Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Procrastination Challenge - Pantry - Complete

All Done. What has taken me almost 2 years to work on was finished in just a matter of hours once I put my mind to it. The Procrastination Challenge is my New Best Friend. The aftermath of the September Challenge can be seen below in my new and improved pantry.






To see the difference check out the Before Pics.

Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!
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100 Days Until Christmas


Yes, you read that right. It is really 100 days until Christmas. It will be here before we know it so time to start planning. Head on over to Jennifer's Blog she created to help make this a Holiday Season of as little stress as possible. Things I'm doing to ease the stress of the Holiday Season:

- Started a Christmas Wish List for the Kids
- Begun talking with the kids about what they will be asking Santa for this year

Sure it's just a start...But with the 100 Days Until Christmas Blog I'm confident I will manage.

Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!
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Sunday, September 14, 2008

GNO - Hollywood Forever Cemetary

Last night was our annual trip to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for Girl’s Night Out. Each year they show the classic movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. Last year my mom, sister and I took Taylor and she had so much fun that we decided we would have to do this every year and make it a tradition. The three of us watched the Cinespia website weekly waiting for them to announce which weekend Pee-Wee would be playing and just two weeks ago it was confirmed, September 13th would be our Girls Night Out.

We got to the cemetery with plenty of time to spare and ended up first in line to get in. Yeah!! After we were in the cemetery Taylor started getting really excited and anxious for the movie to begin. In order to distract her, my aunt took Taylor to where Pee-Wee (Paul Reubens) would be getting ready to introduce the film. While back there, Taylor got the honor of meeting one of her current heroes, Pee-Wee Herman. She loves watching his movie and thinks he is so funny. Pee-Wee was suffering an eye infection and therefore was not able to take a picture with her, but did promise next year he would. So Pee-Wee if you are reading this please remember your promise as a 5 year old never will forget.

Also, while “backstage” (not sure what you call a stage that is actually a mausoleum in a cemetery?) Taylor got to meet and take a picture with Elizabeth Daily, who plays Dottie and Diane Salinger who plays Simone. My Little Princess was ecstatic that she got to meet Pee-Wee and got a picture with the girls. Not only did Taylor get to meet them but she also showed them her Tequila dance that she is quite proud of.

The movie was awesome as usual and my not so shy Little Princess even stood up in the middle of the movie and did the Tequila dance along with Pee-Wee during that scene in the movie. Yes, in front of 2,000 people she had no problems getting up and strutting her stuff, not embarrassed one bit.

It was a wonderful evening of food and fun with memories that will last forever. Can’t wait until next year!!!

Tailgating, waiting in line, to get into the Cemetery
In the Cemetery, striking a pose

Taylor with Elizabeth & Diane

During the movie, not sure she blinked the entire time


Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!
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Saturday, September 13, 2008

Trip to the Peach Farm

This week Jeremy spotted an article in the newspaper for a farm not too far away that we could take the kids to and pick some fresh peaches. Of course, not wanting to turn down any adventure we figured why not take the kids and go pick some peaches.

The peaches taste yummy and the kids had a lot of fun picking out the perfect peaches. Now we have 20 pounds of peaches to eat, anybody got any good peach recipes?


Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!
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Thursday, September 11, 2008

Procrastination Challenge - Pantry

I came across the Virtually Organized Blog after she was featured on The Org Junkie and of course being an organizing site, I was hooked as soon as I clicked the link. As I read further I discovered yet another challenge that I had to tackle, The Procrastination Challenge.

Sure I'm One Busy Mommy, but I always have room for more thing on my plate. The problem with being busy though is that I often procrastinate on getting some things done and make excuses that I don't have time. However, as soon as it becomes a challenge I figure a way to squeeze things in and get them done.

So I bring to you, my first attempt at The Procrastination Challenge...Getting my pantry looking more like a wonderfully organized food storage center and less like a jumbled mess of random food and stuff.


Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Journey Down Melody Road

Tonight we decided to take the kids down a road they just created in our town. Jeremy saw the article in the local paper and we knew the kids would love it, we just didn’t realize how much we would love it too.
Last week Honda was in town filming a commercial for the Honda Civic and while in town they changed a regular road into a melody road. As you drive down this portion of the road the grooves they added create melody based on your tires rolling over the grooves.
We headed out after Jeremy got home from work in search of this special road. We proceeded down Avenue K and as got close to the point where it was at we waited in anticipation, wondering exactly what we were in store for. Hoping that we wouldn’t miss it we watched and looked at the road ahead not seeing anything special about it.
Then all of a sudden, BAM, like magic the melody started. It was clear as day and for lack of a better word, totally awesome!!! The kids loved it, we loved it, and everybody driving down the street seemed to love it (there wasn’t a person we passed that didn’t have a smile on their face). We made a turn at the next stop sign and went back for more and ended up driving down the road a total of 5 times that night.

I didn’t even think of recording on the camera as I honestly didn’t think it would be as loud and clear as it was. Thankfully though in this world of YouTube one doesn’t have to worry about it, there is always some one more prepared that will take a video for you and post it. Thanks to 2KidsA2Z for this video of the Melody Road.




Peace Out…Cub Scout!!!!
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Cody's 3 Year Check-Up

Just got back from Cody's 3 year check-up and it's official, I have a Little Stud!! Cody measured in at a whooping thirty-six and one half inches. The exact same height Taylor was at 2 years old. However, I'm not stressing this whole height thing as he could very well have a growth spurt later in life or he could just end being a tiny guy. At the end of the day what matters most is that I have a healthy son. And that is exactly what I have. He is doing great, meeting all of the milestones, and the doctor gave us a glowing report. He is completely up to date on all of his shots so he didn't have to get any which made him very happy. But Taylor couldn't understand why last time she went to the doctor's she got shots and Cody didn't have to this time.

Cody's Stats for 3 Years: 36 1/2 inches and 30 pounds

Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!


Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A Picture's Worth - Trip to American Girl


On Behalf of Taylor

I always feel like I just end my Blog posts without really saying good-bye to all of you. So I thought and thought and found the perfect thing.

Taylor's favorite saying when she leaves is Peace Out, Cub Scout. Therefore in honor of Taylor I bring to you the new way I will be signing off each Blog.


Peace Out...Cub Scout!!!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Step 2 Mini Golf

This is definitely going on the Christmas Wish List. I have been meaning to get this for the kids ever since Cody's 1st Birthday. Somehow though, when the time rolls around I always forget and then later see it and remember, oh yeah I think they would love that.

Step 2 Mini Golf Course
The great thing about this toy is that they can play it in the house during the colder months and outside when it is warmer. Plus this toy will give them a chance to practice taking turns and sharing, or so mommy dreams. Let's see how long before one of them bops the other on the head with a golf club.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508778


Check here for the entire list of Christmas Wish List Posts

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Craft Tutorial - Magazine File

I've been in a very crafty mood lately and Friday on my train ride home I was talking about my weekend craft project I wanted to try and my good friend Mimi suggested that I take some pics while I was crafting and make a tutorial out of it. Sure, why not?!?! So here I am, ready to post my first Craft Tutorial. (I guess you could consider this yet another "new feature").
This weekend I was going to begin working on the Org Junkie's September organizing challenge and what better way to start the challenge that decide on what containers I would be using. It hit me then, I need some type of magazine holders on the desk for coupons, phone books, magazines, and random papers. I began looking for cute ones and realized they were expensive, but I could get these wonderful, ugly, ones for much cheaper.




Now who wants these ugly ones though on their desk at home? I don't!! Simple as pie though, I'll just recover these ugly ones with a more neutral toned down look.

Supplies you will need for this project. One cardboard magazine file, one roll of contact paper (pattern of your choice), pair of scissors, exacto knife.

Note: My file box started off brown but since my chosen paper was a light color I did a base coat of white contact paper before doing the green one that you will see in the following steps.

Step 1: Measure the contact paper and trim to fit the file box. You will want a small overlap to ensure complete coverage.


Step 2: Begin to peel the contact paper backing from the sheet and place your file box on the sticky side of the paper. Make sure to line your box up so the seam where the papers will overlap is on the side of the box that will go against the wall and not be seen. I'm going to be using the longer edge of my box as the outer side and therefore will want me seem to be on the short edge.



Step 3: Finish peeling off the remainder of the backing and wrap the rest of the file box. There should be a small overlap one the seam side


Step 4: The bottom of the box will now need to be folded over, think wrapping a present when you do this technique. Notice the finished white under pattern to see how the folds are made

Step 5: Place the file box on a steady surface and with an exacto knife cut around the top of the file box. You can rest the tip of the knife on the edge of the cardboard to get an easy straight cut

Step 6: Finished product

Step 7: Insert items, label file boxes, and place in desired location for a wonderful finished, organized, and most important not ugly brown look

Well, there you have my first tutorial. I hope it works for you ok too.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Kindergarten Party

To celebrate Taylor's first week of Kindergarten I decided to throw her entire class a "Welcome to Kindergarten Party". Yesterday when I dropped Taylor off I left cupcakes and goody bags for each of the kids to have during the party. In the bags I included one jumbo pencil (the best kind for little hands), one pad of paper, and a deck of cards. I had a good time picking out the stuff for the bags and assembling them, since it was crafty and we know that I've been awfully crafty lately. The biggest reward though for my hard work was the smile on Taylor's face last night when she was telling me about how cool the party was and that all of her friends loved it.

The Goody Bags

Taylor's Breakfast Adventures

I'm sitting here in shock over how fast my Little Princess is growing up. Take this morning for example. Taylor usually gets up before Jeremy, Cody & I on the weekends and she will go to the family room, turn on some cartoons and watch them for a bit. At first the idea of her being out there by herself before we all got up scared me. However, I convinced myself of three things (these are purely for my own good to convince me that I'm not a bad mom and it's ok for her to be up in the morning while the rest of us are catching a few extra snoozes). 1)We have an alarm system that will for sure wake us up if she dares to open the door or any window. 2)She is getting old enough to be alone for a little bit and we are just right there in the next room over in case something drastic should happen. 3)Deep down I think she enjoys the down time of having the house to herself and nobody telling her what to do, even if it is typically only 20 - 30 minutes.

Now let me tell you about this morning. Today at about 7:30 Taylor comes into the room and I here her sweet little voice, wanting to wake me up but not really wake me up. "Mommy, can I show you something?" Of course as soon as I hear her voice I go into mommy overdrive and get right up thinking something is wrong because she never comes in to wake me up. I see she is walking and appears to be fine, but I'm still panicking. I follow her to the family room expecting the worst. When all of a sudden she is standing by the kitchen counter, grinning ear to ear. My heart returns to normal and at that moment I felt a range of emotions from proud of what a grown up Little Princess I have, relief that she is ok and there is nothing wrong, and sad to think of just how fast she is growing up. What did I find you ask??

A pan on the stove, with scrambled eggs ready to be cooked up. Taylor took the eggs out of the fridge, cracked them in a bowl, scrambled them, then got a pan out of the cabinet placed it on the stove and poured the eggs into the pan. She was coming to wake me up so I could come out and cook them for her since she knows she is not allowed to use the stove.

I was shocked and amazed. I underestimate sometimes what she is capable of doing but the fact is she is growing up right before my very eyes.

Friday, September 5, 2008

GNO - Americana @ Brand

Last night's Girls Night Out trip was to a wonderful shopping and dining center in Glendale, featuring dancing waterfall fountain. Americana more commonly known as Americana @ Brand just opened a few months ago, May 2008. I had not even heard of the place until Heidi had mentioned it and suggested it for dinner. Probably the coolest feature of Americana that I was in awe over was the giant chandelier that hangs over the street. It was giant & beautiful. We went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, where I tried for the first time edamame, and loved it!! For dinner I had a Kobe burger, delicious!! The night was great but I soon learned it was going to get even better.

My Girls, had something up their sleeve. After we finished off the carrot cake for dessert, they gave me a present. I opened the bag to find a super cute purse, one similar to the one Nellie has that I had been eyeing for a while. Turns out they all got together, without my knowledge and treated me to a present for completing statistics. In addition to the purse, Heidi picked up the tab for dinner. It was an awesome night and I'm truly grateful to have friends like My Girls. Thanks again Antoinette, Nellie & Heidi for a wonderful evening. We missed you Christal!!


I almost forgot about the trolley they have there also.

New Feature - Girls Night Out (GNO)

I'm going to start yet another new feature on my Blog, because well it's simply fun to me to have themes of stuff. And plus, when I have "features" it seems that my Blog is organized in some silly sort of way. This new feature of mine is going to be called Girls Night Out, or GNO for short. Yes, that was inspired by the Miley Cyrus song, Girls Night (GNO).

Anyways, back to purpose of GNO posts. My GNO posts will be about my nights out with the girls. Most of these nights out take place on weeknights with My Girls from the train. However, I do also have nights out with my mom, Sister, and Taylor which will also go in this. Oh, and there is also those times where me and the girls from work go out so those will be here too. Basically, the equation goes like this. Going Out+Food+Fun+Girls=GNO.

Recent GNO's have included
- Dinner at PF Chang's
- Dinner & Music at The Wing Spot
- Dinner at my house
- Dinner at Castaways (which I will post pictures from since the view is amazing)

The most recent GNO was just last night, Americana @ Brand. A wonderful evening that deserves a post specifically on it's own.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Cat In The Hat, I Can Do That Game

First up on the list, Dr Suess Game - Cat in the Hat, I Can Do That. This game looks perfect for those boys that can't sit still for more than 30 seconds, Cody this one's for you Little Stud.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2767670

New Feature - Christmas Wish List

Brilliant I tell you, that's exactly what I am. But tell me, really is this not the best idea?!?!? Ok, so I'm constantly on the Internet, well of course we all are, right? Now at this exact minute, you are on the Internet reading my Blog. Point made.

Another thing I'm constantly on the Internet doing is browsing shopping websites. And what is right around the corner, nothing other than the biggest reason to shop every year, Christmas.

Well, I figured what better way to keep track of all those cool things that I think the kids have to have than my Blog. I started keeping a list in my Blackberry which is good when I'm out and about but most times I find stuff online so might as well and just post here so I can keep the link and reviews all in one place. Plus an added benefit, maybe my readers will come to my Blog and see something they think their own kiddos will love. So it's really a win-win situation. Also, if you have a toy that I post as a want, please feel free to let me know your honest opinion of the toy and whether it's a good buy or not.

There, now all in one place I will have My Kids Christmas Wish List, well not really their Wish List, but my Wish List for them.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

First Day of School

Well about 30 minutes ago I dropped off Taylor & Cody at school. Taylor for her first day of Kindergarten and Cody for his first official day in the 3 year old classroom. Taylor of course was more ready than I imagined. She got up this morning and was practially jumping around the house with excitement because she is a Kindergartner now. Cody a little more reserved was just excited that he got to take his new backpack and wear his new clothes and shoes.

And of course, what first day of school post is not complete without the First Day of School Pictures.





Monday, September 1, 2008

Back to School Preparation

Whew, what a day. As much as I wanted to spend all day today re-cooperating from a super busy weekend there was just wasn't time. Today was the last day before Taylor starts Kindergarten. I didn't think it would be too much of a big deal since she is at the same school she was for Pre-school, but it really is affecting me. I have a Kindergartner now, how in the world did that happen???

Taylor and Cody each picked out their new outfits and have tested out their backpacks. The clothes has been washed and are laid out ready for tomorrow. The new shoes have been laced. And the bag of required school supplies is by the door ready to go. I don't think there is anything else I can do to prepare besides make sure that I don't hit the snooze and sleep in tomorrow.