February 11, 2012 to February 12, 2012

Saturday February 11th

Gus had to work.

Made the kids breakfast after a neighbor friend, Emily, came over.

Later, after their friend left, they were asked to do their chores. Consisting of hanging their shirts (I washed, folded and placed the rest), pick up and vacuum their rooms. I was met with 2 horrifically crying kids (Ben and Abby). Surprisingly, Ellie worked quickly, without complaint and enjoyed her turn at vacuuming.

Later, after Gus was home from work, he announced he'd like to take the family to Ragged Point to have lunch and take pictures. We drove to Cambria and had lunch and Sandy's Deli, then we were off to Ragged Point. Unfortunately, the kids were less than impressed and even dared to complain it wasn't enough. It was a breakthrough moment for us as parents. We were done. Yep, done! The long drive home proved to be the perfect "can't get away from this conversation" location. They all mostly listened and I felt they understood how lucky they were. It's still a work in progress, we all are. Ultimately, they need to start earning fun stuff. The punishment for all the complaining, bickering and fighting in the car was a new day, full of nothing but boring and chores. I wasn't opposed to it, I had LOTS of chores available for completion and I love staying home.

Stopped at Walmart on our way home, they complained there too, and headed home to make dinner. After another explanatory talk on the way to our house, the kids volunteered to make dinner. Went well and we were off to bed.

Sigh...



Funny dudes

My boys

Silly girl

Family



Had to bring out the unicyles in the parking lot!

Sunday February 12th

Gus had to work again.

In an attempt to rectify the disappointing behavior, Ben offered to make everyone pancakes. One entire bottle of syrup later, we were all over fed. We watch the Lion King and layed on the floor with blankets coloring.

After stating numerous times they were bored, the kids finally seemed to get the "Boring Sunday" concept and need to be appreciative. We didn't torture them but they didn't have much fun. When the neighbor kids walked over to play, Ben was devastated when I told him he had to tell them they were grounded and couldn't play. Leverage is proving useful.

Later, I elected Ben to accompany my for a not-so-fun filled trip to the grocery store. He wasn't too bothered to come along. Unfortunately, when we left, the Expedition wouldn't start (One day I'm going to write a Wikipedia article about the Johnson Car Curse). A very nice Hispanic gentleman that was sitting in his car came over and offered to take a look. After popping the hood, we exchanged many awkward head nodding, absurd hand gesture moments before I finally forced Ben to try and help translate. It didn't prove to be helpful; ultimately he said it was broken, needed to be fixed. Hmmm...thanks, I'm pretty sure I had already figured that one out. Called Gus and Clifford the big red truck to the rescue. We had take-out pizza for dinner.


Monday February 13th

School holiday, no school! Gus had to work, again!

Had a better day today. The kids picked up, took showers and played very nicely together.

The girls made themselves hot chocolate with our new Keurig coffee maker and thought the coffee cups I gave them to use were hilarious. They ran off the their rooms and came back dressed like this:

They thought the cups made them look like cowboys so they dressed the part and said they were going outside to drink their "coffee" with the goats. Later, they came back in to tell me they were going to sit on a bench next and watch the clouds and wait for one to look like a bunny.

I let Ben ride over to the neighbor’s house and bring back their two kids, Jacob and Emily. They played ALL day. Rode bikes, played on the tire swing, jumped on the trampoline, played video games and dolls. I cleaned and did my homework. It was a very pleasant day followed by an afternoon at watching the kids at gymnastics.

Tuesday February 14th

Valentine’s Day!

Gus off, finally!

Ben got up early and made us both coffee and waffles. He packed all of their lunches and wrote me a special note saying he hoped I get an A on my homework. I love that boy!

Gus and I got dressed and helped the girls get ready for their fun party day.

The grown-ups decided to have a Valentines breakfast since we were strangely kid-less.

Visited Target afterwards, for some grownup shopping, and bought Ben an awesome birthday gift (you'll have to wait until Saturday to find out what it is!). I left for work and Gus navigated AAA in order to have the Expedition towed to the shop, super impressed, he didn't call me once.

After school Abby had a Girl Scout get together at Barney Schwartz Park for bike riding. All of our kids took advantage including big kid Gus and rode for hours.

End of the day, kids had a great time at their Valentines parties and were on sugar highs until bed time.


Wednesday February 15th

Gus was off again.

I stayed home and was logged in and ready to go by 7:00 to reserve our spots at Yosemite for June. Unfortunately as soon as I hit the button, they were already completely reserved, very disappointing. My mom and dad will be staying nearby so it will be a fantastic trip camping right next to them!

Gus kindly took the kiddos to school and I stayed behind to get ready for my day.

Went to Ellie's school for her "Me Day" presentation where she presented a poster full of pictures of her and the things she likes to do. She seemed nervous but didn't hesitate to answer questions.

Afterwards, I took her to the kinder orientation at Georgia Brown. That's where they talk about the program, give a demonstration and hand out the oh so coveted applications. In the past, parents would pour out of the meeting, head for their cars and frantically fill out the required forms in the hopes of being one of the firsts to return the packet. Fortunately, this year, they have changed the procedure. Now, we have about 2 weeks to complete the application and cannot turn them in until a certain date. However, you better bet, my butt will be at the door by 7am that morning in a parka waiting for the doors to unlock. My forms are complete, copied twice and originals in hand. It should take me only seconds to get that time stamp on my paperwork! I do like a little competition to get the heart going sometimes.

Then I went to work...boring.


Thursday February 16th

Ellie and I took the big kids to school and headed back home. I planned on making a Rice Krispy treat for Ben to bring to class to share. Then, I realized I forgot the Rice Krispy’s; I had plenty of marshmallows though! So, back to town we went, uhh! Finally, we began the process of molding a Diamondback Rattlesnake. Gus came home and finished off with some awesome piping work out of frosting.

I left for a work meeting, picked up the kids and headed back home. Gus was nearly done and didn't appear to have moved since I had left hours before. He said he was dedicated and I inspired him; made me feel like I was some kind of slave-driving wife. I'm not! Then I was back in route to town, to go to work, again. Overtime is pretty consistent right now but I'm not complaining.

Friday February 17th

Cousin Kamryn's 8th birthday (just 1 day older than Ben)

I slept for a total of about 4 hours and got up to take Ben to lunch. We have a tradition that on or nearest your birthday, mom comes and takes you out of school to the restaurant of your choice. He had his restaurant picked out weeks ago...Bubbas. He quickly announced to the waitress that it was his birthday and he was expecting to ride the bull. He ordered a plate of messy ribs and enjoyed his birthday song and cake. He jumped on the bull again with no fear. He didn't get bucked off this time but we had an awesome lunch together. He complained his stomach hurt, wonder why!?!

Afterwards, we met Gus and Ellie back at Ben's classroom. Gus and Ben arranged a little set up for presenting the snake cake. Gus put the cake inside a large cardboard box and when they had the kids' attention; Ben announced that he'd brought in his pet rattlesnake. Gus quickly opened the box and a number of the kids jumped and gasped. We felt a little guilty afterwards for scaring them but it was funny. They love, love, loved the cake! After eating, they gathered around Gus asking him question and making requests of their own for animal cakes. One talked about a 2 headed reptile of some sort and another wanted a giant lizard. It was lovely and Ben seemed very happy.

I am working and planning to get everything ready for Ben's sleepover tomorrow night as soon as I get up. He's invited 3 very nice boys from school who will all be experiencing their first sleep over together. Gus is looking forward to it and he is officially in charge, I'm taking the girls to a move and sleeping in the trailer with them so the boys can be "girl free".

Wish us luck...

February 4, 2012 to February 10, 2012

Saturday February 4th
Had a wonderful family breakfast together.
I took the kids to purchase a birthday gift for a party Ben was attending later. The girls and I dropped him off at his friend's house and left for San Luis Obispo. We left Dad home alone to do whatever he'd like (I think he really enjoyed himself). The girls and watched a play called Pinkalicious based on a popular children's book. The girls LOVED it, especially Ellie. We ran into Abby's teacher and one of her classmates was a supporting roll in the play. Afterwards, they were able to meet the cast, take a picture and get autographs. Super fun girls day! Daddy picked up Ben and we all met at home for a nice dinner.

Pinkalicious cast and the girls

Sunday February 5th
Superbowl Sunday!!!
Made football shaped whoopie pies, jello shooters and roasted potatoe wedges.
Went over to a co-worker of mine's house in town. Lots of kids there for ours to run around with. Disappointed with the game's outcome but what can you do?

Football cookies I made

Monday February 6th
Minimum days all week at school for Parent/Teacher conferences
Picked up kids and relaxed at home.
Dropped Gus and kids off at gymnastics (they all 3 go the same day, same time now!) and went to Abby's conference. Teacher said she's doing well, loves reading and is excellent at math. She needs to work a bit on writing and punctuation but overall doing well. She is a bit shy (nothing new to me) and has been partnered with other students with more outgoing personalities. She has been complaining each afternoon of ailments such as a stomach ache or headache...we're relating it to a "nervous stomach" and working with her one feeling more sure of herself. I'm taking extra care with her and trying to encourage her the way I needed it at that a age (we are very similar). Gus seems to have a harder time relating and being compassionate but he can't relate like I can.

Gus and I have the next 3 days off from work due to a previous scheduled and cancelled Vegas trip. We decided to go camping and take the kids out of school. The kids were thrilled...except for Ellie, she was very disappointed she'd be missing any school!

Tuesday February 7th
Packed and packed and packed...until we couldn't pack anymore.
FINALLY left the house around 12 and headed the grocery store. Brought the truck pulling the trailer and I drove the Expedition with my girlies. Things seemed to take forever but not as long as they do when camping with my Dad :)
Got to Pismo around 2, aired down and quickly found a campsite. There were about 3 other camps in the entire place! It was raining a bit that morning and was chilly but we knew the weather would improve that night and the following days. We were right, it was beautiful! Set up camp quickly and the kids immediately started playing in the sand.
Gus was hilarious, sweeping out the trailer every 10 minutes anytime someone went inside. I putted around cooking and organizing, reading my Kindle.

We had a wonderful dinner and sat out by the fire, make smores. Kids crashed early and sleep well. Ellie got to sleep on the top bunk for the first time, she was very excited. I was nervous all night that she might fall out of the bed but she didn't.

Wednesday February 8th
I programed out GPS with a few Geocaches throughout the dunes. We needed flags for the vehicles so we decided to drive the Expedition into town to buy some. Little did we know it was high tide. When we came upon the river crossing, it was deep with waves crashing in quickly. We didn't want to have to come back again but I wasn't willing to risk crossing. Gus decided he could do it and he did! I had my head buried in my lap, the kids were screaming with delight as we drove through.
Unfortunately, all the ATV stores were still closed. Apparently, no one gets up before 10 around there. A very nice lady at the entrance gate clued us in on another store at the northern gate. Luckily, they were open and we got our flags!

Went back to camp, got some snacks and headed out on our Geocache trek. Proved to be more difficult than expected- the terrain and fence lines had obviously changed since the caches were placed. Ben was able to successfully lead us to the first one we looked for. We wrote in the log, left a toy truck and took a mardi gras necklace that Ellie picked out. They had so much and wanted to keep looking. We went back for lunch and went out again. We were unsuccessful with the next few, they were a long ways into the vegetation from the fence line.

The kids played the rest of the afternoon, went for walks on the beach looking for treasures and shells.

Went into town for dinner at an awesome burger place. The kids were great, ate all their food and behaved nicely.

Had a campfire and smores...again :)

Thursday February 9th
Much of the same as yesterday.
Started packing up after lunch and left around 1. After airing up and getting all the tow situation settled, made it home around 3. As soon as we got home, I unpacked everything. It felt so good to be organized and done...done! I had all the dirty laundry washed and put away, dinner made, everyone bathed and homework done by 7. It felt better than awesome...amazing! I was so grateful for our time together...now back to the real world!

Friday February 10th
Took the kiddos to school and hurried into work for an 8am training on a new computer system.
After I went home and had a few hours to myself. I did more house chores and homework.
Gus kindly picked the kids up from school and took them to purchase books from the book fair at school.
I helped with homework and valentines cards when they got home.
Went to work...bummed

Luckily, the kids and I have the next 3 days off together.

January 28, 2012 to February 3, 2012

Saturday January 28th

Everyone was grumpy this morning! We had plans to have Ben be our tour guide to see the Elephant Seals in San Simeon then Gus and I were supposed to go out on a date (I'd planned an awesome day trip to Tachi Casino) later that night. Well, I was over anything by that point and was PMSing myself. I took the kids to the coast and had a wonderful time watching and learning about the seals. Later we stopped for lunch at a cute deli in Cambria. We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at home.

Sunday January 29th
A boring nothing exciting day. Loved, loved it! We did go to the park and let the kids play while the boys rode their unicycles...got lots of stares.

Monday January 30th
Had our Mommy and Ellie morning. Layed around, watched a movie and cleaned up a bit.
Picked up the kids from school, went to the public library for our weekly spanish books for homework then took Ellie to gymnastics. Meanwhile, Gus went to the dentist. He was really nervous! Like fidgety, couldn't relax or talk, nervous. Poor guy but this was only X-rays and a consult, pain. Concidering what I've been through over the last few months, his expected treatments area breeze! Glad we're all going and keeping healthy.

Tuesday January 31st
Can't believe the month is already over!!!
Went to work, Gus did his norn with the kiddos.

Wednesday February 1st
Copy and past the above

Thursday February 2nd
Had our mommy and Ellie morning again. Did chores, played and read stories. Played outside and baked some football shaped chocolate cookies with Ellie. Got the kids from school and I went ot work.

Friday February 3rd
I slept a couple of hours, got up and took the kids to school. Went home and went back to bed until 11:30, had to go into work early for training...worked a 13 1/2 hour day with vurtually no sleep. Survivable though!
Glad the week is over, looking forward to a fun weekend with the family. Hopefully, Gus and I can reschedule and commit to another date night. One of my girlfriends offered to have the kids after school next week so we can get away...we'll see.

January 21, 2012 to January 27, 2012

Saturday January 21st
I got up early and we all just spent the morning lounging at home. Gus and I did some minor home improvements to our guest bathroom and needed a few more items to finish it up. We took the kids to Lowes and bought a new medicine cabinet and light fixture. We treated the kids to lunch and Big Bubbas Bad BBQ and finished up our in town trip with groceries at Walmart. We spend the afternoon working at home and playing. A very relaxing and peaceful family time day.

Sunday January 22nd
We did not leave the house, not for anything!
Watch the last playoff games and bet on the winners, Ben guessed write on both.

Monday January 23rd
Ellie and I hung out at home, did chores and cleaned. I went to the dentist, Gus got the kids and we met afterwards at the library to pick out reading books for the week. Took Ellie to gymnastics and the boys rode their unicycles in the parking lot while Abby and I watched inside. Gus went grocery shopping with Ben and the girls and I went home a started dinner. They wanted to help so I let do it all...I mean everything. I just supervised, made suggestions but didn't touch or do a thing! Abby browned ground beef and Ellie made macaroni and cheese and the corn. They set the table and felt very proud to have cooked for the family. I hope they realize the more they can do, the more we'll make them do :)

Tuesday January 24th
Our 8th wedding anniversary!
Not very excited, we both forgot until about lunchtime. We're not big anniversary people.
I worked and Gus took care of the kids and took the big kids to gymnastics in the afternoon.

Wednesday January 25th
I went into work early for a meeting.
Ellie went to the Children's Museum on a school field trip. She said she had fun and loved dressing up in the clothes. She said it was cool and she'd never been there before. She refused to believe that we had a membership just a few years ago and she'd been many times.

Thursday January 26th
Ben had a field trip to the coast to see the elephant seals on the shore. He learned a lot and really enjoyed the trip.
I went to work and the kids hung with dad at home.

Friday January 27th
I slept, Gus picked up the kids. Ellie and I watched a movie on the couch and jumped on the trampoline. She likes when we practice her gymnastics move and makes me pretend to be the teacher. She kept correcting me when I was jumping telling me I needed to keep my legs straight and told me grown ups can't have fun. She said if we did, we were little kids and would play with dolls...she's so funny.

Fun week, very normal and relaxing.

Weekly recap:

Saturday December 31st
Had Christmas with the in laws and nephews. Had posole for dinner and played all afternoon outside with the kids. Kids and Gus stayed until the evening and I went to work. Suffered from the worst migraine in my migraine story used by 30 minute lunch break to pass out in my car. Didn't help that it was a busy New Years Eve night and my working partner also felt under the weather. We suffered through it though, troopers!

Sunday January 1st
Kids had no clue it was a new year, funny how those things have little meaning at that age. Spent the morning hanging out and cleaning. Yoli and the boys came over to play and watch the Raiders game...they lost and also lost their chance of the playoffs. Gus left in the afternoon to visit with Oscar and me and the kids got a relaxing evening alone.

Monday January 2nd
School holiday but momma was ready for school to start again!
Hung out and played at home all morning. Waited for Gus to come home from work and went too see Tin Tin in the movie theater...I do not recommend the movie, kind of a waste.
Ate out at Panda and watched a movie by the fire at home.
I suffered another horrible migraine. So painful I was close to asking Gus to take me to the hospital. He was able to get me to relax by rubbing my head and wrapped a sock tight around my temples.

Tuesday January 3rd
Gus got up at 2 and went to work only to find out he had the day off. However, he was excited about being able to take the kids to their first day back to school. I stayed behind and got ready for work. We spent some nice quiet time together before I left, I love those opportunities. The kids enjoyed their first day back and still want to go back tomorrow.

Wednesday January 4th
Average day..kids went to school, we went to work.

Thursday January 5th
Mommy and Ellie morning on the couch watching movies with the cat on our laps. We played on the trampoline until Gus got home ate chili dogs for lunch. Gus made me a wonderful dinner and packed it up for me to take to work...it included 3 giant cinnamon rolls, not helping Gus, not helping! Thought that counts...

Friday January 6th
I cannot take the fatness anymore! Finally reached that point, no more happy eating. Today is the beginning of a new me.
Took Poncho with us to drop the kids at school, he freaked when the big kids got out and he wanted to go with them. I went home and went back to bed. Ellie woke me when she got home so she could say "hi", couldn't imagine a better way to be woken up :)
We ate and went for a 1/2 mile walk around the property. Looking forward to doing more exercise as a family. The trampoline has been awesome too.

Easy breezy Saturday

Coloring in the sun

Our Riley

Ellie and Poncho

My girls

For the weekly recap from the week of November 28th:

Starting with Monday the 28th
Gus had his first weekday day off since school started (they gave him as extra day to because of the extra money they pay them on Thanksgiving...cheap asses!). So, he was thrilled to be able to drive the kids to school for the first time. Although, our life can never be without some sort of mishap, right? I am starting to feel that maybe the Expedition wasn't intended to ever have windows. May it wishes to be a convertible or a topless jeep (brainwashed from all the off-roading you did with it) but Gus ended up hiting a huge owl while buying milk for the kids and shatttered the windshield. So that's window replacement #3. We have a bright new shiny windshield now though. We had Ellie go the sitter and he and I had a "date morning". Strangly enough, all we could think of were things that we should be doing so we found ourselves at the grocery store of all places. It was nice just being together though.
Later that afternoon we bought our first buck. He's only 10 months old and still quite small so we won't be able to use him until next year but he's the sweetest things. He made all the girls go into heat though so it's making we wish we had a mature buck even more now!

Tuesday
I took Cuesta College placement test for English. I know....crazy! I actually scored higher now than I did when I took it just out of high school...kinda sad really. So, I enrolled for Spring term for an online English course. I'm also working with Admin here to see if they'll let me shift adjust one day a week so I can take a math course at the college in Spring too. You'd be proud, I'm also using my Government Scholarship money too!

Friday
Both Ben and Abby received awards at the school's monthy assembly. Abby got student of the month and Ben and Abby received perfect attendance awards...thanks to their awesome mom!!!

Saturday
We took our family pictures (Margaret was supposed to do this with us but of course they're too busy to ever make time for us) using a tripod down by the tree swing on the old white shooting range table. They came out great and without a lot of complaining from the kids. I won't mention that they were bribed with a trip to the movie theater. Our kids are perfecty well behaved.

Monday
Ben and Abby's perfect attendance awards doubled as gift certificates to Bubba's Barbecue on 24th. They got a free kids meal and bull ride. To our surprise it was one of the the best times we've ever had out together. We had a great waitress, very motherly and attentive, who let the kids ride the bull 3 times each. They all got messy ribs and fries and we stayed for hours. Good food, great family time.

Wednesday
I went to the dentist and got my teeth cleaned. Super exciting stuff, I know. I only bring it up because I am certain that it was the most painful experience of my entire life (well maybe childbirth was worse, but it was close!). 10 years of build up and my bad gums, it was terrible even with the numbing cream she used. I'll never, ever wait that long to have a cleaning, ever!!!

Getting bored yet??? :)

Thursday
As to not be without car problems for too long, the van decided to make me hate it even more. I think it knows we only have 1 more payment before it's paid off so it's decided to start making up for the money we would have saved by breaking. So, both sliding doors have broken door handles, the only way to open them is by reaching your arm in from the inside but the kids usually just climb over my front seat now. So, lucky mom gets to go around with dirt stains on her backside all day long. But the back door decided to break too. Just won't open. Sorry Gus, I guess that means I can't by groceries anymore since I have no way to load them into my van. I guess the whole damn thing was made with the cheapest car parts possible. So, out of 5 we're down to 2 functioning doors or 2 with handles rather. I hate that car.

Friday
Gus fixed the back door of the van. I still hate it though, nothing will ever change that.

Saturday (tomorrow)
Gus and I are using our Cambria Pines Lodge gift certificate Margaret gave Gus for his birthday (she said they'd watch the kids so we could go but I don't think I'll see that day come until they can babysit themselves rendering the offer useless). The kids are staying overnight with Olivia, we're really looking forward to it. We've been getting better at this whole marriage thing. We still have our ups and downs but realizing we need to make time for each other and remember that the two of us came first has made a huge difference for us.

I ordered our Dueling Ponds Ranch sign to hang at the top of the driveway. Just need to actually have some goats to milk and some chickens to lay eggs and we'll be set. Gus is still working on the coop and set up and Worley's wife is hatching chicks for us soon (barter for the goats we gave them).

Overall, good week, good times.