It's All About the Butlers!

Wow it's been a really really really long time!

2011-09-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a really, really long time since I posted!

I don't have any excuses except that Life has been busy!!

I have many many things to be happy about....

I completed my bootcamp at the gym and lost 10lbs and 14 inches in 2 weeks...yay go me!

I celebrated my 34th birthday and was Baptized 4 days later.

Such an emotional week!!

My self portrait...this really shows how happy I have been!

Now for a run down of events happening in our lives from now back to April (my last post was March).

September:

Soccer and Camping!

It's that time again....soccer season is upon us and we are excited that Rachel and Charlotte are playing on our team!!!

My mom made the banner again and did an awesome job!!

First game: September 10, 2011

Kara is the little blondie.

Camping: Labor Day weekend!

We joined the Rawlings for some more camping fun this year!

Adrian is all smiles because he caught some fish.

Wayne and Adrian took the kids fishing while Sally and I enjoyed the peace and quiet at camp....actually we worked out!

the kids and Wayne with that day's catch.

August:

Lots of firsts!

Michael's first day of Pre-K

First soccer practice!

Rachel and Charlotte enjoyed their first practice ever!!

We took the kids to Discovery Kingdom and we rode an elephant named Valerie.

First time on and elephant...it was fun!!

July:

Summer time fun!

Happy 4th of July!

William's 1st 4th of July (love this little guy)!!

lots of fishing with daddy!

July 20: Kara lost her 1st tooth!

July 25th: First day of 1st grade!

June:

I spent a week in Monterey at a Science Institute!

I spent a week in Monterey at a Science Institute. I had a blast whale watching, taking a transect survey at the Tide Pools, disecting fish, and more!

My coworker and friend Gorett was my roommate.

The kids loved this tank.

Wayne brought the kids up on the last day and we met up at the aquarium. It was Michael's and Kara's 2nd time time there (well Michael was only 12 days old the first time) and their first time visiting the ocean.

Kara had been to the ocean before but doesn't remember it at all.

May:

This handsome little guy turned 4!

My big boy turned 4!!

April:

Coloring Easter eggs with friends!

We gathered at my mom's house to color Easter eggs with Rachel and Charlotte.

Little William joined in on the fun!!

Sorry I've been gone...

2011-03-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's been be a month since I've posted! My last post was about my Thirty-One Gifts package I received to set up my business.

Since then I have had a successful Open House, thank you to everyone that came and or ordered!

I had my very first party as a consultant this past Sunday and have another one tonight!

Very excited to be doing so well this early on...hope it keeps going!

Next Wednesday my very good friend, Sally, is having a party at her house.

Can't wait to meet all the wonderful ladies!

I was also asked to participate in 2 Spring Open House's in April...

I wish I could post some pictures but my stinky little laptop is being cranky so it's in time out!

If you are ever interested in hosting a party please contact me by clicking on the button on my sidebar.

Finally!!

2011-02-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's here!!!!

I had been waiting ALL week long for this to arrive!!

I was warned not to make a scene with the UPS man....I made no promises!

I think he knew something was up.....ran up to the door, set the package down, and ran back to the truck......or maybe he was just wanting to get his deliveries done..without being accosted by me!!

Isn't this a lovely shade of pink?!?!

Can't wait for my open house on Wednesday and hopefully start booking some parties!

Check out my website by clicking on the button in my side bar.

Week 2 and Week 3

2011-02-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm combining week 2 and week 3 of the weekly challenges for A Bowl Full of Lemons
I had my week 2 challenge done..I just forgot to take a picture of it and blog about it.

Week 2: Launch Pad...a place where things are to get out of the door faster.

Our coats get hung up in the newly organized coat closet that I did during the 21 day challenge. My purse hangs on a side table (keys are always inside my purse..well most of the time) near the kitchen...I grab it as I leave the kitchen in the morning.

All of our shoes...mostly mine and the kids go in this red basket that I picked up at Michael's last summer.

While getting the kids ready for school in the morning it is easy for them to get in the basket and pick out their shoes for the day.

Week 3: Recipe Binder

I don't actually have a ton of loose recipes laying around. Honestly I think I have maybe 4.

Most recipes I find online I just bookmark them and refer back to them when needed.

So I simply added a new tab to my Home Management Binder from week 1 challenge.

It's right behind the meal planning tab..which will come in handy, especially when I start to add more recipes.

I do have my recipe books that I refer to many times. I mostly use the famous Better Homes and Garden book that I got when we were married.

I actually used it today to make peanut butter cookies from scratch!
These books sit right next to my microwave.

I also have a recipe box that I had registered for when we got married.

it holds all the recipes my guests wrote down on 3x5 cards and gave to me at my bridal shower.

Maybe someday I will get these printed up onto regular paper and added to my recipe section of my binder...but I do love looking back at these cards from time to time.....
brings back memories from that day!

Linked to:

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

The kids and I had fun making their Valentine's this year.

I found these on one of the many blogs I follow...
We filled the inside of them with Skittles.

Kara's were done in pink (didn't get a picture) and these are Michaels.

I found the to my valentine stamp at Michael's for only $1

I found my next idea for the kids on Family Fun.

They made a t-shirt with a snowflake on it so I decided to make a heart one for Kara.

love it!

I'm honestly not crazy about Michael's....it didn't turn out how I wanted it to.
But he loves it and honestly it looks like something he would draw!

.......and just because they are too cute:
waiting to go fishing with Daddy and Adrian.

Linked to:

Valentine's Day Wreath

2011-02-10T00:28:00.000-08:00

The other day I was browsing through many different blogs and stumbled across this one:

Sweet Little Smoothie.

She had a tutorial on how to make a winter wreath out of plastic shopping bags.

I am ashamed to admit that I still have my Christmas wreath hanging on my door----that is until today.

I had a bunch of Target bags stored in my pantry...and since they are red and white in color I knew they would work out perfectly.

First: I took about 14 Target bags and cut the handles off and then cut the bottom off right next to the seam.

after cutting the handles and bottom off, I then folded the bag over and cut it. Then cut out strips about 1 1/2 inches wide.

I then stacked 4 strips on top of eachother and then tied them onto a wire coat hanger formed into a circle.

The final product!

I bought 2 packs of mini clothespins with small hearts glued on at Michaels.

They came in a pack of 16 and I paid a total of $2.40 for both.

I attached them randomly to the wreath.

I love how it turned out and the fact that it cost me less than $3.00!!

Linked up to:

My new business adventure!

2011-02-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

After many months of discussing back and forth in my own head I have decided to become and Independent Rep for Thirty One Gifts.

If you haven't heard about Thirty One Gifts then you are in for a real treat!

If you have already seen the product, then you know how nice it is!!

They have products that can be used for organization, sports, a fun day at the beach or park, and some that can be very fashionable!

They also have an adorable 31kids section.

The new Spring Catalog has some cute prints!!

If you are interested in shopping then take a look at this month's special:

Maybe you might be intersted in hosting a party at your house.

Thirty One parties are very casual and laid back!

Hostesses can earn awesome rewards and free product!!

I'd love for you to stop by my website and check out the catalog!!

http://www.mythirtyone.com/SabrinaButler/

Let me know what you think!!

Shaklee is heaven sent!

2011-02-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I already have the Shaklee Basic H Cleaner and I love it!

I've been curious about the Scour Off and my lovely friend Sally was kind enough to give me a small sample....

So I tried it on my stove...I was nervous about it because we do live in a rental and I didn't want to mess the top of the stove up..but something needed to be done to get rid of this ugliness!!!

I have no clue what it is from but it's there and must be removed!!

...and after! Isn't it amazing!!!!

Just took a small amount of scour off and some elbow grease!!

I would show you a picture of the scour off but I don't have one...yet.
..but if you click on Sally's name in the post you can see it there!

A Bowl full of Lemons Weekly Challenge: Household Binder

2011-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Completed my first challenge on A Bowl Full of Lemons weekly challenge!

Our challenge was to create a household management binder.

I picked my binder up at the Dollar Store. Found a cute scrapbook page and here it is:

makes me think of Spring and Summer...

My tabs include:

*Calendar

*Cleaning

*Meal Planning

*Budget

*School

*Birthday

*Phone Numbers

*Shaklee (my cleaning guide)

I'm already putting it to good use!

Linked to:

Kara turns 6!

2011-02-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

Kara turned 6 on January 27th.

I can't believe she is already 6!! Seems like yesterday I brought my little "sweet pea" home from the hospital.

She is now in kindergarten(thinks she can go to first grade now that she's 6), reading, and is amazing to talk to!!

Daddy and Michael brought these balloons to school for her.

She chose to wear this to school (minus the headband)

...and because it was her birthday she decided she needed to wear a party dress and party shoes (a bit scuffed from playing at school).
She added the jacket and pants because she wanted to go to the back yard with Daddy.

love this face

singing...

make a wish....

this little guy was our youngest birthday guest!

Michael loves his cousin!

Kara loves him too!!

William is such a handsome boy..just like my brother!

Very Cool Give Away!

2011-02-02T17:47:00.001-08:00

A Bowl Full of Lemons is having a give away!

Visit her site and enter a chance to win a wonderful organizing tote from 31 Gifts!

I currently have a couple of items from 31 gifts and I love them.

I want more too!!

What are you waiting for.....Go enter NOW!!

I made it!

2011-01-24T23:29:00.000-08:00

Yay! I completed the 21 day organizing challenge!

I can't tell you how great it feels to be finished and a lot more organized.

I now have a pile of yard sale stuff in my garage and I have gotten rid of a lot of useless things as well. I am still working on my photos and setting up some keepsake binders for the kiddos but other than that I am done!

My grandma has been doing it too...she has rocked at this challenge. She didn't start until day 10 and caught up very quickly.

I've been working on becoming a healthier me and now because of the 21 day challenge...my house is "healthier"

...and because I enjoyed this challenge so much I am joining in on this one:

Who wants to join in on the new weekly challenge??

Day 19: Master Closet

2011-01-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

My closet needed help! My shoes needed help!

I purged a few clothing items, some shoes, purses, and moved my wedding dress and a couple of other formal dresses to my son's closet (he has a double closet in his room...seeing that he is 3 he doesn't need all of it).

The before pics:

all my stuff

see what i meant: Shoes need help!
the purses that are still hanging up...i think most of the rest were in my sitting area

And now the after pics:

I moved the suitcases to the shelf and hung up my purses....so pretty to look at!
The scarfs that I tend to wear a lot I hung on a scarf hanger that I snagged at the See Spot Save section in Target.

My dresses and longer type of tops hang here now. Boots on shelf above and I straightened out my shoes too.

I do have more clothes to put away but they were being washed still.

The baskets on the bottom shelf hold my shirts, tank tops, and shorts.

On the top shelf I have more scarves in the purple bin. The hat box holds even more scarves, hats, and some belts.

my husbands side. Most of his clothes are in the dresser. The top half holds all his work uniforms and the bottom consists of all his button up shirts in a total of 4-5 colors only....

I'm slowly trying to get him to venture out on the whole color palate thing.

Day 17 and 18 and a BIG day for Kara!

2011-01-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day I didn't get my post up on time!

Unfortunately my laptop caught a virus (really I thought all the viruses had left my house)!

Thanks to Sally's husband....the good ol' laptop is feeling better!!

Anyhow..today was a BIG day for my kindergartener. Kara earned 90% or higher on her last 5 story tests!! Our school lays out the "red carpet" for these students and we honor them at flag pole.

She has been talking about it for the past 2 weeks.

There's my girl! Cute little blondie with the pink backpack!

Ok now on to the challenges.

Day 17: Organizing my mail center....

I didn't really have one to speak of...more like what pile holds what bills!

My mom bought me the cute box when we moved into our first house. It's supposed to be for mail only I was using it to hold whatever I could stash in there.

I cleaned it out and now all the bills go inside along with stamps.

Next: I had bought this little guy a few years ago to use in my classroom..only I wasn't really using it. So I brought it home to use as my organizer in the kitchen.

Couldn't stand the bright blue when it was in the kitchen so I used some of my shelf liner and started doing this....

didn't take too long and I had this....

Put some file folders...would like some cuter ones but these will do.

I added labels in the these categories: Receipts, coupons, take out menus, store ads, Sabrina, Wayne, Kara, and Michael.

It sits on the counter right next to my trash can for easy disposal or recycling of old items.

Day 18: Organizing your Keepsakes!

I have all of my special keepsakes for each child in boxes on the shelf in their closets.

However, ALL school keepsakes are currently being kept in this stylish keepsake box!

Actually it isn't stylish at all but it's doing the trick so far.

I love Toni's idea of using binders to store important and memorable keepsakes. I definately want to start one for each of my 2 lovely kiddos.

not the cutest of keepsake boxes..but it's functional and made of recycbled material!

Some art work hangs on our wall. I let the kids pick what they want to hang up.

I have plans to organize all of Kara's stories she has written so far this year and all the ones she will be writing.

I have been keeping them all together (well mostly...stacked in the keepsake box) and plan on putting them in a binder.
Here are a few samples:

She said the black lines means it's foggy!

I see a princess. The princess danced.

I love this pony!

This is linked to:

Day 16: A clean and happy fridge!

2011-01-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love a clean fridge!!

I keep asking myself why I waited until this challenge to clean it out!?!
Any how...it's done, it smells fresh, and it's pretty to look at!!

Before: lots of leftovers from the weekend and week...all just thrown in there.

The top...

Door

After: I moved the sodas and juice pouches to the top shelf and adjusted that shelf to one of the higher spots.

Wow an empty shelf: not for long! Grocery shopping this weekend.

The door: In with the butter are some chocolate chips (kids can't reach them)
right below that is where I keep they breakfast type items.

The 2 middle compartments hold condiments, dressings, and sauces.
The very bottom holds our odds and ends.

My husband isn't too sure about the new positions of the shelves and the placement of some items but he did say he would give it a chance.

P.S. I LOVE Shaklee! The degreaser worked wonders in cleaning the fridge!!

Day 15: Medicine and Vitamins

2011-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

This was an easy one for me...because I already did it when I cleaned and organized the spice cabinet a couple of challenges ago.
I moved the adult medication up to our medicine cabinet in the master bath all except some cold/cough tablets (only because I forgot about them).

My shelf where I kept the vitamins and medicine was a mess! I had a gazillion cough syrup cups, bottles of medication and vitamins that had expired.

Before: on the right hand side top and middle shelf.

After: Vitamins in one basket and medicine in the other.

Thermometer fits nicely in between.

I had more vitamins than this at one point...but due to lack of usage (bad) they had all expired!

Medication...mostly the kids. Allergy, fever & pain reducer, natural cough syrup, and a couple of other things.

Just because....

2011-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

Just because I love them and they are too cute!

Playing dress up together!

This next little guy just melts my heart!

I got to spend time with this adorable little guy while my brother played cards with the guys.

William is just too cute and his cousins ADORE him!

Day 14: Under the bathroom sink (I have 2...lots of pictures)

2011-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

I have 3 bathrooms but only cleaned out from under 2 of them. The bathroom sink downstairs doesn't hold much. A first aid kit and a couple of towels.

Bathroom Sink #1: Kids' bathroom

One half of the cabinet.

the other half....whoa I still have baby stuff!

My daughter's hair accessories. I really should buy stock in the Goody brand!

all this baby stuff! My baby is almost 4 years old!

Most was expired so I simply tossed it.

I did keep one of the pacifiers (his first in the hospital) and his baby brush.

hair accessories after. I sorted through them and placed them back into these jars.

The jars were used in my daughter's nursery.

Towels after: I moved them to the other side of the cabinet.

the cabinet closest to the toilet holds toilet paper and their stool.

Under the bathroom sink part 2!

Master Bath: my entire master bathroom was a mess. It's very easy for it to become that way because NO ONE ever sees it! I've included my bathroom drawers since they are a part of the sink.

my hair accessory drawer before

make up drawer before

lotions and hair tools before...they are in a container!

...and the other side....

after: nice and organized.....
I tossed out any expired products.

not much of a change except i pulled off the ugly label on the container.
I also weeded through my massive amount of lotions and foaming soap.

make up after: I need a skinny container.
My make up brushes are now in a cute canister that sits on top of my counter.

hair accessories after.

Day 13: Medicine Cabinets...

2011-01-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

We have 3 full baths in our house...not a fave of mine since it means 3 full bathrooms to clean!!

I haven't really used the medicine cabinets that much except for maybe bandaides and ointment.

So this challenge wasn't too time consuming...but I ended up cleaning all 3 bathrooms and took pictures just in case those might end up on a challenge...and if not..well then they got cleaned anyways!

The downstairs bathroom cabinet...before

and after....

Kids' bathroom upstairs cabinet before....pretty empty!

..after...still empty but moving the toothpaste, brushes, and hair detangler cleaned up a drawer that they were in.

Master Bath cabinet before....

After: more organized...got rid of some things I don't use. Found my daughter's first lock of hair from her first hair cut! I have no clue why it was in there!!

Day 12: Spice Cabinet

2011-01-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Day 12 of the challenge.

Task was to organize your spice cabinet. The cupboard that I use for my spices also stores all my vitamins and medicines. It is easier for us to keep them here instead of in one of the 3 medicine cabinets we do have.

I knew I had a lot of expired items between the spices and the medicine.

Before: A big mess! I have a bare spot on the left hand side where I used to keep my seasoning packets. They are now in my pantry.

I emptied it all out and went through everything! I had more expired medicine and vitamins than I did spices!

Shame on me! I had to get rid of a never been opened bottle of Women's One A Day (Costco size) because they were expired....since March of 2009!!

After: Spices are all on the left hand side and the lower right hand side. Bulk spices on bottom left and my miscelaneous spices are on the bottom right.

Above on the left hand side in the middle are all my cooking oils and above that is the baking spices.

Remember what my medicine/vitamins looked like? Now they are condensed down to 2 baskets on the middle shelf (right side). Vitamins are in one and Children's medicine is the other.

Brrrrr.....it's Day 11!

2011-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

Today was freezer organization day.

Thankfully my freezer wasn't HORRIBLE. I just needed to get rid of some things that had freezer burn and clean it up a bit.

Before: ewww gross spill on the bottom!

The bottom side container holds ice packs.

Above is my 1 bag of frozen veggies.

A few otter pops and frozen blueberries above that.

Way at the top I keep all the lunch ice packs.

Top shelf holds breakfast stuff.

Next shelf has my daughter's uncrustables for lunch.

Under that is the meat shelf.

The very bottom basket holds bagged items like pizza pockets, french fries, etc.

It looks really empty now!

No more bulky game cases!

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

My kids got Leapster 2 game systems for Christmas.

They love them....and I don't love the bulky cases they come in! They just take up way too much room. Since starting the 21 day challenge over at A bowl full of lemons, I have been on an organizing kick. Last night was toy organization and it got me thinking about these cases.

I found some small manila envelopes that the instructions would fit perfectly in.

I made some labels and cut the front picture from the sleeve.

And there you have it!!

I need to get some more envelopes so I can do the same with our Wii games.

I plan to buy some CD sleeves and keep the Wii games in the envelopes with the instructions.

I've Inspired someone!

2011-01-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

My mom called and said that my grandma wants to do the 21 Day Challenge! I'm very excited to get her started. She isn't computer savy or anything so I'm going to be giving her all the challenges and then checking up on her sometime during the week.

Now today is Day 10 of the challenge: Clean and Organize the Laundry Room.

Mine wasn't too bad, but it was still bad.

The before shot....aww there's a lonely sock on the ground...

In between the washer and dryer...disgusting! A mixture of lint and some drops of soap...missed all that due to the fact that my ironing board usually fits in there along with a trash can.

The top of the washer. Everything is pretty much just thrown up there!
Poor Minnie Mouse doesn't know what to think. She's waiting on a good handwashing...
On top of the dryer is a broken washer pan....not sure why it was never thrown away....

Sticky soap residue on my beautiful washer!
I don't have my Shaklee yet to clean with so I use Method's Tile and Tub cleaner.

freshly mopped
The iron now stands behind the door.

And the trash can is in the pedestal drawer under the dryer.

I put gripper shelf liner on top of the washer..mainly so things don't go flying on while the washer is spinning!

The basket holds my iron, and some cleaners.

While cleaning I remembered that we paid extra money for the pedestals..not only so they would be at a higher level but also for storage!!

My detergent, fabric softener, bleach, spray n wash, and bleach pens are now tucked away where they belong.

What a lovely sight..and I don't have to worry about closing the door to it anymore!

Day 9: Toy Organization

2011-01-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

I was relieved when I saw this challenge for today. After my BIG mess of a coat closet, I needed something a bit smaller....or so I thought.

This past weekend I had started to do some toy organization after I picked up some containers on clearance at Target.

My before picture is actually after I put a lot in the containers I had bought. As you can see before all those toys had been stuffing into 2 baskets...well and mostly strewn across the floor or pushed into the corner!

A modified before shot

Coloring table before

Half of their books! The each have a basket of books next to their beds.

Toy area after!

It is much nicer and cleaner. Someday I hope to have a shelf unit that all the containers can be stored on.

I had to go out and get a few more containers on clearance due to the fact that I went through all their toys...including the bedroom toys.

Now the majority of the toys are downstairs. I weeded out the ones that they no longer play with.

They each have a large basket in their rooms for all stuffed animals and then a bucket of random toys that are to stay in their rooms.

Coloring table after.

The coloring books and crayons are in the purple container next to the table.

The tubs on the table hold their Leapsters/Games and puzzles.

I took all their small puzzles out of the boxes, cut out the top picture and put them each in ziploc freezer bags.

Boxes won't get destroyed and it takes up A LOT less space!

Books after. I reorganized them and pulled out some that were too "babyish".

Those have gone to the ever growing yard sale pile!

Can we say.."Hoarders Bound"!

2011-01-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

Day8: The Coat Closet or shall we say the Coat Closet of DOOM!!

I've been waiting for this challenge because I knew it would force (encourage) me to tackle the HUGE task of cleaning our coat/storage closet.

This closet is very deep and then turns and goes under the stairs. Wonderful storage space to be utilized, but I'm sure not the way I had been using it....until now!

I'm warning you...this is not a pretty site..it's rather embarassing!

However, I am DETERMINED to complete this task!!

(sorry there are lots of pictures, but they are needed to see the transformation of this closet)!

Afraid to open the door...would you like to see why???

because of this...

...and this...

the 2 crib mattresses are on their way out...yard sale! We kept them for sleepovers at grandmas.

and this.....but wait...there's more!!

turn the corner and you will find all of this!

The view from my stairs...THAT IS A LOT OF STUFF!!

Nice and empty

Now for the after photos...
So much nicer!

The back corner holds special pictures and mementos.

The big box holds my fabric for different projects to be made this summer!

Some decorating pieces are in the crate.

Wow...Check that out!

The green and white basket holds our video camera, camera bag, and all the attachments that go with it.

The red floral bag (another 31 gifts tote bag) is currently holding all my hair bow making items.

This is what I have left to sort through.

Most of it is old documents. Tax papers, health insurance, etc.

I really need to get better organized like Sally did and put together some binders to hold all the important documents.

So going through these last boxes will be my extra task for the week....maybe even on Sunday!

Oh and Sally...it does feel like I just gave birth!!!

Finally a pantry to love!

2011-01-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

Day 7 Challenge: Organize the Pantry!

I've been waiting for this one because my pantry was in dire need to be cleaned and organized!

Before: I just put things wherever they would fit!

The bottom shelves were the worst. That HUGE box of chips...yeah only had 1 little bag in it!

The very bottom was stuffed with plastic grocery bags, reusable lunch totes, an ice chest, and my summer BBQ plates.

This is all teh food that came out of that pantry...several things were tossed because of expiration dates.

more food..migrating across my stove!

So that's where the #4 has been hiding!

This is just disgusting!

After: Top 3 shelves neatly cleaned and organized.

You might notice that I found some of that cute green and white shelf paper at the Dollar Store this morning!

I also bought a label maker!! I have become a label makin' fool!
I told my husband that I just might label his liqour...joking (actually that's not a bad idea)!

Bottom of the pantry: The big purple basket now holds all the lunch size bag of chips. I put all our reusable lunch totes in a basket and of course labeled it.

My BBQ dishes are now in my cabinet with all the other "seasonal dishes"

Small ice chest is now in the garage with the other ice chests.

I put all the plastic grocery bags in this hand made bag holder. I didn't make it, but I bought it from a co-worker that was selling them to support a family that had suffered a terrible loss.

It's now hanging on a door hook that I picked up at the Dollar Store as well.

The whole pantry after.

I keep going back and looking inside...it's a lovely view!

2011-01-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is our dresser. It is an antique that my mom gave to us when we moved into our first house. The top two drawers are mine. They are very tiny..not very deep at all, so the only thing I keep in there are my socks, undies, and other unmentionables.
I completely cleaned them out, refolded everything and placed what was being kept back inside.

It will be much easier finding what I need.

All my other clothes sit on shelves in the closet.

Beautiful dresser..it's a shame it is such a mess!

The top before! Can we say GROSS!!

The dresser after. I need to get my dragon fly hook hung up so I can hang up my other necklaces...otherwise it looks much better!

I am obsessed with old flower pins. I think it's safe to say that I have cleaned out the inventory in almost every gift shop in Jamestown!!

I bought this dish a very long time ago. It holds all of my flower pins.

Pajama Shelf Before.

The green bag is hiding birthday gifts for my little girl.

Pajama Shelf After: Need to buy some nice baskets to store them in!

Shelf before: A HUGE mess!

Shelf After: My tank tops are in a (small) container and my shirts are just folded. I have plans to get nicer baskets to sit on the shelf and contain my clothes.

Took me longer to complete this challenge this evening due to this little guy:

Came home sick from preschool with a fever....doesn't really want to break...which mean Urgent Care in the morning!

Technically it's not day 5 in my time zone..but since I'm up.....

2011-01-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

Even though it's technically not Day 5, I saw the challenge was already posted and decided....hey why not?!?

Before....very cluttered

I left the tile sealer and extra tiles in the back since this is a rental...

I cleaned out the bottom and made it all shiny and smelling fresh again.

all of this was under there! Ant and roach killer, a sun tea jar (leaky spout so it goes in the give away pile), epson salt, drop cloth and painters tape, fish food? fish net?? We no longer have fish!!

I took the bug killer spray and discs, and the drop cloth, painters tape out to the garage. Epson salt and rubbing alcohol is in the bathroom. Fish food and cleaners to go with will be given to someone that can use it.

The after: all cleaners with the exception of my dishwasher detergent are in one tub. New sponges, latex gloves are in an upcycled gladware container.

Linen Cabinets=DONE!

2011-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have a set of cabinets at the top of my stairs. These serve as my linen cabinets.

Most of the time the top shelf space is full of clean laundry that needs to be folded and put away....I'm lucky I don't have many visitors that come upstairs!

Embarassing to show..but this is what it looked like before. Clean laundry mixed with a crate of clothes to go in a yard sale. The piece of particle board is actually the bottom of my son's crib. I am planning on recycling it and making a padded headboard for his room. I used the one from my daughters the same way.

The cabinet I keep my books in

Took out a couple of books and re-shelved the others

Before: blankets and tablecloths

After: neatly folded. Added some to my yard sale pile. Table clothes are in the clear zip bag (I plan on investing in some space saver bags).

Upper cabinets before: sheets, pillowcases...really sad looking.

After: The clean sheet sets are neatly folded.

The top shelf holds fabric my kid's baby stuff...future project..cutting into quilt squares.

I also house my personal toolbox in this cabinet since there was lots of space.

This cabinet mainly held blankets for my two kiddos. I pulled some out to give away to some expecting moms and the rest were added to the main cabinet with all other blankets.

The cabinet now holds the kids' sleeping bags and our snow clothes.
Darn snow pants are too puffy (made it hard to fold flat)!

The top shelf space still looks like this...but for good reason!

All of this is what I am putting in my yard sale!

And while I was cleaning and organizing my 3 year old son snuck my camera away and took this picture of his sister.....

Kara....waiting for her bedtime story!

Day 3: Kitchen Cabinet Overhaul

2011-01-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

Day 3: Messy tupperware cabinet!

Well in my attempt to clean up the tupperware cabinet it turned into cleaning up almost every cabinet and rearranging them!!

This was my tupperware cabinet/children's plates, cups, bowl cabinet.

I tossed the sippy cups (we haven't used for a while) and took everything out.

This is that same cabinet afterwards. I decided to move all my mixing bowls to this cabinet.

I have a small narrow cabinet where I kept most kitchen appliances (I've already removed most of them). This is embarassing to say but the crumbs from the toaster have been there for over a year!!!

I cleaned it all out with my Clorox spray anywhere cleaner (a new thing I bought when the kids were sick).

Went through all my tupperware and tossed what was missing lids and put some in the give away pile. It fits much better in this cabinet.

I didn't take a before picture of my dishes cabinet but decided to take and after.
I moved my kids' bowls and plates to this cabinet and took many coffee cups (we don't even drink coffee) and added them to my give away pile.

The other side of the dishes cabinet. I do have more glasses than this though...washing!

My pots and pans cabinet and whatever else I managed to shove in there.

Pots and pans after

This cabinet was a disaster! I held my glass bowls, casserole dishes and whatever else!

back corner of that cabinet

After: My kitchen appliances fit much better!

Holds my seasonal dishes too...way in the back!

This is my give away pile just from tonight's cleaning/organizing!!

A nice looking desk!

2011-01-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today was Day 2 of the challenge: Clean/Organize only the top of my desk.

The sad part is that this desk was clean a couple of days ago.

I moved my desk downstairs so I would use it more for my crafting, hair bow making, and actually place my laptop on it.

Up until now I have been doing all my creative work on my diningroom table....enough of that!

I re-cleaned the top AGAIN and I've started using my cute magazine holders that I snagged in the See Spot Save section at Target only a $1 a piece.

I also bought a cute little desk calendar from Mead for $1.

The tiered wire basket will start to hold my odds and ends items I use for crafting. I have my scissors and pencils in a cute striped pail that held a Christmas gift.

I also love that I can now use my mirror hooks to hold my clipboard and special doo-dads!

This was after I started to bring things to my crafting area to be put away..only they didn't find their home right away...

Starting to really love my crafting area. When I need my laptop out of the way I just close it up and slide it into the keyboard compartment of the desk....

One Little Word...

2011-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

My world for 2011:

Determination!!

I chose this word because I am determined to do/change a lot of things this year!

I am determined to:

Continue to eat healthy and workout....I'm not far from that goal.

Not let the little things get to me (this is a BIG one).

Continue to pay bills off....hope to buy a house again someday.

Spend more time with my family and friends.

Complete the 21 day challenge to get organized!

and last but not least at all..

ENJOY LIFE!!!

Day 1 and I'm on a roll...

2011-01-01T12:10:00.001-08:00

I was very excited to start the 21 Days to get Organized project today.

Challenge #1: Organize the dreaded junk drawer (or drawers..I have about 5)!

I started with kitchen junk drawer..

I had a phone book, batteries, old birthday cards and christmas cards stashed in there!

Here is the before:

And now the after:

I didn't buy any fancy organizers (I forgot), but I did put to use some of the GAZILLION Glad and Hillshire Farms reusable lunch meat containers!

After the main junk drawer I moved over to my Kitchen Utensil Drawer.

Before: there was so much crammed in that most times I had a hard time closing it.

After: I used more of my reusable containers and did some basic organizing. I do want to get a regular drawer utensil holder but for now these will work.
Looks a lot cleaner and it closes easier too!

I feel much better that those 2 drawers are now clean and "organized!"

I'm going to tackle these drawers next.....

This is a small entry side table that has been the catch-all for anything and everything...it's the drawer that I toss things in while doing a last minute walk through before company comes over....

another junk drawer in my hutch.......I know I can get it organized too!

Organizing Bandwagon!

2010-12-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm jumping on the organizing bandwagon!

Let's see if I can keep up with the daily organizing challenges from this site A bowl full of lemons.

Maybe YOU should do it too!

I'm looking forward to a more organized house and life!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to YOU!

Hope you have had a wonderful Holiday Season so far. We've had a good one despite Kara and Michael being sick, Kara more than Michael.

I've been doing a lot more praying this month....I pray every night on a normal basis but the past couple of months I've been saying extra prayers...

So if you can say some prayers for some special people in my life I would greatly appreciate it...

1. June Vierra (wayne's grandma). Before Thanksgiving she went into the hospital with pains in her chest. We found out that she has congestive heart failure.

2. Molly Lavilla...my niece Chelsea and Molly's daughter are best friends. Molly also works for the Weaver School District. She has had several surgeries on her head...they are trying to find a shunt that her body won't reject.

3. Miss Denisa....Kara's dance teacher for the past 3 years. Denisa went in for testing and found out she needed surgery....while in surgery they discovered that she has Stage 3 ovarian cancer. Denisa is a strong woman and has a wonderful outlook on her condition. Kara decided she doesn't want to dance anymore (hopefully she will go back) but we will be keeping in touch with Denisa!

Here are a couple of Holiday pictures for you to enjoy!

My mom's tree topper this year...isn't it cute!

Kara dressed in her PJs for her Christmas Show at school

Michael and his BFF (sorry Adrian) Tristan. Tristan is in the puppy dog shirt.

I adore this picture of Michael...this is his true personality shining through!

My sweet Kara...santa's little helper.

Christmas Card from Shutterfly!

2010-12-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

After reading Sally's blog and Amy's blog I decided to check out Shutterfly for this year's Christmas Card as well! And this special even made it better! We took the kids to Disneyland Thanksgiving weekend and I HAD to use photos from our first trip on this years card!

This is what I will be sending out....

They have a MASSIVE amount of Holiday/Christmas cards to choose from.

This isn't the first time I have used Shutterfly. I've used it for birthday invites...

This was for my brother's 30th!

I also have made a couple of photo DVD's.

This one we made for Wayne's mom, she's in Montana.

Shutterfly offers so many great gift ideas..

Calendars are another great way to share pictures throughout the year!

Photo mugs make a great gift for coffee drinker...or if they don't drink coffee then make is a Hot Cocoa Mug!!

I can't wait to receive my christmas cards in the mail and send them out!

Merry Christmas friends!!

Santa came early!!

2010-12-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

Oh how I have been waiting so long for a pair of RED heels!

I think every woman should have some RED heels!!

Wayne said he would buy me some for Christmas and they came a bit early.......

aren't they purrttyy!!!

my view.....

shoe shot!!!

Little Dancer...

2010-11-22T17:58:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday Kara had a "mini" recital at the mall in front of Santa Cluas.

She did a wonderful job on her dance.

They performed a dance to Willy Wonka's "Pure Imagination"

My FAVORITE picture!!

with Miss Denisa

with her 2 BFF's...Rachel and Charlotte!

Ribbon Reef (wreath) for Sally!

2010-11-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

A a BIG thank you I made a ribbon wreath for Sally.

She met me at Michael's and picked out all the ribbon she wanted for it...and I went to town!!

Oh and we got the idea from this awesome blog: http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/search/label/wreath?updated-max=2010-09-17T00%3A27%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=20

14" wreath form all wrapped up...

10 different prints cut at 4.5in and sewed into loops...

..after I cut the loops apart from eachother....250 total!

....starting the gluing process.....

Close Up...

Completed Project!

New Project..

2010-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

I made this Fall Wreath (I pronounce it reef...Sally kept correcting me) out of some Fall inspired fabric my grandma made me.

I might add our initial "B" to it somewhere or add a turkey....not sure at this point. I'm just excited to have a new fall wreath that cost me $0. Yep I didn't pay a thing for it...old coat hanger, hand me down fabric there ya go!!

.........

2010-11-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Wayne lost his Grandpa Norm after a long battle with cancer. He was a wonderful man with a BIG heart. He will be truely missed!

This was taken 2 years ago this coming Christmas

Portland!

2010-10-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

This past Friday Sally and I hopped on a plane and flew to Oregon to visit Megan. It was so much fun...starting with me being "man-handled" in security at Sacramento! I completely forgot that I had my pepper spray on key chain. I managed to get it off right as we were loading our carryons in the trays and I handed it over to the lady. Well she grabbed hold of my arm and called the head security guy. I told him I simply forgot it and they made sure I didn't set off the alarm and sent me on my way.

What a way to start the trip! Both Sally and I had a laugh over it and it makes for a wonderful memory of my first flight!

Sally and Megan on the MAX

Saturday Market....

the square..

famous Made in Oregon sign

courthouse

one of many bridges

across the river. While enjoying the scenery we were tempted to jump a random guy for his box of VooDoo Donuts. The line at the shop was very long and we weren't about to wait. But we could have taken them from the guy at the waterfront!

My first trip to IKEA!!

I love this picture!

Self portrait on the plane waiting to come home.....hello to Sally's shoulder!!

I had a wonderful time and was finally able to sleep in without any kids waking me up (it's only been almost 6 years)!

I can't wait until we can do it again.....

Introducing.....

2010-09-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

William Ware Vieselmeyer III.

Born September 26, 2010 at 3:18pm.

5lbs 12oz and 20 1/4 in long.

I am so in love with my new nephew!!

Congrats to my brother billy and my sister-in-law Lacey!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-09-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today was my 33rd birthday!

I got to spend the evening with my family...missed Lacey (she's at home taking care of that precious baby boy due any time).

I made lemon cupcakes....regular size and some cute "mini" ones (so I wouldn't feel guilty having one)!

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes!!

Our soccer star!

2010-09-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Kara's very first soccer game. She did an awesome job. Kara kept up with all the little guys on the team and played most of the game.

Grandpa said it was the best entertainment of the weekend!!

The banner my mom made for Kara's team!

Our cute little player

practicing being a goalie

she just threw the ball in...if you look close enough you can see part of the ball.

Playing forward...

Assisting in a goal!

she was done.....exhausted...can't you tell!

We're proud of you!

Michael took this picture....proud soccer mom!

Michael's 1st day of Preschool...

2010-09-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

Michael started Preschool at the end of August. He is going to the same preschool, The Kids Place, that Kara went too. We love it there!

He was very excited to start school like his big sister Kara.

He's just a little excited....

all grown up....

with Miss Carol...

I took the day off and treated him to a happy meal afterwards.....

My handsome lunch date!

1st day of Kindergarten...

2010-07-26T22:01:00.001-07:00

Today was Kara's first day of Kindergarten. She was very excited to start school.

I was able to walk her to class ( I wasn't sure if I was going to be able too since I had to meet my students). She didn't cry at all (yay) and when I saw her at recess she was more interested in playing than talking to me!

She did tell me she loved me when she saw me at lunch time (that made me feel good)!

proud of my big girl!
with her teacher...Ms. Sweger

went right to work

We're searching for clues....

2010-07-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Kara and Michael decided to look for clues around the house. Apparently they have clue searching clothing. Both are wearing pjs and then something else over it.

I asked what was in the bag and Michael told me it was their clue finding tools!

Love that they have an imagination!!!

From Dirt to Ballerina in a matter of 3 days...

2010-07-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

She loves to fish and play in the dirt...

and she also loves to be a ballerina:

I apologize about the quality of the pictures...they certainly aren't the best but I had to share them.

I love this little guy...

2010-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

This little guy is my everything.

He is growing up way to fast and his personality is really showing too!

Michael is very loveable and full of laughter...

When he's mad or upset about not getting his way he does this

Cutest little fisherman ever!

My new but not final measurements!

2010-06-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I was this morning to get up at 3:30am and head to the gym! Our trainer Jodi is awesome and she challenges us every meeting!

Ok...now for my results!

Beginning weight and measurements: 3/5/2010:

Weight: 168lbs

Waist: 33 in

Hips: 37 in

R. Leg: 24 in

L. Leg: 25.5 in

R. Arm: 14 in

L. Arm: 13 in

Body Fat: 29.8%

Ending weight and measurements: 6/22/2010:

Weight: 149.5lbs

Waist: 30 in

Hips: 35 in

R. Leg: 22 in
L. Leg: 22 in

R. Arm: 12.5

L. Arm: 12.5

Body Fat: 26.6%

Overall I have lost 18.5lbs; 3.2% body fat; and a total of 12 inches!

I have 11.5lbs until I hit my goal weight and I can't wait!

I am on a roll to become a more healthier ME!!

Here are my before and after pictures...

I must warn you that the hair isn't styled that great and in my after shots I am really showing off 3 different shades of skin tone! It's sad that I am tan on top, the middle is a pastey white, and the legs are a tad lighter than the arms/chest. Hey I haven't worn a 2 piece bathing suit in years!

I took another after shot of the front picture because I wasn't smiling in the first one.

So that's what it looks like as of now...I am estatic with the results and can't wait to see even more!

I finally got my new bathing suit that I ordered...it's a very cute retro one-piece from Victoria Secret...and I love it on!

My mom's new measurements.....

2010-06-22T05:37:00.001-07:00

This morning we went and had our measurements taken after working out for 3 months and 3 weeks with our awesome trainer Jodi!

I am doing this in 2 separate posts because of the size.

Here are my mom's results...they are phenomenal!

Beginning weight and measurements: March 5, 2010:

Weight: 197lbs

Waist: 40in

Hips: 49in

R. Leg: 27in

L. Leg: 26.5 in

R. Arm: 16 in

L. Arm: 16 in

Body Fat: 43%

Ending weight and measurements: June 22, 2010:

Weight: 177.5

Waist: 37 in

Hips: 44 in

R. Leg: 24 in

L. Leg: 24 in

R. Arm: 15 in

L. Arm: 14.5 in

Body Fat: 39%

Over all she is down 19.5lbs; 4% body fat; and has lost a total of 16 inches!

Please scroll down for the before and after pictures!

I can't wait until we take more pictures of my mom once she reaches her goal! She is on a roll and nothing can stop her now!!

I finally did it after a year......

2010-06-21T16:03:00.001-07:00

Ok so the last time I used my sewing machine was Easter before last. Sally has been sewing on hers and it inspired me...along with the countless craft blogs she has been sending me!

I wanted to make the kids swim cover ups. I had it in my head what I wanted to do and was all prepared to go buy some terry cloth material....UNTIL my mom gave me the idea to use bath towels!

Went to target and picked up some in fun colors/stripes and I finally made them today.

(I only called my mom about 4-5 times to make sure I was doing it correctly!)

So here they are:

Kara chose pink. Hers was a full size bath towel...it only cost $5.99

Close up of the straps and the button on the side. The entire thing was made from the towel..including the straps!

.Michael chose a green stripe....his is a hand towel! It was only $3.99

I added velcro to his to keep it closed

It's also reversable!!

Can't wait to work on some more cute projects!

7 years! and a bad blogger.....

2010-06-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a long time since I've posted anything. End of the school year kept me extremely busy. I will do one post in the next couple of days with a sampling of pictures detailing what has been going on.
But today is a special day!
7 years ago I married my best friend, my soul mate!
He helps keep me grounded, supports my every decision, and is the best husband I could have ever have.
He has been super supportive on my quest to become a healthier me!
Here are a sampling of some of my favorite pictures from that day (I loved them all and my most favorite shots aren't on the computer for some reason).

He can always make me laugh!

One of my faves from the reception

The new Mr. and Mrs. Butler!

Happy 3rd Birthday Michael!

2010-05-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

From the moment you were born I was amazed! I was in love with you before you were born and even more so after.....

I remember thinking about all the things we would experience together and what fun you would bring to the family.

You are such a funny little guy with a GREAT cheesy smile.

I love that you are turning into a "boys" boy and how you scream at the T.V. "that's mine!" every time you see a toy you want.

Happy Birthday Michael....We love you!

Brand New!

meeting you for the 1st time..

enjoying cake for the 1st time....

my big 2 year old...oh how you were stubborn that day!

Such a silly boy..

Santa Cruz 10k Results and Pictures

2010-04-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

We ran in the Santa Cruz 10k today. My mom, grandma (she'll be 75 next month), my sister, and I decided to do this together! Last Saturday my mom unfortunately hurt herleft leg just below her knee. She was devistated over this because she was really looking forward to the 10k. She had been training hard and was looking at being able to finish within 1 hour and 30 mins.

She went on and decided to partake in the event and was told that if she could make it to a first aid station and couldn't go any further then they would bring her back down. I was very proud of my mom even though I was worried at the same time about her leg. Any how she did have to be taken back down the hill and was able to slowly walk across the finish line to 3 paramedics waiting for her. The volunteers that helped her out were awesome and I wish I knew their names!

So here goes:

My mom: walked a total of 3 miles in 1 hour and 15 minutes (with a hurt leg).

My Grandma: finished the 6.2 miles in 1 hour and 49 minutes.

She placed 1,091 out of 1,114 competitors. She averaged 17:40 minutes per mile!

She also placed 3rd in her age division....Grandma Rocks!

My Sister: finished in 1 hour and 5 minutes.

She placed 609 out of the 1,114 competitors. She averaged 10:36 minutes per mile!

Me: I finished in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Placed 754 out of 1,114 competitors. I also averaged 11:20 minutes per mile!

I am extremely proud of all of us and we couldn't have done it without the support of eachother, our friends, and our family!

3 minutes until race time!

coming into the finish line

Yay! I did it! I started to tear up here.

Bad Pic: Happy but very tired...

Kara with my mom at the first aid station.

Here come's my Grandma!!

She did it!!! Did I mention she is going to be 75 next month! She rocks!

The after: It was raining but all worth it! Like my mom's cute little ice pack?

Can't wait to do it next year. My dad, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew, and Miss Sally Rawlings are going to join us!

New Capris and The Ring Spins!

2010-04-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ok so since I've been working out I have seen some wonderful success! I feel good about myself and have learned quite a bit about nutrition too!

I am happy to say that as of yesterday morning I am down 11 pounds!

Got a new pair of capri pants today....1 size smaller than before..

Oh and my wedding ring totally spins on my finger!

Here is a picture of the kiddos from a couple weeks ago. They were enjoying some fun dip!

They dressed themselves too..just so they could go outside. If you notice Michael's shirt is on backwards! He would not let me change it at all.....stubborn little man!

Updates on our measurements.....

2010-03-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so last night my mom and I had our measurements taken to see how we have done since we started with the trainer on March 5th.
So here goes:

Sabrina:
weight loss: 5lbs
waist: lost 1 inch
hips: lost 1/4 inch
arms: 1 inch on each
left leg: lost 1 1/4 inches
right leg: stayed the same (go figure)
Body fat % went up........we think it's because I'm not eating enough calories with the amount of time I am spending in the gym. I was very bummed about this number going up but now that I know what I need to do I am going at it full force.

Vivian:
weight loss: 8lbs
waist: lost 2 inches
hips: 1 1/2 inches
arms: 1 inche on each
left leg: 1 1/2 inches
right leg: stayed the same (um yeah go figure again!)
Body fat % went down 3%

We are both really excited with our outcome so far! I love our trainer....she pushes us to the max but doesn't give us anything we can't handle.

The Before Pics...........

2010-03-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so I mentioned that I was going to post some before pics of myself and my mom. It's taken some time to do so because I personally have been going back and forth over which pictures I was going to post....the ones in just my sports bra and pants or fully clothed ones.....

I finally decided with the encouragement from some friends to just go for it and post the ones that I feel more exposed in. They are not the most flattering pictures of me but it is somewhat liberating to say..."hey this is what I look like under all the fabric!" I've been working very hard along side my mom for a healthier life. I have a goal in mind and for the first time I feel that it is attainable.

Front...taken 2 weeks ago

Back

Side

These are my mom's before pics.... taken 2 weeks ago
back

side

front

We meet with our trainer tomorrow night to be measured a second time. We will finally see how much body fat percentage we have lost and how many inches as well.

I am excited to see how we have done and can't wait to share with everyone.

To date since starting the gym I have lost 7.5lbs and my mom has lost 8lbs!

The new me...

2010-03-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

well the "healthier" new me is on it's way! My mom and I signed up to do a 10k run/walk a couple of months ago (we will be doing that on April 11th) and also joined the new gym in town..Brenda Athletics. We both signed up for 4 sessions with a personal trainer and I must say she ROCKS! She is a lot of fun to work with, yet she means business. Tonight was our 2nd session with Jody and I must say that I am very proud of myself and my mom.

I am doing things that I have never done before. She introduced Planks to us. I have found out that I can do 3 sets of them holding each for 40 seconds. Now that doesn't seem like a long time or might seem easy but it is tough! I can also do side planks for 30 seconds.

I always feel really great when we are done with the workout and I am confident that I will be able to run at least half of the 6.2 miles at the 10k.

I will be taking a "before" picture of myself and my mom and putting them on the blog...just have to take one.

I decided why not put the pictures up (even though I don't think I look great) and keep updating the picture every 3 months.

My goal is to have that wonderful looking figure that I once had looooonnnnnggggg before kids and be happy in my own skin!

So thanks for all the support I have been given....and I can't wait to start seeing results!!

I love these 2

2010-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

with all my heart!

The smile that melts my heart!

My beautiful 5 year old!

New Hair Cut

2010-02-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

I love love love my new hair cut and highlights! Sandy did an awesome job. I wanted something fun and sassy and that's what I got!

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!!

2010-01-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is turning 5 tomorrow! I can't believe how fast time has gone. I can remember being pregnant with her and the way she always stretched out right when I got comfortable in bed. I remember everything about my labor and deliver, it was the most wonderful experience I have ever had.... The first time I was alone with her and held her was the most magically, surreal feeling I've had.

The past 5 years with Kara have been an absolute BLAST!! She is such a smart, beautiful, and fun-loving little girl. It's hard to believe that she will be in kindergarten next year at the same school that I teach at.

I can't wait to see her learn new things.

Her first picture.....January 27th 2005
January 27th 2006....1 years old

January 27th 2007....2nd Birthday

January 27th 2008......3rd Birthday

January 27th 2009.....4 years old

5 years old--January 27, 2010.

Donavan took some beautiful photos of Kara in her Alice in Wonderland Costume. We had an Alice in Wonderland themed Tea Party. She was able to invite 2 friends from preschool and then her friends Charlotte, Rachel, and Madison.

The party was amazing! My mom helped me out with it BIG Time!!

I'll post pics from the party later!

Camera Happy

2009-12-31T16:11:00.001-08:00

So on Christmas Day I was feeling a bit silly and decided to take pictures with just about everyone who was there. Now there are some pictures that aren't making it on the blog by request of the other person!

Trevor
Tim...this is the norm for him!
Scarlett is just as goofy as can be...

Couldn't forget about Lacey! I don't think she knows about this!!

Corinna...it took 3 takes before she was happy..

Chelsea..the queen of "Hey my eyes were closed!"

Silly Billy...love my baby brother!

Ok enough of being silly!

Our Christmas Card

2009-12-13T07:49:00.001-08:00

Donavan has been taking our Christmas Card picture for the last 4 years..and once again she did an awesome job!

My kids love to move around...and Donavan would probably put in that I wasn't THAT cooperative a couple of times this year. She kept telling Wayne he was doing a PERFECT job!! Well this is what I have to say to Wayne being sooo perfect.......

...and here is just a beautiful shot of our Christmas Tree!

Thank you again Donavan for taking our pictures!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Check out these two love birds!

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

We thought my parents were too cute standing this way at the band review in Lodi last weekend. Its great to see them still very much in love if not more after 36 years of being with eachother!

Love you Mom and Dad!!

Just a few days late.....sorry Corinna

2009-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

We had a blast with Halloween this year. Took the kids to Boo Zoo. Kara had a cute Halloween party at Preschool, and I wore 3 different costumes!

My beaver and elephant
With Miss Carol
Trevor was a headless man...it was kinda creepy!

Scarlett as Wednesday Adams...she's holding Thing in her hand!

WithCorinna

Chelsea was the Queen of Hearts. My mom made her costume.

This was my costume I wore to go Trick or Treating with the kids...I went as a "bag of leaves!"

I thought it was cute and very creative!!

From Scarecrow to a Princess all in one day....

2009-10-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today was such a busy day for Kara. She had her Halloween Dance Recital at the mall at 1pm. She was dancing to the song "If I Only Had A Brain". All the girls looked really cute and I had a blast dressing her up to look like one!

After the recital we had to come home and clean her up for her very first birthday party for a classmate. She was invited to a Princess Tea Party for a sweet little girl who turned 4. She had a blast at the party and didn't want to leave.

Thrifty Ice Cream Rocks!

2009-10-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

After the pumpkin patch we took the kids to get a Thrifty Ice Cream at Rite Aid. This was their first time getting ice cream from there. Of course they wanted to use the money they earned to buy it and Kara insisted that she got to pay the lady!

Michael had to share his messy face...I love it!

My sweet mom...most likely she won't care for this picture but I love it! I love that sweet little grin that I've seen all my life.

sorry I just can't get enough of this sweet face

Now Kara is a serious ice cream eater. She licks every last drop from the spoon!

...again with the spoon

...now onto the cone....serious concentration going on there

my two cuties having a GREAT time!

College Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the kids to the Merced College Pumpkin Patch. The kids thought it was cool because they got to go out into the field and choose their pumpkins.

We will definately go back there again next year! Prices were GREAT!

my baby girl searching.....

on their way back to show off the pumpkin they found

Kara wasn't too happy about facing the sun!

They were yelling for daddy to hurry up!

Having Fun...

2009-10-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

We had costume day at school since we tracked off for 2 weeks. I was very excited to dress up and decided to be a witch! I've never been a witch before and my mom made me a wonderful dress and did a GREAT job on my make up!!

My students loved my costume along with all the other 1st grade students. I went around and read the book, A Very Brave Witch (love that book) to all the other 1st grade classes and had a blast going into the other rooms.

Can't wait until next year!!

Halloween Dance

2009-10-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

My nieces Chelsea and Scarlett had their Halloween Dance for school on Friday. Scarlett went as an Indian and Chelsea was a butterfly.

Silly Scarlett
They were both being crazy and then Kara had to get in the shot
There ya go...a sweet innocent Indian

This is her "serious" indian look

My mom did Chelsea's hair

Close up of her make up

The wings are actually mine from an old costume...I love them.

I love this picture. We told Chelsea to turn around and Kara did the same thing!

For Sally

2009-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

So Adrian and Sally came to the Redneck Party and Sally claimed she couldn't find anything "redneck" to wear.

Adrian look pretty decent.

So this is what I call:

Redneck Adrian and his High Class Gal Sally

From the back...too cute....love the chairs!

Redneck Party Pics....sorry it's a lot!

2009-10-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

Corinna wanted to celebrate her 35th birthday party with a Redneck Theme. My mom and I planned the entire thing. We had a great time planning it and had a blast at the party!

It's a lot of pictures but I couldn't resist sharing them all.

Redneck Michael

more guests watching one of the games

I wish Kara would have stood up. She looked too cute
Redneck Tim

Cousin Brian won the Beer Can Casting game. This was his prize. Wayne and I made a redneck drinking hat!
The Birthday Girl all Redneckified!

My mom made this awesome faux outhouse!

My mom went bare foot and pregnant

It was hilarious!

Michael and my dad

Redneck Shot Put

I spent 2 hours one night stringing empty soda cans onto twine to make 20 feet of garland for the party. It came out too darn cute!

trying some frog legs

I made the cupcakes with the cute signs

the cake. 7lbs of chocolate!

Brian also won the redneck shot put for the men and one a day pass to pick n pull!

Brian...loved his costume!

More party guests!

Becky won the redneck shot put for the girls. Wonder what she will get at Pick n Pull?

Finally....

2009-09-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so Michael turned 2 in May and I just got his pictures taken....Donavan did a great job, despite a cranky 2 1/2 year old who didn't want to be an inch away from me!

The back of his birthday shirt that I made for him.....we had a construction themed party.
The front of the shirt said "Michael...The Boss"

I love these last two shots. I wasn't planning on being in the pictures but Donavn caught some wonderful moments between Michael and I.

Thank you again Donavan. You did a wonderful job!!

Look what I'm doing!

2009-09-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

So for a couple of years now I've been wanting to make Kara some hairclips. A couple of weeks ago I made Kara some clips and then decided to try my hand at selling them. I went to the Atwater Fall Festival this past Saturday and sold a few of them and have also sold a few at work. Here are just a sampling of what I have made....Hope you enjoy them and if there is any interest in ordering/purchasing some..just leave me a comment!

Lady Bugs

Bumble Bees

Christmas mix and match

Butterfly

Brown and Pink Hearts

Brown and Pink on Hot Pink Headband.......any bow can be attached to these headbands

Halloween Bows

Christmas

Birthday or Valentines

I can do any design. I'm still learning more and more everyday. I can put anything from buttons (some are unique and very old..), wooden pieces (lady bugs, bumble bees, etc.) or anything else you can think of on them.

Coming Soon are ponytail holders and I'm working on creating bow holders!

Can't wait....I'm having a lot of fun with this!!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my brother Billy and his wife Lacey's wedding day. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and love!

Kara's 1st Day of Pre School......

2009-09-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

This past Monday was Kara's 1st day of pre school. I can't believe how big she is getting. I did very well that day...no tears for either of us!

Sorry I went a little camera happy...this is only a part of the pictures.

all ready to go!

Michael had to pose with Kara

The back to school bulletin board! Kara's is in the bottom right.

Close up of Kara's apple. She did a great job coloring!

Listening to a story

Kara and her teacher, Miss Carol

After I picked up Kara I took her out to lunch..she chose Applebees! She kept saying it was like a date...only daddy wasn't with us!

It's been a long time....

2009-08-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

since my last post! Been a bit busy. I'm starting my sixth week of school tomorrow. Kara has her first day of preschool tomorrow. I'm so not ready for that!! The plan is to drop her off, take a few pictures and then leave. When I pick her up I am going to take her out to lunch for a little mommy time.

Can't wait for our camping trip this weekend. This will be the last camping trip this summer and I'm excited because my parents are joining us. The last time they went camping Kara was 7 months old!!

Sorry no pictures to post today. I will be posting pictures of my beautiful daughter's first day of school!

It's Fair Time...

2009-07-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

We went as a family to the fair tonight. Kara and Chelsea were dancing in Denisa's School of Dance Showcase. They both did a great job! We got to see our friends, the Rawlings and the Garrison's there. The kids couldn't wait to ride the ponies and Kara was dying to go on the ferris wheel. She asked about it last year but she didn't get to, so Mommy promised her she would take her on it (Mommy doesn't care for ferris wheels)! After doing a quick walk through the animals Wayne and Michael headed home while Kara stayed with me and enjoyed the Sawyer Brown concert...love them!!Had to take a picture next to the race car. Michael loves race cars!

My little cuties waiting for the ponies

C'mon Michael...one little smile.....

Enjoying the ride. They had the entire ride to themselves!

Oh No here we go! I wasn't ready...Kara was!

Kara: YAY! THIS IS FUN!!

Mommy: Just breathe. In and out! You will be fine.....sweat beads forming!

My two handsome guys waiting for Kara to start dancing.

There she is...

"Pretty Picture"

Chelsea

"Cotton-Eyed Joe"

So the next picture I had to take! Donavan took some great pictures of myself back in February as a Valentines gift for Wayne. She decided to enter several pictures in the Fair and mine was one of them.
Trying to recreate the pose! It won 2nd place! Way to go Donavan!

And this picture was one that she took of Corinna, Tim, and the kids. Check out the blue ribbon! And she thought she wouldn't win.....

Happy Birthday and a fun project!

2009-07-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today was Sally's (a very dear friend) 35th Birthday! We joined her family at the pool for some fun swimming and a wonderful BBQ. I got this really cool idea from my cousin Kelly, who in turn got it from our cousin C.C. Picture frame White Boards. Today I rushed over to Michael's to get all the supplies. These are the first 3 I've done and I have 2 more to make...This was for Sally
For my sister-in-law Lacey...it's a belated Birthday gift.

This one is also a belated Birthday gift for Donavan.

I can't wait to make some more!!

Kennedy Meadows

2009-07-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

We went camping at Kennedy Meadows this weekend with my sister and her crew and Wayne's cousin Sabrina and her family and one of their friends. All together there were 18 of us! We had a blast fishing and just hanging out! The kids were extremely tired at the end of the trip not to mention extremely dirty. Here are just a few pics from the weekend!

Kara, Michael, and their cousin Aaron playing on a stump (they loved this stump)!

Trevor waiting to go fishing

Tradition of Corinna and I. Started waaaayyyy back at Disneyland when Chelsea was 4..(that was 9 years ago)!

Kara and Michael on a log waiting for daddy to join them...after he fell on the first attempt...

Right before this shot Wayne was jumping up to sit next to the kids and as he was trying to take the backpack off he fell backwards off the log! It was hilarious!! I wish I had the camera ready for that. I made sure he was ok before I continued to laugh!

awww....I love this picture

Kara took this of us...pretty good job

It's Batman....well if he was a blonde haired 2 year old with dirt on his face....

Kara was equally just as dirty!

They do their own poses! Not sure what Kara is doing...

My babies fishing

Yeah...you can't really see Michael but he is saying Cheeeesssseee...

This was taken in a beautiful meadow that we hiked to.

My sister Corinna and I. I love her bunches!!

Michael and his cousin Aaron yelling at us from their "stump". They had such a great time together.

We had such an awesome time camping with everyone. Can't wait for the next trip!

Summer

2009-07-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy summer which has been good. Both kids went through swimming lessons at the college...Kara is doing a second session now and is doing really well compared to before. Now that Chelsea is 13 I've been able to have her babysit the kids for me so I can go to my classroom and run errands. She enjoys it (not a bad way to earn some cash) and so do the kids. Kara is always asking when does Chelsea get to do it again! Going camping this weekend and can't wait. Hope to get some good pictures to share. Here are a few from the past week:

Michael and Trevor at grandma's

Kara wrote her name for the first time!! I was sooo excited....probably more excited than she was!

Here's my little girl at swimming lessons. This is BIG deal for her. At the beginning of the summer she was afraid she would die if she went under water...not anymore!

So a few days ago...

2009-07-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

..this guy (we call him Tim) turned 35!This is what he really thinks about turning 35!
Happy Birthday Tim!

Fireworks!!

2009-07-05T10:27:00.001-07:00

After spending the day at Corinna's we all headed over to our house for fireworks. The kids had a blast and we let them stay up a little later than usual so they could watch for the occasional big fireworks expload in the sky!Kara waiting for the show to start
I thought this was the coolest picture! My dad was helping Michael with a sparkler and this is how it came out in the picture.

Robert and his little Amanda (she is such a doll)!

Michael's ready

Joe. He wasn't very fond of the fireworks...I think he fell asleep in the middle of them.

Some of the "Big Ones" shot above the neighborhood

some more....

Ground Flower

Fountain...didn't last too long

My sister....love her bunches

Chelsea

This was sooo huge! The kids loved it! I couldn't believe that I managed to get a picture of it!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday with their families and friends. God Bless all the men and women fight for our Country!!

BBQing and Swimming

2009-07-05T10:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we got to spend the day at my sister's house swimming and BBqing. Our cousins Robert and C.C. came over with their kids to spend the holiday with us. We had such a great time together!

Trevor and Wayne
Billy and Robert

Kara going for a ride on daddy's back

She's a starfish!

C.C. and Amanda

Wayne visiting with Henry

What a Difference...

2009-06-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

...a year makes! Kara's recital this past weekend was her 2nd one. I couldn't help but to compare how she performed last year to this year. So much better! She has learned so much and is a bit more coordinated in the dance moves. I can't believe how much she has changed in the last year too! My baby girl is turning into a BIG girl (I know it has to happen sooner than later...but still)!!

June 2008

June 2008
June 2008....she really gets into the singing!

June 2009.....she still really gets into the singing!

Here's my ballerina! Such a big girl now. This year she actually did the dances completely instead of stopping to wave at us or stare up at the lights.

It's that time again.....

2009-06-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

This Friday we have Kara's ballet and tap recital. She is so excited to dance on the BIG stage!! Tonight was her dress rehearsal and she did very well at practice.

Here's my little cutie!

She did her own poses!

This was the first pose she did. She is such a ham (when she wants to be)!

I couldn't resist taking a picture of her cute tutu....and her hair!

Doing the baby bumble bee tap dance

All the girls

Anniversary Trip to Yosemite

2009-06-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Yosemite. It was so good to get out of town just the 2 of us and spend the day together. We took lots of pictures and I wanted to share the best ones! Sorry if it's too much to look at but it was hard to pick only a few.

Enjoy!

Just us...sitting at Glaicer Point. The view was amazing up there!

Entering Yosemite

A view of Half Dome on our way to Glacier Point

Of course I had to include this famous shot...from the Valley View turnoff!

Just a big tree that fell over

I love the reflection

Upper Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

Bridalveil Falls

a pretty tree in a pretty meadow

My handsome guy!

just sittin...taking a break

he didn't want to sit....
Ok so this was cut from one of the big trees in Mariposa Grove by Wawona. They say it was 1700 years old when it was cut from the tree. It was huge!

Ok, so hopefully you didn't get tired of looking at the pictures...oh and Donavan...I actually gave the camera up so Wayne could take some of me!

Proof I was there...

2009-06-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so Donavan said I needed to be in the pictures more (I really don't like being in pictures, but I also know it would be great for my kids to see me in pictures years from now when they are all grown up). These pictures are proof that I was at the zoo and that I did get in a couple of pictures. Hey I can't help it that Wayne won't take the camera from me!!

Michael and Mommy

Kara and Mommy

Michael and Daddy

I love this one of Wayne and Kara

The Zoo

2009-06-07T20:30:00.001-07:00

We suprised the kids with a trip to Chaffee Zoo today. It was such a perfect day weather wise for the trip. They had a blast seeing the Elephants (Kara's favorite), feeding the giraffes, and feeding the ducks before heading home.

Kara is fascinated with Elephants

Silly Michael

close-up

Very cool animals

Michael and Daddy feeding the giraffe

Kara even did it (she's not always as brave as Michael)

My favorite picture

Isn't this the coolest, cutest, tiniest frog ever. They have a new exhibit inside the Rainforest Exhibit called Tropical Treasures (I think that was the name). Lots of cute things in there!

His wings were huge!

After we left the zoo we walked over to the lake area of the park and fed the geese some bread. Michael actually got a bit close at one point and we think he might have gotten pinched by a Goose.....who knows! They had fun doing it!

Officially a teenager!

2009-06-06T14:03:00.001-07:00

This beautiful lady is the big 13 today! She is officially a teenager....eeeekkk! Such fun lies ahead for Tim and Corinna. I can still remember very vividly the first time I held her and now she is has grown into such a bright, kind, beautiful young woman.We love you Chelsea!!! Can't wait for you to start babysitting for us!

Swimming

2009-05-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

We've been going swimming quite a bit at Corinna and Tim's house lately. The kids love the pool and I am excited to say that Trevor is finally comfortable going in without a life jacket! For some reason he was just really timid in the pool. Well look out!! You can't stop him now!

This is his dive!! So funny in person!

...and his other favorite jump...the cannon ball!

...such a cute little splash! Oh and I can't forget to mention Kara in the background..hanging out in her favorite spot..the steps!

Band Awards

2009-05-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

A week ago we went to Chelsea's band awards. The Boosters did a wonderful job decorating the Weaver Gym. They laid out a red carpet for the honorees to walk on. They had a Hummer Limo out front for pictures! It was awesome.Our Band Star! She's always posing!!

Like I said...always posing!

Mr. Jones....he was talking about Chelsea...

Waiting patiently......

Receiving her medal!

....and this is just a really cute picture of a very proud mommy!!!

Fishing with the Rawlings

2009-05-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

We spent our Memorial Day fishing in the morning with Adrian, Rachel, and Charlotte (they recently got Princess fishing poles). Call us crazy but we managed to get 4 kids up and ready to leave by 6:30am!

Miss Rachel

already a pro

Adrian and his fishing partners

Kara concentrating on being really still and quiet....didn't last very long!

The girls....for the life of me I couldn't get them to all look at the camera at the same time.

They found a worm....it wasn't in good shape..but they found it very interesting.

Michael and Charlotte

Miss Charlotte

Adrian finally got to fish....he spent a lot of time getting the girls' lines unstuck....

Michael..(he yelled NO PICTURE..after I took this one)!

After about an hour and a half Wayne finally caught a fish (Kara has already caught two from previous trips)!

Well.....look really close...can you see the fish?!?! It was the tiniest thing ever....a whopping 3 inches long!

It deserved a close-up!

Such a Sweetheart!

2009-05-11T22:53:00.001-07:00

That's our Kara! She is such a character. Life with a 4 year old can be very interesting. She is constantly asking questions about everything...and if you don't have an answer for her (or at least one that she likes) she will respond with Well you need to think about it!" Kara has become a very thoughtful little lady. Everyday she asks me how my day at work was and wants to know everything that I did then follows up with.....well I want to be just like you mommy!Daddy's little fishing partner
She was actually practicing her dance recital song here

Here's my sweet girl....hammin it up for the camera!!

My Baby turns 2!!!

2009-05-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

Michael is the big 2!! I can't believe how time has flown by!! Michael is such a handsome little guy with a great personality. He definately keeps us on our toes!!!some serious blue eyes

His sister definately loves him...can't you tell

He colored his face with a sharpie marker....thank goodness baby wipes got it all off

so sweet

He picked out his clothes.....and insisted on wearing his rain boots. He has a great sense of fashion.

I love this picture

and this is just too cool

Busted!!! I caught Michael in daddy's office with Wayne's hat on and his had exerciser thing-a- ma-jig.

Sad times...

2009-04-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday we made a trip down to the Valencia area for a funeral. It was for Wayne's Grandpa Barton. Unfortunately he passed away from cancer. He was such a sweet man who had a smile that could light up the darkest room. He loved his family, especially his 8 grandkids and 4 great grandkids!! I have been trying to find a picture of him to post and I can't seem to find one. Lots of pictures were taken that day and this one was taken by Wayne's Uncle Danny. Not a bad family picture....considering the somber mood and one very tired 23 month old!!!!

We love you Grandpa Barton and know that you are in a better place watching over us. I will definately be thinking about him and many others during the Relay for Life today!

God Bless everyone and give your family an extra hug and kiss today!!

Happy Easter to All!

2009-04-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter with the family. The kids actually hunted eggs several times. We hid eggs Saturday night because Wayne had to make a suddent trip down to L.A. (his grandpa was in the hospital). We had Easter Sunday at Aunt Corinna's house and got to see our cousins that we don't see as often as we would like. The kids and I then headed out to Wayne's uncle's house in Atwater for more Easter fun!!our bright and colorful eggs
Michael's basket...the Smurfs are a new fave in our house.

Kara was so excited about her polka dot garden gloves

My handsome boy all ready to go...complete with his baby (blankie)

Kara...I made her Easter outfit all by myself...well my mom was and is the best sewing teacher ever!!

My attempt at an Easter picture of brother and sister..they don't make it very easy..

Let the Easter Egg Hunting begin....

he's such a BIG boy!

I love it!

Michael followed Kara everywhere...we had to get him away so he could find his own eggs!!

Luckily Great Grandpa was there to lend him a helping hand

Miss Chelsea and Kara

Kara was a pro at hunting Easter Eggs. She found around 16 at Auntie Corinna's house and another 30 at her Uncle Pat's house!!

Moving Day....

2009-04-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

This was the scene a week ago this past Saturday. With the help from my dad, brother, and friends me moved across town. I didn't get many pictures taken since I was kinda busy but I did manage a couple.
Michael was having a good time running in and out of the truck!
Once we are all settled in the house I will take some new pictures of the house.