Life is about love

Time to Kick it up a Notch!

2010-03-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Only a couple of months until swimsuit weather and I can tell you all right now, I AM NOT READY! Well mentally, yes. Physically, that my friends, is another story!

I have been making a conscious effort to get to the gym 3-4 times a week, eat healthier, and drink more water. I see small changes but man, the older I get, the harder it is to get in shape. I wish I could just go back to being young when I could eat anything and I never gained an ounce. I really want to feel good this summer and get out and play with the kids. I CAN DO THIS!

Hopefully by June I am where I want to be. Until then, I will just keep working hard.

Strep Throat

2010-03-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've been sick off and on for a week or so now, but yesterday when I got to work it hit me hard. I started to ache, run a fever, and my throat was extremely sore. So I decided I had better go get swabbed. Yep, I have strep! Boooo. This is not fun at all.

Yesterday about mid day was by far the worst. I was so hot and delirious. Things are a tad better today but my throat is so sore! I have been drinking gatoraide, and eating lots and lots of popsicles. I just hope this passes soon so I can get on with life!

New Do!

2010-03-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Needed something different, so lightened things up a bit! :) Happy Summer!

Kids...

2010-03-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

I can't get over how much Kolya is growing up. It truly baffles me. He turned 10 in November and he's going through this phase where he wants to dress super cute, and have his hair a certain way, and he carries himself differently. It's almost like the "little kid" factor is going away and he is starting to turn into a little man.

Kolya was only 4 when I first met Nick and I remember it like it was yesterday. Always wanting to know what was going on, and play with his dad. Then, when he started Kindergarten we found out that not only was he super stinken cute, but one of the smartest kids on the block! He has always performed very well in school, and is always wanting to learn as much as he can. I am so proud of him for being such a great student and trying to do the best he can.

When Nick and I got together I was just 22 years old. I had little Ambria who at the time was just over a year. Kids were new to me. Then, overnight, I instantly became a mom of 4. Most people looked at me like I was crazy, or asked how I did it? I never thought of it that way. Nick's kids are three of the best kids I have ever met. So well rounded, mannered, and sweet. Not a day passes that I don't appreciate those kids coming into my life. They have truly made me feel like a mom to them, and I know they love me as much as I love them.

Ahhhhhh, so sappy I know!

Like Father, Like Son...

2010-03-10T12:27:00.001-08:00

Ok no seriously, this is not a pose! This is what Nick found when he went to check on the kids in the bath. PRICELESS!

Oregon

2010-03-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

A week or so ago I randomly flew to Oregon to help a friend of mine move her things back to Utah. She moved there 5 years ago when she wanted to start over with things, and just recently transferred in her job back to Utah.

We played around a bit in Oregon going to a club and some other cool places on the drive back. I can't get over how green it is there. Man am I ready for summer! Brace yourselves for these photos!

This was at a fish hatchery. These fish were over 6 feet long and 500 lbs!

I told Keira we should strap a saddle on one and she could ride it!

Outside the hatchery

Wow, don't we look LOVELY!

Looking down the waterfall, very carefully so I didn't get sick (afraid of heights)
and fall off the cliff and die...

There was moss everywhere!

GORGEOUS~!

Slackers!

2010-03-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well now, I was feeling all guilty for not updating my blog until I looked around at everyone's for updates. Wow, blogging really has been put on the back burner ya'll! Hardly anyone updates like they used to, or at all. I feel much bettter now.

So with that being said, what are our weekend plans? We are going to Classic Skating on Friday with the kids. Time for me to bust out some of my old moves on the skate floor! That's right kids, I was a skating brat back in my day. I remember like it was yesterday. Getting all dressed up, piling in the good old mini van, and heading to the Galleria! Standing on the side holding our hands out so all the cute boys would smack our hands as they went by! It was a blast I tell ya~! Oh the memories! Damn I feel old.

Saturday is girls day! I am taking a dear friend out for some much needed pampering. Should be a good time. It's not often I get a girls day, so I'm pumped! I will take pictures because this blog is very very boring right now. VERY VERY BORING. Alright friends, back to work!

Well Hello!

2010-03-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

Man has it been a while since I posted anything on this blog. Facebook took over and I neglected this thing. So, I guess I should start it up again eh? Problem is, where oh where do I even begin.

Life has been a tad hectic the past few months. There has been much going on from work to home life, but through it all I am still alive and smiling. :)

I switched jobs in November to a new company. Work has had its ups and downs, but at the moment, I really don't have much to complain about. I am a very blessed girl.

The kids are doing really good, just wrapping up the school year. It's still hard for me to believe Ke'alohi will be going into 8th grade next year. Makes me feel older and older every day. But, they are great kids and I enjoy being able to be a part of their life.

Ok, funny story of the day! Nick and I spent 10 hours on Sunday cleaning our house. It was in desperate need of some TLC. When I finished I took a hot bath and put on some silky jammies. If you know Kayden you know he is in love with his three silky blue blankies. My jammies happen to be blue. As he was in the bath he kept looking at me. He was completely baffled. Finally after a few minutes he says to me "mommy?" and I said "yes son". With a confused look on his face he replies "why are you wearing my bankies??" I couldn't help it! I laughed so hard and said "oh honey, these aren't your blankies, these are mommy's jammies". I'm not quite sure he believed me but he went on playing in the bath anyway. I love that little guy to pieces! He contines to lighten up every day I have.

Check it out!

2009-11-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

My mom just had her first book published. She not only wrote the book, but painted the illustrations as well. I am so proud! Good job mom!

http://www2.xlibris.com/books/webimages/wd/68156

Low Carbs Sucks...

2009-09-30T18:41:00.001-07:00

I don't think I realized how much I like bread. The hubby and I decided its time for a diet. We both need to shed about 15 lbs and so we decided to 1: watch what we are eating, and 2: work out work out work out.

I miss bread. MMMM with peanut butter and jelly, or plain, or with lots of butter. I have visions of it in my head. I'm eating soup right now for dinner and thinking, mmm a roll would be nice!

But, I can do it! I have to. I am not happy right now body wise and I am determined to shed the weight.

Oh, on a lighter note I found my best friend from when I was a little kid on facebook yesterday. I am so excited! I haven't seen her since I had Ambria and we seriously spent the first 18 years of our lives together. We were neighbors and we were always together. But ya, that was totally random in my no carb post but eh, it's been one of those days!

Chuck E Cheese on Saturday! Yes, I can't wait!

Wow! It's Been a While!

2009-09-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

WOW! Where has time gone? I have been a busy lady lately and haven't posted forever. Things haven't changed much. Lots of little things have happened but nothing too major. So instead of go backwards and fill in all the blanks, let's start by going forwards shall we?

Tomorrow is my first day back to school in 5 months! It hasn't sunk in just yet I'm afraid. I am scared, excited, nervous, all at once! It will take a while to get back in the groove I am sure, but I can do it.

Facebook is evil. It takes precious time away from my blog. My blog is neglected and I feel bad. There just isn't enough time in my day anymore. I will try and be better. Here are a few highlights from the past month and a half.

Kids started school August 20th. Ambria is a big 1st grader. She has aced all 3 of her weekly spelling tests so far and is kicking some major butt! Ke'alohi started Jr. High. She goes to school in Lehi and her school is very nice. The boys are at a new elementary school in eagle mountain. Kayden is talking like crazy now. He is such a curious little guy, always asking what everything is and trying to say words himself. Oh, and we have been working on potty training. He's doing good, but we still need to teach him how to aim!

Bear bit one of our neighbors, and was on house arrest for a bit. He didn't mean to harm anyone he was just playing but our neighbors are pretty lame and called the police on him. It was a big misunderstanding really. Grizzly got hit by a car a few weeks ago. Luckily the guy slammed on his breaks and just tapped him but $500 later we know he is fine. He is getting so big. I will post some updated pics later for sure.

Other then that, not a lot has changed. Sorry for the delay in posts! I will try and be better going forward. Pinky promise.

Have a great day!

Sorry

2009-08-07T13:49:00.001-07:00

Lot's to say, not enough time. I promise a big update this weekend. MWAH

What's That......

2009-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

...in her head you ask?

Oh go ahead, click and make it bigger and you can count them for yourself! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 STAPLES! Yep that's right, I said it, staples.

So, what happened?
That is exactly what I asked when I saw her head!

Yesterday our neighbor Heather watched Ambria and decided to take both her and her daughter swimming at the local pool. Well, at some point Ambria decided to do a flip in the water, and hit her head on the side of the pool cutting it open (it was quite the gash about 2 inches long).

After she hit her head she said it hurt but she soon forgot about it and kept swimming for another couple of hours. Later, at Heather's house, she reached back to touch it and saw it was bleeding at which point she freaked out! Heather washed her up and had her put some ice on it until I got home. Once I looked at it I knew it needed stitches.

So we spent the night at Instacare getting staples. Joy. Although they did put a numbing gel on her head she still felt the staples go in and cried pretty hard. I felt so bad for her. The process made me very nacious and I had to sit in the office for a minute to compose myself before I left. UGH. Ambria's dad came down to see her at the doctor and took her to icecream after.

The worst part about this whole ordeal is that in two days we leave for North Carolina where we have a gorgeous 6 bedroom beach house with our own private pool! Not to mention we are right ON THE BEACH. Ambria can't soak her head for 10 days until the staples are removed which will really limit what she can do on our trip. What a bummer. I am just glad she is ok. She is a tough little girl.

Rush City Rodeo

2009-07-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

We took a drive down to Cas and Dave's and went to the Rush City Rodeo! It was awesome. Kayden and Ambria had a good time. Cas was sick and didn't make it out, but Dave still came. Here are some pics.

Playin in the dirt with the kiddos

Oh cute they love each other!

He was being such a goofball!

This is the first picture ever I can see just a tad of a resemblence between us

Daddy and Ambria

My blonde haired beauty

Dudes

Dave being, well....Dave :)

4th of July

2009-07-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

We just had Kayden for the 4th so we hung out at home with some friends and did some fireworks. I love Summer~!

Kayden and KellyNick, Matt, Dave and Mike

Kristi, Bao and cas

Yes, this is a real snake!

Ok seriously Dave, those totally fit you!

Getting some sun!

A Night Out

2009-07-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Nick and I had a night out alone with no kids on June 27th. This night was awesome because our good friend Simon who stopped DJing 3 years ago decided to come back and play again. It was a blast! It's nice to get out sometimes and just dance and enjoy yourself!

HOTTIE ALERT!

This is Simon aka "Sektor 7"

Dave, Cas and Me

In the works!

Getting crazy with it!

Crushed

2009-06-29T14:44:00.001-07:00

I am crushed. I am still getting over the shock of it all really. I just can't believe it. For those of you who know me from childhood, know that Michael Jackson, was, and still is- my hero in so many ways. My heart is broken.

My phone rang off the hook the day Michael died. It was like everyone called me first thing when they found out because they knew it would be hard on me. I am just so incredibly bummed out. Couldn't he have had the chance to do at least 1 London concert to remind the world why everyone fell in love with him in the first place? This was his chance, to prove to the world how incredibly talented he always has been.

Yet he has spent the last 15 years hiding in the shadows because people have painted him out to be this horrible monster. I don't know, but I think I may go a little cooky if the world turned their back on me after being loved by so many for so long.
I just can't believe he would harm someone. Not after all he did for the world. It just doesn't make sense to me and I never believed it.

What I'm still scratching my head over is how odd it is to me that the world is celebrating him now. You know. What about all the other years they made his life a living hell, but now they celebrate him when he isn't here to see how much support he really had? This whole thing just doesn't sit right with me. I am just so bothered by it all.

Mostly I am so bummed that I never got my chance to see him perform. It was my dream from when I was a little girl. I took so much flack for it growing up! People would tease me big time for liking him, but I always stood my ground and was proud! He was just way too cool. :(

Butter Knife

2009-06-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ok this was too stinken cute not to blog about.

On Saturday Nick was fixing something for Kayden and asked Ambria if she would please get him a butter knife. She agreed and headed for the kitchen. As the minutes passed we started wondering what was taking her so long.

Nick called down the hall to her and asked "Ambria did you forget about my butter knife?" Ambria replies "No daddy, I'm coming hold on."

As she rounded the corner into the bedroom we burst out into laughter! She couldn't figure out what was so funny. In her hand she held a butter knife that she had so carefully dipped into the tub of butter in the fridge!

Looking confused she asks What daddy, didn't you asked me for a buttered knife?". We just smiled.

World's Shortest Fairy Tale

2009-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl 'Will you marry me?' The girl said, 'NO!' And the guy lived happily ever after and rode motorcycles and went fishing and hunting and played golf a lot and drank beer and scotch and had tons of money in the bank and left the toilet seat up and farted whenever he wanted.

The End

Black Eyed Peas

2009-06-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

We bought the new Black Eyed Peas CD this week!

I am in love with it! Ever since I heard "Boom Boom Pow" on the radio I have been so stoked for it to come out. They have always had such a fun, funky style, totally different then anybody in the industry. So I'm always excited to hear what they'll do next. But now that they have moved into the electronic genre, I am totally diggin it! I am in my element friends - all this great music coming out lately..I don't know what to do with myself. I think it's time to go dancing! PARTY!

If you haven't heard it, go buy it! It's fantabulous!

Ode' to Ga Ga

2009-06-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Alright, admit it, you either LOVE HER or HATE HER!

She is definately the newest controversy in the music industry with her crazy fashion, unusual song lyrics and outspoken attitude.

The first time I heard her song "Just Dance" I loved the song, but I wasn't so sure when I saw her perform. My initial reaction was, wow, she is odd!

Lately she has really started to grow on me. I must say not only do I love her music, but I like her style and how real she is. She considers herself a "free spirit" and she is very blunt and honest. I agree she is pretty "out there" at times, but all in all I think she's a pretty cool chick.

Cleanse....

2009-06-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ok wow. Sunday we started the cleanse. Day 1 and two are just fruits and veggies. No salt, no butter, no sugar. Day 1, piece of cake. Wanted to eat other stuff, but I made it. Day 2, yesterday, got harder. I started feeling dizzy and weak, and by the end of the day I was done.

We went to Olive Garden on the way home. Usually I love their salad, totally adore it. I didn't want it! Give me the breadsticks, pass on the salad! Wow. That has to be the hardest thing I have done. You don't realize how much food is a comfort. Ya know? You eat, feel good, and that full feeling just doesn't come with fruit. You never feel satisfied.

I talked to my GF Kristi, and she told me that doing it that way it too hard. She said just the 3 days of liquid are way easier. So we are going to try that sometime next month before we go on vacation to Virginia. Wow. I did not like that one bit.

Bunches of Updates

2009-05-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok where to start......

Memorial Day Weekend Campout. We went to a campground up by Payson Lakes called Black Hawk. This thing was waaayyy up the mountain on the top at 8000 ft. It was such a gorgeous campground, and was big enough to accomodate 50 people. The dogs had lots of room to run and play and most of the time we were able to let them off their leashes. One problem though...RAIN. Almost the entire time. My cousin Matt put this huge 50 foot tarp up over the fire to shield us from the rain, and that worked wonders until the wind kicked in and we had to take it down. We hiked a mountain, got lost on the way down, and Cas and Dave had to come rescue us. Good thing we don't call her Ranger Cas for nothing! Fun trip, tons of people showed up (about 30 or so people), and it was just a good time.

Kindergarten Graduation. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to this one, but Chris took lots of pictures for me. Ambria graduated Kindergarten yesterday morning. I can't believe she is going to be a big first grader this year. She learned quite a bit this year, and is such a great little reader. I am so proud of her and excited for her to go the full day next year with her friends, especially our neighbor's little girl Kela. They are inseparable. The fight, make up, fight, make up, just like all best friends do! It's hysterical.

6th Grade Graduation. Wow. It's offical folks, I have child in Junior High. Miss Ke'alohi graduated the 6th grade last night. They held a graduation ceremony for the students and their parents at their school at 7:00pm last night. I was able to make it to this one, and it was fun. At the end each student had written a goal on a sheet of paper that was then put into a helium balloon. We all went outside and they counted to three and let them float away. It was pretty neat. It's amazing to me to think Ke'alohi was just in 2nd grade when I met Nick, and now she is going to Jr. High. Where has the time gone?

End of School, Start of Summer! That's right. The kids are all out of school as of today. Next year Nakoa will be in 2nd grade, and Kolya in 4th. They were talking the other day that they will no longer go to the same school as Ke'alohi and they won't ever be all 3 in the same school again. That is pretty sad for them because they have been so close the past few years all in one school. It's time for them to start branching out on their own and becoming more independant. The kids all went to their other parents today, well not Kayden of course. We are off for 2 weeks, and then it's our turn for the following 2 weeks to have them all. We look forward to the time off, but it is also very nice to have a consistent amount of time with them too. I love summer.

Moving into a New House. The 3 oldest kids mom and stepdad bought a new home. It is sad for us because it has been such a nice thing for us to have them so close. They walk over after school and are just a few blocks away. It gave us a good opportunity to spend some much needed time with them. However, this is such a great thing for the kids. For the first time EVER in their lives they will have their own rooms. I wish more than anything I could say the same when they are at our house, but that's not happening until we move. It will be great to have room to run, a yard to play in, and space to be alone for them. They deserve it. This is a new house, never been lived in before, in Eagle Mountain. I am super happy for Kalei and Troy and I wish them luck with the new home.

Loving my Time off. It's been a month now since I took my leave, and I must say I don't think I realized just how bad I needed this break. I have spent hours with my kids that I took for granted before. N0t to mention I have caught up on sleep, which feels fantastic. What a good idea it was.

Time to get Healthy. Nick and I bought our cleanses today. These are M'lis detox cleanses that clean out your entire system. It's such a great thing for your body, your organs, your blood, your mind. Here is the link to the site if you want to learn more, or are interested in them. http://www.mlis.com/ Next weekend we will get a body wrap to help get rid of some of the toxins and shed some water and helps cellulite (YES!).

New Dog Update. Grizzly is a stud. Still working on the whole potty training thing and is being kenneled in the day while we work. He sits, will walk right next to you on walks, and listens very well. A great tempered dog, completely different then Bear, but they make good buddies and wrestle all day. Bear likes to be the Alpha dog, but I'm pretty sure one day Grizz will out grow him and kick some doggy butt!

Did I mention I love sushi?!

Have a great weekend everyone!

I HATE WHEN THINGS BREAK!

2009-05-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, in the last two months Nick and I have spent over $1200 in car repairs - between the two cars. I swear it feels like we are always dumping money into those things, just for something else to break or go wrong. It's funny really how dealers fail to tell you "these are your estimated yearly maintenance and repair charges associated with this car". Those charges may be the breaking point in the decision to communte to work every day by bike, or at least it would make me highly consider buying a moped. ;)

So, now that the cars are up and running great again, something else MUST break down. Thus is life, #*% happens right? RIGHT. Nick worked from home yesterday because our air conditioner has been acting up. I know, it's May right, yesterday was the first day we hit 90 degrees, but man it was hot as heck in there when I got home. I had managed to talk him out of calling the AC guy so we could save our money for camping this weekend since we have this huge trip planned with a bazillion people and I wanted to make sure we had what we needed. That quickly changed when I walked in the door to our sauna after work last night.

So, again today he stayed home after I gave him the green light to call the tech. So, here we are $99.00 later, STILL with a broken air conditioner. What did we get for $99.00 you ask? Oh, we got $2800.00 of repairs to put in a complete new unit. JOY.

Hair Cut and Color

2009-05-19T11:59:00.001-07:00

This is my cute girlfriend Kristi. She had just had her hair cut but wasn't liking the back of it, so I colored it and recut it for her. I think it turned out pretty cute and she was way happy with it. I didn't take before pictures, so you only get to see the end result! Sorry!

So You Think You Can Dance?

2009-05-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday of this past week was Ambria's dance recital at Jive Music. She has been going to dance now since August, and this is their one performace all year. She couldn't decide whether she was scared or excited.

Thursday morning when she woke up she mentioned to Nick that her foot was hurting. She said she had landed on it funny while playing outside the night before. As she hobbled around the house we wondered whether or not she would make it to dance for her program.

Friday went much better. She woke up and seemed to be feeling great. Friday Night she had 2 performances, one at 6:00pm and one at 8:00pm. Her dad and Grandma came down to take both her and Kela to those shows.

Saturday was an even busier day with three performances at 2:00, 6:00 and 8:00pm. Nick and I went to the first show at 2:00 with my parents and Kayden. The girls were the second dance and they both did such a good job! Kela is Ambria's best friend. Her mom Heather who is our friend and neighbor.Heather has been kind enough to take Ambria to dance each Tuesday and keep her til we get home from work. Otherwise she wouldn't be able to be in this program.

Here are some pics of both girls in their costumes before the performance on Saturday. Didn't they look adorable?

Oh Did I mention Kayden had a good time too? This was his entertainment the entire time we watched!

My Favorite Boys

2009-05-14T14:07:00.001-07:00

I love his coloring

"You looking at me little dog"...

Bear can't take his eyes off Griz!

Check out that tongue!

" Look into my eyes!"

"Alright, fine, I'll give the little one a break!"

He alost looks husky here doesn't he?

One Pet, Two Pets, Three Pets, FOUR?

2009-05-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, we have 2 cats, and now -believe it or not- we have 2 dogs. We thought Bear really should have a buddy because he LOVES dogs so much. So, we got another doggy last night.

Meet Grizzly (aka Grizz)!!

Isn't he cute? He's a 9 week old male half chocolate lab, half Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They call him a "chesadore". He is absoltely adorable!

We brought him home last night and he cried on the ride home. I think he misses his mama, but when we got there he seemed to be ok. Bear likes him, he just wants to control his every move. He thinks he's the alpha dog! Poor little guy gets kinda scared but I think he will survive!

I will post more pics of him later!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year. It started Saturday night when Nakoa gave me a card he made for me at school. It said Happy Mother's Day on the front with a pot of flowers on popsicle sticks. Inside it said Pick a flower and you will see what things you can ask from me. The sticks said "feed my hamster, take out the trash, and make my bed". I thought that was so cute and he was so super excited to give it to me!

Then, I slept in Mother's day until about 11:00am and woke up to find some crafts Kolya made at school for me. They had a saying on them that is supposed to bring good luck if you hang them by a window. So cute!

Nick bought me an Ipod shuffle for the gym, a gift certificate for a deep tissue massage, and the Chii I have been wanting. It's a flat iron, a really really nice one. Plus a card that was beautifully written as usual. And the kids all signed a card for me too.

Then I got to see Kayden's present. I walked down the hall with Nick and he drew me a beautiful blue scribble picture all down the wall and on the bathroom door with crayon! It was cute so I couldn't be mad.

I sure missed Ambria. She was the only one we didn't have. Later that night we went to dinner with my parents, Julie and Mark, and Audrey and Cole, and all the kids at the Old Spaghetti Factory. When we got home Ke'alohi made me a huge poster with all of the things she loves about me written on them with little crafts.

It was such a great day. I have such wonderful kids and such an amazing husband, and so much to be thankful for.

Oh, wait, one last thing. My BFF Chrissy made me this www.stocks-sitting.blogspot.com
Years and years of pictures, videos and stories about Kayden, Ambria and the other kids that she has been keeping and put on a blog for me to keep. That meant a lot to me. Lot's of sentimental gifts this year, and that is all me! I am way sentimental so it was just awesome.

Thanks everyone!

On a Mission

2009-04-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Nick and I are on a mission starting Monday. I want to lose 10 lbs and I'm not sure what he wants to lose, but we are going to get there. First of all I will be eating better now that I am taking a break from school, not eating late night. That is huge for me. Then we are going to do a cleanse and detox treatment from school, which should help. And we are going to work out like crazy people. So wish us luck. Maui booty here I come!

But I promise I won't let myself get to this point. Look at Lindsay Lohan. What is going on with her? She can be such a pretty girl but this is just sick and wrong. Do people really find this attractive? I mean seriously?

Summer Break

2009-04-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

It's official. I am on a leave of absense for the summer. I still have to work out all of the details and find out when I will go back, but I am taking some time for me and for the family.

Last night I ate dinner with Nick, Ambria and Kayden. Then Nick took bear to his doggy class and I stayed home with the kids. I bathed them and decided we should play out front because it was such a gorgeous warm night. After we came in the three of us had a bowl of icecream and hung out before I put them to bed.

Several times throughout the night Ambria came up to me and hugged me and told me that she really misses me. Then she would tell me "Mommy, you are being so nice tonight". It made me feel both good and bad. I realized that even though I do try to spend some time with the kids when I come home at night, I am so tired, or so stressed that I am not much fun, or not in the best of moods. That is horrible. I miss my kids, I miss my husband and I am glad to be taking a break.

So, tomorrow begins my time off. I don't even know what to do with myself for the fact that I actually get an entire weekend off! I feel so at ease right now.

Oh, I also forgot to update on what I did to my hair. Remember how it was short, like to my chin? Not anymore. I really missed the length so I had some extensions put in. Thanks Kristy, your a doll:

Enough

2009-04-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

I find it really hard lately to have time to blog. Well, it's actually hard to find time to do anything really, let alone blog.

School has been busy, my days are long, the family has been sick on and off for months it feels and I am tired. That about sums it up I guess.

I am so ready for summer. I have been thinking a lot lately about how I miss sleeping in Saturday mornings and hanging out with the kids. How I miss going home and night and going to bed at 8:00 because I had a long day. I just feel like right now I am so overwhelmed with everything and I could use a break.

I am in one of the last important parts of school, hair cutting. Although it's very interesting and I am learning a lot, I feel like my head is not 100% in it. That is not my style either. I always give 100% and if I feel like I'm not, then there is a problem.

I threw out an idea yesterday to Nick about possibly taking a couple of months off of school, like a leave of absence. I don't want to burn myself out, but I need to make sure that if I did do something like that it wouldn't impact my scholarship. That would not be a good thing at all. I just think if I took a couple months off, refocused myself, spent some time with my family in the nice weather, and went back when the kids go back to school, it would be nice. Give me some piece of mind.

Nick isn't so keen on the idea, but I don't think he understands completely my logic behind it. I know I have some thinking to do but I really feel like that may be a good option for me right now. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

It's Been A While

2009-04-10T16:53:00.001-07:00

Sorry friends, family, neighbors, people I don't know who stock my blog and don't admit it (ya you, I see you on my site meter, you can't fool me), it's been a while since I have been a consistent blogger, and for that I am extremely sorry. Life is busy. GO GO GO all the time.

Ok updates. It's official, yes, I made the switch from regular coke to diet coke. It was not an easy transition, but after 3 weeks of gagging it down and covering the taste with lemon, I did it. I am proud to say, I love it, and now I can drink coke calorie free. Yeah.

School. I finished most of my backbar stuff, you know, styles, coloring, shampoo sets, perms (yes people really do still get those hidiodorous things). I am now in sassoon cutting. AMAZING. That is all I have to say about that. The man (Vidal Sassoon) is and was a genious. He makes haircutting into an architectural journey. I am just in the beginning but I love it already. Cannot wait to finish and get out on the floor and start doing some funky stuff. Hooray!

Kids are good, Nick is good, life is grande, work is great. Can't complain much at all. Easter is Sunday and we have all the kiddos, so that ought to be a good time.

What else besides the fact I don't feel like I get to see, talk to, hang out with, chat with, anybody I know ever and I am alienated from the world. Hmmm...oh trying something new with my hair. Hey, we all knew it was coming. right? I'm in hair school for hells sake.

:) I will keep you all posted.

Fun Fun Fun

2009-03-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

So I took the extensions class at school. Today I did a set on my friend Cas. I think they turned out awesome. Check it out!

Before

After

Hooray

2009-03-25T12:46:00.001-07:00

I don't have cancer and I'm not going to die! Test was negative.

Whoot whoot!

Mole Update

2009-03-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the mole is gone, and off to the lab for testing. I am so sore though. I bet she did 12 shots before I finally went numb. Not fun at all. The mysterious pain I was having is still there, and after talking with my neighbor Heather I think I may have cysts. Everything she described to me was dead on. So, maybe I need more tests later. You can't really do much with cysts but take the pain. If you have them removed they just come back. The saga continues...

FREAKED OUT!

2009-03-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Alright, I am stressing just a tad. Let me rewind and tell you the story. A couple of months ago at school we had a seminar put on by our resident Plastic Surgeon Dr. Freyer. The seminar covered the basics of skin cancer - symptoms, characteristics, etc. You see, in the cosmetology field, we are exposed to places on the back of the head, neck, or other areas that you may not see every day. So, it is important for us to know what we are looking at in order to be able to identify something we consider supsicious, or possibly skin cancer.

Ok, so there is a sad story involving this very type of situation. We have a student at our school who attended a previous seminar put on by Dr. Freyer on skin cancer. She had been cutting her husband's hair for over 14 years, and noticed he had a large, irregular mole on his scalp. Thinking nothing of it, she never made an issue and left the mole alone. After attending Dr. Freyer's seminar she began to worry because the mole had characteristics defined by Dr. Freyer that may indicate a problem. So her husband came in to see the doctor. It was recommended that he see a dermotologist, and have the mole removed.

When the biopsy was completed on the removed mole it ended up coming back as positive for melanoma (the worst form of skin cancer). At that point the cancer had already spread throughout his body, and in 8 weeks of finding the results, the man passed away. That is how serious these types of things are.

So of course, after the seminar everyone was in a panick. We all have moles, sun spots, or other things that may "fit" in the skin cancer spectrum. I myself have a very large mole in my pelvic area. I have had two separate doctors tell me at some point I should think about having it removed. It is about the size of a dime, mostly circular, but has some rough edges, which are both bad signs.

Well this week the mole began to ache. It's weird really, not a normal ache but more a sharp pain. It has a small lump underneath it as well, and is painful to the touch. Yesterday it really started to bug me, and I decided I better trust my gut instinct and make an appointment to have it removed. My appointment is at 3:00pm today, where they will remove the mole, and send it for a biopsy. I am totally freaking out! Of course I think "yep, I have cancer, gonna die" but I have to take a breath and just wait. That's the hard part though, waiting. UGH. I am so not good at that. I am a worrier and think the worst until someone confirms that I am ok, and going to live. So stay tuned for more! Wish me luck!

How Cute is this?

2009-03-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves to snuggle. Even Bear! Cute little guy.

Oh Glorious Sleep

2009-03-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

I think the last 2 and a half months finally caught up to me on Saturday. It was our off weekend, so we just had Kayden. Saturday night after school I hit a wall. I don't think I have been that tired since I was pregnant with Ambria working two jobs.

I fell asleep about 8:40pm. Out cold, dead to the world. I had some crazy deep sleep dreams but I could not wake up. I finally pulled myself out of bed about 2:30pm on Sunday. That was even hard to do. It took me a minute to pry open my eyes and force my legs over the edge of the bed. Wow.

So, after 18 hours of continuous sleep, I feel much better. I'm thinking every couple of months I may need to have one of these days, just to make it through the next 21 months of school. It's really hard on me. Less sleep, less time with kids, less Nick. Just all around hard. I just have to keep my head up and keep going. I will do this. :)

Happy Birthday....

2009-03-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

To my BFF Chrissy Bailey! I hope you had a radical day! Hope you do something totally awesome like see Twilight for the 841st time! Sorry I can't be there. :( Love you lots!

Proud Mama

2009-03-09T11:33:00.001-07:00

My baby is getting big! He's already 6 months now. When we first got him he was just 15 lbs. Now he is over 45 lbs and still growing! I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit 100 lbs. Man, what a good looking little guy he is.

My Newest Craze...

2009-03-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Alright alright, I admit it, I thought it too. Nasty, squishy, chewy, yucky SUSHI! That was my first impression, even after I tried it for the first time. Something about raw fish just made my stomach curdle. So, they tell me when it comes to sushi, if you don't like it the first time, try it again? Are you kidding me? Ew.

So I did. Sushi, once again. This time my thoughts were a little different. Lots of soy sauce, lots of wasabee, and hmmmm, not bad. Do I like sushi? What's going on here. Piece by piece I ate them up! And guess what....

I LOVE SUSHI!

Man! What was I thinking. It's like I can't get enough of it lately. I love all different kinds too. Raw, cooked, crab, salmon, tuna..the whole nine yards. MMMMM.

So, I guess it's safe to say now, that if you don't like something the first time, at least give it a second chance before you make your final decision!

SLURP!

You Know it's Spring When....

2009-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Nick is home today because he woke up not feeling well. He hasn't felt 100% for a few days so he thought he would work from home and rest. He kept Kayden home with him today to hang out and play, and of course he loves spending time with Bear.

Well, when the house became unusually quiet, Nick began to wonder what Kayden and Bear were up to. After searching the upstairs he went downstairs to find them. When he got to the bottom of the stairs he found the back sliding glass door wide open. It took him a minute and a few steps around the back yard, to realize Kayden and Bear had made a prison break! They escaped out into the beautiful spring weather!

After Nick rounded the corner to the neighbor's house behind us (our backyards all connect), he found that Kayden had climbed up a small ladder and on to the neighbor's trampoline. He was jumping up and down and giggling to himself! Oh, and the dog? Bear was running cirlces around the tramp enjoying his new found freedom, and keeping an eye on Kayden I'm sure. ;)

Bullies

2009-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

I hate bullies. I had a few bullies back when I was in school. I remember how unpleasant they made my life, and it wasn't fun. Well, my little Ambria has a bully. His name is Christopher, funny because that is her dad's name, but still, she tells me he is not very nice to her.

This past Friday Ambria says that her bully Christopher was mean and pushed her head into a pole at school. She says she had to get an icepack from the office. I questioned this because typically you would think this is someting the school would notifiy the parents about. I never heard a word until her dad called me to tell me the story.

When I called her teacher she was baffled. There is a Christopher in both of the morning Kindergarten classes. She agreed to do some research and get back to me. Here is her response:

Erika,

I asked Ambria about the incident. She said he did it on accident and said sorry. I asked her what pole it was. She looked around the room and then pointed to the coat/backpack hooks. She said that they were too close when they were packing up and her head got pushed into the 'pole'. She said she did not get an icepack. We talked about how she should tell me if someone hurts her or is bothering her. She said she would. I asked about the bullying. She said that no one told her she was stupid or lazy, but that she feels lazy sometimes. I don't know if her saying that someone bothered her in those ways was easier to say then to say that was how she was feeling? Or if someone was bothering her and she doesn't remember or doesn't want to tell me about it.

Thanks,

Stacy

Ambria has a way of taking things the wrong way. It looks like this may be the case, yet again with this little incident. Sometimes I wonder why she makes up such great stories. Does she need more attention? Does she just like to tell stories? I don't know. I tell you what though, she is a really hard one to figure out. We but heads in so many ways, but I still love her to pieces. I just have to take deep breaths sometimes and remember we are all different.

Whew.

I Love These!

2009-02-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself! I freakin love these shoes for Kman, so I had to buy them. My favorite color is red and these will be so stinken cute on him! I can't wait til they come!

I'm a horrible wife....

2009-02-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

I know I know. This past Thursday February 19th was a very special day. It was my baby's 31st Birthday. I usually post that day and make sure I am up to the minute but man I have been so busy with everything. I didn't want to just post something and say "Happy Birthday" because really this day means so much more to me.

Nicholas Stocks, where do I start babe? You are such an amazing husband and I am so very lucky to have you in my life. You truley complete me. To this day I can say that I love you with all that I am, and I am so proud to call you mine. You are not only good to me, but to all 5 of our children. I don't think there is anything that you "don't" do.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday baby, and I hope you know how much I miss you now that I am in school. It's so hard not spending all of those hours together, driving in the car, making dinner, hanging out at night. I have to keep going knowing that one day we will have that time again, and until then we will cherish the time we do have. Thank you for being so supportive, and for being there when I need you!

I love you so very very much! Happy Birthday baby!

Check Up Time

2009-02-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

What's that on my face? A little artwork done by yours truly! Ok, no really...do you want to know what it is? A few years ago someone told me about a little experiment you can do to check your iron levels. I am mildly anemic, and always low on iron. Iron has a lot to do with a person's energy level and since I have been extra tired lately I decided to do a little check.

So here's what to do. Find a ring made of precious metal. It must be real gold, white gold etc. This is also a good way to put your hubby to the test and make sure that ring your wearing is in fact genuine gold! (Sorry ladies, this doesn't work on diamonds. HAHA!) Alright, so take the ring and drag it down your face. If it leaves a nice black line, you are low in iron. If your iron levels are normal it will not leave mark.. Nick tried it after I did tonight and he didn't have a single mark on his face. I promise it's not just that my ring is super dirty, it really only does it if you are low in iron.

Try it out!

Time to go buy some iron!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

I bet you will never guess who these are from

No really, I bet you will never guess, because I was surprised myself. Nick's wonderful parents sent these to me for Valentines with a card that says how much they appreciate how good of a mom I am too the kids and how great I am. That was very special to me. They are such genuine people and I love having them in my life. Thank you so much mom and dad.

Happy Valentines everyone!

Cellulite

2009-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Ugh. I hate even hearing the word. Cottage cheese, mmmmm.

So there you are, in front of the mirror, feeling good about yourself. You're toned, you've lost weight, you're even tan, and then.......you turn around. There it is..... wait, look for it....yep it's CELLULITE AHHHHH! Why won't it go away? You've worked so hard. You've tried creams, excercise, drinking lots of water, just about everything possible that google suggests to get rid of it. But, there it is, taking over your thighs and buttox!

Ok, no really. I don't like it, can you tell? Since I was in highschool I have been plagued by it. At my heaviest, at my skinniest, it's always been there. Not bad, but there. They say you can blame it on your mom, if you get it. I tried that. It didn't work out so well! So, now I am hoping someone out there has a success story because I can't figure it out and it's going to drive me crazy!

School Update

2009-02-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I am on my 6th week of school. That is pretty crazy really. It has gone by fast already. I am done with nails at the end of the month. I really think I have the hang of them. My last few sets have turned out pretty good.

I start barbering after nails. Barbering is everything from mens and womens cuts, razoring, open blade shaving, and a bunch of other stuff. I am excited! It will be fun to learn the technique behind cutting hair. I have done it for so long, I can't wait to finally learn the "correct" way to do it.

I have met some really cool girls at school too. It's weird because everyone told me "you will meet some of your best friends in hair school" and it is so true! There is such a variety of students. Old, young, moms, highschool students - just about every walk of life. So far there isn't really anyone that I "don't" like.

I can't believe after 26 years I am finally doing something for me. There were supporters of my decision to go to hair school, and there were people who thought I was just downright crazy, but I must say so far I am super happy I have started and I can't believe it is all for free. :)

Economic Woes

2009-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Man, aren't we all feeling the wonderful effects of our economy lately. My girlfriend Christi has a daughter who is 7 years old, very cute and smart little girl. Christi and I were talking and she told me a story the other day about when she and her daughter were driving in the car about a week or so ago. It was quiet and her daughter began to talk. She said "mom, 2009 has sure started out bad and our economy is just not doing very well". Reminder, she is 7! Christi didn't even know how to respond. Even our kids hear and feel the wrath of what is going on. Pretty scary.

Each time we do anything even as simple as turn on our TVs we are reminded of how horrible things really are. It's like every commercial I see lately is geered around "economic stiumulous sale, or bailout deals on all items". I even saw a Hundai commercial the other day that claims "if you lose your job, bring your car back"! WHAT IS GOING ON PEOPLE?

Nick and I work for UnitedHealth Group. About 6 or so months ago they laid off about 4,000 people. Everyone was in shock. Now every day you hear about a different company closing down, laying off, cutting salaries. It's madness! Our company announced the other day that we are not going to be receiving any sort of anual increase (raise) this year, and the way it looks possibly next year as well. Bummer. As bad as that sucks, I thought really hard about it, and you know, I really am just happy to have a job at this point.

I hate thinking about it, or worrying about it, but how bad will it get before it gets better? Will it turn around in time for our kids to miss it? Can it still get worse? Have we not seen all of the effects yet? Hopefully a new year, a new president will help. Who knows.

Did Everyone Have a Good Weekend?

2009-01-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

We did. Alright so this wasn't this weekend, but I had to post it anyway! I love these guys! They freakin rock.

Nail Models Wanted

2009-01-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

I am learning how to do acrylic nails starting on Tuesday. I am excited, because they gave me an awesome nail kit to use.

In the next two weeks I need 5 nail models. Yep, that's right, 5. You don't have to pay, you just have to come in to my school. If you are interested, let me know and I can give you a choice of 5 different days I have open. I am having so much fun with this! I absolutely love it.

Updates

2009-01-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Ok where to start. First of all I am loving school. Still getting adjusted to the lack of sleep, but loving it nonetheless. We are currently learning how to give hot oil manicures and pedicures. I have my first test today. EEEK.

Let's see what else? The kids have been over since Friday because their mom has been in the hospital. She had a super high fever and had her appendix taken out. They go home today. It's been fun having extra time with them, but it's been tiresome as well for Nick because he is a single mom right now when I am at school.

Ok, on to the dog. Cute damn dog. He is potty trained, knows how to sit, come, lay down, and stay. Nick signed him up for puppy classes starting in March, so that will be fun. Oh, and he sleeps on the bed. Naughty me. I couldn't help myself. I think it's those droopy eyes.

Kayden decided on Monday that he didn't like the air outside, plus I think he has a tad of a cold. Nick has been working from home the past couple of days to keep an eye on him. Of course, yucky air means yucky breathing. So when the treatments we were giving him didn't work, we thought we had better take him to the doctor (yesterday). The doctor checked him out and decided to send Nick to the hospital where they did a suction and treatment and sent him home.

He woke up with an easier time today, even gave himself his own treatment (below). His cough is broken up and he seems to be breathing a lot better. I feel so bad for the little dude. Ya know? The poor kid can't get a break, yet he keeps on smiling and being his happy go lucky self. I just wanna squeeze him sometimes because he is so adorable.

Oh, ya, one more cool thing happened. Kayden has been so interested in the potty lately. So today Nick took off his diaper, put him on the stepping stool in front of the potty and said "there, now go pee pee!" and guess what? He TOTALLY DID! I am not kidding. The kid's a genious I tell ya! I just can't get over him sometimes. Not quite sure he's much of an aim yet though so....we will work on it.

So there, the week summed up in a nutshell just for you!

Work, School, Sleep

2009-01-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official folks. I am an actual Cameo College girl, uniform and all!

I started school on Tuesday, just orientation nothing special, oh and I got my nail kit. Yesterday I started the nail portion of school and learned about all of the wonderful kinds of bacteria, fungis and diseases caused by them. MMMMM, appetizing! I can't believe how much work I have to do already. I am in for one I tell ya, but I CAN DO IT!

Tonight I get to learn how to do a manicure and pedicure. Nick is so excited! He gets to be my dummy and let me do all sorts of fun things to him. (I haven't told him about the waxing yet, but it's coming...)

I do have to tell you one super cute thing miss Ambria said to me this morning when I was doing her hair for school. She says "mommy, today I have to have 2 kisses and 2 hugs from you" and I said "oh, that's nice honey, how come?" and she says "because one for today before school, and one for tonight when I go to bed since you won't be here". It made me teary eyed.

Onward, and upward folks.

Blast From The Past.....

2008-12-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Our wedding day! So special!

Just hanging out

Now those are some muscles little dude

Ambria and Kolya

Ke'alohi's bday party

Camping with the fam

Ambria before she turned 2

Silly kids.....check out the color of that tongue

Hanging out with Grandaddy...

My little man.....

He's so tiny here....where has time gone

Sometimes it's so crazy looking back at pictures from the past. When Nick and I first got together Ke'alohi was 7, Kolya wasn't even 5 yet, Nakoa had just turned 3, Ambria was just a year old, and Kayden was only a twinkle in our eyes.

It's so hard for me to believe that Ke'alohi goes to 7th grade next year, Kolya starts 4th, Nakoa 2nd, Ambria first Grade, and my baby will be 3. It's like they have all grown up overnight.

Nick and I will have been married 3 years on January 30th, but for me it feels like we have known each other our whole lives. My life has changed so much since I met him, and I can't even imagine what it would be like without all of them in it.

How is that for sap?

I'm Getting So Excited!

2008-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

It's only a week until I start school. I am so excited, but I am also so very nervous. One question in particular keeps going around and around in my head. Where am I going to find time to be a mom and a wife when I work full time and go to school part time? Whew.

I have had some time to think about my decision since I won my scholarship, and after lots of thought I have decided to look at it this way. School is temporary. This is something I have always wanted - since I was a very young girl. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to do hair. It's in my blood! Not only that but it is FREE. I don't have to pay a dime. That is one of the major reasons I haven't pursued it yet. I mean it's not every day someone hands you $15,000 and says, here "go to school for something you love, and don't pay for it - it's on us!"

With that being said, I will just have to make sure that when I am home I spend all of my time with my family. Maybe it will help put into perspective just how much I love them and need them? I can do this, and I know I can finish and come out on top! I am so excited to learn how to do something that I love so much! I know it sounds silly but I told Nick it's almost like being drafted into the NFL.... ya know? He just laughs at me and smiles. Love that kid.

But it's not just about going to school to do hair - quitting my job and slaving away in some salon somewhere. Oh no, there is so much more! I have plans!

Over the years I have put together so many ideas of what I want to do when I graduate from cosmetology school. I don't want to be just your normal hairstylist working at Dollar Cuts, making minimum wage. That would be such a huge step down from where I am now, where I have fought so hard to get. Eventually, when I finish, and have worked in the field for a while, I want to open my own salon!

I have worked full time since I was in Highschool, and I have learned so many great things when it comes to the wonderful world of business. I have been a manager, a bill collector, an admin, a customer service phone rep, sold jewerly, a fry flipper, oh, once I even sold candy door to door for a while! But you see, I have learned so many great things at all of the jobs I have had. I can't help but think eventually I can use what I have learned somewhere else, and be one step ahead when I start my own company.

Yes, I understand I will have to start from the bottom again (going back to school, being the newbie, not knowing what I am doing!). I can accept that! I will start over, and work my way back up to the top. BUT one day - mark my words friends - one day I will do what I have always wanted and make that big step! And until then, I will just keep dreaming and work my butt off til I get there with the love and support from my wonderful, loving husband, and fantastic kids!

Wish me luck ya'll!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning started with a nice cup of coffee and watching Kayden open his presents from Santa Claus. He got a basketball hoop, a racecar set, a chair for his room, and a bunch of other small things.

Then we made the normal Christmas morning quiche. Usually it's already made, but we were super busy this year, so I made it in the morning. Nick and I put Kayden down for a nap and opened our presents to each other. I got my purse I have been wanting forever, its giraffe material with red lining. Super cute! A couple of pairs of furry boots, jammies, jewelry, perfume, clothes. Just a bunch of nice stuff. I got Nick cologne, clothes, work pants, running shoes, the perfect push up and pull up things, boxers, jammies. We were very spoiled.

Then it was off to pick up Ambria from her dad's house and then to Grandma and Grandpas where we opened more gifts, and ate a late lunch early dinner. Kayden got a little mini bike and Ambria got a blow up princess sleeping bag. We hung out with my family for a few hours and then headed home in time for the rest of the kids to come over. We didn't get to see them until 8:00 at night, and both Nick and I haven't felt good so we were pretty worn out. We still opened all of their presents with them, and they were so excited to see what they got.

Ok, so some of the coolest things the kids got were: Kolya got a telescope from Nicks parents which he cannot wait to open, a woodburning kit, legos, electronic monopoly, car models, 2 DS games, a star wars movie and so much more. Nakoa got an acoustic guitar, TAGG reading system from Nick's parents, a metal detector, trouble, legos, 2 DS games and a bunch more. Ke'alohi got a photo printer from Nick's parents, speed skates, a bunch of crafts, a purse full of makeup and perfume, hot rollers, a bathrobe, slippers, so much fun stuff! Ambria got TAGG, an easy bake oven, a tinkerbell costume, hungry hungry hippo, a purse, some crafts, some games. Kayden got a buggy from Nick's parents that is a car he can be pushed around in, a mini 4 wheeler that is electric, that he loves (below), a bunch of toys.....they all got lots of nice things.

I would say everyone had a wonderful Christmas, but we sure did miss having Nick's parents and family around. We will have to find a way to be together at Christmas. Family is what makes Christmas so special, and I can't help but feel like half of us was missing.

I hope everyone else had a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T18:23:00.001-08:00

We had some of our favorite people over for Dinner tonight. Nick made us cola brown sugar and pinneapple ham, stuffing, ginger carrots, string beans with onions mushrooms, and rolls. It all turned out so good.

Me and my friend Cas, I love that girl!

Cas and David...so cute!

Me and my honey

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Program

2008-12-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

The kids had a Christmas Program at their school. I had to work, but Nick was able to make it out and film it for me. He showed up at 2:05 and the program began at 2:00, so he ended up missing the Kindergarten's class performance. Here are Ke'alohi and Kolya's performances below:

Kolya's Class sang a Christmas Song

Ke'alohi and partner did the Waltz

Hooray for Snow!

2008-12-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

Oh the weather outside is................so freakin awesome! It has been snowing off and on for the last few days and finally it's sticking to the ground. I LOVE IT! It feels like Christmas :). I mean if it's going to be cold outside, it might as well be snowing right?

However, the doggie doesn't like the snow much. Well, correction, he likes to eat it, but he doesn't want to go potty in it. Hopefully he will learn to cope with it for the next few months until we can build a fence and let him play outside in the warm summer weather. He is still learning that the house is not his personal bathroom, and I am sure we have a ways to go, but he will get there. Nick already taught him to sit over the weekend....yes, that fast!

Back to the snow though, (can't get over the dog yet, sorry), I feel like sledding! Last year I got to stay home lots while Nick took the kids sledding because I had a little baby who didn't like to go out in the cold yet, and the year before that I was a beached whale pregnant beyond belief, and then I had a newborn.

So this year, it's my turn! Maybe I will go skiing for the first time in my life! Now that would be so much fun! I can't believe I am 26 years old, live in Utah, and have never been skiing? What is wrong with me? I don't know why I have never gone. I have always wanted to, I just never made the time. Well, I'm not getting any younger kids, so I better get myself up there now while my bones still heal. :) I guarantee I won't stay on my feet the whole time, and I biff it more than once!

I love Winter. Well, until Dec 26. then I am ready for Summer. :)

Happy Holidays!

Introducing....

2008-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

The newest member of the Stocks family. Meet Bear. He's half German Shepherd, half Rottweiler. He's a rescue dog from lost paws of Utah, same place we got Taja, our Siamese cat.

He was nutered yesterday and is still recovering, but is in good spirits. The vet thinks he is about 3 months old, and will grow to be over 70 lbs. He has huge paws, which means he will be a big dog one day. We had to pick between him and his sister, but he just stole my heart from the moment I saw him.

Nick hasn't left his side since we brought him home last night, waking up every 2 hours to take him out of his kennell to go potty. I think he's in love! We have always wanted a dog and spur or the moment on Thursday we decided to go look at him. Once we saw him there was no turning back.

I thought that our cats wouldn't like him, but they seem fine. They act normal really. Only when they are face to face do they flinch. He doesn't mind them at all. He has been around cats since he was born so he doesn't have any issues. He is so mild tempered and just wants to cuddle. Nothing that a puppy normally is. Just an all around good little guy so far.

Next step, potty training. We have been doing a lot of reading and got some supplies for him. We are installing a doggy door, and going to put up a small fence around back so he can go out and play. When you take him out now, even off a leash, he just walks circles around you and stays by your side, almost as if he's scared you will leave him. The kids were so happy when I brought him home last night. They can't leave him alone, and I don't think he minds the attention either!

He looks more German Shepherd in the face, but his tail and

backside carry the Rottweiler traits.

He loves anything fuzzy to lay on.

And he already follows Nick all around the house.

I Have a Secret

2008-12-12T12:38:00.001-08:00

I am not good at keeping secrets, but I can't tell this one until it's final! I cannot wait to go home today, and you will find out soon enough why!

Oh How I Love That Kid!

2008-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Nick asked our friend Chrissy if she would take Ambria and Kayden overnight so that we could spend a night alone. Chrissy agreed (thank you thank you we owe you big time), and asked if we would please bring the kids something to wear to church the next day.

When Nick went to pick up the kids from Chrissy's house on Sunday she told him the cutest story about Kayden at Church. It was sacrament and everyone had just finished singing the closing hymn and the room was silent. As the song finished Kayden started clapping and shouting "YEAH! YEAH!!!"

That is his new favorite thing to do. When a song finishes on the radio, he claps and says HOORAY or YEAH! Or he will attempt to say the ABC's and go "I O A C D" and then start clapping and saying Yeah since he thinks he finished them all!

I never thought he would do that at church but I bet it was quiet comical! I love that little dude~!

About My Mom

2008-12-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a couple of people's blogs and thought I would give it a try. I asked Ambria the questions below, the answers are from her.

1. What is something mom always says to you? No
2. What makes mom happy? Me being good
3. What makes mom sad? Me being bad
4. How does mom make you laugh? Being funny
5. What was mom like as a child? I don’t know
6. How old is your mom? 15
7. How tall is your mom? 300 Feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Stay home from work
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Cry
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Cuz she would be like me
11. what is your mom really good at? work
12. What is your mom not very good at? Not working
13. What does your mom do for her job? works
14. What is your mom's favorite food? broccoli
15. What makes you proud of your mom? By being good
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? spongebob
17. What do you and your mom do together? play
18. How are you and your mom the same? We both love each other
19. How are you and your mom different? our hair
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Cuz I am smart

Man, you gotta love kids and their honesty. Now I tag Chrissy, Shayla, and Marci! Ask your kids the questions and post them on your blog. Then, when your done, tag some friends to play!

Holy Crap Batman!

2008-12-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

You are never going to guess what I bought today! I am so stinken excited. I bought Nick and I a pair of tickets to Britney Spears Circus Tour Concert on April 14th!!! WHOOO HOOOO!

They don't go on sale until tomorrow, but I got the presale code and bought them today! Thank you honey, I love you for letting me buy them. But you can't deny you are just as excited as I am...ok maybe not as excited, but pretty close! I have always wanted to see her and I got my lucky chance. I am dancing in circles right now!

I'm So Excited!

2008-12-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Britney's new cd came out today and I cannot wait to go buy it on lunch! I watched her Documentory on MTV last night, and if anyone else has seen it, you have to feel bad for the poor girl. Man, being famous sure has it's downs. But, anyway, YEP, I'm super stoked and will be rockin out the whole way home!

**Update: This CD is sooooo goood! She is totally in her element and I love it! Go buy it and see for yourself!

YES!

2008-12-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Do a Little Dance....

2008-12-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday for the Third Time this Month

2008-12-01T17:59:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe you are 9 years old already. Just yesterday you were a little boy with cowboy boots and a hat to go with them, riding around your stick horse. You have grown up so much in the past few years, and become such a smart boy. You are way beyond your years little Kolya and I am so proud of you already. Keep reaching for your dreams and become the engineer we all know you can be! And when your dad and I get old, just remember us and how much we love you. :)

Happy Birthday Babe!

Do the Birthday Dance

2008-11-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

My Baby is 2

2008-11-27T09:35:00.001-08:00

My baby, my Kman, my doodle. Where do I start? You turn 2 today little man, and I am sitting here wondering where the last 2 years of my life have gone. It feels like only yesterday you were swaddled up in a blankie in my arms. You have grown so much these past 2 years into such a big boy already. My heart aches to watch how fast you grow up, but I am so proud of you. You have the most adorable personality, carefree, happy, just like your dad. You are a spitting image of him, and every time I look at you I see him. You are so special to us and we love you so very much. Happy 2nd Birthday little dude!

Your mommy will always love you with all her heart.

Now that is just gross, son...

2008-11-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Movie Review

2008-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

MMMM. What do I say. Alright, let me break it down for you.

The good:
The majority of the characters looked like I imagined. Bella, Edward, Alice, Emmett, Jacob and Charlie at least.

The bad:
The film felt majorly LOW budget. The plot skipped so many crucial points, I was left scratching my head thinking that if I hadn't read the book, I would probably have been lost most of the way through it. There wasn't the depth that I had wanted, the romance, the desire, the love. Not to mention that Edward makes some funky faces through the whole thing! It was almost comical really. It just isn't, how do I put it, as believable as the book was.

Overall Rating:
C-

I was disappointed. Sad but true, for the first time in my life I must say, the book is SOOO much better then the movie. I don't think I would see it twice. Save your money and rent it when it comes to dvd.

Excuse Me? What Did You Say?

2008-11-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning Nick decided out of the blue that he was going to work from home today, totally random. So, I went to work by myself. For the past few weeks my cousin has been trying to get me to go to her Hair School's hair show at Murray Highschool, which happened to be tonight. I couldn't find a sitter, and I wasn't going to be able to go, until Nick stayed home. Then everything changed.

It was pretty sad because my cousin's model decided last night that she couldn't be in the show. Long story, don't want to go into why she dropped out, but it was a sticky situation. They have been preparing for this for months. They had to draw a name of a celebrity, put together sketches, a board, pick out outfits, cut and color hair...just lots of work. She had picked Barbara Streisand. She had to go through two rounds of juding and made it to the finals. One of 17 finalists out of who knows how many students, lots.

She did really awesome for having to pick a back up model last night, and won first runner up! The winner got a full paid trip to a hair academy in London. She was so close! I was proud. Then at the end of the night, everyone there had a ticket put into a bag. The owner of the salon on stage pulled a name to announce the winner of a $15,000 FULL RIDE scholarship to Cameo College. There had to be 1000 people there. She pulled the ticket and read the name "ERIKA STOCKS"! I won! I cannot believe it! I have wanted to go to hair school since I was very very young , maybe 7. I was bawling my eyes out! It pays for everything, 100%. Books, tuition, supplies ALL OF IT!

I start nights part time in January. I am still in shock. I don't even know what to think! I just can't believe after all of these years my dream is coming true and I don't have to pay a dime for it, it's completely free. I knew something told me I had to go tonight, but I don't think I knew what I was in store for. I am truley blessed.

Here is my golden ticket!

I Can't Wait!

2008-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

I am seriously SO EXCITED to see the Twilight Movie this weekend! Nick and I already bought tickets and are going on Sunday. I haven't been to the movie theatre in years (I know LAME-O). In fact Nick and I had a hard time even remembering the last time just him and I went to see a movie. I think it was "Hitch" actually, and how long ago did that movie come out? HA!

As I said before, I have never been a reader, never even had the urge to read. I read when I HAD to, but that was tough enough. I am almost done with book 4 now. Well, I should have been done long ago to tell you the truth, but I can't do it! I can't let go! I have been taking my time with this one because I am so scared that I will finish and be ready for the next one, and that's it, there gone, it's over.......UGH. OMG, what is wrong with me? I sound like one of those book nerds...I AM A BOOK NERD! AHHHHH!

I guess I will read the Host next and see how that goes. I have heard mixed feelings on that book, but I love Stephanie Meyer, so maybe if I stick to the same author it will kinda be the same? Won't it? It doesn't have to end completely.......:( Man, this sucks.

I'm Having Hair Withdrawls

2008-11-16T16:22:00.001-08:00

Alright, I am having hair withdrawls. I miss my long hair sometimes and wish it would grow back. The first picture is when I had my extensions in. I don't want that back but I miss having some length:

This was way to long, and way to much hair for me. I couldn't do anything with all of it, and it took FOREVER to blow dry. Totally annoying. If I ever did the whole extension thing again, I would do way less, and shorter.

When I decided to take out my extensions, I did the dumbest thing and decided to lighten my hair, of course damaging it again. Plus I chopped about 3-4 inches off in this picture:

Then I decided to go back dark. I think I miss it about this length and color the most (ya I know, my tag is showing, thanks):

It's even shorter then this last picture now, and I have a couple extensions through the front to thicken it out a bit. But it feels so short, and of course my hair takes FOREVER to grow. I don't know, I mean it was fun cutting it short since I haven't had it short in almost 15 years, but I think I'm past the whole short thing now, and I wish I could grow it out faster! I am tempted to put back in my extensions but that totally damaged it before. Maybe I will just put in a few to give it some length, or maybe I will just shave it off and start over. Who knows!

Birthday Blast!

2008-11-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the boy's party turned out awesome! Everyone the kids invited showed up, we probably had 10-12 kids there. The room was so fun! They had a real DJ booth with black lights, strobe lights, and a microphone, and they played DJ all night and sang songs.

The walls lit up when the black lights were on.

You can't see it very good, but this is the DJ Booth with a mini window next to it so you could look out

Ke'alohi and Mitch had their hair painted!

Everyone loved hangingin out in the DJ Room!

The boys had a cake with a mini skooter on it, and 16 candles. 7 for Koa and 9 for Kolya

I didn't get a picture, but we bought both boys a pair of skates for their birthday. Kolya loves the old school roller skates, and Koa got a pair of Roller Blades.

I made them wear their hats at least one time around the rink...

Then it was off for a turn in the money machine. They got to spend 30 seconds in the machine that blew around fake money bills and collect all of the money they could by putting it in a whole in the front of the machine. When the timer got to 10 the audience all helped count down. They earned 110 tickets!

Then it was time to spin the Wheel of Prizes. Kolya won a light up pendant and Koa won $10, after a little help from Kayden (watch his video below).

Even Kayden had a good time hanging out and dancing in the room!

The boys also got a giant Birthday card that had a digital photo of our group inside. Everyone got to sign the card.

I am glad they had a good night! Kolya mentioned after we got home that it was "his most awesomest Birthday Party ever!" Happy Birthday Guys! We love you lots.

DJ and Skate Party Friday Night

2008-11-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

All 3 of our boys have Birthdays in November. Doodle is still too little to have a party with the big boys, and his Birthday is actually on Thanksgiving this year. So he will get a little party of his own that day. But, we thought we would throw a DJ and Skate Party at Classic Skating for Kolya and Nakoa this Friday!

I made some cute invites for 5 of their friends, and we booked the DJ Theme Room at Classic. I was quite impressed with their birthday packages. Here is what $8.00 a person includes ($80.00 for 10):

Room: The DJ Room features your very own DJ booth where YOU get to control all the music and lights. Your guests will think you're the greatest as ou play todays hottest music while controlling strobe lights, lazors, and other special effect lighting. This room even has a rotating disco ball!

Package includes: 10 skate admissions, 10 skate rentals, 2 party tables for up to 2 hours, hostess for your party, 100 dimecade game tokens, small prize for each guest, unlimited soda, bouquet of balloons, 1 ice cream cup per guest, 1 free roller skating pass, 30 seconds in the cash machine for the birthday guest(s), 1 spin on the lucky birthday prize wheel, 1 glowstick for each guest, World's Largest Birthday card with digital photo of your group, and birthday place settings for each guest. (We added 2 large pizzas for $10 bucks more.) Oh, and we are bringing a cake!

Ok seriously, we got HOOKED UP right?!

I hope this birthday turns out awesome for these two. They sure are good kids, and we will post pictures later!

Thankful

2008-11-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

We didn't have the kids this weekend so we were extrememly productive and got the house deep cleaned, all of the Halloween stuff put away, and we just got back from doing a huge grocery shopping. I cleaned out the fridge and pantry today and threw a bunch of old stuff out, and I don't think I realized how in need we were of food.

I went to Walmart to do my normal shopping routine. I usually go by myself while Nick stays home and keeps the kids. It is so much more peaceful that way. I had made a list of all of the items we needed, a huge list. About half way into my list I realized my cart was full, overflowing actually. So I called Nick to have him come, bring the kids, and help me finish the shopping. Two entire carts later, we have a very full pantry, fridge, and freezer. Can I tell you what a good feeling that is?

I am so thankful we are blessed enough to have a nice house, buy food when we need it, and pay our bills without a struggle. This time of year really makes me thankful that we are able to do the things we do and give the kids the things they need and deserve. I really guess I don't have much to complain about you know. Sometimes I think "we could have this, and we could have that, and this would be so nice" but then I take a step back and realize what we do have and how thankful we should be. We have 5 healthy beautiful kids, and so much more than some people would ever dream of. I have a husband who loves me deeply, takes care of me and the kids, gets up and goes to work every day, and that I couldn't live without. It's been four years now that I have been with Nick, and not a day goes by that I don't realize how lucky I am, and how much I truley love that boy. He is so selfless, caring, genuine.

So there you go. How was that for sap. :)

Happy Holidays to all of you.

Happy Birthday Nakoa!!!

2008-11-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

When you first became a part of my life you were barely 3 years old, still in diapers and with a bundle of curly hair! I couldn't get over how adorable you were.

I can't believe you turn SEVEN on Saturday, and how much you have grown up these past 4 years. You are a such a special kid and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of your life! Your dad and I love you with all of our hearts.

We hope you have the best birthday ever and we are both so proud of all that you have become. No matter how much you grow, and how big you get, I hope you always have that same cute raspy voice that I love so much!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you so much!

When I met you, this is what you looked like.....

You are such a brave little dude!

with a smile to die for....

Happy 7th Birthday Bud!

Thank Goodness for Small Miracles

2008-11-05T08:54:00.001-08:00

Victory baby!

What did you say? It's November?

2008-11-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

I looked at the calendar the other day and realized it is less than 60 days until Christmas. On a normal year by this time, I am done shopping or very close to it. I am sad to say that I still have not bought one single item. NOTHING. I think maybe I was too overwhelmed with Halloween to realize how much time flew by.

November is a busy month around our house. We have the normal Thanksgiving, but we also have all 3 boy's birthdays. Nakoa turns 7 on Saturday, Kayden turns 2 on Thanksgiving, and Kolya turns 9 on November 29th. I better get moving or I might get burried in all the madness!

I think perhaps the holidays seem a little different every other year. Maybe that is what the problem is. This year we don't have the kids on Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. So I am not as motivated to go crazy like I normally do. I mean really, what are Holidays without kids? At least we get to see them on Christmas day and they will stay over that night, but there is something about waking up Christmas morning to silence. Kayden is getting older and maybe we will be ok this year since he will be there. It is really hard to share. You feel like you miss so much when the kids aren't there to watch open presents and be anxious on Christmas Eve. It makes me thankful that we have them as much as we do.

Nightmare at 823

2008-10-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

What a night! Nightmare at 823 couldn't have been a better name really - maybe I jinxed it by naming it that. It was, well, both good and bad in many ways I must say.

The night got off to a late start, so the people in line were getting anxious. We had to rush to get things ready, and I hate rushing. We had a guy named Scott and his wife Jessica come do all of our makeup. He does proffessional looking makeup and I was excited to see what he could do. I can't believe how well it turned out! I was a mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein, but I think I ended up looking more like Beetle Juice~! Audrey was a green faced witch with a prosthetic nose, Mark was Frankenstein with the giant eyebrow, Julie was in the polka dot room with a polkadot costume, Jessica was a zombie in the graveyard, Scott was the Chainsaw guy outside, Heather was the hostess at the door, Jamie came over and wore one of Nick's masks, and Nick wore his pin head mask! We had quite the cast! Thanks for everyone who came to help!

I do have to say I think this year there was too much going on. Maybe because we added another room, maybe because we were rushed but it didn't have the same flow that last year had, and that bummed me out a little because I put so much effort into this year. We did have a tunnel that went down the hallway with a fog machine and lazer in it, and that was super cool, and my lab would have been awesome if the walls wouldn't have kept falling down, or the ceiling! Half the time I was trying to put it back together and it was a major pain in the butt!

Now, for the grand finale! Picture this. I'm up in my laboratory about to bring Frankenstein to life with my jumper cables, when all of a sudden I hear Audrey running up the stairs yelling "FIRE FIRE - HELP!!" So I drop my cables and book it out to the garage. Of course I have to say that it is mostly my fault and all, because last year we had put a tee candle in front of every grave stone to illuminate them because the fog and strobe lights didn't give it the effect I wanted. Then, to top it off, I covered the graveyard (garage) with dry leaves, because it looked so real and was awesome! Well, someone jumped out to scare the kids, pushing a couple leaves into one of the candles, and then next thing we know one of the fake trees in the garage is completely engulfed in flames!

I ran upstairs to get pitchers of water and others were stomping on the tree trying to get the fire out. We were making progress on the tree, and I came down to put more water on the fire and someone had lifted up the garage door by hand to throw the tree out! I am sure it was better so nothing else caught on fire, but in the midst of the rush, they bent the crap out of the garage door frame and it was completely broken and off the track! After the fire was out, the mood was over!

That was the end of Nightmare at 823. Sad story yes. The worst part about that is that there was just one or two more groups of kids still waiting to go through, at the end of the line. They had been out there for quite a while. We decided to let them walk through it just to see it and come to find ALL of my kids were out there, and it just ended on a really bad note! I didn't even get to take 1 picture! Luckily some others did, so I will have to get copies to post. So needless to say, IF we decide to do this again next year....we will be making it a lot simpler, starting earlier, and not lighting any candles. :)

Oh, and with a little work my neighbor was able to fix the garage door. We were worried how that would turn out if we had to have someone come and fix it. There was no smoke or fire damage, just a few burnt items, and one very very fried tree! No harm done. Just a lot of lost time and effort. :(

Change in Plans.....

2008-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a change one day can make. After some thought, and consideration, we have decided to take our home off of the market. There are several reasons for this really. The number one reason being that the selling market is poor right now, and unfortunately I don't think we will be able to get what we want out of our house. Two, my job might not be moving next April, instead it may be more than a year or so before we make the move (which is good news for the whole car pool situation which was a huge factor in moving). Number 3, it would be extremely difficult to move away from the kids now that they live literally around the block from us and we get to see them on a frequent basis. So, no biggie, we stay a few more years, get some things paid off, then we move when we are in a better position. I can live with that.

Problem solved right? WRONGO. A week or so ago our passat was misfiring, cutting out when you accelerated, so we took it in, the guy told us to change the spark plugs, out the door we spent $160.00. Not too shabby. It drove fine for about a week, then the problem came back, except not as bad and more randomly then before. However when it would misfire the check engine light would blink and then go off, sometimes it would stay on but go off later. We were just getting ready to take it back in again to have it looked at when on Friday we get in to go to work and the dash says "STOP, DON'T DRIVE - OUT OF COOLANT". Oh good hell. You have got to be kidding me.

So we dropped it off Monday at a local shop by our house. The guy was really nice and gave us a quote to fix the coolant leak. $575.00. JOY. Now, keep in mind that doesn't include the original problem before the damn thing started leaking. So, a few more tests, a few more probems and now we are at $1000.00. Ya, wait just a minute....there's more! Our 2005 Durango has a nice little light on the dash that is on as well, that damn check engine light! I love that thing, can I tell you? Every time it comes on I smile and watch the dollar signs roll around in my head. No serioulsy. Luckily the problem with it is minor and is only some ESR valve thingy (no clue what it is or what it does) and the guy can do it for just over $100 bucks. So, with both cars, taxes and all we should be good to go after our little $1200 investment. Whew.

I think this has to be one of the longest weeks I have had in a very very long time. Hopefully it will end well with our Spook Alley and I can forget about all of this and have a good time.

Ok, yep, I'm done now. Feel better. Whew.

Count Down Begins

2008-10-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

5 days until Nightmare at 823.......
......are you ready?

I'm Hooked!

2008-10-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, I guess it's safe to say I am officially hooked on the Twilight series. In fact, I just started book #3 last night! I can't believe I have already finished the first two. I seriously haven't read a book since I was forced to for a report or something in highschool, and barely choked my way through it. I can't get over how much I love reading this series. She is a great writer and I can't put them down!

What am I going to read when I get done with #4? I think I may go through a withdrawl period! Guess I better start looking around for something else. I think I may have opened a new chapter in my life with this whole reading thing, and I kind of like it! Better not stop now......

Strep Throat

2008-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

It has been YEARS, literally 15-16 years since I have had strep. I think I forgot how horrible it is. Friday night I went to bed early and Nick played with the kids. Saturday I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a bus and spent the entire day in bed. Sunday I felt even worse, and by then, instead of just the flu like symptoms I had had all weekend, I also now had a sore throat. I thought I'd better go get myself swabbed just to make sure.

I was a bit surprised when the doc at the Insta Care told me I tested positive for strep. I think I was maybe 10 the last time I had it. At least I know it's something that I can take an antibiotic for and start to feel better. Here we are on Monday now, and I still feel pretty under the weather. More than anything I feel weak. I have lost 5 lbs in 3 days and don't have any appetite at all, except for soup. I think I am going to take Kayden in to be swabbed too just to be on the safe side. Poor little dude better not have this yucky stuff. It has not been fun at all.

** Oh, update. I finished the first Twilight Book! My mother even wrote me an email and said she was in fact proud that I was attempting to read a book. I broke down and bought the second one and am about 100 pages into it now. Nick is about to start the first one so I can get him hooked too! I really am enjoying them. Never ever thought I would say that.

It's been one of those days.....

2008-10-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

..... and I didn't even feel guilty, not one bit. Nuff said!

I'm all alone.....

2008-10-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, this really sucks. Nick had to go to a conference in Arizona on Sunday until Wednesday, and although he is at a beautiful 5 star resort, soaking up the sun, I can't help but be sad that he isn't here. It is so weird to me to feel like this, still 4 years later. Most couples enjoy having "breaks" from each other. In fact, some really look forward to it every now and then, but not us. Maybe we aren't normal.

I feel this empty hollow feeling in my stomach everytime one of us goes away. I wake up in the middle of the night waiting for him to crawl into bed and snuggle me, and it's not fun at all. I keep telling myself "you can do it!" but I don't know if I am going to make it to Wednesday. Talk about some massive separation anxiety. :(

Making Progress

2008-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sissy and I made the signs for the haunted house this weekend. :) I think they turned out awesome! There is one for the back too that I didn't take a picture of.

Excitement is in the air

2008-09-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

My First Attempt....

2008-09-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

My mother would be proud. I, for the first time in almost 10 years, am making my first attempt at reading a book. Whew. I don't read. I never really have been a reader, but I thought, you know, it never hurts to try and do something knew to better yourself, right? So, my lovely neighbor Heather (thank you Heather) let me borrow her Twilight book.

So far so good. I remember for me as a child it was challenging to read because I never really "enjoyed" the book. So I would read it as fast as I could just to get it done (usually I had to for school). Then when I would finish a page I would realize I didn't comprehend anything I just read! I thought maybe I had a bit of a.d.d or maybe I just didn't like reading all together. So then I would read to myself out loud and that helped a lot.

I am on chapter 3 now, and I think I can do this! So for all you readers out there, if you can make a suggestion for a book for my husband to read while I am reading this one, I would greatly appreciate it, because it is really hard to read when he is talking, watching tv, asking me questions etc! Maybe if he had a book of his own it might help!?

Circus

2008-09-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the circus last night but unfortunately we didn't take our camera. It was amazing! If you haven't ever been to the circus I would highly recommend it. They put on quite the show!

When we got there we were looking for a parking lot to park in. We found one just south of the Energy Solutions Arena. When we found out they didn't take a card to pay for the parking we were just about to leave when the lot attendant told us to please not move our car for just a minute. Then, the next thing I knew there was an elephant crossing the road headed into the ESA! He didn't need much guidance, just waddled along by himself as if he knew where he was going already. It was so cool!

Oh and one more thing. There was a really cute little family that sat in front of us that had two adorable little girls. I couldn't help but notice how cute she had their hair styled. So of course I had to ask her how she did it. She told me that she actually found a blog that is just about doing little girls hairdo's and I should check it out. Here it is http://www.girlydos.blogspot.com/ .
I love some of the stuff they do! So if you have a daughter and need some ideas, check it out!

I Feel Your Pain Buddy!

2008-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

New Britney

2008-09-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Britney song that hit the radio today! Click on the pic. What do you think?

I like it!

Going to the Circus

2008-09-24T11:58:00.001-07:00

We aren't supposed to have the kids this weekend, but Nick and I decided that we wanted to take the 4 older kids to the Circus on Saturday. I haven't been to the Circus in years! I don't really even remember it to be quite honest, but I think it will be fun. Kayden wouldn't understand it so my parents volunteered to take him while we go. I think it will be something fun for a change and something the kids will remember. And we all know I am all about that! Hopefully we are close enough that we can get some good pictures!

Night Terrors

2008-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

My apologies in advance for the long post but I really found this interesting.....

Night terrors, what are they? Where do they come from? Why do people have them? Before this weekend I really didn't know the answers to any of these questions. Let me rewind a bit and give you some history.

Nakoa, our 6 year old boy, has been experiencing night terrors for well over a year now. To be quiet honest, at first I had a hard time believing that this was indeed a true disorder and that Koa was actually having these episodes and not just acting out, or doing something to get attention. You see, he has been through a lot in his short little life with divorce, being separated from his dad, moved around from house to house etc. etc.. Maybe this was just his way of telling someone he needed some attention, right?

The episodes are very hard to handle because it is extremely difficult to console him and get him to calm down. In fact, he is usually pretty successful at waking up the entire house before he is done. He will wake up, sit up in bed, scream, cry, walk around deliriously, even talk to you (even though half the time he doesn't make any sense), and the entire time he is asleep. In the morning when we would ask him about what had happened the night before his memory would draw a blank. Then I began to wonder "How can you not remember something that intense?"

Well, this weekend, Nick and I decided it was time to start reading.....

Nick found a very interesting website that was put together by a grown man who suffers from night terrors. The site is http://www.nightterrors.org/. What I read not only made me feel horrible for being so intolerant of Koa's spells, but made me feel awful for him and what he has been experiencing for months and months, even years now. Here is some info from the site:

OK, so first off, what are the symptoms? Sudden awakening from sleep, persistent fear or terror that occurs at night, screaming, sweating, confusion, rapid heart rate, inability to explain what happened, usually no recall of "bad dreams" or nightmares, may have a vague sense of frightening images. Many people see spiders, snakes, animals or people in the room, are unable to fully awake, difficult to comfort, with no memory of the event on awakening the next day. Although night terrors can occur anytime in a persons life span, the most common is reported in children between the ages of three and five.

Night terrors have been shown to appear in stage 4 of sleep. This is just one thing that separates them from nightmares which can occur anytime in sleep. It is possible to make a night terror occur in some people, simply by touching or awakening them during stage 4 of sleep. Why night terrors occur is still a mystery. The mind is supposed to be practically void during the deeper stages of sleep. Most sufferers will awake gasping, moaning, crying but more often screaming.

Breathing rapidly they will sit up in bed with a wide eyed terror filled stare. This panic will often last anywhere from five to twenty minutes. I find the most amazing aspect of night terrors is that it generates a heart rate of 160 to 170 beats per minute. This is much faster than the normal heart rate that can be attained under most stressful circumstances.

Some things that can help bring out a night terror are stress, medications that affect the brain, (It is hard to list exactly which ones) being over-tired or eating a heavy meal before going to bed. Combining all of the above I can usually guarantee an occurrence for myself. Many different medical ailments contribute to the frequency of Night Terrors. (Once again to many and to hard to list, Please do not e-mail me to have one added.) The listed items DO NOT cause night terrors, they just seem to put your body into the state where a night terror can manifest itself. People without night terrors will not have a night terror just by trying the above.

There seems to be a common thread in how night terrors manifest themselves. Many people who remember the night terror have talked about seeing animals or people. Most people describe the person that they see as dark and shadowy and feel that the person is going to hurt them. Quite a few people see snakes and spiders. At first I thought people were seeing only things they are afraid of during waking hours. After more research I found that only a small percentage of people were afraid of what they see (in night terrors) during waking hours.
Some people remember the Night Terror. Some don't. There is no explanation to why some have no recall of the events during a Night Terror. If you are told by a doctor that the fact you remember your night terror it must not be a night terror, find another doctor.

Many people have written me to disagree, but I have found the best method of controlling someone during a night terror is to hug and reassure them and tell them that everything is all right. Agree with what they are saying and doing. Sometimes it is not possible to hug them. Don't try to force physical contact. DO NOT yell at them or tell them they are only dreaming as this seems to only upset them even more. Move objects that can injure the person out of the way. This method seems to work better in children rather than in adults. (Adults are a little more physical) The most important thing to remember is that someone having a night terror does not know what they are doing. Make sure that there is not anything nearby that they can hurt themselves or others with. It is perfectly safe to wake someone who is having a Night Terror. Please be gentle!

It is also interesting to note that two other disorders, sleepwalking and bed wetting, are experienced during stage 4 of sleep. (Don't e-mail me and ask me about those disorders though.) Even more interesting is the fact that all three of these sleep disorders often run in families. My father only realized he had night terrors after I started researching the subject. Some families will dismiss night terrors as nightmares and grow more and more upset blaming the problem on television or other before bed stimulus. Episodic night terrors DO NOT signify psychological problems. Don't ever tell the subject that nothing has happened. It is OK to tell that person, the next morning, they had a night terror. It is however not advisable to notify children the next morning if they do not remember.

As I continued reading the site I found an article from a woman whose son has night terrors. She lists some things that can help lower the risk of having an episode, and eventually says that helped cure her son. Some of the things she suggests are:

*** Stress plays a major factor in NTs. If your child goes to bed later than normal, has a busy, event filled evening, or doesn't have a nap or at least a rest time during the day, this could lead to a NT. Try to devote an hour before bedtime for "cool down." For Tyler this meant a nice warm bath, listening to lullabies, reading books or snuggling with mommy and daddy. Don't try to put your child to bed overly tired. It sounds crazy, but the more tired they are the worse the NT can be.

*** Heat is another major factor in NTs. You may notice your child sweating when he is having a NT. This is common, however if the child is hot when going to sleep, it will be worse. We always kept a window cracked in our sons room for fresh air. We dressed him in light-weight, 100% cotton pajamas. During the hot summer months, he just wore a diaper or a diaper and T-shirt. No feet in the pajamas! He had several NTs when he was screaming something was biting his feet and we found him pulling on the feet of his pajamas. If your child must sleep with a blanket, make sure they are not wrapped up in it or it is not too hot. We used to give Tyler a cotton receiving blanket or light crib blanket. When we came to bed we made sure the blanket was just over him, not wrapped around him to the point that he was "stuck."

*** We used a noise machine in his room at night. This is a machine that can be purchased at any major department store for $35-$75. This machine emits a steady soothing sound. This helps the child in transition from REM sleep to deep sleep. Again, during the summer months, the window air conditioner did the trick. These machines can have a variety of sounds, from ocean, wind, waterfall, birds, lullabies. You can pick what your child feels most comfortable with. It is soothing for adults too!

*** We gave Tyler KID Chamomile. This is an herbal remedy found at your health food store. I have done a lot of research on drugs vs. herbs and found that herbal remedies, while not being as strong or quick to react, have much lower side effects and are not usually habit forming. There are many herbs out there for use in relaxation for children specifically. Again, with trial and error, you have to find the one that works best for your child. It also is not an overnight cure. It takes about a week of doses to begin working. We gave this to Tyler about an hour before bedtime.

*** Do not give a child Benadryl to help NTs. This drug is for allergies and the claim that it helps with NTs is because the side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness. It is like an adult taking night time cold medicine to help sleep when they are not sick. You should never use a drug just for the side effects.

*** I also did alot of research on aroma therapy. I found that lavender was very calming for Tyler. I burned a lavender scented candle in his room for about two hours before bedtime with the doors closed. I used Candle Scents from Glade. When I put him to bed, we blew it out. The aroma stayed in his room almost all night. During the day I used a light ring with lavender essential oil. This is a terra cotta ring that fits over a light bulb in a lamp. You put a few drops of oil in the ring and then on the bulb. The heat from the lamp heats the oil and fills the room with lavender aroma. Very relaxing.

*** Never try to wake your child up during the NT. Even though they may talk to you or react to what you are saying, they are actually asleep. They will not remember the NT the next day. We used very soothing words with Tyler. Like, "Everything is ok, mommy and daddy are right here, we love you", etc. Sometimes when that didn't work in calming him, I would try to divert his attention by asking him questions very directly like, "Where is the kitty cat?" or "Where is you Elmo?" I tried to stay as calm as possible. The more excited and loud I got, the worse it was for him. Try to adjust yourself to what your child is asking for. If they don't want to be held, don't hold them. If they ask for you to hold them, hold them. Don't just assume that since your child is screaming they want you to hold them.

*** Don't dwell on the NTs the next day. Don't ask about what the child remembers. This may scare them because they really don't remember, but your descriptions may scare them. Try to limit your conversations to outsiders about your child when the child is present. Your child my feel guilty and confused about keeping you awake which adds to the stress which makes the NT worse. It's just a vicious cycle.

*** Also remember that pediatricians do not know a lot about this condition. There is no blood test to diagnose it and no prescription to cure it so in most cases the answer from them is that it is normal and they will grow out of it. I think that if more of their children had NTs they would be more willing to help with finding the cure.

*** All of these things in combination have helped in "curing" Tyler of his NTs. He has not had any since late July. We have stopped the chamomile, lavender and noise machine. We do, however, make sure he has a rest time during the day and calm evening and we still dress him lightly and use a light blanket.

Now that I know a little more about what Night Terrors are, and some of the recommendations to help Koa, I feel a lot better about the situation. Hopefully it truly is something he will grow out of, and some of these things will help him in the mean time. Next time something like this happens, I will do the research before I come to any conclusions on my own. :)

Nightmare at 823 Update

2008-09-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this time of year! I can't help it, I can't help but go crazy and go all out. It's too much fun!

Nick and I have been to several halloween stores to get some new props, decorations, ideas for this years Haunted House "Nightmare at 823". I have found some bargains let me tell you! I know it's still over a month away but I want to start building it now! We got all of the flyers printed out and are going to have the kids hand them out this weekend.

Ke'alohi handed some out to her class last week and we got a phone call from one of the students moms. I called her back to see what she needed and she told me she didn't have questions really she just wanted to say how impressed she was that we take the time to put something like this together and that her and her husband love Halloween too and wanted to be involved! I thought that was so awesome. Then she told me her husband actually does theatrical make up for a living! OK, can you say SCORE! So, now we have more people to be in it, and someone to make us look awesome!

Stay tuned for more!

Weekend Update

2008-09-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

So far we have had a very chill weekend at home with just Nick, myself and Kman. I woke up yesterday and Nick sent me to a 2 hour spa package at Mainspring Day Spa. It was marvelous. You spend the first hour in a hot tub and sauna, and then the second hour you get a full body massage. By the time you leave you are jello! I love my husband and how thoughtful he is! MWAH.

Then, we went shopping yesterday and got some fun stuff for the Spook Alley and some jeans for the girls. It was nice to just hang out alone without kids and get some good quality rest in.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!