tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122755642011-11-27T15:45:57.853-08:00Welcome to my page of random thoughts, silly observations, daily life and rantings!alyssanoreply@blogger.comBlogger1261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-33175119530548964722011-03-22T07:57:00.001-07:002011-03-22T08:07:09.859-07:00

Wow, who would have thought that this would be such a monumental undertaking of energy? We are in week two of rehearsals and I am pleasantly surprised with our young cast. They are working hard and learning fast. We have so much to throw at them in such a small amount of time that I just hope they don't all crash and burn half way through. We had a pretty successful parents meeting last night

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-56370391202315518932011-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:002011-02-19T16:52:21.381-08:00

After much frustration, discussion, and even a few tears we finally are a go for play! It's been an uphill journey to get to the starting point and we only have many mountains left to climb but I am confident we can do it. We are putting on Alice in Wonderland Jr. this year and yours truly is the director! How did that happen? I am excited, nervous, and anxious to say the least. I have a

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-71073971471635437972011-02-10T18:29:00.001-08:002011-02-10T19:49:52.136-08:00

Free flavor Friday came and went last Friday and I think it was a success. Everyone brought their favorite mug and enjoyed lots of coffee with Coffee-Mate creamer. It was a great way to wind down a busy week with good friends, treats, and tasty coffee. I certainly can't wait to do it again in the near future!

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-84164210155238611992011-01-18T09:56:00.000-08:002011-01-18T10:07:22.781-08:00

My middle kid recently turned 6. We went to the local slot car track and he raced with his friends for an hour, had lunch and cake and had a great time. It was a fantastic day and a success! This year he wanted a Super Mario Bros./Mario Kart cake to celebrate. I wasn't too sure how that was going to come out but once I got rolling things started to all come together and I think it came out pretty

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-82937675270832520252011-01-13T09:08:00.000-08:002011-01-13T09:29:09.374-08:00

Being the avid coffee drinker that I am, I am always on the the look out for new flavors of coffee, creamer, and coffee products. I am a sucker for a decadent coffee house type coffee. But like so many people, I find it just much too expensive to make a regular habit. So I drink all my coffee at home. When I want to really indulge and feel like my coffee is something special I look to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-88162646717186605982011-01-05T17:09:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:36:20.068-08:00

Since I started having kids, I've become a big fan of surveys. I like the thought that my voice and opinion might somehow make a difference somewhere on things that are important to me and my family. I've been involved in focus groups, gotten to test new products, and participated in live discussions. It's fun and rewarding. Sometimes I've even been paid but mostly I do it just for the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-56395849935725802962010-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T17:18:29.603-08:00

Over the course of Garrison's 1st grade year we got to know and love his teacher. She was a very nice person with a big heart full of compassion and love for her students. She has a dazzling smile, a tinkling laugh, and the kids adored her. She is young and in love with her fantastic husband. They had a seemingly beautiful life together with their golden retriever. There was one thing thing

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-63162321582882492872010-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:002010-12-28T08:56:10.352-08:00

Welcome to another wet and rainy day here in sunny CA! I had lots of hopes and plans of things to explore and do this winter break with the boys but the weather seems to have other ideas. Having passes for the zoo and they having a new anteater we were looking forward to checking it out. We were also hoping to get back out to do more exploring of Folsom Lake. No matter though, they've been

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-82026273893012492010-12-21T17:04:00.001-08:002010-12-28T08:46:19.524-08:00

What a year it's been so far! My house is currently in full voice as winter break is officially upon us. It's been busy but productive and a good way to wrap up our year. Things are finally looking on the up regularly for us and we feel very blessed this season. The kids did very well in school this trimester and Ryan's job is going very well. He's already recieved a promotion and raise and

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-37808404722544978712010-10-04T11:21:00.000-07:002010-10-04T12:50:53.846-07:00

Hello friends out there in cyberland. It's been a while and I promise to update soon. I've been busy with cakes, volunteering at school, boys, laundry, and well life! For now I just want to give a shout to a local favorite diner here in Rio Linda. If you are in the Sacramento area and looking for inexpensive, tasty, diner type food go check out the Oak Tree. They have enormous breakfasts,

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-74723456525408150112010-08-24T18:59:00.000-07:002010-08-24T19:34:06.516-07:00

What to say? I'm not sure. Just feeling off these days. Not sure where I belong, not sure where I fit in. Maybe not sure of who I really am right now. Inner conflict waring with outer composure. Perhaps it's just the struggle of knowing where I'm trying to get but having trouble actually getting there. Whatever the reason and outcome, eventually, it will all even itself out again.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-90659457146683437762010-08-19T16:05:00.000-07:002010-08-19T17:04:47.534-07:00

I have started and stopped this post more than once. I could go on and on and nobody really wants to read that so I'm going to try to keep this as short and to the point as I can.In the first 6 days of school I have seen excitement, disappointment, heartbreak, and sadness. Excited to meet a new teacher who was excited to be here. Disappointed in the district's decision to once again screw with

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-81353846245249109092010-07-19T10:55:00.000-07:002010-07-27T16:35:04.812-07:00

Sometimes life hands us the most amazing information to further our constant journey. Whether is comes from the people in our lives or the things that surround us, if you look you will find just the right key at just the right time. I often times wonder why things happen the way they do. Then just when I think that I will never understand, I get one of those AH HA! moments. Recently I've wondered

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-38998177672821903192010-07-12T20:11:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:25:59.944-07:00

Zoo and lake and beach too, off we head somewhere new.Baking cakes for birthdays and because, watching kiddos and remember what was.Exploring new books and getting fit, raising awareness and sharpening our wit.Enjoying the twilight (nature caused not the books) and sipping cold drinks with the ones that we love with passion so deep.Laughing and talking and catching up, riding bikes and laughing

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-38054595162890685432010-05-04T12:07:00.001-07:002010-05-04T12:14:14.538-07:00

Today is my middle brother's birthday! I hoping he has an excellent day........The school's 2nd grade classes are hatching chicks. I decided they should go "live" since they are slated to start hatching later this week. That way the kids can check them over the weekend to see if there is any activity.www.ustream.tv/channel/ms-campbell-s-chick-eggswww.ustream.tv/channel/dc-s-

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-79284240374025682892010-04-28T19:16:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:41:50.145-07:00

Wednesday. Words swirling in my brain, nothing coming out.I accomplished some things today, not enough.Needed a giant hug.Felt in sync with the rain.Ignored the phone all day.Was feeling blue.Listened to Prince and the New Power Generation, Michael Buble, Boyz II Men and Debbie Gibson. Blue Moon, my new favorite.Cleaned, did laundry, mopped.Made a grocery list, forgot it when I tried to go to the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-64495922403052974292010-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:55:12.670-07:00

Twin Rivers Unified School District in Rio Linda, CA is determined to tank our children's education even worse than it currently is. They want to keep pushing with a model that clearly is NOT working and slap a new name on it and call it different. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Let me explain a little here. Our school district, like many, has lower enrollment leading to fewer student dollars and in return

alyssanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-88120933982759907552010-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:002010-07-27T16:26:02.187-07:00

It's never been my nature much to find the immediate positives in situations. For me I always go straight to the negatives before I contemplate the positives. Always glass half empty kind of girl. I'm not sure why I do it. Perhaps if I see it from a negative then I can't be as disappointed when it goes that way. It could be that maybe I just enjoy the positive that much more not expecting it. I'm

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-25268538946254599642010-04-17T07:58:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:13:57.604-07:00

As I sit here drinking my coffee and catching up on email two of my sons are watching Disney channel. As Playhouse Disney is doing their in between shows thing, my oldest has a comment. He is 7 and smart as a whip and in 2nd grade. Here is what he says to me.Him: "Hey Mom, remember in the old days when Clay used to still be on Disney?"Me: "Uh, yeah. The old days?"Him: "Yeah, when I was 4 it

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-6037016636837700252010-04-15T14:22:00.001-07:002010-04-15T14:29:21.711-07:00

Everyday my 5 year old son amazes me. He is smart and witty. He is bratty and plotting. He is kind and loving. He is very much a contradiction of traits and I think that's probably a good thing. He gives you the devil may care smile and charms your socks right off even though you know he is commandeering your best serving spoon and salt shaker to dig in the yard and catch bugs with. But

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-21715177837260030852010-04-12T10:02:00.000-07:002010-04-12T10:10:10.528-07:00

Nothing like a big 'ol reminder that last year was less than ideal when you do your taxes. Is it not enough that we were/are unemployed and barely holding our finances together (if at all) than to have the big YOU OWE thrown at you? UGH! How can one year differ so badly? I mean when your unemployment doesn't even cover your basics how can you possibly have the taxes pulled out on it. Then to be

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-91571538401953103902010-03-30T08:26:00.000-07:002010-03-30T10:27:06.513-07:00

Check it out! Since I was so involved in putting on the school variety show this year I started thinking about ways we could earn money specifically for the arts. After racking my brain I decided on a couple of things. First of all that Dry Creek needed to have it's own art club. So I started the Dry Creek Fine Arts Club. Second, that the fundraisers needed to be ongoing and not cost parents

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-46218813263210597482010-03-28T21:59:00.001-07:002010-03-29T09:43:40.322-07:00

Wow! Where has the time gone to? It seems like just yesterday I wrote about taking on the school variety show and now here it is completely finished. It was amazing and fun. I had tremendous support for everyone and the kids did so well. We even had a dodgeball showdown that included the principal and one of the teachers for our finale. It was beyond words and got a huge reaction for the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-77863566771690034492010-02-06T06:42:00.000-08:002010-03-29T09:39:16.114-07:00

It's funny how certain events can shape our lives. Sometimes we have to relearn how to live to be better humans. I find myself in a pit of gloom lately and have decided that instead of continuing and feeling bad for myself I need to start over. I need to shake my brain and readjust my way of thinking. It's not easy and I am not the best at dealing with change when it comes my way but it's

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-38370133704539525322009-12-09T20:41:00.001-08:002009-12-09T20:48:07.910-08:00

Tomorrow I embark on a new journey. A project that will allow me to not only express myself in a creative form but allow others to express their talents as well. Yes, I am going to put on a talent show! After a busy and hair pulling experience helping co-direct a musical last year I needed something less demanding this year. Something that would still allow the kids to showcase their talents

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-3320547167686687622009-12-03T21:03:00.000-08:002009-12-04T07:42:04.082-08:00

Yeah...it's been one of THOSE kinds of weeks.....

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-37031209181320450482009-12-03T07:57:00.000-08:002009-12-03T08:12:19.806-08:00

I've been doing a lot (read: too much) baking of late. It tends to happen anytime I'm stressed out, happy, content, worried....well pretty much any time. Not only bake but cook too. I love trying out new recipes and how I can adapt them to fit my family. For the most part, like a lot of folks, I use the same tried and true recipes and dinners with a new one thrown in here or there. Mainly on

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-53741075694083740402009-12-02T11:12:00.000-08:002009-12-02T11:44:39.057-08:00

Never in last 7+ years of owning this home have I ever had so many complications or issues with a mortgage company like I do now. We have been in a homeowners assistance program for over a year and one half now. Ever since Ryan was laid off back in May of '08 we've been trying to work with Chase to avoid any possibility of losing our home. We first called them back in June of '08 when we knew

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-8233315152462376432009-11-27T09:19:00.000-08:002009-11-27T10:04:21.287-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! We had a wonderful day spent with family this year. We headed up the mountain past South Lake Tahoe to my Grandma's house in Gardnerville, NV. It was fun and my boys had a fantastic day. Traffic was excellent, weather was gorgeous and the boys were able to see some snow. We had lots of food and drink and great company. Today, we will head to Mom and Dad's to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-42556490075257630792009-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:002009-11-22T14:24:12.393-08:00

Hello friends! I have recently been trying to find an easy way to share cake images with everyone. I finally decided to try to upload a bunch of the photos to make viewing as user friendly as possible. So I put everything up on Snapfish, a fun photo sharing site that I can also order photos and other products from. You will need to create a Snapfish account but it's free and doesn't require

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-7567762741068840112009-11-09T23:21:00.000-08:002009-11-09T23:26:31.710-08:00

What a tumultuous 2 years this has been. So much constant change and not necessarily for the better. Things are so topsy turvy that I'm a bit apprehensive as each day begins anew. I wonder what news is in store for us and how much of it I will be able to digest and handle. My writings have severely suffered from the stress of life and I am feeling a gap in a place that once was shored up

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-82006666782260872112009-11-06T16:08:00.000-08:002010-03-29T09:50:37.060-07:00

It has been much too long since I've last blogged and frankly it may be months or even a year before I return again. The last year and a half has been such an unpredictable roller coaster. Every time I think the ride is over I'm thrown for another loop. When I think I see the light at the end of the forest I barely get a toe, let alone a foot, out and am viciously dragged back in. As a result my

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-58619302723770810312009-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:002009-02-22T10:41:52.371-08:00

Maybe it's because I've been here my whole life but I can't help but love a Northern California beach. There is so much that appeals to my inner sense on a dark, cloudy and mornful looking beach. I love the sense of mystery and untold story waiting to be discovered by just walking the beach and finding what the waves have left behind. And although our beaches do get sunny at times during the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1686464523154100822009-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:002010-03-29T09:52:54.516-07:00

In no particular order:1. Somedays I feel like I'm buried in laundry.2. I haven't bought a new, good pair of tennis shoes because then I wont have an excuse to not exercise anymore.3. I like to bake cake, create cake, test my cake making skills. I'm not overly fond of any flavor of cake but white.4. My youngest son was born 5 weeks early with a collapsed and under developed lung, a hole in his

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-39801609877140349042009-02-02T09:50:00.000-08:002009-02-02T10:54:26.597-08:00

We've been busy the last few months. I hope everyone has had happy holidays and a good start to the new year so far. For us, everyone is doing well. Garrison is really growing in school this year and has made some really nice friends who also happen to have some awesome parents to go with them. Declan is looking forward to starting T-ball this season and not fully understanding how time works

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-50134538401303271702008-11-03T11:52:00.000-08:002008-11-03T11:57:52.434-08:00

Someone, please enlighten me. What is the deal with white bread and bologna? Seriously! I just don't understand it. I was making sandwiches for my kids today and for some reason that popped into my brain. I know so many people who only eat bologna if it's on white bread and only with processed cheese singles. It's the strangest thing I know. Although I know there is great debate on

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-86081696405240122862008-10-30T08:55:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:18:34.446-07:00

I've been making cakes lately......A barrel of monkey (yes, singular) cake for Corbin and Ryan.........the poor monkey kept loosing his leg but it was okay. Then I had volunteered cakes for the school carnival's cake walk. The pumpkin was one of the first to go and the haunted house was the grand finale that I actually got to choose the winner for. Let me explain a little. As you know a

alyssanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-63610174685656069512008-09-29T10:12:00.001-07:002008-09-29T11:07:20.555-07:00

My oldest turned six this weekend. I can hardly believe it! I love that kid with my whole being. He is such a good kid and I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful children. (Yes, even when they are doing flying leaps off the couch and trying to bone crush each other.) He wanted a party and so we had one. It was Batman all the way. When he decided what he wanted to do we started talking about

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-33190291343948303392008-09-01T11:10:00.001-07:002008-09-01T11:10:57.400-07:00

div.cm-widget-wide-123 {width:450px; border-width:1px; border-style: solid; border-color:silver; background:url('http://images2.cafemom.com/images/library/widgets/wid_pink_tile.gif') repeat top left; padding:0; margin: 0; text-align:center;font-family:Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; overflow:hidden;} div.cm-widget-wide-123 a {color:black !important; text-decoration:none;} div.cm-widget-wide-123 a:

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-16844123395567721832008-08-27T08:25:00.000-07:002008-08-27T09:04:47.743-07:00

Hello people! It's Wednesday and you know what that means don't you? It's time to let your hair down and get silly! Oh, wait what? I'm confusing it with Friday or Saturday you say? Are you sure? Well, alright, but phooey to all that I say.For those of you who have been out of the loop or just have more important things to do, you'll be happy to know we will have a steady job starting next week

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-64098965832837033702008-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:002008-08-24T08:24:38.916-07:00

Here she is. The one I dream about. The one I salivate over. Isn't she just awesome? We discovered her last year about this time. She stands 5' tall and stirs her cauldron which emits a wonderful fog. She also talks AND some models even come with a wireless mic that you can talk into. Now here is the problem.......when we first saw her last year we saw one that didn't have the wireless mic and so

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-28711139656490854142008-07-20T21:54:00.000-07:002008-07-20T22:30:26.726-07:00

We have been married for almost 8 years and we have had the same silverwear for about 10 years now. When we first shopped for silverwear we didn't have a big must be list. We just picked what we liked. It wasn't cheap but we were young and fairly responsiblity free. No house, no kids....just two people working and spending our money as we pleased. As a result we spent a fair amount on some

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-58732062954188515332008-07-16T19:05:00.000-07:002008-07-17T09:02:05.502-07:00

It's like salt to an open wound.........A good piece back I happen to find out that a certain late 80's early 90's boy band was getting back together and going on tour. How excited was I? And while it didn't seem they would be coming exactly to my city they were coming within 2 hours of my city and on a Friday and on my birthday! What luck!! So as I patiently waited for tickets to go on sale I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-24431454365154068002008-06-20T08:27:00.000-07:002008-06-20T08:48:54.338-07:00

Summer is but a mere day away and we here in the Central Valley have definitely been experiencing summer type heat. The boys have been loving all the extra time outside in the evenings when it's slightly cooler and all the water play of late. And if any of you know me at all you know how terribly white my children are and thusly how much sunblock we go through. It's a terrible plight but I'd

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-58145673248658107032008-05-14T12:58:00.000-07:002008-05-14T13:12:50.423-07:00

Greetings to my family, friends, The Pioneer Woman and strangers alike! Yesterday was a day to celebrate and I must share our good news with everyone. Corbin went to his fantastic cardiologist, Dr. Fallah, yesterday morning for a 1 year recheck of his heart. As most of you will recall he was born with a hole in the upper chamber wall of his heart as well as a heart murmur. So after much

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-32769515329525053712008-03-13T08:43:00.000-07:002008-04-03T09:46:31.097-07:00

Everyone who has ever meet my middle boy knows right off what a boy's boy he is. And when he smiles and gives you that look you know he's going to be causing some kind of mischief. I love him like crazy even though he drives me crazy! So, while he is on one of the baby's toys on top of the cedar chest this morning being his usual onery self, I thought I'd impart a few Declan-isms with you. A few

alyssanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-10984935380549182222007-12-04T09:51:00.000-08:002007-12-04T10:13:59.510-08:00

I can't wait...I Can't Wait....I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! I know it's been forever and ever since I last posted up some new recipes but I hope to remedy that very soon and this time I mean it! Saturday is THE big day of baking, cooking and candy making. Toni and I are going to be up at the crack of dark and get cooking. I am so terribly excited that I can barely stand myself. Have I mentioned that

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-26444531176795277902007-11-13T14:18:00.001-08:002007-11-13T14:20:24.695-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to welcome two of my friends to the world of blogging. Remember to keep it fun and I know that if your writings are anything like our conversations it will make for extremely delightful reading! I can't wait to see where they take you!!!

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-79650091488458554762007-10-12T13:12:00.001-07:002007-10-12T17:06:29.160-07:00

Our annual pumpkin patch trip was lots of fun. And even though pumpkin prices have gone up a lot this year we still came home with almost a dozen pumpkins! Lots of little baby pumpkins picked out by the kids and a few real good sized carving pumpkins just sitting waiting for their designs. We were lucky enough to go on a Thursday afternoon so we didn't have to battle crowds and we of course

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-78321195236967068382007-09-18T12:50:00.000-07:002007-09-18T13:09:50.891-07:00

"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose.... The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of time.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-81771177642092680542007-08-28T09:20:00.000-07:002007-08-28T16:40:39.128-07:00

A new daily conversation between Declan and Mommy......... 8:25 a.m. Hey Mommy....where's Garrison? He's at school.8:58 a.m. Hey Mommy....where's Garrison? He's at school. Why? Well, so he can learn new things.9:30 a.m. Hey Mommy....where's Garrison? He's at school.11:15 a.m. Hey Mommy....where's Garrison? I don't know, where? He's at school? Yes. Why? So he can jump higher and run faster. Watch

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-55895904608849548002007-08-05T21:02:00.001-07:002007-08-05T21:11:59.380-07:00

As of Monday there are only 86 days left until Halloween. Do you know what that means????? I only have 85 days left to figure out how to do my yard and if I can accomplish anything new!!!!! I actually already have a preliminary rough layout of how I want everything but it hinges on a few new pieces either bought or made or a combination of both. I have a few good (at least I think so) ideas

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-17895989064486811542007-07-05T21:10:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:27:30.616-07:00

What an eventful week! The past weekend the family took a little trip to Monterey for a wedding. Everything was just beautiful. The wedding, the weather and the beach. I loved the beach and am already wishing I was back. The water was cold, the wind was blowing and the oldest boy and I had a fantastic time wave running. We were soaked to our waists and didn't care one bit. We were both sad and

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-85330052051829361892007-06-28T00:39:00.003-07:002010-03-29T10:28:03.285-07:00

In this day and age it is very rare for relationships, of any kind, to survive the test of time. Yet somehow Lex and I have remained friends for almost 20 years. Many marriages don't even last that long any more let alone friendships. Who would have thought that almost 20 years ago two skinny little girls would not only still be friends but better friends than ever imaginable. I've said it before

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-43472429767179091122007-06-27T09:47:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:28:32.057-07:00

Yesterday I think I hit an all time high (or low, depending on how you look at it) of dropping things. I seem to have a problem keeping a handle on things. I'm not really sure why. It could be distraction, tiredness or something else. What I do know is that I'm really tired up picking up broken and spilled things. Just yesterday alone I dropped a bowl (plastic, thankfully!), a cup (not plastic,

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-12335547508336471572007-06-19T07:10:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:29:07.804-07:00

I just don't even know where to begin so let's see what happens. There comes a time in a young man's life...um, no. Four score and twenty years ago.....wait, that's not right. Uhhhh, how about There once was a girl from Nantucket...oops, definately not. Well let's just start........................I have had so much swirling in my brain and bouncing around in my skull lately that I'm having a

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-35403896659492731002007-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:29:31.336-07:00

I can hardly believe that a full month has almost passed since my last post. It's been an eventful month for sure. All three boys have been sick since Easter and we are still dealing with the leftover residues. Thankfully everyone is just about fully mended and my counter is looking less like a pharmacy and more like a counter. (Well sort of....beyond all of our regular daily meds!) This is the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-23270681060634787912007-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:002007-04-06T15:45:30.400-07:00

It's as though my Auntie has a direct link straight into my mind. Or perhaps a window to my inner soul. Or maybe she is just psychic! Whatever the case may be she sent me a recipe I could not resist and made it right away! This is a pretty simple recipe and one many people have made in some form or another before. I myself have made this type of dessert before but never with this particular

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-4516977483164212902007-04-03T14:45:00.000-07:002007-04-03T15:12:50.388-07:00

Thank you Claudia and Bill for this fantastic dish! 3 of some of my most favorite flavors are combined in this dish. And any dish with more than 5 cloves of garlic is a two thumbs up from me. Hubby gives it his "have again" approval. However I have to give you all a little warning. This is not a recipe for those of you with faint taste buds. Only those with bold taste buds who can handle the heat

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-7513068520959996312007-03-22T21:31:00.000-07:002007-03-22T22:02:42.936-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah..........so I'm a little tardy getting my Easter recipe up, sue me. I've been busy with the kids but I have a few minutes before I'm going to crash for the night so I'm going to try to get the recipe posted. Forgive me any mistakes but I'm sure you understand. If anyone actually tries this I'd love to hear what you think. It's one of my favorites and I think pretty easy to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-72806579312581246832007-03-19T21:11:00.000-07:002007-03-19T21:50:58.600-07:00

My Great Gramma was one of the most wonderful people you could ever meet. She was everyone's Gramma. She could talk, cook and play a mean game of cards. She had a saying of needing "A little bite of something sweet." I definately agree and this recipe for sure fit the bill. It again comes from my Auntie Penny and it was a definate winner in my house! I can't wait to try it again. It is her

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-88781017289121103972007-03-14T09:30:00.000-07:002007-03-14T09:53:16.195-07:00

So I have this little tree thing. Not really sure what it is. I've had it about 3 years now and for the first year it struggled mightly in a pot. Never had enough water, not enough sun, too much sun. It was just never happy. Then I finally got it in the ground. It seemed to be very happy. This winter for the first time I got out there and decided to prune it way back as I was pruning

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-35935273240840333072007-03-13T22:25:00.000-07:002007-03-19T21:52:29.441-07:00

Every good Girl Scout is familiar with a little song that says, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." I couldn't agree more and in some ways reconnecting with long lost old friends is better than silver and gold combined. I've lived in this area for over 19 years now. The longest I've ever lived in any one community. I moved in the middle of the school year and

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-62053763953471958382007-03-11T22:20:00.000-07:002007-03-11T23:11:06.035-07:00

It's taken me a while to get my act together here but I'm finally ready. It's been a busy couple of weeks and it's given me a chance to try out some new recipes. First off I'd like to say "Thank You Auntie!". She sent me 3 new recipes and all sound fantastic. To everyone else I'd like to say......."I'm Waiting!" Please still send your recipes to me so I will have a great little book to send

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-49028116473146623712007-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:002007-02-21T08:54:53.128-08:00

Early last week we got a very pleasant surprise in our mail. Flat Stanley has returned for another visit! We love Flat Stanley. He is part of a school project my "niece's" school does every year. He came to visit last year and we took him all over the place. I only hope I can do as good a job this year for her. I mean I may only be an honorary Auntie but I still want her project to be the coolest

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-42385933420840038992007-02-20T20:43:00.000-08:002007-02-20T21:04:42.160-08:00

Lately I've been feeling slightly overwhelmed and under appreciated. My days and nights all kind of run together leaving me feeling as though I never really accomplish much of anything. If I wasn't doing the same things every day and every night what would I be doing? I mean I take care of the children, I do the laundry, pick up the house, monitor the cat, blah blah blah. BUT what would I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-2522942029867919062007-02-08T09:13:00.000-08:002007-02-08T09:45:30.713-08:00

"I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind."-Emily Bronte"Make yourselves nests of pleasant thought. None of us yet know, for none of us have been taught in early youth, what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought-proof against all adversity.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-86591283490857180122007-02-05T10:25:00.000-08:002007-02-05T11:10:59.780-08:00

Hello people! I sure hope everyone had a pretty fantastic weekend. For those of you who are football fans hopefully your team was the winner! We had a real nice weekend. We hit up the Railroad Museum on Saturday and then we headed up to Redding to visit Ms. Sydney and celebrate her 7th birthday. A busy weekend for us by far but one we really enjoyed. Now on to business.........Everyone knows

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-78483522523392894982007-02-02T10:43:00.000-08:002007-02-02T14:34:45.361-08:00

It's seems like my mind just will not rest lately. So many things swirling through my brain and I can't really focus on any one thing. I read another article the other day about how the U.S. is one of the major economies of the world, but has one of the very worst family leave laws. It seems every where but here you can take time off to have a baby, both mother and father and get paid for it.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-65074675220432186482007-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:002007-01-29T16:03:52.903-08:00

Out our bedroom window we look upon the neighbor's house and their bedroom window. Since we have lived here, I always notice that no matter what time of the night, I can always see the glow and flicker of the television. I used to always wonder how can a person sleep all night long with the television on? When I would fall asleep to the TV it would always wake me up somewhere along the line as

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1170021068731093832007-01-28T13:45:00.000-08:002007-01-28T14:10:38.278-08:00

So I recently sent out an email with requests but I'm going to do it here as well. I'm putting a call out or perhaps a challenge if you will. I'm asking for recipes from anyone and everyone. I want recipes that have been handed down through generations, recipes that are family favorites, recipes that you just absolutely love. They can be long or short. A few ingredients or pages long. I love to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1169011019767753602007-01-16T21:16:00.000-08:002007-01-28T14:11:22.150-08:00

It is finally here.............I'm so happy and relieved! Whoo Hoo!

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1167447699767295142006-12-29T19:00:00.000-08:002007-01-28T14:11:49.491-08:00

Get ready.....it's coming. The countdown has begun....only 19 more days. Will you be prepared? I will..............

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1162406858656386562006-11-01T10:21:00.000-08:002007-01-28T14:12:14.219-08:00

It has been a few eventful weeks since my last post. First off I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween. Ours was wonderful! I'm not sure if the boys had more fun trick or treating or passing out candy to the kids who came to our house. Grandma did a wonderful job on Garrison's costume and he got a lot of ooh's and aah's from the houses and other passerby's. He LOVED his costume and looked

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1160939067548308892006-10-15T11:53:00.000-07:002007-01-28T14:12:50.862-08:00

I hate this. Today I am having major internal emotional issues. I am just beside myself with moodiness and emotions. The boys all took off to go to the pumpkin patch today. It's killing me. I love Halloween. I love the pumpkins, the hayrides, the scarecrows, the goodies, the cornmazes......everything. Here I am lying in bed missing it all feeling sorry for myself. I'm wallowing in self pity

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1160764960881871222006-10-13T11:24:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:33:52.797-07:00

Now I don't know about everyone else but I kind of enjoy grocery shopping. Although I generally buy the exact same things everytime I like finding out something is on sale or there is something new I have to have! Since being on bedrest I haven't been able to do much of that. And as much as Ryan tries, it's harder for him because of my multi-paged list. I give him exact sizes, brands, flavor, etc

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1160525694347788312006-10-10T16:51:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:38:30.591-07:00

It's finally official. I have a set in the appointment books deliver date. I am so happy. Due to more complications of late the doc bumped up my deliver date another week so it looks like we will now have an October baby. We go on Monday, October 3o at 10:30am for a check in with a scheduled surgery date of 12:30pm. Of course that is provided I can make it that far without making another trip to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1159743250607311182006-10-01T15:40:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:38:52.851-07:00

Meet Toady, my son's new "pet". As my husband was cleaning out the side yard today he found this very large toad. Garrison named him Toady and asked Daddy to make him a home. So he found a home in the front flower bed, at least temporarily. Now we find frogs on occaision but the little guys who hide under the roses and in the iris. This guy is pretty large and the picture was taken by Garrison.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1159596176244261932006-09-29T22:44:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:39:16.411-07:00

Life's journey sure is interesting sometimes and it's hard to determine where the right, wrong, good or bad may be. It always seems to even out somehow but getting there can be so frustrating trying to decide which is the right road to travel. I'm sure your saying "huh?" as you start to read this already but that's okay. I just need to ramble a little tonight I think. So much has been happening

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1158851700315176332006-09-21T07:37:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:39:38.828-07:00

So another week and another hurdle thrown my way. Not completely unexpected but I kept telling myself it was all going to work out. And in it's own way it will but just not as I had hoped. Let me explain........As you all know, I've been on some sort of bedrest for the last handful of months and will be until the end of this preganacy. Nothing has changed but then again nothing has changed so it

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1156909402468761122006-08-29T20:32:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:40:12.610-07:00

I have the best mom ever! No really, my mom is way better than your mom. We live in the Sacramento Valley where the weather is usually hot or foggy. Not a lot in between. As it is the end of August it is definately hot right now. Also being that I am currently pregnant and on a bedrest type schedule she really does a lot to take care of me and my family. Case in point......a couple of weeks ago I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1156555577376635192006-08-25T18:07:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:40:38.863-07:00

So I keep seeing on TV, in magazines, on the news, etc. the current fashions. Celebs who really ought to know better are wearing them, teenagers are wearingt them, everyday people are wearing them. You all know what I'm talking about, the Skinny Jean. Now when I was in junior high school the fashion was very similar. We has very skinny, tapered ankle jeans with lots of stretch built in. With and

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1156256594234895782006-08-22T07:11:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:41:23.788-07:00

I rock the known world according to my almost 4 year old. Last night after giving him a glass of water he tells me, "Mom, you make the best water." Well, gee, thanks son! Of all the things I have strived to do with my life, making a perfect glass of water was never one I thought of. Apparently I've mastered it without really trying. It was very cute of him and I did get a good laugh out of it.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1155569987341841192006-08-14T08:07:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:41:53.820-07:00

Does anybody know what time it is, does anybody care? Whoa, whoa, whoa.....It's a funny feeling to see the world passing me by and knowing that one day is leading into another yet having a complete absence of time. I used to be so good with time and dates. Yet being on bedrest and not having my normal routine I find myself at a loss and it bothers me. I mean, I was a stay at home mom but I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1155311168444674282006-08-11T08:21:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:42:17.969-07:00

Foot long corn dogs, roasted corn on the cob, bbq sandwiches, deep fried.....well everything, giant cinnamon rolls and donuts, ice cream, frozen lemonade, cotton candy, pink popcorn and lots, lots more! It's that wonderful time of year for 3 whole weeks to forget your diet and pig out at the State Fair. But beyond the food there are the county exhibits, the cooking demonstrations, the wine

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1154366246552783692006-07-31T10:11:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:42:49.126-07:00

It's time to start a first and middle name poll. We have the top 5 names between the polls and what we like. Garrison has been calling this baby Corbin ever since we mentioned the name. He gave him the middle name of Douglas after one of his trains. (Of course!) So we may go that way regardless or we may have an epic meltdown around here. Either that or this baby will go by two identities. Our

alyssanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1154101839405566292006-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:49:36.920-07:00

I was awoken about 3:30am. It came to me slowly with building intensity. The far off sound of a police siren increasingly growing louder. Now we live in an older neighborhood with a mix of younger families and older retired folk. More retired older folk than not so the majority of "action" we see around here is the occaisonal fire and rescue vehicle checking out a heart attack or similar with the

alyssanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1153595410259502152006-07-22T11:49:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:50:03.690-07:00

It's officially been a week and I'm bored out of my skull of sitting around. Funny how when your not allowed to do the most mundane things how badly you now want to do them. I'm not a good bedrester (is that a word?) and it's been a challenge trying to adjust. Especially when I have to have a "babysitter" everyday! Oh well, it's not forever and I keep trying to remind myself of that! In short

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1152897490358308242006-07-14T10:07:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:50:33.283-07:00

Like it's really a surprise to anyone that I can't wait a full week before I post a new poll! However, things have rapidly changed around here and I've been put on full 24 hour bedrest for what may possibly be the remaining time of this pregancy. I've still about 4 months to go so it will be a challenge for not only me but also my poor family having to help me out and listen to me dictate what I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1152654210277537992006-07-11T14:33:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:50:57.678-07:00

Erma Bombeck has said, "When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out." Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in hysteria around here. Being pregnant of course makes you tired and being pregnant with two young boys wipes me out! I still cannot comprehend how my mom did it with 4 kids. I stress out about two let alone a third! Yikes what have I

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1152554431403488802006-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:51:27.861-07:00

The time has come to find a name for the newest addition to our family. Of course it will be another boy since we've had a girls name picked out for the two boys prior. Boys for us have been a challenge. We want to find a slightly unique name without it being too difficult to pronounce or spell but it needs to fit along the lines of the other two boys. So I am introducing some name polls to get

alyssanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1151625830276272392006-06-29T16:48:00.001-07:002010-03-29T10:51:55.755-07:00

Syrup, powdered or pre-mix, everyone has their own personal favorite. Of course like most families we all like something different here. My boys like to start each morning off with a cup of chocolate milk. They picked up the habit from daddy who starts each morning with a glass of chocolate instant breakfast. As a total chocaholic myself I've no reason to say no plus there could be worse ways to

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1149546832834160432006-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:54:27.478-07:00

.........Patrick Star can make you teary eyed in an episode of Spongebob.........the bottom half of your freezer is nothing BUT ice cream.........you look at your baby and realize he is no longer a baby, get excited and then sad realizing the diaper years are starting all over again with the new one.........you crave EVERYTHING........you feel guilty for having 2 cups of coffee........you can

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1149256663312992842006-06-02T06:53:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:54:56.911-07:00

Mornings are earlyMornings are brightI need a pot of coffeeTo force my eyes openAn hour more of sleepIs all I askWhy must we have evilAlarm clocks that rip us awake?I like the nightIt's dark and niceRead a bookWatch a movieAlas comes morningCheery and happyPulling covers over my headWish I could sleep the day away

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1148590901398738032006-05-25T13:51:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:55:23.156-07:00

We decided to make a cake the other day. Just the 3 year old and I. A little mommy and me time away from the other kids. So he decided chocolate cake and chocolate frosting it was to be. We baked the cake and frosted with a flourish and many a quality control taste. Then it came time to decorate. First we found marshmallows, then some M&M's. Next we find sugar sprinkles and flower sprinkles. As

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1147898276696571072006-05-17T13:17:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:56:07.101-07:00

A beautiful day with my beautiful children. We took a trip to Old Sacramento for Mother's Day and rode the train down the Sacramento River. It was great fun. They had a blast and mommy enjoyed a most wonderful day. My husband bought me my first "real" digital camera and I got to try to take pictures and figure it out the whole day. We took a train ride, had ice cream cones and visited the candy

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1146766807971586232006-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:56:36.670-07:00

Mmmmmmmmm, how I love to eat. And of course certain things you grow up with stick with you throughout life. As a kid I am sure I ate more than my fair share of PB&J like most kids do. As an adult I don't tend to eat as much peanut butter unless it is enrobed in chocolate of some kind. Not sure why but that's just the way I prefer it. And of course now, having a son allergic to peanuts, I rarely

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1146458871749229592006-04-30T21:02:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:57:04.116-07:00

At some point in all our lives we are told that everything happens or is here for a reason. And we all think, yeah right, what is a flea really for? Why are there really cockroaches? Why are there weeds? As spring has sprung here in earnest we've been steadily working away at our yard. Two summers ago we graded the whole back and planted beeeeautiful sod. In the process we left a border around

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1142185083843095832006-03-12T09:21:00.000-08:002010-03-29T10:58:52.881-07:00

As little kids we never grow up saying we want to be Financial Advisors, Computer Techs or Retail Clerks. No, as kids we want to be Super Heroes. We want the save the world from Evil and wear a fancy cape and use all our cool Super Hero gadgets. We want to be able to fly, have laser vision, freeze things in their spots or stop a speeding train. We want to live forever and in fact believe we will.

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275564.post-1141795314770597922006-03-07T20:43:00.000-08:002010-03-29T10:59:22.805-07:00

We recently found out that our 1 year old has a dreaded allergy........peanuts! Yikes!!!!! On a 1 to 6 scale he is a 3 so while he may not drop dead at the mere whiff of peanuts he can have a very serious reaction to eating some. So we are now avid questioners of restaurants and strict label readers. We now carry an Epi-Pen and he has a medical id bracelet. A hassel? Well yes, but one I will take

alyssanoreply@blogger.com0