Week 9

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  Here we are in March.  I'm so not ready for this month.  February was nice and mellow, but March will be ugly.  Pretty much all my days are booked in the month of March.  There are a lot of things to prep and plan for too so my head is spinning just thinking about how I'll make it work. I know it will come to together and be great in the end, but it still stresses me out.  At least there is spring break to look forward to and help me recover just as April starts.  I'm hoping things in April will be a bit slower, but I don't think that will truly happen until school is out in June.  I just need to go with the flow and ride this school year out.

Here's a look at how we spent our last peaceful week in February:

Day 54- Monday, 2/23/15

They brought art back to the elementary school (it's about time!) so now Brandon has it every Wednesday and is loving it.  Each weekend he brings home a project to work on that has to be turned in Wednesday.  This afternoon he continued to work on his current project and is almost done.  It takes a lot of time, but he doesn't mind at all.

Day 55- Tuesday, 2/24/15

More signs of spring.  Our tree out front decided to bloom this week.  I'm so happy I got a picture today because later in the week the wind and a little bit of rain ruined a lot of the blossoms.

Day 56- Wednesday, 2/25/15

I'm missing this guy since swim started.  I leave for work before dark and he gets home after dark.  At least today he needed me to drop off some workout clothes for lifting weights after pool time so I got to see his smiley face in bright daylight :0)

Day 57- Thursday, 2/26/15

At work I'm prepping sample kits for field work.  Four coolers with 10 sample kits each.  We're starting a project testing the effectiveness of a bio-security class taken by 4-Hers with market animals.  It's great to see that the UC extension people are continuing to work and improve these programs, and I'm happy to be a part of it.  I raised 4-H market lambs as a kid so it's like I've come full circle which is pretty cool.

Day 58- Friday, 2/27/15

There were a lot of insane looking clouds out today that made our neighborhood look pretty small in comparison.  The boys were excited to see the change in weather and were more than happy to join me on a walk with the dog so we could cloud gaze.  Thankfully the clouds meant a lot of snow in the mountains but didn't really bring much rain our way.

Day 59- Saturday, 2/28/15

It's date night and we decided to try this new place out which was a fun experience.  It's Studio Movie Grill which means drinks, dinner, and a movie all in one place.  The best part was being able to hit that red button and have them bring stuff right to our seat.  We'll have to come back again soon so we can try more of the food and see another movie.

Day 60- Sunday, 3/1/15

March is Justin's month so he helped me with my monthly marker while the cat played in the laundry that needed sorting.  Laundry day is one of Rusty's favorite days.  He loves to tunnel and jump through the piles

Wait! One more:

February's Family Photo

This was taken on the very last day of the month because we just couldn't get it together before then ;0)




Now that's it!  See you next Tuesday.

Week 8

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  It's cold here today but not as windy.  I'm sure it's nothing like back east, but cold for us. We've been spoiled lately and forgot what winter is supposed to feel like. I think there is even rain expected for the weekend and snow in the mountains. That's good!  We sure need it.  I'm game for a wet spring.

Here's what happened last week:

Day 47- Monday, 2/16/15

We're home for President's Day and decided to take a bike ride on this gorgeous day.  It was a bit buggy out but otherwise very nice.  We also decided these guys have outgrown their bikes and both need bigger ones soon.

Day 48- Tuesday, 2/17/15

Brandon is my little shutter bug.  He loves taking pictures of Bella and Rusty mostly and then adding them to the computer for his profile page.  He's also made a few powerpoint presentations with the pictures he's taken of the pets.  Good thing his subjects cooperate for the most part.  His biggest challenge in finding good light so he can avoid the pesky flash they really don't like.

Day 49- Wednesday, 2/18/15

It's been foggy in the mornings but once the fog clears the sun shines bright.  We have many trees and flowers in bloom.  Today at work the pavers were littered with confetti from a blossoming pear tree and it put a smile on my face :0)

Day 50- Thursday, 2/19/15

It's a bit grey out today as I pick the boys up from school.  Looks like Justin is staying after again so it will just be Brandon and I for an hour or two.

Day 51- Friday, 2/20/15

This kitty boy is spoiled.  The boys make him these perfect little nests complete with all his favorite toys and cozy warm blankets to hide in.  He'll sleep in there for hours.  Must be nice!

Day 52- Saturday, 2/21/15

We're all happy to have a lazy Saturday at home.  Tyler has been working on teaching Bella to stand.  She does it sometimes perfectly and other times needs a little help.  The younger boys decided it was a good day for fort building.  They started here in the living room but then decided they needed more height so moved everything to the pool table.  I'm just happy to see them playing something nice and creative together away from a screen.

Day 53- Sunday, 2/22/15

Justin is conducting his science fair experiment testing how the lack of smell can affect taste.  He had to cut up a bunch of fruit and vegetables and then test his theory on 10 different people.  John was a reluctant participant but a good sport. Thanks also to all our neighbors who joined in on the fun and helped Justin out.

That's it!  One more week left in February (eek!).  Thanks for stopping by and see you next Tuesday.

Week 7

Happy Tuesday!  It always throws me off when the Tuesday is the day after a Monday holiday, but that's ok because I'm happy to have had the day off.  It was actually a nice long 4-day weekend for the boys and I because they had Friday off too.  Poor John got stuck working the weekend because of his company's recent change over and the need to get inventory done.  He did at least get to enjoy the Monday holiday, and we manged to squeak in a dinner out to celebrate Valentine's even if it was a day late.

Take a look at how it all went down-

Day 40- Monday, 2/9/15

Brandon is working on is homework needing the computer.  It's a good thing we have a couple desk top computers and laptops because more and more assignments these days require the use of the computer and for extended periods of time.  There would be a whole lot of waiting and late nights if we only had one--total sign of the times.

Day 41- Tuesday, 2/10/15

It's time to select high school classes for next year.  See that "12"?!  It's real sobering to think that I'll have one in the 12th grade and preparing to graduate come August.  He's not the only one selecting high school classes though.  Justin will be a freshman next year and he too was using this same course catalog.  It should be an epic year.

Day 42- Wednesday, 2/11/15

It's been a really warm and sunny week.  There are so many flowers blooming.  It's most certainly starting to feel like spring and looks like we have no more rain systems lined up for the rest of the month :0(  We need a March miracle!  It's happened before and hopefully it can happen again.

Day 43- Thursday, 2/12/15

Not again!  Last Monday I had a nail in my left rear tire that had to be dealt with, and then yesterday my tire indicator light came on so I took the car back in.  Now I have a screw in my right rear tire.  Somebody must have dropped their whole toolbox on our roadways.  Thank goodness for the indicator light.  It's so much easier to deal with it like this than have a blow out and be stranded on the side of the road.

Day 44- Friday, 2/13/15

These boys are Bella's support system.  Last week she was helping take care of them and this week they are here for her as she visits the vet for her annual trip to the UC Davis Community Practice.  They both love to tag along and she's happy to have them even though she doesn't really mind her vet visits.  The clinic gives her more treats than we usually allow, and she knows it and works it. 

Day 45- Saturday, 2/14/15

Happy Valentine's Day!  John had to work all day, and we missed him but still kept busy and had fun.  I made chocolate sugar cookies for the boys to decorate so we'd have a special dessert.  John and I didn't have time to go out for dinner so while he was at work I made a lasagna to enjoy for dinner at home.  We haven't had homemade lasagna in a long time so it was a nice treat especially since I knew it was one of John's favorites.  He also spoiled me with yummy chocolates and special gifts once he got home.

Day 46- Sunday, 2/15/15

It turned out John also had to work today, but he was at least home in time for us to go out to dinner at the Zocalo's in mid-town Sacramento.  I'm sure it was way less crowded tonight than last night.  It was a beautiful warm night with a nice sunset and a great meal.  We were both happy to be able to squeeze in a real date this weekend of all weekends.

That wraps up another week.  February is such a short month.  I'm kind of freaking out that it's more than half over now because it's our easy month and things start to get crazy busy again in March.  We'll just have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Week 6

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  It's a slow start for me today.  We're still on the mend here from that nasty bug or two that made it's way through our house last week.  I just can't wait until we're all done and healthy again.  There is no time for sickness in this house and unfortunately no one told the germs that.  We're all looking forward to putting this behind us.

Now take a peek at last week's pictures:

Day 33-  Monday, 2/2/15

This was Justin's worst day.  His flu progressed very quickly to pneumonia and a sore throat that was nearly swollen shut.  After getting some antibiotics and steroids in him he pretty much slept for 2 days straight.  Poor thing was hit hard.

Day 34- Tuesday, 2/3/15

Brandon is on his own at karate tonight since Justin is still too weak for physical activity.  In class Brandon just started his year long review to prep for black belt testing.  This means he has to also help lead the class and train the lower belts.  He's excited for his new role.

Day 35- Wednesday, 2/4/15

These pets are sure good therapy.  After school Tyler usually drops his book bag, heads for the pantry to grab a quick snack, and then spends some downtime with Bella on the floor before retreating to his room to hit the books.  She most certainly helps reduce stress around here.  Rusty is another great stress reliever and healer.  Justin was happy to have the company of this concerned and caring cat while he was recovering.  They are both happy he's feeling much better.

Day 36- Thursday, 2/5/15

We're waiting to collect Tyler after school and sometimes I take Bella with me because she enjoys the short little rides to help shuttle the boys here and there.  

Day 37- Friday, 2/6/15

It's raining!!!!  Thank goodness and it's about time.  We are supposed to have 3 good days of rain from this system so we'll see.  Unfortunately Tyler and I are now sick with that nasty bug.  My kitchen counter is looking more and more like a drug dispensary and sadly the only alcohol I drank this Friday night was the bit in my NyQuil before bed. Not exactly how I wanted to start my weekend.

Day 38- Saturday, 2/7/15

Look at those threatening rain clouds!  Luckily we only saw about 15 min of rain the whole 6 hours we were at the pool for Tyler's last winter polo tournament.  I'm so happy it did not pour like yesterday and there was no crazy wind like predicted. It was actually quite nice out and a good way to end polo for now.  It's time to focus on swimming before we figure out what to do about Junior Olympics.

Day 39- Sunday, 2/8/15

Today the skies opened up again and it rained most the day and through the night which was fine by me because it was a good reason to just stay home, do nothing, and try to kick this bug.  Justin loves the rain and has been missing it plus he's been cooped up in the house recovering all week so he was excited to get outside and play in the puddles.  He also volunteered to walk the dog in one of the massive downpours.  They both came home soaking but happy.

That's it for now.  Hopefully next week we'll all be healthy again.  John has yet to fall victim so we'll see.  Thanks for stopping by.  See you next Tuesday.

Week 5

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  It's got to be better than Monday.  We had a rough weekend with 2 sick kids and one was at his worst on Monday.  It was bound to happen.  There have been a couple new bugs going around the schools.  I hate it when my kids are sick, and the nagging cough part gets really annoying really fast.  I'm keeping the rest of us pumped up on vitamin C and any other sort of immune booster I can find hoping we don't fall victim.  We'll see.  At least the first part of our last week was nice--busy as usual but nice.

Here's what that looked like:



Day 26- Monday, 1/26/15

It's a Monday just after coming back from the weekend away and I'm totally not prepared or back in the swing of things so my kids get breakfast for dinner.  I'd like to say that I at least made the pancakes and bacon fresh but they were left over from our mountain brunch yesterday.  It is what it is, and the boys were happy with it so that's all that really counts.

Day 27- Tuesday, 1/27/15

Justin is staying after school most of the week to practice for an upcoming play so this lucky guy gets to tag along with me on errands.  We just wrapped up a couple and are now waiting at the high school for Tyler to be released.

Day 28- Wednesday, 1/28/15

It's Back-to-School night at the high school for the new semester.  Tyler has 4 new classes and it's really my only chance to meet those teachers.  One of the fun classes he's taking this semester is 3D art.  He hates art and is only taking it because it's required, but after just a week he's warming up to it and is actually finding it relaxing especially since it's his last class of the day.  It's a good way to unwind.  As an artist at heart I enjoy seeing his projects.  It's like having him in kinder again ;0)

Day 29- Thursday, 1/29/15

Justin is the sound tech guy for the school's play and tonight was their big show.  They did a Frozen musical, and it was fun to watch especially since I know most the kids up there on stage.  I took Brandon with me and he enjoyed it too even though he hates the movie Frozen.

Day 30- Friday, 1/30/15

We're breaking records here with the warms temps.  It feels so much like spring that even the honey bees are out.  Our backyard is literally buzzing.  We also have the driest January on record with no rain at all :0(  There was .001% moisture for the month and that came from fog!  January is usually our wettest month of the year so this is not good.  I sure hope February and March help make up for the lack of rain and snow.  We need it so bad.  In other news, Brandon is losing all his molars left and right.  It's been 2 in 2 weeks and he has 2 more loose ones.  I think this will be the last batch for him which is kind of sad because he's my baby. *sigh*

Day 31- Saturday, 1/31/15

Winter polo or Spring polo?  It sure felt more like spring.  I'm sure the boys didn't mind.  Tyler even got a little too much sun while playing today.  He's #19 our there in a black cap.  Just one more week of winter polo before high school swim starts.  The school year is flying by.

Day 32- Sunday, 2/1/15
Happy February!  Brandon is fighting a nasty cold and spent most of today wrapped in this blanket on the couch watching the Kitten Bowl on the Hallmark channel.  Justin and I ran out really quick to get some pictures at Sutter's Fort for a history project about John Sutter and then right after he broke with a fever so the rest of his day was spent on the couch next to Brandon.  Ugh! This Grumpy Cat meme from Justin's daily calendar pretty much sums up how we all felt about the Super Bowl.  The kittens were much more entertaining although I still can't believe my kids sat through 3 hrs of that.



All done for now.  I'm really hoping the end of this new week is a much healthier one with no more victims falling to the germs--wishing wellness upon us all.