Happy Kempers

Pinewood Derby - Year One

2012-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hunter participated in his first Boy Scout Pinewood Derby today.

He and Ron have been working on it together for the past couple of weeks. Hunter designed the car based on his own concept drawings:

The finished car, before the wheels are placed.

Dad is carefully adding the wheels

The finished car!

Derby Day - the cars are set. Hunter's is the one with the blue hood (second farthest from the front of the camera)

Waiting for the race to start

The final times. There were some tears, as Hunter came in last place. There was some wheel drag, so his car was the slowest. But...

He did get an award for BEST PAINT JOB!

It was tough to learn to lose. But he was happy in the end :)

What Becomes the New Year?

2012-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here we are in 2012...

I post this image (taken by my brother-in-law, Dennis) to project the kind of feeling I hope to evoke for a beginning to 2012.

Resolutions?
No deliberate resolutions set for the new year, just a continuation of those things I've been working on for quite some time:

1. HEALTH
I'm getting progressively better since last May, when I first visited my homeopathic doctor in Montana (who is now relocated to Santa Cruz since last September). My goal is to eventually get off my anti-depressant meds--maybe this year?!

I am now a homeopathic FIEND. I have become a student of homeopathics and I'm learning to use remedies at home--devouring books on the subject and drilling my doc with questions every time we talk. My patients include my son, husband and CATS. I successfully cured my one cat, Mocha, of her life-long skin conditions and I am currently treating my other cat for hyperthyroidism and she's doing very well. Homeopathy also worked on Hunter's night terrors and sniffles. I used it to cure a family member of diarrhea in 1 day what the doctors couldn't do in 9 days. Every time Ron has some kind of ailment I run to my reference books and come back to him with my little tube of pellets. He usually gets this "oh great, here we go again" look on his face when I hand him a remedy. I'm still trying to make a believer out of him...

I can't even BEGIN to talk about the amazing, cheap, safe, curative powers of homeopathy!!!
(Wanna know more??? Click here to read a free online booklet about an overview of homeopathy.)

2. FAMILY
I am usually referring to my little 3-person family unit when this is on my list. It is THE most important thing to me and my thoughts are constantly filled with "Is this best for us?" kind of things.

As Hunter gets older, our daily life gets busier. Here's a snapshot of a typical week (not forgetting both Ron and I working all day, Hunter is in school and daycare, and then homework, chores, meals and such):

     > Monday: Cub Scouts (and Ron has reluctantly taken on the role of den leader)
     > Tuesday: Taekwondo
     > Wednesday: Bible study group
     > Thursday: Taekwondo
     > Friday: Family night or date night
     > Saturday: House project, road trip or kid event
     > Sunday: church, laundry and catch-up day

Whew!

So I apologize in advance to everyone else that I may not call, or write or visit enough (yes, that probably means you, friends and relatives). And to everything else I may not tend to enough (my plants and pets come to mind) or use enough (like my tread mill or oven). I just realized these two things--health and family--take up most of my time, so currently these are the only two (barely) manageable goals I'm going to keep working on in 2012. Here's wishing for the best!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T18:37:00.001-08:00

Our thanksgiving was hosted at our house and we had many days filled with activities:

The table was set...

(Then we all ate ourselves silly. But I'll leave that unattractive part out.)

Angry Birds was played...

Gingerbread houses were made (thanks grandmas!)...

and eaten...

Hideouts were made with the leftover freezer box...

played with the new Xbox...

...took a walk...

...to the park.

There was football watching (Yay, Cowboys!), a "Muppet Movie" viewing, several games of Uno, and many trips back to the fridge for leftovers in there as well. It was a busy and fun-filled holiday :)

Hunter's 1st Cub Scouts Badge

2011-09-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hunter, along with 5 other boys in his den, received his Bobcat badge.

The presentation

Ron pinning it on Hunter's uniform

The proud scout

Showing off his ceremonial face markings.

First Year of Cub Scouts

2011-08-30T21:46:00.001-07:00

Worst-parent Moment

2011-08-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Date: Monday, August 8, 2011

Place: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Setting: Boat Ride

It was the end of a fun day at the boardwalk--Hunter's first time there--and I saw the boat ride. It's basically a giant boat that swings back and forth, gradually getting higher and higher. So far Hunter was sticking to the safer, kiddie-type rides and I thought he should push himself a little more. Why not? I thought.

With much coaxing, we stepped into line and, to my relief, parents with a four-year-old-looking boy was ahead of us. Great! This younger kid will show Hunter he has nothing to be afraid of. But that didn't seem to help. The entire time in line he was protesting and saying, "I'm afraid." Well, I truly believed he would love the ride once it started, and that he really didn't know why he was afraid.

Then, as I pushed him onto the ride and strapped him in, it all fell apart...

For one brief moment, a small look of relief passed across his face. Then the girls behind him began to scream in delight and the relief vanished. Terror took over on Hunter's face and he began to shake and cry. I tried whispering into his ear the whole time, to get him to calm down and to realize it would all be okay. That completely FAILED. He continued to shake and cry and tell me I was WRONG.

I felt like the worst parent ever.

I had to carry him off after it was over and let him cry in my arms for a good 5-10 minutes. Through his sobs he continually reminded me how I was wrong and that I didn't listen to him.

I was able to distract him after that. But, throughout the rest of the day (and night, and next day...) he kept reminding me of how wrong I was for making him go on that ride. I continued to apologize for it and told him I wouldn't make him go on a scary ride ever again. I'm leaving it to someone else to overcome that fear (now that it's burned in his memory!).

WORST FEELING EVER!!

Random PHotos

2011-08-04T21:53:00.001-07:00

Feelin' the Crunch

2011-06-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

Here's my two favorite people in the world (and a bag a fur called Mocha - one of our two 13-year-old cats) - Hunter is finishing up kindergarten and Ron is traveling a lot for work lately. After this last 3-day trip to Arkansas, Ron informed me he's feeling a little bit of the mid-life crisis thing. He thinks it's because he's flying over all this beautiful landscape on his way back to California and he realizes there are many hiking trails he hasn't conquered - and wonders if he'll ever get the chance.

I'm feeling a little crunched too because, as Hunter gets older, we see our schedule filling up with boy activities. Cub Scouts alone is already starting to fill up our schedule and he hasn't even officially started yet. Then there's swim lessons, maybe a sport in the Fall, and all the other "boy" stuff that comes into play around this age. Don't get me wrong, I want him to try lots of activities, but I foresee our life being scheduled for us in the near future.

Compound all of this with my health challenges. We made the trip to Montana last weekend to see a specialist.

(Picture of leaving Montana after my appointment with the ND)

..after much trial and error, diet changes, home remedies, countless MD appointments, tests for my blood and other bodily fluids, meds, supplements, a naturopath, and now a naturopath who specializes in homeopathic remedies - all the accumulation of 10+ years of treatments - I am ready to put all my hope in this homeopathy.

I am supposed to call this ND on day 10 of my treatment and let him know how wonderful I feel now. Well...it's day seven and I'm not feeling any better. I just sigh and wonder if there's any way to feel better. I don't want to put too much hope in this but I am forcing myself to think myself better. I truly believe I CAN get better - that this will not be a chronic struggle for the rest of my life. I want to hike all those yet-to-be-hiked trails too!

Hunter's First Play

2011-05-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hunter performed his first play, in kindergarten, called "The Three Piggy Opera" - a musical version of the Three Little Pigs. Hunter was a chicken stick peddler.

His first time saying two lines all by himself.
Such a ham!

Lookin' cool in the shades.
after the performance - a shot with his friend Kylie.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Elk Grove Creek Clean-up Day

2011-04-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, this is our second-annual attendance.

Bowling!

2011-03-29T17:35:00.001-07:00

Ron, Hunter, Isabella and I spent a Saturday afternoon at the bowling alley - Hunter's first time. We used the bumpers.

Hunter's 6th Birthday

2011-03-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

The day started with me helping out in his kindergarten class. The teacher brought him to the front of the class and everyone sang "Happy Birthday."

Then we passed out cupcakes. Hunter received the biggest one!
I love the surprised look on his face when he opened his favorite gift - a remote-controlled car.
The next day, it was off to Arco Arena to see Disney On Ice.

Yay! What a great year this has started out to be for my little man.

100 Blossoms

2011-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Hunter's assignment for kindergarten was to find 100 things and display them in a creative way. Lo and behold, the plum blossoms came out early, due to the warm weather, so Ron came up with this great idea. Beautiful!

I think Hunter's will be the best display in the class :)

36

2011-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

It's here again...another birthday. I guess it's better than the alternative ;)
I'm considering a career change - ask me in a year if I made that decision.
I like that I will always remember how old Hunter is because he will be 6 and I am 36, so even when I am old and senile I should remember his age. I'm glad I only have one kid to keep track of.
Ron got me a chair massager as a gift. I actually requested it - either that or a home composter. Do either of these gifts reflect getting older? Maybe wiser?
One of my accomplishments: Singing with my dad in a live concert for the first time (at least since I was about 11).

Happy birthday to me :)

Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

2010-12-13T20:03:00.001-08:00

Putting Up the Christmas Lights

2010-12-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Hunter's Drawings

2010-10-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hunter loves to draw a lot lately - based on many of the movies he watches or things he sees. Here's some of them:

Astroboy and some other robots from the movie, and the earth.

His school, with his teacher, his backpack and a guy working on the school's roof...and Astroboy.

I said, "Draw a picture of yourself." Can you find him in this picture with all the animals? (And he has hair like Astroboy here too.)

Apple tree...with wild animals.

This one is from "Muppets Take Manhattan." Miss Piggy is in the blue and red roller skates (and purple gloves, of course) chasing a mugger (the purple guy) who took her purse...and some more wild animals.

He's really into Halloween right now. The green figure is a witch, the purple one is a ghost and the black one at the very top is a bat. The black cat has an orange striped tail because that's the one he saw in the drugstore that he REALLY wants me to buy.

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

2010-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

There's some determination on that face - future luge olympian?

(I'm glad it's taken this long for Hunter to figure out he can do this with his Tonka truck - and with a helmet! I am grateful he is quite a cautious boy. Less trips to the hospital for us :)

Little Man at 5

2010-02-18T08:17:00.001-08:00

Here he is...my five-year-old boy! WOW--five years of having him in our lives. I am so very blessed. Happy birthday my little man :)

Smile Maker!

2010-01-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

Don't we need all the help we can get to smile? This video is a great help to me.

Also, see how Sesame Street is joining with the Children and Nature Network to get kids outdoors.

Fist Visit to the Dentist

2009-12-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

Waiting quietly for x-rays

Headphones to watch T.V. on the ceiling.

Time to floss.

Polish those pearly whites!

New toothbrush and Spongebob toothpaste.

Hunter was amazing! He was very quiet and still and followed directions well.

Everything looks good so far--no cavities. Just need to work on that flossing!

Apple Hill

2009-10-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

...and other stuff too.

Made our traditional trek up to Apple Hill last Saturday. We found this cute little farm called "Kids, Inc." Besides apples, they have pumpkins too - but Hunter didn't want a big orange one. He wanted the "baby pumpkins" - as he calls them.

Hunter was very still while a snake was painted on his arm.

Grandma and Hunter are posing at Abel's Acres - that's where we stock up on all things apple. I have an apple blueberry pie put away in the freezer for Thanksgiving.

Hunter and dad rode the train while grandma and I snooped around the craft tables.

His last words were, "I'm not tired!"

Angel Island

2009-09-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

We (myself, Ron, Hunter, Grandpa Bill) went to Angel Island State Park a few weeks ago. Here's some photos from out trip:

you have to take the ferry over from Tiburon (in the background) to get there. Hunter was LOVING it!

We're almost there!

Beautiful view of the north bay, all the sailboats are out and if you squint you might see the San Rafael bridge in the background.

We rode our bikes all the way around the island - about 5 miles and a lot of uphill. Amazing views of the entire Bay - Alcatraz, S.F., Three bridges including Golden Gate. We stopped at some cool but eerie abandoned army barracks.

After the ride we came back to Ayala Cove, where we started and had lunch. Hunter had fun feeding the (very pushy) seagulls in the harbor.

On the ferry back to Tiburon.

Once back on the main land we stopped for warm drinks. As you can see, Hunter very much enjoyed his enormous hot chocolate.

Crashed after a long fun-filled day.

Highland Lakes

2009-08-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Just Ron and I (and Tex) went on a weekend camping trip to Highland Lakes near Ebbett's Pass

This was the view from our tent - Upper Highland Lake:

Lower Highland Lake:

On Saturday we hiked up 1000 vertical feet to a peak overlooking the whole area.

Me (and Tex) at the top, Lower Highland Lake in background:

Ron (and Tex) at the top, Upper Highland Lake in background:

Here's a 360-degree image flattened into one big panoramic.
Click on the image below for the full size with labels.

Summertime Images

2009-08-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost over for us so I just put up some random pictures of Hunter's activities over the summer so far.

The EYES Have it!

2009-07-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Pipe cleaners, pompoms and googly eyes: $3

Furlough Friday: $$$

Cheap fun and happy kids: PRICELESS

Happy Friday!

Fourth of July at Our House

2009-07-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

We decided to put on our own show in our little court. So Ron picked up some fireworks, Hunter and I dragged out lawn chairs and I watched Hunter's little face light up with glee each time Ron set off a Blooming Rose or Fire Rocket. I was a little fearful when we let Hunter hold his own sparklers, but I made sure to keep lots of water on the ready.

The fireworks sure aren't what they used to be--not as high or sparkly or loud. You'd think if you are literally going to burn your money it should be more spectacular. But I love reliving the wonder of new things through Hunter's eyes. He doesn't know any different and joyfully yells, "Oooo!" and "Whoa!" when they go off.

Grateful Friday

2009-07-03T09:09:00.001-07:00

> Friday off to spend with my family.

> Breakfast together at the local diner this morning.

> Hunter getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom ON HIS OWN and going right back to bed - no parent involvement whatsoever - for the first time! (The things we get excited about as parents...)

> Outdoor movie night at Elk Grove Park last Friday night.

> Despite 3 furlough days now in effect, I still have a job (so far).

> A free hot tub!!! (Thanks Walt and Lori.)

> Our cat, Mocha, is finally getting better from allergies after a year of chewing a pussy, swollen, yucky foot. (Four medications and hundreds of dollars later, mind you--and I'll spare you pictures.)

> Some great reading: Four books I devoured by Ruth Reichl.

Happy Friday!

Big Basin Camping

2009-06-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our first real camping trip of the summer! We went to Big Basin Redwoods State Park for four days:

We had a spot right next to a creek where Hunter loved to spend hours trotting through the water.

Here's my cutie fast asleep for a nap in the tent!

Ron and I took a hike to Buzzard's Roost. One of the topmost points in the park where you have a 360-degree view.

They had lots of activities for families, including campfire programs on the weekend. We got to roast marshmallows!

It was so nice to be among the magnificent redwoods and get outdoors!

2009-06-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy couple of months and I'm just trying to catch up.

My co-worker was generous enough to give us her timeshare for a weekend in Monterey a couple of weeks ago -- an ocean-front view at a beautiful resort in Carmel. We also went to the aquarium (my first time!!!). Hunter absolutely LOVED the beach. We went every day and he played and danced with the waves.

You can see more photos of our trip on my Facebook page.

Bus Rider, Part 4

2009-04-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

The bus was unusually alive with chatter...

What could have caused such energy? Was it the site of the sun after days and days of non-stop rain? Amazing what a little sun will do for one's demeanor. I noticed the noise as soon as I stepped into the bus. Or maybe, because it was an earlier bus, there where more seat choices, so co-workers were able to pick seats together where they could chatter away about the latest State budget rumors, or talk about the boss' morning-meeting statements. It was rather distracting, actually. I had to crank up the sound on my iPod because the chatter was interfering with my audio book listening of "Water for Elephants."

As I was riding the bus the other day I was more enamored with the goings-on outside the bus. I was homeward bound, around 4:45 p.m., and the bus passed a non-descript highrise of condos. It was nothing to behold or take note of, but then I caught a glimpse of the activity through the windows on the first floor. Grey-haired men and women where crowded around tables, eating slowly and unamused, attendants where wheeling in other residents hunched over in their wheelchairs. "Oh, it's not just a bunch of condos," I thought, "It's one of those nursing home-type buildings." It was kind of sad to me, the thought of being so old and tired and living with a cluster of other old and tired souls, and sitting down to dinner at 4:30 every evening. What is it about being old and eating dinner so EARLY? Does your jaw get so tired towrds the end of the day that you have to make sure you get some food in it before your chewing muscles stop working for the night? It was a brief glimpse, but so many thoughts ran through my head....imagining myself getting old, where I might be at that age. I hope I'm not cranky.

Then, before you know it, we are at the onramp to the freeway. The onramp rises and curves to cross over the masses of traffic we will soon join. We are fairly high up, especially being on the bus, and for a moment we rise above the dull grey retaining walls hugging the freeway. The Sacramento River appears in view and its wide girth glitters in the light of the sunset. It is swollen with all the recent rain. Beautiful.

We murmur on, and as we reach our off-ramp toward home, it rises again above the earth and I look to see the sprawling wetlands -- flocks of birds, spikey grass and ponds of water dabbed here and there for miles, right up to the freeway. I'm so glad no one can develop this area because it is a protected bird sanctuary. It is in stark contrast to the many houses crammed right up to the edge of the freeway on the opposite side, their flat, non-descript backsides standing at attention, just yards from the rush of the traffic, separated only by the 10-foot tall, cinder-block wall. It's nice to appreciate what's outside, beyond the tail lights of the cars in front of me...

The fares for my monthly bus pass have gone up quite a bit this month from $60 to $100 -- ouch! Well, it's still better than driving. I was reminded of how painful it is to drive in traffic when I stood in the spot at the very front of the bus one day. I was practically standing next to the driver. I had a view of the entire mess we face every evening as we join the mob: bumper to bumper, stop and go, merge and change lanes, creep and crawl forward. A knot grew in my stomach as my front-row view reminded me of the commuter days of sitting in traffic. I find myself ghost braking with my foot as the driver presses the brakes and comes within a few feet of the car in front of him. Needless to say, I go right to the back of the bus now. I want to become ignorant once again of that bumper battle.

Traffic is a stressor I can proudly check of my list.

----
A red gummie candy, Gatorade bottle with a swallow of red liquid at the bottom, two halves of a library card, a key chain with 3 heart charms hanging from it....

These are the items I've seen on the floor at the back of the bus. I've moved from the front to the back because there is better seating and many passengers are less likely to walk all the way to the back to find one. Though very slight, there is a culture change from the front of the bus to the back. I'm not talking ethnic groups, I mean the kinds of people that choose the back over the front. It is more noticeable in the morning. They are a bit younger and more talkative -- perhaps because the seats all face each other in a "U" fashion around the back of the bus so one can't help but look at the person across from you. We all sit in about the same spot each day. I've noticed I always take the driver's side of the bus. I think it's because I'm right-dominant and I lead with my right hip into the seat. I'm going to have to make a mental note to try to the other side more often...

2009-04-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

TGIF.....that's all I have to say about that.

Grateful

2009-03-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have to do this for sanity's sake. Dr. Oz says end-of-day gratitude is essential for good mental health. So I am in need of some serious goodness in the mental health area right now.

Let me just vent a moment before I go and get some gratitude:

Ron is on a business trip on the other side of the continent until Saturday evening.

Waiting for the bus. No bus. A DIFFERENT bus comes that, fortunately, has a similar route and I beg the driver to let me on because he's turning us away from an already crammed bus. I have people coming in an hour and I must attempt to pick up Hunter from daycare, feed both of us, try to sneak in a bath for Hunter and do a quick pick up of the house. Today HAD to be the day the bus was really late...

I am 5 minutes away from having some much-needed company come over tonight, when I go to change Hunter's shirt. He's feeling a bit warm....he's not eating his dinner and just sitting there in a bit of a daze. I grab the thermometer - 102 degrees. Great. I call aforementioned friends and quickly cancel...

I go to get his bed ready. It's wet...he must have wet his bed last night and, because I was in a rush to get out the door this morning, didn't notice. So now I must track down clean blankets and change the sheets....

I won't even go into the PMS thing....

Okay, now for my grrrrrr....ate...ful (squeezing it out of me with a grunt) list:

>I'm grateful work has been so busy it eats up the days Ron is gone and keeps my mind off of that.
>Washing my hands. I think this is the OCD in me. Kinda weird, but I love the feeling of my momentarily germ-free hands.
>The Shack. So far I like this book. I find myself getting emotional when I read it. I think it's really hitting home and I don't realize it -- and I'm not even 1/3 through.
>Coffee. Yes, it's back. I gave it up but I really missed it. All I need is one cup in the morning.
>Caramel Delites Girl Scout Cookies -- a blessing and a curse of chocolatey, caramelly, coconutty, chewy pleasure.
>Two pairs of the exact same shoes -- one brown pair, one black. That's all I wear for work. It's nice to not have to put thought into this anymore.
>I took a stilly online test for my dog called DogAge (from the same people of RealAge) and, based on my answers, Tex is actually 6.4 years younger than his real age. My dog-owner guilt is a little less now...

Here's to the weekend!

Grateful

2009-02-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

My little man turned 4 on Wednesday....FOUR!

Furlough Friday...Really. I love having the day off.

Hubby taking the day off to share Furlough Friday with me.

My new "Happy Lights" from Costco that are supposed to help with mood.

A NEW BED!!! Being delivered today.

The-darker-the-better chocolate.

Bus Rider, Part 3

2009-02-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

Is this the end of my bus-riding adventures? My amusement for this new routine seems to be winding down a bit....

Same faces, same drill:

Stand. Wait. Look. Check watch. Wait. Get on. Find seat (if I'm licky). Plug in to ipod. Wait for the ride to be over....

Is it okay to run to your bus stop if you think you'll be late? There is a general, unspoken consensus that you may speed walk, but to break out into a trot or run makes you an oddball, like you're the only one who has every been late to something. I notice there is also a general rule about walking if you are flowing the same direction as other pedestrians. If one happens to catch up to another pedestrian the strides of the two people may not be the same. There is an insatiable urge to either speed up and pass the other person or slow down to break up the unison of our strides -- that personal space thing again. Anyway, I thought I was late for my bus so I tried to follow the speed walking rule that you must keep in contact with the ground at all times (I learned that from watching Malcolm in the Middle when Hal was obsessed with speed walking as his new hobbie). I made it in plenty of time because my bus was 20 minutes late anyway...

Sometimes when I'm listening to music on my iPod, waiting at the bus stop, I imagine everyone is moving to the rhythm of the music —kinda like in a movie. It makes the mundane a little more entertaining anyway.... the elderly woman dragging her walker across the street as fast a she can manage before the commuter traffic almost runs her down; the late passenger beating on the doors of the light rail train trying to jump on before it pulls away; the trio of teenagers moseying down the street, hoods up over their heads, trying to look an uninterested as possible....

I sat next to a fellow read coat this past week (no reference to the British intended). I actually didn't notice when I first sat down because the interior of the bus was really dark and I was diving for the first empty seat. So now I realize it's a common occurrence for my bus ride home to be standing-room only. Knowing this, I waited for everyone to pile in first so I could stand at the front of the bus where I might possibly be closer to fresh air. Wouldn't you know it...a very tall and wide person jumps on at the last minute and I spend the rest of the bus ride staring at a large mass of navy blue nylon instead of the nice sunset out the window....oh, well.

This week I managed to: 1) figure out for sure that the woman at my morning bus stop whom I suspected looks like my neighbor actually IS my neighbor, and 2) attempted and succeeded in making eye contact with her and exchanging a few polite words to confirm to her that I was also indeed HER neighbor. Our small connection was cut short when, as we were talking and moving toward the open doors of the waiting bus, I realized I didn't have my bus pass and halted in my tracks a bit panicked. Now she probably thinks I'm cookoo for being the only one left just standing there as our bus pulled away. I scrambled for my cell phone, called Ron to deliver the pass that was left in his glove compartment (thankfully, he wasn't that far down the road when I called), and proceeded to catch up with the bus about 10 minutes later, fortunate the bus takes a slight detour through a neighborhood before resuming course down my same street a bit further down....

I had my first dream about riding the bus...

I was on my regular bus route, but this time I was riding it all the way to the oppposite end of the route much farther North. Ron was supposed to pick me up and I was trying to talk to him on my cell and tell him exactly where to pick me up, and then I got off. That's it.

Okay, it was a very boring dream....

Grateful... for my son

2009-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'm having one of those moments when I see my son do things and I think, "It's all finally sinking in."

> He asks permission to drive his Tonka truck through the kitchen. It is really loud when he does this and most of the time we don't let him do it. He just started asking two days ago, all on his own.

> When he rolls over a floor mat with this said truck and wrinkles it all up, he stops and re-straightens it.

> Two weeks ago it took us 20 minutes for him to fight and cry and finally try one bite of food that was new to him. But since then he will try at least one bite of whatever I put on his plate, no argument.

> When we bought him a bike for his birthday last year we insisted he wear a helmet. He resisted this every time for months on end. Now, when he hops on his bike, he asks for his helmet to be on before pedaling away.

> He's had only 1 or 2 timeouts at daycare for going on three weeks. A few months ago it was about 4 to 6 a day.

> His logic is very entertaining: I was scrubbing the toilet with the toilet brush and Hunter comes up and says, "Toilet brushing it's teeth?"

> He uses our pet name on us when he is disappointed in something we do. He says, "Oh, HON-ey, HON-ey."

Our little man will be 4 years old on the 18th. I savor every moment and a sigh of relief at the little successes. He has made me smile every day since the day he was born :)

Random Siting

2009-01-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

I was taking a walk around the capitol today and I spotted this image on the side of the trash can. I wonder why the little person has a "crack" on his side?

It makes me want to NOT throw something away if it causes my side to split.

Bus Rider, part 2

2009-01-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Air...I need AIR!!!...

It's not even summer yet, I'm in a bus packed from tail to gills with 50+ people and there is no moving air inside the bus. I ponder the fact that we are all breathing in and out the same air -- that's kinda yucky considering the air is quite stifling at the moment. I can feel the beads of sweat starting to form on my top lip. Is anybody else starting to sweat? I'm standing up for the ride home so maybe I am more sensitive because my head is higher up than the majority of the riders. I could take off my coat but it would mean a couple of things:

1. I would have to lose my grip on the pole and risk lurching forward onto the person in front of me since it is a common occurrence for the driver to quickly brake.

2. I would probably cause quite a scene -- red coat flying, maybe elbowing a couple of people, drawing too much attention to myself with my large movements...

okay....it's only a 20-minute ride before I find relief. I think I can deal. Maybe the air outside isn't any better with all the stinky diesel trucks on the freeway...

Okay....8 minutes have gone by. Maybe I can make it to ten....ten....

HALLELUJAH!!!!! A window vent suddenly falls open and a gust of cool air swirls through the inside of the bus! The bus-attending angels have answered my call (or, rather, grumbling) to On High for relief! I'd like to think it really happened that way...

So this is week two of my bus-riding adventures and I've counted 3 other red coats that take part in public transportation (okay, they've never actually been riding on MY bus but they are out there in Rider Land. (see previous entry about my red coat). My calves are getting a much-needed workout as I briskly walk the two blocks from my office building to the bus stop for home. My stop (yes, I claim it as mine now) is just across the street from a lightrail station and I pass a sea of people waiting for the imminent arrival of the train. It's funny how this mass of people have strategically placed themselves near the tracks but not too close to one another. If I were to take an aerial shot of the scene it might look like some hap-hazard dot-to-dot puzzle. Or I can recall elementary school P.E. when each student spreads their arms out to the sides and one touches fingertips to the other to make sure there is enough room between them for jumping jacks. There's this invisible buffer of space around each person -- where did we get this American sense of space anyway? We are descended from Europeans who have no trouble getting within inches of your nose to have a conversation. It happens on the bus too. When we are squished so close together the women cross their legs as tightly as possible to make themselves feel a bit narrower (I pity those Rider souls who are a bit more endowed in the backside. When there is an empty seat between two people it reminds me of those times you stretch and dance yourself into those "control top" pantyhose you bought that are a bit smaller than your real size.) -- we all try as hard as possible to not exist to the person next to us. As soon as the bus empties a bit, we all spread out and put an empty seat between us -- the pleasant gazes and bits of commentary start to open up as the seats do....

The other morning I notice, seated at the front of the bus, a large, intimidating-looking young man (6-foot-something, linebacker shoulders, dreadlocks down his back, plugged in to his iPod, rocking out to something with a loud baseline), tap a woman, standing, and offers her his seat -- she smiles but refuses politely. He taps a second woman standing and does the same -- same response from the woman. NICE! A bit of kindness.... especially when it is unexpected (due to my own judgemental views, I'm sorry to say). I always try to throw him a kind smile if we ever make eye contact. It's my own little way of saying "thanks, that was really nice of you" even if he doesn't know it....

So many people that ride the bus don't seem to get enough sleep! This one guy, who has his large soft-sided lunch cooler on his lap, is snoozing and his head is drooping so far forward his forehead is almost resting on his cooler. Poor guy. He looks like he's been working a lot of years...he wears a wedding ring that looks as if it's growing out of his skin, so I assume he's been married a long time...maybe he has a big family and works long hours to provide for them. I see lots of eyes with bags under them (and the overhead lighting in the bus is very unflattering and does a good job of bringing attention to said bags) and know I am one of them. The Baggy Bus Rider herself.

My last thought for the week will end on a happy, responsible note. I am pleased with myself to know that I a traveling towards home by taking my car off the congested highway and, hopefully, being a part of fighting climate change (Did you know the the term "global warming" is out now. Climate change is the "it" word). Just think -- a bus, which is about two cars in length, carries 50+ people to their destination while thousands of cars -- the majority of which only have ONE person in them -- pack the freeway and spew carbon dioxide.

Tooting my environmental horn for the Bus Riders!

Grateful Friday

2009-01-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

> Horton Hears a Who movie... what a great message about faith and kindness -- Hunter loves it, and it's funny!

> Brisk walks around the State capital.
> Seeing my husband and son waiting to pick me up at the bus stop after work.

> Free podcasts.

> 3 Musketeer mint & dark chocolate minis.

> My "What Would Wonder Woman Do? An Amazon's Guide to the Working World" book. A gift from my hubby for my new job. It compliments my Wonder Woman mug from Heather beautifully as they sit on my desk at work :)

Happy Friday!

Bus Rider

2009-01-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

It's like a little culture of its own, than cluster of people that use public transportation. And I now find myself among them in my first week of riding the bus. I am amused by the little goings-on in each half-hour trip I take to and from my new job...

I quickly noticed my bright red 20-dollar, wool blend coat from Target stands out in a sea of black, brown and navy. Is there an unwritten bus-rider dress code? I don't really want to stand out but I can't help notice. Are others as keenly aware of this or am I just being overly observant?...

I would say at least 50 percent of us (me included!) are plugged in to some peripheral device -- mostly iPods, and I can't help feeling a bit guilty that I'm not using my ridership to break into new relationships and delve deeply in the heart of some quiet soul beside me. But I get the feeling, in the cold dark morning, or after a long day at work, no one wants to befriend a bus-mate and there is nothing better to do than to practice making your eyes wander aimlessly so the person across or in front of you doesn't think you are looking in their direction. Some doze, some read, others just stare into space...

So I downloaded a bunch of podcasts to keep me occupied. One in particular I find quite entertaining is NPR's "Wait, Wait...don't tell me!" weekly quiz show. I find myself smiling and, at times, almost laughing aloud. Then I quickly catch myself and wonder does anyone thinks I look pretty crazy laughing and chuckling to myself?... You can see others' reflections in the windows and I think I saw two people looking at me smiling to myself in the reflection and whispering to each other. They are probably commenting that I'm a little off-kilter or too lively to be a regular rider. I hope my earbuds alert them I'm actually listening to something and not talking to my imaginary friend. No one else that is plugged in is showing any expression. Maybe they are all plugged in with no sound just so they won't be bothered... .

This has been the first normal week back to work for most folks since the new year and the bus has been pretty packed both to and from work. The ride home has been especially packed. I've had to stand up most of the ride home. On Tuesday we were all packed in like I imagine a New York subway car would be, and I was standing, bag on the floor pinned between my ankles, hanging onto the poll above me that is a little too high for someone who is barely 5-foot-3. I wasn't holding on that tight when, wouldn't you know it, the bus driver just HAD to slam on her brakes and most of us in the aisle went lurching forward onto the next person in front of us. I chuckled later when I thought how the driver probably planned it all along just for her amusement. We were very close together and I was self conscious that I may have a large amount of cat or dog fur on my coat that the woman behind me had thirty minutes to examine. I was certainly able to consider every spec of lint and so forth on the woman's coat in front of me (a black coat, of course). I'm just glad it wasn't summertime (yet) or that no one had b.o. I was very pleased with myself that I was chewing gum so my breath was minty fresh.

And so the adventure begins. Its own little microcosm of society -- the bus riders -- the bus riders from Elk Grove to downtown Sac -- the Elk Grove commuters that are probably State workers that ride public transportation.

My next adventure in bus ridership: figuring out if the woman who sat next to me this morning, and is on the exact same route schedule as me, is actually my next door neighbor. (Hey, she kinda looks different since I don't usually see my neighbor in work clothes.)

Christmas in Arizona

2008-12-31T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hunter's second cousin, Maddix riding his new tricycle.

The men playing with Hunter's new racetrack.
Ron's sister KayLynn and brother-in-law, Dennis.
Me and hubby.
Hunter and Maddix cheezin' it up for the camera.
Hunter says "Cheez" every time we break out the camera.
Hey, where's grandma in all the shots?

Happy and Sad

2008-12-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

A little sad yesterday was my last day of work at my old job, and I will truly miss the women I worked with.

A little happy to have two weeks off until my new job starts.

A little sad I am reconfirming that fact that I am a working mom.

A little happy to be in Arizona for a warm Christmas

Sad that it will take 12+ hours to drive there

Happy I have a plan to keep Hunter occupied on the trip with games and snacks

Sad I don't see the people I love enough

Happy to get their family Christmas cards in the mail

Sad Ron had to go on a business trip to Toledo last week

Happy he made it home before the nasty weather hit.

--------

Hunter has been doing great since we potty trained him about a month ago. He still relishes the praise every time he goes and we always say, "Good job!"

Hunter was watching Ron change the oil this morning...when Ron open the plug and let the oil run into the pan Hunter says, "Car going pee pee! GOOD JOB CAR!"

Future Golfing Phenom?

2008-12-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

Growing

2008-11-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

We love having Isabella over for the weekend. Hunter especially loves being with her. I think he believes she' his big sister. I like that he believes that...

Facebook

2008-11-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

I posted some October pics on my Facebook if you want to take a look-see.

What To Do With Over Ripe Bananas

2008-10-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

I buy 5 bananas and most get too ripe. I don't have the energy to make banana bread, like it's the only thing I know to do with bananas. So, I thought I'd share a recipe for non-dairy "yogurt" that Hunter likes:

2 bananas (over ripe makes them extra sweet)
1 package silken tofu
Handful frozen berries
If needed -- Stevia (my preference) or honey to taste.

Blend together in a blender on low until mixed. Serve.

Freeze remaining in kid-sized portions for another day!

You can also use frozen leftovers as a base for smoothies.

Privileged

2008-10-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

Despite the grumblings in my past post, I am always grateful that there are rays of hope. Despite the crumbling economy my family pays all of our bills and we still have Friday pizza night. I am privileged to have a husband who, despite traveling so much, racks up frequent flier miles and gets free airline tickets so I can tag along with him to Phoenix for three days and stay for free at a hotel like this:

And I see other little rays of hope...

Could it be I feel even just a bit more energy than usual?

Could this health program possibly be starting to work?

I made it through PMS without a migraine!

Did I just hear Hunter's speech suddenly blossom after only 1 speech therapy session?

He used the potty a couple of times on his own initiative!

I feel comfort and connection to others when I know we all have similar struggles -- even as far away as Australia! (see comments from Gabbie on my last post). Is the saying "misery loves company" justified then? I think it's okay sometimes... and I end up with helpful tips from others -- from parenting to vitamin D.

I'm not turning my emotions on a dime and pushing everything behind me. It's just nice to have some hope and gratitude . . .

Now. . . let's see if I can cut Hunter's hair today without the neighbors thinking I'm torturing him.

Reflection Cycle

2008-09-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing many of my friends, mostly female, that seem to be in a mode of reflection or self-examination as of late. I am convinced women have some deep thread that connects us all and we swing in and out of certain emotional waves at about the same time. I sees this in other parts of our lives as well, but I won't get into that.

Maybe its the changing of the season and our primitive genetic coding tells us to begin preparing for the months ahead to save and store up for the winter, so we must make room for those stores. Perhaps, in a way, we are emotionally cleaning out space and sizing up our stores for the months to come -- a stepping out of our present moment to take mental inventory.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KEEP READING? IT'S GONNA BE A LONG ONE...

...so...as I ramble....here is the account of my emotional inventory, so perhaps I can make room for the reserves I will need for the coming season:

I told Ron tonight on our date that I feel like a shallow mom. Working full-time leaves little time for Hunter and when that time comes at night, after work, I am too drained to really get down to his level and help mold his little life. I feel quite guilty about this and I think that its a result of my own greed. If we hadn't bought a house so soon then I wouldn't have had to go back to work to support this house. We could've just rented a simple house and lived a simpler life. But, hence, I cannot physically change my situation now. There is no way we could sell this house with the current economy and I can't quit my job or we wouldn't be able to pay the mortgage....on, and on, and on.

AND SOME MORE....

So, it is not wise to change my present situation but I feel my motherhood is suffering. I'm not sure Hunter's childhood is suffering, but my motherhood is -- does that make any sense if it's only one-sided? And then there's the fatigue. Constant, draining, molasses-dragging fatigue. I am currently taking about 8 horse-sized mega vitamins twice a day hoping I will see some change because specialists and medications haven't seemed to help. I've been feeling this way since I was 22 and it's definitely not going to get better with age!

...ARE YOU STILL READING THIS? I'M STILL GOING...

Maybe I need a good cry? I haven't had a good cry for awhile and sometimes that just helps -- like something that's overinflated with air and you just have to let some out to make it more stable...

I like my job and I don't think I would actually do well being home full-time. I remember it -- it was only a year ago (hmmm...maybe that 1 year mark is making me nostalgic?) -- when I would panic because Hunter and I were bored and I felt we needed to be busy to make it through the day. I actually think I would thrive with a part-time job. But that is not happening right now.

YEP. STILL GOING...

Right now....accepting the here and now. That's the hard part. Surrender...surrender to my constant fatigue, surrender to Hunter getting six time-outs in daycare and not having any clue how to parent him into understanding, and having the daycare provider tell me I should get him tested to rule out autism or a learning disability. Surrender to being out of control and praying to trust and keep moving forward (as Dori says, "Just keep swimming...just keep swimming...), and try to have some humor through it all!

I will end with a quote from Mother Teresa: "God said he will not give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much!"

OKAY. THAT'S ALL. REALLY.

FOR NOW....

2008-09-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my whitewater rafting trip last weekend -- the American River middle fork, above Lincoln -- with people from work. I'm in the front on the right, yellow helmet:

This was after I was tossed out once a bit upstream and, as you can see, I made it back into the boat and had a blast...Woo-hoo!

First Boo Boo

2008-09-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

The inevitable "call" came from daycare today....Hunter took his first big spill and scraped up his face pretty bad:

I had to take pictures. He wasn't too happy about it -- like he knew he didn't look his best and didn't want mom recording it.
I know it was bound to happen--could've been worse. We've been spared much in his first 3 and a half years, but...poor guy.

A Timeout for Timeouts?

2008-08-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a little discouraged, confused, afraid....

Lately Hunter has been having issues at daycare--well, he usually gets at least one timeout a day but in the last couple of weeks he has multiple timeouts--like even six in one day. It's mostly for hitting or using some other act of aggression. And his teacher says he is rebelling a lot too--not following directions or saying "no" when she asks him to do things. But she doesn't give timeouts for those kind of things.

I'm at a loss as to what to do...we work with him at home but there aren't any other kids at home. My worst fear is that he'll get kicked out of daycare. I blame myself for working so much or doing something terribly wrong I'm not even aware of. "It's a phase" is not helping me right now. Is he the only kid that does this? I can't control him but I don't feel like a very good parent right now...

What's going on in that little brain of his?

Reconnection

2008-07-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

Fabulous weekend away with Hubby for our 10-year Wedding Anniversary!!! We drove up the north coast to the Mendocino area and stayed at a beautiful little spot on Highway 1 called Albion River Inn. Every room has an amazing ocean view from a private deck:
Here's a panoramic of the view from our deck:(That's the Albion River to your left, the Pacific Ocean to your right--click on the image for a larger view).

And the local kitty came to visit. She must have known we like cats...

We sat on the deck for hours and sipped coffee. We did some bird watching, and we both caught up on some much-needed bible reading.

We ate pretty food (arranged on our plates like a sculpture), and did a whole lot of NOTHING! Our only committment, besides dinner reservations, was a Couples Massage at Mendocino Massage -- Ron's first massage ever--and we both loved it!

Oh yeah, we did stop at Point Cabrillo lighthouse:

I am grateful for the ability to get away and be spoiled. I look forward to many more great years of marriage!

A Decade of Unity

2008-07-23T21:15:00.001-07:00

It will be ten years of marriage on Friday for me and Ron. We are getting away for the weekend while grandma hangs out with Hunter. Hope to post some nice pics when we return.

In the meantime, here's some pics Ron took with his camera phone while he took his first long business trip -- Chicago, Toledo, Detroit, Ann Arbor -- all in four days, wew!

Chicago skyline...

No one told me Chicago was on such a beautiful coastline (or lakeshore, as it were)...

The famous "Married With Children" fountain.

They lost his luggage on the way home, which is a super-bummer. NOT what you want to happen at the beginning of a long traveling season. Good thing they delivered it the next day. Hunter and I tried to stay busy to keep our minds of Dad being gone. I guess I'll have to get used to it since it's part of his job now.

Anyway -- See you later!

Hi All

2008-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

...been awhile since I updated the blog. I have pictures to share but they are still living in our camera at the moment. Apple finally gave up on fixing my Mac so they gave me a new one (woohoo!!) so I am just barely up and running again, not even having all my software reinstalled yet.

I am debating on taking a haitus from the blog. I have been unsuccessful in consistently posting updates since I became a full-time member of the workforce last Fall. Shooting off a quick e-mail is much more reasonable if someone wants an update and its a matter of weighing things like, "do I need to do the dishes or post on the blog" --the dishes will probably win every time, or watching "Cars" with Hunter for the 80th time, or making lunch for work tomorrow...

And my computer has been taken over by VeggieTales DVDs anyway because our TV is dying and my 20" monitor is almost like having an HD TV. Anyway, Bob & Larry bump off my ability to jump on the computer and do stuff. I am actually creating this post at work (it's okay--they are cool with it and it's during a break :) just to let everyone know we're still here.

So, I'll keep you posted (double-meaning here) on my decision. Enjoy running in the sprinklers and BBQing, drop me a call or e-mail to say "hi" and enjoy your summer!

I might post pictures if I get around to it....

GOOD NEWS!!!

2008-05-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ron just accepted a job TODAY! So it will only be a total of 6 weeks of unemployment. And the even better news is his office is located on the same block as MY office. He will have to do some traveling so I hope we can commute together at least some of the time--woo hoo!!!

Goings on in our lives:

Hunter is learning so much at daycare. He knows 5 bible verses by memory and all the Sign Language signs that goes with them, he knows his colors, shapes, counts to 20...we're still working on the potty training. But I am relishing every minute, in everyway he grows and changes.

He discovered the sprinklers on the first hot day of the season--his first time ever running through them:

I just finished 'reading' (book on CD) an incredible book, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (same author as "The Kite Runner"). It's about women in Afghanistan. I liked it even better than his first but it's really intense. It's one of those stories and I can't stop thinking about. I can only say that I have a blessed life and so many people in the world endure much more than I ever will.

Ron has caught up with all the "Honey-Do" list items while at home. And he does an excellent job keeping up the housework (*sigh* I'll miss that part when he returns to work). He's also been able to de-stress and get some much-needed hang time with friends.

He and Hunter spent time together today at Fairy Tale Town walking the "crooked mile", catching a puppet show and riding the train, among other things:

So things are going pretty well for us. I didn't even freak out about Ron being jobless. I didn't even worry a bit--maybe it's my meds or maybe we've been here before so many times that I knew everything would be okay, no matter what.

I SAID I'd Be Back!

2008-03-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there...to all of you who may have given up looking at my blog for changes, I admit blogging has not been a priorty since my life is mostly: get up, go to work, come home, eat, put Hunter to bed, poop out and go to bed myself, do it all over again.

This work thing eats up all my time. It's been about 7 months since I went back to work full-time and I still feel I'm "transitioning" into it. Here's some updates and photos...

> I'm now permanent at my job. I don't care for the long commute but I like my job and I've listened to a lot of books on CD in the car...

> Ron just lost his job (that just happened 2 days ago...). He was expecting it and is actually relieved--it was killing him mentally. So just when it seems we are getting a leg up financially things get challenging again. Maybe it's just our lot in life to just make ends meet (not "ends MEAT" like I used to think) because maybe we'd get too greedy or something if we had more money. I am grateful we have so many good things as it is...hey, I won an iPod Nano from a raffle at my corporate party--woo hoo! We hope some potential jobs come through for him quickly.

> We found a new church home at the Cordova Church of Christ and love the new relationships and support we are finding there.

> Hunter celebrated his 3rd birthday recently and we had a party with some of his little friends and family.

Hunter's the one in the red shirt to the right...

> Ron and I were able to take a little weekend in Tahoe in mid-Feb. We skied at Heavenly for the first time. What a view!!!! Breathtaking. Thanks to grandma for watching Hunter.

On the gondola that takes you up the mountain (sorry Ron is just an outline. It's a camera phone)...

At the top of a run...

> About a month ago we switched Hunter's daycare. He was close to my job but it made it hard for Ron to help out so we moved him closer to home. We were lucky to find an in-home Christian daycare just down the street. He learns memory verses and bible lessons. I am grateful the pressure to be the only one to teach him about God is now shared with others and he has that influence on a daily basis.
Now....if we could only potty train him.

I miss talking to everyone and interacting via blogger. (Wendy--I know how you felt when you were working early on in motherhood). I don't know if I'll ever catch up. This is just the way things are right now. To all my friends and loved ones--I am always thinking of you even if you don't know it. (Tip: I'm always available to chat in the car on my cell on the way to and from work--email if you need my number). I will try to update my blog once a month if I can so I appreciate eveyone's patience (if I have any visitors anymore, that is...).

Oh, yeah...and Happy Easter a little late :)

Be Back Soon!

2008-03-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long...my computer has been down and I forgot my password too. I hope to be back by the end of March!

It's A Good Day to Be a New Year...

2008-01-01T16:28:00.001-08:00

Our first day of the new year is coming to a close and things seem like they are in the right place at the moment *Ahhh...*

So I dubbed today a "Grateful" day --What's more appropriate than the first day of a new year:

Our luck turned just today, after hunting all weekend, as we drove home a new (for us) car we needed before tomorrow (since our Honda died)...

I visited my favorite local thrift store and scored some perfectly fitting dress pants for TWO DOLLARS!!!

We celebrated New Year's Eve with some new found spiritual friends that lifted our much-wearied spirits...

Joy in my heart from seeing Hunter get excited about all the magic Christmas has to offer...

Feeling taken care of by my husband, family, friends, and especially God...

I actually don't think I need to lose any weight in the new year...

And the floors are even freshly mopped...

Whatever 2008 brings to us I hope we can all face it with optimism and serenity!

Santa Came to Town!

2007-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

'Twas 2 weeks before Christmas and sat Kempers three
On couches to watch their Must-See TV

When outside, the street there came such a blare
The fire truck sirens and horns in the air

When up from our seats we peeked out the door
To catch just a glimpse of what they're here for

A line of red trucks and cars strung with lights
and groups of well-wishers to cheer up the night

I scooped up the toddler and ran to the street
In slippers I ran and my son with bare feet

Wait! Stop! Get the camera, socks, hat and coat too
I still wore my slippers instead of my shoes.

A santa parade was coming our way
Hitched to a fire truck instead of a sleigh

An annual treat that Elk Grove does good
It finally visited our neighborhood!

And so we waved happily as Santa rode through
then went home with smiles and fond memories too!

(P.S. Sorry pics are blurry...it's hard to take night pictures.)

Week Over Already?

2007-11-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

Grateful for...

Not having to work Thursday and Friday so Ron has a car to drive to work (our '94 Honda finally kicked the bucket - RIP).

My hair - it's actually been very obedient lately.

My new cell phone with a camera and music player - FINALLY!!!

Crisp Fall weather (and less yard work with cold weather).

Mandarin orange "cuties," SILK soy milk and Thanksgiving leftovers (but not all at once).

Calling people on my cell during my commute home.

Hunter jumping on the "big kid" bike with training wheels at daycare and actually being able to ride it!

Watching the muppets "Mahna Mahna" video on YouTube.com (also check out Muppets Danny Boy skit - I miss the Muppet Show!)

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Gobble, Gobble - There goes November

2007-11-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Can you tell how busy we've been around here? All work and no play makes me a dull (or absent) blogger. Okay, I actually tried to add an entry last week but I grew tired of waiting for the pictures to upload and then the website froze, and then I was busy again...

Here's some late pictures of Hunter in his Halloween costume:

And some more pictures - just because I think they're cute:

Things on my mind as of late:

Hunter is whiney a lot - is he getting some bad feelings at daycare or is this just a phase?

I really like Taco Bell mild sauce. I have tons of it and I grab a huge handful every time I visit, just in case I need backup.

I have been really bad at checking my e-mail and updating the blog since starting work.

I try to fill my icky commute with "Learn Spanish" CD's in the car - buenos dias.

Air fresheners like apple cinnamon scent don't belong in a public bathroom. Spraying it does not cover the smell. It just mixes together the smell of fruit and poop.

I have incredible guilt about the lack of attention our dog gets.

If I don't have coffee every day I get a headache.

Either yoga or TV are the highlights of my evenings.

I just paid my yearly dues and I am also the party planner for a mom's group I can't even attend.

I agonize over how many different work outfits I can configure with only two pair of dress pants.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's about family, Fall and food...

Start of a New Week

2007-10-21T17:56:00.001-07:00

Seems like the beginning of the week is always the best night for laundry, chores and, of course, blogging.

PUMPKIN PATCH...
Hunter and I were able to make it to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago with my Mom's group. It is a great pumkin patch called Fog Willow Farms. Anyone under three is free and everyone else gets in for $3.00 to climb the pyramid of hay, run through pumpkins, pet farm animals, romp in a playground made of irrigation pipes and hitch a tractor ride. All tucked in the gently rolling hills and oaks of the little rural town of Wilton (just East of Elk Grove). Pretty cheap fun!

A train full of Hunter's buddies. Hunter is the one on the end with the yellow jacket.

DAYCARE...
Hunter had his first "bad" report from daycare last week. It was bound to happen but I was so crushed when it finally came. I even told his teacher the real test wouldn't be his first few weeks there, but when he was finally comfortable with her. And so it was...she reported he wouldn't listen to anything she asked him to do all day long. He had his own agenda and showed no interest in following directions. All I could do was listen and nod when his teacher advised me to "really work on it" at home. So I fretted and sensitized myself to his every move once we arrived home. And I tortured myself with thoughts of being a bad parent or that maybe this daycare wasn't the right place for him, or maybe he has a hearing problem, etc. The next day the report was much better and I was relieved.

But the funny thing is, I don't think I really did anything different at home. Of course I try to teach him to follow the rules like every other day at home and I maybe told him once or twice that he must listen to his teacher - but it just goes to show a kid will just decide to be rebellious on some days and test those limits. And now all the moms say - all together now - "Yep. I've been there."

But GOOD NEWS! Hunter went on the potty at daycare for the first time!!! I hope this is the start of the end of diapers...

HALLOWEEN...
After several messy, crowded stores I finally found a costume for Hunter - nothing original but comfortable, cute and affordable! This will be his first real trick or treating. He'll be heading out with his buddies so I hope they can show him the ropes. He's not too keen on meeting new grownups. We'll see how he does with going up to their doors. Hope to post some pictures after Halloween.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

(Un)Comfortably Numb?

2007-10-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by that video I saw once of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" - I just couldn't take my eyes off the image of this guy just sitting in his chair like he's out of it and the skin on his face is slowly falling off.
I just mentioned to Ron today that I feel numb and it made me think of that video.
I don't really feel anything of consequence at the moment and I think I should or something.
We just stopped going to the church that I have been a part of for over 14 years and I don't feel anything.
And some of our very close friends, Walter and Lori Kotkowski are moving away to Boston on Wednesday and I haven't shed a tear.
Maybe it's because I am still adjusting to working again and my office is always crazy busy. Then I come home and have so much "stuff" to do. I don't talk to my friends as much, or blog as much so I am more cut off from everyone. But then I have my new coworkers - who are all women - to converse with? I haven't decided if I'm truly a working mom because I put in three to four days of work, not a full 40 hours. But I know I'm not a stay-at-home mom anymore because, when my mom's group has an event I'm always, "Sorry, I can't make it. I have to work." I sort of feel like I have one foot in the working world and the other at home. I'm a "Some-At-Work-Some-At-Home" mom -- a SAWSAH mom.
Maybe it's because I have been trying to get over a nasty cold and my head feels physically numb - all plugged up and foggy.
Or maybe I am one of those people who suspends their feelings in a time of crisis until it's all over and then the floodgates of emotions come gushing out.
Or maybe there has been so much drama in my life for so long that I just expect it now and let it happen instead of getting all uptight and gushy.
Or maybe I'm just plain, old tired. (Well...I'm always tired.)
But I just hope that my face isn't slowly falling off and I don't know it. I hope someone would be kind enough to tell me if it was.

Catch Up

2007-10-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

Goings on for the last couple of weeks:

My friend Sunny came down from Washington state to visit. We have been friends since we were 5 years old. I haven't seen her since she had her baby, Edan, who I was able to meet for the first time. She's about 6 months old.

Ron and I took our first "kidless" trip last week - four days in Salt Lake City. I have never been to Utah so I tagged along for a business trip Ron had there. We stayed at the Grand America Hotel that was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. I think our room was the nicest one I've every stayed in - a luxury suite with bath robes and chocolates on your pillow. All compliments of Ron's company.

I had a lot of time to myself while Ron was in seminars so I did some things I wouldn't do at home like go to the movies, take a bubble bath, watch cable TV and...NOTHING!

I was hoping to take in some hiking but I didn't want to go by myself so that was out. Hopped the free trolly through downtown to see the sites. Did the usual tour of all the mormon sites and such...if you look at street level in this picture there are very secured double doors in about a 6-foot thick, 10-foot high wall that surrounds the big temple. Only the "members" are allowed inside.

I found more interesting things that caught my eye...

I saw these at every street corner. At first I thought this meant "take a moment and look at the beautiful scenery" because every street seemed to lead to the foot of the mountains. And then I realized it meant more like "HELLO! Watch out for cars so you don't get ran over!" - I like my first thought better.

This one I took just for Ron (or any Star Wars fans I guess).

Found the largest collection of dinosaur fossils at the North American Museum of Ancient Life (thanksgivingpoint.com/museum).

I really missed Hunter when I saw all of the really cool interactive kids exhibits.

Salt Lake was a much more mellow city than I imagined. Beautiful view of tall mountains surrounding the entire city, which lies on a very flat plain. The best surprise was all the vegetarian options all over the city. My favorite was Sage's Cafe (sagescafe.com) - they use only all organic, all vegan ingredients. A super-yummy brownie sundae - even Ron approved! Another fave was Tony Caputo's - a local hotspot for fresh Italian deli (caputosdeli.com). I also found a yoga studio only half a block from our hotel called Centered City Yoga West (centeredcityyoga.com) where I was able to take in a couple of classes. Om!

Four days was a little too long to be away from Hunter. We really missed him! But he and grandma Roxanne had a great time together (except when I gave her the wrong directions to daycare, which I sincerely apologize for a thousand times over).

Beginning of the End...of the week.

2007-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

(aka. Grateful Friday)

Having Friday off!

Seeing my best friend Sunny and her baby girl for the first time tomorrow. We have been friends since we were 5 and she is visiting from Washington state.

Wine tasting with girlfriends in Amador County on Sunday.

Catching up on housework (yes, I really like when I do this kind of stuff).

Realizing, after talking to a friend today, that I can put Hunter in bed and walk out of the room. This is HUGE for us. It happened right before he started daycare. Up until then we were hanging out in his room till he fell asleep.

Going to Tony Mussa's wedding last weekend and seeing Tony really happy. His new wife's name is Cheryl.
Here's some quick snapshots of the wedding:

Tony and his new bride, Cheryl.

Roman (left) and Steffan (right) Mussa.

Isabella in a moment before her dress gets dirty. (I hope to get a better picture of her!!!)

Hubby and Hunter in one of Hunter's calmer, happier moments during the ceremony. Let's just say it's a good thing it was outside. At the reception he chugged 3 cups of punch and was doing laps around the reception hall.

Happy Weekend!

Grateful Friday

2007-09-14T18:43:00.001-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY!!!

Free Girl Scout Cookies - Samoas

Making Ends Meet (I used to think it was "End's Meat" like at least we have table scraps left or something.)

My 'mom' fantasy come true: When I pick Hunter up at daycare he drops what he's doing and runs toward me with open arms.

Zipping past the bumper-to-bumper traffic in the carpool lane. Woo-Hoo!!

Hubby doing the big pile of dishes in the sink before I even get home.

Getting a really encouraging comment from someone in the yoga class I have been teaching Thursday nights.

Yoga class tomorrow AM with my favorite yoga instructor.

Great "open all the windows" weather.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

HERE WE ARE!

2007-09-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

We didn't leave the planet or anything. I have not been the reliable blogger as of late but that will probably be the norm for awhile with all the transition of working. I won't bore you with the details of the congested traffic on my long commute, working more hours than planned because they really need a full-time person, the home duties that have fallen behind, or that Hunter already caught his first cold from daycare.

I actually really like the job so far. I work in a newly formed marketing department. My two coworkers are great and we all "gel" really well together. I think it helps that we are all women and are all fairly new to the company. I also get a good stroke to my ego because it is easy to impress them with my designs. Of course their current designs are pretty dry and boring so it's easy to improve on them.

Hunter has done well - REALLY well in daycare. No adjustment time or peeling him off me when I drop him off. The midday calls I make to check on him seem to be a waste of cell minutes. Will it always be this easy??? I guess he was just really ready. HALELUJAH!!!

We continue to adjust and try to rest when those precious days off come around. Cherish more than every our precious family time. My yoga practice has been drifting a bit like I feared but the class I just started teaching once a week helps bring me back. And I try to avoid all those darn goodies everyone keeps around at work - yikes! It's like the episode of Seinfeld when Elaine threw a fit because coworkers were serving cake every day for some occasion, causing her to pack on ten pounds. Must...have...WILLPOWER!!!

That's all for now. Time to run. Hope to be back soon!

Workin' Mama

2007-08-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day of my new job...

I will only work three days a week, but it will be a new experience for my whole family.
Start of a new routine.
Juggling shower time with Ron.
Trying to get both Hunter and myself ready and out the door.
Communting in traffic - at least I can use the carpool lane.
Leaving my baby with a stranger ALL DAY for the first time.
Eagerly trying to impress the new boss with my skills.
Hoping I don't get any midday calls on my cell from the daycare.
Anxious to see Hunter's face when I get off work.
Throwing off my shoes and work clothes at the end of the day.

Bodega Bay

2007-08-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Went camping in Bodega Bay this past weekend. Us and Ron's parents. It was short but the weather couldn't have been better. We were all shocked when Ron's dad joined us because he doesn't do camping. He said, after this weekend, he confirmed once again he didn't like camping. Oh, well. Some people just aren't the camping kind.

We always learn something new about camping with a child. Hunter does best when he has other kids his age to keep busy. Without them he kept wandering away from our campsite and getting in to things.

We hope to squeeze one more camping trip in before the summer is over!

Bring Your (Expensive) Pet to Blog Day

2007-08-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Haven't featured one of our pets in awhile...
This is Mocha. One of two nine-year-old cats. She has a sister, Java (not pictured). I call her an expensive cat because, out of all our animals, we have spent the most money on her. She's kinda high-strung. I think she has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, if cats can have that. She is really picky about her fur and if you pet her she immediately has to lick it back into place again. She seems to have eczema and kitty allergies so she is always scratching and has a weepy eye. Most of the time, when we take her to the vet, they can't seem to find anything significant and send us home with little more than a bill. Right now she is on antibiotics because her chewing has made her foot swollen and sore. Every time she sees me coming she high-tails it in the other direction because she thinks I'm coming to stick something down her throat (which is usually true). So I can't even pet her as I walk by anymore. (I'm surprised I got this close to take her picture.) Right now she is not the usual attention seeker that she is.

She really is a sweet kitty, don't get me wrong. She is the most friendly with strangers and tolerates Hunter very well. It's just ironic that Java, our other cat who's fat, lazy, unclean with a fair amount of "nuggets" on her backside and must be bathed by me weekly, has hardly ever been sick or anything her whole life. Where as Mocha, the skinny, well-groomed, meticulous one makes a trip to the vet at least once a year. Hence, dubbed the "expensive" cat.

...And Other Random Thoughts

2007-08-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Been short on ideas for blogging as of late so here are some random thoughts:

I no longer consider myself a Stay-at-home mom. I now call myself "unemployed" because I have been looking for work over three months now.

Hunter loves "Veggie Booty" snacks but they were recalled a few weeks ago due to some salmonella scare. So we tried another product by the same company called "Tings" which I call naked Cheetos. Hunter doesn't like them as much. His new favorite thing is - when I forget to lock the fridge - getting the huge tub of margarine out of the fridge, running off to hide and eating it with his fingers before I catch him.

I taught my first yoga class as part of my "community service" yoga. It was only 30 minutes long but everyone who was there had only good things to say about it.

Hunter always has to be touching me and it's drivng me CRAZY!!! The more time I spend with him the more clingy he is.
He's tired of the park and backyard. Tired of his toys. I'm tired of watching "Ice Age" again. He is taking naps every other day now.

I must have a great plan to stay busy next week. Ron is going backpacking for five days and it's just me and the kid.

I really want a vacation. Like a girls weekend or something. I really want to go to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland, Oregon and see a few plays.

My latest self-therapy is decluttering every crevice of my house.

I am trying to get through the book "Three Junes" but it has been difficult. You were right Heather...

Job hunting has created a great amount of thought regarding money: how much I have to watch it everytime I consider a tube of chapstick, and the mental list of what I'll be able to buy once I get a job and we have more money.

I keep renewing books (via online) from the library I don't even read because I am too lazy to return them. I Just don't want the late fees.

I saw the movie "Hairspray" last week and LOVED IT!!! I think it might be my new favorite movie.

We (my family) are now confident campers and look forward to our camping trip on the coast in a couple of weeks.

Looking forward to the weekend as always!!!

Dirt. Nine Years.

2007-07-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Survived camping for the weekend up in the Sierras this past weekend. It finally hit me yesterday. My energy was up and, when we made it home, I cleaned like a mad woman to make sure as little dirt as possible made it into the house. The Hannon Family was with us and Heather did all the picture taking so you can go to her blog to check out more about our trip and her eloquent, hilarious account of the whole thing (click the link "Five Sweet Peas" at right).

All I could do was laugh at the amount of dirt the kids carried around on their bodies. It was either laugh or get uptight and stressed. I must say John and Heather were courageous to lug three small children into the woods (including an infant). I think they did fairly well considering, especially after Heather made an emergency trip the the general store for an extra air matress for her kids.

On a different note, Ron and I celebrate NINE YEARS OF MARRIAGE TODAY!!!

I sort of forgot because I fell into bed early last night with a migraine.When I rolled out of bed I was half asleep. I saw these things on the ground trailing down the hall and I was like "What the ?..." There was a trail of rose petals leading to a romantic card from my hubby (awe...soooo sweet). I would have taken a picture but it would be hard to see anyway. We hope to go out to dinner this weekend to celebrate. I am so grateful for Ron. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me!!!

Tahoe '07

2007-07-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I tagged along with Ron up to Tahoe. Ron had a work retreat and we were able to come along. But it was mostly just Hunter and me. Ron was busy most of the time with work activities so we didn't see him much. Hunter and I kept busy with a lot of outdoor activities including taking a bike ride along the Truckee River, swimming in the hotel pool and going for nature walks.

I had to let Hunter jump on the beds just a bit. We don't have bouncy beds at home and at one point I was struggling to keep him busy so I gave in...

Not sure if I'd do it again. Though we enjoyed the beautiful location and weather it was a bit stressful with just the two of us. And we were a bit of a distraction for Ron so all of us were pretty pooped by the time we made it home.

Next weekend we'll be heading up to the mountains to go camping. Our first camp-out as a family this summer!

2007-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have some blank canvasas and a bored toddler. Mix together with some tempura paint...

The finished product found a nice blank space on our living room wall. Some baby feet and dog paws made it in to the final product.

Back in the Loop

2007-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sheesh - been out of the blogging loop as of late. I don't even really have any new pictures to post. As you read in my last post things are busier than normal. Several interviews over the last couple of weeks, out of town stuff, busy work, etc. Then my computer - OH NOOOOO - went *fizzle* and I had to take it in to the Mac hospital. Fortunately, the repairs are covered under warranty (best use of paying for an extended warranty for once). As of this post I am actually using Ron's PC *EEEEK!* to borrow until my beloved Mac is back. I feel a bit useless without it. Dare I admit I am a slave to technology? All those little personal settings on my computer are taken for granted until I jump on someone else's computer and it takes me three times as long to do anything ("why can't this PC just do things as easy as my dear Mac?!"). Anyway, I rant...

To the good stuff:
Last weekend I was part of an amazing discovery in becoming more "me." I have always wanted to take Oprah's advice and "find your bliss" as she puts it. I am not an Oprah addict or anything but I appreciate her attention on finding oneself. So I have been practicing yoga for about 4 years and found it is one of the exercises I have been able to keep up that my body can handle. I have tried other forms of exercise and I always ended up pulling something or just giving up because it was boring or expensive. Yoga is my stress reducer, strengthener, escape, relaxation, therapy, meditation, energizer - all rolled into one. I only go to the classes at my gym because a yoga studio is too expensive for me, but I still get so much out of it. Not just the physical (although I must say I feel I am as strong and have as much endurance as when I used to run 2 miles a day!).

So I decided I wanted to do something more with my yoga practice. I talked to one of my instructors about how they got started and they referred me to a program right in this area. So I signed up and, this past Saturday and Sunday, began Level 1 training to become a yoga instructor. What an experience! Two days of nothing but doing and learning about yoga, meeting kind and supportive people, and so much info packed into 2 days that my head is full. I guess that part will come easier with practice. Part of the completion of Level 1 is you must teach 8 hours of "community service" yoga to any one group of people. I have never taught anyone anything like this but I am already looking forward to it. It is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long journey in my yoga practice and maybe to becoming a Master Yoga Teacher, but I can still start to teach classes for now, if I want. My hopes is that yoga will also allow me to get off my anti-depressants and help with my other health issues. I already have seen an improvement since I've really dedicated myself to it over the last 4 months. I have gained more self esteem and I have used it to deepen my spiritual connection to God as well. Not only that, but I already see the potential to contribute to people's lives in teaching them yoga. I am already hoping to take Level 2 in the Fall and continue my education.

By the way - on the job front - waiting to hear about a graphic design position tomorrow. If it doesn't work out, I'm back to job hunting. Who knows what the future will bring... :)

NAMASTE!!!

Craziness

2007-06-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

The dog is unwalked, Hunter has watched too many videos and there is a huge pile of laundry in my bedroom that has been sitting there since who knows when...

There are three, yes, THREE interviews scheduled on my calendar this week. After what seemed like a famine on the job front they all flooded in this week, as well as a couple of freelance projects. AND Ron was on a business trip until last night so I've been flying solo for a few days. It seems like a full-time job just getting ready for interviews and then going to interviews:

Find babysitter. Babysitter cancels. Find another babysitter. Trade babysitting. Bid on one freeelance job. Work on another. Look up daycare near interview to tour. Print resume. Printer not working. Prepare portfolio without getting toddler hands all over it. Find outfit. Finally fix printer 10 minutes before leaving. Drop off Hunter. Drive to interview. Try to impress my guts out so hard I get a headache. Did they like me? Would I even want the job? Tour daycare facility near interview. Pick up Hunter. Reorganize portfolio for next interview. New outfit or re-wash same one? And on and on...

Interviews GOOD.
Exhaustion BAD.
How do I even have time for this post? I just need a small outlet to get down all my thoughts. It's theraputic.
Let's hope an actual job comes out of it!

Happy Friday!

2007-06-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I went to FairyTale Town with my friend Amanda and her son Bennett - Although we spent most of the time running in different directions after our sons. Thanks anyway Amanda!

One word to describe what Hunter was all about....
F R E E D O M ! ! !

Hunter had complete freedom to aimlessly roam about. (Okay, I did have to keep him out of the little creek that ran through the whole place. But what a temptation - I don't blame him!) Then we took in a puppet show (his first ever), which Hunter absolutely LOVED! I had to carry him out crying because he didn't want to leave when it was over. Then the best part - falling asleep in his carseat on the drive home for a nice long nap. Ahhhhh...

Have a great weekend!

Weekend

2007-06-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

We fired up the BBQ for the first time this season and it was Dee-Lish! A nice relaxing dinner together in our backyard. Veggie kabobs for me and burgers for the boys. What could be better!?

Tex was eager to join us too...

Grateful Friday

2007-05-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Dark chocolate covered cranberries.

Getting through May (financially) even though I don't have a job yet.

Going to the library--I love books.

My friend Sheila's heated pool and this great weather.

The park right down the street is finally re-opening this weekend after being totally rebuilt since February.

Planning camping trips for the summer.

Seeking balance and sometimes finding it.

HAPPY JUNE!!!

'Bucks & Ducks

2007-05-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

The Memorial Day weekend was pretty mellow for us--which was how we wanted it to be. It was nice to do a lot of nothing, little house projects, climb around in tents at REI and sit at the outdoor patio at Starbucks in midtown Sac.

The height of our exciting weekend was when we came home one afternoon and found some neighborhood ducks lounging on our front lawn. So we threw some bread to them and watched them waddle around.

Art For Sale

2007-05-25T08:03:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas.
22" x 18"
Untitled.

I will be selling this painting I did in '98.
If you know anyone who might be interested pass along my blog address!

Grateful

2007-05-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hunter says "I love you" but it comes out "ay yuu yooo."

Stay-at-home-mom stuff (since still w/o job) like yoga, playgroup and watching Rachael Ray.

Morning coffee...ahhhhhh.

Every morning Hunter wakes up at 6:00 and comes into my bed for cuddles.

My friend Sheila and I going to a new bible study series.

Tonight, hang out with some friends, drink wine and eat Black Bottom Cupcakes I made.

Have a good weekend!

Man in the Sky

2007-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Ron finally used the gift I got him for his birthday last year:

A "thumbs up" from start to finish. His friend, John Hannon, also joined him that day for his birthday too! We all waited on the ground for them to land safely. Happy Birthday guys!!! (Side note: the only picture I took was Hunter pointing up in the sky.)

Nostalgia #2

2007-05-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is Ron's Grandma Kemper. I never knew her. She died quite a few years ago. Ron says she was the glue that held the family together. I think she is beautiful. I wonder if she thought she was beautiful. Look at those perfectly sculpted eyebrows and coiffed hair. The soft glow on the side of her face that shows off the lovely shape of her nose and lips. Sometimes I want to be that primped like the women did then. She has such a calm, soft smile. I'm not sure how old she is in this picture but she looks no more than twenty. I wonder if she is really happy when this photo was taken. I'd like to know what that little book charm hanging from her necklace means. I love collecting these kind of photos because I see a woman who is just an individual--not a grandma, wife or anything else.

Weekly Nostalgia #1

2007-05-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have decided to have a weekly theme like I see other blogs have. I will share past photos and such on a weekly basis to make my blog more interesting to look at. I love old photos anyway and I hope you enjoy them too. Maybe I'll also have pics of trinkets and other things from my past too.

Here's a picture of my sisters Gina (L) and Alisa (R) on Easter of 1978. My mom made these dresses. I love that she used to make all of our dresses for the first few years of our life. And then we found out about wearing the well-known "labels" and didn't want to wear homemade clothes so she stopped sewing us clothes.

Here's me at three years old too.

Have a great weekend!

Grateful

2007-04-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

> Scored this nifty little love seat for the play room at a yard sale last weekend for ten bucks. (I was actually working at the sale--it was my Moms Group event).
> Averted a MAJOR CRISIS earlier this week: My Mac was acting up--it wouldn't turn on a couple of times and when it did it made weird noises. But after I ran it through a little self check-up it seemed to be okay. Phew...MACS RULE!!!
> I have a job interview next Tuesday.
> I get to see my best friend Heather tomorrow. I haven't seen her in awhile and I really miss her.
> One of the moms in my play group wants to trade off babysitting so we can go on dates with our husbands.
> I finally gave in and put Hunter on children's Claritin for his allergies, after consulting with the doctor. He has been consistently sleeping through the night as a result!

Friday Thoughts

2007-04-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

What do I say today? Okay week. Hunter is good. Ron is good. My mental health is good. The job outlook is somewhat bleak so far. It is the end of week four in the job search. Very few listings out there and I don't hear from the ones I apply for. Am I good enough? Overqualified? Overshooting my expectations? Have I exhausted all outlets? I go over my resume again and again making adjustments. I eagerly check every "ding" of my e-mail inbox, every phone call. It only takes one job, right? That one position out there is waiting for me. DESIGNER FOR HIRE!

2007-04-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

I thought Hunter wasn't going to take a nap yesterday. I tried for an hour to get him down and then gave up. This is what I found a bit later...

Easter Weekend

2007-04-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Busy Easter weekend visiting lots of family. Friday Hunter and I went to Lodi. We stopped by my grandparents house. My grandpa was mowing the lawn and Hunter loved to watch him but he was too afraid take a ride because of the loud engine.

Here's my grandma and Hunter. We also stopped by my great Aunt's house. Hunter discovered what M&M's are while we were there. My great aunt, Mickey, always keeps lots of candy around her house.

Isabella came to visit overnight. On Saturday she and I had a girl's day out. We went to Ulta together--a beauty store where I had to buy some new makeup--and we both had mini makeovers.

Then we colored some eggs for Easter. I haven't done that in years. Nothing has changed since I was a kid. You drop the little colored tablet in vinegar water and dunk the eggs.

On Sunday we went to church and Ron performed a song for Easter he wrote 12 years ago. I was very proud of him.

After church there was an egg hunt for all the kids. This was Hunter's first time. He wasn't quite sure what to do but he definitely wanted the treat he found inside the egg.

The rest of Easter Sunday was spent quietly at home. It was nice to have a mellow end to a busy weekend.

Grateful

2007-03-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

This cool trampoline was a birthday gift from Ron's parents and we were able to get it last weekend when they came over and set it up. Yeah Hoo!

All of the many babies that have been born recently are healthy and progressing well: Maddix, Ruby, Emily, Edan.

Sitting in my pajamas at home and job search. I can recall right after I graduated college the countless times of looking through the paper, getting dressed up and driving miles and miles to look for jobs.

I really appreciate all of the well wishes and support many people have given me in regards to going back to work. Your encouragement really helps.

My yoga and pilates classes at the gym.

Last Sunday was my mom's 60th birthday (she should be proud!). Just the two of us spent the whole day together strolling around the downtown mall and old Sac. We had lunch and bought new hats.

A Place in the Sun

2007-03-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I snatched some sun this morning before a big storm is supposed to roll in this afternoon. We both have colds so we are staying near home but fresh air is always a good remedy. Coffee, book and a snack for Hunter...ahhhh. Our little moment of contentment.

Friday

2007-03-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am struggling with putting "Grateful" in front of Friday. Ron and I decided, for financial reasons, I have to go back to work. So that means Hunter will have to go to daycare. I suppose I can be grateful that I consider myself a skilled graphic designer and shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job. We already interviewed a daycare provider who does it out of her home and we really like her. So I am trying to focus on the positives of it all:
>Maybe Hunter will really thrive in a social setting. He loves having other kids around and has been exposed to little doses of daycare at places like the gym and nursery school at church.
>When I am working I don't get as uptight about how clean my house is because I am not there as much to scrutinize everything.
>I can socialize with grown-ups every day.
>I have a reason to buy new clothes and get dressed up.
>At the end of each work day I will be greeted by my son.
>Weekends will be even sweeter.

The Dog and His Boy

2007-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Our dog, Tex, and my son Hunter have been bonding lately. Tex usually only acknowledges Hunter as a moving bush of sorts and not really a person. Maybe it's Hunter's size or little voice. But recently, Tex discovered that this moving bush could throw a ball pretty well and sometimes bring a snack outside and drop a few crumbs. And Hunter gives Tex commands now. He shakes his finger at Tex and says, "Tess, tay!!!" (Tex, stay) because that's what I'm always saying to Tex. Today Hunter somehow managed to get the big tub of magarine off the counter, take it outside, pull the lid off, and let Tex lick the whole top layer--all within a few moments of me taking my eyes off them. And this was no small tub. It was one of those big "vats" that equals about 4 regular tubs.

We have been debating over the idea of finding Tex a new home because it has been more and more difficult to handle both a dog and a toddler. Both of them need lots of attention that I can't always provide. So Tex gets the short end of the stick. And now that Tex and Hunter are becoming friends I am feeling guilty about the idea of not having Tex around. But I don't know if their relationship is enough to make it all worthwhile. We will have to see as more time goes by.

Oh yeah..I scraped the whole top layer of the margarine off and put the remaining in a new container so I could use the rest.

Weekend

2007-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather means getting outside! We hit the American River bike trail, starting at the Guy West Bridge at Sac State.

Then we stopped at Goethe Park for lunch.

Then headed back and hung out on the bridge trying to find fish.

Sunday afternoon Ron scored some free tickets to a Kings game from our neighbor and, after that, we had a lazy Sunday evening just hanging out and adjusting to the time change.
It's supposed to reach 80-degrees this week so we will take advantage of the warm weather. Have a great week!

Happy Friday

2007-03-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

So happy to see the sun come out after lots of rain and the blossoms are blooming on all the trees. The plum tree blossoms smell like candy.
Seems like my "happy pills" are working. I've found myself laughing more and not fighting the blues even when I'm stuck in the house.
Sleep update: Huner just caught a nasty cold and waking at night but he is still sleeping pretty good for a sick kid. I have faith he'll do better as his cold goes away.
I have been fighting a cold as well the last three days but lots of zinc lozenges, Zicam and "Emergen-C" have been keeping it minor. All this stuff seems to really work!

After a shaky start, our grandnephew "Maddix" (son to Ron's neice, April, 19) is home and doing well. He was born, via c-section, on Sunday at less than 4 pounds. And, as Ron's sister Kaylynn says, "26 hours old, and he had his first plane ride, Air Evac took him to Scottsdale AZ [about 2 1/2 hours drive from where they live], 3 days in the hospital there, had to spend 2 hours in a car seat to prove he could without a drop in heart rate, breathing rate or oxygen levels. He passed with flying colors, but the picture will show you just how small he is. He is dwarfed in that car seat !!"

Can't wait for the weekend. We've been stuck at home all week but the presence of sun and daddy make for a great weekend!

Grateful

2007-02-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

>After trashing the whole sleep training thing, for the last 2 nights HUNTER HAS SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Go figure...is this what real sleep feels like?
>Hunter eating a big bowl of rice and vegetable stir-fry for dinner last night. He ate ALL the different kids of veggies. Shocking.
>Watching missed episodes of some of my favorite TV shows online. I don't have to worry about recording them on our VCR if I'm not around.
>I have been reading all kids of books about middle east countries like "Life of Pi," "Kite Runner," and "Holy Cow" and I love learning about other cultures so different from my own, especially from their point of view. It has helped me understand some of the constant turmoil that always seems to be going on in those places and what they think about Americans.
>My hubby for being a great partner in our sleep training adventures, even taking vacation time, and just being such a great support through the whole thing (actually, he did most of the work).
>Did mention Hunter slept through the night TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW...

Sleep Update #2

2007-02-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

One word: BACKFIRE.
All seemed to be going well the first three nights and then the fourth night it was a little harder. "The book" says parents are supposed to see improvement by this time. Things weren't getting better. The fourth night was even harder. Hunter was not showing signs of givng in to the new routine. Ron and I were focused, patient and didn't back down. I consulted "the book" and we kept going. The fifth night (Monday night) was horrible. Getting him to bed was difficult, to say the least, and it seems Hunter is now trying to stall in anticipation of bedtime. After more than an hour and a half he was finally asleep. He woke up continually throughout the night. Clingy, upset, unconsolable at times.

Last night we trashed the whole thing and have decided to just go back to how we put him to sleep before. I want to tell the author of "the book" that she hasn't met my son. That she should not call herself a sleep "expert" until she has tested her methods on him. I hate "the book." I want to throw "the book" across the room. Not only is Hunter up throughout the night more than ever now (it was the worst ever last night) but throughout the day he is showing signs of clinginess and insecurity. He wants me with him at all times and wants extra hugs and cuddles. I feel as though I've traumatized my son for the sake of a little training that obviously didn't work. How did this all happen? How did we go so wrong? We thought we were doing the right thing and I can only hope this small window of time doesn't scar my son for life. One thing I am learning about being a parent is that my son lets me know when he is ready (or not) for something. I can only hope over time we can learn together how to make it all work without so much drudgery.