Check this out!

Just wanted to share a new website with a great gift idea. My cousin's wife is making these clocks.

Clock

The hardest part about ordering one would be to pick your favorite photos to put on it!

The Tooth Fairy - Again!

We’ve been waiting for K’s top front tooth to finally come out. It hung on for dear life. Daily, she pushed it forward & backward with her tongue. Loved showing off how it moved around. I squirmed every time she tried to show me. And then, Sunday morning, she was hiding from Bubs under a blanket on the family room floor. He decided to jump on top of her. And then the screaming began.

My tooth! He broke my tooth. “Bubs” broke MY TOOTH.

Bubs comes running through the kitchen. He’s crying! He saw blood and was upset that he hurt his sister.

I came down the hall to see what was going on. There’s always some sort of excitement going on in our house. I saw Bubs first, and then K & quickly called her to the kitchen. I ask “Is it bleeding?” Oh yes, I see it, come here! And I gave her a paper towel. And then the tears start coming, it feels funny she says. She goes to her room to look in the mirror and she thinks she looks ugly. Never going to smile again. This is an entirely new feeling coming from her. She was excited about losing her first 3 bottom teeth. But now, when it’s the FRONT middle tooth, she’s freaked out by it. Told me that she thinks the new tooth is not in the right place. Too far forward. Unfortunately, we already know braces are in her future, but forward is good. We need to make room for these big new teeth.

It only took a little time, but we got her excited about telling the grandparents. We even got to show the grandparents in Vegas via webcam!

To top off the excitement for the day, we momentarily lost the tooth. It was on a napkin & I thought for sure I had thrown all the napkins away. Luckily Grandpa Jim was there to save the day and found it on the dinner table. We stopped K’s tears once again with the good news. She had a tooth to give to the tooth fairy.

The next morning, I wasn’t sure K even remembered the tooth, she didn’t come running with excitement. Instead, she walked into the kitchen in her PJ’s & started the morning conversation after a few minutes with “The tooth fairy didn’t give me as much as last time.”
Surprised – how much did you get?
“2 dollars”
How much did you get last time.
“3 coins, I think 2, 25 cents and one gold one.”
(it was actually 2, 50 cent pieces and a $1 coin)
But I said, then that would have been $1.50 and this time you got 2 dollars. Did you get 2 bills?
“No, it was a green bill with a 2 on it.”
Really, that’s pretty cool! You don’t see too many of those around, that’s special. Where is it? Can I see it?
“I already put it in my piggy bank”

And that was that. Sorry, no big bucks from the Tooth Fairy!

Donuts with Dad

I love that Bubs woke up Tuesday morning and the first thing he asked was "Is Daddy taking us to Donuts with Dad?"

That was the last thing we discussed before he went to bed. And of course the one thing I almost forgot that morning. Thankfully his reminder gave us a little more time to get ready for school. I could drive the kids directly to school 20 minutes later than usual. They were so excited to meet up with Daddy. Daddy took a little break from work to stop for donuts with the kids. Its those little things that just make their day!

Time Flies By

You know you've lost track of time when your Pocket Pal Calendar is bookmarked with a post it for the current date - and that was 2 weeks ago!

Where does the time go? Guess I'm just having too much fun. :)

Want to wish everyone a very

Happy Valentine's Day! (2 days early)

I'll be spending it with 3 of the very special people in my life!

Three Word Thursday

Walking. To. School.

Remember when you were growing up, and had to walk to school, both ways, uphill, in the snow…etc. Today is a little different day. Not many kids walk to school anymore. In our household, with both parents working, it seems almost impossible. But this week, Daddy is on vacation. And Mommy decided to take Monday off to join him - and relax after Super Bowl weekend! I was determined though on Sunday, that on Monday morning, I would attempt to walk the kids to school. I got the question from other people - Why, is it "walk-to-school day?" No, I just thought it would be nice, and good exercise.

When Monday morning came, the kids were actually excited. Bubs asked if he got to wear his headphones & listen to his Ipod. I said - sure. Now the elementary school is a couple blocks away, so I wasn't sure how long it would take. I had gave us plenty of time. And to our surprise, Daddy got up & joined us too! The whole family walked to school. The kids loved it. Daddy & Mommy got to talk on the way and smile while we watched the kids listen to their ipods. And occasionally sing us their songs! We were one of the first to get to the school and walk around back to the playground. The kids ran around for about 15 minutes. Burned a lot of energy before sitting down in their classrooms. Bubs & K loved having us walk them to their classroom & wave goodbye to them as they went in. Oh, how I wish I could do that every day!

Daddy & I walked the 15 minute walk back home & then vegged out at home all day watching movies. It was a very nice relaxing day! I definitely need to plan more of those.

That Monday morning started the routine for the week. Bubs begged Daddy to walk him to school on Tuesday. The rain started Monday night and he couldn't make any promises. BUT, Tuesday morning the blue sky popped throught the clouds and the 3 of them walked to school. Mommy was back at work :( On Wednesday they did the same thing, but K got mad because they didn't get to school early enough this time to play on the playground!

Last night I talked to Bubs about this routine coming to an end. Daddy goes back to work next week. I was trying to work out how I could possibly still walk them to school. If we left earlier - I could walk them to EDCC, walk back home & then drive myself to work. For all of us to get that exercise, I could make some sacrafices! That wasn't enough for him, he didn't want to go to EDCC, he wanted to go straight to the playground and Mrs. Peterson's class. So, then its back to driving to EDCC. Its their choice. He said "You're making me have a bad day!" And he was upset with me as he went to bed.

He remembered our conversation this morning and was just happy that Daddy was walking him to school again. "How many more days?" he asked. Just today & tomorrow. "Then its stay home day?" Yes, then its the weekend.

We'll see how this morning's walk to school went when I talk to them later this evening.

(I have to thank my playgroup mom/friend Kim for giving me the idea to walk the kids to school. She walks her kids a mile every morning!)

Three Word Thursday

Wear. Red. Tomorrow.

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day.

Thousands of Americans will be wearing red to draw attention to this startling fact:

Over 430,000 women are silenced each year by cardiovascular disease –

and most of these deaths are preventable.

I’m writing because I hope you’ll wear something red tomorrow to honor those women –

and that you’ll help fund the research and programs that can save them.
Today, we’re launching a Go Red & Give campaign.
Nearly every minute, another woman succumbs to cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association is fighting back, and we need your help.

http://www.goredforwomen.org/

Great Xmas Gift!

My mom & I weren't sure what to get the kids for xmas. They have EVERYTHING. They definitely didn't need more stuff in the house that they don't play with. We agreed that maybe they could use a little Ipod Shuffle. Hey, they don't take up much space, right. But really, what do a 5 & 7 year old need with an ipod? I wasn't sure, but seemed like a good idea. And then, I wasn't sure they were very thrilled with the little Apple box when they got it. Maybe more excited about the treasure hunt having to find the gifts. It took me an entire month to get them out of their box. UNTIL last Saturday!

Saturday night, I created one playlist each for the kids. Plugged in the Ipods, and downloaded their specific music onto them. When done with both I laid them at their seat at the dining room table. They were so excited to see them the next morning that they plugged them into their ears right away. I had to pull them away so we could go to church. As soon as we got home though, they were back rocking to their music! And for me, the home was silent. I felt like the angels were singing. No bickering back and forth. Of course, there was the occasional singing from K when she knew the song playing. But that just brought a smile to my face.

And then, while I was making breakfast, P was heading out for a quick walk. Bubs saw daddy leaving with his Itouch in his ears and asked to join him. Just like Daddy, they both went walking around the track down the street. And when they came back. All were listening to their own music & there was a little bit of peace and quiet. I loved it!!! Why didn't I get those out earlier. Thank you Mom & Dad!

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!