Our Orange Belt

Jackson is still loving karate. He is an orange belt for now, he goes for his blue belt test next month. He works hard in class and at home practicing, so he knows his kata and should have no problem progressing. His class is from 6:30-7 p.m. 2 nights a week. They are allowed to attend the earlier 6 p.m. class to get extra practice *which is usually 1 or 2 students to a teacher* plus that is the first class and so the teachers are there at 5:45 for warm up practice... so he spends an hour to an hour and 15 minutes at least 1x week, sometimes both days. He had to get a new ghi .. his was too small after almost a year of karate.

Jackson has decided to forgo winter ball to continue with karate as they overlap. He is really committed to progressing and it is a pleasure to watch him do something he enjoys so much.

Mustangs Tournament 7/26-7/27

The Mustangs played in a tournament in Elk Grove this weekend. They lost all 3 games but still had some fun. Steven played 3rd, catcher and 1st during the 3 games. He was almost out for good on Sunday when a ball caught him right above the heart, after bouncing off the bat. He has a big purple bruise, but after sitting out one inning..headed right back in to play 1st base (and make 3 outs! that inning).

This was only the teams 2nd tournament... we played a team we had played in the previous tournament on Sunday... a mom stopped us after the game and said they could hardly believe it was the same team -the boys had improved that much!!! We were happy to hear that they noticed and only hope the boys continue to come together and play serious ball.

They have another tournament next week.. so we'll see how it goes......

100% savings!

Ok -I just got back from Safeway and had my BEST shopping day ever!!! I had 100% savings!

I bought:

11 Kleenex 200 count w/lotion tissues
6 packages of cookies
8 Oscar Mayer hot dogs
2 Wheat Thins Multigrain

Shelf Price: $95.42
Total after coupons $0.00!!!!

Plus I earned a 20 cent/gallon reward .. so I get 20 cents off per gallon on my next gas fill-up!

I am so excited about this! I started using coupons as a way to save some $$. Then I got hooked on the challenge and the game.. finding things I use (not generic) at lower prices.. it is fun for me. I spend about 2 hours a week cutting coupons and shopping.. but I have lowered our grocery budget to $350/month for the 4 of us.. including all health and beauty/OTC medicine/paper products. Not a bad hobby really.....

Just the two of us...

So here is a scene that greats me just about every day (Monday thru Friday) around 3:22 p.m.
River gets so excited when Jon gets home.. and since neither of them have been featured in any blog
posts recently -I couldn't resist snapping this picture. The lighting stinks, not my best photography
ever -but I love the result.

River - I never even wanted a dog. I never had one growing up and the idea of a dog scared me really. I wasn't real comfortable around dogs as I was inexperienced. But my husband persisted... he found River online and the promises started... He would take care of him and walk him everyday. We both get frustrated when dogs don't get enough exercise -it just isn't fair to them. Of course that lasted about a month.. now I take care of him, remind the kids to feed him (if I don't do it myself out of frustration), and take him to the dog park almost every day. He sits with me in my recliner. He cuddles with me on the bed before I go to sleep. I love him so much -I just can't imagine not having River here with me everyday. The best part... just seeing him makes me smile. I never knew that would happen.

Jake the Monkey

This is a picture of me and my monkey Jake last weekend. My cousin Logan was here and he brought Drilbit Tayler. It was a good movie. I got Jake at Teddy Crafters! He is fun to play with. Jake was my 5th animal!!

Great Grocery Day!

Today the boys were not getting along so well -Steven wanted to do things alone and Jack wanted him to play with him.. so Jack agreed to go to the grocery store with me. My Safeway started a Savings Marathon last week and when you buy 25 items you get $20 to spend off your next purchase. So today we bought all of this.. total $142.86... with coupons we paid $42 and have $20 to spend on the next purchase!! Jack was shocked at the final total -which was higher because I told him he could pick popsicles before we went, then he talked me into the orange soda, 2 Sobe waters, watermelon, Cheerios, cauliflower and cucumber -none of which were on my list!

In the end I got 8 boxes of Kleenex, 10 packages Oscar Mayer HotDogs, 2 bags of carrots, 2 bottles Ranch, 8 Ragu pouches (love these!) and 3 Planters honey roasted peanuts .. plus Jack's stuff.

I am going to have to go back and roll my $20 coupon .. into more $20 coupons... for example, I can buy 25 Kleenex at $1.50 each and then use a 50 cent coupon for each one.. I end up with a total of $25.50 and pay with my previous $20 catalina and my out of pocket is only $5.50 for 25 boxes of Kleenex --or 22 cents each!!

Not that I need 25 more boxes of Kleenex -although we send in 2 per kid for their classrooms at the beginning of the year and usually a few more in the winter.. but for $5?? I am not sure I can resist.

Happy Birthday Brian

What can I say about Brian? He loves the Tennessee Titans, Houston Rockets and Houston Astros and has been unwavering in his support of his teams since he was about 11. He is a loyal friend and someone you want on your side in an argument. He is an avid reader and movie watcher. He is a fantastic, hands on, always there father. He is the fun, everyone wants to play with him Uncle. He is diplomatic in his speech and staunch in his views, yet can agree to disagree. He treats others with respect and empathy. As is true with many in the IT field .. he bases his reactions on fact, not feeling.. and tends to not deal as well with those who respond on an emotional level.

I can't remember a time when he wasn't there for me. Growing up he was my biggest tormentor, yet my biggest supporter. He made sure I didn't get hurt by others and always listened when I cried (which was way more often than I care to admit).

I can't imagine what my life would have been like without my brother. In fact, I married a man very much like him... coincidence? Maybe.

So, here's to a happy birthday and fantastic 38th year!!! You deserve it.

Just another Monday...

It is July 14, 2008..
I am thinking... about school supplies
I am thankful for... air conditioning on hot days
Today in the kitchen... Crockpot Peppercorn Steak --I really hope it tastes as good as it smells..
I am going... to the Post Office later to mail some packages
I am reading... Talent is Never Enough by John Maxwell --awesome book!
I am hoping... to get the times for Steven's tournament games today or tomorrow -for this weekend
I am hearing... 105.1 KNCI ...country music station
Going on around me... boys are talking about their pokemon game
One of my favorite things... I recently found this blog and bookmarked it ..this gal has been cooking in her crockpot every day since 1-1-08 and has some great recipes..including the one I am trying today! http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/07/crockpot-peppercorn-steak.html
Some plans for the rest of the week: Hook is playing as the free movie.. we'll try to see that Wednesday.. also hoping to go see Nim's Island at the $3 theater tomorrow (free popcorn day!)
A picture thought I am sharing... these are bushes in my moms backyard.. I think they are beautiful and I love to look at the vibrant colors of them.

Last night

I couldn't help but take this photo. You can clearly see the smoke still in the skies., but look at the bright orange sun! It was beautiful and this photo hardly does it justice. It was so full and bright.. even with the grey sky.

So we are just hanging out inside . Logan is here for the weekend as Ciera had a softball tournament out of town. The boys have been playing together nicely -no real fights.. it's been nice to see all 3 just hanging out together. We had hamburgers for dinner and they all ate 2!!! When did that happen? I was shocked! Now they are sitting watching a movie with popcorn... A pleasant day to be sure.

The Tooth Fairy....she came early!

Well Thursday was a long day! Jack's tooth that was loose turned and was sideways in his mouth for several hours. This tooth has been loose forever and was being pushed out by the permanent tooth coming in. This was the first tooth he had to wait for ... it just wouldn't come out. The others were all gently helped by the dentist so this was a new thing. We were going to take a picture of Jack & the tooth to post.. but when we got back from Karate and decided to take the picture --the tooth was gone and a dollar was in it's place. So he decided we should take a picture of that instead. I will spare you the photo of where the tooth came from --which Jack thought we should share.....

It's another Tuesday...

It is July 8, 2008
I am thinking... of my neice Jesseca who celebrated her birthday yesterday. She is in Colorado, we are in California, so I mailed off a package to her last week -so she knows we are thinking of her.. just wondering if it got there.
I am thankful for...air-conditioning .. it is noon and already 93 degree's with an estimate of 110 degrees today.
Today in the kitchen... we are having spaghetti, sauce is already made
I am going...NOWHERE
I am reading...still the same book for book club...Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
I am hoping...that the book Jon wants comes into the library before I go there tomorrow
I am hearing... radio disney from the family room where the boys are playing playstation
Going on around me... outside --SMOKE, and unhealthy air
One of my favorite things...my daily green smoothie
Some plans for the rest of the week: none really
A picture thought I am sharing.. I love this shot of Jackson I got on the 4th ... it's just totally him.

My mom left this morning for the east coast.. Have a great trip Mom! We'll miss you!!

Happy Day after July 4th~!

I am thinking... how nice the weather has been (high 80's) this week
I am thankful for... getting to spend the day with my family yesterday..it was very fun and relaxing ..no stress, just hanging out. A great day! We had BBQ dinner by Jon (meats) and Cyn (corn) ...celebrated Brian's upcoming birthday and played a new game.
Today in the kitchen... not much going on.. we are grilling for dinner
I am going... to stay home and scrapbook!
I am reading... now Confessions of A Wicked Stepsister -for bookclub
I am hoping... that my dad can get his garage door fixed, so their cars aren't held hostage all weekend.
I am hearing... the sounds of Radio Disney, Playstation, Warcraft as the boys are all playing their respective video game systems
Going on around me... a whole lotta nothing
One of my favorite things... relaxing days with my family --2 in a row!!!
The picture thought I am sharing...

Grandma's pool is a wonder. The kids stayed in yesterday for hours -even though it wasn't too warm and there was a killer breeze when they stepped out. They played well, making up all kinds of games. The trouble started with the "known" games like Marco Polo --when some insist others "should have" known the rule --but there was no discussion of the rules before hand. So we stuck with made up games and jumping in.. I have some great jumping in shots -but that has to be a different post as blogger wouldn't upload any more pictures!

Ciera was in the pool in the beginning when it was sunny --they she was smart and sat on the sidelines with the rest of us girls.. After her daddy was in and out -she was done too. They all love to play with Brian in the pool... I admit it -he is the most fun! He plays silly, made up games with them and they LOVE it. Unfortunately they only got him in there for a little bit before dinner as it wasn't hot out.

I had fun pointing my camera at the boys in the pool -Jack & Logan both went underwater every time --it was hysterical for me and tired them out I am sure.

We played a new dice game my mom had called CRS... It was alot of fun!! and easy to play and portable.

The only downer was that after eating healthy for an entire month -I had a brat and potato chips at dinner. My body did not like the salt intake and I felt awful afterwards. My stomach hurt, my head hurt... enough that we called it a day and headed home before the fireworks. See, I am the only one in my immediate family that cares about the fireworks -so they were all totally fine with missing them. However on the way home, we got to see the fireworks from the Roseville Fairgrounds out in front of us and then to the right as we got closer to home...so I still got to see some!! Which made me happy.

Overall it was a nice day with the whole family -I like that. I wish we could do it more often.

Happy Fourth everyone!!

We saw this flying in the sky as we sat outside this evening at my moms. A unique way to let the flag fly!
We hope everyone had a happy & safe 4 of July.

God Bless America!

The start of a 3-day weekend!

It is Juluy 3, 2008 -the day before Independence Day!...
I am thinking... about cleaning.. just got done with the family room...maybe my desk is next?
I am thankful for... my mother -who listens, laughs and smiles with me
Today in the kitchen... roast beef is almost out of the oven (making it really hot!) and I made Jello for dessert.
I went... to get my hair done and shopping with my mom
I am hoping... the weather stays not hot for tomorrow
I am hearing... silence --the boys are at a sleepover at Grandma & Papa's
Going on around me... nothing
One of my favorite things...the librar
A picture thought I am sharing.....this weeks library books!

Trying something new...

It is July 2, 2008
I am thinking...about decluttering and getting things out of my house. I want to simplify. I want to keep what we use and get rid of what we don't. I am thinking how much easier life is when things are simple.
I am thankful for... for a husband who loves and supports me no matter what. In 23 days it will be 16 years we've been married!
Today in the kitchen... I am baking chicken leg quarters. This is something new for us.. a simple recipe that sounds good -so we are giving it a try. I am baking the chicken now -before it gets too hot to run the oven. I went shoppping last night and bought 21 meals worth of meat -for $38!! I was there right before closing and several of the already good deals were marked down.. so today I am working on repackaging and marinating. At the end of today I will have the following meals ready to go: (3) meatloafs; (4) taco dinners; (2) sloppy joes; (6) meat spaghetti sauce; (4) chicken noodles; (2) chicken drumsticks... plus the 3 roast beefs are already in the freezer!
I am going... to stay home today. See the kitchen comments for why:)
I am reading... Mary (Mrs. A Lincoln) by Janis Cooke Newman ... so far I love it (page 121)
I am hoping... for a productive day
I am hearing... happy voices of brothers who are reunited... Jackson just returned from a sleepover
Going on around me... Jackson is trying to juggle 2 oranges he is waiting for me to slice for him
One of my favorite things... that Jackson is an individual.. not concerned about what others think and willing to go his own direction (see picture below)
Some plans for the rest of the week: spending the day Friday with my whole family at my parents house...celebrating my brother's 38th birthday that day...
A picture thought I am sharing.....

It's Tuesday....

and the boys and I have been discussing blog topics for 2 whole days.. yet nada. We haven't been anywhere or done anything and so we have nothing really to write about....or so they say. There is still smoke in the air and so the air level is at an unhealthy range --so inside we stay.

I finished up my quarter for work yesterday.. so now I have the rest of the week off.. before I start 3rd quarter next week. I spent some time making phone calls to schedule spa's for my BeautiControl business -which I am committed to building in the next 60 days. Did I mention that I am really enjoying my Healthy Ways class? I think it is really helping me make choices and lifestyle changes to be more active and healthy!! Plus I have lost 10 pounds so far.. which is motivating as well.

Steven is babysitting again today. He has been gone since about 9:30 and should be home around 3:30. He was excited to go - we'll see if it is as enjoyable for a long time as the other night for 1/2 the time.

Jackson and I had a quiet day -we stayed here and read, he played playstation and webkinz, my friend Suzie stopped by for a green smoothie... then we took River to the dog park for a bit, then dropped him off at the groomer and stopped to pay our electric bill. Exciting, huh?

This is why I like summer! We just hang out. We play board games. We talk. We share things we enjoy together. No schedules, no running around crazy.. just lots and lots of free time.

Tomorrow we will go to the library and maybe play some ping pong at the Sports Center next to the library.

That's it for now...