CA Girl

Growing up, this CA Girl lived a whopping ten miles from the beach.  There were countless beach trips in my childhood and teen years.  I loved the beach.  I still do.  I don't even mind "stealing the beach."  The amount of sand you take home in your suit. Living where I do now, going to the beach is something to be carefully planned, and also not a regular thing.  We all love it though.  So instead of going on the 4th of July like all the other crazy people did, we went the next day. The top left picture shows a bridge we pass under on the way to the beach.  It's been there as long as I can remember.  I think it is so interesting.  Emily didn't want her picture taken, but I was sneaky.  Kristin and her bestie were all too happy to pose.  Ryan was too into LILO & STITCH too care.  Why oh why am I jeans at the beach????  Because it was only 64 degrees.  Brrrr.  Surprisingly, the water was warm, but ...

When we first moved to our CA home five years ago(it will be officially 5 on my birthday!), our neighborhood was quiet.  Almost tumbleweed quiet.  I remember having pangs of guilt when my kids would play outside.  They are noisy.  But then, kids are supposed to be noisy right?  And no one ever said anything to me.  It was great.  My kids were allowed to be noisy and play.  They loved it, and I loved it.  There was one thing missing.  More kids.  My street was sadly lacking children.  My kids were happy and fine, but I wanted kids on the street.  Then last year, a family moved in and I got my wish.... This family has three children ages 9, 7 and soon to be 5(now).  At first I welcomed them over because it meant kids could play together.  But soon it was a habit, and a bad one.  The mom would say my kids could come over to her house too, but it never seemed to happen.  My food was being eaten, juice was...

Are you on Instagram ?  Do you have a smart phone or iPad?  This is an app that makes picture taking lots of fun.  And then there are challenges presented by users each month to make it even more fun!  I participated with FATMUMSLIM and her "Photo-a-day" challenge for June.  And now, I am linking up with Emmymom and Janette to show you some of the pictures I took. The Left side top to bottom:  My Mornings:  at that time it was driving and lots of it.  Taking kids to school and Rich to work.  2.  Close up:  our cat's eye.  No easy task, but I got him.  3.  6 o'clock.  It was six at night and the kids were having a water balloon fight.  The Right side:  The weekend overall:  Water balloon fight, Ryan got his fan page(I control it) pool party. Last:  Low Angle:  Ryan builds an army for battle Left to right (top)  Yellow:  A yellow rose in my mom's yard, 2.  Your ...

I remember my then Relief Society President asking me when to schedule the baby shower.  It was my second baby.  I honestly didn't expect one.  She asked if June 28th would be too close to my due date.  I shrugged and said that it would be fine.  I went all the way to my due date with Kristin, so it should be fine.  So that was the day we both agreed on. June 27th, 2000, I went to book club and discussed the book of the month.  I really don't remember the book.  I remember having some hearty Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing that would send me flying to the hospital, though that was joked about.  "No," I assured them.  "It's just practice."  I went home later, tired and not wanting to do those dishes that waited for me.  Stupid dishes.  I did them.  And went to bed.  I was awaken more than once by very real and hearty contractions.  The kind that make you stop and hold your breath.  Then somewhe...

I don't need to watch Lifetime movies, because my life is one.  I had a bad week  last week.  It was one drama after another.  And each one is on going. Where do I begin?  How about with my neighbors.  Neighbors who seem to have nothing better do with their time but to put me on their personal watch. It has caused some major drama for me.  And I am not sure it is over.  All I can say right now is, if your life is so boring, read a dang book and leave me and my family the #$&* alone.  If I was Samantha Stephens you would be a turd in the yard. My sister had an angiogram on Tuesday.  Luckily she did not require a stint.  She did however, develop a clot in the artery they used to go into.  She is fine now, but was told not lift anything heavier than a milk jug. My niece is her own movie as well.  And since this is my blog and not hers, I will leave her story out.  It was a crap week.  I am trying to be ...

It's time to look back and see what has made me smile this month.  And right now, I need it!!!  Thanks Emmy for coming up with this Meme.  We all need to look back at the simple things that make us smile. 1.  School is over!!!  Sure summer is a challenge, but I like the lack of homework, morning rush, and crazy schedules! 2.  Sand Angels 3.  Epic Battles 4.  The grandest nephew there is 5.  When I tweeted this:  Atten:  Teenage Boys:  I now carry a large heavy bat and am no longer opposed to the NRA.  (this was after I found out another young man has an interest in my daughter.  Please! 6.  A few days later as a joke, or was it, I liked guns on FaceBook.  People must question my sanity...especially those teenage boys! 7.  Celebrating Emily's birthday 8.  When I picked up my meds at the pharmacy, it was entertaining to watch Ryan play with the cars and tanks, yes...

I have to say, that my kids are keepers.  Why?  Because they are good kids.  They are not in sports, or take piano because let's face it, that stuff is not cheap.  Instead they live in make believe, they go outside and get dirty, they play games together, Ryan even goes down the street to his friend's house now.  But, they do what they have to do.  Sure they gripe sometimes, but that is a kids job.  They follow the rules, accept responsibility, are honest, and treat others with kindness.  So yeah, I am a proud Mom.  And I will keep them. Are you a proud Mom/Aunt/Grandma/Caregiver???  Link up with EmmyMom and Kmama and share.