Pages

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Last weekend, we went camping at Collins Lake which is just outside of Marysville.  We wanted to go somewhere close because M had school that day.  It was a great place to camp.  Quiet, nice campsites, a great beach area and an ice cream shop with the yummiest ice cream.  I wouldn't recommend going there in full summer because I bet it would be very hot.  Our campsite had nice shade but it was still warm in the trailer.  The first day, we were all a bit tired and grouchy and Brian and I even went to bed at 9 pm ... the same time the kids did.  On Saturday, we were all rested and had a much better time.  I had been going on 5 hours of sleep a night all week and although Brian can do that, I can't. 


Both kids couldn't wait to go fishing.  We let K try to fish ONCE with a hook and she hooked the back of her shirt and almost her head!!  She was crazy (Crazy K).  From then on out, K just fished with a bobber.



M is very good at casting.  Everyone that walks by comments about how good he is.  He enjoyed fishing with lures most because then he can reel it in and cask over and over again.  I wish the kids would have gotten at least a bite ... would love it if they had caught a fish.  It was fun none the less.



Wish I could have been in this one.







When we go camping, Brian usually lets M drive through the campground.  He LOVES it.  We're going to let K try next time.



Brian speeds up.  He's having so much fun.



Laughing ... watch the road!! 



Roscoe got a workout also.  The only time he'll fetch is in the water.


Today is M's first day of summer vacation.  So far, so good but I think it's going to be a long one.  Bittersweet for me.  I love not being so busy but M is used to being busy all the time and is going to want us to entertain him all day.  I've already gotten an, "I'm bored!"  I plan to get through it will lots of play dates with his buddies.  K's at preschool today and M seems to enjoy that.  He's never gotten to be at home while K was at school. 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Spray Park Fun

I took K to a Spray Park last week after Gymnastics Class.  She loved it for all of ... 24 minutes!!  No cute stories to tell but I do have some cute pictures.






















 

End of the Season Little League Picnic

On June 6th, we went to the End of the Season Picnic for the Little League.  We loved the team M played on this year so it was a lot of fun.  We had a huge potluck and the coaches BBQ'd the yummiest Carne Asada for tacos.  M was able to run around without us (finally, he's old enough for that in certain circumstances).  He played with the boys from his team and even found some of his friends from his old school and friends from his new school.  He'd come back and check in every so often and loved being able to roam around.  They had several waterslides and bounce houses.  It was a blast ... and relaxing.


Here are a few snaps of the kids on the slides.  I didn't take very many pictures.















Funny story - M got a big hit during his last baseball game and while he was on 3rd base, Brian and I yelled, "Nice hit, buddy!"  He looked at us and said, "I've been working out!!!"  It was laugh-out-loud funny.  He improved so much over the season and can't wait to play little league next year.  K's going to play next year also.


Westlake Charter International Festival

M had a performance at the International Festival at his school on June 5th (that's how behind I am on blogging).  They got up on stage and sang some of the cutest songs.  He was getting into it at the beginning but towards the ends just kind of stood there.  I think he suffers from a little stage fright.  The International Festival is a huge fundraiser event put on by WAVE (basically like the PTA).  They have booths that represent different countries and you can stop by and sample the foods and learn about the country.  All of the booths are families from Westlake Charter.  They had a raffle (we won a huge Beach Basket), arts and crafts for the kids, performers and bounce houses.  Brian and I were both off.  It was a great time. 

















We had such a crazy day today!

11:45 - 1:15 - Lunch at M's school for the last day.  They had a field day.  Basically games and water fun outside all day.

1:20 - 2:10 - Frozen yogurt with some of M's friends from school to celebrate the end of the year.

2:15 - 2:25 - Cleaning the kids up a little - signing card and warpping gift for a party.

2:30 - 4:50 - A birthday party for one of K's friends at a local park.

5:00 - 5:15 - In-N-Out Drive-Thru so I didn't pass out.  Eat in the car.

5:15 - 5:20 - Run in the house, grab the swim stuff (for lessons) and change K right in the front yard ... as fast as I can.  Thank goodness M was already in his trunks from his Field Day at school.

5:25 - Get to The Club (was behind every slow driver possible).  Can't find a close spot so park and I am out of time so I park in front (loading zone), run both kids in and throw them into the pool for their lessons (K was late).  Run back out and move my car.  Have about 4 minutes to get back in before K gets out of her lesson and freaks out because I'm not there to wrap her in a towel.

6:15 - Get home ... both kids hungry and want this and want that and fight and on and on.  I'm exhausted and just want to rest.  I'm so sick of running around crazy all day.  I feel like no matter what time I leave, I am running late to everything.  (thanks to my slow-pokes) 

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Sorry I've been away ...

Will try to post today or tomorrow.  Have been soooo busy with work and activities with the kids.  I have tons to share .... until then.  Have a great day.

Melissa

Friday, June 4, 2010

It's here!

I finally finished my 2009 Blog Book ... at 700+ photos and 313 pages, it took me a LONG time to finish.  I started working on in last year in May.  So, I guess I'm already behind for this years book!  I got the 1st book 2 weeks ago but it came with 2 blank pages in the middle so Blurb sent me a voucher for a new book.  Blurb's customer service is awesome.  I made a few changes and got my book yesterday.  I love it and have looked at it over and over again (not that I don't already know every page by now). 






















K said the absolute funniest thing today. 

K -  "Mom, tomorrow I want a Wish Sandwich, OK?"
Me - "What's a Wish Sandwich?"
K - "It's 2 pieces of bread and you wish for a piece of meat in the middle."
Me - Laughing out loud.

Where does she get this stuff.  She said it was a joke she heard somewhere.

We hung out at The Club for a while tonight afters swim class and they had a band.  M loved it and kept walking around and playing the air guitar and drums.  He is definitely coming out of his shy shell and let me tell you ... he has rhythm.  It was a great time.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Swim Lessons and Miscellaneous

Well, yesterday M had his first experience with a hallucinogenic.  He recently got his 6 year molars in and the dentist recommended using nitrous oxide to put sealants on them.  I wasn't able to go so Brian took him and said it was pretty funny.  M said .... "It feels so good, Dad" and looked completely relaxed.  I asked him about it this morning and he he said it smelled like chocolate chips and made him so tired that he almost fell asleep.  I love his pediatric dentist office and feel so comfortable with them, I wasn't worried at all. 


The kids started swim lessons on Monday.  I took a few snapshots of them.



Each year, it feels like we have to start over again.  I wonder if I should send them to indoor classes that are year-round.



She smiles the entire time and told me she wishes she could have more swim lessons.



OMG!!!  She really is doing what it looks like she's doing in this picture.  It was chilly outside and she said she just couldn't help it.  I was taking the picture without realizing what she was doing ... then I was HORRIFIED.  The swim teachers were great about it and just laughed it off.



We made these masks today.  K has really been into arts and crafts lately.




Back in 2008, I looked up the kids' Astrological Profile's and they were right on so I looked them up again now that the kids are a little older and let me tell you ... this is right on. 

M's Astrological Personality Profile.

Earth - (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Those with earth sign influence are well-grounded and down-to-earth types. They are hard workers who will get the job done. They are not risk takers and prefer a steady, stable path. They are reliable, dutiful, conservative, logical, and responsible. They appreciate all that can be seen and touched, and like to accumulate worldly possessions. The love the finer things in life and will strive to situate themselves accordingly. Under unfavorable aspects, they may become greedy and too materialistic, stepping upon others to gratify themselves.

Taurus is a Fixed Earth sign, ruled by Venus. As the second sign in the zodiac, the Taurus individual is a stable, conservative, home-loving individual who will always make a loyal friend or partner. Famous and historical figures sharing the Taurus traits include Ulysses Grant (April 27), Harry Truman (May 8), George Clooney (May 6), and Audrey Hepburn (May 4).

The Taurus personality is one of the most easily recognizable of the zodiac. These are steady, reliable people who only rarely get frazzled or upset. Like a bull, the Taurus personality will almost never lose course and will remain level no matter what chaos surrounds him. Taurus knows his own strength but usually handles situations with dignity and self-control. Push him too far, though, and the Taurus individual can suddenly turn into a raging bull, and once this happens, he will be difficult to calm. And oh yes, lest we forget, the Taurus individual is stubborn - the most stubborn of all the zodiac signs. Once he forms an opinion, he is immovable, and nothing will change his mind. Taurus likes the good life, but tends to be careful with money, slowly building up wealth as he goes. Not all Taureans are rich, but you won't find many at the very bottom of society.

For those with a Taurus child, one thing to remember from the start is that you will never, ever be able to steer this child in a direction in which he does not want to go. This is a sturdy child with a good appetite - sometimes too good. Watch out for overindulgence with this kid. When young, the Taurus child may be prone to fly into rages over little upsets, and these will have to be handled with quiet logic rather than force, or the situation will quickly spiral out of control. Taurus children will generally obey the rules and will follow a steady course in school., usually somewhere in the middle of the class. The child will appreciate comfortable surroundings in his bedroom and consistency in his schedule. Don't rock the boat by changing things around too much in the Taurus child's domain. Encouraging social interaction is good for the Taurus child, as he is quite comfortable being alone, and will generally not seek out friends and playmates on his own. There's a definite selfish trait in these children, so teaching sharing and concern for others from an early age is essential. These children like material possessions from day one, so provide as many quality toys as possible, and you will have a happy child who does not get lonely or need excessive attention. Watch out for a lazy streak in the Taurus child - they may be slow to walk or crawl, and they may be content to play in one spot in their room for long periods. Find stimulating activities to get this child out of his chair, as he probably won't motivate himself in this respect.

Adult Taureans in the workplace are the ones with neat, well-appointed, comfortable offices that never change much. These folks handle tasks steadily and confidently, rarely complaining or getting into a tizzy about minor setbacks. They are reliable, focused, practical, and usually right on time. They won't turn out work in record time, but rather will just make steady progress until the given task is completed. They are honest and forthright, and are usually well-regarded and well-respected by their colleagues. Employers love the Taurus individual, because they are dependable, work hard, stay late if necessary, and never complain. Taureans tend to keep jobs for a long time - often for life - because they hate change. Many are business owners themselves, and good ones at that because of their steady, stoic personas.



K's Astrological Personality Profile

Aries is a Cardinal Fire sign, ruled by Mars. As the first sign in the zodiac, and corresponding with the first day of spring, the Aries individual is a mover and shaker, fearlessly forging ahead or "springing forth" into new territory. Indeed, some very influential historical characters are found under this sign including Thomas Jefferson (April 13) and Leonardo Da Vinci (April 15). The raw power of the Aries/Taurus cusp personality gone bad is epitomized by none other than Adolph Hitler (April 20).

The Aries personality is always a force to be reckoned with. These are curious and energetic individuals, always delving into new areas, but often quickly becoming bored and moving on, leaving unfinished projects in their wake. Arians are forthcoming and direct. They don't generally have hidden agendas or ulterior motives. If they find an area in which they are interested for a long period, they can become quite accomplished, well-known, and wealthy.

For those with an Aries child, you have a child with confidence and the innate resources to deal with new ideas and situations. This child is likely quite opinionated and is often territorial about possessions. This kid will tell you like it is according to their own inner truths, and will not feel bad about it later. These are the free birds of childhood, and they feel that they have the right to explore new territories unhindered, both physical and mental. Getting a child like this to follow the rules may be a challenge, but if they understand that the rule is for safety or other logical reasons, they are likely to agree and comply. Even when young, all Arians are very competitive and cannot stand it if they do not come out on top. This "me first" attitude will be evident throughout life, and they often get what they want simply because of this unshakable attitude. The Arian child is very active, jumping into action whenever something interests him, but when asked to do uninteresting mundane tasks like cleaning their room they will resort to procrastination and even lies to get out of doing this unappealing job. The Aries child will have problems in school occasionally, but their competitive nature will usually pull them through. They want more than anything to be Number One!

Adult Arians in the workplace do well if they find jobs in which they can work on their own terms. Many Arians are self-employed for this reason, and many others are managers and foremen. An Arian can function well under other people, however, as long as he has some authority over someone else too. The Army structure with its many levels seems well-suited to Arians, and politics are a natural for this sign. Occupations that involve driving and the open road are appealing to Aries, as are outside sales type occupations. Arians are intellectual more than spiritual, so you won't find too many in prominent religious or holistic capacities. Arians will not be happy at the bottom of the heap unless they feel that they are in charge of something or someone. An Arian will do well in a job situation with a big picture, with supporting cast to do the finishing work.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

A Sweet Surprise

I was unpacking M's backpack tonight and found this note neatly folded at the bottom of his backpack.  What a sweet surprise it was and it almost brought tears to my eyes ... doesn't take much does it?  It's nice to know that I'm loved ... he definitely prefers to hang out with Brian and do boy things than to hang around with me these days.  I guess that's a normal thing as he gets older.  The only time he's a Mama's Boy is when he's sick which isn't very often.  I can't wait to give him a big ol' kiss and tell him thank you for the note in the morning when I see him.


He said he wasn't very good at my hair and had a hard time with it.



Look at how good his handwriting has gotten.


Motherhood can be so wonderful.