The JAKA Files

New site...

2010-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

Okay disregard the latest post.. I don't know how to redirect..

Here is the new, and hopefully final, site for theJAKAfiles:
http://www.thejakafiles.com/

You can google friend connect me here! So please do so :) I will come back around and make sure I am still following you.

Thanks everyone! :)

Moving to Wordpress

2010-02-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Personal choice has led me to Wordpress to fulfill my blogging fantasies. Haha.

No, really though. I am setting up my blog over at http://thejakafiles.wordpress.com/

Follow with me? :)

Please re-friend me on Google Friend Connect, as I don't think that will convert.

Loves!!!

My New Banner...

2010-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

I created my banner using Photoshop.

My first ever creation.

Like, seriously, ever.

So far, I absolutely adore Photoshop, but it is going to take some getting used to.

I like to give credit where credit is due. Therefore, I'd like to thank Rebecca's Scrapping Silliness for her Karmatic Impact freebie that I was able to download. Not everything in my banner came from her freebie, but a good majority of it did. Using a couple elements that were in my misc scrap folder, and some re-coloring in Photoshop, my banner was born!

In the coming days, I am hoping to re-do my button, and my contact info. Maybe, eventually, I'll be able to make my very own layout. Haha, okay maybe not. :)

3 year-olds.. Patience Testers

2010-02-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

And if having a sick baby wasn't hard enough, I have this monster who is defying every single thing I say.

Truly, I love being a mommy.

He is testing my patience, though.

My remedy? An early naptime for everyone.

Holy macaroni!

Vicks BabyRub Saves the Day!!

2010-02-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, having an infant totally and completely stinks!

There's not much you can do for a sick baby. The fever, sure. They have fever reducer for infants. That's great. However, that does nothing for Ariana's cough. The congestion. The sheer misery (to her) of not being able to breathe out of her nose. Everytime she coughs, she cries because her throat is so raw!

Poor thing is miserable.

The closest thing we can get to "help" for her is Vicks BabyRub, which is just like Vicks VapoRub but intended for babies ages 3months and up. Either that, or let her be in the tub all day, which, by the way, she would love!!!

Last night, I didn't know what we were going to do. She was crying and crying, and nothing I could do would comfort her. I thought about the Vicks we had in the cupboard, but knew the adult version isn't good for babies.

Then it hit me - DUH! I have the Vicks BabyRub in with the rest of her bath time lotions and body wash.

I can't say that she slept like a baby, but she definitely slept better than the previous two nights.

This morning she is super congested, still, but it sounds like things are breaking up in her chest, and her cough sounds more productive than it has all week. Perhaps it is a sign of good things to come!!

Do any of you have any other suggestions for a baby with a cough/congestion/stuffy nose? I'd love to hear them!!!

I Bought A Present For ME!!

2010-02-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Ever since I had Konnor, I have never been at the top of the priority list. Purposely putting myself after others, I don't often have the newest clothes, the coolest phone, or other spiffy things.

Yesterday, I bought a laptop. Four hundred dollars of something just for me! After purchasing my new Toshiba, I am feeling the normal guilt that I feel after buying something for myself.

After battling with myself, "oh that $400 could have gone here or we could have done this," I took a step back. No, really, this was a good investment. With Justin on the computer as much as he is, I need this.

What do I need a laptop for?

Well I really need it to keep up on JAKA365, which is my photo blog. If you haven't seen it, check it out!

But I also need it to keep up with this blog. If I have the desire to start reviews, the need for my own computer is pretty obvious.

More than anything, though, I wanted my own computer so that I could access the internet when I wanted to. My phone's internet isn't fast nor reliable, and to be honest, typing with a Blackberry isn't fun. Haha.

So here she is. My new computer. Nothing grand. Nothing fancy. Nothing to drop your jaw over. Honestly, though, I don't need any of that. Just something simple to blog and edit photos with. :)

Friendships Lost After I Became "Mom"

2010-02-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

Being a mother for almost four years teaches you a lot.

You learn the true meaning of life.

There is an overwhelming force that drives you to keep your child(ren) safe.

Unconditional love is no longer something you imagine, but something that you can feel.

You realize that priorities change. Life rearranges. The world no longer revolves around you.

The true meaning of friendship becomes apparent. Those without children can never understand what a parent feels.

Relationships change. Diminish. Disappear. It hurts - at first.

Then you realize. They aren't true friends if they let your bundle of joy get in between the two of you.

I remember the friends I had. The relationship that I lost. I was 19 when I had Konnor. Barely out of school. At first, I could pawn him off on my mom to watch while I had fun from time to time. Mostly at her house, while Konnor slept in my room.

Looking back, I sucked at being a mom. I thought I was hot shit, when in reality, there was nothing hot about my relationship with my son. Sure, he knew who his mommy was, and he loved everything about me, but I wasn't the best.

In almost four years, I have come so far. Honestly, I can say that I am proud of who I am. The mother I am. A woman. I have grown up.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about the times I could party, spend all my money on myself, and quite frankly, not give a shit. I have driven under the influence, spent most my money on booze, and am a recovering nicotine addict. Sadly enough, some of the people who I used to hang out with still do all these things, and some do more.

Which happened, I couldn't tell you, because it still stings when I think about the friendships I lost. Was it me pushing them away or was it the other way around? Looking out for the best interest of my baby, I started to stray away from those that were negative influences.

Supposing it was mutual, why? Apparently, our friendship wasn't strong enough to overcome the most adorable baby ever. Because I was no longer able to party when I wanted, hang out when I wanted, or spend lots of money on things that I didn't need, they split. Just like that, they dropped me.

Some friends, huh?

Since then, the only new friends I have made have been moms. The people who get me. Who understand where I am coming from, and respect the fact that I am unable to drop my kids off somewhere at the flick of a finger or leave them with an imaginary babysitter to go out to the bar on a Saturday night. They also respect the fact that I don't use my boyfriend as a live-in babysitter.

Having children has tough me a lot about my life. But my children have also helped me cut out a lot of people in my life that never really mattered.

Stay tuned, Part 2 of this is coming up.......

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day... A day for love, a day for appreciation, and a day for........ chocolate?

*gag*

Seriously.

I love being spoiled just as much as the next girl, but who is to say that Valentine's Day has to be the only day to express your true feelings for someone?

This year, I made a vow to myself, and a silent vow to Justin (meaning he doesn't know) to never take him for granted, and to tell him just how much I love and appreciate him.

Yesterday, I spent my Valentine's Day with my love and my little loves - Justin, Konnor, and Ariana. We relaxed, we were lazy, and we enjoyed the company of one another.

Oh, of course Justin spoiled me (and himself a little) by going out and buying some goodies from Victoria's Secret and I spoiled him with his Christmas/Anniversary/Valentine's Day/Birthday gift by buying him a PS3. Yes, I know, I did it. Bought him the one gift I am going to kick myself in the ass for later. But hey, at least any game he plays on that thing can be put on pause, right?

In addition, we bought the kids each a cute little t-shirt, teddy bear, and some bubbles. Konnor and Ariana both adore bubbles, so we bought Konnor a bubble gun and Ariana a thing of bubbles. Hours of entertainment in the living room, and I can just vacuum that soapy goodness right up. Haha!

Besides going to Outback on Saturday night with Justin and Ariana, that was the extent of Valentine's Day, 2010. Simple, sweet, and NO chocolate (just how I wanted it).

What did you do for Valentine's Day? What did you receive? I want all the juicy details from my lovely readers!! :)

Oregon, My Love....

2010-02-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

There are many things in my life that I am proud of. Proud that I have the ability and mental capacity to raise two children: an infant and a toddler. Proud that I have a steady job that pays well (even if I don't always love it). Proud that there is a roof over my head, clothes on mine and my children's backs and food in our tummies.

I am also proud of where I live.

I was born in Portland, Oregon.

I was raised in Portland, Oregon.

My mom was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.

Oregon is my home. My place. Oregon is me. I am Oregon.

I am an Oregonian.

Growing up, I loved all the trees and the smell of freshly cut grass and birds chirping in the spring. To be honest, I have taken for granted all of those things. All my life I figured that this was normal for the entire world, when it clearly is not. Not all of the cities in the world have as many trees as we do. There isn't always grass to cut.

As my children grow and learn, I want them to appreciate the finer things this state has to offer. Beach trips are frequent, and while the water isn't as warm as Cali or Florida, the sweet simplicity of the waves crashing are enough to appreciate.

We have hippies and tree huggers and more bicycles then you can imagine. In fact, I think with all the new laws that have been put into effect over the years, bicyclists have more rights on the road than cars do.

Downtown is gorgeous, from a distance. Some say downtown in general is beauty, but there is so much sadness walking down the streets, seeing those with no homes huddled under the stoops of buildings for warmth. I, personally, don't frequent downtown for that reason.

No state is perfect. Oregon has her fair share of flaws. There are too many people without homes, and too many addicted to drugs. Oregon has an epidemic meth problem, with epidemic consequences. The highways haven't been expanded since I can remember, but the growth of Oregon is far beyond my stretch of mind. Soon, we may be faced with the same traffic problems like that of Los Angeles, Ca. (ok that may be a far-fetched statement, but you get the picture).

Despite all of the flaws, Oregon is amazing. No other word, really. This is my state, and I love it!

(Not to mention in Oregon people pump your gas for you and there is no sales tax!)

General Mills Reduces Sugar in Cereal

2010-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

If I had a dime for everytime I have heard that line, I would be a millionaire. Heck, we all would be. There's truth behind it, though. Studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast will enhance your performance throughout the day. Not only will you be able to concentrate better at school or work, you will have more strength and energy for more physical aspects of your life. Plus, you have seen the comercials - healthy breakfasts can lower your cholesterol!

In December it was announced that General Mills would be reducing sugar in their cereals ever more than they already had been. They committed to reducing the sugar in their cereals to less than 10g per serving! *goes to look in pantry* Now, I can tell you that we have other brands of cereal (that are not General Mills) and not one of those cereals have less than 10g of sugar per serving.

I was provided 4 coupons for General Mills cereal from My Blog Spark to try out the new and improved cereal. All I can say is "wow!" These are cereals that I grew up with, prior to their commitments to our children of today. Which means when I was eating these cereals, there were less vitamins and more sugar. And while it could be that I am older, I don't find any difference in the taste I remember, to the taste of now!

Constantly looking at nutrition information, I want what is best for my kids. I want them to grow up happy and healthy, and I was them to succeed in life. My confidence for their breakfast needs is with General Mills.

For more information about the relationship between kids and cereal, visit General Mills' Health & Wellness page.

Business to Blogger - Gaining Exposure to Your Blog

2010-02-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

As I am sure you are all aware, I am quite new to this whole blogging deal. Well, maybe more so the more formal aspects of blogging as opposed to just blogging to keep track of memories I want preserved.

Wanting to make something more of my blog, I have become more technically in tune with what it takes to make a site more popular. Traffic, right? Being interesting and funny and leaving an impression with readers that makes them want to come back is probably most important. But how do you get that? Well, I have linked my website to my Facebook, Twitter, and even my YouTube accounts. I have also made some new friends around the blogging community.

When my friend, Kristin, whose advise I trust when it comes to blogging among other things, wrote her blog post about Business2Blogger, I was curious. Doing what any normal, curious, human being would do, I headed over to the site to investigate.

The benefits for a small blogger, like me, is great. They can provide you with opportunities for reviews at absolutely no cost!!! Yes, you heard me, for FREE!!! Not to mention this website works with not only the blogging community but also businesses. It's like a website that plays match-maker.

Sound like something you'd like to participate in? Then head on over and sign up here. It's quick and easy and free to sign up.

And hey, did I mention that this is FREE?!

So click here for more information or to sign up.

Ariana saying "da-da"

2010-02-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

So I was able to record the tail end of the conversation between Justin and Ariana. I swear the girl senses the camera is on and just clams up!

Anyways, I forgot that I can't rotate video. LMAO. So call me special, it's cool. Here's the baby!

Ariana Throws A Fit....

2010-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Oye, I am in for it, aren't I???

Look What She Does Now!!!

2010-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I am not ready for my baby to be doing all these new things!! Crawling, sitting herself up, saying da-da (which I still haven't caught on camera) and now playing peek-a-boo with me!!

See for yourself. Gah!!!

Yes, that is my very high-pitched voice. Lol. It isn't normally that bad, but you know.. Mommy thing, right???

Monday Mingle - 2/1/2010

2010-02-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to The JAKA File's Monday Mingle! I took a little break, but

I. Am. Back!!!

As always, you can visit 80 MPH Mom for more super awesome Monday Mingle's and to post your own as well. (you know you wanna!!)

Also, here is my photo blog for Project 365, as promised. A little slice of my life, every single day, for an entire YEAR!!

Prepping For Relatives and Mobile Babies....

2010-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Ariana will meet her grandma for the first time in about four days.

Visiting from West Virginia, Justin's mom flies in on Thursday, February 4th, 2010. She will stay with us until her flight leaves on Sunday.

The day she flies in Ariana will be 8 months old. Where has the time gone?!?! We are three quarters of the way to her first birthday. Wowzers.

So this week I have to clean. I don't just mean pick up the living room and kitchen and dining room. We are talking a full, top to bottom, deep clean of my house. The thought makes me sick to my stomach. Having a little 2 bedroom apartment doesn't always mean just a little bit to clean.

Also on the agenda, while we are at it, is baby-proofing. Don't get me wrong, I have been baby-proofing the house, but this will be an all out baby-proofing.

That leads me to a question (or four).... How do you prep for visits from the in-laws? What should I expect? Oh my gosh, I have never done this before! YIKES!

Also, so I don't miss anything, give me a rundown of how you baby-proofed the house when your little ones decided to become mobile. As much as I wish she wouldn't do this just yet, here we are. Ariana is crawling and apparently climbing too!! HELP!!!!!!

Bad Mommy Day!

2010-01-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those moments when you feel you just aren't cut out for parent hood?

I mean, I have two kids now. I have been down the infant road. This is the second journey, and all of a sudden, doubting myself is kicking in.

All these crazy outlandish things that my daughter has done to hurt herself only happens when I am alone. With both kids. After Ariana choked and we had to call 911, I was freaking out thinking that the children's hospital would call Child Protective Services on me for having objects small enough for her to swallow within her reach. Thankfully, they didn't.

Today, everyone is having a nice little nap. Sleeping peacefully. Konnor in his bed, Ariana in her crib with me sleeping in my bed next to her. Two hours worth of golden silence and pleasant dreams only to be ripped apart by a gigantic crash and an infant screaming at the top of her lungs.

I jumped out of bed and picked her up so fast I swear I didn't know what I was doing until we were both back in my bed. Examining her for bumps, protruding bones, and blood, I came to the conclusion that there was no need to call 911 just yet.

How she fell out of her crib is almost a mystery, but maybe more so to my "i-can't-believe-she's-growing-so-fast" side as opposed to an outsider's view. She gets on her hands and knees, she sits up, she crawls, and I suppose this was her showing me that she can, indeed, pull her self up on objects. From what I can figure, she just pulled herself right up and over she went, which is surely a red flag.

Time for mommy to lower the crib mattress to the next level.

Back to my original thought, however; this all makes me wonder if I am cut out for this baby thing. I am seriously questioning my parental skills and instincts in which are used and needed to raise a child. And, for that matter, there should be absolutely no need to question such skills, since they started maturing at the age of............ Oh when was my sister born? Tenish.

Does anyone else have these days where they feel nothing has been or can go right? I am at a loss with myself, and while I'm sure I'm just having a bad day, this is sort of bothering me.

Had I been awake, this couldn't have happened. If I had lowered the crib when she started crawling, she wouldn't have fallen out. What if she broke her neck?? What would I have told Justin and my family?!?!

Time to go lower the crib. Like, yes, RIGHT NOW!!!

Cards For Kayla

2010-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

I remember growing up with my best friend, Becky. In the back of my mind, we knew she would never grow old. Never experience all of the wonderful things life had to offer. I knew one day I would have to miss her like crazy.

At the age of 10, all of these realizations came crashing down. I lost her.
Becky passed away June 28th, 1997 to Cystic Fibrosis.

Thank you, Becky. For being there to guide me through all of life's challenges. I can feel you watching over me when I feel like this world is too much for me. You guide me. You lift me up when I'm feeling down. You are everything a best friend should ever be. Even if you aren't physically here on this earth with me.

She taught me to live life. That good things come in small packages. That life isn't always fair, but everything happens for a reason.

I met Kristin when we were both pregnant with our daughters on a mommy board on the internet almsot a year ago. Later finding out we lived in the same city(ish), we cliqued. Talked about our pregnancies, our babies, our lives. Eventually, we will meet.

When I found out about her BFF, Sandra, and the struggles she was facing, I felt helpless. Her young daughter, Kayla, has Leukemia. She was diagnosed in December of 2008 and has been fighting since. Recently, she has been hospitalized again.

Kayla is six. She is a fighter. When I read about her, it's like reliving the battle with my best friend so many years ago. Different battles, but much the same.

So what do I do to help? She lives a state away, so I am limited. Praying is a powerful thing, but personally, that doesn't satisfy me. What I want to do is take the sickness from Kayla and make her better! Let her live the life the a normal little girl should live. Without her knowing, Kayla has a special place in my heart. Right next to me inner child.

Well, practically, I am unable to take it all away and make her better. As much as I wish I could, I can't. So when I read Kristin's post, Cards For Cancer - Kayla, I knew it was something I could do. Such a simple gesture to make the day of a child. You better believe I have a card, addressed, labeled, and stamped. All I need is to put that card in the mail!!

Want to send Kayla a card? She would be thrilled!!!

Cards may be mailed to:

Kayla Gronley
P.O. Box 5634
Blue Jay, Ca 92317

To Contact Sandra (her mom) by email ~ sanderella192003{at}yahoo{dot}com

Thank you, Kristin, for bringing awareness and starting (you started it, right?) this awesome idea!!!

ETA::: you can also visit here for more information.

Today Is Friday.....

2010-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Friday excites me. Friday means two days of not having to work.

I like my job, don't get me wrong. It frustrates the crap out of me sometimes, but overall the place I work is not bad at all. It pays well, that's for sure. And while I do wish that I was a stay at home mom, or rather a work at home mom, this job isn't so bad.

This weekend shall be fun. Cleaning, sitting at home, watching the Jets fight for a chance to play in the Super Bowl sounds like fun, right? Okay so my weekend doesn't have huge plans, but it does beat the alternative - work.

Konnor will not be home this weekend. That is good and bad. I like to be able to have some toddler-free time, since he can be so rambunctious when confined in close quarters for an extended period of time, but I do tend to miss his royal cuteness.

I plan to finish mine and Justin's taxes this weekend. That's fun, right?? With having Ariana this year, our returns will be hefty. Which means I can pay people back and get my new camera! Now THAT is exciting. I think I have finalized my camera decision, which has changed a million times, so it will probably change again.

Oh and I think my friend is having her birthday party this weekend. Perhaps I should verify that so I don't miss it. Haha.

Okay okay enough rambling from me for one post. Notice I said post, not day. :P

Meet My Other Half...

2010-01-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone, meet Justin.

Justin is my boyfriend. Yes, boyfriend. (no he doesn't wear these glasses all the time. they are mine) We are not married. Marriage is but a piece of paper. What he is the father of my daughter. The love of my life.

I don't give him enough credit. When I talk about him on my Facebook or on my Twitter, it's generally when I'm angry. Or hurt. Or sad. Really, no one gets to hear about how wonderful Justin is.

He is my other half. The person I was meant to be with. Through thick and thin, we were meant to be. He is the one.

Though I have had reservations in the past, questions in my mind, those no longer exist. We have had good times, bad times, and times where we were on level ground. Despite all the times we have had, he has been there. When I was unable to work while pregnant with Ariana, he stayed. When he was laid off and looking for a job, I stayed. Through my depression this last holiday season, he was there. Holding my hand. And while he never said it, he was cheering me on, telling me it would all be okay.

Most don't know our story. When we first met, it was online. *gasp* I know. Say what you will, but this seems more and more common as time goes on. Love has no boundaries and sure doesn't grasp the concept of distance. So, while I was here in Oregon living my life, he was in West Virginia living his.

At first when we talked, it was casual. That time in my life was full of chaos and mayhem, and an ear was all he could offer me. I took it. I told him about life and the choices I was making and while he was mostly amused, you could also tell there was a bit of concern.

We stopped talking for years. Probably 5 or 6 to say the least. We both lived our different lives, on different sides of the United States. It wasn't until I logged into Yahoo! on my cell phone that we reconnected. He IM'ed me and after a few hours of IMing him while at work, we exchanged numbers.

From there IMing turned to text and text turned to a phone call. The phone call. All night long (and I mean 9pm to 6am) we talked on the phone about everything. You name it, we talked about it. Even before I knew what was happening, we were falling.

Most people are cautious about love. Often holding back, they miss out on some of life's greatest opportunities. Just getting out of my relationship with my son's father, I was a little hesitant. But Justin and I were so right for each other.

Regardless of the distance, we made things work. From playing silly Yahoo! games on the internet, to simultaneously watching The Notebook while on the phone, we were a unique pair. I would leave cute messages on his MySpace, and he would send sweet text messages.

To make this long, adorable story short, not three months after we had started talking, and after a mini vacation to the east coast to visit him, he decided to move out to Oregon so we could be together. I took a flight to Illinois where he met me, and we drove the country together, through torrential downpours in one state, to high winds and country roads in another.

February 7th, 2010 marks two years since we made ourselves official. February 1st marks two years since we reunited and started talking again. Today we have a beautiful daughter to share our journey in life, and are closer than ever. Konnor and Justin adore each other, almost as much as Ariana and Justin do.

He picks up the kids everyday after work. Gets up with Ariana some nights when she doesn't sleep through. He is a good sport about my crazy ideas and even though he is a picky eater, he will try new things that I cook. Shopping isn't one of his favorite things to do, but he will do it. We are a team.

I love his smile. His sense of humor. The way he dresses. His eyes. When he is happy, mad, sad, upset, or being a pain in my ass, I still love him.

Despite all of my mood swings and questions with our relationship, he is here. Always. Hopefully forever.

I love him. With every part of me that is capable of love. Our journey in life thus far has tested us in so many way, and we have made it out on top.

Dancing Baby - Part 2

2010-01-19T22:11:00.001-08:00

Just because I think she is so damn cute when she dances, here is another installment of MY dancing baby.

The Dancing Baby!!

2010-01-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ariana has learned something new.... Dancing... Or that's what I call it anyways. It could be her rocking back and forth in an attempt to move where she wants to go. However, when it is in conjuction with music, all bets are off - she dances. See for yourself

Las Fotos Meme... Sibling Love

2010-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

This blog challenge is brought to you from Kristin. Here is how it works:

Want something to do over the weekend? I’d like to introduce you to LAS FOTOS a new photography blog meme here at Our Ordinary Life. Every week bloggers will be asked to post a picture and/or story about the week. Or month, year. Throughout the year I will add in special contests and prizes for bloggers who participate. Have fun with it!

I know my awesome followers want to try this out!! I am going to take on this project in addition to my daily photography challenge on my other blog, JAKA365. Between this challenge and my Project365 challenge, I am going to be living, breathing, loving photography. :)

For this challenge: Sibling Love

I talk so much about Konnor and Ariana and the bond that they are sharing, but in recent days it has blossomed into the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Today, for nap, Konnor wanted to "take a nap with baby sister." I politely told him he couldn't sleep in her crib to which he cried for a minute, before falling asleep in his own bed.

He is constantly playing with her. Between sharing his toys and hers, they are constantly occupied and together. They make my heart melt and my knees weak. The cutest little duo, they played Peek-a-boo last night for a good 20 minutes. Here they are watching cartoons together after bath time. :o)

Potty Breaks? Not For This Mommy...

2010-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

It has become painfully clear that Mommy is not aloud to go potty.

Leave the kids alone for 30 seconds and something is bound to happen. Ariana eats an apple or rolls under the coffee table. This kid is so mobile, and Konnor finds more and more ways to get them into trouble.

I am going to have my hands full, aren't I?

Deeply Inhaling...

2010-01-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life sends us on weird, crazy, absolutely terrible paths that seem bumpy and completely impassable.
Truth be told I thought I wasn't going to be able to get through the holiday blues this year. As each minute drug into an hour which later became a day, I wanted to curl up and be DONE with it all. Things couldn't get worse. Struggling to get up each day, running away seemed to be my only getaway.
Waiting for the inevitable, I watched the depression blanket my heart. Konnor and Ariana no longer seemed to warm my heart, and I thought for sure I was going to give up. I could see them drifting further and further away. Writing, blogging, photographing were all chores not, not happiness. No fight left in me, I waited for the storm to pass. Or engulf me into eternal sadness.
As I waited, however, I realized something. My name is Alexandra. The one that ran away as a Sophomore. The same girl that dealt with death, sadness, divorce. I have a mother who has been to hell and back in life, and raising me was far from easy. Emotional as I may be, I am stubborn and strong. Why in the hell am I sitting here, feeling sorry for myself? I have been in worse situations. Now I am a mother, and life has thrown me curves, but those two little faces mean more to me than this world could ever give me.
Standing up and brushing myself off, my determination to get through this darkness in my life started.
Between positive thoughts and a strong support system, I broke through. Knowing that two little smiles, four beautiful eyes, and voices as loud as my own, needed me was what really pulled me. You see, one's heart is not really able to be full of sadness when you are consumed by so much unconditional love.
Over the last month or so, I have learned that I need to slow down. Take it all in. Realize that I have come so far to get where I am today. Things don't always go how I want them to, but that is part of life. For a moment in time I forgot the saying I live by: everything happens for a reason. Fact.
And all of a sudden, the little things, which is most important to me, matter again. I have a new appreciation for the world around me. Again, I am happy.

He's Growing Up...

2010-01-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

I love that Konnor is at the age that he can do more. No longer are we bound to the park (which is still fun) or playing around the house. We can broaden our horizons and do more fun and extravagant things.

Watching him at Chuck E Cheese on Sunday night made me realize something. My baby is growing up! As awesome as this is, it is sad all the same. I remember the little tiny baby that needed mommy for everything. The mini toddler that started to be independent but still held mommy's hand.

Now he is a big toddler. In preschool. Getting to the age where he can take on sports. Interacting with kids he doesn't know, and, as I saw at CEC, learning that money buys fun. Haha! He kept coming over for "monies" so he could play the ski ball game. At one point, I decided that it was probably a good idea to check on him, to which I found him ON the ski ball game. Oye!

His little buddy, Caleb, and his mom went with us as well. We figured the kids would play with each other, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. Caleb is a year younger than Konnor, so he doesn't get the games quite yet. He more so wanted to play on the structure than play the games. He did try, however.

They were cute. It was fun. Konnor definitely was worn out by the time we went home. It all just makes me realize that he is growing up and getting bigger. While I don't enjoy the thought of him getting older, because I love my little bug the way he is, time, and life, go on. I have no choice but to go with the flow, so flow I go!

Ariana's Scary ER Story...

2010-01-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, baby sister is throwing up."

That's how it all started. Normally, this wouldn't cause much concern, since Ariana sometimes does throw up after eating. Rarely, but it happens. This time, however, was different, because she hadn't eaten in a couple hours.

I walked over and it looked like she was kind of choking but she was definitely throwing up. Thinking maybe her tummy was upset or she was sick, I sat on the floor, legs extended, and put her over them. Patting her back, I got her to throw up a little more and then she seemed okay.

About that time, and great timing it was, my friend Kelly showed up with her little boy. She sat on the couch, a couple feet from me when Ariana started to choke and throw up again. I put her back over my legs and patted her back. Gasping for air, she rolled herself over and was looking at me with this helpless little look.

The time frames are so off, I'm sure. It felt like this whole thing took hours when really it was mere minutes.

She stopped gasping for air and started choking again. Kind of throwing up. But most definitely gagging. She took one deep breath and that was it. Something was stuck, because her face started turning purple as she started struggling to breath, and her lips turned blue.

I handed her to Kelly and dialed 9-1-1. The scariest thing a mother has to do, and the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming for me. Had Kelly not been there, I guarantee I would have been in hysterics. She held Ariana while I talked to the dispatcher, and within minutes (again, felt like hours) paramedics were here.

By the time they got here, Ariana had stopped choking. Whatever was blocking her airway either went down or came up. We aren't sure. Her breathing wasn't normal, but by the time we got to the children's hospital, it was. I did opt to have the paramedics take us in the ambulance, only because I didn't want to run the risk of her choking again in the backseat of my car on the freeway. No chances. No way!

X-rays showed nothing. Doctor's were pleased with her color and breathing when she arrived. So we were told to watch her breathing for anything out of the normal, keep an eye out for a fever or other sign of infection, and check out any poopie diapers for the foreign object.

They did also say it could have been that she was choking on her vomit, which I suppose is possible. Do I find that a likely cause for what terrified me so? No. That doesn't seem accurate. Konnor was playing with her about 10 minutes before it all happened, and I wonder if he brought one of his small toys to share with his baby sister.

So we are watching. Waiting. Hoping to find something in her stools to give answers to what caused such a heart-wrenching catastrophe. I honestly believed that they were going to need a second ambulance for the heart attack I was about to have.

Children are amazing. I love mine to pieces. You better believe after all has been said and done, there will be a more careful eye from this mommy.

Siblings Much??

2010-01-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

What do you guys think? Do they look alike?

Besides my daughter's BUG EYES in this picture, I think the two of them look similar. Both of my kiddos have more of their father's qualities (each having a different dad) but both have a Mommy resemblence that they share. Or at least I like to think so. :o)

My Mommy....

2010-01-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Is following my blog now....

HIIIIII MOM!!!!!!

That is me and my momma on my 21st birthday

All I Want For My Birthday.....

2010-01-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

So I have been shopping for a new digital camera for close to a year now. Never buying, I have been hunting my prey.

The reason why I'm writing about this is because I'm getting close to pouncing. Still waiting and watching very patiently, I have narrowed it down to which camera will be mine.

Originally, I wanted to stay true to my love for Pentax cameras. I grew up with the K1000 that my uncle had growing up. That camera will always hold a special place in my heart. He passed away when I was in 1st grade, so for my grandma to allow me to have it was extremely special.

However, as I have been reading through reviews, I have learned Pentax are things of the past. Nikon has really received the rave reviews, and the D5000 is in my price range (well, kind of) and decent for my taste. While my heart is really set on a camera that costs almost 3 times that of the D5000, I must settle.

Photography has been a passion of mine for a long time. I would say since Sophomore year of high school, when I took photography. Coincidently, that's when I had to borrow my uncle's camera, which was eventually just given to me.

Wouldn't you know I have been using that camera ever since? I mean I have a point and shoot camera that I use 90% of the time, but will pull out the ol' K1000 when the mood strikes me.

Using film is so inconvenient. I can never see what my pics are until they are developed, and tend to use a TON of film with any session with my camera. It's all worth it thou. Find a post of pictures on My Old Blog.

Anyways, back on par. My Project 365 blog could be getting a serious uplift in the picture department a quarter of the way through my journey/challenge. My plan is to use tax money/birthday money to get my future photography career on it's feet.

Here's to hoping. :D

Happy New Year!!! 2010

2010-01-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Last night we put a close to another year. For me it was a year full of ups and downs that have taught me so much.

Everything happens for a reason.

Some things to reflect on....

1. Where were you ten years ago?

At the age of 12, almost 13, i was experiencing the joys of my period for the first time ever. I was also babysitting for a house party. There were around 10 kids and i made $40.

2. What have you accomplished in the last 10 years?

Wow, I would have to say quite a bit. I mean, I have managed to pop out two kids, break my mother's heart and mend it again, have my heart broken upteen times, and come out on top, work in a place that i'm not always happy at (but it pays the bills), live on my own, and learn some life lessons i'm not soon to forget.

Overall, the last ten years have really changed me. I guess at such a young age, that really is inevitable. Maybe in 40 years, my decades will be a little less adventerous, and my stories not quite so grand, but so long as i have my children (and wrinkles forbid grandchildren), I will remain happy. There is so much to come in the next decade and the one after that, that looking on the past is so short compared to the future.

3. The last year.... what are the highlights?

Two things come to mind here. Konnor starting preschool and Ariana's birth. Such huge milestones in my life, and great accomplishments. My kids are my world, and there is nothing I enjoy more than watching them grow, explore, and the bond they have formed and continue to form with each other.

4. What is(are) your New Year's Resolution?

lose this baby weight!
remove the people who don't feel as if I matter in their lives from mine.
make 2010 the year to remember!!

I have hopes. I have dreams. I have plans.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-01-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

After taking a couple weeks from blogging, I figured that I would write up a couple of posts.

My "enter" key is apparently not wanting to work, so this is aggravating. LOL.

Christmas was amazingly fun! Ariana's first Christmas, and she really didn't give a crap about much of anything except for eating the wrapping paper. Thankfully, her brother was there to open ALL of her presents, and even play with them for her, so the elves at the North Pole didn't slave away for nothing.

Nothing too exciting or fantastic, but here are some of the photos from our Christmases. Christmas Day we went to my mom's and then on the Sunday following was the one at our house (because Justin worked Christmas day).

Holiday Traditions...

2009-12-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Holiday traditions are something I believe every family has. From what you eat to opening a Christmas present before you go to bed on Christmas eve, there is something that is done every year.

Growing up, I remember eating fondue and bread on Christmas eve. Ham for Christmas dinner, and being able to open our stocking before everyone else got out of bed. My mom would buy each of her children a Christmas ornament to put on the tree every year, and years later, we still put those ornaments up.

When Konnor was born, I wasn't sure what tradition I was going to start. Wanting something that could be a tradition forever, I pondered the thought of ornaments. Nah, that had been done. Specific foods? Not possible since my grandma still insisted on us being at home for dinner.

It didn't occur to me when I bought Konnor Christmas-themed pajamas in 2006 that this would be my tradition from year to year. To be honest, 2007 came and went and I didn't realize then what I was really doing. Not until I went shopping for Christmas jammies in 2008 did I realize that there was a theme. A yearly routine that I had started. A tradition.

That was it. I adopted it. My tradition was now buying Christmas jammies that Konnor could wake up wearing on Christmas morning to open his presents. Something that could go on until he was older, seeing as there are jammies for all ages.

This year, I already have Ariana's Christmas jammies, and need to get Konnor's yet. This tradition is something that is unique. And totally me. While I can't find 2007's Christmas pictures, Konnor wore Disney's Cars themed Christmas jammies. They were his fav!!

What are your holiday traditions? I would love to hear them! I find it fascinating how everyone celebrates the holiday in their own special, unique ways. :)

From my family to yours: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and please be safe!!!

Wordless Wednesday.. Blast From the Past!!

2009-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

How did we go from this to this???

Love you K-man!!

Find even more Wordless Wednesday fun at 5 Minutes for Mom, Extraordinary Mothers, HUB, and Momspective

I Miss My BFFFE!!!

2009-12-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

During the holidays, I get a bit depressed. Halloween especially. The Civil War games. Christmas. New Years. Okay, so October through January is especially hard. Then again during my birthday and hers as well.

My best friend and I used to be inseparable. Amazingly enough, we did almost everything together, in sync. We worked together at a couple different places, and there was a point in our lives where she lived with me. It was some of the best days of my life. Have I ever mentioned the mountain trips? Sledding.. those were days to die for (almost!).

Now, we barely talk. Missing her comes and goes, I'll admit, but when it comes in, its like I hit a ton of bricks. Lumps form in my throat, and going through our pictures on MySpace becomes almost unbearable. The pain of us going our separate ways, leading different lives, has taken it's toll on me this year.

The biggest reason being Ariana. Jenny was around during most of Konnor's firsts in life, including Halloween and Christmas. When he started crawling, cooing, and cutting his teeth, she was there. That is his Auntie Jenny, and nobody else's, thank you very much! He adores his baby sister, so something tells me that he'd probably share with her.

However, there hasn't been much Auntie Jenny in the last year or two. It sucks. It hurts. I miss her. I miss us. We had crazy silly adventures. So I put together this slide show. That's what I tend to do when I get all sad and sappy. Relive the memories we shared. Easy to do when you have over 10,000 memories in the form of pictures just sitting on your computer. With that said, here are a few of our memories (in no particular order). Sorry it's so big. I will fix it later. :)

We just need a new spark. Maybe someday she'll see this. Maybe someday we'll reconnect. Honestly, no one can replace her as my BFFFE (best friend for f*cking ever), and I'm pretty sure that anyone who knows "us" knows this to be true. Crazy, dumb, silly females. Man, we are the duo that you don't want to mess with!

Monday Mingle -- Farewell 2009!!!

2009-12-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the final Monday Mingle of 2009 here on The JAKA Files!! This was done in a rush as Ariana was fussy and ready for bed. None the less, enjoy.

Have a safe and happy holidays and a great New Year!! I may throw together a video or two due to my sheer joy of doing my weekly mingles, but we shall see. Lately, I have been busy girl with the approaching holidays, so no promises!

Last but not least, please visit 80 MPH Mom to see all the other minglers.

:o)

A Not So Wordless Wednesday....

2009-12-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

So I understand this is suppose to be Wordless Wednesday, but for the love, I can't help myself.

You see, I had this amazingly adorable picture of my kiddos passed out on the couch. It was adorable, and I knew that it was my WW picture. No doubt in my mind.

Until I was uploading pictures onto Shutterfly and Ariana was getting really pissed on the floor. Picking her up, she sat contently on my lap at the computer. For a moment. Then, she decided she wanted to Tweet too. And Tweet she did, that little bugger. :)

After her keyboard bashing, we may or may not have had to restart the computer to get the monitor to work correctly. And I may or may not have to figure out how to fix the internet screen size. Still wondering why I don't get a taskbar for my different windows at the bottom of the screen.

Whoops! Bright side? Daddy can't get mad at his little angel!!

Want more Wordless Wednesday? Check out 5 Minutes for Mom, Extraordinary Mothers, MomSpective, & J. Leigh Designs.

Testing... Technorati

2009-12-08T13:28:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the random post, all. Just trying to get my blog verified with Technorati.

GU7HPEWN88JZ

Monday Mingle 12/7/2009

2009-12-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Mwahaha! I recorded this video last Thursday so I wouldn't be late. It's a good thing too considering I was called into work yesterday thanks to the lovely wind storm that wiped out power to over 15,000 homes.

As per usual, please visit http://www.eightymphmom.com/ (or click on the button above) for more fantastic Monday Minglers! This really is sooo much fun!

Something Is Up...

2009-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

These two have a bond that I have never, in my twenty-two years of life, witnessed. At least not that I can recall. Love love love them!!

Konnor has on his Halloween costume (best $25 investment I've made, thank you very much!) and Ariana was, far as i can tell, trying to eat it?? I don't know.. I suppose they understood what was going on, even if I didn't.

Life Without A Man....

2009-12-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Seems weird to say it, but it's rather peaceful with Justin visiting family on the east coast. Sure, taking care of the kiddos all by myself sucks, but it isn't too much different comparing when he's here. He will pick them up from daycare, but for the most part, I tend to do all the work.

The most enjoyable part is that I can clean and not get frustrated that I am the only one cleaning. Having the bed all to myself was great, until I realized how hard it is to sleep without Justin by my side. I don't think I have been awake so much during the night since the first week Ariana was home.

Speaking of which, Ariana turned 6 months old yesterday! Wow. Hard to believe she has been with us for one half of a whole year. It's hard to remember life without her at this point, and that girl can tug at my heart all day everyday. Loves to my baby girl!

Justin called me yesterday to chit chat. Having him so far away reminds me of how things were before he moved out here. Sure, it sucked because he was so far away, but now it's kind of a relief.

Okay, I'm done rambling. Really, I just needed a good starter post. Something is bothering me, and I'm working on figuring out just what that is.

Tootles!

We're Going to the Rose Bowl!!

2009-12-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Woooooooooooooooooooooot!!!! I'm so excited the Ducks won last night and we are flying south for the Rose Bowl!!! *does a happy dance*

An amazing game, but the managed the victory. Oh man, I soooo wish I could go to that game in Pasadena, California. Can anyone say road trip?? That would make an amazing Christmas present. *calls mom* Lol!

January 1st, 2010.... Ohio you better watch yourselves, the Ducks are flyin' in!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Ducks!!

2009-12-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

In about 2 1/2 hours, the University of Oregon Ducks will battle against the Oregon State Beavers for a spot in the 2010 Rose Bowl. In the 113 years of this Civil War, there has never been more at stake! Both teams are competing to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. For any Oregon fan, Ducks or Beavs, this is the game of the year.

Here in Portland, you can tell the fanbase is split almost down the middle. Always has seemed that way in the 10+ years that I have proudly supported my Oregon Ducks. No matter where I have worked, the week of the Civil War has been a huge week! This year, at PGE, we are having a competition on our call stats. Giving us the option to dress up in our favorite team's attire, it's been fun!

Now that we are nearing game time, my nerves are all jumbled. I want to see my team go to the Rose Bowl, for sure! Regardless of the outcome, one Oregon team will be on their way to sunny California in an attempt to fight off the Buckeyes and claim the national title. While I couldn't be happier about that, I am all for the Ducks whoopin on some Beaver booty and then whoopin on some Buckeye booty. It all seems to fit just fine!

GOOO DUCKS!!!

My Ducks obsession (yes, that is the correct term) started, for me, in 6th grade. My science teacher at the time was a huge Beaver fan, and me and a couple friends (Kristen!!) decided it would be fun to rally against him. Which we did. It was then and in that season that I became a hardcore Ducks fan. We would make Ducks signs to put up over his Beaver signs and constantly talk about the Ducks. Even in highschool, when I would go back to my old elementary school for my brother or sister, I would make signs to cover up his. Lol.

I <3 the Ducks. Plain and simple.

Happy Belated Monday Mingle!!!

2009-12-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Late, per usual. Lol! However, I did make it this week. That accounts for something, right?? Lol, head on over to 80 MPH Mom for other fabulous minglers! She is the queen of MM and hosts it every week for us!

Without further ado, here we goooo!! (And my editing sucks, sorry, Konnor was being a turd and Movie Maker didn't like my file format. Le Sigh)

And it was Neve Campbell!! People used to say I looked like her..

And here is the horrendous pic of my face.. See that cheek? Yeah... I had a fat bruise for a few days too. I'll post that pic some other time. This is enough humiliation for one day :)

Wordless Wednesday.. Selfish Edition...

2009-12-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Haircut!!!

Dead ends gone! Just got some layers. Nothing exciting. :)

Visit Extraordinary Mothers for a list of more bloggers who participate in Wordless Wednesday!!

Sibling Love... How Powerful!!

2009-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

This morning, I witnessed something absolutely spectacular. There is no other way to put it.

Normally, when Ariana cries, Konnor attempts to calm her down by talking to her or playing with her. His love for his baby sister is out of this world, and tends to bring a tear to my eye. They will be great friends, I can see this.

However, the tables changed this morning. It was no longer Konnor that was concerned about Ariana, but Ariana who was concerned about her big brother. He wasn't listening and was sent to time out, which sent him into a fit of crocodile tears. Ariana, who was playing with a toy, dropped it at the first sound of her brother crying, and turned her head in his direction.

Watching this interaction pulled at my heartstrings. She was trying to find him, and nothing else could grab her attention. I tried to give her toy back, but she would pay no attention to me. She kept staring down that hallway, looking for her crying brother, who she couldn't see.

After Konnor's timeout, he came in to his concerned sister, and gave her a hug and kiss. Dismissing the thought that something was wrong, Ariana went back to her toy and continued playing.

How amazing is it to watch siblings interact? My 3 1/2 year old trying to comfort and be concerned with his baby sister is one thing, but for my 6 month old being deeply concerned about her big brother is something amazing.

Giggly Baby and Singing Toddler....

2009-12-02T10:04:00.001-08:00

Just a couple videos from the last week or so....

Black Friday Events....

2009-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Since I have a dysfunctional family, I often find myself dreading the upcoming holidays, rather than enjoying them. Sad as this may seem, I am never disappointed when someone flies off the handle (generally my grandma) and the mood for the holidays are sour. Despite all of that, I honestly try and find the joy in the holidays.

For Thanksgiving, my happiness happens to be Black Friday. It never fails, there is always excitement going out at odd hours of the night to buy toys that I would never buy on any other day. This was to be my fifth year in a row going out on the day after Thanksgiving, and each year my planning gets more and more intricate.

It's amazing how a couple weeks before the big day, online websites will get a hold of Black Friday adds, and post them. This makes planning much easier for hardcore BF shoppers, such as myself. Comparing prices, I can make my battle plan earlier than Thanksgiving, when the adds are featured in the local newspaper.

This year, both Toys'R'us and and Wal-Mart through me through a loop. As Toys'R'us offered a midnight opening and great deals on some toys for Ariana, I figured we would be starting there. My sister and her friend went with me (thank goodness, too, they are a hyper couple), but they weren't happy to hear that we were going out to stand in line at 9pm for Toys'R'us and that we would not be sleeping.

Convincing me to buy them energy drinks on the way, we were in a line with approximately 20 people in front of us. The rain came and went, but compared to previous years, it wasn't cold at all (which was probably because we were in line at 9pm, not 2am). We sat, stood, and they giggled about absolutely nothing at all. Oh, how I remember being a teenager. Haha!

Come 10 minutes before opening, the usual "line jumpers" started to crowd around the curb directly across the front doors. Recognizing such a crowd from years passed, I informed the girls what was about to happen. That being, doors open, people rush across the street, and cut in line. It was a classic (but not classy) act, which involved those of us who had been standing in line for hours to become quite upset, and punches would most likely be thrown.

Now Toys'R'us had made a barricade with carts to protect such an act from happening. However, they did not tie said carts together, so people were grabbing them and taking them to their places in line. I was nervous... no I was pissed that these people, showing up 10-20 minutes before the store opened, were going to be getting in before the mile-long (no joke) line that had been waiting for hours.

Buuuut, Toys'R'us threw us another curve ball when about 10 employees came out, and formed a human barricade to keep the line jumpers out. No kidding. Believe it or not, that barricade worked, too! At least no one jumped us or the 20 people in front of us, which was all I cared about, really. We were in and out of that store in 1/2 and hour, which was great, and off to Wal-Mart we went.

I am pretty sure I almost died of shock when we arrived at Wal-Mart, too. My sister said "there's no line" yet the parking lot was full. I laughed at her, thinking that wasn't possible. Ohhh, but it was. We cautiously walked up to the door, to find them open, and into the store, which had few people in it.

Panic set it, and I was positive that they must have started sales early, and all the good stuff had to be gone. Most importantly, the Ipod Touch my mom was making me get my brother for Christmas. I sent the girls off with my list as I headed to the electronics. Peeking into their MP3 player case, I saw plenty of the Ipod Touch, and felt I bit of relief.

Keep in mind, it is 1245am, and Wal-Mart wasn't scheduled to open until 5am. We were all very confused. Reaching the counter, the lady was kind enough to sell me the Ipod at the BF price, before the 5am time. Score! I put that hot item into my jacket, which was then covered with the things the girls brought me.

After we had everything (and more) in our carts, we stood there, staring at each other, and wondered what in the world we were going to do until 5am. We weren't allowed to buy anything at BF price until then, so we had to wait. And wait, and then wait in the checkout line, and wait some more.

In the time between finding the items we were buying, and actually getting to the register, many things took place. Two different people on two different occasions thought it would be a good idea to take their shopping carts, full of goods, and run through the doors and out of the store. Not smart. Both were caught. All we heard from where we stood were different store alarms going off. We were also subject to people trying to make their own line, which was not so promptly shut down by some of the store employees. Nice try, cheaters!!

Here are some pics of the girls sleeping and hanging around (yes, in toddler chairs). My sisters friend, Kayla, even sang "I'm A Barbie Girl."At least they were good entertainment for me. :)

Oh yes, and how could I forget their infamous sword fight? It would have been hysterical if I would have caught the part where they almost knocked down half the isle in the midst of said fight, but my timing was off.

After six hours at Wal-Mart, I was done with shopping. Tired and feet hurting like one can't explain, we went home and crashed!! No Target for me, though I wanted to. And, I missed the sock sale at Fred Meyer! Still a bit irked about that.

I Came Back!!

2009-11-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

After a little over a week since having the teeth yanked (and I took a few days before hand to prep for it), I am back!! Yay, right? Lol. Almost fully off the drugs (pain pills, people!), my head is finally in a clear enough state for me to write again. That last post......... Totally don't remember actually writing it, much less posting. Yikes!

So having wisdom teeth pulled sure does make you feel stupid for a while. Thanks Mr. Oral Surgeon for contributing to that. Honestly though, I was out of it for at least a week. Trying to remember what events occurred is next to impossible. Including my going to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Did everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving? Lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, and PIE??? Mmmm, pie! My favorite dish of Thanksgiving is the cranberry sauce. Yummmmmmy!

Whelp, I have a couple things coming up here. Couple videos of the monster children, and I *need* to get my Monday Mingle done. With that said, I'm off!

~Alex

Wisdom Teeth Yanking...

2009-11-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yep, it happened. Had three of them yanked out. I am officialy wisdom-free (feel free to laugh, i don't feel very smart today). The last 48 (or is it 72 now?) hours of my life are a complete haze. They have me on antibiotics, Percocet, and Motrin. Yes, this mamma has been feeling NOTHING since having the surgery.

They also gave me sedatives prior to surgery because I am deathly afraid of the dentist. Apparently, I was extremely friendly Wednesday morning. Dr. Surgeon (who knows what his name was) said I was a model patient. Oh how lovely. Sedatives are a great thing! Wish I could have them EVERYTIME I go to the dentist.

You will have to excuse any rambling or non-sense that comes out here.

Do you think, by the way, it's normal to still have numbness? My lower lip and chin are still pretty numb. That freaks me out just a little bit. I can't stand to have it touched, because it feels so weird!

Also, I am so thankful for my insurance. That was over $1,000 worth of procedures that I paid $95 for!

Anyways, thought I'd let everyone know I'm alive! Back to sleeeep!

I'm Thinking of Her Today....

2009-11-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today is a really really down day for me. I haven't been able to completely put my finger on why I feel like crud-ola, but I do know that I'm thinking of my friend today.

She passed away when I was only 10, but I feel her with me everyday. I wrote a post a while back which you can find here, in my old blog. We aren't even approaching her birthday or anniversary. Perhaps it's just thanks to the holiday season.

Yeah, I'm really thinking of ones lost today. :(

All About Electricity and Outages (Part 2)

2009-11-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

Disaster always seems to strike at the wrong time. Or maybe that's why it is a disaster. I mean, who wants to really sit in their house, dead of winter, with no electricity and no heat? I sure don't. Neither do the thousands of customers that are affected by a winter storm.

This is why PGE works around the clock during a large outage to get power restored as soon as possible!! We have crews out in the field, working 12-14 hour shifts, fixing lines, removing debris, and replacing poles. Meanwhile, there are representatives in the call center taking calls around the clock, also working 12 hour shifts. It doesn't matter the time of day, or the year for that matter.

All of that being said, here are some helpful hints as the winter season approaches, and the chances of losing your power for hours (or even days) increases:

Make an outage kit!! This should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered radio (so you can get updates), a battery-powered alarm clock, bottled water, canned food (enough for a few days), manual can opener, blankets, candles, a lighter, and a first-aid kid.
Make sure you have cash on you!! You never know what the extent of any winter storm will be, and you may not have access to an ATM or bank.
Stay calm!!
If there as anyone in the home that needs electricity to live, consider a generator. Most electric companies don't put a house on high priority because there is a medical condition. (This may seem harsh, but in a large outage, there are lines and trees down and safety is #1)
If you see a line along the road, in the yard, or anywhere else, make sure no one goes near it!! The chances are it isn't a "live wire" but you should always assume it is. Power lines are EXTREMELY dangerous!! Call your electric company to report any lines or poles that are down.
Check on neighbors and the elderly to make sure they are handling the outage okay.
Turn off all your breakers except one that is labeled for the lights. The last thing you want is a surge in electricity when the power is restored, possibly causing damage to appliances.

You can find these tips and more on the Safety & Outages portion of PGE's website, or at American Red Cross.

While I sometimes don't have all the answers, I have many resources to get the answers I need. With that, I leave you with the open invitation to email me with any questions you have at JAKA(dot)files(at)yahoo(dot)com. I will be more than happy to answer questions and/or find the answers.

All About Electricity and Savings (Part 1)

2009-11-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

As some of you know (and some don't), I work for the electric company in Portland, Oregon. While PGE is a great company to work for (most of the time), the winter season is always the hardest. Between the holidays and the rising costs of electric bills due to heating costs, it can be frustrating for both customers and the representatives answering calls.

Each year, PGE gives all customer services representatives a "refresher" course on "high bill training." We go over a TON of material to help us in answering inquiries from customers in regards to higher bills in the winter. That's what I will be focusing on in this post. Tips on things you can do around your home to make sure you are getting the most for your dollar.

On average, a household's breakdown of their electric bill is: 60% to heating and cooling, 20% to heating water, and 20% for everything else. This is assuming they live in an all electric home (no gas). Ultimately, if your bill is $100, $60 of that goes to heating and cooling, $20 to heating water, and $20 to everything else.

So how do I reduce my electric bill? Well, there are many ways. You can visit PGE's website, and we have an Efficiancy section of the website. Check out this calculator where you can manually figure out what each appliance is costing you per hour, per day, or even per month! I use this talking to customers ALL THE TIME!

Here are my quick suggestions (which I have learned from PGE's training):

Cover your pipes!! Cover the pipes used for hot water to keep the heat in. Use covers for the cold pipes to avoid the water freezing. You can buy pipe covering (like the picture on the right) at your local Lowe's, Home Depot or other home hardware store in your area.
Cover your windows with plastic. Really. This helps to keep the heat in, and the cold out.
Shut doors to rooms you aren't using. Leaving doors open will cause drafts in your home.
Let the sun shine!! If, by a miracle, the sun comes out, open your drapes or blinds! The sun is a great, free, way to warm up your home. Plus, you can turn off lights, and save more! Double whamey. :)
Make sure your water heater is working properly!! The number one reason that people have increased bills in a short period of time is a malfunctioning water heater.

Check for leaks. There are three places the water heater can leak from:

At the water heater itself. Check for water surrounding your tank.
Leaky faucets in the home. Make sure there is no drippy, leaky faucets.
Under the house. While it sounds like no fun to do so, you should check for leaky pipes under your house a couple times of year.

Check the temperature of the hot water coming out of the faucet. You should set your water in the kitchen or bathroom on hot, and fill a glass. Using a thermometer, check the temperature. Compare that to the setting on your water heater. The recommended temperature setting for any water heater is 120 degrees F.
Flush your water heater at least once a year. This is something I JUST learned, and was absolutely horrified to learn you are suppose to do this. For a how-to on this, check Wiki's step-by-step guide. Can you believe there is gunk at the bottom of your water heater? EWW!!!
Heating elements in the water heater don't last forever. Wiki's How To can walk you through how to test to make sure your heating elements are in working order. The easiest way to tell if one of them is malfunctioning, or needs to be replaced, is if you seem to run out of hot water faster than normal. Having no hot water could mean both are out.

Turn off the lights you are not using!
A full freezer uses less electricity than one that is not. Since the freezer will have less empty space to freeze and more food to freeze, the temperature will stay at a lower temperature consistently.

Random facts and things you may not know:

Most appliances that are plugged in use electricity. Anything with a little light (microwave w/ digital display, phone chargers, alarm clocks, and yes, even the PS2!) drains electricity. It may be a little bit, but that could add up to dollars a year!!
You will stay warmer if your house is arranged correctly. Keep your furniture where you sit and sleep on inside walls. Outside walls and hallways tend to be drafty.
If you have baseboard heating, check your thermostats!! Most of them don't have an "off" switch, only a "low" setting. This means your heat can come on, even if you are on "low" if the temperature in your house gets below whatever "low" means. It is very inefficient. I have baseboard heating in my house, and the heat gets shut off at the breakers most of the year to avoid unwanted heat.
Older style thermostats are extremely inefficient. It may say that you are heating to 65, but the reality is, it could be 60 or 75! Home Depot has a great device that measures the temperature inside your home, but you can find them just about anywhere starting at $10!

Oh my goodness, I could go on and on with energy savings tips. I really had to force myself to stop. Hehe!

Konnor Says Welcome!!!

2009-11-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ariana Feeds Herself!!!

2009-11-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

So Ariana grabbed the spoon and proceeded to feed herself. Going along with it, you can imagine the bath she needed after all was said and done.

Tuesday Woes.... Monday Mingle Dilema! HELP!!

2009-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

I am overly sleepy today. The dizziness that I have been experiencing the last few days (almost a week now) has me so exhausted I can't explain it. So here I am, home sick, with absolutely NO creative juices flowing. There are plently of things I could be working on, and SHOULD be, but sheesh! Too tired.

Poor little Ariana has a cold, too. So I kept her from daycare today. Her little nose is all stuffed up and runny (yes, both at the same time. lol). Not to mention you can hear the congestion in her poor breathing and when she coughs, it breaks my heart! Cranky baby is her nickname today.

So I just remembered something.... Next Wednesday I am having 3 of my wisdom teeth removed. Two of the three are beneath the gum line, while the third is barely sticking out. So, yes, I will do next week's Monday Mingle, but there is no guarantee on the following. Maybe i can mime that mingle. Haha!

Anyone have any other ideas for November 23rd's Monday Mingle? Justin won't do it, i don't think. Let me know!! I'm down for suggestions!!

It's Monday!!! Time To Mingle!!

2009-11-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

Goooooood Monday to everyone!! I actually have been looking forward to Monday's for the last couple weeks. Jennifer at Eighty MPH Mom hosts Monday Mingle every single week. I'll admit I only stalked MM for a few weeks before I decided to put myself out there. I'm so glad I did, too! It's a blast!

So, if you are a MM stalker, go ahead and try it! It truly is a little bit (ok a LOT) addicting.

On that note, it appears my sound/video is off. Also, I'm sick so no making fun of my sniffles or how flippin pale I am! Haha! Or the fact that I, apparently, didn't introduce myself. LMAO!!!

I Managed...

2009-11-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

Somehow, I managed to follow my own blog.

I guess this goes to show that I should NOT be doing blog stuff at 4:30 in the morning while sick. HAHA!

On another note, my email button is in fine working order! Woot! The Twitter button? Not so much. Grrr!! While figuring out all this blog stuff isn't THAT difficult, that darn Twitter button is driving me INSANE! And, yes, I did just shamelessly link my Twitter to this post. Lol!

Perhaps I should go back to bed now? Ugh!

By the way, is it just me or is there no way to spell check on blogger?

Okay, good-night!

Lamaze - Toys For Babies

2009-11-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ariana has had one toy, Mr. Spider as we call it, for a couple months now. Something about this toy keeps her attention, and she LOVES it!

My little cutie-bug was absolutely distraught over goodness knows what last night, so I handed her the spider. Immediately, whatever her deepest worry was, was forgotten. She put that spider right into her mouth. It was in that moment that I looked at Justin and asked him, "What would we do without that spider? What if we ever lost it?" These thoughts had passed through my head before, but it was then and there that I realized just what this spider was to her.

He had no answer, just a panicked look in his eye. I immediately hopped on the computer and found Genius Babies, who sells a wide variety of baby toys, including the most popular Lamaze toys. While we didn't find any of Buzz the Bug (which is what I found it's called), they have a ton of other great toys for Ariana's age. At her stage, it's hard to find toys that will keep her attention as well as toys that are safe.

Everything is in her mouth at this point, so I am constantly worrying about parts coming off in her mouth and her choking. What mother isn't, right? After some more digging, I did find our spider friend for sale at Toys R' Us. $12.99 is definitely well-worth it. Buzz's wings make crunchy noises, while each of the objects hanging from his feet do different things. Ariana's favorite is when i squish the object that squeaks. She will giggle and giggle - which, in turn, amuses mommy as well. The rings on the end of one of Buzz's feet go into her mouth, and all around, he is very easy for her to hold onto.

I am currently awaiting approval from the man of the house to expand Ariana's Lamaze toys, in hopes she will find something that will give her even half the joy that Buzz the Bug does.

I Chose This Life...

2009-11-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked an absolutely outlandish question by someone I considered to be a friend. Some may not feel this question is so out of line, but it took me by surprise.

A friend asked me if I would ever give my kids up for adoption in turn for the life of partying that I used to have. If i regretted my children or the choices in my life.

Perhaps this question was asked because she, herself, has a two year-old. And maybe she, since she broke up with his father, is questioning whether keeping her child was the right route to take. Lately, she has been (excuse my language) "whoring around" and partying like we did when we were in high school.

I was not a good teenager. Haha. I think most of my mother's gray hairs were thanks to me and my crazy days. Me and this friend used to party a lot, though we never got into any trouble with the law. Probably should have, but we got lucky.

When I got pregnant with Konnor, of course I stopped everything. The smoking, the drinking, the parties, and even hanging out with most of those people. It was all different for me. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I went into "mommy mode." No questions asked, that's just where I knew I needed to be. All my life I wanted to be a mom. Taking care of my younger siblings growing up gave me a lot of the wisdom and strength in mommyhood that I have.

Anyways, back on topic here. Without hesitation, my answer to her was "no." I don't feel that you should live life with regrets. You take everything that is throw at you, good or bad, and you grow from it. Learn from the mistakes you make, cherish the good times, brush off the bad. Don't let your past come back and bring you down. Everything happens for a reason, and that is a quote that I have come to live by.

I know that if I wouldn't have been stupid and done crazy dumb things when I was younger, I wouldn't have my children. I would have never met Justin. Who knows where I would be and what I would be doing, but I know that I wouldn't be where I am. Who cares what my life would have been like if I would have done this or that differently. Living my life the way I wanted to has brought me where I am today. I can honestly say that I am happy. We may not have a ton of money, but we are living. The kids may not have or get everything they want, but if they did, they would be spoiled.

Growing up in a family without a lot of money, I can comprehend the value of a dollar. I can make that dollar stretch. Not everyone can say that. That's okay with me. Every decision that I have ever made, I can stand by. I may not be proud of all of them, but they were my own, and I can embrace that ownership.

Okay, rant over.

Parent's Choice Formula - A Life (and money) Saver!

2009-11-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

As a mommy with a newborn and a toddler, I really want what is best for my children. From the clothes to the toys to the food. We all know in this economy, the best isn't really always within reach of our budgets. Mine, especially. I work full-time, as does Justin, but we are barely scraping by.

I always wanted to breastfeed my children. It was a dream, a goal, something to look forward to. With Konnor, I endured 6 weeks of pain and agony trying to breastfeed. My nipples were simply too big and his mouth too small. Sure, we tried nipple shields, but that didn't work. I could never afford a decent pump, so pumping was out of the question as well. At the time, I was 19 and working at Taco Bell, still living with my mom.

After those 6 weeks, I gave up. Feeling defeated and depressed, I went in search of formula. $25 a can is going to kill me, I remember thinking bitterly on my drive to the store. At Wal-Mart, I probably read labels for an hour. When I first saw the Wal-Mart brand formula, Parent's Choice, I didn't even consider it. But as I read the label, and compared it to that of Similac, I realized there wasn't much difference.

That day, I bought Konnor Parent's Choice Milk-Based Infant Formula w/ Iron. He loved it! It was so easy for him to digest, and we never had any problems. I loved it so much, that when my best friend had her baby, and was unable to breastfeed, I gave her a can to try, and she became hooked as well.

When I had Ariana, I was determined to give breastfeeding a second shot. I was prepped and stoked when she was born. Unfortunately, it didn't even take a week for me to come to the conclusion that we weren't getting anywhere. Having the same problems as before, I gave up the hope of breastfeeding. I wasn't as bogged down by it as I was with Konnor, because I knew we had alternatives. I knew it would be okay that I wasn't meant to breastfeed.

So, again, I made the trip to Wal-Mart. Ariana started out with the same formula Konnor did. We noticed she was very fussy and gassy, so we tried Parent's Choice Milk-Based Gentle Formula. It was suppose to help with the fussiness and the gas. We gradually moved her over to that formula, but noticed even though it helped, it hadn't solved the problem. Ariana just has a very sensitive tummy.

A lot of people were telling us we needed to go to soy formula. Especially my grandma. I wasn't really ready to try soy, though, and Wal-Mart still had another option. So we gradually switched her over to Parent's Choice Lactose-Free Sensitive Infant Formula. We figured if she had problems digesting the lactose (which many babies do) this could be our solution without going to soy.

It worked! This is what I love about Parent's Choice. We had options. One type of formula wasn't working, so we tried another. And, if we needed it, they offer Organic Formula and even Soy Formula. Not to mention it's about 40% cheaper than the name-brand formulas, but with almost the same nutrition. We go through about a can of formula a week. At $15 a can, that adds up FAST! I couldn't imagine paying the $25 a can - I would go broke!

Want to sample Parent's Choice Formula? Wal-Mart is giving away free samples of Parent's Choice Gentle Formula. Just follow the link, fill out the form, and they will send you a free sample! Pretty awesome stuff, and just one more reason why I LOVE Wal-Mart!

5 Months Later...

2009-11-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

June 5th, 2009 was a beautiful, and extremely tiring, day. Ariana was born at 7:03 PM, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz, and 19 1/2 inches long. From the moment they put her on me (all gooey and yucky) it was love. After 9 months of migraines and being uncomfortable, I finally had my little girl.

5 months later, I can hardly believe it was only that long ago that she came to this world. I guess that's because her and I bonded long before she was born. A bond only a mother and her baby can possess. I feel like I know everything about her, yet nothing at all.

She is constantly changing on me. From her attitude to her sleep schedule, it doesn't seem to stay the same for long. However, we have adjusted. Mommy knows now to expect to wake up at least once, and sometimes up to three times a night. Daddy knows, too, that babies work is mysterious ways.

Ariana babbles - constantly telling us what is on her mind. If only we knew what she was saying! She can go from being sad and cranky to cracking smiles and giggling in a split second. Grabbing toys and shoving them in her mouth, she finds EVERYTHING fascinating. Her swing and spider seem to have become her best friends.

She doesn't let us hold her to eat anymore, as she almost has holding her own bottle down to an art. Sleeping at night now consists of laying her in her bed and turning off the light instead of laying on or beside mommy.

Little Miss Independent is what my baby has become. Sitting up and playing in her activity center, grabbing her toes (and almost getting them into her mouth), and being more vocal are all new tricks Ariana has learned in the past month-ish. We even think she is teething, although none have broken through yet.

Since I found my video camera and all the little things I need to make it operate (oh yeah, like the charger - that's handy) I have made a commitment to myself to record a little more. Trying to remember Konnor at her age is hard. I have a few videos, which I am SOOO thankful for, but not enough. So with Ariana, I am really trying!

Wordless Wednesday: Halloween Style

2009-11-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

I'll never finish my Halloween post, so here's a pic of my kiddos. HA!

Check out

2 Of A Kind, J. Leigh Designs, and Kristin for more Wordless Wednesdays!!

The Faces I Love!!

2009-11-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

Ariana has so many faces! Her expressions are constantly changing, i can't keep up with her! Here are some of my favorite baby faces to date! Well, in the last few months anyways. The quality sucks since I was in a hurry as well as at work (shh! Don't tell).

Might Be Talking to CPS Soon......

2009-11-03T12:04:00.001-08:00

OMG...

So first thing is first. I iron my hair to straighten it. I use a clothes iron because, well, I can, I guess. It's much better and a heck of a lot faster than using a flat iron, or whatever they are called. Anyways, that's what I use. No making fun!

Well, last week I was ironing my hair, like always, no big deal. Konnor comes up, asking what I'm doing. I tell him that the iron is hot and not to touch. I am ironing the underneath so I can't see what is going on behind me, where he is.

Next thing I know, I put the iron down'ish, and I know it's his hand as soon as I felt the iron touch something. It touches him for a MILLISECOND, but that millisecond was enough to leave a mark. He didn't cry or even make a peep. It never bothered him - he didn't say a THING about it. I put burn cream on it and that was that.

Well, fast forward to today. Preschool day. It's 11:30am, his dismissal time. I, unfortunately, am at work, and his father is picking him up. I get a call from him, and I'm thinking "great, the flake isn't getting him." I wish that were the case!

No, apparently his teacher saw the burn, and asked Konnor about it. He said something about "mommy" and then "Thomas the Train," which apparently wasn't a satisfactory answer for them (wonder why-lol). So they proceeded to ask his father, and his babysitter when she came to get her daughter.

Here I am, suppose to be working, but am having to answer questions from Konnor's dad. Finally get off the phone with him, and I have a text from his babysitter. Lovely. So I call her, tell her the story, etc etc.

I am FREAKING out that the preschool thinks this was intentional, and plans to call CPS on me. That is the LAST thing that I want to deal with right now, is CPS up in my business. I would NEVER EVER think about hurting my kids!!!

Gah!!! I don't know what to do. :(

Monday Mingle... My First!!!!

2009-11-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

So today is my very first Monday Mingle!! I'm sooo excited!! Every week, 80 MPH Mom hosts Monday Mingle. Tons of fun!! So here it is, my first ever Monday Mingle!!

It's Almost November...

2009-10-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

November means the REAL start of the holiday season. You know, the time when you start to panic because you realize you have less than two months to finish (or in some cases, start) Christmas shopping. Time for family, friends, loved ones.

November also means Thanksgiving, and a time to be thankful. I have many things to be thankful this year. And, rather than listing them all here, I am going to be thankful for one thing everyday, and post it on twitter. http://twitter.com/sweetazzhonee .

My challenge is for everyone else to do the same. One simple thing that you are thankful for everyday. No repeats!! :)

Staying Safe During Halloween...

2009-10-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have children. Two of them, actually. Konnor is definitely old enough to understand dressing up and going Trick-O-Treating. Ariana, not so much.

I remember going out when I was younger. We'd go around my neighborhood, my grandma's neighborhood and even my aunt's neighborhood. My mom or dad would always go with us except at my aunt's. There were always older kids to go with us, and there were no worries. We used to live in a safe, quiet city.

Not so much anymore. Today, I would NEVER let my kids out without me, regardless if they were 2 or 15, with or without an older kid. I just wouldn't do it. Things in Portland are way too scary, way too out of hand to even think about it. Crimes occur too close to my mom's house (the same house i grew up in) and i'm not sure I even want to take Konnor out this year.

Last year, for instance, we took him and my youngest brother (who is 8) Trick-or-Treating and we didn't even get around the corner before this crazy guy came speeding around the corner. There were plenty of angry parents screaming at the guy to slow down. He did, only to roll down his window, yell something, and peel out in front of dozens of kids and parents. My mom was so outraged, she called the police!

Really though, crazy drivers aren't all you have to worry about. Taunted candy has ALWAYS been a fear, even when I was a kid. Sad as it may seem, there are people who want to HARM our little ghosts, goblins, and princesses. Or drug addicts who break into cars while we sleep. Who is to say they wouldn't steal candy bags or even parts of costumes??

I have learned a few things since I became a mommy. Some of which involve Halloween, which happens to be MY favorite holiday.

Buy the kiddos, and yourself, a flashlight. Konnor has a blue pumpkin flashlight that i bought from Wal-Mart for $1.00. Seriously, I am struggling when it comes to financial obligations, but that $1 could save his life.
Always always ALWAYS check the candy before letting your kids eat it. Candy wrappers should be air tight (and there usually is an air pocket). Check for tampering. If it even looks suspicious, throw it out! Also, unless you know and trust the giver of the treat, home-made treats should go straight to the trash.
Keep your children on the inside of the street, so you are closest to cars. Lots of people drink on Halloween, and some do get behind the wheel. This year Halloween falls on a weekend night, so I'm sure the partiers will be in full force. Scary stuff~!
I found a site, thanks to a radio station i listen to, where you can find safe neighborhoods to go Trick-or-Treating. This will list how close (or far) sex offenders, or other registered offenders may be to your path. http://www.familywatchdog.us/Search.asp . This doesn't list everyone, but it does list those who are registered w/ the city, county, or state.
HAVE FUN!!!

For more tips, visit http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/ , http://www.lacity.org/lafd/hween.htm , or google "Halloween Safety Tips."

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween this weekend! I know i can't wait to take my little Optimus Prime and Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) out and about! Okay, maybe just Optimus. I think Belle will be staying indoors.

Wordless Wednesday: Sibling Love

2009-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Want more Wordless Wednesday?? Check out OurOrdinaryLife, 5 Minutes For Mom, HUB, Extraordinary Mothers, Momspective, J.Leigh Designs, Jolly Mom, and even Del The Dad !!!

Cascade ActionPacs

2009-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! Has anyone used these before? They are the concentrated detergent cube things that go in the dishwasher. It has both liquid and powder concentrated into this cube that is about an inch long and wide and half an inch in height.

My dishwasher SUCKS! We are forever having to scrub off every little piece of food and/or dirt before putting it into the dishwasher, making me wonder why i even bother with the dishwasher anyways.

We have tried both liquid detergent (which was okay) and powder detergent (which was a disaster). Apartments just have really crappy quality dishwashers, i guess.

Anyways, i decided to buy these Cascade ActionPacs. $5 for 20 of them, so i figured i wouldn't be out a TON of money. I used one today. Just opened my dishwasher, and OMG!!!!!!!!!!! These things are freaking amazing!!!

I put a dish in there that i didn't scrub. It wasn't that dirty, but i knew residue would have been left over with the liquid or powder detergent. Nothing with these. It is CLEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Blog...

2009-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not too happy with the layout. So it may change multiple times throughout the day.

Lol.

You have been warned.....

Getting to Know Alex

2009-10-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

1. What is your best friends name? Jenny, even though we don't talk much.
2. Do you have any kids? Yes. Konnor - 3 1/2 and Ariana - almost 5 months!
3. What are you listening to right now? The Eagles beat the Redskins
4. Whats your favorite number? 113.. don't ask
5. What was the last thing you ate? I'm getting ready to eat pizza. Had a salad for lunch.
6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Lol. Ummm, a neon green and hot pink marbled together.
7. How is the weather right now? Better now. Was nasty and rainy and windy earlier
8. Who was the last person you talked 2 on the phone? A customer.
9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? His eyes
10. Do you have a significant other? Yes
11. Favorite TV show? Geeze, I don't watch much TV, but my latest obsessions include the Kardashians & Rachel Zoe
12. Siblings? all younger. two brothers and a sister
13. Height? 5 foot 3 inches
14. Hair color? brown
15. Eye Color? blue
16. Do you wear contacts? nope, although i need to get my eyes checked
17. Favorite Holiday? I love Halloween!!!!
18. Month? Uhhh, I don't know..
19. Have you ever cried for no reason? all the time, really. I'm super emotional
20. What was the last movie you watched? The Dark Knight
21. Favorite Day of the Year? Saturday. HAHAHA!
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? i don't need to. I have my honey.
23. Can you do a headstand (not using the wall)? no but i can do a tri-pod. does that count? hehe
24. Hugs or Kisses? Kissies, yes please!
25. Chocolate or Vanilla? mmm, chocolate. that reminds me, i have ice cream~!
26. Dream vacation? anywhere that includes my little family
27. What is your favorite quote? Isn't it fearful... To love that which death can touch? (gruesome, i know)
28. Tattoos? Chinese symbol on the back of my neck that means "goat" & a 1/2 heart 1/2 star on the top of my foot with wings and skull/crossbones w/ an "A" and "J" in the middle for me and my bff
29. What books are you reading? Nothing new. Always Harry Potter (NERD!)
30. Piercings? Couple holes in each ear and then an industrial in my left ear.
31. Favorite movies? Notebook is the one that stands out
32. Favorite football Team? Oregon Ducks!!!! WOOOOOT!! (college counts, right?)
33. what were u doing before this? Putting my pizza in the oven
34. Butter, Plain or Salted popcorn? Buttered
37. Dogs or cats? depends. i like both, but prefer doggies
38. Favorite flower? Lilies
39. Been caught doing something you weren't supposed to do? Haha oh man! Many times
40. Do you have a best friend of the opposite sex? I do. I call him my gay lover. <3
41. Have you ever loved someone? I have, i do.
42. Who would you like to see right now? my bff, Jenny
43. Are you still friends with people from kindergarten? uhhh, does first grade count? :)
44. Have you ever fired a gun? i have
45. Do you like to travel by plane? it makes me nervous, but is MUCH faster than driving.
46. Right-handed or Left-handed? left-handed
47. How many pillows do you sleep with? theres like 6 on my bed. justin only gets one. haha! im a pillow hog!
48. Are you missing someone? yes indeed

Enjoy The Ride Rewards

2009-10-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

As a mommy of a 3 1/2 year old who was in diapers not long ago, and a mommy of an infant who is obviously in diapers, I know they get expensive. And I don't mean a little expensive, I mean a LOT!! We can go through a box of diapers (around $20) in a matter of two weeks, maybe three. That's a box of 84 diapers. So about $80 a month, sometimes $100. With that, and formula, an infant costs a LOT of money.

When it comes to diapers, we have tried multiple brands. Nothing works as well as Huggies. Especially overnight, when Ariana doesn't wake up all the time, it's nice to know we aren't going to wake up to a soggy bed and baby. Haha!

Today I was getting ready to throw away the plastic from a package of diapers, and noticed a code. It was Huggies Enjoy The Ride Rewards. Curious, I logged onto their website ( https://enjoytheriderewards.com/ ), and created a log-in ID. Immediately, I was awarded 10 points. With the code I found, I was awarded 9 more points. Okay, this is cool, I thought. So I decided to investigate and found that you can use these points on a variety of things. Diapers, gift cards, art supplies for the kids, and more!

How cool is that?? If you have kids, and use Huggies diapers, I highly suggest you check this out!

10 Truths...

2009-10-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

So let's see if I can successfully do all of this... I was challenged by my dear awesome blogger friend, Kristin (http://www.ourordinarylife.com/) to be completely honest. 10 things about me. I am kind of ashamed of some, but here we go!!!

I am a very jealous person at times.
I don't find myself attractive - at all.
Sometimes I don't want to be around my kids.
I lie about how I am doing a lot.
One day, I really want to pursue my photography dreams.
I don't think, financially, I am going to survive the holiday season.
I feel extremely ashamed to ask for any sort of help. I'm pretty sure I would be classified as depressed.
I cling on to people emotionally in an attempt to feel "normal."
My zodiac sign is Pisces, and from everything i've ever read, it fits me perfectly.
The only thing on my body that I like are my blue eyes and my boobs (lol).

Yeah, that was extremely hard. I challenge any of my readers to come out and tell us the truth! You'd be amazed how challenging it is.

My Customers...

2009-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I work for the electric company in Portland. While I love how much I get paid, i seriously despise my job. We are the only company for most of the Portland area, so when our customers get mad at us, WE HEAR ABOUT IT!!! While these are few and far between, it does make the job seirously draining.

Just a few moments ago, however, I had a silly customer. He had a simple question which I answered. When I asked him if there was anything else I could help him with, he said:

Customer: There is one other thing I would like to say.
Me: Sure.
C: What did the fish say when he hit the brick wall?
M: I don't know
C: DAMN!

I don't know why I found that so funny, but eh. It's the little things, right?

I'm Back!!!

2009-10-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

Hey bloggy world!! I feel as if it's been forever since I have blogged. I have done a lot of journaling, some diary stuff, and a Vlog! However, it's been a long time since I logged onto Blogger.com and blogged. It kind of feels nice.

So, in tribute of this new adventure, I have decided to create this new blog all together. I still have my old one, so feel free to read through it. A lot of things have changed since I last logged on here, and a new blog was indeed a must!

Let's get everyone up to date, then, shall we?

I now have TWO children.

My not-so-little Konnor is now 3 1/2. Extremely active, he started pre-school this year. Can you believe it?!?! Here's the little monster child. :)

I also welcomed my daughter, Ariana, into the world on June 4th. I can't believe it's really been almost 5 months since she was born! She is growing up faster than I'd like! Hehe. While I have hundreds of pics of her, I will only subject you to one for now.

Picking one was hard. hehe!

Okay more later. Gotta get back to work!