The Tate Family

Confessions.....and a weekly link up

2011-10-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

My confession...blog stalker right here. I always tell myself to leave comments but then think its weird some random person is leaving a comment. I'll try harder. So through this bad habit of blog stalking I came across a 5 for Friday. I love weekly link ups and have a done a few in the past. So I even though I just stumbled upon her blog today, I'm linking up with Janna at Denim & Dandelions for her 5 for Friday. This Friday, I'm going to introduce you to Urijah James, born April 25 at 2:59 in the afternoon weighing 9lbs 2ozs and 21 inches long. I've been bad at taking pictures, so here are five from his first six months of life

1.
OMG...I have forgotten how little he was. Here he is on 5/3 enjoying his blue light therapy trying to get rid of that jaundice. I hate jaundice, both boys had it and its awful having to take them back almost everyday to get a blood drawn to check the billirubin levels.

2.Part of the photo collage for Daddy's Father's Day gift in June...and just for fun here's Caleb's picture
3.
And here is a phone pic of Urijah on the bed at the river house in July celebrating his Auntie's birthday. Such a shame that I didn't take any pictures actually on the river but with two kids a diaper bag and always at least 8 people on the boat, a camera was the last thing on my mind. He only slept and ate and I do have a few other phone pics too.

4.Only picture from September, hanging out at the Sand Sport Show at the OC Fairgrounds.

5. At the Offroad Expo last weekend. I tried taking other pics but Caleb does this

His "ROCK ON" hand and not looking at camera. This is why I don't take a lot pictures right now.

Alright...back to getting things done...getting the house all ready for another busy weekend and week next week. Del Mar Mud Run tomorrow, breakfast with fam-bam and Bates Nut Farm for pumpkins on Sunday!!! AND, Justin and I's reward for completing the mud run is carne asada fries from our fave mexican taco shop! I can't wait for those on Saturday night!!!

Have a great weekend!!

A Pregnancy Vent

2011-03-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

So little did I know that when I posted my last post (like seven months ago) I was quite possibly pregnant or would me in a few short days? Crazy! Well, the time is drawing near and soon I won't be working anymore. A little scary, not gonna lie but it will be so worth it to be home with my two boys! I can't wait!! Maybe I will even have time for more blogging? I hope so, I do like it and stalking others blogs as well. Opps, did I say that out loud? LOL, yes I think I'm notorious for blog stalking, sorry!

So now the vent...

Two weeks ago, my boss let go the girl I had trained to cover my leave. Work still doesn't know of my intentions to not come back just in case I actually have to come back (plus I want my disability that I pay into everyweek!) Even though she was told it was due to lack of work, I think it was because my boss didn't like her so she got rid of her. Now, I have a month to train a lady from the payroll department and she has no accounting experience. I do like her but I think my boss chose her because she won't question my boss. My boss is a realy piece of work! So annoyed with work that I don't even want to show up.

Another one...

We had to move. Not a fun thing to do at 7 months pregnant. But I love our smaller house with a nice backyard and patio and spa! But our old house was going into foreclosure and the landlord didn't tell us, we found out by some guy knocking on our door to offer his help in loan mods. I had left my garden flag pole in the front yard and so we drove up there to get it one afternoon and the house is for sale! That lady took our rent money and didn't pay her mortage and is now selling the house! What a bitch! But I think its all going to work out in the long run!

Well, that's it for today. This pregnant lady is done! I'll post pis of the new little guy at our house as soon as he arrives!!

Countdown

2010-08-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, it sucks every Monday through Friday when I have to drop Bubby off with the babysitter. It has gotten easier since he was just a wee little babe but still hard none the less. Its not fair to him that he has to spend 10 hours a day with someone while I only work an 8 hour shift. But it is what it is and some day (hopefully sooner then later) he will not have go with some one else for 10 hours. Or sit in traffic to get there and to get back home. And we can spend our days together....

As I pulled up to my babysitter's house this morning she was out watering her potted plants in her driveway and front porch. Bub gets out of the car and is happy to see her and show her his truck of the day. I put his bag inside the house and come back out to kiss him and wish him a good day. I hop back in my car and pull out of her driveay and Bubby comes running to the edge of her yard screaming "BYE MOMMA!!!!" and waving his little arm so hard! I shout out the window "BYE BUBBY! I LOVE YOU!" in return and blow him a kiss, check my rear view mirrors to make sure he runs back to the front porch and realize I don't have a baby anymore but a little boy.

So I will keep counting the days till I no longer have to be a slave to a desk and push papers around and instead be at home with the our children, doing fun things and learning new stuff and not getting juice and fruit snacks all day! Hopefully sooner then later....

Things that I'm not very good at.....

2010-05-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

updating my blog. Sorry, between working full time and home and trying to tackle an online class, there isn't much extra time. Very jealous of those that post once or twice a week with pictures! I envy your time management skills!
picking out wedding pictures. Perhaps we will get our wedding album back by our first anniversary. You try to near over 1,500 pictures to 500 and 60 for prints and an album! Almost done though! So hopefully soon! And we want to purchase some bigger prints to frame!
taking pictures. Not that I don't take bad pictures, just taking pictures in general. I only have like five pictures I took from Cabo last weekend. I will take more this weekend at the river! And hopefully post them in a timely manner!
uploading pictures! Yes I do have tons of pictures but they sit on my camera's memory card for months! Mostly because my card is huge that I don't' need to take off pictures all the time.
scrapbooking. I got loads of stuff for Christmas but haven't made any time to sit down and do it. But this goes hand in hand with not taking pictures, or uploading or having any extra time in general.
visiting Chris. She's home now and I haven't been to see her once. How very bad of me! But with Caleb being sick so much this winter/spring, I didn't want to risk spreading anything to her since she is vulnerable now. Next month I want to set up a couple "dates" to visit with her for a few hours.

My iPod broke last week and do you know that you have to have an appointment to have it checked out??? Luckily my nano still works and is proving to be a good backup until I have time to actually make said appointment for the Apple genious to look at my iPod. Plus I have like 20 old cd's in my car that are getting replayed. Maybe I should just look into getting my satelite radio working again for my car.

And a Caleb update: We have hit the terrible twos! Meltdowns happen at least twice every night! Doctor said we should try to get him to stop sucking his thumb now so that is going pretty good. Learning new words everyday and is a typical boy. If you lay on the floor he likes to fall on your stomach or back. He says "Ready? One, two..." then goes for it. He has no fear of anything! Swim class is going great! I like that he isn't afraid of the water, I saw another class before his and the boys would dive underwater for toys. It was still the parent and me class so the boys couldn't be older then 3. Can't wait till Caleb can do that to!! He already kicks under water when I pass him to the instructor underwater. He will have fun at the river this weekend! First time for us this season!

Can't fix stupid.....

2010-03-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, do I feel dumb! And by dumb, I mean DUM. I can't believe that in my post from THURSDAY, I misspelled THURSDAY not once but TWICE! I guess next time I shouldn't rush through my post trying to finish it before I leave work.

Anyways, I wanted to apologize to the few family and friends that read this blog and expect pictures. Yeah, picture taking has not been on my list of priorities lately. Mainly because we haven't done much but yet never seem like we are at home. It's March and my Christmas decorations are skewed all over our spare bedroom still. But that can't last for much longer because we finally bought our BED!!! So our bed right now will go into the spare room and the box spring and frame in that room will get junked. I can't wait for Friday when it gets delivered! Friday is also the day when I get my wisdom teeth yanked out of my head. Oh the pain will finally be gone. The things I look forward to now as an adult....new bed and no more wisdom teeth.

Have a great week everyone!

Three for Thrusday

2010-03-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

This blog carnival is truly as easy as it sounds...Each week, The (Un)Experienced Mom and I will pick a category, then ask you to share your Top 3 thoughts on it. We hope you'll play along with us!

This week, we want to know...

What are your Top 3 favorite things about spring?

3.) Warmer weather! I love wearing my uggs, but I'm so ready to get pedis and wear flippy flops! Beyond ready! I'm tired of wearing jeans! I want to wear my capris, shorts, skirts, dresses, dare I say...bikinis! Not going to happen this weekend when I'm all bundled up on the slopes for snowboard lessons. (Thank you hunny, I look forward to being sore for a whole week just to hang out with you! Maybe next time we can go to Glen Ivy when we want a date day???)

2.) Strawberries. Probably one of the reasons I will never leave Californai, fresh picked strawberries. I hate paying the (gasp!!!) $5.00 for a pound, picked in Mexico strawberries! Soon they will be cheap and I can buy a flat and eat them all day long instead of savoring a few in my yogurt in the mornings.

1.) MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Well, not all mine anymore! All thanks to that little guy up at the top of the post. (Seriously, why doesn't blogger work properly for me at work??? I can't for the life of me get the picture down here!!!!) Yes, he came in all in hurry almost two years ago on my birthday and took all my glory. But I'll share, he's too darn cute not too! Plannig on taking the trailer down to the beach to spend the day and have a bonfire at night the Saturday after our birthday! But for my birthday, I get to join two wonderful girls for an overnight trip to Vegas to MUSE!!!! 3 crazy girls in Vegas, no husbands, no kids, no dogs.....we might leave it burnt down to the ground!

Thanks Elizabeth and the (Un)Experience Mom for the Thrusday Meme!

Excuses, Excuses

2010-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Truthful Tuesday time and Elizabeth's has a good question for today......

What's the best excuse you've ever used to get out of an obligation, like work, school, or chores? (And did you get away with it?)

Once I read the question I already knew my answer. It just happens to be the same answer Elizabeth went with too - Sick baby and no sleep for mom excuse!

I may or may not over use this excuse. But it works because technically YOU aren't sick so there is no faking it the next day! I usually say teething and he didn't sleep but I do mix it up and say sick too. It's fun to stay home with Bubby and play, go to the park, do a little Target shopping during the week day when only other SAHM are there. Even get to watch a little daytime TV when he goes down for a nap.

I've also used the "been in the bathroom all night" excuse too. Every body's been there and understands what you mean but nobody really asks questions. Perfect for getting out of work on a Monday, blame it on the food at a new restaurant you tried over the weekend.

I guess you can say I play hookie a lot, before Justin and I had Caleb we would call in sick together, then go to the beach with the dog for the day.....oh how I wish I could have one of those days again! My job has never been my life and I do have a very strong work ethic but sometimes you just need a break and have some fun during the week when everyone else is at work!

Round Two

2010-01-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Time for my second attempt at Mama M's Friday meme 5 question Friday(http://www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/). Clinky on her link for all the info!

Here we go....
1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?
What I'm doing right now...growing old without money! Mitch Albom's book Have a Little Faith had a great theory about this: When a man has money and can buy whatever he wants, what does he do? He only wants more...which eventually leads to destruction. But by being thankful for what you have, you are richer then the wealthiest man. There was more to the whole story, I think it was my favorite part of the book! Pick up this book! Regardless of what your religion is, I think everyone can understand the message.
2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?
JUSTIN! Except I will when he is working, like today, in the rain. He told me to do last night but with the wind howling like it was last night, I was not going outside! Plus, our house faces a lake, and our street is very dark at night, which scares me to death! It was better since all the trash cans that were put out last night had blown over and now my street looks like a dump.
3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?
I'm not sure, I do have a dream that feels like I'm falling and before I hit the ground, I wake up felling like I fell into my bed. But I only remember falling and it's so fast. I do often wake up from dreams and think "My, that sure did feel reality!" only for months to past and something happens that makes me say "Wow, this feels like I've done this before" realizing that I had an eerily similar dream of the same event.
4. Can you play a musical instrument?
Nope, can't even sing! I was not blessed with any musical ability at all.
5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?
I would love to open a store dedicated to boys clothes. I'm sorry but I detest all the boy baby clothes! Blues with trains and fire engines and footballs and baseballs! Yuck! That is not my taste at all! As Bubby is getting bigger, the clothes are getting better but not by much! I would like to open a store with skater styles clothes for a newborn through school aged boys. Maybe someday I'll learn how to sew so I can make my own clothes!

Just let go....

2010-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

How has motherhood taught you to let go?

http://www.reallygoodmom.com/books/i-was-a-really-good-mom-before-i-had-kids/

When I returned to work, a coworker, whose daughter recently gave birth also, let me borrow this book to read. I immediatly stopped comparing myself to other moms, new and old. I realized that I am not a "perfect" Ami so how can I be the "perfect" mom (and to-be wife at that time). Instead, I realize that I can do all that I can do and that's all I can do. I let go of cleaning the house every weekend. I used to spend Saturday or Sunday mornings cleaning before Caleb, and if we weren't home I'd do it during the week after work. Now, I don't have time to clean during the week (nor do I want to after my commute and working all day and cooking dinner) so I make sure the kitchen is always wiped down after dinner and Justin will vaccum up the dog hair where she lays all day. On the weekends (when we are home) Justin and I tag team the house, with him vaccuming, mopping and helping with laudry, and I clean the kitchen, bathrooms, dust and laundry. Usually with a couple of hours we are done and can enjoy our weekend. And if we are going away for the weekend or have plans, well the house will have to wait. My family is way more important.

Five Questions Friday

2010-01-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Trying out Five Question Friday from Mama M http://www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/ (I hate that I can't change that at work, but I guess I shouldn't be blogging at work, right?) since I haven't had time to do a Truthful Tuesday the past couple weeks. So here it goes....
Questions for 1/15/10:
1. Worst trouble you ever got into as a teenager?
Bad grades??? What can I say, I was a good kid!
2. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night please! I would love to stay up to midnight but since I have to get up so I early, I can't. Which then to me into a grumpy morning person till about an hour after I get to work. Pretty good on the weekends, unless Justin wakes up at 6 am since he is a morning person.
3. Are you a one-handed or a two-handed Texter?
Two hands for sure, it's easier that way on my Blackberry. But when I'm driving its one handed, but it's illegal so I don't do that ;)!
4. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever that is).
Can I say none of the above??? I really hate politics and politicians. I wish they would support the actual voters instead the companies that supply them with money. They are all out for their own necks. I liked Ron Paul, who ran for the republican nominee for president, but he didn't get far. Hope he tries again!
5. Are you a pet person?
Yes! Marlie was our first child. Even though she is from Justin's first marriage (does that make her my step-daughter?) I still consider her my dog. We want another dog but Marlie is just so darn good that we don't want to go through the puppy phase! And I want a cat! Justin says he'll train Marlie to eat it. Maybe someday! I think I can only handle cats and dogs though. I had a lizard as a kid but it died. Feeding it crickets was kind of disgusting!

So that wasn't too bad, let's see if I remember to do this again next week!

DELIGHT in the new year

2009-12-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

So, I've seen over on other bloggers about picking out a word for the year. I thought that it was a cool idea. I had a couple words in mind but yesterday I stumbled upon the word DELIGHT. I looked it up (I know what it means but wanted the exact definition, people!) and the verb definition seemed so fitting - make happy, experience happiness. Now I'm not depressed or anything like that. I need to make sure to delight myself every once in awhile--pedicures, craft time, shopping, lunch with girlfriends sans children and husbands. As a mom I want to make sure to delight Caleb and enjoy time with him even if that means the dinner dishes get done another day just so I can sit in the living room floor and play cars with him. Making sure he is healthy and happy is my #1 priority. As a wife, well Justin should be delighted enough that I married him right? Okay, okay maybe not enough but we need to delight ourselves with more date nights and going snowboarding, something he promised me that we will do since I have never been. But really just to experience happiness.

Do you?

2009-12-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

Truthful Tuesday time! And this week's question is good!

Is there a Santa Claus?

Last week I heard this saying "There's a time in every man's life that he believes in Santa Claus, a time he doesn't believe, and a time he becomes Santa Claus." I think Elizabeth's answer was great. I will teach my child to believe in Santa Claus for as long as he lives because that is the spirit of generosity. I think a great example comes from something that happened to my brother yesterday. He went through the Starbucks drive thru, ordered a drink, went to window to pay and get the drink only to find out that the car in front of him paid for his order. Generosity and kindness right there.

So you can't tell me that there is no St. Nick. I believe and always will!

Christmas Spirit

2009-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

Want to win Elements 8???? I sure as heck do! So go here and enter to win......
http://grammiemommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/power-of-two.html
Want to win Lightroom 2????? I really really do too! So go here and enter to win.....
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/12/power-of-two.html

(Sorry for the old style links...I have to use the old editor to be able to post at work)

Now I can't wait to go home and fb about this for another chance to win!!!!

Nightmare before Christmas?

2009-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

This week's question.......

Do you believe in ghosts?

Kinda a spooky question for the holiday season if you ask me but I guess I'll still play along.

Nope, don't believe in ghosts. And that's all I have to say about that!

Want one?????

2009-12-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

This bad boy right here???? It's a HP Touch Smart 600 computer!!!!!Well MckMama is giving one away! So go below and do whatever is necessary to win one for yourself too!

http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html

Truthful Tuesday

2009-12-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

"What do you really want for Christmas that money can't buy?"

Well, since I've started this post at 7:50am and it's now 9:50am, looked at a few other peoples post to see what they say but my mind has been thinking about Chris.

For those of you who don't know, my very close friend Chris Franks was in a terrible accident in September. While in her husband's truck, she was leaning from the passenger side over the center console and into the driver side trying to give her adult daughter a kiss goodnight when she slipped and slid out the door, landed on her head on the grass. She was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered she had broken her C1 and C2 vertebrae. She is now paralyzed from the neck down. She still needs a ventilator to breathe but is making great progress and is now in a rehab facility and hopefully coming home before Christmas. (You can go to her website for more details, updates and info about her flower shop in Anaheim Hills @ http://www,caringbridge.com/chrisfranks)

So my wish.....is for her. Wanting some type of miracle that would be able to repair the damaged caused and she will be able to talk, walk, and live like the way she is used to. But that is not going to happen. So I wish that the doctors will release her and she can be able to spend the holidays resting at home, where she and her family want to be. See, her family is pretty much demanding that she be released since she will be doing the same things at home and will be having nurses and pt's coming in anyways, so why not have her home sooner then later.

My only other wish seems to be going to happen too! For many years, being a child of divorced parents, I've always run around going to many different places on Christmas. And once I moved in with Justin, his family was included too. So this year, I wanted to spend all Christmas Day at our house, opening presents with Caleb in the morning and having both of our families over for dinner. I know that this can't happen every year and that it will be hard to keep the same traditions with having 4 sets of parents between Justin and I just once I didn't want to do all the running around. It defeats the purpose of the spirit of Christmas when we have to drive from Elsinore, to Corona, to Oceanside, to whereever else then finally home. Well, Justin's dad finally said they will be coming over! I'm so excited! To have everyone over and make dinner, it will be good times. Plus, our house is finally big enough to have everyone over and be comfortable. So let the planning begin!

11 this morning....

2009-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

So, my employer let the accounts receivable clerk go last Friday( I'll call her L). I was very upset about this decision and, although I didn't work directly with L and not trained in her position, I felt her supervisor told lies to human resources that led to L being let go. My company has slowed down considerably in the past few months and have had to let under performing field labors go but L was a very diligent worker and the company just threw that away.

I was not looking forward to coming into work today at all since I share an office with the accounts receivable department. I didn't want to face the a/r manager (I'll call her T) at all that I told myself I would not talk to her at all today. Not that I would be rude to T but that just because we were in the same office, didn't mean that we have to be besties. I was holding up pretty good to my "just sit and your desk and mind your own business" attitude until about 11 this morning. That's when everything changed.

I told Justin on Friday that if my supervisors came to me and wanted me to help with a/r I would reject it immediately. I didn't want to work under T; she is the most negative person I've ever met and I'm getting tired of all of it. It brings me down listening to her complain about everything!

So this morning about 11 am, my supervisor asked to speak with me with another supervisor. So I enter the conference and my two supervisors and T are in there waiting for me. And my heart sinks. They pretty much tell me that I get to be trained in T's position and I am to train T in my position so that when T is on maternity leave, I will handle her desk. This is the point where I was suppose to stand up and say "NO! T is an awful supervisor! I can't work with her! I don't want this position! T lied about L! L stood her ground and was tired of being bossed around by T and should not have been fired for that! Why does T get to say when L goes to lunch? We all go at various times as long as we are back in our allotted time? T is always late but tattles on L? She's knows L was good and was threatened so she made things seem worse! T had a huge smile on her face, very much like the Grinch did when he stole Christmas, while L packed up her personal belongings! But the Grinch changed!!!! T will never change!!!! NO!!! Can't do it!"

But I didn't. Instead, I smiled and said "I would love to, it would be a great challenge and I'm ready to learn something new with this company."

What's wrong with me! I knew this was going to happen and I practice my speech (or vent) in my head all weekend long. But with T being in the conference room it threw me off. Plus, I wasn't asked if this was something I wanted to do or given time to think about it.

Our safety manager came in this morning and was all cheery. He said "The sun is still shining. It's just on top of the clouds!" At the time I thought that he is the weirdest person here. But after 11 am I know that I was suppose to hear that. The next few months might be cloudy and rainy but the sun is still shining. And once T goes on maternity leave maybe there will be rainbow.....

Would you???

2009-12-01T12:19:00.001-08:00

So Elizabeth does this this question thing every Tuesday. I think I might start answering them. This week will be my first week.

Would you get a boob job?

Ami's TRUTHFUL answer.....

YES!!!!!

In fact, I can't wait for it!!! Having a baby and breastfeeding has caused my girls to be old ladies and I am no old lady yet! I'm hoping that for my 30th birthday I can get an updated pair. Granted if I've had our second and final child and done breastfeeding. I think that implants have come along away and you won't look like a bimbo with a pair of fake boobs. My step mom finally got a boob job a few years ago and you can't even tell, wouldn't even know, even in a bathing suit that they are fake. Her girls look incredibly natural. I so look forward to the day that I can put on a cute tank top and not have to worry about my bra peeking out or buying uncomfortable under wire bras just for the support. I guess I better hurry up and have the next kid.....

Edit....

I'm sure I should have uploaded all the pictures from Halloween through our trek across the divide and back for Thanksgiving last night while Justin worked BUT that didn't happen. And it probably won't happen anytime tonight because it is tree trimming tonight, tomorrow is gym (if my partner can make it ;)) so maybe by the end of the week or Sunday when Justin has another night outage. I'm going with Sunday!

thankful

2009-11-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.--Charles Dickens

So it's a week from Thanksgiving and this season I'm especially feeling thankful for everything I have. Maybe it's because of the economy we are in right now and I know how lucky Justin and I both are for having our jobs, our house, our vehicles which many are losing right now. Maybe it's because I'm still on a high from getting married and from our honeymoon. Maybe it's from the miracle for this boy and his family here --> http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ which has given me hope and faith that all things are possible. Maybe it's realizing from Chris' accident what I take for granted and how strong and determined she and her family are which is something for myself to strive to do. Or maybe it's because I'm just getting that much older and wiser. Whatever it is, I like it. I'm getting excited to make a run to Colorado next Tuesday for Thanksgiving. It will be a lot of work this weekend packing and making sure I haven't forgotten anything for Bubby. But it will be so nice to see Vicki and Robin and spend Thanksgiving with them, something that will not probably happen very often. Going to Colorado also means that we will be bringing back the cab for the new prerunner! Justin has been doing a great job of parting out the old truck but its still in the garage. Looks like I will have to park my car outside for a while until he finishes it up!

Lord,
Thank You for this sink of dirty dishes, we have good food to eat. Thank You for this pile of dirty laundry, we have nice clothes to wear. I'd like to thank You for these unmade beds, they were all comfortable last night. My thanks for this bathroom, complete with splattered mirror, soggy towels, and grimy sink -- it's still very convenient. Thank You for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly - it has served us faithfully for a long time and inside are cool drinks and enough leftovers for another meal. Thank You for this oven that must be cleaned -- it has baked us many good things through the years. Our whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing -- we all enjoy our private yard. Thank You for that slamming screen door -- the children are healthy and able to run and play. Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says that You have richly blessed this family. I shall do them all cheerfully and gratefully.
Amen.

19 months

2009-11-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Justin and I took Caleb for his 19 months and Christmas pictures. We were suppose to go on Wednesday, but Caleb was sick and we actually debated even going on Saturday. Although it was a long wait because of a large family before us (five children under 10 and the mother was pregnant!!!) we got a few good ones and that is all we really need to give to the grandparents for Christmas!!!

Always playing with a car!

Cute picture, except for the snot from crying!

Hopefully next year I can use our new camera and take our own pictures. I would have liked to have had a little Christmas flair but the Christmas backdrop was awful! I'm talking 70's family Christmas portrait awful here! I just need to learn to how to edit the pictures and then I could totally do my own! And find the time to do it!

Getting Munsoned Out Here

2009-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

I love poWM!!!! This is one of the good ones! Kingpin is a classic!

Getting Munsoned Out Here

Wedding Slide Show

2009-10-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a slide show from the wedding! Such a great day! I love my family and friends!

First Not Me Monday....

2009-10-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

So, this is my first "not me Monday". I did not go and get Carl's Jr. for my family after the gym because I was too tired and feeling sick to just go home and make dinner. No, that wasn't me!
Clicky here for rules and other Not Me! Monday! blogs!

Rain Rain, Don't Go Away!!!

2009-09-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Blogger does not like me to post at work. I had to do some weird things to finally get this up! But yesterday I looked up the weather and it says 60% chance of rain next Tuesday! Rain??? Really??? No more 105 degree days are around the corner. Normally I don't mind the heat but with the wedding this year and my sister making the cheer squad for Corona High, the river seasons for my family was put on the back burner! How do I miss the river? Oh well, camping season is on tap now!

I need to ask everyone to pray for a good friend. She had an accident and is now paralyzed from the neck down. Please keep her, her family and the doctors in your thoughts and prayers. Such a tradegy for such a loving friend, wife, mother and grandmother. Thanks for doing this for me!

I'll try to post wedding/honeymoon pics soon! I'm just waiting for my mom to give me a cd of the pictures she took so I can include all of them. If you have pictures, please email me them. I have an offer from David's Bridal and Shutterfly for a free book and the offer expires November 30! I should be getting the proffesional ones too in a couple of weeks!

Almost here....

2009-09-11T09:28:00.001-07:00

So the BIG day is finally here!!!! After Saturday I can finally say we are the TATE FAMILY! I'm so excited and a little neverous. I don't think as nervous as Justin and my dad are though! Thanks to EVERYONE for making sure tomorrow goes off without any problems! Then Justin and I will be leaving for Cabo on Sunday! I do need the R&R but I will miss the bubby! How can you not with a face (and hair) like this!

VEGAS!

2009-09-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Check this out http://theleyvafam.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post_9539.html .....and this..... http://http://theleyvafam.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post_3719.html ......and this..... http://theleyvafam.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post_5388.html

Had such a fun time in Vegas with all our friends! Thanks everyone and partying with us one last time as bachelor/bachelorette. But that doesn't mean we have to stop partying! Can't wait to dance the night away again at the wedding! Thanks Danielle for taking pictures for us!!!

15 Month Check Up

2009-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Caleb had his 15 month check up. He's now 20.2 lbs and 2 1/2 feet tall. It was so nice going to his new pediatrician's office. I've been there a couple times for follow up for a ear infection and during the walk-in sick hour. I was in and out in under an hour. Dr. Furutan actually sat his chair and talked to me. He said Caleb is growing at his pace (he's in the 10% for height and 5% for weight), explained again that not all kids can be on the top of the chart and as long as Caleb keeps growing at the same rate each time then he is not concerned and to keep doing what I'm doing. Such a switch from a doctor that told me I need to feed him more. I can officially say he's definitely part Italian! He loves spaghetti, lasagna, raviolis and anything else with red sauce. I'm so happy because I love making spaghetti. I guess that means I have to get my grandmother's spaghetti recipe from my dad and make it for him. And learn how to make lasagna!

Sunday Afternoon Fights and BBQ

2009-07-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Hirscy's and Leyva's came to our house for a bbq on Saturday. While the men folk watched some UFC fights we had tivoed the girls played with our kids. Here's Caleb wearing Linkyn's shoes and playing with her hat.

Linky is just too cute!!!

Ryan with Dustin and Justin with Caleb. Dustin is so adorable. Almost makes me want another....almost but not yet!!!

My new camera fell off the counter on fourth of july weekend. I have to use my old camera which still works but isn't as compact so I don't take it everywhere. Hopefully we get a new one before the wedding!!!!

River!!!!!

2009-06-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

This father's day weekend we went to the river. It was the first trip as a whole family for the year. Caleb did good. He was very tired and got cranky sometimes, but I think he had fun playing in the sand and in the boat. He wasn't quite to sure of the water unless you were holding him. We had fun and the weather was great, just a little windy but it kept the temp down. We can't wait to back but it will be awhile. It's a busy summer with all the activities for the wedding in September!

Tasting the wrapper, it might be better then the fruit snack.

Hanging out with papa

Just chilling in the boat

My step mom got this old school walker from a friend. Caleb never really liked it when he was smaller, but now that he can manage to get into it by himself he's all about it. He even sits and bats at the toys.
We had so much fun I didn't even get a picture of Caleb with Justin or a picture with all of us. There's always next time!

Long time....

2009-06-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a sorry excuse for a blogger!! It has been way to long! Caleb is getting bigger every day. One of his favorite foods right not is spaghetti! He loves it! It's hilarious to watch him eat the noodles because he tilts back his head and drops the noodle in his mouth. He is very good at sharing now and offers all of his food to you. He has three new teeth with more coming in almost everyweekend. He can say "da" (dad) and "do" (dog). His babysitter thinks he says her name, Brenda, but I haven't heard it. Every once in a while you hear a "ma" but not as often as "da". He holds up my cell phone to his ear and babbles away. He is a crazy happy little boy!

All gone!

Yummy!!

Trying to get the camera with spaghetti hands!

Pink Eye Sucks

2009-04-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Sometime over the weekend Caleb got pink eye. It's not fun and having to put eye drops in his eyes is horrible. I hope this is the only time he ever gets it as a child. And because he was playing so closely to Linkyn on Saturday at his party, she has it know too! So sorry Link, hope you feel better soon!

2009-04-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here's Caleb walking. This was taken last Friday. Now he is just cruising around even better.

Another River Weekend...

2009-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

We went to the river this weekend and visited Neal, Danielle and Linkyn in Bullhead.

Here's Caleb excited to be having mac and cheese for dinner.

Caleb was driving Danielle's dad boat in the garage. It kept him happy.

And here's Caleb again, playing king of the mountain in all the pillows on our bed at the river house. We are so lucky to have such a happy little boy!

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Caleb sure looks like he's been hitting the bottle in this picture. You can't see his shirt but it says "Kiss Me I'm Irish" on it.

Dinner with Danielle and Linkyn and River Weekend

2009-02-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

So last Wednesday, Caleb and I joined Danielle and Linkyn for dinner. When we got there Linkyn was still asleep so Caleb had to wake her up.

After dinner, the babies played for a long time while Danielle and I talked. It was a great night and Danielle made a fabulous dinner.

This weekend we went up to the river house to relax and play around a bit. My dad Justin and Caleb went on a rhino ride and when they got back Caleb wanted a turn at driving. Very relaxing weekend at the river house, just helped do a few chores around the house and had a few cocktails.

Collage

2009-02-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

So I was playing around in picasa and made this.

Blink 182 is BACK!!!!!

2009-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

I love blink-182!!!! I'm so excited they are reuniting and coming out with a new album and tour!!!

Tagged

2009-01-15T20:02:00.001-08:00

Danielle tagged me so I had to open the fourth folder and post the fourth picture. So here it is. Caleb in my dad's motorhome on Halloween Weekend. I remember how excited I was because Caleb was finally getting the crawling thing down. Now I'm chasing him all over the house. I don't know many people on the blogging network so Darlene and Amy get tagged.

9 months old today!

2009-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

Caleb is 9 months old today! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! This little cartoon was in my babycenter.com update today and I thought it was funny. Once Caleb started crawling he finds any little speck on the floor and straight to the mouth it goes. Okay, well back to work just about a half left to go for this hump day!

The Wagon

2009-01-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we went to my dad's house to celebrate his and Alicia's birthday. Caleb got to pick up one of his Christmas presents, THE WAGON. This used to me my sisters old wagon from when she was little. Morgan used to sleep in the wagon on the beach at the river when she was little. My dad had it at the river house and it was beat up. So for Chrismas he re-did all the wood in this shop and sealed it, had the metal repowdercoated, and bought the moon rims for it. He had a friend custom make the sticker with Caleb's name on it. We hope to get the same use out of it as my dad and Sharon did with Morgan.

New Year!

2009-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it is already 2009! We went to the river house for new year's this year. It was quite, mellow and relaxing. Justin and I went out to Uncle Bill's for drinks twice, we rode to the sandy hill in the rhino and quads twice, and slept in and hung out around the house! On Friday Caleb woke up at 6am but took a nap at 9. He was out for about 3 hours, VERY RARE!!! Justin and I took the quite time to take a nap on the couch with the rest of family. The couch is huge, I should have got a picture with everybody on it. I didn't take pictures, my sister received a camera for Christmas so she was going picture crazy. Now that the holidays are over, Justin and I are starting to plan the wedding a lot more. We have a lot to do!!

Christmas Day

2009-01-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

So I did say my next post will be of Christmas day pictures, I just didn't say how long it will take!! Justin got called out to work tonight (very very windy!) so I'm posting on a Friday night while watching Chelsea Lately when Caleb is fast asleep. I also figured out how to add some things to the blog too!

Here's Caleb with his stuff from his stocking. This is the only picture i could get of him sitting still in front of the tree.

Caleb was so excited to see what was in the wrapping paper. Here's Caleb at Justin's dad house, the first stop of the day after a brunch and opening presents there we continued on to Justin's aunts house in San Diego. Dinner was so delish!! We hung out there for the afternoon and headed back to our house. It was a long day!! This year we are going to stay home and everybody can come to us! Then next year we will run around to see everybody or, if finances allow, we will go to Colorado to see Justin's mom (can't wait to come up Vicki!!)

A Few Christmas Pictures

2008-12-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

Since I'm a little behind in posting, I thought I take a quick minute to post some pictures of what we've been up to this month.

Here's Caleb with the train that Justin's mom bought to go around the tree! Caleb was very excited about the big box!

Here's Caleb with Santa at my dad's house. We had fun on the parade but since I drove I didn't take a whole lot of pictures.
On Tuesday night I decorated Christmas cookies with Danielle, Wendy, Theresa and Danielle's family. It was fun. I think Santa ate one of the cookies when he came on Christmas!
Christmas Eve we went to Carol and Roland's party. Caleb had fun being passed around to everybody. He was good all night long but stayed up until we left at 10.
The next post will be all Christmas Day pictures!!!

Christmas Party

2008-12-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for coming over on Saturday night!! We had a blast. I didn't take a lot of pictures...just these ones!!!! I think it's hilarious when Chris gets drunk!!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

I know it's almost Christmas now and I'm just putting up the Thanksgiving pictures. I didn't get nearly enough pictures as I thought I would. We went on two long rides and took up most of the day!!!

Caleb looks like he's crying but he talking to Marlie!

Bathtime in the trailer!
Haning out in Gerhart's buggy at the Pumpkin Patch!
Playing in the trailer in his turkey pjs
Riding with Daddy around camp!
He's a ham!
Taking a nap in the jeep!
hanging out with daddy at Shell Reef
Momma and Bubby
Thanks Nana for driving me aroundI think from this picture he had a good time jeeping with Nana!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

In October we went to Bates Nut Farm to pick out Caleb's first pumpkin. However, while they were sitting on our porch waiting for Halloween, some one stole all the pumpkins. At least we had fun picking them out. Caleb really liked pumpkin hunting. Can't wait for next Halloween!

Finally!!!!!!

2008-10-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

What a busy month! We moved to Lake Elsinore earlier this month (with a nice view of Canyon Lake!) and we finally got our phone and internet hooked up this weekend. I have so many pictures of Caleb and the house to post but I'm done for tonight. There is always tomorrow to get the pictures uploaded and on the blog and to all the grandparents.

Engagement Party

2008-09-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

On August 16, my dad and Sharon through a party for Justin and I to announce our engagement. Caleb slept through most of the night.

Here's Justin and I while my dad was giving a speech.

Thanks Dad and Sharon for the party! It was a blast!

Highchair Fun

2008-09-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

What a face! While we eat dinner Caleb likes to play in his high chair. He likes to eat his cereal and bananas in his highchair too.This was after some cereal and a bottle. He was asleep but by the time I got the camera out he found his thumb and woke up.

This was just the other night. While I was doing the dishes he was smiling and laughing at me in his highchair. He likes to try to reach for the butterfly. He can touch it but his arms are still a little short to move it around.

Tummy Time

2008-09-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Our sleeping baby! Now that Caleb has learned to roll himself over he likes to sleep on his tummy. When I go in his room to wake him up in the morning he lifts his head up and gives me the biggest smile!
Caleb can't sit still anymore. He loves to roll around on his blanket and watch tv with us and drool of course. We think he is teething big time. Hopefully his teeth will come in sooner then later!

A Week at the River

2008-07-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

What a busy week! Last week, Caleb and I along with my Dad, Sharon, Daniel and Morgan, spent the week at the river. Justin came up for the weekend but had to go back to work on Monday. Caleb did great out on the river. He would fuss a little when it was time to get his life jacket on but once we were going fast on the boat, he was all smiles or fell asleep. He also liked going in the river, even though the water was pretty chilly. And don't worry, we loaded Caleb up with sunscreen every hour so he won't get burnt!

Mommy and Caleb

Daddy and Caleb in the water

Helping Papa drive the boat

Getting use to the life jacket

A very happy baby

A very sleepy baby after a day on the river

Swim Time

2008-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since it was so hot last weekend we went over to my dad's to jump in the pool. Caleb might not have liked the water at the beach but he sure doesn't mind the water in the Papa's pool.
On Friday night we meet some friends at the bowling alley. We stayed until cosmic bowling started and Caleb didn't mind the loud music one bit.

Beach!!!

2008-06-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Friday we went to beach. It was much cooler at the beach then in Corona. Caleb did good, he want to see what was going on and not go to sleep. He didn't like his feet in the water probably because the water was chilly.

Caleb and Linkyn laying out in the sun

Caleb and Mommy

Newbie to Blogging

2008-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is my first post to our family blog. I'm still trying to get this all figured out plus take care of Caleb. Maybe when he goes to sleep tonight I will work on putting up pictures of all of us!