Four's a Crowd

P.R.

2012-02-07T12:15:00.001-08:00

Just in case anyone from our group still reads this thing. : )
Grab your kids, friends, family and head over to the O' Howell's home for a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship!

2012-01-22T15:10:00.001-08:00

Our computer is still broken, i thinly this blog died with it.

2012-01-22T15:09:00.001-08:00

2012-01-22T15:05:00.001-08:00

arg

2011-12-06T14:20:00.001-08:00

So our desktop is broken again. Think this is the third time since we had a virus removed. I'm thinking it did some serious damage and we may have to replace our computer.....not cool virus, not cool.

Friday

2011-12-02T11:55:00.001-08:00

The title of this post is just to remind me what day it is lol.

I know there is a ton I need to post about, but honestly I can't get a minute to myself. Most of my thoughts are interrupted by a small boy who has learned the words "Why not?". So, I will do my best to update this thingy later in the evening. For now please enjoy the following pics:

In Grammer and Poobah's driveway, ready to go home

Not sure if I posted this before, Wyatt walked into the kitchen like this. So innovative!

My little cheesy boys. Love 'em!

LOL, this is from yesterday afternoon, Wyatt brought the car to me and said, " Look, see, Mama Daddy".

Happy Monday!!!!

2011-11-28T10:05:00.001-08:00

Pull yourself up out of the down n' outs

Put on your game face

And CARPE DIEM!

Happy Monday!!!!

***InGroup Christmas party: Friday the 16th @ 6:30. Bro Joel and Sis Erica's Home
We will provide dinner and drinks. White Elephant Gift Exchange is on again this year.
Unfortunately, we did scrap the ugly Christmas sweater idea. Hopefully we can make it work next year (I'm sad about that). No children, please.... I think that's it.
I don't know about any other parents out there, but I am totally looking forward to keeping a conversation that includes more words than, yes, no, and leave your brother alone lol.

a little ramble.

2011-11-22T12:54:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and as usual I have yet to pack.
At this exact minute Wyatt and Zane are in their room "playing". Wyatt is tearing down all of the books we just put away and Zane is chewing on them. Gotta love my little guys. Occasionally I will hear Wyatt sing "O, Brother, Brother Bear" to Zane, and as long as that happens and Zane giggles I know everything is going well in there. It's when all gets quiet that I worry and rush to the door. I'm not worried that Zane is choking or anything like that, I am more worried about what they are destroying. Once I found Wyatt quietly tearing apart one of his pop up books, with Zane right beside him eating the scraps. They are a good team that way. Wyatt does all the work and Zane just watches intently (possibly learning from the master?).
Tomorrow evening we are leaving for Fresno. I think we are staying till Sunday, I'm not completely sure. I'm also not real sure as to what all we are doing while we are there. I have heard Game night, Shooting range, a long drive to the Wild Cat Reserve, Christmas pictures, going to see a play and of course eating like we are dying. Sounds like it's going to be another busy holiday weekend.

Happy Monday!!!

2011-11-21T00:00:00.001-08:00

Whether your Monday has been wild and crazy

Or a walk in the park,

I am sure it will still have a much happier ending than this. lol

2 cents

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

OK, so I don't usually like to get all insightful 'n stuff (see, I can't even type seriously. lol) on my blog. I like to reserve this space as an outage for all of the random silliness in my head. So, please just humor me for a minute as I share a more emotional side of my mind.

The following statements are statements I live by and believe with everything in me.They have slowly but surely made their way down from my head into my heart.
No one is born on accident.
I believe God has created and does create each individual 1) on purpose and 2) with a purpose. Being an adopted child I learned early on that God loves me. To think He took me out of what would have been a guaranteed life of sin, and place me in the arms of a Mother who loved and served Him. I was allowed to bypass trudging through the muck and mire and given a free pass to the Truth. It is an amazing feeling to know that when I was created God had an ideal plan for my life. I believe with all my heart that this extends to everyone in the world. God creates each one of us with love, and with a distinct purpose. We are given certain personalities that, when allowed to be shaped and molded by the Holy Ghost, can be used to benefit the Kingdom. No one is an "accident" in the eyes of God, because He is the giver of life.

God is in Control - this statement can be applied in two ways
1)God is in control. Nothing happens without God's permission. God is the ultimate power. He is where the buck stops, basically, He's the boss. I caught this understanding one service when I heard this statement (if I may interpolate) " If you are battling a daemon, rebuke it in the name of Jesus, that daemon has no power of it's own. God is ALL powerful. That daemon is only there because God allowed it to be there." (think about the story of Job). Is that an eye opener of what? God is All powerful. Any "power" that may be exhibited by another is only there because God allowed it to be. That means God can shut it down just as quick as he allowed it to exist. (I hope this is coming across well). All I know, is something clicked in my spirit when I heard that. God is All Powerful. He is literally in control of everything and nothing in the whole world happens without God first knowing it will happen.
2) God is in control. This is the statement we hear all the time. Don't worry about it, God is in control. But here recently I think I am really beginning to understand it. God is in control of my life because I am trying daily to give him control of it. Who better to guide me then the one whole created me with an ideal purpose in mind? Who better to seek advice from when I don't know how to respond to life, then the one who wants nothing but the very best for me? When life gets crazy, God is in control. He will make sure it all works out OK in the end. I am old enough now that I can look back over my life and see the valleys and the mountain tops. Experience is teaching me not take every bad situation as the end of my happiness because God is in control. He knows what the end result will be, and as long as I do my part the ultimate and ideal end will be a place in heaven.

Don't you feel a little better now then you did two minutes ago? I know I do :)

Johnny Angel

2011-11-16T09:53:00.001-08:00

So, yesterday we took the whole family for a late night shopping trip to Costco. Wooo! I love shopping at Costco right before they close. All the aisles are free of crowds and the only children I hear screaming are my own. The only downside is there are no sample ladies(guys) out at that time. Which is too bad, because I would think most of the impulse shopping would be done when you are tired and your mind is weak (Black Friday anyone?).
Anywho, as we pulled into the parking lot A random guy told us our tire was looking really low (optimist). I got out, looked at it and told Caleb, Yea it's flat (not an optimist). So because we were at Costco, Caleb took the van to the tire center. The only problem is, Costco only fixes their own tires, which these were not. Thankfully, the employee must have felt Caleb's pain and fixed it on the down low. All we had to pay was a $4 service charge. Awesome, right?
In other Costco news, I think the random guy was kinda following us around (IDK maybe he was our guardian angel, who helps us to save a ton of money). He showed up to chat with us as we ate at the Costco food court. It was kinda funny in that, we were just finishing our meal when he shows up with a whole pizza for just him and his 4ish year old son. He sits down at our table and asks if we wanted to share. He was so nice and helpful, but we gracefully declined. As we walked away, I asked Caleb what he thinks the guy would have done if we took him up on his offer and just chowed down on his pizza lol.
So that's twice we talked with him, THEN as we were leaving I saw him again. This time I was with the kids trying to load our van while Caleb paid the tire guy. We were parked way off in a dark corner of the parking lot and I was feeling a little nervous. A couple of kids (10ish) came up to me to ask if I wanted to buy some candy. Here is how the rest of the story worked out:
Me: ahh I don't have any money
K: *antsy and looking around* oh well I have change, it's just 2 dollars.
M: *digging in my diaper bad*
K: *begins running in place* you don't got nothing? not even a dollar? well, never mind
M: You are not supposed to be selling candy here are you?
K: No, that guy keeps kicking us out, I got to go.
I look behind my car and a chubby little security guy is waddling his way over, yelling at the kids that he is calling the police. LOL, the kids then decide to "jump" the four foot fence in front of my car into the next parking lot. The only problem is, these kids can't jump a fence to save their life. One of them has to go to the next lower section and the one I was talking to dropped his whole box of candy on the Costco side. So now these kids are on one side of the fence yelling the the security guard that they own this place, while the guard is still slowly but surely waddling over, yelling that he is calling the police. Eventually the kid, who now thinks he is my friend, is yelling at me to get his box of candy and give it to him lol. I just laughed. When the guard finally makes it to my car, HE picks up the box and walks away with it, still telling the kids he is calling the police. My new "friend" is again yelling at me to help, exclaiming that the security guard just stole his candy. Again, I just laughed. Eventually, both kids jump back over the fence, chase down the guard and plead with him for their candy back. All the while, he is shaking his phone at them telling them he is calling the police lol.
While all of this was going on, random guy had somehow found us again and was parked next to me with his headlights shining on the kids. I was glad he was there (as I was all alone), but at the same time I was kinda weirded out that we had now come into contact with him three separate times. Like I said, maybe he was our Costco Guardian Angel for the night :)

Happy Monday!!

2011-11-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

Trust me, the longer you look and or think about it, the funnier it gets. lol

Things my Dad has taught me

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

DRIVING: My Dad gave me driving lessons on Saturdays, in the parking lot of Inland Lighthouse Church, while we waited for other people to show up for outreach (he was my ride). He taught me how to parallel park using trash cans lined up beside the planters in the parking lot. He also gave me LOTS of safety tips. Seeing as he worked for CalTrans, he helped clean up a lot of traffic accidents. Every time he came home from a really bad one, we would hear about it for a while. As in, we would be lectured for at least a week on how not to drive. So, the following is a list of reminders I still live by thanks to my Dad :)

1. Always roll to a stop, you look cooler and people won't wonder what you are up to.
2. When you are stopped, a) Make sure your doors are locked, You don't want someone getting in unexpectedly, b) Always leave about a cars length of space between you and the car in front of you, there are gangs that will box you in and attack you (this was really happening back then, and I still keep it in mind lol) and c) look around and form an emergency get away plan, just in case you need to leave in a hurry.
3. When you are driving, especially when it is raining (my dad HATED for us to drive in the rain), leave a car's length between you and the car in front of you. That way, if you have to brake quickly, you won't hit the guy.
4. Always check your car's lights and fluid levels. If something is not right, fix it now. Don't wait until later.
5. Black Ice is hard to see and very slippery, so just stay home tonight.
6. Above all, please, please,please, Do not drive like your Mother.

my last fry?

2011-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

So a few days ago Caleb and I were driving around running errands. One of which included picking up some lunch. The only request I had as to the order of our errands was that I wanted lunch last, so that we could take it home and eat.
We finish all our business, go to Carl's, and then we don't drive home. We drove to a thrift store. I wasn't too happy about that because I already had a great plan for my hot criscut fries, which included cold ketchup and mustard from the house. But in an effort to be a better wife, I decided not to make a big deal out of it. I sat in the car and tried to think of cliches that would go along with my theme of "just let it go".
That's when my mind stumble across this little gem, "Live like you were dying". Seriously, if I lived like I was dying, I would have been really really ticked that Caleb ruined my criscut fantasy. I mean, come on man, this could be my LAST order of fries. EVER. The last time I may ever taste the magic of hot greasy fried potatoes paired with perfectly mixed ketchup and mustard. The very last time my rather small hand will ever oh so gently cradle that lovely mediocre tasting 500 calorie turkey burger, hold the cheese. Diet Coke, I'll take it, so refreshing to my dying body.
Do you realize how uptight and crazy people would be if they lived by that motto. Live like you were dying. Every thing would be a crisis. Every minute precious. I don't think I would change diapers anymore, cause I definitely don't want to die changing a diaper. For me, every experience of my life would have to be perfect, because it could very well be my last one. I would cry if my extra caramel frappuchino only had some caramel instead of the extra. I would laugh way too hard at things that should only require a humored smile. And if someone gave me a weird look I would say, "Hey, I'm livin' like I'm dying!"
That is until I was told, "calm down sweetheart, It's Not The End of The World."

Oh, cliches, why are you so contradicting.

Happy Monday!

2011-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Flash back:
James Wyatt
4 weeks old

We home...

2011-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

That's what Wyatt says when we arrive anywhere. We home or We church. Not a bad thing I guess.

So, we are finally home and I have about five minutes before Wyatt realizes I have walked away. So, let's get to it shall we.

Wyatt and WCC Evening care: Wyatt had a blast in the the evening child care centers. The last night of the conference Wyatt walked ahead of me to the sign up booth, pulled up his sleeve and said, "arm" (they tag the kids with numbered bands). Then he when to his class, opened the door, walked in and never once looked back.
I actually heard most of the preaching! this has not happened in a few years. It made me remember why we make the 4 hour trek in the first place.
I got to go to lunch with my blog buddy and her church. Caleb says all of us apostolic bloggers need to develop an ApostolicBlogCon. I think we could give comicCon a run for its money. What do you think?
Our pet fish is still alive!!! We were so nervous we were going to have to flush Bear (Wyatt really name him that) down the toilet when we got home. But thankfully he is a survivor. As soon we got home I renewed his water and fed him. He seems to be OK. Thank God. :)
Today is just as busy as the rest of the week has been. Life never stops and if you move at a speed any less than a power walk it will run you over.

Mexican is a state of mind

2011-11-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have to share this story real quick.
Caleb called me this morning and said,
C: I forget that I am not Mexican. (he is with my family quiet often and obviously the majority of us look and are Mexican)
S: lol, what?
C: Well I had to go to the scheduler's office this morning and there are mostly Mexican women who work there. Anyway, they have their own microwave in the office and on top of the microwave the have a big bottle of Tapatio (My family's fav.). So I say, Man, you know there are a Mexicans working here (referring to the bottle). Then I remembered that I am not Mexican. lol
**AWKWARD**

Is that funny or what?!? Caleb thought he was among "his people" when all they saw was a racist six foot tall white guy stereo typing the whole office just because they have a bottle of Tapatio on the microwave...but it gets better. Caleb said he tried to play it off by telling them my family loves the stuff and then starting telling them about some valentina (another hot sauce brand) popcorn we found. He said it was still awkward, but he thinks they just know he is a dork who sticks his foot in his mouth. As a peace offering he went to BigLots on his break and bought a case of said popcorn to share Ha Ha. I can see it now, "Sorry I offended you, but here is some hot sauce popcorn....lol, you Mexicans like this stuff right. lol "
I'm just thinking, if Caleb is having that problem, what are my boys going to do. They both look very non- Hispanic but are being raised with my family, so they will probably relate to Mexican people more. LOL, I guess they will just have to learn the hard way that you got to read the room before you bust out the jokes. :)

hi

2011-10-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

A few things.
First, After reading a post from Classic Mary Moments on consistency I think I am going to try to commit to blogging on a certain day regularly and anything above that would just be a bonus (sounds so conceited). It's a toss up between Mondays and Thursdays. I'm gonna have to think about it.
Secondly, Let's talk about life. Life is always crazy so that is not really news. It's all about what is making life crazy. Harvest Fest is tonight. Caleb and I are doing the Bible Study booth.....(i'll come back to this)
< interjection > OK, so Caleb is a great Bible study teacher. I think it's because he likes to talk sooooo much. He can really break down a subject and make it very understandable for his student. He is also genuinely interested in seeing that person saved (that always helps). Right now he is teaching a Bible study to an older man named Luis. Luis and his wife have a few health problems and they both came to service on Sunday. The wife (whose name I missed) is going into surgery this week and she is super scared that she is not going to make it. So if anyone reads this please say a little prayer for Luis' wife, that God would not only help her through this surgery, but that He would heal her body. These are great sweet people and Caleb is doing his best to win them to God.
Harvest, we are running the Bible study booth. It is always fun to run this booth because we really get a chance to chitchat with the people of our city. People who stop to talk at our booth are usually people who are interested in the church or the Bible. So, it is cool that we get to represent the more informative side of harvest fest (does that make sense?).
WCC: No one is packed. I have an idea of what everyone is going to wear, but none of it is offically put aside. That is all going to be done tomorrow. Today I have to clean the house from top to bottom (hate comeing home to a dirty house) and get a few things ready for tinight.

So that's it so far.
OHHH wait!! so excited...... We are going to most likely do an UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER theme for the ingroup Christmas party. I think this could be lots of fun. What do you think? We were going to give a prize for the ugliest sweater (bought or created). Also, probably not going to do the white elephant gift exchange (every other year?) just because we want to give people a chance to collect some good junk.

EDIT***Caleb says we are doing a white elephant gift exchange....so look around your house for a nice piece of junk you would like to give to someone else.

BQ

2011-10-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Rialto VS Fresno
Sac 2011

I love this pic. :)

Wyatt knows how to email

2011-10-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

ok ok. so West Coast just got a little better. Why? because Wyatt can go to children's church (nursery) in the evenings! Praise the Lord! I remember last year Caleb and I were already day dreaming about going to service while Wyatt was upstairs playing.
In other news, Zane is not crawling, but he can scoot like nobodie's business. He has also found his voice. He loves to scream, growl and babble. Zane is also eating more table food than I would like, but Caleb says I have to let him grow up someday. It's not that I am trying to keep him as a baby forever, I am just enjoying each stage as long as possible. Wyatt was born at a very hard time in my life and then I became pregnant with Zane so soon that I had to push Wyatt toward his independence. Granted, I didn't need to push too hard as he was always a "grown up" baby. He didn't really play with toys and was ready to walk when he should have been crawling. None the less, I didn't not get to dote over him like I would have had life been different at that time. SO, all that being said, can you blame me if I don't shove a steak down my 8 month old's throat? I think not.

So yeah, Lots of stuff coming up for November. We have family day this Sunday, harvest on Monday, packing on Tuesday, driving to Fresno on Wednesday, WCC Wednesday-Friday, driving home sat (stopping in Bakersfield for a wedding reception) ....you get the idea.

Ps: apparently Wyatt got into Caleb's email and sent out a few random emails. So if you get gibberish from crzydill, it was Wyatt sending his love.

aaannn we're back

2011-10-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

OK, so note to husband. It is not a good idea to spill your Slimfast drink on the keyboard while your wife is typing. Unless you are trying to off her so you can collect the life insurance she didn't know you had (I really didn't know Caleb had a policy on me till very recent). Cause that is a pretty believable story. Woman electrocuted while trying to drink Slimfast and type. Then Slimfast would have to add a random "do not drink near electrical devices" warning.

....Caleb broke the keyboard last week when he spilled his snack on it. We have actually had a new keyboard for a while it has just taken this long for me have enough time to take it out of the box and plug in the USB (so sad). So yeah, I'm pretty scatter brained today (this week). Wyatt has been crazy from dawn till dusk and then even a little after that. Zane is teething and has not slept right for a week, which means I have not slept for a week. Yeah... I don't do well without sleep. I get all cranky and impatient. Mix that all up with a teething baby and a toddler and Everyone should feel bad for Caleb lol. (he did work late several days last week, hmm correlation? I think so)
This should really be a bullet point blog, as you can see I don't have any kind of writing structure going on. just a lot of 'so', 'anyways' and 'yeah'.
West Coast Conference: We are going. I am lowing as I go, but am going none the less. I'm not super excited to go for a few reasons. The first and most important is it's my birthday on the 2nd (national holiday) and I get to spend it driving to F-town. Usually I require a birthday week, but this year I will be lucky to get a card. The other reasons are not as major, just the little things that build up when packing for a three day conference.
So, moving on...lets talk about weight loss. I have lost 30 pounds! Isn't that amazing. I can't believe I weighed that much. I still need to loose at least 10 more pounds, but that is not so bad. I am just glad the weight came off as easily as it did.
I know there was some more stuff I wanted to post, but honestly, I just can't remember any of it.
Hope everyone is having a good week, see you Fresnoites in a few.

Xbox

2011-10-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting on the floor in our front room playing ~~the~~ (haha "the" Xbox) Xbox and Caleb walks by and laughs.
S:What?
C: We're getting old
S: ???
C: You're sitting there eating a salad and I was fixin' to go get a Slimfast, while we play video games. What happened to the days of Redbulls and Snickers.
S: *drops head in shame*

So sad. We are reduced to"snacking" on health food. What happened to you early twenties. Come back. I need a better metabolism and the ablitly to stay up for like a week with no sleep.

relax

2011-10-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wyatt went to Justine's last night. So I have been totally lazy today. Seriously. I got out of bed at Noon. That has not happened in like a million years. It was so great. Then I spent the rest of the day doing nothing more than absolutely necessary. And even now I am blogging while my brain is telling me I should at least straiten up the front room so Caleb doesn't have to come home to yesterday's toy fest. I just keep telling myself I have two hours before he gets home and surely I can clean up and make dinner in an hour, right? Because honestly, I am pretty sure a day like this will not happen again for another million years. It's like the Halley's Comet of motherhood.

Still Grateful

2011-10-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hope 2007
He's Educated 2008
I'm Educated? 2008
I'm certified 2008
Almost two years later 2009
3 days late, but home @ last 2009
Learned to love :) 2010
Ecclesiastes 1:4 2011

A few of things I am grateful for.

Photos

2011-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

B.Artistic

Here are some pics from the boys mini session with B.Artistic Photography. I think the session lasted about an hour. We did the shoot at a school across the street from our home the day of Wyatt's Birthday Dinner.
Enjoy!

** I hope I don't ruin the magic here, but this is how good Laura is.
The morning of the shoot, Wyatt fell and hit his face on a fence post. He had a huge bruise on his face, but I went ahead and did the photos because I didn't want to fuss with trying to keep him bruise free again. I told Laura that I was ok with Wyatt's face because it showed his true colors lol. Anyway, if you notice in the final photos his face looks perfect. I honestly feel like I am ruining some of the magic, but I think you all need to know what good work Laura does. I mean if she can fix that face, imagine what she can do with a normal face. I wonder if she can make me look 10 pounds slimmer?

Tumblr?

2011-09-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Wyatt LOVES his frog boots. He wears them pretty much everyday.

This is Wyatt's first pet. We bought it with his birthday money. (Thanks Auntie Diane & Nana)

We bought Wyatt this kitchen off of Craigslist. Best 20 bucks we have spent so far.

I have a 2 year old

2011-09-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Here's some news: I gave Wyatt a hair cut for the first time. Not Wyatt's first hair cut, I cut it myself. Yup that was my birthday gift to him. A buzz cut. lol.

Caleb's new hats. He calls this photo: Before and After

stop in the name of love

2011-09-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

I just want to say that I have lots to say, just no time to say it.

a spy among us

2011-09-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last night Caleb and I were up till the wee hours of the morning discussing Wyatt's birthday present. We don't mind buying high dollar items used (craigslist) because we understand 1) Wyatt is too young to tell the difference and 2) it will eventually be destroyed. So, we were up searching the internet and price matching this and that, when we heard the pitter patter of little feet coming towards our bedroom. The spy stopped at the door and knew better than to enter (he would have been marched back to his room). Caleb and I ignored him and continued our quest for the awesomest present ever. Soon enough the spy wondered back to his bed, so we thought (<= that's some foreshadowing right there). About an hour later Caleb asked me to make sure Wyatt had gone to bed and wasn't just hiding out in another area of the house. Like the good subservient wife that I am, I got up out of my comfy office chair and this is what I found at our door...

He fell asleep on the job. He is definitely fired.

cause ya'll are thinking it

2011-09-17T10:56:00.001-07:00

do you like our new family portrait ??? ^-^

the fair 2011

2011-09-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

These Goats are AGGRESSIVE!

We just got home from the fair. Fridays are canned food Friday. Bring 5 Korger brand cans and you get in free between the hours of 12 and 6. So we went to food4less bought several cans of tomato sauce priced @ three for $.99 and had a good ol' time at tha fair.

We Die!

2011-09-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

There is a freeway on ramp near our house that is basically a pretty tight full circle turn that drops you off right into freeway traffic. Because of this you have to take the turn at a descent speed in order to keep from getting run over once you are actually on the freeway.

I like to joke with Caleb as he takes this turn. I usually throw my hands up in the air (think roller coaster) and yell, "ahhhh we're gonna die!!!", (as the G force slams me into the car door). Honestly, doing that NEVER gets old. In fact, as soon as Wyatt could talk I began working on this little saying. I don't mind telling you that the first time I heard a tiny voice in the back seat say "ahhh we ddiiiiiiieeeeeee", as we drove onto the freeway, I was mighty proud.

Today, we all took a family trip to Target and as luck would have it the on ramp to the freeway home was a corkscrew turn. Caleb took it a little faster than he should have and as he drove we heard a scared little boy in the back murmuring, "we die, we die" as he held on to his seat straps for dear life. It was so funny when we realized the poor kid really meant what he was saying. He was scared he was going to fall out of his chair and finally learn what I have been trying to tell him for all of two years; As long as his dad is driving there is a 50% chance we might die. : )

Genghis Con

2011-09-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Oh Wyatt, you are the sunshine of my life, but sometimes you give me a sun burn. : )
Here is a little story about my eldest son. Hope you enjoy it.

**The Mama is sitting in her rocker sipping on a diet Pepsi.
Wyatt (holding a medicine dosing cup): me soda?
The Mama(places soda on the ground beside chair): no, you can't have any of my soda
Wyatt: yes, me soda.
The Mama: No
*Times the above conversation by one million*
Wyatt: Me Soda!!!
The Mama (at eye level): I said no!
Wyatt then drops his head into his hands and begins to create the softest most sorrowful FAKE cry you have ever heard. He walks off with his head down as if he is going to his room. Then I feel a little push on the back of my chair and realize he is trying to sneak around my chair and get to the soda I placed on the ground. I push my chair back so he can not pass between it and the wall. Realizing he is caught, Wyatt pops his head around the side, looks at me with a big cheesy Wyatt grin, and laughs.

How can I not laugh daily with this little clown around.

2011-09-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hiding in my air conditioned bedroom, sipping on a bottled frappuccino light.

I have been doing a lot of hiding lately. Think these boys are getting to me. : )
I was thinking the other day that as of this coming January I will have been prego or attached to a baby for three years straight! no wonder I'm nuts. lol. Wyatt was 8/9 months old when I found out I was pregnant with Zane. He was a tiny baby, but ready to take on the world. Wyatt walked along the furniture and crawled up the stairs before he ever actually crawled along the floor. He took his first steps when he was 9 months old while we were visiting Nana in Fresno. He started walking at 10 months old, and ever since then he has been more than ready to leave his mother's side and explore the world.
I just hope he remembers to look before he leaps.

YAY

2011-09-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Caleb finally took our desktop computer to Phillip, so no more virus for us. YAY! I get to use a real keyboard again. We were also told to stop using internet explorer and to start using google chrome. I guess there are not as many viruses written for Chrome as there are for explorer. So, you are not as likely to get a virus if there are not as many to be got. Got it?
In other rambles. The boys photo shoot is going to be outdoors after all. It's a long story, but basically outdoors was just the easier choice. So yeah.
I guess that's it for now, I'm really just hiding out in my bedroom until Caleb is done doing the dishes. That's right, he does dishes.
**I have made a few changes on my page. One of the biggest is I have limited the amount of blogs that show up on my blog roll. From now on the side bar will show the 10 most recently updated blogs. All of the other blogs are still there, you will just have to click the "show all" button to see them.

Picture Time

2011-09-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

The above photo is brought to you by PaigeLynn Photography . She sure knows how to make my kids look extra cute.
Typing of (cause I'm not speaking, well I kinda am in my head, but you can't hear me) photos. I am in the process of scheduling a milestone photo shoot of the boys with none other than our very own Laura Berrier . I love her work. She is so sweet and full of patience (which she needed when she did a shoot with Caleb and I soo many years ago). I am pretty sure we are going to go with some indoor portraits. My kids are still so young (2yrs & 6ish months) and I am thinking the great outdoors has a lot of distractions. Not to mention the heat. So yeah, keep an eye out for those in the next couple of months. Now to start shopping for portrait outfits. Matching? or Coordinating?

love your brother

2011-09-07T22:44:00.001-07:00

They are starting early. :)

Home again homa again

2011-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Wyatt has spent too many days being spoiled by his ~~Grandpa Fi Fi~~ PooBah, Grammer and The Uncle. He is a total pest today. I think I have lost about half of my hair so far.
Besides that the general feeling of our Fresno trip is : A great time was had by all.

: )

Major ADD

2011-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hangin' in F-Town (that means Fresno, R-Town would be Rialto) for the weekend. Love that Wyatt has some cousins to play with for a while. Poor kid doesn't get out much so he has had a bit of adjusting to do. It is hard for him to understand that he is not "the king of all the land" everywhere he goes. He is doing ok though. We are fixin' (that's Fresno talk) to go to the park here purddy soon. Hopefully I will remember to take some pics, but probably not. :)

**A LOT! of Caleb's cousins have this country type accent going on when they talk. I don't know why, I guess Fresno brings out the country in people. Anyway, if I don't watch it I find myself pronouncing my words differently when I am here. Kinda strange. I guess I subconsciously drop the ghetto talk and try to be a little more persnickety.
Yup lots of random thoughts today.
Here's one more. My MITL caught me doing an Irish river dance in the hallway. I told her I needed more cowbell. (SNL)

Copy Katter

2011-09-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Stole this from another blogger.
It says I am going to live to be 88. That's not too bad I guess. Although, I did not see a question for: Do you live with a crazy toddler who never ever stops moving (even when he sleeps) and gets into everything he is not supposed to?
I guess that would be filed under the "stress" category.

Try it out and let me know your age. :)
How long might you live?

(apparently, I am also going to get darker)

Wisdom?

2011-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

What is the power of a good wife? This is something I have been thinking about for a couple of months. A good wife builds up her husband. She is his personal cheer squad. When all of life outside of their home is beating on his back, his wife should be doing her best to uplift and encourage him.

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman buildeth her house...

*There was more, but this is enough*

Caleb Zane

2011-08-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this bundle of sweetness is mine. He is so stinkin' cute! Think I'm gonna have to smooch the screen now. :)

That takes care of that

2011-08-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

So, I'm thinkin' that maybe Wyatt has been reading my blog. This morning he broke my favorite wooden spoon. I am not really sure how he broke it exactly. He tends to play with this spoon a lot (he likes to "cook"). This morning I heard him banging on something in the kitchen and then a loud sorta snap. I thought he had broken a dish (he gets stuff out of the dish washer(I do not allow him, but he still does it)) until he walked out of the kitchen wide eyed and holding just the handle of my favorite spoon.

He can act like it was an accident all he wants. I'm pretty sure he knew what was coming his way and figured he would put an end to that kind of thinking in his house.

mama said

2011-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

If you are between the ages of 25-30 you might be familiar with the L.L. Cool J song, "Mama said knock you out". This song, which was released in the early 90's, was made in response to the many critics who believed Cool J's career was going down hill fast. Cool J's grandmother gave the struggling artist this advice, "knock out all the critics", thus the name of the song, Mama Said Knock You Out.
Mama Said Knock You Out, may have helped relaunch Cool J's career, but it also made parenting for all us 25-30 year olds a little harder.
You see, when I talk to Wyatt and he chooses to ignore what he has been told to do, I naturally say, Mama said...(fill in the blank). This sentence can be changed to fit any adult who is trying to instruct Wyatt in the ways of righteousness. Daddy said, Poobah said, Grammer said....you get it.

Today, I told Wyatt to take a bottle cap out of his mouth. He decided to ignore me so Caleb walked over to him, turned on his "Dad Vocie", got to eye level and said, "Mama said take it out". Unfortunately, his tone matched that of Cool J's and we both started laughing knowing that we each just had a snippet of that famous song, Mama Said Knock You Out, run though our minds. Wyatt on the other hand, had no clue why we were laughing and decided it must have been something he did. So, he put the cap back in his mouth.

Thank you Mr. Cool J, I thought your song was cool when I was 13, but now I am not so sure.

per your request

2011-08-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

I very funny guy gave the suggestion that I should delete my previous post, and because I respect said funny guy, I have deleted it. He was concerned about Americas bad case of suing/arresting everyone in the world for any little thing weather it is morally right or wrong. Thanks for your concern.
I am ok with talking about what I talk about because I know that spanking is not against the law. There is not actual law that states you can not spank your child. There are laws against child abuse. An open handed spank on the diaper is ok. Usin' a hose to git 'er done, is not. But, funny guy is right in the sense that there are so many people with crazy agendas, it is probably best get y'alls opinion and move on.
BTW, thank you to everyone that commented. I have gained some new insight and will definitely have to do an update post on our next step in training my boys up to be good men.

If you are curious as to what the law says, here are the spankin' rules for your state:
The right to Spank

PSA

2011-08-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

A while ago I blogged about participating in a financial counseling offered by our church. I don't think I ever shared the outcome of that session, just the fact that we were going. That particular blog was commented on by an anonymous person who accused me of over sharing, dishonoring my family and asked if my husband knew I blogged about our life. This Anonymous commenter made me laugh and has obviously found a place in my head, as his post crosses my mind often.I am not sure why I still think of that comment. Maybe because the accusations were so outrageous. 'Does my husband know?' That was the best part of all. LOL, my FITH and I have joked about that line several times. Like I would hide my blog (or anything) from Caleb. "Enveloped in the cloak of the midnight hour hidden deep beneath the bed sheets, using only the iridescent light of my trusty ComPaq pissario, I scroll the deep inner workings of my very soul. Hoping, Caleb, my oppressive and arrogant life partner will not find out how I have shared our private life with the anonymous public". Seriously, is that what this guy was thinking when he wrote his comment? Haha. I don't know. I just wanted to relive that post. Maybe it will finally get out of my head, and I can stop secretly doling out pity to that poor man's wife. :)

So changing the subject (a little) let's talk about that fact that I over share. I do over share. I know that. I will tell most people pretty much anything if they either ask, or I think it is important that they know. I have lived long enough to know people are not perfect and neither am I. So, I think we should just drop the props and be who we are. It's OK to struggle, that's life. Life is a struggle. That's why we have God, to make up the difference and help us to become better people. I wasted so many years of my life trying to be that perfect person to everyone I meet. I had to be the perfect size, attitude, image etc. In the end I have come to realize perfection outside of heaven is unattainable. I still try to be a better version of myself, but I know the flaws will still show. So, with that being said, I hope we can all learn to loosen up once in awhile and show someone who might be struggling with life that, hey, we have been in your shoes, and we made it just fine. Let's not forget where God has brought us from. Instead, of hiding your past, let God be glorified in your victory. Share what God has done for you with someone else. That is how we uplift one another.

*that will preach brother*

It. Is. Finished.

2011-08-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

So The Wedding is over. I didn't do much, but it was so exhausting! My brother and sister in the law, Dino and Tiffany, deserve a long vacation.
Next up: Nana's Anniversary Celebration Weekend in Fresno on the first weekend of Sept., then on the weekend of the 24th I have Belinda's Baby shower, Wyatt's 2nd Birthday (can't believe it), an InGroup fundraiser (all the money goes toward providing food n' such for the Christmas party (anyone want to help???)) AND my in-the-laws will be here. That is all in the same two days!!! Don't know how that is going to work, but we will make due.
My goal is make it through September, and then maybe, I will start thinking about My Birthday (29!), West Coast, Thanksgiving (in Fresno), InGroup Christmas Party, and Christmas.

Excuse me, your ignorance is showing

2011-08-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Late night dinner conversation:

You know what's worse than being the Queen of England, Prince Charles. Because at least the Queen can say, " Yeah, I got Parliament in my back pocket and I can authorize nuclear weapons". What can Prince Charles say, "um the Queen's my mum".

*Que Caleb dropping his head to the table with humor and a slight tinge of pity*

Shut cho mouff

2011-08-16T12:40:00.001-07:00

I have a tendency to mouth off. Not to everyone, only a close few. Mostly Caleb. My problem is not limited to mouthing off in the sense that I talk back, but I also rant. I rant about lots of things. Sometimes it is a serious issue, sometimes it is a pet peeve. Like the fact that the Queen of England really has no power, but she is called the queen anyway....Or the fact that Disneyland will give you 10% off of an Orlando Disney weekend package and expect people to come flocking to their gates for their one year old's birthday bash....really? because you are only giving them $100 off of a $1,000+ trip.
ANYWAY....this morning I made a major blunder. I was ranting via text and (you guessed it) my text went to the wrong person. HOW EMBARRASSING!!!! I had some explaining to do to that person and I have now caused them to think of me in a different light. A very unflattering florescent light (you know, the kind that shows all your wrinkles and fly away hairs on your head). Granted I wasn't being slanderous. But I was being my mouthy self, which is really bothering me.
In the last couple of weeks I heard that in the Hebrew language there is no word for coincidence, because they did not believe in coincidences. So, with that knowledge in mind I am going to take this texting blunder as a sign from God that I need to start reworking my mouth. I usually try to keep my thoughts to myself and only express them to a select few, but I am thinking maybe that is not the way to go. I should probably start working on keep my thoughts to myself and then keep my mouth shut. Not as easy as it sounds when you are bubbling over with opinions. lol.
Perhaps my rant against the queen will still be acceptable as Caleb gets me going only for entertainment value. (and yes, I know she does have some say in what Parliament does, but from what I have read, in actuality her veto would not stand. ** I did just read that she is the only person in the UK that can authorize the use of nuclear weapons, don't know how true that is though.)

What an amazingly awesome weekend ;)

2011-08-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Because my mind is currently fried I am just going to do a bullet point update.

This weekend was well worth the drive, if only to eat a delectable Sunday lunch of Cajun seasoned chicken, which was lovingly prepared by the gentle hands of my FIL.

Wyatt went Sunday school!!!! It's one thing for him to go to our Sunday school class (which he kinda went to once), but he doesn't know any of the people in Fresno's class. They know him, but he has not clue who they are. Did that matter? nope. He just walked into the classroom and started playing with whatever he could get his hands on. Made me sad. I wanted to sit in the hall in case he realized his mama was not by his side and needed comforted. Sooo sad. I decided I will definitely cry when he goes off to Kindergarten and I will probably wait in the parking lot all day, just in case he needs me.

Wyatt also got to ride the Sunday school bus with his poobah (that's his grandpa, the Grand Poobah) and participate in a candy rain. Seriously Fresno, can you stop giving my child the opportunity to grow up. Thank you.

Zane did what he always does, laze around and blows spit bubbles. lol. He will be my baby forever.

Caleb just informed me he might start working one Saturday a month. I'm not to sure what I think about that just yet. Gotta sleep on it for a while.

Last but not least....all these cute babies are gettin' in ma head! But every time they do, I just sit and remind myself how much it hurts to carry around an extra 40 pounds of baby n' such. And if that doesn't work I remember my labor and all the pain that when with it.....and if that doesn't work, I look @ Wyatt and realize he just destroyed the house in 30 seconds flat. That usually does the trick.

The quick fox jumped over the brown log.

2011-08-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ok I have about 30 seconds of down time. Let the update begin

Fresno: we are going this weekend. Now before Caleb gets hate mail about missing my family's beach trip and ditching the OC fair (which I was majorly excited about) let me say this, it was MY idea. Yes, that's right, can you believe it. I bugged Caleb for about a week to go to Fresno (I know, I'm getting weak in my old age). Really though, I fell bad that my kids are just so cute and their grandparents are missing out on all the cuteness. So I told Caleb we need to go visit (since...well you know). So we are going. Leaving tomorrow morning bright and early.

Potty Training: We are sorta kinda starting Wyatt on potty training. I introduced the idea to him the other day. Just chonies? all day, and surprisingly he stayed dry half the day. I can't really get this train rolling until we get back from Fresno, as a long car trip is not the best way to start a potty training regimen.

Zane: is lazy. Seriously he just lays around or wants to be held. He can roll over from his tummy to his back, but that's as far as he is willing to go. Baby food? he will have none of that. For whatever reason he woke up one day and decided to spit everything out of his mouth, so while other kids his age are on two jars a day. He is on zero. The weird thing is I don't mind as much as I thought. Laziness on my part because it is way easier feed him "my way", then to go through the whole baby food sit him down and clean it all up process.

Times up. Wyatt has finished his Popsicle. (yes @ 10:30 in the morning, he ate breakfast first)

Aug 7

2011-08-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sub title

2011-08-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

So someone once asked be about this blog's subtitle, Standing in an elevator with Caleb, Sarrah, Wyatt & Zane. How did I come up with it? What does it mean?
Well, honestly I didn't "come up with it", it came to me (oohhh spooky)lol. I was sitting here one day and it just came to me.
I thought, 1) this is a place where I talk about the randomest (and often very personal) topics.
2)The title is Four's a Crowd. Think about it, when you are going to get on an elevator and you see three people, you will most likely walk inside without a second thought. But if there are four people, you have to consider weather or not you want to stand that close to those people for a minute or so, because in an elevator, four is definitely a crowd.
So , you the reader are a random person that has made the bold decision to ride the elevator with an overworked man in scrubs, a crazy lady, a chatty toddler, and a chubby smiling baby. In doing so, you are being allowed to ease drop on our lives as we ride on up to the 1209384th floor. Sometimes the things you hear are funny, sad, or just plan weird, but either way you have definitely been entertained for the few minutes you have spent with us.
So there you go. Three's Company became Four's a Crowd, maybe Five's will be a Fiesta??? (that is, if we get a dog or something)lol.

jussayin

2011-08-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

OMgoodness This dress is AMAZING!!!! Almost makes me want to do the whole wedding thing again. I just had to share this.

Hello, do you like my hat?

2011-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not wearing a hat. That's just a line from one of Wyatt's favorite books and if you can guess which book it is, I will let you watch both of my children for free. Yes, F.R.E.E., free.

Not, much to say today. Just checking in more than anything. Hope all is well on the internet.

Sarrah Dillon

We we we so excited.

2011-07-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Gonna have a great time @ Holly's tonight. I'm so ready for this. Just me and baby Zane chillin' in the pool.

Bad habits

2011-07-28T12:43:00.001-07:00

Of course he is with Justine.

This could take a while.

2011-07-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

It's almost 10:30pm, Wyatt is with Justine, Zane and Caleb are asleep, and I am sitting on the couch munching on cold McDonalds. Don't judge me, I have lost almost about 20 pounds since I had Zane, so this must not be too bad. Anyway, in the past few days, I have had a lot on my mind. A Lot. The inGroup spa party seems to be going ok. It was all planned at the last minute, so that is totally driving me crazy (I like to be super prepared). I am going to be in a wedding in Aug, and I still need to find material for my dress. There is a baby shower I need to organize for Sept. Just lots of stuff that requires a lot of time to get done right. But there is something else that makes all this seem so small, and that is guilt. Mother's Guilt. I know all mother's have felt it/feel it at some point. I looked it up on the Internet just to make sure I wasn't going crazy, and you would be surprised at the amount of sites dedicated to guilt. Today, it is weighing heavy on my heart.I feel like I am letting Wyatt down. He is my first born (my mom always said, "you love all your kids, but your first is different"). I have such a deep love for him. We have been through a lot together. Every first I have ever experienced in parenting has been with him (obvious, but so true). There is a special bond between us, and yet I feel like I don't treat him like he deserves. I look at him and I feel guilty. I am always trying to balance my time and energy between my boys and my husband, but so many times I fall short of who I want to be to each one. I want to be an awesome mom with the patience of Gandhi to my boys. I want to be a super cleaning/dinner making/ hott wife to my husband (yes I said hott, who doesn't want their husband to think they are a hottie). But so far all I am is an over stretched (physically & emotionally lol) crazy lady that would love to sleep for 8 hours in a row and take a long nap in the middle of the day. So, what to do? I have talked to Caleb and he assures me I am not horrible, but I am weird. He says I am a great mom. Unfortunately his words are not enough. I need to solve this problem as best I can. I want to enjoy my children w/o guilt, so I looked over a few of the websites I found and came upon this list of ways to overcome how I feel. It seems doable. What do you think?

Pinpoint exactly what you feel guilty about. Your guilt may be telling you that there is something you need to change in your life.

Look closely at your priorities. Make a list of what is essential for the health and happiness of your family. What is important to your family may not matter to other families and vice versa. Be secure with your priorities.

Make more time for your family. Even though you are a mother, you can't do everything, so if it is not on your priority list then get in the habit of saying "No."

Live in the present. The mistakes you have made are over and done with. Forgive yourself for your mistakes, learn from them and leave them in the past.

Set limits for your children. As a parent you are responsible for the well being of your children, as well as helping them to develop their personal character. Teaching them to respect the boundaries you have set is an important lesson, and is one that you should never feel guilty about enforcing.

Take time for yourself. Even though it may seem impossible to find the time, if you are drained emotionally or physically then you have nothing to give your children. Plus, you should take time for yourself solely for the fact that you are worth it.

The last one is something I really need to work on. Gotta get out of the house and let loose once in a while.

Brothers

2011-07-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

Little drummer boy

2011-07-25T23:40:00.001-07:00

Miles and miles

2011-07-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Milestones.
Children go thought a lot of them, especially when they get close to 2 years of age and 6 months.
Wyatt is 22 months old, and Zane is 20 weeks old next Tuesday.
So, what have they done so far?
Wyatt is talking up a storm, he knows words we didn't even teach him. He knows that a puppy and a dog are essentially the same thing (which blew me away), he is starting to "read" a few words from the books we read over and over to him. Most importantly, he is officially pacifier free and it wasn't even as hard as I thought. One day I noticed his teeth looked like they might be crowding due to his sucking on a paci, so I told him the paci was gone. He cried during his first nap, but since then his has been adjusting well.
Zane has been eating cereal for a couple of weeks now, and I am getting ready to introduce some real baby food. He enjoys the occasionally taste of ranch or barbecue sauce. He loves to coo and blow bubbles. Earlier this week he learned to roll from his belly to his back.

Next up:
Potty Training for Wyatt
and sitting up for Zane.

Sarsaparilla

2011-07-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

This mornings conversation

Caleb: *hands up in the air* Yea for root beer!
Wyatt: *hands up in the air* Yea beer!!!!
(mom laughing in the kitchen)
Caleb: umm, yea for ROOT beer!!!
Wyatt: yea BEEEEWWWWRRR!
haha, This went on for a couple of turns. Caleb gave up. I am still laughing about it.

Spa Par-tay

2011-07-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I'm a little excited about this? Hope you are too, cause without you it just ain't a party!Click the image to enlarge**

for the mamas

2011-07-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a fellow blogger. I met her at west coast last year. She is as sweet as can be and it just so happens we are living each others lives. She has two boys, her oldest just turned 2 and her baby was born on the same day as Zane.
While perusing her blog I found this post and I wanted to share it with you. It really inspired me to step back and think about how I can be a better mother and wife, so I hope you enjoy it.

The Lipkin Blog

Hi

2011-07-19T10:26:00.001-07:00

Jolly: something chubby people do well.

Come and Relax

2011-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's a Spa Par-tay! and you are totally invited. As long as you are female and between the ages of 18 and 39. If you do not fit the criteria, well sorry, but you probably got to go and "eat meat" earlier this month.

A FEW DETAILS (very few)

Date: Friday, July 29th

Time: Beginning @ 6:30pm

Place: Holly Garrett's Home

More info will be given to you personally by your care captain. BUT if for some reason you don't know who your care cap-e-tan is feel free to get a hold of me (my mom used to say that when I was in trouble "im-unna get ahold of you" ) and I will tell you what you need to know.

Toodles Poodles

The Mayor

2011-07-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have a cousin, his name is David Zamora. He was the Mayor of Colton, thus he was jokingly referred to as, "my cousin the Mayor". He died this week due to a heart attack. My heart is so sad. I love this man. Family get togethers will not be the same without David's usual banter about how much hair I have now (I was bald for a long time as a child). I just can't believe he is gone. When I first heard of his passing, it took about an hour for the news to really hit and the tears to begin flowing. I sat in my rocking chair and cried for a long time. I got my boys , hugged them tight and gave each one a kiss on the head. Death is so trying. I am sure that is what really causes the gray hair and wrinkles.
When I was younger I wanted to live to be 101. Not 100, but I wanted that extra year. I'm not sure why, 101 probably just sounds better than 100.
Now that I am almost 29, I am not so sure I want to live that long. In just the last seven years that Caleb and I have been married, I believe at least 6 family members have passed away. Granted, I was closer to some than others, but that is still 6 deaths I have had to deal with personally or watch my family deal with. Not an easy thing either way. Living long means out living others. Burying your friends and family. Dieing early means leaving others behind. Namely my children (I know this is depressing, but I'm just clearing the air). I dread the day my boys have to deal with the lose of Caleb or Myself, but I am understanding more and more that we can not get way from death. No matter how much we put it out of our minds, it is always there, looming in the background. It is a part of life.
So, that being said, I don't think I want to live to be 101 anymore. I am not sure what age I would like to live to be. Maybe somewhere in my 80's. That seems ok. Old enough to see some grandkids, but not so old that I am the last of my generation to die. (is this a weird post? kinda)

click it to read it : )

I'm caffinated and rambling

2011-07-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

You know, raising children is not at all like I thought it would be. Well, kinda. It's more like, I am not the way I thought I would be.
Let me try to put this in to words.
I dont feel like Caleb and I are parents. I don't feel like we are my mother and father reincarnated. Does that make sense?
Do you remember when you were a child and there was a distinct line of separation between adults and children? For instance, in my family, during Thanksgiving dinner the children sit at a separate table than the adults. Also, I remember the many times we children were sent to another room while the adults discussed well, whatever it was adults discussed in those days (a practice I think needs to make a come back, as too many children are allowed to sit in on adult conversations).
I was raised with the understanding that adults (parents) were different than children (me). So, now that I am a parent, it has occurred to me that I am still that same child. Granted I have matured and no longer cry for my special blanket, but the core of who I am is the same. I feel like Caleb and I are two good friends raising a family together. Not like a "Mother and Father". Does any of this make sense? probably not. It is still kinda scrabbled(scrabbled?) in my brain. Basically, I am still a little surprised that I am invited to sit at the adult table during Thanksgiving, because deep down inside I am still little Sarrah. I just have some people even smaller than I am to take care of.

Click the pic to enlarge. Cover either parent, it's a trip.

Crash and burn

2011-07-12T14:09:00.001-07:00

Our desktop has a virus and keeps crashing so, while we are getting it fixed, enjoy this pic of Zane gettin' his caffeine on. (j/k, We don't give our kiddos caffeine)

Hi

2011-07-08T21:27:00.001-07:00

2011-07-06T16:29:00.001-07:00

Wyatt loves his new undies. We are not ready to let him wear them the right way, so for now he is only pretending.

* I am trying to publish from my phone but it won't let me rotate the pic. _ grrrr

My Stationary Life

2011-07-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to stop by and say Hi. There's not too much going on around here. Just the same old, same old. Caleb is working, I am at home, the boys are being boys.

ummmmm, Caleb made some really good tri tip tonight. Very tasty, just a touch of bonfire.

..........yup. This would be a really awkward conversation. ........*tapping nails on keyboard*

I got nothing. I can't think of one interesting thing to share. So with that I will say good night.

Pearls, you never get old.

Zane

2011-06-29T15:54:00.001-07:00

Caleb took Zane to his four month check up yesterday. He weighs 17 pounds and 4 oz. I didn't get his height from Caleb but he told me Zane is in the 95th percentile for weight and the 90th for height. Gonna be a big boy.

Science Fair

2011-06-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

To the best of my knowledge I have never ever gotten a good grade (meaning higher than a C) on any of my science fair projects. Why? because I usually waited until the day before (literally) , thew something together and prayed to God that the teacher would except it. I am not sure why I would do such a thing, because it sure made for a lot of work. Faking data charts, searching for whatever information I could find in the books we had around the house (we didn't have the Internet then), and drawing (remember when kids used to draw?) tons of pictures to go with my "accumulated" research. Basically Brian Regan hit the nail on the head with his, "Cupa Duuurrt" act.

"It's a cup and it's got dirt in it".....see all the fancy pictures of my awkwardly drawn hand scooping up dirt and placing it so gently into this cup. Yes, that big weird round thing is a cup.

Anyway, I have decided that raising children is one huge science experiment that you can't fake. Think about it. You have TONS of books filled with different theories on how to feed your baby, how to put the baby to sleep, when to potty train, la la la la la. Then you have old wives tales, well meaning advice, and home remedies (I'm a Vicks can cure cancer type person myself). As parents, we have to sift through all this information, pick out the stuff that looks the coolest, try out on our kids, and hope they don't explode.

Seriously, we are using strategies we think will help grow a well balanced adult. We try something, if it doesn't give us the result we want, we try something else. I find this fact kinda scary myself. I mean, how many times can you fail before it starts to effect the person your child will grow up to be. For example: I spank Wyatt, but I am still on the fence about spanking him with something, like a spoon or whatever. I want to feel how hard I spank him because I don't want to hurt him. BUT am I causing him to fear my hand? The hand that caresses his little sleepy face in the mornings and holds on tight when he needs to feel safe. Is he getting a mixed message that the same hand that loves him also hurts him? I don't know. But if I spank him with an object, am I spanking him or hitting him? In my mind the difference in words is HUGE. I don't want to hit my child, I want to discipline him and give him understanding that there are consequences to his actions, so for now I spank him with my hand. That doesn't mean I won't ever change my strategy, but as long as this one is working I am going to stick with it.

I could go on and on with this subject, as there is a lot to be said for any tactic you take on raising your child. One thing is for certain, I am more thankful now than ever that I can still pray about the outcome of my "project". God knows what is in my heart as a mother. I am not throwing this project together in the middle of the night. I have thoughtfully and prayerfully made my decisions; in the hopes that the result will be strong men that will serve the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. I still have many years to go before I find out what my grade will be, but with God as my project manager I think Wyatt and Zane will be alright.

They hatched a plan, and are following through

2011-06-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Caleb and Ronnie have been talking about "going to eat meat" for a while. Last month they picked a day that worked for them and now are making a big deal out of it. So, if you are a woman and you know of some guys in our area that like to eat meat, direct them here; or if you are a guy that likes to read blogs and eat meat, then this event is for you.

**Brazilian Barbecue, Keeping cardiologist in business since 1903

Come one, come all...

2011-06-19T13:56:00.001-07:00

well, as long as you are between the ages of 18-39, your kids can come too, so I guess the ages are 0-39 as long as you have adult supervision.
TIG presents, The Griffith Observatory
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/
July 9th.
Details will be announced sooner than later, but for now, I am told the actual observatory is free. Also The observatory will be hosting a Star Party on the day of our visit.

Public Star Parties
Free public star parties are held monthly with the assistance of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers at the Griffith Observatory from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. They are a chance for the whole family to look at the sun, moon, visible planets, and other objects, to try out a variety of telescopes, and to talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment.

Please be aware that the astronomers and telescope demonstrators must cut off the line for each telescope to enable all viewing to be completed by 9:45 p.m. Hours for telescope operation are not the same as for the building (which closes at 10:00 p.m.).

Very Cool, No?

Dun da dun dun

2011-06-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our big day! I am super excited to find out what God has in store for us. I am so thankful that Bro. Meyer has come to our church and made himself available for one on one financial counseling. Really this is such a blessing. If you can't tell I am feeling really good about all this.

* so Caleb came home from "the meeting" with a plan. That's a good start. If you are going to reach your goal you have got to have a plan, right? Now, we just have to figure out how to make the plan work and stick to it. Still feeling good about the whole thing. It's just gong to take a lot of work and prayer to get to where we want to be. But I think we can do it. :)

Getting old

2011-06-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

Listen guys,
I'm. Getting. Old.
UGGGHHH, I can't believe it. I am the old people @ church.
Well according to the young people.

Ok, most who have known me a long time know I love to dress like an old lady. I like cardigans and straight skirts. I like dressy suits and tailored clothing. BUT I have not worn any of my nice clothes for like three years (because, well, I'm fat). The other night I wore something a little more trendy I guess you could say. Not flashy, but sorta chic. Anyway, tell me why one of the youth girls just started gushing about how I am starting to dress so cute now. LOL, ahh starting? really. I used to dress cute, I am just old and fat now. haha. SO yeah, that was pretty amusing. I thought, honey I was dressing "cute" before you could even walk. lol.
Anyway. We are all aging around here, and it is very weird to think you cant go back. Time just keeps on moving, and the wrinkles just keep on coming.

* the old lady/cardigan reference was aimed @ Caleb.
Many many years ago Caleb and I were out shopping. I walked over to a rack of sweaters, picked out a few and asked Caleb which one he liked. That is when he lovingly informed me that I dressed like an old lady.

Let's Go!

2011-06-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Need some new summer vacay destinations? Well, here ya go. I vote for #2. Sounds completely hilarious.
Travel Picks: Top 10 wacky U.S. summer events
NEW YORK (Reuters) – If you enjoy the strange, unusual or downright wacky and you're planning a summer of fun in the United States, online travel adviser TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com) may have a festival of foolishness that will appeal to you in its top 10 list of the wackiest summer events in the United States. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Humungus Fungus Festival: August 5-7, Crystal Falls, Mich.

Fungus fanatics will be in their earthy element at this celebration of the world's largest mushroom, which weighs 11 tons, covers 37 acres and lives just below the ground near this northern Michigan town. Travelers can work up an appetite in the strong man contest as they watch contenders compete in events including a keg toss, tire flop, and a metal pole lift - and then devour some mouth-watering mold, by indulging in a slice of the world's largest mushroom pizza. General admission is free of charge although some events do have a fee.

2. National Hollerin': June 18, Spivey's Corner, N.Carolina

Travelers should leave their indoor voices at home at this cacophonous celebration, which draws in over 10,000 attendees. The hollering contest is not the only pursuit for travelers to enjoy at this gathering; conch shell blowing, a greasy pole climb, and the classic game of corn hole are also integral to the hollerin' hoopla. Those with a firm grip can even compete to hold on to a greased watermelon, while local firemen try to knock it from contestants' hands using a fire hose. General admission is $5, and free for children 12 and under.

3. Cream Cheese Festival: September 17, Lowville, New York

Travelers in search of some cheesy fun and tub-loads of excitement will be delighted by this event, which is now in its seventh year. Cream cheese connoisseurs can finger paint a mural with the yummy spread, fill a friend's face in an all-you-can-eat contest, or have a taste of the world's largest cheesecake, which measures 20 feet in diameter. Athletic attendees can even test their pitching prowess in the "Flinging Cream Cheese Toss." General admission is free of charge.

4. Watermelon Thump: June 23-26, Luling, Texas

Now in its 58th year, this juicy four-day celebration is ripe with fun and anything but melon-choly! Attendees can attempt to break the Guinness World record of nearly 69-feet in a seed spitting contest, while watermelon-lovers can even participate in a melon eating match to see who can demolish a slice the fastest. A variety of tasty summer treats can also be enjoyed at the festival, along with live music and a car show. General admission is free of charge Thursday and Sunday, and is $8 Friday, and $10 Saturday.

5. Summer Redneck Games: July 9, East Dublin, Georgia

Travelers can get down and dirty in Dublin for this one-day event, which draws crowds of over 5,000 attendees each year. For those that don't find bobbin' for pig's feet appetizing, visitors can also participate in the hubcap hurl, mud-pit belly flop contest, or even test their talent for tossing toilet seats in a round of "Redneck Horseshoes." Winners in each event will receive a glistening, half-crushed, mounted beer can. Admission is $5 and free for children under seven.

6. Gilroy Garlic Festival: July 29-31, Gilroy, Cal.

Celebrating its 33rd year, this fragrant festival is a garlic lovers' dream - and a vampire's worst nightmare! Tantalizing delights from more than 65 food vendors include garlic chocolate, garlic-flavored ice cream cones and garlic watermelon, to name a few. On the final day of the festival, travelers can attend the "Great Garlic Showdown," hosted by renowned chef Angelo Sosa, as four bay area chefs participate in an "Iron Chef" competition for a grand prize of $5,000. General admission is $17, $8 for children and seniors.

7. Barnesville Potato Days: August 26-27, Barnesville, Minn.

Over 17,000 spud-lovers gather annually at this two-day event to participate in some groundbreaking entertainment. Travelers can immerse themselves in a round of mashed potato wrestling, or stuff their faces with the savory starch in the "French Fry Feed." Those with an artistic eye can design a sculpture using mashed potatoes, and fashionistas can even design some one-of-a-kind clothing from a potato sack. General admission is free of charge.

8. Cow Chip Throw: Sept 2-3, Prairie du Sac, Wis.

Once used by early settlers as fuel for cooking and heating the home, cow chips serve a loftier purpose in this two-day event, which attracts over 40,000 people annually. Travelers can try their hand at breaking the 248-foot long record in the legendary adult chip throw, while youngsters can also have a shot in the "Children's Chip Chuckin' Competition." Those who wish to keep their hands clean can compete in a five or ten kilometer road race, or boogie down Wisconsin-style with some live music. General admission is free of charge, with a $3 fee to enter the Cow Chip Throw ($1 for children).

9. Baby Food Festival: July 20-23, Fremont, Mich.

Home to one of the largest baby food factories in the U.S., this city's annual celebration is crawling with fun for all ages. Adults who are young at heart can turn back the clock in a baby food eating contest, while those that prefer solid foods can test their skills with a bubble gum blowing contest, a pop ring toss, or fill their faces in a pie eating challenge. General admission is free of charge, yet various individual events do have fees.

10. Heritage Duct Tape Festival: June 17-19, Avon, Oh.

This sticky celebration, now in its eighth year, takes places in the "Duct Tape Capital of the World." Duct tape enthusiasts will see dozens of displays made from this household staple, including fashion-forward clothing and sports memorabilia. On the last day of the festival, Miss America will marshal a parade from the top of a float made from the grey tape. General admission is free of charge.

do over

2011-06-14T18:37:00.001-07:00

I removed the last two posts because they were really "bringin' me down". I know whoever wrote that mean comment already read my response so I am going to just let it go. People can be so ugly sometimes. It's amazing what others will communicate online or in text messages, but they would never in a million years say it directly to you.

Anyway. I need a good laugh. Cakewreaks.com here I come.

I love you all (well, the ones I actually know anyway). Thank you for continuing to click on my blog site all these years (yes years). I appreciate that you are interested in what is going on with my family, especially my boys. Now, onward and upward.

2011-06-10T16:14:00.001-07:00

Midway museum.

Very cool

2011-06-09T13:06:00.001-07:00

Just downloaded an app on my phone that will let me blog on the go! This is gonna be very cool as far as this weekend goes. The one problem is every photo I upload will be added as a separate post. So I might end up with lots of "new posts" by the time we get home.
*way excited*

Ok, so let's change the subject.

2011-06-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend are are supposed to go on a long earned semi-vacation. We are going to stay over night in San Diego and then take the kids to the Zoo! Ok, who am I kidding. I am going to the Zoo and it just so happens that Caleb and the boys will be with me. It is so cool to finally get to show Wyatt all the cool stuff life has to offer. I just can't wait to see his face when we get to the animals he already recognizes. Anyway, that's all for now.

Vogue

2011-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Given' off some camera love.

2011-05-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Almost 12 weeks ago I was in bed curled up in a ball (well as much of a ball as you can @ nine months) screaming my guts out because this little pumpkin was ready to see the light of day. Seriously, I don't care what anyone says or thinks, labor with Zane HURT. With a capital "huh". I have never in all of my born days felt pain like that. Not even half that bad, and I have broken my elbow, walked high heels with a broken toe, for that matter I have worn super high heels for hours upon hours x's three days (hello, west coast conference). BUT this is not a post to relive those horrible memories, today I just really wanted to post the above photo of my fattest one. He is still a good little guy and he and Wyatt are getting along nicely.
Speaking of Wyatt, he has suddenly become a real boy. Gone are his days of babyhood (despite the pacifier). He is talking so much more. Last week everything was "hot". All day that's all I heard was, "that's hot, that's hot!, that's hot??". Now all he says is, "I'm scared" and even though it is annoying, he honestly has himself convinced at that moment that he is scared. Oh, and of course he says, "Aye" whenever he drops something or life is just not going right. Gotta make his mama proud like that. lol.
Yup, these kiddos are gettin' bigger by the second. Pretty soon they will both be in school and I will start taking afternoon naps again. :)

Read this

2011-05-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2010/05/baby-cake-gets-cut-down-to-size.html

Just do it, it's sorta funny. Pooba.

Zane

2011-05-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Dillon Boys

2011-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

No, I am not prego in this pic. Zane is there. lol, but I have lost a little weight since then.

Note to self

2011-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Keep your Hop Scotch muscles in good condition. You never know when you will wear four inch wedge heels to the park, trip, sprain your ankle, and have to hop around on one foot for the rest of the weekend.

Too good not to repost.

2011-05-11T12:03:00.001-07:00

So far neither of our children look like this. Lucky, I guess. lol

Let's talk

2011-05-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

I feel like rambling a bit today. Hope your in the mood for some random thoughts.
I wanted to write a post about Mother's day, which is why I saved the spot on Mother's day, and I still might, but for now I am going to skip that and go on to something less expected. My Wedding.
Last night Caleb downloaded a recording of our wedding onto our desktop computer and of course we had to listen to most of it. And that is when the thought hit me - I need to rehash some stuff that happened that day. So here go the bullet points!

Our music department is a million times better now than it was then, and it was already good then. Serious. Jonathan Pierce, you have grown in leaps and bounds my friend. I have always been a fan of your singing abilities, but it is amazing what time and practice can do.

Our wedding was WAY TOO LONG, and in my now much more mature state, I apologize and extend a great big thank you to everyone that actually sat through the whole thing.

I am not the person I thought I would be by now. When I got married I had these great dreams of what Caleb and I would be doing in the years to come and to be honest most of that is still in the works. I'm not sure how OK I am with that idea.

Elder Morton is so funny when he is in a silly mood. I LOVE to listen to Elder Morton's speech?. He was being such a brat that day and it makes me laugh every time.

I am blessed with an amazing family. I forgot how much work my family put into our wedding, from the decor, food and amazing singing. My brother's have such a great talent, I only wish I could sing half as good as any of them.

I am thankful Sarah Booker sang our last song. I remember she was a little nervous about it because it had weird timing, but we knew her voice would be perfect, and it was. LOL, that's the day she became a superstar to my mom's neighbor Jayne. :)

I cry every time I replay our wedding recording.

Lastly, our kiss was really awkward because Caleb had been teasing me for months before. He told me he was going to dip me and give me a big ol smooch. SO I was totally scared and ready to be completely embarrassed. Thus, the really awkward smooch.

So there it is folks. A big piece of what is on my mind today. Thinking about the past, while planning improvements for the future.

saving my spot

2011-05-08T17:55:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna come back later and write something. For now I am just saving this spot.

Let the spoilin' begin!

2011-05-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Grandparents AND The Uncle are in town this weekend. So of course Wyatt is putting on his best, "everybody look @ me" act. I'm just glad for the extra sets of hands around to help catch him when he trys to run away. :)

Dear Wyatt

2011-05-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

As I am typing this you are on my bed singing as loud as you possibly can while rolling around causing me to freak out; because you will eventually fall off and this bed is very high. You are one in a million, the third love of my life (after God and your daddy), and the very reason I have about 15 more gray(grey?) hairs than I did last year. I am getting wrinkles between my eyes from trying to make extra angry faces at you while I scold you, in the hopes that the point will somehow get across that, No I don't what you dipping your toys in the toilet to clean them off. I know that one day you will be a great man and a good daddy (just like yours), but in the meantime I would really really really like to sell you to the circus, and it just so happens that they are in town this month.

Ill trade you this quarter for two pennys

2011-05-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

I am totally serious about cashing in this gift card. Just listed it on ebay and craigslist for less than the actual value. This has now moved from being tacky to becoming my newest challenge. Let me know.

Call me Tacky...

2011-05-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

BUT, would anyone like to buy my massage envy gift card? Caleb gave it to me a while ago, and honestly I am just not the massage getting type. I would rather have the cash, but since you cant return gift cards I still have the card. It is worth $100. (man, I feel so tacky right now) I don't know if there is anyone out there that goes to massage envy regularly and maybe you would like to trade my card for cash. Or maybe someone wants to buy it as a gift for MOTHER's DAY, (you know, for your wife, mother of your beautiful children (child?)) Whatever the reason, I would love to get this off my hands as I have had a lot of guilt over not using it. Like I said, I am just not the massage gettin' type. So let me know...please don't let my tackiness be in vain.

Love,

Sarrah

p.s. you can email me if you want to keep your purchase a secret.

sarrahdillon@yahoo.com

a new link

2011-04-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

a new blog to follow.
http://reluctantentertainer.com/blog/

A place to call home

2011-04-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

So grateful my boys finally have their church. As long as the Bookers have been in Rialto we have always known that one day we would need a new sanctuary. Although this is not the final phase of the building, it is the new building and the place where my boys will grow up. It felt good to know we could put our roots down in this place, no more transitioning, and just dig in and grow. I allowed my ever colorful imagination to wander a bit on Sunday and got a little teary eyed thinking about the day my boys will be in the alter seeking after God, running around the church to help take care of this or that. I guess it's a big deal to me because thus far in my marriage we have not had a permanent place of residence either spiritually (meaning the building not the church) or physically. So it just means a lot to me that one of two important places are taken care of.

Wyatt

2011-04-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

When I found out I was pregnant with Wyatt, Caleb and I hoped for a lively child. Being a self proclaimed dork, I hoped my child would turn out just as dorky as I am. Well folks, I think we got our wish.

Got himself stuck in his toy bin. (click the pic to enlarge, it's worth it)

Learning as I go

2011-04-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Lovin' Bro. Pixler's blog. --------> somewhere over here. ---->