JITTER BUG BLUES

Yes a year!

2011-11-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

A year has come and gone. Two Thanksgivings have come and gone. I have gone through a lot of changes. Good changes. I think I am ready to blog again.

:)

~Brenda

Stay Tuned

2010-11-30T12:56:00.003-08:00

This blog will be updated - posts will be back dated. Pictures added.

And yes I have been busy!

gobble gobble

2010-11-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

I always love doing crafts with my kids. We collected some dry leaves today while heading to the park. It was COLD! Wishing that I was in southern California sweating because the temp was 98 degrees. I also missed the overcast skies. But getting to sit down with my two favorite little bugs and creat some turkies for Thanksgiving made up for it.

Bug cut out the bodies, legs, beak, and gobbles for us all! He is getting really good at his fine motor skills.

New GAME

2010-11-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

During Quiet Time Bug created his own game. He colored the game board and pieces. He even cut out everything. Here is some pictures of him showing me how to play it.

Three Carrots!

oh the sun

2010-11-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

I got the opportunity to go to California the first week of November for a vacation for myself. My camera decided to act up on the trip. This is one of the few pictures I got. It was so HOT! 98 Degrees! BEACH DAY! Watching the Surfers was cool!

Halloween

2010-10-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday Best

2010-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

They was up nice!!!

My little Man! Growning up!!!

Ladybug wanted to be like MOMMY and wear pearls.

"Pretty Mommy!

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Got the kiddos dressed up today and headed over to the church for the Harvest Party.
There was games, and candy, and rootbeer, and face painting. And of course, Trunk or Treating!!!

Bug went at Spiderman. Waiting in line with his freind for a game.

Ladybug is a monkey- enjoying her balloon she got out of the balloon pit. She could careless for the treats and toys in the pit. She just wanted the balloons.

Bug looks at his cool spider face paint. One of his favorite Babysitters painted it on him.

Bug showing me his BAT Cookie!

Bug with all his candy after the Trunk or Treat.

Orange/Black/Purple never tasted so good

2010-10-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Bug wanted to make Sugar Cookies. So when he was at school I baked some sugar Cookies with Bat, and Ghost, and Cat shapes. Bug enjoyed frosting them and pooring the sprinkles all over them.

It is very important to taste them as you go along!

mmmmmmm!

Ladybug Playgroup- Halloween Party!

2010-10-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

The MOMS club that I belong to has a playgroup for Ladybugs Aged friends.

Here is some pictures from the Joint Playgroup we had with the Dragonflies and the Ladybugs playgroups.

Ladybug had fun running around with her friends and coloring and eating Big Halloweenie cookies!

Dress rehearsal

2010-10-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Halloweenie!

full moon

2010-10-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Went outside this evening to decorate the house with Halloween Lights and looked up to see the FULL MOON!

Spooky and Pretty!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2010-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Bug's Kindergarten class had a field trip to a local Pumpkin Patch.
We decided to go as a whole family. Bug came with his class and we followed in our van.
Ladybug enjoyed looking at the pumpkins and petting the friendly Dog.

Bug's class waiting to get on the Hay Ride.

Bug with his BEST BUDDY on the Hay Ride.

Tasting Apples from the Apple Orchard. YUMMY!

Bryan found a Ladybug PUMPKIN!

The students at the end of the tour.

It was a long busy fun morning!

We will probably paint our pumpkins- i am not into carving a tiny pumpkin.

Bugs Creation

2010-09-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Bug really surprises me. Today was one of those days.

He was quietly playing downstairs in his bed room and when I went to go check on my little man this is what I found.

He was so proud of himself. :)

Sometimes he can just be so darn cute!

way to busy UPDATED!!!!

2010-09-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

I have had a very busy September. With Bug starting Kindergarten and my church responsibilites and MOMS club responsibilites I have been one busy BEE!

I was able to attend the new Sewing Club that my MOMS club is starting up for the group and was able to learn how to sew a cute simple peasant top for Ladybug. I love how it turned out! *LOVE IT*. I have more fabric to make a few more with a little different sleeve lengths. *CUTE* And I want to learn how to make pants, skirts, more, more, more. *giggles*

Here is a picture of the finished top.

I still need to get a picture of her wearing it. We went to tumbling this morning and she wore it but I forgot to grab my camera. It looks cute on her!

Here is the link to Little Bean Workshop (my friend Amy's blog). She shows how she made the top and she was the one who taught how to make it.

Also check out these two other blogs for tutorials too. Amy refers to both of them. They helped me too a few times. :)

Prudent Baby and Our Dish

I think I might be hooked on the sewing thing. *hmmmm* ;)

UPDATED!
11/30/2010

Here is a picture of Ladybug wearing her new top I sewed for her. She loves wearing it! This picture was taken in September, but she is still requesting to wear the top. I am layering it with long sleeve tops now.

Chompers

2010-09-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ladybug has been blessed with an extra tooth on her upper left side, just like her cousin Zackary. So my sister and I have some freakish gene we are passing along to our kids.

She is showing off her *chompers*

My New Bike

2010-09-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Got Ladybug a Dora Trike.

She loves it!

She can't wait tell her legs grow a little more so she can have the wind in her hair as she peddles FAST!

Picture edited with Picnik.com

Labor Day with Friends

2010-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bryan wanted to host a get together with some of our friends this past Labor Day! He orgainzed the meal - did most of the cooking - and made the phone calls to invite.

It was a beautiful day. Rained at the end- but be had some good sunshine during the time we ate.

Oh and we played SKIPBO and Bryan still lost! So did I! Our friend Tori beat us all! Plus it was her birthday so I think it was only fair that she would get to win.

The kids enjoyed playing.

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

September 2nd was Bugs first day of Kindergarten.

The school bus came and picked him up from in front of our house and took him to school. I was a bit nervous for him, but he did GREAT. It was exciting to see him sitting there at his desk doing his work while the teacher got things ready to start.

It also made me giggle a little when I saw a few mothers crying when they left. I was there last year when I dropped him off at PreSchool and walked away that first day. You don't know what to do with your free time. But you are proud of how much they have grown and how independent they have become.

Here is to a good school year!

the word for today

2010-08-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

Busy! Birthday party planning, MOMS Club newsletter, Church responsibilites, Getting Bug ready for his first day of Kindergarten. So much to do and running out of time.

Busy doing activities with the kids, and will post pictures soon.

guest blogger

2010-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bug here! I got a hold of mommys camera and was happily snapping away. I Love taking pictures.

poka baby

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ladybug Playgroup- MOMS Club

2010-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ladybug had a great time at her weekly Playgroup. We meet weekly with her friends and my friends. We got to go to the Aqua-center up on the north side of town. She was not to keen on the water but soon warmed up to the idea with a little toy that a friend shared. The water was nice and warm but cooling too for the hot days we have been having.

mini hawks camp

2010-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bug got to attend Mini Hawks Camp last week. He really had a great time. He got to play soccer, baseball, and basketball. Last friday they had tournament day. I was able to attend the last 15 mins and capture a few pictures. It is good to see Bug having some fun with his friends.

Got another "Merit Award!" GREAT JOB!

Belated Birthday

2010-08-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Bryan's Birthday was July 22. We had a friend come over and watch the kids so that we could go out to eat at Red Robin and then attend a movie. We saw "Inception" the best movie I have seen in a very long time. I loved how it got my mind working and thinking. A dream with in a dream with in a dream. COOL!

stay tuned

2010-08-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

I promise to update this weekend. I promise! I really do.

I have been busy with church and MOMS Club. Things have kind of slowed down for a few weeks so I am going to be able to update here soon.

Thanks everyone for excepting the invite to read the blog.

I am not sure how long I am going to keep it private. I know that some of my family members are not wanting to sign up with blogger to view, but because of personal privacy issues I had to make it private for a while. Thanks for your understanding.

More to come soon.

~B

what do you love?

2010-07-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

I love watching my baby girl sleep. It doesn't happen often because she is a very light sleeper, but when I get the opportunity to sneak into her bedroom and stand next to her bed I let my senses soak in all that they can. My eyes scan her features, my ears listen for her soft breathing, my nose smells the soft baby lotion smell of her skin.

I love taking pictures of nature, flowers, animals, trees. I am wanting to do this more. My current camera is a compact digital camera. I have begun the journey of learning about Digital SLR cameras. I love the idea of taking pictures with out a flash and still having them look beautiful. We don't go around with those minor hats on our heads to see our world. Our eyes are amazing organs. Mine can see the shape of my babygirl sleeping in the darken room.

Wish me luck on my journey. Searching, and saving and exploring. Trying to find some joy in the journey.

Got this picture from Here.

I found this website and it has been a huge help getting me started.

why is it...

2010-07-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

why is it .....
when you read other peoples facebook or twitter posts they seem to live more exciting lives then they really are? I have Fav David Cooks FB page and get posts from time to time on things going on with the singer. I am not sure how much of it really is him and not some publicist posting random stuff.

Today I got a link to a vblog link and I decided to click on it. It was about recording his latest songs for his upcoming album. They were in the studio. One of the videos was a bunch of guys sitting on couches waiting for their turns to record their parts, and each one of them looked so excited (NOT- yes I watched "Bill and Ted") and each of them had a cell phone and they were texting. Yes, they were texting- i invision about all the fun exciting things going on in the studio. But they were all just sitting there like potatoes on the couch. Watch here if you are so enclined. *giggles*

It got me thinking. Whenever I get the depressed feeling that someone elses life seems more exciting than my own, I just need to remember they are probably sitting on a couch texting or posting on FB or Twitter just like I am. We all have pretty exciting lives. All of us!

Have a great day!
XOX!

:)

Photos

2010-07-22T01:24:00.000-07:00

A photo album by Smilebox

Personalize your own free greeting

This picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Enjoy! LOL

what is zumba?

2010-07-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

•Zumba is an aerobic fitness program created by Miami-based dancer and choreographer Beto Perez and two entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. It originated in Colombia in the 1990s and is taught by some 20,000 instructors in 35 countries.

•Zumba is an aerobic fitness program.

•fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Spanish slang for "to move fast and have fun"

•combines Latin and international music in dance routines featuring aerobic and fitness interval training done to a combination of fast and slow rhythms. It was developed by Colombian fitness trainer Beto Perez a decade ago. ...

I call it, what uplifts my mood, gets my blood pumping, and my legs moving. I call it something that brings a smile to my face. Gets me out of the house away from the demands of being a mommy even for a hour. It recharges me, modivates me, and energizes me. It makes me feel alive and sexy and a women. I love being in the room full of other women, feeling the beat of the music pulse through my veins. I am moved! Alive!

Do you have a hobby or interest that makes you feel alive, good, happy? Share with me! I would love to hear about it! Might give us all some great ideas.

~Brunabug

SORTING LABLES

2010-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Will be working on sorting and organizing my past posts for this blog. I have so much stuff I have talked about for the past 5 yrs. Wow! Seriously almost 5 yrs. Crazy. I am hoping to be better at catagorizing my posts to make it eaiser for searches. Wish me LUCK! I think it might take me another 5 yrs just to organize it! *smiles*

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2010-07-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Go here for the recipe.

It turned out very yummy! I have been enjoying on my toast in the mornings. Need to set up a table outside in the back porch so I can enjoy some strawberry jam with toast and a hot coco and watch the sun come up. mmmmmm! Now that would be a very nice relaxing way to start my day!

too much noise

2010-07-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

Days like today I feel like the Grinch, in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
Grinch: That's one thing I hate! All the noise, noise, noise, noise!

To much screaming and crying going on. :( oh and yes, sometimes laughing, but very high pitched.

I need a quite place to think.
I use to go for walks alone by a really peaceful creek when I lived back in California before having kids. I am having a hard time today with all the noise from the kids, the television, cat, and the other person in my house. Some days are just harder than others.

Where can I go to get some quite? If you have a suggestion please leave me a comment. If something works for you please share!

Friends

2010-07-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Picture from http://www.quotesarcade.com/graphics/friendship/

In life friendships come and go. You never know when someone will enter into your life, or how long they will be there. But I believe there is always a purpose, a reason, a season for their time.

I can remember back when I was in Elementary school - possibly 4th or 5th grade and I had a friend named Elizabeth. Elizabeth and I would walk home from school together. During the spring when the plum trees were ready to harvest we would find small plums on the ground on the sidewalks walking home. We got reckless one day and decided we were going to place several of the plums out on the road and see if a car would run them over. Being careful to make sure there was no cars driving by we made our way out onto the road and quickly placed a few plums strategically, and ran back to the sidewalk to observe. Watching with giggles as each car approached we would squeal in delight and cheer with each squished plum. I always arrived home happy and content from my time spent with Elizabeth.

After graduating from High School and becoming a young Single Adult I had a good friend named Anne. We would talk for hours and hours about anything and everything. We both have the personality that we love details. There were many a night we would talk on the telephone into the wee hours of the night and early morning, discussing religion, relationships, music, clothes, you name it. I always felt understood when it came to Anne. Accepted and appreciated when I would spend time with her. We are still in contact with each other even though I have moved out of state, but I know if I really need someone to talk to I could call her and she would be there, and it would be like old times.

The Internet has brought me some very close and great friends too. Blogging has allowed me to meet some woman whom I would never have met. Women who have inspire me. My friend MaryRuth is one of those such woman. We met on a Scrapbooking Website. I posted a comment on one of her scrapbooking pages she had posted. We quickly became email pen pals, and spent some time getting to know each other until we realized we actually lived in the same town. We spent time scrapbooking together at the local scrapbook store, and went on walks when the weather was nice ( and not so nice- got caught in a rain store one day and spent some time under a bridge to try and wait out the rain). At this time in my life I was going through Infertility, and MaryRuth was a great source of hope to me. She inspired me never to give up. I always felt loved when I was with MaryRuth. She and her Family have since moved out of state but I still treasure our friendship.

I have so many really good friends in my life right now. I am closer to some more than others, but I think that is expected. There are moments in our lives when we need to have certain people in our lives more than others. I think friends can be found anywhere. Your neighbor, your church friends, your moms club friends, facebook friends, blogging friends. I am not about to limit the way someone will come into my life. They are there for a reason and maybe a season or for life.

There are so many of you who I consider my friends and I wish I could mention all of you by name. But I want to mention one person before I end this post. Her name is Vanessa (Ness) (AKA Connie). She is also a friend I met online. We have never met face to face (yet) but there are people you meet you just know you would get a long with so well. Your gut tells you this. At least mine does. Vanessa has made me laugh when I have been down. She has allowed me to vent about my life issues. Being a mommy sometimes can be a great challenge. She has helped me to fine my inner child again. Find beauty and excitement in the "silliness" in life. Just like my friend Elizabeth back in Elementary School. Walking home, and giggling when the plums got squished in the road, Vanessa has helped me to find my giggle back.

This post is really to thank all those people I have met, who I consider my friends. You will always be apart of who I am now and who I will become. Thank you for what each of you have done for me over the years.

Love you all!

~Brenda

Park Time

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

Ladybug and I headed out to meet up with some friend at a local park. We were the first ones there but that didn't stop Ladybug from getting started on sliding. It has been almost a year since we have been to this park. Last time she was crawling across the bark but this time she is a *BIG GIRL* and walking up the ramp and then sliding down the slide all by her self.

She likes to try new ~~dangerous~~ fun things. Things that at first freak ME out! But then I realize she really has it undercontrol. She is way to little to be doing some of the things she wants to do such as sliding down the pole on the play equipment but maybe hanging from this small bar and swinging a little is not to bad. Maybe???

*look at me mommy!*

Not sure why the weird face but she really rocked

back and forth when she was on this pony. She wanted to be a cow girl!

And this last picture is with her and some friends at the park.

She really is so social, and loves to make new friends.

She just sits down and joins in on whatever the fun is.

Hope you all are enjoying some summer *Park Time*

~Brunabug

Sports Camp

2010-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Bug got to attend his first summer camp this last week. Mini-Skyhawks camp. They played Soccer, Baseball and Basketball. He had a really good time, and all the running around was great exercise. It didn't seem to tucker him out enough though but it sure made him HUNGRY!

Here he is running into the GATE to play some soccer.

Ladybug wanted to join in on the fun too.

Here is the end of the day huddle.

Ladybug is in there too.

Can you find her?

Can you find Bug?

Bug has another camp scheduled in two weeks. It is not sports camp but something just as much fun and a bit longer time frame. 9am tell 5pm. Whooo hooo! I might not know what to do with myself only having one kid for that many hours. But I am not complaining. :) Bug loves to play and play and play, and it will be good for him to be doing something fun during the summer when he is missing school so much.

~Brunabug

eclipse of beads

2010-06-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Me trying to get some reading in of my book "eclipse" before I meet up with my friends on Wednesday to see the movie. Not sure if that will happen. Running out of time.

I am ok with seeing the movie before finishing the book.

Ladybug just could not let me read my book in peace. She needs to be the center of my attention most of the time. Here she is sitting infront of me playing with her new beads she got at the store.

(yes I bought them to bribe her to stay in the shopping cart while I was

buying the elastic and pillow stuffing from the post here.

Actually - She was not crying anymore by the time I got the beads for her.

So I figured it was ok to get them for her,

since she was bing such a *BIG* girl sitting in the cart.)

All pretty with her Beads.

*CHEESE*

And now she wanted to make Mommy All Pretty too!

It kind of hurt actually.

The pain we indure for our kids and to look pretty.

And when I want a *cute* smile picture of us together, NOPE won't happen. *LOL* All well.

Big Girl

2010-06-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wow she is growing up! I look at these pictures and think where did my baby go. Granted she is still so tiny for her age, just ask the summer clothes I have tried to put on her that she just swims in because they are so big, or the pants that won't stay on her even with those bulky diapers. She is a *skiny minny*. But getting so long (tall).

Look at all those teeth! And these smiles catched on camera are starting to become more frequent. She has been saying "Cheese" when she sees the camera coming!

Climbing has become the norm for her. She is not afraid of keeping up with her brother at all. What ever he does she wants to do too. Typical I would say. But when it comes to saying good bye to mommy so she can go to Zumba, or to the store, or even to nursery, she will scream her head off.

And she has a set of lungs on her! Let me tell you. When she is unhappy about something everyone in the neighborhood knows it. But she is so snuggly too. She loves to just sit with me on the couch from time to time through the day. It is nice to have a "Mommy's Girl" To her I am more than "chopped liver".

I have been trying to put "piggies" in her hair every day for the past week. It has been going pretty good. She sits with me in front of the mirror and kind of holds still. But she is much like a "Greased Pig" when I am working on getting those cute ponies in. Over time I will get quicker. But for now they look messy and kind of like bug antennas on the top of her head.

Quick and Easy

2010-06-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is a very easy recipe and very tasty. FAST and EASY are my two favorite words!

All you need is about 1 pound precooked Meatballs (fozen)

1 can each of

Beef Broth

Peas (drain)

Diced Tomatoes Itialian falvor

Mix all together in pan on stove and bring to boil.

Then let it simmer uncovered for 10 mins.

Pour into bowl and serve with a little french bread.

Bug kept begging to make a cake for Daddy for Father's Day.

I gave in and helped him make a strawberry flavored cake.

Here are a few pics.

I have to admit this was before it was baked. I didn't have any frosting to put on the cake, so Bug and Daddy made up some frosting and Bug decorated the cake very pretty.

Lots of colors. I didn't get a picture of it before it got all eatten up.

Bug really enjoys the baking part of cakes but not so much the eating part.

Projects

2010-06-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

woke up Saturday Morning and I was full of energy to get some *projects* done that I have been putting off for weeks

I pulled out the *cute* *Boo* from Monster's Inc Jammies that I got from a garage sale that needed the elastic replaced in the bottoms, and several old baby blankets to turn into body pillows.

Ladybug and I made a trip to Walmart to get supplies. After fighting with her to ride in the cart so that my back would not break. We found the elastic and stuffing for the new pillows and headed home.

Project number one was to replace the old stretched out elastic in the *Boo* jammies. Success! Took me like 10 mins from start to finish! I put the jammies on Ladybug to make sure the elastic was not to tight, and she didn't want me to take them off after. She loves them!

Here is a picture of her in them.

Now for project two *2*

I took some old baby blankets and made body pillows for the kids to lay on in the basement or living room. They turned out really soft and fluffy.

Here is Ladybug sitting on the first blanket while I was trying to take a before picture.

I just cut one side open to add the stuffing.

Here it is all stuffed but not closed up yet.

And as soon as I put it on the floor Ladybug jumped on it! She loves it!

And here is Bug joining her now.

and another shot of him being *COOL*

Here is the other pillow I made with two other blankets. Ladybug showing us how soft it is.

and she quickly finds her *belly button* I had to keept taking pictures of her playing with her *belly button*, it was just so cute

Such a cute *belly button* right?

Now for *project* three *3*

I put on my cute apron with kitties on it, and spend 30 mins cutting up 3 small tubs of strawberries.

I had wanted to go strawberrie picking at the local farms this past week but because we have not gotten much sunshine so far for the summer the strawberries were not ready for picking. I got my strawberries from the store. I

I am planning on hosting a cooking club for my MOMS Clubs next Tuesday and I plan on teaching how to make Freezer Jelly. Here is some pictures of the strawberries.

I will post pictures of the finished Jelly after the cooking club.

All I smell is strawberries in my house right now. YEAH!

can you hear me now?

2010-06-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ladybug loves to pretend she is on the phone. It use to be that she had to have a toy phone with her all the time, but now she will use anything as a phone.

Wonder who the special person she is talking to this time. *giggles*

smiling sliding

2010-06-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Just fun sliding and smiling!

cute

2010-06-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Finding a Blue Heart Shaped M&M.

Pink daises

My babies little hands.

Cute baby shorts! Summer time!

Weird faces that Ladybug makes....

~ and don't forget Bug and his faces and "L"!

And little purple flowers in a pot!

*C.U.T.E.*

Time for Change!

2010-06-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the name change of the blog.
Maybe wondering why?
Well, I have been wanting to change the name for quite a while but just could not come up with something I liked. I was looking for something cute and fun. I have been doing a lot of zumba lately and listening to lots of music and when the name *jitter bug blues* popped into my head yesterday I just had to do it. If felt right!

I hope you enjoy the new name and I am hoping to make a few changes on the focus of my blog in the next few weeks and months. Please leave me a comment on what you think.

In the mean time enjoy the picture of the blue sky and sun! The picture above was an accident picture. I pushed the button on my camera while running after Ladybug in the back yard. I was going to delet it but it reminds me of the reason I love summer. Bright Blue Skies. Enjoy!

~Brenda

Finally!!!!

2010-06-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

It is finally summer! Not only does the calendar say it is summer it finally feels it. I can hear the humm of the Air Conditioner going outside my kitchen window! and I feel the cool air blow on my feet when I walk into my living room. NICE!

Happy Summer everyone! Let the f.u.n. begin!

~Brenda

Bus Field Trip

2010-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

It was SUNNY on Saturday and we just had to get out of the house and enjoy it!

We met Bryan at one of the bus stops and rode the bus he was driving around town. When it was his break time we got to have pizza for lunch.

The kids had a blast riding the bus and even got to play "Bus Operator" for a bit!

~Brenda

heart the Park

2010-06-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

*heart* the PARK!

Sunday was Sunny so the kids begged to head out to the park. It has been raining all week so I am glad we got out for a few last sunday to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Ladybug walking to the park! MUST bring BEAR BEAR with her!

Swing Time!

Look at Bug swinging like a BIG BOY! So proud of him! I love him growing up!

Playing fun!

Climbing up!

Sliding down!

Tummies!

~Brenda

Flag Day and Rain, Rain Go a way!

2010-06-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Monday was Flag Day. I found a fun Lap Book activity for Bug and I to do while Ladybug was taking her nap. It was fun to watch Bug cut out the pictures and color and paste the lap book together. I love his Flag that he desinged.

Just a random picture of Bug. He looks sad. It has been raining non-stop for days. :( Hard to have fun outside.

A crab that Bug made in school the last week. I love the face! Have it hanging up in our kitchen on the curtain. Makes me smile.

It is raining outside yet again. :(

Ladybug relaxing while watching some Elmo. I thought she was a sleep. Does she look comfortable to any of you reading this blog?

~Brenda

Random Pictures

2010-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Just some random pictures taken in the last few weeks.
Enjoy!

Cali Trip

2010-06-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Had a great trip all to myself to California this past week.
Got to see family and friends.
China Town in SF.

Golden Gate Park.

Raejelle and me enjoy walking around Golden Gate Park, but we got sunburned. OUCH!

Pink painted toes from pedi with my sister. Out shopping afterwards. Cute!

Pictures Anyone?

2010-06-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Finally feeling settled in my new home. It is amazing how a place can make you feel better. People do that too.

I am going through my pictures since my new computer is arriving today. My current lap top is on its last legs. 5 yrs old, and it has worked hard for me. But it is time to say good bye. I have been spending the last few days working on orgainzing all my folders to transfer to my new computer. Fun and not so fun. I have so much stuff. Feels like me moving houses all over again.

And can anyone tell me how in the world I have like 5000 web favorites saved. OMGosh!!! Seriously. I have that amount. About 3 yrs ago I got into this HomeSchool kick and was searching all over the internet for Free Homeschooling ideas. I have found tons and tons of stuff. I have promised to post about them on my blog in the past, but something would always pop up and take me away from that fun project. Kids mostly!

Well, I need to purge and clean these links out too.

And here is a few silly pictures of the kids. There will always be more to come.

It's a Tie!

2010-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Bug can offically tie his shoes! Yeah! He has been doing it for about a month now. These pictures were taken several weeks ago. I am so proud of my little man growing up.

He also did something so amazing last night for bedtime. He decided he wanted to stay up reading a little bit. I told him that I could not stay and snuggle with him like I normally do if he wanted to be reading. He said, "I am good Mom. I can read and then go to bed." I was shocked. Happy but shocked. So I said ok, gave him a kiss and walked out and closed the door. He went to sleep all on his own. Granted I have no idea when he fell a sleep but he was quite and I didn't hear a peep from his bedroom until 5:30am when he came up to my bedroom door as usual to say "Good Morning!"

My little man is growing up! I am loving it! Makes my life easier!

~Brenda

First guest over

2010-05-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

I offically had my first guest over to my house today. My friend Tammy and her two youngest daughters came over to visit me and Ladybug and see the new house.

It was such a nice visit, and I have missed talking to Tammy. We both are so busy that we don't get to talk much. But it felt like old times while we sat down stairs in the play room and the kids played around us.

Pictures and back posts coming soon.
Take care,
~B

Happier

2010-05-19T06:47:00.001-07:00

We are all moved into our new home. Boxes are still everywhere. It will be some time tell everything finds its new place.

I am loving our new place. So quite. So quaint. So much more room! Well the kitchen and bathroom are small and limited with storage space, but now we have a family/playroom for the kids! And that really really helps!

I will try and post pictures once everything is pretty set up.

I have gotten rid of tons of stuff but I think over the next year I will have to continue to purge more. How did I get so much stuff??? I got rid of almost all my scrapbooking stuff and all my rubber stamps that I have not used in over a year.

If I have not used it in over a year, and I didn't miss not using it-I figured it was ok for me to let it go to a new home.

I am alive!

2010-05-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have had a few family members and friends call me to make sure I am still alive and check in since I have not posted in over a month.

I am good. Just busy. We are in the process of moving again in a week. I will try and update pictures I have taken in the past month soon.

Not sure if anyone is really reading this blog so I guess I figured no one notice me being busy and not posting. ;)

Stay posted.

~Brenda

Must check out!

2010-04-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

I found a blog recently that I just have to share with you all.

The Household helper- Cara's Coffee Break (the blog)

She has coupons to share as well as helpful tips on organizing your monthly calendar! I am off to organize my calender for April. I love creating my own big calendar with my son's markers. It is like my own little rainbow. *LOL*

Walking with the Dinos at Mobius

2010-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Spring Break brought us to Mobius Kids to see a Baby T-rex Dinosaurs from "Walking with the Dinosaurs". The kids had fun playing fro a bit before Baby T-Rex came out to enterain the kids. It was very packed since it was Spring Break. The kids had a lot of fun.

Pizza and a bus ride back to our car afterwards, with an unexpected rain shower were we got soaked before reaching the van.

Great start to Spring Break.

there is a person wearing this T-REX costume controling his movements.

New Recipe

2010-03-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Aloo Gobi

Recipe Link shared from a very good friend who is getting me to try new types of foods.

I mentioned I didn't like Cauliflower and they recommended I give this dish a try. I was a bit reluctant, but I have been more open to trying new things lately so I headed to the food store to buy the supplies. I forgot to bring my list of ingredients but I managed to make a very tasty dish. And I have to say I honestly LOVE this DISH! I LOVE it! I can eat it every single day! And pretty much did for a week. It goes a long way. Ladybug loved it too. She would keep opening her mouth like a little bird when she saw me with a bowl of the stuff.

Aloo Gobi is a low point vegetarian stew typically served with basmati rice and roti. This can be a main dish or a side dish.

Gina's Weight Watcher RecipesServings: 4 servings • Time: 17 minutes • Points: 2.25 ww points
1 cauliflower, cut into florets
3 potatoes, peeled and chopped into small chunks
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp butter
salt
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp chili powder

In a pot of salted water, boil potatoes for 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook an additional 5 minutes. Drain. Meanwhile in a large frying pan, heat butter on low flame and cook onions until translucent. Add potatoes, cauliflower and remaining spices and sauté for about 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix a few more minute

Just want to snuggle.

2010-03-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ladybug has been fighting a high temp for the last 24 hours. She woke up yesterday morning with a 102 degree temp and very lethargic. She just wanted to lay on me, and snuggle up close. I obliged but was a bit freaked out when she would get so limp on me.

Tylenol helped a lot and would perk her back to her somewhat normal self, but I could tell when it was starting to wear off because she would get all clingy again.

During the night I we pretty much slept on the couch because she just really wanted mommy near by. By morning I was up and she was still passed out on the couch with her empty water bottle. She uses that empty bottle as a passy. I have tried to give her a passy instead of the bottle but she just won't have anything to do with it.

Here are a few cute pictures of her sleeping away on the couch, while Bug and the rest of us were getting ready for our Saturday.

Poor little thing. She is doing much better today.

Gater Golf Grandpa Gift

2010-03-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Grandpa T. sent Bug a birthday present in the mail. We got it today and when Bug got home from School he got to open the box. He was so excited!!!

Gator Golf!!!!!

MMMM smells so good!

2010-03-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

Apple PIE! My fav pie! Totally American I know...but I love it.

When I went shopping for food earlier this week I bought a bag of apples but soon found a whole other full bag of apples sitting in my frig crisper. OH NO. I should have looked before I went to the store. I really did think they had all been eaten by the family but I was mistaken. We have been sick this past week so not much eating was going on.

Anyway, I looked at those apples and thought....*really hard*.

I had one of those frozen pie crusts and I got the crazy idea "I can bake an Apple Pie!"

So that is just what I did today.

It smells so good in my house right now. Wish you all could smell it. Hey when is someone going to invent "Blog Smells"???

MMMMMMM Seriously it is just perfect!

ZUMBA!!!

2010-03-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a month since I started a new activity just for me. It is called Zumba. What is that you might be asking. Well, it is a Latin Inspired Dance/Arobic Program that my local YMCA offers to its members.

One of my friends in the local MOMS Club that I am a member of was posting alot about how much fun she was having attending the classes at the local YMCA. After seeing her posts on Facebook about it for weeks I just had to ask her what Zumba was. She told me and I was very interested in giving it a try.

I joined the YMCA in late January and I took my first Zumba class, and I was hooked! I love the music and the dance steps. I have been on a search the past few days for the music the instructors have been using in class, and I have found several of them. I added them to my playlist that I can listen to on my computer but I would like to have copies I could down load onto my MP3 player and I could listen to them while I am doing my house work for modivation.

I have kind of not been to good at wanting to do my house work the past week. Weather? Not sure. Maybe the music will help. :)

I have posted the link to my Zumba play list on the right colum so if you want to click on the play button you can and listen to the music.
Check this video out. :)

Cleaning house

2010-03-04T12:52:00.001-08:00

well not really house, but more like my blog. I updated the links on the right side. I will be updating more things since I can see it has been quite a while. I have found several couponing websites and will be saving the links up and hoping to post them soon to share.

Stay tuned.

School Cup Cakes

2010-02-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

Since Bug's Birthday is March 1st he wanted to bring cup cakes to hand out to all his classmates at school on Monday.

Spent most of Sunday baking, and posting and sticking little M&M's on white with rainbow sprinkle cupcakes and frosting. :)

5 M&M's each because he is turing 5!!!

Bugs 5th Birthday Party

2010-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Ball Pit TIME! The 5 friends.

Ladybug trying to get out!

Ladybug trying to get back in.

And trying to get back in again!

Bug climbing out. The little girl in this picture was the girl who gave him his favorite valentine I posted about here. He still asks to look at the valentine from time to time.

Another on of Bug's friends trying to peg Bug with a ball! Bug is fast!

The chocolate and vanilla ice cream cake that Bryan and Bug made for the party. Bug decided at the last minute he wanted M&M's. LOVE that kid!!!

The boys putting the candles on the cake. Focus....how many candles?? How old am I today??

Oh and all three boys asked before the candles were put on..."Where is the FIRE?"

Yeah FIRE!!! Counting the candles and getting a bit to close to the FIRE!

Getting ready to sing....

*the little guy in the gray shirt that is covering his mouth..blew out the candles before we finished singing LOL*

Gift from the girl (Bug's Crush). The Tinsle was a big hit. LOL We are still finding this stuff around.

More Tinsle......

And MOREEEE!

Finally the gifts! :)

Full tummies with ICE Cream cake! :)

SNOW....no wait...RAIN!....no WAIT- SUN

2010-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Wow what a crazy few days we have had. Snow, then rain and now sun! CRAZY!

Pony!!!

2010-02-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

*Heart* you My Little Pony!

Ladybug has gotten really good at climbing on this little pony and rocking. She pushes it all over the house. It is amusing to watch her sit on it while she is watching Dora the Explorer.

Dora is her favorite show right now!

Strong WIND!

2010-02-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

A new place to play with the kids here in town. Blow up slides and castles. Oh and don't forget about the air compresser. It got more activity than the blow up slides. The kids loved watching the balloons shoot up into the air because of the WIND!

Won't stop me...

2010-02-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

It might be cold out but that is not going to stop me from playing on the slide! Ladybug and I met up with our playgroup friends at the Library for Story Time and then afterwards headed out to do a little playing on the slides. It only lasted 15 mins...then mommy was to cold looking at Ladybug's red little fists.

wishes

2010-02-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

I wish I was 16 again! I know I can't go back..but I wish I was 16 again!

http://thea-xrubyredlips.blogspot.com/

She is full of energy. Can I grow up to be her???

V-Day Prep: Valentines, Parties, Hearts, and 3D Glasses

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

Valentine's Week is always busy with little kids around. This year Bug made his own Valentines for his PreSchool Class. But I didn't get out of making Valentines this year because Ladybug had a party too and I ended up making all her cards. It was really nice to see Bug making all his own Valentines. He seemed to really enjoy making them too. He picked out the construction paper and the white lace paper hearts. He cut the paper, glued on the hearts and wrote each of his fellow classmates names on each card on the out side. On the inside he wrote "Happy V-Day. *heart* Spencer" He made 22 cards! That is a lot of writing for such a young guy.

Here are some pictures of him working on his Valentines on Wednesday night.

On Thursday was Bug's Valentine's Day Party at his school. I packed up his handmade Valentines into his backpack, and sent him off to school. Ladybug and I then headed out to attend the MOMS Club Valentine's Day Party. Ladybug really just wanted to play on the toys, and with the drinking fountain. I did manage to stop her from playing with the water fountain before she got soaking wet.

She also enjoyed some of the sweet treats we had.

Making the Valentine Bags to collect all the valentines.

Some of the Bags that are finished.

Stopped to taste a treat!

When Bug got home from school he was so excited to show off his Valentines. He proudly pulled out one by one and said "This one is from....." It was fun to watch his excitement. There seemed to be a really special Valentine that he received. It was a small card that was pink on the outside and when he opened it there was a picture of two little frogs. He was in awe. He showed it to me and said "And this one is from ......" (a girl in his class). He looked at it for a long time. The day went along and when it was time to head to bed I found him in his bed with a small piece of paper clutched in his hands. I asked him what he had in his hand. He said quietly, "My Valentine." He opened his hand to reveal the pink frog valentine. Then he opened it up and looked at it again. I asked him if he liked the picture. He said yes. I asked him if he liked the person who had given him the valentine. He said yes. I didn't want to lead the questions or read to much into what I saw...but I really think he has a little crush on a girl in his class. He does mention her name a lot. So maybe he does.

And now for the evil mommy part. He went to sleep with that little Valentine in his bed, and I went and took pictures of it!!!!! I need to keep them and use them as black mail! Not really, I just thought it was so sweet to see him sleeping with the special valentine.

Today he has been carring it around from time to time. Not sure how long this Valentine will last. As Ladybug has found it a few times already this morning.

Speaking of Ladybug finding things. I put up some decorations for the holiday yesterday and Ladybug found the string of red lights in the window.

The hanging Hearts that I made 2 years ago are up once again. ( Click Here) I love them! They were so much fun to make and I got to use my Laminator to make them. Here are some pictures of them as I watched the sun come up this morning.

And lastly, Bug wanted me to take some pictures of him wearing his 3D glasses! He is such a "goof-ball".

Happy Valentines Day to you all!

Better late?

2010-02-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Had family pictures taken in early December. With all the holiday craze I didn't get the pictures of the kids and us posted. So here they are. Bryan and I have not changed to much, but Bug sure has grown up and Ladybug is growing into her own style.

CATS

2010-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ugh....if it is not my kids getting into things it is my cat Pepe'. He some how got locked in the hall closet and was so upset (or maybe a bit happy) and attacked my toilet paper that I have stored there. GRRRRRRRR. He only attackes the rolls when they are still wrapped up, and thankfully not when they are on the holder next to the toilet. Only my son does that.

I have curlies mommy!

2010-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

sometimes I just don't ask. And now I know who has been taking my hair accessories. LOL

Notes

2010-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

We have been trying different things to get Bug to stay in his bedroom when he is up at the crack of dawn. So here is a note that Bryan wrote to Bug and hung on the doors of the entertainment cabnet. We even locked the doors and put up the laptops. The first day, Bug asked me why we wrote a note. I reminded him of the rule of staying in his bedroom and playing quietly if he woke up before 6am. That everyone else in the house was still trying to sleep when it was 4am. So this note was a reminder for him. He then asked me why the doors were locked and wanted to know. Just explained to him that the doors stay locked tell 7am.

Here is what I found this morning. :) Bug wrote us a note.

He was quite this morning, busy working on his new note. He found the paper, the marker, and the tape to hang it up.
Oh and he did change the time from 7:00 to 6:00!

Random

2010-01-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

Tired. So tired. Bug keeps waking up at 4am! And when he is awake mommy has to be awake too. I keep sending him back to him room but I can hear everything he is doing in there, and by this time I can't really fall back to sleep because I know I will have to be awake any minute because he is going to wake up Ladybug, or it will be 6am and it will be time to start my day.

SAD and tired.

Here are some pictures of some activites Ladybug and I have done the last couple of weeks.

Moms Club~ Pajamma and Story TIME.

Jump & Party! Lady loves to climb and jump so much, just like her brother!

Cracks me UP!

2010-01-11T13:14:00.001-08:00

Just a few silly pictures of Ladybug this past weekend. She really enjoyes looking at her self in the mirror that we have set up in our living room. She will stop and dance infront of it several times through the day. I have even caught her taking her snacks and sitting in front of it to watch herself eat. LOL

These pictures just crack me UP! Hope you enjoy too.

Aquadoodle love!

2010-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ladybug loves her Aquadoodle!

Thank you Auntie Jen.

Primary Pancakes and PJ's 2010

2010-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

The first Saturday of 2010 found us all at the church building in the gym in our pj's and eating some yummy pancakes. Bug got to meet his new church Primary teacher and seemed to like her. I think it will be a good year. Ladybug wants to be just like her brother so badly. Each of the kids got to go inside a Bubble during the Bubble Time Activity. Bug LOVED it and Ladybug seemed to LOVE IT even MORE! :)

Goodbye 2009!

2009-12-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

January 2009- snow anyone?

February - Ladybug turns 6 months old and comes down with the chicken pox!

Home photo shoot

Sidney passes away. :( She will be missed by all, especially Bug who asks where she is even today.

March- Bug turns 4 years old!

Bug's Birthday Party at Jump and Party!

It has already began. GREAT!

April- EASTER!

Visiting Family in San Jose and Santa Rosa, California.

Sold our house while we were on vacation.

May- Bug's offical first day of Pre-School. I was so sad when I drove away after dropping him off. Didn't know what to do with myself after I got home.

June- summer time fun.

July- went out to the lake with friends.

August- Playgroups start up for Ladybug and she has a blast climbing up the slides at the parks.

Ladybug turns 1!

School starts up again for Bug. First day of Pre-school 2009-2010 school year.

He gets to ride the bus this year.

October- Halloween- trick or treating with friends.

December- Christmas party- Daddy plays Santa Clause.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

2009-12-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve found Bug and me making sugar cookies for Santa. We did this last year, but Bryan and Bug did it. I just made the cookies and let them do the decorating. This year since Bryan had to work I was the one in charge to get the frosting made and sprinkles out. It actually was really fun. Bug had a blast decorating. I think out of the 24 cookies I made he decorated 3. :)

Next was time to open our Christmas Jammies and get ready for bed. Here is Bug's jammies.

And here is Ladybug opening her package. She still was not so sure about the whole idea of ripping the paper.

Here is her red-Christmas sleeper.

A picture of us in front of the Christmas tree before heading off to bed.

Once the kids were snugly tucked into their beds, I headed back out to put the gifts out under the tree. I then tried to take some pictures. Here is my first attempt. Looks like the tree is on fire. LOL

This one is much better.

Christmas morning started at 6:15am. Bug was just so excited that Santa left him his stocking filled on the foot of his bed. We had hoped that leaving it in his room would help to keep him in his room a bit longer, since he was just so excited. It worked for 15 mins. So we all came out the living room...and Bug found the letter that Santa left him, thanking him for the cookies. He helped Ladybug open her stocking and they both played for a bit with the non-opened presents that were under the tree while I made a quick potato casserole. Then it was time to dig into those gifts. And the fun really began. Here is a picture of Bug and Ladybug fighting over Bugs gift from Daddy. *yes, I am getting the idea that the two of them are going to fight a lot as they grow up*

Getting the pen and paper out to write down who got what, for Thank you notes.

Just a quick highlight of the gifts.
Ladybug on her ladybug scooter, from Grandpa Teter.

Bryan got Star Trek the movie from Grandpa Teter.

I got this really cool vanilla candle that runs on batteries. It flickers like a real flame, and smells really good too. I got this from my mother.

Bug got this Leapster from Grandpa Teter as well. The kids got tons and tons of really fun gifts, but these are the only pictures that got that have them smiling at the camera.

Ladybug also got an aqua doodle from Auntie Jen, and she loves it. I will post pictures of her doodling next.

I got to call my father, and step mom, Grandmother, my step dad, and my mother and sister's family. Bryan called his parents and brothers on Wednesday as they were all getting together that day to exchange gifts.

Merry Christmas to you all.

a few more pictures LOL

2009-12-21T14:37:00.001-08:00

All pictures from the MOMS Club Christmas Party earlier today.

Pictures lots and lots

2009-12-21T13:30:00.001-08:00

I seriously need to get a new camera, or tape my kids in one spot so that I can take a decent picture of them. Here are several pictures that I have been taking, and just have not blogged about yet.

Bug with his "Christmas Cake." He enjoyed the decorating, and trying to squirt the 'blue' frosting on the cake, and kept saying that "Frosty the Snowman is iceskating!"

One evening when I was getting the kids ready for bathtime, I came across these treasures in my bathroom.

Me trying to give Ladybug a kiss. We were heading out to the Adoption of my good friend Renee' and Vince to their little Foster Daughter- now Adopted daughter. Ladybug just laughed at me.

Bug showing me his muscles.

Ladybug in Bug's messy bedroom. She got his water cup that he has for at night. She loves to drink out of straws all the time.

We finally put up our Christmas Tree on Saturday and Bug was so excited to hang the ornaments on it.

Just some silly pictures of Ladybug. I finally managed to get two 'piggys' in her hair and was snapping pictures of her to document. She was all over the place! Hence the blurry pictures..and the need for either a new camera or tape to immobilize my kids for pictures.

The sunday before Christmas and got the kids dressed in their Christmas outfits. More 'piggys' for Ladybug's hair.

Cheesy grins.

At the Moms Club Christmas Party. Three attempts to get a decent picture. NO such luck. But these crack me up anyway.

Ladybug was dancing. So Funny!

Bug making Christmas Wrapping paper at the Christmas Party. He worked on this while Santa Claus arrived. He was scared of Santa *aka- Daddy* because he said he was a lot taller than the other Santa he saw. So he refused to go get his picture taken with him. Ladybug got her picture taken. I didn't get a picture of it because my camera was in the other room. But pictures were taken by the Moms Club President and she is suppose to email out the pictures soon. I will update this post when I get that picture.

Bug really enjoyed the stamping. It seemed soothing to him. He had a good time playing with his friend Cole, but after an hour of running and climbing through the play structure, all the boys were pretty tired of each other.

Potato Casserole

2009-12-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Received this recipe last year for when I volunteered to cook something for my church Christmas Party. I made it again this year for the Moms Club Christmas Party just this morning. Got tons of compliments, so I thought I would share the recipe. It is so easy to make. I like easy.

8 medium Potatoes (or about 30 oz frozen hashbrowns)

1/4 cup margarine/butter

1 can cream of chicken

1 pint (2 cups) sour cream

1/3 cup minced onion

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Topping

2 cups crushed cornflakes

2 Tablespoons melted margarine/butter

If using fresh potatoes boil, peel, and grate. Mix butter, soup, sour cream, onion, cheese, and salt and pepper. Combine with potatoes and mix well. Bake @ 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Mix cornflakes and butter and sprinkle over potatoes. Bake 5-10 more minutes.

Enjoy!

Holiday Lights at Manito Park

2009-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

We went by this on Wednesday (yesterday) about 4:30pm and it was great! The lights were very pretty. The kids (both of them) enjoyed wondering around the Conservatory and pointed out all the flowers and lights. Bug even commented that he wished he was a frog so he could live in the small water fall that they had inside.

It was very beautiful. I just love the gardens at Manito Park, and had no idea that they did this during the winter months when all the gardens are dorment and under the snow. Seeing the flowers and all the lights really cheered me up.

Really good Quote

2009-12-16T11:41:00.001-08:00

I am not sure how many of my friends out there, know about FlyLady or what she and her program do. It basicly is a program that helps you organize your day so that you can take care of the chores that need to be done to keep the house running smoothly, and help you to not be stressed out. My friend Keely told me about the FlyLady group on yahoo groups back in early 2002. I checked the website out and joined the group and started getting email reminders to do the little 15 min activities through out the day. I felt good. But then, I found a job, and didn't do it much. Over the years I have checked out the FlyLady website, and read up on things, to help me not be so hard on myself when it came to taking care of me and my home. It has helped when I needed to hear some positive modivation.

Well, today I got a daily email, and was reading the essay from Kelly, one of the FlyLady crew members and she quoted Eleanor Roosevelt. Here is what she said, Eleanor Roosevelt once said "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". It really stuck me when I read that. Hit a cord with me today. In a very good way. It is important to remember that I have control over how I feel, and control over who I am.

I think I am going to write this quote and hang it up for me to see every single day. It will be a good reminder that I am important, and deserve to be happy with myself. That is where it starts right?

We need some SNOW!!!!

2009-12-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Santa Breakfast and Santa Cruise

2009-12-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

* UPDATED! Pictures are all up!"

On Saturday, December 5th we had a very busy day following Santa Claus around town.

After Bug's Speech Therapy appointment we headed over to a "Santa Breakfast" event. We had pancakes, eggs, ham, and peaches for brunch and then the kids got to get their picture taken with Santa Claus. We were not sure how Ladybug was going to do with sitting on Santa's lap but she was completly fine. When the picture was taken she kind of looked out of it, but when I was looking at the pictures to make my choice on which one I wanted she was jabbering away to Santa. I guess she was telling him what she wanted for Christmas. :)

Later that same day we all got to attend the yearly Lake Coeur d'Alene Santa Cruise, with the Moms Club. We drove over to Coeur d'Alene early and had dinner at Mc D. The kids got to play in the playland, in hopes that it would get their wiggles out. While we were to be on the boat heading across Lake Coeur d'Alene they would have to be sitting. So we hit the playland early and dinner.

Ladybug was even able to go inside the playland structure. Surprisingly it was very clean and didn't seem dirty at all. Both kids loved the slides and the basket ball area they had.

At 5:45pm we headed over to the marina at the Coeur d'Alene Resort to meet up with all the other moms in the Moms Club. The dock was all bright with lightes. Ladybug was in awe. Bug was excited to get on the boat and see Santa Claus.

After waiting for the other boats to unload, and organizing our group of moms and families, we were finally allowed to board the boat. We quickly found a booth to sit at so the kids would be confined and they could look out the window at the lights as we traveled across the lake. It took quite a while tell we launched and headed across but when we did Bug was sooo excited and watched out the window, looking for Santa Claus and the "North Pole". We headed out a few times to watch the boat push the water out of the way as we traveled, but Bug would say he was to cold and we would head back inside for some Hot Coco to warm up.

When we finally arrived on the other side of the lake we all headed out side the boat to see Santa and Ms. Claus on the dock at their home at the "North Pole" and Santa said "Ho Ho Ho!" to everyone. He pulled out his list and with Ms. Claus's help holding it for him (it was a very long list of good boys and girls) read off all the names of the good girls and boys that were on the boat. Bug listened very hard for his name. I heald him up so he could see as he still is pretty short for his age and could not see over the boat rail. Bryan held Ladybug up so she could see too and she just kept clapping. They both seemed to have a good time, and enjoyed the trip and seeing the lights.

The ride home quickly turned into two sleeping children and two very exhausted parents. It was fun to get out and see the joy and excitement on the kids faces.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

2009-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

My sister had sent me a link to this really funny video about some dogs having a great time at the river, and after watching it I found the same doggies had done a Christmas video too. I thought it was very cute and wanted to share.

Letter from Santa

2009-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Found this link on line to get a free Letter from Santa.

Enjoy the FREE!

2009-12-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hey!!! Want some Free Christmas Music? Check out Amazon.com. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 25th they are giving away a free christmas song from some of your favorite artists. Check it out! You could be rocking out to the Christmas Tunes on your mp3 player or ipod while you go Chritmas shopping, or are baking all those holiday goodies.

Click HERE!

Enjoy the FREE!

Picture came from here.

Extra Tooth

2009-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Bug and Ladybug went to see the Dentist. Bug does better every time. I was very proud of him. This was Ladybugs 2nd time seeing the Dentist, so we have some work to do, but I think she did pretty good too. She screamed most of the time while I held her on my lap and the Dentist tried to look in her mouth. We were concerned about one of her top teeth that had come in. It looked different than the other ones, and not in the correct spot. The Dentist thought it actually might be an extra tooth and that one that was really suppose to be there was still up under the gums. I was not so sure, but hey, he is the Dentist, maybe he was right. Only time would truely tell.

Well, as of today, the Dentist was correct. Ladybugs real tooth that was suppose to come in at that spot has broken through the gums. She has two teeth in that location. It is weird looking. I wish I could get a picture of it, and will continue to try to do that, but she is really not a fan with me trying to look in her mouth to much. She also has her lower right molar all the way in now, and the left lower molar and upper left molar are working their ways in. As for the upper right molar not seeing anything yet, but do feel it under the surface.

So teething has been going on strong here at our house. I have been using tons and tons of teething tablets, and found some liquid teething stuff, and tylenol. She has been waking up during the night at least one time during the night. Giving her more medication seems to be helping. Keeping my fingers crossed that things get better.

Oh and after talking to my sister the other day about this extra tooth she reminded me that Zack has an extra tooth too. Take a look at her post from November 2008. Zack was 23 months old. Ladybug is getting her extra tooth at 15 months. It sure looks like it is something that our side of the family is passing along. Interesting. Check out her post here.

A few pictures

2009-12-01T13:46:00.001-08:00

Two Sundays ago it snowed. Here is Bug enjoying it!

Ladybug wanted to go out so bad too. "COME ON MOMMY!"

Bug brought in some SNOW for Ladybug to play with. We put it in a plastic container, and she touched and explored that cold white stuff. :)

"Look MOM! Bug brought me some cool white stuff!"

And Ladybug is learning how to put those shapes in the shape sorter. COOL BEANS!

This place is way to small!!!!!

2009-11-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

I am starting to feel it really bad. This house we have moved into, temporarily is WAY TO SMALL!

I have been dealing with a hall closet/linen closet that has NO shelves for 7 months now, and I finally was DONE. I took every thing out. I was going to head out and buy a book shelf to put in that closet to give me some shelves but I really didn't want to spend the money on something that was only going to be used for 5 months and then have to cart the new book shelf around while we are in transite tell we find another house we want to buy.

So frustrated I sat on the couch thinking. I then remembered I had an old book shelf that my mother had given me several years back. She had bought the book shelf when we lived in Japan. I love that thing. We took it apart and boxed it up when we sold the house and moved, and it has been patiently waiting in the garage to be opened up. I asked Bryan to get it for me and I put it together and put it in Ladybug's Bedroom to hold all her dolls, and books, and other baby girl things. I then took the small book shelf that she was using and put it into the closet. It fit perfectly!

After 30 mins, the closet was all organized, and I am feeling much better. I didn't spend any money. Managed to purge some unused items that I found at the bottom of the pile that had been growing in that closet. I can see where everything is, and just open the door and grab what I need. Also, was able to organize all of Bug's Nebulizer Treatment equipment, and medication, so when he has a breathing issue I can go straight to the box and find what I need.

Seriously need to just find a small pruging project to do daily, and I will be feeling better in no time. Plus, then maybe putting up that Christmas Tree won't seem to feel me with dread. Not looking forward to it taking up prescious space in my already tiny living room, and not looking forward to dealing with a very curious toddler who is into everything.

Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T10:04:00.001-08:00

Had a very good time at my friend Alyson's home for Thanksgiving. Spent most of the time, trying to keep Ladybug out of all the stuff. :) She loves those buttons!

Yummy food and good times had by all. :)

Something smells so good!

2009-11-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

My good friend Renee' had a Scentsy Party last Saturday. Unfortuantly I was not able to attend, but I wanted to buy something. I have heard a lot about Scentsy and really wanted to give the product a try. So with my birthday money in hand (well in the bank account) and my handy laptop I found Jandre's (the Scentsy Consultant) web site and looked at all the really cool products that they offer. I ended up purchasing the Rustic Star burner and two small scented bars. One was French Lavendar and the other Snowberry.

I was so excited when just about 30 mins ago the UPS driver knocked on my front door and I found a small cute box with my name on it from Scentsy! I got all "giddy", and skipped with my package to the kitchen to open it. Like I mentioned before I have never been to a Scentsy Party, had never touched or smelled their product before but had heard so many positive reviews about it that I just had to buy something. I am very happy that I have. I set it up and can smell the yummy scent float around my home. It makes it feel more warm and cozy. The best part is there is none of that smokie smell you get from burning candles. And I like the glow that the light bulb gives off in the bottom. It does look like a candle.

So Thank you Renee' for hosting the party. I am sorry I could not attend, but I am glad I bought something. Thank you Jandre for becoming a consultant for Scentsy. I will be sure to contact you with more stuff I would love to buy in the near future.

Happy smells. :)

Need help!

2009-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Need help! I can't figure out what to make as a side dish for Thanksgiving next week. We are heading over to my friend Alyson's house again for the holidays and I have no idea what to bring. HELP! Any suggestions?

CRACKS ME UP!

2009-11-15T09:32:00.001-08:00

Ok I might be strange. I know I am a little. :) I came across this really funny video on youtube during the summer.

Bug loved it so much....and I was laughing so hard. I had to watch more of this guys videos...so i signed up for updates on videos.

Found this one the other day.

Now if you really want a good clean laugh check out edbassmaster's web page with all his videos... all 301 of them. He is just sooo funny.

Click HERE!!!!

School Pictures!

2009-11-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Bug is in school this year, and they of course do pictures. I was not so sure how they would turn out since he always makes silly faces when I try to take his picture with my camera. I decided to buy the smallest package, and now I am kicking my self. He did so good getting his picture taken. LOOK at that SMILE! His eyes are nice and open and not all squinted up! He looks so handsome!!! Pre-School Pic- 2009!

Bug's writing improves!

2009-11-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Bug had his occupational therapy today. His therapist and him worked on shoe ties and buttoning, as well as some writing. Here is a picture of what he did today. I am just so proud of him. He is getting so good at writing his letters. Yes they are all caps but hey...he is doing it! And they are in the lines and fit nicely on the lines. He continues to struggle with some fine motor skills..as well as some upper body low tone, but he really has come a long way. I love him and am very proud of him.

*JITTER BUG BLUES*

Yes a year!

Stay Tuned

*gobble gobble*

*New GAME*

*oh the sun*

*Halloween*

*Sunday Best*

*Trunk or Treat*

*Orange/Black/Purple never tasted so good*

*Ladybug Playgroup- Halloween Party!*

*Dress rehearsal*

*full moon*

*Pumpkin Patch Field Trip*

*Bugs Creation*

*way to busy* UPDATED!!!!

*Chompers*

*My New Bike*

*Labor Day with Friends*

*First Day of Kindergarten*

*the word for today*

*guest blogger*

*poka baby*

*Ladybug Playgroup- MOMS Club*

*mini hawks camp*

*Belated Birthday*

*stay tuned*

*what do you love?*

*why is it...*

*Photos*

*what is zumba?*

*SORTING LABLES*

*Strawberry Freezer Jam*

*too much noise*

*Friends*

*Park Time*

*Sports Camp*

*eclipse of beads*

*Big Girl*

*Quick and Easy*

*Projects*

*can you hear me now?*

*smiling sliding*

*cute*

Time for Change!

Finally!!!!

Bus Field Trip

*heart* the Park

Flag Day and Rain, Rain Go a way!

Random Pictures

Cali Trip

Pictures Anyone?

It's a Tie!

First guest over

Happier

I am alive!

Must check out!

Walking with the Dinos at Mobius

New Recipe

Just want to snuggle.

Gater Golf Grandpa Gift

MMMM smells so good!

ZUMBA!!!

Cleaning house

School Cup Cakes

Bugs 5th Birthday Party

SNOW....no wait...RAIN!....no WAIT- SUN

Pony!!!

Strong WIND!

Won't stop me...

wishes

V-Day Prep: Valentines, Parties, Hearts, and 3D Glasses

Better late?

CATS

I have curlies mommy!

Notes

Random

Cracks me UP!

Aquadoodle love!

Primary Pancakes and PJ's 2010

JITTER BUG BLUES

gobble gobble

New GAME

oh the sun

Halloween

Sunday Best

Trunk or Treat

Orange/Black/Purple never tasted so good

Ladybug Playgroup- Halloween Party!

Dress rehearsal

full moon

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Bugs Creation

way to busy UPDATED!!!!

Chompers

My New Bike

Labor Day with Friends

First Day of Kindergarten

the word for today

guest blogger

poka baby

Ladybug Playgroup- MOMS Club

mini hawks camp

Belated Birthday

stay tuned

what do you love?

why is it...

Photos

what is zumba?

SORTING LABLES

Strawberry Freezer Jam

too much noise

Friends

Park Time

Sports Camp

eclipse of beads

Big Girl

Quick and Easy

Projects

can you hear me now?

smiling sliding

cute

heart the Park

Pictures lots and lots