First night at Disneyland 2010

Our first family night of 2010 at Disneyland was a quick, but fun one.  (Don't tell the kiddos, but Dave and I snuck off for a date night at Dland earlier in the month)

The park close earlier, 8pm, and it was Dave's last day of work before his surgery so he wasn't able to sneak out until later.

We ate dinner in the car, and parked at Downtown Disney to enjoy quicker access in and out of the park, but only 3 hours of free parking.  So in right before 5pm..

The park was empty, and the lines were practically non-existant.  We enjoyed the Matterhorn twice, the Carousel and Casey Jr. for Natalie, Thunder Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and finished up with Buzz Lightyear, and back to the tram before last call at 8pm.

Out of the park by 8pm, and kiddos in bed by bedtime.  Whew, what fun!!

Dave's Surgery

My hubby has always had chronic uses with his nose since our early days of high school.  Lots and lots of nose bleeds, and more recently lots and lots of sinus infections. 

Thankfully someone at worked noticed and gave him the name of a great doctor.  My husband in his wisdom instantly made an appointment, and by the end of the week he was meeting with said doctor.  At the appointment said doctor asked "Can you actually breathe out of this nostril, because it doesn't seem possible!" He went from that appontment across the hall to get a cat scan, and less than two weeks later he was having surgery. 

I would take before and after pictures, but I can't fit my camera inside his nose, because that is where it's all different, and hopefully all fixed.

His surgery went great, and he is recovering well.

Thanks for all the well wishes!!

Divide and Conquer

Such was the theme of our day of Saturday fun. 

We wanted to do something for the kids that was different from the last few weeks, which involved letting them watch us (Mom and Dad) while we cleaned the garage. 

We thought of taking them to a movie, but the little ones really have a hard time sitting through movies.  To keep the little ones occupied usually means the older ones are bored, this of course excludes Disneyland and the beach. 

So with the weather uncertain we planned a day for all, and a little divide and conquer.  Dave took the two oldest boys to see Avatar (which we had both seen previously), while I was downstairs at Jump 'n Jammin, an indoor playplace with climbing and bouncing. 

Caleb and Natalie had a great time climbing though tubes and tunnels, sliding down slides and bouncing to their hearts content, while the older boys enjoyed the fantastical world of Avatar.

In a few years we may be able to tackle a family movie day together, but for now I'm perfectly happy knowing that everyone had a fun day in their own different ways, and kind of together.

Divide and Conquer, sometimes it's the only way to go!!

Sea World Fieldtrip

Today, my little buddy and I made our way down to San Diego for a fieldtrip at Sea World.  The crazy rains from the day before had ceased and although cloudy we were able to enjoy a fun day at the park.  We looked at penguins, enjoyed the sea lion and otter show, watched scary sharks, and looked at all sorts of fun sea life.

Caleb's favorite part was touching the sea stars, even though the water was freeeeezing!!

Just as we finished up at the last aquarium the rain started again, and we got soaked.  We enjoyed a brief reprieve with a nummy lunch indoors and then jumped through puddles and pouring rain to the warm car ride home.

I had a great day with my little buddy, he is so fun, and growing up so fast!!

Caleb's Preschool Class 2009-2010

A good laugh...

Mom Jeans

ONE of my many New Years resolutions..

At the start of this year, I made my list of New Years Resolutions, including being more organized, working on spiritual growth, and enjoying my children even more.

I also made a promise to myself to dress better, and to find my sense of style before I hit 35.  I have a year and a half to educate myself and build up my wardrobe.  I am finally after four children back to the size (or even under) where I was before I got married.  But losing weight doesn't mean a dang thing if you don't know how to dress yourself. 

My closet is bare, and it is so tempting to run out and buy a bunch of cheap shirts in multiple colors so that I have something to wear.  But I will not, I will resist.

Thanks to my lovely friend at Cardigan Empire, I have determined that I am a pear.  Yes, even at my lowest weight in ten (yikes, maybe more) I am still a pear. 




So it is important for be to accentuate my waist (now that I have one again) and minimize my bottom half.

I have made myself three promises:

1.  Do not buy anything unless I am totally in love with it.  This means even if it is on sale, and it is cute, but not so cute on me, I am not allowed to buy it.

2.  Only purchase figure flattering pieces that will bring out the best me.

3.  Think quality not quantity.

Now don't get me wrong I will still have my drawer of work out clothes, and my mommy uniform for hangin' out at home with the kiddos and catching sticky fingers and messes.  I will also have my beach attire that will not consist of stylishness and substance.

I am just trying to slowly build a wardrobe of cute stylish clothes that will last with me for the next 10 years, or even more. 

Now to sell some of those clothes that no longer fit, so I can buy some new stuff!!

To find out your own shape and how to dress it, get out your measuring tape and click here for more instructions!!  Then click on the icons on the right toolbar to see which one you are.

Amelia's Blessing

While in Utah, my newest sweet little niece, Amelia was blessed. 

Here is the link for all the pictures

Utah Trip 2009 - A Little late..

Every since Gordon & Marcia moved to Utah, we have made the trek every winter to see them.  This was our fifth year, and it's something my kids look forward to with much anticipation.  

As we pack up our belongings and make the ten hour drive we look forward to the relaxed pace of a small town, cousins for the kiddos to play with, great conversations with family, and playing in the snow.

I feel so blessed that my kids exposure to snow is in such a  rural area, so untouched by big city life.



We are grateful for sweet little cousins..





..and of course snow, so that we can sled..








Fore more Utah Winter Trip 2009 pictures

Thank you Utah family for your wonderful hospitality, you are welcome anytime to visit us in the sun and sand.  We miss you already!!

To Do List: Garage

Our first official Saturday in January being home we got straight to work, and attacked our very first item on our to do list, the GARAGE!!


We pulled boxes and bins out, so much that our entire wood floors were covered with stuff.  We made great use of our new outdoor storage area, and it is now filled to the brim. 


We have eight garbage bags filled with donations, our entire recycle trash bin is filled with over 40 cardboard boxes broken down, we have set up pick-ups for three large items, and tons of e-waste, and of course our large trash bins (we have an extra one) are filled to the brim and it's only Monday!!  YIKES!!


The good news is that we went through and got rid of a bunch of stuff, Dave was able to clear a place and set-up his new Bowflex (thanks Micros*ft).  I have many many bins of clothes (that I can now get to) to go through sort, sell or donate.  My holiday bins are all organized and looking so pretty.  We have a growing list of items to put on craigslist or sell, and yes, the motorcycle is on that list.


I feel so good starting the year with a good purge. 


Out with the old and in with the new.


Here's to a great start for this new year 2010!!

Beach Camping 2010!!

Mark your calendars:

Beach Camping 2010

July 18-23