10 Years & The Best Week Ever

Can you believe it. Paul and I have been married for 10 years. I know I can't. It really feels like it was yesterday that we married for eternity. We don't look exactly like we did 10 years ago, but we have two of the most wonderful and entertaining kids in the world. I wouldn't trade my life for anything.



We celebrated our anniversary on Thursday with the kids, with a trip to Texas Roadhouse. I love their steaks. Yum Yum. I finally got a new camera so you will be glad to know that I can now post pictures again. You no longer have to use the imagination. Sorry to make you all work so hard imaging our family adventures. Did I mention that he also surprised me with flowers at work. It is not very often that he can surprise me, but he did this time.



Our real anniversary trip will be a week driving along the coast of California until we reach Coos Bay, Oregon. I am so excited. I have never been that far north. If it is a good trip we might even consider doing it again with the kids in the future. We have rented a cabin along the ocean in Coos Bay/Charleston. I will be able to look out the windows and see the ocean and probably a lot of rain also. Can hardly wait to break in the new camera to capture all of the beauty that we will see.

On Saturday I got to attend my first hockey game with Cameron and I have to say I had the best time ever. Thanks to my dad who let us come along for the fun. Cameron ended up getting a replica jersey also. All the kids that showed up got jerseys...if only I were a kid for just a second, if the jersey is big enough to fit me I may just have to steal it...hahaha. There was also a player on the team whose last name was Cameron. I tried the whole night to get a picture of him on the ice. I thought it was cool...the rest of you probably think I am crazy...well maybe a little crazy (Paul would agree). Hope you can tell from the picture that his name is Cameron.



The coming week has lots of fun in store. We have lots of family traveling in for Thanksgiving and we have a lot of fun scheduled. Thank goodness my husband is the best ever and got me a new camera. I love him.

Beauty and the Crazy End to the Week

I had every intention to post this Sunday after the performance of Beauty and the Beast, but that of course was not to be. Oh how the time slips away and I never finish anything on my to do list. Maybe I make my to do lists to big and daunting. Oh well.

Last week was the week from H... E... double Hockey Sticks... that's right it was.

(Saturday) The birthday party over, Madeline came down with strep. Not a fun illness to watch your little ones deal with.

(Sunday) Next came the run to the after hours nurse for the test to come back positive and 10 days of antibiotics. My lesson in Relief Society...which went really well in my opinion, not that my opinion would matter in this respect.

(Wednesday) There was the Dr.'s visit for both kids to have their well visits with their Dr. DO NOT EVER DO THIS. It was absolutely crazy in the Dr.'s office with two kids in there at the same time. Learned my lesson. Only to have the missionaries come for dinner, which kind of didn't happen until much later due to a zone conference that interfered only to have them come back after an appt.

(Friday) Next was the run back to the Dr.'s for an x-ray for Cameron's thumb that does not bend and has not bent since he was 18 mos. old....this mom is persistent to get something done about it. (He see's the plastic surgeon Wed. to have it looked at. Persistence pays off.) Then there is the lab visit for Madeline where blood and urine was drawn (routine for those going to enter kindergarten next year) only to find out she has a UTI (urinary tract infection) to go along with the strep. Next is the injection clinic, where we waited 45 min. to get 4 immunizations for Madeline. (And she didn't shed one single tear with any of it, my strong baby girl.) Next was the 35 min. jaunt to my work for our annual picture for the paper. A baby shower I couldn't attend because it conflicted with softball.

(Saturday) My sister's baby shower and some fun shopping with the sisters.

(Sunday) The absolute best day of them all. I got to end the week with taking my "Bama" (Madeline) to her very first big time production at our local Theatre. Our birthday present to her was to see "Beauty and the Beast". If any of you mom's have the opportunity to take your families to this production it is worth it. She acted like the most perfect little angel and I got to watch my little girl's eyes sparkle with wonder while she watched. I only wish it would have lasted a little bit longer.

Those days that you don't see listed were the days that I spent at work not worrying about what the next day entailed. Thank goodness I get a break with work.

Gratitude

I have to admit, I have been a little selfish as of yet, and have forgotten all that I should be thankful for. My lesson for Relief Society really opened my eyes to being more grateful for everything I have, including the trials in our lives. Sometimes I think the inspiration I get from the Spirit is for my good more than it is for the sisters in Relief Society.

I am extremely grateful for my husband and the hard work that he does to keep us safe and protected and keep money in the bank. I don't tell him often enough how truly grateful I am for him.

I am grateful for healthy, happy children. For the moment I have a sick little girl who doesn't get to enjoy the healthy part. No mommy likes to see their kids sick.

I am grateful for umbrellas, especially today. It started to rain today and while Madeline cuddled with her daddy on the couch, Cameron and I opened up our brand new umbrellas and took a walk to the park. He talked and I listened. He talked only about his video games, but that is what is important to him at this moment in time. We had a lovely walk and are going to do it again when the next storm blows through. And Cameron will talk and I will listen.

I am grateful for family who live close and get to enjoy the kids as much as we do, and are so willing to help us out in a bind. Couldn't ask for a better family.

She's 4

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is four today. She has had a busy day so far and we haven't even had the birthday party. That comes tomorrow. She has had donuts from her favorite donut place, Mr. T's. We had a play date at the park and shared birthday cupcakes with her friends. Picked up her brother from school and enjoyed some birthday ice cream.

She is our rambunctious little girl who loves to wear dresses and play like the boys. She keeps us on our toes and in stitches. She definitely knows how to make us all laugh. She has to be the center of attention and the boss of her bother. She is clever and witty and the most enjoyable little girl to have. We love our little "Bama" even if she isn't so little anymore.

Goodbye October...Hello November

The pumpkins carved, the kids dressed in their finest Halloween costumes, the house decorated with bats, ghosts, pumpkins and all things scary. Fun family outings, trick or treating and an all around good time. October has been a great month and treated us all well.

Now it is on to our busy November. We have a birthday party, a few baby showers, the coming of the end of my softball season, an anniversary and many thanks to be had and given. I am so looking forward to what this month has in store for us (maybe even a new camera). I can hardly wait for all the family and friends that will be near.

I am so grateful for everything that I have and all the blessings that have been bestowed upon our family this year. Now on to all the holiday festivities and more memories to be made.

The Best Weekend Ever...Almost

I had one of the best weekends ever. It would have been the best if Paul were able to be there with us, but it was still wonderful. There is always next time.

The day started out great. The kids were easy to get up and get ready. It is amazing what donuts from Mr. T's will do for getting kids going in the morning. We were able to get out the door by 9 am, stopped for donuts, topped off the gas tank and headed to the Oakland Zoo. Met up with my college roommate Ashley and 3 of her 4 kids (her husband and oldest son were missing as well). Walked around, saw lots of animals, and caught up on all the news. I am sure we could have talked a lot more and spent a lot more time together (a lot more). It was so nice to catch up. I needed a weekend like that. It has been too long since we had seen each other last and we only live about an hours drive away. Definitely need to get together more often.

Left the zoo and got home just in time to get to my nieces 5th birthday party. Let the kids get their sugar fix and play in the bounce house.

Left the party, picked up my sister, picked up blankets and sleeping bags at the house, stopped for McDonalds (they are giving away trick or treat buckets for happy meals if anyone is interested in getting some) and ran out to the park in Oakdale for Movie under the stars (How to Train Your Dragon). Only it wasn't under the stars it was under the clouds, but the rain held off until the movie ended. Thank goodness for that. Cameron had his heart set on the movie and the weather cooperated for him. Was so fun to watch them out there cuddled up in their bags watching the movie. Can't wait to do it again when they start it up next May. It is the perfect family activity. Get there early, bring some food and snacks with you, stake your spot and let the kids run wild until dark.

I had so much fun and now it feels like fall outside today. It won't last (the weather). It is supposed to get right back up into the upper 70's and lower 80's, but it ended my weekend on a high note.

Here's to next weekend. How will I ever top this weekend.


P.S. Still no camera, means no pictures. I will one day have photographs. Continue to use your imagination. It will keep you young.

A New Tradition...Sunday Baking

I have decided that since there isn't much for me to do to keep my kids occupied on a Sunday I would start to include my kids into some fun and easy baking recipes. They can put in the flour and other dry ingredients and I will take care of the wet ingredients. Not only do they like to help, but I am teaching them to be able to bake when they get older and have families of their own.

I am not one for baking much anymore. Used to love it in college when my roommate and I would spend an entire day making baked goods for boys and delivering them to their apartments. This baking session usually coincided with a dance that my roommate and I were not asked to and wanted to remind certain individuals that they had forgotten about us. It never worked, but I am sure that our goodies were gobbled up quickly.

Today our assignment was cupcakes. Not from scratch mind you. I got a good deal on the boxed mix and we set out to bake, frost and decorate our cupcakes for some Halloween fun. I am still without the ability to photograph our fun times so you will need to imagine my kids on the barstools frosting cupcakes and using way to many sprinkles for the size of their cupcake. Watching Madeline frost her cupcakes and upon finishing with the decorating licking off all the frosting from the said cupcakes. I am not one to eat those kinds of cupcakes. Still it was lots of fun to watch my kids enjoy some baking fun together.

The Joys and Pains of Parenting

It has been a rough week in the parenting department and I still have a few days left of the week. In all my weeks as a parent this has been a tough one. I love my children to death. I would run into a burning building to save them. I would do anything for them. They bring me so much joy when there is joy to be had. But this has been the worst week ever. I don't know if it is just the teacher that Cameron has or if it is just Cameron, but this is going to be a long school year.

I was informed by Cameron, on Wednesday, that his teacher would take away his afternoon recess if he continued to go up to the office. Here is some background to the story. Cameron is sensitive. Has been from birth. It is something we have been aware of. The slightest little bump from a kid on the playground sends Cameron into a tizzy. Even his 5 year old cousin knows that he is sensitive and has been known to use that to her advantage, which is slightly funny, only slightly. One of the women from our ward is a yard duty at the school and knows how Cameron reacts and so she gives him a choice to either go up to the office or stay with her for a minute and go back to playing. Somehow his teacher has become aware of Cameron's trips to the office and now she is threatening to take away his afternoon recess.

Then there is the note that was sent home from school today (Thursday). Cameron was playing with his partner during silent reading instead of staying to task. He was warned and when he didn't stop, was asked to pull a card only to go back to his seat and start playing with his friend again and asked to pull another card and go and spend 30 minutes in another class. And all I can think is that my poor son is bored out of his mind in this classroom because he is miles ahead of every other student in his class. I am afraid that my kid is being singled out by this teacher because he reacts differently to situations and the teacher does not like it.

Here is hoping to better parenting next week. Thank goodness for weekends.

Laughter...the best medicine

Today was a day of catching up on those duties that I have neglected the past week. Cleaning, laundry, paying bills, you all know what I am talking about. The things we would rather not do. Same goes for me, but they have to be done, and I did them. As well as my duties it is also pizza night. I love pizza night. No dishes and no mess to clean up afterwards. The best night ever.

And what makes it even better are my kids laughter. My kids have the best laughs. It doesn't matter where they are, those laughs put a smile on my face, and Madeline has been particularly giggly tonight. I love it. Makes me feel better about my day. It brings a great end to a mediocre day.

P.S. I am really missing not having a camera around to catch my kids by surprise. They really do some funny stuff when they don't think anyone is watching. I continue to save my pennies for a new one.

What Would I Do Without Them

I have been so lucky to have a great family that lives so close and helps me when I need it. I don't always need the help, but when I do, they do their best to come through. As a working mom that means the most to me. I am so lucky to have such wonderful people to help take care of and fulfill what I sometimes cannot for my kids.

I appreciate all the games, meets and church activities that my family make a point to be there for. As a kid it always meant the world to have my mom and dad cheering me on and even as I get older it still means a lot to now have them and the rest of our clan out there cheering for my kids. And the smiles when they see more than Paul and I cheering for them is even better.

I don't know where life will take us in the near future, but I will always have my family and they will always have me and my family. I would hope that someday I might be able to repay them, in some fashion, for all the help and support that they give my family.

Ready for Fall

Today on my way to work I was teased with some beautiful fall weather. It was sunny and a bit warm at our home, but as I made the short 20 min. drive to Oakdale the weather was so different. Slightly overcast with some fog, a slight breeze and some very cool air. I felt like I was on the coast. It was wonderful. It didn't stay all day, but it was a nice break from the norm around here. Hopefully I won't have to wait to long for fall to make a permanent appearance.

A Day Like No Other

Today needs to go down in the history books. For the first time ever I did not have a single issue with getting kids ready for church. They got up on time, did not fuss about breakfast, and even were dressed earlier than usual. I was even able to curl Madeline's hair before church. There are miracles out there, even if they are small ones. Got out the door 10 minutes before church, which allowed us time to sit and prepare for our meetings. I, of course, could not tell you what was spoken during sacrament meeting because I forgot the crayons and was trying to keep our soon to be 4 year old Madeline occupied. So it was a typical Sunday.

I am very excited for next Sunday because this will be Madeline's very first Primary program at church. Here is hoping that she does well and doesn't blow out every hearing aid when she speaks her part in the microphone.

Changing Things Up

It has been yet another month since I have posted any news on our end and I can honestly say that not much has gone on.

We have been very busy trying to sell our home, which means keeping the house spotless and I mean spotless. Not the easiest thing to do when you have two kids and two cats. As well as pay attention to the rentals in the area so that we can find a home in the area with a great school and more kids in the neighborhood for our kids to play with. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the house will be sold before Christmas so that we can have a really great Christmas with decorations and a tree in a new home. I am not looking forward to the possibilities of having to move during the holidays.

Cameron is doing very well in school when it comes to his work. Which we knew was not going to be his problem, but his meltdowns have started up again and we have a teacher who is not patient in that department. Even threatened him with going to the office if he couldn't control himself. We are in the process of trying out different techniques to combat this problem. Hoping that one of them is going to work.

I finally cut Madeline's hair. I was so tired of the tears every time I had to take a brush to it and make her look presentable. And when I say cut I mean cut. I had the stylist cut her hair to her chin. It is so cute and totally makes her personality shine. Love that girl and her funny little quirks.

I have decided to kind of change up my blog and make it more my journal. I find it easier to journal on here than writing it down in a book. I will still be posting all the family doings as well as journaling.

I am still without a camera for the time being so when I do get a camera I will make sure to post pictures of Madeline's haircut.

The Summer Recap

The Summer Season is done for us. Cameron started 2nd grade on the 17th so I thought I would recap all of our summer fun in a single post.

There was camping trips and swim meets, ball games and birthdays, holidays and day trips, county fairs and slumber parties, late nights and early mornings, family time and swimming parties, cleaning house and prepping house and hopefully selling the house. We had a great summer this year. It was very full and very busy, but the best part was the time that we got to spend together as a family. Can't wait till next summer so we can do it all over again.

I wish that I had photos to post of our very last camping trip, but I no longer have a camera. I now know that 7 year olds can not be responsible with cameras, especially when they are standing on rolling logs. I will have a new camera someday, but until then you will have to use your imagination to go along with my posts.

4th of July Festivities and Weekend

The 4th of July Holiday brought us a break from our swimming endeavors for one weekend so what does a family do with nothing else to do, celebrate in style.

We hit up the local baseball team for a BBQ, game, and fireworks on Saturday with Paul's parents company.This is what happens when a baseball game goes extra innings. You get a 3 year old who falls asleep and doesn't even wake up to see the fireworks.

The 4th was spent at my parents house for another BBQ and a fireworks show in the front yard. Couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July Weekend. All of my parents grandchildren.

Sea Dog Invitational 6/26/10

I did not get a lot of video at this meet. It is hard to get a place to watch with so many teams, parents and families there to watch their kids. I did get this photo of Cameron during his freestyle event. I get a kick out of watching this little fish of mine.

Ripon Swim Meet 6/19/10

More video for you all to see. Cameron does not like to be cold at the swim meets we have found out. So you will find that this is not one of Cameron's best meets, but he still tried hard.

Happy 4th

Wishing you all out there a very happy and safe 4th of July. Grateful for the freedoms that we have and those who have fought and continue to fight for them. We are very blessed to live in the country that we do. God Bless America.

More Swimming

Yet another swimming post. This is currently what takes on most of our time. Monday thru Thursdays are practice and weekends we are hanging out at the pool watching Cameron swim and get better each time he jumps in. I had posted these on Facebook, but not all of the family is on Facebook, so I am posting the videos onto the blog for the family to see how well Cameron is doing. Just be patient with me for the next 5 weeks and we will be on to new adventures.

He is growing up...7 years old

On June 11th 2003 @ 7:06am our lives changed forever. Our twosome became a threesome and life could never have been crazier. I was so ready to be a mom. I knew I had wanted to be a mom. And on this day I became one. I did not expect motherhood to be so hard, but it was. Cameron was a clingy baby. Always wanting to be held. Always wanting to be loved (didn't mind that). But he couldn't have been more perfect. He was brought to my arms to teach me patience. A virtue that was not in my vocabulary before I had him.

He has grown into such a wonderful little guy. He dotes on his sister. They never fight only argue and Madeline usually ends up the victor in the argument which will only make Cameron that much better of a husband to some lucky girl far in the future. He is a bit of a klutz and has his meltdowns, only not as many as before. He is like a sponge when it comes to learning and soaks up anything you put in front of him to read, write, or do. He loves swimming more than anything else in the world. And if he isn't in the pool swimming he is playing Wii or watching his favorite cartoons. He has definitely taught me patience and that a kind word goes farther with him than harsh criticizing words. He does anything I ask of him and sometimes more. He will surprise his mom by making the bed sometimes, and is so proud when I notice and thank him.

We are so grateful for this little boy and life would not ever be the same without him. I hope he enjoyed his spongebob themed birthday, but I'm sure he did. This family would do anything for this little guy and he does everything for us.