Nephews

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

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

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

Compromise

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

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

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

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

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

I will be happier when it's Sunday morning.

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

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

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

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

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

I am happy that Connor is gorgeous.

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

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

Facebook

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

Cole Wesley Carmesin is 5 years old!

May 21, 2004

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

My little girl is 4!

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

Come Celebrate the Carmesin kids birthday’s

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



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

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

D.C. Diary

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

Love you all,
Danielle

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2009

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

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

TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2009

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

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

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2009

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

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

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

Part 2

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

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

Danielle

Part 1

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

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

I LOVE........

Sleeping on Saturday Afternoons.

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

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

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

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

Posted Lately?

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

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

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

Repeatedly Random

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

I should be doing something productive:)

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

1.Wheres your phone? Next To Me

2.Wheres your significant other? Coyote Hunting

3.hair color? Dark Brown

4.Your mother? Driven

5.Your father? Caring

6.Favorite thing? Reading

7. Dream last night? Can't Remember

8. Dream or goal? Lose Weight

9. Your hobby? Volunteering

10.Your fear? Children being taken/kidnapped

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

12.what your not? Lazy

13. One wish-list item? New Patio Furniture

14. last thing I ate? Chinese Food

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

16.Your pet? Tippy

17. your mood? Relaxed

18.something your not wearing? Bra

19.Fav store? The Loft

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

21. whens the last time you laughed? At Carly

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

23. Something you crave? Orange Sherbet

24. why you blog? Therapeutic

Pony Express is Back!

Thank you for voting!

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

Pictures from Christmas through Now:)

Cole Wesley Carmesin

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!

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

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:)

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..........

Happy New Year 2009!!!!