The Cobabes

Pretty Amazing

2011-04-30T18:22:00.001-07:00

There is an amazing scholarship opportunity put on by Seventeen Magazine. The winner receives a $10,000 scholarship and a front cover magazine offer! The deadline is today. I misread the essay guidelines and wrote a 1,000 word essay. It's due in a few hours, and I just re-read the guidelines to see that the max is 1,000 characters! So, while I'm cutting down my beautiful, lengthy essay...you can read the original. I needed to write why I am "pretty amazing..."

Amazing. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines amazing as causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise. I believe that there is a little something in all of us that is amazing. For some, it is a special talent that they possess. My mother is an amazing quilter and my father is amazing in his work with computers. For others, it is great life experiences that they have endured. My nephew near-drowned and has made an amazing recovery, while my husband was a miracle baby at his birth. Another form of amazement is personality characteristics. I believe that I have a certain personality trait that makes me amazing. I am dedicated. I actively participate in my family, my career, my education, and more. My dedication has brought great wonder and surprise to those that I know. Like every other person out there, I am pretty amazing.

My own family began in 2007. I began dating my husband, Christopher, in the summer of 2005. We were married in July 2007 in the Sacramento LDS Temple. I had just finished my first year of college at CSU Sacramento as a Liberal Studies Major. In January 2008, I found out that I was pregnant. What an amazing blessing! I continued to attend school throughout my pregnancy. As I was due in October, I planned to take a year off and return fall of 2009.

October 17^th arrived. I delivered a gorgeous, healthy baby girl of 9 pounds 8 ounces. Emery. She had the most beautiful big blue eyes. Her head was full of soft sun kissed brown hair, with golden bronze highlights. I could not take my eyes off of her. Even without accomplishing anything in this life yet, she was amazing. I could not believe that I had created something so wonderful in this world. This little girl, this beautiful baby in my arms, was from me. I knew instantly that the most important calling in my life was to mother this child.

The months went by swiftly. She grew up; much too quickly it seemed. She was my life. I stayed at home with her and did not return to school. I yearned to continue my education, but struggled with the idea of being away from her so often. I was determined to raise my daughter, to teach her, and to learn from her. I knew that I would someday complete my degree, so I stayed at home and marveled at the beauty of my toddler.

In the summer of 2009, I became Drill Team Coach at Elk Grove High School. This was the high school that I graduated from in 2006. I was filled with such excitement when I was offered the position. I had been on the team for 3 of my high school years, and was a Captain for 2 of those years. I had and still have such a passion for the team. Coaching the team requires a lot of time, and the development of several different skill sets. Duties include attending practice, choreographing routines, cleaning routines, organizing performances and events, planning and attending fundraisers, and more. We practice at least 4 times a week, with two practices after school and two at 6:00am before school. I split the practices with a co-coach, and today have an assistant who splits practices with me.

Many of the challenges of this job were worsened at the fact that I had a small child and lived 40 minutes from the school. The early mornings were especially difficult. However, at every practice and performance, I look at the team of high school girls that I lead. I remember how much the team meant to me, how much I looked up to my coach, how much I dreaded when she left, and how those feelings are still within me. I am extremely dedicated to my team as a whole, and to each girl who gets up early in the morning when I do.

In May of 2010, I had a baby boy. I delivered my 9-pound, 9-ounce Averson at 4:44am without an epidural. Now everything else in life is a piece of cake! Although I marveled at his beauty like his sister before, I was more entranced by watching my kids together. To this day, I absolutely love the moments where I can sit back and watch my kids play together. This is not always the case, as anyone with siblings would know, but it is pretty amazing that I helped create this family.

I took about a month off when I had my son, but returned to my job soon. I missed my drill team and was anxious to return to them. To this day, I am still coaching the team, spending time with my family and anxiously awaiting my chance to return to school.

I will be returning to school this summer. I am elated at the opportunity that I am going to have to finish my schooling. It took 3 years to finally get back, but I knew that it would happen. My goal is to teach high school math at a school where I can also coach drill team. This dream job of mine would allow me to teach and educate, coach and express my passion, and work when my kids attend school so that we all have evenings and summers together as a family.

Dedication is defined as devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose. I set time aside to coach. I set time aside to play with my family. I will set time aside for my schooling. I am passionate about my family, my career, and my education. I have no doubt that whatever life will bring my way, that I will find time to do what I enjoy doing. I believe I am an ordinary woman. The thing about ordinary people is that they are all extraordinary. When you get to know any one person, you will find that they are, simply put, pretty amazing.

Abbie's Fairy Tale Bridal Shower

2011-04-17T15:56:00.001-07:00

THE FOOD: Each item was named after a princess which inspired it.
RAPUNZEL- long hair? Fettuccinne alfredo. Get it?
CINDERELLA- Pumpkin Pasta. Recipe from my friend Amber. Delicious! Don't knock it til you tried it...it was a favorite at the shower.
SNOW WHITE- Apples and caramel. Yum. No poison in these apple either!
JASMINE- Pita and hummus.
MULAN- Fortune cookies. Some of the fortunes were amazing. Like the one the bride got saying that she would marry someone amazing...cool huh?
BELLE- French bread. So simple, so scrumptious. Even managed to get an entire baguette home. Not that there is still an entire baguette in my home. =o
Strawberry lemonade. Seemed princessy, ya?
Gorgeous manzanita decor that I helped my sister in law make. But Christa definitely did the bulk of it. Isn't is gorgeous?
My flower wands. They caused a bit (my husband would say more than a bit) of frustration. So it made me feel good when the girls thought they were so cute!

The complete table...fit for a princess?

Carry Abbie like a princess game...how fitting.
Carry Jeannette game...I like this one!
<3 her!

Flower Wands

2011-04-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

My longest friend Abbie is getting married next month. I've known her since I was born. I threw her a Bridal Shower yesterday and made the wands on Friday as shower favors. Her wedding reception will be held at Fairy Tale Town, so I stuck with that and threw a Fairy Tale Bridal Shower.

The wands are easy. This was my first attempt, and I'm sure with every attempt I could make them look cuter. If you want to attempt, there are several ways, but I will share how I made mine. You need:

flowers

wire cutter

floral tape

dowel

paint

paintbrush

ribbons, any number, color, or length
I don't remember the size of dowel I used. I just looked at the choices. Found two that would be good size, and bought the cheaper one. My husband cut the dowels into 3 same size pieces. You can cut to your prefered length.
Use the wire cutters to cut the flowers off your bunches. You can use one or multiple flowers on a wand. Leave a few inches so you can attach to the dowel.
Hold the flower next to dowel so flower will be sitting on the top when attached.
Wrap in floral tape. You could also use hot glue, or a combination.

I then painted the dowels. I painted from the tips all the way up to the flowers, although in this picture the tape is not yet painted. You can leave the tape alone if you like the natural looking. I was not going for natural, I was going for princess. I used 3 coats of pink acrylic paint.
When they were done, I tied ribbon around them. I used variety of length in pink, silver, and white. They were all tied different. This was the hardest part for me...making the bows and knots look good. You can hot glue to hold ties or bows in place, but I did not.

Voila! A bouquet full of princess wands for Bride-to-be Princess Abbie!

Someone found the cheetos!

2011-04-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

He wanted to share. I said "No, thank you."

Wilkin's Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

We were invited to a wondrous egg hunt at the Wilkins last weekend. Emery had a blast. It was fun because there were cousins on both sides there as well. My sister Jennifer was there with her kids, and Chris' brother Greg was there with his family.

Trying to get a group picture of the kids and count them all to decide how many eggs per child. You can see Emery and Bailey in the center, with my sister Jen and her Ethan off to the side, and Chris and Avers in the top left corner.
Emery with cousins Ethan and Emerson preparing to hunt down eggs.
Showing off her beautiful handmade basket.
The search begins....it was hard to get cute photos because her eyes were always down.

Everytime she saw one, she would yell "egg!" and then run and get it. So cute!

Checking out the goodies...

Ethan.

Emery and Bailey.

Easter Baskets

2011-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

I decided to do homemade easter baskets this year. They turned out pretty cute!

I just wrapped ice cream buckets with fabric and then decorated. Averson got a deep blue dragonfly flower fabric.
I added thick ribbon around the top, tied black ribbon around the center, and added clusters of sequins. I just put a pile of hot glue, and dumped the sequins on to see what would stick.
I used green and blue buttons to put his initials--AC.
I wrapped the handle in ribbon. A ribbon handle adds a lot!
Emery did most of her own decorating. I wrapped it and let her go crazy with shape stickers.

I made her a ribbon handle, a ribbon top, and together we added some sequins all over the basket with elmers glue. When she was done and away from the table, I hot glued all her stickers so they would stay.

Ribbon handle. :)
On the bottom of the basket, I hot glued EM <3 in sequins.

Both kids love their baskets. I dont expect them to last too long, maybe not even until next year...but it was a fun project and I used only what I (or my mom) had around the house!

Beautiful weather = beautiful walks

2011-04-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

We love family walks and hikes, especially in this gorgeous weather that we have been having. Here are some shots of a walk across and down the river with some friends.

Emery LOVES going on walks. Especially if Deanna is coming...

Pat and Deanna. Cue "awe"...Aaaaaawwwwwweeeeeee..........
Bubba loves walks too. He just loves being out in the fresh air.
Pat's dog Chewy. Short for Chewbacca.

Hummingbirds and Meatballs

2011-04-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

Emery likes to call the things hanging off our trees meatballs. I think it's fitting, so it has caught on and I use it often. Christopher bought me a new camera lens for my birthday and with a hummingbird feeder in our backyard was one day inspired to take several shots. Here are some of Christopher's photos of hummingbirds and meatballs.

Chris' 25th Birthday

2011-04-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

For Christopher's 25th birthday, I planned a little weekend getaway for the two of us. My in-laws watched the kiddos and we went out to San Fran. It was a very short trip, just a one nighter...but it was wonderful. We stayed at the Hotel Frank, parked our car and used BART. It was fun getting around on BART together, and trying to understand it all. Neither one of us had ever ridden on the system before. We went indoor skydiving at iFly SF Bay, and it was amazing. A ton of fun! We walked around the city a bit that night, just enjoying time together. The next day, we walked around a bit more and shopped a little. The city is so much more enjoyable without a car! We went to Sausalito and had lunch at the Spinnaker. If you have never been there, it is fantastic. It was a special surprise for Chris that we were eating there. It is where we had dinner the night that he proposed to me in Frisco! Brought back wonderful memories eating there again...we had such a blast and can't wait for our next little getaway..whenever that might be.

The three pictures above are taken directly after indoor skydiving. You can see the crazy goggle imprints on our faces...and me trying desperately to untangle my hair. It was in a pony, but the front strands would fly up through the hole in the top of the helmet and was immensely affected by the wind tunnel.

Happy October!

2010-10-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it is already October? It is amazing how time flies. I think every year goes by way too fast for me. Although, I love the end of the year. I love Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. There is also my birthday in December, and now I have a daughter who celebrates her birthday in October.

The weather is nice. It is pretty hot for October, but it's cooling down, and I think it will be really nice for Emery's birthday party. This weekend is Conference and the Giant Pumpkin Festival in Elk Grove. Next weekend is Christa's wedding. I absolutely love temple weddings. I love being at sealings and getting to listen more closely than I did on my wedding day. The following weekend is Emery's birthday, and her cousin Ethan's birthday and birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Following that is Emery's party weekend (which is outside, so I'm hoping the weather is still nice) and the following weekend is Halloween!! Busy October...it's going to be a lot of fun.

I'm especially excited for the wedding. My sisters-in-law and I made a whole bunch of dresses, skirts, and ties for all the neices and nephews and they are going to look wonderful as a group. I still need to find something for me to wear. I'm sure I could find something from my closet, but what's the fun in that?

We upgraded our TV to a flatscreen, and got rid of our bulky entertainment center for a small one. It has really opened up our front room. I like it. Except that the other center held all of our games, printer, movies, etc. and now I just have those things piled up on the wetbar and kitchen counter. Still slowly re-organizing and cleaning up after the upgrade.

Our family has been doing really well. A lot of love in this home. I'm grateful for that. I hope you all have love in your home as well. Enjoy your October!

The Miracle

2010-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Short Story: My nephew almost drowned. I was there. He is now alive and well.

Now for the whole story...

Saturday the 14th of August was the Going Away Party for my little sister Sammi, who is now in Utah getting ready to start school at BYU. (miss you!) The party was actually an open house from 1-5. My family (husband, kids, and I) got there early so I could help clean and Chris could help look at the broken car. When it was getting closer to lunch time, my parents went shopping for snack food, Sammi, made a gift run to a pregnant friend, and Chris went to pick up In N Out for everyone. I was alone at my moms with my two babes, when my big sister Jennifer got there with her two babes. Bailey is 9, and Ethan is almost 2...same age as Emery.

We were talking in the front room, when Jennifer began wondering where Ethan was. He had been quiet for too long and it made her nervous. Her and Bailey went to look for him, and I was sitting on the couch. I heard Bailey yell for me, "Auntie Netty!! Come here!!" and I walked to find them, thinking Ethan was doing something funny.

I walked through the sliding glass door to find my sister kneeling over her son, who was blue and not breathing. He had fallen in the pool. I ran in the house to grab the phone and dialed 911. I remember freaking out. I think I was jumping up and down because I didn't know what to do. Bailey was crying and Jennifer was pumping his chest. When I got a hold of 911, I had never in my life been more frustrated at the calmness of someone. I understand that they need to stay calm, but I was devastated and I felt like everyone around me needed to be rushing as well. She connected me with the fire department, who got on the line and told me what to do while I waited. So I knelt next to Ethan, with my hand under his head and tilted his head back. After he threw up, I rolled him to his side. The man stayed on the line with me until the paramedics arrived. At this point, he had begun to breathe, at least one breath every 10 seconds was good, the man told me. Jennifer was praying, and Bailey was looking for help from a neighbor. Sammi and Chris had gotten home at the same time, and came to comfort Bailey. My parents arrived soon after yelling "Call 911!" I seem to remember everyone yelling that, while I was already on the phone with them. I think it's just instinct to yell that in an emergency. Your really not thinking at all. No one slowed down to ask "Has anyone called 911 yet?"

The paramedics arrived soon after and helped Ethan breath with one of those pump things in his mouth. They cut off his clothes, asked a bunch of questions, and wheeled him away to the ambulance. Jennifer and Bailey met him there, and the rest of the day was just really weird. Although Emery was too young to truly understand, I believe she was affected by the effect it had on everyone else. She is now scared of sirens, and I believe it's connected to this event. She was also really clingy for the next few days.

So Ethan went to the hospital where he eventually woke up, and was acting normal. He was released early the next morning, within 24 hours!

It's really amazing that he survived this, and that he was back to his old self so quickly thereafter. I know that God was watching over us, and that he blessed our family. I was blessed by the fact that I witnessed a miracle. It strengthed my testimony of his very existence. I know that I had the faith that was needed while this was occurring that he could save lives. I felt the Spirit tell me that he would be fine, and suddenly I knew he would during that ordeal. I looked at Jennifer and I said "It's ok. He's ok." I later promised Bailey, "He will be fine. I promise you that." And I knew what I was saying would be true. What a blessing! What a blessing that my whole family has now to really appreciate the lives of our family, and the breath that God grants us.

Some may say in a situation like this, "If God was real, none of that would have happened in the first place." I completely disagree. God gives us trials, he grants us miracles. This event happened if for NO OTHER reason than to bless me with all that I have mentioned. To show me the faith that I have, and to strengthen my testimony.

I believe there is no way to deny God this miracle. It was all him who saved my nephew.

However, even if you do not believe in God...you can still learn from this. Do not take your breath for granted. Do not take the lives of those you love for granted.

Emery feeding Avers

2010-08-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Aunt Carmel's Flowers

2010-07-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

So, we went on a rafting trip with Auntie Sammie, Auntie Foo and her family, Rachel, Elana, and the Kutys. It was a lot of fun. We were trying to spend time together before Sammi moved to Utah. Also, she had never been rafting. Crazy girl. Aunt Carmel watched my kids for me very last minute. Thanks Carmel!! When I got there, Emery was just waking up. She slept on Carmel's bed and had gotten into all her flowers before she fell asleep.

Water Park 3

2010-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

We LOVE water parks in this family and circle of friends. My sweet little Avi enjoying the sunshine.

mmmm...popcorn

Mason is the best little jumper EVER

My little model

Mina (Amelia) showed them how to float leaves down the creek.

They put little insects atop the leaves to float them down the creek.

The kids learned how to pour water on each other with the cup. It became the new favorite game.

They even wanted to play with Avers.

Emery getting Mason.

Mommy's Makeup

2010-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, the other morning I woke up and Emery had already gotten up. I found her here....

Looking innocent? Look again.

Note to moms everywhere: Keep your mascara out of reach. ;)

I have the most beautiful family.

2010-07-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Day

2010-07-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our Stake put on a Pioneer Day Celebration and it was awesome!! There was a lot of musicians and a bouncehouse, face painting, pioneer games, cotton candy, and more. It was a great free event on a saturday night. Emery was the cutest thing. We went with Erick and Amelia and Mason of course.

She loved the cotton candy...Mason didn't care for it. Silly boy.

Share....

I thought it would be fun to have her get her face painted. But I wanted something simple, because I knew she wouldn't sit too long or keep it on too long. The little cat was purrr-fect. She actually sat really well while getting her nose and whiskers.

Mason and daddy. So cute.

Not to sound cenceited, but I actually really like this picture of me. Why can't all my pictures look like this? Hmmm.

Emery and Emerson (her cousin) going in for the hug.

So cute!!

Averson's First time to the Beach

2010-07-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

I wish I was a mermaid....

2010-07-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

My handsome boy

2010-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cobabe Family Reunion

2010-07-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

The day after Independence Day, we had a Cobabe Family Reunion. We all met up at Folsom Lake, and spent the day in the water and on the beach with each other. The adults went out to dinner that night together. Jeff brought his jet skis and wakeboard, and we all had a lot of fun.

Emery had fallen asleep out on the lake with me. It's what I was trying for because I knew she was so tired. Success!

I think that this picture of the fly is really cool. I was just playing with my new camera. The fly landed on my car seat cover.

4th of July Fireworks

2010-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

On the fourth, we went to watch the fireworks across the street. It's the fireworks from the Folsom Rodeo. They aren't amazing or anything, but it's fun for the kids. And it's in walking distance so that is pretty cool. Here is Emery and Mason playing with a light saber Gabreal had gotten from his mom.

4th of July at Grandmas

2010-07-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

1, 2, 3....go!

2010-07-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

OK, So I was watching Mason for Erick and Amelia for a bit and I was working in the kitchen. I heard "1..2...3...go!" and I came out to find our little monsters doing this...

The bed was in the front room because this was when our AC was broken and Christopher and I were sleeping downstairs, where it was cooler. I love that middle picture, the action shot.

These Boots Were Made For Pictures

2010-07-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

These are Em's red boots. Aren't they K-yoot? They are hand-me-down from her cousin Bailey. I LOVE hand-me-downs. They don't quite fit her yet, but she wanted to wear them anyways, so I let her. Then we went in our back yard to the little hill, and I played around with my camera. She is the best subject to photograph.
Love her.

Her suprised face. "Mommy pize"

So cute. I love that little girl. She is such a doll.

Share. Share.

2010-06-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I am cooking or cleaning in the kitchen I put Averson in his seat to watch me. While Chris and I were in the kitchen, Avers was watching and when we turned around to check on him we found this.... She's real good at sharing when it's something that isn't originally hers.
Averson's face here cracks me up. haha.
BTW, Emery doesn't often run around in just a diaper.

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabreal!

2010-06-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

For Gabreal's 2nd Birthday, there was a swim party. There was some drama that day, and I had gotten to the party pretty late. Gabreal had actually gone down for a nap, so I didn't even get a photo of the birthday boy. :( But, Emery had a blast swimming with her friends. Emery is borrowing Gabe's "swim jacket," but she now has one of her own. The thing is in one word: amazing. It's actually US Coast Guard approved. I highly recommend it to all mothers of non-swimmers!
Emery and She-Sha

Motorboat, Motorboat....or as Em says,

"Mo-oh-boh Mo-oh-boh"

Go Mason!

Water Balloons

2010-06-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

So at my mom's, my brother Brandon decided to make some water balloons for his kids and let them play with it out front. Luckily, we were there and Emery got to join in the fun. She loves playing in the water. Her cousins like it too, just not as much as her!

Em and Grandma

2010-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Water Park 2

2010-06-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Like, I said...we love the water parks. Here is another one we go to. This one is actually my favorite. It's the best one. It's actually in El Dorado Hills, but it's not too far. Emery and Mason...holding hands and playing
I don't really know what they are doing here. I think they are sharing snacks, but isn't it adorable?

"Mommy...Cooode"

Happy Boy just being out.

Love my Avers.

Mmmmm

2010-06-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Swimming with my kids

2010-06-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Maddox!!

2010-06-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

One of Emery's good friends, Maddox turned 2! We had an awesome time at his party. We went to the park by the Sac Zoo and had lunch and cupcakes and then we all walked over to Fairy Tale Town. It was fun to spend the day with her friends and family!

This is the birthday boy, Maddox. Isn't he such a darling?

I absolutely love these two photos of him.

Mason in the cheese slice

Emery and Uncle Will riding horses together. (Single ladies..I'll hook you up!)

Aren't they the cutest?

Emery is always leading Mason....she's so headstrong. And he just loves her so much, he follows

Water Park

2010-06-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the Water Park a lot this summer. It was so cute watching Emery play in the water, and learn to play on the playground by herself. Averson even enjoyed hanging out outside in his carseat. We went almost every time with Amelia and Mason, so they usually got to enjoy the parks together. They are the cutest best friends!! One time Amelia took Mason, and I was in Elk Grove, so we couldn't go. Mason was "boycotting" the park because he was waiting for Emery...or "Memie" as he says. They really are the cutest little friends. Emery can ride on a swing by herself now but she can't get on it without help. What a big girl!

Aren't they so cute?

Apparently Emery was thirsty. Haha!

Now she is trying to step on the water.

This was right after Mason's incident. Now he has no band-aid but a cool scar above his eye, that will attract girls attention when he's older.

The Many Faces of Em

2010-05-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

Park Day

2010-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Cousin Pictures

2010-05-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Every year, we make a photo tie for my dad for Father's Day. This is our little photo shoot of trying to get a good shot. It was difficult. And it's obivously not professional...I took them. The first one is the one we used.

Welcome Odin "Baby Shower"

2010-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

The kids at the "kids table." Haha.

Some fantastic pictures of Ethan

Averson and yaya. Yes, she was smelling his feet. My maternal grandmother. Loves him, but who doesn't?

Baby Papa

2010-05-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

My big sister calls Averson "Baby Papa." She says he looks just like him. Papa is my dad. Here they are sleeping together. So cute!

Abbie's Graduation Party

2010-05-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Abbie, my longest friend...I have known her since I was a "wee-babe." Well, she just graduated from Sac State in journalism. She is interning with the Rivercats right now and does articles, and some interviews. She also gets to go in the boys locker room! You can see articles from her..Abbie Ellis. pretty cool!

Emery played with her cousins Shanna and Tiffany there. She rarely gets to see these cousins, so they had fun. (They are actually MY cousins, but thats ok)
Me and Abs...ignore my red eye. I was suffering from pretty bad allergies this night. I hate this picture of me, but it's the only one of us together from that night...and I'm not too proud. Also, Abbie meeting Avi for the first time. She loves him. Who doesn't?

Emery and Emerson

2010-05-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Carmel was taking her boys to the park across the street for pizza dinner and playing. She called to invite me, which was wonderful because Chris was working late and I was bored! It was fun to watch our kids play together and catch up.

Sibling Love

2010-05-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

New Camera -- My Family

2010-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I got my late Mother's Day Gift. A Beautiful Digital Camera with a replaceable lens. I'm no photo major, but I love taking pictures, and good quality pictures. It was a wonderful gift, and I enjoyed playing around with it so much yesterday. I took lots of pictures of Drill practice, drill try out clinics, the awards banquet, and my family. Here are a few pictures that I took.

Here is my handsome son Averson. He is 2 1/2 weeks old here. I was holding him when I took the picture myself, which is why it is a weird angle.

This is Emery at the Drill Awards Banquet, playing with the confetti stuff from the table with her Auntie. She is gorgeous. This picture reminds me of a cat playing with string. But cuter.

My mother, Mamo with her grandson Avi. I was going to say "newest" grandson, but it's not true. Avi was born May 1st, but my sister-in-law delivered her Odin on May 10th. I absolutely love this picture.

This is probably my favorite photo I have taken so far in regards to the actual photo. This is Vincint, Odin's big brother, and Raigne's little brother. My big brother's little boy.

Christopher laughed when he saw this picture and said she looks just like me. What do you think? Oh man, she is so gorgeous.

Drill Team Awards Banquet

2010-05-19T09:57:00.001-07:00

It's been a roller coaster ride coaching the Drill Team this year. But at the end of things, I really enjoyed all of the girls and the performances, and working with Val. I loved seeing my sister so much, and having so many excuses to be in Elk Grove with my mom. Last night was the Awards Banquet, where we pass out team trophies, awards, and some other things and of course, eat! I got 2 wonderful thank you cards. I'm excited for next year, but so sad that this year is over!

These are 3 of my 5 graduating seniors: Alie, Kelsey, and Brittany. They were all first year members, but super enthusiastic, talented, and supportive. I'm going to miss them!

Sammi, Emery, and my parents. She is showing off all that she received that night. I am so proud of her. She is moving to Utah in a few months, and I'm going to miss her.

Team picture. Me trying to hang on to Emery. The other coach, Valerie is far left. Love working with her. She is so much fun. My boo.

Averson's Birth Story

2010-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Short Story: (for boys)

Averson Michael was due April 30th, but decided to enter the world on May 1st. It was a quick but hard labor. He was a huge baby, 9 pounds, 9 ounces...but that was expected. He was 21 inches long and was born at 4:44am.

Long Story: (for girls)

I had no idea what to expect even though I have a child already. I was induced 8 days late with Emery, so I didn't know exactly what it would be like to go into labor on my own. I didn't know how difficult it would be, or how fast it would be without the induction. I was semi-comfortable with my pregnancy until about 36 weeks. All of a sudden, I was just done. I kept praying that my water would break, because then I would get to go straight to Labor and Delivery without having to time contractions and all that stuff.

At my 37 week appointment, I was 1 and 30%. At my 38 week, I was 2 and 70%. The contractions started coming more frequently and more uncomfortablly. So I was extremely disappointed when at my 39 week, I was STILL 2 and 70%. At my 40 week appointmentment, on my due date, I was a 3 and 70%. The doctor stripped my membranes. I didn't think it would do anything, since it didn't for my first pregnancy but I went for it anyways. Just a few seconds of being uncomfortable was worth the chance of not being pregnant anymore.

A few hours later, my contractions actually started hurting. I had so many contractions this entire pregnancy, but they didn't hurt until now. Sometimes they were fairly close together. But they were inconsistent, and I could mostly still walk and talk through them. I really thought I was going to go into labor that night (Friday). I was having contractions, but didn't want to sit around hoping, so Christopher and I met Erick and Amelia at Babies R Us. I bought my little Avi a baby book. Here in Folsom it's on a shopping strip, so we walked down the strip into stores like Old Navy and Home Depot. A little bit of stores for the girls, and some for the boys. Then we went to Coldstone.

They have a new flavor. Oreo Creme Filling Ice cream. I got it with a brownie. YUMMMMM. AND, I just remembered I have some left in the freezer. Can you hold on for a second?.....

Great. The moment I open the freezer and pull this sucker out, Emery walks down. Now I have to share. I'm so selfish...but im sharing anyways.

So I thought the walking would put me into active labor, and it didn't. Came home, watched a lot of TV, went to bed at about 11:30. I was still having contractions, but not bad enough to go to the hospital. I figured if it was real, it would wake me up.

It did. 2:37 is the time I first remember from looking at the clock. They were 3 minutes apart, and hurting a lot. I was 95% sure I was in labor. After only 15 minutes I called labor and delivery. The nurse told me to wait another half an hour to make sure they didn't go away. So I hopped in the shower, and it was about a half hour shower. They got worse. As soon as I got out, I told Chris to have Amelia come over. She came right over to watch Emery, since Erick was already home with Mason. While she was coming home, I got dressed and Christopher got stuff ready. We went to the hospital. UC Davis on Stockton Blvd. Not too far, but WAY TOO FAR when in labor. My contractions were very close together and lasted for a while (I wasn't timing) but I only had at most a minute break.

Contractions in the car are not fun. My arm is sore, and I think its from holding on to my seatbelt and that safety bar thing in the car during my contractions. As soon as I got to the hospital (we think it was about 4:00am but we were not looking at the clock), they admitted me to a room and tried to take a urine sample and temperature. My contractions would not allow me to do either of these things. I told them I felt like I was ready to deliver right then. They checked me and I was an 8. So they moved me from triage to a birthing suite.

I was BEGGING for an epidural. I got one with Emery when I was like a 4 or 5, before they broke my water. The nurses told me that if they broke my water, I would be pretty much ready to deliver....OR they could try to find the anesthesiologist to give me an epidural. Even though I was dying of pain, I was ready to be done so I told them to just break my water.

Breaking my water shot me straight to a 9.5. They waited a few contractions for me to be a 10, but it wasn't going. The hardest part was not being able to push, because it was SO hard for me to not push. I was begging them to let me push. So they tried to (and this is why this is the girl's version) push the cervix around while I was pushing. It went, but then went back to a 9.5. But, I was begging so they gave in. And when I started pushing they had to push the cervix around. I have no idea how long I was pushing. It hurt like heck! I had told some of my drill team girls that it's not like the movies where the mothers-to-be are screaming, but I was wrong! I thought that my epidural with Emery didn't do much, but I guess I was wrong about that too.

He was born at 4:44am. I don't know how long I pushed, but I had only been awake for about 2 hours and only at the hospital for about 45 minutes. And no epidural. Which even though was not really by choice, I still think is pretty cool. I'm pretty proud of myself.

His APGAR scores were 8 and 9 for color. He has super dark black hair and his skin is pretty dark too. Doesn't look like my baby, but I know he is. I felt it. He barely cries, it's pretty awesome.

So, he was 9 pounds, 9 ounces, 21 inches long. Thats 1 oz and 1/4" bigger than Emery was when she was born. He doesn't look bigger to me though. Emery had chipmunk cheeks and thick thighs. Avi doesn't really. Emery totally loves her baby. She likes to hold him (for about 15 seconds) and gives him lots of kisses.

It is great to be done with the pregnancy and to have him here with our family. Chris has a week off work to help us adjust, especially with Emery. She loves him, but it's still hard on her.

Any questions? Just ask!

My Big Girl

2010-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

I updated on the little peanut, and thought I should update on my big girl too. She went to the doctors for a well child check up 1 week ago. She is far behind on her check ups, so even though she is 17 months old, this was her 15 month check up.

She weighs 28 pounds even, 88th percentile.
She is 33 1/2" tall, 97th percentile.

Big girl, yes. <3 But proportionate. She has 16 teeth right now, 8 on top and 8 on bottom.

At her appointment, the doctor asked me how many words she said. I wasn't sure, so when I left I started gathering a list of the words she said. She has quite the vocabulary. I think I've compiled a fairly accurate list, although I may be missing a few.

Words she says that are understandable and she says on her own:
Yes
Uh-huh
No
More
Please
Thank You
Mommy
Daddy
Mamo
Outside
Doggy
Eyes
Nose (mose)
Ice
Baby
Book
Toes
Papa
Shoes
Cheese
Banana (ana)
Knock Knock (mock mock)
Shh
Duck
Up
This
Two
Oh no! (oh mo!)
Uh oh!
Bow
Bless you [one of my favorites ever!]
Garbage (gar-gar)
Sit
Hi
Bye
Ow
Ball
Mmmm
Hot

Words she says on her own and I understand, but maybe you couldn't:
Mason
Ears
Socks
Bottle
Head
Milk
Amen
Bath
Diaper
All done
All gone
One
Twinkle Twinkle
Excuse Me
I love you
I see you

Words she knows and repeats very well:
Night night
Eggs
A B C D
Whoa
Elbow
Juice
Down
Knees

Words she knows and repeats, but arent so easy to understand:
Amelia
Vincint
Naptime
The end
Brother
Water
Bird
Cat

She also knows what these animals say:
Dog
Cat
Elephant
Fish
Duck

She can also point to all of these body parts:
Eyes
Ears
Nose
Mouth
Tongue
Teeth
Toes
Fingers
Head
Hair

We are working on:
Shoulders
Elbows
Knees

I don't know if any of you care about this, but it's mostly for my record anyways.

Peanut

2010-03-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

I realized that before I just wrote that blog entry on the house, I haven't blogged since November!! That is crazy.

The reason is because I usually blog around my pictures. I like to blog to explain what has been going on. I only remember what has been going on and have proof of it from my camera. And it broke several months ago. We are getting ready to buy a new one, and for the last week I have been borrowing my mothers, so I should have updates soon.

But for those of you that catch up on my life through my blog only, I am still due April 30. It's a boy! He does not yet have a name. Christopher and I are having a hard time choosing a name. On Friday, I will be 34 weeks. It is exciting.

I will update more soon!

Around the House

2010-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Finally things are happening around the house. We moved in to our cozy little townhouse on August 29th. Not much has happened since then. My poor husband has been so busy. And when he's not busy, he's tired from always being busy.

Last night we finally switched out the dishwasher. Our motivation was that the "new" dishwasher (actually a hand-me-down) was sitting in our backyard. We got a letter from the HOA that we needed to clean out our backyard by Wednesday. Since it's not much of a mess, we assumed they meant the dishwasher. So it happened. YAY! And the old one Christopher loaded in his truck and dropped off at Lowe's. We switched from a black one to white, so we now have all matching appliances in the kitchen.

Also, Saturday night, Erick and Amelia came over after we went out to dinner. Erick helped Christopher move around the kid's bedroom and put our new IKEA dresser up there. So exciting. So we loaded up Emery's old dresser (which actually belongs to my parents) and took it to my parent's house on Sunday.

There is still a lot to do. The ceiling has to be fixed where the shower was leaking months ago, the texture on the ceiling is not yet completely done, the paint needs to be finished in the bathroom, dining room and entry, and bedroom. Paint needs to be started in the kitchen, stairway, upstairs hallway, and upstairs bathroom. Our room needs to be moved around once the paint is done. And the fridge needs to get settled in to where it belongs--it is currently sticking out of it's little area in the kitchen due to the fact that it is too big for the space.

But, we are on our way...

little peanut

2009-11-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

So, if you still don't know then you are REALLY out of the loop...sorry. But, I am pregnant! I am 18 weeks right now...due April 30th. I find out one week from today (next Wednesday) the gender and I'm so excited!!

Do you think it's a boy or a girl?

Emery Says...

2009-11-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking on this blog a lot, just like many of my friends. I wanted to share some of the cute things Em has been doing lately, and all the things that she says....

Emery Says....(get it? like Simon Says...)

Hi
Hello
Bye-Bye
Mama
Dada
I love you
I see you (when looking through an object with a hole)
I did it
Please
Thank You
1, 2, 3
A

Vincint (It's her cousin...she attempted it once, but it was very hard to hear!)

I took Emery in today because she hasnt been sleeping well. She weighed 25 pounds, 8 ounces. She is currently 13 months old. We finally got her big girl car seat from FedEx today. She had still been using her infant car seat, because we haven't had money for the upgrade yet. She loves it, and I love being able to see her from the driver seat.

She's kind of weaning herself from her pacifier. Doctor said that is very unusual. But, we are glad that it's going to make that easier on us as parents. She is actually in bed right now, without one at all for the first night since she started using it. And, she hasn't been sleeping well. Doctor said nothing is wrong with her, not even her teeth. I kind of lost count, but I think she has eleven? But, they are all already out so that isn't keeping her up. Dr said maybe too much TV? (ooopps...feel like a bad mom after that one). She said toddlers get nightmares even from cartoons, and to be completely honest...she watches more than just cartoons. So, I am going to limit TV for her, which means also for me (which is good) and start holding off on the CSI's and NCIS's until after she is in bed. Hopefully tonight is a new night, and she starts sleeping great again :)

Does anyone still read my blog? Sometimes I don't know what to write about because I feel like people will be bored with Em's simple milestones. What should I write about?

California Caramel Company Give away

2009-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

There is this fantastic giveaway for two deluxe caramel apples at the blog Have Joy. There is a picture and they look quite delicious. You should go check out this blog and enter the giveaway! I love give aways!

Check it out here.

Emery's birthday...

2009-10-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

was awesome.

Although I am very sad that she does not yet understand that it was her birthday and what it means. We had a wonderful party with friends, family, fun and food. I will post pictures of it later. We also went to my parent's ward Halloween party.

She got some wonderful gifts. Lots of books. My little reader. I love watching her sit and flip through a book and chatter like she is reading. It makes me smile.

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the party!

I don't have any pictures with my Emery on her actual birthday. She was born so close to midnight that I probably didn't even get to hold her until the 18th. Can you believe that 1 year ago today I was holding a 9 1/2 pound baby (yes, not so small...) in my arms, a newborn baby child, my first little one. It was such a blessing. Definately one of the happiest moments of my life.

I love you Emery, Happy Birthday!

Chili's Give Back Night

2009-10-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Come into Chili's tomorrow night from 5-10pm in Elk Grove on Laguna Blvd.

Have a delicious dinner, and 10% of your bill will go towards my Drill Team...Elk Grove High School Drill Team. We really need the help!

You need to present the flyer for us to get the donation.

Here is the flyer!

ABC's of Mrs. Cobabe

2009-10-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

A – Advocate For: Giving people a chance before judging them.

B – Best Feature: My neck. Is that weird? I like my collarbone. So weird. I know.

C – Could do without: Messes on the floor. Hate sweeping. Hate mopping. Hate vacuuming.

D – Dreams & Desires: Finishing school. Teaching. Having an awesome and very close family. Going to Europe...and New Zealand....and the Caribbean.

E – Essential items: Cell phone. Laptop. Jeans. Pacifier for crying baby.

F – Favourite pastime: Watching TV, Tetris, Cuddling with family, spending time with friends...

G – Good at: Organizing, Card games, Hugging

H – Have never tried: Octopus. Gross.

I – If I Had a Million Dollars: Pay off house, Pay off cars, Pay off credit cards...and then go on vacation! (I think New Zealand would be the first on the list)

J – Junkie For: French fries. Ohmygosh. So good.

K – Kindred Spirit: When I was younger, definately Abbie. We shared a brain. Now, I would have to say Sammie.

L – Little Known Fact: I am pregnant.

M – Memorable Moment: Giving birth to Emery. One year ago tomorrow. Crazy.

N – Never Again Will I: Move into a house when there is still so much work to do.

O – Occasional Indulgence: New pair of shoes. No way do I need another pair. But need and want are completely different.

P – Profession: Mother. Wife. Drill Team Coach. Hopefully one day, teacher.

Q – Quote: Gosh, I can't even think of one right now.

R – Reason to Smile: Emery.

S – Sorry About: Not saying Sorry in enough time to tell you before you passed.

T – Things That Are Worrying You Right Now: Emery's party tomorrow. The amount of space we will have on tables. And Christopher getting the ceiling done this evening.

U – Uninterested In: I'm slightly interested in almost everything.

V – Very Scared Of: Losing loved ones.

W – Worst Habits: Biting/picking at my nails.

X – X Marks My Ideal Vacation Spot: New Zealand.

Y – Yummiest Desert: Pick one? Yeah right. Brownies. Better than Sex Cake. Strawberry shortcake. Crepes.

Z – Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius.

Got this from P Dawg at Alis Grave Nil.

If you copy and paste on your own blog, leave me a comment and let me know so I can come read it!

Does the Sauce Make the Nugget?

2009-09-09T20:18:00.001-07:00

What???

Well, we went grocery shopping tonight...long overdue. We got home at a quarter to 7:00pm and a few hundred dollars poorer. [Don't shop when you're hungry!] I was starving of course, Christopher had to leave, and of course it was time for Em to eat. So I quickly baked some Tyson's breaded chicken tenders. I love Tyson's breaded chicken, nuggets and tenders. They have always been so delicious to me.

So I gave some to Em, and she loves chicken so she did just fine, and I started eating mine smothered in honey bbq sauce. A few tenders in, I realized I didn't care for the sauce. It's not the sauce I usually have. So I ate one tender without sauce.

Disgusting.

So I started thinking..."why are my tastebuds weird?" "Why don't they taste as good as usual," "Maybe I got a bad batch..." And of course, I tried to eat more because a girl needs to eat. I finished them with a little sauce to drown out the dusgustingness, but a little enough amount of sauce that it wasn't overwhelming. What a way to eat dinner, eh?

So then I realized that everytime I have ever eaten Tyson's breaded chicken, I use the sauce that I normally buy. This whole time I thought I loved Tyson's chicken, and tonight I realized I don't really. I just love the brown sugar sauce. Mmmm. I'm actually disappointed.

A similar thing happened to me once before. I used to LOOOOOVE fried eggs, and hate scrambled eggs. I would only eat scrambled eggs in some kind of scramble with meat or veggies, or on occasion I would roll my eyes and eat them with ketchup. When I was pregnant with Emery, I started eating a fried egg. Disgusting. I couldn't figure out how I could even get them down my throat before. And I started loving scrambled eggs.

In the past month, I have tried a fried egg again. My mom made me. And it was okay. But I prefer scrambled. And it is still hard for me to eat the fried egg.

So, to my readers. All one of you. [Let's hope there is more] I have a question? Has there ever been any food that you absolutely loved until one defining moment when you realized it was disgusting? Please share. If you remember the defining moment, share that too.

Thanks,
-J.

My New House

2009-08-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

So, Chris and I got our keys this week! We now own a townhouse in Folsom. It is right across the street from the park, library, zoo. Perfect location! Christopher, with the help of Erick started working in it yesterday. Last night, tonight, and Saturday he will be taking down the popcorn ceilings. Next week, he will be adding surround sound, sanding the ceiling, and texturing. The week after that is painting, and then moving in!

If you have free time and enjoy doing work like that, we would love some help!

Also, in our backyard...well, its not really a backyard. It's fairly small...a patio. But, out "there" is room for a garden. I'm so excited!

Emery Standing

2009-08-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

So Emery stood by herself yesterday. She is a wonderful crawler. She has also been cruising for a while. And if I hold her up and let go, she will stand for a little while. But yesterday, she was standing and let go and stood by herself. I'm so proud of her. The funny thing is that she did it so she could grab a toy. She was holding a toy in her left hand, and holding on to the bathtub. Then she wanted to grab another so she let go to grab a second. She makes me laugh.

Family Pictures

2009-07-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday evening, the Cobabe Family got family pictures done. It was great. We got so many pictures in two hours. The photographer was awesome, great with the kids and really relaxed about the whole thing. Check him out: Ben Fisher at Titan-photo.com.

Here's the whole gang: 2 grandparents, 10 children, 7 children-in-law, 23 grandchildren...grand total of 42 people.

Here is Christopher and I of course, and our lovely 9-month-old daughter Emery.

Here we are at Kalithea Park. (I may have spelt that wrong) It is in El Dorado Hills. The park overlooks the city and I guess you could even see down to Sacramento.

Here is Christopher with his 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and parents. What a large and crazy family, but I love them all!

Here are my in-laws with their grandchildren. 23 in total. Emery is #22. She is on the way left sitting with her cousin Macey.

<3birds.

Our beautiful daughter.

This picture will definately get framed and hung in our new house.

The three of us.

Cobabe family.

Swimming across the lake

2009-07-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last night, Christopher and I went to the lake with Emery, Sammie, and Pat. We wanted to take out the jetski, but it didn't happen. We had to wait for the boys to get off work, and Greg came over to have Chris and I sign some papers, so we didnt actually leave until about 6:00.

We stopped at subway and took our sandwiches to the lake. I love living so close to the lake. And the river. I really need to take more advantage of it.

I used to be one of those girls that couldn't get in the water quickly. I'd decide to get in, put in one step and stop. 2 minutes later, one more step down. Once i finished all the steps I would begin moving into deeper water on my tip toes. When everyone was ready to leave, I had just got in the water...(ok, thats an exaggeration)

Lately, I've been realizing how much I love swimming. And now I never really get to. When I'm in a pool, I have Emery. This means shallow end on flat feet so I can hold her up. So, when I have been going with my hubby this summer, I would let him hold her for a few minutes so I can actually swim. I love it.

Last night, he didn't really want to get in. It was kind of cold by the time we got there. But we took Emery swimming a bit, and then she was cold so Christopher and her went up to dry off and cuddle. I persuaded my 'easily persuaded' sister to get in and swim. We decided with Pat to swim across the lake.

Not the largest part of the lake of course. But, not the smallest. I have no sense of distance or time, but I will tell you it was much harder than I thought it would be. We swam across, took a minute break and swam, um, more like floated back.

We were exhausted. So we went to blockbuster and rented Knowing. It was scarier than I thought it would be. I'm easily scared. I was also kind of frusturated because I feel like the trailer didn't correctly represent the movie. But, oh well. It was interesting. Kept me on my butt and not laying down. And Chris stayed awake.

WOW.

Haha. Well, that's about it for now. I need to shower. Em's got a doctor's appointment in an hour. I also have errands to run today and Sammi is here visiting me. Will probably post tomorrow some family pictures that I am going to pick up today.

Family Pictures

2009-07-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

Before our Cobabe Family Reunion, we had all the family in town so we decided to do family pictures. On Thursday night we gathered in El Dorado Hills and our photographer shot for 2 hours. A huge group photo, grandparents with grandkids, each seperate family together, some kids alone, some couples alone...

I'm excited to see them. Christopher and I have not yet done family pictures with Emery and I'm stoked. I should get a CD with the photos this week. I will share when I get them.

Wakeboarding & Cobabe "Reunion"

2009-07-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I went to Folsom Lake with Emery, Amelia, Mason, Matt & Amber & Maddox, Alicia, and Dawn & Chuck on Chuck's boat. I tried wakeboarding about 6 times but I couldn't get up. It was my first time ever trying. The board was really uncomfortable. I felt like I was literally breaking bones in my left foot. That's my excuse as to why I couldn't get up. But, no, really...it hurt.

So we had our Cobabe family reunion this weekend in Rio Vista. Although most of the fam is together often anyways. Still so much fun. We only stayed camping one night. It was so windy! I was afraid Emery wasn't going to be able to sleep it was so loud. But it worked out. On Saturday we went to Sandy Beach, which is pretty much right at the campsite. Jeff brought his sailboat and 2 jet skis.

I love jet skiing. I got a little better at driving them, and I managed to keep Chris from flipping when he was driving. It was so fun! I want one. If you have one, and you need someone to go with, call me.

So, Jeff also brought a wakeboard and he pulls it with his jet ski. I decided to try again. And i got up! The board was much more comfortable. The first 2 times I failed. But the 3rd time I got up. It was easy after you get up once. I rode a few times because I can't last long, but it was pretty much awesome. I rock.

I was sad to leave. I could have been out there all day. We took Emery out on the jet ski, but she fell asleep so fast. Haha. I'll post pictures later.

Honest Scrap

2009-07-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was tagged again by P-Dawg, my former and only Drill Team Coach, and English teacher, although she left me to have a baby.

I got over it.

Well, there are two parts to this Honest Scrap thing, or Honest Scrap Award? I don't really know how the "award" part gets put in there, but oh well. The first part is 10 things that you may not know about me...and the second part is tagging 7 other bloggers to do the same.

Although I don't know how well that will work out...I tagged friends on "Show Me You Heart" and no one ever did it. Or yet. Oh well, I'll be doing my part.

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I googled "honest scrap" to find a different picture to

put in my post, but all I found was tons of this exact picture and a few signs of this building side that said "chew honest scrap." I decided to post it and show you.

2. Christopher and I just got accepted from a bank to buy a short sale condo in Folsom, which we are not as excited about as we should be because we dont have money for a down payment, so don't know if it will work. (looking for someone to gift* it)

*seen as a loan to us

3. When I was 16, my dad gave me the option of getting a car or a motorcycle, and I chose car because I wanted to still be able to drive in the rain.

4. I hate vacuuming. Although I don't mind dishes or laundry. Just vacuuming.

5. I absolutely love zucchini and all squash. My favorite way to eat it just sauteed with butter. Mmmm.

6. I would really like to have a house with a yard so that I can garden. I would grow squash, tomatoes, and herbs...

7. I enjoy doing all crafts such as sewing, scrapbooking, making ornaments, making cards, etc. although I'm not the craftiest person.

8. When I was little my favorite animal was a bunny. And now, I can't even choose a favorite animal, so I still just tell people it's a bunny.

9. I love carnitas soft tacos at chipotle. Or carnitas burritos with no salsa, and added lettuce. Yes, i like lettuce.

10. I think that the most beautiful face I have ever seen is Emery's. Can't imagine a cuter little girl. [I might have to change this thinking when I have another child]

Tagging Friends

1. the cobabes [different cobabes]

2. alise

3. hayley

4. the packs

5. brooke

6. kasey

7. amelia

Have Fun!

Show Me Your Heart [the REAL thing]

2009-06-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

OK I just started this 10 minutes ago, and then the computer had to restart for some lame reason. So, here we go again....

I was tagged my P Dawg at a while ago, and I am just now getting around to it. Sorry P Dawg.

The tag: "with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess. If you want to join in, tag 6 more blogs."

Picture:

Emery and nature. This is her when we went camping [my original reason for putting off this post]

Poem:

Eighteen years of glory
Two years of pain
Eternity and more
To remember the name
A soul so much loved
A heart so much missed
A hug to give forgotten
A wished cheek to kiss
You said youd always be here
You said youd never leave
But where are you now
When I need you here with me?
I know its not your fault
Your in the better place
But nothing can ever stop me
From missing that handsome face.
I try these days to remember
So I can not forget you
The dreams you said you had of me
The songs you sang so true
Such a wonderful face
Such am amazing voice
A genuine person
Sent to heaven with no choice.
Im sorry for what was said
And more for what was not
Im sorry for my stubborn self
And the stupid fight we fought
I wish to go back two years in time
To make this up to you
Atleast so when you passed away
You knew how much I loved you.
I loved you like a brother,
A brother I'd never forget.
One glorious day we'll meet again
A glorious reunion I bet.
Watch down on me from heaven
Be my angel in the sky.
Rest in Peace, Watch in Peace,
True balla forever in style.

-Me, written in March of 2007.

Song:

"Where are you going, my little one, little one?

Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four.

Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.
Turn around. Turn around.

Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.
Where are you going, my little one, little one?

Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you're tiny. Turn around and you're grown.

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own.
Turn around. Turn around.

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own."

-"Turn Around" by many artists

This is the song my mom used to sing to me before bed.

Quote or Phrase:

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." -Amy Bloom.

Item of Clothing:

If shoes count...

If they don't...

EGHS Drill Team Warm-up Jacket. LOVE.

That's my with my ankles crossed. 2005 competition.

Place:

This house has a name. A name? Yes. Altair.

This is the house in Sea Ranch, CA where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon. It was beautiful. There is a huge backyard, walking distance to the ocean, we saw lots of wildlife in beautiful nature, and it was a beautiful house. Altair at Sea Ranch.

Disney Princess:

I had a hard time deciding between Ariel and Belle, but here is my decision.

Thanks for reading if you are still here. I am going to tag:

Kasey at I gave in

Amelia at Kuty-pa-tootie

Candie at The Green Life

Brooke at sunshine express

Brandi at The Turners

Heather at The Pack's

but if I didn't tag you, you can still do this and leave me a comment so I can come look at it!

These Boots Were Made for Marchin'

2009-06-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm at my mother's house in Elk Grove right now, trying to find a picture of boots that will work as clip art on a custom ink shirt that look like drill team boots. It's frusturating creating this fourth shirt.

But I saved something and didn't realize where I saved it. I searched "boot" in the computer, and found a word document titled "These Boots Were Made for Marchin'." It's an essay my sister wrote this past year. I cried. She is a good writer, I think. And she admires me so much...it feels so great to have someone look up to you so much. Well, I thought I would share it. I realize it's her work, but it means so much to me that I would like to share it with all of you. Some of the writing is weird because its no longer formatted, but you'll get the just of it.

Samantha Clark Clark 1
Ms. Lee
AP English 11
Descriptive essay
September 16 2008
These Boots Were Made for Marching
Just about ready to leave my house, I analyze myself in the mirror, making sure everything is in place. My hair half-up and half down, bangs pulled back and hair sprayed slick, diamond earrings, one in each ear and cherry-colored lipstick packed on, layer after layer. The time has come to add the last touch. My boots.

I slip them on, and run out in a hurry. The click clack of the heels touching the ground in a hurry causes a few strangers to turn in curiosity. My face gets pink, my hands get hot, and I know they are looking at my dirty, worn out boots. What used to be spotless white leather too stiff to fold down has now become too flexible to keep zipped up.

Four years ago, my sister invited me towards her, and we opened the box which kept those boots safe through shipping. Pulled out of their package, the boots shined as if they had just been painted with a white glaze. The zippers ran smoothly in and out of every crevice, connecting pieces of a puzzle. The insides glow as white as the outside, and the smell arises as the smell of a new car would the first month. My sister wore those new boots with such accomplishment. I admired the way she walked in those boots, head up at gun-point, back straight and shoulders back. And then she smiled, showing not only her top and bottom teeth, but also the glimmer in her eyes. I looked at my flip flops, and knew that one day, I wanted to walk with the same posture my sister revealed to me.

I remember sitting on the sofa watching my sister go through her own routine of getting ready. Her frustrations began to build up through getting her bow even with her pony tail, and trying to find new tights without any holes, all the tension seemed to disappear after she donned the exquisite boots. Her outfit then became complete. Friday after Friday as the boots gained dirt stains and smudges, I watched this same routine, and every time it amazed me how that last simple step made her stand up higher, smile a little wider and act a bit nicer.

As my sister grew up, she left the school and boots to me. I strive to fill her footsteps. The boots have lost their shine, and yet, I still feel privileged to wear them. The insides stained brown from the sweat and dirt of many parades in the past, still carry the indentations of her feet, and the smell of a long day of marching. The creases at the bridge and the ankles from pointed toes, and marching passé make them more pliable to my movements. The zipper on the left side gets stuck due to the material from my tights constantly getting in the way in my haste to get ready. The smudge on my right boot left over from my sister fails to be covered no matter all the times I have polished it. These boots finish off my uniform, make me stand tall, smile big and be in the best attitude I can, so that I’m ready to march with the rest of the team.

As I walk to my team, we begin our pre-game. The BOOM BOOM of our heels marching on the track in absolute unison. The cheering fans watch us with pride.

Show Me Your Heart

2009-06-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

The tag: "with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess. If you want to join in, tag 6 more blogs."

I was tagged by P-Dawg.

I really want to do this right now...but I am going to my sister in law's house and I should leave right now...I still have to pack for camping, we are leaving this afternoon, and Emery needs a bath. So this is my "I-O-U." When I get back from camping, I will finish this tag.

OK, P Dawg?

And then I'll tag 6 more bloggers. <3

Strengths Finder 2.0

2009-06-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

So, a while back I won a giveaway by P-Dawg. So cool! I won a book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. In the book it gives you an access code to take an assessment online. After the assessment, it gives you your top 5 strengths out of I believe 34. The whole point of the book is so that people will focus on developing theirs talents and making them their strengths...developing who they are. Rather than trying to fix their weaknesses, and achieve for talents that they don't have, and trying to be somebody that they aren't.

I got the book today. Started reading it. Took the assessment. Thought I'd share my top 5 with you. And P-Dawg, you know I'm curious about yours once you figure out what they are.

So, here's mine.
1. Discipline- sets routines. likes timelines and deadlines. wants everything predictible, orderly, and planned.
2. Includer- want to include people and expand groups. instinctively accepting. casts few judgments.
3. Consistency- think balance and clear rules is important with no tipping scales to someone's favor
4. Relator- pulls towards people I already know, pleasure in being around close friends. comfortable with intimacy.
5. Woo- winning others over. likes the challenge of turning strangers into friends.

Yeaup, that's me. Don't you think these strengths would make me an excellent teacher?

Technology-free Week

2009-06-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

So, last week my little Sister Sammie was given a challenge from a member of the bishopric in her ward. She was supposed to go one week without technology: cell phone, computer, television, radio, etc... and then give a talk about it on Sunday.

My family and I went to her ward yesterday to hear her speak. She did such a good job! I was really impressed. There were four speakers, and although they all did really well, her's was the best, I think. And that say's a lot because one of the other speakers was my dad!

She talked about spending a few nights with me and staying up talking and looking at scriptures with Christoper and I. She talked about how good of a mom I am and how she aspires to be like me. I cried. Wouldn't you?

...and oh my gosh, I'm feeding Emery right now and she just hit the carrots out of my hand and made such a mess on me and I'm wearing someone else's pants!...

But, her talk was amazing. I wish everyone could have heard it. I felt really good, and the meeting was really spiritual. I'm glad I went to that ward. Plus, there was cupcakes in Relief Society.

The end.

John's is incredible!

2009-05-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Willie and Crystal are moving to Hawaii on Wednesday (bummer?)...so we went out last night. Crystal absoutely LOVES John's Incredible Pizza. So, we went to dinner there. If you haven't been there. It's a buffet. Incredible pizza. {thats the perfect word to explain it, wonder how I thought of it}

You can even request specialty pizzas. My favorite was margherita pizza. But, they have more than just pizza. Salads, pastas, potatoes, dessert, etc. And, it's like Chuck E Cheese. Games and arcade stuff, bumper cars, and lots more. It's a lot of fun. Amelia was busy doing hair, but Erick came with us and brought along Mason.
This is Crystal with Mason. He is playing with/eating Emery's zebra. He loves that thing.

My new favorite picture of me and my daughter. <3

She didn't actually ride this. I just put her in it for a picture. Silly mommy with her silly pictures.

Well, enough updating for now...I have to go start dinner and take care of Em and get ready for that silly class tonight [maybe I'll talk about that later].

-Netty

Emery is ready for high school....

2009-05-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Blacklight Rally

2009-05-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Isn't this CREEPY? Well, yes...Elena's face is a bit creepy. However, that is not what I'm addressing at this specific moment. That shirt was black when not by a blacklight. Now, there's a face. It's scary.
Oh, dear. Another scary face. This is what happens when you attend Elk Grove High for too long.

Kidding.

Rachel, Brittany, Elena, and Mary...all in their black! Goodlooking, eh? I should rock that style 24/7.

Them again...but now with me.

Oh, look. My hair is ALL brown again.

Val, Sammie, Elena, and Lauren waiting for the rally to start.

If you don't know what the blacklight rally is. You are MISSING OUT! It's a rally at EG, pretty much the Drill Team's rally. We set up blacklights, turn out the regular lights and perform in the dark! It will rock your socks off. You should come see it next year. It's every year in May. Our last performance of the year....

There are a few routines we do. The first is always the best. It's called 'Hands.' It's the best because only our hands glow. And sometimes we hide them and it's all black again.

Check it out!

Cod-something Trail.

2009-05-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Cod-something Trail. I don't remember what it's called. 2 weeks ago, Christa [Christopher's sister] invited us to go on a hike with her and Pat [family friend who just got home from his 2-year mission last month]. I'm not a big hiker, but I wanted to go for Emery's sake. Well, I enjoy getting out. Although I prefer less tiring hobbies. But, it was really for Emery. I shouldn't turn down anything that she might love.

We went to REI and bought a special backpack to carry a baby in. She was really happy in it for the first half. But not the second half. I think she was just exhausted. Well, I know she was tired. But, I think that's the reason she was upset. That backpack did not make it comfortable, or even possible to sleep for her.

Emery is sitting by herself in this picture. It was a big rock, and I though it would make a cute picture. I was nervous that she would fall. It wasn't the safest environment she's ever been in. But, the picture came out adorable <3

Don't worry. I'm not a horrible mom. Christopher was next to her in case she got a little wobbly. But, she didn't. She understands how mommy likes her pictures.

Spotlight on Excellence

2009-05-22T15:18:00.001-07:00

Am I mean for putting this picture up? Haha. I couldn't help myself.

Some of the girls at Spotlight. It was my first event as a coach. It was also the first fundraiser for the new team. We served at Spotlight on Excellence, which is a dinner for high school seniors recieving scholarships from the community.

There was a lot of down time, which is how all these pictures came about. As they announce names, we just wait. And there is a LOT of people, so many names to announce.

Me and my sister Sammie. Do we look alike? I don't know. I suck at seeing resemblances.

Valerie and Sammie. Oh yeah, and Elena sneaked in the picture too.

To pass time, we played games. If you know me, you know I like games. That's an understatement. I love games. I don't even know if that does my adoration justice. But i'll leave it at that anyways.

This is the hand game. But, I don't feel like explaining it. Maybe one day if you'd like to learn it, we can play. It's best with a huge group of people.

It was a lot of fun, and pretty much the first chance Val and I had to bond with the team. I am so excited for this year!

So much to catch up on!

2009-05-22T15:08:00.001-07:00

I have a lot to catch up on here. I just put Em down for a nap, which should be a good hour or two or three. Let's start with all the things she has been getting into lately when my head has been turned. OK, so I was in another room. But, not for too long...

1. So, this is actually the most recent. She hates getting put in her carseat but she loves playing in it. Weird girl.
2. Oh, man. She grows so fast. May 5th, this was her first attempt at climbing stairs. Yes, these two dinky stairs are the only ones in our apartment. It makes it easier. She can definately climb then now. Whenever I'm in the kitchen, she comes "upstairs" to visit me.

3. This one is my favorite. She loves the innertube. When I first found her, she was actually sitting in it. But, my camera was dead. So, I had to charge it for a minute, and then she was here. I don't even know how she got it. It was between the wall and the TV entertainment center. She must be a genius.

More, Mommy!

2009-05-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

So, Emery has recently learned to clap. She is very good at it. Her palms hit each other right where they should, and her fingers stay in the upright position. She does it over and over again, and it usually makes a sound.

So, I've been trying to teach her to sign more. It's easily confused with clapping. But she knows now. She will imitate me when I do it. Her hands go together slowly where moreso the fingers touch, rather than the palms. She will do it only 1-3 times in a row. There is a difference. I can tell.

So, I'm sitting her on facebook, approximately 5 minutes ago. She is sitting in front of me at her high chair, munching on yogurt bites. I look up, and they are all gone, and she is signing for more! I've never felt so proud in my entire life.

If this is what being a mommy feels like, all the hard work is worth it!

Short Update

2009-05-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Emery claps now. It is so cute! She only has like a 20% success rate, the other 80% she misses. But she's trying. And it is so cute! Maybe I'll get a vid up here later...

What a beach!

2009-04-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Christopher and I had to pickup Christa at the Oakland airport at 8:30 in the morning. We decided to take 2 cars, so she could drive home and we could go to San Fran. We took Christa's car (she had a lesson to teach that day at church) and my parent's suburban. We went with the Kutys. Here is me and Amelia at the beach.

The Cobabes at the beach. Emery's first time at the ocean.

Emery and daddy.
He let her touch the water when a wave came up, but she didn't like it.
I wouldn't either, too cold.

Haha. We cut Emery out. Right before he snapped this, Emery put a fistful of sand in my face. That's why I'm making this face.

Or that's just an excuse.
I'm not sure.

My angel.

She really really liked the sand. But what baby doesn't?

This is our family when we went to see the sea lions.

Em was pretty interested in that too.

I'm all excited like im in high school again

2009-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

So, I got a coaching position! If you know me well, you know just how much this means to me. If you don't, then I'll tell you.

I was on my high school's Drill Team. Elk Grove High School. In none other than Elk Grove, CA. I was on the team my sophomore, junior and senior year, and I was captain my Jr [1 of 5] and Sr [1 of 3] years. I absolutely LOVE drill team. I don't know what it is about it, but it is a passion of mine. I didn't want to graduate, because I didn't want to leave! My little sister became a freshman when I graduated and she joined the team. I got to continue living the team life through her. Last spring, the coach was leaving and they were in need of a new one. I jumped at the opportunity. I had an interview, felt great about it because I think I have pretty rock solid experience. But, in the end I didn't get the position. I recently found out, that even if I was the better choice, I couldn't have gotten the position, because it goes to someone in the district first automatically. The one chosen was from the district. I was heartbroken.

But it turns out that this coach only lasted for a year. Or slightly less. So, they were looking again. As I began to get excited at another opportunity to coach, I also began to feel more anxious. I am scared of failure. I failed at this last year. But, in the end, my desire was stronger than my fear, and so I decided to try again. My fear of failing is the reason why I didn't write a blog post earlier. I was afraid to tell everyone about the team, and then not get the position.

An old teammate called me when she heard they were looking for a coach. Kaila and I decided we would try to get co-coaching positions. That way I would not have to drive out from Folsom everyday, and the burden would be lighter for both of us. Before my interview, she earned a promotion at work and realized that even a co-coaching position would be too much for her to handle at this point. When the VP called me to schedule an interview, she also told me that another former member was interested. Of course, I started racking my brain through old teammates who were still in the area, wondering who it would be, and if they would be interested in coaching alongside me rather than competing against me for the position.

Coach was able to tell me, so she called to tell me it was Val. [Isn't it weird that now, I'm going to be Coach?] Well, I love Val. She is amazing. So much fun to be around. We were captains together my junior year with 3 others, so we had worked together previously. I "facebook messaged" her and she said she would be interested in a co-coaching position with me. So, I had my interview last Tuesday. (9 days ago) They said they would call me likely by the end of the week, but possibly the beginning of "next week." (this week) So, Thursday came. No call. Friday. No call. I didn't expect a call on the weekend. Monday I was anxiously awaiting. Freaking out, might be the term to best describe me. I thought they would call during school hours. I'm not sure why I assumed that, just did. So 3:00 rolls around, and I figure I will have to wait until Tuesday.

I was at the airport in the parking lot, getting ready to put Emery in her stroller when I got the message. I guess I had missed the call. At the end of the message, she said "I look forward to speaking to you." My heart jumped. "It must mean I got the job, right? She wouldn't say she looks forward to breaking my dream, right? What kind of person would look forward to telling somebody no?" So I called her back, and sure enough I got it. Co-coaching with Val. I am so excited. So ecstatic. So ________. (fill in the blank with a professional sounding synonym)

This week is try-outs. Val and I went to meet the captains and watch the try-outs yesterday. First of, it was great to see Val. I haven't seen her in a long time. Second, I was jealous of these girls. I miss the team so much. But Val and I began talking about the changes we would like to make, or more along the lines of re-establish, traditions and the like from our years. We both are so excited to coach the team, and excited to try to rebuild this team that has been slowly falling apart. Only about 25 girls are trying out. It's amazing. Val said that her sophomore year, her first year, about 115 girls tried out. About 30 would make the team. We would like to rebuild the team to build the unity it was lacking this year, and to bring the fun back, and to hopefully make it appealing to many other students who would try out next year.

Even as I write this, my heart starts pounding. I want to start right away. I'm ready to order uniforms, start a camp routine, and most of all, prepare for Disney Land!! Woo hoo....

By the way, you better all attend all the fundraisers!

Friday Night's BBQ

2009-04-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, my family and I went to a GDC BBQ. Don't understand the lingo? Group Date Club Barbecue. Haha. It was us, the Kutys, Trogdons, Greens, McAllisters, and 2 other couples who are friends of the Greens/Trogdons. It is just so nice to get out every once in a while, ya know?

So, Josh and Joe bbq'ed tri tip. [Everytime I type this, I accidentally type trip tip, and have to fix it] Anyways, it was delicious. As was the corn on the cob. And my fruit salad. And Brooke's mint brownies. Mmmmm. What if Brooke made 1 million brownies and forced us to eat them all last night? Then...._______________________.

So, we played games. We played a boys v. girls version of Pictionary. Girls wrote on papers some phrases/movies/things for the boys and vice versa. Anyways, the boys won. But, we didn't realize how hard they were going to make theirs! The boys wrote for us: channel locks, crank shaft, flu pipe, Marginot Line.... I had Marginot Line. Joe had to take me outside (take it outside!) and tell me what it was and what I could draw. We didn't get a point for that one. But, the girls wrote easier ones...napkin holder, flat iron, hay fever, eyelash curler. Next time we play, it's so on!

After that we decided to play the "What if?" game. In this game, everyone write on a piece of paper a What if... question. For example "What if we all grew tails?" or "What if ears grew out of our toes?" Then all the papers would be folded, mixed and we would all choose one. We would write an answer for whichever question we drew such as "Then we could swing around from tree to tree upside down" or "Then we could mix our earwax with our toejam." Then we fold them, mix them again, and draw them one last time. We go around in a circle reading them but person 1 will read their question and person 2 will read that answer. Such as "What if we all grew tails? Then we could mix our earwax with our toejam." Or in reverse, "What if our ears grew out of our toes? Then we could swing around tree to tree upside down." Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they aren't, sometimes they actually make sense, most of the time they dont. But it's such a fun game!

Anyways, it was nice to get out and hangout with friends. I enjoyed myself. Best of all, Christopher actually played and participated in both of these games. It was awe-some!

BTW, we drove around with Greg today looking at some houses, condos, and townhouses in our price range in Folsom, Orangevale, and Fair Oaks. We found a good townhome in Folsom. We are going to put in an offer. We'll see how that goes. I'll keep you all updated.

Still waiting to hear about the coaching position. Expecting a call on Monday.

The happiest place on planet Earth.

2009-04-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

is Disney Land. And I have not been in a while. I have been "craving" it for a while now. I just really need to get me some Disney characters, some Space Mountain, some light parade, or some Tower or Terror.

I wish I could just take off one weekend and go. But it's not that easy. Especially now that I have my daughter here. And It wouldn't be so fun with just my little family because my husband and I wouldn't even be able to ride on stuff together. As much as I love the rides, I don't think I would care to ride them alone all day.

I think the reason I have been wanting so bad is that I used to go every year. But when I went in 2008, I was pregnant. Disneyland + pregnant = not as much fun as it should be. So that year didn't really count. And I didn't get to go this year because of money.

In December, I am turning 21. Woohoo! I'm thinking about going to Disney Land. But, I also recently started thinking about Hawaii, where I've never been. I know Hawaii would be the obvious choice. But, still, I am CRAVING me some Grizzly River Run, some Soarin' Over California, and Splash Mountain. Oh, I dont know....

There should be a Disney Land in Hawaii.

The end.

Our wonderful weekend

2009-04-20T14:12:00.001-07:00

Oh man, she makes me smile. Isn't she beautiful?
She wanted to taste a blade of grass.

And make a wish. Actually she just wanted to eat this, too. But I managed one picture before it got all messed up on her mouth.

Emery fell asleep after swimming. Doesn't it make you tired, too?

Emery and her daddy after swimming in the pool yesterday.

Emery and I in a pool for the first time. First time for her, not me.

Also, I bought myself a new suit, and Chris bought a WiiFit.

I'm planning on working out at home everyday and looking good in my suit this summer.

Getting ready to go into the pool yesterday.

Amelia and Mason in the background.

It was fun.

We went out to dinner on Friday, and Em sat in a big girl high chair.

I was cracking up when she started sitting like this.

Escaping one leg at a time

2009-04-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

When Emery woke up from her nap, I found her like this. Poor thing! But it made me laugh, and that's why I went to get my cam. She wasn't upset at all, just hanging out. Literally.

Nudey Baby

2009-04-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

By the way, she pee'd on my bed while I was taking these.

Emery's Lullabys

2009-04-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

I like to sing to her when she's upset or when I'm trying to put her to sleep. There are a few that I make up as I go. I thought I should jot some down because eventually I want to make this blog into a book and it's almost like a baby book because it's almost all about Emery. (She is my world)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
-The first verse I obviously didn't make up, it's well known...but I kept going and I made a new verse that I often sing to her

twinkle twinkle little star
how i wonder what you are
up above the world so high
like a diamond in the sky
twinkle twinkle little star
how i wonder what you are

when the world gets dark i pray
for some light to come my way
sun is gone and moon is nigh
stars start twinkling in the sky
twinkle twinkle little star
how i wonder what you are

-this next one i made up yesterday when she was so tired and upset but wouldnt go to sleep [for nap time not bed time]
-if you are lds its to the tune of "i love to see the temple"

im sorry you're upset
its sad when your this way
i like to see you smile
i like to see you play
but it's time for a nap right now
a time for eyes to close
i'll be right here when you wake up
just take a little doze

It's cheesy I know. But Emery doesn't care, and it helps calm her down. I'm sure there are many more to come.

Just for fun

2009-04-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Powering up the laptop....

...www.myspace.com....like my mommy...

...oh my gosh...i cant believe she said that...

...mom, come look at this....and then wipe my nose...

We are so blessed!

2009-04-15T10:02:00.001-07:00

So, money has been tight. Well, more than tight really...nonexistent. But we are okay. We are truly blessed.

So far, I have been given food items from 2 families. I have been fed dinner [or dessert, which is also necessary] by 5 families on the past 5 nights, and we are being fed by a different family again tonight.

Last night I had a rough day. But Christopher and I went to have dinner at Brooke and Joe's. It was so nice. Candie and Josh came over as well, and we got to watch The Biggest Loser. Christopher and I have decided to cut tv for a week to see how things change, because we both think we watch too much...but since we were at a friends, it was ok. =] When we got home, there was a bag of cookies and some money for our family. First of all, those cookies are delish! And the money was so appreciated. My parents just gave us a Raley's gift card. So, today I get to shop a bit, and now that we got some money I'm not so stressed about next week. I have an interview in Elk Grove on Tuesday and I was worried about not being able to pay for gas.

We really are blessed. And I know that we have some of the nicest friends ever. We also have very generous families. But, I know things would be different if we were not members of the church. And the people who have been serving us have all been members of the church. The church is true I tell you. My Heavenly Father is definately taking care of me and my family right now, and I know that it is through these families. And I am also so grateful to these families for being in tune to the spirit and for having the willingness to serve.

I am a logical person. I cannot just accept that money from last night. Immediately, my brain started racking to see who had left it. But, it really doesn't matter. Whoever offered that to us wasn't worried about being thanked, they were only worried about serving. And I take solace in the knowledge that God knows who they are and they will be blessed for their service.

So thank you to everyone who has been helping us out: my parents, my in laws, Erick and Amelia, Beth and Eric, Candie and Josh, Brooke and Joe..my sister who is feeding us tonight...Greg and Carmel are feeding us next week. You will all be blessed. Thank you so much! And thank you for everyone who keeps us in their prayers. We honestly appreciate it more than you can know.

Easter Pictures

2009-04-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Christa and I at my in-laws outside for the egg hunt.
Our family again.

She loves eating eggs. Plastic eggs.

Good thing daddy is around to help her reach the high ones.

Yummy, yummy.

She needed my help with the egg hunt, but I think she'll be able to do it one her own next year.

Perdy, perdy...in her Easter dress.

Ward Easter Picnic Pictures

2009-04-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ummm...I don't even know what to call this thing. But, it was fun to ride!

Me and my sister Sammie. She came to the picnic to help out and it was fun to be with her.

Our family. I love us.

Money, money, money

2009-04-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Not so funny. We haven't been paid in over a month and aren't expecting another paycheck for 2 more weeks. It's not funny.

Today is my friend's birthday. I was really hoping I would be able to go to Elk Grove to dinner with her and other friends. But, my gas tank is low. And the few dollars I have have to hold me over until we get paid [which they won't].

We need groceries. And baby food. Poor Emery has just been eating cereal, no fun foods. I have some canned fruit and veggies that I am going to puree tonight so she will enjoy eating more. We'll see how they work.

I think our choices for dinner tonight are tuna noodle casserole or spaghetti with butter or hamburger helper minus the hamburger [i wonder how that would be]. I'm going crazy. I don't know how to relax when all day i'm freaking out about money. We already have so many overdue bills, and more on the way. It's all going to screw up our credit. Oh geez...i dont even know.

Atleast we have clothes? I keep thinking of something to sell, but we have nothing worth enough to sell. Bleh. Pray for me I guess.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T10:18:00.001-07:00

I had an amazing weekend!

Friday, Amelia and I had to do shopping for the ward picnic. Then she did my hair again because it was fading. So now im red hot again! My sister came over to stay the night and go to the picnic with me. So Friday night, we were at the Kuty's house with them and Sammi, Alicia, Amber, and the Greens. We played games. You know I love my game nights. We played Last Word and Things. Probably havent heard of them, but they are so fun! And a few people worked on making pizzokies for the rest of us. So good! I was just so excited to be playing games. When we got home we were so tired and so we pretty much crashed, Emery included.

Saturday morning we were supposed to be at the park at 8 to start setting up. But, when you become a mom it gets harder and harder to be on time. We got there at 9. Party started at 11:30. There was lots of food, lots of yummy dessert, and fun stuff. There was an easter egg hunt, which Emery didn't participate in...the easter bunny, who Emery didn't get a picture with because I think they are scary...a 3 legged race...prizes for the kids, Emery won a blue bunny...cookie decorating....a weird buggy bike thing that we went on [we being me, Em, and Sammie]...and the playground right next to us so Emery was on the swings for a bit. Afterwards, we had to clean up, and I think we left around 3. Emery got a bit sunburnt. Poor thing! But it's not too bad...it's already pretty much gone.

As we were driving home, we got a call from a friend Eric from the ward. He was going disc golfing and wanted Chris to go. So we ran some stuff inside, went to the bathroom :], picked some things up and went to their house. Chris went with Eric and I stayed with his wife Beth and their 2 kids. We talked and watched Disney movies, and played Kismus [i think thats what it was called], it is almost like Yahtzee.

Side note: I won.

Then they fed us dinner and we left at like 6:45? We went to my mother in laws to drop off Emery and then booked it to the Van Maren building to see The Garden. It was an allegorical musical production on the Savior's Atonement. It was pretty good. There was some really excellent parts, and some wonderful voices. Plus, it was nice to get out without Emery. We sat by Josh and Candie and then we went out to frozen yogurt, and they treated us. It was so yummy! I absolutely love frozen yogurt.

Again, when we got home we were all so tired, even Emery so we crashed. Sunday morning we had to get up and get ready so we could drive to Elk Grove and go to church with my parents at 9:00. My sisters were there too. After church, we went back to my parents and played some games and ate lunch and hung out. Around 3:00, we left their house to go to Chris' parents house. When the rest of the family was there, we ate dinner and had an egg hunt. This time, Emery participated. She got 6 eggs. But, mommy and daddy get everything that was inside. Mmmm. And later, all us girls plus Victoria and Macey got together at the table and played spoons. It was my first time. But, I love all games.

Again, I came home exhausted. Busy weekend, and I was excited to just relax but I was hoping Emery would let me sleep. I fed her at 9:30 and put her to bed. When she was crying a bit, I went in and rubbed her back until she fell asleep. It was just a few minutes, and then she slept until........

.....7:15! It was amazing. I feel so well-rested. Thank you heavenly father! I think he is trying to help me relax and get rest since right now, my trials are coming by way of no money.

Anyways, it was a wonderful weekend. Busy...but it was so much fun! I got to play like 6 different games this weekend. So fun!! I will post pictures later because I have some awfully cute ones! I hope everyone else had a great Easter!

"I want to be a chef when I grow up!"

2009-04-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

And I want to cook with my feet!

RIP Chris Marshall

2009-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

So on Wednesday night, I had a dream about Chris Marshall. In the dream, he was still alive and I hadn't talked to him in years. I somehow knew that he only had one more week to live, and I was desperately searching for him to talk to him and see him before he passed. I woke up sad. And no, I never found him.

Chris Marshall passed away March 4th, 2005 while playing basketball at Elk Grove High. For those of you that don't know...and I'm assuming most people who read this don't know his story. Well...I never even found out his reason for dying and I'm not sure if no one did, or if I have just never gotten the story. But, it's really sad.

Chris and I had a special relationship I think. He was a senior when he died, and I was a junior. We had met through mutual friends, Pat, and also through Jessica. We didn't see each other a lot in person but we had a strong relationship. We chatted a lot online. I know...it sounds cheesy. But we had different "cliques." But, we did have a cool friendship.

Well, one day we got in a fight online. Shame, how lame. I don't even remember what is was a bout. That's how lame it might have been. So, I kept seeing him at school and we would eye each other, but I was stubborn and I wouldn't talk to him. I have definately spent many days regretting that decision and my stubbornness.

Because while we were still not talking, he died. When I saw the ambulance, I heard "Chris Marshall fell playing basketball." I didn't think it was a big deal, but I started worrying about him and thinking "I need to talk to him asap." He was rushed to the hospital, and unfortunately didnt make it. He was an amazing boy.

So, this is the reason for my dream. Just trying to find him to apologize and make things right. It's hard because I feel like it will never be okay. Because I never had the chance to make it right.

Folsom Powerhouse

2009-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

So, my dad I guess was wandering around Fry's and didn't have anything to buy so he decided to buy the new Pinocchio for Emery. So yesterday, my parents came to visit to bring it to me (but they forgot!--how silly). Well we hung around and chatted for a while and decided to go on a walk. We walked down the hill and towards Old Folsom to the Folsom Powerhouse. I had never been there, and Christopher had never been on the tour- so we went on it. Christopher and my dad found it so very exciting...but me, I barely listened. Some things were cool, but I'm not one for tours. Although there was a picture of Folsom a long time ago and that was cool to look at.

When we got home I was so tired (because I had to come back up the hill of course) and I turned on my Wii and I have the forecast channel. So I put it on "globe" and you can look at the whole world and pick some cities and it will show you their forecast. It was awesome. Have you ever heard of Easter Island? Or Christmas Island? And did you know that yesterday afternoon, Mount Everest and the South Pole were both -17 degrees. Cool, huh?

Anyways...it was a nice day I think. All except for Emery is sick. Poor thing. I hope she feels better soon. And now, she has 2 teeth!

Good news

2009-04-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Now she has 2 teeth. Both of her bottom teeth have broken through.

And last night I put her to bed at 10. She cried for a bit but slept til 6:30. Amaaazing!

Thats it. Thanks for checking in!

Pearly White

2009-04-02T13:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, just one. Emery has a pearly white. It's so little...it's so cute. I'm so excited.

Shes so cute without teeth, I can't imagine how adorable she is going to look. aaaahhh! its so freaking cute. And she is. I'm obsessed with her. But that's a good thing.

Oh yeah, and she was weighed today. 5 1/2 months....19 pounds, 7 ounces. my monster.

It's a good day...

2009-03-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

I decided to let Emery cry it out last night. It was kind of hard to just let her cry. I'm glad it only lasted for 45 minutes. The funny thing is when she stopped crying, I felt the impression to go get her and hold her. Even though the point of letting her cry it out is so I don't have to hold her every night...

So I fed her at 10. Tried to put her to bed. Let her cry it out 10:45-11:30. And then she slept until about 4:45. Almost 7 hours...longest she's ever gone. I knew she could do it. Hopefully in 2 more nights of letting her cry, she will be an expert sleeper. Like Mason, maybe? Jealous.

I gave her her first big girl bath today. She loved it, kicking her feet and flailing her arms all over the place, and there was waves. She liked being free I guess. She kept turning her head and getting water all in her eye and mouth. But she learned. We'll see if she has to re-learn that next time. It was nice because I got to do my hair and brush my teeth and la-dee-da while she was in the bath. What a big girl.

And now she is napping. She is growing so fast, I can't decide if I'm glad or sad. A little of both I guess.

Beth is going to watch her for me today while I go get an hour massage at Massage Envy. It will be amazing. Tonight I am going to be in the greatest mood ever. So, if you need any favors...call me tonight. PS: My therapists' name is Jeannette, but probably not spelled like that. Cool, huh. It's so weird to me to meet other girls with my name. I'm not used to saying my name out loud I guess.

Scoot, Scooter

2009-03-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is my baby girl. She can scoot to wherever she wants to be. In this case, she was getting to the camera. But, it's funny because you can see her progress. She's awesome.

Bleh

2009-03-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Bleh. That is how I feel. Chris was sick this weekend and now I am starting to feel it. Last night my throat started hurting and my body was getting weak. So last night when we put Emery to bed, well simply, she wouldn't have it. She started crying and I thought about letting her cry it out...but then I thought that if she really is teething right now, it would be mean to make her cry it out in pain. So I went in to console.

Usually when I go get her and rock her, she is fine. But she was screaming still. After a while, I didn't know what to do so I went back and laid in bed and Christopher took a shot. No deal. So eventually I got up and got her again and decided I would sleep on the couch because I could hold her and be slightly propped up. She went to bed about 11:15 but not really a deep sleep. She was fidgeting a lot and I was sleeping horribly because I'm sick. Eventually I got on the floor with her (around 3) and then she got up at 7. Luckily, she is pretty good at entertaining herself. I let her crawl around while sleeping a bit more. And now i'm up, exhausted, feeling horrible, but atleast she is happy just crawling around.

Well, I hope I feel better like...after I post this. Yea right, but I'm just so dang tired and weak and it's hard to take care of a baby when you feel horrible. Hopefully the day will go okay. When my hubby gets home from work, we are going to my ma's. He is going to fix their jeep and we are going to have dinner. So atleast I don't have to make dinner.

Last night I had the missionaries over for dinner and I made honey lime chicken tacos. But I also cleaned the house. So atleast while I don't feel well today, I'm not additionally stressed out by a dirty apartment.

Re-doing my Blog

2009-03-25T15:30:00.001-07:00

So I'm trying to pimp out my blog. And I don't really know what I'm doing. And at the moment it's plain because I messed everything up. So it might take a while to make it pretty again. Hopefully I can get this all figured out.

:)

Teething?

2009-03-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

I think Emery is teething. I'm not quite sure. She has been fine during the day but having rough nights, and from what I read it seems that she is. Last night however, she slept good for me. 5 1/2 hours. Then 3. Then 2 more hours and she was ready to get up. I'm expecting to see those teeth sometime soon.

She is learning to crawl. It's so amazing to watch. More and more often she moves around actually taking her tummy off the floor. It's amazing how fast she is growing. I have a basket of her toys in the front room and she always gets herself to it and empties it out and plays with the basket. She is so funny.

Her hair is growing in well. It's so soft. Well, she's so soft all over. It's hard to imagine one day she won't be a soft little baby anymore. I can't decide if I want her to grow up or not. Of course I want her to accomplish new milestones and enjoy the things I can enjoy, but I know that I am going to miss the heck out of her baby stage.

When she is with someone else and wants mommy, she will move towards me and reach out her arms. Or if she wants to get picked up. Its so freakin' adorable. I need to upload pictures from my camera, but I need to get pictures off my computer first. There is no more memory which is why I haven't uploaded in a long time.

I think next week Beth is going to babysit for me so I can get a massage. I am anxiously awaiting.

St. Patricks Day

2009-03-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

So, Emery and I had a pretty good St. Pattis Day. We went to Elk Grove and went to music makers. She is obviously a little young to be able to participate in everything but I thought she would enjoy playing with other children and listening to them sing. And she did. I also have to get out sometimes for my own sanity.

I really liked it. I think our ward should have it personally...it's just an hour once a week for toddlers at home to be able to come visit with other children in the ward, sing songs, play around, and do some activities. Yesterday they sewed paper shamrocks. Not my Emery, but the others. =) I also got to see Brandi, and that was neat because I never get to see her anymore!

I decided to make green cuisine for dinner. It was a late dinner because Christopher was out doing ward missionary visits, and Erick and Amelia were coming over after Erick got out of school so we ate close to 9. But it was worth it. I made spinach fettucine (green pasta) with pesto sauce and garlic bread with parsley on it for green. We also had a green french vanilla cake with confetti frosting. Both stores I went to were out of green food dye! Should have done my shopping earlier I guess....but I put green sprinkles into the batter and it worked well.

To top it all of, we watched American Idol of course. =]

It was a good day. And I'm glad I stuffed my face late last night because today Christopher and I are fasting. Our ward is doing a 40 day fast for missionary work. Different families can sign up for one day, and today is ours. It's only 10 in the morning and I'm already hungry, but I'll get through this.