Happy 4th of July

The Fourth was amazing. We spent the day at my parents house, hanging by the pool with our amazing family and friends, and eating everything in site. My mother always puts together an incredible spread. Today we are all a little worse for wear but it was worth it. the weather was perfect for all of our Fourth of July festivities. My Dad used his smoker to make some amazing ribs and chicken, and my Mom worked her magic on some Sangria. Love that stuff. Averie, Brian, and Anessa swam until their toes were pruny. Finally fireworks. Brian and Luke were in charge. This is usually a tast for my father and brother, but the times are changing and it is a new era. The show was great under the new direction.

Breaking Through not Breaking Down

A new dress, and a smile......

Brian {my hubby} suprised me with a new birthday dress, and said get ready we are going out to dinner. It instantly put a smile on my face. I was hoping that there was something planned, but I am changing my ways and did not depend on it. I was going to be happy with whatever I got or was planned.

But....

My whole family suprised me and took me out to dinner for my Birthday. We went to Strings, one of my favorite Italian resturants in town and had a great dinner. Lucky for them, my birthday fell on a Wednesday, All you can EAT!! The food was terrific, and the company the best. All in all it was a Fabulous 29th Birthday. See you later 28, and 29 I have my eye on you. 2012 may be a tough year so far, but 29 is going to be my breakthrough year. No more breaking down, just breaking through.

In other news, I am off early today to do Averie's IFSP, and then I am off all of tomorrow to go to Las Vegas for a Softball Tournament for the oldest child. It is going to be a long weekend, with a lot of pictures. I am going to flex my creative muscles on this trip, so be scared. The evening looks to have a lot of packing, prepping, and organizing. I am off, going to make some lists to keep me on track today.

I welcome any suggestions on packing for a trip with a toddler. I am still trying to iron out what the necessities are and have not been able to get it right yet. There are a lot of travels this summer, so the sooner I figure this out the better. I was on PINTEREST yesterday and found one tip. Put the babies clothes in plastic baggies for each day. That way you dont have to go riffling through your bag trying to find matching clothes. I may do this for the adults too. *laughs*

Election Day June 5, 2012

I am rested and ready to go, go to the polling booth that is. Except that there is one problem, I have no idea where I am going! I admittedly have not voted in the past two elections, and the guilt has settled in, starting now. I honestly am not all that interested in voting. I am not a very political person. However, I would say in the past month, I have slowly started to change my ways. I think that it is important for me to vote, have my opinion heard or documented at the least. Deep down I feel like it may not make a difference, but I am part of a bigger picture, you know. Maybe if a bunch of non-voters decide that maybe the difference is in the numbers it will actually stem change. I know that this is not the reason for the way the world is right now, but I do feel like maybe not voting has created some of the negative energy in the world. Silly, but maybe. Needless to say, I am going to do some serious reading today and seek out my polling place. I guess in the long run I would rather be a part of the solution and not the problem. So here is my attempt at making a difference.

Last night was a long night in addition to thinking {worrying} about voting. I was trying to get some quality learning time in with Averie, make dinner, and talk to my husband and step-daughter about their day. There is always a little, okay, I am lying a lot of cleaning to do. Especially when my husband and daughters are cooped up in the house all day. They make the house look like a tornado hit it. I have got in a routine of taking a walk through the house right as I get home, and picking up all the dishes, trash, and clothes that are left everywhere. That way it looks half way decent and I do not feel like screaming at the top of my lungs. Once I regain my sanity, I start dinner. We tried something new last night. I made two pork tenderloins in the crock pot a couple of days ago and used one for pulled pork with BBQ sauce, and the other for carnitas. Not authentic carnitas, Brian and I experimented. He thought that throwing in Salsa Verde would make the pork taste delicious. I am not a big meat eater, so I did not even taste it. Anessa and Brian thought it was to die for, so this is definitely going to make it into the dinner rotation. All I did was......

Put two frozen pork tenderloins in the crock pot with some onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and a onion quartered. Turn the crock pot on low for 8 hours. I usually do this in the morning before I go to work, that way when I get home it is all ready to go. I shred all the pork in the crock pot, and split it into two portions. I put one portion in the fridge {for a dinner another night} and mix the other with the Salsa Verde. We use Fresh and Easy Salsa Verde. I cut up toppings, like cilantro, onion, tomatoes, and lettuce and Tada!!!! Our spin on carnitas, Salsa Verde style. The trick to making then seem authentic is using corn tortillas and frying them just a little. I had a long day and so I needed to throw in a nice glass of white wine. I had a glass of Starborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It was really tasty with the tacos and much needed. Thanks Amber, I think you were the one that mentioned this wine.


Family Memories

This weekend overall was a lot of fun, minus the burn that the whole family received on Saturday from too much softball. Averie and I spent some much needed time with the Keyser Family on Sunday. My Cousin, her husband, and daughter flew in from Oklahoma for a couple of weeks. So Averie and I tagged along with my Folks to go visit them in Paradise. It was so nice to see everyone. Rebecca and Averie got along pretty well. They more or less played next to eachother and not so much with eachother. I guess that is how babies play. I do wish that Tracy and her family lived closer. That way Rebecca and Averie could play together all the time. We will take what we can get in the mean time. I am so grateful that they made the trip to California. Her husband is a great guy, they are both so great with Rebecca. What a blessing.

We had some great food and spent some wonderful time with family. We had so much fun that we did not leave until 6pm. It is so hard to leave when you feel like you just got there, you just reconnected. I am already looking forward to the next visit. It sounds like they try and make the trip to California every summer. So I have something to always look forward to in the summertime.

This trip made me realize how much I miss girltime. I miss hanging out and talking about everything under the sun. I wish I had friends in my area. I know how pathetic that sounds, but it is true. I am in a routine rut, I wake up, work, come home, clean, make dinner, eat, give Averie a bath, bedtime, and then I get a couple of hours to myself and then I go to bed. The weekends don't vary much, except that the cleaning gets replaced with softball. I guess when it really starts to bother me I will do something about it. Until then I will coutinue to love my family and blog.

Averie and Rebecca

Tracy & Rebecca, Me & Averie



Averie is giving Rebecca Kisses



Division 1 Girl's Softball Champs!

Yesterday was a very busy day.....

 I was able to get off a little early from work, and go to Averie's swimming lesson at the YMCA. It was the last class of the series, and I had not been to a class yet. I figured it was time. I was happy to see her kicking and moving her arms like a swimmer. I definitely think this is something that she will continue to do. It looks like she is having so much fun. After the lesson, Grammy and I spilt up. She went home, and I headed to the Playoff game. Sheldon vs. Ponderosa. We had played them twice before and lost, so the drive to the game was a little nerve racking. Only a little though. Averie and I made it safely to the game and posted up at the top of the bleachers with Daddy and the rest of the parents. Mo Mo {Nessa's Travel teammate} was there and needed to get her Averie fix in, so I was actually able to watch the game for a change. The game went all 7 innings and the final score was......

Wait for it.....

8-1 SHELDON!!!!!! They won the D1 Girl's Softball Championship! It was so exciting. They defended their title with honor. Mary Jo Truesdale is the Head Coach and she did a fantastic job coaching these girls. It really is an exceptional group. I took a ton of pictures, and no none of them managed to get edited. But here are a couple priceless shots.



Anessa dishing out an Irish kick.



Zamari and Anessa, cheesing it up!!



The Sheldon High School Varsity Girls Softball Champs!

Happy Anniversary Brian

To my Husband of two wonderful years, and two beautiful girls.

My plan was to make him authentic street tacos for dinner and a yummy brownie for dessert. I also made sure that there were Pacifico's on hand, that way he could have the whole street taco experience. Oh, and in an effort to save a couple of bucks, I made him a card. It was original and cute!! Anessa had a high school softball playoff game, and so they did not get home until around 7:30pm. Dinner was ready and waiting when they walked in the door. I love my family to bunches. They definitely keep me on my toes to say the least.

So....

I am a big ball of mush lately, and so when my husband did not even call me on our Anniversary to say "I love you". I was pretty crushed. He claims that he sent me a text, but I am still waiting for it..... When he did get home he brought me these roses, aren't they gorgeous. They are so beautiful. If only he knew that he could have just told me "I love you". That's all I wanted. I just needed to feel like I was being thought of. It's that easy guys {no jedi mind tricking}. I know how unbelievable and easy this sounds, fellas don't think so much. It really is simple, simple when it comes to me at least. I guess that is my little rant. Hopefully it is taken into consideration on the next anniversary. It does not need to be elaborate, it just needs to be thoughful.

At the end of the day I do have these beautiful flowers, a wonderful husband, and a heart that knows even when he doesn't do things the right, I mean my way he still loves me. He just doesn't show it the same way I do.

I love you Brian and look forward to many more adventurous years together! These past couple of years have been exciting and special to say the least. I truely feel blessed to have found you.

Good Morning Averie Lynn

This is what I woke up to this morning,

How do you not want to stay home with her? I know I do. EVERY MORNING!

Dream Rooms....

I think I might be in LOVE! Someday Maybe.

My Mother's Day 2012

My Mother's Day was Fabulous.

Saturday was spent with Brian and Averie running around town. We went to Brian's Nephews baseball game, and then back to the house for a little fun in the Sun. I took Averie swimming in her new pool/activity center. I cooked up some hamburgers and hot dogs. Averie had her first hot dog. Cut up into itty bitty tiny pieces {they are considered a choking hazard.}.Brian and I popped open a few bottles of Pacifico and relaxed. The evening was spent just hanging out with my family, whom I love.

Sunday we woke up at 7am. Averie slept in for me a little, which was nice. Kind of makes me wish that I had gone to bed at a decent hour the night before. Shucks. Next time I guess. Moving on.... I packed up the boo boo and we were off to Rio Linda to pick up Brian's mother, Tammy. From there we went to El Novilero, I will say it again. One of my favorite Mexican Restaurants. The food was fantastic and filling, I don't quite remember the margaritas being so strong. I admit I walked out of there not feeling so fantastic. I don't drink much so it hit me pretty hard. From there we went to my parents house. We are so lucky that they live so close. It is literally a ten minute drive. I love it. My grandmother even came down for the occasion.We had an extravagant dinner, so much to eat, chicken, bread, green beans, artichokes, and potatoes. It was DELISH! I have not even talked about dessert yet. Wheew. I am tired just listing everything. My Dad bought my grandmother and I Bath and Body lotions and body wash.

Nothing about this day was bad, except for the fact that it is ending. I am not big on Hallmark holidays, but today was well worth the fuss.

I am working on getting photoshop so that I can edit my pictures. Currently I am using SOOC photos. I took a lot of great ones.

Ready Set Go

Off to a good start.

 I am on day 2 of my goals. I am walking on my break for a little extra exercise, and I have eaten well so far today. I do have a small confession... I had a Coke yesterday. I was crashing, and coffee is too hot in this weather. It has been in the 90's everyday so far this week. I cant wait to break out the bathing suit and go swimming. My family loves to be outside soaking up the sun. With the appropriate SPF that is.

Update: Brian is at home working on his car. He is a big ball of stress. Anessa's high school softball team has a big game today. They HAVE to win to make it into playoffs. I know what you are thinking. It is just high school softball, whats the big deal? That is what I thought too, but apparently they have never not made it into the playoffs. The pressure is on since they won in playoffs last year. This is a big deal to everyone but me. I of course am relaxed as can be and trying not to let everyone else get to me. I do not even feel the need to be stressed out even slightly about this. Maybe they all have more invested.

I do have a Softball related announcement. I have been voted in by the Sheldon High School Softball Board as Treasurer. I am not sure what that means for this year, but I think that next year will be fun. I honestly want to be more involved. Brian is already stealing my Board meeting emails. He is a softball news junkie.

Averie is with Grammy today and they have swimming. She loves it apparently. I cannot wait for the summer so I can swim with her. It is getting to be very nice outside. Summer is coming and so am I. I am going to be one picture happy Momma.

This picture is of the Family, Brian, Anessa, and Averie at the UC Santa Barbara vs. UC Davis softball game. We had a blast watching the game, and hanging out on the grass. This was a good day.

Been a while

So.... It has been a little while, but I am in better spirits now that it is the start of a new week.

Last week was so hard and I just could not get myself to sit down and blog. It was one challenge after another. The weekend capped off the string of bad luck with a car accident. Everyone is okay, but goodness were we shook up. We still managed to turn the car around, head back to the house and jump in my husbands truck. We were on our way to San Jose to watch the Spartans Softball team play when the accident occurred.

Things are starting to look up however. I guess you could say, "I have my health.". I am working on making everything in my life great. I am supposed to be LUCKY right! It feel like lately my family has not been. Things just seem to be getting harder, and more challenging. I have been sitting in this pool self pity for a while now. I cannot seem to get past all these little challenges. I am hoping they make me a stronger person and not a crazy one. At the moment they are wearring me out!

Over the weekend Averie turned 15 months old, and Anessa is now officially 16. Soon I will have a 16 month old and a 16 year old. That is a photo op if there was one.

Brian and I are both doing well. We just bought a California Fitness gym membership. So... The plan is to get in shape and eat healthier. Maybe if we get get in better shape physically that will help get our minds get in shape. I am wishing on multiple stars for getting our minds healthy. Well for now that is it. I will try and do a better job of keeping everyone posted. My time gets away from me.

Here is Averie Getting AWAY!!!!

Disneyland

Just us girls.

That's right my mother, grandmother, and myself all at Disneyland. It was a relaxing three day vacation, but also a tiring three days. My feet hurt so bad by the end of the trip that I could not wait to go home. The trip contained literally, no arguing, a lot of laughing, and even more eating. We went on every ride twice at least. I am sure there were crowds of people that saw us (three adults) and thought we were insane for running around Disneyland like little kids. Oh did I mention that we ARE crazy. 

After three days,  I was very happy to see my boo boo (Averie) when I got home. She was asleep when I got home, we took a late flight home to try and maxamize our Disney time. All I needed was to give her a kiss and I was satisfied, or so I thought. I woke up the next morning to spend some time with her before I had to leave for work. I guess tiem got away from me because I ended up at work 15 minutes late. Opps. One more reason that I need to be a SAHM.

Averie's Story

My Husband and I were married on May 22, 2010 in Santa Cruz, California. We live, breathe, and sleep softball, so naturally we did not go on our honeymoon right after our wedding. We waited until softball season was over in August. A tad bit obsessive if you ask me. By the time August came I was pregnant with Little Miss Averie. No drinking for Mama, I still had a great time in Jamaica. My pregnancy was a breeze (I know some of you are hating me right now). I had a little bit of morning sickness in the beginning but nothing that had me bed ridden. My belly grew and so did my craving for natural white cheddar Cheetos (weird craving right?). I have a serious weakness for salt, so bad that I should probably get my cholesterol checked. I am getting off topic. Averie was growing perfectly and getting bigger weekly as babies do. In early November I started to have Braxton Hicks contractions. After the third trip to the hospital, they put me on bed rest. Really, so not happening. I am compulsive, a control freak, and neat freak. I think I cleaned every nook and cranny in my house during that time. So, in November they took me out of work, almost 3 months before my due date. 

On February 6, 2011 I started to have real contractions. On Superbowl Sunday, we definitely were not going to make it to my parents annual Superbowl party. I believe that it was about 11am when my husband put me in our spa bathtub, thinking that the warm water would help suppress the contractions. Thanks Honey. I would say about an hour and a half of breathing we finally made our way to the Hospital. Mercy General here we come! 

I was not in pain or anything so the drive to the hospital was fine. They set me up in a room and hooked me up to every machine they had. I watched patiently as the scales on the machine went up and down. I knew what was coming. Finally they checked me to see how dilated I was. 3cm and I was instructed to start walking. After about 30 minutes of walking I was really feeling it. I needed something to take the pain away. They told me to lay back down and called the anesthesiologist to administer my epidural. I knew that we were getting closer if they were willing to give me the epidural. I was in active labor for maybe 2 hours. Averie Lynn Kaylor was born at 8:04pm on February 6, 2011, 6lbs 11oz. and 19 inches long. She is our "Boo Boo", and the twinkle in my eye. 

Averie Lynn Kaylor was born at 8:04pm on February 6, 2011, 6lbs 11oz. and 19 inches long.

Anessa Marie

Sweet Sixteen in only a matter of days. So accomplished for sixteen years old. However she is a challenge. Spoiled as ever, but all my children are. She is a great Student and just started umpiring for the local recreational league. She also just got her permit in February. Driving, Oh no! What will we do. This kid cannot even walk without falling. Makes you wonder how she became a softball player. She is a great teenager, but also typical. I guess the trouble with being typical is that she is a beauty, so dad is having to do some serious warding off of boys. Blech!

This year started off really well for Anessa. She verballed to SJSU with a full ride. I said she was accomplished. Her dad and I are very proud and excited. Go Spartans!!!!!!

Here's the Family

So...as you can see a family shot is not the easiest thing to accomplish. We tried ten times and..... This is my BEAUTIFUL family. Anessa is the oldest (at the far left), I am right next to her, the little one is Averie and she is 10 months, and lastly my Husband Brian (at the far right). Side note: I brought flip-flops because my heels were sky high.

I work for the Board of Equalization as an Information Systems Analyst. However I would love to be a SAHM. Maybe someday. I am lucky just to be in LOVE! My Husband works for himself. Anessa is a full time Softball player, and sophomore in high school. Actually at the beginning of this year Anessa accepted a full ride scholarship to San Jose State University for Softball. We are all very proud of her. Averie is 14 months old now and doing fantastic. She is the light of my life and I would give the world for her. Again, I feel nothing short of lucky. So there we are!