No news is good news....

It has started. I can tell by the lack of blogging that spring has in fact sprung. Baseball, spring break, summer plans being made, track for Julia, soccer sign ups, random storms and gardening. Lots and lots of gardening. So some interesting things. In the past 10 weeks I have lost 14 lbs. I was hoping for 20 banished by now but I will take 14. Chad and I had a mini vacation up North and enjoyed lots and lots and lots of wine and food. See why I am still happy with 14. Jackson is starting baseball again and is proving to be quite the 2nd baser. I mean 2nd baseman... Julia is still struggling in school. We have tried everything except private tutoring. It has been rough and I really feel like I am pounding my head against the wall. She did join track at the encouragement of her PE teacher. The practices do not interfere with her homework so it has worked out ok. Baby James is .. being a baby. We have started to try and potty train. I chuckle as I type that because really he is only interested because we are interested. I doubt he will be going in for the diaper ditch long haul anytime soon. I'm not pushing it since I am pretty darn sure this is the last little one for us. Thinking long and hard about that. What better way to show off the past month than with pictures!!

good day sunshine!!!

This was an image of Paps Blue Ribbion on sale. My blogger app does not work!
PBR

I swear I saw a pig fly!

Very rarely.. like once a year…mornings run so smoothly that it almost makes me cry. This was one of those mornings. I woke before the alarm and was able to start my morning feeling refreshed. I had a good nights sleep. I woke up the kids at their usual times and no one tried to kick me or started crying because they wanted to stay under the covers. My 2 biggest birds were dressed quickly and downstairs packing lunches and organizing their breakfast. No dramatic outbursts about lost socks or no clothes to wear. I did not hear a sound. The typical screams and yells and doors slamming was non-existent. I was downstairs a few minutes early than usual to find backpacks ready and by the door. What?? I didn’t have to yell numerous times for them to pack bags and be prepared?? Two kids quietly milling around the kitchen with shoes and coats on. I almost died, right there, in the kitchen. Typically shoes are lost and coats have disappeared.
I loaded the car up and asked Julia to get the baby bird for me, she did and remembered to turn off all the lights on her way down. Even the baby got the memo! He was all smiles and happy to be awake. No poop diaper (saves at least 5 mins). Jack had already prepared a car snack for him. Not once did James run around the kitchen screaming SNAAACCKKKK and then crying when he didn’t get what he wanted. Into the car and everyone was freezing but no tears and outbursts, no demands of .. please go get me a blanket….. We were off and lo and behold the singing started. The kids were singing nursery rhymes with James. Using the right words.. no one replaced spider with poop or star with poop. I had to pinch myself. I couldn’t stop smiling. Drop offs at all locations went well and I ended up at work 10mins early. If every morning was like this I think my forehead wrinkles would disappear.

I wish blogger had an app

I also wish I could lay in bed all day eating chocolate covered pretzels and watching Beverly Hills 90210 re-runs. This weekend was CRAZY!!! Saturday felt like 5 days long. We did taxes, we shopped, we ate Costco hot dogs, we did cartwheels, and we partied. A lot was done and we were so tired as 10:00pm rolled around.
After waking up from a busy Saturday we rolled into Sunday and Chad called the campground for an update on snow. Uhhh yes they said, 2 1/2 feet and it was sticking. There went the laundry and room cleaning and organizing planned for the day. Insert rushing around, layers of clothes, laughing, yelling, crying baby, DVDs for the car trip, laundry baskets used to hold food, snacks and more clothes. Mittens, jackets, scarves, hats, sleds, make shift sleds, shoes, tons of shoes, blankets, water, camera and the kitchen sink. We made it out in under 50min. I think it was a record. 3 children and 2 adults layered up and ready for the snow. And boy did it not disappoint. Our camp ground was covered with snow. This post is useless without pics and I have to post some but even without the pictures, the memories of this trip will last. Julia made the first hill to sled down. Jackson added a bump to it so that everyone could break there butt on it. James was thrilled with all the snow but not so thrilled with his gloves that would not stay on. Poor baby had frozen hands. After sledding Julia's hill and having a snowball fight with mama getting the baby in the side of the head, we ventured over to another part of the campgrounds that had a very steep hill. This is were we had the daddy snow hill. It was the longest run all day and it was awesome! Again pictures would be good here. So some lessons learned. Layers are good. When you build a snowman do not leave it unprotected because some punk kids will ruin it. Make sure your 2 1/2 year olds gloves fit. Bring pillows and blankets for the ride home because everyone passed out.

I kept saying to Chad how happy I was that we bailed on our "stay at home and work" plans to take this opportunity for a snow day. We don't typically get this opportunity so it was a blessing. Another blessing was the fact that we had the whole place to ourselves. The campgrounds were empty so it made it easy to maneuver around. Our little secret hideaway.

test

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testing a iphone app

playing around with a new app.

Oh bloggie bloggie.......

Man oh man where have I been? Losing 10 lbs is where... taking care of three kids, harvesting lemons and lettuce. Planning my great escape from work. Kids just had dentist apts and guess what... no cavities!!! They were supper proud of themselves and so was I. This is a big deal because they have had some issues in the past and it was nice to not have to go through that again.

Chad and I are planning a trip to the northern coast for a few days. Oh ok.. I am doing all the planning and hoping that wine tasting, spa dates, boat trips and awesome restaurants will make us both happy. I have this knack for trip planning. I tend to over plan sometimes but can be fluid if certain things don't work out. I love to find hidden gems and since this is a road trip I have been lucky enough to find a ton.

So I took all of my blog posts from last year and printed them out and put them in my 2010 photo album. It worked really well because I had about 4-5 posts for each month and it acts as my journaling. I have been using Becky Higgins products for these albums the last few years and I am really enjoying the way they work for my family.

Really nothing much else to ad to my little ole blog. Just livin the dream and trying to keep everyone healthy through Winter.


And now a little message!

The month came and went...

This month flew by. I am sort of sad to see it go. We had a great month coming off an even better holiday season. I never recapped the holidays. I have to say, this was the best Holiday season yet. We spent a ton of time relaxing, taking things slow and overall.. just not worrying about the little things as much. So we melted into January with a feeling of excitement and contentment.

I started back with the WW and of course the plan works. I am down 8 in 4 weeks. I know that if you work the program you see results. You don’t work it… well you don’t lose anything. I have 12 more to go and I am hoping to lose those last 12 and then begin a workout routine for the week. Baby steps…

So back to Jan, We spent this month making plans for the year. I spent it trying to not get fired at work. Being fearless can have its downside too. I read a book (round of applause), Radical Homemakers. It was wonderful and inspiring. I have really started to understand the concept behind sustainable living. I am also being forced to really look at how much we are consuming as far as merchandise. If I ever want to be a SAHM again I need to cut some of the shopping down. Jackson had a mini physical and we found that his weight issues may not be as dire as we initially thought. That hasn’t stopped me from trying to stuff this kid with food every chance I get. We had a great family adventure at the races this month. It was a gorgeous Saturday and we took the kids out to see the horses. James loved his pony rides and Chad loved his winning races.

Now we stumble into Feb. Baseball practice begins. Valentine’s day! 2 school holidays! I am excited and looking forward to the month of love!

2011 - Goals, resolutions and all that JAZZ!!!

I picked my word, FEARLESS. I picked my health goal, down 20. I picked my colors, plum, honeysuckle and golden rod. I picked my goals... create, organize, blah blah blah....

Then I became aware of the brand new world of Apple. (New to me)

My Ipad has ruined 2011 already. I swear this thing doesn't leave my side. I read e-mails, I play games, I chart my weight watchers points, I look up details for events coming up. I LOVE it and I want to marry it. I have thrown all my other goals out the window and now I spend my days searching for the perfect app to pick my toes with. This machine has taken over my house. Chad and I no longer talk we chat back and forth via pads. I know I have only scratched the surface of what this wonderous tool can do. I mean I do happen to have the best calculator app out there.

It's starting... can you feel it!

I don't know what it is about this year? Could it be that all three children will all be nestled in my beds this Christmas Eve? Could it be I finally found my favorite wine from Fresh and Easy in stock and bought 6 bottles. Maybe its the fact that I am so close to having everything wrapped 2 days before Christmas and it makes me want to shout "Praise the baby Jesus". This year seems to have been less stressful then years past. I hope its the fact that as I age I am also maturing and understanding the importance of this holiday season. I say the season because we all know the importance of the actual birth of Jesus. I am talking about the month of Dec and all the craziness and insanity it brings. I vowed this year to not go there, to make it easy.. peezeee...

So far some of my fav highlights have been:
Ordering online for almost all gifts!!! Thank you Amazon, Walmart ship to store, Sephora and JCPenny. You saved me hours of grief and sadness. I hate shopping with other people around me.

Family cookie making date with my BFF and her family. I enjoyed spending time with the littlest Holtzclaw who so gracefully and delicately rolled out her sugar cookies with a water bottle. We couldn't find the rolling pin. Classy!! Julia enjoyed "teaching" the art of chocolate chip drops and I loved having a house full of people. It was simple, calm and done on a weekend way before the holiday craziness. It was nice to have some undivided attention with special friends. Well if you call a house with 4 screaming kids undivided attention.

Hernia Surgery- Yes Chad's upcoming surgery has me in the holiday spirit. For once he will be home with us the week after Christmas. So it takes surgery to get this guy to stop working but I am going to take what I can get. I am getting my nurse outfit ready and will be nursing him into the New Year. Wait that doesn't sound right?

Cold rainy weather- This December has brought some ugly weather but along with that came the realization that we love having the dogs in the house. I know crazy huh. They add so much warmth to the home and Baby James can't get enough of them. I think the addition of them in the house more often softens pretty much everyone.

Cuddling movie marathons- We have had a few weekends were we hae just hungout on the couch and had a cuddle movie marathon... It's been nice and relaxing and I think it needs to happen more often.

Ahhh there is a reason for the season! LOVE

Tour of the Forest Extravaganze

So I found this on my camera after Julia's party. I had totally forgotten that I filmed it. So for those who are voyeurs like me and get a kick out of looking inside peoples homes here you go! It's a little Blair Witch so beware.

Forest Party from Carina Vasquez-Krieg on Vimeo.

Student of the Month

Jackson won the Academic student of the month award at school. His teacher was so sweet and she summed him up pretty good.

I am so proud of my little guy.

Academic Award from Carina Vasquez-Krieg on Vimeo.

Renegade Fair Christmas Edition

This time I went with my mom and sister. I always fill inspired when I attend the Renegade Fair. I come home with so many ideas and projects that I want to start.

I purchased the following items:

2011 Moon Map for Jackson. $10 Kids make your own monster kit from HANDS-ON 3rd complete with everything to make 2 felt monsters including hair and embellishments. This is for Jackson and Julia from Santa. Its so cute and I can't wait for them to open it on Christmas. $20

Crocheted Hedge Hog - this was my steal of the day. Sample Image. $3
Vintage flash cards- Apple, toilet, underwear.... the first card is for Jacks teacher, the last two are going to be used to decorate the bathroom. I know, don't ask. $1 each, total steal!
So I left completely inspired and I want to create the following projects over the holiday season.

Dollie Garland and Wood Chalkboard:

Cross Stitch Home Sweet Home:

I am super excited to craft and really want to work on transforming more of our home into a reflection of our families creativity and love.

Family Picture 2010

I'm pretty darn lucky!

My first baby!

I am sort of walking around in a fog today. I already cried twice before 8:00am. Why you ask? Because my first born is turning 11. 11 years ago I became a mother. Well actually I felt like a mother the minute I found out I was pregnant with her. I sort of felt that protective feeling that my life really meant so much more now that I was this baby’s mother. She changed my life, she has been my constant. She is really her mother’s daughter. I understand her dramatics and over reactions to the tiniest things, she is my daughter. I understand her frustration with her naturally curly beautiful hair, she is my daughter. I understand her love for creatures big and small, she is my daughter. I sometimes look at her and think to myself about how truly lucky I am to have been given the opportunity to have this special person in my life. Right now her life is full of soccer friends, tv and movies, the next meal and socializing. Her life is not full of studying or a strong work ethic but we are working on that. I see the truest part of her when she is mothering her baby brother. While she argues constantly with Jackson she reserves her most loving mothering care and concern for her baby brother. She takes her time with him and cares for him. I sort of grin because I know if there is any proof that I was a good mother it will be in the way she mothers. I won’t share that with her yet, I still need her to believe that babies are poop diapers and no sleep. Thank you god for allowing me to raise your angel. I love her with all my heart.

A few homemade surprises

Making most of the decor for Julias upcoming birthday has had it's challenges. I do enjoy crafting but I don't enjoy crafting with three kids running around. My time has been limited to after 8:30pm when everyone is asleep and between 1-3pm while the little one is naping and the other two can be kept busy with a movie.

I will have more images and details on these two projects after the party is over. Making nests seemed like a easy idea, I give major props to mommie birds!! The mushrooms were time consuming because I wanted them each to have a different look to them.

4 days and counting!

Fall Love

Fall Love by cv715 featuring vintage tops

I blinked and then November was here.

So I borrowed this header from Elise Blaha, I hope she doesn't mind. It was too cute to pass up. So October is over, out of here, in the books. Now it's on to November. Ahh Nov. the month that brings 4 family birthdays, the end of soccer season, a huge Turkey, anxiety over Christmas and cooler weather. I want to squeeze in a camping trip this month but I doubt that will happen. I am excited over my lemon and tangerine bounty that is blowing up in the backyard! At least 100 lemons and close to 50 tangerines. Looking out my window over the last 3 days I could literally see the colors change on the hard round fruit. Each morning a new shade of lemon and orange and I am thrilled to bits that my trees have survived another season. The orange tree is coming in last with 2 pieces of fruit. Now wait the pomegranate tree is last, one piece of fruit this year. But for a tree that wasn't supposed to fruit at all I guess we are actually coming out on top.

Projects this week include a owl stuffie for Jackson to work on and pumpkin inspired baked goods. Plus working on Julias party goodies. 18 days away!!

Woodland/Fall Forest Friends/Chocolate Party

It's another party. This time Julia has requested a Chocolate party. Only my daughter. So I started to plan it around a woodland theme and it really does fit perfectly. Some ideas to get me inspired.

So I met this guy Edward and well.....