and rescheduling and some major re-thinking on my part, but we are going! We realized that what we really need, is a break! Time to relax and just be together and so, we are taking it. We will be leaving on Saturday and coming home on Tuesday, not a LONG trip, but just the kind of break that we all need. I will leave the house a mess, the projects unfinished and the laundry piled up on the couch. Oh Well!!!

Today, I am working on paperwork and packing and grocery shopping. Tomorrow I will spend the day with Ella at the La Habra Children's Museum, just the two of us. I think that we will have a picnic too. Friday, the kids and I are sleeping in and getting packed up and then, when Andy gets home we are going to Downtown Disney to have dinner at Rainforest Cafe and Gavin wants to visit the Lego store. He has been doing extra chores and saving his money for something special! Then, it is off to the beach with nothing more to do than relax, chat, eat and sleep. I should probably put a walk or two in there, or I will lose my weight loss headway that I have been making.

I am peaceful, even though I have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in I know that if it needs to be done, it will be and that we will have a great time, TOGETHER!! I am thankful to my friend and for the opportunity to be with my family and to spend time with friends, I really do have a most blessed life.

A new baby for the Huffakers!

2009-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, Andy kept saying that he really wanted another baby. He REALLY wanted three, I have always thought that I would have three kids, but at this stage in my life, I really didn't think that it was a good idea. I have to return to work, full time and we struggle financially as it is, and my patience is pushed to the limit with the two that I have. Not to mention that I just don't think that my body can take the process again. I can come up with a thousand reasons NOT to have another baby, but the Universe has begged to differ. Andy's wish has come true and we are blessed and honored with another baby in our lives. Two weeks ago, we became the proud and beaming Godparents of Alexander Rosario Bono. The ceremony was beautiful, held in the Methodist Church surrounded by friends and family. The party afterwards was big, and loud and full of Italian accents and food. We have been welcomed into this family and are basking in the glory of our new connections with them. We look forward to many years of friendship, love and partnership as we join with this family to raise our children and be the best that we can be.

Alex is the sweetest baby. He was happy and cheerful all day long, he slept peacefully in my arms during the entire church service (after his big debut) and awoke with a crazy, questioning look on his face. He seemed to be thinking, "Hmmm, I wake up in a church with some strange lady holding me, and wearing a dress. What is going on here?" I told his mother that it sounded like a bad night in Vegas. (I know, very irreverent for church.. would you expect any less from me!?) He was delightful and seemed to love all of the attention. He is a BIG boy at almost 20 pounds and only 6 months, so holding him was a great workout.We were exhausted after the long weekend of cooking and setting up, partying and then cleaning up and tearing down. It was a good tired. We can't wait to see that little guy again and watch him grow and learn and love. I am thrilled that we get to have a "third" baby, and that I don't have to stretch out or lose sleep at night (sorry Giac and Kate!), but more importantly, that we get to share the love in our hearts with another wonderful little person!

Reviewing my life

2009-03-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading some of my older posts and realized that I have the same "stuff" going on that I did 2 years ago. Busy life, cranky kids, messy house...so... same life, different day, I guess. I don't know whether I should feel sad or relieved, really. Is this what it's going to be like, until my kids move out? Am I going to feel like a crazed, exhausted, overworked maniac for the next 18 years? Will I just move to a place of acceptance? I guess these are my choices to make. After reading several posts I did realize that, even though my situation has not changed much, the way that I deal with it has. I don't freak out as much, I don't worry as much and I don't "do" as much! I have gotten better at priorities (kids and family before work) and at taking time for myself and leaving the guilt behind. Still climbing, still trekking, still hoping!

A tale of two cakes, a boy and a mouse.

2009-03-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

So my baby boy turned 8! Last Friday, March 6th marked the 8 year anniversary of the start of my adventures in Mommy-ing. This has been the most challenging journey of my life and some days are filled with joy while others make me want to pack it up and head to a Hilton! I am so grateful for my family and the opportunity to grow with them.

Gavin had very specific ideas about his birthday this year, and I let him run with it. He started his day with a school assembly where he was recognized for his entry in the Reflections program at school. It is an arts program and Gavin had entered two photographs, even though he didn't win he was very proud of his "vision" and had a great time at the assembly.

After school I met Gavin and a couple of his friends and we headed off to Chuck E. Cheese. This was the easiest birthday party EVER and we all had a great time! We took 4 of his friends and so we had 6 kids all together. Andy's parents and grandma joined us and were a great help. After 2 hours of pizza eating, token spending and ticket collecting, we headed back to our place for the ice cream cake that Gavin ordered himself from Baskin-Robbins. A few gifts later the kids played for half an hour and then headed home! Gavin ended his day cuddled up with me in his bed, that is what he asked me to give him for his birthday! So sweet!

We had a family birthday dinner with Andy's parents and my mom and step-dad on Sunday. Gavin wanted Panda Express and I made him a surprise birthday cake. I had intended on making this cake for the night we went to Chuck E. Cheese, but he really wanted the ice cream cake that night. So, we had Chinese food for dinner and "pizza" for dessert.

It was a great weekend and a we have had a great 8 years with this kid. I look forward to many, many more birthday celebrations.

A Miracle Or Just Hard Work?

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

Well, things are getting done at a slow and steady pace without any arguing or exhaustion. I was really grumpy on Saturday (darn those sleepy drugs), but we made it through the day. We even had time to play a game with the kids after a homemade dinner. Andy and I both worked on paperwork even though I hate having to "work" on a Saturday night. Sunday morning saw the family off to church while I stayed at home to work on Gavin's birthday cake and some household chores that could wait no longer.

I finally found my bar (it was buried under a HUGE pile of STUFF) and got my paperwork in order! That is the first major task that got accomplished and I am so relieved! I feel like I have a better grip on things now, even though I have a folder full of things that need to have actions taken. At least now, I know where I am and what I'm up against!

We took a nice walk around the neighborhood and the kids rode their bikes, Ella is so darned cute on her tricycle! After we got back, Andy's dad came over to help him put together the new computer armoire! It was a BIG job. We took a break for dinner and then they were back at it. Andy finally finished at 11:00 last night. Now I have the task of organizing all of my junk and finding it a new home within the cabinet. Usually I would be excited about the prospect of organizing a new space, but I can't seem to get there. I think I will wait until I feel inspired!

Andy got the last little section of wall painted in Gavin's room and I put up his bulletin board yesterday. We have a cord cover to paint and install and then there are the shelves and drawers to clean up and organize, but again I am finding this to seem more task like and less enjoyable than usual. Waiting for that inspiration to kick in!

It is starting to feel more put together and less chaotic around here. I am off to check out the potential new bed for Gavin. The one that we got is not made very well, and the furniture store has ordered a replacement from a different company. I have to go and see it and schedule the delivery. After that I will move into homework mode and see what I can get accomplished for my day! I am optimistic and hopeful and trying not to put too much on that "to-do" list.

It's Done!

2009-03-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! My floor is finished!! I am beyond ecstatic! It looks really great and so far, seems easy to clean. Heck, why clean it, you can't tell it's dirty! (I am kidding, ya know!)

The guys came today and finished the baseboards and transition pieces and it looks fabulous! I am sitting here waiting for them to come back and put my laundry room door back on, but then it is done. Well, we have to get the baseboards painted and touch up the walls and cupboards that have gotten dinged up. But it is pretty finished! We put in a vinyl tile and I think that it is perfect for us. It is durable, easy to clean, "softer" than ceramic tile and the color will hide dirt perfectly!

Andy worked on Gavin's room a bit this morning and they are off working on a pinewood derby car. I am hoping that we can work some more when they get back, but I am having a lazy day. Yeah, you read that right, LAZY! I have hardly done anything and I am trying to enjoy it.

I was having trouble falling asleep and Andy got me some night time Tylenol. Unfortunately, I react badly to anything that MIGHT make you sleepy. Don't get me wrong, I got a great night's sleep, but I didn't wake until 9 and have been in a fog since. In fact, after breakfast and some workbook activity time with Ella, she and I curled up together on my bed and took a nap! We ate a picnic lunch on our front lawn and I opened the mail. After the guys return to put my door on, I do have an errand to run, but after that it's dinner and game night with the family. That's it, my entire day...doing nothing. I hope that my "day off" will give me lots of energy to get things done tomorrow!

Here are pictures of the kitchen with the new floor! Coming next...the low down on Gavin's birthday celebrations!

Now What?

2009-03-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

The week went really well! I felt rejuvenated and renewed even though my gut has been acting up (the last remnants of the stress ended up there). I got a lot done and Andy and I are getting along and working together as a team. (Yeah!) I made my way through some paperwork and did some homework and rested and worked and spent time with the kids. We had a busy weekend but spent time with family and worked on Gavin's room. (I am almost ready to post pictures.. maybe after next weekend) With the help of my mom, we even got one of the bookshelves put together! (I can't post pics of that because the drawers and baskets are not in yet!) It is frustrating that we now have ANOTHER project half finished, but I am dealing with it!

The fact that my mom came over to help leads you to the title of this post, my mom had to help put the bookcase together because..... Andy broke his hand! Last weekend he was trying to get a nail out of board and when the nail came out, his hand slipped and he punched the board! He broke his pinkie finger down by the wrist. It looked terrible and he spent an entire day at the Dr's office trying to get it taken care of. He is not very happy about his cast, it is waterproof, but not very comfortable. Being in a cast made it near impossible to use the drill or a screwdriver, so.. he called in the troops!

Funny story about the waterproof cast...Gavin got one when he broke his elbow last summer so Andy asked for one too. The Dr. asked if he was a surfer or something and Andy replied that he was a dad. Andy explained that he needed to be able to wash dishes and bathe kids without worrying about his cast getting wet, not to mention the convenience of bathing himself without bagging his arm. The Dr. seemed very confused about this and told Andy that it was a very unusual reason for getting a waterproof cast and that he would have to confer with some other Dr.'s about this. The Dr.s convened and they all agreed that this was not the usual reason and that they were not sure that Andy's reasons warranted the special cast. Finally after much deliberation and coaxing from Andy, they gave in and gave him the waterproof cast that he had requested. Apparently, surfing is a loftier reason than dad duties. I wonder if they would have questioned it that much if it was a woman who had mom duties? I told Andy that he should have just said, "Yeah, surfing.. that's it!" and been done with it!

I was able to take some time out this morning and join a few of the wonderful and amazing "Moms" in my life for coffee, conversation and a great speaker who talked about ways to strengthen your marriage. It felt like he was talking to ME! I really needed to hear his words and I am thankful that I made it to this meeting. (of course I had a hundred excuses of why I couldn't go, glad that I didn't fall for my own tricks). I really need to get to my homework and then head off to the gym (of course there will be laundry to fold in there too) so... I am off...

Hopefully we can finish up some projects and I can take pictures for you all to see all of the work that has been going on here... until then...

Off on another journey...

2009-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Well, we took a poll and all in the family agreed that there has been WAY too much going on around here lately and after Andy and I had a major blowout on Friday night, I am in agreement. We have been running around like crazy people, working and playing WAY TOO HARD! I have learned that there actually is such a thing as too much FUN! We are going to spend more time at home, just hanging out and maybe even doing nothing!

I am understanding that I cannot expect everything to be done NOW and perfectly and that somethings I must just do myself (and get over it). I am telling you, for a grown up, I really don't know much...at all! I think that I have it all figured out and then, I realize that the rules have changed, or that we are playing a different game entirely! I seem to think that my husband is superhuman and can fix dinner, clean the kitchen, put the kids to bed AND do all of the "man" jobs like fix stuff and take care of the yard (oh, and balance that with the new job that he has this year!) I am wrong, he can't... just like I can't go to school, go to work, do the paperwork and household chores, spend time with kids, scrapbook, work out AND still have the time and energy to work on projects until midnight. I am ... human. So is he. That is it. My secret is out! I CAN'T DO IT ALL. I can do some of it and I can do some of it well and the rest of it will either not be done, or done "half-assed". What I really want for my family is to do some of it and BE HAPPY. Whatever the cost, be it messy house, unfinished projects, dirty cars, unkempt yards.... I want us to get along and to enjoy our lives.

Don't get me wrong and go thinking that I am going to let everything go to pot and be joyous about it. I am just saying that I am going to try to let more things go and focus on what really matters. I will still probably hate the clutter and the brown patches on the lawn, but I would rather be known for my happy, wonderful family than for my Martha like home and yard. Really! (boy, that is hard to say, and I am sure that it will be even harder to live with) Today, I worked out and then I went to Lowe's to get the things that I thought Andy would get ('cause he is the man and men do that stuff) but realized that they were MY priority and not his. I also bought new plants for the porch, 'cause the ones we planted last spring are half dead and not really working in the space. I look at them everytime I walk in the door and wish that "someone" would do something about it, so I am, and I think that I am going to go and plant them, as soon as I get off of the computer!

After that, I am going to put on the handles for the laundry room cabinet, fold the laundry and maybe replace the hinges that are the wrong color. I will not get "everything" done today that "needs" to be done. But I will also do some of my homework and fix dinner and read to my kids. After that, I will see how many more hours (or minutes) are left before I retire to the couch to watch t.v. for an hour (which I am learning that I deserve!) before getting myself off to bed. I am going to work harder at taking care of ME... (and not by getting manicures or having days at the spa, but by being nicer to myself and accepting my human-ness). I am going to work harder at taking care of my family too, in this same way. I think that I spend so much time taking care of the house and the shopping and the laundry and the, and the, and the.. I forget about taking care of our hearts and our souls...

Off on another journey I am.... one of a deeper level of understanding and acceptance. I think that I have packed well and I really hope that I haven't forgotten anything.

p.s. We did not put together any of the furniture this weekend...we hung out, laughed, played, watched a movie, ate popcorn, went to a birthday party, had dinner as a family... and Andy replaced all of the switches and outlets in the family room, kitchen and laundry room. We will see how we do next weekend!

Calming Down

2009-02-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the painters came back and fixed the little things that we were unhappy with and my Mother In Law and a dear friend came and helped me to put all of my "stuff" back where it belongs (mostly) and I have cleaned off most of the dust and found most of the lost items and we are feeling much more "normal". This picture is of the new chair that Gavin and I just put together and that I am currently sitting in! The school nurse called while I was working on this post. He is home from school with a head cold.

We hosted a big party for my nieces' blessing and a celebration for her 2nd, Ella's 4th and Gavin's 8th birthdays on the 7th which gave me the greatest push to put the house back together. The house was packed full of people and love and the kids had a great time visiting, playing, and enjoying the festivities. Even though it was a crazy mad dash to get this place "presentable"... we did not have door handles, floor or outlet/switch covers.. but we had fun.

I started back to school with classes twice a week and next week I will start my field work, hopefully at the school of my choice and in a 5th grade classroom. Work has been more regular, meaning that I am actually getting there (I missed A LOT with all of the work being done) and I have returned to a somewhat normal work out routine at the gym. I am again, the weight that I was last year at this time, so I have 15 pounds to drop (notice I am not going to "lose" them... I DO NOT want to "find" them, again) and have already begun counting points and am watching the numbers on the scale go down.

Right after the party, Ella got really sick with a terrible head cold (again) and was feeling terrible. She shared and last week the stress and exhaustion caught up with me and I went down. I went into work on Thursday and couldn't even read the forms that I was working on so I packed up, headed home, changed into my p.j.'s and collapsed onto the couch. I am still battling the remnants of that cold, but feeling much better. Gavin and Ella both have ear infections and Gavin now has pink eye. It is becoming more and more apparent to me that this family needs to SLOW DOWN and figure out how to DO LESS! If I could just figure out HOW!

After that being said.. we continue on with the month's adventures! We had some good friends, Giacomo & Kate Bono, over for a special Valentine's dinner and had a wonderful evening. We had a teen neighbor come over and watch the kids and sit with them at dinner while the grown ups had a candlelit dinner in the dining room. We made roast beef with homemade gravy, roasted potatoes, asparagus, salad and chocolate bread pudding for dessert. I was not feeling well all day and was on cold medicine that made me loopy. Andy went to the store twice, we messed up the potatoes and had to make them twice (and didn't make enough the second time), I ruined the dip that we threw into the trash and I burned the chocolate on the first go round. I also over cooked the meat (I like it RARE), but amazingly the meal came out wonderfully and it was super yummy. We were honored, surprised and completely flattered when Giac (is that the way you should spell that when it is shortened?) & Kate asked us to be the Godparents for their new little one, Alex. He is four months old and is just a smiley ball of love! We are so excited that we get to have our third baby (without sleepless nights)!

The house is still in a pretty bad state of disarray with boxes here and there, some new furniture that has been purchased and not assembled in several rooms and little piles of "stuff" that have not found a new home. Gavin's new loft bed still needs some tweaking to stop the creaks and wiggles that it is suffering and Ella's room is a complete mess. The flooring is not in yet, but my new cabinet in the laundry room is, but it needs to be painted. I am looking at the pile of paperwork and wondering how much of it is really important and how much can wait until later.

My new laundry room cabinet with cubby for my "dream" trashcans. Simple Human, white, step cans with butterfly lids. Who knew that someday I would have a dream trashcan!

Really big box in the living room containing our new bookshelves for the family room, maybe we will put them together...next weekend?

And, more big boxes in the family room. These contain the new desk armoire that we might put together...next weekend?

This is my plywood floor... the tiles have been ordered, but have not come in yet...maybe next weekend? (you see where I am going with this, right? )
I still feel like I am recovering from everything that has been going on, but I am not sure if the best way to take care of myself is to work on it, or rest some more. I am always torn on this. I know that I will be able to relax when the work is finished, but I am learning that owning a home and raising a family means that the work is NEVER finished. I am learning that life is a project with no end but "The End" and that I will keep on working until I reach that finale. I am learning to enjoy the journey without focusing too much on the destination. I am learning to love the Trek without worrying about seeing the peak, and I am learning to ignore the dirty laundry strewn along the trail!

more on the house

2009-02-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

I would do a "real" update with photos and all, but I am too tired...
Tired of the mess, tired of the dust, tired of the noise, the clutter, the confusion and tired of people in and out of my house. I am tired of phone calls and trying to get people to do what they are supposed to do. I am tired, of being tired. The painters came, they sucked, they left. The rooms are painted, but they are not done well. Gavin's bed came it is cool, he likes it. Ella's room is in a shambles as is my family room, kitchen, bedroom and living room. I have not been to the grocery store in 3 weeks. There is dust on, in and around EVERYTHING. The subflooring is going in today and we are most likely going to get granite counter tops and then the floor will go in after that. It is moving along and I know that these kind of jobs are like this, but I just wasn't prepared mentally, emotionally or financially. The Universe is divinely guiding me however and I know that I should just close my eyes and follow.

A date

2009-02-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

On the Martin Luther King holiday, Andy and I had arranged for a date together. We asked his parents if they could watch the kids during the day, so that we could go on a hike and have lunch together. We know that we should make more time to be together, but it always seems that something gets in the way...time, money, sick kids...or in this case, a broken hot water pipe!

I felt very disappointed and discouraged that it looked like we were going to have to cancel our date together because there would be workmen coming to the house. Luckily, one team was able to come in the early morning and my step-dad was able to come and let in the other team to perform the necessary testing. We would have our date after all!

We have gone out and even away for a weekend since we had kids, but it is not often and usually feels rushed and not always very fun. We have gone to Lowe's on a date and even to Toys R Us for Christmas shopping, but usually we head out in the evening for dinner and a movie, or just a movie. These dates never really felt like "us" as it was not something that we ever really did together before we had kids, plus it was not always easy to find a sitter and we worried about the kids getting to bed and all of those other parent type things. Finally, we realized that we should do more things that ARE like "Us".. go hiking, go for a picnic, head to a museum or cultural event...usually, we think of taking the kids with us, but it seems that sometimes, we just need to be "us"...without them. So, this hike was the first of what we hope to be many more outings that give us time to re-connect!

It was easier to leave the kids for the morning, easier on them and on Grampa! We headed out to Eaton Canyon in Pasadena, which wasn't far and where neither of us had ever been! The morning was cool and cloudy and the trail was a bit more rugged than I had anticipated (but not too hard!) We crossed the creek several times which elicited some squeals from me as I almost tumbled right into the water (this elicited laughter from Andy at how silly I am). We walked and talked and solved all of the world's problems. We held hands and took pictures and I felt the weight of life slip off of my shoulders. I was reminded of why I love this man that I have chosen to spend my life with and felt a renewed sense of commitment to this dream that we are creating. We hiked for an hour to reach a pretty waterfall and then headed back down the hill.

We went into Pasadena and found a cute little bistro for lunch. We promised ourselves that we would not eat at a place that we had been before and swore to avoid all chain restaurants. We succeeded and at a GREAT Italian place where Andy enjoyed a steak and I had a huge salad. We headed home feeling peaceful and relaxed and ready to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with our children. They were happy to see us and us to see them. I am looking forward to our next adventure...together, being "Us".

All Points Bulletin

2009-01-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION>>>>>>>>>

To all those who had heard the sad tale of the "lost Huffaker tapes".....

The tapes HAVE been located! I repeat... The tapes HAVE been located!

They were found hiding in a secret antechamber inside the entertainment center!

Andy is the hero of the story.. he was dusting and was trying to get into a little corner and when he pushed on the side of the cabinet, the door popped open and there, inside... are all of our family video tapes (they have been "missing" for almost a year and I have been trying to remember what in the world could have happened to them... I really did think that I went on a crazy cleaning binge and accidentally sent them off to Goodwill) As soon as he told me where they were, I remembered clear as day... putting them in there, because that made perfect sense! The problem was that we bought a cabinet that bumped right up to the entertainment center and hid the door and I really just forgot that the storage area was there!

All is not lost..............

and,
I
am
not
crazy!

(o.k. that remains to be seen!)

If you prayed for me.. thanks.... if you prayed that we would find the tapes...thanks
and.. if you prayed that I would JUST STOP OBSESSING ABOUT IT.. thanks

i love you all
(and... if you want to see the video of our wedding.. or... hours of silly baby footage, drop on by!)

Holy Scrap!

2009-01-26T11:55:00.001-08:00

I mentioned before that I had planned to go away for the weekend to get together with one of my best-est friends, Darci so that we could scrapbook together. Well, with all of chaos (and extra expenses) right now, I considered canceling, but Andy reassured me that there was nothing that I could do here and that some time away would be good for me. He was right, it was. I got to get away from the chaos, I got to relax, spend time with a great friend and ... let him handle the work for the weekend.

I got packed up on Thursday night and on Friday morning, I drove to Yuma, Arizona. It took me 5 hours, which was an hour longer than I had anticipated but I hit traffic, rain and several border patrol stops. I arrived at 1:00 our time (2:00 theirs) and we immediately transformed our suite into a scrapping paradise! We stayed at a Hampton Inn, which was really nice and included a breakfast "buffet" and hot coffee served 24 hours a day. After unpacking and getting settled in, we got right to work and started scrappin! We went to dinner, stopped in at the craft store for supplies and headed back for more fun. We stayed up until 2 a.m. and got right to work again the next morning. We cropped all day and only left our room for a quick breakfast, a craft store run and a great steak dinner. Again, up until 2 a.m. and up really early to wrap up what we could before check out at 12 noon.This is the table that became our landing strip and sticker station.This is the middle of the "sitting room", we moved the coffee table out of the way and made it our own. Here is where we worked, one on each side of the table.
We headed out at 12:30 and 4 1/2 hours later, I was home again with my family. I had a great time and got a lot of pages done. I took a hot shower, had a good night sleep, and spent time with a great friend. I just realized that we did not get any pictures of US scrapping or together. But I do have a couple of shots of the hotel room! (After we had re-arranged all of the furniture!) Andy had a lot to juggle while I was gone, with the asbestos people here, the re-pipe going on, and the kids.. but he handled it well and also got the touch ups done on Gavin's room and fixed the doors to the closet (they didn't open after we put in the carpet). He even installed our new kitchen light fixture. I think everyone was glad to have me home, and I am certainly glad to be here!

Updates on the house

2009-01-26T11:25:00.001-08:00

Did you think that I went off the deep end? Well, almost....

The asbestos abatement team came in on Thursday and I almost lost my mind! I had to get everything out of the kitchen (only some of the cupboards) and my bathroom and set up a little kitchen in the family room so that they could seal off the kitchen, laundry room and master bathroom to remove the old linoleum that had been put down with a glue that contained asbestos. They put up plastic walls and even created a de-contamination room going out the back door. Two rooms and a shower! It was quite the process.

This is the three room "de-contamination" chamber coming out of our back door, with shower in the middle, I jokingly (sort of) asked if I could take a hot shower in there! It looks like E.T.!!

Here is the kitchen getting sealed off, they then put up big plastic walls between this room and the rest of the house. Here is my little kitchen area in the corner of the family room. Here is what it would be like if our house was much smaller.. all the furniture crammed into one room. There are piles in the living room and on the patio, too.
Friday, the plastic came down and we got to see what our floor looked like. All of the subflooring is gone and there are only the boards left! We had Master-Serve (This company rocks!) come out and re-pipe our entire house, install a tankless hot water heater and an electronic water softener. We got all new faucets and they finished up the job on Saturday. We now, have hot water! We can shower and we can run the dishwasher (until the flooring is in, we will not have a washer and dryer.) Today, the city inspector will come and sign off on the re-pipe and then, the contractor will come and help us to figure out what to do next. We are going to look at flooring tonight and get some more information about the products available. The water abatement team came today and there is no more moisture in the walls, floor or ground underneath the house (no more than "normal" anyway). They have removed all of the fans and de-humidifiers and it is eerily quiet in the house.

This is where my new valves and drain for the washer are going in...

Here is the new tankless water heater, installed outside on the side of the house (kitchen wall) This is my bedroom wall, behind the shower. It looks like this inside my craft closet and below both toilets and the kitchen sink as well. The re-pipe company will be patching tomorrow.

I am still hopeful that we will have flooring in time for the big birthday party that we have planned for the 7th of February and I think that it will happen. Today, feel stuck because there is really nothing for me to "do" about all of this, I just have to wait. I can't even put things back in cupboards because the walls still need to be patched. I am flitting around, unpacking and just trying to feel like I have my head on straight. I plan to go to the gym and to shop for new trashcans. Not very exciting, but much more peaceful than I have felt in the last two weeks.

I am really excited that we are going to have new flooring, but boy... this was quite the way to get it. We are tired of being off schedule and feeling out of sorts and look forward to returning to normalcy. The hot water helps, as does the quiet... and we will eat at home tonight - although I do think that it will be take out!

Ommmmmmmm... breath...... Ommmmmm

2009-01-18T21:35:00.001-08:00

The noise is getting to me. My head is buzzing from this constant humming. It is like when you stay in a hotel and the wall a/c unit is just blowing....
We had dinner with the in-laws again and got clean and shiny before coming home. Thank goodness that they are just a few blocks away. I have thought about the hotel, if even just to escape to, but... the kids would just be crazy there. Besides the fact that there are literally NO hotels around here! I would have to drive at least 15 minutes but more like 30 to get to a decent one, and that....is a pain in my patooty! We have eaten out a couple of meals and will be reimbursed for those too, but we don't want to "abuse" the system.

Today, the kids had the neighbor kids over for most of the day and they all played outside and had a great time! I made the menu (?) and a grocery list and realized that if the washing machine was going to be moved on Monday, I had better do ALL of the laundry TODAY. This included several extra loads of warm weather clothing pulled out of storage (it has been in the 80's here) and some bedding too. I can't see my couch or coffee table now, they are buried in clean folded laundry!

Andy got the room painted and it looks GREAT!!! We just have to put in new outlets and covers and get the ceiling fan changed out! The carpet goes in tomorrow and the bed should come soon! I am really excited about getting this project done...we are into the fun part now, decorating and moving him in! NEXT I get to obsess about Ella's room and what to do in there! I also took on a third job :1.the church, 2. cleaning the gym, 3. babysitting. Yup! I had a friend approach me and ask for a friend of hers! Twin girls that are in first grade at Gavin's school need to be watched for about a half hour a day, three days a week. It will be some extra money and might be just the motivation we need around here in the morning! I will meet the girls on Wednesday and they will start coming next week.

It looks like our date is still on for tomorrow and I am really glad... Andy and I soooooo need some time together. It has been so rough around here for the past six months and we need the time to re-group and remember that we are a team. I am glad that we are going to hike, it is more like something we would have done before kids. We never really went to movies and dinner much when we were dating, I don't know why that has been our fall back date. I guess because it is easy when you are tired. We are going to try for day trips more often, that is so much more "us". Besides, it's a little bit easier to get a babysitter... and ... it doesn't make bedtime strange for the kids.

This week will be one full of newness and some challenges, but I am feeling better about taking them on. Today was actually one of the most relaxing that I have had in quite some time. I just worked on what needed to be worked on and didn't really think much beyond that. I do have to start organizing my scrapbooking stuff for this coming weekend, but I will carve out time for that on Thursday. I am worried about all of the work that needs to be done at the office and how much time I have missed already this month but, so long as I can get in and put in some solid hours this week, I should be fine. We have decided not to go to Family Camp at the end of the month and although I am sad, I am mostly relieved. It is one less thing to plan, pack for and spend money on. We might start work on Ella's room that weekend!

I will remember to breath and take some time outs and know that this will be over, before I know it and I will have some beautiful rooms to show for it!

Hot Water?

2009-01-17T22:42:00.000-08:00

here is the culprit: the rusted hot water pipe leading out of the hot water heater

Here is the first hole cut into the wall to try to find the problem.

Well, the "Water Abatement" team came out today to test the walls and floor for dampness. They are damp. Apparently, one needs a long handled tool with a probe and sensor on it to poke at the wall to determine this. (A hand is not adequate!) Several large holes have been drilled through the flooring and baseboard under my stove and there is a large (noisy) machine that has several tubes protruding from it that is blowing air under the house. There are two large (noisy) machines (one in the laundry room and one in my bathroom) that are "de-humidifing" the air. Our hair is VERY static-y and our lips are cracking... but there will be no mold growing under OUR house! De-humidifier with tube running into my bathroom sink.

Big-loud fan thing blowing air underneath the house and blocking up the kitchen.Crazy tubes going through holes in the baseboard to blow hot air under the house.

A team will come out on Monday to test for Asbestos before the abatement team can start tearing out wall, floor, cabinet, etc. By then, we will (hopefully) have an estimate from 2 companies on the cost of re-piping the entire house. We decided that this would be the most "responsible" thing to do because we do not want to have any more pipes rust away and burst causing damage. We have been told that we can move into a hotel, but THAT sounds like a big 'ol pain in the neck. Besides, there are really no hotels near us. (Do you think that the insurance would cover a hotel in say.. Santa Barbara, or Palm Springs?) I don't know when we will have hot water, but it won't be this week. (my prediction) We have the motorhome and Andy's parents are taking good care of us. Tonight they fed us dinner and we got showers before heading home!

Dampness and damage insid of the cabinet that the water heater stands on. It will be removed.

Andy got the paint for Gavin's room but was too exhausted to start on that today. He is getting up early and hopes to have it done before dinner. The bed has been ordered and the carpet guys are coming on Monday to move the carpet from one bedroom to another. This meant that today, I had to pack up everything that was on shelves and on the floor of the kids room so that we can get the furniture out of there on Monday.

I am really sad and frustrated because we have been planning a date for Monday... we got Andy's parents to watch the kids and we were going to hike Eaton Canyon in Pasadena. Afterwards we were going to do some (window) shopping and have lunch. However, with all of the workers that are going to be coming in and out, it looks like our date might get postponed. (Rats! Foiled again!)

I am trying to "let go" and relax and know that there is not much that I can do about all of this, but it is REALLY hard! I was ready for the front part of the house to be in a state of chaos with the bedroom thing, but now.. the ENTIRE house is upside down! (and, did I mention NOISY)

I have to trust the people who are helping us and know that they are doing everything that they can to make this go smoothly for us. It will be interesting, to say the least.

More on life

2009-01-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

A couple of questions were brought up and I thought that I would just continue my previous post!
Our roommate DID move out. She did not stay here much in August, (she does home health care), she was gone on vacation for a good bit of September and she had all of her stuff moved out by the end of September. (She did pay rent through November, though) The original agreement would have had her here through January, then we changed it to May/June 09. With student teaching coming up, we were talking about asking her to stay even longer, though. I think that this house was a pretty stressful place to be last summer and I know I was certainly no jewel to live with, plus a friend of hers offered free rent in exchange for helping to clean out and organize the entire house. It was an offer she couldn't refuse. We are having a challenge dealing without the extra income, but we are doing o.k. The extra room is much needed, appreciated and being enjoyed.
The kids have been sharing a room since we moved in and Gavin is moving into the smaller, front bedroom. We (um.. actually.. Andy) painted the trim and replaced the handles on doors, and we have installed a closet system in there too! This weekend, Andy is going to paint the walls and then we are going to order a loft bed (like a bunk, but with nothing underneath). We will be moving the carpet from the shared bedroom into there and then we will decorate and get him settled in. Most of his stuff is already in there and he does his homework in that room, but he is sleeping in the old room. The kids are really excited for all of this to "really" happen, with the holidays, we really did not work on that project much at all. Another question was about the cake for Ella, the doll? That IS the cake. It was really fun to make, Andy's mom and I did it together and it was more fun that usual because I wasn't worried about the outcome. It was just for us and I knew Ella would love it anyway that it came out! I would make that again, if anyone ever needs a doll cake!

Another question was about baseball. Gavin is going to be in his 3rd year at Murphy Ranch and he loves it (so do we...it is a legacy thing now since my brothers and Andy and his brother all played up there). Gavin started out with YMCA ball, it was very fun and the kids really learned the rules and how to play. Each child has a parent with him/her while playing each position so that they have help and support. Ella asked to play and the scheduling seemed to work out well for us, so we are going for it! I have NO idea if she will like it, we will wait and see.

Lastly, the water heater... it was NOT the water heater, it was the main hot water pipe coming out of the hot water heater and supplying the rest of the house. It had several pinhole leaks for an undetermined amount of time (I am guessing for the last month or two) and then it blew 2 big holes in it the other night. There is a considerable amount of mud under the house (brave husband went under and looked) but no standing water. The wall is soaked and very damaged as is the cupboard and all of the subflooring. The plumber couldn't do anything today, except tear a big hole in the wall and figure out what supplies he needs to do the job.

The plumbing work IS covered by our Home Warranty insurance and we made a claim to our Home Owners insurance to cover the other damages. We can't do anything until the insurance adjuster assesses the damage. We are hoping that he/she will be here tomorrow. We are also getting an estimate for a tankless water heater, but it may be way beyond our price range. Relocating the hot water heater to outside might be another option, but right now.. we know nothing, have no estimates and are thankful that water boils quickly on our stove. Andy also made sure that the motorhome is hooked up to water and that the propane tank is full, so that we can get a quick rinse off in there if we need it.

Tomorrow, Ella has her 4 year check up and will get FOUR shots...pray that she remains calm and that the promise of an ice cream cone afterwards will keep her in good spirits!

Until later....

Life...

2009-01-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

Still, no time for blogging! Been to a couple of Dr's (nothing major, just checking all systems...it's been a while) Had sick family... head and chest colds, followed by a minor intestinal upset and finished off with pink eye.. all of us, all of the bugs. Does Lysol make a "bomb" akin to a flea bomb that I can just light off in this den of bacterial ickiness? Windows open, everyone feeling better. Andy and I both missed some work, not so good.

Celebrated Ella's 4th birthday (inconceivable!) We took the kids ice skating, had breakfast for lunch and had dinner and cake with Gramma Sharon and Grampa Jack(Andy's parents). Gramma Mary and Grampa Randy (my mom and stepdad) joined us for cake. It was a wonderful family day. Though both of the kids did cry on the ice and Gavin claims that it was the worst day of his entire life.

Have a hair appointment tomorrow and finally going to work. Have been going to the gym, did gain weight over the holidays, did already drop some of it. More Dr. appointments next week for me and for Ella. Photo appointment for her birthday pictures too!

Hot water heater blew last night, need to have it replaced...and the floor, and some wall, and the cabinet and the room has been steam stripped of it's paint. (just some, not all) This weekend, scrapbooking and Gavin has Little League try outs, we are also going to paint his "new" room, finally. Andy and I have a date on Monday to go for a hike and have lunch! Yipee! The next weekend will find me in Yuma, Arizona with long time college friend, Darci. We are going to scrapbook our brains out!

It is a busy month, but I am striving for balance. Thought I had almost achieved it last night with a good cry, a long work out, a heartfelt talk with my husband, a hot bath and a soothing cup of cocoa. THEN the hot water heater blew! I am very upbeat about it though, we may finally get that Tankless heater, painted walls, new floor and new cabinet that I have been wishing for! (I really need to be more SPECIFIC with the universe when I wish for things, ahhhh)

Here is how we feel!

Here is what we need!

And, does anyone know what happened to "The Cutest Blog on the Block"? Is it me, or have they gone missing!?

Did anyone get the license plate number?

2009-01-08T23:23:00.001-08:00

Wow.. that holiday season hit me like a semi-truck. Once I peel myself up off of the pavement, I will change that background and maybe come up with something interesting to blog about. I did suceed in enjoying a 4 hour "lunch" with some girl friends today! Whew.. then a Pampered Chef party... missed my family though and look forward to hanging out with them, oh.. maybe in a week or two... yikes.. absentee mom here.... enough on the guilt trip... moving on.... gonna read some other blogs and then head off to bed. My "to do" list is 3 pages long and now that I am organized, I will start working my way through it.....
for now... sleep is the priority....
good night!

Ah... now, I can relax. WHAT!!! It's Christmas time?

2008-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

So I got done with all of my work, submitted my final papers (got an A on that big one by the way) and registered for classes for next semester. Good news, only 6 units instead of 9! Hooray.

I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that I was done and I could relax. Then, I fell asleep! The next morning, I realized that I had Christmas to contend with and there was much to be done!

I did the Christmas cookies with my Aunts last weekend and we had a wonderful family dinner together afterwards. We had a great time and got some gorgeous and delicious cookies from our labors. We also decorated the tree during the week and got the rest of the decorations up.

Aunt Marie-licking the bowl!

Aunt Sylvia, showing us how to do the traditional holly and berries.
Just a few of the finished cookies!
Cousin Jeff made ribs and beans...oh, and Uncle Dave changed an outlet and put in a dimmer switch while he was here!
The kids were literally vibrating and had major meltdowns before crashing into bed!

We had a CRAZY fun weekend.. we went to the Whittier Christmas Parade and Gavin marched with our church. Ella and Andy weren't up for it, and I thought that sitting with them sounded nice... so he joined some friends and led the group! In the afternoon, we made our family ornaments. (A tradition since Andy and I first lived together, we make an ornament - or set of ornaments- for our tree) It has been challenging to find things that the kids can do with us, but we have done it. This year were these pretty, beaded snowflakes! Ella did a great job and even made two! Girls really are different! Gavin was more about getting DONE! Saturday evening we were scheduled to stay with GiGi (Andy's Gramma) so that his parents could go out. We had Indian food for dinner, ate a giant chocolate bar and watched "The Year Without a Santa Claus" by the fire.

Sunday morning we went to the L.A. Zoo with my brother Allen and his family. The kids had a great time! By the time we got home, it was getting late and we all got changed into our fancy Christmas clothes to go to the Friends Church Christmas Dinner with my mom, stepdad and Andy's family. We have done this together since that first Christmas together, too. The kids got to see Santa, but Ella did not want to get anywhere near him. He snuck up behind her so that I could get a shot! We came home, sorted through the piles of presents that I have been stashing in my closet for the last 3 months and figured out that we just need one thing for Ella and something little for her stocking and a few things for family members, but we know just what we are getting. We made our list and checked it twice and then, we fell into bed!

Is he thinking about what he wants for Christmas,

or trying to answer the "Naughty/Nice" question?

Posing in her pretty dress... FAR away from Santa.
She is not happy with me.. but, Thank You Santa!

I sent Ella to the babysitter today, just like I have every Monday (so that I could study) and I wrapped up ALL of the gifts. I did all of the laundry and put it all away! (since I have been in school, it gets folded, but not put away...) I caught up on quite a few t.v. shows and I made dinner. Now, I am blogging and next I am going to make some fudge

and then work on my Thank you notes from my birthday party.

Very productive.. but boy, I still have a long way to go!

all...most...there....

2008-12-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

So close to done... finished the big papers, have to do a 3 page final and 3 journal entries tomorrow after I put in an hour at the office... THEN I AM DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be making a big batch of Chicken Enchilladas for dinner and then, I will fall down!

I can't wait to focus on the holiday stuff and put the school stuff aside for a while.

Oh, but wait.. I have a meeting at school next Monday and then a test on the 10th and then, what???? More school stuff!? I thought that I was on a break!

Until I finish...

Wishing I could post more often...

2008-11-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

I keep thinking that I will post, but I have SO many things to fill my day! Most of them involve school or trying to play catch up with the house and then chill out with the kids. The other night when Andy and Gavin went to piano, I really wanted to do all of the dishes so that Andy wouldn't have to, but .... Ella asked me to play with her, and so we did some "activities" together. I bought a workbook program for each of the kids when they were toddlers and it introduces shapes, colors and lots of other concepts. It has songs, rhymes, games and sticker pages and set comes with a CD and a craft. Ella has really almost outgrown the program but we haven't gotten through all of the books just yet, so we are still doing them. Now, she is such a big girl and gets the concepts so quickly and has a much longer attention span that we did an ENTIRE book in one sitting! She loved it! Then we made a sock puppet together and had it do silly things! We listened to some music and danced together and before I knew it, the time was up and she was off to bed. Needless to say, I did not get the dishes done, but I had a great time with my girl! Thankfully, Andy realizes what was more important and wasn't the least bit upset. He did the dishes and I conked out on the couch, exhausted.

This weekend I am working on my final paper for my Psych of Ed class...it is going to be tough and I have to do really well (read "A") on it, because I expect it of myself. After Dream Dinners this morning, I came home to an empty house (Andy took the kids to his parent's house for the day) and I read the article and began my note cards for my paper. I don't feel like I got much done, but I am sure that it is more than I think. (It usually is!) I will let thoughts roll around in my brain tonight and get up in the morning and continue with my note cards. This is a technique that I used in college doing my under grad work and it seems to help. I write all of my thoughts, quotes, questions and answers on cards and then organize them into the order that they will fit into my paper. Then I sit at the computer and type up the paper, using my cards as the meat of it so that all I really have to type is the filler and more of my thoughts. I got the intro, the closing and the first section figured out in cards, so I have 3 more sections to get to. I am hoping to have the cards done by tomorrow night! I want to have the paper written by the end of Thanksgiving weekend.... only thing about that is that we are having work done on the family room that weekend!

We decided that our Christmas gift to ourselves will be the lighting in our family room. We have wanted it for a while and now that we have lived here for a few years, I think we really know what we want. We have a great electrician that is a good guy, a hard worker and gives us a low price.. plus he lets Andy work with him which helps Andy learn and gets the work done faster (less money). I am really excited about the project and wanted it done before the holidays, BUT realized that it had to get done before we decorated or everything would be covered in dust! So...it will be done and the next weekend we will have the electrical done in Gavin's room. The closet system is now in, and then Andy will paint the trim...it is moving along, but it is a slow process! I am impatient and I want it all done NOW!!!!

I am nervous about the holidays, I know that they are going to sneak up on me because I cannot devote even so much as a thought towards them right now. School takes all precedent....My last day is December 9th and everything is due then... I have several short journal entries, the last two sections of my TPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) which is a BIG project, a 3 page write up and my big final. That doesn't sound like much, but I also have readings for class next week and the week after.. and on Monday, I present my Math lesson. I feel like I can handle it, but not much else...this season may be on the simple side.. no Christmas cards, not as much decorating, and because of money...there won't be many gifts. I will enjoy the gift of family and time....oh, and sleep!

TAG!

2008-11-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

My friend Gina tagged me, oh, about a month ago and it took me forever to get pictures of each of the items on the list, and then it took me another forever to find the time to upload and post. But finally.. here it is... I am not sure why this is so interesting, but... here is a window into my life! My kitchen sink.. this is in the morning.. by afternoon there is a little pile of dishes in it and my hubby cleans it all up after dinner, so that I can start all over the next day!

This is my laundry room that is VERY beige.. yuck, we have paint picked out, but.. we have to patch the wall, and build a cabinet around the water heater, and we might replace the floor, and hmmm... should we get a new back door? So... it will wait.

This is me! With Ella on the day we went up to "Apple Country"... we are enjoying a yummy roll and some fried chicken.. there are very few pics of me ever so I am glad that Andy snapped this one.. I just wish that he would have given me some more warning.

My favorite room is the living room and dining room, they are really just one long room with the entry in between. I think that I love these two rooms most, because they are the most "finished" and pulled together. I would still like to re-do the window treatments and we have plans to have sconces put on the wall on either side of the couch. The toys will soon be moving into the bedrooms and there will be less clutter on the bookshelves (and on the floor, and the coffee table, and...)

This is my closet, Andy's stuff is on the top and to the left and my stuff is on the bottom and to the right...it is not big, but it is mighty. It actually doesn't look like this now, because I just did a big purge and got rid of a bunch of stuff that I should not have owned anymore...like the shirt that I bought in 1987 for my first job interview! HA! It was cute, but getting a little tired! Most of the other clothes were not THAT old, but I ditched the long floral dresses and some stuff that I wore on my honeymoon.

This is my fridge and yes, it always looks neat and "merchandised"... the only thing unusual here is that the fruit drawer looks REALLY empty! Like there is one pear and 2 avacados in there!

And, finally.. this.. is my toilet! I don't know why anyone would want to see that, but it was in the tag! As you can see, it is clean.. but it appears that my trashcan needs to be emptied!

So.. that is the tag.. I am not going to formally "tag" anyone, but if you feel so inclined... please post strange and random pictures from around your home. I guess that the original rules say that you can't clean anything up before you start shooting... I didn't, but I happen to be a total neat freak.. so, clean, don't clean.. take some wacky pics and let us see into your life! The next one I do, might just be on the contents of my purse! Watch out!

Haircut

2008-11-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

I got my haircut a few weeks ago and I asked my stylist to pretty much leave it just the way it was, but trim it a LITTLE bit and do something to get rid of the grey! It was getting really noticeable and making my hair look even ashier than usual! I told her that I would come back to have the front re-trimmed after my birthday party, but for now it was mostly perfect.

Well, she highlighted it and that came out great and she trimmed it and then, she worked on someone else, came back to me and started hacking away! It was as if she had completely forgotten what I had said and that she had already trimmed my hair and all I was waiting for was to be styled! She then handed me over to a young gal (that makes ME sound OLD) who blew my hair so straight I felt like a cousin to the Scarecrow! I left upset and hating my hair. After spending the amount of money that I did, I expected to be accosted by someone dying to have me as a hair model!

It was o.k. for the party and now, 2 weeks later, it is fine. Lesson learned... always allow 2 weeks between haircut and event! I also ALWAYS hate the way they style my hair! They blow it out and then put it all in my face. I have straight hair...it does NOT need to be straighter, AND I have a tiny face and when you hide most of it with hair...it makes my nose look big! (silly?) I also think that my my hair being straight makes my head look even smaller, which, in turn, makes my butt look big... but that is probably a whole other show! So, here is my hair! What do you think?

First pic... flat, ugh!

Second pic... after I tried to floof (yes... that is a real world in my book) it up a bit.

Third pic...tonight, 2 weeks later

(I took the first two myself and the angle is all wierd and Andy took the third one, so it is better)

Still Here, Still Hangin On

2008-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

October was INSANELY busy with parties and soccer and midterms and ?????? I made it through and I am exhausted, but hanging in there! Sadly, we cancelled our trip to Arizona this weekend but we are all wiped out! Ella was begging to stay home in her pajamas and do nothing all day!

I have a list a mile long of posts that I want to do (yes Gina, I still have the tag waiting!) but it is time for us to head to my in-laws house for the yummy dinner that I made! We are having Ham Chowder, Sweet Potato Biscuits, BLT Ceasar Salad and Blackberry Swirl Pie for dessert!

We did some catching up on household chores yesterday and I got ready for the last push of my semester. I have some projects to complete and a lot of reading, but the end is in sight. I go back and forth between relieved and completely freaked out! We have started on Gavin's "new" room now that our roommate has moved out. We decided what the plan is and the first step is having the closet system installed tomorrow. We also found some GREAT stuff for Ella's room at a yard sale! We picked up a headboard, footboard, a dresser and a little cabinet to sit on top of the dresser! I am excited, but I know that it will probably be summer time before we even get to that project! All of the pieces need to be refininshed, but Andy is looking forward to the challenge! I am so thankful for his enthusiasm and dedication to me and to our family. He has really worked hard to make our home a wonderful place and he keeps on working to make our marriage strong and happy. (even when I am a total grump butt)

I am rambling... but there is so much to share! I just didn't want anyone to think that I had dropped off the face of the earth. I am here, and I will post again soon!

SORE

2008-10-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am sore, and TIRED! I have been working out on a regular basis for the last couple of months and I started in with a trainer 3 weeks ago. She is tough and good for me, although it costs me more than I should spend. I have been vascilating between feeling guilty about the money and reveling in the glorious selfishness of it. I am currently rationalizing it by figuring out : The cost of having a baby by some other means than growing it myself AND without the aid of any infertilization expenses, multiplied by 2. Then I add on the cost of milk, made by me, multiplied by 2. If I then add in the cost of full time child care, provided by..ME for 7 years (Gavin's first 4 and Ell's 3)... well, darn it.... I deserve it! I have spent a LOT of time on and with my family and now that they are able to be on their own a bit more, I am going to spend some more time on and with, myself. It is a really hard thing for me to do, I do feel guilty, but I know that I am working on being the best me that I can be and in that way, I am giving my family a gift. The gift of a mother and a wife who is happy and content and HEALTHY!!

I worked on my arms yesterday and I could barely fix breakfast this morning. It is a good thing that Ella can walk on her own! She wanted me to hold her, but I couldn't pick her up!! We just cuddled together on the couch! I am sore, my body and my soul... neither is used to getting so much attention.

The Carnival

2008-10-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, Gavin's school held a carnival as the primary fund raiser for the year. For the second year in a row, it was a rousing success! There were lots of game booths, a cake walk, hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, snow cones, nachos and other goodies. In the multi-purpose room the kids could play Rock Band and Guitar Hero and there was an inflatable maze and karaoke. The pie baking contest had 15 pie entries and 4 judges. The tasting went well and we sold all remaining slices for $1 a piece. I learned what will make it better (and easier) for next year and even thought I did not win a ribbon...I must say my pie crust ROCKED. My filling choice could have been better, but "live and learn". I baked a "Fireside Fruit Pie" and the filling was apples, apricots and dates. It was "good" but not "special". The homemade crust came out perfect, so I will keep that and try a new filling next year! I also made a chocolate pie that got high marks, but my pre-made crust lowered my overall score...I worked hard at the booth all day and the kids played hard with Dad, Gramma and Grampa. There were lots of people there and everyone had a blast! Gavin ran around and LOVED his independence. With a pocket full of tickets, he was free to do whatever he liked. He went through the maze and played the drums in Rock Band (quite a few times), he ate a snow cone and got himself a hot dog. He did the cake walk and won a beautiful cake that we all shared at Sunday night dinner. Ella was clingy, but played games, ate popcorn and found out that snow cones are "weally, weally cold!" Andy ate pie, played games and hung out with Ella and at the end of the day, we were all exhausted! After that, I drove out to a friends house to hang out, meet her new foster children (an 8 month old baby girl and a cutie 2 year old boy!) and we did a little (very little) scrapbooking.

The rest of the weekend was spent catching up, cleaning up, and straightening up. After all of that "up", we relaxed and had some "down" time with Andy's parents. Another weekend over, and another week has begun....I hate to say it, but I can't wait until Winter Break! I am TIRED!

Weekend Fun!

2008-10-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

Friday night was fun.. my mom and I had a blast at Gymboree and we did have coffee! When we got home, we found that Andy had hung up the Halloween lights and gotten started on decorating the house! We had a great dinner and then just hung out and relaxed.

Saturday was busy! We got up early and started painting the patio table, we decorated for Halloween with the kids, the neighbor kids came over to play, I did homework, we went to Gavin's soccer game and then we went to Andy's parents house to visit with GiGi and to have dinner. Andy and I even had time to watch a movie last night, we watched "The Breakup" and we both thought that it was pretty stupid, oh well.

Today, we headed off to Apple Country! Andy's parents and GiGi came with us! That was REALLY exciting because she has never gone on an outing with us! The weather was cool and crisp, but the sun was warm. After an hour in the car, we were ready to stretch our legs and have some apples! We bought candy, jam, apple butter, cider and LOADS of apples! We had a yummy fried chicken lunch picnic while we listened to "Merle" the yodeling country singer and the kids climbed around on the pumpkins. We brought home 4 different varieties: Pippen, Honeycrisp, Laura Red and Ambrosia! Lots to eat out of hand, some to cook with, some for applesauce and some for pie! We visited our 2 favorite sheds and figured out some other places that we would like to visit next year, since the kids are getting older and can handle a longer day. We got apple doughnuts and picked a few raspberries (Ella was a pro at this!) and then headed home for a wonderful pot roast dinner! A wonderful weekend with my family makes me feel ready for the week to come!

Life n' stuff

2008-10-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Gavin finally lost a top tooth and is working on the other! He looks so cute!

So, this week, I went to counseling AND worked out with a trainer! Talk about trying to get my life on track! School is going well, I have received high marks on papers thus far and have started my field work. I am observing in a 4th grade classroom and I think that it will be a great experience.

I am working on the pie contest for the Fall Carnival and now have about 20 pies and 4 judges lined up, I am working on all of the forms and coupons for the event and have ordered some FANTASTIC ribbons!

I STILL have not finished wrangling all of those photos from summer, but I am going scrapbooking on Saturday night. I only took about 10 pics during September, so I am not getting much more behind.

Halloween is quickly approaching and I am trying to get Gavin to decide what he wants to be, he had decided on a Magic 8 Ball and I was thrilled, but the lure of the pre-made Star Wars costumes has him waffling! We will see if I give in and let him have the store bought costume! Ella is going to be a mouse and although I have not started crafting, I do have all of the materials laid out on my dining room table, ready to go.

I drug El all around town today, she was a trooper! We went to Michael's, the bank, Walmart, Lowe's, Fresh & Easy and Vons! Whew... most were quick stops, but we ran around for 3 1/2 hours! My mom is coming over later and she and I are heading to the mall to hit Gymboree with my $50 in Gymbucks and a 25% off coupon! I am so excited! (I really don't get out much people!) I plan on stopping into Bath & Body works and picking up some pretty stuff for me, and maybe visiting Gloria Jean's for a yummy coffee drink. This was my friend Gina's and my tradition, "back in the day" and it still sticks with me. I haven't been to the mall in ... oh... maybe a year (or more!). After that adventure we will come back home and have a delicious Indian feast!

Tomorrow I am going to get up early and work on some homework before Gavin's soccer game and then we are going to work on the patio! We are going to paint the table and I picked up some new chairs and then MAYBE we will get the conduit painted. Some of the plants didn't survive and we will re-plant those! Then I am off to scrapbook and on Sunday we are headed up to Apple Country! I LOVE it there and I love our annual trip! We are excited that Andy's parents are going to join us and maybe even GiGi (Great Gramma) will come too! She was in the hospital this week, but is feeling great, so we are hoping that our plan is still on!

On another front, Ella has discovered the joy of Strawberry Shortcake. She is inheriting all of my old dolls! I collected them and have quite a few, they have never had their clothing or shoes removed and the have their pets and original combs. I suspect that it won't be long before they are naked and missing pieces, but they are meant to be loved. I was a little old for the dolls when they came out, but I loved them, so I collected them. I would take them out of the box, admire them and give them a good sniff, then back into the box they would go. They have been packed away since the earthquake in 1986, when my doll cabinet fell over and the glass broke. I thought that maybe I would sell them, someday. I looked them up on line and they are selling for $35-$135, but I realized that I just loved them too much to sell them. A few weeks ago, Andy taped Strawberry Shortcake for Ella and she fell in love! They do not currently make dolls, so other than the 2 from McDonalds, she has none. I asked her, if she would like to have mine. She gasped and exclaimed in a high squeal, "Oh, Mommy! I would LOVE them!" Then, she asked, "Why do you have these? Why did you keep them all this time?". I told her that I wasn't sure. Then, with all of the wisdom of a three (and a half) year old, she replied, "You kept them all of this time, for me. Right, Mommy?" Wiping a tear from my eye, I realized that she was right, "Yes, honey. I collected them and saved them, for you. Just for you." Cool.

This is only some of them, the rest are still boxed up in my mom's basement, they are coming and Ella is earning the dolls with good behavior and helping around the house!

I think I'm getting the hang of it...

2008-09-25T14:32:00.001-07:00

This is the first week of the "schedule" as it will (mostly) be during the fall semester. I told someone that I think I have been home more this week, than I was all summer long and it really might be true! Scary!
Monday: Ella with babysitter and me studying all day. I also went to the gym. Class that night was canceled.
Tuesday: Ella and Gavin both at school, me at work and in class in the evening.
Wednesday: Ella had tumbling class, we went to the market and I worked on paperwork, I finally caught up on all of it and I did some PTA stuff for the Fall Carnival.
Thursday: Both kids at school. Normally I will do my fieldwork in the morning, but today I went to the gym and I have been home studying. I have finished a great deal of next week's work and hope to not have to study all weekend long.
Friday: Ella and I will spend some time together doing some fun activities and we will make our regular shopping trip and a Costco run. Both kids will get their hair trimmed and Andy and I have a date.

I feel pretty human, very centered and mostly calm. I still have not managed all of those photographs, but now that the other paper work has been handled I think that I can get to that.

I should finish up my homework so that I don't have to do ANY this weekend!! THAT would ROCK!

Overwhelmed

2008-09-14T21:42:00.001-07:00

O.K. the first full week is over and I am in shock. Andy is struggling with his new classroom situation and all of the "extras" that have suddenly been piled on. I had class three nights and homework and work two days and went to the dentist. I am "in charge" of the Pie Contest at Macy's Fall Carnival, my Creative Memories order is due and I still have not finished with those photos. For those of you who asked, yes there really were 800 photos. However, I discovered that quite a few were taken by Ella and were pics of the ground, carpet, the dogs nose REALLY close up and her feet. Those have been deleted. There were also lots of duds that I deleted and I think that I have it down to about 500. Now, when you see my scrapbooks and each page is FULL of pics, you will understand. I cannot afford to leave a page not filled!

Ella had school and went to the babysitters one day, and Gavin had school and day care and piano and soccer. He also struggled with his behavior in class and lost 8 of his 12 "coins" for the week and feels very discouraged about that. I had a converstaion with his teacher and with the principal and that is a topic for a whole different post. Needless to say, I am overwhelmed and exhausted.

Andy worked hard in our patio garden this weekend and it is now full of plants and looks soooo great! I did not know that we were going to do this project, it just "happened" and I am so glad that it did! He needed to "zen" out and just focus on something else. I need to do that to, but I don't have time. I really think that I am going to call in "sick" on Tuesday, so that I can finish my reading for class, finish with those photos and finish up with this giant pile of paperwork before it engulfs my entire kitchen bar!!! (I hope that my boss isn't reading this!)

I was tagged for a photo thing.. but I am tired...all I want to do is go to bed, so... I am!

Back to School

2008-09-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

We are all back to school (except Ella who starts next Tuesday!). Gavin is in 2nd grade, Andy is teaching 7th grade math, I am back to work and had my first class last night. I am taking 9 units again, which is full time for Masters... it will be a lot, but I know that we can handle it! We enjoyed our vacation and even headed down to San Diego for the holiday weekend and went to Legoland, walked in Torey Pines Preserve and met my Dad's horse! The kids swam and we relaxed and on Sunday we went to the zoo! Monday was spent relaxing by the pool at Jack and Sharon's...one of my favorite summer spots!

Gavin's arm is doing really well, the cast is off and he is getting over the stiffness. The scar is big, but it looks like it is healing well.

Kelsey, my cousin's baby girl has been in the hospital... please pray for her and for the family. You can check them out here: http://sweetpeakurtz.blogspot.com/

I have been knee deep in paper work and photos, just trying to get a handle on all of the things that fell by the way side during my summer craziness. I uploaded 868 photos on Wednesday and have edited about half. Next, I will file them and order prints... I am hoping to finish today.

I will be placing a Creative Memories order soon too, so if you need anything... please visit the website: http://www.creativememories.com/ and be sure to enter my name "Yvonne Huffaker in Whittier" as your consultant. You can have items shipped directly to your door and not pay anything extra!

Hopefully a more interesting post will come next week... this weekend Gavin has his first soccer game, I will be in N. Hollywood for an all day training for Sunday School teachers and Andy will be cleaing up the crazy, overgrown yard. Oh, and I have homework....

Dating is like shopping for jeans

2008-08-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that is entering the dating scene after having been with her high school sweetheart for 18 years, marrying him and then deciding that it might not be her "highest good" to spend her life with him. They are still friends and probably will be forever, but she has finally gotten to the place where she is ready to fulfill her dreams and find a man to spend her life with! She is nervous and apprehensive and has a lot of questions.... I wrote her a note and compared dating to shopping for jeans. This might sound silly, but I thought that it was pretty good, so I copied it and have put it here for you to read.

Dating is like trying on jeans...
You get really nervous and apprehensive thinking about buying new jeans because, well, jeans are tricky! They are all so different and you never really know which ones will work for you and it takes forever to figure it out. You prepare, you decide where to shop and you make sure you go when you are not bloated and you definitely do not eat that Mrs. Fields cookie BEFORE you try on. You save that for after....

So, you get to the mall and you walk around the store and find ones that you think look good and might look good on you, then you take a stack of like 20 into the dressing room. While you are in there you hold them up, look at them and some you immediately throw into the discard pile. Other pairs look promising and so you start to try them on. Some won't go over your thighs, discard. Some make your butt look big, discard. Some are a little too tight and maybe if you lost 5 pounds... you set these on the bench as maybees. You keep going through the pile and by the end you walk out with 2 or 3 pair that are good. You take these home. You wear them, you spend time with them and eventually you realize that one fits you really well and that they make you look AND feel REALLY great. Those are the FAVORITE jeans, they are the best and the ones that you will turn to when you need to feel comfortable, or feel sexy, or have to go somewhere that might make you nervous. You realize that you don't really wear the other pairs much, unless maybe your favorites are dirty or you feel like trying out the others again, just to be sure. But, no.. .your favorite jeans are the ones you go to all the time. Those are "It". You will wear them in the summer, cuffed... you will wear them in the winter with a sweater, you will wear them with an old, faded, comfy sweatshirt and you will wear them with a button down blouse and high heels. They go with everything, they go with you. After a while, they are you and if you can't find them or they need a wash, you might panic until you find them and can wear them again.

So it is with men. Go out, spend some time with them, take a few "home", try them in different situations and seasons, let them see you dressed up... and dressed down...and eventually ... you will realize which one is your favorite. I thought that I might have to stop the analogy there, but I have been married almost 10 years and think that I can go on. You know those favorite jeans, well sometimes you wear them so much, they get holes, they get a thin spot in the butt, the styles change... and this too, is the same with men. They change, they wear, their hair thins, they get older...BUT, the best jeans are the ones that you will patch and re-dye and even make into cut offs if necessary...anything to keep them around and keep having the opportunity to wear them. So it is, with husbands...

The favorite jeans, are the ones that even when you can't squeeze your butt into them, stay folded safely on your closet shelf, because you can't imagine life without them and even if they don't fit just right today... they might tomorrow.

Summer wanning

2008-08-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I had about a week and a half off, not worrying about anything.. just relaxing and having fun.....
that seemed to come to a screeching halt today... when I registered for classes for the fall. I realized that I had so much work to do, things that I had fallen behind on during the summer and now, school is going to start. I freaked out a little, figured out the calendar, secured babysitters for next week when Andy and I both have to work, but the kids are not yet back in school, made dinner and then... got calmed down again. I am going to take 9 units, so it is going to be a full load for me...but I figured if I could survive 9 units in 6 weeks, I can surely do it in 14 weeks, right? I'll keep you posted!

Today, Ella and I spent some time together ... we went to Color Me Mine and she painted a little ceramic puppy dog. She was so cute, and I forgot the camera! We then went to the used book store, uptown and read and browsed and bought a few books. She went with me to school to register and just played and was so good (It only took me about a half an hour).

Tonight, Gavin is having his first sleep over with friends (vs. family... which he has done before). He is next door and it helps that I can hear them through the open windows. I don't know if he will actually sleep there, we will see... I really do expect a knock on the door around 11:00 p.m. But he does play over there, all the time and likes it there, so maybe he will be just fine. We are taking advantage of the time alone with Ella to play a board game or two and have some story time together. Later, we might watch some Olympics... or I might read.

I don't really know how I will get done all of the "stuff" that I need to take care of, but I guess I will just have to keep prioritizing and plugging away at it all, one thing at a time. Having this time off from work really makes me wish that I could quit. I am just "over it"... I don't really like it anymore...I feel like I just go to get a paycheck and that isn't my style. But, we need that paycheck...It would make school so much more "do-able" though... hmmmmmmmmm

I am rambling... so, I am signing off for the night.... off to enjoy some more vacation time...
tomorrow we will swim and see dinosaurs and Friday we will board Noah's Ark.... it is almost over and as with any vacation, it was not long enough!

My 100th post!

2008-08-16T15:07:00.001-07:00

A Texas Doughnut - "the size of Gavin's head"! - at the Fair earlier in the summer

I was very surprised when I logged on today to discover that I have reached that glorified posting number of 100! I just came on to give a simple update and here I am, at 100...wondering if I should try to make it something more.

Nah.... I will still just give you the low down, but since it is my 100th, if you could please leave a comment so I know who is out there, that would make my day!

Gavin got his cast on, his incision looks good and he was able to get a red, waterproof cast. It is so cool, he can get it totally wet! We are going swimming tomorrow and to a water park next week! The cast is made with a Gortex lining and the regular fiberglass outer part... ah, technology!

We are officially on vacation! We decided way back in the spring that we would not be traveling this year. We were too worried about gas prices and I couldn't bear the thought of planning a big 2 week camping trip after the long 6 weeks in school. So.. we are very "in vogue" and doing a "Stay-cation"... who knew we would be so hip?Last week was fun and relaxing.... we had a night of Hand Shadows, we visited the local Children's Museum, hung out around the house to play with our new Wii (courtesy of my very generous brother!), cleaned out the garage (not a full clean out, just all of Andy's teaching stuff) it does look amazing now! We also had an Arts & Crafts day where we did play-dough, paint, bead work and collage! We took the kids to see "Kung Fu Panda" and had to drive an hour away, because it is not playing anywhere near us anymore! I did some scrapbooking and some napping and Gavin and I finished reading the first "Harry Potter" book and have started on the second. We went to the zoo and spent a morning bowling (we got a great coupon and got to bowl for free!). Ella is pretending to be a baby bird at the children's museum

Next week promises to hold lots of fun as well! We are going to a water park, having a board game day, visiting the Farmer's Market and relaxing by the pool. Andy and Gavin are going to head to the local arcade for some video game fun while Ella and I spend girly time at the local "paint your own pottery" shop. We also got tickets to see "Walking With Dinosaurs" and will be taking Gavin to that show. You can check it out here: http://www.dinosaurlive.com/. The other exciting thing that we are doing is that we got tickets to see the "Noah's Ark" exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. We have been talking about doing this for some time so we are looking forward to that.

Next weekend is pretty open and we haven't really figured out what we will do, but Water Olympics and a Neighborhood Movie Night are in the works. Monday, the 25th, Gavin will get his cast off and during that week Andy will be setting up his new classroom (he is moving to Jr. High!!) I will have to register for classes and go to work a couple of days, but then we are headed to San Diego for the holiday weekend. We might visit Lego Land, but we will certainly be hanging out by the pool and visiting the beach!

Summer seems to be slipping away, but we are really enjoying it.... Fall will be here soon and we will move into the school year, but for now... I am going to enjoy a fruity drink and some time with my family.

What's the worst that could happen?

2008-08-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Trying to regain my center and find some balance has not been easy around here. After my last post, I did finish my last assignment and went off to school feeling really great. I turned in everything that afternoon, some assignments a day early and some a whole week early! (you learn a few things in your "older" age). Andy and I had a rough weekend, getting on each others nerves and fighting over stupid stuff... I think it was just everything from the last 6 weeks coming to a head. We were both trying to figure out how to re-shift all of the jobs and responsibilities. We had a good talk and settled a lot of things and the rest of the weekend was good. We rested and went to a pool party (torture for Gavin in his splint) and headed to his parent's house for our Sunday dinner visit. I got to cook, which I haven't done in 6 weeks! I even made a pineapple upside down cake for dessert.. yum!

The week started out smoothly enough. I had big plans for my week off.. mani/pedi, dr. appt that I have put off for 8 months (you know the one), scrapbooking, reading by the pool, my list goes on... Gavin begged to go back t Broadoaks for the week and we happily obliged thinking that we might even get some grown up time together while both kids were at day camp! We had a date planned for Wednesday... out to breakfast and a 10 a.m. movie...

Boy.. did I have it all wrong!

Tuesday, Gavin could not go to camp because he had his follow up appointment and xrays. We waited a while and when they did the xray, my stomach dropped into my toes. I am no Dr., but what I saw was horrible. I turned to Andy and mouthed, "He is going to need surgery." Of course, we both thought that I was exaggerating (I do that, ya know) The entire tip of his ulna was shirred off on one side and it was slightly displaced. It really did look bad.

The xray is backwards but you can see, even in this grainy copy how bad the break is!

We saw the Physician's Assistant who told us that this was an uncommon break and that it would more than likely need surgery. Then my heart did a flip because I had HOPED that I WAS just exaggerating... but.... The Pediatric Orthopedic surgeons were not available to see us, one was in surgery and the other was on vacation, so they would re-splint his arm, the Dr's would look at his films, conference and then get back to us later in the day. We left, feeling hopeful that maybe there would be no surgery. We went out to lunch and took Gavin to see Wal-e (is that how they spell it?).

Gavin had soccer practice that day too, and he did drills and had a great time, acting like there was nothing wrong with his REALLY broken arm. The Dr. called during practice and told me that Gavin would need surgery and that it needed to be soon. She asked if we could be at the hospital at 6 a.m. the next day (there went our date). I said of course, started shaking and wrote down everything she said. We went home, made arrangements for Ella and packed up a bag. That night I cuddled Gavin and stayed with him in his bed until he fell asleep.

I woke up at 4:30 the next morning and we left the house by 5 a.m. We dropped off Ella at Jack and Sharon's house (they would take her to and pick her up from school) and headed to Kaiser in Bellflower. Gavin was strangely calm. We got admitted and waited in a little room for an hour and then the action began... a stream of docs, nurses, etc came in and talked to us and that is when Gavin lost it. He asked me to take him to the bathroom and once I closed the door, he started to cry and begged me to just take him home. I calmed him down and we went back in to listen to the Dr. tell us about the procedure. They gave Gavin some drugs to calm him down (thank goodness) and then off he went. Andy and I had our breakfast date on the hospital patio and I caught up on the magazine reading that I had fallen behind on during school.
The calm, before the storm...note his cozy and GIGANTIC Broncos sweatshirt.

About an hour and 45 minutes later, the Dr. came out and told us that all had went smoothly and that she had put in two screws to hold the bone in place. He could come back in a week and she would check the incision and either re-splint or cast him. He would only have to wear the cast for 2 weeks. We asked about options and she decided to have him in earlier, on Monday and that she would put on a WATER PROOF cast! Hooray! I went in to the recovery area and he was so confused and disoriented.. this was the worst. He was crying and asking if I could get him out of there.... finally he settled down and went to sleep. After an hour, we got to go back to our room and Andy could come in.

Screwed back together, resting quietly with Teddy and a
photo op with mom. My sticker says, "Hug Me! I was brave!"

Gavin was fine... he was hungry and wanted to play his Gameboy. We waited a couple of hours, ate a sandwich, watched Gavin sleep and were able to leave the hospital at 3:00 p.m. On the way out, Gavin spotted Del Taco and asked if he could have a burrito. He ate the whole thing!

We got home and it all hit me like a ton of bricks. School, the surgery... all of it... I took a nap and ate dinner and went to bed. Luckily Gavin slept well all night (thank you codeine). The next day he was up and running around like nothing had happened. It was quite an ordeal, but everything has worked out. Gavin is excited to get his cast on Monday and hopes that it comes in "coral", but "teal" would be o.k. with him too.

I didn't get to do most of the things on my list, but I did read, I did have time with Andy and I did get that mani/pedi! I also got to have dinner with friends and go to Dream Dinners to make my meals for August and September. We are now officially on vacation.. it's a "stay-cation" and we are looking forward to some down time, some together time and a fun time. I'll keep you "posted".

OMG!

2008-07-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the last 2 months, it really makes my head spin! There is a lot that I haven't posted about because there was not time... there still isn't....

Today is my last day of classes! HOORAY!! I worked really hard last weekend to wrap up some projects and last night I stayed up until a little after midnight completing two more. One big project just needed some small revisions, but when I went to open my document I found most of it missing!!!! I guess that I didn't save the right copy or something.. anyway, it meant that I had to retype half of it (this is a BIG document!) Luckily, I had the hard copy to work from, but it was still time consuming. Then I decided to start another project, one on an English Language Learner from my field work. I had done eight assessments on this student to determine his language abilities and then I had to analyze the data and discuss my findings. I did the whole thing last night and went to bed feeling satisfied with my accomplishments. Those two projects are not even due until August 8th, but I set a goal to be done by Friday, the 1st because that is the last day of classes.

I am up early this morning to start my last project, a Literacy Profile. This resembles the ELL profile, but focuses on a proficient reader. I had to collect data and now I will sit down to analyze the assessments and report on my understanding of the information. I am shooting to finish this by 11:00 a.m. so that I can go and watch Ella swim today (she is being bribed to jump off of the diving board). My "drop dead" time for today is 12:30 because I have my last class of the term today at 1:00. The project is not due until 12 noon tomorrow, but I want it done NOW!!!

Why am I blogging then? Because Andy just told the kids that they could watch t.v. until it was time to go and I was finding it difficult to write academically with "We're going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship...Zooming through the sky... Little Einsteins" playing in the background. They are finished now and Andy is taking them to school, so I am going to put my nose to the grindstone and get busy. Wish me luck and tomorrow I may actually SLEEP IN!!!

Earthquake

2008-07-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Yes we had one, yes we felt it. I was on the third floor of the library and boy did it roll. I was kind of freaked out. The kids were evacuated to the same lawn that I was, so I got to see them right away and know that they were o.k. Andy was driving and on his way to pick up Ella, so we were all together and accounted for. Whew.

The house has a crack in the kitchen ceiling that opens and closes with every shift of the house (as all good SoCal houses do! hee hee) and it has now been extended across the entire eating area and is on the openish side. Some wooden letters fell off of a shelf and crashed down onto some wooden statues, but nothing there broke. One picture frame fell and the glass in it broke. Every picture in the house was crooked but that was the extent of our "damage".

Ella was the most freaked out... she said, "I thought the whole world was shaking!". I hope that we can just continue having these moderate quakes that release pressure and that perhaps we can avoid the dreaded "Big One" that is always present in the back of everyone's mind.

Accidents Happen

2008-07-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is my last week of school. Last weekend was really rough, I put in three solid days of work, sitting at the computer for about 14 hours each day. My projects are almost done...

But this post is not about me and school... it is about Gavin.

He broke his arm today, his elbow to be more specific. I could go and grab his paperwork and tell you the exact bone, but I'm not going to. I was in class and Andy got a phone call from the school. He took Gavin to the hospital and my mom took Ella to swimming and I knew NOTHING about it. My phone was on silent mode, because I was in class. I had a lunch meeting for a group project, so I didn't even check my messages. When my day was finished, I went to call Andy and found a text message that said that they were at the hospital. They were home by that time, so I raced there feeling horrible, that my poor baby boy had broken his arm and I wasn't there, and I hadn't even known it had happened.

He ran to get a big cuddle hug from me when I got home and he told me all about his "adventure". He was playing tag and fell off of the climbing structure at day camp, he landed on his arm and it was his elbow that hit the ground first. He said that it felt like someone had shot him in the arm (?? I don't think that he really knows what THAT would feel like.. but...) He said that it hurt pretty bad and that he couldn't move it. That is when the school called Andy who told me that there was a huge, ugly goose egg on his arm and he made the decision to go to urgent care.

His arm was very swollen and Gavin couldn't move his arm well enough for them to get a good x-ray, but they could see a break. They put a splint on it and hooked him up in a sling. He has to go back on Tuesday for another x-ray and they will most likely put a cast on it then. I am so bummed for him!! He doesn't realize it yet, but he is gonna hate this thing. He is supposed to go to a swim party on Saturday and we are getting ready to have our vacation! We were going to swim, have backyard water play, head to the beach and go to a local water park. We will definitely have to reconsider! Fortunately, he is in very little pain and seems very nonchalant about the whole thing. We are thankful that he wasn't hurt any worse. My baby has now been fully initiated into boyhood.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2008-07-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to be done with this school thing for the summer! I really want to CLEAN MY HOUSE!!! You know how, when you are away from your kids you really miss them? Well, I really miss having a neat house.

Right now, there are things scattered from one end to the other. The house is "clean" really, I mean... Andy is doing dishes and all of that, and we do have a house cleaner. It is the clutter! There is a lunch box on the bench, sliffpers on the floor under the kitchen table that have been there for a week, a magazine tossed in the corner that needs to be repaired, doll stuff in the family room, legos on the window seat, 2 sloppy piles of assorted books on the coffee table and two more on the window seat, the couch is covered with toys and books and the pillows have not been put in their proper places for 4 weeks! There are cd's on the entertainment center and today, while helping Ella to "find" a purse to use, I discovered that her entire doll/dress up area has been picked up and just "dumped" into the baskets and bins. Nothing is where it should be. I asked her why she hasn't played dress up lately and her answer was, "Do you think I could find anything in this mess?"

I won't go on to tell you about the other rooms but they are just as bad... it's not a lot and you can see the floor, it's just that I haven't been going around and straightening up. I could be doing that now, but I felt that I needed to vent! Well, the clutter will wait and I will go into a massive straightening up mode when this is done. I have even been having fantasies about cleaning out the garage!

Our roommate told us that she is going to be moving out in November (or so), which is bittersweet. We will miss her, we will miss the extra income, but we will relish the children being able to have their own rooms. I know that I will spend most of the winter, cleaning closets, redecorating and organizing. I am looking forward to it all.

But, for now... I am heading back to the books. I have several HUGE projects due at the end of the term and I do not want to wait until the last minute to try to pull them together. I am doing really well in my classes. I am keeping up with the work and scoring high on all of my assignments. Most of the work comes easily, although there is just a MASSIVE amount of it. I am trying to figure out what my school schedule will be like for next year (and the next) so that we can see how it will all pan out and when I will be able to start teaching full time. In the midst of that, we are still debating about baby #3... we don't seem to be able to let that go. I just don't know if now is the time, but do I really want to wait any longer? So there is a lot going on in my head and in my heart. Prayers for peace and answers are always welcomed.

It has been a summer of growth for all of us here at the Huffaker household and there is more to come... We will find our answers and our right path... maybe it is under that pile of books in the living room.....