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| Ellie and Poncho |
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| My girls |
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
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...
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...
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