tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11676903866568748672024-03-05T02:16:46.612-07:00My So Called LifeBlogs about my life...just happens to be named after the best pop culture teen show in my generation. :)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-75335316719573631422012-02-01T23:45:00.002-07:002012-02-01T23:52:57.223-07:00PROMPTuesday #179: The SensesWow - it has been SO long since I've blogged - and SO long since I've participated in a <a href="http://sandiegomomma.com/2012/01/31/promptuesday-179-the-senses/">PROMPTuesday</a>!<br /><br /><i>"Write a paragraph (or more if you’re a supahstah) describing where you are right now this very minute. Look out the window if there is one. Detail any sounds you hear, what you see, even what you feel. "</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Right this very minute, I'm laying in bed, with my laptop on my lap (well on the really cool laptop lap desk thing-a-majigger that my grandparents got me for my birthday or Christmas one year - and it really has been a super useful gift!). An almost finished glass of Gewurtztraminer on my night stand.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my cats is laying next to my leg purring - she will most likely start her cleaning regimen at any second. Ew.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have papers and folders all strewn about my bed because I was getting some work done, and trying to turn in before Midnight - well...it's 11:53 now...maybe if I hurry.</div><div><br /></div><div>My husband is in New Mexico for work, so I get the whole king bed to myself tonight - but I'll most likely stay tucked on 'my side'.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hear a hum of something, but not really sure what it is - and if I strain really hard I can hear the cars on the freeway buzzing along - unless it's a semi-truck - I can hear those pretty well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really want to meet my goal of getting to bed before Midnight, even if it is only a couple minutes - so I'm going to stack all my papers and folders and put them away. Shut the laptop lid. Shoo the cat out of my room. And hopefully fall asleep quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Deb for continuing to do these PROMPTuesdays - especially for us wayfarers who get sucked into Facebook and entirely neglect our blogs - only to come back and find comfort in the familiar. <3</div><div><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" /></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-34139222096587688342011-03-24T10:36:00.002-07:002011-03-24T11:16:47.991-07:00To Give...or Not to GiveI've found over the years, that when it comes to the topic of giving money to a homeless person, people are on polar opposites. There are those that will give no matter what, and there are those that will avoid eye contact and think that all they are going to do is spend the money on alcohol/drugs anyway.<br /><br />My husband and I are those opposites. I feel that it is my obligation as a Christian to give, without caring about what it is that person is actually going to do with the money. My husband, on the other hand, does not feel that way. Now, in his defense, he has said that he would rather give them food, which he has done in the past. I have as well, but I don't always drive around with extra food in my car. Know what I mean? So I will usually give whatever I have in my purse and be on my merry way.<br /><br />Since the beginning of the year, I have been reading Proverbs 31:10-31, these verses are known as the "Proverbs 31 Woman" or the "Wife of Noble Character". I have been trying to utilize these scriptures to help me grow this year, as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and overall better person. But to be honest, I had been completely ignoring verses 1 through 9. So, last night, I decided to read them, and came across these verses, starting with verse 6:<br /><br /><em>Let beer be for those that are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!</em><br /><em>Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.</em><br /><em>Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.</em><br /><em>Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.</em><br /><br />Now, let me also say this, I do not encourage or endorse drinking - but it's just a reality that many of these men and women on the street are depressed, and drinking is the only thing that makes that hurt go away and get them through another day. They don't have health insurance or the money to go get counseling and work through their issues. These men and women may be war veterans, a victim of child abuse, someone who has experienced a horrible tragedy and just can't quite get it back together. And while it is my desire that they would be healed from their wounds, and that they would be able to find a job, and be able to live on their own again - the sad reality is that it will not happen for most. And it seemed that the writers that contributed to the Bible knew this, over 2000 years ago.<br /><br />These men and women want people to see them, talk to them, and maybe even offer to help. I used to see a homeless man at the shops around my neighborhood, and one day he approached me in the Savers parking lot. I only had hundreds in my purse, because I was getting ready to go to the bank. He asked if I had any spare change, and I told him I didn't. It was raining, and he had an umbrella. I had all the kids with me, and he said "Here, take this, I won't use it." And he gave me his umbrella. We walked into the store, and I could just feel that God wanted me to give him $100. I did not want to. We were cutting it close that month anyway because it was just after my husband had gotten out of the hospital from his motorcycle accident and he hadn't been working. $100 meant a lot to us that month. So I said, "Okay Lord, if he's still in the parking lot when I get done in here, I will give it to him." We finished up in Savers, walked out to the parking lot and didn't see him. I loaded the kids up in the car, and was driving out of the parking lot. Just as I was almost to the end of the driveway, I saw him and a buddy sitting on the sidewalk in front of an empty storefront trying to stay dry as the rain had picked up. I stopped my car, in the middle of the parking lot, jumped out and ran over to him with the money in my hand. I handed it to him and said "God wanted me to give you this, He loves you." And I jumped back into my car and drove off. I wasn't going to tell Aaron about it, but the kids did. And boy was he upset. But you know what, within days, we received an anonymous $100 gift card to a grocery store from someone at our church. And days after that received another $300 gift card from his grandma in Colorado. We didn't ask anyone for help, but God knew our needs and met them, in fact EXCEEDED them. (Ephesians 3:20-21) Several months later, I saw the man again in a Safeway parking lot. Again he approached me, and this time I truly didn't have any money, but I said "I saw you a few months ago, and you gave me an umbrella." His face brightened, and he said "OH! You know what we did? We went and got a hotel room and slept in a bed." I was filled with so much happiness, I just hugged him. I think I took him a little by surprise. haha We talked for a few more minutes about how he was doing, and then we said goodbye. I haven't seen him now for several years, but his umbrella is still tucked under the passenger seat in my car for a rainy day.<br /><br />So, we don't know what someone is going to do with the money that we give to them. But, I'm of the mind that it's not up to us, it's just up to us to give out of the love that Jesus has for us. Like the video that I linked to below says, "You could've been their saving grace."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.artistdirect.com/video/what-if-she-s-an-angel/34225?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d8b85001aa82149%2C0">WHAT IF SHE'S AN ANGEL Video - ARTISTdirect Music</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-78193212316100124292011-02-07T12:02:00.002-07:002011-02-07T12:05:21.793-07:00And the Winner is.....Using Random.org, the Commenter that was chosen to win a signed copy of "I Dare You to Change" by Pastor Bil Cornelius is..........<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Kathryn!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"></span> </div>Congratulations!!! We'll be getting in touch soon to mail out your copy of the book. Please let me know how you like it!<br /><br /><br />Check out the I Dare You to Change <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/I-Dare-You-To-Change/144518532231899">Facebook Page</a>!<br /><br />Thanks for everyone who commented - I really encourage you to pick up a copy of this book if you are ready to make some changes!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-9800122106233399552011-01-29T22:35:00.004-07:002011-01-29T23:29:33.906-07:00I Dare You To Change - Last Stop on the Blog Tour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimubqVZyvjnjhRSqVNmy_c7SkI0sTmAexcc8JqGFSzEtQIKQXKdtwKDCYR-mYejd5F5VfcXOUqSL4p66b5WboiFuGmg7Kg_CVBKv_6akUHSj7jjwj-fG10Dw0ic5Goj-oOT1Y0ec9wFfa7/s1600/IDYTCBookCover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567862302129500546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimubqVZyvjnjhRSqVNmy_c7SkI0sTmAexcc8JqGFSzEtQIKQXKdtwKDCYR-mYejd5F5VfcXOUqSL4p66b5WboiFuGmg7Kg_CVBKv_6akUHSj7jjwj-fG10Dw0ic5Goj-oOT1Y0ec9wFfa7/s320/IDYTCBookCover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I am so excited and honored to be the Last Stop on the Blog Tour for the book, <em>I Dare You To Change</em> by Bil Cornelius, Pastor of Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi, TX. I came across this blog tour through my friends, Alisa Wagner and Christina Ketchum (twin sisters), who are amazing women of God and who have been so inspirational to me. I have never met either of them in person - Christina redesigned my personal blog almost 2 years ago now, and then also designed my entire website for My Smart Hands - Phoenix, my baby sign language company. And then, I started reading her sister Alisa's work on FaithImagined.com. Several months ago, the blog tour for <em>I Dare You To Change</em> was announced, and I was able to be one of the participating blogs! </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Our local church that my family attends, Paradise Valley Community Church, has been stirring up change for the past couple of years. Last year, their main theme was "Metamorphosis", which means transformation. This year, it is "Catalyst", which is an agent of change. So, a life change has been brewing just below the surface for me, and "I Dare You to Change" made me take the practical steps to finding answers to the questions like "What areas of my life are causing me pain?", "What will happen if those areas don't change?", and "What will happen if those areas DO change?". And those were questions from just the FIRST chapter!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I kept a journal, just like Pastor Bil recommends, and it was a very eye-opening experience, to go back chapter after chapter and see the progress I was making at discovering what my dreams are, and what the practical steps are to being able to see those dreams become a reality.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">As I began defining those dreams, and sharing them with my husband, he was surprisingly on board! I mean, all of these plans involve taking risks - and my husband's job has been shaky over the past couple of years. So, for him to be on board, even in those circumstances, really confirmed to me that God is the author of these plans, and not just something I'm trying to push through on my own.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I've been able to clearly define the things that I am passionate about, and in short, they are:</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">1. Being able to participate more in my children's everyday lives</div><br /><div align="justify">2. Being a wife that demonstrates the qualities in Proverbs 31:10-31</div><br /><div align="justify">3. Making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children, as well as the lives of children with special needs</div><br /><div align="justify">4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family</div><br /><div align="justify">5. Pursuing a business opportunity that benefits families and local communities</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">With those clearly defined goals, I will now be able to clear out a lot of the clutter that tries to take up the limited time that I have. When I was a Mary Kay consultant, I listened to the CD of National Sales Director, Pamela Shaw, and she made a simple statement, but it is so true, "Time spent in one area, is time away in another area." Pastor Bil encourages us in his book to filter out the things that do not align with our goals. It's much easier to say "No" to something good when you have a clear direction of where you are headed. There will be things in your life that seem like it would be good to do them, but if they aren't getting you closer to your goals, you may have to put them aside, even if just for a season. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I'll wrap this up by saying, Change is Hard...you really have to want it, and be ready for it, and pursue it with all you have. You're going to stumble - anything worth doing is going to be challenging. If you have been doing something a certain way for a long time - such as having the tendency to argue with your husband just so you can be "right" (who me?) - reading Proverbs 31 one time, isn't going to all of a sudden cure you from doing that. It's the continous effort made day in and day out that will achieve the final result.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">If you've been feeling that there are areas of your life that you want to change, but you just aren't sure where to start, or what steps you should take, I encourage you to walk through Pastor Bil's <em>I Dare You to Change</em>. Keep the journal, please don't skip that part. Go back and re-read the book a second time (that's what I'll be doing). And if you fall, get back up.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">This book has been tremendously helpful for me, and you have a chance to win a FREE copy! Just post a comment here on my blog to be entered, the deadline is Midnight on Sunday, 02/06/2011. The winner will be randomly selected, and multiple comments by the same person will count as one entry.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Here are some links to more information about "I Dare You to Change" by Bil Cornelius.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bilcornelius.com/idareyoutochange">I Dare You To Change Website</a><br /><a href="http://www.bilcornelius.com/files/u11/I_Dare_You_to_Change_Reader_Sample.pdf">Sample Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/14329418">Book Trailer Link</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-90395691068609736262011-01-19T15:15:00.003-07:002011-01-19T15:31:51.071-07:00I learned to "Corner"<div align="justify">So, if you've ever been a beginner on a dirtbike, you're like "OK, going straight is cool...I can do this...now wait...how do I turn around?" When I made my very first turn almost 2 years ago, I fell off the bike. I didn't know when to clutch, use the throttle, brake...anything. So, in making the turn, I gave it some gas...too much gas...got all squirrely and threw myself over the handlebars. Thud. Ouch.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">What I started doing was making extremely WIDE turns, holding my clutch in the whole time, so as not to even consider applying power to the back wheel as I entered my turn - lest I be thrown off the bike again.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Well, this week I learned how to corner. I had been sick ALL weekend long, and stayed home from work on Monday. All 5 of the kids were also home, and so was hubby. At about 3pm, he was like "We can not keep these kids inside any longer" and loaded up the small dirtbike (mine) and the kids' quad. I popped some Dayquil and off we went.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">At first I was just taking the kids around on the quad, and Aaron said "Get on your bike". So, reluctantly I did - but took it pretty slow riding in a really open area, where I could continue to make my previously described extra-wide turns. I started to feel a little more comfortable in the straights, so I picked up my speed, but then slowed it WAY down when it was time to turn around.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In the desert where we ride, a lot of people make their own 'mini' tracks - and in the area where we parked was one of those - a pretty simple loop, but with much narrower turns than I would ever want to attempt. Aaron said "Let's learn how to corner." Me: "I don't want to." Pout. "C'mon". "No, I'm going to fall." More pouting.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The corner closest to our car had a berm - meaning you are supposed to turn.on.a.hill. Ummm yeah. So, he started marking stuff on the berm with his foot - "You want to start slowing down here, stick your foot out here, then get on your gas here..." Riiiiiiight. But, I decided to give it a try. I looked like a little kid trying to ride a bike with no training wheels for the first time - with both of my legs sticking out all weird and my arms shaking on the handlebars. I didn't go anywhere near the top of the berm - I wanted to stay on flat ground. My first turn was bad.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">But as I kept coming around, I started to feel more comfortable in the positioning of the bike. I was confident in the straights, picking up my speed - then slowing WAY down as the turn was approaching - but I found my "line" and each time made it a little bit further up the berm, and made it out of the corner a little bit faster each time. Dare I say...this is...fun??</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I kept going round and round that little loop track - and pretty soon I was going 'fast' (for me) through the corners. I got a little too confident at one point though, came out of the corner too fast, hit a bump and there I went again...over the handlebars. But I laughed! Aaron was proud, I was proud, it was a fun day. But boy am I sore.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-87876089585466320092010-11-30T17:13:00.002-07:002010-11-30T17:16:54.896-07:00Conversations with a 2.5 Year OldSo Baby Pants has been coming up with some doozies lately - her brain is just so creative, but it can be hilarious!<br /><br />Baby Pants: "Mom, do you want a surprise?"<br /><br />Me: "Yes!"<br /><br />BP: (she leans in and whispers) "Do you like snakes?"<br /><br />Me: "No"<br /><br />BP: (more whispers) "Do you like presents?"<br /><br />Me: "Yes!"<br /><br />BP: (loud) YOU'RE GOING TO GET A PRESENT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!<br /><br />Me: "Really? What is it?"<br /><br />BP: "A RACECAR!!"<br /><br />Me: "Wow, that's cool."<br /><br />BP: (now apparently done with that topic) "Fishsticks come out of AJ's nose."<br /><br />Me: "Uhhh"<br /><br />BP: "And sometimes I whack you on the head with this book." (WHACK!)<br /><br />Me: "Ow! That hurts mommy!"<br /><br />BP: "I'm sorry mommy, I didn't mean to."<br /><br />Oy vey.<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-63850944379849147152010-11-09T10:59:00.002-07:002010-11-09T10:59:58.488-07:00If you think I'm lostIf you think I'm lost...I'm not...I've just been sucked into the vortex that is Facebook.<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-7252921070370292212010-10-28T09:42:00.001-07:002010-10-28T09:43:20.441-07:00My Baby is THIRTEEN!So, I don't have time to write much, but my baby girl is thirteen years old today! I can't believe that much time has passed since she was born!<br /><br />I'll try and write more later, but I just wanted to wish my SAM a happy birthday!<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-27608365589837016462010-09-17T17:36:00.002-07:002010-09-17T17:42:24.979-07:00Daily Commute - Episode 1Okay, so seriously this is my very FIRST ever attempt at a 'vlog' - so don't be too harsh. ;) I'm sure my editing skillz will get ever so better, the more I do this. I just used what was available in YouTube itself, but I have a better thing called Camtasia - just didn't have time to mess around with it too much.<br /><br />And yes, I was holding my phone up while driving - not texting, not even really talking on the phone - just had my right elbow rested on the arm rest, with my iPhone in hand - and talking...to myself...sorta. hehe So, don't get all gaspy about how I shouldn't vlog and drive, mmmmk? ;)<br /><br />So, check it out - I know I have a HUGE right nostril - but I can't really hold my phone up above my head and drive - THAT would be distracting.<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_jbdlyiSYcc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_jbdlyiSYcc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-13889592653914017172010-09-08T17:10:00.002-07:002010-09-08T17:31:03.267-07:00Social Media A.D.D.Okay, so as you have seen, I have not been around my Blog much lately. Why you ask? (This is me assuming you asked...ahem) It's because I have been sucked into the Facebook black hole. I always told myself I would not let that happen, but alas it has happened. And I can only juggle up to two forms of social media at a time, or something. And I've been doing a high concentration of stuff for my sign language business - so my Facebook has been getting updated frequently, as well as my business website. So, there you have it, I have reached my two forms. And here my poor, neglected, blog sits...with nary an update. :(<br /><br />I have an iPhone and Facebook has an APP, and it's just so handy! I can post pictures, I can check my News Feeds, I can see what Events I have coming up. It really is pretty darn awesome! So I guess I have to find a blogging app so that I can do that from wherever I happen to be that's not in front of my laptop.<br /><br />So, I apologize for not being more diligent in updating my blog more often.<br /><br />And I have not taken to Tweeting...although I do have a Twitter account hanging out there somewhere. So maybe that will be my next area of exploration.<br /><br />Until then, here's a link to my Facebook Album with some very recent pictures of the kiddos from Labor Day weekend!<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081367&id=1482220555&l=d278ec99a2<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-81551633573882595192010-08-02T11:29:00.002-07:002010-08-02T11:29:45.262-07:00It's been over a year...but I did it!My first time back on a bike since I found out I was pregnant with AJ.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9__7JA3smn8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9__7JA3smn8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-60981629303112431792010-07-30T17:06:00.003-07:002010-07-30T17:24:42.010-07:00I truly can not believe it's been a month since I've posted. What.the.heck?<br /><br />This month has gone by in a whirlwind. I've accomplished a lot in my career, spent a bunch of time with the kids, watched a lot of dirtbike races, and spent a lot of time in doors (July in AZ stinks for weather).<br /><br />I seriously can't believe July is over after tomorrow. The kids only have 2 more weeks until school starts. Yes, I know, many kids are either back in school already...or we all reminisce about how we didn't go back to school until after Labor Day. But my kids' district starts somewhere in the middle. SAM will be in 8th grade, Cita in 3rd, and Monkey will be going to elementary for the first time, although I'm not sure if it will be as a Kindergartener or 1st grader. She technically finished a Kindergarten program at a private school, and the district said that they will place her in a 1st grade class for the first 3 weeks of school to see how they think she will do in that grade. If she appears to be on par with the other students, they will keep her in 1st, otherwise they will just put her in a Kindergarten class. The only reason this is even an issue is because her 5th birthday fell after the cut-off date, so she couldn't attend public school Kindergarten last year, so she just completed it at the preschool where I had her enrolled. So, we'll see how that goes.<br /><br />Baby Pants is in a <em>phase</em> let me tell ya. She has taken to calling people 'stupid' and SCREAMING at the top of her lungs if she doesn't get her way. Oh the butt whoopings that child is going to get over the next few months until she gets her little attitude in check. Yeesh.<br /><br />Cita is still in California with her dad for the summer, but she'll be coming home on the 8th. I've missed that little stinker! In a bad-but-sort-of-good turn of events, her dad had ruptured his achilles tendon a couple of months ago, and had to be on disability from work. So, he actually got to be off the whole time Morgan was visiting him. So, she got to spend lots of quality time with her dad, and I'm sure she really enjoyed that.<br /><br />SAM has been coming to work with me a few days a week. It's been a really great bonding experience. We talk a lot on the way to and from work..I get insight on what's going on with her friends, what she's looking forward to this year, what things she's interested in, etc. She gets to bond with me and see what I do at work (the bosses don't mind because she's very well behaved and I am still very productive when she's here). I've gotten to see what a WONDERFUL artist she is...which she does not get from me by the way. We go to lunch together, and it's really nice.<br /><br />AJ has been growing by leaps and bounds. He's 5 1/2 months now...and rolling over both ways, and inchworm crawling. He is eating rice cereal and making all kinds of fun 'talking' sounds. He's such a sweet little guy, always smiling and playing...only getting fussy when it's time to eat. He is sitting up somewhat on his own now, if he gets too excited he falls over though.<br /><br />I've been trying to lose this baby weight. It is not going well. I'm not really gaining, but I'm not losing either. I've been working out about 3 days a week on average. And I've made improvements in my diet. But the office is a hard place to be...there are always goodies, snacks, candy, soda, etc. I've gotten a bit more disciplined for not grabbing everything I see, but not 100% eating right. I eat better at home because Aaron is very fit, and we don't keep any sodas, candy, chips, etc at home. But I'm only there for dinner and weekends. Most of my eating happens at work, and snacking and going out to lunch is not helping. I'm having a contest with a co-worker to see if we can get to our goal weights by October 2nd, because that is when he is going back home for a visit. But he's not married, and has no children, so he says he's working out 2x a day. Gee, I wonder who's going to win? Whoever said breastfeeding helps you lose the baby weight is LYING. It was an undercover La Leche League member to get more moms to breastfeed. hehe. Just kidding. It's been a rewarding experience for sure...just did not contribute to my weight loss at all. Oh well, I'll keep you posted on that.<br /><br />Now, if you've made it this far, please enjoy a video of my cute little AJ playing with a toy. hehe<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fH7P9vHqi44&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fH7P9vHqi44&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-80154501328094213222010-06-29T10:34:00.002-07:002010-06-29T10:38:22.576-07:00How Do You Eat an Elephant?One bite at a time, right? So, we've all heard that phrase in relation to dealing with things that seem too large to accomplish - whether it's a project at work, our to-do list at home, or things that we want to do for our personal growth.<br /><br />So, it's supposed to be encouraging that you only bite off what you can chew at the time, complete that portion, and then move on to the next thing.<br /><br />But I find that the problem is that my elephant keeps growing...while I'm eating him. So, I just finish a leg or whatever, and then I'll be darned if that elephant doesn't grow another leg!<br /><br />Kinda feels like the elephant can't be eaten in its entirety. So, what do you do in that situation, where you know you'll be eating elephant for the rest of your life?<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-6778294874386611972010-06-22T13:28:00.003-07:002010-06-22T16:46:33.753-07:00Spiritual Insight from my 2 year oldSo, you know what's cuter than a 2 year old screaming "Don't Cut The Cheese!!" :)<br /><br />A 2 year old coming up to you, sitting in your lap, looking straight in your eyes and saying "Jesus loves you Mommy...and Jesus loves me too."<br /><br />I often question my ability to lay a strong foundation for my children regarding our relationship with Christ - but I think she's got the most important principle down. As long as she can remember Jesus loves her, no matter what she goes through in life, I know she'll be alright. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-68504650460349991772010-06-16T13:28:00.002-07:002010-06-16T13:29:43.168-07:00Don't Cut It!So, yesterday morning, Baby Pants asked me if she could have some cheese.<br /><br />I went to the refrigerator to get her some sliced cheese, but Aaron bought provolone this time around, so when Audra saw that, she said "No not THAT cheese...THAT one" - and pointed to the block of cheddar.<br /><br />So, I say "Ok, let me slice some for you" and took it over to the counter.<br /><br />Immediately she breaks down and starts screaming "NOOOOO...don't cut it!! Don't cut it!!!!"<br /><br />I say, "Sweetie, I have to cut it, you can't eat the whole block of cheese."<br /><br />And then she says....<br /><br />"DON'T CUT THE CHEESE!!! DON'T CUT THE CHEESE!!"<br /><br />And then...I lost it. She was truly upset because she didn't want me to cut the cheese, but I couldn't stop laughing because it's hilarious when a little 2 year old, in their 2 year old voice, screams at you to not cut the cheese. <br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-90716325934949265222010-06-14T16:59:00.002-07:002010-06-14T17:01:17.131-07:00Wordless Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT-eXGjhVG6SJG98PHirEI72ETeZEMfV0CI2mKYWBCv8cF5PyNq11i-5BrK387_b7fiOoNOz-SbMSGHyVfmB0UBH-b22HDU7GIjD2msXzr_pmqbFvcKW6cQxqf5KRC28-pO8Bw5kGbbSn/s1600/AJ+and+Daddy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482783678055494914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT-eXGjhVG6SJG98PHirEI72ETeZEMfV0CI2mKYWBCv8cF5PyNq11i-5BrK387_b7fiOoNOz-SbMSGHyVfmB0UBH-b22HDU7GIjD2msXzr_pmqbFvcKW6cQxqf5KRC28-pO8Bw5kGbbSn/s400/AJ+and+Daddy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPljURGPN0YLR4D3D-WlK8k6HTQcT-jP3Vdis9cK0utl_pd74acbXbb-and4dQkt1cs7LiFB5NPZnUgvnMcoz8KBL-DjcWX6WqGCTOd6IbLmi4Hb3oAsyhRBZsjhkw6YWDX8Gunrd0Nl0l/s1600/AJ+and+Daddy.jpg"></a><div align="center"><em>AJ & Daddy</em><br /><br /></div><div><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" /></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-29771303266000564992010-06-10T21:20:00.003-07:002010-06-10T21:37:18.174-07:00Friday Fill-Ins 06/11/2010So this week was pretty busy. Aaron was working out of town in Tucson for the week - he came home on Tuesday night, but headed back out early Wednesday AM. Today(Friday) I have a 6:55am flight to San Diego for a client meeting. This is my first travel day since AJ was born. But it is a turn around trip, and I'll be home around my usual time in the evening. SAM went to a Teen Camp this week at a junior high near my office. She said it was OK, but I'm not sure if she'll go back in the coming weeks. It's hard because she would like to just go to my grandparents' during the week, but she has responsibilities at home, and she helps me out tremendously. For the first week of her summer break, she did go to my grandparents' and it felt like chaos at home. I mean, just having the extra hand in the morning while I'm trying to get everyone ready is such a relief. So, when she's not here, I can definitely feel the extra stress. So, this week I tried to give her something fun to do with the camp, but then she could still be at home in the mornings/evenings. I'm not sure what she'll do next week - the weekly camps are pretty expensive. Then there is a church youth group mission thing to go build a house for a week - but that costs $400! It's for food and lodging and stuff, but sheesh that's expensive! She's old enough to stay home, but I know it's boring for her, and even though she doesn't want to admit it, she would be a little scared. I was too when I was her age and started staying home alone for the first time. Anyway, I'm sure we'll figure something out. The other kids are doing great - Cita is at her dad's in California for the summer, Monkey is doing the summer program at her preschool, and Baby Pants and AJ go to their in-home daycare. I've just been working, and teaching my sign language classes on the weekends. And also enjoying the fact that we took the summer off from all sports teams - so no practices and no 3 games every Saturday. Phew! But it will all start back up again in the fall. Oh joy.<br /><br />Now for the fill-ins! Have a great weekend everyone!<br /><br />1. <strong>Salon styled hair</strong> feels great.<br /><br />2. The solution is <strong>the problem</strong>.<br /><br />3. <strong>The sound of the ocean outside my window is what I wish I heard when I</strong> fall asleep.<br /><br />4. How about <strong>letting each person who plays the lottery win at least once?</strong>.<br /><br />5. <strong>Doing the Bible Study called 'Balance at the Speed of Life - For Women' </strong>is something I highly recommend!<br /><br />6. Imagine <strong>fulfilling your life's purpose - what would it be?</strong>.<br /><br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <strong>getting home to my babies</strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>a welcome home party for my BFFs husband who just came back from Afghanistan</strong> and Sunday, I want to <strong>go to church and chill out at home</strong>!<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-81255365020787386892010-06-04T11:01:00.003-07:002010-06-04T11:10:53.553-07:00Friday Fill InsOK - since I totally suck and can't seem to find time to blog, I'm committing to at least posting on Friday's with the fill-ins! And then maybe a little blurb or two on how things are going. :) Kids are good - AJ is big as a horse - I'll need to take an updated picture to share. The girls are out of school for the summer and doing their summer frolicky things like swimming, going to the park, and having visits with Nana and Papa. I can't believe my oldest will be in her last year of junior high in the fall - and then...dun dun dunnnnn...high school!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeKKKK! I will have 3 kids in school this fall...and 2 more to go.<br /><br />Ok on to the fill-ins...oh, and by the way Kierra's Courage (see my previous post) is over the 10K mark on their journey to a handicap-accessible van for little Kierra! YAY! And my company is matching all of our contributions - woot woot!<br /><br />1. <strong>The ocean</strong> is my favorite place to travel to.<br /><br />2. When I think about my childhood, I often remember <strong>riding my bike through the golf course and making troll movies (yes the ones with the hair) with my BFF</strong>.<br /><br />3. <strong>Cuervo </strong>makes for a good friend.<br /><br />4. The wind in the trees, the rain on my skin, <strong>where am I, this sure ain't Arizona??</strong>.<br /><br />5. <strong>Being 30</strong> is so exciting!<br /><br />6. My best friend knows <strong>what my barf smells like (ew - sorry first thing that came to mind)</strong>.<br /><br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <strong>Friday Night Dinner</strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>Phoenix Mommies Bday Party and Aaron's motocross race</strong> and Sunday, I want to <strong>hang out at home</strong>!<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-86868539457490652382010-05-11T11:50:00.003-07:002010-05-11T12:01:41.321-07:00Help for a Little Girl Named KierraReaders...today's post is about a local AZ girl named Kierra. She's a 2 year old little girl, who developed a metabolic disorder as an infant and she is now handicapped. Her family is raising funds for a wheelchair accessible van. And I'm asking all of you if this story touches your heart, if you would to please contribute, and also write a post on your blogs and encourage your readers to contribute if they feel led to.<br /><br />The family makes hair bows and bracelets that are for sale, and they also have a few different fundraisers on their website. Or you can simply make a donation.<br /><br />My little girl is 2 years old, and I guess that's why this story affects me so deeply. It makes me think that anything can happen at any time, and if something were to happen to one of my children, I would need help. So, whenever I am in a position to help someone else, I try to do that.<br /><br />One of the wonders of the internet is its ability to reach so many people in such a small amount of time. I would really appreciate as much help as I can get. <br /><br />Let's get Kierra her van! :)<br /><br />Here's some links:<br /><br /><a href="http://kierrascourage.com/">http://kierrascourage.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Kierra-buy-a-handicapped-van/113291925352885">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Kierra-buy-a-handicapped-van/113291925352885</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-77249495355670818332010-05-03T13:48:00.002-07:002010-05-03T13:49:11.372-07:00Wordless Monday<div>I know it's supposed to be Wordless Wednesday, but I just don't have time to post anything but a picture. :) hehe</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467148614580879714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJc60qZ9dOuMuY3y6Sp2lTtvamcBOveCIWolE-acMu9gLNjO4n0jzOqZlqfACZLdC0Y-RPa45GHAhAjN6X3T7zw3R86LXoMDkTtIbE1zWmYP7D9vlDIgYYCoK7TBwEC6wn2fyLkrQQQKyt/s400/AJ+2+Months.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" /></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-35278367698033745262010-04-26T13:15:00.003-07:002010-04-26T13:27:57.118-07:00Only 2 More WeeksYes, it's sad, but true...only 2 more weeks until I have to return back to work full-time. :( I've come to terms with it over the last week or so, but it definitely still makes me sad. It makes we wish I were independently wealthy. It makes me wish that the economy didn't suck so hard that my husband has to take crappy side jobs because he can't find full-time work right now. But I'm also thankful that he even has those crappy side jobs to take. God has given me peace about returning back to work, maybe even hinted that it might be temporary, so I'm OK with it I suppose. I just put myself into my little son's head and wonder if he will be OK with it. All of my other children were, so I'm sure he will be. But it just makes me sad that he'll be wondering "Who's this strange lady, and where's my mommy?" But his big sister will be there too, and we've been using this in-home daycare for almost 4 years, so I know that he'll be in completely good hands, they just won't be mine. Waah.<br /><br />You know when 'they' say that you are a servant to your debt...totally true. Shame on me for allowing myself to get into debt to where I don't have the freedom to not have to work full-time if I don't want to. And I'm not even in THAT bad of debt, a car and a few credit cards...but it's enough to tie me to a desk for at least the next few years. Not to mention medical bills. For the last 3 years, I have reached the out-of-pocket limit on my insurance plan. And it seems as soon as I get one year's bills paid off, here come the next round. I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, but sheesh, it's looking pretty faint right now.<br /><br />Sorry, didn't mean for this post to be a complaining post. There are lots of things I'm grateful for and happy about. But I'm human, and things bother me sometimes, and it feels better to get them out. To hear encouragements from others that have felt the same way. To let others that are struggling know that they aren't alone.<br /><br />These are some scriptures that came to mind for my current state of mind:<br /><br />Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."<br /><br />Jeremiah 29:11 (my favorite of ALL time) - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-62396651129293619272010-04-22T21:26:00.002-07:002010-04-22T21:34:15.412-07:0030...Flirty...and ThrivingDid you ever see that movie, '13 going on 30'? With Jennifer Garner? And she's all in her akward teenage years, but then sees an article on the cover of her favorite magazine (Poise), and it says "30, Flirty and Thriving"...and she decides she wants to be 30, and <poof!>, when she wakes up, she's 30?? Yeeeaahhh...I'm her. Except I look nothing like Jennifer Garner, nor do I feel Flirty and Thriving...but, I <strong><u>AM</u></strong> 30. Yes I am. Today, I am 30. Holy Poop Flakes, I'm 30.<br /><br />OK, done obsessing about that now. I joked with my BFF today at lunch that I'm 30, Dirty, and Sagging. I'm dirty because I have 5 kids, and I'm lucky if I get to shower every OTHER day...but it's usually more like every other OTHER day. hehe. And I'm sagging because, well, because I have 5 kids. Need I say more?<br /><br />But it's cool. I have gorgeous kiddos, a wonderful husband, and a Shark Steam Pocket Mop (my bday gift from hubby...which I ASKED for, by the way...that's how you know you're 30 and lame, when you want a MOP for your bday).<br /><br />So...I'm saying 'So Long' to my 20's, and entering a new decade. I've grown and learned so much from 20 to 30, I'm looking forward to the lessons I'll learn over the next 10 years.<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-63508023289651382572010-04-06T16:20:00.003-07:002010-04-06T20:26:51.263-07:00Hooray for Bullet TimeOK, so I tried to post sometime last week, but Blogger was not letting me. It was giving me some sort of "You cant post right now, because Blogger sucks" kind of message. So, I gave up, and now here we are...and all I can do is bullet. Because that's what I do when I haven't blogged in awhile and need to catch up.<br /><br />And away we go...<br /><ul><li>There is a Dollar Tree getting ready to go in by the Target!! Can you say, "YIPPEE!!!"??? I can...and I said it out loud to myself in the car when I was driving by Target and saw the sign that said "Dollar Tree coming soon". YIPPEE!!</li><br /><li>My daughter, Cita, turned 8 on March 30th. WHAT? 8 years has NOT gone by since she was born. That is just ridiculous. She should be 3 or something.</li><br /><li>I started to work part-time last Monday. I'm telecommuting for 4 hours per day...with my infant son at home since I'm still nursing. Yeah...it's going awesome. But seriously, I'm just sort of getting my feet wet again as I prepare to return back full time on May 10th. It's going pretty well.</li><br /><li>My 2 year old's most commonly used phrase at this juncture is "I do it MYTHELF!"</li><br /><li>The craziness of my kids' sports has begun, but it really hasn't been as bad as I initially thought. That's the beauty of building something up to be MUCH worse than it actually is. Then, when it actually comes around, and doesn't quite reach the level of bad that you thought it was going to be, you can pretend that it doesn't suck THAT much.</li><br /><li>I started working out last week...to the program called "Insanity". I'm an infomercial, workout DVD junkie. Seriously. I have a bajillion workout programs on DVD...and am I ripped? Well, I just had a baby 7 weeks ago, so that's not fair to ask right this second. But have I EVER been ripped from using the DVD programs when I wasn't 7 weeks post-partum? Ummmm...nope. So why do I do it? I think it's all of the success stories that they put in the infomercials...I always find a bit of myself in some of those success stories. I just seriously lack the willpower. I've already missed 2 workouts, and this is only the beginning of Week 2. Argh. BUT, on the plus side, just from the workouts I DID do...I've lost 2 pounds and 1% body fat in one week. Maybe if I actually committed to these things, I could be ripped. :)</li><br /><li>We had a nice Easter. I took the girls to the park in the morning, and then we went to my Mother-in-Laws for lunch. She made a YUMMY ham, and salad, mashed potatoes, some creamy cauliflower and broccoli thing and bread rolls. Mmmmmmm. Then we had a custard cake with fresh fruit on top, and mandarin orange sherbet for dessert. Double Mmmmmm.</li><br /><li>Every stray cat in our neighborhood finds our house. Seriously. A new one just showed up this past week. It's white, with a couple black spots on its forehead and it yowls ultra loud. We don't let him in the house, but he has managed to sneak in a couple times and chase our other cats around. They don't like it.</li><br /><li>My knock off version of Spanx does a pretty good job of holding in the post-baby flabberoo. But when I take it off, my fat explodes out of it like it's relieved to have been released from its prison.</li><br /><li>AJ is getting HUGE! He's going to be 7 weeks tomorrow. I can't believe it's been that long.</li><li>My husband's friend said that AJ has my cheeks. I was all "AJ's cheeks are FAT, what are you trying to say?"</li><br /><li>Aaron was in a motocross race this past weekend. He did pretty well. He's up against a lot more experienced dudes because they have more time to practice during the week. (Read: 17 year old kids with no jobs)</li><br /><li>My oldest, SAM, did great in her volleyball games on Saturday. On her last play, she tried to spike the ball, but hit the ball so hard that it flew over the net, and hit the wall behind the bleachers where all the parents were sitting. EEK!</li><br /><li>Why do 2 year olds have to wake up at the sound of the first bird chirp? I can't wait until she learns the concept of sleeping in on weekends.</li><br /><br /></ul><p>OK, I think that's about all I can muster up for today. AJ has his 2 month appointment in a couple weeks...so I'll post more pictures then. OH YEAH, I looked at Baby Pants' measurements from her 2 year checkup, and she is 3 feet tall right now. My grandma says that if you measure a child when they are 2, and then double it, that's how tall they will be as an adult. That would make Baby Pants 6 feet tall...hmmmm...not sure about that one. Maybe we should put a basketball in her hand now. ;)</p><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-45977736716027345362010-03-22T12:04:00.002-07:002010-03-22T12:05:29.288-07:001 Month PicturesHere's my little AJ at 1 month. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpvazJhq8d1j0gMakgzPhGSb3lkzEQwqD-wR7_z13AW2cPZsQzu6otXkkLpQH0yVIzftD612WNERvjfje9fS9GYDrUlFwD4wmm2-lscYr6eUiYzkRUZVVbmHvQN-hdQkifGLH60fLKge9/s1600-h/AJ+1+Month.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451536195162670914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpvazJhq8d1j0gMakgzPhGSb3lkzEQwqD-wR7_z13AW2cPZsQzu6otXkkLpQH0yVIzftD612WNERvjfje9fS9GYDrUlFwD4wmm2-lscYr6eUiYzkRUZVVbmHvQN-hdQkifGLH60fLKge9/s320/AJ+1+Month.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOVAEd8E7BUZvX_rexHqCIK5u1xHAuVghFVRgKOfFnE39Rg89psL1tJQA_YhZgrYsSyXSAlevUsxaakm73j2oJfzMiAe-_m-v34jboyxHuqfQMTCk4jxXFSXiBRqtdy7BJKN0TrJHjysj/s1600-h/AJ+1+Month+Smile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451536285251226402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOVAEd8E7BUZvX_rexHqCIK5u1xHAuVghFVRgKOfFnE39Rg89psL1tJQA_YhZgrYsSyXSAlevUsxaakm73j2oJfzMiAe-_m-v34jboyxHuqfQMTCk4jxXFSXiBRqtdy7BJKN0TrJHjysj/s320/AJ+1+Month+Smile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" /></div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167690386656874867.post-2639072660250321652010-03-21T07:45:00.006-07:002010-03-21T15:03:50.917-07:00Getting Older...The Kids AND MeAJ had his one month appointment last Friday morning. He's 10 1/2 pounds now! Yikers. My little guy is SOLID. They didn't go over percentiles with me this visit, but I'm pretty sure he's still up there. His circumcision area looks good - when the doctor was poking around down there, he peed on her...and me. hehe It was funny. Then she checked his ears, and guess what, my little guy has an ear infection. I guess all the coughy hacky sneezy that's been going on around here got to him too. Waaah. He's been a good sport though and hasn't been acting fussy at all. But now I have to give him antibiotics twice a day. He doesn't like it, but he tolerates it because he wubs me.<br /><br />Baby Pants had her 2 yr appointment in conjunction with AJ. She's right on track as well - 36 pounds, and darn, I forget how long she is. I think it was because she started freaking out about getting measured, and we just got through it quickly. I'm not sure why, but for her last couple of doctor's visits, she has been totally freaking out every time. She has never had a traumatic experience at the doctor (we postponed immunizations) - so it's kind of odd. She has an ear infection now too, that she got WHILE on Amoxicillin for her upper respiratory infection - so her pediatrician switched antibiotics to a cephalosporin (sp?) which is once a day for 10 days. Now I have to go BACK to the doctor in 2 weeks for a follow up - seriously I have spent over $200 in the last week on doctor's visits and antibiotics...and that's WITH insurance. argh.<br /><br />Anywho...hopefully the kids will all be better soon.<br /><br />So, not only are my kids getting older, but apparently I am too. There was a segment on this Christian radio station that I listen to where the DJs were talking about getting older, and what things make them know they are getting older. So, at first, I had a hard time coming up with some - but then they just started flowing this week. I'm going to be 30 next month, and I know that's not "OLD" per se, but it is 'older' than I was 10 years ago. And for sure some things have changed - and here's what I've come up with so far.<br /><br />#1 - I can leave the house wearing glasses and no makeup. This would TOTALLY not have happened 10 years ago - I always put my contacts in before leaving the house, and always had a full face of makeup on before I set foot out the door. In fact I used to SLEEP in my makeup, just in case my house caught on fire and some hot firefighters needed to come rescue me. (that never happened by the way...hehe)<br /><br /><br />#2 - The things that I want for gifts are starting to become WAY practical. Is it sad that what I really want for my birthday this year is a Shark Steam Pocket Mop? It will make mopping my floors SO much easier, and supposedly it disinfects too, which is a good feature. What ever happened to wanting clothes and CDs?<br /><br /><br />#3 - I drive a freakin' beasty of an SUV. When I was a younger mom, of only one child, I drove a really cute Mitsubishi Eclipse sports car (the cute bubbly model - not the newer boring looking one). I had already graduated to a smaller SUV by the time baby #2 came around, which was a Ford Escape - and that one stuck with me through baby #3, and pregnancy of baby #4 - but, yeah - the Escape only fit 5 people total - so a hubby, wife, and 4 kiddos was NOT going to fit. I am STILL putting off the minivan...so I got an Expedition instead - BUT, I am really starting to see the benefits of the minivan, especially the ones that have the auto-sliding doors. Ugh...I'm destined to a be a minivan mom, I can tell.<br /><br /><br />#4 - I commented on a friend's blog this week (a younger friend), and mentioned the Vanilla Ice song "Ice, Ice Baby"...and...she had never heard of it. Waaaaaaah. (Sorry Michelle...had to blog about it - it's funny, but also makes me feel super old). Also - if you haven't checked out her blog yet, check it out <a href="http://domesticationofthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />#5 - My date nights no longer consist of "clubbin" - and if they do, we feel totally dumb and out of place. We usually just hit up casual bars or coffee houses with acoustic music now.<br /><br /><br />#6 - My older kids think I'm a dork.<br /><br /><br />#7 - I've been friends with my BFFs for over half my life time...we're talkin like 20+ years yo. I met my BFF in 1988 - we didn't become BFFs till around 90 or 91 - but still....that's a long freakin time.<br /><br />OK, that's all I can write about now - I'm getting somewhat depressed. hehe. No, it's really OK - in all honesty, I have been looking forward to my 30th birthday since my 20th birthday. When I turned 20, I had already been a mom for almost 3 years - and I was tired of having the 'teen mom' label. I was also working with women who were in their late 20's/early 30's, and they seemed to have life so much more together than I did. So I thought I would have life all figured out by 30, and that things would be awesome and great.<br /><br />I don't have life figured out..but things are pretty awesome and great I'd have to say. So, I guess getting older isn't all THAT bad. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/crystalm80/finalsig1.gif" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129978746407449887noreply@blogger.com7