ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

I am exhausted! I dont have enough words to describe it. Emma hasn't been sleeping very soundly at night this week! (She snores just fine during the day!!!) Therefore, neither have I!!! After she has woken me up for the 15th time, I just physically cannot go back to sleep. So...I toss & turn, I think, & think & think. My brain just wont shut up!!!! I have planned everything that I can think of between today & 2010! I have made my to do list for the following week over & over. Unfortunately...the following day I am so tired, I get nothing done on the list that I spent all night making in my mind!!!!!!!!! BRING ON CHRISTMAS VACATION!

Soccer in the RAIN????

Soccer in the RAIN????? Oh, yes my friends!!! Corning....even the mention brings on a sigh. The U14 boys have lost twice to them. They are a tough team!!! So when we were told that the U12 girls team were undefeated and noone had scored against them this season & then we had to play them at Junction School in the pouring down rain, it did not seem promising. First it was raining and the wind was blowing...

Lauren playing defender this game, had to defend the right just to stand up, they did a lot of pushing on her...

Did I mention that it was raining?

Lauren slipped in the mud & it was a call against her for SLIDE TACKLING!!!! ( Which gave Corning a free shot at goal & A GOAL!)

With some other SLICK playing from Palo Cedro, Corning is no longer undefeated!!!

Did I mention that I sat in the car & watched from a dry seat?

Halloweeeeeen!

It was a dark and rainy night...we were not expecting such a fright...

& THEN...

We were so scared that we called the police...

& The Mafia!!!!

After the scare was over, we were entertained by the Go-Go Dancer!!

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!!!!

Breakthrough!

BREAKTHROUGH! We officially have 2 new teeth on the beautiful 15 month old! Only 2 more to go! I still feel like I am under house arrest. She doesn't want me to do anything other than sit in the chair. She can get up & do what she needs but doesnt like me to! Honestly I am so tired of the squeeling that I am just sitting in this chair!!!! I've got to get mommy points for this! & the hugs & snuggles are priceless. Laundry and dishes will be there later! & I only have to use the bathroom every few hours. I think the other kids are liking the fact that I have watched college football, nascar, & played Wii with them (Yes while sitting down, & I even won a few!!) So God bless the molars!

Missed at least 45 minutes of Grey's!!!!

I hiked on the Lassen field trip with the 3rd graders yesterday with Emma in a backpack on my back. I was tired thats my only excuse & I didn't know I was asleep until I woke up! I fell asleep during Grey's Anatomy!!!!!!!!! Help girls , what happened in the last 45 minutes at least???????

Sorry just having a bad week!

God's Pathway!

I truly believe that God puts people into our lives for a reason. For reasons only he knows. Some are meant to stay forever, some only to touch and leave impressions on our hearts. Others are there to teach us lessons. I miss some of those people that have left their impressions on my heart. I have lived in a few different places. I have some incredible people in my pathway from God. Unfortunately, most of them have become a Christmas Card list member. I was directed to this web site or blog by someone who touches my heart. She inspires me and on somedays without even realizing it, keeps me going. Tonight as I unwind from my day, kids & husband asleep...I checked my email & my favorite bloggers!!!!! I got an email from one of those gifts from God. Her name is Dena. She was a dorm mate at college. An absolutely wonderful lady. One that gave me a gift of being myself. She loved me as I was and we had some very unforgettable times just being ourselves. Goofy selves. I was so touched by her tonight. It was just an email to catch up. I clicked on her website to see what she is up to & WOW! 1- she has accomplished so much & I am so proud of her. The more I read the more I learned about what she has made of herself. She is incredible. If you just want to check out an inspiration for life here is a few of her websites. http://www.prettyinpaintnewsletter.shutterfly.com/ , http://www.artbydena.com/ . One of these directed me to a blog & I just wanted to share what she wrote, I thought that it was neat.

Blessed in the City… (Nov.)By Dena D’Angelodena@GodBlessHumanity.com
Welcome to my periodical musings of good things happening in our midsts. Sometimes the grind of daily life in Los Angeles or any big city can drive humans to an exasperated state, so I offer this space to ease up, grab a laugh, scratch your head, and hopefully find something inspiring to think about.
First step…Give up the daily news on television.
This is so liberating. It’s like taking off a straight jacket sewn up with apocalyptic fear, programmed hatred, and political babble. Spend that time petting your dog, meditating, or taking a walk. You’re going to hear the highlights from a friend regardless. Isn’t the important news really about what you did with your life that day anyway?
Second step…Look for an ODE.
An ODE is One Daily Enlightenment. This is life-changing. If you spend your commute or wait time in lines looking for one beautiful thing a day, you will see a transformation in your stress level. It sounds so simple and obvious, but once you start this awareness regimine, great things pop up everywhere. As an artist, these daily enlightenments inpire my paintings. I have made it a satisfying hobby that neutralizes commutes and makes me smile as if I have found the missing clue for the day. It can be a visual treat you may have overlooked before, the savor of fresh brewed coffee, an overheard conversation, or a great big smile between a child and its‘ grandparent. Try it EVERYDAY and report back. I swear it becomes an addictive game!
Third step…You tell me.
Write me at: dena@GodBlessHumanity.com and we’ll reconvene next month. Please sign up for an email bulletin when my next column is posted. I look forward to this being a great space to share together.
PEACE!

WOW! Watch out for those sleeves!

Today is mine & Dan's 16th wedding anniversary! 22 years together! Man what a ride! We met my 2nd week at college. His roommate was always in the girls' dorm & somehow we became friends. He just always seemed to be around like a brother. Scott asked me to dance at a back to school dance. He introduced me to his roommate & the rest is history, as they say!!!!! If I went through everything I would take up all of the blog space! Dan was skiing on the world cup team at the time. He would go to school during the fall & ski during the spring. His goal was to make it to the olympics, then finish up school before he got married & settled down! We dated 4 years before we got engaged! We were engaged for 2 years!!!! Now its 16 years....4 KIDS LATER! Our wedding day was HOT! We had 6 attendants each, a junior attendant, & a flowergirl, ring bearer! That flowergirl is married & has her own baby now! We had people here from Pennsylvania, Nevada, New York, & one who just gotten back from England! Our colors were black & maroon! I laugh because all the old folks were having a cow because when I said black they swore that I was going to wear black!!!!!!! I had so many phone calls of concern!!!! We were married at Neighborhood Church and our reception was at Riverview Country Club. & although we had a few catastrophies... a broken arm, a meddling bridesmaids husband (he stirred up some stuff), a bridesmaids flight from the east delayed delayed delayed!!! (But I think that she got to meet some players from the Lakers because of it), my mothers stuff being thrown all over my yard, the reception not being ready when it was supposed to be....even through all of that it was beautiful! & yes we nailed each other with the cake! (Although there was a flag on the play, Dan got me twice!!) The next day we opened gifts with everyone there. I recommend that to everyone. We got to spend more time with the people that meant so much to us. They were 2 very special days! We spent a week in Jamaica for our honeymoon!

This morning I found out that a friend of mine died of a pulmonary embolism this past Sunday. She was 39 years old. 3 weeks ago, another friend of mine lost her son in a car accident. My heart was broken. I absolutely cannot imagine. I don't ever want to know that feeling. It makes me want to write, call, & tell everyone who is part of my life how much they mean to me. I have lost touch with so many people who meant the world to me. Life takes over and everyday is filled with the best of intentions. I have cards or letters, pictures and gifts that I havent sent or given. I owe so many thankyou notes. I want to hold my kids tight! They are growing so fast. I want to make each day count and not worry so much. (I am a worry wort!) I have a tendency to blame myself for things I didnt even do!!!! I apologize a lot for things I had nothing to do with!!!! I also have a tendency to shy away and keep to myself afraid that I am bothersome! I want to finish what I start. I want to be happy and make memories! Life is about making memories! To me nothing else matters. Sharing your life with people who want to share it with you.

There are days that as a mom you feel that your heart could completely break or explode with love. This day, mine was close to exploding. My children love each other & that I feel is one of the most special gifts that they could ever give me. It is incredible to see. I watched as Lauren drew a picture of Jacob. I couldn't believe the details & the concentration that she had. She couldn't wait to show her masterpiece...to her brother. His enthusiasm was just the compliment that she craved. Andrew, my constant helper and the other half of my brain...(I swear he reads my mind!) takes such good care of the other 3. He will make the most excellent father some day. I think that this picture says it all!!!!!

Thank You Friend!

Thank you Melissa!
I read your blog & felt completely inspired. Even though I have only seen you briefly lately, after reading your blog I feel like I found my long lost friend. I feel re-connected! Does that sound funny? I have felt completely out of the "Big" people world for so long that I feel like I have lost my communication skills outside of "Dont do that" & "Let Momma see the scratch that is going to make your arm fall off"! I may not be able to sit & talk like a big girl but I can read & write when my house is quiet & noone is poking me on the shoulder! Again thank you, Dear Friend!!!!