The After-Christmas Kunundrum...

Well, our Christmas has come and has gone. Tomorrow I return to work, while 1 kid is off to Magic Mountain, 1 to the mall and one is quickly becoming obsessed with the Wii. So, when do you take down Christmas. I mean there is a village in the family room, nativities all over the main floor of the house, various snowmen and dancing things all over and the tree, where to begin with the tree. It is pretty, lots of shiny ornaments, and the dogs have no interest in it, it is fake, it's not a fire hazard well, not until probably July when it becomes overcome with dust. So, here is what I was thinking. Take it down a portion at a time. So, I reviewed it with those I want help from. The result...Christmas may still be up next Thanksgiving. So, it's coming down one piece at a time. I am shooting for repacking something every night this week. Although I have to be honest I do have snowmen in the garage to sprinkle around for winter being that I am going through some serious cold and snow withdrawal. Mike got me a Willowtree Nativity for  Christmas last year and the Creche this year and since I didn't get to even take it out of the box last year because we were moving and I love where it is, it may be out a little longer. Well, it is cold here by the standards of those who wear shorts all year but really it's just chilly with the occasional opportunity to wear a light sweater. To those of you in the frozen cold please know there is at least one person out there who is truly jealous and would change places with you in a heartbeat. Happy New Year All. ;)

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas. We spent Christmas eve with Mike's family, and there were quite a few people there this year I must say. We had dinner, visited and there were gifts all around. We do things a little different with his family because there are so many siblings, 8 most with spouses and kids, we do a rotation of who is giving to who. I think for the most part it does OK. Some are more generous than others and some have a very small memory. We stopped by, not really it is another county afterall, my parents house for a late snack of crab and beef wellington then off to home to open the customary Christmas eve gifts of new jammies, don't want pictures for posterity to reflect that one day last spring you touched up the paint in your pj's cuz you didn't think anyone would notice and now you are forever explaining that yellow spot.  Anyway, new jammies, egg nog or hot cocoa and the reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. That was our Christmas eve, Oh, I did manage to put in 1/2 a days work also. Christmas was different for us since we were here in California and no longer in Illinois. I think it is clearly noticeable in the new jammies. And, yes, it is warm enough for them. We spent today with my family. There were gifts, snacks, dinner of prime rib and stuffed potatoes, cookies, candy, a nap and more visiting with family. Oh and I did work diligently at getting pictures of all who were there. So, this year the loot was intense and we will now spend the next week trying to find a place for the new waffle iron, cast iron roasting pan in RED!!, a new phone, clothes for all, and so much that I can no longer sit in the living room we just stroll past and appreciate the generosity of all who love us.  I truly hope you all were able to spend the day exactly the way you wanted. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

A VERY LONG WEEKEND...

OK, so this was an exceptionally long weekend for us. We had 2, yes, count them, 2 thanksgiving dinners, black Friday shopping, a movie, a trip to the airport, and best of all, some much needed catching up with family.

First I must say, the pic has nothing to do with anything I said in the post, but I can never find a time to use it and it cracks me up. Since I haven't downloaded my weekend yet, here is Mike and I at the L.A. County fair, wishin the corn field was real. OK, so the weekend started with a trip to the local Mexican restaurant with my m.i.l and one of Mike's sisters. So, I hadn't been to that particular restaurant in years, it was ok, but just that, ok. We did have a good visit. We worked out some of the plans for the weekend and discussed current medical plans for a sick family member. I love having teenagers that give us the opportunity to do things like that. Thursday we spent the early part of the day resting, OK so I slept until 10. It was fabulous. It was the best present I have received in a while. Mike made 2 pies for his parents house and a green bean casserole and then a green bean casserole for my parents house and rolls, just plain white rolls. But, he makes excellent bread. Anyway, the "lunch", or 2 pm feed, was at my parents house. We visited for a while. It was nice to be here for thanksgiving, after all, it has been 11 years since we were here for thanksgiving. We then traveled over to the in-laws for the "dinner" feed, about 5ish. We had more turkey and all the rest that goes with it. But it was funny because Mike proceeded to get the mayo from the fridge and decided this was sandwich time and made himself some turkey sandwiches on homemade rolls. We also had tons of family to see especially Steve and Jennifer who were here visiting from Reno. It was so much fun to see them and the kids had a blast.

I then managed to get roped into Black Friday shopping. I don't get up early, I hate getting up early that is why I keep the hours I do. Anyway, I shopped with mom and lil sis and they bought lots and I bought some and that is about all I can say about that since I know I have little visitors periodically. Anyway, the many cousins played the afternoon away and then again on Saturday but Saturday we found this really cute scrapbook store near Ontario Mills. I will be going back. They had these really cute kits for little books and I would like to get a different one made for each of the girls. We also saw BOLT. I liked it. It is cute and it has some funny parts and if you have ever had a hamster or something you put in one of those hard clear balls, you will get a good laugh out of the hamster. He RoCkEd!!

Anyway, today we closed our weekend with church this morning and the afternoon with my parents. Everyone does their thanksgiving leftovers different. Mike's mom, homemade turkey and noodles, My mom, turkey enchiladas. I will take either any day of the year. This year the enchiladas closed out our weekend. Thanks mom you rock! Anyway, I am working on my list of 100 things I am thankful for and with a very ill family member and spending time with so much family this week it has certainly helped me prioritize my list. I hope however you spent your weekend you enjoyed it and spent it surrounded by those most important to you, except Mike, he had to work and those guys aren't the ones most important to him, that title is reserved for me. ;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I've spent the last couple of days thinking about this post and have decided that, in following the advice of a blog I periodically peek at, simple is best. So, Happy Thanksgiving. I have a friend who is trying to make a list of 365 things she is grateful for, I have decided to follow her lead and try, well my list is nowhere near 365 but it is growing. Aside from the basics, family, friends, house, weather, I have added, the lowering of the price of gas, clean matching socks, the sounds of my girls ENJOYING each others company, the rain washing away the charred smell from the brush fires. This just to name a few. Whether you spend your day serving in a soup kitchen, watching sports, playing with your family or stratagizing tomorrows shopping trip. I truly hope you have a day filled with all you could hope for. Enjoy and love to all! ME;)

Icky sick and finding thanks for it...

OK, so, I spent the first part of this week, depending on where you feel Sunday falls in your week, I am thinking that Sunday is the first day for this discussion. I spent Sunday keeping an eye on the hills around our house burn. This was a first for us and an event I will gladly pass on ever experiencing again. The fires started over a week ago and our neighborhood smells like something bad burned on the barbecue, everything is covered in a fine dust of soot and I have incurred a lovely respiratory infection from breathing chunky air. Gee, this wasn't one of my more favorite weeks now was it. Well, I spent Monday camping out at a local hospital while a family member went through surgery, things seem to have gone well. The road to recovery seems to be long and bumpy but they are up for it. Tuesday, I went to work and found out the main doors to the facility got stuck open on Saturday during the fires and now the entire facility smells like a toasted marshmallow, not the best place for someone with a compromised respiratory system. Then there was Wednesday, I started to really feel sick and Grace needed to be packed for the weekend band trip AND deliver her luggage to the school. They were allotted 1 carry on suitcase. Someone needs to explain what that means because I flew recently and some of the bags I saw would require an oversize fee for the airlines. She took her nifty backpack across Europe bag. I ended up staying home from work for the last 2 days, yesterday since I was home I did take Grace some chicken nuggets and snacks when she left on her band trip. Do you really think she will behave or should I worry more? So, that leaves us with tomorrow and that would be Saturday. I need to clean my house, get some groceries and visit with my sister in law. Then, there is the overwhelming glimpse into next week with a family visiting, working 3 days, a major holiday, a major shopping day and hopefully some down time resting. I hope you all have a great time preparing for the holiday and remember if it won't be remembered next year or in 5 years, don't stress over it. ;) I do want to say that I have spent many days this month thinking about what I am thankful for. My family, my kids, Mike, our friends, our furry kids, and really I just hope that all of you that read my blog know how much you are appreciated for your support and love.

Aargh!!!

Well, my plan was to post often. Then I realized that "often" is subjective, kinda. I wanted to make sure that I posted every few days but then work and life in general got in the way. There is also the issue that my camera is always in a different room and I don't want to go and retrieve it so I put off blogging since I don't want to go down the stairs that when I traverse them late at night I tend to fall 1/2 way down. So, no new blogging and no new pics. I promise that by Monday I will post new pics. There's some from Halloween, the dogs got a new pillow, the Homecoming dance, and the band competition, and the birthday party and just life in general. And besides the forefront of my thoughts lately haven't been good. You see we have had an attack of ants. Not an ant here and there but ants everywhere. For example, why are they in my underwear drawer. And, yes, I was going to put a certain persons name here who has a tendency to be ornery about things but will let it slide tonight, my underwear drawer is home to only the cleanest of undies. So, why do we have ants. And you know, they aren't in the pantry on the honey jar or the dog food dishes. Just in weird places. So for the record, I HATE ANTS!!! I also am not to fond of some of my coworkers but that is for a different day and time, like if and when I have a different job. But, I do want to say, I don't appreciate stupid, ignorant people that use the comment "you know I am joking, right" to try and hide behind their stupid ignorant comments. Nough Said, time for bed. g'night all. ;)

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

People today is your opportunity to stand behind what you believe and voice your opinion. Get out there and vote. I know as I leave for work this morning I have given myself time to get to the polls and cast my vote. The opportunity to vote is part of what this country is based on, your freedom. So, let's go. It doesn't take long, ok, so the poll I am going to has a line and I may be a little late to work, but it is so worth it because if you don't vote you have no right to complain. So, having had my moment on my soapbox, I am off to vote. You better vote to or I will kick your butt!!!! Besides, Liza is sad that she missed her opportunity to vote by 1 year and 1 day. NOW GO VOTE!!

BOYS SUCK!!

OK, not all boys, just certain boys. The ones who hurt feelings of girls. So, someone got her feelings hurt today. I am sad. I was thinking on my way home from work today, why are boys mean? I know that most mommy's don't intentionally turn their sweet little cherubic darlings into little heart stomping creeps on purpose. But, how does this happen. I don't really know, I have girls, therefore, I can tell you all about tea parties, training bras and Barbie. But, I don't know much about boys. So, now that the little twerp has hurt someones feelings should I pinch him, run him over with a shopping cart? What, really, what..I don't know, I guess we will try to squelch it with new lip gloss and some chocolate malted crunch ice cream.

And why is it that I know all these people with a blog and they don't blog. Why go a month or two,or even, how long has it been for one, since April. Why start a blog if you aren't going to blog. I guess he succumbed to the blogging pressure but is a really boring person and has nothing to say. I don't know, I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. Not because I didn't have anything to say but because I had the flu and kids with social activities that require parental attendance or at least a ride.

In the next couple of weeks we have Homecoming, Halloween dance, Band competitions and football games. I promise to post more often....now I just have to do something worth posting besides - get up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, go to bed, get up, go to work.........

Happy Fall

Another Day, Another Adventure...

I have sat at this computer a few times and tried to blog but, thoughts don't always flow like we would like and I find myself trying to get 20 things at once finished. Someone mentioned to me tonight that my van was dirty. On the way home tonight I tried to remember the last time it went to a car wash for a good vacuum and a wash, I can't remember. So, I thought I would make a point of taking it on friday during my lunch. Within 10 minutes I had several other things that were a higher priority which means maybe, and I do mean maybe, the van will get washed this weekend. So, my usual response to what's going on with you is "Not Much". But, right now that is the furthest from the truth. Liza is news editor at school and got a part in the school play of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" as a Who, her Senior Picture proofs came today and I must say, they turned out great!! I am slightly biased though. As for Grace, she marched in her first football game on Friday. And, we won the game. I meant to take pictures but did good getting out of work and to the game on time. High school seems to be something she is really enjoying. She is even getting up at 5:00 without much difficulty. That I didn't expect. Catie is playing flute in her schools marching band and is supposed to march playing piccolo most of the time. On a less exciting side, Catie is going tomorrow for an MRI of her hip. They will be using contrast die and doing an arthrograph. It appears that she has torn the cartilage in her hip. After the test tomorrow we will no more of the goings on of a 13 year old hip that acts like a much older hip. It may be that she simply grew faster than the cartilage could keep up. We will know the prognosis and treatment in a week or so. Mike and I are just working at keeping up with the girls activities. Mike is hosting a Presidential Debate watching party on Friday. I have had a tough time at work this week and last, hopefully this will lift my spirits. I hope you have a great week. ;)

My Summer Vacation...NOT!

I didn't really have a summer vacation since I started a new job in the middle of my summer. But, my family and I did have the opportunity to enjoy some fun outings, a visitor and even made it to the beach a time or two. So, this is what I did this summer.

We started off with Miss Grace successfully escaping Junior High. The girls attended EFY in Normal and had the opportunity to spend time with friends. As for Catie, she spent lots of time with friends since she wasn't quite old enough for EFY. Mike and I rode in a parade with my parents and their award winning car (1st in the Antique Car Division). We had a visitor from home and took her to the County Fair, we had fun and the girls spent lots of time in the fun zone. We went to California Disney, do they intend on having a theme park focusing on each of the 50 states? Finally, there was swimming in the ocean with Grandpa, which I think was enjoyed by all. All in all, we had a pretty good summer. And, in the end, I think we all had highs and lows this summer and are looking forward to the new school year and all that it brings with it, a senior year, a freshman year and the end of the Junior High era. I just keep reminding myself, "What doesn't kill us makes a stronger". I hope you enjoyed your summer as much as we enjoyed ours.

Memory Tag!!

Memory Tag!
MEMORY TAG!!!I haven't done anything like this before, so I hope it works. Tag...You're it!1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

I stole this off of my sister-in-law' Amy's blog. I only ask that you stay away from any malfunctioning bodily fluid memories. Like the phrase, "I'm spilling!", some will understand and others be glad that you don't.

I know that I haven't posted much but I promise to post with new pics this weekend. And, we survived the earthquake!! Thanks, Jen

A Visitor Among Us.

This week we have a visitor. Eliza's friend has come to visit us from Illinois. She arrived last weekend and has spent the last week being shuttled from one end of the state to the other. They have spent time at the beach, the county fair, swimming and getting lost on various trips. We spent yesterday at the county fair. It was alot of fun. We were all able to do something that we wanted. We looked at exhibits, the girls cruised the fun zone and we all had some of the tasty food of the fair. It turned out to be a really nice trip and luckily it cooled off in the evening with a nice breeze but not too cold. It has been fun having Liza's friend here. We have introduced her to several of the California specific foods. Things like, Del Taco, In-N-Out and See's Candy. So far she has enjoyed all of it. I think while we were living away from here that was what came up often was the differences in food. The fair was fun but the food was better.

Oh, I must add that the theme for the fair was "Say Cheese". There seemed to be lots of suggestions toward cheese but oddly enough there was no cheese to be found other than the cheese on a stick offered at the Hotdog On A Stick stand. I just want to say, that is so wrong!!

A Theif Among Us!!!!!

I must share with you all the harrowing experience I had this past weekend. I attended a dinner to celebrate my niece's birthday at a family style italian restaurant. The food was great. It was served family style. We had these ball things, I know that sounds bad but I can't remember what they were. They were breaded with herby cheese stuffing and had a marinara sauce that they were served with. YUM!! Then we had an italian chopped salad. This is where things went bad, BAD, BAD. Just prior to the salad being served the Big One sitting on the end explained that the olives had pits in them but they were very good. So, the salad comes, remember it's family style, and I spy an olive. So I serve up my salad and snag the olive. Woo Hoo. I got it. Then a distraction from my child at the other end of the mass of family. She wants a picture taken down the length of the table. Great. But, I was going to eat my olive. I'll take the picture then get to the olive. So, I get up and end up needing to take pics. for 2 different people. I get the job done. Sit down eat my salad and forget about the olive. Dinner comes, I get lemon chicken with a side of Alfredo. It looks yummy. So, I go to hand off my salad plate to server man and guess what. MY OLIVE, WHERE'S MY OLIVE. No, No, No. I didn't eat it and the pit did I. I think about it. Honestly, I was kinda tired and I was hungry. No, I didn't eat it. Think. Think. No, I Didn't Eat It. OK people at my table. WHERE'S MY OLIVE. There's denial all around. But, the denial comes quick. So, we ask again. WHERE'S MY OLIVE. Then, little sister thinks she's funny and tries to pass off some smashed looking poo thing from the floor as my beautiful green italian olive. FAT CHANCE SISTER. OK, last time.WHERE'S MY OLIVE. Big Sister nearly busts a gut and explodes with it. I ATE YOUR OLIVE. That is just soooo wrong. They ate my olive. Is there no justice in this world. So, dinner on Saturday was great and the restaurant was alot of fun. But, Damn, SHE ATE MY OLIVE. That is just not right. Cathy I know where you live and I am coming for my olive!!!!!!

Where Did The Time Go??

Well, the girls made it home from their wild week away. They came off the plane with stories about this person and that person. About water rides in Indiana, food choices in the dorm they stayed at and how everything was wonderful. Now, my anticipated arrival of the girls was that they would come off the plane with continual reminders of how they missed us, missed the dogs and they couldn't wait to come home. FYI, Didn't Happen!! They had a great time and yes, they probably did miss us but I haven't heard it yet and it's been a week. So, they had a great time and learned to navigate airports, address ticket counters regarding flight changes and rebook after continual delays. All in all, they did great flying and had a great time.

I started my new job. It has been kind of funny, the first week there was a holiday so 1 day of orientation, 3 days of work and 1 holiday. The second week one day of orientation and 4 days of work. So, this week we are aiming for actually working 5 days. The schedule isn't great but it's a job and I am enjoying most parts of it. So far, so good. The girls are still working on adjusting to me being gone but they did OK for the most part last week. Let's just hope they can keep it up. The sad part is that since I am starting in the midst of summer there will be no summer vacation this year. This is the first time in 12 or 14 years that I didn't get a vacation but there is always next year.

I hope you all have a great week!!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

I hope you all have a Great Independence Day!! Since we are missing 3 of our family of 5, Mike and I decided to get up early, something I never do on a weekend if at all possible, and we rode in the parade with my parents. You see, a few months ago my parents purchased a Model A Ford. It is something that they really enjoy toying with. This was the first parade for the new car. So, I was up by 6:30 and out the door around 7 am. We got to the parade and lined up with several others from their local Model A car club and we rode the parade route, waving our flags and yelling Happy 4th of July. But, before we got started in the parade they had a judging of the the entries. Something for Most Spirited Youth Group, Best Antique Car, Most Spirited Spiritual Group, and so on. Sooo, We Won. Well, we didn't win. My parents won. They won 1st place in Antique Cars. We were escorted by 3 girls from the local high school carrying our banner stating "Best Antique Car "(see pic). Anyway, my parents got their picture taken, received a trophy, were filmed by a local TV crew and have bragging rights for Best Car until the next parade and then we'll see what happens next time. Overall, we had a great time.

If you are wondering about the girls. They are all having a great time, calling home rarely, letting me know they are having a GREAT time, and letting me know that they aren't sure if they will be ready to come home tomorrow. Well, guess what. That doesn't really matter. I will be at the airport early and then some to pick up my babies tomorrow night. I sure am ready for them to be home.

I hope you all have/had a Great 4th of July.

Thursday Pretending To Be Friday

SORRYNO PICTURE THIS TIME. It is Thursday but since tomorrow is Independence Day it is a day off for those who are working. So, our Thursday is pretending to be Friday. Anyway, a quick update on our goings on. I started my job this week and so far so good. There is tons of info to remember but nothing rocket scientist like that I can't do. I do enjoy it and it's busy so I will never have a dull moment. There are tons of people whose names I need to learn, now if only everyone would wear their name badges it would be so much easier.

The girls are gone this week. It is funny, I thought I would hear from Cate everyday and I think I have heard from her the least. Last night was the first night that I heard from all 3 of them. Liza is having a great time getting reacquainted with her friends that she has missed so dearly. Grace has a roommate that she didn't know until the day she got there and she seems to be loving the whole experience. And, then there is Cate, Mike hates it when I call her Cate (Sorry Mike). Cate is loving her time with old friends. She has been able to catch up with everyone in the old neighborhood. She has had a great time. I know this because I hardly ever hear from her.

Well, I am off to work. Not the greatest post but it will have to do. By the way, since it is Thursday. The things I am most thankful for, this Independence Day eve. My Husband, my girls, our family, my freedom, my doggies that love me even though they are spending more and more time in the backyard and CHOCOLATE. Everything is OK with chocolate.

HAVE A GREAT INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

Don't Cry, Don't Cry, Don't Cry...

Don't Cry, Don't Cry, Don't Cry. I keep telling myself that as I help my 3 little ones pack to leave me for a week. I'm not sure why this is so hard for me. I've known they were going for a while now. They are more than capable of doing this and having fun while they are gone but, but, but, but they are supposed to miss me and I just don't know if that will happen. You see Saturday morning I will put my 3 babies on a big ole airplane and let them trapse off across the countryside for the next week. Actually, 2 are going to Especially For Youth and the youngest is going to stay with a friend.But they are all flying to the same destination. I just don't think they should go, at least they should not want to leave me so easily. They seem so excited, they just can't seem to go fast enough. What if they need me while they are there, they'll be thousands, yes THOUSANDS, of miles away. I don't know maybe they should stay home. That won't happen because then my babies would morph back into 3 teenagers who would hate me forever. I just want them to be safe, have a great time, make some incredible memories and maybe, just maybe, miss mommy a little. OK so they haven't called me mommy in many years. But, it seems like they were all born yesterday. I know, I know, I am babbling so how's this. Girls I hope you have the best time. But, please, miss mom just a little while your gone.

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho, off to work I go..

Yeah for me!! I finally did it, with a little help. I have 2 needle holes in my arm, gave bodily fluids to a stranger and get to fight morning traffic again on Wednesday to have someone look at a hole in my skin. All this so I can go to work. Yeah!! I finally got a job. It is the job that I was hoping to get. I did my new hire paperwork today and had a drug test and a physical which included a TB test. It wasn't bad but the blood work area is really sore. I am glad the experience of trying to find a job is behind me. It seemed like it was never going to happen and then when you just about give up, everything falls into place. My hours aren't regular hours but they are still conducive to our family so that is a good thing. Thanks everyone for your encouragement through this difficult time. ;)

By the way, I've been going through my old pictures and posting the ones that I like the best. So, no the seaweed has nothing to do with the job. I don't think it does, anyway.

What happened to the Lazy Days...

Well, we are exactly one week into summer. By now I had planned to have slept late at least once or twice. OK honestly, more like all but one or two days. But, this is ridiculous. We have been back and forth across 3 counties almost every day this last week. Up at the crack of dawn and home later and later every day. And, I can't tell you where all the girls have been. I just know that the last couple of days I had one home, then today I had 2 but the last I won't see till sometime Monday afternoon. I just want to know what happened to the lazy days of summer. We seem to have a calendar that is brimming throughout the month of July and into August and it hasn't even got here yet. I think it wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to pay more than 50 dollars to fill the van and then on top of that every time the van leaves the driveway it seems to drink down a 1/4 tank. Aargh, no wonder we always steal Liza's car every chance we get. Maybe we should ban the kids from anything that would require a car. That won't work, we have family in every county but our own. Oh well, it sounded nice.

It's TOO hot. OK, I know it's summer and all but this is ridiculous. We were driving home from one of our county hopping trips to support a cheerleader niece and it was 110 at 6 p.m. So, because it is so hot and I start my job in a week I decided to get my hair ever so slightly cut. So, I go into "cheap hair place" since as noted I start my job next week so I don't have the job funding yet, just the prospect that maybe in the future I can have funds in my wallet that don't jingle. Sorry, I am wandering. Anyway, went in to get my hair cut. Small place, near home, walk in and girl at counter is nice enough. Girl standing with her doesn't greet me or anything, that's fine, whatever. So, She says, Oh, this person will cut your hair. She take me back to her chair and I start to tell her what I want, 1/2 way through she says OK, OK, I got it. Let's go wash. And, that was the last thing she said to me, or anyone else for that matter. What happened to, how's your day, Man, it's hot. Or maybe even, Gee, it must be hot I think you stink. Geez, say something. I was worried at one point that maybe she was carving in the back of my hair. But, nothing, just clip, clip, clip, and then "there you go". OK, next time we bite the bullet and go to the nice place. The hair cut ended up getting revamped when I got home anyway. But, it will be better in a couple of weeks. After all, I just needed it to look a little better for the work badge picture on Monday, Thanks Lady. Oh well, I will look like I was on a tight budget before I started work and now I really appreciate my job.

So, basically it's really, really hot. My kids are wandering all over the county, state or country depending on who you are looking for and I get to start my new job soon. That my friends is my summer in a nut shell. I hope yours is just as fun!!

20 Wishes...

I recently read the Debbie Macomber book entitled, 20Wishes. It is a story about a group of women whose husbands have all recently passes away. They meet periodically to support each other in getting on with there lives. One day one of the women brings up the idea of starting a list of her 20 wishes. These can be as grand or minute as they wish them to be. Then through the course of the book they discuss their progress in working toward their wishes. Some require nothing more than going out and buying what you want, some require taking classes and some require a bit of divine intervention. But, what you gain from the book is that if you stay focused on what you really want it is entirely attainable. So, I have decided to work on a list of my wishes. I seem to be slightly mired with what my day to day needs are and how to go about fulfilling those wishes. But, with a little effort I will get my list done. I'm thinking of using a journal to keep the list and see how I do. Unfortunately, I am currently the supplier of wishes for 3 others right now so I think my wish list may be a little slow in the process. But, hopefully if I focus it will come about. I will focus and we'll see how I do.

Now for bigger and better news. I finally got a job. It is the first job that I applied for, it seems that some large companies take time. I was beginning to think that it was never going to happen but I tried to be patient and things have worked out very well. I will do paperwork and take a physical next week and then I will start after that. I am excited to start working so that I can put some of our debt behind us and change living from day to day to having a future. Things seem messy now but will hopefully get better as time moves forward. Now I need to focus on getting things ready for work. Clothes, the house, things of that nature.

We celebrated Grace's graduation and Mike's birthday this weekend. I think everyone had a good time. We barbecued on the birthday gift. That didn't go as smoothly as planned. I think we need to practice more before we barbecue for anyone else. Grace had a great time, she loved her graduation and enjoyed seeing family. I think everyone had a good time and there was a ton of food so if anyone went hungry it was there fault for not getting themselves something. Next party will be at someone else's house. I have hosted a couple now and would like to be the guest for a change. Besides my house isn't that big and always ends up busting at the seams.

Enjoy your week! Jen

Happy Father's Day!

Well, Father's Day is upon us and after being absent for the last 10 or so living far, far away in the mid west. I will finally get to spend Father's Day with my father. I hope we all can at least appreciate our father's today. So, is it Father, Dad, Daddy, Pop, Pa, Padre, Patriarch, Old Man, PaPa, or Poppy; Just what exactly do you call your father figure? I know as a little girl he was Daddy. Then, later he was Dad. And, pretty much that is who he is. He is someone who is always up for an adventure. As long as it no longer involves 20 below weather with sleet and snow. He is someone who enjoys a good dessert, good food, time with his girls and grand kids. He enjoys his toys, whether it's a car, a tool or a building block. He enjoys Fox News, why I don't know. And, a good nap in the chair. I hope this Father's day we all remember to appreciate our father's. I don't know about you but I know my dad is best. Love you Dad.

I hope you all have a great father's day.

Jen

Frustration is setting in...

So, we moved to Southern California 5 months ago. And, in that 5 months I have sent out what feels like 10,000 resumes, answered countless questions about my abilities and why I am here, I have had several call backs with a few additional interviews. Then there was that one time someone asked for my resume, had me fill out an application and told me it was a sure thing. Now 2 months later and that sure thing is still dangling around, undecided as of last week. Aargh!!I am so frustrated with looking for a job. I know that us being here costs more financially that where we were but I am beginning to feel like the emotional toll is more than I can handle. I get up in the morning and check all of the job boards on the computer. Then go searching through several large corporations and hospital and local governments that post jobs online. Then, a couple times a week I will go through the phone book calling local employment agencies. And so far this has used up an entire ream of paper, caused me go to through thousands of minutes on my phone, and depressed me beyond anything I thought I could sink to. OK so now what you ask. Well, we just get up in the morning and do it all over again hoping that none of my kids ever want to do anything this summer because at the rate of gas prices right now I am lucky if we can buy food when we need it. This really sucks right now.
Sorry for the depressing post but I do feel a little better now that I have vented.

The End Is Near!!

The end of the school year is upon us and I am sooo ready for it. We have spent the last month running in circles trying to get everyone to everything they are supposed to be at. All the time making sure that there is always a parent at each function where a parents face should be, with a smile.
This week, in particular, was like a parents final exam. We did O.K. but we did have one mistake so we don't finish our year off with an A, more like a B. We started on Monday attempting to get everything ready for the insane week. Grace finally had all of her classes straightened out from the move, not a minute too soon, after all there is only one week of school left. Tuesday Catie had an activity at church, Grace had her High School Band Parent Meeting, Eliza had her last choir concert of the year and Mike had meetings until about 10 at night in L.A. That meant that I was the solo parent and needed to be in 3 places at once. This is where I don't get an A. I got Catie a ride to church and went to the band parent meeting but I didn't get a chance to make it to the concert for Liza. And, Liza I am very sorry. I was planning on splitting my time that evening at the high school but this is our first high school band meeting ever and I had to go. Then there was Wednesday, another choir concert by Liza, I thought Mike was going but we didn't work out the logistics so no one went. I know, I know, Bad Mom. Then, Grace and Catie had to be at the theatre by 5 for the last band concert of the year. A movie themed concert where they played different songs from movies and played the movie on the theatre screen. It was very good. And, you got to have a popcorn and soda while you watched. Then, came Thursday. I had mistakenly volunteered to chaperon the Jr. High band at Disneyland for 12 hours. I will not make this mistake again, you only make this mistake once . I was one of several, and basically the kids were loose in the park for a few hours then took a workshop "backstage" for a couple of hours, they get a group pic. and a t-shirt, and then a few more hours in the park. Then, there was Friday, down the home stretch, the Jr High band played the National Anthem at the local minor league game. It was a blast! The kids did really great then stayed for the game sitting in a section all together. Several of my family members went and it was a lot of fun. Then Saturday my only real parent responsibility was to make sure that Liza made it to her SAT test. That only entailed making sure she was up and in her car on time and really I just rolled over asked Mike if he had it taken care of, which he replied yes to so I rolled over and got another hour of sleep. Whoosh. Like I said it was a long week and we are all tired but there are only 4 more days of school left and then Liza will be a Senior, on her last year of high school, the tears are forming; Grace will graduate from Jr High and officially be a Freshman; Catie will be on her last year of Jr High and her last year of school by herself. So now what are we going to do all summer. I hope I can just keep the kids from only having one thing to do at a time. Wish me luck.

Do Not Give Your Kid A Weird Name

I was watching a TV show this morning when a group of triplets were introduced. Their names were all rhyming and were alterations of other things like Candy Wrapper. This is just wrong. We need to think about every conceivable way a name can be butchered and twisted before we tag a child with it. I know that when I was pregnant with my girls I worked hard at checking not only their names but making sure that their initials didn't turn into some kind of bad 3 letter word like BUT or GAG. Kids can be mean and twist things easily enough into unkind words. I remember growing up and being called Dumb bar, Dumb butt, if you could twist Dumb or Bar into it I probably got tagged with it.

We have to watch out for naming kids things that have some kind of sexual innuendo, also. For example, the girl on The Seinfeld show whose name rhymed with a body part and Jerry spent the entire show trying to remember her name by rhyming every body part he could think of. Then there are those parents who want to get creative and come up with new names by pulling a bunch of consonants and vowels together and call it a name.

There are also the people who come up with what they call "a more original spelling". People, admit it, you spelled it wrong and now you are stuck with a constant reminder that you can't spell. And, your poor kid is stuck constantly correcting others who are spelling their names correctly and have to be told to misspell it. Besides didn't you want one of those license plates for your bike when you were a kid. How can your kid have one if they have some twisted up name. They are going to end up with #1 Kid on theirs. We all know what their issue is.

Come on, cut your kids a break. Use a book, find a name, check and see if it rhymes with any body parts or body functions and if it passes the test, your kid has a name.

Changing The Subject Completely, I just want to tell Miss Liza, Job Well Done!! She finished her first High School Musical tonight and she was THE BEST Lavendar Bird I have ever seen. Congrats, Kiddo, YOU ROCKED!!

Fabulous Fridays

Today wasn't too bad until my alarm clock went off. Oldest was tired and not moving fast enough to get to school on time and needed a bonfire lit under her. Second earned me a trip to the associate principals office and the last, well, she just won't bring her instrument home. Aargh.

So, what REALLY went on today. Well, Everyone was up and moving by 6:30 but for some of us that is nowhere near enough time to get hair straightened, teeth brushed, makeup done and breakfast eaten. So, they tend to forfeit the breakfast part. I know June Cleaver would never not feed her kids a hot breakfast but we all know, June Cleaver I am not. So, Oldest got to school with about 3 minutes to spare. There will be no skipping class today because musical participants don't perform if they are absent. As for the trip to the Principal's office. It wasn't near as bad as an earlier visit I had with him regarding something different. Personally I think he is just way over due to retire and is out of touch with society. But, there was no bullying today, and he was helpful in helping Second pull herself together and exit Jr High on a pretty decent note. But, there are still a few weeks and I know as well as anyone that leaves plenty of time for mishaps and misdeeds. I think really she is just burned out and has so much going on this summer she lost focus. Now as for last not ever bringing a flute home. The problem here in lies with the fact that she plays her piccolo the same as her flute so I guess it works. I just find the flute much easier on the eardrums and the dogs.

This weekend is a bag of mixed events -
- Saturday morning we will help with a funeral . I have a double recipe of a green bean dish to make. The girls are going to help receive and prepare the dishes that come in over the course of a couple of hours, while a couple of moms work on setting up for the family to have lunch. The only difficulty hear is the projected heat, 106. It is just such a sad situation.
- Saturday afternoon we have a Graduation Party for multiple family getting degrees, one a bachelors the other a masters. We are bringing potato salad. I know what you are thinking, don't do it with that heat. Well, we were given this as an assignment so that is what we will bring. I learned a long time ago not to stray from the specific request. The family is having a barbecue in the backyard, I think it will be more like being in the barbecue.
- Saturday evening Oldest wraps up her first week of Musical. She has loved it so far. But, she is definitely getting a little worn out from the late night practices.
- Sunday is the actual Graduation. But, at this point I am just not sure if we are supposed to be going or not. I guess we will wrestle for tickets at the barbecue.

All the while I am still trying to find a job after moving here. It just is not a good time to be looking for a job. The job search has me burnt out and discouraged. I have found myself rallying this week though. Since the passing of the man from church, I have found that I am thankful for my situation and it is not near as bad as could be. I am thankful that those are not the shoes I am walking in.

We'll get through the weekend and Monday is a new week with a 3 day weekend at the end. Yeah!!

Forward from here...
Well, I guess this is where I will start from....We recently moved back to California after living in Illinois for the last nearly 10 years. I am still not sure that this was the best idea but we are here and as the post title suggests - Forward from here... We are adjusting to being in a house smaller than we were in, schools that have made it clear that they don't need new students and fellow church members that seem to be very busy with them selves. I never thought that this move would be this hard, but it is. It has been as hard or harder than the move 10 years ago when we packed 3 little kids up and took them away from their grandparents to go live somewhere far, far away. Well, I think I have decided, that was a great place to be and I can't seem to get acclimated to being here. Just how long will it take me to get used to being here because I think I am running out of patience. For now we go Forward From Here....A forlorn Illifornian