*100* things about me (part 3)

Things are going down hill fast. Averie Lynn kept me up all hours of the night. We are talking I only got maybe 3 hours of sleep. So I went from a confident and fashionable start to the week, to this.

What happened?

51. I could not drive happily without Sirius.

52. I actually like the Twilight Saga. 

53. I love decorating, but don't have the time or motivation to do it. 

54. I do not believe in big foot, the lock ness monster, or ghosts.

55. I don't think that I will ever be well slept again.

56. I am super optimistic, even in the worst situations.

57. I love grocery shopping. It is like my therapy.

58. Averie Great Grandma is her daycare provider, and we could not be luckier.

59. I turn 30 this year, and I am actually scared, nervous, and anxious all at the same time.

60. I love painting my finger nails. I paint them a natural flesh color. 

61. I love watching baseball. Go BRAVES! Opening day in 20.

62. I don't like going to the movies really. I feel like you get to the theater during the heart of the day, and when the movies over so is the day. Wasted. 

63. My favorite restaurants are... Lucca, Spatarro, Strings, and Todo un Poco.

64. My favorite pizza in the whole wide world is Woodstock's, in Davis.

65. My favorite sandwich in the whole wide world is the Lucca, at Zia's Delicatessen in Davis.

(Davis puts out some good food.)

66. Crock pot meals are a life saver. 

67. Even though I am not pregnant anymore, I still take a prenatal vitamin everyday. 

68. I cannot wait to take Averie to Disneyland, we are planning a trip for her 5th birthday.

69. I was a swimmer and diver in High School.

70. My Stepdaughter goes to the same High School I went to. 

71. Everyone who told me things would change when I had a baby were right. I denied it daily. I was wrong.

72. This is actually harder then you think.

73. I am not a vegetarian, but my meat intake is minimal.

74. I only like kosher hot dogs, if they are not kosher I will not eat them.

75. I have my belly button pierced. But I don't put a ring in it anymore.

*100* things about me (Part 2)

I just have to say that this Tuesday feels a lot like Monday, anyone else having a rough time change transition? I am so tired!!!!

Onward to the next set of 25 things about me. This is shaping up to be a 4 part deal, if it was not obvious before.

26. I am not a morning person, although I wish to be badly. 

27. I am the treasurer on the Sheldon Softball Booster Board, but I suck at math. Hmm.....

28. I think sixes like me. My birthday is 6/6, my daughters birthday is 2/6, my childhood house address is 6, and my dating anniversary with my husband is 9/16. 

29. I could not live without my IPhone. I might actually implode.

30. I love to look at pictures in magazines, not read them, just look at the pictures. 

31. My least favorite chore is sweeping/mopping. We have hardwood so I have to do one to do the other. 

32. My first job was Togo's Baskin Robbins. Second Rite Aid.

33. It is a lot of work to put makeup on in the morning, so I don't most of the time.

34. I am 5.5' and my Husband is 6.2'.

35. I am not very good at holding grudges, I just want PEACE!

36. I look forward to my BIRCHBOX, ELLIE, and BLUMM deliveries every month. I think I have an addiction.(ask for info on any of these, I am more than happy to explain what they are.)

37. I love to celebrate all holidays, even the cheesy ones. 

38. I still shop at AE, and Forever 21 at 29 years old. 

39. I take my MomAgenda out daily. I love writing things in it, even though that means making me even more busy.

40. I work an 8 hour day, but probably only get 5 hours of work completed. (I love my job)

41. I hate being a weekend Mommy. I want to be a SAHM. 

42. I want to make my blog mainstream, but don't know if I have what it takes. 

43. The scar on my cheek is from falling out of the bathtub when I was little. 

44. I was born in South Carolina.

45. My favorite candy is a Milky way dark. 

46. I wash my jeans after every use. I like the way fresh washed jeans fit. 

47. I tried Indian food for the first time at 29 years old.

48. I get annoyed when I text people and they do not text me back, THAT DAY!

49. Currently I have had a cold for a month! Ridiculous. 

50. I would love to move to either San Diego, or the east coast. Somewhere like Massachusetts, or Maine. Two extremes right.

Check back tomorrow for Part 3.

*100* things about me (Part 1)

I saw this on another blog and thought that it might be a good idea. Maybe if you are a reader and don't really understand when I talk about certain things the way I do, this will help. Oh, and it is fun. They are things you rarely think about even though they are part of who you are.

1. I love watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. My husband says that it is grounds for a divorce. So you think you can dance, X-Factor, American Idol (not so much this season), The Carrie Diaries, Guiliana and Bill, The Rachel Zoe Project, Smash, Glee, Girls, the Amazing Race, and Nashville. I watch a ton of television. All recorded. Commercials are not friendly!

2. I love Tops frozen yogurt, and only getting fruit toppings. 

3. I love Musicals. Examples, Rent, Singing in the Rain, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Mia (the play and movie). 

4. I want to travel the world, Italy, Greece, Spain, and France to name a few. 

5. I love the RAIN! 

6. I love to have fires in the fireplace and drink hot cocoa. 

7. I love skiing, in the snow or water.

8. I dislike all the Star Wars movies.

9. I love all the Nicholas Sparks novels, and movies.

10. I love to clean. Minor case of OCD.

11. I love to shop! Understatement of the YEAR!

12. I dislike sarcasim, even though I participate in it.

13. Sorry for the negative stuff, but I also dislike gum popping, chewing with your mouth open, slurping, any food related noise.

14. I am not a fan of war movies.

15. I love the History, and Discovery Channel.

16. I am compulsive about getting organized, but I never feel organized.

17. I would eat pasta everyday if I could.

18. I have coffee for breakfast.

19. I think I am a better person because of my Best Friend.

20. Love the summer! 

21. I wipe snot on my Joe's Jeans.

22. I cannot gain weight to save my life. 

23. My favorite color is Purple, but I don't own anything purple.

24. I would rather spend money on my kid, then on myself. 

25. I love to shop online, but am too scared to buy anything.

Part 2 Tomorrow.

Fast Weekend

The weekend went really fast. It always does for me, but for some mysterious reason this past weekend went even faster. I think the reason might be that Averie and I had so much fun together. Anessa and I spent some time bonding as well. Shopping bonding that is. I love to shop in general, but I am in love with shopping when I can do it with my Best Friend. Too bad she lives all the way in North Carolina. We text shop, but it is not the same. Luckily she is coming home in May and we can catch up. I have also noticed this weekend how easily I can get off topic. I lost myself already. So the good weekend. Averie and I went to the park and played hard. She loves the swings, and slides. I love watching her too. Something so simple gives her such pleasure. We also did a lot of running around, which kept the day passing. Man what I would give to stay home with that little girl! I just need more time with her that's the bare bottom line.

The thing with weekends is that there are not enough of them. But if there were too many, they would not be as fun as they are, and I probably would not look forward to them as much. Maybe I am wrong, but things always seem to work out to be that way. Can't have too much of a good thing, it tends to loose its luster.

The calendar for this month is filling up fast. Junior Prom for Anessa is this Saturday, but she has a tournament the same weekend, so she may not be able to go. We have the dress, shoes, makeup, and hair accessories, just in case. Nothing like spending, oh I don't know, 250 bucks on a dance she may not even be able to attend.  Makes me sick just thinking about it. I am pretty sure that it cost about the same when I went to prom, oh a zillion years ago (j/k it feels like that). Averie has her two year appointment at the end of this month. I am excited to see how much she has grown. Talk about raising a weed. Let's see what else exciting is happening. I think I am tapped out. It is a slower month than I thought. St. Patrick's day is coming up. Anyone have any exciting plans? Green Beer, or corned beef and cabbage?

Speaking of cabbage. I have decided this year to start a garden. I bought, pumpkin, tomato, romaine lettuce, carrots, onions, jalapeno, cherry tomato, cilantro, parsley, basil, thyme, sweet pea, and scallion seeds. I am thinking I still need watermelon, and zucchini. Since I have not started to plant yet, they can obviously hold off. Brian even said he would make me a planter box this season. I think it is the only way to garden when you are renting. I love fresh vegetables in the summer. Hopefully this will save us some moola, and give us yummy veggies. It cost me almost 30 bucks so far, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that the investment is less than the return.

Let's see some weekend pictures compliments of INSTAGRAM.

Adventures with Averie...

           This is what happens when Daddy, and Anessa go away for the weekend. Averie goes CRAZY!

A Jumble of Stuff!

If someone were to come up to me let's say one month ago, and asked me how this year was going. I would have responded with, "Ugh I don't want to talk about it." However if someone were to ask me that same question now. I would respond with, "Man so far so good." This response is in part to a few things.

Let's begin...My Husbands job is very unreliable (stress inducer), in a reliable kind of way, and currently things are moving pretty consistently. (If you know me you understand this a little better) My stepdaughter Anessa is doing really well this softball season. She is having a spectacular high school season, which in turn means less yelling in my house.

I am on the Board for the Softball Booster club, which is stressful, but at the same time gets me out of the house forcing me to be social. I need to be more social. That is with people outside of the work place, and my house. I am still working full time BLAH. Which I would love to change, but my job is great, so if I have to do it five days a week. I am glad I do what I do.

Averie is FANTASTIC. She is doing my social leg work for me. She is a member of My Gym (totally recommend this for all kids of all ages), she goes to music class, library time, aqua therapy, and has weekly visits with therapists at the house. She is two now, and running a muck. She pulls towels out of cabinets and ALL her clothes out of their drawers. I would have gone nuts, if you had told me that my kid would do this some day. Ironically, I love watching her, and don't mind picking them up three times a day either. She is the twinkle in my eye, and the soul to my heart.

What am I missing.....

 Brian and I will be celebrating our 3 year anniversary in May. I will be turning 30 in June. CRAP!!! 30. When did that happen. I guess that is what happens when you blink too much. I will try harder to restrain myself in the coming years. I have been sick a lot this year, and I think all the germs are slowly brainwashing me. I am really concerned about how I spend my time lately. Meaning, more time with family, less time arguing. More time enjoying the people around me, less time arguing. Do you see where this is going? I know that every marriage has their ups and downs, but this year I wanted things to be different. That is why I would have responded with, " Ugh I don't want to talk about it." at the beginning of the year. Like I said, things are starting to look brighter, and I am starting to feel a little higher. I am more organized, finally! I am in a better place, (at the moment) Fingers crossed this extends to the end of the year.

We have had lots of events so far. Sheldon Softball Club had their annual Tri-tip dinner. My Grandpa went. Thanks Grandpa. We had a pretty good time, even though we did not win anything in the raffle, there is no feeling like spending a wad of cash on raffle tickets and winning nothing. I know what you are all going to say it is for a good purpose. Screw that I wanted to win a prize!  I was pretty busy running around doing board member like things, but I managed to get some Grandpa/Family time in. The food was fantastic!

I got my Hair done! This took forever. Casey at Luxi Spa did a great job. 

Jeremy's band the Destroyer played at the Ace of Spades in February. I hear they did a great job. I was not able to go, but I checked out the set on Facebook the day after. They have their own Facebook page if ylu want to check it out. I have to warn you, it is SCREAMO music. Travel ball for Anessa has slowed some, so there is not much to report on that front. High school is in full swing. Which is exciting and she is doing well as I said before. I love watching her play. Junior Prom is this month, so get ready for some pictures of that soon. Averie, Anessa, and I are going to the Picture People tomorrow to get Averie's 2 year old photos taken, and some shots of Anessa and Averie for Father's day for Brian. Oh no, hopefully he doesn't read this.Things seem to be moving along quite swimmingly. A few minor bumps, but nothing life altering.

Well I am a lazy slub, so I made a little collage to sum up the last couple of months that I have been away from blogging. I still enjoy blogging, and still want to do it. I just need to make the time. Like I said things are starting to iron out a bit, so I should be able. Enjoy.

Averie on a walk, Getting on the road for the Sheldon Game, Spud Shack in Old Sacramento, Tulips I didn't know we had blooming, Averie cheesin' and El Meson on V-Day, My V-day present from Brian (Starbucks!), The Varsity Sheldon Softball Team, and the Boo Boo. Nothing but smiles that kid!

Mom on her 50th B-day at the Spa, Going in for my Facial, My Fav Cookbooks, Cork Project, Anessa in her Junior Prom Dress, Averie at the Softball Game. Sportin' Gear!

Averie's First Haircut 1/27/13

My baby girl's first haircut!

The 1st RANT of 2013!

I feel like sometimes I am just not understood. Maybe it is that I am not explaining myself well, or maybe I don't feel things like others do. Or does everyone feel things differently. I am so confused and conflicted that I can barely write this post. I know how things make me feel, and I don't think I am confusing when I explain myself. My desire I guess is that others would have the patience and desire to want to understand me, maybe even sympathize. Not sympathize, but relate. EXACTLY relate! I am a very compassionate person, and I am very patient when trying to understand others. I guess I would just like the same in return. I would like nothing more on this earth but for everyone in my family to be happy. I know that is a hard task to accomplish but it is my desire.

I try to do everything I can to make sure that the environment that we all live in pleasant {which is a lot of work}, that they have everything they want {that I am capable of giving them}, and that at the end of the day everyone is relaxed, and well HAPPY. It is my number one goal.

If there were more that I could do I would do it without hesitation. I don't think that there will ever be a limit to how much I can give. If there were I would ignore it. In return, I am not asking for the equivalent of this. No way! I know that this kind of dedication takes a special kind of person. Totally understood. Hell, I am not even asking for half. I just want someone to get me. Know what I am trying to say and understand it, without me trying to explain it in four different ways. This has been an ongoing problem. I don't know if it is "normal".  I do know that it makes me feel very inadequate. I am in a sort of limbo between feeling great and feeling just so so. It is a hurdle that I thought I could figure out myself. I thought I could just change the way I see things, or even think. I am too a point where that is not working, and the problem still persists. A lot has changed in the past 6 years regarding my personality. I am less argumentative. Don't get this wrong I still argue, I am just better at picking my battles. It is really hard. I am passionate about a lot in life. I have very strong opinions that I have learned to suppress. I have become angrier. I think that comes with having a teenager. The frustration is unbearable sometimes. My husband will understand me on this one.

Even with everything that I have changed, and those changes were not easy. I am still working on them daily. I am still in this situation. I guess I thought that making myself more passive would make this easier too. I was way wrong. I admit that sometimes I am selfish, and overbearing, maybe even a little controlling. These things do affect the way that I am perceived, and maybe......understood? Could they?

I have faults like everyone else. I think the difference is that I am able to admit them. When I am arguing with someone, and I am sure that I am right, I interrupt them while they are speaking so I can get my points in. Fault. I tend to tune people out when they are talking about something that does not interest me, or that I have heard 10 times already. Fault. I am easily stressed out and not quiet about it, so I usually end up stressing everyone around me out. Fault. The kicker... I am needy, I often feel like everyone around me gets lots of attention and I do not. I am only looking for attention from one very important person. Fault.

There it is on a silver platter. I know who I am, and the person I want to be. Everyday I am working towards being her. The conflict is, how am I supposed to be that person around someone who is constantly questioning who I am. Someone, who when I have discussions with doesn't seem to want to understand or hear my point of view. Who doesn't care about the way things are said and how they might affect others.

I used to say a while back, "That I can't control the way you feel, that's on you". I see now that this is a cop out. This is a way to avoid taking responsibility for the words you speak. The reality is that your words have the ability to hurt someone. Make them feel insecure and unwanted. You have to recognize the power that your words can have over someone. I need to do more of this as well. "Think about what you say before you say it." That is what my mother always said, and it could not be more true. I was pretty immature for thinking that I was not at fault for making someone feel bad. I take the blame for that one.

People can think things and feel things, but if those feelings and thoughts have the ability to hurt someone you love isn't it better that they not be said. What good comes out of hurting someone, unless your intention is to hurt them. I have probably said things or done things to hurt someone unintentionally. I am sorry. I have no problem apologizing for the way that I made someone feel, I would never let my pride get in the way of understanding the way I made someone feel. My thoughts are better off being kept to myself at that point. I don't want to make anyone's life more challenging, or make someone's day more aggravating. I don't want to be the root of problem.

I am willing to do anything, ANYTHING for my family, and I love unconditionally. I am literally there through the thick and the thin, the good and the bad. As far as I am concerned there are no other options. I want a partner in all this. I want to be a part of a supportive team. I want the willingness to be understood.

I would not call this inspirational. It is far from. It is informative. I hope that it is UNDERSTOOD.

I admit that this is a bunch of rambling. I am currently feeling inadequate, and like I don't matter much. No sympathy wanted here, just understanding. Life often gets in the way of thinking sometimes. We get stressed out or overwhelmed and those emotions take over our frame of mind. Leaving little regard for others. Truth. This disregard actually makes life more difficult. There is no worse feeling, than feeling alone is all the struggles.

Swinging with Averie

My little cutie. She is having such a good time.

Averie eating a french fry {It's the simple things}

Don't forget the small things in life. It is moments like these that make me SMILE.

 My little girl on the car ride home from Clovis. She loved seeing her cousins.

Update on Miss Averie

Here is my little girl. She is getting so big so fast.

 

My 2nd Birthday Photo

Merry Christmas 2012

A Fresh *Start*

There is no better time that RIGHT NOW for a fresh start. It is the beginning of a new year, 2013, which means I can make as many new years resolutions as I want and not keep one. *smiles* This year is going to be different  I am not going to make even one new years resolution, and I am not going to set hundreds of unattainable goals for myself, or project high expectations on myself for the future. The reason that I have decided to not do any of those things, is because.... Last year I tried to set some goals, and expectations for for myself, and the majority of them ended with me being disappointed.  Things happen in life that you don't prepare for or expect. That is LIFE right. My goals did not sit well through the ups and downs of 2012. Leading me to feel like I had failed. It was not worth all the agony. So, this year I am going to take things day by day, and see how things go. I think deep down in my subconscious I am still creating mini lists of things that I wish to accomplish. But I will try my hardest not to be disappointed if they are not reached by the end of the year. Maybe they can be life goals. I guess my OCD gets the best of me at times.

I have lots of things to look forward to this year. Averie's birthday is next month, so I am planning that. It is going to be so much fun. We are having a butterfly birthday party. I am making a lot of the decor so if there are any suggestions for me. Fell free. We are planning to take a few vacations this year too. They are well overdue. They will probably be small vacations but hopefully still relaxing. I will be 30 this year. Where has the time gone. What I would give to move back home. I liked when Mom and Dad took care of me. Man I had it made. My Mom will be 50 this month. Sorry Mom, but I love you and 50 is something to be really proud of. My Dad turned 50 in November. We all had a blast. Thanksgiving came quick so I did not get a chance to talk about what we did or share photos. I always say that I am going to post photos, and never do. So until I get a new laptop (hint, hint) I will probably be on a photo hiatus. My daughter and husband have destroyed my current laptop. As long as I never want to tab, or type the letter d, or b, I guess I could still use it.

I am still getting a Birchbox every month, I love getting them in the mail. On a bad day they instantly make me feel better. I have also signed up for this new thing called PV body. You have to look into it. The first package I received had a pair of yoga pants from American Apparel and a PV body tank. It was very cool, and the sizes were perfect. It is a little expensive, but the thought is that if I have workout clothes to wear, maybe I will work out. I will let you know how that goes though. Brian and I are also going to start looking into buying a home. Not this year, but maybe next. We have both bought homes in the past and lost them to foreclosure. That market crash got the best of both of us. So we are a little leary about buying again. We are thinking maybe a townhome. Nessa will be out of the house and it will just be the three of us. I guess that would be something that we have to look more into.  I am definitely taking it slow this time.

This is where I sit with the year 2013.  I am not sure what it will bring. I am not sure what to expect. I am going to just take it all in stride. I want to be happy, and I think this will  help. It all starts right after this post. A four day weekend. It involves some cleaning, packing of christmas things, and shopping for my little girls 2nd birthday party. Let the good times roll!

Averie's 2nd Birthday Invitation

Peppermint Striped Girl Birthday Invitation

Create funny birthday cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

 There is just one problem. It says to RSVP by January 19th and I will not have them out in the mail until the 22nd. Oh no!

I am so tired, and READY for the New Year!

It is hard some days, and some days it is easy. That is the way that it is supposed to be. It makes looking forward to those easy days worthwhile. I love it. I live for it. My family has been amazing this past year, and years before of course. This past year in particular because of the challenges that my family has faced. We have overcome hurdle after hurdle. When I didn't we would make it through, we did. It was not without the support of our family and friends. It brings a tear to my eye, okay that's a lie it brings a flood of tears. I am overwhelmed with emotion when I look back at how many of our family members were there to support us. So.... Thank you!

My family is doing well, Averie is getting so big. She will be two in a couple of months. I cannot believe how fast she is growing up. Anessa will be 17, and although she is still growing up into the young woman she will become, she is beautiful and very smart. I look forward to watching her playing at San Jose State. Those games are going to be so much fun. Brian is doing well. He is working hard, and trying everything he possibly can to get this family back on track. It has been very hard. We have been a 3 year roller coaster ride, and every year seems to be better than the last, but man it's tough. I am very optimistic for the New Year.

I have not been blogging because I have needed to focus on my family, and personal well being. All of these challenges have taken a toll on all of us. Luckily I have some great people in my life to help me stand my ground and make good decisions. You know who you are, and Thank you! Hopefully I will be able to blog more in the New Year. I am not making any promises, but like I said I am optimistic.

Our jobs should be improving this year, or else there will be some big changes in the coming New Year. Big changes are just around the corner. Everyone's health needs to improve, eating better has got to become a priority. Organic may be a little expensive, but that does not mean we cannot be healthy. Nothing to difficult, I struggle with finding time for things that are too complicated, so simple and healthy.

The Christmas tree is up, the shopping is almost done, and we have made Christmas goodies. I even managed to get the Christmas cards out on time. I think I am ready for Christmas and the New Year. More than ready.

It worked!

Candle Re-use:
I have all these Bath and Body candles that are all used. I have just been hanging onto them, waiting for the time to clean them out. I found this Pinterest post months ago on how to do it, and well this last weekend found the time and it worked. It was so easy.

1) Put the candle in the freezer for an hour
2) Pry the candle wax out with a butter knife. Be CAREFUL you don't crack the glass. The wax should be  pretty easy to get out. Putting the candle in the freezer makes the wax shrink and pull away from the sides.
3) Wash it out with a paper towel and water.
4) Take baby oil and scrub the inside with a paper towel. It should come off really easy. I used a paper towel because I did not want to ruin my sponge.
5) Take one more paper towel and dry out the candle holder. You can also use windex (as shown in the back round) TADA!!!!

Failure.....

I failed. I was supposed to write everyday in October, and well it is obvious that I did not. It happened like this. Anessa came home sick. Then I started to feel under the weather. Then I went to my parents house for dinner, and that is when we discovered that Averie did not feel well. Then we were all sick. Then my mother got sick. I used all of my saved sick time at work, for the 4 days I had to take off. It was awful. 3 weeks later and I still have a nagging cough. I feel a ton better than I did 2 weeks ago. Wheew! That was exhausting.

Needless to say, I am back to blogging. Not much going on so you did not miss much. Oh! Halloween. I will post pictures of Averie's first Halloween experience tomorrow. The photos are being held hostage on my camera. Like they always are. *laughs* I think I have a teaser on my phone. She is my little Bumble Bee.

 I am sure there is going to be a lot coming up, hopefully I do not get lazy and "forget" to post. I will try my very best during this busy time of year.

Wordless Wednesday {Need I say more} wk 17

Is that not the most confusing title for a post ever! Man there is just way to much going on.

These pictures explain themselves. Who do you think is in charge? She is showing cousin Luke who is boss.

                                     (Linking up with Jenni from the Blog, The Paper Mama, and Parenting for Dummies.)

ps. So embarrassing, but that flower thing in the back round is a duvet cover.  We moved this past September and still have a few things left to do on our to do list. Curtains is one of them. The rod is sitting on the floor right in front of the the sliding door. I guess I should get on top of these things if I am going to take pictures.

Must Watermark! Day 6

I was reading a post from "a sorta fairytale", and she brought up watermarking. I kind of ignored it, never thought it was that big of a deal. Then as I read on, I saw that someone had stole shots of her son and was claiming that he was hers. What the heck. I mean that is just ridiculous. I am committing to watermarking from here on out. I would hate for anyone to claim my little girl as their own. She is 100% mine. *big smiles*

I honestly have no idea why someone would do that. I mean people who know you, know that you have a child or not. It is so confusing to me. I guess it is a good thing that I cannot relate. Otherwise I would be just like them. 

So this is my attempt at watermarking. I figured her 20 month photo was a good testing image. I could see how someone would want to use this image. She is a serious bundle of cuteness.

Steps to Watermark:

1. Open Picassa (I downloaded it for free)
2. Select the photo you would like to watermark.
3. Click on the wrench (or commonly needed fixes)
4. Select text.
5. Type in the watermark verbiage.
6. Change to your desired font, size, and color (I use white).
7. Finally, change the transparency.
Tada!!!! You have a Watermark.

Ugh, WHY Monday. Day 3-5

Do you like how I did that. My weekends are just way too busy to blog. Between juggling a 20 month old and watching the oldest play softball. I have my hands full. It was a really good weekend though. Anessa went 10-17 on the weekend. She is smashing the ball these days. I have to say that seeing the way she is hitting the ball right now, makes me that much more excited for the High School season to start. In addition to watching Anessa play. Brian, myself, and the baby watched a couple of college games. Cal vs. San Jose, and Cal vs. Nevada. I love watching the college teams play. They are so competitive compared to the Travel ball games.

Sunday, Averie and I stayed home. It was unpredictable how many games Nessa's team could play, and so I had no idea what I needed to pack. When they have days like that it is easier for me to stay home. I am not a huge fan of pack everything kind of days. So.....instead we ran errands with Grandma. I love going to Target. It is one of the best places to shop. I like the clothes, the toys, well everything. We also went to Safeway, for obvious reasons. We have been going through a gallon of milk every 2 days. It is ridiculous. After all the errands were ran, we headed back to Grandma's house and hung out. Averie had some lunch and very short nap. I napped a little with her. I think that is why I like it at Grandma's house. There is nothing for me to do. If I am at home and Averie is napping. I am off cleaning something, folding something, or washing something. It is always something.

Poor Averie had to sit in her old car seat. Daddy left her big girl car seat in the car he took with him to softball. Geese. I think this one is officially to small to use. She looks like a monster.

Auntie Amber bought Averie this cute top and bottom, so I decided to take some pictures of her in it. Grandma's backyard is the best for staging pictures Unfortunately Averie was not in the best of moods but I still got a couple of cute pictures out of her.  Next weekend we will take more, and some of her in her Halloween costume. That was the plan originally, but like I said she was not up for it. My Little girl is officially 20 months old. I cannot believe how fast time is flying.

@ 20 Months Averie is: Top 10

1. Loving books and being read to. She will grab a book and climb up onto my lap for me to read it to her. She also says book kind of. She goes "boo". We are working on the "K".

2. She also likes to play ball. I can throw it to her and she throws it back. She has a pretty good arm. I swear she says "ball" too. Pretty clear too. I say I guess, because I am so critical. I expect it to sound the same as when I say "ball".

3. Her speech is improving rapidly. She is really catching on quick these days.

4. Standing has improved, I am predicting walking by Halloween. I HOPE! *smiles*

5. She loves the water. The only problem with her being a water bug, is that she wants to swim in the big people pool. We put her pool out for her, and within minutes she darts off to the big pool.

6. She has 3 teeth, her two bottom ones, and a top molar. We noticed last night that she is finally getting her top teeth. Thank goodness. I was wondering if they were going to come in at all. It makes sense actually, she has been pretty grumpy lately.

7. Eating habits are excellent. She eats most table foods. Except for fast food. She uses a fork pretty well. I still have to stab the food for her, but she is getting the hang of it.

8. Starting to DANCE! This past weekend, she was dancing up a storm. It was too funny. I will post the video later this week.

9. Every time someone claps, she claps. Especially at Softball games. She likes to see good plays too.

10. Kisses. My favorite. Daddy and I are getting lots of kisses these days. She is so loving.

It's Friday, Friday, Friday! Day2 {21 for 31}

I am so glad that it is Friday. Ready for a fun filled weekend. Anessa has softball, and her college is playing at the same complex, so we are going to watch both. San Jose and Cal play right before Anessa's game starts on Saturday. Should be fun. I am also going to finally post some photos of the house. It is slowly getting to completion. However, now it is being decorated for Halloween.

I am so excited this is the first year that I am really decorating. Oh! and I am going to take some pictures of Averie in her Halloween costume this weekend. Last years photos were not that great. I am determined to take some great photos this year. Well this is going to be a short post. I got very little sleep last night. Meaning, my brain is not in writing mode.

I can't wait

Here are some videos of Averie that I took last night. I was going to post them tomorrow, but I am not a patient person.

Day 1 for me {31 for 21}

I am ready to raise awareness. I am behind by a couple of days, but I just now found where everyone is going. I am jumping on the train. My daughter Averie has down syndrome, and she is a true blessing, the trick is to not let it define ANYTHING, who you are or who she is. The only difference is that she takes her precious time learning, and needs a little more attention and practice. Which is easy to do. Who does not want to spend more time with their baby. She has her own agenda, that is what I say. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Averie was born perfect. No heart defects, just an extra chromosome. I have read many blogs over the past 12 months, and I could not imagine going through what some of the other families have gone through. I just don't think I am strong enough to handle those hurdles. I commend those families. Your strength is relentless. I have a special place in my heart for those families. One thing that does not change is the love. Man, if I could describe the love I have for this little girl. We are talking crossing oceans, climbing mountains, and fighting off great whites. Was that a step too far. Oh well. I would go to great lengths for her. So with that said. Let's get the word out there. The best blessings are always in disguise. Mine is 33 inches long, 23lbs, and perfect.

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Wordish Wednesday {18 months} wk16

Averie is technically 19 3/4 months old, but we just had her 18 month check up. She is doing fantastic. Her head is 18 inches {50 percentile}, she weighs 23 lbs {25 percentile}, and she is 33 inches long {75 percentile}. They are continuing to use a typical child growth chart, so these percentiles are based off of that. She has a ton of personality. She smiles a lot, loves to laugh, and enjoys being read to, and listening to music. She has just started to enjoy watching the Sprout channel. Her favorite shows are the Pajanimals, and Thomas the Train. She also watches Angelina, and Chloe's Closet. However she is not as interested in the actual show. She enjoys the opening music more.

She loves all types of food. She is using a fork, but would prefer to use her hands. I would say her favorite food is pasta. Especially Grandma's spaghetti sauce. She gobbles that all up.We give her fruit for dessert. Trying to keep her away from processed sugars. Dad likes to step in and give her ICECREAM though. 

Grammy takes Averie to My Gym, Music class, and the Library for story time. Averie loves being read to. She moves right up to the front row of story time and is very attentive. She also likes to touch the books. She gets visits from a speech therapist, her PT, and teacher, almost every week. She has grown really close to all of them. They are all like her family. I really appreciate all that they are doing for her. More blessings.

Averie goes to bed at about 7-7:30 every night. We have a pretty good routine. Dinner, bath, bottle {I know this is bad, she uses a cup throughout the day, bottles only come in to the picture at bedtime.} we watch some shows on Sprout, and then it is bedtime. I spoil her at night, I rock her to sleep. I know she is supposed to be learning to self soothe, but it is my only time with her after work. I take advantage of every minute. She is a great sleeper. She gets up around 6:30 every morning. Unless she is teething then she will usually get up once in the middle of the night. Super lucky there.

Speaking of teeth, my little girl has two front bottom teeth and one molar. Poor baby right. I am waiting for those two top teeth patiently.

What else......

Oh, she loves to throw her ball back and forth. She is standing independently, she can stand on her own, and stand from a squatting position. I swear it is only a matter of time before she starts walking. I am waiting patiently for that one too. I would love for her to be walking by Halloween. She is going to be a bumble bee, and boy is she going to be the cutest bumble bee. She loves to play with her older sister. Dad has been working hard all week, so their time has been cut short. When he gets home, generally I become invisible and she wants only Daddy. She is our love bug.

This is my little girl eating grapes.

{Linking up with The Paper Mama, Jenni from the blog, Parenting by Dummies.}