Tasty Complaints

I went to PF Changs tonight for the first time in my adult life. I had delicious food, great company, mediocre service, and a TERRIBLE experience. Lots of complaining from me. Overprotective Mama bear came out. 

Dinner was very late (very busy so we had a 45 minute wait) and Evelyn wasn't happy about not having food in front of her. She had a quiet complaint on the table but once food started showing up he was upbeat and happy again. 


She ate plates of food! She loved it all and was in such a good mood!





After dinner we let Evelyn unwind for a little bit while I finished prepping for her birthday party tomorrow.


How do you serve cake to a family who's not very fond of cake, in 100+ degree weather, at a party of toddlers that will last 7ish hours???


Cupcakes with very little white frosting dipped in blue sugar (doesn't stain like blue frosting would) with chocolate eyes, and a cookie mouth. Evelyn't doesn't even know who cookie monster is and it doesn't fit the 4th of July theme but it's a good solution for everybody. Plus, although it's tedious and boring, it's pretty easy so even me and all my last minute projects can finish it. 


My mistake (chocolate frosting instead of white) turned into my favorite monster. It's Mr. T! 




Camera wasn't happy with me today, so I only got a couple pictures

Shooka

I take full blame for the baby staying up so late tonight. She discovered a new great toy: The laundry basket, or as she calls it, "the box". She played in this for nearly an hour and only got out because we tricked her.

She duck down, then pop back up, only to duck down again usually with a gleeful cry of 'get you!', 'I see you!', or 'pic boo!'.

While trying to convince her to come out I tried tickling her while she was sitting inside-that became a game. I also tried to rock the basket from side to side and make funny noises, but that too, became a game. Then, if I tried to stop, she'd tell me 'shooka shooka!' (the sound I was making) wanting me to do it some more. The funny thing about it was the game was her pretending that my rocking scared her and yet she would ask me to do it over, and over again. She even asked Daddy to do it when I finally stopped.

Few more pictures here

Tree Frog

Everyone I know who's bought the Vibram five fingers have loved them. I love the idea, I like being barefoot and hate flip flops, but priced at $100 for ugly shoes I haven't been willing to get any. Until now. I found a pair in my size at the Folsom REI used gear sale, returned because the sizing was wrong. For the record, there were WAY more to choose from in Roseville, but I didn't know what size I wore at that time. 

I found these things for $40. I wear them most days, the kids seem to love how goofy they look, and I have to say they ARE really comfortable and they breath much better than I would of suspected. I feel like a creepy tree frog, but I'm comfortable, so I guess I'll get over it. 

Fancy Pod

No boys, no Noah, nothing that had to be done. Today, was about trying to catch up.

Evelyn and I slept in a little this morning and then she played while I made my list of things to get done. I was able to chat with Melis (shocking!) for a bit about the party on Monday (holy cow that came on fast!) and I think we have some really good plans. I also managed to get myself a little done up today despite the burn (putting on anything with sleeves was very painful so I opted for strapless) but it didn't help with the pain any. Or with the crazy redness that made everyone stop and tell me how painful it looked.

Finally, Just before Evelyn and I left to start our errands, I discovered that my ipod was out of space due to all the apps I have on it for the kids. I spent a little bit of time on craigslist looking for a second hand one with a more memory and left the house with a few messages out in search of one. It came quicker than I expected: within our first hour of being out. So much for being productive.

Evelyn and I had time to run over to my brothers house and deliver the birthday party invitation (and stop to buy some lemonade from some cute little girls selling it on the corner), deposit money into the bank, and grab the sugar and Joanns before we went to meet the people about the pod. They were from Rancho, but luckily they were willing to meet me at Panera on Sunrise (where I had two free goodies on my card) so I took out two birds with one stone.

I gave them 2 bucks for a glass of lemonade and a picture of their stand. Yes, I asked first and got permission.

I got an amazing deal on a 64gig Ipod touch (with camera and microphone) and I absolutely love it. The one thing that always pissed me off about not having a smart phone was not being able to read the labels on things I wanted to buy, or ads in the newspaper because all it showed was a stupid QR Code. Now, I can read those stupid codes. I'm a member of the QR Code reading club and nobody can keep secrets from me anymore. It's probably not THAT big of a deal, but I'm still excited about it. And so is Cliff, I gave him the original ipod.

Finishing the work week and we were joined by Bert for dinner to enjoy the chicken thighs (I scrambled looking for on Tuesday) that have been marinating the last 4 days. It was so great to have him over, even if I was a bit grumpy. Sorry Bert. Dinner was delicious! I think I will try to use that marinade a lot more often, and longer is always better. I sauteed the pea shoots and arugula and Albert brought his tasty pasta salad. Evelyn was in heaven with all the "afoof"s (olive) she got to eat. We even tricked her into eating the chicken by telling her it was "meat". Not chicken, Meat. And she loved it.

We made trifle to eat for dessert while we watched season of the witch. Not at all what I thought it would be. Another fantastic night with pleasurable company.



Pictures

That Was Stupid

Today was a really great day. I was in a fantastic mood- a very good thing since both kids started the day off very grumpy- and I was excited to go do something fun with everyone. I packed up the car with the picnic I promised them, added towels and swimsuits, and we left for the water park.

The place was super packed, but as I pointed out to the kids, that just meant more people to make friends with. It was a challenge, but somehow I managed to get all three kids sprayed with sunblock before they gallivanted off into the water area. Even Evelyn wanted to go play in near the water! Every time she got splashed she'd run back to me and start crying "ow" so I'd have to explain to her that she wasn't in pain, it was just cold water that got her wet. After about an hour of this she finally caught on and started running up to me excited instead, and telling me how she got wet.

She wouldn't let me get any closer, or farther away, she told me I had to sit on the bench the whole time.

The boys went back and forth between the water park and the play structures, 3 hours seemed like the perfect amount of time. During our last 15 minutes we all walked to the edge of the park so I could check out the structures I always admire and I was able to take a few pictures of the kids. Next time, I'll start on that side of the park so everyone won't be so tired in the pictures.

The boys went home early and shortly after they left I discovered a surprise for myself: I can burn at the park too. Normally we're only at the park for an hour or two so I never think to spray myself when I spray the kids. Today, we were there much longer and it was too long for my pale skin. Hello Lobster! Got sun?

I took many pictures today

Stoned Rice

Today was another unexpected phenomenal day. It started off with grumpy kids (that never really changed) and then because the weather has been so weird we didn't really go anywhere special or do anything super fun.

After getting Noah we all had lunch together at the table- which sadly isn't the case very often since usually the babies are too tired to eat until later. No fighting, just friendly conversation while we all ate sandwiches. Except Noah, his lunch smelled much tastier than ours and considering he ate every bite I'm going to assume it was, too.

After dropping all the boys off at home Evelyn and I picked up Cliff and headed to the Stones for dinner. Evelyn was in a great mood and actually went off alone with their daughter and played the whole night. It was shocking to me, but I was thrilled to see her having so much fun with friends.

I brought my camera, but again I failed to remember to take any pictures. Shame on me.

Dinner was divine! It's always shocking how quickly time passes when you're enjoying yourself and tonight was no exception. It was almost 10pm when we headed home. It sure didn't feel that late, but I was grateful when Evelyn passed out just a few minutes down the road.

Leftovers

I totally forgot I took this picture. 

It may not look like much still cold, but this was my dinner tonight. Leftover birthday dinner (complete with cake and ice cream!). It was fantastic even two nights later. Feeling pretty happy that Cliff got held up at work. Gave me the excuse to eat the last plate alone. 

Rock On

We had a very busy morning. Isaac and I went to the farmers market for arugula (they were out); returned the rancid chicken from Sunday night only to discover they didn't have any more that I could buy (lame); after that we had to go to ANOTHER store to get the chicken I needed for dinner; picked up Evelyn's birthday invitations.... and that was all before lunch!

This afternoon we went to the library and spent an hour there reading and playing! We all picked out a bunch of books. Evelyn has discovered that it's great fun to play there and today she did NOT want to leave. I kept telling her it was time to go but she would only respond with "No, I'm rocking, Mama!". When I decided to just start leaving without her she stayed put and hollered across the library "I'm rocking, Mama!" in her happiest voice.

All day today she kept telling us how happy she was (until her brothers had to go home with Kim). "I'm happy! I'm happy, Mama! I'm happy, Bear!". Such a great day!

Before taking the boys back we all stopped at a TNT fireworks stand and purchased some fireworks for the holiday. $68 bucks, but I got some really good ones this year. It's going to be awesome!

Catching Up

I discovered this great program on my ipod that lets me blog even when I don't have internet service. I was able to type my stories out and add my pictures when I got home. I'm very pleased to have this program so I can keep updated even when traveling.

Thursday (June 23) Alex and I visited my grandma in the bay area. I had such a good time talking with her and after Lynetta got home we went to the waterfront (where there happened to be a farmer's market going on) for a walk. We came home with a bag full of delicious plums and apricots, a very sweet birthday card, and a great appreciation for my family.

Friday was challenging. Cliff stayed home from work (originality so we could leave for Fresno early in the AM) and spent the day with the kids.

Sunday when we got home we let the kids play in the sprinklers. Then we pulled out the water balloons and let them go at it. Not sure what was more entertaining to watch, them playing, or Cliff and I trying to fill the balloons. Evelyn saw everyone throwing them and she decided she wanted to join in too. We only gave her 1, but next time we'll have give her more. She loves to throw things!
When I went to the store for dinner groceries I picked up my medication from the pharmacy. I've recently lost 13 pounds so I we feeling pretty good about myself and was not wearing a maternity top (really comfortable so I still wear them). And yet, the pharmacist asked me how far along I was. Um.....I'm not.

Coming home from the store, Evelyn got her very first major goose egg when she tripped outside our house and face-planted into the corner of the brick. Broke my heart and left a huge mark on her forehead and eye, but she's a tough cookie and recovered pretty quickly.

Today I added my pictures to the blogs bringing them all up to date. I have plenty of fun activities planned with the kids today so I'm sure I'll have more to add later. Until then, here's some more of the things I find on the internet that make me giggle.

DG's Remains

I wasn't even the one who got to go up in the air and still I'm estatic and giddy with wonderment. A helicopter ride is amazing but to see an ariel view of our camp home is indescribable. Google earth gives a little view but nothing like being this close and landing at your campsite, even if it's only from the pictures and videos my amazing husband shared with me.

We left yesterday evening instead of morning like we originally planned so we got into town much to late to try to find a campsite so we just slept in our car. That did not make for restful sleep for any of us and we were awake by 5:30. No good. It did however mean that we had plenty of time to find the heliport and set up camp at sawmill flat. As we were driving out of camp towards our rendezvous point a couple of the search and rescue jeeps were driving to the mine tailing. As we arrived at the top if the dam our jaws dropped to see just how many people they had helping with the search. It was an insane operation in terms of size for what we were expecting to see. More guys in orange kept showing up!

Sergeant CC told us that she was pretty sure they knew where the clothes were but since we drove all that way she'd still send cliff up in the bird. Turns out she was way off and cliff pointed to exactly where we found the items (you could actually see them from the air). Cliff said the pilot was phenomenal and how he actually did a few 'toe touches' (where he puts the toes of the helicopter down to see if landing would be possible) up and down the valley to test places to drop the search crew. That's right, the search and rescue team (mostly volunteers) got flown in!

When Cliff returned from his flight, before the next group left, they let me and the kids come look at the helicopter and take a few pictures with it. The kids thought it was amazing!

They told us we could check back anytime since they'd be there through Monday but we didn't think we'd be taking them up on the offer. That is at least, until the baby fell asleep in the car and our plans all got pushed back so that she would continue to sleep while we drove around.

























We wanted to go to Courtright Reservoir but it was closed so instead we drove across Wishon and discovered the road was in pretty good condition and went pretty far into the other side of the mountain. After being on that side, I can say that the deer ARE mocking you. They just stand there and stare at you. They don't care if you move, shout, whistle, honk.


While checking out the view of Sawmill Flat from this side of the mountain we noticed the helicopter was very active again, but this time it was empty when it went out towards the camps. This, we figured, only met one thing: they found what they were looking for and were coming out.

We finished up and drove back towards the helipad to get an update:
They were very grateful that Cliff was able to show them the exact spot and they took a cadaver dog to the clothing and it picked up on some remains just up the hill pretty quickly. It then led them down by the river (very, very close to where we thought we found a human leg bone 2 years ago) where they found a portion of his skull, a jawbone with 2 teeth, and a few other bones. The Sergeant said they found everything within an hour an a half! This closed up one of only 3 outstanding cases since 1963! And, they couldn't have done it without us reporting our finds, and showing them the exact location.

By then it was about 12pm and we still wanted to take the kid fishing. All the other lakes were closed so we took the kids to Wishon Reservoir along with everybody else who was there. Cliff and I knew we wouldn't catch any fish- no one was having much luck because the water was SO high, but just letting the kids try was the point. Evelyn found great joy in throwing rocks into the water (and trying very hard to get INTO the water). When we just couldn't take it anymore, we packed up the kids and all the gear. Alex helped reel in Isaac's pole (he was floating power bait while Alex had been lure fishing) and managed to snag a beast of a fish in the process! A beautiful rainbow trout! We took a picture and quickly released it since we didn't have anything to cook it with anyway.

We headed back to camp and made an early dinner (BBQ beans, rice, and weenies) followed by marshmallows and smores. I decided to try Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in my smore... it was a let down to say the least. Bed time came early -7pm for EVERYONE.

Mussel Happiness

I'm quite positive that the 13 pounds I lost I've recently gained back in dinner from the last two nights. It was an impromptu dinner at Buca di Beppo with Bert but it was a perfect birthday dinner with my favorite people. Evelyn was a little grumpy all day, until she found out she was going to see Bert. She didn't leave his side through all of dinner!

We ordered our regular Penne Cardinal and added an antipasto salad and Mussels for Bert and I. Cliff is not a fan.

It was fantastic! The waitress noticed the card Bert gave me for my birthday (thank you so much for my massage! I can't wait to use it!) and tried to get me to order dessert. I was stuffed so I declined. I managed to avoid embarrassing singers, but she still brought out the candles for me so I could make a wish.

After dinner we moseyed outside (beautiful day!), made plans for a game night, and Cliff and Bert talked shop for a wee bit. Not even shop talk about welding parts can keep my camera away!

It was a perfect night.

Birthday Change of Plans

The day started off MUCH earlier than I expected (the boys woke up at 5am) and even though I went to bed early the night before I'm not sure I was ready to start the day that soon. Evelyn slept through the whole night in her sleeping bag and even slept for a bit longer after Cliff and I started to pack up camp. First time she's slept through the night in days! Very good thing. I was a bit surprised though because sometime during the night she had got her arm stuck in the pocket of the tent, which pushed up her warm jammie sleeve, and when I discovered it in the morning her hand was FREEZING... and yet she slept soundly.

Our plan was to get on the road early so that we could head to Yosemite for a hike and some exploring. It wasn't long before it became very apparent that little moods were not going to be up for any adventures (and I knew I'd be bitter if I paid $20 and didn't do ANYTHING) so we changed plans and just kept driving towards home.

Breakfast was kind of a joke... we kept driving with good intentions of what we would have for breakfast but never found a good place to stop. Instead, we had string cheese, granola bars, fruit, and (Cliff's idea) Capri Sun. Good thing we were planning on being home by lunch because that meal wasn't exactly a mood lifter.

When the kids were no longer able to refrain from being cranky-butts I had Cliff pull into at a rest stop (one of the great ones all along the highway) and I literally made the kids do laps. Alex was a little annoyed about being forced to move *gasp, the cruelty!* but Isaac was all for it... for about a minute. They didn't like the idea, but they both had fun. I had them run (or walk, or be chased) for a good 10 minutes before we returned to a seated position in the truck for the remainder of the drive. It may seem like something crazy to do, but the kids were tuckered out enough from that to fall asleep! How wonderful those last few hours in the car were without hearing the bickering! Alex had insisted earlier that he NEVER can fall asleep in the car so when he nodded off and started snoring we took pictures as proof.

We made it home by lunch!

Having my birthday plans squashed I was feeling a little deflated about the day so I chose to look at the pictures Cliff took from the helicopter on the bigger screen of my computer monitor. The pictures were as amazing today as they were yesterday. Definitely lifted my mood back up. Before long, I realized we were running out of time to get groceries for dinner, so I gathered my things and headed out (begrudgingly) with an eager baby in tow.

Problem 1: Carseat was in Cliff's truck and Evelyn REALLY wanted to go (so I took his truck).
Problem 2: Cliff's truck was on empty (with a questionable amount that may or may not even get to the gas station)
Problem 3: When I was done getting gas and finally got to the store Evelyn had a super nasty diaper and the                                   wipes were in the house. (meaning I had to buy some and change her diaper before I could even start getting my groceries)
Problem 4: I have a 2yo on a shopping trip where I'm in a hurry (which baby law states that she MUST drag her feet and play games like running down the wrong aisles)

After all that was finished, I was finally able to get my items and get home (all finished in a mere 35 minutes!) only to discover I grabbed the wrong chicken and had to go back out. I didn't have to go back out the second time, Cliff said he could make it work, but I offered to go so he could make the best chicken possible- but this time I left the baby at home.

I returned home and Cliff had everything ready to go. He BBQ'd the chicken up and we had the most delicious dinner. BBQ chicken thighs, corn, and loaded back potatoes (with bacon), and cliff and I had home made Pina Coladas (virgin for the kids)!


Since we were out of town and I wasn't able to make a cake, I got ice cream for dessert.  After dinner I told Cliff to get the boys seated back down so we could eat ice cream but they surprised me with a birthday cake instead! When I was at the store Cliff and the boys mixed the cake, baked it, hid it, frosted it, AND cleaned up any evidence. I was really, really surprised! The boys also presented me with a hand made birthday card and gifts. Alex gave me 3 chores without complaint, and Isaac offered 1 full hour without throwing any fits.

Evelyn decided Red-Velvet cake and corn were great things to play with. Cliff's gift to me, he bathed the dirty child for me.

Flight for DG

I wasn't even the one who got to go up in the air and still I'm estatic and giddy with wonderment. A helicopter ride is amazing but to see an ariel view of our camp home is indescribable. Google earth gives a little view but nothing like being this close and landing at your campsite, even if it's only from the pictures and videos my amazing husband shared with me.

We arrived at the helipad at 8am and were shocked to see what a large production it was. There were at about 60 members of the Search and Recover team and people in orange took over the parking lot.

Sergeant CC briefed Cliff on the plan for the day and shortly afterwards they took him up for information he needed before he flew in the helicopter.

The boys and I were thrilled when the helicopter took off and flew OVER where we were standing! The pilot was AMAZING and Cliff said it was an unbelievable that he would love to do again. To add to the thrill, the water was higher than he's ever seen it. It was raging!


When Cliff returned they let the boys and I go up and see the helicopter and take pictures. It was incredible. I've seen helicopters before, but there is something special about knowing that MY husband just went up in THIS helicopter and took pictures of OUR camp home!

Cliff and the boys set up my hammock for me in the shade

When we left the Sheriff's team we headed to the reservoir to let the kids do some fishing. I had plans for Evelyn and I to nap in the hammock but she fell asleep in the car and wanted nothing to do with napping any more. I sat at ate lunch with her, and Cliff came and snuggled her for a little bit, but she wanted to explore the water!

She saw her brothers throwing rocks and splashing them in the water and she decided this was the best thing ever.

Cliff and I thought there was no way the boys would catch a fish but they had fun trying. We had Isaac float power bait and Cliff taught Alex to fish with a lure. Isaac was more interested in finding rocks to throw but Alex really enjoyed fishing. As we gathered up all the gear to head back to our campsite Alex snagged a huge Rainbow on Isaac's reel! Had we been prepared we might of kept it and eaten it, but we had nothing to cook it in or anyway to flavor it so we just took it's picture and put it back in the water (to hopefully make many more that might swim downstream!).

We went back to camp that night for dinner, smores, and an early bedtime.

The full story on the family blog

More pictures from this amazing weekend

First Time at the Water Park

Very fun *HOT* day today. Noah got brought over and after him and Evelyn took a nap we left for the water park. Packing lunches, and towels, and everything else needed to go to a water park with multiple kids (2 still in diapers) was a bit more challenging than I anticipated but I managed to not forget anything.

The kids were so excited to go play in the water it was a challenge to get them changed and sprayed with sunblock before they got wet. Noah and Alex were excited when the water first hit them, Evelyn however formed some reservations. She'd rather be splashing in a pool like we did yesterday, than getting splashed and sprayed at the park. She tended to stick to the outside edge and would only go further in when the water had moved away so she could puddle stomp.  We almost convinced her to play in the 'waterfall' but as soon as she'd feel the first drops of water she'd run back towards dryer land.

Alex was having a great time running through the water and getting splashed by the buckets. He said he was getting brain freezes from the cold water in the bucket, but it didn't slow him down any. 

While Evelyn puddle stomped, Noah ran all over trying out the different water features. He was giggling the whole time! 

Between the puddle stomping Evelyn would come running to my arms for wet hugs (good thing it was 111 and I appreciated the cool water) and then try to convince me (and my camera) to come walk into the water park with her. No go, baby, no go. It was so cute when she'd run and get Noah's hand and take him to stomp puddles or play with the water horses. 

More pictures

Last Minute Rib Run

Happy Father's Day!

Did you remember to call your Dad to tell him how much he means to you? I did!

Today is a good day to remember how wonderful our fathers are and how important they are to us. I'm so grateful for the family I was blessed with (I'm counting my extra parents and Cliff's adoptive family, too!) and the love my children experience because of it.

I woke up with Evelyn this morning and started cleaning the mess she left behind last night in the living room while Cliff slept in. If I was a good wife I would have made breakfast too, but I did that yesterday and didn't have energy to do it today, as well.

When Cliff woke up, Evelyn handed him the picture she made for him while I made my grocery list and then I headed to the stores for the last minute items we needed for our BBQ. Lucky me, I needed to go to Walmart and Costco, on a Sunday holiday. Crap.

It started out really lucky and I found front row parking at Walmart without driving around looking for it! However, I didn't realize that Walmart has remodeled everything- meaning all that time I saved (and then some) on my convenient parking space was wasted just trying to find my items in the store. Even better, they didn't have corn or bananas left so I HAD to add a third store to my trip.



I picked the first (farthest) spot at Costco and ran in for my 5 items. Of course, everyone there had the same idea as me so I still had HUGE lines to navigate so I could check out AND get out!

Now, with milk, meat, and other perishables in my trunk I had to rush into Bel Air for my produce and whip cream. Again, the parking gods smiled on me as I stumbled across front row SHADED parking. The simple joys in life!

I was a little frazzled when I got home from my hurry-up-and-wait mentality I had from shopping, but we managed to finish cleaning the packing mess, get more packing done, finish dinner, and (what I was worried about missing most) get showered and presentable for dinner guests.

I hate rushing and I despise weekend shopping (my own fault for not doing it during the week) but it was more than worth it all! We had the best Fathers day dinner feast with Bert and his kids (and grandchild!).
I couldn't of asked for a better end to this week.

Evelyn was actually in the mood for me to take pictures of her.
She kept wanting me to take more pictures and then asked to see them on the camera screen.

More pictures

Tired Birthday

Grumpy on the way to the party, hugging baby jaguar. 

We went to my nephews third birthday party today, he was such an adorable little ham! My sister held the party at her house with tons of activities for kids of all ages and lots of delicious food. It was really hot out (especially in my sleep deprived state) but the shade and fan made it bearable.

Unfortunately for us, the party started at Evelyn's normal nap time so she was grumpy in the car driving there, and not very social once we showed up. Thank goodness for family because they were happy to hold her royal grumpiness as long as she wanted to be held.

Somehow, the big kids (read: adults) had the energy to play badmitten in the sun. Very entertaining to watch.

 I'm also very grateful to Grandma Debby for sitting in the sun with Evelyn when she wanted to play in the pool and I didn't have the tolerance to sit away from shade in my black shirt. Evelyn had a great time and I didn't get cooked in the process.

I love how comfortable Evelyn is getting in the water. Birthday boy is a regular fish! He would swim from side to side in the pool with his head completely under the water! I really hope Evelyn is THAT comfortable in a year. If not, I'll have to beg him give her lessons on how not scary the water is when you hold your breath.

We left after two and a half hours (and the party was still going strong) so we could get some packing and cleaning done around the house. Cliff battled the outside (made it look all pretty!) and I was pretty much useless so Evelyn and I laid down for a nap.

On the drive home she could barely keep her eyes open

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