Life

A day at the pumpkin patch

2010-12-06T03:56:00.004-05:00

Was a little bit of a drive but SO worth it!!!!

Cali weather

2010-09-11T01:49:00.003-04:00

Oh the land of California. People always asked me, "How's the weather there?"

I always said, "Sunny and 75."

Really.... I wasn't kidding.

One day it might be.........hold your breath......PARTLY CLOUDY!

One day it might be.......70 instead of 75

Granted it's been a mild summer for Cali....

But when I listen to the other parents, while we wait to pick up our kids at school, say how COLD it is!!!!!

Seriously???

If I'm still in flip flops and a sweatshirt, it's not COLD!

The 10day forecast for Southern California:

TonightSep 10
Mostly Clear
N/A57°
0%

High not valid after 2pm
SatSep 11
Partly Cloudy
75°58°
0%

75°F
SunSep 12
Partly Cloudy
76°60°
0%

76°F
MonSep 13
Sunny
75°59°
0%

75°F
TueSep 14
Partly Cloudy
73°58°
10%

73°F
WedSep 15
Partly Cloudy
72°58°
0%

72°F
ThuSep 16
Partly Cloudy
72°60°
0%

72°F
FriSep 17
Partly Cloudy
72°60°
0%

72°F
SatSep 18
Sunny
70°60°
0%

70°F
SunSep 19
Sunny
69°59°
0%

69°F

It's almost that time again......

2010-07-30T18:28:00.003-04:00

Isaak turns 11yrs old on 8-11-10

Where did the time go?

Isaak

2010-04-08T01:05:00.005-04:00

Thankfully, Isaak tests results were good. No intervention needed right now.

I wish people could understand how hard that "monthly check-up" for a heart parent is.

Isaak came into my life when I was just a baby myself.

He changed my life in a way I could never explain. In a way thats more than just having a baby when your young.

He forced me to grow up.

He needed me to be the Mama I wasnt sure I could be. But I did it anyways.

To this day he is the love of my life.

..............................................

I was out the other night and sent him a text ( oh the world we are in)

I said

" I love you more than words."

He wrote back....

" I love u more than the earth."

I will never delete that text...........

Ike and I at Cobra Starship....

2010-04-08T00:52:00.001-04:00

It was awesome!!!

Where do I start???

2010-04-08T00:30:00.005-04:00

Big Man helping with the tree

Xmas 2009

Always a model

Isaak

2010-02-05T02:39:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited for SuperBowl On Sunday as is Isaak......

Heck the Colts are there AGAIN!!!!

Yet it's hard cause as of Tuesday following the Superbowl Isaak has to have a Cardiac MRI.

They said over the summer it was time....they needed to be able see everything "in there" more clearly. That we are getting close to "that time." The time where he grows faster than his heart can keep up....the time we have been warned about since he was little. The time where he will have another open heart surgery.

I may be a nurse, I may have seen a lot. But nothing prepares you for when it's your own. It's been A LONG time since I've let his "condition" truly worry me. It's been a long time since it's racked my every thought.....since I couldn't sleep. He's been through so much, why does he have to go through more?????

He is such a wonderful child. So loving, so kind, so accepting of anyone who comes into his life. He is everything we all hope we can be....and he's only 10.

All I pray is that he can live a long life and show all of us what it truly means to " love one an other."

Kids first concert--- Blink 182!!!

2009-09-13T00:20:00.002-04:00

For Isaak's 10th birthday we took him to his first concert

Blink 182!!!

So weird to take my son to a concert of a band I listened to in high school
Fall Out Boy opened

My big man

So fun

Had to come prepared

..............

2009-09-12T23:03:00.004-04:00

Mama's little man

Gotta love her

Blink 182

All better with room to run

The best encore ever!!!

Isaak's Birthday party

2009-09-12T22:50:00.003-04:00

I just love pinata's..... :)

Making of Isaak's 10th birthday cake

2009-09-12T22:40:00.002-04:00

He wanted a Rock Band cake.....

Not too bad......I had to even "frost" on the rockers clothes :)

Crazy and me......taking a cake break

Nothing better....

She was quite the helper

Cont....

2009-09-12T22:34:00.001-04:00

Again...chair and towel

Sam and Ike

Miss Mia and Sasha

Mr. Life of the party :)

Summer Fun

2009-09-12T22:28:00.001-04:00

The kids and I spent a lot of time at the pool this summer

Always goofing around..

For some reason she always ends up on the chair under a towel??

YMCA waterpark

Mother's Day 09'

2009-09-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

The kids and I played at the park on Mother's Day!

It's back open...again

2009-08-07T18:12:00.001-04:00

I have made this private a few times, for reasons many of you know.

But, I want my family that is far away to stay updated.

So open it shall stay.

New pictures and posts to come!

It's a FULL MOON tonight......

2009-05-09T00:31:00.002-04:00

All things are possible..............

on a full moon............

The start of Pee Wee soccer

2009-05-09T00:23:00.003-04:00

Mia started Pee Wee soccer with the YMCA. Hysterical doesn't even describe it

She was a little hesitant, which was a surprised me. She is my feisty one.

Then it came to crying cause no one would give her the ball. I explained she had to try and get it, but that didn't work. At least the Dad next to me was having the same issue with his son

Baseball 2009

2009-05-09T00:07:00.003-04:00

Isaak has begun baseball again. He just loves it!

He really likes being the catcher

Isn't she sweet?
( yes, she dresses herself)

Mommy can play too

Best Buds

2009-05-08T23:41:00.004-04:00

When we moved into our house in 2005, Sam was the first kid Isaak met. I think they were the only kids at that time. Despite the 2yr age diff they have remained close.

I will never forget when we first met him, at the age of 4yr? God was he 4?

He came to the door and said he was wearing a "wind breaker."

Oh yeah? he said, " yes, it breaks the wind." :)

making smores
Can't beat that as your backyard

Best buds fishing in the backyard

I never noticed till now. Their eyes are the same color

BFF's forever

More pictures

2009-05-08T23:32:00.003-04:00

I know I super suck at this blogging thing lately. Just don't have the time I use to...IE WORK.

Plus life has been nuts......but in a good way

How can you not love these two???

Coloring is a part of dance class. Woo Hoo!

Dancing with her teacher on princess day. Can you see how cute that look is on her face?

She loved dance

More pictures to come...

Random Pics

2009-04-11T01:42:00.002-04:00

The sunset behind my house.

I wont miss a ton about my "too big to clean" house, but I will miss that.
Some days they do like each other

Miss Grevers. She has been a great addition to the family. She is the best dog.

" Ah Mom"

Mia's 4th Birthday

2009-04-11T01:30:00.002-04:00

Mia insisted on a birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Rule at our house??? You get one birthday there and that's it. Isaak's was 6yrs ago and Mia's kept up with the rushed, crazy tradition of Chuck E Cheese. But she loved it........which is all that matters

Mia and her future boyfriend

Mia and Sasha

Mia and Brooke

I always make their b-day cakes. Hannah Montana this year!

Rant

2009-03-31T00:13:00.001-04:00

Ok... It must be my computer. But I have tried a dozen times to download new pictures, update the blog and my computer cant do it!

It's driving me mad!

Snow Day!

2009-03-24T12:54:00.002-04:00

These are from the kids first official snow day back in Feb.

Trees in the back

Mia's mini hill

Verizon wireless.....it's a huge hill!

The walk up sucked! But we had a blast!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:22:00.002-05:00

The kids and I spent the evening at home. I would like to say it was quiet.....but.

I let Isaak have TWO friends spend the night, cause really why not? Where was I going?

I rewired my new dryer cause I ROCK! Cleaned the house. Blah Blah

Then comes the best part.........

I was checking the missed calls on the house phone. When I noticed someone had called 911. Well no one would fess up then.

A good 15-20min later who comes knocking at the door?

The COPS

I explained how someone had called accidentally and would they like to talk to him.

Of course they said yes.

Immediately Isaak fessed up. He swore it was an accident.

Yeah....

The cop was pretty nice to him but gave him the whole "talk."

I think Isaak crapped his pants, he was still shaking hours later.

Let's just say..............Lesson learned.

~~~~~~

Here I thought tonight was going to be boring. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!!!!!!

~~~~~

~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

side note: I am without a digital camera currently. I will get a new one soon

Random warm winter day

2009-02-07T15:15:00.002-05:00

Isaak playing with his flying disc

Of course it's warm enough for heels with no socks!
I dont think there are words for Mia's "style"

Yes, she dresses herself! Lord help me!

New Pictures and a Blogger Rant

2009-01-28T09:07:00.003-05:00

The First Big Snow of the year!

Whats the guess? 2-3days before they plow our streets?

From upstairs window
The Front

Oatmeal makes everything better!

Back patio

Back yard

Here are some new pictures and I am truly fed up with this Blogging stuff.

Everytime I try and update the decor of the page, it ERASES all my links and friends sites.

Im done. It's staying the way it is and if I can find the time to waste I will add all the links to peoples pages again. GRRRR!

New Years 08-09

2008-12-31T21:07:00.003-05:00

I think this may be the first year I am happy to just be at home. I went to a friends house for a bit, then had to get back because Isaak was having a friend spend the night.

Currently Chris is playing Monopoly with them. Teaching Mia along the way.

It's so cute.

I guess I am officially a grown up. I could have paid a sitter and partied the night away. But I am at home, playing games. Making cookies and have fireworks and noisemakers for later.

Yes, I said fireworks.

Pictures to come...........

Unseasonably warm.....

2008-12-27T22:06:00.002-05:00

We had highs in the 60's today, plus rain. Enough to cause Tornado warnings and thunderstorms.

My FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So as I write this a little after 10pm...my kids are in my bed together. With both dogs. :)

Isaak got scared and I offered to him to get in bed with Mia and watch Dora. He said " Oh, I'll watch Dora." That's when you know their scared :)

Just like the song "Your gona miss this." ( on my play list by the way)

I love moments like this and someday I will miss them.............

Weather....funny

2008-12-21T10:25:00.003-05:00

I guess it's not funny that the weather channel said it is -12 degrees outside with the wind chill.

I swear it didn't feel that cold when we ran to get breakfast and I wore my slippers :)

~~~~~~~

But what made me laugh was this statement in regards to the wind chill advisory:

"A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS... MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES."

Ummmm....maybe a JACKET would help too!!!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~

I love kids

2008-12-19T19:44:00.002-05:00

For anyone who has seen Talledega Nights you can appreciate this beyond the cute level

She came home from school the other day saying she had colored a picture of a certain someone. Ever since she said it, I get her to say it whenever I can :)

Isaak the funny man

2008-12-19T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well my baby is growing up and currently obsessed with making a video for YouTube.... don't worry, he is VERY monitored when he is playing on there.

Not that I would ever post one of him on there, but this is too cute not to share

He is such a comedian

Santa

2008-12-13T23:37:00.002-05:00

We went to see Santa tonight. It was freezing, But the things you do for your kids. Well Mia still refuses to sit on Santa's lap. She was terrified. So her big brother passed on what she wanted. Maybe next year we will get a shot of them together.

This pic was a couple of years ago.

This was the most recent one....

When did my baby grow up????

My turn with that camera

2008-12-13T21:27:00.002-05:00

This is exactly why I have dogs!!! Plus, I love them to death

"Ah...mom"
One of our best trees. There is a lot more ornaments than appears in picture

Miss Mia with her crown from school!

If you ask whose birthday is coming....... she states" Sweet baby Jesus."

Maybe Christian preschool is worth it after all

Isaak got the camera again

2008-12-13T21:22:00.001-05:00

Rock band is big in our house. When one gets a high score......you just can't help but have proof :0)

Crazy kid

Straight thug......

The new dog!!!!

2008-12-13T21:15:00.003-05:00

This is Jake. Our new dog.

I saw an ad on craigslist for a dog that needed a good home. His owners work too much or "so they say."

So free of charge he became part of the family.

He is a very obedient, loving dog. He just hasn't figured out how to tell us he needs to go outside. I hate the smell of urine!!!! He does have a strange affection for Isaak's soccer ball. I will add pics later
Mia and her boys

Disneyland

2008-11-28T08:27:00.004-05:00

Before we moved back to Indy.....actually the day before we left. We fit in a day to Disneyland, Mia's very first trip.

The weather was perfect and it wasn't crowded at all.

We had a blast

More pics from Disneyland.....

2008-11-28T08:13:00.003-05:00

Mia and Cinderella

Isaak was tall enough to drive alone! A big day in a kids life

The kids and Mickey

Mia was in AWE at Minnies house.

We had so much fun..... it was great to be a "kid" for a day

Im private again.................

2008-11-28T08:09:00.002-05:00

Many of you know the story of why I made this blog private once before.

Well..... being back in Indiana has really caused me to worry about

"who" is viewing our blog.

So please forgive me, but I can't lose another nights' sleep worrying about it.

Update

2008-11-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

I am way behind in blog land. But...yes were back in INDY! Thank the Lord! I will update soon and I have lots of pictures to add. We even squeezed in Disneyland the day before we left!

Halloween

2008-10-31T08:35:00.000-04:00

I live for Sunday

2008-10-19T01:06:00.017-04:00

Once upon a time I was the girl that got irritated by all the football. The constant ESPN, Sports Center and John Madden games.

Then something happened. Was I struck by lighting? Abducted by aliens? Beat with a blue football? I just don't know.....

But after years of being "that girl," I became a crazed nut about football. NFL football!!!!

Colts being my love.

So the obsession started. I scream at the TV, count the days till Sunday, and life is grand if I can get a sitter so I can watch the game at the bar.

~~~~~~

Two weeks ago, on my birthday weekend. I did something for the very first time. I went to a bar to watch the game..... by MYSELF! I had the sitter just no one to go with. I sat quietly sipping my bloody mary, keeping to myself. The Colts weren't doing so well, didn't want to bring attention to that. Plus I was the only Colts fan there. Well with less than 5min in the game the Colts blew away the Texans in an amazing comeback!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I was literally jumping out of my chair and screaming. I think the whole bar was laughing at me. It was AWESOME!!!

So I have the sweatshirt, the shirt, the tank top, the earrings...even the underwear. But there is so much more out there. Geez!

For starters.......the lamp

I NEED the lamp....... Coltsproshop.com I love you

But...my goal? The Colts cheerleader belt.

I have looked everywhere. But my quest will never end... I will have that belt!!

I know...I need serious help

Tagged

2008-10-19T00:25:00.002-04:00

I know I am ridiculously late on doing this...but it's 927pm and the house is all quiet

So here I go.........

7 quirky things about me:

I HATE spiders!!! So much... I can NOT shower if there is one in the bathroom. The spider must die before I can safely shower.

2.I like to workout ( granted I haven't gone in a while.) But I enjoy it, it's not a chore.

3.I love 80's anything.

4.I truly believe I am an awesome singer......in the car :)

5.I check my horoscope everyday, do online tarot card readings when I am perplexed. I believe everything happens for a reason.

6.I like my fries, bacon, casseroles...etc. CRISPY. Nothing like the crispy edge of a lasagna

7.I love pajamas! All kinds! Honestly, I have had one pair since 96', I have even sewn up some holes so I could continue to wear them.

Why?

2008-09-26T00:04:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted in a while and honestly, I just haven't felt like it. Plus I no longer have a memory card for my camera. So there will be no pictures for a while.........long story.

Otherwise, life is good. Kids are happy at their new schools. Isaak actually likes his teachers! As for Miss Mia, she couldn't love preschool more. I am sure her boyfriend Aaron would agree. Yes.......that's what I said. My 3yr old has a boyfriend and she is wise beyond her years.

~~~~~~~

This is the conversation we had:

Mia- " Mama can I get married?"

Me- " No, you have to be at least 18 to get married"

Mia- " But, I can't kiss my boyfriend unless were married"

Me- " Yes, I know..."

Mia- with a distressed look " But he's not 18"

Me- " Yes, I know"

She is 3!!!!!!!!

Let me tell you, this is not the first conversation like this.

Why can't I drive? Why can't I wear a bra? Why ? Why? Why?

This is beyond 3yr old why is the sky blue.

This is old soul, logical conversations.

God help me. Isaak did not prepare me for her......

Had to share....

2008-08-30T18:38:00.006-04:00

One of my old neighbors/best friends went to have her sons picture taken

when they were taking them for the banners in the new stadium.

Well, she went to one of the pre-season games and whose picture was hanging up?

Jake and Napoleon!!!!!!!

(Plus, I am convinced Jake will be my son in-law one day. Mia still

thinks the world of him)

Kids and Rude people

2008-08-28T23:32:00.004-04:00

A quick update....

Mia started preschool and LOVES it! She wants to go everyday!

She already has two boyfriends...God help me :)

~~~~~~~~~

Isaak started soccer and starts 3rd grade next week. I can't believe it.

In the past week he had to have a cardiac stress test. Where he runs on the treadmill.

Just something he had to do at this age. He passed with flying colors! His cardiologist said he couldn't be happier with how he is doing. That is "repair" is growing with him.

I admit it.....I cried. That is beyond great news.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Then he had to have 3 cavities filled!!!!!!!!!

Let's just say for a pediatric dentist, she does not have a way with kids.

After the many things Isaak's has been through his anxiety is high with any procedure.

So we started with the "laughing gas." It really had no effect and DID NOT calm him. So the dentist just went ahead. She went to numb his mouth with Novocaine and thinking she is clever, tries to tell him she is doing nothing and "it doesn't hurt." All the while he is saying it does. Not a good tactic in my book. A big ass needle going into your gums hurts no matter how much you try to distract someone.

She does this a few more times. Granted this hurts for everybody, so I know he needs to just get numb and he'll be OK. Well I don't think she numbed enough.

Because once the drilling started the screaming and tears started.

"It hurts, it hurts."

Leave it to the great dentist..... " Oh come on, it can't hurt."

Did she just say that?

This went on a few more times. With this so called pediatric dentist and her sidekick showing no sympathy and getting so annoyed he is screaming.

Well DUH...............IT HURTS!!

So I told them, "maybe you need to numb him more."

Dentist, " I have used a lot already, he shouldn't feel a thing."

Me.... " Well use more, he can obviously feel it."

So after 4-5 ampules later of Novocaine he was numb and the cavities were filled.

With a very annoyed dentist that is took so long.

Hmmmmmm..... maybe you should have listened to your patient, regardless of his age. Then he would have been numb in a timely manner and this would have taken no time at all.

Let's just say I went to check out and said I would never come back and they could

BILL ME!!!!!!!

Isaak....

2008-08-12T03:04:00.004-04:00

I became very reminiscent after Isaak's birthday this year. Plus I posted old photos on Mia's birthday, so it only seemed fair.

A very young me and the beginning of bed rest. You don't want to see me towards the end, trust me.
Isaak was born with Transposition of the Great Vessels, this was a couple days after his open heart surgery. He was about 7days old.
This is a couple weeks after surgery. He acquired quite the beanie babie collection.
A couple months after surgery...was and still is my snuggle bug.
The day he became "free of meds." One of my favorite pictures.

2008-08-12T03:00:00.001-04:00

Isaak has changed my life in so many ways and continues to do so. He has a heart bigger than Texas, an infectious laugh, and enjoys everyday.

I love him more than I could ever express. It hasn't been an easy ride and will continue to be bumpy....... but he is worth, every single second of it.

Happy Birthday Isaak!!!!

2008-08-12T01:38:00.002-04:00

Isaak is officially 9 years old!!!!

We had a party for him on Saturday....it was a lot of fun.

Pokemon cake ( Manaphy)
We had the party at this new park

The kids playing with water balloons
He has always been awesome about opening gifts!

~~~~~

I don't know how 9yrs went by so fast.... I can still remember being in the hospital like it was yesterday. He is such a great kid and I am forever blessed that he is my baby. No matter how big you get, you will always be my baby.

I love you bubba!

Proud

2008-08-10T01:11:00.001-04:00

Isaak finished his first baseball season. He got a medal and a trophy.

He was so proud!!!!

Funny Dog

2008-08-05T03:48:00.005-04:00

Well.... Tank has been acting VERY strange lately. The last couple days he has been whining constantly. Acting completely out of character for him. So where does my mind go? Earthquakes of course!

After the quake the other day and all the reports that the fault lines are "awoken" and the big one or one close to it is coming.... how could my mind not go there.

They say dogs can feel the vibrations or can hear the plates scratching together, like nails on a chalkboard. They bark or act very unusual days to months before quakes.

In 1975, somewhere in Japan ( I think) they evacuated a whole town based on the crazy antics of all the animals. Few days later they had a HUGE quake.

Yes, I looked it up.

How could I not???? Tank has, honestly, lost his mind.

So I am super paranoid...... even Isaak knows where to go and what to do if it hits when were home. I even have drilled him for when he is at school.

After watching those damn movies and doing all that research.....karma? coincidence? Bad luck?

UGH! I say!

Those damn quake movies.......

Who needs the outdoors????

2008-07-30T23:02:00.002-04:00

When you can camp indoors....

Our tent

Inside the tent
Made authentic with a thunderstorm CD ( Tank hid under the chairs,) a fire and microwaved smores. We all took turns telling ghost stories, Tanks were the best. :)

Summer Fun

2008-07-30T22:47:00.001-04:00

Isaak at the Angel game

Mia the "Superstar"

Playing with the cousins

Fatigue and an Earthquake

2008-07-29T17:23:00.003-04:00

Isaak has been increasingly fatigued lately, so I made a cardiologist appt.

We got the usual work-up, echo, ekg....etc etc

Although his pulmonary stenosis has actually improved the doc was unsure why he has been getting so tired and why he has the occasional "racing heart."

So Ike got a 24hr Holter monitor ( he is not thrilled )

He also gets to run on the treadmill for a stress test at the end of August.

But....... the doctor did say he can totally ride roller coasters!

Isaak was ecstatic.

Then while on the fourth floor at the cardiologist appt we had an EARTHQUAKE! Yes, after my crazy rambling blog on earthquakes we freakin had one. 5.4!!

"The 11:42 a.m. quake initially was estimated at 5.8 but was revised downward to magnitude-5.4, said seismologist Kate Hutton of the U.S. Geological Survey office in Pasadena. She told NBC affiliate KNBC of Los Angeles that the agency’s computers recorded 27 aftershocks by 12:40 p.m. Hutton said the strongest aftershock was magnitude-3.6. "( per msn.com)

Not fun. That's one of the things I hate the most. Of course it's all over the news...is this the lead up to the BIG ONE????

God, help me. Why did I move here again???

White trash BBQ, Cali style

2008-07-14T18:32:00.003-04:00

Playin' them apples to apples

Howdy!
Dem boys and dat hockey
I know, you don't have to say it.

Mia watching fireworks

2008-07-14T18:18:00.002-04:00

Baseball and such

2008-07-13T18:07:00.000-04:00

Isaak's new room
View from HIS balcony

More pics....

2008-07-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

At the Newport Beach Fish Fry

The new place...we have SO much stuff
Unpacking sucked!
A new park we found
Bubba and Tank

The last night in the house :(

2008-07-11T17:54:00.000-04:00

Back in May....

Camping pictures

2008-07-11T01:51:00.004-04:00

Sadly, our camera is M.I.A.!!! We got these from Grandma's camera.

These are from our camping trip at Mammoth Pools in June

The family shot

Some how it became a photo shoot

Cousins

More camping pictures

2008-07-10T02:02:00.002-04:00

A little update

2008-07-01T23:37:00.004-04:00

I know...I know. I still haven't updated. Well, I still DO NOT have internet besides "borrowing" WiFi. Updating on a laptop is a little too much work. But, all is good. We just got back from camping in the mountains. We had a great time.
Isaak had his first baseball game today. He got a few great hits and got MVP for the day! I am SO proud. Mia is POTTY TRAINED...can you tell I'm excited. So we will have to brave Disneyland soon, since that was part of the deal.
Working day shift is ok, but I am just more made for nights. Plus, I hate being gone all day from the kids. So we shall see.
We are adjusting. I will have real internet next week and I WILL have LOTS of pictures and updates. Miss you all back in Indy!!! But not the humidity... ha ha ha ha

Hi

2008-06-15T23:54:00.001-04:00

I know...I lag on posting. My "real" computer is still not set up and it is a lot harder to update from this laptop. Plus, were "borrowing" WiFi from teh neighbor so I lose my connection often. I will update soon...hopefully. Hope everyone had a great Father's Day! I got to work...woo hoo!

Yes, we're alive

2008-06-04T13:40:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have not been able to post since we got here. We are all here and currently waiting for the moving truck to show up. I will post a real update soon....

Sad News

2008-05-27T23:28:00.003-04:00

I had to post cause I'm up and it's been on my mind since I found out.

Isaak's school principal was Mrs. Treinen. Her son was fighting Leukemia, a very rare form. I am sure many of you heard about the need to raise money for his treatments.

He past away this Sunday....loosing his battle with this disease. As a mother, it makes my heart ache. Even more so cause I have met her several times, even when her son was in the thick of fighting this, she was still amazing with my son at Durbin.

I can only pray for her strength when Isaak faces his next heart battle.

See her sons site:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltreinen

Goodbye Clarian North Crew!

2008-05-22T03:13:00.004-04:00

(Last night shift, I was told I had to wear the crown)

I have worked at Clarian North in Indiana since October of 2005. I have made and lost some great friends while working there.

~~~~~~~~~~

To the aqua crew:

You ladies have been there for me through thick and thin. I can never thank you enough. I will miss all the laughs, gossip, and fun we have had together. You were what made working here worthwhile, what made me want to come to work each night. I can only hope to find gals as great as you at my new job in Cali. I love and will miss you all more than you know!

Please keep in touch...even if only through blog land

Till I see you again

~~~~~~

Addendum( 5/23/08)- Yes, I cried pulling away my last morning

Earthquakes

2008-05-18T22:19:00.013-04:00

Saturday afternoon I got sucked into the old 10.5 movie on TNT or TBS.

Now yes, I do know that it's very fictional but for a person that is

earthquake- a-phobic....it sucked me in with the shear terror of it.

For anyone who grew up in California we have all heard the theories.... with the "Big One" California will split in two, that some areas are almost built on "quicksand" and will sink, yada yada yada.

So, of course this movies plays on these theories. As the "Big One" hits in the movie the fault line breaks off a portion of Cali and Barstow basically becomes ocean front property.

After this I decided some research was in order. I checked out the

USGS(united states geological survey.) Plus, several other California geological sites.

Good news! California won't break off. It is shifting a little bit every year but would take hundreds of years to slide apart from the entire state. Phew!

Also, it's impossible for there to be a 10.5. It's a lot of scientific stuff that's way over my head but; The San Andreas fault ( the one they are most worried about) isn't long enough to cause an earthquake of that magnitude. Something about length of fault and how fast it travels, like I said... over my head. But, we could get close to a 9. I don't know about you but a 9 sounds just as bad to me.

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

What was on right after 10.5? 10.5: Apocalypse!

Ah geez......

I had to TiVo it....its was 3.5hrs. Once I sat down to watch some of it today, I couldn't stop. Even I could see how this movie was even more far fetched than the last. But, still scary.

The "10.5" in Cali has now triggered as series of catastrophic events. Volcano's, more earthquakes, sink holes ( big enough to suck down all of Las Vegas.) The worst? All this is awakening an old fault that will rip the US in two. See the pic below.....that's right before the fault busts to the gulf of Mexico, splitting the US.

So time for a little more research....... the whole series of events, very unlikely. Las Vegas destroyed by a gigantic sinkhole? No. Most importantly, the "rift fault" that starts in Montana and will make it all the way to the coast; Splitting the continent. Only the history from how they formed this idea is true. I will spare you the details, let's just say it happened millions of years ago and took millions of years to happen. But, it made the movie exciting.

Phew...again

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

Setting movie land aside, they have said we are due for the "Big One" for what seems like forever. Recently, new studies have shown it is coming. According to the UCERF study : "According to the new forecast, California has a 99.7% chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake during the next 30 years (see Figure 1). The likelihood of an even more powerful quake of magnitude 7.5 or greater in the next 30 years is 46%. Such a quake is more likely to occur in the southern half of the state (37% chance in 30 years) than in the northern half (15% chance in 30 years) (see Figure 2). "

One of the big concerns.... the San Andreas fault.( The black line in the picture above.) This fault has not produced a large earthquake in 151 years. The last one had a magnitude of 7.9 that ruptured over 220 miles and lasted for up to three minutes! ( three minutes feel like an eternity during an earthquake)

At that time the Los Angeles population was 4,000. Today? 23 million and growing. Scary thought.

On average large earthquakes occur on the San Andreas fault every 150years. So with the last one being in 1857, we are do at any time. Scientists are even more concerned about some of the southernmost sections of this fault, where quakes have not occurred since 1680!

The "Big One" will happen in our lifetime. Please check some of my links to prepare yourself. Statistics prove that in the Northridge quake 55% of injuries were caused by falling furniture or objects. What were we all taught to do during an earthquake unless we were at school? Go to a doorway!

DO NOT head for a Doorway!!!!

Unless you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house; The doorway is not any stronger than any other part of the house. You are safer under a table or desk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just protect yourself and do not be naive in thinking it will never happen.

The Earth does seem to have a mind of it's own these days

Note

2008-05-15T19:53:00.003-04:00

Just a little post to let everyone know that, against my better judgement, I made the blog open to the public once again.

I want to be able to keep everyone updated and I know making it private made it hard for some folks. So, unless luck decides not to be a friend I will keep it open.

MUAH!

Tank's big Day

2008-05-12T20:26:00.002-04:00

Tank was neutered today. Figured it was time, he is almost two years old.

I dropped him off at 715am and wasn't able to pick him up till 515pm. He was and is still so out of it. Poor guy....
Took a few hours till he was able to comfortably lay in his bed, has to keep the cone on till Friday.
Our poor guy...he is just not himself today. :(
But, he is getting LOTS of love

Mother's day gloat....

2008-05-11T18:05:00.004-04:00

I had to work the night before Mother's Day.... so after a long night at work, I got to come home and take a nice warm, bubble bath. Plus, I got to listen to the thunderstorm while I was in the tub. Thanks Mother Nature! ( I love thunderstorms)

Then I got to hop straight into bed for a day of uninterrupted sleep.

When you work night shift that's a gift in itself.

Then I woke up to...presents. Each of the kids had to pick out a couple of things for me, all by themselves. It was so cute
From Isaak..it lights up
They each picked one
My fav...... enchilada's.
My little figurines from the kids

It was great day! I am so blessed

Thank you

Fun at the park

2008-05-11T18:01:00.002-04:00

It was a really nice the other day, so we went to Forest Park.

Just a few pics

You have no idea how rare it is that she is looking at the camera and WITH a nice smile!

Love you pookie!

LIDS

2008-05-11T17:59:00.002-04:00

As embarrassing as this is, I had to post it.

I was cleaning out my kitchen cupboards in preparation for the move.

Here is what I found in my Tupperware cupboard...

ALL TOPS!!!!!

Some where in the world is a woman with all bottoms.......

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T02:28:00.004-04:00

There is nothing better than being a Mother. Thank you to my two beautiful children, you continue to change my life in ways you have yet to understand.

I can't imagine my life without you.

I love you guys!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mama's everywhere! Have a great day with your babies!

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

A big Happy Mother's Day to my Mama...... I love you so much!

Isaak's Spring Pictures

2008-05-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

Well, there are no words for these pictures. I still never understand doing pictures twice a year, because we always end up with no so great pictures at least once.

So I wanted to share but if your expecting a wallet......sorry not gona happen.

You know your tired when.......

2008-05-01T04:00:00.004-04:00

You fall asleep sitting straight up at your desk at work.... with computer mouse in hand. I'm sure I was quite the sight, had anyone seen it. :)

Going back to Cali.......

2008-04-25T03:52:00.003-04:00

Well... I figured it was about time I post about The Big Move.

The kids and I are moving back home to California. We have loved Indiana and all the great friends and memories we have made here. It will always be our "other home." But as time passes it has gotten harder to be away from our family.

So after many changes in our lives... the decision was made to go home.

I have accepted a travel nurse assignment in the NICU at Long Beach Memorial. Day shift too! Hopefully these bones can get used to "real" hours again. ;)

My company has set up our housing in Costa Mesa, we should find out soon exactly where.

The countdown has begun...... as we fly out May 29th.

I am not sure how I will cram in extra shifts, packing a house, several birthday parties and time with our friends in a little over 30days.

Maybe with a few deep breaths and a couple extra prayers :)

See you all very soon!

EARTHQUAKE

2008-04-18T06:40:00.002-04:00

We had an earthquake in Indiana this morning. I thought I moved away from those.

5.4 magnitude. No damage or anything but people are not used to

that out here! Very scary... considering I was in a hospital that started swaying and

rolling.

There was a meteorite that crashed in another county, yesterday too!

Crazy stuff!!!!

She's growing up......

2008-04-16T21:05:00.008-04:00

Today Mia had her 3yr old check-up. A little late, but she was sick

when her original appointment was scheduled.

( Sorry about the fuzzy pics... from a camera phone)

Mia waiting for Dr. Moreland

She did great and made it out with NO shots! She weighs 33lbs (90th percentile) and was 3'3 ( 50th percentile for height)

Lots of 3's for our three year old!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then the day had come to get her beautiful long hair cut, so off to Cookie Cutter's we went

Before the cutting started... look how long it was!

The back had never been cut before today

Not a huge fan of having her hair washed ;0)

Getting a trim

Can you see the excitement in her face????? Ha Ha

Mia did so well. Didn't cry or fight at all. This from a girl who I have to tackle to brush her hair. We took off about 3 inches from the back and trimmed her bangs. I was so worried that once we cut her hair we would lose her baby curls forever. Surprise! The curls came back after they blow dried her hair. YEAH!!!!!

No after pics, sorry. Didn't save on the phone.

After all this she played outside the rest of the day. Even got to skip her nap...shhhh don't tell. With all this excitement she fell asleep on the couch after her bath. It's rough being a kid. :)

Just a thought......

2008-04-14T22:55:00.008-04:00

I ran across this on another blog page. Yes....yes... I am a blog addict.

But so are all my friends. Ha Ha

Anyways, it made me think of Andrea. I changed it a tad, but you

will still get the message.

"She would have changed the world had she lived longer. Instead, she changed me".

I still miss her everyday and would give up all I have learned to have her back for
just one more day.

Update.....

2008-04-11T17:16:00.004-04:00

Sad news to report from our local newspaper.....

"Triton, an 11-year-old polar bear, died Thursday at the Indianapolis Zoo, apparently of a twisted colon."

Last October
Last October

( from IndyStar)

Godspeed Mr. Triton. So glad we got to see you one last time

The Zoo

2008-04-05T17:07:00.003-04:00

The weather was perfect last Saturday. So the kids and I packed it up and headed for the zoo. Thanks for the passes Grandma!

On the train
Giraffe's...Mia's favorite

He finally touched one!

Mr. Polar Bear

Andrea Carter

2008-03-27T16:54:00.005-04:00

March 27th, 2008 she would have been 29.

Today was the day we dedicated a room in the NICU at the hospital I work at, to her. The event went perfect... it was a true testament to her.

(Brandy, Andrea, and I)
Andrea and one of her many "babies"

Andrea was one of the best friends I have ever had. She died tragically August 13th, 2006. Her life continues to touch others as well as myself. She taught me to never take life for granted and to see people( and accept them) for who they are.
In her words, " There is no guarantee for tomorrow. Choose wisely what you do today."

Easter

2008-03-23T17:44:00.003-04:00

The kids thought 630am was a great time for a Easter egg hunt

Ugh! They had a blast and we had waffles with whip cream and strawberries. Kids request...

It was a beautiful day

The kids were all decked out for church, but sadly I have no pictures. It was a great service.

Update......

2008-03-22T01:31:00.004-04:00

The kids have been sick.....again.

A full week of fevers and nasty coughs

Antibiotics and Tamaflu mama bought

A few sleepless nights and

several " No medicine mama" fights

and

a Happy, Healthy Easter we

will have

( pictures soon......)

Quote of the week

2008-03-14T03:25:00.000-04:00

There is no stress in the world, only people thinking stressful thoughts.
-Wayne Dyer

Let's play Tag!

2008-03-14T01:14:00.007-04:00

Ok... I see this on a lot of blogs so I am

going to start this folks...

TAG!!!

Rules:

- Answer the questions about yourself

-At the end of your post tag 5 people and post their names. Then

you must leave messages on their blogs telling them they have

been tagged and to read your blog.

Here we go.......

1. What were you doing ten years ago?

Well that would make it March of 1998, so I was just 18yrs old and in my second semester at OCC. I had just started dating Chris and was still living at home. That seems like such a long time ago.

2. Things (5) on my to do list today:

For Friday~~~

Put away laundry... I get it all washed, it just never seems to make it in the drawers :)
Go to the store
relax... my only night off in a 5 day span
Play with my kids
maybe get a manicure

3. What snacks I enjoy:

I love food period! Tortilla chips, peanut butter M&M's, crappy work soup ( my girls understand) cookies. A few days of the month it ALL sounds good. The joys of womanhood!

4. What would I do if I suddenly became a billionaire:

Pay off anything I had left and pay off all my family's debt. Buy everyone (me included) new cars. Trip to Disneyworld! Build dream house. Shopping spree, of course! Toys r'us shopping spree. Donate to heart disease research. A few minor cosmetic procedures ( if you know me, you know what they are :) ) Geez... the possibilities are endless.

5. 3 bad habits:

Making impossible to do lists that I could never finish in one day
wearing my socks outside... I ruin all my socks
putting things to the last minute

6. Places I have lived:

California- Cypress, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Culver City. Indiana- Indianapolis, Fishers and Noblesville.

7. 5 jobs I have had:

Babysitter
Ice cream scooper- Baskin Robbins
Golden Spoon- frozen yogurt
Bank Teller
Nurse-- my favorite job and what I was born to do

8. 5 things people don't know about me:

Infomercials make me laugh.... really? all that for $19.95????
I love making crafts... I just never have the time besides a b-day cake here and there
I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was 10yrs old
I wax my own eyebrows
I am really goofy..... more than any of you realize. My kids can vouch I'm sure.

Ok, I tag Kim, Lynn, Heather, Angie, Megan..... lets see who actually keeps this going

Picture people

2008-03-11T21:18:00.003-04:00

Taken on 3/10/08

Mia's actual birthday

She did so well!

She finally let me curl her bangs!!!!!

MIa's Party

2008-03-11T21:09:00.002-04:00

She was beyond excited for her Princess

Birthday party

Craft time!
Mia focused on making her princess crown
Princess castle birthday cake

(yes, I made it)
Doll from her brother
Can she smile normal?????
Isaak and Jacob
The set-up
It was a great party! Thank you to everyone
who came.

My baby girl is going to be 3!

2008-03-01T10:45:00.011-05:00

Miss Mia will be three years old on March 10th,

I don't know where the time went....

Circa. 2005

( I'm thinking this was at 7-8 months)

My little sumo wrestler

Upon arrival to the world Mia took to big a gulp of fluid and
bought herself a night in the NICU. Mama's worst fear! Thank God it
was only one night!

First time holding my baby girl... she was so tiny.

All 6lbs 120z of her

After she took that big gulp, she preceded to stick her tongue out

at the OB... I don't think he had even cut the cord yet. She is still just as fiery.

Happy Birthday baby girl... I love you so very much!

( Mia is having a princess party on the 8th... more pictures to come)

Photo shoot

2008-02-29T14:24:00.002-05:00

These are from October at Picture People....

a little late but worth the wait

I "borrowed" them off the Picture People website, I think thats why they copied in thumbnail size. Let me know if you want to order any and I can send you the link to Picture People.

A Mama trick...

2008-02-26T21:09:00.004-05:00

Isaak has a pill he has to take everyday and he SWEARS it tastes bad,

(for the second its on his tounge.)

So I was racking my brain on what to do to get him

to take it.....

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

So what we do is.... I put some chocolate syrup on his tounge.

He then puts the pill in his mouth and washes it down with milk.

HOORAY!!! He said he couldn't taste the pill at all.

The things you do for your kids. :)

ALL BETTER!

2008-02-21T15:26:00.003-05:00

Well after keeping everyone in the house Sat thru Tues we are feeling much better. Nothing serious, no antibiotics. Just a lot of nasty coughs and grouchy kids!

(something to make you smile)

Some how I remember visions of something similar, but I believe the substance was Baby Powder!

Happy Birthday Mama!

2008-02-17T09:16:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday to the best Mother a girl could ever ask for!

2-18-2008

( Had to post some flashback pictures)

Thank you for always knowing when to be my friend and when to be my Mother.

You are an amazing woman and I love you very much!!!

Flu season is among us... :(

2008-02-17T09:02:00.005-05:00

The kids and I have caught the nasty bug that

is going around this year. No fun at our house right now.

Isaak sleeping the morning away
Poor baby....

When in doubt we know where to find

Tank

"Ah.... geez Mom"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

2008-02-14T02:04:00.001-05:00

From our bubble baby to yours...

Just a few new pics

2008-02-13T08:41:00.004-05:00

Isaak chillin' before the bus comes

Mia won both fish at the school carnival, but gave the big one to brother

( the little one is "sleeping," until Mom can get a

replacement :) )

Happy Girl

Tanks favorite place in the house

Let it SNOW

2008-02-13T08:10:00.005-05:00

Well the forcasters have been predicting snow for the last few weeks.

Everytime...NO SNOW. Well they finally got it right.

This is what we got in a 24hr period and it was still snowing

pretty good when I took these.

And of course.... the streets have NOT been plowed.

What exactly do homeowner association dues go to

again????

Oh..... Indiana weather!!!

2008-01-31T06:32:00.000-05:00

Winter Storm Warning
/O.UPG.KIND.WS.A.0001.080201T0000Z- 080202T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KIND.WS.W. 0001.080201T0000Z-080202T0000Z/ CARROLL-WARREN-TIPPECANOE-CLINTON- HOWARD-FOUNTAIN-MONTGOMERY- BOONE- TIPTON-HAMILTON-VERMILLION-PARKE- PUTNAM-HENDRICKS-MARION- VIGO-CLAY- OWEN-MORGAN-SULLIVAN- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAFAYETTE...FRANKFORT... KOKOMO... CRAWFORDSVILLE... INDIANAPOLIS...TERRE HAUTE 431 AM EST THU JAN 31 2008
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN INDIANAPOLIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA THIS EVENING AND INTENSIFY OVERNIGHT. THE SNOW MAY BE MIXED WITH SLEET AT TIMES SOUTHEAST OF A TERRE HAUTE TO KOKOMO LINE. THE HEAVIEST SNOW SHOULD FALL BETWEEN MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND 9 AM EST FRIDAY. A MIXTURE OF SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL PERSIST INTO FRIDAY. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 5 TO 10 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW EXPECTED NORTHWEST OF A TERRE HAUTE TO KOKOMO LINE.
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

The best part of it??? The snow starts when I will be driving into work tonight and it will be at it's worst all through the night. Can't wait to drive home in that! Thank God for

4 WHEEL DRIVE!!!!

This is why I love kids.....

2008-01-27T13:14:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I walk into the office looking for the cordless

phone. And this is what I find...

I could barely stop laughing long enough to grab

the camera.

Just another day in the life of Mia

2008-01-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

She does this stuff all on her own... I swear!

"Mama, take a picture"
The girl LOVES the play food!!!