So I know I haven't posted for a while, and some of you are anxious to know how things are going, wanting to see Christmas pictures, and just be kept up on our crazy lives...
Well, I'm sad to say that our computer hard drive took a dive and HP is sending us a new one. All our pictures and stuff from this year is on that computer so before we trade out the old hard drive with the new one, we have to buy something to be able to backup the old hard drive. Keep your fingers crossed that everything turns out OK or I'll be one unhappy camper loosing all that unreplaceable information. Luckily, we've been using the laptop most of this year for all work stuff so it's all safe from the hard drive of the other computer.
Needless to say, I'm hoping to get my blog all caught up as soon as the new hard drive can be installed safely.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas (I enjoyed getting to read all your Christmas blogs and I will post about ours soon I hope) and have a fun and safe New Years Eve/Day!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Lights
We decided it was a good time to go out and "Christmas Light Search". Last year when we went out it was just for us, Shyla was not quite a year old. This year was fun because I felt like it was a night for all of us! We used a website called lightsofthevalley.com where you can find houses in your area that have great lights to see. We used that as a starting point and then drove around the neighborhoods in those areas. We didn't get to see as many as we wanted to see but we did get to see some good ones. The first picture is of a home just around the corner from ours. The picture isn't the greatest, it's much prettier in person. 
This home is also in Antioch. 
Shyla enjoying dancing and singing along with some great Christmas music.
We found a few nicely lit homes in Brentwood. There was even a banner of lights across the street hanging from one side to the other. 
We had a fun time and I hope we can go out another night before or shortly after Christmas. There are still so many houses we want to go check out.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Date Night
It's been 1 week since Jake and I have finished our American Sign Language 2 class! We are becoming more and more fluent and it's a really fun language to learn (highly recommend it). For part of our final, we had to make up a short creative story and sign it one on one with the teacher. Jake's was about Max the drunk monkey. Max was out driving with friends, they stole some elephants peanuts, crashed their car, and ran. But the cops arrived and arrested Max. My story was about Slimey the snake. He made beautiful art with his tail. He gave each of his friends some of his art, so when it came time to enter the art show there was nothing left to enter. One of his friends gave back their picture so he had something to enter... and he won 1st place!
Well, after our last class got out about 45 minutes after it started, Jake said we were "going someplace". I knew he was up to something but didn't know what. Shyla was with some friends and unbeknownst to me, Jake had talked to them at church to let them know what he was planning. After a short drive from class we end up at the movies! I was excited because there are so many MANY movies I want to see but we haven't had the time to go(I'm such a movie nut and would see every movie (almost) out if I could). I had been wanting to see Four Christmas' with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. We got expensive popcorn and soda but I didn't care (normally I'd bring my own because it's so expensive there), but I didn't care because I was with my honey! It was nice for us to get out and spend a little time just us. It's something that I hope we can make more time for. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with Shyla and our dogs, but sometimes I just want it to be me and Jake. It was a great surprise and a nice ending to our crazy day.
Well, after our last class got out about 45 minutes after it started, Jake said we were "going someplace". I knew he was up to something but didn't know what. Shyla was with some friends and unbeknownst to me, Jake had talked to them at church to let them know what he was planning. After a short drive from class we end up at the movies! I was excited because there are so many MANY movies I want to see but we haven't had the time to go(I'm such a movie nut and would see every movie (almost) out if I could). I had been wanting to see Four Christmas' with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. We got expensive popcorn and soda but I didn't care (normally I'd bring my own because it's so expensive there), but I didn't care because I was with my honey! It was nice for us to get out and spend a little time just us. It's something that I hope we can make more time for. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with Shyla and our dogs, but sometimes I just want it to be me and Jake. It was a great surprise and a nice ending to our crazy day.
THANKS JAKE for thinking of me and us! I really enjoyed the movie.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Power Outage (Again)
Jake had to go to FTO training on Monday, so he was gone from about 7:45pm until a little after 5:00am. I had to get up to use the restroom (I will be so happy when I don't have to get up during the night for a bathroom break) and when I came back to bed I was having trouble falling asleep so I turned on the TV. Eventually, I got sleepy again, so I turned over and went back to sleep. I left the TV on so when Jake got home he didn't have to turn the lights on. Well, a few minutes after I turned over I realized I didn't hear the TV anymore. I looked up and saw it was off. So were the clocks. So were all the neighbors lights. Great! Power outage. Well, anyone who knows me really well knows I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to the dark. I'm a grown 30-year old woman and I'm still scared of the dark. What a loser am I? Anyhow, I kept texting Jake so I would have something to do. I lit candles so I would have some light in the room. Luckily Jake came home about 2 hours later because I was so nervous I couldn't go back to sleep. I was concerned with the power being off and Shyla couldn't have her heater on that she'd get cold, so Jake and I went in and added another layer of clothes on her (she will not sleep with ANYTHING in her crib, so no blanket to help keep her warm). Shortly after he came home... the power came back on. Needless to say, the next day I was very tired.
Fast forward to last night. About 10:30pm... power went out AGAIN and the gas too! We found some flashlights and candles and got them lit. We sat in bed, had a snack, and talked for a little bit. Then we brushed our teeth and went to sleep. I figured the lights would come back on in a few hours like they had earlier in the week... I was wrong. When we woke up this morning there was still no power. It was only about 54 DEGREES IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!! The alarm box to the house was beeping all loud and high pitched since there was no power going to it. Poor dogs (who've been sleeping in the laundry room since it's been SO COLD HERE!) had to listen to that all night. Had I known it was going off I'd have shut it off way sooner! I called PG&E and found that the power outage was due to "damaged equipment" and we'd have power/gas restored between 11am and 1pm. It was about 8am and I was worried all our food was going to go bad in the fridge. Lucky for us about 8:30am the power came back on.
Here is a shorter version of what happened last night:
UPDATE: Jake talked with one of our neighbors and they said that last night there was a car in our area doing "doughnuts" in his car and he hit a power poll causing the outage. I guess that's what PG&E meant when they said the outage was caused by "damaged equipment". Must people be so stupid when they drive? I was really cold last night, thanks a lot!
Fast forward to last night. About 10:30pm... power went out AGAIN and the gas too! We found some flashlights and candles and got them lit. We sat in bed, had a snack, and talked for a little bit. Then we brushed our teeth and went to sleep. I figured the lights would come back on in a few hours like they had earlier in the week... I was wrong. When we woke up this morning there was still no power. It was only about 54 DEGREES IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!! The alarm box to the house was beeping all loud and high pitched since there was no power going to it. Poor dogs (who've been sleeping in the laundry room since it's been SO COLD HERE!) had to listen to that all night. Had I known it was going off I'd have shut it off way sooner! I called PG&E and found that the power outage was due to "damaged equipment" and we'd have power/gas restored between 11am and 1pm. It was about 8am and I was worried all our food was going to go bad in the fridge. Lucky for us about 8:30am the power came back on.
Here is a shorter version of what happened last night:
UPDATE: Jake talked with one of our neighbors and they said that last night there was a car in our area doing "doughnuts" in his car and he hit a power poll causing the outage. I guess that's what PG&E meant when they said the outage was caused by "damaged equipment". Must people be so stupid when they drive? I was really cold last night, thanks a lot!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Baby Update
I had a checkup appointment today. Nothing new that came up. I did learn however, the the shortness of breath I have all day (I can't even walk down the hall without feeling like my heart is going to jump out of my chest.) and the trouble I have having a conversation after I have been walking around the house will only get worse the more pregnant I become. FABULOUS! I was hoping it was a "1st trimester" kind of thing...nope.
Baby's heartbeat was really strong. I had Jake and Shyla there with me too! Shyla was facinated when she heard the heartbeat. We took Shyla to Pediatrics for her flu shot and I got mine as well. We're both a little sluggish today and I have a headache, but it's not too much different than I feel any other day.
For the update on how I've been feeling........I still have morning sickness, I'm tired, have trouble breathing and catching my breath, and I get headaches more often than "normal". The doctor said, and I know he's right, it's probably because I'm chasing around Miss Energy AKA Shyla all day. When I was pregnant with Shyla I could lay down a lot and rest when I needed too. Now, all I can really do is rest when she takes a nap and sometimes in the evenings when Jake is home. Most of the time though I feel guilty resting upstairs when he is downstairs taking care of Shyla. He's got a lot on his plate and does many different things for our family (School, FTO training for Reserves, Our business, etc.). I want to be able to help him as much as I can. I know my rest is important though, so I'm learning to rest when I have to to keep me and baby healthy.
Baby's heartbeat was really strong. I had Jake and Shyla there with me too! Shyla was facinated when she heard the heartbeat. We took Shyla to Pediatrics for her flu shot and I got mine as well. We're both a little sluggish today and I have a headache, but it's not too much different than I feel any other day.
For the update on how I've been feeling........I still have morning sickness, I'm tired, have trouble breathing and catching my breath, and I get headaches more often than "normal". The doctor said, and I know he's right, it's probably because I'm chasing around Miss Energy AKA Shyla all day. When I was pregnant with Shyla I could lay down a lot and rest when I needed too. Now, all I can really do is rest when she takes a nap and sometimes in the evenings when Jake is home. Most of the time though I feel guilty resting upstairs when he is downstairs taking care of Shyla. He's got a lot on his plate and does many different things for our family (School, FTO training for Reserves, Our business, etc.). I want to be able to help him as much as I can. I know my rest is important though, so I'm learning to rest when I have to to keep me and baby healthy.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Cookie Exchange
Tonight our Relief Society had a cookie exchange; can anyone say yum? There was also an ornament exchange but I wasn't able to get an ornament on time. There were lots of cute ornaments. One lit up, there was a nutcracker, and one was a mini musicbox. I came home with lots of yummy cookies. Peanut butter ones, cookie bars, gingerbread, one with a cherry in the middle, chocolate chip, peppermint bark, and even a gooey chocolate covered thing. Since I am in Primary, I don't get to see many people who are in Relief Society and I really enjoy their company, and I am thankful for this event to be able to chat with them and catch up!
As an added bonus, when Shyla and I got home, there was a bag waiting from my Visiting Teachers! There were cookies and candy inside. It was a nice way to end the night... to know that I'm thought of even when I don't always feel like I am.
Here is the recipe that I brought. It is so yummy!
NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS
2c peanut butter
3/4c (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2c powdered sugar
3c graham cracker crumbs
2c (12-ounce pkg) semi-sweet chocolate chips
GREASE 13x9 inch baking pan
BEAT 1 1/4 c peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in 1c powered sugar. With hands or spoon, work in remaining powered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2c chocolate chips. Press evenly into prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula.
MELT remaining peanut butter and remaining chocolate chips in saucepan on LOW heat (I just melted in the microwave for about 3 minutes on "defrost" and it worked faster than heating on the stove). Stir until smooth. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan. Refridgerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 60 (or about 30 something depending on how big you want to cut the bars)
The directions make it sound like it's a lot harder than it really was. Here's what it looks like:
As an added bonus, when Shyla and I got home, there was a bag waiting from my Visiting Teachers! There were cookies and candy inside. It was a nice way to end the night... to know that I'm thought of even when I don't always feel like I am.
Here is the recipe that I brought. It is so yummy!
NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS
2c peanut butter
3/4c (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2c powdered sugar
3c graham cracker crumbs
2c (12-ounce pkg) semi-sweet chocolate chips
GREASE 13x9 inch baking pan
BEAT 1 1/4 c peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in 1c powered sugar. With hands or spoon, work in remaining powered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2c chocolate chips. Press evenly into prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula.
MELT remaining peanut butter and remaining chocolate chips in saucepan on LOW heat (I just melted in the microwave for about 3 minutes on "defrost" and it worked faster than heating on the stove). Stir until smooth. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan. Refridgerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 60 (or about 30 something depending on how big you want to cut the bars)
The directions make it sound like it's a lot harder than it really was. Here's what it looks like:
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Makeup Lesson
Could someone please give my child a makeup lesson??? I've tried to show her the "correct" way to do her makeup, but she just won't listen. Maybe she will listen if someone other than mommy helps her... FYI, I didn't let her get into my makeup... I was working in another room and came in to find this... 
She has mascara on her forehead, eye shadow on her lips and cheeks, and tinted lip gloss on her eyes/eye lashes!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
RS Christmas Dinner
Tuesday night was our RS Christmas dinner and ONCE AGAIN I forgot to bring my camera. I'm really mad at myself because I used to carry my camera everywhere. Now, I remember to bring my camera but I don't remember to TAKE PICTURES. What good is it to bring a camera if I don't use it?! OK enough of that, here's how the evening went...
First we had dinner and it was yum yum in my tum tum. We had chicken courdon bleu, green beans, rice, and rolls. During dinner I had nice chatter with the ladies at my table. Ever since I got my calling in Primary I don't get to spend much time chatting with the lovely ladies in my ward. They are always so much fun to talk with. I was able to do a little catching up with them, so that was nice.
Our program/theme was the Three Wise Men. There was a set of wise men on each table along with some really pretty ribbons and gold leaves.
Before our "wise speakers", Gina sang The First Noel and her mom played the piano. They are a very musically talented family. Gina, you sang SOOO lovely. I saw tears in some eyes. And for the record, you totally sound like Nora Jones when you sing in your lower register. Absolutely lovely. After the song, there were 3 "wise" men from our ward that shared a few minutes of their wisdom. All their wisdom was great and I really enjoyed listening to them. They really make you see the true meaning of giving at this time of year. The last speaker sang Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. He sings really well and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how good he can play the piano. And once again, I saw tears in the eyes of some ladies. Can I just say how jealous I am? I practice (probably not as much as I should), and slooooly am getting better. I hear others play these spectacular pieces though, and I can't help but let the jealous in me come out.
First we had dinner and it was yum yum in my tum tum. We had chicken courdon bleu, green beans, rice, and rolls. During dinner I had nice chatter with the ladies at my table. Ever since I got my calling in Primary I don't get to spend much time chatting with the lovely ladies in my ward. They are always so much fun to talk with. I was able to do a little catching up with them, so that was nice.
Our program/theme was the Three Wise Men. There was a set of wise men on each table along with some really pretty ribbons and gold leaves.
Before our "wise speakers", Gina sang The First Noel and her mom played the piano. They are a very musically talented family. Gina, you sang SOOO lovely. I saw tears in some eyes. And for the record, you totally sound like Nora Jones when you sing in your lower register. Absolutely lovely. After the song, there were 3 "wise" men from our ward that shared a few minutes of their wisdom. All their wisdom was great and I really enjoyed listening to them. They really make you see the true meaning of giving at this time of year. The last speaker sang Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. He sings really well and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how good he can play the piano. And once again, I saw tears in the eyes of some ladies. Can I just say how jealous I am? I practice (probably not as much as I should), and slooooly am getting better. I hear others play these spectacular pieces though, and I can't help but let the jealous in me come out.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Ward Christmas Party
Saturday was our ward Christmas party. This year it was designed as a breakfast instead of an evening party. This worked out better for us so that way Shyla wasn't getting to bed really late. Breakfast was very yummy. Eggs, a delicious hash brown bake thing, ham, fruit, lots 'o muffins, juice, milk, wonderful breakfast! Shyla came in her PJ's :) 
One funny thing that happened while the program was going on. One of our Bishopric was onstage reading a story and one of the children ran up on stage and sat in the chair. He was waving to people and just "hanging out". I know the picture is a little blurry but it was a spur of the moment shot. Funny.
Monday, December 8, 2008
CPD Reserve Holiday Party
Saturday night was the annual holiday party for the Concord Reserves. I brought my camera, but didn't realize until the end of the evening that I hadn't taken any pictures :( We had dropped Shyla off at our friends place who wanted to watch her for the night and bring her to church in the morning. It was very thoughtful and helpful for them to take care of her like that. We thank them very much for giving us the opportunity to have a night to ourselves.
There were a few guys that didn't show up but those that did I was able to meet their "other halfs". Most were married, some not. It was good food too!!! Ribs (a couple different types), chicken, rolls, coldslaw, yummy fruit, and a few other things. We all got to talk and get to know each other a little bit better. There was also a gift exchange. Jake and I both bought gifts so we both got to participate. Jake ended up with an 8 - in - 1 screwdriver/flashlight and I got a battery operated lighted waterfall fungsheui thing. I already have one similar so I knew I would like it.
We got home around 11pm and it was a fun night out! I helped to decorate the room and the tables. The table decor was really cute if I do say so myself. Next time I'll have to remember to take pictures.
There were a few guys that didn't show up but those that did I was able to meet their "other halfs". Most were married, some not. It was good food too!!! Ribs (a couple different types), chicken, rolls, coldslaw, yummy fruit, and a few other things. We all got to talk and get to know each other a little bit better. There was also a gift exchange. Jake and I both bought gifts so we both got to participate. Jake ended up with an 8 - in - 1 screwdriver/flashlight and I got a battery operated lighted waterfall fungsheui thing. I already have one similar so I knew I would like it.
We got home around 11pm and it was a fun night out! I helped to decorate the room and the tables. The table decor was really cute if I do say so myself. Next time I'll have to remember to take pictures.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Our Turkey "Va-cay"
We got home a couple days ago from our annual Thanksgiving trip down to visit some of my side of the family in Visalia, CA. We drive down on Wednesday afternoon and didn't hit any traffic. Normally, we stay at my grandmas house, but this year my cousins were generous enough to open their home to our family. They just bought and moved into their new home in July. It is a really nice place and they did a fabulous job making us feel right at home. Shyla enjoyed getting to play with her cousins also. They were so cute together.
Thanksgiving day started off at my Grandma's for appetizers (yum) and then off to Uncle Bob and Aunt Susan's home for dinner. There were a lot of people in attendance. This year there were 2 sides of the family. There was my uncles side and my aunts side. In all there were 30 people at dinner!!! We started with 3 small courses, then prayer (always given by my uncle and always heartfelt and a wonderful way to start a good meal), THEN TURKEY!!! After dessert and a little time to chat and catch up with each other.......GROUP PICTURE TIME! I always come with a camera and a need to have to take a group shot.
In this picture (not in order):
-Matriarch Dorothy (my grandma)
-Her 2 children Uncle Bob and my mom
-Uncle Bob's son Ryan, his wife Monica, and their children, Jeremy, Zachary, and Cameron (not shown is Monica's mom who was also at dinner)
-My mom and my dad, my brother (his girlfriend is not shown, she's taking the picture, she didn't want to be in the shot), me, Jake and Shyla (and not visible now, but our soon-to-be son or daughter)
Matriarch Mary (my aunt Susan's mom)
-Her 3 children my aunt Susan, Steve, and Greg?(This was the first time I met this son and I can't rememer his name, sorry)
-Susan's son Jaime, his wife Yvonne, and their sons Gianno, TWINS Niko and Corrado
-Steve, his wife Cindy, and their TWINS Sara and Michael
-The Son I can't remember his name, and his son (I'm sorry I can't remember his name either.)
On Friday we did a little shopping for Black Friday. It certainly wasn't as busy as we thought it would be, which made for some stress-free shopping and some great deals! Before shopping, we met up with some friends that we sure don't see often enough. Danny and Nicola, we're glad that we were able to meet up with you all and see you son who is super handsome! We certainly have to get together more often, maybe for bowling night or something.
Saturday we left for home. Our trip has come to an end.
A lot of stuff went on this year that has made me so thankful for this time I got to spend with my family. The thought that I may not see some of them for a while helps to make me take the moments, as small or large as they may be, to enjoy their company.
Thanksgiving day started off at my Grandma's for appetizers (yum) and then off to Uncle Bob and Aunt Susan's home for dinner. There were a lot of people in attendance. This year there were 2 sides of the family. There was my uncles side and my aunts side. In all there were 30 people at dinner!!! We started with 3 small courses, then prayer (always given by my uncle and always heartfelt and a wonderful way to start a good meal), THEN TURKEY!!! After dessert and a little time to chat and catch up with each other.......GROUP PICTURE TIME! I always come with a camera and a need to have to take a group shot.
In this picture (not in order):
-Matriarch Dorothy (my grandma)
-Her 2 children Uncle Bob and my mom
-Uncle Bob's son Ryan, his wife Monica, and their children, Jeremy, Zachary, and Cameron (not shown is Monica's mom who was also at dinner)
-My mom and my dad, my brother (his girlfriend is not shown, she's taking the picture, she didn't want to be in the shot), me, Jake and Shyla (and not visible now, but our soon-to-be son or daughter)
Matriarch Mary (my aunt Susan's mom)
-Her 3 children my aunt Susan, Steve, and Greg?(This was the first time I met this son and I can't rememer his name, sorry)
-Susan's son Jaime, his wife Yvonne, and their sons Gianno, TWINS Niko and Corrado
-Steve, his wife Cindy, and their TWINS Sara and Michael
-The Son I can't remember his name, and his son (I'm sorry I can't remember his name either.)
On Friday we did a little shopping for Black Friday. It certainly wasn't as busy as we thought it would be, which made for some stress-free shopping and some great deals! Before shopping, we met up with some friends that we sure don't see often enough. Danny and Nicola, we're glad that we were able to meet up with you all and see you son who is super handsome! We certainly have to get together more often, maybe for bowling night or something.
Saturday we left for home. Our trip has come to an end.
A lot of stuff went on this year that has made me so thankful for this time I got to spend with my family. The thought that I may not see some of them for a while helps to make me take the moments, as small or large as they may be, to enjoy their company.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)