My Day

Yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a long time. It didn't start off that way, but in the end it was great. Here is how it went...

So I was expecting total family drama at my Grandpa's funeral yesterday. Well it didn't happen. We arrived at the funeral site and everybody hugged and cried. It was nice to see some emotion out of these people. The funeral was lovely- very patriotic and honorable. They really do it up when you are a veteran. Then we headed back to my Uncle's house where I hung out with all 8 of my cousins. We are all so different now, but it was nice to catch up. Julia was also the best little girl yesterday so it made the day so much better.

After I left my Uncle's house, Jon stayed home with Julia and I went with my parents and my brother to the casino over by my house. This was a rare outing since my parents have been divorced for 6 years and never speak to each other. We had such a good time! My dad taught me the ways of blackjack and I turned $20 into $150! We also all ate dinner together which was nice. It was just nice to be a family again even if it was only for a few hours. I cried when I was driving home because it reminded me of the good times we used to have.

When I came home from the casino, Jon had told me that my SIL was having a c-section. So last night at 8:23 pm my niece was born. Isabella Archer Peterson!!! I was so happy! It just really capped off a wonderful day! When I get some pictures I will post them.

So that was my day. I hope you all had a good one too. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Finally...

My SIL is actually in the hospital having a baby as we speak! All I have to say is finally! I will update when my little niece is here :)

Today is also my Grandpa's funeral. My mother has named it "Jerry Springer has a funeral"- that best describes my family. All of my dad's brothers hate each other so it will be interesting to see what happens. My aunt also told my mom that the last time I saw her (mind you this was 5 years ago) that I had an attitude problem! Yeah I can not wait to see her! So anyway, wish me luck and hopefully there is no drama- yeah right!

I hope you all have a good day. Thanks for reading!!

-Amanda

I Lied

No niece- false alarm. Oh well I am sure that still means any day now :)

She's Coming!!

My Mother in Law called this morning and my SIL is having contractions 15 min apart and that has been all night long. My niece is coming folks and I can not wait!!! Also my SIL' s birthday tomorrow- what a present she will have!! I am so excited (as you can see) and I can not wait to hold my niece for the first time. So keep your fingers crossed that things go well and that there will be a new little girl here by tomorrow!!

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and prayers for my Grandpa. I talked to my uncle the other day and I asked the questions I needed to know. That made me feel a little bit better. The funeral is on Wednesday and it will be a full military one. I think that is a nice way to honor him. He would have wanted it that way.

Our weekend was not too exciting. My hubby did drive me to the coast on Saturday (about a 45 min. drive) and took me to my favorite restaurant. We then took Julia to a pumpkin patch and she loved it! I will have to post the pics we took. Then yesterday we did not do a damn thing. I actually got my knitting stuff out (just to practice) and started something. Not sure what it is yet, but we will see. I am not very good so I am starting off small. I just really wanted to see if I could still do it. I just wish I had the time to sit down and do it all day.

Well I hope you all are braving your Monday morning. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda


PS- Is anyone having problems viewing my page? Is my template screwed up?? Let me know :)

Not So Good

The last two days have been kinda tough. I think I have been good at handling things, but I guess we will see. Luckily I am not anywhere near my period because then I think my husband and daughter would have to move out just to get away from me. First thing, my Grandpa died on Thursday night. This was my dad's father and we were not very close, but still I am sad. We all know it was for the best since he has been very sick for a long time. My guilt has also gotten the best of me since I have not seen him in about a year. I just hope Karma is not listening :) second, Jon has had such a tough week at work. It is hard when your husband comes home from something like that (especially if his mood sucks!) Hopefully hanging out this weekend will put him right! If it doesn't then I am moving out instead!!!

Sorry for such a sad post. It is funny, but I have not been this blue for a long time. My SIL better have my niece this weekend so I have something to smile about (no pressure Gabrielle) Thanks for reading! All of you rock!

-Amanda

Still No Niece

Well I talked to my SIL this morning and her doctor said that she wasn't going to have my niece today! I really want my niece! And also I know how those last days of pregnancy are- anxious and so tired- that I want that to end for my SIL. So is doing awesome though and seems so relaxed about the whole thing. I guess I am the one who can not wait!!!

Julia is at school right now and I went and spied on her to see how she was doing. The school has a TV that you can watch was goes on the classrooms. She has had a rough couple of preschool days and I just wanted to make sure that she was okay. She actually bit a little boy last time, which is so not like her. Lets hope that today went a better :)

And I happy to report that the weather has taken a turn for the better! I am actually wearing jeans today and don't have to put my air up because the back of my neck is sweaty! Oh how I love the cold! Oh course by March I am sure I will be complaining that it is too cold and I want to wear shorts. Will I ever be satisfied??

So that is my story. Exciting as ever! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Tuesday

I promise I will not talk about the "sick" that still lives in our house. I cleaned today so hopefully that will get rid of it for a while. Anyway, I was excited to see that my trash magazines were in my mail box today, yet disappointed that they all contain stuff about Britney Spears and her loser husband. For one thing, why make a big deal out of something that may only last a year? And do we really care all that much? I for one think that the girl needs a break so that she can maybe have a good start to her marriage. I just hope next weeks US Weekly will have somebody besides Britney Spears or Jennifer Lopez (another one of those lost souls) on the cover. There has got to be another celebrity screwing up their life somewhere!


Other than that things have been nice and quiet here. My SIL has one more day to go before her due date! I want my niece now!!! I am sure she wants the same. Send her good labor vibes!

I hope you are all having a good day! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

House of Sick Part 2

Well I woke up this morning with a cold! Then I looked over at Jon and he has one too!! So our house it officially the "House of Sick". Oh well it was bound to happen and I am going to pretend that I am not too sick. Maybe mind tricks will work this time :) Keep your fingers crossed!

Today we did manage to come up with some stuff for the community garage sale that is happening next weekend. Funny as I look at the pile there is nothing in there that I would want to buy, and I was the one who bought it! I think garage sales are just an excuse for you to sell your crap and than use that money to buy more! I will be interested though in taking a tour of my neighbors crap. You never know, I might find something worth while! I have heard stories about that happening. Maybe someone is selling a pair of Jimmy Cho shoes for $2.00!

Well I hope that Sunday is going good for you all. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Hot Doc

Well I had to take Julia to the doctor this morning and ends up she has strep throat. Where in the hell did she get that?? Hopefully she is not playing the kissing game with any of the boys at preschool! She has been really good though, just tired and a little cranky, but who can blame her?

Julia's doctor is a total hottie. My friend and I call him "Hot Doc" because he really is!! When he talks to me I get all flustered and I am sure I am blushing. For example:

Hot Doc: So, is she eating or drinking anything?
Me: What? You know you have great hair.
Hot Doc: Thanks. Want to run away together??

Of course that is how it happens in my mind. But today I was having a hard time because right before he walked in, Julia coughed so bad that she threw up all over me, so I wasn't in the mood to be witty or anything. And besides I have no idea how flirt anymore and if I did I should be using it on my husband. I can day dream though right??

Tomorrow though I am taking a mommy break and going shopping. Jon said that he wanted to have a day with Julia and I was "Hey you don't have to tell me twice" I can not wait to buy jeans and some warm stuff. Maybe I can tell mother nature that it is time for it to be cold instead of 92 like it was today!

Well I think I have said enough! I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for reading.

-Amanda

The House of Sick

So it is official- Julia is sick! Oh why, Oh why does this always happen to my kid! I just wish that we could go at least 6 months with no sickness in this house. Now I am afraid Jon or I will get sick and that will just make it worse! Oh well, I will deal and she will get better. I am sure there will be a beer or two in my future!

My 10 year high school reunion was last weekend and I did not go. To be honest, there is no one from high school that I would want to have any kind of contact with. Besides, I keep in touch with those who I have stayed friends with and none of them were going. I did get my memory book in the mail today and it was interesting to see what everybody was doing. There seems to be a lot of people who are attorneys now. You see I went to a very up scale high school where kids got BMWs for their 16th birthdays and they all lived in huge houses. I was not one of those (I did have a car though) kids so it just seems fitting that some of them chose professions that would make them a lot of money and they can be jerks doing it :) I shouldn't judge, but some of those people have secrets and I know them. My bio in the book is says I am a Homemaker- not a lot of money in it and I can be a jerk sometimes, but I find it a lot more fulfilling than any job I could have. It was nice though to see the people I did have a connection with were doing well.

Alright I am done ranting for the day. Hope you all are having a great Thursday. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Out of It

I am so out of it today! I am forgetting things and my mind is wondering into space! Maybe I am getting sick with a cold or something? Of course that is the last thing I need. Julia has one now and when her and I are sick at the same time it sucks! I don't get to call in my boss and take a sick day! Well anyway, Julia slept so bad last night because she could not breathe. There is only so much cold medicine I am willing to give to her. Tonight though I might break out the Robatusin w/ codeine that the doctor gave me when she had an ear infection. Hopefully that will make her sleep better. I might just take some too :) (not really, but the thought of passing out the whole night sounds nice!)

I did manage to take the kid to the Wild Animal Park today with my best friend Summer. It was so sad though because she fell asleep on the tram ride for about 30 min. and just kinda chilled out in her stroller the rest of the time. I wasn't going to go, but I thought she might want to get out of the house. Right now though she is on hour #2 of her nap! Poor girl!!

Well that is my story for the day. Hope you are all having a good one. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

PS- Where is everybody lately?? Is Blogger not working???

All Better- Now I am Hungry!

Must stop eating!!! How come after you have been sick you want to eat everything in sight?? Well that is me! I was watching a thing on chocolate chip cookies yesterday on Food TV so I decided to make some. I used Mrs. Fields chocolate chips and the recipe on the back of the bag and they were so good! I will never pay $1.50 for a cookie again! I have to admit I had one for breakfast this morning- the breakfast of champions! My Dad also told me that he had made Beer Can Chicken and that it was so good, so I made that last night too. What you do is take half a can of beer, place a whole chicken on top of it, and grill it on the bbq for about 1 1/2 hours. It was so good and so easy! So I was quite the porker yesterday. Today I will have to watch myself :)

The weather has also been fantastic! Upper 70's with a chill in the air. I am hoping to take Julia to the park today to get some fresh air before it heats up again. I just wish it would stay this way till next summer, but I bet it won't! Aw the joys of living in desert suburbia!

Well I hope you all have a great Monday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Sick

Thursday night my husband suggests that we eat out at our favorite pizza place. I was like hey I am all about not cooking. We order the same thing we always get, pizza and a antipasto salad and it was yummy as usual. Well 2 o'clock Friday morning I woke up with the worst stomach pain. I knew what it was right away because I have had food poising before. Well to end this unpleasant story, I have been out of commission since yesterday and I am still not 100%. What really bums me out that I got it from a place that we have eaten at 100 times before and now pizza in some way is ruined for me. I hate being sick, especially with something you have to wait out till it ends. I was able to eat some soup tonight and that made me feel better. I just hope that it ends tomorrow so I can have a good start to the week.

I did manage to make it to my grandma's house today for her birthday. We bought her a DVD player and her first question was "Where do I put the tape?" It took us about 20 minutes to explain that there is no tape and that you have to rent DVD's in order to work it. She was being pretty funny! Gotta love grandma :)

Well I hope you all are having a great weekend. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Being Picky

I was watching Bobby's Flay TV show on the Food Network this morning and it made me realize how much I don't like him. I mean, I am sure that he probably makes yummy food, but there is just something about him I dislike. It is like he shtick is to be a cocky bastard. I saw him on "Celebrity Poker Showdown" and he had a purple suit and if I remember correctly he was the first one to go. Maybe I should just watching his show and I would feel better :)

I am taking Julia to get her first school pictures taken today. My kid is not a dress wearing child, but I thought I would throw a bow in her hair so she looks somewhat girlie. I am sure my mom will want me to out her in a dress, so we will see. I assure you though that no matter what she wears she will be super cute! I have a tendency to dress her better than I would ever dress myself. Why is that??

Well this has been a non-exciting post. Things are slow here for now. I hope you all have a great Wednesday. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Monday

Isn't that the most exciting title you have ever seen??? Sorry, I could not think of anything clever today! Well this morning has already been an eventful one. I woke up with the worst cramps I have ever had and the thing is, I am due to have my period for 2 weeks. I was kinda freaked out and of course the mind makes it much worse. Anyway, after a long hot bath and some Motrin it went away. No clue what was wrong, I am just glad it is gone. Julia was awesome too- slept through the whole thing! Gotta love my kid today!

Yesterday I went and got my hair colored. I have my hair colored every 8 weeks since it starts to grow out and my lovely roots show. You see, I am a natural blonde, but since I have colored it for 10 years, I have to have help to maintain it. Well, I have been reading all of my trash magazines and there is a picture of Reese Witherspoon with brown hair. I thought "Hey I could pull that off". I have been wanting to mix it up a bit. My hair dresser, who I have seen for 10 years, told me that she didn't want me to lose the blonde that was already there. So this is what she came up with:



It is brown, with blonde highlights. I like it, but I think it makes me look older. And every time I look in the mirror, I do a double take. Sorry about the horrible picture. I guess it would help if I was cuter :) So that was my Sunday. We will see how it grows out in the next couple of weeks.

Well I hope everyone has a better start to their Monday than me. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

So Nice

I was never really popular in high school. I was always the really talkative girl who would get in trouble, but I only had a few close friends. As I read everyone's comments on my previous post about my anniversary, I felt kinda popular. I can not explain how much it touched me and made me feel special! All of you who make visits to my little blog and read about my not so exciting life are the best! I am so happy that I have had the chance of sharing your lives. Thank you so much! You rock!

Alright that enough corniness for the day. I have a rep to protect :) Anyway, today was a good day. Actually this whole week has been good. Julia has really taken to preschool and I have really taken to my time off. It is funny, but I think she is listening to me more (which was a huge problem) and today she said "Hey Mommmy, it's Friday!" Um...Okay. Who taught you the days of the week??? School did- so cool! It just made me so happy!

Well I hope you all have awesome weekend! We are going out for anniversary to go and have steak. Can't wait :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Four Years

Today is our 4 year anniversary! We were married September 9, 2000 in La Jolla, CA. It seems like such a long time ago. I think I got the pick of the litter and I am so lucky for having a great husband and father of our child. I hope that 4 years become 40 and in the words of Elton John "I simply love you more than I love life itself."

-Amanda

Just Messing Around

Okay so I still am working on the whole html thing and so far I can change the color, move things from left to right, and some what make a table. So as you can see I have used all of my skills to make this new one! It may be a little bright and please let me know if that is the case. I am trying to figure out how I can make plaid for the background (kinda for fall) and mix up the page a bit, but I am not having any luck. I will have to break down and ask the hubby. The only problem with that is that he talks all this computer lingo and it goes right past me. When I was in collage I took a computer course and I would ask for help. We always ended up fighting because he would make it more complicated than it was. In the end I got an A- all by myself! So I learned my lesson about asking him anything about the computer :)

It is hot here AGAIN! Can I complain enough about it? Sorry, but it seems to determine my life when it is 100 or above outside. These are the days that I wish I had a pool in the backyard that I could just dive into! Oh well, maybe one day :)

Well I hope everyone is having a happy Wednesday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

PS- I would love any suggestions that you have for my blog. Color, design, content, anything!!

My Girl

Today was Julia's first day of Preschool. You know this whole time of waiting to put her in I was so excited, but this morning I cried a little. Made me realize that she really is a big girl and there is so much that goes along with it. I want her to be independent, yet I still want her to be my little baby! Maybe I will just have to have another one- wait did I just say that??? Anyway here is a picture of my girl in her new school outfit. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

I am Getting Old??

Since there has been nothing to do around here besides house work (Yuck!) I have been subjecting myself to the TV. It is also 101 today so we don't leave the house for fear of melting. Anyway, MTV had a marathon of "The Real World- San Diego" and I ended up watching it. I am sorry, but I think I am getting old or the cast of that show is getting younger. All they do is drink and have sex! Then I think "Oh yeah I used to do the same thing.", but that seems like a million years ago. Now I am a mom, housewife, and can't even drink one beer without getting tipsy. It just made me realize that I am officially an adult and I must embrace that! It also made me realize that I have no idea what music is all about these days. I need to get with it :)

On another note, Julia did finally go pee in the potty. I thought I was going to cry! I am just hoping that school will help in the potty training department. OH GOD I hope!!! School starts tomorrow too and she is so excited. I have been hyping it up for the last week so lets hope it lives up to all the talk. I am excited too because that means I can finally get my eyebrows waxed because I will have some time!!

Well I hope everyone is having a great holiday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Nothing to Blog About

Okay who loves a three day weekend?? I do! So nice to hang out and have Jon deal with the kid. He loves to spend as much time as he can so I let him :) We have no plans for our three days, but I am sure we will find something to do!

See- nothing to Blog about today. I did have sushi today and my tummy was very happy :)

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend! Cook something good. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Back to Normal

Well my friend Summer left today and now I am trying to get things back on track. Julia has not taken a proper nap in the last three days, so right this minute she is crying in her bed and saying "No nap Mommy!". I am just hoping I can have some time to myself so that I can do my wifely duties I have been neglecting.

I had a blast this past week. We were out of town this weekend and that was fun! I got to see my SIL all pregnant and she looked awesome! Pregnancy agrees with her! Then we found out that my other SIL who is 5 months pregnant is having boy. It will be the first boy grandchild in our family. So that was pretty cool. Then Monday Summer came to visit and have been doing nothing but shopping and playing with our kids. I am sad that she is gone! I have known her for almost 20 years and we have been friends for 13 of that. It is funny how we have changed into adults and mothers. We have a crazy past together and I am glad we can still share our lives today.

Alright I am done being corny :) I hope everyone is having a good week! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda


PS 5 more days till Preschool!! Yippee!

Busy

My best friend Summer is staying with me for the week with her son Kaden so I am not able to sit in fornt of the computer in order to blog. I am sorry, but I promise I wrap up of my week soon! I miss you all :)

-Amanda

TGIF- I am Outta Here!

What is up with Blogger? Every time I go to my dashboard it says that I don't have a blog, so then I have to retype my user name and password. HELLO- there is a blog here! I love my computer, but it would be nice if something worked on a regular basis!

Well we are off to the Bay Area (Los Altos, CA to be exact) today! I love going on a plane. It is a firm conformation that we are going somewhere. I am to the point now that going anywhere is a thrill. It could be 30 min away and I would be happy. Anything to get out of the desert and this house :)

Well I hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Terrible Two's- Gotta Love Them!

12 more days folks and the kid is in preschool!! Too bad the first day isn't tomorrow :) Today she lied to me twice about where she put stuff. I am not sure if she lies because she doesn't want to get in trouble or if she doesn't even know what she is doing. I have no clue how to handle it. Any suggestions?? I just hope it is a phase like all the other things- oh god I hope so!!

Other that today was pretty slow. Went to playgroup at the annoying mom's house. She had a spread of food that made us all look bad for the stuff we put out at our houses. Hey, I don't have time to cut of cheese and fruit- give them fruit snacks and string cheese! Same thing right? (I am kidding by the way) It did make it easier since I didn't have to feed Julia lunch. She also went right to sleep when we got home.

Sorry that I am bitter today. I think I need this to make me happy- what do you think??

Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts

Thanks for reading!


-Amanda

Just Venting

Why do you always have to start your period before you either have to wear something nice or go on a trip?? Well we are going to the Bay Area this weekend for my SIL's baby shower and of course I get my little friend!! That means of whole extra bag of all the goodies that comes along with getting your friend! Just great!!! Alright just have to vent and I know at least one of you out there can relate! I am sure now on Google my blog will come up when people search having your period :)

I will post later since it is only 9 am here. And it is finally not hot- yippee!!!

-Amanda

It Could Only Happen to Me

Today Julia and I went to the park with a couple of my friends and their kids. It is so nice out here today (I probably just jinxed myself) that I wanted to get her outside in the fresh air. I had never been to the park where we went, but it was really nice. Well to make a long story short- I had told Julia to stay away from a mud hole that was in the grass beside the playground. Well I decided to turn my head for two seconds (shame on me!) and she was sitting in it. She was covered from head to toe in stinky swam mud! Of course this is the day that I had not brought a change of clothes, but I managed to clean her off in the drinking fountain and change her diaper and such. You would think my kid was a boy! Or that dirt just loves her because she is dirty all the time! I don't mind if she is going to be a tom-boy, but I hate when I buy cute, nice clothes and they just get ruined. Anyway, she took a bubble bath when we got home and now all is good :)

I read on Yahoo that the Japanese have invented a Fat-Busting Microwave. Hey if it works-sign me up! What will the world think of next? Maybe someday we will have robots like Rosie on "The Jetsons" I alwayes loved on Jane could change her hair and her make-up by just putting her head into a machine. Anything to make it easier to be pretty :)

Well I hope you are having a wonderful Monday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Oh Yes it's Ladies Night...

Last night was Mom's night out for my weekly playgroup. We do this sort of thing once a month and we always have so much fun! Well anyway, last night we went to Pechanga Casino- which is a Indian reservation out here. I swear we were transported to Las Vegas. One of the moms in the group just turned 21 (yes I said 21- she also has 2 children!) so we thought we would get her liquored up a bit for her birthday. Not only did she get drunk, but she also won like $75! None of us were that lucky- my machine said "Thanks for your money. Now go away!" I did manage to come home with $20 because my conscious got to me and told me not to waste my money. We had fun and I can not wait to take the hubby there.

Today we are going to Sea World with some of my family. My uncle works for Gerber and got some free tickets so they invited us. I don't think we would normally go, but hey it's free! It will be interesting to see if Julia takes to it. My mom is also going so we will have an extra set of hands and it will also let Jon and I go on some rides or something. Let's just hope Julia is my sweet angel when we are there :)

Well I hope everyone has a great Saturday and weekend! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Just me and the Kid

Today I decided to take Julia on a little adventure. It was hot here AGAIN today so we went to the coast. I was going to just hang out at the beach, but then I passed the Legoland sign and decided to go there instead. We had a blast! She sat really good in the stroller from ride to ride. They also have this huge play area for the little kids and she just ran around the whole time. It was nice break from the heat and it was nice to spend time with her (especially when she was well behaved)

On the way home I stopped at the drive thru Starbucks by the freeway, where I discovered my new favorite drink. The Blended Strawberry Creme- HELLO- so good! I am sure it has 100,000 calories, but I thought I would treat myself. I am sure it is a summer drink, so if you have yet to try one go soon or it will be gone :)



I am keeping my fingers crossed now that Julia will be good for the rest of the evening. Wish me luck! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

I hate when the days go by and I have nothing to report. Makes me hope that no one stops reading my blog because it is soooooo uneventful. I promise that I will get a life in the next couple of days so I can talk about that all the time :)

I did though have a good day today. We went to playgroup in the morning and then went shopping after Julia's nap. I HAD (not really) go to Old Navy and stock up on short sleeved t-shirts before they take them away. I have a question- why do stores take away all the summer stuff before it is even over? I live where it is 100 degrees till the end of September and that last thing I want to look at is sweaters and jeans. They should tailor stores to area and climate. If I was president that would be the first thing on my list :)

Well that is about it folks. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Not a Whole Lot

Typical Tuesday over here. Went to a play date, Julia had a breakdown in the car because I didn't have any juice, cleaned the dishwasher out, folded laundry. That is about it so far. Awe the joys of being a stay at home mom. Doing everything for everybody with nothing in return. Nah, I don't really feel that way, but sometimes I wish that the house would magically clean it's self and my kid would be good all the time. I can always dream- right??

I signed up the kiddo for part time preschool yesterday. I think she is going to love it and hopefully thrive there. She will have 3 friends in her class, which I think will make the adjustment a little easier. She needs other interaction than just me most of the time. Just makes me a little sad- she is growing up so fast :)

Hopefully your Tuesday is more exciting than mine. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Diapers Suck!

I am getting serious today about the whole potty training thing. I must for my own sanity! If I change another diaper I am likely to lose it! So I am hoping some of you can help- what can I do to make this easier on Julia and myself? I kinda have an idea where to start, but I am not sure. Ideas and stories on how you did it or what you have heard from others would be greatly appreciated :)

This weekend was a good one. My in-laws came on Saturday and it was great. Julia just loves them so much and I love that she does. It makes my day when she does her little show off moves for them. She dances, sings, or just shows off toys for them when they are here. Very cute and extremely funny! I did get my break- thank god! My friend Leila and I went to Thai food for lunch (yellow curry- my favorite) and then we went and got the pedicure of a lifetime! It too like an hour and half, but it was wonderful. I would put a picture of what my toes look like since they are so cute with little flowers and such, but feet pics are gross! Not something to view on a blog, unless that is your sort of thing (wink, wink) Then I came home and we barbecued some steaks- yummy! So that was my weekend, noting too exciting!

Well I hope you all had a great weekend and can deal with Monday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

PS Man that was a boring post :)

Storm Watch 2004- Yeah right!

In Southern CA we hardly get any kind of weather besides sunny or cloudy. And when we do get any kind of special weather all the news stations freak out and report from different locations. Well today was one of those days. I awoke around 6:45 to a loud rumbling noise. I got up and assumed it was the construction sight near our house making all the noise. Well to my surprise there was a flash in the sky! We were actually having thunder and lightning. I grab the camera and looked outside and this is what I saw:

I then turned on the news and it they were having "Storm Watch 2004". Lets' freak everyone out now! Well it lasted about an hour and after that it was sunny again. No wonder why people think people from CA are "different". We get excited over this! Well anyway, it was a nice break from the heat, yet it continued to be hot for the rest of the day :)

Today has also been the day where I am officially DONE. I need a mommy break as they say. Terrible twos have reared it's ugly head. Today Julia took a whole tube of Desitin (diaper rash cream)from my dresser and smeared it all over herself, my bed, my bedside table, and the carpet. And from where I was I could see her the whole time, but had no clue she was doing this until I smelled it. Desitin is the worst stuff to try and get off anything- took me three tries to get it off the carpet. Mind you this all happened at 9 am- great start of the day. So this weekend I am going to go and escape for awhile. Maybe I will go and get my toes done or go to Barnes and Noble and read. Whatever it is I need it and will enjoy every last bit of it :)

Well I hope you all had a better Friday than I did. May your weekend be fabulous!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Calling all 80's children!

I loved this quiz!! I got 101.5 on it, but it took me 45 min. because I had to sing all the songs! Have fun!

Alright- I Have Had Enough!

So another day out in desert suburbia and it is freaking 104 degrees!!!! I am going to melt away and never be able to post to my blogger again! Okay, so there are two things that are so bad when it is hot that it makes it ten times worse:
1) Having a two year old that doesn't want to stay home in the air conditioning
2) Having a two year old that doesn't want to stay home at all- EVER!

I have been creating things for us to do inside and I have been letting her do whatever she wants for the most part, yet she is still not satisfied. Someday I hopes she learns the importance of air conditioning :)

To get her out today I drove to my grandma's house which is about 45 min. away. I love her so much!! We went to the mall and got all of Julia's bedding for her big girl bed. It is so girlie (green and purple). I remember getting my first real bedroom set when I was 6. It was Strawberry Shortcake- I loved it! I still have my pillowcase from that bedding. Aw the good old days :)

Well kids- Sorry if I am bitter lately. The heat has gone to my head! Hope you are all having a great Wednesday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Nothing much

So Julia and I checked out her future preschool today. It is totally brand new and clean- I loved it! Now it will take my husband some convincing, but I am sure I can do it :) Julia also loved it so much that she didn't want to leave. I guess we will have to see- I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Other than that- nothing much else going on. I have been super tired lately and kinda grumpy. I have no clue why? I am not pregnant- at least I don't think so. I think it is because it is so hot here that I am bored, which would make my cranky. Maybe it is also because my kid is going through a throwing of her toys stage and it always seems to be right at my head! Oh well, I am sure I will get over it :)

Well I promise to have more for you all. Thanks for reading though :)

-Amanda

Some info

I got this little quiz from Amanda (which she got from someone else.) I thought it was a cute way to give out some info about me :) Thanks Amanda!


FIRST
First best friend: Anne Tenwick
First date: Jon Gill when I was 15. Went to see Aladdin- kissed the whole time, so I didn't see the movie :)
First break: Jon Gill- told him in a note
First self purchased album: Bobby Brown- My Provocative. Heyit was cool once :)
My First funeral: My grandpa's when I was 17
First pets: Cat named Herbie
First piercing/tattoo: Pierced ears at 10. Tattoo at 18
First enemy: Allison Bird. Dated my boyfriend in high school before me. Hated her!

CURRENT
Current best friend: Summer Gardner
Current status: Married
Current song: "All star" By Smashmouth. I have been watching way too much "Shrek"
Current thoughts: Can I go to bed?
Current emotions: Happy
Current wonder: Am I going to make it till 9 pm to watch "Six Feet Under"?
Current instrument: none
Current need: Sleep

LAST
Last cigarette: Last night. I know I am bad :(
Last kiss: Today
Last good cry: My birthday- long story!
Last movie seen : "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"
Last beverage: Diet Coke
Last food consumed: Chicken fried rice
Last phone call: To my friend Erin
Last tv show watched: "Barefoot Contessa"
Last shoes: My black flip flops
Last item bought: Baby shower gifts for Gabs
Last annoyance: My kid feeding our cat hotdogs soaked in apple juice. The future chef that she is :)
Last disappointment: My couch was not coming till Monday
Last ice cream: Butter pecan custard
Last time wanting: to go to Hawaii
Last shirt worn: My brown tank top
Last website: Miss Amanda's!

Hello My name is Amanda and I am...

Okay so I figured my blog would be the perfect place to tell the world that I am addicted to...Reality TV. Any show that shows people creating drama, I am so there! My latest show I have been watching is "Big Brother 5" Yes, I know, it is the bottom of the barrel of shows, but for someone reason I am into watching it. There is something about seeing what people do all day while they sit in a house with a bunch of other people. Plus, there are a bunch of jackasses on that show that make it interesting to watch.

You know as I am reading my last paragraph, it just occurred to me that I either need to get a healthy additction, like shoes, or I need to get a life! But in the spirit of things- Tell me about your shameful addictions???? I know we all have them and it would be interesting to see what you have to say. No judgments here either. How can I judge- my additction is horrible :)

Have a great weekend!

-Amanda

I am Big Girl Now!

AW it brings tears to my eyes, but my little baby girl is now a big girl! I just started to notice it in the last week or so. I had bought her a Disney Princess purse with fake make up in thinking that she would just play with it and move on like all her other toys. No such luck- the purse must come with us every where! She also puts on the fake makeup when we are going out, just like I would. She also "cooks" in her little kitchen and serves the food complete with utensils and a drink. And to top it off, we have purchased a "Big Girl" bed. It will not come till next week, but I am sure I will be sad when Jon takes down the crib. Both of us actually got all sad lying in bed last night talking about it. I know that I have talked about wanting her to be bigger, but when it starts to happen, it is such a change. Soon she will be going to school, getting a car, going on dates, and going to college! I must mentally prepare for all of that :)

I went to Cost Co yesterday and spent out life savings! Not really, but it always feels that way when I leave. I did get a booster seat for the plane when we go to the Bay area at the end of the month. It is so light weight and it was $25.00- I thought that was a pretty good deal. I also got a whole bunch of crap I didn't need, yet had to have :) They hubby was happy though with is big can of mixed nuts. See if I get him something that he likes the buying the rest of it is okay. Just a little trick I learned :)

Well gang- I hope you all have a great Thursday! The weekend is just around the corner :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Must go outside...

I am sitting here singing the "Dora the Explorer" theme song! That is when you know:

1. Your kid watches way too much TV
2. You watch way too much TV
3. You need to go play outside
4. Oprah is calling you to come and watch her show instead of "Blue's Clues"

It is so gorgeous here today! Julia and I had swim class and now I am looking outside at the park and thinking that we should go and play! It is very hot here in the summer, but this week it has been high 70's with a nice breeze. It is park weather! So I am going to be a good mom and take the kid outside!

So on my sis in-laws blogger she mentioned that she was going to make homemade twinkes for her husbands b-day dessert. I was so excited that you can actually buy the molds and the filling from Williams- Sonoma and make them yourself. Chocolate ones at that! I will let you know how she said they turned out! If they are good, I will be purchasing my own set!

Well I hope you all have a great Tuesday- Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Painting Sucks-AGAIN

Ugh- I hate painting! We now have to do all the trim and touch up the ceilings and such. I am being good by taping everything, but I hate it! I wish we could have hired someone to paint, but that would have cost us 10 times more than it would if we did it ourselves. I also hate all the labor involved. I am more of the decorating kind. I like to buy all the stuff and point to where I what to put it. So sad, but true! I will do it though so I can help and make things easier that way.

Other than that, we had an awesome time at our weekend away. All we did for two days was swim, eat, nap, swim again, eat again, go to sleep. Julia also loved the water! She was swimming all over the place. I am very proud of her having no fear and having so much more confidence in the water. I can not wait till I can lay out while I am watching her swim. Oh the things I aspire to be- the mom who watches and doesn't participate! I think that I am just looking forward to her having some kind of independence and being her own person. I hope I don't sound like a bad mom, just one that looks forward to seeing her child grow. Well anyway, we had a good time and it was nice to spend quality time with the family.

Well I hope you all had a great weekend and are braving Monday- Thanks for reading!!

-Amanda

Taking a Mini Vacation

So I am been such a freak about my blogger lately!  Changing and tweaking it so much that I don't even want to look at it anymore.  I am still trying to fix and I did make my husband help me.  He is so proud that I am trying to learn something he already knows that know he is trying to be all "teacher" about it.  But hey- I will take all the help I can get!  (I am so mean!  I love my husband very much)

We are leaving tomorrow morning for Palm Springs for a mini vacation.  We are staying that the La Quinta Resort and I am so excited.  We are also determined to teach Julia how to swim.  She is about 80% there, but still struggles a bit.  It would be so cool if she felt confident enough to swim without any help.  She is also so cute in her little bathing suit and she just loves the water.  As for the husband and I, it will be just nice to get away and not look at the house for awhile.  We have done nothing but do things to the house and I am done (for now that is!)  I am also looking forward to getting a bit of a tan since it will be well over 100 out there in the desert!

Well I hope you all have a great Friday and weekend!  Thanks for all of your advice my page.   

Problems

So I think this new template might have problems for some of you.  Please let me know.  I have no idea how to fix it, but maybe I can tweak it a bit and see what happens :)  New to this whole html thing and my husband knows it all, yet doesn't want to come home at night and help me :(  I am sure I figure out a way to MAKE him help me!

Anyway, I went to a Purse Party last night and got the cutest purse!  I really needed one (not) since I was using my Target on sale backpack.  I was so afraid when I went to the party they would be pushing you to buy, but that was the not the case at all.  I saw the purse, picked it up, and paid for it- very simple.  On the way home from the party, my friend and I decided to stop by our brand new Krispy Kreme and have a hot FREE doughnut.  It was my friend's first time having a Krispy Kreme so it was fun to see her try it.  Man they are good when they are hot and fresh :) 

Well I am off to playgroup.  Julia has to work off the sugar from the doughnut I gave her this morning.  Not a smart mommy thing to do, but she loved it :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Another New Template

Okay so this is new template #2.  Please let me know if this works.  Also let me know if you like the colors and if you like the stripes!

Thanks!

-Amanda

New Template

Alright- I need your help!  Please let me know what you think of this new template.  I am having a hard time accepting it. :)  So maybe if you guys can let me know what you like and don't like, I can change it or scrap it. 

Thank you so much!

-Amanda

Tired!

Long weekend folks!  It was good and tiring!  I can not wait to go to sleep tonight!

Anyway, Saturday I woke up at 5:30 am so that I could go sit in line and register Julia for swimming lessons.  Yes- 5:30 am!  Out here where I live people wait for hours to sign their kids up for cheap swimming lessons.  My friend and I were about 50th in line and we got there 2 hours before registration.  Last year I was about 100th in line and got the last spot for Julia's level.  The things parents do for their kids, but I think it is important for her to learn how to swim.  She almost does so I am thankful that I am able to get in this year.  Then my mom in-law called and they had traveled up to their house in the bay area, but she had left her cell phone plugged in at their apartment.  So we loaded up the car and drove 1.5 hours to go and unplug it for her.  She has done so much for us that we had to go.  Julia was the perfect angel the whole time.  On our way home we decided to make a night out of it so we went to Knott's Berry Farm.  It was so hot and crowed, but Julia was so excited to see everything.  We had a good time and when we came home we all passed out.

Luckily today we didn't really have much to do so we all got to rest a bit.  But boy is the bed looking good to me right now.  I have to stay up though to watch "Six Feet Under" because I think it is the last one.  So today was pretty lazy, but I was super happy about that.

Well that was my weekend.  I am looking forward to this week because I don't have much planned and I like it that way. 

Hope everyone had a good weekend too- Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

 

 

Lazy

I have been super lazy with the whole blogger lately.  I always think about something to write, yet when the time comes I have forgotten.  I have no clue where my brain is lately.   I need a wee break I guess.  Maybe I will catch a movie by myself this weekend.  And to be honest going to the movies alone is so nice. 

I had my friend's surprise baby shower yesterday and it went pretty well.  We did it the same time as our playgroup so she would have no idea.  It was good, but it is hard to do anything when there are 11 6 months- 2 years old children running around.  My house was a disaster.  Good thing I like to clean I guess :)

So my favorite show on the Food Network is "Paula's Home Cooking"- if you "couldn't tell.  I talk about her all the time.  Well anyway, I am a super sweet freak and she makes the best.  Of course they all contain 7 lb.s of butter and sugar (not really, but she does use a lot), but always makes the down home southern kind.  I have never been to the south so that is how a picture it to be- lots of good home cooking.  Well today she made the most wonderful Lemon Meringue pie!  That is one of my all time favorites!  I think a pie is in my future.


Well I hope everyone had a good Thursday- thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Just One of Those Days

Today I wish I had wings and I could fly right out of here!  Ever feel like that??  I slept horrible last night and have no clue why.  I am hosting a surprise baby shower tomorrow for a friend of mine so maybe deep inside I am stressed about it.  I didn't think I was and it is a pot luck so it is not like I have to do much.  I think tonight is a two beer night so I can fall into a blissful sleep :)
 
Has anyone watch the show Airline on the A&E Network?  I caught a marathon a couple Sundays ago and I watched it last night.  It is a reality show about airport employees for Southwest Airlines.  That has to be the worst job ever!  We fly Southwest when it is a quick trip somewhere, but I could never imagine flying it for more then 2 hours.  Anyway, it is a very interesting show- one to watch :)
 
It is so hot here today, but I am craving chili so that is what I am making for dinner.  It is one of the hubby's favorites.  Also when you have the air conditioning on all day, I have no clue how hot it is outside, so it will be good to eat.  I am also thinking of making something with lime Jello.  Sounds so cool and refreshing :)
 
Well I hope everyone is having a good day!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda

A Weekend with no Blogging

I didn't blog at all this weekend.  Maybe because there was nothing too special to report.  My in- laws came on Saturday, which was nice.  I have the best in-laws in the world!  They are so great and they love Julia so much.  I got very lucky in that department.  Then yesterday we did nothing but putter around the house doing some paint touch up and such.  See- nothing special! 
 
I found the most interesting article today on yahoo about how dying your hair could increase your risk of leukemia.  Does everything have to give you cancer?  I remember a couple years ago when they said french fries give you cancer.  What's next- chocolate, sex, sleeping??  It always has to be something :) 
 
Well I hope you all have a great Monday- I wish it was still Saturday :)
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda 

 

PS I didn't get to the dim sum.  Too hot here to try and cook anything hard.  I still want to give it a try though!
   
 

Poor Martha??

So I want to know what everyone thinks about Martha Stewart getting 5 months jail and 5 month house arrest.  What do you think that odds are that she will write her autobiography while she is in custody and then sell it and make millions of dollars??  Would you buy her book?  I wouldn't- I just care about her recpies and entertaining tips.  Alright that is my rant for the day :)
 
Post more later for sure!
 
-Amanda

Nothing Really to Report

Is it just me or is blogger a little different today?  I can change font and colors today- never noticed it before.  Well anyway, nothing to really say today.  I did noticed that I have all of this hits on here, but no one likes to comment :(  I love to read what people say so don't be shy- let me know :)  
 
So I did some cleaning today! So exciting my life is.  I am trying to be good since I am spending money on decorating the house.  That way Jon will never noticed that I have bought something new because he will be blinded by the sparkling clean floor.  Well that is my hope anyway.   When I was growing up my mom would buy stuff and then take the tags off and put it in the laundry basket like it was just clean clothes.  Or she would make my dad something extra special for dinner and then break the news to him about what she bought.  I am not that bad.  I do ask if I can spend, but sometimes I don't.  So I think there is nothing wrong with buttering up the husband a little :) 
 
I am thinking about trying to make Dim Sum this weekend.  I love it so much!  Here is a recipe that I found from Tyler Florence.  Looks so good!  If anybody has made Dim Sum before I would be interested in knowing any tips or recipes :)

 
Hope you all had a good day!!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda

 

My 50th Post!!!

I have to say that this is the first journal type thing I have ever kept. Well that does not include the "Hello Kitty" diary I had in sixth grade. I don't even think I filled it up so it is cool to me that I have been able to keep up with the blog! Yeah for me :)

It is hot AGAIN here- hate it so much! It is the kind of hot that you either stay in the house or if you need to go somewhere you run from your car to the store. Our community pool has helped so I am thankful for that!

So I just read on Yahoo that Courtney Love was admitted to an (as they call) "institution". Well duh?? I could have told you she needed that a long time ago. Hopefully she will get the help that she needs :)

I just saw a pic of the sis on her blog of her pregnant belly. Love it ! I can not wait to see her next month for her baby shower.

Well kids I am off to laundry hell- three loads to fold- YUCK!!! Have an awesome day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

One more thing- here is an article about whether or not it is easier to raise a boy or a girl. Interesting stuff!

What a Difference a Day Makes!!

So much better today! I am not sure if yesterday was the lack of sleep from the night before or that I was so sore from painting all weekend. Whatever it was had passed- thank god :) Anyway, the whole downstairs in finally finished and we love it. There are so spots that need touch up, but that is the easy part. The color is a little darker than I thought, but it totally works! I also got my side table I ordered from the Bombay Company so the living room is coming together!

It is so hot here today! We had such a mellow June that I think we are making up for it now. I have to turn my air on at 8 am and it runs till we go to bed. There is a $300 electric bill waiting for me I just know it. I am going to take Julia swimming today to try and beat the heat. Maybe I will get a little tan out of it :)

Julia also said "I love you" for the first time this weekend. It was so cute that I think my husband got tears in his eyes. So has been an angel (hope I just didn't jinx myself) this last week that I want to hug her all day long. It is so amazing when they start to talk like a kid instead of a baby. I can not wait for her to grow up, yet I miss the baby in her too :)

Well I hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Is today over yet???

I am having a bad day. Not kid related, which is sooo nice :) It is just been bad and I want to go to sleep to start all over! So I will not bore everyone with all the gory details! I hope everyone is having a better day :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

In 1976 (the year you were born)

Gerald Ford is president of the US The US celebrates its bicentennial, marking the 200th anniversary of its independence The Viking II sets down on Mars' Utopia Plains Promising, "I will never lie to you," Jimmy Carter is elected president of the United States Israeli commandos rescue hostages from Entebbe, Uganda The Concorde begins flights from New York to Europe George W. Bush is arrested and fined for driving under the influence of alcohol Cray-1, the first commercially developed supercomputer, is invented by Seymour Cray Freddie Prinze Jr., Reese Witherspoon, Colin Farrell, 50 Cent, Fred Savage, and Shannon Elizabeth are born Cincinnati Reds win the World Series Pittsburgh Steelers win Superbowl X Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup Rocky is the top grossing film Filming begins on George Lucas' Star Wars The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins is published The Eagles Their Greatest Hits compilation becomes the first album in history to be certified platinum "Tonight's The Night" by Rod Stewart spends the most time at the top of the US chart Charlie's Angels and The Muppet Show premiere

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings

Got this from Miss. J and thought it was cool! I know 28 may not be old, but I am beginning to feel that way everyday. I even found a gray hair the other day! I think my kid gave it too me :)

-Amanda

Painting Sucks!

I am taking a break from all the painting going on around here so that my poor feet can take a rest. The hubby and I went to a wedding last night and we were there till midnight. My shoes of course hurt so bad that I could hardly feel my feet when we got into the car to go home. Anyway, we were up at 7 am to start painting. Painting is hard and it sucks! I do like the color though :) My mom came so that she could watch Julia for us. Love her for that! Well Jon is back from Lowes with more paint so I should go help.

I hope to post more later :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

I found these little chocolate purses in my Bon Appetite magazine this morning. Aren't they the cutest! These ones are made with all milk chocolate and the filling is ganache flavored with honey. I just love when chocolate comes in cute packages!

Nothing to report today. BORING! Did get a Rubio's fish taco today and that made me very happy!

Happy Birthday to Amanda- not me I am #2. Hope she has an awesome day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

It is hot today!!!

I had my weekly playgroup today and it was so hot we all left after an hour. The funny thing is that is not sunny outside- just hot and sticky, which I think is worse! Also Julia is insisting on wearing her "Dora the Explorer" nightgown today, so she looks very special. I guess this when it starts- they have a mind of their own. I can not wait till she wants to wear her bathing suit to the store or her clothes don't match when she goes to school! So funny!

We got all of our paint for the downstairs. We are painting a sage green color. I just hope that I like it and it is a good color for the whole entire downstairs. We will see I guess. I will take pics and try to post them so you can see what I am talking about!

I don't know if I have ever talked about my job, but I have one that allows me to work from home. I do research for Tony Robbins for the book he is writing. I don't work directly with him, but a girl who is his research assistant. She is so awesome and I love the things that she asks me find out about. I feel like I am learning new stuff all the time. For example, today I had to find out the amount of murders in NYC for a typical year. Weird stuff like that. I love to do it because I am able to use my head for adult things for a change. Also it does not take away from my time with Julia because I do it when she naps. I also think that I have a college degree why not use it for a change :)

Well I hope everyone had a great day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

What a Good Wife I am... Well today that is

So we are going to paint our entire downstairs this weekend and I was kinda bored today so I taped all the trim and doors. I also cleaned out all of our kitchen cabinets and wiped down the counter tops. When Jon (the hubby) came home he was beside himself! So as a reward he took Julia out for a while so I could have "me" time. I love "me" time- I can watch the food channel uninterrupted! Oh the little things in life that can make one happy :)

What is up with Blogger lately too? It has taken me like six times to get on today! Must be all those people who have decided to share their lives through the computer. I love it! I like to read blogs and find out what is happening. I have also meant so many great people too!

Well I am off to see if Tyler's Ultimate is on. He is so cute and he cooks- I just love that in a man :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Your Icecream Flavour is... Cookies 'n Cream!

Smooth and creamy with a few rough bits mixed in, you are a real treat! You are probably very popular amongst your friends. Remember too much of a good thing is not always good! Don't lay it on too thick!

What is your Icecream Flavour?

Find out at Go Quiz


I guess that is what flavor I am. Pretty close-makes me kinda wonder...

Lowes- What a place!

So we made a trip to Lowes today and spent more money of course. We got a screen door which I am excited about. Where I live it gets to be about 100-110 during the summer and I hate running the air conditioning all day long. The screen door will make a nice air flow in the mornings and evenings. I can hear my husband cursing down stairs, so I think it was a bitch to put in! I also got some new light fixtures for my kitchen light and dining room light. I can not wait till those are up. I hope it will give our track home some much needed character!

Our 4th was great- BBQ, friends, and fireworks! Super mellow, just the way I like it! I would like every holiday to consist of BBQ chicken and paper plates. Would make it so much easier :) I hope everyone had a good time yesterday!

Well that is all for now- Have a good Monday :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Happy Saturday!!

Today I took my friend Leila for her birthday (which is really not until August) to the musical "Movin' Out" It was so awesome! The music is all Billy Joel songs and the dancers act out a story to the music. I swear those dancer guys has the best butts I have ever seen! It was really good and Leila was so excited I took her!

Other than that, came home and had take out Chinese with the family. Tomorrow I am cooking since people are coming over here. So nice to not have to go anywhere when you have a small child. This way she will be in her own environment and I will not have to make sure so doesn't get into anything at someone's house. We are going to BBQ and I think I will make sausage and peppers- Yummy! I also hope we can see some fireworks. Just isn't the 4th of July without them!

I hope everyone has a good time tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Well here is my template- at least for now! I got it from Blogskins. I had to work out some bugs, but I think I finally did it! Very girly I say too! Let me know what you think or if there are things that might need more tweaking :)

I am going to day to go see my best friend Summer who I have not seen in 10 months! I am so excited. She has a little boy and so Julia will have someone to play with. I just hope the weather is nice.

Well I hope everyone has a great holiday! Eat, drink, and be festive!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Wanna Be Domestic Goddess

I had some friends and their children over today and I made the all time best white trash lunch ever-Kraft mac and cheese. Oh you can not get enough of powdered cheese and noodles! Anyway, it got me thinking- There should be a show on the Food Network that basically teaches how to cook with a budget and things that are fast and easy. It would be the poor man's Martha Stewart! Although if I could I would do things her way (entertaing wise, not business wise)

We bought a new couch over the weekend for my formal living room we are re-doing. I got some chairs and this couch has kinda a Bali vibe to it. So we decided that is the theme of the room. Now only if I can go to Bali and see it for myself :)


I hope everyone has a groovy Thursday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Ever feel like you have nothing to blog about? Well today is one of those days. Also I have been soooooo negative in my recent posts that I need to stop that- Bad Amanda! Anyway, I hope I have not discouraged anyone from reading :(

We went for ice cream tonight which was awesome. I have a different kind of shake everytime I go and tonight it was peanut butter. Yummy! See I really have nothing to blog about today :)

Well I hope everyone had a good Tuesday!

Thanks for reading (or for continuing to read)

-Amanda


pS- Saw this on "Paula's Home Cooking" it is called Is it Better than Sex?Cake. Looks and sounds good, but is it really better...

Oh no it's Monday!

Gosh it seems like the weekend went so fast! We had such a good one too that I didn't want it to end. I went shopping with my mom on Saturday and it was a success! I found dress to wear to my friend's wedding so I am happy about that. Then yesterday we just hung out and went swimming all day! The weather is great lately that I feel bad if I don't take Julia outside for at least a couple hours a day. Oh and Julia has been so good that I think she is making up for last week. I just thank my lucky stars when that happens!

I also found out that I am going to my an aunt twice in 3 months! My two sister in laws are pregnant and I am so excited! I have never been an aunt before so I plan to be the best there is! I also like that is has taken the pressure off me to have another baby for a while. Where I live it is like a requirement to have two kids in two years. I think I need to gain back some sanity before I have another. If I had one now I would be in the looney bin!

Well I hope everyone gets through their Monday! Just think- 3 day weekend in four days!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

I love Friday!

So I am in a much better mood today. Julia finally ate something- yippee! I think she is on the track to getting better! I am so happy about that. I feel like a I have been a terrible mommy the last couple of days, but I think today I will make up for that. I see the park in our future!

Anyway, in my days indoors this week, I decided to do a little web surfing. I found this site that supposedly all the celebs shop at (there is a store in LA) It is called Intuition. Well they had these bowls that this lady made to make dieting easier and more discrete. I am not a fan of dieting, but they are super cool. Takes the guess work out and they are cute bowls too.

Tonight I am going on with the girls, which I am looking forward to. I am part of a moms group that gets together once a week so our kids can play. Then once a month we go out for dinner and drinks. I am so happy to be part of this group. Everyone is so nice and they are there when you need them. It also nice to have someone who is going through the same stuff that you are.

Well I hope everyone has an awesome Friday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

So today was pretty much the same as yesterday- sick and more sick. I did manage to get out of the house which is good for my mood. Julia is also taking a really long nap so that helps :)

So since I really have nothing else to talk about today I thought I would list the things that I love in hopes of helping me get out of my funk.

I love...
My family
popcorn
cold coke
hot showers
peanut butter and chocolate anything
fried chicken
flip flops
oreos
pina coladas
vacations
getting my toes done
new shoes
Julia's laugh
"When Harry Met Sally"


Okay those are just a few. That did make me feel a bit better. Maybe I should find something I love and either do it or eat it!

Well I hope everyone Thursday was super!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Ps I did get excepted into the Blogging Mommies web ring- cool beans!

Stuck inside today

Julia woke up with a stuffy nose and a low fever so I guess I am stuck inside today. It means too that there is no excuse for me not to fold the laundry or clean the bathrooms :( I am such a whiner-I guess I get that from my kid!

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

-Amanda

PS I promise I am a really nice person. I just hate days like this :)

Cats have feelings too!

We have a cat named Poe that is pushing almost 28 lbs. He has an eating disorder (or at least we think he does) and is allergic to everything. Julia is only 26 lbs. so he is huge!! Anyway, I took him to the groomer this morning to get shaved and she rejected him because of his size. Now is that kitty discrimination or what?? So funny that in our society humans are always rejected because of their size- now cats are too! It is actually kinda funny, but I would never say that in front of Poe. He made need therapy!

Well today has been super good besides the whole cat thing. Went and spent more money at Target again, but this time I only got what I needed. So I was a good girl! I am still working on getting a new template- maybe I will figure out how to do it myself. Then I can call myself computer savvy!

Well I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Well I hope everyone had a great Father's Day! As for my family, we just hung out and had a special dinner of Kentucky Fried Chicken- on my husband's request. I was going to cook something, but I was being lazy. KFC is good, but I think it is a once a year thing because I tend to feel like crap after we eat it. Too much grease I guess!
Julia was a prefect angel this weekend and I am hoping this is not just a phase. Someone told me that kids start to mellow out after they have out you through the ringer for 2 years. Please let this be true!!! I am sure I will be posting later that she threw some kind of fit or something! Let's keep our fingers crossed that I won't!

Well Mondays are boring so I have nothing else to report. I am cooking from the Barefoot Contessa's cookbook tonight. She has really easy recipes and they are so good!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

PS- Does anyone know where I can get a cool new template for this page. I am bored of this one already and everyone has such cool ones but me :(

Husbands can be good! I swear!

My computer has been really messed up all day and thanks to the intelligence of my hubby he fixed it! Goes to show that men are good for something :) But we think it was the program HELLO that blogger recommends to download so you can put pictures on your blog. So I am warning those who use it or are thinking about using it.

Okay enough about computer stuff. Julia and I are going to see "Dora the Explorer" live on stage tomorrow with my Dad. So I figured the husband gets a day to himself and grandpa gets the kid for the day- Happy Father's Day! Didn't have to spend any money this year :) I did get cards for them so I am not that cheap (ha ha) Other than that nothing new and exciting (as usual) going on. I feel like a Sunday dinner this weekend. You know where I cook something awesome and we eat at like 3 pm. Now I just have to figure out what to cook!

Well I hope everyone had a good Friday! Look Saturday is almost here- my favorite!

-Amanda

Take the quiz: "Which Random Irish Gaelic Phrase Are You? "

Is maith liom bananai
Is maith liom bananai - 'I like bananas.' You're laid-back and you enjoy the simple things in life. Some might say you're a little too laid-back. Just what is it you're smoking, anyway?

Found this one on Jeanne's site today. Doesn't sound too much like me, but I love it! Take a shot and see what you are :)

-Amanda

There is a show on the Food Network called "Paula's Home Cooking" and I love it. She makes everything with like 3 pounds of butter and 8 cups of sugar. Anyway, this morning I was watching her and she was making grilled chicken, but then when she got to dessert I could not believe my eyes and ears. She made Bill Nicholson's Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce- um hello??? Does not sound so rich that it makes your lips pucker at the sound of it! Well here is the recipe if anyone is interested and if you do make it please let me know how it turned out!



I will post more later...

I don't know where all my money goes...Well maybe I do!

I have this problem with the store Target or maybe I just have a shopping problem. It just seems like everytime I go in there I come out with a whole bunch of crap and it cost me $100! Well I went today and bought a whole bunch of stuff, but of course forgot the one thing I went in for. I hate that. I think I will start a support group for Target shoppers- anyone care to join?

Today Julia was a perfect angel which just means that I am in for it tomorrow. I think that when kids are 2 they allow themselves a couple days a week to be good. Just enough so you don't give them away when they are naughty. I love the good days- makes me just want to kiss her all day long!

Well I hope everyone had a great Wednesday! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Do you ever think that sometimes your kid might be weird? Or that things that they do are so odd that they leave you wondering "why do they do that?" Well mine has this new obsession with sprinklers and the hose. Like she just wants to stand in front of them and get wet or she just wants to carry around the hose even when it is off. I find this odd, but then at the same time maybe it means that she will be a fire person some day or she will love to garden. I don't know, but she throws a fit if I try to remove her from the sprinkler or hose. Oh well, I sure next week it will be something else!

I was reading my mags (as usual) and I found this recipe for Ginger Lime Coconut Cake with Marshmellow frosting from Bon Appetit. Sounds so good I almost ate the page. Here is a pic! Enjoy!

Have a good Tuesday!

-Amanda

Okay so I am dealing with this low carb thing that everyone seems to be raving about, but now the one thing that gets me through my day is becoming low carb too? So sad. Well for you low carb lovers here is new C2- low carb Coke. I still will drink the full carb sugary stuff because I believe that a cold coke will solve most of your problems!

I hope everyone survived their Monday!

-Amanda

Nada mucho going on today. Lazy Sunday is what we like to call it! I hope everyone is able to do that!

One of my really good friends just moved back to her home state of Wisconsin last month (I miss you Jessica!) Anyway, I talked to her yesterday and she told me that they went to a thing called "Dairy Days" and she had deep fried cheese curd. What the heck? Only in the mid west would you find something like that. Sounds good to me! But what are cheese curds??

"cheese curds are fresh, young cheddar cheese in the natural, random shape and form before being processed into blocks and aged"

Sounds good to me- now how do I make them???

Deep Fried Cheese Curds

"Straight out of Wisconsin, fried cheese curds are a favorite at carnivals and fairs. They look like little balls of popcorn and taste like cheese! Use up to 2 pounds of cheese curds with this recipe."


1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 pound cheese curds
1 quart oil for frying


1 In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the eggs and milk. Mix until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner batter. Coat the cheese curds with the batter.
2 Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated cheese curds approximately 1 minute each, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Makes 24 Servings


Yummy, but kinda scary at the same time :)

-Amanda

Nothing really new to report to today. Went to Julia's little friend's birthday party- yeah so now my kid is so sugared up she will not be taking a nap today! That should make the night time very interesting!

On a side note, was doing some channel surfing last night and noticed that we had a free weekend of Showtime. Of course there were no good movies on (why? cause it is free),but there was a Britney Spears concert on. Well being that I was tired and bored, I watched a little bit of it and boy was it...( I just can not think of a word- absurd maybe?) She actually has a song called "Touch of my Hand" and I will give you one guess what that is about. I am not a prude or anything and I guess it no worse than Madonna when I was young, but it was really bad. I just feel for the moms that brought their 10 and 11 year olds thinking "Oh yeah Britney Spears" and then having to sit through something like that. Hopefully my daughter is like her daddy and enjoys good old rock and roll!

Well I hope everyone is having a good Saturday!

-Amanda

PS- I hope I did not offend any Britney Spears fans. I did like her first song if that makes you feel better :)

Okay I don't want people thinking that I am an alcoholic, but a friend of mine gave a recipe for something called "sun rum". Well let's just say that it makes a great Pina Colada. So I thought I would share for those who like a cocktail every once and awhile.

1 bottle dark rum
1 bottle light rum
1 bottle Malibu rum
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 very ripe almost brown bananas

Put into a large container and let sit in sun for three days. After that make sure you sift it so that the bananas come out! Enjoy!

Sounds like a lot, but it is really good! Two cocktail posts in one day- must be Friday!

-Amanda

Ever have one of those days that you need a cocktail before happy hour?? Well I am having one of those I can not decided if I should drink or run away! Actually this whole week has kinda been like that. And to think that a 2 year old child could make me feel this way! Am I a terrible mother??

Julia had swim lessons today and she really enjoys them, but something went wrong today that made her freak out! No clue what is was, but for the whole 45 min. class she screamed and cried. I should have left, but then the cheapness in me was like "You paid for it you better go." So I was so frustrated when we left! Now that Julia is napping I feel bad for being that way. Aw the joys of motherhood :) Maybe there is a good movie on Lifetime that will help clear my head. The women on those movies always have way bigger problems. Those movies are also good to fold laundry to!

I hope everyone has an awesome Friday!

Thanks for reading
-Amanda

I have this small obsession with celebrity magazines (food ones as well) As Miranda on "Sex and the City" said "It's my thing, leave me alone." Well anyway, eventhough I enjoy reading them, I am sick of things about Jennifer Lopez. Does anyone else think that she has some issues??

Julia and I went to McDonalds today so that she could play on the playground inside there. Totally crazy nuts in that place. I am not a big fan of giving your kid fast food all the time, but desperate times call for desperate measures! Other than that I might watch my shows I Tivoed a couple nights ago. Don't want to do any house work today. Yuck! Thanks for reading! -Amanda

So I just want to rant a little bit right now. I was called for jury duty yesterday and I noticed that they are getting tough on excuses to get out of it. Well then I also noticed that there was no excuse for being the primary care taker in the household. There is an excuse of being a nursing mom, but what if you are not nursing anymore? They also provide child care if your child is three or older and potty trained. So basically, since my child is not nursing anymore and is not 3 or potty trained, I have to go to jury duty. Does that make any sense? I am amazed that California does not have a some kind of law that allows mothers who stay at home or those with children under the age of three to be exempt from jury duty. Doesn't seem right.

Okay that is my gripe for today. I will tell you though I did fib and say I was a nursing mom. What are they going to do- check???

-Amanda

One more thing- here on my two new chairs that I got for our formal living room. We got rid of two chairs Jon had since his bachelor days. I feel like this is grown up looking. Can not wait to do the rest of the house. I will keep everyone posted on that! 

Julia in her fire hat 

The view from our hotel room. Pubelo Bontio Resort, Mazatlan, Mexico 


Okay so I have very absent for a while and I am feeling lame that I have so here is my new blogger and now that I can post pictures it will be better. A lot has been going on since I last posted. My daughter turned 2 in April, which anyone knows is a very special birthday. Why? Because not only is she talking fully now, but she is also in her terrible 2's, which makes it fun for me! Today's tantrum was about me not making her lunch fast enough. So it was really nice when I put her down for a nap this afternoon. Also my husband and I went on vacation for a week to Mazatlan Mexico. It was so wonderful that I didn't want to come back! Nice way to reconnect with my husband too (if you know what I mean) I highly recommend a vacation for everyone! So here is the picture from our hotel room and one of my daughter so that you can see who I am talking about all the time! I hope everyone has a great rest of their day!

Thanks for reading!
-Amanda

God is had been like forever since I have written anything on here! I think I am going on a computer strike because everytime I try and get on to the internet it takes forever! I also need to take time out to write in this so I can update everyone on my exciting life!

Well I turned 28 last week and it is just that much closer to 30. 28 seems old to me, but everyone else thinks I am a baby! Well I didn't feel young when I open this months "Marie Claire" magazine and saw an article about the top 10 women to watch this year. Every single one of the was younger than me! Even that new girl on "The View" is younger than me! Also I got a thing in the mail about my 10 year high school reunion. That is when I realized that I am getting older. Sorry if I am going on about this, but I preparing myself for when I really get to gripe about it in the future!

Julia was moved up a level in dance today! I am so excited! Means she is going to be in the show in August! I can not wait for that and I am sure I will sell about 20 tickets to my family!

Another great thing is my sister in law (Gabrielle) is going to have a baby! I knew already, but now I can finally talk about it! I am so excited- for one thing she gets to be a mom and two Julia will finally have a cousin! I look forward to seeing Gabs pregnant! She will be an awesome mom!!

Alright well that is about it for now! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Sorry I am so lagging at this thing lately. I guess there has been nothing too exciting happening in my life. It is still hot out here, which limits activity for us. My husband built a sandbox for Julia over the weekend. It is huge (10x10) that I can sit in my beach car while she buries my feet in the sand. The only drawback is that now there is sand all over my house- even in our bed!! It is great though!

We are going to celebrate my in-laws 45th wedding anniversary this weekend. I get to see my sister in law, who I adore! We also get to have fancy brunch at the Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. I just can not imagine being married for that long! Not that I don't want too, but I have only been married for almost 4 years and even that seems like a long time. I guess you really get to know someone after all that time. I think that it is wonderful and they are still so in love!

Well I am off to get stuff for dinner! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Wow it is been a while since I have posted! I know everyone is eagerly waiting for me to post! Anyway, it is so hot out here that it feels like summer in the middle of winter. I love my house and the people I have met out here, but I could so do without the desert heat! And this is only a taste of what it is going to be like this summer!

So Julia has dance class today so we will see what happens. There is now another girl in her class and I have finally met a stage mom. Hello- she is only 2! Most of the moms I enjoy, but this one I could do with out. I will have to write about that later!


Well I hope everyone has a good day! Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

God- I feel like all I ever talk about is my kid being sick! I promise that I will not ever again after this! But she is sick AGAIN! Luckily it is just a cold. I love her doctor 1) because he is hot! 2) because he always gives me medicine that aids in Julia sleeping at night. I am not sure if those are good reasons, but he is a good doctor! So there is my rant and rave about Julia being sick- AGAIN!

Okay so I am addicted to the show "America's Next Top Model". It is on my TiVo season pass manager so I get it taped every Tuesday night. Why do I like this show? Well, I think because it is interesting to see the steps that one must take to be a model. (like I will ever need to know that information) And I do enjoy drama and this show has it! Nest week one of them does the dirty deed with someone other than her boyfriend- oh boy I can not wait! Oh yeah and by the way- TiVo rocks! I think that it should be a standard thing in everyone's household. I use mine everyday! It is really worth the money.

Well I am house bound so I am sure there are other things that will come to my mind. Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Wow- I have not updated in a while. Was I busy? Doesn't feel like I was! Anyway, my husband and I made a headboard this weekend for our bed. I wish I could show you a picture! It is massive- maybe a little too big (36 inches from the top of the bed!!). It looks like a bed that you would find in a penthouse suite. It grows on me everyday so I will get used to it!

So most of Julia's little play friends are sick so we have been staying in the last two days! My friend Leila told me that there are 16 different virus kids are supposed to get before they are 2!! Poor babies! Let the "Circle of Sick" continue!!! Just please stay away from my house for the time being- I am over my kid being sick!

Glad to say that my best friend Summer will be moving to CA in the next couple of months! She has been to Oregon and the rain too long! I am excited because that mean maybe our kids will be able to hang out together more often! So Summer- we are happy and it is time you came home!

Well have a good Tuesday!

Thanks!

-Amanda