Hopey's Ramblings!

Back to School Time - A little preparation for my favorite LP!

2011-09-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Quentin started First Grade about 2 weeks ago. He is doing great adjusting to his new teacher and class.

I think that I posted these pictures last year but the purpose for this post is to share with my POLP (Parents Of Little People) group on Facebook.

I was very nervous last year for Quentin to start Kindergarten in a "real" school outside the safe walls of his preschool, Starbright. I had made an appointment to meet with the principal and the school psychologist at the end of the school year prior to Quentin's arrival. At that meeting we went over what Quentin's needs would be for the following school year - Quentin did not attend this meeting it was simply a brain storming session.

When the teachers and principal returned to school, after summer break to prepare for the school year we once again met with them and brought Quentin along to this meeting. I also had a tape measure and 3M hooks that could be utilized if needed. The meeting took about an hour and half; we walked around the whole school and took measurements and made notes of where stools should be placed - we would return the week before school started to check to make sure that everything was ready for the first day of Kindergarten! I couldn't have been more pleased.
Quentin's teacher was very excited to have him in her class. The school did an excellent job at making the stools and had them in place for him - they were perfect They did much more than I expected, including lowering a swing on the playground for him to reach, as well as making the foot rests for his chair in the computer lab and a bathroom stool in the nurses office when he was out of his classroom at music or gym in case he needed to use the bathroom. They also had a stool at a water fountain by the gym so he could get a drink after gym like the other kids.

Fast forward an entire year to First Grade - when we went to the Back to School BBQ to meet Quentin's new teacher I was impressed when my independent son asked his teacher, "you have my stools from Mrs. Dudley?" his teacher smiled and said yes that everything would be ready for him. I was proud and sad at the same time, he is becoming aware of what his needs are for school, and asking his teacher showed this is something that he feels is completely normal for him.
We had to order a couple of extra stools since Quentin is participating in the before and after school program this year - so there were two more bathroom stools that the school ordered for him.

The new thing we had to work with this year was that Quentin didn't want the "fake" jeans (the ones with elastic waist and no zipper or snap) he wanted real jeans because as he put it "I look awesome in jeans" So I purchased jeans for the boy however I knew that they would have to be modified because he has a hard time still with the snaps and zipper - his reach is just not quite there for him to be able to do this easily.
Sadly when I looked online I couldn't find anything that would easily assist in making this daily task easy for a 6 1/2 year old.
I did find a Velcro button conversion kit, however they didn't look sturdy - so my mom helped me make our own conversion kit.

We bought one package of Velcro and sewed them over the button so he can now button
his pants himself - for the zipper I tried a couple of zipper pulls that I had made from fish line and string - but the eye of the zipper was so small (toddler size pants zippers are small) I just couldn't get the pull to be sturdy enough. I got some jewelry hooks and attached them to the zipper I clamped the loop on the zipper and it worked perfectly!

The look on Quentin's face was priceless when he was able to button and zip his pants himself! I must admit I was pretty giddy myself!!

I know that there will be more adjustments as he gets older but for now I am happy that the little things like fixing the zipper and snaps on his jeans are what makes him happy!!

Summer 2011

2011-08-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am clearly not doing well on keeping up on this blog. I can't believe that we are end of the summer already. A little update on what has been going on in the Chavez house this summer.

Quentin did the summer program at Starbright, the preschool that he attended - they have a school age program. He went on field trips to different parks 2 times a week and had swimming at a local pool every Friday. He also participated in the summer reading program and completed several book reports! I am so happy that he loves to read!

Adrianna spent the summer days with her regular day care provider - whom she loves and so do I. Adri's big accomplishment this summer is that she is officially a big girl! She is potty trained!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I can't believe that I am totally done with diapers! I am putting the money in a savings account that I would have spent on diapers each month!!!

The kids spent a month with Joe which gave me a lot of "Hope" time. I spent time in Girdwood hiking and biking at the ski resort. We took a mini road trip to Denali National Park where we had planned on hiking around the park however it was pouring down rain so we decided to head up to Fairbanks - just had lunch and decided to keep going to Chena Hot Springs. I LOVED IT!!! I have also continued on the weight watchers program and as of yesterdays weigh in I have lost a total of 34.8 pounds!!

Quentin started First Grade this week - I can't believe he is in First Grade! Adri will be 3 in two weeks, which I am also struggling with. She will be starting at Starbright on the 12th of September, which is hard for me to wrap my mind around, she was born the week after Quentin started at Starbright which seems like just yesterday .

Other than playing outside and taking bike rides when the weather was great - we are now gearing up for winter. The kids and I are all going to take ski lessons at Alyeska this winter! We are looking forward to it, can you believe that I just said I was actually looking forward to winter...but I am in we are less than 80 ish days away from opening day of ski season!!

Sleep Training Continued

2011-05-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

I made it through the first night so the second night couldn't be as bad as the first night of listening to 2 hours of ear piercing screams.

When I picked Adrianna up from day care Jessica (the best day care provider EVER) had made a chart for sleeping in her own bed - she gets a sticker for each day she sleeps in her own bed, Adri was VERY excited about this...Jessica did this all on her own, which I thought was AWESOME!!!

OK so Wednesday night's bedtime routine went much like the previous night, books, jammies and teeth brushed. Before we even made it up the stairs she was crying and clinging to my neck. I kissed her and put her in bed said good night and closed the door. Before I even made it down two steps she threw her water cup...the crying wasn't as violent and ear piercing as the first night. She was first calling for me and when I didn't respond she started to call for Quentin - after 20 minutes right before she stopped crying and fell asleep she cried out "anyone" which made me totally crack up!! After I stopped laughing I realized that she had only cried for 20 minutes which I thought was OUTSTANDING!!! Both kids were asleep by 8:45 - which meant I had a little time to myself!

Night 3 and 4 the same routine although the screams have been reduced to fussing and less than 10 minutes!!

I am feeling very successful in that I didn't cave and give in. I have had 4 nights in a row of very restful sleep in my own bed that has lasted all night!!

Next on the agenda with the girl is potty training - which she is ready for so I am hoping that this milestone also goes very quickly!

Sleep Training 2 year old aka Sleep TORTURE

2011-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Up until the last several months, both of my children have been great sleepers. In bed and sleeping by 8:30 pm - and not a peep from them until the morning. Which also means that I had a little unwind time in the evenings to get lunches packed, clothes ironed and set out for the next day or just watching a show that I have dvr'd.

Adrianna has decided that she was no longer going to be a good sleeper and that she was going to wake up in the middle of the night sometimes several times, or that she wasn't going to sleep in her bed. I at first thought this was due to the transition of sharing time with Joe and I - he has them every other weekend so I was giving her the benefit of the doubt - but now that it has been several months (4 to be exact), I want to sleep in my own bed and not on the couch or recliner with a toddler clinging to me.

Last night was the night I decided to start the sleep re-training for Miss Adrianna. I picked her up from day care and warned the provider she may be grouchy for the next couple of days as tough love night was starting - at this point I was still half thinking to myself I hope I make it I am such a whimp when it comes to letting my kids cry it out...BUT then Adri decided to tell Jessica (the most awesome child care lady EVER) how all she has to do is "jump and cry in my bed and mommy comes and gets me"
I just looked at Jessica and said "OH MY GOD, she totally has me pegged" well that was it; this was a challenge at this point - and anyone who knows me I don't go down easily when a challenge is presented.

So the time came - I purposely started the bedtime routine early as I knew that the ear piercing sounds that were to come out of the room were not going to be good and that they would last for a while -

Jammies on, teeth brushed, books read, water cup filled - kisses to Quentin and then Adri and I started upstairs, she told me all about being a big girl and sleeping in her bed all night - until we walked into the room then the crying started. I told her it was night time and that it was time to sleep. I also told her that once I left her room that I would see her in the morning and she needed to be a big girl and go to sleep. Put her in her crib and the SCREAMING promptly started, I told her I loved her and see you in the morning...the time was 7:37 pm.

Quentin and I sat on the couch and he held my hand and told me it was going to be ok - he is such a sweet kid.

I called a friend who gave me a pep talk and told me that this was necessary and that in the long run it will be good for everyone in the house. He also told me that I had to be strong and that I could make it. I played a couple games of Angry Birds...I looked at the clock and it was only 7:47 pm. TEN FRICKING MINUTES is all that had passed and I was already wanting to throw in the towel.

I set up the tent in the living room for Quentin - we watched a little TV ... after an hour of listening to the non stop calling for me and screaming the crying started to slow down surely she was tiring herself out - Quentin was done with listening to the crying at this point and said "mom can't you hear her calling you" I told him that she had to learn to sleep in her bed and that this is how she was going to learn.

Then it happened - it was quiet - I looked at the clock it was 9:28 pm she cried almost 2 hours and then gave in - I cried a little bit because I felt like the worst parent in the world that I hadn't comforted her to sleep and I could hear her on the monitor with the little whimper that all kids do after a hard cry -I went to bed myself because I didn't know what the rest of the night would be like...she slept all night not a peep from the room.

I left for work this morning before she woke up but have asked Jessica to make a BIG deal out of the fact that she slept in her bed all night like a big girl...

Hopefully tonight won't be so bad, I know there will be crying but am hoping (wishful thinking I know) that the crying doesn't last 2 hours again...

Final Weight for March

2011-04-01T10:04:00.001-07:00

I weighed in yesterday I was expecting the scale to groan. MY week has been filled with stress and I dealt with it by making not so good food choices or keeping track of my points completely. I waited in line and then it was my turn the receptionist said "how are you today" my response was "I will tell you after I see what the scale says" so I stepped on the scale and waited to hear the groan...there was no groan I actually managed to loose a pound - not the 2 pounds that I needed to lose in order to meet my goal but none the less it was a loss when I was expecting a gain. I received my 25 pound loss medal - which will go on the key chain that I receive when I hit my 10%. I will make my goal next week for crying out loud it is one pound. I am happy to report that I have purchased a smaller size in both jeans and slacks - I was told by a co-worker this past week that my pants looked awful and they did look pretty bad, they just hang there. I will post a picture next week when I have reached my goal! I continue to be excited as I proceed on this journey.

Weigh Day

2011-02-23T18:18:00.001-08:00

Wednesday's are my normal weigh in days for Weight Watchers. I was actually not confident about today's weigh in, I made OK choices this weekend, however had a girls night which included dinner and drinks with a girl friend (she is also on program).

I grabbed my card and stood in line, waiting for my turn on the dreaded scale. It was my turn I stepped up signed in and onto the scale I went. The gal who weighed me said "WOW you had a good week" I thought she was going to say I had lost a pound - but my total weight loss for the week was 4.2 pounds!!! So today I reached the 20 pound loss mark! I have 6 more pounds before hitting my 10% I will for sure hit this by my goal by the end of March

Cooking dinner has become such a chore...

2011-02-20T10:07:00.003-08:00

The past couple of months I have found myself in a food rut. I take the samething in my "food bag" everyday to work..yogurt, fruit, and salad. For dinner I also find that we are in a rut, I feel like I don't even need to make a grocery list when I go to the store.
So this weekend the kids have been with Joe and I have actually been home all weekend, which is the first time since November that I have had so much time on my own. I am not complaining, I did help my mom host a surprise baby shower for a good friend, got a pedicure and managed to sleep in.
I also decided that I am going to expand our dinner menus for the week. I made a menu (which I usually do) for each day of the week, made my grocery list accordingly for the items that I didn't have in either the freezer or the pantry. I have also gone a step farther and decided that the meals that I have planned for the week can mostly be made ahead of time or at least started and put in the freezer so that all I have to do is pull it out and heat.

So what is on the menu you may be asking...

Taco Soup - this is a crock pot meal which is so easy just open the cans of ingredients dump in the crock pot (I LOVE MY CROCK POT) I will put the canned stuff together the night before put in the fridge and the morning all I have to do is brown the hamburger add to soup mix and turn on the crock pot - when we get home from work, school and day care it will be all ready!

Sticky Chicken - another easy crock pot meal...season the whole chicken the night before and let it sit in the fridge pull out the next day put in the crock pot and let it work it's magical powers! It will be ready when we come home. I will put together a green salad and make some rice to go along with the chicken!

Chicken Tacos - using left over chicken from the night before
Spaghetti -
Lasagna -

Planning and preparing meals ahead will also make cooking dinner less of a chore.

Let

2011-02-20T10:07:00.001-08:00

on the journey once again....

2011-02-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

So I have once again embarked on the weight loss journey....I must say that I am actually having success this go round.

I am doing Weight Watchers and am enjoying the new Points Plus program - I am a little over the first small goal of 5% ... my total loss to date is 17 pounds, my next goal is to reach my 10% by the end of March.

I would like to be close to or at my goal weight by my birthday - so we will see how I progress.

The saying pictures say a million words couldn't be more true with the photo's I have attached. The first one is day 1 on the WW - not the most flattering picture but it is what I looked like.

The second picture was taken this morning wearing the same outfit (minus the glasses). I knew my clothes were starting to feel looser and somethings were looking better but I didn't realize it until I actually saw the comparison with these pictures. Talk about a motivation booster...

These pictures have been printed off and are now on my desk at work and on the bathroom mirror at home to keep me motivated.

I will update on my progress and post another picture when I hit my 10% which I am pretty close too!

Long Time no Post

2011-02-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to begin. There have been so many changes since my last post WAY back in September.

Quentin started Kindergarten in August, I had another birthday in August, Adrianna turned 2 (ALREADY) in September.

The biggest change was in October, Joe and I ended our marriage, so began the adjustment of being a single parent. Not that this is or has or will be an easy adjustment but we are moving forward.

I am still working at ASRC and love it, I can't believe I am coming up on my one year anniversary in April.

A trip that I am looking forward to in the coming year - A much anticipated trip to Disneyland, I am pretty sure I am more excited than the kids. I love Disney - and can't wait to see the wonder on thier little faces as they experience the Disney Magic!

There is so much more I need to update, but not enough time for this post. I will be better at updating now that things are starting to get back to normal, whatever that is!

Moving SUCKS

2010-09-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

So my brother has officially moved to Fairbanks, AK. I guess I should be thankful that he is still in the same state, however Fairbanks is 8 hours (in good weather) by car - so I don't see a trip in the near future since I HATE DRIVING IN THE WINTER long distances.

I am happy for him as he is moving for a fantastic job opportunity.
Ryan and I are very close and actually I feel like we have gotten closer over the past year. He was over at my house at least 3 times a week. My kids really love Uncle Ryan. It feels like I have lost my best friend.

Thank goodness for Skype!

Eye Drama - Update!

2010-09-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

I went to the eye specialist today for a check up on my "special" eye as the girls so affectionately call my eye..

This is what the doctor said "everything is quiet - I want to see you again in 3 months"
Me - well what caused this syndrome his response "I don't know"
I then asked if I could wear my contact lenses again - he said yes and walked out of the room...

First YAHOO that I get to wear my contacts, but did I seriously have to spend $200 for this fool to tell me that he doesn't know what the hell has been going on with my eye for the past 5 months?

Anyway I am a happy girl!!!

Eye Drama

2010-09-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

At the end of May I experienced something that has never happened to me before. My left eye felt like there was constant rocks in it; after a week of not being able to wear my contacts and feeling like a cyclops I decided it was time to go to the eye doctor. At that time he said that my eye was having an allergic reaction to the eye drops that I had been using since my eye felt so dry. So he gave me 2 different eye drops 1 was for the allergy and the other one was a steroid eye drop for the irritation on my retina. I was supposed to use these eye drops for 2 weeks, also during this time I was not allowed to wear my contacts..GRRR. I followed the instructions and felt like my eye was much better after the two weeks.

The middle of June my eye started having the same symptoms along with seeing a bubble in the corner of my eye which was constantly there.

I went back to the eye doctor who gave me yet another eye drop but this time I was allowed to wear my contacts..PHEW!

The beginning of July I went in for my yearly eye check up and told my doctor that I felt like I couldn't see very well out of my left eye, it was blurry, he said that it was probably from my contacts since he could tell there were very dirty. OK I bought it, I was very bad at taking them out at night and would keep them in way over the recommended 2 weeks per pair..so when he said my prescription hadn't changed and that I needed to take my lenses out every night I said Ok, and went on my merry way.

WELL the beginning of August I could no longer see out of my left eye at all it was as if I was looking through fog or a cloud constantly.

Back to the eye doctor I went; I left my office on a Friday at 11 for an 11:30 am appointment which I thought was going to be a normal appointment BOY was I wrong.

When I told my eye doctor my symptoms he had me read the chart (now remember I had been in to see him for my annual exam just 3 weeks ) when I told him that I couldn't read the chart he was concerned my vision had dropped 6 lines in 3 weeks..WTF?!?!

So he then looked at my eye and decided he needed to dilate my eye (3 times) - long story short he told me that the tissue behind my eye was ripped, and that I needed to be seen right away by the Retinal Specialist - this was at 1:30 - I obviously was not going back to work.

So I head to the Retinal specialist (which I was not impressed) who proceeded to dilate my eye another 4 times - after waiting for 3 hours to be seen I was told by the most arrogant ass of a doctor that I had what they call WHITE SPOT SYNDROME in my left eye and that it is caused by a number of things, he ordered labs and a chest x-ray and put me on heavy duty steroid eye drops every 2 hours while I was awake. I also had to go back for a follow up in one week. So I went to have my labs drawn and chest x-ray done, the results came back with nothing wrong (DUH) so at my follow up I was seen by a much nicer doctor who then told me that he wasn't sure what was going on with my eye but that it usually occurred in middle aged woman (HELLO I AM NOT MIDDLE AGED) when I told him this he looks at my chart and then says "close enough" WTF?! So he cut my steroid eye drop use down to 4 times a day...and come back in a week....GRRRR

2 weeks ago I went for the follow up and saw the 3rd much older doctor in the practice who said that the irritation on my retina had improved but the white spots on the back of my eye were still there and that they still needed to figure out the cause. The good news is that the vision in my left eye is improving..he cut the steroids back to 2 times a day and come back in 3 weeks!

Tuesday was my birthday the one that I turned middle aged (NOT REALLY) I got out of the shower dried off and felt like I was standing in a pool of blood my vein was bleeding AGAIN exactly like what happened here http://hopeysramblings.blogspot.com/2009/07/near-death-experience-at-least-emts.html the only difference was no cute EMT's this time...BOO!
Since this was the second time this happened and it was caused from the towel going over the vein I decided it was time to have it looked at; so this past Friday I went into the doctor and she took a look, the first thing she said was "I have never seen a vein spontaneously bleed like that" so she wanted to cut it out and send to the pathology to see what was going on.....on my medication list I put down the steroid eye drops she asked why I was taking them I gave her the short version of the story and told her that they didn't know what was causing it but they thought it was an inflammation somewhere in my body..she immediately said that there could be a inflammation in my vein and that since veins and eyes are two huge sources of blood flow that they could be linked.
She cut my vein and stitched it up and I go back on Thursday to have the stitches out find out what the pathology report says.
SO while I do think that it is very ODD that a varicose vein on my right ankle could cause my left eye to have an issue it is just proof that our bodies are mysterious and that you never know what is going on in there.

First Day of Kindergarten!

2010-08-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

I am such a blog slacker. I have had A LOT on my plate the past few months, that is a whole post in it's own coming later....
Today was a milestone for Quentin; his first day of Kindergarten.
First let me say I was nervous for today, for so many reasons beyond the fact that today he became an official member of the Class of 2023.....WOW!!
Our Journey to this epic first day began last spring when we met with the school principal to go over what Quentin's needs would be, so he would be just like ALL the other kids! I was impressed during our meetings and was excited to see the stools and modifications that we and the school suggested to help make our guy successful and feel welcome!
Last week we met Ms. Dudley who will be shaping our little scholars mind in the next few months! This was also our opportunity to see the stools and steps they had made for Quentin. I was beyond excited and pleased with the quality and love that went into making these items. They completely exceeded my expectations!
They made a foot rest that attaches to his chair for the classroom, computer lab and lunch room, stools for the sinks and toilets, and a step so that he can reach the Smart Board during his turn for board work. They are also lowering a swing on the playground for him!
So the big day was today!This morning I was anxious and had a stomach ache; Quentin on the other hand was cheerful and ready for school! We walked to school and he was at least 5 steps ahead of us, telling us to hurry up the whole time...we got to school and because some parents lingered too long last year parents were not allowed to take the Kinders to their classrooms - which was where I thought I would lose it...I held it together as he lined up with his class and after the bell rang waved to me and said see ya later.
At 3:30 we picked him up and he was so excited and talking a non-stop about his day!
I have to laugh because at breakfast we were talking about homework, when we got home he asked if it was time to do his homework. I said you don't have any tonight, he started crying...I will remind him of this when the complaints about doing homework begin!
Other than that he had a great day and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!!
Sent from my BlackBerry®

T Ball

2010-06-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

This summer Quentin decided he wanted to play T-ball! I thought this would be perfect for him to run off some energy in the evenings.
He is having so much fun and I am really enjoying watching him!
I forget however the size difference in my 5 1/2 year old compared to his peers, until he is around them. In true Quentin fashion he has gained the respect from all his peers, and one child on his team even "stuck" up for Quentin when another team's player was picking on him....pretty cool for 5 year olds!!!
Enjoy the pictures and I hope that everyone is having a good summer so far!
Sent from my BlackBerry®

APRIL FOOLS...

2010-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was April Fools..I remember as a little girl my grandmother would do little jokes and make the day fun! I thought this year I would also try to pull a prank on my family!

I sent out invitations for the First Annual Wacky Dinner...I invited my brother and his girlfriend and my mom. The invites went out a week in a half before the dinner and boy did I get a bunch of questions from the family what are we having for dinner....my response was "it is a surprise" I added an evil sounding laugh.

When everyone arrived I had Menu cards on the table in the spots.

The first course was a garden salad with wild greens, mandarin oranges and crispy sweet peas (nothing wacky about this)

The second course was Cupcakes...as soon as I put the cake plate with the cupcakes on the table Adrianna was pointing and saying cup cakes...she was very excited...Quentin was the first one to have a cupcake he choose one with green frosting...he tasted the frosting and said it was "play doh" I said no it wasn't...then Adri had a one with pink frosting....Jasmine and my mom were next....my mom's first reaction was "Hope Diane, why on earth would you serve play doh" I was cracking up by this time, no one realized that the cupcake was meatloaf with mashed potato frosting.....when I told them it was not play doh and to try the cupcake an up roar of laughter came from the dining room when they realized I had tricked them!!! I yelled APRIL FOOLS!!!

Honestly I can't believe I pulled it off...like they couldn't smell the meatloaf when they walked in the house..LMAO!

For Dessert I served Fish Sticks with BBQ sauce and Peas - obviously after the cupcake course they were onto my prank nonetheless I still proceeded and served my Fish Sticks. The sticks were made using sugar wafers, peanut butter and cornflakes..the peas were made using taffy (they were hard a rock by the time it was time to eat them) the BBQ sauce was seedless strawberry jam warmed in the microwave!

I have already decided that I am going to take the day off next year so that I can prepare another wacky dinner and have some fun games to go along with the dinner.

Did anyone else do a wacky dinner or pull pranks?

It's been awhile..I KNOW I KNOW...

2010-04-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

OK so I am not doing well on my resolution for 2010 of blogging more....

I do have some exciting news to share with everyone. Tomorrow I will be closing the chapter in my life titled NEA-Alaska Health Plan - it is my last day of employment for the plan. I actually started looking for a new job in December after a situation occured that I did not agree with the way it was handled. I also decided that I wanted to be in a place that had a chance for advancement. I found the perfect position sent in my resume and they called me the very next day - when they contacted me they told me the position was temporary with the possibility of becoming permanent. I had to decline because I need to have full time permanent employment as I have two young children.
They seemed disappointed as was I, however they did ask if they could keep my resume and call me if they had something else come up. I said that would be fine, and in the back of my mind was thinking that I would not hear from them.
I was getting discouraged during this time because looking for a job sucks - even though I had a job I submitted my resume to several companies and no hits. I was beginning to think that I would be at NEA for the rest of my life.
Then it happened, it was the end of February when my phone rang, when I answered it was the company that I had applied with in December (I WAS TURNING INSIDE OUT) they now had added a full time position which was the same title that I applied for, was I still interested? YES!!!
So began the process of being a candidate for this position!!
I met them during a lunch meeting to go over the position and job duties....then came the background check...this was about a 2 week process...those of you who know me know that I am NOT PATIENT or good at WAITING....it was driving me nuts.
In the meantime I had a training that NEA was sending me to in San Jose California, I had a great time but in the back of my mind was thinking about the other job, and if they were going to call.
I didn't need to wait much longer when I returned home the call that I had been waiting came...I was offered the job!!!! Monday I will start in my new position as a Benefits Specialist at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), a native corporation.

There are more changes to come for my family in 2010 - as they happen I will share with my blogging family.

Choose & Cruise Sweepstakes

2010-03-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Choose & Cruise Sweepstakes: "UR chance 2 Choose & Win a Disney Cruise vacation for 4 at http://bit.ly/9ngT81 - NO PURCHASE/PAYMENT NEEDED. Register today!"

2010-03-04T15:04:00.001-08:00

Contest details

What do you think?

2010-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

I love easy, quick, healthy, family and budget friendly recipes to make for my family. I usually menu out the whole month and then do one HUGE trip to Sam's Club for the meat and stuff that can go in the pantry then get the fresh stuff twice a month as needed for meals.

I also enjoy trying new things as I find that we get in a rut with making the samethings...anyone else have this issue?

SO I have shared quite a few recipes on Facebook and through emails with various friends, I was thinking about putting them together as a cookbook. So let me know what you think if you would be interested in sharing recipes and then having a book with them all together?

When I was pregnant with Adrianna I was on a babycenter group of other women who were all due at the sametime and we exchanged recipes - I have a lot of keepers from that exchange...

OK let me know...sounds like a fun project to take on!!

Talk to you all soon!

OH email me your recipes if you want..I will start compiling and see what we come up with!!!

hopechavez76@gmail.com

MOTHER OF YEAR - RIGHT HERE!

2010-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ok so it is only the 15th day of 2010 but I am pretty sure that I have clinched the title in the running for Mother of the Year: (NOT)

RING (the phone ringing)
caller id says STARBRIGHT (Quentin's School)

Hope: "NEA Health Plan"
Missy: "Hope?"
Hope: "Yes"
Missy: "It's Missy from Starbright, I have to tell you because you don't know and this is the second day in a row."
My thoughts were holy crap what has Quentin done? she continues:
"The bread that you have made his sandwiches on the past two days is MOLDY"

Hope: red face and speechless "OMG - I am so embarrassed, I had no idea."
Missy: "not a big deal but I wanted to call you so you could throw that bread away.. and don't worry I am making him a new sandwich"

I just don't even know how I am going to show my face when I pick him up today......YIKES!

A Little Piece of Holland....

2010-01-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Holland - By Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go.

Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that

Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Thought this was beautiful and really describes how I felt when we learned that Quentin was going to be a LP. Before I actually met my "Holland" however the moment my eyes met with his I knew GOD had made the right "flight change" and I would enjoy "Holland" for the rest of my life and not look back at what "Italy" could have offered.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

I can't beleive that it has taken me this long to post the Christmas pictures - here they are!

We had a great Christmas this year. Christmas Eve we spent at my mom's house she made an excellent dinner of turkey, ham and all the fixings. After dinner we played the game Apples to Apples which was super fun! We opened our traditional gifts from my mom, every year since I can remember she has given us an ornament that we open on Christmas Eve, then it was time for cookies and we watched a little bit of "A Christmas Story" my brother's favorite movie.

When we got home it was time to leave the cookies and milk for Santa, Quentin fell asleep in the car on the way home so I just put out the milk and cookie for Santa - Sorry Rudolph no carrot this year.

I had the joy of putting together a Kitchen for Adri from Santa since he doesn't wrap his gifts when he comes to our house - it was a must to put the kitchen together. I realized after looking at the pictures that I didn't get any of the damn kitchen....LORD.

I (I mean Santa) filled the stockings and to bed I went around 1 AM, I knew it would be a short sleep I was sure that Quentin would be up EARLY....

Quentin woke up at 7:30 not too bad, and thank goodness not much later as my mom and Ryan and Jasmine were coming over at 8 am for presents and breakfast.

Quentin went through his stocking as I made some much needed coffee....he got some art supplies and a few pairs of Batman socks in his stocking. The Batman socks were a must as he only told Jingles our Elf on the Shelf (like he was testing the poor little elf) thank goodness I overheard him make this request - PHEW!

Quentin had asked for only one thing from Santa and that was a DS - I (I mean Santa) had placed the DS and a couple games on a side table away from the stockings, it took him a few minutes to locate the gift but he was so surprised when he did....I love his face!

I thought it was interesting that Quentin didn't seem to notice the cookies and milk that we had left for Santa, although when Adri woke up at 8 she went through her stocking which contained a FOO FA (from YO Gabba Gabba) doll and some bath toys and a toothbrush, she went right over to the plate where the left over cookie was and had a little before breakfast snack....it should also be mentioned that she didn't even notice her new kitchen....SHEESH!

The kids recevied many nice gifts from friends and family - I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends who remember my kids!

After the presents were opened breakfast was ready so we ate and then it was time to "find the pickle" (DIRTY MINDS remember this is a family blog) so we play as a whole family, usually I am the one who hides the pickle and then everyone looks for it, the first one to find the pickle gets an extra gift - usually a gift card with a $20 value! Ryan, my brother suggested that he handle the pickle this year he was in charge of getting the gift card and hiding the ornament, so that I could particpate this year....GUESS what I WON!!!! You can see how happy I was, even more the gift card was for Target!
(not sure why this picture is so little - I need to replace maybe - maybe not then you can't fully see my bed head!)

The most surprising gift was for the whole family and from my mom - she got us a Wii! This was such a surprise as I had made a deal with my mom that she should not get us a Christmas gift, that we didn't need anything and Christmas is about the kids....well she did not listen....we have needless to say already had so much fun with the Wii!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and were surrounded by loved ones!

I think that I am hooked -

2010-01-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend Kate I am hooked on this lady!! I went to Barnes and Noble and looked through the whole Cookbook section, and of course they were sold out....BOO!
I ordered a copy of her cookbook and am waiting each day with bated breathe for my phone to ring to alert me that my cookbook has arrived.

I am totally enjoying the website and although I haven't used one of the recipes yet I can already tell that I have gained a couple pounds....LOL!!

I will keep you all posted - thank goodness!

English Muffin pizza IMG00543.jpg

2010-01-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

This has got to be the easiest way to make pizza...
Quentin loves pizza and would eat it everyday if I let him. He also likes to "help" which can get messy...
We had a movie night a few weeks ago and I made English Muffin Pizzas.....perfect size for little ones and affordable to make.
Take an English muffin cut in half put a spoon of sauce then cheese and your favorite topping, put in the oven for about 10 minutes at 450 degrees....
Was thinking that this would be a quick and easy idea for those times when Quentin has a friend over for dinner...the kids would have fun and there would be little cleanup for the mama!
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2009 - Year in Review

2010-01-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

With 2009 gone and a new year upon us I thought I would recap what happened with the Chavez Family in 2009.

January: I went back to work after being on maternity for leave for 16 week; Quentin was the Star of the Week at School...

February: Joe and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary; Quentin started to pick out his own clothes (I still struggle with this as it is interesting sometimes)

March: Adrianna turned 6 months

April: Adri sat up for the first time by herself; Quentin participated in Spirit week at School

May: Anchorage had record breaking heat for the start of what would be a FANTASTIC summer! Adri started her army crawl - she was on the move!

June: A quick trip to Seattle to see friends and "The Wiggles"

July: Nothing spectacular -

August: I turned 33

September: Adrianna turned 1!! Quentin moved to the FISH room at school; I took a quick trip to catch up with old friends to Las Vegas!

October: Halloween Quentin was a guitar (my favorite costume ever) and Adrianna was a lady bug.

November: I added some artwork to my "collection" in the form of a tattoo on my left foot!

December: Quentin turned 5 (seriously where has the time gone)

I don't know what 2010 holds for our family but I am sure that it will be full of adventures and more new beginnings for some!

I also have a couple of resolutions for 2010:

1) Get into better shape
2) Blog more
3) Do better at "self care" you know take time for myself
4) Take more / better pictures!

Happy New Year!

I got a snuggie! IMG00515.jpg

2009-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

We had a very nice Christmas! I will post pictures and a proper blog next week, but wanted to share one of my favorite gifts....my BFF Amy sent me a Designer print Snuggie....as you can see I was thrilled!!!
However why the hell did I not think of this?!

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Happy Birthday, Quentin

2009-12-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

5 years ago on December 6, 2004 at 2:10 pm at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska Quentin Armando Chavez arrived weighing in at 9 lbs 1 oz 19 inches tall.
The first year was not typical as we struggled with getting a handle on his allergies, but still through weekly doctor visits and painful eczema all over his body he was the most cheerful baby!
Dealing with 4 sets of ear tubes before the age of 4 was also stressful, however allergies and ear tubes are easier to deal with, than the other potential symptoms that can come along with dwarfism.
Everyday has been an adventure with our little guy but I wouldn't change the last 5 years for anything!
The time has flown by, I am blessed to have a healthly boy.
Happy Birthday Quentin, you are such a special boy and a joy to everyone who has had the pleasure to meet you, so far!!

I love you!
Sent from my BlackBerry®

IMG00488.jpg

2009-12-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am still laughing....since it is Friday and Quentin's birthday weekend, tonight I decided to do anything he wanted for dinner.
He decided on English Muffin Pizza (I am not going to make any other kind from now on). So we did the pizzas they were delicious! Then I had purchased "fun doe" cookie dough from the school fundraiser Quentin has been wanting to make cookies since we brought the stuff home.....so we made them.
First the dough comes in containers that resemble play doh, I cut a hunk off each color and we created....
The picture cracks me up because the doe really plumped when it baked.....

Green blob was a Christmas tree by Quentin

The red snowman
Yellow with red happy face (Quentin made this one)
The red and blue blob on top was a candy cane - I made that one....lol

They don't look that great but they tasted good....next time I will remember to make thinner.....
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I got inked

2009-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I got my 3rd and final tattoo!!!
I have been wanting this particular piece for almost 5 years now, so to finally have it is just wonderful!

I had my kids baby foot prints (the ones from the hospital printed the day they were born) tattooed on top of my foot.

As many know I have a freakishly high pain tolerance, so the fact that a "normal" person would think that a tattoo on the top of your foot would hurt was not the case for me. If I had to describe the feeling I would say it felt like someone poking my foot with a needle for 40 minutes, seriously once the artist was done my foot felt tingly like it had been sunburned!
I think the artist was surprised too, the part that was most annoying was when the dates were done, for outlining or writing they use less needles than the shading. The artist kept saying are you ok?
I was texting my bff Amy and posting on facebook what was happening...when it was done the artist said ok and I said "WoW that was fast"
I was pleased with the way that it turned out just as I had imagined it. The other nice thing is that they are the exact size, the artist did not have to shrink down in order to fit on my foot....
I was especially happy that the detail was so clear on the tattoo, as I look at my foot compared to the actual prints they match perfectly as if the prints were originally stamped on my foot!
I had the kids birthdays added beneath each print!

As with the sun that is on my right foot (that was done years ago)my new ink is completely original and no one else will have the same one....

What do you think?
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Halloween

2009-10-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I took the kids to the scrapbook store where I crop for a "Spooktacular" Photo shoot.

The pictures turned out so cute.

This week is full of Halloween fun....Thursday will be a party at my mom's office and Friday is Quentin's school party - Saturday of course is the BIG day....Hope you have a Ghoulish time!!

I AM BACK....

2009-10-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have so been slacking in the blog department – so much has happened since our mini vacation to Washington in July to see our friends the Wiggles. Quentin is still talking about that trip, I am so glad that we did that!

Quentin got a new bike this summer and rode it almost every day!

So what has been happening in the Chavez house you may be asking yourselves….

I have been trying to teach Adrianna how to vaccuum to earn her keep!

In August I had another birthday (nothing spectacular) I turned 33 and found my first 2 gray hairs…LORD I was devastated but have since gotten over it with a little highlight and new cut from my stylist Kirsten.

The weather this summer was SPECTACULAR we spent a few weekends at the Market downtown - Quentin did a little painting....

In September Quentin moved to the FISH room in preschool and what a difference – we had some MAJOR issues with his teacher last year she refused to make adjustments for Quentin and expected him to do everything just like every other “average” 3 and 4 year old in his class, well for OBVIOUS reasons that just didn’t work out. Within a week of being a FISH they had modified a stool so that he can use the bathroom and reach the sink – they have also modified recipes during “cooking class” so that Quentin can participate. His teachers Missy and Jenna are such a blessing!!

In September Adrianna also turned 1 – I started a letter to her but then just got too weepy so I didn’t finish it and obviously never posted it. She is such a joy – I can’t imagine life without her. She is such a different baby than Quentin was – still I am not complaining because I know that every child is different and she is a GOOD baby – as my mom says she is “NORMAL” Quentin was “ABNORMAL” in the fact that he never got into ANYTHING – I turn around for a half a second and Adri already has something torn up or is getting into something. Joe still stays home with her and she is giving him a run for his money – I love it! She is starting to try and repeat words and has been walking unassisted since mid August!

Also in September I escaped to Las Vegas for a girls weekend! I met up with some long lost girl friends on FACEBOOK of all places and we planned the first of many girls getaways! I know that I was truly blessed and made lifelong friends at St. Martin’s but it was proven to me once again as I met up with Amy and Judy who I have not seen since I left SMC in 1997 – the moment we saw each other after we were done SCREAMING with delight we hugged and then it was as if we had just seen one another the day before!

Now as we are gearing up for Winter (I HATE SNOW AND WINTER) I have set my goals to have my Christmas shopping completed by Thanksgiving – I have already started so I may just make my goal.

Halloween is the big topic at the house right now – Quentin will have two costumes – the costume he will wear to school and for the school party is Captain Feathersword (from the Wiggles) and then for the party at my mom’s work, trick or treating and the family party he will be a Guitar – YES I WILL POST PICTURES!
Adrianna will be a lady bug – she loves her costume – although it cracked me up because Joe totally started laughing when I tried it on her – she was strutting (yes at 1) around the house and then when he was laughing she started crying – he must have hurt her feelings.
I have appliquéd (Baker aren’t you proud?) Trick or Treat on an orange tee shirt and purchased a ghost headband that will be my Halloween costume.

We will be getting our condo ready to put on the market and hope to god someone will purchase it quickly so that we can get into a house – we are running out of room as our family grows!
Hope that you are all doing well.
I promise to be better at keeping up with the blog again…sometimes life gets in the way although that is what the blog is for right.

Love to you all!!!

Recipe Time

2009-09-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

If you have a hard time finding new ideas for dinner that are balanced, affordable and tasty then you have to try this recipe. I made it last night for dinner and it was a hit with my family! I was able to sneak in veggies that Quentin usually does not like and even TOFU which my brother had no idea he was eating!

Cheesy Stuffed Shells (from Melissa d'Arabian on Food Network) check out her show it is pretty good!!!

Sauce:

Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons EVOO
1/2 c grated carrot
1/2 c grated zucchini
1 small finely chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
3 cloves minced garlic (I OMITTED THIS BECAUSE OF QUENITN'S ALLERGY)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

Shells:

1 12-ounce box jumbo pasta shells
8 ounces silken tofu, mashed
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, minced (AGAIN WE OMITTED)
kosher salt and ground pepper
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil to cook your shells. Make the sauce; heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add carrot, zucchini, onion and celery saute until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the basil, oregano, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare the shells: Add to boiling water and cook for 8 minutes; drain. Mix tofu, spinach, cottage cheese, parmesan and 1/2 c. mozzarella. the egg and garlic in medium bowl, season with salt and pepper.

Mist a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray - spread about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Stuff the cheese mixture into the shells and place in baking dish open-side up. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remainin mozzarella and bake for additional 15 minutes. Let stand and cool slightly before serving.

I prepared mine the night before we actually ate it and put in fridge it was DELICOUS!!

Let me know what you think if you try it!!

IMG00366.jpg

2009-08-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Today I ventured to the Orowheat Thrift store, I had heard that they have discounted bread and other items.
I was pleased to see that they had a good selection, Saturdays are the sale days on the already discounted products because they are closed on Sunday and Monday.
I purchased the following items:
2 loaves of Kirkland Whole Wheat Bread (the same bread at Costco for $4.50)thrift store price $2
1 loaf of Cinnabon cinnamon raisen bread ($3.89 at Freds) thrift store $1.50
1 package of hot dog buns ($3.29) thrift store $1.50
1 bag of Sara Lee mini bagels ($3.89) thrift store $1.50
1 package of English muffins ($3) thrift store $1.50
1 box of Arrowroot baby cookies and 1 box of Cars graham crackers thrift store price for both $2
Grand Total $10!!!!!!
I also went to Fred Meyers today with the coupons that I printed from the online site and combined with in store coupons had a total of $21 to make my total bill after coupons $97......so to feed my family of 4 for the next two weeks it cost me $107!!!!!!
I LOVE COUPONS!!!!!! You know I had to take a picture of the items I purchased at the bread thrift store!
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Coupons on your MOBILE phone....

2009-07-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I love coupons and drive my husband crazy with my clipping on Sunday mornings - I have discovered a few websites that I print from as well - I know that Joe just doesn't like to admit but he loves that I use coupons too especially when he sees the savings amount when I return from a trip to the grocery store and the amount of food that was purchased for the small amount of money.

In Alaska I have to be a bit more savvy or sneaky when using my coupons, as our stores do not do doubling - however I have become quite good at my own version of doubling using store coupons along with manufacturers coupon. Did you know that you can also use those coupons that Fred Meyer prints out for you at any retailer? I almost always use my formula coupons that I get from Fred Meyer or Carrs (Safeway) at Target as Target has the best price on formula and with a coupon it is even better!!!

You can imagine my DELIGHT when I discovered the site Cellfire which is coupon site that you can access from your mobile phone (Iphone, Blackberry etc) I mean HELLO - there have been a few occasions when I have forgotten a coupon at home, well I never (RARELY) forget my cell phone. The way it works is that you can load the coupons onto your mobile phone and then pull them up at the check out and the cashier enters the coupon code from your phone.......COOOOLLLLL!!!!! I loaded some coupons and am going to try it this weekend, the key will be to find a very FRIENDLY cashier who will not be bothered by my techno coupons!!!

The other thing super neat about the cellfire website is that you can load coupons right onto your club card from the store website. Carrs/Safeway for us Alaska folks - I registered my card number and have loaded in coupons on my club card so when I go to the store this weekend I will not have to worry about forgetting my coupons they are already loaded in!! The site gives you the option to print a grocery list which has your coupons on the list so you don't forget what you loaded on your card.

I am just so excited to go to the grocery store this weekend!! I will report back on the virtual coupons experience!!

Happy Clipping everyone!!!

Wiggly Adventure

2009-07-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive that this is my first post in a couple weeks, I have a lot to write but I guess just not the time.

As stated in a previous post the kids, my mom and I were heading down to Washington for a mini vacation to see friends but the main reason was to see The Wiggles Go Banana's show which was in Everett Washington on July 17, 2009. We flew down on Thursday the day before so that we could get adjusted and be ready for the show on Friday. Remember also that Quentin did not know we were going to see the Wiggles.

We arrived in Washington had a great flight down, issues with the rental car (a whole seperate blog) and then we had lunch at Red Robin at Southcenter I could not stand it anymore I had to tell Quentin - I told him that we were going to the show on Friday - I guess I was more excited or he didn't understand what I was saying because his response was "OH" and continued to eat his hot dog....I was crushed.

After lunch we went to Target to get some supplies for the hotel and the weekend, food for Adri, sun screen and snacks for the hotel! Then it was off to Everett.

We arrived at the hotel in Everett around 4 O'Clock as we drove into the parking lot of the hotel I noticed 3 very large tour buses parked along the side of the hotel in the back. I just looked at my mom and said "I bet the Wiggles are staying here" her response was a slight laugh along with "I am sure we won't see them if they are"

We checked into the hotel and got to our room. Quentin wanted to go swimming so we all changed into to our swim suits mom and I blew up some floaties for the kids and then off to the pool that we went. We swam for over an hour, the kids both loved the pool. I was surprised that Adri loved the pool she had a floatey that she was able to sit in and she just kicked herself all over the pool.

When we were done swimming it was time to get back to the room and think about dinner, Quentin wanted pizza which sounded good to everyone.

After we all got back into dry clothes I decided to run down to the car to get the rest of the stuff that I had left earlier. Quentin of course wanted to come with me. No problem we waited for the elevator when the doors opened there was a girl in the elevator. We stepped on and Quentin noticed she had a Wiggles Logo on her shirt, I recognized her as being Claire one of the Wiggles dancers. She smiled and talked to Quentin, I asked if they were staying at the hotel, she said yes they had arrived on Wednesday. She asked if we were going to the show and I told her yes that we had flown down from Alaska to see the show, she was very surprised.

The elevator arrived in the lobby and we got off, sitting in the chairs directly in front of the elevator was ANTHONY (he is the blue wiggle) I couldn't beleive it (side note - remember we had just gotten out of the pool - I LOOKED FRIGHTFUL! LORD!!!) Quentin was busy still talking to Claire who was walking towards Anthony, once Quentin saw him he recognized him right away (even out of costume) I wish that I had my camera with me because the look on Quentin's face was one that I will never forget! He talked to Anthony for a few minutes and then we went to the car - on the way back in Anthony and his friends were getting into the hotel shuttle - Quentin all the while saying "hey Anthony! See you later" Anthony told him he would see him tomorrow at the show, Quentin then told him that he liked his tattoos (He has tattoos on his arms, and is VERY GOOD LOOKING! I MEAN REALLY GOOD LOOKING AND THAT ACCENT).

We got back to the room and Quentin could not wait to tell Grandma who we had just seen! My mom could not beleive how lucky Quentin was, although it was so cute becasue she asked if Captain Feathersword was with Anthony, remember that is her favorite character.......

Friday morning we got up and went to breakfast, we slept in a little bit so Quentin was in his jammies and mom and I threw on clothes ran combs through our hair and downstairs we went. After breakfast mom was getting the shuttle arranged for the show - Quentin and I were looking at the fountain in the lobby, behind my mom was Katarina, one of the Wiggles dancers that Quentin and I had met the night before she was with Carl (CUUUUTTTTEEEEEEEEEEE) she said good morning and I responded and asked if they were ready for the show, she said yes and asked if we were going today, I said yes the 3 o'clock show. Katarina then asked if we were going to the meet and greet, I said "no we were not invited to that" Carl chimes in and says "Quentin has to come to the meet and greet. Give me your phone number and name and I will have the tour manager ring you" HOLY COW! This type of thing never happens to me, Joe all the time but me never!

So we get back to the room and I jump in the shower - when I get out of the shower my mom is singing "we are going to meet the wiggles" I said "what?" the tour manager called on behalf of Anthony and wanted to invite Quentin to the meet and greet! YAY!!! He was going to get to meet all of them! Our leasurily morning turned into rushing as we had to get ready for the meet and greet which was at 1:30!

We arrived at the meet and greet and it was wonderful! Quentin got to meet all the Wiggles, my mom got to meet her beloved Captian Feathersword and then we watched the show, it was the beginning of a wonderful weekend! Quentin cracked everyone up when he asked Murray (the red wiggle) if he liked ZZ Top, Murray responded with yes they are a good band, then Murray wanted to know what Quentin's favorite ZZ Top song was, the smile on Murray's face was great, Quentin said "LAGRANGE, Murray you like La Grange?"

You will notice from the pictures that Anthony was not there, he had a sore throat and wanted to rest up for the concert, I am sure glad that we met him at the hotel.

Murray (red) Jeff (purple) Capt. Feathersword (pirate) Sam (yellow) Mom, Adri, Quentin and me. Adri is less than impressed at the meet and greet.

The Wiggles yes a silly bunch of guys entertaining pre-schoolers are such a class act, the show was fantastic, I actually really enjoyed it!

Jeff, Captain Feathersword, Sam watching as Quentin is asking Murray his very important question!

I love the look on Quentin's face when Murray asked him what his favorite ZZ top song was.....

Near Death Experience - At least the EMT's were cute!

2009-07-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Friday July 3 was not an ordinary day at our house, I had the day off from work becasue of the holiday the next day, I got up and went to Weight Watchers then to Starbucks with my friend and fellow WWer Emily.

Went home and decided that I would clean the house so that I could get it done and play the rest of the weekend!

Nothing unusual about this, I cleaned the downstairs did a couple loads of laundry and made breakfast - as I was getting ready to clean the downstairs bathroom and then make lunch for the kids I took a little break and sat on the couch for a minute, Joe had on Cake Boss so I took my break and watched a little bit. My right ankle was itching so I reached down to scratch it and all of a sudden my leg was bleeding, I am not talking a little blood I am talking spraying blood, like when you put a pin hole in a water balloon and there is the constant spray - THAT IS WHAT MY ANKLE WAS DOING!!

So I put my hand over the spray and told Joe, "get me something I need help" he looks over and FREAKS OUT, I mean FREAKS OUT....he runs to the kitchen to grab a towel and starts looking for the "cleaning rags" in the meantime my hand is not able to catch the streams of blood and there is now a puddle of blood on my carpet *few choice words from me about the carpet* and telling Joe to just bring me something.....he brought me a dishtowel - I apply pressure on the area it is still spraying it is now soaking through the dishtowel - I tell him I need another one, in the meantime Joe still FREAKING out grabs me another towel and then starts running from the living room to the kitchen (with his cell phone in his hand) saying "OH MY GOD, BABE ARE YOU ALRIGHT, OH MY GOD, WHERE IS THE PHONE" he did about 4 good laps before I said "Joe the phone is on the counter in the kitchen (where it always is) and you have your cell phone in your hand" He said "OH" and then grabs the phone and calls my mom - "TERRY YOUR DAUGHTER IS BLEEDING I MEAN REALLY BAD, WHAT SHOULD I DO, TERRY SHE IS REALLY BLEEDING....OK YES, OK YES, BYE"

He then says "I AM CALLING 911" I looked at him and said OK, meanwhile I am onto my 3rd dishtowel and have to go to the bathroom - I hop into the bathroom where I take the towel off the spray and not such a good idea - my bathroom looked like a crime scene - puddles of blood on the floor - which I was fine with since it wasn't my carpet.

Joe is on the phone with 911 the man is still FREAKING OUT...I am calm as can be -
"911 IS NOT ANSWERING WHAT THE HELL?" "YES HELLO - MY WIFE SHE IS BLEEDING AND IT WON'T STOP, OK HER NAME IS HOPE UM HOLD ON" he comes over to me I am looking at him "HOPE ARE YOU CONCIOUS?" which makes me CRACK UP! Joe to operator "YES SHE IS CONCIOUS - UM HOPE YOU DON'T TAKE BLOOD THINNERS DO YOU?"
me to Joe, "NO" this is through my laughing.
Joe to operator "OK YES, GIVES OUR PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS - YES, OK YES, OK THANK YOU" he hangs up and tells me that the EMTs are on the way my thought is YES I hope they are cute!!! He then calls my mom "TERRY THE EMTS ARE ON THE WAY - YOU SHOULD COME OVER IN CASE THEY HAVE TO TAKE HER TO THE HOSPITAL"
Then I take off the towel to assess the situation Joe immediatley tells me "DON'T LOOK AT IT - THEY SAID NOT TO LOOK AT IT'
Whatever - I looked still gushing......
The EMTs arrive about 10 minutes after Joe hung up - AND THEY WERE CCCUUUUTTTEEE!!! YAHOOOOO!!!!

There were 2 of them the REALLY cute one immediatley starts talking to Quentin and Adri the other one who was not as cute as the one talking to my kids, comes over to me, "what did you do?" I just laughed and said "Um I was scratching my ankle" By the time he took the towel off the bleeding had stopped - I have a vein (vericose - I think ) that appeared when I was pregnant with Adri that has not gone away apparently when I was scratching my ankle I punctured the vein which caused the gushing. The EMT said it happens sometimes - WTH?!?!
He offered me a band aide - and had me drink some juice as I was a little light headed from all the blood loss - I also had to sign a paper that stated they offered to take me to the hospital and I declined. Then told me that if it starts up again to give them a call and they would come back out if I couldn't get it to stop and off they went.

My mom shows up right after the EMTs leave and Joe tells her he is sorry for freaking out and having her come all the way across town - she just laughs. We watched a couple episodes of Cake Boss and then my mom went home - we went to the park for a picnic.

Never a dull moment at our house!!!

4th of July 2009

2009-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful holiday weekend! I was lucky enough to have a 3 day weekend which was needed and very much appreciated, although as usual it went by way to quickly!

Friday we had a nice picnic lunch at Lake Hood, which is by the airport. It is where float planes take off and land - Quentin loved watching the planes take off and when they came in for landing. After lunch Quentin had a date with Grandma so we took him over to her house. They went to see UP and have dinner and then a sleep over.

Joe, Adri and I had dinner at LaCabana and then went home, Joe got ready for work and Adri and I watched TV on the couch!

Saturday 4th of July - we met my mom and Quentin at Golden Corral for breakfast and then we headed downtown for the Parade and Street fair on the park strip! We watched the parade with my Aunt and her kids and my brother! I love doing things with my family!

The parade was good, the weather was perfect. Quentin's favorite part were the fire trucks and the motorcycles that screamed down the street at the end of the parade. He also loved waving his flag during the parade!

When the parade was over we went to a couple booths on the street fair - It was packed and the sun was blasting down so was really hot.....Quentin got his face painted, I don't think he was quite sure of the gal who was painting his face when he first sat down, but once she started he was fine - he looked so cute!

Adri was not as impressed with the street fair as you can see! Next year will be a different story I am sure!

We left the street fair and went home to take naps - it was a very lazy holiday - we all woke up around 6 and then took a walk and played outside the rest of the day.

God Bless America! Hope you all had a good holiday too!

July - National Ice Cream Month!!!

2009-07-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

I mean another reason that Reagan was my favorite president!!!

CSA - We got our first box

2009-06-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

I was so excited yesterday that I picked up our first box of Organic Produce from Full Circle Farm - I don't think that I have ever been so excited to eat fruits and veggies.

Just check out all that healthy food sitting on my kitchen counter!! We received lettuce, celery, broccoli, tomato, baby carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, apples, strawberries, peaches, grapes and avocados!!!

I loved that they included recipes in the box that we could try using our box contents!!!

Have a great weekend!!

I couldn't resist......

2009-06-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have met my son, Quentin know that he is a CRAZY kid - I mean earlier posts from Spirit Week at Pre-School confirm that he doesn't care what he is wearing or what people think of him.

So last week I am in the kitchen cooking dinner and he says "Mom I need to go out to the car and get something" he is telling me this as he is putting on his crocs....he has nothing else on except for underwear and his crocs. I just looked at him and said "Just wait and I will run out and find what you need" I honestly didn't know what he was going to get..

I continue to get dinner ready -I hear the screen door open Joe was coming in - and then he is cracking up - I look out the kitchen window and this is what I see....Thank God the camera was sitting on the counter!

I totally cracked up - I mean seriously the kid is a nut! What was even funnier is that he did not care that he was in his underwear - and our neighbor was outside and all I could hear for about

5 minutes was the neighbor laughing......

I must be crazy...but it is for the kids!!!!

2009-06-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

I think that most parents would agree that we want to make our children happy, well at least I want them to be happy most of the time.

So last Wednesday I was looking at the Sprout website for coloring sheets for Quentin and there was an ad for The Wiggles they are joining the Sprout line up. Quentin LOVES the Wiggles, well I guess LOVES is a bit much. He did LOVE the Wiggles when he was younger, he does watch them every now and then but not addicted like when he was 2. So I clicked on the ad which then flashed that the lovable Australians will be on tour this summer, I took a look at the cities which they will be visiting and saw they will have one show in Western Washington in July. I immediately went to my mileage account with Alaska Airlines to see how many miles I had and if we could sneak away for a long weekend to see the Wiggles and of course all my peeps in Tacoma and Olympia!!!

I then called my mom and asked her what she had on her calendar and if she was up for a quick trip to America? She said YES - she was in!! I booked the tickets, hotel and car! BTW my mom said she is "super excited to see Captain Feathersword" I really do think that she is the best Grandma - I mean to know the characters of the freaking Wiggles - AWESOME!!!

My next call was to Aim (my BFF) I wanted to make sure she was going to be in town the weekend we would be down, YES she was - the planets were all aligned because everything was working out BEAUTIFULLY! I asked Aim if they wanted to come to Everett to see the Wiggles and she said she had to talk it over with Brian, so I told her I would call her tomorrow.

I called Aim the next day and she said that they were in!! I was at my mom's office so we jumped online to get the show tickets. We had some issues with the website so ended up calling the arena - now get this visual - I am on cell phone talking to Aim, my mom is on her office phone talking to the ticket agent at the arena - my mom kept telling me to hush which then I relayed to Aim whispering of course and then busting out in laughter because Aim and I were being told to SHOOSH.....Aim and I are a bit crazy when together and apparently on the phone as well!! LOL!!!
So the tickets secured and reservations made we are set, now I just have to wait 4 weeks and then our adventure will begin! Those who know me well know that I am not a good waiter!

I have not told Quentin we are going to see the Wiggles, I did tell him we were going to see Amy (he loves Amy) and that Grandma was going to come too! He was very excited about that!!

This morning I was getting ready for work and Quentin was eating breakfast watching Sprout and a commercial for the Wiggles concert came on - he asked me if they would be coming to Alaska, I told him no they weren't. He had the saddest little face and said "No body ever comes to Alaska" I mean I wanted to bust out and YELL - we are going to see them in Washington. But I didn't for two reasons 1) I don't want to count how many sleeps until we leave and 2) I don't want to hear for the next 4 weeks "Mom today we are going to see the Wiggles?"
So I am going to wait until the morning of the show and tell him, he is going to FLIP out!

So I must be crazy for taking a whirl wind trip to Washington for the sole reason to see a children's concert - but when I imagine how excited Quentin is going to be it is all worth it!!

The added bonus is that I will have a day in a half in Olympia to hang with my friends/family!

There have been additions to families, I can't wait to meet Kate's Daniel and for everyone to meet Adri - plus it has been a couple of years since I have seen everyone -so I am just plain EXCITED!!!! OK a little confession - I am a smidge excited about getting to see the Wiggles too!!!

Another Heathly Choice for my family

2009-06-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

I took another step today on the path to making healthy choices for myself and family!

I joined a CSA program! I am very excited and anxious to receive my first box - I will get to pick up my fresh organic produce on Thursday and can't wait to see what it contains.

Thank you to my friends Amy C and Amy H who have talked so highly of thier local CSA program that I did some research and long last found one that delivers to ALASKA!!!!!!!!!

I will keep you all posted on the contents of the first box and how we like it!!

If you join the CSA program from reading my blog please put me down as a friend referral!!!

Have a happy healthy day!!! (My lord that sounds corny LOL)

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2009-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Adri will be 9 months on Tuesday, she officially has two teeth that are showing when she smiles! I already miss the big gummy toothless smile. She is scooting around all over the place and tonight she decided to pull herself up and hang on to the ottoman she didn't take any steps yet but I guess that is coming soon! As you can see she was very proud of herself!

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2009-06-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

The first week on the plan and I had a 2 pound loss! Not the huge loss that I have experienced in the past the first week, however I have 2 kids now and a differnt lifestyle. I am thrilled with the loss, it is a loss! So I am on the path to success!
My goal for this week is to get up and walk for 30 minutes 3 days this week!
I am also going to Sams this weekend to stock up on fruits and veggies!!!!!
I feel good with the choices that I made this week, I know that I had a couple not so good days but this is a new week and as long as the scale is going down I am happy!
Have a good week!
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Day 3

2009-06-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am on day 3 of Weight Watchers. I am feeling good, I need to add some activity besides chasing the kids around at night to the regimine if I want to meet my December goal - will reveal later!

Decided that I will not be allowing myself any treats until I reach my first 5% goal which is 12 pounds, which means no Starbucks for me, this is super hard for me but I know that it will be so much better to reward myself.

So I was especially proud of myself today - Joe had jury duty downtown and was dismissed early so he walked to my mom's office and then they met me at City Diner so that we could have lunch and switch out the car - we are still down to only one vehicle......that is a whole other blog....

So I was a little nervous that I would be able to find something "legal" for the program at City Diner, I mean they have traditional diner food which is all so GREAT and tempting and the desserts alone are a great excuse to eat dessert first! Ok back on track now, so I had the grilled halibut filet but ordered it to be grilled with no lemon butter (SIGH) and only with pam cooking spray and choose steamed veggies. I mean it was such a great lunch! It was the first time that I walked out of that place and didn't feel totally full and umcomfortable, but I was satisfied!!!!

SO I think that this is a great first step in my new eating habits!!!!

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2009-05-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

The weather has been so nice so far this summer! Joe took the kids to Goose Lake which is by our house. Quentin had a great time wadding in the water.
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2009-05-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

A New Day.....full disclosure!

I did it today I joined Weight Watchers today. This will be my 4th or 5th time joing the program. The time that I was most successful was before Quentin was born, I lost 65 pounds.
Of course 2 children later and those 65 pounds have come back.
I did lose all the weight that I gained when I was pregnant with Adri, but obviously there is a lot more to lose. My starting weight is where I was after Quentin was born 4 in a half years ago so that is good I guess.
At any rate I joined again, I am giving my friends full disclosure, the picture on the post is the card that I was given today when I weighed in. As you can see my starting weight is 254 today is the last time that when I step on a scale it will register those numbers. I would like to reach my goal weight (which I will disclose later).
So I will post each week my success I will also post those weeks when I don't do so well. I am really feeling that this is the time in my life to get a handle on my food addiction.
I know that I have the support of my friends and family to as they say at WW have a winning outcome.
Between the accountability in the weekly meetings and posting me weekly weight on this blog there is no reason for me to not be successful!
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Quentin are you there....?

2009-05-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

When I picked up Quentin after school yesterday they were outside playing, which is GREAT that they are taking advantage of the sunny days that we have had. Last summer the average temp was low 50's all summer with maybe two days of sun - we are all LOVING this weather!

Anyway I was heading to the play ground and Quentin's teacher saw me and said he is a big dust ball - I just smiled and continued to the play ground. Sure enough he was a walking dirt ball - the first thing that came to mind was "my god I gave birth to Pig Pen" He was wearing plaid shorts and a white t-shirt that was now gray from all the dirt on it.....

I really should have taken a picture because it was so mind boggling how one child could get so dirty in a single day....he ran up to me and gave me a big hug - I was wearing black slacks so I had two little hand prints on my butt - NICE.....good thing I didn't have to go anywhere last night!

As soon as we got home we didn't not even say hello to Joe or Adri we went right upstairs to the tub where I proceeded to scrub the child, his hair felt so nasty when I put the water on his head to wash - like I was making a mud pie on my childs head or something, my white washcloth was black by the time he was all clean and the bath water was DISGUSTING.......I had to scrub the tub when he was done there was so much sand on the bottom.

I am glad though that he has such a good time at school, we have signed him up for the summer program so I will have many more nights of picking up Pig Pen!!

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2009-05-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day!

It was decided last night that I would be allowed to sleep in today. Joe set his alarm so he would be up before the kids, well before Adrianna. She woke up early, of course! I got up with her while Joe took a shower then I went back to bed! I slept for another hour which was nice!

Quentin was very excited to give me the card that he signed himself, poor kid has such a long name he only got to Que before he had Joe help with the rest, it was still precious and I teared up he is getting so big!

Joe gave me a small camera that I can keep in my purse or diaper bag, no more missing those important moments because the other camera is too big!

We are having my mom and brother over tonight for a BBQ the weather is beautiful and I have a great family, I couldn't ask for anything more! I hope that you all enjoyed being with your kids and family!

Happy Mother's Day!

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2009-05-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

8 months old and on the move!

Adrianna is 8 months today. She has changed so much in these few months. Her smile is contagious and she is starting to get into EVERYTHING. Quentin is such a great big brother and they love each other. She is on the move too, gone are the days when I could walk away or run upstairs and come back and she would be in the same place and everything is still in order! She is also finding her voice, which is super cute when she screams and then giggles although not so cute when out in public.
The time has gone by so quickly it makes me sad to think that the time will continue to go by quickly.
I have to remind myself to cherish every moment that I can with both of my kids!
Happy 8 month birthday!
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Sopapilla Cheesecake

2009-05-06T10:15:00.001-07:00

This recipe is a little late since Cinco was yesterday but you really can make it anytime......it is so DELICOUS - I discovered this recipe when I was pregnant and made it a couple times SOOO YUMMY! It makes a lot so perfect when you have to take something to a pot luck or have a gathering at your house.

2 (8 ounce) Packages of cream cheese - I use Tofutti cream cheese and you can't tell the difference it is a little more healthy
2 (8 ounce) crescent rolls - I use the recipe creations it is a single sheet of the flaky rolls so you don't have to mess with the seams.
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup margarine or butter melted
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (1 cup sugar to 2 tbs cinnamon)

Unroll one package of the crescent roll into the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan, you will flatten to the bottom of the pan.
Mix together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla - spread over the crescent
Unroll second package of the crescent rolls and place on top of the cream cheese mixture
Pour melted butter or margarine over the top and sprinkle with teh cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

I enjoy mine warm so let cool for about 15 minutes then serve. You can also let cool completely and serve your choice.

Quentin loves this cake (which is why I use tofutti and soy butter) - let me know what you think!

ENJOY!!!!

Diaper Cakes

2009-05-05T10:30:00.001-07:00

I have stumbled upon a new craft! Diaper Cakes these are so cute and make such a great gift as well as super cute center pieces for baby showers!

The boy cake I did like the washcloth flower!

So I made one last night for a girl - I made one last week for a boy and it turned out cute but the girl one looked so much better, I sold these cakes for $50 each they were for friends. I think that I am going to put an ad on craigslist and sell them for showers - a little extra cash is always welcome in my home!! :)

when it was all done I wrapped it in tulle and tied it off with pink ribbon that said Its a Girl and then white ribbon with pastel hearts!

I am going to make one for a friends shower that I am attending next week, which will be fun.

Finally some nice weather!!

2009-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

tire swing

Adri had a lot of fun watching all the kids and chewing on her shoe!

Spring in Alaska has finally sprung. This weekend we had BEAUTIFUL weather!!

Sunday afternoon we took a picnic to the park and had a great time....

Really the pictures say it all!!

I am hoping that the summer and the good weather stick around!!!

15 hours of Scrapbooking!!!!!!!

2009-05-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

pasta salad!

Cold Cut lunch meat for sandwiches

My work space - very messy!!!

Emily journaling! Notice the beautiful glare from the sun in the window - behind her a demonstration going on!

Working hard on her project!

Aunt Lisa with her Scrapbooking Flair

National Scrapbook Day was this past Saturday and I was lucky enough to get to scrap with my aunt and friend Emily for 15 whole hours!!

It was so much fun!!!! Emily was kind enough to pick me up at 8AM we were meeting Aunt Lisa at Starbucks for breakfast before heading over to More than a Memory to scrap at 9AM. The agreed time to meet was 8:15AM - at exactly 8:02AM I received a text message from Aunt Lisa that said "WHERE ARE YOU?" I mean this woman is crazy, she had her bags packed for weeks and had laid her clothes out Friday night when she got home for work for Saturday...I mean she is NUTS!

Once we all had our drinks and a delicious breakfast sandwich we were on our way to start our 15 hours of scrapping!!

There was a great bunch of ladies at the shop scrapping, we met a new friend Liz who is a Creative Memories consultant and our new BFF! There was also a very annoying girl who was sitting next to Lisa and literally did not stop talking from the moment she arrived to when Tonya (the shop owner) kicked her out after midnight....Emily, Lisa and I were texting each other very rude comments about the girl. I would get up to use the SIZZIX or the Cricut and would come back to the table and the girl would still be talking - I would say "still talking" it would have been one thing if she was talking about something interesting - but she was talking about such stupid stuff...it was rather annoying. At one point I said that my throat hurt and that I probably have the swine flu - as a joke. The annoying girl jumped in and said "you know swine flu has not come to Alaska yet" I just looked at her and said "well I am probably the first case" I rolled my eyes at her which did not phase her and she kept talking........I really wanted to take a sharp object and shove it in my eye at one point.

Drawings were held throughout the day - we all won at least 2 prizes which is always fun! I won a Christmas paper pack that included stamps, stickers and embellishments. I also won a Birthday pack which was perfect since I had been eyeing that paper line at the store!

Aunt Lisa and Emily both won cutting systems which were valued at $60 - Emily also won an album and I can't remember the second prize that Aunt Lisa won.

We also had a wonderful lunch of cold cut sandwiches and pasta salad and chocolate chip cookies.

Dinner was taco salads and ice cream sandwiches for dessert!

There was a lot of laughing while we worked!

I got both kids albums caught up - I have this past Easter to scrap so I am pleased!

It was a long day but so worth it, the only thing that would have made it perfect was if my scrap-sister Brenda was here, she moved to Florida exactly a year ago...I miss her especially when I do these types of things we started our scrap addiction together!

Day 3 - Spirit Week

2009-04-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today is Beach Day!! I think that my child is such a ham on most days but his outfit today was proof that he is a character!!!

I can't imagine what his Spirit Week clothes will look like when he is in high school if he loves doing things like this in Pre-school!!

I hope that you have enjoyed the pictures!!

Day 2 of Spirit Week - Crazy Hat!!!!

2009-04-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

As promised here are pictures of Crazy Hat Day at Quentin's school!

We bought a Top Hat from Michaels and hot glued several items to the hat that he picked out from the dollar bin!

In case you can't see, I tried to get the best pictures:

- Kazoo

- Harmonica

- Bouncy Ball

- Yo-Yo

- Bubbles (that is what is hanging from the front)

- Felt Guitar - you know it would not be my child if he didn't have some kind of drum or guitar reference!

What the heck is he doing?

2009-04-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

This morning when I went into to wake Quentin up and so we could get ready for school this is how he was sleeping. I am not sure how he did not fall out of his bed....

He was just snoring away - I really don't know what he was doing or how he managed to stay in bed and not fall out but he did...Also it should be noted because you can't tell from the picture but his little foot is not touching the floor it was just dangling there.........

Spirit Week

2009-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is spirit week at Quentin's preschool this week, since he only goes 3 days a week he will get to participate....honestly I think that I am more excited about all the silly things he gets to wear to school than he is.

We went to Michaels this weekend to get the supplies we needed for Crazy Hat day - that is tomorrow so I will post a picture tomorrow!

We also went to KidtoKid to get the clothes that he needed for Crazy Clothes day! This is what we came up with -I have to say that it is a pretty cool shirt!

I bought these two shirts for $3.00 each and then cut the collar off each and cut them down the middle and sewed them together (with grandmas help) for a CRAZY SHIRT.....

He fit right in at school, there was a little girl who had on pajamas and a swim suit over them. I love it! If only adults could be so carefree! Although I wonder what my boss would say if I showed up at work with my jammies and a swim suit on!!!

More pictures this week as spirit week continues!!!

Slow cooker chicken n rice gumbo soup!

2009-04-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share this recipe it was really good, and better yet it had very little clean up!

Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 7 hour and 20 minute
Makes 6 servings

3/4 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 lb fully cooked smoked sausage
2 med celery stalks w/leaves sliced
1 large carrot
1 can organic stewed tomatoes undrained
5 cups water
2 tblsp chicken bouillon
1 tsp fried thyme
1 box frozen ocra thawed and drained
3 cups got cooked rice (I bought rice from the Chinese place by my work, mine never turns out)

Mix all ingredients except ocra and rice.

Cover cook on low heat for 6 hours 30 min or until juice of chicken is clear

Stir in ocra, cover cook on low heat for 20 minutes longer.

Spoon soup over rice in soup bowels serve with hot sauce if desired.

Enjoy!
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Just Call me ROCKY!!!!

2009-04-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today on lunch I called to check in on Joe and see how things were going today. He has both kids home today as I thought that Quentin had pink eye but he actually is very irritated from the dust and ash that is in the air. I hate to say it but we need a good rain!

Joe asked me if I remembered punching him last night - I told him I did not. Apparently when he came home from work last night (it was 3:30AM) I punched him in his eye and then said "oh sorry" rubbed his face and went back to sleep. I mean I was totally cracking up when he told me this. I don't remember this at all.

Then the man says that his eye is bruised and going on and on - he even said that maybe we should go to counseling since we are experiencing domestic violence in our sleep.....LOL!

The funny thing is that when Joe first started working nights I did not sleep very well at all, I always heard him when he came home or would be up when he got home because I had heard a noise or something, I know silly but it is true. Now that I am used to him working nights for the past couple of years I totally sleep just fine, I can always hear my kids if they wake up but there are very few occasions that I hear Joe when he comes home, and gets into bed. I chuckle to myself sometimes when I get up for work and he is in bed, I think "when did he show up?" So I am not surprised that I didn't hear him last night either, I am surprised that I punched the poor boy. I just told him that I am sure he did something to deserve it.

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2009-04-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Baby kisses!

Adrianna has started to show her affection with kisses! It is so cute although if she plants one on you it is open mouth and very wet, but you forget that because it is so sweet. She grabs your face and proceeds to smother you with baby kisses! Poor Quentin was her victim this morning, it is so sweet that she loves her brother, for the moment I will enjoy it and when they are fighting with each other I will reflect back to this time.
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This just isn't right.....

2009-04-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

I know that my family will kill me for taking these pictures someday - but oh well - how fare is it that my whole family was still sleeping this morning and I was leaving for work? Hopefully I will get to sleep in tomorrow - I won't hold my breathe!

Happy Friday everyone!

Blessings, Bunnies, Bread and Brunch

2009-04-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

What a full weekend we had. My office was closed on Friday, so the kids and I headed to my mom's house to help her make the traditional Easter Bread, Bosca. The bread is an all day process so we got to my mom's house around 10 - she had already started the bread, it was rising for the first time.

Quentin went on an errand later with Joe in the afternoon and Adrianna took a nap so I finished up my "bunny" shopping. When I came back it was time to get the bread in the oven and just wait....my mom made potato soup for dinner and we watched a movie. As the first batch of bread came out of the oven Quentin and Grandma colored eggs it was fun to watch him dunk the eggs in the color.

Once the bread cooled it was time to FROST - YES!!! Quentin did the sprinkles and then licked the spoon for frosting. I will post pictures later -

Saturday was another busy day - Quentin wanted to eat lunch at Red Robin - not really sure why but we ate lunch there and then went home for naps - we colored eggs at our house and spent the afternoon cleaning getting ready for the Easter bunny - we put a carrot out for the bunny before bed. Quentin wanted to leave a cookie out for Santa too - I told him it was too early for Santa and that the bunny was Santa's friend. He was fine with this..PHEW!

Sunday was our busiest day - EASTER SUNDAY! I woke up at 6:30 AM and was able to get both kids dressed in thier Sunday best and myself out the door by 8:30 to make it to mass by 9:00AM -Even with the excitement of the bunny eating the carrot and leaving a treat I still made it to church on time! YEAH ME!!

After church we went to my mom's house for a traditional Landeis Family Easter breakfast, hard boiled eggs, Bosca and Itialin Sausage, I know my grandpa was smiling down on us as we ate, Easter breakfast was his deal and as long as I can remember it was always the same items, simple but memorable and good.

My mom had eggs hidden around her house for Quentin who had a blast finding the eggs -

After breakfast we watched Pinocchio and all let our bellies rest.

At 3PM we headed out for brunch - it was nice - Quentin really was impressed by the chef who made him a GIANT waffle - he also was sitting at the end of the table with the kids, and thought he was hot stuff.

(sitting at the big kids table)

(ready for another waffle)

Adrianna slept most of the time - when she woke up she just sat in her car seat and smiled at everyone.

My favorite part of the whole brunch was the dessert - Chocolate Covered Strawberries - they were DELICIOUS!!

I hope that you all had a great Easter! I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and of course my friends.

7 Months

2009-04-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Seven months ago today at 9:58 AM we welcomed Adrianna Norma Chavez into our family! We have never been the same since! LOL!!!!

I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by - to think that 7 months ago I was giving birth - where the heck has the time gone already?

Where is my snugly baby that would let me hold her for hours and just be content, now she is wiggly and only wants to snuggle if I am feeding her (thank goodness I am still nursing so she still needs me)

She is sitting up now unassisted - rolls all over the house, so I know it is just a matter of time before she is crawling. Has teeth that are coming in, loves her big brother!! She will look at you if you call her name, she recognizes me, Joe, Quentin, Uncle Ryan and Grandma.
Adri has also developed this high pitched scream - I haven't figured out what she is using it for, she seems to use it when she is happy or just playing so I think it is a happy scream!

I can't complain because she is a wonderful baby very content much like Quentin was - she has the same laid back go with the flow attitude that Quentin had, how did I get so lucky to be blessed with two wonderful babies.

The other day I was watching Adri play in her exersaucer and she just looked at me and smiled, I just melted it was so cute!

So the compulsive planner in me wants to start thinking about her 1st birthday party, for crying out loud I only have 5 months to plan this!

I have also started calling her Adri - what do you think? I really like it, but not sure!
I know that the time will continue to go by quickly so I plan on enjoying every single second that I can.

Turkey Stromboli

2009-04-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in my Parents Magazine and thought I would give it a try, I am forever searching for fast, easy and yummy recipes! The whole thing from start to finish took less than 30 minutes.

Quentin loved the stromboli except for the "grass", there was plenty for my small family of 3 (Adri didn't get to eat any yet) but for a larger family it is so easy that making two would not be that big of a deal.

Here is what you need:

Pillsbury Pizza Crust - 11 oz one
Turkey Tenders (I used breast and cut them into strips)
Cheese (any kind that you like)
Pizza or pasta sauce (anykind that you like - you will only use 2 tblsp per stromboli)
1 pkg frozen spinach thawed (grass) and drained
2 Tblsp Milk
Parmesan Cheese (the kind that you sprinkle)
Parchment paper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Boil the turkey tenders in stock until cooked through. While the turkey is boiling spread out the pizza crust on the parchment paper - spread the sauce on the bottom of the crust (I used regular tomato sauce and italian seasoning - put a layer of spinach or grass on top of the sauce - then spread out your turkey - then cover with cheese.

Cut 12 strips on both sides of the pizza crust and fold over criss cross if you want - brush the top of the stromboli with the milk and sprinkle parmesan cheese.

Transfer stromboli and parchment onto a cookie sheet and put in the oven to cook for 11-12 minutes!!

When I pulled the finished product out of the oven - it looked just like I had ordered it from a restaurant - and it was YUMMY!!

ENJOY!!!

A Sign of Spring in Alaska (not what you think)

2009-04-06T14:01:00.001-07:00

I will try to keep this post G-Rated, it might be hard because of the adult content!! LMAO!!!

I have read so many blogs from my fellow bloggers about the Spring weather in thier areas and planting flowers, washing driveways, taking walks etc. So many beautiful thoughts of Spring!
I wish that I could say that my posting would contain one of those items, sadly it doesn't.

The sun is shining so beautifully today that I decided to run some errands at lunch rather than stay in the office. My office is in Spenard, which is not the best area of town but not the worst and has pockets which are still pretty nice. My office is on the corner of Iowa Drive and Spenard Road - across the street from my office is a residence which is occupied by an older gentleman who is retired and keeps an eye on things happeneing on the street. Next to the house on the corner opposite of my office building is a hotel, I can't remember the name but it doesn't matter because I would never suggest anyone stay there.
Next to our office on the left side is the Spenard Hotel (read the review Cheerios in my bed and Hotel Hell - very funny!) This hotel is best known for it's "hourly rates" staying at this hotel you will not have nice view of the majestic moutains that surrond the Anchroage Bowl - rather the XXX store that is located in the very next parking lot over - LOL!! Ok so you now know the area that I must spend each and every day~moving on....

I always know when it is Spring because the pimps and prostitutes who have been quiet all winter start to emerge. My vision of Spring is of Old men in nice cars slowling down so that the girl running down the street can jump in, then 20 minutes later the same car drops the girl back off and she is back on the corner for her next date.
I know, I know not the visions of Daffodils and cherry blossoms that you wanted but this is my reality.

Happy Spring!! LOL!!!

Another Giveaway!!!

2009-04-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Kate and Amy who have alerted me of a fantastic give away! A HUGE CRAYOLA package, from Blissful Kids!!!

Whenever we visit Target Quentin always asks to go down the Crayola aisle! I love doing this too as I LOVE to color! I think that I get more excited when there is a new product than he does!! LOL!!!

I bought him the PIP SQUEEKS markers as they fit his little hand much better than the regular size markers!!! I love the washable paints too, messy but fun!!!

Quentin also received the floating desk for his birthday - so we can even do art projects in the bathtub!!

Good Luck to everyone!!!

Thanks again Amy and Kate!!!!

Happy Crafting!

She did it....

2009-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks Adri gets totally pissed if she is laying down on her back and raises her neck to sit up or if she is on her tummy she rolls all over the house and then up on her elbows like she wants to sit up. She would only sit up if someone was near her, even with the boppy she needed someone near her.

Last night we were hanging out on the floor she was playing with her favorite doll (thank you Auntie Amy) and I was sitting by her - I put the boppy behind her and went to the kitchen to get Quentin some juice. When I turned back around and she was just sitting there playing with her doll!! She was sitting by herself - unassisted, the boppy was behind her just in case she fell backwards, but even then she had balance and wobbled a little but continued to sit!!

Of course she would not sit up on Saturday when I took her for the Easter pictures - they still turned out cute - I had to hold her hands while she was standing because not only would she not sit but she didn't want to lay on her tummy either...Stubborn, I wonder where she gets that?? LOL!!!

She is getting too big too fast - April 9th she will be 7 months, I just don't know where the time is going. I know it is just a matter of time before she is crawling and then walking.......

Convicts and Coughs and Crying...OH MY

2009-04-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

What an eventful evening I had last night. I had planned on going home and making breakfast for dinner, since it was Scrambled April Fun Day on Sprout, I thought I would follow their lead! We got home and I ran to Fred Meyer to pick up a couple things as well as Adrianna's prescription (see previous post). When I got to Fred's the line for the pharmacy was super long, not a big deal I thought I will go and get my grocery items and then the line will have gone down. I was wrong...the line was even longer by the time that I had checked out with my groceries.

I took my place and line and began the LONG wait, when it was finally my turn I had been in line for 40 minutes. Apparently they are upgrading the computer system which is supposed to speed things up, UM I don't think that the upgrade worked - so the girl asks me the patients last name, I say "Chavez - and spelled it" the girl types it into the computer and then just stared at her screen (never a good sign). She them asks me (still looking at her screen) "UM was it called in today?" I responded "Yes, this morning around 9:30AM" (please note that the time is now 7PM plenty of time for the RX to be filled) she then says "we don't have it" My fuse was already pretty close to the end after standing in line for 40 minutes. So I asked the girl to please check again, she says she is going to check another area. I immediately get on the phone to Joe, "where did you have them send the RX?" he says Fred Meyer - OK I hung up on him. I called Latouche which is supposed to be open until 8PM - I got the voice message that says "If you have reached this recording our office is closed" WHAT THE HELL??????
The girl comes back and says they don't have it and have not received anything. Profanity flew out of my mouth - I apologized to the girl and said it wasn't directed to her, said Thank you and off I went.

I get home to make breakfast for dinner and am LIVID, Adrianna is crying because she 1) doesn't feel good and 2) she heard my voice and knows I am home and wants me.
I pick her up and she is BURNING UP - I strip her down to her diaper only change her and take her temp 104.3 - HOLY COW - now not only am I mad I need to figure out what to do about this fever. I call the nurse line (which by the way is located at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA) leave my information and wait for the nurse to call me back. I get Quentin his waffle, strawberries, sausage and orange juice. Joe is also eating at this time and I am feeding Adrianna.
8:18 PM the caller id says Sacred Heart, I answer it was Joyce, she starts asking me all these questions you know typical, how much does Adri weigh, is she on any medication - my answer to this was very rude (again not towards Joyce) "Well she should be on Amoxicillian, but the NP didn't call it in" Joyce responds with "what?" I tell her the whole saga - she keeps saying "OH MY GOSH, I can't believe that" then she says she is going to call the doctor who is on call, Dr. Tappel, and then she will call me back.

9:00 PM the caller id says Latouche Pediatrics - I say "Hello" it was Dr. Tappel, he says that he isn't sure why Fred Meyer didn't have the script because he could see it was sent, my response "HMMM" then he asks if we were at home. Yes Ding dong you called my home number, that was just my thought. He asks if it is possible that we come to the ER and pick up the RX, that would be fine we only live 5 minutes away. He said to hold tight and that he would call me back.

9:15 PM the caller id says UNKNOWN - "Hello" the voice on the other end says "This is Bruce calling from Providence ER?" I say "yes Bruce?" he explains to me that Dr. Tappel has a prescription for Adrianna and that the admissions tech needs to take some information from me, hands the phone to the lady who takes my information. I verify that the patient is Adrianna Norma Chavez and she is my daughter. Bruce gets back on the phone and gives me the phone he has with him and tells me to call him when I get to the ER - he also said he would call me when the RX was ready for pick up. I asked if I needed to bring Adri with me, he said yes.

9:30PM the caller id says UNKNOWN - "hello" - "Hi Mrs. Chavez it is Bruce, you all can head on over, you still have my number?" I tell him yes and we would see him in a few minutes.

9:35PM we arrive at the ER - I call Bruce and let him know I was walking in, he meets me at the door and says "I called you too early, the RX is not ready yet, sorry" no problem I can just hang out - "how long do you think it will be" I asked. His response "well it shouldn't be long"

10:00PM - Still waiting
10:20PM - Still waiting - Bruce comes out and says it won't be much longer (UM IS THAT ER TIME OR NORMAL TIME? LOL)
11:00PM - Still waiting - by this time I was being amused by all the nut jobs that had appeared in the ER! Adrianna slept through the whole thing (THANK GOD)!!!
The police brought in a couple people - the one officer sat his convict right next to me - HELLO WHAT THE HELL? I just looked at the officer like - move this dude, I have a baby here! He must have gotten the drift because he moved the guy - who then glared at me the whole time and growled a couple of times.
Then there was the lady who came in holding her croch yelling "I HAVE A BLADDER INFECTION AND CAN'T STAND IT" I could not help laughing out loud at that one.
11:15PM - Still waiting - update from Bruce - Dr. Tappel will not need to see Adri and the medication was almost ready. I thought I brought my baby to the damn germ factory and no one is even going to look at her? WHAT THE HELL?????!!!!!
The couple sitting across the lobby had a toddler who was coughing like crazy - and then the girl in triage who had a 4 year old who was screaming because she didn't want her temp taken - the mom said that either she takes it in the mouth or the bum bum. What the hell is a bum bum?
11:40PM - BRUCE APPEARS WITH MY RX!!!!!! We are out of the nut house!! I tell him thank you for the efforts and off we go.
In the car I call Joe and tell him we are the way home - at that point I realized from my growling tummy I never ate dinner. We got home and Adri woke up as I was taking her out of the car seat, I gave her a dose of her medicine, changed her diaper and off to bed we went.

Another trip to the doctor and April Fool's Day......

2009-04-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Joe took Adrianna to the doctor today because last night she felt warm and was fussy so I took her temp, it was 103. Normally this should alarm any parent, although because this is our what seems like millionth time with a high fever I self diagnosed. I assumed it was an ear infection AGAIN.

I finished getting dinner ready and called the doctor for an appointment this morning when the girl at the scheduling desk said what is the problem, I told her high fever and most likely an ear infection. Set the appointment for this morning at 8:30AM made a mental note that the morning would be rushed but we could do it.

The night went on with a fussy baby, we slept on the couch for most of the night until she was asleep enough that I could put her back in her bed, this was close to 3AM, my alarm went off at 5:30AM I hit snooze way too many times. I got up and ready for work, got Quentin up and dressed, then woke up Joe and then got Adrianna up and ready for the doctor.
As I was blow drying my hair I turned on Sprout we watch this in the mornings and then at night we watch the GoodNight Show, only a couple shows and then off to bed.
Quentin came into the bathroom and said "Mom is it night time?" I looked at him and said "no silly, why?" he said "UMMM the GoodNight Show is on" I thought he was kidding me, so I go to the living room and sure enough the damn GoodNIght Show is on, scrolling on the bottom of the screen it says that today is Scrambled April Fun Day (APRIL FOOLS DAY) so I explained to Quentin that is was backwards day and that is why the GoodNight Show was on in the morning. He sweetly said "OH" and went back to watching and eating his breakfast.

We will see how it goes tonight when we are watching the Sunny Side up show and it is time to go to bed, hopefully he sweetly say "OH" again and go to bed but I am not holding my breath.

The doctor confirmed that indeed Miss Adri has an ear infection, AGAIN - so we will do the antibiotic thing, AGAIN and pray that her damn teeth get done popping through so no more ear infections.

I hope that everyone is having a good Wednesday, I am ready for this week to be over.

The Right Thing

2009-03-31T13:31:00.001-07:00

I have been working in the Health Insurance industry for 9 years, this is an industry that has its own language and rules and is very confusing for those who don't speak "health insurance"

Many people know that they have insurance they may not understand their plans but they have it and use it, receive EOB's (explanation of benefits) in the mail when a claim has been processed, most toss them and some hang onto them since they know that they are important.

On any given day I answer questions for many of the member's of the health plan I work for and walk them through the way a claim was processed. Most of the time they are happy with what I tell them, with a few instances of people being angry because something wasn't covered.

When I had Adrianna in September I had a c-section which require not only my doctor but also an assistant surgeon. I knew this going into the procedure as this was my second c-section.
Adrianna was born on September 9 at 9:58 AM - the atmosphere in the OR was so fun, the anesthesiologist was cracking jokes, Dr. Whitefield (my doctor) was talking about his trip to Brazil, the assistant surgeon was talking about Mexican food she had for dinner the night before. At one point I looked at Joe and said "I hope that they don't forget the task at hand here" he just laughed. They remembered because my beautiful daughter was born with out any problems, beside the cord being around her neck 3 times.

I had a wonderful recovery at Providence Alaska Medical Center, the care was great and the nursing staff top notch.

In November I received a bill from my doctor's office that stated I owed $447.18 for the assistant surgeon fees. I pulled out the EOB that I had from my health plan to see what they had paid. I was covered at 100% at the time Adrianna was born and should owe nothing. The EOB showed the total billed was $1435.00 for the assistant surgeon my health plan paid 25% of the surgeon's fee (standard payment for any asst. surgeon) at 100% so my health plan paid $987.82. Now standard practice is that the amount that was denied as assistant surgeon reduction is written off and not balance billed to the patient, so I ignored the bill in November.

In March I received a statement from my doctor's office showing that the balance owed for the assistant surgeon was +120 days and now due. I called and spoke to the billing office and was told that they were not networked with my health plan and that I would be responsible for the denied amount. They also said that they bill 35% of the surgeon's fee for assistant surgeon. This surprised me as I was expecting the balance to be written off as it had been when I had Quentin in 2004 and as is the standard. I politely said thank you to the billing clerk and hung up.

Red flags were going off all over the place in my head because of my background in insurance. I knew that the industry standard is to bill 25% of the surgeon's fee and that the patient should not be balance billed. I also knew that in Alaska we do not have a network and our plans are written that we can see which ever doctor we want to see without being penalized.

I thought a bit and decided that I would write my doctor a letter. I have learned through dealing with the pediatrician's office that the doctor's don't always know what is going on in the administrative part of the office. I had a feeling that Dr. Whitefield didn't know that the policy his office was using was outside the standards in both the community and the industry and was penalizing his patients financially.
The worst that would happen was that I would have to pay the statement, the best outcome would be that the office would do the right thing and write off the balance owed.

I composed a letter directly to my doctor explained the situation and requested as a long time patient of the practice (10 years) they adjust my bill. I mailed the letter out on March 13, 2009.

I waited for a response, I was pretty sure that Dr. Whitefield would call to discuss my letter with me. Saturday Cassie from the billing office called and said that Dr. Whitefield had received my letter and that my balance was zero - they wrote off the reduction amount. I said Thank you, and her response was that it was the right thing to do.

So the moral of this long story is that if you have questions about your bills and you don't like the answer you get from the billing office go directly to your doctor. Also since I know a thing or two about health insurance and all kinds of plans please don't hesitate to call or email me with a question that you have - I will do my best to help figure out the issue.

Olive Juice Bags

2009-03-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE handbags!!! Poor Joe is getting inched out of the closet with all the handbags that have taken residence in our home.

I have stumbled upon a company that I am VERY excited to share with you all, I am getting ready to place an order for my first bag, The Anna I just need to decide which sash color I want ! The name of the company is Olive Juice Bags, a company started by two moms who I can tell LOVE a good quality handbag as much as I do!!!!

So I will keep you all posted as I add to my collection with these bags!!!

One busy weekend!

2009-03-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had an unusually busy weekend, we usually have one or two activities but this weekend was jam packed with activites for everyone!!!

Friday Night: Joe worked early so Quentin and I ordered pizza and watched The Bee Movie.

Saturday: Hope hair cut, Joe dropped the kids at Grandma's house, after hair appointment lunch at Humpy's and then shopping. Joe needed new jeans and I got some good deals and Gymbucks at Gymboree. After shopping we had dessert at Starbucks and then picked up the kids!

The Before Picture of my hair!

The After Picture of my hair - I LOVE IT!!!

Sunday: This was the fullest day for us!

We had a birthday party for Quentin's girlfriend, Maddy at Chuck E Cheese at 11AM stayed for 2 hours then home for a QUICK nap and Quentin and I were off to the circus. It was a fun afternoon Quentin loved the circus. The show lasted 2 hours. Then it was off to Subway to pick up sandwiches for dinner and then home. While we were at the circus Joe and Adrianna were at Joe's volleyball game.

Quentin showing his cotton candy tongue during intermission at the circus!

Needless to say I was exhausted after Sunday and was happy when both children went to bed - and was not ready for the alarm to go off this morning - Monday always seems to come more quickly than Friday in the work week - why is that?

The Volcano FINALLY BLEW!!!!!

2009-03-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

From a previous post in January where we were all on alert for Mt. Redoubt the dang volcano finally erupted last night around midnight. It has erupted 5 or 6 times since then. I have to say that I was proud to be prepared!!! I had my masks, and air filters and emergency kit!! YEAH ME!!
So I wake up this morning because I was asleep whent he eruption occured to find 5 text messages on my phone all about the volcano. The ash was supposed to hit Anchorage around 2 AM it never did and now we will most likely only get a dusting of ash - PHEW!!! ASH is nasty to clean up! The Mat-Su Valley is getting most of the ash - although we are tough in Alaska and all schools are open!!!
I will keep you all updated on the happenings of the Volcano!!!

Only in Alaska...

2009-03-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

My office is located in a residential area so every morning I see the school bus stop in front of our office, nothing unusual about that. This morning I was sitting at my desk and noticed this car hitting the brakes and sliding I look out the window and the school bus has thier red flashing lights and stop sign out not for children crossing the street or getting on the bus but for a moose - yes I said a moose!

I took a picture of the moose after she had crossed the street - only in Alaska does a school bus put thier red flashers on for a moose to cross the street.

My New Family

2009-03-18T11:37:00.001-07:00

In a previous post I wrote about my sister, Brittney finding Ryan and I. Well there is some errornous information in that post that I feel I should correct.
I emailed Brittney after she contacted me again and let her know that I was not upset at her but was caught off gaurd that she has a relationship with our father.
I got a response last night - I was way off - Brittney has never even met our father in fact he is more of a dirt bag than I thought or knew he was - apparently he didn't even acknowledge Brittney until 8 years ago when she was 14 years old.
So moving forward Ryan and I are planning a trip to Spokane, Washington to meet our sister! Apparently we have a neice and nephew as well - this is very exciting!!!
I have a new attitude about this new sister - I will keep you posted on the developments. It will be really neat to be called Aunt Hope from kids that are actually my neice and nephew! Silly I know!

Snack Mix

2009-03-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a new website that has yummy HEALTHY recipes on it. Eat Better America you can choose from all kinds of recipes and they even have coupons that you can print out - I LOVE COUPONS!! I have made a few dishes and only one was a dud - The Lime Chicken it was not good - too much citrus. Anyway I love that trail mix that you can buy with the M&M's and pretzels but it isn't very healthy and it contains peanuts so poor Quentin can't have it as he is allergic. On Eat Better they had a recipe for Snack Mix - I made it (it was a lot cheaper than buying it from Sam's) here is the recipe try it out or check out the website and find some other yummy healthy recipes to try!!

4 cups Cheerios
2 cups pretzels or oyster crackers or popcorn (we used the pretzels)
1/2 cup peanuts, raisins, miniture marshmellows or M&M's (we did a batch with peanuts and one without and used the M&M's -0f course)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or ziploc bag and then store in an airtight container!

With the Holiday M&M's that always are out in the different colors you can change it up when you make it! And you can choose whatever type of Cheerios you want - Quentin wanted Fruit Cheerios for his snack mix and I used the honey nut for our snack mix - the possiblities are endless!!!

ENJOY!!!

Kids Eat Free -

2009-03-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

Last night we had the worst service at Denny's - on Tuesday nights Kids Eat Free - anytime this occurs you can expect a free for all, Denny's was no exception. I didn't feel like cooking last night. So we embarked on the adventure of Kids Eat Free night. We were seated and it took what seemed like forever for a server to come to our table. So when the goof ball (who was the manager) finally acknowledge our table we were ready to order - the drinks arrived at 5:50 PM (I only know the exact time because I took the attached picture). Joe had ordered a salad with his meal which took forever to arrive - not a good sign. A couple of tables were seated in the time we had ordered our drinks and Joe's salad arrived. The next thing I know I look at the clock on my phone it was 6:20 - Still no food had arrived at our table, however the tables all around who were seated after our order had been placed were receiving thier food. The ding bat manager came to our table and I ever so polietly (Not) asked what the estimate time for our food to be done was, he said the standard it is coming right up. So then it was another 5 minutes before he surfaces again and says the kitchen messed up and hadn't even started our food yet - WTH - so now I am really pissed (anyone who knows me can imagine my reaction) I just rolled my eyes at him and glared. At this point Adrianna was done - Quentin was STARVING, they did manage to get Quentin's food out after my glare. Joe and I ended up getting boxes for our food as it was 7 PM by the time our food arrived at the table and Quentin was done eating by that time.
The manager said he was sorry and handed us our ticket - I told Joe DO NOT LEAVE A TIP - he always leaves a tip because he says it isn't the servers fault - WHATEVER. He looks at the ticket and the only thing we were charged for was Quentin's drink which he got in the Orbit Cup which was $3.00 Joe left $10 on the table - I did not approve but at that point just wanted to get the hell out of there.

We decided we will not be attending anymore KIDS EAT FREE nights.....

6 Months Old - Already!!

2009-03-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Adrianna just had her 6 month well baby check up I can’t believe that she is already 6 months old. Joe took her to the appointment today and then got to be the hero when she got her shots.

Anyway here are the stats:

She now weighs 14 lbs 15 ½ oz ( 25 – 50%)
Her height is 26” (75th Percentile)
Head is 42 ½ CM (50th Percentile)

Dr. Lyon said that her ears are clear now (just finished 10 days of antibiotics for ear infection) but did say that she may get another one between now and her 9 month well baby check up (Lets hope not)

I also noticed a rash on her face last night – which FREAKED me out – it looked very similar to Quentin’s when he has an allergic reaction to foods, however I guess I am just sensitive to that because Dr. Lyon said that he is not worried about her having allergies and that her rash was due to dry skin (I guess I better put more lotion on her little cheeks)

Other than that she is rolling all over the place – she finally figured out how to flip from back to front – she also has started scooting by kicking her feet she ends up on the other side of the living room before we know it and she is still on her back – very crazy. She is starting to want to sit up too so it is just a matter of time before she is sitting unsupported.

The picture is from last night she was eating a rice cracker she really likes these!!!

Just call me Lady Luck

2009-03-09T08:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend was almost perfect - the only reason it wasn't perfect was because nothing really is.

Saturday started out great both children slept in until 8AM - I made blueberry muffins, eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast. Once the kitchen was cleaned we (myself and the children) got ready to go to Target, the purpose of the trip was to get some baskets to organize some areas of the house, however I think that I only purchased one basket. I did get the bargain of the year (so far) this wool coat was marked down from $75.00 to $16.24 I didn't think twice about putting it in my cart!

Feeling GREAT about my new coat, we headed to the baby department. Adrianna is ready for an exersaucer so I thought I would check out what they had, we got the Jumperoo also on sale that day! As I was looking at the Jumperoo I glanced down the aisle that the binkies are on - THEY HAD THE BINKIES that I was looking for with a bright red sticker that said NEW ITEM. I about screamed I was so happy!! I purchased all 5 packages that they had!!

We finished up our trip to Target and decided to that it was time for lunch, we called to see if Joe was awake and if he wanted to go to lunch with us. We ended up going to LaCabana, which is our favorite place. As we headed downtown it occurred to me that LaCabana was on 4th Avenue, usually not a big deal however the Iditarod Sled Dog Race was starting on this day and they block 4th Avenue. With a little manoeuvring and driving down the wrong way on a couple of streets and sidewalks we made it - it was perfect too because the teams had to pass right by the restaurant, it was so beautiful outside that Quentin wanted to watch a couple of teams - so Joe and Adrianna went inside while Quentin and I watched the last 5 teams take off on their journey to Nome.

After lunch we decided that we needed to go to GCI, our cellular service carrier, and switch out our SIM cards. They are updating their service and have been requesting for people to come in a switch out the cards since October, we have drug our feet until receiving a text message that said if we didn't switch out our cards we would have an interruption in service. Joe waited in the car with both sleeping children and I went into to switch out the cards on our phones. Now usually I do things right away - however AM SO GLAD that I procrastinated. I waited in line and when it was my turn I gave the lady our phones and said we needed to switch out the SIMS. She smiled and said ok and thank you - as a thank you gift for the inconvenience of having to switch the cards I got to choose a prize for each number we had on our account. I got to choose two "gifts" The first ticket I chose was FREE CELLULAR SERVICE FOR ONE MONTH! I was happy with that choice - so as I reached in to choose my second "gift" as I was doing this I asked the girl what the gifts were - she said a little of everything, Airline miles, a 4wheeler, free service, free phones etc. So I pulled out the ticket and handed it to the girl it said FREE PHONES - now anyone who has cell phones knows this can be deceiving because they are usually cheap - so I was not as excited to see this prize. The girl says that they had not given many of the phones away so I should feel lucky - I asked her what phone it was, she said it was the Blackberry Pearl!!!!!!! I could not believe it I have been bugging Joe for this phone since Christmas but have been told no as they are $499.98 each - obviously way to expensive to pay for a dang phone. So imagine how STOKED I am that we won them! Since we have two numbers associated with our cell account we each got a new Blackberry!!!

So after spending 45 minutes in the store for a quick switch out - I get back in the car and Joe immediately says "what did you do?" I just looked at him and handed him the new phone - he didn't say anything and then looked at me I was totally CHEESING and said "it was FREE"

he was relieved that I didn't just drop $1000 for new phones.....

Anyway I just was on such a lucky streak on Saturday that I decided to purchase lotto tickets - we will see if my luck continues!!!

Breaking up is hard to do - UPDATE -

2009-03-06T17:33:00.001-08:00

I totally drug my feet on breaking up with my hairdresser Rhonda - explained in a previous post. SHE CALLED ME - I broke up with her and felt totally bad about it.

The thing is that kills me is that she totally damaged my mom's hair and then tried to cover it up. She called my mom too who told her that she was seeing someone else which probably is the reason that she called me.....

At any rate she will not take responsiblity for the fact that she overprocessed my mom's hair and it broke off -

I am totally happy with my new girl and can't wait to go and see her on the 21st. I have requested a totally new do with hair flare (color) so I will post a picture after my appointment!!

I still feel bad about the break up - but I know that it had to be done! Just so you know I didn't go out and buy ice cream or anything - it wasn't that bad of a break up!! LOL!!!

A Growing Family

2009-03-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

My immediate family has always been very close - we consist of my mom, myself and my brother, Ryan. I consider Ryan one of my very best friends. Growing up in a single family home we had very little contact with our father (Rick) - totally his choice, we did however have great contact with our Aunts, my dad's sisters. When I was in college at St. Martin's I was able to become very close to my cousins who lived in Olympia. Through this relationship with my cousins I learned that Ryan and I have a 1/2 sister. My cousin, Regon, didn't know much about her except that she lived in Walla Walla and her name was Brittney. Ryan and I thought this was pretty cool - and asked Rick on many occasions for her information, we were ignored. Our Aunts, Rick's sisters also would avoid the question - this always seemed very strange to me but whatever. I tried to google her name but nothing ever came up - I would try every now and then but didn't really activley pursue it.
So fast forward 14 years, I am on maternity leave and Ryan calls to tell me that Brittney emailed him, I was totally excited what are the odds that she would find us - Ryan gave her his contact information as well as mine, apparently she contacted Ryan through MySpace. So we didn't hear back from her for about a month, and then she called Ryan - they had a nice chat he then said that she was going to call me, and that I really needed to have an open mind when she called. I said well of course I would why would he tell me this? Apparently Brittney and Rick have had a good relationship her entire life - WTH - this really pissed me off and then Ryan says that she got our contact information from Rick - double WTH now I was pissed and insulted. When Brittney called I ignored her call.
Last week she emailed me and wanted to make sure that she had not upset Ryan or I for contacting us and that she really wants to get to know us. After thinking for a bit and realizing that I didn't have so many raging hormones anymore I responded back to her - and told her my feelings and that I would like to get to know her too. How cool I am a BIG Sister - of course I have always been the Big Sister but now it feels fresh again.

Around the sametime that Brittney found Ryan and I - my Uncle's daughter found him. Long story short my uncle and his girlfriend in college gave up a baby - fast forward 32 years - my uncle and his girlfriend (now wife, my aunt) are still married and thier daughter found them and wants to meet them. HOW EXCITING! The strange thing is that Heather is 32 she was born in October 1976 - I was born in August 1976 - her adoptive parents lived on the same side of town as my family and went to the same catholic church that my family went to - our families probably gave each other the sign of peace and didn't even know it. Anywho my uncle and family moved to Washington - they are coming up this summer to meet Heather and her family - then we will have a family BBQ - for those who know my crazy extended family it will be overwhelming I am sure for Heather but we are all excited to meet her and welcome her into our family!

The fact that Heather's adoptive family and her birth family were in the same area shows what a small world we truly live in.

BINKY CRISIS - UPDATE!!

2009-03-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

SHE HATES THE NEW BINKY! I gave it to her last at bed time and she just looked at me and then spit it out....CRAP CRAP CRAP......

Going to Target this weekend hopefully they will have them, I have not seen them there and the selection at our target for this particular baby supply is very bad.

BINKY CRISIS!!!!

2009-03-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

I am usually pretty easy going about things, however this is a true crisis for my house. Adrianna will only take one kind of binky she isn't dependent on it or anything but it sure does make car trips and going to bed a bit easier.

Since we just got done with being sick at our house for the second time I decided that it was time for new binkies, I have already boiled the ones we have 2 times so it is time for a fresh start!!! So today at lunch I decided to take a trip to Babies R US, since I have not been able to locate the items at Wal Mart, my beloved Target or Fred Meyers. We originally bought them at Babies R US I thought for sure they will have them. I first went to the aisle that has the breast pump accesories I needed cleansing wipes and bags. I then made way to the wall of pacifiers, I noticed it was pretty empty as I got closer but I was hopeful that they would have what I needed.
CRAP I don't see the package that I am looking for, calm down maybe you just missed it, I thought to myself. I scan the wall again - not only do I not see the package that I need but I don't see a tag that indicates that they are just out of stock.

I then stood in front of the wall of pacifiers with a blank look on my face - I had to find a new type to try - she doesn't like the Nuk or the Playtex ones so the choice was difficult. I hope that the one I picked will be sufficient!

I googled the type and found them at Walgreens - hello Alaska does not have Walgreens - so then there are multiple listings on EBAY for the damn things. I am an EBAY addict but I will not purchase binkies on ebay.

So I have attached a picture of the package - if any of my friends in America see these when you are at Walgreens or some other civilized store could you pick me up a package or two? LOL!!!!

I am changing my address...

2009-03-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I am going to move my family to the pediatrician's office, they have plenty of space in the waiting room for my family to have a nook! In the past week Joe or myself or both have been at the doctors office with the children in what seems every day. In reality we were there 4 days, however I am a little tired of seeing my children's doctor.

The germ fest started last Friday evening, Quentin was running a fever so we watched him and laid low for the weekend, when he wasn't better on Monday and a runny nose and cough had developed we thought just a cold - no big deal. Tuesday Adrianna started to run a fever - this of course is a bigger deal as she is only 5 months old, fearing that she had another dreaded ear infection so I called my mom to come and hang with Quentin so I could take Adrianna to the doctor, as I was walking in Joe was out the door to work and my mom was already there, THANK GOD FOR HER!
So the Dr. Hepler (a different one we had not seen before) looked at Adrianna and said her ears looked good and not infected - PHEW, but that there is A LOT of influenza going around so that we needed to watch the temp and if she was still fevering by Thursday to bring her in so they can look at her again. Then he proceeds to tell me that they had admitted 4 children that day to the hospital - GEE THANKS not that I don't have enough to worry about.

Wednesday Quentin wakes up at 4 AM crying and saying that his ear hurt - this freaks me out as we are only 2 months into our 4th set of ear tubes (YES I SAID 4th SET) so as soon as the doctor's office opens I make an appointment for Quentin to be seen - Joe takes the kids to this appointment, Dr. Lyon said his ears were fine, and that he has the viral cold. Adrianna seemed fine this day - still a little warm but not fevering.

Thursday - no visits to the doctor this day! YAHOO, foolishly I thought we were on the path to recovery.

Saturday - again no visits to the doctor this day - Quentin actually had some color back in his face and was running around, I knew he was feeling better. Adrianna was still looking puny, after her nap I was changing her diaper and took her temp 103.6 - CRAP of course the doctor's office was closed by this time, so I called the nurse line. She said that the doctor would want to see her Sunday. The highest her fever got on Saturday night was 104.2 the lowest was 102.3. Saturday night was not a good night for sleep at our house, Quentin finally slept all night!! Adrianna would only sleep in her bouncy chair or on me - we camped out downstairs on the couch.

Sunday - I called the doctor's office as soon as they opened 10AM so we got an 11:20 AM appointment - My mom (AGAIN THANK GOD FOR HER) came and took Quentin to church and then to hang out for the afternoon. The waiting room at the doctor's office was packed for a Sunday I was surprised - anyway finally our turn and the doctor comes in the room and says that he was thinking that we needed to collect labs and urine - HELLO, even in my sleep deprived moment I knew that was not good. Labs for a 5 month old are horrendous enough but urine the only way to collect that is cather. He says that with the fever being so high with the medication there is something else going on. I just looked at Joe and almost started to cry thinking about the labs and urine collection.....Dr. Penman started the exam looks at her right ear and says it was fine - DARN secretly I was hoping for a good infection in order not to have to do the unpleasent labs - he looks at the left ear - BINGO she has a "raging ear infection" (those who have children - you know the poster in the doctor's office that shows ear infections, ok her's is the upper right picture with the bubble of puss- GROSS I KNOW) I was so relieved, no labs needed! He said she also has a sinus infection - he gave us an anitbiotic and ear drops - by Sunday evening she was much better she even slept for more than 45 minutes at a time!!

As we were leaving the office yesterday I did tell Dr. Penman that we would be moving into the nook of the waiting area, he laughed, and suggested that he get a plaque for the exam room and name it THE CHAVEZ FAMILY ROOM - he said that we could reserve our room the next time we came in.

Our next appointment is not until March 10 for Adrianna 6 month well baby check up - I told Dr. Penman that I really did not want to see anyone in thier office until March 10. He agreed!

Hopefully this week everyone will be better! I will be DISINFECTING the house again tonight.

Is it because he doesn't have a uterus?

2009-02-26T14:54:00.001-08:00

I have now been back at work for 2 months - my loving husband is the stay at home parent and is doing a good job taking care of the children.

I am frustrated however because when I was pregnant with Adrianna and we discussed this arrangement he said that I would be surprised with his domestic duties. This is the same man I have been married to for 8 years now and I don't think he possesses a domestic bone in his body. At any rate I was on maternity leave for 4 months and pretty much took care of the house as I had been doing with working and having 1 child, I didn't say anything becasue I was on leave and not working and it just seemed natural. During my time off I would tell Joe that this was his opportunity for OJT (on the job training) and the perfect time to get himself into a routine since I was home to help. He did not take advantage of this time so a month before I was to return to work I started saying that I would be happy to make a chore chart so that we could each have our specific duties and a day when they needed to be completed by, I thought it would also help to keep from one person getting frustrated with the other as long as our duties were being done,
he agreed to the chore chart -

We made the chore chart here is the run down:

HOPE'S WEEKLY CHORES:

Laundry (1 or 2 loads each weekday night, including folding and put away)
Change bedding on all beds - (every other weekend)
Vaccuum and dust our bedroom -(Monday night)
Swiffer and dust Quentin's bedroom -(Monday night)
Vaccuum upstairs hallway -(Monday night)
Vaccuum and dust downstairs -(Tuesday night)

This list does not include bathing the children each night and putting them to bed along with making dinner, cleaning the kitchen and packing lunches for the next day or grocery shopping and menu planning .

JOE'S WEEKLY CHORES:

Clean Upstairs Bathroom - Full bathroom to be completed by Thursday
Clean downstairs bathroom - 1/2 barh to be completed by Thursday
Mop the kitchen floor -(Wednesday)
Mop entryway floor - (Wednesday)
Pick up Quentin from School - Tuesday - Thursday
Take Quentin to speech - Monday and Wednesday

The only other thing that I have asked him to take care of is to pick up after himself (not an unreasonable request) during the day - ok more specifically put your breakfast/lunch dishes in the dishwasher, put the bottles that you have fed Adrianna with on the sink (so I can wash them at night).

I was a stay at home parent when Quentin was a baby until he was 19 months old. I was able to do everything - the only thing I asked him to do was an occasional Costco run because I hate Costco.

When I get home on any given day - I can tell exactly where in the house that Joe and Adrianna have been - as there is a bottle or blanket or jammies or some kind of evidence left in the area. The kitchen is a nightmare the counters have food or crumbs on them from where he did not wipe it down after he ate breakfast or lunch or snack - his dishes are in the sink not in the dishwasher the list goes on. I get dinner started and then my load of laundry and then go through and pick up after him from the day - the picking up takes all of about 10 minutes so I don't understand why it isn't done before I get home.

It is so frustrating because I am feeling that it is not fair for me to be at work all day long and then to come home to a mess that I have to pick up along with making time for my children who I have been away from all day and God forbid sit down and have a moment to myself for half a second before it is time to go to bed or move onto the next chore. I have also taken on the responsiblity of cleaning the bathrooms because they have yet to be done by Joe since I have been back at work.

I guess it is one of those things that I am choosing not to address and will just complain to myself (or my blog) about. I think that once we get a couple credit cards paid off I am going to arrange for a house keeper - we had one before Quentin was born and I LOVED IT!!!! The only thing that they don't do is the laundry which I am totally fine with that.

Until I get my housekeeper back the only sensible reason I can think of that he is unable to do chores and take care of the children at the same time is because he does not have a uterus.

Thank you for letting me vent!

My Kids

2009-02-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that my husband and I are able to have one parent stay home with the children. My husband has taken to his duties as a stay at home parent very well, he still needs work in the domestic duties however I will not complain as I am so grateful that we don't have to pay child care!

Yesterday was a typical Monday for me, I got up and came to work my family were all snoozing away. It actually was fine because Quentin was not feeling well all weekend so sleeping in was a good thing!

I got home after work and Quentin was very excited to show me he had picked out his own outfit and dressed himself. This is a BIG deal because he has a hard time getting dressed due to his dwarfism, we have been working with him and tell him to try and after he tries and he needs help them we help him. Although like any 4 year old he never wants anyone to help him, so he gets frustrated when he can't pull his clothes on - So this is what his outfit consisted of - Underware and rain boots!

I seriously could not stop laughing when I got home last night! I have to hand it to the kid, he picked the easiest items to put on and then check out the pose...what a character!

My daughter was crashed out in her high chair and looked so sweet that I had to take her picture too!

I wish that I could just sit at the table and fall asleep and be left alone!!

I hope that everyone had a good Monday!!!

An eventful weekend....

2009-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our Anniversary this past weekend. The acutal day was last weekend however our babysitter, my mom, was out of town so we celebrated on Saturday with lunch and a movie. We dropped off the kids around 11:30 AM and once everyone was settled we were off to lunch at Applebees, we had a nice lunch and conversation, we realized it was the first time since Adrianna was born that we had been anywhere just the two of us. After lunch we decided to catch a movie, I wanted to see Gran Torino but Joe wanted to see Madea goes to Jail I really had no desire to see this movie but gave in and have to admit it was pretty funny, and apparently did very well this weekend.

After the movie we went to pick up the children, when we got to my mom's house she said that Quentin felt warm and had been sneezing and runny nose, my first thought was great another cold. It was around dinner time and mom said that she had been thinking about a Big Mac all day, I told her I would get her one since I needed to go to Carrs to get some medicine for Quentin.

I get the meds at Carrs and drive across the street to McDonald's the drive thru line was way too long so I decided to go in, I order the food and off I go. When exiting the parking lot I noticed something was sticking out of the snowbank, I looked it was a gun, yes I said a gun. I had to do a double no make that a triple take to realize what I was seeing. I called my mom and asked her what I should do, she suggested calling and speaking with the manager at McDonald's. OK I call the McDonald's and a teenager answers the phone, I told her what I saw and she sounded annoyed and just said "UM OK" not feeling confident that the nit wit would investigate the situation I decided to call the non-emergency line for APD. I gave the dispatcher the information, any other time that I have called (which is not a lot) the non-emergency line I have never received a call back, although I have never called for a weapon related matter. At any rate 45 minutes later my cell phone rings, the caller id said PRIVATE CALL, I answered. The voice on the phone said "May I speak to Hope Chavez?" I idenified myself, he then said, "This is Officer Fishback, I understand you found a weapon at McDonalds?" I gave him all the information and he told me to hold the line, he was arriving at McDonalds I told him which snow bank I saw the gun in. I told him that I was hoping it was a fake gun - he then said "no this is real" HOLY COW - a real gun this is what ran through my mind. SO then Officer Fishback asked for my drivers license number, address, phone number and date of birth. He told me that someone would contact me if they needed more information.

I am so glad that I called the police, who knew you could get a burger, fries and handgun at McDonalds? I know not funny but it made for an eventful weekend!

Good deed for Friday....

2009-02-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

I stopped by Starbucks on my way to work this morning and got a venti apple chai infusion and a scrumptious cranberry orange scone. While I was waiting in the drive thru line a Police officer pulled up behind me, when I got to the window the lovely barista working the window tells me my total is $5.40, I asked if I could pay for the police officer's coffee behind me, she said sure! Then she smiled and said that he also ordered a sandwich was that ok, of course.

My good deed for the day! As I drove off I smiled to myself and hoped that my good deed would help the officer have a great day!!

I have warm fuzzy feelings from my morning! It is amazing that my day started out with my favorite drink and a good deed! Karma what goes around comes around I am a firm believer in that!!

Have a good weekend!!!

Adult to-do list

2009-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have finally completed my last will and testament. It was a very strange feeling to be putting this together. I know I have needed to do this for awhile now but kept putting it off. For some reason with two children now I felt that it was something I needed to get handled. I have been crossing a lot of my "adult to-do" list. I updated my life insurance policy to include both of my children as beneficiaries, made an appointment to get Adrianna a life insurance policy.
Filed our 2008 taxes, filed our 2008 applications for the Permanent Fund (they pay us to live in Alaska). Paid bills, met with the mortgage broker to get pre-qualified to buy a real house (we own a condo now), set up an appointment with my financial planner to make adjustments to my investments for my retirement account.

Gosh this week has just been full of all adult things.

Maybe this weekend I will take Quentin sledding so that I can feel like less than an adult or better yet maybe I will go to IHOP at lunch and order chocolate chip pancakes and a BIG glass of Milk!!!!

February 13, 2001

2009-02-13T08:33:00.001-08:00

Eight years ago today I woke up in Hawaii on my wedding day!!! Those that know the background know that this was an especially Special day. Like any bride I had the normal jitters, I had my mom with me and my friend Kathryn who lives in Hawaii helped out with the preperation for our day!

The morning started with breakfast in the hotel room - Joe, his sister and best man were getting ready somewhere else. Mom and I got our hair done at the salon in the hotel and then it was back to the room to get dressed, we only had 30 minutes before the Limo picked us all up to take us to the location where we would exchange our vows.

Once back in the room I did my makeup while mom got dressed, it was muggy that morning so we had the curtains and deck door open to get some air moving through the room. Mom was dressed and I finished putting on my face - it was time to get into my dress! By this time Joe's sister had come down and was taking pictures of me getting ready - what fun! So without divulging too much info there I was standing in my underware, bra, and panty hose - I am facing the window getting ready to pour into my dress and notice that on the deck at the hotel across from ours is an old man with binoculors totally watching us get dressed - I totally started laughing and finished getting dressed. Once everything was in place - I looked outside again and now the old man is clapping and giving me the thumbs up - I guess he approved!!

In the elevator on the way down to the lobby to see my groom for the first time, I totally lost it, it had been a very emotional time leading up to this day, at that moment I guess everything hit me that this was FINALLY REALLY happening! The elevator door opened and I walked out into the lobby, the other guests at the hotel clapped it made me feel really good and embarrassed at the same time that all these people were looking at me!!!!

When I saw Joe he looked very handsome standing in his black suit and sunglasses - he just smiled and looked at me the sameway he did the night we met! He was sitting with our witness, Matt - who looked like a semi had run him over, wrinkled shirt, van tennis shoes with his slacks and to this day I still am not sure that he combed his hair that morning - I really didn't notice until I was looking at pictures.

Into the Limo and off the wedding site, we arrived and Roger our wedding planner was at waiting with the officiant. It was sprinkling a little bit which bummed me out, my friend Kathryn was also at the park waiting for us, she had arranged for our flowers - a beautiful purple orchid lei for Joe and myself as well as a crown of tropical flowers for me, I didn't have a veil.

Kathryn assured me that in Hawaii when it rains on your wedding day - it is considered a blessing. After the first photo was taken, it stopped raining and the sun came out!! After a few pictures it was time to start the ceremony.

We exchanged our vows with the ocean waves crashing to our back, it really was beautiful and perfect! The minister had asked that we all bow our heads for the final prayer, (keep in mind we were at a public park) all of a sudden during our prayer - I hear Joe and Matt giggling I open my eyes - a bum had totally pushed his way through my ceremony and was getting a drink of water, of all the areas in this huge park he had to choose the water spicket where I was getting married. I couldn't help it and totally started laughing.
At 11:15 AM we were officially pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Joe Chavez!!!!!!

After a few more pictures it was time for the luncheon - we only had 6 people so we did not need a huge reception. It was off to the Sheraton where my mom had arranged a beautiful private room for our luncheon. Again entering the lobby there were cheers and clapping, I felt like a rock star! We had a wonderful lunch and were surprised because mom and Kathryn had arranged for a cake and champange.

After the luncheon Joe and walked back to our hotel, that was only a couple blocks away. Walking hand in hand down the street - people were honking and waving it was really a great feeling!

Although it wasn't the traditional church wedding and reception that had previously been planned, we only had 6 guests, I couldn't have asked for anything more. Everything was beautiful and perfect. I can't believe that 8 years have passed already - we have grown together as a couple and have two beautiful children! I look forward to many more years with Joe!

Happy Anniversary, I love you!

Breaking up is hard to do.....

2009-02-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

SO I have been with my hair lady, Rhonda for almost 10 years now. During my pregnancy when I am most picky - I had asked for a new style, I have short hair so I know that limits it a little bit, Rhonda's answer is always the same ok we can do something different and then cuts it EXACTLY the same.
The last 6 months each time I went in for a cut I would look through the magazines and choose a new style only to be told "oh your hair wont look good that way" disappointed I would pay my $45 plus tip and walk out unhappy.

My mom also used Rhonda as her stylist, well in December she had a HUGE, I mean HUGE break in her hair, when she asked Rhonda about it was told that it was because her hair was dry from the weather. I mean seriously this was not correct, my mom had a hole in the back of her hair where it broke off.

So enough was enough, I found a new stylist Kilika - I visited her on Saturday and LOVE HER!!! She totally listened to me and gave me an updated look - I booked my next appointment for 6 weeks for color and cut. I am so happy I just feel sassy and sexy!!!
For the first time in months I didn't feel disappointed walking out of the salon or that I had just wasted my money.

My mom also visited Kilika on Saturday - it turns out that she had COMPLETE chemical damage to her hair and brakage all over - Kilika totally fixed her hair and she looks FABULOUS. I have not seen my mom's hair look this good in a very long time. My mom already has a plan on how she is going to break up with Rhonda - I wish she would break up for me too!

How do I break up with someone who I have been seeing for 10 years, I know I wasn't dating her but a hair dresser is like a therapist - it will be sad to break up with her. I guess I just need to put my big girl panties on and call Rhonda and tell I have found someone else.

One Word...

2009-02-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's harder than you think!! This was a fun little quiz that I got on email through a forward - thought I would post it!

Where is your cell phone?......desk
Your hair ..........Short
Your father? ........Jerk
Your favorite thing? ...........kids
Your dream last night?..... ?
Your favorite drink? .......... Margarita
Your dream/goal? ..........
The room you are in? .....Office
Your fear? .........snakes
Where do you want to be in 6 years?.....rich
Muffins? ............blueberry!
One of your wish list items?.......
Where you grew up? .......Anchorage
The last thing you did? ......filed
What are you wearing?......clothes
Your TV?..........home
Your pets? ..........none
Your computer? .....Dell
Your life? .........Good
Your mood? ........calm
Missing someone? .......yes
Your car? ....black
Favorite store?.....Target
Your summer? .....rainy
Your favorite color? .......purple
When is the last time you laughed? .....today
Last time you cried? .......?

Talk, Talk, Talk...

2009-02-05T14:08:00.001-08:00

Anyone who knows me can agree that I have been giving the gift of gab. I believe that my daughter has also been gifted this!

She has for the most part slept 6-7 hours or more at night since she was 6 weeks old, very lucky considering that my son did not sleep through the night until well after age 2.

This week she has been waking me up not with crying or wanting to be changed or fed, she is totally talking in her sleep, my mom said that she walked and talked in her sleep when she was a kid, although she doesn't know if she started in the crib.

This morning I thought for sure that I would walk over to Adrianna's crib and find her sitting there with a cup of coffee - she was very chatty and laughing. I wonder who she is talking to?

When my son was almost 1 my grandmother passed away - we were very close and because she had dementia she never really met my son. Although when we took him to the Nursing home to visit she would light up, like she knew that he was her baby too! After she passed my son would have times that he would be laughing in his sleep like a full belly laugh - almost like someone was tickling him. I have always thought my grandmother was his guardian angel!

Now that Adrianna is doing the samething I am sure that my grandmother is watching over my kids and probably playing with them too!

Friends

2009-02-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

As I was rejoicing in the birth of my friend Kate's new baby boy, I realized that I have GREAT friends. As these were happy thoughts I did get a little sad as I realized too that all my very close friends live in different states. One of the HUGE drawbacks of living in Alaska.

So where do I begin, when I went to college I was told that I would meet people who would become my friends for life. I really didn't think that was true as I already had friends from high school that I was sure would be in my life forever. My freshman year at St. Martin's was a little rough from homesickness, and I did meet some good friends - who I have actually found or they have found me on Facebook. It wasn't until my sophomore year that I met the people that I am so blessed to have in my life.

I remember like it was yesterday the first day I met Amy Z, she was my neighbor in Baran Hall she was moving into her room with the help of her sister. I introduced myself and literally have talked to Amy everyday since the first day we met, she is my chosen sister! There were many weekend days when the gang (Amy, Amy, Sandra, Kate, Antionette and sometimes the boys) would gather in mostly my room and order pizza to cure our ok my hangovers. When I think back to all the fun that we had - I am amazed that we all managed to grow up through the process of being normal college kids and we all have normal lives.

I do miss my friends from St. Martin's but am blessed that when I go to Washington or they come to Alaska it is like we have not been apart. Yes we all have our own lives with new families but I will continue to be thankful that I have these people in my life. I do know that they are only a phone call or an email away! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

My other friend that I has moved away from me is Brenda - she is my newest BFF. We met while working at RBMS, Bren's cubicle was behind mine and we both did data entry. It too much like Amy was an instant friendship. I have many favorite memories of Bren is at the company Christmas party - we had been to have our hair done and to see the musical Grease, we got to the Christmas party and started drinking on empty stomachs needless to say we were a little tipsy - Brenda was doing cheers from her cheerleading days for the President and Vice President of the company. I still have to laugh everytime I think of that party! The drive home was pretty funny too - our husbands were in the front seat and Brenda and I were in the back just giggling and having fun!

Brenda and I discovered the joys of scrapbooking together - I really miss my scrapping buddy! Our boys Quentin and Kyle are 6 months apart - I don't think anything bonds friends more than becoming moms!

My BFF now lives in Florida (damn military) I think that there have been only a few days where we have not talked via text, email or phone since we met.

I have a handful of people in my life that I consider friends. I can't say how blessed I am to have these people in my life! They are more than friends I consider them my family!

Thank you! Love you guys!!

Who knew...

2009-02-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

Saturday was a great day! The kids and I picked up my mom and headed for a morning of shopping and then to lunch. Our first stop was Starbucks, I ordered my new favorite drink Apple Chai Infusion, thank you Kate, Quentin and my mom ordered Passion Tea Lemonaides and Adrianna was asleep and at 4 1/2 months has not discovered how GREAT Starbucks is! Once we all had our drinks it was time to make way to Target - we only have one in Anchorage and it is across town but always worth the drive.

I bought only necessary items at Target which is a little disappointing but was proud that I stuck to my list and within budget! My mom however complained as we were leaving that she did not stick to her list. She bought Quentin the cutest rain boots, Lightening McQueen.

After spending an hour in Target it was time for lunch my mom let Quentin choose he decided on our favorite mexican restaurant La Cabana which is always so YUMMY!
While we were eating my aunt called and told me about a fantastic sale at JcPenny - so after lunch mom and I dropped the kids at home with my husband and my mom and I were off to JcPenny. I found AWESOME deals, I purchased 2 pairs of work pants and 3 shirts for work all for a total of $73.65 I had a gift card so my out of pocket was only $43.00 WOW you can't beat that!!!

I took mom home after JcPenny's and stopped at the gas station. I filled my car with gas and ran inside to get a beverage. As I was strolling down the aisle toward the refrigerator case, I saw that they had Stadium Style brats - remembering that I had been out playing all day and did not take anything out for dinner I thought that sound good. I bought a package of Brats, hot dog buns, a bag of chips and 3 homemade snickerdoodle cookies, my total was $12 WHO KNEW YOU COULD BUY DINNER AND DESSERT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT THE GAS STATION!!!!
I must say that the brats were so good I wish I had bought two packages.

Volcano

2009-01-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of the day today calling around to pharmacies to find masks that we will have to wear if and that is a BIG IF - Mt. Redoubt erupts. The damn volcano has been on code Orange since Sunday so who knows when it will blow. My mom called me today and said that I needed to get my emergency kit in order if the volcano blows.

We have an emergency kit for the BIG earthquakes that I put together 4 years ago - I will just need to add some items.
THis is what is suggested to be in your emergency kit

In my kit are the following items: I think it is pretty good

Clothing for myself, husband and Quentin (although they probably don't fit the child since it was put together when he was an infant LOL)
Cash
Bottled water (does this go bad or have an expiration date?)
Formula (this for sure has expired and we don't need it)
Food - mostly canned and dehydrated
can opener
diapers
First Aide Kit
Battery Operated Radio (although I am not sure if the batteries are still good)
Copies of my id and husband's id along with a copy of Quentin's birth certificate (in case they have to identify us)
flash light
candles (I didn't see any matches though- LOL)
blankets

SOOOO when I took the inventory earlier this week I came to the conclusion that I should probably update this stupid thing once a year. I put it together because my mom was insistent on it, especially when Quentin was born. Although my thought hasn't changed, if there is a big earthquake - will I even be able to get to the damn kit? Same thing with this volcano if it blows who is to say I will be at home to access the freaking air masks that we will need to put on. I guess I will need to get several masks and just carry them with me.

I will be updating my kit this weekend! Hopefully that will make my mom happy!

A Little Jealous..Maybe

2009-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

I have now been back to work for 4 weeks, my daughter is at home with the husband which has made this transition a little easier. When I get home from work I spend all my time with both children in between doing nightly chores and getting ready for the next work day.

My son who is 4 doesn't seem to need me as much because he is 4, Adrianna is only 4 months and still nursing so she needs me a bit more. Last night I was in the kitchen making dinner, my husband was getting ready for work, he had the early shift last night. So he was leaving and I had Adrianna strapped into the baby bjorn - all night had tried to get this girl to smile at me and at least look happy that I was home - nothing. My husband comes into to tell us good bye and she has the BIGGEST smile for him and got all excited when she saw him. I just felt horrible.

I guess I am a little jealous that my husband got this reaction from her, although it makes since because he is the one taking care of her and spends most of the day with her. It is nice though that they are bonding so well! I guess the whole crux of it is, that I want to be the one taking my son to preschool and at home with my daughter. OH well for now I will just learn to deal and cope with the fact that my children may prefer my husband...I will try not to be jealous but it is hard.

Facebook

2009-01-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

OK so I caved and now have created a profile on facebook - I can see myself getting hooked, as I have seen and requested to be friends with many people who I had lost contact with!!

Anyway not much to say just waiting to be approved as friends, which always cracks me up!

It is snowing here today - I am so done with winter - ready for spring and summer!

Have a great Wednesday!