Twas the Night Before Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that 2009 brings much love and cheer :)

Thank you and much love,
Amanda

Thank You

Thank you to the mom this morning who sped into the preschool parking lot at 65 miles an hour, in her new BWM, while talking on the phone (which is illegal in CA), parking in the only handicapped spot, wearing 5 inch heels, and having her kid dressed in shorts and t-shirt (56 degrees outside). You made me feel like all my bitching to my kids about wearing jackets, having to buy a bluetooth, the fact that I drive a mini van, and that I rock my Ugg boots are all worth it. You made my day :)


-Amanda

Need a Little Peace

So the last couple of weeks have been crazy in the Mommy Files household. It makes me wonder if my sanity is being tested for something bigger or my drama quota is filled for a very long time. First things, my Uncle died suddenly last week. It just happen to be the same day as my Dad passed away 2 years ago. They were also the same age, and died of the same causes. Strange yes, but this was my Mom's twin brother so they were not related. Yesterday was his funeral and it was a awesome send off. He was not one for crying or dwelling so we had a party instead. His viewing was filled with surf music and Led Zeppelin. I even think at one point "Get Down Tonight" by KC and the Sunshine band was played. It was just so appropriate for him. It was hard for me because I had just done this 2 years ago and I feel for my cousins. Just seems wrong being 32 and not having a parent. It also made me think back to the people I have lost in my life. I have had 8 significant people die since I was 18. I am pretty much hoping that I am done in the death department for a while.

Also, I was having so female issues and that was driving me crazy because they could not figure out what was wrong. I will not go into details, but the Doctor said that it may have something to do with my body adjusting to not having a period due to my IUD. I told Jon he has a year to think about what he plans on doing because I am done with all this birth control crap.

So in respect of my Uncle's passing I just want everyone to make sure they reach out to their friends and family and tell them how much they mean to you. I am lucky that I have a wonderful husband and two great kids that remind me everyday how lucky I am. All I ask for is a little peace and a nice Hoilday season :)



Thank you for reading :)

-Amanda

There is a Line that Needs to be Drawn

Ok so I haven't posted in a while. Not sure if I will continue to post in the future just for lack of content and I will let you other much better bloggers update me on your world, but when I saw this I had to say something. I am all for breast feeding. I think it's a wonderful thing that our bodies can do. I think what ever choice you make regarding it is yours and if you feel good about it then I am all for it. Yet this was a little disturbing to me. One because of the age of the children and two because of the way these children talk about it. Kinda creepy. If you agree or disagree I would love to hear either one :) Watch and you will see!

-Amanda

You Know When...

You married to a total guy when you asked him to help you with dinner since I am carting the kids around town to various activities and he calls to ask how to make a baked potato. Little did he know there is a button on the microwave that says "Potato". I wonder what he thought that button was meant to do? Next time I will have to leave Post-its all over explaining things.

-Amanda

Maybe I will Just Get One of These

Seems like people have been asking me when I was going to have another baby lately. Sorry to burst the bubble, but I am done. No one seems to get that I don't want to have another child or that I don't want to have a boy. I have enough drama in my life as it is and having two girls I am screwed when it comes to money as this get older. I have friends who have little babies so I can just touch and smell them or get one of these :)



What do you think?

-Amanda

Weekend Round Up

Number of times Sam threw a a huge fit: 2
Number of people that saw one: 500 (was at the mall)
Number of kittens lost: 1
Number of 8 ft. stone walls that were scaled to get him: 1
Number of times Julia cries "He is gone forever": 57
Number of old beanie babies found in the garage: 15
How much they are worth on Ebay: $1.00
Number of redheads in the house: 1
Number of times my mom said "Oh My God" when she saw my hair: 4
Number of times Sammie drew all over herself with permanent marker: 1
Number of colors she used: 3 (red, pink, and yellow)
Number of times I have tried to get it off: 7
Number of "Punky Brewster" episodes watched: 8

Exciting huh? Man sometimes the weekends go by WAY too fast! How was your weekend?

-Amanda

Chocolate and Salt

That is all I want :) Maybe I will just mix two together? French fries with chocolate sauce or chocolate ice cream with pretzels on it. That and crush up my Pamprin on top of it all. Sometimes it sucks being a girl, but my bitch card is useful for the next couple of days. It is nice when you are allowed to use it :)

-Amanda

Boot Camp

My gym has introduced a "Boot Camp" style class that I have started taking. I don't think I was was fully aware of the actual meaning of "Boot Camp" till the instructor yelled out "Alright time for our 100 lundges" My friend Robin and I looked at each other in horror. On top of that it was 100 dead lifts (bending over with 10 lbs weights in each had), 50 thighs lifts on each legs, and 400 crunches. I walked out of that class thinking I was going to die. The worst was waking up the next morning and not being able to squat down to go potty. In all honesty I am a believer in "No pain, No gain" so I am going back for my ass beating today and I can't wait! If I can't get a tummy tuck like I want then I might as well try and make it go away on my own :)

Was thinking about starting a diet blog with a bunch of people. Anyone interested?

-Amanda

PS Only a mom would use the word potty...

Crack for Kids

The other day I purchased "Punky Brewster" on DVD for the girls to watch. It was something I didn't miss as a child and it was so sweet and innocent I though they would enjoy it. Well Sammie told me yesterday when she woke up "I want Punky Brewster right now!" and Julia is rewarded with watching a couple of episodes after her homework is done. It's like crack for kids- who would have thought! Oh and the best part is they have bonus features that have the cartoon they did about the show. I watched that too- she had an magical friend named "Gloamer" I just love the fact that they are enjoying a show that was one of my favs. Wonder if they will ever come out with "Silver Spoons" on DVD? Now I can't wait till I can bust out the "Beverly Hills 90210" DVDs out and they can love Dylan Mckay as much as I did :)




-Amanda

The Signs Around Town

Today I noticed all these new stickers for Propstion 8 floating around town on random cars. I wanted to get more informed on what was going on here so I did a little research. As my favorite online resource Wikipedia states:

"Proposition 8 is titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Act.[1][2] It is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot. If passed, the proposition would amend the California Constitution to remove the legal ability of same-sex couples to marry. A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The measure was submitted for the ballot by petitioners with the title "California Marriage Protection Act."[3][4] The title and summary were revised by Attorney General Jerry Brown to more "accurately reflect the measure."[5] The Superior Court of California ruled in favor of these revisions, stating, "The title and summary is not false or misleading because it states that Proposition 8 would 'eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry' in California. The California Supreme Court unequivocally held that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the California Constitution"

Now as a big liberal I must say that no matter how marriage is defined it will always been about love. Why should we be the ones telling people who they should love? Gay people have every right to have their unions of love recognized legally so that they can have the rights that every American citizen is entitled to. I am just not one to tell those what to do with their lives. They have the same problems as we all do in their marriages, they all face the same hard times when it comes to raising children, why not let them be happy in their pursuit for a normal life? And for those of us that live in California and get to actually vote on this, I think it will be good for the economy because who wouldn't want to spend their money to get married by some of the prettiest beaches in the world?

With the election so very near- no matter what your opinions are, just make sure that you research what and who you are voting for. Just be informed and go out and vote to make a difference for you and the people around you. That is what American is all about :) And in the words of Lenny Kravitz- Let Love Rule!

-Amanda

For the Love of the 80's

Click here, but I warn you- you might be racing to Itunes to purchase the catchy tune because secretly deep inside you know you love it and know every single word :)

Thanks Jenny!

-Amanda

Yummy!

Nothing is better than homemade chocolate cake, the hubby, and some David Duchovny :)

-Amanda
AKA Crazy Maker :)

Best Friends

Summer posted these awesome pics on her facebook yesterday. It reminded me how long her and I have been best friends (17 years). And to tell you the truth I think the last 8 have been the best. We tell each other everything like we did when we were 15. I can't go more than 2-3 days without talking to her and even though we may have talked yesterday we still spend an hour on the phone. I miss her since she moved and I can't wait to see her in a month. So thank you BFF- I love you and hope that we are still on for our trip to Greece when we are 50 :)

-Amanda


PS This was taken on our "date" to exchange Christmas presents in 1994

Dumbass

When it is "Kids Eat Free" night at your local restaurant don't come in as a couple and complain to your waiter about the noise. Sorry but in this economy I am taking the kids to where they can not eat what I order (both girls have a habit of not eating a lot) and I am not going to pay for it. Maybe next time read the sign that is on the front of the restaurant :)

-Amanda

PS Sorry my vent for the day.

My Newest Obsession

Lately with both girls in school and me trying to stay out of the kitchen in case I eat everything in site, I have been able to sit down and read a good book. I went through a Polygamy phase- read everything I could on women who escaped that life. Why? I have no clue. I guess the unknown fascinates me. So about two weeks ago I was at Barnes and Noble and I bought "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. Now I am sure you have heard of this series of books. They were meant for teenagers (so very easy to read) and they are about vampires. I read the 500 something page book in 2 days. I couldn't put it down! I thought about it when I wasn't reading it. I am now on to the second book in the series which I just bought on Friday and I almost done with that. I have not been so excited to read anything since "Harry Potter". On top of it there is a movie coming out in November so I am excited to see it. So if you are looking for something that is easy to read, exciting, romantic (yes vampires are all about romance), and fun check these books out!

-Amanda

My New Look

Thanks to LeeLou Blogs I was able to get a new blog template and it is gorgeous! Just right for fall :) I am so happy with it and it was the easiest template I ever worked with. Thank you Leelou- you rock!

-Amanda

Birthday

Today would have been my Dad's 60th birthday. Sammie and I will make the hour drive this morning so that I can put his favorite yellow roses on his grave. I just keep thinking how different my week would have been if he was still here. I am sure I would of planned a party and would have been busy will all of that. Just crazy how things change in a blink of an eye. I just hope he as at least celebrating in Hawaii or something :)

I love and miss you Dad very much. Happy birthday :)

-Amanda

When Kids Are Right

This was one of the many conversations on the way to school today:

Julia: "Mom do cats change color?"
Me: "Um I don't think so."
Julia: "What about like grey like your hair." (thanks for noticing little terd)
Me: "I guess they might if they are old"
Samantha: "And married..."

I thought that was awesome! And you know what she is right :) Yesterday was my 8th wedding anniversary and I have the grey hairs to prove it. Yet I wouldn't change that for the world :)

-Amanda

The Annual

I have had two babies, numberous looks at my vagina, heck I gave birth in front of my father and father in law- you would think that I would be ok with going to the gynocologist today. Why do I get nervous everytime? I will be breaking out the new panties I bought this weekend because for some reason that makes me feel a lot better. Like I am being judged on something that is going to laying on the chair underneath my clothes.

-Amanda

My Baby and her Big Day

She asked to get her ears pierced last week and Jon and I talked about it and decided that it was ok. You can't tell in the video, but I am crying too. My baby is so big :( Next it will be a bra. Do you think she will let me take a video of that?

-Amanda

Random

What is worse than having a zit? How about one on your double chin. Hurts and it is just shows off that you happen to be given a double chin at birth.

Sam actually let me put her hair up today so she doesn't look like the little white trash baby I picked up on the side of the road. Now I will count till 10 and see how long that pony tail stays in her hair

Date night tomorrow night. You would think Jon and I won the lottery because we are so excited. He said he will actually consume a alcoholic beverage which is a big deal for him. Maybe if we eat at the place near the mall I could get him drunk enough to buy me my Coach purse.

All day school rocks and I actually miss Julia when she is not around. Then nap time comes and it's all quiet in the house and I remember why all day school rocks.

I get to see my nephew for the first time next week. Is it bad that I want to buy him a bunch of clothes because I can buy little boy clothes? Make him a So Cal surfer boy!!

Ok I am done :) Hope everyone had a good week :)

-Amanda

A Post

So I have been told that I need to update my blog. You mean a picture post doesn't count? They are too cute to look at least.

Julia started first grade on Wednesday. She is in total "school" heaven. I am in total "all day school gone till 3 pm" heaven. I have already been hit up by the PTA to volunteer and be on some committee. Not sure if I want to be a part of the committee, but I will volunteer any time. Something about a room full of catty women scare me. I am afraid of getting sucked into some drama I really don't want to be a part of. I mean I do that in my everyday life so don't need anymore. Julia also got the teacher that we wanted so that made me very excited. She is young, cute, but from what I hear hardcore. I like hardcore- means they will learn something. Other than that it's been a good week :) Sam misses Julia terribly when she is gone though. But once they are together they fight so I don't get that whole thing. I wonder if I ever missed my brother?

Jon's work has finally settled down too. He was pulling 70 hour work weeks for the past month. We actually watched a movie together the other night. It was great! Then he took the day off and we all went to the beach. Julia figured out how to use the boogey board and she was on that thing for 4 hours. I also went in the water all the way which I probably have not done in 10 years. Fear of what lives in the water, but I had to be out there for Julia so I was having a good time. Just a reminder though how much I hate sand in my bathing suit.

Well that is my update. See why I don't update all the time- I am just that boring :) Hope you are all having a good rest of the Summer :)

-Amanda

I am in so much trouble

The top one is all mine, but the bottom blond is she for sale! Just don't give her any cold medicine or she will spit it all over herself and her sheets :)

Well...

Well I guess The Blog Cafe has gone out of business without informing those who host with them that was going to happen. Bad business I say especially since I have had them do all of my blog designs for the past 5 years. Well luckily blogger is user friendly and I can kinda have a design I like. If you know anyone that is willing to help me out please let me know :)

I think its about time Julia goes back to school, yet if I drop her off there will be no one there till the 13th. It has been pretty good up until now. I am just tired of being a constant source of entertainment. I feel like I need to rent a Chuck E. Cheese suit and sing to keep it different. Oh well I am counting down the days and I am sure I will be complaining about something else then.

I signed up and paid my money to take the teaching test on October 4th. I bought a book and have been studying and remembering how much I hate math. Fractions and integers really suck. Hopefully I will be able to figure out what the heck I am doing by October :)

What is everyone doing this summer?

-Amanda

WTF?

Something happened to my old (kinda new actually) template so I have been messing around with blogger today. Hopefully someone at The Blog Cafe will get back to me and help me reinstall my more appealing template. Till then this is what you get :)

-Amanda

My Newest Adventure

Well I have not posted for a while since really there is nothing new at all going on the The Mommy Files household. We did get a new kitten named Freddy who fell from the upstairs banister last night- one of his lives gone :) We had a blast at Summer's and is so sad she is moving since I will not see her till October. Other than that its hot and we are tan and "pooled" out.

I have decided though that I am not completely cut out for this "Stay at Home Mom" thing. Don't get me wrong, I know I am lucky that I do and I have had 6 years at home that I would never change. But I did go to college and never really had the time to do something with my education. I need something that is flexible and makes a little money, so I have a friend who is a substitute teacher and I thought "Hey I can do that". I loved volunteering in Julia's class last year and I think that it would be a fun way to make money. So I am on a mission to study and take the CBEST in October. So we will see. I do love being home with the girls, but this will give me an opportunity to do something that will not totally interfere with their lives and use that expensive college education my parents paid for.

So that is it. Blog finally updated. Hopefully I will get more motivated to do so more often :)

-Amanda

Just a Number

Well its all over the news today here in So Cal that is is going to be one of the hottest days of the year. I live about 35 miles inland from the coast so for me that means "hotter than hell". Today the forecast is for 110 degrees. My biggest fear is that we will be sitting in the house enjoying the AC and all of a sudden the power goes out. I think I will then have to drive around town with the AC on while I waste the $4.79 a gallon gas I used to fill my tank. I could also bring the grapes that will go to waste in my fridge since they were $5.00. Oh and don't forget the $1.99 bunch of celery I bought that made the checker at the store comment on how expensive it was. Yes I am a lucky one and I count my blessing everyday that I am able to have what we do, but when is this going to end?

-Amanda

First Day of Hell, I mean Summer

So it is now 7:31 am- Sam has been awake since 6 am with a stuffy nose and a really bad diaper rash. Julia just woke up and informed me that she didn't want what I had made for breakfast and that she wanted to go to the gym NOW! Jon left and said "Good Luck" on his way out the door and I flipped him off as he closed the door. So yes it going to be a good summer I tell you! Please prey that I will make it to Aug 13th sane, in one piece, and not an alcoholic :) Oh and I almost forgot- forecast for today 105...

-Amanda

Happy Father's Day

I still have my Dad's cell and home phone number programmed into my phone and it really bummed me out that I wasn't not making a call today to wish him a Happy Father's Day. So I am going to hold the one Dad and Hubby that fills my days with love :) I love you Jon- Happy Father's Day!

-Amanda

So Proud

As we were driving through the McDonald's Drive through last night I turned to my gorgeous girls in the back and said "Ok what do you guys want?" and Sam says "Chicken nuggets, duh" I did a double take and said "Did you just say duh?" Only a mother can be so proud that her two year old daughter said duh, but she actually used it correctly. My baby has timing :)

-Amanda

Summertime

So this is Julia's last week of school and as much I am looking forward to the non rush that summer brings, I am also dreading it. Last summer Julia was in day camp through her preschool so I wasn't worried and Sam was still on two naps. This summer will be totally different. I am having a little anxiety with what I am going to do with two kids all day for 2 1/2 months in a place where is gets to be 110 degrees outside. Yes, we have some activities planned, and yes we have friends to hang out with, but I can't be Mary Poppins everyday! I know it sounds totally selfish, lame, and I should be thankful that I am able to stay home with my children, but I am just hoping that I can be the good mom I want to be without them driving me crazy. Does anyone feel the same way?

Children

Why must children who I have taken to the park for 2 hours, take their sand filled shoes off on my bed? Then why does the little one think its funny to take her diaper off and pee on the carpet all while the bigger one watches and laughs? Why doesn't the bigger one use a napkin instead of her clothes and the little one when she is finished eating just puts it on the floor?

I know there are no answers for these questions as they are children and it is their job to drive me crazy, but for once I would like there to be a day when everything goes according to plan. Is that too much to ask for?

-Amanda

Week of Firsts

So this week has been somewhat eventful which makes me happy because I actually have something to blog about! Well I am cheating in a way because it is a picture post, but I have not put up any pics in a long time so I figured that canceled out my lack of blogging. Anyway here you go!

Samantha and her first swimming suit and lesson. I have a thing for animal print on little girls so hence the 6.99 bathing suit :)


Here is Julia today going on her first ever field trip to meet her high school pen-pal. She picked out her outfit since I am not allowed and wanted to take a shower in the morning so her hair would be straight. I don't know where she gets all this from. Couldn't be me...



And my first bout ever with strep throat is officially over thanks to strong antibiotics! No pic of me- figured I can not compete with the cuteness above.

-Amanda

Happy Memorial Day!

Weather here is terrible! Last year we were at a BBQ and swimming. This year we are inside, with the heat on, and sick :( I just got back from urgent care because I woke up this morning and seriously could not swallow. I have never had that much pain in my throat before. Well its strep so I have been banned to the upstairs portion of my house while the paranoid hubby cleans and disinfects. So I thought I would jump on the computer and blog about it :) Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their day off and having something good to eat today!!

-Amanda

Rain

Rain sucks when you have 2 kids.

-Amanda

Random

YES I am one of the 3 people in American that didn't watch American Idol at all this season. In fact I think that I haven't watched it since the first time. It is my belief that is should be like Miss. America and only come once a year that way we don't get sick and tired of it. That is my feeling about all other reality shows too, expect for "The Hills"- can't get enough of those girls!

It hailed and is thundering at my house as we speak. Cool huh? Maybe. Except it is a Stay at Home Mom's worst nightmare. There is only so much coloring, playdo, and "Hannah Montana" I can take!

So my cousin called off her wedding. And the best part it was at her actual bridal shower. I will not go into details (if you want that them you can email me) but we will just say that I am so happy that she realized what kind of a situation she was getting herself in. So hey if anyone needs a HUGE bridesmaid dress let me know.

My child can read! I am so impressed. It actually kinda freaks me out because it means she is not going to be my baby anymore. More grey hairs to come for me. Oh well I like getting my hair done anyway.

ADDICTED to Scrabble on Facebook. If you have one let me know and we can play. I suck at it, but I figured its good for my brain.

Ok that should be enough for now. I am getting better at updating I think. Now if only I had something cool and nifty to write about :)

-Amanda

RIP SpongeBob and Mater

Well I found out last night that all my efforts with the frogs didn't work. They were both dead by 9 pm that night. It was either the trama of being out of water or I did something wrong. Luckily there wasn't too much drama surrounding their death because they were replaced by goldfish the next day. So I will forever be known as the frog killer amongest my friends eventhough its Sam's fault :)

-Amanda

Green with Envy

Yes it seems there is a ton of crazy thoughts going through my head this week. Well today I am living one. As we speak I have 3 children, one who is crying in her bed because she will not take a nap, another who is in her room jumping from her bed to the floor and shaking my entire house, and the other is my friend Robin's little boy who I will be watching for the night. Her oldest son comes after school in about 2 hours. As I watched Robin leave all totally dressed up for her 4 day trip to Vegas with her hubby I was sooooo jealous. Yet I know am being a good friend and that always comes back to you 10 times over, but damn how much would I love to be her right now. Oh well, maybe someday I will be the one dropping my kids off, looking all hot, and saying "Call me if you need me" One can hope right?

-Amanda

UPDATE: So this afternoon turned out to be called "The Frog Incident" We go to my friend's house to wait for her babysitter to show for the rest of the night. I have to go outside really quick to turn off their hot tub that the kids were using. I come back in the house and Samantha is screaming. I run to see where she is and I looked down and she had totally knocked down their aquarium on to the carpet. There was water, rocks, and little frogs everywhere!! I freak out, she freaks out, Julia, freaks out, Jake freaks out, but Luke the older one tells us to stay calm. We ended up catching one frog right away and most of the others were under the couch. We waited and they all came out and we caught them. Then I had to clean up glass, rocks, and water all over their carpet. Then we all made the trip to PetCo to replace all the stuff. I just didn't want to responsible for the frogs death. Mind you all this happens within a 40 min time period. Luckily when we get home frogs are still living and I re-did their tank and they seemed happy. If that is not an excuse for a beer then I don't know what is!!

Crazy Thinking

I actually Googled 5K races in my area. I have never thought about doing anything like that. Yes I know its only 3.5 miles, but for me to actually think I can do that is a big deal for me. I did it yesterday on the treadmill so maybe I will get enough courage to actually do it. Who knows, maybe a marathon is next. (Come on Summer lets do it!!)

-Amanda

Mothers

When I was little I used to play with my Barbies a lot. One would always kind of end up being the "loose" one of the group, one was always the "best friend" or "teacher", but the prettiest one I would always make the Mommy. I remember that I would stuff a piece of Barbie clothing or a cotton ball into her dress she it looked like she had a tummy. So when I look back I think I always wanted to be a Mommy. My my Mom worked and did not stay home and I remember thinking that I want to be the mom that drove on field trips and made cupcakes for the bake sale. No offense to my Mom because not only is she my role model, but she is the best Mom is the whole world! I just knew that I wanted to be the Mom that was there all the time. Don't get me wrong, I have moments where I wonder what in the hell was I thinking, but for the most part I love it. As the girls get older it gets so much easier and so much more rewarding. Today I got a bag full of pictures that Julia made for me. There was about 10 in all. Each one was a moment she remembered about us. Of course there was a picture of us shopping, which honestly is a really good memory I have with my Mom. It just made me feel so special that a 6 year old remembers 10 really good things about me. I have some friends and of course my Sister in Law to be that are celebrating their first Mother's Day. I don't really remember my first, but I am sure I felt pretty blessed. And then I have my other more experienced Mom friends who are used to getting the attention for the day, but that feeling of being blessed never goes away. So I am going to make sure I always feel that way when it comes to my girls. Even when the going gets tough :)

So Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome Moms out there! You deserve every once of respect and love that I can give!!

-Amanda

Where the Hell Have I Been??

I am here- not dead. Busy in the The Mommy Files household. First it was my birthday which was pretty uneventful. Got a facial, pedicure, waxed- the usual pampering. Next it was Julia's 6th birthday (holy cow!!) and we spent that at the "American Girl" store in Hollywood, CA with my niece, SIL and BIL. If there was ever a place where a girl could be a girl that was it. I was in the bathroom while we were there and there was this little girl bawling her eyes out and I thought to myself "Of course in a place full of girls there would be one crying in the bathroom". But all in all it was amazing. The store was awesome, the cafe was great, and Julia is in love with her doll that looks just like her. I will not even go to how much this birthday cost, but it was worth it! Even saw Jared Leto (aka Jordan Catalano from "My So Called Life) and Patrica Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond") which is a good thing for my celebrity obsessed brain.

In other news, I applied in January for Julia to go to the new magnet school in our area after hearing about it through the school district. Now I may have never mentioned this, but Julia is a budding artist. There is not a day goes by that she is not making something. Yesterday she took the stuffing out of one of her stuffed animals and used it as hair for a picture for her Nana. Of course I couldn't get mad because it was very creative :) So anyway, I got the call that she was accepted. We are very excited! And the best part is it is free because it is a public school :) I was told that they play classical music during recess and lunch time so we will see what how this new adventure goes. My parents never encouraged any talents that I may have had as a child so it makes me happy that I can do that for mine.

As for the 2 year old in my life who said to me today "I want a diet coke" she is just as cute as can be, yet as mean as they get :) Well not mean, but she is 2 and full of drama. I mean the girl can cry and scream over nothing (which she likes to do every 15 min or so) and we have all become very immune to it. Thats the only way we can deal :) But of course she has her awesome moments like when she sits at the dinner table with her head on my shoulder. So I will take it all just because she is my Sammie.

I have been doing my workout out 4-5 times and week and I have been become quite a regular at the gym. The instructors even know my name. I feel awesome about myself and that is what matters to me the most. I am not a good dieter, but I am still buying smaller clothes. And my bridesmaid dress has to be taken in 4 inches which made me very happy! So whatever I am doing its working :)

So there you are- updated and informed. I totally suck lately at this blog thing lately. I will try hard to post some pictures soon too :) Thanks for still reading :)

-Amanda

You Know When...

You know when you are having trouble with you diet when you start dipping parts of a Hershey bar into the low calorie peanut butter and thinking "Well the PB is diet food."

-Amanda

Finally

My Big Bro will hopefully be a first time Daddy today. His girlfriend is 8 days overdue and she was induced this morning. Let's pray that little Cole makes it here today! I can't wait to see my new nephew!

-Amanda


**Update- Baby Cole arrived on April 8th at 3:59. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. Is in the NICU because his little lungs were full of fluid, but it is doing fine now.

32 and counting...

"I want a party with room fulls of laughter
Ten thousand tons of ice cream
And if I don't get the things I am after
I'm going to scream!"

-Veruca Salt from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"

The Wobbler

The other day Jon and I decided that we could keep a chart of how many tantrums Sam throws in one day- from morning till bed time. She has these little freaks outs where is there is full tears, the loudest scream and cry you have ever heard, and stomping of her little feet. They last about 45 seconds and then she is fine. We call them wobblers- its just enough to drive you crazy! Anyway, I guessed 25, Jon said 30, and Julia guessed 10 because honestly she does have a lot in one day. Those were just nice estimates :) Well at 8 pm when we put her to bed, there were 17 little tick marks on the chart. 17!! Jon and I laughed, but at the same time all I could think was is it going to worse? Also, she has learned to cross her arms and say "I don't want to" whenever you ask her to do something. I guess I just forgot how it was to have a 2 year old, but man I am making up for lost time. Thank god for Advil and "The Hills" coming back on TV (and maybe a little cocktail now and then) or I don't think I would make it!

-Amanda

The Two year Old in My Life

Today Samantha is two years old!! And she woke up in bad mood, seeing that her job as a two year old started about a month ago. I have never been yelled at so much in my life!!! She is very demanding, moody, in love with her daddy, and yet you see the face a curls and you melt. So Happy Birthday to my last little one. Mommy loves you and are happy that you are the way you are :)

Love,
Mommy

Sick to my Stomach

Yesterday I recieved a phone call from the principle of Julia's school, informing the parents that a boy was almost abducted not even a mile from my house. He actually had to run to someone's house because after the man told him to get in the car, he followed him. The mintue I heard the story I started to tear up. Our neighborhood? What the hell??? It makes me want stay in my house at all times or patrol my neighborhood with a bat looking for this car. I remember my mom saying "Be home at dark" and we would ride our bikes for miles and never had a care. My daughters will never feel that freedom because of things like this. I don't feel safe anymore and that is not something I ever I thought I would feel in my own neighborhood. What is this world coming too??

-Amanda

For My Summie

Well he is here!! Summer had a baby last night- 43 mintues of labor- you go girl!! I really don't know much deatils, but he weighed 7.5 lbs. Congrats my BFF- I love you and I can't wait to see the new little guy in the family!

-Amanda

For Summer #2

Well looks like the home stretch- please go show her some love. She needs it bad :) I love you girl and I can not wait to meet the new addition to your family!

-Amanda

For Summer

Hey you- yes you- my BFF. Instead of texting me that you are not in labor- call me! You are making more anxious then if you were actually in labor! Maybe my prediction of March 5th will come true! I will keep my fingers crossed. I love you!

-Amanda

PS 2 cm and 100% effaced, 11 days till her due date- what do you guys think? Any time right??

Note to Self

When you volunteer in your daughters class room- DO NOT go on a day when the teacher is sick. I had to run a class room full of kindergarters today. Sucked! I don't know how teachers do it! I am not good at being mean helper mom and I had to be :(

-Amanda

My Latest Obsession

JEANS!!! Now that I have gone down two sizes I can not find jeans that fit. The are either too big in the but and thighs, or too low waisted so I have a so called "muffin top". And since I am short, I have to have a short length, but I am willing to go get them altered. I tired on at least 15 pairs today and none of them worked! Anyone have any good suggestions on a brand of jeans that they love? I am can fit into the Gap and Old Navy, but I want like a nice pair that I could use. Please help!!

-Amanda

The Day Off

Well like others there is no school today and it is either a fantastic thing or a totally horrible thing. They both just woke up so I have not been able to gage what kind of day it will be so far. My children are the type that if we stay home all day then they will drive me and each other crazy. I can not go to the gym because Sam has a snotty nose and I hate to that mom that brings sick kids where there are other kids. I can put $100 down though and say that she will not be the only one in the gym daycare with a cold, but I would still be worried about it. Let's pray for sun so at least a trip to the park can happen. Shopping is out of the question becuase Julia is at the age where she thinks she should have something in every store we go into to. It could be a store filled with bags of nails and she will ask over and over if she can have some. So I am playing Mary Poppins today and coloring, painting, playing Barbies, watching kid TV, in hopes that this day off is a pleasent one (just wish I had some chalk drawings to jump into). At least till this afternoon when Julia goes to the doctor for a checkup and realizes she will be getting a chicken pox shot. That is when you know what will hit the fan....

-Amanda

The Low Down

God it feels good to be back. Maybe its cause I am so girly and pretty now! I mean we do have a house full of chicks here (don't tell the hubby, but he is included in that grouping cause he cried watching "Message in a Bottle") so I thought it was appropriate to have some pink! Anyway I wanted to give you all an update on the people in Casa De Mommy Files.

Julia is now in her 107th day of Kindergarten. I only know that cause they keep track. She loves it! She can kinda read now, which blows me away sometimes. I volunteer in her classroom on Thursdays and I love being a part of their learning experience. She can also ride her bike without training wheels which took a couple tumbles before achieving, but now she rocks. We are still obessed with Hannah Montana and went to the 3D movie last week. Sad that I was singing right along with her. Other than that she is just a really cool kid. She has her moments, but that is her job :)

Samantha will be 2 in a month! Now this one is the one who needs to slow down cause my baby is going away. She talks now- favorite thing to say is "What you doing?" and she will yell for everyone by saying "Guys!!!" really loud. Its too cute. She has full blown curly hair and thinks she is the funniest thing ever. She doesn't eat much, but the doctor said that was normal. We had a bit of a scare because she walks with a limp (still have not figured out why) and they thought maybe she has Leukemia. Was not a fun day, but it all turned out fine. All in all she is your typical 2 year old- terrible and everything :)

Hubby turned 43 last week and he was not happy about it. Such a grump! Guys are so funny when it comes to that kinda stuff. I want the world to know when its my birthday! Anyway, he now works 3 miles from home so he comes home for lunch everyday. So yes he has it made pretty good. Other than that he is just doing his thing.

Now for me. Well I have been on a diet for 10 weeks now. This time seems to be a lot slower in progress as for pounds, but I have gone down 2 sizes and everyone tells me they can see it. I go the gym almost everyday as much as resist. I have so much more energy and my mood is a lot better. I do have a bridesmaid dress on order so I am hoping when it comes to trying it on it will be too big :) I have also noticed that more energy means that my house is cleaner and the laundry actually gets done! Its amazing! So that is pretty much what I have been concentrating on lately. I have this idea that I am going to look like another person by the end of the year and I am sticking to it :)

Well that is it everyone in a nutshell. I wish I had some good updated pics. That will be my next task :)

-Amanda

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty...

Thanks to Mia at The Blog Cafe I look so darn gorgeous! Now I feel modivated to write on this blog and make it the great thing that it once was. So my update post will come this afternoon as I am in the middle of getting one kid ready for school, the other from throwing a 2 year old tantrum over juice, and me for the gym. So hopefully you guys will welcome me back into your blogging world- I look forward to reading all about yours!

-Amanda

Wait for it....

Ok a new design is coming my way thanks to my girls at The Blog Cafe. They have done all my designs thus far and they rock! Then I will be happy to be back in Bloggy land with all my fellow Mommies. Also I will let you know that I have been a girl on a mission with my weight- 10 lbs so far! I am going to be a bridesmaid so I am going to look hot since I am the oldest one, have kids, and grey hair! So lets hope I can be witty and funny to keep you guys coming back :)

Love ya!

-Amanda

Not Really Back....

Just had to say I really don't enjoy "Max and Ruby". I think that little girl bunny is bossy and mean to her brother. I would rather watch 15 episodes in a row of "The Wiggles" before I watch that show again. We need more shows like "Yo Gabba Gabba" :)

-Amanda