Warning...

My scanner sucks! But I'm through with messing around with it and photoshop. So here's my contribution to Chrissy's Circle Journal. The patterened paper is actually red, not orange....

This is hidden journalling and photo's behind the photo on page 2.This was so much fun, and i love how it turned out. I think you can click on the images for detail. As soon as I finish my sign in tag it will be off to Jude in the mail!

I'd write some more....but I'm kinda sleepy and everyone is watching a movie. So I think I'm gonna grab a spot and snuggle up!

It's 10:58 am...

And I'm so freakin bored. la la la la BORED. I'm hangin out here in my big cubicle trying to look like I've got something to do. There is not much going on in the bloggy world lately. I've been to them all I think! I feel guilty surfing around on the internet all day...especially being the new girl. But seriously, what the heck else am I supposed to do? I have to keep reminding myself that this is less stress, and that's what I wanted....right? Right.
So back to the ranch...Melissa asked me about it...So I'll give another little rundown. I don't post about it much. No real reason other than It's Pete's thing. My husband is a big time hunter. He goes all over the country to hunt...and he prefers the "real man" hunting with a bow and arrow. (that's my interpretation of it...the "real man"...not his) Anyways, he's also a licensed hunting guide. He's always dreamed of making money by doing what he loves. (hmmmm don't we all?) Anyways, his dream is becoming reality. He's leased 900 acres of land about an hour southwest of our house. He's fencing this property and stocking it with wild boars and exotic sheep and goats. It's going to be a place where guys come up and pay him to hunt these animals. So for the last 6 or 8 months that's been all he's doing. We still have no fence up, but we're (or he's) getting there. We're hoping that this can be a really prolific source of income for us and hopefully within a year or so, I should be able to stay home. Hooray! that would be wonderful! Hunting inside a fence is not his preferred method of hunting, but he's done the research and guys will pay mega bucks to do it. I say, whatever works! And do does Pete. So, Melissa...that's what the ranch is. And one of these days I'll get to posting the pics of it... It's pretty cool.
Yesterday was Pete's birthday...he's 30. I've been making fun of him cuz he's 4 months older than me and so for 4 more I get to tease! So, he's in the bathroom last night and he's rubbing his elbow and complaining that he's hurt it...He's doing all the inspecting of the elbow as he can, you know, trying to figure out the source of his pain....SO I say "Jeeze, only a few hours of being 30 and you're already starting to fall apart! It's all downhill from here!" I didn't realize it would happen so fast! Just kidding, for all you that are older than 30, I'm just teasing. Like I said, I've only got 4 more months to go. I also made the ugliest cupcakes you have ever seen in honor of his birthday. Not on purpose, mind you. It was completely random...they just turned out horribly ugly. But we both got a good laugh out of it. So that was good!
Also, if you're just stopping by here....You've got to check this out. We're doing the big reveal tomorrow, so make sure you stop by!

Random thoughts for Tuesday...

*Ever feel like every ones brain has turned to mush except yours?*
*Are you defined by the music you listen to? I mean, what if I told you I loved Gangsta Rap? Would you still be my friend?* I don't like gangsta rap, by the way. But say "gangsta" out loud...do it! For reals...it's just fun to say. What other words are fun to say? What words give you the creeps? I had a friend that hated the word "rub". She said it gave her the heeby geebies. It is quite an unattractive word. There's a few words out there that kind of do that to me. Like "pussy cat". Who the heck came up with that? I guess it's 2 words. I'm not trying to be vulgar..but I think that's where my dislike of that word stems from...if you get my drift.
See, I told you this would be random.
I'm beginning to really like my new job. SO much less stress. But I'm used to so much more, that this gets kind of boring. But I don't want to jinx myself. Apparently we are uncharacteristically "slow" right now. Can you sense the hint of boredom in this post? Oh yes, it is there.
So I was supposed to post again over the weekend, we got busy and I just didn't find the time. We went up to the ranch Saturday. Amazing, but I had never been up there before. My husband spends almost all his time up there and yet I had never been. I wish I could post the pictures here from work....Man, this place is way nicer than I imagined! And seriously, Pete has got his work cut out for him. My goodness 900 acres is a lot bigger when you actually see it for real. He is up there at least 3 days a week and works his butt off 90% of the time he's doing it all by himself. I love seeing him absolutely determined to do this, and get it done, and be successful. He's always been that way...he never does anything half way. He decides on something and he goes for it full force. 110% all the time. I do not posses any of those qualities. I guess that's what makes us good together. We balance each other out. It has been a really tough 7 or 8 months through this journey. And honestly, I see at least another 8 or 6 months of the same stress. I have many, many moments of....well panic, really. That's just the way I am. Even though I've sensed a little panic in him too, Pete always holds it together and says everything is going to be alright. That's just the way he is. And, everything has been alright....really. He's got way more faith than I do. Seeing the ranch for myself gave me a better understanding of what's going on, and seriously how much work it really is. I have more respect for it and him now, I guess. It's going to be so awesome once they get done. And hopefully with in a couple of years, I'll be singing a sweeter tune...from my living room and not an office cubicle!
Anyways, that's about all I've got for now...back to boredom. :D

There's a first time for everything...

See that big gash on his forehead? It actually looks worse in person than it does in this picture. He got is first really bad owie the other day. Jake's 6 year old cousin, Blake, threw a rock at him. Hit him strait in the head. In Blake's defense, Jake did throw a rock at him first. BOYS. *huh* That's all I have to say about that! This certainly will not be the last time this happens. And being the good scrapper mom I am, of course I had to take pictures! LOL! I think he should have gotten stitches...but Pete was certain he'd be just fine. We'll see. I think he just wanted him to have a big "manly" scar on his forehead. When I got to my MIL's house (about an hour after the tragic accident of aforementioned rock throwing) Jake was all laid out on the couch milking it for all it was worth. What a good kid! ha ha ha!! He was pretty traumatized by the whole thing...I guess there was a lot of blood. When I came in through the garage, I noticed a very bloody towel right next to the washer. Anyways, Jake gets up off the couch and he starts limping. My MIL and I just look at each other and share a private chuckle. It was just so funny. Later we get in the car and Jake says "momma, my feet don't work very well anymo". I said, "they don't?" Jake: "No, I got a lot of blood on my head and now my feet don't work anymo". Oh really?! He just cracks me up with the stuff he comes up with. He really is fine, I was kind of freaked out by the whole thing at first, but they are boys and this will happen again and now looking back at it I can laugh. Please don't think I'm the worst mom because I'm laughing at my child's pain!
Another funny story about Jake...The other day he's getting undressed to take a bath. He says, "momma, I got two balls". "oh yeah?" I say. I'm thinking "get your mind out of the gutter, Corey! I'll turn around and he will have 2 rubber bouncy balls...right?" Wrong. Jake: "yeah, see they're right here on my body!". As he jingles them, laughing, just like any man would. Yeah, Blake taught him that one too. What is the world coming to when a three year old boy knows he's got balls?! Maybe I'm naive.
I've got some more stories, but I'll post again tomorrow. :D

A new layout and some Easter Pics

I finally did some scrapping! I feel like I haven't done anything in forever except the CJ. This one was highly inspired by page 66 of Ali's patterned paper book. I just happened to have the same sized photo and that same 7 gypsies stickers. I really like how this turned out, but I'm thinking it may be a little too busy. I love the colors and the patterned papers though. (All Scenic Route). Along with Jake are our twin neighbors who are also 3. They're names are Ciao (sounds like Kyle) and Lucas. Jake loves them and wants to play and eat at their house every day. Their parents are super great neighbors and they love that Jake just makes himself right at home over there. It's so funny, since the time change and the nicer weather we are all outside playing when we get home from work...Anyways, Paula (their mom) always makes an extra plate of dinner for Jake and all three boys sit and eat dinner together. They really are the nicest people. It's so nice to have such great neighbors.

Here are a couple of favorite shots from Easter. Megan wasn't very photogenic that day, but Jake sure was! This one is my favorite:

We tried to get Megan to look all springy cute with a flower...but all she really wanted to do was eat it. Here's all the girl cousins: Not the best picture, but this is Hannah, Faith (she's holding Meg), and Caitlin.

Jake running to get the golden egg:

Here's one of me and Meg, just for good measure. I don't post pics of myself too often and this one is just me holding the camera out in front of us:
That's my new favorite GAP hat. It's become my regular Saturday attire! Haven't posted any pics in a long while, so I loaded this post up. Have a great Sunday!

Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder Full Video

*Ahhhhh, Friday*

So I figured out how to post a YouTube video here...quite easy actually! I've flipped my radio station..Been listening to....I guess they are calling this "Alternative Adult Rock"...whatever! I like it, that's all that matters! This song is currently making me happy, happy. I just wanna dance when ever it comes on...and I'm not a good dancer so that could be scary! This is Maroon 5 and I guess they haven't released a new album in 5 years or something. This is the new single. Happy, fun car dancing song. You know the kind of song...the kind of song that makes you keep dancing even at the red lights and you don't care that everyone is watching you! Actually, now that I think of it...this song totally reminds me of the Roller Rink. It totally has a turn the lights off, strobe light, roller rink, disco feel to it.

I'm in a good mood...can you tell? It's Friday and it feels good...PMS is gone...serotonin level is up...2 whole days ahead with nothing but...nothing. What could be better?...well lets not go into that...lets be happy with what we have now, huh?

I bought our tickets to go to Hawaii last night! woo hoo! I can not wait! I've never been anywhere off the continental US. I'm so flippin excited. We don't go until September, but that is ok...I'm still trying to lose weight! Some of you might know that I've been kind of on a diet since January. I haven't really talked a bunch about it, basically because I haven't wanted to jinx myself. But guess what? I think I've lost about 10 pounds! ( I say I think, because I don't own a scale and I'm too cheap to buy one! ) But I've dropped a pants size! People are starting to notice too. 3 times this week my MIL told me how "skinny" I look. Now, I wouldn't go that far...I am FAR from skinny, but someone is noticing and that feels so good. *smile* It's been 4 months since I've had a soda. I love Coca-Cola...especially from a fountain. This is the one part of my "diet" that I have not cheated on...not even once in 4 months! I can not help but be proud of myself. Even my mom can't believe it. Honestly, I think this is the only reason I've lost weight. Because I really haven't changed my eating habits all that much. I was limiting myself to 1700 calories a day but I have pretty much forgone that in the past month because of the stress of the new job and such. Starting monday, I'm back on baby! All the way. 1700 calories. I can do it ...it's easy, really. No more cheating...lose another 10 pounds. Woo Hoo! White sandy beaches, a cool breeze, palm trees, and a cute tankini that I don't look like a heffer in, here I come!

The Bachelor: As requested by Jude...and as promised from my last post...My personal commentary:

The Bachelor...first of all, I didn't even know this show still existed. I mean haven't they had like ZERO success rate? Oh wait, there was Trista and Ryan right? But technically she was the 'Bachelorette' so I don't think that counts. Anyways, I went ABC.com the other day to catch up on LOST and saw they had a new show posting in the "full episodes" and I realize it's: The Bachelor, An Officer and a Gentleman. Good grief, could they get anymore cheezy? Most of the girls probably weren't even alive when that movie was out....Wait, do they even know it was a movie? So yeah anyways, of course I had to watch it! LOL!! I both love and hate this show...always have. I love it because, darn it, It's just darn good TV! I mean the guy is freaking HOT. This one they have this time is a lieutenant in the Navy and a Dr, AND a 6 time Iron Man Triathlon finisher, AND a humanitarian charity guy. Oh yeah, and he's hot. I hate is voice though. He has absolutely no charisma. This show is fun because even though you pretty much know it's all a joke, you can't help but hope he keeps picking that one girl you like and that maybe, just maybe it really will be true love. And I love this show because it's just so fun to watch all these bitches (for lack of a better word) battle it out...they are so stupid. They read off their bios and they are all med students or lawyers or have a masters degree. And yet they are mostly all stupid whores. Or at least the show portrays them as such. I mean seriously, how in the world could 25 women all "have feelings" for or "really feel a connection" with one guy? Come on..we all know you just want some more face time! What always gets me is the after the 2nd or 3rd rose ceremony there's always that one girl who is just sobbing, she's completely beside herself because she didn't get a rose and she says through her sobs, "i really felt like i was falling in love with him...I never thought I could feel this way so fast"...sob, sob sob...Come on, you've know the guy 3 days and 15 other girls are dating him! I can't help it though, as much as I hate it, I keep coming back for more! Even Pete gets sucked into it. A couple of times last year he stayed up to watch it when I fell asleep! LOL! This show always seems to prove 2 things to me: 1) girls are mean and stupid. And 2) no matter what they say, guys will always like the fake boobs. Anyways so that's how i feel about it. Just good smut TV!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Small doses people and the Bachelor and PMS

Hi everybody! Yeah, a midweek post! Things are settling down a bit...which is so good. I'm learning my job well. It's actually the same thing I was doing before, a little less responsibility, and just a new computer system and work environment. It's good. Commute....still bad, but I don't want to complain any more about it.
I feel like I've got a lot to report....or a lot of things on my mind anyway. I even sent myself a "Note to Self" email today from work so I could remember the things I wanted to get out! I'll start with PMS. Good Lord, do I ever hate PMS! LOL! This is probably my worse attribute. One week out of every month I am a complete and udder witch...not to mention an overly sensitive blubbery boob. Yeah. You guessed it...this is the week. I feel sorry for my husband and children and all others who have to spend more than 2 minutes with me during this week! Note to self: next time you decide to start a new job...make sure is right after "the PMS week" so you have ample time to adjust before the next PMS week! *sigh* Everything is going fine, really....Yesterday was just one of those overly sensitive days, and it got to me a little. But today was much better and I'm not going to dwell, so I'll just move on. I know it was all about the PMS and nothing else. You know how menopausal women get all weepy when they think they're not going to have their period anymore? I just don't really get that. Take it....it's fine with me! I will not miss it.
Moving on....Small Doses People....Do you know what I mean by that? Do you know someone in your life who fits this description? They are really great people, and you sincerely like them, but you can only take so much of them....you can only be around them for so long before your emotionally drained, or dare I say, annoyed. Know anyone like that? Luckily, I don't know many...but I just added one to my list. Michelle. She's a lady that I work with...the lady that is training me. Michelle and I worked together at the old company but in separate departments....Honestly now that I think about it, I never really spent more than maybe 10 or 15 minutes at one time with her at the old job. As I said we had different job functions and we would stand at chit-chat for a few and then go back to our desks. Anyways I really do like her. She's older, in her late 40's but you wouldn't really know it. She's a cool person, very smart and she and I come from similar back grounds. We were both in child care/education and ran summer camp programs before we came into banking. So we have good things in common. She also has the best shoes and the best jewlery! But here is where the "small doses" comes in. This is why I get a little annoyed....She is very opinionated (not always a bad thing) and she is very much your typical "Californian". She is very liberal and doesn't hesitate to let you know that. I consider myself to be very conservative. So anyways Michelle finds it okay to push her liberal political views on everyone....let me take that back...She assumes everyone thinks the same way she does. Take President Bush, for example...she has no problem bashing the heck out of him openly in the office. Now, we may (well maybe not, I wouldn't want to assume) but I think the general population would agree that Bush is probably not going to go down in history as one of the "greatest leaders of our time". That being said, I don't think it's ok to just go around thinking everyone hates him and say horrible things about him all the time. She's the kind of person that would totally challenge you if you didn't agree with her, because to her, if you don't agree with what she's saying...you're wrong. And she's not the kind to back down. In the 2 weeks that I've been there, she's brought politics up 3 or 4 times, and she always looks for a laugh when she says something bad about Bush. I hate it! I end up just turning around and excusing myself from the conversation. That's the only thing I know how to do. It works, but just listening to it eats at me! Another conversation we had: You mom's out there will get a kick out of this... Michelle says there is "No such thing as 'Stomach Flu'. She says it's always food poisoning. Yeah. All you moms out there who spent a whole week in February trying to get the puke smell out of your house (or RV *wink*) raise your hands! Do you think there is no such thing as stomach flu?... I rest my case. But Michelle gets her last word in by saying "well, that's what I was told", and gives me that *you're a dumb ass* look. hmm I don't think so. So besides her forceful opinions and her having to know it all, I do like her. She is really funny, and a fun person. But in Small Doses. Do you think this is just a symptom of the PMS?
I was going to write a little bit about what I though of the show the Bachelor...but this is getting rather lengthy and I've still got to get in the shower so I think I'll just end with this....Have ya'll been to Chrissy's blog? She is just the sweetest thing. I know she's been kind of feeling down for a while, but I think she's coming out of it. I feel happiness when I read her words. Anyways, today she wrote the most endearing post about all of her blog buddies. I had been thinking of doing the same thing myself and she said it all perfectly. The Internet has become such an amazing avenue, and this blog thing has turned out to be way more than I ever expected. Just one post on Ali's challenge and *poof* instant friends. And I mean that sincerely, you are my friends and I hope we all might be able to meet IRL some day. I must admit, I was a little sad to find out that Chrissy was not going to make it to California this time around. But only for my own selfish reasons. The thought of a new friend to show around, and two adorable boys to play with Jake, excited me. BUT, I am so happy to know they are going to Seattle. Chrissy, I just know it's going to be great up there! I am so excited for you and Sean! I know it was God's plan for you all.
Ok, I'm off...have a wonderful Friday!
***edited to add: I will eventually stop talking about my job. I promise!

Wow, so it has been a whirlwind of a week! Not necessarily bad though. I feel like I have been kind of a whiner lately...I don't really mean to be that way. I just stress a little sometimes and need to vent. So I'll start off with Monday. As I had mentioned before, I have lost my Social Security card. Big no-no...you know?! Anyways there are several other documents that are acceptable to prove your identity....such as your birth certificate..Well, yeah I didn't have that either. And the next one was a passport...Well, I've never been anywhere where I needed a passport so I never got one. Craziness. So I show up Monday empty handed. I was told on Friday that I had to have either my SS card or my birth certificate Monday morning or they were going to have to send me home. I decided to go in anyways even if I didn't have anything...because how bad would that have looked if I didn't even come in? Bad in my opinion. Anyway....LONG story....I ended up driving over 200 miles that day! First I went to work...my office is about 40 miles one way. Then I get there, they say go take care of this before you come back...So I go to a near by SS office....They tell me I don't have the right documentation....That they need to see my marriage license...Ok well I know where that is! So I drive ALL the way back home (40 more miles) Pick up my marriage license, Then I decide to go to this SS office near my house because I figure if they're not going to help me until I get my birth certificate, there's no reason in going all the way back out to the office. So I drive over to the Manteca SS office (about 15-20 miles) This is where my luck starts turning around...There are a TON of people in the office waiting. But for some reason I got lucky on which numbers they were calling. I only waited maybe a half hour at the most. I don't even think it was that long. The lady that helped me was so nice. I think the fact that I walked up to her window and presented myself well and smiled helped big time. Come to find out, I didn't need anything the other office told me I needed. She fixed me right up. Of course she couldn't just give me a new card right there...they have to mail them out...but she did give me a certified letter stating that I could work. Momma always said you get more flies with honey than with....well you know! So then I drive all the way back to work (60 miles) They finally decide that what I had was good enough for now and decided to let me work! *whew!* One big huge stress off my shoulders! And in other good news...I got my card in the mail today...4 days! Pretty good service coming from the government! Ha ha! The rest of the week as been just a bunch of training. We had 2 full days of in class training today and yesterday...that was another really good way to get acquainted with the people I work with (even though I've worked with them all previously) and it also gave me a chance to learn a lot about the company I'm working for. So it was good!
I am feeling SO disconnected though! Man, I can't really get on the Internet at work...Well, I can, but some sites are "forbidden". And, I can't check my email from there. THAT totally sucks! I hate that I can't check in on my bloggy friends every day! I actually so look forward to seeing what you guys are all up to. You all have become my friends, and are so supportive and CREATIVE! Man, I miss that every day inspiration I would get from you all! I have been trying every night to come and check in, but it's just impossible for me to leave a comment for everyone or reply to all the emails. This week I've had an average of 10 emails a day when I get home! One day I had 40! No I'm not kidding! (i love email!) I love it! But I just can't find the time to do all my wifely/motherly duties and hang out online! BUMMER! Time is certainly becoming a great commodity around here! So, needless to say, I think my blog posts might be reduced down to weekends only.
At least until things settle down a little. I sure hope you all hang in there with me! I love, love, love all the comments you leave and the emails and all the goodness you bring. I also love reading all of your blogs too and I'll comment when ever I can! Thanks for being such great friends!
Wow, this is super long! Hope you all hung in!
Have a wonderful Easter weekend! Jake and I are doing eggs tomorrow, I will for sure take some pictures!

My new favorite recipe

I love to bake. Funny, I don't have much of a sweet tooth per say, but I do love to bake. I found this recipe on Food Network.com. They are perfect for Sunday mornings.
Mix-in-Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Sift together dry ingredients with a fork or whisk. Add:
1 stick of melted butter
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
This is the base, then feel free to add in what ever you like, blueberries, cranberries, apples, banana's...whatever! They are so moist and dense. Yum, yum, yum! For a special sweet treat I add chocolate chips.
Bake in a 400* preheated oven for about 20 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
Just thought I'd pass this on. This is my new favorite thing right now! (No, it's not on my diet!) But I suppose you could make them with wheat flour, splenda and non fat sour cream.
Enjoy!