thoughts of purple

CityI

2011-12-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

I really have a thing for good cheeseburgers. Seriously. I love finding a new burger that I love. And I love Gott's burgers. We ate there during our city weekend. We had not been there in over a year and they were still as good as I remembered.

Christmas in the City

2011-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Our City adventure continued. We ate our favorite food court for dinner.

It was a beautiful and warm evening. All the windows were decorated. The tree in Union Square was amazing.

December 2nd 2011

2011-12-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

This Holiday season I felt desperate to travel or have a little adventure. Last year when we did our favorite Gilroy Gardens we got a hotel at the end of the night. This year we couldn't work the GG trip so we came up with another plan.

I love San Francisco. Truly. And I love the Christmas decorations throughout the city. Every year we go in during the day and check it all out. This year we decided to stay in the city.

First up, our hotel. It was funky and really beautiful. Who knew a nautical theme could be cool?

A Lunch

2011-12-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

We were having one of those days. Where we just didn't want to do anything. This was over Thanksgiving break, so we could do nothing. ALL. DAY. LONG.

Lunchtime came. I didn't go to the store, remember we were doing nothing. I bought this ABC pasta in Austria and have been ignoring it. So I cooked the small letters and browned some butter. The kids loved it! Even better when we found their names!

Crewe

2011-12-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Crewe earned his BOBCAT in Cub Scouts. We are proud of him. And he was thrilled with himself. Way to go Boy Scout!

December 2nd 2011

2011-12-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Here is what December 2nd looks like at our house.....

Happy B-day

2011-12-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Nan!
You are an amazing Mom. A talented Dentist. A good Friend. And a GREAT listener!
I hope you are enjoying your BIG day in Hawaii..... Lucky lucky girl!
By the way. I couldn't find a picture of us together. Let's fix that at Christmas time!

Many Grrrr.... I d

2011-12-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

We tried to take a family picture for my mom's Christmas card. I already had our card done but we had to try again. Grrr.... It's difficult to get one picture, let a lone TWO pictures. Notice the kids are not standing by each other. Grrrr..... I do love my hair though...

December

2011-12-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. My father-in-law is Santa. Even better.

still at it

2011-11-29T18:38:00.001-08:00

Dayne is still working her magic!

Happy Birthday Nat!

2011-11-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

happy birthday nat.
i'm glad that you aren't a rat.
you are instead talented and kind
you love the color blue, i don't mind.
you are a great cook
you are a big lover of books.
32 will be your year.
happy birthday to you my dear!

Pre School Thanks

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Dayne's school had their Thanksgiving feast last week. She sang and preformed her heart out.

We are Thankful for Dayne because she is so funny. She makes me laugh everyday. She is very observant and notices all the details. And I am so thankful she is in our family.

Halloween or Year of the No Skeleton

2011-11-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Crewe was not a skeleton this year for Halloween.

Crazy I know.

A pirate for one party and the school function. Then he saw his buddy and had a better idea.......

A Baseball Player

And a witch who loves him.

the beach

2011-11-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the beach. We were there for minutes and my kids begged to put on swimsuits. So we let them...notice the guy coming out in a wetsuit.

Good thing we brought a change of clothes for after their water play. It was nice to have dry clothes.

We stayed at the beach until late. We built a big bonfire and made dinner. I had the BEST broccoli made over the campfire. My childhood best friend, Kayleen and her family just moved to Monteray and we loved getting to play with them and spend time with them.

Alive

2011-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

We are alive and well. Things have just been.....been.

Do you love my new blog header? Nat made it for me. Yeah. Because I have no skills.

Dancing Dayne

2011-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

We are so glad that it is "July" still. That way I have time to share about Dayne's Dance camp. She and her BFF, Bella went to Barbie Dance Camp.

Braydon had to stay home.

On the last day each girl got to dress up from their favorite Barbie Movie for the performance. Dayne is a a Musketeer. Notice the cape.

Dayne Soccer

2011-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

We call her "Soccerella".

Dayne is loving Soccer. Loving it. She loves to hug the coach and dance around on the field. She has even made contact with the ball.

This Year of Books

2011-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

My Year of Reading has come to a close. This year was OUT.OF.CONTROL. I read

115 Books

As I looked through my book journal, I felt proud of a lot of the book topics, new genres and lots of good books that I read. I read totally for personal enjoyment. I am a very fast reader. I always have a book in my bag. I read at the pool, on vacations (especially the kid free ones) and at night. I love to read after everyone is in bed with headphones on blaring music. I belong to a fantastic book group. Also a traveling book group and I am thinking of joining a Church book group. While I am always willing to read a good recommendation, lots of these books came from me researching.

Here a few I loved this year:

"Delirium"

Sci-Fi.

"Spirit Bound"

This was book 5 in a 6 books series. I also finished the series and LOVED book 6. Vampire Academy. I think one of the books is always on my favorites list. Too bad the cover art is TERRIBLE. Truly.

"City of Bones Series"

This is book 3. They all were fantastic. They are big books. Fantasy books. Vampires, Shadowhunters, Fairies, werewolves. I realize I have crossed into totally book nerd territory. And I am totally okay with that.

"Where She Went"

I think this may have been my favorite book this year. It is a follow up book to "If she Stays". Well written. Thoughtful. And amazing. No vampires in this book. :)

John Green is a new author to me. I have liked his books that I have read. Kind of dark. Super Sarcastic. Not all appropriate for my mother to read.

Here are a few that I HATED (well not truly hated, I usually quit reading those but these earned D's):

Awful. It has won all types of awards. But not my me. Depressing. The guy is totally unlikable.

A ghost story. But not good. Not at all.

I have read all the Stephenie Plum books. This was bad. Silly. Silly. Silly.

Here is last years post:

2010

Party Continues the Deets....

2011-08-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Cakes

Rich made lightsabers. I made the cake and the frostings. They were almost 4 feet long.

The Van

The Game Van came to our house for 1 1/2 hours of pure heaven.

Inside the Van

More TV's. X-boxes on the inside. Wii on the outside. Each had it's own speakers. They had every game you could think of and would change the games upon demand.

Party Guests

Bell and Mia

It was HOT outside!

Inside Rocking it Out

Party Recap Part 1

2011-08-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Crewe!

2011-08-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

8 years ago was a hard day of work. ALL DAY LONG. But in the end we got the BEST thing ever. The nurse helping me said, "I love the name Crewe. It's like he is a movie star. Or a soap opera star!" Thanks, I think.

Crewe is an AMAZING Kid. He is KIND and thoughtful. He loves to READ. He LOVES, like Crazy LOVES video games.

Crewe is truly a FANTASTIC swimmer. And he is discovering a love of TENNIS. He is looking forward to starting SCOUTS. And I expect that he will love passing off the badges. Crewe is smart and really likes SCIENCE. He excels at MATH but if asked what he loves the most in the day, he will say recess.

Crewe is tall and thin. He has GIANT hair that has turned blond this summer. He loves pizza and cheese. He still eats GRAPES every day. He loves CORN on the cob and cheeseburgers.

Crewe slept in his swimsuit last night. When I commented on it to Rich he said, "It's his Birthday. Let him do what he wants!"

Happy Birthday Boy! We love You!

Ice Cream

2011-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

We had a friend pass away almost 2 weeks ago. I felt like if I blogged something cute or fun from my life that I would not be respectful. Or that I was throwing it their face. Like I still have a family. Nah Nah. But the thing is, 1. Ryan doesn't read this blog and that who's feelings I really care about. 2. Who else reads this blog? My parents, my sister in laws? And they already know that my heart is busy bleeding for our friends.

So I give you dayne eating ice cream after swim lessons. She passed the first level. Yeah! And has been at level 2 for the past sessions. We are proud of her and mad swimming skills!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

the dad

2011-07-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

My kids have been nuts about Rich lately. I think with Rich now having a day off during the week (back to working weekends) and them being home, they are totally loving having Rich around. Plus he always swims with them at the pool and he will build them a fort for sleeping. We love the Dad!

Swim Team

2011-06-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

We are two meets into our swimteam season. Crewe is swimming everyday for at least 45 minutes during practice and then we usually go back to the pool for fun. Crewe is doing such a great job. He swims Back Stroke and Freestyle really well. He also is working on his Butterfly and his Breaststroke. He has a ribbon for each stroke ( that is what he cars about). We really have a great time and I am so proud of Crewe. Brace yourself for ALL the videos of the Shark!

Oh and we have a great support team. There is a lot of hanging out time and Dayne does a great job being happy and helpful. Baby Dayne is an amazing cheerleader and we are lucky to have her supporting Crewe. Side note. She is learning to swim this year and may be on the team next year.

Just 2 weeks behind

2011-06-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Guess who is going to the Second Grade? Crewe Palmer. He rocked out his first year. We are so happy with him and how hard he worked this year. Crewe is so smart and kind. We love our boy!

Total Delight with his Friends!

Crewe and his teacher. Mrs. Vizzussi.

Seriously. I'm in love with those kids!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-20T15:03:00.001-07:00

2011-06-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of things:

1. We got a new car a couple of months ago. The blue Honda in the background. We love it!

2. We need a new camera. Doesn't this picture look a little fuzzy. What kind? Just a point and shoot.

3. This picture is from the beginning of June. Nothing like wearing a sweater in June.

Flowers

2011-06-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Speaking of our 11th Anniversary. Rich bought me the most amazing flowers. (Can't get the photo to turn). I LOVED them! They are so pretty and the pink was dazzling.

Here they a few days later......

Anniversay

2011-06-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

Every year we take a family photo on our Anniversary. This year the four of us were never together and out of pj's. So this picture is two days later. Same thing. June 4th 2011. And yes, I am wearing Uggs and a sweater. We are still waiting for summer to start.

More Preschool

2011-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

The actual last day of preschool. Dayne and I wore matching skirts. Awesome! It was a great day filled with a performance, a video of the kids, food and fun. I really enjoyed getting to know the other parents and I know had a great year!

Dayne's classmates, Max, Nathan, Emma, Amelia and Dayne. They were getting ready for the silly picture. Dayne's favorite!

Dayne told me, "You know your husband's Dad? I really love him!"

Done with Preschool

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dayne is done with preschool yesterday. I'm always sad. I don't like my kids growing up and moving on. Pathetic, I know. I am happy that we did a Round Robin Style preschool this year. We both made new friends. I loved how flexible everyone could be. Dayne worked on her Letters and Numbers. This year she also learned how to write her name (not at school) and can spell her whole name on demand. Dayne is a delightful daughter. She is super dramatic. She is so happy and sweet AND can be very naughty at the next turn. We love Dayne!

Camping Trip 2011

2011-06-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

This year was cold and wet. I think it swayed everything else that we did. We still had a great time !

I slept in the car. I'm so happy we have an SUV.

Does this look like camping outfits for the end of May, almost June? Holy Crap, I am a wimp!

The rain came down too much. So we packed up our crap to come back a little bit early. It worked out because everyone moved into our canvas shell and ate dinner. The kids were in another watching a movie.

Dayne the Series

2011-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dayne is continuing her quest to have her picture taken with dummies.... I guess we could call her an artist and this is her medium!

The Boy at Bat

2011-05-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

Again. The only people that will care are my folks. But please enjoy!

Dance

2011-05-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's the same dance as before. It's a little glary at the beginning. We love the Baby Dayne and her dancing!

2011-05-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this great new poster I am having printed. It was a free download but I then sent it to Costco to have printed. They had it a handful of color options. And I can't find where I got it from.... I'll work on it.

Sneak a Book In

2011-05-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

I was checking out the other day. Hiding Out. In my room, reading. I hoped up for a second and came back to this..... Look who is enjoying my perfect spot. Readying MY book! Ah.... the girl knows the good stuff!

This Weekend

2011-05-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

This Weekend we:
* had a half day of school on Friday. Friends came over to play the afternoon away.
* I spent Friday at our School's Golf Tournament Fundraiser. No I did not golf but I drove around a cart. The best part of golfing.
* Crewe had a baseball game. It was so cold. Dayne wore her winter coat.
*Went to the movie, Rio.
* Had dinner at a new neighbor's house. Fun to able to walk around the corner for the night out.
*Went to Church.
*I read a good book.
*Rich worked and worked some more.
*Made bread and dinner last night.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-05-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Things about Baseball and Crewe:
1. Crewe is playing for the Texas Rangers.
2. He was drafted to play in the Minors.
3. We have been to a MILLION games already. And have a million more. (The season started in Feb and his last game is in June) But loving it!! Dayne is a fantastic cheerleader.
4. He has great Coaches and has truly been learning how to play baseball. Every game he is getting better.
5. Crewe said to me to the other night, " Mom the best parts are being the pitcher or the catcher." I replied, "Crewe you are great at playing second base. You rock!"
" Mom, just because I play that position doesn't mean I am good at it."

We disagree buddy. Take us Out to the Ball Game....

She Came. She Danced.

2011-05-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

The big night happened. We had Dayne's dance recital this past weekend. She did such a good job. Dayne kept saying, "I'm so excited. This is going to be AWESOME!" Dayne and her BFF, Bella, were so happy to be in costume, wearing makeup and preparing in for the night in the dressing rooms. When the curtains came up and she hit the stage.... she danced her heart out. No smiles but an earnest face as she worked on her routine. We are so proud of her!! Good Job, Goose!

The Star is done for the night. She is beat and can perform no more.

The Roses were from one her biggest fans, her Brother.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Brace Yourself. I got a Bike for Mother's Day. I have not been on a bike ride in almost 20 years. At least. I never have loved the whole bike thing. Which is sad because my husband LOVES being on a bike. My kids are split on the whole thing. So I decided that we needed to work on a becoming a "Bike Family". Whalla......

*Not Great pictures but a cute one of dayne and then a cute one of Crewe. * All the same I am happy to be celebrating Mother's Day with my cute kids that made me a Mother. Best. Thing. Ever!

PS Happy Mother's Day to my Mom. And to AJ. Love you both!!

Off He Goes

2011-05-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Crewe is going on a field trip today. I am missing him. He has been so excited for the field trip. They are going into the city to the California Academy of Sciences. They have an albino alligator, big excitement for First Graders.

When I packed his lunch I also included these cute lunch notes that my sister-in-law, Kelli, made for me for my birthday. I liked getting to have a little note to send with my boy today!!!

Girls Weekends

2011-05-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

I only took 3 pictures from this past weekend. Which sucks, because I had the best time and I wish I had more photos from a GREAT weekend. We went to Utah this year and it was cold. But the food was so mixed ( we ate Buffalo chicken pizza and went to a French bakery) and delicious ( Moochies for the BEST potato salad in the WORLD). The company was Divine! ( I love getting to pepper my sister-in-laws about the daily details of their lives and their kids). The shopping was good, no black sandals that I looking for but a funky piece of art and a new little clock.

Thanks Mom and Dad! And thanks Rich for taking good care of the kiddos all weekend!

Dayne the dancer

2011-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

I put these videos on the blog so my parents could see dayne dancing. I was pulling them off and my mom protested. These are from her rehearsals today. The big night, in costume is Saturday.

mexico

2011-04-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Rich got a new Flip camera (just in time) so the blog will be all videos for awhile.

Here a little shot of us driving into town.

We are at the pool swimming. My cousin Kurt and his wife have a family condo with a great pool. We went swimming at their place because we were tired of the ocean at our back door. :)My voice is super annoying so watch this one on mute!

Rich's Birthday

2011-04-13T10:50:00.001-07:00

While we were all in Mexico we celebrated husband's Birthday. I love you Rich!

We are OFF!

2011-04-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

*2009. She will still order and eat the same thing.*

We are off tomorrow for Mexico. Oh how we need the sun, the fun and good food. Lets look at a few pictures to get us in the mood.

Last Year

*Another one from 2009. I love the smallness of my kids.

Crewe

2011-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Crewe's swim team was having a "Name that Baby" contest. This is the picture I sent of him. I don't really like totally baby pictures, you can't tell who they are.... I think he is around 18 months in the picture. Maybe 2. He has on a t shirt that my brother bought him from a place on his mission. On the back, it says "Dawg Crew".

Yesterday we went to the parent teacher conference. His teacher couldn't say enough nice things about him. We are proud of how hard he works. We went to Red Robin to celebrate last night. He ordered himself a shake, then asked if he could have one.

Busy Day

2011-03-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Whew.... Busy Day.

Today I...

Made 2 lunches

Everyone showered

Took Dayne to Preschool

Went to Crewe's school to volunteer

Ran to Target

Picked Dayne up

Made lunch

Worked Worked Worked (Typing Bankruptcy's)

Picked Crewe up from school early

Went to get Crewe's haircut

Came home and made bread dough

Went to the pool for swimming

Came home

Finished bread and made dinner

Cleaned Up

Finished a very good book

Went to a Cooking Class

Watched TV

Started the day at 6am and now it's 10:30.

Tired

PS Picture from when I was gone. Rich let the kids "camp out" on the floor.

Baby Dayne is 4!

2011-03-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Our Sweet Baby Dayne turned FOUR last week. Dayne is utter delight. We are thankful to have her in our family!

Dayne's Favorites:

Color- All of the colors expect green, white and black

Food- Watermelon, strawberries and macaroni

Toy- Barbies

Song- I will sing it. It's called La la Sweet

Place to Go- Montana and Disneyland

Be when You Grow Up- I want to be a Mom too!

Pat on the Back

2011-03-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

A good month before Valentines Day, the kids and I melted crayons and turned them into heart crayons. They were for Dayne's preschool. I only needed 5. My kids kept wanting to play with them so I stashed them. The thing is, I could NOT find them. Anywhere!!! Annoying!

So the night before preschool, Yes my Birthday night, I ran into Target to find something. Most of the Valentines stuff was gone. I found these great Silly Bandz. They were bugs, flowers and the such. Rich told me that kids are over the bands now but too bad. I am happy with what I found on the internet for a topper wa-la.....

2 Down

2011-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

Our boy earned his next Reading Medal. Way to go Bud!

The Birthday Came

2011-02-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

I turned 34 last week. Here are 34 things about me and my Birthday.

1. Maybe I should get to brush my teeth before the first photo of the day. 2. We opened gifts the minute I was awake. 3. Rich had to be work at 8:30 so he ran to get bagels for breakfast and I finished opening my gifts without him. 4. I love Bagels. 5. I got an egg/ bagel sandwich. LOVE it. Even though it's made with turkey bacon.

6. I got great gifts. 7. I bought the book myself and then Rich wrapped it up from Dayne. 8. She said, "Do you love the book I picked out for you?" 9. I also picked out the t-shirts. 10. And the magazine. But Rich knew I wanted those things we just ran out of time. (getting back from our trip and a Monday Birthday. 11. Birthdays on Monday, kind of blow. 12. Dayne and I went to Chinese food for lunch. 13. I was sad that no one called and wanted to go to lunch. 14. I guess that what I get for always planning my own day. I'm kind of annoying like that. 15. My parents got me a great book, a Paris Notebook and French labels. My friend, Delaine also got me a Paris notebook. And lots of other things. She rocks! 16. Three of my friends got me nail polish!

17. My friend Trish and her husband made this cake for me. I LOVED it. 18. I had already picked up a Nothing Bundt Cake for the day. 19. Cake. Yum. 20. I love getting phone calls. I got in the shower and when I got out I had missed 3 calls and had 3 texts. I LOVE that. 21. My brother, Ethan, picked out a million Peanut Nut Rolls for me for my birthday. 22. Nat sent the heavy box and included a gift card. 23. Did I mention all the gift cards I got? The Amazon ones are burning a hole in my pockets.

24. My day was very calm and sweet. 25. But I was happy when my family got home. Even though we still had life to carry on. 26. We went to my favorite Mexican place for dinner. 27. I planned on splurging and getting the shrimp, I forgot. 28.Kids eat free on Mondays so it felt like a birthday treat for me. 29. My kids said, Happy Birthday Mom!, a million times that day. Awesome.

30. I always try to say"It's my Birthday" to anyone I meet during the day. 31. I told the cake people when I picked up the cake and the people next to us at lunch. 32. I love my family and friends. 33. I got another book from Angie. Oh to be a book nerd.

34. I had no problem eating this Lemon Raspberry cake for my Birthday. It was delightful! As we were getting ready to cut the cake, a friend showed up with another Bundt Cake. That's right. Three cakes.

Thanks Everyone!

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite 13- Song

I love this song. It is one of my favorites. It makes me so happy when it comes up on my ipod. Which you know is how I read, with headphones on.

birthday Countdown

2011-02-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

Number 12 Favorite Shoes

I love Vans.

I currently own an orange pair. A purple pair. Green. Pink/black plaid. I also have a black w/white polk-a-dots that are van like. Plus my kids have a black/pink pair, a black pair, a blue checked and blue tie ons.

Everyone should own Vans.

PS When I googled "Vans images" - The mini Van kept coming up. Not on the favorite list. So I added a shot of my shoes.

I know, More Birthday Countdown

2011-02-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

Rich and I were extremely lucky to go the de Young Museum here in San Francisco. They were showing a traveling exhibit from the de Orsay Museum in Paris. Also an amazing place that I have been.

I fell in LOVE with this Cezanne painting. Paul Cezanne was not that famous and struggled what to do with his art. The man in this picture was an art critic. He wrote a flattering piece about Cezanne in the paper, and started the mans career. To pay him back he started this painting of the critic. He died before he could finish this piece.

I love it!

A painting with books. By one of my favorite artists. I loved it as soon as I saw it at the de Young. Of course they weren't selling a copy of it. Rich came home, found it on the Internet and ordered it for me. So here is my new favorite painting......

Countdown to Birthday

2011-02-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite Favorite Favorite. #10
What don't I love in this picture......

Good friends
Great Mexican food
Weird mustaches

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite Helper

This book has drastically helped and changed the way that I read the Book of Mormon and the Bible. It is AMAZING. It is thoughtful and insightful. The scriptures are printed right in the book so you don't need to cross reference your books. I just want to say, check it out.

Birthday Countdown 8

2011-02-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

My iPad has to be on my favorite list. BEST EVER! Here are a few things that I use it for:

1. Music.

2. My kids watch shows. I also took it camping and watched a show on it my tent. How I Met Your Mother is Still my favorite.

3. E book reading. I love the ibooks. But my iPad also has a Kindle and a Nook. And both of those apps having sharing capabilities.

4. The Weather Channel App. so delightful.

5. Want to waste time.... Cut the Rope. City of Montezuma. more games than we need.

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite 6 and 7

I am counting this as two favorites. Thai Food and College Friends.

Seriously.

I love Thai Food. I love curries. Basil Chicken. Pepper Chicken. One of my favorite places is in downtown Oakland. One time we took Crewe with us when he was a little little. He pushed the rice bowl off the table. It broke. The owner came over and said, "that was my favorite bowl." I thought he was a moron for giving it to a one year old.

I have great friends from College Days. I've worked at keeping my relationships with them. I still like to send birthday cards, texts and emails. Although I don't get to live by any of them, I LOVE when I do get to see them. This picture is of my best friends, Landon and his AMAZING wife, Marie. Can I just say, Coolest-People-On-the-Earth? They both are super smart, good looking, thoughtful and kind.

birthday Countdown

2011-02-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Number 5

We love this stuff. I discovered it at my brothers house this summer. His wife is a dentist. She is awesome and smart. She told me to use this stuff. And my kids like it. Even better.

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite 4- Dad and Son Projects.
+ 100 day of school

I love all the things Crewe's school does for the 100th day of school. Last year they had a party with 100 themed centers. A parade around the school to check out the big 100 project. They have to display 100 of something. This year is even better because Crewe and Rich worked together to come up with a great 100 Day Project.

Today Crewe will be bringing a 100 Lifesaver Lightsaber to school.

May the Force be with him!

Countdown to Birthday

2011-02-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite Number 3

I love the Hempz lotion.
I love the smell of it.
I love it.

That's right. I love hemp.

Oh and I love this picture of the army men. Crewe was entertaining himself at my friends nail shop this summer.

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

Birthday Favorite #2.

Of course I like money.

But as a gift.....uggg. Not that great or original.

But you know what is great and original?

LOTS of money. Rolled up with cute ribbons, crisp bills and filling up an entire box.

GREAT GIFT.

Birthday Countdown

2011-02-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's time to count down a few of my favorite things. It is harder to come up with 14 more things that I like. Everything I keep coming up with, I have used on past lists.... so here's to trying.

#1 City of Bones- The Mortal Instruments Trilogy
I have crossed over into total book nerd territory. This book has Shadowhunters, demons, faeries, vampires and other underworld critters. Total fantasy. And it was good. I started the first one a few days before we left for Montana. Then I read book 2 on Christmas and book 3 the following day. I loved that I was able to totally give myself up to reading and enjoying a totally weird world.

A little bit big

2011-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

I was quickly reserving a few books the other night from the library. Yes, I still check out book from there. In my haste I didn't realize that I checked out a LARGE print Novel. Oh yeah, it's so LARGE.

Go Crewe

2011-01-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

Really this post is totally for my folks. Although if I must.... Crewe read 100 books and this the ceremony of him receiving his medal. He was suppose to get in November but the medal assembly got canceled. Actually by next month he will be ready to receive his silver medal. 200 books read. Go Crewe!

Ps Check Rich shouting at the end. Followed by Baby Dayne's shouts!

Dayne the Dancer

2011-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Dayne had 2 small dance performances in the month of December. I truly didn't know if she would dance. When we picked up the costume she refused to even try it on. I was so please when she wore the outfit, sat for her hair and makeup. Then when it came time to dance she went out there with no qualms. We were so proud of her. She danced and danced. And did a great job!

This picture is my favorite. Dayne is wearing my first pair of ballet shoes. I love that my mom saved them and now that Dayne is wearing them. She wears every week to class but I love that I have a picture of her wearing them.

Dancing in December

2011-01-15T08:35:00.001-08:00

Dayne's Big Solo

The Sentences

2010-12-16T08:20:00.001-08:00

My kids were acting so terrible yesterday. Crewe was in a fit about everything. Then he turned on Dayne. I HAD it! So I told Crewe that he owed me 10 sentences about "Things he likes about Dayne"

Here are the sentences:

"I Like you. I Love you. I like buutty (beauty). You are funny. You're sily. You are a good prsin (person). You are a good friend. You are gret. I like your glassis. I will like you for ever."

Gilroy Gardens

2010-12-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last Year we went to Gilroy Gardens Festival of Lights. We had a great time. Here's the pic of Dayne and Rich. 2009.

This year we decided that we must put it on our a December Calendar as a must. It was a beautiful night. Cold but not frigid. It has been raining so I think it scared most people away. It was weird to have an amusement park to ourselves.

Hey. They are not old enough to Drive!

Gotta End the night with Snacks.

Dayne the Mannequin

2010-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Baby Dayne does this thing whenever we go into a store.... wait do I really need to explain what she does? Just enjoy Dayne in her glory!

Nuts

2010-12-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

My Friends blog today is the recipe to make these nuts. Yum. When we were in Germany the last night, it was raining. And cold. I bought some sugar macadamia nuts. TO-DIE-FOR. They were so good and so warming. Really. Check it.

New Post

2010-11-30T08:41:00.000-08:00

When my fan requests a new post. I deliver.

Dear Beef,
Here is a new post.
Love,
Little Sister

We hit up the Monetary Bay Aquarium earlier in the month. I got say, we love fish. Not to eat but to look at and swim with. (Ok my mom and Rich were in the mood to go Scuba Diving afterwards. I kept thinking about all the fish in the Delta this summer and that I will pass on swimming with fish. Maybe fish in the Caribbean).

Baby Dayne Was totally afraid of the jelly fish. So we took a few glances and got out of there. The jellyfish section is so beautiful and one of my favorite parts. Good things we took a bunch of random pictures that day.

And lastly, look how tall my boy is getting. Not as big as a baby whale. Phew!

The Big Trip- A Few Stories

2010-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here is what we look like after many hours traveling. I slept a little on the plane but this is us looking for lunch, forcing our eyes open. In Munich.

We hit up a bus tour on Day 1. It was very interesting. We saw an amazing Ballet House..... and then I fell asleep. I didn't mean to take a 40 Eruo nap but the bus rocked + I had on headphones = me sleepy.

We finally made it through the first day and were busy praying for bedtime. Instead my dad had us on the manhunt for Munich's most famous Beer Garden. It was so very cool and worth the wait. True Bavarian dressed people walked around drinking the BIGGEST things of beer, I have ever seen. It was first come, first serve. Ethan ate pork knuckle and I had a bake potatoe. You can win them all.

We walked back to hotel and fell into bed around 7:30. It was so exciting to be in Germany and spend time with my parents, Beef and Nat and or course Rich.

Happy Birthday Pop

2010-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to best......

Grandpa

Dad

Porsche Driver

Dog walker

Diet Pepsi Drinker

Buzz Light Year shooter

Nap Taker

Popcorn balls maker

Trip Planner

Book Reader

Bishop

Arcade Player

Golfer

Runner

Person-who-doesn't-eat-breakfast

Lawyer

Kind Person

Donater to Bums

Shunner of Fancy Salads

We Love You~ Happy Birthday!!!

River

2010-09-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend and I took our kids to the river with John a couple of weeks ago. It was a nice clear day. Too clear for me. THE FISH!!!! I may never swim at the river again. Seriously.

*I keep asking both of my brothers and families to come and visit. Begging even. Please disregard this post*

Baby Dayne

2010-09-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the thing about dayne. She is amazing and the most frustrating person I know. Truly. I hoping the naughty thing is more about being three and less about her.

The other day she told me that she had "scratchy-foot-ites". Yesterday she told me that she had turf toe. She also complained of having achey eye lashes. Sunday she overheard us talking about taking an adult only trip. She wanted reasons why kids weren't allowed to come. Finally I explained, "It's not a kids trip. It wouldn't be any fun!" Her reply, "It would be, If I came!"

Big Cookie

2010-09-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

After making 70 cupcakes for Crewe's party we were caked out. So for his actual birthday we made a big cookie. It was very fast and easy. I found the recipe from this Blog, My Kitchen Cafe. It has the BEST recipes. And it is run by a friend of mine, Mel. The Big Cookie was a hit. We sliced it up and served it with ice cream. Help yourself.....

*Makes 1 giant cookie

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and butter. Add the egg and vanilla and mix. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Line a large (11X17-inch) baking pan with foil and press the cookie into a circle. I press my cookie into a 9-inch circle, about 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick. When it bakes, it spreads to about 11 inches, which fits perfectly onto a 12-inch round cardboard circle you can find at most craft stores.

If desired, top the cookie with M&M’s or any other garnishes. Bake for 13-16 minutes until the cookie is lightly golden brown. Let the cookie cool completely on the baking pan – this helps the cookie stabilize and set so it can be easily lifted off the pan. Once cool, gently use the foil to lift the cookie off the pan.

Crewe hits 7

2010-09-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

When I first titled this I wrote that Crewe was turning is 6. Oh how I wish!Crewe turned 7 and we threw him a huge pool party the week before. It was hot and we had lots of friends and family attend. It was a great time. Seven things we dig about Crewe:

1. He still runs. If you ever have been around him for more than a day, you know what I mean.

2. He jumps and bounces when he plays video games.

3. Crewe is an AWESOME swimmer.

4. He loves books and reading. He has taken to sneaking books to bed with him. I can't bring myself to tell him that I know and don't care.

5. He still lives on grapes and cheese.

6. He is so funny. He has many catch phrases and loves to shout them out, at great points.

7. He is still thoughtful and kind.

WE LOVE CREWE!

happy birthday

First of Firsts

2010-09-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Dayne started preschool this week. YES, we still call her Baby Dayne. I like it. And she liked school. We are doing a year of a program at people's homes. I am a little unsure of the whole thing but figure we will try it. She loved the first day. She told Rich, "The best part? WE ATE RASINS!"

Crewe started First Grade. First Grade. Why is he getting so big? He goes to school from 8:10 to 2:50. It's too long for my liking but not Crewe's. He told me, "Mom, I miss you. But school is just so fun". Gotta love that.

The Year Of Books

2010-09-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

The end of my book readying year has come. This year I read 83 Books. Not bad.

This year I really branched out in trying new genres. I read a lot of sci-fi, Vampire, future flying, made up worlds and new areas. Here were a few of my favorites. Three of the book that made my top were part of a series. I will read almost anything if it is part of a series.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. It's the first in a sci fi series. It was a jump for me to read this series. And I loved it. Added bonus, the books are a funny size. Very cool.

Caprise Crane is an author that I happened to own a lot of ( green covers, I have a thing for book covers that I are definite colors). I really enjoyed, Forget About It. It is chic lit but also weird and quirky. Perfect.

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz. This is the second book in a Vampire series. Very hip and different take on Vampires.

Secret Society Girls is a 4 book YA series. I loved three of them and just liked the second book. It took me a while to get to book three and it was my favorite. The Rites of Spring Break. Easy reading, murder mystery and well written. Very good.

Got the Eye

2010-08-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Listen.

When you are tired, you sleep.

Anyway that is comfortable.

Burger

2010-08-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as a Burger lover. A Burger Connoisseur. We went to Five Guys in Utah. And it was so good! And Fast. Gotta like fast when there are 5 Adults and 8 kids.

So Good. I think Ethan's face was more about me embarrassing him and taking his picture in the restaurant.

PS I found a Five Guys a few towns away. We will be making the trip very soon to Freemont.

Back in the Saddle

2010-08-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

We are back.

I can't express how much I love this picture.

Everyone is so happy. We had just got back from flying model airplanes and were watching fireworks.

Love you guys!

Yellow Chair

2010-06-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

The yellow chair is gone.
I had a very hard time letting it go.

I have spent many hours in this chair. ** dayne at 2 weeks old. Man do I look hammered?**

Others have spent time in the chair.

And many photos have been taken in the chair.

And oh the books that I have read in that chair.

As we put her out to the curb to go to a new home. I went out and sat in it for long time. Good bye yellow chair.....

Dayne the Dancer

2010-06-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Dayne finished her dance class for the year. It has been a good experience for us with lots of chances to grow. They had a small class performance. I decided to make all the girls in her class tutu's. (thanks mom ). Guess who wouldn't wear hers?

At the end she decided, Okay. Now I wear it.

Thanks Dayne for letting us Grace your Class!

Crewe in the House

2010-06-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Let's chat about Crewe. He is wonderful. Truly. He finished Kindergarten. He rocked it out. He is so smart and funny. He has lost 7 teeth. I usually try to interview him around his birthday but I figured it why not?

What was your favorite thing about school?

The Halloween party.

Who are your best friends?

Ian, Braden and Isabella. this girl from my class. I want her to be my best friend.

Favorite foods?

waffles

What are your goals for the summer?

Be fastest on the swim team.

What kind of animal do you wish you were?

a bird

Name something exciting that is happening to you this summer?

Going to chuck e cheese ( yeah right)

Cousin Day

2010-06-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

We were very lucky to get to go to Gilroy Gardens last week. All the dads took the day off and away we went on a Cousin Day. It was fun to see all the kids enjoy each other. They played, ran and laughed all day. The big boys LOVEd getting to ride all the rides without parents. The little ones were able to enjoy a few by themselves too. It was a great day and I look forward to the next one.

Camping 2010

2010-06-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

This year was a crazy year for us camping. In a lot of ways it was also the best.

Worst Part:

1. Dayne fell and had to go stitches.

2. Had to come up on Saturday. I didn't feel like I had enough chatting time.

3. Twisted my freaking weak ankle. Once you ruin an ankle there is no going back. It is still hurting me.

4. Forgot to make the cobbler we were in charge of when everyone was there.

Best Parts:

1. Only slept one night in the tent.

2. It was very VERY warm at night.

3. Totally enjoyed the friends.

4. Felt the service of those would helped with Dayne.

5. The kids had a great time.

6. Good food.

7. Warm---ish weather.

8. Stayed on Sun night until super late and then drove home. Slept in my own bed.

Skype

2010-06-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes by the end of the night I am done. I have no more patience. No more stories to tell. No more desire to read. So what should I do? We call Grandma and Tiger on the computer and they tell the story.

Best Idea EVER!!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2010-06-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

T Ball season is over. We played in 13 games (missed 2 more games) and enjoyed it all. The top picture is from the beginning of the season. By the end of the Season Crewe was able to hit the ball from the Coach pitching. It was so amazing to watch our son try something new. Join a team. Work hard. And totally reap the benefits. Way to go Crewe!

10 YEARS

2010-06-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago Rich and I decided to become a family. And what a great family we have. I love the kids. I am crazy loving my husband. As we were out last night celebrating, Rich and I dropped some Gelato off for his Grandpa. I said to him, "Grandpa, today Rich and I have been married for 10 years." He replied, "We made it 72 years". So really 10 years, just a drop in the bucket. But boy it's the best drop.

Camping Soon

2010-05-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

*2009*

We are off to the woods again this weekend. I really think about this weekend all year long. It lingers in my mind for a couple of reasons. I ALWAYS freeze. You would think that being from Montana would mean I wouldn't have my head in my tush but you would be wrong. I ALWAYS am stunned at how dirty my child are after the weekend. The amount of clothes that we go through.... AND the crazy amount of laundry when I get home. Crazy amounts. I ALWAYS mispack something. One year I brought one sweatshirt for myself for the weekend. Last year I only brought one shoe for Crewe. I ALWAYS am impressed with the food. We eat like kings. There are nine families that all go camping together. We all chip in for the food. Planning, cooking and preparing. Truly, like Kings. I ALWAYS have the BEST time! We sit around and chat. Play games. Visit. Read magazines. Go for walks. Stay up late talking. As stressed as I ALWAYS am when planning, I still look forward to the next year. 2010....here we come.

*2008*

Love this

2010-05-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

I love this print.

Love it.

Mother in the Hood

2010-05-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

My children were put in bed last night at 6:30pm. I dreamed that I put them into bed at 4:30pm. That was the kind of day we were having. And really it was my fault. I let them stay up super late on Saturday night and didn't enforce a nap for the small one after church. Dayne wouldn't eat dinner without a prequel of chips and I wouldn't give on a chip dinner. I am feeling rather defeated in many categories today, especially motherhood. We had a rough week. We missed dance class, skipped baseball and I forgot to pick Crewe up from school on an early out day. What to do about it? I decided that the best thing to do is get down on my knees, sleep it off and start the week over. Be grateful that Rich has today off.

Mother's Day 2010

Hitting the Pool

2010-05-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

We hit the pool last weekend. I must admit that I was not in my swimsuit but I was sitting by enjoying the warmth and my kids happiness. We had a great time chatting with our friends and hanging out. Here's to a good start to summer.

Yesterday

2010-05-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made our annual trek out to watch the Amgen Tour of California Bike Race. It was a lot of hanging out for 10 minutes of biking. Rich was thrilled! Ps Lance Armstrong is in one of the pictures. Can you spot him?

what Up

2010-05-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the thing.... it is hard to blog with out pictures. I have not taken pictures since Dayne's birthday. So I took my camera with me this week and... didn't really take any pictures. But I will try again this week. Wait, I did take this shot of dayne brushing her teeth. It is for her reminder chart to brush her teeth.