Here I am...but not really

Sorry to those of you who actually come here to see if I have written. Life got busy and complicated. And you need to know that I don't plan to write very often right now because life is still too busy. Baby #3 is due in June and I am trying to get ready for that and take care of the family and run my business. There really isn't much going on, haha! But in case my friend Amy checks out this blog for the first time, I want to tell her that she should click back to November in the archives to read from the beginning. Of course you don't need to read everything. But I have pictures scattered throughout my various blog entries in case you would like to see them. Hi Krista! Thanks for checking in from time to time. Sorry to let you down... I am hoping to get a website for my business set up soon and I am going to have a new blog page linked to it so I am not spending a lot of time on this one. But I promise to let you know if I change my blog address. Alright...off to bed! Night night ladies!

Weight loss update

OK. I am a little bummed. I lost 10 pounds in two weeks during phase one of South Beach (not an easy two weeks!). Then I was laid up on the couch for a week thus gaining back two pounds. Now I have 12 pounds to lose. So today I started my "new" routine. It isn't very new since I usually try this routine every few months and then something happens to ruin the routine. So now I get up when Steve does, go for a quick, brisk walk, shower, do my bible study and pray...all hopefully before the kids get up. Emma was up when I walked back through the front door and so I gently explained to her that this was mommy's time. I would get her a bowl of cereal, turn on what ever cartoon is on PBS and she could just chill for the next hour until I was finished praying. She did very well and mommy barely accomplished her routine...but I did it! One day down...hundreds to go!

Guilty

Pastor John was talking about Leaving a Legacy, what it means to walk the Christian walk and how that effects those who watch you. He mentioned money and materialism. Our church is very wealthy but Steve and I just barely pay our bills. I find myself grumbling about how much people spend on cars, home decor, vacations, etc...quite often. But part of me is jealous, I will admit it. The comment John made today was that the envy of someone elses wealth is just as sinful as the one who is steeped in the materialism. Ouch! Time to pull the plank out of my eye. There is always something to work on...

What happened to modesty?

I am staring at the computer trying to figure out something witty to write. If I wait for the witty to strike me, I could be here all night. I guess I will talk about my latest complaint...body fat. Actually, that is always my complaint. And actually, that is not what I am going to talk about. Instead I will talk about modesty, which has a little to do with body fat in a "round about" sort of way (ha ha).

I am looking forward to fall, partly because I have many skinny acquaintences who like to wear next to nothing, or skin tight, or too short outfits during the summer. Fall means more layers, less skin. Yea!! In order to avoid going into my rantings about how modesty has lost its place, even among christians and how my poor husband can't even go to church without having to worry about what so-n-so is wearing (or not wearing), I will end by saying that the problem may actually lie in the fact that I am jealous of the little bodies that can turn heads...although I think I would still dress modestly if I had a little body.

What happened to those days when it was the cool thing to wear overalls or big sweaters. Remember those? I loved my overalls and the rest of the world didn't have to see my goods. Maybe I should write to Old Navy, start a campaign to bring overalls back. (patriotic music in the background) It's time for a revolution!! Round people unite! Let's show the world that covering your body parts can be sexy! Large flannel shirts leave more to the imagination!! Big clothes is in!!

I must be getting old...

The Adams Family

da na na na, snap snap... You know the song. Sing along! This blog is dedicated to my friend Danielle Adams who was surprised that she and Doug were not mentioned in my previous blog. So I told her to be careful what she wishes for...I am going to write a blog all about them and the whole blog community (or the 5 of you who read this) will know the truth about the Adams! If you want to see who they are, scroll down to the kitchen counter blog where they helped in the demolition.

We met the Adams when Emma was one and hit it off. They surprised me by calling one night and inviting themselves over to hang out. I about popped my buttons with joy that someone we hardly knew would feel comfortable enough with us to just call and come over. They didn't know what they were getting into. As most of you know, we Willis's like to talk. We can hold conversation until all hours of the night. Doug and Danielle used to be early nighters, but over time we transformed them into night owls.

In those late night conversations we have learned a lot about them. Here is a list of some of the interesting facts that not everyone might know about the Adams:

1. Danielle used to ride the short bus. (when she taught special ed, of course)

2. Doug is HORRIFIED of spiders, any kind, any size. You will have to smash them yourself.

3. We play a game called Bohnanza almost every time they come over and poor Danielle has never won. She has tried every strategy but it looks like the "bean gods" are against her. (the game has to do with bean fields)

4. I think they went through 3 king size mattresses in one year. Ya know the story of the three bears? Too soft, too hard, just right but only if we buy the memory foam pad to go on it as well...

5. Danielle is a pickier eater than I am. Is that possible? Yes it is!! No mustard, no mayonaisse, no sour cream, no cream cheese, no special sauce, no avocado, tomato, eggs, etc. A salad is lettuce and dressing. Period.

6. Doug thinks he needs to lose weight!! For those who don't know him, he is a skinny tall guy. Those of us who are short and round don't sympathize much...

7. We did the Mentos and Diet Coke experiment with them. It worked but Emma was mad that the boys got Diet Coke all over her picnic table.

8. This one is from Steve: Pa rum pa pa pum (inside joke)

Enough Adams bashing...now for the nice stuff. If it weren't for the Adams, we would have no social life, really. They are over almost every week at least once and we love that. We have had countless meals together and have played "beans" more than I can remember. They love our children and are like family. The kids also love them back. Doug actually read Emma her bedtime story the other night. It was cute. Danielle has done so many times as well. So as goofy as they might be :) we would be lost without them.

So, there you go Danielle, I mentioned you in my blog. Oh and I guess I was supposed to mention that they were on the camping trip that Emma and I went on and we hung out at the Boardwalk and beach with Danielle while Doug was surfing. Danielle didn't get wet but Emma and I did!! I think next time, we should just throw her in...

We love you guys!! I hope this made you laugh and not mad...see you tonight!

What's up with me...

I decided to conduct an interview with myself since I have been MIA for a while and need to get back on track...
Q: What are some of the fun things you have done this summer and why?
A: Wow...that's a tough one. There have been so many! I have had a few highlights that I can share. In June, Emma and Drew took swimming lessons. Drew and I did them together and it was a fun way to bond. Emma just loved being in the water and I loved watching her. She is currently in the next level and my hope is that by the end of the two weeks, she will put her face in the water. Good Luck Margaret! (her teacher, a very patient girl). I have enjoyed playing in the backyard with the kids, relaxing and reading during naptime, and doing small home projects.

In July, Emma and I visited my newest nephew, Isaac Hull, born to my bro and sis in law in Sacramento. He is a cutie and is already challenging his parents with nursing issues but he has a patient mom and they are overcoming the issues together. My mom was with them for a while and then we got to steal her away for a short time. We took grandma to the water slide park in Antioch along with a big group of Pathfinder moms. That was a lot of fun! Unfortunately gma and I were not very good about our sun screen and got a little too pink. I went without a real bra for about 5 days until by back could handle it.

Q: That sounds like it really hurt!
A: It gave me the excuse to be a bit lazy and wear a bandeau under my clothes...I miss having the freedom that a small tube of elastic can supply! Back in my smaller boob days I could pull it off but now... ah, I digress...

At the beginning of August, Emma and I joined a group of Pathfinders (my sunday school class for those who don't know) on a camping trip. Daddy stayed home with Drew who would have made the trip a bit frustrating, especially since there was poison oak everywhere, and we had girl time. I really enjoyed my time with Emma. We roasted marshmallows, went to Santa Cruz beach, played at the park, sang camp songs in the tent...you get the drift. I hope to do that more often with her.

Q: What are you looking forward to?
A: Excellent question!! Preschool is starting in a few weeks. I am looking forward to seeing our little girl take that next big step of independence. She needs this and so does mommy! I expect that preschool (which is literally around the corner from me in the house of a lady who has been doing this for 25 years and it is a Christian program) will really give her a chance to grow and make new friends who are local. Mommy hopes to meet some other mommies from the neighborhood as well.

Q: But what are you really looking forward too?
A: Okay, I'll admit it. I am really looking forward to our Disneyland/San Diego trip we are taking about a week after school starts...I know, bad mommy. But we have gma and gpa to blame since they planned it. I will teach Emma all about the letter B while we are away and hopefully she won't be too far behind the other 4 year olds! I will have to give a trip update when we get back. But let's just say, Steve and I are counting down the days until we get to hop in the car and take off for a while, finally!

Q: How's the diet going?
A: Now that is not a fair question. Don't you think it is a little too personal? I started South Beach (again) two weeks ago and have lost nearly 10 pounds. My goal is to lose at least 10 more before we go on the trip. You all can keep me accountable, just don't judge me when you see a Starbucks in my hand. I do allow for a few treats now and then!!

Q: What's for dinner tonight?
A: Pizza and Dr. Pepper. Just kidding...pork loin, salad, zucchini and speaking of dinner, I gotta go make it.

I'm Back...Miss Me?

WOW!! I can't believe it has been two months since I last blogged. If it weren't for the constant reminders from Dore, it might have been another month before I blogged again! Sometimes life can sometimes grab you by the tush and drag you all over the place before you get a chance to just stop and take a moment to do things like blog... I am sure none of you know what i am talking about. LOL!!

Since it has been awhile, I will just give a brief summary of our lives the last two months. TAX SEASON is finally over and life can start to get back to only being crazy busy versus insanely busy! With Steve at work until 7:30 or later and working weekends, my life was a little like a single parent (that explains the no blogging thing). My quilting business has kept most of my free time busy and I became a flybaby through Dore and Lisa (see flybaby.net if you don't know what I am talking about). My house has never been more organized! We just got back from a week in Pennsylvania visiting my parents and seeing the beautiful countryside. Of course, we went through Amish country and to a couple of quilt stores.

And now, life was supposed to slow down but it seems to be gaining speed yet again as my next two weeks are full with singing engagements/rehearsals!! Dore, Lisa, Julie and I should be tired of each other by May 14th ( is that possible? :) )

I am curious to see if anyone still checks my blog since it has been so long. If you check this, could you just reply a quick "Hi" so I know that you are still out there?!
Hopefully I will send out some new pics soon...