A 3 Minute Process

I used to be able to distract her. I would say things like, "Let's flyyyyy into your car seat." Or I would pick her up right as we were walking out the door, and run as fast as I could to the car, hoping to stifle her independent spirit. Also to make the neighbors wonder why I was so weird. But it no longer works. She's privy to all of my tricks. And unless I want to have a car ride filled, and I do mean FILLED with SCREAMING, I have to bow to her demands, and let her independence out. So now, I leave the house 3 minutes earlier, to allow Sade to climb into her carseat BY HERSELF!

The Process:

In a rare glimpse of patience, Sadie will wait quite nicely for me to open the door.

The climbing starts.

The first handhold didn't work, so she tries another.

It looks as if she is about ready to start the actual climb into her chair.

But wait! Something on the floor has caught her eye and she has determined she must have it. Insert extra 15 seconds here.

This part is accompanied but lots of grunting. She has to exert a lot of energy, because it is awfully hard for a baby to pull herself up with virtually no hand holds.

Taking a well-deserved break

This is the part where I start to feel like SCREAMING. We are so close to being finished, my patience is running out, and Sadie will refuse to turn around and sit herself down. Now if I help her with this final step, the SCREAMING commences (on her part).

She's in. And I find out what she found so irresistible on the floor. I can't blame her. Really, who could resist those glasses?

And I can't resist her. Especially when she puts the glasses on top of her head. Like mother, like daughter.

Crash-In Camera And Potato Form

My camera has completely died. I don't even want to do anything fun, because really what is the point if I can't take pictures! But the good news is I ordered my new camera today (woo-hoo!!) Unfortunately it won't be here for at least another week. So much for instant gratification. I would love to go to the store and purchase it right now, but I love saving money even more. I saved $150 by ordering on-line! I don't like buying anything new if my older model is working just fine (hence my circa 1980's television), so maybe my camera did me a favor. But I will put out into the universe that I don't need any more favors such as that. I am perfectly content with my old television, appliances and computer. For your viewing pleasure:A quick note. As I was writing this post, I thought of something, left the computer, entered the kitchen, and stood there, realizing I could not remember why I came in there at all. Sad, isn't it?

Anyway, last week I tried 2 new Pioneer Woman recipes. First up,

CRASH HOT POTATOES

Try to ignore the ugly cookie sheet. I needed a big one, and it is my biggest. I really enjoyed these. Crispy peel, soft center. The only problem was I added a bit too much Kosher salt. She says to be quite generous with it, but apparently I need to better understand the use of that word when it comes to cooking.

Next up,

PEACH CRISP WITH MAPLE CREAM SAUCE
(just think how much nicer my food pictures will look when my new camera arrives)

I have been wanting to try this since two of my Rachel friends (Rachel and Rachael) raved about it. I always enjoy a fruit based dessert, and this time was no exception. However, I had to buy real Maple Syrup to make it. Oy Vey!! (Seriously if I were Jewish I would use that term all of the time.) Real Maple Syrup is expensive. I just kept thinking about how much syrup Eric and the kids use when we make pancakes or waffles, and how much money we would be spending if we used real maple syrup!

"Would you have delayed gratification and ordered the camera on-line to save $150?
"Do you often walk into rooms, realizing you have no idea why you are there?
Have you priced REAL maple syrup lately?"

Red Springs

I tell you, I have just become so outdoorsy, I don't know what to do with myself. Not so outdoorsy that I would consider camping, but you get my drift. Right? I am even willing to hike, with the risk of snakes around every corner. Really, I am a new person.

This weekend we decided to head up Red Rock Canyon again. We haven't been for 6 months, but when I told Jackson where we were going, he asked me if if we were hiking to the same place as last time that had the romantic waterfall. I'm surprised he can even differentiate that hike from others, but I am more surprised he would actually use the term "romantic waterfall". He is one of a kind.

We headed up the canyon, and were planning on hiking somewhere on the Red Rock loop, but instead we took a turnoff right before it, taking us to Red Springs in the Calico Basin. If you have small kids, I would definitely recommend this hike. You get really close to the mountain and the best part is the entire thing has a wooden walkway. It is also only about 1/2 mile roundtrip, so no one got tired or bored. It was perfect.


While walking Sadie insisted on holding someones hand (very out of character for her). And that someones hand was usually Megan's.

Lastly a picture of Megan and Jackson being their hilarious selves. Don't you just love Megan's hand signal?

All Banged Up

Well I tried.
Hard.
I really did.
But yesterday I reached my limit.
I was at the end of my rope.
I couldn't take it a day longer.
It wasn't easy.
I went through an internal struggle.
I thought about the disappointment of some.
I thought about the time involved.
I thought about who I really was.
Who I was meant to be.
But I did it.
I had to.
It was eating at me.
Day after day after day.
The unhappiness.
The flatness.
The static.
The bobby pins!

So, I finally cut my bangs!
And I have to say I fell so much more like myself.
I am just a bang kind of girl.
Whenever I grow them out, I feel out of sorts.
I don't like having my forehead on prominent display.
It is rather large for the size of my face.
Especially now that I am getting older, and lines may start to appear.
I know there will be a backlash, but I don't care.
It's about what I like.
Right?
I am saying right, because I am hoping for no mean comments!

A Fair Birthday

I started my birthday off in a great way by going to breakfast with my friends. I think breakfast was a good choice, mostly because it dramatically cut down on the number of kids that came with us.

Thanks for coming, Rachel, Amy, Rachael, Melissa, and Nancy!

I spent most of my day doing my regular mom duties, but also spent lots of time on the phone, and appreciate everyone who called to wish me a Happy Birthday! When Eric got home we headed out to dinner at Carrabbas, which I have always wanted to try.

It was fine, but Eric and I agree that it is probably not somewhere we will eat again. However, we did have one nice surprise while there. We ordered dessert (since I requested no cake, just dessert wherever we were eating) and they ended up giving it to us for free. Not because it was my birthday, but because it was our first time eating there. I love when places do that. But really I love anything free!

On the way home from dinner we decided to stop at a little Fair (or Carnival) set up in a parking lot. You would have thought from the kids reaction that we were stopping at Disneyland. It was nice that they could be so easily surprised and pleased.

Sadie was so excited when we pulled up that she was practically jumping trying to get out of her carseat. But when we got closer and closer to this giant Ferris Wheel, she burst into tears and clung to Eric. It took her a good amount of time to finally calm down.

This type of carnival is perfect for my kids who are not dare-devils and do not like to tackle the big rides. It had lots of things for smaller kids to do.

Megan and Eric on the medium sized roller-coaster. It was shaped like a caterpillar, so I am sure you can imagine how frightening it was!

Sade spent much of her time waving from the sidelines. However we were able to finally convince her to try the merry-go-round.

She clung to Eric at first, but by the end she was waving her little heart out.

We got home soooooooo late that I had to wait until the morning to open my presents!

But that just means I had an extra day to celebrate. Right?

Soliciting Birthday Wishes

It's that time of year again. That's right, my birthday! I am almost positive that this will be my last 100 list, because if I do another one I might have to reveal the truly embarrassing, non-law-abiding items that I should probably keep to myself. However, it would probably make the most interesting list. Only a select few people are privy to those indiscretions. Anyway, on my 32nd birthday:

1. I'm a thinker.
2. Not a doer.
3. I wish I was both.
4. I lack motivation.
5. I take the easy way out.
6. I am also a thinker who neglects to let others know her thoughts, when she really should.
7. I am currently obsessed with Chipotle.
8. I expect little from others.
9. I play electronic Sudoku nearly every day.
10. I can make my wrist pop continually.
11. I have a lot of quilts and blankets. They are stuffed in every closet, in the garage, and under my bed.
12. I am not a strong swimmer. I wouldn't last long if stranded in the ocean, or a deep pool for that matter.
13. I am quite a good bike rider.
14. My favorite song of all time is a tie between Life In The Fast Lane by the Eagles, and Take It Easy by the Eagles.
15. I enjoy making a list, but throw it away before all items are completed.
16. I start with easy tasks first.
17. When I doodle, I do not doodle pictures, I write the alphabet over and over (lowercase, uppercase, cursive).
18. I'm uncomfortable with physical affection.
19. My love language is quality time.
20. I own a large number of jeans.
21. I really, really want to do a zip-line course.
22. I am rather fond of my ears.

23. I would like my next car to be a Toyota Sequoia.
24. It is very easy for me not to judge people based on sexual orientation, religion, race or gender.
25. However, I have found that I do judge people based on parenting styles, political affiliation, and loudness level (this generally when it comes to neighbors or people driving in cars with the bass turned up high).
26. I realize all judgment is wrong.
27. I am drawn to white clothing, and continually buy if for my children, and then am continually asking myself why I buy them white clothing, because they always ruin it.
28. I tend to buy the cheapest of everything, but am never surprised when it breaks.
29. Steak: Not really a fan.
30. I don't like most fruit, and discovered this year that the reason is it is just too sweet or sour.
31. I am more salty than sweet.
32. I almost died giving birth. Just kidding.
33. Whenever I think of the words just kidding, in my mind I always say jk.
34. I have been known to block people on facebook because they have written something or joined a group that drives me crazy (I know really mature).
35. This year I learned that climatized is not a word, it is acclimatized. It was when writing a blog post and the spell checker picked it up.
36. I am not a fan of the words hubby or congrats. I prefer spelling out the entire word.
37. I am in constant battle with my hair and skin.
38. Everyday it is a struggle for me to get out of bed in the morning. Not out of depression, I am just not a morning person.
39. I am jittery. While sitting my leg is in constant motion.
40. I prefer even numbers.
41. I would generally rather do things than have things. This is why I would rather go out to dinner a lot than buy a new T.V.
42. I sleep with a fan on between March and November.
43. I loved playing with dolls when I was little, and was a bit taken aback when I realized Megan wasn't really into them.
44. I don't work out.
45. If someone is saying something I don't agree with, instead of confronting them, I will generally just leave the room.
46. I dislike Indian food.
47. I weigh myself at least 2 times a day.
48. I really miss my friends that I don't get to see much anymore.
49. I love waterslides.
50. I wear my contact lenses much, much, much longer than the recommended 2 week time.
51. I am now keenly aware that I use the phrase, "You know what I mean," way too many times when talking to people.
52. Wittiness is a quality I hold in high regard.
53. Until I was 16 I believed my middle name was Jane. But it turns out it was a big hoax and I have no middle name.
54. I think my feet have days when they look cute and days when they don't.
55. I can't stand doomsdaying.
56. I have a shoulder injury that I received just after I had Megan, that flares up every few months.
57. Space travel frightens me. A lot.
58. I have always wanted a lip ring.
59. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from College.
60. When I was little my favorite cartoon was the smurfs.
61.Where I grew up it was considered extremely embarrassing to shop at Kmart.
62. Steve Miller Band was my first ever concert, followed by Duran Duran a week later.
63. I have excellent pogo stick abilities.
64. I hardly ever notice weight changes (up or down) in people.
65. I haven't been to the dentist in at least 12 years.
66. I once had a sex dream about Rupert from Survivor. If you don't know who he is you should google him now! Or if you don't want to google him, here is a picture:

67. The smell of broccoli makes me gag.
68. I have been craving Twinkies for 6 months, but when I actually visualize putting one in my mouth, it doesn't sound that great.
69. Notice the number I am on (69). Whenever I hear this number so many things come to mind. Such as The Brian Adams song, "Summer of 69", Woodstock, my mom graduating from high school, and one other thing that you can probably surmise.
70. I never willingly touch feet.
71. I have virtually no hair on my arms.
72. I am quite good at cat's cradle.
73. I am a very fast reader.
74. I am not good determining coordinates (north, south, east, west).
75. My charity of choice is St. Jude's Children's Research Center.
76. Frosting: YUCK!
77. I love pebble ice.
78. It has taken me 3 1/2 months to lose 5 pounds. It is so hard!
79. I really, really don't enjoy an unannounced visitor. Just call me even 5 minutes before you come over.
80. I generally turn my head or close my eyes when I see people kiss on TV.
81. I still don't have all of my 12 times tables memorized.
82. I dream often of being extremely late for something.
83. When I type I always have to look when typing periods, numbers and apostrophe's.
84. During high school I never carried a backpack. I thought it was uncool, so I would just carry around my books and binders everywhere I went. Ridiculous!
85. I know an inordinate amount about pop culture.
86. I am terrible at Jeopardy.
87. But I am quite good at Wheel of Fortune.
88. Beverly Cleary's Ramona books were my favorite as a child.
89. I have always liked boys. I never remember going through a period where I didn't want a boyfriend. Even at 5.
90. My first memories begin at age 3.
91. I think last year (Jan 08-Dec 08) was my worst year in my adult life. For reasons that will remain nameless.
92. I can crochet, minimally.
93. I re-read my first 100 list and have discovered I was a lot more put together back then than I am now.
94. Mostly I seem to have stopped striving for self-improvement. I am now more into survival. This is starting to get depressing. I swear I am doing quite well now.
95. I also re-read my birthday 100 list from last year and am happy to report that I have found my perfect pair of jeans. They are Angel brand and can be found at Kohl's.
96. I have never been in a physical fight.
97. I use the term unders, when referring to underwear.
98. I would like to give birth again, but I don't think I could handle another pregnancy, or most days another child. It is a quandary that will probably keep me at 3 children.

Also the after giving birth puffiness, is enough to make me reconsider. Instead of posting a picture of me in all my puffy glory, I will instead post a picture of my little baby Jackson with Megan who had just turned 4.

99. The veins in my hands are becoming more and more prominent every year.
100. I was potty-trained at 18 months. Yes I was a savant. But don't go telling me I was an Idiot Savant. Because that would just be rude.

California Girl

I have a really good friend. She lives in California. She's really funny. And outgoing. And down to earth. And smart. And open minded. And she sends me books. Really, what more could I want in a friend? And she reads my blog. So this post is sent out as a big thank you to Behnaz (or Bacteria, or Benad) for always keeping my reading material current.

Try not to judge me too harshly. I was hugely pregnant when this picture was taken. Also try to imagine a picture of a big box of books. I would have a picture, but my DAMN (and I am using the word damn because I am so mad) camera is not working!

One little story I would like to tell about Behnaz (who most of her friends call Naz, but for some reason I cannot make myself call any friend by a shortened version of their name. Rachael this is why I cannot physically or mentally make myself call you Rach). Anyway, I was working as a counselor at a clinic, when our supervisor told us they had hired a new counselor. She made it a point to mention that the new hire was Persian, and asked us to refrain from giving out any personal information about another counselor already working at the clinic who was also Persian and a lesbian. She was concerned about her sexual orientation causing problems within the Persian community. So since such a big deal was made about this new hires ethnic status, I developed a picture in my mind of what she was going to look like. It went something like this:

Which would have been fine with me, it just isn't anywhere near what I got.

What I got instead was a genuine California girl, raised in L.A., who loved purses, and became my instant confidant and friend. Isn't it the best when you instantly connect with someone? I could write a book or at least 30 blog posts about our similarities, and inside jokes (stupid idiot), but instead I will once again say thank you for the books, and also give thanks that she came into my life when she did. Oh and she is the first one (after Eric) that I told I was pregnant with Megan.

And one of the very first people to come visit her in the hospital.