MOMMA'S SOAPBOX

Racoons eating my cat food

2011-10-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

We get these nightly visitors..... Lately we get the whole "Raccoon Family"..... Bye Bye cat food!

Sorry it's a bad photo..... It's my iphone in the dark......

Look at those eyes......So cute yet so "Don't mess with me" all at the same time.....

There is momma Raccoon......and Hunks weedeater....

Another awful -quality- photo but I was zooming in with the iphone in the dark....

He got a little freaked out with all my photo taking and ran up in a tree.... Hunk shined the flashlight on him so I could get a photo...


He came back and ate for awhile.....when the bowl was empty he decided to go meet up with the rest of his "gang"

EVERYTHING IS AMAZING AND NOBODY IS HAPPY

2011-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

My son called me Friday from college. When he was home he and my daughters would spend hours (calling us in constantly) watching funny you tube video's. Well, Friday he said there was a you tube video I just had to watch...and he wanted me to put it on and watch it while I talked to him....

I laughed so hard... I honestly didn't know what to expect, figured it was something silly but this flat cracked me up... I had to share it with Hunk when he got home...and the girls gathered round to watch it again (they watched it when I watched it the first time)... Hunk was cracking up...

I think if you are "of a certain" age, it will make you laugh even more.... He's talking about all this technology we have and yet nobody is happy....it's hysterical.... And it took me back to a time, not so far ago, where things were a lot different.... It's so easy to forget how quickly technology has changed.. The cell phone (since we install and work on communications tower) is something I am aware of on a daily basis but there is so much we take for granted...

Hunk and I got such a laugh I just had to share with you all... (I'm like the kids... "Come in here YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!!")

By the way.... When my son called on Friday he had me go on my computer and he called me on FaceTime on my computer from his...Talk about technology! Was awesome to see his cute little face! His hair is so short and he looks like he's aged a year in the last month!

Hope you enjoyed the video.... Is that so true or what??

~Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

LW MILLER-SOUTHERN MODIFIED DIVISION-MOST POPULAR DRIVER

2011-09-23T08:59:00.000-07:00


LW Miller and wife Kelley Earnhardt

Not sure how many of you are into racing. Those of you who follow my blog know that we are. Well, I have a favor! A BIG FAVOR. A favor that would mean a lot to me.... An I'm on my knees beggin' ya type of favor.... Ok, maybe not THAT big, BUT it really would mean a lot.

A friend of mines Hubby races in Southern Modified Division and they are voting for most popular driver right now through November 20th. Would be so awesome if he won!

It only takes 3 clicks! Click on this link Click on the name LW Miller and then click Submit. Done! No signing up for an account or receiving emails or coupons or any other stuff ~~we just can't wait to delete.~~

You can click HERE to see more information about LW.

The Noteworthy information they have is:

Married Kelley Earnhardt following the 2010 season ... Dad was a Modified team owner for years in the northern part of the country and fielded cars for such drivers as Brett Bodine, Satch Worley and Jimmy Spencer … Got his own racing career started on dirt tracks in the Pennsylvania area … Has made 13 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts and six appearances in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series … Started competing in Modified cars in 1998 … Has one win (Martinsville) and 10 top 10s in 75 career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts.

My noteworthy information is:


LW and Kelley- Aren't they the cutest couple you have ever seen? (Thanks for letting me use the photos Kelley!)

He is a stand up guy. He is an amazing hubby to my friend. He treats her like a princess (as he should! LOL) and he treats her daughters as if they were his own. He is the husband we all hope our daughters will grow up and marry someday. Because of all these things along with his talent on the racetrack it would just be AWESOME to see him win!

Like me doing back flips type of AWESOME. Ok, so I can't actually do a back flip but I can do a huge jump.

If he wins I will so be doing this again....

You can vote once a day until November 20th, when the voting ends.

Click HERE to vote now!

Thanks soooooo much!!! You guys rock!

~Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

My Facebook Page Blew up from this Post

2011-09-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

This totally throws me under the bus BUT.....

My nephew reads stories at school (1st grade) and he has to explain how he relates to the story. Our trip to Maui last summer I got knocked down by a wave (some of you may remember the video....I'll share again).... So when my sweet little, adorable, love him so much I can't stand it, nephew was asked and recorded by my sister last night, how this story related to him, this is what he said.... (and she sent to it me)..... Keep in mind a story last year reminded him of this too and he told the story to his class last year. My sister was working in the class when it was time to share the story..... She by the way was laughing to hard she was crying....

So here is last night's video... (Please remember to scroll down on the right hand side of the page and pause the music to hear the video)

Now what is he talking about? Well, my sister got that on video too. In fact I posted about it after it had happened. For those of you who don't remember OR who just feel like a good laugh (at my expense) today click here to watch. I have to also say on my sisters behalf that she hates that she said OMG in the video she would want me to tell you that.

What I would like to point out is the my little sister ~~BLESS HER HEART~~ was laughing in both videos that she taped... She just felt so sorry for me...

Have a great day!

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

California Lake Day

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

I think everyone needs a lake day from time to time.

Hunk and the girls are always "game" for taking the boat out. I'm usually feeling "too tired" or "not in the mood"... But one thing is always true......every time I step up and go with them I have a great time. It's so fun and really refreshing on a hot California summer day....

When you have had a long day it really helps to sip a nice glass of cold wine on the boat while you watch your Rugrats ~~cry because dad pushed them in~~ kneeboard, wakeboard or just swim around.

Ahhhhh..... Relaxation time has begun..... Thank you Jesus for blessing me with ~~wine~~ living on this lake....

Kneeboarding anyone? I don't allow photos of my ~~fat butt~~ bikini body out there kneeboarding.... This is just not (usually) that kind of blog....~~The kind where I humiliate myself~~

And my Hunk is going back in the water....

I may or may not be sitting at the back of the boat enjoying my glass of wine.....

My little rugrat kneeboarding...... I think she could do it all night...

Still going at it..... Little Sister sits watching for the thumbs up (go faster Dad) or the thumbs down (go slower Dad) OR her favorite....the CRASH...

Since we are on a private lake it's so much more relaxing for this spazin mom because we are the only boat on the lake.... Unless the neighbor comes out, but we take turns, so we each always have the lake to ourselves...

After all that ~~wine~~ swimming, it's time to head to the barn for a yummy Hunk bbq'd ribeye steak and Grilled Peppers and watermelon...

Diaper Cake for Baby Shower. So Cute!

2011-09-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was having a baby and a few of us got together and made diaper cakes for her. This is a photo of the one I made. It was sooo fun! I'd never done this before.

I tried to put practical stuff that she would use, but still make it look as per-ty as I could...

When my friend called and asked me to come over and make diaper cakes for our other friend I was like sure! Then she said "Costco has cases of diapers and then just get whatever theme you want...My sure went to "huh? REAL diapers? What?" I thought she meant we were going to make cakes in the shape of diapers. Then I searched online for ideas and found out this is apparently a very common thing to make for baby showers... (I started to think how fun it would be to decorate one for bridal showers too and then I realized they probably don't need the "diapers"...well, maybe)

I need to get out more...

Anyone else never heard of diaper cakes? Comfort me now people... LIE if you must... Just kidding, you don't have to lie to make me feel better...

Unless you want to...

Then you can....

Do you get out much?

~Ciao Bellas~

Conversation between Momma and College Son (lecture or support...balancing act)

2011-09-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Rugrat: Hi Mom

Momma: Hi Sweetie! How was your day?

Rugrat: It was good!

Momma: I miss you! I haven't heard from you for about 3 days now and I'm going into withdrawals. I tried to NOT call so I don't bug you but it's hard! But I'm really glad you are having fun... (telling myself not to GUILT him)

Rugrat: Ya, I've just been busy. I guess I'm getting used to my independence...

Momma: Meaning?

Rugrat: Meaning...I haven't really missed my mommy and daddy yet.... I'm getting used to doing everything for myself and being on my own, still. It's fun.

Momma: That's good.... (and here it comes I can't keep my trap shut) BUT....I'm not used to it yet. I birthed you and raised you for 18 years, doing stuff for you every day and then one day you are gone and not only do I not see you each day anymore I don't talk to you for 3 days and then it's because I call you. (Now I'm thinking CRAP, PULL IT TOGETHER and be happy he is having so much fun and doing so well)...

Rugrat: Well, normally I'd say something right now like "I can understand how you feel" but since I don't have kids I can't really say that. But I understand what you are saying....

Momma: (Wow he handled that great, so mature....ughhhhh) Thank you son. Don't get me wrong I'm sooooo happy for you and I'm really glad you are homesick and all that. This is the time in your life that you are there to get an education but it's also time to make special memories and meet some lifelong friends.. I really am soooo happy for you.. (now it's time to get off of the phone cuz I'm a dang sap and I'm going to cry!)

Rugrat: Thanks Mom. I am here to get a good education and that's my number one priority and I'm doing my best not to procrastinate and put things off because I know I used to do that sometimes in high school. But, I'm doing really good. You don't have to worry about me. I'm getting my work done and I'm having a lot of fun.. I do stay up a lot later now though.. My sleep schedule has changed. My roommates like to stay up. Sometimes until 3 am.

Momma: (thinking to myself SHUT UP DON'T SAY IT)... Oh, wow.. that is a change... What are you doing until 3am?

Rugrat: We hang out in front of the dorm, play ping pong, Volleyball or Basketball and then we usually come back to the room and kill zombies.

Momma: Kill Zombies??

Rugrat: It's a video game. (He laughs like it's so obvious) Everyone comes to our room and hangs out. It's a lot of fun. And my classes aren't until later in the day so I can sleep in.

Momma: (If I were his age how fun would that be?).. That's awesome son... Just remember to keep up on your homework... I'd hate for you to have to come home because you started playing too much. I have faith in you that you won't do that... I just want to make sure you understand that's what will happen if you do....Not saying you will do that, Like I said I trust you are doing the right thing AND having fun...it's a balancing act.. (SHUT UP STEPHANIE! Totally rambling..fighting myself to lecture and to support..back and forth...ughhh)

Rugrat: Ya, I understand that Mom.. I'm doing it...chuckle...don't worry.

Momma: (I"m thinking...How did I raise such a mature boy at only 18? I was never this mature then! I would have been like "I KNOW MOM...gosh, get off my back....") Awesome... Okie Doke, I'll let you get back to your friends and homework... I love you and can't wait to see you.

Rugrat: I love you too mom. Talk to you later. Bye.

Momma: Bye... (hang up the phone and feel sad and proud all at the same time....then I think.. CRAP I NEED TO START DINNER!)

My Popo's 91st Birthday

2011-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't he the sweetest thing you have ever seen? My little Popo... NINTY ONE YEARS OLD... He has experienced so much in his life time. And what is his favorite thing to talk about when he sees me? How I used to push people away from him and say "This is MY Popo...NOT YOURS" when I was little... Or how he saved me something in his lunch box each day and stopped by to give it to me....usually raisins... I love my Popo.....and Yes, he is my Popo NOT YOURS.....but I still thought you would enjoy seeing pictures of our fun day celebrating his birthday!

I love you PoPo. So many fun memories... Loved when he would would be at his house and he would point something out and said "Well, now, it's way over yonder".....

MY MOMMA with her Daddy...

My cousin Kimbo with her Popo.... (Yes, he is hers too, I learned to share)....

My Aunt Bev (Kimbo's Mamma) and her Daddy... Popo's eyes are closed but in his defense I was having a line up of people to take photos... and he LOVED every minute of it.

My Aunt Connie and her Daddy... Eyes closed again (sorry Popo)...

My Cousin Kelli and her Papa....(If she calls him Papa and I call him Popo does that still mean I can tell her "He's MY Popo, not yours?".... Kidding.... I really can share... ) Oh and my cousin Kelli is Prego...so excited to add another baby to the family!

That's ME and MY POPO------- NOT YOURS... (smile)

My Rugrat moves to college

2011-09-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

We are at the hotel and getting ready to take him to move into his dorm... He humors me with a photo....Yes, son, you really do have to stand there and let me take this photo... I'll be gone in 2 days, suck it up..

Hunk and my rugrat! They are tired of my photo taking already. Hunk kept saying "this is a photo of the last time we stood together at the door of the hotel before you moved to Biola"... Punks...lol

My Rugrats dorm! Sniff....Sniff......Hooray!

I thought these balloons were so cool..... It doesn't take much to excite me. LOL

Hunk walking towards the middle of campus..... Snap....Snap... Where is my rugrat you ask? Oh, he is in his dorm ~~ditching me~~ getting unpacked and bonding with his roommates...

This is "The Caf".... I must admit they have awesome food! It is run by Bon Appetit... Sooo good. "The Caf" alone is reason enough for me to visit. =)

And they are still making fun of me, with the sad face.... YES I'M STRUGGLING HERE LET ME HAVE MY MOMENT.... Boys don't get us girls do they?

Ok, now a smile.... Thank you very much!

I ask them to pretend like they like each other and this is what they give me.... I'll take it though..

And then they give me this.... You know they wanted to do it anyway but had to be manly about it and act like it's because I insisted on a photo with affection....

My turn.....I don't want to say goodbye...

Give your Momma a kiss rugrat!!!

Fine then.... I'll just TAKE ONE....

He's been at Biola University for about a month now and he is absolutely having the time of his life. He has made some great friends and is enjoying his independence. He really likes all of his professors and says that they make class very interesting. They are so passionate about what they are teaching that it makes you want to learn it too. He's already had a few papers to write and lots of reading but he's enjoying it all.

He's gone off campus with friends a few times to Orange County's Labor Day weekend Festival in Irvine and to friends homes, who live nearby.

Though I'm having a hard time adjusting to him not being here in our home everyday it does make it easier knowing that he is loving it so much.

OH AND he had two dates in one night! Sound like a player at this Christian University? It's not as it sounds.... I was proud of him.... A girl came up to him as he was walking to "The Caf" for dinner and she mentioned that she thought she was probably going to have to eat alone... (He says to me as he is telling the story.."I wasn't sure if that was a hint or not".... YOU THINK SON!) So he asked if she wanted to eat with him and she said yes.... As he leaves "The Caf" and heads for his dorm another girl (who he knew) stopped him and asked if he would eat dinner with her because she didn't want to eat alone....

Momma: Did you go with her to?
Rugrat: Yeah, ....laughs
Momma: Are you serious!? You ATE AGAIN?
Rugrat: NO, I didn't EAT again, I just went back in and sat with her while she ate..
Momma: Did you have to pay again to go back in "The Caf"?
Rugrat: No, they do the honor system and hold your id and trust that you won't eat when you say you aren't going to eat and then gave me my id back when I left.
Momma: Wow, TRUST ....HONOR SYSTEM... I knew I loved that school.

So, my rugrat is having the time of my life..... Making new friends.... playing Volleyball, Ping Pong and Basketball.... (which he NEVER PLAYS....he is a wrestler and that's always been the extent of it).... I'm so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone and joining in with his new friends. I asked if he was enjoying Volleyball and he said "Ya, it's fun....I suck at it.... Let's just say when the ball comes to me, the game starts over......but it's a lot of fun, and everyone just laughs"

When I hear stories like these of all the fun he is having, it's hard to wish he was home. Instead I miss him but I'm so grateful that he is having the time of his life and making memories that will last a life time and getting an great education at the same time.

Am I the only one with all these emotions when it's time to cut the apron strings?

~Ciao Bellas~

P.S. I held it together when I said goodbye. He kept looking me hard in the eyes trying to catch a glimpse of tears. I held them back... I said goodbye and I loved him and I walked to get in the car leaving Hunk there to say his goodbyes. As soon as I sat in the seat and the door closed I burst into an unctrollable sob... Honestly it made the "ugly cry" a beautiful sound.. It was from the gut. A cry that had so much held in emotion... The cry that says "I'm letting go". I've raised him to grow up and be a man of integrity and honor and to make it on his own. ..... Now is that time and I have to let go and trust the parenting we did and trust that God will watch over him and trust him... It was a cry of happiness for him and a cry of a baby being pulled out of his mothers arms....only I had to "let go"...

It's been a mixed emotions "momma" year for me.... My oldest Rugrat getting married and my 2nd oldest rugrat flying the coop for college... I have an awesome relationship with my boys and no matter where they are they know they can call their Momma and I will be there for them.....and what is even more awesome than that.....Is that I know that no matter where I am....I can call them and they will be there for ME...

I've raised men of integrity.... I couldn't be more proud of either of them. Though they have been tearful times in my life I'm so blessed to be here and see them happen. When I was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago, I never thought I'd be here to see either of these days.

BLESSED....that is what I am....I love you "Gooser" and "Baby Brother".....

Bambi in my front yard

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

When I ~~crawl~~ jump out of bed in the morning and head for my coffee pot it always puts a smile on my face when I look out my slider and see this b-e-a-utiful scenery.

Aren't they adorable??

Momma and baby...

I just can't stop taking pictures of them...

How precious is that???? I had to step out onto the porch to get a closer look..

Do you see him peaking at me around the rock? He's like "Oh crud! Someone is on that patio!"

He went back behind the rock and then peeked around the other side of the rock at me...

Yes, sweetie, I'm still watching you....

He realized I'm harmless....

Feel so blessed to live in the mountains where I get to see all God's creatures roaming around....~~Except when it's a bear in my backyard or a mountain lion at my tank house then I freak a little~~

~Ciao Bellas~

Vail, Colorado

2011-06-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Some more photos of our trip to Vail, Co.

When we left my sisters house it was raining...I'm like......June? Really? The weather has been so crazy this year! It's almost July and it was raining in California today. Hope it's good weather tomorrow. We fly back home tomorrow afternoon.

Oh ya, I was talking about Vail....... It is soooooooooo worth the trip!! Do not however get a haircut there without double checking the price!! Holy Cow!

So beautiful.... I was driving (of course cuz I'm a SPAZ BACKSEAT DRIVER and my sister doesn't like to drive in the mountains!!) but my sister was snapping photos!

The closer we got to Vail it started to look a lot more like Christmas (in June)

The kids have been holding their breath through tunnels since we have been here but this one was loooooonnnngg....... no way they could do it.... But they tried. ha ha

We came out the other side of the tunnel to it SNOWING!! It was crazy. So much fun!!

Beautiful views all the way in and WE MADE IT!!

We stayed at the Lodge at Vail and it's location was PERFECT!!! We just walked out the back door right into the village. Lot's of shops and restaurants. ~~YES,it's so all about the food~~.

Our kitchen....

And another shot showing part of the living room and the kitchen. We had a real wood burning fireplace but we never used it. We had one bedroom with two twin beds and a bathroom downstairs and upstairs were two bedrooms. One with two queen size beds and a bathroom and one with a king size bed and a bathroom. Was perfect for going with kids or a group of adults. They also have two pools and a great restaurant. I've never in my life had eggs so fluffy that they actually melt in your mouth! We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the great weather.

This was our view from our balcony. It looked down on the village. It had a few chairs out there to kick back and ~~people watch~~ relax in.

My nephew and my son and youngest rugrat.

We had a great time! It was different going in the summer and with the rugrats this time and also during the fall the color is very beautiful here. You can go here and see my last trip there. We had a blast!! BUT Vail is fun and beautiful anytime of the year and with or without children. I'm thinking maybe Christmas??

Hunk told me I'm already planning my next vacation while I'm still on a vacation....but I LOVE to travel!!!! I'm all over the place in my head.....always searching for great places to go.

Where should we go next??? Where is your favorite vacation spot?

~Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

SENIOR YEAR IS MAKING ME HAVE "SENIOR MOMENTS"

2011-06-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

Who woulda thunk it? Yesterday he was starting Kindergarten and today graduated high school.

Thanks Hunk! I love you too. I had no idea he was doing this.......

~~what a shock that he would do such a thing!~~

This is tradition. I took a roll of toilet paper with me to my oldest sons graduation. I now have to make sure I embarrass them all equally.

I love how the score board has the graduating year on it.

My sweet ~~baby~~ boy accepting his diploma!

My nephew takes issue with load noises...

Someone behind us popped these confetti things it was so awesome!!

Class of 2011...... I'm so proud of you.

Big brother was very happy for his little brother... Love these two ~~babies~~ so much!

Three of my four Rugrats! Miss Sassy Pants Sister was off visiting with all of her friends that were there. Teenagers! LOL

My beautiful baby girl. She was so excited to pretend "she" was graduating with her big brother!

Here area couple of senior portraits my sister took on our property. It was the day after my son stayed up all night at the "Sober Graduation" party so he was very tired but we ~~threatened him with his life~~ talked him into taking a few photos for me.

My baby boy....hard to believe he is ~~abandoning me like he doesn't need me anymore~~ leaving for college soon!

Speaking of college:

This summer we spent two days at Biola University. WOW.... Loved it. But more importantly our son LOVED it. He was so excited and worried at the same time. Excited that he felt he has a good chance of being accepted there and worried that he wouldn't be.

There were several activities going on while we were there. Meetings and dinners and lunch for the parents and meetings and classes and dinners and lunches for the kids. Our son got to stay the night in a dorm with a current Biola student and had a great experience.

We were able to attend Chapel service and be surrounded my thousands of students singing out praises to the Lord. What a humbling moment. It brought tears to my eyes. We knew that if this is where our son is meant to attend college then it would happen..... I know "he" feels it is the University he belongs at. In fact I think he would have been thrilled to have moved right in and started school on our visit.

What does this mean for us? Another son moving out of the house.....

Biola is about 4 to 4.5 hours away from us so it is close enough to be able to visit and I already found a nice little hotel about 2 miles away that has a mini kitchen living room and bedroom set up.... Hunk already told our son "This will be your mom's new home away from home, when you attend Biola"..... I'm certain he is correct!

Being so busy with helping him with college forms and applications and tours and testing schedules was starting to make my head spin. Not only because of all that needs to be done but because of the emotional side of it.

Letting go isn't the easiest thing for a Momma to do. On one hand I am so proud of him and can't wait to see what he does in this big ol' world. I know he will do great things. He has so much ambition and drive...... BUT on the other hand I still see him as my little boy running around the backyard with snot running down both nostrils and some sort of food in each fist. I guess that will always be the case.

It also made me realize that I will only have two rugrats left at home AND both of those rugrats will be in junior high. I know in the blink of an eye we will be preparing to send them off for college and then it will just be Hunk and I left at home........and probably some grandrats running around by then! =)

Hold your babies close, let those little moments, like snot and double fisted eating, get burned into your memories...........before you know it they will graduate and head off to college or off to work and a wife... It truly feels like it all happened in a blink of an eye.

Hunk..........~~You~~ We are gettin' old buddy...Our Rugrats are growing up.

Maybe it's time to have some more Rugrats. Maybe that would ease the pain I have in my heart. Fill it with the ~~sleepless nights, thousands of diaper changes~~ love that comes with having a new baby in the house.

NOT.

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

OUR VISIT TO COLORADO- VAIL AND MOUNT EVANS

2011-06-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

The day after my sons wedding my girls flew back with my sister, her hubby and son to Colorado. They went up to Mount Evans. My oldest daughter (thinking it's summer time and being a California girl) only brought shorts... And did I mention she has no fat on her tiny body...........If she wasn't 13 and my daughter I may not like her for that....~~NOT~~ JUST KIDDING.....

Because of her lack of body fat and lack of proper clothing AND elevation level her lips were BLUE.

My sister, my girls, my nephew and my brother in-law.

Isn't it beautiful!!??!

I LOVE waterfalls!

Fast forward to the next day and back down to Denver elevation and the weather was a bit nicer so my brother in-law and sister set up the slip-n-slide for the kids.

Then they played ball with their cousin and uncle.

Then I arrived ~~party over kids~~ and the party began. HA HA.. Hunk was with me and we hug around for a few days and he had to get ~~his butt~~ back to work. So we took him to the airport and ~~peeled out of there as quickly as possible~~ we drove home talking about how I would miss him and picked up the kids and headed up the hill to Vail.

Here we are in Vail..... LOVE GOING HERE... was a little different than our trip with just the two of us last time but we had a great time.

Great thing about having a sister who is a professional photographer is that you get great photos, bad thing is she is usually not in them (unless she sets the timer)..

After all the stress that has been going on with graduation, college applications, wedding planning, becoming a mother in law and soon to only have two rugrats left at home this ~~wasn't Maui for a month~~ is a great vacation.

Still determined to find and keep my Aloha......even if it is in Colorado!

Graduation photos are almost done being edited (my sister has been slammed with her own photography business work and/or vacationing with me so she is being SLOW)..

Yes, Tami, I called you slow......Do you still love me? ;-)

So what are your summer 2011 plans?? My next one is camping. I can't wait ~~to be filthy and bathe and wash dishes in lake water~~!!

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

MY SON TIED THE KNOT!

2011-06-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Momma and her little "gooser"

The Happy Couple!

My Hunk with our biggest Rugrat on his big day!

My daughter in-law with her Daddy walking her down the aisle.

"You may kiss the bride"

Love them!

My beautiful new daughter.

This is the best group of boys. Love them all.

Hunk and I......our baby is getting married.

My two rugrat boys.

Such a beautiful ranch wedding.

My little nephew.

My little rugrat daughters with their cousins.

"Kissin' Cousins"

Miss Sassy Pants. My oldest rugrat daughter.

This is one of my favorites of my girls!

My "baby"

Hunk and I with our boys!

I love you so much son!

I have more photos to come. These are photos my sister took for us. Though she was not the actual photographer for the wedding she OF COURSE couldn't help but take some photos.

Hope you enjoyed a peek into one of the happiest days of our sons life.

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

SUMMER IN CALIFORNIA?? NOT SO MUCH

2011-06-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

The weather has been sooooo crazy. Our good friends had their "Hoe Down" a couple weeks ago. We were afraid we would be rained out but it was perfect. It was a lot of fun. The guys did did some skeet shooting.

And so did my Rugrat daughter!

I had to laugh because earlier that day I had posted the below photo of her on Facebook

And I said "My daughter baked a cake.. WHERE DOES SHE GET ACTING LIKE A GOOFBALL FROM"????

Then at our friends "Hoe Down" we all started dancing and I (shocker) started doing air guitar and jumping up in the air with one leg out to the front and one leg to the back... Then laughing so hard (and crossing my legs as to not pee my pants, Yes, I'm serious)

So my friend grabs my phone and takes this photo of me (and yes we posted it on Facebook)

Which shows exactly where my daughter gets it from. Ha Ha

Fast forward and the weather hasn't improved yet!!..

This last Saturday was my son's bachelor party here at our home. My hubby was throwing it for our son and he was so excited. I went to Costco and stocked up on all the good food and drink for them. Hunk took all the guys to the shooting range where they spent a few hours target shooting on a course at the gun club. Then he had hired a Seaplane to come in out of San Francisco and land here on our little lake. They guests would get rides in the seaplane and then it would head back to San Francisco. He was so excited....And then what happened? STORM. It rained all day. The seaplane couldn't get out of San Francisco because of the storm. They did still go to the gun club and shoot in the rain... such men. They then came back and Hunk set up his tractor and hung a rope for them to do some rope climbing something or other..... (girl description... sorry)... They played horseshoes and then I'm told there was a beer pong game.....

Me? The girls and I hit the road with my friend! She came in from out of town and we headed up the hill to Tenaya Lodge. It also rained there all day but the girls swam in the indoor pool and my friend Sharon and I sat in the jacuzzi while we watched them.

We had the pool to ourselves. Most of the guests were at Yosemite (National Park) during the day so it was quiet until the evening.

That's when we had this. Doesn't this Bloody Mary look more like a Salad Bar? It was so yummy!

If you guys ever make it out to California and want to go to see Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge is a great place to stay! (with or without kids.. They also have a beautiful spa!)

My week is crazy this week (as usual)! Wednesday my son graduates high school, Friday is rehearsal dinner for my other son's wedding and Saturday is the wedding. Sunday the girls fly back to Colorado with my sister.

I have a few Prom Photos to post and I will soon have graduation and wedding photos to share but I wanted to give you all an update on my crazy BUT BLESSED life.

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

P.S. Please pray for no rain or snow on the wedding day! Never thought I'd be hoping for that IN JUNE.... We were previously worried it would be too hot. I'm thinking it will be beautiful weather for a beautiful day! (Glass is half full, right?)

FROM AVILA BEACH TO MAUI TO MOTHER'S DAY- ONE BUSY MOMMA

2011-05-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

I'm apologizing in advance for the poor quality of my photos! They are all taken with my phone but I wanted to share what I have been up to lately!

First stop..........

My friend Sharon and I went to Avila Beach and then to San Luis Obispo for her birthday. We got there the day after the evacuation from the Tsunami. This was a view from out hotel balcony. We had such a blast! As we always do when we get together! (Which is not near enough!)

Then I was leaving on a jet plane.. (don't know when I'll be back again... oh babe I hate toooo go...... SORRY forgot all about that song!)

Here is my friend Natalie and I on the plane on our way to Maui! Yay! One of my favorite places ever!

And then we ate at one of my favorite places ever "HULA GRILL"

Love Love Love Love Love Hula Grill...

This is the view in front of Hula Grill. Ahhhh I'm so ready to go back already...

This is the view from the Lanai of my friend Natalie's condo.

Another one of my favorite places in Maui!

Yummy dinner at "Momma's Fish House"

Soooo good......and the view.....

This is in front of Mommas Fish House. sighhhh

Then it was back to reality.....

Home sweet home and a glass of Reisling (that looks like water)

Not as good as our Maui ocean view but I knew I needed to not take it for granted and so I needed new patio furniture!

So I went and got this for under our gazebo area.

And I got this for another area...

And besides drinking wine and eating cheese I like to sit out there and read....

I also love to do things with my Rugrats so we went to Color Me Mine and they each painted something.

My oldest rugrat daughter painted a fish...

My youngest Rugrat daughter painted a dolphin...

And my youngest son (almost 18) painted a bear for his girlfriend but I would be dead meat if I showed a photo of him painting a cute little bear... wrestling photos are fine, painting bears, not so much.

Go figure!

Then we went out as a family to the movies..

My (soon to be) daughter in law, my oldest rugrat son, my youngest rugrat son, my youngest rugrat daughter and my oldes rugrat daughter and Hunk.

Then my youngest rugrat had a friend over to get ready for the school dance with and have her stay the night after.

My rugrat is on the right in the black and white dress.

The next morning they got up bright and early and decided to go swim in our lake. It was too cold in my opinion but then again..... moms don't know much, so off they went... and I followed with my camera.. I think it was about 9am.

They jumped in on the count of three and yes they do have life jackets on.......... I'm a crazy spaz momma like that.

And their back strokes. They were having a blast.

(sorry neighbor for the noise)

Our life guard.... Think she was "fishing"

And they are back home already. Done swimming and off to take a shower.and oh by the way... back out swimming about an hour later. Crazy little girls!

Fast forward and it's Mother's Day!

English muffin, eggs, pineapple and a bananna. Brought to me in bed. So sweet of them... And Hunk went and did nursery for me at church so I could sleep in a bit longer... which I didn't do but it was nice to relax...

Can't forget the coffee and hand picked flowers they brought to me!

So that is what I've been up to.. Well, a SMALL part of what I've been up to. Friday I'm taking my rugrat daughter and her friends to a dance up the hill. Then Saturday morning I'll be up bright and early to head down to a cancer walk with my cousins for Relay for Life. And it's a 24 hour walk so we will be there with our tent to catch some sleep. I guess someone from your team has to be on the track at all times so we can sleep in between our turns thru the night, is the way I'm understanding it. My cousins are having my photo up and my name in lights on a bag with lighting (I think) and it is so sweet of them. I will get home on Sunday morning and I have a brunch at church honoring the nursery workers that I will TRY to make and I say TRY because I have a shower at 3:30 for my oldest rugrat at our home after that for his wedding.

I think I will be tired but it's all great reasons to stay awake so long!

Hope you all are doing great! Before I got I must admit I snuck out today and went to town and got a massage and a facial.. Was much needed and I really enjoyed it! I'll be heading back down for my girls to get shots today, also needed but I do not think they will be enjoyed...... Poor babies... They want it in a liquid form... it is I told them but they were hoping to drink it not inject it.

Probably don't want photos of that! ;)

Have a great Thursday! Oh we so need to catch up on American Idol, Real Houswives, my dress for the wedding (thank you Kristin for going shopping with me!!)! So much to talk about... I think this is long enough for now!

Ciao Bellas~

Much Love,

Momma

FEELING BLESSED

2011-04-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share this beautiful photo my neighbors friend took. It's the lake we live on at Sunset. Made me realize how many nights I don't sit and enjoy this view!

Summer is quickly approaching and though it looks like it is about to rain outside right now it will be warm soon.

I bought new patio furniture from Costco and am so excited to start using it. I made sure to stop and pick up some wine for me and some Hawaiian beer for Hunk. I can pretend I'm sitting out on the lanai in Maui! LOL

Still looking for ways to keep my Aloha!

Things have been busy as ever here. This Wednesday we had an end of the year banquet here at our home for our sons wrestling team. It was great fun! There were between 50 and 60 people here. His coach did a slide show of photos of the boys wrestling throughout the year. We had that playing on a projector as he gave out the awards. My son received the "Varsity Captain Leadership" award. He also got a patch for having over a 3.8 gpa and being an athlete. I was so proud of him. Good grades and acknowledged for his leadership skills! Don't mean to "brag" I'm just sooooooo proud of him!

I think I need to take photos of my patio furniture and share with ya!

Hope you all have a HAPPY EASTER.

Much love.......

Ciao Bellas~
Momma

WHAT KIND OF FRIEND ARE YOU?

2011-03-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

I saw an Oprah show awhile back and it got me thinking. She was talking about how she found out she had a sister and how long this sister knew that she was OPRAH'S SISTER and never told the press. Oprah was talking about how this meant a lot to her. How she had been burned by friends and family members in the past. All I could think is HOW SAD IS THAT!

I can't imagine rat-finking out my friends or family. Famous or not famous, how do you do that? When I have a friend I have their back (so to speak).... I don't take my friendships lightly. I may be so busy that I don't get to spend near the amount of time with my friends that I like to but I most definitely value my friendship with them.

True friends don't rat-fink. I have a couple friends who are in the public eye and I could never dream in a million years of putting anything personal out there about them. EVER.. EVER.. EVER.. No matter what.. NEVER. Anytime I even mention their name or anyone in their families name I ASK FIRST to make sure it is something I can share. AND are you ok with how I worded things? It isn't because I want to slant something one way or another, I say what "I" feel or I don't post it BUT just because I'm excited about something doesn't mean they want it shared on my soapbox!

This goes for family and friends who aren't concerned about the media being alerted every time they bend over and have cellulite. It's just common courtesy.

When I saw Oprah talking about this it just made me so sad. Not just for her but for everyone who has had this issue. Some say "that is the price of fame".... Well, maybe the media hounds is the price of fame.....BUT your own family and friends sailing you down the river for a gossip column. Really?

Makes you think....... As a person NOT in the lime-lite I am careful about who I am friends with. For multiple reasons. I think we all are. Everyone wants someone they can trust to share personal things with. Everyone wants someone who is fun loving and brings us up instead of down.

I've met people that I've thought, wow you may be good at what you do and/or popular but I would never want to "hang out" with you or be your friend. On the flip side, I've met people who I INSTANTLY clicked with. I knew within a few minutes that this person has a beautiful spirit.

Can you imagine being in a situation where you have to wonder is this person really my friend? Do they just want something from me? Are they going to find out something personal and sail me down the river?

Breaks my heart!

I was doing 100 things about me on twitter and friendship was one thing I commented about myself....... it brought to mind the Oprah show and here I am spilling what is on my mind to you!

What do you think? What kind of friend are you? Have you had this happen to you before?

Inquiring minds want to know..... No not THE INQUIRER....just Momma on her soapbox. =)

Happy Friday night!

Ciao Bellas~
Momma

SHOULD POSTING PHOTOS MAKE YOU CRY? UGHHHHH. I'M A SAP!

2011-03-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

A few random photos of my now TEENAGER!

Her party was a blast. I will upload photos soon for you all to see. There were 15 of them running around and SLEEPING ALL OVER THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR. It was a crazy mess (silly string galore) but listening to them being "American Idol Judges" and contestants was a HOOT. I need to see if I can figure out how to upload the video I took of them. Oh my gosh!

NERDS.. ha ha

Cooking class...They were serving the parents dinner, so YUM!

She found her twin...

Goofball girls.... I'm sure if you put all of us mom's together we would probably pose something like this too. We are all GOOFBALLS! This is most of the best friend group. These girls are the greatest group of kids ever.

And this is my baby girl enjoying some cake.... I wish I could have her back at this age, even just for a day!

Ready for URBAN CIRCUS play.

At home putting on a show for Hunk and I.

Eating pancakes and hot chocolate.

She looks sleepy...

Being Miss Hollywood on the front deck of our beach house.

Look at the talent in the tongue. HA HA

Being a goofball, going down our driveway.

Baking....one of her favorite things to do.

Goofing around with her brothers Wrestler teammates...another one of her favorite things to do.

She is going in for a take down. HA

Getting out of the limo at last years dance..

With a couple of her best friends at the dance...

Another one of her friends before the dance.... They both look so pretty!

Shoving in the pizza! That's what we are having tonight too!

Us in Maui this last summer.

When she was little with her Great Grandpa and little sister.

First day of 7th grade.

Pretending to be a model in Maui on a photo shoot with my sister, who is a professional photographer in Denver, Colorado.

These 13 years have gone past with a blink of an eye.

Great weekend..... Even if I am a bit sad seeing my little girl officially becoming a teenager. You would think I'd be used to having already gone through this with the boys. Next year my BABY will turn 13.. sniff...sniff..

Happy Birthday sweet THIRTEEN YEAR OLD Rugrat! I LOVE YOU!

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

MY LITTLE RUGRAT IS THE BIG "13" TOMORROW

2011-03-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it! My little Rugrat will be the big "13" tomorrow!

We are having her birthday party here at the house. She had planned to camp out in tents with 14 of her friends but because of rain I believe there will be 14 of them in my living room instead.

I told Hunk we are banished to our bedroom while the girls take over the house.

My son (17) is planning to hit the road to a friends house for the night and our youngest daughter is deciding if having a friend over or going to a friends is her best option. She can always hang out it our bedroom with us!

We are having a chocolate fountain, sundae's, cupcakes, pizza and soda's in bottles.

If you remember stories about my daughter you remember how organized she is. She made her party invitations and gave them out well over a month ago. She has had her "party plan" taped up to the side of my desk along with the list off all who have RSVP and will attend. She has the list of items I need to purchase.

She is going to make a great wife someday........or drive her poor husband CRAZY! Can you imagine the detailed lists she will leave for him. HA HA

She went from this......(yesterday..sniff...sniff.)

To this! And actually this was taken when we were in Maui last July... She seems to have changed even since then!

I will put up more photos of my little girl tomorrow on her special day but I just had to share.

It's becoming a crazy year for me very quickly it seems. My oldest is getting married in June, TWO DAYS after my other son graduates from high school. He will then begin college and will be moving away from his Momma! (In August)..... We will only have two left at home and they will be 7th and 8th grade!

Where does the time go?

Hug your babies........big and small. And have a B-E-A-UTIFUL day!

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

The Bachelor- Who will it be???

2011-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Soooooo who watches the Bachelor? Is it just me? Am I the only one admitting my addiction?

As many of you know we run on generator here. Usually I never even notice ....except when the power is out and my neighbor across the lake's house is dark and then they let us know how they were sittin' with candles and looked across the lake only to see every light in our house on. ;)

But sometimes a power surge comes with that generator and this little (piece of poop....ummm I need a new one) battery (that is dead) box is connected to my TV in my bedroom to protect it. Well, since the battery in this box isn't working it shuts down the tv, and good ol' Directv tivo box takes FOREVER to restart. Almost there printed on the screen means "you are no were close to there". Just a few minutes more means "go ahead and start dinner and come back cuz it's going to be awhile"....

So I flee..... I run to the TV at the bar, shove the girls to the ground, flip the cartoons off and put the bachelor back on, screaming they are getting ready to fly a kite with little Ricki!!!

OK OK OK.... Not really, but I wanted too! I did run to the bar tv,(this is the TV at the bar, not running for a drink...ha ha) but none of my rugrats were pushed to the ground. ;)

Then my youngest stood look out to tell me when my "Just a few steps more" Directv tivo would be back up and running so I could go back in there where I can pause and skip through commercials.

So...ummmm...... "My name is Stephanie and I'm addicted to The Bachelor. I also like The Real Housewives and Desperate Housewives." I'm now sitting down with head hung in shame. But the first step is admitting it right?

And the excuse: I am so tired at the end of the day and I get to kick back and get lost in the show and not think about what I need to do for an hour.

So back to the Bachelor! Who do you think will be there in the end? Who's hometown visit did you like best? Who is YOUR favorite?

Is it Ashley?

Or Emily?

or Chantal O?

Ciao Bellas~
Momma

OMYGOSH! SHE'S ALIVE!

2011-01-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Helllllllloooooooooooooo! I'm still alive and thank you so much for all the emails you have sent to check on me. My last post was about being overwhelmed and though I'm not feeling as OVERwhelmed now I'm still "whelmed".. HA HA.... sorry, in a (so out of character for me...NOT) silly mood!

All of us love love love blogs.......that's why you are sittin' hear reading mine right now and that's why I'm sittin' here typing this post. BUT sometimes the passion of blogging has to get put on the back burner. I wasn't even going to post today because I don't have time to write about something that will just rock your world and make you scream "I'M SO GLAD I CAME AND READ MOMMA'S BLOG TODAY!" but then I thought to myself.......(I do that sometimes)...... "OK, Momma, you are getting emails from your peeps asking you where you have been and if you are okay, so maybe it doesn't have to be about more than how you are doing instead of information on how to organize your closet"..

So here I am.

Update!

My oldest rugrat is still on track to be married this summer. His fiance has picked out her wedding gown and was sweet enough to take me with her and her momma to shop for it. It is beautiful and they are getting very excited.

My other rugrat is still wrestling and has been doing great! He just took 2nd at the last tournament and I'm hoping that will continue for him. The team as a whole has been doing a really good job. Besides wrestling he (we) have been VERY busy with college applications (now all turned in) and searching for scholarships to apply for. He has a very busy schedule with wrestling. He is home at 7pm one night and not until after about 8:30 or 9pm three other nights (he helps coach little kid wrestling after his normal wrestling practice) and if he has a match then the last night can be up to 10pm, if there is not match he is home about 7pm. Then he has to complete his homework so his grades don't drop, so he can get into a good college and qualify for scholarships! So far so good. Just got semester grades and he has all A's with on B in Spanish III. Proud of him. AND he has tournaments on the weekends, either just Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. This coming weekend it is just Saturday. Very busy boy.

My two youngest rugrats are doing great. Still taking guitar, playing soccer and doing dance productions at school when available. My oldest daughter set up a studio room where she has all her arts and crafts, scrapbooking and her sewing "stuff".... Nice to have it out of my house and she loves having her own space (in a building still on our property) to go spread everything out and work on it without having to put everything away each time if she is in the middle of a project. They have a great group of friends and life is good.

Hunk has been working away. Our lead employee (who was one of the guys in that awful accident) is back to work and it is such a blessing. He is Hunks right hand man and he was very much missed. Not just for his labor but him in general. He and his wife are so sweet and we just love them to death. Having a small business you really become very attached and care allot about your employees. Sometimes it has bit us in the butt, as in we have cared more about someone (as a person) than they have about us. Meaning.....we have been taken advantage of and then continued to give someone chances (they really haven't earned) because we want to help them. But we refuse to not be trusting and to not care and try to help others. So many great people out there, we can't let a few bad apples change who we are. As far as our lead guy he is a keeper and we are blessed to have him on our team. We are so glad he is back and even more glad that he is doing good.

Momma.... ME.... I'm doing good. Fat and sassy....... working on the fat (AGAIN).....should be working on the sassy....... Bible study has started back up again so maybe that will calm down the sassy. HA HA.. I think I'm like most Mommas.... Some days I feel on top of the world and some days I feel like the world is on top of me. Everyday I feel lucky and blessed to be here though. I think anyone who has survived cancer feels that way. Even when I'm overwhelmed I'm blessed. I'm here!

I've missed you all like crazy and I plan to respond to each of your emails, they really mean allot to me. Please tell me what you have been up to?

What has your 2011 been like so far??

Love and Hugs!

Ciao Bellas~
Momma

P.S. I'm going back to Maui in April so I will be finding my Aloha again!... As hard as I tried to keep it I need to go grab a little bit more.

"OVER" WHELMED......IS AN "UNDER" STATEMENT

2010-11-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just hate it when you feel overwhelmed??...... Which way is up? How will I get it all done?

It gives a whole knew meaning to "my cup runneth over".... My plate runneth over maybe?

College applications- Where to apply, where else to visit, what to write on the essay, what scholarships to apply for, how much is each college going to cost, letters of recommendations.... SAT testing, SAT subject testing, ACT testing........ now add wrestling practice started.....hydration testing on the same day as the SAT, University Day 5 hours away the next two days......

AND (because I have other children)

Dance practice 3 to 7 Monday thru Thursday this week, Dance performance during the day Friday (until 2:30), guitar 3:00 to 3:30, return for 2nd performance at 5:00, show at 7:00pm.

Did I mention I will miss Bible Study AGAIN this Friday. Now OF COURSE I am excited to see my daughter and her b-e-a-utiful friends dance, it's just that every Friday I've been sick or we have had something going on...... I miss my friends at bible study......I miss studying the bible with my friends.....

I know this is a very busy season in my life. I also know I will miss this later. I KNOW this because I also have an older son who has already moved into his own home and is engaged to be married next year. I miss taking him to soccer or football practice. I miss watching his school performances. I picking him up from the bus stop and hearing all the school stories......or taking him to guitar lessons.

I have to keep reminding myself of this when I feel like "it's all too much".....

And honestly if I just had THESE THINGS to do, It would be much easier... but I also am running an office..... AND on top of that Hunk has been gone for the last 1.5 weeks which puts more on my plate when it comes to customers, employee's, etc. Thank the Lord our foreman is back! He has been soooooooooooo much help! Wow, have me missed him. (many of you may remember our awful auto accident he was in.....makes me so sad).... We are such a small company that it really becomes like family and we care and love our employees. Anyway, sooooo glad he is back and doing well!

Wow, I feel so much better just getting that out! Love you guys!

I better get a move on, need to get these Rugrats on task AND ME.

Today:
Take my youngest to the bus stop.
Take my other daughter to Orthodontist appt at 7:30 to meet my future daughter in law.....so she can wait with her there until 7:50 (appt. time) so I can leave and head to a Cal Osha business training seminar.... that ends at noon.
Hit AAA DMV Department for some tags and if any way possible get my oil changed and in a perfect world also do the banking (I have about 1 hour to do this in)
Head up the hill to pick up kids for early release, get them and go directly to dance practice.
Come back and get youngest started on homework and me on all the office stuff I missed while gone.
Pick up my other daughter at 7pm......
(as I'm typing my son brought me a wad of paper to fill out for wrestling and a physical I need to schedule either 2nd period or 5th period)

Ya know.....all this is go go go go go.......and I get overwhelmed but I wouldn't trade my life. I can't imagine not having 4 children. I can't imagine not being involved so heavily in all the things that they do.

I miss my "friend time", I miss my "free time" and I don't get it all done. My plate does runneth over....... BUT make my mistake, though sometimes it's hard to see, my cup definitely runneth over.

Hug a mom today.....(just watch out for the peanut butter and jelly that is probably on the back of her shirt (left there from the hands of the little rugrat of hers that hugged her before you).....

Enjoy your days......now stop reading and get out your lists.......you know the one you made so you would stay on task and not forget to do anything that needs to be done.....If I could only find mine on this desk. (smile)

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

2010-10-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

I sit here by the light of my computer screen drinking my coffee (pumpkin spice in a Keurig cup soooooooooo excited when I found this!) and COUGHING my face off. I thought I was on the mend. Thought I was getting better and then BAM......start feeling poo poo la chu again last night.

Even though I'm coughing I'm enjoying every sip and every click on the keyboard. Why? Because this is one of my favorite times of the day. THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM. The time when my home is quiet. It's still dark outside and it's still fairly dark inside. The children are nestled in their beds while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads......oh wait....that's a fairytale....but that is what this time of the morning feels like to me! It's ME time.... Now all my children are in school (or work) so I'm not sure why when they are off to school it doesn't feel this way, never thought about it. I think it's because my coffee is so good and I don't feel guilty for sitting down and not "starting my day" (ie getting my work groove going)... ha ha.... AND they look like perfect Angels sleeping.

The calm before the storm. Funny how that term can fit so many times in our lives. It actually fits our weather right now too. I've heard it is supposed to start raining again tomorrow and the next day. Hunk has been hunting in Idaho and he was in the middle of a snow storm when I spoke with him......by the way, he isn't having any luck yet. Not making his day. He is having fun visiting and relaxing though.

Do your Hunk's hunt? Do they journey off to other states in hopes of bringing home a freezer full of food for your family? (I'm sure this is the main reason, not because it's so much fun and the freezer full of meat is just a perk)... If I could just find a PERK like that for going to a Spa for a week with daily massages with a group of friends, now that is my kind of fun. I guess the perk to that would be MY MOOD when I came home....

Great now I'm craving a massage....... just so you know I'll be dreaming about it all day....or picking up the phone and scheduling one.... I still have a gift card.......oh ya baby....... Momma needs a 90 minute massage.

And a pedicure....

Just like a kid, give me an inch.......and I want the whole inch-ilada... or I take a mile.....OR how about eating an enchilada while I walk a mile.. ok drive....

The thunder has rolled and the lightening will strike any moment......goodbye calm, hello storm.

Goodbye (for now) e-friends......

Good Morning b-e-a-utiful Rugrats!

Someone please pour me another cup of coffee.....

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

30 DAYS OF INTIMACY: THE CHALLENGE

2010-10-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Pamela at Road to Joy and Nan at LBDDiaries and some other fellow bloggers in a 30 day Intimacy Challenge. I accepted the challenge and then my oldest rugrat got very sick, then I hit the road to tour colleges, visit Mickey Mouse and return to an empty home because Hunk had left to go hunting in Idaho. That worked out well for me. HA HA

On a serious note I actually have been paying more attention to our phone conversations. I have been being sure to let him know I miss him and I am thinking about him. Funny thing is I say I've been thinking about you and he's like "OH YA", (you know the tone, the I'm getting lucky tone) why do they always go there? Even when they are hundreds of miles away..LOL...... Normally I would have said "uh.....ya right." and laughed but instead I went with it......I said "Yep dreaming about you hunny"..... He said "Were you sleeping?" I said "Nope..... I was day dreaming".....So then when I was talking him the next day he said he can't get that song "I been daydreaming about night things, in the middle of the afternoon" out of his mind........then he said "so I've been thinking about you allot".....

I'm trying to keep up on the challenge the best I can, until he comes home. I'm also going to put this neat writing on the wall that I found at Michaels craft store....(as soon as I decide which one to get).... They were neat sayings for the bedroom wall and they look like they are hand painted once up on the wall.

Any romantic or fun lovin' intimacy ideas??? Send them my way......

Want to join the challenge, leave a comment letting us know you are joining in and if you have a blog leave your link.

OH BY THE WAY...... CSN HAS CONTACTED ME TO DO ANOTHER GIVEAWAY SO I WILL HAVE THAT UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS!

Don't forget to kiss your sweethearts goodnight and tell them how much you love them!

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

HOLY COW- MICKEY MOUSE- AND ALL THAT - I'M ALLLIIIIVVVEEE!!

2010-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

I'm alive! I'm typing to you in a dark room at the Grand Californian Disney Hotel at the Disneyland park. Why in the dark? Because my rugrats are still sleeping and I woke up thinking......do I go back to sleep? NOPE..... I need to write my e-friends! I've been thinking of you all and missin' you all and so swamped I've hardly had time to PEE!. OKAY....I've peed but seriously......busy girl!

Some good.......some not so good.

Let's see......since my last post I went to Southern California for my Oncologist appointment....Everything went good. I need to go have a chest Xray done next week some time but all in all was a good visit.

My friend Sharon came with me and we (actually stayed right here where I am typing to you from today...WELL not this exact room, but you get the picture)......and we went in to Disneyland for a couple days while we were here......AND we got rained on for a couple of days while we were here.

THEN I had a party at my house with a few friends.

THEN my oldest son called me in tears because he was having so much pain in his chest. I ~~flew~~ over to his house and drove him down to the hospital (stopping only once to get out and calm my nerves because I was staring to do what I do...and work myself up.....and felt sick to my tummy and a bit light headed....not the best thing for the DRIVER to do)......we got to emergency ~~and waited~~ and he had xrays done and was told he had pneumonia.....a few days later.........back to emergency we go......new stronger meds (over $300 later WITH insurance) we had the new meds.......slight improvement....yesterday he went in to his primary dr. and was told it is asthma/allergies and his lung is full of mucus, not pneumonia. The reason his whole body has started aching is the lack of oxygen to it......the gurgle in his lung is the mucus...... So hopefully he will REALLY be on the mend this time.

AND.....I've been touring colleges with my other son. We went to UC Merced one day, next day UC Davis, next day (yesterday) Cal State Bakersfield......where we met with the wrestling coaches and my son was offered a spot on the wrestling team there......and then we drove farther south and stopped here at Disneyland. We will go into the park today, see a water/light show tonight and tomorrow we are touring another college. Biola University which is a private Christian college down here. And then we head home. Saturday he has the ACT testing and my oldest daughter has dance performance at Oktoberfest!

Seriously......ugh......one of the kids just farted.....not sure who, but lets just say it was not quiet. If I stop typing it means I passed out from the smell.....How can they not have been woken up by the fog horn sound that just happened? If Hunk was here I would have blamed it on him......it was that......okay, sorry....I'll stop.

Sorry.....even in the midst of a hectic couple of weeks I still have to keep it real....Spill the beans on my life.....and right now my life is in a hotel room, missing you all, worrying about my oldest son, thinking about how I won't see my Hunk for a couple weeks (he is leaving tomorrow for hunting in Idaho), wondering which college my son will choose and which one will choose him, thinking about all the money that Mickey Mouse will make off of us today and all the fun we will have while he does......

And OF COURSE......wondering if a gas mask would have been a good investment for this trip.....

I hope you all are doing great. Miss you tons and think about you lots, just feelin' like Dori lately "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming".........

Have a great day!

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

LETTING GO...PUTTING ON MY BIG GIRL PANTIES..{Not always easy to do}

2010-10-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

~LETTING GO~

Letting go is something we have to do so often, yet it's so difficult to do.

From the time our children are little we are teaching them so that later we can "let them go". They can't wait for that independence and yet we dread it.

Not just because we want to control them ~~though I admit I struggle with this~~,~~because gosh darnit I KNOW BEST~~. But because of the fear we have. Will they get hurt? How will the decisions they are making today affect them down the road?

From the time we send them off to Kindergarten it starts. Are they going to be able to find their classroom? Is another ~~someones little brat~~ child going to pick on them? Are they going to understand the work? Will they make friends quickly?

Then as it moves on they enter high school and you have a whole new bag of worries. Will they start hanging with the wrong crowd? Will they start drinking or trying drugs? Will they get into fights ~~with someones big brat child.~~ Will they do their work and get good grades for college? Will they want to attend college? Will they be respectful to others? WILL THEY MAKE ME LOOK LIKE A BAD PARENT?

AND then......then it happens..... They get a drivers license. The rest now seems like a cake walk. You are putting your child in God's hands. We do this daily but NOW.......now I pray more often, now I pray even harder. "Please God, just wrap your arms around him and get him to school safely"......

I already went through this my my oldest rugrat but now I'm doing round two. I'm a spaz when it comes to cars. I've lost two of my very good friends to car accidents. I know it doesn't JUST HAPPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE... This spins my head up a bit and makes me be a major freako about my rugats driving. So my son has only been allowed to drive to the bus stop and back each day, and around our town here. He has driven other places but always with Hunk or myself (usually Hunk, because as I expressed I'm a freako in the car) and he's done a great job. BUT ehemmmmmmm I'm a freako in the car and I want him to have more practice before he takes off up the hill and over that curvy pass and drops back down into town to his school. (I feel sick just typing this).... Why? Because my son called and the bus was pulling out as he was pulling in and he is now on his way driving to the high school. He is going up that hill and over that curvy pass and dropping down into that town where his high school is. I've already stopped and prayed. I already shot a text out to my dear friend Sharon and she has already prayed. Won't you join us?! Ok, deep breaths and back to my post....

We have to let go. We let go when they graduate high school and move on to college.

We let go when they announce that they are getting married ~~and some girl is taking my little boy from me~~ and you are happy for them but it gives a little pain in the heart knowing things will be changing. Knowing they need you less each year. This is what we work towards from the time they are born, but why is it so hard to do when the time comes?

Aside from children there are other areas we have to let go of. OUR YOUTH. We keep dropping those pennies in the fountain of youth but one day it becomes obvious ~~can't believe I'm going to admit this~~ I will never have my 18 year old body back again. DANGIT! But if it came with the price tag of having my 18 year old mind back along with it, I think I would have to pass. OH I thought I knew it all, just like my oldest rugrats think they do, but oh how I sooooooooooooo knew nothing.

We have to let go of loved ones who pass away. We miss them, we grieve for them and then we have to learn to let that go.

Our lives are always changing. New great things happening and the processing of letting go. It's bitter sweet.

When I'm sitting on my front porch with Hunk, holding hands and looking out over the lake drinking our morning coffee in peace I may like change. When I don't have to rush around getting everyone ready for school or taking them to dance, guitar, wrestling or volleyball practice I may be grateful for that change.

Who am I kidding? I'll have grand-rats running around in place of my rugrats and I'll be smiling every single step of the way.

In with the old and out with the new....A change is a-comin' like it or not.

So I'm going to ~~try to~~ put on my big girl panties and ~~deal with~~ look forward to it.

Spillin' it one coffee cup at a time,

~Momma~

PS..... I just called my son WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL ME AS SOON AS HE GOT TO SCHOOL and he is there safe and sound..... my heart was pounding out my chest with each ring of the phone.....

I think I need therapy.

"Where are those big girl panties when I need them"???

PROCRASTINATION [Why am I so good at it?}

2010-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life. To see Tuesday's Aloha- Cleaning out Clutter-Yard Sale post go here.

Procrastination are we born doing it or is it something we learn along the way? Some people do something the minute it needs to be done and others put it off until the last second.

I'm somewhere in the middle but lean towards the last minute.. WHY? WHY? WHY??

I come up with my own reasons.......

There isn't enough time in the day
I NEED to sit and take a beak for a minute
See reason #1 and #2

But there are others who have just as much to do as I do and seem to find time to be organized and NOT procrastinate. Getting organized has been a lifelong goal of mine and so why not add STOP PROCRASTINATING to the list?

Sure I do the things that HAVE to be done. But other things, that are important to me, I sometimes drop the ball on. Like I have great intentions....but then awful follow thru.

For instance:

I buy birthday cards and forget to mail them
I buy birthday gifts and forget to give them out
I have errands to run in town and then I forget to bring the items on my list.
I buy the jars, etc. to do my canning and then I drop the ball on getting the fresh fruit/vegis.
I buy stuff for a party and don't end up having time to properly plan for it and execute the party.

I'm sure I could go on and on.....

Then you have my daughter. 7th grade and she organizes me. She does a book report when it is assigned and will have it sitting there for a month waiting for the due date. She makes lists for me, she plans parties for me, she is my little helper.

Where did she get this from? NO CLUE.... But I admire it in her.

Another thing I don't understand about procrastinating is that when I do something WITHOUT procrastinating it feels so good. When I remember things and take my list to town with me and get things crossed off and done it feels great!

I know I do need to say "no" and take a little off of my plate but owning our own business and being responsible for the office part of it, having 3 children living at home, one whom we are planning college for and one child who bought a home about 10 minutes away from us (which we are redoing a roof on, etc. helping him) AND he is engaged to be married this next year......it's a bit hard to have much of a life. I MISS MY FRIENDS. I miss some free time... But my #1 duty is being a wife, mommy and our office work has to be next in line.......so we have somewhere to live as a wife and mommy and food to feed our family (dang work thing).....And my friends and family are on that list......I just wish I had more time to spend with them.

When I decide I'm just DOING IT.... It's good at first and then I pay for it later. I get behind in the office (which stresses me), my housework gets behind (which is an ongoing problem. Can I hear an Amen? PLEASE...tell me I'm not alone)....And then those roll over into the time the kids and Hunk is home in the afternoon and it takes time away from them....

There has to be a happy medium and I'm in search for it... And while on my search and on my journey of thinning out the JUNK and CLUTTER from my life and getting myself organized, I'm going to work on NOT procrastinating.

I love my life. I don't take one single breath for granted, just need to get back to some basics and be a better "manager" of my time.

Living my Aloha........Just had to sell the grass skirt.......it was cluttering up the place. (smile)

OH OH OH..... AND I'm canning my Salsa today...... Check it off the list baby........Ahhhhhhhh.....I'll let you know how good that feels when I'm done!

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

YARD SALE- CLEAN OUT THE CLUTTER {while getting a sunburn and earning .25 cents}

2010-09-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life. To see Thursday's post go here.Kindness! Kindness! Kindness! I’m practicing my KINDNESS!

I wanted to change it up just a bit today and talk about "clutter" in our lives.

Is it hoarding? Is it collecting? Is it all the money we spent on "stuff" that we feel we can't get rid of it?

I had a yard sale this weekend. Talk about working hard for little pay. I never worked so hard for .25 cents! A brand new jacket I asked .50 cents for it and without skipping a beat he says TWENTY-FIVE. I said ~~she openeth her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness~~ "Nooooooooo, .50 cents" He bought it. But oh my gosh! Seriously. I think if it had been $1 he would have shouted out FIFTY CENTS..

By the time the sun had burnt me up on the 2nd day and I knew I was going to have to pack all the ~~crap~~ stuff up that we didn't sell the Yard Sale sign now had "Sale" crossed out and "FREE" written over it.

Bottom line Sunday was over 100 degrees outside and not many people were shopping. Plus many people think a Saturday-Sunday yard sale will be picked over junk "left overs" on Sunday. The truth was our Sunday yard sale was FULL of new stuff. Hunk and my dad went to our barn and got another huge trailer load of "stuff" to go through on Saturday night. In fact I had "better" items on Sunday than I did on Saturday.

We bagged up all the clothes and bedding (about 15 boxes and bags worth) and donated them to a woman/child shelter in town. All the books we donated to the local library. The rest Hunk loaded up in the trailer to go either trash or Amvets or Salvation Army.

So in the end after a day of ~~sun burning, irritation, yard sale grime~~ meeting new people, seeing the excitement on little kids faces when I tell them something is .10 cents, .25 cents or FREE I made about $160.00 and I have a barn that has allot more room in it. That is a great feeling.

I'm not "done" getting the clutter out. I have lots more things I want to really go through and finish getting rid of (Just to set the record straight, I will not be getting rid of it via a yard sale, I will be GIVING it all away).

When our lives are cluttered, when our homes are cluttered, when we can't find things or don't have room to properly store things or allow everything to have a place it can call home (besides the kitchen counter top) then it's time to do some thinning out.

I strongly believe when we live with clutter our mind is cluttered. At least in my case. I think that is why getting rid of the extra stuff feels so freeing to me.

I do have to admit while I sat there on Saturday and Sunday and unloaded boxes ~~getting totally side tracked when I opened boxes of old photos~~ and I layed it all out on tables and tarps the filled a good portion of the yard I felt a tinge of guilt and remorse. Why? WASTE. So much WASTE. So many items with tags still on them. So many un-used expensive items.

I found myself thinking "If I could have all the money back from these purchases my bank account would be looking pretty good right now!"

I won't dwell on it though. It was an eye opener and I will use that "eye opener" every time I think I need something new. Am I 100% sure I will use the heck out of it? Do I have a place to store it? Will I still want to use it next year and the year after? How gut wrenching is it going to be to sell it for TWENTY FIVE CENTS?? Am I THAT sure I NEED it.

Clear the clutter! It is so freeing!

Momma.....stepping off her box.

Ciao Bellas~

Meet Me on Monday's......

2010-09-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Meet me on Monday's via Miss Java! Go on over and join the fun!

Questions:

1. How many TV’s do you have in your home?

Thanks to http://www.artie.com/ for the animation.

We have 5 TV's in our home. One in our bedroom, one in the living room, one in our sons room, one in our daughters room and one at the bar.

2. What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?

Let see. My hormone medication, My bible, my lamp, my alarm clock (that I never set cuz Hunk sets his), an ink pen, whatever book I may be reading at the time.

3. How many pair of shoes do you own?

Hmmmmmm Not a ton actually. I just had a yard sale! So cleaning out the clutter. If I had to guess I would say maybe 10 to 15 pairs.

4. Can you change a flat tire?

Do I have a SPARE TIRE? yes around my waist..... Oh wait, that wasn't the question....

If I had to change a flat tire..... I believe I could, yes.

5. Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?

Have you seen my backside? Let's just say......I prefer TREATS..... In fact I prefer sweet and salty treats.... Like sweet and salty chex mix.... Yummmmmmmm, Yummmmmmm Yummmmmm

That's the low down on me this week. How about you?

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

KINDNESS {DON'T MISTAKE BEING KIND FOR BEING WEAK}

2010-09-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life. To see Tuesday's post go here.Kindness! Kindness! Kindness! I’m practicing my KINDNESS!

Beth made 8 “points” about Kindness. Today I want to share the first point.

1. Kindness is NOT weakness.

Being kind doesn’t mean we have to be “weak”. It doesn’t mean because we are CHOOSING to be kind that we are now a doormat. We just need to keep a kindness about us as we stand firm in whatever it may be that we need to stand up about.

In other words we can be aware of wickedness whether it be in someone’s actions or in their words to us but we can make a choice to be kind.

This is not to say that occasionally someone won't try to “steam roll you” because they feel you are “kind” and they think they can get away with it. Those people will always be out there BUT how you respond is to them up to you.

You can say “Don’t confuse my kindness with weakness” and then repeat your answer. Now, you don’t have to do this with your hands on your hips and your finger waggin’ in their face. (When you feel the need to do this just repeat to yourself “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness)

This brings me to “confession time”. Ughhhhhh You know I have to spill it and keep it real here on my Soapbox.

So here it is:

Yesterday morning......I was cranky. YES, it happens from time to time. I had not had enough sleep, I have a lot of work to get done and the girls have minimum days each day this week because of teacher conferences. Hunk thought he was being his normal silly self. OKAY he WAS being his normally silly self (I just apparently wasn't in the mood) and he was teasing about a raccoon that had gotten into the garbage, saying “Good thing we don’t have a dog to get into the trash”. (Many of you know we lost our sweet Nestlie (chocolate lab) which broke all of our hearts….and I’m not ready to have another dog just yet.) I must admit I’m enjoying not having things torn up and dug up….. now Nestlie was too old to do this but I am well aware that a puppy will……(I’m sure I’ll give in soon)……. So anywho…….Hunk made this comment. He was teasing……. Did I mention I was tired? So I guess the look on my face and my walking to the living room gave away that a bit of irritation was brewing in me. imagine it? in me? what next, ocean front property in Arizona? He told me he was only kidding not to get upset. I said “I’m not” (HA…..whatever)…… Then he says that I’m upset that he said to not get upset…… and again, if you know Hunk you know he is trying to poke fun and he wasn’t upset with me (not yet anyway…… I knew I needed to get out of my funk before he did get upset)….. So I walked into the kitchen and started getting my cup of coffee (more caffeine that is what I needed, then I’d be good. LOL) So, as I’m waiting for my coffee to finish brewing I am repeating OVER AND OVER “She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness”. SERIOUSLY over and over and over…. I THOUGHT (key word) I was only saying it in my head but apparently..ummmmm NO….. my mouth was moving because from the kitchen table Hunks says “Steph, who are you talking to?” It was a deer in the headlights moment… I said “ummmmm myself” He looked at me like he now realized I really did need to go back to bed, I was losing it. He said “Whatcha saying to yourself?” and chuckled. I said “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness” He said “I told you I was kidding” I said “I know that I’m not mad” He said “If you know that and you are not mad then why do you feel the need to keep repeating that to yourself”? “hmmmmmmmm, good question. “Ok, so I am tired and I knew I was about to overreact “ and we both started laughing…..

It worked! Even on a cranky butt!

Sometimes we need to be reminded to be kind to the kind and other times to be kind to the wicked, ungrateful poops that cross your path. Don’t get sucked into their (or your) negative ways and responses. Rise above it. If not, it will stick with you……LONG after the conversation is over. Be proud of yourself…..

Be aware of the wickedness but make a choice TO BE KIND. Often times kindness toward someone who is being ..ehemmm…..a jerk to you can soften them. I try to keep in mind that when someone is reacting (or OVER reacting) in a “less than kind” way about something, there usually is something else behind it. Something else that has happened in their day, something else on their mind that has them on edge and they were at a breaking point. Now, I know this isn’t always the case, some people are just negative, grumpy poops…..but we don’t have to join them.

KINDNESS- It’s not weakness……It’s much easier to snap back at someone….. No, being kind isn’t being weak, in fact it’s the opposite. It can take a lot of strength and self control to react in “kindness” when someone is being rude to us.

So don’t let people “walk all over you”…. Stand up for yourself. BUT do it with integrity. Do it with class. Be the person you can look in the mirror and be proud of at the end of the day. Be the person your spouse can be proud to have at their side.

Let’s strive to do this together. Let's "kill em with kindness"

A kind hearted woman gains respect.

I'm all about wantin' some r-e-s-p-e-c-t.. (sorry you can't hear my accent or tone, haven't figure out how to type that yet).

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

SPEAKER: BETH MOORE {ON HER TOUNGUE IS THE LAW OF KINDNESS}

2010-09-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life.

Is this what you look like when you openeth your mouth?

"She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26

This was what the topic was based on when listening to Beth Moore on Saturday. She gave a couple reasons why she felt like this would be a good topic for all of us women.

A. Because we live in a mean world.

She made it clear that she meant mean not hard. Pointing out if we haven't come across mean people in the last two weeks that we just plain aren't getting out enough. Hand gestures are given while driving, people cutting in line. It's everywhere..
Another reason.

B. Because "She openeth her mouth"

This we know. But this also made me laugh. I felt like a spot light was shining on me in the crowd when she said this. She might as well have said I'm speaking on this topic "Because STEPHANIE openeth her mouth"

This doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that us women will open our mouths. Maybe some of us just need to work on not putting our foot in it as often.

I definitely got the gift of gab. I love to visit with friends, I love to laugh and I love to talk. Not that there is anything wrong with this. Oddly enough when there are a lot of people around, even people I know well, I tend to feel a bit shy, but one on one in line at the store with a total stranger and I can tell you what color panties they are wearing by the time I leave the store.

Ok, maybe not the color but at least where they go to buy them. You get the idea.... I openeth my mouth....a lot.

Beth went on to talk about how men use approx. 7,000 words a day while women use approx. 20,000 words a day. I don't know if these numbers are correct but it wouldn't shock me if they were. Sometimes while Hunk and I are talking I am also carrying on a conversation in my head that usually is along the lines of "He's just sitting there looking at me, I wish he would open up more, it's like I'm doing most of the talking...Ok, it's not like I'm doing most of the talking..I AM doing most of the talking....SHUT YOUR MOUTH STEPHANIE so he can open up and do some talking" Seriously, sometimes I hardly come up for air. I'm so excited about something it's like I'm talking in warp speed.

Again this isn't always a bad thing but if we are doing a lot of talking and it isn't kindness rolling off of our tongue it's definitely not a good thing.

Beth then began to talk about how Jesus was raised from the grave. She asked, WHO did Jesus show himself to first? The answer: THE WOMEN..... Why? Because he wanted to get the word out!

She had many one liners and really was a hoot.

She spoke about how us women (mothers, aunts, sisters) are all teachers. We are teachers by examples. This is so true. How many times have you heard "Children learn what they live?"

Do I really want my child to live "A chatty Cathy doll for a mom?" Pull the string over and over and sometimes it's like I'm talking to just to make noise. They have stopped listening after the 3rd time of me telling them WHY I'm telling them what I'm telling them.

Shoot..I talk to myself when nobody is home! I talk to myself when people ARE home. Not like I'm a nut job but when I'm working on something I have a habit of talking OUT LOUD to myself about my next step. If I counted how many times I say "Okay" to myself during the day I may have used up my 20,000 words on that word alone.

She also spoke about being careful with our words. That we have a responsibility with our voice. There are things we can say or may have already said to our children that they won't forget. Ten years from now they will be writing in to the Dr. Phil show about us.

But I do agree that we have a responsibility with our voice not only with our children but when we are making our voice published. Not as in an Author of a best seller but as in text messages, emails and blogs. Things that can be forwarded and seen by so many people.

My goal is to publish things that lift people up. Publish things that help others. Publish things that cause other to stop and think. If I write a post that can touch just one person and make a positive difference in their lives I will have a smile so wide the white from my teeth would shine brighter than the moon.

I am taking to heart what I learned this weekend. What is great is whether you are a Christian or not wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone "Opened their mouths with wisdom and on their tongues was the law of kindness?"

I decided I'm going to do at least one act of kindness each day this week and see how much better I feel.

Saturday after leaving "Living Proof Live" I went to Costco and bought groceries. I bought extra for my son and I also purchased him a microwave and took it over to his home.

Sunday I let my daughter go shopping with a couple friends and I gave her money to buy a new dress for the upcoming dance and for a pair of boots she has been wanting.

Today my act of kindness started out being a gift (TV stand) for my son (his roommate just moved out and he is in need of some items) but on my way home someone rear-ended me and it only left a small dent in my bumper (their headlight was completely busted out) they didn't appear to be very financially set from what I could tell and were very nice. I told them not to worry about it, that it was a small dent and I would take care of it.

Every act doesn't have to be an expense to the checking account and in fact I think some of the best gifts don't cost anything.

Just try to think of something each day, try to think of a kind word you can say to someone. You never know how much your kindness will touch them.

Be sure to let me know what act you chose to do today.

Together we can make a difference.

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

BETH MOORE {LIVING PROOF}- What an awsome speaker!

2010-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went to the "Beth Moore Living Proof Live (Simulcast)" Wow! It was so wonderful. I had heard she was a good speaker and I just loved her!

She spoke on "Kindness." She gave some really good points. It was perfect timing for me. Part of what I have been working on already with my Aloha posts. This is definitely part of being able to live my Aloha. I can't wait to share with you!

My Aloha posts are every Tuesday and Thursday's together with Nan over at Lbddiaries . This week I will be posting about what I learned from Beth Moore.

If you are a woman and you "open your mouth". You will want to hear what Beth had to say.

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

LOVING MY LIFE AGAIN {ALOHA HAS RETURNED}

2010-09-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

My Aloha is back!

What a difference a day can make! I still am sad about our loss, of course, the loss of all of us family members and all his friends. He left two children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren behind, who all miss him very much. Emotions run high and it's easy to let yourself get sucked in and feel sorry for yourself. No more.

My Aloha has returned. Today, in fact, has been one of those days when you feel like everything is going GREAT! Not that all the difficult things in my life aren't still there BUT we all have them to deal with and I choose to NOT focus on them.

I am making a conscious effort to see the glass as half full instead of half empty.

I got a ton of stuff done for our home office today. Woop! Woop!
I took my son to take his drivers license test AND HE PASSED... stay off the roadways...kidding!
I got some food back in my pantry and fridge..the rugrat's are kissing my feet and saying "thank you for not starving us Momma. I love you so much Momma. You are the best Momma anyone could ask for."
I bought chicken dinner at the store and didn't have to cook!
I made it back in time from the DMV to pick my girls up from volleyball practice.

It's funny how much a difference looking at the glass as half full instead of half empty can make. If I was looking at it half empty I would have said.

I didn't get everything done in the office today that I needed to do and now I have to do some work tonight.
I had to drive my son BACK to the dmv today for his test because I accidentally took him yesterday and his appointment was today. What a waste of time and gas. I had it on my calendar but was too frustrated and didn't read it correctly. ughhh
I got groceries and got all the way home, through two locked gates only to have my children come to me and say "MOMMA, we have NO MILK!"
They were out of drumsticks so I had to have another thigh for our chicken dinner and the girls really like drumsticks.
I had to rush back from the DMV to pick up the girls from Volleyball practice. Rush here, rush there, that is all it seems I do.

HA! Funny thing is as I was first typing this post I was thinking what a FANTASTIC day I had. How everything went perfectly. How I love it when I have those days.. And then when I tried to look at it from a negative point of view.....I realized EVERYTHING DID NOT GO PERFECT... MY ATTITUDE made me feel that way.

I'm choosing the cup to be half full ~~of wine~~ . When you feel the negativity creeping in stop in your tracks and ask yourself "What could I say positive about this situation OR what could I do to turn this around?"

You will be so glad you did.

Love you more than cheese.

Thanks for being there to fill my glass back up for me.

*cheers*

~Momma~

"The Loss" and "The Will" {Both can seem heartbreaking}

2010-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

"In loving memory of our Grandad- We love you!"

It's so sad how things can turn when someone passes away. Especially if that someone has money and things they have left behind for "loved ones". I told Hunk I think we should be sure to spend all of our money so our children don't have anything to fight over.

In the midst of mourning the loss of a loved one you have to tread lightly to not offend the ones left behind.

My feelings have been and always will be that the person who worked for every nickle they have has the right to do with it as they please. We may not agree with their decision. We may not like their decision but I feel we should respect the fact that THEY made the money, THEY saved the money and THEY have the right to leave it to who THEY feel it should go to. Just as we have the right to earn money, save money and leave it to who we see fit.

Obviously there are exceptions if someone was not of "sound mind" when the will was made.

I know this is a morbid subject but it is one that is heavily on my mind the last few days.

I cried last night for the loss of Hunk's grandfather. I cried because yesterday was also the 15 year anniversary of Hunk's fathers death. And I cried because I miss Hunks grandmother who passed a few years back. I miss them all so much. I cried happy tears because they are now all together again and I cried sad tears because of them no longer being here with us.

I cried because of the honor I felt for the things left to us and then I cried because of decisions that are being made out of guilt instead of out of what was intended. And I prayed for peace and for guidance for my Hunk as he goes through this very difficult time.

I just want to give it all back and have Grandad here for another day. It breaks my heart that that isn't an option we have.

I love you Grandad and I thank you for everything you have ever done for us and taught us. You were an angel here on earth and you are missed and loved more than we could ever express.

Thank you my efriends.... for letting me spill the beans.......straight from my heart.

~Momma~

WINNER(S) OF THE "FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE" GIVEAWAY

2010-09-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me longer to get this posted. Hunk's grandfather passed away and we have been a bit out of sorts here.

I know I was supposed to give away one movie and one book but I just felt like I should change that to TWO movie's and TWO books.

The winning comments are below:

Congratulations:

midRae said...
And I think I just started following you on facebook. Let's hope I got that one right. :)?
September 3, 2010 2:17 PM

And

Kimberly said...
I took over bedtime routine duties the last few nights with kiddo so that my dh could get a little more sleep than usual. (That is usually their time together because he's gone during the day.) He works so stinking hard so that I can stay at home and homeschool our beautiful little girl.

September 4, 2010 9:33 AM

Please send me an email with your mailing address and I will get them shipped out to you!

Hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday.

((((Love and Hugs))))

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

MEET ME ON MONDAY

2010-09-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Meet me on Monday via Miss Java! Love her, you will too, go take a peek.

I have a funeral today for my hubby's Grandfather so I'm in a bit of a rush but I didn't want to miss out on meeting some new friends this Monday Morning. I'm sure today will be filled with laughter and many many tears. Friends, new and old, after a long day like today will be is just what the Dr. orders.

So here are a few things about me! (sorry no photos)

Questions:

1. What is your favorite pasta dish?

Fettucini Alfredo (hands down.....probably has the most calories too, and this is probably why it is my favorite)

2. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?

I usually watch TV and then I think about each of my children/ family and friends and pray that God watch over them while we sleep.

3. How many nights a week do you go out to eat?

Lately it's been a bit more because of taking my son to wrestling practice "in town" but normally because we live so far away from everything, eating out isn't much of an option. Although I guess it's not TOO far away to some restaurants, it's just not real convenient. So as I ramble on, the answer is we don't eat out very often.

4. Are you an avid book reader?

I LOVE reading books. Mostly by Karen Kingsburry OR I read many books on parenting, marriage, finances, etc. I love love love to learn new things via reading!

5. Would you rather have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?

Can I have both? Hmmmmmm. I guess I would have to say bionic hearing. Then when the whispering is going on I would know what those dear sweet angelic children of mine are ~~plotting against me~~ planning to ask me.

Have a great day!

I look forward to meeting you all when I return from my "Farewell to Granddad" day. He will be greatly missed.

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

FOLLOW FRIDAY 40 AND OVER {COME ON OVER AND SIT AWHILE}

2010-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter my giveaway- Fireproof those marriages (smile)

Thanks to Java over at Never Growing old for this fun Follow Friday idea! And my friend Nan over at LBDDiaries won the blog hop! I'm so excited for her!

This is such a great idea and such a wonderful way to get to find other blogging friends! We all want followers, we all hope that what we put our blood (from so much typing), sweat (it's hot in the room) and tears (sometimes of joy, sometimes of sorrow) into will make someone smile, laugh, think and sometimes even cry.

There are so many wonderful people out there in this blog-land of ours and I for one feel sooooooooo very blessed to have met many of them.

We all come from different backgrounds with different experiences and yet most bloggers all have one thing in common. We LOVE to communicate and we LOVE people.

Thank you sooooo much for visiting my blog today and I really hope to see you back and for the chance to get to know you.

Be sure to leave a comment so I can come visit you too! (I just LOVE to travel)...

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO HAVE GATHERINGS AT YOUR HOME {Parenting Advise}

2010-09-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Our youngest son had his monthly "Pow Wow" this weekend. He has a few friends who come over and they camp out in our Meadow.

Because it was hot outside, because Hunk LOVES doing it and because teenage boys are stinky and must be dipped in water.... Hunk took them all out knee boarding, wake boarding and his all time favorite.......THE TUBE....

Which FYI is no longer usable after the boys AND Hunk were done with it.

Once they were finished using up all their energy ~~and destroying things~~ they were STARVED... Then they come to Momma.

And Momma said EASY PEASY PLEASE.... BBQ hot dogs, chips and watermelon.

BAM. Dinner is served.

Which most of them stood in our little kitchen and ate......and made another.....and ate...........and made another......and ate..

Why did I buy paper plates again?

Ahhhhh.... That's why......someone actually used a plate......

Then the boys went outside where we had an outdoor movie set up... Only they brought out the video games to play on the outdoor screen instead.

P.S. Those are ROOT beer bottles NOT beer... Momma don't roll like that

It was really funny.......

Maybe not so much to him...... But the hot sauce (Rooster sauce) on his hot dog was funny to all the other boys. Including Hunk. Maybe even ESPECIALLY to Hunk.

And actually it really was funny to him too.

AFTER his mouth calmed down.

And even before his mouth cooled off... He loves pulling pranks and he was a great sport about having one pulled on him.

I stopped snapping photos at this point and they took off to the Meadow to begin their camp out.

I of course didn't get much sleep because (thank you Mr. Cell Phone) I couldn't sleep until I knew they were done going on their "hike" around the property and were "at camp" for the night.

Boys....

Oh, and while they were gone on thier hike my oldest (7th grade) daughter and Hunk headed up to their "campsite" and put their tent up on top of their camper..

They usually sneak up and scare them, but since the boys were gone, they had to do SOMETHING.

Morning came quickly.....

I woke up and started making this...........

And this.......

teenage boys are hungry after Pow Wow's

or before them

or during them

anytime

and

all times

I heard them come down and went to see what they were doing....

ummmmmmm.....OK

Ah. They are seeing if the projector works on my sons stomach.

It's a Rugrat Screen

sorry....silly things crack me up

Hello there teenage friend......

His reply.... "I smell bacon...... you so love us don't you?"

To which I responded "Yes, I do, now keep your paws off until it's ready or I will have to hurt you......after I have more coffee."

Did I mention all these Rugrats are on the wrestling team? So they could pretty much make me look like a pretzel (all be it a very plump one) if they felt like it......

Instead....

They mind.

They love me.

They are good boys.

But I still needed more of this.....

To have the energy to finish more of this......

After going to bed at 2:30 am

Think they are hungry? (and tired)

Breakfast is ready boys... Come and eat...

Then clean up your mess, pack your crap and go home....

Kidding!

In fact most of the boys stayed until after dinner...

Did I mind?

Nope......We want our home to be "the hang out" place for the kids.

We can keep track of them and their friends ~~without them realizing we are watching~~

AND

they think we are cool and fun parents

(we so have them fooled)

It's a WIN WIN SITUATION.

I'm all about that

and

I'm all about cheese

(sorry, I'm in a mood)

Moral of the post.... Encourage your kids to have their friends come over. Try to make a fun environment that will encourage them to WANT to come over.

This allows you to get to know their friends, see how they behave, influence them in the proper ways to behave and we have really been blessed by many of the children who come and go through our home.

I have a list of kids that I'm honored enough to have call me "Momma"

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ciao Bellas~

~Momma~

P.S. Another easy peasy dinner to make for a group is "crockpot chili verdi" or for breakfast if you don't want to do bacon and pancakes do "breakfast burritos" Whatever you do make it easy on yourself. Teenagers will eat anything.

COWBOYS AT THE WATERPARK {LEAVE YOUR BOOTS AT THE DOOR, OR NOT}

2010-09-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

When you marry a cowboy, you are bound to have a son who has cowboy ways about him....

Yes, because I am a spazo-momma, even this little mechanical bull freaked me out. I wanted to jump up and tell my son to get off of that thing RIGHT NOW.....

I couldn't. Because I wasn't there when he was doing it. But I did see the photo via text and I immediately (as fast as my fingers could type) demanded he get off of the bull. To which my future daughter in law ~~trying to talk me off of the ledge~~ replied with "Don't worry, it's not real". ~~And thank you CAPTAIN OBVIOUS because I thought it was a bull with no legs.~~ (sorry future daughter in law I still love you)

And since he is a cowboy ~~and some days he is a surfer~~ then he also sometimes hangs out with "cowboy friends" And when you hang out with cowboy friends you often go fun places together. And when that fun place happens to be at the water park..... Well, you are bound to have one of them do this......

My son's friend who apparently doesn't own a pair of flip flops.

Funny thing is that I've heard stories from Hunk about his Daddy (who was also a cowboy) going to the beach on a family vacation in his shorts and cowboy boots. They also lived in the country so often times he got the mail in his underwear and boots, BUT I WON'T SHARE THAT LITTLE FAMILY SECRET. That would be rude.

Don't forget to enter the free giveaway

Ciao Bellas~
~Momma~

NIGHTMARES CAN SEEM SO REAL {A BEAR ATTACKED MY DAUGHTER}

2010-09-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

I was minding my own business and sleeping like this.

Then I was dreaming about a fun picnic with lots of family, friends and my rugrats playing with their friends.

The food was great and the company was ~~almost as good~~ even better.

Then all of a sudden this entered my dream.

Why? I was having so much fun!

Everyone freaked out, and started running and screaming.

And then it did this to my oldest daughter.

And it seemed so real.

And I tried to do this.... but no noise would come out of my mouth. I tried over and over to scream and tried to run to her and it was tossing her around and I couldn't run.

It was awful.

And then a scream came out and it woke me up.

There was no going back to sleep. I had to go check on my daughter. I knew it was a dream but I had to check. ~~I'm a spaz like that....~~

And she looked like this.

She was sleeping like a baby.

Ok, she isn't that small anymore.

OK, she isn't a baby anymore.

But wasn't she an adorable baby?

Now she looks like this.

But I pretend she is a baby sometimes.

It makes me feel good. And I needed to feel good.

So I decided to pretend.

Since my BABY was sleeping, I grabbed my cup of coffee and headed to the front patio to calm my nerves.

And I'm blessed enough to have this view.

And then

Hunk joined me on the patio with his cup of coffee.

and then....

Peace was restored in the land of Momma.

The end.

*P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

WAKE UP FEELING GREAT? {LIVING A BLESSED LIFE}

2010-09-04T15:12:00.001-07:00

I will admit that some days I wake up and I feel like this.

Those are the days when you think about all the STUFF you need to do and you wonder how in the world you will get it all done.

Lucky for me........

My rugrats get up early every day and milk the cows, gather the eggs and pick vegetables from the garden before they go off to school. They come home from school and complete their afternoon chores, start dinner, complete all (A+) homework and bring their Momma a glass of whine and a hunk of cheese.

OKAY...... Not even close.....I do know what it feels like to have ~~my butt tossed up in the air because of all the stuff I'm trying to get accomplished all at the same time~~ more to do than I have time to do it in. ~~And nobody getting off their rear to help~~ I know it can make me feel just like the above photo.

But other days...... other days I feel like this photo.

I've shared this photo before and many of you remember that this was from my "sister trip" to Vail, Co. I felt just like this picture looks that day. (Yes, I did blow out a flip flop and almost pee myself when I ~~crashed~~ landed)

What I love is when I wake up feeling like this picture.

Today was one of those days.

How about you? Did you wake up feeling blessed or did you feel like putting the pillow back over your head ~~giving the kids large quantities of NyQuil~~ and going back to sleep?

~Ciao Bellas~

FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE {THE LOVE DARE} Giveaway

2010-09-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life. See my previous post at Organize with a Calendar {for the CEO of your houshold} or Helpful Homework Advise {Stop the Homework Hassle} for some more great tips!

Well, my LOVE DARE journey has been going GREAT! Hunk doesn't even know I'm doing it. I do believe he "suspects" though. I couldn't find my book the other day and when I was looking for it he said "Oh, so you have you been doing that?" and I said "I just wanted to read in it.".

I bought him a card out of the blue a couple weeks ago that was just telling him how much I love him and how great of a hubby his is. I do things like this from time to time but admittedly not often enough which is why I think when he saw I was looking for my Love Dare book he made that comment..... Irregardless I'm thrilled to say IT IS WORKING...I can feel us becoming even closer than we were. And it's making me feel good inside at the same time.......it's not ALL about him... SMILE

Day 2 is titled "Love is Kind" It said something that just grabbed me.

KINDNESS IS LOVE IN ACTION. Wow... Is that true or what?

If you remember(click to see my previous post) Day 1 was about Patience.

Day two goes on to say "If patience is how love reacts in order to minimize a negative circumstance, kindness is how love acts to maximize a positive circumstance. Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing."

This is true not only in marriage but in all relationships. We like to surround ourselves with KIND people. Kind people make you feel good.

Just working on being kind and patient can make immediate changes in your relationship.

This book builds on itself. Meaning when you move on to day two you don't forget day one's lesson. Each day they give you a "Challenge" for the day. In day two the challenge is to again not saying anything negative to your spouse today and do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

That can be anything. From making breakfast, to packing lunch, to writing a letter or giving a gift card. There are soooooooooooo many things that can be done as an act of kindness. It doesn't have to be a huge expensive thing..... Some of the best gifts in life are free. Just think of something that would mean allot to them. Often times we tend to do things for our spouses that WE would want done for us, try to think of something that would mean most to them.

Another thing I've learned is if your spouse doesn't react the way you think they should to your act of kindness don't let this discourage you. We all express things differently. And if we are doing an act of kindness for the SOLE PURPOSE of getting "love" or "something" in return, then we are doing it for the wrong reasons. That will come.

What I love most about this movie/book is that it can strengthen good healthy marriages as well as relationships that are struggling. AND even if only one person is doing "The Love Dare" it can make changes.

Because marriage is so important to me. Because I really believe this can change relationships (ones with your spouse/partner and the one you have with yourself). Because I care about YOU and YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

I want to do a giveaway.

I will give away both the Movie "Fireproof " and the book "The Love Dare"

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with one act of kindness you have done or plan to do for your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend?

If you follow my blog you get one extra entry.

If you follow me on Facebook you get one extra entry.

If you follow me on twitter you get one extra entry.

If you Post about this on your blog with a link back to my blog you get 3 extra entries.

If you have or put a link of my blog on the side bar of your blog/site you get 5 extra entries.

(Post a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave the link to your site and an email address where I can contact you if you are the winner)

Contest ends on Saturday September 11th at midnight Pacific Standard Time

Ciao Bellas~

***** Please note...This giveaway is not sponsored by anyone except for ME. (smile)*******

FACEBOOK FOR KIDS?? {IS IT OKAY?} ADVISE NEEDED

2010-09-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

My daughter has been BEGGING..... yep, I said BEGGING for a facebook account for about a year now. Many of her friends have one (to which she OF COURSE hears the reply "If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it to?" OR "Good for them, I'm not Susie's mom" and many other smart butt remarks but the truth is I'm on the fence.

I wasn't on the fence......now I'm on the fence. She is in 7th grade, many of her friends have it and are always sending me emails asking me to please let my daughter get an account.

The predator thing is, of course, in my mind BUT the computer is on the desk next to my desk in the middle of our home and they youngsters aren't allowed to take it to their rooms. If you are going to type it, it better be okay for Momma to read it. I don't read every email or get way up in their business but I know WHO they are emailing and if I feel the need to get up in their business I have no issue doing it.. It's my job as their Momma.

BUT my biggest concern is.........

DRAMA...... DRAMA.........DRAMA...... Anyone with daughters has to know about the DRAMA.....

Can you believe how mean girls can be??? It's crazy. What's even more crazy is the Mommas that tend to join in and make things worse. Fortunately I haven't had too much of that YET but I don't want it. And this concerns me.....

I remember when my oldest was on MySpace. OMYGOSH.... so and so says this about so and so and then everyone is telling everyone and then they are arguing and then there is a fight at school. Or one kid says another kid is ugly or who knows....and I'm afraid of that.

Even 40 year olds are going on there with their drama. Saying something "without SAYING it".....so someone else will read it and figure out it is about them. GROW UP PEOPLE as bad as you might wish you were WE ARE NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL.

If 40 +year olds can't help themselves can I expect it to be different for 12 and 13 year olds?

My daughter argues that she won't get sucked into the drama and she will only be friends with her good friends on there..... I'm just thinking it's 7th grade, granted at a little K-8th mountain school but still......

Sooooooooo ....... Am I being over protective? Am I over thinking it? I tend to do this allot.... Do I let her get a CLOSELY MONITORED facebook page and if the drama starts to go on and close her page?

OR

Do I just stick to my initial thought of Nooooooo.....

I NEED your opinions please......What do you all think and why?

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

P.S. It's only right that in a post about Facebook I ask you to click the link on my blog join me on my facebook page. No drama on my page... promise.... (smile)

HELPFUL HOMEWORK ADVISE {stop the homework hassle}

2010-08-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life. See my previous post at Organize with a Calendar {for the CEO of your houshold} for some more great tips!

HOMEWORK HASSLE STRESSIN' YOU OUT?

Raising four Rugrats (aka. Children) I have learned that homework can be the cause of a lot of stress in a home. I have also learned that EACH CHILD IS DIFFERENT.

I have/have had Rugrats who come in the door from school and don't even have to have a word mentioned to them and boom they are doing their HOMEWORK WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I have also had Rugrats who I have to watch like a hawk and CONSISTENTLY REMIND THEM TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK... (and constantly check to make sure it is actually being done and/or check what homework they actually have. This causes so much STRESS.

Because of this I am constantly looking for pointers and tips and ideas of new things to try.

I'm assuming I'm not the only one with this issue so I thought I'd share what I have learned and what seems to be working.........this week.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD THEY SPEND DOING HOMEWORK ?~

Typically younger children, for obvious reasons, can only do sooooo much time at the homework table. A general rule of thumb is that children do 10 minutes of homework for each grade level. In other words, first graders should be expected to do about 10 minutes of homework, second graders 20 minutes, third graders 30 minutes, fourth graders 40 minutes, etc. If your child is spending more than 10 minutes per grade level on their homework each night, then you may want to talk with your child's teacher.

My 6th grade daughter Math teacher recommends that after any child in his class has worked 60 minutes on math that the parent sign the paper and the child can turn it in for full math credit. They, of course, will be reviewing it in class to get a better grasp and hopefully become able to complete the entire assignment in the 60 minute time frame.

TRYING TO NOT PULL YOUR HAIR OUT DURING HOMEWORK TIME~

Something that has helped me a lot over the years is to have a time frame that homework is done. Example: Come home from school, have a snack and start homework. Also having a specific area of the home where homework is completed.

If your child doesn't feel seeing the good grades on his/her report card is a good enough reason to study and do homework you may want to consider a rewards program for them.

A DAILY HOMEWORK PLANNER..... REPEAT.... A DAILY HOMEWORK PLANNER

SET UP YOUR HOMEWORK ROUTINES~

Just like with us adults and getting our housework done or our job out of the home routines help greatly.

The first thing you need to do is figure out where your child should do their homework each day. Is it the a desk in their bedroom? This location may be better for the child who doesn't need as much help with their homework AND who you can trust to do their homework without constant supervision. OR maybe a desk in the main area of your home OR your kitchen table. I find for my youngest Rugrat that she needs to be where I can see her at all times. This is important to keep her on track. My older Rugrat daughter and son do great in their rooms. It really depends on the personality of your child.
One you have established where you want your child to do their homework each day make sure you have everything they will need in that location. We have a desk in our home that is loaded with all the supplies they will need. It is located right next to my home/office desk. If you need your child to work from your dining room table obviously having all the supplies located on your table isn't doable. I would suggest getting a plastic tub or a large basket that you can keep all the items in and pull it out at homework time. This way everything is still together and easy to grab at homework time but it will allow for easy clean up when it comes time to set the table and eat..

Even on a post about homework hassles it's still all about the food! HA HA

Sorry, it's how I roll....

Ya, I could easily keep going with the "roll" comment but I'll get back to the post....

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO DO HOMEWORK?~

Is it directly after school? Is it after they come home and have a snack? Directly after dinner? What works best for YOUR schedule as well as your child's? In our home our children come home, have a snack and start their homework. This is what works best for us. OBVIOUSLY once sports start this changes.

Be flexible with the new seasons and having to change your routine occasionally BUT try to stay as consistent as possible. Learning a good homework habit early on will help them when they begin college and you aren't there to remind them. You may need to play with it a bit with the schedule at first to see what works best for you, but then try to stick to it the best you can.

KEEP TRACK OF ASSIGNMENTS~

A daily homework planner is a good good good thing! Your child should write down homework for each class/subject in their planner each day. On occasion you will find that your child will not write down all of their assignments, as to get out of doing homework. SHOCK AND AWE MOMENT I KNOW! I have had this happen on numerous occasions. Sooooooooooo if you too have a Rugrat who is a homework hassle King/Queen may I suggest requiring your child write their homework assignments IN INK in their planner AND have their teacher initial next to the homework list THAT IS WRITTEN IN INK (so they can't erase any assignments AFTER the teacher initials it......Not that they would ever dream of doing something like this)..... I only have on child who has to do the INK written assignments with signature but it is proving to be most helpful. (smile)

*Be sure to check with your child's school for online resources. Many teachers use "Schoolnotes(dot)com" OR they use another online grading/homework system that parents can go on to view both grades and homework assignments.

REWARDS~

I have started giving out "Good Time Tickets" to my Rugrats. I don't JUST use them for homework I also use them for other things I catch them doing right in our home. (For instance yesterday they unloaded some items I had purchased out of the back of my car WITHOUT my asking them to do it......) If the planner comes home with the assignments written in it, they earn a ticket. When they complete their homework if it is done NEATLY and they didn't dilly dally around making me repeatedly tell them to get back on task they earn a ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for several "Good Times" from picking what we are having for dinner to a trip to the coast for a weekend. It all depends on how many tickets they save up. There are also things that can get your tickets taken away. Lying about what homework you have. Picking any answer on multiple choice questions just to be done with the homework page "IMAGINE IT"...I don't have to imagine it..... I've lived it.....

You have to adjust here and there and I'm still learning, even after 20 years of these Rugrats. You will find one thing works well with one child and something entirely different will work well for another.

Hope these tips were helpful!

What do you in your home that has been helpful?

Please share...we must stick together or these Rugrats will eat us alive....besides....together we can lower the stress level in many homes....

Or just open a bottle of wine...... KIDDING....

sort of...... tee hee

Ciao Bellas~
Momma

MEET ME ON MONDAY'S

2010-08-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

It's time for Meet Me On Monday again! Yay!

Sadly I don't have time today to attach fun photos to each of my answers.. Boo Hoo.... BUT I've been so busy organizing today! Super Yay!

I'll be posting that soon. I was working on my Home Office Desk and Homework Desk. I had so much stuff on them that was not related to what each of them were supposed to be used for and NOW they are looking great.

SO MUCH NICER TO DO STUFF AT MY DESK NOW!!

Ok, here are my questions. Hope ya join in and tell me about yourself!

1. What is your favorite kind of potato chip?

Salt and Vinegar

2. Do you make your bed everyday?

Yes. I didn't used to but now ALMOST without fail I make my bed each day. It's part of my BEST LIFE/LIVING MY ALOHA plan.

3. How often do you go to the hair salon?

Once every 6 weeks. Like clockwork baby.

4. What do you dip your French fries in?

Ketchup and Mustard (and I sprinkle of Tabasco Sauce)

5. Do you shop with coupons?

This was my new goal to start doing as part of my Living My Aloha Plan but I'm still at the learning stages. Any tips??

Thanks so much for this wonderful idea JAVA! You can see Java's Meet Me on Monday on her Never Growing Old Blog here

Again, sorry I don't have any fun photo's on this post but I hope to hear from you!!!!

Ciao Bellas~

Momma

ORGANIZE WITH A CALENDAR {FOR THE CEO OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD}

2010-08-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is part of an on-going series LBDDiaries and I are doing on keeping our Inner Aloha/Peaceful Life

Now that school is back in for most of us our lives have started getting busier again. Gone are the kicked back summer days. This doesn't mean we have to lose our "Aloha". I refuse for it to mean this so I have been putting a lot of time into researching how to control the chaos.

One thing I have found VERY helpful is my calendar. LOVE LOVE LOVE my calendar. It is called "Mom's Family Desk Planner and it's by Sandra Boynton. You can purchase them at several locations and online but I recently found them at Costco. It's a 17 month school year planner so there is room to write things for the following school year during the current school year. This has proven to be WONDERFUL.

Of course there is always your calender on your phone which works well and you can set alerts. I use this as well. I like it because I almost always have my phone with me but I still love my desk planner. I put it in my purse and that way I always have it with me.

At the beginning of the school year all the ~~junk mail~~ IMPORTANT papers come home and while I'm filling out what I need to fill out and send back to school I grab my calendar and I write down all the events that are on the school calendar. "No school days", "Early release days", etc. Then each week when the "Bulletin" comes home I again grab my calendar and write down all the dates/times of upcoming events they are announcing.

What is great about the Mom's Family Desk Planner is there is one column for MOM and one for the RUGRATS. So I can see at a glance which column it is written in and know if it is something for me or something the rugrats are doing.

I don't know if it is because I have my own special space and with rugrats that is hard to come by so I just get so excited (even if it is only a column on a calendar) but it's mine....all mine..... ahhhhhhhhhhh.......MINE! Ok, sorry..

AND for the family to have an easy look they also make it in a big wall calendar. Now this one has more columns.......everyone gets their very own column (unless you have more than a family of five, which I do but now one of my Rugrats is out on his own so I don't have to split a column between two of the children anymore) so you can record their activity in their own column and you can see at a glance who has something that day.

At the top of the calendar there is a blank space that you can fill in your Rugrat's name and the very first column is for MOM... that's because we are the CEO of our households and we must always come first. HA....It was worth a try.....

Now remember if you do not take the time to write the appointments and events down in your calendar IT WON'T WORK. Or if you do what I have been guilty of and you don't look at the calendar to see what you have coming up IT WON'T WORK.

I look at my calendar every night after dinner. Why do this instead of just looking at it in the morning? Because when I wake up and see that my calendar says "Bring 2 dozen cookies to Rugrat's class" I don't want to have CHAOS sirens going off that morning. I want them going off the night before.

But what I do to TRY (key word) to avoid the CHAOS even more is.......

Example:

Susie needs 2 dozen cookies taken to class on Tuesday. On Monday's date my calendar will say "Susie needs cookies taken to class tomorrow" AND when I find out I need to do this, along with writing on my calendar, it gets written on my grocery list (future post coming on menu planning/grocery list/budget) so when I need to make the cookies on Monday it doesn't become "A WHOLE THING" as I like to say because i don't have the ingredients to make them and now I have to make a special trip to the store, etc. .

Calendars are so important. Businesses use them all the time. Why? Because they have to keep track off all the appointments and jobs they have going on. Who would expect them to remember all of this information without a calendar? Nobody would.

Well as the CEO's of our household we have a lot to keep track of and who would expect us to remember it all without a calendar? Nobody would, EXCEPT ourselves.....

Let's give up trying to fly by the seat of our pants and then beat ourselves up when we "forget" things. Let's take the 10 minutes to sit down and put things on our calendar's as they come in. It will save a lot more than 10 minutes in the long run.

***I have found a great time to fill out my calendar is when I'm sitting and waiting for my rugrats to finish guitar lessons or soccer practice or wrestling practice. Instead of sitting and thinking I have so much to do it's a great idea to fill in your calendar or start making that to do list.

To see the previous Aloha post click here "organize & reduce stress".......For more information on our Aloha journey be sure to go visit LBDDiaries and drink up a cup of her wisdom.

Ciao Bellas~

MOMMA

ANOTHER EARNHARDT IS RACING {LOOK OUT UNCLE DALE, JR}

2010-08-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. just may have some up coming competition. And from a GIRL in the family. Nope, it's not his sister this time (even though she knows how to hold her own on a track).

BUT.......The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as they say. The newest race driver in the family is Kelley Earnhardt's daughter, Karsyn (Earnhardt) Elledge. With Jimmy Elledge for your daddy, and Kelley Earnhardt for your Momma, Kerry Earnhardt and Dale, Jr for your Uncles and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. "The Intimidator" for your Papaw there is bound to be some racin' blood flowing through those veins.

Here is a photo of Miss Karsyn in her new cart~! Don't you just LOVE her number?

Karsyn may be a little thing but like many members in her family she isn't afraid to step on that gas pedal. She proved that at the "Box Stock" Kart race at Woodleaf Speedway in North Carolina.

Look at her go! Go Karsyn! Go!

You can see video of Karsyn's actual race HERE

And she went....and she went and.....

SHE TOOK FIRST PLACE!!! I'm so proud of you Miss Karsyn! (Karsyn with her Daddy)

I'm so excited to share this and not just because Kelley is a friend of mine and I think Karsyn is one of the most adorable little girls I've ever seen (in my completely unbiased opinion... smile) but also because it's exciting to me as a race fan. ANOTHER Earnhardt on the track and ANOTHER Earnhardt taking the win.

Isn't she adorable?

~Ciao Bellas~

Momma

FREE CSN GIVEAWAY WINNER

2010-08-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! I just love doing these giveaways!

Thanks so much to everyone for entering to win and for visiting me here on my Soapbox!

I used Random.org to generate the winner.

drum roll..........

Random Integer Generator

Here is your random number:
2

Timestamp: 2010-08-25 23:07:53 UTC

#2 is: ERIN said...

August 17, 2010 4:34 AM

Congratulations Erin. Please email me and I'll send your certificate over to you!

Have a great night. We are off to back to school night with the Rugrats!

Ciao Bellas

Momma~

ORGANIZE AND REDUSE STRESS {Marriage, Children, Home and Work}

2010-08-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hawaii’s best known export is not sugar, pineapples or Kona coffee, but a word: aloha. This word is what I took home with me after my month long stay on the Island. Aloha means much more than hello or goodbye or even love. It’s true meaning is the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the person (alo).

It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It is a feeling in the heart.

I'm really doing my best to try and keep my "Aloha" since I've been home. I spent some time sitting and thinking about what it actually is about Maui that was so relaxing to me. It was like the stress was just melting away. I realize I was on vacation but I did have my rugrats there with me and I did do some work (bare minimum) while I was there. Obviously, doing bare minimum work was a factor but that wasn't all. And for me, summer time with NOT having the kids in school is a more relaxed, less stressful time for me, even when we are at home.

But there still is something very different, special and relaxing about Maui. It is very much slower paced then it is here at home. And I want that. I kept saying over and over "I'm determined to find a way to bring this Aloha back home with me"....

Well, I've been home for a couple weeks and I think I've done a pretty good job keeping my Aloha so far. I was a bit overwhelmed when I first returned because I am very very busy with work right now. We are just swamped in general and then with my "bare minimum" working for the last month, I'm really playing catch up. Normally that would throw me into a tizzy and believe me......it started too. I was starting to feel overwhelmed and then I said "NOPE, not doing this" It took a month to get all this stress stripped away from me and I REFUSE to fall back into chaos. Will NOT do it.

So after much soul searching and speaking with my friend at LBDDiaries I've decided that this is my goal for this next year. I can't run a business and have three children still at home and a son who is about to get married and not have a little chaos from time to time BUT I can have CONTROLLED CHAOS... And this is my goal.

I started this earlier this year. Taking control of my life and making it the best it can be. I've made changes that have helped. I've stepped up and done things I haven't "wanted" to do but I've known I "needed" to do but it's time to take it further. It's time to dig deeper. And that's what I'm doing. That's what I'm hoping you will do with me.

As soon as my "Aloha" is in jeopardy I am going to stop...drop....and roll..... of wait, that is for a fire....

Okay, so I'm going to stop and ask myself "What can I do differently that would make this situation not be as stressful?" And I'm going to do it!

I'm going to continue to work on my weight and health. I was doing so well and then I slacked off and I'm back at it. Bottom line is I feel so much better emotionally and physically when I don't slack off.

I'm going to be working on my marriage. After going on 22 years of marriage, running a business together and raising four children together I want to do a "check up". I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to be the best wife I can be. I want to take time to plan date nights like we used to do. I want to redecorate my bedroom to a more romantic setting. All these things I "think about" doing and never get around too. I'm going to mark time on the calendar to get it done and do it.

I'm going to work on de-cluttering and organizing my life. This is HUGE. This is a major cause of stress.

Case in point..... My son lost his permit. I was going to take him to the DMV to get another copy. I had all the stuff together before we left for Maui so I thought it would be easy to grab and go. So we are ready to walk out the door and I can't find it. Then I find the form we needed but realize I never put his SS# on it. So then I'm trying to find his Social Security card. Can't find it..... And in the mean time I think I should bring his birth certificate just in case.... Can't find it. Are you dang kidding me?!? So I find the birth certificate (which we didn't even need) and then I find the social security card. But had I put them all back in the safe where they belong instead of setting them down in a spot "for now" and then never getting around to putting them in the safe then I would have found them right off. And if I didn't have so much JUNK to go through it would have been much easier. It's not like I have TONS of stuff but it all adds up. And after spending a month in Maui it made me realize just how little I really "need" and how much nicer it is to have less things to keep track of and to dig through.

I'm going to work on "The guilt" Not letting the guilt get to me of not having enough time in the day to do everything I want to do. Or not having enough time in the day to do things that others want me to do. That saying "I just can't do it today" is OK. That I don't have to put others first and then figure out how in the world I'm going to catch up on all of my stuff. Learning I can't do it all perfectly. I can't be the perfect wife, housekeeper, employee (so many days I'd like to fire myself!.. lol) mother, daughter and friend all the time and that doesn't make me a failure. It makes me human.

I can say these things and know deep down in my heart that they are true. I would say them to my best friend and mean it from the bottom of my heart yet I hold myself to a different standard. It's time I give myself a break on somethings and come down on myself about others.

You want the chips and salsa.......TOO BAD STEPHANIE, you can't have every dang thing you want just because you want it.

So you don't want to go in to the office today or run errands? TOO BAD STEPHANIE, you have to. If you don't go to the office you can't get time cards, if you don't get time cards you can't do payroll on time, if you don't do payroll on time your employees wont get their paychecks on time. If they don't get their paychecks on time .......you get the idea......So suck it up, stop complaining about what you have to do and get it done. (Not that I never pay my employees on time, I always do but I do sometimes make it stressful on myself by waiting until the last minute)

So you want to go get a massage and you have a gift card but you feel guilty like you should be home cleaning or finishing some work? Can it wait? Have you been running and doing things for yourself and neglected your home and work already this week? If the answer is NO then I'm going to go get that dang massage and NOT feel guilty. If the answer is YES then.....sorry you want a massage but you have already played this week so suck it up, get your work done and go next week.

Changes......it's all about balance and controlling the chaos.... and I'm on a mission.

A friend of mine LBDDiaries and I are committed to continuing this mission together. We have already been riding the weight loss train together and now we are on a mission to live our best lives. We are going to help support each other and give each other advise.

AND we are going to post our advise, what we learn through our research and our trial and errors and we hope to help you with something you may be struggling with.

We can't be the only ones who are in need of organizing, de-clutter, losing weight, strengthening our marriages, dealing with Rugrats at home or dealing with Rugrats who are no longer at home.

LBDDiaries and I feel that together we can make a difference. We both love to do research and get as much information on things as we can. We can't wait to share it with you all.

We are excited to have you on this journey with us and along the way if you have advise please share and if you have a topic you would like us to discuss please let us know.

Here is to finding and keeping our "ALOHA".

Oh and if nobody told you this already today YOU ARE WORTH THE WORK it will take to find it.

Are ya with me???
((((HUGS)))

Momma

To see my first post on this please click here "things to come and reasons behind it all"

MEET ME ON MONDAY

2010-08-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

I found "Meet me on Monday" on my friend at LBDDiaries Blog and she found it on Never Growing Old Blog. I had to join in on the fun! What a great way to get to know each other.

I spill the beans about my life on here all the time BUT the little things about me, how much of that do I share? I mean I probably haven't done a post saying "By the way my beautiful blog friends my favorite doughnut is a glazed twist." Not that I shouldn't do that but I just haven't. UNTIL NOW.

What I am sooooooooooooo looking forward to is finding out more about YOU! My fellow bloggers, my readers my BFF e-friends! I'm excited for it not to be all about me.

So I will spill the beans about myself and then if you could be so kind as to spill it back about you!

Okie Dokie Artichokie these are the questions:

1. What is your favorite kind of doughnut?

2. How often do you pray?

3. What is your favorite kind of music?

4. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?

5. Would you rather snowboard in the winter or swim in the summer?

You can copy and paste them in the comment section and answer them that way or if you want you can just list the question number and your answer next to it that way! It's all about you, so you do whatcha wanna do!

Question #1

My favorite doughnut is the Glazed Twist doughnut (which you already know cuz I spilt it above, I'm already not good at this)

I really must admit that I have never met any doughnut that I don't like.

I also must admit.....

I'm craving one now....

Question #2

I pray often. I pray throughout the day as things come in to my mind. I pray for my children and my husband, my family and my friends..... My prayers are more like conversations off and on throughout my day. But I also thank God in payers throughout the day. Silly things like I'm in a hurry and can't find my keys, it's getting down to the wire and my day is surly going to be ruined if I don't find them in the next 30 seconds (exaggeration here but you get the idea) I find them and I say "Thank you God"..

I believe in the power of prayer.

Question #3

Hands down Country music. I love country music, new and old. I used to wish I was from Alabama because I love the song "Sweet Home Alabama" so much. I'm a country girl, just living in the hills of California.

Of course I also wished I was from the south so I could talk about my "Sweet Tea" allot too.

Question #4

Love Broccoli Beef but I also like Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken. We usually order several different items and then share them all.

I'm really getting hungry now. SHOCK and AWE moment I know......

Question #5

I would rather swim in the summer..... This is my future daughter in law when we were in Maui. I took this picture to send to her momma. Isn't she adorable?

So how about you? Spill it, if you would be so kind...

OH OH OH OH OH OH

If you haven't yet......DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY THAT ENDS TOMORROW NIGHT!

Have a fantastic Monday!

Ciao Bellas~

Momma