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.

Weekly rundown

Weekend
Cambria Pines Getaway, you heard all about that already so I'll spare you.

Monday
Ellie and I did our weekly Monday library story time followed by collecting over a dozen books to bring home with us. Her favorite part is using the self check out and scanning the barcode on each book with the pointer (it's actually my favorite part too!)
After school I headed to the dentist with all 3 kids for their 6 months checks. It was a strange parenting moment as I sat alone in the waiting room after each child was taken back by a nurse and my bunch filled every dental chair the office contained. I realized they didn't need me, they were comfortable and sure of the situation and confidently left me sitting there. I couldn't take it and found myself loitering outside each exam room door looking for signs of distress. Eventually they were done, cavity free and to be seen again in 6 months. The dentist added the comment that we will be talking about sending some more teeth to other tooth fairy for Ben and Abby since their new giant teeth are crowding. And braces will definitely be happening in the future. I joked that I should start making payments to his office now...I probably really should!

Tuesday
Christmas shopping extravaganza solo at Target before work.

Wednesday
Christmas shopping extravaganza solo at Walmart before work.

Seeing a trend yet?

Thursday
Ellie and I baked and baked and cleaned. Well, I cleaned but at least it got done. I hung Christmas lights in the freezing cold and cleaned out boxes in the garage. I must add that I was damn proud of myself, standing on a ladder without falling off and actually accomplishing some manual labor. I grossly miscalculated my light purchase figuring 2 18' strands would cover the front of the house. I expressed my frustration to Gus after on 1/4 of the house was lit. He laughed saying the house is over 100' long...yet another reason why I should not be in charge of these things. Very productive then went to work.

Friday
Last day of school for 2 weeks!!! So excited to not have to go anywhere in the mornings or get anyone ready for school and listening to arguing about what they are going to wear.
Ellie had a birthday party for Jesus at school and Abby made a ginger bread house. I slept...a lot...to my surprise.

This weekend we have nothing going on. We're going to stay home and build and decorate. I'm going to stay up late and secretly wrap the Christmas presents I have locked away inside the trailer. Looking forward to getting things done and ready for Christmas.

This is the after school snack I sent with Gus to give the kids when he picked them up. That was how I spent the day, baking and making quick hot dogs for lunch. The kids appreciated them though and Gus perched himself on the barstool stealing any cookies that broke or didn't look quite right.

Cambria Weekend Getaway

My very thoughtful sister-in-law (well almost, my brother's dedicated, not going anywhere girlfriend) gave Gus a gift certificate for a one night stay at a local beach hotel.

We were desperate for some time away, alone realizing over time these moments are very important to our relationship. The kids gave us some heck about leaving them overnight with Grandma Garcia but eventually gave up.

We left home towards the beach at about 2 in the afternoon soon to arrive in our super cool mini-van. We spent the entire drive talking about nothing other than the kids, the house and Christmas...typical parents (or at least I hope that's typical). Gus kept bringing the conversation back to our everlasting discussion of burying our newly purchased Christmas trampoline. He had researched the topic on his IPad and had a prepared a very convincing persuasive view. The issue is still unsettled. I have no doubt that I will arive home one day in the near future to a newly dug giant hole in my front yard. He's a dreamer, always will be.

We arrived at the cottage style hotel exactly at check-in time. We were directed to our room and given all the information about the property including the restuarant and walking gardens that were decorated for Christmas.
As we entered our room we both immediately commented how cold it was. There was a window that had been left open and it was a chilly beach day. We both looked around for the thermostat with no luck. I was immediately discouraged looking at a tiny single log fireplace in the corner. One unburnt log sat with a note along side stating if more logs were needed they could be purchased in the lobby for $3. Are you kidding me? I was NOT about the stay here and freeze. But, I was going to eat my free dinner before even considering leaving.
Gus thought it was entertaining bringing up all of the other "green" earth friendly features of the room knowing I was much fonder of modern conveniences than he was. After surveying the room he proceeded to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He came out later laughing saying while brushing his teeth he read a little paper sign that said there was no running hot water and if some was needed the front office would bring it to you in a bucket. I'm sure you can imagine my reaction and asked if they had a communal bath too. After a good laugh he admitted it was a joke and there was hot water in the room. Not funny, at all! After nearly 1 hour in the room we discovered the wall heater. Not very observant I guess.
Our dinner reservations weren't until 6 so we decided to check out the downtown area. We stopped at what seemed to be the only coffee shop in town, no Starbucks here of course (I was bummed, I had a gift certificate I wanted to use). We walked the through the short downtown strip stopping at a stamp store, turned out much too expensive for simple stamps for our taste, and a complete sports memorabilia store. Had some good laughs trying on hats and checking out football gnomes. We made it back to our car in time to make the quick drive the nearest beach and catch the sunset. Beautiful!






Yep, that really was our room. Gus thought it was funny.



We dressed for a casual dinner and headed over. Surprisingly, the food delicious. We sat and verbally critiqued and commented on the food and possible incrediants (since we are so educated from all of the cooking competition shows we watch). One dish contained capers and we both sat pondering what they really were. Good ol' Google to the rescue! Turns out they're an unbloomed bud of the Caper flower and have a savory bean taste. Hmmm...interesting. The restaurant was expectantly full being a Saturday night and me being a "people watcher" quickly noticed a couple just over Gus' shoulder against the wall. They seemed to be in their late 50's, nicely dressed and completely silent. I mean not a word, they didn't say a thing to each other. Just sat staring at everything in the room but the other person, didn't seem mad or upset though, kind of peaceful looking actually. I pointed it out to Gus and we proceded to ponder. Why even bother going to a hotel, having a nice dinner out and not talk to each other, share thoughts or feelings. Might as well save the money and stay home. Gus said maybe they did all their talking at home and prefered it that way. I disagreed, stating their whole marriage must be like that, friendly roommates. I wondered if they were happy or just going with the motions. Would that happen to us? If it did, I know I wouldn't be happy or content letting things be that way. I continue to wonder about them...

Next we headed to the lounge for cocktails and live entertainment. Unfortunatly, the entertainment was weathered and not our style so we went on to the spa. We were the only ones there. I wondered if we were the only ones with the bright idea or the stupid ones sitting in a spa on a freezing night. It was fun though and warm.

The next morning we ate the breakfast that came with the stay in the same restuarant as dinner. It was lovely and just as delicous. We watched a show the night before where the host was eating biscuits and gravy which started the craving. At breakfast they had just that, they read our minds! After we left Gus stopped for a cup of coffee at the same shop and bought a giant cinnamon roll. When he offered me a bit I turned him down saying I was full he said he was still hungry and wanted another plate at breakfast. I laughed asking him why he didn't get another plate, it was a breakfast bar afterall. He said he didn't know that, I should have told him. Ha.

We checked out early and headed home, missing the kids. They were happy to see us and we spent the rest of our Sunday working around the house and cleaning.

Loving life...

Landscaping

We are living at my parent's house which is settled on 10 acres of beautiful country just north of nearest City (where we work and play). It is home to me, I spent most of my childhood living here and my husband prefers rural living so it's a perfect fit. We treat it like home and have been spending a lot of time planning and executing home improvements.  Who knows, maybe one day we will own this land and pass it down to our children one day. It's precious to us and we value every day we get to spend here.
There are plenty of options. Right now there are white wood fences boardering the yards and driveways, livestock fencing and dirt...lots of dirt! Oh and weeds!
Gus planted some oleander along the west fence of the driveway along with an olive tree and some other shrubs.

I followed suit and decided I really wanted a fish/frog pond. A few years back Gus collected a bunch of tadpoles from a nearby stream and we watched them grow into frogs in a livestock trough. I thought it would be nice for them to have their own little pond and a comfortable viewing area for us. The kids and I dug the hole ourselves (ok, Gus helped out a little at the end) and lined it with an old inflatable pool bottom. We surrounded it by rocks we had around the property, some old stepping stones and decorative bark. We bought a few water hyacyns and water clover for inside the pond. And added some reid grass and butterfly plants along the edge. I honestly didn't realize just how much I would enjoy the pond. It's my little area in the corner of the driveway, feels so peaceful and happy, full of life. I'm happy!

Pond in progress

Finished pond

Gus got jealous and decided he was going to build his own pond. Bigger, of course! It's still a work in progress but will never be as cute as mine! My fish are pretty happy too and the frogs will arrive in the Spring. We'll see...

Gus' pond in progress

The Over the Hill Party

So, Gus is turning 40 on the 18^th. I'm so excited to share my first milestone birthday with him. He's happy to celebrate and even offered some guest list names. I'm still in the planning phase but realizing I need to move quickly, his party is going to be in 3 weeks!

It will be at our house on a Saturday afternoon. I'm going to keep it simple with a BBQ and BYOB. I'm working on personalized home made party invitations and decorations. Just so many options!

Family Weekend

So, we finally planned a trip to go down and see the quads for this weekend. We were to leave first thing tomorrow morning, see the family in the afternoon then drive to San Diego stay overnight then go to Sea World on Sunday. Unfortunately, the mom has been feeling very ill over the last few days and called off the visit.
The kids were initially disappointed but thrilled when we called a family meeting to decide on a new location/venue. They threw out ideas like Disneyland, the local park (so humble) or the beach. Finally, we all agreed...we'd take our first train ride down to Santa Barbara and visit the Zoo, Stern's warf and downtown Santa Barbara. So, I'm off work tonight at 2:30 am, get home by 3 then leave our house by 5:30...mamma will be sleeping on that train tomorrow!
I love weekends like these, just us, together and happy, relaxed.
I'll post pictures and details tomorrow.

We're back now, the trip was...interesting.

The train was great, the kids were a bit antsy but it was tolerable. They were more concerned with playing musical chairs and eating everything I had packed in my pink backpack. Gus seemed relaxed, at peace on his first train experience. He spent most of the trip completely unengaged with the rest of us starring out at the passing scenery. I felt happy to see him feel calm and enjoying something for himself. It always seem hard for him to unattach from us and to not feel obligated to be helping. I loved it, loved the little moments I shared with each of them as they came and went from the seat next to me. We read stories, drew pictures of animals, talked and spoke of what we might see at the Zoo.







The train arrived to the pleasant Station in old Towne Santa Barbara on State St. We sat at the bus stop feeling confused if we were in the right place...after about 45 mminutes we found out we weren't! Some lovely family walked by and directed us to the proper loading location a few blocks away. As we walked, we enjoyed the nostalgia of the neighbor and talked of the temptation to just walk the rest of the way. But knowing the complaints we'd get during the 1 mile walk we agreed not to. We sat at the bus stop bench next to a grassy area at Stearns Wharf watching in silence at everything and everyone around us. There seemed to be a large transient population that all appeared to have some interesting talents. We saw a 3 legged dog, some neat tandem bikes, and eves dropped on passing conversations. As we waited for the shuttle, there was a an older gentleman driver of a parked tour trolley nearing us, he asked if we were going to the Zoo. After we answered he offered to take us at no cost since he was without a fair at the moment. The trolley had no windows and you could sit at the edge of your seat with your arm resting on the side and feel the breeze on your skin. We all sat at our own bench not saying a word.



Once we arrived at the zoo it looked fairly quiet, not too many people. It was perfect, it happened to be kids science day so they had extra exhibits and activities for the kids to do. They offered an insentive of stamps and prizes for completing each science booth. A large group of otter had recently been born and were very rambunctious running and swimming from each end of the enclosure to the other. I got instantly tired just watching them.



We saw snakes...Ben's favorite, elephants, giraffes, gorillas and swans.







Ellie loved the black swans and was shocked when we showed her she could feed them from the swan food coin machine. We convinced Gus to put some pellets in his hand and see if they would get that close to grab it...they did! He survived with all his fingers and we moved onto the train ride after a nice lunch...that nobody ate :)
We walked down Stearn's Wharf past some interesting methods of monitary solicitations by local transients. Each had a booth along the pier on the sand that has some sort of coin game. On used twigs to hold up plastics cups with a cardboard sign saying something about see if you can make it in. Underneath on the thick blanket was littered with different demoniations of coins even a dollar. I thought to myself, what sucker would do it? Who cares? As I look over to see Gus' reaction, he was smiling and reading the signs as he reached into his pocket...what a sucker!! He tried and missed a few time so we walked on. We visited with a transient street water painter, pretty good. He offered the kids free stickers of his art and Gus slyly slipped him an unknown amount of money. He's always so generous and sees the good in everyone, commenting he prayed for our kids to make whatever choices that landed these people in that situation. I reassured him we'd never let that happen. After buying the kids candy we started our walk back to the train station. We stopped for smoothies to rest our feet and finally got back where we started. We had a bit of a wait so the kids ran around and played tag. After they got out of hand, we sat togther playing a fun Eye Spy game on my iPad.
We had a quiet ride home on the train, Gus instantly fell asleep and I cuddled with each of the kds. We went down to the food car and ate pizza and lemonade and brought Gus our leftovers. We careful left the in the seat next to him to find when he woke. Ellie laid on my lap and fell asleep as I read Twilight (ya, I know, way behind the curve). Once back and in the car, everyone fell asleep. I worried that Gus might be too tired to drive in the dark so I fought my own exhastion so I could watch his driving. I'm certain I drove him crazy with my constant critique of his driving but we made it...pretty sure thanks to me :) We all crashed and woke early this morning. What a great weekend!

Abby's 6th birthday bowling party

So, she had the choice, as all the kids do to either go on a family trip or have a party. She wanted to go bowling. So here we are.
I try to be creative, original...ya know the things the really great moms do. It doesn't always work out but hey, at least I try!
The invitations were hand made in the shape of a bowling bowl using a music CD as a template and brightly colored card stock paper. Used glitter markers to decorate, write and draw the holes on the ball. Sent them outs using paper CD cases as the envelopes. Worked out alright and wasn't too much work.
Step 2...the party.
Decided to do cake pops rather than a cake or cupcakes. Never done them before but baking is my thing. So with Gus' help we accomplished rolling and chilling the balls so far. Tomorrow we shape and dip.

Here's our current progress:


Well, I think it went amazingly well. Here's the finished result, I think it looks great. Abby really liked them. I love doing these sort of projects, learning as you go and getting better each time.

Today was her party. She ended up with 3 girls from her class, her 7 year old cousin Kamryn and her brother and sister. So, 7 little ones all together. My older brother Paul and my Aunt and her 2 teenage girls also made it. My in laws too. The kids enjoyed bowling but lost interest must sooner than I expected. Most of the adults bowled as well, Gus kicked out butts way out of the park. Sometimes it's annoying that he's good at anything he does. What a show off!
After bowling we had pizza and soda...all the girls commented and smiled about being able to drink the clear soda. We finished that up with singing happy birthday and eating the cake pops. They were a big sweet hit with all the kids, I gloated in their happiness. After cake pops Abby opened her gifts. She especially loved the tote full of craft kits from her Aunt. Kamryn gave her a great kids scrapbook kit that we're going to start with her party memories. Gus was thrilled when she opened her new 50 piece Polly Pocket gift (any of you parents out there with experience on this know exactly what I'm talking about...the vaccuum has more pieces that what's left in their toys).
We played arcade games then handed out the party favors that I was especially proud of. I always hate getting and giving the typical cheap toys and candy party favors. You end up reluctantly throwing away most of the junky toys. So, I put a lot of thought into it and ended up buying cute pink Hello Kitty resusable tumbler cups for each girls, filling them with mini chocolates, starburst, suckers, cute pencils for school, stickers and princess tatoos. I but the whole cup in a clear gift bag and tied it with pink ribbon. All the girls seemed happy with them...I was, especially knowing they would most likely use everything in their bag. Oh and I made one special for Ben using a Transformers cup.  So, the ultimate lesson learned...the best party favors are either consumable, resuable or crafty in some way.

Also, used my Shutterfly photo credits to order custom Thank you cards with this picture of all the girls:

Had a great day overall.

Welcome...

I documented the heck out of my journey as a surrogate mom of quads (and a singleton) but this is about MY life now! Go check out my other blog if you're interested in that adventure :)

So, here goes...
I am a 27 year old mother of 3 beautiful amazing frustrating children.

Ben is 7...and a half, can't forget the half! He's super smart and challenging, does well in school but drags his feet on homework. Into all sports and loves skateboarding and bike riding. Has a dirt bike and desperate for his dad to buy him a unicycle (ya, I know...post your disagreeances, I'll forward them to Gus!)

Abby is 6...just had a birthday and her party is coming up (I'll get to that in a bit). She's my little mini me but with an attitude. Gus keeps saying he can't wait for her to grow out of it but I'm over here quietly thinking, she's not growing out of anything, she's growing into it! He'll figure it out at some point.

Ellie (new spelling for those that knew the old way..just too confusing for pronunciation) is 4 and my little baby....f o r e v e r...I just can't let go! She's a determined and stubborn little thing but cute as ever. She's hilarious and oh so challenging. I still force her to let me cradle her like a baby...poor thing.

Oh, and I'm a wife too and a pretty good one at that (so says I!). My hubby of 7 wonderful years Gus is an amazing friend. We've come along way from our roots at Farm Supply (ha ha)and from that twist of fate we've created this amazing life together. I never would have thought after working side by side with that goofy energetic man that we'd be married now with kiddos...but here we are. More on him later...

We live on my parent's 10 acre property while they full time RV with my 15 year old brother Kurt. We currently have 5 cats, 2 dogs and 4 goats (more to come in the future). We are getting feeder pigs (yes, we will be eating them) in the spring and working on a chicken coop for egg layers. Real farmers we're becoming. The kids are learning hard work, feed the animals each day, hoe weeds and pick up after everyone.

Everyday is journey and a new experience...but we're together, always together.