CAHOON CLAN

House for Sale

2011-04-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

My parents have put their house on the market: If you know anyone interested in buying a house on some land in the Sacramento area, please share the following link with them: http://rlandrey.golyon.com/default.aspx?ID=5599&page=http%3A%2F%2Frlandrey.golyon.com%2FSearch%2FPropDetail.aspx%3FID%3D5599%26listingID%3D81-7-11027706

First T-Ball Practice

2011-03-08T16:35:00.001-08:00

We have a Giant in the house!! Grant started T-Ball practice last week, and was SO excited. He did some hitting:

Some throwing:

He was focused the whole practice, which is saying a lot!!

After practice every good player needs to take a nice long bath to relax those muscles:

When I went to say goodnight, this is what I found:

(if you could see the rest of his room you would realize that this is an AMAZING thing for him to do)

GO GIANTS!!

Dad’s T-Shirt

2011-03-08T16:26:00.001-08:00

This is what I found standing at the top of the stairs the other night:

Don’t you remember wearing your dad’s t-shirt to bed as pajamas? I sure do!! Childhood memories………..

Emma’s Extra Activities

2011-03-08T16:23:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to update on what Emma has been up to lately:

-Mad Science: Emma just got done with an 8 week after school program. Every week they learned about a different science term like static electricity, sound waves, optical illusions, and colors. They would then get to do a hands on experiment that they brought home. She had a really good time.

-Activity Days: Since Emma turned 8 years old she has been going to Activity Days at church twice a month. This is a group of girls from 8-11 years old who meet together. They learn about gospel related topics, do service for other people, and just have fun together. She is working on different goals to earn her “Faith In God” award.

-Indoor Soccer: Emma just finished another indoor soccer season with her team-The Cheetah’s!! They are going to play their semi-final game this weekend, and we hope to be attending the Finals next weekend. Her favorite position is Goalie and Defense.

Grant’s Gymnastics

2011-03-08T16:12:00.001-08:00

5 year old boys have SO much energy!! I amazes me every day to see the amount of energy that this boy has. For the last 6 weeks Grant has been taking a gymnastic class and has LOVED every minute of it!!

All the parents sit behind a glass wall and watch. I think I found myself mouthing the words, “Slow down!!” every session. Because even after a day of preschool he would have a TON of energy in gym class. Like he couldn’t move to the next thing fast enough. He usually did the flips over the bars all by himself and not even wait for the teacher to help, because he was tall enough and wanted to move on. Can I get some of that energy in a bottle??

(sorry for the fuzzy picture, taken on my phone)

Caught Up

2011-03-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

This is Debbie again!! Sherrie's blog is all caught up. If you're interested in the kids birthday, Emma's baptism, Christmas, Halloween and everything else that has happened in the last few months scroll down, everything has been back dated.

ENJOY!

Our Little Entrepreneur

2011-02-25T21:19:00.001-08:00

When this kid gets an idea in his head there is no stopping him!! All day today he was talking about money....blah, blah, blah. Then he decided that he needed to earn so money. So I gave him a list of things he could do for me to earn some, but he told me "Mom, I don't want to get dollars from YOU, I want them from other people!"
Then he disappeared for awhile and asked me how to write $1. Then he got the card table and decided he was going to make a lemonade stand. Remember, it was pouring down rain at this time. So I did my best to put him off, but by 4:30 the weather had cleared and he had set up shop at the end of the driveway! The end result was $3!!!

Ice Skating 2011

2011-02-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday weekend Sherrie and Jamie took the kids ice skating. Sherrie's ankle still isn't at 100% after her fall in November so she just got to help Grant.

Where we have been

2011-02-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is Sherrie's sister Debbie I have taken over her blog to help her get updated.

As many of you have heard Tuesday January 11th my mom she suffered a massive stroke. She had been in Arizona with my family and it happened in the Sacramento airport right after she landed.

After starting out at UDC Med Center (where she received excellent care in a timely manner), she was transferred to Kaiser South, and then a Kaiser Rehabilitation center in Vallejo.

In the beginning she had complete paralysis of her left side, including trouble swallowing and vision impairment. . Sherrie has spent more hours than I can count down in Vallejo with Mom and helping to get the house ready for her to come home. Blogging has not even been on her radar.

After a month in Rehab she was released to come home on Thursday and is doing well, but still has a long way to go. But it will be really nice to have her closer.

We have put together a blog to keep everyone updated on what has been going on and will continue to up it regularly, it is:

http://somethingaboutsharon.blogspot.com/

Sherrie wanted me to thank everyone who has brought in meals, picked up kids,and helped in any way. Hopefully now that mom is home things will fall into a routine soon and Sherrie will be back soon blogging herself.

On the Job…..

2011-01-05T16:44:00.001-08:00

Before Christmas Grant got to go to work with Daddy while I had a doctor’s appointment. I think we might have a future Project Manager in the making:

They even got to go on a job walk, and see all the “worker men” (as Grant calls them)!!

Thanks Daddy!

Rules to Live By

2011-01-05T16:39:00.001-08:00

Just got one of “those” emails today that I usually delete, but for some reason with the new year starting I guess we all take a look at our own lives, evaluate what we want to change, give up, do better, do more, etc. And I looked at this list through those eyes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

46. Don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff.

Grant’s 5th Birthday

2010-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Grant had a really fun birthday this year. He got to invite his friend Sterling and his family for a night of bowling. After bowling he had a cool transformer cake and cupcakes!

Then the best part he and Sterling got to have a sleep over!!! They had so much fun playing video games and being boys!

The next morning on Grant's actual birthday- the highlight was his box of Lucky Charms for breakfast!! Gotta love a kid who is easy to please.

Happy 5th Birthday Grant!

2010-12-30T07:51:00.001-08:00

I’m having a little bit of a hard time with this one. Arriving into this world 10 days late at a whopping 10 lbs. 12 oz., Grant has always done things on his time schedule, his way! His independence is one thing that I have always admired about him. We love Grant for his sense of humor, his boundless energy, his loving heart, his abilities to make and be a friend, and his spirituality. He might be turning 5, but on the other hand………..he is my baby!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANT!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Cahoons is always filled with lots of fun and family. Here are the highlights in pictures.
Sorry about the sideways pictures Sherrie uploaded them and i don't know how to fix them.

Him’s or Her’s?

2010-11-28T17:30:00.001-08:00

Conversation in Church today

Grant: "Dad, what does that say?” (pointing to the hymnal book on the back of the pew)

Daddy: “It says Hymns.”

Grant: “Does that one say Her’s?” (pointing to the hymnal next to it)

Emma’s Baptism

2010-11-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Happy Family at Emma's Baptism

ON November 5th Emma was baptised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a really special evening. She played a duet on the piano with her dad, Grandpa Redfearn baptized her, Grandma Redfearn and Grandma Cahoon both gave great talks, and then she was confirmed by her Grandpa Cahoon. There was a really beautiful spirit there.

Pictures left to right are- Emma and Ireland, The O'Donnall family,Rachel (she and Emma are second cousins who share the same birthday) and Charlie, Aunt Marcia and Uncle Scott

This was the table by the door as you walked in. I love the pictures of Emma in her 2 white dresses. Sherrie did a nice job with the decoration. She had pictures of Emma all over the room, it was fun to look back and see how much she has grown. Also for refreshement she had all of Emma's favorites. Pumpkin Pie, Apples and carmel dip, chocolate and punch. She wanted mashed potatoes, but Sherrie talked her out of it.

And since I am updating this, I added this one of Emma and I!!! I was so glad I got to be there for her special day.

Emma’s 8th Birthday

2010-11-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

On November 1st Emma turned 8 years old. For her birthday this year instead of a big party she got to take a friend (Gionna) and go see the "So You Think You Can Dance" touring show. Emma loves that show.

So she picked Gionna and they went with the family to see the show. They also went to dinner at Letherby's--Yummy!!

That week Grandma and Grandpa Cahoon, Aunt Marcia and Charlie flew in too, so we got to celebrate with everyone. And there was more celebrating to come with Emma's baptism. Stay tuned..........

Apple Hill 2010

2010-11-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

While all of Jamie's family was here visiting, the Cahoon's made the yearly trip to Apple Hill.

Grandma Jane with the kids

Every year the kids take their pictures by the same tree to see how mcuh they have grown since the last time they have been there.

Apple Hill is such a fun place. The kids and the grown-ups love to visit every year. And a visit is not complete without some apples, pie and of course chocolate/carmel covered apples.

Grant Golfing w/the “boys”

2010-11-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

While everyone was here Grant got to go with the big boys ( Jamie, Grandpa Cahoon, Scott, and Grandpa Redfearn) to go play REAL golf. They spend the afternoon playing 9 holes at the Bradshaw course.

Grant has quite the swing. He did really good, he did get a little hot and tired at the end and had to lay down for a few minutes.

Happy 8th Birthday Emma!

2010-11-01T22:30:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t let this day go by without posting a big, GIANT, Happy Birthday to Emma!! We did lots of fun stuff today, and that is why I will post all about it later. But for tonight, I will say that Emma is becoming quite the young lady:

(much to the dismay of her mom and dad—we would like her to stay the sweet, young, innocent, baby girl that we welcomed into this world 8 years ago):

WE LOVE YOU!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

This year at the Cahoon household Halloween was a busy affair, with cousins and grandmas and grandpas visiting.The kids got to dress up for two ward trunk or treats and for trick or treating around the nieghborhood. Emma was a Geisha Girl, Grant was Mr. Incredible, and Charlie was a hamburger.

The kids also carved pumpkins and decorated a halloween gingerbreadhouse with Grandma Cahoon.

I know, I know……….

2010-10-27T18:04:00.001-07:00

HALLOWEEN 2006

Halloween is only 4 days away, but all of your blogs have inspired me!! I actually LOVE Halloween and the month has just slipped by and I didn’t take advantage of the holiday time to change my blog background. So here you go………enjoy for 4 more days!! (or probably a little longer than that, because chances are I won’t change it to something else for another week or so). BOO!!!

Grant's Yellow Belt Testing

2010-10-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

The first week in October Grant tested for his Yellow Belt. He has been in Karate about 10 months now and this is his second rank advancement. His instructor is loving but very firm. It has been a great way for Grant to learn discipline, focus, and respect. He is currently obssesed with anything ninja, karate, or weapons. This is one of his forms:

This is the type of thing that I will love to show his first girlfriend:

Good job Grant!! Way to be a Blackbelt in traning!!

Camping Trip

2010-10-14T15:16:00.001-07:00

This is where I THOUGHT we were going to camp:

Sounds nice, right? Well after we pulled in and saw all of the campsites with many people lounging about, talking, laughing, and generally having a good time—Jamie kept right on driving a decided that it was way to social for camping. So we kept driving to a "little place" Jamie and his buddies have quaded before. (mind you we were in a truck packed with camping equipment hauling a trailer with two quads)

This is the kind of road we drove on for a good 6 miles and the stream that we had to CROSS in order to find the perfect camping spot:

We were definitely “roughing it” when all was said and done. But who could be campfire hot dogs, glimpes of butterflies, tin foil dinners, quad rides, playing the the river, and smores?!?!

On trips like theses, I am VERY grateful for a husband who would be perfectly contend to actually LIVE in the wilderness. He works his tail off to get camp set up, build a fire, cook most the meals,and even take the kids potty at midnight. I am also grateful for a daughter who isn't afraid to squat and "hug a tree". (even though we went through 3 sets of clothes because she insisted on going by herself most times after I gave her the inital lesson)

But in the end, this is what really sent us home:

It started raining about 4:00am, and by 8:00am we obviously weren't sleeping, things were starting to get wet in the tent, and we decided that we should just pack it up and go home. The kids were very disappointed. On the way out it stopped raining and I got a great picture:

As soon as we hit the highway and things smoothed out Emma and Grant took a much needed rest:

Corn Maze

2010-10-14T14:06:00.001-07:00

This year I am doing preschool at home with Grant and is buddy Pierce one day a week. Yesterday we were doing the letter “F”, so I took them to the “farm” , we went in the “field” (corn maze), and got some blueberries at the “fruit” stand. Everything started off great, the boys were having fun and I thought we were making good progress in the maze. But after about 20 minutes, the novelty of the whole experience wore off, and I had 2 little boys who just wanted to be OUT of the 2 1/2 acre maze. So we busted through a wall to be FREE!! Then they played in the jump houses until they were red faced and HOT (because its still 90+degrees here!!) All in all, I would have to say it was a “FANTASTIC” day!

Emma's First Piano Recital

2010-10-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Emma's had her first piano recital at the end of September. She has been taking lessons for less than a year now, and we are really proud of her dedication and engery towards the piano. (she must have it in her genes beause the Cahoon side of the family is pretty musically talented). She played two songs--Playing Tag, Old German Dance:

Here she is with her talented piano teacher:

She even got to play on a beautiful baby grand:

And of course we headed to Leatherby's for some post recital refreshment:

Everyone got to partake in the deliciousness:

Crafty Clutter

2010-10-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

I had to stop myself today, when I went upstairs. This was the first thing I saw and I was so annoyed:

After I counted to 10 and took a deep breath I dove in and started to clean things up. As I was doing this I realized I needed to CHILL!! Even though the kids didn’t clean up--they were having a good time while making this mess. So I got the camera out, snapped a few shots of their “craftiness” and then left the mess to come blog.

I don’t know if I’ll be as understand when the next episode of “crafty clutter” happens, but for now—life is good!!

Heat Wave

2010-09-28T15:23:00.001-07:00

I know we live in California………….but should it really be 111 degrees on September 28th? (this was taken on my car dashboard at 2:30pm) YUCK!! Looks like Grant will get a little bit more bike riding in after all. (refer to previous post)

Grant's First Bike Ride

2010-09-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

I think that today is the "official" last day of summer, so isn't it fitting that Grant finally got the hang of riding without training wheels--TODAY!! Maybe we can squeeze a few family bike rides in before the weather turns bad. Way to go Grant!!

Photo Shoot Sneak Peak

2010-09-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

Don’t you LOVE it when you get a picture of your kids that makes them look like they actually like eachother? Well, we had a photo shoot yesterday with Erin Langstraat, and she worked magic. Check out more of her awsomeness at: http://erinnoeldesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/emma-and-grant.html

Thanks Erin!

My New Life

2010-09-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

Um, WOW!! That's all I can say about this video. I was feeling a little "blah" one day....you know, a little boo hoo for me, and then I happened to come across this video. After I picked my blubering self off the ground, I told my self to "buck up" and raised my chin a little higher and went to kiss my family. ENJOY!!

Kindergarten Readiness (aka Preschool #2)

2010-09-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

Today was Grant’s first day of Preschool #2. The parent participation preschool that both Emma and Grant attended closed down last year due to budget cuts—thank you California!! Anyway, sad as that was, I think we have found the perfect fit for Grant this year. Even though Grant is going to be 5 this year, he missed the cut off date to start kindergarten by 28 days. So he will be doing this Kindergarten Readiness Class 2 days a week, and one day at “home preschool” with me and Mrs. Dana. (yikes, mommy is a little scared about this part-I have never felt like I could be one of “those” moms who can teach their own kids, so we’ll see how it goes. The things we do for our kids, right!!?)

Grant-First day of Preschool-2010

He was a little nervous leading up to class, but then jumped right in. Of course we had to do the customary photo shoot before going into class:

There were so many fun things to do. I was SHOCKED when he first tried out the tracing station:

Then it was off to circle and time to say goodbye for the day:

Class is only and hour and a half, way on the other side of town. So the mommies had to fill the time somehow:

But we finished in enough time to catch the last part of a shape memory game:

Then it was time to pack up:

And say goodbye to Mrs. Laurie:

I’m sure it will be a GREAT year Grant!

Last Day of Summer Fun

2010-09-02T12:44:00.001-07:00

This week Grant and I went out for ONE MORE adventure of fun before he went back to school. We called up his best buddy, Pierce (and his mommy too), and we all headed out for the day. Our first stop was lunch at a yummy burger place:

Then we were off to Funderland:

This is a fun little place that we haven’t been to in a couple of years.

Grant and Pierce got unlimited ride wristbands and literally RAN from ride to ride!!

I think they had a pretty good-last day of summer fun!!

Before & After

2010-09-02T12:34:00.001-07:00

Do you think it was time for a haircut?

Don’t they look handsome?

Jack’o lantern Emma

2010-08-30T15:21:00.001-07:00

Halloween has come early around our house. Emma has BOTH front teeth missing, and just lost another on the bottom. We are going to dress her in orange and sit her on the porch soon!

Corn Starch & Water Fun

2010-08-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

Do you remember playing with “slim” in preschool or kindergarten? The one that could be squishy, or hard. Well, my kids decided to play mad scientist and make their own version. After about and hour of fun, this was the final results:

Soccer Jamboree

2010-08-30T15:10:00.001-07:00

The season has “officially” begun. We will be spending our Saturdays on the soccer field. Emma is playing with the same team that she just finished indoor soccer with. So hopefully they will have a great season—Go Cheetah’s!!

Before the game:

(Jamie is going to ref this year-so he got a cool whistle and t-shirt)

Practicing her smile for pictures!

Playing her favorite position-goalie!

After the game-they won 5 to 0!

Daycare

2010-08-20T08:33:00.001-07:00

This morning as I was dropping Emma off at school, we were in the line of cars to get into the school waiting at the crosswalk. A group of about 8 kids walked across the street with one adult. Grant says, “Mom!! Are ALL those kids’ that lady’s?” I said, “No, she runs a daycare and she is walking them all to school.” His response, “Oh, I’m glad I don’t go to daycare………..” (here is where I thought there was going to be some heartfelt comment about how much he loves staying home with me-think again)……. “Daycare is mean. Like in Toy Story 3 when all the kids are beating up the toys.”

Wow, warms your heart right?

Emma’s First Day of 2nd Grade

2010-08-16T10:22:00.001-07:00

Emma started 2nd grade today!! We have had such a fun, and busy summer, I thought that she wouldn’t be excited about going back. But she laid all of her stuff out last night, and woke up bright and early this morning.

Emma-7 years old (2nd grade)

We drove to the O’Donnell’s house to park, and walked to school with a few friends.

Paused at “our tree” (meeting spot after school) for a few quick pics.

The boys had to get in on the action too!!

And Daddy went into work late.

In the FRONT ROW of the class!!

And Grant found the teachers pointer in the corner-and pretended he was THE KING!! (this will not come as much of a surprise for those who know Grant well).

We hope you have a great year Emma!!

July Recap in Pictures

2010-08-04T16:38:00.001-07:00

Front tooth #1

Summer Drive-In Movies (Toy Story 3)

Fourth of July Neighborhood Fun

State Fair

Swimming Lessons

Disneyland 2010

2010-08-04T16:21:00.001-07:00

May Recap in Pictures

2010-08-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

Good Friends to play with at the park

Spirit Week-Hobby Day (painting), could you tell?

First Grade Circus

Latin Dancer in the show

Camping Trip with Daddy and Papa Redfearn that involved some bear trap making, hiking, fishing, good food, quad riding, and SNOW!! (thanks for taking pictures Daddy)

Emma tried out for the school talent show with “bestie”, Sara, and THEY MADE IT!! One of only 2 First Grade acts to make it in the show. They choreographed a routine to The Squeakual version of “You Spin Me Round.” They practiced for 2 weeks and did a wonderful job. Good job girls!!

HUGE yard work project at Grandma and Papa Redfearns house. (with a little front yard quad riding after it all)

Grant had Preschool Graduation (Mommy had to stay home with Emma because she was sick with the flu, and even missed her last day of school)

Grant tested and received his Orange Belt in Karate!

Champion Cheetahs

2010-08-04T15:01:00.001-07:00

This year Emma played on an indoor soccer team for the first time-The Cheetahs, and they won first place! After taking a year off of soccer, this was her first time back on the field. It was great to see her gain confidence and skill. She really enjoyed the fast pace of indoor. Her favorite position is goalie. She is the same Emma on the field and off the field-not a mean/competitive bone in her body. But we love her anyway, and enjoy watching her have a good time. Yesterday was the first day of practice for the outdoor season-so we are looking forward to another great season. Go Cheetahs!!

Strauss Festival 2010

2010-07-30T18:40:00.001-07:00

This was the 7th year that I have volunteered at a local community event as a Backstage Dresser. 3 years ago I recruited my mom into helping also.

It is a long 6 days, but pretty fun overall:

And these are the beautiful costumes and dancers we get to work with:

Wool Warrior

2010-07-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

It’s summer and the State Fair is HERE!! Yesterday we made the annual trip and Grant got the ride of a lifetime!! While fueling up on corn dogs, funnel cake, and chocolate covered bacon, Jamie was checking out the program to see what there was to do. He casually mentioned to Grant that he could ride a sheep, and he was ALL OVER IT!! So off we go to find the Mutton Bustin’. He got his wristband, headed over to suit up, met the cowboys, and mounted a sheep—like it was NOTHING!! His first ride was a little shaky-riding most of the 4 seconds on the side of the sheep, taking a nice face plung into the sand.

But he got right back up there and tried again. This time he, “Put my face right down into the sheep and held on tight.” Which resulted in a successful 5.86 second ride. He got a gold medal and couldn’t be more proud!!

Today he told me:

“Mom, I don’t really like playing basketball with Daddy in the court. I just like RIDING WILD SHEEP!!”

Do I have a future cowboy??

Jog-A-Thon

2010-04-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Before the race began:

Warming up:

On her 3rd lap, going through the checkpoint:

And this is what Grant was doing:

Relaxing after completing 6 LAPS!:

Cheering on the 2nd graders:

Open House

2010-04-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Open House for Emma yesterday. Here is a glimpse into all of her hard work this year:

It's kind of hard to see, but her butterfly says, "I am special because I am helpful to my family." She is a great kid. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES school and has already told me that summer is going to be so boring. We are so proud of you Emma, and the time, and thought you put into all of your school work. Keep up the great job!

Weird Weather-Part1

2010-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

We have been having some weird weather here in California. On Saturday we went over to my mom and dads house, to do some yard work and ended up hanging out most of the day because the kids were having such a good time. At one point in the afternoon I was talking about how we used to play in the rainbow sprinkler on nice sunny days. My kids had no idea what I was talking about, and my dad happened to have one. So we busted it out and the rest is history...........

Weird Weather-Part 2

2010-04-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

And then we move on to TODAY--it is rainy and windy with a high of maybe 50ish. Grant and I had planned to skip preschool and go to the local AAA ballpark. They were having a free "Mommy and Me" day. So we put on the windbreakers, took the umbrella and braved the elements. We went with some friends, and Grant had a great time. He got to bat at home plate, run the bases-twice, and run in the outfield. When we were walking down the steps to the field he said, "Mom, I'm kind of nervous." But I think that soon went away and he was enjoying himself. The best part came after we left the stadium, and he got to roll down the hill on the way out!! Then it started pouring when we got to the car--good excuse to head to Ikea for a few hours!! It was a great day for everyone!

This is the reason.........

2010-04-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

(Grant got to do face painting at preschool-on HIMSELF, with NO mirror--gotta' love it!)

--that I send Grant to preschool
--that Jamie works so hard so we can afford it
--that a kid deserves to be a kid
--that I was a little embarrassed to run my errands AFTER preschool
--THAT I LOVE GRANT!!

Scentsy Presents "Bring Back My Bar!"

2010-04-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

For one month only—in July—Scentsy will be offering 20 of their most in-demand retired fragrances as Scentsy Bars!

Help them decide which fragrances they should bring back! Please take a few minutes to vote for your top three favorites to the right. Vote as many times as you’d like between now and Sunday, May 2. We’ll announce the winning scents on June 1 on our Official Scentsy Facebook Fan Page.

Click on the link to vote!! I personally voted for Mysterious, Exotic Vanilla, and Sandlewood & Cranberries!! YUMMY!!!

Scentsy Presents Bring Back My Bar!

Student Art Works Celebration

2010-04-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Emma's artwork was selected for the Student Art Work Celebration. Each school chose ONE student from each grade level for the display. Emma was chosen from 100 1st graders at her school! Her artwork is now hanging in the District Office until February 2011. She received a certificate and letter signed by the Superintendent and her teachers. Way to go EMMA!!!

Childhood Innocence

2010-04-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

This morning as Emma was leaving for school, we were going through the usual routine. She ALWAYS asks me what we are doing today after school (this is AFTER she asks what we are doing TOMORROW-at bedtime). Anyway, I informed her what we were going to do this afternoon, and then she noticed that I wasn't "ready" to take them to school. I usually take her to school on Thursdays, and then go work in Grants classroom. But I had switched days yesterday with my friend, so today was my "at home" day. She looked around a moment, and I could tell she was thinking something. She paused, then asked "Mom, what DO you do after we leave for school?" She wasn't trying to be rude, or funny, she was genuinely curious. So I gave her the list:

-start a load of laundry
-unload dishwasher
-load dishwasher
-clean up rest of kitchen
-fold laundry
-start another load of laundry
-go to the gym
-drop off Scentsy orders
-pick up toys around the house
-fold laundry
-start another load of laundry
-do agenda for PTA meeting
-start lesson for Sunday
-wrap birthday present
-read/respond to emails

You get the picture. I stopped to think about her original question this morning. I guess I never really knew what MY mom did after we went to school. I never thought about the clothes that always seemed to be in my drawers, the after school snacks that were always there, the supplies in the drawer for school projects, the cute holiday decorations around the house, etc. etc. It was just important that she was there everyday when I got home from school. And as a reflect on the long list of things "To Do", I guess I realize that there is NOTHING more important than being there for my kids. Sometimes it takes an innocent question from a 7 year old to make me STOP and be THANKFUL!! Love ya' Emma!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Easter was a great time here in California. The weather cleared up just in time to do some fun things. The holiday started off with a nice traditional Easter egg hunt at preschool for Grant.

They decorated Easter cookies:

Then headed outside for the "hunt":

We had some more Easter fun at home with the decorating of Easter eggs:

The finished products:

Easter morning we woke up to a trail of jelly beans. The Easter Bunny had left the empty egg carton at the door, and a trail of jelly beans to each of the kids baskets (what a nice bunny). Emma got her very own wind chime in her basket, and Grant got 2 army men. Its amazing how well the Easter Bunny knew what to get them. Daddy said Santa must have helped him out too. :-) The day ended with a nice dinner with Grandma and Papa Redfearn. Grandma went all out with the ham, potatoes, homemade wheat rolls, jello, corn....................and Grant even tried broccoli!!! (for those of you who know Grant well, and his eating habits, yes--this is something to blog about)

USS HORNET

2010-04-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jamie had the opportunity to go and spend a night on the USS Hornet, a navy shipped that is now docked in the Bay Area. He was asked by a family friend, to go with her son, and his scout troop. Needless to say, Jamie jumped at the invitaiton. They got to (had to) sleep in bunks, eat in the mess hall, and some even had to take night watch. Their troop just had to clean up after dinner (for 400 people). Thanks Justuce!!

Leprechaun Hijinx

2010-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

We tried to catch a leprechaun, but our trap didn't work:

The tricky little guy escaped and left a trail behind him. What type of mischief did he do at your house?:

He turned our milk GREEN!!:

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

Let's Go To The Hop

2010-03-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

Laundry Room Remake

2010-03-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

We all have that household chore that we HATE!! We procrastinate, put it off, do OTHER chores, enlist the help of other, etc, etc. For me it is folding laundry. I don't have a problem gathering it up, bringing it downstairs, washing it, and drying it. But when it comes to getting it all folded.........I am the queen of procrastination. So my dear husband took pity on my and tried to make the process easier for me (and he was probably tired of wrinkled shirts).

Here is the best "before" picture I have:

The hard working crew (don't worry, they were just pumpkin carving knives):

And the finished product:
I am so grateful to have a built in handyman. Thanks honey!!

Sticky Fingers

2010-03-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Emma and Grant are OBSESSED with St. Patricks Day and Leprechauns this year. They both wanted to go out tonight and try to catch one--until Daddy scared them!! This was the conversation at bedtime:

Grant: I don't want to sleep in my bed, leprechauns might get me.
Daddy: The house is locked, they won't get you.
Grant: They might climb up the walls and sneak in my windows.
Daddy: The windows are locked and they can't climb up the walls.
Grant: What if they climb up using their sticky fingers.
Daddy: Leprechauns don't have sticky fingers.
Grant: What if they eat a cupcake and get sticky fingers from the frosting, and THEN climb up the walls in sneak in my windows.
PAUSE, PAUSE, PAUSE
Daddy: Do you just want to sleep in our bed tonight?

(Have you ever read the story, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?"--sound familiar)

COOKIES ARE HERE!!

2010-02-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

If you are in and around my house, give me a call, email me or just show up and see if we are home to get your cookies. I will try and bring them to you, but it looks like some of you just might be a cookie addict (you know who you are) and might need them ASAP!!! :-) I have your totals too................yummy, THIN MINTS!! (I've already opened my box)

Here I Sit....

2010-02-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

In front of the computer.....kids are both safely at school, dishes are in the dishwasher, grocery list is made, gym shoes are on. This is is supposed to be a kid free, errand running, laundry kind of day. I hopped on the computer "really quick" to look something up before heading to the gym and beyond, but here I sit...........STILL!! Why is it so easy to get distracted? I think I might have a mild form of ADD. Does this happen to anyone else?

Karate Kid

2010-01-25T14:12:00.001-08:00

Grant started karate lessons this year for his birthday. He has been obsessed with ANYTHING ninja, karate, swords, fighting, etc., etc. for most of his 4 years of life. So after having his birthday party at the local karate studio (pics to come--I promise!!) he was hooked!! He goes twice a week, and each day they do something different. I'm still not sure of all the karate lingo, but I do know that last week we went on the "sparing" day--or as Grant would say "PRETEND FIGHTING!" Since he did not have sparing gear, he just got to do "no contact" sparring, but it was still the most hilarious thing I have EVER seen. We will definitely bring the video camera next time.

Girl Scout Cookie Time

2010-01-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!! If you look in your freezer and your last box has run out (yeah right, like any box makes it more than 1 month in the freezer) then your in luck. Emma is selling cookies again this year. Leave me a message on this post or send me an email. Boxes are $4 a piece, no money needed now, delivery the week of February 10th. Here are the flavors in case you are new to Girl Scout Cookies (again--yeah right!):

-Carmel DeLites
-Shortbread
-Peanut Butter Sandwich
-Lemonades
-Peanut Butter Patties
-Thin Mints
-Thanks-A-Lots
-Daisy-Go-Rounds
(100 calorie packs)

More Catching Up

2010-01-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I promised more............here it is:

Emma is still doing wonderful in 1st grade. She received a Perfect Attendance award, and the Student of the Month award. It is so great when you get to hear OTHER people say nice things about your kid.

Halloween 2009 (sorry about the sideways pictures). Grant was a "red inja"--translation "red NINJA", and Emma was (the day before Halloween changed her mind) a 50's girl. They both got to go to the pumpkin patch with their school, carnivals, class parties, and of course trick or treating in the neighborhood with Daddy:

Emma lost her 2nd tooth on Halloween (day before her 7th birthday). She pulled it out herself on accident while wiggling it, and was kind of freaked out. Grant was very concerned for her and "the blood":

Budding Artist

2010-01-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Last night Emma and I went with our friends the O'Donnell's to paint bowls. There is a local event coming up where people pay to have a soup lunch in a hand painted bowl, and all of the money goes to the local food bank in our area. I read about the local ceramic shop that was donating the paint, and studio fee, so we just had to pay to come paint the bowl. For 7 year olds, I think they turned out great!!

Beginnings and Endings

2010-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have just spent the last 30 minutes catching up on all the blogs that I have missed for the last 2 months it seems like. I have the usual excuses for not blogging, and not reading blogs, but I guess it just comes down to giving myself a "time out"! I just needed to take a break. But I'm glad I'm back, and it looks like life is good for everyone. If I am going to get back into blogging, I have to just dive in and post. So here it is. I hope you enjoy catching up with us too. Some of the things might be self explanatory, others not so much. But oh well--they are blogged, and that's all I care about at this point.

Apple Hill 2009--We have tried to make it a family tradition it visit Apple Hill at least ONCE during the fall. Some of our favorite things to do are measure the kids at the same tree, ride a horse, get lost in the hay maze, and of course eat chocolate/carmel covered apples, and chocolate covered marshmallows (Emma).

Jamie and I took a spontaneous trip to Oklahoma to pick up a new truck that we bought (don't ask!!). On the way back we stopped at a few American iconic spots--Cadillac Ranch, Route 66, Giant legs, and the Grand Canyon.

I work in Grant's preschool class once a week. On one of my days in October I took the kids outside to jump in leaves. All the kids had brought a bag of leaves to school, so there was a pretty good pile. It was so awesome to see the fun and enjoyment that a big ol' pile of leaves brought to these little kids faces!! There is something to be said about the simple things in life:

This was Emma's drawing of our Thanksgiving dinner guests:

The kind of thing that melts a mothers heart (her kids playing together-peacefully):

Jamie was a Watch Dog (Dads Of Great Students) at Emma's school. He spent the whole day at school with her. He visited all of the 1st grade classes and helped out, went to lunch and recess with her and helped with drive thru drop off. He was EXHAUSTED at the end of the day!! (Grant had to get in on the action too):

December was filled with lots of fun activities. We had Emma's Daisy Troop over to host their 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange. Emmas was insistent that we make old fashioned sugar cookies that she could decorate--so that's what we did. And Grant went to the skating rink with his preschool class where a special visitor came to with them a Merry Christmas. (Notice the upper left corner. We brought Emma's old princess skates, just in case they ran out. Grant was more than happy to rock the princess skates--and he even found a little girl in his class that had the same ones! He is very secure in this masculinity!!):

December also included gingerbread houses and choir concerts:

In December we took a trip to the snow too. The snow was great, we took the snowmobile and quad. Jamie drove the snowmobile, and he talked me into driving the quad. It did really well, and I'm getting a little more comfortable driving it in the snow (but it still scares me too). We like to go to an old ski resort area. Once you get up there it has a great open area for tubing, where we spent most of our time. But Grant wasn't feeling well, and fell asleep on the snowmobile. So I ended up going back to the car with him while Jamie and Emma went out for a wild ride (they were gone like an hour--hence the goofy pictures to kill some time):

And here is Christmas Day! We had a nice relaxing holiday. Grandpa and Papa Redfearn came over in the morning for presents, then we spent the rest of the day relaxing. I would say the highlights would be Emma's DS, and Grant's fishing pole:

This is all for now, but I promise there will be more to come!! I realized I haven't' done Halloween, Emma's birthday, Grant's birthday................

Random

2009-12-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Here is my disclaimer:

You may find some random post the next couple of weeks. As you can tell, I have been a BAD BLOGGER lately. But my guilt is catching up with me (okay, it was really Aunt Cathy). So I will be pulling random things out that I haven't blogged about(um, Halloween, etc). Sometimes it will be just a picture or two, or you might get lucky and get some words with it--if not, use your imagination! I don't know why I decided to catch up during the busiest time of the year--oh well, I guess I like to make things dificult. Enjoy!!

Let It Snow.........

2009-12-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

This is as good as it gets in Sacramento. It was 34 degrees when I woke up at 6am this morning. Our high is supposed to be 43 degrees. Still had to fight Grant to put his jacket on when he walked out the door this morning for school. I guess that Canadian blood runs thicker than I thought!

2009-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Anyone want some of these??

Okay, I'm not trying to sell everyone that looks at this blog something, BUT.............some of you have mentioned that when we did this fundraiser at our school that you wanted to buy some. And I don't remember who you all were, so I guess this is my lazy attempt to get to you (whoever you are). Here is the low down:

Butter Braid® pastries are made from sweet, yeasted pastry dough, are layered with 100% real butter and contain zero grams trans fat. This gives Butter Braid® pastries a flaky outside, and a tender, light and airy inside as each layer raises up before baking. As you take a bite of the One-And-Only Butter Braid® pastry, you will be biting into over 16 layers of warm goodness.

Each Butter Braid® pastry contains a mouthwatering filling such as tart apple, warm cinnamon or smooth cream cheese. These fillings are laid atop the dough and wrapped up as the caring makers of Butter Braid® pastries hand-braid the dough sealing in the filling. The Butter Braid pastries are then frozen to seal in the homemade flavor and freshness.

To top it all off, each Butter Braid® pastry comes with an icing packet to complement the filling inside. Drizzle it over the baked pastry and you have a breakfast, snack or dessert that will leave you (and your guests) begging for more!

Butter Braid® pastries come frozen, allowing you the choice of when to thaw, rise, bake and eat! You can watch as your pastry doubles in size and smell the irresistible aroma of the pastry as it bakes. We recommend that you share your pastry with others, but we won’t tell if you happen to keep it all to yourself!

Flavors:
Apple
Cream Cheese
Bavarian Creme
Raspberry
Strawberry Cream Cheese
Cinnamon

This has been our Christmas Morning tradition for quite a few years now. We take one out of the freezer on Christmas Eve before going to bed. Over night it thaws and rises. Before we start opening presents on Christmas Morning, I pop it in the oven, and when we are done with presents, it is nice and golden brown--ready to eat!!

They are $12 each, I will be putting in the order in Wednesday (but since I am the chair of this fundraiser I have a little bit of a grace period). I can pick up money from you when I deliver them to you on December 18th. Just leave a comment or shoot me an email!!

Answer

2009-11-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Ideanugons..............."Indiana Jones"

1st Grade Spelling

2009-11-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

Can anyone guess what this says?

One hint: Emma helped Grant draw a picture of "someone" and then wrote this name under it. I will post the answer tomorrow. ***Kids make me laugh***

Sometimes

2009-10-29T16:27:00.001-07:00

Sometimes...............you think life is crappy.
Sometimes...............you want to hide under a rock.
Sometimes...............you are super stressed out.
Sometimes...............you want to cry.
Sometimes................you want to scream.
Sometimes................you want to eat chocolate.
Sometimes................you want to go on a vacation.

And then....................you read on a friends blog that their little sister, who is 25, has cancer. And you kind of stop to think, that maybe things aren't so bad. Just SOMETIMES!!

The Good Ol' Days of Preschool

2009-10-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

This is what preschool is all about:

Blowing Bubbles (and trying NOT to slurp)

And Painting with a TOOTHBRUSH!!

Cleaning off my phone

2009-10-07T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today I realized I had this cute picture on my phone and I just had to share. There is this diner close to our house that has a 50's theme, table side jukeboxes, and good ol' fashioned milkshakes. Really--who could resist this picture?

Good Food, Good Friends

2009-10-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

I love it when other people have birthdays!! It was so nice to send the kids off to school and go have a sit down breakfast, (that I didn't have to make), with grown women and have some adult conversation--for an hour and a half!! Who's next?

Errands

2009-10-05T18:15:00.001-07:00

This was a conversation that Grant had with another Mom in our carpool group this morning on the way to school:

The Mom: "Grant, are you going to the birthday party this weekend?"
Grant: "Um, yeah, I don't know if I'm going."
The Mom: "Oh really, do you have to do something else."
Grant: "Yeah, I gotta' check with my mom. Cause' she might have to do a lot of errands and I probably won't be able to go!"

Do I win worst mother of the year award?

Made My Heart Smile

2009-10-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

This was the email I got from Emma's teacher today. It made my heart smile:

Emma had a great day today! We love the way she walks in the door every day full of joy and ready to work hard. She really took her time on her math test today. Watching her read is always a treat! I’m proud of her.

Mr. H & Mrs. M

Coloring INSIDE the Lines

2009-09-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

Grant has just recently shown an interest in coloring--ANY coloring! So tonight when I sat down with Emma to start her homework, he wanted homework too. So I got out a little workbook and did about 3 pages with him. This page was enough to make a mother proud:

(I was getting a little worried--I'm sure you moms out there who went from girls to boys know what I am talking about)

Student of the Week

2009-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today was the first Monday morning assembly at Emma's school. Every week each teacher picks a student to be "Student of the Week". They get their name read by the principal and go up on stage to pick a pencil. Emma was the first one chosen from her class for "Being a role model to other first grade students". Way to go Emma!

(Taken from my phone so the pictures are kind of blurry)

Grant's First Day of Preschool

2009-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Grant started preschool on Septemeber 8th. This is the same preschool that Emma went to for 1 1/2 years. So he was pretty familiar with the teacher, classroom, routine, etc. But last week made me realize that he is definitely still my baby. When put in a room with 23 other kids and 6 adults (it is a parent participation program) he kind of retreated into himself. By the time my workday rolled around (Thursday) he was ready to have Mommy stay all day. Its a new week, so we'll see what the future holds. I think he is having a good time, it will just be an adjustment to figure out the routine, dealing with so many other kids, and learning to listen to other adults. But that's what preschool is for, right?

FINALLY--PART 2!!

2009-09-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I blogged about the first wiggle on 3/9/09....6 months later:

This was RIGHT after Jamie pulled it--Oh my gosh, I can't believe I just lost my tooth!!

After the initial shock wore off--Yippee, I lost my tooth!

To make a long story short......this morning Emma bumped her mouth when she was playing, and made her tooth bleed and made it A LOT more wiggly. So after not eating all day and saying that it hurt, Jamie was FINALLY able to get in and pull it out. I honestly thought Emma was going to have a heart attack throughout the whole process. But when it finally came out she was VERY excited.

Tonight when I put her to bed she said, "Mom I think I know why my stomach feels kind of funny inside--because I just want to scream because my tooth came out!"

Sometimes you just need a good laugh

2009-09-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

I got this one from a friend via email (thanks Megan). It was just the thing I needed right now....a good laugh! I think I might survive the until next week. Hope this helps someone else get through the day too! Enjoy!!

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I
know how to get out of my damn neighborhood.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can
think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell
my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves
me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
realize you're wrong.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was
younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know"
feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose
not to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't
work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically
fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all
know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards
or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and
suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first
saw it.

-How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than
take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear
your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to
finish a text I started at the last one.

- LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else
to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and
hunger.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",
all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod
and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up
to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'
examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete
idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and
said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each
other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and
instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the
person died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the
shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,
and you can wear them forever.

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their
profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got
the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if
I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every
year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring
would probably just be completely invisible.

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go
around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly
nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be
a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work
when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything
productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't
want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are
going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me
if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I
swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this.
Ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people
watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will
they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't
watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and
leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?
Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and
goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone
and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not
seeing anyone of importance the entire day.. What a waste.

-When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she
hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light
internet stalking.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle,
then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising
speed for pedophiles...

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers,
but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still
not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to
answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to
with it.

-It really ticks me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and
the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get ticked off at the fact that everyone they
drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers.. I would bet more kisses begin with
Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw
they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words,
someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think
about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people
eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by
myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatty
before dinner.

First Spelling Test

2009-09-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Way to go Emma!! This was the results of her FIRST spelling test. When she brought her words home on Monday, the only one she hesitated on was "that". But obviously she mastered it. When I said that she got 100%, she quickly corrected me that she got an A+. Whatever you call it--good job and keep it up!

(And yes, even though I didn't blog about it YET--Emma is in first grade now. She has been in school for 3 weeks now. Grant starts preschool on Tuesday, and then I will post pictures and updates for both of them)

The Water Bottle

2009-08-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today in church Grant's teacher wasn't there, so I sat with them through music and lesson time. It was a hard day from the time he got up, so by the 2nd hour of church, you can only imagine what state of mind we were BOTH in. He was sitting on my lap, sitting in his chair, taking his shoes off, laying on the floor, was hungry, wanted something to drink, etc, etc. I was about to LOOSE it right then and there. He reached over and picked up the water bottle (that I had given into and just let him keep at his chair at that point), took a drink, then put his finger in the water and said, "Look Mom, my finger is getting baptized!" What else could I do but laugh?

Last Summer Getaway

2009-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yummy ice cream enjoyed outside, on the beautiful shores of South Lake Tahoe

This ice cream was SO big!

Our little billy goats

Our little clan

Next to some water--that NO ONE fell into

High above Emerald Bay

One cute brother and sister

Beauty!!

Slippery Slope

2009-08-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

This story deserved a post all by itself..........

We decided that we needed one last getaway before school started for Emma & Grant. So we quickly located a hotel and headed off to South Lake Tahoe. On the way up we stopped along the roadside to throw rocks in the American River. Now, you all have to know that this was at the insistence of my hubby. The kids were content, just had lunch, and were tucked in for the long haul watching Harry Potter in the back. But Jamie dragged them out of the car and said, "Come on, it will be fun!!"

First we have to traverse down the mountain side, over fallen trees, and over rocks. Jamie and I are wearing flip flops, and I insisted that Emma and Grant at least put on their water shoes. So after getting down to the river bottom, we look up river and see a nice little area that has large flat rocks with a little waterfall like thing. So Jamie convinces the kids that is where they should throw rocks--even though they have to walk about 50 yards to get to that spot. I stay on the shoreline, with camera in hand, and Jamie takes off carrying Grant (because he didn't want to walk in the water) with Emma following close behind. While looking through the lens I catch a glimpse of Jamie slip, Jamie and Grant fall down, Grant get completely submerged under the water, and then both come back up. Grant was NOT happy!! Not too much longer after that incident, Emma took a spill of her own. Now may whole family was wet--and had not thrown a single rock!

**Side Note**After making it back to the car, we discovered that Grants bag had NOT made it in the car. So we wrapped him in a towel for the rest of the drive, and hit Kmart for the essentials for the rest of the trip.

First Trophy

2009-08-10T15:14:00.001-07:00

When we talked to Grant about playing soccer this summer, the first thing he asked was if he would get a trophy. After he heard that a trophy was part of the deal, he was ready to go!! So the season finally ended and he got this trophy. Doesn't he look proud?

Coach K and THE trophy

Grant and Sterling
(Double Trouble)

Where did THAT come from?

2009-08-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today while driving in the car Emma asked, "Mom, do you think at Christmas time, when Santa goes to a house that has a dog inside, that the dog would bite him? Or do you think that the dog would know that Santa is a good guy and just leave him alone? I said, "I think that the dog would leave him alone." Emma replied, "Yeah, your probably right." End of discussion. Where did that thought come from?

Not a Pioneer Woman

2009-08-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Do you have one of these gigantic bowls from Tupperware? Mine is actually white with a blue lid, but my mom had an orange one growing up. If you ever need to do a BIG job--this is the one you get out--it holds 32 cups!!

Today I made salsa--32 cups worth! We had a TON of wonderful Roma tomatoes in our garden that needed to be used ASAP, so this was their resting place. Fiesta anyone, I'll bring salsa??

**Side Note***I just wanted to say that this is one more reason I'm not cut out to be a pioneer woman. There were many other things that needed to get done today (or just sit around and do nothing since my family has been sick all week). But the tomatoes had to be used, so this is what we did. I love having a garden, but it is a little demanding on the schedule. Now I have to figure out what to do with all the carrots! Any ideas??

Sick........and tired!

2009-08-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sick and tired of throw up, laundry, barf bowls, cleaning toilets, Sprite, cleaning carpets and no sleep!! This has been my world off and on for the last WEEK!!! I don't know what kind of bug this is---but I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Just had to vent!

Daddy's Big Adventure

2009-08-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned in the last post that Jamie had gone on a High Adventure trip with the Scouts. This is one of their activities:

The whole group-DRY!

Entering the water. I was supposed to point out the big rocks they had to carry the boats over!

Entering--"The Chute"

Jamie is the one front right

Going, going..........

GONE!!

Emerging triumphant

Victory!!

**Don't ask about the schmuck on the back of their boat taking a drink. That was their "guide". Jamie was beyond pissed then they got these pictures back. And he assures me that it wasn't as easy as the guy is making it look. And to his defense, I saw the pictures of the other boat from their group and their guide was working hard not just to keep them from smashing into the rocks!**

Exhusted

2009-08-01T12:03:00.001-07:00

This week has been filled with a lot of fun. Jamie took off Wednesday with the Scouts to go on their High Adventure Camp. They had white water rafting, hiking, swimming at Lake Tahoe, and a few other things on their list. So me and the kids have been holding down the fort. We swam at the lake one day, went to the movies, rented movies and had an indoor picnic, and stayed up later than we should have. I think it all caught up to Grant.

Yesterday may parents had invited us over for dinner. I struggled with Grant to get him to eat anything (which isn't all that unusual), but then he started to complain that his tummy hurt. And it's ALL gone DOWNHILL from there. He threw up at my parents house (thanks Grandma Redfearn, for helping clean up the floor, Grants clothes, etc, etc), and this is what he looked like on the way home (we only live 4 miles away):

Poor guy made it in the house before we had another "incident" but he held the bag the whole way home--just in case. Since then, about every half hour or so, he gets sick. He has been such a trooper though--hitting the bowl every time but ONCE!

Daddy should be home soon and can assume the bowl duty!

Family Talent Show

2009-07-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight my family decided to have a little impromptu concert.

First it was Grant...

Then it was Emma...........

And finally it was Jamie...........

And she with no musical talent (Mommy) was behind the camera. I decided that MY talent was blogging about THEIR talent!

The Strauss Festival

2009-07-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is where I have been spending my evenings and nights since last Wednesday. This a is local event held in the community every July. For the past 5 years I have volunteered. The last 3 have been as a dresser backstage. Its not the most glamorous job (the pin pricks in my fingers go to show), but it is fun. And last year I roped my mom into doing it with me. It is a crazy whirlwind for 5 days, but pretty fun too. Now I just need to hire a house cleaner to get my house back in order, and convince my kids to let me sleep for about----12 hours!! See you all next July.

Check out more about the Strauss Festival at:http://www.straussfestival.com/

Wiggles Concert

2009-07-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to an impromptu Wiggles Concert. Jamie called from work about 4pm to say that someone had won 4 tickets to a Wiggles Concert, and did we want them. Well, Emma was staying the night with a friend, so it was the perfect opportunity. When we asked Grant if he wanted to pick a friend to go some where special--he picked Sterling! And we were off....

Hand in hand in the parking lot:

Hand in hand up the walkway:

Red Ropes in hand-ready for the show to start:

Trying to get the "new" Wiggle, Sam's, attention:

Getting some Wiggle groove on (kind of hard to see, but worth it):

Ride Em' Cowboy/girl!

2009-07-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

If any of you have been around Grant for--um, 2 minutes, you can probably guess that he is obsessed with cowboys, horses, or anything that is western. So when he got to go on this little adventure yesterday with Grandma Redfearn, he was so excited!!

Grandma has a friend named Karen, who has horses at her house. Grant has known about this for awhile and kept reminding us that he hasn't got to go over to ride the horse. So everyone's schedules finally worked out and Grandma called to see if Grant could go to Karen's house with her. The first thing he asked was, "Do you think she'll show me her whap (whip) and her gun?!" We had to convince him that she probably didn't have those things--even though she had a horse. And then he ran to the fridge to get an apple, "Cause' Mom, horses like to eat apple you know!" (I guess Grants' eat apples too, because it was half gone by the time they got out the door)

Well, I think from the look on his face his dreams came true:

And for those of you who have been around Emma for---um, 2 minutes, you might know that she is deathly afraid of most animals--big or small. But she is getting better lately. So she went along too. She hadn't committed to going on the horse at all--and we all expected her to huddle close to Grandma. But she surprised us and took her turn on the horse--"But I only went one time around!" she was quick to say. But that's okay, it was a big step for her.

Thanks Grandma and Karen!!

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody do their share.....

2009-07-17T08:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday after all of our company left, we had toys EVERYWHERE!! I guess I never realized how much stuff we had accumulated when it was all tucked away. But once it was out in the open I decided it was time for a MAJOR clean out. Emma and Grant were amazing!! I expected them to put up much more of a fight in getting rid of "their" toys, but they did pretty good. We had to haggle over a few stuffed animals, make some compromises to keep some toys they just "found" while cleaning, and so forth.

Here is the give away/trash piles.

Here is the finished product.

RELIEF!!!! GOOD JOB GUYS!

HELP!!!

2009-07-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT I WOKE UP TO THIS MORNING:

ANTS IN THE MICROWAVE!!!

We have had a little ant problem for about 2 weeks now. They show up in the most random places (they love my dishwasher, and the shelves with my shoes on it in my closet), I clean them up, kill them, put out bait stuff, they go away, then they show up in another spot. YUCK!!! Any home remedies for getting rid of ants??? Throw them my way!

PS--Grant asked if we had ants in our house because they were trying to find food for the grasshoppers. (Bug's Life reference for all you non-moms) =-)

Dance Machine

2009-07-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

It is common practice in our house, when we clean, to put some music on for motivation, distraction, whatever you want to call it. That works for awhile, but then THIS usually ends up happening (at least with one member of our family.)

Thanks Grant for the comic relief!

Family Pictures

2009-07-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to get everyone together for some family pictures. We took them on the grounds surrounding the Sacramento LDS Temple. They have these great oak trees that look amazing! Thanks Sarah for being so patient with our little brood of kids! If you want to check out this amazing photographer you can find her at: www.sarahblairphotography.com

Here are a few of our favorites!