Another day gone by...

It is still Tuesday, September 30th... the last day of the month. In an hour it will be October. I can hardly believe that.
I am thinking... about my to-do list for tomorrow being more than I would like between work and home and kids and I am supposed to (and I want to) scrapbook with my friends, but I am not prepared. At this point I plan to go and finish the project I didn't finish
last week... when I am done I am coming home
I am thankful for... the opportunity to work from home. I hope it will continue so I can be here for the boys when they need me.
Today in the kitchen... was ok... I heated up a lasagna my friend talked me into at Costco -but my family says my homemade one is much better -they didn't care for this one.. the garlic bread was super yummy! I will get that again for sure.
I am going... to bed.. very, very soon. I am not staying up as late as last night.
I am reading... still book 2 of Twilight series
I am hoping... that my cold/allergies will end soon and not turn out to be a sinus infection (which is where it seems to be headed)
I am hearing... just my music.. everyone else has been in bed for a long time

One of my favorite things...
Today I went to see a movie with my girlfriend for her birthday and my mom was able to meet us (last minute, we decided 45 minutes before the movie to go!). We saw Nights in Rodane (not sure if I spelled that right) based on a Nicholas Sparks book. It was slow and sad, not really the right choice for an uplifting birthday celebration. I liked it... but it wasn't the right mood for today.
A picture thought I am sharing..

Whenever I go to Starbucks for coffee now (which is not often) I get a venti water because I love the size and weight of the cup and the straw. I wash it every night and reuse it for a week or 2 (until I drop it and break it). I drink water out of it all day long. I fill the cup probably 8-10 times a day and it is easy to take with me. I don't know why I like it so much -but I really do like it better than any reusable bottle or cup I've ever had.










Almost every day I go here:


This is the dog park they built nearby. The dogs love it and I enjoy being able to get out and walk. I walk the track around
the park while they run.. it is 20 minutes of constant movement I wouldn't get if I wasn't there. I can't walk the dogs too much
on leashes because they pull and it hurts my wrists... but at the park we all get exercise. If you look closely in this picture you'll see
my dogs... they were the only ones in the park when I ran out to take the picture today.

Just another Manic Monday...

I actually heard that song on the radio yesterday and it stuck in my head... so I had to title my post that way. I am participating in a scrapbooking challenge to document my life for a week. The idea is at the end I will have an album that is a true representation of how we live, today, really, right now. Not a picture perfect view.. but a real view. I am doing mine digitally and will try to share it when it's done. For now, here are 2 of the pictures I took today. My Mr. Coffee --I could not live without him! He is always here for me, day after day. I count on him. I know it's programmable, but the problem is I don't ever know what time I want it ready... so Steven comes in to wake me at 7 a.m. ish and then he goes down and pushes the button to start my coffee! He has recently started pouring me a cup of coffee if it is ready before I make it downstairs (dressed, usually...) and he has the ratio of Vanilla creamer to coffee just about perfect now. It is a sweet gesture -very telling of his nurturing nature. In fact, we laughed about it weekend before last.. he got a cup to make me some coffee because the Mr. Coffee beeped that it was done. Steven didn't realize I had already gotten some, when the first drops appeared in the carafe (thank goodness for that automatic pour feature) and Jon asked what he was doing. He said getting me some coffee and we chuckled over the fact that the beep went off & he immediately thought to pour me a cup. Ahhh, this is the life!!

Not to be shown up by Steven's baking abilities... I made banana bread muffins yesterday, for us to have for breakfast today. Yummy -coffee and muffins.... love it! We had extra rotten bananas so why not? We really like them.

Today I went to Costco with my friend. She has been telling me to go forever, but you need a card, and I don't have one. I spent way more than makes me comfortable in one trip (I feel that way at Sams too!). Since my grocery store trips are usually coupon experiences, it is rare for me to pay even $35-$40 at a time, so the $166 bill today startled me. Then I got home and looked at my receipt (over & over & over again) and realized I had enough meat for 14 meals, contact solution for Steven (3 big bottles), 10 lbs of carrots and potatoes, 5 lbs of celery and a big hunk of cheese plus tp and paper towels. So even breaking just the meals down it is only like $6 per meal with enough for leftovers to go in lunches. That made me feel A LOT better about it. I am still not sure I should join. I saw LOTS of things I wanted, 2 of them enough to take pictures and put them on my wishlist ---you know the one: the someday I'll be buying something for me for some reason and I really want this??? list--like the Smart Crockpot I want, but I already have 3 crock pots -but the Smart One knows to turn itself to warm after the allotted cooking time, thus preventing burning or timing issues. I can't justify buying it, but I REALLY want it. Well they have it there -for only $39! plus a $5 mail in rebate... but I was good -I didn't buy any of it -which was hard. Plus I spent almost 2 hours there. I am not sure I have that kind of time or money to spend to often. I better stick to going with my friend once every other month or so -that should keep me on track.

Ok.. well it's 1 a.m. now so I think I better sign off and get to bed. I was up finishing some work, then went outside with the dogs and just stared at the dark, starry sky -it was really beautiful as the air was crisp and there was a slight breeze --but it woke me up. So here I am almost 2 hours later finishing this epic blog post about nothing. Funny thing is -it was way easier to write than planned topics. How's that for ironic.

Big News for Steven!~

I snapped this picture of Steven on the computer yesterday --notice his missing glasses? He is wearing contacts!!!

He loves them, but says that his eyes are tired a bit...which is normal according to Mike *the guy who did the fitting* and that is why he has to build up to wearing them all day. He says he is seeing things way clearer. Which makes sense since his glasses were usually dirty or had finger smudges on them.... They gave him 30 day contacts, which he will put in every morning and take out at night and then replace with a new pair every 30 days. He really loved playing baseball without glasses Friday night at practice. Sunday he rubbed his eye and the contact came out -I think a bit of dirt may have gotten near his eye... it's a learning curve we are on, hopefully it will continue to go well. The optical guy said that it is hard to learn at this age -many kids aren't ready for contacts, but after talking to Steven and working with him, he thinks he is ready!

We didn't see much of him this weekend.. he spent the night Friday at his friend Josh's house, then came home Saturday afternoon. He was home for 3-4 hours and went back to sleep over again. They just watched a movie with Josh's dad, lots of Friends episodes and hung out -apparently having a great time! I missed him, but sometimes we all need a break and to get away -so he got his.


In other news --I am now reading the 2nd Twilight book. I am not as drawn into this one, the other one I couldn't put down, this one I have. I am enjoying it, but in smaller doses -maybe I am subconsiously tryin to make it last longer? Jack & I went to Barnes and Noble Friday night to get a book for him. He read Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson (*I think?) and the 2nd book just came out a few weeks ago -so it is only in hardback and not at the libraries. He was so anxious to read it -that we went and got it. He also found a new Spiderwick series (one of his favorites!) and so he got the first book in that series too. We had a treat at the cafe (milk & chocolate chunk cookie for him, water and lemon bundt cake for me) and then we headed to the mall. We checked out the phone case kiosk -but they don't have any cases for Jack's phone... then stopped and bought me some sunglasses in JC Penney on our way out. I had the same sunglasses for 17 years and they got broken recently... so I had to get a replacement. The ones I had were Ray Bans Jon found when cleaning a theater many years ago, I liked them and so he gave them to me and I had worn them ever since! I loved those glasses and can only hope I will find some that I like just as much someday.

Happy Monday everybody!

Happy Birthday Cynthia!

Today is Cyn's birthday! We already celebrated it this past weekend... but I am thinking of her today. What to say about Cynthia? She is a woman who knows how she feels. She trusts her instincts and doesn't get talked out of things. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her family. She is a great mom, who loves her kids and trys to put them first. She is the love of my brother's life... you can see it on his face when she walks into a room. Cyn shows she cares for others. She has and currently is a surrogate carrying twins for another couple -which is awe-inspiring to me. Her dedication to helping someone else have a family is an act of love, and it shows.

The boys are blessed to have her as a part of their lives, and they each wanted to give her a gift on their own this year! Jackson made a drawing and framed it -only the second time he has ever gifted his art to someone other than me. Steven on the other hand, got her chocolate, knowing it would make her smile. They often reminisce about the times growing up that we spent together at the park, the pool, grandma's house or a even just a family dinner .... they enjoy those times together -which is nice, since at the time I wasn't so sure....

So, basically we love her! We hope you had a fabulous day Cyn, you deserve it!! Happy Birthday!

Our Husky of the Month

Today, my parents and I went to Jackson's school for the Husky of the Month assembly, where Jackson was being recognized for his Hard Work. This is a big thing for him! There are 8 opportunities for this award each year and 32 kids in the class (last year 20) who all want to earn it.

The principal put this poem on the screen at the beginning of the assembly:

I may be small. That's very true.
But I succeed and so can you.
I move a mountain, bit by bit.
It takes hard work - I never sit.
I work and work throughout the day.
My work comes first before I play.
Success is yours, please understand
when you and work go hand in hand.

Jack's teacher wrote this (and the principal read it to everyone) about him:
Jackson is this month's Husky for Hard Work.
Everyday I see Jackson working hard and using
his time wisely. He is focuses, pays attention, stays on
task and completes his work accurately and on time.
Because of his hard work he has already completed his
AR goal!! It is a pleasure to have a hard working student like
Jackson in our class. --Mrs. Ennis

Jackson-we are so proud of you! Keep up the hard work!
Love, Mommy

Banana Bread

Steven made Gram's banana bread (in mini muffin form) for his school project. He said the kids liked them, 16 of the 30 asked for the recipe ... good thing we made so many copies! When cooking his movements are slow and deliberate, precise. He follows the recipe, one step at a time. He seems to enjoy cooking and I enjoy cooking with him. Although I do find myself wanting him to hurry --then I realize that he is just being exact and taking his time to get it right... I try not to rush him thru the steps, because then he won't learn.

Life of a Karate Boy Blog

Jackson has started his own blog! You can find it here: http://lifeofakarateboy.blogspot.com/. I hope you will take a moment to check it out and leave him a comment! I am so excited he has decided to venture into the blogging world. I know that I enjoy reading his thoughts and stories and this is a way to preserve them. Notebooks and stray pieces of paper get thrown away --a blog can be preserved for a lifetime.

I can only regret that I was such a random journal keeper when I was young. Now that my memories are fading, those journals I do have are like a time machine to my past..... so I am glad he is starting a blog.

Wednesday

It is Wednesday, September 24, 2008...
I am thinking... Wow! It is almost October. I saw a blurb yesterday that said 99 days til 2009 -can that really be true?
I am thankful for... good health care. The boys have been having some allergy issues and I emailed their dr. I am pleased to report she got back to me with suggestions within 3 hours! I know Kaiser gets a bad rap, but we have been pleased with them for many, many years. I know someone without any health coverage -what a struggle that is, so I am so thankful we have coverage.
Today in the kitchen... we are having Taco's. Supposed to have them yesterday, but the meat & tortillas were still frozen! After 24 hours in the refrigerator and 2 hours on the counter, still frozen. We ended up having mac & cheese with hot dogs at 6:30 last night. Not my best dinner day, today will be better.!~
I am going... to scrapbook for a couple of hours! I am so excited to be doing something creative again. I forgot how relaxing it is for me, how much I really enjoy it!
I am reading... Twilight, still trying to get into it, only on page 60.
I am hoping... for some good news~!
I am hearing... KNCI playing country music and my dogs snoring
Going on around me... dogs sleeping
One of my favorite things... How much my kids love playing with their cousins. I hope that continues! The other night they were playing hide & seek -even Ciera joined in the fun. The ones hiding left a written clue (which didn't really help IMO) and then the seeker tried to find them.
Some plans for the rest of the week: Bible study tomorrow and hoping that Steven's team is playing a scrimmage on Sunday. We heard it might be cancelled by the other team -but we really want to see them play!
A picture thought I am sharing... I am amazed at how OLD they look. Steven & Ciera hardly look like kids anymore, it makes me sad to think they are growing up. However they are both maturing well and are great kids --I feel like we can't really ask for more than that.

Google Reader...

It is Monday, September 22, 2008...
I am thinking... about going to bed. The weather has changed here... gone are the days of 90+ degrees and here is the lovely 80's! I am so excited about that, but my body is another story. I feel like my head is draining, my throat is sore and I am exhausted. I know with any big weather change this comes.. but it will be over soon -and we will be left with perfect weather! I haven't slept more than 5-6 hours the last 4 nights and today I zonked with a 2 hour nap in my recliner before dinner. I feel better now, but still I am ready to go to bed. Last week was a busy week -full of appointments, work and just things that had to be done. This week looks slower and I am looking forward to that.
I am thankful for... my husband! He saw that I was napping and went ahead and made dinner. I was so thankful as I woke up (from the shock of Sammy licking my bare feet with his cold tongue) that I didn't have to make the spaghetti before heading to karate with Jackson.
Today in the kitchen... we had spaghetti & vodka meat sauce. It was yummy!
I am going... to work in Jack's class tomorrow morning.. I look forward to seeing him in that enviroment each week
I am reading... Twilight (got it from Ciera & Cyn yesterday -read a bunch today..) I have finished several books over the weekend and will post about them tomorrow.
I am hoping... to be successful at Weight Watchers. I joined today. Since June when I started the nutrition class I have lost 29 pounds! That is more than 10% of my body weight, which I found out today is a WW goal! I have been going at it on my own since the class ended a month ago, but missing the accountability of a weekly class. So I bit the bullet and joined today. The meeting I attended today had a great leader and I really felt a connection to her. So, I am setting a new goal to lose 10% more by Christmas!
Going on around me... Jonathan is watching Monday Night Football, Jackson is in bed reading, Steven is taking a warm bath & then I am headed to bed!
One of my favorite things... Google Reader!! I follow quite a few blogs and it is time consuming to click on each one to see the updates. I found the Google Reader and it keeps a list of all the blogs I visit and which have been updated! So I just click and read -no more checking -I can tell if it's been updated from the reader page! You can get more information here http://googlereader.blogspot.com/
Some plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow I get to bake with Steven! He needs to bake something, bring the recipe and talk to the class about it.. so he has chosem to make banana bread. We have a great time cooking/baking together. I have book club and can't wait to discuss the book we read "The Wednesday Letters", we are planning to go to Marine World on Saturday
A picture thought I am sharing...

River & Sammy are settling in together. They are often found lying side by side and just relaxing, in addition to running, chasing and playing.

Jackson's present

Jack decided he wanted to make Steven breakfast in bed for his birthday... since his birthday was on a school day, we did it on Saturday. He got up early (so did I ..LOL) and I directed him in making bacon & pancakes. He put a tray together with a picture he drew, a quarter he knew Steven needed for his collection, the breakfast and some of Steven's favorite orange juice and up the stairs he went. Jackson was so careful as he carried the tray, excited to bring his brother the gift. He had seen that Steven was awake earlier and told him to stay in his room and not come out.. Steven had no idea why, but he listened. It was very sweet really. I was so proud of the caring way Jackson went about making sure every detail was perfect. Steven said breakfast was good and tastes better in bed!!!

Steven's birthday party

Steven's party went really well last night. The kids all met at the park at 6 p.m. They had pizza, soda and a few veggies.. then off to play. They played football, capture the flag and maybe wiffleball? I am not really sure. They seemed to all have fun as they ran and ran and ran. I made the big oops when deciding how many pizzas to order... Dominos was having a $3.88 med special.. so I ordered 16 pizzas .. thinking the kids would all eat alot more than they did, plus more adults would eat... but we had 11 pizzas left over.. so we handed them out like party favors.. LOL.... and still had 4 left today! So the kids are having pizza for lunch tomorrow and I froze some for future lunches.

Then about 7:40 we headed back to our house and the kids made their own sundaes which they ate as they played apples to apples. They were all laughing and giggling as they played, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves then too.




Steven opened his gifts and had a few fun faces I captured as he did. He got a shirt that says "your mom pays me to go easy on you" along with a raiders hat & raiders "lounge" pants. He got a card for Happy Birthday one year old! and a cinderella coloring book. The group of kids has been giving each other fun princess cards or gifts at each party this year... typically getting more and more as time goes on. All in good fun though -they all had a great laugh about it. He really liked the creativity of the gift from Logan and the Begley's in dollars and gift certificates for baskin robbins increments of 12 plus a raiders football -the perfect size to hold & throw to yourself!

The biggest thing I noticed was how much all the kids seemed to like the unstructured time to be together. They don't get that outside baseball or school... and I think they have been missing it. This is a great group of kids and they really enjoy being together. They are all good kids and I hope they stay friends for a long time, they seem to keep each other grounded. So I talked to some of the other moms at baseball today about setting up a monthly "game night" for the boys to get together and hang out.. we could switch off houses and the kids would get that time together... hopefully it will work out soon.

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY STEVEN!!!

So today he is 12 years old. That is amazing to me, I can hardly believe it has been that long. In honor of this big day I made him a special scrapbook about the things I have learned being his mother. He has taught me so much being the oldest, he has been on the losing side of my parental mistakes... but overall, I think it has worked out well for us both. He is a great kid. He earns good grades, is responsible, polite and caring. He puts his whole heart into what he is doing, and works hard at it. Baseball is the sport he loves, playing or watching, doesn't seem to matter much to him. He wants to one day play in the MLB... after college of course. He is wearing his Duke shirt here --for those that don't know, Steven decided he wanted to go to Duke at the end of first grade.. and hasn't changed his mind yet (although some are trying to convince him Stanford is a better choice...LOL). Love you baby, hapy birthday!!!

So I am a traditionalist.. I love starting traditions. Yet I don't often think about down the road how those will work out. So when Steven was in 1st grade I started picking up him & a friend and taking them off campus for lunch on his birthday. We did it every year and Jackson follows the same tradition. Last year when he started middle school that wasn't possible anymore and we were both kind of sad. So today I dropped off 2 pizza's, 6 powerade drinks and a big bag of grapes for him to share with his friends for his birthday. They are playing ping pong and enjoying a nice lunch -they all looked happy which made me feel the same way!

I also started the tradition (in kindergarten) of getting donuts at the donut store on birthday mornings. Now Steven leaves at 7:30 -so to get donuts I would need to be back with them by 6:30 a.m. If you read my blog, chances are you know I am not a mornning person. Jonathan knows this (well after 16 years!) and today he went and got the donuts and had them on the counter when I went down -no early morning trip to the store for me!!! So here is Steven with is donut (his second as he scarfed down his maple bar before I could put candles in it), with candles and Jackson and I sang Happy Birthday to him. It was fun with the sparkler candles -as they don't blow out too easy -took a few tries and he claimed to be feeling light-headed from all the blowing. Then I gave him a few small gifts and Josh &

Justin arrived. Soon it was off to school for them and out to the grocery store for me to pick up the last things I need for his party.

Time gets away...

So I have been meaning to blog each day this week. I have a list of topics to blog. There are pictures on my camera -but the battery is dead and I have yet to charge it. I will have to charge it today -because tomorrow Steven turns 12 and I will have to get pictures of that! I have learned that you can't download photo's without the camera being on (in my setup that is). This week has passed in a blur for me. I know that some weeks will be like this.. but I really just feel ready to slow down again. Let me see what I can re-cap for those of you following our adventures.....and for posterity.

Sunday the kids went to a birthday party where they played dodge ball on giant trampolines with bouncy sides (photo's coming soon). I am still pondering WHY is dodge ball so fun for 9-12 year old boys? They all have bruises (still) and got pegged by the ball -which was like a soccer ball and had to hurt when it hit them. I just don't get it. So that situation has been popping into my head all week as they ask when they can go back? Really? Really??

Monday is one of the 2 days that Josh & Justin come before and after school. So they were here at 7:15 and then Steven & Josh left at 7:35 and Justin & Jack left at 8 a.m. My coffee has been tasting bad some days lately -I showed my friend and she said it was a burnt smell -but I have tried washing everything, changed the filter, run the cleaning cycle.. nothing works long term. It is ok for a day, then bad coffee again. Now since I need my caffeine to be up so early --this is not a good situation for me...I think I dragged all day that day because of it. So I went to the grocery store, post office and was back home by 9 a.m.... I spent the next 2 hours working on business stuff. Then took River to the groomer. I was unsure how Sammy would be at home alone, so he came too. They trimmed his nails while we were there --he didn't care for that at all!!! So an hour later we were home and by now it's just afternoon. So I had some lunch, did some laundry, made a few phone calls and the groomer calls to say River will be done at 1:30 p.m. -a little more than an hour after I got home from dropping him off! Jonathan was planning to pick him up at 3:15 on his way home --but that seemed too long for him to be in a cage waiting.. so I loaded Sammy up and we went and got him. That took another hour and I got home as Steven & Josh were coming down the street. So they asked if their friend Kevin could come over for a bit --so I said ok. The three of them took the 2 dogs and headed out to meet their siblings and walk them home from school. Then there were 5 boys in my house for an hour -playing and laughing.. which is great to see (but loud to hear!). They all left and we got dinner ready and then it was off to Karate for Jackson & me. Got home and did some more laundry, some dishes, packed lunches and went to bed.

Tuesday came too soon! Sammy woke me 3 times during the night (now I know why I had my kids when I was young...LOL) and when Steven woke me in the morning... I was trashed. I felt like I had a hangover -but didn't get to enjoy the benefits of drinking.... but the show must go on... got the kids off to school just as my friend got here. We got in the car and headed to Lodi to do some mystery shops. We had a nice visit and got 8 shops done (which helped relieve some BIG work pressure for me) and were home by 12:45 p.m. I ate some lunch, processed my reports and the kids were home. We had some hanging out time and then Jon & I took the dogs to the park for a while. We picked up KFC on the way home for dinner and everyone liked that. Then I headed out at 6 to a BeautiControl meeeting... I didn't get home until 10:30 and my house was quiet -everyone was asleep. I was a bit wired, switched out the laundry, picked up a bit and went to bed.

Wednesday started with a bang! I was still in bed when the doorbell rang at 7:05 a.m. Steven was about to come and wake me up (still working on making up my sleep) when Josh & Justin arrived early. No biggie, just jump started the morning. So got all the kids off to school and then took the dogs to the park. I find that they really need that 1/2 hour EVERY day and things are super smooth with them at home... their energy gets released. Then I went to scrapbook with some friends.. I made a special project (that I can't share as kids read the blog) that I am pleased with. I rushed home in time for Steven & Josh to get home. Again Kevin came back over, bringing his sister Megan (who is in Jack's class and they ride to/from school together) with him. Jack wasn't thrilled with the extra people, he was looking forward to time with just Justin & Josh and "he who doesn't transition well" didn't transition well. So it was a long hour and a half for me. But the kids had fun overall and I like them having that time together. They left about 4:30 and the boys did their homework and relaxed for a bit. Then we set off to Fat's for dinner. Fat's is an Asian restaurant we love (and I had to go there for business reasons). We had a great dinner there, but got home at 8 p.m. and it was hard to get Jack into bed as he was way wound up. Finally at 9:30 he went to sleep, and I did too.

That brings us to today... Steven was out the door on time at 7:30 and Jack didn't get out of bed til 7:50!! So he was about 10 minutes behind his regular schedule, but still made it school on time. I took the dogs to the park and then headed to my bible study. Today was the introduction and really made me ready to get started. We saw a video that talked about the journeys in the Acts of the Apostles and understanding the context of the letters. I came home and played with the dogs, did some more laundry and worked for a couple hours before the boys got home. Then I watched some TV with my sweetie and now need to get up and get dinner ready. Then it's off to karate for Jackson and his dad.....

So... in summary -I thought alot about what to blog. This type of post seems to be way too redundant and maybe even TMI for me... but I felt behind. So now I feel caught up and can go back to my things to blog list .... Plus it's great to have days like this documented every once in a while for memories.

Another weekend gone by....

It is Sunday, September 7th.

I am thinking... about heading to bed. Sammy has been doing well here, but he gets up at 6 a.m. to go potty.. so of course I am the one letting him out. Jackson is going to try to do it tomorrow as he has Sammy sleeping in his room and is getting up then too.

I am thankful for... Steven. He has grown up so much in the past few months. He is almost 12 and it seems like yesterday he was born. It is so fun to talk to him and just share his thoughts.

Today in the kitchen... we had taco's ... last minute decision since we had to eat & I failed to think ahead... Steven had practice this morning, Jackson spent the night at a friends. We were home long enough for lunch and then off to Josh's birthday party. It was at a place called Sky High. Where they have trampoline dodge ball courts. The kids had a blast *although I wonder what makes them happy about a game that involves getting hit by hard balls that are thrown at you* and we got home around dinner time.

I am going... to Sams Club tomorrow to get a Shark Steamer Mop. I hear it is fabulous for keeping the floors clean and it isn't to heavy for me to pick up with my carpal tunnel.

I am reading... this weekend I finished 2 books. The Wednesday Letters and Escape. Both were good. Escape is about a woman's life in polygamy and her escape from there. It was interesting, yet tragic all at one time. My heart broke for the children living in those conditions and the abusive lives of the women too.

I am hoping... for a peaceful, productive week without a bunch of running around.

I am hearing... quiet.. as the house is winding down

Going on around me... Jonathan is watching football, Steven is saying good night to the dogs and Jackson is already in bed, reading.

One of my favorite things... lazy weekends full of reading and family time

Some plans for the rest of the week: River has to go to the groomer tomorrow, trips to the dog park, hopefully some more organizing and decluttering (I have moved upstairs!) and just familiarizing our new friend with our routines.

Welcome Sammy!

So here is the news I mentioned on Tuesday. Yesterday, Sammy came to live with us. He is a 7 month old German Shepard/Greyhound mix puppy. He is very active and puppy-like, but sweet too. He and River have been playing non-stop since he got here right after dinner. Sammy has spent the most time with Jackson.. so he listens to him the best and he slept in his room. Sammy seemed a bit disoriented last night at bedtime, he kept wandering to the front door -waiting to go I think. Today has been off to a jump start --dogs were up & playing at 6:10 a.m. so the kids & I were up too....

It's amazing how alike they look. Sammy is only about 20 pounds to Rivers 48, but he is almost like a mini-me of him. They have spent alot of time outside, running and playing. Jack and I went to the store to get a food bowl, bed and puppy food last night. They are still both eating out of both bowls -we will have to work on that.

In other news, I am starting an 8 week bible study today. It is all women and I am quite excited about it. The program is a National Catholic Program called Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS). My friend Lori is attending with me and I am looking forward to the next 8 Thursdays.

Manteca Tournament

Well it was a baseball filled weekend! The kids played pretty well overall and ended up winning 1 and losing 3 (although 1 by just 1 run). 2 really good games, 2 not so good games. Steven used his new bat -that he got early for his birthday and he liked it. He made a few runs, had some RBIs and made some great defensive plays. He played third most of the time... an inning at shortstop and one in right field. The fields were amazing and so much fun to play on Steven says.


It is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008!
I am thinking... that I need to get busy on my projects for today
I am thankful for... the end of the long weekend.. everyone back to work and school -maybe I can get something done?
Today in the kitchen... chicken is already in the crock pot
I am reading... Escape by Carolyn Jessop -about her escape from a polygamous community
I am hoping... for a productive day regardless of the temperature outside being 100 degrees
I am hearing... silence ....
Going on around me... just River laying in the sun by the door downstairs.. everything is peaceful
One of my favorite things... going to the dog park and watching them play... its very relaxing.
Some plans for the rest of the week: I am starting a bible study with other Moms on Thursday -I am excited about it and my good friend is going too! Also excited for a possible big change tomorrow... will post more on that when it is for sure.
A picture thought I am sharing...are baseball related of course! Steven, his best friend Josh & his little brother Justin who is now playing on their team. ETA: the pictures are pretty small -double click on each one to see it bigger.