My Sister

On a more serious note than ladders and crockpots.....

This is what has been on my mind......much more than a black toenail. I have to say how much I admire the strength of my sister Carly. She is probably the strongest person I know. I am proud of her tenacity. All my words feel quite inadequate, really.

This is Carly and Alyson with baby Calli.......and their heaven-sent placement family, Mike and Elisa. For the adoption story, in Carly's words, go here.

Next time....

Next time you want to leave the ladder on your bedroom floor because you're too lazy to put it away after you were finished with it (sort of like this).....

....then you can't get mad at anyone but yourself because you knew THIS* would happen when you slammed your foot smack into it when you were tired in the morning (not that I would know or anything).

*hint: the pinky toe does NOT have polish on it....

Oh, and also. Next time you are prepared enough to put a roast in the crockpot on a Sunday morning before church (and you're all excited to eat a roast that has slow cooked for 9 hours.......Oh, AND you've invited people over for dinner).....just don't forget to plug in the crockpot. It will make you really mad when you get home from church and realize the mistake.

10 Months Old - I Love This Kid!

I had the urge to run to Kiddie Kandids today while the girls were at school. So Pey and I went on a little mommy-daughter date to get pics taken. She is such a happy kid and the photo session was a breeze! She is SO fun to photograph!

Flashback Friday

I've been an absentee blogger. Sad. Does the generic excuse "life is CRAZY" work?

This is me. Back when life was carefree and easy. All I needed was my blanket and my thumb (wish that still worked).

In this pic I think I was between 2 and 3 years old. [I need to get this info down from my mom]. She used to sew dresses for me. This is when we lived in Stockton, CA. Isn't this adorable?

Shaver Lake

We had a great 3 day weekend! With the horrendous heat we've had, it sounded great to spend Monday at Shaver Lake. Our great friends Dane and Beth & Co. came with us.......the kids had a blast! We rented a pontoon boat and swam and BBQ'd. The babies loved exploring around the boat [which kept us on our toes]. Jordyn said the water tasted so much better than the ocean! So fun to make memories!

Flashback Friday

I think my first love may have been at age 8 or 9 - Davy Jones from The Monkees (he's the bottom one).

To say I was obsessed with The Monkees would be an understatement. I remember......it was 1986 and I watched every single re-run episode of The Monkees TV series. I had every song and episode memorized. And I thought Davy Jones was the cutest thing in the world.

One of my happiest memories was when I got home from school one day (maybe 3rd grade?) and my mom handed me a tape. She had a friend with the Monkees LP (record album, remember those?) and she had dubbed it onto a cassette tape for me. ARE YOU SERIOUS? I felt like she had handed me the world. I guarded that tape with my life. I would carry a boom-box around with that tape in it, even to my friends house. I was such a rocker.

I distinctly remember the day I heard they were touring in concert. My heart almost burst with excitement. And then......this is when it gets a little blurry......I remember being told that the shows I was watching were actually RE-RUNS.....from 20 years ago. "What?" my head was spinning. That would make Davy Jones like 40 years old? Oh no! It's not possible!

Eventually I got over it, but that was a sad day for me.

I still have a special place in my heart for all of The Monkees songs, and you know what? A few years ago, which was 20 years after my mom handed me that special tape....she was shopping and happened across The Monkees Greatest Hits CD and bought it for me. Full circle moment, I tell ya.

Oh, and speaking of cassette tapes. About a year after this Monkees phase, I became obsessed with Tiffany (you know, singer, redhead, i think we're alone now...) and my sister Carly was 8. Probably thought I was cool or something. So, for Christmas that year (this is what a nice sister I was) I dubbed HER a copy of my Tiffany cassette tape. Wrapped it up and gave it to her under the tree. And as funny as it sounds, she was THRILLED! I get a kick out of that memory.

Spewing

Some days I have a fun picture or creative topic to post about. And other days I just need to spew at the mouth a bit. Why? I don't know. Does it help me a little? Yes. It does. But just a little. So here goes today's spewing.

Lately life has felt a little bit more complicated than normal....for mostly non-bloggable reasons. (by the way, Tucker is trying to talk to me right now....he doesn't realize that when I'm posting, it's like I'm on the other line and can't talk right now).

So, today was a crazy day. Let me re-cap. Today was hotter than hell. I'm serious. Speaking of humidity a few posts ago, I felt like I was in the Phillipines today. It rained all day and was 105, no exaggeration. Come to find out that Jordyn's school's air conditioning is BROKEN. What? Are you serious? I think school should have been canceled. 250 five year olds running around in HOT monsoon weather with no A/C....."now kids lets write a capital A"........is strange to me.

Speaking of Jordyn's school, they are extending school a little. Instead of 8 am to 1:00 pm, it will go to 1:40. Wow, she is getting no 'easing into' school. There is no snack time, no nap time, nothing. Just a full day of work at the ripe ol' age of 5. She seems to be handling it fairly well, I do have to say. But it still seems like a lot all at once.

I sang at a funeral today for a woman I didn't know (with other women, just in case you were picturing me doing a solo - NEVER). I hope someone would do the same for my Grandma. It was quite last minute.......thanks Lindy for watching the girls. It comes in quite handy, for many reasons, to have a sister nearby.

Then we started dance class again today. If the heat today was hell, then dance class was hell times 100. Not only was it hot, but there were like 30 people in this small waiting area with all their kids. And Peyton, a normal 10 month old, did NOT like this whole scene after about 25 minutes. Too bad we still had 95 minutes to go. She wanted to crawl around.....and explore everyones purses, drinks and crayons. Her arching back, screaming and clawing at my face made me feel beyond crazy. I need to figure out solution or will need to be heavily medicated each Thursday if this is a weekly experience. I'll keep you posted.

I was nearing home at 5pm after dance with all three girls when I had a brilliant idea. I called my trusty babysitters and asked if they could babysit RIGHT NOW (I would have paid $100 if that's what it took, but luckily it didn't). "Sure!" they said. So within 15 minutes, Tucker was meeting me - ALL ALONE - at our local chinese joint for a quick dinner. We talked for 90 straight minutes with no interruption (that is equivalent to approx 2 weeks of unfinished conversations with the kids around). It was great.

By 9:30pm, when (2 hours later than I'd hoped and prayed for) all three kids were asleep....it is time for my alone time. Unfortunately, the night owl in me is on vacation and all I want is my pillow. So good night and here's to a brighter & lighter day tomorrow!

Try This!

On occasion, I feel inclined to share with you something that I love (whether it be old, new, borrowed or blue) OR perhaps a member of my family loves. Going forward, I may decide to entitle these posts "Try This!".

Today's "Try This!" happens to be new. I grabbed these baked chip things the other day because Save Mart convinced me they were on sale (their prices are NOT lowest, liars) and I admit I was pleasantly surprised!

These toasted chips are not only tasty, but healthy! I prefer to healthy-them-up by dipping them in ranch (homemade with sour cream) but they are also good alone. I've tried the Garden Harvest and Tomato Basil flavors...they also have Banana but....those sound scary.

So, have YOU tried these?

I *Thought* I Was Smart

Okay, so I am starting to work my way toward getting my teaching credential......just so I can have that as an option in the future. But in CA, there are lots of preliminary state tests you have to complete.

I recently took the CBEST (CA Basic Educational Skills Test), which was pretty basic and I passed w/o much struggle. Now I am preparing to take another, the CSET (CA Subject Examination for Teachers). These tests are good ol' fashioned #2 pencil and fill in the bubble, same as 20 years ago. It was so hard for me to hand write an essay! Do I ever handwrite anything these days?

Oh my gosh. I really did think I was fairly smart. But apparently I don't retain as much as I thought I did (or did I even learn this stuff EVER?). I am doing a practice test today and here are two questions that I have encountered so far (like 75% of the questions I had to look up the answer on the internet!). I want to know if I'm the only one who struggled with these.....do you know the answers off the top of your head? (can you even read it?)

My Blog-Sided Life

Isn't it interesting how one-dimensional these blogs can paint one's life to be? Almost idealistic? I always think about this. I definitely think my blog reflects my life....but only a small portion of it. There is so much that is NOT blogged about. Which is perfectly okay and good and right....because, even in blogland, we all deserve at least SOME privacy, right?


Like, for example, I could blog and tell you about my day: I made Jordyn's school lunch, went on a walk with Pey and Lex, researched teaching credential programs, danced to some music with Lexi, watched Lyric for Lindy, had a playdate for Jordyn, hung out with Lindy, made a yummy dinner with dessert, picked up the living room 100 times, and did homework with Jordyn. And you might be like, "wow, she has a lot of energy" and maybe you even pictured me in cute high heels with lipstick and a smile all day long.


But what I DIDN'T tell you is: that it's 8 pm and I haven't showered yet today and I look like death. I have had cramps all day, felt crappy and ate half (yes, half) a pan of a Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake that I made. I didn't do a stitch of the laundry piled all over and I haven't unpacked from my trip a week ago yet. I had to put Jordyn in like 3 time-outs for hitting. We DIDN'T do family home evening like I'd hoped, and by 7:30 I told Tucker I was done being a mom for the night and he could finish it all because I felt "CRAZY". See, now doesn't that make it all a little more real? I LOVE real.



And on a side note, Jordyn took the bus home from school today! She has been begging, but I just wanted to give it a few days. Luckily, the bus ride home is JUST Kindergarteners, so she's not on the bus with lots of big kids. She LOVED it! She got off with a huge grin and said "the bus is so much fun Mom!". Its nice for me because I can keep the other kids in the air-conditioned car while waiting....and when I was getting her from school, we had to park far and trek to get her in the scorching heat. It works out great! Here she is fresh off the bus...

G'Morning!

No matter how tired I feel in the morning....how can I help but SMILE waking up to see this little stinker every day?

Neverending Green Things

If you recall, I spent 4 hours at the dentist - 10 days ago. What keeps it so fresh in my mind is this lovely green thing....

And, these bananas have been in our house for 7 days now, from Costco. I had no idea I needed to plan three weeks in advance to use these green things....

Lexi Lou

1st day of Pre-school for my little 2nd child!

What a cute and happy girl Lexi is!

She was a willing and excited participant. She also gets to go to Pre-school with her best little friend, Jacob. Even more special!

Now.........if someone can just help me out with the after school-tired-hot-sibling-rivalry issue.....all will be well.

Flashback Friday

When visiting with my cousin Michael, we saw this picture on my Gma's fridge. We thought we'd re-create it. Here's my flashback....

Michael and Jamie 1998

Michael and Jamie 2007

Speaking of Hot...

Since I felt like I was dripping sweat all day today and I felt like I HAD to be living in the Southern US as far as humidity goes, I thought I'd do a little research (I am sort of obsessed with the weather updates/info/etc). Here's a little trivia for you:

(sorted by humidity)
Slc, UT .................23%................90°
Visalia, CA .........46%............99°
Louisville, KY .........46%...............100°
Honolulu, HI ...........59%................87°
Tampa, FL ..............69%................92°
New York, NY ........76%................84°
Nauvoo, IL ..............85%...............78°
Manila, Phillipines...85%.............92°

This n That

Today was Jordyn's first full day of school. She did great! She goes from 8-1, which is considered "full day" kindergarten. It's the first year our district has done this. The first thing she said to me when I hugged her "hi" is "I want WATER mom!". Confirming my fear - in the 105 degree weather, she was crazy THRISTY! I don't think she's used to finding a drinking fountain when she's thirsty. She downed like 3 cups right away. She's funny because when I ask her how her day was (and if you know me, then you know its like 100 questions)...she will hardly answer any of them and then say "I'll tell you later mom". I should just attach a camera to her so I can watch a replay of the day. I'm not worried at all, but I'm so curious of her interactions in class, the playground and the cafeteria.

Lexi starts pre-school tomorrow! She is going two days per week and she is so excited. She's got a pretty pink dress with a necklace (from Grandma) all ready to go. What will I do with all this free time? I'll be a taxi, that's what!

I am so sick of this hotter-than-heck heat. I feel hatred toward it now. And we still have at least two months of it here. At least I'm not pregnant like last summer!! All of this in-and-out of the car stuff is killing me!!!

I'm starting to feel fear of my structured schedule this year. I have a fear of commitment, I think. Seriously! I have pre-school, kindergarten, Harmony, 2 dance classes, 2 piano lessons, primary presidency meeting, volunteering in the classroom, homework.......scary stuff. I guess this is life, though. As scared as I feel, I'm happy and feel blessed as well. Its fun to see my kids grow and learn and unfold in their talents and personality. Love it.

I just need to find a magic energy pill.....

She's Initiated

Jordyn LAST year starting preschool......age 4


Jordyn THIS year starting Kindergarten......age 5

(check it out.....there was a special visitor in Jordyn's classroom today. A little hummingbird! I think it was stuck!)

-Yep, Jordyn is now initiated into Kindergarten.

-No tears, no sadness, all smiles and excitement (for all of us). Whew.

-She saw lots of girls from Dance Class at school today. How fun!

-Mom and Dad were orientated and met the principal, saw the school and love her teacher.

-Aside from our own selfish trepidation at the thought of being out the door at 7:35 am, we are ready for this adventure and couldn't have asked for a better start!

We love you Jordyn and are so proud of the beautiful, polite, teachable and smart little girl you are!

Extended, Extended Family

As a kid, we never lived close to any extended family. It was always a 3 or more hour drive and it was always VERY special to visit them or have them visit us. Those are precious memories to me. As life goes on, and my own personal life expands with my own little family....it seems that now this could be called my extended, extended family! And the visits are MUCH too few and far between.


So, my sis Lindy and I did a quick, crazy and whirlwind trip (we're getting quite good at these) to visit some family. There have been lots of babies born in the past year, and we wanted to catch up with all the kids!


In a little more than 24 hours, we were able to see my cousin Mike and Aracely and their two cute little ones, cousin Matt and Katie (in a non-blog-real-life fashion), along with my Aunt Kelly with her three cute kids and finally a short stop at my precious Grandma's. It was even crazier than it sounds, believe me. At one point, we had 10 kids ages 6 and under playing at our heels! But memories are worth every bit of it.

Strategically placing 5 car seats in just the right spot takes talent

My Cousin Michael is one year older than me. He whipped us up a traditional spaghetti dinner!

Told ya! Here is the 10 kids 6 and under crowd (with Lindy, Aracely and Kelly)

Fun in the sun with cousins!

Lauren and Lyric are 6 months apart....and you can tell they're family!

Ummmm....mommy?

Our last stop was Grandma NaDeane's. I sure love my little (shrinking) 78 year old Grandma!

We just love hangin' out at Grandma's!

Grandma was so fascinated by all these cute kids....she couldn't even look at the camera!

Grandma sure had flashbacks of me as a little girl with red-headed Jordyn around!

Lexi LOVED all of Grandma's glass figurines. She's always had these sprinkled throughout her house.

FAMILY~ memories ~ WHAT MATTERS ~ special ~ FOREVER ~ priceless ~ GRATEFUL

I Really AM Too Tired

Do you see the two cans that are very similarly sized in my cupboard? [it may seem a little 'where's waldo-ish'].

Believe it or not, I have made my older girls a cup of "formula milk" instead of the requested "chocolate milk" on more than one tired-occasion.

Sad (and gross) isn't it?

I really should learn to go to bed earlier.