What Happened to Saturday?

I do not understand why or how the weekends go by so fast. They just fly by. I wish the week days could go that fast. Anyway, Saturday was interesting. It started Friday night. At the Pinewood Derby, my eye was itching-perhaps I mentioned it on Friday night? Anyway, it was itchy and I rubbed it a few times and then POOF, it swelled to an amazing size. I iced it, and took a Benadryl. The Benadryl did nothing but put me to sleep for four hours on the couch. I woke up at 3 in the morning and went to bed. When I woke up Saturday morning, my eye was almost swollen shut, so I took myself to the urgent care. I waited forever-I think they forgot that they put me in a room. Anyway, the doctor said that things like Zyrtec and Claritan are H1 blockers, but the medicine, Zantac (a heartburn medicine) is a H2 blocker, so if I take them both in the morning, together, they should prevent EVERYTHING from bothering me. I have a prescription for the Zantac, and an appointment with an allergist. My eyes have been itchy and watery, and have been swollen off and on for months. It's been quite an annoyance. I am hoping to get some relief. I am sparing you the picture of my eye-I posted it on Facebook though.

Quinn's birthday is Thursday. He'll be 8-EIGHT! I can't believe it. I swear I just brought these boys home from the hospital! I got this cupcake pan today, to make him a giant cupcake cake for his party.

I also picked up another two of the-you guessed it, "World's Smallest 1,000 Piece Puzzle." I don't know why I get such a kick out of that name, but I do. Working puzzles is really relaxing for me.

Riley finished his book for the Young Author contest. It's really a good book. It's about a guy saving a Yeti from being sold by "Evil Men." It's very clever. He's proud of it, and we are proud of him. He worked hard, and did the whole thing by himself.

See that toothy grin? It will be changing tomorrow morning! Riley gets braces tomorrow. He's not all that excited.

Hope you all have a great week. My week is a whole lot less busy than last week, for which I am very happy. I slept a lot this weekend. Work is killing me these days.

2010 Pinewood Derby

I am so very excited that this week is over. WAY too busy. It will be nice to not have to rush around this weekend. Other than puppy school, there's nothing that I have to do. I think I may be meeting up with a college friend/roomie, tomorrow night, in the city. It will be great!

We had the Pinewood Derby tonight. It was great fun. Very organized this year, and I didn't get stuck manning the "Pit Stop Cafe" for the entire night. I had some sort of allergic reaction to something though, and my right eye swelled almost shut. I am icing it now. Oh, so this picture of Quinn? He's waiting for his car to come down the track. I said, "hey Quinn, look over here." This is the pose he came up with.

Quinn's car is the gold one. He didn't win, but he had a lot of fun. Oh and the best part of the night? I don't have to store that big-ass track in my garage anymore! It went home with another scout family.

Kevin is giving Quinn his participation ribbon. He got the award for the "Waviest car." His car was cut in a wave.

Riley came along and raced one of his old cars, at the end of the night. He raced Quinn, and Riley won. The Boy Scouts don't do the Pinewood Derby.

Happy weekend everyone!

TGI Thursday!

Today was the last of my super busy days, for this week at least. At school, we went on a field trip. We went to the Fremont Peace Pavilion. We go every year. It's within walking distance from our school, and it's a really good trip. There are five rooms, and a host of volunteers. They split the kids up into groups and then the kids go off to visit each of the five rooms. All of the rooms have activities in them pertaining to the concept of "peace." It's really great. They go home with a bunch of stuff too! I had 6 parent volunteers! It was awesome!

I can't show you my students, but trust me when I say, they are cute. I took this picture in one of the rooms at the Peace Pavilion, because it is symbolic of my students. I have kids from all over the world. I like it.

After school, I went to my union meeting. Things are heating up now, due to proposed budget cuts. I was there until 5:30 pm. It's held at the boys' school, so at 5, I called for Quinn. He ate cookies while I hung around for awhile more. I wanted to hear people's comments, but they hadn't even finished the regular business items. We went home after that, but for just awhile, and then it was off to pizza for Quinn's baseball team meeting. Looks like a great group this season on the Hot Rods. One super obnoxious kid, but the rest are great. The coach is really organized, and excited to help the boys. I volunteered to be the team mom.

Quinn finished his book for the Young Author contest. He is so proud of it. We had to put it right in his backpack, and he asked me a jillion times if I put in the entry form page, and did I paperclip it to the title page? Because THAT'S where it's supposed to go.

Here's a closer look at his cover. Quinn loves Kirby so much.

Here's an inside page. This is my favorite picture.

Tomorrow is FRIDAY! I am so excited for the weekend. No plans, but even that's exciting. I am just so tired.

What A Wednesday!

What a DAY! Busy at school. We have a field trip tomorrow (oh yay. I can hardly wait. yippee.), so I had to squish in the Thursday stuff today and still have some to do on Friday. We were busy all day. After school, I met with some teachers to read the Young Author books, a book writing contest our district conducts. When that was finished, I left school and went to my Math Council Meeting. I know this is just juicy juicy stuff. I was there until 5 and then headed over to the City Council chambers, for the school board meeting-the topic: budget cuts. I was there until a little after 7, outside of the building, in the cold. I went home after that. I have mom guilt today, big time. I didn't get to see much of the boys today, and tomorrow will only be a little easier. That's the biggest problem with working full time. Juggling life at work with life at home can be tricky. I think most days I am able to juggle it all well, and spend quality time with the boys, but days like today are maddening. They seemed none-the-worse for wear.

When I got to the council chambers, this is what the sky looked like. Beautiful. The sun actually made a pretty significant appearance today. It was foggy this morning, and then sunshiny for the rest of the day. No rain is predicted for tomorrow-very happy about that, as our field trip is a walking field trip.

Here's Riley before he went to sleep. Look at how cute Owen is being. That poor cat is feeling a bit neglected these days. That little dog won't leave him alone. She so wants to play with the cats, but they don't understand her, and they won't play back. They hit at her instead. It's funny though, because she wants to play with them, but if they go near her food, she gets annoyed. Very protective of her food. This dog LOVES to eat.

Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you thinking about your weekend plans?

It's Really Only Tuesday?

This strange thing was in the sky this afternoon. I believe they call it "the sun." Very rare appearance. It rained all morning, but by the time school got out, the sun was out.

This is half of the full rainbow. Pretty.

I love this little dog so much. She got herself under my blanket, and was able to poke her head out of a hole she created. She's snoring even as I type. You will be happy to know that she is almost potty trained! She's not had an accident inside for two days!

Sorry for the short, lame post. It's been most frustrating today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I will be halfway through my crazy busy week.

Another Monday Bites the Dust

Rain rain go away. I am sick of you. It's supposed to rain the rest of the week. I'm hoping it's not horrible on Thursday. I have a walking field trip planned. It's been a busy day. Mondays at school are always busy. I came home from school and was here for a little while, then out again for a scout meeting. I was home in time to watch the drama of The Bachelor. Oh my. That guy is pathetic, and those girls are horrible. Good casting ABC. I'm sure he'll find his TRUE LOVE, huh Michelle?

Quinn at the pizza place tonight, for the scout meeting.

He's so silly. He's going to be 8 in just 9 days. Where does the time go?

Sunday Around The House

A lazy Sunday. We had puppy school this morning, but that is all we did. We were home for the rest of the day. Puppy school went well. Maya remains a star student. She can sit and she can even stay, although she looks at you with her head sideways, all sad looking and stuff. The other dogs bounce around. When we left Pet Smart (where the puppy classes are held), we saw the remains of a pretty bad car accident. The Pet Smart is on a corner, and the street behind it curves around. If someone is going too fast, it's easy to lose control. Someone must have, and they hit a tree, and flipped over. We walked over to look at the clean up. They had already taken the driver away. One of the officers yelled over to the boys that they should always wear their seatbelts. We agreed, and added that they watch their speed as well. I think they were pretty impressed that the car was upside down. I'm not sure how badly people were hurt. I hope they were fine, but learned a good lesson.

I finished my third "World's Smallest 1,000 Piece Puzzle." Boy, I sure enjoy that name. I am having puzzle withdrawls, so perhaps I will make another run to Michael's.

I gathered my supplies for my Heather Bailey elephant pincushion.

I cut all of the teeny pieces out. Perhaps I'll get a chance to work on the sewing part this week-HA, fat chance of that! I have a really busy week. Meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Scout things Monday and Friday, Quinn's baseball parent meeting Thursday. Crazy. Oh and BOTH boys have to write a book for the Young Author's contest-due Friday. Quinn's rough draft is done. We just need to help him edit it, and type it. I am hoping Riley is making as much progress on his book.

I made these today too. I am going to put them in my Etsy shop.

Arden, dressed for winter.

Quinn is on the Hot Rods this season for baseball-we can't wait to see what the uniform is like. He's not with any of his friends, so he's a little disappointed. It seems three of the coaches from last year's team took coaching jobs this season, so everyone was split up. It was a fun group last year, and we'll miss that, plus the extra help in getting to and from practices. Kevin and I are happy with the coach though. He's a good guy, and organized. There are only four teams in their division. Very soon it will be even crazier around here.

In The Mail Today

It only sort of rained today. Not a lot, just a few drops. I spent most of the day in the car, looking for Quinn's birthday present. He wants a Playmobil Sphinx. It was on his Amazon wish list, but it's going up in price, and I didn't want to pay shipping. Toys r Us had them at Christmas, but they are completely sold out online and in store. I found one today, at a little toy store in Palo Alto. He's going to be so happy. It was also a really good mail day!

I got a birthday present in the mail, from my friend Terri, in Ohio. It's a Mickey Mouse hat! Cute huh? It's got "Mickey" written on the back, in sparkly letters. She also sent along some chocolate for the boys. Aren't these initial chocolates cute?

I also ordered three new patterns, from Heather Bailey. I may try and make the elephant tomorrow. They are little pin cushions. Cute huh?

We saw glimpses of the sun today. It was nice.

What A Surprise, It's Raining!

Shock of all shocks, but it rained today! When was the last time it rained you ask? Umm, that would be yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that, and the day before that, and...you get the picture. Sick. Of. The. Rain. We did get about a 2 hour break today, where this strange thing called, "the sun," came out. Then... it rained again. Big sigh. It's not supposed to rain tomorrow.

Look at those clouds! Those are angry clouds. It poured as they passed by.

This was the view to the right of those clouds. I see blue sky!

I got home from school and this big package was waiting for Kevin. I was very curious. I texted him this picture.

Here's what was inside the big package. Two bags of Mothers Circus Cookies, and two packages of the Taffy Cookies. I have to admit that I can't stand those Circus Cookies. I have never liked them. Yuck. I know people love them, all of the boys in my house included. They make me gag. Ew. Those cookies are right up there with toast and peas for me. Yuck. I'm glad Kevin is happy though. He entered a contest. He made a video and sent it in. He must have won!

Happy weekend everyone!

Raindrops Keep Falling and Falling and Falling on My Head

More rain. While it didn't rain as hard as it did yesterday, it rained continuously today. At least I got to wear my new rain boots! It looks like I can wear them again tomorrow, if California does not float away.

My new rain boots. I wore them on Riley's field trip today, and they did their job. My feet and pants were dry. We went to see The Music Man. It was a pretty good production. Lots of kids in the show. It's really not a great show for kids though, in that it is from an era that they just don't understand, and I am not sure they really understood the whole con man thing. They were fidgety-especially through the "love" parts, and the slower songs. I think some of the dialogue was confusing to them too, and the actors were not great enunciators, so it was hard to understand. The main character (the Music Man) is a past Brookvale student, so I think the kids really liked that. He did a great job.

I am working on a cross stitch. It's a matryoshka. I just love them! I really love that big one on the cover, but she's made of felt. I am thinking of trying to copy it-that pattern was not included.

Tomorrow is Friday!

A Hat, Boots, a Toy, and a Dress

Day two of this wicked storm. It was crazy dark when I went to school this morning, and for most of the day. It rained and rained and rained, big fat, thick, pouring drops. There was thunder and lightening too, and I worried that we might lose power. Mostly I worried about the power loss at home, as I was cooking my dinner in my crock pot. The kids were inside all day, but they don't complain. They like it. We walked to the library in a regular monsoon, but we had to go, as we only go to the library every other week now. Thanks Mr. "Governator" for taking tons of money from CA schools. Crazy weather. Still, it was a good day.

Look at this! A little girl in my class knitted this hat for me. She used one of those knitting circle things. Isn't it adorable? Such a sweet girl.

I went to Target and bought myself some rain boots. They had some really cute black ones with colorful polka dots all over them, but they only had a size 10. These are cute though.

I went to PetSmart to find Maya some stronger toys. I found this cute pink camouflage doggie. See what she's done to it? Completely destroyed. As soon as I gave it to her, she chewed off (and ate) the label that says "squeeze me." Then she worked on a leg, and the head, pulling the stuffing out. You are probably wondering what that little white thing is. Well, that's the squeaker. It was near the tail. I have NO idea how she got it out of the head hole. Poor doggie.

You can see the doggie, intact, before she ate it. I found this dress for her at Target as well, on clearance. Isn't it cute? I could not resist it. Want to know what else I couldn't resist?

iCarly Valentines!! I do love me some iCarly! I'm going to give these to my students. They will love it.

I don't have to work tomorrow! I am going on a field trip with Riley's class. We are going to the junior college to see The Music Man. Best of all, I don't have to be at school until 11:30 am! I have the whole morning to myself (and Maya).

Dead Dog Toys and a Crock Pot

Well, the storm that was promised us, delivered today. It rained and rained and rained. All morning. Know when it stopped? After lunch, just in time for me to do my yard duty. Damn. I was at the tetherballs duty too. I hate tetherballs. It's just no fun to break up the fights over ropies, holdies, fasties, slowies, etc. I say the same thing all the time. "There are no "ies" in tetherball." It's super annoying. I have found that there is a hiding place though. It's right out in plain sight, but if I am not directly in the middle of the courts, they don't come over to tattle. I guess the extra few steps just isn't worth losing their place in line. Anyway, I had to go out and serve it, but there was a plus! Since it rained this morning (the AM recess got rained out), the tetherballs were never put on the poles!! Yay! I lucked out. It was easy. I just watched the kids play with the dangling chains from the missing tetherballs. Awesome!

Don't let this really cute face fool you.

Maya is a toy destructor. This cute cupcake is history.

This green ball is history. She's chewed through almost all of her toys. She still has her big flea, but it's missing its eyes. It's just a matter of time before she gets the stuffing out of it. I need to find some super duper heavy duty toys.

I prepped my dinner for tomorrow night. I have limited time in the mornings-as those who have children to get up and out do, so I prepped the meal tonight. All I have to do in the morning is add all of the stuff to the pot, and open some cans. What's for dinner tomorrow night, you ask? Well it's Pirate Stew of course! Aaaaarghhhh! I do live with boys.

What Didn't I Get Done Today?

A bonus day off! I was quite productive, I have to say. I did laundry. I put away all of my already washed fabrics. I washed some new fabric and put it away. I cleaned my sewing area. I reorganized some boxes. I watched some TV. I farmed my farm. I was on the computer. I played with a dog...I was home all day. It was great. I am all about the stay home days. I love them. Next month we get a four day weekend! Looking forward to that!

It did rain today! Pretty much all day long too. We need it.

I got Riley's blanket cut out for him. I have some material for one for Maya as well-in girlish colors, but I'm not ready to make it yet. The big blankets are a lot to get ready. At least I didn't have to tie this one.

Riley tied his entire blanket.

I finished my puzzle, and started my new one.

I made a necklace. See? I told you I was productive. Tomorrow it's back to work. I have a short week though. I am out on Thursday, on a field trip with Riley's class. We are going to see Music Man at the Junior College.

The Olympics start in 25 days!

It's Like a Second Saturday!!!

Today was GREAT! It's like a bonus Saturday!! We had puppy school, and then I ran some errands, with everybody else and their uncle. The news kept talking about a big storm, big storm, non-stop rain for an entire week. Well...it's not as much rain as I expected, and probably everyone else out and about today, expected. I went to Jo-Ann's today (along with LOTS of other women) and stood in line for 30 minutes! I think everyone else was looking for something to do, inside, out of the "bad" weather. Perhaps it will rain tomorrow. I don't know. Target was crazy too. Oh well, I came home in time to see the Golden Globes. I like to watch award shows. George Clooney looked GOOD.

Kevin and I had some champagne while watching the Golden Globes.

My puzzle is almost finished (sorry Rachel). I have to get it done so...

I can start the next one. Oh it is just so exciting here! Most exciting of all is that I get to sleep in (again) tomorrow. Yahoooooo!

Hanging Around

I tried out my Wii Fit today. It was a lot of fun! It takes forever the first time, for the machine to scan your body etc. On the Wii Fit, I rode a bike, looking for 13 flags. I thought I would never find those things. My lower legs are already sore from that one! I threw snowballs, quite unsuccessfully. I tried to hit a golf ball, but I was challenged. I did some kung fu-THAT was totally fun! I sucked at all of the games I tried, but hey, I am learning. I had a hard time figuring out what it was I had to do on some of those games, like the driving range. I'll get it. I plan on being on it tomorrow as well. I have set a goal to lose 20 pounds. I also walked the lake with my mom and Maya today.

The boys and their dog. I love that one ear Maya sticks up. She's getting bigger. She's gained one and a half pounds! She's 13 pounds.

My dad's 70th birthday was on Wednesday. My mom had a little party for him tonight. We played the game, Catch Phrase, had snacks, and cake. It was pretty fun.

Blowing out the candles. Happy Birthday, Dad!