I am woman. Hear me roar.

Still here.

2011-10-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I promise. I began training for a half-marathon and I. AM. WIPED. Every day. Still. I've been told it takes a month to really adjust so... yeaaahhh... I'm tired. I also started the "live the life" diet which is great. I've been doing it for two days, and I'm not sure if I'm detoxing or what, but it certainly has added to my lovely little mood over here. Gah. I know it will all be worth it.... but in the mean time, you MIGHT not want to stop by uninvited. ; )

2011-10-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

2011-10-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Whew, so I'm down 2 pounds this week (so far), I'm feeling great, minus wanting to pass out on the couch at 8:00 every night. I feel like my body is trying to fight off a cold so I'm busting out the Zicam and extra vitamin C. It seems like every time I get into a great workout routine, I get sick. I understand that my body's immune system is being strained, but still. So annoying. That being said here is today's plan....

Food:
B: Oatmeal w/apples & cinnamon (I need a change-up from the smoothie for a day), grapefruit
Snack: banana & 1 tbs Peanut Butter
L: spicy chicken breast w/spinach, kale, avocado, and salsa
Snack: carrots
D: white chicken chili (see recipe at yesterday's post)

Workout:
Jillian Michaels 30 day shred - level 3 (holy moly, that kicked my butt this morning which is great for a 20 minute workout)

AND BONUS: I'm going to start training for a half marathon next week. I've always hated running but I am determined to start loving it!

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

FOOD
B: green smoothie
L: wheat berries & quinoa with cranberries, onion, avocado & balsamic vinager
afternoon snack: I met up with a friend from out of town at the park and had a slice of pizza... gah.
D: TBA, I forgot to start this recipe this morning, so that will have to wait until tomorrow...

workout: weights- shoulders, triceps, biceps (P90X)
P90X ab ripper

2011-10-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

YESTERDAY:
Never got back out to the garage to work out, which I was kicking my self all day about. I did however manage to drop a gigantic can of pineapple on the top of my foot, which immediately swelled up and turned purple. AWESOME. It was throbbing the majority of the night, but feels 100 times better today. Mostly stuck to the food plan. I went to pull the roast out of the fridge that I bought late last week and the thing had already gone bad. So I swapped tonights dinner for last night. Last night was chinese spiced flank steak with grilled peppers over quinoa & wheat berries (costco has this frozen ready-made stuff that is awesome). Having not worked out very well, my appetite was much more in the normal range and I actually didn't even eat yesterday's afternoon snack just because I didn't even realize I was hungry until dinner time. I'm sure today will be different considering I have two workouts. Speaking of today:

FOOD:
Same menu as yesterday, but I have some extra fruit to eat in the fridge, so I'll probably work in some plums or grapefruit somewhere along the way

WORKOUT:
P90X Cardio X
Zumba at the church

Oct 4th 2011

2011-10-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Recap of yesterday: work outs were awesome, I was surprised that I had the energy to get through both. I was so tired by 5:00pm though. And sore. Food was good, I stuck to the plan although by 2:00 I was SO hungry and the carrots just weren't cutting it. I ended up pacing the house most of the afternoon, trying to stay out of the kitchen. I need to make some changes for today to keep my metabolism up and keep from being miserable. : ) I think my body is in slight shock. All I could think about at the end of the day was cheese. And chocolate. I just need to keep pushing through... Also, note to self: go to bed EARLIER. We stayed up late watching a movie and the 5:15 alarm this morning was not effective. My workout was pathetic. I will be making a goal to get back out to the garage later today to try and make up for it.

TODAY

Food:
B: Green smoothie- different fruits added (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Snack: carrots & hummus
L: leftover green smoothie
Snack: whole wheat wrap w/apples & peanut butter
D: Roast, asparagus, roasted root vegetables (sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, garlic)

Workout:
P90X Legs and back
Ab Ripper

TODAYS SHTUFF

2011-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

FOOD
Right after I get up: Hot water with fresh lemon juice
Breakfast: Green smoothie of kale, spinach, carrots, parsley, flaxseed, protein powder, frozen strawberries, blueberries
Snack: apple slices with 1 tbls peanut butter
Lunch: Leftover green smoothie
Snack: Carrot sticks & hummus
Dinner: Spicy chicken and beans over fresh spinach with tomatoes and avocado.

WORKOUT
P90X core synergistic
Zumba class at the church

BRING IT!

I'm up in the gym, workin' on my fitness

2011-10-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, as some of you know, I have spent the last year getting my butt in shape. I have definitely relaxed in that department for the last month or so and sigh... it shows. The scale does not lie. SO. That being said, I have a new goal in mind, and I thought I would include all of my closest million friends on the internet in my journey. I am here to tell you how I'm going to do it. Because I AM going to do it. And as an extra incentive, my hubs said if I reach my goal, I get a shopping spree. That certainly gets my butt out of bed. So here's the info....

GOAL: 120lbs by November 30th. I'm currently at 134. Which is sad to me because I had gotten down to 127 a few months ago.

HOW I'M GOING TO DO IT:
Drink 3 liters of water/day
Work out 6 days/week (4 days cardio, 2 days weights/abs)
MOST IMPORTANT: Eat whole foods only, no processed, small meals every 3 hours of protein/carbs. No calorie counting.

I'm going to spend this first week detoxing, so that means I'm going to cut out dairy and yeast to help get my body back on track. Then I'll add those things back in. I also start my morning with hot water with fresh lemon juice (that also helps your body get rid of the toxins). So this is it. If you want to try it with me, LET'S DO IT!

I'm back!

2011-09-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Well it must be that time of year again where I feel the need to update the good ol' blog. This post will be a mishmash of things as there as always many crazy things happening in life. First, I just emerged from the dark three day hole of "The Hunger Games". The dishes need doing, the laundry needs folding, and the kids are probably starving (I kid, I kid). Such a good book series, I really couldn't put it down, and I highly recommend you check it out from your local library (or buy off of amazon). So good. Sigh. I am still mourning the fact that it's over. AND I know when you read the description it sounds like a weird book (I was also skeptical), but TRUST ME. So, on to things that DON'T make me sounds like a huge nerd or a neglectful mother....

I am publicly recommitting myself to my health goals. I've had a hard time the last couple of weeks, and I'm having a harder time getting back on the horse. Which is weird, because I feel awful so you think that would be enough. But its a total downward spiral where I feel like crap, then I'm tired and sluggish, and then I don't want to cook dinner, so I do something easy like pizza and then I feel like crap... you see the pattern. And it's so funny, and I know you all have experienced this, that even though I think I have officially gained back 2 pounds, I feel like everyone is looking at me and THEY CAN SEE IT, like the 2 pounds are just huge packs of hamburger meat slapped to my butt. But here I am. I have 10 pounds to go, and these last ten have been the hardest. One day I'll get gutsy enough to post before and afters (My hesitation is that I'm wearing a 2 piece, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for the whole world to see that, haha) :). If anyone is interested in how I've been doing it (I started about a year ago), it's been the eat clean diet and P90X. I truly couldn't think of a healthier and more logical way to lose weight.

Dance classes have started up for Kam again. She's taking a ballet/tap combo class and is loving it. And poor Annabelle has to watch with her face pressed to the glass, she is DYING to go in. Calvin has also started soccer. I'm loving the warm days and sitting in the grass at practice. I'm sure all that will change when the rain starts up again. : ) But I have been loving these kids lately. To be completely honest, I feel like something in me recently has clicked and I am enjoying them more and more. Each snuggle just warms my heart and I feel like I have been full of more love then I ever have before.

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

We took the kids this last week to a "farm" out by our house to pick out pumpkins. Calvin had to go to the bathroom the whole 10 minutes we were there and had to remind me every 10 seconds of that fact. Annabelle insisted on eating the straw off the ground, and Kameron enjoyed picking up pumpkins and intentionally dropping them on the ground (sorry farmers!!). All in all, a successful trip I think.

This is where she picked it up.... and I'll let your imagination figure out
what happened after that.

My little pumpkin.

He claimed his pumpkin. Of course it was the
biggest one he could find.

Notice the extra load on the right leg. He's such a good daddy. : )

He actually wheeled the whole thing out to the car.
I love having older children. So helpful. : )

Proof that I was there.

Calvin took this picture. It took a 5 minute lecture on
how to hold my camera and all the awful things
that will happen if he dropped it. I was pretty
impressed with the outcome.

The Cat Came Back.

2010-10-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to start blogging and completely ignore the fact that it's been over a year. I would catch you up, buuuuuut that would take forever. Hopefully someday I can do a little back-blogging and write about the all the "important" events. But for now, you get stuck with my present life. Muahahahaha. I wanted to dedicate my first post back to my oldest and most favorite son ever, Calvin. Here's his story.

Born November 22, 2002, after 29 hours of enjoyable labor, my little 8lb 11oz bundle of joy entered the world. Calvin was always an easy baby (but he was my first, so I didn't know that).

He's always had a love for animals, particularly marine life and reptiles.

He's never been one to be dependent on friends to entertain him. He loves to learn and read. He loves science, and is constantly asking me to help him with "experiments."

It's been really fun as he's gotten older to be around him. He's funny, but not in a "oh, that's cute that he said that, funny." But because he's actually witty. I love that we can just hang out and make each other laugh. He reminds me a lot of my Dad, which is special for me. Not only do they look so much alike, they're personalities resemble each other. Here's a comparison...

He's also an incredible big brother. It comes naturally to him, and he's great with the girls. He loves to make them laugh and will pretty much do it at any cost (including getting in trouble at the dinner table).
I think he'll be a great protector as they get older.

He's always been my child that will eat anything and always twice as much as what I eat. I'm going to hate to see our grocery bill when he's sixteen. He's also playing soccer this year, which has been so much fun to watch. I've always hated soccer, but it's MUCH better when it's your kid that's playing.

Sigh, I love Calvin. He seems to get better and better the older he gets.

Calfornia: Days 2 & 3 (DISNEYLAND!!)

2009-08-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

First off, Disneyland IS the happiest place on earth. You might have thought different after looking at Calvin's face when I told him we weren't buying him that $12 balloon, but otherwise, the happiest place. We spent two full days at both parks, which ended up being one and a half days at Disneyland and about 4 hours at California Adventure. There just wasn't enough time!! We had a ridiculous amount of fun. The rides were great. Kameron loved the tea cups and Dumbo. Calvin loved Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribean (who would have thought!). Brian was able to go on a few grown-up rides with his family since I'm pregnant and not really a thrill seeker these days. My favorite was Nemo, if that tells you anything. : ) It was great. The fireworks show at night was unlike anything I have EVER seen. I literally had tears welled up in my eyes the whole time, it was so magical. We had a a great time with our extended family!

California Trip: Day 1

2009-08-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

hello.......Heeeelllloooooo...... HHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO??? Anyone still out there? I have become a horrible blogger. Life does get in the way sometimes. I have MUCH to catch up on, but for now, I need to tell you about our FAMILY VACATION!!!!! Can I start off by saying that this trip has been 25 years in the making?? I have never been to California so this was QUITE the experience.

It all started at 4:00am Monday morning when thank goodness my alarm went off. I was bursting with excitment so it wasn't that hard to get up. After packing the car, and getting the kids up at 4:30am, we were on our way. I thought that I could scoop Kam out of her crib and gently put her in her carseat and she would go back to sleep. OH NO. That little lady had eyeballs the size of saucers and was raring to go. We made it to the airport at 5:30 (courtesy of Dad) and boarded our flight pretty painlessly and without any waiting. Sad to say, one member of the Kilner family did not make it on time and had to wait till the next day to take a flight. The plane ride was alright. I guess as good as could be expected. I got stuck on one side of the plane with Calvin next to me and Kameron on my lap. Brian got to sit on the opposite side of the aisle and got to take a nap (funny how that happens... and no, I'm not bitter). But HALLELUJAH! After 2 hours and 30 minutes we finally arrived at LAX!!! We got a shuttle to our hotel and since it was so early we didn't get to check in yet. But we rented a giant van and drove to Laguna Beach. I will post pictures momentarily because there is nothing that I can say that will do it justice. It was WONDERFUL. Kameron slept on a beach towel a majority of the time, and Calvin liked running from the waves and playing on the beach. The waves were awesome and Brian went body boarding. And I just layed there and soaked up all the vacation I could (after the plane ride I sure as heck needed it). It was perfect in every way. We got back to the hotel, unpacked, and headed out to dinner. I took the kids swimming at the hotel later and then we hit the hay.... Disneyland was day number 2 and we were going to need some rest.

PICTURES UPDATE!

Every party needs a pooper

2009-05-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

I should be in bed right now. I skipped out on 'girl's night' to go to bed early. I am so sorry to all my girly friends who I abandoned. But let me assure you that with the look smeared on my face right now, I am no fun. Don't ask me why I am blogging. It all started when some information came to my attention tonight and it bummed me out. I know you all want to know what the information is, but not important (and mind your own business, jeeze). Then the feeling of the bummed out-ness inspired me to eat chocolate (WHY!!??? OH WHY AM I SUCH AN EMOTIONAL EATER?!?!?!). Then I sat on the couch feeling horrible that I drug myself out of bed at 5:30 this morning and worked out and now all the benefits are melting away slowly with each Hershey kiss that I unwrap. Sad pathetic me. Then that guilt led me to feel guilty that I don't blog nearly as often as I want to nor as often as I hold the standards of my friends' blogs. So, here I am. But on a better note- Kameron has learned how to climb up on the couch by herself now. I didn't know this until I looked up from doing the dishes and she was sprinting across the couch cushions and diving headfirst into throw pillows and laughing hysterically. OH! And this is great! I was at the 'Y' the other day and I weighed myself.... 119lbs!!!!!! I pretty much walked out of the Y letting everyone along the way how much I weighed. In fact, I went to the DOL the next day to get an enhanced drivers license and the guy there asked if I needed to change my height or weight. HECK YES I DO!!! I gave him the new stats (I'm sure he was SOOOO impressed). Anyways, I picked up my little temporary card afterwards and THEY DIDN'T CHANGE the information!!! It still says 140lbs!!! My lovely wonderful husband actually offered to grab another number and wait another 30 minutes to talk to someone about this and get the entire very important ordeal sorted out. But Kameron was super cranky, and I, putting my children first, walked out of there with my head hung low. I went to the Y again the next day and reweighed myself (because I worked out so hard... you never know). OH. MY. GOODNESS. Well, turns out I need to wear my glasses more often.... APPARENTLY I was reading the 'kg' line. I weigh 100lbs and 19kgs! Which equals out to 142lbs. Which makes my driver's license accurate. And makes me ten pounds heavier then what my scale at home says.... cruel cruel world.

Okay.I am done complaining. Off to bed.

A Mystery

2009-05-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

Now WHO destroyed my shower with MUD?!?!?!?!?!

A clue, a clue, if I ONLY had a clue....

Emergency Urgency

2009-04-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

My dog is outside barking right now. What is he barking at you ask? Is it an intruder? Is it another dog? A cat? A bird? A butterfly? Some other creepy crawly thing? It is a ROCK. This rock has been taunting Benson for the last half hour in which Benson has finally lost it and has decided to tell him who's boss. Is it a rock that moves? A rock that sings? Nope. Just a plain ol' rock. And Benson has it out for him. I have a feeling that this will be a fight to the death.

OH! And this is great... I was going to the bathroom the other day (I'll spare you the details) and Calvin starts hollering from across the hall. "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!! Come quick! Hurry! It's an EMERGENCY" I finish up, burst out of the bathroom, sprint into Calvin's room pretty sure he either broke a bone or lit his little sister on fire, and Calvin stops me dead in my tracks.

Calvin: "Mom (one eyebrow raised), did you wash your hands?"
Me: "What?! You were hollering like a banshee! Is everything okay?"
Calvin: "Seriously Mom. You need to wash your hands. That's really gross.... do you know where my bionicle is?"

My Archnemisis: Easter Grass

2009-04-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love Easter. It's one of my favorite holidays. I love Brunch, I love Easter baskets (although the Easter bunny forgot about me this year -sigh- oh well), I love little girls in big hats, I love chocolate, boy do I love chocolate, I love the little peanut butter eggs that Brian's Mom makes, I love church Easter programs, I love spinach souffle (are you seeing the food pattern here?), and I LOVE Easter outfits.

What I HATE about Easter (okay, hate is a strong word): that even though I REFUSE to buy Easter grass to fill the baskets, the dang stuff still manages to creep into my house. IT'S EVERYWHERE! It sticks to EVERYTHING! I can't even get it off of my darn fingers! And now it's going to be twisted around my vacuum bristles for the next decade. Who invented this stuff?! And another thing- I pride myself in the Easter baskets I make Brian and the kids. I spend WEEKS thinking of the thoughtful little things that that they will enjoy. But WHY IS IT, OH WHY, that this year, I went a little crazy on Calvin's and put a kite and a kids digital camera in his, BUT WAIT- does his face light up when he looks through his basket?!?! NOT UNTIL HE GETS TO THE BOTTOM AND SEES THE PACKAGE OF JELLYBEANS!!!!! Maybe he's more like me then I think...

He sees the jellybeans...

And for your Easter enjoyment...

2009-04-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tiffani & Dayton's Birthday Bowling Event! (I bowled an 87. Don't judge me.)

Presents for Everyone

2009-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, Brian is playing music in the office as I write this, and for some reason I can't listen to music and think and type at the same time- so here goes. If this blog doesn't make any sense you know who to blame. First off, and most importantly: today is my BIRTHDAY! (I'm sure all you already know this, it is no secret to the world) And I really in all honestly had a wonderful, terrific, fantastic birthday. I usually don't look forward to my birthday because I feel like it's a day that I usually have all these wild expectations in my head of what the day should be like, and of course, I end up disappointed. But no sir, not this year. I had a birthday extravaganza weekend. Let me just tell you: Brix 25, creme brulee, tickets to Grease at the 5th, CAKE (twice...err three times), a birthday dinner with Brian's family, pancake breakfast, lunch with good friend, Alfredo (that was dinner, not the name of good friend), 2 bouquets of flowers, lots of cards some of which included flamingos and wiener dogs (separately, although together would have been fun), new camera, a REALLY good hair day (notice the pictures please), camera accessories including an additional lens, and of course many slobbery birthday kisses.

OH! And THIS is great! Calvin's Birthday present to me.......... He asked me today what tampons were. Happy Birthday to me! My first reaction was telling that i will tell him when he was older. But he pressed on, and he seemed to genuinely want to know. So I gave him a VERY dumbed down story about uterus's, and babies, and it helps with things that happen every month. He pretty much looked at me with unblinking eyes the whole time. I thought he might have KIND of "gotten it." But then his last question was: "so since it goes in the place that a penis isn't, is it like... if I am blind and don't have eyes, do I put the tampon there too??"
HOLY CRAP. What my son took away from our heart to heart, I do not know. But I'm hoping I can evade any more questions regarding the subject until he's like 30.

(Breath) moving on... SEA MONKEYS. They were a Christmas present for Calvin from family (I will not name). They sit on the kitchen windowsill and stare at me while I do the dishes. I remember a friend in elementary school having sea monkeys and they were cute and squiggly and you weren't really sure if they were actually a real animal or just some carpet fibers floating in the water. LET ME CLARIFY. They are big, they are gross, and they look like a tadpole and head lice had babies together. They were okay to begin with, but now they are huge and they stare at me with their eyes and it's gross. AND it gets better. Just when I had 20 sea monkeys feeding on algae in my kitchen, THEY HAVE BABIES!! Now I have 50 little gruesome head lice creatures taunting me from their tank. If you have ideas on how to humanely return them to nature, let me know. I thought about dumping them in a lake or pond somewhere but I'm afraid they will mutate into some sort of sea monster. Seriously, let me know if you've solved this dilemma before.

P.S. I was talking to an aunt this week who I normally don't talk to, and she does my mom's side of the family's genealogy AND it turns out that my great great grandmother was an INDIAN PRINCESS. NO JOKE. I'm pretty sure that gives me some whaling rights or free fireworks or something.

Did you notice the finger smudge on the cake? My parents tried to make the fact that the bakery spelled my name wrong less obvious. Love them.

Quote of the day

2009-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Me: Calvin, you need to put your shoes on so we can go to school (I toss him his shoes)

Calvin (whining): But I don't want to wear THOSE shoes...

Me: Why not?

Calvin: I need to wear my running shoes, so the girls can't catch me.

That's my boy.

More cute pictures.

2009-03-12T21:44:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah... I know you're sick of looking at my cute family, but get over it already.

Some of my favorites I took with the new Camera

2009-03-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Me. Beware, I will be bragging.

2009-03-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

GASP! WHAT?! You forgot about my birthday?!?!? Nah. You didn't. It's in three more weeks. BUT, my amazing husband couldn't stand it anymore and gave me my present early (mostly my idea actually). So, he got me this really great camera that is fancy and amazing and I really have no idea how to use it yet. I asked for a camera for my birthday because he uses our camera for work and it's never at home. So, I was ecstatic to get my own, and not just any camera but a Canon Rebel XS EF-S 18-55 IS Kit! YEE HAW! AND HERE'S THE KICKER.... just when you're really starting to get jealous.... my lovely Brian contacted our wedding photographer months ago as he was researching my present to ask him what he thought he should get me. For those who haven't seen my wedding pictures, they are breathtaking, and Mr. Fred Calma is a mastermind. ANYWAYS, Fred told Brian that once I got my camera that I need to give him a call and he would take me out and show me how to use it!!! HOLY POOP!!! I almost wet my pants when I heard this! Lessons from a genius?!!! AGH! I can't stand it!!! I really do have the best husband ever.

Women are from Mars and men are from WHERE???

2009-02-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

I probably should be spending this time that I am blogging either writing in my journal or emptying the dishwasher (both of which, desperately need to be done). But this is quicker and much more fun. First off, can I just say that I ate half of a pan of s'more bars today. It's pretty much the equivalent of half a stick of butter, 8 graham crackers, half a bag of mini marshmallows, half a can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of chocolate and butterscotch chips. I pretty much want to hurl, but for some reason I keep going back for more. I am completely sabotaging myself and every pound that I have lost recently. And I can't even help it. Sigh...

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I thought I would write a little ditty about my husband and our wonderful contract that I call marriage. Here are some things that make me love my husband even more...

1. Over the course of the past four years I have asked Brian on many occassions to go start the car 10 minutes earlier then when we have to leave to "warm it up." When I get out to the car and get in, the car has been started but it is still FREEZING inside. I look at the control panel and the heat isn't even on. I am then annoyed, but don't say anything, and then turn the heater on myself and wait ten mintutes for my feet to thaw out. This happened again a few days ago and I finally lost it. I clarified to Brian that when i mean "warm it up", I mean to turn the heater on so the interior of the car is warm (I said it in a much nicer way of course). AND THIS IS THE KICKER... He honestly had thought this ENTIRE TIME that I was being "car saavy" (his words, not mine) and I really just intended to warm up the car engine so that it would run better. WHO CARES ABOUT THE ENGINE WHEN MY TOES ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF!?!?!?!!! You ladies might want to clarify this with your husbands...

2. Brian does not understand why I can watch reruns of "What Not to Wear" everyday while I eat my lunch when I've seen those episodes before (in the same way I don't understand how he can listen to political talk radio all day long). But nevertheless he'll sit with me and eat his lunch too and comment about how "those pants totally don't flatter her thighs." I love him.

3. He is just SO CUTE when he is leaving for school and has his backpack on. I'll post a picture some day.

4. He totally puts up with my decorating whims and party planning themes. He listens intently as I describe to him an array of invitation designs or lighting options for a room. He just goes along with it. He's the best.

There are many more reasons why I love him, but I want to go watch "jon and kate plus 8" and it starts in 2 mintutes. Priorities, priorities.

My Endearing Hubby

2009-01-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

ME: So, when do you think we should start trying for another baby?

BRIAN: Pretty soon... you know, in an eternal perspective.

Rock on.

2008-11-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

So I was reading the Sunday paper today (yes, I know it's Tuesday) and I saw that they are trying to turn the old mansion in downtown Tacoma that Brian and I got married in, into a rock and roll museum. By default, that makes Brian and I pretty darn cool.

LIFE

2008-11-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some updates in my life:

1. Our fish has nine lives. Sunday, after Calvin got home from his Dad's, I noticed that Mark was floating upside down on the top of his tank. That means he is dead, right?!? We've gone through quite a few fish in our house, and floating upside down on top of tank = DEAD. I didn't want to tell Calvin right when he got home so I decided to leave him and PRAY that he just wouldn't notice the fish carcass. Brian and I devised a plan that we would bring him to the pet store after school and break the sad news to him then. SO. I'm about to leave the house to go get Calvin from school and I go in to Calvin's room to take Mark out of the tank and HE MOVES! He's still floating upside down mind you. BUT HE MOVES! Only half of his fins would swim, but it's a MIRACLE!!!!! He's still recovering, but Mark is on his way with a long future ahead of him (as long as we start feeding him more regularly).

2. I have left the house TWICE this week, TWICE, with my slippers on and didn't notice until AFTER I went into Calvin's school and talked to his teacher and the other time I was shopping in Target. Oue.

3. Calvin started soccer camp this week and he is so precious. I will be posting pictures momentarily and you will see what I mean.

4. OH! I am so cool and made Kam some headbands. She is a little slice of heaven. Here is living proof.

Cute Fall Pictures of the kiddos

2008-11-08T22:38:00.001-08:00

i. am. AWESOME.

2008-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

I had one of the most joyful, memorable experiences of my life yesterday. And it happened in the Target dressing room. I have been working my butt off (literally) the last month or so and I have shrunk 2 sizes!!!! 2 SIZES PEOPLE!!! It's a miracle! I'm such a crier I'm surprised the tears didn't come. Anyways.. thought I'd share my incredible news. IN YOUR FACE!

Proud to be an American

2008-11-05T21:11:00.001-08:00

WHEW! The election is OVER! On a very happy note... no more having to listen to political rantings, no more phone calls from the Democratic Party asking me if I've voted yet or not (yes, I'm a democrat, sue me). By the way our house recieved 20, I repeat, 20 phone calls from numerous canidates over the past 2 days. That in itself is unpatriotic. I am quite relieved that all this is over. But I have to say that I have been extremely touched by the voter turnout this election. As I worked out this morning on my elliptical I watched the Today show and they were showing clips of people standing in lines to vote. They also showed clips of people all over nation standing by as the electoral votes came in. As they announced Obama's victory, and I watched people celebrate, I couldn't help but start to cry. The fact that we live in a country where we have the freedom to chose our leaders and that people took that power into their own hands and VOTED is amazing to me. And yes, I was on the elliptical balling my eyes out. Heck I can't stop. Gotta burn those calories.

Oh there you are Peter...

2008-10-31T21:02:00.001-07:00

This is why my husband is the best. Enough said.

Headbands, Yogurt Lids, and a Squishy Bath

2008-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about the precious knit hats and headbands I encountered at "Hush Baby." I have become obssessed with foliage growing out of my baby's noggin. As you will see below, my infatuation is totally justified.

So, there's good news and bad news. The good news is Kameron is precious and would look heavenly in one of these. Bad news... at this particular place it would cost about $18.50 PLUS TAX to get your hands on one of these. I was shocked (the knit hats were $50!!!!!), so I poked and prodded one as inconspicuously as possible without the store owner flashing me dirty looks. But hey, I figure I can make the same darn thing for a couple of bucks.

After that I ended up pretty grumpy for the rest of the day. I'm not sure if it was because of the headband thing, or if it was because I think I caught the flu from Calvin. My day didn't get any better when Kameron choked this evening. Brian was feeding her crackers in the kitchen while I cooked dinner and she started to choke. I mean she choked. Like she turned blue. And I, in all of my motherly instinct, shoved my finger down her throat to retrieve.... a piece of yogurt lid?!?! I mean I've joked about not vacuuming as often as I should, but REALLY?!?! I felt AWFUL. I decided to make myself and her feel better by taking a bath with her after dinner. This is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. Her sweet skin is so soft and squishy. I love it. My dear husband tells me as soon as I closed the bathroom door Calvin turns to Brian and says, "Whew. Now WE finally get to do what WE want to do." I must be pretty hardcore. ;)

Stay tuned for pictures of Halloween costumes, I sewed Kameron's and it's pretty awesome if I do say so myself....

Mrs. Bojangles

2008-10-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

I've been really wanting to take a dance class for the last couple of years. I danced a lot growing up and I've been atempting to lose the last of the baby weight so I wouldn't completely embarass myself if I walked into a dance studio. Well, economic times are tough and I don't see us spending money on dance classes anytime soon. Sad for me. To cheer myself up, I went up into the attic yesterday and brought my bag down that has all my dance shoes in it. I strapped on my tap shoes, plopped Kameron into her jumper, and went to town on our kitchen floor. I was having a BLAST. Here is the reaction I get from my family...

Kameron: shreiking in delight (not sure if she's laughing at me, or with me)

Benson: he is FREAKING OUT, running around the house in circles at 25 miles/hour (out of fear, maybe?)

Brian: blank stare. Not sure what that means.

My Dad when I told him on the phone today what I did: "Ya even got any talent left in those feet?" he asks.

CRUSH MY DREAMS EVERYONE!!! CRUSH THEM!!!!! YOU CAN'T BREAK ME!!!

My how times have changed.

2008-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

I was talking to someone recently about my goals that I had back in high school. I had made a list at the time of all the things I wanted to accomplish before I die. My list is quite different these days. What a sign of the times....

Teenage List of Life Goals
1. Be a back-up dancer in a Britney Spears video
2. Model in a hair commercial
3. Oh, yeah, go to college
4. Stand on top of the tallest building (creative I know)

Current List of Life Goals
1. Take a shower by 9:00am
2. Lose the last 5 pounds off my butt
3. Birth enough children to make a baseball team
4. Vaccum this month

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

We went to a really cute pumpkin patch out in Silverdale yesterday. It had a corn maze and everything. Adore my precious family...

General Conference

2008-10-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

We were watching conference this morning as a family in our living room. During one of the talks Calvin asked me if that man was the prophet. I told him, "No, that's an apostle." Calvin, not hearing me right exclaims "(GASP!) That man is a fossil?!?!!!" I couldn't help but laugh. I love that little bugger.

Transformers: More than meets the eye.

2008-10-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have a very fulfilling life. My days are filled with taking care of my adorable kids, kissing my sexy husband, and cleaning my beautiful home. One of the things I look most forward to each day... transformers. Oh, this is not a game in our house. It is very serious. Calvin spends every last penny of his allowance on Transformers, and in turn, it is what I find myself playing every afternoon. Like I said, this is very serious. It is scripted. Calvin tells me everything I am supposed to say (it makes it very easy). So, take this evening for example. Here I am sitting on the family room floor with Kameron in my lap and "Cross Hairs" in my hand (I could write a whole other blog on the names they give transformers). "Air Raid- I thought you were a decepticon" Calvin tells me to say. I repeat. "No, of course not, I'm an autobot" "Let's transform and roll out..." and here comes the BEST PART. The Transformer transforming sound effects. This is taken me a long time to figure out how to do. "Wha-ch-chi-chu". This whole last year has seriously been filled with "MOM! NO! That's NOT how you do it!" With an eye roll Calvin usually whips the transformer out of my hand and does the sound effects for me. I think it's a chromosome that males already have that gives them this ability, us females on the otherhand, it takes a little bit longer. But I finally got it! So, here I am "Wha-ch-chi-ing" and I have come to realize I have not even a clue how to even begin the 20 steps to transform the guy. Meanwhile- 'Air Raid' is off destroying the city and Kameron is drooling all over 'Cross Hairs.' I fumble around trying to transform him for about 2 minutes before Calvin comes to look at my non-progress. "MOM! YOU AREN'T DOING IT RIGHT!!" He'll thank me someday...

Tiny Dancer

2008-09-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

This was too funny not to share. Every time I feed Kameron in her high chair now, she likes to hang on to her feet and stretch her legs high into the air. She's very serious about it. Show off.

WHAT?!?

2008-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

I was changing Kameron's diaper this morning and I pulled a golf tee out of her pajamas. What... the... heck.

Supermodel.

2008-09-25T22:42:00.001-07:00

QUESTION.

2008-09-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I automatically turn insane when I'm tired? I've realized this can be a problem. I hadn't realized how incapable my brain is until recently. Let me explain. It might humor you...

It's roughly 11:00 at night and not only has the baby NEVER slept well, but Brian and I have become OBSESSED with "The Office" and have been staying up every night to watch every season on DVD. So, here I am getting ready for bed and I DRAG myself into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I really would much rather be curled up in bed with bad breath but I just bought a new kind of toothpaste that I was excited to try out. And there on the counter sat the shiny box of 'Crest:Pro-Health.' This is my thought process:

Whoo hoo!! I can't wait to open the box... I hope the tube is sparkley and pretty.... (no joke, this is what I was thinking)

(fumbles and opens box)

Awww man.. just plain and blue.....

(Squeezes toothpaste onto brush)

YEEEEEEEESSSSSS The TOOTHPASTE has sparkles in it!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!

(and then I have to chuckle about what just happened)...the toothpaste tasted horrible by the way.

I am seriously out of it when tired. I think I might revert back to a 5 year old as well, which could explain the toothpaste, why I need to get out of bed a million times to go to the bathroom, and why I always need a drink of water on my nightstand. Interesting....

Oh, and P.S. We finished the last episode of season 4 tonight just in time for the new premiere of the office... muah hahahahaha

Yes, It's Official.

2008-09-24T16:11:00.001-07:00

I've decided that because I'm behind on the times, that I would get with it and blog. You will have an intimate glimpse into the good, bad, ugly, and just plain stupid.