Happy New Year!!!

In about 80 minutes it will be 2009 here! I know some of you are already there .... so Happy New Year! I love the beginning of a new year.. almost like starting school -there is a blank slate to build your year on.

2008 was a hard year around here. Not bad, but challenging on several fronts... we are slowly and surely working on all of it, but looking forward to a good start into 2009. Our house is more organized and getting easier to take care of by the day...that is a big first step!

For my business it was a year of ups and downs. First I was excited after losing a large client at the slower pace and how much easier my workload was. Then I was terrified about finding new business. Then realization hit that while my workload was lighter, so was my wallet. I am pleased to say that I weathered the storms and things are looking bright on the horizon for 2009.

Financially there were some speed bumps to navigate (including the one above), but we made it thru. With the cost of everything rising, it is important to maintain a larger available cushion -we know that now. Relying on a cash system works, except when there is no cash left . So we have lived and learned that lesson, ready to put our new knowledge to work in 2009.

I have had several health issues crop up early this year. I am happy to report that the weight loss is helping most of those. Not to mention I feel better, less tired, more energetic and I am able to do more. I am looking forward to continuing on this weight loss journey as we enter 2009. Plus I got a flu shot and that seems to be helping too.

Emotionally I was on a roller coaster. I can say now that my weight was effecting my self-confidence and that led me to be somewhat depressed. I pulled away from my friends and had little social interaction. I am working hard to repair those relationships that I damaged in that process. In fact, that is my new years resolution -to be a more available friend and to be in touch more.

The good news is we made it thru the year. There were some high points and some low points. The kids are healthy, happy and enjoying their chosen sports and activities. We have jobs and a good life. We have all worked on simplifying our life this year and hopefully that work will pay off as we enter the next year -ready for it to be a bit easier.

I love you all! I hope your 2009 turns out to be everything you want and need it to be! I appreciate that you read my blog and are interested in our lives. It is nice to feel connected and we love reading the comments you leave. Thank you~!

Happy Birthday Ciera!!!

Today is my neice's 12th birthday! She is growing to be such a lovely young lady. I really enjoy spending time with her and listening to her take on things. She is confident in her likes and dislikes, but doesn't like to make decisions. She loves candy and is not so fond of cake. She likes fruit and salad, but not meat. Today she planned to go to the movies --hopefully she liked what she saw!We hope she had a special day, she deserves it! Happy Birthday!!!


Well it's Monday again. Yesterday Steven's friend came over and they played while I went shopping (Jonathan was home) with my friend. When I got back, we taught Josh how to play Skipbo and played for a couple of hours. It was fun playing with them, just hanging out and playing cards. Then they asked if Josh could spend the night, Jon said it was ok with him so I took the boys over to his house to get his stuff. We stopped by Walgreens on the way back and I got 12 bags of Hershey Kisses and 8 bags of mint candy for 72 cents. Now the problem is I didn't need any candy!!!! Oh well.

The boys stayed up watching dvd's of Friends and I went to bed about 11. This morning we all slept in until 9 and then I headed out to Weight Watchers. I knew this hadn't been a "good" week. I had lasagna, garlic bread, chinese, pizza, bacon and lots of sweets, not to mention since it is cold I hadn't been drinking enough water... so I was ready to gain about 2 pounds, but secretly hoping for a loss of .2! I was lucky and the gain was only about a pound and I am poised to do better this week. Also last week -I didn't exercise at all.... I think that was the biggest reason for the gain. But I have come to realize that with this lifestyle change comes the need for flexibility. I know my body will go thru ups and downs depending on salt intake, exercise amounts and water.... I am ok with that. I didn't freak out. I didn't even consider skipping the meeting or not weighing in. I was willing to take the responsibility for the fact that I didn't track my food this week and I ate whatever sounded good. To me, that is the biggest step! I understand that it is all under my control and I choose to relax my week and be on vacation. Now I have to step it up and stay on program....also my choice.

Today we went with my mom to see Marley and Me. It was a heartwarming movie that made me cry. I didn't know my mom was unfamiliar with the story's ending (which I will not mention in case you are planning to see it and also unaware) and so she was caught a bit of guard (as was Steven). It really made me think about my dogs and how much I love them. As crazy as they make me (Sammy) I wouldn't trade them for anything. When we got home, Jack asked again about when we are going to training with Sammy (January) and said "I can't wait to be his master" all I could say is "we'll see son, we'll see"... It is great to see that he wants to be the one to help Sammy learn and is open to teaching him, knowing it will take lots of time and patience.

That brings me to my photo share... I love this shot I got the other day.. totally Jack!



Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Turkey Pot Pie
Wednesday: Shepards Pie
Thursday: Mac & Cheese and Ham casserole (new recipe)
Friday: Tacos
Saturday: Chicken
Sunday: Roast Beef

have a happy week!

Some more Christmas Photos

My parents and the boys when we got there on Christmas eve.
My brother's family - love this shot!
Jackson's sock monkey and the picture he drew of it in his new sketch book. (click on the photo to enlarge it and see the drawing --and my new purse!)
Santa Steven

As I am going thru my pictures and getting them ready to print.. these are some of my favorites from the holiday this year (besides the others I already posted). I need to print pictures as I am going to a scrapbooking crop on New Years Day ... 12 hours of scrapbooking with my friends! I am hoping to get alot done --so I need to get the pictures so I can prep my papers, embellishments, etc.. that way I can bring as much as possible with me and not have to buy things that day. I have given myself a self-imposed $20 spending limit for that day and hope to finish 35+ pages for my scrapook.

It is a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining and it's about 50 degrees right now.. the high is supposed to be 52. Jackson just got up and Steven is still sleeping (it's noon). I am looking forward to a productive day and will probably need to get started if that is the case. So far I have read the paper, chatted with my friend, done a bit of clearing off on my desk and organized a section of my coupons.

The rest of today I would like to:
* finish clearing off my desk
*type up the menu for this week
*run a couple errands (returns) and pick up milk & apples
*finish picking up the living room so Steven's basketball game can finish being assembled
*start organizing my scrap stuff
*order my pictures

I guess that is about all... I hope to get it all done today as there is nothing tivo'd, football is on, I finished my book yesterday and the library is closed today plus it just needs to be done. I am hoping to go to Ikea in the next couple of days and if I could get these things done I will have a better idea of what organizing things I still need to get while I'm there.

Christmas Day

So it has been slow going with me getting on the computer. I have been busy reading, watching movies and catching up with my friends. The boys have been playing lots of Baseball Mogul on the computer and I hate kicking them off..... so finally here is my blog post about Christmas.

Jackson knocked on our door at 5:12 a.m. (after being awake still at 1:45 a.m.) and Jonathan got up. They waited until 7 to wake Steven and me. So I got up, got a hot cup of coffee and cuddled up on the couch with my blanket, my camera and Sammy. We took our time opening our gifts. Steven requested that instead of each of us taking a turn opening a gift that we hand them out, then one at a time open all our gifts. We all agreed, and Jackson went first.

He got a Sock Monkey (from his dad) which he LOVED! From Santa he got a camcorder and from Steven an i-Dog. I got him an artists studio box. Plus he got some books, several Star Wars sets and 2 Metallica shirts. He was thrilled with everything.

Then Jonathan opened his which we had picked off his wishlist --so he was happy with it all.

Then Steven's turn came and he opened his.... Santa gave him a new bat for little league, I got him a Bo Jackson throwback Raiders jersey, Jack got him 2 seasons of The Office on dvd and his dad gave him Bullseye Baseball (which he has played alot!).





I was thrilled with my gifts when it was my turn. Jackson got me a new down pillow (king size) and I LOVE it!!! Steven got me some new polarfleece sheets -which are FANTASTIC! and Jonathan got me a new scanner (really wanted it!), a hat and scarf I liked, some comfy lounge pants, some stamp sets from Technique tuesday and a great AMM purse (with space for me to put pictures in). It was way more than I could have expected and I am very happy with everything.

I asked the boys to pose by the tree for a picture ... and they obliged:



After presents we had oven pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Then later my parents came for lunch/dinner and we had ham, scalloped potatoes (in the crockpot!), mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and rolls. Simple, but yummy! We played some games, the kids showed their gifts and we all just hung out for a while. This picture of Jack was taken DURING a game.. he took a little 30 minute power nap -the lack of sleep caught up with him...


My lack of sleep caught up with me and I headed to bed at 7:30, taking a hot bath and watching Christmas with the Kranks... the boys joined me mid-way thru the movie and I finally went to sleep when it was over around 9.

We had a relaxing and happy day on Christmas. It was everything I could have hoped for. The temperature here was 63 degrees outside -so the boys were able to play outside some too -which was great.

Friday was a easy-going day to. We all slept in and then just relaxed. I took the dogs to the park and had a great talk with my aunt in my cell while I was there. Then we went out for Chinese and headed to see Bedtime Stories -which we all really liked. Then back home and Logan came for a sleepover -the boys had a good time and kept busy until he left around 5 today... so all in all -a great couple of days just spending time with our family.

Today I went shopping with a friend for a few hours. We hit the mervyns that is closing where everything is 90% off. I spent about $50 on clothes/shoes/underwear for various members of the family --the receipt says my savings were $746!! We had a good time just being out, no rushing, just enjoying each others company.

I just realized I forgot to call my sister in law today for her birthday -I will have to do that tomorrow... Lori if you are reading this -know we talked about you several times today and hope you had a very special day -you deserve it. Happy Birthday!

Today

Christmas Eve....

Christmas Eve day started out rainy and cold. I left home in the morning to run a few errands (pick up the pies, go to the chiropractor, get a print from Walgreens and fill my tank with gas) and it took less time than I thought. Right after I got home I realized I had a migraine.. now several places I had been had fresh pine trees (which I am allergic to) and I chalked that up as the cause. I took some allergy meds and motrin and continued getting ready. Jonathan was at work, he came home at noon. We had tamales for lunch (they were super yummy!) and I took the dogs for a walk. Then I went up to shower and get ready to go.

We headed to my parents house about 2:40.. with plans to leave there to go to Mass about 3:45. We got there and got settled and my head just continued to pound, in fact I was quite light-headed. I finally caved and said I would have to skip church, worried my mom would be disappointed, but more worried that they would have more live pine in the church. So I headed off to lay down in the dark and took some more meds. I am not sure what the rest of them did while I was sleeping, but they were all happy when I saw them again, so it must have been fun.

Brian's family got there a bit later than expected (while I was sleeping) because he was still at work (state agencies... the mgr's go home and then there is no one to pass the word of the official early release) until 4. They arrived expecting us to be at church, surprise! we were there. My mom made a wonderful lasagna dinner, my dad cooked 2 kinds of sausage (sweet & spicy) and we had garlic bread and salad with it. It was great, tasted wonderful.

Once dinner was done, we all helped clear the table, move the table and then we were ready for gifts. The kids all seemed happy with what they received... it was much simpler than previous years and I enjoyed that about it. My mom was creative and wrapped the kids gifts in one box... so they each opened one large box with several smaller gifts inside...very clever!

We took the usual cousin picture and here are a few others I wanted to share....


We headed home about 9:30 and once there the kids unpacked their new things, got into their pajama's and got settled. Jackson put out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and they both headed to bed. They pulled out the exta bed in Jack's room & slept in there together. They were both still awake at 1:30a .m. when I reminded them they needed to go to sleep! Steven did and Jack was still awake when I checked on him at 1:50a.m..... when I checked at 2:15 a.m. he was finally asleep and I headed to bed too!




That's it for this post... next post will be about Christmas day... but it will have to wait until tomorrow as I am exhausted and there are 3 LOUD boys upstairs I need to go talk to.... so rather than come back down, I'm going to bed!

Happy Christmas Eve!

Here is our tree -decorated by Jackson. The picture does not do it justice, the bright, multi-colored lights are beautiful!

We are heading out to celebrate Christmas with my family. We will go to mass, have a yummy lasagne dinner and then open presents. I look forward to this day, this get-together all year! Tomorrow is our day to spend together and we will be home. I will likely blog then too, but until then.....

We wish you all a Merry Christmas. We pray for your families to have a wonderful day, full of peace, health and happiness! Love to you all!

Christmas Tree Disappointment

Jackson started asking on Thursday when we could put up the tree. We usually put it up right after my birthday (which was Wednesday) so he was right on track. But Thursday we had Steven's last basketball game and Jackson's karate promotion so I said maybe Friday. Friday Steven had a friend over after school, then we got busy doing other things.. so on Saturday when he asked again (we were getting ready to head to my parents for family birthday dinner) his dad told him we would do it on Sunday since the Raiders game wasn't on tv.

Well, Sunday came and Jonathan wasn't feeling well, in fact he was in bed most of the day. So finally about 2:30 I pulled the tree out of the garage and put it up and plugged it in... only 1 string of lights lit up. So we unplugged the lights, replugged the lights, called my neighbor to ask what to do, tried everything he said... just that 1 string of lights. The disappointment on Jack's face about killed me. So I thought about the small tree we used to put in their room (as a night light) and he agreed that would be ok. So we pulled it out and guess what? NO LIGHTS! Could it get any worse? I wanted to make it ok for him, but at the same time I was disappointed and didn't want to think about it any more. He asked if he could decorate the little tree to put in his room (without lights) and I said sure. So that kept him happy for a while and we moved it up to his bedroom after.

During this tree debacle we watched Merry Christmas Drake & Josh.. which was really cute and helped us feel filled with holiday spirit.









Then Jonathan came down and tried to fix the tree (no luck) and we all sat down with tea or hot chocolate to watch Elf. We love this movie and really enjoy watching it together. Jack hung out with River on the laundry pile (not sure why?), Steven was once again wearing his Santa hat and I got 3 loads of laundry finished during the movies. A good time was had by all. You can see Jonathan's chair/blanket in the picture with Steven. I spared him a photo as he wasn't feeling well. That is a blanket his grandma Cline made him when he was about 12 I think... he still uses it almost every day (at least in winter). This is our 3rd year without Grandma Cline here during the holidays and I miss her. She loved everyone being together and baking for the holidays. I was really reminded of her loss on Saturday when we were playing skipbo with the family... I haven't played since I played with her. I can remember the first time I met her -at her house in Hilmar. We had pot roast with carrots and mashed potatoes and gravy with white bread & butter (Jonathan's favorite) and we played Skip Bo. I had never played before and I felt a bit out of it (since they knew how to play) but I caught on and really enjoyed myself. She was so welcoming and really made an effort for everyone to interact (thru games) instead of watching tv. I know she made a huge difference in my life and I loved her very much and I miss her.



Gotta go buy a new tree or lights... maybe we'll be able to post a tree picture later today (I hope)~

Need 8x10's?

Walgreens is offering a FREE 8x10 to registered account holders thru tomorrow (12-20-08 at 11:59 p.m.). You must upload and order your photo before then to have it be FREE. Use code FREEGIFT and use in-store pick-up and it's free (and 1-hour). Or have it mailed and pay postage.

Their quality is decent (as most drugstore one-hour photo is) and they are quick, plus you can't beat free.

As a side note, today I hit the FREE mother-lode! I finally achieved a status I could only dream of --FREE WINE! Yes, 2 bottles of white zinfandel for FREE! Yippee! Now if only I could get my hubby some free beer??????

Another then and now post

I was hoping to upload the pictures from yesterday (final basketball game and karate promotion) to post them, but alas, my camera battery was left on and is dead -so that will have to be done tomorrow. Instead you get a shot from last year this month and one from Wednesday. For a good part of the year the boys were close to the same height (within about an inch -inch and a half) but Steven sprung up and got his lead back for now... I really think that in the end he will be passed up by his brother, but not yet! He is really close to being as tall as me... I have maybe an inch or 2 left (or that could just be me hoping?) Hard to tell since I can't see us and he seems shorter than me when I am standing right there....??

This week has been a whirlwind with me finishing my quarter for work, getting payroll done, class parties, games, karate, celebrations, birthdays and wind-down of school. I can't say I am not happy to see it come to an end. Maybe tomorrow we can get our Christmas tree up? Although we have family dinner with my parents and my brothers family tomorrow night to celebrate our birthday's and I am looking forward to that.

Today, 3pm, started our winter break! The boys and I are done with work/school until January 5th!! Jonathan has to work Monday, Tuesday and until about noon Wednesday -then he will be off until then too! We are all looking forward to the time off together.

I finished up work today, took the dogs to the park, cleaned out the refrigerators and freezers, went to do a few returns, got gas for the car (13 gallons for $17.22!!) at Safeway to use up my fuel rewards, and picked up milk and things I needed for dinner. I still need to do the BIG grocery shopping as I haven't done that in over a month.. we have been living (quite well really) off the stockpile we have going on, but with us all home (3 meals a day for 12-17 days) I really need to stock up. I don't want to have to be running out to the store over and over while we are on break. So I will go this weekend and do a big shopping and be done with it, the benefit to that is the kids and Jon are home to help me bring everything in.

Tonight the boys and I watched Deck the Halls (Matthew Broderick, Danny DeVito). I hadn't seen it before and I thought it was a cute movie. We made a list of "holiday" movies and are working our way thru them... we should have 3 more tomorrow from blockbuster online in our mailbox... I had forgotten that Gremlins is a Christmas season movie...Jonathan is very selective when it comes to the holiday comedies.. so he only watches some of them with us -not most. We popped some popcorn, cuddled up in blankets and watched the show.

Well, I am off to bed.. very ready to sleep in on our first day of break.. Hope you all have a great weekend!

What a day!

So as today comes to an end I am reflecting on how many blessings I have in my life. Truly? There are too many to count. I find that birthdays and holidays in general bring to my mind how grateful I am to be living the life I am, with my family and friends. I would like to start by thanking each of you that called, emailed or wrote to say Happy Birthday! Your good thoughts and well wishes are appreciated and made my day.

Jonathan took the day off and we spent it together. The boys had school -so we headed out for breakfast, did some shopping and saw Four Christmases at the movies. It was a funny movie and we both enjoyed it -which is much better than him going with me because he has to (my birthday = my choice of movie) and me knowing the whole time that he hates it (which does happen) as that dampens my spirits a bit. This time he smiled and laughed...making it even better for me. Then Steven had a basketball game that was a scrimmage against a private school, so not an official league game. The coach played everyone and we were behind, then ahead, then tied... and my boy made the game winning basket!! Happy Birthday to me! Now that is close to as good as him telling me on Monday that his gift to me would be him acing the tests he had to take on my birthday.. this was SO MUCH better than that! What excitement and the look of happy on his face when it was over.. priceless!

That said, I did get some nifty gifts! Jackson gave me a new cell phone cover he picked out (my other just broke last week). Steven gave me a great (comfy) pair of slippers I had my eye on! And Jonathan gave me a book I am SUPER excited about (new Harry Potter) and a robe I was so anxious to get (pink)!

We headed out to the casino for our first time at the Feast Buffet. We all enjoyed it (as much as Jon or I ever really enjoy buffet) and it was fun. We all had a good time -I just wish I had taken my camera as the decorations there were awesome -lots of huge animated nutcrackers and beautifully decorated trees... I would have likes some pictures of that. But you can't catch them all -so the memories in my head will have to do (or maybe I'll go back and take the pictures... we'll have to see on that).

After dinner we headed home, did homework, got our p.j.'s on and watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special we tivo'd (have I mentioned my love of tivo?) the other night.

It was a great day today. I was looking forward to it this year, which is different than other years. I think that losing weight has really helped me with not worrying so much about being older and I am happy for that. I am very glad to be on the journey I am on and learning so much about myself in the process.

So I did get Jon to snap a few pictures at the end of the night... this was the goofy one, but my favorite of the boys and me so I wanted to share it.

Only my kids....

So, almost every day I say to the boys -don't you want to go outside and play? Almost.Every.Day. Remember, we live in California, where the temperature is above 60 degrees outside 10.5 months out of the year. They usually say no, they are fine, they were out at school...they want to play inside... but then it gets cold. Like 40 degrees outside today and where are my kids? Both of them are outside playing. Steven played in the backyard for awhile, then came in, realized his friend was out shooting hoops across the street and headed over there. Jackson headed out too, once he realized where Steven was. On the day it is 40 degrees outside? Really? At least in the picture he is wearing a sweatshirt, I hate to admit they both came in after being outside playing for about an hour with just their t-shirts on. Again I say Really? But that is who they are....so be it.

So my day was good. It started off with getting up to get Steven to his 6:30 practice by 6:15 a.m. -thankfully the final practice of the season!! Came home, went back to my warm bed. Got up again at 7:30 to get Jackson up and to school. Came home, had a cup of steaming hot coffee and checked my work emails. Processed a few reports, read my Google Reader and headed out to Weight Watchers. I was hesitant to go, afraid of a possible gain since we had Togos for dinner Friday, Boston Market for dinner Saturday and Pizza for dinner Sunday. This was not my best menu plan week... I burnt the chicken on Friday, so there were no leftovers to make dinner Sunday. Saturday I was busy all day and just didn't want to cook by the time I was headed home at 4:30.
Anyway, I went to the meeting anyway, knowing I have been exercising and trying to eat reasonable portions.... and I lost .8 of a pound! Which is so much better than gaining! I am enjoying the new program and learning lots as I am keeping my mind open.

What else? Well, this week is busy, stuffed with activity and little relaxation. Tonight is the only night we don't have somewhere else to be. Tuesday is Jackson's class party then Steven's basketball game, Wednesday he has another game (earlier at 2:30) then we are going out to dinner for my birthday, Thursday Steven has his final game and then Jackson has his karate Promotions and we traditionally go to Leatherby's Family Creamers for great ice cream after promotions, then Friday marks the beginning of our break. I am done working after tomorrow until after the 1st of the year -I have a few paperwork things to do, but reporting to the client is done for 3 weeks! The boys are off until January 5th. Jonathan has to work a few days (til Christmas Eve around noon) and then he is off til the 5th as well. Everyone has asked what we have planned? Nothing! We will watch movies, play games, go to movies, play tennis, go to the dog park and just hang out. That is our plan for 11 glorious days! I am so looking forward to the break from everything... time for me to read or scrapbook, catch up, get the house in order, do a few home projects... whatever feels like the right thing to do.. we are going to do it.

It's that time of the year again.. Jackson has started asking in the last couple of days about the Christmas tree.. I am hoping to get it up this week, by Friday for sure. I am a bit worried about Sammy eating the branches or the ornaments -but we'll have to see how that works out. Sometimes I miss all the decorations I used to put out -but really we are all happier with just the simple things -the tree and ornaments are about it... maybe someday I'll go back to lots of decorations, but not now.

Super Saturday

So this week turned out to be super busy. Once Jonathan's birthday came and went, I had lots of work to do (still trying to finish by Tuesday so I can be off til January!), laundry, cleaning, and grocery errands. On top of that we had karate tests (he did great!), basketball games and regular kid stuff in addition to a trip to the DMV to renew our drivers licenses and car registration (which required a smog check).

So with the week behind us... we sat down last night and watched the Dark Knight (which we gave Jon for his birthday). Steven was babysitting, but got home mid-movie (just in time for the good part, he says) and sat down with us to watch. We spent the rest of the evening with them watching shows they all watch (and think are funny, but I don't) and me in my chair reading House Rules A memoir, by Rachel Sontag. It is a disturbing book in many ways.. about growing up in a house with verbal/mental abuse, but quite well written anf vivid. I feel sorry for the author -no one should have to live that way, especially not a child.

Then this morning, bright and early we were up and ready to go to the school for Jackson's choir and recorder performances. The first was choir at 10:30... we left a bit early to stop and buy the santa hat and they had to be there early too. I caught this picture of Steven and his friends (Kevin and Josh) whose siblings were also in the choir right after their trip to the snack bar. This picture really is a true reflection of them and their goofiness when they are together. They have all know each other and been friends since Kindergarten and he spends most of his time with them still. They are great kids and I enjoy watching them just hang out together.


This is the best picture we got --this is the recorders part of the performance. The choir sang about 8 songs, including one in spanish, one for Kwanzaa and one for Channukah. Choir is an optional club at school. The kids go for 1/2 an hour early one day per week to participate. The choir will be performing at a Rivercats game in May -which we will attend.

Recorders are required for all 4th graders. They learn them during music time in class. They did 4 songs on the recorder today and did an excellent job.

Then Jack and I headed to my mom's for a red hat luncheon. We had lunch, an ornament exchange and tea. A fun time was had by all (even Jack, who crashed the party) and we stopped to pick up Boston Market on our way home for dinner. I am thrilled that I don't have to cook now -we've eaten, have enough meatloaf and chicken for lunch tomorrow too -and all I have to do is clean up the kitchen.

Tonight we are all planning to watch Fred Claus....so I must be going now to get ready for that.

Happy Birthday Jonathan!!

Today is the day that my sweetie was born! He is 37 today and so I am officially married to an older man (for at least the next 6 days ). What can I say about this man I love? Knowing his preferences.. I won't gush... I will simply list things about him:
*sports fanatic
*he is team loyal... Raiders, Bruins, Giants and Kings ... win or lose he still supports his teams
*he is committed to his family
*his sense of humor is dry and sarcastic... which makes me laugh (out loud sometimes)
*he doesn't like to fight
*technology intrigues him
*currently shows he likes: Friday Night Lights, Lost, Heroes, Deadliest Catch, Robot Chicken and Daily Show
*his musical tastes are vast and varied
*loves to play World of Warcraft
*reads mostly science fiction books
*still has the blanket his grandma made him when he was a kid by his recliner
*he is always supportive of my endeavors
*he doesn't like my "projects" that involve changing things.. he dislikes change
*plays a mean Guitar Hero
*likes taco's made with el pato sauce

***and lots, lots more that I don't have time to write.

So today is all about him.... it's his day! Well except that I have to go to photoshop class tonight, but that just means he'll have some time to do what he wants -which is never a bad thing, right?

Happy Birthday Honey -I love you!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

So after my last blog post... we all sat downstairs, covered with blankets (it was just 60 degrees in our house) and watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer together. This is one of my favorite things this time of year. Jonathan schedules all the good holiday shows to tivo and then we all sit around and watch them together (sans commercials!) when we have time. This was a great end to the day.

Jackson and I had just returned from him last karate class. I made a cup of hot tea (the rest of them declined my offer of tea or hot chocolate -crazy kids) and sat down to watch. The boys convinced Sammy to sit with them, while River huddled up with me under my blanket.. one might even say the family broke out in song at the end.. the entire family (if you believe that!).

What a precious, enjoyable time for me. I dread the day that the boys don't want to do it anymore, or think it isn't "cool". They are growing up so fast and these times will slip away, I know they will... so I am doing my best to enjoy them while they last.

So today dawned quickly... I slept much better than the night before. It has been really nice this week that Jon is home in the mornings. He is in training, so he isn't leaving til after 8 (compared to before 6) and I like seeing him at the start of my day. Today he made me coffee even -which is always a great treat as I sometimes forget to set the pot the night before and so I stumble around trying to wash the pot, set the coffee and then waiting for it to brew.

Jack had choir, so I got him to school at 7:50 a.m. and then headed home to shower. I took a phone call and ended up without my shower as I had to be at his class by 8:45 a.m. for my weekly volunteer time. I was done there by 10 and home to do some work. I messed around with the thermostat upstairs and called the company that made it. It seems to be heating more now, but time will tell. I am still going to have someone check it out -this is insane for it to be this cold in here -my fingers are literally frozen. Plus Steven said to me this morning that he woke at 4 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep because it was too cold. I suggested he get more blankets, but that really hit me and I will get this heater situation remedied for sure by the weekend (when it is supposed to get into the high 20s at night).

I met my friend for lunch at the Olive Garden for soup, salad and breadsticks. They seated us next to the fire --so I was warm and happy. Then I headed home to get the kids... took a shower and was out the door at 3:05 to pick up Josh and Justin and head to Stevens basketball game. His team ended up losing by 4 points, but it was a pretty good game overall. Because of training Jonathan didn't make it to the game, luckily he didn't miss Steven playing.

Home again for a quick dinner.. we amended our menu to have mac & cheese with hot dogs (Jack's request) and it was yummy. I ate, checked work emails and headed out the door to a BeautiControl meeting. The meeting was terrific -the head of the company was here to speak from Texas. She is motivating and inspirational. I am constantly awed by how much Beauticontrol cares for it's consultants and customers. The products are phenomenal and cutting edge, the prices are reasonable and they support us every step of the way. I feel blessed to have met so many great, strong women thru BeautiControl and hope to continue to do so for a long time to come.

That brings us to now.. and I am headed to bed. Upstairs appears to be a lovely 69 degrees now --compared to the 62 it was yesterday.. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep.

Menu Plan Monday

Well it's Monday again! I made it through the day... it was busy. I had my Weight Watcher meeting where they introduced a whole new plan... I am finally catching on to the old plan! I lost 3.4 this week -but last week gained 2.. I knew it wasn't real weight, but the number caught me off guard anyway.. I guess the lesson learned is don't eat chinese the day before weigh in!

I took the dogs to the park, picked up our mail at the post office, started cleaning out the refrigerator -but still have a ways to go on that one. I made my menu and grocery list, did some laundry and sorted thru email (work and personal) from the weekend.

Here's our simple (because this is a SUPER busy week) meal plan
Monday: Spaghetti and meat sauce... we were supposed to have garlic bread, but I forgot to defrost it.
Tuesday: tacos
Wednesday: we are eating out... Happy Birthday Jonathan
Thursday: meatball sandwiches
Friday: roast chicken, mashed potatoes, corn
Saturday: homemade pizza and green salad
Sunday: chicken pot pie

Finally Home

We just arrived home from Redding. My dad was waiting here with Jackson as he had spent the weekend with them... Where do I start? Well it's a 3 hour drive to Redding (especially in dense fog) and we missed the first game (which they lost 19-0, Steven played 1 inning at 3rd and didn't get to bat) and part of the 2nd (which they lost 12-6 and Steven played 4 innings at 3rd, walked his only at bat). The final game yesterday was at 5:30 -but the game before ran long and we didn't start til 6:15 (they lost 11-3 after 4 innings... Steven played all 4 in the outfield, he grounded out his only at bat). Today they lost 14-12 and he was the extra hitter -which means he got to bat, but did not play defense. He had one great hit and a walk, scored 1 run.

I am feeling lots of emotion about how the weekend went and how the team is run. I am going to hold those thoughts for awhile and see where they go....

While in Redding we ate at a diner -the Black Bear Diner and really enjoyed the food. We had dinner there Saturday night, then breakfast this morning.. all yummy! Come to find out it's a chain restaurant. Our goal lately is to try to not eat at chains (meaning things we can get at home) while traveling -but to break out and try new local places. However this diner chain did start in Shasta -so somewhat locally there.

I am exhausted. I wanted to get the game info down for those of you waiting to know.. but now I am off to put on my pj's, grab my steaming hot mug of constant comment (tea) and settle into my recliner... we have the finale of the Amazing Race to watch!!!

December Things

December has hit with a vengenence. As I type this it is37 degrees outside, 65 degrees inside and cold, cold, colder than this California girl prefers. I spend all my time with frozen hands, popsicle like really. I wonder if it is just poor circulation? or something else? No one else I know has this problem.. but me. I was a sight to see today.. sitting in the house at the computer. The high was 55 degrees and I am wearing 3 layers of clothes (silk long john top/bottom, sweats, 2 pair of socks plus slippers, long sleeve thermal henley and sweatshirt. At one point I even put on my snow hat. I was cold. Yikes. Luckily this doesn't last long.. this cold time is only 8 weeks or so and then everything is hunky dory for the next 9-10 months....

So I thought today I would share some of my favorite things about December....

The great big stack of library books I picked up, knowing I will have time to read them! I love to spend winter days in my chair, cuddled up in a blanket, fire going, hot cup of tea at my side.... I can stay like that for hours (except for the occasional pit stop). It is great because I can read longer, meatier books (of course that's not these.... but I have some to pick up this week) I love it because my family will be in the room watching tv or a movie (or Jack playing) and I am reading.. we are all together and yet all happy with what we are doing. I can't do that most of the time.. when it is sunny, I want to be doing something.. I can't just sit there while football is on -why? I don't like football. But when I am reading I will glance up occasionally when Jon or Steven cheer or groan... but otherwise I am content with my book and the peace that only reading in December can bring me.

December wouldn't be the same without Spaan's cookies. I have been visiting this bakery for the last 8 years. It is in Galt and they make the most delicious butter cookies and toasted almond cookies and russian teacakes.. When I stopped there Tuesday -they were out of the russian teacakes, but I picked up the butter cookies. The boys have started liking them, so the container doesn't last nearly as long - in fact I almost want to drive the hour to get another!! I used to get 1 bucket (same size) and put it in the cupboard... I would have a cookie with my tea each night.. not this year -they are already gone. We opened them on the way to Steven's basketball game on Tuesday and by last night, they were no more.

December is a great month for beer. There are always lots of new flavors to try. I like flavored beer. I don't really like regular beer -but flavored beer --for sure! My all time favorite was Peach Beer made in Bellingham at the brewery. This year we tried the Sam Adams variety pack and this is by far my favorite. Cranberry Beer --super YUMMY! 1 bottle down, 3 more to go.... then I have to find out if they sell it on it's own or if it just comes in the variety pack (we aren't too keen on a couple of the flavors) because we probably won't get that again.

So it's the end of the week for me - I finished my work today and can take a breather until Monday when the next deadline looms. I need to get my car in to be checked -it is making a revving noise all of a sudden. The boys are off tomorrow for a teacher work day. Steven got lucky and they cancelled his 6 a.m. practice since there is no school. He is heading to Redding with Josh's family around 3 -they have a tournament there this weekend. We are going to drive up Saturday and watch the games (3) and then stay over as we have one guaranteed game on Sunday at 1. So a busy weekend awaits us. Tomorrow I have to finalize the dog sitting plans and go to the post office.

I almost forgot -Steven had a basketball game today. They lost by 2. The game was close the entire time ..a nail-biter if you will. He didn't get to play today, but Tuesday he played almost 7 minutes and hit a 3 point shot! Plus they won that day. Only 4 more games left...

Jackson had karate tonight.. only 1 more class day then they have their next belt test. He is testing for his Green belt next Thursday, then promotions are the following Thursday. He went to school early today (again) for choir. They are working hard for their performance which is a week from Saturday. He is super excited about that and it's nice to see him happy.