Countdown

Well, Christmas is in 2 days and i am still making up one list after another. I am almost done though. I have had a very busy week. Santa was here this last Sunday, God bless him and Mrs. Claus AGAIN for making it a memorable day for the kids. Yesterday, I made peantu butter balls, I hate making them but the boys love them. I have a few more things to get and hope that Rick does his part. I hate it when we decide on a gift and then he goes and does something completely different. I do my buying based on his and when he switches it up it tips the whole apple cart. One more day to convince him otherwise. It seems like every year there is one person that is IMPOSSIBLE. Oh well, I do what I can. Last night at Taco Tuesday, the dining gang exchanged bags of goodies. I have more than enough cookies, candies, etc for the holidays, thanks guys!! Cindy even baked which is quite an accomplishment for her. She is a GREAT cook, but doesn't bake. Good job Aunt Cindy!!! It was also decided that they are coming here for New Years Eve, ehcich is cool. Very casual, I will make my veggie chili and everybody is bringing something and we will play cards and Left, Right, Center. I hope to make it until midnight!! Tyler works that night, so maybe we will get to see him. Well, I gotta go and make up my list for today, times a wastin !!! Merry Christmas eveyone!!!!

He's Here!!!

Liam James if FINALLY here!! It seemed like only a few days since Aiden stood on a chair in Roscoes to show me his "Big Brother" shirt to surprise me with the announcement. Liam is such a chunk, he came into the world at 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. He gets to go home today. We are going to go over on Saturday, take some food and smother that baby with kisses. I have special stuff for Aiden, he is going to be the best big brother. He was SOOOOO excited when he got picked up from school to go to the hospital. There were quite a few of us in the waiting room and talk about a sign of the times............... at a little after 7, ALL of our cell phones went off at once with the announcement from Alex that Liam came into the world at 6:18 PM. A few minutes later, Alex came down and got Aiden, Jamie's dad, and me and Rick so we could go see him. Aiden was SO cute. He gave Liam a little glow worm that plays songs and was more than happy to see him and Jamie. It tore my heart out though because as soon as Aiden realized that Jamie and Liam weren't coming home, he got very upset. He had me in tears too. Erik and Jamie took him home to his house and stayed the night with him and he got to go back early the next morning. Now, today they will ALL be going home and getting settled. It will kill me, but I am going to give them a couple of days to be their own little family... THEN I will pounce!!!!

GREAT WEEKEND

On Friday, Rick and a couple of his siblings, left to go to Portland to check on Phil and visit with him and his family. He left from Felipe's, I stayed because there was a party going on there!! We took over the back room, dang near everybody came this last Friday. Then that night, Erik, Jamie and Q came over and had a sleepover with me and Payton. I was crashed out when they came in, but Q let me know he was there. The next morning him and Payton ran and ran and ran around the backyard. Payton LOVES having Q come over. Saturday I spent the day sorting out stuff and watching football. I am SO obcessed with Christmas projects. Of course, I think of all these ideas when it is too late to get them done for this Christmas. BUT, I am going to get them all started so that they are in my face thru the year and I can work on them and finish them for NEXT year. Yesterday, Jamie called and told me that her and Q were coming over in the late afternnon and Erik was coming after work. AWESOME!! We decided to do burgers "real" hamburgers, not turkey. Jamie came thru the door with flowers and beer, brought a tear to my eye. We sat and drank and visited, I loved it!! Tonight, Tyler is coming to stay. He has a training thing going on. I am not complaining, not one bit!! I am going to cook a ham and sweet potatoe fries for dinner, stuff I can't do when Rick is home, he can't eat it. Well, off to tackle another closet!!! Thank you Erik and Jamie for this last weekend, I love you guys!!!

Halloween and More

What a fun weekend. It started out Friday night with the usual suspects at Felipe's, again nice. Then Saturday afternoon we went to Farrell's in Mission Viejo for a private opening party. I thought we were just there for dessert, but got a great lunch too. Thanks Tom and Kim, I think you hit gold with this one!! We even had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Farrell himself, such a nice man. Then that night we went to Alex and Jamie and Aiden's house to go trick or treating. Aiden really got into it after he caught up with a couple of neighbor kids he really likes. They have the best area for families. I guess there are others who think the same, because at the entrance of the neighborhood there was a drop off point for "others". On Sunday, I went to a baby shower to honor Jamie and Liam. Very nice day. I got to see members of the family that I don't get to see often enough. When I got home, Aiden was still here, so we built bugs out of Trios, great stuff. Now I have to get ready for the holidays, my favorite time of year!!!

Good Weekend

I had a pretty good weekend. I got to see Alex, Jamie and Aiden TWICE!!! They came to our neighbors annual Halloween party on Saturday night. Ben 10 was so cute. Lloyd, Marilyn and Natasha really do it up big for Halloween. If you have never seen the house for Halloween or Christmas, you are really missing something. Then on Sunday we had lunch with them. On Saturday I "baby sat" Q for Erik and Jamie because they went to Catalina to help Emma celebrate her birthday. Q and Payton had a blast and played and played and played. Payton howled so bad when I took Q back home, I felt bad for her, she loves having company. At the party , Deputy Tyler came. The first time it was a friendly visit, just checking out the party and making sure that Marilyn had made his favorite meatballs. One guy even made a comment that his costume looked so real!!! Then later, it was official, he was there to shut down the DJ because one of the neighbors that wasn't invited complained. Marilyn made sure I took home a plate of the meatballs for him to come by and get, which he did. Now it is Monday, and this is going to be a LONG week. Ayden K comes this week and Garin has minimum day everyday. I better lay in a supply of food, that boy can eat!!! Well, this was a lot of rambling and back and forth, but, oh well.

Long Time

I know for a fact that there are only a couple of people who actually read this, so I don't feel guilty about not posting more frequently.. Since Facebook has gotten started, I barely have time to check that and my email. A lot has happened since Sept. 16th, some good - some not. School has started YEA!!!!!!!!!!!! Aiden"s birthday parties are over and they were fun. On the night of his birthday we went to Chuck-E-Cheese, his favorite place. He and his friend Jack had a blast. Jack and his sister Grace are the cutest kids. Then last night was his birthday party at home with family and friends. There were so many kids!!! It was deja vu of when my boys were Aiden's age, kids everywhere. There was a special guest at his party, Spiderman came. Aiden was thrilled!! Alex and Jamie did a great job. Jamie is way too creative, the kids all got super hero tee shirts with their initial in the front and capes to match. We are going back on Monday night to watch football and try to finish off the extra burgers, too good!! We have been to the beach to visit with Cindy and Larry at her sister's beach house. It is right on the boardwalk and the people watching was better than the airport. Now, for the not good news. Rick's brother Phil has been diagnosed with liver cancer. I have no idea at this time the extent, stage, etc. Rick, Mare and Jerry may go up to see him soon. Well, the dog has let me know that it is play time, she has brought in her tug of war and a tennis ball. I am going to go play, then back to working on a blanket. Tonight we close the October Fest Festival at St. Paul's. Meet me in the beer booth - I will be there watching the game.

Grandparents Day

Today was Grandparents Day at Aiden's school. Aiden made my day when he came running to me and jumped in my arms. Rick and I along with Jamie's dad Jim, got to participate. Jim got to participate more than us, his birthday was early September and Sherri (the director of the school and a friend of ours), had him come up to the altar at chapel. Jim "got" to wear the birthday hat and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. The rest of the kids sang songs and I TOTALLY loved every minute of it. We all went back to the class and then Rick and I, and Jim got to do a hand print picture with Aiden. We then left as the kids were released to go play. It was a wonderful day that I will treasure forever.

Yea It's Monday!!!

I only like Mondays now because of Monday Night Football, and tonight is a double header!! WOO HOO. Had a nice weekend. I got to see Alex, Jamie and Aiden on Saturday. Poor Aiden had a swollen eye. That didn't stop him from playing with the fountain, he was so funny. I got the best soaking wet hug from him before he left to go home. We then went on to Rick's company picnic, the best thing about that was I got a BBQ'd hamburger, my favorite. Then yesterday we went to a 85th birthday party for Grandma Joyce Robinson, I love her to pieces. The party was at Patti's house and she showed me her sewing room, actually it used to be a den/living room. I am so jealous of her organization of it. She even has glass front shelves with material stacked and matched. Patti and Honey are going to be finishing a quilt together before Honey has to go back to Kentucky this week. Then we ended the day with our new ritual, dinner together with Erik, Jamie, Gary and Shira. We went to Roscoes and I am eating my sandwich today, so good. Hopefully next week, Alex, Jamie, Aiden, Tyler and Shelley can join us. I already told Cindy that we are leaving the beach to come back for Sunday Dinner, I really look forward to it. We are going to have to do a bbq again soon while it is still nice at night. Oh well, back to the trenches!!!

Last night

I really enjoyed myself last night. We had people over for a BBQ and it turned out really good. Family, friends and burgers, what else do you need?? Everybody brought a dish to share and we sat in the house and backyard, finally, and visited. There was the usual revolving door of deputies, but that is a good thing. There were a few of my friends that didn't come, I guess caller ID works real good. Haven't seen Colleen in FOREVER. Today, ha ha, Rick MIGHT finish the backyard. My brother gave us the leftover sod, 30 feet, from his backyard and this prompted Rick to redo sprinklers, AGAIN, for the little bit of sod. Well, last night, everybody had to negotiate around the pallet in the middle of the patio. I have lots of prints on the floor from the wet mud and grass. At least today is another day off for Rick, so MAYBE he will get it done. This is a short week coming up and tomorrow is Taco Tuesday already. COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday at Sandra's

We just got home from having dinner at Sandra's with Erik and Jamie. They bought us dinner , which was a nice treat, but I feel guilty. I know how it is when you are just getting started, and this is when you let your parents take care of it. It was a nice treat and as always so great to see them. God, I miss my boys and girls!!!!!!!! I hope to get together with all of them this weekend for a BBQ. I am so desperate, I already have all the fixins for burgers and dogs. I am pathetic, I know.

PEACE AT LAST!!!

School started yesterday, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I REALLY had a great day yesterday, because I don't do the first day of school. I just had Tristan and we went to all kinds of stores. It was so nice not to have to keep telling someone to stop running, quit pushing, leave things alone, stay off the of the shelves, and pretending to be calling moms and Santa. Now, I have a LONG list of things that I want to get done, well cleaned, that I haven't been able to because of the non-stop refereeing. I have also come across a couple of quilt patterns, dangerous, that I want to try. But, I feel guilty sewing when the house is falling down around my ears. Well, now that I have just done one of the things I didn't have the time to do for a while, I better get at it. Payton is the only one who misses the kids, she has no one to play with in the mornings. TOO BAD!

Prayers Answered

Yesterday, Tyler and Brooke got the results from a MRI on their son Caleb and it came back with the results they were hoping for. The 7mm spot on his brain is a "normal fluid filled cyst with defined edges". Caleb had fallen at the park and when the hospital did a scan on his head to check for further damage, the spot was found. I can't even imagine the stress on the family. Prayers were said and they were answered. Now Brooke and Tyler can go on with the planning for the arrival of boy #3. Kim and Tom and the rest of the family can get back to the business of waiting for the arrival of babies.

It's Not Fair

I say this because Kim can make a wonderful meal, no or low sodium, and it tasted better than stuff I make out of a recipe book. "Just plain food" was what she called it. It was very good and I am waiting for the "how to" so that I can make a couple of the dishes again. Last night, Kim and Tom had us down to their place for dinner with the out of town cousins. It was so good, and Kim had the tables set up like a wedding reception. All this elegance and we are in shorts. It was so nice to be there. When Alex, Jamie and Aiden got there, Kim gave Aiden a bag of cereal to go feed the fishes and turtles. He was in heaven!! I had to laugh at Farmer Bob (Kim), she has tomatoe plants growing rampant in this one section, even tied to her wrought iron railing. In a week or so Kim is going to have to make marinara sauce and salsa by the buckets. Joshua was there, what a cutie. His parents, Tyler, Brooke and brother Caleb were all home sick after flying back from Texas. He was a crack-up. Kim took him for a walk in his stroller to help get him to sleep, he was almost out as they were leaving and when she came back in the gate, he sat straight up and said HI to everybody. He eventually gave up the fight. Now Cathleen is back home and Denise is out with Rick and Marianne for the day. Back to dullsville for me.

The Day After

Wow, there were a lot of people here yesterday!!! We had a birthday party for Rick's 60th yesterday and I swear the world came. It turned out great!! 2 of Rick's cousins from back East came to surprise him, they came early so that they got a chance to visit. Jamie made a dvd slideshow and it was really good, too bad her Alex and Aiden couldn't be here. We missed them!!! Rick got to see, and the guys all got to reconnect, a bunch of friends that he played softball with and hung out with MANY moons ago. Every time someone came in the door it was awesome. I think the guys were all just as excited as Rick to see everybody. It was a fun time. I had a waterslide that didn't work so great, it leaked out the bottom, but it didn't keep the kids off of it so I was glad to have it. The clean-up really isn't bad because so many people were generous and brought appetizers and desserts, so they took their dishes home with them. I can't believe how much beer got drank last night. We started out with 7 - 36 packs of various beers and others brought beer too and it is all gone except for a couple Bud Lites. Naturally, all the Coors Light is gone!!!! The boys and I got a magician and he was pretty entertaining. All in all, the work put into it was worth it. Today is Jamie's birthday and we are meeting Gary, Shira, Jamie and Erik at the Yard House in Brea for her birthday dinner. At least I will get a beer since all of mine is gone!!!!

YEA, It Is Almost Here!!!!

YAHOO !!!! Football season begins this Saturday!!. The Hall of Fame induction is on Saturday and then on SUNDAY it is the Hall of Fame Game. I am SOOOOOO excited, I love football. I have the NFL channel, so I will not be bored too much longer. On Saturday, we are going to Jenni's 30th birthday party. What the F.........? The following Saturday is Rick's 60th, that is more believable. I am going back and forth as to what to have at Rick's. I don't know whether to go with less is more, or just put out a bunch of appetizers. As people ask me if they can bring anything I am saying SURE!! Tacky, but oh well. I hope that accuweather is right and it will "only" be 87* that day. I have had a few August parties here that were absolutely miserable weather wise. I saw the dvd of Tyler and Shelley's wedding and reception. It is just like singing along with a song until someone turns off the radio and then you realize how bad you sound. I saw myself dancing, what was I thinking??? Orca does dance, but not well. Do you think they can airbrush the dvd??? I wish I had it to do all over again. Well, tomorrow is Tuesday and that means Taco Tuesday with friends. Half of the time I don't even eat my tacos, I just visit. I am really excited about Rick's birthday party, the party is not a surprise, but there are a few surprises for him. NO, not a stripper for him, maybe for the ladies............ NAH. If you didn't get an invite and read this, it is an oversight on my part and you are more than welcome, kids and all.

I Stand Corrected

It is worse that I thought. Brutus wasn't attacked by a hawk. An EAGLE tried to get away with him. I here he is doing better and doesn't waste a lot of time outside when he goes to do his business. Sophie, the other little white dog, keeps an eye on the sky when they go out. Country living is tough on little doggies.

Poor Brutus

It has been a while since I have been on here, I have really had nothing of interest to anyone that has happened. To get to the "Poor Brutus". Vicky's dog got attacked by a hawk at their new home in Temecula. Vicky was getting ready to go somewhere and couldn't find Brutus and Sophie led her to him. After a hawk apparently tried to take off with him, he managed to get away and found his way to his crate in the house. He was tore up pretty good. He is on the mend, but it is going to be a process. I guess Brutus and Sophie look too much like small rabbits!! I have not had much going on, it has been complete dullsville since the wedding. Tyler and Shelley got back safe and sound from Costa Rica, they LOVED it there. Then yesterday afternoon, Shelley got tagged on the freeway, she didn't get injured, but is stiff and achy and the car is probably going to be totaled. They will be going to Lake Havasu for a few days if she is up to it. Erik and Jamie will be meeting them there this weekend. Alex, Jamie and Aiden are going to Las Vegas for a mini family vacation. The Gold Nugget has a shark tank inside the pool, sounds awesome and CREEPY. So, if anyone has anything planned, keep me in mind!!!! After the daycare goes home, I am bored shitless.

It's Over!!!

This last Saturday was Tyler and Shelley's wedding and it was beautiful!! Tyler was so handsome and Shelley was a beautiful bride. The ceremony itself was so wonderful and the reception was amazing. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch and everybody had a great time. My good friend OPEN BAR was there. Alex and Erik were in the wedding and they were so good looking in their tuxedos. Alex was the best man and he gave an awesome speech, very well thought out. I wasn't asked to say anything this time. Jamie, Jamie and Aiden sat at our table, so it was a win - win for me. Aiden was a dancing machine, sooooo cute. He slept until 10 the next morning. I am not really looking forward to seeing the video, I got on the dance floor and dancing queen I am not!! I was so happy to see everybody who came and enjoyed myself so much. There are the usual stories about some people being over-served, but that's ok. I am just glad "he" didn't get hurt falling down a couple of times as "his" daughters were trying to steer him to our car. We ALMOST had a couple of wedding crashers, but Jamie had seen the 2 girls following her and Alex earlier and when they came in and sat down, she started over their way. As soon as the girls spotted Jamie, they took off. Tyler and Shelley are in Costa Rica now (thanks Kim and Tom) and while I was typing this I got a text message that they are there safely. So, now it is back to my boring life. At least I have Rick's birthday party, on August 15th to plan.

Remember this name!!

We got to listen to our nephew Travis Bengard sing and WOW!!!! It was from an attachment that Kim sent me. If he doesn't make it to the top, there is something wrong. He missed out on the American Idol try-outs, got there too late. I hope you are able to click on this attachment so that you can hear what we heard. This is in a garage, not a studio. Amazing voice. Crazy Lov...mp3 (2.4 MB) If you can't get this, email me at sccermom1@hotmail.com and I will forward it to you, if I haven't already.

Countdown

Geez, 6 more days until the wedding of Tyler and Shelley. Where has the time gone?? I am so happy for him to begin this chapter in his life, but I hate not having anyone here. Yesterday, Tyler, Alex, Erik , some cousins and friends went out on a half day deep sea fishing trip. What a great idea! I am sure there were quite a few beverages consumed on the boat and elsewhere later. Today they are all playing golf, nice time for them. While the boys were celebrating the end of Tyler's single life, we went to Vicky and Greg's new house in Temecula. WOW WOW WOW To say it is an amazing house is not doing it justice. It is a "fixer upper" and when it is done it will equal any house you will see in a magazine or in a movie. Vicky has added so many new state of the art stuff. I lost track of the number of rooms in this place. There is a complete living room, fireplaces and all, at each end of the massive kitchen. From the front of the house there is a complete view of the valley that can be seen from every room in the front of the house and the balconies. I told Vicky if I had that view I would be out there all the time. The pool has a wide "staircase" going down to it. There is a lot of work in progress and when it is done it will be unbelievable. They are on 2 1/2 acres and need a golf cart to go get the mail. It brought a tear to my eye when I saw Vicky, in the middle of all the splendor of the decor, had a sewing table set up facing the TV in one of the living rooms. My Girl!!!!

Happy 4th

Well, today is the 4th of July. We are going over to Jerry's house. He has a full on view of the fireworks show from somewhere and we are going to bbq there. I am REALLY worried about Payton. After I went to bed I could hear the boom, boom, boom and I looked out my bedroom window and I could see aerial fireworks and Payton was going crazy. Hopefully the fact that she can come in the house will help and she will just go hide somewhere and not fly over the fence looking for me. Last night was great!!! Erik, Jamie, Alex, Jamie, Aiden, Gary and Shira joined the rest of the usual suspects at Felipe's. I was so happy. We have 2 weeks to the day before Tyler's wedding. He called me last night to tell me that they are doing the table seating arrangements, I was hoping that I would be able to help with that, but I guess not. I got my dress, very plain and I will be able to wear it again anywhere. Well, I am going to go and make a couple of desserts that I have never made before. This is the good thing about family gatherings, I have testers!!!

TGIF

and BOY do I mean it!! This week is my "Ayden K week" and he is one totally his age. Because Tyler needs to sleep, I have been taking all the kids to Rincon Park to play for a couple of hours everyday before lunch. It gives him the quiet and wears them out a little, not much, but heck it is better than nothing. It worked out great for me Thursday because Alex called and asked me if I wanted to take the kids to Rincon park so I could watch Aiden while he had practice. He had no idea I was already on my way there. Aiden had a blast with the kids. Yesterday Garin turned 7. Wow, I have had him since he was 4 months old, where has the time gone!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to tonight. Well, have to go and finish a blanket. It is hard to get in the mood to do anything when it is hot and muggy, but I have to take advantage of Ayden K sleeping.

Good/Bad Weekend

The weekend started out pretty good, lots of good company for Felipe's on Friday and there will be a new face this Friday. My new friend Nancy is coming. Her son and daughter are great friends of Erik and Jamie. Nancy is a blast to be around, I wish I was more like her. Then on Saturday Alex called and said he had 2 extra tickets for the Galaxy game and he was playing in the alumni game before it started. WHOOPEEE!!!!!!! I get to see Alex play!!. Well, Rick was already helping Robin put in a door. They were in the middle of it all when Alex called, so there was no turning back. OK, Rick said he would be done "shortly". I knew right then and there that we are not going to make the kickoff of Alex's game, but hey, part of a game is better than none. As soon as we got to the 91 off of the 57 we saw smoke in the distance. As we got closer, we saw that it was huge, but it was hard to tell where it was because the freeway winds and turns. Almost as soon as I said "I wish I had gone to the bathroom before we left", the freeway came to a standstill. The fire, I found out later on the news, was a tanker full of ethanol that had flipped and was on fire at the 91 and 710 freeways. God rest his soul, the driver died in the accident. The highway patrol closed the 91 going both ways, so we never even made it to Home Depot. I sent Alex and Jamie a text that we weren't going to be there. I won't complain about missing Alex playing and getting to see Jamie and Aiden because a man lost his life. After a LONG while, we were able to be diverted off of the freeway and headed back home. As we were getting close to Brea I called Rick's sister Marianne and we met her at Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was a nice visit and salvaged a little of Saturday. Yesterday Alex called and we went over to their house for BBQ burgers and dogs. DELICIOUS Aiden showed us his tadpoles and it was fun to watch him play and just be Aiden. The Laker game was on and they won the finals. It was a great way to end a weekend and I can't wait to do it again. Right as we pulled up in front of our house, Erik called and asked me if we wanted to stop by on our way home, too late. Like I have said before, this empty nester stuff is crap!!!

Just Tuesday

This last Sunday was Tyler and Shelley's family and friends wedding shower. Lots of people showed up and so far no one has called to complain about food poisoning. They got lots of great stuff and the weather was perfect. One of Shelley's bridesmaids found a kitten in the middle of the street on her way here, so she brought it to see if anyone would take it home. Well, it stayed in Erik's room with Jerry's girls for most of the day. My brother Robin took it home. NOW, the vet thinks that the "kitten" is actually a baby bobcat. They will find out by the end of today. There were lots of reasons why they thought the kitten was different, but couldn't nail it. If it is a baby bobcat, they have to give it up to the SPCA, having a wild animal is against the law. The bounce house is still here and the day-care is loving it. Actually, I am loving it, they aren't fighting for a while. Tomorrow night is Aiden's "graduation" at pre-school. He will still be there for a while, but they get to "graduate" each year when they go up to the next age group. So cute. Well, I can always think of a zillion things until I sit down to write, but now my mind is blank, well - blanker.

Too much

Well, I have had a lot going on. My "baby" Erik turned 27 yesterday. Jamie organized a dinner for him at this Mexican restaurant in Brea that we all have been wanting to try. It was good, the company was better. He got Rock Band from Jamie and her parents, so I expect the landlord to be knocking on their apartment door this weekend. They have the cutest little dog, Q (short for Q-tip) that they are not supposed to have at their place, he is so dang cute. Q and Payton like each other and it is hilarious to watch them run around. A true Mutt and Jeff act. Yesterday I got to watch Aiden for a couple of hours, loved that!! He is growing up so fast and I can't wait to hold my new grandbaby in December. I am suffering from empty nest even though Tyler is still here, it hurts just the same. We are having the family shower for Tyler and Shelley this Sunday and I have one list after another going. The problem is that most of the stuff can't be done until the last minute, but it will be all worth it. The weather was bizarre this morning, there was so much thunder and lighting!!! The computer even shut off and so did my cell phone. Weird. We didn't lose any electricity though. Well, my dullness is done, I need to go. Hope to see everybody soon.

WHAT A WEEKEND

I have had an AMAZING weekend. My baby, Erik, married Jamie on Saturday. The weather was beautiful, the bride was gorgeous and my boys all looked so handsome. I was overwelmed with pride. The wedding and reception were off the charts. Everybody had so much fun. We all had a laugh the next day because there was the token "guy way too wasted" and the "so the drunk girl" at the reception. Everybody was telling me that I was "holding court", but what they didn't know is that I was having "issues" and was basically afraid to move. To those, I apologize. On Sunday we went to the Caccavales for gift opening, WOW, people were so generous. THEN - we went to have dinner with Alex, Jamie and Aiden. When we got there, Aiden had a sweatshirt on. Alex told him to take his sweatshirt off, so he stood up in the chair, unzipped the sweatshirt and there it was a T-shirt that said "BIG BROTHER" I got it right away!!!!!!!! Then they gave me a cookie jar that said Nana's Cookies that Aiden had painted for me, so happy. Inside were pics of Aiden holding ultrasound pics of his new sibling and of him and Jamie. I was so excited that I put them right back in the jar before Rick got to look at them. Jamie got them out and handed them to him. Now, we have another great event to look forward to this year. 2009 is the best year ever!!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED !!!!!!!

Well, I have been on ebay for a long time trying to get a new cell phone. I decided that I was only going to pay $60. I always put max bid in at that amount and ALWAYS lost to a bid of $110 or higher. This morning I woke up to find a message from ebay that I had to pay for 1 item. I assumed it was for some toy that I had put a bid on, and was shocked to find out that I won a BRAND NEW Motorazr phone for $60. I am stunned!!!!! For once I am not on the computer looking for the impossible cell phone for an impossible price. SO EXCITED

The Week Ahead

Next next is the final week before Erik and Jamie's wedding. It is with both a heavy heart and excited heart for me. I start crying every time I think about Erik being gone from this house. I am REALLY happy for him and Jamie and I am just being a baby. I never have been good at separation. I know that there are a lot of people that can't wait to be empty nesters, not me. Then Tyler is getting married in July, WOW, bring out the tissue!!!! It is going to be a BLAST at Erik and Jamie's wedding and I am looking forward to partying with friends and family as we celebrate the beginning of another Bengard family. I was asked to say a few words at the wedding. I will have to have a lot of liquid courage before I try anything.

Sad Coincidence

Some of you don't live in the area that read this, but there was a very sad example of it is a small world. Last Tuesday, Tyler got a call to respond to a traffic collision. He was the first on scene to a horrific hit and run. A man, who was walking with his son, was hit by a car. The scene was a mess and Tyler was calling for various medical stuff. when he got to the body he checked for a pulse and found none, the young son was right there and Tyler had to tell the dispatcher that he couldn't find a pulse. A tough situation for the son. Well, today my avon lady calls me to tell me that she is sorry that she didn't deliver my avon, but her son had been hit and killed. She said to me "you might have seen about this on the tv". I told her that I more than saw it, my son was the first on scene. She actually apologized to me about Tyler having to see that. What a lady. She has been a friend of mine for a long time and I will be praying for her.

Easter Success

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, was a great success for us. We had our annual Easter party and it was wonderful!! There were some people there that I hadn't seen in a LONG time and the weather was PERFECT!! Every dish that everybody brought was awesome. I didn't get a chance to sample them all because I got so full. Because I had worked like a rented mule the day before, I had a chance to sit and visit with my great friends, even shared some gossip, SHHH. Vicky and Chris made me this visor for Easter, too funny. We had a "sister" picture taken and when I get someone to show me how to post pictures, I will post one. Aiden made out like a bandit, the Easter bunny LOVES him. He got 3 baskets and a small set of left-handed golf clubs. I got a big thrill when I got an unsolicited hug and kiss, Aiden just came running up yelling Nana and gave me some love. MADE MY DAY!!! The clean-up is minimal thanks to Gary and Colleen who took down tables and folded up the chairs in lighting speed. Now, I get to finish cleaning up, but it is with a smile. The bounce -slide combo is still here and of course I have only one kid today!! Now that I have stepped up the bounce house, I think I may need to keep getting the bigger one. The kids are getting bigger and want more than just jumping up and down. Next is Erik and Jamie's wedding!!!!

What A MESS!!!!

Well, some happy little computer nerd has made my life a little messier, like I needed any help. Apparently, he/she thought it would be funny to send everybody on my contact list for hotmail a message that I needed money to get out of London. NICE. IT not only hacked into my hotmail, but managed to change things so that I can't even log on anymore, even going to the trouble of changing my secret word for my password. Luckily for me, there was no financial problems, just a message that is so not me. What I am the most upset about, is that there are things that I have been saving on my hotmail, ie an ecard from Aiden, that I can't get to. Microsoft is hot on the problem. They are going to track this person and what they do from there, I don't care. So stupid in the day and age of tracking IP addresses, don't they watch CSI??? Anyway, I am using my gmail email address and after I get back into my hotmail, I am going to switch everything over. What a pain in the keester.

Ow!!!!

What a site I must have been. Yesterday I was taking Payton for a walk, and out of the corner of my eye I saw another dog. Well, I was not giving where I was going my complete attention and down I went. Payton must have thought the dog did it because she stood by my crumbled body and barked her head off at it. A sweet little girl came over and asked me if she could help me. "No sweetie, not unless you have a forklift!!" I got up and I had some scrapes and scratches, but the true damage was made evident when I woke up this morning. I hurt all over. I couldn't even wash my hair because I can't lift my left arm up. I will take another route today so that I don't see anyone who may have witnessed my "flight"

I Didn't Do It!!!

That is what I seemed to be saying most of the day during the shower. Jamie, Alex's wife, was the creative force behind all the decorations and accessories. She made the cutest tags for the jars of flowers and it was her idea to have the bottles of wine to be signed as a "guest book". She also made the labels for the wine. Everybody was impressed and I am so happy that my "girls" are good at this stuff because I am not. I am glad to be able to be hospitality and clean-up. Thanks Jamie for all your efforts.

What A Weekend

Yesterday was the end of a great weekend for me. On Friday, we went to the Starr's to see the Hodnicks. We had a nice visit with Paul, Chris and Ashley. Colleen put out a spread that would have fed 100. Then Saturday night, we went to Dave's 60th birthday party. We got to see people that we haven't seen in FOREVER!!! Great time. Then yesterday we had Erik and Jamie's family shower. The day started out with RAIN and lots of it. Erik was out in the weather planting plants in the front. Poor guy was soaked. He then left for his tux fitting and the rain stopped, go figure. It was a mad dash to get things dried and set up before everyone showed up. Thank goodness Vicky showed up early or I would have never been close to being ready. Tyler got up and we put him to work too. Between the two of them they saved me. The afternoon turned out beautiful!! It was a little on the chilly side, but the sky was blue. There were a LOT of people here. I decided to put out all food, appetizers, main dishes and dessert at once. It worked!!! I have learned from other parties that it can be done. We had the BEST dessert table. I am so lucky that Colleen has these great serving dishes that I can borrow. Vicky's daughter in law made pastries and Vicky made her famous cheese cake in cupcake form. AWESOME!! Erik and Jamie got a lot of great gifts. There was a lot of thought put into them. I personally loved the gift from Cindy and Larry, it was a ladder!!!! I now have Easter coming up and I hope that it is as successful as the shower. Well, back to cleaning up the mess. Thanks to everyone who helped Erik and Jamie have such a great day.

Big Al is 30

My first born is 30 today. YIKES where has the time gone. Pretty soon we will be the same age. I am so proud of the man he has turned out to be. He has it all, great family, great looks, and is on the way up. He has had a great 30 years. The night we almost lost him seems so very far away. I know that the next 30 will be even better. I love him so much.

Ebay and me

Well, I have discovered the world of Ebay. OMG. I go on it everyday, usually at 4:30 in the morning. I need a new cell phone and when I went to Sams Club to look at them , the guy there told me to go on ebay and look. Sometimes I have looked at so much stuff that the computer gets even slower, so I have to stop and delete the browsing history. I am determined to get a $300 phone for $30 with free shipping. I think it will take awhile. I find out something new everytime I go on. This morning I got the bright idea to look at new toys for outside. WELL, I currently have 3 things I am bidding on. On one of them I hope I get outbid. I also discovered that you can retract a bid, if you do it soon enough. I bid on this 1 tool bench for kids that was $10. After I looked a little closer, the shipping was $35. WHAT THE F...... are they sending it by taxi?? So, I searched around until I found the form to retract a bid WHEW!!!!!!!!!!! This will teach me to REALLY check out the whole page before I do anything. Today I have to try and get Rick to finish a couple of projects that were started a while back, good luck with that. Yesterday he was out washing off the outside of the fireplace because he is going to paint it. He leaves for Chicago with some of his siblings on Wednesday and won't be back until the following Monday. So, if he is going to get anything done before the shower, it will have to be today. HA HA Well, back to ebay before I start my day. YEA!!! Daylight savings time is here.

So Excited!!

Yesterday was my birthday and it was GREAT!! I got a lot of phone calls and was pleasantly surprised who called. It is nice to be remembered. My cell phone is going south on me, but Vicky managed to get a message thru, she sang Happy Birthday to me while holding a can of Coors Light, a very tender moment. We went to our newest Friday night haunt, Felipe's, and everybody showed up, except the Frears - Debbie is sick again. Tim came and Jamie's parents, Gary and Shira, my brother Robin, Susan, Corey and Adam were also there. It was so nice. We kinda took over the middle of the back room. Colleen brought a cake, Vicky brought a cake, and Rick had Erik and Jamie go and get a cake!! Yes, we had cake and it was ALL very good. What I am so excited about is, Colleen gave me a Big City Slider Station for my birthday. I LOVE sliders and can't wait to get to the store to get ingredients for making sliders. Guess what we are having soon?? Vicky is coming next week and we are going to go to this fabric store that she has been telling me about. It will probably become my new obsession. I can't wait to go. Today I am going to try and get to Corey's baseball game. He is such a great player. Well, I better go and make up my list for the grocery store and the faric store. I also need to sort out what I have already for the shower for Erik and Jamie. I wonder if they would like sliders for the shower??? Hmmmmmmmm

My Opinion Is Confirmed

Well, as all of my few readers know, I am not a big fan of Kaiser. I know that is has greatly helped a couple, but my opinion of doctors in time of catastrophic illness remains the same. My neighbor Barbara was told yesterday that the cancer is now in her other breast, the one she asked to be taken with the other one, and her neck. She asked them if they will now remove it and they told her no, that they are just going to "try" and control the cancer. If these idiots would have acted sooner when she was first diagnosed this wouldn't be happening. Please pray for her.

Now I Am Bored

Well, my great weekend started on Thursday. I had a GREAT surprise visitor. One of my "babies" that I had for years, Chris Medina, well his mom Linda came by and surprised me. I bet everybody within the city limit could hear me scream when I opened the door. They moved to Michigan a LONG time ago. It was in one of my earlier blogs, I reconnected!!! We had a great, but too short of a visit. Hopefully, after Chris finishes school (he is in the medical field), he can come visit. Then Thursday night, we went to see Alex and Jamie's new house. It is SO them. Great neighborhood and Aiden was too excited!! Friday night was Felipe's. It looks like this is our new Friday night haunt. Then today was Jamie's shower thrown by her bridesmaids, the "girl" shower. Everything was perfect, I have a lot to live up to for the family shower now. Oh well, if I have enough to drink it will turn out OK. Jamie, and Erik, got a lot of really nice stuff. Now, I am home alone, nothing to do, bored shitless. Rick and Alex are shopping for a frig for Alex and Jamie's new house and Erik went over to Jamie's to see all the loot. So, I am going to go and get myself a beer and go out and sit in the backyard with the dog. Wow, too much excitement.

The Monday After

Don't ask me why I chose purple, I don't really know. The weekend was very short, but that is because I finally had something to do. Saturday was Charlie Blank's 60th birthday party. It was at a friend's house and was a small gathering. He was totally surprised. We got to see a few people that we don't see anymore because our kids don't play soccer together anymore. Tyler was patrolling the Canyon that night, so he stopped by and one of the guests actually thought that the cops had been called. Then yesterday was Colleen's grandson Joseph's birthday party. It was at a place that is all bouncers and slides, very fun for the kids, and even some adults (not me). Aiden was there and he had a blast!!. There were kids EVERYWHERE!! It was a great time for the bouncers and the watchers. After, we went to dinner with Alex, Jamie, Aiden, Erik and Jamie. Deputy Tyler even made an appearance. I LOVE family together time. Now, the planning of the family and friends shower for Erik and Jamie begins in ernest. Jamie is making the invites and I already have what I want to do as far as centerpieces, food, etc. in mind. It will be a packed party, but that is what family is all about. I have a list going and am very excited to get to do this. Well, I better go and call Jose, my bounce house guy, and let him know that I need a bouncer for that day as well as Easter. Also, I have today off with no babysitting kids and here I sit, what a time waster I am!!

Felipe's May Be The New Tony's

Last night, the Friday group went to a new restaurant in Chino Hills called Felipe's. It is a Mexican restaurant and we were all pleasently surprised. Everybody liked what they got. The owner, Bill, came over and introduced himself to us and I kinda took the lead and let him know that we may be back. They even have a back room that we can invade with kids. We are all still hopng that Tony opens up a new place, but it is highly doubtful. We will still have chimis though, Tony has told me that he will make them for me for our parties. On the way to dinner, Alex called me about going to Vegas so he could play soccer with Hollywood United. I told him that I had no problem with it, but he should check the weather for Sunday because I didn't want to be sitting at Cajon because of snow. He wanted to go, he has been looking forward to this tournament, but he kept coming up with reasons to not go. I told him, if it is meant to be it will happen. I felt bad, I could tell he really wanted to play, and I wanted to watch him play. When we got home, I packed an overnight bag just in case. When I got up at 5, I checked my phone and there was a text from Alex that because of the weather, no Vegas. So, I guess it is try to find a truck for Rick day. HOW FUN!!!!!

BOO!!!!! Football is done!!!!

Well, the last game for the season has come and gone. I am so bummed!!!! There is the pro bowl, but that doesn't really count. We had a Super Bowl party here and it was GREAT!!! There were lots of people and some even watched the game. There were more crock-pots here than I have ever seen in my LIFE. Everybody brought something and it was a Super Spread!. (ha ha) I learned a few things for next year, yes this is as annual as our Easter party. I am not going to wait until half-time to serve the chili, I am just going to have it all out. Some people brought great salads and they were eaten before the chili came out. Jon won $140 in the pools, so it is a guarantee he will be back. I forgot to put out obvious stuff, like forks and spoons. What a dork!!. Now, on to planning the family shower for Jamie and Erik. As soon as I find out the way they want it, I can go ahead and ask Jamie to create the invite and I can plan center pieces, etc. I am not crafty at all, so I am going to be buying a lot of pre-made things, unless they want a beachy theme. Heck, Home Depot sells sand!!!!! Then after that is Easter, their wedding, family shower for Tyler and Shelly, their wedding, and then Rick's 60th. I will be so bored next year. I finally finished the quilt for the lady going into the hospital and as I am typing this, she is undergoing surgery on her heart. She cried when I gave her the quilt yesterday, made me feel good, hopefully it was because she liked the job I did. Her name is Delia Gonzales, so when you say your prayers, please ask for her recovery. Her surgery was on the heart itself. Scary stuff.
Now, onto some blankets that I have been waiting to work on. I need to take advantage of the week when Ayden from next store isn't here. He is TOTALLY 2 and there is no rest for the wicked when he is around.

Happy Mom/Nana

Last night was a night that all moms of grown children dream of. We had a "Family Night". Even though it was all for Aiden, I was one happy camper. It was great to have the family together. ALL of us went to Monster Jam last night. First we all met at Hooters for dinner. They do have good wings!! It was a crack-up, Aiden was checking out our waitress all up and down. We were all laughing because it was so cute. Then we went to the Monster Jam at Angel Stadium. Lots of noise and we had really great seats. We were right there by the "bull pen" where all the trucks sat and waited for their turns on the track. We were in Taz's section and cheered for him, so much fun. It had everything for Aiden, even some motorcross free-style during the intermission. There was also a trailer demolition race. What a crack up, the demo cars were all pulling trailers that had golf carts, boats and even a port-a-potty. The object was to destroy and knock off the other trailers. It was a lot of fun and a great family night for kids of all ages. Like I said, I was in heaven having everybody there without being forced to. Both Jamies will post pictures on their blogs, check them out. Today is the day I hopefully end my battle with Sears over the dryer. The last time I called to check on the part, Ulanda told me that on the 25th to call back and Sears has to give me a new dryer. It has been 30 days since the last repairman came out and the part is stil not available, so I am supposed to get a new dryer. I will be SO happy to have a dryer again. Joyce and Colleen have been very generous and have let me use theirs for the last month. Well, enough about me and my highs and lows. I have to go and try to get a quilt finished for a lady before she goes into the hospital. Happy Sunday everybody!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, Just Monday

Exciting football games yesterday. One of the teams I wanted to win didn't and one did. There was a player injured in the Steelers game, the only blight on the day. I am having a Super Bowl party and because I love having parties, I am really looking forward to it. Yesterday the weather site said 75* and today it says 65* with showers, I will take yesterdays prediction. I hope the weather is nice because I want to have a bounce house, in case Aiden makes it, and tables set up so that people can visit if they don't want to watch the game. Then after Super Bowl, I have to get cracking on plans for fanily showers for Erik and Jamie and Tyler and Shelley. We also have to find a place for Erik and Jamies rehearsal dinner. So, it is going to be Alex's 30th (yikes), Dave's 60th (how come I hang around with old people), shower, Easter, rehearsal dinner, wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner , wedding. After July, I will be alone, I am NOT looking forward to that. I hope they come over OFTEN. Today is a holiday, but not for me. I always seem to have one kid who always comes, no matter what. It would be a good thing for Payton, but he would rather sit than play. I make him go outside, I go too, but he will just go and sit and pout that I won't let him watch cartoons all day. I love being outside. If there was a tv out on the patio, or any kind of view, I would stay out there until I went to bed at night. This Saturday I am going to Monster Truck. Aiden is going to be so excited. I can't wait to see him again. Today I am working on a quilt for a lady who brought it to me to finish for her, what a nightmare. I have redone the top twice. It is made of scraps of material given to her by her mom and grandmother and she has been working on it since she was 9, she is 54 now, and it has real special meaning to her. ALSO, she tells me that she is going in for heart surgery and there is a chance she may not make it and to be sure that her family gets the quilt. GREAT!!!!! No pressure here. Vicky told me to be sure and get the quilt done before she goes in and believe me I am doing nothing else but work on it. Well, I better go and get ready for the day, I have a list a mile, well maybe 6 inches, long of things I want to do today. Party City is my first stop, now that I know the teams in the Super Bowl and I might get my Christmas decorations down. ALSO, my nephew Corey made the freshman baseball team for Chino Hills High, I am so proud of him. He is a great little player and I know he will do well. I have to go online for the school and get the schedule. I can take kids to the home games because they can play while I watch. I miss the high school sports.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Well, it is now 2009. I am not going to waste my time with making New Years resolutions. I NEED to be a better person and want to make better use of my time. So, I am sitting here thinking of all the things that I want to do and get done. I have a lot of ideas for next Christmas, so I am trying to get them all on paper so that I don't forget. I have a couple of sewing projects that I would like to do and I am going to go thru all of my material in the next couple of days. I got some really good gift cards for Joanns this year and I want to get the most for the dollar. We had a fun time last night for New Year's Eve. The "Tony's" group, minus the Frears, came over for the evening. Everybody brought something to eat and we played Left-Right-Center. It is a dice game and the Starr's won, the Quinns won, the Kidney's (Cindy) won the most, and the Bengards donated to the cause. Alex, Jamie, Erik, and Jamie were in Las Vegas last night, but I got to see Tyler. Deputy Bengard came by a couple of times, but after midnight, we never saw him again. Gee, I wonder why?? He was loaded down for bear, 3 sets of handcuffs in his jacket pocket. Well, it is football day, YEA!!!!!! May God bless you all for the New Year.