CSW: Red, White and Blue Day

It's that time of year again...Catholic Schools Week or CSW! (Inside joke with myself because I love acronyms!)

We started today by wearing Red, White, and Blue. I had to get a picture of Evan before we headed off to school.


Blue jeans, red undershirt, red sweatshirt, blue scarf, red gloves, and mom's striped socks. Ready for the day!


Me and my baby. I like to get into the spirit of the days as well!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's theme. I don't want to spoil it ahead of time, but it's going to be pretty funny!

Fiber Anyone?

This is what I usually eat for breakfast every morning. A Fiber Plus bar and an apple. I like the fiber bars because they contain nine grams of fiber, and they taste good.

Hudson had an upset tummy yesterday. He was pooping left and right, and his poop was not exactly solid. He just wasn't feeling so hot yesterday.

I was worried that he was coming down with a bug or ate something bad.

Well, the mystery was solved this morning when I went to get my Fiber Plus bar out of the cupboard. The box was ripped open and mostly empty.

I asked Evan if he had eaten one, and he said, "Yes. I ate some, and I gave two of them to Hudson yesterday."

AHHHHHH!

Little man had 18 grams of fiber running through his little system in a matter of 20 minutes. No wonder he literally couldn't hold his poop. That much fiber at once would knock anyone on their butt if they aren't used to it.

He's still feeling a bit uncomfortable today, but at least I know he's not sick. I think I need to buy the boys some kid friendly granola bars so they stay clear of mine!

What Weekend?

This was not exactly a "recharge the batteries" type of weekend.

Friday night - Dinner in Hanford - gone from 5p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday - Spelling Bee - at school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday - 9:30 Mass to lead the children's choir, 11:00 Mass at Newman Center to give a talk about Catholic Schools Week, birthday lunch for nephew at 1:00, Costco, Save Mart, and Talent Show practice.

It was not a bad weekend. It just left me tired.

It is Catholic Schools Week at school starting tomorrow. Each day has its own theme. Lots of fun stuff. Lots of crazy stuff. Lots of activities. There is something going on each night this week. Wish me luck.

Appreciation

Last night Eric and I went to the City of Hanford Employee Appreciation Dinner. We had a good dinner and a good time.

Eric was recognized as being one of eight new employees hired last year. He got to stand up, and I couldn't miss that opportunity to snap a photo!

He'll be at this new job for a year as of April 5. Congratulations, Honey!

Accomplishment

I have moved my body over 39 miles so far this year (and that doesn't count elliptical movement).

I can run 2.5 miles at an 11:16 pace.

I lost 10% of my starting weight as of Dec. 2.

I am proud. I think I deserve to be proud. No, I KNOW I deserve to be proud.


I am liking myself in pictures again. That in and of itself is a huge accomplishment!

6-year-old reply

We had to make a quick trip to CVS at 7:15 tonight for Pull-ups for the 3-year-old. Totally forgot that we ran out last night.

Ugh. So not what I wanted to do at 7:15. In the winter. When it's cold.

Anyhow, we loaded up and headed out. The movie Despicable Me is playing in the car right now. It got to the part where one guy is trying to capture the moon. (I guess this is what is happening. I haven't actually seen the whole movie all the way through, although I have heard it 90 times.)

Hudson said, "He's gonna take the moon."

I said, "That's pretty silly! How could anyone take the moon?"

Without missing a beat Evan replied, "By using a shrink ray."

Oh. Of course.

Stuff

Here's a little of what we have been up to lately.

-Staff meeting and soccer practice on Tuesday.
-Weight Watcher meeting on Wednesday.
-Dinner with a friend on Thursday.
-Soccer game on Friday.
-Basketball game on Saturday.
-Football on Sunday.

I see a sports trend here.

Needless to say, with stuff going on every night, it was hard to find interesting and exciting things to blog about. I'll do my best to entertain you in this post.


I went for a 25 minute run today. Eric and the boys made it about five minutes with me before Evan's tire went flat. They went back to the house. I kept running. Then I came home and took a shower and got right back into my favorite pj's.


Eric made Broccoli Beef again tonight. Yum.


Double yum.


It's hard to tell, but this is a photo of the ceiling in my kitchen. That orange blob on the ceiling is a stupid "sticky foot" that one of my precious offspring got at the doctor's office. They flicked it up to the ceiling, and it has never fallen. Now it is making a greasy circle stain up there along with the attractive orange blob.


Hudson doesn't like having his picture taken. I feel less guilty about not taking him for portraits...since he was six weeks old.


Just smile, darn it. Or at least look at the camera.


At least I got a blurry shot of his face. He always looks so cute in the tub.


That would be an empty laundry basket! We were on a mission this weekend. Eric would load the washer, switch the clothes to the dryer, and bring them to me. I folded and put them away. It was a good system that worked out nicely. Just about every last article of clothing in this house is washed and put away...aside from what is currently on our bodies!

One Word

Friend Makin' Mondays (from THIS blog)

Even though it is Sunday and this is called Friend Makin' MONDAY, I want to do this now!

Answer each question using only one word...

1. Where is your cell phone? charging

2. Your most significant other? Eric

3. Your hair? red

4. Your mother? friend

5. Your father? miss

6. Your favorite? candy

7. Your dream last night? strange

8. Your favorite drink? Pepsi

9. Your dream/goal? marathon

10. What room you are in? family room

11. Your hobby? running

12. Your fear? death

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

14. Where were you last night? home

15. Something that you aren't? fake

16. Muffins? blueberry

17. Wish list item? diamonds

18. Where you grew up? California

19. Last thing you did? laundry

20. What are you wearing? pajamas

21. Your TV? Kardashians

22. Your pets? ShiTzus

23. Friends? important

24. Your life? crazy

25. Your mood? relaxed

26. Missing someone? yes

27. One place that I go to over and over? school

28. Something you want: organization

29. Your favorite store? Kohl's

30. Your favorite color? red

Phew! It was hard to answer some of these with only one word. I physically had to stop myself from giving explanations on most of these!

Family Bike Ride

Today we went on a family bike ride at Woodward Park. But before we did that, Eric and the boys took down Christmas lights outside while I cleaned out the van. Then we loaded up a picnic basket, four bikes, two helmets, two boys and lots of enthusiasm and headed to the park.


First order of business: eat lunch. We were hungry because it was noonish. We had sandwiches, watermelon, chips and juice. The boys played on the park in the background for a bit as well.

Then Hudson announced he had to poop. As any parent of a 3-year-old knows, when they have to poop, you drop what you are doing and find a bathroom. And that's what we did.


Had to feed the geese.

We headed out on the bikes and ended up riding 3 1/2 miles all over the park. It took us about 45 minutes. There were some pretty big hills that Hudson had to walk over. I love it that we are at a point in our family where we can all ride a bike as a family.


Sitting in the back of the van after riding.


Eric after the ride.


While Eric and I rested, the boys kept running up and down the big hill by the parking lot. Oh to have their energy.


The boys were really sweet to each other this afternoon, holding hands, playing together, and just being great brothers. I love it when they do that.

After the ride, we drove to another section of the park to play on yet another play structure and to throw the football around a bit.

It was colder out today than yesterday, but it was another great afternoon. I can't wait to bring the bikes back to the park another weekend.

Today

Things we did today:

-snuggled
-watched football
-went for a bike ride/run
-played catch with a football
-bought new bike helmets
-went to the grocery store
-had chicken for dinner
-played in the playroom
-did laundry
-got ice cream from BnR
-stayed in pj's until after 3
-surfed the web
-cleaned the playroom
-took a fast bath
-wrestled
-cried
-snuggled

Activities are not listed in any particular order. Not all activities were done by all members of this family.

Google

I broke my streak of posting everyday. Thursday just threw me for a loop.

If I had posted on Thursday, this is what I would have told you:

I went to a Google workshop all day Thursday at the County Office of Education. It worked out perfectly, because I had to drop off a few science fair applications. I really don't like driving downtown unless I absolutely have to. Killed two birds with one stone.

Anyhow, the workshop was great. Two of my coworkers went as well. I never knew Google could do so much! It's pretty amazing, and I have a feeling we only just scratched the surface of what Google is capable of doing. Google's mission? To make the world's information universally accessible. I like that.


Learning new skills. Yay!

One neat thing we learned how to do was an archive search to find actual articles from scanned newspapers. While the teacher was talking, I decided to do a search on my own name.

Here is what I found: CLICK HERE

I started laughing when I realized this was a scanned copy of an article from the Merced Sun Star when I was 8 1/2-years-old! I wrote about the true meaning of Christmas. What a kick! There were only eight of us in the class, so I told the group what I found. The instructor got a kick out of that and said he was going to share that with future workshops!

I learned a lot and can't wait to share some of this stuff with my classes and other teachers. It's always good to get out of the classroom for a bit. It energizes me.


Rosa is our fourth grade teacher and resident health nut at school. This girl hasn't had a piece of candy in over three years! She gave it up for Lent one year and NEVER had another piece since. Personally, I think she took the whole Lenten concept a little too far!


Maria is the fifth grade teacher. She's been teaching forever. She's wonderful! She used to be a nun. She used to be the principal. Sometimes I still want to call her Sr. Maria.

Great workshop.

Preschool

Hudson is so ready to go to preschool. I am so ready for him to be at my school going to preschool.

I talked to my principal this morning, and she said our pre-K might be open this spring! Fingers crossed!!! As soon as it opens, Hudson will be a student. I can't wait to see him in his little uniform.

The only tough thing is saying goodbye to Linda who has been with him since he was 8 weeks old. Linda has been our daycare provider since Evan was 2. That's a long time to rely on someone. She loves our kids like her own. That part will be hard.

Whenever the state gets in gear, we could be looking at a new school. Yay!

Dead Car

I walked out to my car this morning to find that it was dead. Not even a click when I turned the key. Ugh. Evan left lights on last night when he was looking for his shin guards.

Long story short. Eric came home and jumped us so my car would get out of the garage. Evan and I got to school by 8:45.

Car trouble stinks, but at least the rest of the day was fine.

Other than a very cold soccer practice, there is not much else going on.

3rd Place, Baby!

This morning I found out that I placed third in my race from Saturday morning! It was quite the amazing news!

I ran around school telling pretty much anyone who would listen to me, including kids!

I never thought I'd ever win a trophy at one of these races. What a rush!

Race Video

Eric and I are so proud of both the boys! In the video, Evan is in a bright yellow shirt, and Hudson has on a white shirt with orange long sleeves. They had such a good time.

By the way, we are going to work on Evan's humbleness. You'll see why at the end of his race! That kid cracks me up.

Family Weekend

This was a great weekend. We spent lots of fun together as a family. I really don't want this weekend to end.

After yesterday's race, we came home, showered, and rested for a bit. Then it was out to watch the OLPH junior varsity boy's basketball game. Evan is only in first grade, but the coach said he could come out and practice with the boys everyday. He is an honorary member of the team.

Since Evan is a part of the team (but doesn't get to play in games), he still likes to go to the games and sit on the bench to support his teammates who are 4th and 5th graders. Yesterday's game almost got canceled because the other team only had two players show up. Instead of canceling, the coaches let the kids scrimmage...and Evan got to play!


I know the picture is awful, but he's the little guy with long gray pants and a long-sleeved gray shirt.

The entire crowd of parents watching him were cheering for him every time he got the ball. At one point, he shot for a basket that almost went in. The entire crowd yelled, "Ohhhhhhh!" It was really fun to watch him out there. He really knows what he is doing in terms of offense and defense. Let's just say he takes his sports very seriously.

After a great b-ball game, we headed home. We played a fun game of family Wii. Eric won.

Then Evan and I laid in my bed for a nap, and Eric and Hudson laid on the couch for a nap.

Soon enough we had to head out yet again for Evan's indoor soccer match.


Another junky picture, but Evan is standing right by the soccer ball.

This is the first time we have ever done indoor soccer. It felt like we were at a hockey game because there were glass partitions and huge nets stretching to the ceiling. The fields are tiny compared to outdoor soccer. And it was freezing in that warehouse! Oh so cold! I had on three layers plus a jacket, and I was still cold.

Indoor soccer is okay, but it was kind of hard for me to really get "involved" because there was a giant window in front of me. Oh well. Evan loves playing.

We had a great dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory which was right around the corner from indoor soccer. I didn't order Mizithra Cheese like I usually do, but I still enjoyed a huge plate of meat sauce spaghetti and stayed within my Weight Watcher points.

Today was another good day. The best part for me was when Eric and the boys rode their bikes with me while I ran through the neighborhood. It was really neat having them with me instead of running alone. The only bad part was Hudson cutting me off or veering into the middle of the road. Even with him doing that, I still maintained an 11:55 mph pace for 20 minutes. Go me!

It was just one of those great weekends that I wish could go on longer.

One last thing. Eric made a super delicious dinner of broccoli beef. So yummy!


Five points. Great value meal!

My Little Racers

At the last minute on Thursday, I decided to sign the boys and myself up for the Race The Dream run which benefits Break the Barriers organization. I say last minute, because I texted Eric on Thursday saying, "Hey, wanna get up early on Saturday to run?" Evan and I picked up our packets that afternoon.

I wasn't ready to run two miles, but I figured I'd run for at least 20 minutes, and then walk/run to the finish as needed.

The boys were SUPER excited, especially Hudson because it was his first race.


This is just before the race started on a dirt trail at Woodward Park. Evan ran the quarter mile, and Hudson ran 1/8 of a mile.

Evan's race was first. Man oh man! The kid was amazing! He shot off the start line, took an early lead, and maintained it the whole way! When he was about 20 feet from the finishing chute, he threw up his arms in a victory sign. It was too funny. Humble, the kid is not. Needless to say, he earned first place for the 6-year-old boys.


Evan showing off his first place trophy.

Hudson had a great race as well. He had to race against 4-year-olds because they don't have a 3-year-old category. He did fantastic! He didn't seem scared or nervous. He just ran as fast as little legs would go! It was so fun to watch.

Once Hudson was heading back to the finish line, I jumped in behind him to cheer him on and coax him to keep up the good work. He got a sticker and a blue ribbon! His Daddy also bought him a pack of Starburst, so that kept him pretty happy!

After their races were over, I dashed to the start line of my race with about 30 seconds to spare. Just before the gun went off, Elaine Vela (the music teacher at my school) called me to see where I was. We found each other and ran the whole two miles together. It was great!

She helped me maintain a decent pace of about 12 minute miles, and we were able to talk and chatter (along with huffing and puffing on my part). I ran my goal of 20 minutes and figured I could finish without stopping, and I did! I was pretty proud of myself. I'm not winning any speed times, but I got out there and ran two miles.

Doing these races is so far out of my comfort zone. I still sort of don't believe that it is something I like to do!

I finished the race, and Elaine took off to finish six miles. Running with someone is fun!

It was a pretty great morning.

Pink Wii

Look at what I have!

Eric bought me my own pink Wii controller. It is so pretty! The boys had better NOT touch my Wii.

I haven't used it yet, but it will be nice to have my own controller when we all play games as a family.

Most games aren't my thing, but I want to get the dancing ones. They look like a lot of fun.

Mickey D's

Eric worked late tonight, so the boys and I made the most of it by hitting up McDonald's. I can get three Happy Meals for under ten bucks. And the boys run around like loons on the indoor play structure and burn off some energy.

I sat with my feet propped up and read a magazine.

Pretty pleasant hour.

Besides indulging in junk food, Evan and I went to the running store to get signed up for a race on Saturday. I signed Hudson up as well. It will be his first race. I'm not ready to run two miles, but I'll run/walk to the end.

Saturday is gearing up to be a busy day with a race in the morning, basketball in the middle of the day, and soccer at 5. Phew! I'm tired just thinking about it!

The Christmas Fun Doesn't End

A few more Christmas pictures.


The kids' first glimpse at what Santa brought. Hudson wasn't too sure about the situation.


Evan was one excited little boy.


Out of all the cool toys and games that Santa left, the first thing Evan picked up was his new SpongeBob toothbrush from Target. Geez, if only we'd known that was all it took to make him happy!

Soccer or not?

Ugh! Evan's life is busier than ours.

We finished up the soccer season right before Thanksgiving. It's been nice having the last month off of sports. It's about to end.

Indoor soccer starts NOW. As in there is practice tomorrow and the first game is on Saturday. Geez, it's a good thing Evan's parents don't have much else to do besides cart him around to practices and games.

One small problem. Tomorrow is Wednesday. That is the one and only day that we can't get Evan to practice. For once, Eric and I are choosing to be selfish and say no. We just started back to Weight Watchers in early December, and our meeting date is every Wednesday. We even have a babysitter lined up each Wednesday for an hour. I'm not willing to give this up so Evan can go to soccer practice, and I don't think that makes me a bad mom.

We have to put ourselves first right now. We just have to. Both of us have already lost weight, we are eating better, and I am ramping up my exercise.

Eric talked to the coach and told him that Evan can't make it on Wednesdays. The coach basically said they'd have practices on Tuesday and Thursday then. That was the schedule we had for outdoor soccer. It works better for us all around.

Now that practice is figured out, we have to wait and see if this indoor soccer stuff is going to interfere with BASEBALL SEASON. Good Lord. I can't even imagine when Evan is in junior high. If it's this bad in first grade, what's coming?!

On the flip side, I am grateful that I have two very active children who both enjoy sports. Luckily, I like watching them play sports!


Random and totally unrelated Christmas picture. Santa likes us.

Back to Life

We started back to school today. As Evan and I snuggled in bed early this morning, he said to me that he didn't want to go back to school.

I told him that I didn't either, but I would let him in on a little secret. It's always hard to get moving on the first day, but once we got to school, we'd both feel great!

By the way, I was right about my little secret. Once I was at school, I settled back in as if I hadn't been sleeping in until 9 a.m. everyday! And Evan? I didn't see him until lunch time, and he said he was having a great day.


I know he looks a little weird here, but Evan had a good day. He was also happy to be in free dress and wearing his new soccer ball shirt from Grandma.

Hudson also did not want to get out of bed. He is used to gradually waking up as well. At least he gets to go to Linda's in pj's, and she dresses him there.


I realized I needed to post a picture of Hudson's nebulizer treatment. This is his life for the next two and a half weeks. Every night he has to sit and breathe in the good medicine for about six minutes.

Most of the time he does okay, but tonight he was fidgeting all over the place. However, the medicine has really helped him with his asthma, so it is worth it.

I am so excited because tv is getting good again! Yay! Must go watch.

P.S. Just for fun, I checked out what I was doing a year ago today (blogwise), and I had to chuckle, because my post is pretty much identical right down to talking about heading back to school, free dress, and tv getting better! Am I that boring?

Last Day of Vacation

Vacation is always great. And it is always so hard to go back to work. Luckily, I like my job, and once I am there, all is well. It's just hard to initially get out the door.

We had a very peaceful and relaxing morning with the kids at Grandma's. We woke at 9ish, got up at 10ish, and ate lunch at 11ish. I got in a quick run before we headed to pick up the kids.

A quick trip to the Sketcher warehouse for new shoes for Evan, a quick trip to Lowe's for some shelves, and we were home eating my favorite meal of Vietnamese Flank Steak and rice. I'll have to take a picture sometime.

To celebrate our last day of vacation, we went to get ice cream at Baskin Robbins. We haven't done that in a long time.

And now for more Christmas pictures.


Hudson got to open these pajamas before church. They say, "I'm on Grandma and Santa's nice list!"


Evan was seriously excited to receive new shirts from Grandma!


Aunt Tiffy gave Hudson a Buzz Lightyear toy. Typical of my child, he walked around snickering about Buzz's butt. (It did stick out in a funny way!)


New pj's for Aunt Tiffy and Mom. I'm in blue. I LOVE these pajamas! They are so soft and plush. I don't think I took them off for three days!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Another year is here. And that brings another birthday for my mom. Happy Birthday! You are the best mom ever!


The birthday girl. She is 66 years young.

We (Mom, Tiff, nephews, husband, and kids) got together at Edo-Ya. I've never been to this particular Japanese restaurant. It was good. I really enjoyed the booth where we were sitting. It felt very private with our own chef at our table just for us. We couldn't really see any other customers.


Hudson sat between Logan and Aunt Tiffy. That kid sure loves his aunt and cousins.

I love Japanese food, so this was a perfect lunch on a great day. The waiters even sang Happy Birthday in Japanese. At least I am assuming it was Happy Birthday!


We gave Mom a mouse pad with a picture of her and the grandsons on it. I am also going to be working on a Creative Memories calendar for her. I better get started on that thing. I don't think it would be good to give it to her in September!

After lunch, my kiddos convinced Grandma and Aunt Tiffy that they needed to spend the night in Chowchilla. Unexpected date night! Yay!


I sure do love this man.


A little blurry, but this is the picture that the waitress took of all of us. Pretty cute! It was a fun lunch.