I took this path...

Awesome Owl Costume

2011-10-31T08:10:00.001-07:00

How cute is my little Hoot?
This costume is made from fabric from a fabric sample book and a bit of left over fabric from her bat costume a few years back. I cut a gazillion triangles and hot glued them onto an old sweather I had sitting on a shelf.

Total cost about $3.00

Rapunzel....

2011-01-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Sela and I had an afternoon of crafting on Sunday. We were making things out of packing peanuts. We had a little piece and some yarn left... and a big piece of paper... so Sela said, "let's turn it into Rapunzel!"

Here is what we came up with. Sela drew most of it by herself. I added the tree, and some flowers. She asked me to write the words in the first quotation... the second quotation says, "Rapunzel, I'm coming!" Love my creative girl!!

Here are some of our packing peanut crafts....

A new year and a chance to start new goals!

2011-01-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

What will 2011 bring?

What a wild ride 2010 was. I felt frantically busy thrugh most of it, and didn't care much for the pace.

This year I have some things I am going to commit to doing for myself:

Reconnect with friends - last year I wasn't much of a friend - between being a mom, keeping the nonprofit moving forward I let "me" fall by the wayside some.

Run. I miss my running... I miss the awesome ideas that would pop into my head when I was in the middle of a run.

Unplug more often. I am going to make more days be unplugged days. Emails can wait a bit.

Celebrate my kids more. Man - I have some great kiddos - I want to slow down and laugh more often with them.

Blog. I love to look back on my blog and remember moments that I blogged about. Especially family moments... my fav.

Cook from Scratch - we are trying to ditch all the food wrapped in plastic.... that means lots of meals from scratch.... yummy... but also requires some planning on my part.

Mark and I want to be in the best physical shape we can for his 50th b-day. My goal is to look like his MUCH younger wife - haha! :)

What will 2011 bring for you?

Early New Years Resolution

2010-12-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

I will be blogging in 2011. :)

Eyes in the back of my head

2010-02-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

My kids have believed for some time now that I have eyes in the back of my head. They can't figure out how I know wha they are doing when I am not looking right at them, so I offhandedly told them it was the eyes in the back of my head. Then one day Sela wants me to wear piggy tails... and I ask why.
She says, "So I can see the eyes in the back of your head!"

They keep moving my hair trying to catch a glimpse.

Sela even starts to ask me how I knew she was doing something, will catch herself, and say, "I Knoooww the eyes in the back of your head."

They are soo funny.

Recycled Crayon Valentines!

2010-02-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

I saw a number of blog posts for recycling crayons recently, and one Make and Take that suggested Valentine's Cards... so we whipped these up for Zach and Sela to take for their Valentines cards. We used the gazillion restaurant crayons that they always HAVE to take, when we leave - which is better than tossing them - but I was thinking we would be buried in Red, Blue and Yellow crayons until this great project came along!

I used a silicone heart baking tray, we broke the crayons in pieces, heated them up to 300, watched them melt, pulled them out, let them cool, and repeated until we have 48 beautiful chunky crayons for their Valentines! Easy Peasy!

Zach's new Z Journal

2010-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Check out Zach's awesome journal and colored pencil holder that the ever-talented Cathy made for him for his Birthday. Zach decided to give money to Save the Whales, instead of getting gifts - but I know he still enjoys getting a few gifts, and this one was an extreme hit!

This was his first story in his Z Journal - let me translate, "
One upon a time there was a giant monster that eats girls. (Sela was bugging him that day, apparently!) Ir smashes houses and eats 50 girls fo a snack, it eats 1000 girls for meals, and sometimes for holidays it eats 10,000 in one day.

He thought he was pretty funny talking about a monster that eat girls.

This is Sela's Picture.
From Right to Left
Papa, Me, Sela, Nama, Anna, Uncle Tom, Mark, Sheba, and Zach
That would be God in the clouds looking over us.

Thank you Cathy for giving them such thoughtful and lovely gifts!

Zach's Birthday

2010-02-10T19:51:00.001-08:00

Zach had an awesome birthday at reCREATE. We decorated rubberband propelled boats that my Dad cut out of scrap wood. Mark sanded and primed them, and we let the kids go to town! When they were done decorating we had a little boat race.... Zach won. He said, "The rules didn't say I couldn't give it a little push!"

It was his best birthday yet!

Our Little Entrepreneur

2010-02-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, as Sela was cleaning up her room she came across a bunch of Hello Kitty rings she had left over from her birthday party. She got a piece of paper and asked me to help her "make a sign to sell them."

so She got paper and wrote out H (Upper case or lower case H?
E (uppercase or lower case E?...
L

Her sign said Hello Kitty Rings

Then she asked me to put a price of $2.00 each. I asked her is she meant 25 cents each. She said confidently, "No I want to sell them for $2.00 each."

"Who are you going to sell them to?", I asked.

"Little girls from around our neighborhood." (there are very few...)

So she set up shop, and waited patiently.

Zach came around with 50 cents Mark had given him to go buy a ring, and she happily lowered the price to sell one.
Then she sold Mark one for $.50, and me one for $.50. Then Mark asked if he could buy one more, and she said, "no. One is enough for you. I need them for the other little girls who are going to come by."

A bit later I asked if I could buy her inventory for $2.00 - and again - she said no. She would rather close up shop and keep her inventory for a different day!

I think I see a future in high end sales...

I Can Smell the Future!

2010-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sela's imagination has been in overdrive lately, and she is keeping us laughing.

She told Zach and I the other day, "I am a witch you know. I can smell the future."
To which we broke out into hysterical laughter... maybe you had to be there... but Zach and I were impressed with her originality.

Last night I asked he who knew she was a witch.
"Just you guys, and my best friend Emily, and Miss Jennifer (her preschool teacher)."
"You told Miss Jennifer you were a witch?"
"MOM! She already knowed. She's a witch too!"

This comes on the heels of her telling Emily that Dr. Seuss is both her grandpa AND her doctor!

'Holiday Happenings at reCREATE

2009-12-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

'The latest reCREATE newsletter....'

I can't believe I didn't post for so long

2009-11-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

It was crazy busy in October...
I went to Austin Texas and met up with some old friends from High School, and ran my first half marathon... here we are the night before the run about to go see the bats fly out from under the bridge in Austin. They have one of the largest bat colonies there in the Western hemisphere!

I had an awesome time and just love my friends that I have been so lucky to reconnect with!

The run was HARD... it rained for the last 5 miles... REALLY rained. Despite that it was an amazing feeling to complete 13.1 miles.

Zach and I both got what ou doctors told us was H1N1 flu a bit later in October. It was ugly. It took is both a few weeks to get back to having any energy at all. We are all good now!

reCREATE opened! So much to say I will leave it for a separate post!

I am still alive... really...

2009-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

424 kids going through reCREATE at their school this week.
1 Huge Fundraising event called Junk 2 Genius with the Davis Art Center on October 2nd.
1 reCREATE ART Center and reuse store slated to open October 17th.
1 Grand Opening Art Show October 24th - UnMASKing the Beauty of Trash.
2 beautiful children who really don't care about my other obligations
1 husband who I have asked too many times to help with reCREATE
1 very overwhelmed and tired person.
3 weeks until my half marathon

434 reasons I have NOT had my blog updated lately.

Rocket Camp - Launch Day

2009-07-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Launch Day for Rocket Camp was yesterday. Zach woke me up at 5:45.

Z - Mom the bus leaves at 6:00.
Me - No - it leaves at 9:00
Z - You are WRONG!! I am going to miss my launch.
Me - dragging out of BED - get the info paper and show him.
Z - The paper is wrong - they said 6:00 - we have to go! (He was MAD)
Me - Zach, you heard wrong, and when we get there and the bus is there - you are apologizing for getting so mad at me.

Driving up the the camp, bus parked in front.

Z - Sorry Mom - with a huge smile on his face.

The Launch was out at UC Davis.

Sela didn't like the sound when they launched... but once it was all over and Zach was running to pick up his rocket, Sela leans into me,and says, "Mama I love our running Zach." She was proud of her big brother (And glad it was over!)

Swimming Lessons

2009-07-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

My poor kids HATE their swimming lessons... can you tell?? The pictures of Sela "telling jokes" on the side of the pool just crack me up.

Normal Day

2009-07-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Irion

Too Young to Die...

2009-07-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Breezing through the posts on Facebook yesterday I came across a post from a high school friend. It was obvious she was shocked and hurt, having just found out about the death of a friend. I read it and felt sad, and thought - I hope that he had a nice life... and then a few minutes later I stopped cold in my chair and went back to her post. Paul Mclaughlin... I knew a Paul Mclaughlin. I quickly searched his name on Faceook, and linked onto the one that my friend was linked to, and scrolled his friend list. It didn't take long for me to sadly realize this was my old friend Paul. We had been out of touch for several years and yet he was one of the best people I've had the opportunity to cross paths with.
Back in my 20's, I remember meeting him - a crowded night at Dailey's Bar - his wit and sarcasm was blended perfectly with niceness. Our circles of friends intersected often enough that the lines blurred and became one. I remember I never spent time around him without laughing at myself, while at the same time never feeling like the butt of the joke. What I remember the most is taking him to a Sharks Game... and sitting outside the stadium after the game - having the most amazing talk about life. My friend Paul was not well - he had lupus - with many complications. And yet he had the most amazing outlook of anyone I knew. I remember not taking things for granted for a long time after that... until slowly his words faded, like a favorite old pair of jeans that get forgotten when the new ones get placed in the closet.
I'm sad I fell out of touch with Paul.... He was a marvelous person.

I have been thinking alot about my friend Thom Mannarino lately. His death still sits unsettled in my heart. I always thought I'd be an old woman drinking cocktails at my friend Jens house - listening to old Madonna, and reminiscing about our wild younger days. In that picture I always imagined Thom's laughter as Jen suggested something inappropriate.... that only she could get away with.

I miss you Thommy and Paul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories and for the laughs and for the friendship.

Sela's Happy Art

2009-07-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Every doodle that Sela makes seems to have a smiley face on it. (Unless it is the No Brothers Allowed sign she made for her door - there ishe made Zach with a sad face) I guess we have a happy girl!

Dear Tooth Fairy

2009-07-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

I lost my tooth. I think I might have swallowed it. I wonder if you have a tooth detector? I hope it is still possible to get a prize for my lost tooth. Thank you,
Love, Zach

PS.. Just a little tip... look in the toilet!

Tooth Fairy - Zach is telling the truth. Look in his mouth on the bottom. Signed Zach's Mommy.

Oh my boy is hilarious... We have had a day - he'd been worried ALL day about that tooth. He woke up realized it was gone and got all nervous. "My tummy hurts." "How will it come out?" "What about the tooth fairy?" "What am I going to do??!"

I'll post pictures of the smile with the hole tomorrow.

Hail Mary Passes and Plan B

2009-06-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

I found out last week that we would likely NOT be getting the space we have been waiting on for 3 months - because of unforseen costs to build out the space. Last week I was feeling sorry for myself and MAD. I was mad that I had let this go on for 3 months without grabbing the bull by the horns and ro either make it work or walk away.
In less than an hour the Mayor and Asst. City Manager will be walking the space with me and the developer to see if they have any suggestions on how this deal could work. I know it is a Hail Mary Pass... I keep thinking about how Montana and how he always pulled things out in the last seconds of the game.... to win. Today though I feel more like I'm punting, and that my quarterback didn't play his best game,and is hoping for a miracle. We all know this is farther than I've punted before.
So chances are when the buzzer sounds in an hour - We'll be looking to win the next game - to find an alternative space and make THAT be the home of reCREATE.
So - I'll hold my chin up and go find plan B if I must. I have another friend looking for a plan B at the moment and I wish her all the best to find it. If the door slams shut, climb through the window!

Grrrr... my heel is killing me

2009-06-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Summer comes and I kick off my shoes and traipse around barefooted - a couple of years ago this was a tad problematic with minor pain in my heel.

Fast forward - I'm running now- summer hits and suddenly my heel is so tender I can hardly walk on it. I've iced it, and researched it. Apparently I am doomed to buy orthopedic approved flip flops (at least they are cute!) - at $70 a pop, and I'm going to have to cross train until the pain goes away. I'm grumpy I want to RUN!

7 miles... 6 more to go

2009-06-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

I logged a 7 mile run last Saturday. I felt powerful and strong through most of it.
Everytime I thought to myself this is too far - I would just think of my running buddies - all in different places in the US, and push on. I do wish You all lived closer... the post run glass of wine would be so much fun to enjoy together!

One Step Forward three steps back

2009-06-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Today I learned that the developer that was courting us to house our Art Center is likely stepping away from the deal. It is 12:40AM and I am sitting here AWAKE with knots in my stomach. There is a solution. There is a solution.... I will find the solution.
For 3 months they have been telling me this will happen, that they will make it happen... and today they simply said - We can't make it happen. blah blah - AC unit blah blah Stairs blah blah blah.
We left the meeting agreeing to try one last walk through meeting with city officials... but they were supposed to get me dates for the meeting and didn't. I'm seeing the writing on the wall.
Must go to sleep so tomorrow I can start fresh again.

Zach's Graduation

2009-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Our Zach had his kindergarten graduation yesterday. Mark and Sela and I got there early so we could get a front row seat. It was pretty cute. They sang "You Are My Sunshine" and "Take Me out to the Ballgame". There was a slide show and then the graduation ceremony. 80 little children who now know the basics they need to move forward in their lives. 80 little children whose lives can be ANYTHING. Keep dreaming big my little man - and you can be a submarine driver and a astronaut and whatever else you dream of. We love you and are so proud of you!

Yesterdays Gift

2009-06-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got this short email sending me to this blog, and told me not to roll my eyes...

My friend B is one of the smartest people I know. For her to say we are the same was a huge compliment.

This path I took... the one that first I got married on... then chose to have kids, and finally founded reCREATE has been the most wonderful path. The path I thought I had wanted when I was younger was filled with important titles, big big jobs and big big paychecks. I worked hard and climbed the ladder, and when I got to the place where I was earning more than I ever imagined I felt completely empty.
When I founded reCREATE, I knew I would take a significant pay cut. But every day when I "work" rarely does it feel like work. Most of the time I giggle to myself and think I found the best of all worlds - a supportive husband, a gig that helps me teach our kids to tread lightly on the earth while still having fun, and the amazing feeling that I am making a difference. Changing the world.... I don't know... but I suppose we all change the world each day in our own ways, right?
Thanks B for reminding me how very lucky I am on this path I took.

Hangin out on a Saturday

2009-06-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

I decided that we have been over-scheduled and needed a lazy day. We stayed in our pajamas late into the morning, we relaxed and watched cartoons... the kids taking turns snuggling with me, and we just chilled out this morning. I think we all needed it. After lunch, we went outside to get some fresh air. Here are some pictures... I love Sela's new dress, and how pretty it looked against the lawn... so I snapped a bunch. Zach was having fun posing on the new patio furniture. Zach has his kindergarten graduation in a few days... where does the time go?
I can't believe how fast they grow up - Sela has figured our how to pump her legs to swing, and even though it seems like such a minor thing, it kinda choked me up to realize my baby doesn't need to be pushed anymore. She skips like a 6 year old... bouncy and perfect.

On the other hand they still have incredible sweet innocence. Driving in the car the other day they said this...
Sela - "Zach will you marry me when we grow up?"
Zach - "No Sela. We will be living in differnt houses."
Sela - "But I love you and always want to be with you."
Zach - "Well lets just live with Mommy and Daddy forever!"
Sela - "Ok - but we all need to move to a castle, because I'm going to be a Princess!"
Zach - "Seeeeelaaa!! Princesses aren't real!"
Sela - "Yes they are, Right Cinderella?" (Her imaginary princess friend.)

I just love them so much.

So I've been running....

2009-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo... I've logged 100 miles since I got my Nike +. It is the coolest little gadget... it works with an ipod to collect info on pace, distance, etc. I just love it!

Sela turns 4!

2009-05-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

After the excitement of Disneyland - we opted for a small celebration for Sela's birthday.

We went to a fun indoor gym here called Wacky Tacky, and she invited a few favorite classmates, and her best pals from down the street.

I can't believe my little girl is four already. She is my sunshine.

Happiest Place on Earth? Really?

2009-05-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Fav Trip Pics

Standing in Line

So I had this anxious feeling that we were missing the window in taking our kids to Disneyland. Sela was about to turn 4 and Zach at 6.... I was worried we wouldn't get them to see Disneyland with magic in their eyes if we didn't go soon.
So Mark was a sweetheart and arranged the entire trip. We stayed at the Disney Paradise Pier Hotel - which I liked a lot. We got a 3 day pass to both parks, and hit the road.

If you have kids that are 6 and 4 - you are by NO means missing the boat if you haven't taken them to Disneyland. There is plenty of time!
We chose not to stroller them - they never use a stroller at home anymore... so they walked... except when we carried them... all the way bak to the hotel from the back of Disneyland Park. On the bright side - my arms are looking buff these days!
Some kids may really love it... but my kids were a bit overwhelmed. Too many things to see... even on the kids rides - there was stuff jumping out in so many of them - Sela just hid her face on the ride... I felt like I was torturing her. Zach cried because there were too many choices. It really is alot for kids to take in.

Overall it WAS fun... but we defintiely could have waited a few years.

Ride Highlight: Soaring over California - at California Adventure. For the Kids - What Else - Its a Small World.
Parade Fav: The parade at California Adventure... just expect to get squirted with their water guns.
Show Fav: Taking Sela to have breakfast with the princesses...it isn't really a show per se - but it was like a show coming alive for Cici.
Food Highlight: Napoli's: good! - decent servings and prices.

Open House

2009-04-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Zach's school had open house last night. He was wound tight as a top all week long... I guess he wanted to be sure we would be proud of him (Of course we were!).
He was very proud going around the room showing us all his hard work. He finally got to one thing and got a sad look on his face because he hadn't finished it - He was quick to tell us they did that project when he was out sick. He was so serious about the whole thing, and very proud of his hard work, as he should be... he did a great job!

Our Weekend

2009-03-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

We were on the party circuit this weekend. Princess Sela was invited to a high tea at the home of one of her classmates. Complete with a visit from Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ci has a great time with all her froneds dancing, listening to stories and getting her face painted.

Sunday we went to San Jose to help celebrate Sean and Ricks' birthdays. We went Miniature golfing. It was Zach's first try and he got 2 hole in ones! Poor Zach cried about leaving all the way to Walnut Creek. "I miss Seany!" "It's no fair - I wanted to stay longer." you get the idea. Ir was great to spend some time with Cheryl and her family. I feel so lucky to have such an awesome friend.

Snowball Trees

2009-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

I actually have no idea what these are called... we call them snowball trees because the blooms look like a fluffy snowball from far away.

Ornamental Plums

2009-03-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in spring. So Beautiful!

Springtime Fun

2009-03-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

We have had some lovely weather recently. I wanted to catch the trees in bloom this year - every year I seem to miss it, and I was determined not to miss it this time, so the kids and I went on a walk. I love taking pictures of them just playing at the park, they are so happy there.

I'll post my spring pictures next!

The Little Pink Blanket

2009-03-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

I realized recently that I had a VERY few number of pictures with Sela and her beloved Little Pink Blankey. She loves this blanket. When she was about a year and a half old, it got a little hole in it... I tried closing it up, but my little one was fascinated with the hole, and before we knew it the little hold was a medium sized hole, and then beflre long the hole also could be used so the blanket could be used at a poncho.
Now after my failed attempts at getting the hole fixed, I tried to swap it out for a new and improved version of the blanket. I tried and she said that one wasn't soft enough - It looked the same but the yarn was indeed slightly different.... so as you can guess I was quite excited when I found the exact same blanket. I bought it - bonus - it was even 50% off! Tried to swap it out... and she said it was too pink! I washed it a few time to try and replicate the original... and tried one more time to give it to her one night when she was half asleep... even then she knew it was an imposter... She said, "that isn't my blankey - it doesn't smell like my blankey."

I gave up and decided to let her keep that blankey - complete with a huge hole!

Zach's 6!

2009-02-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great party for Zach's 6th birthday. We held it ia the Maidu Interprative Center - a n Indian Museum here in Roseville. There were 23 kids there - 25 with Zach n' Sela. It was very fun. The kids learned to throw spears, made bracelets, sang native songs, had dinner outside, followed by roasted marshmallows and cake.

Here is the camping theme invitation and s'more party favor. They also got an arrowhead and polished stone of their choice. I think the kids had a blast.

You may notice that he decided to ask for a donation to the Monterey Bay Aquarium instead of gifts... He still ended up with plenty of gifts... but he was able to donate over $200.00 to the aquarium and he was REALLY excited about that!! We are excited to take him to see the Seahorse exhibit when it opens.

What a Difference a Week Makes...

2009-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Did I really say my life was carefree on Monday? That must have been before I had to take Zach to the doc again for his Asthma, Sela threw up on me, and I practically begged the doc on the phone for cough medicine with codeine so that I might someday get over this cough that is BACK.

I guess I was still caught up in the high from our new president!

So now I am looking down the barrel of a week that includes:

*Planning/purchasing/prepping food for a gazillion kids at Zach's b-day on Saturday Afternoon
* Finishing my presentation for a group of teachers at the IMAX theatre on Saturday Morning.
* Finishing and prepping materials for a Valentines Craft for Saturday morning for reCREATE.
*Praying that this cough will miraculously go away by tomorrow and that the kids will be healthy this week.
*All this and Mark will be gone for most of it. This is taking some getting used to.

I'm going to bed. I'm tired just thinking about it. Have a great week and wish me luck!

Random January Pictures

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Birds nest we spotted out on a walk.

Fun on the slide.

Zach Helping Ci put on her shoes.

I woke up this morning, The sun was shining, the family is happy, and I was reminded how blessed I am to have such a wonderful carefree life.

Thanks for stopping by!

I have been meaning to post these pictures for some time... and finally got around to it.

Sela's New Knit Vest

2009-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks Namie for the pretty vest you made for Sela! Sela loves it. It wasn't easy to get a picture though. She wanted to play "swimming ballet" - and insisted on wearing it over her swimmng suit ...in January, ...while it was raining outside. I finally coaxed her into a tutu.

Donuts With Dad

2009-01-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Mark took off the morning from work to go to "Donuts with Dad" at Zach's school. Zach was SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to have his daddy vist him at school. The kids made their Dads all a tie for them to wear. They put on a little show singing "Take me out to the ballgame" and a few other songs, made a picture with their dad, and got to eat donuts! How fun. Me... I was home cranking through a grant proposal dreaming about donuts!

Time Marches On

2009-01-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe the rapid pace that children grow. Sela is doing the cutest version of a 3 year old skipping I have ever seen. I asked he where she learned to skip - expecting the answer to be, "from my princess friends" - the answer of choice these days. She said from Wow Wow Wubbsy... the episode with the new little girl.

We are planning Zach's b-day party... he wants a campout theme. We are going small this year... I'm tired!

Word of the Month

2009-01-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

I can never just think of one word to represent my year... but this month ist is definitely organize. It is high time I get everything organized, and get reCREATE completely out of the garage. It has been engulfing our entire world for a while now. I can't believe how much progress I have made in the last couple of weeks... if feels great!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - I have been busily cleaning closets - donating clothes and stuff we just don't need. It feels sgood to simplify. I must say that the con of reCREATE, is that I had gotten to the point I wasn't throwing anything away... so there were little stacks of reCREATE stuff in drawers here, and bags there... I finally got it out and it feels good!

I have been such an awful blogger as of late, and again, am thinking that I am missing things - and need to get them written down.

Zach said he was a "car with rocket boosters" in the car the other day, and not to be overdone, Sela sing-songed , "Well I am a horsey car with fairy dust!" It was so funny to me that in each of their minds they had clearly "won" that one! I mush prefer the verbal wars to the hitting, pinching and other mean things they have been doing to eachother lately.

Sela is LOVING her Doll house from Christmas, and Zach is Mr. Hot Wheels these days.

I will post some pictures soon.

Great Project over at ScrapMatters

2008-12-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hey All.... I do a little eco-blurb over at Scrap Matters for their Project Re-new it blog entries once a month. With all the envelopes arriving in the mail at the moment... I thought I would pass this timely project along that Kate created. You can find it here.
Wile coming up with the eco-facts about junk mail I learned that the average American adult spends 8 months of their life dealing with junk mail. The link has links to get off all those awful lists and save some trees!

Sweet Sleeping Babe

2008-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

All is Calm...
All is Bright...

My little Ci. She has had a few tough weeks. First she got that nasty cough,and finally she got better... but she got used to being around me full time again, and is having separation anxiety every time I drop her to pre-school this week. I HATE leaving her in tears. I'm hoping she will be ready to go back after the holidays.

I had to snap off this picture. She looked so peaceful!

Oh my - where has the month gone?!!

2008-12-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

So it is the 16th, and my holiday cards lay in pieces waiting to be assembled still. I hope to complete them this evening.

Here are the photos I didn't used for the card from the same afternoon. We made a gingerbread house, so I thought it might make a nice "prop" for our pictures.

Thanksgiving Cough Cough

2008-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

We made it through the Thanksgiving Break. We picked up one eye infection, four colds and one still bad stomach. We took Zach to the doc the day before Thanksgiving and the Doctor decided that dairy and apples might be upsetting his stomach. So he says, "ok... no daiy for the next three weeks starting now... oh and by the way - almost everything has dairy in it - you need to really watch the labels.

I walked out of the Doc's office in a daze, and since both the kids were sporting an awful cough along with the stomach ailment,we cancelled out of our Thanksgiving plans. After a short meltdown, I gathered myself up and headed to the new Whole Foods. An hour later we were set to cook for Thanksgiving.... sans dairy. Gotta love Whole Foods. Unfortunately I got the cough we are passing around, so I was zapped of energy on Thursday which made cooking a less than delightful event. By Saturday Mark was sick too... I think in his case it was the early morning shopping that got him. My husband loves a bargain!

Fast Forward to Monday and Zach is still complaining about stomach upset. I'm not sure how long it takes for the dairy to get out of his system, or if that is even it. Sela missed school today too, both are still coughing and I'm kind of doubting they will go tomorrow either.

On a happy note, our kitty Chumba gets to lose the lampshade tomorrow, and get her stitches out from her ittle surgery.

Gosh - just call us the house of ailments!

A Sweet Moment

2008-11-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

It seems like I have been saying , "zach don't push your sister, Sela don't hit your brother so much lately." I was so happy to be able to capture this sweet moment between the kids the other day while they were waiting to go into a bounce house.
Yah! For sibling love!!

Zach's Soccer Games and Sela Being Silly

2008-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Zach has had such a great experience playing soccer this season. His coach is great... patient but also teaching the kids so much about Soccer. They had their end of season party last week and their last game today. I snapped off these pictures last week at his game. He loves playing goalie - and I was especially proud that he didn't let the other team score once! He also scored a goal - so that was fun!

I also had some fun with Sela snapping off some shots of her entertaining herself during the game.... pretending to be a butterfly and just plain being silly.

When I asked Zach is he had fun playing soccer he said, "I would have more fun if we would win more."
Me, "But Zach - this is about having fun - not about winning."
Zach, "but Mom - winning IS fun!

He is definitely got my competitive gene - poor child!

Boooo!

2008-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

I am so slow in posting these days. Here are the kids for Halloween. Zach was quite the brave little guy this year - not even flinching at the older kids scary outfits... Interestingly our little ballerina (who isn't scared of anything usually) was spooked by the scary halloween noises some houses were playing. Scared enough to blow off getting a piece of candy from them - which is alot from our little treat monster. We had such a nice time trick or treating with our friends the Hays. They are the nicest family!

I was happy with their costumes this year. I made Sela's tutu. Mark and I and Nama created Zach's robot costume. He was by far a favorite costume and got rave reviews both at school and while out trick or treating. The best paert... we spent hardly anyhing putting the costume together! My personal favorite was the milk carton robot helmet.

Zach and Ci

2008-11-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

I forced myself to slow down and notice the nuances of my kids behavior. I have been running crazy - distracted, and not paying attention, and realized that many days had gone by without my really noticing just how amazing my kids are. How awful is that? So I just stopped. I stopped nagging about the dirty socks on the floor. I stopped worrying about being late for school, or for the lost blue folder (WHERE is that folder?!), and I just enjoyed. Truth is... my family is pretty amazing.

Sela is wondering around the house saying Pppp Pppp P is for princess. P is for Pony. P is for pretty, P is for pp purple. Yep... my 3 year old is figuring out sounds... I love it! I looked at her beautiful face and realized that I need to slow down and savor the moments... because before I know it she won't ask to just sit with me.

Zach is recognizing words and starting to help read his good night books. He is so sweet. He promised to save up all his kisses for me while I was sick. I didn't want him to get sick - so he said he would save them for when I am all better.
He seems so big to me lately. It isn't easy to pick him up and carry him around anymore... and that makes me teary just thinking about it.

Mark is still driving to Oakland a few days a week. We all miss him when he isn't here. Sela said this morning.. "Where's dada? I want to share my gummy vite with him!" (gummy vitamin) Zach sometime asks me questions only Mark would know - Mom - how far away is the closest star? What is the temperature on Jupiter? etc.
Mark is teaching Zach to play Chess... I love how they are both such smarties together.

We are so so blessed.

Change is in the air

2008-11-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight, history was made.
Tonight I am proud to be American.

Tonight I am sad at the intolerant beliefs that marriage needed to be protected.... from what? Recently I was "found" by an old classmate. I knew him for many years... you know - the smiling always friendly guy who was in your class. We didn't really hang out in school, but I always liked him. So... we reconnected via Facebook... turns out he is gay, and happily in a relationship. I thought about him when I voted today. I crossed my fingers things would go his way, because he is a good person.

I wonder how people stand behind religion to say homosexuality is wrong. We are all God's children. I really can't imagine how so many people have decided it was their place to judge what is a sin. I thought that was God's job.

As the Backyardigans say....Huka Pele!

2008-10-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have been ignoring my blog. I have been BURIED in work, and am just starting to feel like I'm getting in the groove. Life is dramatically different here from a month ago. My sweet Sela is now going to preschool 5 days a week. She is enrolled in a Montesorri program and loves it. I never knew much about their philosophies - had heard about the kids having "jobs" and didn't understand it. Sela has completely embraced it, and has channeled her energy in very positive ways. They call their learning activities "jobs". She is so happy to be learning so much.
Zach had his first field trip last week, and Mark went with the class to the pumpkin farm. I had agreed to present reCREATE to the Kiwanis Club - so I had to miss it.
They had fun - I'll post pictures soon!
Soccer is more than half over and Zach is still really liking it.
Mark has been an awesome husband while we settle into this new schedule. He has really gone above and beyond - and surprised me last weekend by organizing the storage unit. It was AMAZING! This is all awesomely nice of him because he has been working some long hours on top of it. Yep... my husband rocks!

The pictures are from a few weeks back. We made a volcano in the sand box from vinegar and baking soda - it was fun! And as the Volcano Sisters say - Huka Pele!

reNEWit and reCREATE

2008-10-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be part of a hybrid scrap blog over at Scrap Matters. My friend Heather asked me to be a guest on the blog each month. We are talking about ways to take stuff we trash, and create with it... scrapbook style.

Check it out!

Sorry I have been so absent

2008-10-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

I am wishing that sleep was a optional thing, that way I could have recorded the funny things my kids did this week - but I have been scrambling to get reCREATE underway.

First - on Monday - We got our Truck back Wrapped and almost ready to go....

Tuesday my dad and poor sick husband finshed putting the shelving up for the supplies on the inside. Tuesday night I stocked it. Wednesday morning our first field trips!! My mom came along as a volunteer - and was an awesome helper. We visited Sierra Elementary in Rocklin and had a great time teaching the kids to be good environmental stewards and then they made some great art!

My favorite part of the day? When this little boy came and gave me a HUG and said thank you... and also sittong on the back of the truck in the playground eating out lunch and being surrounded by kids who thought we were cool. Nothing like a group of 3rd graders to make you feel like a rockstar!

Its a Wrap!

2008-10-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled how the reCREATE truck came out.. the pictures don't do it justice...
But you can see it be clicking on the button to the right on my other blog.
First class sessions in two days ... not quite ready yet... soon!

And the Winner to the Vehicle Wrap is....

2008-09-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

April Dawn - with this entry.
I'm not sure we will use all of you design - but you definitely win the inspiration prize. I have the desgn at the wrap company - and should know exactly what they come up with shortly!

April Dawn, Please email me your favorite digi store and we can arrange your prize!

Thank you to everyone that submitted entries!

Help us Design our Vehicle Wrap!!

2008-09-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Details on my other blog - here:

http://a-bit-greener.blogspot.com/

It is a quick little contest - $50 is up for grabs!

The Coyotes!

2008-09-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Zach and the Coyotoes had their 3rd soccer game today. The first two games were pretty rough on thier team - they played teams that seemed like they were playing together for so long. Today - the Coyotes did so good. They were passing and calling out to eachother. Zach got an assist and a GGGGGGOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL! I think they ended up tying the game in the end - they don't keep official score for them at that age. The weather was nice and there was cloud cover for at least 1/2 of the game - so the kids weren't so hot today, which was nice!

I've been putting my Face on Facebook

2008-09-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Do you Facebook? I have been playing around over there for the last few evenings, and it is kind of an interesting site. I'm thinking I'm more of a blog girl - but it is kind of fun to connect with old friends that way!

Zach is settling into Kindergarten, Sela is still adjusting to preschool... but she likes it.

I'm plugging away at reCREATE.... trying to get the vehicle wrapped and loaded by October.

Mark has a three day weekend - so I am hoping we can actually catch up on life this weekend... we are all frazzled.

Ci's Busy Day of Firsts

2008-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ci started Preschool and ballet today.

I asked he what her favorite was... and she say, "I loved Ballet-in the most! There was beautiful princess music."

She told Zach now she is a "Ballet-er".

She seemed to have fun at both. They said she did "awesome" at preschool today.

sorry my pictures are less than stellar - I accidentally was shooting not in "auto" when I thought I was.

So I heard about this on NPR...

2008-09-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

This woman a resident of Wasila got handfuls of emails from her friends asking what the story was on Sarah Palin. She wrote one letter, and told her friends while it was ok to forward it to friends - before long it was posted in several places on the internet. Here is what she said. Regardless of the side of the fence you are on - it is an interesting perspective from someome who knows her personally.

But here is the email Kilkenny wrote about Palin:

ABOUT SARAH PALIN
I am a resident of Wasilla, Alaska. I have known Sarah since 1992.
Everyone here knows Sarah, so it is nothing special to say we are on a
first-name basis. Our children have attended the same schools. Her
father was my child’s favorite substitute teacher. I also am on a
first name basis with her parents and mother-in-law. I attended more
City Council meetings during her administration than about 99% of the
residents of the city.

She is enormously popular; in every way she’s like the most popular
girl in middle school. Even men who think she is a poor choice and
won’t vote for her can’t quit smiling when talking about her because
she is a “babe”.

It is astonishing and almost scary how well she can keep a secret. She
kept her most recent pregnancy a secret from her children and parents
for seven months.

She is “pro-life”. She recently gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby.
There is no cover-up involved, here; Trig is her baby.

She is energetic and hardworking. She regularly worked out at the gym.

She is savvy. She doesn’t take positions; she just “puts things out
there” and if they prove to be popular, then she takes credit.

Her husband works a union job on the North Slope for BP and is a
champion snowmobile racer. Todd Palin’s kind of job is highly
sought-after because of the schedule and high pay. He arranges his
work schedule so he can fish for salmon in Bristol Bay for a month or
so in summer, but by no stretch of the imagination is fishing their
major source of income. Nor has her life-style ever been anything
like that of native Alaskans.

Sarah and her whole family are avid hunters.

She’s smart.

Her experience is as mayor of a city with a population of about 5,000
(at the time), and less than 2 years as governor of a state with about
670,000 residents.

During her mayoral administration most of the actual work of running
this small city was turned over to an administrator. She had been
pushed to hire this administrator by party power-brokers after she had
gotten herself into some trouble over precipitous firings which had
given rise to a recall campaign.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a “fiscal conservative”. During her 6
years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over
33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the
City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation
(1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a
regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she
promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they
benefited residents.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration
weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed
money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it
with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage
the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said
she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a
new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a
multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece
of property that the City didn’t even have clear title to, that was
still in litigation 7 yrs later–to the delight of the lawyers
involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the
community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it
would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that
could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing.

While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office
redecorated more than once.

These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city.

As an oil producer, the high price of oil has created a budget surplus
in Alaska. Rather than invest this surplus in technology that will
make us energy independent and increase efficiency, as Governor she
proposed distribution of this surplus to every individual in the state.

In this time of record state revenues and budget surpluses, she
recommended that the state borrow/bond for road projects, even while
she proposed distribution of surplus state revenues: spend today’s
surplus, borrow for needs.

She’s not very tolerant of divergent opinions or open to outside ideas
or compromise. As Mayor, she fought ideas that weren’t generated by
her or her staff. Ideas weren’t evaluated on their merits, but on the
basis of who proposed them.

While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected
City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from
the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents
rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin’s
attempt at out-and-out censorship, so Palin backed down and withdrew
her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the
Librarian are on her enemies list to this day.

Sarah complained about the “old boy’s club” when she first ran for
Mayor, so what did she bring Wasilla? A new set of “old boys”. Palin
fired most of the experienced staff she inherited. At the City and as
Governor she hired or elevated new, inexperienced, obscure people,
creating a staff totally dependent on her for their jobs and eternally
grateful and fiercely loyal–loyal to the point of abusing their power
to further her personal agenda, as she has acknowledged happened in the
case of pressuring the State’s top cop (see below).

As Mayor, Sarah fired Wasilla’s Police Chief because he “intimidated”
her, she told the press. As Governor, her recent firing of Alaska’s top
cop has the ring of familiarity about it. He served at her pleasure
and she had every legal right to fire him, but it’s pretty clear that
an important factor in her decision to fire him was because he wouldn’t
fire her sister’s ex-husband, a State Trooper. Under investigation
for abuse of power, she has had to admit that more than 2 dozen
contacts were made between her staff and family to the person that she
later fired, pressuring him to fire her ex-brother-in-law. She tried to
replace the man she fired with a man who she knew had been reprimanded
for sexual harassment; when this caused a public furor, she withdrew
her support.

She has bitten the hand of every person who extended theirs to her in
help. The City Council person who personally escorted her around town
introducing her to voters when she first ran for Wasilla City Council
became one of her first targets when she was later elected Mayor. She
abruptly fired her loyal City Administrator; even people who didn’t
like the guy were stunned by this ruthlessness.

Fear of retribution has kept all of these people from saying anything
publicly about her.

When then-Governor Murkowski was handing out political plums, Sarah got
the best, Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: one
of the few jobs not in Juneau and one of the best paid. She had no
background in oil & gas issues. Within months of scoring this great
job which paid $122,400/yr, she was complaining in the press about the
high salary. I was told that she hated that job: the commute, the
structured hours, the work. Sarah became aware that a member of this
Commission (who was also the State Chair of the Republican Party)
engaged in unethical behavior on the job. In a gutsy move which some
undoubtedly cautioned her could be political suicide, Sarah solved all
her problems in one fell swoop: got out of the job she hated and
garnered gobs of media attention as the patron saint of ethics and as a
gutsy fighter against the “old boys’ club” when she dramatically quit,
exposing this man’s ethics violations (for which he was fined).

As Mayor, she had her hand stuck out as far as anyone for pork from
Senator Ted Stevens. Lately, she has castigated his pork-barrel
politics and publicly humiliated him. She only opposed the “bridge to
nowhere” after it became clear that it would be unwise not to.

As Governor, she gave the Legislature no direction and budget
guidelines, then made a big grandstand display of line-item vetoing
projects, calling them pork. Public outcry and further legislative
action restored most of these projects–which had been vetoed simply
because she was not aware of their importance–but with the unobservant
she had gained a reputation as “anti-pork”.

She is solidly Republican: no political maverick. The State party
leaders hate her because she has bit them in the back and humiliated
them. Other members of the party object to her self-description as a
fiscal conservative.

Around Wasilla there are people who went to high school with Sarah.
They call her “Sarah Barracuda” because of her unbridled ambition and
predatory ruthlessness. Before she became so powerful, very ugly
stories circulated around town about shenanigans she pulled to be made
point guard on the high school basketball team. When Sarah’s
mother-in-law, a highly respected member of the community and
experienced manager, ran for Mayor, Sarah refused to endorse her.

As Governor, she stepped outside of the box and put together of package
of legislation known as “AGIA” that forced the oil companies to march
to the beat of her drum.

Like most Alaskans, she favors drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge. She has questioned if the loss of sea ice is linked to
global warming. She campaigned “as a private citizen” against a state
initiaitive that would have either a) protected salmon streams from
pollution from mines, or b) tied up in the courts all mining in the
state (depending on who you listen to). She has pushed the State’s
lawsuit against the Dept. of the Interior’s decision to list polar
bears as threatened species.

McCain is the oldest person to ever run for President; Sarah will be a
heartbeat away from being President.

There has to be literally millions of Americans who are more
knowledgeable and experienced than she.

However, there’s a lot of people who have underestimated her and are
regretting it.

CLAIM VS FACT
•“Hockey mom”: true for a few years
•“PTA mom”: true years ago when her first-born was in elementary
school, not since
•“NRA supporter”: absolutely true
•social conservative: mixed. Opposes gay marriage, BUT vetoed a bill
that would have denied benefits to employees in same-sex relationships
(said she did this because it was unconsitutional).
•pro-creationism: mixed. Supports it, BUT did nothing as Governor to
promote it.
•“Pro-life”: mixed. Knowingly gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby
BUT declined to call a special legislative session on some pro-life
legislation
•“Experienced”: Some high schools have more students than Wasilla has
residents. Many cities have more residents than the state of Alaska.
No legislative experience other than City Council. Little hands-on
supervisory or managerial experience; needed help of a city
administrator to run town of about 5,000.
•political maverick: not at all
•gutsy: absolutely!
•open & transparent: ??? Good at keeping secrets. Not good at
explaining actions.
•has a developed philosophy of public policy: no
•”a Greenie”: no. Turned Wasilla into a wasteland of big box stores
and disconnected parking lots. Is pro-drilling off-shore and in ANWR.
•fiscal conservative: not by my definition!
•pro-infrastructure: No. Promoted a sports complex and park in a city
without a sewage treatment plant or storm drainage system. Built
streets to early 20th century standards.
•pro-tax relief: Lowered taxes for businesses, increased tax burden on
residents
•pro-small government: No. Oversaw greatest expansion of city
government in Wasilla’s history.
•pro-labor/pro-union. No. Just because her husband works union
doesn’t make her pro-labor. I have seen nothing to support any claim
that she is pro-labor/pro-union.

WHY AM I WRITING THIS?

First, I have long believed in the importance of being an informed
voter. I am a voter registrar. For 10 years I put on student voting
programs in the schools. If you google my name (Anne Kilkenny +
Alaska), you will find references to my participation in local
government, education, and PTA/parent organizations.

Secondly, I’ve always operated in the belief that “Bad things happen
when good people stay silent”. Few people know as much as I do because
few have gone to as many City Council meetings.

Third, I am just a housewife. I don’t have a job she can bump me out
of. I don’t belong to any organization that she can hurt. But, I am no
fool; she is immensely popular here, and it is likely that this will
cost me somehow in the future: that’s life.

Fourth, she has hated me since back in 1996, when I was one of the 100
or so people who rallied to support the City Librarian against Sarah’s
attempt at censorship.

Fifth, I looked around and realized that everybody else was afraid to
say anything because they were somehow vulnerable.

CAVEATS
I am not a statistician. I developed the numbers for the increase in
spending & taxation 2 years ago (when Palin was running for Governor)
from information supplied to me by the Finance Director of the City of
Wasilla, and I can’t recall exactly what I adjusted for: did I adjust
for inflation? for population increases? Right now, it is impossible
for a private person to get any info out of City Hall–they are
swamped. So I can’t verify my numbers.

You may have noticed that there are various numbers circulating for the
population of Wasilla, ranging from my “about 5,000″, up to 9,000. The
day Palin’s selection was announced a city official told me that the
current population is about 7,000. The official 2000 census count was
5,460. I have used about 5,000 because Palin was Mayor from 1996 to
2002, and the city was growing rapidly in the mid-90’s.

Anne Kilkenny
August 31, 2008

More pictures from Apple Hill

2008-09-05T21:13:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures from Apple Hill. I wish the collage program didn't chop them off... oh well.

Woo Hoo! Week 2 of Kindergarten

2008-09-05T20:58:00.001-07:00

I got the most wonderful present in Zach's folder today - a little progress report from his teacher. He got Excellents and Wow's
across the board. She said he was "a great kid!" I'm so proud of our little Zach.
It felt really good to get that... a validation that somewhere along the way I must have done something right as a mom.

Tomorrow morning is our first "real" soccer game. Zach said he is a little nervous. I told him it is just supposed to be fun!

We signed Sela up for "ballerina school" - aka ballet class today. She has her first lesson on Tuesday. Here is what she was saying on the way some from getting her little pink ballet shoes.
"Mama is it Tuesday yet?"
Me - "no honey, it is Friday."
not 3 seconds later..."what about now... is it Tuesday yet?"
This went on for 3 miles.

I have NO idea where she gets her lack of patience! (I type as I laught to my impatient self.)

Poor Mark has to work this weekend.

My little cowgirl

2008-08-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today we took the kids to Apple Hill in Placerville. It is a group of several apple farms that have banded together to encourage tourism. At the first stop Sela spotted a cutout of a cow.
She said to me, "Mama. I like cows very much."
Me, "Really? Why do you like cows, Ci?"
Ci, "Because I like cow milk!"
At this moment I was quite proud of my smart little 3 year old.
Then she said, "I like cow juice too!"
Me, "Like apple juice?"
Ci, "Yeah, cow apple juice is delicious!"
Me, "Oh sweetie - I'm glad you like cows... but they don't make juice, just milk.
Ci, "And chocolate milk!"
Me, "close enough!"

They had ponies and horses to ride at one of the farms - here is a pic of Sela riding one.

On the way back to the car she said, "Mama. I liked that beautiful pony. Her a really big pony that I rode!"
I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

Zach's First Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of Zach's first day of kindergarten from earlier this week. He was really excited. I told him I would iron his shirt - and he said, "Wow.... I better call Namie and tell her... you NEVER iron my stuff." (My mom actually likes ironing - me - I think I'm allergic to it). But hey - he had to look good for the pictures right?!

Zach lined up right away when the bell sounded, and was SO SERIOUS. The last picture was him leaving after the first day - he is smiling and happy. He really likes his teacher!

OH My... I'm a Soccer Mom?!

2008-08-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Next thing you know I'll be shopping for a hybrid van - ha ha!

Zach is LOVING soccer - his team is the Coyotes, and he previously knew 3 of the kids on his team - which is nice! How about those cool shoes?!

I'm really proud of him - he is trying hard, and listening to his coach, and despite the heat - not complaining! He even got the team ball for trying hard and not complaining last week!
(Sela is on the sidelines breaking into the snacks I brought for after practice and keeping me running to find a new bush for her to pee behind - despite potty runs before practice.)

Letter to Zach

2008-08-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Zach;
My boy who I love so deeply. My boy who can get under my skin like nobody else can. I can't believe it is almost time for me to drop you off at your first day of kindergarten.
You are so ready. You know all the "stuff" you need to know for school... your numbers (to 10 hundred gazillion million if I let you count that long - without asking you to take a rest), your letters, your sounds, how to sit and listen to the teachers.
You know how to be a caring boy. Too caring I worry. Please don't let the other kids make you cry... because they can be mean. And please don't make other kids cry... remember to be your sweet self.
Zach, I know I tell you to hurry up probably a 100 times a day... do me a favor and keep not listening... and I will try to slow down and savor these little every day moments that make up life.
I am so proud of you, and I don't tell you enough, but I think I am the luckiest mom in the world to have you for my son.
Now go do great in kindergarten - and when you are packing away childhood memories, please don't remember me nagging you to pick up your toys... remember the laughter of us tickling eachother, or how you can never get or recieve a kiss without rubbing it in. Always have that unrushed curiosity - to explore bugs and think about how things work. File away the special times of reading books together at night, because I know in a blink of an eye you will be telling me you can read your own book. Oh, and Zach, even if you need me less, every now and then, let me do little things for you, that let me cherish being your mama. I love you.

While Zach was Away...

2008-08-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back Zach went to my parents for a few days. Sela talks about princesses and parties ad nauseum, so I told her we could have a Princess Tea party - just her and I. As you can see she picked her favorite princess dress - never mind that it was over 100 degrees outside... this is her favorite.
We talked about Cinderella and Ariel and sparkly things and ate fruit and drank tea. It was quite lovely!

When Little Worlds Collide

2008-08-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Zach: I am Alien Joe (in Robot speak)
Sela: Hello, I am Princess Ariel. (complete with sparkly lip glass)
Zach: Come into my Rocket Ship - Lets go to Outer Space!
Sela: Ummm Zachie - I mean Alien Joe? That isn't your rocket ship it is ACTUALLY my castle. (Actually it is their kid couch sitting on end)
Zach: NO Sela - it is my rocket, now come aboard right now!
Sela: Oh ok... but my name is Ariel!

Family Pictures

2008-08-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of meeting the nicest photographer a few evenings ago. I had asked he to take pictures of my parents and kids for my mom's birthday. Jen Stewart has an amazing eye... and I have been oogling her pictures on Tezra's site for a while now. I LOVE the pictures. (except I need a diet)

Check them out here:

Zach - World Class Pie Maker

2008-08-11T21:22:00.003-07:00

Last week Zach was in a Little Chefs Camp. He had a blast. The first day he brought home a plate with some stuff for us to try... but every day after that he scarfed down EVERYTHING he made... most of the other kids were going home with plates... and his teacher just said - he ate it... he liked it! ...until Friday when they each made an apple pie. (and the teachers didn't let them break into it... good thing or we would have surely gotten an emply pie tin!) It was delicious too! He just looks so proud in this picture. I love that it captured this little summer highlight for him!

Just Keep Swimming!

2008-08-09T20:21:00.001-07:00

Zach and Sela have truly turned into water babes this summer. Was it really just in June that Zach wouldn't put his head under water?
Oh! I am just so proud of their efforts and how they have learned to love the water... because I was afraid we wouldn't share that love. (Zach would barely put his face in at the beginning of summer - and now he is jumping into the deep end and swimming across!)
I can not believe the summer is almost over, and Zach will be in Kindergarten in a few short weeks. (swallowing the lump in my throat). Life just seems to be moving so fast. Sigh.

I was scared-ed!

2008-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have to write these little conversations down, because I know I will forget them, and when the kids get older they will laugh!

We went out to eat sandwiches for lunch, and Zach dropped his napkin. He politely asked for a new one, and Mark got him one.
As we are leaving, I ask Zach to go pick up the napkin he dropped on the floor. I have this thing about not trashing a restaurant when we go there and I am trying to teach them to be responsible. There were some people sitting right there, and someone that worked there was talking to him, and he said to me, I'll get it. And I said, "No thanks, He dropped it, he can pick it up."
So Zach starts getting all wiggy. (Pulling away from me and tripping)
I ask him what's wrong and he say, "I got scared-ed." He always puts that extra "ed" on scared for some reason.
So I pick it up and we get them out to the car.... and ask what that was all about... and he just says I was scared-ed. (To which Mark makes a snarky comment that only I could hear about napkins being super scary.) I guess he got nervous when the guy who worked there started paying attention to what we were doing.

Then Sela chimes in.... complete with her expressive hand gestures.
"I'm not scared... of dragons or spiders, or loud fireworks. I'm not scared.... I'm a big girl."

Zach's reply? "Ohhhh! Sela! You are too scared of those things!"

Sela, "no - I not scared! I a big girl!"

Yep... that Sela - she pretty much put a little pink skirt on her big brother with her comments.

Talking to Reporters

2008-08-01T14:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I met with a reporter from the local newspaper. I worked in the newspaper business for YEARS... and yet, when talking about reCREATE... I feel nervous and babbling. Argh... I hope I sounded ok. The story should hit on the 14th.

Conversations in the Back Seat

2008-07-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

Scene: Yesterday evening, driving home from errands:

Sela: Zach
Sela: Zachie I'm talking to you.
Zach: Choosing to not look at her.
Sela: Zachie, Please listen to me, I'm talking to you
Zach: Still ignoring her - knowing he is getting her riled up.
Sela: Zachie, Zachie, Look at me, I'm TALKING TO YOU!
Zach: Whaaat Sela?
Sela: Do you love me?
Zach: Yes I do. (with a smile)
Sela: I love you too, you my Zachie!

Sela Sayings

2008-07-22T12:58:00.001-07:00

I try to collect the funny things my kids say around their birthdays and just didn't get it done for Sela until now... so here is what you can overhear in our house at the moment...

Her a naughty princess (when any girl her age doesn't act to her liking)

Ariel and Cinderella are coming over for a party (daily)

Zachie - you my favorite prince.

Moama - can I have a bweakfast bar?

I Looove Crawberries!

Where's my Zachie?

Moama - we need to buy some sparkly decorations for the party. (daily)

I want to wear a B- You-Ti-Ful dress today!

Zachie - calm down. (ahem - I guess I taught her that one)

I love sparkely things!

Moama, you get me my little pink blanket?

Mama, Mama listen to me.... (hmmm again, wonder where she got this?!)

She also have named all of her stuffed animals - Spala for baby otter, Lina and Nina for her cats, etc... they all have unique names.

She is so funny. I have never seen a little girl talk with her hands so much.

Her synapses must be firing in overtime at the moment because she has had some seriously weird dreams recently.

1. She is convinced her ceiling fan light can talk. Luckly all is said was "turn off"

2. She dreamed a hand was under her bed the other night, and tried to tickle her. I asked her if it was mean and she said nope... but I don't like hands under my bed.

I sent her to bed with a squirt bottle with magic water in it - that makes scray stuff go away... hopefully that will keep her sleeping tonight.

Is My Blog becoming

2008-07-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

I was reading a blog the other day and they said someone had accused them of having a "cat blog"... you know one where you just talk and talk about your cat - and maybe the rest of the world could get bored.

I have noticed a big drop in comments.. and I wonder, has this become a cat blog?

Oh... that picture....my cat Meep.

Little Bill

2008-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

You know you are tired when you get choked up over the kids cartoon Little Bill. I have been hitting it hard with my grant application, and this morning I put on a Little bill show for my kids to watch so I could snooze on the couch for a few... only I got caught up in the story about Little Bills neighbor Mrs Shapiro moving away. She sang a little song about Same Moon, Same Sun, Same Stars... and I started thinking about my far away friends and got a little misty. Here are some of the lyrics...

We'll be wishing on the same star

Looking at the same moon

When you're thinking of me

I'll be thinking of you

And no matter where i go

I will be there with you

Wishing on the same star

Lookin at the same moon

now that I look at it is seems kinda corny - but hey it was a moment... and the best part? Sela climbed up and gave me a hug. (Zach was ignoring it all, asking for chocolate milk - boys!)

Check this out

2008-07-19T22:46:00.001-07:00

You have to go play on Wordle ... it is tooo cool!

Some Sweet Press!

2008-07-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES, Sacramento News and Review

Am loving Sena Christensen the eco-warrior princess for this article she wrote up at the Sacramento News and Review!

I haven't been writing much about reCREATE because it isn't moving along as quickly as this mom would like... but then I got this gift dropped into my lap today, and I had to smile.

If you happen to know a gazillionaire who might want to give us a bit of funding, let me know!

Lovin' this Template!

2008-07-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented Heather - who is a superstar in the Spraground had a fabulous template on her blog as a freebie. It was so good that it got me scrapping this evening when I really should have been working on reCREATE. Sometimes a girl just needs a break! As you can see from the pictures Sela embraces the ocean the same way I do. If she could tell me her dreams I'm sure they would involve dolphins and mermaids. Look closely you will see she even made sand angels.

credits: Template: Heather Lee Paper: OScraps moonrise Joanne Brisebois 2 Embellishment tags: Laura Ping coaster beach, coaster summer

Smoke, Swimming and Sheba

2008-07-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

So very happy that the smoke is clearing out here. It was really quite miserable for several days. I was so worried about how Zach would do - as he gets such an awful cough if his lungs get irritated. Happily he got through it fine - Sela is still sniffling and not quite herself - but on the mend. The fire down near Big Sur is especially heartbreaking to me, as I think Big Sur is kinda like heaven on earth. I was daily clicking on the Nepethe site to make sure it hadn't been engulfed by flames. Luckily they are getting a handle on the fires. I can only imagine how tired those fire fighters are. Thank you to all of them for their hard work.

On a different note - Zach and Sela finished another session of swimming. I fully expected them to be in the same level for the next session because due to the smoke - we missed 3 of the classes out of 9. Zach got sent up to the Otters!! This is the highest level for little ones and I am SOOOO proud of him. He is LOVING the pool. Sela is going to be a Duck again... mostly because she just didn't want to follow instruction. She is too busy just laughing and splashing at this point. I'm just thrilled she loves the water.... there is always next summer to learn the strokes properly.

We picked up my parent's dog Sheba to babysit today. Hopefully the kids will settle down... they are sooo excited to have a dog in the house.

Happy Birthday Nami!

2008-07-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

We tried to upload this yesterday but had no luck....

Happy Birthday Nama! We will have to celebrate when you get back home!

Happy Thursday!

2008-07-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of Zach when we were in Monterey, and every time I look at it, it makes me happy. The kids are back in swimming lessons this week. We went to the water slide a few days ago and it was fun... but tired everyone out, making yesterday a little bit harder than usual. But they are their happy selves again today, and for that I am thankful!
Zach is into really big numbers at the moment - he works it into almost every conversation... like, "mom I kicked my legs 50 thousand two hundred gazillion and 6 times at swimming lessons.

Sela is really doing imagination play - mostly centered around her princess friends. The other night I took them to drop-in childcare to go to dinner, and when I went to pick them up, the gal said she was crying for me. She told her I would be back soon, and Sela asked, "Is her our with her princess friends?" The girl didn't really know what to say. Sela looks at me and asks again, and I said, "Why yes! I was!"

Happy Birthday Dusti

2008-06-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Dusti... here is my birthday limerick for you!

There once was a girl named Dusti
Who's camera was really quite trusty
She went digital one day
with her scrapping.... Hurray!
Now her embellishments will
soon become crusty!

For those of you who don't know Dusti - she is an awesome crafter... and amazng scrapper who I have been begging to join me on my digi journey - and recently her friend the talented Laura Ping (designer at Polka Dot Potato) managed to lure her to the digi world... yipee!!

Happy Birthday Dusti - looking forward to celebrating with you tomorrow!

Have any hip trash?

2008-06-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

So reCREATE is plugging along. We got word that 2000 kids from Rocklin will go through our education program. We will talk to them about the environment - ways they can make less trash, and then we will let them do art with some of our treasure. Here are some picture from a camp we had come through for an art project - the Sacramento Bee had a photographer come through, and also the Sacramento News and Review - I'm so excited the see our press!

ok... This is like 2 months late...

2008-06-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

I never finished all the layouts for Jessica Sprague's - Digi in Deep class... This assigment is a bit of a cheat, because part of the assigment was to set up a mini photo shoot - But that just wasn't going to happen in my world at this time.

These pictures my husband took when we were in Monterey. Other than the cold breeze it was a perfect day at the beach - especially for flying kites. It was an awesome afternoon and I felt like my special moments with my kids were actually caught on film - and I'm grateful for that - even if I had bad hair!

Other Princess Party Stuff

2008-06-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Since Sela is obsessed with parties at the moment. (This morning she gave me a long monologue about Baby Laura loving parties and being so nice, and Nathan loving Baby Laura - complete with floaty hand gestures and giggles.)
So here is a picture of my thank yous and gift bags for the girlies. You can find the template for the purses here...

What else is happening? Zach got promoted to the Alligators in swimming lessons. He is VERY proud... and took the opportunity to brag to his little sister that he is better at swimming than her.... nice.... not.
I was on TV for mere seconds the other morning on Good Day Sacramento for reCREATE. The clip is here. Don't blink or you will miss me...

A Week in Monterey (AKA Ahhhhh!)

2008-06-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a week in Monterey, Ca. Monterey is PERFECT for a family with young kids - we beached, hiked, flew kits, went to the aquarium, swam in the pool at the hotel, and just repeated these activities until our week was up. It is relaxing, and if you have any love for the ocean, you can't beat it.
One of my favorite days of the trip was the day we visited Point Lobos State Reserve. I have driven by there so many times on my way to Big Sur, and never ventuired in... it was so interesting! We took a walk to observe a bird island, then walked down a huge step of stairs to the most pristine beautiful beach I have been on in ages. Best part? Only 4 other people came by in the hour plus we spent there. Here are some pictures of that day.

We also spent a little time one morening visiting the sea lions at the Coast Guard Pier (a stones throw from where Mark and I both certified in SCUBA). Here are some pictures from that!

I'm going to save the other pictures until later so I can scrap them... but I have to share this one of Ci in the outfit Cathy made her...she looks so cute!

Check out My Camera Strap

2008-05-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok... my super crafty friend Dusti (the same one who made Zach's Pirate Cupcakes) has been sporting a cool cover for her camera strap for a while now... and I have been oogling it for as long as I've been aware of it...
Now, I DO NOT sew... so her and Cathy are always whipping out super cute things, and I always think - I need to learn to sew!
So Dusti comes to Sela's party, and lets me choose a band from several super cute fabrics... me I'm wavering between two - so she says, "take them both!" Me? I'm over the moon because now my camera will look as cool as hers!
Thanks Dusti - you are an excellent friend!!

Oh... and wait till you see what she gave Sela for her birthday...
And what Cathy gave her too... they are too too talented!

Sela's Princess Birthday Party

2008-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

We had Sela's 3rd Birthday Party - A Princess Party. I tried to keep it a little lower key than previous birthday parties we have had for the Z and C. It was raining when we woke up - so all plans to have the party inthe backyard went out the window.

We had a Sparkle Station where we painted the girls nails (quick dry nail polish), I also bought Sparkle spray for their hair, and lotion with sparkles in it for their hair, and of course lip gloss.

We played freeze dance (princess music is too slow - find more upbeat music for this), and I also played a little game of what is missing with Princess items (tiara, wand, necklace, etc.) The girls were all three (except one 5 year old) - so the games were not really important.

Pink mini cupcakes with sprinkles and ice cream.
And cute little purses for their favor bags.

We had the boys construct a castle out of tubes and other reuse stuff while we were doing the girly stuff with the girls - and that worked out well.

More pictures to come - I didn't take many - but awesome Dusti and Cheryl did!

Swimmin' Lessons

2008-05-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

We had a week of swimming lessons this week. Since Sela turned 3 - she got to swim! Zach got to be inthe Advanced Ducks. He started the week not wanting to put his face in - but after some practice was able to kicking and scooping and floating. He is ready to go to the next level skills wise - but the teacher suggested one more week of ducks to make sure he has the comfort level for the next level. I'm really pround of him. He did really good!
Sela was hilarious... He smiled the entire time (except on the colder days - when she was trying hard not to shiver. She did several of the skills which was pretty good considering that a class environment is new and different to her. The teachers were really sweet and patient.

Update on the Binky Front

2008-05-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

We made it through night number one. She did wake up around 4:00 and asked me to rock her and just whimpered. But once I showed her her little present from the Binky Fairy she was happy and went to bed.
Tonight - feeling a bit bolder because it is her birthday she was yelling from her room, "I want my "Mouth Night Night" RIGHT now." I reminded her it was gone and she gave me a look of disgust and gave up.
I figure we will be good in a few more days! Thanks for the nice comments - I appreciate it!!

The Binky Fairy

2008-05-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today Sela gave up her Binky. As I am typing this my bottom lip is quivering, because I realize this is a transition from baby to little girl. I have a lump in my throat because I know how much she loved her "mouth night night" as she calls it.... and I know that I will never get to be the one that finds her binky when she loses it... and have that moment where her who face lights up and she giggles with glee.... all for a silly little piece of plastic.

We went to the dentist last week, and the dentist said it's time. Sela promptly got sick - so I waited a few days... but on the eve of her third birthday I saw the opportunity.
I asked her who her binky should go to a boy baby or a girl baby - and she said, I think a boy baby... with dark curly hair.
I asked her what she wanted from the binky fairy, and she said, "I think a little toy pet and pet shop with a little girl. I was amazed that I found something that fit the bill. (I'll post the pictures tomorrow).
We took her Hello Kitty Castle and put the binky on the top for the fairy. Sela asked if she could have it back if she became a baby again. I tried not to cry.
Meanwhile, Zach kept asking to the call the fairy so he could see her - then he wanted her number so he could dial her himself to ask her to some early.... I told him the Binky fairy was nocturnal - and since he knows all about owls he accepted this and gave up.
She went to bed with no tears. Me? I'm bawling like a baby - because my baby is growing up.

Trying to Catch some of life and write it down

2008-05-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Thought it was time to update the blog. The kids are asleep, and for once I actually have a small bit of energy left. I sucked the pictures out of my camera - I love this picture of Zach - I took it at my parents house... he looks so happy! He just loves it there. I took Zach to his Kindergartern assessment today... it was weird. They come and meet you and your child - and then take them into the room and leave you outside... to reflect on how time simultaneously went rocket fast despite times you felt like the moments of motherhood for small children can move extruciatingly slow. The teacher gave Zach a sticker, and he nicely asked for one for his little sister. I think he got special thoughtful points for that. He likedher and that made me happy! I hope he gets a good teacher!

These little birds took up residence inthe vent of our fireplace - there are three chicks in the nest and even thought they are bald they are quite cute!

Sela "pimmin" (swimmin) in the Sand and Water table... I have completely given up trying to keep her out of it. I thought it was cute that she added flowers to her pool.

This one I caught when they were running around. I would have included one of Zach in his swimming trunks - but he grew so much from last summer that he barely got them on. I promptly went out and bought him a new suit in time for his swimming lessons.

Other news? I'm missing my old pals lately.... I was really glad to see Bob last weekend. (Big Bob as my kids call him). I also got a chance to meet up with Cheryl and Seany last week, and even grabbed a couple minutes with Brian on the phone... I'm really missing Susan and wish they lived closer - move back already! You know you miss your California friends! I was so glad to talk with Jennifer. You and Ned need to come to California.

So - while I might be lousy about picking up the phone or dropping cards and notes, please know I love you all - A LOT!

Princess Party Invitation

2008-05-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

I just love knowing photoshop elements! Here is the invite for my daughters party... simple.. but i'm happy about how it came out... considering the lack of time I committed to it. I changed some of the text to leave out details of our address and such.. but you get the idea.

The Farmers Market is open for the Season

2008-05-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Farmers Market is open for the season, and it is right on my way home from Zach's preschool. Am loving the organic strawberries I picked up.
I'm still contemplating a CSA box (local farm box)... but I worry we won't eat it all.
It is time to plan Sela's birthday party, and I am determined to make it a green event... wish me luck!

This is Me...Week 3 of Digi in Deep!

2008-04-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

Again, Jessica Sprague awed me with her knowledge of Photoshop. This is the latest assignment. I still have the second matching page to go... but WOW... I loved all I learned!

I picked up some cool treasure from My Green Tangerines yesterday for reCREATE, and got a chance to see some friends yesterday for a little girl time... that was nice!

ReCREATE debuts!

2008-04-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Celebrate the Earth event in my city. It was the first event we were at for reCREATE... and it was a huge success! We had kids doing crafts from the moment the event opened, until we closed down for the day. I was so thrilled and happy. I had a few friends and familiar faces come by and it was so nice!

I am completely behind on my Digi in Deep class. I am feeling disconnected because I just can't seem to keep up. Part of what I love about the class is the bonding part... and I am missing out but I just don't have the bandwidth at the moment.