Chapters In The Wallace Chronicles

Thank you Lesbians!

2010-11-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the lesbians riding together on a motorcycle who thought it appropriate to make out while we were stopped at a traffic light behind you. My six year old daughter didn't quite know what to think about that. Although to your credit, neither of you looked like women - but you didn't look like men either......how do you explain THAT one to a six year old? Confusing.

2010-10-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Holy moly! It's been a long time since I last posted! Oops. Now that I'm unemployed and should have all this "free time" I thought maybe I should start again.

I've been officially unemployed for 2 months now, and I'm finding that my dream of being a stay-at-home-mom isn't as glamorous as I imagined! I've always worked, and since having Gracie and Jacob, I've wished I didn't have to! Why is it, now that I'm given the opportunity - if even for a short while - it's not as great as I've imagined? There's still stress! Maybe it's self-imposed, but there still the same! It could be the lack of finances? And the stress of finding another job?

There are perks to my plight though - Jacob and I have snuggle dates to watch the "NeverEnding Story" and "Hook". And it IS baking season now! And with the weather changing to cold and gloomy I can stay in my sweats (don't tell Mike) and bask in it's beauty!! As I write this I hear the light rain pitter-patter outside the patio door! Lovliness!

So, I'll enjoy my "time-off", self-imposed stress and all, and faithfully pray that God will send a perfect job my way!

2010-01-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

SEE PREVIOUS POST BELOW BEFORE READING!!!!

Tonight I had to run to Rite Aid to get an emergency re-stocking of diapers because we only had one left in the hosue ! I didn't want to drive all the way to Target - even though I had coupons for Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers. So instead, I sat down and 10 minutes later had a handful of coupons to take with me Rite Aid. This was a great trip!!

Spent $20.54

Saved $22.43!!!

Holy Cow! I saved MORE than I SPENT!! My shopping list was as follows:

2 each Maybelline Eyeliner - one black the other brown

1 each Maybelline Mascarra

1 each Huggies Jumbo pack of Diapers

1 each bottle of Tylenol - 250 count (the biggest one you can find - besides Costco)

Eyeliners were normally $3.49 each

Mascara was normally $5.19

Huggies Diapers were normally $11.99

Tylenol was normally $15.99

I know it doesn't look like alot, but the stuff I bought was expensive without coupons! So, really, I got the Tylenol and Mascara for free!! This was just kind of a spur-of-the-moment trip because of the diaper emergency. And, for the record, I DID need all of these purchases..... :)

This week I need to make a trip to Walgreens, Target, and probably another trip to Rite Aid.

Oh, I did want to mention that I have two previous shopping trips that resulted in quite a bit of savings - one to Walgreens and the other to Rite Aid - but forgot to save my receipts, so I can't give the details!

2010-01-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Hey? Remember me? It's been so long since I last posted, I'm sure anyone who used to follow my little blog has long forgotten me! There have been many times I have wanted to sit down and share things that are going on in life, but finding the time - without interruptions - has been difficult, to say the least! But I am so excited about an endeavor I have recently started, I wanted to share!

About 3 months ago, when visiting my Grandma, she mentioned something about coupons and how much money she saved. She walked me out to her pantry, in the garage, and pointed to individual item and told me how much she bought each of them for, and how much money she saved by using coupons. That got me curious........

So I started doing some research online, and have recently mastered (well, almost) the world of coupons! I don't mean to brag......well......yes I do - because I'm very proud of myself, but instead let my friend and family know that there are great potentials out there to save ALOT of money - especially in this challenging economy.

I'm going to try and keep a blog of how much money I save with each shopping trip - if nothing else, just to keep track of it myself!

So to begin:

Thursday, January 21 Jacob and I, with coupons in hand, started out to Target. Best to get there early, especially with a 2 year old boy, because there aren't as many shoppers yet! So here goes:

Spent $31.14

SAVED $27.91 !!!

I realized early on in my coupon adventure, that just because it was on sale, and a good deal, doesn't mean that I should buy it! The first shopping trip did result in wasted money, because I bought items that weren't part of our usual necessities. Since then, I have tried to be very consciences about what I actually put in my cart - great deal or not!

I will list the items, if not too many, I purchased on each trip so you can see I'm not buying "junk". May Target trip was as follows:

2 each cans of Emerald Almonds

3 each cans of Progresso canned soup

1 each container of Argo Corn Starch

2 each bottles of Method Hand Soap

2 each bottles of Nivea Body Wash (my NEW FAVORITE!)

1 each box of Glad Garbage bags - 35 count

1 each bottle of Men's Irish Spring Body Wash

1 each bottle of Cascadian Dish Detergent

1 each Oscar Meyer Lunchable and 1 each Vitamin Water (Jacob got hungry)

2 each Surf Powder Laundry Detergent - 40 loads each

So, I was proud of myself! I almost saved as much as I spent! I can't imagine paying full price on this stuff!

Ditzy Mom Part 1

2009-08-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a phone call from a mother of one of Gracie's preschool friends, asking for our address so she could mail a birthday invitation to us. Diana, the mother, explained with her very thick Spanish accent, that Carolina has been missing Gracie very much and would love for us to come. After trying to communicate with each other for 10 minutes, it was finally agreed she would mail us an invitation and we would see her at the birthday party!

So, indeed, we received the invitation 3 days later, and pinned it up on the fridge. I had it in my head all week that I needed to plan ahead and shop for a birthday present so I wouldn't be rushed at the last minute (which is usually the case). I made sure to communicate with Mike about the party, so he knew what our plans were for the day. As a family, we left the house at 9:45 this morning to do some errands, came home and rested, then Gracie and I did our hair, makeup, and changed our clothes, to go to the party. We looked up directions to the house on MapQuest, loaded up the gift, and left the boys at home. Carolina's house is on the complete opposite side of town, which took about 15 minutes to drive. As I turned the last corner onto the street where her house was, I noticed there were no other cars. What the heck? My first thought was that I felt sorry for Carolina - how come nobody showed up? Gracie and I were 25 minutes "fashionably late", so there should have been a lot of people here already, at least family?! I parked the car in front of the house, checked the invitation to make sure we had the right house, and started to get out. I poked my head back into the car to take one more look at the invitation....right time?....yes, 3:00pm. Okay! "Gracie, get out of the car and grab the gift please." I walked around to the other side of the car to help Gracie out and grabb my purse, ready to walk up to the house. Um, one more time, I stuck my head in the passenger's side and looked at the invitation...Saturday or Sunday?...Yes, Saturday. Hmmmmm. Still wondering why on earth no one is here? Gracie asks me which house it is, which I confirm to her, and starts walking toward the gate on the porch. I open the car door to check the invitation ONCE more. YEP!!! There it was....the party is actually NEXT SATURDAY! ! August 29, NOT the 22. "GRACIE!!" I yelled! "Hurry up and jump in the car before anybody sees us!! NOW!!" Of course, Gracie is looking at me like my head had caught on fire, and just stood there with this polka-dot birthday bag that's as big as she is, with pink tissue exploding out of it. "What?! Why Mom? What are you doing?" I tried to keep my voice in check, but also convey the urgency, "PLEASE just GET in the CAR!"

After putting the car in Drive and pulling away from the house, I looked back to double-check nobody saw us! How embarrassing would that have been if we had really walked up to the house, knocked, and said, "We're here!! Happy Birthday! Where IS everyone?"

I can't help but laugh at myself - how much stupider can a mom get? Gracie isn't as amused, sitting in the passenger's side with her arms crossed, glaring at me like I just accidentally put her favorite stuffed animal, Goldy, in the garbage disposal. She can't contain her irritation (and disappointment) anymore and exclaims "You're a GOOFBALL, MOM!!!" Which, of course, she got in trouble for - but she's not half wrong. I had to make it up to her by treating her to Starbucks.

At least I'm well prepared for NEXT Saturday! I've already got the gift, AND I already know how to get there!

Summer Update

2009-08-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't updated this crazy blog in FOR-EVER! It's been a busy summer, but I still don't have much of an exciting life to blog as often as I'd like! We went on our annual week-long camping vacation to Morro Bay in July. My best friend, Melissa, her husband, and two boys came along for two nights - which was a blast! We enjoyed the cool weather and lots of time on the beach!

We've taken the travel trailer to the mountains a couple of times to escape the valley heat and filthy air. Jacob and Gracie are right at home in the mountains - where baths and schedules are non-existent! Not much rest was included in these mini-vacations for Mike and I, as we were chasing the kids and trying to keep up with them, but at least they got getting fresh air and experienced the great outdoors like Mike and I did as kids - making memories!

Let's see, what else? Lots of playing on the Slip-n-slide, swimming in Nana's pool, and getting tan (for the kids, at least).

Last week our little neighborhood enjoyed National Night Out, which is a Neighborhood Watch program. All our neighbors meet at our house and we share food and fellowship! The kids really enjoy this because the police and fire department make appearances and let the kids crawl in and out of their cars and fire trucks! Jacob was in awe of the yellow fire truck! They role in the neighborhood with lights and sirens - I wish I had a videotape of Jake's eyes when they turned the corner...and then stopped right in front of us! He loved it! He enjoyed trying on their helmets and sitting in the "captains" seat!

Gracie has been eagerly anticipating starting Kindergarten this school year. Her first day was today! She is so excited to be able to ride the bus home from school - I don't think she's been this excited since we went to Disneyland last December.

I'm going to try and post a slide show of photos of the things we did this summer - I've never done it before, so it might take some time!

I Give Up

2009-06-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day. Mike invited two couples over to our house last week, and I guess I took cleaning the house for company a little too serious. I don't know why I let the stress of company get to me, but I did. I lost my temper. Yesterday I spent a good part of the day washing windows, cleaning the kitchen, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms - only to wake up this morning with a list of more chores that needed to be done - and my body ached! How does this house get so grimy when it feels like all I do is clean? I try and look at my house as a visitor would, and then I'm able to see the grossness of it. I admit, I was overwhelmed: So much to do, and not enough time or energy. After church we rushed home and again I started with the list I had in my head...the company would be here in 1-1/2 hours, and I still needed to make the food for company. I didn't feel Mike was helping - as quickly as he should be, and I was picking up after him and the kids for at least the fifth time - it got to me, and I yelled at Gracie, making her cry. Yes, I felt bad, but there were things that still needed to get done! Is that OCD, or what? Well, my attitude led Mike and I to fight, quite loudly. Not something I'm proud of. I'm overwhelmed, with life in general, and I guess it was the straw that broke the camel's back today. Needless to say, the time spent with company was not all that enjoyable, neither was the rest of the day after they left (our house a disaster, again.). Oh well. Who the hell cares, right? So, after the consequences of being overly concerned about the cleanliness of my house, and my life's stress, I've decided to give up. I'm not going to worry about having a perfect house - not that it ever is, but it is enough to make my brain be quiet. I give up. I've decided the happiness of myself and Gracie and Jacob is more important. Because believe it or not, on my Thursday's, when I stay home, I spend most of my day cleaning, despite my children's begging to play outside or go on a walk.....but not anymore. I haven't figured out how to quiet the voices in my head that won't rest until I feel comfortable my house is "clean", but I will!! No more. So, if you come over and see dishes piled up, and mold growing, just be happy for me! Know that I feel no stress and am FINALLY enjoying the important things..Gracie and Jake. Who the hell cares, I give up.

Not That Great

2009-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have sat down at least three times lately to write a new blog - and half-way through I get interrupted. It seems my kids are unable to play by themselves for longer than 3 minutes at a time. This frustrates me! Which leads me to the point of this blog:

Is it normal that I don't like my children at times? Is there such a thing as "burn-out", like eating too much of something, with your own children? I know this sounds just awful, and I don't like feeling this way, but I find myself needing my own "time-out" in the midst of dealing with the drama, fighting, whining, and demands. I have to look into their eyes and see the precious little soul there, and close my eyes and listen to their sweet voices (when they aren't whining) - than I can't help but love them - but my patience are thin and I'm drained. I've tried to analyze what the real reason is for my lack of patience and the stress I feel - but can't think of anything that really bothers me. I started going to a woman's Bible study on Monday nights, and I think maybe this will help my sour attitude. We are going to be studying the book of Ruth for the next 10 weeks - and the theme is "It's Hard Being A Woman".....yeah, this is probably just what I need. An attitude adjustment. So I think I'm being prepared for what the Bible study is going to show me - feeling like this makes me realize I need God, constantly.

But at least I've been able to finish a blog this evening - that's a step in the right direction.

The pictures are from our recent camping trip.

2009-05-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

This blog my not be appropriate for all readers. Reader's discretion is advised...Especially men.

Okay, you've been warned, so if you're still reading I assume you aren't easily offended! Please continue:

The day started off as any other normal weekday, except it was Friday, which doesn't matter much until 4:00pm, because it's still work as usual. I hit the snooze button every five minutes for 30 minutes, and finally dragged my tired butt out of bed at 6:30am. I slumped into the kitchen to scrounge a clean coffee cup, and poured myself a great big cup of black coffee. Nodded to Mike, who was sitting in his recliner in the living room, as I made my way back to the bedroom. Set my coffee on the window sill, and crawled back into bed to snuggle with Jacob for just one more minute.....3o minutes later I jumped out of bed and into the shower and quickly completed my routine: wash hair, condition hair, wash body, brush teeth, rinse hair. Nothing special today - didn't feel like shaving - I think I did that yesterday, or was it the day before? Got dressed, did makeup, blow-dried hair, got kids dressed, threw some leftover mac & cheese and two bananas into my purse for the kids' lunch...I don't think I fed them breakfast yet. Oh well, maybe they won't notice. Oh wait!...Gracie and Jacob did eat an apple for breakfast while they watched Arthur in my bed - the evidence is still there - chewed up bits of apple that Jacob had spit out, that now decorate my bed sheets. That will be nice to come home to tonight. No, I didn't have time to make my bed this morning, in case you were wondering.

I managed to make it to work "on time", somewhere between 8:30 and 9:00. My sister pulled into the parking lot just about the time I did and Jacob ran to greet her. I heard the birds chirping in the tree above and thought to myself what a good day it was going to be. My Mom happened to be walking through the parking lot between the warehouse and the office at the same time and stopped a second to chat. She mentioned something about having a doctor's appointment later in the afternoon.........

Uh, yeah, then it hit me. I had totally forgotten about my "annual appointment" that was scheduled for this morning at 10:30am. Geeze, these visits only happen once a year, am I really expected to remember them? Okay, so now the realization of what this really means begins to sink in...........

I haven't shaved my legs in a couple of days - let alone some other very important anatomy, I haven't had a pedicure in who know how long?, and I'm not mentally prepared for this - especially so early in the morning!

I start to form my plan: I'll leave work 10 minutes early. I'll run home and quickly shave my legs and "other areas", put some clean white socks in my purse (yucky feet, remember?), spray some nice smelling body spritz "all over", and do a quick inspection of the parts that will have center stage - making sure everything is squeaky-clean. This plan worked like a charm! I even managed to touch-up my lipstick and mascara - and still made it on time!

As I walked into the doctor's office, I felt pretty confident! I had faith that all my areas had been appropriately groomed and ready for inspection. I walked up to the receptionist's window, and Rachel gave me some paper work to fill out to update my file. I had only just sat down and found a pen in the bottom of my purse, when I heard my name being called. Wow! That was fast! It's my turn already! The nice little nurse escorted me to an evil apparatus, more frequently known as a scale, made record of my weight, and gestured me to follow her. Oh man! I hate this exam room she's leading me to. I don't know why, but I prefer the other room - but it looks as though it already has a guest.

She asks me to take a seat on the exam table while she asks the usual questions: "What form of contraception are you currently using?", "Are you taking any prescription drugs?", blah, blah. While she takes my blood pressure, we talk about her mom turning 50 and the surprise party she's throwing for her tonight, yeah okay, let's just get on with this! She instructs me to undress completely, put on the robe and please let the opening face the front, oh, and do I need to empty my bladder before my pap smear? "Sure", I reply, "Why not?" I walked the five steps out of my exam room to the restroom, and pee. I reach for some toilet paper and quickly think about how much effort I put into making sure my "parts" where "just so". As I think this thought, I also think how ironic it would be to have this toilet paper fall apart as I wipe and leave little bits of white tissue as souvenirs of my trip to pee. WHATEVER!....You know that's just what's happened! I sat there with legs spread open, looking at the mess I had just created, and said out loud "YOU'RE KIDDING ME? This did NOT just happen?" Okay, well, let's just clean it up and get out of here, I've got to get back to work, you know. But these evil bits of tissue aren't budging! They're stuck! I franticly grab another handful of dry toilet paper and try again. Ahhh! More bits! It looks like I just wiped my booty with a handful of dryer lint after a load of whites - this is just not acceptable. What am I going to tell my doctor during his examination? Is he going to look up at me over the sheet draped over my knees and sternly ask, "Audrey, do we need to talk about proper hygiene and sanitation?" I've only got 30 more seconds, at best, to be in the restroom, before my doctor and nurse start wondering what's taking me so long. I hop up from the toilet, waddle to the sink, grab a paper towel, get it wet in the sink, and hope for the best. I think it's working, but now I need to make sure there's none of this bastard tissue, that has given me a headache in the last 90 seconds, left behind. After all, just one little souvenir is an offender, right? So, my next mission - make sure everything is just as it was before this brilliant idea to pee - holy shit! - I didn't need to pee that bad anyway! With my pants at my ankles, I try to put my head between my legs to get a better view, but loose my balance and hit my head on the sink. This isn't going to end good, is it? "Okay, just breath", I tell myself, even though I've only got 15 seconds before I have GOT to make an exit. I've got an idea! I'll sneak a quick peak with my compact mirror when I go back to my exam room. Deal! I pulled up my pants, washed my hands, and walked out of the restroom. And yes, just as I thought, I could see my doctor out of the corner of my eye, standing at his station making notes, just 10 feet away from the restroom - and yes, he was waiting for me to go into my exam room - it was my turn.

Now, I know I have GOT TO HURRY! I have got to get undressed, put on my clean white socks, put on my gown, and grab the compact mirror out of my purse, sneak a peak, hop on the table, and act like everything is just fine! I am so worried he will walk in as I'm examining myself and say to me quite sympathetically, "Audrey, my dear, that's MY job!"

As I'm undressing, I remember last year's exam.....horrible memory......my doctor didn't give me enough time to get undressed, and walked in on me half-naked. Yeah, that was kinda awkward. So, I KNOW I must focus and remain cool to get this done. Thankfully, the damage control I'd done with the paper towel did the trick - Everything was just fine down there! I threw the mirror back in my purse and hopped up on the exam table - just in time.

After all this...after he's done with his job....I have to sit there, naked, making sure my gown is covering everything, and talk to him for 10 minutes, looking him in the eye no less, about the different options for birth control.

I tell you what, I sure hope this is building "character", because if it's not, it's just not worth it. And even though the morning started out "as usual", I pray this part of my day isn't any indication of the rest of the day...what else did I forget about?

Huh? I don't get it!

2009-04-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

What's with all the hype about this Swine flu? I don't understand what the big deal is? Um, yeah, so it's a virus...you have the same symptoms of a "normal" flu: vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, headache, aches. So what? Why is the media marketing it like it's the next cancer? I looked on the Center of Disease Control official website today and noticed they were keeping track of how many "confirmed" cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) there are in America, and to my surprise there have been only 91 cases, only one of which resulted in death. Are you kidding me??? Only 91 cases in ALL OF AMERICA? I'm sorry, but maybe I see things much differently than most. Oh! Wait...it's called COMMEN SENSE. I did a little snooping on the internet to compare some statistics to put this swine flu "pandemic" into perspective. This is what I found: In the United States there are an estimated 25 - 50 MILLION cases of the "normal" flu reported each year. There is an estimated 300,000 - 500,000 deaths in the world blamed on influenza each year. Come on now! So, the media is terrifying everyone because there has been ONE death so far? And only 91 confirmed cases of this swine flu as of 11:00 am (according to the Center of Disease Control) this morning? The Center for Disease Control's website stated there was an average somewhere between 36,000 - 52,000 deaths in the United States from flu-related causes and complications each year. Okay, so if 36,000 deaths are reported each year in the U.S., that would mean 98.63 people die EACH DAY - and we don't often think twice about this flu - certainly not in the "pandemic" sense anyway!! So why the scare? What's behind it? Quite frankly, I'd be more concerned about what's in the antiviral drugs they want to inject into your body! I just don't understand why this swine flu, that again, has the same "symptoms" of seasonal influenza, has made the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declare a public health emergency?? Ugh!! Why are we so easily brainwashed??

So, my opinion, in case you're interested?? Do some research. Don't let yourself be part of the blind masses that rely on the media to spoon-feed them misleading information!! I will sleep well tonight - After all, my God is in control anyway.

So Glad It's Friday!

2009-04-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to express how happy I am today is Friday! The reason?...I don't have to work tomorrow..or the next day. We have been having some issues at work with personalities (well, really just one) that are WAY hard to be around. And a break from that stress is most welcome!

Enough about that!

I have been promising to take Gracie to see the Hannah Montana movie - so, tomorrow is the special day! This is a sacrifice on my part - we watch Hannah Montana's show at least three times a week while I am getting dinner ready...that's more than enough for me! At least the theater is in the Tulare Outlet Mall, so maybe I'll just HAVE to see what kind of sales they have! Gracie is excited though. Mike and I have decided I need to spend more quality alone-time with my daughter. So much of our normal everyday lives revolve around the baby. Without realizing it, Gracie is told "no" quite often because of the effect her actions will have on Jacob. For example, Gracie will want to play in the backyard, but Momma says no because Jacob will have to follow. He tries to keep up with her and climb the jungle-gym and I'm affraid he'll fall and break his neck. And if I let her go out alone, he stands at the screen and cries because he can see her! All this is too much for my already stressed psyche after a day at work and trying to make dinner, so Grace is forced to do things that make my life easier - it's not fair, and I feel bad. Anyway, giving Gracie some special attention makes me a better mom and affirms she is a very important part of this family. I'll make sure to rate the movie for you so you can either rush out and see it, or just skip it!

Where do the days go?

2009-04-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

Just taking a quick moment to jot some stuff down before the kids and I run out the door to Fresno. We are taking my mother-in-law to some government office in Fresno to renew her Greencard. Yipee! That means I have an excuse to see Melissa and my favorite boys!

We are getting ready for Easter! Last Sunday we attended a pre-Easter pancake breakfast and Easter-Egg hunt at church. This was Jacob's first experience with the whole egg thing. It was really funny to watch him...once he discovered what kind of treasures where in those funny colored eggs, he was motivated to pick up as many as he could and hand them to Mommy!

Gracie is on spring-break this week, which means life slows down just a bit...no preschool, no dance class, and no AWANAs, which means we spend a lot less time in the truck!

I'll post pictures of Easter this coming weekend! We're looking forward to a beautiful day with family and good food to celebrate our Savior rising from the dead! Got to jump in the shower so we can get out of the door on time!

2009-03-31T17:54:00.001-07:00

News on the Wallace Home Front:

Not much.

I have had this very irritating cough for the last two weeks - and last weekend I was very fortunate to have the flu. Luckily the rest of the family hasn't shown any signs of coming down with the same.

We had Gracie's fifth birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's last Thursday - I don't know if I'll do that again! It was convenient for the mess part, but I felt bad for the kids and parents because everyone was pretty much on their own! I tried to make sure Gracie played a little with each of her guests, but talk about chaos!! Gracie had a great time though, so I guess that made it a success!

The weekdays still seem to fly by so quickly. Mike works late two days of the week and has a men's study on two other days, so needless to say, my nights are hectic.

That's all I have time for at this moment!....Mike just called and is on his way home from work...now we are going to go on a family outing to Costco!!

Oops!

2009-03-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I realize there is no excuse for not posting in over a month! Life has been a bit crazy lately! And since the weather has been so agreeable we find ourselves out and about much more -especially considering the time change and longer sunshine! The kids want nothing else than to be outside playing tag and going on walks around the neighborhood.

During the last month we have enjoyed a few "adventures". Mike and I attended the Modest Mouse Concert at the Fox Theatre in Visalia. Most have no idea what or who this is - so just to put your mind at ease, Modest Mouse is quite a famous Indie-Rock band...And it was very unusual they would find their way to Visalia!

We went on a family camping trip to Morro Bay!...My most favorite place to be! Gracie, our little Mermaid, loves the beach just like her Momma! Jacob, on the other hand, has a few issues he'll need to work out! He hates sand on his feet, thinks the water is way too cold, and when walking on the sand (against his will), will not step on anybody's footprints! He had to find his own path on undisturbed sand. It was entertaining watching him think this one out as he planned his path!

We've taken a few drives to Three Rivers to enjoy the spring flowers and green landscape. And of course, Reimer's ice cream!

So, it's been the beginning of a very nice spring! Gracie and I are now trying to figure out what kind of party we want to have for her 5th birthday!

Always Go With Your Gut!

2009-02-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, Mike calls me at work and asks what our plans are for the evening. Being that it's Friday, we both would like to get out of the house and do something fun with the family. He suggests we go out to dinner and have Chinese food. Okay, I guess. Chinese food doesn't really fit into my diet, but it does sound good. So we agree! And let me just add here, going out to dinner has not been something we have been able to do very often because of budget restraints, so this is kind of exciting!

Mike gets home from work late, at 6:00pm, and I get the kids re-dressed (clean clothes) and pile them into the car. Now the question, "Which Chinese restaurant should we go?" Canton, China Garden, Kow Loon's, Gozen, all of which are tried and true. Nope, Mike suggests we try this new Chinese restaurant called Taste of Asia. Let me provide just a little background:

Taste of Asia is a small, one-room building on a dark corner, next to a car lot and lumber yard. Not necessarily where you would expect to find an eating establishment. It used to be a balloon and flower shop. Taste of Asia has had their name on this building for over a year, but has never opened, which I thought was strange. On the way home from work a week ago, Mike noticed they had finally opened, which prompted his request to try it. I protested, of course, and we agreed to go to Canton's, which we new had okay food. With the exception of the owner having a huge mole on her cheek, with a very long gray hair growing out of it, Canton's is a safe choice! But we drove by and it seemed to be quite busy. Alright, so Mike gets his way - we drive a couple of blocks to the "Unknown".

We unload the kids and walk in Taste of Asia through the back door, which is next to the kitchen. I sneak a peak to get an idea of what we're about to dare. It's a tiny kitchen, with two men diligently cooking. It looks clean - check! The cooks looked Asian - check! The food they had out looked fresh - Check! But, as I mentiond earlier, it's a one-room dinning room with five tables, and looks a bit like something out of the movie "The Shining". I still try and have an open mind. We are greeted by a very young, not too attractive, young lady who shows us to our table. We sit down and I take a moment to look around at two other parties, brave souls, one of which is already eating, the other is waiting for their food. They look like almost normal people, so again, I'll keep an open mind.

We wait quite awhile for our food to come. I ordered shrimp and mixed vegetables, Mike ordered shrimp and mushrooms, and we ordered a combo plate for the kids to share. Okay, so here's my second clue I won't be coming back: we ask for Soy Sauce. The young waitress quickly and happily complies, runs back to her station and brings back "to go" packets of Soy Sauce an puts them on our table. Huh? So, you're telling me they don't have normal bottles of Soy Sauce? Strange. "Thank you", I say, "May I please have some hot mustard?" "Oh sure!", the waitress responds, and again runs back to her station. Third clue: She sets a little white bowl on the table. I, of course, thank her. But, um, this doesn't look like the hot mustard I've had before....OH!! Because it's NOT!! Nope, it's DEJON MUSTARD!?!? Quoting Melissa, "Are you KIDDING me?" Mike gets up and walks up to our waitress and politely asks if there's another kind of "hot mustard" we can have. Our waitress runs into the kitchen to "ask her boss". No, that is the only hot mustard they have! Okay then! I'm outta here! And honestly, as I'm half-way through eating my dinner, I'm just a little scared! I don't know who "the boss" is, but do they really have any business opening a "Chinese restaurant" if they don't even know what hot mustard is? Hmmmm. We finished our dinner, and no, in case you were wondering, Dejon mustard is not good on Chow Mein, and walk out the same back door. Again, I look over my shoulder to take another look at my "cooks"....this time one of them looks at me, and NO they're not Asian, I'm not sure what they were! I look at Mike, my dear husband, and thank him for broadening my horizons, but next time I'll be the one that makes the decision of where to dine out! Thanks for the lovely night out Tootsie!

2009-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever since I last posted. I can give any excuse you could think of...but I guess it comes down to laziness! Although, I do have to share how crazy my son has been lately! He has been teething the last month, with productive results! Four molars and one more bottom tooth to add to his collection! Whew! It hasn't been a very pleasant month. Hopefully we'll get a small break before teeth make their arrival!

Jacob is also quite the dare-devil. I am amazed every day how "boy" he is! He is soooo different than Gracie - He studies things to see how they work, and hasn't found anything yet he doesn't want to climb. His favorites are the coffee table and on top of the dinning room table. When he achieves his goal he does a little "jig" to celebrate! He makes me laugh, and I thoroughly enjoy him - even when he's a little grouch.

Changing the subject....my little family went on a day trip to the foothills last weekend. We were going to drive to Potwisha, a campground just inside the National Park entrance, and hike on a trail Mike knew about. We packed a lunch and arrived in no time! We started our hike, but unfortunately we didn't get 20 minutes up the trail when it started to rain. Gracie, Mike and I loved it, but Jacob didn't see the fun in it. We also stopped at Reimer's and ate some homemade ice cream, and Gracie got to spend her allowance on her most favorite thing....candy, of course.

The Great Flood

2009-01-19T18:33:00.001-08:00

Today, being that it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mike had the day off of work, but unfortunately, I didn't. I left my daughter, her little friend that spent the night, my son (who was already a handful this morning at 5:45), and my patient husband. I had my doubts if Mike would be able to handle all three kids. Now, I completely trust my husband in any circumstance with the kids - he is usually a very kind, loving, considerate, creative daddy. But when I went in to say goodbye before I left, he looked up at me, quite pathetically, and pleaded "I don't know if I can handle him (Jacob) today." Um, okay? I reassured him that if Jacob was way too crazy, he could bring him to work, and my Mom would probably agree to watch him. So we left it at that, and out the door I went!

I think it was about 10:30 when Mike called me at work. When I picked up the phone he says the most dreaded thing a mother could hear, "We are having a crisis at home!"

So here's the story: Mike, like the good husband he is, was doing laundry. Somehow the washing machine overflowed, or busted a gasket, or something catastrophic. We're still not sure what happened, but the end result was the flooding of my house! And since we had just installed new laminate flooring not yet 5 months ago, I was a little concerned. I ran home with a wet/dry shop vac in tow. Mike had managed to use every towel and blanket in the house to absorb most of the water. It flowed down my hallway, through the living room, and even out of the front door!! After helping Mike suck up the three inches of water left in the bathroom and laundry closet, I left him to deal with the rest (which he did quite well...he even managed to take the kids on two bikerides!)!

When I got home from work this evening I yanked out all the baseboards in hopes the sheetrock will dry and allow air to flow under the laminate. Did I mention you can hear "squishing" when you walk? Lovely. So, now my house is a total mess. It looks like we were victims of a very localized hurricane. I pray my new floors aren't ruined!

In addition to the fun our water works created, Jacob is still his normal handful. He climbs on things I didn't even think were possible! He has figured out how to push the dining table chairs around to whatever he deems worthy of climbing - so NOTHING is safe or "out of bounds" for him! He is so proud of his accomplishment, when he reaches the top of whatever he's climbed, he'll stand there with huge smile and clap for himself. What really concernes me is that he has no fear - there is no such thing as "too high". His spirit for adventure makes it very difficult to get anything of significance done around the house. We constantly have to keep one eye on him or rescue him from his perch on top of the refrigerator!

So, props to the husband for dealing with the crisis. Although, I'm not yet convinced it wasn't his fault! Mike....are you sure you didn't stuff the washer like you usually do, and that's why it overflowed???? You can defend yourself by leaving me a nice comment. : )

I'll let you know if we have to call our homeowner's insurance to replace all our new floors!! In the meantime we have decided this might be a nice time to paint the hallway, which we've been needing to do. I'll also be praying tomorrow is less eventful! At least Mike will be at work, so he can't cause any more trouble! Heehee.

New Day

2009-01-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so far this day has been much more enjoyable than last night. Being that it's my day off, I am home all day with the kids, of course. The way the last two weeks have been with Jacob - he's cutting molars - I really wasn't looking forward to today. I don't think he feels very well, but Gracie has been playing very nice with him, so he's been distracted. We were supposed to go to a friends' house, whom we haven't seen in a couple of years, but she called this morning letting us know her 8 month old had a fever, so we will take a rain-check. Fine with me. I enjoy my days off more if I know I don't have to leave the house! I do have to take Gracie to dance class in the afternoon, which breaks up the day, but I am glad to be able to stay home this morning. I haven't gotten much done around the house - not very motivated, I guess. I will need to kick it in gear, because after Gracie's dance I promised I would take her and Jacob to Boingos. What?.... Boingos is a warehouse kind of building that have a couple different bounce houses, slides, and the like, that are usually found at birthday parties. For $5 a kid they can play and bounce as long you can stand it! Alterior motive? Okay, yes, hopefully both kids will be tuckered out when we get home! I'll try and remember to take the camera so I can share the action!

Holy Cow!

2009-01-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

Aye-Aye-Aye!!! I am about at the end of my rope tonight. And the scary thing is, it's only 6:00pm and the work has just begun for the night! I have managed to drag two grouchy kids to the grocery store after work, chop up a million vegetables to make soup, and deal with a constantly noisy daughter, and very whiney son, who thinks the best way to get my attention while I'm making dinner is to push me away from the counter and cry! I still have a house to pick up, dinner mess to address, baths to give, fights between siblings to calm....I'm sure there's more, I just don't want to think about it. Yes, it's every mother's battle, but tonight I just don't feel like I have the right weapons (a sense of humor and patience). 8:30pm can't come fast enough tonight!

2009-01-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Today contains all the components of what usually makes a good day, but for some reason, I just can't shake this mood I'm in. All the physical ingredients of life that satisfy my soul are present, so nothing seems to justify why or what I'm feeling. I'm not necessarily grumpy, not sad, not mad, but I'm not happy, peaceful, or content either. I guess the best way I can explain is with Holly Golightly, in one of my favorite movies "Breakfast At Tiffany's". She describes her state of mind as "the mean reds". She explains "....the blues are because you're getting fat or because it's been raining too long, you're just sad, that's all. But the mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of."

While I sit here alone and do some inventory, I am also taking time for some introspection. I realize again, there isn't anything palpable that justifies my "blues" and "reds". My reasons aren't clear to the mind, or plain to see, but rather my perception, I guess. So how do I change my perception when these moods settle in and make residence in my soul?

Maybe I need quiet to refocus the lense I use to view my framework. If I can learn how to adjust my lense, my perception, then maybe next time when the "blues" and "reds" creep into my psyche, I can send them on their way before any time is wasted. For today, however, I am going to welcome them and embrace the solitary mood it mandates.

It's Ugly Outside!!

2008-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today is New Year's Eve. And I couldn't ask for a better day...it's 9:30am and still foggy and very damp outside! My perfect morning!

Gracie had a friend spend the night last night, and after getting out of bed three times last night, one of which, she managed to crawl into bed with me, I finally convinced her to sleep in the SAME room with her guest! Aye! Gracie acted like a slumber party rookie! I was planning on making them homemade donuts for breakfast, but I'm just too lazy! So, now I have to convince them that toast is sooo delicious and sounds really good! Maybe with butter and sugar .

Tomorrow Mike and I are planning to spend the entire day at home. I am making our "Thanksgiving" dinner! I really wanted to stay home on Thanksgiving and make our own meal, but we appeased the in-laws and went over there instead. So, I get to make mine on New Years!

I need to get some chores done and run to the grocery store. And I have managed to talk the girls into cinnamon and sugar toast while typing this, so I guess I should get up and make them their breakfast!

The What's Next

2008-12-27T16:31:00.002-08:00

Christmas is over, and most years I have the "After Christmas Blues". You know what I'm talking about, right? The day after Christmas you're sad because the day you've planned for, shopped for, anticipated, and looked forward to is gone, until next year. For some reason, this year I am glad Christmas is over. It was a wonderful day, a fabulous holiday, but no "blues" this year! I'll really be glad when Mike lets me take down all the Christmas decorations - they really clutter up my house!

So, thank you to everyone that made this holiday so wonderful!! Now we look forward to a Happy New Year!

The What

2008-12-27T16:31:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to Me!

2008-12-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Today has been such a wonderful day, the best Christmas day I can remember! Mike and I were, of course, short on money this year, so we didn't buy each other anything, instead we spent everything we could on Gracie and Jacob, and family. This is the first Christmas we haven't spoiled each other with expensive gifts, but we didn't even miss them! We knew the kids would be happy with their gifts, so we were excited!

So excited, in fact, that I felt like a little kid anticipating Christmas morning! I didn't sleep very well last night. I woke up every two hours hoping it was time to get up! Finally at 6:30 I was awake for good. The only problem?..No one else was awake! Mike, Gracie, and Jacob were all sound asleep! I snuggled in with Tootsie for awhile, until I couldn't stand the anticipation anymore. I managed to wake Mike up and explained my plan:

I really wanted Gracie to be the first one awake and see the christmas tree with all the presents piled under it. We don't put any presents under the tree until "Santa comes" on Christmas Eve. So, on Christmas morning it's quite a shock to Gracie! Well, Gracie wasn't cooperating - of course the ONE morning I WANT her to wake up early, she doesn't! Any other morning she's standing two inches from my face, using her Jedi mind powers to wake me up with her stare, WAY before I am ready to get out of bed. Not today!

Finally Jacob woke up at 7:15, but like a perfect little boy (again, he never does this when I want to sleep in), he lays in bed and QUIETLY talks to himself. Since Gracie and Jacob share a room I thought for sure he would wake her up any minute. Nope. Thirty more minutes pass, and still more snoring from Gracie!

Mike and I finally devised a plan. I crawled out of bed and tiptoed into the kitchen to start the coffee and "turn on" the fireplace. Then I snuck into the kids' bedroom to let Jacob see me, which I new would make him cry if I didn't pick him up right away! Then I ran back to my bedroom and jumped into bed to pretend I was asleep! Nope. Jacob just continued to talk to himself. What the heck??

I crawled out of bed again and stood at the door to the kids' room and threw pillows, aiming for Gracie's head. On the fourth try I nailed her! She opened her eyes and before she could see me I dashed to my bedroom and jumped back in bed! YES!! It worked! I couldn't help laughing hysterically (as quietly as I could) at Gracie's face when I hit her in the head with a pillow! Can you imagine being so peacefully asleep you don't even remember it's Christmas!...Then being ripped out of your sound sleep so rudely? Gracie woke up and started to tell Jacob "It's Christmas morning Jakie!" She ran into the living room and saw all the presents under the tree, just like I wanted! She ran back to tell Jacob about all the presents and that Santa came! Then she came to wake up Mike and I! Man...that was hard work! And how funny, Gracie never said anything about how she was woken up!

Anyway, we had a great time watching the kids open their presents. Jacob actually opened all his own gifts without much help!

We played for awhile and then went to Mike's parents' house down the street. His mom made THE BOMB breakfast. As tradition mandates, she made bagels with cream cheese and onions, with cured salmon! She "cooks" the salmon in vodka and dill for a few days - so it's still kind of raw, but oh so delicious! Mike's younger brother, Chris, and his girlfriend Linda, where here from Missouri, and I had a really nice time visiting with them! Mike's parents usually go way overboard in the present department, but this year was perfect! They only gave two presents to Mike and I, and they were very practical, which was nice. It was lovely!

We came home after opening presents there to enjoy the beautiful storm from our warm, cozy living room.

Now, we are home after having dinner at my parent's house. My Dad read the story about Jesus' birth right before dinner, and it was nice to slow down and acknowledge the real reason we celebrate.

I am listening to Gracie and Jacob enjoy their new toys....a perfect way to end the most wonderful Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus.

When's it Mommy's turn?

2008-12-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm pooped! Jacob is sick and Gracie is needy as always! Poor Jake has the worst cold he's ever had. His little eyes are red and teary, he has a nasty cough, and a non-stop runny nose. He just wants to be held and loved, but Gracie insists she is just as sick and needs the same! That is, until her little friend, Ariel, gets home from school and suddenly, miraculously, Gracie isn't sick at all! So between laundry, constantly picking up the house (if I don't it doesn't take long to get out of control), tending to a sick little guy, and obeying my daughter's constant demands, I need a nap!

There is a positive today! Since we are house bound, Gracie and I are making sugar cookies to decorate and have had Christmas movies on all day. So, I have made sure to bring a little of the Christmas spirit into my heart, which seems extra hard this year for some reason!

2008-12-13T18:52:00.001-08:00

Conversation tonight between my 4 year old Gracie (who thinks she's 16) and me:

"Mommy, Momma."

"Hmm Gracie?"

"Mommy, I have a secret for you."

"You do? Okay, tell me, I like secrets."

"Um, tonight, um, I don't know why, but when we were playing "Mom and Dad", I didn't ask him to, but I was Gavin's Mom, and Gavin kissed me."

"He did? Where? On the cheek?!"

"No."

"Where?...Show me!"

Gracie leans in quickly and pecks me on the lips.

She leans back to study my face, trying to predict what my reaction will be. Her face is concerned and serious.

"Gracie! You got your fist kiss and you're only four? Gavin loves you!"

"But I didn't ask him to!"

"But no more kissing boys until you're married, got it?"

"Got it Momma. I don't know why he did that."

"He just loves you, I guess. You're friends!"

"Yeah."

A mother's work is never done....

2008-12-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow at 6:00am Mike and I will load the kids into the car and head for The Happiest Place on Earth! We are going to Disneyland for my 30th birthday! I am really excited for Gracie, because she is tall enough to ride ALL the rides!! I hope she doesn't get freaked out on the first ride and the day is ruined for her. We have all been looking forward to our little trip and I think we will have a blast!

With that said, today will be a busy day. I have a list of errands I need to run, and of course, a house to clean! Let's see.....

1. Babysit my nephew, Petie, in the morning.

2. Appointment at DMV at 11:30 to renew my license (Yeah!! New picture!! My current picture was taken 2 weeks after Gracie was born and it's T-R-A-G-I-C!).

3. Get the oil changed in the car.

4. Wash and vaccuum the car.

5. Go by the bank to deposit my paycheck.

6. Go to the grocery store to buy snacks for the kids to eat in Disneyland.

7. Put gas in the car.

8. Pack stuff for the kids.

9. Clean house.

I am a little worried about the fog tomorrow morning - and when we are coming home late (we're making the trip in one day). So, pray for our safety! I'm kind of tempted to spend the night tomorrow by Disneyland and come home late morning. Wouldn't it be scary to get to Bakersfield and have crazy thick fog until we got home? We'd be stuck! I hope I can talk Mike into the idea.

Christmas Parade!

2008-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the Christmas parade in Exeter. Gracie rode on a float from her dance class. She, of course, was he cutest little thing on there! My Grandparents, sister, niece, nephew, Dad, Brother, husband (of course) were all there to cheer her on! It was such a cute little parade! It was a great way to start the weekend!

What a memorable anniversary

2008-11-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

The shortest anniversary, anyway. We had a 30 minute dinner and spent $70 to celebrate 8 years of marriage. Quite a memory.

Ahhhh, Saturday!

2008-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to a great day today! Mike told me last night he would let me sleep in, and he actually followed through! He promises me this every weekend, but I end up dragging my butt out of bed when Jacob wakes up at 6:00am!! Not today!...I took full advantage of my husband and slept in until 9:08! Ahhhh, it was wonderful! Good start to the weekend.

Jacob has his first haircut appointment today! He's been called a girl four times within the last 2 weeks, so I'm excited for him to look like my precious little boy again! I will post pictures later today!

I also get to go shopping...ALL BY MYSELF! I think I'm going to go to one of those skanky, teeny-bopper clothing stores and see if I can buy myself a new outfit! Hopefully they have sizes bigger than zero.

Wednesday is Mike and I's 8 year wedding anniversary! So, I am looking forward to going out for an extra-romantic dinner. We have such busy lives (well, he does anyway), and we go in opposite directions during the week. Most days we don't see each other until 9:00 at night. Our anniversary comes at a good time...we can both slow down for a night and realize how blessed we are and how much we love and appreciate each other!

Something else I'm excited about!!.....I made an appointment with a plastic surgeon for a consultation in December. My stomach is a little stretched out from two pregnancies...a little more than most, and I'm quite self-conscious about it, so I am excited to see if I can get it taken care of! It won't be until June of next year, but I have some things I need to work on before I'm ready for surgery. But it's the first step!!

It's going to be a good weekend..and I've been looking forward to it all week!

2008-11-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

I don't really have anything exciting to blog about today, which is obvious by what I am about to share:

On Thursdays I don't have to work at my job that gives me a paycheck, instead I work at home, at my job that pays me with hugs and snuggles! It's a nice break in the workweek and allows me to catch up on laundry...oh!..and spend some quality time with Gracie and Jacob.

Anyway, on said day, around lunchtime, I was nursing Jacob in the recliner when Gracie suddenly hops off the couch where we were watching Barefoot Contessa (my favorite cooking program) and happily exclaims that she will make her own lunch today!! It wasn't a question, it was a statement! "Oh........Okay?" I say, looking at her rather skeptically. Need I remind my readers that her second given name is Messy Bessy, and as I have just finished cleaning the house,

I am not that thrilled to have my hard work so quickly undone. But she informed me in four year old - know it all - fashion, that she will make herself a sandwich, and my job will just be to tell her what order stuff goes on. I couldn't deny her attempt at independence, so I gave her my blessing....besides, it meant I didn't have to get up! She did a pretty good job, I thought. Her menu included a mayonnaise sandwich that had a little bit of turkey, cheese and salami, avacado, and Hot Cheetos. As always, her eyes are much bigger than her stomach, but don't worry, like a good mom, I made her sit there until she ate it all! Just kidding...but she did have the leftovers for snack later. How exciting was that?!?!

Halloween

2008-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween was pretty uneventful at the Wallace house, thankfully. Halloween is not one of my favorite "holidays". Growing up, I was not allowed to participate in Halloween traditions because my parents were pretty adamant about it being "Satan's Holiday". So, I'm not sure I can relate to the excitement it holds for Gracie now. Oh well, it's just another reason to take pictures of my cute kids!

We did dress up as a family. Mike and I hadn't planned on it, but he decided on the way home from work to surprise Gracie. He stopped at Target and bought a Darth Vadar costume. Notice how the kids are looking at him, they're not quite sure why Darth has taken Daddy's place in our family picture!

I had a Little Red Riding Hood costume in the garage I had bought for a Halloween party Mike and I went to a couple of years ago, "pre-kids". Good thing the material was stretchy!....I think I've gained about 15 pounds since then! Little Red Riding Hood liked the muffins she was bringing little 'ol Granny...a little too much!

Gracie dressed up as Hannah Montana..notice the wig? She had worn it a couple of times prior to last night, and when it was time to dress up for "reals" it was way crazy! It's like Barbie hair...there's NO combing it!

Jacob was our sad little tiger. He had a hard time...Mike, I mean, Darth Vadar, scared the poo out of him. Jacob much preferred the pretty lady in the red cape! By the end of the night, he did finally get used to Darth, and wouldn't cry every time he looked at him. Needless to say, Jacob spent the night in our bed, so he wouldn't have any nightmares (wink-wink!).

We didn't have as many trick-or-treaters as we thought, so we have a lot of candy left over. We just need to make sure Little Red Riding Hood doesn't sneak any, because I don't think that material will stretch much more!

Age Appropriate Foods for Dinner

2008-10-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

May I offer some very useful information I learned today?

It is not a good idea to feed couscous to a four year old girl whose nickname is Messy Bessy, and a one year old boy, just learning to feed himself. It does not have a happy ending for Mom. Sorry, no pictures...I couldn't believe the mess, and just stood there stunned for about five minutes. By the time I came to, the one year old was begging to be saved from his mess in his highchair and Messy Bessy was asking for more - which I promptly answered "NO!". I had to send them both to their room so I could get my bearings and decide where to begin the cleanup. I did have to laugh though; as I watched the one year old walk down the hallway, there was a trail of couscous falling out of his pant leg. Aaah, dinnertime....remember, it's one of my favorite times of the day!

2008-10-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

Gracie's preschool went to the local pumpkin patch last week. Jacob and I cheauffeured and tagged along. It was fun watching her run around the ENTIRE pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin! She finally found one and Jacob got booted out of the stroller for the pumpkin to have the seat of honor! We went on a hay ride, toured the corn maze, and all in all, had a great morning!

The Mean Reds

2008-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days when you're afraid of the world and what it has in store for you? I'm not just talking about having a little trepidation, I'm talking anxiety, fear, looking-over-your-shoulder type of days. Yesterday was like that for me. In one of my favorite movies, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Holly Golightly explains it as having "the mean reds. You're scared, but you don't know what you're scared of." Maybe the cause was everyone talking about the gloom-and-doom with the economy and loosing jobs, or fear I am going to make another huge mistake at work (see previous blog) as we are preparing an expensive estimate for a customer. I couldn't really put my finger on what was causing my anxiety yesterday, but hopefully a good night's sleep was the cure.

Girls do crazy things!

2008-10-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I had fun together the other day by putting makeup on each other. I think she needs to consider a different career. Admittedly these aren't the best pictures of me, but sometimes you have to take one for the team. Jacob narrowly escaped being subjected to our craziness - he just wouldn't hold still!

Fall Festival

2008-10-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! Last night Gracie had two little friends spend the night - which was a blast. We decorated little pumpkins with glitter, and ate pizza and ice cream. We woke up early this morning to get ready for the Fall Festival Parade in Exeter. Gracie was so excited because she was riding on a float for her dance company in the parade. She was so stinkin' cute! Even though it was really cold in the morning we all had fun. These are pictures of her on the float. The two little girls to the right are Ariel and Alli - her slumber party friends.

2008-10-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jacob!

My Little Pudge turns one-year old today! How fast time has flown! It's a bittersweat day - Since Jacob is the last child we are having, I'm sad he is no longer a "baby", but, a part of me is glad he is becoming a little more independent. He started walking last Tuesday, and looks like a baby chimpanzee. I love his hugs he offers so generously, and how he walks to you with arms outstretched ready for love. Everyday he does something new that makes me laugh! He is such a good boy, and ALWAYS has a smile for you. He loves his sister and is constantly offering her hugs and "kisses". He doesn't really say any words yet, except "mama", but he does have his own language of grunts.

He is my love. I am so grateful God has blessed us with Jacob and lets us take care of His baby. Precious Little Pudge.

2008-10-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a pretty crummy day. I, along with help of co-workers, made a costly mistake at work, which will probably cost about $2,300 to rectify...OUCH! There was also drama with family members, an infection in my boob from nursing (too much information, yes, but I'm trying to "paint a picture" for you), and to top it all off, grouchy kids! By the grace of God and lots of prayer, I made it through the day. Well, this morning I was listening to the news on the radio as Gracie, Jake, and I were driving to preschool, and had to say a prayer of thanks that I didn't have this lady's "bad day"! Here's the quick story:

A mother of two elementary school children, brought a dead bat to school for "show and tell". She let the students in her children's kindergarden and fifth grade classes touch the bat and examine it a little bit. It turns out they discovered the bat had rabies!! So now, every child that came in contact with the bat had to get a series of rabies vaccination shots. They were estimating this would cost $150,000! The school's insurance was only going to cover $70,000! Oops! I bet this mother had a headache by the end of her bad day. So did I, but at least mine didn't involve angry parents (well, maybe one, because my Dad is my boss), and an $80,000 mistake.

Thankfully, today was a much better day, even though I didn't realize I had my pants on backwards until lunch time.

Boring Monday

2008-10-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Not much to write about today. It's Monday, need I say more? Our alarm didn't go off this morning, so once again, it's "see how fast we can rush out the door!" After taking Gracie to preschool, Jacob and I went to work, which was almost uneventful. I made tostadas for dinner, which the kids and I thought were pretty delicious, but of course, my "other half" came home and found something to dislike...pet peeve...I'm sure you'll hear more about that later. Okay, maybe now....

So, I come home from a full day at work, unloaded kids and all the crap that goes along with that (usually three trips from the truck to the house), checked the mail, sorted out the bills, and started dinner. Now, making dinner is not my most favorite part of the day - I hate cooking. I have a crabby Jacob whining at my feet while I'm at the stove, Gracie yelling at me from the other room to do something for her, and ten things needing to get done at the same time. What point am I trying to make here?.....Making dinner is not an easy OR fun task. So, when the husband comes home and finds something to complain about, AND refuses to eat it, it's like a serious party foul! At least PRETEND you're grateful and eat the dumb dinner with a smile on your face! Oh, and don't forget to thank me for it, darn it.

Yes....I do feel better now, just had to get that off my chest. I'd be more irritated at him, but he shaves his head for me. That, and because he made killer hamburgers last night.

So much for Monday. It's crazy how fast the days seem to go by. I'm grateful for every one of them, dinner and all!

A Good Start to Sunday

2008-10-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I woke up at 1:00 am and couldn't fall back to sleep (which happens quite frequently), so I got out of bed and watched Sleepless in Seattle in the living room. At about 2:00 am I heard little footsteps in the hallway and Gracie popped around the corner with wide eyes and a smile. She crawled up in the chair with me and we watched the rest of Sleepless in Seattle together. She said she would be ready to go back to bed "after the words come up", referring to the credits. We crawled in my bed, me between Mike and Gracie. It was so nice to snuggle her. Usually Jacob is in this coveted place. I realized how much I miss my little girl. Before Jacob was born, Grace was my world! I'm sorry to admit, but she gets the brunt of my impatience now, something I'm constantly praying for help with. It was nice to let Gracie sleep in bliss in our bed once again.

On another note, Mike offered to let me do something for myself this morning before we have company over this afternoon. Now, I know I don't have any place to complain about mistreatment and being overworked, but with Mike gone six and sometimes seven evenings during the week, I will admit I get a little overwhelmed come the weekend. It seems the weight of the world is on my shoulders most of the week, with work, cleaning house, paying bills, making dinner, giving baths, the fight to get kids in bed, and countless other worries. So, I am looking forward to having some solitary time at my favorite Starbucks, enjoying a Hazelnut Mocha and playing Scrabble on my cell phone! I will be able to sit there without interruption and miss my family! The only thing that would make it better is if my best friend was able to veg with me!

Chaper 1

2008-10-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have decided to join the blogging world! I avidly read many of my friends blogs, and very much enjoy reading about what is going on in their busy lives, so I thought I should do the same. I don't enjoy talking on the phone, and seem to be too busy to hang out much, so blogs are a great way to stay up to date with each other's worlds! And since my BFF moved to Fresno, it will be a convenient way to "keep in touch"!