A new record

As you know the court ordered the sale of the house. We jumped through the hoops to get the approved listing agent.

I met them Monday to walk through the house, etc. We listed Monday evening. Tuesday I had 4 showings. This morning I had 3 offers. I accepted one of them. My house should go into escrow by Friday. Gotta get his signatures on the paperwork too. Whew. Now to find my new home!!

In other news, more fun news. I had parent-teacher conferences with both Drew and Tori's teachers. Usually I dread these, but this year was different. Drew's been doing really well with his homework, so I was hopeful. My hopes were met ten-fold. My kid knows all kinds of great stuff. resetting our grading scale to the standard A - F scale, and Drew has B's across the board, except writing, which is a C...not too bad for a kid who had D's last year, and is known to have a small motor skill issues.

Then we had Tori's... HOLY COW. She's got A's!!!! I was so excited. She tried so hard last year, and just didn't have things click for her. It's clicked!!! I'm really excited for Katie's conference on Monday. And as I'm in regular contact with Beth's teachers I'm not worried about her at all. Wohoo! We're having a good year academically!!! :o)

Ok, gotta go pack some more.

Divorce update

There are other things, but honestly this is the main thing on MY mind right now.

We had a custody hearing on 10/30. We ended with joint custody, alternate weekends, and the kids spend 2-6pm with their dad Mon. and Thursdays. We'll review this in January.

This week he (the X) took the sale of the house to court, and "won". So the house goes on the market Tuesday. I've found places and am hopeful that everything will go smoothly at this point. For now i'm sorting through things to start packing.

Wish me luck!

a real life update

I've not posted anything here, as this is a public site, and my kids might get word of things.

As of the middle of February I became separated from my husband. In late August I filed for divorce. In September his response to the papers were filed. On March 16,2009 my marriage will be ended officially and legally. There are many reasons for my decision, and this was MY decision. And they are all very personal so I will not discuss them here. I am at least 50% at fault for the breakdown of the relationship, as all relationships are at least 50/50, most aren't though.

Tuesday night we had a situation arise, and as of Wednesday last week my husband is no longer living at the house with the kids and I. I told the kids of the divorce and explained to them in the most basic terms that due to a fight with their dad the court says we cannot be together at all at this time. They were upset, as expected, but made an amazing recovery. Since Wednesday we've had a lot of conversations about what this means, what's next, and such. I'm answering their questions with the simplest, but honest answers I can give.

If you are of the persuasion to believe in prayer I would appreciate you offer a few for my kids, my husband and myself. We are all going through a rather challenging time.

Beth's big day, and her other big day.

Friday Beth had her birthday day at Disney. On this day, the birthday child goes at the opening bell with me to City Hall, gets the birthday button, and then we ride only the rides that child wishes to ride. Well, Beth being older, invited her boyfriend, Logan, and our family friend Clark. After aquiring her button, we rode the street car to the castle for fun, then walked back to put our "if we ride water rides" bag of clothes into a locker. We met Logan on the way, and headed to Matterhorn, we rode other rides and Clark joined us. As we were all hungry we went for breakfast at the plaza inn, and were loved by lots of characters. Lots of rides and several hours later, we headed over to california adventure to meet up with her Dad. Beth, Logan, Clark and I rode Grizzly rapids. Though I had a minor panic attack (I don't really know why) we didn't get REALLY wet, and we had a really good time. Then it was off to the Koda bear campground, we all got our totems, and the "kids" ran through the nets. Then to our "dinner" at Ariel's grotto.. another character meal. Wohoo! Beth was a happy girl, Aurora was one of the Princesses. After dinner we went back to Disneyland, and rode more rides. Beth was starving about 11pm, and so we skipped out and went to Coco's for dessert/late night snack. Then home. I'll post some pictures later, sorry. So that was her big day at disney.

Her OTHER big day.... yesterday, Tuesday October 7, 2008... Our Beth had her braces removed. WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures coming soon.

Ok, I'm off.

Where I've been

After working Thursday night, I didn't called Friday, but enjoyed a nice day to do me stuff. Friday evening I went out with my parents and some friends to see the Whooligans in the final show with the original band members (or at least original to me).  Paul and Matt C will be missed!!! But at least I know we're not losing our Whooligans all together!  Saturday I cleaned the house a bit in the morning then went to hang out with a friend, we ended up going to see Nights in Rodanthe, good movie! it's got a 4 tissue ending, be warned.  After that we both needed a bit of a pick up, so we went to the Harp to see the Fenians. I was home by 12:30, which was necessary as I had to be at church at 7:15 for bells. Sunday evening was Beth's birthday party, we went to Pump it Up, and indoor bounce facility. Picture a large room with 4 bounces, a slide, an obstical course, a generic bounce, and a bounce with a small slide inside it.  Now imagine having about 15 or so kids from 14 yrs. to 18yrs old bouncing and wrestling in all but the generic bounce. That was reserved for our smaller guests. :o)   *I* had a blast, the slide is really fun. And of course I raced a few people through the obstical course. I only have a couple bruises. hehe. Beth had a great time, and from what I've heard so did her friends. so YAY!  Thankfully, I didn't work Monday. But I did Tuesday, 1st grade. FUN!  No work today. Hopefully I'll work tomorrow.. as I'm not working Friday since that's Beth's day at Disney for her Birthday. Should be a blast!!

So now you know where I've been.

teaching!!!!!!!!!!

I got my first substitute teacher call last night.  I worked today, as a 7th grade Soc. Science and language arts teacher.  I have to say it really was fun!!!!! I was anxious!!!!!!!! What if those kids new how nervous I was, they'd eat me.  Well, my first class was wonderful, and actually all the classes were. Of course each class had a kid or two that I wanted to send out, but they had more that I wanted to keep for the day. all in all it was good, and I think I'm going to like this "subbing thing".

 

My first baby is 15!!!

Today is Beth's birthday. Oh wow... I remember being so scared when they told me I was pregnant... I remember making stops on the way to the hospital for donuts and juice, and so Tim could check a project at school with the t/a.  I remember my "sister" Chris being there to see me through the fear of delivering my first. 

My baby, is now a beautiful young woman.. YAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Miss Elizabeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WICKED

So, I didn't really mention on here before, but in Feb/March of this year T and I separated. While we are still co-habitating with the kids and all that, we're done as a couple.  I filed for divorce in August, things will finalize in March of '09.

I mention that so as not to totally throw you all off when I say I had a "date" last night. A dear friend from church choir took me to dinner and to see Wicked. This was my 4th time seeing it. I'll confess now, I'd go another 4 times if I could, it's really that good. Dinner first we ate in Hollywood, just up the street from the theatre at the Pig & Whistle, or was it Whistle & Pig. anyways, CUTE little restaurant with an English pub feel. We sat on the patio and watched the oddness of Hollywood blvd. walk by. Truly amazing outfits and hair, and just wow. The food was yummy, fettucini alfredo, I added shrimp. We split a chocolate molten cake with vanilla ice cream. MMMM.  After dinner we headed to the theatre, we were way early, but just enjoyed that. We had about 10mins. to wait for the theatre to open doors to the lobby area, then another 15 before the theatre doors opened for seating. Plenty of time to use the ladies after those 2 glasses of wine with dinner, and shop the souveniers that you're not going to buy because they are WAY over priced..ok I confess C got me the witch hat keychain and a long sleeved t-shirt.  I'm going to try to pay him back, we'll see if he lets me. The show was awesome as always!!! Seriously if you live anywhere near the theatre when it comes to your area, GO!

After the show I was driven home safe, sound, and TIRED.  Thankfully it was before midnight, and so I was all snuggled into bed and rested for my Sunday. :o) A nice little evening out "date".  :o)

calling all teachers

I've just finished applying and accepting the position of substitute teacher in my elem. school district.  Any teachers with suggestions feel free to let me know what YOU think makes a great sub.

I'm only a little excited...I can't stop thinking about that first class. Me, in charge, all day, in a classroom.. YAY!  and OMG!!!  they will not eat me they will not eat me.. ok I can do this.

I'll let you know how it goes, my first day could be as soon as Monday, but might be later next week.

Disney Fun.. pictures

 On the Tram, ready for fun.

 

Waiting for a parade.

Bravery, I was lucky enough to have a friend with us who rode this, I did not send my kids alone. I just couldn't do it in the white t-shirt I wore. hehe.

 Survived, just a little wet.

 After watching the fireworks at the magic spot that turns into the line for Mr. Toad, and Peter Pan, we chose to make Mr. Toad's Wild ride our last ride for the night. We were first on the ride!!! :o)

And a Fun Day was had by all~

Busy weekends, a new twist.

Now usually our weekends are busy, but usually it's the grown-ups and it's all evening stuff.  Switch that now... Saturday I have a brunch at church, the kids are coming and will hang out in the youth lounge. We're leaving there and taking Beth to her boyfriends' house. (no that is not a boy who is a friend, that is boyfriend). The littles and I are then going to Disney for the rest of the afternoon. We'll stay until either fireworks, or someone whines that they are too tired to walk anymore. I'm looking forward to spending time watching them ride Dumbo (I don't do it often, but I'll let them do the line tomorrow), riding the rest of Fantasyland with them, exploring Tom Sawyers island, and enjoying a lemonade while they run around in the brother bear explorer camp. It should be a good day. Sunday is church, then resting, I MIGHT, stress the might, go see my friends play at the Harp Inn Sunday evening, but I'm not sure the kids will be down in time, or that I'll have the energy. We'll see.

I'm off to work in a little bit, I'm already ready for a nap, and don't see one in my day. Hopefully cleaning house, which is what I'm heading to next will get me moving.

Now will someone please explain the weather to me?? I thought it was going to be warm today, but I'm in my jacket IN the house, and feeling cold. What the heck???

A short but fun visit

We took advantage of time yesterday.  The kids' releases are staggered, Drew 2pm, Katie 2:15, and Tori 2:30. This is actually pretty cool. As Drew and I use the time to do his homework pages so that when we leave school he's done except for reading. So they did their work, and were finished when Tori came out. She only had 1 page of math, and could easily do it in the car, so she did that while we drove to get Beth, and then to Disney.  We went to DCA and rode the new Toy Story Mania. seriously I love this ride. My kids Seriously love this ride. So we rode that, and then walked toward the brother bear play area, we stopped and the 4 kids rode Mullhuland Madness twice, I watched. It's just not a ride I enjoy. Then we hit the playground. Beth and Drew were together, and Tori and Katie were a pair. PERFECT I got to wander around and watch them do stuff and not climb a billion stairs or rope "paths" if I didn't feel up to it. And after working yesterday I didn't feel up to it. We left Koda and company and found a spot for the Pixar parade and watched that, and got seriously squirted.. then came home for dinner, bath, and bed.  The only thing I didn't get done last night was 20mins. of reading with the kids. Hopefully one night won't ruin them, hehe. It was a great way to spend 4 hours!!!!

first day picture and an update

 here they are minus Beth, who was "too big" to be put through such torture this year.  tori 5th, Katie 3rd, and Drew kinder. :o)

 

So I took Katie to ballet, only to find out that, 1. she moved up a level and so is no longer in the same class. Yay, and bummer.  And the fall registration is annual, oops, last studio we were at wasn't annual. So I got both girls registered for dance again.. now my Wednesday looks like this,  pick up Drew, Katie and Tori 1:15, Take Tori to gymnastics at 3pm. pick her up at 4:30,  Katie has ballet from 5:30-6:30 and Beth goes 6:30-7:30.  I'm trying to figure it out so that I'm not driving back and forth and back and forth, and still getting them all fed dinner, doing bathtime, etc. AND heading to bed by 8pm.  wish me luck!!!!

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Is it bedtime yet??

Yup, it's not quite 4pm, and I'm ready for bed.  Thankfully dinner is in the crockpot, so I've just got a short side dish to make up, and we're good to go.

School starting went well, everyone is happy with their teacher and that makes me happy. I've worked this week, and will work at least through Wednesday next week. YAY.. it's easy rather boring, but it pays and that's all I need. :)

extracurricular starts this week too.  Yesterday was gymnastics, Tori had a good class, and really worked at it. Today starts ballet for Katie. While she's been invited to both the cachetti class and performing group, we're just going to stick with her regular once per week class for now. She's in GATE at school and between that and the "stuff" that's going on in daily life, we agree it would be too much.

Ok, time to go do something productive before leaving.

a wonderful weekend, and continuing my effots

So in my attempt to not get behind again, here's our weekend. It's mostly mine, as the kids spent the weekend with their dad and family at the beach house. I missed going and being there. But I made the most of a kid-less weekend.  Friday night I saw a friend perform in Guys and Dolls, Saturday I went to Disneyland with another friend, we had a blast!!! We watched fantasmic, which I've not seen in about 20 years.  WOW!  It was great.  Sunday was church, then I went to Forest Lawn to visit my Angelboy. I can't believe 11 years ago he became an angel.  Wow.  I went to the movies Sunday night. Fun!  Then Monday my friend and I went back to Disney, came here about 5pm and watched a movie here.  The gang returned and I started getting everyone ready for bed.

The report from the beach goers was that the water was cool, but not freezing, wave splashing and sand-wall building were done, and a wonderful time was had by all! And that is what it's all about.

School starts for Tori, Katie, and Drew tomorrow.. so we're heading out in a few minutes to Disneyland to see Billie and the Hillbillies show, visit the Tiki room, and ride Peter Pan.  Then come home for dinner, bath, and bed.  I think that's a good way to end summer vacation!!!

I'm terrible at blogging

I get behind and then it's too overwhelming to catch up...so I just put it off... sigh.. it's been nearly 3 months since my last post.

We've enjoyed a pleasant summer, all 3 girls went to youth camp through our church, and had a blast.   Drew went to VBS, and sport camp.  Katie went to surf camp and actually surfed!  ME, I spent 3 weeks in Mexico at my parents house recovering from surgery... I did it, I had my tummy tucked and breasts lifted. I'm a new looking me. Same woman, different appearance. I am 8 weeks post surgery and feel great! I'm very happy with the results and look forward to enjoying my closet full of clothes and future shopping for clothes! hehe.

2 weeks ago Andrew turned 6, he and I spent the day at Disneyland. His dad joined us for the evening and we had a great time.. we rode Buzz Lightyears' astro blasters 3 times.. Drew's favorite ride.  We watched the parade of dreams and the Pixar parade (of wet) in DCA, fun parade all the floats squirt water at the crowd.  It was a warm day so that actually felt good!

This past Monday we ended our summer fun in our traditional way, for the 11th year straight we went to Legoland. Yup, 11 years, Beth is now a 10th grader and we started this tradition the week before she started Kindergarten. The park has grown a lot over the years and we enjoyed several new rides this year along with the old time favorites.

Yesterday was Beth's first day of school...the other 3 kids start next wednesday...and so, there you have a very brief summary of our summer.

nothing amazing

I've been walking with Mom Tuesday and Thursday. Taking the kids to their various activities, keeping the house to it's usual not quite disaster state, and just hanging out. So life is nothing amazing right now.

My big excitement, I guess, is Sunday at church we're having our annual festival of choirs, it's the last Sunday where the choir(s) sing/ring, so we do the entire service. It's fun. This year is extra fun for me, as I joined the handbell choir and we're ringing on Sunday.  I'm hoping to have a couple friends of mine there too so I have my own "aundience" hehe. 

The kids are all good... Beth's done with school next week, the other 3 have 2 more weeks after that. I think the first day Beth's off we're going to Disneyland just the two of us. We've also got some movies to see.  I've started the annual plan the camps on the calendar for the kids...it's getting a little easier as the years go by, I don't know if that's just me getting better at it, or what.

Now I'm off to enjoy a lovely lunch with two very dear girlfriends. :o)

Walking fool

Being that gas, as of last night, was 4.15 per gallon, I started walking the kids to school this week.  Today I'm meeting my Mom at the park so she can get herself a walk in. If she chooses the short loop, that with my school drop off / pick up walks I'll get a total of 4miles in.  If she takes the long loop I'll total 5 miles. WOW! :o)

This should help my physical fitness, and maybe even my appearance a bit.  :o)

What to do....

So due to conflicts I found myself all alone last night and today. What to do?? Then I woke up unusually early for me, with no reason to be up, I like to fall back to sleep, but not this morning. I was awake. So  after getting some other stuff done. I went to Disneyland with a good friend of mine.  We weren't sure how it was gonna go as it took us 15mins. just to get into the parking structure.. another 15 to get through the security check.. but in the end, it was PERFECT! The longest wait we had was about 30mins. and that was for Splash mountain.. where we both got TOTALLY soaked.. like OMG, my cell phone was in that pocket.. please still work, wet. I wrang out my socks, and jacket after the ride. It was cool after getting wet, but it was still fun. We got to ride a lot of rides which was a shock, we saw the new Indiana Jones show (great for kids). And just enjoyed hanging out together. I didn't go home after that, I had bell choir rehearsal, one of the conflicts. We picked up a new song. We'll ring while the vocal choir sings. Thankfully my music-mate is going to copy our music so that it doesn't show the vocal parts, otherwise, I'm doomed. My eyes go to the top line, where I sing. Not good when your bells are bass cleff.

Now I'm off.. I'm totally tired after a day of fun, and am truly ready for a good nights' sleep. :o)

Freaky weather

So living in So cal, it's not often that we have the ems system come on the radio with more than a test.. let alone a TORNADO warning. WTHeck!  Yup, not near me, but still.. only an hour maybe 90mins. drive away. WOW!  My house, got rain.. a bit of thunder, which totally panicked my younger 3 children.. I tried to help by telling them the angels were bowling with Jesus, thunder only happens when they get a strike. It seemed to help.  Now it's just WINDY!!!! no not a nice breeze, thankyouverymuch.. I said WINDY!!!! Like I removed the patio tables' umbrella from it's base and laid it next to the house on the ground windy... all our patio chairs are stacked and against the house. 

And of course it's supposed to do this all weekend, and we're supposed to go to a lovely Scottish games and festival tomorrow. I promise not to complain if it's just wind.. but if it rains, I'm whining. hehe.

My sunburn from last weekend is peeling, so I'm itching... I am lotioning 2-3times a day. Today is actually the first day I'm wearing sleeves. I've been wearing strapless tops for the last 6 days. It's not comfortable, but I'm not going to die from the irritation today, so that is definately an improvement.

Ok.. off to finish some work before a lunch date.

 

Fun in the Sun

Saturday and Sunday were the Doheny Blues Festival days for this year.  The kids and I went both days... omgoodness.. I do love the blues.  Now, unless you listen to blues, you aren't likely to know any of the regular performers... but I'll tell you anyways.. Watermelon Slim, and Pinetop Perkins (don't you love these names).. were AMAZING. Watermelon Slim plays guitar and harmonica.. slide guitar, on his lap. Just WOW!  Pinetop Perkins is 90-something, pianist..damn if I could play 1/64th as well as he does I'd be amazing. hehe.  Johnny Lang was Saturday nights headliner. Bonnie Raitt was Sunday night.  The one downer was that it was HOT, like 90-something hot. I'm sunburned on my shoulders, upper back, and chest, I stupidly wore strapless tops both days.. now I get to wear them for the week while my burn heals. @@  Thankfully the littles aren't burned, and Beth just lightly burned a shoulder.. and yes, we did use sunblock.. it just wasn't enough in that sun.

Now to catch up on all the chores I didn't do over the weekend. sigh~ anyone wanna come do laundry with me?? The mound is only 2 feet tall.

I can't believe I did that

I got up this morning, put on my "work jeans" as I intended to mow the yard, and finish clearing the last section of the parking strip to plant the flowering ice plant.  I am dressed to shoes to take the kids to school. Beth desperately needed an item from Wal-mart so we dropped the others and backtracked to the store. got her item, and headed to the car.

When I first sat down (taking the kids to school) I thought I'd sat on a piece of paper. But didn't bother to check. After walking through Wal-mart when I returned to the car I had the same feeling.. so I went to remove the paper/item... yup, you guessed it. The left side of my jeans is torn.. BIG hole, like the size of my hand. So I'm officially total white trash as I've now shopped Wal-mart with my cheek showing. 

Sad part is, I care more about the fact that my FAVORITE work jeans are basically dead. :o(  

Lots of nothing

I don't have any grand things to talk about... I've done dishes, helped with homework, laundry, all the usual stuff.. but nothing fun, cool, or noteable.

The only semi-noteworthy news is that Beth has requested her bike get a tune up as she wants to start riding to school now that it's warmed up. I'll be dropping it off at the shop on my way to a lunch date. 

At least the Lakers won last night!!!!! :o)

Whirlwind

So I worked the door at the bar Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night was BUSY! busiest I've ever seen the bar. I didn't get home until 3am. Saturday we hit the Rennesaince Faire in our area. FUN! We all wore costumes, I was a wench, Beth was a gypsy, Tori and Katie wore princess dresses I'd made a few years back for them for a wedding (this was the last year for those dresses!)... drew wore his Kilt (though he called it a quilt) and a peasant shirt, along with his dad. We bought Beth a gypsy top while there, it's her birthday present. I'll make her a skirt out of similar colors as a surprize. :o)  we tried to get me a new underskirt, but I wasn't willing to pay what they were asking when I know I can make my own for not even 1/3 of the cost.

Sunday was Mother's day, I rang in our handbell choir at church, then we went to the Beach house for lunch. We watched the lakers not show up for the semi-finals game. sad.  The flip side of that though was that there were a lot of fouls called in favor of the jazz and alot of fouls NOT called for the lakers. We left there and headed straight to Outback to meet my Mom, Dad, Brother, SIL, and Nephew.  Dinner was yummy, the conversations were great.. and we were home, with me in a bubble bath by 7:30pm. :o)

I've done lots of NOTHING today. Two loads of laundry are washed. One load is in machine. I did get two baskets put away. But the entire love seat is COVERED in clean laundry to fold and put away. and here I sit.

I'm off to at least try to get something visible accomplished today.

The last 4 days...

Wow. Friday after I dropped the kids off, I came back cleaned out the van, and left intending to get it washed on the way to Disneyland.  Well, I got to Disneyland, but the van still waits to be washed. LOL.   I went to check out the 50 years of Magic film they are showing on Main street, something the kids likely wouldn't be that interested in.  TOTALLY cool.  They had all kinds of memorabilia in the foyer to the theatre.  Really neat.  Steve Martin and Donald Duck sort of co-host the film. It was awesome. After that I rode Pirates, Splash mtn, thunder mtn. and had lunch at the Golden Horseshoe revue.  Too fun. I left the parks with enough time to get Drew, it was just what the Mouse ordered!

Friday night I went with my parents, Tim, and Chris to celebrate Chris's bday and my passing the CBEST. I can now substitute teach!!! YAY!  Much partying occurred between the  two pubs we visited.  Saturday I had an all day women's retreat with my church, it was really nice, and I truly enjoyed the being away from everything and getting to visit with women.  I worked the door at the bar Saturday night. Sunday was church, then I did some shopping. I got sleeping bags for the 3 littles, and mess kits for the 3 girls. All for summer camps, and camping trips.  Then I picked up kids from playdates and such and did dinner. 

Then there was yesterday. Cinco de Mayo. I met mom at the bar, I had a few margaritas, lunch, and lots of water.  I went to get the kids, and ended up going back to the bar after Bell choir. What an adventure. I had one more beer and 2 water bottles but the fun was watching all "the guys" celebrate the day.  They are a hoot when they've have a few. (let me state though that none of them drive, they all shared a taxi to and from).  I didn't get home until 1:30am  ouch. This morning hurt. But I did get a nice nap in, after I took Beth to the asthma dr.  She's fine, just a meds review.  :o)

Now I'm off to enjoy a nice soak in the tub and my pillow.

 

Two in one day!

Two posts in one day. Who'd have thought it possible.  heehee.

But I had to share the fun of the evening. Baskin Robbins had a special tonight 31cent scoops as a fundraiser for the fallen firefighters assoc.  So we headed over, the littles were in pj's. It was too fun.  Now any of you who have school-age kids will likely know the "hand games" that kids play, as a girl I remember doing several in elementary school. Tori and Katie hooked up with the girl behind us and by the time we got in to order our ice cream they'd gone through "lemonade"  at least 18 times, and it apparently cannot be done at a reasonable volume. BUT, as much as they were loud-ish, they were entertained and actually pretty entertaining.  Poor Drew didn't know what to do with himself so we played thumb war and rock paper scissors several times.

The ice cream cups were yummy, and now my babes are all snuggled in to their beds. Ahhh~

Re-finding my muse

I'd sort of lost my desire to write (like you couldn't tell).  But I think it's back, at least for today.

Updating you on my world,  on April 12th I took the CBEST which is our states teaching skills exam. I found out Monday I passed it. With that and my BA I can now substitute teach. I'm beyond thrilled, and am awaiting my paperwork so I can pass it on to my district people and get going!!! It's going to be very different for us, my last full-time job had crummy hours and nearly sucked the life out of me. I don't think that will be the case this time. However, I'm going to need to get the kids involved in cleaning / chores more than they are now.

We also found out that Katie gets to go to our churchs' summer camp. It's a resident camp in our local foothills, Tori and Katie go together for 5 days. Beth goes after them for 5 days.  Drew will take a daycamp here through parks and recs. I hope.  And bestest news my cousin and his family are seriously looking at a visit this summer. I'm so excited!  We'll hit the beach, downtown LA including the tar pits, hollywood star walk, rodeo drive (we'll just drive down it),  Disneyland, maybe Knotts, the beach. hehe. I cannot wait to spend time with them! Neither can the kids!!!

My church choir had a concert this past weekend, I sewed some of the costumes (we did broadway show tunes).  That had me realize that I miss sewing, of course, now that my time will be cut I want to do it again.  But before I can really start any projects I need to take both my sewing maching and serger in for service.  Maybe I can do that tomorrow morning.

Friday morning, I'm dropping the kids at school, and taking MYSELF to disney.  I've never done this, and am really looking forward to it. I want to see the history of disney with Steve Martin (it's a movie I think) i'm just curious. I want to see a show or two, and maybe ride a couple rides. Then I'll come home. :o)

Now I'm going to finish cleaning off the desktop where the new printer scanner is going to land and then see about some lunch for myself. :o)

An Extra surprise, and Disney fun

My Mom celebrated her birthday 2 weeks ago, the Friday afterwards we all headed to Fontana to the California Speedway where Mom was to do a ride along in a NASCAR. So we arrived, and there was a confusion, Dad had bought Mom the chance to DRIVE, Mom didn't want to Drive. Dad had credit (they don't do refunds).. so he gave ME a ride along too.  WOW!  I went 170mph, in a car. I did not drive, of course, but oh wow. It was totally and absolutely amazing and cool!

Yesterday I scheduled a trip to Disney, Beth actually got extra credit for her science class for going to see a light display in CA Adventure, so we did that first. then we rode the re-opened Monsters Inc. ride, yay- we'd never ridden it before. Very cute ride.  After that we headed over to Disneyland to ride Buzz lightyear, Snow White and Mr. Toad.  Then we came home. It was fun!!! I think we'll do another Wednesday evening at the park. Next time though I'll plot out the 3 rides we'll try for with a few back-ups in case of longer lines, so that we can hopefully get to the car before 9pm (oops, not-so-great-mommy moment there).  The kids were good for me this morning so hopefully they'll be good for school today.

Now I'm off to work. :o)

camp snoopy 2008

We got to the park in time for purchasing tickets and entering before they started allowing riders on rides! That's a good start.  Beth, Tim, and I rode Ghost rider first off. I'll skip it next year.. it's just too jerky, I'm sure it's that it's a wooden roller coaster.  No big deal. There's still plenty to enjoy.

The littles went with my parents to Camp snoopy while the three of us rode Ghost rider.  They started out with Woodstock's Airmail, then moved to the "big kid" ride of the sideways scrambler.. I was most impressed to see that they rode it. Let alone rode it without either Tim, Beth, or me with them.  They loved it!!!

Katie and Tori discovered the downs and ups of getting older / taller.  They were too tall for two rides in Camp Snoopy, but tall enough for Montezuma's revenge. Which they loved!!!! Tori has 2 more inches and Katie 4 more before they can ride the REALLY big kid coasters like Silver bullet, but they're excited to do so! 

Here's a couple pictuers from the days fun.

 

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stuff and things

First off, anyone who read and thought good thoughts for my grandmother, thank you. She's doing well. The bleeding stopped and her speech is slowly returning. The paralysis may or may not dissipate but she'll learn to do what needs to be done regardless of it.

A few quick updates,  I left you last in January, just after my birthday.  Much of January and February were just regular days, nothing much happened.  February 22 my Katie turned 8  we had an ice skating birthday party for her, then dinner with an sundae bar for dessert afterwards.  She was delighted to receive a nintendo ds and some games (and money for more games) along with more littlest petshop stuff and a few polly pocket items.  Early March she lost one of her upper front teeth, the other is soon to follow.  

March was of course St. Patricks day, which I spent on an irish pubs of OC pub crawl with my parents.. sounds way more than it was.. we went to 3 places saw friends and visited.  no I did not drink green beer, that is for the novices.  I did enjoy some yummy corned beef though!!  Easter was good, we enjoyed an egg hunt at church on Saturday, and then an early dinner with my family. Which was really enjoyable as I'd sung at the 6:30 sunrise service, as well as the two regular services that morning.  I was tired.

I've started spring cleaning.  My friend C. came over Monday to help me with the girls room. We finished in just a few hours, ate lunch and took our kids to DCA.  I brought my crew home to change and head out with their dad for easter festivities with his family. I had bell choir rehearsal, so I stayed home. I'll do a separate post for yesterday (knott's berry farm)... today we slept, made about like lazy bums, and recovered from 2 theme park days, mixed in with family time.

Ok.. you're now mostly updated.

Too long

I'll have to save a big update for later.  But I wanted to pop in and say HAPPY EASTER to everyone.  I hope you have a great day, wheather you spend it in church, or chasing eggs and watching for the bunny. :o)

 

As a small request,  please think positive thoughts or pray for my grandmother, she suffered a stroke last night. Her condition is still not totally stable.  Thanks~

popping in

Hello again, ok at least this time it's only been a month.  Bad news, my computer is dying. Good news, I got a new one for my birthday. BUT I've yet to get it up and running. So I'm again (still) limited to my online access as to really get anything done I have to use my Dad's. 

Christmas was a blast, lots of fun gifts for all, the two highlights were a new playground set for the littles for the back yard. and Disney passes for the year, for all 6 of us. We've already spent enough days at the parks to "pay" for our passes, and we'll be going back lots more.

NYE was cool we were at Disney until 11pm when the kids declared they were done by falling asleep on benches. hehe.  We got home in time to toast the new year with Beth and sparkling cider and crash. 

My bday was the 5th, I had a few friends over and enjoyed  a rather quiet day. 

I joined the handbell choir at my church, and am really enjoying it! The challenge is good for me, and it's  fun.

Not much else really new here.. it's all the same ol' same ol'. :o)

Here's a couple pictures from Disneyland.

  The first day we went we bought the kids Disney Santa hats, as we were leaving I stopped them for a picture by the big tree, after taking them, Mickey popped in and I got this quick snap, I barely got this one before the mob hit Mickey. Poor Mouse.

 This was taken the weekend of NYE we went both Sunday and Monday with the entire Clan of DH's family. Sunday there was 26 of us.  We did have a great time, and got quite a few character pictures.

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