WILBURN FAMILY TREASURES

Tessa turns 9!!

2011-06-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tessa had a wonderful ninth Bday this year. She had a party at Viking Skate Country and a wonderful time with her friends there. All four of her friends from all different places (school, church, Frontier Girls) all got along so well and had a great time visiting. They are all such sweet girls. Thanks to everyone that came and wished Tessa a Happy Birthday. For her actual Bithday dinner Tessa wanted Nachos and Birthday Dessert was Chocolate Pie. We decorated and hung out with the cousins and had a wonderful time. Tessa got some super cute clothes and jewelry. Happy Birthday Tessa..you are turning into quite a lovely young lady.

All of March and April Ending with Easter....HA HA Catchup time!!

2011-04-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Let start off with some funnies from the kids first:

Bella says "Does this hurt daddy?" as she squeezes his toes. Jack hears this and decides to join in on the fun. I mean if we are hurting someon we should do it. Right? Jack takes his little hands and squeezes Jeds ankle as hard as he can, his face all grimacey (is that even a word?) and he says "Does that hurt dad?" "I'm keezing (squeezing) weally hard."

Bella has been telling us for several months now that she wants to be a Hot Chocolate Sailor. Jed and I have not been able to figure this out and have just laughed at it. Then when gma is over she says oh well that would be fun to sell hot chocolate...."A Hot Chocolate Seller"...Like a Lemonade/Hot Cooca Stand. DUH!!!!

At dinner Bella says, I want to be a weather girl when I grow up. I said very cool, do you know what a weather girls job title is? It is a meteorologist. She says well I want to be a meteorologist and a hot chocolate sailor.

Movie Night sometime in March:
The night we had the major hailstorm I decided to have the Littau kids over for a movie night...I had just cleaned all the rooms so I was a mean mommy and made them play games one at a time until the movie arrived home from work with Jed. It ended up working wonderfully they had so much fun playing without interruptions from a sibling. Super cute pics from the evening over.

Now, What is New?!?!

We have soo many new things in my life lately..from my job totally changing AGAIN!! I dont want to bore you all with the details...but just know that the VA is a wild ride. :)

I got new furniture for my Bday...I LOVE IT!!!   I am trying to redecorate the whole living room..but the budget is not exactly liking that idea. So far I have new lamps. Working on the curtains and the TV and TV Stand will have to wait until Black Friday. As long as our TV makes it that long. (fingers crossed) I just have to let others turn it on so it will last. I am pretty much not allowed to touch any of the electronic devices in our home right now.   I wreak havoc on them. :/  Oh well.

The other big item in our home is: Jed and his new truck. I think it is true wuv. We can't wait to go camping and be able to fit all the stuff instead of deciding what we are going to leave home.   The kids love to ride in daddys new truck.  They just giggle the whole time, soooo fun.

And the grand Finale: Easter 2011

This Easter my mom hosted and the kids each wanted to take something for dinner...we of course ended up taking 3 desserts....Tessa took an Easter Egg Cake, Cream Puffs, Bella took Easter Cookies. Jack didnt care. :)

Funny thing about Bellas Cookies she wanted to put Easter Sprinkle on them...I told her we were using the valentines sprinkle that mommy already had.. She and Tessa were slightly opposed so I stated the obvious that Easter is about Gods LOVE after all. They still weren't thrilled but they said ok I guess so.

We had a nice time and enjoyed the sunshine and outdoors (vs last years indoor egg hunts :)) Easter Egg Hunts. Hope everyone else had a nice Easter as well.

Sunday afternoons.

2011-03-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Tessa is forever checking out a new cookbook from the library...she doesnt care what in it she makes. Just lets cook something mom. She is getting so good at making us dinners and loves to make desserts. So this last Sunday she wanted to make Cream Puffs...we had so much fun. They were so yummy, I think I have made them maybe one time since we left Texas 9 years ago. YUMMY!!! I love cream puffs. Tessa didnt like them so much. They were too Creamy...she said without the filling she would like them.

My 5 year old...Isabella Corrine

2011-02-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Well little Isabella who was three years old for at least three years.... has finally made it to 5 and finally seems like she should actually be 5. Happy Birthday to my big 5 year old!!

We had a little pizza and cake on her Birthday. We made Cake Truffles (so yummy, so easy and so fun to make) and sent them to school for her classmates and then had a grand Birthday Party @ the park on Saturday. It was a wonderful time, we all enjoyed the party very much. Thanks to everyone for coming and spoiling my little Bella on her 5th Birthday.

A REALLY REALLY LATE Merry Christmas

2011-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

I know I am a little (OK a lot, but in my defense my computer and the photos have not been getting along) behind but I need to put it on here, so here you go. Starting at the beginning:

Jack and Bella (preschool Christmas program 2010) would like to say:

Christmas was great for us...the kids had a blast, and got everything they wanted and then some of course. Jed got me a iTouch . I also got a dinner bell....an old fashioned ring 'em in from the fields dinner triangle. The kids love to ring it. We had a wonderful morning with Jeds family and a great afternoon with mine. Enjoy the pictures and Happy New Year to all.

Silly kids, Victorian Christmas and other fun stuff.

2010-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

The other day Bella was singing "You can't get to heaven in a rocking chair", she pauses and she looks at me and says "You can only get to heaven in a car or a truck, right mom". Sooo, funny.

Tessa in the car on the way up to cut Christmas Trees, "I don't really have a crush on Anthony anymore"...Jack says, "Me either".

Victorian Christmas:
Sunday we (Mom, Pam, Alicia, Kristen and I) went to "A Victorian Christmas" in Nevada City. I had a blast...I have really started to look forward to this every year. There are so many stores that change from year to year and this year I was surprised by how many of them stayed the same....My personal favorite store....Tanglewood...the best ornament store ever, seriously amazing. The center of the store has a tree sprayed white and the entire ceiling is covered in braches again all sprayed white....the ornament's are grouped in color schemes...and just beautiful and covered ...it takes forever to find the perfect ornament, but I did. It is so gorgeous. Below is a picture of the red section and then the picture of my ornament and then of course the blown glass garland that would go so perfect with the scene on my fireplace.....but at only 6ft long I would have to have bought two of them and at $30.00 each I couldnt do it. :(

Kristen and I at Victorian Christmas

The Red Tree

The new ornament....from Tanglewood.

6' Blown Glass Garland....Someday I want this.

Everybody squeeze in!!!

A few of the other stores, some super cute boutiquey type stores..from jewelry to baby and kitchen to country...my 2nd favorite store is this one called the Gray Goose...it is a hodge podge of stuff...vintage toys, books, jokester type things, unique items....I cant even begin to tell you all the fun stuff in there. Just so much fun and so much to see you could never see it all.

Basically....We had a wonderful time, as if you couldnt tell that by my rantings and ravings.

This years ornament (from Gma)...one for each child...representing our trip to GGs.

We had a little cookie party...I let the girls decorate a gingerbread boy...they had so much fun!! and then they each got a box and picked out the cookies they wanted to take home in there own boxes. They felt really special and I do think we will have to continue having a "cousins cookie exchange" in the future and let all the other cousins know and let each one of the kiddos have a box of cookies to take home. It really made there night.

Decorating Fun!!

My three "trading cookies".

Bella & Anna and there Gingerbread Boys.

The Halls are Decked.....2010

2010-12-04T22:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and I want picture of everyone else decor too. This Christmas week details: Christmas Parade....Candy Making, Sewing and Painting two more gifts....A Cookie Party with my girlfriends....A birthday Party and NEVADA CITY a Victorian Christmas.YAY!!! It has become an every other year tradition for mom alicia and I to attend this Victorian Christmas...SO MUCH FUN!! One year Tammy was here to go too. That was fun. This year we are taking a friend of moms and Kristen too I think.

Jack the Christmas Elf @ Shopko.

The Best Christmas Tree ever. YAY!!


My Christmas Mantle....cuter in person...hard to photograph...all the more reason for you ladies to come to the cookie exchange and see it in person.

More Mantle and the Stockings hung by chimney with care...all made by the kids Great Grandma Lorna.

Our Christmas Countdown...remove one stocking a day.

The Parade was great.....Hot Cocoa @ Grandmas afterwards..Yummy. Tomorrow we do Christmas Lights for Jeds mom and in Grandmas memory. And if anyone feels the need to have three extra little children (just let us know!!)....Jed and I may go Christmas shopping. I want to see others pictures too, so start posting!!

Lorna June

2010-12-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Nov 28th Jeds Grandma Lorna June went home to see Jesus. She was quite the influence on Jeds life and I know he is truly sad to not have her here but happy she is in a better place now. At the end of this very long week, we had a nice memorial service for her yesterday. Family and friends all reliving the stories of her life. We love you Grandma.

More Christmas Past

2010-12-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

Tree Cutting 2009

Tessa, Bella and Jack in Christmas Jammies by the tree...2007.

A Christmas Sunday...2009

More Chirstmas Memories......

Memory Lane....

2010-12-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

I am currently looking through old photos to make a collage for Lornas Service and just had to repost this.

One of my favorite Christmas pics...the kids standing outside church singing as loud as they could:

JOY to the World!!!

Oh Happy Day, Holidays are here!!!

2010-11-30T11:25:00.002-08:00

YAY!!! So, excited about this holiday season. I hosted Thanksgiving again...and I would host every year if I could.(Tessa thinks that since we hosted last year and this year we should let someone else have a turn next year.) I only wish for a bigger space and a bigger table to seat all of my guests at and to be able to put my food on the table and do the place settings and whole table scape thing. Someday!!!! I actually could have skipped Thanksgiving this year and gone straight to Christmas. I did some major Christmas shopping for my kiddos this summer. I ran onto some really great clearance sales...and bought all sorts of toys for the kids. I even have all the guys figured out...only the 2 brother in laws left to figure out. I am hosting a variety of different Christmas Events this year and am excited about them all. A cookie party with the girls is up next!!! In between all of this I have been making some cute, cute, cute, stuff. I have been working on these things at Christmas Craft Night....which is every Wednesday. If you have something you want to work on bring it with you and come craft with us. (call me for the details) So, I say, on with the holidays.
Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the Christmas Season. DECK YOUR HALLS!!!

My tree is up and BEAUTIFUL!!!! I was looking forward to hosting Reindeer Games..but due to the passing of Jed's Grandma, I have had to cancel them. Jed or his cousin Eric has always gone over and put her Christmas lights up, so that is on the plan instead. She would definitely want them up, so we will be doing what we can to decorate her house as she would want. So, time to DECK THE MYERS HALLS, as Lorna would want.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

I needed to put this on my blog before I could put up some of the Holiday Stuff I have been wanting to blog about so, Better late than never. We had a very nice halloween this year....Threw a lovely little carnival and then trick or treated. We went to a different area to trick or treat this year. It was quite nice...we were just down the street from our house...and it was so much more family friendly than the last couple of years that we have gone out...it was all about the kids and family fun. Just wanted to share some pics of the kiddos all dressed up. Hope you all had a safe halloween too.

Disneyland was a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time!!

2010-10-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

I was excited to be going to Disneyland and to take Tessa, however I had no clue what I have been missing. I can officially say I have caught the Disney Bug. I want to go back, it was so full of wonder and awe. No detail left unattended too. In reality not that much $$ for what you get, at least I didnt think so.The toys/souvenirs I got I would have paid that much for it at Target, except the T Shirts.

Anyway, onto the trip. SO much fun. Tessas first ride was Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy...it was all freaky for halloween time. She rode the whole ride with her head down. I think it was mostly the dark and not really all the scary stuff (only a few different scare tactics)....I think in the end she was fine but would not choose it again. Her favorite ride: Thunder Mountain Railroad. My second favorite. My favorite was Indiana Jones...Of course we liked it all from Haunted Mansion too Splash Mountain and Matterhorn and spent lots of money saw a few shows.

Loved it.....is all Tessa and I can say...want to go back again!!! Enjoy all the pictures.

Frontier Girl Tessa

2010-10-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tessa has joined a group called Frontier Girls...What a fun little group. There are about 15 girls total. I am loving the Troop Leader and all she is doing for these girls. They begin there meetings with a review of what they will do and take time to plan the next badges...and end with a cute little "Goodbye Song". They are currently working on an architecture badge, paper badge and ?? Many others to come.
Tessa has liked the architecture information, she has told me on more than one occasion how she got to use a protractor and some other architectural tools to design her dream bedroom. Then they built a house out of lots of LARGE cardboard boxes. She told me that she thought of how some people really live in cardboard box houses and that it made her feel good that she could build one of those for someone. So sweet....and so sad at the same time. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone and knows so much about how some people have to live and it hurts her little heart to imagine them suffering. She wants to help them in whatever way she can.
Frontier Girls go camping.....The other badge they have earned thus far is there camping badge. The camping trip was Mother/Daughter and we had a wonderful time. Seeing as Tessa doesn't go to school with these girls and sees them only a little bit a month...It was good to get to spend some quality time with them and get to know all of them. The mommies had fun visiting too. Mommies sat around the campfire while the girls went anywhere and everywhere on the campground playing to their hearts content. We listened to the girls tell spooky stories around the campfire and roasted JUMBO s'mores. There was LOTS of sand/dirt, and lots of fun and many friendships made. Reward was a Camping Badge....they learned how to put out a grease fire and helped put up their tents and campfire safety.

Tessa and her burnt Jumbo Smore!

Lindsay and Tessa telling spooky stories

Troop Leader Mrs Memeo telling spooky stories

Tessa and Lindsay playing in the sand

The Frontier Girls @ Camp in the sand.

Not sure what they are up to next but should be fun. Have fun Frontier Girl Tessa!!

SIDE NOTE: 6 Days till DISNEYLAND!!!!

Field Trip to Lassen Park

2010-09-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today Jed and a car full of third graders have gone on there first of four field trips to Lassen Park. Tessa is very excited! It should be cool up there: 50*or so. Have fun Tessa and good luck Jed.

Morning Beverages

2010-09-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last year for Christmas I got the girls there own starbux travel mugs....they use them every day on their way to school...Tessa and her Green Tea and Bella and her "Choc-o-latte" as she calls it.

Jack is now going to school and I am looking for the right mug for him, however that is not the point to this post, the point is that he is now calling his Hot Chocolate "Choc-o-latte" which is adorable for Bella to say but when Jack says it it just doesn't work. LOL I gotta get Jack a BOYS travel mug and a manly drink...does this mean black coffee for him?

1st day of school 2010

2010-08-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well we are all quite excited to be back at school, no big deal to Jack...see ya mom. LOL... Love it!! The funniest part to me is that I was sure that Bella would be all about Jackson and that she would kinda mother him and show him the way to do things...he is off doing his own thing and she doesn't care one iota where he is at.

Tessa seems to be Nervous about her teacher this year...I hope she adjusts to life back in school soon. Should be a good experience for her...this teacher is really science (plants and lots of trips to Lassen Park) Fun!!!

Happy 1st week of school to all the kids and moms alike out there.

Backyard Summer Fun

2010-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

As I have said, It is so funny the different abilities of each child. Both Bella and Jack come by athletic abilities (the little bit that they have at these ages) so much more natually than Tessa. Tessa is old enough to understand the directions and learn it that way. In other words telling her a batting stance she can figure it out but Jack and Bella step up to the plate and know how to do it. Jed and I did decide that Tessa is a good influence on Bella though. She just kinda balances her out, she really could be a VERY VERY prissy little girl without Tessa and Jack influencing her to play outside and monkey around. Enough rambling about how funny my children are and their individuality. They are all the BEST just the way they are.

The other night we picked the watermelons and let them each cut them open and eat them straight out of the garden....was so much fun. I love the excitement in waiting for their melon to be cut. When you buy one at the store they are always ripe....we have not quite mastered the timing of when to pick our watermelons and therefore have cut open a few that were white inside (not ripe at all) Maybe next year we will figure out how to know when they are ripe...I guess there is still time left in the summer so who knows maybe we will figure it out yet.

Jacksons 3rd Birthday

2010-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great party with friends and family for Jacksons 3rd Bday.....the snake theme we had was adorable. Yummy food and cupcakes for all! Cupcakes with super cute snakes slithering across them.....

The kiddos played and everybody visited.....Good times. Thank You everyone.

Tonight we are out to ice cream....and to buys some much needed last minute school shoes for the big Birthday boy himself...oops I forgot. :) Happy Birthday to my little "big Boy".

Celebrating 12 years as a Wilburn today.

2010-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Jed and I have been married 12 years today....What a life we have had thus far...many more years to come.

....Couldn't make it without him now, my my how I have changed for the better and all for him. Today we are going to the coast for the day! See Ya!!

Coast is out!!!! Tessa is feeling iffy, Jack wants to play with his toys, oh well. Next weekend maybe. Enjoying a nice day at home and maybe out to lunch or dinner or something...Relaxation awaits.

Tears of Joy....and Arkansas for GG's 90th Birthday

2010-08-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am currently crying at work because I have spent the day re-reading my older blog posts.... They are sooo much fun and are making me laugh so much I cry. Soo much fun to go back and re read the kids funnies and see how much they have grown. Thanks Littaus and Smiths for introducing me to blogging: all the things I would never have rmeembered are still around for me to remember and enjoy. Like Bella inviting me to see her and Ally get married tomorrow...or that her feet stink like Guinea Pigs. And Tessa in shock that daddy cant have any more girlfriends.

I love my family and the memories "Tears of Joy" they have provided me with.

Here are some pictures of our recent trip to Arkansas to see GG, for her 90th Birthday, a present to herself to see us all again....we had a good time...ate like kings and queens and visited and rested. The kids were of course given some new toys and the big boys got too ride in the go-kart and check out Uncle Charles Plane....he didnt take anyone up though. :( Jed did take all of the kids for a ride in the go-kart....Tessa didnt really like it, if she would have gone by herself I think she might have but she was too interested in the doggies. Bella loved it...Jed said he even had teh thing on its two side wheels (he had to put his hand out on the ground and tip it the other way(he told me this after the fact)) and the crazier he made it go the happier she was. Jack loved steering it but preferred to stay more under control. We also did some fireworks, Big Booms and sparklers mostly. Tessa was much more interested in all the dogs....My Aunt and Uncle have a beagle "Rose" and black lab/great dane "Baloo" two very good old dogs.....Jack finally warmed to them on the last day we were there. But the main dog of interest was my nephews new puppy (Cocker Spaniel) "Twinkie"....Super Cute Puppy-even to me whom is not an animal lover. When we got home Tessa says to me: "Com'on mom, you can tell me." "Didn't "Twinkie" make you want to have a dog just a little bit, I mean she was soooo cute."...Yes just a little bit....I laughed.

The hazy picture here is from the humidity on the camera lens...104* & 50% humidity...fun stuff.

Tammy and I on the farm and lookin' the part.

Tessa and Twinkie

Jack and Daddy on their third Go Kart ride

GG and her 90th Birthday cake

Wahoo, Garden is going to town....

2010-07-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Except for those darned tomatoes.....we have lots of Yellow Pear tomatoes though. Zucchinni, Yellow Squash, Watermelon, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Onions, green beans....mmmm mmmm good.

4th of July and Crestline/Lake Arrowhead

2010-07-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July consisted of lots of swimming and Fireworks at the Civic......Sush a busy weekend, we had a wonderful time visiting with Penny and Ray and the fireworks went as I thought they would...Jack and Bella still afraid of them...although this year Rays little nephew was Bellas hero and once he held her hand she stopped whinin the whole time to keep her safe and secure under the scary lit up sky....and all the embers falling onto us. Jackson sat with eye and ears covered for most of the time....eventually the eyes were uncovered...and the ears for the most part stayed covered.

TEN hours there and back with a whole lotta fun in between and we are all still alive. My mom and I took the kids down to Crestline where my sister Tammys family owns a cabin. We met them there for a coule of days. Loads of fun and not near enough time to fit in the relaxation part.

On our first day there we toodled around doing some old town shopping and got the kids these adorable mini cones.... So cute...I am determined to buy them off amazon.com and have them at home too.

Then we spent the afternoon at the lake.....Where Tessa swam across her first lake....she was sooooo proud of herself!! I cant get over how big she is getting. Jack and Bella built sand castles and played on these water boards. Jack was quite amazing... he would pull it in until it was on land and then get behind it and push it out while runninng and then jump on it on his tummy and glide into the water....When he would be taking it back to shore again....if it got off and looked like he was headed inot someones towel or area he would back it up and reposition and do it again... I was amazed at his observance and how polite he was to the others around him. later tha night we wnet to Lake Arrowhead and let the kids play in Lollipop World a small little amusement park...Super cute...they had a blast. Then home to get some rest. The next day we spent some serious girl time shopping in Lake Arrowhead Village and then to the beach for the afternoon again.... Then home for fajitas and a little down time before going fishing for the evening. Bella caught her very first fishy. We let him go back to his mommy cause he was a baby. :)

LOTS & LOTS

2010-06-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

So, this particular blog post has LOTS & LOTS in it. Camping, Tessas Rockstar Bday Pics, VBS, I hope you make it all the way through.

Tessas Rockstar Party was a success. Most of the girls ended up being a bit too shy to do it which was really funny to me cause they all knew each other really well. Strange. They really had the most fun with a water balloon fight. Tessa got lots of fun jump ropes and other outdoor type toys. (Thank You Everyone)

We went to Patricks Point and camped this last weekend....SO MUCH FUN!!!! Easier than I expected. Cheap and Easy Vacation. Other than the dirty aspect it is great. We hiked to Ceremony Rock and up to Wedding Rock and then of course to Agate Beach. Jack was afraid of the ocean (I know surprise,surprise) ...but I think it is more that he was afraid of the noise cause at the other beaches where it is not down in the cove like that he didn't freak out. We roasted "smushmellows" and made "smushmellow sandwiches" and had campfire donuts for breakfast and just relaxed too. The one thing I can tell you is: Dont forget the can opener, the spatula and our tent is a bit small for 5 of us. We fit but if Jack were much bigger we wouldn't fit. We may make it through the summer with this tent but next year is probably a big fat NO! We are going to make the best of it and camp ALOT this summer. It is a relatively fast drive to get there and once you get it all together it goes quite fast. Anytime you might want to go just check with us.

Last but not least the girls are going to VBS @ Risen King this year and one of the things that they are doing is donating $$ to a children's organization. So, each day of the week they are supposed to count something and then bring a Nickel, Dime, quarter or dollar for each item counted. So today they were to count all of there shoes. This is what I found all laid out, in Tessa style. Just made me chuckle. These two little girls have more shoes than they need, ya think?? Tomorrow is clothes. Cant wait for that one....Guess we will clean out the dresser drawers tonight. LOL!!

Tessas 8th Birthday & Bellas Preschool Performance plus a little Jack.

2010-06-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tessa---8 Years Old. So grown up. We had a family dinner Ribs -- Tessas Choice. And some cupcakes that the kids got to decorate themselves. This weekend we will have a Rockstar Birthday Party with Karaoke and Cake. She is very excited to have her friends over and be a Rockstar. I will put those pictures up later this weekend.

The kids got to decorate there own cupcakes this time.

Happy 8th Birthday Tessa

Make a Wish!

Thanks everyone for the awesome Bday gifts.

Tessa is doing so well in school. She is a big 3rd grader now. Reading has come along so well. She does really well with Math and is generally excited about school, which is a good thing. Especially with where she started. She is such a good girl and smart too, just didnt want to show us that all too soon.

Tessa and Lenore

I love preschool and Kindergarten preformances...Bella had her first little preschool performance. They had to sign there name and then tell us what they signed and then they were handed there diploma. Super Cute. Bella was one of the youngest in the preschool class this year and she is so tall compared to over half of the class. They did a couple of different songs...."It's almost time for Kindergarten, we are ready now YAY!!" and "We're goin' on a Bear Hunt" and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" and the "TuttyTa-TuttyTa-a-TuttyTaTa." I cant even begin to describe the Tutty Ta song...if you have or know a preschooler ask them to perform it for you. I will try to post a video of it on here, if I can get it to cooperate.All the kids are so adorable and so much fun to watch. Bella although still a bit shy has really come out of her shell. She no longer shakes when she is scared and will help lead music or take charge of something. She also is able to do so much more education-wise than Tessa at this age. So fun to watch them each develop at their own paces.

Tutty Ta A Tutty Ta

Jack and Bella

Bella with her Teachers Luann, Becky and Lynette.

Amazing teachers, they made us an awesome book of

the whole year long school work.

Jacksons new do!! And some sweet pics of the little boy. He is such a good boy. So easy going, much like Tessa was at this age. Bella and he are such good friends it is fun to watch.

Jacksons new Do! He put his hat on promptly and left it on for 2 days.

Sweet Sleeping Boy!!

Let Summer Begin...

2010-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am fully aware that we will have more rain and wintery weather this week...But more to the point I mean from here on out for like the next month I am so booked up and busy with parties/events. Summer is here, and it is time to go go go....

The crazy busy schedule is (well used to be) one of my favorite parts of summer. That feeling of rush rush rush to get it all done and then the feeling of accomplishment (even when you don't get it ALL done, but most of it). I hope that I still enjoy it as much as I used to, but I am not sure I will seeing as I am working now. When not working I would have at least one down day during the week to catch up on things before the next weekend/event happened. We shall see, hopefully I can keep it together and keep life maintained as well as do all the fun stuff.

Cant wait for this weekend....First time in 8 Years... Jed and I are going out of town together, overnight even. WaHoo. Adam and Tracis Wedding and no kids. :)

My new toy and its Result: Two Sleeping Beauties

2010-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, this is pretty darned close to the main features I wanted on the Canon camera but 100 less on a coupon at Costco. I couldn't pass up the savings and I am sure it will be just fine for me. I am very excited and look at the product it produces...

Look at how much Tessa looks like me here....Bella to an extent too but Tessa really looks like me here. I love these two Sleeping Beauties. My handsome prince sleeps to light(and usually completely covered up) to take his picture without waking him up.

Summer Bucket List

2010-04-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

Stole this idea from a friend. Thanks Julie.

Summer 2010 Bucket List

1. Disneyland with Tessa: OCTOBER
2. Hat Creek Camping
3. Burney Falls
4. Castle Crags
5. Raft the Sac River
6. Whiskeytown Falls Hike

7. Mosquito Serenade

8. Shasta Caverns

9. Camp at Coast

10. Manzanita Lake

11. Moonlight Kayak Tour

12. Sailing Lessons: STARTS NEXT MONTH

13. Chico: Philly Cheese Steak Shop and Park

14. Lake Arrowhead/Crestline: JULY

This is obviously very dream like...Who knows maybe I will be able to accomplish half of it....I can hope, right. And in reality Disneyland is later like Sept/Oct...

I would love to hear anyone elses summer plans....

Nothing to blog about...

2010-03-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been close to two months since my last blog and I think constantly what should I blog about and never come up with anything. So, here is the nothingness going on in our lives.

Jed and I are having a weight loss competition between the two of us. Jed-1 Jenn-1!! We will see what happens next.

I have a few different opportunities in my life right now and have been mullling them all over and trying to listen to what God wants. I know what I want and am hoping that it is Gods Will, but really trying to be sure and listen to what He is saying. I have wanted to blog about these different things but for now they shall remain unspoken, however if you all think about us you could pray that I will listen to what God is wanting with these opportunities.

I really want to move off of our current street. It is too busy of a road for a 4 and 7 year old to ride bikes on. If anyone has any ideas on a rental home, Dont want to go above 950 though!! I am actually kinda torn on what I want to do, I like the house and the big backyard and the close to parks, town, trails etc...but the whole being able to send your kid out to ride their bike sounds so good.

I have been moving departments at work alot, which leaves me with no computer access, AAAAHH(can be really frustrating). I am now doing EKGs, Sleep Apnea Studies, Holter Monitors(Heart), Physical Therapy stuff (most of which I knew about from Jed, but have never done) plus this really dumb School At Work program which consisted of alot of Medical Terminology. I did learn alot from it, but it was not taught well at all. It is basically open the book and this means this now memorize it all. No real instruction.

The kids are doing well, enjoying the backyard and the outside. They love to dig in the garden bed, we are going to plant soon and Jed and I think we will have trouble keeping Jack from digging up the newly planted things. We replanted our herbs into pots and it is so tempting to him to try and unplant them. I am assuming he is trying to put them back in the ground. Tessa has been helping daddy pull weeds and they just planted Tessa an Apple Tree that her Grandma bought her. Bella is amazing us day by day, we have to sign everything we say and translate into Spanish as well. They are all such great ages right now. I am so grateful for my family and the joy they give me.

OK, that is all of my nothingness!!
Enjoy a few random recent pics of these Cuties. My camera just broke, just now.!!!! BOO HOO so no pictures and now need a new camera.

One more thing: Grandma wants to take the girls shopping tonight for Easter Dresses. SO EXCITING!!! They loved it, we tried on dresses and tried on dresses and had a blast, we were out until 930pm. Late fun night out with all the girls cousins and Auntie Alicia and Grandma. YAY!!!

Happy Birthday Bella #4

2010-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

I know I know FINALLY!!! sorry busy and internet not working due to storms. :( Sorry about the sideways pics it is either sideways or not at all and I want them on here.

Bella turned four years old this year (Feb 9th) and although she has seemed like she is 5 years old forever now. She is still only turning 4. She has been super into sleepovers and Barbie, so we had a Sleepover Barbie Birthday Party. I made each of the girls that came to the Birthday Party, their own little Barbie Doll Cake and then made the big Barbie Doll Cake for all the adults. We had cake and opened some wonderful gifts. (Thank You Everyone) She loves them all. Then off to play, and after playing for a few it was Jammies and a Movie (a new Barbie Movie) YAY!!

We had a very nice night, and again Thank everyone for coming and your gifts.

My sister and Bella @ 3 months old.

Bella the longest 4 years of any 4 year olds life from baby to now. Happy Birthday Sweet Little Bella!!

Apparently I didnt have a digital camera when Bella was born. I have nothing to upload as an infant. SAD

Sleepover...

2010-01-23T23:04:00.000-08:00

Bella and Tessa wanted to have Ally and Emily for a sleepover. Jamie dropped them off about 630. It was perfect. Bella and Ally instantly set to playing Chutes and Ladders. Tessa had been planning since we found out that Em was coming over. She wanted to cook with Em, out of her new Kids Paula Deen Cookbook. The titles of the chapters in this particular cookbook are really adorable. One of the chapters is titled "Sleepovers". So, naturally they had to make a snack out of that chapter. They set off to making Chocolate Fondue and cutting up Bananas to dip in Chocolate. (I precut the strawberries and some Angel Food Cake for them.)

So, while they other two are playing games they older two are making snack and then it is snack time. Then movie time and then off to bed. Asleep instantly. LOVE IT. Kids had a blast and life was so much better for mommy and daddy. Fighting the kids tantrums or invite friends over to entertain them, so I can have some space. Easy decision, YAY!! Thanks Mike and Jamie for giving me some space. :)

{Pet Week @ Bellas Preschool} Introducing Nemo

2010-01-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

Bella and Nemo (behing the label, there really is a fish)

One of the teachers gave every child a fish and aquarium. I am sure every preschooler names their fishy: Nemo!!! Either way, Bella is thrilled.

Side Notes: Look at the adorable Robot Costume that Tessa made for Jackson. So funny, She put his address on the side so that if he was lost and found they would know where to return him. She also put a self-destruct button at the bottom, Just in case.

The other night at bedtime, Tessa says to Jed "you are the best Daddy ever" and Daddy to Tessa " you are the best Tessa ever". Tessa responds with "but Daddy if you get a girlfriend and her name is Tessa then who would be the best Tessa ever". Jed explained he is married to mommy and once you get married you dont have girlfriends anymore. Tessas Response, "WHAAAAAAT"? In a very shocked Valley Girl tone of voice.

A new lesson for Jed today:

2009-12-31T14:59:00.000-08:00

This morning as Jed gets in the shower he makes the mistake of telling Tessa she can make Breakfast for Bella and herself while he is in the shower. Daddy assummed she would be making Cereal. Well, instead she decided on Pancakes. She put them in the microwave and turned it on and then sent to get dressed. Just as Jed is getting out of the shower, here comes Tessa and Bella: " Daddy it is really smoky in the kitchen." The pancakes were charcoal all the way through ( not just the outside like the one pictured above)and the whole house was filled with smoke. Jacks just chillin in his bean bag watching cartoons. I am soooo glad everyone is OK, but I now need a new microwave and some serious febreeze. He left the back & garage doors open all morning but other than clearing out the smoke, the stench remains.

Tessas Big News

2009-12-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Tessa calls me and asks, "Daddy and I counted up all of my money, can I go open a Bank Account"? So, Yes Tessa got to go and open an account with Daddy. She was very excited and I just wanted to share a picture of her sweet excited little face. And, everytime she goes inside the bank and makes a deposit over $5 she gets to pick a treat out of their basket. They also gave her something called a moonjar, It has three different chambers to save your money in: One for Savings, One for Spending, and One for Donation. She was very excited about that.
I can't believe how big she is...She will be 8 this coming year, CRAZY!! I hope she contiues to stay my buddy for awhile, I mean I know at some point she is going to think I am stupid but man I don't want to get there. I want to keep this little girl who wants to do everything I do and everything with me and grow up to be just like me someway.

Christmas with the Wilburns....In NO particular order

2009-12-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

Bella in the snow, cutting our tree...

Santa was here...

Jack opening Christmas Eve Jammies/Slippers and having Cocoa

Jack making plane noises...his favorite right now: Airplanes.

Tessa coming around to give me a huge hug for her Jonas Bros Jammies on Christmas Eve

The cutting down of the tree...Mr Charlie Brown tree was the best tree we had this year...

Bella opening Christmas Eve Jammies

Sunday after Church in front of the Christmas Tree, SOOO CUTE!!

Christmas Eve in the new Jammies...

YAY it's Christmas...

Sorry for the randomness. Cant figure out how to organize my pictures on here today...I had a whole lovely couple of paragraphs written about our lovely Christmas and deleted it so this is it.... But it was very nice and very unrushed and low key unlike the week before Christmas. Hope everyones holiday was as lovely as ours. Happy New Year too you.

Inside my head...

2009-11-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

I think it is rather funny, I have done multiple posts about Christmas but it has never felt like Christmas too me. :( Well, It does now. I am finally feeling like it. I was and am excited about Christmas coming but I just didnt feel that in the air. I am finally feeling it around me. YAY!!

Busy busy getting ready for the boutique. My sister in law and mom are so much more creative than I, that I am afraid her stuff is going to make mine look bad and not sell. I hope not and I think my stuff is cute just theirs is really really cute.

I learned a new cake trick last night, super easy, super cute and super fun.

I found a shopping buddy for Black Friday. I am stoked. I havent gone with someone in awhile. The last couple of years I went by myself. There wasn't that many things I wanted the last couple of years. But this year, I have a list!!

Excited about the Baby Shower I am hosting tonight. Ready for a night off. They are few and far between these days.

I need a new teapot. One for Jack, Blue or at least a little bit boyish. All these pink cutesy ones I have are too much for him.

When to go cut the Christmas Tree?? Hmmm...
I dont know...

I have a headache today, again....grrr

I may get to see a friend from high school this holiday. Someoone whom I have been trying to catch up with for 7 years...

COFFEE TIME!!!! Black and White Mocha..Yippeeee

Jeds Bday is Thurs. The kiddos are excited a Birthday and Thanksgiving. Woo Hoo... Jed is a wonderful hubby and so amazing.

All I want for Christmas:

2009-11-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

is my two front teeth.

Ok, so besides the two front teeth. ;) My mom has been saving all of the toy catalogs for the kids to look at. Tessa has definitely shown Jack and Bella how to "want" something. LOL. Anyway I thought it was super cute when I picked them up the other day. Tessa had written out there Christmas list. One paper for each child, beyond that she cut out the coordinating coupons to go with the items they wanted. So adorable. I think this may be the year (finally) that we get woke up early Christmas morning. I can't wait. I have been dreaming of this Christmas day since we had kids. It is one of my favorite memories as a kid, waking mom and dad up early Christmas Morning.

Finally!!!!!

2009-11-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

There really isn't more to say than FINALLY!!!! Tessa finally lost her tooth, she has lost every one of her teeth at school. Haven't had to deal with that at home yet. I am not complaining, seeing as it kinda groases me out. Now all she will want for Christmas is her top two teeth. Yay, Tessa!!!

Halloween pics below. LATE!!! Had a terrible time getting computer to upload all of these. We need a new computer so bad!!!

A very Nice Halloween

2009-11-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween, although not really my favorite holiday, is seriously so much fun when you have little ones. I love watching there little legs run from door to door and the excitement in keeping up with the bigger kids. We had a very nice Halloween. We started our day with Soccer and of course the snack for soccer game was cupcakes. What else would snack be on Halloween day. :) From Soccer to home to make our "Scary Haunted Tree" and set out our carved pumpkins and a little housework. :( The kids played outside for most of the day and just chilled and then mommy pulled out the Halloween Buckets and it began. They "practiced" Trick or Treating me (for crackers and spider rings) several times. They got a few rounds of practice under their belts and were off and running. We got dressed into costume, had a yummy nacho dinner and then out for Trick or Treating with the best little Mad Scientist, Pocahontas and Pirate in town. One scare of the night, Jack is up there at the door doing his thing. He is on his way back and "Freddie Cougar" (sp??) is passing him and he looks up and does a double take and then stands there paralyzed and then comes tearing down the lawn in tears and screaming. The Wilburn Fear Factor kicked in, LOL. Poor little guy!! The best part about this years costumes were they didn't cost me a single dime. They were all made out of stuff I had on hand or got from my moms house. Bella was wearing an old costume but new to her and has been well worn. Who needs it next?? I hope you all enjoy the pictures. They are by far the cutest kids I have seen. LOL, I really do love them in costume, I just chuckle the whole time.

I cant wait.....

2009-10-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Only 76 Days till CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. ~Carrie Latet

I am very excited, this will be my busiest Christmas Season yet. With a Christmas Boutique and my new AVON business plus working(hmm, I just realized this will be my first Christmas since I have started back to work.) added into all the normal crazy mayhem I try to make happen. whoo-hoo, I cant wait...

"Out of the mouths of Babes"...

2009-10-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

Tessa Funnies:

They had a drummer come into class and visit and play drums for them.
"Mom, I wish I had that drummer boy Robby Millers phone # so I could call him and ask him to come play the drums for you and dad. He was so good. (sighs and lays head back)" That is when I realized it wasn't about the music but the boy. :)

Ay-yi-yi!!

Each week at school they write in a Journal daily and then bring it home the following week. They have to read it to us 3 xs for homework. This has already been graded by the teacher. In Tessas Journal she writes about her friend Remy and her Teacher Mrs Hickle. (Mrs Hickle is Remys Mom) She writes about how she likes her and so on, but the killer statement in that Journal is "I wonder if Remy is rich?" I just laughed and cringed knowing that Mrs Hickle has already seen this. OH WELL..

Jed and I were arguing about driving ability or inability(Jokingly). Tessa in the back seat chimes in, "Be Careful Daddy, Mommy can spank you" Jed: "No, she cant". Tessa: "Well, she can put you in time-out" Jed: "No, she can't". Tessa: "Well, she can take away something fun." Jed: "Yes, she can do that". LOL!!!

At the breakfast table today I told Jed that we should skip buying him anymore contacts and just get surgery done on his eyes. This prompted a series of questions from Tessa about eyes and surgery that apparently we didn't answer to her satisfaction. Her little brain was percolating all day with questions about surgery and eyes. After dinner she followed up on her early line of questions as she was still trying to wrap her head around how a person could fix their eyes. Jed explained that in order to see well your eyes need to focus, and that his didn't focus right. Since this explanation wasn't helpful at all Jed tried an analogy. He reminded her that when she uses binoculars she has to turn the knob to make things not blurry, and that eyes work the same way. So Tessa said "Maybe we just need to turn your eyes" and proceeded to pull Jed's eyelids apart so she could get a good look at them. Next she explained "It looks like your eyes are upside down because the small little part is at the bottom and the big round part is at the top." Jed asked how she knew this meant the eyes were upside down. She replied "They should be like a pair of girls panties with the small part in front and the big part in the back". She went on to explain that since Daddy's eyes had the big round part at the top (front) and the narrow small part on the bottom (back) they were definitely upside down. I told her that was quite the analogy.. and we just laughed about how there little heads work. Now you all know how your eyes relate to little girls panties at least in Tessas mind.

Bella funnies:

Jed and I are in mid-conversation and Bella sitting beside Daddy and repetitively trying to interrupt and get his attention. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy DADDY!!!" (We have her tuned out!) She then reaches up with both hands grabs his face in her hands and turns his head to look at her and says "For Heavens Sake Daddy I need to talk to you"!! LOL, that stopped us. We never say that and have no clue whom does.

Bella has a seriously "stinky feet" problem. So, I washed her feet which didn't really help. The next day someone at school had brought in there Guinea Pigs, which apparently reminded her of her stinky feet. Seeing as later at the office that day she told Jed that her feet stunk like Guinea Pigs.

No new pics these days...Too Busy to take any. BAD MOMMY!!!

Wow, What a Weekend

2009-09-07T13:55:00.001-07:00

I awoke Sunday Morning to make a cake and brownies and then to church, from church to a Birthday Party, from Bday Party to Anniversary Party, from Anniversary Party to saying goodbye to family to CRASH. That was one busy Sunday. Today (Monday) is a bit calmer. Chuck E Cheese and to a BBQ for a bit.

I made a Tank Cake for Isaacs 10th Birthday. It turned out super cute, so I thought I would share pics. I even colored the inside of the cake like a green tank. I just thought I would share. He LOVED it. The moment he saw it he exclaimed "It is an A183 Abrams" Awesome. Or something like that, yeah that was what I intended...

On a side note: I realized I never posted first day of school pics. So here is the first couple of weeks of school. They are both loving it and have already seen improvements on the things Bella is learning and can do. SO exciting.

'Twas the Night Before School

2009-08-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Twas the night before school starts
The kids are in bed,
Not a peep, as they sleep like the dead.
The lunches are packed, backpacks wait by the door
New school clothes are laid out on the floor.

We are excited and ready for a brand new school year.

In other news: WOW, what a weekend. A birthday party, an anniversary, yard work, house work, several bike rides, and a catapult. (The only thing left is still my dirty car, aah oh well there is always the drive thru.)

Jed took me to the movies and dinner on Saturday for our 11th anniversary. I know this may sound lame and sappy (it was fun though) but we talked about where we had come from and where we thought we would be at at this time in our lives. Never happens like you think.:) We also told each other all the silly little things that we remembered and didn't remember about our Wedding Day and then tried to come up with one big stand out memory for each year of marriage we had. We made it to about the 4th or 5th year. Then we got to Gmas to pick up the kids and that ended that conversation. I dont know that we could have made it that much further. I may have to try and blog that for kicks. Anyway, we had a wonderful time and I can totally say just like all those other "Delilah Call Ins" I love him more today than the day I married him. We have grown so much and are great together, I LOVE YOU BABE!!

Sunday we had a Birthday Party for Jackson. He is 2 years old on the 17th. I made the most adorable little Monster trucks One Red and One Blue both with flames. It was a fun day, the cousins came over and we opened presents and played. They mostly wrestled. The cousins are all older and Uncle Jed gets carried away from time to time. But little Jack thought it was the best and that he was just as big as they were. Jackson got a new car and a tool set and best of all the next step up Booster Seat. No more hitting his head on the roof of the car everytime we load up. Whoo-Hoo!! Thanks Grandma!!! During Cake and Singing time, Jack sang to himself with us the whole time and then when he blew out his candle, he was so completely surprised and a bit scared. What happened!! I do not know how to describe the look on his face when the candle went out. It cracked us up. Jack and his "Fear Factor". Yet he is rough and tough and tumble all "cave" boy. Love him to pieces. Happy Birthday Jackson.

Last but not least "A Catapult"?? you ask! Well, you see Jed found out that we have a Zucchini Festival in Redding. This festival of sorts includes: A Biggest Zuke Prize, Zucchini Car Races, and A Zuccipult Contest to name a few. Jed quite intrigued tells Tessa we are going to enter that contest and build us a catapult. So he got the rules and using only scraps and supplies around the house he built a catapult. LOL, I love this about my hubby he is so funny he just throws something together on a whim. SO far in our test launches, the furthest launch has been just over two houses away. For those who are interested, the Zucchini Festival is this Saturday 10-4 @ Anderson River Park. We have alot to do on this Sat. Tessas first Soccer game @ 12:30 (GO RAMS!!), Registration for Zuccipult is @ 10 and Fantasy Football for Jed, but really does that one matter. J/K!!! Should be a fun day. Also, if anyone is interested there is a Soccer Parade - Opening Ceremony thing on Friday Night. The teams march it sounds like alot of fun. Dont know what/if there is cost for this but if you are interested I will find out in the next day or two!!

This one is for Auntie, Tessas new Haircut. I think I will take it just a touch shorter next time. :)

Yay Tessa...

2009-08-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Tessa can finally ride her bike. We have been attempting to teach her to ride for sometime. She really has had no interest in it, to the point it was almost pure force on our part. So, last night at dinner I told her "You know, you already know how to ride a bike. When daddy is helping you he is not really holding on to your seat. You just think he is. You just need to believe in yourself and do it." "Really" she says! She was also told "Riding a Bike is easier than swimming and you know how to swim, Don't you?" The next thing out of her mouth is "If I ride my bike tonight all by myself can we go get a Banana Split?" I said "If you ride your bike all by yourself I bet your grandma will take you for a Banana Split. So, off we went to Grandmas to try and ride our bike. She and Jed start out and when they come back down the road. Jed is walking along side a sweet smiling bike riding Tessa and she is telling us "I'm doing it, I'm doing it." We all cheered and she stops her bike and asks, "can we get a banana split now"? We all laughed and said she had to learn how to start herself off now. So we showed her how to setup her petals and go and she did. Then same thing stopping and asking for the Banana Split: we said OK you need to be able to turn around instead of stopping and turning you bike around. So she did, one turn and again, "Is it Banana Split time". We told her to do a couple more times while grandma got ready to go. So while she is doing her next turn and riding her bike, she is saying "man I'm good". When all said and done: I told her, If I had known it would only take a Banana split to get you to ride your bike I would have gotten you a banana split a long time ago. She said, "It wasn't the Banana Split, it was just believing and faith." SO happy and proud of you Tessa. I think the Banana Split didn't hurt any ;). The last thing she said to me before she went to sleep was, "Mom, can you and me go on a bike ride tomorrow. Just us?" So Sweet!! I love that little girl.
Tessa also has a loose top front tooth. I cant wait for that toothless grin. She could care less about wiggling it. She and Emily are in the same boat and I think they are going to have a race to see who can lose it first?

Other exciting things from our weekend: The girls got to have a sleepover. After Rylees Birthday, Emily and Ally and blanklies and animals and sleeping bags came over for a sleepover. It was so stinkin cute. I think my favorite part about watching my own child go to a sleepover and others come to my house, is the stuff they bring. In this case I know there mom and I talked earlier about what to bring. But it really is just so cute to see these little girls all loaded down with their stuff and their eyes just lit up. I love the feeling of that many kids in my house. It is so much fun. Don't get me wrong I am not having more kids of my own but sleepovers are a blast. The only sad part is having to be the enforcer and telling them all that is enough giggling or playing and to go to sleep at least 30 times. LOL...

One more thing, (First you should know dinner time at my house right now is just plain awful, Jack and Bella eat nothing and whine about it the whole time) Bella last night amongst her whining. (she had already been sent to her bed once and she is now back at the table, we are eating kabobs and Alfredo) anyway she is whining about how she doesn't like noodles and so I told her to eat her meat. She tells us how she doesn't like the red meat. Fine eat the other one. "I don't like brown meat either." As she picks up each individual piece of steak. "Oh, but I like this brown piece." Jed and I just had to laugh. Dinner was finally over.

Bella Funnies...

2009-08-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Bella says: "You married daddy?"
Me: Yes
B: Was it fun?
Me: Yes it was actually.
B: I'm gonna marry Ally!
B: Tomorrow.
B: Please!
B: Will you come?
B: Yay Yay Yay.

I think she misses Ally. :)

Cannonballs, Chicken Fights, Yummy Food and Fireworks

2009-07-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

I know this is late, I was waiting on pics from Ray. Thanks. Enjoy!

Penny and Ray were up for a visit and we spent much too much time invading Rays Moms Home. (Thanks Jessee & Ray) We were over there for about 5 hours a day every day for the last three days. Tessa proved her ability to swim, she did Cannonball and Belly Flop and Jack Knife one after the other over and over and over. "Princess" Bella laid on a raft and demanded we push her around the pool and faster at that. Jack wanted to "juh aah" (jump off) the whole time we were there. He would get out and then sit down and basically slide into the pool off the edge. It all really made me want a pool, watching how much fun they were all having. I always said no pools until they are all much bigger and now I can see where it would be nice. I am talking like that is even an option when it is not. Anyway, back to my original headline. The other thing that happened was Ray and Jed launching Tessa and Isaac off of their shoulders across the pool. So that inspired Penny and I to get back into the pool and have a chicken fight. SO me on Jeds shoulders and Penny on Rays shoulders, chicken fighting. I remember chicken fights those being much shorter. Penny and I were "duking it out" for a long time. Penny yelling "Oh my gosh Ray, She is Freakishly Strong". In the end there leverage was enough to dump me into the water. Ray has probably 3 inches on Jed and Penny has 4 inches on me.
When all said and done, as we are reviewing the pictures taken of this Chickenfight. Penny says Lets not ever do this again. In return I said, I was thinking of more like a rematch tomorrow. Jed and Ray both said NO WAY, their necks hurt and they ended up way closer than two men are apparently comfortable with.
Then we met up with friends for a BBQ and we had a very nice time and ate some yummy food. Jed was even able to help (a little) finishing a project for them. It looked really nice when all done. Then we walked into the civic to watch the fireworks, we weren't too sure about Jackson and Bella being able to handle it. Well, Bellas reaction was to cover her ears and shake in terror, giving up about half way through the show to go to sleep. Jackson just buried his face into your shoulder or chest and flinched at every bang.

There are so many fun things you can do to a photograph with Picasa.

10 Things I Love about Summer...

2009-07-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

1. Going to the Coast
2. Soaking up some Rays
3. the smell of someone BBQing if not BBQing ourselves
4. Park Time and Waterslides/Pool time with my kiddos
5. Staying up late
6. Refreshing Iced Tea
7. Home Grown Tomatoes...Ok all home grown veggies
8. Sunsets
9. Childhood Memories...Summer always makes me think back to the fun times and things I did as a child. Like camping with my grandparents @ Hat Creek and going to the coast with my parents and making Ice Cream at Family Reunions at Grannys. I could make this a whole other blog. My 10 Favorite Childhood Memories or those Stories told at the very least.
10. The urge and thrill of spontaneity. Summer is when we have the least commitments and we can and do leave if we want to. Although with my recent return to work, not as much but in past we have definitely taken advantage of the spontaneity of summer.

"Crystal Rainbow Daisies"

2009-06-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tessa got her ears pierced on Saturday and she chose "Crystal Rainbow Daisies". They were the cheapest earring on there. (Stainless Steel Post...I started in those, should be fine) She constantly reminds me: "Mom, we need to put the solution on my ears" and "oh, mom we need to twist them" and the first thing she tells everybody is without even telling them she got her ears pierced is: "I got Crystal Rainbow Daisies". Chatterbox Tessa told the lady among other things, that her friend Emily got her ears pierced and she wants to be just like Emily. SO CUTE!!! She looks adorable and is very excited she has earrings. So, then we were looking around the store some after and the only earrings she picked out in addition were the danglys. SHE DID NOT and WILL NOT GET THE DANGLYS!! Anyway, she did very well. Not even a tear or welled up tears in her eyes I assumed she would tear up, guess she is getting bigger. Guess I was worried about nothing. It was so much fun to watch her reaction to the first one, the second was a little more of a grimaced face but I couldn't catch it on camera. Bella was with us and begged but she got clip on earrings and was super happy with them. (Thanks to Grandma, for Bellas clip ons)

My New Fixture..... He is smart too.

2009-06-28T07:14:00.001-07:00

Well, after Jed scaling the walls every night for hours on end just to get one channel in. and watching a program on channel 9 about making your own antenna. He set to work. He found some wire in the garage and stripped it down to get the copper out of it. (Turns out it isn't copper wire, it is copper colored though) Who cares, it works way better than the $30 worth of antennas that we have purchased thus far. Then he bought a $5 transponder piece and set to work. He was working on this project while I was out doing something and kids were asleep. He needed washers but due to me and the kids he couldn't go and get them, so he drilled some pennies (again the copper thought) and used them as washers. LOL, so funny and ingenuous. He was even able to mount it in the rafters in the garage and run it through the dish wiring (Thanks DISH) so that it comes out the jack in the living room no more (well just the one) cords running all around my fireplace. YAY!!! And now we get all the stations in clear and I get to return $30 worth of antennas. Yee-Hah. Thanks Honey!! Just thought I should share Jeds ability and creativity with you, also in case any of you are also challenged by the new TV reception. It is a super easy project and apparently works very well.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

To: Uncle Ray From: Tessa

2009-06-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pics of the kids playing in the backyard for some summertime fun. They sure would be better pics if someone would lend me their real nice Camera. :) Hope everyone enjoys even though they are on request from Uncle Ray..

My New Fixture...Isn't it adorable.

2009-06-15T10:49:00.001-07:00

Within the last two weeks we got rid of our Dish Network. They raised our rates to $45 a month and neither Jed nor I were willing to pay that for TV!!! So bye bye. Then I realized we lost our DVR with canceling our satellite. I didnt think about that part. Oh well, we are making do without the DVR. Anyway, point is that with the new digital TV transition; we got our new convertor box and some rabbit ears. What we didn't know was that Jed would get to be the new fixture in our home. He is the Human Antenna, and NO you cant use him. He is mine and he is the best looking set of "rabbit ears" I have ever owned. :) Seriously though we are having a terrible time trying to get in all the stations at once. We have 7,9,12 & 24. All of which have pretty much nothing on them at the times we watch TV. But channels 21 and 38 (those are their old station numbers) will not come in without Jed being "spidey". These two channels have all the stupid old reruns that we would watch. Needless to say we have been playing alot of cards and/or dice. And oddly enough some of the chores that I keep putting off are getting done. Nice thing about nothing to watch. Thanks honey for your antenna efforts and you truly are the best looking set of "rabbit ears" we have ever had.

STILL FRUSRATED in "rabbit ear" land. One minute it works one minute it doesn't.

For those of you inquiring: What is wrong with Jacks head, we have been back to the Dr. again and this time because as the swelling has gone down some of the way. There has been this huge dent in his head kinda around the edges of the diameter of the mostly squishy part of his head. It is still really large and there is no bruise or bite mark or anything. SO, with the new dent and such a big dent they decided to go against "protocol" and Xray his head. That was fun, making a child stand perfectly still let alone with the Xray machine making spooky noises. Well, after 4 X-rays we decided enough exposure and they would have to work with that. Nothing wrong with it, all normal. The dent is probably just from whatever he hit(or it is from the fall off the ladder and the swelling just didnt develop until later, which seems to be highly unlikely). Just amazing that he didnt come crying when he did whatever it is he did do. Jack acts just like Jack still. All boy, rough and tumble and as loud as ever.

Traumatized: both Mommy and Jack

2009-06-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Due to a weird head injury and needing to keep an eye on the changes in Jacks scalp it was a very traumatic morning. I cried for a long time and didn't know what I had done. I made my sweet little red headed boy look somewhat like a cancer patient. NO, not really but at first glance that is what I thought. It has taken me all day but he does look cute it was just a major mommy adjustment. SO without further ado...the new Jackson:

Before:

After: (Notice on the right side of Jacks head it is a little bit (ok a lot) bulgy.)

Birthday Pics as promised...

2009-06-10T09:29:00.001-07:00

Present Time

Bella enjoying Birthday Ice Cream

Jack also enjoying Birthday Ice Cream

Tessa "all dolled up" for her Birthday and School!

Going Private...Sorry...Maybe Temporary

2009-06-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances I am having to make my blog private. Hopefully it is only temporary but who knows. Just thought I would give you all the heads up, so you arent shocked when you try and click on it.

June 2, 2002

2009-06-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

7 years later...

A few funnies Tessa said on her birthday:

On the way to school in the morning: "hmm, I wonder if my fifth grade buddy will say Happy Birthday to me". "Every time I see my fifth grade buddy I have a gleam in my eye for him. I'm not sure why but everytime I see him I just sigh. Not like I am out of breath, just a sigh like: aaahhh." "He is a real nice boy mom."
AAAAHHHHH!!! I really just laughed at her, silly girls.

"So, today is just my pretend Birthday and we are just going to have a party tomorrow on my real Birthday." No matter how I word it she cant figure out that her birthday doesn't change it is always June 2nd and we just have a party on a different day.

She went to school all dolled up for her 7th birthday: she wore her fancy purple easter dress and heels. We curled her hair all up. She looked adorable.
For her Birthday dinner she wanted Pizza and Ice Cream. We picked up pizza (cheese and pineapple) went home and then later went to Baskin Robbins with Grandma and Papa. (Thanks Grandma and Papa for the Ice Cream) Tessa got Pop Rock Swirl Ice Cream, it literally has pop rocks in it. Kinda' weird to eat ice cream and have pop rocks poppin' off in your mouth.

Pictures to come later my computer is fried....a friend is building us a new one. THANK YOU CARL...

Every Year since 2nd grade...

2009-06-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Every year since 2nd grade I can remember the first week of June and every school party we ever had whether it was WaterWorks Park, the Lake or any other outdoor party for that matter getting rained on and turning cool. If it is the first week of June, it is gonna rain. Crazily it heats up in May and then the first week of June: rain, and then from there on look out. The heat rolls in...It is just funny to think back on all the years that my school parties were cool and/or rainy and now watching Tessas parties be cool.

Our Soccer Star...

2009-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Spring Soccer Season is over. Tessa had fun, we think. She did improve a ton and states she wants to play again. However there were times she was more social star than soccer star. She is very adorable in her uniform and standing out there in the field waving at whoever has come to watch her game. Towards the end of the season she paid more attention to the game and where the ball was. Even ended up getting in on the action a little more. I was really wishy washy on whether or not we should sign her up for fall soccer but with the improvements that she made, we decided to sign her up. I thought we should do them back to back seasons this time and see what she can do and then depending upon her we will switch to fall soccer annually. It is 4 weeks longer of a season which will give her more time to learn. She was one of the youngest on her team this year too. So, without further ado: Tessa our Soccer Star:

Check out the determination on her face, SO CUTE!!

Nice tongue hangin' out!!!

In Tessas Opinion...

2009-05-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

T: "Miss Jamie and I are alot alike, ya know."
Me: "Oh, how is that?"
T: "We are both Thin"
"We both like Pizza"
"We both like Emily"
"so, you see we are both alike!!!"
Me: "Yes I do see!!"

LOL-All of my children are really in love with Miss Jame these days. Jack runs into her arms when he sees her and reaches for her to hold him when I am holding him. Bella begs to go to Miss Jamies house, although she has an ulterior motive: Ally!! And now Tessa is just like Miss Jamie. Apparently they LOVE YOU, Miss Jamie. Thanks for being so great to them.

The garden is in...

2009-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Spring is so much fun, I love spring cleaning and gardening and making everything look all fresh and new. However, now that the garden is in and some areas of the lawn have been reseeded and all the dirt that Jed has stirred up my spring cleaning has just gotten much harder to keep up with. Those darned children of mine and their muddy shoes/feet. Tessa and Bella are really good about taking there shoes off before coming in most of the time. Jack on the other hand, keeps muddying my floors. I really need to clean my carpets, part of the spring cleaning. Time has just not allowed. Although if I would have gone home instead of out with friends the other night or the gym, maybe I could have gotten to the carpets then. Oh, well!!! Point is: The garden is in and this summer we should be enjoying some yummy fresh vegetables and herbs. I am sure we will have an abundance, so if you dont have a garden and abundance yourself always check with us to see if we have any extras. We planted: Squash, Zucchinni, Bell Pepper, Tomato(roma & big boys), Jalapeno and Fresno Peppers(HOT), Lemon Cucumber, Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Basil, and Onion Chives. My granny always makes her iced tea with some mint in it. Iced Green Tea with a sprig of mint, mmmmm. :)
Thanks Jed for working so hard and doing all that dirt work to get out yard looking so much better and our garden in.

Also some cute kid pictures for you. ....

Just one of the perks....

2009-05-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

When I talked to Jed this am, one of the first things he says to me is I want a Donut so bad. He resisted the urge, but was quite upset in general when I told him of my breakfast: Sausage/Egg Casserole, Melon and Fruit, French Toast. Probably 1-2x a week, there will have been some sort of catered am meeting and if not in the am there will be snacks/lunch floating around. This does not include any cakes that come through for celebrating anything from patient advocacy to Asian Week. FYI: I hardly ever partake in the extra food that is around, seeing as I have usually just finished my own lunch or breakfast and with about an 80% success rate I manage to avoid the cakes. Anyway, today was one of the days were free breakfast came our way. It is just one of the perks of the job. They come and get you, you get to drop everything and go get some food.

Kinda crazy, the private world is sooooo different. I wish I was able to "be the fly on the wall" in this place and video tape all the different dynamics happening at once. I really am loving working again: fun to just sit there and watch all the aforementioned dynamics happening, the free food, the nothing to do but IM with friends, surf the internet. This is getting fun. I am managing to become accustomed to being this bored. LOL, this is how "true" govt workers get made. Oh well, when the Dr comes back I will not have these luxuries.

Stinkin' Weird Kids!!!!!!

2009-05-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently my neighbor has pets other than dogs and cats...

We get out of the car yesterday and my neighbor is standing on his front lawn. Tessa says "Hi, who are you?" He tells her his name and says that he lives here. She says, "oh, what are you doing?" He walks over to chat and says that he is letting his pet get some exercise. No pet in sight, as far as we can see. He says see he is over there in the grass with his head raised up. It is a snake. A python snake. Lucky me, it happened to be Snake Day at school too. So, in talking with him he asks if he can bring his snake over for the kids to see. I said sure. So, this snake is as big around as my arm and longer than my legs. It is now crawling around my children and they are petting it and loving all of it. WHY ME!!! I don't hate it and I'm not truly scared of it maybe more nervous. However, for a minute when the snake was slithering around Jacks feet I was a bit scared. I was not so much scared of the snake, but more that Jack would take off at lightning speed (normal Jack speed) and step on or startle the snake and make it angry. Bella had picked a small handful of flowers and gave them to the man telling him they were for him. He said Thanks and fed them to his snake. She laughed and said "Mama that silly snake ate his flowers". They were definitely all entranced. He tells us he has two more snakes in the house and also an iguana. One of his other snakes is red with a black and white checkered belly. At least I know whom to call if I find a snake at my house. He did bring out his iguana for the kids to pet and see. He walks his iguana on a leash. We are not talking a small iguana here. He was huge, longer than I am tall and bigger around than Jeds arm. YUCK on that one, he is ugly; snakes are better than he is. He brings them all out to roam around the yard for some exercise. Which now means anytime this gentleman is outside I will be having to get out the "cattle prod" to get my children inside.

I wish I had had my camera I would have gotten a picture of how entranced the kids were but I did not, so I will leave you with the thought that the Wilburn Children are terrified of Cats and Dogs but fascinated by Snakes!! Go figure?!?

Hours of Fun

2009-04-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jed and I took the kids to the carnival at the mall on Sunday. It was there last day and no one was there. Other than being a bit warm we had a blast watching the kids go over and over and over again. Tessa was big enough for all of the rides but little Bella could ride when accompanied by a responsible adult. So in a "carnies" eyes, apparently Tessa is a responsible adult. Fine by me, I didn't want to pay anymore money and They had a blast, but I just thought it funny that my 6 year old was the responsible accompaniment for Bella. Anyway, we went to the fair at about 4 rode some rides for an hour or so, then went inside the mall to cool off and get more affordable drinks and of course donuts for a snack. (The Wilburn children don't think you can go to the mall without getting donuts) Grandma came and rescued poor Jack from the heat and his jealousy (over not getting to ride). Hit the rides again, until 7pm. They had a blast and it was fun to watch their faces light up again and again. The last half hour or so, Tessa ran into a friend from school and they had some fun together. We followed our eveing up with Pizza @ Luigis across the way. What a fun family night. Some of the pics, you can barely see them because the ride was faster than the camera. :)

No more Easter Chocolate...

2009-04-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is kinda late but: We had a very nice Family Easter and I hope you all did too. Did anyone notice how adorable my children looked on Eater Sunday. I loved Tessas easter outfit. She is my "glitzy" girl, if it has a rhinestone, she wants it, and the bigger the better. Bellas little dress seemed kinda Old Fashioned to me, (not my favorite) but she loved it and looked adorable in it. She picked it out all by herself and just walked around saying "Little Roses" while petting the roses on the bodice of her dress. Jack, sweet handsome little boy in cute plaid, who can complain. For our afternoon, we went to the park for a couple of hours with Jeds family and then to dinner at my moms. Just ate and hung out, what more can you ask for on Sunday. We talked about working in the yard but decided against it. The kids really didnt get much in the way of an Easter Basket. They got a chocolate bunny and some sunglasses. They were thrilled and that is what counts. I do have to sya though, that Jack becomes a mad man on a "Chocolate High". I had been letting them have a bit of their Chocolate for dessert (after dinner) the last couple of nights. NO MORE, Jack seems to be wired after eating chocolate. Two nights in a row of nobody staying in bed or asleep before 10pm is way more than this mommy can take. It is odd even though, I am not with them all day these days. Bedtime still comes and I am still ready for them to be asleep and leave me alone. I love them to death, but that is wind down time (which means laundry and TV) for me and to bed you must go somewhere between 7 and 8 and no later!! POINT OF THIS POST IS NO MORE EASTER CHOCOLATE!!!

Insane..

2009-04-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

F/T Childcare $1100.00 a month.
Rent $950.00

That is all of my income what about the rest of my bills. I don't want to have to go through not being able to pay my bills, let alone ever again. But seriously how insane is it that childcare is more than my rent.

A huge THANK YOU to all my friends and family for your willingness to help us out until we can get on our feet and figure a way to pay that awful amount for childcare. I owe each and everyone of you so much, you have no idea.

Too much for me...

2009-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, you all have moved onto facebook. I am staying right here. Facebook is way too much work for me. I have way too much to do at home and work and in life in general to keep up with it. I may check in with all of you facebookers occasionally but count me out on a daily/hourly basis. If you want to keep up with me, this blog, email or IM will be the way to do that. Have fun you crazy facebooking kids!!

Long time no blog....

2009-03-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Jack is doing so much new these days. If he is talking or babbling, he is actually saying something but you probably have to be mommy or grandma to figure it out. :) A few of the things he is saying are: dner(dinner), sit(also means dinner), puh-puh (puppy), daw (dog), kkk (kitty), whoo-whoo (train, Tessa is as clear as a bell and Beh-YA (Bella which is only yelled as loud as he can yell), Ieee(Ally), I-ic(Isaac), those last two are very hard to differentiate. My two personal favorites are: I caaa(I cant) and I wan su to(I want some too) He is rather entertaining. A jumpin' machine, he tries to jump off of anything and is getting really close to landing it with both feet all the time. Right now his jumps are about a 75% landing. He is so loud and rowdy. Deathly afraid of cats and dogs. I don't know what I do to my kids but they are not animal lovers. It is almost tempting me to get a dog so that I can teach them to not be afraid of them. I personally don't think it is good for them to be completely "freaked out" like they are when an animal barks within a one mile radius of us. They don't have to love animals but not running from them would be a plus. Jack is also a big scaredy cat about other things like a "new" slide, I say "new" because if he has been to it before it is ok but if it a new park same size slide it is no longer safe and he is scared of it. Or there is the leaves blowing along the ground behind him, he loves to crunch through the fallen leaves on the ground (best noise ever to him, huge grin) but if one follows to closely, look out. There is one other pic in this blog of Granma trying to show Jack how the big girls were rolling down the hill. He desperately wanted to roll down the hill but could not figure it out and the moment my mom would try to show him he would turn into stiff Jack and be mad cause you were forcing him to do something when he was trying to learn how to roll down the hill.

Tessa is student of the week this week and for this they fill out a little questionnaire. So the other morning as I am dropping her off at school, before she even brought the questionnaire home. She says as she is kissing me goodbye mommy on my student of the week paperwork. I have to tell of the person I admire the most and it is you. She then turns around and runs to school. Talk about making a mommy's day. So sweet. When the paperwork was filled out She admired me the most because I am beautiful and I help her with things. For those of you who know Tessa, this means I took a huge step up in her life. (not really, well kinda) She is a major "Daddy's Girl". As most of you know she has also started soccer. Tessa is on the "raiders", they played in their first game last Thursday. Due to time constraints we get there at 545 game is at 6. We told Tessa to run over to her coach and get on the field. Next thing we know, Tessa has face black on. LOL, this coach is into it, to say the least. They won and she was very excited. She comes running across the field and yells: "Guess what?, We won!!" So much fun. She got a really "rowdy" coach. Her coach is teaching them alot and Tessa is kinda behind everyone else, being her first year playing and missing all of the first few practices due to being sick. But in no time at all will be catching on. She was absolutely adorable in her little uniform and face paint. Next week her coach wants all attending family and friends to wear black. Like a little mini raider nation. LOL. What did we get involved in.

So funny, how over time you think. WOW my kids are so much alike yet so different. Well, I can honestly (finally) say Bella and Tessa are so different. In past I have always teetered back and forth on that, some days they were so alike and other days they were not. Now, Bella is very much into copying the things her sister will do, but in reality Bella is going to be my "true teenager". This scares me a bit, she is also "the baby" of the family. Those two things combined could make for a very dramatic teenage years. I love the fact that Bella is always just singing a little tune to herself and doing her own little thing and sitting upside down on furniture while eating her snack. Or just talking on the phone to no one.
I remember Tessa at this age playing so well by herself, like Bella is now. But Bella is vocal about it. Tessa always played quietly to herself. Bella may be in the other room playing quietly, but her toys and she are having a conversation. There is also all the teenage remarks like, Bella was riding in the car without her car seat and I said "Bella you look so little in their without your seat" she says, in her Valley Girl Tone, "mo-om, I Big, I not little". Tooooo Cute. "Yes, Bella, I know you are a big girl." The list of silly "valley girl" or "teeny-bopper" remarks that come out of a three year olds mouth are never-ending and hilarious to say the least.

I have a new little sweet neice, named Abby. I have only seen her a handful of times and miss going to see her so so so much. My hubby still hasn't got to meet her, CRAZY BUSY lives. I just wanted to tell everyone how cute she is and that she has an adorable big sister Anna who is adjustin gto this neww little sister in her life. Lucky little girls, to have each other.

In other news, I just got a Cinnamom Dolce Latte and Scones delivered to me for Breakfast. YUMMY!! Thanks Honey, I am full now!! Today, I am another day older and life goes on: DMV, soccer practice, softball game and work. Whoo-Hoo....

Jeds ears are Bleeding...

2009-03-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

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Earlier in the week, Jed had made the statement "my ears are bleeding" I just laughed and said I understood. Bella has figure out how to talk. Tessa was never this big of a talker. She would say what she had to say and that was that. Bella likes to just ramble and personally I think that Bella has a higher pitched and tone of voice. Bella is also a big repeater. OVER & OVER & OVER again, she will tell you the same thing or ask the same thing no matter what the response or answer. I am glad that Jed is experiencing this aspect of raising our children. He knew she talked more than Tessa but until he has gotten to play so much MR Mom (due to my return to work) he is getting a whole new dose of his wonderful daughter Bella. I think it is good for him, I just hope it doesn't do permanent damage to his poor poor ears. LOL

Our new Silverware:

2009-02-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Dinner was so easy, why had I not thought of letting them eat with toothpicks before. They all three ate their whole dinner. Jack ate meat (HAM) which is very unusual. He is not really into the meat that much. Bella ate her pancake which she hasn't eaten a pancake in a couple of months and Tessa was just excited to eat ham on a stick. WOO-HOO!! It's always the little things in life.

Bella turned 3

2009-02-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well, Bella is my 3 year old now. Looking back at all the things that Tessa started doing at this age and knowing what is to come. Is alot of fun. I didnt really think about it in advance "oh this or that stage is next" when Tessa was little we just lived every moment as it came. So this is actually alot of fun for me with Bella. I am excited to see how she begins doing all of these beginning big kid things. I remember Tessa starting these things and what she did next and am looking forward to watching Bella start this chapter of her life.

Yes I know I never posted the above age change Birthday Party yet, just lazy I guess. NO excuse just havent gotten there. We had a Dragontales cake and a very small Party with our friends. Well as small as it gets when everybody has kids. Bella for three days before her Birthday just kept asking "Is my birday cake here yet?" She didnt really want to know anything about her "birday" unless it was about the "birday cake". Thanks everyone for the gifts and for making Bellas "birday" special. So here are some pictures from Bellas third Birthday. Getting so big!!

Haircuts all around...

2009-02-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

I know this is old and you have all seen Jack with his haircut. But I looked at my blog and I noticed that the last time I put pics of my kids on here was January
5th, I guess with going to work I only have time to write and not add the pics.

So, Grandma takes all the grandkids for haircuts. Everybodys hair is awful, except mine(Thanks Tricia). Jack was in dire need of his haircut. Bella, well we are growing hers out and it is, just a long process. I have no idea what to do with such fine and so little hair. Mine and even Tessas is super thick and lots of it. Tessa has ten times more bangs than she needs so we are growing half of them out.

Jack now looks adorable, although now that we cut his hair. It is growing thick on the top first again so he still has that kinda mohawk looking thing and I cant spike the rest of it to match the thick middle portion because it falls right to the middle it is too heavy there. Good thing he looks cute just the way he is. :)

Bella looks the same but still darling. Jed and I actually like the look she has right now with it hanging over her one eye. It brings back many fond memories of my childhood. A story about me (by my dad): When I was really young my hair would hang in my face and so he nicknamed me "sheepdog". As I got older it stuck and it stuck so much that in 4th grade, when writing your name on your paper. I would actually write: Jennifer Dusty Moore Sheepdog. I knew no different and my parents and teacher got a big kick out of it. I still remember it and now looking at little Bella with her hair hanging in her face am loving that memory.

Tessa Quote of the Day

2009-02-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

"They slow me down"

The conversation went like this: Me: Tessa put your socks and tennies on. (she pulls out her worn out, dirty, awful old tennies) Me: Why don't you ever wear your new reebok tennies instead of those old groase ones. T: "They slow me down." LOL, go figure.

Family Randomness...

2009-02-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

A conversation Tessa and I had in the car on our way home from awanas.
T: "I wish I could be a grown up!" "Whats it like, being a grown up?" Me: Chuckling more than anything and about to answer what being a grown up is like when Tessa says."Is it frustrating and annoying with all those kids?" Me: Out and Out laughing now, no answer can top that.

Today was Tessas Valentines party. I left work and went for awhile, seeing as there is noone at work but me and as usual "I am BORED". So anyway, back to the party. I am handing the kids there food as they go through the line and tell me what they would like. Here are their options: Vege Plate and Ranch. Meat and Cheese tray. Strawberries, Apples, Blueberries, Grapes and Oranges. Lofthouse cookies. Pretzels.
Ok, there were 20 cookies and 20 students. 10 cookies left at the end of the party. The kids came back for 2nds and 3rds and turned down cookies. The weirdest stuff was that the kids wanted the tomatoes off the vege plate and the oranges werent even touched and the rest of the veges and fruit were all gone but 10 leftover cookies. Tessa was not one of the cookie decliners. Who can blame her. I just thought it was so odd, I would share it with you.

I am getting the oil changed on my car today, as well as a couple of other maintenance things. $$$ Money, Money, Money.... I need to get our truck fixed so that we can be a 2 car family. Jamie and Mike were kind enough to let us borrow there car while they were out of town, wow what a difference it has made on getting to work in the am. Don't get me wrong everybody wtill has to get up earlier than they are used to or want to. But too not have to load everybody up to take me to work is really nice. The other nice thing is getting home earlier in the evening, I walk to Jeds office after work which puts me getting home about 545 or 6 after kid pickup instead of the 5 15 I should be getting home at. And getting out for lunch to be around other adults instead of my little office that I am already in way more than I want to be. Lunch was ok by myself when the weather was warmer and I could walk around the block a couple of times. Now, I am missing out on lunch and evening walking but I am grateful for the use of their car either way. (wow that was way rambleeee)

I want to see Penny and Ray very much, I miss there company. They came up a couple of times close together lately and it makes it so much more real that they arent around.

My sister in law: Shamron is helping me out so much by watching my kids two days a week. She wants to go back to work so so so bad. I hope for her sake she does and for mine she doesn't. Is that ok to hope negatively in someone elses favor?

THANK YOU to Jamie, Kristen(and Tim) and Leslie to for all your help watching my kids. I dont know what I would do without you. Someday I hope to be able to repay you guys appropriately for this.

Jackson is so sweet these days. He will refuse to talk, but boy does he have the expressions down. His version of "please": cock his head to one side and smile real shy like and then softly coo. It works like a charm. Even works on others other than mommy. When he actually does try to talk and say words. He is quiet or at least a normal tone instead of the yelling that he does when he is trying to tell you something that he wants. EDIT: The words that he has mastered are now just as loud as the yelling. So much for hoping he would be quieter. He has all of a sudden started talking or trying more again. Yesterday I am sitting in one chair and Jack is trying to climb into the chair next to me. He attempts and fails, turns to me and says "I caa" in a disgusted, help me, pleaing voice. LOL After repeating this three times, mama caved and helped him into the chair that he CAN climb into any day of the week. Bella walks around saying "I Cant" all the time. Why do they pick up on the negatives so much faster than the positives. Also, if he comes running across the room with something in hand, he is usually yelling "lu da" or "look dad". He is actually making the appropriate sounds but is not interested in enunciating anything.

Bella is so into "baby this or that" for example: when the TP roll gets low, not out, just low. Then it is a "baby TP roll". When you put the new TP roll on it is a "mama TP roll".

Every day when we go to brush Bellas hair it is a fight. She likes to get it cut at the hair shop but forget the daily hair care. Anyway, she is really into telling us "My hair looks pretty just like this", or "it's suppossed to to be like this". NO it is NOT suppossed to look like you just rolled out of bed all day long.

The princess and the popcron kernel...

2009-02-07T19:32:00.001-08:00

By the above title one would assume I was speaking of one of the girls. However, in this instance it is I that was the Princess. Just as in the princess and the pea...
I can understand the damage that a tiny little pea or (popcorn kernel) can do. I knelt down next to my hope chest to open it and serach for something. In neeling down there was a binder on the floor next to where I positioned myself. BAM just like that I am now lying on my back knowing I did not land on that binder but what the heck just shot into my knee cap. I was rolling on the ground in pain on my back and yes a curse word or two may have left my mouth. IT REALLY HURT!!! Still, unsure what has happened and standing beside me Jed is asking, "Did you hit the binder". I managed to utter "popcorn kernel". He helped me up and at this point he began hysterically laughing. One would think a single kernel of popcorn is not this damaging. At this point I pulled up the leg of my pants to show the dent that was embedded in my knee. Seriously the whole kernel had entered my knee and left an impression on the whole kernel. Not just a shallow round dent. Torturous pain, although Jed did find it rather amusing. SO, that is the story of "The princess and the popcorn kernel"...

Stories of "Damsel" Bella

2009-02-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

Bella has a new nickname per Daddy: "Damsel". She is his Damsel in Distress. She had a very distressing problem tonight. She is our bravest and toughest kid thus far but when you drop a 15 lb weight on your toe it really really hurts and you get deemed the "damsel". She wore herself out crying. She is kinda dramatic about the real owies.

Bella keeps asking me where is Kessa? I am saddened by this. It means the name "Sissy" is being retired and unfortunately Jack not only already calls them Teeaa and Ella but will not ever call one of them sissy because of the needing to differentiate between the sissys. SO both Bella and Jack are done with the "sissy" name. I wonder if Tessa will miss it?

On a side note:
Still bored at work and well maybe I am not so "in the game" of Biggest Loser after all. I have been getting really bad headaches at work and they seem to go away when I eat really "bad for you" foods.

Jed is the best "Mr. Mom/Chiropractor" I know. I try to have as much done as possible the night before and in the morning before I leave but it is still crazy and I didn't put dinner in the crock pot last night. So today at lunch instead of the norm which is picking up the kids and Tessa and delivering to the afternoon location. I had such a terrible headache that he had to pick me up at 12:00 adjust me and then do all the norm with getting me lunch and returning me by 1:00. As if this isn't enough he managed to make dinner: pork carnitas in the crock pot, all the veges cut up and ready to add to the dinner upon arrival home and then the sides all out and lined up. I guess these are all things I used to do in a lunch hour but I didn't know he could do it. Poor guy, there is no going back once you show your talents and multi-tasking abilities you are relied on for life. Thanks for being so helpful babe.

Takin' Care.....

2009-02-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

...of Business. There you go Joel, hope you get this one stuck too. So anyway, work is going well. The best part about going to work, is wearing some of my old clothes that haven't been worn in some time. Mommy attire isn't that much different but still a nice change. Truth be told it is slow and I am bored already. I knew the job before I got here and there are a few things that I could be trained on but mostly know all of the equipment. I am having fun seeing the old faces, they are all so welcoming back. Not what I expected but nonetheless it is good. The mornings have been crazy busy to get here but the kids are doing well. I am sure they are going to be more tired seeing as I have to wake them a half hour earlier than they are used to in order to get out the door. Jed is being a huge help, he fixed dinner while I had kid time last night up on arriving home. I know he has the "Mr. Mom" title now, seeing as I go to work so early. It is up to him to get Tessa to school and Jack and Bella need Breakfast and then to their appropriate sitter. Then picking up Jack and Bella at midday transferring to the afternoon sitter and then Tessa from school also fitting lunch in there. Then back to work. I get off at 4 45 I walk to Jeds office and then from there I will go get the kids and then back to the office for Jed. Home we go. It sounds crazy but so far it is pretty easy, but like I said Jed has it harder than I do. I am just kickin' it here at work: "Takin' care of Business".

Tonight will be more interesting. The kids after not seeing me all day get to not see me again due to Women's Group and the Gym. By the way, Biggest Loser People: Look out I am comin'. I am in the game, FINALLY.

HI HO HI HO...

2009-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

...Its off to work I go. HI HO HI HO HI HO. Pray my nerves about returning to work away and that this wont be too hard on my kids. I know they won't notice for a week or two but ya know.

Here is the amendment...

2009-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

Jack with Scissors.... at Jamies Request and definitely a blog story.

So, the girls left the desk drawer open which allowed Jack to get to the scissors. He comes around the corner into the kitchen carrying the scissors point down with both hands one on each side of the scissors. Holding them close into his chest the point is at about Belly Button height. They easily open and close, he is having a blast. His shirt is now in the scissors, with a little hole in it. I run to get the scissors and check his shirt and tummy. No harm done, very small hole. Oh wait, there is a little nick on the "outie" belly button. Reason # ___ to not have an outie. LOL He never complained but really cutting off your "outie" is an extreme measure to go to.

So, as you can tell I am not that fond of "outie's", well I guess I should say I wasn't that fond of them. I now can't imagine Jack without his Belly Button the way it is and the way God made him.

A smattering of stuff...

2009-01-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

SLEEP?!?!?!:

One would think I would be cheering, seeing as my children all slept last night and are on the mend. However, my body is much more accustomed to broken up sleep patterns. I went to bed at midnight (normal time) and then everybody slept. It is so unusual. I shouldn't say that, they go thru spurts for a few months they will all sleep great. Then for a month they all get up until about 4 am. I don't go to bed any earlier most of the time, because if I do I feel exhausted. I don't know why but I am definitely one of those that if I get too much sleep I am oh so groggy and exhausted. I will admit on the nights that no one gets up getting up in the morning is easier but i just have this looming groggy feeling all day.

My Recipe For Success:.
You start your day with a cookie and a LARGE Pepsi. Skip all snacks and move on to lunch with the low fat Nachos.(Recipe to Follow) Again skip all snacks and think about the gym. In the end choose shopping instead of the gym. Dinner is just around the corner. Taco Quesadillas sound good and easy and the kids love them. Make sure you garnish them with a dollop of Sour Cream and Salsa. The end of the day has come and there is no dessert guess I am going to the gym.

Low fat Nachos:
Tortilla Chips
Homemade Queso (you don't want to know what goes in this)
Beans
Taco Meat
Top with lettuce, Sour Cream and Salsa. Enjoy!! :) Oh wait they don't look or sound low fat after all. LOL. If you keep telling yourself they are low fat I think it comes true. Well, as you can see it has been an interesting diet week. But hey I didn't go over my calorie allowance for the day, after all Calories are Calories who really cares about the nutrition you may or may not get from your meals. LOL

Old Friends:
We recently have gotten back together with some old friends with whom we parted on not very good terms. I was very uneasy about this reunion. But true to me, I am unable to hold a grudge once you attempt to even speak to me. All is forgotten and you are great. I am a firm believer in "Friendship is a two-way street" just ask anyone who has managed to stay friends with me. Not that I am a hard person to be friends with but it is important to me that you care about me as I do about you. Anyway original point is, when we left these peoples lives that she had done something really really rotten to me and we haven't seen them in 3 years or so. Ran into them and lo and behold got an invite over to their home for lunch. WOW. Wasn't totally comfy but not totally awkward either. So then we invited them over. Last night makes the fourth time we have gotten together in the last two months. It is almost as if we never skipped a beat. We are having lots of fun with them. They are night owls like us so we end up staying up too late visiting or playing wii. We have known each other since high school so their is lots of laughing about those years. Point of all this is to say "I forgive her". The things she did are forgiven and honestly even if they had contacted us a month after the episode I would have forgiven her then and there. Just my personality, unable to hold anything against you no matter how rotten.

Tessa and Bella Funnies:

Tessa is really into dressing up "stylish". "Stylish" includes: Skirts and tank tops or anything summery(brrr) but not necessarily matching, her cherry platform shoes, jewelry galore(bracelet, anklet and necklacessss), a scarf, glasses(not even cute little sunglasses, the kind that are for the dart gun like protection eyewear, she wears them on top of her head like they are sunglasses), a backpack or purse (packed full). She gets in to the car dressed like this yesterday and she says: "I feel like a mommy" She doesn't know why she just does. SO FUNNY
She also is really into the word Mysterious. I don't know why but everything seems to be "Mysterious".

Bella is really cracking us up with these sayings:

Bella comes running down the hall crying and screaming, "Jack hit me...(pause)...On Purrrse" (purpose)
I tell Bella anything and she says "Got It" Bella don't go potty in your panties. "Got It" Bella eat your dinner "Got It" Bella go get mommy the phone "Got It" I don't think she understands cause she in most cases doesn't do what she is saying "Got It" too.

Last but not least: My Hubby:
Jed posted a new blog but it was dated an old date so it is at the bottom of his blog. But it is so sweet, I love him and his blog. I know he has stopped blogging due to the fact that he gets in trouble because he blogs about me and only me in some interesting ways at times. I know they are loving posts I just don't know that everyone needs to know what he shares. So I apologize to you Jed for getting upset with your posts, I know you are just showing your love for me and I LOVE YOU too.

Sorry for the long post but with no Internet, it gets kinda tricky to post stuff. Some of these were already written and couldn't ever remember to post them when I had internet access.

Ales and Flails

2009-01-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

Are you aware of the sale Bondage Brewing Company is having on their ale? Miss YOU!!

Sunshine and mid 50's .... so, out the Kiddos go.

2009-01-07T21:28:00.001-08:00

Today for the first time in a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time, Jamie and the kids and us got together. It was even nice enough to shove them out in the backyard. Which meant peace and quiet and lots of time to visit. Well not exactly but with 6 children outside or not you don't ever get much peace and quiet time. Anyway, the highlight of my day was sweet little Ry Ry. Poor thing, she was having so much fun pushing this three wheel bike around. And then the handle bars got cocked so that it began to run in circles. She just kept on pushing. Round and round she went, she started to wobble a bit here and there and then caught herself and kept on going. She was one dizzy little girl and never knew why. Jamie and I had quite a laugh. After awhile the kiddos got too cold and came inside. Ry Ry was in the kitchen and opening the cupboard doors. Just as I said Ry Ry NoNo, there is Jack standing beside her shutting the cupboard doors. I can't decide if he was irritated that she thought she could open his cupboards (most likely) or if he was trying to save her from any trouble. Either way, the two of them are showing such good signs of being true Littau/Wilburn friends or is it fighters. Only time will tell.

Beyond that, I had my pre employment physical today and all seems to be going well. HI HO HI HO IT'S OFF TO WORK I GO...... Soon enough I am sure. I am trusting God will work it all out in the perfect time and that the childcare issues will just resolve themselves.

Off to a good start

2009-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

What better way to start your New Years then Breakfast in Bed. Tessa and Bella served me Breakfast in Bed. Tessa made me a card and Bella colored me a picture and on my new adorable serving tray (Thanks MOM) I recieved Chocolate Panacakes and Grapes with Pepsi. They even brought their breakfast in and had it in bed with me. Loved it. They were so cute and we loved every minute of our morning.

CHEESE!!!

2009-01-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

Jackson has hit the phase where when you put a camera up to take his picture. I get the cheese face. These two shots show his cute little "Cheese" Face. Adorable pics, HUH.

This next one is I was cutting cheese for a snack only to have to leave the kitchen to solve a Tessa/Bella issue and lo and behold when I returned: I guess Jack wasn't willing to wait any longer for his cheese to be cut.

I am "UNLOVED"

2009-01-03T23:44:00.000-08:00

A special someone in my life, talked of Sonic Slushies not just once but twice while in my home. When I asked them to bring one back to me, they did not. SO SO SAD. I am UNLOVED.

Christmas Memories and a NewYears Blessing

2009-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Well, as every year we spend our Christmas Eve as just us. It is so sweet and simple and the kids don’t really have a clue as to what tomorrow will bring. We usually read a Christmas Book or two, trying to convey the real reason for the season to the kiddos. Then open one gift which is always “Jammies” and drink Hot Cocoa and eat Cookies/Sour Cream Twists before we leave the rest for Santa. Well, this year Tessa gets it. She knows that Jesus is the reason we celebrate. But as she puts it: “I know, I know so; Lets get Celebrating”. She had an awful time falling asleep this year. She was so excited and it brought back the fondest of memories listening to her lay in there talking to herself and tossing and turning repeatedly. I went into ask her why she wasn’t asleep yet and she in a voice I can only describe as a nervous voice said “She just couldn’t she was too ecited!!!!” “About What,” I asked. To which she replied the obvious “Christmas”. However, the fact that she nearly fell out of her bed with her giggling over-joyed little self. Just saying the word Christmas nearly pushed her over the edge. She did make it morning and we did indeed “celebrate”.

This Christmas as most of you know was a bit challenging for me both financially as well as spiritually. It was hard to get into the season, when life is so hard and/or frustrating. Joy isn’t easy to come by in these times. I did finally get there and my children and family were very blessed and blessed me greatly with all of there sweet smiles and gestures and yes the gifts given too. The funnest part of this Christmas season, was seeing just how frugal I could be and what was the one thing I could make for each and everyone of you. I amazed myself, and think that in the future I should be a “Frugal Christmas Consultant” LOL. I made things out of nothing, that I didn’t even know I had. Sorry, if you were one of those funny gifts that was from my heart but not really useful more symbolic. (Like the Lawrence Family: they all received these kinda corny Family Shirts, but they were made from the heart.) And then there are a couple of you whom still haven’t received there gifts. (Jamie and Leslie) I know you are good enough friends that you will be patient enough for me to get them finished. But to be honest I needed a break from crafting.

Boy oh boy, I am windy today.
So, if you are still here,
Christmas Day:
Breakfast with Jeds Family
Lunch with mine.
And the unusual twist, when you are with the Moore family you never know. This years twist: Crab cleaning and cooking to your hearts content.

We all enjoyed ourselves greatly.. Tessa got the Skateboard she asked for and the kids all got a huge turtle playhut thing that takes up about half of my living room. Jackson and Bella both got some cute toys and clothes. We ended the day with what we call “Recoop. Time” this is where Penny and Ray and Jed and I hang out and discuss the days events and just relax and enjoy each others company. Enjoy the pictures of our Christmas Memories.

Well, lets see 2008. HMMM, a 6 yr old, 2 yr old and a 1 yr olds Birthday Party. A trip to the coast for Fourth of July. A stronger Faith. An even better than I already had Husband. Family visiting from Arkansas. A Friend from Texas stop by for a blink(not long enough). Biking the Golden Gate Bridge and more in SF. Summer Picnics in the Park. Friends who were always therefor me. Breaking Christmas Traditions and keeping some. That’s what sticks out in my head for the past year. So, to end our 2008 we had great New Years Eve plans with family for games and snacks. Which ended up botched by illness. Back up plans also botched by illness. So we had three options left: #1) Clean the garage. (Nah, too cold. Did it the next day) #2) rent a new Wii video game and just chill.(tried couldn’t find the one we wanted) so it is: #3) watch a movie we had DVR’d and chill. We made Crab Cakes and Garlic Bread at midnight. Those of you who have yet to celebrate New Years with us, you don’t realize that Crab Cakes and Garlic Bread at midnight is not our norm. About ten years ago a friend turned us onto steaks and bread at midnight to ring in the New Year. With the recent “crab twist”, we chose the crab cakes instead of steak. Truth be told I missed the steak tradition. So, Jed and I and our crab cakes and movie rang in the New Year. The garage was cleaned the next day and we are off to an organized start.

Just the way I like it, everything in its place. I love new fresh starts, a clean slate to work on. The new year is indeed a fresh start, a chance to begin again and "do better". I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father loves me enough to give me as many fresh starts as I need. He will even guide me along ...if I will just let Him. That is the key, letting Him do the guiding. My hope is in you Lord not just for 2009 but for all time.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Happy New Year!!

New Year...New Blog

2009-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to change my blog for sometime. I just have such a hard time picking one. They are really girly or all boy and not in between and my blog is about my children "a mommy blog" so to say. Therefore it shouldn't be too girly for poor Jack. Anyway, I did it. A New Year, A New Blog. Stay tuned soon for our Christmas Memories and New Years Greetings...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

That Snake.. & Other News

2008-12-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Me: So, how was Awanas tonight. T: Good but Mom I hate that snake. He told her it was ok to eat that fruit and it wasnt and she did. Oh. I just want to smash that snake to smitherines. He is so rotten. Me:(In Hysterics)Agreeing with her, he is not a nice snake. He tries to make us sin all the time.

Every Thurs night I pick up Em and Tessa from Awanas. The first question I get is: Tessa & Em: Do I have school tomorrow. Me: Yes you do. Tessa: OH man, Can Em spend the night anyway. You know where she goes to school. Em: Yeah Miss Jen please can I spend the night. Me: Sorry girls maybe this weekend. Em: Aah man, always the bearer of bad news. LOL thats me.

One night when we pulled into Ems Driveway. Tessa says unbuckle and get down on the floor I will hide you Em. This is what I found. Enjoy the picture.

I am not sure which they are enjoying more: Awanas or the trips home after Awanas. They are both having so much fun and learning so much.

IN OTHER NEWS.......
Just thought I would say that oh so wonderful task of Potty Training is happening at my house and if there is anyone who wants to potty train my child to have at. Just let me know and I will let you take over. I guess all in all we arent doing that bad but it is just not a fun task.

Jackson is sleeping in his big boy bed now. He does play for quite some time now. But before he just would pound on the crib wall, so what is the difference anyway.
He thinks he doesnt need a nap anymore but he again felt that way while in his crib. He doesn't get out of his bed, he just doesn't go to sleep. Lucky Mommy!!

Jackson is really into tackling, only he doesn't let you get up. Poor Ry Ry!!

Also, just thought I would put some cute fall pics out there for you all too see.

Oh yeah and for Jenni: My 4th, 4th. I just plain 'ole didn't feel like blogging so it took me awhile to get this out there. Christmas 2006!!

And the post "JOY to the world" was for Ray. He was bordering on stalking about not posting.

JOY!! to the World!

2008-12-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Christmas: Aren't they just adorable.

Elisha, Emily and Tessa Christmas 2007

Phillippians 4:13

2008-11-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.!!!!!!!!!!

Please pray for me. I keep on reminding myself of this reference and many others but could use your prayers for me and my family. Thanks

Funnies and Updates...

2008-11-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

"I want rain go way" Bella cries in the car. Apparently she doesnt like the rain. We haven't even been listening to that song. It could be a LOOOOONG winter at this rate.

Bella in the midst of watching her TV shows. Runs across the living room, "I read my Bible." She returns with daddys Bibles and opens it up and begins to read loudly from the Bible all sorts of jibber jabber and then ends with BE GOOD!! She then turned the page and same thing ending with BE GOOD! Super funny and cute. Hopefully she is listening to her own readings.

Jackson had his first haircut, he doesnt really look much different cause it was only the back that we had anything done too.

Tessa is my own personal cheerleader. She tells me that my tummy is thinner than it used to be (if only I could see that) and always has a question of how many calories are in something. I guess she is learning lots from this diet too. Which is great, maybe she wont struggle with weight loss later in life.

Jack is talking so much pretty much whatever I say to him he is trying to repeat. SO different than Bella. Jack is going to pass her up in size as well as talking and bullying very soon. Bella is still winning the bully (fights over toys) but Jackson is very close to taking over.

On the way home from school today, Tessa says "Mommy did you know that Rock Bama has one wife and two daughters and he promised that if he won the president that he would buy his two daughters a dog." "If I were the real President, everybody would call me Tessa the Great and the Sparkliest. And I would make everything Sparkly."
Before Election Day, she was quite intrigued and interested in all of the people having rallies on the streets. Etc.. She asked who was the good guy and the bad guy. She went with daddy to vote and all. I am fascinated that at such a young age she even wants to have a clue as to what we are talking about or doing!! I don't think I was like that as a kid. Maybe I was I dont remember much from that young.

Why should I use silverware?

2008-11-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to teach Jack to use a spoon and fork lately. He was doing OK. He actually has always wanted that control. However as all of you know Jack is not patient with relation to food and so I have been feeding him anything that was the slightest bit messy. He is a very very food motivated child. SAD as that is. Well last night we had beans and Jack got his very own little bowl and spoon. Mostly because I didn't want to feed him. Lazy mommy has learned her lesson. I am reverting back to feeding him, it just not worth the mess that I have to clean up if I let him do it, as you can see. I think he looks like one of those people with a skin disease where there skin looks like it is falling off their face and in their hair in clumps. So, without further ado: (Jackson with a skin disease)

Thought you all could also use a glimpse of the girls with their Halloween Prized Possessions and Jack with his first Halloween Sucker.

Jackson drooled blue drool for an hour or two after this sucker. LOVELY!!

Halloween Week....

2008-10-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Last Year I called it the never ending Halloween. I honestly thought it was a fluke year. Apparently not, our kids are at the Fun Halloween Age, so much that it lasts on forever. All so innocent and fun to dress up. Anyway, here is how our week is going and has gone. SO: Day One (Monday) We went to Sacramento for our Cousins Halloween Photo Shoot. I forgot my Camera in the car. However, If you want to see pics other than what I snaked from Kristen's Blog, you can eventually check out Jessica and Alicia's Blogs. Bella as a Cupcake and Jack as a Skeleton. They were all so cute wandering around Fairytale Town in Costumes.

Day Two: Today was Craft Day. Jamie and I thought the girls would enjoy making these special cookies and pots for their Teachers and Spiders for there classmates. We actually thought that the easiest craft would be the spiders for them to do. It was not the easiest but they wanted to play anyway, which meant that Jamie and I crafted to our hearts content and then some.

Day Three: Tessa's Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Day Four: Halloween Celebration at School. And Day Five: Actually HALLOWEEN. I think we will begin Trick or Treating at noon. LOL That is how it seems in order to get around and show off all of the Family the kids all dressed up.

Amongst all of that we have to figure out when to carve pumpkins and finish Tessa's Tail. Not to mention the Grocery Store or the Gym or homework .... I am sure you all are just as busy but I just cant get over how fast it happens. Today was actually the first time in probably three weeks that Jamie and I have hung out. (If you are aware of mine and Jamie's normal routine that is quite bizarre!) It was nice and I needed that adult conversation and friend time. THANKS, JAMIE!!!

EWW!!!

2008-10-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

The phone rings and off I run to the kitchen to pick it up. Bella and Jack have been in and out from the backyard, however Bella is now standing in the entry way of the kitchen (in my way) saying EEWW A WORM!! The catch here, is that; ONE: I don't do worms or bugs of any kind. TWO: If she hadn't been in my way, I probably would have stepped on it. and (the kicker) THREE: SHE is the one who brought the worm inside and threw it on the kitchen floor and then she told me "EEW a worm" and wouldn't touch it anymore... Little Pill, it is actually funny that she didn't just kill it, smash it, or just say die die die, etc. Bella is my bug killer. Tessa thinks all bugs should live, Jesus wouldn't want us to hurt them. Bella actually upsets her with the bug killing quite a bit. Anyway back to my original story: Now lately, I have been trying to be a better mom with respect to my bug issues. Be brave and take care of it by whatever means necessary, so as not to influence my children and their fear of bugs or worms. Today, that was not possible. SO, I reverted back to my first year of marriage and placed a cup over it(that is a whole other story), so that it could not escape and waited for someone much braver than I, to rescue me. It was a really gross worm, one of those kind of big tomato worms. YUCK!!! Well, with much THANKS to my little nephew Zach, I was rescued. Only problem here is that he threw the worm onto the back patio right outside the door, instead of out onto the grass. A little time goes by and what is Jackson smashing and playing with on the back patio. Yep, You guessed it: a very dead and smushed worm. LOL, this time little Zachs mom had to rescue me, she disposed of the smushed worm and cleaned Jacks hands up.

2008-10-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, apparently my children are tired of chicken and veggies. Last night I made spaghetti for dinner: Turkey Spaghetti with Whole Wheat Noodles. They loved it, to the point that Tessa said: Mom, I need to stop and say a second prayer for this spaghetti. It is so delicious that Jesus needs to know. And so she prayed and told Jesus just how awesome her spaghetti was and that her mommy makes the best spaghetti ever. Throughout the rest of dinner it was HIP HIP HOORAY and I LOVE SPAGHETTI over and over with Bella chiming right in. I just laughed and told them I was glad they enjoyed it. Tonight we again had to say a second prayer thanking Jesus for the leftover spaghetti that we got to eat again.

Pumpkin Patch and Recipes

2008-10-20T08:09:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would share a few of the cute Pics from the pumpkin patch. We had a lot of fun. Also here are a few of the excellent recipes I have been making with the nutrition information. Hope you all enjoy. I personally cant wait to make the cheesecake again but this time with Lemon instead of coffee and see how I like it this time.

Creamy Cappuccino Cheesecake:
10 Reduced Fat Oreos (about 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 Cups Splenda
3 T All Purpose Flour
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
3 pkg (8 oz each) fat free cream cheese
2 pkg (8 oz each) reduced fat cream cheese
1 cup fat free sour cream
2 t vanilla
1 cup egg beaters (or 4 large eggs)
1/2 c double strength coffee, cooled
1 1/2 t unsweetened cocoa (optional)

Preheat oven to 325* Lightly spry springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place Cookies in resealable plastic bag and crush into crumbs. Press into springform pan and bake 10 minutes.
Meanwhile combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl combine cream cheese at high speed of mixer until smooth. Add sugar mixture to cream cheese and beat well. Add sour creeam and vanilla beat until blended. Add egg beaters 1/4 cup at a time (or eggs 1 at a time) mix at low speed until just blended. Gradually add coffee while mising on low speed. Pour filling over crust. Bake 1 hr 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until center appears nearly set. Remove from oven and cool. Immediately run a knife or something around the edges to loosen from pan. Then once cooled refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Serves: 16
Calories 128.7 Per Serving
Those Calories are with the egg beaters not the eggs.

A Yummy Dinner Option or Two

Spinach Chicken Bake:
2 C chicken breast, diced
1 10 oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed
1/2 c fat free sour cream
1/2 c light mayo
1/4 c mozzarella low moisture part skim cheese
1 c reduced fat parmesan cheese
2 t garlic powder

Drain and ring dry the spinach first, then season chicken with garlic powder and the spices you would usually use for chicken. In a separate bowl combine sour cream, parm cheese, light mayo, and mozzerella. Combine your seasoned chicken, cheese mixture and drained spinach mix well together. Dump into a 9 x 13 pan, spread out evenly and bake for 40 minutes at 350*

Serves: 6
Serving Size: approx. one cup
Calories per serving: 263.7

I served with a pile of fresh steamed veggies. YUMMY!!

Green Bean and Shrimp Saute:
32 shrimp (8 per person)
4 Cups Fresh Green Beans
2 T all purpose flour
2 T I cant believe its not butter Light
Salt to taste (totally went without)
Black Pepper to taste
1t garlic powder

Blanch green beans in boiling water and then shock in a bowl of ice water.

Melt Butter in skillet, once melted add flour and seasonings. whisk until flour turns golden brown to make a rue. add green beans and shrimp stir to coat and cook until flour mixture turns crispy on the beans. 1- 2 minutes. (my shrimp were raw so I cooked them half way first and then added them into coat them in the seasonings and finish their cooking)

Serves:4
Serving Size: 1 cup green beans and 8 shrimp
Calories: 189.0

Jed and I really enjoyed these two dishes. Something out of the norm: Chicken and Veggies. Also, You all should let me know what you thought of the cheesecake. I have a couple of ladies who literally took one bite and said disgusting but that was after I fed it to all of womens group. I thought it was good, was it just me or were you all being nice and choking it down.

Answered Prayers

2008-10-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would update the women of Bridge with the news that Eliot Mooney now has a HEALTHY little sister. If you are unfamiliar with Eliot Mooney you can read the story of his amazing 99 days here on earth at this link: Eliot Mooney Here is the link to Matt and Ginnys New Blog. Elliots little Sister.

In a more random, self entered thought: I have just read on Ginnys new blog that Eliot was a 2 Vessel Cord baby like Jackson. (Maybe I knew that at THAT time, but forgot during my pregnancy and experience but I don't think I knew that at all.) In Matt and Ginnys case the 2VC was the cause for the Trisomy 18. Thank You Lord, for my healthy baby boy.

My Excuse: The Three C's

2008-10-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

These are my excuses for the low weight loss last week and my excuses for the upcoming week of again probable low weight loss. As well as why I am too busy to blog. I had been off to such a good start with my exercising, still doing good with my food choices, just had to slow down some. This means when I am back in action, you all had better look out. I am coming for you!!!(ok, it is for me and losing my weight but you still should watch out)

#1. Company is Coming:

I was doing real good with my exercising, doubling up my cardio. And then I realized I was out of time and had to get myself, children and home ready for my company. Paula is here and there was lots to be done. I had been putting it off and focusing on TBL Bridge Edition.

#2. Cold:

So, while I was getting everything ready for Paulas visit. I started to get sick and oh me oh my. I cut down on some of my exercising and added in some extra rest in order to stay well and not be sick upon her arrival. I did it, healthy and ready to spend some fun times with Paula. However, apparently an 8 mile Bike Ride through San Francisco and getting home until 1AM was enough to push me over the edge and I managed to catch a whopper of a cold. I feel lousy and now again am not exercising for fear of getting worse and not being able to breathe at all. (This cold is bad enough that my breathing actually feels and sounds like what I sound like before surgery, which plays all sorts of good games in my heads little sub-conscience)Anyway, my point is that I am predicting low weight for me again due to this awful cold.

and Last but not Least:

#3. Costumes:

Well, I finally have the costume decisions made. Now I am making them, so me and my sewing machine and Paula are getting busy this week. When I feel up to it and my head is not pounding out of control and I am breathing decent.

OK OK so there you go, just remember you wanted me to post. SO don't complain, apparently this post took care of all the complaining for you all.

I Can't I am busy!!!

2008-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Too busy exercising, will blog more later. J/K Stay tuned tomorrow I hope to post.

Introducing Ally and Emily.......

2008-09-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

In Bella world these Raggedy Ann & Andy are Emily and Ally. Ally (Andy) pretty much goes everywhere with us these days. Bella and Ally (Andy) swing outside on the new swingset for hours. Ally (Andy) of course is only second best to Ally, If she can have her real Ally she will ditch the fake Ally in a heartbeat. I just thought it was so sweet and funny that she totally knows that Andy is Ally and Ann is Emily. She hardly plays with poor Emily. Nonetheless they go together, Ann & Andy and Emily & Ally, and she knows it.

PLUS: A Tessa story:

While we are doing homework! T: Why do I have to learn this stuff. Me: You have to learn to read and write and do math, if you wanna grow up and be a Dr. like daddy. T: Why do you have to know how to do math to be a Dr. Me: Well, because if Daddy didnt know math, he wouldn't know how much money to collect from his patients. T: Oh, well I would just charge them 100%. Besides on the days that I don't go to work I want to be a Bus Driver just like Miss Vicki.

GOT IT. I guess Bus Drivers don't need to know math or reading and writing!! LOL

Pepsi Free and Goin' Strong......oh yeah, and a couple fun pics.

2008-09-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, 1 week ago tomorrow morning, we began a "Biggest Loser" contest. I am Pepsi Free and on most days eating 600 to 700 Calories and Burning Off an average of 350 to 500 Calories a day. I am so proud of me, It has been the easiest it has ever been for my to diet. Truth be told, I am having a ton of fun doing it. MyFitnessPal.com has been a huge aid in this process. Anyway, down to the good stuff. Tonight we had a Birthday Party for my niece Anna. (Happy Birthday Anna) Well, on the night before your weigh in, you cant have cake and ice cream. Right?!? I don't care how good I was all day the night before is not the time to cheat. Well, that was my opinion. However I was not the only "Biggest Loser" contestant at this shin-dig. I was however the one to stay strong. Here is the proof. Good Luck Jed and Kristen at the Weigh In!! On a serious note: Good Luck and Good Job everyone.

Kristen and Jed both enjoyed some Birthday Treats.

In Kristens defense, this is what was left of Kristens plate after sharing with Jason.

My Piece UNTOUCHED. (although in the end as you will see on Kristens Blog, I had ONE bite.)