Ten On Tuesday

1. The last two days my left arm has fallen asleep at night time. It's rather uncomfortable and I don't know what the deal is.

2. I haven't had much time to get to the gym. It really makes a difference in my energy level.

3. The sermon this Sunday was about work. It convicted me because I tend to have a bad attitude toward my boss and my drive to and from work sometimes. The Bible says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man." So every time I'm asked to do something I don't want to do I'll do it for Him! I mean, it's right there in the Bible so it's time to shape up Steph, time for a 'tude change.

4. I'm going to volunteer in Kayley's classroom every other Friday. I didn't have time to do it last year so I'm really looking forward to helping out!

5. I can't believe that tomorrow is the first of September. Time flies, man.

6. Grandma's funeral is this Saturday. It's a hard thing explaining death to my kids. I think that I will allow them to see her in the viewing room if they choose to. My counselor said not to force them but kids usually don't get bothered by it if they want to see her. I'm pretty sure I'll cry (since I'm almost crying while I'm writing this).

The other day we had dinner with Grandpa Frank and Cole leaned over to me and whispered "does Grandpa know that Grandma went to heaven?"

7. Rachel's shower is also this Saturday. I don't know if I'll be able to go, it depends on the timing of the funeral. Only five more weeks until the wedding!

8. I'm happy my sis has jumped on the blogging bandwagon. Check out her blog here.

9. Kayley is loving school! She does great with me dropping her off in front of her classroom every day. Next Tuesday she will start walking from the circle driveway. I told her that we would have a party and cupcakes when she does it like a big girl. She said "mom, I want to get over being afraid of walking to class. It needs to become a habit."

10. Tomorrow we will welcome our brand new friend, Noah, to the world!

First Soccer Game

Kayley's first game has come and gone. She was nervous for a second but got out there and did great! She got lots of kicks in there and played really well! The other team had girls who were five or six inches taller than most of the ones on her team and it seemed like they had played before. Her team "lost" but they don't actually keep score. And it didn't really bother her. It makes me proud that she is ok with losing. She had fun and that's all that counts!

I didn't think I would be so on edge the entire game! My competitive spirit came out and although I really hate my yelling voice, I yelled and rooted on our little number 5! There was a girl on the other team who looked just like Hillary did when she was little (Joanna pointed her out). Also, there's one girl on Kayley's team who spent a lot of the time at the other end of the field kicking the grass and having her back turned away from the action. She was hilarious to watch!

This was the day she got her jersey. She wanted a picture of the whole outfit. Hello, frizz!



Cole wanted his job to be picture taking. Please excuse him:)

Warming up for the game

Action shot (and a dad)

Coach D giving them a pep talk while they line up



And... play!

End of the first quarter water break

Getting back out there (and a dad)

Grandma and Grandpa cheering her on
(my mom is quite the cheerleader, it's cute)

Me and my sissy
(and a dad...jk jk lol)

Um...

There's the big guy behind the camera!

Joanna's soccer ball artwork

She was pretty exhausted but beautiful still!

Uncle Tim came to the game!



Half time apple consumption



Coley again



Krista, me, Tim (and a dad...haha I'm so funny!)







All done! Tired and happy!



We can't wait for the next game!

Dear Grandma

It hurts to know you're gone but it helps to know you're no longer in pain. I can just imagine you up there singin' and dancin' and getting all silly up in heaven with Jesus.

I will never forget your love for singing. Your favorite song to sing, even in the last days, was His Eye Is On The Sparrow. I will never sing that song again without thinking of you. I'm comforted because I know that even though you could not say you had given your heart to Him, I knew you had.

You loved my kids so much. You would take them to the bridge over the pond by your house and show them the fish. You would laugh and tease them and make them smile. You would sit at the piano and watch them play. I love that you would warm up chocolate chip cookies for them and serve them with milk. You would always want to give them another because that's what grandmas do. Even though they knew you for just a short time, they knew you and that is something special.

I will never forget how you loved the outdoors. You loved flowers and would know all the names for them. I remember visiting you in Kernville. You and grandpa would take us to the Kern river to swim. We would hop from stone to stone and you did too. I will never forget waking up to the smell of your wonderful breakfast. I remember the blue cups you would keep in your cupbard just for when we came to visit and how I thought it was gross that you put metamucil in your drink everyday. I loved sitting by the fire, with you in one recliner and grandpa in the other, just talking and laughing and playing with your kitties. I loved hearing your stories of when you were a dancer and stories of when my dad was little.

Above all, Grandma, I loved that you loved people. You were so fun to be around. You always joked and played along when Tyler, me or anyone would tease you. You were full of joy and weren't afraid to let anyone know what was on your mind. You loved your family and your family loved you.

I'm so glad that I was able to kiss you goodbye. Although you couldn't say anything, I know you knew we were there. I promise you we'll all take care of Grandpa and we'll be ok. You were (and always will be) an extra special part of my life. Alzeimers might have taken you from us but your memory will live on forever.

Love, Steph

Ps. When I get to heaven It'll be you, me and Jo in a leg kickin' contest.

Soccer

Kayley is getting good at playing. She is hilarious during warm ups though. The girl does the funniest jumping jacks!

First Day of School-Kayley

Kayley's first day of school was awesome. When we got to school we immediately saw some friends. Kayley went over and said hi and it was like school had never been out for the summer! When the bell rang we walked to class and waited for the teacher to open the door. She found her seat next to Christian (a boy who was in her K class) and we got to work on the first thing she had to do. After a couple of minutes the teacher asked us to kiss and hug mom and dad and go. No tears were shed and she didn't even seem anxious (there was no nail biting), just a happy Kayley smiling as I walked out. I got off work early today to pick her up and she was nothing but smiles then too! The teacher told me she had a really great day. This is a major praise report!

Ready to go!



New kicks



Waiting for the bell to ring
(I love that lady's dress!)



Posing with Brianna!



Cheese!



She found her desk right away



So excited about her name tag!

Ok, mom, you can go now

First Day of School-Cole

Cole is such an awesome kid. He loves school, loves his teachers and loves his friends. He had a great first couple days of school and has been such a trooper staying all day since Grandma had to be with Grandma Eve. Here's his happy first day:

Happy and hungry!

New kicks

Proudly posing next to his cubby

I think he was trying to show me his shoes again. I told you he loves them.

How could we go without one of these?

Ten On Tuesday

1. Tyler and I now have a first grader. Kayley did great today! We had no trouble getting clothes picked out or getting her hair done or getting out the door. Her first grade teacher is Mrs. Beving. The classroom is much different from her kindergarten classroom. I gave her a big hug and kiss and said goodbye and she didn't even looked worried! Cole said "I love you sissy" and gave her a kiss before we left, too. What a nice little bro.

2. Grandma is not responsive again. I went to see her after work yesterday and she didn't move at all. She did open her eyes for a little. I told her I loved her and wanted her to go be with Jesus. I cried so much when I left. It's hard to see her like that especially when I have so many memories of her crazy, active, spunky self. At least if she passes I will feel that I've said goodbye.

3. Cole got new shoes for school and loves them. He keeps telling me thank you for the wonderful shoes and looks at them and smiles. I'm glad he loves them, they're pretty stylin'. Pictures will come soon. His first day of pre-k was great. He has the same teacher that he had during the summer so thankfully there won't be much adjusting to do. He just has some new friends and a new schedule. What a big guy. One more year till Kindergarten, eek!

4. We got Kayley's soccer schedule. Her first game is this Saturday. Go Firebombs!!

5. Tyler had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon today for xrays and a check up on his leg. It is healing, yay! He will be coming home soon, too. Yippeee!

6. I got another dumb anonymous comment on my blog. Seriously people, take a hike.

7. Katie's mom sent me a text the other day. I can't believe that little kid is three! We're going to get together and go to the pool soon, maybe Friday. I look back at my daycare days and I loved all my little kids I watched but I'm happy that stage of life is over. I would do it over again in a heartbeat if it meant being home with my kids though.

8. It stinks being inside on such a beautiful day. At least I have a pretty view out the front door: blue sky, palm trees and a UPS truck. Ok, the truck isn't pretty but the rest of it is! I will be eating my lunch outside today, that's for sure.

9. Little Noah will be here so soon. I can't wait to see his face. It's great how much love a person can have for a baby that's not yours, or even born yet for that matter!

10. I don't know why I struggle to come up with number 10.

Camping & School

We had a crazy fun weekend! We went camping at Lopez Lake with Tyler's family and had a great time! I took lots of pictures of everyone at the water park and campsite but I'm too tired to upload them.

School starts tomorrow for Cole, Tuesday for Kayley. The house is clean and now I'm just finishing up the laundry. I'm bound and determined to have nothing to do this week besides let the kids settle into the new school schedule. I may not even make it to the gym, we'll see. Kayley will find out who her teacher is tomorrow afternoon and we're looking forward to meeting her!

I hope ya'll have a great week!

New Dress A Day

I saw an article on Yahoo this morning that I really like. This girl takes really ugly clothing and turns the peices into something wonderful. Well, most of them anyway. Check it out if you would like.

http://www.newdressaday.wordpress.com/

Ten On Tuesday

1. I looked back to my blog posts from last year and found the date that I joined the gym. It was the second weekend in Febuary. So I've been working out consistently for a year and a half and it has become a huge part of my life.

2. One week until I have a kid in pre K and a kid in first grade. I saw a couple of moms from Kayley's kindergarten class at the park and we were discussing school and when we graduated. One lady was ten years older than me. I told them that if no one asks me how old I am there's really no reason to tell! Whatever though, what matters is that our kids are the same age and the age barrier falls away (most of the time, anyway).

3. Last night I was on full sensory overload. My kids are normally all up in my business sitting practically on top of me on the couch but I couldn't handle it. If I had been completely selfish I would have stood up and yelled "don't touch me and be quiet!!!" Instead I placed couch pillows between me and them and told them to talk quietly.

4. I've decided that wrestling is a ridiculous form of entertainment. It was on at Rachel and Steve's on Sunday and I just don't get it. Speaking of them, their wedding party is HUGE. 11 bridesmaids, 11 groomsmen is nuts! And I thought six in mine was a lot! I'm very excited for the special day. Should be a rip roarin' good time.

5. When I got my hair cut in May my bangs were just below my eyebrow. Now they're way below my eye. I think it's time for a haircut. I still want my hair long but I want to keep the bangs.

Here's a brilliant opportunity to show you how my hair has grown, what my glasses look like on me when my hair isn't greasy and, as an added bonus, you get to see my microwave and my server spatula holder thingy.

6. I'm very glad that Hillary gets to come home for a couple of weeks next month. I miss her.

7. This is the candy jar at work. I hate it.

8. I love that Peyton says some words exactly the way that Kayley did when she was little. Two is a great age.

9. I would love to go to Mammoth and hike. There are so many beautiful lakes up there. I remember we went there one summer when I was little and camped at Lake George (I think). I love the outdoors more and more as time goes on. It's amazing that God created it all for us!

10. I got sunburnt last Friday. It's my first one since my surgeries and I'm mad at myself. I guess one in a year isn't that bad, but still not good. Speaking of that, I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week. I bet you I'll have at least one biopsy.

Thoughts 'n' Stuff

I am thinking… that it's kind of annoying to put my glasses on, take them off, put them on, take them off. Welcome to the world of reading glasses, Steph.

I am wearing… black work pants, a blue knit short sleeve sweater and my heels with the pointy toe.

I am remembering… yesterday Cole didn't quite make it to the bathroom and he looked down at himself and said "look, it's a drop of golden sun!"

I am going… to the gym tonight. Yippee skipee.

I am reading… A book. And sadly I can't remember what it's called. I just started it this weekend and I'm only four chapters in so I guess that's my excuse.

I am hoping… for a fabulous, fun time this weekend camping with Tyler's family.

On my mind… I'm sad for Jen and her family who lost a family member this weekend at the off road racing event.

Noticing that… Cole has started using the sound "th" properly. For example, he now says "I think so" instead of "I fink so." It's a little sad, it means he's getting big.

Pondering these words… When life hands you lemons, throw them back and demand chocolate!

From the kitchen… I'm all about turkey burgers lately. They're just so good!

Around the house… I cleaned out Tyler's side of the closet and cleaned all the junk in the garage. I'm getting the house clean because once school starts there won't be any time!

One of my favorite things... driving home from work in light traffic on a sunny day. The coast is gorgeous! It's finally a sunny day and I hope it stays this way.

Funny Things My Kids Say

My kids say the funniest things so I decided to keep track. These are from the past week:

When we got home one day our neighbor was throwing clothes and baby stuff over her fence cussing like crazy. The kids both asked her if she was having a garage sale!

___________________________________________

Kayley is usually in charge of the shopping list and Cole is in charge of cart/grocery organization in the interior of the basket.

Kayley: "Mom! Did you get tampons?? I need to mark it off the list!"

Me: "Yes, Kayley. And now the whole world knows."

Man standing three feet from us: "It's ok, I have girls."

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Kayley: "Today we had worship at church without music."

Me: "Oh really? So there were no instruments?"

Kayley: "No. We did it like the old days, like the 80's."

Me: "Bahahaha!"

_______________________________

Cole: "Mom, I'm real itchy on my leg. I have a bump. Or a bug bite."

Me: "I'm sorry bubba, don't scratch it, you'll make it worse."

Cole, two minutes later: "Mom, I fink I have leprosy."

Me: "No you don't honey. It's a bug bite."

Cole: "You're right mom, leprosy is brown."

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Kayley: "Grandma had five jobs in her life. When I grow up I want to be a fireman, police, store manager and a Marine."

Me: "A store manager? Why did you pick that job?"

Kayley: "Just to have extra money so I can give it to the poor." :)

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When the kids and I were at David's Bridal, Cole told me I look pretty in my dress. After I changed back into my regular clothes he told me I "still looked pretty wearing that." That kid sure knows how to melt my heart!

Busy, busy, busy

Kayley went to Lazerstar on Wednesday with her day camp. I remember loving that place! She had so much fun playing lazer tag and playing video games. Tyler did a bunch of work there back when the kids were itty bitty. There was a coffee shop on the side of the building and he would get free drinks for me! That seems like forever ago.

She also had soccer on Wednesday. She was so cute in her soccer cleats and shin guards! Her team is the Firebombs and the color will be red for the uniforms. I asked her if she suggested the name and the color. She said no, the other girls came up with it! It's like Kayley's dreams are all coming true!

Oh Friday. It's my day off yet its really not. Here's what I've accomplished today: I dropped Cole at school, went to the gym, went home for a speedy shower, took Kayley to see Sue, went to pick up my glasses (my eyes are better now, yay!), went to Starbucks to get my free drink, picked up Cole, met the Francos at the park and hung out for two hours, went home for a short rest for the kids (I cleaned out some junk in the garage), met Rachel at Davids Bridal to get my dress ordered and now I'm home with the kids and I'm going to pass out from exhaustion.

I probably wouldn't be so tired if we hadn't gone to the fair yesterday. I'm glad we did though. My mom suggested we park and ride and it was so much better than having to pay for parking. It was military appreciation day so I got us all in for free! The kids enjoyed the rides and the exhibits too. We saw the animals (and smelled them, yuck) and they reminded me of Kim and her Santa Paula animal raising days! I don't get it personally. Rows and rows of animals. Eh, whatever floats your boat. My mom had never experienced a funnel cake before so we ate that and a giant turkey leg for dinner. Yum! Fun times were had by all.

Man, I always thought that as my kids got older life would get easier. Ha, that's a joke. The kids themselves are easier but everything else gets crazier. I don't love it. And school starts soon! I need an assistant!

Swimming, again

Even though the weather hasn't been the greatest this summer the kids and I have spent plenty of time by the pool. Kayley and Cole have both learned to dive to the bottom and get the torpedos. Here's Kayley doing her thing.

Cousins!

I wish Zoey was happy in the picture. Oh well!

Ten On Tuesday

1. I'm getting very close to my 300th blog post.

2. Kayley starts soccer tomorrow. My mom got her socks, cleats and shin guards yesterday and Kayley put on her shin guards as soon as she got up today! Funny stuff. We're all excited! She's a little nervous though. She says she doesn't know what to do. I'm sure it'll be fine once she's there though. I'm surprised Cole isn't jealous about it. He knows he gets to play tball next year so I think he's happy with that.

3. After turning the alarm off this morning I went back to sleep. I woke up at 7:22, 8 minutes before we're supposed to leave. We left at 7:45, kids dressed with cereal in a baggie and juice boxes in hand. I would have been on time for work except I forgot to pay rent and I had to swing by and drop off a check. I've never forgotten to pay our rent before. I also forgot my makeup. So look out world, Steph is all natural today. Yay for visible circles under my eyes. :(

4. My eyes hurt from the time I woke up until the time I went to bed last night. I'm dying for some relief. One week till my glasses come.

5. School starts two weeks from today for Kayley. Cole starts the day before her. I think I'll take that Tuesday off and familiarize myself with Kayley's teacher, classroom and routine. Kayley picked out her backpack and keeps asking me about school supplies. I'm pretty sure we'll need to wait to hear from her teacher what she needs so besides pencils I think I'm going to hold off. It'll be a whole new deal with her in school all day!

6. I'm thankful for my mom this summer. She has been so wonderful at watching the kids and giving them a predictable routine. I like to call her SuperGrandma!! I'm sure she'll be very glad when the kids are back in school!

7. I would love to find a place where I can scream until I lose my voice. And then sleep until I'm not tired anymore.

8. My mom left her camera at CPK after Kayley's Kindergarten graduation. She went back to see if it was still there not too long ago and it was! So I have some pictures to post of our little celebration. My mom also took some pictures of Kayley in her soccer attire that I'll post too.

9. Phil (my other boss besides my dad) and Georgia (my supervisor) are gone this week. So it's just me downstairs until Andrew gets here at like 11 every day. It's fine, just boring.

10. I have so much junk in my garage that needs to be gone through and put in its proper place. Sometimes I feel like throwing it all away. It's not like I really need it all if it's in a pile in the garage collecting dust, ya know? I have lots of projects that need to be done and I get mad at myself for not doing them. I suppose I should give myself a break since I'm a busy lady but still, I'm annoyed.

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone has a great day!

Gizmo

Aunt Lisa, Taryn, Justin and Noah came into town yesterday for Zoey's birthday today. They have a new kitty, Gizmo. The kids had fun playing with him!

Ok, I Guess I'll Blog

Lately I haven't really wanted to blog. I'm in a blog slump if you will. And I will.

I picked out glasses today. Kayley went with me to JC Penny and we both tried on a bunch of different pairs. I'm happy with my choice. They're blue on the inside, black on the outside, both colors on the sides. Please excuse the blurry grossness of my post gym, greasy bangs self. Just focus on the glasses:)

Kayley and I also went to Target to get a few things and she asked for a project to do. So I let her pick out something cheap. She picked model magic animals to make. If you've never used model magic you should check it out, it's great. It's like clay but more foamy and no mess at all. I love the way the penguin came out. The walrus was a little rough.

Happy about all her creations!

What else should I blog about? Hmm.

Well, I did five loads of laundry, two loads of dishes in the dishwasher, cleaned the shower, rearranged some furniture in my room, remembered to feed the fish, made cookies (and only ate one), took the kids to the pool, had dinner with Grandpa Frank, watched Aristocats, played with and read to the kids, went to the bank, resumed past feelings of baby fever, blogged (and fell asleep while blogging and woke up realizing that I'm pooped).

Are you annoyed at my long sentence?

Because I am.

Goodnight folks.