Christmas 2009

Many people don't like to buy things for others off of their Christmas list but I personally appreciate ideas, suggestions, details and even specifics. It doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to get them what their list says but it does tell me what their interests are and so on.

I'm interested in getting a new...

1.

2. Macy's gift card- MAC make-up and clothes.

3. Buckle gift card- New pair of pants

4. Starbucks gift card- Peppermint Lattes while I cruise to Klamath or grade papers

5. Travel coffee mug- Mine cups always disappear

6. Parker's Beauty Bar Gift Cert.- Hair is so expensive:)

7. James Patterson's New book "I, Alex Cross"- I just love reading. * Audiobooks more than actual text, right now.

8. Candles from Bath & Body Works
Vanilla Bean or Lavender Leaves


How is that for specifics. Maybe i'll post ideas for the kids? or maybe I'll fly solo on this list :)

Independent Study Week

Few things in this life are as valuable as spending quality time with your parents. I know first hand how precious a little time alone with Mom and Dad can be. Travis was chomping at the bit to take Cole to Eastern Oregon to shoot coyotes, quail, and anything else they could find. Many of you know that my husband enjoys the simple life and being in the desert without a soul in site is paradise to him. Well we're raising two little kids that enjoy it as well. I am not sure where I fit into the picture:)

Travis took Cole to the hot-springs one day and that's the picture with my albino son in a river. Cole stayed in the water until an older gentlemen got in the river, also nude.... I missed the boys while they were gone but Carly enjoyed sleeping with me and eating things like mac-n-cheese, quesadillas and hot dogs. I hate to cook for just the two of us. Honestly, I don't get home very early and when I do finally pull into the garage the last thing I want to do is COOK. Travis also brought home to colts that he has been riding daily. It keeps him busy and he's able to take care of the kids while I work then I'm happy too. All in all we're doing well. We had a great Thanksgiving with friends and family and now I'm trying to use some of my vacation to do some work...

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season.

To Good Chats

Today was a great day. Janelle and I took the kids up to Willow Creek and then Natalie and Whitney met us up there with the boys. The day flew by as the kids played, put a toe into the pool :) and DIDN'T DRIVE ME CRAZY! Yes, I typed right. The kids were good and I managed to finish a book. What more could a girl ask for.... Oh yeah, I had some groovy, honest conversations with some good friends, which leads me to my next points.

In the past year I have had the opportunity to meet an amazing mother, wife, and new friend. Yes, you all know her... Natalie Jones. What I enjoy about Natalie is that she is authentic. She moved away from her family to be with her hubby and she's survived in the fog for four years. (Don't you just love alliteration) I admire Natalie because she balances being a mother and a human and she doesn't even know it. She's someone that I can see frequently or infrequently and she's always down for a good chat. As I write about all the things I appreciate about Natalie I realize I have a lot of friends and especially family who go above and beyond daily and each of them deserve more than a shout out on my blog post, so no hurt feelers. :) I know how bad Natalie wants to be close to her family and I empathize with her but I hope she knows we would all MISS her...:)

P.S. My neighbor is CRAZY.....

Mommy Madness

Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together. ~Pearl S. Buck

Right now Cole and Carly are outside playing together and they AREN'T fighting! God is GOOD. I have been home with them for the summer and it seems like they are constantly fighting with each-other. I try to find ways and things for us to do to keep us all busy... Cole is definitely ready for Kindergarten. He needs to be chased at recess and wear himself out. Carly is also ready to be back at pre-school and needs to torture the other kids... I began this post with the intention of thanking and praising all stay at home mommas! YOU ROCK. I don't know how you do it. Don't get me wrong, I love being able to putt around my house and so on but I don't like the days that I don't have anything to look forward to, even dinner. Travis and I planned our menu for the week and I only like Friday's dinner. Oh well, what's a girl to do, change the menu, NO. Which reminds me I need to start tonight's dinner, you'd think with all this spare time I'd at least be able to get to dinner.

San Diego 2009

No that is not Rachelle's real belly! Carly created a baby for Aunt Sis. Don't hate me Sis:)

This summer has been a whirlwind. Right now I am enjoying the peace and quiet as Carly is napping and Cole is laying down for 30 minutes. I am in the middle of a great book so this will probably be a short post. I am at home this summer and enjoying it. I am spending more time with the kids since school is out for all of us and as soon as I finish this book I am diving into my lesson plans. My mom and I are headed up to Klamath to work in my classroom this week and I'll have to take some before and after pictures. The students don't begin at school until after Labor day! Yeah. They have ceremonial dances and it isn't about what works for us teachers but what will work best for the student's. I am excited about my journey at this new school site as it is completely unconventional. I look forward to sharing with you all the new things we get to do and how my student's are growing. I hope everyone has a safe fun summer.

Nephews

How could you not love these two? Well I love Connor and Lucas as much as my own children. I would cross heaven and earth for them and I am so happy that I am able to have such a close relationship with them. I know Janelle has blogged about growing up close to our cousins and she loved it and I think that's why we focus on our kids being so close. Rachelle is expecting her first baby and we are due for our family to expand. This past year has been tough on our family and new birth is always a breathe of fresh air. We don't know if she is having a girl or a boy but either way I know I will love them just as much as I do with Connor and Lucas. How much room does one heart have?

Carly has been taking dance for the past year since she was three. Yesterday, her dance academy held it's annual recital. Carly being Carly didn't want to dance. Believe it or not she is really shy during performances. Vickie and I thought it would be a good idea to all go to the recital so Carly could see that it was a fun thing to do. She enjoyed watching her friends dance and they were really cute. She could have done it but I needed to make her. Oh well a lesson learned. She isn't continueing to do dance but will be beginning gymnastics and then soccer at the end of the year. Cole is also going to start soccer next year. Travis and I decided to wait until next summer because this summer we are busy. One more year before practice and games become are focus. After the recital we went to Mexican food and then I stole Connor for the night. The kids LOVE it when he spends the night. We set up a movie theatre with popcorn and they stayed up until 9:00, an hour and a half PAST their bedtime. Which is reminds me of another topic, kids who stay up too late and the parents wonder why their kids are struggling in school or so on. SLEEP is fuel for the brain. When I finally put the kids to bed Connor and Carly were in the same bed and I heard them giggling in there. Cole finally called for me and said "I don't think it's a good idea that those two sleep together, they should be separated" I did separate them until they fell asleep. Too cute.

This morning I heard Cole and Carly calling and talking to Connor about the toys and playing games, when did he get so big....
The moral of the story is that I love my nephews and I will work at having a relationship with them.

Compromise

Life always needs balance and I think I've come up with a compromise to balance my internet activity....Natalie and Lyndsey don't want me converting full-time to facebook therefore, I WON"T:) Love you girls. Natalie, what about that SPA weekend and yes, you can bring Trey or Lane!:) I won't be posting as many pictures on my blog. I will use facebook for pics and my blog for long rants and updates. Here I go....

I AM EXHAUSTED! I am "helping" with McKinleyville's Pony Express Days. Vickie and I coordinated the 1st Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off last night at Pierson Park (300 people were in attendance, in the rain, dedication) and tonight Janelle and I made sno-cones at the Fireman's Muster. Friday I am staking out the layout for the Saturday festivities of the event and I am in charge of the vendors, crafts, and kid's activities. Oh yeah, I am helping Monica with the Dance on Friday night at the Rec Center, Merv George is playing!

I am happy that my house cleaner came today and I am surrounded by freshness.

I am happy that Carly has cut back on sucking her thumb, it probably has something to do with her getting flicked in the mouth each time she puts it in her mouth....

I will be happier when Travis isn't SO SICK.

I will be happier when it's Sunday morning.

I am happy that I have amazing friends. They helped me at all of my events that I coordinate, they collect entry fees, but most of all they call me and ask "can I help you with anything" What more is there than that.

I would be happier if I didn't watch all of 24 and I had more episodes to keep me company during my early mornings.

I am happy with my new tye-dye jammies from Victoria Secret.

I would be happier if I was asleep in bed. I am tired but my thoughts are rambling, can you tell?

I am happy that my son used the word immediately tonight:)

I am happy that Connor is gorgeous.

I am happy that Lucas is more stable when you hold him.

I am more happy than unhappy, it's a good day. Keep me in your prayers.

Facebook

Okay, so many of you know that I am on facebook now. Add me as a friend and we can all keep updated on each-other:) My point is not to solicit friends but to let everyone know that I won't be blogging as frequently (If you call it that.) Don't write my blog off just don't be mad if I don't post lengthly rants as often. Toodalou...

Cole Wesley Carmesin is 5 years old!

May 21, 2004

Cole was born on a very special day, his grandparents' anniversary and Travis Aunt's birthday. He was my first baby and he changed our lives forever. With that being said, I love my son immensely. Yesterday, we made sugar cookies for his school and in the evening we went to a Chamber mixer that was a Kickoff to Pony Express Days. There was a children's bouncing house there and he jumped for at least an hour and a half. I volunteered at the event and so did the kids. They both passed out free things and helped pick up trash. It made me proud to see my son and daughter have such willing hearts. Happy Birthday Cole:)

My little girl is 4!

Carly Ann Carmesin was born at 1:16 p.m. As I remember her birth it seemed that she was born a lot earlier. C-Sections can mess with your time table. Anyway, to make a long story short... Yesterday was Carly's birthday. She had a strawberry shortcake party on Saturday and a few family stayed over for a sleep over. Camryn Pinard is a close family friend and as you can see her and Carly are double trouble. She is growing up quickly and I hate it but I have no choice but to soak up all the kisses I can right now. I am going to get one while she sleeps.....

Come Celebrate the Carmesin kids birthday’s

Carly Ann is turning 4!
Saturday May 2, 2009
1:00 P.M.
2094 Sutter Rd.
Lunch will be provided. *Please bring a swimsuit and extra clothes.



Cole Wesley is turning 5!
Saturday May 23, 2009
5:00 P.M.
E&O bowling alley in Blue Lake
Dinner will be provided.

Please R.S.V.P dmm1984@aol.com or 839-3175

D.C. Diary

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2009

Happy Easter Family! Today I celebrated Jesus being my savior! As I am in our Nation's capital I am in awe of how God works his plan through the talented architects and leaders. Today we visited the Daughters of the American Revolution building- This is an organization that you can belong to if your family is entirely originated from the U.S. and you are related to the founding father's in someway. Secondly, we walked about 10 miles (Sis I kept thinking about how much you love to walk:) around the Washington Mall which includes the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and Korean Memorial. I am sure I forgot a memorial. The emotions that these memorials evoke is breathtaking. I can only imagine what those who have lost loved ones go through when seeing the names, soldiers, nurses, and president's who dared to defy history.

Today at the Lincoln memorial I was about two feet away from Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State. He was speaking at the anniversary of Marian Anderson- An African American women that was denied the honor of singing at the National theatre. Eleanor Roosevelt had her sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in protest to this discrimination. The musicians were singing in her honor today and this added to the electricity at the Mall.(No Janelle, not a shopping center:)

Alice, Monica's Grandma treated us to the Broadway Musical, Chicago and it was FABULOUS! The music, dancing, and the half-naked women kept us on the edge of our seats. I haven't been to a play since 8th grade Phantom of the Opera and Mom look out because I am hooked. It's 11:35 p.m here and we have another busy day ahead of us. Monica and I are catching the metro in the morning and heading to the Holocaust museum, the Engraving...where they print money, Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery, and whatever else we can squeeze in.

Oh yeah I forgot, I saw the White House today-they had the Easter Egg hunt on the back lawn, and I managed to finish a book:)

In one day I have managed to eat Thai food, delicious and Dim Su(I think that's spelled right) it is a form of Chinese food, but it's nothing we have in Humboldt. Both were very good.

Love you all,
Danielle

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2009

Today was another busy eventful day in D.C. Monica and I rose quite early and headed to downtown D.C. on the Metro aka Subway. It was fun, fast, and no mom there wasn't any creepos:) We began at the Holocaust Museum and we were there for three hours. I knew a lot of the history but seeing the real things from the concentration camps, always serves as an emotional reminder. After the museum we grabbed lunch at Union Station and then headed to the American History Museum. Needless to say another two hours flew by and next thing we knew it was time to head back. I have digested a lot of history today and I am sure I will either see starving children in my sleep or this escalator that went up a 100 ft that Monica tried to get me to ride on.......I took the elevator:)

Tomorrow, our plan is to take the Metro to Arlington Cemetary and then on to Pentagon City...

TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2009

This morning I slept in! It was great. Monica and I stayed up late last night watching "The boy in the striped pajamas."-Highly recommended and based on a true story. The trippy thing about the movie is that it is about a family during the holocaust. We had been at the Holocaust museum yesterday and everything we saw at the museum was also in the film, very authentic. We also watched Twilight but I fell asleep. Monica said it was super good. I am going to finish it tonight. We rode the metro to downtown D.C. again and waited in line for two hours to get into the National Archives. We had our books and it didn't seem like two hours. You're wondering what is even in the Nat'l Archives, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution, Magna Carta, and a bunch of other COOL documents and stories. It was great. We then headed up to Arlington Nat'l Cemetary and I saw JFK's grave with the eternal flame, and the changing of the guard at the tombs of the unknown soldiers. It was breathtaking. We finished are day at Pentagon City. They have a four story mall! Janelle, you would have enjoyed the stores. I got both you and Sis a little gift. What till Co nnor see's his helmet I got him. It's a green army helmet with netting on it. Picture the Mash show:)

Tomorrow we are having a private tour of the capital, the Native American museum, and something else I forgot, oh yeah massages:)

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2009

Monica and I had another wonderful day. We began our day with the SPY Museum. It is a privately funded museum so it was very different from the public museums such as the Smithsonian's. They had a great gift shop so you'll all be getting some fun spy gear. After the SPY Museum we took the metro back up to Capital hill and went on a tour of the Supreme Court. This was one of my favorite buildings. The clerk who gave the tour was amazing. She was a wonderful speaker and she had an immense knowledge of the history of the court and the day to day happenings. Today was BEAUTIFUL in D.C. The sun was shining and I wore a sleeveless shirt all day. After the Supreme Court we walked across the street to the Library of Congress. Dad, you have read David Baldacci's book series on the "Camel Club" you know the building that Caleb works as a librarian in. It was cool to see the location. You can all guess what my favorite part of the place was, the books:) We took a tour there and learned a lot of facts.

As a mother anytime that you aren't waking up to the demands of children is considered a vacation but this trip is physically exhausting. My feet and brain are worn out and we barely skimmed the surface. Tomorrow, we are headed to Georgetown to site see and then in the evening we are going to an Independent film, all subtitles. I think we are eating Peruvian food for dinner. Don't ask me I am just along for the adventure.

My goal of writing each day to my family was two fold. I didn't want to forget what we did each day and I also wanted to share it with my family

Part 2

Who would thought that my part 2 post would be.....................

THAT I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT AGAIN! YOU READ IT! My sister Rachelle and Brother-in-law Clay will be expecting a child in January. I don't know what it is about us McCullough Girls but we have babies due around the same time as the last one was born. Lucas was born January 12th and Rachelle is due January 13th!!!!! Here we go again:) I am so excited. First I hope it's healthy, and then I hope it has a vagina:) My family is going to kill me that I posted that, oh well.

Danielle

Part 1

Happy Spring Everyone,
It is a beautiful day in McKinleyville! It feels close to 70 degrees and guess where I am at? No, not laying by a pool sipping a slushy.......In a classroom, blogging while I wait for my students:) Today, I had plans of planting my tomatoes, and folding laundry among other things. What I've actually gotten accomplished: Grocery Shopped for the week, cleaned the kitchen, done a couple loads of laundry, unpacked from the weekend, straightened up my office, and now I'm at school getting ready to teach for a couple of hours.

I promise that I will post some pictures tonight when I get home. I've had to take pictures on my iphone lately because my camera battery bit the dust. I did get a new battery and my camera is charged and ready to go to the nations capital....Did I just say nations capital? Of course I did!!!! My student's are coming........details will follow.

I LOVE........

Sleeping on Saturday Afternoons.

Cuddling with Carly while it's raining outside and we're watching a movie.

Spending the day with one of my best friends, Monica. She spent the night last night after Sister's night and she ended up having breakfast with us and we watched Changeling, and Australia all the while, SLEEPING.

Carly, was SUPER FABULOUS today. She hung out with Monica and I and didn't need to be entertained. She cuddled with us both and she loved Australia, the movie. She never once woke me up:)

I have come to the conclusion that waking up at 4 a.m. each morning can cause for a Saturday of Slumber and frankly I am fine with it. I pity those who called me while I was sleeping because I was a little bit grumpy. Tomorrow is Sunday and I am less than ecstatic because it means the start of another week. But, Monica and I leave for D.C. is about one month! More to come

Posted Lately?

As my Aunt reminded me today, I need to post. Lately, our family has been up to the same old busyness! Cole is sprouting like my lawn. He is wearing a size 13 tennis shoe. I remember when I wore a size 13, last week:) Carly is well Carly, meaning one minute she is talking to "Crystal" and her husband on her cell phone (p.s. we don't know anyone named Crystal) and the next she is hunting geese with her brother in the bath tub. They are both going to school three days a week and I don't know how Cole is going to handle five days of Kindergarten. He would much rather sleep in and play in the dirt at his Grandma's house. Cole will be done with pre-school in June as we don't want him to have to go from pre-school into Kindergarten. I think Carly will do well without her brother but we'll soon find out.

Travis recently went Coyote Hunting for a week and I think he had a hard time coming home.... Boys will be boys. I don't know why but this winter but I keep dreading Travis going back to work in the summer. He's been so helpful! I hate that I think that because frankly he's doing what every parent should do which is take the kids to school, make dinner, switch laundry, and so on. When Dad's do it "We Moms are so thankful" This Mom is thankful but I also expect it. Enough of that:)

I am still substitute teaching for the McKInleyville School District, Managing The Construction Company, Serving on the Chamber of Commerce's Board, and writing articles for the McKinleyville Press. Tonight I feel great because I spent two hours organzing my desk. By the end of tomorrow it will be a mess. Oh yeah, I teach the Native American Club at Dows Prairie on Mondays:) Besides work I have managed to find some time to go to the gym with my sister. Yes it is at 5am, well it's the only time I have. On that note I have to go to bed.......

Repeatedly Random

I don't really have anything new to blog about. Basically, I am still swamped, the kids are doing great, and I don't know why I am procrastinating completing Cole's Kindergarten application. Who knows. Here's some funny pics to look at.

I should be doing something productive:)

I have never done one of these questionnaires and I stole it off Natalie's blog.

1.Wheres your phone? Next To Me

2.Wheres your significant other? Coyote Hunting

3.hair color? Dark Brown

4.Your mother? Driven

5.Your father? Caring

6.Favorite thing? Reading

7. Dream last night? Can't Remember

8. Dream or goal? Lose Weight

9. Your hobby? Volunteering

10.Your fear? Children being taken/kidnapped

11.Where do you want to be in 6 yrs? Right Here:)

12.what your not? Lazy

13. One wish-list item? New Patio Furniture

14. last thing I ate? Chinese Food

15.what are you wearing? P.J's

16.Your pet? Tippy

17. your mood? Relaxed

18.something your not wearing? Bra

19.Fav store? The Loft

20 Fav color? House: Brown & Green Clothes: Black & Pink

21. whens the last time you laughed? At Carly

22. The last time you cried? Two weeks ago from exhaustion.

23. Something you crave? Orange Sherbet

24. why you blog? Therapeutic

Pony Express is Back!

Thank you for voting!

It's official the polls are closed and the votes are counted. The Community wants the annual McKinleyville festival to return to it's roots and be called Pony Express Days! The board collected community input in a number of ways and 75% of those who shared their perspective were in favor of the name change. 25% of community members wanted to keep the name Azalea Festival. The board is thankful for all input and we want to encourage all community help with the event. Last night Shannon Maciel held the first Pony Express committee meeting and it was great to have so many supporters there. This years event is going to be filled with many different organizations collaborating for a common event. We can use any and all support. Contact Shannon Maciel smaciel@novb.com

Pictures from Christmas through Now:)