TresKatherine

Ob...

2011-12-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Librarian: Jake, what is your middle name?

Jacob: L*****

Librarian: No I don't think it's Lewis. Whats your MIDDLE name?

Jacob: L*****

Librarian: I'm almost positive its not L*****.

Jacob: *thinks really hard and long* OH! I know!! OB. My middle name is OB. Jake-Ob L*****.

Oy!

Its been a while...

2011-12-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

So the year and some time lapse between posts has not been on purpose. I've been living my life and not writing about it...which was good and bad...I like having an archive of life and something to pass on to the kiddies...which is why I'm back :)

Quickly an update on the kids...

Ashley...

-My baby is in 3rd grade...what the heck? Where did the time go?

-She wants to be an art teacher when she grows up

-She is an amazing reader and is great at math and science (something she did not inherit from me)

-She still loves her baby dolls with all of her heart, taking great care that they are cared for properly

-She loves soccer but is growing out of baseball...

-She loves to write funny stories and to tell jokes

-She finally has her own room and it is so her...

-She loves wall ball and is pretty bossy with the rules

-She went to all of our new neighbors and asked them to donate canned goods for the food drive...I am so proud of her.

-She loves her cousins especially her new one Kaiya

-She and Jacob fight all of the time, but I can tell when push comes to shove she'd kick some butt for him.

-Shes as lovely as ever

-She has her own fashion sense and I love it

Jacob...

-my moose is in KINDERGARTEN! I know its crazy!

-Jake is such a character...he says how he feels...he thinks about what he says

-He is still in love with firetrucks and can play with them all day

-He still dresses up in his fire gear...this is something I will never discourage (I want him to be imaginative forever)

-He loves Ashley so much and annoys her on purpose

-He loves to snuggle still (which I have to force myself to be thankful at 530 in the morning)

-He loves to do art projects at home and will use anything within reach...scissors,staples,glue,tape,paper,cotton balls, food

-He is doing wonderful in school...he knows how to spell a lot of words and can count to 100

-He loves working with his dad

-Jake is a hard hard worker

-He has such a happy heart and warm spirit

-He has no problem voicing his opinions...

-Jake is looking foward to playing baseball...

Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

It's here again...

I don't think that I can let a year pass when I don't say thank you to our service men and women for giving so much to keep me safe and sound. I feel like they are out there personally protecting my family. I love you guys.

To my father, you are my hero. To my husband, you are my hero. To our friends, you are my heros as well. I think last years post put everything I mean to say into the right words...maybe I'll just repost instead of boring everyone with my run on sentences and creative spelling :) Sending Love and respect...

Most days I think that I am a pretty fortunate person. I have food to eat, nice clothing to wear, a roof over my head and the people around me that I love. I also have a freedom to do whatever I want to do everyday. I can read any book I want, I can say anything I want, I can go anywhere I want to. I can't imagine waking up tomorrow and not having any one of the things listed above.

My entire life, I have been connected to the military. I was raised an air force brat and transitioned into a Marine wife...I was raised with an utmost respect for the people that serve our country and the sacrifices they make in order to preserve our freedoms. You stand tall with a hand over your heart during the pledge of allegiance or national anthem. You show respect to those who have shielded you from danger, both seen and unseen. Every time I hear "I'm proud to be an American", tears form in the corners of my eyes...proud to be an American is an understatement.

Most people don't even realize the sacrifices being made for them on a daily basis. The wounded service people who-no matter the amazing new medical technology-will never be the same, The Marine who was killed before he ever got to meet his daughter, The father who missed the birth of his son, the missed birthdays-Christmas's and every other holiday- the nights of loneliness, the parents who miss their children's accomplishments and so many more things that we as civilians think we are entitled to.

In this month filled constant reminders to be thankful...a suggestion...if you see a veteran, say thank you...they deserve it and we owe them at least that.

For all who have served:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and all that you have sacrificed.

little tid bits

2010-11-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

~Jake has been going through dress up phases... he was a firefighter for a month, then a police officer, karate kid and pirate

~Jake has learned how to count, say his abc's and how to sound out words...no thanks to me and many thanks to a wonderful preschool teacher. Oh yes Jake is in preschool now and loves it.

~Jake hates soccer. Jake wants to play baseball.

~Ash is in 2nd grade but has the attitude of a 15 yr old. Heaven help me.

~Ash loves to surf, play baseball, skateboard, draw ect...

~Ash is obsessed with silly bands as is her entire school. Its cute, its like when I collected slap bracelets or pokeman.

~Ash loves redpepper hummus and goats milk cheese... yummy.

~Jake loves cars and trucks and will play with them for hours...

~Jake kicks butt at memory...mainly mine but he's not exclusive. He'll kick yours too if you attempt to play with him.

~Ash is an amazing goalie. I think she likes being a forward better but shes an amazing goalie.

~Putting our kids to bed is a nightmare right now. They are both fighting us like mad. A N N O Y I N G

~Jake loves milk

~Ash loves water

~Ashs teeth are finally starting to grow back in

~Jakes teeth are growing wiggly

I love my babies...they're growing way too fast.

God, Thankyou for your many blessings and for 2 amazing,healthy and absolutely lovely children.

9 years ago today these two crazy kids were married...

2010-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Summer Recital 6/19/2010... Hiphop this time...

2010-06-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

A thankyou that will never be enough...

2010-05-31T08:23:00.001-07:00

Thank you to our fallen friends...Joe and Russ(USMC) We will never forget you. Your sacrifice was not in vain. I wonder in the glory of heaven if you can feel the love radiating from Earth?

~Kathy

Moments...

2010-02-27T09:40:00.001-08:00

I think that there are always moments when you finally see what you are made of.

You stand up. Or back down.

You make a change.

Lifes lessons are happy, hard, painful, joyous,tearful,exciting and the list goes on and on.

Its a marvel what the human spirit can feel.

dad

2010-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

January 31st 2010
　
　
Dear Dad,
On this, your 60th birthday, I know you’re probably feeling old, decrepit and senile…I can’t dispute this but I can say that no matter what, I will always make mom wipe your butt. I love you so much dad. I can’t even put into words how wonderful being your daughter is. I know that no matter what happens in my life there is always a warm spot next to you ready for me. You have taught me so many things dad. I carry with me your impeccable work ethic, your kindness, your ability to be calm (when I want to be) and your unwavering love.
You have to be the most amazing man that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
When you were in the military you taught me patriotism and duty. I will always treasure waking up to the smell of shaving cream and seeing you in cammies putting on your boots. Thank you for working so hard to give me so many beautiful experiences that I will remember forever.
I know that there were probably a lot of things that you had to do that you didn’t want to, but had to to get by. I realize now, as a parent, how much you have to sacrifice for your children and it’s a hard price to bear sometimes. You always handled it with grace though…I never saw you falter…I never heard you complain…Thank you dad…I don’t know much about your dreams or desires for your life, but I can almost guarantee a lot of the time we threw it off track. Thank you for loving us.
One of the most important learning experiences of my life was when mom got sick…I don’t know if I ever told you but…Thank you. Thank you for saving mom. There is no way that mom would be with us if it weren’t for you. I can’t imagine how hard that time must have been for you. I know how hard it was for me and all I had to do was go to school and play sports. You worked, took care of mom and us…I love you so much dad. You showed me dedication, loyalty, compassion, selflessness and love.
You are my hero.
I wanted to tell you that I am so sorry for all the times that I have been selfish…You have given me so much and I’m so sorry that when you have asked for my help I showed the worst of traits. I owe you so much and I am embarrassed that you have seen such a selfish side of me. I promise to show you the qualities in which you have instilled in me. I love you.
You amaze me all of the time when I think of how hard you work to this day. You never falter. Still.
Thank you for giving me life and helping make me into the person I am. I could have never asked for a more amazing father than you. I love you. (Even if you’re old)
　
With love,
Your beautiful, amazingly awesome, lovable, artistic, optimistic, talented, middle child, ever so humble, daughter,
Katherine
aka Kathy, Kath, Katbomb, Kat dog (you get the picture)
　
PS Thanks for the name…I have always loved it!

Lame-ness Amplified

2010-02-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

So...as true to my feelings the last post was...it was mean and lame...and I like to think thats not who I am. I can't bring myself to erase it, because its part of my personality. (ewww) I wanted to post and say sorry, Im not mean...just overly emotional...seems to be the trend these last 6 months...blah...anywho...It makes me feel like crap to be negative...

ok...back to normal...well...as normal as I am :)

quotidienne d'inspiration

2010-02-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes the things we think we need right now,have next to no importance in the future."

I think to much. I always have. Today has just been a crappy day. I'm exhausted, irritated and annoyed. (An absolute joy to be around I'm sure) It's on days like today, that I wish I was on an Island. An Island of my very own. Where even the man and kids had to have a boat to come and visit me. Like the "Lost" Island ...OK maybe not like "Lost"(that one is creepy) but like the movie with Tom Hanks. and Wilson. OK never mind, on with the story.

Majority of the time, I like to believe I handle my babes pretty well...I can take their crying and whining mostly because I know it's their age and it will pass and because I love them so incredibly much that it overrides most random acts of terrorism. They make me happy on days like this...like today I caught Jake watching "This is it" copying Micheal Jackson dance moves. It was freakin fantastic. I had to smile.

Adults are another story-I wish I could send out a notice to all of the annoying adults I know... here's a sample...

Dear so and so,

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that I am absolutely positively over the drama. Please don't take this the wrong way, I know everyone has their days. (Look at me, writing a letter like this says that even optimistic naturally happy people, have their moments) but GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!! Give me a break!

To the person who feels the need to control everything...I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore...As nice as I can be, I am not a pushover...well not on all things. OK. maybe some things. OK. we can be friends. Just because you said so.

To the Lady at the grocery store-please don't ask me if I want paper or plastic and then get mad when I say paper...it confuses me.

To the artificial mom...yes you're body is rockin, your hair is perfect and your smile, glistening- but can you please not park in front of my car and just stand there blabbing incessantly in all your perfect glory...I may have to run you over

To the lady at the front desk of the gym...I don't like you...you're mean...as if I needed another reason not to go. Thanks a lot. You ruined my resolution. Great job. Ugh, and I was totally going to keep this one. ha!

Thanks for doing your part to make today totally fabulous.It just wouldn't have been the same without you. I'll be sure to avoid you tomorrow!

Much Love,
Katherine

PS ...To everyone reading this thinking "oh crap, is she talking about me?" ...if you're even questioning it...hmmm??? Ha!

I'm going to b.e.d. and yes at 6 pm. Tomorrow will be better :)

My baby is turning 7 next weekend...

2010-01-31T11:54:00.001-08:00

I know its corny, but where did the time go? I can still remember the smell of her head when she was a baby. I'll do a post of memories soon but for now I'll leave you with a craft I made for miss Ash. This was my first attempt at using freezer paper and paint...I definitely learned what I'm NOT doing next time. :) Ash likes it and that's really all that matters.

2010-01-27T14:53:00.001-08:00

She has no idea

2010-01-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Look what I got Ash to do...

She's smiling now...I'm bracing for the attitude once the novelty wears off :)Jake thought it looked fun so he wanted to do some too...woohooo mommy wont have to do dishes for long :)

So I've been thinking ...

2010-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

~There should be a place where amateur singers can go to record a song for themselves...not the ones that want to be famous but the ones who want to capture their mothers song or favorite Aunts/Brothers/Grandpas etc. way of singing a song.

~I need to get the French version of Rosetta to relearn my 2ND favorite language-next time I have an extra 5-700 dollars I'm on it.

~remember to buy bleach and cookies

~Get the guitar out and learn to play...I guess I can't really teach the kiddos if I don't know how to play :)

~Paint... EVERYTHING

~Sew...or finish rather

So here are some of the things that are making me smile today...

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2010-01-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions.

-Albert Einstein

Craft-i-ness

2010-01-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

I've been out of my crafting zone for a bit...I've been preoccupied by life...but I felt the need to get in touch with my crafty side again so I'll be posting whatever new things I come up with or try...

Here's what I was up to this evening...

I found this cute wreath at Made ( btw love that blog) and I really liked it...sooo...I made one

Things you need:

Halfway through...

The finished product:

I haven't decided whether or not Im actually going to use the "L" or paint it yet...we shall see. It wasn't that hard to do- the curvy lines are kind of hard to keep straight but Im not a perfectionist, so I was ok with having to zig zag back and forth...I had fun with this one...

Little tid bits

2010-01-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

* Jake watched Happy Feet the other day afterwards he immediately ran to the refrigerator to check and see if our eggs had any penguins in them.

*I woke up this morning (3 am-ish) to Jake holding my face in his hands kissing me and saying that I was the best mommy ever. I thanked him for the loves but still put him back to bed.

*Ash can do a pull up- I can't do a pull up

*Ash is begging to do the dishes...if I can let go of my control freakishness I just might let her one of these days.

*Jake says that "Ormericantica" is a great place to live.

*Ash has been consistently getting 4 and 5 tally marks (trust me-its a good thing)

*Jake can slide down a pole with no help

*Ash has become quite the harmonica player...I see a contract in her future...I mean they still pay big bucks for harmonica experts, right?

2010

2010-01-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

May it be a happy and healthy one...

Its been a while...

2009-12-26T13:54:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a bit- I just thought I'd share what a Cali Christmas in our house looks like :) Happy Holidays Friends!

Super Jake...

2009-11-15T18:57:00.001-08:00

Setting up the scene...

Day: Thursday
Audience: Grandma Sharon, Ashley and Mommy, The hairdresser and other patrons
Location: Hairsalon

Hairdresser to Jake: Hey Jakey it's been such a long time since you've been in here- what have you been up to?

(she looks his head over with a quick head shake and a tsk tsk- I sheepshly admit trying my hand at cutting Jakes hair...apparently she could tell)

Jakey to hairdresser: oh nothing- Hey- I have powers

Hairdresser to Jake: You have powers? What? Like you can fly ?

Jake to obviously retarded hairdresser: I can't fly!!!!! (in the most annoyed voice ever) I SAVE PEOPLE!

Hairdresser to Jake: You can save people?

Jake: I can save you!!

Hairdresser: AWWWWWWW

Mommy: AWWWWW

Grandma: AWWWWW

Ashley: Insert Vomit sound

Sacrifice...

2009-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Most days I think that I am a pretty fortunate person. I have food to eat, nice clothing to wear, a roof over my head and the people around me that I love. I also have a freedom to do whatever I want to do everyday. I can read any book I want, I can say anything I want, I can go anywhere I want to. I can't imagine waking up tomorrow and not having any one of the things listed above.

My entire life, I have been connected to the military. I was raised an air force brat and transitioned into a Marine wife...I was raised with an utmost respect for the people that serve our country and the sacrifices they make in order to preserve our freedoms. You stand tall with a hand over your heart during the pledge of allegiance or national anthem. You show respect to those who have shielded you from danger, both seen and unseen. Every time I hear "I'm proud to be an American", tears form in the corners of my eyes...proud to be an American is an understatement.

Most people don't even realize the sacrifices being made for them on a daily basis. The wounded service people who-no matter the amazing new medical technology-will never be the same, The Marine who was killed before he ever got to meet his daughter, The father who missed the birth of his son, the missed birthdays-Christmas's and every other holiday- the nights of loneliness, the parents who miss their children's accomplishments and so many more things that we as civilians think we are entitled to.

In this month filled constant reminders to be thankful...a suggestion...if you see a veteran, say thank you...they deserve it and we owe them at least that.

For all who have served:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and all that you have sacrificed.

The million $ question...what do you want to do before you die?

2009-11-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

So a totally interesting convo got me thinking this past week of some important things...I have been so preoccupied with just trying to make it through the day that I sometimes forget the goals that I have, the things that keep me going...my little dreams...

Aside from the only really important things like seeing my kids grow up and being with my family...these are the things that I hope that I can accomplish before my time here is over...

See Paris at night

Write a book

Get a photograph published in a magazine or newspaper

See all of the "biggest" things in America

Back pack across Europe

Learn to Sail

Live in Japan for a bit

Learn to swing,tango and waltz

Get my mustang or BMW

Record a song

Finish my degree

See a Broadway show in NY

Rent a TV/phone free bungalow in Greece

Grow a garden...that lives more than a week

Pick Peaches in Georgia ( seriously)

Oops forgot dinner is to be served shortly- I'll be back with the rest of the list soon!

Ahh the joys of parenting...

2009-11-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

So, right now I am listening to my handsome prince of a son wailing at the top of his lungs because I am holding hostage the only thing he wants in the whole world...a short glass bottle of Pellegrino...hmmm...what a mean mommy I am...He is looking at me like he cant believe that he got stuck with the most annoyingly rude mommy on the block...

Poor Jake in all his truck jammie wearing glory... he is so deprived.

I have to laugh inspite of everything in moments like this. I wish sometimes that I could stomp my feet and yell and then get what I want...it would be quite humerous even if it accomplished nothing else.

So this seems like a perfect time to update on the kiddies and what they're up to....

Since Jake is up in my face screaming :) Let's start with him:

Jake is a stacker...he will stack anything anywhere...Jared and I have come to the conclusion the he will be either a builder or an engineer...

He is a whiner- big time :) "but mommmmmy" in the most sqealing voice ever...makes me want to pull my hair out...haha

Jake loves to be outside...he loves dirt and rocks and sticks

A new development- Jake loves to decorate for the holidays...he was so excited to decorate this year for halloween and then for thanksgiving. He was harrassing Jared every hour the night we took down the halloween stuff for him to get the thanksgiving stuff down.

Jake is learning to play soccer and he is really good at it...he can run fast and kick hard.

Jake can ride his bike for miles...he usually rides next to me while I run...(well ahead of me)

He loves to read books and loves to take baths.

He is still lovey and his kisses still make my heart melt.

Ashley:

The above named TEENAGER is hilariously funny

The girl has got spunk. She's not afraid to call you on your bs, even though sometimes its hard to teach that line between being respectful and keeping it honest.

Ashley is loving 1st grade and is doing really well.

She's reading everything in sight and acing spelling tests left and right.

Ashley is playing soccer for the 3rd year in a row and is doing fantastic! She loves it...she can get out there and run for an hour straight...

Ash is in a phase right now where she always wants to be right and in control...makes for some interesting family interactions.

she is a loving sister even though she offers jake his rightful blows...when no one is looking she is so sweet to him...

I love my baby girl...she's so smart and funny...

Right now theres this girl at school who is always being mean to Ash- It is so hard not to march down to that school and pull that little pigtailed snot out of class and put her on timeout (hahaha mature I know) But this is Ash's battle and I want to empower her...teach her that she is capable of handling situations like this...We've gone over ways to help her cope like: walking away, ignoring her, or giving the girl a compliment (thanks steph) I told Ash that we should pray for her, because obviously there has to be a reason that she feels the need to be mean and maybe she needs some guidance herself... It still sucks to sit by and watch...it's such a hard lesson to learn...

She loves to be tickled

Shes taking hiphop classes and is learning how to bbop...what what!!

She loves playing tennis with me at the park...its a lot of fun- I can't wait until the day when she justs whoops me...I promise to lose with grace...

My children give me hope and faith that each day will be better than the one before. I look forward to learning from their love and natural compassion for the world around them.

A letter to me...

2009-08-19T12:57:00.001-07:00

This blog is for me to post things about my life and my thoughts, hence the name. It is something that I am using to record my life right now. I want to be able to look back years from now and be able to see the journey that led me to where I will be. Sometimes though, I find myself posting things that I think other people want to hear or see. It scares me to think of what my friends and family would think if they saw what I really thought on a daily basis. While what I have written has not been a misinterpretation of the happiness I experience, I have trouble writing about the things that make me unhappy or other people uncomfortable.

I have been thinking about this a lot and I have come to the conclusion that if I don't post the real things going on in my life (the good and the bad) then this isn't really an accurate representation of me. I am complex and so are my feelings. If I can't be honest with myself, I cannot grow. Writing helps me to cope and understand my thoughts. I hope that this blog can now be a place for me to express my pleasures, melancholy,joy,self awareness and fears.

Welcome to my journey...

To be 18 again...

2009-08-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

My 10 year reunion is coming up quickly and I am thinking about the people who helped form who I am, more and more. I find myself missing some people, and cringing at the thought of seeing others. However it turns out, I know that it will be great to see everyone and what theyre up to.

My memories of highschool are more vivid sometimes than the memories of things that happened just last week. Its weird that with everything that happened my senior year, it was one of the best years of my life. I found love, I lost love. I grew up a lot, I gained my sense of self.

I had 2 of the most amazing best friends, Matt and Alicia. I loved them.

They were 2 totally different people and they both held me together. I leaned on them for everything. Today's story was one of the more funny ones of Alicia and I...

Some Food for thought... (post to follow)

2009-08-14T18:10:00.001-07:00

Check out this link... http://www.storyofstuff.com/

.

Something for my baby...

2009-08-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

I finally started my first real quilt...here is the first picture of it taking some type of form. I'm still not sure about all of the colors yet, but I'll figure it out as I go along.

No words...

2009-06-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

8 years ago...

2009-06-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

We only got a little bit carried away :)

It's that time of year...Summer Ballet Recital

2009-06-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Presenting...
My little Ballerina

The oven ate my CARS!!!

2009-06-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Found: 11 matchbox cars, 1 camel and 1 bouncy ball...where you ask?

The Oven Monster!
Well now it's an actual monster :) with a little sharpie and tape

And on she goes....( warning lots of pictures from a proud mom)

2009-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

This past week has been absolutely nuts. My daughter finished up Kindergarten and I am just baffled by how fast the school year has gone by. My baby is now a 1st grader. It's so cute, she wore the same shirt she wore on the first day of school. I don't know why that's cute but it is lol

I cried alot this week...It just seems like time is going by so fast, I wish I could freeze her in this moment for a bit so I can enjoy her a little more. It was a beautiful bittersweet week. How can you not cry when the teachers make them all T-Shirts with "Kindegarten memories" on it? Or when they give them seeds to grow?

To celebrate properly I made her favortie dinner Lasagna Rollups and then the kiddos and I made a chocolate vanilla sprinkle cake (half melted because we had to frost it while it was still warm so hubby could have some before going to a meeting) She got to have a 7-up with dinner which was her favorite part lol (she doesnt get soda often so obviously a special special treat lol) All in All a good happy night.

We had activities packed in tight this past week so the family is just exhausted from running around like mad people. From play dates to the last baseball game/party to birthday parties... It was a whole bunch of crazy fun. I'm excited about summer vacation and I just know we're going to have a blast...

My bargain project :)

2009-06-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I had an idea that I wanted a picnic table for my kids to use when we have dinners outside this summer...so I searched and searched craigslist to find one for a deal (steal)...I looked at brand new ones and they ran about $270 brand new...umm...hahahaha

so anyhow I found one!! for $45. It was in pretty bad shape, so I sanded it down and then painted it white. The kiddos love it... Let me just say it was a pain in the yin yang. All together for the table and the paint= $ 58...bargain if you ask me...without further ado...

Before:

Sanded:

Painted:

I can just imagine all of the summer lunches and dinners to be had...all I need now are some pretty garden lanterns.

random happenings

2009-05-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

10 min away from my house

We've been doing alot of this lately

The most interesting circus I've ever been to

Hanging out in a barn at the UC

Sorry it's been a while!

2009-05-24T11:23:00.001-07:00

I've had a sort of writers block and haven't been able to think of things to write about. Or better yet, narrow down all of the things going on to write about something specific. As of right now , my head seems a LITTLE clearer. So I thought I'd get back into my blog by doing something simple, showing you something I've been up to lately.

I've been keeping my eye open for some chair cushions for our kitchen table and I haven't found anything that I like or that would fit correctly so I though I would try to make them. :) It was interesting to say the least. Here's how it went.

I drew a pattern from the shape of the chair.

Cut foam and fabric to size...(I cut the fabric about an inch wider around the edges to allow for the thickness of the foam. Obviously I'm not very precise I just eye it). Then Sew together!

Voila! Custom made chair cushions for less than $15

An oldie but goodie

2009-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I were reflecting on how much it sucks to be sick. I introduced her to "The Cold War". :)

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.

Some people...

2009-04-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

I wasn't even in New York on 9/11 but I remember sitting in front of my television having my morning cup when the unthinkable unfolded in front on me. I couldn't move. I couldn't go to work. I couldn't think straight. I remember vividly what that day was and how heartbreaking it was and how even now when I think of it my heart starts to race and the tears start to form in the corners of my eyes.

I didn't think much of this story when I first heard about it. I didnt think that it could have been that low. Then I watched the video. Seriously. Wrong.

I'm not one of those over sensitive people that thinks things like "the army needs to hug out our problems" or "all kids should be winners to make sure they all feel fantastic" but seriously. Mr. caldera, silly blunder, sir. Think .

I'm back...

2009-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

So for the last almost week I have been layed out by a nasty little cold.

I went to the doctor yesterday and of course he said that I was probably at the tail end.

I went home emptyhanded.

No wonderful magical cure-all antibiotics.

Atleast I don't have the swine flu.

As of yet anyhow.

It's good to be back.

Even if it is a slower version of me for the time being.

Twitterific!

2009-04-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yes...I have joined the chaos...You should too...SEE you there! (Im under

treskatherine - odd I know)

P.S. Im one of Ashtons million! Bam!

Black is back!

2009-04-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Wish me luck...

I'm going to dye my hair black tonight.

I am making myself try all hair colors. I'm scared of blond and I already tried red (well a half ass ed attempt at red.I think Ill be doing that one over) so black seems the easiest (less frightening) one to try. Its closest to my natural color. We 'll see.

See you tomorrow. ;)

Picture to follow!

I did it!! And it looks the same hahaha I dont know why I was expecting some huge drastic change.

The old man finally tied the knot!

2009-04-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

My older older older (did I mention he was older?)brother was crazy enough to join the ranks of us married folk!

More to come after the bride posts pics first!

quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

"...my life was like a moonless night. Very dark, but there were stars--points of light and reason...And then you shot across my sky like a meteor. Suddenly everything was on fire; there was brilliancy, there was beauty. When you were gone, when the meteor had fallen over the horizon, everything went black. Nothing had changed, but my eyes were blinded by the light. I couldn't see the stars anymore. And there was no more reason for anything. " ~Edward Cullen(New moon)

At the risk of sounding like a swooning teenager obsessing over a fictional character, wouldn't it be nice to have someone say this to you? I think that's why every female I have come into contact with (that has been exposed/gotten sucked into the maddness) has suddenly felt such an urge to keep reading the books or watch the movie. We all know that vampires aren't real, but love is. And such an intense, passionate one is captivating. We all wish we had that feeling that we were the center of someones world. I am relating to this more than ever right now. I wish. I wish. I wish.

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Next to being shot at and missed, nothing is quite as satisfying as an income tax refund."

F. J. Raymond

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

Rose Kennedy

Smack that! Revisited

2009-04-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

AJ goes to school in the afternoon so after I drop her off,I am free to do all of my running around. Can I get a hooray for running Errands! I can also pretty much guarantee that I will be dressed and ready to go by noon lol almost! lol So on Friday I had to go grocery shopping...my favorite task to take little J on when he hasn't had a nap yet...I had coupons to 2 of our local grocery stores that I could just not pass up on...$2.50 for ground turkey!!! I know you'd go too, right?

I take little J to the first store and everything is fine, then we go to store number 2......in the middle of nap time...I was definitely prepared the inevitable tantrum but not for what he did next. lol

We have one of those obnoxiously large car carts...the ones with the little red car on the end that is supposed to keep your kiddos happy and engaged for the hour and half they sit in it *insert eye roll here* We're on the meat aisle that runs horizontal in the back of the store when all of a sudden, before I have time to react,little J gets out and has this gigantic cart turned sideways blocking all through traffic.

Honestly, I was amazed at how fast people got annoyed...I was doing my best trying to get this thing turned back the right way (which was almost impossible because you always have one stupid wheel that never wants to co-operate) and I see little J out of the corner of my eye run in front of the cart and straight up to some lady bending over looking at roasts...he did not look happy. She, her husband and 2 daughters had gotten through his makeshift barricade...and then the unthinkable happened...HE spanked her!!!!

He told this lady "you get butt pop!" I about passed out. That has to be one the weirdest moments I have ever had in my life. I had no idea what to do. I didn't know what to say to this woman....the only thing that came to mind was..." I am so sorry!" I took him into my arms (for protection at first lol just in case she decided to get him back) Then as if something clicked for the lady and her family, they stared laughing hysterically. The husband said something to the effect of "That's right son!Start early!"

OK, not to judge here (my son did just spank your wife) but ewww. Then to make matters even better, little J kept glaring at this lady...actually her rear end... so yeah...we immediately went home. That's all I needed, little J to spank her again or worse, someone else.

Because I'm bored and you're nosey

2009-04-13T01:37:00.000-07:00

Getting to know you 2009

What is your occupation right now?
compulsive helicopter mother
What color are your socks right now?
such a personal question- ok ok no socks
What are you listening to right now?
A very annoying commercial about a cooking school
What was the last thing that you ate?
Jelly beans-so much for my south beach diet
Can you drive a manual car?
I can get from point A to point B- for some reason the car always makes this grinding noise Hmmm *shrugs shoulders*
Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mom
Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Sure I guess-She gave me life :)
How old are you today?
27
What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football by far
What is your favorite drink?
Caf free Diet coke or coffee
Have you ever dyed your hair?
you could say that
Favorite food?
candy
What is the last movie you watched?
Bedtime stories
Favorite day of the year?
July 4th
How do you vent anger?
yell-eat-talk (alot)
What was your favorite toy as a child?
my teddy
What is your favorite season?
Fall
Cherries or Blueberries?
niether
Living arrangements?
suitable
When was the last time you cried?
hmmm, last week
What is on the floor of your closet?
you name it-its probably there
Who is the friend you have had the longest ?
uh probably my mom-but friend friend laura
What did you do last night ?
Watched the Easter Bunny at work
What are you most afraid of?
Losing someone I Love
Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
I don't eat burgers
Favorite dog breed?
Husky or Lab
Favorite day of the week?
any day
How many states have you lived in?
6
Diamonds or pearls?
pearls
What is your favorite flower?
tulips

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Oprah Winfrey

The $20 Challenge...can you dig it?

2009-04-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

I like to save money. I like to buy clothing. I like challenges. Today I decided to combine all 3. That's right people, all 3. Today I was a canny, penny pinching fashionista on a mission.

My mission: buy an entire outfit for 20 bucks

I headed down to the local goodwill store and raided the racks...Here's how I did...

Gap light brown jacket-5.25

Old navy pinkcoral Tee-3.25

pink/white/brown Floral skirt- 3.25

Matching bead necklace- .99

=12.74 holy moly!!!

Proof! :)

Seriously... had I known that it would have been that much fun shopping on such a small budget, it would have saved me many an argument with the old man. Maybe I'll do this every week and see what I can come up with. I think I can afford it.
What about you? Do you ever shop at thrift stores? Think you can buy an outfit for under 20 bucks?

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

Coco Chanel

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. They wake up in the morning and that's the best they're going to feel all day."

Dean Martin

It is a sad sad day in the Tres Katherine household...

2009-04-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

Today was little J's first dentist appointment and I, of course, brought my camera to document this important right of passage. What says welcome to childhood like a good tooth scraping.
I was taking an absurd amount of pictures in the waiting room (Because that's where the real action is and they had this incredible frosted over skylight that had some awesome natural light flowing through) and I put my camera down to pick up my poor 6 yr old daughter, AJ, who always has a sudden attack of neediness whenever the attention is not flowing her way.

Then it happened.

Almost in slow motion...my camera slammed lens first into the gray industrial carpet. In horror, I gasped. There was nothing that could be done. My favorite lens, my lovable 50mm buddy was gone. I was instantly on my knees picking up the pieces of what was left of a very brief but productive union. I had only just met my 50mm in December, and it was love at first click. And now it was gone. (note to self: remind hubby that luckily it's not the most expensive lens to break if one is going to break a lens- maybe that will help ease the pain)

The look on the kids faces was priceless...a confused "lets run" crossed with an "I didn't do it" look came across both of their young faces. I could tell that they were sad that mommy's camera fell and they just wanted to make sure that I knew they weren't anywhere near it when it happened. I had to laugh in spite of the situation.

The bright side: no cavities
The not so bright side: A dental visit that would have cost a little over a hundred crossed over into the 2 hundred range.

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

"The Future Belongs to those who believe in the beauty of thier dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Book of the month: (or in this case...books)

2009-04-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Series.

Surprise, Surprise.

I have to say that I was not in the initial rush of giddy ladies running in scores to see the movie...I held off on reading the Twilight Saga as long as I could. Then at midnight one night I was up calming my little man down after a nightmare and decided that nothing soothes a nightmare better than a little vampire drama. (ha ha Jk he was fading off into a peaceful sleep while I was stuck in the most uncomfortable position ever and slowly losing feeling in my toes) I gave in and watched the $5 movie hoping it would be worth it. I watched it 3 times in 24 hours. I was almost mesmerized by the music...seriously. Whoever combined all of those artists and songs deserves a Grammy or whatever award they can get.

Immediately the next day I was at Borders buying the book and I finished it that night. The next day I was at Borders again buying New Moon. It was like a crazy addiction. I had to put my foot down and decided not to buy Eclipse or Breaking Dawn for at least 2 weeks. (My husband did not enjoy having to clean the house and tend the children alone while I was in my reading hibernation) It's all about moderation, or so I'm told.

I am in love with Stephanie Meyers grace with words. Her way of describing awkward moments and how you can feel yourself in Bella's shoes. How true the love was and how intense Edwards pain and struggle must have been to contain himself.

In my mind...5 stars.

How about you? Are you another Meyer lover? How did you like the movie?

Quotidienne d'inspiration

2009-04-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

" Life is either a daring Adventure or nothing at all."

Helen Keller

It's a pearl kind of day...

2009-04-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

So today I woke up almost more tired than when I went to sleep... I guess I'm getting a little too old for staying up all night watching romantic black and white movies while eating yummy, diet destructive, caramel candy.

Oh well...I couldn't resist...who could for that matter? Hepburn, Grant, Stewart? That's a cast that can't be beat.

Back story being told, I woke up feeling tired and just plain Blah! It was one of those days when it feels like no matter what you do, you're always one step off of the old conga line. These are the days when instead of crawling back into bed ( which is impossible, thanks to the little darlings that would no doubt burn down the neighborhood if I happen to turn my back for more than 5 minutes), I do something kinda of goofy.

I pearl up.

I find the beautiful strand of pearls that my ever perceptive husband bought me after hearing 20 thousand times how much I would love to have a set. I place the white milky beads of beauty around my neck and clasp the gold hooks together and Voila!!! Instantly I feel like a more safisticated, classy version of myself. I know I know silly silly woman I am. But I always feel more glamorous when I have them on.

I always wonder if there are things that other women do that just make them feel better instantly. Does putting high heels on do it for you? Finally painting your toenails? Wearing a floral skirt??

So ok I'm a step behind today, but my pearls made that step a little more bouncy and alot more soutenable. :)