Treasuresofhope

Name and blog change

2010-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Since things are ever changing in life, I am going to be blogging back at treasuresofhope.blogspot.com . I had it a few years ago, and never really blogged back then, but now I am heading back to that blog. So in that, I am not limited to things that I adore, and love. For me, it will be about the things in life that I treasure. Soon I will have treasuresofhope.blogspot.com up and running so be sure and change it in any of your favorites or things that you have saved, so you will be able to find me on my new blog.
Let's see if I can remember what I used over there as log ins and such a see if I can get it up and running.

Catch me over there.
Toodles.
~Hope

Happy 44th!

2010-04-30T20:50:00.001-07:00

Anniversary to my parentals. I have been trying all day to post this and things just kept coming up. Today, 44 years ago, they married one another. Who ever thought that 44 years later, many many moves, many houses, a construction company, 6 children, and 12 grandchildren, they would still be together. I am so happy that they are. It makes me look at my marriage and know that downs do happen, but ups will be there soon, and it is worth it to stay together. Be commited.

This was them on their wedding day. April 30th 1966. What a HOT couple!

Here they are at my wedding, in May of 2001. I had to take pictures of these pictures as they are both in frames in my house. So the quality is not the best.

my Dad has a funny face on him and can you tell it was a windy day??

LOVE YOU GUYS!! Happy Anniversary and may you live for many more!!

I saw red

2010-04-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Bringing back these photos that I took of my niece, back in December of 2008. I am putting them in a photo contest with the theme "red".

This is my favorite.

But since we were in the snow, and gettin' all crazy, I guess I got some water on my lens and it made it blurry,

So this one, SOOC, Is better composition and focus.

I LOVE Red. It's my favorite color to wear, and it's just soo vibrant. So ALIVE!! I know, I'm weird, but it's a great color.

Almost ready

2010-04-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

to jump back in and get back to blogging. Sometimes, I just need to clean and clear out everything. and that means my head as well.

I'll be back soon, and with a GREAT mother's day giveaway. Let's celebrate the mothers that we are and that we have!
Coming soon! Hope everyone is enjoying spring :0)
Besides the allergies that come with this season, it's my second favorite time of year.

Takin' a break

2010-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

for awhile.
I'm going to step away from cyber world for awhile and get my head clear, my thoughts out, and re-group for spring and summer!

See ya in awhile.

A lunch quip - Funny kid

2010-04-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

We are in Jackson’s room trying to find his tag reader (A little device that will read a book to you, or say certain words that you don’t know.) for story time.
He says to me, Mom, I have to tell you something that’s gross about me.
I reply, (in a laughing matter) Oh! I know you are gross. You don’t have to tell me anything more. I could tell YOU some things of why you are gross!
No mom, this is something that you don’t know. I want to tell you. OK?
Ok.
When I am at school, if there is something I want in the trash can, I take it out and eat it. Even if it’s not in a wrapper, and it’s just sitting there! Like the Pizza Bagel. Even if it has a bite taken out of it.
(me cringing inside) Ewwww!! Don’t do that.
Well I’m hungry! And someone is just throwing it away!
Oh, that is gross! (half of me is proud that he is not wanting to waste, the other half is grossed out beyond belief. )
I did laugh about it though.

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

You know what that means??? It's time to clean. Clean, clean and declutter.

At least that's how it goes down in my house.

The semi- annual, get crazy and get cleaning party is about to start. Well it's not really a party, since it's mostly just me, myself and I that get down and dirty, but I SHOULD enlist the help of others. My husband got the backyard and our "slope" on his mind, so that's his spare time project, as well as the garage. Getting it back to a state of "happiness" so that I park can in there once again. Oh, that will be so lovely. I can't wait. I'm not going to get overly excited though, sometimes, he takes years to finish a project, and I'm not exaggerating one bit. I wouldn't do that. Well, not about him finishing a project, I would maybe about something else. And Bubba, he could help too, but I do most of it while he is at school in the morning, pre-afternoon hours when I have my groove on and can get things done.

So, back to spring cleaning. This is the time of year, that for me this is what I do.

Windows need washing. (vinegar and water works great- just cheap plain white distilled)
Baseboards and walls need a good scrub down, (vinegar and water is also my favorite on this)
Cupboards are cleaned out, wiped down, sorted through, expired food trashed. That sort of thing. (I use vinegar here too, to wipe things down. I use vinegar actually for A LOT of things. It's a great go to cleaner.)
Plants, trees and shrubs are pruned and cut for the new growth. (I do the plants; I let my husband do the trees.)
Clothes. Go through the clothes and take out long pants, long sleeves, sweaters, and that sort of thing. I now put them on the other side of the closet. My boys have double sided closets, before I used to pack them up and put them in a bin if I didn't sell, or get rid of them, now I just move them to the other side of the closet. Since Mother Nature likes to be sneaky and all the sudden we'll get a cold day in the middle of HOT days and no clothes are to be found, I now keep them accessible, at least a few things. {Important fact: I didn't even know this, but this year is El Niño, which means for us in California, it gets more wet than years in the past. I guess this happens every 7 years, and this year is THE year, so I'll keep rain/colder things on hand.}

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. These are the things that I do, twice a year to keep in some "Deep" cleaning and get things organized for the upcoming warm and summer months!

Happy Cleaning! If you have any tips and or ideas, please share! I love to find new ways organinzing or cleaning things. It makes my heart sing.

Light at the end of the tunnel and Bubbles

2010-04-19T14:29:00.001-07:00

I think things are beginning to calm down a little bit around here. Though usually the minute I say that, it's busy again and events come up and more things to do. But for now, I feel that my head is above water and that's a good feeling.

I can't think of anything that is super important that is coming up for me to have to prepare something or run around and do things, so I feel more relaxed. It must be springtime. This is Boo boo after eating a banana. No edit on this picture, just SOOC. His eyes, Oh! how I LOVE them.

We were out in the yard the other day, and turned on the bubble machine. I forgot how MUCH kids love bubbles. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

He wouldn't let me take pictures of him having a "good" time. He's concerned bubbles are for babies.

Then the solution starting get low, and we got these HUGE bubbles!
And then they starting sticking together!!

and getting gi-NORM ous!

You know, it's the simple things in life that make life enjoyable. Sometimes with life so busy and FULL, I forget to stop and smell the roses.
or play with bubbles.

We will most definitely need a refill for our bubble machine!

This is Bubbas bubble all edited and enhanced all by himself. I was in photoshop the other day and he asked if he could edit some pictures. This was what he came up with, so I thought I'd share.

Feeling BLAH today!

2010-04-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one that has these days?? I know I'm not. I just feel like I am.

I feel fat.

I feel ugly.

I feel like I don't know how to take pictures.

I feel like I need to learn how to put make-up on right.

I know it's that evil side, trying to get me down.

I guess it's working today.

So I am going to put up some pictures that I took, of the flowers that are out in my yard.

Flowers that I love.

That make me smile.

Then go to bed and start anew.

and remember all the things that I CAN do.

that I AM good at.

and that, evenutally, I'll get to where I want to be weight wise,

and hopefully, be content with ME.

How I shop on occasion now

2010-04-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve been wanting to do a post like this for a looooong time. I keep hesitating, and putting it off, because I don’t want to seem like a “copy cat.”
But after my shopping trip yesterday, I can’t keep quiet. I HAVE to share.
I think I’ve been doing it for a LONG time . Probably longer than some of the sites now up on the web. Maybe not, I don't know when they are started, But, I feel like I can share what I know. I know what I'm talking about too. (for the most part)

There are soooo many websites out there already and they show you how to shop with coupons and save money. It’s almost soo many that it’s overwhelming. I look and browse a lot of them. I’m not “obsessed” with it anymore, one, because time is limited for me now, and two and more importantly, we have enough “stock” on hand of most things, to be OK. I do however, still pick up things even though we don’t need them, for free or nearly free, just because you always can find someone who needs them, or donate them to shelters of some sort. And honestly, I like the little “high” you get when I do so well!

If you have NO idea what I am talking about, and are not interested, scroll down and see some cute pictures of my kids. If you are though, please keep reading. Many of my friends and family don’t shop this way. They are amazed how I do it. Want to be better with their money, but don’t take the time to learn, or think they can’t, so I’m posting this for them, so maybe it’s a little easier to “grasp the concept.” It does take a little time to get the concept and know what and how to do things, but for me, it’s about an hours time organizing my trips, if there is more than one, and I think it’s worth the time.

So a little background {if you don’t care, or have the time, scroll down to where I start My trip yesterday.} When we were living down at the beach and my husband was finishing up his undergrad, I had a friend that I “worked” with at church. We started on the topic of shopping and spending money, and onto "deals", and then she told me what she found. Now her husband is a doctor, so money wasn't necessarily an issue for her. She had 3 little kids, {a family of 5} and was just tired of spending SOOO MUCH ($1000-1200 a month} in groceries. She knew it was necessary to feed her family, and it wasn't something she could cut out of her monthly spending, but she wondered if it could be cheaper. One day she was on the internet and googled "cheaper groceries", or "save money on groceries/ food", something like that, and came across; Teri’s list or otherwise known as the grocery game. She started it, fell in LOVE, and then shared it with me. She showed my her pantry, her “stock” and I was totally game and ready to play. This was 2002. I’m thinking, I don’t know if I WAS pregnant with Bubbas but probably must have been. So anyways, I learned it, got my routine down and starting shopping like that, and we even taught a class at church so others could do the same.

In 2004, we left the beach house, a very sad time for us, but Bradley had graduated college and had JUST gotten a job that was much further away. We moved to his parents to save some money, because we knew that we wanted to buy a home soon, and there wasn't really a way we could save in our current situation. While living there at his parents, I continued to shop for his family. At that point, I don’t remember how many kids were still at home, I guess two and their cousin, so 3. Plus us, plus his parents and the other ones that came over to work, (family business) so there where at least 10 people through the week eating there. It was pertinent that I continued to shop like that. My IL’s paid for the food, I just clipped the coupons and went to the store and that was my “contribution” let’s say, that we agreed on. It was a great agreement, in my opinion. I LOVED to shop AND save money. I got to do both, without spending my own money. And they got a fridge and pantry stocked with stuff!

So a year later, we moved out, bought our home, and I continued to shop this way for about another year until 2006, religiously, then we had sooo much and I was wanting more healthier foods and so I only did it every now and then. Kind of took a break for 2 years. The newness wore off, and we were OK to buy what we needed.
When Boo Boo was coming, I started up again in 2008, because I knew how hard is would be to get to the store for this or that, and with a baby, diapers and wipes were necessary so I wanted to stock up when I could for the “rainy days.”
Things had changed in these few years. More people were shopping this way. More stores, were on the bandwagon, and more specials and deals were out there to be had.
And that is just what I did. So here we are today. I watch the specials, get the newspaper for the coupons, or actually I get the coupons from grandma’s paper, (we would never read the paper so why get it when she does?? LOL) and I still shop occasionally for the "deals".
SOOOO now onto the post.

Shopping trip Yesterday

I went to CVS and this is what I bought. Gosh can I even say that??? hehe keep reading, and you'll know why.

My total at first was 29 and some change, I don't even remember.

Then, I used these coupons from iheartcvs.com links:
$1.00off CVS paper product (prints at machine with rewards card)
$1.00 Dial soap coupon
$1.50 Jergens
2 $2.50 John freida hair products
$4 off 20 beauty purchase

Paid with These extra care bucks (ecb’s):
4.50 in ecb from my winter spending
3.99 ecb's colgate deal {still going on}
5.00 ecb from huggies deal a couple weeks ago

and it took my total to............

which means I paid "Out of pocket" (OOP) :
Ready??? Wait for it,,,,,,,,,

Wait for it……………… (Here's my receipt so you know I don't fib)
.99 + (tax) 1.53= 2.52

That's not ALL!!!!

I got back :
5 ecb for the Jergens/John Freida purchases
4.49 for the Dove shampoo
4.50 for the Dial soap
And .25 cents for my “green bag tag”. {It’s a dollar after 4 visits, so .25 each visit.}

So I spent 2.52 and got back 14.24 for my future spending.

Essentially, they paid me = 11.72 to come and ~~take~~ buy things from their store. They got $7.50 in coupons that they send to the manufactures and get $$$ for. I see this as a win /win situation if you ask me.
Go out and try it if you don't.
If you have any questions, let me know. {this post was already wayyy long and so I didn't go into ever. single. detail. )
I am MORE than happy to help people’s money go further and help you stock your house for the “rainy days”.
Because as we know, like what’s happening today out there in the economy, you never know when you are going to need your stockpile. I’m glad that we have it on hand, in case we REALLY need it. Meaning, unemployment, illness, that sort of thing. We USE it, or share it and give to others, but if we couldn’t go out and buy these things for some reason, we’d be OK with a lot of things on hand. With the money I saved, when I first started out, THIS is how I got my hair done, pedicaures, ate out for dinner, and did fun things with my family.

So how many people shop like this?? Is this a totally "new" concept for you, or is this "your" way as well. Just curious to see. Leave me a comment if you went through some or ALL of this, {I'm sorry, it was REALLY LONG,} and let me know how YOU shop.

Here are a few sites I've used or currently use to check things out.

thegrocerygame.com
iheartcvs.com
iheartwags.com
iheartriteaid.com

afullcup.com
couponmom.com
coupontom.com {database to search for when coupons came out)

It's a Big old Party.

2010-04-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I've been partying it up over here and you should join and check it out because there is a LOT of fabulous things to win.

I would LOVE any of these.

The GRAND PRIZE of course- Toshiba laptop
US1- 150 Shopping spree at Pedals Cars at Retro Collectibles.
US2 - 50 GC to tagless baby apparel.
US 63- Razor Rip Rider.
US 73- 30 amazon gift card
US 74 - more amazon gift cards.
US - 112 5o amazon gift card
Just to name a few.

Head on over and join the party!!

Free treats for tax day! and a baby giveaway

2010-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Saw this on yahoo. Thought I would pass it along for those of you who may have any of these places nearby and can get some free things.

Here are some of the freebies and discounts on offer for tax season 2010.

-- FREE COFFEE AND TREATS

CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza -- ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese -- at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

Also found this on USATODAY

•Free tacos. At its 275 restaurants in the West, Taco Del Mar will run a promotion: "Taxes Suck. Tacos Don't." People can register at the Taco Del Mar website for an e-mailed coupon for a free tax day taco.

-- DISCOUNTED MEALS

BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" -- one free meal for each one you buy Thursday through Sunday -- show this coupon: http://bit.ly/d1YlRO

IHOP: Expanding on the tax deduction parents get for kids, the restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday -- a nod to the 1040 tax form. Bar guests who come in April 15 also receive a $10.40 gift certificate for a later visit. And professional tax preparers, who may have to work right until the midnight deadline Thursday, get their freebie Friday: dessert on the house plus a $10.40 certificate if they show a business card.

P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

-- STRESS RELIEF

HYDROMASSAGE: Get a free massage Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. The mall-based massage chain suggests calling ahead to book an appointment. Find a location at http://www.hydromassage.com/taxday.

Also, one of my fellow bloggers is giving away a baby ergo carrier. Do NOT go over there though because I want it!! Ok, I kid. Here is her blog. Have fun!

The Uncanny truths about Motherhood- Crying

2010-04-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I remember, oh probably 3 years ago, maybe even four, about a lady coming on Oprah. She talked about baby cries. I didn’t have a baby at the time so while I thought it was interesting; I didn’t really pay too much attention to the information. When Boo Boo was born last year, I thought, now is the time to find out what that lady was talking about. I googled what baby cries mean, and found the Oprah page and then had to search a little more to find the five different cries. Priscilla Dunstan is her name and her findings I found were pretty amazing and interesting.

It's hard to hear your baby cry. It's even harder to not know what they want or need. It can make you feel overwhelmed, stressed and even more exhausted. Understanding what your baby is saying to you, is sooo neat that once I read them I was ready to put them in effect.

I quickly wrote them down and listened closely to my baby the next time he cried.

#1 Neh= “I’m Hungry”—listen for the “n” sound. If you hear it, you know that your baby is hungry. Offer to nurse or give them a bottle at this time.

#2 Owh= “I’m sleepy. “ This is the time to swaddle (if you swaddle) and lay your baby down for sleep. Or rock them to sleep. However you have decided you are going to do it.

#3 Heh=”I’m in pain or discomfort.” Listen for the strong “h” sounds in this cry. They are cold, hot, want a diaper changed, or what a different position.

#4 Eair= “I have lower gas.” This may also be accompanied by the infant trying to bring his knees to his chest. You can assist the infant, or push their legs up to help them get that toot out of their tummy. I honestly don’t remember hearing this one to often in my baby. He didn’t have problems with gas to much unless I ate something that didn’t agree with him, but I knew that ahead of time, and stayed away from what bothered him. Mylicon works GREAT, in my opinion, it helped get rid of any gas that he had almost immediately.

#5 Eh= “I have to burp.” The sound almost sounds like they are trying to get something out of their throat. At least it did for my little guy. After a few taps, he would burp and be content again.
These cries were lifesavers for me. Seriously. Between the feed, wake, sleep schedule and knowing the cries, I felt like the hardest things were dialed in for me, and it made the beginning months so nice and pleasant.
Some of the cries sound very similar. Try to listen when they first start crying and not after they have gotten worked up and/or are hysterical. With the Neh, and Heh, listen to the first letter and see if it is present. It’s so nice to be able to understand your baby’s communication and now what they need. Again, it made things so relaxing and calm for me, to not be trying to figure out that they needed, try everything, be exhausted from it and still have a fussy baby. Within a day, I understood his cries and could understand what he was telling me. It was dreamy…

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here they are. Finally rounded up and together. Our Easter pictures.

As I have mentioned a few times, I was really sick on Easter. It was awful. I hate being sick. Yes, I think I can use the word hate here. It's more than despise.

I'm glad it was me though, than anyone else in my family. I think I handle it a little better than ummmm.......... say, the male of the household. I kid. I kid. He's pretty good actually and doesn't ever want to be sick either, so when he's down, I know he's really out.

These were the only shots that I managed to take on Easter Sunday but at least it was something.

All the egg hunters gathered on the stairs to get baskets, get ready, and of course take pictures. It's quite hard to get a "good" picture with 14 kids in it. Or a picture at all without someone looking. This was the best, that wasn't blurred and kids weren't moving, waving, standing up or what not.

I didn't ask to post this picture of everyone, so if someone doesn't want their child up, email me and let me know. It's mostly family and great friends, so I didn't think anyone would mind, but I don't mind taking it down, if someone doesn't want it up.

The littles were let out first. 2 and under (I think)

It was Boo Boo's first time to hunt eggs. (Obviously, he was a few weeks old last year.)

He enjoyed it for about 4 eggs, then he was done.

(Sorry Babe, I didn't mean to cut you out of everything)

Well and the older ones came out, and he was more interested in seeing what all the rukus was about.

And the kids began hunting.

The boys ran and hunted.

I mean REALLY HUNTED.

Look at the determination!! Of course only a boy would go out on there to get that thing. (and only a boy would put it out there ) Our Easter bunny was definitely a boy.

and the girls................... they got some eggs. But they were more daint and delicate about getting their eggs.

Mainly, they just looked pretty!

Look at my gorgeous nieces!! Strutting their stuff. They are just sooo pretty. Watch out boys.
And then they were done, and content, and socialized and let me take pictures. :0)

And the boys, yes, they continued to hunt.

Prize in sight!!

Gotcha!
{Oh yeah, the boys shirts were made by my friend Gina, who has now moved to England. She is soo dang good with her stuff. Check out her etsy store. She'll be up and running again in a month or so.}

Looking through my photos, it just reaffirms to me, that the men are the hunters out there in society. (Generally speaking of course)

They are the Knock 'em dead, go out, kill the beast and bring it home to the family kind of people. It is who they are.

They hunted for their families and those around their homes, and the mothers, took care of the children, and homes.

It is sooo obvious in these pictures,to me, that this is how God planned it, and this is how it should be.

It may sound silly to some, but going through these and seeing the different genders hunt, there is a difference. The way the two, go through life and see things differently and view it, I'm glad I am where I am, at home, and my husband is out tackling the beasts and bringing us home dinner.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter. I wish I could be with all my family and friends on all holidays, but such is life.

This is my life. And these are my 3 boogers.

Last Day

2010-04-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

of Spring Break. Gonna Make it a fun one!!

I can't believe time has come for the the big kid to go back to school. We are going to have some fun and make it a memorable one.

Happy Monday

threeboogers out!

Our weekend so far..........

2010-04-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

has been a great one!! So much fun and laughter. I went on a date with my hubby Friday night,(more details of that later) my oldest booger Saturday, got my hair done, (which I ALWAYS love, thanks Rebecca!) and hung with the family.

Totally Blurry picture (Bubbas took it and I guess I should've switched it out of manual for him) but you can see the "new do" a little bit at least.

After church tomorrow we get to meet up with MckMama and have our family pictures done! I'm really excited. It will be a treat, I'm sure. There will also be more on that as well.

I haven't even put up the Easter Egg Hunt pictures either. {which are the only ones I got pretty much of Easter}, but that will be on here soon as well.

Just wanted to write some things down before hitting the sack and post some pictures of us today. We had so much fun hanging out as a family, even if it is cutting down some bushes and trees. Well, I do no labor, as I ~~play~~ watch with baby, but it's still fun to be together!

This kid will not just look at me normal, or smile for a picture. In the past it has really bothered me, but I am now being OK with it, because this IS him. It's his personality, his style, and when he grows up, this is what I want to remember and want HIM to remember. Happy times :0) (though tomorrow, he WILL be told it's a smiling day-just FTR)

He is loving this bike that was his brothers. One of the few outdoor items that made the moves and years. You can tell it's faded. I'm not sure how much more wear it has left, but until it starts breaking apart, it's his. This kid loves all things with WHEELS. He is so different than Bubbas was at his age. Bubbas still is not a HUGE car fan. (you wouldn't know that though by his ~~dad's~~ hot wheels collection ) he likes science and math things more. I can't remember what toys he was into at this age, I'll have to go sort through pictures and journals to remember.

I shot for the first time today in RAW. Not sure how I feel about that yet.
It's fun to play around with that, but I don't know what I am doing at all, so........ I'm just not sure.

I also was looking at the other settings on my camera today as well. Wondering, Do I play around and change these as well any time?? the L thing (you like that??) jpeg size, evaluative meter or some other options?? I have no idea. Will have to read my manual or google I guess.

Anyways, RAW photos.
Leftover cupcakes from the baby shower (another later post)

Him and his new friend.

He had just pinched his finger. His expression makes me laugh. He didn't want anyone to help him turn the trike over and somehow pinched his wittle finger, but he finally got that thing over.

Alright it's way late and I'm tired, have a great Sunday all!!
Peace!

Organization tips- Lists

2010-04-08T07:30:00.001-07:00

I know it sounds silly, and may think, well DUH! But sometimes, people need to hear it. So that is my tip. Lists simplify things and make things easier.

When I have a full day ahead of me, like today, I make a list of "to-do." I used to be able to remember it all and be aware of what I had to do, but with sooo much on my plate these days, it's easier to make the list and not HAVE to remember. (it's something my FIL taught my husband because he doesn't have the best recall skill out there, and so his dad always told him, write it down, then you just have to look back. And being as busy as my FIL is, and doing as much as he does with regards to work, I understand now, why he does that. Occasionally, he stills forgets to call back a customer, or look for a certain item maybe for another person, but that's just because of the volume of his load.)

At my old age, hehe, sometimes, I am forgetting about certain things, not necessarily anything important really, but a little something, that I at the end of the day don't want to say, Oh! I forget to get such and such, and so I take the easy route and write it down so I can use my brain for more important tasks of the day.

For me, I don't put down things that are obvious, just so I can check things off; I'm not that type of list maker.

Get up

Dress kids

Make bed – those sorts of things, they don't make it on my lists. Those are "given" in my book and aren't worthy of a list.

Mine are usually more like errands that I have to run, of places I have to stop, things that need to get done for the day.

Get ribbon at Michael's.

Pick up balloons.

Get gift together.

Go to bank. (then name which one and what I am doing there if necessary)

These are more the sorts of things that show up on my list like today.

I have also found that lists are very effective for other people.

Bullet points make a great way
Helping others understand what they need to do.
Hubby and my oldest son, get lists now.

My husband actually asked for one. I thought, of course! Why didn't I think of that? If we are talking about things that we want to do around the house, or things that need to be checked on, after we walk away from the conversation, sometimes it's like, Now what was I supposed to do again?? For this, I give him a list.

For my oldest boy, who can now read, I've listed his chores for him so he can remember, and I'm not repeating myself 50 times. PUT YOUR CLOTHES AWAY!

His list sometimes is a little more of obvious things because he doesn't know of everything that he has to do. (at least that's what he says-not sure I'm buying it.)

His looks something like this:

Pick up clothes [off floor] (because they ALWAYS seem to wind up on there)
Hang up clothes in closets.
Put pants in a pile with hangers for mommy or daddy to hang. (His pants hang high and for now, I'd just rather be the one to put them up for him)
Pick up toys off floor
Put in their bins.
Take dirty clothes to laundry.

These are the items that I found myself repeating (over and over and over again) so he got a list, in the form of a chart.

Other things that he does around the house, sweeping and vacuuming, I didn't put on a chart. He doesn't have to be told more than once, because he enjoys those things and he's excited to do them. He actually asks to vacuum sometimes and pulls out the broom by himself. {mother grinning here}

That's it! It's that easy, it may sound simple and it is! Stop remembering and make lists!

The end.

What a difference

2010-04-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

a little editing can do.

Just want to show you a little something that I think is neat. I heart photoshop. It's really neat IMO. I think we have gotten into an era where it is used ALL the time. That aspect of it I don't nesseccarily like. It actually bugs me a little.

BUT that being said, everyone is processing their photos right now, and whether it sticks around or not, is another question. With more technology I think it will , but I hope the pictures that are pure, true and really capturable stick around.

So, with that said. I want to show you some pictures. That back in the day, we would've just tossed and thought, bummer, they didn't work.

With digital, with editing software, and so much more, you can MAKE the pictures work. Here are 3 pictures that I took with my settings incorrect.

I would LOVE to say that it was on purpose, but it wasn't.

I was taking pictures of some watches, {my husbands family business} and my son was with me outside, so I starting shooting away. Well, pictures close up and shiny metals and diamonds, as opposed to Boo Boo a little further off, and not so shiny, I thought wouldn't make such a difference, but it did. So I got pictures of him totally blown out.

I am in no way an expert. I am learning photography and teaching myself editing and I enjoy it, so I just want to share with you that not all pictures are lost. Again, I am not an expert, not a professional, I am learning, have been in this for about a year and a half and am trying to understand it all. There's my little disclosure, so you can't hold anything against me, or say, SHE said. Of course , some pictures can not be saved, but MOST can.
AND, if you take a crappy picture, meaning crappy exposure, compostion, it's not in focus at all, then, well, it's probably not worth saving, but if you get some of it right, it's possible it can be.
Ok, moving on.
So with a little help. A little bump of this, take away of that, we have our 3 pictures that are worth looking at now.

Is that cool? I think it is. They aren't perfect, they won't win any prize, but I got the moment captured and now it will be a memory and something he can see when he is older.

By the way, This was one of my most favorite outfits from his older brother. There were few outfits that I had saved. This was one of them, and I'm so glad. I'm not so much into overalls like I was with his brother, but I think it's cute on him and I've been wanting to get him in this. He is taller than his brother was for sure. Wearing this at a year old, when his brother wore it at almost 18 months. It's neat to see how much they are similar and different, and I get a little of that when I can put some of Bubbas clothes on Boo Boo.

Here they are together for a comparison.

Pretty Cool Yes??

Shake, Rattle and Roll...............

2010-04-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

I have been sooo sick. I thought it was food posioning but now I believe it was a flu-like thing. I have been in bed for most of the time since Friday night. This seems to ALWAYS happen to me, when it's a big weekend and what makes me the saddest is, I didn't get my boys pictures with the Easter Bunny. Phooey!!
We had a pretty good quake yesterday. It shook for a good 15 seconds. It was enough for me to get OFF the toilet and grab the baby and sit in the door jam.
I could feel it rolling under the ground and rocking us and it was sooo weird. I called my hub who had gone to his parents to eat some food that maybe he should head back. In my condition if there was another one, that was bigger, I don't know how good I'd be with the baby and protection. {We were both napping so he left to go eat and felt it was a good time }

I feel so alone and naked, when I'm not on the computer and I'm still home. {When we are away or on vacation, I'm Ok. When I'm home, I feel so out of it.} and literally, I have been. I haven't been able to eat hardly anything. I've lost 5 pounds from Friday night to this morning. Great for the Biggest Loser contest I'm in, not great for my well being.
I can't stand very long , before blacking out ( or couldn't.) My post on Saturday took me almost 2 hours. I'm not joking. I don't even know why I attempted to do it?? I thought I was feeling better and then, I wasn't.
I'm feeling much better now. Nothing has come out as liquid for over 10 hours, so I hope I am in the clear. I'm sure those 5 pounds will be coming back to me by tomorrow for sure.
I hope Easter was much more pleasant for you, than it was for me.
I also didn't get any deviled eggs, that I had been dreaming about. The thought or smell of them, just makes me want to be back in the bathroom.
Sorry for the too much information post. That's real life here in this So Cal home.
I also hope that someone ate enough for me and GAINED the 5 lbs. I was really looking forward to this weekend and food. MOST of the time, me and food, go hand in hand.

Easter prizes!!

2010-04-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

One way I can get pictures of Bubba is to have him help me with a project or doing something and he'll then willingly go behind the camera and pose or help me. So I enlisted in him to reveal the prizes with my ulterior motives. I know, I'm evil, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Here we have 3 eggs. Labeled 1,2 and 3. I know. Genius.

Gisela, the first winner, picked egg #3. My favorite Chocolate Easter candy.

You will recieve these Cadbury mini eggs, bag of whoppers, and a 1b. box of See's chocolate.

Congrats Gigi on the chocolate!

The 2nd winners choice was also #3. What's the probability that both girls would pick the same #?? Weird. Anyways, since her first choice was alreay taken, I went with her 2nd choice. Egg #1.

Opening Egg #1

Showing the money inside. Representing the 30 $ cash prize.
Congrats Bar 7 Ranch on the cash!! If you have a paypal account, send me an email with your address and I'll zap it on over to you. If not, we'll figure out another way.

Egg #2 was not picked. But we'll show you what was in it.

Just so you know we weren't making it up. hehe
These pictures remind me, how sad I was when I came home from being up at my sister's and hearing that Bubba had found the scissors and cut his own hair. We had no choice but to buzz it all off and have him start again. He cut in the the front pretty short.

I just don't like him with super short hair. He had much toooooo long of hair when he was littler, but I like something more in between for him.

In egg #2 was the Target gift card.

Well folks.

That's it for the prizes, now I am going to step away from the computer and hopefully not get on here until Monday. I am not feeling good. I think the salsa or food I ate last night is NOT agreeing with me. Yuck. Oh well.

Once again, Have a great Easter everyone!

Happy Easter!! and winners.............

2010-04-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the delay. Today has been another crazy day with LOTS of stuff to do and get accomplished before the weekend. I bet we've all been running around trying to get just that one last thing done.

We hit the mall after eating at one of our favorite restaurants in our town and the line was soooo long for the Easter Bunny, we both said, Let's try tomorrow morning. I don't know if we'll get back there, I really want to. I really want to keep it a tradition and have pictures of every year with the bunny, so we'll see. Anyways, without further procrastination..........here we are with our 2 winners.

First comment selected was.....................(drum rool please.. just kidding)

Comment #3. Gisela. Congrats Gigi!! You get the first pick.

And the 2nd comment randomly selected

was comment #2. How weird, 2nd comment selected, 2nd comment, ok, Anyways, sorry,
Bar 7 Ranch! Congratulations Bar 7 Ranch.
{And both low numbers}

Winners please email me at threeboogers {at} gmail (dot) com. Tell me your choice(s) and address to send the prize to.
Gigi, you will get the first pick of eggs, so just 1 number either 1,2, or 3.
Bar 7 Ranch, send me 2 numbers of your choice. If your first choice is the number Gigi selected, you will get your 2nd choice. Cool?? Clear as mud??? Any ?'s let me know.

Tomorrow (I'm hoping ) I will have Bubba Booger, open the eggs and show you which prize you have selected.
Thanks everyone for your comments.
I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, peaceful Easter and that we can all reflect on what Jesus has done for us in our lives. I for one, know he's done sooo much for me and all of you actually. I feel blessed and grateful for that knowledge.
Take care. and Happy Easter!
Loves,
~Hope

Last Day for entry today.

2010-04-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today's the last day for my Easter giveaway. Scroll down until March 30th and enter. No! It's not a joke. I'm honest. I don't really do April Fools Stuff. I should though.

Well yesterday's plans didn't go as expected. I had some work that I had to get done and well, that trumps anything else that I would like to do. It's work for a family business and my Father in law, so it was important, and no cake decorating was done or pictures taken. My oldest didn't want to go and it's better to wait until he WANTS to, so I can actually get good pictures. If I didn't have stuff to get done, I would've begged and bribed I'm sure, but since I did, I was OK with it, and since my "Baby" said we would all go together and he'd help, I decided to wait until it was a family affair. I STILL am not totally comfortable and brave to go out and do alot with BOTH kids. I know. For those of you who have 4 or more, maybe even 3 laugh at me all you want, I just don't prefer it. I CAN. I just don't a whole lot. Nothing is ever really urgent that I can't wait until later that night, or the next day when my oldest is in school.

So, we'll be doing those things later, And since after today we are on "Spring Break", I might even save cake decorating until next week, so we have something to do. We'll just make our bunny more a spring bunny and not Easter.

Oh yeah, and Vintage Pearl is having a giveaway as well, so check out her blog, to win one of her cool necklaces. You will fall in LOVE!

Easter Treats

2010-03-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Giveaway still going on down below, scroll down to yesterday's post.

I wanted to make some easy treats that we could take to my church friends and our neighbors. One had a birthday on Monday so I thought cupcakes would be a good thing since it's birthday like, and Easter stuff for Bubba as well, to have fun with and decorate. I used Rainbow Chip cake mix, since it looks like Easter inside and will be great once you bite into them.

I used this recipe for frosting. It was good, but not THE best as claimed. Though I am more of a buttercream kind of girl and this tastes more like whipped cream to me, so that's probably why. It's good though.
Here are cute marshmellow bunnies that Target had for .98 a package. They are soo cute and you can do some many different things with them, for less than a buck, I had to grab some.

You can make them Kiss. Bubba didn't really like that. How come kids don't like to see adults kissing, or anything of the like?? I think it's sweet, they think it's GROSS!! LOL

Me and Mad Booger

Or you can make a family out of them. Here I am with my 2 little guys.

And these were in the dollar section(same place, Target) so I grabbed them too. I am not a big peeps fan, nor do I like marshmellows, (you wouldn't think that would you??) except in krispie treats or hot cocoa, but I had to get them. I thought they could be really cute. They had blue and pink, but of course with boys, I went with the blue ones.

Grab some coconut, put in a plastic baggie with some green food coloring and shake it up. And there you go!! Easy grass.

Here are all of them on plates. (More things from Tar ge, as I call it)

My mom got me these cute Easter confetti eggs from Williams Sonoma a couple of years ago, and I have never put them to use. It was time. You can cover a whole cupcake with them, or sprinkle them around, for a few eggs in the grass. I tried both ways.

Different variations of what we made.

If you don't like coconut, you can just use sprinkles, or colored sugar crystals for your grass. I had these green ones on hand, so I used them.

I guess I have something for bunnies. I didn't realize that I did until yesterday and saw just how much I do things around Easter with bunnies. Or how many I have in my house. Bunny pictures and bunny books. Bunny decorations. We have quite the bunny collection. It's a spring thing right?? Tell me it's not just me?

I saw these guys at a home decorator store when I was up at my sister's earlier this month and I had to get them. I got the only 2 that were left. They represent my 2 little guys. Aren't they cute?? I loved the bow ties, and the overalls with the buttons. They spoke to me and I had to take them home. They had a whole family, (which I am now wishing that I would've gotten, but my sister said, just get the 2 little guys.) I shouldn't have listened to my older sister. The whole family was adorable!! Oh well. Less in the house, and that is what I am trying to accomplish, so I guess she did know better.

Go and make some Easter treats for your party this weekend, or for your neighbors, or just for your family. They are really cute and fun and sure to please!

We are going to take our Easter Bunny pics today as well as make this Easter bunny cake like she has on her blog. See a bunny trend??
My mom had this same pattern, and I remember doing it when I was younger. I have it frozen in the freezer, so we'll frost and decorate this afternoon, after pictures, or maybe even after dinner tonight. I'll show you the results tomorrow.
and maybe our little bunny collection too..............maybe.

Egg-cellent week ahead!

2010-03-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Little Doo Doo Easter last year 2009

Here were are.
Fastly approaching the weekend.
I can't believe Easter is almost here. (I've got to take the kids for their annual Easter Bunny picture. It's our tradition, dye Easter Eggs, make and eat lots of deviled eggs, oh the list goes on!)

Spring has come, flowers are blooming (allergies are driving me crazy) It has been 80 degrees here.
I've had to turn on the air conditioner already a few times when I think, "It's hot" and see that the thermostast agrees and it's 78 degrees.
I'm not ready for hotter weather already. It never seemed to really get chilly here this year.
Awww.... the downfalls of life in Southern California. It's rough I tell ya. I do like a little bit of a change though, and I like the boots, sweaters and scarfs that come with colder weather.
Ok, so it's about the clothes I guess that I like. No surprise for me!

I like the spring clothes though too. Or lack thereof, I guess is more correct.

So these pictures that I took last year of Boo Boo, are popping up on our other computer in the screen saver. I totally forgot that I took them.

I "tried" to do a little photo session of my baby at Easter. He was 2 or 3 weeks old and wasn't really excited about what I was doing with him. It was short lived and the "session" if I can even call it that, was over.

The pictures aren't good at all. I couldn't focus, because I was worried about hurting him, he was crying and he obviously was uncomfortable, (well yeah! @@) But looking back, I'm glad I have them. All 5 of them. It's so weird to see them soooo little. I miss that. Even all scrunched up and crying. Look at those lips. That little nose. Awwww....

He was not content for awhile and still unhappy, but after picking him up and putting him near me, he was fine. He still likes to be near me and close to me, especially when sleepy. Not much has changed in that department.

In celebration of Springtime and Easter, which means new births and blossoms. Let's have a giveaway. I have 3 eggs. Filled with my favorites things at this time of year. One will be filled with candy (like cadbury mini eggs, whopper eggs and chocolates (See's, my favorite),

One will be a filled with a $30 gift card to Target, because I have to keep returning to that place often to get things I forgot this year, and the other..........hmmm. How about just some green grass?? or green cash! That works right??

How to enter. Tell me what your favorite thing is about Easter if you celebrate. Or what you like to eat on this holiday. (Do you swarm around the deviled eggs like me??)

If you don't celebrate Easter, tell me what you like about Spring. Cool?

There will be 2 winners. I will post the winners and they will pick their number of Egg. 1,2, or 3.

Giveaway will end Thursday at 5 pm PST. One entry per person, though you can blog, twitter, or facebook about it and come back here and tell me with the link, for additional entries.

Birthday Parrrtay!

2010-03-26T16:40:00.001-07:00

Someone turned one!! So we had a little get together celebration.

Lest you think the cake eating pictures were all the pictures I was going to share, they were not. It's just been a busy busy week, so I needed something quick. Here are pictures of the party and how it went down.

Before the guests (aka fam damily) arrived, I took a picture of the treats table. I took this picture to remember all the sweat and energy I put into this.

It was mostly because of these bad boys. Bakerella made it look sooo easy. Cha-right! 2 days folks. 2 days.

I did Elmo and a lighter Cookie Monster first (didn't have the dark blue candy melts at our Michaels) and since they were pretty easy, it built my confidence to give the other two a whirl. Let's just say, it's harder than it looks. But since I put all the energy into them, they went out on the table as well.

It looked better with all the colors anyways.

His elmo cake. That I later decided wasn't going to be just his. There was too much cake here to let him have it all to himself. He is only one afterall.

I didn't take a picture of the island, where the food sat. There wasn't near as much time put in, and well, I forgot. It all came upon me, so suddenly.

After we ate,and chatted, it was time to sing Happy Berfday! Birthday boys daddy to the left, and his grandma (daddy's mom) holding him.

I tried practicing with him for a few days to blow the candle out, but it wasn't working. He was getting more and more scared of the fire on the candle.

By the time I took this picture, he lasted about 3 more seconds and then flipped out and started crying. So his brother or dad blew it out. I'm not sure which one actually got it.

After cake and ice cream we played a little game. The babies had no blind folds.

But 3 and up did.

And they liked it. It was fun for them.

Then Brother goes. Even to play a "baby" game.

Then it was Boo Boo's turn. He was preoccupied before hand with his cake, but now he was ready!

Lastly, it was time to gather round for present opening time.

Everyone pull up a chair! or floor, or couch.

Aunts, uncles, grandma and cousins.

Everyone helps and opens.

He's not sure what to make of all the commotions and goods. (Now I get what you were saying Heidi about my hair. You should've just reached over and fixed it. )
And because my husband was taking pictures. That's all there is to share folks. I want to keep this a nice, fun, family place and I just can't if I put anymore pictures up of opening presents. Let's just say, someone should have TOLD me, my tank was sooo low!

Here is my BIL. This one. He is doing sooo much better and almost back to "normal". He is back at work which is just RAD, any way you look at it!

My sister & her family. Ok, it's just her, the dog and her fiance. But that dog. That dog gets more treatment and care then some people, and he is just spoiled!! Good thing Wiley Bear is soo cute!

It was a really great time. I feel so thankful and blessed for family that we love, and love us. For being caring and generous and they come and help,and clean up (when they have a million other things they could be doing) and are a part of our lives, and support us in what we do. Thank you! Thank you xoxo.

Happy 1st Birthday Boo Boo! We ALL love you!

You realize just how much

2010-03-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

You love your kids. Just how much you'll do for them, and your heartaches when one of them is hurting or in pain, and you can't do "anything" for them.

Last night we had a scare. A scare that I wouldn't and don't want to experience again.

It was bedtime and Bubba was getting ready for bed, wanted ANOTHER drink of water and I thought he was starting the excuses again, for procrastinating bedtime. He said something was in his throat, that he needed to drink to get it down.

I gave him a drink. Then he kept guzzling and guzzling and I said, OK, that's enough. He started to say he felt like he couldn't breathe. He said he was cold, and in a matter of minutes he went to full blown uncontrollable shaking. I said to my husband, he needs to go to the emergency room now. As we were getting clothes on him to go he said, I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I think I'm dying. I yelled call 911 now!

My husband grabbed him and ran to the car and said, I'll get there faster than they can get here. And he left. I told him which hospital he had to go to, (we have a few around here) and they drove off.

I had just put the baby down about an hour before, or we would have all gotten in the car and gone.

The next hour, hour and a half seemed like forever. For the first hour I was preoccupied and didn't think much of it. Thinking he'll call me when they get settled. But then I called him and he didn't answer. I couldn't find his cell phone anywhere, so I assumed he had it on him. I called and called. Probably 10 times in 15-20 minutes. No answer. Then I started to panic. I have read many a blogs where people have lost their children and it makes me heart ache. I started thinking, Oh no, was this is preparation for me?? Was I lead to those to understand what it felt like?? I started thinking of all the times I've been "mean" to him. All the things that I have done as a mom, that weren't up to par. All of the emotions came back to me that I experienced when my husband was in a bad car accident, almost 3 years ago to date. There wasn't anything I could do, besides be there. Should I get the baby and go? There was only one thing that helped me that night. I decide it was time to pray. I couldn't freak out, I needed to be calm. I asked the girls that are on an internet group with me, to please pray for me and more importantly him. It was late at night and me being on the west coast, I knew not many were up. But enough responded, that I was feeling better and calm.

I kept calling my husband back and he answered. FINALLY!!! He told me it was what we had suspected. An allergic reaction to something. He was given Benadryl and something else, don't know?? And they watched him for awhile. He was given some prescriptions and was going to be discharged in a little while. They didn't think it was anything big, but we needed to watch him. I was soooo thankful. I was not ready for something to be wrong with my baby. I mean, if something did happen, I would be there and find the strength, but last night, I wasn't ready for anything bad to happen. I'm so grateful for prayer. Right now, more than ever, it helps me daily. I think it's how I get through my weeks. My days and it is definitely what allows me peace and comfort in these times. Bubba, I love you soo much. I am so thankful you are in my life and that you are here with me, right here, right now. Hugs and lots of kisses. Bear kisses. Butterfly kisses, and your favorite "zerberts." Mommy

A birthday celebration

2010-03-23T07:30:00.001-07:00

I am soo sad about this picture darn it. I sooo wish it would have been in focus. But, I am a learner and trying to figure out all the settings and get the colors right and balanced and light and all that mumbo jumbo, that I guess my f stop was too low?? Is that what happened? That's what I'm thinking. Or, I was too close and it isn't a macro lens and so it blurred.

Hangin' with his da da. Before we "started" the celebration.

Cupcake eating. (Yes, I realize that he had an Easter bib on.) It hit me, half way through cupcake eating time. I had to run and get the birthday bib and change it.

Once I realized it, I was mortified. At least, he's kinda close to being an Easter baby. So I'm not tooo far off.

Just a little sneak off the bazillion of pictures I got at cake eating time. He went to town. I decided a cupcake would be the better option. Such a waste (imo) to throw a whole cake down there, big or small, and let them go at it.

This worked really good. (and he got 2 of them, since I had to change bibs and start again.)

What's in a name?? Mine

2010-03-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

My birth given name. Where did it come from? How come they choose it? Growing up, I wanted a common name, a name that was popular. I had a different name. Maybe I should ask my mom to type this out. Maybe it would be better to come from her. Though I’m guaranteed to be bawling if I let her do that, so I guess I’ll stick to me posting.
I am child number five, out of six. The middle child, of middle children. Lovely huh? Explain anything you were wondering about?? This pregnancy was very hard for my mom. I was very big and got hard to carry.

I started typing this up over a month ago. That is where I got. 2 little paragraphs. I decided I would ask my mom to tell me where my name came from, even if I would bawl my eyes out. After all, she was the one who named me and really “knew” where it came from. I have heard the story all my life, but it was her words and I knew it would mean more to me. My mom wrote me a letter. This is what it said.

How you got your name
When I was five months pregnant my doctor realized that something was wrong with the growth of my placenta. I had to take a 24 hour urine test to the hospital once a week until my 8th month. At that time, I started having blood tests. The test always indicated the same. I was borderline placenta previa and was able to carry “the baby” one more week. My due date was May 31st. On May 16th I went to my Dr’s office for an amniocentesis before being admitted to the hospital for an induced delivery. My doctor was so well educated in amniotic fluid that he recognized (through the color of the fluid) that I was not as far along as originally indicated and the baby’s lungs were not developed enough for a delivery. The fluid was tested. My due date was reset to June 14th.
The blood test continued, however. Then I went week after week not delivering “the baby”. My tests were always on Thursday. I had blood drawn on June 30th. Sunday July 3rd, I went into natural labor. My doctor was “off the island”, (we lived in Hawaii then) so his “on-call” substitute checked me into the hospital and followed my progress. When I went into the delivery room the doctor broke my water.
PROBLEM #1 Immediately the liquid ran a thick mossy green. The doctor called for a pediatrician because he knew there would be complications.
PROBLEM #2 the doctor asked me when I had my last test. He started asking me a lot of questions. But I was losing consciousness and was unable to answer all of them. It was at this time, that I “went to the light.”
PROBLEM #3 I could not deliver you because your shoulder measured 12” across! So you had to be taken by forceps.
PROBLEM #4 Once you were delivered, they could not get you to breathe! The Ped had to run and scrub so he could work on you while my doctor worked on bringing me around again. It was so helter skelter in that operating room, that’s it’s no wonder your squeamish, fasting father almost passed out.
PROBLEM #5. The Ped suctioned and hit you on the back until he got you to breather. Then there was the concern of your weight. You had to be tested for diabetes.
PROBLEM #6 Nothing more was said until the day (3 days later) we prepared to take you home. The pediatrician came into the room and explained that because my placenta was not functioning correctly, I was not expelling your waste through the tissue. Instead, your waste was staying in the amniotic fluid and you were re-ingesting it. There is no oxygen in waste; therefore, no oxygen had gotten to your brain. It was never definitely determined how long this had existed. We could only determine that on Thursday the fluid was normal. (most likely the condition developed during delivery.) However, it would not have taken very long for you to go without oxygen, so it’s always been somewhat of a mystery!?!?

Therefore, it was suspected that you would be retarded. The Pediatrician told us, “There is an 80% chance that your baby will be retarded. But it will take a year of observation to determine if that is correct.”
We were obviously devastated. We tried to think of name that would be appropriate, but nothing fit but “Hope”. First we hoped, you would live, and then we hoped you would be alright, and finally I hoped I would never have to go through that again!! It was a very scary time.
On the way home from the hospital we stopped at the Gonsalves. Dad asked Gerald to come to the house pray with him. Him and Linda followed us to the house. We went to our bedroom where it would be quiet. Just as dad started, the phone rang. I went to the kitchen to take the call and never heard a word of the prayer. When I returned to the bedroom, however, everyone was crying. I knew it was a special moment and I never asked.
PROBLEM #7 You could not nurse. The Ped told me I had to force you to eat every 2 hours. Because you lacked the instinct for sucking and your brain could not register that you were hungry, you would STARVE to death if I did no force you to nurse. For 3 days, I nursed you every 2 hours around the clock. On the 4th day it was obvious your condition was greatly improved and I reverted back to feeding you on demand (which was about every 4 to 6 hours.) At six weeks you rolled over in your crib, four months you crawled; and “the rest is history.”
When we went for your two week check-up, I never mentioned the retardation because I knew your condition had been reversed. The pediatrician likewise, never mentioned it. We continued taking you to that doctor to that doctor for another 12 months and the condition was never mentioned.
Loves, Mom 

Our St. Patty Pics and Story (trouble in 1st grade)

2010-03-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

So first off, I'm really bummed that I didn't get to the corned beef and cabbage. I know?? Can you believe it?? For 3 days I have had my face into clothes, clothes and more clothes, trying to get things out of here and listed on Ebay. I forgot how time consuming that project is.

And boy is it a project.

So, I haven't made dinner for the last 3 nights. Lucky me!! Not so lucky kids and hubs. (though they really don't mind all that much. They're cool like that.)

Well, yesterday I had to get some pictures of my guys in their St. Patrick's Day clothes. (Because Yes, of course they have St. Patty's day outfits, and Easter, and Mother's Day and Father's hey any excuse I can have, I use. I think that's the excuses addicts use as well--oops)

So these are what me and Mr. B did. I started right before his brother was coming home so when he got here, we could do the boys together, and then put Mr. B down for his nap, and take Bubbas pictures by himself.

SOOC (meaning Straight out of Camera, if you don't know)- unedited. Sometimes I just like the natural "what you shot is what you got" look.

Ok, a couple weeks ago, when I took these pictures. He was good. Just sat there, smiled, looked around. It was unfamiliar territory.

Today, no such luck.

I got this,

and this.

a whole bunch of this.

I couldn't get a shot for nuttin'.

So I pulled out the props. The big guns. The things that I remembered I had in the house.

It got a little better.

For a while.

Then it was back to IG-nore. (and standing all by himself on a chair. with no hands!! PANICCC!!)

So I added another prop.

and another.

and then brother came home and it was all over. We were done with our fun.

He was not happy. I had to change gears.

He had gotten in trouble at school. He has never really gotten in trouble at school. He didn't know how to handle it. He was a crying mess. He didn't want to return, he HATED school, hated his teacher, and he was just sad.

I asked if we could take pictures?? Thinking maybe it would cheer him up. Sidetrack his mind. I got a "No!" and he put down his leprachaun trap. So I took a picture of the trap, because, I didn't have time the other morning when we were running out the door.

I think it turned out cute!! It got him to say something nice to me. He told me "I almost got him Mom, almost". Then he went back to sadness.

I let him go in his room and cry out his frustrations, sadness, whatever he was feeling, because sometimes, it just feels better afterwards.

As he was in his room and I was thinking about what had happened, (I got an email head's up from his teacher, so I already knew-she's great.)

I started to think...........

How ironic?? How weird?? He's never gotten written up at school before. Never really heard anything not good from his teacher.

I get him this shirt

and today he gets written up.

I started to laugh.

Then I decided to use the shirt as the scapegoat. GENIUS!!

(ok, not really. BIG mistake with this child, I later learn, how could I forget, the child with excuses. But it sounded good at the time, and hopefully make him better for a moment)

He totally bought it.

But then he started getting mad at me.

For getting him the shirt and saying it was MY fault and so I had to change that right then and there.

We talked about his decisions.

His choices. What he did was wrong.

(Long story short, he took a candy that was on the empty desk next to him, then lied about taking it to his teacher.)

After I assured him he could show his face at school the next day, and he would be O.K. "You gotta take your problems as they come and face them, straight up. Not try and run away." I said.

He asked some ?'s. I answered.

I asked him some questions and I think we got it worked out. At least for now.

Wow! This makes me feel old. or maybe grown-up is the word.

It makes me feel so in-ept as a mom.

I mean, this is 1 st grade. My 1st child.

I'm just getting started here.

What happens when what I have to say, he doesn't listen too. or worse, he doesn't even want to TALK to me??

Gosh, I better start praying now, for the future. I mean, more than I already do.

To make you have happy thoughts, instead of feeling sorry for me, or laughing about MY future, because you've already been there, and done that, or if you're scared of the future too. Let's just look at this and forget about what the future holds.

At least for now.

Winna Winna winna!!

2010-03-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

So I just did the Random generator again, since that's what I said I would do and the names in the hat would take longer. Time right now, is not what I have unfortunately.

Without further ado, here it is......................

are you ready????

Still there???

You can't stand it can you??

OK, OK, Here!!

Comment #3 Dana. Congratulations Dana!!

email me at threeboogers at gmail dot com and let me know your address!! Probably paypal if you want it quicker. or physical, either way.

Thanks all who played and commented. Come back tomorrow for more fun and excitement.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2010-03-17T10:31:00.001-07:00

{Artwork done by my 6 year old. 1st grade. March 2010}

No underwear don't count. I always hated that one as a kid. People would try and pull that one. And if you ask to see them, then YOUR the one that gets in trouble. Green eyes are no good either. You have to WEAR green, where it can be seen, you'll figure out in a cinch, when you feel that pinch, that you had better wear green, or it will be an awful scene.

K, Just came up with that off the top of my head. Hey, I never claimed to be a poet. Or a writer , soo Ha!

Anyways, (I was up wayyy to early for me today, can you tell?)

Our leprachaun came and brought the boys gifts .

Well, it was from me,and they know it was from me, but it's fun to say leprachaun. Ooo, say it again. (says it) oooo! (That's from a famous kids movie, BTW, do you know it? no leprachaun part is in it of course, but the other stuff.

Then I made shamrocks for breakfast! oops, that does NOT look like a shamrock.

Sheesh. Hey I never claimed to be an artist either. (I wonder what I am????)

Ok, that's a little better.

We were having so much fun this morning, that I forgot to take a picture, and well we didn't have time either, of Bubba in his get up. I'll have to do that when he gets home. He looks CUTE!! But then again, most of the time I think he is.

{Oh you should see his new "do". I'm not a fan of it. I like his hair a little longer, but whilest I was away, he found scissors and well, he had to had it fixed, so off went the hair. I took some pictures of the ordeal. They will come later.}

Ok, rambling again, so it's past the deadline now for the giveaway. I was thinking I wanted to do an old famous hat drawing and put all ya'lls name in (I don't even know how to spell that, guess I need to ask my Texas friends.) and have Bubba draw one. So we will probably do that later on today.

Hope you all have a splendid day! Don't get pinched. hehe

Corned Beef and cabbage recipe

2010-03-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Welll. honestly, I don't know how to do it, and I forgot to ask my SIL or FIL how they do it. I guess I could call them before this post is over, but that would mean moving and well I'm tired.
I'm pretty sure they just dump it into a pot or crock pot, maybe with some broth or just water and just boil it slowly. Or cook it slowly. Make sure you put all those seasonings that come with the meat inside. it's just pure goodness. It takes ALL day to cook, I know that, in order to get it all soft and edible, otherwise, it's a pretty tough piece of meat. Ok, that's all. I'll try and get more precise instructions later, if someone's "dying" to know.
Night!

St. Patty's treats and giveaways.

2010-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Green, GREEN, CASH giveaway still going on, scroll down to yesterday's post to enter!

A great treat to make for St. Patrick’s Day! The ever famous rice krispies with a twist.
Just take some green food coloring, or food dye and add it to your marshmellows. Stir it in good and then add your cereal.

I don’t ever measure mine. I like it to this consistency.

When it gets there I know I am there and then I move on. Then dump it on some wax paper and smooth it out.

For these guys, it needs to be really thin . Not my typical RK treats. But I have to, for this.

So I make it like this to get this,

Get it? REALLY thin. Unless yours (cookie cutter) is better and thicker than mine. You can ignore me, if it is.

Because I use this not so expensive cookie cutter and it has to go through the treats.

Cut them out and there you go.
I used these in the care package I sent to my nephew as well as fed them to the kids last week as a trial run. They are a sure thing!

Tomorrow it’s corned beef and cabbage day and I couldn’t be more thrilled!! I LOVE this stuff. Don’t know why? I just do. It makes my mouth water just looking at that. YUMMMM. Great now I am hungry!! (Recipe later tonight if you wanna go out and by the stuff Corned Beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, like a roast kinda, yeah, pretty much)

And today, the day before the tides (isn’t that what they call St. Patrick’s Day) maybe that’s some other day, anyways, Today is the birthday of one of my bestest friends. One that I have known, wow, 13 years. (am I really “that” old??) You know the friend, that is sooo caring, generous, kind, super- talented, and always down for a fun, crazy thing to do. (yep the one that went to meet the Pioneer Woman with me) yeah, you know one of those?? Yep, that’s her! It’s her special day today and so I want to wish her a great, wonderful and splendid day!
She is having a giveaway on her blog, so check it out if you wanna win!! Happy Days folks!

Hope is………..

2010-03-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

Not doing well with this time change.

Back into her Victoria Secrets bra! :0)

Down another 3 pounds this week and a half! Double :0) :0)

Can't believe that my baby is turning one soon. :0(

Excited that the "Pimp my ride" project is no longer in my garage.

Excited that now someday I'll get to park in my garage again.

Excited that St. Patty's is in a few days.

Going to give away some green.

Yes, cold, hard, Green!

Just tell me what you'd do with 50 green one dollar bills and you are entered to win!

Now until Wednesday the 17^th at 10 am PST this contest will go on. On St Patricks Day I will draw the winner from the Random generator.

Blog, tweet, or facebook about it and you will get more entries! Good luck all!

Hoping you all had a fabulous weekend! Again, another week full of things to do this week and lots of picking up and cleaning to get ready for a party!

It's been a looooonnnng week. My poor baby.

2010-03-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

has not been feeling well. He got sick. Sick is sooo not like him. He has not been happy or himself, and so I need to post some pictures that I took of him to remind myself how he "normally" is. I took these a couple weeks ago, but I realize that I am soo lacking on the taking pictures of all his milestones in his life.

He is such a love! It has been really hard on me this week, to see him sick and puking and not eating and puking.

I think we are finally on the mend, and he is better. He's keeping food down now for over a day and has an appetite again. I am so glad, because I was beginning to get really worried. Like my happy guy has disappearred and was gone forever!

I think I am back to myself now too, after sleeping through most of today and catching up all the late nights that we've had with this little one.

I think I better go get some food in me. I think I'll go drive thru some place and get a salad since I haven't eaten today.

I should probably put a bra on though.

Oh, and some pants. Those might be good too!

Cleaning Tips

2010-03-12T08:56:00.001-08:00

Clean the shower or bath while you are in it. Of course if you do my other tip and shower or bathe with the kids, then this is NOT a good idea. Repeat; do NOT do this with children. Of course I guess unless your cleaning supplies are organic and kid friendly, but if they are not, spray down the shower before you go in, I let it wait maybe five minutes and then I go in and scrub it down and then scrub myself.

Kills two birds with one stone, in my opinion.

Schedules?

People ask if I have a schedule with my cleaning. I don't really. By Monday the house needs to be put back together after the weekend and boys have been home, (AKA older son and husband) so that is pretty much what my Monday consists of, but for me, I don't schedule out my cleaning, because then it gets mundane I think and turns into work and not fun. Yes cleaning for me is fun in a sense. It releases things that make me feel good and I like the result of something, anything, after it has been cleaned.

I like to do things by rooms more so. I do it when I see the need. I will vacuum, dust, pick up, organize, and clean a certain room all at once. Then I can move onto another room, and by the end of the week, I've gone through the whole house. I like to see an accomplishment, so just vacuuming the whole house and dusting it, I can't necessarily "see" a difference. If I do a room, I can. I like visually seeing, WOW! This looks soo much better!! Make sense? K. Cool.

And my 3^rd and final tip is: Turn on some music to help, but more importantly, do it at a time that is good for you. Early in the morning, or once my older son is off to school and I have the baby home, is my good time. I can clean away for a few hours, while the baby is up, and then while he naps. For me, this is a good time. I can also pick up or clean later at night, when the kids and hubby are asleep, thus, no interruptions! But sometimes I just want to rest and veg by myself, so if I wait until then, it doesn't always get done. Afternoons, I am TIRED, and kids and hubby are coming home and so it's not the best time for me. Pick a time slot for you that works, and do it then, and make it enjoyable, and upbeat with music, TV, or movie in the background. Something that will get you moving!!

Ok, that is all for now, Enjoy and Happy Cleaning!!

PS. St. Patty's is right around the corner, so look out for a Green, Green, Green Giveaway!

Relationships. Marriage that is.

2010-03-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about them alot. Alot, alot. Relationships between a married man and his wife, between them and their children. What it all means? What are we supposed to learn from them?

Being in our 9th year of marriage, it is getting "tough." Tough in that, there are no more rose colored lenses. Tough in that, it's hard to find time together. Just the 2 of us. Things that used to be just so "easy", with life and all our obligations, are not so "easy" anymore. It makes it hard to take time for each other. Time that needs to be together. Time by ourselves, out and about, laughing, eating, walking hand in hand, or whatever and however a specific couple enjoy doing this.

We used to make it a point to go out at least once a month. That was years ago though. Since having our baby, who is almost one, I think we have gone out just ourselves once. And I fought that one pretty bad. It was that far away, Avatar trip the he HAD to go on and see in IMAX and 3D. And you know what?? It was so great to spend the much needed time together and without interruption. (ie, phones going off, children needing attention, you know all that stuff.) We go out and do alot of things with our families, immediate and extended, and do girls night out, and boys time, but just him and I, me and him, is where it's been neglected. Not really intentionally either.

(Ok, it's been twice. I forgot about this wedding we attended together sans children. )

I am going to try and make it a priority again, now that are baby is bigger and not so dependant to go out. I use all the excuses- we don't have a babysitter, babysitters are so expensive. If you find something fun and cheap to do, then by the time you've paid someone to watch your kids, it's not so much a "cheap date". Though I don't think any of them are real reasons for us, or valid. Well, ok maybe they are. But they are just excuses. And we can't have excuses anymore. We just need to get out. Period. Even if it's just a drive for an hour together, in the car, to talk or listen to music. Just something.

I'm curious to know what others do, that have been in their relationship for a long time, ( 10 plus years or close to that) to keep connected, and outgoing. Do you just put it in stone? Set the date and do it? is it more random? or have you fallen into the same trap that we have? Just busy with life and if you have a free moment, you just want to sit and veg?

Share your thoughts with me if you are so inclined. I need ideas??

I'm thinking I want to do every other month where I am in charge, and then he is in charge and so forth, and we have to agree to do whatever the other one comes up with. Then hopefully we are both getting to do what we want and maybe not want, but are compromising.

Buenas Suerte and adios

2010-03-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

I flew up this past weekend to see my nephew off. Remember this one? The one that is NO WAYY grown up enough to already leave and go and teach. He will be a missionary. He will be in Argentina. He will speak Spanish, and he will be gone for 2 years. I am soo happy for him and know that he will do well. I know he will touch many people's lives and he will come home a grown and changed man.
I'm sad that he is going, but I know what it entails, and I know that it is AMAZING!! That makes it much easier.

There was a going away party for him Saturday night. This was taken there.

Me and him.

And so were all these.

His parents.

His Siblings

His Friends

His really CUTE friends.

his Family.

and friends of the family.

People that love him

and cared for him

and will all miss him dearly.

Good luck Bubba. We know you are gonna rock it!

Come home safe and sound you hear?? and please make this 2 years go fast!!

West End girls??

2010-03-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

No, this picture has nothing to do with West End girls. I just needed to post a picture of my little doo- doo doo- doo , dooo-doo00 (say it really fast, then you'll get how we call him) Before I posted something again sans photos. I LOVE him!

Ok, now to my question.

What does this mean? The Pet Shop boys song I mean.

On the way to the store last night, this song came on the radio.
When I was younger I thought it was West- “Ern” girls.
And it made sense. Western town with denim walls……
But what is west end? I don’t get it. Maybe I should google it?

It reminded me of my sister who told us about her sister-in-law that thought the song said, “Hit the beef square!” You know, the Huey Lewis’ song, Hip to be square. And the other famous song we all got a laugh at, “Tonight you call my breast line nice!”
You know, there were some BAD things about the 80's. Really bad. But some of my favorite songs, still to this day, are from the 80's. Maybe it's the reminiscing of my childhood, or memories of my siblings listening to them, but I am fond of many of the 80's songs still. They were so pure. So sweet, so in love. It's hard to find, real, true feeling songs like that now I think.

I bet there are a bunch of songs I still sing incorrectly, but I guess I’ll never know. Unless of course, I’m singing it out loud somewhere, someday and someone looks at me and says, WHAT???? Are you singing??
I’d probably figure it out then, that I was singing it wrong I mean.

You got any good ones?? Do you sing a song totally incorrect and want to share? I'd love to laugh.

Before Kids

2010-03-05T09:10:00.001-08:00

Before kids, I thought I knew about children.

Before kids, I thought I knew how to raise them.

Before kids, I thought I didn't get enough sleep.

Before kids, I never knew how much my heart could grow.

Before kids, I didn't think I could touch other peoples poop, boogers, or ooey, gooey faces. (and find joy in doing it)

Before kids I didn't think kid's meal prices were "outrageous".

Before kids, I thought they needed a lot of "things" to have a good, fun life.

Before kids, I don't think I ever helped out a mom that was struggling. (Besides maybe a relative)

Before kids, I don't think I ever let a mom go in front of me at the store.

Before kids, I didn't understand how you could love someone soooo much!

Before kids, I didn't know which stores have automatic doors.

Before kids, I don't think I laughed or cried as much.

Before kids, I thought I was a pretty giving person.

I know now that kids don't need much. Love goes a long way.

I know now that kids are pretty simple really.

I know that kids want their parents around for the most part.

I know that sometimes moms need an extra hand, because they aren't superman.

I know that when I am out and about, and I see a mom, or dad needed help, I try to do what I can. (Especially if I am sans children)

I hope that when I travel today, by myself, I will be more aware of those with kids and let them go first.

I hope that I can be more conscious of those moms with children in tow that are by themselves.

I hope that my kids miss their momma.

I know that their momma will miss them.

Randomness.......Body Movin' Banana Nut Bread and 3 laws

2010-03-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Today is a random post. Things that I want to share but don't all go together.

1. Body movin' - you have to get your body moving in order to lose weight. A great diet will help as well, but really, you can eat what you want, if you are burning enough calories. I have been movin' this body of mine. I am down another 4 pounds, (YIPPPEEE!!) and I know that moving your body gets it started. Whether it's exercising, or just going about your day, you can move more.

Those weight watchers step counters are pretty cool! I used one years ago just to see how much I needed to move. It's interesting to find out how much energy you're putting out. So......if you want to get rid of pounds, start moving!! You can do it.

(I can't believe I am doing this) Then again, that would be being prideful and I am trying to get over that and so here it is. SO you can see proof.

Here I am in Texas with my Philly friend Gigi. She posted this picture on facebook yesterday. Barf! But I had just stopped nursing and I am PLUMP! It does that too me. This is the end of October. Tired, loss of sleep and having fun with the girls!

Here I am in January with my husband at a wedding. This is even 2 months ago, so I need more recent pictures, but I'm never in front of the camera. I will though this weekend so you can see.

Not the best shots, I know but I think you can see a little bit of a difference in just 3 short months.
If not, tell me, and I'll stop posting pictures of myself.

Banana Nut bread recipe

This is what I made the other day to ~~get rid of~~ use our mushy bananas.

I know. Banana Nut Bread, big deal. You've seen it a thousand times. I just want to share my world famous recipe. It is!! I made this for almost every function whilest I was in Russia and they had never tasted anything like it. They were amazed! This is my mom's recipe and it's tried and true. Just ask the Russians.

Banana Nut Bread

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas (mashed)

2 cups flour

1 tea. baking soda

1 tea salt

1/4 cup nuts (chopped)

Cream together the first 3 ingredients. Then add the bananas to it.

Mix the Dry ingredients together (the rest of them, except the nuts)

Mix the wet and dry together and then add the nuts!

Presto! Pop it into the oven at 350 for 60 minutes. Yummmy goodness.

and lastly.......

a wise man once told me of 3 Jewish Laws. I try to live by these in my life.

(which I don’t really think are Jewish now that I think about it, but it was taught to me as such…..

1. Don’t do anything yourself you can get someone else to do for you (yeah, that doesn't work so much as a mom, I'm trying it though. My husband is better with this, we call it the Jedi mind trick.)
2. If you give others what they want in life, you will get what you want.
3. If something is free, take 2!

That's my thoughts for today. Have a good one!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

2010-03-03T08:18:00.001-08:00

I am so good at this. I don't mean to be. I just am. It's a fault of mine that I am trying to work on. Well, this day was no exception.

I just so happen to come onto this blog, what had to be seconds, or minutes after Bakerella posted this. There was one comment in front of me, so I hurriedly commented to get the other team prize and was sooo excited!! Then I realize that my comment is not coming through. Oh well! By the time I realized this, others have of course commented and what's done is done.

I post a comment (again) wondering if the site is having problems, or is it me, because my comment did not come up. (No, this is not the stupid part yet.) So I leave the house to run an errand or something, and that night when I check my emails there is one from Bakerella! She says something along the lines of, "I'm so sorry. Your comment went to my spam folder. I can send you a cup instead, with the Colts insignia that is all I have left football related."

And you know what I reply back??? Well what I should have said was. Great! Cool! I'd love it. Thank you so much, here is my mailing address! (She asked for it in the email.)

Instead, do you know what I said?

"Oh that's. Ok. I am not really a Colts fan, I wanted to get that other set for a friend who loves the Colts. His wife is a baker like you, and I knew that she would be able to use those decorations and make something really cute with them."

Then told her I think she's amazing and she does great work.

I am so lame!! Why did I tell the truth? Or be so dumb?? It bugs me often, that I didn't let her send me something. I should have been polite, taken what she offered, as I'm sure it's hard to win things from her, and shut my mouth, but stupid me, lame me, says "That's OK!!"

UGH!!!

Take a lesson from me. When people offer you something, just take it! And say Thank you!!

Chuck E Cheese's.......Where a kid can be a kid!

2010-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, I promised more pictures from CEC. Since I am a girl that keeps her word, here they are. Picture loaded post for sure!

A game of skeeball. My favorite! I make him play it at least once, so it's not just tickets and video games. I'm soo mean, huh?

and then, he's off............ to the more important things.

"Hey Brother, where are you going?"

Brother?? Oh,Hi mom! But I'm looking for brother.

Off to find him!

Oh! Here you are!

Let's go try the kiddie area, Boo Boo. I think you'll like it more.

Walking, walking, over there.........

Oooooooo, this is cool! (Oh, no! Not you too!)

Hi Mom!! Just playing with these gophers.

A little help from brother. Oh! Thanks Bro!

Now I get it!

I think I'm done with this. OK, Yeah, I'm outta here!

And what's this??

"A quick drink back and I'll be back to business."

Ah, yes! This is the face of one committed gamer.

You know what they say about video games right??

Here it is, in full effect.

Hey, Can I ride like brother is?"

"You say it's time to go home?? Ok. Yeah!! Home!!"

Bloom Where you are Planted

2010-02-27T11:20:00.001-08:00

The contest from yesterday is "still in effect ya'll". Scroll down to yesterday's post.

If you remember that I mentioned, I went to a Women's conference last weekend. This was the theme to the day. I had the privilege of listening to this wonderful girl. You can read her story on her website, but I'll give you the run down (short version) here. Briana passed out at the wheel of her car, hit the center divider on the freeway and when she came to, she no longer had the use of her legs.

Many people, given the current situation would allow their life to be down, sad, disappointing and wouldn't want to go on with life. She on the other hand, bloomed where she was planted. She has skydived, surfed, wake boarded, and more, all being confined to a wheelchair. You may recognize her as the face of Overstock.com. She is amazing! (to say the least)

Her thoughts she shared with us. "Many times I thought, "Why keep going? You can't do it, just Quit!"

1. "The opposite of success in NOT failure, it's quiting!"

What powerful words. Words of a wise, noble girl, that keeps going on with her life, and blooming and doing more, than she has ever done. What a remarkable role model for young girls!

She also said 2. "You don't have to have something traumatic as this to change the direction of your life. After all, it is a decision, a state of mind."

And lastly, 3. Time toughs never last, but tough people do!

Just think about her words today, think about a situation in your life and try to have her attitude. I post this for me, for there are things that I want to quit. I want to give up on. But I am not a quitter. I keep moving forward, keep going on. I hope that I can bloom (def.- to reach the fullest stage or development of maturity) where I have been planted, or make the most out of the situations I have been given in this life. She was a great example of doing just that, and I am so thankful I got to meet her and have her teach me!

Because I am soooo excited!!

2010-02-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

Because I could jump out of my seat. Why???

Because I am going to be here in August. Yes, that's right. I will be there. I will be attending Blogher conference 2010. I heart NYC. I have only been there once, but I could be there often. We took a five day trip to be on "Who wants to be a millionaire", and it was much to short. I enjoyed it the whole time.

I, like many hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, sent in my application to volunteer at the event and I actually got picked!!

I can NOT believe it. Really??? Me?? I NEVER win anything. If it's something technically that you "win".

They will pay for my admission to the events, and food, and even cocktail reception, for 2 days(Guess I'll need to find a friend there that drinks so my "coupons or tickets" don't go to waste-LOL) and all I have to do is get there. I can do that!!

I'm really excited if you can't tell. A great way to network, meet friends and people that I only "know" online, meet new friends and hear lots of fabulous information.

Soooooo with all this new exciting news in my life, I think I will have a giveaway.

I wish I could giveaway another trip, that would be fun!! Wouldn't it??

Sooooo what to do, what to give away?? Because I would love to actually visit White Castle and eat a sandwhich, because I would LOVE to visit Serendipty III again (without a screaming, hungry baby this time), because I would LOVE to have an New York Pizza

and since my life revolves around food it sounds like, I'm thinking........ a $50 Gift certificate to your favorite place to eat!

Because I'm doing really good with abstaining from bad food, and have dropped another 4 lbs,(WOO HOOO-Good bye baby fat!) I think it's a great idea. Sound good??

Shout out to me, where your favorite place to go eat is, a restaurant that I can get a gift certificate for, and you will be entered to win, that restaurants certificate.

Like Cheesecake Factory?? Macaroni Grill?? (one of my favorite go- to places) PF Chang's float your boat? Have a Date night with your S.O. on me!

Sunday night Feb 28th, (my sista's birthday) 8 p.m. PST the giveaway will close and Monday morning I will announce the winner!
Extra entries for blogging, tweeting, or facebooking about it, otherwise one entry per person, si' vous plait! (is that how you spell it??-LOL french class was a loooooong time ago.)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Loves.

P.S. (Post script) After writing and posting this I realized something. I HAVE won something. Two things actually this past month.
I won over on The Nut House blog because I answered her ? correctly first. I still have not gone and picked up my prize from the PO. (Sorry Holly, I WILL, this weekend, K!)

And I also won a $50 certificate from Heather at Distressed Designs when I donated money for the Hope for Haiti cause raffle and won! Wow! All these H names. We must be cool people. haha
{I got my signs yesterday BTW, Heather, and they are GORGEOUS!! Thank you, Thank You!! (Maybe I will do a giveaway one day on here for one of her signs, they are really cute!) }
So anyways, I don't want to be a liar, I just usually never win anything, that's the norm, but I forgot about these two things that I have just recently gotten, and well the conference, so maybe my luck is changing??

P.P.S In the event that a winner lives somewhere in a smaller town, where there aren't commerical restaurants that I can get a gift card from, I will send them a $50 visa/am-ex (or something like that) gift card to buy dinner with.

Want to feel your heart fall into your toes??

2010-02-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting at home reading and reading about people and their dear blogs that have and are going through so much. People like Natalie, that have so much strength and faith, that I want to be like her when I grow up. I wonder if I'll ever be that strong?? Would my faith carry me through??
For this family. For the things that they have gone through and so happy that in their lives, right now, they have a happy ending. I am so glad for them.
As I read through their blogs and get updates on their lives, my phone rings. An automated message from my son's school that they were on "lock down" as a robbery (I think) suspect was in the area and for the childrens and teachers safety the police notified them to stay put. In case our children ask questions, so we know to let them know they were safe at all times.
When you hear that, it makes your heart drop. Like this guy (or girl I suppose) could have been nearby, could have jumped into our back yard, could have.........oh the thoughts that race through my head.
The suspect was obtained and apprehended and I hope all is well. I hope and pray. Gosh and I thought our little city was soooooo safe.

Finances and “Allocation of Funds” i.e. Budget

2010-02-25T11:06:00.001-08:00

I am amazed, no, that's not a good word, scratch that. It surprises me how many people do not control their money. Are not on a budget, or don't know how much they make a month or spend. It just boggles my mind. How can you not know??

I guess that is why so many of us Americans are in debt up to our eyeballs. If you don't know, then of course you're just spending away? Putting things on credit cards, or just buying what you please? I'm guessing here, I don't fully understand this logic/thinking.

You have got to know. Knowledge is power. If you don't even "know" what you bring in a month, start with doing that.

In my organized brain, and as a SAHM (stay at home mom), this is part of my organization and "cleaning" that I do. It's part of my tasks that I am required to do, and so for me, there has to be a system. Remember when I talked about this post? I got to this point by tracking our income and expenses and knowing what is due when. Are you still with me??

For a month track your income. If you are in sales, and have a changing income, as we do, guesstimate. Take the average or low ball it so you have extra money to allocate. I use the word allocate instead of budget. Budget gives me restrictions and I've never been one to like restrictions. If I say allocate. It gives me the control. I am in charge of MY money and not the other way around. That is the key point. Once you are in charge of your money and it no longer is in charge of you, I believe you are on the your way to success or financial freedom.

Two people that I enjoy listening to are; Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. I like what they have to say. About certain things. Some things I don't agree with whole heartedly, but for the most part, I like the principles that they teach. Check them out! They are great resources. I always take as much info as I can, then spit out what I don't like. I'm cool like that. Or in my son's words now, "That's how I roll!"

If you know what you make, allocate your funds, and are debt-free! Good for you, and we will see you another day! Or you can stick around and read still and tell me what you know! I LOVE new information, or better ideas. BUT with sooooo many people with debt (yes,we are one of them as well), it might help to read some info and you might just learn something.

Once you know your income, or at the same time you're tracking your income, track your expenses. This is a sample of the spreadsheet I use. If it is too complicated for your life/income/expenses. Simplify it. Take out what you don't use. I am very thorough so that I over allocate instead of under. (I am a numbers geek too and this stuff just thrills me. I LOVE allocating! Almost more than I like food, or shopping. It gives me great pleasure!)

Income
Wages/Salaries (after taxes)
Other Income
Total Income

Expenses
Donations
Mortgage/Rent
Insurance (home)
Repairs/Mainten/Décor
Food

Utilities (use one space,if you don't have alot, or break it down, like I do)
Water
Trash
Electric
Gas

TV
Phone
Cell Phone
Internet

Car
Insurance
Payments
Gas/Oil/Maintenance

Medical
Prescriptions
Co-pays

Gifts –Birthdays (think Christmas)
Debt payments
Kid’s activities
Hubby’s $
My money
Clothing
Savings (long term)
Savings (short term. Ie special trips, luxury item)
Retirement account

TOTAL

So once you know how much "extra" you have. Then you know where you can start to pay off your debts, or put into savings. If you are barely making it buy and you only have enough for your "needs" then it's really easy to allocate money. "Wants", don't really exist. Nor does any extra special savings plan. Until you are aware of where your money goes, it's hard to know where to cut back. If you only have enough for wants, don't get discouraged, I'll help you out here. Come back for more and we'll go through it.

For today, I will stick with this first, since for some, this could be ALOT of information and I don't want to overload anyone. I want to help you. Or inform you. I'll then come back to this and tell you what you can do with this information once you know what your making and spending. Happy Tracking!!

I'm a builder!

2010-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

He says. I build things. That's what I do. I have to mom. It's my "job".

And he wants me to leave his room like this.

He's taken almost all the pillows from my room and into his, taken his trundle bed out and it's a wreck! (At least in my head. Maybe I'm the wreck?? That's probably not far off) I guess in his, he's using his brain and creativity. Maybe he'll be a structural engineer someday. Or he'll be a builder. Just like Bob. Just like my dad. And my grand(dad). I guess it's in his blood.
Build away little guy, build away.
(But only for a day, then it needs to be put away so I can sleep at night. Cool?)

Have a great weekend?

2010-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

I did! It was really nice, fun, uplifting and just relaxing. I needed this weekend. I think it was made for me.

I made these cookies for my booth on Saturday. I think they turned out cute. It was all in my head of random ideas and so I was pleased.

Not to mention, they were pretty darn tasty! ( I did have to sample to make sure I wasn't handing out yuck, but, I still lost a pound so... WoooHoo!!) I'm staying away from sugar right now, if you aren't aware, so I can get my body back.
I got to attend a women's conference on Saturday and WOW! Can I just say WOW! That will get it's own post later, but just wanted to say that I hope everyone had a great weekend. We had a party at Chuck E Cheese to attend on Friday, that was really fun!

It was Boo's Boo's first experience (while mobile), to be a part of the festivities and he had fun! Can you tell?

Will post details and more pics later.

There was no school thus week so far, so I have been running around and having fun with the kids and I haven't been online. I'm sorry. I miss you! I feel like a part of me is missing when I don't "see" my internet pals.

Did you have a good weekend?

Proud Mommy

2010-02-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

I’m so proud of my little guy. He makes me smile. (most of the time) I feel.... kind of, sort of, like I did something when he brings these reports home.
I mean, besides give him my genes, it’s his work, but I just like the feeling. We’ve made an agreement, on his request, that every spelling test he gets a 100% on, he gets a dollar. We started this when school first started and I didn't really know what kind of a speller he was. I thought, that's not bad, I can do that a couple of times a month. He’s been doing really well, taking my dollar almost every week, so now that I am broke, I think it’s time we “change our terms” or move onto the comprehension or application part.
That’s the “other” side to the spelling test. I don’t think he realizes it’s the same words that he has to put in sentences. As he is not getting 100’s on the other side. I just told him this the other week and so maybe he’ll do a little better.

The other day he wanted to watch Zak & Cody “The Suite Life” and I really didn’t want to hear that show playing, it just drives me batty. I don’t know why, usually kid shows don’t bug me, but that one does for some reason. I wanted to go lay down for a bit and he was willing to give me his dollar that he had earned today so we made a “deal”. We play the deal or no deal game when one of us wants something from the other, that the other person doesn't really want to do. I don’t know where it came about or how, but it’s become fun for us and so we have continued it. I’m sure he was the one that started it with all his negotiating skills that he uses and I don’t think he’s even seen the TV show.
For example… this is how it went down.
Booger: Mom, deal or no deal? I will give you my dollar, if you let me watch Zak & Cody while you go rest.
Me: Ummmmm………?
Booger: Plllllllleeeeeeeeeeassssssseeee?
Me: Ok. Deal!
Anyways, here I am off another point again, but I just want him to know I am proud of his “work” and “job” as he calls it and that he enjoys spelling. Is most definitely my child.
(Believe it or not, I was a great speller in school. Was in the spelling bee as well too!)

What's in a name??

2010-02-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

You ask? So glad that you did!

I’ve been thinking about this as I got an email from Bubba boogers church teacher that they were going to talk about the children’s names and wanted to know where we came up with his name.
I bet a lot of people are wondering where I came up with the name of this blog. Right?? Ok, No?? Well, I’ll tell you. I’m cool like that.

Boogers?? Ewwww.............. why boogers?
It’s not those boogers.
It’s more a term of endearment for us. Like “Baby”, boo-boo-, doo-doos, ca-ca stinky, all those weird made up names. That is what we use around our house. My husband’s made most of them up. He’s the weird one.
So here’s where the name comes from.
(Pull up a chair)
Back in high school, hubby was a wrestler. They called him Mad booger. It’s a play on his name. He is not a mad person no, that’s not what it means, that was his name. and then it got dropped to just be “booger”. Coach still calls him that btw. So, to many people out in his world, he is “booger”, that’s who he is. Now that he has offspring running around they are boogers too!
I am NOT a booger. I am just boogers wife. And some boogers mommy, I suppose.
So that is where we get our name just in case y’all were dyyyyying to know, and you couldn’t sleep at night.

I’ll post later on where my name came from. My given name. But that’s a long one. You may need a tissue. Ok, I guess only if you’re my mom and I. Well, maybe some others too.

Today's things

2010-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Down three pounds this morning!! WOOO HOOO Can you hear that from where you are at? It was loud. It was a happy yell. Since Sunday when I weighed, I am down 3 pounds this morning. I've been working out hard so that feels good. Just .........what....???? 37 more to go right?? Gosh, will I ever get there? I know I will, it will just be later rather than sooner.
I did a good pilates workout this morning, then some strength training and that was the end of my "good" day.
It hasn't been a bad day, Boo Boo is just not napping and wants on my hip. Not really like him. He's good to play on his own and explore. I realized that he's teething about 1 o clock. His back teeth are coming in. So he hasn't been so pleasant today, but I can take one day. Or a couple I guess if that's what it's going to be.
He also found the "Stuff" under the sink today, Guess it's time to move the "poisons" to the upper cupboard. It's so weird to have to worry about things like that again. It's been so long. It's really weird. But it's a nice weird.
I think that's about all. He's a mover and a cruiser and getting and finding more and more each day. He's getting really comfortable on his feet. I think walking is in his near future. (insert sad mommy face here.)
Oh and he had his first cookie today. I felt bad for him. With his teeth and all. So when I baked cookies for big brother before he got home for school, I let him have one. Now he needs to get all that sugar out of his body. Poor kid.
Ok. Now, that is all!
Have a great evening! Happy Hump Day. (Meaning it's the middle of the week.)
Nothing else. Get your mind out of the gutter would you? I crack myself up. LOL

Weight Loss Journey

2010-02-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have got to lose some weight. I am on a journey. It’s going to be long, well OK, four months long, for right now. That’s my short goal. My sister gets married in four months. Ten pounds a month isn’t too hard to ask right?? Well it wouldn’t be if girls scout cookies weren’t coming out, Valentine’s candy wasn’t lurking all around me, Disneyland trips weren’t made. I tell ya, I am doomed! Oh and then Easter is around the corner and do you know what that means?? These bad boys come out. Oh, man, They kill me. I have got to be strong. I’m gonna do it. I am just going to have to workout harder to counteract all the things I want to eat. No, that's not a good idea, I just need to say no!! Why oh why is food so good to eat? Why is it so yummy?

Anyone want to join me? Wanna do it together?

I may document it, and take pictures, not share them though. Or, maybe when I don’t look like that anymore I will. LOL, I am not sure about that. I’ve already lost 20 (that was all breastfeeding weight) but around the holidays I didn’t worry about it too much and January was just a blur to me. With the stomach ickies that helped. Dropped 3 pounds without wanting or trying. Gotta love that! If I post it here, I’m thinking I’ll be more accountable, than I’ll HAVE to do it. I want to already, but it will make me want it even more, it will make those that see me ask about it, and tell me to stop shoveling the samoas in my mouth. So here I go…………………Submitted.

Mother/ Son conversation

2010-02-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

My son knows I am losing weight, or at least trying. He knows that “soon I’ll be skinny” is what I tell him, when he comments on my jiggly belly.
Hey! I just had a wrestling buddy for you little dude, give me a break Sheesh. {My “just” is turning into a year soon now, but it’s only been 3 months since I stopped breast feeding and that’s what I am going off OK?? Cut me some slack please.}
So I am in my room and ready to go out to a dinner, and I am in heels and jeans so I look taller and the jeans make me look smaller, and he tells me:
Him: Mom, just don’t lose too much weight. Your pants will just fall down if you get too skinny.
Me: No son, that’s when you buy smaller jeans.
Him: (Totally ignoring what I said) See, you’re this big right now [Put his hands on either side of my waist to measure]
I just want you to be “this” size. [Moves his hands in maybe 3 inches]
Me: Well, I think I want to be a little smaller than that son, but we’ll see.
Him: Well just don’t get to skinny, because I like you the way you are, all pretty and nice, but you have just a little flubby stuff, (giggling) but then you’ll be perfect. I love you momma. (HUGS ME)
Me: Awww, you’re so sweet now, what happened?? Hehe (Laughing): I love you too doo-doo.

I guess I should really stop saying out loud how I hate my jiggly gut. He’s going to have weight issues when he grows up. That will probably be the least of my worries though. You don’t ever realize how much you say certain things until your kids are mimicking it back to you.
OK, from here on out I will say, “I am wonderful! I am beautiful and people LOVE me Gosh darn it!”
Will that work?

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

From my little cupids

Cupid Bubbas 2004

Sorry the quality is not great. My scanner is not hooked up to my new computer and so I had to take pictures, of the pictures.

Cupid Boo Boo 2010

and they took this one as well, and the employee insisted I get this one. It's more "glam" baby. The other one shows his personality more, but here it is as well.

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!

Valentine Baking and the ER.

2010-02-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

I spent most of my afternoon, making this cookie bouquet
and these Valentine petit fours.

I did mine a little different because I have no idea honestly what royal icing is and these are the candies and things I had on hand and so this is what I used. The roses were really fun to learn. I think I can get better next time since this was my first shot at them.

Initals and some Hugs to make it simple and easy. I was tired just after getting them all covered in the fondant! Phewwww!

They are definitely not perfect. First time with fondant as well, so I'll get better at it I hope and will cover them better. Baby steps remember, Baby steps.

For the initials, I painted on some corn syrup/water mixture and then used cookie cutters to give me the letter.

I was done with the treats and our evening had begun,dinner was eaten,then Bub-bas decided to jump on the couch and hit his head, right smack dab on a bowl. Why the bowl was there is a whole 'nother story, but it was and it hit him perfectly to spilt his head, right above his eye.

This was after the incident, trying to decide if it's worth a trip or not to Urgent Care.
(It doesn't look bad from this angle)

I decided to go, just because it looked kind of deep and didn't want to chance anything. My theory is always, better safe, than sorry.

After 3 urgent cares and no one being opened, or telling me I had to pay everything "up front" our first time with them, we headed back to the ER were I began when I asked the paramedics were an Urgent care was. I'm not sure, as the city we live in is smaller and you have to drive to a bigger city to get to the one that is "in our network."

He did not want me to take a picture. He was tired and worn out. He tried.

But I succeed, begging that I would give him ice cream or something. This was after they glued it together. Thankfully, it was a little too short and deep shy of needing stitches. THANK GOODNESS!! That would've been a whole 'nother mess. This kid is NOT good with hospitals, shots, etc.

He did really good and went to sleep on the way home. I'm sure very relieved that he didn't have to get stitches. I was glad too!

Here is how you do the cookie bouquet if you're interested.

Roll your cookie dough out and use your cookie cutters to cut out the shapes.

My dough was not being cooperative, I must have done something wrong, it was really sticky and so I didn't do too many of them on the stick because of that, but this is how you do it.

Put the dough on the cookie sheets. Then, insert the sticks into them before you cook them.
After they have cooked, pull them out of the oven and let them cool. Make your frosting while the cookies cool off.

This is the frosting recipe I used. Courtesy of Ryan, Thanks Ryan! It's Yummm. (I actually halfed this because I didn't have that many to frost.)

6 Tbsp. butter
4 1/2-4 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Frost your cookies and decorate them how you like. Hold the cookies on the sticks by the cookie, so they don't fall off the stick, or break.

I dyed the frosting a few different colors to get some variety.

And then arrange them in a container, and watch them disappear!

(This container was filled with rice most of the way, and then candy hearts on top to add color and decor)

It's all just a memory now

2010-02-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

I miss breastfeeding. I can’t believe that I am saying that “out loud.” Or even typing it, after all the pain I went through. Maybe it’s not the actual "bf" that I miss but, the bonding, the holding of my baby and singing to him in my most well, best, lullaby voice that I sooo don’t have. Mr. B LOVES music. He loves song and those times, late at night, right when he was born and I would feed him, hold him and sing, and he'd fall asleep, there was a special feeling in the room. A feeling I don’t think I will over forget. Me, him and the Holy Spirit that warmed my heart. It made me so grateful and thankful for this little guy that came into our lives and was such a miracle. I think “that” is really what I miss the most. I miss those special moments together. I hope I always remember them.

Oh and today, over on the vintagepearl blog, She's giving away a $50 giftcertifcate. So if you didn't win one here and that's what you wanted, check out her blog to win!

ALSO, McKMama is giving away a camera bag too! Giveaway weekend galore! Check it out to win a Kelly Moore bag.

The Uncanny truths about Motherhood- Embarrassment by your Children

2010-02-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

It just goes with the territory. Once you have a child and they are talking and understanding life, they WILL embarrass you by things they say. It is a given. You will just have to accept it and come up with something nice to cover it up or walk away from the child and pretend he is not yours. That is what I wanted to do one day in Disneyland.
As we were standing in line to buy our tickets, there was a lady in front of us. She was in a velour jumpsuit, you know, the typical mom gear around here, “cozy outfit,” jacket and pants. (Though her jacket was kind of a little too short for her, imo.) My son turns around to me and says;
“Mom, that lady has a fat tummy like you do.”
Me: (totally embarrassed and not knowing what to say, I just didn’t say anything in hopes that it would stop him. It didn’t.
Him: Mom, look! That lady has a fat stomach like you! It’s all hanging out!
This is when I kneeled down to his level and said, “Booger, DON’T you say that. Shhhh! That is not nice.” {Standing back up again thinking he’s done and understands}
Him: Well she does, look! It hangs over her pants. Her tummy’s like yours.
I am horrified. I am wishing that time was NOT standing still and hoping that she’s not hearing any of this, but knowing better because my boogers are anything but quiet. I lean down again, and say
“Stop! No more, that is not nice.” I didn’t know what else to say. I wanted him to stop repeating himself as he got louder and louder every time that I ignored him.
Finally she left and it was our turn to go up to the window. After I got our passes and we were heading inside, I gave him the whole manners speech about not talking about others. That people have feelings and you can hurt people’s feelings saying these sort of things. At this point we had been taking showers together. He was about 2 ½-3 I can’t really remember, but this is when I knew that we would no longer be taking showers together. He didn’t need to see my fat tummy anymore. Nor did he need to tell others that theirs’ looked like mine. (Just FTR, I could care less if people know I have a fat tummy. My first booger was 9 lb 4 oz, and me being short-waisted, it’s a given what happened to my stomach. There was no more place for him to go. I'm not worried about me, I’m more worried about what he’s saying to others.)
So, when children come, prepare to be embarrassed. Maybe I am the only one out there that has such an honest, candid child. I hope I am not. Sometimes they say really funny things. Sometimes they are really sweet and pure. And then there are other times, times like these, when you want to crawl in a hole and pretend you are non-existent. I have labeled all of Bubba Boogers sayings as “Kid Quips”. If you have a minute or two and want to laugh, check them out. There's more to come often as it's a daily thing with this kid. He keeps life entertaining.

My BFF

2010-02-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

My BFF (Best friend forever- in case you didn’t know) came to visit me. A couple weeks ago I went and visited her and her baby girl if you remember. She brought her little baby girl of course so I could love on her, and smell her again. (Of course I got only one picture, and then my battery died, sheesh, I am NOT doing good with this camera thing lately!)
My MIL and her.

She has known me the closest and longest of any one on this planet. (Well of course not longer than my family members I guess, but probably much closer. There were years we were inseparable) We have been best friends since I was 15, right before my 16th birthday. Gosh, we were babies now that I look back. And now we have babies. Wow, has life turned around from where we were 17+ years ago and come full circle. She celebrates her birthday this weekend. I said to her “ J- Do you realize that officially now, I have known you half your life? How weird is that? How crazy is that? Did you ever think we would get to this point in our life?”
We both agreed that life is sooo much better now. We are both glad that we are where we are today. (well, for the most part, all things considered) The things that you worry about as a teenager, rarely even cross your mind as a mom in your 30’s. The things that you want for yourself are few and far between and more so you want for your children. I hope my kids have friends like her. A friend that they can tell everything to, a friend that will be there for them, for anything, and a friend that is true.

She was in my wedding.

May 2001

and I was in hers. (Pregnant I might add, very pregnant. This is all I have of us, I need a better picture J, maybe of us looking at the camera. LOL)

Feb. 2009

We were not always close in distance. She went to school in Hawaii and I lived in Russia, so we were a globe apart sometimes, but we were always close in our hearts. We could go years without seeing each other, but as soon as we did, it was like we were never apart. I cherish her so much and know that she is so special. I hope you have a wonderful, magnificent, birthday James!! I love you!
And I’m serious about an arranged marriage. I think out of my 2 boys, your little girl could fall in love with one of them?? We’ll talk again about this in 10 years, K?

I hope that you all out there have special friends, friends that you can count on. They are what makes your sad days happier and adds to the joy in your life. If you don’t have one, go out and make some. Go meet someone that you can be close to. They keep life full and exciting.

Here's a few more tips on cleaning & organizing

2010-02-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy them and it helps save time or effort somewhere along the way.

Enjoy!!

FIFO- “first in first out” in the cupboards and pantry. I do stack the same kinds on top of each other or behind each other to rotate the food use. What is oldest gets used first and then you know what’s in your cupboard without going through everything.
Bath time- double up kids to shower and bathe together. If they ages or genders work you can kill two birds with one stone. For me with the baby, I bathe with him or him with me. Once a baby can sit in the chair by themselves, have them get in with you. This was shared with me by my friend Jill and it saved me with my first, when I was afraid to be out of his sight. Bath time got both of us clean and time spent together having fun. I know take my little booger in the shower with me. He sits and plays at one end, while I take an actual shower, not the 2 minute rinse offs, I’ve never been a fan of those, and we are both happy. Then once I’m done, I pick him up, and wash and bathe him. Layout their clothes, lotions and diapers beforehand so when you get out, they can get dressed right away.
Delegate the responsibilities-“chores” Didn’t you hate that word as a child? Now I get it though as a mom. It’s too much to do it all yourself, and your kids need to be taught to work and understand responsibility too. Start with little things for the young-ins. My first boogers first task was putting his underwear and socks away. He had two drawers for each, and after laundry was done, and I made a pile for him, he knew it was his time to put his things away. Now he can put most of his clothes away as he got older. He can also empty the dishwasher, set the table, and LOVES to use the vacuum. Sweet for me, fun for him!
If charts work for your child, make a chart so they can see what they are “in charge” of or responsible for. Kids enjoy accomplishing things and feel pride in taking care of their things. Chuck E Cheese dot com has great charts to use for kids awards.
We pay for “extra” chores that are done throughout the house. Some kids will do more, some none and that’s ok. (Unless you’re like us and only have one that can really do chores, then maybe it’s not so OK.) It’s like the sales force out in the world. Teach them that work =pay. As much extra work that they do , they will be rewarded. Pay a dollar, .50 cents, $5 per task. Whatever works in your household. It also helps them to be responsible and start to understand the value of money. (Tips soon on teaching kids about money)

We have a winner!!!

2010-02-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get Photoshop installed on my new computer so you can "see" it straight from Random.org I do not pick the winner myself, just so you know, that would be too darn hard so I leave that work to the generator. There were only 27 comments that met the deadline. Thanks to everyone who came and entered. It was fun!! I hope it was for you too. I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day!

The winner chosen was comment #26. Dana

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 27
Result:
26

Congratulations Dana, it looks like your perseverance worked and your twitter post made you win!! Email me at threeboogers (at) gmail (dot) com and let me know what you want stamped onto the necklace. You will LOVE it! Erin over at Vintage Pearl does a great job and they are beautiful!!
Thanks again everyone!

It's Monday and almost Valentine's

2010-02-07T23:09:00.000-08:00

It’s Monday!! I like Mondays. They are lazy days for me. I recuperate from having the boys home and have to get my house back in order. Valentine’s Day is coming up!! Anyone excited?? I am. What do you like to get for this day? Flowers? I LOVVVEEE fresh flowers. Have a dozen orange roses on my table now.
Some see’s chocolates? I LOOOVE chocolates. LOL
Or better, chocolate covered strawberries? Now that's better.
Are you a jewelry girl? Why YES I am!
Do you like some lovin’? OK maybe that is TMI, I don’t want to know about that, K.
All of the above? I think that’s what I must be.
I like it all. I don’t care if it’s one over the other. For the first 8 years we went out on that day and had a nice dinner. We got lucky with the crowds and time when we were NK. (no kids) and even AK(after kids) one, it wasn’t bad, but the crowds are getting worse, and with 2, now, I don’t know. I don’t even know what we did last year. I think just hung out. I think that’s what we both wanted to do. I was very pregnant and that’s what sounded good. For years we saw a movie and dinner, but that’s been awhile. We’re getting old and are over the crowds and prices that seem to go up and up every year.
Soooo……….. I’m going to do a giveaway. Tell me which one of these things that I listed you like, or if you like something else that’s fine too, but I am going to give away one of these. They are what I like. So you’ll have to pick one of the four, since well... this is MY blog. LOL
Dozen roses
2 lb. box of See’s chocolate
This necklace from vintage pearl
6 chocolate covered strawberries

Here are the rules. Giveaway goes until Tuesday at 12 noon PST. I will randomly pick someone shortly after that time and annonouce the winner. Winner must contact me and I will order your gift that day. Depending on the item, there are different shipping times. So I can't be exact when your item will come.
One entry per person. You may blog, twitter, or facebook about it and get more entries, just be sure to come back here and leave the link.
Good luck! And Happy Valentine’s day!!

The Uncanny truths of Motherhood- Kid Quips

2010-02-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

This is going down in my motherhood book of quotes. Little eyes shouldn't read. haha J/K
Feeding Mr B tonight and my other son comes up and cuddles with me and wants to lay his head on my chest. As he puts his arms around me and gets close to them, I say, "Ummmm Hello?? away from my boobs bud, that's not appropriate. "
Him- "Mom, we shouldn't call them that, that's not appropriate probably. Let's call them something else.
Me- What?? boobs??? We shouldn't say that?
Him- No, it's kinda not appropriate. Let's call them....................your pretty fancy shops. That's good. Say, stay away from my Pretty fancy shops.
Me starting to laugh in hysterics. Oh, son! You are funny.
Him- Oh and Mom. Your fancy shops make you look beautiful.
Me- laughing even more trying not to wet my pants and fall on the floor.
I love this kid. Where does he come up with these things?? He is sooo much like his dad.

The Uncanny truths about Motherhood- Sleep

2010-02-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Alyssa told me about a book, when I was expecting my first booger. I just let it brush past my brain and didn’t really think to listen. Then I remember after having my little booger, her coming to my baby shower and how so many people were so impressed when she went and set her 3 month old down to nap, on his own, at a different place, and thought, I need to know what she knows. When my worn out tired self needed some sleep when my child was 9 weeks old, I emailed her begging, pleading to share the book with me. Thankfully she replied quickly and told me Oh it’s “On becoming Baby wise.” We got to the book store as fast as I could and got that book and started reading. That was my lifesaver. For me, it was what I needed. I needed to know that my baby wasn’t hungry again an hour after I fed him, and that babies do and will cry and it’s Ok. I know it’s very hard for some people to listen to I am one of them. It breaks my heart. But babies can’t talk and this is how they communicate {Post on baby cries soon} and so we need to listen to them.
The jist of what this book says is about routine and the way the routine goes, makes all the difference. Their routine is: sleep, then eat, then wake time, then sleep and so on. It works! It’s simple it’s easy and helps bring peace to a new mother. For me at least it did. I was nursing a baby sometimes to sleep an hour later he’d wake up and I’d think, oh great, here we go again. The first time around, it was hard because he wasn’t used to this schedule so when I threw it upon him at 9 weeks old, I’m sure he was not happy with it. There were times when he would scream for 30 minutes. It seemed like 30 hours. It was short lived though and then he would sleep. He would sleep peacefully and so could I. I could relax and get some sleep myself.
When kids sleep they develop, and grow. They are happy and momma (and daddy) is happy too! When my second one came around, I started this schedule from birth and it was so nice. There really was no crying stage and he is one, happy smiling boy. I hear it all the time. Just like the book says you will. “Your baby is so happy.” “He is such a good baby.” And my favorite “You are so lucky.” It is not luck of the draw in my opinion, every baby can be taught this. I taught them how to sleep. It’s a skill that needs to be learned just like crawling, just like pincher grasp, just like holding their head up, etc. I’m not trying to toot my own horn because I didn’t come up with this. I just followed it. So for that, I toot my horn. For happy babies that sleep well and for the many sleepFUL nights I get and will continue to get. For that I toot my horn. Check out the book. Naptime with my first booger continued until he was 4 years old. He was that good of a sleeper. For me then, Naptime=Mommytime=Sanity. I don’t think I ever saw 8 o’clock in the morning for his first 4 years of life unless we had to be up for something. My friends and family knew to not call at least until 10 because, well, we were sleeping. Remember it’s for YOU to use as a tool. It’s not for you to be tied down to and be a slave to. It’s not to make crying good, or a “crying” book. I don’t like when people say that. They just don’t understand that’s all. It’s supposed to help you. Like your rake, or shovel in the garden, your scrubber, or sponge with the dishes. It’s to help out YOU. Make life easier for you and your baby. Don’t think that you can’t love and rock your babies. That is not what they are trying to stay, or that’s not what I am saying. Spend time lovin’ on your babies, absolutely! Kiss on them, sing to them, and rock them all you want. Do it when they are awake. Don’t let it be the way that they HAVE to fall asleep. Put them down when they are sleepy and teach them to fall asleep themselves. It makes me sad when I hear about people that haven’t slept through the night in months, or even years because they are up all night. It doesn’t have to be that way, that’s all I’m saying. Life is so much better than that. Try it, I promise, once your child sleeps, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy and Happy Sleeping!!
*This paired with the knowledge of cries made life blissful with my 2nd newborn. {Cries post coming soon}

We went away

2010-02-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

with our daddy on a road trip so he could enjoy a Guys weekend.

We drove through here

So we could get to this,

and he and the "dudes" could enjoy some of these and ski all day long for days. Of course not this mountain, but ones that are cleared of trees and have trails. And of course the plan was to ski all day long but at their ripe 'ole age, their not the young stallions they once were. As they hit the mountain the kiddos could play in snow, build snowmen and then destroy them and know what's it's like to be "freezzzzzzzing."

The kids were pretty good for the most part. On the way up we did it in two days and spent the night in a hotel. That was much easier. On the way home, we had to do it all in one day, which isn't bad but when your driving through Vegas and the heat and the desert with the sun in your eyes, kids don't understand. I say next road trip we get an RV. Than we can roam and play
as we like and time just passes away and before you know it, "We are there now."

Oh and a Happy Birthday shout out to my two nieces. Rain-brin and Demiski! Love you girls. One is 18 today and one turned 21 on Tuesday. There is no way, no how, these little girls are this age already.

A few more tips on organizing and cleaning

2010-02-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

1. If you are the one paying the bills. Do it twice a month. (or weekly if that works with your pay schedule.) I separate everything into two dates. The 5th and the 20th. Make an excel worksheet with those dates on them and list the bills due under the specific date. Go through the list and put a check or “X” them when you have paid them then you know you are done and move on. This helps me to know what and when I pay things and sometimes I will put in confirmation # or check # there as well, if I need a reference.
2. Have a place for everything. If you don’t have a place right now, make one. Ex. My car keys. Every time I come home, I open up the drawer in the credenza and put them in. I know when I need to leave again, right where they will be. You can ~~spend~~ waste many hours trying to find things. I know, I see it in people daily and it drives me batty. Some people will just not be able to accomplish this but give it a try, at least with one thing and see how it works out! I like the kids backpacks and homework things kept somewhere especially.
3. Along the same lines with my daily dishes and laundry duties, I say anything else that comes your way daily, do it right then. Ex. The mail. If it is hard for you to go through it all, try doing it right away so it doesn’t pile up. I do not go through junk mail. This saves a few minutes a day and really adds up. I own a shredder and everything that has specific information on, I shred and dispose of. When the bills come in the mail, open them, then sort them in your 5th pile, or your 20th pile (As explained in #1 tip). I have a ticker folder and put them in there right away.
There, that’s all for now. I think just a few steps, can help you on your way. Remember inch by inch it’s a cinch, yard by yard it’s hard. I try to keep all the inches in my life that I can.

The Uncanny truths about Motherhood- Breastfeeding

2010-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

I will not lie. The hardest thing that comes with having a baby for me is breastfeeding. Its two fold, one, I am not a small boobied girl and so it takes work to make it work. It’s not something that I want or care to do out in public, because it’s a task, a chore, and it involves me taking off many layers and well, I don’t think that’s so great to do in public. 2nd, it makes me ravenously hungry. I am NOT one of those lucky lucky suckers that loses weight when I nurse. On the contrary, I gain it and become heavier than I was when I am 9 months pregnant. Well, life isn’t fair so I will move past that, but this is what I know.

It is so great to have that bond with your child if you can do it and the time spent, I don’t think is ever forgotten. For both mother and child. The development that occurs and things that are "taught" when a child nurses are special in my opinion and their immunity system as well, will love your for it. With my first little booger, I had no idea what I was doing. I was so not willingly to just whip it out there in the hospital and let many different people grab, squish and move my boob around. I wish I would have. I would have learned a lot. I was too “uncomfortable” and thought it should be something more private for me to learn. Well, my son was 13 weeks old and I had already had 6 breast infections, or mastitis. Sooooo not fun! How come nobody told me about mastitis? How come I had to find out the hard way?? I didn’t even realize that if I was feeding incorrectly it would cause this. I also didn’t know that nursing shouldn’t hurt. Now, I’m not talking just a little discomfort, but pain. Real pain, where I was crying and in tears because it hurt so bad. In my mind though, this was what was best for my child, so I continued to do it. I should have listened to my husband, when he said, that can’t be right, that there must be a better way. (Don’t let him know he was right though, OK?) I was stubborn (still am- working on that) and kept trying to go at it uncomfortably.
A proper sucking technique and latch-on will make all the difference. I learned this the second time around. And I also learned that babies only need to eat 2 ½ to 3 hours. When they are fussing an hour later, it doesn’t mean they are hungry. {I will do another post on sleep and different cries shortly.} I did not know this and offered my breast which in turn brought on more pain and suffering. Do not offer the breast (or bottle) every time your baby cries. If you are nursing, I think that is the fast and quickest way to a downward spiral. You will be exhausted! This is know, because I was there. I didn’t know any different, and because he sucked, or latched on every time (DUH!!) I thought that he was hungry, and well I was just becoming a human pacifier. I don't use, or really believe in pacifiers, so why I was becoming a human one? Well, I didn't know I was.

Lanolin cream by Lansinoh was my life saver. It helped me tremendously and kept me from cracking. I didn’t ever have bleeding nipples, just very worn out ones. I also hear that there is something similar to a big Chapstick tube maybe from Johnson & Johnson that works well!
The pump for me, worked when I just couldn’t nurse and did feel better. If you have a good pump and don't have to do the work, another thing great for a new mom, less work, can make all the difference. I have the medela double breast electric one. I was in so much pain before, when I was doing it wrong, that of course it felt better when I could get proper drainage. I could never use a nipple shield, that didn’t work for me. It was so big and I couldn’t get that, along with my breast, into my poor babies’ mouth.

It does get easier and better with each child, or at least it did for me. When the second one came around, with a proper shield, I was comfortable and “expert” enough to be able to stop at Legoland, and Sea world and feed my baby without taking an hour out of my day and having to undress myself. Keep trucking along and get more comfortable with it. It will come along. I was even able to just sit and do it naturally while I had Tonya take pictures of me and my babe. I would have never guessed the first time around that I would be so comfortable to do this. Of course, Tonya isn’t a stranger so I could do it with her, but just saying, I wouldn’t have done that, and didn’t, with my first child. That’s why with my second I wanted pictures so badly to say, this is something I accomplished. Something that I overcame and was successful at this certain task. I also never thought I would be able to put up a picture of me doing this. But if it helps but one person out there,if someone tries it, or keeps going maybe because of this post, or picture, and succeed in breastfeeding, then it’s worth it for me.
Having said and gone through all of this, don’t think that it’s not worth it. I would and will go through it again. It still hurts every time you start because of the engorging that occurs and the soreness until your nipples can callus or get used to it, but again, I think it’s something that if you can do, is great for you and your baby. Much cheaper too! This time around, I needed to stop when my babe was 7 months old and boy, I can’t wait until he can have real milk and we aren’t dishing out 25 bucks a week on formula. That reason alone, I think, would make someone want to give it a go!

House Cleaning Surprise Secret Giveaway

2010-02-04T09:13:00.001-08:00

My post about keeping a house clean" How do they know", was a secret giveaway and the one and only comment was the winner!!
Congrats Gisela, contact me at threeboogers at gmail dot com to win your free house cleaning up to $75.00!
Don't just read secretly, leave comments and you could be a winner!
A few of my tips are to do daily cleaning and pick up constantly, ok maybe not constantly, but often. Instead of just taking a trip up stairs or down empty handed, take something with you and put it away. I only have one story so when I go to the back of the house, (it's SOOO huge too! LOL) I take things with me that are in the front of the house. Try and keep the dishwasher empty and always keep filling it, when it's full, start the load and unload and put away asap. Notice I say try, I myself don't always do it, there are some days, when I just DON'T want to pick up and clean and you've seen my full sink on here. I do the same with laundry. One or 2 loads a day, will keep the laundry monster away!

I think we all love a clean house, or most of us do anyway.

I got to smell.........

2010-01-29T15:27:00.001-08:00

A new baby girl. She has so many rolls, that it's just adorable. I think it's the only time in a girls life too when she can have rolls and people think that they are adorable.

My Best friend for Life (hehe) had her baby girl. I finally got to go and see them this week. And hold her and smell her and realize that I didn't have (sniff) a newborn anymore.

She did NOT like getting dressed. It was not her favorite thing to do. Once dressed, she was fine and content. She is so sweet and so yummy! I think I need one.

Dear God, please deliver to our home, in about 2 years, and beautiful one of these. I promise I'll take good care of her.
Much love and kisses,
~Me
(I wonder if that will work. If only it was that easy for us)

Sadly this is all I got taken of her, that worked out. We were so busy, chatting and stuffing our faces, (as always) as well as caring for our babes, that I didn't take a whole lot of pictures. But it was soo good to see you two lovely ladies, and can't wait to see you again!!

Welcome to the world Baby girl!

How did they know???

2010-01-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

That this is soooo me?? That they read my mind. That I wanted to rush to the phone and call them and tell them YOU ARE RIGHT!!! Come over PRONTO!!!

I got this in my mail box the other day. I couldn't stop laughing. They got it right on. I think the same thing. While I have people every now and then come and do housework, this is what I want more than anything to have. Someone come and clean my house everyday. Someone to scrub my toilets or better yet, do my dishes. The thing that I absolutely loathe. My dishes. Come put them away and clean them for me. And the never ending laundry. Oh yeah, and my floors.

Is it wrong that I dream about having a completely , totally clean house all at once?? Where everything in the house is in it's proper place and put away. I LOVE days like those. I am getting back there again. It is in the near future. I can see it. My life is getting back to where it was pre- new bouncing baby boy and I am sooo liking it. I am getting really excited about it being so close. I know. I'm sick and wrong and I need help. Tell me something I don't already know.

Anyone else out there just LOVE a clean house? I know a friend that LOVES her clean, vaccuumed floors. She likes the new lines in the carpet. It tickles her fancy. I just like it ALL clean. That's what tickles my fancy. Maybe someone should let mad booger in on that little secret.

What about you? What tickles YOUR fancy? What do you LOVE done in your home?

What the..........Hail???

2010-01-24T19:53:00.001-08:00

We've had really bad rain here all last week. Sadly, some of our friends have had damage done to their homes with all this rain. We need the rain badly. We haven't had any moisture this year, but now, our earth doesn't know what to do with it all.
This picture is blurry, I was trying to zoom so I could stay under protection and not get soaked, but you can see a little better the puddles that we have in the streets that the biggest booger was jumping in the other night.

We are in the house doing homework when and all of the sudden it sounded like our house was being attacked. Well..............it was! The rain had now frozen and turned to hail and it was coming down, and coming down hard!

Can we count this as getting snow?? I mean, it's almost there. It's the closest thing we are going to get I am sure. I just wish it would stick for a little longer and it was stuff we could play in. For a few hours at least, and then it can go away. The grass is actually getting green again thanks to the moisture that we've gotten this week. (No thanks to mad booger, who can't figure out the sprinklers. Still. It's been a year. I figure if I put subliminal messages in here, maybe he'll start doing some of them.) Guess they're not so subliminal when I put in my disclosers huh? Well, I'll keep trying. Maybe someday, something will come out of them. One can dream right?

So I take pictures, the boys and I come back in after all our excitement, and a few minutes go by and then booger goes to the freezer and comes out eating something. I ask...

"What are you eating?"

Him: A popsicle.

Me: a popsicle? We don't have any popsicles.

Him: I know. I made one.

Me: You made one? What is that?

Him. Yeah, I made one. From the hail.

Me: (thinking of germs, diseases and all that) Where did you get that??

Him: Off the patio chairs.

Me: Ok?? Welllllll, I guess you can eat it??

This is what he does. He makes his own popsicles. (Hope it isn't acid rain or anything. )

I guess it's perfect for this little hail-lion. He is so creative and so resourceful. I am one proud momma. {Note for all those concerned with his safety: He did consume all of this popsicle and it's been a few days, so all is good in this hood. }

Happy Friday!! (and a giveaway) WINNER!!

2010-01-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Congratulations comment #11. Dirty Deeds done dirt cheap.

Your facebook post made you win it!!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 25
Result:
11
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Contact me at threeboogers at gmail dot com with your address and I will send your gift card on it's way.
Hope all those that entered had fun and have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Friday!! (and a giveaway)

2010-01-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm doing better at the showing Happiness part. At least I think so. Can you sense my happiness?? that was more like sarcasm. Sheesh, I'm trying. LOL

It's Friday!! It's the weekend. Time to get OUT of the house. Time to GIVE SOMETHING AWAY!!

And see if we can stay dry. It's been raining for what?? I guess 5 days straight now. I want to go see this Cirque de Soleil, Kooza thing tomorrow, not sure if we will though since I didn't get tickets to it yet, I'm not sure I'm 100% better yet. So maybe we'll have a low key weekend, we sure do need one and go another weekend.

Maybe we'll just hit up the movies..............................Mad Boogers favorite past time.

And you can join us!! or go by yourselves if you're far away from us and this will take awhile to get to you.

One gift card for $30 to AMC movies up for grabs today. Will end tomorrow at 10 am PST and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter. If you don't have an AMC around, winner can email me their choice of movie place and I will send them one from somewhere that they have near by but I think AMC's are all around the US??

Anyways to enter, tell me what your plans are for the weekend? Staying dry?

Weddings to attend? movies to see? LMK and your entered.

One entry per person. If you want to blog, tweet, or facebook about it, you can get another entry, just head back over here and let me know that you did it.

Have a great weekend everyone!! Stay safe and warm!

No!! Not me.

2010-01-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

I do NOT have a 10 month old baby! Sheesh. That means that it has now been the same amount of time it took me to gain the baby weight, that it should've taken me to take it off. Oh well, I'm actually not too far offnow, but whatever, right? this post is not about me. It's about my little guy.

Me??? I'm getting older?

Yes, you little guy. You were born over 10 months ago. Boy does time fly. Here are some things that you love.

You LOVE your ba-ba.

You LOVE your brother. You LOVE your da-da.and your mum. muuummmm. OK you love your whole family.

You LOVE to crawl around now and put everything into your mouth. It has been a chore to keep the floors extra clean, because you find it ALL!

You Love to play pat-a-cake and clap all the time.

You have 6 teeth now. 2 on top, and four on the bottom.

And your blankie puts you fast asleep at naptime and nighttime.

You laugh all the time. Especially when brother comes to “get you” or wants to be silly. You flap your arms and move your legs. It’s cute.

You also do it when you want your ba-ba or you see one in sight.
Your favorite things in your crib right now are

your aquarium a new gift from Christmas and a teddy bear pull toy that sings Rock a bye baby, that our friend Andrea sent to you.

Oh Mr B. My little bouncing baby boy. You are such a joy. You are such a sweet spirit.

YOU ARE SOO LOVED!! HAPPY 10 MONTHS YOUNG!!

Rained out.......... or in I should say

2010-01-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

We've been down with the icky stomach stuff and stuck in the house. I guess it picked a good day to knock us out since it's been raining cats and dogs out there. Positive thing about this= I'm down 3 pounds in 2 days. Negative thing about this=the boogers are totally stir crazy from being in the house for 2 and a half days. But when I look at the postive to this, I think it outweighs it yes??

So the oldest booger said please, please let me go play out in the rain. And at this point I said, please, please go play in the rain.

It didn't last long. He's definitely a California kid through and through. He started shouting "I'm freezing!", before I could even get a picture and I shouted "Quit being a wuss. Get back out there in the puddle so I can take a picture. " Ok, not really like that, but sort of, maybe, kind of.

To which he replied."I'm c-c-c-coooolllldd!! I want to take a shower!! "

We are ready for the warmer weather to come back how 'bout you?? So is vintage pearl. If you head on over to her blog, she is giving away a necklace to launch spring. Though doesn't it go, April showers bring May flowers. Maybe we're not so ready for spring. But check her blog out anyway. Her stuff is simply adorable!

Proofreading???

2010-01-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

No, not me silly. You know that I don't do that. I type so fast I don't have time to go back and fix my errors. I did that typing test. It told me I typed 126 words per minute. I don't know if I believe that, I know I'm fast but not that fast. Anyways, this isn't about typing, it's about typ-os. Or, me thinking that it was a typo. Check this out.

Me and my booger are doing his homework today. They are working on blends in words. Like bl-end. cl-ock. Got it. Ok, so the kids have to read through the words on their paper(or look at the picture) and figure out what bl-end needs to be added to the word. I'm sitting next to him (half asleep as it's my naptime when he gets home) and I hear something come out of his mouth, and I'm like What??? then I look at the page.

I mean, did someone really put this on a page and not think about it?? Are you catching it. Here, here's a closer look.

I mean, I'm a church- goer kind-of girl, so I don't want to corrupt your mind, but are you thinking the same thing I am??

Did someone, anyone, not think that the children would have to read this outloud. My booger wasn't sure what the picture was right away so he had to read it and see what they were trying to get at. It made me chuckle, and I just wondered if it's one of those things someone did on purpose that they thought would be funny, (like all those subliminal messages in Disney movies and on the covers of the videos) or did they just not proofread like.... say..... me??

I don't have to though, I was a science major, not an English major. I wanted to be a Dr. Doctor's don't need to know how to spell,they abbr. everything. Whoever writes these worksheets I thought might need to realize it though. Or maybe they already did. and that's why it's so funny to me. They wanted that. Who knows? Anyway, carry on with your life. Thanks for peeking at ours.

Loves.

~Hope

Happiness?

2010-01-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

I ~~had~~ got the privilege to speak in church yesterday. The theme was the plan of happiness. How has Jesus Christ affected your life and what to you do to keep joy in your life?
As I was sitting at my desk this past week, pondering, reading , going over my thoughts, booger #2 walked over and said,
"What are you doing mom?”
“Preparing my talk for Sunday. I have to speak on the Plan of Happiness.”
“Oh, well you’re not very good at that.”
“Well, that’s probably why they asked me to talk about it then.”
These thoughts have ran through my mind over and over this past week. Out of the mouth of babes. Nice.
What am I teaching my son if he doesn’t think that I am happy? I’m not good at “happiness”. I guess it put my life into perspective and I understand that I need to show my son over abundantly I guess, that I AM happy. That life is good, and we are glad to be together as a family.
I'm such a task-oriented person. I am always finishing task A to get to task B. I have always rushed from one point to try quickly to get to the other point. I guess in doings these tasks, I am not finding the joy. I am not living in the "now". That's something Mad Booger is always telling me. "Just enjoy the moment."
" Quit trying to get to the next step."
" Live in the Now." Ok boys, I will work at it.

Thank you little booger, for putting a small perspective back into my life.

Follow up on a few things

2010-01-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you guys, Just so I feel better about myself. Just so you don't think I'm a slob. I worked my tail off yesterday. I literally thought I had dropped about 5 pounds. No such luck. I cleaned from 10 am to almost 10 pm getting all of our Christmas things put away, and stored away and the rest of the house put in order. Boy, That was a chore. With a baby around, it's hard to do just all one time. But now, it's gone. Phewww!

I am Happy to report that the piles I posted about earlier.... You remember right?

This table............. Is now a table again!!
My ornaments............. Bye, Bye. I have a carpet now with just the HUMUNGO TV on it.

And the dishes......................... Well the dishes did of course get done, but after dinner tonight. Waaa-laa! A whole 'nother pile of them. These things are never ending.

I tried again tonight, the whole: I cook, you clean ?? approach. My hubby said, Oh yeah, I clean up a storm in my dreams.
OK, whatever that means? That's Ok. He gets up in the morning at 4:30-5 to get to work. I'm still in my dreams by then and still will be for another 3 to 4 hours. He can have that corporate America anyday. I'll take the sink of dishes. The one chore if you will, that I loathe more than anything, dishes. I will take that sink and many others over going to corporate america 5 days a week. These dishes can sit here for another day, or two, or ten. They never will, not with my OCD, clean freak, guilt that my mother would see it, call it whatever you want, personality; (it's causing me anxiety right now, just sitting here typing about it and not cleaning them. Well, I'm not that bad. I was at one point in my life, but not anymore. I've been "broken" in.) Anyways, what I'm trying to say, is that, I'd rather clean dishes. Period.
I wouldn't ever complain if someone wanted to help and actually did a load of them, some time in their life, (are you reading Booger??) but I can't complain. Oh, I kinda just did huh? Ok, I won't complain again. Sorry. He can have his corporate america "stuff", I'll have my sink(s) full of dishes pile.

And the bills pile......... the kids pile......... the laundry pile......... the yardwork pile...... oops, my hand just started typing without my brain stopping it. Sorry. Love ya Baby!

OK, off to get some dishes done before I have a panic attack.

Oh yeah................. I asked Santa, and these neat things.

They are at Michael's. At least, to the best of her ability to remember. You can also use them for a toothbrushing session timer. We are diggin' it around here!

Healing Power

2010-01-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Is any sick among you? let him call the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

The power to heal the sick is still among us. Boy is this ever true. I believe in it. I know that it is real. I have seen it in my own life many times. Right now, I see it in my brother in laws life as he takes steps on his own for the first time in over a month. You can check out their journal of his journey as he begins his was back to recovery. It is nothing less than the power to heal.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/richardjuell/journal

"We are indeed indebted to the dedicated men and women of science and medicine who have conquered so much of disease, who have stayed the hand of death. I cannot say enough gratitiude for them. Yet they are the first to admit the limitations of their knowledge and skills in dealing with many matters of life and death, The might Creator of the heavens and the earth has given to His sevants a divine power that sometimes transcends all the power and knowledge of mankind."

We have a winner!!!

2010-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

Right now my favorite line and outfit from Janie & Jack is this one. Go out and get yourself some clothes that you will love. You will be going back there over and over and you won't know why. It's just a force that pulls you in. Don't say that I didn't warn you.

Congrats to our winner!

True Random Number Generator Result: 40 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Comment by Anonymous: number 40 you are the winner!! Nuttymama contact me at threeboogers at gmail dot com to claim your gift card. Have fun getting some loot for your grandbabies.

The Power of Music

2010-01-07T13:24:00.001-08:00

I swear have had said it a million times. I feel like I say it wayy to much and that he doesn't listen. I don't want to be a nag about it, but I want my child to do it. Afterall, its hygiene and he needs to be hygienic right?? I think I might have just made up that word. Who knows. But J would never wash his hands unless I stood there over him, like a vulture getting ready for lunch. Then this little do hicky, came in his stocking. It was not at our house. It was at grandma and papa's house.

I never even knew these things existed. I don't know where she got it, (will have to ask) but it has done the trick. My son is 6. It's not like he's even into cars anymore, but he LOVES this thing. So you put it on your soap, and hit it, then it plays, the song, Everybody's lookin for a way to get real gonnnneee...........reeeeeal gone. When it stops you know that your time is up for scrubbing and you need to rinse. What a neat thing, yeah? I thought so. And now, no nagging neccessary.

We're half way through!!

2010-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

The week. Are you feeling it?? I am. I'm ready for the weekend already. Wanna get my hair done, get a message, a pedicure, Ok, so I'm only getting my hair done. Well... so far.............The others I may need to throw in as well. They sound yummy don't they??

I'm feeling good about today. I'm feeling so good since it's the middle of the week that I am going to give away something. Something from a place I love. I adore. I drool at because it's just too sweet and too precious. Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE clothes. To shop for them. Not particularly for me, OK, for me, when I'm 20-30 pounds lighter and have no baby weight in tow, but that's not the case right now, so moving right along.........

My favorite place, thanks to my evil friend Jill has now become Janie & Jack.

My first booger was only 6 months old when she told me about this store. I was fine with the Gap at this time in my life. Completely satisified. Then slowly and slowly, just as it ever so happens, I was hooked! Line and sinker. I was growing out of it a few years ago as my oldest booger grew up, but now that I have a baby around again, I fight the temptations daily.

Today you don't have to fight the temptation. Just tell me what your greatest tempation is, what is your weakness, and you will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Janie & Jack. It's their season finale right now as well, so you'll even get more bang for your buck.

Facebook, blog, or tweet about it, and come here and live me a comment again, with the link and you'll get a second entry, third, or fourth. One entry per household, unless you do the following things I've already mentioned, closes tomorrow at midnight PST. Winner annouced Friday morning. Happy Wednesday and Good luck!

Yo-my-oh!

2010-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

I think I'm remembering it right. I think it means “goodness gracious”. At least that's what I'm going to say that it means. I heard it many a times, in the car ride in Penza, Russia, when we would have to drive way out in the countryside, an hour or so away to visit with this family. Nikolai would say it over and over in the car, as he would to slam on the brakes, to avoid hitting some animals crossing the street, or he'd look in his rear view mirror and see me and Radebaugh sleeping, he definitely said it the day the axle broke, but it was mostly when he’d "notice" he was running out of gas. Today I say it for the latter one. I feel I am running out of gas.
I can’t get enough sleep.
I am beat. I am tired. I started some antibiotics that we had in the house, today to see if it would help. I was thinking maybe my stuffiness had caused an infection of some sort and that is wearing me down. I usually have an orderly home most of the time. I should be attacking this pile,

or how about this one:

This one is blurred because baby doll yanked my camera, but I kinda like it. Then you can't tell how much is in the pile. How much I'm not cleaning up. Yes those are Christmas ornaments. You gotta problem with that??

I want to just sit and take pictures of my little guy and figure out this new lens I got for Christmas. He didn't get it from them, he got it locally from a camera shop here. But I think I like it now. It’s fun. I feel grateful. My husbands neat. He’s a keeper. (for now at least. Talk to me later tonight, or tomorrow, after I've cleaned up after him for a day or so.)

Hi Boo Boo! My little love bug. My happy boy!

Oh hi Muuuummma (as he calles me)!! There you are.

Just a sec, don't move, I'm coming. (See I can't get it right,shutter speed not fast enough. oh well practice, practice, practice right?)

I can't leave you out of my site. (Boy how I love this kid, but boy, is he a Momma's boy)

I have a present for you!!

A stinky one! Oh, Ok, so that's why you want me. He is really a momma's boy though.

Ok, love, let's go clean you up. Guess my resting time has ended for now. Oh, such is life!

Daily inspirations

2010-01-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I need to do this for myself. I need uplifting everyday. I will post what I read and my thoughts here.

Be of good comfort,be of one mind. Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

We are all in this together, all of us, and we all have a great work to do.
All of us can that our mothers, can be a better mother. Every father can be a better Father. Every teacher a better teacher. Every husband a better husband and every wife a better wife.
We are on the road that leads to eternal life and today is a part of that. Let us not forget it.

The start to the New Year.

2010-01-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

I could re-tell the story to you, or write it out in my words, but I won't. I will just copy and paste it straight from the Caring Bridge website to give you the update on my Brother in law. What a fabulous, wonderful way to start the new year.

Friday, January 1, 2010 6:11 PM, PST

It's me Richard. Wow, I can't believe so many people have been on this website and have made so many comments! This has been an extreemly challenging month but with your visits, comments, prayers, help, gifts, get well cards, and massages--I have been blessed. I want to thank everyone who has given to me in any capacity. I have cried many days because of my overwhelming sense of gratitude to all of you who have visited me, helped my wife and family and given of your time, labor and monetary gifts. I am feeling better and better every day; Achy but stronger and better. This new facility I am in is very strict but necessary to push me in my final last 2 weeks in a rehab facility; then I will be going home and getting physical therapy from home. I will never forget this and all of you and your support, love and prayers in this trying time, which in the long run will be a blessing to me because of all of you and your prayers. Again, I love you all and appreciate your comments and look forward to seeing you soon. -- Richard

Happy New Year everyone. May you all have as wonderful and blessed things happen in your lives.
~Hope

Christmas around my house.

2009-12-29T00:04:00.000-08:00

A little bit at least. There is sooo much more than this.

It's such a wonderful time of year isn't it?? The year that our first booger was born, this is what our family looked liked. Nice, simple, but oh so small.

This year, we added another bouncing baby boy to our family. He is just so sweet and precious.

Mr. B is his name. Or Bubbas, or Boo Boo, I guess we followed suit and it all falls under the "B" category, so we got it covered with all these nicknames haven't we?

Now our family this year looks like this. Sans a puppy. The oldest booger keeps asking for one, but hubby says he won't just get ONE, that they need to live with someone, so I am passing up the idea to take care of two more people around this joint. Hey, someone has to stay sane around here right??? What?? it's too late for that? Oh great!

This was the nutcracker for this year. Every year after the ballet, my son gets to choose a nutcracker for our collection. This was the one that made it home with us this year. He's real snazzy and I love the sparkly glitter that bedazzles him up. Oh, I just got the best idea!! Be right back!

And the candy canes that outline our walkway. They were a neat addition to this year's decor.

I'm always sad to take all the decor down, but alas, it happens, and we can't stop it. Sooooo. Onto a new year, new beginnings (thank gooooood ness) and the many wonderful things that the New Year will bring. Oh yeah, and Happy Birthday today to my eldest sissy. Wish I was there with you!!

You know it's almost 2010

2009-12-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

When.............

you hear yourself saying these things on Christmas and you wonder if your grandmother would understand???

Now everyone has the Droid. How will I know if it's mine ringing?

Who's Vaio box is this?? Do they want to keep it?

If I step on one more Ka-chow, I'm going to scream!!

Ohhh, these Uggs are oh, sooo soft. I think I need a pair.

We have come a long way. I can say, "I remember the 80's, the 90's , and the 00's. Wow! I feel old now. That's all I'm going to say.

Merry Christmas, from our house to yours!!

2009-12-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

Our Elf Jack has returned home to help in the giving of Christmas and now we wait for the boys to wake up.

This guy woke at 8 am. Not to shabby. Not to shabby at all. We were thrilled for that. We allowed him to open his stocking and start Christmas while the littlest booger still slept. He was very content with his stocking gifts.

But then when the mother load came, he was sooo darn happy! (nice blue mouth, btw, looks like the fun dip has already been enjoyed. Thanks SC!)

Finally the little one joins us and while he enjoys the gifts that he's opening,

He's just as content to chew on gift tags instead.

While we want to stay in our pajames all day. We should really go and meet with the rest of the family to enjoy Christmas. Afterall, our BIL, and uncle will get to come home today and share this day with the family before returning back to his care home.

This little guy, is just so content to just lay in someone's arms while presents are being opened.
He's still in his jammies as you can see. His new outfit is behind him in the picture, but when he's so content, why bug him right??

and this one's so content running around and getting his energy out playing with cousins.

This little guy was so tuckered out, he feel asleep watching "Ka-chow" as he calls him, typical male fashion. Why oh why does this photo make me laugh everytime I see it??

We had a fabulous Christmas. We are soo loved. We are sooo blessed. I made sure to tell my 6 year old this tonight as we went to bed. It's because we know Christ. It's because we believe in him. Don't you forget that. All this fun, all these presents, all this family that LOVES you, is because of Christ and what he has done for us. There certainly wouldn't be a CHRISTmas without him.

Hope you all had a fabulous day as well. LOVES.

Our week at a glance.

2009-12-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the birthday of booger. His last year in his 30's. I think he is sad about that. He is getting to be an old man.

We made gingerbread houses

We went and saw our yearly tradition of The Nutcracker.

This year booger #2, sat through it almost the whole time without having to be bribed of treats. That was a good thing.

And booger #3, even though he was stuffed up and coughy, poor little guy, he enjoyed it and watched it almost the whole way through as well. Flapping his arms and moving his legs. all through the music and dancing.

We baked Gingerbread cookies, (of course the 6 year old booger, had to make dinosaurs instead)

and spritz Christmas cookies

we played Santa Claus and delivered treats and gifts to cousins. These were my adorable helpers; Santa jr. & a reindeer, (I think they decided he was Donner)

We got a date out together to see Avater IMAX in 3d (sorry no pictures of that, it was a surprise for me and camera was at home, shame on me!)

and then of course the hustle and bustle off Christmas Eve day and shopping and wrapping before the Big day. We went to bed completely exhausted and waited for the kids to wake up and see what old Saint Nicholas had brought to our house.

Baby Ellie is here!!

2009-12-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

Get used to this James. This is how life is going to be for awhile.

My BFF had her baby girl. She came via c-section, not what mama wanted, but they are both doing good. Great actually! I talked with her not even 24 hours after "surgery" and she was up and walking around and talking. I was sooo impressed. She's not milking,er I mean taking the pain meds at all. Not that I think she should, but sheesh, after a c-section, taking just motrin to me, is a goddess. Congrats Jaime and Erik! Enjoy your new little girl. (and no more freedom--haha j/k) kinda. I mean, look at her. a day old and already showing daddy who's the boss.

All day I get to play!

2009-12-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I should be doing laundry, I should be cleaning up those things off my counter that you see, I should be listing watches and or getting ready to go to Target but I can't. You know why?? I hear my little guy in the other room and I have to stop and document.

He is fun and cute and just so lovable! As I was brushing my teeth I hear Mr. B doing his new "thing" in his highchair. I ran to get the camera and I know that as soon as I walk in he'll stop doing it. I had to coax and bribe him to do it again, (OK, not really, he doesn't know about bribes......yet) but he did and I'm so proud of his new learned activity. Seems they learn sooo much right now don't they??? Has anyone invented a freezing time machine yet? When you do, contact me A-SAP. I'm in the market for one.

Technical Difficulties: I can not get the video to upload right now. Will have to enlist the help of my husband or try another computer. Stay tuned.

A New Home

2009-12-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

My BIL has had his central line taken out, his treatments are done and he is going to a new home. I wish it was his own. I soooo wish it was his own, but for now, it will be. He will be going to a care home for, who knows how long right now, to do physical therapy and be taken care of. The other day he raised his hand by himself. It took awhile but he DID it!! This is great news. We are so happy for him. It looks as though the paralysis is going back down his body and he is regaining feeling in his upper limbs.
His family was able to go and visit him tonight for the first time since he went to the hospital and has been in ICU. Two weeks is a LONG time to go without seeing your kids. Not because you want to, but because you CAN'T. I've thought I would LOVE a few days away from these boogers to regain my sanity and I have gotten it before, but when you want to see your kids, when you want to hear their cries, their fits, and you can't. Ugh. I feel for him. He is strong and he is a fighter. I hope he improves quickly and gets home to his babies and his wife.
LOVE YOU Rich!

Progression--Finally!!

2009-12-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

Richard seems to be moving forward instead of in reverse. YEAHHH!! Yesterday he had the first look of improvement with the immunoglobin treatments. He can move his hands a little and was able to pick up his neck. This is a great step for him and we hope that these treatments continue to be positive for him. They are still administering the Benadryl with the treatments to counteract anything that may happen or react with his system. We hope that he is able to keep moving forward.
Happy thoughts please.

The Uncanny truths about Motherhood- Labor

2009-12-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

My most recent work.

Since my BFF is ready to pop any day now. It’s time to write about the last stage of being pregnant-labor.
Well the term says it all. It involves work. If you think you are going to get out of there without doing any work, you’re mistaken. Ok, so if you’re the few who have C-sections, you have more work afterwards so it’s still Labor!!
This is what I have to say about this. Expect the best; want the best, but plan for the worst. I don’t want to be a Debbie downer, but having “a birth plan” doesn’t always work. As you know life is not always planned as is the same with labor. You can have what you intended to do, but if this is your first time, just know that it always doesn’t go that way. I say it’s better to be ready to accept what’s coming than be so bummed about what happened that you get sad or even worse, depressed.
You can of course, plan out your birth, i.e. laboring, walking, drugs, no drugs, epidural, all natural and what not and get just that.
If you start on your own, your water may break (if you have a puddle of water in your pants, or your bed, and it’s more than a tinkle, it’s your water) and cause you to start, or contractions just may come on and start your labor. You may or may not see a “mucus plug” and you may or may not know that you are having contractions. Yes, it’s true; you can have them and not know that they are actually just that, contractions. If you are one of those few, consider yourself blessed.
You will hear numbers. You are a 1, 4, 7. These are centimeters. This is them measuring and letting you know or the Dr. know, how far you have progressed. You need to be at a 10 or pretty darn close, before you will push the baby out. You can start dilating any time up to about 6 weeks before full term. I sat at a 1 and 3 from week 36 and 37 with no progression. It is possible to dilate and then nothing else starts.
After you have hit about a 7, it is transition time which for some is the hardest time, for me, I don't know and remember this time, so I am no help there. Sorry. It begins the time that the baby is getting into position and after this time is when the actual delivery occurs. You will want to “bear down” i.e. push like crazy and get that baby out. You will have to push, most likely on your first child. Don’t be a sissy about it, do exactly what they say and bear down and push. I pushed three times with my first 9 lb. 4 oz. baby and twice with my second 7 lbs 8 oz. I don’t mess around. When it’s time for me to push, well, that is what I do. You do want to be careful about pushing though, if you go too fast you can tear, and well, that is not fun or pleasant. Hopefully you don’t have anything in your intestinal tract either, or you will push that out too!

My best advice is to relax. Enjoy and be in the moment. Take it as it comes, and soon you will have a wonderful little blessing in your arms. I had to be induced both times. The first time I wanted a natural birth, no drugs, and well, little did I know what inductions actually entailed. If you are hooked up to pitocin to start your contractions, or at anytime along the way, this makes the contractions very powerful, very strong and well, drug-free is quite intense. I went 6 ½ hours. That was the longest 6 ½ hours of my LIFE. I wouldn’t recommend induction without drugs or an epidural to anyone ..EVER!! I’m sure there is someone somewhere that has done it this way; it’s just not the most ideal situation. You want to be comfortable during labor whether you’re walking around, in water, or laying in bed, so if you want your pillows, bring your pillows, music, bring your iPod, balls, etc. Make sure that you have those things with you. You may or may not use them, but if you want them, have them with you. I hope that you have the fastest, easiest labor ever, but if not………….

Switching methods

2009-12-08T00:22:00.000-08:00

They have decided even though Rich has an auto immune disorder, that they are going to change from the plasmopheresis to the immunoglobin treatment. He is having a reaction to it as expected so they are slowing down the treatment for the next five days. He is taking Bendaryl for the reaction and Tylenol for his fever.

Bradley went to visit him today and help him stretch and move his muscles. He said to Bradley,
"Shake my hand. (Bradley did)
Now Shake it like a dude. (where you interlock the fists-I guess)
Now grab tight and take my hand and raise it above my head, and move it around.
Bradley moved his hands around for him so he could get the movement he wanted.
"Aw.... that feels so good."
Bradley has great experience massaging, tired swollen feet of mine. He is quite good at it. He sat at Richard's bed and did this again to Rich as he did yesterday as well. Richards expressions were the same.
"Aww.... that feels sooo good."
Please continue your thoughts and prayers. They are much appreciated.

Meeting P Dubb, Ree, you know... The Pioneer Woman!!

2009-12-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

Talking with the crowd. She was such a sweetheart!

Making faces probably about Cow testicles or something else. NOT, any of her recipes. Here's the story.

So a week ago, I just happen to glance at the Cookbook tour again, just to see whereabouts Ree would be traveling. Knowing well, that I had looked at it before, and she was north, and south, and in the south, some more. She headed kinda west, but not west enough for me in Southern Cal to see her. Ree Drummond, AKA, PDubb, The pioneer woman, is one funny lady that writes and blogs about her life on the ranch. How she got there, and what she's now doing there. I have turned to her blog to read, search and get any info I can, on how to take better pictures. She does step by step instructions on how to use your camera and how to fall in love with it. Thanks to her, I have been able to try and test some things that I have learned. She also does it with her cooking. This has become very well liked by the public. She has now put a Cookbook out. (just topped the number one bestseller, Right on Ree!!) So her new venture in life, has taken her out and about and FINALLY into my neck of the woods.
As I was glancing at her tour this night, (late at night BTW, as it always is, when I get a moment of peace and quiet, to be on the computer.) I saw that she would be in Southern California. YAYYYY! I enlisted a partner in crime, AKA, BF, and we ventured out to see her.
You never know how or what to say to someone that you think is neat, cute, funny, and down right adorable, without sounding, well........stalkerish. I feel like I know Ree, and want her to be one of my BFF's. I know everyone in her family, and feel like I know her as well, but she doesn't know me. Well, until now. Yes, I was, number, 100,475,542 in line. Well not really, I was sure to get there early and so we were only about 20 back, but now I know for myself that she is real. That she exists. I am so glad that she was just as funny and outgoing in person as I thought she would be. I know there's a shy, quiet, side to her, but she overcame that at this signing and was just a doll! So glad to meet you Ree, and thank you for taking the time to write and sign in all of our books!! You're the greatest. No ,no, You're the best!! No!! Your the best, greatest!!

Waiting for her to make her grand entrance

(Look at us!! Front row!!) That's a great story in and of itself.

Here she is!!! YEAHHHHH

I don't have any idea what I said to her. Probably something about the spanx (she DOES NOT need to wear). Gross picture of me, but I made her laugh!

Smile for the camera. ( Awkward moment) . Me and Ree.

And then I wanted to have one with all of us. Smile again!! Awkward moment, number two. Me and Jill and Ree, makes three!! (oops Jill wrong camera. )

We had a fun time Ree. I'm glad that we overcame our fears (well not really fears, but something) and came out. Hope we didn't seem too stalkerish! XXOO

And I didn't bring my cute, adorable, baby boy, just for you. (Had to bring his birth annoucement so she could see him. ) Be still your rushing hormones.

What a week!!-- But then there was a rainbow.

2009-12-06T20:17:00.001-08:00

I'm sure we've all had these kinds of weeks. They are crazy, hectic, and we are so glad that they are behind us. Well, this week has been one of those for me. I am glad that we have a new one that we know will come upon us and we can move forward and put the past behind us. Hakuna matata!

This week my brother in law, who is one of the silliest, funniest, guys around, who will never keep a straight face when a camera is near by, was sadly rushed to the hospital. With the first visit he was dooped up on pain medication because he was , well, in such bad pain, and nothing seemed to help. He was returned home later that night (gotta love Kaiser) and was back there in the morning via an ambulance, because he couldn't move and had paralysis of his legs. Thank you for all the love and support that has been showed to our extended family and for the prayers. We need them,and he def. needs them and there will be more needed I am sure. He could be in there for almost a month. He was diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome and so his journey to recovery is a long ways away. So is what they say. We are hoping for the better. As we were cleaning the backyard and getting ready for Christmas decorating my husband called me outside to see what was out on the patio.

I ran out to see this:

It is a picture, that says By: Grace and then it says : I love dad, written in backwards.

After the week that her daddy has had. We decided that we needed to take a picture and share this with him. I'm not sure how long it has been there. I know, at least for a month or so. I know that I have passed it many times while taking out the trash and I really never (sadly) even looked close enough to see what was written or what was down there. Just figured, some chalk art on my patio. I am so glad that the lite sprinkles, and early dew we have had, has not cleaned this up or washed it away. I am so glad that we were able to take a picture and share it with her dad. It was so sweet and so special to him, especially now, at this week in her daddy's life.

Chance to win a photo session.

2009-11-30T00:43:00.000-08:00

This amazing girl, Gena, and sister of Tonya, (you might remember Bennett and I had our pictures done with her) is giving away a free photo shoot! Check out her site here and enter to win.

She is in Southern California, so sorry to all those not in Cali, but if you are, go enter.

Apologies

2009-11-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

So, I know. I got you all excited. Starting doing really good blogging for awhile and then- blam-o! Nothin'. You'd think I had a baby or something. Ok, well I did. So that's one excuse, er, reason, and well, my second is, I had a baby. And then C, is because I am so tired from everything going on around here, that I'm trying to catch up and get my sleep. I think I am almost back in the saddle and so, never fear, The Uncanny Truths of Motherhood, will be appearing soon again.

Thanks for sticking around.

Win a 20 $ Lego gift card over on Ami's site

2009-11-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

Enter to win over on this site. And Ami will enter you into the contest. For us moms with boys, we know legos are a neccessity in life, just as chocolate is to us moms.