dinner

A few nights ago, we had Italian Fettuccine Pie.



Chris: 8.5
Kelly: 9

Bottom line: Definitely will make again and it's great way to get some broccoli into my non-veggie-hubby. :)

some cute pics

Hot, hot, hot. Here we are beating the heat in Oak Glen. By the way, if you ever go with your kids, go to the candy store because these cute little marshmallows are only 50 cents and provide a fun treat. :)




Chris and I got a big laugh out of this pic because it looks like he is about to punch her, rather than kiss her. :)


p.s. How may men in their 60's can take a 50 milke bike ride with their friends? My dad is quite a guy! He's in the yellow and this was at a bike event in Ensenada.

random

*I love this pic my parents took at the L.A. Fair. Cam had a wonderful time and even got to have a slumber party at their house afterwards.



*Cam's school had, "bring your favorite food" day on Thursday. I thought it was such a cute idea. They each had a chart of the foods brought and a column of "like" and "dislike". The only food he didn't like were the chicken nuggets. He, of course, brought donuts with sprinkles. :)

*This morning was a rougher morning. The low point was when Cam sat, teary eyed, staring at his breakfast. He wouldn't eat because he had just heard a little cry fit from Kendall (I was actually in the garage with her...not even in the same room). It was difficult to get him to eat and get out of his funk, making him late for school. I was sad and discouraged. I had my moms' group and really didn't feel like going, nor doing anything but staying at home with Kendall. But I made myself go (mainly because I had signed up to bring bread). I'm really glad I did and it was fun to eat a good breakfast and talk with the other moms at my table.

*Speaking of bread, I made probably the best coffee cake I've had to date. Here is the recipe and it's super easy.

*I feel like Kendall's language has been taking off the past couple weeks. She is SOOO cute to listen to and has not only been repeating more of what we say, but remembering the words later. I could listen to her sweet voice all day.

*"The Event", was a hit with us and we will most likely season pass it.

*The thief who stole my backpack also rented two Redbox movies before we cancelled the card. Barbie and My Little Pony. Really, Mr. Thief? That is how you rent your kids movies???

*Chris's parents got the V-Reader for Cam for his birthday. He ADORES it. It isn't often he requests to play with a specific toy, however this one is ALWAYS asked for after dinner. It's a fun toy that reads books and then has games that have to do with the story's content.



*Why is the sound of water so calming? Our neighbors have three fountains in their front yard. Cam and Kendall play with them often and I always find myself enjoying the sound of them.

embracing my patheticness (yes, I know that isn't a word)

Today my parents picked Cam up from school to take him to the L.A. Fair. Last text I got was that they were enjoying a funnel cake. I can't wait to hear all about it. As with every day, I had a blank slate of an afternoon to fill with Kendall (she only naps in the morning). We started out at Barnes and Noble, where she snuggled almost every stuffed animal they had on display. We next headed to Target. I honestly had absolutely nothing I needed to get. I almost left my wallet in the car, however rethought that after my incident a few days ago. :)

As she was running around the clothing department, I found myself thinking, "Am I the only mom to come to Target with no intention of buying anything?" This trip for us is actually not unusual at all! I often frequent stores like Target (or Big Lots and Marshalls, which followed today's Target visit) with the one goal to A) Let my kids walk around and look at things and B) Kill time. However I soon decided that I don't care if it's pathetic. My kids are getting out of the house, seeing new and interesting things, and I'm given a break of providing my own entertainment for them for a couple hours. So I'm embracing my patheticness!!

Dear Mr. Criminal,
What an interesting strategy you had yesterday. Wait until a mom comes to pick up her son from school. Correctly assume that she would leave her backpack (purse) in the front seat while she went to pick up her kid. Use those precious 5 minutes to smash her window and steal the backpack. You were also so quick! Using my credit cards within 10 minutes of your theft! Wow! And to then use my Starbucks card to get yourself a treat? Job well done.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Yes, my car was broken into yesterday and my wallet and phone were among the most valuable things taken. The creepy part is that we really do think someone was watching, just waiting for someone to drive up, knowing they would leave their belongings in the car since they just had to run inside. I think even more frustrating than my stuff being taken (because you can cancel credit cards), was the $300 we will now have to pay for a new window. I could think of A LOT of other things that money needs to be spent on.

Chris came right over and helped talk to the police and wrangle Kendall. Cam's sweet teacher let him stay in class for 45 minutes while we worked things out. Not the best day, but at least we are all safe.

p.s. That isn't a pic of my window...just one I found.
p.p.s. Yes, I assumed this was a male (by referring to "him"). Yes, I know women commit crimes too. :)

show and tell

Each week, Cam has show and tell at his school. He gets excited helping me pick out what he is going to bring. We had been playing with one of my puppets and he was excited when I suggested he share, Matilda. :) We always rehearse what he will say when he shares his toy, since this is a big social situation for him (making eye contact with the other kids, talking to them, etc.). He still has never said what we rehearse, but we'll keep practicing. :)

Before we practiced, we played his new favorite grape game with dad. After he got the giggles out, we rehearsed with Matilda.

numbers

100.5: Temp my sweet boy went to bed with. He has been running a fever for 2 days now. Today he fell asleep while playing in his room at 4:45. We scooped him up and put him to bed for the night.

22: Pounds of chicken we BBQ'd, bagged, and froze tonight. We are set for months!

$5.30: The cost of my Frugos yogurt tonight...had I paid. I had my free one off my punch card so I LOADED it up!

4: Times Chris had to put Kendall's clip back in her hair when they were at the mall today. I need to teach him how to put it in so it will stay :).

$10: What I will try to get for my Baby Bjorn tomorrow at a freinds' yard sale. They are letting us put a few things out. I think that is a pretty good deal considering how much those things cost!

11: Number of Fresh Beat Bands we have on Tivo.

5: Clifford the Big Red Dog books I got from the library. He is Cam's new favorite.

0: Probably the number of people I know who are also NOT on Faccebook. Not quite sure why I can't bite the bullet.

one million dollars

A while back I posed a question to some of my friends. When I ask this, you might think there is no right answer. You would be wrong. There IS a right answer.

Would you be willing to have your taste buds removed for 1 million dollars?

The right answer? Absolutely not!! Now, before you give me your song and dance of 1. It would be so cheap because you wouldn't want to go out to restaurants all the time 2. You could eat so healthy at every meal 3. It would be super easy to lose weight... let me say that I agree with those points. However you must really think about what you are giving up. Don't you look forward to a wonderful meal out at your favorite restaurant? Smelling brownies baking in the oven isn't quite as good as actually tasting them, right? Isn't it fun to make Christmas cookies and sit down together for Holiday meals? There are SOO many wonderful events that are based around delicious food. I would argue that you wouldn't enjoy Christmas dinner if you had to stare at all those faces of pure delight (induced by yummy food), while you ate food that tasted like nothing.

So, while I would love to hear your thoughts on the question, I do reserve the right to argue with you if you disagree. :)

p.s. And how long would one million last you anyway!??

hair, earrings, and tattoos

Hair: If money grew on trees, I would have my hair the color of Tori Spelling's. I've wanted super blond hair for years. The problem is that you have to get it done about every 2 weeks, in order to keep it looking nice. Every two weeks? It's been over a year since I last got mine highlighted! I guess one can dream.



Back in college, Chris bleached his hair. I LOVED it. I would love it if he did it again. I think he could easily pull it off. Unfortunately, he is not on board with my desire to turn him into Guy Fieri.



Earrings: I would love it if Chris got an earring. I'm not sure if the trend now is for guys to have one or two, but it wouldn't really matter to me. I like the look and think he could pull it off. But sadly again, he isn't on board with this idea.

Tattoos: I like tattoos. I know many people think they are dirty and low class. I do think some are, and I'm not into one's whole body being covered. However I like it when people get tattoos that have a special meaning to them. When I was in high school, I wanted to get one. My mom told me I had to wait until I graduated. She hoped I would lose interest, however I didn't, and got one shortly after I started college. My only regret is that it's a flower, with no meaning. Someday, I would like Chris to design a small one for my ankle. I would love him to get one as well, but...yep...you guessed it, he's not into the idea. :)hehe

sound proof window, please?

Does anyone know where they install those sound proof glass things that are in limos? You know, so the driver doesn't hear what is going on in the back? After today, Chris and I feel like that would be a great purchase. We took our normal trip out to Palm Springs for Costco/lunch and the mall. For the most part, our actual outings went well: Samples too numerous to count at Costco...Christmas toys out in full force (making our kiddos quite happy)... fun time walking around the mall...etc. BUT, the rides to and from were yucky, nasty, and made Chris and I want to join in the yelling, screaming, and crying (many times Kendall was merely screaming for the sake of screaming...but Cam perceived it as she was upset). Maybe joining would have been better than sitting in silence, both wondering what our lives were like when taking a simple car ride didn't make us both tense up due to our ticking time bomb in the back. Please God, please help us figure this crying issue out with Cam.

OK, enough complaining. I'll end my post on a good note with two cute pics. The first is of our kids exploring the array of toys at Costco. The second is at the park. Chris gave me a nice break when we returned by taking Kendall to the park (Cam was in special room time).

country

I love country music for many reasons. First off, I love songs about the simple things in life. I also like songs I can relate to. Rather than being about getting drunk and riding cows (like many mock it for), so many of the songs speak wonderfully to my stage of life. One of my favorite artists is Phil Vassar. His songs seem to all hit me every time I listen to them.

Here are the lyrics to one of my all time favorites. While I can't relate specifically to every line...I hope the general idea relates to you like it does to me. :)

Just Another Day In Paradise

The kids screaming, phone ringing
Dog barking at the mailman bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the washing machine
Baby, don't kick it.
I promise I'll fix it
Long about a million other things

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

Friday, you're late
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Dominoes' pizza in the candle light
Then we'll tippy toe to our room
Make a little love that's overdue
But somebody had a bad dream
Mama and daddy
Can me and my teddy
Come in to sleep in between?

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

*This morning Cam's special ed teacher went to observe him at his regular pre school. She wanted to see if there were any areas that she could support him better in while he is with her. I have never known a teacher to go as above and beyond as she does. I'm SOOO thankful for her.

*Tonight we enjoyed some yummy turkey burgers from Costco. Their sample convinced us to purchase them and we are quite pleased. However Cam politely informed me, "Um...this sure isn't very tasty right now." :)

*My poor little Kendall is again constipated to the point of screaming. I can see the look on her face and rush over to hold her as she screams. So hard to see.

*Food Network magazine arrived yesterday. Woohoo!

*Footie p.j.'s made their appearance tonight. I love this weather!

*Yesterday at Costco Cam was playing the piano they had on display. A little boy came and turned it off. Cam turned it back on. The boy did it again. Cam reached over and gently pushed him away. Our reaction? Ecstatic!!! Cam's personality is such that he does not generally do anything when other kids take his toys or cut in front of him while playing. We want a little aggression from him as I worry he won't be able to stand up for himself. So while other parents would have scolded, we secretly cheered. :)

*A long time ago we met some friends at Johnny Carino's (in Rancho Cucamonga). When Chris used the restroom, they were in horrible condition. He ended up writing a comment about them on their website. Long story short, tomorrow evening we will be dining there using a complimentary $40 gift card. :)

family visit- lotsa pics :)

We just returned from an EXTREMELY fun weekend up with Chris's parents. We left Friday morning and had an almost perfect ride up (meaning very little Kendall crying = Cam crying). Kendall soon fell into the same groove Cam always does, meaning spending hours and hours outside running around and playing with the dogs. It was such a fun weekend for all of us and while it's nice to be home, it was sad to leave. Here are several pics from all the things we did:

Chris taught Cam how to play bowling on the Wii. Cam adored it and actually learned how to do it without Chris's help.


Saturday we went up to Hume Lake for their country fair. I got to see my good friend, Cheryl (who lives up there), and the kids had a blast. Cam got to play several carnival games, including golf.


Here we are letting Kendall enjoy some apple pie with ice cream.


Chris and his parents took turns waiting in line for almost an hour for the huge bungee jump contraption. Cam was scared at first, but quickly warmed up. I loved it when the guy asked him if he was going to do any flips and Cam responded, "Um, no. Not today." :)


Down by the lake.


On Sunday we celebrated Cam's birthday. Chris's mom worked so hard and made homemade pizza dough and loads of topping choices so we could all make our own pizzas.


The pizzas were amazing! My toppings? Pesto combined with Alfredo sauce, chicken, sun dried tomatoes, almonds, pecans, chicken, cheese, sauteed onions.


Cam is super into spelling and is always asking how to spell words. He loves doing word searches (basically I find the words and he spells them out), so I decided to capitalize on that and make him a word search cake.


Overall it was such a fun weekend. Despite having somewhat of a rough ride home, it didn't matter because it was worth the great memories we made. :)

so unselfish

Not to pat my own back, but I have really raised the most generous and unselfish daughter. Take a look at how giving she is in wanting ME to have her vegetables instead of herself. Wow. Now THAT is what I call good parenting. :)

stuff

*Today is Costco day. I've been out of Skinny Cows for a few days and am NOT a happy camper after dinner.

*Yesterday I offered to bring cupcakes to Cam's school for his birthday. The director asked that I bring something healthier. I was bummed, but then figured I would rather have his school be overly conscious about junk food as opposed to feeding them sweets all the time. So I made oatmeal muffins and put one M&M on top of each, just for good measure. :)

*Loving the new season of, "Flipping Out".

*A couple weekends back, Chris's mom introduced Cam to what has become his FAVORITE activity right now. They are the games on this website. He even has mastered using the mouse all by himself.

*Here are two cute pics from yesterday:



*I'm realizing Fresh and Easy might really be a good deal. I bought some grapes there last week for 79 cents a pound. Staters has only gotten as low as 99 cents. It's on the way to Cam's school, so I might be looking at their ads a little more closely.