Ray of Sunshine

It's Superbowl Sunday!

2012-02-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Superbowl is on this afternoon; and who cares. I am a huge football fan but this year I'm looking forward to friends visiting, great food, and funny commercials. Oh, and Madonna. I'm hoping she knocks it out of the park and shows Lady Ga-Ga who the original risque diva is. It must be the 80's girl in me. What are you going for the game?

And I have more pictures of 2012 Life in Pictures....

Jan.26th - I might have been on the losing side of the Game On challenge but I still won. I helped in serving the winning team an Italian dinner. This is my Caprese. It tasted so yummy along with the lasagna, salad, garlic bread and other NONE diet foods :)

27th....a boy and his dog.....if only the dog would SLEEP with him, Sean's life would be complete
28th.......Sound of Music picture day; they are so sweet together, love Family #3!

29th.....Amanda's mission project! the one that her notes got left at school over the weekend so it had to be turned in late. Can you say grumpy mom?

30th....welcome to the world of adolescence; it means more homework AFTER rehearsal. Gah!

31st.....and speaking of rehearsal -- it's ME, off to slappy dancer rehearsal (I was a nun the night before, bahahaha)

and then it was February! Already....always a good time to take a picture of my goofy dog. We love Fritz.

Feb. 2nd -- homemade goodness. Nothing better than walking in after a busy day to dinner 80% finished :)

Feb. 3rd .....the day I flaked. No picture :( I simply forgot but don't give up on me.

Feb. 4th....a rockin' Saturday night for Maggie. Laundry!
And now, let's 'start at the very beginning; a very good place to start'.....Maggie made us a cake for Superbowl.

Working towards being The Next Great Baker. (she used orange b/c it's all she had and we don't care about blue and red teams; it's ALL about Black and Gold!)

Pull up a chair; it's a long one!

2012-01-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

Was it really 13 days ago that I did my last post? I am still taking daily photos but it seems like I just blinked and now it's January 25th! Between rehearsals, homework projects, and what you call LIFE, I haven't managed to sit down and actually compose a post.
Let's start with a little review--
13....aren't these the most clever.....duct tape wallets (compliments of our little friend Max)....of course, black and gold for Ian and then Sean's even has an id pocket.

14.....more random cuteness....Ian....the snuggliest little dude...always willing to toss me a smile

15....fun at the park.....with our friends' the Skverskys and Paynes....Grace fits right in with my blondies :)

16....and here is where I attempt to be June Clever. I've recently started packing Collin a lunch b/c he wants to eat better and he's tired of fast food. I did it for a couple of days and then he is now sick so I'm out of the habit. Oh well, I tried.

17......and the not-so-willing-to-toss-me-a-smile Maggie/starving after rehearsal/don't take my picture!

18....my girlie Amanda....on nights I have rehearsal she is often asleep before I get home. I love kissing her soft forehead and counting her as the blessing she is!

19.....the insanely spoiled dog....this is how I left him on Thursday night and this is exactly how I found him Friday morning. He greeted me with a yawn. (by the way, he does have a bed)

20....two of favorite things....scrapbooking and babies! My friend Laura joined us and brought her sweet little daughter. Ian and Amanda were smitten; it was so cute to watch them together.

21......hubby was out of town; kids and I had a late lunch so Cheerios....it's what's for dinner :)

22....Sunday was full of house cleaning and laundry. Here is my biggest laundry FAIL to date. I haphazardly washed the tablecloth in photo #20 with a load of kids clothes. Um, those shirts sleeves WERE white and those jeans WERE a pale lime green. AND, another load had a sparkly lip gloss explode that ruined about six pieces of clothing. Bad laundry day, but nice clean house.

23....Costco at 8pm is deadly, especially since they close at 8:30. I felt like I was on Supermarket Sweep, but I did my damage. And this is only part of what I had to put away at 9pm (after I retrieved Mag from rehearsal)

And, last but not least, 24....today....why am I posting in the middle of the day? Because Ian is home "sick"

He's armed with his bed friends; the remote and some Ginger Ale. I thought he might be getting the bug Collin has been fighting when the school called for me to get him (99* temp and tummy ache). Alas, he is FINE...an eating machine.....and not wanting to nap.

Silver lining his temp isn't going up and I got to update my blog.

A little catching up

2012-01-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Never fear, I'm still taking random photos and rolling with my New Year's Resolution. The week started off with shrimp and sausage jambalaya and the BCS Championship. Let's just say that the food was WAY better than the game. We'll leave it at that and move on the the Saints playoff game this weekend.

Tuesday brought a yummy dinner of ground turkey and elk tacos. Delicious and not one leftover to be had. We'll call that Photo 10A because I HAD to take another picture of Amanda during dinner (photo 10B). You see, she got a nose bleed. And the kid is amazing. She is so used to them that she just continued to eat and enjoy her food. She wanted seconds and she knew Sean would eat it all if she didn't hurry, lol!

And because I lead such a glamourous life I thought I would share Photo 11 with you. The nice clean hallway bathroom. I LOVE a clean bathroom and it doesn't last long around these parts.

And today, the 12th. A little sample of my daily craziness......

Ian says blood oranges can turn you into a vampire. Hmmmm, a vampire with empty holes where fangs should be. I'm thinking he should stick with Amanda and just continue to be my little monkey. Tomorrow is Friday the 13th.......I promise not to post another picture with Ian doing those crazy eyes. Between the full moon and his wacky side I don't think I'm ready for the 13th.

2012-01-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

I'm finding that sometimes a photo a day can be tough. Some days are just not that exciting. Nevertheless, it's a challenge and will be fun (at least for me) to look back and see what I was up to and how the kids grow and change constantly. Speaking of change......Fritz looks like a mini-schneauzer again thanks to a haircut :)

And growing.....all of the kidlets are growing like crazy. So now you can see how I spent my Saturday......doing the clothing shuffle in the girls' room.

Photo 7

I ended up with a bag of hand-me-downs for a friend; 1/2 a bin in a Rubbermaid tub saving for Amanda; and a large bag for Goodwill. Now I wait for sales and coupons to shop for a few pairs of shoes/sandals for them and a couple of spring clothing items and they are SET. Hopefully for at least a few months.
And with all this growing, it means GROCERIES GALORE. I think I had one of my best trips ever :) See Photo 8..... 40% in savings!!!! Yes! Ian was with me and asked 'are you one of those crazy coupon ladies?' I replied: 'I love coupons and I pay attention but I don't think I'm crazy.' He promptly responded: 'Well you are crazy; everyone knows that.'

Hmmmmmm, I'm not crazy. What's CRAZY is that my 11yr. old son wears a size 10 men's shoe!?!

2012-01-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

It's Day 5 but it's two photos; we'll call them Photo 5A (Ian finishing up 'I Was Made for Lovin' You Baby' by Kiss)

and Photo 5B

because one photo is simply not enough. Recently, nothing makes me laugh harder than my boys doing Just Dance 3 on the Wii. Nothing funnier.

2012-01-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

Never fear, I haven't given up on my resolution already; just got busy with work and the chaos of life again. I did take a picture yesterday :) Here's what Maggie and I are up to now....

Rehearsals! I've been cast as Sister Sophia and Frau Schmidt (again) and Maggie is Louisa. She will also fill in as a young nun when needed for chorus singing. I was Louisa in high school so she thinks it's cool that she gets to play that part.

And today Photo 4.....

The sock cemetary......doesn't everyone have one? Well ours is now buried in File 13. I think everyone should join me and bury their sock cemetaries; perhaps they will find a match on the Island of Mismatched Socks (right next to the Island of Misfit Toys for all you Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer fans).

2012-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Photo 2......what is missing?

Christmas lights of course!
Nice, huh. Someone came along and stole all the lights out of the string that trimmed the garage. Stupid. Annoying. Random.

Oh well, just another string to hit the trash as we organize Christmas decorations and de-junk the garage (again!) What are you doing to work on your resolution today? Organizing, exercising, de-cluttering, eating more vegetables or eating some more chocolate :)

2012-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

So, it's 2012.....did everyone ring in the New Year with Dick Clark? We did. The kids ALL made it to midnight miraculously. Ian was fading fast at 9pm so with a little silliness and a lot of prodding he made it. Little turkey --- I let him have his cider and pop his party poppers at 11pm with the AZ time zone New Year's and he promptly rolled to midnight Pacific time. Collin came home early so it was nice to have everyone home celebrating and then scattering like cockroaches to their beds.

This year my New Year's resolution is to participate in the Hope in Action 365 project. I'll TAKE a picture daily but rest assured I might not get it posted daily. (I'm not completely unreasonable). It will be interesting if not challenging. I love pictures, photography, and scrapbooking so it's all good. Add in a few photos and recipes and it's even better. And maybe I'll even learn how to use some of the features on my camera.

Here goes: Photo 1.......when you don't get your favorite team on tv, this is what you resort to.....tracking them online. Happy New Year, GEAUX Saints!

2011-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

So, it's New Year's Eve. Bleh. I'm not a huge fan. I just don't get it. I don't want to go to a crowded restaurant and pay extra for mediocre food and drink specials that I don't even drink. I don't want to go to a bar and have it be overcrowded with people who are drinking heavily just because they have an excuse. And then, they aren't necessarily responsible about having a designated driver either.

Add to that.....Collin works on New Year's Eve. So it's just me and the kids. I could TRY to get a sitter but going to hang at a bar while your husband works isn't super fun either. In the past I have traveled to visit friends, but having just returned from Ohio and the thought of returning back to work so soon (Tuesday!.....thought we had extra time last year?) kind of squelched the idea of driving 1,000 miles.

Don't get me wrong --- I am ready to be D.O.N.E. with 2011. It has been very stress-filled and exhausting. It's had it's highlights but mostly it's been about trying to keep our heads above water in this sucky economy; trying to make ends meet. I lost two Aunts in the last few months. Our sweet cat 16 yr. old Shasta mysteriously disappeared and I just like to think that she got out of the house and went to die in peace. It's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. But in reality, as hard as I'd like to think we've had it, MANY people have had it worse.

My friend Audrey and her family lost EVERYTHING in a house fire. They all survived and with a lot of hardwork and patience, they are home again.
Ashton Sweet, a local Irvine teen and friend, was killed in a car accident. My friends, Janet and Julie, both lost close friends of their families.....all TEENAGERS. My heart just breaks for the families that have to deal with such tragedies.

I need to learn to count my blessings and appreciate what I do have: I have a husband who works hard for our family, I have four healthy children, I have a job (that I love), and I have a home to live in. So, as I attempt to have a quiet NYE at home with the kids [note: I said quiet/ even playing games isn't quiet!] eating finger foods and hanging out, I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Here's to 2012! May it bring you good health and happines.

(And maybe a few more blog posts from me.)

2011-12-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

I love to cook and bake! I post assorted pictures on facebook and occasionally someone will ask me for a recipe. I often cook from scratch and tweek recipes but I am a good recipe follower (I use my red Betty Crocker one a ton) and I search online occasionally mostly using allrecipes.com. I love Southern Living and Cooking Light magazine too but this recipe for Golden Caramel Cheesecake Bars literally came out of my grocery store's coupon mailer magazine. Looks like it's sponsored by Kraft.

So now that I've given proper credit and I'm not claiming this as my own, here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
24 Golden Oreo cookies, divided
2 Tbsp., butter or margarine, melted
25 Kraft Caramels
1 Tbsp. water
2 pkg. (8oz. each) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 jar (7 oz.) Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme
1 egg

Preheat: oven to 350*. Place 14 of the cookies in a food processor container; cover. Process until finely crushed. Mix with butter; press firmly onto bottom of 9-inch square baking pan. Bake 10min. or until golden brown. Cool 10min.
Place caramels and water in micro. bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 min. or until caramels are completely melted; stirring every 30 sec. Set aside. Coarsely chop remaining 10 cookies. Beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in chopped cookies; pour over crust. Drop spoonfuls of the caramel mixture over batter; swirl with knife for marble effect.
Bake for 20 to 25 min. or until center is set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 20 bars. Store in tightly covered container in refridgerator.

(note: I used store brand cream cheese and it worked just fine) :)
SO DELICIOUS and super rich!

2011-12-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

A LOVE Thursday post (a few minutes early)
~~Ten~~ Thirteen days ago when I posted about Christmas pictures it wasn't my intention to disappear again. Life is busy as usual, but you add in the insanity of shopping, stealth gift wrapping, end of semester school projects and a couple of holiday concerts in there and you get MADNESS. But I'm not complaining, really, for once I'm not! Because it also means Christmas goodies........ Last night started it - homemade fudge. And then today it was two kinds of Chex Mix, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter blossom cookies, and cornflake candy. Another batch of fudge was on the agenda until I realized I was out of baking chocolate. I'm also planning to make some golden cheesecake bars for a gathering with friends on Sat. night. What is your favorite holiday cookie/treat/specialty? I'm always up for making something new.

The kids are treasuring every morsel of their Advent calendars from Trader Joe's. Who doesn't like to start their day with a bit of chocolate? They are keeping a close inventory of my late night wrapping sessions and can quickly tell me if something has been added under the tree and which family member it's for. In some ways it sucks the fun out of it when they make the tree all messy and desheveled and then argue about what was added? and why does he/she have more than I do? nonsense. I know they are 'just being kids' but for all the goodness in the world make them stop arguing about. Next year I am using a mystery number system that only I will know about. They might mess up the pretty presents but I will still hold the cards. Muhahahaha.

We've watched Rudolph (my childhood favorite!) and several versions of A Christmas Carol so far but have yet to see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I can't believe it's taken this long but it WILL happen. And no Christmas would be complete without It's A Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas everyone.......

2011-12-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

Dagnabit! I meant to post last night so I could have five posts in November; that would be some sort of record for me. But alas, here I am a day late and a dollar short.
It's that time of year......time for Christmas pictures!!!! Here's a little preview of our photo taking adventure. (photos taken by my friend Sandee)

The kids had a blast climbing the trees and Fritz couldn't have been happier with chasing leaves in the wind. It was fun until we melted in the 80* heat. The boys had their shirts off before we even got home. (at least I know they can clean up for a few minutes of picture taking)

Christmas cards ordered, check!

2011-11-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Morning Musings.......
I LOVE Thanksgiving.......the cooking and preparation, the scents around all the comfort food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, football on the television, the crafts the kids make to decorate the table, the crisp weather and most of all the gathering of family and friends taking time away from the craziness of life to remember how blessed and thankful we are. It's ~~probably~~ my favorite holiday.

Yesterday day I made the cranberry relish, the pecan pie, and Grandma Hall 5-cup salad (but it's 10-cup for us b/c the kids LOVE it). Ian cut all of the celery for the stuffing and assembled it with Collin last night. This morning I'm prepping the green bean casserole, baked corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and baking a pumpkin pie. I am queen of the oven; that's because Collin is frying the turkey this year. With recent oven issues (and not even knowing if we were going to be able to use it) along with its small size, he decided to attempt frying the turkey this year. So, Pepperidge Farm gravy it is. (shhhh, don't tell his mother)

Another part of the day I enjoy is checking out the Black Friday sales. I have a short list of things left to get so I'll see if there are any MUST HAVES that I don't want to miss out on. Midnight is SO MUCH better for me than 5am :) But I refuse to fight with insane people over things like TVs we don't need or the latest Wii game. I don't mind the spot at the far end of the parking lot, the long lines, or the crowds. It's all a mind set......savoring in the holiday sales b/c it's the HOLIDAYS. Merry Christmas, folks. If someone tries to lose their marbles on me, I just smile and nod and wish them a Merry Christmas. ~~It usually shuts them right up!~~ It reminds them of what the season is truly about.

And, last but not least, let the Christmas decorating begin. Clark, aka Collin, usually starts tomorrow. Being in a rental this year, our house is MUCH smaller, but I'm sure he'll do his best to win the neighborhood decorating contest. (He's been trimming the front tree for weeks to make sure the lights will be seen, lol)

And with all the festivities DO NOT think I'm straying from the Game On! challenge. I'm taking ONE meal off today and then going to take Friday or Sat. as my food day-off so I can enjoy leftovers and maybe even some movie popcorn. I think I'll even exercise this evening to make sure I work off those extra carbs. (what is wrong with me?)

Off to cook in my pjs :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

......yawn....
Today has been a VERY LONG day. I'm not sure why b/c I got out of bed at 7:15am which is not far behind my normal waking-to-make-lunches time. I woke to my children UP AND AWAKE (why can't they ever get up for school like this?) playing Wii with their sleepover buddy. Cue: mad dash to the coffee pot. I worked on finishing up a digital scrapbooking project; started laundry; made breakfast; and basically just piddled around. It was a cool, dreary Saturday morning so pjs were my fashion of choice.

I got my act together around noon and we headed out to a few awesome sales and to take advantage of a promo they had to support our local public schools foundation. Successful shopping with four children is NEVER easy but we went, we shopped, we conquered! A little bribery of In-and-Out burger went a long way and it was the PERFECT treat for my Game On diet day off. We dashed home to catch the LSU game and I began to climb the laundry mountain while I banished them to their rooms for leaving their crap everywhere and being lazy laundry folders. After the shopping adventure and seeing the chaos of my living room, I simply needed them to go play quietly. I waded through three loads; made some cheater Zatarain's jambalaya for dinner and then cleaned the kitchen. HOW was it only 8pm???? Oh, and I still need to exercise (already took yesterday off, dang it!).

AND to add to my long day.........my oven is broken. Four days before Thanksgiving. Thankyouverymuch!

2011-11-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

Much ado about the Game On! Challenge.........it's on my brain constantly so I thought it would be the perfect time to shed a little on light on my latest bit of madness.

Recently I began to notice that my clothes were getting snug and once my birthday came and went, I really realized I HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT. To some folks, I may look just fine, but when you aren't comfortable in your own skin and you are the heaviest you have ever been NOT pregnant it's truly eye-opening. And wouldn't you know, a group of awesome women from community theatre were starting this challenge so I asked if I could join. With a little info., I was GAME! And apparently it's just what I needed.......a bit of friendly competition to make the world go round.

The basic routine: 5 small meals a day (on a schedule --carb,protein,fat), 3 liters of water, exercise daily, and adding a new habit while abandoning an old habit. No alcohol, no soda, no artificial sweeteners. You get points for meeting goals and penalties for others. There is more to it but that is it in a nutshell. Sign-me-up; I can do this. We all have good things we SHOULD be doing and things we SHOULD not be doing and you are telling me I get points for it. Awesome. Time to come clean: for good habit-- I'm taking a daily multivitamin and have to have an empty kitchen sink when I go to bed (no dishes, utensils, etc.). In other words, stop being lazy. For ridding myself of a bad habit I chose no more falling asleep in front of the tv. My teammates are doing a variety of things as goals ranging from bible study time to no more snooze alarm. You make it want you NEED it to be. And the best part, smack talking is allowed!

In recent years I have tried to eat more healthy overall and have done a bit of meal planning here and there. But now, it helps SO MUCH. Not only are my family dinner meals planned for the next two weeks, but now I am writing down what I plan to eat during the day so I can pack my lunch w/o thinking about it. I have to get two meals in during my work day schedule so it's easy to have it in my bag and not have to worry about what might be tempting me in the staff lounge. I usually eat what my family eats at dinner for my meal 5; I just revise it a little b/c I'm not super hungry. Example: tomorrow night is turkey burgers, french fries, and fresh berries. I'll have the burger (my carb and protein) with lettuce, tomato, mustard, a tsp. of mayo (the fat). No fries or berries for me.

Here's my day tomorrow:
Meal 1 -- scrambled egg (protein&fat) with spinach and mush.; 1/2 grapefruit (carb)
Meal 2 -- Mini Babybel Light, 7 walnuts, apple (protein, fat, carb)
Meal 3 -- Blend of lettuce with carrots/bell pepp/cucumber add small amt. of chicken, sliced almonds (no dressing); kiwi on the side
Meal 4 -- non-fat greek yogurt with fresh berries and 7 crushed walnuts
Meal 5 -- turkey burger on whole wheat bun with lett.,tom.,must.,mayo
I'll count my coffee creamer for calories and the mayo and I'm under my 100 allowed extra calories.

You can do this too. I swear it's super easy. Well, until the exercise part. At least that is the REAL challenge for me. Four kids keeps me busy enough but add in a commitment to exercise and my brain goes a little wonky. BUT I have been doing it (except for my one allowed day off) so far and I must say I think I'm rockin' it. I hate the making time and getting-ready-to-go part of changing my clothes, etc. I would much rather sit on the couch and read or play on Facebook or even ~~clean the house~~. When I am out there ~~walking/jogging~~ pushing my lazy butt across the pavement, I don't hate it. Well, sometimes I do, but it's not like I can quit half way and call Collin to pick me up. All I can say is.....if the scale doesn't go down, I'm going to be ~~a little~~ completely peeved.

Weigh-in for the week is on Wednesday morning; you have been warned.

2011-11-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

JUMPING BACK IN....

I'm still here. I think about blogging often and even have a little list of things I ~~want~~ wanted to blog about. But life gets in the way and then I get so far behind that it seems silly to post about things from two months ago. Do you really want to see pictures of an Arizona trip from August?

Well, I did post pictures on Facebook from our camping trip. Oh yes, Facebook.....another interference with my blog. See, if I post pictures there I forget to type 'the story' here.

The story of one of my favorite pictures.....Sean teaching Ian how to skip rocks. A tender moment. Those are few and far between.

And I really need to do that because I'm trying to put these blog posts in a hard-bound book. Sorta like a journal since I don't journal or anything cool like that.

Anyway, here I am. Two months into the school year. And I never did post a photo of Maggie starting 8th grade b/c she started on a different day than my other school post. Here she is....growing up too fast......

She is playing the french horn in the symphonic band and loving it. Her grades are better but she still has room for improvement. Recently she finished up her role as Freida in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and she will be on Royal Court at Musical Theater Village this year (it's a teen group that does extra chores around the theater, helps with tasks like scrip distribution/ ticket-taking/and show welcome speeches). She is with a great group of kids.

Sean is next. Poor Sean is going OUT OF HIS MIND! (and taking me with him) He is counting the days until his x-rays -- Nov. 15th. We are hoping and praying that his knee is healing on it's own and that he won't need surgery. AND hoping and praying he can ease back into some physical activity.....recess and PE would be a nice start. Batting practice would be a nice bonus. The break from organized sports has been nice (for our whole family) but it's been long enough. His teacher says he is a great kid and his grades are pretty good too so I'll take it! These days his hair is the longest it's ever been with blond curls in the back (I'll try to sneak a picture). He is loving LSU and Saints football while he manages his fantasy teams. He loves telling me ALL he knows about football players and helps with my team each week.

Then there's girlie. Miss Amanda. She's such a miracle. She just finished her part as Little Red-Haired Girl in Charlie Brown and is looking forward to starting some sort of martial arts class. She has been wanting to do it for a long time and it will help with her motor control, balance, and discipline. She is doing well in school especially since she has to work REALLY hard. She isn't super far behind and often works quickly (sometimes too quickly) so she can help her teacher with stuff. Here's her book report quilt on Little Women:

She makes sure that Fritz gets fed everyday and loves Skyping with her cousin, Sarah, at college. And at 10yrs. old wears a size 8 women's shoe. Not kidding.

And then there's Ian. He loves life basically. He loves anything to do with the outdoors.....fishing, shooting, bike-riding, swimming, the beach, sports, etc. He tolerates school.....doesn't love it, but doesn't hate it (because he likes the girls, shhhhh). His teacher knows him pretty well and appreciates him for his silliness while keeping him in check. His printing is beautiful; his math skills rock; his reading is his downfall, but we all have our crosses to bear. He loves having SHORT hair but had fun trying to make a water mohawk went we went camping (where doesn he think of this stuff?). Seven is an awesome age and I never want him to grow up.

And that brings you up to date with the kidlets.......oh, wait. Halloween.......one of our awesome jacks-o-lanterns....

and the kids all ready to go. Ian was a knight, Amanda was Punky Brewster, and Sean was some gross skeleton thing. Maggie was off with her friends (b/c that's what teenagers do).

Collin and I are plugging along. Just had our 16th anniversary. I still love my job; my co-workers are awesome and the kids keep us on our toes. Still doing Creative Memories and love taking pictures. I'm getting back into meal planning (shrimp stir-fry today!) and love cooking now that I have time with minimal sports and theater commitments. Collin is still working two jobs hoping the economy will turn at some point but he's not holding his breath. He's excited about going on a deer hunting trip that his buddy Dale got him a free ticket for.

And finally, I'm joining with a group of friends for the Game On! diet challenge starting this Wednesday. It goes until Dec. 9 with Thanksgiving day off. One of my goals is to blog at least twice a week so we'll see how that goes. I will certainly need the points of meeting that goal so I can back up the smack talk. Hoping to shed a few pounds while having some fun with friends. Oh wait, I think this involves exercise. Oh, no.

2011-09-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

RANDOM
So, it took four days of working for me to get the flu. Lovely. Just that morning we were discussing the free flu shots we are going have available in October. I think I jinxed myself. Finally feeling almost 100% on day four. Ugh.

School is going well. No one is in tears just yet so I'll call it good.

Amanda is turning 10 soon and wants a Baby Alive for her birthday. She still has that little kid innocence and doesn't care what anyone thinks. Some might call it immature but I'll take it. She's my most independent kid so she can be mature when she needs to be. They have such a short period of time to be innocent and imaginative play goes away too fast.

Sean is still on full restriction from physical activity until mid-November when he gets his next xrays. At home he is mostly OK but at school not doing recess or lunch play is a HUGE bummer. I can't say that I miss hustling to the practices and being committed to games, but I know he misses it like crazy. Hoping to get out and support some Irvine Chargers friends today if I'm feeling better.

The girls are in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown right now at MTV. It opens this weekend and it looks to be a crazy cute show. Is it bad that I can still sing half of the Book Report song b/c I was Shroeder in high school? and I still remember ALMOST breaking character b/c Ms. Girlie Breaux was laughing at me so hysterically. Don't answer that.

Moving on with this cloudy Saturday where it feels like Fall, but I know it will be 90* by mid-week.

2011-09-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

First Day of School for 2011-12 (even for me/ heading back to work)

Ian really isn't cross-eyed; he's just a clown! The kids humored me for about 30 seconds and then were DYING to get to campus to see their friends. (well, Maggie was sleeping b/c 8th grade starts tomorrow)

Sean was dropped off first because who needs Mom in 6th grade. He quickly found his friends and allowed one picture before I got a fist bump and wandered to find Amanda. He has Ms. Hager and he thinks she's pretty nice especially since she walks around her room with her shoes off. (Maggie had her too so I'm happy too)

Amanda was thrilled to officially be an 'upper grader'/4th grade. She was waiting patiently and I was able to snag an undetected picture of her meeting Mrs. Rahmann.

Then I continued on to Ian; where he was patiently waiting at his classroom with everyone else on the planet. (Geeze.....our campus has grown from 450 students to 750 students; it's only three years old and almost to capacity while the parking lot/ adjacent park/ and every street was overflowing.) He is so go-with-the-flow and knew that I would be right there once the upper graders were settled because this year they start earlier than lower grades. He happily obliged me with more photos b/c they would show off his mohawk.

Mrs. Lee gets the pleasure of his company this year for 2nd grade. He is smart, loving, and friendly but he can sure be silly too. Upon getting into the van, he proudly announced that he has a girlfriend! He clearly explained that he went up to S (his crush from last year!) and asked her to be his girlfriend and she said YES. He was beaming and said he couldn't find her to sit and eat lunch with her but played with her at the playground.

My day..............well, I LOVE MY JOB and my co-workers are the best. They always give me nice compliments and make me feel appreciated. The first graders were a bit doe-eyed and overwhelmed but I think everyone survived w/o crying or melting in the heat. And the perfect end to my day - NFL KICKOFF with the Saints and a bowl of red beans and rice!

2011-09-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

A FRESH START

For me, September and the start of school is much like nesting and preparing for a new child. Here's how the last few days have played out:
1) All the laundry is done and put away. Just like when you have a new baby, you want the gowns, onesies, blankets, and sleepers all ready. We have the hampers empty but baby laundry smells much sweeter.

2) I have meals planned for the next two weeks. Today I'll have all the ingredients and then will happily only need to refill milk, bread, and fresh fruit (and likely school lunch snacks). Prepping for a new baby usually involves double-batching so I can have a freezer stash but this time I won't have people bringing me meals so I'll be happy with meal planning and knowing the answer to the 'what's for dinner?' questions.

3) Fresh school supplies......you know the drill......school requires a lot of supplies like scissors, glue, pencils, paper, backpack and more just like a baby requires LOADS o' stuff (diapers, wipes, bath soap, stroller, etc.). Two things I love the smell of --a fresh box of crayons and a fresh bathed baby.

4) New shoes and clothes........need I say more?

5) Organizing and de-cluttering -- we have been through clothes and have yet another load for Goodwill. Just yesterday I sorted three boxes of random stuff that was tossed in boxes from the move. It parallels to all the things an expectant Mom feels she HAS to get done.

6) And lastly, all the random chores that have been on the list of things to do that I'm getting done knowing that 'going-back-to-work' is staring me in the face........dog grooming (check: Collin did it!), call for bulk trash pickup for old loveseat, and call the insurance company yet again.

Summer has zoomed by; we spent much time at the pool, a few days at the beach, and squeezed in two short weekend adventures. It had it's draggy moments and now the anticipation is building. Here comes 8th, 6th, 4th, and 2nd grades whether we are ready or not.

Even though there isn't a CHANCE ON THIS PLANET that a new baby is gonna join our family, I'll love on the littles that friends have (Laura!) and enjoy my restful uninterrupted sleep.

2011-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

The view from here. It's refreshing and cheap. And something to do while Sean watches baseball daily to chase the boredom away. And believe it or not, I've even started swimming for exercise. I've swum for three days already and plan to swim today -- that's four days in less than a week, of exercise, from me! Who knew? Well, five if you count my bike ride on Sat. So it looks like this: Thurs.-swim, Fri.-swim, Sat.-bike, Sun.-off, Mon.-swim, Tues.-swim. I usually add in some crunches/ab work, some push-ups and leg lifts. Hoping to lose a few pounds, since summer is half over. Better late than never I guess.

2011-07-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's summer so that means my kids have POPSICLES on the brain. Well, not only in summer, but summer makes the thoughts of cool, refreshing snacks explode. We don't have an ice-cream man that drives around and sends them into a frenzy running home for money like I did ~~a million years ago~~ when I was a kid. We just have an occasional Mexican guy pushing a cart with a bell when we are a baseball. (don't shoot me and tell me it's a stereotype; it's NOT; it's a true statement)

So I went in search of some popsicle molds just to try to add to the fun of it all (and maybe save some $$ in the process). I love William Sonoma stuff but can't bring myself to pay through the nose (+ shipping) for these cool molds.

I mean REALLY! They are cool and all that but not THAT cool........close to $25, yikes.

Then I came across theses nifty little ones at CVS in the bargin bin for $2! They've tried orange juice, apple juice, strawberry lemonade, and Coca-cola pops so far. Strawberry lemonade is the definite favorite. Maybe we'll try to make some limeade ones. And if I'm feeling really zany I might even buy some Kool-aid mix for them.

Not exactly the cool firecracker (red-white-blue) ones that I used to get from the ice cream truck, but definitely better than the frozen-Kool-aid-in-a-cup-and-flip-over-method my Mom used.

2011-07-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

So life continues to throw curveballs our way. I wish I played baseball because maybe I could knock one out of the park by now.

The latest info. is that we aren't moving. At least not immediately. Sigh. The job offer didn't pan out and the story is just too long to explain. Collin will continue on the hamster wheel that is SoCal for now.

Maggie's ears are better but she is still coughing for hours nightly. I'm not a good Mom when it comes to this. I JUST WANT HER TO STOP but it's not that easy. It's just another notch in the stress rope, ya know. And Ian and Amanda are coughing now too; not as bad and it seems like an allergy-thing. I simply don't have the energy to attend another doctor appt. for them to tell me 'it's allergies'.

Fourth of July was filled with good food and friends up at the Faris' house. Eight kids that all get along great. A nap in the hammock for me was a nice bonus.

And the day after -- the topper is that I am living in summer cast-land again.......we dealt with it all last summer with Amanda's arm. Now Sean is sporting a thigh-high cast on his left leg! He loved it for about 10minutes; now he's over it. Thank goodness we have been swimming a ton and hit the beach twice last week b/c now the world has stopped for him. The doc. thinks his knee (osteo condritis desecans) has an 80% chance of healing well on it's own IF he stays off of it. We opted for the cast for four to six weeks because it forces him to stay off of it. I'm not thrilled but I know it is the best for him. We'll still go to the pool but he'll spend his time watching, tossing sink sticks, reading and playing cards with me.

Guess I'm forced to organize, clean, and unpack without the distraction of the beach calling my name.

2011-06-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...........

I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with Target. I love that I can get a few key groceries like milk, bananas, butter, and bread; a birthday gift; a large Rubbermaid organizer bin; a bathing suit for Mag; a razor for Collin and a few other items in one place. I HATE that my bill was $159. Really? How does that happen?

Last night we had turkey burgers and fresh strawberries for dinner. YUM! And good for us too. Now, we are having frito pie casserole. YUM! And channeling my inner-redneck too.
Maggie has a double ear infection. Guess all the recent swimming did her in. Hoping the abx work quickly and stop her cough so she can sleep again I can sleep again.

So You Think You Can Dance is amazing me once again this season. If you aren't watching, you are missing out. Our whole family watches (shhhhh, Collin won't admit it). And we also watched Lonesome Dove over the weekend. Such a great classic!

and finally.....the pictures I've been meaning to send. It's a little montage I call ....A Taste of Spring 2011...goes back to Sean's bday/Ian's bday/Easter at the Andera's/Maggie's bday/moving and beyond. Enjoy!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2011-06-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

So I'm still out here in blog land but don't have much exciting to report. It's officially summer......which means we spent lots of hours at the pool. And eating popsicles. Well, not me, but the kids do.

We are still in limbo with life. Are we staying in SoCal and are we moving out of state? No real news on that front. Still waiting on the official job offer for Collin. Another reason I'm not unpacking anymore either. Why unpack if I have to repack in a short period of time. YET how is it that I have more bags for Goodwill. Last week I dropped off three bags and I have another one full. I am going through Ian's clothes b/c we have no room and I'm organizing some that I want to keep that are too big (from Sean and our buddy, Cade). Apparently we have lots of random stuff and ever since my friend Audrey lost everything in a house fire I am realizing more and more that it's just stuff mostly; therefore, I am flinging.

Maggie and Amanda are currently in Oliver. Last week Collin took the boys and some baseball team friends camping up near Mammoth. Lots of fishing, learning to shoot, and dirt! I'm still working on the laundry from that. This weekend brings more theater and dance recital for Maggie (Amanda's class isn't doing recital, lame!). Next week, Amanda and Sean start a summer school reading program. Somewhere in there is dentist appts. and doctor appts. for Sean's knee and Amanda's next MRI.

Whoever said summer was relaxing was wrong; well, except for the sleeping in part.

2011-05-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, we moved. We moved from 2900sqft to 1500sqft; with four kids, a dog, and a cat. I'm still not unpacked because I don't want to. I hate the chaos around me but can't bring myself to add one more thing to my plate. Between work, finishing up school assignments with the kids, running everyone to activities, and the regular demands of life, I simply haven't to energy to lessen the chaos with unpacking.

So there is the lovely mood I'm in. Thus the reason for no posts.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

2011-04-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Spring Break - Day Two:
Donuts for Breakfast!
Packing focus is the boys' room and upstairs bathroom. Girls are working in their rooms (if you want to call it that). Maggie came into the boys' room and said "wow, it's empty in here!" I wanted to respond with "Yes, that's because we are working and you are a distracted and sitting on your butt." BUT I didn't and simply said.......'well, yes we are moving in a week my dear.'
I'm having a hard time understanding how I packed the move when we moved in here 6-1/2yrs. ago. Ian was a 6mo. old! I guess he slept a lot more. So frustrating that they are older but not necessarily more helpful. That's likely my own doing --- need to work on that.

Side note: yesterday wasn't ALL work and no play. We ventured out to the local trampoline place called SkyHigh. Holy cow --- wall-to-wall trampoline madness, launches into the foam pit, trampoline dodgeball. Super fun!

Off to order some new checks and situate the utilities............

2011-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Yes.....it's really happening. We are officially moving. Back to our old neighborhood, it's only about a mile and a WHOLE different ballgame of packing since we aren't going across the country (yet!). It's a good thing; I try to keep telling myself that but the thought of moving in nine days just makes me want to barf as I look around at the chaos. We held a huge garage sale (the picture doesn't even capture all of it) and we were able to get rid of some things. Since then I've hauled two van loads to Goodwill also. We are moving from 2900sqft down to 1500sqft. It will be cozy (don't laugh; just let me pretend!) and I'm thrilled about removing the chore of vacuuming stairs from my list! I'm not sure how the girls will do with sharing a room, but we'll get it figured out eventually.

This week is Spring Break for us. Right now that means them arguing over the television and the SceneIt Disney game and I am online pretending that the house will pack itself. I'm hoping to make an adventure up to the Ronald Reagan library to aid Sean in a school project; catch the Disney movie African Cats; and maybe hit the beach if it's warm enough. Oh.....and the girls are auditioning for Oliver. (I want to but I know my limitations; just say No to another commitment). Did you notice that packing isn't at the top of my list? Someone send fairies; I just want to take a nap.

(he is crashed out for real; I did catch him before he slid off completely)

2011-03-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

Really? It's been over a month since I updated my blog? How'd that happen. Oh yeah, it's called life and responsibilities..........four kids (and a dog & a cat), a job, house on the market, variety show to plan, chores & errands, and now the computer is in the boys' room...........that's means very little extented computer time for me. HOWEVER, my heart is breaking tonight and I want ya'll out there in cyber-land to know about this amazing little girl Maddie James.
Her story simply touches my heart, WAY TOO CLOSE to home. You see, she has a brain tumor; Amanda even has the same doctors. But Maddie's tumor is inoperable and fatal. She is only given months to live. I am counting my blessings and hugging my kids extra tight (with a super-squeeze for Amanda!) and trying to spread the word. Let's help Maddie's wish come true.

She loves the ocean and even chose Hawaii for her Make-A-Wish trip. Her parents are trying to raise funds for the Dana Point Ocean Institute's new learning center. Maddie wants to 'help them build it!' and that is where you come in. With a donation, we can all help her dream come true. I'm sure any amount will be graciously accepted....$10--that's a couple of fast foods meals; $25--that a few cups of Starbucks....what can you cut out for a few days in order to help this precious little girl. She only has a few days left to enjoy the simple pleasures that we take for granted. You can go to http://www.maddiejamesfoundation.org/ for more information.

I pray for peace for this family. They are living in a place that I thought I might be (for a few days while we waited for pathology results); a place that no parent should ever have to be. I am so sad and hope that we can all make Maddie's dream a reality.

2011-02-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

Despite all the parenting books out on the market, there TRULY isn't a parenting manual out there. So much of parenting is about using what works; using common sense; and then hoping for the best. Just like every child is different and unique, parenting is much the same. What works for one child (removal of priveledges) simply doesn't work for another. And even better yet, what a parent deems as appropriate changes over time as well. My mother-in-law has said many times "oh how the mighty crumble" when edicts have been made by parents and they simply change their mind and/or change a rule completely. Many of these rules are set by people BEFORE they even have children......'my children will never be allowed to ________' and my child would never behave that way. Yes, sit on the mighty throne and set all the rules you like because when you actually become a parent you too will crumble.

However, there are certain things I had said before having kids that I have stuck too. For example - 1) I never put fruit punch, soda, or anything of the like in a baby bottle. Eeew, why? Yes, they were allowed the pleasure of a McDonald's orange soda, but they had to do it through a straw. 2) Bedtime has always been important. I love sleep so it was pretty important that my kids get a routine and good sleeping habits. Did that mean I co-slept? Yep Did that mean we've had bedtime battles occasionally? Yep Did that mean they are still good sleepers? Yep and 3) I would not be a short order cook and make multiple meals-in-one to keep everyone happy (and picky). The kids have evolved over time about expanding what they eat, but I never did play the 'I want this' game for dinner. Does that mean we've never had a appetizer buffet for dinner? Nope Does that mean I'm a food Nazi? Nope Do I let them help me meal plan? Of course Do I let them eat cereal for dinner? YES; but only when I can have Corn Pops and Apple Jacks right along with them!!!

Like tonight, I'm sick. Collin is working. So by the time, I got kids shuffled to activities and helped with homework I was beyond done. Body Aches. Exhausted. So it was a cereal night. Who wants a germy Mom cooking them food anyway???? It's not like I packed them a Mountain Dew and Oreos for lunch. (Yes, a child at the school I work ate REALLY HAD a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.....6th grader.....true story!)

That right there is one thing I can add to my WILL NEVER HAPPEN list...............number 4) I will never pack my children a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.

Now excuse me while I doze off to Nyquil land when my children are still awake. What was that rule about bedtime again?

2011-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before what an amazing person my friend Nicole is. Well, I wanted to give her a little shout-out again because she just celebrated a VERY SPECIAL birthday. (We'll just leave it at that; I'll be nice and not mention any specific numbers because I'm still older than she is.)

She likes to do these little list things on HER blog when birthdays come up in her family and she even stated a few things that she loves about her life in celebration of her own day. I thought I would make a little list of my own to wish her a happy birthday and tell the world what makes her awesome:

1) She was literally my right hand when I lived at the hospital with Amanda.
2) She can bake and she shares all the goodies with me & my family.
3) She remembers the little things that make people unique and special.
4) She is insanely talented with both dancing and singing.
5) She is an amazing mother -- gentle, patient, creative, and loving!
6) She is a master of movie quotes.
7) She loves to laugh. (with me and at me!)
8) last, BUT NOT LEAST, she is a zany sports fan too!

Happy Birthday to Nicole --- Me and all-o'-ya'll-Halls love you very much!

2011-02-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Want a hit for dinner???? Try this---
Tortilla-crusted tilapia (from Costco; my family eats the WHOLE box)--13min. in oven at 425*; wild-rice blend (from Henry's) boil for about 35-40 until done [while you prep the salsa]; MAKE THIS PINEAPPLE SALSA! (I leave out the chili peppers & I used dried parsley instead of cilantro b/c that's what I had on hand).

Let's put it this way...........I'm lucky I have a little bit of rice and some salsa as leftovers for lunch. Happy bellies all around! Although I can't say FULL bellies b/c Sean is already scrounging for some else to eat; he's almost 11 and is a bottomless pit. Heaven help me!

2011-01-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

A little glimpse of life, with pictures, woot!..........Last weekend, Collin went on a boys' weekend hunting trip with his friend Dale. He has guns that he had gotten recently from one of his co-workers. So in combination with him prepping for the trip, shopping for camo gear, and going to the shooting range to set the scope (or whatever you call it), the kids have been very interested in what he's doing. Meaning, guns.
I am NOT a gun person. Never have been. But with a husband who grew up hunting and target shooting, who am I to say that we can't have them when they are stored safely. We've had guns in the house forever. We have a gun safe for the guns and the ammunition (if we even have any) is in a separate locked container in a separate location. The kids didn't even know about them until a couple of years ago.

So, with all the trip prep, the kids have had a couple of lessons in gun safety recently. Lots of talk and hands-on about making sure it's unloaded; how you hold it; etc. I observe and never do the hands-on part. ....shudder... It's really interesting to see how interested the boys are; they just are. The girls pay attention but haven't wanted to 'get into' it like the boys. I'm sure it's because it's a 'be-like-Dad' thing but I find it intriguing.

He went on his merry way to freeze his butt off while I stayed home and held down the fort. Regular routine of life and such = work, errands, kid's activities, cleaning, sick-kid care and cooking. Made a nice batch of barbecued shredded pork that the kids adore; chicken stir-fry that was divine; some swiss steak that the kids would likely choose to never eat again. ...shrug....you can't win 'em all!

Collin had lots of COLD quiet time and didn't kill Bambi (thank goodness!) and managed to make the baggage check-in lady at the airport laugh. Imagine the lady's surprise, when she opened his gun case and found Camelia red beans and Community coffee surrounding his guns. Only in New Orleans! He (and all his tasty goodies) made it home safely with Sean mostly recovered from his flu. Now another one is down for the count, poor little Ian............

Off to catch up on laundry with hopes that little dude with nap.

2011-01-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! 2011; damn, time flies. I'm gettin' old and all that..........
I hate being an absent blogger. I don't mean to be; I have tons of random posts running through my brain but I never get around to putting channeling my thoughts to the computer.

The kids and I had a nice time in Phoenix, AZ for a few days. We visited my friend Sandee and her kids; went on a hike (and got snowed on; haha, my SoCal kids thought it was ash at first!); and just chilled out (literally; it was freezing!). School is back in session and I'm still on my bandwagon of cooking and healthy eating (for the most part). I have shared some yummy tidbits on my Facebook and folks have asked for recipes so I'll try to occasionally create a post for it to share with you all.

First up, Jambalaya -- I must apologize because my quantities aren't exact and it's sorta an eye-ball/consistency thing too; apparently my mother-in-law has taught me well.

Ingredients: one pound of cooked chicken breast (I boiled one bnls/skls. and kept the broth)
                  one pound of smoked sausage (1/4" slices, browned in skillet)
                  one pound of shrimp (I used frozen, pre-cooked [I hope this doesn't make my Louisiana friends   and family dis-own me!])
                  1/4 of an onion (diced)
                  two stalks of celery (diced)
                  some fresh parsley (chopped)
                  two cloves of garlic (minced)
                  bit of olive oil (or better yet, bacon drippings!)
                  14-15oz. can of petite diced tomatoes (all, do not drain)
                  six cups of liquid (water, chicken broth, etc.)
                  1-1/2 cups of uncooked rice
                  seasonings: dash of tabasco, couple of shakes of Tony Chac. cajun seasoning, bit of fresh ground pepper, sprinkle of salt, shake of cayenne pepper (ya get what I'm sayin')

Procedure: In a large Dutch oven, saute the onion/celery/parsley/garlic in the olive oil. While that is going, cut and brown the sausage; boil the chicken; etc. Once the saute of onion is done, add the can of tomatoes, and four cups of liquid. Remove chicken once cooked and cut up into small pieces; pour pieces & broth into Dutch oven; remove sausage once browned and dab off the excess grease, pour sausage slices into Ductch oven. Add shrimp and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes or so. After the flavors blend, add the uncooked rice and two cups of water. Simmer 30-40 minutes until rice is cooked. (Stir regularly; keep an eye on the water content b/c the rice will absorb it during cooking; recipe should be be too dry nor too soupy). Voila!! Serve with french bread. So delish :)

I hope that made sense. It really is super easy and SO GOOD. Comfort food. Let me know what you think. Tonight I'm making potato/corn chowder with salad (and rolls; no roll for me though: I'd rather fill up on soup!) I'll let you know how it goes.

2010-12-26T23:51:00.000-08:00

So Christmas has officially come and gone. I have pictures, not uploaded just yet, but I'll share soon. We've had a nice time playing games, figuring out all the techy-type gifts and eating fabulous food with delicious snacks BUT
I call this time the post-Christmas fall out. It's just a blah time for me. Ya know, kinda like laundry day after coming home from vacation; the vacation was great but settling back down is a bit of a buzz-kill. I guess it's the lack of insanity with all the hustle, bustle, excitement and the preparations/shopping/wrapping/etc. being done. It's the constant trash pick-up of packaging tidbits; small parts to games; and then the if-I-have-to-sweep-one-more-pine-needle craziness. Although I am looking forward to jumping onto the organization bandwagon and decluttering clothes & toys (again!), I can't wait to get the tree down! Tomorrow (Monday) I am going to work with the kids and get their bedrooms done so we can get the tree down during the Saints game. Does that make me a Scrooge? I just want a sense of peace and when my house is clean and mostly clutter-free I am at peace.

Maybe I should have asked for a cleaning fairy for Christmas???

2010-12-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; a Southern California Christmas --- beautiful clear skies about 65*, just perfect. Yesterday I was a wrapping fool and I managed to wrap w/o anyone sneaking in for a peek. Still have a few left but nothing that is overwhelming. I just wanted to share some pictures of the what it looks like around here........

This is only 1/2 the house but it's a sample of the insanely tall tree that Collin decorates. You can't see the other tree; part of the yard; walkway. The rain has put a damper on him finishing the lights; makes for a grumpy Mr. Griswold.

Grandma Hall's gifts; the kids can hardly keep their hands off even though I told them it was OK to eat the candy canes.

The stockings are hung..........

The cookies are made.............

A Christmas with Scrooge has come to an end (our school 'family of friends' minus Skylar)

but there remains more cookies to be made-- Chex Muddy Buddies; Chex Chili/Garlic Mix; and FUDGE!!! Ooooops, almost forgot to make the five cups/ambrosia salad for tomorrow. And coke-jello salad.

We'll head to church for Christmas Eve service; have some yummy homemade carnitas for dinner today and spend the evening playing games and watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'; tomorrow is the main event. Collin's prime rib, yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, and more....

The only thing missing is extended family and SNOW.

BUT, in the words of Tiny Tim,

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas to you all

2010-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

Can you feel the hustle bustle of the city???? Yes, It's ~~Christmas Time~~ (not yet, let's get through Thanksgiving) in Londontown again!!!!

Thanksgiving time means so many things these days. It's truly a hustle and bustle like no other. Maggie and I have Scrooge rehearsals, Sean/Amanda/Ian are playing basketball, and OF COURSE the turkey is in the fridge thawing while I shop for the ingredients to my favorite meal. We are cooking and my friend Sandee will be joining us since her kids will be with their Dad.

It also means SHOPPING for me. In the past I have prided myself on being finished with Christmas shopping BY Thanksgiving; not giving in to the sales and tempting holiday releases. Times have changed with me working and our finances being stretched. So, besides grabbing a stocking stuffer here and there I haven't really gotten much accomplished. I'm going to make a good effort to peruse the sale papers and make a shopping list, but the thought of getting up at oh-dark-thirty and fighting people who are hyped up on Starbucks isn't exciting. I am a happy shopper who understands that parking will suck, lines will be long, and product is limited SO MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE; be nice and is losing the spirit of Christmas worth a few dollars, I think not.

For Collin, it means his annual transformation into Clark Griswold. He started thinking about lights and strategies for electric cords weeks ago. He even trimmed the tree out front b/c he wanted to make sure the lights would show up nicely. The majestic pine-type tree that he has procariously decorated from our rooftop for years has grown at least 6 ft. this year so I'm not sure how he is going to do it. (at least I don't WANT to know how) I mentioned NOT decorating it this year and he took it as a challenge. Silly, man. Yes, we have insurance. The notes we get from people saying 'you made our Christmas' and 'thank you for bringing some sparkle to our holidays' makes it all worth it. I'll update when it's complete so if you live near by you can drive by and enjoy his masterpiece.

In the meantime, I'm going to practice my lines and make a couple of things for tomorrow. Sandee will make her famous deviled eggs; Collin will do 'most' of the cooking. I'll make cranberry sauce and a pecan pie later today. What is your must-have favorite on Thanksgiving?

However, even with the hustle and bustle, I will NEVER forget where we were last Thanksgiving. I will NEVER forget to be thankful for health; the miracle of medicine; and the many blessings that God has given our family.

2010-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

And I thought I was doing so well with getting back onto the bloggin' train near the end of September. Then I blinked. And now it's almost mid-November.

Let's see --- Amanda celebrated her 9th birthday; I celebrated a birthday; we had our 15th anniversary; we had Halloween; we did school book reports; we had Scrooge auditions; we had football and we are transitioning to basketball. Our house came off the market. And, I got something called A JOB! And Jerry Brown is governor again (I wish I was kidding about the last part.)

And my world has been rocked.

Yes, I know, women have been working mothers for years. Well, I HAVEN'T. I have been unemployed for 12 years. I was Queen of my Household Kingdom or whatever crap you want to call it. I was just starting to hit a good routine with volunteering, grocery shopping, meal planning, homework help, and all that comes with keeping the house going/ being a wife and mother. And it all came tumbling down.

I LOVE MY JOB. It's the best of the school world w/o the added stress. I get to work with the kids; help the teachers and get paid :) BUT I have quickly figured out that going to sleep 'early' is mandatory to get up at 6:30am. (bye, bye TV time....already deleted Private Practice from the cue; will likely give up on another show soon). Errands and house cleaning take up the bulk of my time when I'm not doing all my other responsiblities. Egads; it's a crazy shuffle. I am SO grateful that I am able to work around my kids' school schedule but we are all adjusting.

So that's where I've been. Online time is RARE, but I do have Facebook on my new Blackberry so I try to read a little here and there when I'm in the carpool pick-up line or find myself with a few minutes at a sports practice.

Already thinking about the yummy food plans for Thanksgiving while I think of quick-and-easy breakfast for my kids on school days; while I think about the healthy snacks I need to bring for grab-and-go at work; while I about what's for dinner the rest of the week; while I think that I should probably make my kids some lunch. Multi-tasking at it's finest.

I'll send pictures soon, but that requires more time so don't hold your breath.

2010-10-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Question: What is a hot commodity?
Answer: An umbrella in the Hall household (one that isn't broken)

See, in SoCal, umbrellas aren't really used very much. Well - they are if you count their use for sword-fights, battles in the hose and fort building while they play Survivor. Finding one that WORKS properly when it is actually needed is nearly impossible.

Now that means I have to set foot into Target. GAH.......I'm hoping they have a little display right up front b/c my budget does not permit browsing.

2010-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

So, it's the first day of October.

Thought I could like of something profound or at least entertaining, but I got nothing. Nothing but strange, red blood shot eyes......they don't hurt, I got good sleep the last few nights, not painful, only slightly itchy. Things that make ya go hmmmmmmmmmm.
~~Worked~~ Volunteered in the library for a few hours today. I think that puts me at 10hrs. in there for the week. I find myself wanting to read lots of random kids' chapter books now; I might even try the Kingdom Keepers series.
Ian is about to lose one of his top middle teeth. Catch-22 for me -- PLEASE lose the tooth b/c it is so gross; please don't lose the tooth b/c it is all big teeth and growing too fast from here on out.
Amanda's birthday is quickly approaching. She is difficult to shop for.....she IS Punky Brewster. Ugh.
Sean survived his history test; hopefully he'll have the grade soon.
Maggie isn't thrilled that after back-to-school night I now have met her teachers and I know how to retrieve assignments and grades. That girl. Ay-yi-yi. (shocker (not!): her music teacher thinks she's going great.)
We are having the strangest weather...........it was 110 over the weekend; has cooled into the 80s and daily there are random thunderstorms in the area; YET, it hasn't rained at my house. Loving that fact that I actually have to check the weather.

Oh lookie, I just created a blog post, albeit boring. Maybe I need to give you my opinion of Survivor this year. Maybe not.

2010-09-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Let's call this post Fifth Grade, Third Time Around
I remember very little about fifth grade. I remember I had Mrs. Kleppner. I remember that I did my first social studies/fair project on the Pyramids at Giza and the horrible time my Dad had cutting the triangles so they would fit together properly. I remember fifth grade was hard; reading comprehension issues made every subject a challenge from word problems in math to class speed reading with a little machine thingie on the board. I always failed those reading this/answer questions sections b/c I could NEVER keep up much less comprehend what was going on. Somehow I managed b/c my Mom wasn't one to help me with school work. If my brother couldn't help me with math, I was screwed. (THANK YOU Dale for being a good brother!)

The state standards are getting pushed into younger age brackets; they are doing some pre-algebra stuff as far as I'm concerned. Here in CA, 5th grade is hard too. Maggie made it through 5th grade well enough. And here we go again - Sean is in 5th grade. His teacher is awesome and a guru about organization and responsibility. Sean gets the pre-algebra stuff and seems to 'get' math overall. (thank goodness!) BUT (you knew there was a but!) he struggles with reading comprehension as I once did. So I'm delving into US History once again. I'm learning that I certainly didn't truly learn a lot OR I've forgotten a ton (I'll wager a little of both, but I did remember the capital of Kansas!). Sean has his first history chapter test tomorrow. We've been going over his study guides, re-reading the chapter and reviewing vocabulary. He is allowed a notes page so I'm typing it for him. There is such a fine line between feeling like I'm doing too much and letting him handle it on his own. I'm just not one of those sink-or-swim kind of Moms I guess. (I had one of those.) He can sit in the pool and tread water forever but he can't learn to butterfly if he isn't helped along. kwim? I absolutely WILL NOT do the work for my children (book reports, dioramas, science fair projects, etc.) but I feel like it's my job to guide them and help them along. He has studied and written out his notes page but I offered to type it for him so he will have it more clearly written. He told me how he wants it laid-out and how to outline stuff. All I'm doing is typing it b/c he has sports commitments.

So tell me, is typing it for him wrong? It's a notes paper. It's not a state project that he has worked on for six weeks and was expected to type himself. He has studied; he has written notes. I sat with him and went over the chapter/sections to make sure he got the BIG PICTURE. ( he tends to have a hard time analyzing stuff)

Am I fretting over this because my Mom didn't do a thing for me academically? (especially as I struggled to even tread water sometimes) She didn't go to parent teacher conferences, ferpetesake.

I am untying some apron strings with Maggie now in middle school. I'm letting her spread her wings (even if they need to be clipped a little). I want my kids to be confident learners so I will continue to guide them academically.

2010-09-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just for today, I will be grateful that we have groceries and healthy food to eat; many people go hungry.

Just for today, I will be grateful that I have an education and can help my kids with their homework; no matter how tedious it may be.

Just for today, I will be thankful for my home (that is STILL on the market); some people have no shelter.

Just for today, I will be appreciate my four healthy children; just one year ago, one was VERY UN-HEALTHY.

Just for today, I will enjoy the Monday Night Football game, even though the Saints aren't in it (and they lost yesterday).

Just for today, I will SAVOR and appreciate the fact that I have AIR-CONDITIONING; many folks don't have a/c and today is simply miserable w/o it.

2010-09-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

I have a clever football post, but since Blogger is not letting me add the photos once again. I'll wait until I can add them.

For now, I'll post about Maggie. You don't hear about her much so I thought I would share a little about what she's been up to. two words = MIDDLE SCHOOL! She started 7th grade on Sept. 2nd; she walks to school with friends; I have yet to be at the school once (and we are starting week three). It's a whole new time of adjustment for all of us. Not knowing who her teachers are and what she is 'really' doing during the day is weird. I'm at the elementary school so much that I know who is where at any given time; now, she is just out there in some mysterious land called MIDDLE SCHOOL. I'm anxious for back-to-school night so I can meet her teachers/ put a face with a name/ learn about their expectations/ and find out where her locker is. (b/c it's ALL ABOUT THE LOCKER, ya know)

She has re-connected with many friends that she has had from different activities that she didn't attend elementary school with. She has switched from trumpet to french horn in music; and loves it. She just finished participating in Oklahoma at our local community theater. Overall, she is learning to appreciate sleeping in (that's MY girl!), probably watches too much tv, and loves junk food. (sounds pretty typical, huh?) We butt heads a lot but that's probably b/c she is such a carbon copy of me.

And now I would like to formally apologize to my Mother...........Mom, if I was half as difficult as Maggie is to shop with, please accept my apology. Store choices, style choices, color choices, fabric choices, texture choices, $$$ choices - it's enough to make your head spin. And don't forget the game of 'it's too tight; it itches; it feels weird' when Mom suggests something that the daughter hates. I'm so sorry for being a pain.

I think Maggie forgets that I was once 12-1/2 too! Little did I know that I was walking away with a piece of my Mom's heart when I walked off to the bus stop each day.

2010-09-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

You know your house is on the market (and you have a showing) if:
1) you can clean for five hours and you still can find little things to nit-pick and never be DONE!

2) you put apples on the table as a decoration when you ALWAYS keep them in the fridge b/c I hate room temp. apples.

3) you consider clearing the kitchen counter a success by dumping the mail and school papers into a plastic grocery bag and stashing it into the pantry (for sorting during Monday night football).

4) you think 'mopping' the kitchen floor with a hot, soapy dishtowel is perfectly acceptable.

and THE BEST ONE YET:

5) you stash the CLEAN dry laundry waiting to be folded INTO THE EMPTY WASHING MACHINE b/c it's out of sight :)

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

Sssshhhhhhhh.........did you hear that? ....................it's the sound of QUIET. Beautiful, soft silence. No television, no radio, no washer, no dryer, and no bickering children. It's sorta weird, yet peaceful.

School started last Thursday, but today was the first real day with no one getting out early or having to be there for late start. I didn't speak to one person today (I'm not counting Collin on the phone) until I went out to get a key made for Maggie. I'm not really a hobbit or anti-social, but I've really tried to step back on volunteering and the opportunities I have said 'yes' to haven't started yet. Just trying to manage the household; run errands; meal plan; and be less frazzled for the kids in the afternoon.....I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I even walked to the dog! I know all of our days won't be like this when assignments and projects hit into high gear.

For now, I'm off to make dinner and pretend I have perfect clothes & hair like June Cleaver. I'm probably more on the level of Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond though. (disclaimer: my mother-in-law is awesome and has actually taught me how to cook!)

2010-08-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

There is one thing you should know about me by now; I'm a BIG football fan. Have been for years, but with my boys in the game now too I love it even more. Today was our big day -- certification and the Pep Rally. We do it all: logo stickers, tattoos, hair paint, clothing; I had face paint but ran out of time. Here is Amanda = Super Fan in the stands, ready to cheer on her brothers.

Sean is on Clinic Gold this year -- he's #12 and apparently too cool to give me a real smile. I still got his dimples.

And Ian with his super cool head coach/ aka Dad.

After meeting the teams, the 8th graders saluting their parents, watching the cheerleaders, and listening to Derrick Mayes briefly talk, we watched a short Kenny Chesney video linked with his song, The Boys of Fall. It is excellent (and it's bonus that Sean Payton is in it!)

Saturday's might be filled with blue and gold lightning bolts. BUT make no mistake, Sunday's are all about black and gold and fleur-de-lis -- WHO DAT!

2010-08-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

So ----
in case you were wondering:
1) yes, we are moving. The house is on the market. Where we will end up is unknown at this point? For today I am focusing on maintaining the house and just enjoying the rest of the summer.

2) Amanda's MRI is Monday (8/23) with doctor follow-up in the afternoon. THANKS to everyone who has been so supportive over this time.

3) Football is in full swing. It's all football all the time with some travel baseball and Oklahoma theatre stuff thrown in.

4) The Pacific Ocean was 59* yesterday. Cramp-your-feet kind of cold! But the beach was still awesome. Even better that Sean packed the food/drink bag and all the beach stuff while I finished getting the house ready for showing. Planning more beach time next week b/c that's how we roll.

5) Book suggestion --- Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping --- great little math problem solving book while still being about that silly monkey family. Fun read aloud.

6) Another trip to Goodwill today -- that's five in about two weeks. I feel ten pounds lighter. Why is my butt still big?

2010-08-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

My darling girlie.......Miss Amanda has come so far. Her independent, fiesty spirit has gotten her through so much over the last year. This time last year she was having lots of headaches and I thought it was because she needed glasses, so I scheduled an eye exam. Oh, how wrong I was. Still don't forgive myself for waiting.

I recently made her a scrapbook detailing her journey. She doesn't remember some of it; it's really interesting to hear her perspective on some things (especially since she couldn't talk for a while). This season on So You Think You Can Dance there was a dance that was choreographed that represented the choreographer's journey with his mother's illness..........it moves me everytime I watch. My heart just melts b/c it brings me back to Amanda's bedside; watching her struggle; and the two-steps-forward-one-step-back that recovery brings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm6MidMyFe8

Soak in the amazing dance that it is and then go hug your loved ones.

2010-08-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

Another brain dump.....it's all I have energy for........

we are moving. Don't know when or where to, but it's in the near future. Made another Goodwill drop off today. Collin put sod in the front and painted a lot this weekend. I added a lot of flowers here and there along with decluttering.

Had a productive weekend with beach time on Friday and Monday. Can't complain about the beach. Newport had a SUPER low tide while we were there and we wound up with a little lagoon and sandbar. It was surreal.

Maggie's room is done including the closet, dresser, and desk. Moving will be easy, keeping it neat is the hard part for Mag. Working on the boys room currently. Why don't I feel like I'm accomplishing much.

First Oklahoma dress rehearsal tonight. Need to get ribbon for a sash.

Amanda's MRI is scheduled for 8/23 with doctor follow-up the same day.

No news on the job front for me.

What should I make for dinner? Needs to be re-heating friendly b/c the boys need to eat after football and we'll be at theatre.

Hate living in limbo, but Balboa bars make me happy.

2010-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Random brain dump --
Maggie is cooking breakfast and dinner this week. She conquered pancakes this morning. Tonight is chicken alfredo and steamed green beans. She has a menu; we need to grocery shop. I'm hoping she learns cooking skills and a new appreciation for making dinner and keeping every happy about the meal in front of them.

Need to schedule Amanda's MRI.

De-clutter 2010 continues.

The kids are watching videos from when they were babies. Things they are learning --- Sean talked funny and loved his pacifier; Amanda cried a lot; visiting Ohio is always fun whether winter or summer; seeing the cousins in the clothes that came to us as hand-me-downs is weird; we miss Grandpa Hall :*(

School starts in a month; I don't know if I can afford to feed these children for that long b/c they eat CONSTANTLY if we are home.

Need to hit Target for school supplies sale. And socks. And underwear.

I need to take advantage of that free bowling thing I signed up for.

Need to call the district about my job search.

And

Must be football season......

2010-07-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

END of the road.......our journey comes to a close --

On Tuesday, we hit the movies with the Caludas. Toy Story 3 --- go see it. Entertaining, funny, and touching all wrapped in one. Then we headed to Bud's Broiler; YUMMY FOOD once again. (although my kids didn't really like it, the heathens) If you ever get a chance to visit one, get a #4 with sauce :)

We returned to my brother's house and I got ready for an evening out with friends from high school. We went to a place called Corks n' Canvas where you paint while you enjoy appetizers and wine. Yes, I said paint. Me. The non-artistic one. It was a blast!!!!! Such good company and fun to catch up with old friends. My painting turned out pretty good. I think Collin & Ron need to add this service to the wine bar on Sunday afternoons.

Then, it was our last day....sob! I retrieved Sean from the Caludas even though he wants them to adopt him. Then we hit the Black & Gold Store.....or should I say, SAINTS FAN HEAVEN. THANK YOU Grandma Hall for the vacation money which helped off-set the cost of their goodies. It's a good thing we live so far away from this store (I know they have a web-site, but I'm not telling that info. to the kids). Then we headed to my Mom's for some Popeyes and a little family time before heading to the airport. We spent some time playing outside together and enjoying some watermelon.

Then, cue homesickness. We headed to the airport. Landed smoothly at LAX. And immediately felt the rat race of SoCal. The weather is the happy ending.

(pictures updated on facebook)

2010-07-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Day Five & Six--
A quiet morning (if you want to call it that with eight kids in the house) at my brother's house. We attended a b-day party with them and the kids had fun. After enjoying another afternoon thunderstorm we made our way across the Causeway to the Northshore......Mandeville to be exact. And then it was adventures in BOY-LAND. Boys everywhere -- Kathlynn's four, my two, and lots of assorted neighbors. How does the old saying go? "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt"......well, that someone would be Ian. He took a baseball bat to the head; scared the bejeeebers out of us, but he was just fine. With a nasty mark on his forehead. My homesick meter went up a few notches when I got to see the AMAZING homes in the area and the neighborhoods with tons of kids, no fences, and pick-up games galore. Just how it should be. Add in some sweat and a few bugs. Popeyes for dinner was the icing on the cake.

Sunday was more of the same but even better. Woke up to the kids sharing some Beatles RockBand. Add in some home cookin'--BLTs for lunch and Joe's awesome grilled burgers for dinner. Loads of soccer for the boys; Sean was even so busy he skipped dinner. Yes, skipped dinner. Maggie savored every moment at the piano that she could; we REALLY need to get her lessons; she is such a natural. After dinner we took the kids for a quick dip in the pool and then shared watermelon by moonlight.

Can you say perfect summer days! (except for Ian's sore head)

(side note: Sean has asked to move to New Orleans; he said he didn't even mind the humidity!)

2010-07-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Day Four - Part Deaux --

So we arrived at my brother's Sat. evening. My Mom was there and she was able to enjoy seeing all eight grandkids together for the first time. A little crazy, but mostly just plain fun. We got take out from R&O's; heaven on wrapped in white paper, I tell ya........R&O's special = roast beef, ham and swiss, DRESSED, lot's o' gravy. I was just a tad happy. It wasn't ALL about the food, but it was certainly a highlight.

Seeing the cousins together and spending time as a family was really nice. My brother and sister-in-law are so welcoming. That's not easy when you are adding four kids to their four -- kids ages 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 3, 2. So taking a picture was a little crazy.

See, the pictures on facebook b/c blogger is still being a PAIN.

2010-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Where was I? Oh, yeah -- Day FOUR, Part One

Cajun country continued -- we headed to Vermillionville near Lafayette, LA. It is a cultural center celebrating southern Louisiana history. It has quiant little buildings showing us what life was like many years ago from the kitchen to the schoolhouse to the church and more. (For all you CA folk, it's like doing a field trip about the gold rush.) We meandered the grounds and mid-way through a spectacular thunderstrom blew in. It was fantastic; complete with pouring rain ("it's raining side-ways") and loud, booming thunder. The kids didn't care. The water was warm and perfect to run in; jump in puddles; and try to catch a raindrop or two. My kids sampled fresh figs right off the tree and we were treated to an old-fashioned Cajun Jam on the way out. Lots of toe tappin' and hand clappin'; we absolutely loved it. Completely soaked, we headed to lunch at Prejean's (pronounced Pray-zhon) for the BEST LUNCH EVER. Sean tasted fried frog's legs and fried alligator; loved it! I had crawfish etoufee and a crawfish pie; holy cow, SO GOOD!

On the road again, Saturday afternoon we bid a fond farewell to the Poynot family and headed back to Metairie to visit my brother and his family. More cousin time. Day Four, part two to come soon.

(sorry Blogger isn't letting me add, yet again, GRRRR!) Check the Facebook album for pics ;)

2010-07-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

Aaaahhhhh, SUMMER
What does it mean to you?
For me,
it's days at the beach and never-ending beach towel laundry.
it's beautiful summer fruit ESPECIALLY watermelon.
it's thinking about everything I eat b/c I have to fit into a bathing suit.
it's sleeping in and lazy mornings except for the much anticipated week of VBS.
it's finally de-cluttering random baskets, papers, mail, and such......even though it means passing the Disney videos to the Goodwill box.
it's washing cars in the evening so we can cool off and have water fights.
it's having a crazy expensive electric bill and a constantly running a/c.
it's Angels baseball, the Tour de France, and Irvine Chargers football (eight more days 'til it starts)!

What does summer mean to you...........

2010-07-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

I think this cat is looking at me (but I only wear crocs for yard work) It's been a STUPID day ---well if you want to call it that. It's just that awful first day back from vacation. I don't have mounds of laundry; it's just the slap-in-the-face of reality in general. House needed to be cleaned; kids arguing over the Wii; I'm incredibly homesick for NOLA; Ian broke my painting frame; and then the container of freshly-made sweet tea decided to unload in my fridge and fill the door shelves and every other nook and crannie. Like I said a stooooopid day.

I'll get back to more daily pics. of our trip soon, but seeing the photos will likely just make me more homesick. So for now, I'm going to bed and hoping for a less stupid day tomorrow.

2010-07-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Day THREE -- Bayou Babes!
We arrived in Broussard Thursday evening so on Friday we had tons of time to just visit and FINALLY (as Mia says) be there at the Poynots' home. And what a fun time. Amanda and Mia are attached at the hip; we think they have the same brain b/c if Mia says 'hot cocoa' then Amanda must have 'hot cocoa'. etc., etc. It's really fantastic to see their bond --- they are pen pals and just adore each other.
Then there is TEAM TROUBLE aka Sean and Matthew. Both 10 yrs. old, goof balls, and sports fantatics. Sean was beyond thrilled to be introduced to air soft guns. They are basically so funny together b/c they are what you imagine to be 'typical little boys'....laughing, playing, and wrestling every minute. (and they eat a lot too!)

Here is my AMAZING, beautiful, talented and loving friend Kelda. She gave Maggie another quick lesson in knitting; now Maggie is really rolling on a scarf (or something) and she can even make basic corrections. Kelda's home-schooling store is incredible; she cooks & bakes from scratch; and she has the patience of a saint. I want to be her when I grow up.

Our fish fry was the PERFECT dinner before our evening swamp tour. Right in Breaux Bridge (pronounced bro-bridge for all you non-Cajun folk) we took off for an evening on the water --- tupelo and cypress trees, spanish moss, egrets, ibis, frogs and even a few gators. The sights and sounds of sunset in the swamp was breathtaking. I was so happy that my kids got to experience something that is so different from the SoCal way of life.

Sean had quite the keen eye and spied this 2yr. old gator that had just caught a fish next to our boat. Our guide did a little fake bait thing to get him moving; boy was it fast!

Then our guide scrambled over and grabbed this little thing out of nowhere. He said he 'saw the weeds moving' ......huh? OK, thanks ---the kids got to touch this one year old. And then we released it to the safety of its home.

We dodged a thunderstorm, but the thunder and lighting was quite spectacular. And we didn't melt, but it sure felt like we were going to.

2010-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Day Two -- It's COUSIN time!!!!!!
Did I mention it's HOT.....like sweat dripping down the back of your legs while you are sitting in the shade. Oh, sorry, too much information. I'll move on to the pictures.
the three girl cousins (on my side of the family).....absolutely precious bonding through City Park

this is Dominic, my brother's 7yr. old.......trying not to melt as we waited for the train.

the eight Moore cousins (ages 12,10,8,7,6,6,3,2)...the first time they have all been together. It was really cool to just watch them smoosh together and go with it; Maggie is wondering if we can fit 3yr. old Daphne into her backpack to take her home.

Beautiful City Park---lots of green trees, spanish moss, and a little breeze (well, from the train ride at least). We pretty much closed down the amusement park at 3pm but not without grabbing sno-balls first! Maggie's first cherry sno-ball.......she is already asking for a root beer one next.

We headed to Cajun Country aka Broussard; where the Poynots live. Kelda is my long lost Southern sister. I am so glad we made this trek. And so are the kids. Amanda and Mia are attached at the hip; the boys are in heaven.

Day Three photos to come soon.

2010-07-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

THE BIG EASY - Day One

Well, typing this post would be Easier if my E wasn't sticking -- grrrr!

The kids and I are off on a vacation to visit family and friends in Southern Louisiana. It's humid, hot and sticky but nothing a little a/c can't resolve. We were busy with the Children's Museum (including an impromptu tour of the surrounding streets/Superdome/Tulane Med. center b/c I got lost!)

A walk around the Jackson Square/Moonwalk/Cafe Du Monde

and listening to the steam Calliope from the Natchez.

A great day topped off with fried crab claws, a warm bath and our friends' air-conditioned house.

2010-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

I've really never really been an avid reader. When I was a kid, ready for pleasure was not something I would ever choose to do. My brother read a ton and I just never understood WHY he would enjoy it. Fast forward the college and reading for pleasure never happened b/c I was constantly reading for school and holy cow did that make my brain hurt. Then I discovered children's literature.....it was magical. I loved that class and I had a whole new appreciation for where stories could take you - Dear Mr. Henshaw and Bridge to Terabithia opened my world. And Charlotte's Web! Good stuff.

So, I thought I would try to expand my closed mind and READ for pleasure. I read a few true crime books and a couple from Iris Johansen. Not a bad start, but not really hooked. Then I had kids. I absolutely wanted them to learn to love books. We read a lot --- The Big Red Barn and Barnyard Dance are burned into my memory banks. We visited the library often and participated in storytimes, etc. It was just that having four different reading levels had made reading a chore again. I have always read to the kids but it really tapered off b/c I was burnt out, bedtime routine got SUPER LONG, and how many times can you really read Hop on Pop (same story, different kid)? Yet still made library trips b/c I wanted them to love books. We listen to books on CD when we travel, even. (you MUST listen to the Hank the Cowdog series, so funny and clever!)

Fast forward to school age.........and I feel defeated. All my elementary school struggles came raring back with having to READ for homework and read BECAUSE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO. Add in book reports.........boom, all the fun got sucked out. AND my kids feel the same way. They all love to be read to, but to read for pleasure or to get through an assignment is pure torture.

So, I made a conscious decision about a year ago, I need to set the example by reading for pleasure MYSELF. Bah, but who has the time??? I found the James Patterson 1,2,3,4 Women's murder club series at a garage sale---I snagged all four for a $1 total. I buzzed through the first three and then was introduced to the Twilight series. I read Twilight in a week, HUH, me??? I finished that series, read a few assorted chick lit. books, a true crime book, and now I'm back into the Women's Murder Club series. I started book 4 in February and now I'm up to book 8 -- how'd that happen??? AND I stopped and read The Time Traveler's Wife and Suzanne's Diary for Nicolas (while I was waiting for book 7 at the library).

I think my plan is working. The kids were stunned when I picked up book 8 this week. "Wow, Mom that was fast. What's happening in this one?" We all have been reading daily. I've been told that more practice will help with their reading struggles. I'm trying. Currently, Maggie is reading Dream Factory; Sean is reading Babe Ruth & the Baseball Curse; Amanda is reading Night of the Ninjas (Magic TreeHouse series); and Ian's two books from today were The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and Hot-Air Henry by Mary Calhoun. I read with Sean and Amanda so I can review comprehension with them. Ian is working on Dick and Jane stuff, too. BUT I am still working to find reading time for myself. I have become the creepy, book lady --- I carry my book in my purse all the time. I read during breaks at theatre, waiting for doctor appts., baseball practice, and occasionally when I have a few minutes and I'm not too sleepy.

Still waiting for the day when my kids become readers-for-pleasure. I can only keep trying. It only took me 40 years.

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Well, I know where I haven't been -- exercising, but something had to be dropped from the schedule for a bit. A busy week and now we are heading into a busy summer, but it's all good. It started with dance recital for the girls on 6/17. Then on Sunday, Sean and his friends on the Blue Angels won the USSSA State Championship in baseball. It was spectacular to watch and even better that there snack bar has a/c and beer :) (Hey, I waited until after the game to cool off; give me some credit!) He's moving on to 5th grade; he's getting to big for my comfort zone.

Maggie had a busy week of 6th grade activities and then she had her promotion-to-middle-school ceremony on Wednesday. I was calm, settled, and happy UNTIL her amazing teacher got up to say a few words before giving the certificates. She began by singing to them; yes, singing to them. Ms. Hager is so talented and sang to them & with them often. You guessed it --- I lost it. Music is so important to me and to see how it connected her to her students was inspiring. What a great teacher; I'm thrilled that she 'got' Maggie and brought out the best in her.

So in seven months ---Amanda was able to get back onto the dance and theatre stage (currently in Wizard of Oz) and finish her school year strong by passing another speed/math quiz. She is going to do a reading clinic for a bit this summer and we have lots of library trips planned. She is going on to 3rd grade. She continues to amaze us.

and Ian.................he is officially a 1st grader.........sniff! He loves life and is pretty much up for anything. Especially if it involves water like swimming or the beach, but he'll settle for water guns or the sprinkler too. A true California boy!

We've only had a few 'real' summer days since they got out on last Wed. Just mostly hung out; swam a bit; did some errands. AND everyone is still alive. Even the fleas that are currently making me crazy.

(I've been saving this for days with hopes that blogger would let me add more pictures, but it won't. Grrrr!)

Stay tuned -- I might not be so chipper next time I post.

2010-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

PERSPECTIVE........
I truly try to be a glass 'half-ful' kind of gal, the key word being try! It's not always easy and there some days when I'm done - I say I'm done - and the glass isn't just empty, it doesn't even have any lingering drops of water at the bottom.

We are finishing up school with tests and projects; heading into dress rehearsals for Wizard of Oz; prepping for dance recital next week; practicing for baseball and next week's tournament; going on field trips; and most importantly, GETTING READY FOR SUMMER! From my perspective, the kids are growing rapidly and next (school) year brings a new chapter to my life with having a middle-schooler and all of the other three in full-time. But for now, I'm reflecting on what this year has brought to our family......

Maggie --- she has grown so much (even though she's still short, lol!) and has taken her role as big sister to a new level. Her bond with Ian is incredible and she has really understood the severity of Amanda's hospital ordeal. She even spoke yesterday at an assembly promoting the KidsWhoCare club; and about how they came and sang Christmas carols to us and brought a card quilts and toys for Amanda in the hospital. She is still a fiesty 12yr. old, but I see such amazing things in her. She is ready to grab middle school by the horns (literally, too b/c she is switching from trumpet to french horn next year).

Sean -- he's my dude; he makes me laugh and gives me headaches all at the same time. He has worked hard on lots of things this year from reading to math and beyond. His writing has improved and he has started to discover that math is pretty cool. His true passion is sports (and not school), he works hard at whatever job he is given; including being deligent about taking the trash out b/c he has also discovered the beauty of an allowance. At 10yrs. old, he's as strong as an ox and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Amanda -- my little miracle; a fighter; and independent soul. To say she is amazing just puts it so simply. It hit me yesterday! As I was curling her hair and putting makeup on her face for dance recital pictures, my heart lept. We've done this same routine for years with dance and theatre, but this year it's different. She has fought SO HARD to be where she is now. She is dancing on the stage (and getting ready to perform in theatre) when seven months ago she couldn't sit up unassisted; she couldn't talk; she couldn't eat. It takes my breath away. She got a 100% on her math quiz last week; it was combo add & subtract..........she is upset b/c most of the kids in her class are doing multiplication quizzes. Perspective, girlie ---one step at a time, my sweet one. She is spunky and stubborn and I love her to pieces.

And Ian -- he's the little dude. Kindergarten is bittersweet; they go in as little five year olds and come out as big thinking six year olds who have reading skills and new teeth! He has loved every minute of school from his friends to his teacher to big buddies (with Maggie). There is lots of talk about what first grade will bring and my heart melts a little. From my perspective, he will always be my baby; from his perspective, he's BIG but he loves being the baby. When I see him crash on the couch for a nap from the exhaustion of play/swim/life, it is a reminder of how much he is still growing and how so very soon he'll only nap when he's sick or old enough to be a teen-ager (ack!).

I'm writing this so on the days when my glass is empty (along with my wallet) I can get reach deep and change my perspective. To see, that I have a lot to be thankful for. To have a glass thats FULL or at least half-ful, especially if it contains a margarita.

2010-06-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Winning the war, one battle at a time........

well, that isn't the best way to think about food and kids, but you can understand where I'm coming from as a parent. I know, I know. Pick you battles. Food was never a battle I was fighting; I have always gone with the montra 'it's my job to feed you healthy food, it's your job to eat it' OR in simpler terms 'fine - don't eat. You don't get anything else.' They both work.

I have never made seperate meals for my kids. If we were eating something new or 'unusual', I always made sure that there was SOMETHING they would eat. Yes, that means they sometimes had fruit for dinner and nothing else. They have all survived; no one has starved. YET. I'm still trying lots of new recipes.

It seems that offering lots of things through the years is slowly paying off. Take the evolution of red beans and rice ---- it started out as red beans (in a small bowl so it didn't touch the other items on the plate), plain white rice, sausage bites on the side, carrot sticks, and a roll. And you can guess what got eaten. But I kept at it. No self-respecting Southern girl would have children who don't eat red beans and rice!!!!!!! I'm SO HAPPY to say that last night every single one of my kids ate red beans and rice together in a bowl (Sean even ventured into adding Tabasco). Now, they did only each eat ONE BITE of the creamed spinach and no one died......I'll keep working on that one. See, it's an evolution.

I'm learning to be happy and NOT complain about what my kids eat. Today for lunch Ian ate one leftover bbq chicken leg, some carrot sticks/cucumber slices/red bell pepper slices, strawberries and a cup of peach yogurt. Unless you think I'm being smug, I'm only happy he eats like this because it has to cancel out all the candy running through his veins.

For the record, I don't consider myself a Food Nazi. The kids usually eat ice cream after school every day. Home-made sweet tea is probably their favorite drink; and drinking milk means adding Nesquik. And you don't want to know about fast food/pizza/baseball snack bar junk. However, the big picture involves lots of home-cooking, new recipes, and an introduction to sno-balls in New Orleans this summer.

2010-05-31T14:17:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So many people call me the Paparazzi of the family.....I consider it a compliment :) May is always a busy month for us, but this is a slideshow sample of a few things that the kids were up to. From My Fair Lady to Maggie's b-day (and her Day at Disney with Dad) to Amanda's first Communion (and then crazy broken arm). Also, the Junior Games, 4th grade play for Sean, and finishing up baseball. Add in state testing for the kids (not Ian) and Open House. I'm sure I missed something along the way, but as May comes to a close we are saluting the troops on this Memorial Day. Good ole' bbq, Collin's famous potato salad, watermelon and apple pie.

2010-05-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

I really need to stop it with the 'what a difference 24hrs. makes' style posts. Remember this--

http://hall6inca.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-difference-day-makes.html Well, here it is only appropriate once again.

On Saturday, 5/15, Amanda made her First Holy Communion. She was just beautiful (even though she wasn't thrilled to have to wear a dress). We were so proud of her. After her evening Mass, some friends joined us at Dave & Buster's for dinner and arcade play. It was fun and a great way to celebrate Amanda's day.

Fast forward 24 hrs. ............after a fall down stairs at the the local high school during the Junior Games (kids' track meet), she was once again in the ER.

Two broken bones in her lower left arm ......nasty (can you see the warp?)

She was a champion patient. After sedation to set the bones we headed home with a splint. Hopefully she'll get a cast next week after confirmation that the swelling has gone down and it is healing well.

Aside from not being comfortable when she sleeps, she is handling it well. Never a dull moment.

2010-05-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Recently a few of my friends have posted Gratitude Lists on their blogs. Occasionally I just need to be a copy-cat b/c I'm all out of ideas or simply too tired to be creative. It's been a crazy (crazier than usual) week with no end in sight so I'm going to try to accentuate the positive and try to create a better mood..........

Gratitude List
1) I'm thankful for good friends, especially ones who share breakfast with me at Panera Bread.
2) I'm thankful that Maggie's camera came back to life after she dropped it within two hours of getting it as a b-day gift.
3) I'm thankful that Amanda is able to audition for Wizard of Oz and that today is the last day of auditions.
4) That Ian had a great baseball season and that his season is DONE!
5) That Sean's teacher pushed back his book report deadline b/c it's PowerPoint format AND I can't help him b/c I don't know how to so we have time to ask for help.
6) That Sandee and her kids are able to attend Amanda's First Communion this weekend.
7) That we have birthday cake! Cake makes everything better.

2010-05-09T19:25:00.001-07:00

TIME
As the days roll by, I find myself measuring time in small increments all starting at Halloween 2009; I guess you could call it Tumor Time. I don't know. It's strange. There are so many things in life that are measured or recorded as milestones and people often refer to them on a regular basis. For example, dating "we've been dating six months" and then marriage "we've been married six months" and ESPECIALLY when you have children....."the baby is six days, six weeks, six months old".

And sometimes it seems surreal when you measure other things; like the fact that my Dad has been gone for almost 21 years. Longer than he was in my life.

I tend to think of this new 'tumor time' much like most people would a major life-changing occurence. I hear people all the time mention that they are 'five years sober' or 'two years cancer free'. It is a BIG DEAL! And the fact that six months ago, Amanda couldn't talk, walk, or swallow is nothing short of amazing. So today we are celebrating six months post-tumor for Amanda and all of the changes it has brought to our home. Six months that has made me appreciate being a Mom even more. Happy Mother's Day to me and all the amazing Moms out there!

2010-05-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's May 5th.....Cinco De Mayo; Sean has a baseball game so that means about as mexican as my kids are going to get for dinner is Nachos from the snack bar. BUT -- I have been trying to continue in my cooking adventures overall. And I'm happy to say the family is actually consuming what I'm making so it's a good thing!

Last night, I made Spicy Chicken Shawarma -- from Cooking Light, April 2010. It was really easy (made easier by my neighbor who had ground ginger and coriander b/c I didn't!). And probably one of the best parts was that it was all from scratch and tasted so fresh. AND it didn't take very long to make.

While the chicken cooked, I cut the cucumber, tomato and onion; prepped the yogurt sauce. I also steamed the artichokes and prepped the fruit. THAT WAS IT!

Healthy, well-balanced meal :)

Well, if you don't count the butter that everyone dipped the steamed artichokes into.

2010-04-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is April 30th and then it's MAY!!!! Really? How'd that happen? Didn't we just start this school year? Wasn't it Halloween and Amanda was in the hospital, just yesterday? Nope. Time flies!

And that is apparent b/c today my niece, Sarah Lynne, turns 17. (that's her on the left) She's an awesome young lady. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Baseball is in full swing (no pun intended) with both of the boys' teams heading toward the playoffs. Amanda is ready to roll with her first Holy Communion on May 15th (my dad's birthday) and Maggie is currently in My Fair Lady at the local theatre.

May means state testing the kidlets, Maggie's b-day, and trying to finish up the school year. It also means registering Maggie for 7th grade at the middle school. YIKES, already? I went to a parent orientation this morning and I'm anxious to discuss electives and all the expectations that middle school brings. Organization isn't Mag's forte so we'll have to see how this goes.

I have a 6th grade beach party to plan and summer is looming. As usual, it will be a busy one, but I'm excited about sleeping in, beach days, camping, New Orleans, VBS, and flag football for Ian.

Before I know it will be September and the madness will start all over again.

2010-04-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is a post in which I will stand on my soap box - you have been warned!

So, we are currently in the midst of a TV-free week. Well, let me re-phrase that.........MY CHILDREN are currently in the midst of a TV/electronics/screen-free week. Also known as the WEEK OF RIDICULOUSNESS!!!!

I know that kids in general watch too much TV (this includes video games, etc.); overall my kids probably do too. But combined with plenty of outside playtime and assorted activities, I think my kids are getting along just fine. Let me repeat I think my kids are getting along fine. And isn't that the bottom line. I don't think it's up to the school to really worry about this. I monitor what they watch (and even bicker with my husband about it) but that is MY job. I monitor how much they watch; and some days are best in pjs and mindless television. Who says ManTracker isn't physical when it gets your adrenaline flowing? Cooking shows --- hey, they all tried fried cauliflower and liked it, thanks Paula Deen!

My children aren't overweight; they aren't allowed food in the television area anyway (other than popcorn on family movie nights). They eat a balanced diet (including fast food, gasp!) and are all involved in physical activities.

I understand the whole idea ---- spend more time as a family; use your brain for creative activities; can you survive w/o television? But instead of saying how about you pick a day and do something special/different (and turn off the TV!) it becomes a challenge of miserable proportions where the kids are grumpy and playing family TV police b/c "it's the rule" and "I'll get in trouble!" We can't watch the Laker game on Sat. afternoon b/c of school - Really??? Seriously. I have bigger fish to fry.

Example --- Today, I played Lincoln logs and made cookies (for inquiring minds, oatmeal raisin choc. chip [with wheat germ, muhaha]) after school with Ian. After playing at the school playground for a few, we headed home with all of the kids for homework. Three of the kids are outside playing basketball while Mag finishes homework. Amanda has dance class. I'll have them help me make tacos for dinner; do dishes, etc. Why does the day finish on a grumpy note? B/c I have to say 'no you can't watch TV for 30min. to chill before bed.' Apparently you haven't seen the new LIFE series???? And don't even try to say "Well, they should be reading instead" because they already spend time routinely engaged with books at bedtime. So in the end, all of the other non-TV time of activities and being busy don't seem to count for much and it just makes me feel like a crappy parent.

I just don't buy this 'Turn off the TV Week' mumbo jumbo. And I refuse to do. After I tuck my kids in, you better believe I'll have the DVR rolling. How can I possibly fold laundry w/o catching up on Days of our Lives? Ok, fine. Maybe I could try no TV, but no email or Facebook. Please.

I'll happily bake a fresh batch of cookies (you pick!) to the first teacher who tells me that he/she hasn't checked her IPhone for seven days.

2010-04-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

In case you out there in cyber-land are wondering, YES - my friends and I survived the 3.8mile Mud Run this past week. We laughed most of the way through it, encouraged each other, and got down and dirty! I'll post pictures at some point.

Today, I've got lots of questions rolling through my brain so I thought it would make an interesting review style post........
1) How is it that my 10yo son can never remember to bring his lunchbox home, but he knows exactly what the score was of Lakers game the other day?
2) Why does my 6yo son like grilled cheese but no other form of cheese on the planet (is he really my kid?)?
3) How can Maggie be SO EXHAUSTED after school that she can barely handle doing homework but when it comes to My Fair Lady rehearsal she can dance for hours?
4) Why did Amanda feel the need to behave like a 'Chinese Man' during her doctor's appt. today....and Why did everyone find it hilarious while I was mortified?
5) How many people are coming to my scrapbooking workshop tomorrow? How much food should I make?
6) Taxes? Really? Is today April 15th?
7) Is it true that Angie signed she and I up for a 10K in a few measly weeks? (answer, YES!)
8) How did I get myself into #7?
9) Why am I so incredibly blessed by the grace of God that he is sending his healing power to Amanda and she is doing so well? How did we get so lucky?

2010-04-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

EASTER 2010.............a beautiful weekend filled with great food, fun, and friends. Collin managed to find some hot boiled crawfish; I was worried that they simply wouldn't be up to 'our' standards (ya know, the Southern spicy kind!). Well, my worries quickly disappeared when I got one whiff as he walked in the door. I danced around my kitchen as I got a sample of a few (or three, or ten!) We also made fried catfish. Literally, a Good Friday.

We spent a lot of time just being home --- cleaning, gardening, prepping food for Easter. The kids had fun with the egg hunt at church and then our family egg hunt on Easter morning at home. The eggs were actually more challenging this year; it was quite funny to tell the boys 'you are warm; you are HOT' and they still didn't see the purple egg in the tree. Easter breakfast of champions for me = coffee and a Reese's peanut butter egg followed up with a couple of Peeps! Maggie is quite fond of Peeps as well.

After church, we had our friend Ron and his family over for Easter dinner --- a fresh pork uncured ham on the grill; potato casserole; salad; baked macaroni; homemade baklava; cake; brownies......Ooooo, my. Add in an earthquake during dinner to shake things up and a good time was had by all.

Even Fritz was treated to nibbling on the pork leg bone for a little bit.

It's spring break this week for the kidlets. We have NO plans.

Well, I have plans of sleeping in daily.
(I've been trying to add pictures for two days but Blogger won't let me, ugh!)

2010-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

GOOD STUFF

On Monday, I went with Ian's class to the local U-Pick strawberry (& produce) farm. To see the pure excitement in the kids' eyes about riding in a school bus, riding in the wagon pulled by a tractor, and picking strawberries just warms my heart so much. They just see the fun in the little things.......somewhere in adulthood this is lost. (probably when the reality of bills and responsibility takes hold, but it's still sad that most people don't appreciate the little things)We were able to taste FRESH organically grown spinach, sugar snap peas, celery, green onion, lettuce, and carrots as the guide told us about different parts of plants; irrigation; etc. I was shocked and amazed with how eagar Ian was to just eat everything (well, most of the kids did actually).

THEN it was time for the main event..............strawberry picking. After being instructed on how to properly pick the berries and that 'the redder, the better' is the way to decide, the kids were off. Eating to their hearts content while they filled their own basket.

I went with the 'one for me, one for you' philosophy on helping the kids. Of course, I didn't have a basket so my one for me simply went into my mouth. Ian was anxious to share his loot & have fresh strawberry/orange/banana smoothies after school.

2010-03-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? What have I been up to? With Amanda in school I must have all the time in the world, right? WRONG....... pour yourself a cup of coffee and check out the latest.

One thing I've been up to is exercising! Believe it or not. ME - exercising. Well, I'm motivated by the fact that the Irvine Lake Mud Run is in two weeks and I'm registered as a team with three friends. It's about five miles on the hills/ through the mud/ over walls and such. It will be a blast, but I don't want to finish last. The scale hasn't budged but my clothes fit better. Better than a sharp stick in the eye, I guess.

I've also jumped back into meal planning. It makes life so much less stressful when we are shuffling around to dance, baseball, PT, and such. Whether it's in the crockpot or programmed into delay start on the oven, I'm ready to roll. AND I'm getting adventurous in my old age. I actually used lemongrass and turmeric for the first time last week; I roasted and peeled my own red peppers for chili. Who knew I could cook? My kids aren't necessarily thrilled, but they did like the bacon/ranch/mac&cheese recipe I made. Stay tuned for further cooking adventures.The kids are busy as usual.........Maggie went off to 6th grade outdoor camp this week. She's back in one piece even though she was a ball of tears when she left. She was a FILTHY, hungry camper, but it was nothing some food and a nap couldn't fix. Back in the action, she has rehearsal tonight.Sean is in the heart of baseball season. Baseball, baseball, baseball. His hard work is paying off. Paired with a great coach and a group of hard-working kids, his team is currently in first place. Now, if he just didn't have to go to school he would have more time for baseball. (and maybe a Wii game of MarioKart here or there)

Amanda is continuing to amaze us. She is currently doing a full school day of 'normal' 2nd grade work.......spelling tests, homework, etc. Her balance continues to improve with her dance and physical therapy sessions. Her speech still needs some work, but sometimes I wonder if she is just being a typical 8yo and 'yanking my chain.' I can hardly even see her as the same child who was lying in a hospital bed unable to talk. I certainly feel guilty, but sometimes I just need her to SHUSH. Here she is getting an award for Perserverance........she certainly knows what that means!And then there's Ian...........he's busy turning SIX.

Happy about getting his own Nintendo DS..........

and his birthday cake. And happy to be giving me a run for the money. You'd think that by the time you are on your 4th kid you'd have this parenting thing figured out. NOT......he's his own adorable, challenging little dude.

2010-03-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Another family milestone........another bittersweet moment........a day that was such a blessing --- Amanda returned to school yesterday. A normal, healthy spunky 8yr. old who was up and ready before her siblings; packed her own lunch; and couldn't wait to drop her stuff in line before heading off to the playground. She was ready and indulged my need for a hug (and a few pictures)

She was ready; walked in with her classmates just as she did four LONG months ago.

Even though she said her day was 'bad, b/c she had to do work!' It was a GOOD day; a very GOOD day!

2010-03-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Milestones....

Yet another milestone has been reached for our family. Sean is TEN! as in the big 1-0; as in double digits. My blue-eyed, blonde-haired sports fanatic.

The one who helped his team win the consolation championship on Sunday.

The one who shared some one-on-one ski time with me in Utah; despite the fact that he had to wait for me b/c I'm slow.

The one who still loves to snuggle and be tucked in at night.

Yes, him. I love that little dude.

Happy Birthday Sean!

2010-02-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

As with most people I know, we've been all consumed by the Olympics. Every night we see what's on and gather round as a family to watch. AND it doesn't matter what it is. Speed skating, check; nordic combined, check; snowboard cross (the coolest!), check; downhill, check; and NOW, curling - check.
COME ON, really? An Olympic sport? Sure, it's like shuffleboard, but these folks don't even get to drink beer while they do it. So Collin and his buddy Dale have decided that they are going to recruit Collin's business partner Ron and they are going to form a curling team --- an old guys in denim overalls wearing shrimpin' boots and straw hats team. Wouldn't that be a riot? That would have a huge following, don't you think. No? Ok, I'll let them just dream a little then.

And, in the mean time, I'll be happy I have a DVR b/c I'm missing all my regular shows. Never fear Grey's Anatomy, Amazing Race, and all my shows that are too numerous to type. I'll be back.

2010-02-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

'Piece of Cake' / No problem/ It's Over already?
That was basically Amanda's reaction to her gamma knife radiation treatment yesterday. We got there around 9:30 and they started the process right away. Ya know, more paperwork! Amanda passed the time by watching tv and checking out the equipment. She chose Daddy to go back with her as they did her anesthesia in the mask before inserting her IV. And then came the halo. Not the one I think our little angel normally wears, but the kind that screws into your skull. OW!!!!
We were able to sneak a kiss as they moved her from MRI to Gamma Knife. She was sedated the entire time. What's truly amazing is that they brought us back to her around 2pm and she was slowly trying to wake. And then, by 3pm she was awake, talking, walking and we were in the car heading home. A little ice on the forehead and like she said 'a piece of cake'......

THIS CHILD AMAZES ME!!!!!

(side note: I know these pictures are sometimes hard to look at but taking pictures of the process truly helps Amanda understand what they do. She often has no recollection of times I take pictures. It's all part of helping her process her recovery. It also helps me to keep in perspective how amazingly strong she is when I'm having a hard day handling her new parenting challenges.)

2010-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I updated that I'm almost too embarrassed to even start again. BUT I thought I would jump back in since I know some folks check in even though you don't comment (ahem, that means you!) We started 2010 off right with our traditional cabbage, black-eyed peas, and pork roast hoping it would bring money & health. Who could use a little more of that these days? We enjoyed having Grandma Hall's company until mid-January and then the home-made crepes and my 'crutch' were gone. Deep breath.

My days are mostly filled with assorted doctor appts./assessments/therapies for Amanda on top of her being here for her home teaching sessions. She is doing just AMAZING. She got her hair cut into a darling pixie cut that fits her sassy personality and it is really easy for her to deal with.She went back to her jazz and tap dance classes. No, I'm not kidding.......the child who was in brain surgery on Nov. 3, 2009 was back in dance class two months later. Her IEP is in the works so we are hoping she will be back in her classroom soon. However, please keep her continued recovery in your prayers. Her recent MRI revealed that she does in fact have a small 5mm spot that needs to be addressed. She will get a gamma knife radiation treatment within the next few weeks. We are praying that this will be the only extra treatment she needs (it's outpatient) and she will continue to make huge strides.

The other kids continue to handle this insanity well overall. Maggie is making me so proud with her new-found independence with regard to schoolwork and trumpet practice. This is from the winter concert. She is Ian's 6th grade buddy at school and she couldn't be happier. Now, if I could just get her a little more excited about cleaning her room. Sean has been in the heart of two school projects (now complete, phew!), finishing up basketball, and moving quickly into baseball. He's almost 10; how'd that happen? And.....Ian. He's working hard on learning to read, keeping his name off the board in the classroom, and totally EXCITED about baseball season. Oh yeah, he's excited about losing his teeth too

I've been trying to exercise on a regular basis. I am officially registered for the Irvine Lake Mud Run with three friends; I plan to be ready to KICK BUTT. Collin is trying to catch some sleep when he isn't working or coaching a sport. But most of all, we are busy ROOTING ON THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!It's ALL ABOUT the black and gold Superbowl - WHO DAT!

Sunday can't come soon enough. GEAUX SAINTS!

2009-12-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

A FINAL LOVE THURSDAY --
Ahhhhhh, some reflections to finish up blogging 2009.....
the much asked question --- where were you 10 years ago?

Let's see; I was about 33 weeks pregnant with Sean; couldn't breathe easy much less enjoy a New Year's. I had 19mo. old Maggie and we were anticipating closing escrow on our first home. WOW!!!! Look how much time has flown

Little did I imagine that my bouncing, baby boy that would be born in Feb. 2000 (first grandson on both sides of the family!) would become such a cool little athlete that I just love to pieces [when he isn't making me bonkers]

Now, 10 years later I can tell you that I would have NEVER imagined I would be a Mom of four children, but I can't imagine my life without them. My dear sweet Amanda.....my smallest baby/ little sweet pea/ colic newborn that I thought would do me in. There has always been 'something about Amanda' that everyone loves, and given our medical scare this year, it has just added to the fact that she is simply precious to us

And, then there is our family caboose -- my good luck charm, Ian. When I found out I was pregnant with him, I just wanted to cry. How was I going to survive having four children under six years old? Sure, many mothers have survived it, but this was Me. Holy cow! I was nervous. But once I met this sweet little guy all my nerves were calmed

The days of high chairs, Mom's Club, and preschool have come and gone. It seems unreal that it has been 10 years since the Y2K madness and all that the new millenium was to bring. For now, I'll make a resolution to treasure these days while my kids are little because before I blink it will be turning 2020.

2009-12-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Why wait for spring cleaning? Join me in my insane adventures. (if I didn't know better I'd think I was pregnant and nesting big time, I'm N.O.T.!!!)

It all started the day after Christmas. I had to shuffle some old toys out of the way to have a place for the new ones (in hopes that the boys would actually put them where they belong -- hey, a girl can dream). And it's been all If You Give A Mouse A Cookie style cleaning since then. I wound up completely gutting the boys' room; then my bathroom; then the hallway bathroom; then I vacuumed all upstairs; then I de-funked and prepped the fish tank for more fish; then I started Maggie's room (note: started, b/c it's going to take a while).......tomorrow is more for Maggie, the family room, and the downstairs floors.

What is wrong with me???? Normally, if I keep up laundry and dishes I count my blessings.

It DOES feel great to be getting all of this done. My plan is to conquer closets too before I run out of steam. Like I said, A GIRL CAN DREAM.

2009-12-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow.......has it really been almost a month since I blogged? Really? Well, it must be that the blog posts are written in my head and I can't sit down long enough to actually type them out. Anyway, here I am.

Let's see -- Amanda Update: she had a g-tube placed on 11/30/09; used it for about five days and then started eating like a champ. Seriously, think George Foreman! The girl can eat! It was very frustrating to see that her eating would take off once the ng-tube was pulled, but we had no way of knowing. She did have to have some help learning to swallow, but it didn't take long. Her speech has also taken off; but she will get evaluations for additional assistance with that. She came home on Friday, 12/11/09. She doesn't really use her walker at home anymore but we keep that and her wheelchair handy for outings b/c she tires easily. After a bout of the stomach flu last Sunday, her g-tube came out unexpectedly. I hurried her off to the doc. to make sure there were no issues with the early (& hasty) removal and she is FINE :) A blessing in disguise --- she is tube free and medication free --- not even two months after major brain surgery. Our Christmas Miracle!

It is sooooo nice to be home. I was able to take Amanda to her classroom holiday party and that was nice; she enjoyed every minute. We've enjoyed shopping, wrapping, and all that the holidays bring. Including a bit of chaos -- Our 10ft. tree did fall down out of nowhere, but we only lost a few ornaments and no one was hurt. Four of us had the stomach flu AT ONCE; truly an ugly, nasty circus of buckets and beach towels...shudder.... Collin wrecked his truck today, but it was single vehicle and no one was hurt. I truly have to find the silver lining in most of what life is throwing us these days because I am ever so thankful to have my precious daughter HERE and healthy. She still has a long road of recovery but she has us helping her on that road.

I have more recent pictures to post but I'll save those for my next post. I promise it won't take me a month.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

2009-11-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

I DO have other children. They are fairing well through this whole chaotic situation. We've tried to keep life as normal as possible with only a few hitches in the schedule. They are keeping Grandma Hall on her toes, but love having her here. Here they are.........my beautiful children 'cleaned up' for Thanksgiving; I didn't ask them to do this so it was a nice (and funny) surprise.

No shoes necessary; and Sean's case, no shirt either. Bring on the redneck jokes!

2009-11-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

Pictures of our new normal --
Amanda's fancy tent-bed. She is quite the mover and shaker these days and for safety reasons we zip her in at night to keep her from climbing out unassisted.

She has had some fun visits with many therapy dogs. This is Cooper --
Her days are busy with speech, occupational, and physical therapies.
Maggie came for an extended afternoon visit last weekend and she spent some time reading with Amanda and just keeping her company.

Slow and steady wins the race.............and Amanda IS winning!

2009-11-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

It's been three weeks.........three long weeks since I've heard my sweet daughter's precious voice. I lie here tonight snuggling next to her trying to quiet her restlessness and just be in the moment with her; trying to ease her confusion and frustration as to what happened to her. Does she truly understand? How can she; I still don't. I cry silent, hot tears lying next to her. What is she thinking? I wish I knew. I wish I knew how to reach into her fragile body and turn her voice back on, push the ON button for swallowing, and give her the strength to control her body without the aid of a walker.

She HAS come so far in these three weeks and for that I AM THANKFUL. I am thankful that she is a fighter with an independent spirit. I am thankful that she is making small improvements daily. I am thankful that she still works hard when her little body shakes with ataxia and is telling her to be done. I am thankful THAT SHE IS HERE!

And I am thankful for everyone of you out there who is sending prayers and well wishes to Amanda and our entire family. That is just the start of what I am thankful for. For years everyone has made fun of me for crying when I say what I am thankful for when we say grace before our Thanksgiving feast, well this year I will be crying again so pass me a tissue and tell me what YOU are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-15T23:07:00.001-08:00

A week of therapy......an AMAZING week of therapy.....and Amanda went from being able to hardly stand without complete assistance to walking with a weighted down walker with a little bit of support from me.
She's working hard at learning to use her mouth again. Still waiting on a smile and sound as well.

Core balance (gee, maybe I should be working right beside her!)
Working hard in the stylin' thera-togs suit

Bean bag toss and getting a workout

You've come a long way baby! Mommy is so proud of you.

2009-11-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

Monday was full of hustle and bustle for Amanda......her peaceful slumber was disrupted this morning by a nice warm shower.

And then after a little rest, the physical therapy ladies came by.....I'm almost positive that her expression means YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! She did make it a few yds. down the hallway assisted with a walker, but she had to ride in the wheeled chair with the therapy lady back to the room; she was just too tired. I'm so proud of her.

And then this afternoon she received a beautiful prayer quilt from our friends at Good Shepherd...I'm so amazed by the thoughtful generosity. After a short, wakeful time where I read her a story and talked to her for a bit, she cozied up under the quilt where she was literally wrapped in prayer. (of course, this was after she managed to pull our her NG tube for feeding and get a new one put in)

FIGHT SPUNKY MONKEY FIGHT!

2009-11-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

ONE MONTH AGO.....she turned EIGHT; a spunky smily girl full of smiles and surrounded by presents.

Today she is surrounded by wires and prayers. And I'm searching for my spunky smily girl.

No matter what I'm right by her side......

2009-11-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

SHOWERED WITH LOVE
That's what this little girlie is --
and this doesn't even begin to show the extra cards from assorted classes at school and theatre friends, more gifts that we are saving until she wakes, and the silent prayers that everyone has held in their hearts.

These next two pictures are from Tuesday afternoon, post op. She handled everything well; she is having a hard time waking up completely from the anathesia but she is responding to neuro-assessments and will nod her head slightly to answer questions.

her sweet little face was a bit swollen and she battled a temperature for a while too. I know she's a fighter; I just don't like her looking like a boxer.
And here she is today -- looking less swollen but still trying hard to wake up. So hard in fact that her thrashing and tube pulling got her strapped into these arm things the nurses like to call 'No-nos'. Basically they are soft and don't let her bend her arms to grab at things; a lot easier than the constant "NO, NO hold your animal" that I said all morning.

GREAT NEWS....the neuro-surgeon reviewed her post-op MRI (from today) and it looks great. He doesn't see any more tumor and said he will have another radiologist review it just to confirm. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!
Next step, pathology results.
For now, I long to hear my sweet peanut say 'I'm hungry!'

2009-11-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

Monday - November 2, 2009 --- a quiet, restful day for Amanda. Her ICP pressure was down consistently so the 1st surgery was a success. She still has pain and doesn't want any TV noise or much light, but she is eating a little and is being showered with loads of love and prayer.

On Sunday, CHOC has a radio station that they run in the afternoon (& a couple of times during the week). Amanda got a visit from the Radio Lollipop folks; they brought her gifts and crafts; she enjoyed watching the radio show on the TV and seeing the volunteer prank call down to the station from her room.

Today, another surprise visit........from the therapy dog, Missy. She is a 2-1/2 yr. old Sheltie who is just the sweetest, most gentle little dog. Amanda was quiet but just loved it. The dog liked licking Amanda's hand and Amanda just pet her a lot. (she REALLY misses Fritz)

And this picture is of the huge basket of yummy goodness that she got from family in Ohiothis is just a little taste of the unbelievable cards, letters, pictures, gifts, and FOOD that we are receiving. Our family is very blessed to be surrounded by such giving people.

At this point, we are going to need a small U-Haul just to get it all home.

2009-10-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

What a difference a day makes.......
24 hours ago she looked like this; tossing me a thumbs up

And this morning; painting rocks

And stealing Mommy's new socks

And now, her little head hurts and she just wants to be trick-or-treating....

BUT she loves her new purple sparkly friend!

2009-10-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

Loooooooong, exhausting, emotional day.......
Amanda was sent for a CT scan. The results came back abnormal, showing lots of fluid and a mass of some sort. She then went to MRI. Amanda is a rockstart patient! She laid still for the MRI and didn't make a peep.
The neurosurgeon was surprised that she didn't have any other symptoms besides the occasional headache.
We don't really know what tomorrow will bring. It is basically our first step along this crazy path.
No pain today so that was good; she is mostly sad that she is 'missing' Halloween and she doesn't understand why she has to be at the hospital. She was asleep when Collin arrived tonight and I left shortly there after. My dear friend Nicole had the kids while we did the hospital trade-off and my friend Sandee is here now (from AZ) to hold down the fort during this initial madness.

I'll try to figure out the internet at the hospital so I can update more.
Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes!

2009-10-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

About Amanda.............it all started with a routine eye exam in early Sept. The doc. saw some unusual stuff at the back of her eyes so he wanted me to come back for some retinal photos. Fast forward to Wed., 10/28 --- she had her eyes dialated and the retinal shots taken. The doc. saw what looks like swelling at the back of her eyes (more so on the left side). He gave me an emergency referral letter that I'm taking with me to the ER tomorrow. He doesn't want to me to have to jump from one specialist to another (like insurance likes you to do); that could takes weeks and he doesn't want me to wait on this.

She does complain of headaches which is a symptom that has been on and off for a while and her vision tested out fine overall. Right now she is her normal silly self -- eating well, sleeping well, auditioning for A Christmas with Scrooge -- she is a little confused as to why we have to go to the hospital for more testing, but I'm telling her that it is so we can be in one place without having to drive all over for any tests she may need.

We would appreciate any prayers and kind thoughts you have. More prayers for strength for me too --------- I HAVEN'T GOOGLED ONE MEDICAL TERM (yet)!!!!!!!

2009-10-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Just grand...........Maggie's swab results came back positive for H1N1. Her fever has been gone since Friday night; she has a lingering cough.

.....fingers crossed, spraying more Lysol.......

2009-10-22T16:01:00.001-07:00

This is TRULY amazing! So cool. My kids are inspired for our school talent show, lol. Me, I'm inspired to jump for 30 seconds without wetting my pants.

2009-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

So Monday night we got BOO'ed. Someone was kind enough to spread some Halloween spirit. Well, lucky for my kids to get some yummy marshmallow ghosts and some goodies to make cupcakes. Unlucky for me because it means a commitment to participate.........because my kids won't let me ignore it. I grabbed a few assorted items from the store; stuffed the buckets; and we decided which neighbors we should try to BOO!

You would have thought they were Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
They turned into stealth little troopers negotiating who gets to bring the bucket/ who gets to ring the bell/ should you ring before or after you put the bucket down. It was hilarious. Sean even changed into black clothing so he couldn't be detected running from the drop-off point. The 10 minutes it took to drive around and situate the car (three houses down from each drop) was absolutely hilarious. The anxious questions 'do you think they saw us? do you think they'll figure it out? do you think they'll like the stuff?' were just so funny. I'm so glad they didn't let me just bail out on participating. That's good stuff!

2009-10-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Oh the THINKS you can THINK......lately the kids have been venturing through Who-ville, the Jungle of Nool, and Solla Sollew in the musical Seussical. What a fun show with outrageous costumes and a fantastic set. Maggie is on junior dance team and one of the 'Middle' Sour Kangaroos (thus, the attitude in the photo); Amanda is one of the Mindy Lu's and other assorted characters; and Ian is one of the 'Max the dog's & a jungle creature. Everyone in the cast is super and has made this wild ride a ton of fun.

2009-09-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

It seems that we have all survived this first week of school. My children were ON TIME everyday and had a nice homemade lunch everyday. (you are kidding me if I'm paying $3.75 for lunch or .75/milk daily!)

I am learning to appreciate the little things when it comes to picking them up though: a new school means very little shade and lots of fresh black asphalt- oh, how I miss our cozy shade trees at our old school; a new school means new traffic patterns that no one seems to understand; a new school means a time of adjustment for everyone. So from here on out I will appreciate the fact that although our facility has little shade it does have A/C (and I bring ice water at pick-up); I will deal with the traffic b/c at least we don't share parking with the middle school anymore; and I will be grateful that we have a principal who is open to listening to the parents and taking our suggestions into action.

And speaking of adjustments......this week I have started exercising. And I didn't die. I started a 2.5mile loop on Monday, done in 36 minutes. After my third day, I was down to 32 minutes. Add a few sit-ups and stretches and I'm hoping that my body will adjust and be less sore. Pass the Advil........

2009-09-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

For our family, September has brought the start of school, football and Seussical (theatre). So that means pictures in front of the doorknob to show how tall they are.

The little dudes -- well, I guess they aren't so little anymore. Sean started 4th grade and Ian started kindergarten. It boggles my mind that I was pregnant with him when Maggie was in kindergarten. It also boggles my mind that THEY chose matching outfits for the first day.

And the girls -- Maggie started 6th grade and Amanda started 2nd grade.

It's my only year with them ALL IN ONE PLACE! Even though I have three pick-up times I am grateful.

2009-08-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's hot here. "It's Africa hot; I don't think I'm gonna be able to stay here if it's this hot." (10 points to the person who knows where this quote is from) And I don't want to hear 'but it's a dry heat' either. IT'S HOT!!!!!!!!!!!

BUT last week I was happy to battle the temps and headed to Angels stadium...
found the Halo-cane stand (Hurricane to you regular folks) and proceeded to burn my butt and legs on the 500* seats.
Celebrating Hunter's home-run in the 1st!

WORD!
they think they are so tough!

What's a game without NACHOS.......

Icing on the cake, we won!

2009-08-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

As our summer comes to a close we'll finish up shopping for school supplies, get the girls haircuts, get the kids eye checks.....ya know, all the usual stuff. All glamour, all the time.

However, we'll spend a bit more time at the beach just to close out the summer in CA style. Splashing in the white water.....
learning to surf
and wrestling the seaweed.