Crazy Carmesins

Long Time NO Blog...

2010-05-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay it's been too long:( I am not going to go into details on why I haven't posted because the truth is I have been way too busy. This year has flown by. Cole is finishing up his first year of Kindergarten and I am completing my first year of full-time teaching. Below are some highlights from our year.

1. Bowdy Daniel Hicks was born Dec. 10, 2009

2. Jacob Lance Brunner was born in May 4, 2010

3. Carly turned 5 years old

4. McCullough Construction Inc. Tee-Ball

Miss you all, I'll be back.

Chue'

Christmas 2009

2009-11-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-08-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-05-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

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........

2009-03-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-17T06:02:00.000-08:00

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:)

2009-02-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

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:)

2009-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Cole Wesley Carmesin

2009-01-27T04:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I haven't posted lately I have been busy with many things. The McKinleyville Chamber is taking a huge chunk of my time these days. I am teaching the Native American Club at Dows Prairie School on Mondays, all the while working at my parent's office. Enough about me. This post is about Cole.

Cole is the type of child who has turned into a boy. Many people even call him a little man. He is responsible, caring, loving, and a great best friend to his sister and cousins. He told me yesterday that "Mom I need to try to be good everyday so I won't get into trouble." Mind you he doesn't get into to trouble. It isn't his nature. He is really easy going. He can be a little rat some days and he gets his fair share of reprimands but in the larger scope of things he is one sweet loving boy.

The second reason for this post is that I picked up his Kindergarten registration packet yesterday!!!!! I am screaming in my head right now. Can you believe that the little boy I brought home when I was twenty years old is now old enough to drag me behind him to Kindergarten. I will survive. Prior to this year I was set on Cole attending the traditional educational program at Dow's Prairie. After much research and many many meetings and presentations we have decided to enroll Cole in the Language Immersion program at the school district. The bottom line is that 50% of his day he will be taught in English and the other 50% of his day he is taught in Spanish. I know that some are critical of the program but we feel that if we can give our child the opportunity to have a more diverse education then by all means we want to make it happen. What skills and tools can we give Cole to help him succeed in higher education and in our slimming economy. Oh yeah, the chances of someone learning fluency by starting a second language in high school is slim to none. I am proof of that.

Ok I am officially off my rocker!

2009-01-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Okay people I know that many of you visit my blog because I am always typing whatever comes to my mind! Yes, and usually it gets me in a lot of trouble:) Off the subject...

Back to my title. In December I was nominated the Vice President of the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce. Yes you read right. The reason I am blogging about it is to ask everyone who is reading this to vote whether we should change the Azalea Festival back to Pony Express Days. There is a poll set up to have you vote on my blog, and the Chambers blog which is a link on the right. Check out the blog to keep abreast of all that we are doing for McKinleyville.

COME ON PEOPLE LET VOICE BE HEARD!!!

Lucas Michael Jones

2009-01-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

The newest member of our family was born yesterday January 12, 2009 at 2:21 in the afternoon. He weighed 7lbs 10oz and he is 19 inches long. Janelle went into the hospital Sunday January 11, 2009 to be induced a couple days before her January 15th due date. She was given cervidal for 12 hours then they started her on pitocin. After her water broke she was in full blown labor. She was given an epidural and progressed rapidly. She pushed for 15-20 minutes. Birth is always a miracle. Janelle is amazing she doesn't scream or yell, she is a quiet person while struggling. She focuses and endures. Sis and I wish we had her stamina. I don't have very good pictures of Lucas but I wanted to post what I did have. Jenna has some amazing photos and hopefully she'll send us what she has or post them on her blog. Travis and I love having nephews because there isn't anything quite like it. We get to spoil them rotten. I'll update with some better quality pics as soon as possible. Welcome Lucas:)

2009-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

As you can see we had a very big Christmas. The kids COMPLETELY soaked up the Santa concept. They loved opening presents and I wrapped even the smallest thing so that they would have lots to open. I didn't go to the Mall in Eureka, once. I know the mall sucks but still I ordered everything online and picked up stocking stuffers at Target. It took me an entire month to wrap all of our gifts and I finally asked Travis to help. Weird idea right? Next year, Travis will be an equal wrapper next year. Currently I am looking into where we will be spending our next Christmas. Vickie, Heidi, and I all want to go to Mexico. My mom has to be convinced and I have to take care of all the arrangements. Last time I checked Janelle was on board to be away next Christmas but Sis has to get back to me.

What we are looking for....A hotel on the beach, rooms that walk out to the ocean, kids programs, personal butlers, and one HECK of a spa! We are looking to be gone during the holidays, maybe 10 days. Dec 23-Jan. 2? We'll see. I need to go take a shower. I just went on a bike ride with my mom. We rode from my house to starbucks, to the hammond trail, the tressels, and then home. I can finally feel my feet. It's freezing today.

p.s. thanks to everyone who called me on my birthday. Amazing friends:) I'll post about the special day later.

I'm back..........

2009-01-03T06:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009!!!!

Very Merry Christmas?

2008-12-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

It is the day after Christmas and my house is a disaster and I have ZERO motivation to do anything besides read. I can't get myself out of my funk of laziness. I did accomplish a little today. I set up the kids new trampoline, moved all our stuff home from Vickies, and started some laundry.... That is about all I am going to get to today. Tomorrow we are heading to our friends house to visit with some friends who live out of town. The kids love playing with all their friends and I am sure they will terrorize the Pinard's house :) Christmas in a nutshell...

Monday: Carmesin's Christmas Progressive Dinner.

Tuesday: Roberson Christmas, Vickie's Side of the Family

Wednesday: McCullough Christmas, At Mom and Dads all day and night.

Thursday: Carmesin's Christmas, At John and Vickies' all day and night.

Friday: Where did the year go, a day for reflection.

How many of you have lacked motivation and kept wondering what was wrong with yourself? All you can think of is how much time you are wasting and how you are just going to have to do it all tomorrow. How do I enjoy doing nothing? Maybe I am not just doing nothing and I am just recharging? Who's to say.

Another Lame One.....

2008-12-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days my blog has been filled with posts about how great things are going. It's been a great couple of days:) God knows I have some pretty trying ones but I am going to count my blessings and record another a good day. Last night, Carly spent the night with my mom and Cole went to ice scream with Rachelle, they then drove around looking at Christmas lights. Travis went to sleep on the couch and I watched a couple episodes of House. Cole came home and he watched Parent Trap for the thousandth time. I finished a book and when Travis finally came to bed Cole joined us for the rest of the night. He thought it was special and his dad thought that his name should be Cole Kicks a lot ! This morning we went to church and when we came home I wrapped presents all day and Sis took the kids to Bolt. I am really into detailing everything I did, every moment......Sorry.

Menu for the Week:

Sunday: Prime Rib, Baked Potato, Salad, Cheese Bread

Monday: Prime Rib Sandwiches

Tuesday: Chili and Cornbread

Wednesday: Indian Tacos

Thursday: Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Butter, Salad, Garlic Bread

Friday: Every Adult for themselves

I am actually excited about cooking this week. I have a couple more things to pick up for Christmas, and to figure out for Christmas Dinners and then I'll be set. Merry Christmas Everyone !

Happy as a Clam

2008-12-12T16:28:00.003-08:00

This is a picture of the steamer clams that Cole and Travis got yesterday. They needed to soak overnight and this morning when the kids and Travis went to check on them this is how they found the clams. I wanted to post about my fabulous day and the clams gave me the perfect title for my post. This morning Travis and I slept in until 8:00am and the kids did as well. I made breakfast, Travis went to work at my sisters house, I worked in my office, ran on my treadmill, took Carly to dance, made lunch for the kids, cleaned up my kitchen, did a load of laundry, went to my nail appt., post office, and then now I am home, blogging. Was that a lot of commas or what.... Tonight I am heading to Salyer to spend the night with my sister. A group of us are going to play some games have some cocktails and visit. There is nothing better than having close friends who you can trust and my sisters, my mom, vickie, travis, and a few others are the only ones I trust enough to tell more than what I ate for breakfast. Till next time:)

Winter Dreamland

2008-12-11T16:32:00.002-08:00

Your probably thinking how all these pictures of my house are relevant to my post title of Winter Dreamland...... I have had a house cleaner on and off for the last 3-4 years. I have a new house cleaner who also cleans my mom's house and it is her fourth week cleaning my house. As many of you know I am often anal retentive about things and cleaning is one of those things. I was raised in a clean home and I was taught how to do a quality job not a rushed half crappy job....There is a point to this story, bear with me. Anyway my house cleaner does an awesome job while being thorough. When I walked into my house today after my house cleaner had been here I thought to myself my house looks like a Winter dreamland with all of my decorations and an ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY spotless house. It may seem weird that I took pictures of my dreamland but I wanted to document it because like every other household in America it will be dirty by bedtime, and who wants to take pictures of that!

Mac Attack

2008-12-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

I am officially a certified MAC lover. I have already devoted an entire post to my MAC BOOK and my IMAC but now that I have a new IPHONE I am again reminded of my love for the software. I won't have to take my MAC book with me anymore while traveling just to download movies, listen to music, and etc. My phone can do it all. I had a Moto Q and it also had internet and email and it couldn't hold a candle to the speed and efficiency of AT&T wireless. Enough of my love of a phone:) I haven't blogged lately and will update with some pics of Thanksgiving and whats been going on, until then......

Versatile

2008-11-20T08:14:00.001-08:00

If Carly's boots are Irrestible than Cole's Muck boots are very versatile. No they don't have any cute design but these rain boots are made for the boy and girl who trek through cow poop to go feed, daily. For the preschool who lives in rainy humboldt county and for a day when I can't find any other shoes. The inside of these boots are all neoprene and they suck to the contour of your feet. Yes, they are no ordinary rain boot there the versatile Muck boot!

Irrestible

2008-11-20T08:04:00.001-08:00

Even if you aren't a cowgirl at heart like Carly you can still enjoy the adorableness (is that even a word?) of these pink and tan leather cowboy boots. As I am packing the kids clothes for a freezing vacation to visit my grandmother in Idaho I remembered that I had set these boots aside for Christmas. Well again, I think all gifts should be practical and Carly practically needs these boots for our vacation. I thought these boots were so cute that they need their own post :)

2008-11-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of pictures but between me, Cole, and Carly my camera has been snappin a lot. My parents' and Clay and Rachelle were in Jamaica last week and they just got home yesterday. I missed them all. Last night, Travis and I's families got together to have an early Thanksgiving. We are all going to be gone during the holidays and we wanted to make sure that we had one dinner here. It was delicious and Vickie made a bunch of recipes from Williams-Sonoma. When Travis was sick at U.C.S.F. he had a couple good days so we went shopping. William-Sonoma inspired our Thanksgiving creations. Dinner last night was relaxing, and great because there was just the right amount of people and everyone liked eachother, imagine that:) Cole made dessert and he is posing by his creation which was fabulous. Well I am off to write my Christmas letter and I will be sending my Holiday cards pretty soon, be on the look out:)

Surprise.

2008-11-12T06:11:00.001-08:00

Vickie turned 50 years old last year in 2007 and as a family we all went down to visit her twin brother Mickey. To make a long story short the drive was horrific, the trip too short, and not what any of us would want to do on our birthday. This year Heidi and I decided to do something special for Vickie's 51st birthday. A group of Vickie's closest girl friends got together in Redding and spent the weekend in my travel trailer. It was a blast. We stayed up late playing this game where everyone had to ask personal questions and it was insightful, fun, and we laughed until we cried. We drank a costco size bottle of Grey Goose and had too much fun. Saturday morning we all woke up and got ready to head to the Spa for the day. We had multiple treatments and relaxed. The spa we went to was called the Spa Downtown in Redding. You can google and there are pictures but this Spa met my stamp of approval very clean, professional, an awesome treatments. It made Personal choice spa looking even worse, if that is possible. Heidi and I decorated my trailer, did pedicures on people with hot foot baths, and I made each person their own spa package with bath and body works products. I love parties where they give great party favors. Friday night I made homemade Chicken Caesar Salad with fresh croutons. I also paired the meal with cheese Bread. Everyone loves this fatty bread. I will post the recipe below.

Vicki was very surprised and it was great to see her laughing and being with her girls. Thank you to everyone who came you made this wonderful woman feel appreciated:)

Cheese bread:

1 loaf of French Bread
2 spatula scoops of mayo
Pour cheddar cheese into the mayo until it is predominantly just cheese then mix. Spread onto bread. Sprinkle with green onions, and bake for about 20 mins at 375degrees.

You'll love it:)

5 years and lots of laundry!

2008-11-10T15:28:00.001-08:00

On November 15th, Travis and I will be married for five years! The years have gone by quickly. I love him a lot each day and I reflect on the past years and I think of many smiles, laughs, tears, hugs, memories, snotty noses, parties, and etc. I am repulsed by bloggers who always post how perfect their hubbies are because maybe I am jealous or maybe I hate the lies. Marriage is hard but well worth the struggle. Travis is my best friend. He keeps me in line and vice a versa. One moment that I will share with everyone is how Travis supported my financially, emotionally, and physically through college. I remember the day we decided to get married and how he told my mom that it was very important to him that I finished school and he meant it. When I was trying to decide what I wanted and needed to do after college and the credential program Travis was right there next to me urging me to stay home/only work two jobs and to have some time to myself. I can't thank him enough for communicating when it is crucial and for being a wonderful husband and a dedicated dad.

p.s. I just got into an argument with him because he was telling a story and it took to long:) Back to reality.

Oh yeah, Travis bought me new HE LG Stackable washer and dryers yesterday for our 5 year anniversary. I chose the pearl gray color. He also built me a white storage cabinet to go in our laundry room. One thing about Travis is that he doesn't talk about doing things he actually does them. We got home with the washer and dryers, and storage cabinet at 5pm on Sunday and by 7pm I had a completely new laundry room. What a man:)

Must Read

2008-11-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

"The Lucky One" is Nicholas Sparks newest fictional novel and it is TERRIFIC! I was depressed that I finished it so quickly. I read it in two days and no, I didn't lay around reading. One morning I couldn't sleep so I decided to read to fall back asleep, well needless to say I didn't go back to sleep at 3am. (That was a run-on sentence.) I don't know anyone who hasn't at least once in there life wanted to be a writer and storm the literary world just like j.k. rowlings(didn't spelling correct because I have never read her books:) The point is that Nicholas Sparks wrote one HECK of a novel. I am reading "Secrets of a Shoe Addict" by Beth Harbison as I type, No Mom and Vickie it isn't my memoirs....

Civil Servants.

2008-11-02T05:59:00.000-08:00

This year both Cole and Carly chose to dress up as our under-represented civil servants. We went trick-or-treating for the first time this year in a neighborhood, grace park. They walked door to door and we followed. We decided that this year we would forego all the driving to a million places and just do one place and it was very calm.

My mom dressed up like a pirateer and Cole and Carly we trying to spray her with their fire hoses, arrest her, wrestler her, and a lot of other things. She was hilarious:)

Progress

2008-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Travis is making great progress. He isn't limping noticeably and seems to be feeling much better. I hate peppering him with questions so I just observe him to make sure he's feeling okay. He does come in the house and lay down which is a sign that he isn't 100% but that is to be expected. Overall, he has had a great recovery since being at home. Cole has an Yamaha 80 four-wheeler and he uses a lot. I love that he has it and can start it by himself because he is always willing to run errands for me to Vickie's house. He had a basket on it but this week him and his dad built a box for the back of it. It's the right size for Carly to ride on the back and for him to haul things such as generators:)(I just saw him take one over to Vickie's house why I mentioned it.) Carly has a battery powered four-wheeler but those things are just not the same. She has been driving Cole's around a lot more and I am getting more comfortable with her on it. She also rode her cousin Clint's 50 motorcycle that has training wheels and she loved that. I think she is ready for her own set of wheels.... I would rather get her a 50 four-wheeler because I think it would be more practical for our family but she did love the motorcycle. We'll see what Santa can bring in his big red bag. Since Christmas is coming and I love to buy gifts I can't wait. I am worse then the kids.

It always amazes me at how many people don't believe in Christ or think that those who go to church are hypocrites but at the same time celebrate Christmas, Easter, and many other religious holidays, who's the hypocrite? I think that society has secularized so many holidays that they feel like it's okay to not celebrate Jesus but one time of year. I respect those that don't participate in Christmas because if you have a bad attitude don't bring everyone else into your drama... If your asking yourself "is that me?" Maybe it is :)

Christmas Ideas for the kids:

Cole and Carly
New Playset
New Playhouse/fort
New Cowboy boots, muck boots(rain boots)
College fund contributions with American Funds
Coloring Books
Motorcycle or four-wheeler for Carly. Cole got one for his birthday and I believe in equality.
Some type of animal :0 For grandma to take care of..Love ya Vickie

This is just some thoughts I am having. No they won't get everything on this list but I am just brainstorming. I am not one of those people who don't know what to buy. I am also not going to buy them a bunch of toys, videos, pajamas, and misc. knick knacks. They get so much of that stuff all year. They are also not that into it. No clothes except boots and maybe some camo stuff but who knows and who really cares. Back to reason for the season is it all about gifts? What gift are we as a family going to give to Jesus? Can we afford time? Here I am blogging out loud again. Till Next time.

Family Photos

2008-10-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

I just checked our photographers website and they had uploaded our family photo to their main page.

Deja Vu'

2008-10-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is Deja Vu' because that summarizes Travis' latest stint at U.C.S.F. We drove down to the city on Wednesday and arrived in time to unpack our luggage, and then catch a cab to one of our favorite restaurants in the city, Scomas. I wanted to eat somewhere that Travis enjoys because he couldn't eat before his surgery at 9:30 Thursday morning so his last meal needed to be a good one. Needless to say he was extremely edging all day and he didn't sleep very well Wednesday night...

Thursday morning we trudged up to the hospital and we weren't exactly sure on the time so we had to wait about an hour and a half which is a long time when you are really nervous. To make a long story short Travis' embolization of a benign tumor on his kidney was "sucessful." In January during his first embolization his tumor was 10cm wide and prior to this recent embolization the tumor was 4cm wide. The doctors are perplexed to why the tumor causes Travis so much pain so the plan is to try and shrink the tumor to 1cm. He has a follow-up CAT scan in 2months to assess the tumor. I pray that the CAT scan shows that God has completely removed the tumor.... Keep us in your prayers. I don't know if Travis could handle another embolization.

After the surgery we were admitted into the hospital which is unusual but due to our last embolization they knew that he needed to be observed and his pain needed to be managed. We spent three nights and four days at the hospital and we made the long drive home, yesterday. Travis also had the hiccups for approximately 40 hours. Yes, 40 hours of hiccups that were gut wrenching and the doctors were mystified. They finally decided to try treating the hiccups and they became less frequent. It was very weird and also hard to see him hiccup so hard and then have them keep coming. The hiccups were a large part of his pain because of where his pain is located, the right flank. Enough about Travis' pain because I am starting to hurt:)

I know that I often use the blog as an avenue to vent my frustration but this post is dedicated to Vickie, John, Dena, Macky, Rachelle, Clay, Janelle, Mikey, Heidi, Chuck and Mary. Each one of them helped take care of our family during a stressful situation by loving our children. While Travis, Vickie and I were in S.F. Cole and Carly were in a wedding...I know crazy huh! My sisters and my brother-in-laws helped take and pick up the kids from school, feed them and gave them lots of love and attention while we were gone. John took the kids to Redding for the wedding that they were in and Heidi drove 4hours to make sure the kids were taken to all the wedding appts. and spent quality time. My parents attended the wedding and then brought Carly home with them because she isn't feeling well. Chuck and Mary opened their home to my children just as they would their own grandchildren and Travis and I are very thankful. As a parent it is hard to take care of yourself when you worry so much about your kids but everyone who helped are people who I know not only care about Cole and Carly but love them, and I thank God that we have each any everyone of you in our lives.

For everyone who has left us messages, and sent us cards, THANK YOU. I am always amazed at how you know who your "real" friends and FAMILY are when you are having a difficult time. The people who call because the care.

Thank you.

Mommy Weekend

2008-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Travis took Cole and Carly hunting in Trinity Center. They went with some family and stayed at a family friends cabin for two nights. I decided to stay home and have some time to myself. On Saturday my mom and I went to Personal Choice for a Spa day. I had a facial, massage, and hydotherapy tub.... It was amazing. We went and had lunch afterward at Mazzoti's, which is the worst Italian restaurant ever, but the only thing open right before dinner time. Their food is very blah, and doesn't have any invigorating Italian flavor. I often think that I should be a Spa Critic. I have been to Spas in Healdsburg, Calistoga, Napa, St.Helena, Eureka, Fortuna, Redding, Mexico, and other various places. I know what I like and Personal choice is lacking some spa essentials such as a relaxation room, lockers where you change into robes, slippers, drink lemon water, tea, showers, and so on. Anyway I don't mean to be a Spa snob but maybe I am...

After I came home and watered my plants, fed our dog, and read for a little bit, I took a shower, got dressed, and was ready for an evening with a few of my favorite people. My sisters, Lyndsey, and I went to dinner at the Sea Grill and had a very good time. We visited, laughed, and had some delicous cocktails. We were all stuffed as we headed off to watch Body of Lies/Movie. It was GREAT. I love politics, history, and hot actors and this film had it all. It would also be a great film to use in my future film classes. A must have. Rachelle and Clay ended up spending the night with me.

Sunday, I slept in, drank coffee, internet shopped, cleaned my office, went to church, lunch, and worked in the office. I am only going to be at work on Monday and Tuesday so I have a lot to take care before Travis's Surgery on Thursday. After work I did my grocery shopping, went home, relaxed, read, and went to bed early.

Today I have to work, pack the kids clothes, run errands, and so on. On another note I am working on a post that is going to address gossip, and the issue that comes up all the time is people who are always talking about others and jealousy....(just an irritating observation). On Sunday our pastor said that the second most important thing that Jesus said was to love your neighbor as yourself and I am really trying to take that to heart....hum? neighbors, people, how do I show, act, live like I care about others as much as I care about myself? The hardest part is doing those things when there are those who I feel don't deserve it, don't love themselves, have diarrhea of the mouth, are jealous, and so on. WELL IT ISN'T MY JOB TO JUDGE....... I guess that is where prayer comes into play... Keep my family in your prayers this week as Travis has surgery on Thursday morning.

Random Moments

2008-10-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Janelle and Mikey were over at my house on Friday and Tasha and Craig's kids came over to play. Needless to say Cole and Carly love the White kids and were excited they came over.... The previous Friday consisted of Jake, Lex, Cole, and Carly all outside in the field trying to rope, ride and wrestle the kids' sheep, Eddie. It was comical. This Friday night consisted of a rodeo in the house with a bucking bull, and a 4ft horse. It's amazing what a little imagination can create. Makynna and Carly took a bath and then traveled to the "movie theatre" to watch a princess movie. They were entranced and very adorable. Bailee was wanting to nurse on my mom:) so we had her in Cole's baby basket and she was BEAUTIFUL.

And it begins....

2008-10-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Vickie has been wanting to sign Carly up for Dance class for awhile and today was her first class. Yesterday, when I had her try on her leotard, tights, and ballet shoes she didn't look too thrilled but today when I spied on her during class she was concentrating and doing fabulous. I took a couple pictures to document her first day. Today is just the beginning of practices, games, rehearsals, pick ups, and drop offs. I knew this day would come soon enough but I guess I am a little nostalgic.....

Making Memories

2008-09-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Cole loves to camp and build bonfires. He loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and being a boy:) He had convinced his grandparents and his father that it was time that we set up camp down at the Creek. On Saturday, Travis worked around the house, spreading rock and picking up odds and ends. We put up more bender board with landscape rock and I officially finished detailing our travel trailer. We moved our trailer back into its spot and our house is finally getting into shape.

More Dahlias

2008-09-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

I wish and pray that my Dahlias will be just as beautiful next year. I am going to plant a bunch more this year. I love the red/pink vibrant colors of Dahlias and even cosmos.

Girls will be Girls

2008-09-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Carly should have a whole entire blog devoted to herself. She has enough energy to power an entire village or in her case a football team:) All of her outfits are her creation. I really only push her school attire. I also had to get out my Childwise book last night for some new strategies....I am back at it again, on a babywise kick and frankly I don't want to hear people complain about their kids not sleeping or blah blah blah because babywise works miracles. People/parents that say "it doesn't work" don't know how to use or in other words are weak...Yeah I said it and I may make people mad but oh well. It's my blog and I'll type what I want to:) Love Danielle

P.S. I am in a bad mood, if you couldn't tell:(

Roses and Dahlias

2008-09-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

I just picked some flowers from my yard and I thought that I would upload some pictures of them.... I love gardening and it works better when I see results. Fall is my favorite time of year because the rain is beginning, flowers are blooming, grass in green, and the smell of my yard. Someday I will have a quiet place where I can read, drink coffee, and relax. Don't get me wrong, I can do all those things in my yard now but I dream about living in the mountains, in seclusion....Someday:)

MY SPACE:)

2008-09-22T05:10:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking recently about how much I love my computer! This post is dedicated to my dear friend, and confidante, aka: My space!lol Anyway, back in February while I was in the credential program I buckled down and bought a 20inch iMac. My love affair with Mac/Apple computers began with Christmas of 2006. I had been working on a P.C. which (I won't refer to what I think those intitials stand for because I respect that many people use and like them, but they're no longer for this computer woman:) I had purchased from my sister, Rachelle, back in 2003. In computer years....this P.C. was old. My parents decided to buy me a Macbook laptop for Christmas in 2006 and I had reservations. I didn't want to switch computer allegiance.... I opened my new Macbook, created my new user profile (which I was not ready for a computer with a camera, lighted keyboard, groovy mouse, no clicking, ctrl space for right side of mouse, and many awesome ergonometric features.

After my complete and utter conversion to MAC I made the HUGE purchase/decision to buy a new iMac. Sidenote... Many of you who know my husband, Travis would probably assume that he wasn't into computers but let me tell you that my renaissance man(aka: a person who is versatile in many arenas) can hunt and peck with the best of them:) In the winter time he uses the computer frequently and wasn't able to get onto the internet because I always had the laptop with me at school. My laptop experience and the need/want to have a home computer propelled me into a great decision..... I know that many of you are thinking who can love a computer this much well I do. My MAC's don't reboot, give strange error messages, and are not controlled by unknown spirits!haha The bottom line is that you should really think long and hard before you buy a computer and give MAC a try..... Until my next strange post:)

Accomplished?

2008-09-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

Since I made such a big deal about posting my TO Do list I think I should post what I actually got accomplished:)

Finished...
1. Made business appointment
2. Went to Nail, and Dentish appt.
3. Updated substitute list at local schools
4. Paid Bills
5. Did bi-weekly grocery shopping
6. Have cleaned house both mornings before leaving.
7. Walked on my treadmill both mornings.

I have a couple more things to do this week that need to be followed through on. I promise I won't bore you too much with the monotony of my to do lists.

To Dos

2008-09-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

I resolved last week, in order to make this year, at home, the most productive I can that I would stick to my habit of making lists. I also made lists when I was in school but for some reason I think that I have all the time in the world and do what I can, when I can....Well at the end of the day I seem the sit reveling at what I didn't accomplish for the day and I get pissed. Below is a sample of what my planner looks like for the week.

The Week:
1. Make an appt. with business associate
2. Pick up additional Birth and Marriage Certificates
3. Finish Detailing our Travel Trailer
4. Nail Appt. Dentist Appt. Hair Appt.

Today:
1. Update my contact inform. on sub lists.
2. Call Medical insurance
3. Update Idaho Thanksgiving trip details
4. Pay some bills
5. Call garbage company
6. Work in the office
7. Go to Costco, Wildberries, and Safeway
8. Pick up house before I leave for work.

*Kids spent the night at my mom's last night so I can get a little more done than usual before work. I will also post what I actually got accomplished today:) I like to Dream big.... Till next time. Danielle

Weekend Highlights

2008-09-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

I know I posted that I had ordered a replacement usb cord for my camera but I ordered the wrong one!:( Anyway, this weekend has been relatively mellow. I worked around my house cleaning bathrooms, folding laundry, reading, enjoyed being at home, and went to a wedding.

I Love.....
1. Being at home
2. Reading at home
3. Cooking dinner
4. 800 thread count sheets
5. Clean bathrooms with soft bath rugs
6. Watching movies with Travis
7. Online shopping
8. Taking baths with Carly
9. Listening to Cole tell about how he went hunting and killed a Grouse:)

I am sure I will think of some other things:)

I dislike....
1. Putting laundry away
2. Unmade beds
3. Messy closets
4. Kids staying up past 8pm especially on school nights. I love it when parents complain about their kids not doing well in school and then they get to decide when they go to bed. *I should worry about my own family:)
5. Eating dinner late. Travis doesn't get home from work until 7:15 and I have dinner on the table and the kids I eat as soon as he walks in the door. I think 6:00 is the perfect time to eat dinner.
6. Not being organized.
7. Having trash in my yard
8. Having a dog on crack cocaine
9. People who complain and are not problem solvers.

Both of my lists are random but I want my blog to be a reflection/journal that is glimpse into who I am. Until next time. Danielle

Never a dull moment.

2008-09-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hola! I hope everyone is doing well. The past two weeks have been nice and busy. I am still not in the swing of life without school. I haven't paid close enough attention to my planner, haven't made lists, and seem like I forget things....Which is not like me:) I am planning on making a list each morning, and making sure I get some things accomplished in my year off....

On another note, Travis hasn't been feeling very well. Many of you know that he has a benign tumor on his kidney and he had it embolized this past year. Basically, they went up his femoral artery and wrapped coils around the blood supply to the tumor. It was a painful procedure but we survived. He had felt a lot better but in July he started to have pain again. He says that the pain is what he thinks labor contractions would be like:) He said that he can feel it coming on and then it goes in waves.... To make a long story short he went in for a C-T Scan yesterday and then we flew to U.C.S.F. to meet with his urologist specialist. His appt. was at 8:30 this morning. The Dr. said that the tumor is down to 4 cm from being 10cm. That is great. We have two options, one is to remove the tumor which would most likely be a loss in Travis's kidney (NOT AN OPTION) and our second option is to have the tumor embolized again... Needless to say Travis is going to go through the procedure again. The good thing is that we know what to expect, and what the recovery should be like. Here we go again. I would ask that every would keep us in their prayers and thoughts.

I will report back to everyone on how I am doing next week with my goal to get organized. Love Danielle

2008-09-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

2008-09-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pics from our weekend

2008-09-04T09:43:00.001-07:00

Camera Issues and Labor Day.

2008-09-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

I have tons of new pictures from our Labor Day weekend trip/vacation to Six Flags Discovery KIngdom but I am having another camera complication. I bought a new camera from Costco and I got it home and didn't work.....Needless to say I was MAD. I took Janelle's camera with us to Sudie and Michael's because it is exactly the same one that I bought that didn't work:(

I trudged back to Costco and bought another camera... I came home and immediately plugged it in to charge. I was apprehension about it not working, so carefully I took the parts that I needed out to charge it. To make a long story short I had to rearrange the battery and then recharged the battery. Remember when I didn't take out all the parts for my second camera? Well, I through them away on garbage day....UUH. I am going to borrow Janelle's cord to download my pictures and buy another one:( Enough of that sob story... Pictures Later to come...

Why is Labor Day a Holiday? I think that Labor day began as a holiday that the founding Union leaders of America inspired to shorten the work load of many Americans and to bring awareness to Blue-collar employees... I like to celebrate Labor Day by not doing anything but as a mother that doesn't happen. If the kids are with me, I am running errands or doing much needed housework. I remember Labor Days where I laid at the Lake and ate whatever and whenever I wanted... It is difficult realizing that I don't when I will have any day like that much less a holiday:)lol.

We began our trip to Vallejo by flying to San Francisco, renting a car, checking into the hotel(which was right across the street from the park!) and sleeping. The kids woke up with excitement and all three of them, Cole, Carly, and Connor were standing in the window staring/imagining all the rides they could see. Each morning we ate at our hotel before the adventure to the park. We came back to the room and laid Connor down for a morning nap and caroled Cole and Carly with Movies until the we were ready to go and the park was open. We went to Six Flags on Saturday and Sunday and then headed to San Francisco on Monday. We went to Union Square and shopped but with three kids, feeding, and strollers, it's hard to get into the mood.. Coming from me who LOVES TO SHOP. I am rarely not in the mood:) We decided to head to Pier 39 where one of my favorite restaurants is located. No it isn't a chain franchise but a old/historic/classy/elegant restaurant that can seat up to 350 people, doesn't take reservations, and has valet parking (The best feature!) It is called SCOMA's. If you are in the area, check it out. They are online as well;) They have OUT OF THIS WORLD Seafood and Pastas. Enough of that I am salivating.

After one chocolate/candy store and toooooooooo many tourists/people we were ready for home. We headed to the airport and returned the rental car . As we were approaching our gate we noticed that another flight was leaving for Eureka/Arcata and we all were put on standby. They could only take three and Cole, Carly, and I were nominated. I felt bad for everyone else because they wanted to go home just as badly but I didn't have long to ponder. As I rushed both the kids down the "chute" and towards the last row in the mini-plane I had a brilliant idea. I will sit in between the kids that way they can't bug each-other. Well the lady who was sitting next to Carly kept making rude comments. I told her in not so many words where she could take her bad attitude and she marched right up to the flight attendant. She trudged back with the lady and asked me if I would be willing to move seats... at this point "H*ll no!" was my answer. I also informed the passenger and the flight attendant that the passenger should switch seats with someone who didn't hate children. Needless to say that a very nice HSU student switched seats with the kids:) He also let Cole and Carly play his practice bagpipe while waiting for our bags. He is a profession bagpipe player. People never stop ceasing to amaze me. As a side-note, Carly had not even touched the lady, cried, screamed, or done anything to provoke the crazy. Our whole altercation happened before we started taxing to take off and mind you, we were the last people on the plane, right before they closed the door.

Our weekend was filled with fun, laughter, and memories. In my last post I talk about taking my children to explore the world and every day is adding to our memories and our exploration. Where will be go next? Danielle

Week of a lifetime?

2008-08-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

This week has been remarkable! Below is a recap on what we've done each day and are what else I have planned.

Monday- Cole went to Vickie's and Carly went to work with my dad, as a CAT/Dozer operator and I worked in the office until 4pm. Came home and made Raviolis for dinner.

Tuesday-I woke up at 7:20 and had to get the kids fed and ready for school. I dropped them off at school with a huge smile on my face.....I do not work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have been day dreaming about being able to drop and pick the kids up from school and be at home while their at school. I came home and began cleaning my car out, weed eating, edging, and mowing. I also ordered take-out chinese so I didn't cook at all! I will follow up with some pictures of our house when my NEW camera gets charged. Back to our week. Tuesday was fabubulous because it was spent at home. I also watched my nephew Connor while my sister was at school. I finally get to be the watcher for once. This fall is off to a great start:)

Wednesday- Woke up at 7am again and promised that I would set my alarm the following day. I like to wake up before the kids so that I can drink coffee and be fully awake when I am making breakfast. I don't like to have my house disastrous when I leave for the day. Took the kids to school, went to the office for a couple of hours, went to Eureka and ran work errands until 3pm. Came home and the kids were riding Speck (horse) so I came home and they rode home... I made Tacos for dinner.

Today- Woke up at 6am, hip hip hooray!!! Going to make breakfast, take Carly to school (Cole spent the night at my mom's house.) Going to come home and finish mowing and doing laundry. Going to go up to the office and work for a couple of hours. Vickie is watching Connor and picking up the kids from school. SHE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF HER BABIES. I can't thank her enough and I have the best mother-in-law!!! After work I am going to come home and pack for our labor day weekend. My mom, Janelle, Connor, Cole, Carly, Vickie, and myself are flying to San Fransisco on Friday and renting a car and driving up to Vallejo. We found the flight for REALLY cheap. We have all been driving a lot lately and really don't want to have to drive 5-6 hours each way. We are going to Marine World on Saturday and Sunday and then on Monday we are going to Pier 39 and San Francisco before we fly out, Monday night. The kids are jazzed about going on an airplane:) Tonight I am making black eyed peas (beans and ham) with fresh bread. I hated beans as a kid but now I love them. I especially like them on Indian Tacos on Day 2.

Friday-Work if I need to. Finish packing and cleaning up the house because I don't like to go out of town with a filthy house. Travis will be home working but he doesn't make a mess.*If he is working and by himself:) We don't fly out until 8pm so we may have to have Indian Tacos, we'll see.

This week has been a day dream for four years. Since Cole was born I have dreamed about staying home (A couple of days a week) and worked at my house. After four long years I have accomplished my academic goals and now I am moving towards my personal goals. Chat with you soon. Danielle

More Pics

2008-08-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

Updated Pictures

2008-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Summer in a Nutshell....

2008-08-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Things that we've accomplished 3 months.

1. Finished my bender board project (rock landscaping)

2. Read a bunch of books, some teaching theory books and plenty of pleasure novels.

3. Watch the complete series of Lipstick Jungle, Sex in the City, The McLeod's Daugthers, and Mad Men, and a load of misc films.

4. Taken the kids to the waterslides. We bought season passes and we defiantly got our money worths.

5. Helped put on my sister, Rachelle's wedding.

6. Vickie and I took the kids to Visit Sudi and Michael at their home in Oakhurst, California which is near Yosemite National Park. We had a lot of fun, even on our 9 hour car ride. Bass Lake is 5 minutes from their home and we went out on a Patio Boat one day and we had a great time.

7. Cole and Carly have become very comfortable in the water with swimmies and lifejackets on.

8. Travis is slaving away at work all week and saving up for his BIG hunt in November.

9. Booked our airline tickets, and planned our trip for Thanksgiving week. Travis, his Dad, Mom, and two of his uncles are going on an Elk, and Deer/Mule Deer hunt over the week of Thanksgiving so the kids and I are going to fly to my grandma Mickey's home in Sandpointe Idaho! The kids are very excited because their is so much wildlife right in her yard. I am more excited for Travis to go with his parents on their hunt because this is a trip of a lifetime. They have all dreamed about going on a private guided hunt and we are finally in a position to do so. When Travis and I got married we decided that everyother year we would try to go on a vacation together and then the next year we would try and have him go hunting in a place that he really wanted to go. So far so good..

10. That brings me to my next thought...Our next vacation. The last two times that we have went on vacation together we have went to Mexico. I really want to take a trip with the kids.... We take short trips within the continental U.S. with them but I grew up traveling around the globe and it is a priority to have my children experience different cultures as well. I know that I want to go to a place that is centered on families. Meaning rooms that are kid friendly, activities, and etc. I am thinking possibly Canada, Alaska, but I am not set on anything yet, but I have begun researching. My children and Travis love Wildlife so we'll see what I can find.

11. Over labor day we are taking the kids to Six Flags for the weekend with my mom, vickie, janelle, and connor.

12. I forgot to mention that I taught a summer course, Hollywood and History at College of the Redwoods this year. I am also working between 20 and 30 hours a week in the office, McCullough Const.

The past couple weeks have been very rewarding. I have the opportunity to go and spend quality time with Cole and Carly and my family that I love. I haven't been sidetracked with preparing for school to start! I AM FINISHED! I haven't applied for any teaching positions because I am taking a year off to regroup and I am busy enough managing the office. I have realized that many people in my extended family and in the community keep bugging me with asking "filler" questions such as "what are you doing Danielle?" I want to say " I just lay on the couch, eat ice cream and gossip about people." YEAH RIGHT! Instead, I give them a polite rant about how I manage my families construction company, take care of the kids, wife, and I am taking a year before Cole goes to Kindergarten to refocus. Why can't people find better things to talk about....

I am also realizing that people who aren't busy enough or are really negative are not people I want to be around...but that is a different post.

My plans for this year include parenting, working, spending time with Travis, traveling, writing, and being happy!!!

Love you all. Danielle

Last Day!!!!!

2008-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of school at Sunny Brae Middle School. Everyone knows how happy I am to be finished with this year. I feel like summer has begun because I have been now getting up early in the morning to watch episodes of "Lipstick Jungle." It is a new series that piloted this past spring and I didn't have a chance to watch it. I read the novel that it is based off of by Candace Bushnell and LOVED IT! If anyone has anytime it is definitely a show worth watching. Google Lipstick Jungle and it will take you to the shows NBC site. If you get there make sure to choose episodes not chapters. Chapters are within episodes. (Something I figured out:)

I have to attend my school's graduation tonight, and tomorrow is Rachelle's bridal shower. My mother is amazing. She is having the event decorated, catered, and the only we have to do is clean up! (She may have something planned for that, though:) Now that my life/career is finally able to begin I have been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in the next couple of years. I have been milling over writing somethings. I have two lesson plans that I want to try and get published. I also want to write a biography about my mom....sshhshshs. She would be modest and say why? But everyone who knows her can understand why! I know one thing, and that is anything is possible!

On the home front I have a list of things I want to accomplish this summer while I am only working part-time. Below is a prioritzed list of my summer to dos!

Family

Make my kids real pancakes, not microwavable.
Take them to the beach
Take them to the waterslides
Let them sleep in past 6:00am, because I don't have to have them at Preschool when it works for me. I will take them when it works for them!
Lastly, I don't want to keep going otherwise if I don't accomplish them all I'll be mad!hahaha

Personal

1. Finish putting Rock on my bender board project. Pics will come, I promise.
2. Read 3 Pedagogy (Teaching Theory) books, that I have been wanting to read. I am 1/2 way done with number one.
3. Create a community building file that I can have for my classroom. This is a file with hundreds of ideas on how to create a safe classroom community.
4. Clean out my attic, Have a yard sale? Probably, I'll just donate to goodwill.
5. Teach a College of the Redwoods course for Upward Bound!

I think making lists are important and having goals. Where are you going?

2008-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
I am currently in my last credential class!!!! It is Saturday and beautiful outside but I am here in a room, that will eventually end. Enough of that! The pictures below are from our Memorial Weekend. We branded and marked (cut off the balls) of our new calves. We had a lot of help from our family, and close friends. Thank you! Cole and Carly were both in the corral with about 20 calves and they were each trying to rope them. It was precious.

I know that I told everyone that I would be taking the year off next year but some things have changed. I have accepted a position teaching Upward Bound at College of the Redwoods this summer. It is only a four week program and the class is only one hour a day. I submitted a course proposal for a course titled "Hollywood and History." This course is where students learn how to analyze and view film critically. Why are films made, how violent films are, AND HOW WE ARE MANIPULATED as viewers. It is a great class! The films we're watching are Amistad, Kite Runner, and Charlie Wilson's War. If you can't tell I am on a Middle Eastern Kick. I won't tell you more....

Cole and Carly are doing well and today they are in the Azalea parade with Aunt Sis. Wish I could be there! Last day of school is Friday! Have a wonderful week, make sure to take time for yourself! I defiantly will thinking about it:)

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2008-05-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

More Pics

2008-05-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Cole's 4th Birthday

2008-05-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Cole's 4th birthday! He woke up to the "Happy Birthday" song and he tried fervently to not go to school. I told him he didn't have to take a nap but school was a priority. I had took the day off and I enjoyed it very much. Travis and I ran errands and then I came home to decorate. I had resolved to have low key parties for the kids this year so I just had grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Needless to say we were a packed house. I made Fettucini Alfredo and my sauce is getting better and easier each time. I absolutely detest Alfredo sauce from a jar. I also buy fresh pasta noodles from either Wildberries or the Co-op the fresh noodles that are in plastic wrap in your deli or cold section still aren't the freshest. Cole got a new Yamaha 90 four-wheeler in March from all of us, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles but he still managed to scrap up a few more gifts. I will post some pics of his four-wheeler when I go to Salyer next. Carly and him have their four-wheelers up there so that they can haul yard clippings, weeds, and whatever else.

Are memorial plans are to help Uncle Dave brand his cows on Saturday in Redding. I will probably take the kids to the water-slides and meet up with some friends. Sunday we are racing home to Salyer to brand our cows and stay in Willow Creek until school on Tuesday. I hope everyone had a great May because it is almost over!

Pizza Picnic and more!

2008-05-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday night the kids came home from Salyer with Vickie. They were dressed in Salyer clothes which is commonly known as whatever was left up there from the last time we were up there. Vickie said that Carly had had an issue with pooping in her pants which is strange but she went through matching clothes faster than ever. What I love about Salyer is the weather, the house I grew up in, gardening, and how infrequent the phone rings. What I do not like about Salyer is seeing people who I wish would disappear (they know who they are!) Back to point of this blog. Cole called me on his way home and requested pepperoni pizza for dinner. I had been planting flowers after my class and knew this would work. We picked up the pizza and proceed to have a pizza picnic in the living room. They even got to drink hansen sodas! After all this fun they took a bath, and we watch "The Secret Garden" in my bed. It was a great night! Have a great week.

p.s. Mother's day was nice. I got all my bender board put in but I am going to show pics when it is completely finished. It may take all summer!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today is mother's day! I think it is a great day but I honestly question way everyday is parent, and spouse day. I wish I could treat my husband like it was father's day everyday and vice versa, oh well. Anyway, I had school yesterday from 9-3 and when I got home I mowed the lawn, picked up things that had blown around from the wind, watered, and laid out where I am going to put bender board this morning. My project for the day is to clean the garage, put a new tarp/custom neoprene roof on our dog kennel, and put in 200 ft of bender board. I know the kids will be cooperate because they love playing outside. Travis should be home any minute and he has some projects he needs to finish. I will have to post some pictures of the bender board when I am finished. Happy Mother's day to all of you who have dedicated your lives to raising extraordinary children!

More Pics of Carly's birthday

2008-05-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely

2008-05-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Vickie and Carly. Vickie made Carly's cowgirl cake. I will upload more when I get a chance.

This Weeks Menu

2008-05-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

I have been on a new kick lately. I am trying to cook different things than I normally cook. I am trying to make two New things each week. This is not always possible because getting home at 5:00 doesn't inspire me to cook a new recipe. Below is a list of what we are doing for dinner this week. Post a comment if you really want a recipe. I am not going to post them for eye candy.

Sunday-Mushroom and Fontina Quesadillas, these were delic., quick, and my family loved them! They are defiantely a full meal. I served it with a light salad.

Monday-Creamy Fettucine Alfredo with Pancetta-This is the first time I have made this with sauce from scratch. We'll see. I bought homemade noodles so they should make a big difference.

Tuesday-Beef Enchiladas-I won't be home till 7:30 so I am going to make these in the morning and have them ready in the fridge!

Wednesday- Pork Chops with cream of mushroom soup and white rice baked in the oven.

Thurs. Fri. Sat.- I will be on my own as Travis is going to Ft. Bragg for Abalone, I have school all day Saturday, and the kids are with my mom and Vickie in Salyer.

I hope this inspired some of you to change up your menu!
p.s. There are so many food blogs. That is what motivated me.

Bedroom

2008-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,
I am even impressing myself with all these posts! Carly had a wonderful birthday. It was so nice to spend the day as a family and wish my little girl a "happy birthday" every couple of minutes. She did terrific and we had a fabulous time in sunny Salyer. I will post pictures once everyone sends me there copy. I forgot my camera. I wanted to post some pictures of my bedroom because I think it looks really cute right now. Nothing in it is recent but after Christmas I made changes. Also, I put some fresh tulips by the side of my bed and they instantly brightened my day.

Comments

2008-05-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

WOW! I know some blogs get multiple comments on each post but I just got "4." If that isn't incentive to keep blogging I don't know what is. Thanks guys

Week Recap:
Carly start school and some of the comments that people told me were Day One "She had kids lined up outside directing the games that they were going to play."-The kids were in awe that the new girl was so bossy, that's my thought!ha "She did very well, she listened and is getting the hang of our routine"-This is a polite way to say that a student is non conforming but we are having a little power struggle and I am going to win! Go Gaye (That's the kids' teachers name)

Cole talked his Grandma Vickie into bringing their new baby chicks to Preschool for show and tell. He went swimming with Grandma Dena at Healthsport and then on to Bon Boniere! I am glad he stayed at Mom's house because who knows what he was like the next day for school....

Travis worked all week in Salyer and is planning on reloading rifle bullets this weekend. We are going to Salyer to celebrate Carly's third birthday. We are also bringing our travel trailer! My parent's are remodeling their bedroom, and bathroom in Salyer so we thought it would work to bring our own showering device.

I am finishing up teaching a unit on Rise of Industry during the 1900s. I began doing a "Read-Aloud" with the students on a historical coming of age novel, "Lyddie." My academically challenged class is doing well because they loved to be read to and they are listening intently. My mainstream class is excelling because they can listen and be analytical. I don't know if any of you have seen the documentary "Made in L.A." it is about three illegal immigrants in L.A. who fight to get companies like Forever 21 to pay for the work they did. I could rant but I would advise everyone to see it! My last note is that The horrible working conditions of the 1900s continue today! No, companies don't just exploit workers in countries outside the U.S. it also happens in The U.S.!!!!
Till next time!

I'm Alive!

2008-04-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

I am back to trying to blog. Carly started Preschool today and I am feeling nostalgic! She is turning "3" on Saturday and I often think she skipped right to being "13." She is going to the same school as Cole and he loves that his best friend, his sister, gets to share the excitement of the day. Cole and Carly go to Preschool Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 7:30-12:30. Vickie is finally getting to enjoy her retirement. I hope she is able to sleep in and schedule some appointments. Don't get me wrong, she never lets the kids slow her down. She takes them to all the places I usually don't...hair cuts, nail appts, weight watchers, the fair, and thats just a few!

Travis has begun working again 40 hrs a week. This is just the warm up for his 60-65 hr weeks during his busy season. His health is good and he needs to schedule a follow up cat scan but he is feeling "normal" 99.5% of the time. He is planning on going to Fort Bragg next weekend to go Abalone diving and the rest of the time just getting things ready for work. He is going to be working out of town this summer and I am hoping to spend at least two nights out of the week with him!!!

I am in my last haul of student teaching. This year has been HARD! I always thought that life couldn't get busier than when I had 20 units of undergrad but little did I know that Graduate school and an internship was pure insanity. I am not going to teach summer school this year so I am thrilled to have a break. I am going to continue to manage my parent's office and enjoy being a mother. Teaching jobs are very slim in Humboldt County and next year I am going to sub 2 or 3 days a week while working in my parents' office. Words can't express how happy I am to be downsizing. I could scrounge up part-time teaching jobs but I am exhausted and need the simpler routine of just doing two things instead of four! We'll see how long it lasts.

Life is going well and I thank God for our health and the family that I love.

The last month and a half in a nutshell.....

2008-01-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

1. December 10-17th Travis and I went to Cabo San Lucas on vacation. It was really nice because Travis's parents were down there already and some really good friends of ours, Chuck and Mary. We spent a lot of time on the beach, snorkeled, went to a bull fight! and misc. other things. Travis and I did get sick quite a bit from either drinking something or eating whatever. It seems like forever ago.

2. We came home from Mexico to get ready for Christmas. It was hard to get into the routine because we had just been in wonderful weather. We spent the 23rd with the Carmesin clan at Aunt Rita's and that was peacefully pleasant. On the 24th we went up to my parents' for Christmas Eve. On Christmas, we opened gifts from Santa!! Then we went to John and Vickies. This Christmas began early but was very relaxing and not rushed. I love this time of year.

3. After Christmas I had to shift my energy into overdrive and finish the preparations for my parents 25th Wedding anniversary. Needless to say they were married on New Years Eve and that is when we planed the party. Thank heaven I had Vickie and my sisters help or I could not have done what I wanted to. It was a semi-formal event, hosted at the Samoa Women's club. We had prime rib, a green salad bar, mashed potatoes, brocolli jennifer, rolls, and smoky beans. We had a full bar, and the tables were beautiful with two different place settings of real china. It was a lot of work but the look of enjoyment on my parents faces were worth it.

4. Okay, so after New Years, Travis got sick. In 2000 he was diagnosed with a benign tumor/lesion on his kidney. It had gotten infected and that is how the doctors found out about it. Well about a week and a half ago he was in excruciating pain. We went to the emergency room and after doing a cat scan the dr. noticed that the tumor had gotten three times bigger. It is now pushing on his liver which is pushing on his diaphram. They think a blood vessel burst inside the lesion and it is hemorrhaging. There are two options. The urologist in Eureka thinks that he can surgurically remove the tumor but he isn't sure because it is so bloody. The second option is to go to U.C.S.F where they have better technology and they can hopefully see where the blood is coming from off of the kidney. Needless to say, he has an appt. for Wednesday at 2:00 at U.C.S.F. He is in pain right now but is managing with pain pills. He is very restless from being at home but we are surviving.

5. I was supposed to start my solo student teaching last Monday but No. I am going back to Sunny Brae today and I am very excited. I will keep every updated.

Finally, It has been a long time since I had a post due to being overwhelmed with taking care of my family. I hope everyone has had a good start to this new year. Love Danielle

Pictures from the last couple of weeks

2007-12-04T06:35:00.001-08:00

4 Years......

2007-11-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

November 15, 2003
Today is Travis and I's anniversary. I can't believe we are beginning our fifth year of marriage. The time is went quick and has been sped along by two births, a new house, new jobs, and school. I love my husband very much. He is someone who challenges me daily but also renews me when I need it the most. He is a great partner, sounding board, and friend. I am enoying this time of year a lot because he is home from work and is able to help out and parent a lot. Yesterday he mowed our lawn (which isn't easy or quick), cleaned out his shed (while building custom horse shoe hooks), took Cole to and from school, watched Carly, hung a picture in our room, cleaned our garage, put stuff into the attic, and made spaghetti for dinner. I was impressed and extremely thankful. My husband is very motivated and is not a big talker but a big doer! If he says he's going to do something he does it and he does it all quick. For all those who know me I don't like it when stuff is not finished and that is where Travis and I agree we finish tasks completely. My husband is not perfect and neither am I but we made a choice to be together, and we will and do make it work. Travis, I love you. (Who knows if he'll ever even see this post.) Danielle

2007-11-11T16:36:00.001-08:00

Okay, so me and blogger don't always get along. That is why you will see plenty of separate picture posts below this one because I have to publish multiple times to get my pics to upload. Life is fine right now and will be even better when Thanksgiving break is upon us. I have four more weeks until our trip to Mexico and I am exstactic. I don't think that is spelled right. Halloween was okay being as I can't stand the rush of the day, dinner, and all the places we have to be. I personally think the day is overrated. "To each their own." Well, Cole was a pirate, and Carly a jester. Carly was a much better jester than a fairy and played the role brillantly. I am a little surprised that Cole wanted to be a pirate for as long as he did and loved being the captain. Overall, a great costume year. By far the best part of the evening was when we went to my in laws and they were a tourist and a pirate. Complete surprise and they were fantastic. I hope everyone is super and we'll see you all soon.

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2007-11-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

A little Late...

2007-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hunting for the Weekend

2007-10-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you may have guessed by the pictures that Cole and Carly went hunting with their dad this weekend. Travis along with his mother took Cole and Carly to some family friends cabin in Trinity Center for three days. They met Travis's grandparents and his dad up there so they had plenty of help. I totally enjoyed my weekend by myself. I went grocery shopping, went to a halloween craft fair, watched movies, went to a movie, went to dinner with a bunch of friends, and spent the night with my sisters. I took advantage of every free moment. Enough said. Travis definately earned a lot of brownie points and I missed my kids as well. They didn't get a buck but the kids were happy with their squirrels. Travis said something interesting the other day and it made me think. He said that the next time we get into an argument I should blog about it so everyone knows we are normal!!!ha I thought that was profound because it seems I only right about good stuff. We'll see. I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.

These Little Piggys......

2007-10-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

Cole and Carly got some wiener pigs a couple of weeks ago and look how big they are. Vickie took these photos yesterday of them while they let their pigs run around outside of their pen. Cole and Carly are going hunting with Travis and Vickie and I am staying home this weekend to catch up on some much needed homework. I will miss them but I better get a lot done. Well I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Love Danielle

Blogging Issues

2007-10-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't blogged efficiently lately. I have new hair. It is shorter and darker and a whole lot easier. There are two pictures of Connor and Cole and Connor is getting very big. It is a blast being an aunt and getting to do the whole baby thing without having to do the baby thing every day. Well as always I will make empty promises to keep my blog updated.

Much Needed Update

2007-10-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Cole and Carly

Happenings

2007-09-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would blog to let everyone know what the Carmesin's have been up to lately. I'll start with Travis since I never begin with him. He has been working a lot and right now he is back out of town. I miss him daily but not as much as the kids do. Carly stated last night " I want my daddy" when she was laying down to bed. I felt for her. Last weekend Travis and I had some alone time. He got home last Friday night from work and then Saturday we headed for Salyer. We took our time getting up and getting the kids ready to spend the day and night with Janelle and my mom. They could live at my mom's on the weekends because they don't see her that much during the week. They do live at Vickies during the week while I'm at school, school, and more schools.. Between both grandparents my children are spoiled (not rotten!) So Travis and I took his horse and my dad's horse to Salyer and played all day. We visited with family and enjoyed relaxing. It was a great weekend. Cole and Carly are doing well and Carly is having an outstanding week. I think her teeth must have been really bothering her the last couple of weeks because she was super cranky and crazy. Cole has been terrific and is doing really well in school. He doesn't seem so shy and is outgoing. I am trying along with the help of my sisters and my wonderful mother-in-law Vickie to plan my parents 25 wedding anniversary. It is going to be on New's Year Eve so we have a perfect image of what it needs to look like. It is all coming together. I ALMOST FORGOT..... My sister Rachelle is engaged to her long-time boyfriend Clay Hicks. He proposed on Labor day and the wedding is going to be July 12, 2008 at our families house in Salyer. There is going to be 11 bridesmaids so it will be fun....or ..... Anyway we are super excited for both of them. I'll end with that good news.

Haven't blogged in awhile

2007-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Right now I am in a meeting and I should be listening not typing. These past two weeks have been wild. I have been at Sunny Brae and at my classes at Humboldt. It is very hard to sit in my classes at Humboldt and have a lot of big theories thrown at me but want to be at my school site. I feel like screaming daily but oh well it's only a year. I need to accept that I am not going to like everything in life but I can shut up and move on. So in saying that....

Cole and Carly are growing like weeds. Carly is getting her molars and she is a spunky monkey. She slept in her playpen last night because she constantly gets out of her bed and wants a drink of water. We are battling. Cole is going to preschool from 8-12:30 on Mon-Thurs. He is growing up and changing. He says things that are hilarious. I miss everyone and will post some pictures very soon. Until then.....

Memories

2007-08-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

These past couple of weeks have been long weeks. Two of my great-grandmothers passed away this last week. My mothers grandmother passed away on Monday August 20, 2007 and my dad's grandmother passed away on Thursday August 23, 2007. The picture with my sisters, mom, and carly is with my great-grandma who lived in Missouri. We went and visited her last August and I am glad I have a fresh memory of her. I was able to see my great-grandmother Delphine on Sunday and she is pictured with Cole and Carly. We had a barbeque for her since she wasn't feeling well. Her funeral was yesterday and it was extremely emotional. I grew up on the ranch that she and my great-grandfather worked very hard to keep in our family. Today we run our cattle there as well. Death isn't something I look forward to I dread the thoughts and emotions it brings forth but I know that both of my grandmothers loved Jesus wholeheartedly and are in heaven. I love and miss you.

Waterslides

2007-08-12T20:25:00.001-07:00

Two weekends ago Vicki, Heidi and I took the kids to the waterslides. I can't say enough about the waterslides because the kids tromp around the kiddie pool while I soaked up some rays. I did manage to read periodically between keeping one eye on my children at all times. The weather was perfect and the kids swam and swam. We took Vicki's trailer over to Redding and stayed in a very nice trailer park right next to the slides. The park is awesome. It has a pool, and is beyond clean. We took the kids to chuck-e-cheese one night where they had a lot of fun. I shopped for new clothes to begin my last year of school and even though it was quick was still very enjoyable.

I started school Wednesday August 8th. The class is Multi-cultural issues in education which is challenging. I support and I am an advocate for diversity but find it hard to constantly be confront with homosexuality and trying to accept when I do not. Hate the sin not the person is what I remind myself daily. On a different note...

This last weekend Travis and I took the kids to Medford. It was fun to do something just the four of us and we laid around our motel rooms and watched movies, shopped, ate out, drove around, and just enjoyed eachother. I picked up some new plants and don't know when I'll have time to plant them but I better do it soon. I still haven't cleaned my wrought iron gates which annoys me but I have so much reading I shouldn't have even blogged. Till next time

Marking Calves

2007-07-30T04:33:00.000-07:00

I have never posted this many pictures on one post but this weekend Vicki had my camera and she took some really cute pictures. This weekend Travis's uncle Dave and Donna met us in Willow Creek to mark calves which is removing the balls from steers. They also wormed the cows and gave them antibiotics. Travis's parents also stayed the weekend and were a tremendous help. It was beautiful in Willow Creek and visiting with everyone was fun and we had some really good food.

Cole was such a little cowboy and helped his dad by delivering the supplies he needed once they got the calves roped. Carly took a nap in the air conditioned truck but she was in full form during the evening session. She is getting very big and she says haha after everything. I love them both very much. This is my last week of summer school and I can't wait to take the kids to play at the waterslides. Miss everyone and have a great week.

2007-07-24T19:05:00.001-07:00

The top pictures are from our weekends at Trinity. Today I picked up the kids from Vickie's and came home and planted a tree along with another plant which I have spaced the name along the side of our dog kennel. I also transplanted some lilacs that I had in pots into the planters next to our dog kennel. I am planning on doing my cast iron gate trellis's either this weekend or next week. I have to go to Costco and Winco tomorrow after work and after the kids naps so I won't be in the mood after I get home. I may begin them while the kids are napping. I need to probably design the tests that I have to give on Friday but oh well. School went okay today but my class dynamic this session is completely different than my last session. It is hard not to take what the students say personally. I am a confident person but my ultimate goal is to reach and teach each one of them and when that doesn't always work I can't beat myself up. Teaching is a multi-faceted posistion. Well I am going to Willow Creek Thursday night and can't wait for some warmth and the smell of fresh air. Have a great week.

Update

2007-07-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, Summer is sailing by and I am enjoying myself. To take everyone back a couple of weeks from my last time I blogged I will begin with our fourth of July. I had the 4th of July off from school but Travis chose to work. Me and Kateri O'Rourke took our kids to the Arcata festival which was on the plaza. It was fogging but the kids had their face painted and we spent a lot of time together. When Travis got home from work he took the kids to a friends house for fireworks while I worked on my lesson plans. We packed up our camp at the lake and last weekend Cole and I were in Monicas wedding. The wedding was beautiful and we had a lot of fun with our friends and family.

Travis is working out of town and needless to say I had a new alarm installed on our house on Thursday. I love knowing that if something were to happen that I would have a back-up. It gives me extra security. Honestly, I am so tired at night I usually hit the pillow and I am out. I took another CSET test this Saturday and then we had a bbq at our house. We had a bonfire and visited with our family. Cole and Carly are getting big and last week I was able to pick Cole up from school and from their grandma's by 12:30 each day. That is a record for me. This week will be busier as I have a load of errands for work and home. I am again in the mood to do some new landscaping projects and I feel a couple changes in the next couple weeks. I have two more weeks of summer school and Vickie and I are taking the kids to the waterslides for two days before I enter my final year at HSU. It begins August 8th!!! Well I will try and blog more frequently. Miss you all.

Summer

2007-07-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

The top picture is my kids playing with noodles while I try to get something accomplished. I read somewhere in a baby magazine that kids have fun sticking spaghettie noodles in a strainer well it isn't worth it! It took so long to clean up even with my chefs helping. The other pictures are from our weekend trips to the lake. This past weekend we had a blast and Clay my sister Rachelle's friend came up and it was good visiting with him. Carly is in love with him and for once she would just sit around the fire and stare at the bronzed beauty! Whatever gets her to sit down. It was nice to sleepin and not work on lesson plans. I am trying different ways to make my life easier and I will let you all know how it goes at the end of the week. Cole had fun at the lake and loves fishing. We took the boat out on Saturday and hung out on a beach which the kids love. I took a nap on the tube and actually started a pleasure book. Sunday reality set in. I took Carly to the pool while Travis and Cole went on the boat and just relaxed as she played. We left at 1:00 because Travis had to go to work. It was a quick drive home..... We are going next weekend for our final camping weekends. We have a couple weddings this summer and will spend the rest of our free time in Willow Creek. I hope everyone is having a great week.

Crazyness!

2007-06-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am so exhausted I am not even sure I spelled crazyness right!ha. Summer school started on Monday and frankly I have been working my arse off. Literally. I started weight watchers on Monday as well and frankly dieting and creating lesson plans at 4:00am is not the best on your sleep life. Okay enough whining. Thank God for Grandparents because my mom had Carly this week at the lake and Vickie shuttled Cole between her house and preschool. It has made my first week teaching a little more bearable.

So about summer school....The kids are wonderful the subjects are my favorite, world history, world geography and the best U.S. history!!! The prep time I spend preparing for each day is out of this world. I have 16 students from 8-12:30 and must cover one semester in three weeks. They seem to like my teaching style and of course they would say something if they didn't. Overall, college was smooth sailing compared to the real world. I long for my days working at the bank at a desk dealing with crazy customers. I wouldn't go back but hell it was easy.

Next post won't be so tiring............

Much Needed Update

2007-06-20T08:58:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I need to give everyone an update... This past Saturday I threw a bridal shower along with the other bridesmaids for my longtime friend Monica Johnson. Monica is marrying Jeff Brock on Saturday July 14th. Cole and I are both in the wedding. The show was a smashing success and was easier than most others because we had it catered. I love the caterer she does a coffee bar along with lemonade and makes wonderful salads. We had other things but these are my favorite.

In family news my mom is going to be the next Superintendent of McKinleyville Union School District. For the past 8 years she has been Supt/Principal of two schools in Fortuna and has commuted daily. Her new posistion will be five minutes from her house and just a Superintendent posisition. I am excited, thrilled, and ecstatic to have her closer. I subbed at her school numerous times last month and her workload is overwhelming. She is a model to women all over the county!!! She will be responsible for Dows Prairie, Morris, and McKinleyville Middle. YEAH!!!

Connor is doing well, and I know I need to post some pics of my own children but just haven't lately. Connor is nursing excellent and is on his babywise schedule. My sister is an awesome mother and is very relaxed especially for her first child. This weekend we are going to the lake and it should be interesting. My parents are going to have their trailer but it is the first time I am going without my fifth-wheel and I have to tent camp. I will be roughing it. Oh well, I am getting ready to teach summer school on Monday and I am fine tuning my lesson plans. I am teaching world history, world geography, u.s. history, govt/econ. Wish Me Luck!!! I will update you all later once I've started. Bye

Projects

2007-06-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Travis and I have been working around the yard this spring and we have done little things that are finally starting grow. I love my yard and I love to work in it. I get all giddy when I come up with a new idea and I get even more excited about ripping something out that didn't turn out how I wanted it to, to put something better in it's place. I don't think landscaping has to be perfect, but I think you absolutely have to love it or your're miserable. We have a big yard and when I am having a hard time falling asleep I just think of what I would like to do differently in my yard. A couple of weeks ago I had subbed all day and I was worn out. It was a sunny afternoon and I just weeded the strawberry patches. I felt so much better and I was thrilled that I had been outside. I had put together a garden cart from costco and the kids made a house out of it. I ordered pizza and we had dinner in the driveway. Gardening just makes me relax!!! One of the pictures is of our dog kennel(castle)!ha. It needs a roof, but it can wait. I have been slowing adding plants to the outside of it, and it is really turning out nice. I think my projects will be put on hold for the summer besides one or two spur of the moment projects. I am really into brick right now and would love to make a new spot for our bbq possibly and outdoor kitchen...later. Anyways, I just wanted to post some pics of my roses, strawberries, playground, and oh yeah the dog kennel.

Connor, Connor, and more Connor

2007-06-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

These are some more recent pics of Connor to illustrate how beautiful he is!!!!

Busy as Ever....

2007-06-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I need to take more pictures of my new nephew but he is always eating and sleeping. He is beautiful and those top pictures are of him taking a bath in the sink. Janelle and Mikey went to a movie tonight and my mom and I were and are on Connor duty. It is so nice to finally beable to repair my sister and brother-in-law for all those times and there will be more that they watch Cole and Carly. He is currently sleeping and content.

I thought that once school was done I would have sometime to clean my office and have a yard sale but oh no. Ever since HSU has been out I have been subbing and working in my parents' office. I am trying to get my graduation thank you cards out, and stay on top of bills and etc. People have always told me that life after school is the busiest but I didn't believe them..

More good news to keep me busy...Tonight when I got home there was a message from the summer school principal for Northern Humboldt School District that said he wanted to hire me to teach his history classes! I applied for the job in April but I hadn't heard anything so I figured they hired someone else. I really want a break but teaching these courses is the experience I need and will be incredible hands on application. I will take the job but I need to clean my office!!!!! Okay well the last pictures are of Cole playing outside with Carly but none of the ones with Carly were hot so Cole stole the show. Carly was looking for bugs with her head stuck in the ground. Have a wonderful weekend.