Children's Christmas Party 2008

As you can see, we knew where Jaxson was this year, in the caboose of the train with his little bro, Addison! He rode about six times. Addison lasted one. Meanwhile, Jayden was where the action was, on the snow slope.

Mommy and Dad were a big help this year! Papa and I got to enjoy ourselves much more and actually see the kids having fun. Despite a rather warm day, 80 degrees, the kids still had a blast in the rapidly melting snow that was brought in. The day couldn't have been better. No one got hit with a snowball (except MaMa, oh well) and the pizza, games to play, and Mr. and Mrs. Clause posed with the boyz for a holiday picture. They each got a gift and my gift was them!

Christmas will be early for us this year as MaMa has surgery on the 22nd. Merry Christmas, ho ho ho, jokes on me. But I plan to rally in time for our new baby coming in May. More to follow on that subject as we find out the sex tomorrow. Happiness abounds!

Thanks Giving

November brought a turkey to our kitchen table. The first one in about 9 yrs. My pregnant Bridgett made a request for "Mom's stuffing" and that's all it took. Tommy and I got busy and put together a really nice, simple, Thanksgiving feast only 2 days before. Thank you Scolari's!!

The boys were on their best behavior (for awhile) and gave us the joy of youth we needed. There's something so special about grandchildren. PaPa washed dishes for about 45 minutes while I had a tea party with Addison and Jaxson. Everyone was filled to the brim and I sent home another meal with the kids. Round two to come, Christmas!

Falling into Winter

Doesn't seem possible it is already November. This year is zooming by. I missed October posting completely, but am on it now. Halloween was the big activity for this month, of course. With Three boys, it's always busy finding just the right costumes. Pictures speak louder than words so I'll just show not tell!

The biggest news is that the boys are going to have another playmate. Bridgett is 12 weeks pregnant! Still trying for that little girl. She is due mid May 2009. More news shall follow. I had the honor of listening to the baby's heartbeat yesterday. Her midwife suggested the beats were fast, therefore possibly a girl! No ultra sound to see the sex yet.
I am taking a floral arranging class through Adult Ed. I've always wanted to know the basics and so far my first effort was really fun. We did a basket arrangement and I look forward to learning how to arrange in a vase next class. Hopefully I'll attach photos next blog. Until then, rake those leaves and don't forget to jump in!

Autumn is here!

Indiana, aka Jaxson


Addison, jokester

Jayden 1st day school

I have been very busy since the last post. My boys started school, Jaxson in pre-school, Jayden in 2nd grade. Addison is the only one home and he's loving it! At 2 he's a live wire and doesn't take any guff from his older brothers. I am blessed to have them living so close to me. We have lots of fun together and there's never a dull moment when they're around. Here, Jaxson is Indiana Jones, which works well when he gets into trouble as himself. He just says he's Indiana! And Jayden is loving school and asking a lot of science questions. I need to go back to 2nd grade to be able to answer them. What is the strongest muscle in the human body? Answer below. See what I mean?

I spent 10 days in New Mexico, reuniting with my friends and family. I also got to visit my Dad at the Atria Rio Vista, where he still goes to exercise class, church, has coffee with friends he's made there. At 91, he's slowed down a bit, but still has a feisty side.

Me and Judy Donna, Louise, and me

More to come as October and Halloween comes. Til then, Adios!

answer: the heart

More Summer fun!

Even though it is already mid-August, I had to include the busy days of July. Mommy and Boyz came over to have a picnic at MaMa's house. We settled in to eat yummy PB&J's and the gnats bombarded us. Not to worry, the backyard had amenities as well, the Playhouse! When you get lemons, make lemonade, right? Even a simple picnic is a happening when these guys are around. We all had fun despite some sand throwing, (it's enevitable), from the sand table. Adding water just made it stick, but that's what's amazing about my boyz, they can make messes with almost anything! I love it!

Our next real celebration was Jaxson's 5th birthday. He is a "big boy" now. Also, changed identities. He is now a Jedi warrior and not afraid of anything. The light saver, or sabre, (never did figure that out, ) is the must have along with Lego Star Wars Playstation game. I'm just grateful for any knowledge I have from the original movie. I can speak Star Wars language. The party was held at our local Round Table Pizza parlor where pizza is secondary to the video games (.25 a pop) and the "prizes" they can "buy" with tickets accumulated. At last, Jaxson got his birthday--his is the 3rd one and he was getting pretty tired of watching his brothers get all the goods. Bridgett and Matt now must each get extra jobs to pay for all the stuff. Just kidding, but he did get some neat gifts. All in all, it was a fun day for everybody. With the boyz birthdays out of the way we can get ready for Bridgett's 29th birthday on Aug. 22, followed by school starting the 25th.

Jayden will be in 2nd grade (by the way, he lost his first tooth, bottom, middle) and got a silver dollar from the Tooth Fairy.

Jaxson will be in kindergarten. He's ready to roll. That leaves our Baby Doll home alone. How will Mommy stand the quiet?

I finally have my craft room organized. More on that on my new blog address to be forthcoming. Meanwhile, I have gotten out my calligraphy pens, finishing a gift that I'm knitting, and writing for contests with my writer's group. Life is full. See you in the Fall with more news.

Summer Fun!

In July, I was reunited with a dear friend, Linda, from Albuquerque, NM. We were Varsity cheerleaders together in high school...Go Vikings!! Now, almost 40 years later (did I really print that?) our graduation in 1969 (we are cool, we are fine, we're the Class of '69) is but a foggy memory, but we are still great friends. We met in Phoenix, AZ and then went to the Amara Spa in Sedona, known for its spiritual heritage, and where the four "vortexes" meet. Don't ask, I read about it in a book. We did have a fabulous time, got pampered with a facial and massage, ate some awesome dinners, and caught up on the last year or so. She then came home with me to Grover Beach and experienced 103 degree weather that happens only once a year, sometimes never. She was a good sport, commented on the NM heat being similar, but they have AIR CONDITIONERS! Sorry, Linda. She went home after visiting with my boyz, and getting a private tour of Jayden's rock and Hot Wheel collection, experienced Jaxson's prowess with Playstation 2 Star Wars, and watched Addison nose dive off the couch a few times.

Swimming lessons are over! Now onto Jaxson's birthday #5, on July 27th. I am making him a Jedi Warrior robe, back to the sewing machine. Meanwhile, we have christened our new front lawn with our first picnic.

We are now moved into our new bedroom, love the extra space. When we got home from Las Vegas, our front yard was completely finished being landscaped. What a nice present! We've been here a year and a half and completely renovated the house and front yard. Tommy has worked very hard to make that happen. Before and after

I am moving into my new craft room, made possible by the renovation. I haven't gotten organized yet, but taking it day by day and trying NOT to go to Michael's to buy anything! Pictures of my office/craft room will be coming shortly.

I am tentatively planning a trip to Albuq. to see my extended family in October, just in time for the Int'l Hot Air Balloon Fiesta . More great pics. to follow after that visit. For now, just trying to get time for myself, having so much fun with the boys, and enjoying our new casa.

Summer is around the corner

Addison, Jaxson, Jayden enjoy the large tub in their room.

My baby sister, Judy.
Baby Valentino, with Bridgett.

We just got back from Las Vegas! Matt, Bridgett, and boyz spent 4 days with us at the Grandview Resort (our time share) Great fun was had by all, big winner was Bridgett as she played Wheel of Fortune at the last casino on the way out of town going home. She won over $700. Tom held his own betting on the "ponies" and I enjoyed the free wine! (Free? NOT) We all went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Jaxson fell asleep in Addison's stroller, and Addison did break dancing in the lobby! Jayden couldn't resist the gift shop, but was ultra conservative. We are really glad they could brighten our vacation for a few days.

I even got to coincide our trip with a visit with my sister, Judy, as her and husband Joe were also in Vegas at the same time to see their first grandson, Valentino, age 3wks.

The boyz are ready for school to be out and swimming lessons for all 3 begin in 2wks. Jayden will be going to a Science Camp for a week. We plan to see some movies together and spend time at the beach.

Our Amber Carter Memorial Scholarships were awarded to 5 Senior Dance Company members. We raised $4500 this year and plan to give even more in 2009. Any donations will gladly be accepted.

We have finally moved into our new bedroom. It is very roomy and decorated in teal and cream colors. We are still working on the master bathroom, but have moved into our large walk in closet, which I LOVE! We also had our front yard landscaped and it is so beautiful. Our cottage by the sea is at last becoming a reality.

Our days are full, it is a labor of love. So grateful Tommy can wear so many hats; carpenter, electrician, painter, plumber. And---he even does dishes!

April busy-ness

Jayden started baseball. His team is the Mariners and this year he is being pitched to by the coach. They call it CAPS league. He is a natural! Papa had to go and buy him a new bat, cleats, and a bag to put everything into. We have so much fun sitting on the sidelines cheering him on. He got a base hit the first game! Here he is coming in to home plate! Way to go, Jayden #3 !

PaPa Tom had a birthday--ha ha, now he's as old as me! We went to Olive Garden for dinner with Matt and Bridgett and although her Dad said NO HAPPY BIRTHDAY she had the staff at the restaurant sing to him anyway. He was pretty happy when they brought out an entire chocolate cake with a candle on top. It was ok with him then. The next night we went to the kids home and celebrated with the grandsons.

When we aren't doing birthdays, or going to baseball, we have been full swing into the remodel of our house. Finally, it's ready for carpet! Tom has worked really hard to get us into our new bedroom. He's the bomb! That's it for now, au revoir!

Spring is here!

Spring has sprung in our little corner of paradise! Since I posted last we have had 2 birthdays, a dance performance to fund Amber's Memorial Scholarship, Easter, and now we are on spring break. Our little family unit has been busier than ever.

Matt's birthday in Feb. was celebrated at his parents, along with his bro, Chris. Bridgett missed the whole thing as she was home nursing Jayden who was throwing up.

Now into March, our Baby Doll, Addison, had his 2nd birthday party the day before St. Patricks Day. Mommy decorated everything in green and went all out. Everyone had fun, especially Addison, who was able to hold his own this year opening his presents.

The following week, I was backstage at the Clark Center helping herd the AGHS Dance Co. from dressing to stage. Past and Present is the name of the show every year. The group was very mature and no one got hurt or was rude. With 35 high school students, including 10 boys, it was a great performance and was well received by the audience. Proceeds go to the Amber Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund which has given 23 scholarships so far since 2000. These kids know about Amber, her talent, courage, and love of dance. We hope to raise $4000 this year. Bridgett and my friend Suzanne, sold 4 This is a Good Day to Live, also a fund raiser for the scholarship.

Lastly, Easter came way too quickly, but the bunny made it on time to shower us with eggs galore and candy. We colored eggs the day before and even though PaPa had to work, we still had fun. Easter was spent hunting for eggs, playing outside, and just being together.We also had a little friend, Berlin, with us that day.

2008 off to a rocky start

Our little California family started the first few weeks of the new year with the stomach virus. Everyone except Bridgett had it. Even Addison, at 22mos, was initiated into the world of upside down. As of today, we are all on the mend. Now comes the rain, which we do need, but hey, enough already! Where's the sunshine? Am I complaining? Sorry, but we are spoiled with the best almost year round.


Tom is getting ready for the refueling outage at the Diablo Nuke plant. He will be working nights so I have to figure out how to keep the house quiet during the day. This "outage" lasts about a month and by the time it ends we are both tired out. Last year he worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day for a few weeks. We don't see each other much, but it's still better than when he used to work out of town.

Bridgett had a belated birthday party for me at her house. She made the cutest (and sweetest) cupcake-cake and Jayden helped with the frosting and candy (one for the cupcake, 3 for me!) I really felt honored to be a part of the first Disney Monopoly marathon with Jayden and Jaxson. Addison tried to help, but kept putting stuff in his mouth so he ended up in the high chair with a cookie. He later showed his talent of riding his brother's scooter. I had to include a mini movie of this. Remember, he's not even two yet. What a doll! We call him "Baby Doll."


H

Our Jaxson has been posing for a company called Roar Clothing. Bridgett and Matt have taken him down to L.A. for a "shoot" and you can see him at www.roarusa.com He has a call back for the end of this month. Wow! Matt's friend, Josh, is also a model and is in the center of the main page. To see our Jaxson (G.Q.) click on kids clothing. That's it for now. Carpe Diem!

Welcome to 2008

Addison and Jayden

Jaxson and Addison

Gucci
Rylee

Lots of us make resolutions for the new year. This year I have a goal of staying in closer touch with my friends. I challenge all of you to do the same. That means I'll hear from you more as well. I also want to get back into shape. Becoming 57 soon, I need to revitilize what muscle I have left and doing so also gets my mind in better shape, too. After 2 years of hiatus, I am back to the gym taking classes that get my heart rate up, lifting weights to decrease constant injuries and plan on going at least 2 times a week. My doggies keep me walking almost daily. Gucci and Rylee are good pals to keep me going.

More activity with my grandsons will keep me hopping. Jayden is starting T-Ball soon and Jaxson and Addison will need to be chased at the games. Ah Grandma-hood. I love it!
Our remodel is in full swing. By summer we hope to be in our new bedroom. Tommy is working hard to get it finished. So far we have new plumbing, new electrical, new paint exterior and next is drywall, carpet and a new attitude! I love being back in Grover Beach!