Sunnin' In the City

Kiya and her "fuzz"

2010-11-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about my daughter, Kiya, is that she is definitely unique. She is herself. She is quirky, and funny, and sweet, opinionated, stubborn, lovable and she knows what she wants! These are qualities in her I hope to maintain...I'm just hoping I don't impose any of my insecurities on her. I love her exactly the way she is.

One of her more "unusual" tendencies, which is often commented on, is her fascination with fuzz. Fuzz aka feathers, or anything soft. In the direst of circumstances she will resort to lint, or even cat fur to replace the fuzz. People often ask me (and I do mean OFTEN) how I got her into the fuzz, but like I said, she is her own girl. She knows what she wants.

The boa I bought her before it was dismantled systematically by Kiya

It all started when she was younger (and yes I know she is only 2 but go with me on this one). One day my mom bought Kiya these dress up shoes, because she loves dressing up. They had a string of "fuzz" or feathers across the foot. Kiya just ripped the fuzz off and walked around carrying it EVERYWHERE. Finally it got kind of dingy and gross, so I bought her a boa thinking she would love it. She just ripped pieces of it until she had what she wanted. She seems to want a small amount that she can hold in her hand. She moves it around in her hand, and sometimes moves it around while sucking on her thumb.

Notice the fuzz in her hand? I have countless photos of this...you would think she would drop the fuzz when she sleeps, but nope

Her fuzz fascination has evolved now. She now color coordinates her fuzz with her outfits. I have been know to pack "emergency" fuzz and her school has some as well. My mother in law bought her a skirt that had pieces of feathers on it. She ripped all of the feathers off of the skirt one by one so that she could hold them. You can always tell where Kiya is because sometimes she leaves a trail of fuzz. This has led for us to get what we refer to as a "fuzz box".

Kiya knows that whenever she needs fuzz, she can just go into the playroom and get herself a new fuzz. We have had to retire fuzz when it gets gross, and she tends to understand when the fuzz needs to retire. However, she needs to approve that the fuzz is ready to be given its burial. She accidentally flushed some blue fuzz down the toilet one day when she was with my friend Katie and according to Katie, you would think the world had just ended. They ended up walking to the store to get some fresh fuzz.

Again, I did not teach my daughter this fuzz fascination, but I do think it is adorable. It just shows her unique personality...and I love her for it!

Caiden's 1st Taekwondo Tournament

2010-11-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Let me get the usual out of the way. I know that I have been a failure as a blogger lately. But really I have good intentions...I have just been living more :) Still documenting, but haven't spent the time to document on the blog. I may be a little rusty as I haven't blogged in awhile so I thank you in advance for your forgiveness. :)

However, this post is NEWSWORTHY!! My amazing son just had his first Taekwondo tournament yesterday and he did SO WELL!! But before I talk about his success, let me set the story up a bit.

Caiden entered the state tournament with the understanding that this was just for fun, to see what it's all about, and see if he wanted to do this again. (Note: this was EXTREMELY difficult for me as I am ultra competitive and I want him to be the best, however I grew up with a dad who pushed so hard that I stopped doing sports. My dad was also one of those dad screaming on the sidelines, so as a result I am super quiet. I know the kind of a effect that had on me, and I I wanted to spare my kids that - but man it is hard not to get caught up). Since this was his first sports anything, I found it quite stressful. I think I was more nervous and anxious than Caiden was, and I will admit that I had to hold back tears because I was so proud of him.

In preparation for the tournament, Caiden has been practicing Taekwondo a lot. Currently he is a second level green belt, and we have been practicing his sparring and forms quite a bit. Caiden has even been teaching Dave his forms which Caiden absolutely loved. Caiden has also started Jui Jitsu which he LOVES!!

We didn't want him to get too nervous so we revamped the playroom, and reorganized his room before leaving to the tournament. There we met one of Caiden's best friends, Gabe and his family! Dave and Caiden got in one little practice session before the match and then they were off!

Gabe and Caiden before their matches
Kiya supporting her brother :)
Gabe and Caiden comparing notes before their matches
Caiden pre-match
Waiting his turn in his category

The first category was Forms. Each participant did their forms for a panel of judges. At the end they scored the winner. The second category was sparring (Caiden's favorite). Caiden was so jazzed about going that he got all his gear on sans the helmet padding. I guess he just didn't expect that he would get hit in the head. After he quickly put on the padding, Caiden was then matched against his first opponent. He seemed a bit apprehensive in this first match, yet he was able to pull out the win 5 -3. I took a video so as soon as I can figure out how to load it on my computer I will post it :)

Geared up and ready to rumble :)
Caiden's 1st match
Caiden mid match...

When he sat down to wait for his next match, one of his instructors gave him some words of wisdom that must have worked wonders because he was back to the ole' Caiden for his next two matches defeating both opponents 5-0. Caiden did very well, and ended up winning first place in both categories!!! The funny part is I don' t think he even realized it. When he wasn't matched up against someone or doing his forms for the judges he seemed to have his head in the clouds, just chilling. The minute he got on the mat he was focused and ready for battle. It was interesting to watch.

Caiden receiving his medal for 1st place!!!
Caiden's 1st place medals :)
He won first in both categories :)
Caiden, the "serious" competitor
What can I say the boy loves to kick...

I am so proud of Caiden. I didn't expect that he would take first place in both his categories, nor do as well as he did seeing as this was his first tournament. I am happy to see that his hard work paid off and that his nerves didn't get the best of him. He really has been practicing non stop. So if you see me walking down the aisles of the supermarket with a 6 year old boy practicing high kicks, that would be Caiden :p

When I asked him what his favorite part was he said "All of it Mom! It was all so fun!!". Of course we had to celebrate. Papa Jim and Grammie Sue took us all out for dinner and ice cream and pie!!!! It was soo yummy and it meant a lot to have the support of Grammie Sue, Papa Jim, Grandma Susan and Grandpa Lance who all came to cheer on Caiden!! Thank you all :)

Dave, Kiya, Caiden and I
Grandpa Lance and Grandma Susan came out to support Caiden
Papa Jim and Grammie Sue came out to support Caiden

Gabe and Caiden both received medals!! Gabe got 2nd in Forms!!

Statement Cookies

2010-09-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been eating a lot of fortune cookies. I mean it can’t hurt to try and improve my luck right?? Well, the last 4 out of 5, no scratch that…ALL of the fortune cookies I have eaten lately have been statements. There is no fortune. Nothing to look forward too…no telling of the future. No piece of paper to look into to say “THIS IS THE GOOD NEWS I NEEDED”. No little bit of mystery and intrigue.

Nope…just a statement. My most recent statement cookie says “visit a park, enjoy what nature has to offer”. Really? I mean how much work would that have taken to turn that into a fortune??? “You will soon visit a park and enjoy what nature has to offer”…See?!! Not hard at all…

Back in the day, I got my friend Mandy all riled up over her statement cookie, and that was YEARS ago…at least then they had SOME fortunes. Now, nothing! I, for one like the fortunes. It was interesting to read. Entertaining, a brief reprieve from the drudgery and day to day and THEEEEEN you can see if they came true. I used to keep a few, in fact I have one posted on my desk right now that says “Don’t give up. The best is yet to come”. This came at a time that I needed the message, but now that I am looking at it again I am noticing that it is a STATEMENT!!!
Years ago, Mandy called and complained to the fortune cookie place. They laughed at her. I laughed at her, but now I feel her pain. This is false advertising. Is it TOO much to ask for a little bit of happiness in our otherwise stressed and overworked days?? A little bit of mystery. We should all band together and rise against this injustice, chanting “WE WANT OUR FORTUNE COOKIES BACK!!!!!!!

But alas I feel we are doomed to have our statement cookies. DOOMED!!! Whew! I just needed to get that off my chest. Now I am getting back to work.

Caiden's 6th Birthday

2010-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

This year we wanted to do something different for Caiden's birthday, so we decided to go to TWIST R U. It was so much fun, and the parents and grandparents really got into it as well.

Basically it is a gym that is filled with trampolines, rock climbing walls, foam pits, and a zip line. The kids had a great time, and so did the parents. It was awesome. We had the whole gym to ourselves which was JUST perfect!

The fabulous three - Derrick, Gabe and Caiden

We even made sure the adults had time to party and have fun :) What else is cake for if not to entertain kids while you play???

It was nice to spend time with everyone and to see everyone have such fun.

After the fun times, we settled down for some cake and food.

I know that this is a bit delayed, but here was Caiden's 6th birthday - that actually took place in March...but what can I say...I've been a little busy. :)

Caiden's 1st Stitches

2010-01-23T20:17:00.001-08:00

As you know we went to Disneyland (if you don't know scroll below). It was a real treat as my mom took the kids and I for an adventure, and boy did we have one.

Since this is my blog, I will tell you my side of the story. After Dave and Caiden had gone on the "big" rides and Kiya, my mom and I were in the shops, I thought it would be nice for Kiya to go on some rides, or at least go to Toon town.

We only got one ride in (Small World) before the kids and I had to go to the bathroom. I asked Dave to watch Caiden and then I took Kiya in to the women's restroom to change her. When I exited the bathroom my mom was running up to me with the stroller telling me we had to go to the hospital. Confused, I looked over at where I had left Dave and Caiden and I see Dave holding paper towels to Caiden's head with blood coming down.

Apparently Caiden was playing on some railings, and it was slippery (because of rain) and he fell while playing and pulled himself and his head straight up into the railing which caused a nice gash in his head. I swear I was only gone for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. Dave said he told Caiden to stop playing but Caiden must not have heard.

Sigh. Well, needless to say I was NOT happy. I started looking for numbers to Urgent Cares, while we walked out to main street to go to the First Aid. We knew he needed stitches, but we wanted to get it cleaned too. Caiden was none to pleased, but the nursing staff at Disneyland was very nice, and even gave Caiden some fast passes for 2 of his favorite rides.

Clearly Caiden was not pleased that at this moment I took out my camera phone and snapped a picture
And this was Kiya entertaining herself while Caiden was getting his wound cleaned out

So off to the Urgent Care we went. We went to one in Irvine, and they had us in and out in 15-20 minutes. It was great!! Caiden was a TROOPER. Dave told him that if he didn't cry we would take him back to Disneyland where he wanted to ride Thunder Mountain (and he hadn't yet had a chance). Caiden did not shed a tear and was incredibly brave!!! He watched Spongebob while they stitched him up. The following are a few pictures of the event. If you are squeamish do not look. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Feeling much better right before he got his stitches
His nice little head gash cost him 3 stitches

Although I thought it was ok if Caiden wanted to cry. I thought he was SOO brave. He told everyone at school and was a bit of big news at school with the big kids. As promised we went back to Disneyland, Caiden rode on Thunder Mountain and then we met Santa Claus. :) It all ended up very well :)

Disneyland Surprise!

2010-01-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

I know you are surprised to hear from me aren't you? You probably gave up on me (or almost did if you are reading this now. I mean you ARE checking the blog right now :)). Maybe you clicked on my blog JUST to see, and then POOF! A new entry. And you were shocked and amazed (I know...I really should be a bit more dramatic right?)

I guess this would be the part where I list my excuses, but frankly I will just say I have been lazy. Well, not lazy in the fact that I am sitting around on the couch eating bon bons (do they still have those?) because I have been exercising, but I did go back to work and life has gotten in the way of me taking the time to blog. Crap...I did it. I started to offer excuses, so I will just stop and start with this next entry.

Gigi (my mom) surprised Dave, and the kids and I and took us to Disneyland!! It was so much fun, although I took more of a spectator role as I was too fearful to go on any rides that would aggravate my back. I mean, I didn't have that surgery just for kicks :)

Disney decorated for Christmas
Huge Disney Christmas tree

Disneyland was decorated for Christmas time, so that was beautiful and very festive, especially with the smell of freshly baked goods pumping out onto Main Street. We took advantage of the decorations and got a few pictures, then moved on to the rides.

Dave and I and the kids
Caiden trying on a Christmas mouse hat :)

Since I was unable to go on the rides and Kiya was too young and short we decided to try on hats with Gigi, and spend time in the shops while Dave and Caiden rode the rides.

This was the first time Dave got to ride the "big" rides with Caiden
Kiya and I tried on hats...the wizard one she is wearing was her favorite
She chose the hats she tried on
This is like a a bunny mouse hat :p
Miss "Minnie" Kiya

My daughter IS my daughter and has a touch of tomboy in her. She kept gravitating to the boys toys and such
Kiya throwing the football :) She's got quite an arm

We went on a few rides that Kiya and I could go on (Buzz Lightyear and Small World). She loved looking at the decorations and signing the song.

Buzz lightyear game with Caiden and David
This is the girls on the Buzz Lightyear ride
Small World decorated for Christmas
Kiya looking wistful as the boats passed
Gigi and Caiden on Small World
Kiya, David and myself on Small world

Can you guess what year we are about to ring in?

And the crew was off again

We decided to watch the Jedi show and then we found out that kids are chosen from the crowd to train to be a Jedi in training. Of course Caiden thought that would be really cool. We met a parent in the crowd who stated that the kids that get chosen are the ones that are really enthusiastic and have parents that are the same way. Riiight. I'm too shy, so that was all up to Dave and he did a great job (as did Caiden) cuz Caiden got chosen!!!

Kiya and Gigi entertaining themselves before the show

Darth Vader and the storm troopers...
Ominous aren't they?
Caiden getting the Jedi in training digs
and the light saber
Now it's time to FIGHT!!! He had to fight the Sith
He did GREAT!
See he even ducked :)
And he received his certificate :)

We had a bit of a mishap (see next entry) that made us take a detour. When we came back to Disneyland, Dave and Caiden went off to do more rides while Kiya, Gigi and I went to see Santa Claus. Just as it was our turn, Caiden showed up for the picture. As you can tell Kiya was not a fan of Santa. The cast members thought it would be helpful if I sat down with the kids. Santa was kind enough to suggest I sit on his lap, however I chose to sit beside him. As you can tell with Mama there or not, Kiya STILL was not a fan of the Claus.

Caiden not bothered at all...Kiya...wellllllll
She's losing it..Caiden still unfazed
Calmed down a bit but still not happy
This was RIGHT after we walked away from Santa....I mean RIGHT after

After we visited Santa, we took some pictures and looked at the reindeers :) As you can tell, Kiya's recovery was quite immediate. Without Santa in the mix, she was a happy girl again :)

Caiden posed with Pluto...so cute
This was all Kiya would allow
I was thinking of doing a Christmas card, so I thought I would have my mom take pictures
But then I realized I'm not organized enough this year...
I also wanted a cute picture of the kids and Gigi
The kids were getting pictured out though
The reindeers :)

Thank you Gigi...this was a great experience!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving came faster this year than I expected. I mean, I understand that it's November and that means Turkey Day as well, but that this year seemed to FLY by. I don't know what it is, maybe it's the fact that I am getting older, or that I cram so much into my schedule that it flies by, or that I am constantly focusing on one day at a time, so I don't realize how quickly the time is going, but it sure is going quickly.

Dave was working this year, so Caiden, Kiya and I went over to my sister's house (as is tradition) and celebrated both her husband's birthday and Thanksgiving.

Phil carving the turkey
The gang
Lindsay and Grandpa Phil
Kyle helping daddy blow out his birthday cake

We had a lot of fun and used the opportunity to try once again to take some pictures of the cousins together. (which frankly has not been attempted sine the ordeal of March 2008). It wasn't as bad this time. :)

Kyle, Caiden, Lindsay and Kiya
What is everyone looking at...oh yea NOT the camera

THIS is what happens when Gigi asks the kids to say something strange that doesn't result in a smile
The girls...so cute :) They got along SOO well

Beautiful Lindsay
Handsome Kyle

Dashing Caiden

Why not do a little family picture right?

Kiya swinging Superman style

Lindsay enjoying herself swinging

Thank you Steph and Dave for having us over and hosting. It was fun to play Wii with you guys and to play and relax. :)

20% Chance of Snow?

2009-11-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

When I came up yesterday morning, there was a 20% chance of snow. Overnight that became guaranteed snow, and it has not let up yet. Seeing as I do not have snow chains for the car and they are now required, I have become a guest at Casa Jim and Sue again :) (thank you both for letting the kids and I stay here again).

Jim cleaning my car off in the morning
Kiya shaking the bisquick to make pancakes
Caiden and Kiya just ITCHING to go outside
And now they're off!!

The kids have enjoyed themselves. They woke up early delighted to see snow falling, we ate some homemade pancakes, and then bundled up for some fun in the snow!

Tree face

You can barely see Caiden but he's there helping
He's still there :)

Later in the day Uncle Mark, Aunt Gale and the kids (Brittany, Briana and Josh) came up to play. Caiden and Josh really hit it off playing cars for hours and hours. We played in the snow until our fingers were numb, and then came inside to warm up to some hot apple cider, cocoa and cookies.

Big Bear Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony...

2009-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at least in Big Bear. The day after Thanksgiving and Caiden, Kiya and I decided to drive up to Big Bear to see Papa Jim and Grammie Sue and attend the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Big Bear!!! We drove up in the afternoon and had some grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, relaxed and then headed out to the Christmas tree lighting. Papa Jim and Caiden picked up some hot cocoa for us and some cookies and then we sang Christmas songs while we waited for the tree to be lit and Santa to make an appearance.

How beautiful is it here with the Christmas tree in the background?

Grammie and Kiya
Kiya and I
Kiya looks a bit lost as she waits for the tree to be lit and the cookies and cocoa to arrive
And what does one do when tired? Sit in the gutter of course. Gutter Baby :p

It was so nice to be here, and it has such a back-in-the-day-small-town feel. It was perfect and wonderful. Makes me want to live here with the Christmas music playing and all of the people out together singing and talking to each other.

Papa with Caiden and Kiya
Papa giving Caiden a better view
Papa, Caiden, Grammie and Kiya
Everyone was feeling the Christmas Spirit...even this little dog..
Kiya's Captain Morgan stance
Caiden n Kiya eating their cookies :)
Caiden shoved his practically whole in his mouth
Beautiful Kiya...
Ready for bed, and building our transformer ships
Kiya building with vintage blocks

We had such a nice time that we decided to stay the night. Little did we know that 20% chance of snow would turn into BY THE WAY MELISSA YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT SOME CHAINS FOR YOUR CAR CUZ IT IS DEFINITELY SNOWING AND YOU WILL BE STAYING kind of chance. :) Hey, what better place to be stranded right? With grandma and grandpa, snow, hot cocoa and lots of love.

It's WORKING!!! Back Update

2009-11-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

So I went to the doctor's on Monday, and I have a new xray picture for you. It's actually pretty cool. I mean, you can CLEARLY see the bone that they put in, as well as all of the hardware, and you can even see the bone marrow that is starting to fuse the discs together. (If you look the top and the bottom of the cadaver bone).

All I can say is that this was SUCH a good thing for me. I feel so blessed to be able to walk without pain now, and that Dr Steinmann gave me my life back. I went on a 10 mile hike about a week ago, and while my legs and cardio was screaming, my back was doing quite nicely!!!

I have my good and bad days, but at least I have good, right!!! BEST THING I'VE DONE IN YEARS!!!!

Kiya's 1st Haircut AGAIN

2009-11-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

So clearly the 1st haircut for Kiya didn't really happen, so this was the second attempt. Of course lessons were learned. Kiya was well fed, rested and not close to her bedtime.

The shaggy look
In the chair getting ready
See how calm she is...

She did really well. She sat, they cut her hair and before you knew it...she was done!! I know it's a little anti-climatic but I didn't take a post haircut picture. I guess you will just have to come and visit us :) *not sure what is going on with my camera...all the pics are a bit out of focus*

Sea World With Gigi

2009-11-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

Having an annual pass to Sea World is fantastic. I absolutely love going and so do the kids. This most recent trip we invited Gigi along, and she couldn't help but buy her own annual pass!! Now we can go with Gigi all year long!!!!

The kids had a blast from the touch tanks and the shows. They were really excited to have Gigi there with them.
Caiden touching a starfish
Caiden with Gigi touching a sea anemone
Kiya crying because the water was REALLY cold. Notice her wet hand :P
Caiden and I at the touch tanks. Thankfully I brought long pants along cuz it got COLD.
I love this bird's hair :P
Caiden and the bracelet that Gigi bought him
Kiya and Caiden with the curious dolphin...
Who even paused to smile for my picture :)

Flamingo feeding it's young

We have been going to Sea World for awhile, but it still seems that the kids have a ways to go until they reach the height requirements to do some of the things they wanted to do. :)

Caiden the GQ boy...
Kiya getting tired and watching a show
Just a little further and Caiden can do the dolphin encounter they have!!!
Kiya has a WAYS to go until she can go on the Artic Encounter Ride
The kids posed with the polar bear :)
Lounging around...the life of a polar bear
Kiya happy because Gigi bought her a monkey...she LOVES the tail!
She wouldn't let go of monkey no matter where we went

There were a few things that I liked, such as this Bell Tower, the sign for the Bell Tower and this beautiful tree. I thought the Bell tower was very interesting, but there was a very big sign that said not to ring the bell...Darnit that I am a rule follower because I SOOO wanted to ring the bell. I figured if I did though, someone might notice :P

Isn't this tree beautiful. Just looking at it is peaceful
Read the sign...wouldn't YOU want to ring it too???
Thank you mom for coming with us. We had so much fun!!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T20:07:00.001-08:00

Dave worked on Halloween, so it was just the kids and I running rampant around the neighborhood. I was a little nervous with my back so bad, and Kiya HATING her costume originally when she put it on (see below picture). Not to mention I am a TOTAL wuss when it comes to scary things. I mean, I am totally the type of mother who stands on the driveway at the scary houses while Dave takes the kids up to those houses. What was I to do this year?? Skip the scary houses completely, or brave it and take them myself???

She just stood and cried. She HATED it
Still crying...this was a day before Halloween
Caiden, on the other hand, was happy with his Wolverine costume

But things went pretty well. Kiya immediately took off running when I got her costume out, but I convinced her to wear it with promises of adventures and candy and glow sticks :) Caiden was busy passing out candy at our house, while I tried to wrestle Kiya into her costume, keep Flash from lunging at the trick or treaters who came to our door and ensure that Caiden was safe and in the house when the kids came to collect candy.

Kiya and Caiden ready to go trick or treating

You will be happy to know that I went up to the scary houses. Ok, ok it wasn't my choice. It seems years of Dave taking Caiden up to those houses made Caiden WANT to go. He thought the lights, and costumes, decorations and sounds were cool. Kiya took after me and cried. :p

*Well, she cried because they had live people posing as props come to life. I mean CMON people!!! I will freely admit that I used Kiya as a shield from them scaring us by saying "It's ok Kiya, Mama will keep you safe, don't be scared". It worked too. That's when the props would give me a little wave, and I gave a satisfied but totally wussy sigh.*

This was one of the scary houses. I know it doesn't look like it but the flash is bright, and the night was dark
This was one of the two locations they had adults in costumes as live props.

Caiden and Kiya were SOO cute. Caiden would tell his life story and introduce himself as "Wolverine and my little sister Kiya is "Monkey", but last year I was spiderman....". Kiya would say "Trick or Treat", and then say "Happy Halloween", and "Thank You". If the person did not say Thank you back she would just stare at them. If they STILL didn't say it back, she would say "Thank you" louder. If they STIIILLL didn't say "You're welcome" she would give them a hug. It was hard to drag either of them away from the doors. Caiden would talk their ears off, and Kiya was too busy hugging people and prompting them to be polite.

Kiya and Caiden passing out candy to our neighbors

Kiya would walk up and knock on the doors

The kids really liked their glow sticks
And yes that is an Easter basket. The dog ate her Halloween bag, so I had to make do

We had a lot of fun, and Caiden was amazing. He watched out for his sister and held her hand. I had given each of the kids' glow sticks, which turned out to be a good idea because I don't see very well in the dark and Kiya had dark costume on. Tired and stocked with candy, we returned home to see that Caiden's friends Derrick and Gabe had walked all the way down to our house to see Caiden on Halloween. He was BEAMING...it was so cute.

Kiya walking up our driveway

Caiden was so cute with Kiya....holding her hand
Making sure she was safe...
Gabe, Derrick and Caiden
Good friends on Halloween :)

I am glad that I took the kids around our house...we had a GREAT time. :)

Swinging Summer Fun!

2009-11-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

With the weather turning colder, I thought it might be nice to throw in some blast from the not so distant past pictures. Here are some swinging summer pictures of the kids having fun on the playground set.

These pictures are from June and July of this year, around the time we put in the playground set and we couldn't get the kids off the playground set. :) The neighbors came over to help Caiden and Kiya to christen the swing set.

Caiden making a silly face. This is his new thing when I take out the camera
Gigi came over to play
She loves the swing set
Kiya sitting on top of the playground set (clearly awhile ago...she has a bottle here)
The neighbor kids and Caiden and Kiya. Kiya wants her milk here :p
Sliding down...Kiya's happy she got her milk :)
Kiya playing peek-a-boo
Kiya chillin on the stairs
And modeling her Elmo swimwear
Caiden making silly faces again with his little dance moves

Melissa and my Godson Gabe came over to play when Caiden was camping with his grandparents.
Gabe is so cute and he played very well with Kiya
Melissa and Gabe swinging
Gabe climbing up the rope ladder
Such a cutie :)
I love this picture of Kiya
She even played peek-a-boo with me :)

I love how much the kids enjoy playing on the swing set and in the backyard. I'm glad that I can take part in documenting their childhood memories with their friends and family.

The Alien Pumpkin

2009-10-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Since it's that time of year and Caiden has been home sick, we thought it would be fun to cheer him up by carving a pumpkin...an alien pumpkin that is (that's what he wanted to do).

Kiya and I taking out the innards (Caiden was still eating his dinner)
Kiya getting her hands dirty
Of course we have to use our senses and smell and feel the pumpkin seeds

After doing this for many years now we have a kind of routine. The kids and I take the pumpkin innards out, and Dave does the actual carving of the pumpkin.

Kiya and Dave inspecting the pumpkin before carving
Dave making the first cuts
They are all engrossed in the pumpkin...just for different reasons
Caiden is looking at his sliver of pumpkin, Dave's still carving and Kiya's ready to put the cap on
Caiden kept calling this his "pumpkin eye"

Now that Kiya is a bit older she was really into "experiencing" the pumpkin with all of her senses. It was quite cute.

Getting her hands dirty
And of course she had to make sure it was edible

Caiden was more excited with the pieces of pumpkin that Dave was cutting out.

This was Kiya when she looked at the pumpkin and we turned the lights off...hehe
Both kids watching the pumpkin glow...my flash is bright the lights were OFF
Kiya made this pumpkin

The kids seemed to have fun, and we have our traditional carved pumpkin now (so I don't feel so guilty on depriving them of this holiday fun).

Gigi and I and the Kids Go To The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Gigi came over today to spend some quality time with the kids. Since we thought it would be a fun treat, we surprised the kids and went to the Pumpkin Patch. Caiden was really enthusiastic. Kiya SAID she was...until we got there then I think she was just hot and tired.

The pumpkin patch itself was amazing!! It was HUGE! They had a corn maze, sunflower section, HUGE area where you could go out and pick your own pumpkins, a gift shop, petting zoo, plethora of bounce houses, tractor rides, hay rides, John Deere rides for the kids, Cafe, food stands, and I could go on and ON!!!

Here are some people picking their own pumpkins
One of the many tractors
Lots of different kinds and colors of pumpkins, gourds, etc..
Some bright and some bubbly...
They had cute decorations and areas to take pictures
And a cornfield maze (frankly I have no sense of direction and neither does my mom, so we opted NOT to do this this time).

It was SUPER hot so we stayed as long as we could. Kiya was NOT in the mood as she was tired, hot and don't forget, we are potty training her so I'm sure that was loads of fun for her. We first thought we would take some pictures, but Kiya was tired and that didn't go over too well. **On a side note for those of you that were wondering. Yes I dyed my hair dark brown. I thought "why must blondes have all the fun, I'm gonna switch it up". :)**

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Ok, I fully admit that I went a little overboard on posting pictures, but frankly its so rare that I get to take pictures like this with and of the kids :) I couldn't help but post so many. I wonder if there is a 12 step program for this type of problem? Well if you can always use that nifty scroll bar and scroll through them really quickly :)

Gigi and the kids on our arrival. Notice Kiya is already tired
Here is Kiya protesting taking this picture
Although later she did calm down enough to snap a few, but no smiles
Caiden, Kiya and myself

Not sure what's with our expressions, but whatever :)
The corn was about his height, the plant much taller
We tried for a corn picture, but this was about all we got
Caiden was a trooper and posed for pictures with me :)
Here he was tickling himself to make himself laugh so he would have a more "natural" smile hehe

Notice he is still trying to tickle himself
I kinda like this picture :) My boy is so handsome :)

Kiya took a liking to the sunflowers
She is unsure if she wants to participate, so she is testing it out :)
Kiya smells with her lips...it kinda looks like she is kissing the flower
And now she is examining it
This was the look we got most of the day

Next Caiden played in the bounce houses, and then we decided to go in the shade for a little while and turned corn and gourds into musical instruments. That was Kiya's first smile.

Tickets in hand, Caiden watched the sand drain so he knew when it was his turn
Caiden showing us the different pumpkins
Kiya holding my hand
And this is where Gigi and Caiden made music with the gourds. He loved it
And Kiya joined in with her musical corn

Next we went into the petting zoo which really consisted of goats and sheep. Kiya was INTENT on feeding the goats and sheep and was very aggressive about it, holding the cup of food and running around after the animals. It was very cute, especially as she would take one kernel of food out and hand it to the animal, or shove the cup in the face of an animal who was cleaning itself.

Goat way up high
Close up of the goat
Kiya contemplates her strategy
She befriends a goat
And shares. She made sure each goat got some
This one was cleaning itself and Kiya shoved the cup in its mouth. It did eat though

She would put one kernel of food in the hay at a time...
Now she started touching the sheep...so cute

This is the point where I asked Kiya if she had to go potty. She said no. I said are you sure...so she checked. Notice the hand down her pants.

Caiden took a more laid back approach and allowed animals to come to him. He would go to the animals too, but if other kids wanted to feed them as well, he would back off and share. So sweet :)
Caiden is so gentle. He was very sweet with the animals. Very calm. I just love this boy!!
Caiden showing the other little boy how to feed the animals

The animals themselves would regularly stampede partly because there was some neurotic kid chasing them, and partly because I think they wanted away from the kids hounding them. I got taken out by one of the stampedes, and Kiya got clipped in the head by a goat who jumped over her. After that I would position myself around Kiya and then brace myself for impact...those things were crazy. Caiden was smart and stayed away from the stampede :)

These darn animals would randomly stampede

This was my view right before I landed on my butt. They totally took me out!!

It was fun, but waaaaay too hot, and since Kiya was having a slow meltdown we felt it best to go and come back another day.

I'm Domesticated!!!

2009-10-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

That's right. I am a regular June Cleaver now that I have been home for awhile. Today I made Pumpkin Bread AND Caramel Apples!! I mean, it IS the season for these types of treats RIIIGHHHT?!

I couldn't wait to eat the pumpkin bread, so there it is incomplete in this picture

Caiden and I made the caramel apples, with an occasional assist from Dave. It was fun and they taste delicious!!!
The chosen apples
Notice the tool that Dave uses to remove the stems

I show Caiden how to cover the apples with Caramel
Then he does it himself :)
The finished product :)

Ok so it's not rocket science or anything, but admit it, you are a little impressed aren't you? :P Oh, and just in case you were gonna ask...the laundry is already in the dryer :)

Redecorating Rooms - Making Progress

2009-10-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

You have already seen Kiya's new room (formerly the guest room), well now let us unveil the new and improved GUEST ROOM!!!! (drum roll pleeeeeaaassseee).

This is our "Travel" theme room as it contains things that we have collected or have been given to us from around the world. This room still needs some finishing touches, but for now (and until we have money to travel to collect more "collectibles" it is done).

These are bottles of wine that we have collected from our travels that are MADE in the country that we are at (sounds simple but we have some stories on how we got these)

The globe is from Asia and I love it (Thank you Katie and Lisa)

Here is the bed made with pillows. This bed is actually our crib converted to a full bed. :)

I have to say Dave did most of the work here. He painted the room, hung the shelves, put the bed together. I helped put on the new box sprint (more guided it), new mattress, put the sheets on and then added all of the details and moved the clothes into the closet.

We also made some modifications to the playroom. We got rid of the Armoire, got a new TV (we sold Dave's PC laptop), and added more storage space for toys. It really opens up the space. We even did a once over on the toys and weeded out some "unused ones".

It's so nice to finally make some progress on our house. I mean after all, it's only been THREE years. :)

Finishing Touches to Kiya's room

2009-10-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Since I have been home and Dave has had some time off we have finished Kiya's room. We finally have her moved over OFFICIALLY!!! Her closet has now been double hung, clothes moved over, and drawers filled with her things.

If you look closely there are two purple butterflies next to the "A"

There is a fairy sitting on the dragon picture my sister made (needlepoint)

Dave put the shelves up, and her name and some more finishing fairy touches. It is a wonderland, and a place that Kiya has peaceful dreams...just check her out :)

Can you believe I got this picture in the complete dark WITHOUT waking her up :P

Update on Matt

2009-10-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and thoughts. I wanted to give everyone an update on Matt's progress. The Drs are pretty positive that Matt will be a paraplegic for the rest of his life. They are going to release him from the hospital soon to a rehab center for the next 6 weeks where the emphasis will be on Matt learning how to live his life in a wheelchair rather than strengthening his legs.

We are still praying and hoping for a miracle and that Matt will be able to walk again. He is a 10 year old very active boy that loves to play hockey and run. If it is not in God's plan for Matt to walk than the focus will be on helping Matt understand that he can still do things that he wants, he will just have wheels instead of feet.

As always your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Prayers Needed & Warning About Undercooked Food

2009-10-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

As some of you already know my stepbrother's son, Matt has fallen ill quite unexpectedly. This past Friday, Matt was taken to the ER. He had told his parents that he had some back pain so they set an appointment with an orthopedic doctor for that week, however Matt never made it. He awoke early Friday morning and was unable to move his legs.

At the ER, he was x-rayed and they did a spinal puncture. He was seen by a number of doctors and an MRI was done, and he was admitted to the hospital. The MRI revealed that a mass was growing in his back near the T4/T5 area (mid back). The neurosurgeon did not believe it was cancerous, but indicated that it needed to come out. Matt had surgery early Saturday morning.

The surgery went well and fast and the mass that was removed literally popped out when they went to remove it. It was 1-1/4 inch by 1 inch. They are testing it to determine what it is, however the neurosurgeon believes that is a parasite called Taenia Solium (AKA Pork Tapeworm). The disease this parasite caused is cysticercosis. The neurosurgeon described his case as bizarre.

Regardless the mass applied pressure for a small time t his spinal cord. That pressure has left him unable to move from the waist down. The neurosurgeon indicated that he had blood flow on both sides of his spinal cord and there was no damage or cuts to the spinal cord which is good. Matt now has some feeling in his upper legs when deep pressure is applied. He is set to begin physical therapy to help determine his prognosis and to get things working again. The doctors are not giving any guarantees at this time. He is only 10 years old. When he is released from the hospital he will have to go to a rehab center for over a month (he will live there while he is recouping).

This was very fast acting. Again he only described some back pain, and then all of a sudden he could not feel his legs. Please keep Matt in your thoughts and prayers. This next week will be crucial for him. We are hoping in time he will recover and be running around again.

Also, please take this as a reminder to ensure that you nor your children do not consume undercooked food.

The Unveiling Of Kiya's Mural!!

2009-10-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Dave could be so artistic? But that's exactly what he is. He is a man of many talents as you can see below.

Since I have been home and we had some extra time (he took off work to help me), we decided to change Kiya's room into the bigger room (formerly the guest room). In doing so we bought her a big girl bed and started discussion on a mural. When we spoke about doing a mural for Kiya's room we had lots of visions for it, but since I have been out of work due to the surgery we have also been tight on money. This is when Dave had the great idea that he would paint the mural himself.

Kiya surveying the progress of her mural
Dave painting in the house
His progress without the projector :)

Now I must preface before I continue further that Dave has never painted a mural before nor have I really seen him draw anything. He does has great visionary skills (after all he designed our pool), as well as dedication, perseverance and perfectionist tendencies. I have to admit, while I believe in his skills, I was a little hesitant because it is quite the big mural, and he has no experience with these types of things.

The right side of her wall with a fairy, flowers and a butterfly
The detail is great :) You see the snail shell? He actually went out to the backyard to get a snail shell, and the seashell, he used Caiden's shell from a previous entry

We found some pictures that we wanted, and bought a projector (on clearance) and Dave went to work. For two weeks he worked tirelessly on this mural. It turned out SOO great, and Kiya loves it. She points to the tree and says "Daddy" and something that sounds like "paint". I think she knows that he did this just for her. :)

Dave is very proud of his butterfly
Flowers :)
This is his least favorite fairy but I think it came out well
This is my favorite fairy, especially the blue streaks in her hair
This is Dave's favorite fairy
The tree went much faster. He did it in about 2 days
finishing touches
DONE!!!! Exhausted but happy to be done
Final product :)

So now every night she gets to go to sleep in her new big girl room, with her big girl bed, dreaming her big girl dreams under a beautiful tree and wonderland that her daddy painted for her.

Kiya's big girl bed. She needs to step stool to get up to it

With a dreamworld like this...Imagine the possibilities (just like the sign says)

Say NO to Drugs!

2009-09-29T19:09:00.001-07:00

Do you remember back when Nancy Reagan started the whole Say No to Drugs campaign? Well, it is STILL going strong, however I think the message MAY need to be refined...or at least CLARIFIED.

Last week at Caiden's school had Red Ribbon Week (the same as Say No to Drugs). They had bracelets, wore red shirts on Friday and had ribbons around the entire school. I guess they talked about drugs too, but I think they may have missed their mark.

Today when I went to Caiden's school to pick him up, he was telling Dave and I about how his class won for their banner of how to say no to drugs. He showed us (so cute, I should have taken a picture), and then he proceeded to discuss with us what it MEANS to say no to drugs.

Caiden: Mama you have to say no to drugs
Me: Oh...what does that mean to say no to drugs
Caiden: Well you say no to the bad drugs and yes to the good drugs
Me: *huh confused look* Um...well...what is a good drug?
Caiden: Good drugs are drugs that people say good things about.
Me: *Look at Dave like...I don't think so* Well Caiden, actually we don't want to take ANY drugs unless Mama or daddy say it's ok (like medicine) and we give it to you. Got it??

Of course at this point, I start to go into a lecture, but Dave looked at me and laughed. I mean, I am the all natural girl right?? All I was thinking is some evil kid taunting my innocent son with some dangerous chemical saying "Caiden this is a GOOD drug...all the kids are doing it. It makes you happy and..." I had to clarify for him. :)

So as you can see Cade got HALF the message, but not the whole thing. And this from the award winning classroom for their ability to translate their "understanding" of saying no to drugs in the best way. Hmm...that makes me wonder what the other classrooms took away from that week. :P

Woman of Steel!

2009-09-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I always wanted to be wonder woman. I mean who wouldn't right? She was beautiful, intelligent, had really cool bracelets and a tiara that protected her and she spun around in circles. Everything a little girl could ask for.

I ran around in underroos (do you remember those? For those of you who are too young to remember - underrroos were underwear that were themed liked wonder woman, superman, etc...) and would wear them everywhere...until my mom finally told me that they were underwear and at the age of 5 I was not allowed to wear them outside anymore. :(

I would pretend to be invincible, I would spin around and use my golden rope and bracelets. It was wonderful. Well, I may not have a golden tiara and bracelets, but I am getting closer to my wonder woman goal...I mean, I have to say that my invincibility factor has drastically increased now that I'm a woman of steel with this back surgery. I don't wish to be a braggart, but again, I know you're jealous :P You too wish you could have metal in your back that makes you stronger than before :) Hmm...I wonder if I will set off metal detectors at the airports??? "No officer, I'm not carrying a weapon...I AM the weapon!!" :P

The above picture is actually a picture of an xray that I took with my camera phone. I was being sneaky. The doctor had not come in yet, and they put up my xrays on the computer so I really quick snapped this shot. You can see the bone that they put in my back (where a space normally would be there is the bone); and the screws securing it and holding me together. They are actually MUCH bigger than I thought they were going to be. It almost looks like the top one was going to come out of the top of the disc. It's actually quite interesting. Let's just hope it works!!!

According to the doctor, by December I should be able to hike and bear weight, and by March I should be able to do more high impact activities like running, mountain biking and pole dancing!! I can't wait. :) It's a slow recovery process, but I'm hopeful :)

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

2009-09-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

Well thank you to Katie, I now have some pictures of when I was a kid. I thought I would share a few of them with you :)

It showcases how long Katie and I have been friends...

I love this picture of Katie rollerskating on her carpet in her house :) Now THAT'S Commitment.

Here are some pictures of some Fun Times!!!!

Me in the pink bikini, Danie and Katie at the beach
More beach shots
Katie and I playing out front. Yes I am wearing Wonder Woman Underoos
Mom with Lisa, Stephanie, Katie and myself
Katie, Mel, Steph and Lisa in front of our house

Here are some shots of Katie and I on our birthday...

Here I am watching Katie open gifts. I think I look like Kiya here (except more hair)
Always with a paci, Katie and I play dolls
Funny Christmas is my favorite time of the year...although here I am clearly showing my dislike for Santa
Katie wasn't very fond of the man either :p

Halloween Pictures

Angelic Katie and Bunny Rabbit Mel

The neighborhood kids on our stairs. Yes the carpet is gold :P
"raggady ann" Lisa and "andy" Steph

See I was funny...here I am as a clown :P with mom and Katie
Here is Katie and I just lounging around playing. Notice the paci...apparently my favorite thing

Thank you so much Katie for sharing these pictures. It was wonderful taking a trip down memory lane.

Gigi's 1st trip to the Fire Station

2009-09-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

On my birthday, I received the news that I needed to get my blood drawn in preparation for my surgery in 2 days, in case I needed a blood transfusion. Of course this is the LAST thing that I wanted to do on my birthday, so I called for reinforcements...my mother!! She was kind enough to come and watch my kids while I was poked like a pin cushion by a man who resembled Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons. None of my lame attempts at humor worked on him either, and when I asked if he though I was a wuss (cuz of my phobia of needles) he just stayed quiet. I guess he subscribes to that old adage, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I asked him about that too :P I was determined to at LEAST crack a smile on this man's face and I think I did succeed.

Since we were so close to Dave's work, we decided to swing by and say hello. This was her FIRST trip to any fire station, so she was greeted with a full tour. Dave and crew proudly showed her the engine, the living quarters and let her try on their gear. While I was inside talking to Captain Sears, Dave dressed my mom up in full turnout gear, with a BA and even handed her the jaws of life. I think at that moment she gained a new appreciation for Dave's job while she yelled "ok, get me out of here". :)

Mom in full gear
With the jaws
When Dave told her to try to walk, that's when she asked to get out of there.
Kiya wasn't sure what to make of her. :)
My mom thought that the ensemble was surprisedly heavy
Caiden always loves playing with the exhaust hose...I have pictures of him when he was a little tyke playing with the same thing :)

She had a great time, and the kids were happy to see Dave :)

Caiden's Banner

2009-09-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

One of Caiden's first projects in Kindergarten was to introduce the class to who he is, by way of a banner. Each child was provided a banner and they needed to fill it up however they wanted. Since I've been out of the game so to speak, Dave and Caiden worked on this one together.

Caiden choose all of the categories himself (Dave did not veto anything), and then they chose the pictures and glued them on. I think it turned out quite well.

Clearly the orange behind Caiden's name is because it's his favorite color. The categories that Cade wanted everyone to know about him were: Firefighter (what he wants to be), camping/hiking, Soccer, Games, Snow, Swimming (things he likes to do) and of course Family (what is important to him). :)

It's hard to see the word for family because the letters are in blue, but I was touched that he added that. Here are a few pictures that Dave had to take since we didn't have them handy and Caiden insisted that they be included.

Caiden loves playing Crossbows and Catapults with Dave
And he found out in school that he has a natural ability for soccer. Mark Murphy gave Cade this soccer ball. :)
Caiden kicks :)

He is so focused :P

Happy Birthday to Katie and I!!

2009-09-09T21:06:00.001-07:00

Katie and I have shared a birthday as long as I can remember. She is like a twin to me (born 20 minutes before me) but of course with different parents, who lived one house down from me for most of my life. Our parents were close friends, and of course it was only natural for us to be friends as well.

Thirty three years later and we are still going strong as friends. She has been there for many important events for me. She was the person that went to Hawaii with me when we graduated high school, who is the Godmother to my daughter, and has ALWAYS been there for me through the happy times and the not so happy times. She is a true friend and I cannot think of anyone I'd rather share a birthday with than Katie. Happy Birthday Katie. :)

I SOOO wish I had a picture of Katie and I of birthday's past, but I don't have very many pictures of me as a child :(

Caiden Starts Taekwondo

2009-09-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Caiden has shown an interest in martial arts, so Dave and I decided it was time to enlist him in some martial arts courses. We first started with Taekwondo (a Korean based martial arts and is loosely translated into "the way of the foot and fist") and then he can move on to other forms of martial arts like jiu jitsu. It's really convenient as the instructors come to his school two times a week, and they we take him to the studio on the weekend.

I started doing a little reading on taekwondo and it's actually quite interesting as there is some contention on the origin of taekwondo as well as what distinguishes this form of martial arts from others. Interestingly, the Koreans felt that the leg is the longest and most strongest weapon an artist has so there is a heavy emphasis on kicking as it is the part of human body that has the "greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation". According to wikipedia, the Koreans felt that the hands were too valuable to be used in combat.

Also according to wikipedia, Caiden should:

Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of boards, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's strength.

We hope Caiden will learn to discipline his mind, body and spirit; find a way to challenge anger and frustration; as well as learn defensive skills and keep him in shape. Caiden really enjoyed the fighting stances (which his instructor stated he did very well and that made him proud), and he also found out that he has inherited my flexibility :) He couldn't wait to come home and show me what he learned.

This was in the beginning of class, where Caiden was more reserved and shy (remember he is like me)
As Caiden stayed longer he became more comfortable
and started getting into it more...
This is Caiden getting ready to use the focus pads for kicking

A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok 도복), often white but sometimes black or other colors, with a belt (tti 띠) tied around the waist. The belt indicates the student's rank. The school or place where instruction is given is called the dojang 도장.

While this was Caiden's first day, he did not get his uniform until the end of his day, so all of the pictures Dave took for me he is the one in his school uniform rather than in white. He is just starting out so he will have a white belt, but informed me today that there are many different colors as he gets better and he wants to get the different colors. :)

According to homeoftaekwondo.com, the there are a 6 different color belts, however there are various levels within each color belt. The color significance of the belts is described below:

What do the belt colours represent?

White – Represents the innocence of students at the start of the foundation level who has no experience of Tae Kwon Do.

Yellow - Represents the earth from which a plant evolves and takes root. This symbolises the evolutionary path of Tae Kwon Do.

Green – Represents the continuous growth of knowledge and skill as the Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.

Blue - Represents the Heavenly sky towards which the plant grows and matures into a tall. This signifies the continuous progression of Tae Kwon Do.

Red - Represents Danger, it signifies the use of control the student must develop, warning the opponent to keep their distance.

Black – This is the opposite of white, symbolising the maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do, it also represents the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.

We are very proud of Caiden and look forward to his progression within Taekwondo!!!

Admit it...you're SOOOO jealous!

2009-09-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

I know what you guys are thinking. You don't even need to say it, and I know I would be completely and utterly jealous if I were you too. I mean, here I am a 33 year old (as of the end of August) woman and I ALREADY own my very own walker, potty chair (which I actually don't use as a potty chair, but more to help me take a shower), AND a handcrafted personal hospital-like bed table (made by my handy dandy husband). Can you believe it???? What an overachiever am I!

I KNEW I was on the right track when at the ripe old age of 16 I started receiving brochures for the AARP. I figured if the AARP believed in my that much, who was I to let them down. So I toiled and labored until I too was successfully able to be admitted to the hospital for major surgery to win the fun prizes that you see below.

Well, actually the swiveling personalized bedside table was made especially for me by Dave, so I guess I didn't actually have to EARN that one. I just happen to have a handy husband who enjoys making my life easier. *yea right* :)

And because I know how to cater to my bloggers, I will even post some EXTRA pictures of the handcrafted bedside table. You're welcome. You don't even have to say it. :)

See it swivels inward just like the hospital ones

Or it swivels outward. It's perfect.

And since I'm such a generous and giving person, if you are REALLY nice to me, I might let you take my walker for a spin, or use my bedside table. Again, you're welcome. :) I won't even make you have to get spinal fusion surgery like me (which went well by the way, or so they tell me), to get your own aids. Well, I won't flaunt my success any longer, just try not to get too envious when you look at the pictures ok? :P

Caiden's 1st Day at Kindergarten

2009-08-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

My little boy is growing up. I don't know when it happened, but one moment I was nursing him and the next minute I turn around and he is running off to play with his friends and heading off to school.

Today Caiden took his first step down the path of a very important milestone. Today Caiden started Elementary school. We got up early, put on his first uniform, took the standard "first day of school" pictures and headed off to join the other moms and dads armed with cameras in their hands.

My little man with his new backpack and his uniform
Kiya wanted to snap a picture with her brother on this important moment (notice we didn't do her hair).

Caiden was fine on the car ride over, but the moment we actually got to his classroom he became shy and very nervous. He became quiet and just kind of sat and looked around (he's just like his mama - he has to observe first). He deposited his lunch box and backpacks in the proper containers, and then his teacher, Ms. Phillips gave him a name sticker and showed him his desk. The longer we stayed, the more nervous I think he became. So we took our cue and decided to leave and let him adjust. As we were walking out we saw his friend Derrick, and knew things would be ok for Caiden.

Even though he was nervous he still posed graciously for a picture with me :)

Caiden and his desk partner, Angelle

Caiden's desk

Ms. Phillips and Cade's classroom

Dave saying goodbye to Caiden

I did get one smile out of Caiden

But this is what he looked like when I left :(

We picked him up relatively early and decided to celebrate his first day of Kindergarten with a dinner out. We expected Caiden to be quite animated, but we found him to be quite tired. Why would Caiden be so tired?? Well no naps of course :)

Caiden said that Kindergarten was MUCH better than preschool. When asked why he said "because we don't have to nap", however I think that nap did more for him than he bargained for. :) (side note: I would SO take his daily nap for him. I miss that about school).
Caiden was excited about the class pet, a beta fish they named "Rocky", and interestingly enough the behavior chart which he has assured me that he will stay "green" (which is good). He also talked about different shaped tables that were different colors, but to be honest, I am not sure what that is all about. He said he had a lot of fun, which is a good thing :)

This is "Rocky" while Caiden initially voted for "Swimmy", Rocky and Nemo had more votes. So they took a revote with just those two names. Rocky won.

After School Caiden...notice how much more relaxed he looks...cuz he's big time now. :)

I'm not sure why he looks so sad in these pictures. He wanted me to take them. Maybe he's going for the sympathy vote. Nah...he was REALLY tired.

Caiden spins the wheel

Caiden's relaxing with his friends.
Look at the laid back Caiden with all the girls

His teacher Ms. Phillips said that Caiden is a "very good listener" and was very helpful cleaning up the classroom. She also noted that he is very meticulous as they had a name puzzle in which they had to put the letters in their name and glue them on a paper. She stated that he took great care to ensure that his letters were lined up neatly and with no spaces. That's my boy :)

Caiden's name puzzle. See how nice it is :)

Caiden's teacher sent home a green star with the following note :)

Caiden wanted to share his day with Gigi and Grammie Sue and Papa Jim. :)

I'm so proud of Caiden. He survived his first day of Elementary school and he did famously!!! I love you Caiden. :)

Happy 10 Year Anniversary!!!

2009-08-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a little delayed in posting this, as Dave and my 10 year wedding anniversary was actually back in June. However, I'm doing it now...trying to get up to date, and I'm getting closer with every post. Everyone knows what Dave's gift to me was (getting my children's book illustrated and published), but not many know what I did for Dave.

Well, I wanted to recreate the day we got engaged, but with a twist, so I surprised Dave by taking the day off, packing the car full of goodies and dropping the kids off at their grandparent's house for the day. I then gave Dave a gift that would lead us to our next adventure...sort of. I bought him a new GPS for hiking and backpacking, but one that could do geocaching. I thought that we could search for geo cache on our hike (where we got engaged) and then leave our own. Little did I know that you have to subscribe to a service and have downloaded the geocache information FIRST. I didn't do this ultra important step as I didn't want to open the new GPS as Dave likes to open new things himself, and I wasn't sure if he would like the GPS I got him.

Thankfully, he did like the GPS, but we had to drive back to Lance's house to use their computer so that we could download information about Geocaching and ones that would be around the trail we were going to hike. We tried the geocaching, but since I hadn't planned ahead and paid for the service we got virtually no clues, and it was QUITE hard, so we just took a trip down memory lane and recreated our steps during our hike that lead to our engagement over 10 years ago.
Dave searching geocache locations
Now that we have downloaded them, we need to find them using the GPS

We saw a lot of interesting things such as salamanders, butterflies, LOADS of ladybugs, and other critters. The path along the hike was pretty but a lot has changed. They had a lot of these little cottages everywhere...with people IN them. So many that it felt like we were imposing on them, rather than escaping the concrete jungle and becoming one with nature. It was kind of sad to see how much it has changed in 10 short years.

There were SO many salamanders...here is one of them :p
and an abnormal amount of ladybugs...this is just a select few of them

Loads of these little houses popped up

Food for thought...
If you don't look at the little cottages, the view is still pretty

Once we arrived to the waterfall where Dave originally proposed, I took out the sparkling apple cider and lunch and snacks that I had packed so that we can sit by the waterfall and enjoy some time together. Time together was not to be as it seemed that EVERYONE had the same idea to come sit at the waterfall. The longer we were there the more and more people came, so we finally decided to leave the trail and move onto our next adventure.

Dave with the Apple cider

This is the site of where we got engaged over 10 years ago

Pretty eh? :P

After our hike, we moved on to the LA Arboretum. It was really pretty there, but a bit pricey for what it was. They were shooting some video or something there...of course, only in LA right? We hung out for a little while, then went out to dinner and then headed over to our final outing of the night.

There's a bird in there...can you find it?
This was unique and I was quite fascinated with this HUGE birds nest exhibit
So I took a few pictures with it

And then some peaceful shots
There were peacocks everywhere
and one even showed me his pretty feathers
Dave by a waterfall
This is the location where the film crew was

We drove to the Griffith Observatory. It had been many years since I had been and I was bummed to learn that they had taken away this laser light show that I was so impressed with. I mean, that was one of the MAIN reasons that I took Dave there (he hadn't seen it), and I wanted him to. We hung around until we saw the sun set, and then drove back to pick up the kids and go home.

What do you think he's doing?

Dave had good memories of this, so we stopped here and watched the pendulum go

It was a wonderful day :)

Sept 2nd = Surgery Day

2009-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got my surgery date. It's September 2nd. Wish me luck and say a few prayers :)

Dean's 1st Birthday

2009-08-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Yes I KNOW it was in May. Yes I am aware that that was months ago, but better late than never, right? Especially after you see these cute pictures.

Dean celebrated his 1st birthday at his new pad, along with Mommy (Pam), Daddy (Jake) and friends and family. He REALLY enjoyed the cake as you can see from the below video. (it was my first with this new program, so hopefully they will get better as I learn more).

He didn't want to miss a scrap of this cake

Look at that smile. That says. I like frosting and cake!!!!

We had a lot of fun. We ate good food. Played

Kiya liked the toy
She rolled around the yard on it
She liked the balloons
And Caiden really liked the big yard...perfect for sprinting around...
Kiya had to check out the flowers to make sure they smelled as good as they looked
She really got into her smelling, even using her lips to take in the full scent :p

Opened gifts

Dean got lots of nice gifts

Hung out with friends and family

Kiya and Dean spent some quality time together (the get along pretty well)
Dean got to hang out with Grammie Sue :)
Kiya and Caiden got to hang out with Grandma Susan
Dean showed off his stabilization skills :p
Cute picture with Kiya and Dean
They were pretty cooperative about the pictures
Kiya played with papa
Dean played with friends and his new stash of goodies
I got to spend some time with the birthday boy
But at the end of the day, he will always be Mama's boy :)

And had a lot of fun!!!!

Kiya Went In The Potty!!!!

2009-08-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good day. Not only was I hanging out with some friends at a baby shower, but I also got to spend a lot of time with my good friend Katie and her kids. And on this special day, Kiya decided to pee in the potty!!!!! I know, right???

All day today, she has been taking my underwear out of my drawers and trying to put them on. I guess it's time to buy Kiya her own special panties! I'm so proud of her :) Wow how time flies right? My baby will be out of diapers soon.

Here are a few pictures (don't worry they are PG). She is SOOO going to hate me for these when she is older :p

And she is multi-tasking...reading away. This looks like a good book, she's very intrigued. :)

She must have acquired her relaxed stance from her daddy :p

Spinal Fusion Surgery For Me...

2009-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you that do not know as of yet, I am going to have Spinal Fusion surgery soon. I have had back problems centered in the L4/L5 lumbar region ever since I was pregnant with Kiya. I assumed that once I had her, all of my back problems would go away - you know like the other pregnancy issues like heart burn and such. Unfortunately, it has not only NOT gone away, but it has become worse - to the point that I cannot stand for longer than about 15-20 minutes without being in extreme pain. I have not known a day without pain in about 2 years. My sleep is disturbed (I toss and turn all night since I cannot find a position that diminishes the pain), it has limited my ability to live as I cannot do the things I want to do with my family like backpacking, hiking, exercising, etc. I cannot even pick up and carry Kiya or lay her down in her crib without experiencing a blinding pain.

I have tried pretty much everything from chiropractic to physical therapy. I am not on any meds as I do not like to be medicated, and I don't think it would help all of that much anyway. I have gone to a number of doctors, but finally sought out a well respected surgeon. He explained to me after X-rays and another MRI that my L4/L5 disc was broken. Since there are no cells in this area it cannot regenerate. My options are really to adjust my expectations of my back and live like this (which frankly is not an option for me) or have Spinal Fusion surgery.

While I am not looking forward to the surgery, I am looking forward to living my life again. There is a 3 month recovery process. Basically, they are going to take a femur bone from the Bone Bank (a cadaver), file it down for me, remove my L4/L5 disc, take bone marrow from my pelvic area and then put in the femur bone and affix it with two screws. There will be two surgeons (an orthopedic surgeon and a vascular surgeon). I will have two scars (which I'm pretty bummed about considering I was able to escape childbirth without any scars). One will be horizontal midline on my stomach. The other will be vertical on my lower back. I will be in the hospital for a little less than a week (another thing I am not looking forward to), but hey it will be worth it if I can live my life again, right?

After the three months, the doctor states I should have no limitations, so that is what I am looking forward to. That and a real diminished sense of pain. Apparently this is pretty major surgery, but I'm trying not to think of it. The doctor already thinks I'm a wuss because I asked if they could put me out with gas rather than an IV. He laughed at me. I guess that was a no :p

I go in for surgery soon, don't have a date yet, but it should be within the next few weeks. Wish me luck, and keep me in your prayers if you think about it. :)

4th of July

2009-08-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

While we didn't wait up for fireworks we did hang out during the day, but the heat got to us quite a bit (as you can see from Kiya's face).

You may also notice that she only has one pig tail...she decided this looked much better to her than having two :p

We went out for some yummy Gelato, and had a bite to eat at Panda Express before walking over to look at the fish. I love summer, but I would love a little rain about now too...maybe I'll do a rain dance.

Look at those pink cheeks....it was sooooo hot. :(
Kiya and I trying to stay outta the heat

Dave and Caiden at Panda.

Lance and Caiden Tandem Bike Ride

2009-08-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Dave surprised me at work and took me on a date. Lance watched the kids, and as Dave and I were driving down their street this is what we saw. I just thought it was so cute I snapped a few pictures. We were driving parallel so that's why the pictures are not that clear.

And yes I know that Caiden doesn't have a helmet. They just rode down the street, and we have since provided Lance a helmet that fits Caiden when they ride this bike.

You KNOW you look like crap when...

2009-08-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ok You KNOW you look like crap when the DMV rep that is renewing your license tells you where the bathroom is because they ARE going to retake your picture. I'm just saying. And to add insult to injury...I was looking ESPECIALLY classy with no make-up on my face, my hair stick straight, stringy and wet (I had just come from the shower) clad in a pole dancing red tank top. :)

I FULLY admit that I looked like crap, but must it be pointed out to me? It's not like I didn't do my homework. I called to see if I had to take a test or take a picture, and they assured me on the phone that I had to do neither, so I trusted them. That was probably my first mistake. NOW I am going to be stuck with some AWFUL picture for at LEAST the next 4 years. :( Sadness. I actually LIKED my old picture. This was is going to be the most heavily guarded secret of all times. Sigh...

Kiya's 1st Haircut...sort of

2009-07-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

When I thought about getting Kiya's first haircut (yes she is almost 2 years old and I am JUST now discussing a FIRST haircut), I picture a Norman Rockwell-eqse moment with Kiya in the chair, smiling as little pieces of hair fall gently to the ground, while I stand around the proud mama that I am taking pictures. Very serene, gentle music playing in the background.

More or less this is how the big event unraveled with Caiden, so I naively assumed that it would be the same with Kiya. Although truth be told my children have VERY different personalities. I should have known that the above mentioned dream was not in the cards as it pertains to this particular experience. This was a spur of the moment haircut, and it was also close to the end of the day (my first mistake). I DID come prepared with snacks and a drink for her, however when she had her fill she began flinging them around (laughing) and they spilled on the floor. I quickly picked them up and threw them in the trash....ohhhhh that is where it all went wrong.

Kiya was apparently SOO attached to her cheese its that she had a meltdown which she never quite recovered from. Of course it was just at that time that Kiya's name was called. Sigh. I did my best to try and make her smile, but there was nothing (short of the cheese its that were now in the trash) that was going to bring her back. We tried a variety of tactics including her sitting on my lap, and me getting my hair cut so she can see it was fine. We even gave her a lollipop (which she has never had before). When I finally put her down on the ground, she just put her hands over her eyes, bent over and then just cried. It was so sad, however quite funny at the same time. FINALLY I was able to calm her down long enough for them to trim her bangs, but they look awful. I could have done that :(

This was Kiya AFTER we calmed her down. She was very squirmy though so they had to cut fast
Trying to distract her with a lollipop
Her final cut...just the bangs...they are SOOO straight across :(

Since I was trying to calm down Kiya with my bum back, Caiden played photographer so I could have SOME pictures of Kiya getting a haircut. Caiden did a great job...I mean, he DID get Kiya in the picture. :p Oh well, better luck next time maybe.

We HAVE a Yard!!!

2009-07-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

So I know we have always HAD a yard, but at least now you can see it, and you might even want to hang out in it. Dave and I (mostly Dave as he has been busting his hump on his off days) have been working hard to turn our weed infested dirt ridden back yard into something that the kids could play in, and frankly we wouldn't be embarrassed about.

Caiden on the patio
Pool slide
Chairs by the pool

I should have taken pictures of the TRUE before...the ones where the weeds are taller than me, but for some reason I didn't. I guess you have to just trust me on this one. For those of you who have been here and have seen the out of control weeds, you can vouch for me. :)

The first step was to clear the weeds. That took quite a bit of time, as I promise you, you could barely walk in our backyard it was so overridden.

The dirt was so hard, and there were TONS of rocks in it

Free and clear of weeds
Shoveling the dirt out
Ok so here is the before of the side gate in the front (but I didn't take an after) :p

The next step was to break up all of the dirt and level it. This actually sucked because we had to shovel the dirt into wheelbarrows and then haul it away. When you haul it away you had to just shovel it out too. :( Then came the forms (I had no part in that...that was ALL Dave and Lance).

Forms being formed (you know that made you chuckle, admit it) :P

After the forms were in, Lance came over to help Dave with the concrete. That was really nice to see because after a hard day's work you see so much progress. You have something (ready for it) concrete :P After the concrete came the jackhammer, and breaking up the hard dirt that we had in the yard.
Manly man work :P
Quick Progress with the jackhammer
Now this is a decent size yard so we needed all hands on deck. Kiya was happy to help!

We then got some planting soil, so that we could mix that into the dirt in preparation for sod. Rototilled the new dirt in, and then began the part I HATED!!!
Caiden built his muscles by shoveling dirt with Dave
New dirt...how pretty
Mmm...smells good :P
Time to rototill the yard

Trenching for sprinklers. Now after a day of digging trenches, my back in so much pain I could barely move, Dave tells me we could have rented a machine that would have done this in 20 minutes. Yea...good call Dave :P But then again, we can literally say we slaved on the backyard with blood, sweat and tears. After the trenches were in Dave installed the sprinklers.
Measuring for sprinkler heads
and of course we had to mark them
This part sucked. For all of you that may trench eventually all I have to say is...
Rent the stinkin machine...TRENCHING SUCKS!
Kiya taking a much needed break
Along with Dave. He worked SOO hard.
Sprinklers in!!

The forms for the play set and the play set itself went in along with the rubber mulch. After that sod, and viola!! We have a backyard!!!!!!

Dave put in the play set form and rubber mulch
Grass starts to go in
Still going in
SUCCESS!!!

It was hard work, but well worth it :)

Father's Day 2009

2009-07-04T23:17:00.001-07:00

Dave's Father's Day started with a home cooked breakfast (using his new place mat), we went shopping for things on the yard. But of course we had to stop at Whimsical Yogurt, our new favorite Gelato place. It has wonderful Gelato (and I had not had it before a few weeks ago) with fresh toppings, but they also have yogurt that you can serve yourself.

Yummy...it just opened!!!
And they make fresh Gelato daily

Kiya and I shared Strawberry and Birthday Cake

Dave got Lemon Sorbet, and Caiden got Birthday Cake

Kiya was all smiles

At the new marketplace out by our house they have a wonderful little area where we like to sit, and lately feed the two fish they have in the pond there. Kiya also became fast friends with a dog that she met there. She kept hugging the dog, it was so cute.

After Gelato, we took a stroll over where we can feed the fish

Here are the fish we are feeding :)

And then Kiya met her furry friend

She kept hugging the dog :)

And then we headed home to nap and swim :)

The rest of the day we just hung out. We went swimming at the house and watched movies and just had a relaxing day :)

Father's Day Gifts

2009-07-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Every year for Father's Day I try to think of something creative to do that showcases how special the men in our lives are. This year was no exception. I thought and thought of something to do on a shoestring budget, but still heartfelt. Then lo and behold it hit me!!!

A placement...I mean, ya gotta eat, right? And who doesn't want to eat and look at pictures of their kids, or grandkids???? I know I don't :P So the kids and I set off hard at work to find the perfect memories to showcase their love. Caiden even drew a personalized picture for each Grandpa and for Dave...I didn't even prompt him what to draw :)

This is the other side of Dave's place mat. Each one has two sides (duh...but what I mean is that we decorated both sides).

Sounds simple enough right? Get something to put pictures on, secure pictures and then take it somewhere to have it laminated...yea...that's what I thought to. But when has my life EVER been simple?? (The answer is never...it has NEVER been simple - just in case you didn't catch the sarcasm dripping from my words).

Grandpa Lance's place mat: side A

Grandpa Lance's placemat: side B

Ok, I will take part of the blame here, but only part. I DID wait until the day BEFORE Father's day to put this whole plan together, thinking it wouldn't take THAT long. I thought about it way before, but I thought that I would actually MAKE the place mats the day before. That was my first, and only error that I will accept in this whole debacle. It took ALL day to organize and put the pictures the exact way I wanted them, and then add Caiden's work of art as well. By 6pm, I was done, and excited that the project was complete. All I had left to do was go to Kinkos and have them laminated.

Papa Jim's Place mat: Side A

Papa Jim's place mat: Side B

Katie and I walked into Kinkos and I proceeded to explain (in very specific detail) exactly how I wanted my placemat to look. During this whole explanation, I am thinking in my head "why am I bothering...they don't need to know all of this...they just need to push my placement through the lamination machine...very simple"...yet I continued to recite war and peace in the form of "How Mel wants her placement to look". I even explained the importance and significance of the placemats...Father's Day gifts, etc... The five year old behind the counter in the Kinkos uniform (ok slight exaggeration, but frankly my 5 year old would have taken more pride in his work and probably would have done a better job, and I KNOW he would have been more courteous) nodded his head and even regurgitated my instructions back to me. In fact, he even asked me a question I HADN'T thought of. I was excited. I thought...this kid HAS IT!! He KNOWS!!! He asked me to write down my name and phone number and told me that he would call me if it was completed before the timeframe of 30 minutes that he had given me. Satisfied, Katie and I left Kinkos and retreated to her house for the remainder of the time.

Flash forward to what seems like years later. I sit back and think "Hmm...what time is it?" I look at my phone. No calls... Crap! It's been one hour!!! No Call!!! Katie and I climb back into the car and drive over to Kinkos. This is where the story gets interesting (to me anyway). I walk up to the counter (in a good mood at this point), and explain why I'm there. The kid behind the counter (different kid) looks unimpressed, and annoyed that I have bothered him to do his job. That's when I look past him and see it! My masterpiece...ruined!!!! Lying all jumbled and gooey, and poorly put together. He hands it to me and proceeds to ring me up. I stare at him. "Seriously??" I say..."You're kidding me". I am genuinely perplexed at this point how someone could screw up laminating something. I mean, I used to be a teacher. I know how to laminate. It's NOT HARD!!!!!!

Me...on the WRONG side of the counter, trying to fix the place mat. I got tired of the 5 years olds telling my my ideas on how to fix them were wrong, and then they would sneak into the back and do exactly what I said.

Smiling cuz it's late, I'm tired, and I don't know what else to do :)

Still working hard, still smiling :p

Now I won't get into the specifics here mostly because I can feel myself getting heated just thinking about it, but I do want to assure you I TRIED to keep my cool. I spoke in a very quiet, even tone...it was the words that I said that were...um...strong. :P The kid behind the counter just stands there trying to say words to get me out of the store. I am NOT budging. I worked on this ALL day, and Father's Day is tomorrow. The 5 year old that originally took my order retreated, and wouldn't even come look at me or talk to me. I think he was afraid, or maybe he didn't care either way. However, later I watched him sit on the computer for hours on MY SPACE!!!! Great example of an employee...Kinkos should be so proud.

I was beginning to be a pro at their machines and tools

Katie hanging out at Kinkos with me. Her husband was a doll and was watching my kids.

After a lengthy discussion, some brainstorming about how they WERE going to fix this for me, and forcing him to provide me the numbers to not only his manager, but his corporate headquarters as well, I felt we were on our way to attempting to fix my masterpiece. Patiently I waited for him to "fix" it. Finally, I could not wait any longer. I walked back behind the counter and started fixing it myself. I think that the kid didn't know what else to do, so he gave me a staff card so that I could work all of the machines at no cost and just let me at it. Four and half hours later, I walked out of there with my product, the way I had envisioned the FIRST time. Of course, I did ask if I got benefits for my shift, and whether or not I got a ten minute break (they didn't seem amused). By the end of the night, the 5 year old, his friend who stopped by (Soooo professional) and Katie and I we were laughing like old pals.

With my place mats in hand, he tells me he will meet me at the cash register. I give him a look. He then says. I'm not going to charge you for these. I look back at him with a very straight face and stated "Ya think?? I just worked 4.5 hours myself to correct an error on your part that with a slight sense of dedication and work ethic would never have happened in the first place!" Of course I said it with a smile on my face and a lilt in my voice. After all, we are old friends now. I don't think that was the reply he was expecting. I thanked him anyway, and stated I appreciated his time. He then handed me a parting gift for my time there at Kinkos. Katie and I refer to this gift as the "Golden Squeegee" (the thing that pushes the pictures down and smoothes them out".

Katie and I signed the Golden Squeegee

Anyway, Dave seems to love his. Although I haven't had a chance to give Lance and Jim their place mats yet. (So Sue, if you are reading this DON'T SHOW JIM YET PLEASE!!!!). Hopefully they will be put to good use. I'm even tempted to make one for myself. After all, I DO have the professional experience AND the Golden Squeegee :P

Planting and Using Your Senses

2009-07-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

With Spring and Summer comes planting and beautiful flowers. Caiden and Kiya decided that they would help me plant some new flowers in our front yard.

Kiya was very meticulous and utilized all of her senses to truly enjoy the experience.
Kiya looks and touches
Kiya Smells
She develops a hypothesis
And tests her hypothesis

Is it edible??? I mean it SMELLS good, so it must taste good right? Kiya will let you know in a moment.

Not to be outdone, Caiden showed Kiya the importance of taking a moment to stop and smell the flowers :)
Caiden is such a pro

Hummingbird egg

There was a dead tree that I was going to remove, but then Dave found a hummingbird nest with an egg in it. So...the dead tree stays. Now that the front yard looks nice, it's time to start on the back :)

Pam and Dean Come For A Visit

2009-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pam and Dean came over for a swim and some play time last weekend. It was fun to see them, and Dean and Kiya played really well together.

Here they are learning the value of money and saving it :)
They worked very well together

Even though they are 4 months apart, they looked the same height and everything. So cute. :)

Kiya and Dean
Big smiles from Dean

The kids got a little unruly, so we through them in jail. Just kidding :) Actually, the kids were fascinated by the dog's kennel, and loved to crawl inside and lock themselves in.

Pam and Dean, we enjoyed having you over. You are welcome ANY time :)

Katie's Visit

2009-07-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love it when I get days off. Like LEGITIMATE days off of work, where I don't take a vacation day so I don't have to feel guilty that I'm not hard at work. Days where everyone else isn't working either, so I'm not glued to my phone (I know...it's a sickness...I'm thinking about entering into a 12 step program for workaholics).

Well, yesterday was one of those days. I loved it! Dave was at work, and Katie came over so it was like a girls' day out (but with the kids). We had so much fun. We swam, went shopping, swam again, ate, watched movies, worked out, talked, and just had a great time. We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning (of course the kids didn't) and just enjoyed our time.

This is Caiden with his new swim floaties...we are trying to get him to swim on his own, and this is a step in the right direction.
Kiya and myself in the water
Caiden, Kiya and myself playing in the pool

We had popsicles, however the funny part is that both my kids looked confused after they were gone. I think its because neither of them like to have sticky hands...still take a look at the expressions.

Confused Caiden

Did I do that? :P

Katie and Kiya

I love this picture of Caiden :)

I was having so much fun that I didn't even pick up my camera. Lucky for me Katie did, but then the downside is that she wasn't in any pictures :(

Princess with a bug vacuum :)
Caiden is so good to his sister. He is always helping her, and really takes care of her. We are so blessed.

Flash EYEING that granola bar...just waiting...

What a sweet picture as Kiya appreciates Flash, and Flash appreciates the granola.

The next morning, David came home and we all enjoyed a little time together before Katie had to go home.

Katie, thank you for coming...we had SOOOO much fun :)

Goodbye Preschool...Caiden Graduates!

2009-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

My little man is not so little anymore. He reached a new milestone and graduated Preschool!!! Kindergarten here we come.

The ceremony was held in Chapel
Caiden was so excited, and he loves to sing...

This is Caiden and his teacher Mrs. Burris

The presentation was so cute, and he had a great time. Papa Jim and Grammie Sue, Gigi all came over to watch Caiden walk the final preschool walk. :)

Gigi and Caiden
Papa Jim, Grammie Sue and Caiden

Caiden and I

Kiya and Grammie Sue (this is Kiya new smile...she scrunches her face all up
Scrunchy faced Kiya and I

Kiya passed the time before the ceremony by playing "peek a boo"

There were songs, there were cookies, and there was Caiden beaming the whole time. There was one point in the ceremony where the teachers ask the graduates what they want to be when they grow up. Caiden proudly stated "I want to be a Rock star!". When asked why he wanted to be a rockstar, he said "Rock stars are super cool. They have guitars...fireman, they just save people". Oh yes, since fireman JUST save people and Rock Stars have guitars I can see the draw. :p

Hunter...We love you and Miss you

2009-06-30T20:52:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have not heard the news, we lost our dear dog and family member Hunter Green Bonney two Mondays ago. :(

He was the best dog, and I will miss sitting on the couch sharing popcorn, swimming with him, and just being around him. Hunter had the best personality and despite what life handed him, he took it in stride with a happy wag of his tail.

I love you Hunter :)

My Book Is PUBLISHED!!!!

2009-06-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl,(ok not THAT little, I was in 6th grade), I wrote a story about a Little Elephant who wore hearing aids. This was a story that I had written about my perception of my sister's experiences growing up as a hard of hearing girl. It was frustating for me to watch my sister being taunted for:
1. something that she could not control, and
2. something that made her special and unique.

Writing this story was my way of working through my feelings, and in a way re-writing history to create the friend and experience that I wanted for my sister.

Ever since I wrote that story it was a dream of mine to have it published, so that the message could get out there to Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids that you are NOT impaired by any stretch of the imagination. You can do anything you want to do, you just have to believe in yourself and be confident about who you are. I also wanted children to be more understanding of people with differences, as it is these differences that make us unique and the world a more interesting place. I was hoping that maybe this book could help other children to:
1. Understand that differences are ok and not to judge others by their looks.
2. Being a good friend is the most important thing, not popularity.

These are messages I yeared to get out, hoping to spare future kids, even if just one child, the heartache that my sister had to endure as a young child. However I am not now, nor will I EVER be an artist, and I had no idea how to illustrate it. I tried multiple people, but time and life got in the way.

For our 10 year wedding anniversary, Dave decided to make one of my dreams come true as he found someone able and WILLING to illustrate my story, AND he got it published for me. I know, right?? How do you EVER top that gift?! Of course when he presented the idea to me, I cried like a baby (and I am NOT a crier). I was just so touched.

We worked on the final version together, but really the grunt work was done by Dave (with assistance from my mom). The result is that my book is now published with a small company. I am now able to take this finished product and show it to larger publishing firms in hopes of broadening the audience, making it more accessible.

In the meantime, you can see and purchase my book featured at the following link:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/522183/86152bae2d034fbb485997fd4e7c5f63

Hawaii Day at Caiden's School

2009-06-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago (see I'm getting more current on my blog postings), Caiden had Hawaii day at school. Always the supportive sister, Kiya thought she would dress the part alongside of Caiden.

Kiya adores Caiden

This is Kiya's new smile. She just squishes her whole face...Caiden used to do this too. :)

How cute are they?? Thank goodness Grammie Sue and Papa Jim brought us back cute little outfits from Hawaii...how authentic.