four things...

My friend, Kristen, did this on her blog and I liked the idea. Thanks Kristen!

Four jobs I've had in my life:
1. Manhatten Bagel Shop
2. Mary's Shelter (home for teen moms)
3. "Fake Patient" at Loma Linda Hospital (I would have a script to memorize where I would have an illness. Med students would have to come in and pretend to be my doctor as a part of one of their exams)
4. Guidance Counselor- Gahr High School

Four Movies I've watched more than once:
1. Father of the Bride
2. While You Were Sleeping
3. Clueless
4. White Christmas

Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Lost
2. The Office
3. Jon and Kate + 8
4. Friday Night Lights

Four places I would like to visit
1. Atlantis in the Bahamas
2. Austin, Texas
3. New York
4. Prince Edward Island

Four (actually just three) concerts I've attended
1. Shania Twain
2. Phil Collins
3. N'Sync

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Peanut Butter
2. Rich, dense brownies
3. My sister-in-law's homeade rolls with butter
4. Frappuchinos

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Disneyland with my family-but it just wouldn't work out with Cam
2. A lounge chair by the pool in Palm Springs
3. Getting a massage
4. Sitting down to a scrumptious meal at Cheesecake Factory with Chris

Things I'm looking forward to over the next 12 months:
1. Seeing Cam progress developmentally
2. Morro Bay with Chris's family
3. 2 mini trips for Chris and I: Vegas and San Francisco
4. Meeting Jen and Ana's new baby

a starbucks and ice cream review

Last night Chris splurged and bought a Ben and Jerry's for each of us. Chris got Strawberry Cheesecake and I got Half Baked (one I have always been curious about), which has chunks of brownie and cookie dough. Here are the reviews:

Strawberry Cheesecake: Chris gave this an "8" because there weren't enough graham crackers. I would never have bought it seeing as my philosophy has long been that fruit does not belong with dessert.

Half Baked: I would give this a "7". The ice cream was not rich or creamy enough to warrant the horrific fat gram count. The chunks were good, but there weren't nearly enough.



My favorite hot drink at Starbucks is the White Mocha. Back when I couldn't have dairy, I tried the drink with soy milk. I have yet to go back. Soy gives the drink a sweeter and more creamier taste. Is it worth the extra 40 cents? You bet. Try it next time you order your drink of choice.

Petting Zoo

Saturday we took a picnic lunch up to Oak Glen and went to the petting zoo. It was beautiful weather and there was even some snow left over from the previous storm we had.





Chris's dad arrived last night for a visit. He and Chris will be putting together and installing cabinets in our garage. We are very excited to have so much extra storage space. I'll take some pictures along the way and report back. :)

Let it snow, let it snow...

Just a few days ago it was in the 80's. Weird...

Is this stealing?

First off, today we were supposed to have the Regional Center come out to evaluate Cam. They postponed it until next Monday. I sure hope they stick to it this time. It is hard to be so anxious for something like this and then have it not happen. Thanks so much for those of you who called/emailed/prayed for us today...it meant a lot.

Every morning when I take my walks, I have a thing I do. You see, we have a certain house that is not kept up at all. They have two junky cars which never move, they don't keep their yard up, and there is always various pieces of junk around the yard. Another thing they do that drives me nuts is they have probably 3 newspapers delivered per day and they NEVER pick them up. They would pile on top of one another day after day. I finally got sick of it and made the newspapers part of my morning walking routine. Every morning, I pick up all the papers and throw them away.

Is this stealing? I don't think so. In fact, on Sundays, I actually throw their paper away, then walk up to the store and get us a paper. I could easily just toss their Sunday edition into my stroller, but that is stealing to me. I'd rather throw it away and buy my own. Judge if you want, but I think you would do the same if they lived by you!

Palm Springs

Saturday night Chris and I drove out to visit our friends Jeremy and Ana and Noah and Wendy. It had been a long time since the six of us had hung out and, as usual, it was so much fun! Ana made a scrumptious meal and we all sat around talking until we had to leave. I made a heart shaped cake for dessert and had each person go around and tell one thing they loved about their spouse. It was really neat to hear what everyone said. I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends whom we can have such fun with but also have such good conversation with. Sorry I don't have a pic!

Today we went to church for 20 minutes. Cam decided nursery wasn't for him, so they buzzed me pretty quickly. We came home early, napped Cam, and then headed out to Palm Springs for the afternoon. It felt like summer and I LOVED it! We started out by ordering a sandwich to split from Cheesecake Factory and ate it outside at a picnic table. After letting Cam walk around and inspect the shopping area, we drove over to the Marriott. Chris and I got Starbucks and sat for a while while Cam roamed around the lobby. It was a wonderful afternoon and we both agreed it is one that needs repeating.

Enjoying an appetizer while dad gets our meal...



It was sooo beautiful outside...



Cam is quite our little acrobat. He does this thing where he gets on all fours and then lifts one leg. He does it on command and we always go wild with clapping when he is done...

Costco

I have long felt that Costco is in my blood. My dad frequents the place at a minimum of two times a week. As I've said before, we go once a week for our lunch date with Cameron. I absolutely love the place. I love seeing all the cool things, like a toddler bed that resembles a pirate ship, or tasting the fabulous samples (like a pasta dish from Macaroni Grill). I've realized that all along I have just assumed that Costco was cheaper than a typical grocery store. I have never actually priced the common items we buy. However I have also realized that I don't really care if some things are the same or cheaper at grocery stores. My allegience is to Costco, and I go for more than just good prices. :)

Here is one item, however, that I know is cheaper at Costco. Do I used them all? Yes! I use these foil casserole pans to bring people meals or to bring dessert somewhere when I don't want to have to worry about bringing home the dish.

Victoria Gardens...yet again

This past Saturday was another trip to Victoria Gardens. My friend Jen commented on how we seem to go there often. I guess she is right. We just love it there. It's a fun place to walk around and people watch. It also has three great Cam-friendly things, a small playground, a train to ride, and a fountain to stare at. What more could you ask for? I'll tell you what, a Starbucks. But never fear, they have that too (Soy White Mocha, extra hot, in case you are wondering)!







Sunday we went to my parents' house for the Super Bowl. We stayed until half time, then headed home. It was a fun day and a fun weekend. Today I went to the dentist...not so fun.

birthdays, gymboree, and digging out the center of the bread

First off, happy birthday to my dad today! He is off skiing Snow Summit (you get a free ticket on your b-day). I'm so thankful for the most unselfish, non-complaining, doesn't get frustrated ever, funny, dedicated to the Lord dad!!

Last night Chris and I went out. We first hit Barnes and Nobles. We used to do this a lot before Cam. We love to pick out magazines and books and just sit and read for a while...



We then went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. I gave my meal a "9" and he gave his a "10". It was quite yummy...



Come on, you know you have done this before... :)



This morning we went to Gymboree. Cam recently graduated to the next age class. He did GREAT!!! It is a more advanced class in that they work on things that his age should be doing, such as mimicing things and more advanced physical activities. He had such fun. He used to be so clingy to me and barely participate. But recently he turned a corner and loves every minute of it, which makes me incredibly happy!