We ARE Family!

The Case of the Missing Blue Pants

2011-02-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

These BLUE Jiu-Jitsu pants were lost..... but were they EVER found?? Did we solve the mystery?? Read on to see.................

One day after Jiu Jitsu, we had to run another errand and Dante prefers to not go anywhere BUT Jiu-Jitsu in his uniform. So he took off his pants and jacket and just wore his shorts and t-shirt. Two days later, when he had to go back for another lesson-- we couldn't find his pants ANYWHERE! Then I remembered he had taken them off in the car- so they must be in the very back.... nope! So- I keep looking- even looked on the fan- because we all remember what used to happen when Ethan couldn't find his shirts.

But nothing- and I was NOT about to shell out more money- just to buy a pair of new pants- unless I knew 100% for SURE- that they were lost forever. So- we miss the lesson and I keep looking and looking. A week goes by- and I'm like- alright they are gone! They have to be- I've searched high and low, back and forth, sideways left and right--- I told Chet and he said- well they probably fell out of the car at some point and no one saw or remembered. I was like- sweeeeettt!! So, I get the kids in the car and I tell Dante we will just have to buy him another pair of pants-- and then this conversation ensued:

Dante: OH YEAH!!- Wait mom- did you check the lost and found??
Me: Nope! Why would I check the lost and found- and WHAT lost and found?? At your school??
Dante: No- the one here.
Me: At the complex? Why would they be here at the complex?
Dante: Well- I just remembered that I was carrying everything in- my backpack, my jacket, my pants, my belt, and I dropped my pants- and I forgot to go back out and get them. So maybe they are in the lost and found.
Me: Are you for real Dante? Me laughing and saying- why didn't I think of that before?! Of course! :)

Oh, Dante- how much we LOVE YOU!!:)

Case CLOSED!

Just when I thought I was over the "funny" story phase....

2011-02-11T18:22:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you put

A Bridge

A Traffic Cone

(this little man)

You get a nice little surprise when you turn around that looks like this:

Because Ethan decided to grab the cone he found (who knows where) and throw it over the bridge..... and the cop saw it ALL... and I saw NOTHING.

I proclaim all innocence as I was trying to keep the heard going FORWARD and would turn around every few min. and say- "Hurry Up boys- REMEMBER- I'm timing us!"

Then I turned around again- and Dante and the cop (who came out of no where!) were having a nice little chat- so I had to walk back to the cop to find out what happened.

Ethan got a lecture. While I looked like the super cool parent that has TOTAL control of her kids;)

Oh the Joys of Life! :)

Gotta love it!!

Everyone should take a VACATION!

2011-02-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

To come and visit ME!

Because it is beautiful here in So. Cali! Perfect weather- and you can start your tan early:)

Chet will even make us a fire, to roast hot dogs and make s'mores on the beach.

What a GUY!

Book your date now;)

I have been ACCUSED.......

2011-02-07T22:22:00.000-06:00

of BLOG NEGLECT!

Say WHAT?!?!

I don't think so-- just because it has been -- what 1/2 a year- doesn't mean I neglect my blog. In fact, I look at it ALL the time... and then don't post. But MAN- if you go back and read it- is has some super funny stuff.:)

Alright FINE! Elizabeth and Emily-- here is my blog "update"

Molly turned one! We celebrated in Texas- it was fun.. and as I blog- I remember why I don't blog- because Molly Mae is currently getting in my brand new filed box that took me 4 hours and pulling out papers. SWEEETT-- (this is for you sistah's)

But isn't she a doll?? We LOVE her!

And just for good old times because right now I don't currently have any funny stories with pictures.... here is one of my ALL time favs of Ethan and his soccer coach.

Thanks to my amazing sister Christie who caught this on camera while I was dealing with my other kiddos-- Instead of telling Ethan to stop (because the soccer coaches son and Ethan were taking turns doing this) she just laughed and laughed and aimed the camera!

Seriously- BEST PICTURE EVER!!!

And yes- I will try to be a more "regular" blogger!

Guess who is EIGHT months?!

2010-08-28T21:03:00.003-05:00

Miss Molly Mae!!!

I can hardly believe my baby girl is already 8 months old! She has been a busy girl!

She is slowly starting to crawl-- and get from one place to another (without one of the other kids helping),
She is still small for her size, but she can take quite the blow. She has fallen off the bed, the couch, dropped a few times (by all my kids) and her 3 yr. old niece-- and she cries for a min. or two and is over it!! She is one tough baby!

Molly is still the best baby in the world! And lately she has been doing a lot of this

and then appropriately awarded with this!

Back to school, BAAACK to schoooool!

2010-08-26T17:27:00.003-05:00

Really?! Is summer already over?? This year it FLEW by-- literally FLEW! Maybe that is because I had a week in Miami and then scout camp - then had a super cool friend come visit from Texas and then Chet's birthday, and then me and the kids went to Texas for a month!! Best month EVER!! (minus Chet missing 3 of those weeks)

And maybe because we had to pack up our whole apartment before leaving for Tx. The apartment we haven't moved into yet! But will get to this weekend-- however- our kids needed to start school- because apparently the one they are zoned to in our new place is year round- and had started July 28th--- WHOOPS!

So- after getting somewhat settled- and moving from a hotel room to a corporate unit-- are kids are now situated and started school today- and they LOVED it!!

Dante is a FOURTH grader!!! Which means- I HAVE A FOURTH GRADER!!
He loved school today- and I really like his teacher and am hoping for the best:)

Erin is going into 2nd grade-- and poor girl has gone to 3 different elementary schools for each grade! She is a champ at making friends though:)

And of course we have Ethan who is starting 1st grade and who can keep up with the best of them! He is also very proud of his old school transformers lunch box! (the one he almost didn't get because he kept setting it down- and forgetting it and when check out time came-- he had left it somewhere else, and I told him if he could RACE to go get it and come back in time- then he could get it- otherwise lesson learned!! Did he make it?? Right after I handed the check over-- so I paid cash instead for his lunch box- because I'm THE best mom in the world like that!:)

And one other funny story that came out of today and me being THE best mom in the world-

Erin got an I-Carly back pack and she told me that almost no one in her class can watch I-Carly- and then she added, and hardly anyone can watch tv-- PERIOD in her class! Then I said-- really? And you say I'm a mean mom (anytime I say no, haha) and she looked at me and smiled! I love it when they realize the little things:)

ps--- I had to use my AMAZING camera phone for the pics- since I have yet to replace the one Ethan busted! But hey-- I blogged:)

Picture Perfect Family.... YES- in pictures ONLY!!:)

2010-04-07T08:42:00.006-05:00

The story BEHIND this awesome picture that I'm TOTALLY in love with!

This picture was taken around 4:10 on Saturday afternoon at my moms house. My friend was coming over to take our first professional pictures EVER as a family- and I wanted everyone to look good. i figured this session would go pretty well because if you can have pictures done with 3 kids 3 and under and the pure chaos that comes with it- then you can handle 3 older kids and a newborn............. BUT this time it was the "session" that went chaotic-- it was the "before" the session that went CRAZY!

15 min. before Jen, the photographer, was due at my moms house.

Chet - snoozing on the couch, not dressed in picture attire.

Dante and Ethan- in the pool, swimming!!

Erin- putting make-up on, because she wants to look pretty in the pictures (including hot red lipstick)

Mom- perfectly dressed and running around trying to get kids out of the pool, waking Chet up and rubbing off Erin's lipstick - she got away with the eyeliner as you can see in the picture.

approximately 5 min. before Jen's arrival:

Chet - frantically ironing his shirt and the boys shirts wondering why I didn't wake him earlier (always the wife's fault, huh?):)

Dante and Ethan - STILL swimming in the pool, and slowly making their way to the stairs to get out before I drag them out by their ears.

Erin- all ready for pictures!

Mom- trying to get the boys OUT of the pool and saying- just put your jeans on over your swimsuits-- she is going to be here ANY minute!

Jen arrives:

Chet- ALL dressed- picture perfect

Dante and Ethan- all dressed- picture perfect

Erin- NOW starts to throw a tantrum that she doesn't want to wear jeans but a skirt instead that will not match the pictures in the least. REFUSING to get in the family picture unless she is wearing the skirt.

Mom- thinking- "are you kidding me?"

Molly of course is a rockstar throughout!

And obviously Erin won- because as you can tell Jen strategically placed her behind me and Chet so that her skirt wouldn't show.

Jen worked her magic and we now have picture perfect family portraits!

Moral of the story: No matter how much you stress in life- it will all somehow work out-- so WHY stress?? Just realize whatever happens happens and somehow will all workout for the better:) And sometimes it just takes someone else to work their magic - but it will be worked out!

ps- check out Jen Petty Photography here and I highly recommend her.

If our kids are having a BAD day.........

2010-03-30T21:31:00.004-05:00

Then we allow them to stay up a little later then the other siblings AND then...............

In this case-- Ethan was the one having a rough day--- and he got to participate in the nightly ritual of "after bed" torture-- and don't worry- they have their fun with mom and dad too sometimes, because REVENGE is sweet!

Molly Mae at THREE months! (holy cow!)

2010-03-28T18:56:00.003-05:00

Molly Mae- March 28th, 2010 - 3 Months

Molly is still such a sweet and good baby! That is why I am posting pics of her crying- because she does it so rarely, I feel I need to remember- "Yep- she cried! "

(or maybe it is because I just have really bad picture taking timing)

She also loves to snuggle! Molly can pretty much sleep anywhere and in any position- but her favorite place is on some one's chest... and my kids LOVE it when she falls asleep on them.

This is one of my all time favorite pictures-- Ethan(5) and Molly:)

SO SWEET!

She is also starting to smile and talk a ton. My favorite alone time with Molly is in the car- while I'm driving, and the radio is off-- and we "chat" back and forth- and she tells me ALL about her morning:)

She really is a "go with the flow" kind of gal.

We love you Molly Mae and couldn't imagine our little family with out you!

Miss Erin aka Er Bear!

2010-03-25T17:37:00.002-05:00

One lovely afternoon Erin walked into the office with her hair done like so....... I thought it was very creative!

I exclaimed, "ERIN! Look how cool your hair is! Good job! How did you learn to do that??"

She quickly answered, and was like, "London Tipton, of course!"

OF COURSE-- what was I thinking?

Thank you Disney- I new I could count on you for more than just entertainment for my kids.

What happens when I ask my dearly BELOVED to do something?

2010-03-23T14:07:00.004-05:00

Sometimes when I ask

(lazy but INGENIOUS Chet)

to help me out a little- I learn something new!

Like when I asked him to cut up a cantaloupe for Ethan..... because I had to feed Molly.

I meant into little squares like I usually do-- but instead he cut it in half, scooped out the seeds and handed Ethan the cantaloupe with a spoon. Dante thought it looked like fun and dug in too!

This made my life easier! Ethan could eat cantaloupe all day long- and now this "new" way of "cutting" cantaloupe has saved me time! :) INGENIOUS!

And other times when I ask

(lazy but NOT ingenious)

to help... like put away the refrigerated stuff so I can feed Molly- and then going to the fridge to grab something and finding all my groceries put away like "this"

Still in their bags(this was a re-acted photo- instead picture a fridge with 20 bags full of groceries stuck in the fridge)! Which isn't quite "easier" for me to find things in the fridge. Something I will NOT start doing:)

You learn some and then sometimes you laugh REALLY hard- because you are like, "What?! Who does that?!" But you love him NO matter what!

What has been happening at the Ranger house?

2010-03-21T21:02:00.004-05:00

I always sit down to update my blog-- and then something happens and then I never get back around to it- or I forget what I was going to say, or I get tired of the interruptions or I remember I have something else more pressing, etc... Do the excuses really ever end???:)

Anyways-- I thought I might as well hurry up and update while 3 out of 4 kids are sleeping, and while Chet is having father/son time with Dante.

First we will start with sweet little Molly Mae! I cannot believe she will be THREE months in a week! That is just crazy talk!

But seriously- how cute is SHE?!

At her ten week appt. her stats were:

weight: 9.5 lbs. - 10th %
height: 22 1/2 in. - 50th %
head: 38 cm 10th %

She is a happy and healthy GROWING baby. She is still small- but SO cute! She has really started to smile a lot and she is experimenting with her voice ALL the time. It is too, too, too CUTE! We are all just so in love with her!

Ethan--- lost his FIRST tooth!! He was SO excited!
Funny story though- he lost it while I was shopping at Nordstrom Rack... and then he REALLY lost, lost, LOST it- at Nordstrom Rack. Luckily Chet was able to find it near the Men's shoe section because it fell on dark carpet. He told Ethan he was going to hold on to it, just so that he doesn't lose it again and keep it safe for the tooth fairy. Ethan starts screaming his head off-- and after about 15 min. of this- Chet gave him the tooth back AND of course-- Ethan dropped it again- but this time on white tile. Chet looked and looked and they couldn't find it - so Chet takes Ethan to the car since he is causing such a scene in the store. I check out- get into the car- Ethan is still screaming. I try to calm him down by getting him to tell me the story and reassuring him that the tooth fairy will still come to our house, etc... Nothing is working- so since I'm SO quick on my feet - I make a "fake" phone call on my cell to Nordstrom Rack-- embellish the story and saying- if your clean up crew finds the tooth tonight- or sees the tooth fairy- will you have them send her our way. AND he finally calmed down--- and was SO very happy the next morning to have money under his pillow! Seriously- that was a FUN night! :) And my baby is growing UP!! (well my 2nd baby)

Erin--- has been having so much fun playing big sister to little Molly! It is the sweetest thing. She is such a big help to me- and would hold Molly ALL day if I let her:)
Sad day yesterday though- Erin accidentally dropped Molly in my bathroom while she was trying to get Molly to look at herself in the mirror. Poor Molly did have a nice goose egg on her noggin, but she didn't fall too far-- and is completely fine. But- Erin was SO torn up about it and felt really bad! I told her that things happen like this- and that we all just need to be more careful with her. I then told her that I probably dropped Elizabeth and Emily when they were little too- in fact- I did accidentally push Emily over a cliff when she was 2-- SORRY EM!-- and luckily her life jacket pretty much saved her life- or from getting hurt. Then I put Molly on my lap in a sitting position with her back up against my stomach-- and not 2 seconds later did she "flail" and almost fall off my lap and out of the chair-- I caught her with my ninja reflexes-- but BOY did it make Erin feel better. She was like "mom- almost dropped Molly too!"
Kind of reminds me of when I was a teenager and I would get a speeding ticket- and it seemed to workout EVERY TIME- that my dad would get one either same day, or day after-- and so he couldn't really punish me! HAHA. That was pretty awesome:)

And we did all have the talk with still needing to be SUPER careful with Molly.

Dante has actually been able to enjoy scouts this year- because it is at night- and he doesn't have any sports during that time. This was his first blue and gold banquet and I was going to try and copy my super cool friends genius idea of a cake here.... BUT- we had to go with the theme- and I decided to take the easy way out. His cake- was a series of Math facts that equaled 100. He had fun thinking of all the different possibilities!! Ps- that is HIS handwriting, not mine:) How handsome is he in his little scout uniform?!
I got some super cute Miss Me jeans-- but I'm really posting this picture- because I had Erin take it-- and this is what she said after she took it and saw the "preview". "Um-- MOM-- I don't think you are going to want to use this picture-- it makes your butt look big!" The honesty of children:) But maybe I should stop my obsession with making these... if I want my butt to look smaller in pictures!

Chocolate chip ice-cream sandwich cookies!! (homemade)

And another new fav--- is double-stuff oreos with mint chocolate chip ice-cream sandwiched in between. I also will sometime just pull apart one oreo-- and put the ice-cream on top of the cream, and then put the other top on. SO GOOD!!!

And as for Mr. Chester!

He is FINALLY taking improv classes! Everyone knows he is a super funny dude-- and now he is out to show everyone else:) He is ready to make the world roll laughing with his funny faces, his extremely good looks, and his ability to think quick on his feet! (I give him good practice) I can't wait for him to actually start doing some shows and show the world what he is made of! He has made me laugh from day one (why I fell in love with him) and hasn't stopped yet! Hahahahahahahaha- SEE!

That is it for now-- I will try to post more regularly -- and I do update my facebook ALL the time- so if you are not my friend- but follow my blog-- friend me on there, and you will see more "ranger action" LIVE! -- Just search Bertie Ranger-- sometimes known as Bertie "awesome" Ranger, or Bertie "Superfly" Ranger.. you get the picture!

One month FREE on-line personal training FOR....

2010-02-08T13:46:00.001-06:00

EVERYONE!!!

I know that I need to update my blog with normal family stuff- and I will.... soon! But right now I have to promote my one free month of on-line personal training to see if it is right for you.... So go to:

http://bertie411.blogspot.com/2010/02/spreading-loooovvvveeeeee.html

I'm doing it through Feb. 14th- and it is my Valentines gift to YOU!!:)

Athlete in TRAINING

2010-01-13T15:11:00.004-06:00

All the kids bikes have been fixed and their tires have been pumped. So, when Chet told all of them excitedly he would be taking them on a bike ride... they all disappeared to get "ready" and Ethan came out of his room looking like this

Is he my little athlete in training or WHAT?!?!

Usually he will also wear his gloves to go bike riding... one time he was only wearing one, and I asked him who he thought he was, Michael Jackson?

At that point he looked at me very matter of fact and proceeded to tell me, "No Mom! ALL bike riders wear these!!"
(duh to me! What was I thinking?)

How little Miss Molly entered the world......

2010-01-12T14:21:00.003-06:00

Miss Molly was born at 1:07 pm on Dec. 28, 2009. Due to the single umbilical artery, my doctor wouldn't let me go past 38 weeks, so I was induced on Dec. 28th. It was my first time being induced- and that was pretty cool. At first it was weird to think I knew the date that she was going to be born and that everything was set and ready to go.

I went in at 7 AM that morning to get admitted and hooked up to all the cool, fun beeping machines- especially the blood pressure one- that would squeeze the life out of my arm every 5 seconds!! When I got there I was practically a 5... so the baby was coming close to the 28th no matter what, and not really waiting til' her due date on the 10th of Jan. At 8 AM the dr. came in and broke my water. I told the nurse I was ready for an epidural ASAP! I prefer not to feel ANY pain-- and she said that she wanted me to feel contractions to make sure that I'm moving along before the epidural guy came in. I was like-- ok.... she came back a little bit later and the contractions were getting pretty strong-- and so the epidural man came in and hooked me up to good medicine, and gave me an EXCELLENT epidural according to the nurses standards- but not according to mine! So, the epidural starts to work fairly quickly. The nurse has me lying on my right side and I start to feel this TERRIBLE pain- or what I thought was pain- but was "pressure" which I have NEVER felt before... EVER! So, whatever this "pressure/pain" was-- was REALLY bothering me- so I call the nurse back in, and was like, "I feel like I have to go to the bathroom REALLY bad! Like I'm about to poop on the bed!" She said- oh- that pressure may be a really big baby... let me check you.... she checks me- and I'm at a nine and the baby is close- but she wants me to wait a little longer because she doesn't want me pushing for long because the baby can go into distress due to the umbilical cord situation, so she wants the baby to drop further down.....

I said, "Yeah-- but it is SO uncomfortable, and it really hurts!!" So, she gave me my pain med button and said- click this and it will help take away the pain-- NOT the pressure just the pain.... so I started clicking away and switched over to my left side to see if that would help as well.

It eased it a little and the pressure then started moving towards the front of my body. Again- I have never felt what "pressure" is, so it was REALLY annoying! I hadn't seen my dr. since she broke my water and the nurse was out of my room more than in it- and had only checked me twice total! I kept feeling more and more pressure and the pressure started moving back towards the back-- (I hate feeling like I have to go to the bathroom but can't!) But- I wasn't thinking it was the baby-- then my body just kind of starts pushing, and the nurse comes back in- and I said- I feel like I have to push... and she is like- well, lets push then... and she checks me- and the baby is close-- and so I start pushing and I'm pretty sure you are supposed to count to 10-- but this is how it went.... READY push-- 1....2.....3.....4.... STOP!!! You can't push anymore! The dr. will be here any minute. I'm like what?? Don't push--- how am I supposed to just all of a sudden stop, when I HAVE to push?? So- the nurse leaves the room--- to go find my dr. because she is taking a little longer then expected to get to me. Meantime-- I'm left in the room and I'm looking at Chet like--- what the heck? This baby is coming!! I mean- I'm hurting BAD!! (again- not really pain- just pressure... but it HURT!) I've practically been asked to just hold that baby in... don't let it out... well Molly had a mind of her own.... the nurse for the baby came in to start setting up the baby station ... and that is when I felt Molly sliding out on her own-- and I'm TRYING SO HARD to not let her out because I don't want her coming out and flying onto the floor! But- she is just coming without me pushing-- and I started yelling, " Oh my gosh! This baby is coming! I'm NOT even pushing she is just coming! Then MY nurse runs back in and is like DR. RAMIREZ!!!!! The baby is coming and the dr. literally runs in the room- almost doesn't have time to put on her smock and the baby just pops out- one push and the baby was out! The head came out by itself-- and one push the rest of her was out!! They didn't have time to even prep the floor or anything for easy cleanup before Molly decided to make her entrance.

She was not happy about waiting that extra 20-30 min. either!! She came out screaming! No- need to suction out her mouth or anything and she didn't stop screaming until she had her bath and was nice and warm!! She was letting everyone know what she thought about her delivery!

AND that was the first time I EVER cried after delivering because it had been SO uncomfortable. Usually I'm in heaven after my epidural-- but that lasted for like 5 min. before I started to feel "pressure". I don't know how you women who can do it with feeling the pain AND the pressure at the same time do it!

Apparently all my other epidurals were not good one's because I had never felt the pressure before. I would have totally been in ignorant bliss if I had never felt the pressure- but I guess that just wasn't in the cards this time. :)

So, I rank my deliveries as Erin and Ethan tied for first (both in Utah and I said it then and I'll say it now--- I would fly back to Utah to have my babies... that is how awesome my deliveries were:)) Molly, and then Dante's delivery still ranks last- mainly due to the mean anesthesiologist who told me she would practically skin me alive if I moved while she was trying to put my epidural in and then she would leave and NEVER come back (talk about this lady having a bad day and taking it out on me- a first time mom to be- who is already scared enough about labor and doubling over in pain from my contractions!) Scariest day of MY life! (both Molly and Dante were born in Cali.)

But of course- every minute of pain or "pressure" was worth it to now have such sweet children in my life-- especially little Molly Mae (I gave her a Texas name- since she wasn't born in Texas:( )

Molly is such a good baby! She squawks instead of cries, eats like a champ, and is just perfect in every way and we all love her to pieces!!

Molly Mae - 5 lbs. 14 oz. 17 1/2 in.

Molly Mae- 1 week old!!

Molly Mae- 2 weeks old 5 lbs. 15 oz. 19 in. (below the 5th percentile)

And one of our favorite faces to laugh at and kiss!!!

WE LOVE YOU MOLLY MAE

and we are so glad you chose our family to come to:)

What would we do without DANTE???

2010-01-08T14:46:00.004-06:00

Dante!

Our space case!

He knows how to make us laugh (mainly AFTER the fact) without even trying.

These are just a couple stories that I'm mainly sharing- so that when I go back through my blog and read, I will remember the silly things he does. (and maybe to embarrass him a little when he is older)

1. Pretty much EVERY morning (and you will think I'm kidding but I'm TOTALLY not)- but pretty much EVERY morning, Dante comes out of his room, ready for school with his shirt on BACKWARDS! Now, I can see how this can happen every once in a while- especially if the t-shirt is all one color with no logos, etc... but these t-shirts are NOT t-shirts, but polo's AND every morning?? C'mon NOW! Seriously- NOT kidding! That is old by now--- so to my COMPLETE surprise- a couple Sunday's ago- I give Dante his Sunday clothes to put on-- and when I see him 20 min. later (because this is how long it takes him to get dressed) do I see his shirt on backwards?? NOPE! Hallelujah- right?? Until I finish inspecting him and his PANTS are totally on BACKWARDS?? How in the heck does someone do that and NOT notice?? I dunno how it was done- but it was DONE-- and that is our Dante... the space case... who we love every so dearly:)

2. This last July- after the swim team season was over-- they had a big party for all the kids! This year it was cut short due to an out of no where "Texas Thunderstorm". Anyone who knows Dante knows he can pound down food with the BEST of them. He will go back for seconds, thirds, fourths and even eat everyone else's plates of food if they let him.

After Dante's first go around of food- we told him to go play for a little bit, swim, etc... and then if he wanted more he could have more. He went and played in the "broken" sprinklers OUTSIDE the pool area with some of his teammates- when we noticed some dark clouds rolling in. We didn't mind them-- they gave us some much needed relief from the hot Houston sun. Then the thunder starts CLAPPING and Chet and I look at each other like- "we have about .2 seconds before it starts storming- lets head to the car kind of look" As we are walking out- I yell to Dante to come on and go get in the car- it is going to start POURING any minute! Everyone else is doing the same and rushing to their cars, or under cover. We all make it to the car and hop in and I notice Dante isn't there yet... but he should have been the first since he was closest. SO-- I hop out of the car and start looking for him and calling out his name-- and where do I find him???? That's right- he went back by the pool and was sitting in our same eating spot before chowing down on a HOT DOG.... IN THE RAIN!!! WHAT?!?! Who does that?? That would be my space case... DANTE:)

AND YES WE WOULDN'T TRADE HIM FOR THE WORLD!

The difference between boys and girls!

2009-12-31T16:02:00.003-06:00

My kids absolutely ADORE Molly- and that is a complete understatement!!:) They LOVE her!

They are pretty good with her.... and want to help in EVERY way that they can.

I have already noticed how sweet they are with her... for instance Erin gave Molly her cute little doll to nap with...........

And when I walked by a second time, I found her like this...........

Ethan thought she was missing a little something, and she looked much more comfortable with one of his darts.... ON her nose!

This little baby girl is going to be SPOILED and LOVED like crazy and that is the way it SHOULD be!:)

Introducing...................................

2009-12-31T15:31:00.002-06:00

Molly Mae

born Dec. 28, 2009
5 lbs. 14 oz.
17 1/2 in. long

AND

perfect in EVERY way!!

More to come as my computer cooperates. I have so many posts to do and I will eventually get around to them- but for now I'm just going to enjoy my baby!

But the birth story and MANY more pics and funny stories already to come...............

A little update..

2009-12-01T17:12:00.005-06:00

I promise I will be posting about Thanksgiving REALLY soon- but here is a little video clip of some fun we got to have! Along with a picture taken at Apple Hill where we cut down our tree. MANY more pictures and videos to come. I promise-- but right now I've got to run to do some more organizing in our new apartment- and pics of that coming too!!

I also wanted to let you know really quick about my December specials over at Fit n' Fun and Then Some-- ALL training packages are half off for the month of December!! Go here for more info.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! I know I enjoyed mine:)

Here is Ethan and Erin sledding near Tahoe with their cousin Garrett running out of the way! Too cute!!!

Personal Training Services!!

2009-11-20T19:15:00.002-06:00

Over at my fitness blog, I have posted my new training services that I'm offering to anyone, EVERYWHERE!

Head on over here if you are interested, and if you happen to leave me a comment on my fitness blog- THEN you will automatically be entered into win 2 FREE months of on-line personal training!

You don't want to miss this:)

7 months and cutting onions

2009-11-10T17:46:00.003-06:00

Today is Nov. 10th-- which means I have exactly 2 months left before I'm supposed to deliver! Whoo-hoo! Seriously-- I feel like it will be here tomorrow with Thanksgiving then Christmas right around the corner. Then here comes baby!:) We are all still so excited. She is doing well- I'm feeling GREAT! Everything is perfect. But onto the more exciting news...

Ethan has learned to cut an onion! He came home from school today and asked to cut an onion. I was like, "What?? Where did THAT come from?" I needed an onion chopped for my meatloaf and food prep is always a great way to go- so I obliged.

Ok..ok.. I really did it because I wanted to see his cute little face and what would happen once he started cutting the onion. If you want to know too... watch below! ANYTHING for a good laugh.....

Spiritual Sunday (monday now....)

2009-11-09T11:22:00.005-06:00

I don't know what it is - but lately I feel like I've been a little faster to jump at my kids, a little faster to let them know what they are doing wrong, a little faster to raise my voice, etc.... and I feel like I have NO patience! Every little thing will get to me (or rather after the 10th time of saying something vs. the 100th I freak out). I'm also usually not one to think that I'm a bad mom. I believe that discouragement or really getting down on yourself only makes it harder to get back up, then to be like- "ok, I shouldn't have handled that situation like that and now I'm going to move on and do better next time. "

However- this past week and a half has seemed a little tougher to not get down on myself. Feeling like I'm not doing enough, not teaching my kids and being a good example, etc...-- and the only time I get like that is when I decide to rely on myself to do everything vs. going to my Heavenly Father in prayer to ask for his help and guidance. (and why do I ever try to do it on my own??)

This morning was really no different with the kids being slow to get ready for school, then it seems like it always happens in the bathroom when it is time to brush their teeth- and the yelling and screaming and crying begins... this time- Dante was trying to be nice - and was going to brush the back of Erin's hair for her- but Erin didn't want him to- but he tried to force it and take the brush away from her-- and with the playing of tug of war with the brush ... Erin ended up hitting her finger and cutting it-- nothing big, but big enough to make a big debacle about it.

Nothing I should get upset about -- but because something similar happens every morning before we have to get to school-- I think I was going to go crazy! (again WAY to early to go crazy and to be jumping at my kids!)

So- after I dropped them off at school I came home and opened up lds.org to read some conference talks that I had missed. I went down the list and the one that jumped out at me to read was Elder David A. Bednar's talk on "More Diligent and Concerned at Home"

I can't believe that I missed that talk! We didn't get to watch much of Saturday conference... and I'm glad I was impressed to read his talk because it was what I needed. I actually laughed at the part where he says,

"Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking."

I mean- doesn't that sound familiar!

And then I feel better when I see happy pictures like these of when my kids are getting along and LOVE each other and when things are peaceful and happy in our home..... and that the showing love and consistency in our home IS working out after all!!

(My 3 little rascals on our way to their first swim meet this last summer)

Dante and Erin at Harry Potter showing off their awesome shirts made by Aunt Emily

Dante and Ethan hugging at a swim meet.

Ethan and Erin sharing some down time before their next swim!

The kids all loving on dad for his b-day!

One of my favorite pics of my kids playing warrior and damsel in distress....

Erin and Ethan with new baby puppy Sadie.

Erin and Ethan helping Dante create his gingerbread house masterpiece at his school Christmas party in 1st grade!

I just need to remember that as long as I keep doing what has been asked of me, and asking my Heavenly Father in sincere prayer for help and guidance, then my "days" will not turn into weeks (like this one has) and instead I'll be able to be reminded of what my purpose is and how PRECIOUS my children are and that the positives far outweigh the negatives and that it will all workout in the end.

We are one big HAPPY FAMILY!:)

And a hiking we will go.....

2009-11-06T17:35:00.006-06:00

A little while ago, a month or so, we decided to take to the hills of California and go hiking. It was a nice little hike-- not too demanding physically, but hard enough to where the kids felt like they were really climbing a mountain-- and to top it off... not only was it a fun hike, but Chet and the kids got to go tree climbing in the process! I got some pretty good video, especially of Dante trying to come "down" the tree.

Here are the pics and video from our first fun California hiking adventure!!

Chet and the kids hiking up the steep terrain! I love how accomplished you feel when you reach the top of something:)

Ethan collected our "firewood" all along the way! Too bad we weren't camping, and instead just went for ice-cream treats afterwards instead of making yummy s'mores.

Chet in the fun climbing tree showing the kids how easy peasy it is to climb a tree.

YEAH!! All the kids made it (and I made it too... with my 6 month preggers body!) I was proud!

The great climbing tree!!

Once we reached the top this was our gorgeous view! I know it's not a waterfall or hanging lake-- but it was still pretty:)

And everyone resting before having to head back down! Yes- Chet is passing some much needed gas- and Dante is burping up whatever he was burping up..... Classic family pic!

And to save the best for last--- climbing up the tree was hard at first for the kids- well- for Dante-- but he made it and coming DOWN the tree turned into the real problem!! This video will def. be kept in the family archives to show future dates! The more you watch it the funnier it becomes:) My 2 year old niece even asks to watch it-- and quotes it- especially the now... NOW!! and "Mom... will you just come up a little" and perhaps the funniest part is the end when Chet tells you how long of a "step" it is to the bottom of the tree!

ENJOY!!!

We are 2 shy away from being the "BRADY BUNCH!"

2009-11-04T11:15:00.003-06:00

(she's a happy baby AND has Ethan's nose... so looks like she will look like him)

For my birthday my family was in town and we decided to go to a 3D/4D ultrasound place to finally find out what we were having! I think 29 weeks is long enough to wait:) I was so excited that they all got to see. So far- our kids have gone boy, girl, boy....... and so everyone (even the kiddos) were hoping for a girl to even things out-- and sure enough we are having a

BABY GIRL!!

Either Chet and I have forgotten how high my emotions can run when I'm pregnant OR as Chet would put it "this baby is doing a number on me" or he also likes to call it the little demon baby. Then when we went to the ultra sound-- and got 2 consecutive pictures like THIS--

LOSER!

we are starting to wonder.........

But in all seriousness- we are all so excited about this new little girl soon to be here, and we know she will be just the sweetest thing, just like the others have been.

Why do I have a feeling that it will be a LOT sooner then I think??

SIX months!

2009-10-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

Yes, that is me--- I've made it to the SIX month mark which is also 27 weeks... without any problems or really any discomfort at all--- but it is slowly but surely coming on-- the having trouble getting comfy in bed at night... the having to use momentum to get off the bed... feeling like there is a "bowling ball" in my tummy, feeling like I'm a mile away from everything when my belly is touching it- like the sink when I do dishes, or the laundry basket when I can't hold it in front of me anymore.... this is usually where the "slowness" of pregnancy kicks in for me-- because I ONLY get BIGGER from here!

So, to help me out a little I'm going to go and eat some of these yummy bad boys!

and share them with Chet and Co. .... because I'm shareable like that;)

Miramar Air show....

2009-10-10T13:54:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday (has it really been a week?) we headed over to the Miramar Airshow in San Diego... we thought admission is free, seating (on the tarmac) is free, parking is free-- WHY NOT??

I had never been to an airshow, the kids had never been to an airshow, Chet has been to a million airshows... and we needed to spread the airshow LOVE... and I was most excited for........

THE BLUE ANGELS!!

Aren't the GORGEOUS?? I'm not gonna lie-- I almost cried (blame it on the pregnancy) when they flew right over our car (because traffic was really bad-- so they ended up flying while we were waiting to park- but we still saw their AMAZING show!) Now maybe I think they are so amazing because I watched either a documentary or an IMAX about the blue angels and how you have to be the elite of the ELITE to be a Blue Angel!! And all that it takes to be one.... and MAN was it out of this WORLD!

Here is my one awesome picture of the Blue Angels... saying I was actually there. Since I don't have a high tech camera to capture them in a split second-- ALL my shots turned out blurry or REALLY far away.

That was my favorite part of the whole show... and seeing how excited my kids were to get up and pretend to be pilots in these BIG macho planes, and Humvees, and don't even get me started on the weapons... Dante fell in LOVE!!

So did Chet!
And the biggest missile of ALL was this thing-- you should have seen how POPULAR it was for "photo shoots" It was WORSE then going to see Santa the day before Christmas!

But we got one... and they were EXCITED!

Here is the funniest picture of the day---- the dude in the picture(furthest to the right, jeans and a grey muscle tee)-- the one that is clearly leaning back and staring in awe of the "missile" ... he took his picture at least SIX different times-- it was getting so ridiculous I HAD to take a picture of him... He was also talking to the missile like the camera could here him... He would point to the picture-- lean his body back- point to the missile-- and then shout, "Dannggg" but using another word! He would have to retake it because either his cigarette made it in the picture, or he didn't think he looked good, or he wasn't close enough... I was laughing because I haven't seen anything like that! It was CRAZY! And each time, he would go, "Daaaannng!" all while pointing to the big missile.

Chet running after the kids as they go from plane to helicopter to Humvee- I mean there were THOUSANDS of -you name it- for the kids to play in and explore! It was great!

Ethan stole the camera from me and had to take a shot. He LOVES the closeups!

Ms. Erin in one of the planes!

The kids in front of a wicked helicopter with cool missiles! (notice Ethan's newest pose in all pics... Hands MUST be on hips)

And again-- you can tell his hands are on his hips!

And taking a breather while the kids snack on some snacky stuff and while we watch some more of the airshow.

If you are ever in the Southern California area during the Miramar airshow- it is totally worth the trip and because it's ALL free- minus the food-- which is VERY enticing to say the least... we just tried to stay far away from the food tents-- so we wouldn't be tempted:)

FUN family pictures.... the good and the NOT so good.....

2009-10-01T17:17:00.010-05:00

Who doesn't LOVE looking at pictures?? Especially when it is of their own family... and as you look through pictures a flood of memories come sailing back!

That is exactly what happened to me, and as I looked for the "perfect" family picture to put at the top of my blog... I came across some that made me laugh and that would NEVER make the family blog- because I just want to "appear" perfect... but who am I kidding!!:)

So to give you all some enjoyment with family pictures past of some good and.... some bad-- and some of just my kids- I hope you realize, like I did- that the GOOD pictures are the ones that show what REAL life is all about:)
(and why I chose the top picture... because obviously I'm trying to get Ethan to turn around for the picture while he is trying to climb up a giant frog... Erin is READY and Chet and Dante are waiting for the green light)

So I proudly give you

The Ranger Family

(This is my favorite! Again... Erin is the ONLY one ready)

the JOYS of having a family!!!!

I LOVE you my growing family:)

Ethan's latest "I'm INVINCABLE" stunt!

2009-09-30T15:48:00.002-05:00

What would YOUR kids do when they saw this great big slide???

Doesn't it look FUN! It is a REALLY tall, steep slide... and you really get racing down it. I mean- like FAST!

Most kids would be happy just sliding down the thing over and over and over and OVER again... but Ethan???

NOPE!

I mean come on, who are we kidding?? As he ever done ANYTHING the normal way?

He decided to jump off at the top of the slide (where the little house is)... now it may look big to you and some of you may be going- that is no big deal-- I could do that too.... it isn't that high... but for arguments sake-- lets just say this slide is as tall as the Statue of Liberty... (or very comparable in slideville)

So.. he JUMPS! He lands.... on his face (not really his face- just awkwardly on his feet.. which then puts him on his face.... unable to get up)

I'm minding my OWN business... on a nice cozy blanket in the nice fresh green grass with my nose peacefully buried in a book, while I listen to my kids squeals of delight... and then I hear crying... not BAWLING... not SCREAMING... just dull crying- and I look up... and I see Ethan on the ground... and I don't panic. I slowly get up and start walking towards him... Chet is also laying on the blanket reading--- and he says to me-- BABE! Don't you think you should walk faster?? (are you serious??- are YOU even getting up?) So, I hasten my walk to make him happy and to seem like a good mother (when I know nothing serious is wrong)

Then a guy standing near Ethan (who also doesn't bother to help Ethan) says, "He probably broke his ankle- he just jumped from up there (and points to the top of the slide) I think SWEEEEET! (but there is really no way that kid broke his ankle).....

I pick him up... carry him to the nice cozy blanket, lay him down to do the "motherly checkup" I look at his foot to see if it is at all in a funny direction, or a bone sticking out.. nothing-- I then start to feel his foot for any broken bones or missing bones... or whatever... and I don't feel anything- except slight swelling. I keep looking at his face to see if he is going pale, or into shock (because a kid who has broken his ankle would be doing that... if he isn't bawling his head off) and again nothing-- he is still crying a little... puppy whimpering if you want to call it that.. and I go get a DS out of the car- and it is like he just magically forgets about his foot-- (even though he can't walk on it)

He somehow escaped his master minded "jump" with a severely bruised foot with some swelling. He was very LUCKY!

Dante and Erin finish playing up at the park and we head home. That night Ethan was crawling around, hopping around on one leg, limping, etc... and I had to video tape him because it was SO cute... there are 2 separate videos here- because one is of him "not wanting to do the video" and crawling away and the other is him limping to the couch!

Interview #1

Interview #2

This happened Sat. night, it is now Wed. and he is doing much BETTER! He is almost completely back to his normal running, walking, jumping self.

25 weeks!!

2009-09-28T18:47:00.003-05:00

This was taken on Sunday- my 25 week mark! I can still hardly believe that it has been TWENTY FIVE weeks! This is the fastest pregnancy ever... and of course I'm saying that now... not in a month from now;)

I've really been able to sit back and enjoy this pregnancy. I really enjoyed my first-- but my 2nd and third pregnancies seemed to go on FOREVER because I always had some kid that I had to pick up on a constant basis and when they are throwing a tantrum and kicking and they are constantly kicking your stomach... it really isn't as enjoyable when they aren't!

It is also really fun, because this is the first pregnancy where the kids can actually enjoy it too. Before they were all too young to know what was happening or understand. But now- it is all they TALK about.... they love telling people (still) and they love rubbing my tummy and kissing it.. they are THRILLED! It has been a lot of fun watching them LOVE on this baby!

We still do not know what we are having yet... we will know Nov. 3rd! And if not-- then we will just have to be surprised like we were with Dante.

In other news... I'm beginning to update my other blogs-- I updated my fitness one today, and I'm going to try to update my happiness one tomorrow... or tonight? We'll see- but if you were a reader before- get ready to be a reader again!!:)

Spiritual Sunday

2009-09-28T09:46:00.002-05:00

I missed the Relief Society broadcast this past Saturday and I went to lds.org to see if I could read the talks yet...... and instead I found this on the homepage which touched my heart. It is a short video with excerpts from President Monson. Family and friends really are the MOST important thing we have in this life... and we need to cherish those and let people know how we feel instead of just assuming.

Please ENJOY!

I was blessed growing up knowing exactly how my family felt about me and each other--- there has never been a doubt in my mind that we ALL love each other.... despite our shortcomings. I have the example of my AMAZING parents who have always loved each other and their daughters and SHOWED it... and because of that I know how to show love and not just feel it in my heart. People NEED to know, and even if they think they don't need to know... at least you know that you let them know how you feel!

And to all my family and friends reading this... I hope you know that I LOVE YOU! I cherish the time we have/had together and am SO grateful to have all of you in my life... my life has been made better because of YOU!

Time seems to get away from me EVERYDAY.... and every time I think about a family member or friend and how grateful I am... I think- oh- I'll write them a little note or e-mail later to let them know-- and before you know it a MONTH has gone by-- but when those promptings come in my mind I need to ACT on them, and just drop whatever I'm doing and call- or e-mail- send a Thank you note.. because chances are that person needs to know they are loved by SOMEONE at that point. So, here is to hoping that I can be a better daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend and whatever other name you can give me!

AND thank you for being YOU and for loving me too:)

Why did they EVER get rid of Drive-Ins???

2009-09-26T14:02:00.004-05:00

I love old pictures like these and wish it was still the "thing to do"

Do you remember ever going to the Drive - In??

I remember going a few times when I was younger- but my most memorable time was seeing:

Now that movie is OLD! Look at how young Keanu Reeves is!!

I just remember loving the atmosphere and how cool it was to either sit in your car or outside your car and watch a movie. You could bring your pillows and blankets and fall asleep in the back of your car while watching the movie too if you wanted.

Seemed like the drive-ins in and around Houston must have all shut down shortly after, because we didn't go too much after that.

So, when I went up to Provo for college- I was ecstatic to hear they had a drive-in close-- and that people actually WENT to it. Chet and I frequented it while dating.

Then I think that one closed too! Dang it.... after we were married and had kids --- taking them to the theater just really wasn't an option, because MOM "aka: me" would end up sitting out in the hall with them and not getting to see the movie- so we started to look up drive-in theaters again. When we lived in Sacramento, they had a pretty nice one about 20 min. away-- and luckily when we moved back to Utah, there was one about 45 min. away that we also would go to quite often. The kids would fall asleep in the car, and stay asleep on the way out there! There isn't much you can do with 3 kids - 3 and under when it comes to going out to the movies:)

WE LOVED IT!

When we moved to Houston--- well, we didn't find any that were close or any at all-- and so we never went. For FIVE years- we didn't go to a drive-in theater! Can you BELIEVE it!?

So, we were pretty happy when we came up to Mission Viejo and looked for a Drive-In and we found one-- it is about 50 min. away-- but worth the drive- especially since the kids can actually remember going now! Dante was cute, and said he was excited to go to a drive-in because he has never been to one-- and I was like, actually- you've been a LOT but- you just can't remember.

This time all of our kids will definitely REMEMBER going to the drive-in!

We packed the car with lots of food and goodies and pillows and blankets and headed to:

(yes it is that cute)

and for the low cost of just 14 bucks for the whole family we saw

and the double feature was

Yes, you don't get the Dolby Digital Sound Quality Surround Sound that you would get in a normal theater (that is 14 dollars per person here) but in exchange you get fun memories that the whole family can enjoy!! Because I guarantee you, your kids aren't going to say when they are older--- remember that one time we went to the movie theatre and saw.....?? But- the Drive-In is a WHOLE other story!

It was a fun night for everyone and the kids LOVED it and I won't be surprised if they ask us to go back soon:)

To find a drive-in theater near you... or not so near you... go to:

http://www.drive-ins.com/database.htm#srchdest

On their home page they also have lots of cool tips on how to make your experience fun for the whole family!:)

ENJOY!!!

and if you have any old timey fun traditions... let me know- because it is always fun trying something new!

Happy Birthday Erin!!

2009-09-25T14:40:00.009-05:00

SEVEN!
(Sept. 21, 2009)

I can hardly believe that you have grown up SO fast! Everyone told me this would happen to you and that it would happen in a blink of an eye.... but I didn't believe them- and now that you have been in our family for SEVEN years... I guess I can now pass on that "wisdom" to new moms!:)

I mean SEVEN! Are you serious??

We love you so much bear bear... and just to show you how much, here are SEVEN things we love about you!

1. We love that you are the sweet, innocent girl that you are!
2. We love how inquisitive you are and how much you LOVE school.
3. We love how you are willing to do whatever your brothers want you to, in hopes that they will play your girly games later! :)
4. We love how you are such a big help to your mom and how you are going to be the best big SISTER to this little baby- especially since you kiss my belly every night before you go to bed!
5. We love how you still know how to rough house with the boys, but still be sweet and dainty and love girly things too! You are a PERFECT blend:)
6. We love how you make us laugh with your silly antics.
7. We love you for BEING YOU!:)

And we look forward to seeing you grow even more, just slow it down a little;)

Love,
Mom and Dad

Here are some fun pictures from her Hannah Montana baking and decorating b-day party with 2 of her cute new friends from church!

Erin, patiently waiting for people to arrive.

Can't help but dig into the batter!

The table of festivities... as you notice the cupcakes are PLAIN... just wait til you see the REAL masterpiece!

Another view of the fun table! Erin asked for lots and lots of blow pops and I added in the kit kats and reeses pieces

The goodie bags (the big one was Erin's tutu)

Erin's cute little friends!

Working HARD at decorating their cupcakes.

Boys can get in on the fun too (decorating isn't just for girls anymore):)

Yes, even Chet was there to show them the cool things to do-- like SMASH their faces into their cupcakes afterwards and they will taste SO much better!

The beautiful finished products by ALL party goers! How much cuter is that cupcake stand NOW??!

Erin blowing out her Hannah Montana candle... she wanted just a "7" candle but I did one better!

The cute party group!

We are so lucky to have Chet work 30 seconds from our house-- so that he could come and enjoy the party too! The kids LOVE it... and I'm not going to lie, so do I:)

Erin with her FAVORITE mom! (I know... isn't that so sweet)

And last but not least-- my bragging rights to this awesome No sew tu-tu that I learned to make and MADE 2 days before her party. AND.... I chose the colors because I thought they looked cute together-- and they turned out to be Hannah Montana colors! How cool am I?? It went with the theme perfectly!

Happy SEVENTH birthday Erin and here is to many, MANY more!!

I think I'm going to change my last name to STEWART!

2009-09-18T13:54:00.005-05:00

(as in related to Martha Stewart)

I don't know what it is, but I feel VERY domesticated. It could be the fact that I have NO children at home-- so I actually have the time to do this fun stuff... and not only do I not have kids here during the day-- but ALL week during the day!

I used to not really be interested in "playing house" or being crafty- but over the last year-- I light bulb has gone off in my head and I have fallen in love with throwing parties,entertaining, cooking better meals (mainly desserts), sewing, making bows, decorating,etc....

or in other words..
ALL THINGS MARTHA...ey

For example:

How cute is this skirt? If I had this pattern right now, I'd make Erin one! TOO CUTE... By Vintage Chic named after Nie Nie. I LOVE IT!

Instead I'm making one of these for her birthday!
A NO SEW TUTU!

along with learning how to make organza flowers all at Super Saturday tomorrow! I'm so excited to see her eyes light up on Monday! I'll most likely put the flower on a headband.

Not only am I learning to do 2 new things this week... I'm ALSO branching out in my cooking world. My friend Ashley told me about this really cool site: Our Best Bites.

From that site I will be making
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls

and

Smoked Turkey and Artichoke Panini (looks DELICIOUS!)

Then of course on Monday I'll be throwing Erin's birthday party for her with lots and lots of fun decorations and food! Pictures will have to wait on that one-- but they'll be cute no matter what.

I'm trying to teach her early.. she is coming shopping with me tonight to pick out some of the fun decorations she wants for her party. She is SO excited to have a little girls night out!

I love learning new things and becoming interested in different things as I become "wiser" After all I'm almost 29! It's about time I grow up a little:)

What new talents have you been learning that you had no interest in before??

Isn't it fun?!

Used to walk home from school... now we walk to the PARK!

2009-09-17T21:47:00.006-05:00

One big difference living here vs. in our house back in Sugar Land is that we DON'T live right across the street from the school anymore. It was SO nice to be able to send Dante and Erin out the door at 7:30 and say "See ya!" and not have to go pick them up at all, and just expect them to arrive home at sometime between 3:05 - 3:15, depending on what friends they got distracted walking home with and running around playing with. It was GREAT! And if I needed to check on them, I just had to walk out my front door and look down the sidewalk-- and they were always there somewhere along that sidewalk!

Towards the middle of the year, Ethan would even leave around the time they were supposed to get home and ride his bike up and down the sidewalk until they came home- sometimes he would even wait by the stop sign in anticipation for them to HURRY UP and come play with him!

Here is just a cute short video I got of Dante and Erin one day walking home.. in like 40 degree weather.... still playing a game of "your only allowed to step on the lines" The video is a little shakey because I was inside and they were outside... but it is SO CUTE and a fun memory!

Well, since they were so used to walking to and from school and Ethan saw how much they loved it-- they were MORE then excited to start "walking" home to our new place here in California! They weren't scared one bit-- and it is about a mile from our house-- and you have to cross a really busy street at some point to get home. Which is the only part that scares me..... so we compromised, and their is this cute little park at the end of the hill from where their school is (probably about 1/2 a mile from the school)... and we meet there. It has been so nice- because they get a little fun snack and to let out LOTS of energy and I get to sit and listen to their laughter and read a book, or lay down and close my eyes and enjoy the breeze! Here are some pictures from yesterday!

Sitting and eating their yummy rice krispie treats!
The playground behind us! And the park is made out of sand! It's great:)
Dante hanging out in the woods! He loves to "explore"
Erin running away from the little boy playing MONSTER!
Ethan climbing to the highest point of the park that doesn't have a ladder to get to it. What is a ladder anyways, right??

And last but not least... but beautiful towel that got soaked with Snapple RIGHT
in the middle of the towel- so that I could only sit on the edge and enjoy my book! Something had to go wrong right?! What is a perfect afternoon anyhow??:) You only remember the things that make you laugh in the end-- i don't even think I can say-- Remember that one day that went absolutely PERFECT!! Not that I haven't had them... just because they aren't as interesting (or laughable) in the end!:)

And actually a video for all the people that miss my kids terribly in REAL life! You can't get any better acting then this in front of the camera!

SERIOUSLY!!

Help me plan a PARTY!!

2009-09-16T19:05:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my little girl is turning SEVEN!

Why is it every year I'm shocked at what age my kids are turning??

I'm so excited to plan her little party. It will be relatively simple-- but tons of FUN!

I asked her what she would like to do for her birthday and she said she would like to take her friends to a roller rink.

Well, the closest roller rink around here is FAR away. I mean, in San Clemente they have a Roller Derby rink-- but only for REAL roller derby people and I just don't think Erin could hang with the big dawgs, if you know what I'm saying!

So, that was out and I started searching online for some fun party ideas-- and HOLY CATS! What is this like 1 million dollars to hold your birthday party anywhere other then your own house dealio??

I found this super, super cute place

and they do a really fun scavenger hunt, where all the kids go on a hunt for candy(while eating cotton candy)- and at the end they all get a gelato ice-cream scoop and a bag of "loot" The floor is like a BIG GAME BOARD and I SO badly wanted to have her party here-- but I just can't justify spending 300 bucks when I can make a super cute party here and spend next to nothing!

So, I asked Erin if she wanted me to recreate the Scavenger Hunt for candy game...

OR

Do you want me to get little baking pans and you and your friends can each make their own little cakes to eat?? AND on top of that- I will give them one of my handmade aprons??

Her eyes lit up and a BIG smile spread across her face.. and then to top it off... I said...

And what about a PINATA?!?! (who doesn't want a pinata on their birthday? i TOTALLY do!)

She started to cry she was so happy with joy! (ok, that's a lie.. but not too far fetched)

So, now I know what I'm going to do-- and I'm excited to plan it- but I would love YOUR creative ideas too- like maybe cute cake decorating ideas or websites, or cute games to play. or cute decorating ideas in general??

I'm planning the party for Monday after schoolish.. so hurry with your cute ideas- so that I can go shopping this weekend!

SEVEN!!
(can you believe it?)

YogurtLand = AWESOME! (and cheap too)

2009-09-15T12:17:00.003-05:00

This place is AWESOME! I LOVE it! For all of you that know me - you know I'm a HUGE ice-cream fan, frozen yogurt I can live without... but THIS fro yo is GOOD!
(and it doesn't help that it is within walking distance from my front door)

Here is what you do. You walk in, grab a HUGE cup-- fill it up with as much or as little yogurt you want. You have a choice of many decadent flavors- you are not getting your normal just chocolate, vanilla or twist flavors here!

Then once you are satisfied with the flavor or flavors you have chosen and you have put them in your bowl.. you move onto the........TOPPINGS BAR!

You can choose from fresh fruit, to mini m&m's, and other candy types, to cereal, sprinkles, you name it- they HAVE it. And if they don't they'll go to the store and buy it for you (ok, maybe that's not true) but a girl can dream:) And I LOVE toppings! You should see what my homemade banana splits look like!!!

Then when you are done loading your yogurt... you pay .30 an ounce! Our whole fam of five came to just under 10 bucks!! The next time we went though-- we did reach a grand total $11.50! (but that is NOT bad) I just think we didn't skimp realizing how good it was. :)

And last but not least

ENJOY!

NO! I really mean it-- ENJOY and SAVOR EVERY BITE!!!

(i could eat mini m&m's on ice-cream ALL DAY!)

For more info. such as franchising information (since they don't have one in Houston yet) or just to see their awesome flavors... click HERE!

AND if you come and visit me here in Cali... I'll treat you there myself! I'm just cool like that;)

I'm WAITING!!! (hint: come running)

Spiritual Sunday! - Gratitude

2009-09-13T22:12:00.005-05:00

GRATITUDE!

Just real quick... my whole post got deleted when I tried to add pictures from our ward party yesterday... it was a little disorganized as it is-- so I will re-write it to where it makes sense. But, it will come tomorrow-- for now... enjoy the pics from yesterdays festivities and know that I'm GREATFUL to be here!

San Clemente Pier

And don't forget Cheerfulness is an attitude of GRATITUDE!

Look at ME... pretending to be Bakerella!

2009-09-12T16:00:00.005-05:00

I LOVE BAKERELLA!! If you have never tried any of her yummy treats or haven't been to her site -- GO NOW!! Click here!

Tonight is our ward party-- and because our last name starts with an R- we are in charge of bringing a dessert. I decided to go all out-- and make THESE!

Seriously- what a GENIUS idea! Cookies dough clumps-- INSIDE brownies! Helloooo?? Why did I not come up with this before?? All it is missing is some yummy homemade vanilla ice cream. I even was "bakerella" enough to make her home made ganache-- which was a first for me. We'll see if it is a hit. Doesn't it LOOK so yummy though? I'm waiting for the ganache to set before I dig in for a "taste" test. I'll keep you posted. But in the mean time- if you want to make some yourself- go here for the AMAZING recipe!

And be jealous that we are having our ward party at the beach! A bar-b-que on the San Clemente pier. We are due to leave any MINUTE-- I'm just waiting for Chester to get back from some errands. I will not forget my camera- so you can live vicariously through us living in Southern California.

Unlike I did last night- when we went to the Irvine Spectrum Center-- and I was so cool that I thought I had put my camera back in my purse after blogging yesterday (because I'm on a roll) but I didn't (because I couldn't find it when I looked really, really hard.) We rode the Ferris Wheel and all! The kids loved it-- and on our walk back to the car... I was fumbling around for my keys- and what do I find?? MY CAMERA!!!! I was so ticked-- but this time I will find it no matter what! :)

Look forward to it-- until then I'm going to be pregnant body surfing;)

ps. who is impressed with my 4 posts in 3 days back to blogging posts?? Yeah, that's right I'm BACK BABY!!!

Our NEW home! (well for now:)) and lessons LEARNED!

2009-09-11T13:22:00.007-05:00

Welcome!

This is our kitchen. It is just right-- not too small, and not so big that I feel like I dread cleaning it. Less counter space = less space to put clutter when we walk into the door- so that is a plus! (and I would like to thank my sister Amy for getting me that really cute tea pot for Christmas-- it matches my color scheme PERFECTLY!)

Right next to the kitchen is the "dining area"
Here is our living room/office/piano room.
Another view!
And one more view to show you that I have hung pictures-- I'm THAT good!
This is Erin's room/future babies room/kids game stash room
Here is where Erin is sleeping for now-- we are looking at getting her a bed for her b-day(in like 2 weeks) (so, shhhhh... she doesn't know!) We only took so many BIG pieces of furniture with us to Cali.
Here are Dante and Ethan's FUN bunk beds with a futon on the bottom that folds down. They LOVE it so far! It only cost us $125 for the frame and mattress and futon, plus TWO really nice pillow toppers. !! We HEART craigslist:)
This is another angle from the boys room! The dressers used to be brown- and now they are black and white courtesy of our pro spray painter... Chester!Our hallway coming in from the garage- the washer and dryer are on the right- and the kids bathroom is on the left.

Kids bathroom! (above and below)

Here is the master bedroom! It is SO nice to clean! Actually the whole apartment is nice to clean! I don't feel like I'm doing it for days- and it is easier to stay on top of the kids for their messes- because I pretty much SEE everything:)
In front of our bed... our TV!

This is on the side of our room- Chet's chest of drawers (again spray painted)

Our master bathroom- which is TEENY compared to the one we had in Texas--- I really miss by HUGE bathtub! A 2nd angle to our bathroom. At least it still has 2 sinks!:)

Now onto 2 things re: hard lessons learned.........

Is this not such a bright and fun mat for our kitchen? I loved it- and I loved it because it was a measly FIVE bucks at target-- so cheap I got TWO!!
Well, on the above one- I spilled beef blood and put it into the wash-- and it BLED! I was SO mad-- I don't know what I was thinking--- when it said hand wash only... putting it in with a load of towels and then putting it on HOT water to get all the bacteria from the "blood" out! Now I have to debate going back and getting a NEW one. HMMMM??!!
Now I have plenty of splotchy white and pink towels! I wonder if Chet could spray paint pink polka dots onto them?? And somehow cover it up? All I know- is these towels will be hidden under our sinks and not for viewing pleasure:)

So, if it says- hand wash only- COLD WATER. You may want to actually listen-- I guess it says that for a reason. Dang it!

Mistake #2!

Chet and I saw this trashcan at costco and it is automatic-- you run your hand over the top and it OPENS. It was really cool AT the store! We didn't get it the first time around, because we thought we could go to Wal-mart or Target and get the same design but for less money-- when it was the same at Target and Wal-mart-- we went back to Costco because it came with a free mini electric trashcan.

YEAH! I now have a trashcan--- and it opens up-- when you walk by, when you don't have trash in your hands, when you cough, when you pick your nose- and basically ANYTIME that you don't want it to!

Now, that really wouldn't be all that bad if it actually opened-- when you HAD trash to deposit! But it doesn't-- I feel like one of those stupid self-checker scanner people who have to run the "bar code" over and over and over again because it is not scanning. (only this time people aren't waiting in line behind me) And instead I am waving trash around like a lunatic trying to get the dumb thing to open! (I'm not a quitter... I WILL get it to open) I don't care WHAT I look like! But without fail every time I just walk by it--- it lifts! The kids get a kick out of it- because they forget-- and they jump every time because it also makes a noise when it opens! It is pretty funny and almost worth the money to watch them freak out. So, if you thought you might be in the market for an electric trashcan- believe me- it is worth the foot exercise to just have a push thing at the bottom that opens the lid for you!

But it is pretty to look at:)

5 months already??

2009-09-10T19:30:00.002-05:00

I used to tell people- if you want to slow down time... get pregnant! But then- after you have the baby time speeds up to double time. Well, this pregnancy has FLOWN by so far! Maybe that is because my life has been utter chaos since finding out-- with Chet's job and moving and the summer, etc... But today marks 5 MONTHS-- Only 4 to go-- and I'm golden!
(holy cow) And if you think about it- because of ALL the holidays between now and then-- it will LITERALLY be here before I know it!

All my kids have FLOWN the nest.....

2009-09-10T18:28:00.006-05:00

(aren't they CUTE!)

Well, til' 2:05 that is:)

Here in the great state of Texas... I mean California-- school starts after Labor Day. So, the kids had an over extended VERY long summer and were super excited to get back to school! I mean- SUPER DUPER excited!! Ethan was MORE then ready and Erin and Dante were ready to start making new friends.

Dante started 3rd grade this year... and loves to make new friends- and he is happy to get to play handball EVERYDAY during recess (which they have quite a bit here- they even eat outside- because the weather is pretty much gorgeous 365 days out of the year:))Dante and Ethan were both down to the car early so I took some shots of just them to take up time. They so cute when they aren't fighting or making one another cry! Why can't they be like this ALL the time???

Erin started 1st grade. She is the oldest, OLDEST in her class, because all the other people who were born between Sept- Dec. of that same year are in 2nd grade, because the cut-off here is in Dec. vs. August. But she still loves first grade and wouldn't change a thing. She can't wait to start learning new stuff because right now they are just reviewing what they learned in Kindergarten- like her answer to my question: "What did you do today in class?" "We counted to THIRTY!!! So easy, PEASY! We could have at LEAST counted to 100!"

The days of loving to count and count and count! I remember that-- I could count to 1 MILLION everyday and feel SO proud of myself:) And would count for anyone who would listen-- I love how much children are so much a like.
Then there is my NEW kindergartner. Yes, he is into throwing symbols anytime I try to take his picture pretty much-- or giving some kind of face. He is a funny little dude who still LOVES to pick his nose! He just looks so grown up I can't take it. At this school they have all the parents of new kindergarten students come up for the first hour and a bit to do a craft with the kids and give them a good easy send off.. when I told Ethan that -- and then asked, "Aren't you SO excited I get to come with you for a little bit?" His reply was, "Awwww MOM! I can go by myself!"

That whole morning- whenever I looked at him, he would try to slip and hide behind someone else- it was pretty funny. My independent children-- how I actually don't really miss the days that you would cry and cry and cling to me and claw at me whenever I tried to leave you somewhere-- the gym, nursery, wherever-- I'm SO glad you are past that stage;) I love seeing their independence and seeing them blossom and grow!

The schools here are a little bit different then the ones in TX. The hours especially are different- in TX they go from 8-3 everyday- and here on Mon, Tue, Thur. Fri they go from 7:45 - 2:05 and every Wed. is early dismissal and they go from 7:45-12:50. (that will be my biggest challenge- remembering THAT!) Hopefully I won't forget them:)

Also, gone are the days of living across the street and shoving my kids out the door at 7:30 and not having to leave to go pick them up at 3:00... however this school traffic really isn't near as bad as Commonwealths- which has been nice. I'll miss them walking to school- and would have them ride their bikes- but it is straight up hill for 3 quarters of a mile- and I'm pretty sure Ethan would die on the way home riding his bike down the hill because he would NOT exercise ANY caution (and it literally is a STRAIGHT up hill) like San Fran type hill-- it is GREAT for exercise for me though:)

I am training them to walk all the way down the hill to meet at a cute little park after school so they can get energy out before having to do homework or whatever. Each day I'm parking further and further down the hill til' they find me-- and before we know it- they will be walking to the park:) Today they were really cute- Erin and Ethan were holding hands in front and Dante was walking behind them just watching over them-- I wish I had my camera. It was like an Easter Egg hunt-- as soon as they saw my car- they were like, "There she is! I FOUND Mom!!"

It is nice having my days to myself-- but they still seem to just slip by me. But then again- this is only day 3 and really 2 1/2 because yesterday was Wed. (early dismissal)

Well, I'm off to bake some promised chocolate chip cookies!!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about our new family favorite yogurt place-- DELICIOUS! I love finding the joys of Southern California.

Googling pictures for.... "Back to Regular Blogging"

2009-09-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

And this is one I found to be appropriate! We are onto our new adventure in a smallish apartment in a brand new city-- 10 min. away from the beach--- and so far SO GOOD! So, starting Tuesday (when the kids finally go back to school- they have had an EXTRA long summer) I will be back to my regular blogging! YEAH!!! (and that is where the fireworks come in)

From that point- I will begin to tell you some crazy stories, some funny stories, the pros and cons of apartment living and Cali vs. Texas living (Texas will always have my heart:)) and much much more!! Plus you will get more belly pics- as my tummy has grown EXPONENTIALLY over the last WEEK!! Even Chet agrees - so it is not just "in my head" I can't believe that it has been so long- that I've pretty much forgotten how to be "pregnant" WEIRD! But I'm loving every minute of it:)

Publish Post

More soon--- look for it on TUESDAY!!!

Until then ENJOY your Labor Day weekend.

Am I getting fatter???

2009-08-18T15:49:00.003-05:00

or is that just a BABY in my belly??

I think... no I KNOW... that it is BABY #4 that is giving me a pooch... and I couldn't be HAPPIER!

We are due Jan. 10th, which makes me a little over 19 weeks along. I had to wait to tell everyone til' all of our family new.

I'm sad that we have been in Texas for 5 years-- and not ONE Texas baby! It just wasn't meant to be-- so, now we will have 2 Cali. babies and 2 Utah babies!

YEAH!!!!!!

The search is finally OVER!!

2009-07-12T18:55:00.006-05:00

So, a while ago- we thought Chet had a job nailed! He had been told that he pretty much had the job in the bag- and that the company really wanted him, but they wanted to find a better fit for him. Vegas was the original plan, but it ended up not working out. A few weeks later we got a call asking him to come out to Mission Viejo, CA for an interview-- and he LANDED it! I'm SO overjoyed right now- after 5 months of job searching we are excited to finally actually have a solid answer, and KNOW where we are going. I'm sad to be leaving my "home" as my parents are a block away and I have 2 sisters here and 1 in College Station- and the many friends I have made since moving here almost 5 years ago-- but we needed this- and my dream to live in Southern California came a littler earlier then expected. Some of you may remember this post from when I took a trip to San Diego and was resold on living there... especially La Jolla. The weather is perfect- you get mountains and beach within 15 min. of each other- I mean seriously- WHO COULD ASK FOR BETTER?? ;)

I mean- SOAK it in!

And even though my sarcastic remark of "we are moving there!" after visiting last year- was just that-- wishful thinking... I guess the Secret DOES work! LOL! Maybe they should put me on their infomercial!

More info. to come as we find out more and when Chet starts etc... until then- I have a LOT of work to do to get this house ready for either renters or to sell. EEEKKK!

And a big thankyou to all of you who have kept our family in your thoughts and your prayers! We have felt every single one of them!!! (you almost have me crying;))

ps- all of you can start making your vacation plans to come and visit The OC and us--- NOW! We would LOVE to have you!

How can we forget our favorite bedtime videos??

2009-07-09T14:55:00.003-05:00

For all of you new readers and then for all of you faithful readers-- I'm sure you remember the post of Chet and I playing "night time" pranks on the kids. Go here for a refresher or for more laughter or to see what the heck I'm talking about!

I did get a little chastised from one reader about my "parenting" skills-- so this time around, we were a little kinder-- and we only did it to our oldest who is 8. I do have to mention they love it and they LOVE to laugh at their own videos. They think it is the funniest thing to watch-- even if in the moment they are having a hissy fit!

So- enjoy Chet's new "earthquake attack" on Dante around 1 in the morning.

AUGHHH!!! Where has the summer gone?

2009-07-08T18:14:00.003-05:00

Where do you start back up when you have not blogged- and I mean "REALLY" blogged- like about our family happenings-- in oh say, THREE MONTHS?? I feel like I have so many pictures and so much to blog about-- but do I start from the beginning and work my way up? Does it really matter what order I blog in- or can I just blog about today and throw in random pictures here and there and say- oh and there is this too?? All these questions have made me sit down and the computer and then be like--- well, what do I do?? And then I have to get up before I actually get to start blogging. So-- I'm just going to START- and it will just have to be random and whatever event or date in time I feel like blogging about at that moment! So, hopefully you won't get too confused- and if you do, just realize that Bertie is a little behind the times:)

So- for this first post back in Ranger land--- I will start off with a swim team post, since that is where we have spent most of our summer - at an hour of swim practice Tuesday-Friday and then meets on Monday from 3:45-10:00. (some very LONG, HOT days!)

But, I have to admit, it is TOTALLY worth it!

The kids LOVE it!

Here is Erin taking a break in between events! Her biggest accomplishment so far has been the backstroke. The 6 and unders don't do backstroke, but they still have them participate in the meets in the 7/8 age group- but in the last heats. Well, Erin is so good at this stroke, that as an under 6er- she is still put in the 1st heat with 7/8 girls! We are so proud of her:)
Dante is such a fun guy to watch! He isn't the fastest- but he is ALWAYS smiling as he is swimming and it cracks us up each time. It never gets old:) His specialty is the breaststroke, and he has the fastest time in his age group on his team. Our most recent favorite stroke for Dante is the butterfly. At swim meets they have stroke judges to make sure that you do the stroke correctly, and if you don't then you get DQ'd and a participation ribbon. There are a few things that go into it- like when you touch the wall you have to touch with 2 hands at the same exact time, etc... So, 2 swim meets ago, Dante is in the butterfly line-up and the horn goes off, he dives in-- and starts doing freestyle! We were all shouting to get him to change to butterfly- but he was really smokin' it. Finally about 3/4ths of the way there, he remembered he was doing butterfly and switched. He got 3rd place?! He should have been DQ'd- obviously- but we thought it was great he got 3rd. The this last swim meet, because of his good "butterfly" time, he was bumped up to the first heat! And this time we reminded him- remember you are doing butterfly. So, horn goes off, he jumps in and starts doing the butterfly-- but with breast stoke legs?? So, of course this time he got DQ'd. I turned to Chet and laughed, and said, "So, you can swim 3/4ths of the pools length freestyle during butterfly and not get DQ'd? But watch out if your legs aren't together!:) We just thought it was funny, and so did the coaches. And here is our little spunky man, Ethan! Man- is he a natural athlete or what? He achieved his first "official" blue ribbon in freestyle at the last meet. He is the youngest boy by a year on his team! We were so happy for him- and you should have seen his face when he got a BLUE ribbon! Ever since he has been jumping off the bar in our kitchen at 18 months- we called him our little x-gamer and NOTHING has changed! And as you can see and as you all know- the best part of ANY sporting event, the concessions- as Ethan couldn't take the ring pop out of his mouth for ANY reason. Now a quick story on Ethan-- and the reason I said his first "official" blue ribbon. This is actually Ethan's second blue ribbon- BUT, his first one was when he was put in the 4th heat for backstroke with the 7/8 boys AND he was the only one left to swim, so he was swimming against himself-- BUT, he didn't give up- it took him 2 1/2 min. to get to the wall-- the WHOLE entire crowd was cheering him on-- because he was swimming the backstroke with his whole entire body underwater-- not understanding, really how to do backstroke. So, of course, he tired out more quickly. And he did the stroke exactly how he was supposed to- he never once turned around to see where the wall was-- and he didn't get DQ'd!- So, that all TOTALLY deserves a blue ribbon, even if you are just racing against yourself:)

We have such awesome kids!

And of course where would they be without their greatest supporters-- mom and dad (above) and Aunt Emily and Jake (below)??
We took video of the kids first swim meet and we will take video again at the last swim meet (This Monday) and I will post them for you so you can see the improvements over the season.

Until tomorrow ( I hope):)

Winners of the CUTE aprons!!

2009-06-14T17:30:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry guys that it has taken me so long to announce the winners for my aprons! Things have been absolutely insano-crazy over here! I will get into that on another blog post:)- but I felt since I have a minute, I might as well hurry up and let you all know that the winners according to Random.org-- are comments-- 13,7, and then 2!

So, Babalisme-- you get your first choice which was Apron #3

Ashley, you get your #1 choice too, since it wasn't taken first-- which is Apron #2.

and Michelle-- you get Apron #1:)

Congrats ladies! Please e-mail me with your address to bertieranger4 @ gmail.com

More to come soon! LOTS MORE!!!

A la Frou Frou GIVEAWAY!!

2009-05-20T20:54:00.003-05:00

I have finally opened my Etsy shop-- I decided to name it A la Frou Frou- it was REALLY close from the response on my blog poll and my e-mail poll. I felt A la Frou Frou would work best, as I would love to branch out and also do some "frou-frou" stuff for more then just babies and little kids. But for now, I'm sticking with children's aprons and baby blankets.

I'm doing a giveaway of 3 of my first "prototype" aprons. The kids are modeling(so happily) the aprons above, and poor little Erin is heartbroken to be losing ANY of the aprons that I have sewn. She wants to make sure they go to good homes, and to little girls (or boys) who will love them and help mom cook!:)

(this one could be a boy or girl apron-- and you probably wouldn't want to tie it in the front)

If the response is REALLY good- and I get lots of "entrants" into my giveaway- then I will also giveaway an apron of a 4th person's choosing of my 2nd apron "prototype" that I have put up on etsy!

The etsy address is: http://www.alafroufrou.etsy.com

and to enter my contest all you have to do is leave a comment letting me know what you think of my newest aprons on etsy-- and out of the 3 giveaway aprons, what order would you want them in-- 1 being the one you most want, and then 2 being the middle, etc... So, that way- when I draw- you can get the one you want.

For extra entries:

Blog about my new etsy shop on your blog = 5 entries! (and don't forget to leave a comment for each "entry" just saying 1,2,3, etc...)

You can also, facebook, twitter, send out a mass e-mail with me included (bertieranger4 @ gmail dot com), or any other creative way you can think of- and you will get 2 extra entries per whatever one you do-- and then leave the appropriate number of comments as well for that.

If you don't have a little girl- this is always a great gift for a niece, or a friend's daughter, granddaughter, etc... Every little girl would love to be just like mom in the kitchen and would LOVE these A la Frou Frou apons!

THANKS SO MUCH and the giveaway will end next Friday, May 29th, 10 AM CST!

The aprons will fit most girls 4-12! The ribbon around the waist is 7 feet long! And the aprons measure's 16" x 21"

And we say goodbye to another......

2009-05-19T14:55:00.005-05:00

WONDERFUL SEASON OF SOCCER!

Ethan's cute little U5 team!

Ethan trying to race after the ball... and the other players... where did they go....OH! I made it! There they are!

BREAK TIME!!

And how do you think the season ended, Ethan??

GREAT JOB!

Dante improved a lot this season. Going after the ball, no matter how many boys were crowding it. It is amazing the difference of the game with the different age groups! The U8 boys were SO fun to watch, and it didn't hurt having the best team:)

And LOOK at this power shot!! WOOT! WOOT!

GREAT JOB DANTE!

We are so proud of our boys! And now we have moved onto going to the pool everyday for swim team practice-- and FINALLY all three kids can do it! WHOO-HOO! They LOVE it and so do I!

I believe I let the cat out of the bag too soon.........

2009-05-15T15:26:00.003-05:00

Well we were 110% sure VIVA LAS VEGAS.... but because of course, I decided to say we were FINALLY moving and had a solid plan of action--- it decided not to be so solid, and we are waiting. So- who knows! It is still a VERY good chance that we will be moving there- and it would be sometime this summer- probably mid-July. But I'm still holding out for San Diego or Malibu.... :) Dreams CAN come true... right?! Either way- everyone visits Vegas at some point in their life-time, and now you can come visit me-- (if we move there). I'm excited to actually "finally" know our final destination-- or rather our first destination of many, perhaps-- but for now, I'll just continue to wait..........

Sorry it took so long to get back with where we will be moving too-- and if you would like us to move near you-- please leave me a comment letting me know "The reason Bertie should move to...." and I'll gladly consider it:)

And as always- today is Friday Fitness Giveaway, and I'm giving away 2 prizes this time to 2 different readers- so go to www.bertie411.blogspot.com if you would like to entrar!

Sample of my latest aprons and BREAKING NEWS!!

2009-05-06T15:10:00.003-05:00

These are just a sample of the reversible aprons I'll be selling in my soon to be announced Etsy shop!

Here is little miss Erin modeling my first cute apron made out of tuitti fruitti fabric. It has cupcakes on it, ice-cream cones, candy, etc.... ANDwhen she gets tired of that side, she can just turn it around and have dainty little flowers on the other side! The bow ties in the front to add in an extra dose of "cute"

Here is a close up! I will most likely be selling these for 15 dollars with free shipping. The non-reversible ones I will probably sell for 10 dollars with free shipping. What do you think?? I will also be putting up more of my aprons with different fabrics from tuitti fruitti soon.

Also- my breaking news is that we are sadly MOVING! I have only told 3 people- because we wanted to make sure-- and Chet is in "pay negotiations" right now- and if it is worth it then we will move- and apparently it is 99.9% sure that we will MOVE. I will post a picture of the AMAZING city we are moving to in my next post- but first I want some guesses!

Where are we moving to??

My kids latest and GREATEST trick!

2009-05-05T21:09:00.005-05:00

A while back I had posted about Dante learning how to ride a bike- and how I felt so bad that he was 7- and he still hadn't been taught how to ride a bike. So, I finally had had enough- and told Chet he had to do it now or never-- and he did it now, and an hour later-- Dante was riding like a champ. YEAH!!

Well, not 3 days ago, I was outside and Erin's little friend Sophie runs up to me and tells me Erin HAS to show me something- so I start walking with Sophie to her house- and all of a sudden here come Erin coming towards me on her bike... and as she got closer I realized she was not using TRAINING WHEELS! I was stunned- and I asked her who taught her how to do that- she proclaimed -- she go on Sophie's and just DID IT!

Then I felt bad for Ethan-- yes- he is only 4- but I know how badly he wants to ride his bike and his training wheels are broken- so why not teach him? I tried and I failed. The next day Chet tried and what happened- NOT an hour later- Ethan is free wheeling all around the neighborhood! INSANE I tell you! I am so proud of all of them... and here is video to PROVE it- and to see how cute they all look on their bikes.

The reason at the end I asked each of them what their motto was-- because yesterday morning, Ethan was playing video games and his controller ran out of batteries. So, I was helping him change them and I couldn't get the batteries out for the life of me-- so he takes it from me and says, "I'll show you how to get them out Mom" and he proceeds to throw it on the floor as hard as he can and the batteries pop right out! (kids are so smart!) Then I put the batteries in- and then he takes the device from me again and tells me he knows how to put them in.... and he says" Just slide them in, that's my motto!" And I stopped and started laughing and was like- did you just say, "Slide them in, that's my motto!" It was hysterical!! And he says it again in the video!

But YEAH for no more training wheels- we are all free wheelin' bike riders:) It is almost like ALL of them getting out of diapers again! HAPPY DAY!

Need your votes-- this time for TWO things-- VERY IMPORTANT!!

2009-05-04T17:04:00.002-05:00

I sent out an e-mail the other day, but thought that I have some readers who I don't have e-mails for-- and needed YOUR help too!:)

My husband has been out of a job for a little over 3 months now- we have been getting by, but our savings are getting pretty low. A little while ago I entered a contest to win $1,000 and had to write a small paragraph on what I would use the money for if I won.

I had decided to use the money for "Home Improvements" if I were to win, because we have equity in our house- we just can't get it out unless we sell our home- and we need to make some home improvements if we are going to sell our house and actually get money back vs. selling as is.

I got an e-mail yesterday saying that I was a finalist for the money. I couldn't believe that my "home improvements" made the cut- but it did. There are 10 finalists and now it is up to the "public" to vote. They told us to tell all our friends and families and to get the word out there and to vote! So- if you could go to:

http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/You_Choose_The_Winner.html

and vote for #5- home improvements... I would owe you BIG time!! Even if I don't win- I would still owe you:) If you happen to have more then one web browser- like firefox, internet explorer, etc... then you can vote on each browser and they will count it-- but you can only vote once per browser and the contest ends May 9th.

Thanks so much!

The other thing I need you to vote on- is my "boutique" name. I'm opening an etsy shop with some little girl aprons and baby blankets-- and I previously had put a list of possible names, and 2 got yay's- so on my side bar I have now put a "poll" of what my etsy shop should be named. The 2 in the running are "A la Frou Frou" or "Sunshine and Little Kisses"

Thanks you guys-- and tomorrow I'm going to have a video up of a new trick my kids learned! It is almost like them ALL no longer being in daipers... ALMOST as good as that:)

Just a reminder....

2009-05-01T16:00:00.002-05:00

If anyone from my regular blog wants to know how my fitness is going- I have updated my progress pics today! It has been 4 weeks now-- and I'm excited with my progress so far-- next update with pictures will be May 15th!

bertie411.blogspot.com

And so it begins........

2009-05-01T09:43:00.003-05:00

Do you remember in high school and middle school having to memorize these ridiculously LONG poems, and stories, and practically books and then having to recite them verbatim, or else you failed?? I always wondered who came up with this brilliant idea-- because it seemed like busy work to me, unless you were in drama class and had to memorize lines for a play, or speech and debate. But just for normal English class- I guess I just never saw the point. And who can honestly STILL recite anything they memorized for English? The best thing I memorized was A(squared) + B(squared) = C(squared). But I don't use it -- except when people ask me what I remember from high school- and then I can say that.

But- no matter what my opinion is-- memorization is GREAT for the brain- and keeps it sharp-- AND they are now starting memorization in 2nd grade! I was shocked when Dante came home with an assignment to memorize a poem, present it in class and a prop is required. This school is SO above any of the schools I went to- it is even above my high school (Sharpstown represent!)

But- oh how PROUD I was when he thought he couldn't do it and thought it was impossible, and then he DID it! He had so much fun with it, that he didn't mind practicing it over and over again. Here is the proud mommy clip of Dante doing his first recitation of "Invention" by Shel Silverstein. (the kids all got to pick their own poems)

I'm glad he had trouble at first, but kept going and finally accomplished it! What a feeling!!:)

On a different note, I have another favor to ask of all my faithful readers! I need you to go back over to LazyMoms.... click here.... and vote on your favorite beauty tip... oh wait- I got that wrong- vote on MY beauty tip... which is:

Temporary beauty trick: To tighten legs and butt for an important event or day at the beach, rub generously with an unscented hemorrhoid cream. (Yes, it works!)

And I'll say it again-- it works! But just remember- get one with OUT a scent! But either way- go VOTE for me and help me win some products from Kiss My Face.

You helped me WIN the fun "Lazy Moms" tote bag- and I LOVE it! I know you will pull through for me on this one too!

And while you are over at Lazy Moms - browse around on their site- they have lots of fun tips, and recipes, coupons, you name it- they've got it!

THANKS!!!

Latest and Greatest... do YOU have a NEW baby??

2009-04-29T08:43:00.003-05:00

I have had SO much fun creating baby blankets! I love the way all the soft fabric feels, and I love the fun colors and combinations you can put together. Here are my latest!

This is a baby girl blanket (obviously). The back has roses carved into it and then I finished it off with satin baby blanket binding! I need to learn how to miter corners better.

And this one below has been my favorite- and I'm so sad I have to give it away. I'm excited to give it away but- I was sad to see it go, because it was SOOOO soft!! I could have slept with it:) All the squares on the front are just cotton fabrics, and then on the back is the softest and fluffiest stuff EVER! I just hope it holds up and stays super soft-- but you can find it at Jo-Ann's. It is from their soft and comfy fabrics. But it gives it the heft and plushness that it needs- that I didn't have to use batting in between.

I'm also most proud of this one- because once added all together-- it cost between 10-12 dollars to make-- so I could totally sell it an make a profit. AND it has so far been my most perfect blanket as far as the squares all lining up together. Which means-- I'm getting BETTER!! :) And I made it while I had 5 kids here yesterday- because school was cancelled due to rain and flooding, and I was watching Brayden and Ryland. Needless to say- I was very proud!

FITNESS FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!

2009-04-24T08:47:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to go checkout my Fitness Friday Giveaway over at my fitness blog!!

bertie411.blogspot.com (click it)

What do I do on Tuesdays and Thursdays??

2009-04-23T11:06:00.003-05:00

I get to watch these 2 cuties, Brayden (21 months) and Ryland (3 months), from 9 in the morning to about 7 at night. My Kids LOVE them! That is an understatement- I think they would literally die for these 2 if the opportunity arose.

Ethan is home with me during the day while I have them and he LOVES to play with Brayden and he LOVES to feed the baby and it is SO nice! I think he really enjoys being the "older" brother for once. :)

Dante and Erin come home at 3:00 and then I get a chance to see what it would be like to have 5 kids. And while at times it gets crazy-- especially after school and having to start dinner, get kids doing homework, practicing piano and off to different activities-- I think it would mainly be more fun! Especially since me kids are SO in love with helping out!

One lady with 8 kids that I knew, said that her house was always like a circus, and then she went on to say... "But who doesn't LOVE the circus?" :)

So, until I have 5 of my own... I will enjoy my days as pretending to be a mom of 5!

And just in case ya'll thought I was pregnant in the post below- I'm not. But, watch me be pregnant now- since I said I'm not. That is how it seems to work with me:)

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!

2009-04-22T18:17:00.004-05:00

This past weekend Chet's brother Dennis and his wife Darla came into town to stay with us for a night before going on a cruise out of Galveston. Things had been pretty hectic for me that week, so I didn't have much time to get the house completely in order. Or rather- my "order" is not Chet's "order". He is a bit of a perfectionist-- when I think clean-- I think spraying things down, making the house look orderly, vacuuming-- but to him it is :

Cleaning the GROUT in our kitchen!!

This is literally a miracle! I have NEVER seen Chet on his hands and knees before SCRUBBING a counter top let alone a floor! I HAD to document it-- so that I can remember-- and BOY did our floor look AMAZING afterwards! I mean, who has time to clean their grout?

Doesn't it look like a NEW floor?? And yes- it was BAD!! But I didn't realize how bad, until I saw how white it was actually supposed to be. I was SO proud of him! I was glowing like a pregnant lady!

He also put the kids to work:
Dante was put in charge of the tile on the island in the kitchen.
Ethan and Erin were put in charge of the windows. Ethan decided just to be in his underpants, in case he needed to pee outside (again!)

But ALL I can say is-- MIRACLES do happen, especially when an older brother is coming into town! So- thanks Dennis and Darla for coming and showing me that Chet and my kids CAN clean when they put their mind to it.. because I was starting to wonder.:)

I think they have now forgotten though- but I'm still a PROUD wife and mama while the memory is still fresh!

Keep BELIEVING!

Hoppy Beaster!

2009-04-21T14:02:00.003-05:00

That is really supposed to be Happy Easter... but Ethan used to call Easter "Beaster" and it was SO cute... but he doesn't do it anymore-- so I was doing it in remembrance of that cute word!

I Just wanted to finally put my kids Easter picture up-- it is authentic, and the only way an Easter picture should be taken... with candy IN their mouth!

This year I dressed us ALL in different colors. Dante was green, Ethan pink, Erin yellow, Chet purple and I was a myriad of Easter blues! What a fun Easter... that is STILL lasting us. :)

FIELD TRIP FOR MOM!!

2009-04-17T09:36:00.004-05:00

Yes, I have a place that I go to - not as often as I would like, because apparently I can spend too much money there... but I get swept up in giddiness when I go.

Yes-- it is Jo-Ann's or Hobby Lobby or wherever they happen to sell lots and lots of fabric!

I went yesterday because they had their whole line of Tutti Fruiti 50% off. And that is some CUTE fabric! Then of course I went around looking for other good finds, and found some cute "baby blanket" material-- so today, while it is supposed to be storming-- I will be sewing my little head off. I have the intention of selling everything that I make out of this fabric, and I'm hoping to double what I spent. Let's see how it works! I will be opening up an etsy shop soon-- but I need help with a name. So- if you were opening a boutique for little kids and babies-- what would you call it??

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Bare Feet and Sunshine
2. Bare Feet and Rainbows
3. Sunshine and Sweet Kisses
4. Sunshine and Little Kisses
5. A La Frou Frou

I had more- but can't remember right now- but let me know which one you like best, your suggestions, and then later in the week I'll put up a poll and that will be the name!

I'll also be doing giveaways of the current aprons I have made-- to get my name out there.

And I have about 65 posts that I'm behind on-- but I will be posting about Easter, Emily's crazy ER trip (I mean she was TRIPPIN'), and more!

Plus- don't forget about my Fitness Friday Giveaway over at http://www.bertie411.blogspot.com

Off to SEW!!

Totally Hot Modbe Swimwear!!

2009-04-15T15:16:00.003-05:00

How CUTE is this swimsuit?? I love it and am getting it!! Today I hosted a party for my friend Jana who is a Modbe rep and it was SO much fun. I wished all of my friends could make it but some of you aren't here in Houston:( But-- Jana told me that you can still order online til' Friday and get sweet deals and purchase under my party number.

Sorry you couldn't share in my yummy cake pops and fruity parfait's-- but at least you can get a REALLY cute swimsuit-- or whatever else you see that you like!

Here is the link: www.modbeclothing.com/jana , and if you decide to buy anything, just put in the party code 2004... AND if you buy 3 or more things then you get 10% off your entire order. (you can put the party order in until Friday night)

Splurge a little on yourself and have fun shopping!

Since when do BOYS outnumber GIRLS??

2009-04-10T09:22:00.005-05:00

A couple weeks ago Dante had a 2nd grade Hoe Down, where all the kids get to wear western wear-- and then square dance around the cafeteria. We thought it was too funny, because there were about 8 "boy" couples and Dante happened to be one of the boys dancing with another boy.... when usually it is the girls that outnumber the boys and you only see girls dancing with girls. Dante just looked hilarious to me! He is such a funny kiddo! Take a look at the video below to see what I mean... You can't miss Dante, he is the one who chose to wear a grey shirt with a PUMPKIN on it in late March. I guess cowboys grow pumpkins?? Rights?! He is dancing with the boy in the navy blue shirt and the red bandanna around his neck.

The hoe-down got cut short because apparently their was a tornado in the area a few blocks away, and the school had to take precaution and take all the kids in the entire school into the hallways and they had to lay down on their knees and put their head against the wall. Poor things-- those hallways got HOT! And NEVER in my entire 12 years of school in Houston/Sugar Land did I ever have a "real" drill like that. It was fascinating. I never got scared, because, tornado's don't really come around here much- and if they do they are little funnel clouds that never touch... but the school can never be too careful-- but it was comforting to know that our whole family WAS in the same place-- Chet, Ethan, and I were all there to see Dante's dance moves, and Erin was in her kindergarten class.

I still can't believe that it was overcast when we went into the school and not 20 min. later a HUGE thunderstorm was going on and we were all on the floor due to a tornado that might hit. That weather changes SO fast! (and I was mainly sulking because I was MISSING the thunderstorm-- because you can't hardly hear anything in that school) STUPID TORNADO KEPT ME INSIDE!

But I am grateful for safety measures too!

ps- I am doing my first Friday Giveaway over at my fitness blog.... http://www.bertie411.blogspot.com

It is for a 4-DVD set of Mari Winsor Pilates DVDs! Go check it out and ENTER!

Oh... he GOT the dreaded CURSE

2009-04-09T11:03:00.004-05:00

Here is how I KNOW he got the curse.... I'll walk into his bathroom and find blood splattered on the floor usually with a bloody tissue near by... and when I go in search of him...

he is suffering from another chronic nose bleed!

Why oh WHY can't they ONLY get our good genetics and not the ones that you hate to pass on... poor Ethan has my nose bleed syndrome at the drop of a hat, along with my clumsiness's, my need for aspirin nightly because my legs will start to hurt due to too much jumping and bounding (when I was a child... I've grown out of that now:))

Yes, he has gotten some great traits as well of mine... but oh how I get so sad for him when I see what he will be going through-- especially every time he trips and falls or runs into a door jam... and you don't grow out of that.

Poor guy-- but he is a trooper with his nose bleeds and just carries on with his day while holding a tissue to his nose... it is almost as second nature to him as a mother nursing a baby while cooking. You just learn to live while having something attached to you 24-7! (it isn't that bad... but I still feel for him)

What are some quirky things you have passed down to your kids through genetics, that you wished those genes had just stayed dormant FOREVER!!??

Picture of THE day!

2009-04-08T17:51:00.005-05:00

Click on picture to enlarge! That is an order:)
...and that is Dante's spelling test above... and he has ALWAYS gotten 100 on them, til' NOW!

ps- I am updating my fitness blog everyday, and I have added it to the top of my blog as a link- and it is open to EVERYONE... so that way it is easier for you to access it. And this way - I won't have to post on here that I have updated it-- because it WILL be a daily thing!

Lazy Mom Confessions!

2009-04-07T07:30:00.005-05:00

I usually try to post once a day... and that is it. So, last week when Lazy Mom's had their "Lazy Confessions" linky up... I couldn't do it- because I had already posted for that day-- but today you are IN LUCK.... they are doing it again... and I do have a confession.

The whole point of their site is "A Lazy Mom isn’t really lazy. She finds fast and efficient ways to get more done so she can have more fun." And well, I have come to realize... that I am just really a lazy mom... I mean really lazy- not one with clever ideas to be more efficient and get more done to have more fun... just plain LAZY! But I guess I do have some tricks up my sleeve.... if that is what you want to call it.

Here is just one of the two I can actually think of right now... and it has to do with LAUNDRY!

Whenever I am picking up clothes off the floor, I will smell them, and if they smell fine-- I put them right back where they belong- worn or not, and sometimes I'll get a VERY unpleasant wiff... and in the laundry basket she GOES! The "wiffs" I get are worth it, because it keeps me from doing lots of unnecessary laundry... which means less folding or hanging up in the end (the part I really don't like!)

There is my lazy moms confession for now... I don't have too many- because I feel like EVERYTHING I do -- takes FOREVER! LOL! But I sure am having fun learning other Lazy Mom's ideas and putting them to the test.

Do you have one?? You need to go to Lazy Mom's and link it up then because I want to know yours too!

ps- I have updated Bertie411, my fitness blog, this morning, so if you are into checking it out- CHECK IT!

and another pps- if you have not voted on my poll please do so- and if you need to see my blankets and aprons again- go here! Thanks!! (ya'll are the BEST!)

Les Mis...

2009-04-04T16:36:00.004-05:00

was AMAZING!!

Last night Chet and I went with Amy and Brett and Christie and Derek to see Les Mis. It was just as amazing as I expected! The music, the talent, the crowd-- EVERYTHING! We almost weren't going to be able to go- and I'm so glad we did end up getting to go and that everything worked out. I, of course, recommend this play to ANYONE!

But I do have a question for those who have seen this maybe more then once or in NYC... during the last song when they are singing, "Will you stand and fight" or whatever that line is.... are you supposed to STAND UP? One lone lady in the audience did and started singing and we were all like, either she is really moved... OR, she has seen it quite a few times and most audiences stand up and do this-- and we all are really the ones that look weird. So, let me know! (if you know)Also, a BIG shout out to the newly engaged couple!! My sister, Christie, will be getting married over the summer... WHOO-HOO and we already love Derek!

And as promised- I have updated with my fitness story over at bertie411. Check it out!

Hope you are enjoying conference:)

Will SEW for FOOD!

2009-04-03T15:37:00.007-05:00

Since I have learned how to sew I have been going a little overboard and trying to learn whatever I can. First it was the aprons and then on to baby blankets, next I'm working on a really, REALLY cute adult apron- that I have yet to see ANYWHERE online-- (you can't wait, huh!?)

Anyways.... I was thinking about maybe making some money doing this, but I'm not sure if they are marketable-- I think they are super cute... but I made them- so of course they are to me-- it is like they are my babies!:)

So, I have 2 separate polls up on the side of my blog on what you would pay for these items if you saw them in a store. And if I should perhaps open an etsy shop? You are more then welcome to leave comments as well on your thoughts of what I need to do better. I know that they aren't perfect--- but I'm getting better, which means-- soon they really WILL be marketable.

First up the aprons, which we have Tyler, Dante, Ethan and Erin so "embarrassingly" modeling them. The bow is made big enough to wrap around to the front to give them a little more "cuteness". I will also be adding pockets to them-- but for the material I didn't have enough to add them. Erin is strutting my "patchwork" apron, which I cut the squares then pieced them together to make it a little more sassy.

Here is one with the pocket modeled by Brayden!

Below are bigger pictures of each apron.

Now we have the baby blankets! Can I tell you how FUN these are!!:) I almost want to make one as big as me, and keep it for myself-- and can you tell I really like yellow??

The first ones I attempted were whole ones. Fleece backed with fleece. The next blankets I made I cut the material in squares and then pieced them together and backed them with a single sheet of fleece.
This one I have already given to my nephew Sammy.... I made it out of Ethan and Dante's old receiving blankets! So- it cost me 0 dollars!

This one was a kit from Joann's that I got 40% off with a coupon-- ending up costing me 10 bucks! I still had to cut the pieces, but it told me exactly what to do.

And this one is my FAVORITE!! I love the colors, and just everything about it!

So, now that you have seen my handy work-- what would you pay for these items if they were on sale?? (the most you would pay)

and we are IN business!

2009-04-02T18:55:00.003-05:00

Ok... what you have been promised... the link to my NEW fitness blog.

but first a few notes!

bertie101 was taken... CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?? I guess I am just not fast enough!

So, I went with bertie411- and the name of the actual blog-- is Fit N' Fun and Then Some!

So, enjoy! And also- leave me a comment letting me know what you would like to see or hear or know about or what you would like me to write about.

http://www.bertie411.blogspot.com

GOOD MOOOORRRNNNIIIIINNNNGGG!!!

2009-04-02T06:39:00.002-05:00

I have to admit I'm a sucker for this commercial. I don't know if it's the song... because who doesn't love a song from Singing in the Rain, or if it is the little shoulder gig and all the smiles... (I think it is really the shoulder gig... it just makes me laugh) Especially the business men in the elevator towards the end. It is just a happy commercial... and makes me want to start my morning off with dixie! (and how peaceful our world would be if we ALL started our day with dixie... can you imagine ANYONE fighting in this commercial?)

My fitness blog IS going to be up today.. the link will be coming ASAP!

GET READY and good morning!

Hurt and Disappointed!

2009-04-01T10:51:00.003-05:00

I'll tell you what YOURS did today- since you did not speak.. your non-words really hurt me! I'm hurt and disappointed in all of my readers who do not comment. I needed a name for my fitness blog, which so many of you claim you would like me to do-- and Kaylynne was the only one who actually gave me a name-- and Melynda told me she loved Bertie101! But- the rest of you said nothing. I rarely get comments on my blog-- I think the post that I have done that received the most comments was the one about Ethan running Christies truck through my garage, hitting the beamer and sending it through the back of our garage. Is that what I have to do all the time to get comments?? I'm going to take a break from blogging, because I feel like I have no blogging friends. I'm not sure if and when I'll come back-- but if I was just doing this for the purpose of journaling- then I'd go private and invite NO ONE! I may have to do that-- I don't know. If your comments don't tell me different, then that is what I will do. Until then,

....... (and I'll be putting up my fitness blog later today... I'm really excited for it... and you have been April FOOLED again! did you feel sorry for me?? Did I make you feel bad? I LOVE APRIL FOOLS DAY!!)

Here is last years joke, in case you missed it, or forgot!:) click here!

And I NEVER thought I would be THIS woman... ok maybe I did;)

2009-03-31T06:49:00.008-05:00

I always laugh when I see this video- it is SO funny! Especially since I have been reverse bungee jumping about 1,006 times... so I know exactly what it is like- and that kid KILLS me every time! It is hilarious-- and the lady makes it EVEN better!

So, when we reattempted the rodeo this time- on a nice and sun shining day vs. a FREEZING, wet one.... I had to ride the ZIPPER at the carnival.

I would have one of these in my back yard if I could- and the "traveling" carnival zippers are the best, because they are more rickety... if that makes sense. My friend Monica introduced me to the zipper and I haven't turned back since! Thanks Mon!!:)

The height limit was 48 inches... which means only Chet, I, and Dante could ride.... but then that would leave Erin and Ethan looking pretty lonely sitting next to the ride waiting- and not to mention, Ethan would have managed to run to Egypt by the time the ride was over. (I'm not sure how- but he WOULD have!) So, Chet so thoughtfully said, he would watch the kids while I rode it with Dante... so I did!

Dante is pretty brave- he was pointing on all these rides to go on, so I thought the zipper wouldn't be a big deal.

BOY, was I wrong!! (and maybe we shouldn't have had ice-cream sundaes right before?)

In the zipper a single bar comes over your lap... and since I am bigger then Dante it was pressed all the way on me-- but there was a little snuggle room for him (poor little dude) - you NEVER feel that secure when the bar is not completely holding you in.

So, I start rocking the cage(while other people are being loaded on) to make it even more fun for him... because I wanted to pass my wonderful zipper experience onto him.

Then we start GOING.. and man- was it going FAST! I think this might have been one of the fastest zippers I have EVER been on! Well, the first time we go over the top- we flip, forwards... completely flip, and Dante-- well, he kind of fell out of the bar... but not really out-- just flew up to the top of the cage, before I grabbed a hold of his arm... from that point on he is screaming....

"I'M GOING TO DIE!" "Mom, I'm going to Die!" "OH, my stomach!" "I'm going to Die!!"

I'm still holding onto his arm- otherwise he would be rattling around like a ping pong ball... and I'm laughing hysterically, I almost pee my pants (and I'm a GROWN woman!).. and maybe I did.. SO what! I felt like I was reenacting the video above, and thinking--- why are there NOT video cameras in HERE, so I can be taping this?? I would TOTALLY buy it!

Needless to say... once it stopped and we were waiting to be unloaded... he was like I'm NEVER going to do that again! OHHHHHHHHH! My stomach! (apparently he slammed into the bar at one point and the hitting point was his stomach)... and me like ANY good, wonderful amazing mom- told him it would be ok-- and hopped off, and told Chet- he HAD to go on it with Dante.. he just HAD to- that it would be the funniest thing he has ever seen! Chet was a nice dad, and didn't make Dante go again-- and I'm telling you.. he MISSED out!

But we did have lots of fun that day! Here are a few more pictures from our Family Rodeo Day!

Erin and Dante also had their picture taken by the Chronicle on her favorite ride!This ride never gets old either!!:)

I'm proud to say I have kids that will ride anything (and yes, even Dante said he would try the zipper again next year) Little Mr. Ethan who JUST meets the 42 inch mark... was going on some of the scarier rides-- and I think people were looking at me like a crazy mom- some even stopping to ask Ethan if he was SURE - absolutely SURE - he wanted to go on THIS ride?!

Does it look like I'm forcing him ma'am? Is he crying?? Then YES! He wants to go on THIS stupid ride!

Then proceeding to say-- "do you know what it does honey??":

Yes, I'm hoping that we will all die on it and that I scare my kids so bad that they never want to ride rides again!? That's the plan!

ps- I will be putting up my fitness blog tomorrow- April 1st.. so I need a NAME! Where are my helpers?? (see post below)

I've DECIDED!!

2009-03-30T07:22:00.003-05:00

I have decided to turn into a werewolf this year! HOORRAAYY! Actually- this picture is for a certain someone-- it is always about "inside jokes". Where would we be without them??

But onto the REAL news! I feel like I have been like this lately-- (and actually not really like this- because the lady below looks as though she is doing it ALL with ease!)
I, on the other hand, am still getting used to having to get to soccer practice, and piano, and having 5 kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays, getting to YW's, and on and on and on. Does it ever get easy?? (I think it is the sewing, that has been doing this to me- I CAN'T stop!) I try to sew whenever possible- which means I sacrifice other things, such as blogging, or cooking dinner, or going to bed early, or seeing my family. Maybe I already need an intervention... but that is besides the point at the moment.

My REAL point(s) is/are:

A: Thanks for voting on my poll and leaving your wonderful comments for me! I have decided to make a separate fitness blog- but keep it public, and I will post a link here, every time I post in my fitness blog to make it easier to get to it- - that way it will be easier to keep track of everything-- instead of having to search through my posts here to find what I did in this week and that week, etc...

B: I need your help again- what should I name that blog?? I'm having trouble! I can't come up with anything! If I choose your name-- then you get a shout out on my fitness blog and FULL acknowledgement:) Please leave a comment with as many names as you like! Otherwise I might name it Bertie101- and well, that just sounds LAME-- so HELP!:) (please and thankyou)

C: I used to be an avid commenter on lots of blogs-- then my computer crashed, and I lost my list of RSS feeds that I subscribed to- because they were through IE, and this happened about 4 or 5 months ago--- or whenever you noticed me not commenting on every single one of your posts-- I have now finally taken the time to update my RSS feed again- and will be commenting again! YEAH-- WHO'S excited??

D: I have lots and lots of posts to come- but now I have to get off and get to eating my cottage cheese mixed with fresh strawberries! (go try it- tastes like CANDY!)

Quick Question for my readers!

2009-03-16T10:21:00.004-05:00

(you would be watching me get back to this and that ANYONE can do it!)

I've been thinking about doing a "workout" blog and posting my workouts and progress, etc.... I'm trying to get back to my "fitness" ready body. Which means I have about 10 pounds to lose, and I just haven't really been motivated. I used to journal over at oxygenmag.net.... but thought maybe a blog would make it easier. I always try to switch up my workouts to keep my body guessing (because that is what burns calories). I would be sharing ALL my privileged info with YOU:)

So, the question I'm proposing to you is where do I blog about it:

A) Yes Bertie-- blog about it here because I would LOVE to see your progress and what you do for your workouts, and help keep you motivated. (I would post progress pics and all, so think about this)

B) I don't really care to see it- but you should make a separate blog, so that if people do want to follow you... then they can... (this blog would probably be private- and only open to people who actually want to read) Keep your family blog-- just that- about your family.

C) Hecks NO! You should NEVER, EVER journal publicly or on the net, about your journey to whatever kind of body you want--- you need to keep that stuff private and at home.. and in a notebook. Should you even really be asking this question??

So, there you have it- I'm hoping to compete again in the near future-- but to do that, I need to get my healthy habits back, and that is what I'm hoping my "blogging" journal will help with, and with the motivation from you guys! The more people in it- the more I'm likely to keep up with it!

(I have also now posted a poll on my side bar... so that you don't even have to leave a comment, you can just select one of the answers and it is completely anonymous... but you are still welcome to leave any comments too!)

A....B.... or C! And you are more then welcome to comment anonymously if you think I'll be offended (which I won't be, but whatevs) I need my blogging peeps on this one- I have between 30-50 readers a day (from unique addresses) and usually my comments are in the 1-2 range--- so I need you all to come out of your shell for this one. I want to keep my blog- WHAT you want it to be, and why you started reading in the first place... and I DO have it where ANYONE can comment!

I'll be WAITING!! (at the racquetball courts)

Forever YOURS,
Bertie soon to be Bertieliscious!

We're going to the RADIO!!

2009-03-15T22:02:00.003-05:00

That is what Ethan calls "The Rodeo" The RADIO! Friday night my mom had 4 tickets to the radio- so Chet and I took Ethan and Dante with us to see the fun radio action... and Clint Black. It was a lot of fun! (Erin was compensated by getting to spend the night with fun Aunt Emily and Grandma!)

Here are the manly men of the house- with horseback riders doing what they do best.... horseback riding.(in the background)Here is the CUTEST couple EVER! With some more kind of riding going on in the background?!Here are what are boys really love to do.... RUN AROUND IN THE BLEACHERS DISTURBING EVERYONE AND THEIR DOG..... while people are trying to watch the rodeo action... and in their defense.... there were probably only about 15 people in our section and the 3 sections next to us... yeah- we had AWESOME seats! (but in all seriousness, I am grateful for getting to go--- it just wasn't the 2nd row seats I was used to in high school when our family had "the hook up")...but then the guy turned 97 and died, so his season tickets were no longer ours to use. (I was really sad...for the man- and the tickets)This picture KILLED me! I was trying to get everyone to smile and look at me... and this is what I got! It was SO funny! The Mutton Bustin' was just too fun to look away from! Next year- Ethan will be front and center on that one!And here is Clint Black rockin out!

It was a great fun night- freezing cold and rainy-- but how can you NOT have fun at the Houston Rodeo??

We are going back this week, during spring break, but just to go to the carnival and Livestock Show-- this time the weather will be perfect:) More pics then!

To laugh or not to laugh??

2009-03-11T09:42:00.003-05:00

I have to ask myself that question pretty much on a regular basis with Dante's quick wit! Usually I fail miserably- and I laugh my heart out--- and it just gives Dante that nudge he needs for his smart remarks! (but seriously, they are pretty funny... and make sense if you think about it- I'm sure I look like the crazy one to HIM)

I know this is my punishment for laughing at all of my cousins when they used to make smart remarks to their mom... for instance... My cousin Arnie... was told by his mom one day to "watch his mouth" to which he so quickly replied (while trying to actually "look" at his mouth) "But I can't see it" I was ON the floor with that one... but I was also like 8.

20 years later, Dante was being a little dawdler before school and taking his SWWEEEETTTT time to put his shoes and socks on, when I came in 20 min. later... and was like,

"Dante, honey, (I always say honey to soften the blow) you are driving me up a wall!"

To which his quick reply was "Oh, so you are UP there??" (as he points "up" the wall)

Where did THAT come from?? It makes sense, because it makes me look stupid for saying something, that literally can't happen-- and it was hilarious! And I laughed and he just smiled and smiled and was SO proud of himself... AND so was his dad, when I told him what happened:)

Oh, the things that kid comes up with!

What would you have done??

And NO smart remarks please;)

ps. a BIG thankyou to ALL of you who helped vote for my lazy fitness tip(especially Joyce and Melynda who let me know)... I WON the tote bag, and I can't wait to get it!

Need your help!!:)

2009-03-06T16:43:00.003-06:00

Since all of you absolutely LOVE me... I have a favor to ask of you!

I submitted a "lazy fitness" tip to Lazy Moms and it has been chosen as one of the top 5! They have now turned the voting over to their readers... and if you vote for me and I win... then I'll get a cute little Lazy Mom's tote bag!!

So what do you say? Go on over to: Lazy Mom's blog, and vote for me! My lazy tip is about sleeping in your gym clothes so that you can just hop right out of bed in the morning and get out the door!

No, I don't want you to read the rest, and truly pick the one you like best- I want you to CHOOSE mine! And I WILL know who you are if you don't...........

Thanks in advance- y'all are the best blogging buds ever---NOW is there anything I can do for you???

ps... you have to kind of hurry- because voting ends Sunday at noon!

I love finding NEW passions!

2009-03-03T19:51:00.004-06:00

I consider myself to be a pretty passionate and energetic person. When I decide to do something- I do it (get your mind out of the gutter!) with all my heart, mind, and soul and then I move on.... AND I have to be the best I can be at it! And you can bet I'll BE the best!;)

Right now I have 2 new passions- that I can't get enough of- and that I thought I would NEVER, EVER- and when I say NEVER EVER- I mean it- I never thought I would EVER sew, OR play racquetball! EVER!!!

First passion: Sewing!

My mom always wanted her girls to sew- and I thought it was the stupidest thing in the world-- WHY would I need to learn how to sew?? I mean, IS my hair gray? So, I never learned and then just recently I have gotten "the bug" if you will- because I realized, it is NOT just about older women sewing- but young cool moms can sew too!! (yes that means YOU!:))

The BEST part is-- I can NOW watch tv AND sew and you can't say I'm NOT being productive!! Do you LOVE it?? If that doesn't make you love it-- maybe these will.... my mom had a ton of fabric left over from a previous enrichment night, and so she gave me a little girls apron pattern... and I went to TOWN-- and I even embellished a little...

Don't believe me-- SEE for yourself:)

First we have Erin sporting her new gorgeous blue/green, flower/butterfly apron! The bow originally does not call to tie in the front-- but I think it looks cuter, so I just made the ribbon longer on the ends so it would go all the way around.

Next we have Brayden modeling the apron I made for Minnie (which she was too shy to put on) and on this one, I altered the length and width it called for AND I added a little pocket, because I had extra material!! How CUTE does he look?? (And yes- I bribed him with an OREO- do not judge!)

And as hard as I tried, Dante and Ethan did not want to be SEEN in my other two aprons. I still have a few more to make- but for now- I'm loving these!! (And YES I'm standing on the table- and YES- I'm barefoot.... but look how cute my toes look!)

Tomorrow I'm learning how to make and quilt pieces of baby blankets together!! YEAH!!

New passion #2: Racquetball( because I'm getting SO good!)

I mean... CHECK IT!!

If you get a bruise like this- that means you HUSTLE!!

I used to be ALL about tennis! I mean- I was the captain of my high school tennis team-- HEELLOOO?? (I mean, LOOK at me!) I still LOVE to play--- and I remember when I heard people rave about racquetball, and I was always like... WHATEVER! It is all about THE TENNIS! I was a tennis snob- and I was NEVER going to play racquetball... EVER!

However, Chet started to play racquetball quite frequently after we got married.. and I still wouldn't play, wouldn't play, wouldn't play, and wouldn't play!

When we moved to Texas we started to play tennis at our neighborhood courts quite regularly... and we are both pretty competitive-- and we were both at the same level, where- neither of us would ever WALE on the other- it was ALWAYS a really close game-- ALWAYS! But I got tired of the complaint of "tennis is too slow" "Bertie, you need to RUN to get the ball (once it is no longer in play)" "everything needs to be quicker paced" "bertie, Bertie, BERTIEEEE!!"

So, I gave in-- once all of his racquetball buddies moved away- and I decided I would fill the position til' he could find a new one.

And man- was I ADDICTED after game one!! It is SO fast paced- AND such a good workout! You are just all over the place.

At first I wasn't the greatest player- but I always went after the ball!! And I never quit. You can tell I'm more of an physical athlete and Chet is more of a mental athlete (as in a nerdy athlete)

The second time we played- and I was missing some shots of his... (because seriously- the ball goes all over the place, from the ceiling to the side wall to the back wall) he told me to anticipate... and I was like, "Honey- I AM ANTICIPATING... I'm in the ready position!!"

He clarified-- No, you are not anticipating-- if the ball hits this corner- then depending on what angle the ball hit that corner- will determine which axis it will spin off of- and you will know where it will hit- you are just running after the ball like you can actually catch it.. vs. doing your mathematical equations.. and being able to stand in one place, while it comes to you.

I was like WHAAAAAT?? Are you speaking English?? It is a game- there is an objective - you HIT the ball- THAT is English.

I am getting pretty darn good(I'll toot my own horn if I want to;))- we have only played maybe 8 times... and so far I have not won a game against him... because let's face it... he is a mathematical genius, and knows every racquetball equation by heart. I'm not going to lie to myself about that. He is JUST SMART! (and has been playing 8 years longer then I have)

BUT.... yesterday... I made it all the way to 11 points!! and he was SO down it wasn't even funny! And as soon as he gained the serve back.... MAN you should have seen him! He was whipping mad-- and whipping serves out like a PRO! (it was all anger power!) Needless to say- he won, and I started laughing, and was like, "Someone doesn't like to lose!" Whoo-hooo-hoo!

So, that nice little welting bruise on my knee was a victory dive. He tells me to stand in one place- and I just CAN'T! I don't get it! So, I still am all over the place, all over the floor, banging into the walls-- BUT I'm getting points off those hits now... I'm learning to place it just right, that wherever he decides to stand.. unless he is ACTUALLY moving towards that ball, he ain't gonna get it! I will show him!

Mathematics my arse!

So, I guess the saying holds true... never say never! (but didn't I just say it? (double time?) Some sayings I just don't get!

What is something that you thought you would never do or try, and once you did you LOVED it??

SOOOOOOOOOOO...........................

2009-02-27T07:01:00.005-06:00

I KNEW you would ALL be jumping at the chance to get something TOTALLY awesome from me! And when I get up to the kingdom of heaven, and HF asks me if I served my fellow man, I'm going to have to say- well.... people went running when I offered to serve! So, if I don't make it in... it is on your heads! Seriously... NO seriously! (and for people who may not know me...insert sarcasm here):)

And just a reminder- there is one spot open! TAKE IT! For Shauna and Jill, please e-mail me your addresses at: bertieranger4@gmail.com-- Jill, I think I have yours- but go ahead and e-mail it to me again:) You will be getting the BEST gifts EVER!!:)

On a 2nd note - who has been watching the Bachelor this season??

I'm one of those reality tv SNOBS-- if I don't like any of the people on their then I don't watch- if I do.... then I'll watch(which means I haven't watched The Bachelor or Bachelorette for about 5 years.) The season finale is coming up- March 2nd!... and I think it would be fun to have us ALL get together and watch it! At my house-- but first I need to know who watches it- so if the part-AY sounds fun-- or if you just want to come to my house for some chill time (after fhe of course) then LEAVE a comment and we will DO IT!

Paying IT forward!

2009-02-26T06:53:00.003-06:00

You'll find out what "it" is below!
(also...go either read the book or see the movie... they are AWESOME!)
I thought it was a true story... because how exciting would it be if it was... then Chet burst my bubble (AGAIN!) and told me it was fiction! You can bet I was all over google on THAT one too. So, I'm glad WE are making it a true story now! The wonderful world of BLOGGERS!

Pay it Forward

Here's the game. The first three people to comment on this post get a prize from me. Maybe it will be handmade, maybe it will be a treat, but you will receive a package in the mail from me very soon. (or free babysitting?) or dinner? depending on where you live... AND I also sew now... so you may get one of my rare prized sewing projects that may or may not be perfect.

But no matter what you get, you can bet it will be done with LOVE!

Now, here's the catch.

You must be willing to "Pay it Forward." You will also need to send a treat or a little something to three people who comment on your blog.

So comment away!!

PS: Cassie- that reminds me... did you ever get that power pod I sent you? Like 6 years ago? I can't remember if I sent it. (the one you won)

Star light, Star bright, First star I see tonight!

2009-02-23T12:26:00.004-06:00

The kids were jumping out on the trampoline last night when Ethan came running in... saying:

Ethan" "Mom! I saw a star... and it is the FIRST one. The only one in the sky! So I made a wish!!

Me: You did? What did you wish for (expecting to hear "I can't tell you or it won't come true" but instead)

Ethan: A Golden Punch buggy (of course!)

Me: A golden punch buggy? Why?

Ethan: Because we have never had one before and I would LOVE it!

Me: Well, alrighty then!

Something tells me-- Ethan goes to bed at night and dreams of this:

Great Friday NIGHT!!

2009-02-22T17:24:00.002-06:00

Friday night was AMAZING! We went to go see Legally Blonde the Musical and it was absolutely FANTASTIC!! It was super cute! As a tribute I have added 2 of the songs from the play and one has video clips from the show.. so check it OUT! And if it comes to your town... GO. SEE. IT!

Emily, and one of her friends, Erin, my dad, Chet and I were the ones who were lucky enough to get to go... and Emily and I can't get some of the songs out of our heads:)

OMG! OMG! YOU GUYS!!

Then after the play we headed over to the Melting Pot for desserts and they are THE BEST!!If you have not been to the Melting Pot-- you have to splurge and do that too! Totally worth it (but take some friends with you!)

Emily and Ade totally put some of those bad dippers down!

We ended up getting home around 12:20, and by the time I got back from taking the baby sitter home, it was probably 12:45... AND I had to be at the church by 8:40 for a volleyball tournament (and I thought that was bad)... but my poor babysitter had to be to her school by 6:30 for a band competition! So a big THANK YOU to her:)

ps. why is the spell checker telling me I am spelling "blonde" wrong-- it is TOTALLY spelled with an "e". Just look at the title of the musical:)

Some Good News and Some Bad News

2009-02-20T15:19:00.002-06:00

First the good news.... this morning as I was tidying up I noticed that Dante and Erin both put their shoes where they were supposed to next to our back door. It brought tears to my eyes... this doesn't happen often without a little nudge and most the time without a Dante, Dante, Dante,... Erin,Erin,Erin.... put your shoes away, put your shoes away, put your shoes away!! But for whatever reason-- (hopefully habit?) THEY DID IT!!! (without me asking!)

Now for the bad news! This brought different tears to my eyes!

Tis' the wonderful season of crane flies! I HATE crane flies! I ABHOR crane flies! To this day I will runaway from a crane fly if it starts flying in the same room as me... and usually squealing simultaneously.

I know they are "harmless" you say... but, I've had more then one dream in my lifetime that these things (along with moths) ATTACK me! and I won't kill one on purpose for the sole reasoning that the little things friends will come back and get their revenge on me! DON'T LAUGH AT ME!

Growing up in Texas I have come to learn to at least to "live" with the little buggers because they EAT mosquitoes. Yes, they eat them.

Well, until one day, their was one in my shower, and I REFUSE to shower if one is in my bathroom because what if one of its legs gets wet, and then it falls down into my hair and I accidentally wash him into my hair (and I could go on and on).. and Chet says "JUST KILL IT!" and my hasty reply of "But it eats mosquitoes, and they are the "good" kind of bug" made Chet look at me like I was a complete MORON Then he states.... they don't eat mosquitoes... look at them... do you think they could actually EAT a mosquito??

Seriously... it bummed me MORE to hear this, then it did when I learned there was no Easter Bunny. You mean, I've been "living" with these creatures for NO good reason?? Who fooled me! And how come my husband knows everything??? I did google it to be sure, because I so badly wanted to be like, "Nuh-uh! SEE!SEE!SEE!! They DO eat mosquitoes!" But no dice!

So, I'm sorry to have to burst your bubble on that one........

but let us not dwell on the negative... and remember--- Dante and Erin did put their shoes away in their proper place-- AND they put them away neatly:)

Back to blogging ALL around

2009-02-19T15:05:00.003-06:00

I'm back to my regular blogging these days, and I have also started up my 2 motivational blogs again! However, due to time--- I'm only updating them every other day vs. daily, and I'll try my best to update my family blog daily.

Today I updated my Happiness from the Inside Out blog.

Tomorrow it will be my Life: Have It Your Way blog.

So, if you were faithful readers before, I'm just letting you know that I AM BACK! (and as always accepting guest posters, if you are interested e-mail me at bertieranger4@gmail.com)

ENJOY!

I enjoy being a girl!

2009-02-18T17:56:00.004-06:00

Who else loves that song from the Flower Drum Song? Anyone? Anyone? If not, go listen to it now! It empowers me:) Oh, and how I LOVE being a girl!!! And so does my little Erin.

She got her ears pierced six weeks ago, which means I had SIX weeks of, "Mom... has it been six weeks yet?" "Mom, can I take my earrings out yet?" To which I set up a calendar for her to circle each day, so that she would KNOW how much longer she would have til she could take out her earrings and put in new ones. To which she would forget, and each week she would ask... "How many days has it been so I can circle them and has it been SIX weeks YET?" We finally settled on, You can take them out when it is Dante's birthday... she finally understood.

I remember so FONDLY how excited I was to wear dangly earrings... and hoops... and anything that wasn't just a stud (they are actually cute now, the ones they gave me were ugly) Anyways, Erin was just as giddy and excited, to get more super girly earrings! I LOVE earrings and I'm glad she does too.

How cute is her outfit, and she is wearing her hoops and showing you her "dangly butterfly" earrings.