Thoughts...

I am thinking... that Kayley will enjoy her first counseling appointment this Saturday. She's dealing with a lot. I'm thankful my counselor also sees kids.

I am wearing… my work clothes, as usual. I love dressing up these days.

I am remembering… a time when Kayley was a baby and I blogged about wondering if Kayley would be friends with Brianna and Ashley for a long time. I'm so glad she still has those two as her friends. And I'm glad to have their mommas as my friends, too!

I am going… shopping for an Easter dress!

I am hoping… for a nice, happy Easter with my family.

On my mind… so many things. That's what my venting blog is for!

Noticing that… now that I've been working money isn't really an issue anymore. It's so nice.

Pondering these words… "You don't need to do anything. Just be still and know that I am God."

From the kitchen… I'm pretty sure I'm starving myself to death. I think I had a total of 800 calories yesterday. I woke up so hungry.

Around the house… I love the way my house looks these days. It's nice to have pictures on the walls and some decorative pieces here and there.

One of my favorite things... pedicures.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that Easter is coming up. I'm very excited to have my first Easter at Calvary Chapel. I think it's at the same place Kim got married. I'm planning on wearing a dress, believe it or not!

I'm thankful that Andrew at work randomly demonstrated the "bend and snap" from Legally Blonde yesterday. It made my day.

I'm thankful that next week I will have a night with no kids. My mom will be taking them down to the OC to see Joanna on Thursday, coming back Friday. What will I do with myself??

I'm thankful for the text I got from my mom yesterday morning at 7:10 waking me up. We usually leave the house at 7:40. I'm also thankful that I managed to get myself and both kids ready and fed in 30 minutes. I started work the first week in January and that was the first time I turned my alarm off and went back to sleep.

I'm thankful for my awesome friends Rachel and Becca who celebrated their birthday on Tuesday!

I'm thankful for God's grace that allows me to screw things up royally and have a clean slate the next day.

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday

I was looking through pictures and found some random ones of friends and Kayley. I think the last one of Kayley is stinkin' cute!

Ten On Tuesday

1. I know I talk about this all the time but it's just exciting to me: I lost another two pounds! Seven to go and I'll have lost 40 pounds altogether!

2. My parents celebrated their 30th anniversary yesterday!

3. Here's another little ditty I wrote a long time ago:

So on my way home from kims house, I almost died. Let me explain. I'm on the freeway, minding my own business, weaving in an out of traffic going 95 like I usually do. I stumble upon a dinky little toyota and I slow down behind him. The next thing I know there's a wretched piece of cardboard kickin it on my windsheild. Needless to say, my vision is blocked and i'm swerving all over the road, going under big rigs and over mini coopers. I thought we were doomed. But then a second later I see kiki roll down the window, climb out to the roof and remove it. I could see! Thank the good lord for daughters who take the initiative. At that moment I realized that although conceived outside of wedlock and born amongst turmoil and chaos, she turned out alright. God bless america.

4. You should try the dark chocolate blended from the coffee bean. Unless, of course, you live in Alabama or Missouri where you are stuck with Starbucks and their sad excuse for a frap.

5. I shouldn't be online. There's work to be done!

6. I just tried to pick something up off the floor and started typing on the typewriter with my head. Oh boy.

7. Here are a couple links for the jewelry I got. I can't paste the pictures so this will have to do.

http://www.liasophia.com/sites/partygirlchas/productcatalog?page=productgroup&productGroupId=51&showCrumbs=true

http://www.liasophia.com/sites/partygirlchas/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=1032N3201&showCrumbs=true

http://www.liasophia.com/sites/partygirlchas/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=1032N2001&showCrumbs=true

8. Today will have to be an eight on Tuesday because I can't think of another darn thing to write about.

Not Me! Monday

The kids and I were playing outside yesterday and Kayley thought she had stepped on a piece of glass. It turned out that the hard chunk of something I scraped off her foot with my fingernail was definitely not a piece of poo from the grass in front of our house. Yuck.

My jewelry party closed today. I definitely did not get $642 worth of jewelry for $100! I believe that's about 12 pieces! What kind of business gives away that much in free stuff? Amazing. I will post a picture when I get them in. The excitement is overwhelming!

I dropped Kayley off at school today and she didn't cry or get upset at all when I left. I was so not relieved that she let me go without a fight.

I'm telling you, there should be a video camera at my work all the time. Today some man came in and played with the door for a minute to figure out why it rattled and told me it needed to be fixed. He was completely serious. He also came out of his meeting with a broken fingernail and asked me for a nail file. Then he asked again a few minutes later, then again minutes later. It was clear he has some form of OCD. Naturally, after he left I definitely did not make fun of him by reenacting his bizarre entrance.

I did not write this on my Xanga on October 22nd, 2004 when Kayley was 9 months old:

Yesterday sucked. It was so bad. Luckily though, I'm feeling much better today. I decided to venture out into the world of Ventura this morning. As I'm cruising on Victoria I see in the corner of my eye the beloved Kmart. What kind of person would I be if I didn't stop on in and buy something? So I set off with my bargain shopper hat on, putting aside the feeling of trashiness that was overwhelming me. I took care of business as usual, popping things in the basket as I went along, gasping and groping sale items as if I would never set foot in a bargain store again. It was like some kinda holiday. I gave my money to this nice young man who kept smiling at me funny. And all the while I gave him these weird looks back like "why the hell are you smiling at me." Then I took a closer look....his face was really crooked like that! Feeling a little sheepishly meek, I sunk down into the cart as kiki pushed me back to the car. We arrived but the stupid beep beep wouldn't unlock the car, and we all know that if you unlock it with the key the alarm goes off. So kiki and I traded places. She hopped back in the cart while I tried my best to troubleshoot. Finally all I could do was look like a poor lost innocent soul as my alarm sounded with great strength, not subsiding. But wait! Then an old man with a cigarette hangin from his mouth tried to help. He did nothing really but bang my beep beep on the side of the cart and stared at kiki with love in his eyes. I managed to get the alarm to stop while convincing the old perv that he was lots of help. Practically purple from embarrassment I raced as fast as my wheels could take me from the parking lot of that wretched place. I think in the future I'll stick to the 99cent store or big lots. They're safer and much more classy.

Haha. What a weirdo.

I have also been looking over my other posts. Some of them are not completely inappropriate. There are entries from when Tyler first started working for Infinity Electric and when I had Cole. It's kind of a fun trip down memory lane. I'm so glad I'm older. My life is completely different now but I wouldn't go back to being 21 for anything.

Sunday!

The kids and I had a really great day today. We went to church, played outside, took a rest and then went to see Tyler's side of the family! Justin, Taryn and Noah are in town for the weekend and we all got together for fun at the pool and tacos afterward.

It should be no surprise what the Batten boys were up to with Cole:

Here are some pictures from our day:

Uncle Corey and Zoe

Kayley and Noah

Cousins!

The Batten boys

I assure you, this will be the last picture you'll see of this kid sticking his tongue out. Mommy is laying the smack down!

So cute!

My pretty Kayley girl

Tired and worn out!

Thankful Thursday

1. I'm thankful for my closest friends who will always be there no matter the circumstances.

2. I'm thankful for Cole, even though he doesn't ever let me take pictures of him that aren't silly!

3. I'm thankful that Kayley is such a smarty pants. I have a list next to my bed of things to work on for myself. Today she started to read the list to me. I took it down:) I also love that she loves sushi even though I don't!

4. I'm thankful for a car to drive with no car payment!

5. I'm thankful for Whodidly cupcakes, that have now become a birthday tradition at work, thanks to my love of cake and butter cream frosting!

6. I'm thankful for my mom for taking such great care of my kiddos while I work.

7. I'm thankful for a house that is safe, comfortable and centrally located in Ventura (seriously, if you live on the east end the miles add up!)

8. I'm thankful for Target, Kohls and Ross for their great deals.

9. I'm thankful that God gives me hope for my future.

10. I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday!

Ten On Tuesday

1. Kayley made a story book about David and Goliath. She spelled most words correctly and drew some adorable sheep. Cole also made a book. I wrote the words and he drew the battle between David and Goliath. It was mostly scribbles but he thought it was perfect.

2. I had a lot of fun at my jewelry party! Five people showed up, we ate, we drank, bought jewelry and I even got a few outside orders! Chelsie stayed late and we talked until midnight. It was all around a great night!

3. Krista and I got our nails done on Saturday.

I love manicures because they're cheap and they make me feel pretty.

4. I still love Usher. His new songs are super dirty. Too bad. I'll just stick to the old stuff. Ooo, that man when he dances.

5. I had a dermatologist appointment today. I had nothing that needed to be biopsied and I'm in the clear for another four months! Yay!

6. Hillary sent me a youtube video of a lady singing happy birthday to someone in her prayer language. It was so funny. I laughed out loud to the point of tears! Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvErWI6H54Q

7. I'm pretty sure that my office would make a fabulous tv reality show. Weird things happen all the time and we laugh a lot. It's good for my soul:) And we have so many clients who have been in show business or secret agents and cool things like that.

8. Chelsie drove up and ate lunch with me today. I love Katelyn and her crazy faces and cheesy laugh. Such a cute kid.

9. I know I've posted this before. I just love to look at it because it reminds me of a time that was less complicated. And then we all grew up.



10. Here's one because I miss my sister.

Check out MckMama's blog for things other people didn't do this week.

I am not doing this post because Kim wanted me to.

I learned this week that my six year old daughter does not enjoy playing chess. In fact, I watched she and my mom play this afternoon and there is no way Kayley beat her. Did I mention she's six? Ha!

Cole fell off of his skateboard the other day and hurt his back. He has a band aid over it that has stayed on through two showers. There is no possible way I would allow my child to wear a dirty band aid. Not me!

Kayley is quite familiar with her dad's voicemail. In fact, I did not hear her mumbling "press two for more options" while she was doing her princess puzzle tonight. I don't even know if that's right or not but it's sure funny!

I most definitely did not put hot sauce on Cole's tongue tonight. I would never subject my son to such horrible punishment. There is no way I actually laughed at his snot nosed, tears running down his face, drooley mouth. I would never do that.

I did not sweat so much at the gym on Saturday that my hair looked like it was wet. Now that is one awesome work out! I'm still so close to my goal weight! Woo hoo! I've lost two sizes and I'm working on a third! I'm hoping to get there before I have to buy my dress in June for Rachel's wedding.

I did not spend ten minutes laughing with my coworkers today about the name of the skin that is on your elbow so it can bend. If you know what it's called you would be laughing too!

Ten On Tuesday

1. I'm so proud of Kayley for doing so well in school. Her teacher said that yesterday was a "bragging conference." She's very smart and reading at an early second grade level. She's the one to beat at a math game in her class, too! I'm a proud mama.

2. I wish I could have gone to the beach today. It's so pretty outside.

3. One tax deadline down, one to go.

4. Kayley said that if she found a four leaf clover she would wish for a bowling alley in her house and a lion.

5. Ok, so I'm going to snap my fingers and my life is just going to be easy....
It didn't work. Maybe if I got one of those easy buttons :)

6. I'm excited for my Lia Sophia party on Friday! We will consume wine and buy jewelry!

7. My boss ate my food from the fridge the other day. It made me so mad!

8. I've been so hungry lately. I get really dizzy when I don't eat a morning snack. I just don't get it. Maybe my body desires more than Lean Cuisines and Whodidly cupcakes. Haha.

9. I don't know why random people keep trying to be my facebook friend. If I don't know you, I'm not going to friend you.

10. Kayley and Cole are amazing kids. They fill my love tank with joy and happiness. I'm so glad I'm blessed with the job of being their mama.

My Weekend

The kids and I had a fabulous weekend.

Kayley and I spent time with Brianna, Jen, Chelsie and Ashley (and I held their babies!) at a tea party yesterday. Kayley actually put on make up and a dress and put on a fashion show with the other girls. I'm very proud of her because at first she had no interest at all in makeovers and tea parties! We had a really great time!

Today the kids and I went to church, to the park, ate lunch with my parents, went for a bike ride and read lots of Dr. Suess (Kayley read the entire book Mr. Brown Can Moo all by herself)! I got the house cleaned and the laundry almost finished. I feel very productive.

I'm really enjoying the time change already. It makes me feel like I have more time in my day.

I have a parent teacher conference tomorrow for Kayley. I know she's doing well academically, just having a rough time with me leaving her still. My mom will be taking her to school for a while until she realizes I'm not going to die and I'll be there at the end of the day to pick her up.

Have a great week, friends!

Thoughts...

I am thinking... I'm curious who reads my blog besides my close friends.

I am wearing… comfy pjs.

I am remembering… when I could sleep in until 12pm.

I am going… to a tea party with Kayley on Saturday.

I am reading… the words I'm typing on this screen. I need to dive into a good book.

I am hoping… for a nice, relaxing weekend.

On my mind… too much to write about.

Noticing that… the more I run, the easier it is on my body.

Pondering these words… "He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it."

From the kitchen… I ate Laughing Cow lite cheese and multi grain crackers and it was delish!

Around the house… I bought a couple of decorative items for the house plus two rugs from Ross the other day for only $22!

One of my favorite things... waking up my kids in the morning for school and watching them smile at me when I sing "good morning to you, good morning to you. You look like a monkey, and you smell like one too."

Wordless Wednesday

Ten On Tuesday

1. Last night we celebrated Tim's 27th birthday. We were thinking of historical people comparable to him and I said Hitler. Haha, I'm such a sweet sister.

I cannot believe that this year my siblings and I will all be 22, 26, 27 and 29!! And my parents will be married 30 years this month!

2. I had to peel Kayley off of me at school this morning. She's scared of going to first grade. Funny, she's not even close to being done with Kindergarten. Apparently they're counting down the days and it's making her insecure. Poor kid, she's really having a rough time. She made a mask today with a sad face and tears. Things like that make my mommy heart so sad for her. :(



3. Kayley asked my mom tonight if something was a fire hazard. It made me laugh.

4. I'm going to see Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw in June!

5. I love that Cole is at the age where he's learning the difference between reality and pretend. I also love that he loves to help around the house and he always remembers to put his clothes in the laundry basket when he changes. He has more self control lately, too. I think age four is one of my favorites so far.

6. My heart aches for hurting people. I pray God uses the trials I go through to help speak truth and hope into other peoples lives.

7. The kids played with moon sand the other day. It was awesome but very messy!

8. Tyler and I saw Sherlock Holmes on Saturday and I really liked it. There was a huge line outside of the cheapo movie theater. Never in my life have I seen a line there.

9. We're going out to lunch for the March birthdays at work today.

10. My mom informed me that Kayley was perfectly fine when she dropped her at school. Looks like she's just trying to milk the mommy guilt for all it's worth.

How Fairy Tales Really End:

Little Mermaid

Jasmine

Snow White

Cinderella

A coworker sent this to me and I got a kick out of it!
The Snow White one is my favorite!

Ten On Tuesday

1. I'm eight pounds away from my goal weight!

2. Kayley's tooth is wiggly and she should lose it soon.

3. Tyler and I are going whale watching for his birthday.

4. Barbie fixed my laptop! I look forward to catching up on all my shows on Hulu.

5. I'm so tired of being hungry. I've been eating the same so I'm not sure why I feel this way. Yesterday I ate Trader Joes mac and cheese for lunch and then picked up an In N Out shake and cheese fries on the way home. Call me a pig but I was so fed up of feeling like nothing would satisfy me. I'm trying to drink a lot of water today and I ate a lean cuisine for lunch. Still hungry...

6. I made an appointment for the dermatologist. Blurg.

7. Only six more Thursdays till April 15th!

8. I let the kids eat dry cereal this morning while watching Netflix online and they made a giant mess. I guess that's what I get for letting them do that.

9. Kayley has to make a leprechaun trap for her class. Why would that be necessary? I don't get it. Tyler's going to help her with it since she loves doing projects with him.

10. Isn't it great I did two posts in one week?

Noah's 6th Birthday

Happy to be at the skate park!

Uncle Corey helped the kids go up and down the ramps!

Noah and Justin

Me and Taryn

Adorable baby Zoe

Time for presents!

Cake!



Corey and Raeleen



Batten girls



Happy family!



Aunt Lisa and kids



Batten family
(Minus Tyler, Zoe, and Uncle Greg)



Kayley girl



Sad Coley with a gash on his face