More pics

I thought I'd share a few more from our trip. It's hard to decide which ones because I took a lot.

My parents got in late last night, boy were they beat. We've been trying to recoup all weekend. We're just so tired.

We came home to a huge surprise-my mother in law had our home professionally cleaned, laundry done and the carpets cleaned! I can't even tell you how amazing that feels to have it all super clean at once. I may have to look into that!

Saturday night we took Austin to go see the Dark Knight. I had no interest in seeing this. WOW! It was SO good! Heath Ledger did an amazing job. He seriously should get an academy award for his performance. I need to go back and watch "Batman Begins." This new series is something else!

Work-I have a lot coming up that I'm super excited about! Our Luau crop is this Saturday and it is going to be awesome! So many fun things planned and great food to accommodate it. It is sold out, but be on the watch for the next big crop in the fall. Vendor fair-a mini CHA at the end of the month. With the rising costs of fuel and airfare, a lot of stores opted not to go to Chicago this year. So they collaborated and are hosting the vendor fair. Still all the fun-make and takes, new product and great socializing....can't wait! Karen & I will be going to Creative Escape-Sept 3-6th. The Red Bee's "Tour de Crop" the end of September. I'll be your tour guide! I had such a blast last time, can't wait for this one! I know there is more in the works, do keep up with the calendar of events!

Gotta run, have a great week!

Home

I'm really happy to be back home. It was such a long day yesterday. We didn't get in until 1am. (we had a star sighting! Ozzy & Sharon were in the security line right behind us. Then they got a police escort and I heard Ozzy say he's at gate 23. SO ARE WE!!! They were on our flight on the way home. He was really super nice and posed for pictures. I didn't take any, I guess I'm just too timid to ask and don't want to be a bother.) Zach was zonked and the 3 of us were starving. We had picked up some In & Out on our way home and I think we made it to bed about 2am. Our trip was amazing and I can't say there was one bad thing about it. Maybe some things I wouldn't do again, but you have to learn from experience. I told my kids ahead of time that I would be taking lots and lots of pictures and that I didn't want any grief or ugly faces. They were amazingly cooperative and didn't give me those nasty boy faces that I know they can make. So here are a few pics. If I had bought my new camera before, I'm sure I would have taken triple! I have a lot of learning to do this summer with it.

We had a small scare right before we left for Maui. I had drove my Grandma home on Friday June 27th and on Monday June 30th she had gone to the doctors for some tests and her pulse was so low that they called 911. She had a pacemaker put in on July 1st and we weren't sure she'd be able to go with us. The doctors said to go....you'll be fine. So she flew out with my parents on July8th. My Grandma is a real trooper and has been through so much the last few years. Two kinds of cancer that she still gets regular chemo for, lymphedema and now a pacemaker. I'm so thankful that she's doing well and you'd never know she has all these problems if you were to look at her. Today I went to my friends moms funeral and my heart just ached for her. My other friend was there that lost her mother too a few years ago and I just can't even imagine. I cherish all the times I have with my Grandmother and am so thankful for her strength. With that said, goodnight!

Aloha!

Just wanted to say hi real quick. I should be in bed, tomorrow we're driving to Hana and it's going to be a long day! Our trip has been amazing so far and we don't want it to end. Though I could do without all the creatures that show up in our bathroom! I've had a giant cockaroach, a gecko, and a weird worm that look like a snake! Yuck, yuck, yuck! I've taken so many pictures I can't wait to scrap them! Found a great scrapbook store here that makes their own laser die cuts, paper and mini books. I spent waaaay too much there, but it's totally one of a kind stuff that I couldn't help it. :) Oh yeah...Costco here has an amazing package deal on a Canon Rebel XTi with a bag,2 lens (1 zoom lens), a 1gb card, and some other frills that I'm going to get on my way home. I'd wait til I get home, but tax here is half of what it is in California and if I can save $40 or $50 bucks, isn't it worth it?

Joann, got the emails, thanks a million! I'm going to need that Photoshop class now!
Thanks for the heads up Erika! Holy cow!!!

Jenn, I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart just ached when I read your email. I will be at the service on Friday.

Hope to post some pics when I get home this weekend.

Mahalo!

Saturday

Wow....so much time has passed by again! Life just seems crazy busy and is only going to stay that way until we leave THURSDAY!!! Small recap....my family went to Yosemite and came back Thursday. Yesterday I drove my Grandma back to Palm Desert. My sister tagged along. We planned an impromptu photo shoot with Joann for this morning. It's really hard to get everyone all together at once, so I'm happy it worked out. Zach had his soccer, I had a hair appt. Tomorrow I work and then Monday & Tuesday I have to pack. Wednesday I have my QK Club and then that's it......we'll be off! Don't know if I'll get the chance to blog between now and leaving. If I don't....ALOHA! See ya in a couple of weeks!

The Green isn't working for me

I decided this green background is yucky! Thought I'd change it up so I'll be playing around with it. :)

What a busy couple of days I've had! My sister flew in Thursday afternoon....my brother Garrett took the boys to the beach that same day and then later that night we all had In and Out. My sister craves it when she comes to California because they don't' have it in NY. Friday I drove out to Palm Desert to get my Grandma and bring her back to my parents. They all left for Yosemite Saturday morning. That drive (to P.D) is long and boring.....but I had my sister with me and we talked the entire time! I even made her go to Collective Journey with me on my way out. I thought she'd crash on their couch, but she was really impressed and liked all the cute decorated projects. I'm thinking about making her a mini-book of her Yosemite trip if I can sneak her camera away and upload her pics!

So I have a crazy story to tell, and it's a long one. On Saturday...the freaking HOTTEST day on earth, Zach started his Little Kicks Soccer. Thank goodness it was indoors. Then we were invited to a birthday party somewhere in L.A. Let me see if I can explain this. My husband's aunt, Bertina, has lived on the same street for 20 years and so have her neighbors Jack & Letty. Well Jack is Jewish and from Israel (as is my husband and his family, but his mom&aunt were born in Romania) and Letty is Hispanic. They weren't ever able to get pregnant and finally had a child 2 years ago, Eran. It was his party. So is this sounding weird so far? I have never met these people, but Ryan has. Any ways, it must be a cultural thing to invite extended family/friends. Could you imagine? So were at this party and Letty has gone all out on the decorations, food, entertainment. It really was a good time. My mother in law went too and she knows all these people. It's like all the Jewish/Romanians know one another, it's weird. (could I possibly say weird any more? hee-hee) So we're sitting there and this lady comes up and she looks a little familiar....can't place her. Then after she walks away Ryan's aunt says she is Shia LaBeouf's mom! OMG!!!! She (the mom) said if he wasn't filming he would have been there too. ( But she never mentioned his name in conversation, it was like everyone knew.) Apparently Jack owned a factory and Ms. LaBeouf worked for him when Shia was a small boy, like 5. Now there's an immediate connection because he's Jewish and from Israel and I believe she is too and I guess Jack is an amazing person and helps her and Shia out financially for years and basically he (Jack) is considered Shia's uncle! SO INTERESTING! I just kept thinking on the drive home, wouldn't that have been something if he was there!

Today we're just trying to stay cool like everyone else in So Cal. Getting some stuff ready for our trip....can't believe it's just 10 days away! Stay cool!

Wednesday

Tomorrow my sister flies in for 11 days! I'm really excited to see her. Last time she was here we didn't spend any time together because she was here for a friends' wedding and only stayed a few short days. She is going to Yosemite for a few days with my parents and then will be back. We're having a "girls night out" on Friday. My cousin and her friend will be going. Can't wait!

I was browsing blogs today and found out about this Etsy shop. I know this lady from scrapbooking and knew she made her own jewelry. It is gorgeous and wanted to share it with you!

Tomorrow is Austin's last day of school....YEAH! Tonight I'm scrapbooking at the Bee, please forgive me if I'm a tired wreck tomorrow! I haven't scrapbooked on a weeknight in about a year!

Stay cool!

Tuesday

First off I'm SO GLAD that Erika posted about Dinosaur Live yesterday. We had just watched a little snippet on BBC about it. I had no idea it was coming here! So we bought tickets last night. I really think it's going to be an amazing show and I can't wait. (Erika, we are going Sunday @5pm section 207 row F. Ryan said to buy the best seats we could. Acck! I agree, hope it's not too scary.)

Our trip is getting closer.....16 more days! Bought our luggage this weekend. I think I'm done with buying things for this trip. Now we're trying to figure out an itinerary for the 2 weeks so we utilize our time well while we're there with my parents.

I got to scrap a little on Saturday while I helped with our crop. I haven't scrapped in close to a month. I feel so out of the loop and I'm so far behind. I feel like I've lost my sense of style with it. I know that sounds weird, but with all that's been going on scrapbooking has been put on the back burner a lot lately. I am working to finish my book that I took with Suzy, but it's hard since I have no pictures yet. I am going to go crop on Wednesday night with a group of gals that are the Bee's "regulars." They are such a fun group of ladies. I know I'll pay dearly for going on a weeknight! Here's a few layouts I worked on. (kind of boring) Thanks for looking!

12 days late and $200 short!

It's not what you think....

Madonna tickets. Boo-hoo. I didn't know they were on sale. *sniff-sniff* They went on sale on June 1st apparently. Not that it really matters, becuase I wouldn't want the "cheap" seats. And how sad is this...the cheap seats are $98! Doesn't she know that I have wanted to see her for the last 18 years but just can't pay $350 for a decent ticket? I would be willing to pay the $165, but not to sit up in the nose bleed seats.....I just can't do it. And besides, all her decent venues would be a weekend (or midweek) trip. Which that equals to more $$$$ My girlfriend Sandra and I have had a pact for years that we will see her in concert some day.........some day when money grows on trees!

My brother's graduation was really nice. After the ceremony they lit fireworks. How cool is that? It was funny after the ceremony my parents looked at one another and said, "well that's it!"

Have a great weekend....I have an all day crop I'm helping with tomorrow and then we are going out for Father's Day.

Happy Graduation Garrett!

My baby brother graduates in about 3.5 hours. I can't believe it. I remember the day he was born and babysat him all through the years and now he's done with high school. We're going to dinner in about 40 minutes then it's off to Fullerton Stadium. This seems to be the most flattering picture I have of him. He's a goof ball so all the others aren't as nice. :)

Monday

I know I haven't blogged in sometime, but we (I) seriously have been so busy! My QK Club last week was great! I had four new ladies come and 3 of them joined, so we're at 18 members. I'm so jazzed about that. Ryan had school Thursday night and Austin & I left at 4am on Friday so all day on Thursday I was cleaning so I wouldn't have to do it this weekend. Saturday morning Ryan left to go golfing with my dad out at my Grandma's and came back Sunday with my Grandma to celebrate my baby brother's graduation. Today I'm just trying to catch up!

Sacramento was interesting. I wouldn't say the trip was "fun" because I truly was exhausted. The tour guide had us on a tight, tight schedule. Here are a few pics from that;

Austin would have stayed all weekend, he really enjoyed the tour. I was so ready to be home by the time we ate dinner, but it was great that he and I spent a whole day together because we don't get very many of those.

So have I mentioned we leavefor Hawaii in 23 days?! We're all getting so excited. Today I shopped for some luggage. Gonna check a couple more places out. If anyone has any reccommendations I'd love to hear them.

Saturday I went to Diane's to buy a bathing suit. I took my mother in law and the boys. It was such a nice day I thought they might enjoy going to Corona Del Mar. I was wrong. They were so cranky. Oh well! I ended up getting a tankini by Sunsets....it's called "Ginger Black." Black background with blue hibiscus flowers. The tankini part is a halter and then ties in the back like a bikini top and is open. Strange I know. But I love it and can't wait for it to get here! We also got 6 cupcakes from Sprinkles. Oh my! I had only ever had one once. We bought Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Banana Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Black & White. (we really like chocolate) Oh thank goodness this place is FAR AWAY! They were so worth the $19.50!

I've been seriously exercising for the last 3 1/2 weeks. Lots of walking, situps and doing some weights to slim my arms down. Well yesterday I kicked it up a notch and jogged. I don't run. Ever. I did for about 15 minutes and today for about 20. My legs hurt. I figure most people that run are skinny so there must be something to this running business! I'm planning on doing it everyday until we leave. Ok, every opportunity that I have which has been about 4-5 times a week. I'm hoping for a miracle......

This post is waaaaay longer than I expected, so I'll cut it off for now. Peace out!

Weekend

Sex and the City was AWESOME! Go see it.
Dinner w/friends

The class with Suzy was great. I have so much to still finish. Dinner at Pei Wei with Jenn was great! Love that place. Worked all day yesterday and prepped some stuff for the Bee's cruise that leaves on Friday.

This week is busy, busy.

Quickutz Club on Wednesdsay

Ryan at school on Thursday

Sacramento on Friday

Looking forward to school being out.

Have a great week!

Friday

Nothing much going on....gotta get in the shower to get dolled up for tonight! My friends want to get "dressed up" to go have cocktails and see Sex and the City. I'm so casual, it's going to be hard to find a "dressy" outfit.

Hung out at DL today with Zach. We got there at 8:30 this morning! With some serious planning I was able to arrive that early. Hit some rides, he played in the water stuff at CA and then we headed home. Now he's totally zonked.

I have a Jenny Craig coupon for 2 days worth of food for FREE if anybody wants it. JC is expensive, I'm sure this is about a $20 value. Just let me know and I can pop it in the mail to whomever wants it! (it expires 6/30/08)

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday

Our San Diego trip ended up being perfect weather wise. I was worried because as we drove down there on Friday it was pouring. Saturday it was clear with big white puffy clouds and sunshine. Though it was chilly, we had an amazing time at Sea World! Sunday we all slept in. Marriott has the most comfy beds! The kids slept in the sofa sleeper and the room was really dark which made sleeping so nice! We headed out to fly kites around 11am, grabbed some pizza for lunch at Seaport Village and shopped at all the cute stores. I love doing that. Ryan picked out the cutest dress for me for Hawaii. Now I really need to keep it up at the gym! Monday we stopped by two places, the Carlsbad outlets and Everafter Scrapbook store. I had only been to EA once about 4 years ago. The new location is really nice and big, but I think the Bee has them beat on inventory!

I'm looking forward to this week/weekend. Zachary's last day of school is tomorrow. He's done until June 9th and then goes back for 3weeks. Friday I might go see Sex in the City with some girlfriends. Trying to work that out because Ryan doesn't get back until about 6pm from Florida. Saturday night I'm taking this class.

I'm meeting up with my friend Jenn to take the class and grab a bite to eat. I'm SUPER excited because I haven't hung out with Jenn in awhile and the book is simply breathtaking. I can't wait to get back from Hawaii to put my pictures in it.

I haven't been at work in about 2 weeks and I'm looking forward to going in on Sunday. There are soooo many new things brewing over there! Lots of new product, events to plan for the summer and we have a new "Bee!" Look for announcement coming soon. It sure is an exciting thing! Well, I need to get my butt off the computer and go be productive!

San Diego

We're leaving in just about an hour for our little weekend trip. The weather sure has changed on us. I was hoping for sunny skies...but it looks all dreary and cool. Crossing my fingers it doesn't rain tomorrow for Sea World. I'm still looking forward to getting out of town, we totally need this because in the next few weeks it's just going to get more hectic! Have a safe and Happy Memorial Weekend!

Bathing Suits

I've been browsing online for a swimsuit today. It is really hard to choose. I have a particular brand that I can just order and know that it'll fit. I've been buying this brand for the last 4 summers, Sunsets. You can buy the pieces seperately (which is awesome for me because I can find a top that does fit!) and mix and match plain with pattern. Usually I can zero in on a pattern and know that's the one I want. Not this year.....I have about 7 I want and I can really only get one. Between the two brands, Sunsets and Swim Sytems I'm torn. Here's the prints that I'm loving this summer;
Swim Systems
Cayman Island Navy
Pandora Berry
Brazil Batik
Sunsets
Ginger Black
Intrigue Black
Fiji
Tropic Pink
Tell me what you think! Ugh....it's so hard!

I'm slacking with blogging

I'm just in a funk about posting lately, not sure why? I've been really trying to spend less time on the computer because it becomes all too consuming and then next thing you know....an hour or two has passed by!

We spent our weekend like any other So Cal person did.....inside! Geeeze was it hot! I got a wild hair to clean Friday morning. Glad I did, but boy did I sweat my butt off! I scrapped later that night. It was really quiet which I love when it's like that. Finished three layouts. Will share them later. Saturday I signed Austin up for Pop Warner Football. A meer $225 later. This is his first year and I really worry if he's ready for this kind of dedication it requires. Later we took the kids to go see Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian I really enjoyed it, as did the kids. It was hard for Zach to sit still, but he did manage just fine. And Sunday I worked.

We're on the count down to Hawaii now....44 days and counting! I can't hardly believe it. I feel a little scattered. I've been looking at luggage and stocking up on sunscreen and buying new clothes for the kids. I have to call one of the hotels there and book us a spot for the big 4th of July party. This is my scatteredness..... :)

This Memorial Weekend were taking a little trip to San Diego! YEAH!!! We are using Ryan's Marriott rewards to stay here. It is my favorite place! Right on the water, easy access to walk everywhere and a great pool! We went to Sea World last summer and our day pass was, "buy a day come back a 2nd for free." Well, that second day expires on May 31st and we just can't let that go to waste! So our plan is to arrive Friday, Sea World Saturday, hang out Sunday and leave Monday! Unfortunately the weather said it's going to be about 61 degrees....that's a drag because they have a great kid pool and I'm sure it'll be too cold to go in.

Oh, for my MDO friends....I hit a car in the parking lot. I HATE THAT PARKING LOT! I was pulling into a spot and swipped the side of a car. Arrrgh......those spots are TOO SMALL! I swear they aren't the proper width. I waited and waited, but no one came so I left a note. No one has called yet. I just scraped the paint....it was more of a scraping along the side of the other car. So now when you see me pulling in....I will be the one parked the FURTHEST away!

Have a great night!

Mother's Day

I was such a good blogger last week! What happened this week? Erika's post made me giggle...so here's the update for ya ;)

Mother's Day was great. We spent the morning at my moms having breakfast and hanging out. Totally low key which I loved. Having come from a big family, everything is always a HUGE production and this wasn't. My mother-in-law came over and my Grandmother drove in with my cousin Danielle, so it was nice to have more girls around! My gifts tend to be pretty standard every year, so I'm never surprised. This year though.....WOW! My MIL gave me this great bag filled with goodies. Great goodies. I love the bag. It is perfect! Even more so because tomorrow we're going to Dland and I get to use it! My mom gives me pj's. Always love a new summer set. And then my Grandma gives me a trinket of some sort. Well, this year she gave me a gift card to the Yard House! Woo-hoo! Love it! And then Ryan and the kids go shopping and I give a list of ideas, but tend to end up with other things. I got the new Madonna CD....love it! And then all I asked for was a white purse. After I said it, I knew I should have given more details. Ugh. What was I thinking? I'm going to end up with some little old lady bag! Cha-ching! Check out the bag Ryan picked out! He knows me sooooo well. I just love it. You can tell by my expression I'm surprised. I love Kathy VanZeeland bags. They are so funky and cute. Around 3ish, my dad, hubby and brother took off to golf.....such a nice wife, aren't I? And then my other brother and his girlfriend took my boys to see Speed Racer. AWESOME! So my mom & I got to go shop alone. Love it! It really was a great day.

I have a hair appt in 45 minutes.....so more updating tomorrow!

Mother's Day Tea

Yesterday Zachary's class had a small get together for all the mommies. Our teacher really out does herself. We had fruit, muffins, coffee and juice. The kids sang two songs and gave us little gifts. I just love this snap shot of him. Ms. Kristy also made a CD for all the moms. She picked out the best songs. So sweet.

We don't have anything special planned for Mother's Day, just going to hang out. Hope all the moms out there have a special day!

***Pink is still MIA. Everyday he asks for it. I've made countless phone calls to the dentist. They are in a big building and just lease their space. So I've made phone calls to the building owners, they've spoken with cleaning crews.....nothing. Ugh. I can't believe it's actually gone. Just thought I'd share.

Help Please!

Have you seen "Pink?" Pink Blankie? We seemed to have lost him yesterday on our way to the dentist. I'm just sick about this. Zach has had this blanket since he was born. It is the blankie he sleeps with, wants when he's sick and is his Darth Vader cape. It's tattered, it's dingy and it's been hand stitched to hold pieces together. Oh where are you Pink? It got it's name because when Zach was learning colors, everything was pink. The blanket is actually blue with a Classic Winnie the Pooh applique stitched on the bottom corner. I'm so sad. It's the first thing he asked for when he woke up this morning. We've retraced our steps from the car into the dentist office for about 45 minutes yesterday. I checked with all the other offices. I checked under cars. I checked trash cans. It's just gone. :(

So my other "help" item is.....if anyone knows of a paralegal or legal help with child support and custody I'd really appreciate it. I need to update my stuff because my ex will be soon going through his 2nd divorce soon. Apparently he doesn't see it nessacary to pay what the support order says or see his son when he's supposed to. I could go on and on, but nobody wants to hear me rant. It's been 10yrs since it's been updated and I'm sure it needs to be changed. Thanks!

So with my two downers....how about something that really made me happy last night? We have been so heartbroken over the sucky selection of Broadway shows being available when we'll be in NYC in Oct. Well......I checked last night and two of the shows we want to see have been extended!!!! Little Mermaid and Mama Mia! I am SO happy! This is one big reason why we go, to see Broadway shows. So we got 2nd row for Little Mermaid and 7th row for Mama Mia! I'm so thrilled! We're also going to see Jersey Boys again, which I'm not thrilled about, so I'm hoping I can see a 4th show too. I'm thinking maybe Boeing Boeing or South Pacific.

Well, I need to get ready.....have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday

We were sent a new application about 2 weeks ago from the city for the assistance program on buying house. Everyone has to reapply once a year and we've been on the "list" for just over a year now. The last time we checked we were #20 out of 130. So, being curious Ryan sent an email to them and here was their response;
You are currently 31 out of 182 on the list. Please keep in mind that your place on the list can change as we get new applications. We do not have funding for this program until our fiscal new year which is July 2008.
{big sigh} Well, we really can't move until after our trip anyways, but it just stinks we got bumped 11 spaces. Oh well, onto other things.

Ryan starts his MBA program at Concordia on May 19th!!! It seems like he's been talking about doing this forever. I'm really happy that he's finally doing it. His career seems to have really taken off in the last year and now he sees the need to get this to further himself.

I need to finish kitting my kits for tomorrow night and print off some shirts. I can't wait for our first club meeting!

Totally exhausted!

That is how I feel today. Just wiped out from such a busy and fun weekend. National Scrapbook Day was a HUGE success at my work! I was so worried about getting it all pulled together. I did manage to do it....lots of prep last week and a late Friday night, early Saturday morning and a late Saturday night. The food was AMAZING! It started with some Mexican sweet breads and then Avila's El Ranchito catered lunch and dinner! We had a taco salad bar for lunch and then hot yummy tacos, burritos, flatuas and taquitos for dinner. Not to mention tons of chips, salsa and guacamole! We had a nice "Skinny Cow" afternoon snack and then some amazing Fiesta cupcakes for dessert that night. We had 4 make and takes and then Donna "hosted" a card buffet, which the ladies loved! Thanks for doing that Donna! I wish I would have taken more pics, but here's a few.

I worked Sunday as well....kind of dragged throughout the day. But I'm getting ready for our kickoff of our Quickutz Club! I cannot wait! Boy do we have some great sales for that, not to mention the new releases! Hope to see some of you!

National Scrapbook Day at the Bee

I have been working so hard on this event and it's coming down to the wire! Just 24 more hours and our kickoff of the day will start. 14 hours of cropping fun~I cannot wait! I've been making kits, planning games, getting decorations, putting together prizes and ordering lots of yummy food!

<---Table goodies!

Prizes ------->

<----more prizes!

Fun decorations! ----->

Have a fun day at your NSD event or come and join us! (I think there are 2 spots!)