The Nest

My Dad recently traveled to Kenya for work and visited an amazing place. It is called The Nest. It's an orphanage and half way house for the abandoned and orphaned babies and children of impoverished Kenya. He was so touched by what he saw, that when he came home he decided, he needed to do something to help. So came about Our Family Cause: The Nest. We started a facebook page to get the word around and to get volunteers and donations for The Nest. It is such an amazing place and they do so much with so little. They get zero government funding. It is all ran off of public donations. We are gathering clothing and supplies for The Nest and sending them out once a month. I signed up to get the newsletter so I can know what is going on. I received this update yesterday and was brought to tears and wanted to pass it along to others. I don't know why it hit me so hard. I will share the story and then share my feelings on it.

Children's Home / Das Kinderheim

Chapati Day!
Filed under: Info — MB at 7:25 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2009
All year round the kids at The Nest talk about “Chapati”. Chapati is a traditional Swahili food similar to a pancake , yet eaten with broth or vegetables. It is made of wheat flour, a little salt and water then baked in a pan on a small hot charcoal stove. Because both wheat flour and charcoal is quite expensive as compared to maize flour and firewood, chapati is a rare speciality at The Nest. You can imagine how happy the kids are when they get to eat chapati. Last Sunday the older children spent a number of hourse in the kitchen making chapati. And the little ones couldn’t wait until they were ready. They kept on shouting: Today we’re having chapati!

Here I was, sitting at my computer with a bowl of cereal, while these children are celebrating that they get wheat pancakes. My pantry is full of flour, sugar, canned goods, anything that I need and they are celebrating that they get to eat pancakes. I can make my kids pancakes any time they ask and these children get them maybe once a year! How spoiled rotten I am. How spoiled we all are. It really hit me how blessed I was, how much of an abundance I have. When I start thinking about all the things I wish I had, I will try to remember how little they have and their smiling faces from getting to eat pancakes. I hope you all realize how blessed you are too.

To join Our Family Cause: The Nest click here. Check for updates and see what you can do to help. Thanks.

Couch to 5k!

So, to help me get started and running again, I joined the couch to 5k program. Or as the people in my birth club call it, the fatty to 5k challenge. I am now on Week 1 Day 3, and will be running it Saturday. I plan to run every other day, till my body gets used to it and then run more often. On days I am not running, I do exercise videos off of my On Demand, so I never get bored. I have like 2 other new posts, but my camera is being a butthead and not letting me load pictures, so they will have to wait till I can figure out whats going on. One is about Abram's 5th birthday and the other is about Scarlett and Abram going back to school.
Here is the link to the couch to 5k if you need some motivation. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml I am running in the AIDS run September 13th, which is less time than the whole program is, but its motivation and that's exactly what I need.

Abram's 5th Birthday Party!

My little Abram turned 5 on the 13th of August. My parents were out of the country, so we postponed his big party until the 22nd of August and he celebrated it with his cousin Kieran, who was turning 2.

I decided to try my hand at making a cool cake for Abram. If you know Abram, you know he is obsessed with Legos, so I looked online and found a cute idea for a Lego cake. I made mine a little fancier though. I did two "legos" stacked on top of each other, rather than just one plain Lego. I worked my but off on that cake and was really proud of it, except for the frosting job was less than perfect, but it was for a 5 year old, so it was for sure good enough. I wanted Seth to bring it over to my parents house before the party because I had a bunch of errands to run and I didn't want it getting too hot in the car....well, it still did. I guess on the way over, it got a little too warm and the stop slid off into the seat of Seth's truck. It looked horrible and I cried. It was pitiful, I know, but I had worked so hard on it and to see it all wrecked was really heartbreaking. Seth, being the wonderful husband that he is, fixed it to the best of his ability and it still was able to look decent on one side.

My sister Lindsey and I decided we wanted this to be the best party ever, so we rented a huge bounce house/water slide for the kids and a snow cone maker and hot dog cooker from Paradise Party Rentals. The snow cone maker was brand new, so we decided to test it out before everyone got there. It worked perfectly and my brother Ben decided to have the first snow cone, in his hands....he grabbed the bright red syrup bottle and poured the syrup on his hands, dangerously close to me. I felt something sticky on my foot and looked down and saw my cute light yellow dress covered in snow cone syrup. Ugh! I was so mad. What else was going to go wrong. Thankfully my sister Katie had some stuff for me to where, so I changed and then got back to finish setting up the party.

When people arrived, it was so much fun and made up for all the hiccups before the party. I had planned on playing some games, but the kids had too much fun in the bounce house, so we just decided to stay doing that. My wonderfully artistic grandma, Mimi, did face painting too and did such an amazing job. I wish I had more pictures of it, but my grandpa does, so maybe I will post later. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did, especially after the twins went to bed, so I could stop chasing them everywhere. Abram had such a blast and I was so happy to see him having such a good time.

After most of the little kids left and it got dark, the big kids (my siblings and some friends) decided to play german spotlight. It was so much fun. I was really proud of Scarlett because not only was she an excellent seeker, she was also a great hider and never got scared of being in the dark by herself. After we got tired of German Spotlight, the kids went inside and the adults decided to play a game of What If on the trampoline. It was a little difficult to read and write by cell phone light, or the occasional shared flash light, but we made it work and had so much fun, maybe a little too much fun. We decided to call it quits around 11:00 at night, but it really was such a great party.

I can't believe my little boy is 5 now. I don't even want to think about it because it makes my eyes water. I love him so much and too see him growing up into the amazing little man he is makes me really proud. I am so glad so many great friends and family were able to come to the party. We had a great mix and I hope a good time was had by all.

I can do this!

My weight has gotten out of hand lately. I felt like I was spiralling out of control and had no idea how to fix it. I thought I was eating healthy, but didn't realize how out of control my portions were. I think I have a grip on things now and know that I can do this. I started the Flat Belly Diet on Monday. I heard about it through a few friends who are having great results. I thought, what the heck, I have nothing to lose, might as well try it. So I did. The first 4 days are a flat belly jump start. It was really hard the first day to get used to so little food after I was eating like I was still pregnant with twins. For the first four days you only eat 1200 calories a day. Thank goodness I am past that and now on day 5, up to 1600 calories a day. The food is good, easy to make, and filling, after the initial shock of getting used to it. I am very proud to say I lost 3 lbs in the first 4 days. I know it's not much, but it has been a really long time since I saw the scale actually go down. I am using this week to get used to the new diet and then next week I plan on adding in running, at least 5 days a week. After that, I will add in some form of strength training too. I would love to lose 10% of my body weight by October 20th, Seth and mines 8th anniversary. I am completely motivated and I know I can do this, this time. I just needed a little nudge and some help telling me exactly what to eat to help me out. I hope by this time next year, I will have reached my goal weight and will be happy, healthy, and thin once again!

Soggy Cereal

Will I ever be able to finish a bowl of cereal before it becomes too soggy to eat? I avoid cereal at all costs for this specific purpose. I will pour myself a bowl and then so many things happen that take away from my cereal enjoyance (I know that is not a word, but this is my blog, so I can make things up). This morning I thought...Scarlett is already off to school, the babies are playing nicely, and Abram is watching Lazy Town, I am going to have a bowl of cereal. I pour it, take a few bites and then the babies begin to whine. Nap time....already? So I put them down for naps, sit down and take a few more bites. The phone rings...the dogs got out? Great, I have to go outside and gather them up. Somehow Trigger broke his dog run, so I have to figure out a way to fix that quickly before Seth gets home to fix it better. All done with the dogs. I come back in the house, wash my hands and sit down to finish my cereal, only to see it has turned into a soggy, inedible pile of mush. Yuck....someday cereal, we will enjoy each other again, but that day is not today.

The Bizarre Case of the Swollen Face

On Saturday, Abram went to a car show with his daddy. He came home later looking a little sunburned and a little puffy. We put some Aloe Vera on him and he went to bed. When he woke up the morning, he did not look like my child. His whole face was really swollen, especially around his eyes. We don't know what happened. It was only his face and nothing else was swollen and he said he wasn't in pain. I gave him some benedryl, but it didn't seem to help. Thankfully today, he is back to looking like himself and is no longer swollen, but it was weird. I included a picture of what he normally looks like and then two of his face all swollen.

St. Patty's Day Fun

I went to Scarlett's school on St. Patrick's day to help keep the naughty leprechauns away. The kids are all so cute. I made them rainbow cupcakes from the rainbow cake recipe, just to see if it would work. It did! The layers aren't as cute, but it is still fun and brightly colored. Apparently the leprechaun stole all their chocolate coins and while the kids were out searching for them, he turned their oreo stuffing and their milk green. He was a mischievous little leprechaun. The kids had a great time and so did I, but I would never have the energy to be a kindergarten teacher and respect everyone that does.

On another note, we went out for my sister Katie's birthday over the weekend and ran into a real leprechaun at The Boxing Donkey in Roseville. He wasn't a trouble maker, but he was hilarious.

Maxon and Zane turn one!

Maxon and Zane had their 1st birthdays, Sunday March 1st, but we had their party on the 7th. It was a lot of fun and we really couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day. I decided I would do a taco bar because it was easy, cheap, and fun. I made some carnitas in the crock pot and some spicy ground beef, and my sister Katie made some yummy shredded chicken. We had some salads too and really good salsa that Lindsey made. The food all was terrific. Then we let the babies open their presents and thankfully they got mostly clothes. They were in need of clothes. Don't worry, they got some toys too. After presents it was cake time. I made the babies these really cute rainbow cakes. I thought they were so cute, I made one for everyone else to eat too. The babies loved the cakes. Especially Zane, he couldn't eat it fast enough and chose to just shove his whole face into it. Clean up was a little hard and we are still cleaning colorful snot, but they enjoyed it and it made for a great video that you can see here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKMcJubYk3Q It was a great day and we were so happy for the ones that got to enjoy it with us, and hope the others feel like they were there from the videos and pictures.

Zane, the fearless

Zane is a little daredevil. He thinks he can do more than he is able to do. They are both sick, so I called the Dr. to get them in today. I called my grandma right after to see if she could take Scarlett to school while I took the boys to the Dr. Well, right when I got on the phone with her, Zane attempted to walk from the chair to the computer desk. Don't tell him he doesn't know how to walk yet. Well, he missed and fell, smacking his right eye on the computer desk. It split immediately and gushed everywhere. I called to see if I could get him in sooner and thankfully I could. Luckily he didn't end up needing stitches. The dr was able to take care of it with Dermabond. They both have ear infections though and are wheezy, so they need antibiotics and albuterol, plus nebulizer treatments for the next month! Fun stuff. They both are growing well though and weigh over 18 and a half pounds. One more month till they are a year. The time has flown.

Momma's sooo proud

On Friday, January 16th, Scarlett was honored at her school with Panther of the month! She didn't know it was going to happen, but we got a letter in the mail. Seth took the day off of work and we helped in her class until it was time for the assembly. Her and her little boyfriend Drevon were Panther of the Month for her class. Her teacher said some really great things about her and we were so proud and she was soooo excited. Mimi and Papa came and watched her get her award too. It was a fun and exciting day for her

and we are so happy to have such a smart, beautiful and happy daughter.

Our night out on the town

The Friday right after Christmas Seth and I decided to take Scarlett and Abram ice skating in Downtown Sacramento. Our best friends Matt and Katy joined us. Lucky for us, they got their way before us and waited in the hour long line for us, they are the best! We got our skates, but Seth and Matt kept getting broken ones or skates that did not fit, so it took awhile to get our skates on and get out on the ice.

Scarlett had so much fun. She was really good too and now wants to become a professional figure skater. She has been asking me every day since to go again. Abram on the other hand refused to skate. Katy and I did everything we could to bribe him. We offered him money, candy, hot chocolate, and the usual sure fire...Lego's, but he still refused. He looked adorable though with his rosy cheeks watching us from the sidelines. When our skating was done, he looked at me and said "Mom, are we out on the town?" I said "Yes, Abram, we are." Then he replied, "I like being out on the town." Where he heard that phrase before, I have no idea but it was adorable and hence is the title of this blog.

We went to Zelda's pizza after with Matt and Katy and met my little sister Katie there too. Zelda's Pizza is amazing and I totally suggest it to any of you who have never gone. Their sauce is incredible and their homemade sausage and thick, crispy crust makes my mouth water. We had a really fun night and thoroughly enjoyed our night out on the town.

3 days with Scarlett's kindergarten

Scarlett's last week of school before Winter Break was a busy one. She kicked of the festivities with her schools winter performance. She sang 2 songs with all of the kindergarten classes. She is on the far left, second row up, next to the bow in the tan sweater. She is mostly hidden by the girl in the red vest with the white shirt. Their performance was so cute and they did a great job.

Thursday was there holiday party. I went to help out. The made gingerbread houses, did pokeys (a craft project), made snow (soap), poinsettia bags, a reindeer bag, and did a book exchange. It was so much fun, but I have a new found respect for her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Marazzo, whom we love. She is so patient and awesome with the kids, you really couldn't ask for a better teacher.

Then on Friday, the last day before break, I went and did art docent for an hour. I didn't have a babysitter for Abram and the twins, so they came along for the fun. I don't have any pictures of that day. Mrs. Marazzo's twin sister, Mrs. Cook was there and they each held one of the babies, while Abram sat at the table with Scarlett and did the art project as well. I love being her art docent. I love art and am so glad I can help teach others how to express themselves through it, even if it is only once a month. Our lesson was on artists who paint portraits and then each of the kids had to draw a portrait of one of their friends while looking at their face. They all turned out great and they had a great time. Oh and it was pajama day, so we all dressed in our jammies.

It was a whirlwind of three days, and I was exhausted at the end, but it was so much fun.

Ugh...I can't get the video to post. Sorry.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

On Sunday we decided to take a family drive up to Pollock Pines. Seth wanted to go to breakfast at a restaurant called Los Hermanos, he had heard about it on the radio. The drive was beautiful. When we got to Placerville, everything was covered with a thick layer of frost and made it look like a winter wonderland.

We got to Pollock Pines and found the restaurant, but to our dismay it was only open for lunch and dinner, no breakfast. We drove back into the town and found a breakfast place called The Naughty Pine Cafe, and chose to eat there. It was pretty good. When we got there, a soft snow had started to fall.

After breakfast we drove up the hill a bit to Kyburz and found a place to play in the snow. It was such a soft powder, perfect for snowballs, so we had a fun snowball fight. It was beautiful! We had such a great time. We played for a bit and took pictures for our family Christmas cards.

We headed back down the hill and stopped at High Hill in Apple Hill. It started to snow pretty good at this time. They had a Santa Clause in a covered wagon so Scarlett and Abram took a picture with him.

We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed our day in the snow. I wish it would snow a little further down the hill so we could have a white Christmas.

Merry Christmas from my kids

Cute pictures of my kids, just because

On Saturday I took some pictures of Scarlett, Maxon and Zane. Abram was picking up Papa's sail boat and wasn't around, but I just wanted to share them because, well, my kids are freaking cute! Maxon is in green and Zane in red.

A Fort Bragg Thansgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year with my family in Fort Bragg. It has been a long standing tradition, camping at Fort Bragg for Thanksgiving and Easter. I hardly remember anything else. The kids were excited to get to the beach. It was wonderful. We had fantastic food the entire time and it wasn't rainy or windy, so that is a plus. We ended up coming home a day early because Maxon decided to teeth while we were there and I wasn't sleeping at all and I didn't want him waking up the whole camp site, but we still had a wonderful time. The kids played at the beach and loved Pudding Beach aka fart beach because of the delightful sound the sand makes when you run on it. Abram made a new best friend and wouldn't leave him alone. His name is Tyler and he is my sister's fiance's son. Scarlett enjoyed playing with all the babies and kids there and Max learned a new trick of crawling while playing in my parents trailer. Zane will catch on soon enough, but for now, one crawling baby is all I can handle!

My happy elf family!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A kitty litter cake and the Amazing Papa and his Traveling Circus

On Sunday it was my grandfathers 79th birthday. We celebrated with a party. My grandparents are major cat people, crazy cat people even, so my mom made my Papa a kitty litter cake. It was pretty gross looking, but tasted great. Then we took a picture of all the cousins from my side of the family. As you can see, Scarlett is the only girl and will most likely be for a long time to come. Then my dad wanted to attempt his circus trick and hold all of his grandkids at the same time. We had attempted this before, but he wasn't happy with the picture because there was an extra arm in it. This one turned out nicely. How many of you can hold 6 kids all at the same time?

I wish I could take the pain away

Sometimes being a mom is hard. Kids get their feelings hurt and it hurts your heart, kids get physically hurt and you wish it was you. The latter is what happened to me this weekend.

Scarlett broke her arm on Sunday night at 9:00 pm. She was being wild and I had her go calm down in another room for awhile, but she came back out and was bouncing off the walls. She started to climb up on the outside of the banister and fell off of the 5th stair up and landing with all of her weight on her left hand. I could immediately tell something was wrong. She started screaming about her arm, and I could see it just looked odd. Seth and I carefully packed her up and took her to the er. She was trying to hard to be brave, but you could tell she was in so much pain.
We got there and waited fo 25 minutes and then they took us back and x-rayed her. The Er doc came in and told us that it her elbow looked dislocated and possibly fractured. The orthopedic surgeon was on his way too look at the pics and to talk to us. They set everything up to put her to sleep temporarily and reset the elbow, but thankfully it wasn't dislocated, but fractured in multiple areas and it was pushing out her growth plate, which would require surgery and pins to fix, or she could be disfigured, disabled, or not have full range of motion.

So they admitted us to the hospital. We got to our room at about 1:00 am. They gave her morphine for the pain and she finally slept. She was hilarious though while on it. Oh....the stories we will have for when she is older. I spent the night there with her.

Monday she had her surgery at 3:00 pm. She was so brave. She took her stuffed kitty Dinah with her. Her nurse put a cap on her, just like Scarlett had. When she was done the Dr. came and talked to us and told us everything went great. They said I could go back to see her. She was bawling and screaming in pain. It was so hard to try and not show my tears to her so I could be brave and show her she could too. They gave her 3 doses of something, plus a dose of tylenol with codeine and nothing was helping. She was in horrible pain for about 3 hours and then they finally gave her morphine and she fell asleep and took a good long nap. She ate a little bit for dinner. All she had been talking about all day was how she was hungry and wanted a turkey sandwich with mayo and cherry jello. Then she slept for most of the night.
We were going to try and come home, but her pain still wasn't being managed well and she had developed a fever. She made the decision to spend the night. She was terrified that her arm would start hurting again. We all agreed it was a good idea, so we spent the night. We finally got to come after she ate breakfast and lunch there, her fever was gone, and her pain was under control.
I was so glad to come home. I had been at the hospital since Sunday night and it was Tuesday. I was wearing the same clothes and hadn't showered or left the hospital. I missed Abram, Maxon and Zane.

Scarlett is doing great. She is trying to do more than she should though. She is in a splint till all the swelling goes down. She will be getting her hard cast next Tuesday. She is so excited and debating what color to get. She will be out of school till she gets her hard cast because her cast is too soft and it would be risky to go and play at school. All in all she is doing well, but keep us in your thoughts and prayers that everything heals and that stays pain free!

Enjoy the video of her interview when we got home today!

Seven Years and itch free

Today is Seth and I's 7 year anniversary. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man who loves me and his family.