The Dance Festival
Yup...I went. A two hour show of a lot of mainly white Mormon kids that looked really lost and couldn't dance. Was it a good show...sure. Was it super entertaining to make fun of them...YES! And why shoes kept falling off of people's feet I will never understand. But I did like the girl that got trampled when she was running out with the other 2,999 kids! The dedication to Pres. Hinckley was really nice. I liked that part. The patriotic part was cool with the fireworks.
A. Ri and I went to Chili's after, and we ate. I didn't eat much, but I broke one of my rules. I drank a Dr. Pepper at 11 PM!!! Now...I'm still awake. I didn't eat dessert there, mainly because I've gained 30 lbs. I've noticed the fatter I get, the more I love junk food!! Why have dinner when you can just have a big bowl of ice cream? Food doesn't even sound good anymore...just chocolate, or candy, or cupcakes. Guess I should do something about this...I'll start tomorrow...or the next day. Maybe.
BUT...I have a patient who's the creator of a new ice cream! It's gluten free, is sugar free, and is only 126 calories for the ENTIRE PINT!!! I swear the guy is a member, so I started throwing out words like "nursery" or "primary" and he didn't take the bait! Dang it! Anyway, the ice cream is called "Arctic Zero" I believe, and I have yet to find it. He told me it's in stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Henry's. Apparently none of them are near us. If you see some...let me know. He's supposedly going to put in a request to get some in stores in this area.
BUGS
So we get a lot of beetles outside of our place in the summer. Some of these "beetles" might even be cockroaches, but I would loose my sanity if I knew they really WERE cockroaches, so I call them beetles. I got home tonight, and there was a beetle in between my screen and my door. He was just waiting to be let in. So I threw a stick at him. He barely moved. I thew another one..same result. So I threw another one. Still nothing. It was only about midnight, so I called Ron. He's my husband, and he HAS to save me, right?
Apparently this was annoying for whatever reason, and instead of saving me...he let it in the house and told me I was seeing things. Then proceeded to tell me it was "just a fuzz ball". Then it moved. I love my husband, and he's very accurate at throwing a ball, but for some reason, nearly every time he goes to kill a bug, he misses. This only makes the situation worse for me. You'd think after five years of killing bugs for me, he'd have plenty of practice. But he doesn't.
I guess my point is that I'm sad he gets irritated when I freak out over bugs. It is a legitimate fear for me. I know they can't ALL hurt me (although I think that's a myth), but I don't want them in my house or crawling in my mouth when I sleep. So husband...deal with my fear and protect me without making fun of me or degrading my fear! I NEVER degrade your fear of...of...what are you afraid of? Nothing probably. If you were afraid of saliva, and I wasn't, I would be understanding of it and protect you from spit. (I really do have a friend that is freaked out by saliva!)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Long Week
Happy Anniversaries!
Over this last week, Ron and I celebrated our third year as husband and wife! Yay! Of course I have to mention that it has been three wonderful years. I couldn't ask to be married to a better guy. I was surprised with roses, and I made breakfast in bed. Then we enjoyed a BBQ with visiting family, came home, and enjoyed a quiet movie night with Dr. Pepper and Tin Roof Sunday ice cream. Now that's what I call the perfect night!
Ron's parents are also celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, so Ron's sisters (and the two of us) threw them a party. We put a lot of work into it and it turned out really nice.
Ron's oldest sister, Rian, came to visit from Oregon with her two daughters, boyfriend, and his three sons. I must say they were the best behaved boys I have ever met! Very helpful and so cute! Colin quickly turned into best friends with the youngest, Dakota (4). It was great to see my nieces, Jade and Alyssa, too! Jade made me realize that three-year-olds don't necessarily act three. ("It would be great if you could get me that banana." "I'll be your best friend if you play basketball with me!")
Jade-the cutest busy body! Colin and Dakota all partied out
As a nice end, the six of us girls (Ron's mom, four sisters and I) ate at the Melting Pot. It was so fun, and the look on the waiter's face when we said we were all sisters was priceless! Thanks Tammy! I had a great time!
Ron's Twin
We cleaned Ron's parents garage a week ago in order to get ready for the party. As usual, going through old items takes people on a trip down memory lane. We found a lot of older pictures of Ron and his four sisters. Then...came the picture of all pictures....Ron's twin! Ron apparently has a twin, and his name is Blake!!! I still can't get over how much this picture looks just like our little guy now.
Ron circa 1981 or Blake circa now?
Tattoos
Last Sunday, it was nearing bed time, and Colin and Blake were quietly coloring. They were being so good I almost felt bad putting them to bed. I decided to join-in on the coloring, but I wanting to make it more exciting, so Colin got tattooed with my wonderful Kinder-art style! We had a great time, but I soon learned the tats didn't come off too easily. I'm sure his teacher loved to see Colin tatted up!
Just a couple of Colin's eight tats
It was a great week, a long week, a tiring week, but a memorable one!
Over this last week, Ron and I celebrated our third year as husband and wife! Yay! Of course I have to mention that it has been three wonderful years. I couldn't ask to be married to a better guy. I was surprised with roses, and I made breakfast in bed. Then we enjoyed a BBQ with visiting family, came home, and enjoyed a quiet movie night with Dr. Pepper and Tin Roof Sunday ice cream. Now that's what I call the perfect night!
Ron's parents are also celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, so Ron's sisters (and the two of us) threw them a party. We put a lot of work into it and it turned out really nice.
Ron's oldest sister, Rian, came to visit from Oregon with her two daughters, boyfriend, and his three sons. I must say they were the best behaved boys I have ever met! Very helpful and so cute! Colin quickly turned into best friends with the youngest, Dakota (4). It was great to see my nieces, Jade and Alyssa, too! Jade made me realize that three-year-olds don't necessarily act three. ("It would be great if you could get me that banana." "I'll be your best friend if you play basketball with me!")
Jade-the cutest busy body! Colin and Dakota all partied out
As a nice end, the six of us girls (Ron's mom, four sisters and I) ate at the Melting Pot. It was so fun, and the look on the waiter's face when we said we were all sisters was priceless! Thanks Tammy! I had a great time!
Ron's Twin
We cleaned Ron's parents garage a week ago in order to get ready for the party. As usual, going through old items takes people on a trip down memory lane. We found a lot of older pictures of Ron and his four sisters. Then...came the picture of all pictures....Ron's twin! Ron apparently has a twin, and his name is Blake!!! I still can't get over how much this picture looks just like our little guy now.
Ron circa 1981 or Blake circa now?
Tattoos
Last Sunday, it was nearing bed time, and Colin and Blake were quietly coloring. They were being so good I almost felt bad putting them to bed. I decided to join-in on the coloring, but I wanting to make it more exciting, so Colin got tattooed with my wonderful Kinder-art style! We had a great time, but I soon learned the tats didn't come off too easily. I'm sure his teacher loved to see Colin tatted up!
Just a couple of Colin's eight tats
It was a great week, a long week, a tiring week, but a memorable one!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Not Another One...
Crazy Driver version 2.0
I can't believe I have another crazy driver story within the same week...but I do!
So I was working in an operatory with Dr. Valdez at around 10:30 in the morning on Thursday. All of a sudden, we hear tires screech and a loud BOOM!! Thinking that a car ran into our office, I yelled, "SOMEONE HIT THE BUILDING!" Very professional with a patient in the chair...I know. Of course the Dr. and I leave the patient in the chair to run out and see what had happened.
We head to the lab in the back of the office. There's a large, tinted window. Tinted enough to where no one can see in. A Lexus SUV has just missed our office, but hit the fire hydrant in front of the office and water is starting to flood just below our back door. We call 911.
Eventually the fire department arrives, the water gets shut off, and the excess is being suctioned by a big truck. But something is missing....OH! The ambulance. Unfortunately I had to work, so I missed whatever happened between this time.
Each time I returned (I kept pretending I had things to get out of the lab, or another room so I could stop by the lab...), nothing much was happening. Then I see the lady who hit the hydrant get out of her car. She's pretty old and uses a walker. Still-no paramedics. Just a few policeman standing around and a tow-truck guy with a pony-tail, of course.
The lady starts to walk when all of a sudden, "TIIIIMMMMMBERRRR!!" she falls straight backwards taking the walker with her. She hits her head on the sidewalk and passes out! All of us girls at work are screaming as it happens, but the policemen stand there and WATCH it happen and do NOTHING! Nothing at all! Now I'm panicking and yelling, "CALL 911!" as I run down the hallway.
Again...the fire department shows up, but no paramedics. Eventually I see her start to move, so I know she's at least alive. Then I had to work again.
The next time I got back to the lab, everyone was gone at the scene. So I never found out WHY the lady ran into the fire hydrant in the first place, or if any paramedics showed up to get her. But it made for an interesting morning.
The Happiest Place On Earth
Since it was the last possible day for us to go, we (as an entire family) went to Disneyland. We finally talked Colin into riding on the new Toy Story ride at CA Adventure in exchange for Daddy taking him on Star Tours afterwards.
The weather was great, the streets were crowded, but the rides weren't. It was really a great evening. It's a rare treat to get Ron in the parks with us, but we enjoyed every second of it. Plus every time he complained how heavy the stroller is, or how wiggly Blake is I got to say, "I do this ALL OF THE TIME by myself! Aren't I amazing?!"
Haircut
Colin HATES haircuts. I know "hate" is a strong word, but I use it because it's true! We've yet to have a pleasant moment. We started cutting his hair at home thinking he would be more comfortable. Boy were we wrong! It was even worse! So we've started taking him back to Kids Fun Cuts on Moreno in Montclair.
Earlier in the school year we learned about Social Stories. It's a way of preparing your child for what is to come and basically telling them how they are going to act and what to expect. We tried it this morning (because it worked for the Toy Story ride yesterday), and Colin did nothing but scream. Then he was dramatic about trimming his nails, cleaning his ears, and brushing his teeth. Not wanting to deal with that on another day, and needing both of us to be there, we went anyway ready to brave the sound of our child being tortured.
Blake got to go first. He was fine. He knows he gets candy, and that kid will do ANYTHING for candy. Colin was next. He was apprehensive about sitting in any of the fun chairs like a motorcycle or jet. Ron told him he could sit in a big boy chair. He plopped him down and Colin whined, "NO! NO!...." "Here it comes" I thought... "I want the blue chair!" Hmmm...okay. That's unusual...normally he doesn't want ANY chair!
The haircut starts, and our child was silent. It was the most beautiful sound we had never heard. He even liked watching the haircut in the mirror. We buzzed his head to avoid coming back anytime soon, but enjoyed the entire time. He got his candy for being good (as well as a lot of praise), and talked about how great his hair looks for the rest of the day!
The buzz-cut brothers
Social stories work! They aren't just for kids with Autism, either. Some people get really descriptive with them or draw pictures. We keep it simple and easy for Colin to understand. Here's a link if you're interested in learning more about it or find that your child has a hard time transitioning from one thing to another. We've even been told they work great for kids that have a hard time taking tests.
http://www.autismnetwork.org/modules/social/sstory/index.html
I can't believe I have another crazy driver story within the same week...but I do!
So I was working in an operatory with Dr. Valdez at around 10:30 in the morning on Thursday. All of a sudden, we hear tires screech and a loud BOOM!! Thinking that a car ran into our office, I yelled, "SOMEONE HIT THE BUILDING!" Very professional with a patient in the chair...I know. Of course the Dr. and I leave the patient in the chair to run out and see what had happened.
We head to the lab in the back of the office. There's a large, tinted window. Tinted enough to where no one can see in. A Lexus SUV has just missed our office, but hit the fire hydrant in front of the office and water is starting to flood just below our back door. We call 911.
Eventually the fire department arrives, the water gets shut off, and the excess is being suctioned by a big truck. But something is missing....OH! The ambulance. Unfortunately I had to work, so I missed whatever happened between this time.
Each time I returned (I kept pretending I had things to get out of the lab, or another room so I could stop by the lab...), nothing much was happening. Then I see the lady who hit the hydrant get out of her car. She's pretty old and uses a walker. Still-no paramedics. Just a few policeman standing around and a tow-truck guy with a pony-tail, of course.
The lady starts to walk when all of a sudden, "TIIIIMMMMMBERRRR!!" she falls straight backwards taking the walker with her. She hits her head on the sidewalk and passes out! All of us girls at work are screaming as it happens, but the policemen stand there and WATCH it happen and do NOTHING! Nothing at all! Now I'm panicking and yelling, "CALL 911!" as I run down the hallway.
Again...the fire department shows up, but no paramedics. Eventually I see her start to move, so I know she's at least alive. Then I had to work again.
The next time I got back to the lab, everyone was gone at the scene. So I never found out WHY the lady ran into the fire hydrant in the first place, or if any paramedics showed up to get her. But it made for an interesting morning.
The Happiest Place On Earth
Since it was the last possible day for us to go, we (as an entire family) went to Disneyland. We finally talked Colin into riding on the new Toy Story ride at CA Adventure in exchange for Daddy taking him on Star Tours afterwards.
The weather was great, the streets were crowded, but the rides weren't. It was really a great evening. It's a rare treat to get Ron in the parks with us, but we enjoyed every second of it. Plus every time he complained how heavy the stroller is, or how wiggly Blake is I got to say, "I do this ALL OF THE TIME by myself! Aren't I amazing?!"
Haircut
Colin HATES haircuts. I know "hate" is a strong word, but I use it because it's true! We've yet to have a pleasant moment. We started cutting his hair at home thinking he would be more comfortable. Boy were we wrong! It was even worse! So we've started taking him back to Kids Fun Cuts on Moreno in Montclair.
Earlier in the school year we learned about Social Stories. It's a way of preparing your child for what is to come and basically telling them how they are going to act and what to expect. We tried it this morning (because it worked for the Toy Story ride yesterday), and Colin did nothing but scream. Then he was dramatic about trimming his nails, cleaning his ears, and brushing his teeth. Not wanting to deal with that on another day, and needing both of us to be there, we went anyway ready to brave the sound of our child being tortured.
Blake got to go first. He was fine. He knows he gets candy, and that kid will do ANYTHING for candy. Colin was next. He was apprehensive about sitting in any of the fun chairs like a motorcycle or jet. Ron told him he could sit in a big boy chair. He plopped him down and Colin whined, "NO! NO!...." "Here it comes" I thought... "I want the blue chair!" Hmmm...okay. That's unusual...normally he doesn't want ANY chair!
The haircut starts, and our child was silent. It was the most beautiful sound we had never heard. He even liked watching the haircut in the mirror. We buzzed his head to avoid coming back anytime soon, but enjoyed the entire time. He got his candy for being good (as well as a lot of praise), and talked about how great his hair looks for the rest of the day!
The buzz-cut brothers
Social stories work! They aren't just for kids with Autism, either. Some people get really descriptive with them or draw pictures. We keep it simple and easy for Colin to understand. Here's a link if you're interested in learning more about it or find that your child has a hard time transitioning from one thing to another. We've even been told they work great for kids that have a hard time taking tests.
http://www.autismnetwork.org/modules/social/sstory/index.html
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Near Death Experience
Crazy Driver
Yesterday I was as happy as a clam to finally end my work day. Let's just say it was a long week. (and as a note to people who might be unaware...it isn't polite to just SHOW UP at your dentist or doctor's office and expect to be seen. It's better to call them. If they are a good practitioner..or person...they will MAKE time for you.) Anywho...I was heading to the Johnsons' to pick-up my kids. I was driving East on Baseline. When I almost reached Mills Ave, I decided to change to the unoccupied left lane. The light turns green. Myself and the car next to me proceed through the intersection when a loverly person decided to run a red light heading north up Mills Ave. The SUV next to me hit her and she spun around to where she was facing south on Mills.
WOW!
It pretty much happened in slow-mo, and so I watched the girl that ran-the-red as she spun around. She handled her car like she was a professional stock-car driver! AND...no change in her expression the ENTIRE time! Instead of pulling off nearby where she already was, she made a right back onto Baseline, made another U-turn on Baseline (ignoring on-coming traffic, of course) and then parked in a busier area on Baseline.
Not only did I realize that I was lucky to have missed that one ONLY because I had changed lanes just seconds before, but I realized there should be some sort of IQ test to get your driver's license.
And as a side note, I've also realized this was not REALLY a near-death-experience. But it almost was.
Peace Out
Someone taught Blake how to do the"peace out" thing...you know...pound your fist to your chest two times and then do the peace sign? Yeah...that one. He normally only does it when reminded or prompted (and his peace sign consists of one finger), but that has changed.
He's decided that when I do something that makes him happy, he does the "peace out" pound as he walks away from me. For example, I let him have an organic lollipop tonight. I opened it and handed it to him. Rather than the usual, "Daint doo, mommy", I got the peace out pound. This combined with the hip-hop dancing already says a lot about my nearly two-year-old.
FYI
For all of the fellow Disney enthusiasts, we are now unable to sign-in to Disneyland. For the rest of the summer, our Silver passes are blocked-out until almost September. Yes...I know. It's a sad day. I'm mourning the FREEdom of our Disney benefits, but happy to know they will return. AND...if Ron keeps working until after he turns 55, we get lifetime sign-ins even if he doesn't work there! WOO HOO! Only 29 years left, honey!
Yesterday I was as happy as a clam to finally end my work day. Let's just say it was a long week. (and as a note to people who might be unaware...it isn't polite to just SHOW UP at your dentist or doctor's office and expect to be seen. It's better to call them. If they are a good practitioner..or person...they will MAKE time for you.) Anywho...I was heading to the Johnsons' to pick-up my kids. I was driving East on Baseline. When I almost reached Mills Ave, I decided to change to the unoccupied left lane. The light turns green. Myself and the car next to me proceed through the intersection when a loverly person decided to run a red light heading north up Mills Ave. The SUV next to me hit her and she spun around to where she was facing south on Mills.
WOW!
It pretty much happened in slow-mo, and so I watched the girl that ran-the-red as she spun around. She handled her car like she was a professional stock-car driver! AND...no change in her expression the ENTIRE time! Instead of pulling off nearby where she already was, she made a right back onto Baseline, made another U-turn on Baseline (ignoring on-coming traffic, of course) and then parked in a busier area on Baseline.
Not only did I realize that I was lucky to have missed that one ONLY because I had changed lanes just seconds before, but I realized there should be some sort of IQ test to get your driver's license.
And as a side note, I've also realized this was not REALLY a near-death-experience. But it almost was.
Peace Out
Someone taught Blake how to do the"peace out" thing...you know...pound your fist to your chest two times and then do the peace sign? Yeah...that one. He normally only does it when reminded or prompted (and his peace sign consists of one finger), but that has changed.
He's decided that when I do something that makes him happy, he does the "peace out" pound as he walks away from me. For example, I let him have an organic lollipop tonight. I opened it and handed it to him. Rather than the usual, "Daint doo, mommy", I got the peace out pound. This combined with the hip-hop dancing already says a lot about my nearly two-year-old.
FYI
For all of the fellow Disney enthusiasts, we are now unable to sign-in to Disneyland. For the rest of the summer, our Silver passes are blocked-out until almost September. Yes...I know. It's a sad day. I'm mourning the FREEdom of our Disney benefits, but happy to know they will return. AND...if Ron keeps working until after he turns 55, we get lifetime sign-ins even if he doesn't work there! WOO HOO! Only 29 years left, honey!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
4th of July Weekend
Movers and Shakers
One of our favorite families has moved this weekend. Ron's older sister, Katie, her husband, Joey, and our Niece, Addison, have had an amazing job opportunity they couldn't pass-up in Minnesota. Although excited about the Mall of America, I'm sure they're hesitant about the weather! We are sure going to miss them, though! Addy and Blake are the same age and have just started entertaining us with their antics together. They better visit a lot!! We are all hoping Addy comes back with that beautiful Minnesota accent!
Blake spent a day with our good friend, Daniel. Spending time with Daniel is never a dull moment. He's been an amazing person in our lives. He's moved to Las Vegas to work for the new Trump Tower, but manages to visit and still enriches our boys' lives.
After a day with Daniel, Blake came home with a new video on the net. Thankfully, it's a tasteful one. He now shares a passion for hip hop dancing.
Daniel posted it here:
http://www.vimeo.com/1292325
4th of July
Ron had to work early the morning of the 4th, but was home in time to share a nice BBQ with us at Jennifer Broderick's parents' home here in Upland. They have a great pool, and there was plenty of food and good company.
We were amazed at the Broderick's son, Jaxson, and his bravery around the pool. He's three weeks younger than Blake, and would jump in the pool (no floaties!), and even swim to the surface! It was an amazing sight to see!
Jaxson and Blake on the hose...Jaxson having an allergic reaction to ice cream...poor guy!
Colin even got a little braver around the pool, and Blake went down the giant slide a couple of times. They also enjoyed all of the other kids, and the swing set.
Tim Rambow knows how to have fun!
Kamryn enjoying the swing and looking pretty
Father's Day
Since I never did a post about Father's Day...here it is!
Ron worked in the morning, but was able to spend the afternoon with us at his parent's house. His parents had just bought ROCK BAND for their Wii, so majority of the evening was spent laughing at everyone pretending to be amazing guitar or drum players, as well as singers. Ron's rendition of "Say It Ain't So" by Weezer is quite riveting.
Mike on drums, Joey on guitar, and Ron on vocals
We sure enjoyed spending the day with the Dads in the family and, of course, allowed us to focus on just how important the dads are in our lives. I must say I often feel lucky to have a husband like Ron. I tease him that he's a better Mom than I am, but really, he's quite an amazing dad. I love you, babe! Thanks for all you do for our family!
One of our favorite families has moved this weekend. Ron's older sister, Katie, her husband, Joey, and our Niece, Addison, have had an amazing job opportunity they couldn't pass-up in Minnesota. Although excited about the Mall of America, I'm sure they're hesitant about the weather! We are sure going to miss them, though! Addy and Blake are the same age and have just started entertaining us with their antics together. They better visit a lot!! We are all hoping Addy comes back with that beautiful Minnesota accent!
Blake spent a day with our good friend, Daniel. Spending time with Daniel is never a dull moment. He's been an amazing person in our lives. He's moved to Las Vegas to work for the new Trump Tower, but manages to visit and still enriches our boys' lives.
After a day with Daniel, Blake came home with a new video on the net. Thankfully, it's a tasteful one. He now shares a passion for hip hop dancing.
Daniel posted it here:
http://www.vimeo.com/1292325
4th of July
Ron had to work early the morning of the 4th, but was home in time to share a nice BBQ with us at Jennifer Broderick's parents' home here in Upland. They have a great pool, and there was plenty of food and good company.
We were amazed at the Broderick's son, Jaxson, and his bravery around the pool. He's three weeks younger than Blake, and would jump in the pool (no floaties!), and even swim to the surface! It was an amazing sight to see!
Jaxson and Blake on the hose...Jaxson having an allergic reaction to ice cream...poor guy!
Colin even got a little braver around the pool, and Blake went down the giant slide a couple of times. They also enjoyed all of the other kids, and the swing set.
Tim Rambow knows how to have fun!
Kamryn enjoying the swing and looking pretty
Father's Day
Since I never did a post about Father's Day...here it is!
Ron worked in the morning, but was able to spend the afternoon with us at his parent's house. His parents had just bought ROCK BAND for their Wii, so majority of the evening was spent laughing at everyone pretending to be amazing guitar or drum players, as well as singers. Ron's rendition of "Say It Ain't So" by Weezer is quite riveting.
Mike on drums, Joey on guitar, and Ron on vocals
We sure enjoyed spending the day with the Dads in the family and, of course, allowed us to focus on just how important the dads are in our lives. I must say I often feel lucky to have a husband like Ron. I tease him that he's a better Mom than I am, but really, he's quite an amazing dad. I love you, babe! Thanks for all you do for our family!
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