Friday night Travis and I took the kids to watch Peter Pan at the Van Duzer Theater at HSU. The kids made it through 2 hours of the show until intermission. I was impressed, and they were exposed to their first play. I will defiantely take them again, and maybe sometime we'll go be ourselves! Sometimes I like to just post recent pictures I've taken of the kids. For labor day we are going to Redding, and back to the waterslides. The kids are excited! (I confess, so am I!)

Inside Activities

It has been cool the past couple of days in Mckinleyville and I have found myself trying to come up with inside activities for the kids. I am sick of coloring books,video time, room time, and so on. I want a fun activity! I sound like a 3 year old. I am going to subscribe to Parents magazine, just so I can have some fresh ideas. Let me know who has a fun activity that keeps their kids on their toes.

Camping

Well, The kids and I had a great week last week. I will give everyone a break down of exactly what we did on our Mom's trip. Tuesday morning 8/15 Vickie (Mother-in-law) and I loaded our fifth-wheel hitch in our pick up hooked our trailers up, and took off for Lake Siskiyou!
Cole rode with Grandma, and Carly rode with Mom. This was my first experience towing our trailer and it was fine. I was nervous at first, but I got over it soon. It takes about 4 hours to get to Lake Siskiyou which is in Mt. Shasta City. Aunt Rita, Jamie, Branson, Annie, Riley, and Clint were already up there and we were looking forward to seeing them.
We made it to Lake Siskiyou in the afternoon, tired, and hot. We got camp all set up, which isn't hard with my home on wheels, and began to unwind. The Campground was really nice. Lake Siskiyou is very small and you can only go 10mph. It isn't the type of lake you bring your ski boat to, but they have an outrageous beach.
With a 1 and 2 year old the beach is the safest and easiest place to be. The older kids could rent paddle boats, and hang out.
Thursday 8/17 we packed up our camp and headed back to Redding. We arrived to our RV park around 11:00 and were at the waterslides by noon. We stayed at a place across from the slides, and the kids and I had a blast. The kiddy section was perrific for my cautious son, and my daredevil daughter. The Grandmas took the kids to the trailers to nap, but they just kicked back and watched a movie. I went to get them for round 2 of the slides and they were ready to go. I forgot how much fun visiting, eating snowcones, nachos, and relaxing could be. It was a perfect way to end my summer because school started yesterday! I hope to live through this semester, and possibly see the light next semester, we'll see! I hope everyone is having fun on their vacations.

Spread the Wealth

(Just thought I would include Carly in her basket!@ 15 mos)

Everyone manages their budgets differently, and I was curious if any of you have found unique ways or little tips to save a dollar here and there. In our house a large chunk of our money goes towards FOOD! Food is bad because it's expensive, and fattening, but you have to have it. I find that making a shopping list saves alot. I always have a shopping list going even if I got back from the store that day. If I notice that I have one of something left, I go straight to the shopping list and write it down. I also buy two of things that I need that way I don't have to run to SAFEWAY for those $20.00 last minute shopping necessities. Let me know how you manage to cut back on household costs.....

We're Back!

(This is five generations)




Hello Everyone! I am glad to be back and not flying in the air with a 15month old on my lap. I have a tendency to get "air sick" when there is turbulence, and Carly or Cole are sitting on me.

We had a great time in Missouri and Illinois. You may all be wondering what we did back there, but it was a blast. We drove around a lot, but we had to in order to visit my great-grandmothers, aunt, uncles, cousins, and grandpa. My mom's side of the family lives in Missouri and Illinois so we visited everyone in one big trip. Carly was TERRIFIC. She loved all the attention she was getting without her brother to steal the show. It is amazing how when I give her my undivided attention she doesn't have to whine for me to notice her.

Everyone knows that the mid-west, and the east coast were all experience heat waves, but while we were back there, it was pleasant and enjoyable. Rachelle and Janelle had fun as well and I love my sisters. They played with Carly and we all laughed and ate, until we felt "belly bombers" That is the new word for when you eat something that makes you feel like you could explode ie: White Castle, and Airport food.

We arrived home Tuesday at 12:00am and Cole was in my bed with his dad. He was sound asleep when I took him into his bed, and when I said "I love you Cole, he said I love you Mom" The kicker was he knew I was home, and he never opened his eyes. I missed him too much (In his words) but I loved spending one on one time with my little girl.

I learned that I love California, and I am content in my "one horse town"

Lyndsey's Wedding

Saturday July 29, 2006
Lyndsey and Travis have gotten married after being together for 8 years. It was a beautiful day, and one of the most emotional weddings I've ever been in. (Including my own!) I have concluded it was emotional because Lyndsey has grown into an amazing person, and through everything Travis has always been right beside her. Lyndsey's day was perfect! The reception was a blast. I saw a lot of people from high school, and I was happy that some were still alive, and others were doing very well. It was a beautiful day, and I am truly happy for my friends.

Another thought... Can you all believe that it is August? I am finishing up summer school this week, and have two weeks off before the fall semester! yeah... Carly and I are going to St. Louis to visit some family for 8 days. My mom, sisters, and grandma, are all going as well, and I am excited. I will post some pictures from our trip when I get back. I hope everyone is enjoying the last moments of their summer. Love Danielle

Family Reunion Memories

Family Reunions are so much fun! We met a lot of people I hadn't known before, and spent more quality time with some others. The reunion was at Vickie and John's and took place for three days. We ate some terrific food, and play a lot of games. Cole and Carly made some unforgettable memories. Cole got into his first fist fight (I mean with his fists, not toddler warfare) with his cousin who was a year older than him. I think he was trying to steal Cole's girlfriend Kaylen(She is in the golf cart with him.) Cole's girlfriend is 4 years older than him, and she stayed the night Saturday night. (I watched closely on my video monitor) After Pete's Dragon they were too tired for anything. Carly had a great time at the reunion being doted on by all her family. The Carmesin's don't have very many girls, that is baby's. There's boys everywhere, but Carly is the only girl. The reunion was a blast, and wanted to share some cute pics with all of you. Danielle

Guilty Motherhood

(This is a sunset from Mexico, when we went on vacation in December.)

Do any of you ever feel really guilty when you take a nap in the middle of the day, surrounded by unfolded laundry? Do you feel guilty when a grandparent kidnaps your kids for a night of or two? Do you feel like you have to justify yourself for being in a grocery store alone? I DO! I tell myself that it is because I am a young mom, and feel like I am constantly under the eye of every other mother. My new vow is to not make excuses for why it's okay that my kids go to their grandmother's while I go to school or to work. This is the way my life is, and I am maintaining my sanity. This rambling goes out to each mom, who feels guilty in doing something for themself. Being a mother isn't supposed to punishment, it's supposed to be terrific! I just had to vent. Let me know if there are other guilty mothers. I AM NOT GUILTY ANYMORE.

Not always sweet

Don't we all wish this was the way life was.... I didn't have a brother to guide me in the
backyard, tackle me, tickle me, or say "Pretty T." I did have two sisters who did all those things
and more, like pull hair. I love being a mom and looking at my children amaze me. Last night the kids and I went to stay the night with Travis and John in our travel trailer up at Bald Hill. Carly ended up sleeping with Travis and I because I didn't want to set her playpen up. (Lazy) I paid for it with a finger up my nose at 5:00 in the morning. I made her pay me in kisses... sweet memories.

Here We Go.....

I've crossed over, and now I am a blogger!!!
7-10-06

Hello, Life is going by too fast. I know that is a generic remark but it's how I feel. Cole is officially potty trained!!! I have to credit his grandmothers because they pushed this reluctant mother into overdrive. With two kids it seems easier to let them just pee, and poop and deal with it in one shot. ( I know you are all thinking it) I have to admit that it's rough at first but then they start tell you themselves, and who can resist "pee pee mommy."

Do any of you lose track of how old your kids are? After 2 and on the second child age is a blur.....

There is only one word for Carly....SPUNKY! She isn't bratty (Not my daughter) but she is not the mellow, blend in, kind of second child. She lets you know she's alive, whether it be walking in circles, or sticking her tongue out at you.

Travis is still working out of town. The job is about 2 hours away, but when you work 12-13 hour days you are too exhausted to drive. He has our trailer at the job site, and his dad stays with him. I spent last night with him up there, and it is beautiful country. The kids and I are going to try to stay with him a couple nights a week, and swing a second session of summer school as well. We'll see.