August 16, 2010
Camping in the "cold"
We went camping with some friends over the weekend. Tried out Henry Cowell SP in Felton CA.
Things we liked:
Shady
Near Roaring Camp (cool steam trains)
Ranger activities for the kids
What we didn't like
NO Alcohol policy (didn't really matter much to me this time)
POISON IVY EVERYWHERE
it was wet, damp and cold (although not really the park's fault - just bizarre weather!)
Overall we had a very nice time. The kids played well together, the trains were cool to look at, the food was yummy, the bathroom wasn't too far...
I do have to say that camping is more challenging than I expected being pregnant. It is so easy to forget to do the routine things that keep my functioning (vitamins, exercises for my back, etc.) and the air mattress and walking outside to the bathroom in the middle of the night are NOT fun!
We'll see if we make it to our planned trip in September?!?!?!
PS Thanks to Dirk I am seriously paranoid about poison ivy now. Had to google all about it when we got home and would really rather just burn all the possibly contaminated items (i.e all our clothes) rather than deal with them!
ETA: As of a few days after getting back we have only one possible poison ivy manifestation (on Chanler's forehead at the hairline), but he claims it doesn't itch or hurt and it is the size of a pencil eraser... guess we got off lucky.
Posted by Jesse at 4:47 PM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2010
Camping in the "heat"
Amazingly it worked out to get a Sibling camping trip together (minus David - Missed you!). We heated back to Caswell Memorial SP
What we like about this park:
It is on the Stanislaus River (this year we even managed to get a site with walk in river access)
It is between San Jose and Sacramento
Hot water to do the dishes
Family bathrooms and showers
Cows!
Not so favorites:
It is dusty, dry and HOT!
Lots of bugs (though not many mosquitoes)
Non Assigned spaces
Cows in the river!!!
All in all the kids had a great time. We ran into some friends unexpectedly so Chanler was thrilled (they let him use their fishing pole!!) and we officially have the smallest family tent now! Ironic no?
Posted by Jesse at 9:30 PM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2010
It's a Minivan
Well there it is... the new car (or as my kids point out when ever I use that term "no mom it's a MINIVAN")
Posted by Jesse at 9:41 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2010
Bye Bye Green Shug
We said goodbye today to our Green MDX and Hello to a Blue Honda Odyssey.
I am sad to see the MDX go! It was a great car and one that I loved to drive, but it just wasn't set up for our family to use easily. It is difficult for me to feel "excited" about a minivan (even one with lots of cool features), just becase it is a minivan and it isn't perfect. After many hours of research and many more trips to dealerships we decided that the Odyssey is the closest to what we want, but it is a far cry from what we wish were available.
Good bye old friend we will all miss you!
Posted by Jesse at 7:51 PM | Comments (0)
April 7, 2010
A little something to be thankful for next Thanksgiving
aka "Hraban.next" or just "new baby"
Posted by Jesse at 9:45 PM | Comments (0)
June 1, 2009
Portola Redwoods State Park
We went camping with our friends the Robinsons this last weekend. We chose Portola Redwoods State Park because it is near by, shady, and generally nice. The kids had a blast! What more could you want than a whole hill side of dirt!
We had a nice secluded spot (#42) the only down side was the incline to get up to (and therefore down from) the actual spot. Jessaleigh rolled down our hill a number of times!
We went for a short hike to the "old tree" (the largest in the park and one we had visited on our first trip to Portola Redwoods), checked out bananna slugs, listened to survivalist college students, and tried to generally keep track of all the children. Overall it was a lovely trip.
More Pictures
ETA
I almost forgot to mention that the camp ground was very buggy and when I say buggy I mean swarms of mosquitoes. We thought we did pretty well with bug spray and left with only one confirmed bite (on Scott of course). Today I am starting to think the Portola Redwood mosquitoes have some magical time delay in their bites. I have bites (or at least itchy spots) appearing all over or maybe I just caught some exotic rash...?
Posted by Jesse at 9:16 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2009
I'm never cooking on Tuesday again...
OK so that is obviously not true, but here is why...
We went out to dinner tonight (because I still haven't made it to the grocery store...) in Willow Glen. On Tuesdays Willow Street Pizza has s "kids eat free" night. Which means I save $10 on dinner - yes that is 2 kids meals and yes they each finished a whole kids pizza!!!!!! Then literally just next door is Baskin Robins (we decided to get ice cream on a whim) on Tuesdays they have $1 scoop night!!!
What could be better than - free kids meals and cheap ice cream? I am sure you can think of something, but it was a very pleasant surprise to me today!
Posted by Jesse at 9:30 PM | Comments (0)
December 6, 2008
Thanksgiving Notes
For next year...because every year I think "I'll have to remember that for next year" so here are my notes - ignore if they don't interest you!
4x Stuffing is a bit too much
3x Brocolli Caserole is not too much
No Veggie Plate - no matter how much you want one.
More meat and cheese
More Spinach Dip
Warm Olives
Buy Gladware for leftovers
No Peanuts
In spite of the list above we did have a very lovely Thanksgiving with family. 10 people in all including 3 kiddos!
Posted by Jesse at 7:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 9, 2008
New Look
So my "readers" (*cough* all 3 of you) may have noticed some new content on our (Scott's and mine) blogs... As I mentioned in a previous entry we joined Facebook a few months ago, and I have become hooked on their "status." It is just too much fun to actually keep updating it with what I am actually doing! So when we got new phones in October (yes I now can SMS - welcome to the 21st century I know) I really wanted to be able to update my FB status from my phone (cause I am sure everyone wants to know what I am doing all the time) Any way, long story short, the service I found to do updates (Twitter) can be set up (by my super cool computer man) to update my blog - how cool is that!!!!
So now everyone can see what I am up to, even if you aren't on FB! (but why wouldn't you be?)
Posted by Jesse at 8:50 PM | Comments (0)
November 7, 2008
I am a M.O.M.
Just a few of the things that make me a M.O.M.
Maker of Meals
Monitor of Miscreants
Marker of Memories
Modeler of Morality
Mourner of Monday
Mender of Minor-injuries
Manifester of Meanings
Maximizer of Money
Minimizer of Messes
Minder of Milestones
Molder of Minds
Moderator of Misunderstandings
Memorizer of Minutiae
Master of Mounds-of-Laundry
Motor-vehicle driver of Minors
Motivator of Motor-skills
Mollifier or Moods
Mover of Mountains
Marketer of Minerals and vegetables
Maintainer of Mementos
Mentor of Midgets
Multiplier of Minutes alone
Manufacturer of Mini-me's
Monitor of Mobility
Posted by Jesse at 11:38 PM | Comments (0)
July 2, 2008
Car Seat Bankruptcy - the end
I think we are finally on the tail end of the "car accident that wasn't" We have gotten:
- the checks for our car seats
- the car door repaired
- the reimbursement for the rental car (while they were fixing the door for 10 days!)
- bought the new car seats and installed them
The only remaining this I know of is getting our deductible back - who knows how long that will take.
On the car seat front
Jessaleigh is now in a Britax Boulevard. I am not entirely sure she likes it! She is very particular about the webbing harness straps not touching her skin, which makes it critical how you buckle her. My only other complained about the seat is the very small "comfort pads" at the neck. It is nearly impossible to keep them in place and protect all of her neck.
Chanler is now in a Britax Frontier. He has only had it for one day, but here are my first impressions.
It also has very small neck pads (way too small!), the straps annoy me (the buckles get lost at the bottom of the seat), the seat bottom is very long (Chanler can't bend his knees), it has NO working cup holder (which was a great feature of his last seat) and the arm rest are a joke. Still trying to convince myself that this is the right seat. All the things I dislike about it are cosmetic, the reasons we choose this seat over getting the old one again were safety related and I still think they are valid. I just wish the cosmetic things were better. *sigh*
Some useful links if ever you need to replace your car seats!
http://www.car-seat.org/
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
Posted by Jesse at 11:01 PM | Comments (1)
June 23, 2008
Mementos
OK so I am a relatively sentimental person. I have things that remind me of happy times and I like to have them out and around me. Many of my favorite mementos are from our wedding, our children or things that remind me of family.
On Sunday I looked over at my bookcase of (mostly books &) mementos and realized that something terrible had happened to the square that held many wedding trinkets. One frame in the back had tipped (no one knows when or why) and had pushed 3 other pieces over the end where they broke on the floor. I am very sad!
I wonder if mementos become more precious with age because we are reminded of a time that is further away or if it is because the quantity of things that remind us diminishes as things are broken or lost.
Posted by Jesse at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
June 3, 2008
Shedding
It is a little known (to people who don't have kids at least) phenomenon that a few months postpartum you start losing hair. Now I don't mean little bits hear and there, I mean taking a shower and feeling like half your head is going down the drain. This happened last time, but it is still disconcerting!
Posted by Jesse at 8:15 PM | Comments (1)
May 27, 2008
Why?
Why are people so inclined to judge/compare people and their choices? Maybe it is just me, if so don't bother reading on, I will just ramble for a bit.
Why do we (collectively) feel the need to have everyone make choices similar to ours and why do we get upset/offended when people don't???
I do this (more than I would like to admit).
Now I can rationalize some choices and say things like "their choices were right for them," but there are some things that I just cannot accept (no I am not going to out all of my prejudices here - sorry I wouldn't want to alienate all my *3* readers) There have been times when I have had a physical reaction to hearing or reading about someones life/parenting choices. Why are these feelings so strong? Maybe I would be a happier/better person if I could care less about what other people do with themselves? What do you think?
Posted by Jesse at 11:55 PM | Comments (1)
May 19, 2008
Good News
Scott and I decided to buy a copy of the police report from the recent accident. We will probably get a copy from the insurance company at some point, but we were obsessing about what it might say and who would be placed at fault, so we though it was money well spent.
The outcome is that the police officer said it was entirely the other persons fault!!!! That is what I thought too, but it is nice to have it in writing. Especially since that is what the insurance company uses to determine if your rates go up.
Posted by Jesse at 3:46 PM | Comments (0)
Nothing of Substance
Just felt like writing something . . .
- I had 2 baby showers this weekend (and 2 birthday parties that we missed - Sorry to Shiloh and val!!!! Wish we could have time traveled to make it!!). Somehow I was more tired out the the shower that I wasn't involved in hosting then the one that I was . . . *shrug*
- Jessaleigh is teething and she is NOT happy about it. She was up every hour over Saturday night. Just uncomfortable.
- We had friends (and parents of friends) over for dinner on Saturday as well. Jeff and Ruthie are moving to Switzerland, so we have been trying to see them as much as possible before then left town (which happens in about 3 hours). Ironically one of the other couples who were also in the same small group with us are coming into town on Thursday. I am very sad we couldn't have pulled off a small group reunion. Oh well such is life . . .
- I am trying to pick up the many balls I feel like I dropped last week (being so busy with shower planning, staying cool, and I can't remember what else). I hate feeling like I am dropping more stuff than I am catching (using the jugglers analogy), my house is a wreck, I haven't actually had a conversation with Scott (thank you Facebook), my kids are confused about what the routine is, there is no food in my house, etc.
- It is thankfully cooler today (and yesterday) than last week. I was beginning to feel like I was trapped in my house because it was too hot to go and do anything (except maybe shop at an air conditioned store)
Thanks all for now
Posted by Jesse at 3:30 PM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2008
Car Seat Bankruptcy
I am going to assume that if you are reading this post, that you have read the previous post about my recent traffic "incident."
So the story gets better . . .
Scott got a call from our insurance company (they are being great, I am not complaining about them in any way) and while on the phone with them explaining what happened he mentioned that our kids were in the car. Apparently there is a law (CA or Fed I am not sure) that insurance companies must pay to replace any car seats that were occupied during an accident.
Now I think this is probably a good regulation, and I understand that it is easier to draw the line at ANY accident rather than having someone decided which claims qualify etc. But from where I stand, I have had a less than minor "accident" and my insurance company is paying me to replace my car seats. This is crazy.
Chanler's seat is only about a month old. I don't really need the aggravation of trying to find another one right now. (both stores that carry it are currently sold out.
Jessaleigh's car seat I wouldn't mind replacing, but now I have do figure out what it is that I actually want now. Again I don't need the aggravation.
Isn't life funny?
Posted by Jesse at 2:29 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2008
Obsessing - aka was this my fault???
Do you ever just think about something that happened (that you had no control over) and try to figure out if there was something that you could have done to prevent it???? That is where I am right now.
After nap time today I decided to take Chanler and Jessaleigh to a nearby park while we were waiting for Scott to come home. This park is on the route that Scott takes to get home so I knew I would see him and know it was time to leave. No problem, I see Scott (he didn't see me wave to him, but no big deal), so I started packing up my kids and stuff. Got Jessaleigh into her car seat (passenger side), got the blanket, sand toys, purse etc. and then got Chanler. I opened the drivers side rear door and started to get him into his seat, but he was complaining about sand in his shoes so we took a moment to dump both shoes. OK that's done now into the seat, two buckles and I am about to tighten the straps, when THUMP some moron clips my door. Yes the door that is open because I AM STANDING IN THE DOOR WAY BUCKLING MY KID. What the &%$@. The person stops, then starts driving again, meanwhile I am thankfully not hurt by the door on its return path after being hit and am now in a panic because my car has been hit, my kids are scared, and the perp is driving away. Thankfully there was a nice woman also at the park who started taking down the plates and keeping an eye on my car/kids while I ran down the street screaming at the car to stop. Half a block down the driver FINALLY pulls over and gets out. She barely speaks English - Great. I call Scott to come down and then call 9-1-1. The police came and took a report, Scott got her information (BTW she "didn't have her license with her") and our neighbor (who happened to be running nearby when this happened) entertained Chanler with his dog. All in all the damage to my car is not huge - the door panel is bent, but still functions - but I have been sitting around all night thinking about why this happened and what I could have done to avoid it ... so far I haven't come up with anything more that - I shouldn't have gone to the park.
On a brighter note: I ran into an old friend from high school. Blast from the past! He was with his wife (of 2 months). It was so good to see him and catch up a bit. Maybe I'll actually manage to keep in touch with people going forward - probably not, but I can always hope.
Posted by Jesse at 11:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2008
I Caved
I joined Facebook. I caved! For years now I have stubbornly NOT joined anything like Facebook, MySpace, etc. because . . . well just because. Finally yesterday I caved in. It started when Michelle told Scott about a group on FB from a youth choir they were in. Scott joined so he could view it and from there I started poking around to see who I knew. I found some old HS friends who I had lost touch with (and actually wanted to reconnect with) and hence I am now a "facebooker"
How will I ever look myself in the mirror???
Posted by Jesse at 12:11 AM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2008
Pay Back
OK I just need to vent . . .
I realize that I am quite lucky that Jessaleigh sleeps, but now I am paying for it. I have a 10 week old and I just got my period back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This sucks! this isn't supposed to happen for MONTHS. Not to mention the fact that the first 5 weeks postpartum shouldn't count because you are still bleeding from the birth. So, I just get no break.
Oh yeah and the hormones that come with it are just GREAT. Just what I needed - some more hormones. . .
Posted by Jesse at 10:56 PM | Comments (2)
March 24, 2008
Easter Feast
He is risen! Indeed!
We had parents over for Easter yesterday. I got the "day off" from holding Jessaleigh and reading to Chanler, so I had time to make a semi-fancy meal. Here's what we had
Oven roasted lamb loin chops with a herb rub
Baked salmon with dill and butter
Risotto blanco (from the Joy of cooking)
Roasted asparagus
Glazed carrots (also from the Joy of cooking)
Crescent Rolls
For dessert I made Fruit Soup with Vanilla ice cream and my mom brought an apple pie.
It was a very nice day.
Posted by Jesse at 11:12 AM | Comments (1)
March 6, 2008
Eggshells
We are officially done with down stairs (OK there are still tiny projects to finish up, but all outside work is done) the floor guys finished yesterday at lunch. My issue now is that I feel like I should be walking around on eggshells. Everything leaves a mark or dirt etc. I know in my head that we have to live here, but it is so hard when everything is SO new. I just don't want to mess anything up! I guess I will just get used to it in time.
Posted by Jesse at 3:34 PM | Comments (0)
March 5, 2008
Hopefully the last day
Today SHOULD be the last day of construction (a side from small projects for Scott like reattaching the outlets, etc.) The floor is almost done, the base boards are partially in, the kitchen sink works, the bathroom has a light, etc. Now if we can just live through one day at home with no down stairs and no where to play upstairs (because of some much displaced crap) then life will be good.
As of right now, odds are not looking great that we will make it without multiple major meltdowns.
Posted by Jesse at 9:05 AM | Comments (0)
March 1, 2008
2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back
We got our kitchen counter installed today!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!! It looks SO nice. Of course we decided that we really should paint the bathroom before the floor goes in, so now we are back to no plumbing downstairs (the bathroom vanity is covered in plastic, the toilet is out, and we can't install the kitchen faucet for 24 hours.) At least we are making some progress!
Posted by Jesse at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)
February 28, 2008
The Dark Ages
I think we are officially out of "living in the dark ages" . . . you know no running water etc.
Scott got the bathroom put back together this morning - YEAH - he is such an awesome guy! hopefully in less than a week we will have the house "back to normal"
Posted by Jesse at 8:16 PM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2008
What were we thinking???????
We have a 2-3 week old, why again did we start major home projects?
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Since Scott was home we had time to find someone to do the work in the kitchen and to deal with them when they were here. But some how the slippery slope of projects has gotten the better of us.
We went from Kitchen counter and dining wall(all done by one group of people) to flooring and then realized that if we were having floors installed we really should replace the bathroom cabinet . . . how hard could that be? Right?
Now most of these projects we are not actually doing much of the work (for example - in the kitchen Scott only had to remove the light fixture, paint and replace the light fixture. The major demo and construction are being outsourced), but some how the parts that we are doing ALWAYS take 10 times longer that we thought.
We thought we could handle the bathroom vanity install ourselves, went to home depot got a new vanity et al. came home are realized that our existing plumbing was 1) sketchy and 2) in completely the wrong place. The bigger problem is that ALL the prefab vanities that we saw are the same general arrangement, so our plumbing was never going to work with any of them. Poor Scott has spent the last 2 days trying to get the plumbing under control so that we can finally install a cabinet. (hopefully by end of day today) Yesterday ended with finally getting the water turned back on ( at 11:30pm), 3 trips to home depot, and no hot water.
To conclude: we are not very bright! We ripped out our kitchen (i.e. we have no sink, prep space, etc.) and they decided to also remove the ONLY working sink downstairs. Why do we do this to ourselves? and of course there is always the timing deadline (must be done before 1) the floor guy come to install, and 2) Scott goes back to work - NEXT MONDAY) Hopefully we have just crammed all the annoyance and pain into a small space of time and will be happily living in our improved downstairs before we know it . . . cross your fingers for us!
Oh and I almost forgot - we have a now 3 week old and Chanler has the flu/croup!!!! could life get harder?
Posted by Jesse at 2:31 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2008
The space between
The worst part about home improvement (at least when you have someone else doing the work) is the time between when you sign the contract and when the project starts!!! The second worst part is the time between when demo ends and when installations begins!!!!!
Posted by Jesse at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2008
Biting the kitchen bullet
Well we finally did it! We hired someone to put in a new kitchen counter top!!!!
I am SO excited and SO nervous! They start tomorrow with demo and will hopefully (cross your fingers) be finished within a week!
Posted by Jesse at 3:06 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2008
The other anniversary present
A while back (September) we celebrated our 10th anniversary. We had decided on a few things we wanted to do/get, but when it actually came down to it - we procrastinated. So a few months later we finally upgraded my ring - doesn't it look amazing!!!! I am so happy (now I just wish someone would notice that it has changed without me having to tell them.)
For those of you who can't tell, the diamond is about twice the size it used to be. Oh and the jewelry store cleaned and polished the setting (what a difference that makes!!!)
Posted by Jesse at 9:46 PM | Comments (1)
January 11, 2008
Just to drive up traffic
Just cause we haven't gotten around to linking this anywhere from the front page . . .
Go Check out my Pregnancy Blog if you are curious how I am doing.
Posted by Jesse at 3:13 PM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2007
Why is it?
That the only time my child wants to cuddle with me is:
1) 4 hours after bed time
2) When he has a fever over 101
3) After half an hour of tantruming
4) In the middle of the night
I know it is a personality thing, but sometimes I wish he would just snuggle with me without it being a special occasion. Although I guess when he does cuddle now - it is memorable.
Posted by Jesse at 12:53 AM | Comments (0)
December 26, 2007
Funniest quote from Christmas 2007
I'll post more later about Christmas, but I just had to memorialize this saying . . .
"So, squirrels are just rats with a blow dryer."
We were driving through Palo Alto's Christmas Tree lane; one house always has a nutcracker, princess and rat king. The Rat king is particularly scary because he has 4 faces/heads. Anyway Chanler is fascinated with nutcrackers this year and was talking about the nutcracker biting walnuts. He also wanted to know why they had a rat king out with the nutcracker. Trying to explain the idea of protagonist/antagonist. hero/villain, etc. was too much for him, he concluded that the rat king must have been trying to steal the nutcrackers walnut. Hence the change from rat king to squirrel king came about and the former statement (which is a take off of another favorite - squirrels are just rats with furry tails). Too funny. It probably also helps that 1) I hate squirrels, and 2) it was late
Posted by Jesse at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
Yes I said it. Merry Christmas!!!
NOT
Happy Holidays; Seasons Greetings, or Merry ChrismKanzikah.
Could everyone please just face it - the day that is a federal holiday (i.e. most people have off work) and all the stores are closed is the day we celebrate the birth of Christ. Just deal with it!!!!!
Posted by Jesse at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2007
Gilroy Gardens
Some friends of ours gave us complementary tickets to Gilroy Gardens. Their family apparently gets a ton of them because the park buys apricot sauce from the family farm and uses the family recipe for an "apricot freeze."
So we picked a sunny Saturday and decided we should head down. We stopped for an early lunch (and to make it a "complete" trip to Gilroy) at Black Bear Diner and then headed to the park. The parking lot wasn't exactly full when we got there, but there were still plenty of people. Chanler went on a total of 5 rides (the train around the park, The old time cars, a boat ride, the old time cars again, and the people mover type thing), which was more than I expected. He had a great time! even though we skipped his usual nap to go. We of course indulged in some naughty food (ice cream, fried artichoke hearts, corn dogs, and OF COURSE and Apricot Freeze.) and I have to say if you ever go to Gilroy Gardens you MUST try the apricot freeze! It is AMAZING and the highlight of the day.
I don't think I would ever pay full price to go to this park, but with only paying for parking and food, it was well worth it!
Pictures
ETA:
I almost forgot to mention Ralph the bear. While we were on the boat ride, there were sound tracks to go with some of the animal shaped bushes (i.e. buzzing near the bees, etc.) then we rounded the last turn and started hearing what sounded like someone heaving (like they were going to be sick). We finally figure out where this is coming from and it is a bear who appears to be leaning unto the near by lake to empty his stomach. We dubbed him Ralph
Posted by Jesse at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2007
Project Completed
After 10 years I have finally scanned all of our wedding proofs and pictures from the table cameras. Yes we got married long enough ago that digital was not the norm for professional photographers yet. Up until now we had a few badly scanned pictures from what was in our actual wedding album which we had scanned to send to family who couldn't make it to the wedding.
Now we have every proof and all the candid pics from the reception (well all that were worth printing/developing and scanning.)
I am very excited to finally have this done. It is something that I have been meaning to do for years. I guess having our anniversary (and a big one at that) come up made me get a move on.
Posted by Jesse at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)
September 9, 2007
10 Years
I can't believe it has been that long since our wedding!! What a trip. At the same time it feels like we have been married forever (in a good way)
Happy Anniversary Scott!!!!! I Love You more today than I did when we got married!
To celebrate we decided to take a little trip. I would have loved to take a big trip, but with a toddler and another on the way it just didn't seem like a good idea. I also refused to go to some wonderful place and then NOT be able to have a lovely tropical drink in a pineapple or something like it.
So we settled on Monterey for the weekend. We hit the Aquarium (which Chanler loved), Cannery Row, Alisomar, the "lighthouse," Point Lobos State Park, etc. It was a fun weekend!
(Pictures coming as soon as we can weed out the bad ones and then the number to a reasonable size)
Also to celebrate, we decided to replace Scott's wedding ring. His original ring lost a diamond chip almost 7 years ago, needs to be sized and needs a few other tweaks. Scott also decided that he would like something simpler - so we are on the hunt for a new band. We may do something for my ring as well, but haven't quite figured out what yet.
Lastly I want to get a clock as an anniversary present. I haven't found the right one yet, but I know there must be one out there. Hopefully I can find one before it is too long after our anniversary. Oh well - I won't tell if you won't.
Posted by Jesse at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
August 13, 2007
Gourmet Camping
We went camping with our old Sunday school class. It wasn't weird at all which was good and I think we all had a pretty good time. I have decided that I like colder camping than I do hot camping - just as a general principle! This location was perfect (with the exception of the mosquitoes).
Stories to remember (in no particular order):
1) Ruthie showing everyone how she had taught Chanler to throw a frisbee. Everyone she was showing was working on prepping dinner. Ruthie say OK Chanler show them what I taught you . . . and Chanler (in his usual style) flings the frisbee not in the direction Ruthie pointed or he appeared to be aiming, but right INTO the middle of dinner prep. Making everyone duck/flinch etc.
2) While the rest of the group was off hiking. Chanler and I took a nap and Scott reading a book. Well Scott was sitting so still that a chipmunk jumped up onto his foot. Unfortunately Scott wasn't quick enough to catch a picture of it.
3) While Jeff and David were playing frisbee. Chanler wanted to get into the action. After a while of wishful monkey in the middle, Chanler decided that wasn't enough. He then started chasing Jeff around with his play tent in an attempt to make him miss a catch so that Chanler could steal the frisbee.
4) During breakfast prep, Gretchen was breaking eggs which Chanler found fascinating. Each time she would ask him if he thought there was going to be a chicken inside. And each time she acted very disappointed when it was just an egg. Chanler thought this was hilarious! Then when it came time to scramble the eggs. Gretchen let Chanler "kill the yolks" for her to make sure they were all broken. He was in heaven!!!
5) In the afternoon a park ranger came by to remind everyone to lock all the food up etc. To aid her with this she brought a stuffed raven. At first Chanler thought it was really cool and when she was done with her spiel he wanted to pet it. She came over to let him touch it. He had his hand out. When she got within inches of him he all of a sudden FREAKED OUT. Turned to the closest adult (Mary) and ran screaming into her arms with a look of horror on his face.
6) Mark was in charge of food. And what an amazing spread he produced! Chicken enchiladas, sticky buns, roasted tri-tip with mushrooms and onions, potatoes provincial, fruit cobbler, etc. I haven't eaten than good on a camping trip ever! And I now must have a dutch oven before we go camping again!
Posted by Jesse at 4:22 PM | Comments (2)
July 11, 2007
Multiple Topics
Where do I begin??
1)
Last night we said goodbye to our very close friends and small group members Chris, Emily and Joseph Phillips. It was their last night in the Bay Area as they are moving to Easton Pennsylvania because Chris is starting a job at Lafayette College. In my heart I know this is a great opportunity for them, but I am still very sad to have them move so far away and mostly be out of our lives. Needless to say I cried (I am blaming it on hormones!) I have know this day was coming for a long time, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with it when it happens.
2)
Before 1 above we went to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was the worst service I have ever had there by far. It took at least 10 minutes just to have our order taken. Almost twice that to get drinks, bread and salad (which all came at once) and even longer to get our entrees. You know you should worry when your waiter says "I just rang in your orders so your food should be up soon" AFTER you have finished your salads! The only redeeming thing that happened was when the manager came by to apologize that the kitchen was backed up. We mentioned that the drink station must be backed up as well and told her (nicely) how poor our service had been. She offered to buy us some desserts, but no one really wanted anything anyway. So we get the check and I asked if they at least gave us some kind of discount, but no - nothing. Then just a few minutes later the manager is back and giving Scott his card - she said she had "taken care of our meal" - I was impressed. I had hoped for something to be comp'd, but 4 adult meals and 1 kids meal was very generous. Then she stayed and chatted for a few minutes and before she left she gave Scott vouchers for 6 FREE entrees! I was floored! I guess they really wanted to make sure we would come back! We gave our tip to the bus boy - because the server really didn't deserve anything more than some job training.
3)
I think we are officially no longer attending MPPC. As much as I hate church shopping I am also not going to continue to go to a church that I don't really feel at home. There have been a number of things that have preceded this decision (1.Not feeling like we fit in in any Sunday school class, 2.Changes in pastoral staff, 3.Direction the church is heading - multi-site project, 4.Commute, 5.Changes in the worship leadership, etc) We went there this last Sunday, because we were going to the Phillips' house to hang out and help them get ready for the movers, and I cried through most of the service (It was the director of worships last week) It just doesn't feel right. So I guess we are officially church hunting - which I hate!
4)
Lately I feel like most of the good things in our life are ending, but new things aren't really starting. Part of this is because we don't really know where we want to be (physically) in the next year. We have been talking about moving from San Jose to somewhere where we could afford a real house and still have lower payments, but we haven't picked a location. We were leaning toward Sacramento - so that we would still be close to some family, but I don't know if I can handle the summer heat. So we are stuck. We don't really want to be here, but we don't really know where we want to be. We don't want to start something here only to leave in a few months, but at the same time I don't want to have nothing happening in our lives until we figure it out. It is a conundrum. That doesn't even touch on the whole issue of fixing up the townhouse and/or selling the townhouse. Which is a can of worms in and of itself.
Posted by Jesse at 5:13 PM | Comments (0)
July 5, 2007
Announcement
In case you haven't heard or figured it out yet - I am pregnant!
Check here for more updates
Pregnancy Blog
Posted by Jesse at 5:33 PM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2007
Mother's Day
We celebrated family Mother's day on Saturday with parents, siblings etc.
That left Sunday for "celebrating" as a family. My perfect Mother's day involves sleeping in, eating out and getting a pedicure. I am not real big on the "Halmark Holidays" and think that flowers and cards are a waist of money (because they jack up the price around said holidays).
Anyway I didn't get to sleep in (oh well), then we went to Church, and after I did get to eat out (and even pick the place.) So off to BJ's Restaurant we went for Scampi Pasta and a Pizookie. The day was looking pretty good at this point! Chanler got a bit antsy waiting for the check so Scott took him out side to run. A few minutes later they came back and Chanler handed me a flower. He had picked me a tiny daisy (i.e. the kind that grow as weeds in the grass) and he gave it to me and said he loved mommy. Melt! It was such a sweet moment!
Although he did ask to hold his flower later in the day.
Over all it was a lovely day.
Posted by Jesse at 9:46 AM | Comments (0)
May 7, 2007
Finally Finished
I realize we started the backyard project LAST year and that all work halted at the end of the summer, but with the last two projects completed this April we are finally all the way done.
Thanks to a birthday present from my mom we had the Sun Shades that I had really wanted.
This caused a small dilemma because in order to install the shades we had to get around to running the trellis around the rest of our fence (our neighbor to the right did all of his fence years ago so our fence was uneven, Plus we wanted to block out more of our other neighbors from our view.) Of course this sounds easy, they sell pre-made trellis at Home Depot - except - that's right folks our fence isn't in standard lengths (i.e. 8 foot sections). Poor Scott had to cut each individual piece to fit. Also since our fence is about 20 years old it is no longer straight or level which made it more challenging.
But here I am now that everything is done it is 1pm and I am enjoying iced tea on my patio while Chanler plays in the sandbox with not a drop of sunscreen on and loving it.
Posted by Jesse at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)
May 2, 2007
Bizarre
In the mail today I got TWO baby shower invitations! and they are the SAME style (only one is a boy theme and one is a girl theme).
There are seriously just too many people I know having babies.
Posted by Jesse at 5:05 PM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2007
The Return
Thursday - We have an 11am flight, which sounds perfect until you realize that you have to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight and that is takes 45 minutes to an hour to ride the bus to the airport. So we were up at 6:15 and at the bus stop by 6:45 (for a 7:05 bus). Getting to the airport was uneventful and even getting on the plane too. We wer an hour delayed taking off because somehow they allowed someone to board the plane who had some issue with their passport. So they then had to take that person off and of course they couldn't fly the plane with an empty seat so they took MORE time to load another person on. Chanler got a cute little kids back pack from the airline with "entertainment" stuff in it. He loved wearing the back pack! For this flight we got a window seat (as opposed to sitting in the middle seats like we did on the way over.) I thought this was going to be great - Chanler could look out the window and be entertained. He was while we were on the ground, but as soon as we took off and started gaining alititude he FREAKED out and wanted the plane to go "down, Down, DOWN", so we had to close the window to keep him happy.
Chanler managed a 2.5 hour nap on this flight (which isn't terrible) but that meant that he was awake for the rest of the 10+ hour flight. He did remarkable well, watching the inflight entertainment, coloring, playing with new cars, nursing, eating junk food, etc. The only rough time was during landing when they turn off the tvs, make you put on your seat belt and no one knows why, but they asked us to open the window (Chanler was NOT happy about that above all)
Posted by Jesse at 3:20 PM | Comments (0)
Windsor
Tuesday Cont. - We arrived at the Windsor train station in early afternoon and proceeded to walk (uphill) through the town and to our B&B. This place is in between the other two. Is in bigger and nicer than the first, but can't touch the second. It also feels more like you are staying in someones house and less like they are running a business. We walked back into downtown for dinner
WARNING BEGIN RANT
So because we are trying to travel cheaply, we have been skipping sodas, sit down lunches, etc to allows us to have a nicer dinners now and then. So tonight we order water with our dinner. The man asked if we wanted sparkling or still and we said still (thinking that is the free kind) Lo and behold he comes back with 3 bottled waters (Tiny bottles at that) which were already open so we couldn't do anything about it. Then when I go to pay I look at the bill and the water was 2 pounds EACH. Yes that is right we were charged $12 for maybe 24 oz of WATER. I AM BEYOND PISSED. I was nearly in tears and kicking things as we walked home. I suppose it doesn't help that I am hormonal because of my period, but still $12 is OUTRAGOUS for WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok Moving On
Wednesday - Was dedicated to visiting Windsor Castle. It was pretty interesting as far as castles go. We got to see parts that the Queen uses to entertain and tons of cool paintings and artifacts. Also got to stand up close with a royal guard and be ignored/inspected at the same time. That job must SUCK. I mean the guys at Buckingham have a good 50 yard between them and the people. The poor guy in the lower bailey of Windsor Castle has no space. You can literally walk right up to him (except that everyone is terrified of them and if the move people jump) Still of all the post to guard that must be the worst.
Tonight is our last night and we finally succumbed. We went to Pizza hut because 1) They give you ice in your drinks, 2) they give free refills, 3) they are always non- smoking, and 4) because I don't think I can eat any more "pub food"
Posted by Jesse at 3:03 PM | Comments (0)
Salisbury
Monday - We got up early this morning to make it to breakfast and let me just say it was the biggest meal I have had in a very long time! Headed down to the bus station to catch a city bus to Stonehenge. We were debating between a bus tour vs city bus to go to Stonehenge, but Scott discovered yesterday that the tourist buses don't run on weekdays during the off season. So the city bus it is. I can't believe how much a bus pass costs - a day pass is 7 pounds (yes I mean pounds). Anyway went to Stonehenge, but I don't really know how to describe it. It is someplace I really wanted to go (or to have been), but being there didn't feel special. Maybe it was because you could literally almost touch the cars driving past on the road or that you aren't allowed anywhere near the actual stone (without special permission granted months in advance). It was just weird.
On the bus ride home we stopped at Old Sarum - the original site of Salisbury. It is mostly just a big hill with some ruins on it. It was interesting and had an amazing view. Well worth the time spent, although we didn't actually spend the money to go into the ruins.
Once we were back in town we grabbed a bite to eat (I found a new lunch that I love - the Cornish Pasty - although the name makes me giggle) and headed to Salisbury Cathedral. The Cathedral was beautiful. It is one of the oldest in England and is unique because it was completed in one generation and therefore in one style. I find it interesting/creepy that the bury people in the floor (and other parts) of churches, but I guess it is as good a place as any. The other interesting thing at the Cathedral is one of the 4 remaining original copies of the Magna Carta.
I have to admit that most of the reason we took the side trip to Salisbury steams from a book that I read (the Covenant by James Michener). Ever since reading it for the first time (in high school) I have wanted to see this part of England (and parts of South Africa).
Tuesday - Another big breakfast today then we sadly checked out. We walked down to the market square (Salisbury is know for their market days) and looked around the Market that was going on. It was mostly Meats and Veggies, but there were a few stalls of random (think flea market) trinkets and junk. I was astounded by the number of butchers stalls! nearly 1/3 to 1/2 of the market. After the market it was on to the train to Windsor.
Posted by Jesse at 2:18 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2007
Holiday begins
Saturday - This is Scott's first and only official vacation day in London. We have done a few things during the week, but this is the day to squeeze everything else in. So today we did a "Westminster Walk" (as recommended by our travel book) in included, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and Parliament, Westminster Abby, # 10 Downing St., Horse Guards Station, Old Scotland yard building, Trafalgar Sq. Found a great place for lunch (they had 2 meals for 8 pounds) Walked over to the National Gallery Museum. On the way we passed the pigeons of Trafalgar Sq. Chanler had a BALL - he LOVED chasing the birdies all over! The national gallery was cool, but Scott and I both think we are not much of painting museum people. Next we went to the Tower of London. Saw the crown jewels, Amory, yeoman warders/beef-eaters etc. Also cool, but not sure it was worth the cost. We were going to go to a different restaurant in the same chain as we went to lunch for dinner, but we discovered that they won't allow children after 6 pm (last order by 5pm) WHAT THE HELL! So we again searched all over for a restaurant - ended up in an Italian place near. As we were being seated Chanler piped up "I want Pizza" very loudly. So we got him pizza and he proceeded to eat 3/4 of it by himself (this was not a individual pizza size like you would normally think of - it was the size of an entire plate 8-10 inches at least, but very thin crust)
Sunday - We made it to Buckingham Palace today to see the Changing of the guard. Let me just say - it is NOT worth it to do this if you have a 2 year old with you. It is an interesting ceremony (albeit a long one with not much understandable at times), but a 2 year old has no patience for any of it. Chanler did like the band and music, but that didn't hold his attention for long enough. We had to move away from the gates about 3/4 of the way through and go check out the police horses and pigeons - that was the only way we made it to the end of the ceremony. The funniest thing was that we ended up in a "pocket" of Americans and each of us were glad to meet a "friendly" face. I was just so nice to not have to deal withe the accent and to be able to heckle things without offending some local.
Checked out of the tiny B&B and headed to the train station for a train to Salisbury.
What a beautiful ride! green hills, trees, animals, etc
Got to Salisbury and walked to our new B&B. What we didn't realize it that is was over a mile and up a hill. We also didn't go the best way and actually ended up going up and down and up the hill. We were pooped when we finally arrived. But WOW what a difference it is not being in London. This place it AMAZING. The room is huge and lovely! and it includes a full English breakfast (unlike the fruit basket and cereal bars at the last place) I don't really want to leave the room. 1) because it is so nice and 2) because it seems far from the center of town. Oh well we have to leave to eat sometime.
And we did leave to get dinner. As we were going down the stairs, Chanler was having trouble walking (didn't have his sea legs kind of trouble - Maybe it was the ride in the carrier to the place that cut off his circulation or something). He figured this out and decided to go down the stairs backwards ( the safest way), but still managed to "miss" the last step and fall face first into the wooden corner of the baniser with a huge crash. He now has a huge lum on his forehead and two gashes on his tongue where he bit it when he fell. Poor baby.
Posted by Jesse at 2:04 PM | Comments (0)
Walking and more walking
Tuesday - Today we went down to the south side of the river. Saw the London Eye and walked along the Thames all the way to the Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge (about 1 to 1.5 miles). Went to Saint Paul's for Evensong and met Scott for dinner. We were going to follow the advice of the travel book again and visit a historic pub. The 2 on the list that interested us were 1) closed and 2) unable to find. So we ended up at a random, but nice pub near St. James Park. This was our first encounter with the children in eating establishments problem (more later). The pub keeper was nice enough to let us eat upstairs in the dinning room even though it was technically closed. The food was amazingly good and since we were the only ones in the room it was actually a relaxing meal!
Wednesday - Today we discovered that our Tube passes worked on the buses too. Chanler and I rode the bus around town (Passed - Piccadilly circus, Trafalgar Sq, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Waterloo Station, Etc.) Chanler LOVED it. He had been asking to ride the bus since we arrived in London. I tried to take Scott to a museum this evening because a few of them have late nights tonight. We had Chinese for dinner and some bum lit up and made the whole place stink. Caught the tube and ended up at the Victoria and Albert Museum only it was closed. The late day the travel book had was NOT actually the real late night. Oh well, Scott has been there before I just wanted to see it too. On the way back we rode the bus past Harrods (which I wanted to see but not shop at)
Thursday - More walking and bus riding today. I was planning on going to the London Zoo, but it is TOO cold. Chanler and I stopped at the Princess Diana memorial playground in Kensington Gardens - it is super cool! It is a huge play area that is more landscaped than playground equipment. There is a Peter Pan ship and Tee-Pees etc. Chanler had fun and would have had more except the slides were all wet from the rain. Tonight we had dinner with some of Scott London colleges (and they paid for dinner). Dinner was wonderful and by far the nicest I will have on this trip. We were supposed to go to a great steak place, but couldn't get it - I am (and everyone else was too) seriously bummed. Instead we ended up at a nice Italian place. It was a bit weird going to dinner with Scott's work people and being the only one there who was not affiliated with the company (other than Chanler) not to mention bringing a two year old with me. But it was still nice.
Friday - Not much of a fun day. Since Cisco isn't paying from hear on out, we decided to relocate to cheaper digs. We found a B&B recommended by our travel book. So I took one of our bags and Chanler and made my way across the city. Actually got there without incident and then had to do laundry. What an experience - I guess I haven't done laundry in a public laundry for a long time, but boy was it confusing and weird! The laundry was staffed by a possibly french woman who you could pay to do your laundry (or you could save $$ and do it yourself), there was also machines I had never heard of (a "spin dryer" as opposed to a regular tumble dryer etc.) I was a bit bummed because it felt like a wasted day and because I lost one of Scott's socks and ruined Chanler's sweater while doing laundry. But no more of that on this trip. We search long and hard for a place to eat tonight. The closest places didn't allow children because their dining room was booked for a private function ("it is Friday, you know") so we ended up at a Indian/Tandoori Chicken place. It was good, but not wonderful.
Our room at the B&B is postage stamp size (and that is a generous description) We have the smallest double bed I have ever seen with a 2 foot walk way and then a small single bed and that is about it. We do have a "bathroom" but is isn't much more that a toilet, sink and shower you can't turn around in. But again it is relatively cheap for London and it will do - at least it is pretty clean.
Posted by Jesse at 1:49 PM | Comments (0)
Trip in Short
Well I just figured out that I CAN actually access this blog while we are on the road. So here is an overview of our trip so far.
Saturday - we got a ride from Fanny - Thank you again! Chanler insisted on "ride the airport" once we got to SFO and had a great time checking out the airplanes while we waited for ours to take off.
Sunday - Chanler slept for a few hours of the flight (Thank God!!!) unfortunately he woke up with 3 hours left and was "all done ride the airplane" from then on out.
We tubed from the airport (thanks to the guy who gave me a free ticket since he was getting on a plane and wasn't going to use it for the rest of the day) and then walked the 4 blocks to the hotel. Got to the room (which thankfully Cisco was paying for) and was amazed at how little you get for the money in London. More on that later. In an effort to stay wake long enough to "adjust to the time change" we decided to go to the Millenium bridge - since everything else we were thinking of doing closed early on Sunday. The bridge it self is cool, but since it goes over the river (duh) it was really windy! I was very glad that Chanler had his winter coat.
Monday - Chanler and I walked through Hyde Park (found a playground) and then down to Buckingham palace (roughly a 2 mile walk one way). Sounds ok, maybe even fun, if not far to walk, but the kicker was that on the way back - it SNOWED on us. Yes that is right it snowed. I was prepared (mentally) for it to be cold and rainy . . . not for snow. It is REALLY COLD! For dinner we check our travel book and found a "good deal" near piccadilly circus. Walk around a bit and made it all the way to Trafalgar Square. I am trying to get some touristing in for Scott during the week so that Saturday isn't too crowded with things to do.
Posted by Jesse at 1:39 PM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2007
Too Busy
I have been too busy.
Busy with Emily P's baby shower
Busy with Chanler's birthday party
Busy with planning our unplanned trip to England.
Busy with planning Michelle's baby shower
Just too busy to blog anything
Posted by Jesse at 5:01 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Kitchen Progess
We have decided that our next project on the townhouse will be to fix up the kitchen. After some experimentation, we think the cabinents are saveble and just need a good DEEP clean, plus some new hardware. So that is what we did this weekend. All the top cabinents now have new hinges and pulls (which they didn't have before)
I think they look great (thanks Scott).
Next up is cleaning the bottom cabinents (yucky!) and deciding on who is going to install the new counter top/sink etc. I have already decided what tile I want to use on the counter and backsplash, now I just have to find someone who has it and will install it. I also need to figure out if I want to raise the counter surface between the kitchen and the dinning room to make it more like a breakfast bar area. Mostly it is a matter of cost and difficulty. I hope it isn't too expensive.
Posted by Jesse at 6:57 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2007
its a . . .
My sister-in-law is pregnant. It took them over a year, but now she is more than half way through her pregnancy. I am so excited for them and that Chanler is going to have a cousin. And today then found out they are having a ...
BOY!!!!!
Check out their baby site for updates.
Posted by Jesse at 1:39 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2007
Best Hamburgers in San Jose
I heard about this new burger joint in Willow Glen. They only use hormone and antibiotic free vegetarian fed beef. So we tried them out, and boy to I wish they had a drive through! They were SO good.
Posted by Jesse at 4:57 PM | Comments (1)
January 26, 2007
Ack!
I noticed a grey hair on the top of my head recently. I was fixing my hair and one stood out and caught the light. Upon further examination (after Scott ripped it out of my head without permission =] ) it was totally grey. How sad I am - I am getting old.
Posted by Jesse at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
January 1, 2007
New Years Resolution?
I don't know how long it will last (days probably), but we have officially caught up on posting ALL our pictures!!!!
Many thanks (and hours) to Scott!
Posted by Jesse at 7:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2006
Wish List
Not that anyone who reads this (I know I am kidding myself to think that ANYone actually reads this drivel), but I want to have a place to remember what it is that I actually want for gifts.
PS I know most of these are way to expensive to expect people to buy for me, but maybe Scott will read this too?
Happy Hollow family membership
Baby food maker attachment for my kitchen aid mixer
Extra bowl for same mixer (5 quart)
Sewing machine
Gym membership (if only I knew which gym)
Nursing shirts
Front pack for my Ergo - Camel color
Tea Cozy with bottom basket (no I don't know where to get one, I have only seen one that someone else had)
Posted by Jesse at 7:41 PM | Comments (4)
August 15, 2006
Garden Update
I am begining to think I planted a jungle! The tomatoes are over 8 feet tall, I have cut back the basil more times than I can count, plus the zucchini could literally eat san jose!
BUT I love it and wish I had more time for it.
My Morning glories finally started blooming. They are so lovely!
Posted by Jesse at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2006
Fallen off the face of the earth
Apparently I have fallen off the face of the earth. I currently have in my various in boxes many emails from friends wanting to "catch up". I guess I am just not very good at keeping in touch with people (when I no longer see them in the course of my daily life - i.e. old coworkers, team mates, friends who moved, etc.). It doesn't help that if I spend more than a few minutes on the computer Chanler wants to type too :p
Also of late, I have not been as religious in my attendance at some of my mom's groups. I have been feeling tired physically and mentally not willing to make my parenting choices appear to fit in with those moms. I know everyone makes the best decision for them, but I still feel that since I am the only one doing things this way (in one particular group) that I have to defend my position and not complain when my way seems to make more work for me now.
WOW this wasn't supposed to turn into a vent, but there you go, it has.
So in general we are fine, Chanler is the same crazy boy as ever, and not much interesting is going on here (no more big projects in the budget in the near future). So I will hopefully get to all those emails one day and actually write personal responses, but for now if you are waiting from an email from me - it may be a while (like when Chanler is 18)
Posted by Jesse at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2006
Camping trip from hell
Ok maybe I should say the camping trip IN hell . . .
So we went for our "annual" sibling camping trip this last weekend. Michelle had planned it for Folsom Lake and everyone could finally make it (side note - we usually camp over independance day, but had to rescedule this year). The only problem - a crazy heat wave. We got to folsom lake and it was about 110 degrees with NO breeze. Ok no problem - it is camping you are supposed to ruff it a bit right. So we took our empty water bottles (and there were many of them), refilled them with tap water and proceeded to douse eachother water fight style. That wasn't too bad! We took a turn for the worse when the bugs came out and so did the bug spray. Michelle and Scott reacted badly to the spray and the heat. Eventually Michelle had to go home because of heat stroke. The rest of us spent the rest of the night trying to sleep and promptly packed up at first light. Needless to say we spent the rest of the weekend "camping" in Michelle's air cond house! What a way to ruff it!
Posted by Jesse at 7:58 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2006
Welcome Jared Mann
Jared Ryan Mann, born July 10th, 2006 1:24 pm
7 lb 7 oz, 20.5 inches.
Mom and baby are doing great.
Posted by Jesse at 6:29 PM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2006
Options
Chanler is napping. So I can either catch up on my blogging or I can eat in realtive peace. Now you see why my blogging is so sporadic
Posted by Jesse at 1:09 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
You know you are getting old when
you make juice from concentrate and use 5 cans of water instead of the 3 recommended on the container.
Posted by Jesse at 12:37 PM | Comments (1)
May 1, 2006
Sleep Pose
From Anabel's blog
Excalibur Traits and Tendencies
Excalibur couples may battle just as much as other couples (and participate in more than their fair share of public huffs), but they look so good together, it outweighs any other deficiencies they may share. It isn't that they're classically good-looking, or similarly sized (though certainly both those pairings are permissible). It's more that the aesthetic chord they strike satisfies in profound ways. Like gorgeously plated food or song filled with unusual harmonies, the wan and freckled hand-in-hand with the tragically tan, the pigeon-toed with the duck-walkers, these Excalibur couples achieve such perfection in their pairing that reminds the world that anything is possible.
Comfort Zone
Excalibur is in the Wind pose family. Other Wind poses you might enjoy include Softserve Swirl and The Ventriloquist.
Health Note
An unexpected rash or orthopedic adjustment can sometimes lead an Excalibur couple to fall out of balance. Physical adjustments may need to be made, or an entirely new pose could even be in order.
Find your own pose!
Posted by Jesse at 1:11 PM | Comments (1)
April 19, 2006
Welcome Baby Hanes
Well after months of checking for updates on their website Wendy and Jason Hanes have finally met their little girl - Ainsley Allen Hanes! She was born Saturday 4/15/06 at 8:01am (and that is all I know) Mom and baby are doing great!
Congratulations guys - She is beautiful!
Posted by Jesse at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)
April 9, 2006
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
Ok not really, but I was feeling melodramatic
Well it was my 29th (the first one I might add) birthday today. What a strange day. We had breakfast with friends (whom I have told my birth date before), but no one remembered to say happy birthday. Now mind you I am not real big on the restaurant singing thing or anyone making a huge deal, but it was still weird.
When we got home Scott offered me a present now or later, so of course I said now (why delay gratification). I should note I have been pining for a stand mixer for months now so I had my hopes up. Scott came down stairs with a wrapped box (unusual if you know Scott). It seemed very light so I was trying not to be disappointed. Well I opened it and it was a little tykes mixer - Scott wanted to make sure he got the right color so he brought me a "model" so I would know what my real gift was. He is so cute. Happy day - I got a black kitchen aid stand mixer with bowl-lift So now I am ready to bake/mix.
I have previously decided to make my favorite childhood dinner for my birthday (because I like it and to keep Grandma Blomquist from taking us out - another blog entirely) - pork chops and dumpling. I announced dinner was ready and everyone disappeared (except Scott who had Chanler sleeping on him) It was so bizarre. Grandma B when up stairs and my mom went to her car for something. I was left sitting alone at the table with steaming food. Not much of a celebratory dinner when everyone vamooses. Oh well - they showed up eventually and we did have a nice time.
I did manage to feel very akward and say the wrong thing about presents when my mom and grandma were there - Grandma didn't realize it was my birthday and felt bad that she had forgotten. My mom got me an amazing gift (a weekend getaway to the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa) but I didn't want to let grandma know how big it really was because she would just feel more guilty. So I hope I didn't hurt my mom's feelings - I really am looking forward to an amazing weekend.
So it was a strange day, a good day, but not a really great day.
Posted by Jesse at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)
September 9, 2005
The woes of moving
So we finally found a condo and are in the process of purchasing it.
I am sure I don't need to tell anyone what a pain it is to find and afford real estate in California - it is just Painful!
Anyway we close in one week and we move in 2. So our house is half packed and not babyprooft at all. It is getting increasing tiring to try to keep Chanler out of everything!
At this point I just want to move and be done with it. I am excited about being in the new place (we bought all new kitchen appliances a few weeks ago and I can't wait to use them) and I don't want to deal with all my stuff in boxes all over the house any more. You really don't realize HOW MUCH stuff you have until you have to pack and move it all!
ARGH 2 more weeks.
Posted by Jesse at 4:16 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2005
House Hunting
So we have been "house hunting" for the past two weekends - What a Pain! I am so tired of it and each time it is completly depressing, because of what we can/can't afford.
It is very emotionally consuming to try to picture my stuff in a space and what I would want to do to it, only to find out the it was sold to someone else. I am just tired - and we haven't even started packing - Joy
Not to mention that you have to bid over the asking price in almost every case - asking price - what a joke.
Living in California is crazy most if not all of the time!
Posted by Jesse at 9:22 PM | Comments (0)
August 1, 2005
Hallelujah
I think we are coming out of the woods . . . the "no dairy" woods that is. We have been giving Chanler acidopholis for 2 weeks now and boy has it made a difference. I have been adding back dairy little by little and I got all the up to a glass of milk today! Yippee
Posted by Jesse at 9:17 PM | Comments (0)
May 3, 2005
Milk Blues
So I have officially been "dairy free" for two weeks (plus the two weeks of the experimental/testing phase) I REALLY miss cheese, milk and most of all chocolate! But it is worth it if it really helps Chanler feel better (which it is hard to tell, since we don't have a control group to test with =])
I never realized how much dairy I actually ate or how many things had dairy as an ingredient . . .
This no dairy thing is really quite a drag! but I will carry on!
Posted by Jesse at 3:29 AM | Comments (0)
March 5, 2005
Wait a minute
How did this happen. I went to the hospital and they actually let me take a baby home . . . sureal!
Posted by Jesse at 2:20 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2004
Mini Vacation
Sometimes life has a nasty way of wearing you out . . . Lucky for me Scott has agreed to take a few days for us (just as a couple) to recouperate. I am SO excited. We are going to a B&B in South Lake Tahoe I can hardly wait for the weekend.
Posted by Jesse at 2:20 PM | Comments (0)
November 6, 2004
A place to belong
Today Scott and I officially became members of the church we have been attending for about two years. It is so nice to have found a church where we can feel at home. The great part about MPPC is that it is a large church, but we have still been able to develop a small church group of friends who we treasure!
For more info . . . check out MPPC
Posted by Jesse at 6:24 PM | Comments (0)