Soles 4 Souls

Sports Chalet sent out an email about collecting shoes to send to Haiti. Check out the info here: http://www.sportchalet.com/category/soles+4+souls+and+sport+chalet.do

I passed that email on to my department. Thought it was an easy way to help - I knew I had some shoes sitting in my garage! A co-worker and I decided we would collect whatever people had to donate and take it over to our local Sports Chalet. I wasn't sure what to expect. Today, on our lunch hour we took at least 100 pairs of shoes over to the store. When we pulled up, there were cars at the curb unloading and a truck with its bed full of bags of shoes. Pretty amazing. I wish I had a better camera, but here's some cell photos that I got inside the store. Shoes everywhere! An employee thought they would get about 15,000 pairs in that store alone. I sure hope these shoes get to those in need. I'm curious to hear the results from stores across the nation. Go ahead, clean some shoes out of your closet & drop them off at a store before Sunday!

Three Word Thursday

A. Good. Day.

Its pretty amazing how the nice weather changes attitude. The sun actually came out yesterday and the rain went away - for now.

You know its going to be a good day...

- when there are giggles coming from Bubs when I wake him up with a snuggle and tickle.

- after I turn on K's light and say good morning but leave to make breakfast, and then she comes running out of her room 1/2 dressed with a hug and kiss for ME!

- when there's not a single tear, whine, or complaint before we get in the car.

- when the music is blasting music from Wicked and the kids sing along.

- when everyone gets dressed, eats breakfast, gets vitamins, brushes teeth, goes potty, and gets out the door before 7:30!

- when the kids get out of the car & race into EDCC.

- I get to work early & have a gift card to buy a cup of coffee across the street at Starbucks.

It was a good morning! I'm sure there's more, but that's it for now. I hope the rest of the day & weekend goes as well as my morning did.

And I pass on a smile to you! Hope your day is good as well.

Happy 92nd Birthday!

To my Grandmother! We love you! Wish could be there in Vegas for her birthday!

Thinking of you!

Many prayers go out there for my Aunt J who is going in for Thyroid surgery this morning at 8:15. We love you & are thinking of you.

Three Word Thursday

Thank. You. Librarians.
On Tuesday, it was Muffins with Mom at the kids school. I got to eat muffins & grapes, and drink coffee with the kids (who drank milk or orange juice). And then I took them to their classroom. Martin Luther King Day threw us all off on what day it was. It was Tuesday. K's library day. There was only one of the 2 books in her back to return. That meant she could not check out another and then the tears started rolling down her face, right there in the hallway. She was mad at me because I couldn't go home and get the book, or bring it back at lunchtime. I felt it only right to mention to her teacher why she was so upset first thing in the morning. But then I really had to run, or Bub was going to be late to his class. K's teacher reassured me & tried with K to say that it was going to be Ok.

I felt horrible. Library day means so much to the kids. K's in 2nd grade and that means she gets to check out 2 books. It crushed her when she couldn't check out any books that day. But, there was good news last night, K was happy to let me know that the librarian let her check out books anyway.

That reminded me though, that I had to tell Bubs there was no library for him this week. The librarian told me that she had a meeting and all morning classes to the library were cancelled. Now it was Bubs' turn to be upset about library, and not seeing his mom at school.

I got a note from the librarian this morning stating that she was sick and would be out today and tomorrow. I responded with a - thank you for the reminder and that Bubs was bummed. Here's her response...

"K" was in library yesterday and she forgot a book but I let her check out. One of her classmates asked why I let her. I wanted to just say she's special but I replied that her mom was my volunteer so you'd make sure it got back. the perks of having a volunteer mom, sometimes nice:)

I just have to say another THANKS! This warmed my heart today with all the rain & cold weather.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Come again, another day - in the far off future! Its been raining off and on now for 3 days! Forecast calls for at least another 2 days and then more again next week. I hope we get the weekend to dry off! The kids will definitely need some outdoor play time by then. I really can't remember this much rain since I worked at Enterprise Rent a Car. Back in 1998 I was renting cars to people & had to take them out in this. That's why I'm in an office job now!

Good part about the rain - kids have gotten use out of the rain boots that have been stored in the garage for probably 2 years! One pair from my brother & sister in law (Yellow ducks). The other pair (Green bugs) I bought on clearance at Target just so they each had a pair. But, each were pretty big. I thought they could grow into them. Now they are still big, but at least wearable all day at school! Dry feet all day.

Bubs liked his green ones yesterday and today he asked to wear K's! Luckily they are interchangeable and not specifically for boy or girl!

I came across these though & think these are just too adorable! Of course I only found images, can't find a place that sells them. Otherwise, there's a few little girls in my life they would look cute on!

The rain has let up briefly. I guess I better go run my errands while I have the chance!

First Reconciliation

I'm so proud of my little girl! Last night, we celebrated K's First Reconciliation (also known as First Confession or First Penance). After CCD last week, she said she was ready and not nervous. But the last night, that all changed. I could tell she was uncomfortable once we got to church because she started putting her fingers in her mouth and biting her nails. The priest talked about sins and tried to comfort all the kids. She relaxed a bit after the discussion, but then the 6 priests (2 from our church, and 4 visiting) all went to different corners of the church. We, as a family, were to line up next to the one that you wanted to receive the Sacrament of Penance from. K only wanted to go to a priest from our church. She was familiar with them, so we did whatever would make her feel comfortable. Although we did end up at the end of one of the longer lines!

K's friend from playgroup (M&M) was also there, in another line. And then K's dad went off in another direction to another priest while we waited. It was good that K saw people she knew participating.

Bubs decided he wanted to go up too. He was feeling left out. Until I told him what K was going up there to talk to the priest about. I said, "She's going to tell him the things that she is sorry for. Have you done something wrong? Do you want to tell the priest what you did and that you are sorry?" He quickly shook his head no and said he then didn't want to go. But after talking it through, I told him I would take him up there and we could get a blessing from the priest. He was ok with that. I wanted him to be comfortable too. Hopefully he'll be going through this in 2 year, so I didn't want to scare him out of it!

When it was time for K to go up to the priest, I really could see that she was scared. She gripped the arms of the chair tightly and sat on the very edge of the seat. But she had a smile on her face the entire time. I was nervous for her, afraid her nerves would cause her to break down any second. But she was strong! And then a few minutes later it was all over! What do you know, right away, she asked to go visit another priest! I guess thats a good sign. She's comfortable with the experience.

Bubs & I went right after her and the priest said a prayer and gave us a blessing. Near the end, Bubs spoke up and said, "I have something to say." We looked at him and told him to go ahead. He quietly said "Priest, I'm sorry." It was very sweet and sincere. But he didn't want to elaborate on that, so we left it at that. I told the priest that he will be back in 2 years and we were off. Bubs then said he wanted to go to another priest too! It was time to go home.

But overall it was a very good experience for all. I always pictured confession like in the movies, a dark, cold box with a hole in the wall to talk to the priest through. This was a great first experience for K. One step closer to her 1st Eucharist in May!

Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary

For those that are interested, here is where my sister in law lives and works. This is where K & I have gone out to visit & to pick our own eggs! There are a bunch of wonderful animals out there getting a second chance. Hopefully we'll get back out there again soon for another visit with the entire family! Bean, you're doing a great job - keep up the good work!

Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary

Q) Why Rescue Farm animals?
A) Farmed animals are the most exploited and least protected group of animals in the world. 27 million are killed in the United States alone each day, with 10 billion animals losing their life for food each year. These animals lead a life of misery, without exercise, a compassionate touch, or even natural light, from the moment they are born to when they are slaughtered.

Check it out!

Thanks Bean for the eggs!

Morrissey Egg Farm

Earthquakes...

OK, I've had enough. Yesterday I felt 2 little jolts followed by one bigger one - that registered 4.2. Some people in the area felt it, others did not. The kids (3 miles away from me) did not feel it at school, but heard some kids and adults talking about it.

5 minutes ago, another one. This time a 3.7.

Not sure though if I'd trade the weather back East for these Earthquakes.

I can deal with these from time to time. But this is the first time I've felt them one day after the other. Thats a little unnerving. I just keep hoping that maybe the earth, just like me, needs to let out some steam!

Christmas gifts!

Here's one of my favorite xmas gifts this year! Bubs made it in his Kindergarten class and I think it looks great on the front door step.

Of course, I can't forget K's present either. She colored us a picture and put it together on a calendar that we can hang up all year.

Love this idea!!

Just had to share after reading an old friends blog. Check it out here...
http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2010/01/fam-year-in-pictures.html

This is going to be my goal for the year. One family picture every Sunday of 2010. I was thinking how sad it was that I already missed one Sunday, but NO!! - we took a family photo in all our Steelers attire during their last game of the season. :( Sadly it was the last game of the season but yay - I have the first photo of the year!

We'll see how I do. And how cooperative the family is on week 40! I have a feeling P's not going to be so thrilled with this idea. More reason to take photos. Just what I need!!

Rose Parade 2010!

Happy New Year! The kids, P & I along with P's parents and my parents all went down to Pasadena for the Rose Parade on January 1st. This is definitely a wonderful experience! I sure hope the kids remember how much fun we all had. I took plenty of pictures to remind them.

Here we stood, with a great view of Colorado Blvd at the intersection of Colorado and Holliston. Got here at 8am and the first of the parade went by us at 9pm. We were about 3/4 down the parade route.

We were so close to the floats! Great view and great weather! We were on the sunny side, so it was over 70 degrees. We had just enough sun tan lotion to keep us from getting burned! And we stripped down, had to take off all the sweatshirts and put on our sun glasses. No complaints though - it was BEAUTIFUL!

2 hours of standing. Taking turns on the 2 mini seats that were brought. Moving to the shade every now and then. And when it was all over - the mile and a quarter walk back to the car. Well worth it though for all of us. Luckily no one had to go potty until the walk back to the car (and we managed to find a line inside Raley's - just to avoid the port a potties).

This adventure surpassed all my expectations! Thank you to my father in law for giving us the idea to go! We went on a whim & we would all do it again. A nice weekend getaway for the kids. We spent the first night in a hotel in Santa Clarita - about 45 min north of Pasadena. And then after the parade, met back in Santa Clarita for lunch and drove up to Bakersfield for another hotel stay. The hotel stays themselves were an adventure. Bakersfield had an indoor pool so we all went swimming. And both hotels had great breakfasts so I think we definitely got our moneys worth!

Here's to more adventures with friends and family in the year 2010! Wish everyone a very happy new year. Keep in touch!

Wishing you a...

Snuggle time with mommy.

I don't know how I'm going to get the kids up next week when they go back to school! Today I woke them up at 7:15 - later than a usual school day. Just to take them in their PJ's over to Grandma & Grandpa's house. They had a lazy morning, not wanting to get up and out of bed. I grabbed Bubs and asked to hold him in my arms. Snuggled him like a little baby. He can be so sweet in the morning! And then K wanted in on the action. She came over to cuddle with us. We were sitting Bubs bed and I looked across the room into the mirrored closet at the 3 of us. Then K said the following:

Mom, you can't hold us with you like you did when we were little. We are big now.

I agreed with her. Squeezed her tighter.
And then in her little "mommy" voice...

We are just growing up tooooo faaaassssst.

She's got that right!

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine feels like a whirlwind. 3 days off and then back to work.

Just wanted to say hi to all. Sorry its been a while. Bubs is keeping us busy with nonstop holiday activities. Christmas night, he asked if we were going to take down the decorations "tomorrow." I said no, we can enjoy them just a little longer. And he asked ... but why, Christmas is over.

And then the next morning, he asked me if he can take the ornaments off the tree and stack them. I'm just not ready for that yet! We have a house full of new toys and clothes that we have to find places for.

And with 3 extra people (my mom, dad, & grandma) in the house, its a tight fit! Cozy but enjoyable. I've truly enjoyed having everyone here for the holidays. Thank so much for coming - Mom & Dad. I think everything has gone pretty smoothly! Hope the accommodations weren't too bad!

All for now. If I don't get back before Thursday - Hope everyone has a safe & happy New Year!

Scouts on Skates

K's girl scout troop was invited to an event at Dublin Iceland last night. I had RSVPed for 3 of us last month. It was Monday night football so I didn't know if daddy would join us. Turned out we all went as a family - we went ICE SKATING!

I had agreed to let daddy go ahead and skate with the kids. But, after tying up their skates and watching him juggle the 2 kids I ran to the front door to see if it was too late to join them. For one, I was anxious to get out there on ice skates myself. And for 2 - I thought he could definitely have used my help! They were 2 kids that have never been on skates before hugging the rail.

Bubs really surprised us though. He wanted to do it all by himself. He'd skate a few steps, fall down, get right back up, skate some more and then do it all over again. By the end of the night, his gloves, pants and bottom of his shirt were all soaked with ice. Reminded me of Bambi at times, slipping all over the ice. I was really impressed with both kids though for first timers. K was a little more hesitant but got the hang of it and only fell a few times. Mostly she and I held hands as we step and glidded around the ice rink. Daddy stuck with Bubs although he didn't want ANY help. He was a very determined little fellow. Definitely the type of activity he needs to be more involved in to exert all his energy.

We skated from 6:45 to almost 8pm. I had heard some kids make it around the ice once and end up in tears because they are so frustrated and want to quit. My kids ended up in tears because it was time to leave - K had tears rolling down her cheeks. We were one of the first to go (and only by 10 min or so), but it was 8pm and their bedtime. She woke up this morning and already asked to go skating again.

A successful night! And fun family event making it feel even more like the holidays! Nothing better than bundling up in layers, ski hats, gloves, and ice skating to Christmas music with the family! The girl scouts even treated to hot chocolate and cookies. What a memorable evening. (We won't forget it either this morning - as daddy & I get older, there's a little more aches and pains after ice skating!)

Where have all the days gone?

Trips always throw me off.

I know, I've been slacking in the blog department. After doing so well for a little while. Well, I have to say, I've accomplished a few things instead. My Christmas cards & note are all in the mail. And the Christmas tree is up. Thanks to much help from my holiday loving son! The tree is very well decorated at 4 ft and below. Everytime an ornament falls, I move it up to a higher branch. Every ornament we own I think is on that tree. I've never had such a full tree before because I usually just stop when it looks full. No, this year the tree was not "done" until all ornaments were on the tree. And they definitely fill up all the empty space in an artificial tree.

I just wanted to sum up our trip to Nevada. I took the kids to visit my parents in Henderson, NV for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately daddy only got Thanksgiving day off, so we left him alone on his busy work week to have Thanksgiving with his parents and siblings.

I had high hopes of relaxing, brought 2 books to read - and only read a couple pages of one on the plane there! No, I didn't relax. With the help of my parents, we kept the kids entertained. And of course they did some entertaining themselves (Dances and shows for the adults). But I must say first that I had a wonderful time doing it all! Even though I felt like I needed vacation after I came home. Sitting at my work desk was never so inviting!

Here's a random summary of the things we did on our Thanksgiving week:

-Arrived with Bubs in his Santa Suit
-Visit Great Grandma and played many games of Uno with her
-Dinner at Joe's Crab Shack - my request for crab!!! Bubs tried some and enjoyed it.
-Disney Store Outlet - one of my favorite places to visit & got some xmas shopping done.
-The Lion King at Mandalay Bay - the kids really enjoyed this performance
-Portraits of the kids at JCPenney's
-Learned to GeoCache with Grandpa and found 3 caches during our trip - see geocaching.com
-Visited Ethel M's Chocolate Factory and walked through the cactus garden. Braeden loved the big blow up Christmas decorations everywhere
-At night, drove through Sunset Park's The Gift of Lights: A drive-through holiday light show with several displays and millions of lights.
-Went back at night to Ethel M Chocolate's 13th Annual "Light the Night"
-Visited with my high school friend Nicole and her 2 son's 2 & 4 at Town Square. As a treat we ate at California Pizza Kitchen & all the kids got yummy desserts afterwards!
-Played endless games of Mario Kart & Neighborhood Games on the Wii with 4 players

-Introduced my mom to 4:30am shopping on Black Friday! But she got a lot of her xmas shopping done!
-The kids built a gingerbread house.
-Bubs colored what seemed like a million Thanksgiving & Xmas Coloring Pages printed off the internet.
-The kids also glued together placesettings for Thanksgiving Day, along with some Cricut pilgrims & indians, and gingerbread people.
-And then survived the trip home with Santa & K. It was a little unnerving as the lightening was clearly visible right outside our windows.

Whew. I think that was most of it. And I forgot to mention that the kids were up before 7 every morning!
Thank you Mom & Dad for putting up with us all week! You have to know how much we enjoyed ourselves - by the tears the kids cried about leaving! See you soon!! At our place.

Three Word Thursday

Happy. Thanksgiving. Everyone.

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving Day.

Stop to smell the roses.

I just wanted to share a website about a beautiful little girl fighting for her life. I came across this story from a mom in Pleasanton who is a friend of the family’s. It is about another person, this time a child, affected by cancer. One more reason that I fight and participate in the Relay for Life! I have been following her & her family’s story from the moment I started reading a couple months ago. It brings tears to my eyes and pulls at my heart.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin

It is a constant reminder about how precious life is. I find myself giving the kids hugs more often. Telling my husband and the kids I love them every chance I get. Taking more time to enjoy our moments together. Stopping to smell the roses.

I try not to get so upset about certain things. I realize that life can be taken away at any moment and I think, really, what is important? Is it a clean house? Or the dinners shared with family? The weeds may grow a little taller, because I chose to take the kids out on their bikes instead. I spend a little more money on the holiday decorations than I should, just so I can see the kids excitement when we put them up. I love the kids laughter and how K wants to give me every type of kiss before bed. We share Butterfly Kisses, Eskimo Kisses, the hand jive/shake/peace out sign, and 2-3 cheek kisses each! One more mom! And I go back for more, just because.

I share this with you with hopes that this story touches your heart as well. More prayers are needed for this little girl and her family. And I send this with hopes that it reminds you to tell someone that you love them, are thinking of them, and care about them. With Thanksgiving next week, I am reminded to give thanks. I give thanks for all of you, reading this right now. I care about you, think about you & love you. God bless you.