Week 42

We survived last week with John being out of town but barely.  It seemed like everything that could go wrong did and more, but we made it to the end and have enjoyed having him back home where he belongs for the past few days.  Fall hit hard starting yesterday with wind and lots of rain.  We had nice warm temps in the 90s last week and now it seems like winter is here.  That's OK--we need the rain to clear the air.  It's been awfully dusty and hazy out with the harvest season in full force.  The fresh clean air smells and feels good.

Here's how last week went:

Day 288- Sunday, 10/14/12

Today I ran a bunch of errands and Brandon was my buddy.  He likes to go out and shop.  The other two would rather stay home.  After we finished stimulating the economy I needed to fill up the tank before heading home and decided the car needed a good wash.  My kids love the drive through wash.  Brandon says it's like Spongebob being under the sea.  LOL!

  Day 289- Monday, 10/15/12

Oops!  There goes Tyler's freedom and his transportation to and from school.  Not the best Monday morning.  Thankfully one of our good friends helped give him a ride this morning since I was already on my way to work before the flat was discovered and John's was in Chicago.  It won't be getting fixed anytime soon :0(

Day 290- Tuesday, 10/16/12
Brandon earned his green belt in Karate today.  He was so proud.  They told him we was not ready to test the week before so he worked really hard to prove them wrong and then rocked it on testing day.

Day 291- Wednesday, 10/17/12

It's picture day at school which means no uniform.  Justin is dressed and ready to go in plenty of time so he reads on the Kindle we won at school.  He's learning to enjoy it more than he thought even if it doesn't do apps.  You can also see his wrapped finger.  He jammed it playing football in PE and later went to the Dr. and then to an x-ray all while Brandon was throwing up from a migraine but couldn't be left at home because I had no back up.  Ack!  Turned out the finger is just jammed and not broken and Brandon is fine but geesh--what a long day!  Thank you to all of Tyler's friends who helped get him to and from school and practice since I was unavailable.  The poor kid also had to make himself dinner.  Thank goodness he's pretty independent.

  Day 292- Thursday, 10/18/12

Tyler is studying for his Spanish final.  It's been a stressful week for him too.  Not only is it the end of term with exams but he also had some kid cheat off of him.  The boy used his phone to take a picture of Tyler's work while he stepped away from his desk and then was later caught using the photo to do his own work. At first Tyler was accused for cheating too by letting the kid take the picture but then it came out that he had no idea there was even a picture taken so he was not punished but still felt very upset and violated.  This evening I also had to work the school snack bar so Tyler helped watch his brothers and fed them all dinner for me.  He's been a big help all week.  Oh--and the pool guy was here and left our gate unlatched so the dog got out.  Luckily our neighbors across the street found her and brought her home.  It takes a village people!

  Day 293- Friday, 10/19/12

Thank goodness it's Friday and it was a good low key day for a change.  Tyler's water polo practice after school got canceled so we decided to head to the local pumpkin patch and pick out some pumpkins.  We all needed a little fun and it was the perfect time to go because there was hardly anyone there.  I know on Saturday it will be packed!

  Day 294- Saturday, 10/20/12

Rusty is getting more adventurous and creative about the places he explores.  He thinks this is a good place to stay safe from the dog.  He likes to be at her nose level so he can swipe at her and strike where it counts when she won't leave him alone.

And here is where John was all week-- in beautiful Chicago!  He was lucky enough to have plenty of free time to explore and see the city in addition to attending the meetings at a work conference.

Did I say how happy I am to have my hubby home?  What a week--a total comedy of errors and at least I can look back and laugh at it now.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next Tuesday.

 

Week 41

It's going to be a long week.  John is in Chicago on business which means I'm a single parent, and I don't do single parent well.  My hat goes off to all those who don't have a choice.  It's hard work!  I'll just have to do the best I can and hope that's good enough. Thankfully I've got a bunch of great friends and neighbors willing to help out and at least the weather is nice which puts me in a good mood ;0)

 

Now for last week's pictures:

 

 Day 281- Sunday, 10/7/12

It's a beautiful fall day--not too hot and not too cold so the kids played outside.  Justin was more than happy to ride bikes. 

 

 Day 282- Monday, 10/8/12

John pulled the Halloween boxes down for me yesterday, and I've been slowly putting things out.  Love my pumpkins. 

 

 

 Day 283- Tuesday, 10/9/12

 Brandon and Justin are testing in karate tonight so I'm helping Brandon get dressed and psyched for his big day.  He'll be testing for his green belt which is a great step up for him. 

 

 

 Day 284- Wednesday, 10/10/12

Awww. . . Rusty loves it when we get home from school and work.  Brandon is usually the first to pick him up for a cuddle and then play with him.  He likes building Rusty a blanket fort on the couch which leads to many fun games like hide and seek, peek-a-boo, ambush attack, or fishing for kitty.

 

 

 Day 285- Thursday, 10/11/12

My biggest pet lover just finished his poetry poster about friendship due tomorrow.  He did his on a poem called "A Boy and His Dog" because Bella is his best friend.  The border all the way around the poster is a little dog bone chain that took him well over an hour to draw, but it turned out really cute. 

 

 

 

 

Day 286- Friday, 10/12/12

 And here is a dog and her bone :0)  Every Friday night after the kids are in bed and John and I have settle down to watch a movie we give Bella a rawhide bone.  She gets so excited and can't hardly wait.  She knows exactly when it's Friday and time for her bone.  That's one happy puppy.

 

 

 

Day 287- Saturday, 10/13/12

 The past couple days were very cold and yucky out but today was another beautiful fall day which made for perfect apple picking weather.  We braved the crowds and headed to Apple Hill in the foothills with the Wong family.  It was a great day full of many great treats.

 

 

One more--

 

October's Family Photo

 

We took this one early for a change.  Sharon was kind enough to snap a shot of our family while we were in the beautiful Apple Hill country. 



That's all until next week.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Week 40

Brrr!  It's a little chilly this morning and dark, but it will warm up nicely.  After some crazy hot temps at the beginning of last week we have finally settled into a welcomed Indian summer.  It's so pleasant outside--almost makes me want to do yard work, almost! Actually, I really wouldn't mind if I had the time.  To celebrate fall we're headed to Apple Hill this coming weekend.  I'm looking forward to picking apples with the kids and some good friends, to buying a pie or two, to sampling some cider, and to maybe even hitting up a winery.  I also need to think about getting the family to a pumpkin patch soon.  The days are just flying by.  I'm having a hard time keeping up but will enjoy my fall even if it kills me.

Now take a look at last week's pictures while I munch on some pumpkin bread ;0)

Day 274- Sunday, 9/30/12

This will probably be one of the last weekends we spend in the pool.  I'm not sure what John and Justin are talking about but it looks serious.

Day 275- Monday, 10/1/12

Happy October!  Our new family member gets thrown into the rotation of taking a monthly marker picture.  I was amazed to actually get him to sit still for a shot.  The key is to catch him as he's waking from a nap and then you have a couple minutes before he's in full on zoom and play mode.  That's his favorite toy with him--Mr. Cat Fish.

Day 276- Tuesday, 10/2/12

Brandon's Halloween costume came in the mail today and he loves it!  He wears it all over the place even in this 100 degree heat.  Yuck!  It's way too hot for fur.  He wanted to be a werewolf and I really didn't like most the choices out there until I came across this Pottery Barn costume. Now to get him some fangs and have him work on his growling face.  He's just too cute to look mean and scary.

Day 277- Wednesday, 10/3/12

Today was a big day for Tyler.  After 2 yrs and 2 months his braces have finally come off.  Here is the before and after.  The first shot was taken on the day he got them in July of 2010 and then today with a nice, straight smile and a fixed overbite.  He's so happy to be free.  

Day 278- Thursday, 10/4/12

I can always tell it's close to fall when my orchid starts to bloom.  I love that as everything else is dying this one plant comes to life even though it needs to be repotted.  LOL!  The poor thing seriously needs a bigger pot and that has been on my to do list for over a year now.  Someday soon!

Day 279- Friday, 10/5/12

What a busy end to the week!  I could have included at least 3 different pictures here.  This morning one of our grad students that works in the lab had her baby and I got to visit her in the hospital at lunch, then when I picked the kids up from school I learned that Justin won a kindle in the monthly "Caught Ya Being Good" drawing--very exciting for him, and last but not least Brandon and I took Rusty into Davis for his 12-week kitty exam and shots.  He weighs a whopping 3 lbs--LOL!  Brandon was great keeping him calm.  The poor thing was shivering from fright but still purred through the entire 1 1/2 hr exam.  I never thought we'd be there soooo long.  At least they are thorough.

Day 280- Saturday, 10/6/12

Thankfully today was a more relaxing day.  Tyler hosted a sleepover with 3 of his friends.  Here they are settling down for the night to watch the movie Battleship, and Justin was happy to tag along.  Brandon was at his own first ever sleepover.  It seemed weird not having him here.

That wraps up another week.  Only 12 more to go!

 

Week 39

Welcome October!  I wish it felt more like fall, but its down right hot here.  Yesterday we tapped out at the century mark and are expecting more of the same today.  I'm ready to leave the heat behind and move on.  One more crazy month until the holiday season starts.  It can be stressful and crazy too but also relaxing because we have a lot of time off from work and school.  I'm so looking forward to that!  I need my downtime back.

Until then let's look at last week's pictures:





Day 267- Sunday, 9/23/12

Today is my oldest son's birthday.  He just turned 14, is a freshmen in high school, and is having a blast playing on the JV water polo team this fall.  Go Tyler!

Day 268- Monday, 9/24/12

Most of the plants and trees are starting to turn and look a little sad as we come into fall but this rosebush out back seems to be thriving.  It gives off some of the biggest, most richly colored roses I've ever seen.  I'll be sad to prune it back in preparation for winter at the end of next month.  Seems crazy mentioning winter in this heat.

Day 269- Tuesday, 9/25/12

Justin's working hard on a poster for his English class.  He always works in the strangest body positions and you gotta love the hole in his sock ;0)  That usually means he needs a new pair of shoes.  I better check on that!

Day 270- Wednesday, 9/26/12

Thank goodness today was a minimum day because Brandon would not have lasted a full day at school.  It wasn't long after we got home when he broke with a migraine.  At least his meds kicked in and prevented the vomiting attack that usually follows.  He slept for a good hour and half while the cat played around him.  Poor kid :0(  I hate how this knocks him right off his feet.  Oh, and look at the scab on his elbow from a fall at recess last week.  *sigh*  He's hard on his body and his body is hard on him.

Day 271- Thursday, 9/27/12

Rusty has had enough with pictures.  He likes to pounce at my lens and attack the camera strap.  He moves too quickly these days for any good shots.  I'm waiting for the day when he'll be happy to just sit on my lap and cuddle.  For now it's all about play, play, play!

Day 272- Friday, 9/28/12

Yum!  Not quite as good as the real ones in Paris but they'll have to do until I can return.  So far Trader Joe's is the only local place I've found that carries these Parisienne treats.  I'll take what I can get and just wish I had more while in Paris.

Day 273- Saturday, 9/29/12
 Tyler and I were at a water polo tournament in Roseville at Oakmont HS most of the day.  He was there all day Friday too!  I took the first picture of the team and coach plotting their strategy during a game, and then Connie, one of the polo moms who has a much better camera and lens, took the second picture of Tyler in action.  She's been fabulous all season taking great close up shots of everyone on the team.  So happy she does this and is great about sharing.

Wait!  One more-


September's Family Photo

 Since it was so hot this weekend we decided to to take our monthly family photo in the pool.  It will probably be the last time we swim for the season although with these temps who knows?!  

Now that's it.  Thanks for stopping by and see you next week!

 

Week 38

Happy Tuesday!  We had a really great weekend.  It's nice to have a free weekend here and there to just have fun and spend with good friends and family especially after such a long and crazy work/school week.  I'm exhausted, but was glad we had so much fun.  I'm going to need another escape here pretty soon because it's so hard to keep up, and I feel so guilty if I say no to anything. September is coming to an end really quick so I'm hoping October will bring not only cooler weather but also a damper in activities and obligations.  One can hope!

Here's what we did last week:



Day 260- Sunday, 9/16/12

We got Rusty a cat tree and Tyler decided it was his job to train him how to use it.  He loves this thing and has abandoned his little cozy bed for sleeping up higher on his new perch.

Day 261- Monday, 9/17/12

It's time to sort through books and get rid of the ones my kids have either all read or outgrown.  I can't get rid of them all because some have sentimental value, but this weekend I was able to decided that these here are ready to go.  Now to find the time to get them out of my house by donating to the school or local library. 

Day 262- Tuesday, 9/18/12

Target was having a sale on lava lamps, and Brandon has an older one he got at a garage sale that does not work so I picked this one up for his and Justin's room and got a red one for Tyler's room.  They are pretty cool but take 2hrs (yes--I said 2 hrs!) to warm up before they really work so we have to remember to turn them on at dinner time in order for them to work once it's dark.

Day 263- Wednesday, 9/19/12

Here are my golden boys.  They received gold medals this week for their STAR test scores from last year.  It was Brandon's first year taking a standardized test and he did great just like his brothers.  Rusty is of course the ultimate golden boy ;0)

Day 264- Thursday, 9/20/12

These two are still working on learning to get along.  I love how Bella is peeking under the pillow to find him, and Rusty is peering over the blanket spying on her.  They crack me up.

Day 265- Friday, 9/21/12

Today was a pretty exciting day with the Endeavor shuttle flying low right over the Sacramento area at about 9am.  Some teachers let the kids outside to see, and they all had a great view.  Brandon was so excited and impressed he came home and built his own model out of Legos and then was glued to the news later that evening as they showed picture after picture of shots from our area.  It was so neat for them to witness this part of history.  Unfortunately I missed it while at work in Davis ;0(

Day 266- Saturday, 9/22/12

Here's the perfect way to end my day and week for that matter.  We went out for some food and drinks at Zocalo's.  Blackberry margaritas were the drink of the day.  Later we hit up a friend's birthday party and ended up staying out way too late.

That wraps up another week.  Thanks for stopping by.  See you next Tuesday.

 

Week 37

Another week has come and gone.  It's all such a blur these days.  Even things at work are really busy, and there is no end in sight.  At least school is going well for everyone, and Rusty is fitting in great with our family.  He's been a nice distraction and stress reliever.  I just wish it was all about play for us like it is for him.  That kitty boy is non-stop fun!  It's wonderful because he reminds us all just to slow down and have some fun even if it's just with a piece of string.  I'm all for that ;0)

Here are last week's pictures:



Day 253- Sunday, 9/9/12

Tyler is back in the garage building again.  This time it's a book/tech case for his room which is a huge work in progress at the moment.  Lego building has taught him well.  Look-- he's reading the directions!

 Day 254- Monday, 9/10/12

Brandon is really enjoying the new kitten but still has time for his favorite girl.  He loves this dog so much, and I love how she can put such a great smile on his face.

Day 255- Tuesday, 9/11/12

Today is a day of remembrance so we stopped off at a local memorial on our way to karate.  All the flags out here are in honor of someone who died in the 9/11 tragedy, and Brandon is really thinking about that and processing what it all means.  Justin waited in the car because he was too embarrassed to be seen in his gi. *sigh*

 Day 256- Wednesday, 9/12/12

 It finally came!  Justin really wanted a spiked puffer fish to hang in his sea-life room, and I actually found a place on-line that sells real ones, dried and preserved for display.  He's thrilled.  It's really ugly and spiky but kinda cool.

Day 257- Thursday, 9/13/12

Look how this kitten has made himself at home.  Rusty was really shy and scared his first week but now he's brave and bold and owns the couch! We're all enjoying his kitty antics.

Day 258- Friday, 9/14/12

 I heard Brandon is Tyler's room which is a big no, no so I went in there to see what was up and was shocked to find Tyler actually playing a card game with him.  It's rare to see these two play together anymore and a nice surprise to find when it happens all on its own.  Ignore the mess, Tyler's room is still under construction.  We're waiting on his new desk and some wall art before it can completely come together.

Day 259- Saturday, 9/15/12
It's pizza night.  We splurged and got a Chicago-style stuffed pizza from Papa Murphy's.  Can't wait to dig in.  Yum!



Thats' all for now.  Thanks for stopping by and see you next week.