Taking The High Road

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 2011!!

2011-06-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, it's been damn near a year and I really want to be better at this...but for today...

***HAPPY FATHER'S DAY***
...to my partner in crime, my husband Fernando!
...to my loving father in law, Alfredo!
...my amazing brother in law, Rob!
...and most of all, my MOM!

May this begin another year of being great dads! I love you guys!

ummm..August anyone?

2010-08-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

We are full swing into August. Emilee started her junior year (11th gr) of high school yesterday and she and BF Nicole said it seemed like summer never happened, just like they had a weekend! They were both excited and happy about their first day, their teachers, classes and the friends in them! I am posting some pics of Emilee's first day of school yesterday. She is the only bright spot in my day right now!

Since I last wrote, Em's "friend" Amanda created DRAMA and said she didn't want to be Emilee or Nicole's friend anymore. Both girls spent the good part of a night and day crying, they were so hurt! If I ever see that little bitch, I swear. Little punk!

Anyway, Emilee did sell lemonade a little this summer to get school clothes and stuff, but didn't go to camp this year. Neither she or Rachael wanted to go. Em did go down and visit Tia, Rob, Rachael & Eden for a few weeks...it was about 120 down there - so hot they couldn't even go in the pool in the daytime! They would go around 10pm!

Kaela moved out - back with Gramma...again. Where she can save and NOT PAY RENT or food or anything! Of course they made it sound like it was for 'our' benefit. Whatever makes you feel better about yourself! She screwed us gangster style! She was paying a little rent and had the master bedroom. So the only plus is that Fernie and I have a room of our own now. It was already difficult enough to make it on $1008 a month and now Fernie's benefits have been cut and we have to make it work on $920 for the 3 of us! Oh yeah, I feel the benefit Kaela! 5 years almost to the date since she did the exact same thing, except she wasn't paying rent then. She also left all her crap here, dresser, bed, boxes, crap that's not boxed, etc! So now She, Gramma and Margaret are moving down to Newport and nobody said a word to me, I had to confront Kaela. AND now she says she is going to take this computer, even though she has a brand new computer that hooks up to everything including her printer! I asked her to leave it till Christmas and we would either have a replacement by then or we'd be out of luck and have to deal with it! She said NO! I can hear Gramma saying 'you better get it now or you're not gonna get it back'! To top it off, Emilee was told that she'd have online homework every single week, she can use computers at school if they are available, other than that, we have to make an appt at the library when they have one avail! Kaela said that she'd bring me discs so I could get our stuff off it. Fernie and I have tons of docs on it, some for each of our court cases, medical stuff, Emilee stuff, not too mention a bazillion pictures! We told her to give us a couple of days notice so we could have all her stuff ready for her. SOOO much bullshit. Oh, you bet I'll have it ready, at the edge of the garage so she and whatever help she brings can get it loaded and get the hell outa town! Again, so much bullshit...I'm up to my eyeballs.

PEACE!

Happy April...Happy Spring !!

2010-04-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

So far Spring is great - off and on. Mostly warmer weather in the low to mid 60s, but a couple days of very cold wind. I can't wait to plant tomatoes, etc.
Emilee went down to Tia's house with gram last weekend. From what I hear EdenJoy was into a cold, but you just can't help lovin' up on her. But now Em has been sick all week and since it seemed to be getting worse, I took her to the Doc on Thursday evening. Turns out she was a right sided girly child...right ear infection, right sinus infection, tonsilitis, and right-sided chest crap. Because I struggle with my lungs, I must make sure she is diligent about taking her antibiotics, allergy med, ibuprofen for fevers, and cough stuff if it's needed. Also because of all my lung crap, I was really scared when she told me that she knew how I felt, cause she couldn't catch her breath.
Because she'd been on meds for a couple of days, I allowed her to go to a sleepover to her best friends house. This friend has moved 2hrs away with her mom due to the the divorce, but she was down visiting her dad who still lives in the same place. I just couldn't make her miss Amanda's visit. It will likely be late May before she is back.
All else is okay. The Lord has blessed us, even in these tough times. The attached pictures were taken by Emilee in photography class. She chose a Cherry Blossom tree, because she knows I love them and then and knew I was having a really rough couple of days.
Easter is tomorrow, we are going to Mom's and bring dinner and dessert. We also get to bring laundry cause we still don't have a washing machine. I am glad we can wash at mom's, but not having a stupid washer REALLY SUCKS
PEACE

YEAH!

2010-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

My birthday was great. The best that I can ever remember. We did go the the Ellen show, just me, Fernie and Kaela. It was fantastic! ELLEN looked great, except maybe a little too thin. But the energy in there was hoppin. One guest was Ty Burrell from the show Modern Family. I wasn't really familiar with it, but he was funny and real.

Then we had someone planting to encourage home gardening or herbs and veggies.. We each got 2 boxes with little seed packs in them.

And then there was a new little band from England, called One Eskimo. We also each got a cd and an animated dvd. I thought they were pretty good, maybe alternativs rock, I don't know.
There was quite a bit of waiting and the move and wait some more, than a tiny bit more waiting. I didn't care, I was gonna have fun no matter what!
I overdid it a bit cause my lungs were on fire the following day. It actually took a couple of days to get back to almost normal. Here are some pics from before ww left and went in.
Peace

Really? March already?

2010-03-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Whoa, I can't believe it's March 8th already! My birthday is on the 16th and it's gonna so much fun for a change. Usually we just ignore it or just don't acknowledge it really. But this year we have tickets to go see a taping of the Ellen Show! At first it was supposed the four of us - Fernie, me and the girls. Then Emi doesn't wanna go cause she has One of the High School Exit Exams on that day. I know there's a make up date, but she is adamant about not going. My feelings are still kinda hurt. I was really sad that she didn't want to go celebrate with me. Still kinda sad to me, even if I am proud of her for taking care of business!

So then I asked my sister. It's a long drive, but she was so excited about the show she was ready to go. Right now Eden Joy was sick but is doing better. I have to give a head count to the producer by tomorrow. So my sister emailed me and cannot go because of this or that. I just cried, as my little fun trip is falling apart. I'm really sad! And I am still praying that Emilee changes her mind and give me my best birthday EVER!

I called my aunt Mary but they had company on Saturday. I was supposed to call her back yesterday, but I didn't. I think she'd love to go, but she is so busy working and running Megan around to guitar, piano, gymnastics....All that and she has above a 4.0 gpa !
Whatever, At least Fernie, Me, and Kaela are still gonna go.
PEACE for now

Spring, You Say?...Almost.

2010-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's March already! My birthday is on the 16th and for my birthday we get to go see a taping of Ellen. It's gonna be so much for a change - I'm used to ignoring it or just not acknowledging the date. I am so excited! but this year we're goin to see Ellen. At first I intended for the four of us to go, but Emilee has High School Exit exams on that day, so she doesn't want to go at all, and has no intentions on taking the make up test. I am pretty bummed but I can't force her...I may have tried already. So I asked my sister if she was interested. She sounded excited but it's so damn far - 3 hours at least from her house to Burbank. If she can arrange it, it will be a blast too. She's gotta arrange someone to keep Eden for the day. She's good at helping me relax and stop when I start flipping out, which is good. I have ideas about child care, but I'll have to check it out a little better first.
Also, Emilee and her friend Nicole went to their first Winter Formal and had a blast. I'll attach pictures.
So long for now...
PEACE

Hey Mother Nature...How Bout Some SNOW!!?

2010-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

I really like the rain, we don't get it very often. It rained almost all day yesterday. Not really heavy, but windy and constant. And our new place has a pretty good leak....it's in Kaela's room. Anyway, there is a break from the rain this morning and it's supposed to start again this afternoon. The landlord said they'd be out here this morning. Fernie is ready to speak with them when they get here. Having been in construction, he knows the correct way to fix the problem, but he thinks they have been trying to put a band aid over the problem at least twice now. We cannot have just a minor fix, as mold will grow and I can NOT be around mold with my troubled lungs - could be big problems.

Emilee went back to school today and was freezing her little butt off. The high today will be 43...could be worse, but it's still cold and windy.

OH - and Mother Nature...about that SNOW...!

My sister had two serious kidney stone surgeries in the last 2 weeks. She is slowly getting back to normal but has been in some serious pain. Feel better, Tia - Love you!

That's it for now, I need a blanket.
PEACE

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE!

We're Here!

2010-01-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

We've been here at the new 'house' for a month or so now and it's moving along just fine. The girls are settled in theie rooms and we are adjusting to being in the living room at night. We just bring the mattress in and out wach day...no biggie really. I am still battling whatever it is that my lungs are cursed with. I had one last test yesterday - the last one of five. One or more of those should let us know if there is COPD, emphysema, or some other type of fun. Will see the pulminologist again in the new 2-3 weeks, I'm guessing. Christmas was non-existent if you're counting presents and that part sucks, we would have liked to get the girls at least some little stuff. Other than that, Christmas was exactly what it should be! Family, Food and Fun! We hung out at mom's and Sunny, Rob, Rachael & Eden were there all weekend. I really enjoyed the time we spent. Especially spending time with Eden...that's only the 2nd time I've seen her in her short 4 months. She is possibly the happiest baby I've ever seen! Right now, Sunny is recovering from serious kidney stone surgery. She was hurting so bad she went back to the hosp today. She is back home for the time...and has another pretty serious surgery bright and early Monday morning. Prayers are needed and welcomed! And just cause he's being a smart-ass...Fernando would like everyone to know that he thinks that the pasta gnocchi is the stupidest thing ever invented! I happen to love it! and because it's my blog, I get the last word for once! I leave you with a couple of pics ...

MOM, KAELA, EMILEE & ME

KAELA, EMILEE & ME

MEGAN & EMILEE

FERNIE, JODI, KAELA, EMILEE

FERNIE & JODI

Manic Monday!

2009-11-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

SO there was a surprise over the past few days. The new landlord called and had a change of heart and decided that we can bring the dogs. So we will now be taking Sienna - Kae's weiner dog - for a $100 deposit. Bojangles could go also, but there just isn't room for him. We have just about a 5x15 space for our outdoor area space. That is just not enough for my little cocker spaniel. No Can Do. So we've had a couple of bites, but nothing solid. We are scrambling at this point. He's mostly an outdoor dog, but he's a good boy, completely vaccinated and fixed. We have been praying for a good home for him.
I've gotta go measure stuff before F gets home and thinks I wasn't doing anything all morning.
PEACE

Update

2009-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

We've found a place. It's about half the size of where we are right now. Let's face it, we live in the Taj Mahal next to this place! But it's going to work out just fine for us...for now. Kaela will have the master and still pay rent. Emilee will have the other bedroom and...Well it seems we have run out of rooms, so Fernie and I will bunk in the living room for the time being. We'll just throw down an air mattress or something - something easy to toss into the garage during the day.
The new landlords are super nice people. Very kind. Fernie dropped off our deposit last Thursday. Although our place is not perfect or in an ideal location, I am positive that the Lord dropped these people right into our laps. They need good tenants and we need a safe place to be. Plus the rent is more than a couple hundred $$ less than here. Again, not perfect, but definitely a blessing!!
TWO BIG UH OHs:
1-We cannot have pets. Period. So we must find Bo, our purebred cocker spaniel a very good
home. And Kaela is trying desperately to find Sienna, her weinerdog a home with a friend,
so when she moves out in about 6 months, she can have her back. She is having a really
difficult time...I think she'd save that dog before she saved me.
2-How the hell are we going to move the big stuff. There's only certain things Fernie can do
cause of his back and I'm tired and out of breath almost all of the time! Kaela's bf Michael is
going to help us and one of our friends said he'd come up and help so I hope I can hold him
to that! (RAMON!) I gotta email hime as soon as I'm done here.

We'll get the keys on the 23rd and start moving small stuff - most of the house I guess. Then we're gonna rent a truck for the 29th and hopefully have help moving the big stuff. By the way, in case I failed to mention it I HATE MOVING! We've been here 8+ years and do you know how much crap accumulates over 8 years?! ugh
That's pretty much it for now.
PEACE

When It Rains, It Pours!

2009-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

I've got this lung crap going on now. They said no pneumonia and they said Pleurisy. Translated it kinda means when you breathe, it hurts like hell! Nice. The Pulmonologist yesterday said he's thinking COPD and sent me for three or four more test to be run on my lungs - as an outpatient in the hospital. I had three ER visits in October and I really do not need this right now...none of us do!

So, our landlord has been working with us for a long time now. And pretty much, he's over it. He thinks he is making it worse for us and making us more in debt by letting us stay here with the current arrangements.

So now I have to find a place for us to go....and Kaela needs to figure out if she'll go with us or go somewhere else. I am really praying that she'll choose to stay with us for awhile longer. Having two incomes will make it much easier to get into a place. Hopefully we can find a house that will allow the dogs. They're not destructive or anything, so I hope it won't be a problem. I just already feel crappy with my lungs not working well again/still. Now this, I am constantly sick to my stomach.

We're trying to keep Emilee's schedule as regular as possible. She's at the final football game for school right now. I have promised her a roof over her head, something to eat and to keep her in school for now and as long as possible. She's a good girl and is praying just as hard as the rest of us, that I know!

Well, I can't take anymore fantastic news.
PEACE and Goodnight.

Screwed if you do Screwed if you don't

2009-10-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

This morning, Fernie and I went down to the surgery center to have the second epidural in the series of three. Supposedly everything went well. But if you ask me, I think they may have hit the wrong vertebrae. I think they missed the sweetspot and hit the shithead spot. Thank God he came home and took a nap, cause that fight he was having with me was going nowhere good...and fast! I have no idea what he was even trying to fight about - possibly because I drifted toward the next lane. I didn't get close enough to do anything, but i was close to the line. Then when I moved over, the car in that lane seemed to be magnetized and began to come our way, so he kept hollering cause it appeared that I was still drifting. Hoping his shot works faster than last time. The first few days were terrible, so maybe this one will be a super shot!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2009-09-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

GOOD...
The last post was about lots of stuff, but most important was my new neice arriving on August 31st. I haven't actually gotten my hands on her yet, but I will in a couple of weeks. Here she is in all her glory...Miss Eden Joy!

Sunny is recovering well. I talked to her a couple of days ago and she had the 'Sunshine' back in her voice. On the homefront, not much change.

Kaela started school again, taking a few online courses. She seems to have quite a bit of homework, but isn't whining about it. She actually seems excited about it...funny how when it's your very own idea, you have a much more pleasant disposition!

BAD... Fernie had his epidural, but isn't feeling so hot these days, we're hoping that the second shot will not take as long to approve. I'm praying for the speedy approval, cause somedays he is mean and nasty as all getout!

UGLY... Emilee is a really good kid, but is a pain in my backside at the moment. She was on a very short, minimal restriction - just until she finished some work and had it signed off 3-4 days tops. So she calls for her dad and then very sneakily asks if she can go with her friends to MDs after school. He (not remembering she was on restriction) says that's fine, be home by blah blah blah. When he told me, I reminded him she was grounded. He was not happy, but we let her go. She did not forget, she specifically went around me to get to her dad. Leniency just walked out the door sistah. She is now grounded for a month which includes a stipulation that if she has missing any homework/classwork and it causes that grade to be a D or F for homework/classwork that week, she will receive an additional month for each class. We have never been that strict with her, because we've never had to. But, dammit anyway, to deliberately go around me to defy me and get one over on her dad well all that did was dig herself a fairly deep hole and piss us both right the hell off! Pretty sure that she won't be trying THAT trick again anytime soon!

Teenagers AARGGH

PEACE

T Minus 12 hours

2009-08-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

As per usual - I haven't been here in almost 2 months. Let's catch up bullet style...

Emilee finished History in summer school with a B in both semesters. This let's her take Photography in school this year.
She went to Gramma's house whenever she could outside of summer school and raised her camp money with her lemonade stand as she did last year.
Emilee went out to Tia's house in La Quinta for the 2+ weeks before camp. The temps there averaged 115! aack! That's a long time for her to be away.
Camp was the 1st of August-ish. Em and Rachie had a great time and they are looking forward to next year.
Emilee began her Sophmore year of high school August 10th. Photography seems to be a fave. All of her teachers seem to be quite likable.
Kaela decided to go back to school and has registered for 3 classes. Yesterday she was approved for financial aid which will allow her to remain in classes and not worry about how she's gonna buy those ridiculously expensive books! Fernie and I are proud of her for taking a step after being out for 2+ years now. She is quietly kicking herself in the ass for digging this hole for herself where school is concerned! No need to voice it...she is painfully aware. Hindsight, my sweet girl!

Now back to the title of the day:

T-minus 12 hrs...

After the struggle to become pregnant and subsequently carry a baby to term: a 2 and a half year fight which included 4 painful miscarriages at advanced stages in the pregnancy 2 fairly major surgeries...

Da da da daaaaa...

Tia, Rob & Rachie will welcome EDEN JOY at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Mom left this evening to go down there and be in the surgery with them tomorrow morning. I am sad to not be there but I would just be in the way at the house this week.

Rachie is also starting her sophmore year tomorrow at the same time her new baby sister is being born! She will be going to school and shuttled promptly to her mama's side as soon as school lets out. I think this is a very grown up decision - she knows that by the time they actually begin everything, then get mom all patched up, out of recovery and back to a room - she will be just about out of school...so no need to miss her first day and feel lost the next!

That's all the buzz from here for now. Don't you feel enlightened?

PEACE

Yard Stuff

2009-07-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

yard before

Yard now

pansies

Hanging basket

Cherry Tomato Plant

I talked about my new yard and flowers and veggies a few posts back. The yard was started with seed, as opposed to sod. It's obviously taken longer and that instant gratification is not there but it's coming right along, nevertheless. It's a little patchy still, but it's a work in progress so I am patient as I can manage!

I have several tomato plants, but one cherry tomato bush in particular is going wild! There are at least 15 tomatoes on that sucker! The jalapenos have a few chilis already tambien! The flowers are blooming and are really pretty.

That's all the time I have right now.

PEACE!

Happy Belated Birthday, America!

2009-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Last post, we were at Mom's house and enjoying being away from home a bit. We came back home Friday afternoon once mom was home and Emilee was ready to wrap up her lemonade business for the day. We did a bit of running and then landed at home and chilled for the evening. We just kinda layed low and relaxed, knowing full well that we needed to head back out to Mom's between 8 and 9 Saturday morning.

Saturday, Emi's sales were about 50 bucks, I believe. Lots of folks golfing on the 4th of July. Some are drinkin' beer but come over and give her a buck (or more!) anyway, just because they want to help her cause. Many of the golfers really remember her from last year and are happy to see her back at it again! Many have commented on how she's grown up over the past year and some tease her about traveling the world, or ask her how Paris was, etc.. She's not earning as quickly this year because she's in school right now, but she's doing just fine. She's only got 8 days of school left and then she'll charm them a couple more days each week!

For eats yesterday, we BBQd ribs, and I made some pasta salad and potato salad...yummo. Oh, and some fresh watermelon & pineapple cut up for dessert you could say. Fernie cooked the ribs and they were scrumptious. After dinner, we all played some cards and just enjoyed each other's company. This morning, because we are such early risers, and didn't want to overstay our welcome, we made sure all was cleaned up, left a note and headed home. Fernie's back was really whacked out so he hadn't slept much last nite...it feels good to be home!

I hope everyone's holiday weekend was enjoyable and safe!
God Bless America!

PEACE!

Toasty warm 96 today

2009-07-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Back so soon?! Guess so. We've been staying at mom's for a couple of days. She had gone down to Sunny's for the last couple of days, to help them finish the baby's room. It's darling already - brown on bottom and pink on top. And Eden Joy will be here September 1st! She's gonna love her little room. Sunny's shower will be here at mom's house on July 18th. It's not a big place and there are already 35 people confirmed. It'll be crowded, but it'll be fun! Fernie and the girls and me are having the cake done and helping with some other food stuff. We're gonna go design and order it tomorrow, so it's paid for and out of the way.

It's nice to be away from home once in awhile - if only by a few miles. It tends to be cooler most of the time. We haven't used to air, but it's here if we want. Our swamp cooler has crapped out for the time being and so the ceiling fan in our room is our best friend. Hopefully we can get it back together SOON. Temp was 96 today and is climbing for the weekend.
Think COOL!

Emilee has been selling lemonade out here to raise money for camp again. Thursdays (a men's day special) use to be stellar. However today was reallly slow. She's planning on selling tomorrow and on the 4th and I'm hoping for a good turnout for her.

Mom got home a little bit ago and we had yummy taco salad for dinner. Gettin ready to cut up some watermelon and pineapple for desert mmm!

What a boring post.
PEACE for now!

TWO Whole Posts in 1 Month!

2009-06-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

I left off the last post talking about our snowstorm in December. Love those pics!

Fast forward to March... I turned the big 4-0! No biggie at all, really.
April swept in. A couple of days before Easter I felt a familiar nastiness in my chest. The same nastiness that was lurking in September and caused a 2 week hospital stay. Went for a chest xray and then promptly to the hospital. This time not so bad - only 2 days! Still felt like crap and had the roomate from hell! She was such drama and BS that the nurses stayed clear of our room because of her, so I felt like I was on a deserted island.

Fernie and I had planned to do some work in the yard that same weekend. So while I was gone, Fernie, mom, Margaret, and a handyman friend put up a 4 ft fence to keep the dogs out of the front. I had wanted this for so long so that we could have grass, flowers and veggies without the pooches bothering any of it. So once they got the fence dialed in, they planted our grass, and then a few different flowers, tomatoes and jalapenos all around the edges. I love it. I have pics, but they're from a few weeks ago and since then the growth has exploded!
It is so nice, I really do love it!

Fernie's birthday fell just before Father's day and Kaela decided that she was taking dad (me & Emi too) to Outback steakhouse! We sat and ate, visited and ate and then ate a little more! It was such a relaxed evening and we all thoroughly enjoyed each other's company!

Kaela has decided to go back to community college and has applied for financial aid. Kicking herself now for being a slackass a couple of years back, as she is realizing now that she only screwed herself and how!

Emilee chose to attend summer school to knock out sophmore history. After tomorrow, she has only 2 weeks (8days) remaining! So instead of having history this year, she will be taking photography and is pretty pleased about the swap.

Emilee and Kaela - you both make me and dad very proud!

More later or tomorrow.
PEACE!

Time it is a tickin'!

2009-06-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Gee whiz, I just take longer and longer and longer to make posts and keep this up.
Six days after my last post, I fell in the kitchen and broke my right foot! So utterly ridiculous I can't stand it! Broke it on 12/08/08, went to the ER 12/09 and finally got a cast on it 12/22/08.

We had the most gorgeous snowstorm from 12/17 - 12/19! We get snowfall occasionally, but not really anything much to write home about! Well, this one showered us with a foot and a half of snow...absolutely fantastic! The girls played outside like they were little kids again! It was delightful to watch and enjoy!

Since I am big, had a cast up to my knee and was on crutches, I had to enjoy it from the inside which kinda sucked. Any time I got anywhere close to the door, Fernie would holler from the other room! (GOSH - I can NEVER do NOTHEEN!!) LOL

I got my cast off 01/20/09 and that felt sooo great. Getting used to walking regular again has been a bit difficult. I now have a good deal of arthritis in that foot now. But at least it works!

Sooo, there is more excitememt, but I'm too tired tonite.
PEACE!

December already?

2008-12-02T04:29:00.000-08:00

Jeezo. A month and a half this time, although not much was missed - as usual.
On the health front -
I went to the pulmonologist in early November to have my healing lungs reassessed. He promptly informed me that the regular pneumonia that was caked in both lungs continues to heal nicely, although it will not happen overnight. My breathing is definitely better than in September. Now the fun part. The black patch on my right lung...the great news is that it is not cancerous or anything. The less great news is that it is some other type of extra special pneumonia that will very probably take months to completely go away. Fantastic! I was sent packing with yet another inhaler and the ever popular oxygen. I have to have another CT scan 12/19 or after as this will be 3 mos from my very first one.
So here we are now. Most of the time I feel almost fine. I just get worn out pretty quickly, especially if I have the oxygen off. I am thankful - It could have been worse.

Fernie jacked up his back a good one at work on 10/15. Since then he hasn't worked and has been in therapy 3x a week. The doctor's office where they sent him is great. He sees a regular doc, chiropractor, and pt - all in the same office and every week. They have really been wonderful. On the other hand, we are now receiving a hundred dollars less per week and really struggling. This too shall pass.

Hopefully everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was great. Fernie, the girls and I served at the Salvation Army as we have done for 5 years now. There was a pretty good turnout even though the weather was drizzly and chilly.
Afterwards, we went to mom's and had our Thanksgiving. mmm mmm good!

Friday we all went out to my sister's in LaQuinta (Palm Springs) for the weekend. It was gorgeous weather, low 80s I guess. And what a nice turnout - I think there were about 25 people on Saturday. Some camped out in tents, others just crashed on the floor in the house. This was my first real outing since I got sick in August, so I was tired and more than ready to come home on Sunday. (traffic really sucked all kinds of ass! duh!)

I miss my sister and Rachael terribly - and don't mind seeing Rob occasionally :0)!
All in all, it was a great weekend. Hope yours was equally enjoyable.
PEACE

How Time Flies!

2008-10-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been well over a month since I made any attempt at an entry.
The truth is, end of August, beginning of September I was sick - but after Emilee had that nastiness she had in August, I figured it was some friend of that bug.

I actually had no symptoms aside from my chest hurting and getting short of breath, so I went to the Doc and kind of poo pooed it. Went home with an antibiotic and called it a day. Went again the following week after trying my asthma inhaler with no luck, and asked for some cough syrup and again called it a day! By this time I was getting serious fever an chills a couple times a day. The third visit to the doc was to be rechecked and ask him to order a chest x-ray. I felt awful, but I had no clue how sick I actually was at this point. Within hours of getting that chest x-ray, the head doctor of our office called me personally and informed that I was not in good form and that I needed to stop everything and find someone to get me to the hospital. And he wanted the phone # for Fernie's work and my mom. And let me know if I was not going to go on my own, he would send an ambulance! Of course, this didn't help one bit since now I start to panic on top of already very shallow breathing. I called Fernie at work and just burst into tears when he got on the phone. When he got home to pick me up, he actually called me retarded for stressing about calling for help...point taken.

After picking up Emi from school and orders from my doc, we headed for the hospital ER...and although admitted fairly quickly, they didn't have a bed upstairs for me so the ER was my home for about 30 hours...and yes, it sucked rocks!

When I finally got to my room it was at least more settled and routine. Aside from being on a lot of oxygen, I had 3 meds hanging into my IV, oral medication twice a day, and breathing treatments every 3-4 hours - every 5-6 hours by the time I was released. They determined that I had very serious pneumonia thick in both lungs and some mystery spot/infection in my right lung. They ended up doing a lung biopsy to try and gather some more knowledge about this rogue bug in my lung. This was the most frustrating and unpleasant experience that I can remember. I was not completely asleep-on purpose, so they can make sure you keep breathing an torture you a little more - I would liken this biopsy procedure to roto rootering. I began bleeding too much before the test was complete and they had to stop the procedure and completely wake me in quite a hurry. By that night, I felt as if someone had been doing the Macarena on my chest.

So, I was there for almost 2 weeks and then went home to mom's for another week, since she's home during the day and Fernie and the girls are at work and school. After having been sick for 6+ weeks now, I was not very mobile. Just like in the hospital Fernie, Kae & Emi all stopped by to hang out sometime each day. I'm home now and even though I'm still on oxygen I am moving around as much as I can. I'm sure that healing at home is much easier than in the hospital. I will find out on the 27th what exactly the name for my right lung spots/extra infection and if the 2 weeks of antibiotics they sent me home with (that I never even heard of) have taken care of it.

I am not completely well yet, but I sure feel a helluvalot better than I did 3-4 weeks ago! Now here's hoping that the pulmonologist says I can get off of the oxygen on the 27th!

If you have what you think to be asthma or a chest cold that is being stubborn - PLEASE do not wait! Be persistent and ask questions! I got very lucky...Bernie Mac just DIED from this crap!

PEACE

Yeah, Sarah!

2008-09-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

This post should have been here a day or so ago, but I'm a little behind. As per my last post, I said if anyone else pronounced NUCLEAR as NUCULER I would blast them equally.
So, on the positive note...In Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday evening, she said NUCLEAR perfectly!

Kudos to the person who pulled up their grown folk britches and corrected her!
Unfortunately, that's the only bravo to be had here about this subject!

PEACE

Presidential LACK of Grammar

2008-08-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Okey dokey. McCain's running mate is a female. Mother of 5, including a baby less than five months, and Governor of Alaska. Great, I thought. Good for them, and very ballsy with such a baby-baby. None of my business, but I'm listening to the announcement, conference, whatever you want to call it.

Then it happened....Sarah Palin said it as plain as day. Like fingernails on a never-ending chalkboard. Dumbass Bush says it all the time. Do you suppose there is anyone in their circle that has enough balls to tell them how to pronounce the word NUCLEAR correctly?
It is not NU CU LAR, it is NU CLE AR - damn it all to hell! These people are college educated! And while I'm sure to make grammatical errors occasionally, I am not the leader of the free friggin' world and I don't have speech writers and an entourage capable of reminding me how to do stuff correctly!
I am chalking this up to a rookie mistake with Mrs. Palin, but before it gets out of hand -
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND ALL THINGS GOOD...SOMEONE SPEAK THE HELL UP...please!

And for the record, although I am not a McCain fan, if I heard Barack Obama or Joe Biden say it, they would receive the same scathing, cranky,pissy treatment. I am going to be listening extra carefully for Obama to drop this particular bomb!

Dang, cranky much? Sorry!
We now return to regularly scheduled programming.

PEACE

Fresh veggies

2008-08-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

In all the sickness of the last post, I almost forgot about some good stuff. We have a vegetable garden per say. It's spread out but a garden, nevertheless. We've got tomatoes, jalapenos, cantaloupe, corn, grean beans, cucumbers, zucchini and a few carrots. So far, we've gotten many delicious tomatoes and some jalapenos...to which I added an onion and made some killer salsa! mm mm good! Last week I picked our first good-sized zucchini. We got a recipe for a good beer batter and fried up very thinly sliced fresh zucchini and dayum if I didn't surprise my self! It was delicious and we all shared in the yumminess. The tomatoes are delicious in chunks and on top of cottage cheese or wedged and salted just like that!

Although the rest haven't produced viable veggies yet, they sure are fun to watch grow for now. I would recommend a tomato plant and maybe jalapeno plant for anyone. They are easy to care for and fun to watch! (and yummy to grub on!)

peace

Gloves and mask recommended to read this post

2008-08-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, last week started off like any other....and then WHAM! Emilee had a slight sore throat Sunday night, Monday morning. No biggy she said, didn't want to stay home so she took some Zicam and we thought we'd averted anything major! Fakeout! She came home feeling rotten Monday afternoon. And by Tuesday morning, she was running a fever and feeling it bad in her throat & ears. The child that will not stay home ever, wanted to stay home and go to the doctor. Fast forward three hours. She is sent home with tonsillitis and two ear infections...and plain jane penicillin! I was not happy! (because of Emilee's frequent bladder/UTI & kidney infections, antibiotics need to be stepped up a bit usually) In addition, they only wanted to give her a ONE DAY note for school! Uh, hello, did you not just say tonsillitis and TWO ear infections? Dumbass!
By the next morning she had pus pockets on her tonsils and in her throat - which is more often than not, strep throat. I call back and get the familiar doc, but since she's been on antibiotics 24hrs, they don't want to culture her throat. Doc tells me to relax, keep her on the penicillin, claritin, tylenol, etc. and come in Friday if she's not improving. FF to Friday morn. She's worse, now with a crappy ol' cough and fever that breaks, but quickly returns. We see the good doc, who chuckled that the rookie had only given Em one day off school - Emi had 102.6 fever when we got there Friday (after 3+ days of meds!). She changes up the meds, adds a cough syrup so at least she can get some rest and we start the weekend. I still wasn't sure last night that she could make it back to school today. But lo and behold, she got up this morning and was determined not to sit in this house (with me!) one more day! Took her meds, ate an english muffin with some pnut butter and said she was ready to go.

Now she's got a crapload of class & homework to catch up on in addition to this week's assignments. She had her real doc note for all of last week and a note from me to take to classes. She said her teachers were all concerned, glad to see her back and willing to work with her to get caught up. What a relief for her, and me.

She's finished today's homework and some makeup work and is now in bed with eardrops. I am glad this is almost over. She doesn't get sick much anymore and is a tough cookie,but she was down for the count last week and I was worried.

Dang this is a long post and it is officially over ~:~:~:sprays post with Lysol:~:~:~:

Peace and wellness

High School...no musical!

2008-08-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today Emilee began her 2nd week of high school. So far, so good. She really likes her Spanish teacher and is, for a change, taking a genuine interest in learning this other language we happen to speak at home. Wow, it's only taken 13 years-Go Me! She really dislikes her Word Processing teacher for reasons yet to be defined by Emilee. Picking her up has been an adventure for sure. I have underestimated the times she needs to get to the front of the school twice, and left to look for her. Once, she was more than halfway home by the time I found her! I am very aware that she most likely will not die from walking home. However, it is quite a distance, we live in the desert, there are ample creepy weirdos being relocated to the high desert and she thus far, does not have anyone to walk with. As soon as she has got a couple of buddies to walk with, I will absolutely let her walk home when the weather is not extreme! The girls across the street have changed to a performing arts school this year leaving her buddiless for just a bit.

I have a question. How do you respond to a request for a random school necessity when you are not asked about it until late Sunday afternoon? (Keep in mind...she is in high school now!) Sometime after 4pm yesterday, Emi tells me she needs a posterboard - possibly for tommorow. My first reaction - too bad, sooo sad sista, you're SOL! However since it had been only the frist week, I gave her a pass yesterday. After this, she must advise us of needs Friday, or Saturday at the latest. She must take responsibility and be accountable-que no? (hell, she's lucky we had a dollar to buy one! See my $43 per week post a bit back!) I have got to be a more firm with her or she will appear helpless when I'm around and that is bad, verrry bad.

That's about all the sad excitement for here today. I am super glad to have my internet back. I actually got it back sometime last week, but my nerves and anxiety were off the charts with the 'baby' starting high school! Stupid, I am well aware - no need to point it out, thanks!!

PEACE!

Camptown Ladies sing this song...Doo-Dah Doo-Dah

2008-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

...Or something like that.

Something I didn't mention yet. Emilee left with mom last night to spend a couple of days down in Newport Beach with some aunts and cousins. Surf, sun, BBQ, and your bestest girl cousins - does it get any better?? Not when you're 13! So they've landed safely down there and will enjoy hanging out and boogie boarding at the beach today and tomorrow. Life is a beotch I tell you! Fernie and I were invited, but we could just not afford it for Fernie to take two days off work (or even ONE for that matter!)

Then, Friday morning, Tia Sunny will take Rachael and Emilee up to the church and the girls will leave for the long awaited and much anticipated Christian summer camp! Both girls are simply giddy with excitement! Since Tia, Rob and Rachie moved downto Indio (2+hrs from here), the girls don't get to spend much time together. They are both on fire for the Lord and so this trip is ideal for all! Emilee worked her butt off to get them both there financially (see previous Blessings posts parts Two and Three ) - she is a star!

So Fernie and I are having a mini vacation of our own at mom's while she's gone.
PROS:
*several degrees cooler every day and night - about 95 here today, 102ish at our place
*central air available (although I only turned it on about an hour before Fernie got home so
the house would be refreshing when he got in! I'm too cheap to run it if it's just me!)
*we are only 5-7 minutes from Fernie's work, so he can leave 20+ minutes later and is here
by 3:07!
*patio to read, do a crossword or relax on with a view of the beautiful green golf course
*wonderfully comfortable beds in which to sleep - I really didn't know that sleeping could
be done without pain anymore! Fernie and I were amazed this morning!
*Internet available!
CONS:
*no contact - mom has no house phone and we have no cell phones. I'd really like to talk to
Emilee while she's gone, but where they're staying, there is only dial up available and I
know that none of them will be able to 'check in real quickly' while they're gone! My aunt
Margaret did email me earlier from her work down there to let me know they'd arrived
safely last night, but we're on our own now.
*I can't babysit my garden from here and am hoping that Kaela remembers to water!

...cons are pretty minor, considering...so we'll take one for the team...and I bet we'll live! LOL. GO US!

PEACE!

Rockin' and Rollin'

2008-07-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday we had an earthquake centered about 50 miles+/- from here. It wasn't huge, considering some we've experienced in the past, but it was a doosey nonetheless. Emilee and I were watching a movie in my room when I asked her what the noise was - maybe a truck idling outside? And by the time I managed to repeat myself for her, we were jolted a good one after which we continued to rock and roll for some time. As soon as the first jolt hit, we reached for each others arm , said "here we go-we're allright" and road it out. It seemed to settle in the middle a bit and then as if it shook again and continued to roll some more. They say it wasn't that long, but we felt it for upwards of 45 seconds start to finish. It was plenty long enough for me, thankyouverymuch!

I was glad Emilee was home with me, for sure. Kaela and Fernie were both at work, and were mostly unphased by the whole thing. Oh - to take things in stride like they do!

Considering the rather mild magnitude of it all, NOBODY showed regular programming for many hours. No regular everyday news at all for a looong time, which was really annoying to say the least. Thank God for the very minor damage that some people and stores received. Physically everyone seemed to fare very well!

Anyway that was my update for yesterday - a day late. (story of my life!)

PEACE

Quick post

2008-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I had a whole post typed last week and then managed to lose it. By that time I was too aggravated to retype it and now we have no internet till next week. So we're hanging out at mom's today and I thought I'd do a quick post.

Reader's Digest condensed version:
A week or so ago, my sis and Rob went to an open audition for Deal or no Deal. Rob applied and went through the interview process and some mock game playing. They were asked to come back the following day for a live, on camera audition. They got to have some people down with them as their supporters and they asked Kaela to go. She went, said they had a great time and that it was really fun for all. So fast forward to the end - They rocked it and now they are just waiting for the call to go and do the actual show! It will be at least a month and up to a year, but what an awesome thing! It is free money and it will help them out so so much! I hope Rob takes my sister on vacation, she deserves so much.

Next great news...
Fernie got a raise. not a great raise, but a raise nevertheless and we are thrilled! Until now, we actually attempt to live on $43 a week! That has to cover food, gas, utilities, etc! Now we will have almost $60 - woohoo! And I also make a few dollars a week helping out my mom with some of her work. Unfortunately, her work is so damn slow that my contribution last week was a whopping $10! Anyway, things are looking up and as usual we are praying for the best!

PEACE!

More Blessings

2008-07-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

We took Emilee to the orthodontist for a consultation a couple of weeks ago.

The dentist had recommended that we get to an orthodontist to be checked out, due to overcrowding, fangs, etc..

Most insurances don't pay diddly squat for braces. Some offer a so called 'discounted price' if you're lucky. So the criteria for our ins to pay was on a points basis. She needed at least 26pts to be considered. They did their x-rays, exam, evaluation and when all was said and done....her poor mouth is so jacked up that she had 28pts without even trying! They moved her to a treatment chair and did her impressions right there on the spot! She will wear them for two and a half years. So that 28pts qualifies her and we're just waiting for the official letter of approval.

This is the most wonderful news, because we knew she had some serious problems with her teeth, but there was nothing we could do about it. Even the payment plan of $99 was nowhere close to being within our reach at this time.

Emilee is so excited to get her braces and Fernie and I are just over the moon excited for her!
This is yet another blessing in our lives! That's it for today.

PEACE

Blessings - Part 3

2008-07-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

So, here's the latest update on Emilee's camp fundraising campaign. The money had to be turned in on July 2nd.

DRUMROLL PLEASE...........
The camp fee was $255 per camper. She turned in a full camp fee for herself, Rachael and $200 towards a third camper in need!! That's over $700 - all.by.herself! We are so incredibly grateful to the generous golfers. She offered a 'free' day on Thursday, and made a big posterboard with a thank you message. A couple of the guys actually paid her anyway!

So Emi will continue to sell lemonade a couple of days per week in order to raise money for her camp necessities and school clothes, etc.. She's excited, and I'm relieved! We
would not have been able to scrape that $$ together.

We continue to find blessings, even in the middle of extreme hardship. God is good!

PEACE

Blessings - part 2

2008-06-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

This is Emilee (and gramma in the background) at her lemonade stand.

note: you cannot see it clearly in this picture, but it actually says please a couple times on her sign - it looks a little rude and bossy in this picture at first glance.

About a week and a half ago, an older gentleman came up to buy some lemonade. He was asking Emilee if she was excited about camp and some random stuff about what she enjoys most. We told him that she had paid for herself and was now raising $$ to help sponsor someone else...as she was sponsored last year. He was telling her what a great example she was to others and that we should be very proud (and we are indeed!). He then pulled out a HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL and said "Here's a little something to help out your efforts some more". I was in awe. We all thanked him profusely and God Bless. And when he walked out to tee off, mom, Emi and I joined hands and Emi led us in another beautiful prayer of thanks and blessings for this newest, most generous stranger! This was the second man in three weeks to donate $100! Unbelievable!

Then, last Monday there was a family of 4 - mom, dad and two older teenaged boys. They all had lemonade and went about their business teeing off. The dad began walking back over and when he approached the table, he held up $5 and said, "Here's a test. This is to pay for the next group; let's see if you can keep it going. It may be a challenge, but I bet you can do it!". We told him that we sure would make it happen! So after that, instead of waiting for the golfers to approach her over at the table, Emi would take a tray of lemonade out as soon as they pulled up at the tee and tell them that a group before them had already paid for their lemonade. Many were caught off guard, but most continued to pay it forward. There were a total of ten groups the rest of the afternoon, and eight of them paid it forward...most with a dollar or two extra for Emilee. It was really beautiful to see such a good side of people!

The golfers out there are the most generous people I have ever seen. My faith in humanity has definitely been boosted.

Fernie and I (and everyone) are so proud of Emilee. It's hot as hell out there most days right now, but she continues to stick it out. YOU ROCK, EM!

That's all for this installment of blessings...I told you there was some good stuff!

PEACE

Blessings All Around! part 1

2008-06-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see, our new BBQ has a tank now! Fernie, Emi and I went over to Home Depot last weekend to see what we could find - with exactly $55. We found one for $32...but it had no propane in it. So we asked about the new ones and they were $49.99. So there would be a tank attached to the bbq now, but we wouldn't have anything to cook on it. We decided to go ahead and do that and work out how to get some meat and veggies later. At least once we got that stuff, the grill would be ready to go.

So we get to the checkout, tell the lady what we need and let her know we don't have an exchange because it's our first purchase. She begins to ring us up and says "oh shoot, I marked it as an exchange after you just told me it wasn't". Then she pauses for a couple of seconds and says "heck, I'm just gonna leave it that way", and she continued to ring it up and total it out. It ended up coming out to $21 and change! We asked her if she was sure a couple of times, and then thanked her many more. We now had a few dollars to get some food to cook on it and we were stoked.

We got just a bit of carne asada, salsa and fresh tortillas and some marinated chicken. Those were the best couple of meals we've had in a long time! When the grill was lit, it smelled absolutely fantastic, and that was before it even had food in there! Fernie cooked everything just right and it was all delicious. We have grilled a few times since then and not only does it taste so much better, it just feels healthier since we're not having to cook everything in a frying pan.

Thank you B @ Home Depot for being one of our latest blessings. God is good!

PEACE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FERNIE!!

2008-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy birthday to my husband. His birthday was yesterday, but we were at mom's house and so I didn't post. He's 37 now, and doesn't really look anywhere close to that. No one ever believes that he's got kids almost 21 and 14!

Anyway, while out doing a job with mom yesterday, we see a garage sale. There is a bbq. We don't have one now, nor have we ever even had a gas bbq. I reluctantly get out to see how much they're asking, cause I've got $25 exactly and that's it! Walking up, I just want to run back to the car. I know they're gonna want 60 or 70 bucks for it-it looks new. Just then, I see it. There is a large piece of tape that says $20.00!!! So I ask the lady if it works properly (there's no tank attached). She explains all about it and says it works just fine, but that's what her boyfriend said to ask for it.
This thing looks new, with only cobwebs that need to be hosed off. From the looks of the grill, it may have been used a few times, but not much!
Check it out...

TWENTY BUCKS BABY!!
We had to take it apart a bit to get it in mom's 'truck' and get it back to her house. But this is the best present evah!

So when Fernie came to mom's after work to get me and Emilee, we sang to him and showed him his Birthday/Father's Day present. He can't believe it still! What an awesome gift, and to think I really did not want to get out and check the price!

So happy birthday, babe. Now if we can just save up enough for the tank, jeezo!
PEACE

Fun outing

2008-06-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we went to my uncle's house for a bbq and a family get-together. They have a beautiful home and a pool and all the surroundings! It couldn't get anymore gorgeous! My uncle designed it all and built it with meticulous detail!
The only drawback is that it's in Indio - where it's about 120 from now till fall. We were blessed with a wonderful day of weather though. It hovered about 100, but there was a breeze and shade; the kids were in the pool for hours. All in all, it was a good time for all.

I will post a couple pics when I get them.
PEACE.

OMGawsh - What Else Can I Say.

2008-06-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was talking about Emi's lemonade stand and the incredibly generous people that have helped our cause. Today, we had a gentleman come up, buy a cup and go about his business. After he hit, he came back over, and asked Em a couple questions. He stated the he was Budhist. He continued to kind of drill Emilee on what she was going to attend and what she enjoyed about 'Christian Camp' and her church. She gave kid answers, but continued to have an answer for each question. He smiled, reached into his wallet and handed her a HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL!!!!! We almost all fainted. He told her to keep up the great work and enjoy herself at camp. And that she was half way there and next year that they would both go and he'd pay for both! Just when you think you've seen it all.
Gramma and I had tears in our eyes and I think Em was not sure what to think. She (and me and Gramma) thanked him profusely and I said God Bless You as he went away.

Emilee, Gramma and I stopped, joined hands and Em said a beautiful prayer of thanks and blessings for the men. She says the most gorgeously appropriate prayers!

I was just commenting to TEE about God providing yesterday. He has provided beyond our prayers. Instead of going to stay at her cousins house for a few weeks, Emilee has decided to stay here and earn money for someone else to go to camp. As much as she drives me nuts some days, how proud can a parent possibly be?
EMILEE, YOU ROCK!!! I LOVE YOU!!

Lemonade, Anyone?

2008-06-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

So, Emilee went to a Christian camp with our church last summer. Last summer we were in a really bad place and someone from church sponsored her entire fee. This year, things are a bit different. My mom lives on a golf course - 15th tee. We talked about a lemonade stand and she was all over the idea.

Emi's last day of school was May 29th. May 30th she was out on grama's patio with her signs, table, cups, ice, & lemonade. She has been out there a total of 5 days so far. Today she broke the $200 mark! HOLY crap, batman! These people have been so stinking generous, it's unbelievable! Oh, how we have been blessed.

Thank you to the most generous golfers out at Spring Valley Lake Golf course. You will be so very blessed in return!
PEACE!

American Idol WTH?

2008-05-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

So I didn't watch AI faithfully - just bits here and there. Tonight, the big reveal, I watched. Was mostly enjoyable, except :

I really like Carrie Underwood lots. So wth was with the virtual crotch-cam while she was singing...jeezo. (and her legs were lookin awfully thin - Carrie honey, run by In-N-Out while you're in town!)
George Michael. mmmkay Well, just George Michael that's all. WTH?
my husband snoring loudly...yea and then there's that!

There were a few more, but let's ride onto the more positive side, shall we?

The Gladys Knight skit with Jack Black and the boys as the pips - loved it!
Carrie Underwood's performance - great as usual (but she should've kicked off her shoe at the cameraman!)
The Davids' risky business spoof commercials silly but funny.
David Cook's reaction. Very heartfelt and sweet. (and his brother was just as shaken)

So that's it for here right this second. Sleep well, if you can.

PEACE

After the Party

2008-05-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our friends and neighbors across the street (Ron, Maria, Alex, Cindy & Rey) had a party yesterday. And a party they did have! Maria was a Madrina (sponsor, if you will) for her nephew's first communion. Emilee went and had a great time since she goes to school and is good friends with the girls (Alex & Cindy).

Anyway...we saw them setting up in the AM. Getting a couple of BBQs ready, several ice chests, lots of soda, water and FOUR 30 packs of beer...just to begin! And all in all, it ended up to be pretty tame, surprisingly quiet even!

Fernie and I just hung out here, but the girls brought over a plate of carne asada tacos for each of us. Ron and Maria hired two taqueros/taquistas to prepare real taqueria tacos. OMGosh....they hit that one out of the park! If you've never been to an authentic taqueria, you don't know what you're missing. Each taco had 2 mini tortillas, loaded with meat, onion, cilantro, salsita, and guacamole. Sounds yummy, right?!

Okay, the question of the hour/day... Do they recycle? Emi was there but said she couldn't tell for sure if they did or not. So I told her to ask the girls when they walked to school this morning. I haven't seen Ron or Maria out yet this morning, but since there were people there until very late, I suspect they'll be laying low today. (Hopefully not hanging too badly!) We recycle all the time-it helps pay our bills. So if they won't be recycling all those beautiful cans...we are all over it! We'll have to be done this evening, since trash day is tomorrow.
Here's hoping the recycling gods are smiling upon us today!!

Hasta pronto.
PEACE

Seasons Change

2008-05-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I am only capable of posting once per season. So, since the last post was in winter it must be time for the Springtime 411! Betcha can't wait!

Early in the year, Sunny (my sis) announced that she was pregnant again. (after two very early miscarriages last year) Things were going well until Valentine's weekend. She and Rob were at Rob's folks' house. She went into labor and it could not be stopped. She painfully labored and delivered a 20+ week stillborn baby. This was the most painful thing for Sunny, Rob & Rachael. They remain strong in their faith and believe that they will be blessed with a healthy, strong baby in God's time. Sunny has got to get herself completely healthy before they even think of trying again.

Then, about 6 weeks ago Sun was rushed to the hospital again. Ginormous kidney stones. She was sent to a specialist who did several tests and 2 ultrasounds before declaring that she would need surgery. Apparently, her stones had to get all dramatic and imbed themselves in some tubes somewhere. So the surgery was done and a stent left in to help the small stones to pass. Mom and I stayed with her for a few days until Rob was back in town. I hate that she has had this crappy couple of weeks and has been in such pain from the surgery. But I have to admit...I loved being able to be with her, helping to nurse her back to health, and just basically being able to see with my own eyes when she was or wasn't doing well. (BONUS!!! Getting to wrap my arms around my Rachael-girl and love her up! Man o man do I miss that sweet girl!)

Okay, I've had enough of myself for now. There are many things to post about, but I am going to try and break it up a bit.
PEACE

2008-01-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

the 'WHITE' Load

2008-01-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

Wholly Moly - there is a crap-load of a laundry to get done today! The biggest load of crap is just waiting for me...patiently. What the heck is the the reason for this??! I have the reason-?? This is not the end of the world!!!
Laundry will be the bain of my existence. And Laundry will get done - wet or dry...laundry will be done - oy ve!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Wow! How I am reminded how I really stink at this blogging thing! It's good for me and I really need to keep it up. Not so much for anyone else (like anyone else ever even read it {except for Tee-you're the bomb Tee!} but it's good for my mind. With so many memory issues, it is good reference to not just wonder what exactly happened a day or two ago!
In December...Fernie got a job through the temp agency on December 6th, worked like crazy for them - and was happy as heck (he's been out of steady work since May!!)! Only problem is the company was closed from December 22-January 2! Still we feel blessed to have a job paying more than minimum wage! And they were sure that once the guy on vacation returned, they'd find a place for him as a real employee.
On that note...I hope that everyone had a blessed Christmas and New Years Celebration. Christmas was the worst financially that we have ever had, but we triumphed, if you ask me!Christmas Eve, we went to my aunt's house in Mission Viejo. We dropped Fernie off at his parents house in Santa Ana on the way down. He went to spend time with his parents, brother, cousins, etc. Although he had the week off from his new job, he wanted to come home instead of staying with his mom/dad/sister/brother for the week (we were going to be in Orange County the following Saturday).
SIDENOTE/BACKGROUND: Last year, he chose to spend a considerable amount of money (and TIME) on a single 'mother'(term used VERY lightly) and her two daughters before Christmas!!! Then went to his family's celebration and his mother TOLD ME OFF just after midnight! Fun, fun!
Fast Forward: Haven't had issues with that other hooker since about May. I thank GOD EVERY DAY!!! And on Mothers Day and one or two other occasions I bit the bullet, spoke to the 'mother-in-law, told her I love her and moved on.
So we have this place called 'Kenmart'. They sell discount/clearence/irregular stuff - at a price I can ALMOST afford! For Christmas my girls (Kae, Emi & Rach) each got 2 cute little screen printed tees (1.99ea), a jumbo soda-flavored lip gloss, and some furry gloves. Fernie got 2 polo shirts (from Kenmart for 2.99ea!). And basically, that was the end of our Christmas. Yet everyone was happy to be together and didn't seem to mind a bit. These are the times when I KNOW I have done something correctly in raising my kids (and Sunny with Rachael too). They did not get but those little things - yet there was not one sound of disappointment or resentment among them. Makes me super proud and I look forward to surprising them with goodies as we are more able!
For New Years, we were home alone.(Emilee got to go stay with Tia, Rob & Rachie for the week) Fernie and I just chilled, watched a movie that I can't even remember now, and went to bed.
Fernie returned to work on the 2nd and on the 3rd was told they didn't need him any more. This SUCKED ALL KINDS OF ASS! We went and applied for assistance for which we were denied most of because he had worked more than 100 hours in the past 30 days. WTH?????? We did get approved for medical assistance which of utmost importance because of me needing meds that I have been off of for too long.
Now, Fernie has been called back to work for the same company. And although through the temp agency, they intend to hire him after the waiting period. It is several dollars less per hour than he was earning at this time last year and we may barely make rent, but it should be permanent, and once they hire him directly he should get some kind of increase in pay - 30-45 days! He likes it there and because of the drop in pay, we have medical and food assistance for now - which helps immensly! We were actually able to buy some cheap meats, mayonnaise and a couple of other items we just haven't been able to scrape out in a couple of months!
Please pray for us and know that we are not here to drain the system, but we certainly appreciate every single drop of help we can get right now. My kids are fabulous for not complaining through this crappy time! And our landlords...Greg & Michelle - - have worked with us through this entire ordeal and we thank God every day.
Phew!!!! - that was a dorky, long rivisitation of the last couple of months, and I have other stuff, but I think that's enough for today!
PEACE!

Melanie

2007-08-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Melanie is a friend of Kaela's who lived with us for awhile during high school. She had to move when I just got too sick to handle 2 teenagers and an 8 year old at the same time. Sounds weak, I know, but this disease really breaks you down sometimes. Add to that, Kaela losing her freakin' mind, testing every boundry every second of the day...I had to save my child. A decision that I have questioned every single day since then. Melanie was a love, called us mom and dad and was pretty helpful, she just had some serious issues... most beyond her control. Her mom had some addiction issues and wasn't available, even when I said She had to move. It probably took 3-4 days to find someone to take her. I was heartbroken and distraught that I was not able to handle it. I cried uncontrollably. I can't help but think I just magnified the real issues.
Fast forward to today. She graduated (on time) from a continuation school, has worked and looked after her little brothers for awhile, and is now on her own again with roommates. And does not have any children. PRAISE GOD! She has always been a caretaker and her being pregnant is what I feared most in letting her go!
She has just moved back to to town and lives just a couple of blocks away. She came to visit me last Sunday. Stayed and visited for 3 or 4 hours. I was so happy to see her. And mostly happy because she does not hold it against me - her having to leave the house. I am immensely proud of her for holding it together and rising to the occasion. I made certain to tell her how proud I am and that I love her - just like one of my own girls...she is and always will be one of mine. And I will never be able to make it up to her for displacing her in high school, but I will not take any moment for granted now...she will know with no uncertainty that 'mom' thinks she is THEE BOMB! Just as much as Kae and Emi.
Welcome home, sweet Mel, welcome home!

Holy Crap Batman...another 2 weeks?

2007-08-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Jeezo, sometimes I think I must just be completely incoherent while time passes so fast.

Em has started the 8th grade and really likes it. One of her best girlfriends who had supposedly moved, called the night before school began and said she would for sure be back at school. She and Emilee were ecstatic and relieved to be back together again. This little snot has since gotten pissed off at Emilee via email and declared that she will not be her friend anymore. This is a girl who we stood up for last year when she was having an issue with another friend. We (I) have now seen the little hooker's true colors...and so God bless her the next time she pisses off the bullies and they want to kick her ass. Little punk.

Fernie's great job is no more. This joker actually paid him $2 an hour less than they had agreed upon...and then gave him no check stub! Then said he couldn't give him 40 hrs at THAT pay! WTF??? So, unfortunately he had to leave...less money than the unemployment and still no insurance - was just a bunch of BS! It stinks, but hopefully F can find enough side work to fund his Contractors' Licencing course. God will look out for us...he always does.

Sunny's party was rescheduled for this weekend and then cancelled again. I guess there were some conflicting arrangements with the pastor's family. We'll do it soon (BEFORE Christmas, Robert!!) I haven't talked to my sis in what seems like forever and I sure do miss her.

Kaela is enjoying her new place. She sounds a little lonely sometimes, but she's doing well and making it work. I'm really proud of her each and every day!
Peace for now.

Hallelujah Hesperia, We Have a Connection!

2007-08-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

And just in time for Emilee to be home tonight or tomorrow! She'll be tickled to at least be able to email her two best girlfriends who have both moved away in the past few weeks. Phone time will have to be minimal cause they are both out of the area and long distance now.

Sunny is coming up here this afternoon to see her new doc who will help them in treating the fibroids and having things under control with her body before they try again.

Both Rachael and Emilee had a fantastic time at camp last weekend. They returned home Monday afternoon and were completely exhausted. Both tried paintballing; Rachie told me "Tia, I liked it a lot, it was so much fun!" And it sounds like she's interested in doing it again sometime. Em was a bit different. She said,"Mom, I had fun but it just really isn't my thing I don't think!" Both girls agree that Em took an awful lot of hits, and so was quite sore and bruised. Nothing major though and at least she had the guts to try it! Those girls make me so proud always!

In other wonderful news (drumroll, please!)...Fernie found a new job, works with some guys who he's worked with in the past and really seems to like it! The pay started at exactly what he was making at Century, so that's okay for now. And he's supposed to have insurance here pretty soon - praise God!
Fernie is working so hard and I have been a complete wreck this entire week - and just a nightmare to live with, I know. I have been completely off all meds since May and this disease is doing exactly what it does - ruining peoples lives, marriages, families and everything else it can manage to undermine. I am not feeling strong enough to fight it, but everyone just tries to stay real close and help me rationalize and reason whenever they can. I am feeling a little better this afternoon. I still need sleep, but I wanted to pick up around here before Emilee gets in.

Mom took me to the dr today and paid cash for the visit and for my blood pressure med. My pressure runs so high that I think they are afraid of a stroke when I am raging uncontrollably through one of these stupid episodes. It has only been a couple of hours and I can already feel the difference in my pressure and throbbing veins.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS. I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
But when it has finally passed, will there be anyone left?

Fernie just called to check in on me, that was nice. Kaela called earlier too just to say "Mom, I love you and I wanted to know how today is?" I wish I could be sure that they know just how much I want to be better...for them.

Mom, Fernie, Kae & Emi, Sunny, Rachie, Rob, Margaret - you all deserve so much better than I can offer right now. I will be better. Thank you for helping me fight this. Without you all, I am nothing.

PEACE

Good news, sad news

2007-07-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Saddest news first. Sunny lost the baby again. She had come up here with the girls for some work stuff on Thursday morning. We didn't know she'd be in the area, but we all ended up together for lunch at Applebees which was a nice surprise and a good visit. She decided to stay up here for the night and we'd all have dinner together and hang out. By the evening she wasn't feeling so great and by morning she was straight to the hospital in excruciating pain and bleeding. Fernie, Emi and I met Mom, Rachie and Sunny at the hospital and stayed until late in the afternoon. Seeing my little sister in such pain and sorrow was simply heartbreaking. All I could do was hold her and cry with her and pray when I saw her. It took Rob a couple of hours to get here from Irvine, but he was back with her all day, only coming out to give us periodic updates. Drs finally decided to admit her that evening and do a D&C Saturday morning. She was released and back to mom's Saturday evening.
Fast forward to now.......She is back home in Indio, With Rob and the girls and doing as well as can be expected. I allowed Emilee to go back with them on the condition that she be extra helpful and vigilent in reminding her Tia to rest as much as she can. I also think it's helping Rachael not to worry too much with her cousin there to keep her occupied. They are the best of buds, those girls and love each other to pieces.
Some good news in all of this, Sunny and Rob love the dr they saw and will be making the trek up here to see him for all ob/gyn stuff now.He will be treating a large fibroid they found and helping her to be in good condition before they try again. Sunny is thrilled!

So, because all this happened the day before her big surprise party, some scrambling was done and everybody contacted. We did not tell her, because in a few weeks when she is better up to a crowd, we will reschedule it. I know she will be floored!

More good news: Emilee and Rachael will definitely be going to youth camp with the church next Friday. They'll be having a fundraiser after both services this week. I know God will provide even though my own mind wants to stress and freak out about us not having enough for Emi to go.

Good news continues...Kaela is moving out on her own with a girlfriend. They've agreed to finish out a lease for someone through January. Her rent will be almost 3x what she pays now but utilities are paid and I think she will do great! She makes plenty of money, she will just need to budget. I am nervously excited for her, as is dad. We are both comforted by the fact that it is a decent area and neighborhood. It just happens to be across from the tract of homes that he's built over the last 3 years. Fernie would have been elated to say that his baby was moving into one of the homes that he built but she missed it by a block! We are happy for her nonetheless, she will be 20 in October and she makes us proud!
Now for all the prayers that she doesn't get TOO carried away with the new sense of freedom, because although she has been 'on her own' for 2 years now, she will now really be ON HER OWN! And gramma will not be her roomate! oy ve

Okay okay, enough with this boring chapter. I'm off to ride out to Barstow with mom while Fernie stays and works on replacing her facia board here at the house.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Peace.

Hawaiian Beauties

2007-07-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pics from Emi's Hawaii trip in May...(what's the rush, I know!)

Em and Rachie

Rachael, Megan & Emilee

Tentative Tuesday

2007-07-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend we had at the beach. We went down and walked the pier, sat and visited and had a coke at the little restaurant down at the end of the pier. Just enjoyed the beautiful ocean and watched all the people (and there were a kajillion) swimming and frolicking in the sun and sand! Then we went back and I was beaten handily in a couple of card games. Much fun, nonetheless.

This coming weekend is the little surprise party for Sunny's birthday down in Indio. According to Rob, there are already about 50 people coming - holy crap! I talked to her yesterday and she has no idea. She believes that we are gonna cruise out therewith my mom and stay the following weekend and she's excited for that...she will be floored Saturday when she gets home and we're all there!

I am so glad that we are all going to be up there soon. She told me yesterday that she began bleeding again this weekend and showing signs of miscarrying again. She went to the dr yesterday and they drew blood to check hormone levels, so she should know by today or tomorrow if her body is trying to shut it down again. I hope not, but if it has to happen I would rather it happen now than for it to drag on another couple of months. I'm glad that Em and Rachie are there with her, I know that helps keep her mind busy. Please say some extra prayers!

Emi and Rachie are still making plans to go to the church summer camp. The youth are having a fundraiser this weekend at church. I hope that all the kids who want to go are able! Sunny and Rob are going, as they are the youth leaders - they are both studying and working to become youth pastors.

That's about all the excitement from here for now! tah tah.
Peace

2007-07-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Jeezo, how is it that another month has gone by since I posted last? Beside the fact that we still do not have internet back at the house yet. I suck at posting right now and hopefully that will improve soon!

Not much going on in our exciting lives anyway, really. Fernie's still out of work and that's getting really old. We've been recycling quite a bit lately. My mom lives in a little community that has it's own beach, park and golf course. So we cruise over to the beach about 5 or 5:30am, see the most beautiful sunrises and collect water bottles and cans while we're there. We are usually back home by about 6:30 and have had some outstanding results! In one weekend (Sat, Sun & Mon) we made $60! I guess people in this bougie little neighborhood don't like to save their cans or bottles! Beautiful sunrise over the water, a little exercise, AND free money! Works for me! And it has helped out with food and bills, what's not to like?!

I had a doctor appointment this week that the state sent me to. I guess it's yet another step in this whole SSI/perm disability appeal thing. The entire process is just exhausting. I am thankful to have attorneys helping to handle it this time around. You've probably seen or heard the ads on TV or radio for 'Binder and Binder' - well that's who is representing me. So far they've been really helpful and friendly...even when I'm overwhelmed and struggling to hold it together!

Emilee is still down at my sis' in Indio. She is helping to teach the wee ones in the youth ministry at church and just enjoying spending time with tia and Rachie (and Rob too). She and Rachie are trying to earn money to go to summer camp for a few days with the church. $250 with dad not working is going to be next to impossible, but we will figure it out one way or another. I miss her but am glad she's enjoying her summer - and I think it's good for Rachael too, since they just moved there and she doesn't really know anyone yet.
We'll get to see them next weekend. My BIL (Rob) has planned a little surprise party for Sunny next Sat the 21st. (her b-day is the 23rd) Mom, Fernie, aunt Margaret & me will ride down there together Saturday morning. Rob will take Sunny to brunch or something and we'll get stuff set up. Kaela and Michael will come down after Kae gets off work, a couple of more aunts & cousins will make the drive out, and I'm sure some friends from church as well, so it should be a good time! I miss her terribly since she moved out there, especially now that she's preggers - I wish I could see her more! She is going to be so surprised and soooo happy! I know she misses us too!

We're here at mom's now. We're spending the night here tonight and tomorrow we're gonna head down to Margaret's in Newport Beach and eat, drink, play cards, probably hit the beach for a bit and cruise back home on Sunday. Should be fun. Not to mention it's less than 100 degrees down there which will be a welcome change! It was 112, 110 most of the week last week. This week's been hovering around 100. 80 sounds deeeelightful! Kaela doesn't have to work tomorrow so she's kickin' around the idea of coming along. I hope she does.

Well that's it for now - what a sad and boring existence, I know! I'm off to try and catch up on some blog reading!
Peace.

Just checkin' in

2007-06-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

from mom's puter. Fernie and Emilee went down to spend the afternoon with my FIL for father's day since he'll be gone to Disneyland with some relatives visiting from Mexico tomorrow. We were gonna have dinner and play cards with mom and Margaret tonight, but Fernie won't be back till later this evening and so we scratched that plan till tomorrow afternoon. That'll be nice, since it's cooler over here than it is at our house in the afternoon. It's been hovering right about 100 all this week. When we went down to Tia's to get Emilee on Thursday, it was 110+ in Indio. Toasty that's for sure! They really have a cute little house down there!

On the garden front, I've started picking jalapenos and tomatoes! Fernie ate a jalapeno with breakfast Wednesday and said it was good...and HOT! I tried my first tomato this afternoon with some cottage cheese. Yummmmay! It was deeeeeelicious and deelightful! Especially on a warm afternoon! I also took my sis some jalapenos when we went to pick up Emi. Her husband loves everything super hot, so I hope he enjoys them.

Fernie had some side work this week, so he's beat from working out in the hot sun. We really needed the money though and he needed to get out of the house for a few minutes ;)

Must get running, I rode over here with mom after we worked this morning and she's gonna run me home here pretty soon.

Hope your weekend is a good'un. Happy father's day to all the dads who are being real dads out there!

I'm in Looove

2007-06-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

I got some Dove samples in the mail and they are heavenly good. It's called Dove Cream Oil Body Wash and the scent is cherry blossom and almond. Yummaaay! If you go to the site, you can order samples of Dove products for your very own. It's the shiznit, go see for yourself...here. It only takes a couple of minutes and it is oh so worth every minute!

I hope you have a lovely rest of your day!
Peace

It's Been Awhile

2007-06-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Haven't been here in a few days because we have no internet at home at the moment; and it really sucks!

Emilee made it back home safely last Wednesday. She is dark as night, and the contrast of her arm next to mine is simply apalling! She had a great time and enjoyed her flight home, unlike the flight over, which did not thrill her one bit. She was at the beach every day, shopped at the international marketplace and went on a dolphin excursion where she saw dozens of dolphins. She really had a blast with Rach & Meggie (her cousins), but I was glad to have her home. She left again last night to go to Sunny & Rach's house in Indio. She was supposed to be starting summer school next week but we received a notice from the school that there was not enough space for her, since she was not required to attend she had chosen to go to get some extra help in Algebra. I was more than a little miffed at this, because she struggled in math this year. I guess you actually have to fail to receive any help...WTF?

Fernie is still out of work and we haven't received any unemployment as of yet - things are extremely bare to say the least. I have been working a little bit with my mom whenever I can. It's not much, but every little bit counts right now!

Ooh, I almost forgot. Kaela is getting a tattoo this Saturday. Hibiscus flowers on her side/hip. I cannot be there with her, but I am praying that she takes her time and makes it tasteful - and keeps in mind that it ain't gonna wash off in the morning! She doesn't live at home and will be 20 this year, it's her decision to make.

One last thing before I go...Sunny's preggers again! I am thrilled for her & Rob (& Rachie), but it is sooooo soon after her miscarriage. The Lord will bring her through and only he knows if it is time. Please say a prayer that this one goes smoothly.

That's it for tonight - I'm on Kae's puter now and we've gotta get going home.

Peace.

Back to the mainland!

2007-05-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

We're back to our own house finally, and done kitty sitting! I am ten kinds of snotty today as my sinuses and the rest of my system decompress from kitty overload. We came home yesterday late morning, and proceeded to give one neglected puppy some much needed attention. As well as my flowers, tomatoes and jalapenos. I have got to get some pictures soon, these tomatoes are something else! On my short, stumpy plant, I've had to prop it up because it's got three heavy maters on one sturdy branch and it's arn near sitting on the ground (and in the water every time I water).

Also, Emi's coming back home today. Actually, they'll be back in to LAX late this evening and stay at my aunt's house in Orange County, then they'll be back up here sometime midday tomorrow I suppose. If she comes in early enough, she said she wanted to go to school for awhile. my bet is that she'll be draggin ass and will not so much as entertain that idea when she get's here. That leaves only Thursday - the last day of school! (Rough couple of weeks this kid has had eh?!)

Tah tah for now.

Slacker much?

2007-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't been here all week. We've been staying at my mom's with Kaela for part of the week. While they're all gone to Hawaii, Kaela doesn't have to be alone and we're out of the house for a change of scenery. And it's been nice. We're only a few miles from home, so it's easy to run over and water and check on the house and the dog. Kaela left last night to see a concert at the Roxy, to Venice Beach today and camping tonight and tomorrow, so we have the house to ourselves. They live right on a golf course and the weather is beautiful mid 80s with a nice breeze, so it's very relaxing.

Along with our mini vacation/house sitting came another surprise. Kaela brought home a foster kitty from work and Fernie and I were elected to kitty-sit while she was gone. She's a good kitty apparently litter-box trained already, and a gigantic ball of energy! And the only drawback is that I am outrageously allergic to cats! So I am trying to play and keep my face away at the same time. My eyes are freakishly swollen and I'm kinda wheezing like a chain smoker, but it's all good..for now.

I talked to Emi the day they arrived in Hawaii (Tuesday) and again yesterday. She wasn't thrilled with her first plane ride, but was having a good time. They had already spent a good part of a day walking around a marketplace, a day at boogie board beach, and they were going on a dolphin excursion today. Choc full-o-fun I tell you! I'm glad she's gotten this opportunity and she's enjoying it, but I sure will be glad to get her back.

On the work front, Fernie has nothing yet, which is scary, cause rent is due in 5 days. I'm sure something will surface very soon here. It's in His hands.

Well, that's the excitement for now. Have a safe holiday weekend!

Manic Monday

2007-05-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Fernie's working outside - weeds, pine needles, whatever he can dream up that needs to be done. He has been a pain in my ass since 4:30 this morning! He's completely flipping out about being laid off. He has lots of calls out and one of them will pan out - he has a million contacts and he does not know the meaning of 'be still'!

Our water heater is still on the fritz. The landlord came yesterday and today and saw the same puddle........it STILL leaking - same as yesterday!! So finally they're gonna send a plumber and they will be here tomorrow between 8-12! The landlords were on vacation when we started having a problem, so we were SOL till yesterday!

In other news, Emilee leaves for Hawaii tomorrow morning. And I am freaking out. My anxiety has reached a new level, my arms are bloody sctratched up and I am just scared outa my mind! I know she will be fine. She will be with my mom, two aunts and two cousins the same age - she will have a blast! Now if only I could settle down and accept it! JEEZZO - I am really over this fear and anxiety already!!

This Too Shall Pass......Right??

2007-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Fernie got laid off yesterday. The stress begins - at a more intense level. I know God has a plan and we will abide by that. I was approved by Blogsvertise, but have not received any tasks or opportunities yet. I did receive 30 more pages of crap to fill out for my SSI/Disability. I swear, if you do not lose all your limbs, you cannot claim what you have paid into for the past 25 years! They just screw with you if you have a 'mental illness'. WTH? My anxiety is off the charts right now, my arms are all scratched up, and my husband feels like a failure. He is NOT!! The tract he was working at was slow - the housing market - especially here is really slow.
Please say a prayer for patience and peace.

mmmmm fresh maters!

2007-05-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy is it ever summery here! We've been in the high 80s this week and it's gorgeous! I have been trying to weed where my new flowers are planted and over in the roses too. I think all the little ones are petunias, I can't remember right now (what a shock!). They are along the angled corner of our yard where it meets the driveway. There are also a few up by the house next to the little veggies. I have two planted tomato plants that have several tomatoes on each of them. There are also a few potted ones that are flowering but no fruit yet. I can't wait for the sun to finish cookin' em so we can have the yummiest home-grown maters ever! Home-grown maters are simply the best! And this year I've got some jalapenos growin' too! Got several little chilis almost ready for some salsa and tortilla chips! Dude, I am so excited about my little wanna be garden. I feel like I'm back in kindergarten when you get to plant a seed and watch it grow.

OK I'll stop with my garden giddyness. Have a wonderful evening!

The countdown is on!

2007-05-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Emilee & Rachael leave one week from today for Hawaii! I have to start getting Emi packed today! She's gotta be ready to leave on Sunday morning as they'll be leaving with my mom down to Orange County to stay until they leave Tuesday morning. We did find her a darling little bathing suit at Wal-Mart the other night though - for only $23 bucks! It's the same cut as the link, just different pattern/colors. And two sweet little tanks for 5 bucks each. I was shocked, since we now have to shop for her in the women's department and once you move from kids to adult sizes, everything seems to jump up between $5-$10. So we really scored on those couple of things. And I almost forgot the cute little black and pink chanclas we scored for $2.99 at Walgreens. Shoot I LOVE me a good bargain!

On another note, Fernie works at a tract very close to home right now. He comes home for lunch almost every day and I really love it. A lot of times I am scraping junk together for him to eat, but he doesn't seem to mind. And it's nice to visit for a few minutes. I know it has helped my anxiety during the day. And anything that can lower my panic/anxiety level is a definite winner! I think he enjoys having a few minutes to visit and relax too. Today he had chicken fajita tacos and mac'n'cheese, and took a couple of the little frozen icees for the road.

I had better run, there is dirty laundry calling my name...yippee!

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a splendid Mother's Day yesterday! Mine was fantastic! The weather here was absolutely perfect too. Fernando, Emilee and I went down to my sister's church and surprised her. She was really surprised and as happy to see us as I was to see her. It was a great church service; all the moms got a rose and there was a mother's blessing over each family at the end. It was really special. Pastor Eddie is so passionate and says a great service - it was good to see he and Pastor Dawna. And seeing my sister, Rachael & Rob was worth that long drive (about 2 hrs). They had plans after, so we said our goodbyes and made the trek back home.

We stopped by home to grab some things and headed over to mom's to bbq with mom, aunt Margaret and my Kaela girl. (Kaela didn't know we had gone out to church and had come over to take me out. I got a call on our way down there saying mom, where are you - I'm here at the house! oops!!) So anyway, we ate burgers, potato salad, baked beans and stuffed jalapenos (Kaela makes these and they're the bomb!). Then played some cards and had a great time. It was a really nice day and we were beat when we got home about 9.
It was honestly the best Mother's Day that I've had in a long time!

Friday...WOO HOO!

2007-05-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day weekend! My sister is coming up here on Sunday and we'll chill, visit and bbq over at mom's house. I'm so excited to see her. Even though she says she is doing better (after the miscarriage), I need to see it with my own eyes!

Fernando and Emilee will go down to my MIL's for awhile on Saturday. Kaela has to work or she'd go with them out of respect. MIL and I have not spoken since she told me off on Christmas Eve. Fernando is a little pissy because I do not have any intentions of going! There will be a time and a place to begin again, but Mother's Day is not the time or the place! The way I see it...we make each other uncomfortable. I do not think it is fair to make her uncomfortable on mother's day, especially in her home; nor do I think it's fair to me to be on edge, anxious and panicky...it's MY mother's day too! So THERE! Jeezo that sounded bitchy, didn't it?! For the record, I do still make sure she has a card and something special - like a picture of the girls in a beautiful frame...I'm estranged, not evil!

I will make the best of it as always. How are YOU celebrating Mother's Day?

Blogsvertise, baby!

2007-05-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I failed to mention one item on my earlier bullet list. I'm taking another stab at paid blogging. I am so excited to have found Blogsvertise.com! I believe even I can actually qualify and learn more and more. I found out about Blogsvertise from Bev's site and they seem to work with beginners as well as the pros. She has already made herself a nice little chunk of change in the first month or so! If I can get my foot in the door here folks, I will be on fire! And to be able to help out with bills around here will be such a blessing! So, scoot on over to Blogsvertise and check it out for yourself!

Clearing out the cobwebs

2007-05-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've been to this blog. I am challenging myself to be here every other day at the very least. So much has been happening and I hope everyone in bloggerland is well (Tee!)

Emilee is just about out of school for the year - and she leaves for Hawaii on the 20th! She's pretty excited and it's been difficult keeping her head on straight lately! The 'tween attitude is killing me! One of the blogs I visit regularly (Evie) had a great 'house rules/consequence' type document posted the other day. I thought it was great and adapted something like it to use for Emilee. So far, so good. She actually said she liked it. We'll see how well she likes after a week! If I were her, I'd walk around mute for a week if I was risking a trip to Hawaii!

I'm gonna do a bullet list of recent events and I'll expound on each little by little:

I went into the hospital for 2 weeks in February - am much better now.
Fernando was a 'single dad' of sorts while I was away, and didn't hurt Emilee or himself or burn the house down - GO DAD!
Sunny (my sis and bestest bud), Rachael (my niece) and Rob (my new bil) moved from down the street to about 2 hours away.
Drama on the homefront always sucks - I think we could have one of those stupid reality shows that make you feel better about your own family after you watch it! Seriously - after seeing it you know that your family could never be THAT effed up!
Sunny moved away, found out she was pregnant and then lost the baby all in 3 weeks. Only God understands fully, but it doesn't make it hurt any less. I sure wish she was closer.

Thats all for now folks! Peace.

Did I Mention...

2007-01-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

That I was rejected by PPP after all? Yep, sure was! And for reasons that a newbie like me has no clue about or how to fix! That's okay, I am working on it. I'll get it smoothed out and have another go at it. No worries!

In other news, it has been so bloody cold here lately. But no snow. Even though it has snowed to almost 2000' BELOW the elevation where we are! Explain THAT one to me Mark Kriski! And then you have Laura who has had an asston of snow week after week...for weeks now it seems! WTH? And poor thing has to be out driving in it to boot!
NOTE TO MOTHER NATURE: We will happily take a little snow off of their hands!!

Also, one of my very favorite uncles passed away on Christmas Day. He was more of a father figure than my own 'dad' (and I use that term very loosely!) ever was. He taught me so much and although he will be missed, he was in excruciating pain at the end of his life and I am happy that he no longer has to endure that torture! I love you uncle Tim!

Life continues to be a rollercoaster for me at the moment and I am doing my best to just hold on, while trying like hell not to ram anyone else in my life with it! That is an epic task for me right now and I pray that it will even out as my meds come up to the correct level. I am running people off - and although they know what I am struggling with, people are so 'judgey' and quick to jump to conclusions.
Father in heaven, please let me get through this without running everyone in my life off!

The Real Life

2007-01-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a great beginning to their 2007. I have found a new bloggerific 'friend' - and I think you should visit her site. She's way better than me at posting, but we have quite a bit in common - more than I have posted so far, that's for sure! Smile on, Angela!!

PayPerPost

2006-12-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

So, I took the leap and decided to try signing up for PPP. A lot of the online moms are involved, and it seems really cool. Question is...do they let you be a part of it if you're new to blogging and still kinda suck at it? I guess I'll find out! I will be so ashamed if I get rejected!

BEST present EVAH!

2006-12-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Kae 'n' Emi Christmas 2006
I hope you all had a safe and blessed Christmas Holiday!

I received THEEE best gift in the world from my girls and I just had to share (OK - and brag a bit...so what, it's my blog, right?!)

Kaela arranged the appointment and to 'hang out' with Emilee one night, got their clothes and picked out the most beautiful frames (from Pier 1 Imports). I received two 8x10s already in their frames and ready to go from them for Christmas. Spot on, girls! I love you!

One proud mama signing off!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2006-12-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone. I hope you and your families have a wonderful, blessed and safe Christmas, Hannukah, or anything you may celebrate this time of year. It has been a struggle for many people and I know the new year will bring new joy to many more!
If you read this, please take a moment to say hello. I am very new at it and still very green., but it will get better, I'm sure of it (or your money back! LOL). I would love to know anyone was here and welcome any tips and hints!!
Happy Holidays!

PS - to the MILs that try their hardest to break you...Merry Christmas...and watch your back, for the karma cannot be far behind you. YOU WILL NOT STEAL MY JOY!

Completely random observation

2006-12-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

As a kid, 7th grade specifically at our house right now, what is the attraction to sharpening a pencil within an inch of it's life...and continuing to use it? It's not like she does not have another pencil, and funny enough the others seem to get lost and found 10 times as often as this stupid little nub. I KNOW, I did it too. And now I understand why it was one of those things that bugged my mom. Kids.

what a tragedy!

2006-12-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

One of my first posts here in blogland was about how you can really hear the med-evac helicopters going sometimes here. Especially at night or on a quiet day. Well Sunday, just a few miles from here, one of our choppers went down. All three people on board were killed. They were returning from saving a life. Someone who had a horse accident needed to be at a real hospital and they got him there safely. There have been lots of email letters in our paper online...people whose lives or childrens' lives were saved thanks to a med-evac ride. (the nearest well-equipped, trauma, or children's hospital is almost an hour if you are flying on the freeway!) There have been many touching tributes and I hope that these three angels knew that they were indeed heroes every time they answered a call. My prayers are with their families and friends.

Just wondering...

2006-12-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

This was an actual banner on my MSN page...

"We cater to talkative speed freaks."

Huh? No other words, company names, anything. Until the banner changes and you then see that it is an ad for Earthlink. Is that weird to anyone else or have I just come across one too many unsavory characters in my life?
I wouldn't guess that will be the no.1 marketing slogan this year, but I could be wrong!
Like I said...just wondering!

Today's post brought to you by the number 2!

2006-11-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

Last night it dipped to a crisp and crackly 22 degrees. I brought the dog in and he wanted out - c'mon now, my house doesn't look THAT bad! Whatever, it was cold (for us native Californians anyway!) and today it has been pretty chilly still with the wind really picking up this afternoon. Fernie has been working out in Barstow and it is nasty cold and windy out there. Maybe that's why his cold sounds as if it's turned into pneumonia! No worries, at least he was considerate enough to pass it on first! sniff.cough.sniff. Thanks babe!
Also, I had my 2nd visitor/commenter to my site, so I just wanted to say THANKS to ...my 2 cents, for stopping by!
I hope everyone is having a splendid Wednesday. God Bless.

no ice cream man today!

2006-11-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's down right blustery outside today. But I'm good with that, it's time I think! We had a grrreat Thanksgiving, I hope you did too!
On Thanksgiving, we have started our own little tradition if you will a few years back. We go as a family to serve dinner at the Salvation Army in our area. There were only 5 of us (Fernie, me, Kaela, Emilee & my mom) that could go this year, but still a pretty big family group! It's only for a short time and afterwards we go home and have our own dinner together. And it does good stuff for your insides too! Our year has been a rough one for example - it's not over but I can see the light. But I was so incredibly grateful to have and be part of a family who is healthy, willing and looks forward to doing this each and every year. Including my 19 yr old daughter around whom, as you may or may not know, the entire world revolves normally! A good time was had by all, and many people, homeless, needy, and lonely alike had a good hearty dinner usually with a plate for the road!
After we finished up there, we went over to my mom (& Kaela's) where some more family gathered and we had a really nice dinner. And then a snack. And then dinner. (isn't that how it goes at YOUR house?)
Friday, we went down to the in-laws. Just Fernie, Emi & me. My MIL bought a new car and she was selling us her 98 Corolla. So we went for holiday greetings and to leave payments for her and pick up the car! We usually take Kaela's car down there (which we did) because our car won't make it. Now I am afraid I will have to visit more often. Yeah I took one for the team...pray for me Tee! OH I nearly forgot the most important part...turkey & mole, rice, tortillas - mmmm yummay!
After that we drove back up here and straight over to my sister's house. She had prepared a full t-dinner at her house all day. Some friends from church came and my mom and us...we had a great time, ate more tasty food and played games. We all had a really fun time!
Saturday we vegged mostly watched a movie and dropped Emi off over at my sister's (she goes to a far church with them usually).
Sunday, for the first time in awhile Fernie and I went to church together
...without having to find a ride for all of us...in our OWN car! We barely had enough gas, and NO money, but it was so nice! I know we both just felt so much better being able to go and not worry about being a burden or not asking because we didn't have gas money to offer!
GOD IS SO GOOD! I am so very thankful for being able to see another day! Have a good Monday!

Desert oddity

2006-11-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

This week we have had beautiful weather here, hovering around 80 during the day, and low to mid 40's at night. Here is one odd thing that got my attention on Wednesday or Thursday.

Keep in mind that it is mid-November:
It was 80 degrees and beautiful outside and I hear the ice cream man/truck going at full tilt in our area...playing a medley of CHRISTMAS music a la Jingle bells, Silent Night, Santa Claus is coming to town - the whole kit and kaboodle!

Is it just me or is that weird to anyone else. heh. Oh well, I got a kick out of it. I hope you have a great weekend!

Bright Spots in my days!!

2006-11-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

Haven't been here much lately. Between drama trying to get this blogger to work or even open for me, and the harsh events unfolding in our lives right now...aye. Yo CALGON, can a girl get a break!
I will do better about posting something other than horsewash.
But for now, I leave you with two of my favorite people in the whole wide world. Rach and Emi...the sweetest, most loving kids anyone could ask for, and I am so blessed to have them in my life!

Emi-l and Rachael-r

PS - here is the email I received from Rachie when I checked mail this morning...
Sent : Sunday, November 12, 2006 9:05 PM
To :gablodi@hotmail.com
Subject :..from the prayer email

i just want to tell u i luv u and tio a whole bunch. and remember always that i luv u and that im praying for u both right now. i know god will heel both of your hearts, and soon things will be better! luv u both and im with u both in heart and spirit i send my luv and kisses luv rachael

Change Schmange...what time is it really?

2006-10-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

I know this happens every single year. I get it. But for some stupid reason my eyes want to slam shut as soon as dusk fades to darkness. I know I will adjust in a few days but for pete sake! I'm yawning by six o'clock people, and it's not like I was in bed at seven before the time changed! So what gives. How did we theoretically gain an hour yet my body insists that something has robbed it of six hours? I wonder if anyone else's clock gets turned the wrong way? heh.
Dull and boring, but that's all I've got for now.

My other baby!

2006-10-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so she's really my niece. She and Emi are the same age, in the same grade, and have always gone to the same school...until last year. Rach goes to a Christian school now and we just aren't able to swing that financially. We live 10 minutes straight up the street from each other, so we all still spend mucho time together! Anyway, I finally remembered to grab her school pic and bring it back home with me, so here she is in all her glory...My sweet Rachie aka Rachael.

Rachael 7th gr fall pic

Can she do it?

2006-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Okey Dokey then...Blogger finally let me connect again and I was able to load the pic I was trying to load earlier. This is Kaela and Mike last Oct on their way to a wedding - just before she turned 18.
This is an unnecessary post really, I just wanted to prove to myself that it wasn't me screwing it up this time! ha.

where are my pictures...huh?

2006-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Now I am still new to this, but I posted a picture last month on Emilee's birthday no problem. So why is it that I've done this stinkin thing and edited twice and the pics are still missing. What gives?
Gonna try it one more time.Dammit.

WooHoooo! Still don't know why they aren't in the correct post, but it worked this time. The top one Kaela and mom in 1988 I think. The bottom pic is Kae and her boyfriend Michael last Oct on their way to a wedding.
EDIT: well, the one of Kae as a baby is here, but the one of she and Michael disappeared. Can't even connect to add image now. hhmph

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAELA GIRL !!

2006-10-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

This evening at 6:43pm, my firstborn daughter will turn 19! Wow, that makes me kinda old. She is in her 2nd year of college and has been with her same employer (an Animal Hospital) for 2+ years! Not bad, HUH??!
I had her when I was still in high school (NOT recommended!). She stayed in my belly and cooked the entire time she was supposed to. But, when she was ready to make an entrance, she was not takin' no for an answer!
I got to the hospital at 5:45pm. Got to my room, got changed and sat down to pee before getting into bed when I felt a click. My water broke. (yeah, I thought this was pretty considerate of me not to make a mess too! lol) So mean, scary lady nurse walks in, we tell her my water broke and my contractions are literally on top of each other at this point. She says (in the most condescending tone that she could muster) "Hun, I been doing this a long time, you're very young and this is your first baby, I'd get my mind around being here for awhile if I were you". WTH 'Scuse me? No, really I feel like I have to push or something-now! So another minute or two go by and to shut me up (or maybe for fear of my mom choking the life out of her?) She decides to go ahead and do her stupid little examination - and then it happened. Whatever she saw/felt suddenly lit a fire under her cranky behind. Eyes opened real wide and the scurrying began. (Could your first clue maybe have been that I was dilated to 91/2cm and my contractions were one minute apart when I got here?!) She buzzed the nurse's station from the call button. Told them to have the doc that was there to come quickly. Then to call my doc and tell him he wouldn't make it. The doc that was there was only a few rooms over checking on another mom. He was told that he'd be back to her in plenty of time. I was not fooling around here people! He was there before I knew it and they gowned him up as he walked in. He sat down and said to me "Okay sweetheart, you're gonna have a baby now...on your next contraction, I want you to push!" I TOLD you mean, wenchy nurse lady! Just a couple of minutes/ pushes later, I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.
I arrived to the hospital at 5:45pm, and at 6:43pm, MiKaela Renae entered this world weighing 7lbs 15oz.

Kae - Dad and I are so proud of the girl you have been and the woman you are becoming. You are a great big sister and I know Emilee thinks you rock! (and not just because you drive and can go to the mall and Starbucks with her either!LOL) Love yourself and enjoy your life. Every day is a gift!
We love you so very much!
Happy Birthday Sweet Kaela Girl!!

Sad Sucks!

2006-10-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Things in this house have been very tense lately. Well, they have officially passed tense (no pun intended) and have moved into lost and sad. I am so sad and at the same time, so tired of being sad. I suffer from bipolar (manic depression) and panic/anxiety disorder to begin with. And since we have just barely gotten insurance again, I have just been back to a Dr and begun medication this past Saturday - for the first time in months. It will take a few weeks to regulate back onto my meds, but I know life will be better. The problem is; the things that are transpiring in my life right now would break anybody. Not just somebody who suffers from depression. It is definitely more dangerous and I realize that. I am reading my books and trying to keep as busy as possible, for I have dealt with this disease long enough to know that there is a gigantic black hole that will be doing its best to suck me in.
I will not let it. But being sad really sucks.

What a Slacker!

2006-10-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I seem to really stink at keeping up posts every day.
Anyway, Sue's funeral was last Tuesday. Emi, Kaela and I rode down there with my mom. It was a very nice service as funerals go, and the family had the neatest 'collage' type booklet put together for everyone. I learned many things about her that I didn't know. Although she battled cancer 2+ times and was in excruciating pain for most of the last few months of her life, she continued helping others. Just 2 weeks before she passed, she was at the Women's prison doing their regular bible studies. And a few days after that, she did her regular Monday night bible study class and mentoring at the Set Free Women's house. She was a Marshal for 16 years and a Sheriff for 5 years. She had an extremely rough life and found the Lord 11 years ago. Things have been different since then. She was described as being a completely new person...I only knew the 'new' Sue. Many people whom she had helped stood up and offered testimony on her behalf. It was touching, and she will be sorely missed.
Dear Sue,
Please reach down with God and help your sweet Bill to go on. He is a great man, and he is so sad and lonely without you. He has Rob, Sunny & Rachael...and all of us too.We are all close by, but we could never fill that void he feels right now.
And please help Rob through the pain of losing his mom. Being a newlywed at the same time is creating double the stress, but I believe that they will find their way.
Thank You!

Good Discipline!

2006-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was just over reading Tee's blog. She had her son do something that I have done here with my own girls. It reminded me of how perfect it was! Occasionally,a child will lose his/her mind and say out loud..."well what did you do all day?". Said child then gets to write down everything they can think of on earth that mom actually does. From, washing dishes, clothes, bathrooms, cooking, pets, etc etc! The last time we did anything like this was a couple of years ago. Kaela was a teenager, and as they get older it will piss them right off! On a rare occasion, I wish I could make Fernando do this also. He of course would never say exactly what the kids say, but husbands have their lame ass ways of insinuating things every once in awhile. Not too often, fortunate for him. Sometimes kids need to be reminded that the grocery fairy is dead, and the dog would be too if mom hadn't fed and watered him. Anyway, I was reminded that this is a much nicer way to handle the ungrateful little trolls when the occasion arises!
When WE were kids, if I ever had the balls to utter something like this out loud (which was NOT recommended!), at the very least, we would've been snatched up by our ear so quick it would make you dizzy!
Huh, how BOUT that? Yet another thing the kids should be grateful for!
Hope everybody is having a great day!

Please say a prayer

2006-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Some sad news earlier in the week. Sue (my sister's new mother-in-law) passed away Monday evening. She has battled breast cancer twice and most recently was suffering terribly again, this time intestinal and colon related I believe. She was a strong lady who had withered away to about 75-80lbs.
She held on long enough to see her son (Rob) marry my sister (and Rachael my niece) in August. And as stupid as it may sound to some people, I believe she felt relieved to know that Rob had become part of a family who loved him and welcomed him and would be there to help him through this difficult time. He is sad, but he is safe.
I did not know Sue well, but I know she had an intense and unwaivering faith and relationship with the Lord. Her husband Bill has that same strength and faith. I pray that his sadness will be lined with relief for Sue. I know that he is happy that she is now pain free and having dinner with Jesus and will prepare a place for us one day. They were married for 35 years. She was Gramma Sue to Rachael for only a few short months. But Rachael is 12 and this is her first experience with death. She is having a hard time, but knows that Gramma Sue is so good now. Rachael also has an awesome relationship with God and I believe that will help her through this sad time.
Rob, Sunny, Rachael & Grampa Bill....we love you so very much!

2006-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, I guess it's been a few days since I've been back here. The visit with the inlaws went pretty well. Fernando visited with his dad and a neighbor out back for a good part of the day. The girls stayed in the livingroom and laughed and played games together for most of the day. I'm glad for that, since Kaela doesn't live at home anymore and I know Emilee really misses just hanging out with her sister. That left me and my mother in law. It went okay. I mean, I really feel like we still make each other uncomfortable sometimes, but we had conversation and some laughs and all in all it was a pretty good day. I know Fernando was relieved to see his folks with his own eyes and know that they are good. His dad wants to retire this year and they have actually kicked around the idea of moving out here. I go back and forth on that one. My father in law is a kick in the pants, but I'm afraid he would be terribly bored...I dunno. I know Fernie would be so happy if they did. The weather down there was just beautiful. Sunny and about 75 I would guess. Really nice. Here we are definitely getting into fall weather. Chilly at night about mid 40's, but still up to about 80 during the day. I love this time of year here. In Orange County, we had basically the same weather all year. Sometimes it rains, but rarely. And here, just under 100 miles away, we have seasons, and definite weather changes. I really look forward to each change. Yes, it gets bloody hot in the summer, but it snows a bit in the winter too.
Anyway, enough of the desert promotion. Sheesh.

Fun, fun, fun

2006-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today we're off to Orange County to see the in-laws. It's about an hour and a half drive from here (just far enough). It shouldn't be too long of a day. It's almost 9:30 here and we need to be home by dark, cause none of like to drive these dark roads up here. Street lights are just beginning to catch on. I know, what's the rush huh?! LOL A few short hours of chit chat, and some tasty grub, and we'll be home free! Shouldn't really be that bad at all. Kae & Emi are both going with, so my in-laws will be happy to see them.
Well, we're off to see the wizard. (I hope he has money!) Wish me luck!

dust and wind and sirens...oh my!

2006-10-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, there have been sirens around here off and on for a good half an hour. We live in the desert...somewhat in the boonies you might say. It is getting more populated by the day, but our fire stations are few and far between and our police response time leave a bit...okay much to be desired! Seriously people, if you need dire assistance you had better pray that they are finishing up a call nearby, or you're toast. It's not a secret really here. Really, by boonies, I mean when you hear a chopper in the air you hear random people utter out loud..."There's med-evac" (meaning a life-flight helicopter) or "ha! they're comin for you!" (a police chopper with a spotlight). People, we must entertain ourselves ou here!
Well, I don't see signs of fire anywhere, so I hope everyone's alright. It's just eerie when you keep hearing them and hearing them. These are the little things that wrench my day when I'm home alone and the kids and Fernie are gone and I can't really call them. Dumb, I know, so Hi my name's Jodi, and I'm dumb sometimes!
On another desert-y note, it's getting pretty breezy here today and the dust is a blowin'. Our allergies are in turn flowin' somethin fierce! I feel like a pink eye ridden snot factory. NO, I do not have pink eye, but the red itchy, watery, swollen eyes are soooo purty and gross when you wake up that it might as well be! And the sneezy, snottiness - everyone thinks you're sick!! DUDE, I'm not sick enough to give you anything, so stop looking at me as if I owe your mama something!
Alrighty then...a little paranoid ranty post today. I'm starting to think this may work.
So what if nobody is reading this....yes I'm talking to myself.... AND????

Carne asada is THEE Bomb!

2006-09-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Well, last night I had attempted to make Chili. I had come across a crockpot recipe and happened to have everything to make it. So it had been in the cooker for a couple of hours when Sunny (my sis) called. She and Rob wanted us all to come over for carne asada. Now, you don't have to be Emeril or Rachael Ray to know that carne asada trumps Jodi's 1st try hope it tastes good chili...ANYDAY!!! So I offer to bring along the chili and say hell yes, we will be there as soon as Fernando gets home. Then I promptly page Fernie on the radio and tell him carne asada is waiting, so it would behoove him to get home at a decent hour...or be subject to the experimentations of his wife, while his wife and children were chowing down on carne asada. Dude - I love him, but my first time experiment with chili vs. tried and true carne asada - NO DICE!!! Me and the girls are SO outa here!!

OK - so Fernie actually was home way before dark (which is a miracle for a construction super who is in production!). We went over to Sunny, Rob & Rachael's, and had a good time. A pick-up volleyball game or two in the street, carne asada and fresh salsa!! DANG that was some gooooood grub! And everyone who ate my chili said it was pretty good too! So that was a pretty good ego boost...and because of this, my family will be subject to at least one more trial of this experiment!

Put your hands up and chant.......
oh yeah...mom's chili...people ate it...it was good...!! The truth is, if anyone has a good chili recipe with ground beef, please share it....I will appreciae any help I can get!!

Friday...lovely Friday!

2006-09-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

OK, who am I kidding? I am home all day every day, and have no clue what day it is sometimes. In my world, the only difference between Friday and Tuesday is that Emilee doesn't have school tomorrow! So sad! I have been suffering from the allergy demon this week, something fierce. I refuse to admit that it may actually be a cold/flu/whatever. (Because when it is allergies, it not a big deal to be doing what you need to do and no one accuses you of having cooties!) And I'm sure that they (the allergies) will disappear in just a moment...ANY moment now! So what if I started saying this Sunday or Monday this week! I live in the desert, people...and allergies suck big rocks here!
So, my sister's new mother-in-law (Sue) is out of the hospital now. She is doing as well as can be expected. She is still really frail, and any and all prayers are appreciated and very welcomed!
NOW....for the biggest news of all....I got my first comment from Tee and I just wanted to say THANKS Tee, for letting me feel all official & junk!! (now, if I got that link right, it will be yet another miracle!!) So, yes, my blog is still really brand new, and I'm not really sure how to do hardly anything yet, but it seems I am making some type of progress, so baby steps, those are good for me!
Hope you are having a great day!

Where is the damn laundry fairy?

2006-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Dang, Tuesday already. Where did Monday go? I am doing laundry today. And then I'm doing some laundry. And then maybe one or two more loads of laundry after that. How sad is this? You would think I actually have a house filled to the brim with people. Really, 99% of the time, there are only three of us here! Emilee is catching on though...at least she's not letting the folded clothes land in the hamper anymore. Now, there are still clothes in the wash that I am fairly certain she has not worn. But these clothes have been worn - for an entire 3 minutes probably until she changed her mind before school or church. And since they landed up in the hamper they now smell like hamper. She actually likes to do her own laundry now...I just don't like her schedule of waiting until she has nothing left to wear. After all, I am home all day and I am trying to make myself useful.

My niece Rachael had her first volleyball game yesterday. I picked Emi up after school and we headed straight over there to watch and cheer! Gram was already there when we got there. Rachie did really well - I am so proud of her. They won...and those girls were so tickled!

Sunny and Rob couldn't be there, because Sue (Rob's mom) has become very sick again and is back in the hospital so they were down there with her. I am praying so hard for Sue to have some peace and for her suffering to end...in whatever form that God may see fit. That doesn't mean I am wishing death on her, but there has to be a way...someway, somewhere for her to be able to eat and for her to have some pain-free moments in her day! She has battled cancer repeatedly and had life threatening intestinal problems, which is what I think they are dealing with again now. C'mon docs, man up and figure something out here!!

Boy, this post is all over the board today! But for now. MUST.CHANGE.WASH.OVER.
REPEAT! oy ve

2006-09-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

What a nice weekend we had. Saturday, we submerged ourselves heartily into Chuck E Cheese hell. Just about all of us went over there. Mom, Sunny, Rob & Rachie, Kaela & Michael, and Ramon & Jin even made the drive up to hang out for a few hours. Shoot, it was free pizza, cake AND skeeball. Now really, it doesn't get much better than that! Did you know that for the friggin 'ChuckE' party package now, it is 11.99 per person! Good lord. For the magical price of just $11.99pp, each guest gets TWO whole slices of pizza, a slice of birthday cake, and 20 tokens. I swear when Kaela was little it was only about 4 or 5.99 per kid...(and I'm sure even that seemed outrageous at the time). Needless to say, we had coupons and spent the $$ saved on tokens...and had a splendid time!
However, I am pretty over ChuckE. At least until Rachie's birthday in Feb!

Happy Birthday Emilee!!

2006-09-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy 12th Birthday to my sweet, sweet Emilee. You are the light of my life and you have the biggest, most beautiful heart of anyone I've ever met! Keep being and loving who you are! Dad and I love you so much and are so very proud of who you are becoming!

Kindness

2006-09-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

So I emailed Laura about helping me figure out this template/formatting dilemma. I have been reading her blogs forever, but she doesn't know me from Adam and I was really afraid she would tell me to FOAD! Extreme, yes I know and I'm working on that. Being bipolar is a real party. NOT! I hardly ever comment, cause I'm a scaredy-cat. I'm hoping to use this blog as a tool to work on that too. Stepping WAY out of my comfort zone here.
Anyway, Laura could not have been any nicer. Now, I knew that already from reading her blog and the other girls she interacts with. But what I know and what my brain says to be worried about are two different stories. So in the near future, I will have a real-looking blog with real links and everything! YIPPEE! Thank you Laura for being so kind to this stranger!

Chief Dumbass

2006-09-19T04:53:00.000-07:00

Dang, I knew that I would have to find my way around this formatting stuff but I had no frickin clue just how foreign it would be to me. Talk about making me feel old and stoopid, jeezo. All I wanted to do is put some links on the side for some of the other sites I read regularly, etc. Sounds simple enough, but from where I sit, it appears to be rocket science. Chief dumbass signing off. hmph

this is a big fat test!

2006-09-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

let's see if I can pass!