97!!!

It's the sixth of November, and it is 97 degress outside. How weird is that??? It feels like the middle of summer. Oh well. We'll see where this weather goes!

Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween 2006

Well, here are my little trick-or-treaters. Kevin the Ninja, Kaela as Cinderella, Kyle the Pirate and Kenna the Butterfly Princess. The kids had loads of fun this Halloween. They got a TON of candy. We went with a bunch of the other neighborhood kids. A big pack of twelve kids. Kevin, Kaela and Kyle went, so that meant we comprised 25% of the group. lol Keith and Kenna stayed home to pass out the candy. Anyway it was so cute. Kaela and her best friend Natalie held hands the entire time. Natalie was dressed as Snow White. Kevin and his friend Danny (Natalie's brother) stuck together and Kyle trailed behind the girls, preferring mama to anyone else. While trick-or-treating the group stopped for candy breaks in which they each had a piece before running off to the next house. They had a great time and despite all the candy they ate, went right to bed, off to dream about candy.

Last Year's Pumpkin

This is last year's Halloween pumpkin. I just had to repost this because I thought the picture turned out just great. We carved this year's pumpkin last night. It is always such a fun thing to do. I remember Kevin's first "real" Halloween and how much he enjoyed carving the pumpkin with Keith. One of our most fun Halloweens was the Halloween we spent up in Washington. Maria, Ellie and Colin, as well as my Dad and Ris came up. Mom had a VERY full house! Each kid got a pumpkin, even Kyle who was only 2 weeks old. We sat out under Mom's carport and carved out all the pumpkins. It was nice that day, but it got COLD that night. I love Halloween. It is such a fun day!

How Beauty is Made

This is a short film made through Dove's Self Esteem Fund. I think this video should be seen by all teenage girls and young women, maybe even some of us "older" women. Take a look and pass it on.

Holy Hits Batman!

Wow! Our counter hit over 6,000. This time last year I was posting that we had hit 2,000. That's 4,000 hits in the course of a year. Our website is posted on splitcoastbloggers.blogspot.com. It's a listing of blogs of stampers that frequent splitcoaststampers.com. A great group of stampers I might add. According to my website stats, we get about 10-12 hits from splitcoasters almost daily. Then there is family and friends (not that there are tons of those). We also get the random surfers. Then we get hits from google searches. Some surfed on after searching for "Navajo Sandwich" or "gets her ears pierced" or "Days of Our Lives". Apparently searching on these keys words pulls up our blog. Some might argue that we are too "public". I think we aren't anymore public than others out there. I personally am comfortable with what I post, otherwise I wouldn't post it. So, to our loyal readers, or casual browers, thank you!

New PJs

Brand New PJs

We got a box full of goodies today from Mom. The kids got some new clothes and these PJs. Of course they all wanted to wear them tonight. I lined them up and took this picture before they went to bed. They all love their PJs and they suit them perfectly. Kevin's are Wildcats PJs, Kaela's are Princess, Kyle's are Dinosaurs and Kenna's are pastel green with flowers. I think this picture is hilarious. Kevin and Kaela are all so identical in their poses. Kyle and Kenna are barely standing still. They are all tucked away asleep right now. Nice and comfy.

Kyle's Birthday Party

Kyle's birthday is on the 17th, but we celebrated this weekend. Mom, Dad and Ris came up, and we all had a birthday lunch for Kyle. I love this picture. This is a genuine happy smile. He was so excited about his birthday celebration. Big smiles all around from him especially when we were singing Happy Birthday. He received some very nice presents including clothes from Grandma Tessie and Grandpa Manny, books from Auntie Ris, shoes and a book from Grandma Karen, and a movie and money from Grandpa Dennis and Grandma Mary. The night before his party, we all went out to dinner (we being the immediate family). We ate at Denny's not all that glamorous, but it was fast and family friendly. After that we went to ToysRUs. Kyle picked out an Emergency Vehicle die cast set. He's been playing with it all weekend. Aside from the yummy cake, we had sandwiches and the usual sides to go with it. We are having a nice dinner and more cake for him on his actual birthday. I'll of course post more pictures of that later. Well, this was just a quick update and picture. I am tired and off to bed. Good night!

Kevin

I know you can't see his face here, but yes, this is Kevin. He is doing homework. He is in the first grade, and we work on homework more than one hour everyday. Well, not everyday, Monday through Thursday. His teacher is GREAT. She is so loving, gentle and caring. I volunteered to be one of two room moms. It'll be fun helping her out. Well, I do think that all the homework is paying off. Kevin is doing great in Math and his reading is progressing wonderfully! He couldn't read this summer, but in the short time that school has been in session, he has learned to read a lot. He read me four books tonight as part of his homework. Here's what he does every week for homework. This doesn't include any work that he didn't finish in class. He brings that home too to be returned the following day. Anyway, here's what he does every week. He has a list of spelling words. There are eight every week. On top of those words, he has a list (about 10) of vocabulary words. Then a list of wall words that he has to know by sight. There are about 8 of those. Then he needs to read 20 minutes a day. He has a short four page book that he has to be able to read and then answer comprehensive questions about it. He has one logic/math problem a day. Also in the homework packet is two sheets front and back of math. I don't remember doing homework until the 3rd grade. It's tough to work with him for an hour to and hour and a half every day. Well, other than school, he is now in Cub Scouts. He is enjoying this very much. He is going camping along with Keith with his pack at the end of the month. He is looking forward to that. Kevin brought home a flyer today about the kid's run training program for the Orange County Marathon. He wants to do this. He will train for 10 weeks and in the course of training will run a complete marathon. He will run the last mile during the actual marathon in January. One really cool thing about this is a fundraising event. 100% of all monies he collects will go directly to his school. Every cent! He says he really wants to do this. I told him that this is A LOT of running. He seems to understand that. Well, that's enough to keep him busy!

Michaela

Michaela is having so much fun these days. She's already gone to one birthday party this school year. This is a picture of her in her ballet outfit. I wanted to get her a black leotard or tutu, but she would not have it. She wanted all pink. She is doing really well in the class. I'm pretty happy with it in that of the three classes, she was one of two students in the class. And for most of the class time, she was the only one there. The one lesson in which there were four girls total, her teacher held her hand and danced with her the most. Keith has taken her the last two times and he says she is the best one there. The only one that really listens and dances. The other little girls just do their own thing. She is having a lot of fun at school and is doing so much more socially in class. She also has a lot of fun playing here in the neighborhood. She and her friend Natalie are SO into the girlie stuff. They are always playing house and Princesses. We got Kaela (really me) the digitally remastered Little Mermaid. I am slowing moving my Disney VHS collection to DVD. Since Kaela loves the Princesses so much, it's not hard to buy them! She is constantly talking Pocahontas this, Cinderella that, Little Mermaid this, Sleeping Beauty that. I don't know where she gets all these girlie tendencies. Certainly not from me. lol Anything pink and girlie, that's Kaela.

Kyle

So, this is not the cutest picture of Kyle, but I think this is hilarious! His birthday is next week and although he never saw the movie, he insists on having a "Cars" themed party. We are having a small party for him - us, Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Ris. I'm not sure what we are doing yet though. Kyle is in the "me do it" phase. He tries, but gets frustrated when he can't do something. We see a lot of him looking like this picture. He communicated very well these days. I've noticed that he's learned how to make himself seem innocent just by his expressions. "I didn't do it!" and those eyes. You know the look, "Really I didn't" big sad pleadingly cute eyes. He is Kenna's protector these days. He is always looking after her and insists that I not leave Kenna behind while we walk. Well, she is slow and if I don't keep walking forward, the short walks will become really long walks. Kyle is in love with Dora and Blue. He likes the Wonder Pets. He loves to sing in the car and is always moving to the music - on the beat even! He is still a smiley as ever and is a comedian in his young age. Everything is funny to him. Even when he is getting scolded. It's hard to yell at him while he is cracking that smile. What else? He hasn't learned to use the potty yet, but he did get a potty ring. He loves that thing. If he would just use it to go potty! He is a big boy. His waist is just a bit smaller than Kevin's. He isn't tall, but he definitely has my build. I can't wait for him to start preschool next year. I know he'll love it. He still loves his Barbie scooter and his Hello Kitty umbrella, but refuses anything else girlie. I tried to buy him a pink shirt and he refused. He is going to be a pirate for Halloween - which he is really excited about. I'll for sure take pictures because when he tried it on, he looked darn cute!

McKenna

What can I say about my baby girl? Well a lot actually! She is officially 18 months old. I can't believe it. Time flies. I know I say that in almost every post, but as you can see, time is flying by so fast, I have about a chance a week to update. Kenny is our little daredevil. She is not scared of jumping off a high ledge. She falls and scrapes her knee and just gets up. Her legs are full of scratches. She wants to do everything the big kids do. She climbs the high ladders at the park and goes down slides that are one and a half times my height. She is fearless. She likes to do things on her own time and likes to dilly dally behind us while walking. If you backtrack to get her, she turns and runs. She laughs the whole time she is running. Let's see physically, she is solid. She is strong. She needs a haircut! She has eight teeth, four tops, four bottoms. No molars yet, but she can eat just about anything. And boy does she eat. She can eat more than any of the big kids. She is opinionated and will scream if she doesn't get what she wants. She is stubborn too. Her way of the highway. And she is only 18 months old. Yikes!

My New Logo

My New Logo

So rather than purchase "vendor approved" business cards, I opted to get my own business cards that were a bit less restrictive. On the "vendor approved" cards, I had to put my title. I plan on kicking up my business a bit this year and one of my goals is to promote two levels. Well, in promoting, I would have to repurchase business cards, or give out cards with the wrong title. So, I created my own logo, to print out my own cards. So there you go. How do you like it?

Happy Sunday

The first half of our weekend has been busy busy. Kaela had her first dance lesson today. She was very cute and picked up on the steps very easily. Her class is not full at all and in fact, for the first 20 minutes, she was the only one there. It was practically a private lesson. Another little girl showed up 20 minutes into the lesson and another about 40 minutes in. It was very cute.

So, of course she is going to continue. We went all over town looking for she little outfit and ballet slippers and tap shoes. I wanted to try to go cheap and get things from Target and Payless Shoes as opposed to the dance shop. The school actually said that expensive stuff wasn't really necessary for kids Kaela's age. Well, first we went to Target, no luck. Nothing. Then we went to Mervyn's We got her leotard, thighs, tutu and ballet slippers there. All on sale. Woohoo! Then we went to Payless for tap shoes. None there in her size. So, we tried another Target. None there. Then we went to another Payless. None there in her size either. Then off to Walmart. None in her size. By this time, we had been out almost three hours. I finally broke down and got her "real" tap shoes from the dance shop.

So, Kaela and I weren't alone in our adventure today. Kevin was with us. We bought his cub scout uniform. We were in and out of the scout shop in 5 minutes. We went there first. I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up that that would be an indication of our day. Kaela's stuff was not even remotely easy. Kevin is very excited about his uniform. He looked at his scout guidebook and oh'd and ah'd over everything in it. I think both kids are going to have a great time in their new activities.

Kevin's school is once again doing a gift wrap fundraiser. I am a bit more active in the PTO this year and we had our first meeting of the year. We went over the PTO budget for the school year. I had no idea, but this gift wrap fundraiser is the biggest fundraiser for the school. I won't give you a dollar amount, but let's just say that with the money raised by this fundraiser alone, you could buy yourself a nice new sedan. Not a bare minimum, no features sedan, but a nice sedan with some really nice extras. Yeah. It blew me away. So, does anyone want to buy some gift wrap???

Keith is doing well. He got his raise. A nice one. Over 9%. He also had his interview with the other department. They like him and are interested. They will see what they can do. Keith just needs to figure out if he wants to switch departments.

I started with a new Bible study. Seems like it's going to be very interesting. It last through May. So, I feel like I have been busy busy busy. Carting kids around, doing PTO stuff and this new Bible study, not to mention all the stamping swaps I am in.

Kyle and Kenny. Doing wonderfully. Kenny is probably going to get her very first hair cut. It is falling into her eyes and needs a trim. She needs the back trimmed too. She has long hair that ends in a "V" right between the shoulder blades.

Well, there is so much to think about. I can't wait for the 1st to come round. I have a TON of Halloween stuff that I want to put up. I like decorating for Halloween. We have some fun stuff. Don't even get me started on Christmas. I have SO much more for Christmas. So, we have my mom's birthday along with a big birthday bash, Kyle's birthday, parent teacher conferences, Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then New Years. Oh my. It is going along much too fast.

Okay, so that's it for now. Not much going on, but so much going on at the same time. You know what I mean. It's just life.

Kyle's Haircut

Kyle's First Professional Cut

He finally did it. He finally agreed to go to the barber. I asked him this morning, and he finally said yes. So, now my baby boy now longer looks like a toddler boy. He looks like a real boy! lol I think he looks like his cousin Colin.

Kaela's Back in School

Kaela's First Day

Wow! Kaela started school last Wednesday, but this is my first chance to post. School has started up again and things are in full swing. I am the co-chair for one of the committees for Kevin's school's PTO. I am shuttling the kids around and trying to keep the everyday household stuff under control. Kevin started Cub Scouts and Keith is going along with him. Kaela starts ballet/tap class next Saturday (she missed the first class that occurred yesterday). I am trying to crank out my Mom's birthday party invitations. We had a birthday party today. I feel so rushed and busy. Ack! Kevin also wants to do karate, so we are looking for a relatively inexpensive place. Not having much luck!

Keith is busy at work and has an interview with another department on Monday (today if you are reading this on Monday). They are very interested in him. Hopefully something will come of it and he will not be so bored at work. He prefers to be busy work while he is at work.

What else is going on? I am starting in a new Bible Study on Wednesday. As far as stamping goes, I am in a ton of swaps and I am hosting a few. So, I am really busy there. Kyle and Kenna are just chugging along. Kyle is now talking in sentences and Kenna is getting more and more headstrong. When she wants something, she wants it. No one can get in her way. We've noticed that Kyle is taking the same approach with Kenna that Kevin took with Kaela. Kenna can hit him, scream at him and yell at him, but Kyle just won't be mean back to her. This is a good thing! lol It would be terrible if he attacked her back.

So, other than life being really busy right now, life is just going on. Nothing extraordinary to report. If there is, I can't remember it, so then it must not be all that extraordinary! I really just wanted to share Kaela's picture. She is already enjoying school so much and she is glad to be back.

Good bye for now.

With a Tear in My Eye, He's Off!

Kevin starts school at 8:40. Michaela starts school at 9:00. Her preschool is clear across town and into the next. To park the car, unstrap all the kids, walk Kevin to his class's line, wait for the bell, watch the kids walk away, go back to the car, strap them all in, drive to Kaela's school, park, unstrap the kids, and walk to Kaela's class would take SO much longer than 20 minutes. As a result, Kevin is now getting dropped off in front of the school, and he walks himself to class. Today was our first day of actually doing this. As I drove away from school, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw my baby trotting to class, getting lost in a sea of much bigger children. I teared up and softly cried.

Kevin's First Day

Kevin's First Day

Well, Kevin went back to school today. First Grade. Wow. That just amazes me how fast time flies. I was a bit worried while I packed his lunch. Kevin is a snacker. He eats all day long. I hope he can hold out until lunch.

He wore a green shirt today. Of course that's what he wanted. He also had his camo green backpack. In the backpack is his green pencil box. So we get to school and look at the class lists. Guess who his teacher is. Yup, Mrs. Green. There was a note next to the first grade class lists saying that first graders may have to be changed around a bit and class assignments won't be finalized until the 8th day of school. I hope Kevin does not get switched out. Before we left for school, we talked about how he might not have his best friends in the same class. Well, he took it in stride and said, "That's okay, I can see them at lunch. I can meet new friends too." As it turns out, none of his play buddies are in his class. He does have some familiar faces in his class though. He pointed out two girls and two other boys that were in his Kindergarten class.

I was looking at all the kids lined up to go into the class. Kevin was one of the tallest ones there. Last year, I noticed he was one of the shorter ones. He is growing so fast. I had to get him all new jeans and shoes. He got a bunch of new shirts too. He likes button down shirts and thinks that that is what he should wear to school. He prefers them over tee shirts. I got some great shirts on sale. You gotta love those sales!

Well, I get to pick him up at 2:30. I hope he fares well.

Today in 1781

On this day in 1781, colonists from Spain founded a settlement in southern California which they named El Pueblo Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula. The name was later shortened to Los Angeles, or better known "LA".

Now, I don't particularly love LA, nor do I particularly like it. And we won't go into the tragic history of it. But, for obvious reasons (well, obvious to those that *personally* know me) I just had to post this.

A New Do

Michaela's New Do

Well, remember in my last post when I said that the kids were in desperate need of haircuts? Well, I gave Kaela a cut yesterday. Notice how long her hair was. It reached down to her bottom. Now it exposes the entire neck. The last time I cut it this short was when we still lived in Washington just before we left. So, it took her two years to grow it as long as it was on the left. I think it makes her look a lot longer than she did. She likes it a lot.

The Kids Today

Today - After Lunch

I know I always say it, but time is flying! This is a picture of the kids from earlier today. Notice that they are all in desperate need of a haircut! So, I've been really bad about keeping this blog up to date. I was doing good up until just after we moved. That was almost six months ago. We still have boxes to unpack. It only goes to show that most of the stuff in the boxes are unneeded and I should just get rid of most of it.

Kevin starts first grade on the 7th. I hope he has some of his good friends in his class. We had one of our picnics in the living room today. I was a but bummed as I realized that this would be one of the last picnics we would have together. Once Kevin is in school, he'll be there a full day and won't be having lunch with us anymore. Oh my baby is growing up!

I went shopping this weekend for jeans for Kevin. I ended up going to Goodwill, just like last year. I got him four pairs of jeans, two Levi's, one Old Navy and one WalMart brand. I think I did a great job. They were only $3 each. They look great, no holes or stains. No one would ever know they came from the Goodwill.

Kaela starts up again on the 11th. She will be going back to the same preschool with the same teacher. She is in the older kid's class and will be bringing home homework! She is already copying letters and I have a feeling that by the end of this school year, she will be reading. She's been having a great time playing princess with one of the other little girls from the neighborhood. They dress up in their Belle and Cinderella costumes complete with toy dress heels. Kaela has all kinds of blisters from them, but she still insists on wearing them. I had to forbid her from wearing them because her feet have so many little scabs on them. They look painful. You know if they were her "regular" shoes, she'd be complaining to high heaven.

Kyle, like I always say, is saying more. But, he really really is. He is much clearer than ever and is using longer sentences. I can almost understand everything he says. Including, when I ask if he wants to start potty training, "No potty, diapers." He has fallen in love with the Hummer vehicles he got from McD's. And he still loves his Blue's Clues. It will be fun hanging out with him when the big kids head back to school.

Kenna is talking more and more too. She clearly says Thank You and Please. What a polite young lady! lol She is playing by herself more and more and will hang out in her crib for about an hour after her nap before I have to get her out. I have listened to her by the door and it sounds as if she is talking and interacting with someone in there. Maybe it's her great grandparents visiting. She and Kevin both always seemed to be talking to someone that just wasn't there.

Keith's truck is back on the road. It was out of commission of about two weeks and we finally got it towed to the shop. It was the starter. At least it was something easy. Keith is busy at work as usual. He is antsy for a vacation. We are thinking about heading to Washington for Thanksgiving, although we are not sure what everyone else has planned.

I am doing good. I am finally feeling back to normal since surgery. All this time, I thought the aches and pains I was feeling was just my body getting old. I feel wonderful compared to what I was feeling. I did lose just over ten pounds before my surgery. I've only gained back three. This is the lightest I've weighed since before we got married. My pants are loose and my shirts aren't as tight. So, that was one good thing of having to be on a no fat diet. I was starving and the food was extremely boring, but I lost ten pounds.

As for everything else, things are going well. Stampin' is going good. Tomorrow will be my one year anniversary with the company. My business goals are looking up and I think overall I am doing well at it. I have a workshop next week - my second since I've started! I hope it goes well.

Okay, that's it for now. Thanks for reading!

I Must Be Getting Old, Time is Flying!

SU Convention 2006

My First!

So, it is now August 1. Wasn't it just July 1st yesterday??? Anyway, lots has been going on. Let me first start with, sorry about the picture! Instead of a very cute picture of the kids with their Grandma at Disneyland, you are stuck with a picture of me. Why you ask? Well, after a full day at Disneyland and the next day of cute pics of the kids making cookies with Grandma, my digital camera decided to eat my pictures! I viewed the pictures and everything looked fine. I went to upload my pictures and what does my camera tell me? "Memory Card is not Formatted. Format now?" Ummmm. NO! So, thinking Keith can once again save my pictures (yes this has happened before), I gently ease the memory card out and put it on Keith's desk. Unfortunately, Keith, the miracle worker he is, can't seem to recover a darn thing. The disk is completely wiped. *Sigh* Oh well. Maybe when we go back (in five years!), we will have some good pictures.

So, so much has gone on, let me just recap here:

1. Summer is halfway over, the kids are going back to school soon!
2. I have been in pain since I returned from Convention. Chest pain that brought me to the ER. Nothing to worry about, EKG was normal as was the chest x-ray and blood work.
3. Keith's truck is acting up. It's not looking good.
4. The kids are still cute as ever. Seriously cute. I have to brag!
5. After several doctor's visits and another visit to the ER, it has been determined that I have to have my gallbladder removed.
6. I had a great time at Convention.
7. The weather is finally cooling down and our electric bill hasn't been anywhere near what I had estimated it to be. I estimated well over $350. Good thing I was WAY off.
8. Karen came and spent a whole week with us. (Which we have NO pictures of - see above)
9. We got to see Ellie, Colin and Maria for about a day when I came back from convention.
10. Life is good. Despite some small glitches, it is really good.

Okay, that it a short note for now. I will update you all on the gallbladder saga soon.

It's almost Wednesday!

What's so special about Wednesday you ask? Well, I am headed to Salt Lake City for the Stampin' Up! Convention. I can't wait. This will be my first time to travel all by myself since before Keith and I met! Wow! I am so excited. I have been excited about it since I first learned that I was going to go all the way back in May.

Well, I am really busy getting ready. Stampers that attend make these cards called swaps. They basically are ideas and card fronts (a card without the back flap) that show of talent and techniques. We use these to ohhhh and ahhhh our customers. Well, I am making six different designs and brings over 200 of these. I just started a couple of days ago. I still have to pack up the kids (the are staying with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Ris) and I have to pack up myself! I know, I am the Queen of procrastination. Oh well. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Anyway, should get back to stampin! Here is a picture of the kids from yesterday. They are eating chocolate donuts with rainbow sprinkles that Keith brought them in the morning after running some errands. Enjoy!

Almost July!

Let them eat cake! Here's Kyle digging into his piece of Grandpa's birthday cake. On the 17th, Mom threw a big party for Dad's 65th birthday. It was a nice summer day, and we had the party outside in the backyard. Dad put up the canopies and we had tables and chairs brought in. Lots of family and friends attended. It was nice visiting with everyone. We even got a lot of the 1st generation cousins to sing Karaoke. I have the pictures, but I think my cousins would not be too pleased if I posted them. It was fun and a great time!

This month has been very busy for me. Kevin and Kaela both finished school. Kevin didn't have a graduation, but their last week of school was all fun and games. There was a Kindergarten carnival. I was able to help out with the help of Ris. She stayed home with the kiddos while I went. Kevin was so pleased that I could be there. A few of his classmates even gave me hugs! They are all so cute!

We went to a end of school year party at Kevin's friends house. A lot of his former classmates and their families were there. That was really enjoyable too. His teacher showed up and the kids insisted that she read them a book. Afterwards, the kids played with water balloons. Kaela got paired up with Kevin's friend Alyssa. It was so funny watching the two girls toss the balloons to each other. Neither could catch, nor throw. They were only standing about a foot from each other, but managed to drop and pop about 20 balloons!

Kaela had a bit of an accident the other day. Keith had to come home early and I took Kaela into the doctor. She slipped on a toy and whacked her head into the side of their wooden table. She slammed her right ear against it and managed to slice it pretty bad. It didn't cut all the way through and it didn't require stitches. The doctor said that it'll leave a noticeable scar. He also said they could recommend a plastic surgeon in her teens years if it bothers her that much. I think she can just keep her hair long.

Kyle is plugging away with the words. He is forming more sentences and you can almost understand everything he says. He seems to be a "big boy" now. But, I asked him if he was ready to start using the potty and he replied, "No. Pee diapers. No potty." Well then, I guess I'll ask him again next month.

Kenny. She is a climbing troublemaker. She climbs on everything. She can get on top of the dinner table and has even started to climb the ladder up Kevin's bunk. She is always on the kids' table and I swear if she could, she'd climb onto the dresser in the kids' room. She likes to make the other kids mad but turning the TV off and running away. I swear she has an evil laugh as she does it.

Kyle has taken on a nurturing side. I think he picked it up from Kevin. Whenever Kenna cries, he goes to her and strokes her hair and says, "Donh cry Nena." It is too cute. He's always finding toys to console her. He brings her her Teletubbies (which were Kevin's, then Kaela's, then Kyle's). He is pretty good at making her stop crying. He doesn't like when I leave her in her crib a little too long after she wakes from her naps and cries. He has figured out (which I am not sure how) how to lift her out of the crib and take her out.

Since Kevin has been spending more time outside with his friends. Kaela and Kyle have become quite the pals. They don't fight nearly as much as they used to just a few months ago. They actually play together. When Kevin comes back in, he just joins right up with them and Kenna too! I can actually find a few blocks of time during the day when the kids are all playing nicely together. I once in a while will hear a "Hey!" but then they seem to be able to resolve differences on their own.

Oh my babies, they are growing up too fast!

Let's see. What else?

Convention is less than 2 weeks away. SU! just released its new 2006-07 catalog and it is awesome! SU! has an incentive cruise for top earners and in 2008 they are cruising to Bermuda. I think I may have to take this more seriously and try to win it. That would be a cool vacation for me and Keith!

Mom is coming to visit for more than a week! Yippee! The kids are so excited to see Grandma again. They got some really cute postcards from her in the mail today and they loved them! They all carried them around the house all day today.

Keith's birthday is the same day that I leave for Convention. I can't say how old he is going to be. He hates when I mention it. lol I don't think he is old at all. He doesn't seem anywhere near 42 to me. Oops! Did I just type that out loud?

Well, I guess that is it for now. I know I keep saying I am going to do better at keeping up with the blog, but life gets in the way sometimes. Good night!

Happy 7 Years!

Us, June 12, 2006

We celebrated our 7th anniversary on Monday. This is a picture of us after we got home. It was past the kids' bedtime, but they still had tons of energy.

I was going to make a card for our anniversary, but I fell asleep (yes, I once again waited until the last minute to do something). By the time he got home, I was rounding out the third hour of my nap. I must've been tired. Keith got me a beautiful card, a really pretty sun catcher and of course some beanie bears. He got me the one named Fun because we always have fun when we go out together. The other he got me was named Dear One. He got that one because he says I am the Dear One. Ain't that sweet?

We had dinner at the local food court area. We had Indian food. It was really yummy. We didn't go out for a romantic dinner, but we still had a nice time. It was nice that we can actually sit in a restaurant with four kids and have a pleasant dinner. All the kids did great and I think the consensus of favorite food these days is Indian.

After dinner, we went to the "big" mall in the area and had ice cream at Cold Stone. The kids love their ice cream! You can kind of see in the picture that Michaela's hair is curled. She got it done at one of the little kiosk/carts at the mall. They were trying to get me to buy a ceramic curling iron. It was a really neat product, but they wanted $85 for it. Uh, no.

Anyway, the night was really enjoyable. The kids had fun walking around the mall and looking at the fountains and all the cool things to look at. Even though we weren't alone it was a really great night. I am not sure which I had more fun on - our first night of our honeymoon, or this night.

Seven Years Ago

Us, June 12, 1999

This was us during our first dance as a married couple. What a fun wedding we had. We weren't there long, we hopped a plane a flew to Seattle. We had dinner that night at Ivar's and stayed at the Westin. We had a nice high floor and a perfect view of the sound. The next day, we went to Victoria and stayed at the Empress. We had a suite that over looked the harbor. We stayed in Victoria for a couple of nights then headed back to Seattle. We still talk about how much fun we had on our honeymoon.

I found a link to our online wedding album that I did back in 1999. I haven't visited it in a few years and I am even surprised that it still exists on tripod. The link is below, but I must warn you that with ever picture you view, there is an obnoxious pop-up ad. Maybe that's why I haven't visited in years!

Our Online Wedding Album - Posted in 1999

New Pictures

I have just added a new photo album. It is listed on the left hand side as "May June 2006". Or, click here.

I have been really bad about the blog and I realize that I have only been updating once a month. I just need to organize my time better. *sigh*

There really has been a lot going on. One fun thing that happened on the 10th was we went to see the movie "Cars". It was so fun. Keith, I, Kevin and Kaela all went. We got free tickets for the premiere from AT&T. Along with the tickets, they provided the drinks (huge), popcorn (really huge) and a good bag for each kid. It was really a fun story. The kids enjoyed it and so did we!

We've been doing fun family stuff. Kevin's school had a spring fling that we went to. Stampin' Up! donated a lot of merchandise and I was able to make three nice baskets for the silent auction. We did a great job raising money with them!

We have also gone to the Discovery Science center. We go out for ice cream a lot too!

Kevin has been playing more with the neighborhood kids as we have finally let him venture out on his own. He has met a lot of good friends. His school is over next week.

Kaela is doing good. She is now writing letters and is copying words every chance she gets. She really wants to be a big girl asap!

Kyle is saying more and more (as always) and is getting more clear. He and I would go have bagels with Kenna every Tuesday together. It was fun, but will have to wait until the fall when the olders go back to school.

Kenna is actually saying a lot of words. Me, me, me. Cheese. Daddy. Mama. She is opinionated too. If she is not happy with you, she will yell at you. Ahhh! Ahhh! It is too funny.

Kenna's Bath

We think Kenny Benny is going to be a swimmer just like Kevin. She loves the water and actually pours the water over herself! By the way, did you notice what I called her? We didn't want to call her "Kenny", but it just happened. So, Kenny Benny, or Kenna Benna it is! She totally acts older than 1. She sounds like she is talking - Dada, Momma, please, thank you. She is a chatterbox and doesn't quit. In the car, in the stroller, walking around the house, while shopping. Always saying something! And those smiles. She knows the smiles get attention, and so she instantly has one - for family and strangers alike - if she knows you will pay attention to her.

Is It Really that Cold Kyle?

I had to giggle and grab the camera when Kyle walked into my office dressed like this. Isn't that hat hilarious! It is Kaela's hat that Grandma Fischer sent a couple of Christmases ago. Come to think of it, the slippers are Kaela's old slippers too! He was so pleased that he made Mommy laugh. He liked that he was "all dressed up" and so he wanted to actually pose for the picture. Ain't he cute???

Kaela's First Scrapbook

Kaela's an official scrapper. I'm so proud! *sniffle* She got this scrapbooking kit from Auntie Maria and Ellie and Colin for her birthday. She works in it all the time and has made pages for me, Keith and her sibs. She is so cute when she works on it. She is SO proud of herself and loves to show off her work. I was going to help her with it, but she had her own ideas. I took a deep breath and let her go for it. I am glad I did.

Kevin and Me at the Strawberry Field

With Ris' help, I was lucky enough to be a parent helper when Kevin's class went to the farm to pick strawberries. It was really a fun time. We took a tractor ride and got to sample all kinds of fresh just picked veggies. It was an organic farm, so anything that we didn't consume, we just threw overboard! I didn't realize how different fresh veggies tasted from store bought stuff. We picked a quart of strawberries, but I think we all ate more than that while we picked! It was SO yummy!

Oh Where Oh Where did April Go?????

My gosh! Well, since SO many people have asked if I have updated my blog - including Keith! - I have finally decided to just sit down and do it. I am on the computer all the time, but have for some odd reason (which I can't explain) I have neglected my blog! So, let's see if I can highlight the main points since my last brief update.

• I am going to the Stampin' Up! convention in July. YIPPEE!
• McKenna is walking.
• We went to Washington on spring break and spent Easter with Mom, Karensa, Paul, Grandma, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Orv.
• We saw Dad and Mary on the way home.
• I turned 36! And my baby sister turned 31!
• Michaela is starting to write her name.
• We are still not unpacked from moving.
• Did I mention I was going to Convention????
• Kevin has met with the speech therapist, and she has consulted with me. She does not think that Kevin should be placed in a program for his stuttering because she doesn't think that he has a problem. She wants to wait to see if it becomes a constant thing instead of the on and off stuttering that he has had. She is hoping (which frequently happens) that it will just disappear.
• Kyle is saying all kinds of words and I am convinced that he is going to be the funny guy at school that everyone likes.

I think that is most of it for now. I will try to be more consistent with the blog. Bye for now!

Albums are Updated

I haven't had a chance to write about the kids' birthdays. But, I will!

Until then, I have updated the kids' photo albums. Click the links on the left to see.

A New Picture

Here is a picture to keep you occupied until I have time to write about the kids' birthday parties. I will also be posting new photos in their photo albums (see left side of blog). Until then, enjoy the picture!

rubberstampads.com

I placed a link to my demonstrator website on rubberstampads.com. It is my picture at the very bottom of the page. Look for it. It is a small 40X40 pixel picture. If you click on it, it'll take you to my demo site. I have a special going on right now that if you place an order with me and say that you saw my ad on rubberstampads.com, you get $5 in additional merchandise with any purchase over $25.

My ad has gotten a number of hits and has (it was earlier today anyway) landed me in the top 20 sites. I guess people click on it as opposed to the other ads because they are thinking, "Who the heck is weird enough to post their picture here?"

Check it out rubberstampads.com and give me a click!

Sick As Can Be

Well, Kyle is no longer sick, but now Kevin and Kaela are sick, and I am too. Kenna has a runny nose, but that is it. Keith keeps saying he is fine, but coughs once in a while. Kaela has had a fever on and off for the past three days. Kevin came home from school feeling sick and didn't go today. I have had achey joints and congestion for two days.

So, since we are all sick and burned out, we decided not to do to Disneyland for Kaela's birthday. She took the news rather well. Which actually was no surprise. She (they all are actually) was very understanding.

Kaela did get to celebrate her birthday at school yesterday. She brought cupcakes that we had decorated with Strawberry Shortcake cupcake toppers and sugar sprinkles. We are going to have dinner (she has requested pizza) and cake on Saturday. We, of course, have Disney Princess plates and napkins to help celebrate.

I got some really cute dessert plates and napkins for Kenna's first birthday party. I didn't go overboard with the whole theme going. I just bought the plates and napkins and then got generic stuff to match. Going to party stores makes it hard not to go wild with the decor. Everything is so cute!

Kevin has requested Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday party. He was been wanting to go so badly. We keep saying that we will take him, but since it is his birthday, I guess there is no getting around it. Not that Chuck E. Cheese is a bad place. It is just hard to corral all the kids there. It can get pretty hectic (an understatement).

I'll update you on Kaela's birthday in a few days. Bye!

Just a Side Note

Last Thursday when we walked to the park, a huge bird with a red head flew overhead. It was fling fairly low. I would guess flying above about three stories up. It was the biggest bird I had ever seen "in the wild". Well, with a little internet searching, I am about 95% sure that this is what we saw. It is a turkey vulture. Since it is a vulture, it was gross to read about what it ate, but looking at it soaring above us was pretty impressive.

Sorry No Pictures

Well, it's been a while since I have posted a new picture. Kevin was asking why he didn't have a new picture up recently. We are still unpacking and I am not even sure where our camera is! I want to take some new pictures.

Unpacking is going slowly but surely. I am doing the best I can with having to just try to do our everyday things as well as find things. Keith helped by watching the kids the entire weekend - which is what he usually does. But, it especially helped this weekend in that I was able to get most of my stamping stuff put away (which means I can start stamping again!). Keith set up his desk and computer stuff on the opposite wall from my desk. We have our office looking pretty nice. It is a blue room - just like the other place.

Aside from the blue room, I was also able to start on the kids' master suite. Did I mention that we decided to put the kids in the master bedroom? They have their own walk in closet for their toys and a whole other closet just for their clothes. Kevin and Kyle are in the bunk bed and Kaela's bed is clear on the other side of the room. There is enough room left over that if we wanted to, we could put our king sized bed in there and still have room to move around with no problem. They have their own bathroom, and it is over the garage so they can be as rowdy as they like and not disturb Mr. Grumpy Bottom Floor Neighbor. There is a huge built in dresser that runs the length of the window (about one and a half times longer than Kaela's twin bed). We are setting up a TV in the kids room - a first for us. We will hook up cable without the receiver to give them access to PBS. We are also going to give up our DVD/VHS combo so that they can watch in their room.

Friday night I went out by myself. The kids and the unpacking were really tough for me last week. I was able to go to the bookstore and get myself a book and a couple of scrapbooking magazines. I am reading "The Time Traveler's Wife". After the bookstore, I went and had dinner and read while I waited and ultimately while I ate. It was fun to get absorbed in the book and to block out all the people looking at the woman sitting all by herself in a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. I would have much rather been with Keith at the restaurant than have my nose in a book, but I really needed to get out. And well, we can't afford a babysitter. It would cost us about $100 just to walk out the door for a nice evening together. Since when do babysitters charge $20 an hour???

Oh well. Sorry again about no new pictures. I will find the camera soon! Good night. Thanks for reading.

Oh. Just quick updates on the kids. Kevin is enrolled in an after school physics class. He learned about force last class. He is the youngest in that class and is really enjoying it. We have decided to take Kaela to Disneyland for her birthday. We are taking Kevin and Kaela, and Ris and Dad are going to watch Kyle and Kenna that day. I think Kyle is sick with Mono again. No fever yet, but he is just grumpy and not sleeping well. I will look at his throat tomorrow. Kenna is eating like there is no tomorrow. That girl eats and eats. Can you believe she is going to be one in less than two weeks?

Okay. Good night again!

Start At The Bottom

of today's entries. They are posted with the latest entry first, so look for the first entry for today and then read going up instead of down. BTW, did you notice we are at 3,000 hits (over that by the time you read this). Enjoy the update!

What's Up With Us?

Well, you've read about the move and the place, so let me update you on us.

Kevin. He has a jog-a-than next Tuesday. He says he is going to run 90 laps. We shall see! lol I am not sure how long a lap is. So, if anyone wants to pledge a per-lap or flat donation. Let me know. If you haven't heard from me yet - you will!

We had another parent teacher conference today. His teacher said some really good things about Kevin, and she is happy with his progress. When he started kindergarten, he didn't know many letters (only V and K) and couldn't count very high (only to 12). He didn't have fine motor skills with holding his pencil. But, she says his counting is great (can count past 100 and can also count by 5s and 10s). He can recognize all the letters and can sound them out. He is even trying to read. His writing skills have improved greatly. It was a great review.

Michaela. This social butterfly has been to two non-relative birthday party. She, of course, wanted to have a birthday party too but we decided not to have one for her or Kevin. Kenna will be the only one having a party - since she is turning one. Michaela is really loving school and is learning a lot from it (and Kevin). She is already recognizing letters and is starting to learn to write. Next school year I am planning on putting her into the older kids class and move her to three days a week. She is still as girlie as ever and oh so cute!

Kyle. He is in that awkward stage when they say a lot of words, but still can't communicate exactly what they want. As a result, he is a whiner. The same as the rest of the kids. He will just break down and cry without even trying to communicate first. Oh the joys. We went to the nearby park yesterday and he totally biffed it on the merry-go-round. He decided that he didn't really like being on it and decided to just jump off without trying to have someone stop it first. Well, you get the picture. Metal playground merry-go-round spinning at top speed. Little 2 1/2 year old jumping off. Not a pretty sight. He's play though. He preferred to hold on to the out side and run to make the thing go round. Well, again. 2 1/2 year old without the sense to let go when the thing started going to fast. Not a pretty picture. Nonetheless, he had fun.

McKenna. Okay. Our little female version of Kyle. She is going to be a trouble maker. AND, I know she can walk. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her walking. When I turned to look at her, she dropped to the floor. Another time, I turned the corner into the hallway. There she is standing in the middle of the hallway, no where near anything that would help her get up into a standing position. She sees me and drops to the floor. I swear she is repeating words that we are saying. Sometimes clear as day. But, when I try to get her to say something, she just babbles. I think she is more advanced then she is leading us to believe.

Keith. He got a nice raise and a great employee evaluation. He got a raise higher than the usual and it was initiated by "the big boss". The guy he works with thinks that Keith is probably the best in the country when it comes to what they do. Keith is really enjoying work.

Me. Well, just busy with the move. Trying to get back into a routine. We got a new washer and dryer that just got delivered and installed today. Ris let us use one of her cards. Thanks Ris! She was also here today to receive them while Keith and I were at the conference.

Well, I guess that's it in a nutshell. I can't think of anything major that I may have missed. Good night.

This Move Has Been Rough

Well, after being here a week, we have found that our new place has a few annoying "flaws". Now, it just may be that we are comparing this place to our last. We moved into our last place sight unseen and we got really really lucky. It was a totally remodeled end unit townhome. Of course there were some "flaws" there also, but with us being here only a week, it is a bit disheartening. Okay so, here goes my rant...

Getting various services. Well, this isn't really a problem with the house, but getting services here has been a not so smooth thing. DSL service was delayed as is TV. I had previously written about the fiasco with the satellite. Well, we opted for cable and that hasn't gone all that smoothly. Let's just say that I am not too happy that I have had to miss most of my favorite shows two episodes in a row. Telephone service was fairly smooth although we ended up losing most of our additional features for a few days. Mail and newspaper service have gone smoothly as has gas, water and electric - so far.

Cold. This place is freezing! So, it has been a bit cold here in SoCal. We have had snow in the nearby foothills. But, holy moly it's cold here! We have had to put on slippers and sweatshirts and turn on the heater. We are an upper unit. You'd think that we'd be warmer (the whole heat rises thing).

Along with cold. It takes FOREVER for the water in the kitchen to heat up. It feels like frigid Washington water during the winter.

Okay, the biggest problem. The downstairs neighbor. A nice guy, but complains about the noise. We have hardwood floors. Apparently he's had noise issues with every tenant that has lived here including the owner of this place when she lived here. I have tried to keep the kids from runningor jumping in the house, but this four kids under six, how the heck are they supposed to stay quiet? Well, he has started pounding on the ceiling/floor. Well, I talked to him about it and told him that we are trying to be quiet and this is quiet for us. Even just walking around can trigger a knock from downstairs. Well, I have notified the landlord and she has notified the HOA. Supposedly this guy can be evicted from his place (he is a renter too) if he continues to "harass" us about the noise.

Well, okay, enough ranting. I shall start a new post and put in some nicer stuff.

Our DSL is FINALLY Working

No thanks to SBC. Jerks. I was told that because of a glitch, we would not have DSL until the 27th. Well, I called today to see if the status had changed and the customer service rep told me that it had been "turned on" since the 7th. So, there was a problem with getting the ISP to connect, but after Keith got on the phone with tech support, it got squared away. So, just goes to show that you shouldn't necessarily believe what you're told the first, or even the second time. It may be wrong.

We're Finally in Our New Place

So, we are finally in our new place. I turned the keys in for our old place today. The move wasn't so bad. Keith ended up doing a lot of the packing and moving. Julie and Mike helped us move, as well as, Mike and Scott, Julie's Dad's Wife's son and grandson. We got the standard UHaul and Julie and I packed up most of the remaining stuff while the guys hauled it away.

The move went well, but transferring the services ended up being a big pain in the you know what. We canned our satellite dish because it was just a hassle to get the dish installed because of all the rules for this place. DirecTV also ended up screwing up our order. It delayed us almost four hours from picking the kids up at Mom and Dad's (who, along with Ris, watched the kids Saturday and Sunday night). Also, SBC screwed up. We have our phone service, but our DSL line is not available until the 27th of March! I was finally able to connect today (courtesy of a neighbor's unsecured signal). I had a TON of e-mail.

So, I just wanted to quickly update you. Hopefully I can get this place all fixed up in the next week or so! Bye for now!

Silly Hat Day

Kaela's preschool class had a silly hat day parade in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday. They each decorated a hat and brought it to school. Kaela opted for a huge hydrangea and five different kinds of ribbon all over her cap. She designed it herself and I helped her put it together. It was such a cute parade. They all lined up and marched around the basketball court.

Crunch Time

Okay, I guess this is no news to all of you that know me, but I have been procrastinating with the packing. I have done *some* stuff. Keith is starting to worry. Why do I do this? It does eventually get done and done by when it needs to be done, but I then have to work my tail off. So, it is Wednesday today, and we are going to start moving little things over on Saturday. We were originally going to start moving on Sunday, but the prior tenants were able to get into their new place sooner than expected which in turn moves us in sooner. So, I actually lose a day of packing here if we start moving things over on Saturday. Hmmm. Maybe I should get off this computer and start throwing things into boxes.... Bye!

Her First Steps

Today I brought the kids to Mom and Dad's so that I could go to my client's office. When I get back, Mom tells me that Kenna took two steps towards Grandpa! Well, I have been trying to get Kenna to walk for more than a week now. She is at Grandma and Grandpa's only a few hours, and they get her to take two steps?!? Geez.

So, of course when we get home, I try to coax her to walk. Well, finally as we were getting her ready for bed, she took a few steps towards me. She did it quite a few times. The most number of steps she took without falling was 5. She is on her way!

Are We Going to Have Another Baby?

"Are we going to have another baby?" Kevin asks us at lunch yesterday.

Keith and I look at each other, "Why?" I ask him.

"Because we are moving. When we moved here, we had McKenna," he replies straight-faced.

Hmmm. That is such a good observation on Kevin's part. Keith and I had joked about us having another baby because it seems as though whenever we move into a new place, we have a new baby. Well, when we joked about this, we don't recall Kevin being there.

I didn't even know I was pregnant with McKenna, but Kevin did. Here was that conversation about a year and a half ago:

"Mom, you're getting fatter. I think you are going to have a baby," Kevin said - once again straight-faced.

I reply, "No Kevin, I am just getting fatter."

Two weeks later - a positive pregnancy test.

So, is there something that Kevin knows??? So, what do you think?

Date Night

It's been a long time since Keith and I have been on a nice date. We went out to dinner last month, but it just didn't seem like a date to me. But last night was nice. Typical but nice.

Instead of wearing my normal jeans and sweater, I decided at the last minute to dress up. I actually wore a nice blouse and my nice black pants. I think the last time I really dressed up was for Christmas and I can't quite remember when it was before that!

We went to dinner at Pei Wei, a nice Asian Diner which we has fast become our favorite dining place. It is a family restaurant, but we do find it to be too expensive for the kids. So, we don't take them there. I guess it's good to have a restaurant or two where the kids aren't allowed.

After dinner, we went to the mall and walked around, of course ending up at the book strore. We went our separate ways. Keith to the computer section and I to the craft section. Neither one of us bought anything though.

After the bookstore, it was off to the movies. We hadn't been to the movies since before Christmas and were sorry to see that the prices had gone up to $10 a ticket. It wasn't that just before Christmas! I still remember in high school going to Tuesday $1 nights. Oh well, maybe by the time the kids get to high school tickets will be $20 and the "bargain" will be $10.

The movie didn't start for another hour and a half, so we went to Cheesecake Factory for dessert. The wait was long, and the coffee was crappy ($2.50 for a small cup that wasn't even worth refilling), but we enjoy the cheesecake.

We saw Firewall. It was entertaining enough. They did lay it on a bit thick the Harrison Ford is an older guy now, so in his fight scenes, he got hurt pretty bad and even had a few blunders in the movie - tripping in the forest, knocking into a chair as he jumped - those kind of things that would never have happened in Clear and Present Danger or any of the other "superhero" movies he's been in. Overall though, still an enjoyable actor to watch.

When all was said and done, it was 1:00am. We got home just after 1. We hadn't been out that late in a long time. So, thanks to Ris for watching the kids!

We had a nice typical date night. But, I would like to say that after all these years and all these kids, there is still no one that I would rather be with and spend quiet special moments with than Keith. Aren't I lucky?

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was really nice this year. It was a busy day, but we all had a lot of fun. We took this picture right before our 2nd annual Valentine's dinner. A bit of our heads is cut off, but we still liked this picture the best. You know of course that I took more than one. lol

Kevin and Kaela both celebrated Valentine's Day at school. They both received tons of cards and a lot of candy. While I waited to pick up Kevin from school another mom and I were commenting about how our kids seemed as excited about Valentine's Day as they were about Christmas. Although the holidays have been so commercialized, I guess it's not such a bad thing when kids can have some good memories.

Ris came and watched Kevin, Kyle and Kenna so that I could take Kaela to her classmate's birthday party. It was her first non-relative party. It was at McDonald's. There was a really huge play area that went up about two stories. Well, I don't bring my four kids to theses places often because I can't watch all four by myself. So, Kaela doesn't have that much experience in these things. Well, she decided to climb all the way to the top. When she got up there, she took one look down (it was a series of platforms surrounded by netting) and freaked out. Of course she was at the very top (seven platforms up). Well, she would not come down, do here I am climbing throught his gigantic McDonald's plaything to rescue her - mind you, this is in front of almost ever mother in her preschool class. I made it up there, trying to look as graceful as possible, to find Kaela surrounded by five of her classmates. It was so cute. They were telling her that she would be okay and that they would keep her safe if she wanted to stay up there. She opted to come down with me though. The rest of the time she stayed near the bottom. She still ended up having a really nice time.

After we got home, I got read to make dinner. We had steaks, salmon, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots and spiral pasta. I lit candles and put out the rose centerpiece I made last year. The kids got to drink red "berry" juice in clear glass mugs. After we ate (which was yummy btw), the kids opened up their goodies from the grandparents. They got lots of fun little things. Then to close out the evening, we loaded into the car and headed to Baskin Robbins. We all had ice cream. Kevin got his usual "wild -n- reckless" - a green, blue, purple, white, swirled sherbet thing. Kaela got chocolate chip and Kyle chose mint chocolate chip. Keith and I got our usuals. It was a fun little outing.

Ten Months Old

Well, Kenna is now ten months old. I can't believe how fast it has gone. Her top two teeth are out now. You can see a bit of her right tooth in this picture. She is wearing her ballerina onesie from her Godmother Tina. This was her monthly picture with her bear. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Ain't she cute???

We Have a Place to Live

Yeah! Such a relief for me. It is stressful trying to have to find a place to live. We signed the papers last night. We are scheduled to move in March 1st. We have to be out of here by March 9th. The lease runs through the end of June 2007. So, I don't have to worry about having to move again until the end of next school year. That was our biggest concern; that we would have to move Kevin with only a few more months in the school year.

Now, on to more stress of having to actually move. We have to move all our utilities and change our mailing address and all the other pains of moving. But, I have lived in a countless apartments and places for the last 15 years. My gosh! This new place will be the 13th place for me, if you count the moves back and forth from WA to CA separately. I think Keith moved around a bit before we married, but I don't know the specifics.

Kenna turns 10 months today. I shall take and post some pictures. Good bye for now.

House Hunting

So, the house has sold and we have 60 days to vacate. That'll put us at March 30. Well, I think we may have found a place. We are meeting with the potential landlord today. I never really thought it would make a difference one way or the other, but I will finally admit that not owning your own house can be a real bummer. I have a ton of packing and purging to do. We have a ton of stuff.

But, one thing I do get to look forward to is at the stroke of midnight Utah time (so really 11pm) here, I get to preorder some SU! stuff. The new Spring mini catalog has a lot of really cute stuff. I am being good though. I am only going to preorder one set. Well, and two huge monogram stamps. But, since they are single letters, I don't really "say" they are sets. I guess it makes me feel better moneywise!

Kaela got invited to her first nonrelative birthday party. It will be on Valentine's day. Ris is going to come up to babysit while I take Kaela to the party.

Kenna's top two teeth are finally poking though. She doesn't seem to notice that they are coming out. You should see these things. They are huge! lol I will post a picture soon. Maybe tomorrow when she turns ten months! Ten! Can you believe that?

Kevin seems to be getting in all kinds of accidents. He skinned his knee at school today. He said he ran into the wall. Well, we wasn't even running he said. He sort of just collided with it. Yesterday, I went to take Kevin to school and so I loaded up the car and we all headed over. We parking in the yellow zone and I thought it odd that there weren't any cars in the parking lot. Hmmm. 2 minutes til school starts. Where is everyone? DUH! No school today. Well, Kevin had wanted me to just drop him off and drive away - which I had never done before. He is only five! Good thing I didn't do what he asked. Could you imagine how freaked out he would have been?

Kyle is saying all kinds of words these days, but he seems to be getting on the other kid's nerves a lot more. Karensa and Paul can tell you that Kyle is my handful. But, thank goodness my handful isn't as big a handful as some!

Karensa and Paul are gone now. Paul left Sunday and Karensa left Monday. It was a nice visit even though they got sick! My kids are generally healthy, and hardly sick, but they all have runny noses which I think may have been spread to Karensa and Paul.

Keith is going to be busy at work this week. He has a load test to run and has a big presentation on Thursday. He is going into the office late on Wednesday and Thursday because he is going to be coming home late to run the tests. Hopefully not too stressful for him (or me!).

As for, me, well, I shall be anxiously awaiting my new stamps. I have a ton of swaps to do. I'll be happily stamping!

Watching the Ducks

Watching the Ducks

At The Beach

At the Beach

Today in Carlsbad. Keith and the kids after the kids walked on the beach with Karensa and Paul.

A Nice Day

Well, Karensa and Paul came yesterday so we are taking a break from the whole house search/sell. It was a nice break today from all of that.

We started the day with pancakes for breakfast. Then we straightened out the house because we knew that we would be gone all day and a realtor might come by. Anyway, I don't think anyone came by.

So, we packed a lunch and then we went down to Carlsbad and had lunch by the beach. Karensa and Paul then took the kids for a walk along the water. Kevin and Kaela collected shells and Kyle collected rocks.

After the beach, we headed to the Wild Animal Park and walked around and took the tram. It was Kyle and Kenna's first time there. I don't think Kaela really remembered it and Kevin vaguely remembered some of it. We hadn't been in so long. We ended up buying a membership. Kevin and Kaela got their own passes as they are now old enough.

After the WAP, we went to Mom and Dad's and had yummy dinner. Then we cracked out the karaoke machine. We all had a go at it. Kevin, Kaela and Kyle got a kick out of singing Twinkle Twinkle. Mom and Dad of course sang a few songs. Paul was the brave one and jumped right in. Karensa entertained us with her beautiful rendition of All My Loving. I sang two songs and Keith even sang! Paul, Keith and I even try our hand at singing Twinkle Twinkle! lol

Then, we headed out and now it is time for bed! It was a nice, fun day.

So Many Options

Well, we turned in an app today for a really cute townhome that we saw on Saturday. We think it would be perfect for us. It hasn't been determined who is going to be able to rent it yet, but I guess they have a few applications to look over before the final determination.

Did I mention that looking for a place to live sucks? lol Housing prices are through the roof and as a result, it is not easy to find nice rentals for cheap. But, we are still weighing our rental options.

We talked about moving away from this area and moving closer to Keith's work. Slightly expensive, but if we move more north, and by the highway, Keith can get to work faster with less of a commute. We have also talked about squeezing into a two bedroom and saving more money to pay off bills and then try to save. We've talked about a lot of things. I just hate change and well, these are big changes!

I am trying to keep a light attitude about it all. Those that know me well know that I can get a bit stressed out over things because I like things just so and hate all this up in the air stuff. Well, good thing Keith is so laid back. He helps me to keep calm to and make stressful situations less stressful. Of course other members of my family and friends are helping greatly to keep me calm. I am lucky that there are so many people to turn to during stressful times!

One really nice thing about it is that the house looks wonderful. Maybe if I keep in the habit of keeping the house really nice looking, it'll transfer over to where ever we live next.

A nice thing that is calming my week is that Karensa and Paul will be coming for a visit this weekend. They will be here Thursday actually and we can just hang out and enjoy each other's company.

Well, I should head to bed. Not much news with the kids. Kenna's top right tooth has finally broken through the gum. It looks like it is going to be a huge honkin' thing! lol

Here's A Picture for You

Kaela and Kyle last week while Kevin was at school. This is one of the times when they were best of friends. It goes both way. Best of friends then the next second the worst of enemies. lol I guess that what happens when you are only 18 months apart.

The Latest

Well, sorry I haven't been updating frequently like I had told myself I would. There is much going on (as usual), and we haven't been home much.

Okay, house update. Well, on Monday's holiday, Mom, Dad and Ris came up for lunch and we went to the realtor's office to talk to a mortgage broker. It didn't go as well as we would've liked. We just aren't in a position to buy right now I don't think. So, we are looking for rentals. The problem with that is that no one knows right now if they have vacancies. Most will know better after the 1st of February.

As for the buying, we thought of maybe moving back down to Northern San Diego were the housing costs are about 100k less, but the school district isn't as nice. I want the kids to go to a good school, the minimum requirement being that the majority of students have English as their first language. I don't want my kids falling behind so that the other kids can catch up. Also, I want the school to be safe. How crappy is it to have to worry that your child is safe at school?

Anyway, we are hoping to rent around here so that Kevin doesn't have to change schools at the end of a school year.

As for this house that we are currently in, it has been seen continually since the house was listed on the 11th. We have pretty much been at the beck and call of realtors since then. It is really getting old. The kids are too loud when the realtors come by as they get excited when new people are here. Well, they want to show off their toys and tell them their names, etc. Cute, but these people are here to look at the house. Kinda creepy to me. Anyway, so we have been trying to leave when I know that people are coming over. Also a pain. I have run out of errands to run and now that we are never here, we are actually paying rent to have people look at the house that they are going to buy. If the house doesn't go into escrow soon, I am going to request to the realtor that viewings from now on be by appointment only.

Let's see. The kids are doing well. I have be preparing Kevin in case he has to change schools. He said that it'll be alright. I think I am more worried about it than he is! Kaela is doing well. Same old Kaela. Kyle is getting more and more stubborn as he is finding more independence. Kenna is getting a big honking tooth in. It looks like it is going to be big!

Keith is doing great at work and is working on a project that is wowwing the socks off the big wigs. He comes home in good spirits and I can tell he is really happy about how things are going. Next Thursday he has a big meeting to demo his project.

As for me, well, I am trying to keep this place cleaned up. I have had nice comments from realtors and looky-loos saying how clean the house is. My friends and family has been saying that I shouldn't keep the house so nice. If it looks gross and dirty, maybe no one will want to buy it! lol But, I keep it nice looking because even though I probably won't see these people ever again, I would be embarrassed to have them coming into my home with it looking messy. I guess that is my own problem! lol

Anyway. I guess that is it for now. Talk to you all later!

Picture of the Week

Picture of the Week

Ain't she funny? Kenna turned 9 months on the 1st. She had an appointment and got a follow up flu shot. She weighs 17 pounds 8 ounces and is 26.5 inches long. She is right about were her sibs were, but according to the "charts" she is in the 25th% and 20th% respectively.

Things are better these days. Keith's truck has been repaired, but still is having transmission problems. He is feeling a lot better, but has the remnants of a cough.

The kids are fine and doing the same ole same ole. Kevin has started soccer again.

I finally got the house all put together and a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The house looks GREAT. We have had a few people look at it and a couple of realtors have told me the house looks wonderful. We are considering maybe buying something and today I saw two different properties. Let me tell you, our house looks like a model showroom compared to the two I saw today. Maybe I shouldn't make this place look so pretty. It might sell quick.

The two places I saw today are in our complex. The first, one they want way too much. The house is total crap (sorry). It was always been a rental property and the owner never put work into it. The garage door opener and microwave don't work and the garage door is warped. The carpet is disgusting and it reeks of smoke. The current tenant showed us the bathroom were the wall is rotting away and the owner doesn't want to fix it. The price they want for it I doubt they'll get in a million years. The second place was actually pretty cute. It needs work too, but they aren't asking as much. It faces a large common grassy area and is away from the street. It doesn't have a yard though. It has a small patio in the front.

Well, I guess that is it for now. Not much news, but Kyle is bugging me for food. Gotta run!

Happy Winter

Winter? It is 85 degrees outside. It is HOT. It has been cold, especially in the evenings and mornings when we walk to school. But today, it is hot!. We got all bundled up in our sweaters thinking that it was going to be cold like it has been since school started up again.

Well, it felt not so cool. But 9am it was in the low 70s. By noon it was mid 80s. I had to stop back home between errands to change out of my sweater and into a short sleeve short. I almost changed into my sandals, but I was too lazy to find them.

Hmmmm, What's This Year Gonna Be Like???

Well, it's only the 4th, well, technically the 5th as I write this, and our year hasn't started off well.

Let's see. A short recap.

Keith got ill on New Year's.
We just found out Keith's truck needs a few hundred in repairs.
McKenna is now sick and keeping us awake at night.
Our landlord has decided to sell. We have to find a new place to live.

*sigh*

What else is coming our way? Please don't let this be an indication as to how our year is going to be! I'm going to bed...

Top 100 Baby Names of 2005

Well, I was reading one of my dozens of newsletters I get in my inbox. One from babycenter.com had a link to the top 100 baby names of 2005. Here's what said...

"This year, just two boy's names are new to the Top 100 list: Ben at #97 and Drew at #100. As for girls, eight new names entered the top 100: Kyra debuts at #40, with Cadence, Camryn, Addison, Alana, Layla, Mckenna, and Lucy coming in lower in the list."

McKenna comes in at number 99 for 2005, but notice the little "K". Maybe it'll be the new "Michelle". I see a lot of Makayla's or Mykayla's. I still prefer Michaela. McKenna and Michaela. Not girlie names. Feminine, but strong. That's them.

Happy New Year!

Okay, so I'm a day late. But, I haven't gone to bed yet, so for me it is still the 1st.

We spent New Year's Eve just hanging out like any other Saturday. The kids played and watched some TV. They did their usual riding bikes and scooters, legos, coloring, Kyle played with his cars. Keith and I played on our computers. Not really doing much, but managing to fill an entire day. After the kids went to bed, Keith and I watched The Exorcism of Emily Rose. It didn't scare the bejeezers out of me like The Exorcist did. It was more thought provoking if any thing. I didn't have to sleep with the lights on. lol

New Year's Day. Today. It rained, as it did yesterday. Today Kevin and I went to church. We saw one of his classmates and her family which was really nice. It was nice in that we had never been to this church and it was comforting to see some familiar faces. So, one of the things I wanted to do this new year was to go back to church. I haven't been going regularly in so long. Kevin hasn't gone much and doesn't know a lot of the traditional things that are done at Mass. There isn't a Sunday school program for Kindergarteners, but next year I plan to enroll him. He was a little fidgety, but not too bad.

Keith is sick. He started not feeling so good in the early afternoon. It is a stomach thing. Poor Keith. I feel bad for him. I don't think it is what Kevin had. Kevin's been over that since Wednesday. I think maybe it was something he ate, although I can't imagine what it could have been.

We had chicken curry for dinner last night. Keith made his own modified version and ate that. I don't think that was what did it though. It is a mystery.

Keith has Monday off and is planning on taking Tuesday off to get repairs done on his truck. With him feeling this lousy though, it might end up being sick time and him not being able to take his truck in.

Kyle is talking more and more. Kenna is finally eating food other than baby food. Kevin's stuttering is present again and it had been going on since Christmas. I am not sure what brought it on. I may talk to the school's speech therapist and his teacher to see what our next course of action should be.

Kaela is as princessy as ever. She is trying to get away with things by flashing her little smile. I made it clear to her today that that was not going to work. She got the hint, but still tries to get away with it with Daddy and Kevin.

As for me, I am just trying to focus myself and trying to see what I want to accomplish for the new year. Still thinking. Maybe I'll post what I plan for the new year.

I tried to take a New Year's picture of us last night, but Kenna was sleepy so it was a no go. I took two pictures and they both came out horrible. Oh well.

Okay, I guess I shall be signing off. Happy New Year!