Tendinitis

Well... my tendinitis seems to have returned. A few months ago, it was in my wrist and my knee. Now, it is back in my wrist, worse than ever. I really hope I can releave my pain as quickly as I did before; wrapping my wrist and icing here and there. UGH!
Typing on a keyboard with my wrist wrapped is not easy. LOL
(Oh... maybe I shouldn't be on the computer so much! Hee-hee!!)

Summer is coming to an end. We went to the Oregon State fair yesterday with some new friends of ours. Sean works with the guy, and I am really enjoying getting to know his wife. They are new parents, so I got to enjoy some baby snuggles as we toured the fair.
Our kids did a rock climbing wall and enjoyed several of the carnival games. We don't really allow them to ride rides anymore. The safety of the rides became a huge issue a few years ago, and we just don't. They can if they choose, but they don't mind not... so we don't.
We enjoyed our annual Funnelcake and Yaksoba noodles, as the evening ended. YUM!!
Of course, we toured the animal barns and misc. sales stands. It is always a good family time way to spend the last day or two of summer, and get prepped for 'back to school'.

I will be working tomorrow, but I got to take Tuesday off or work instead of Wed. So I can take the two younger kiddos to school on the first day. All the clothes and bought and the supplies are in the backpacks. I need to make some coffee cake for breakfast; and everything will be ready to go. :)

I enjoy the process of getting everything ready. It's so simliar to prepping for the holidays, for me. I plan out what hair-do Meghan will get, the special lunch pail notes, etc. I love being a mom and I am glad that my kids still enjoy the silly things I do for them. (Even if secretly admitting it to me, when their friends aren't around and listening)

Oh my!! I just remembered. I need to write out a new letter to each of my kids. I have these letters in their baby books. I used to write to them more when they were babies. Now I try to do it atleast every year or two. I sit quietly and think about my thoughts, things I am proud of, our relationship (good and struggled), etc. I plan to give it to them when they turn 18. My mom did a letter to me when I graduated high school. It wasn't from birth, but some things she thought of at that time from over the years. It was a silly thing at the time, but I kept it. I cherish the love in that letter now.

Well... off to play Pogo! (If you don't pogo and are curious, shoot me an email... I will send you a link) (Oh, it's computer games from cards to board games to bingo, etc.)

another cake class...

I took my final cake class in wilton course three last night. After 6 days of work though, and not getting off until 5:30pm. I decided to buy a pre-made bucket of frosting for my 6:30pm class. Well, I really should NEVER do that again.
I needed to beat the frosting again, since it forms air bubbles when it sits. No time saved, except that I didn't do this before class. My cake ended up air bubble looking. I then brushed the plastic table cloth into the side of my cake during cleanup. The ride home brought a few pokes and holes as I tried to drive and keep the cake from sliding off my passenger seat at the same time. Good thing I only live a few blocks from the store. LOL
By the time I got the layers frosted and stacked, I had little time to plan out my design. I got to class with several broken flowers and many missing supplies. I felt completely unprepared. Oh well... I got my diploma and I learn more by watching then doing anyways. Next time I will do better.
I have been hired to make two cakes in Sept. Oh, sure... a month of back to school, work, and now fit this in too. Why can't I find it in myself to say the word "no!". Hee-hee!
It will be fine, I will get through it. :)
I taught Jarod to make fried eggs.
Jordan showed me the biscuits he made in school last year.
My garden is finally ripening. I have a few red tomatoes after placing a red tomato to rot on the ground. I heard the rotting process produces a gas that ripens green tomatoes. This season has brought alot of discussions about green tomatoes.
We also have a watermelon growing a bit day to day. Cucumbers and corn are still in process.

Lets see, what else is going on with me? Well... my son needs a sports physical by Sept. 8th. Working on that, have an appt. but it means he is out of school for 90 minutes or so and looses his perfect attendance he always strives for. He will be in "cross country". Sean also signed him up for "Fall Baseball" with SE Portland I think it is. Might be some drama with another parent there, but I am excited to see him pitching and playing baseball again soon.

Well... I guess I better get off here and get the kids school supply list finished up. Jordan has an appt. for the next process in his braces installation today too. :)

What a busy week!

This past week was my first week working full-time, other than seasonal work, since I was in high school. It is crazy how fast time flies at work when you enjoy your job. The odd thing is how much of the day I feel is taken up by work now. I really feel the need to get organized. My usual style of "housework whenever" and "I can get it done in a little bit", just isn't going to cut it. Sean is being wonderful with helping with housework. SHOCKING!! I tell you!! I know he was stressed out about $$, but I don't think I realized just how much.
Anyhoo... we are continuing to get school shopping completed. We have family birthday parties coming in huge numbers! The season of birthdays is just winding up for my immediate family too. I have Meghan in Oct, me in Nov, Sean in Dec, Christmas, Jarod in Jan, & Jordan in Feb. I love and hate this time of year.
I really hope to enjoy gift giving this year. I enjoyed it last year, and have really worked on getting the kids involved in the process of holiday gift giving.

Anyone else starting to think about the seasons changing and all that it brings? I am struggling with getting my garden to ripen and finish its growth, before fall comes any closer. I am also SO EXCITED to think about the fall colors coming around the corner. Oh, to walk to the bus stop with the kids... coffee in hand, leaves changing color and crunching beneath our feet. Yeah!!! My favorite season will SOON be here!! :)

School Shopping

Sean has been taking the kids to get school clothes lately. This means we are spending a little more than I would have been, but I am thankful that it is getting done. The kids each got DC shoes. We went to Seaside, Or (the beach) for the day on Sunday. We found DEALS at "Factory Brand shoes" for the two younger ones. Can't beat $30 and $35 for brand name shoes. (I know brands don't matter, but they do get bought when I know the shoes will hold up for more then 6 months time)
I also got a $10 coupon off a $10 purchase, last week for JCPenney. Jarod spent $3 of his money to buy a $13 Vans shirt he "really wanted". He is SO proud of HIS shirt.
Walmart last night was another stop (me included on this trip). We got Jordan three pairs of Levi's for $42. WOOHOO! He is a 13 yr. wearing size 16, and had to try on mens jeans the other day too. OH MY!! My baby!!! I was teasing him the other day, when he came up to me to show me his upper arm muscles. I said "OH, my little man has MUSKLES" "And you are becoming a MAN!!!" He said "Oh mom" and walked away. The grin was able to be seen from directing behind his head. He gets the first part of his braces this afternoon.
Back to Walmart. I got several T's for Meghan on the clearance rack for $1 and $3. Jarod found nothing. He only liked the jeans he got with dad. (OK, I can deal with that, atleast he got jeans he will wear this year). Last year he ONLY wore CAMO, and that included his shoes LOL.
So I think we are good on clothes now, and maybe just need to buy Meghan a pair or two of pants. Disney did upset me though... I bought a backpack and lunch box. Went to the mall again (9 days later) and say they had a sale. Buy the backpack, GET the lunchbox FREE. $6 savings... but NO... they wouldn't fix my reciept... only within 7 DAYS. @@
I know the retail idea there, but still...

So today I am off work... it is a nasty wet day. What to do???
I just have to finish getting the supplies. (Though most people know my thoughts on supplies... I buy what MY KIDS will use, not supplies for others, unless I CHOOSE to donate items).

It's horribly HOT here for the third day this week. Almost 4th day if you count heat under 100 degrees. Between my work shifts, watering the garden (who cares about the grass at this point), and getting the kids to shower between trips to the pool... I am beat!
I am LOVING my new framing job. I have learned a ton this week. I have been able to enjoy things like color matching, an eye for color in art, etc. I also get to work with so many different customers and their unique personalities and THEIR eye for art, decor, etc. What a blast!!!
We plan to head to the coast tomorrow morning, just for the day. I am hoping this weather will grow into some great thunderstorm activity. I love storm watching!
I hope if you are living in this heat, that you are finding ways to stay healthy and cool off. PLEASE take a moment to check on neighbors and elderly friends and family. :)

Sun, Sunburns, and FUN!

Meghan and I went with friends to a park in Gladstone. The pool was alot of fun for the girls. They got popsicles from the ice cream truck. We all sat to create with the clay craft that the park staff had there. We ate a picnic lunch and enjoyed the sun today, before the HEAT WAVE comes in tomorrow. Too bad I didn't bring the sunscreen. OUCH! I burned myself a nice watch line and shorts line too. It isn't too painful, but I am not looking forward to my shower tomorrow morning or to wearing pants to work.
My last photo I am sharing today is of my 10 year old, Jarod. He is our strong-willed, temperment filled, caring young man. He has been working REALLY hard lately, to teach himself to skateboard. Well... tonight he figured out the "Olley" (sp). I just happened to grab the camera as I ran to watch him. I actually caught a photo of his board and him... off the ground. :)

Sun, Sunburns, and FUN!

Tonight was night 3 of course 3 for my Wilton cake decorating class. I LOVED IT!! We made several flowers. I now have two weeks before our next class because the instructor is going on vacation this coming week. That gives us an extra week of time to make flowers for our final cake. We get to choose the design of the cake, but make either a stacked or tiered cake. I have done both before, but with the new flower designs; I am excited to make this one. :)
I also started working in the frame shop this week at work. I am thoroughly enjoying learning the ropes. I am again excited to go to work. I am working alot more hours and am already missing my time with the kids, but they will soon be in school so that won't be missed as much.
I am off tomorrow, so I plan to take the kids to the park or river for the day. Something fun for us all. :)
Hugs to you all.

5:45am this morning, I took the boys downtown to enter the "Portland Bridge Pedal".
One guy was seen after he crashed, and was headed to the hospital. OUCH!!
They got to go on several bridges that were shut down for cars. Some of the Portland bridges don't allow bike traffic, even in a bike lane.
It was a fun experience for father and son. I know it meant alot to Jordan, to get to spend time with his dad. The only down side was the bicylists that thought they rule the road, and cut me off... trying to drive to get the guys again. It really needs to be a "share the road" from both bikes and cars. :)

Last night was class 2 of Wilton Course 3. We covered our 4" cakes with fondant, a fondant bow, and curliques too.
We also learned the rose... which I got a few tips to improve on the one I tried a few days ago. :)
The kids and I went to a park in Oregon City with some friends of ours. Jordan and Meghan enjoyed the water spout area... but Jarod just clung to my side... "Bored". I wish he could find a younger person in his soul. He just looks at everything as "too young" for him and has a hard time enjoying the little things in life. I wish he could let go and be silly once in awhile. I guess he is more like me than I would like sometimes. I was so happy to watch Jordan and Meghan really enjoy themselves. :)

They spent an hour or more under these water buckets. The water would fill the buckets and then dump on the kids. It is a really cute, clean park. :)

New position at work!

I got a JOB PROMOTION!!!

I always say... "things will work out, the way they are supposed to!" I firmly believe in trustly that life will lead you, if you just listen. If you feel like it is right... do it. If not... DON'T!

I applied for a new job last week. Didn't get it. I go to work this morning and ended up with a promotion. I will go from 16 hours and $9 to 40 hours and $12!!! WOOHOO!
The best part... I will be managing the frame shop and NOT deal with the stress and drama of the main store. I will get to help customers and somewhat stay in my own little world!
I also will be making enough to be able to not say "We're broke". The kids will be able to have school lunch here and there. We can pay a credit card and NOT use what gets paid off again that month. We can even make our bills and let the kids do extra activities, sports, and dance classes. Oh my!!

I even will have vacation and sick pay. (I never call in sick, but I could). LOL

Wilton Classes

I have always enjoyed baking and cooking. I love stir-fry type dishes and things I can make with the kids involvement. My FIL taught me some tips to get me started making cakes. I even made my sisters wedding cake. Well... then I started working at Michaels; and my life progression took me into the Wilton Cake Decorating classes. I have completed courses one and two long ago, now. I just became an instructor last month. I am starting with the project classes for now.
I started course 3 last night, fondant and gumpaste. I think I will really enjoy these techniques the most. I watch "Ace of Cakes" on the food network, all the time. I has become my passion. Something I truely enjoy doing and showing others how to do.
Scrapbooking will always be part of me, but I do find I take long breaks from it being my day-to-day hobby. :)

So... I thought I would update those of you who come here. I will be sharing pics of my next few weeks of adventures. If you happen to be in the Portland area and want to take a class... just shoot me an email. (whether that turns our to be you beside me in a class or infront of me as a student) :)

These are part of my next class... but I browsed ahead in the class book. :)

went shooting with my dad

Yesterday we went target shooting with my parents. My dad was shoot with a shotgun, in a hunting accident, a few years before I was born. Gun safety has always been a big part of my growing up. We are passing on the ideas and the reasoning to my kids. The idea that guns are NOT TOYS, might be used for PROTECTION, and CAN KILL people. Among other things. We also pass on the idea that target shooting can be FUN.

Oh life!

What a crazy time in life. I just can't decide if I really like the new way my family is living, or if it just SUCKS. The price of everything is higher. But here we are... growing a garden, spending time in the pool, having a garage sale (spending a ton of time just chatting with my kids)...

Then I applied for a new job... didn't get it. That would have made sucha difference in our lives. More money but yet more time away from home, kids, hubby, ME time.

Which is better... spending my life stressed to pay the bills but feeling like I am living life more then working through life. OR... would it be better to work a few more hours and to have the $$ under better control. Humm...

I guess they both are better, just in different ways. :)

On the up side... we made about $200 in one day of our garage sale. It rained on us for about 4 hours, but we made it through. The kids have plans for their money (whether it be to save it or spend it).

Sean and Jordan will be in the Portland Bridge Pedal (A bike ride throughout and over several Portland Bridges. They also got enough to buy T-shirts too! A gift from moms craft supply sales.

https://www.providence.org/bridgepedal/