Blowing Off Some Steam...

The frustration has been mounting.
What it comes down to is who is right?
Or is it just a power trip?

Over the past years many people in our community have taken advantage of being out of city limits and set off their own fireworks during the holidays. Although the weeks previous and after have become numbered with occasional booms and bangs to pyro's that just can't get enough, it has been so much fun to enjoy them with the kids while having the comforts of home near by.

However, this year is different.

This year a women who is part of the HOA has become very adamant about the fireworks within the community. She has sent emails and posted articles in our newsletter about a fine that will be given if caught. The emails are extremely friendly and none violent sounding like this:

FIREWORKS

Fireworks are PROHIBITED in T. R.!!

If you have bought or have fireworks and want to shoot them off you must go out of T.R. to light them. We live in the county but they CAN NOT be used in the community. We will be patrolling and if you are caught you will be fined.

(Could it get any BOLD-ER? Any more scary looking?)

Confused I talked to friends and sent emails to get some clarification. One friend produced this email from the head of the HOA (aka: a company that will run it until we have enough people in the community to take it over):

From: David **** [mailto:david.****@********.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:50 PM
To:
Subject: RE: July 4th.

______,

The HOA request to move fireworks away from homes is due to numerous complaints from residents in the community. People are generally concerned about their property and the noise associated with fireworks. Shooting fireworks in an undeveloped would ease concerns and limit the hundreds of calls I receive around the fourth and the sheriff's department. If there was any chance of fireworks catching the grass on fire the county will issue a ban on fireworks.

If you choose to shoot fireworks by your home, that is your choice. We would prefer it is not done in built out areas. The attached email is incorrect as the fine system does not work that way legally. The HOA is simply requesting that this be done to avoid any serious issues.

Thank you,

David ****

So the question remains…who is right? A few weeks ago I emailed the Crazed-Mad-Women about the fine and asked her to point me in the direction of the HOA rules that states that fireworks are not permitted in our community. Especially considering it’s not against County Law. Least to say she never got back to me.

So in a last ditch effort to get a response I forwarded this email on from the HOA President (deleting the necessary names) and asked her to clarify.

We’ll see if I hear back.

Until then these are the reasons stem is blowing out my ears:

1. Why get all worked up about this when our pool is covered in slimy, slippery sludge? And the splash park is PIT-A-FUL!!
2. Where were you when there were 12 year old girls riding Vesba’s through the neighborhood at 30 mph on the wrong side of the street?
3. What about the 10 year old boys 4 houses down that set off fireworks from 8am-4pm yesterday?
4. Why are there volcano size ant hills taking over the parks just waiting for my 2 year old to fall into it that haven’t been taken care off?
5. What about the completely worn away crosswalks next to the school that are meant to keep our kids safe?
6. And if the 30 day notice for a fine still stands as a rule, then when you stop buy on the 4^th and give me my “notice” I guarantee you I won’t be breaking the rules by the 4^th of August.

I think I’ll stop there.

But trust me, the list could go on.

Flip-Flop

After much begging and pleading,
Larry and I broke down and let the girls
enjoy their summer nights sleeping on the floor
with their sleeping bags.

We knew they would take hours to fall asleep,
and be full of the grumps the next day,
but they have enjoyed it so much it was worth it.

But then we started thinking.
Keira's room is awfully tight with the
big queen size bed in her room...
why not SWITCH it up!

So we took Syd & Em's bunk beds and put them
in Keira's room.

It feels much more spacious and
moving Keira to the lower bunk will be
much safer then the large queen.

And now Syd & Em share a large bed.
It's been a little frustrating to get them to calm down,
but also very sweet to see them share thoughts,
giggle, tickle and create a strong bond each night.

This turned out to be a good option,
since when our a/c was out last week
Larry and I shared this bed while the girls slept down stairs.

I Hate To Brag

Even with purchasing my usual 2 weeks worth of food
AND
stocking up on a few items that boasted a great sale
for the 4th of July weekend,
I stayed with in my budget of spending under $200.

Thank You COUPONS!

How Do You Stay Cool?

After suffering through 20 hours of sweltering heat in our house
I knew the kids were NOT going to just
"grin and bare it"
any longer.
So I sent them outside for some much
needed...
COOL DOWN!

They can't say NO to a trampoline being drenched by a sprinkler!

Ben doing his Indian rain dance.


And while those 3 hooligans played,
I snapped pictures of Keira.

Little Miss Chubby.

"Why can't I play in the water with them?"

"I know I look a-DOR-able in this,
but you have about 2 seconds to snap
a picture before I rip it off!"

And here there it goes!

And in case you don't have kids yet,
here's little secret to keeping them outside
longer then 3 minutes.

Snacks, drinks, bubbles, water, chalk.
They are a MUST.

I think this little beauty is having a good time!

This Is What Happens...

...when you are being bombarded by your kids
while you are trying to talk on the phone.

Suddenly you find yourself agreeing to let them
do things that you would never do,
ESPECIALLY
if you were in the right frame of mind.

I think they do this on purpose.
They know your defenses are down,
and that you'd do ANYTHING
to make it quiet enough to hear
the person on the other end of the line.

So, what did I get suckered into?

Letting the kids run around the house with
the digital camera.

Consequently it was full of endless photos of...

The most adored stuff pets.

An annoyed 2yr old.

A sickly dad, not enjoying his father's day.

A strong resemblance to Casper.

And lastly, my favorite.
Pictures of pictures!

Oh Me, Oh My

Do you know what suddenly becomes extremely precious to you when it's boiling hot outside AND inside your house?




FANS


They are amazing. So simple.

A few perfectly shaped blades...

spinning in unison...

pushing air...

going any speed you desire...

changing faster or slower at your command...

making all your dreams come true.

I don't know if it's the heat making me loony
or the deafening scraping tones that sound like a
Shuttle is ready for lift off coming from my a/c unit,
but either way all this wonderful timing has started
making me think. Bringing up questions like:

who was it that said...
"Bad things come in 3's."

Because I think I'm going to punch them, or at least
light their house on fire. Especially since I've lost track
of our run of bad luck.

And why do "big" problems ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS
happen at night on a weekend when there is little you can
do until the beginning of the work week?

Unless you want to pay an arm and a leg, of course.

Sorry I think I'm coming down with a large case of the
"why me's"!!

I Wanna Be Like You One Day

When Larry's home, he's never alone!
He has this little shadow about 1/4 of his size
always a step behind him.
Sometimes, it can make it hard to get things done.
But having a hard worker like Ben,
is well worth it!

Didn't you know the extra bar on the mower
was for "little people"?

Now looking back, I wish I would have put shoes on Ben.

Either way, he was good at it.
Larry didn't even really push.

Time out for a water break.

"Dad? Where are you? Where did you go?"

Just emptying the bag.
Back for more!

"Move it Mom or you'll get run over!"

"Did you get enough pictures yet?"

"I'm going to be like my Dad someday!"

Father Of The Year

With father's day fast approaching I've been trying to put all my ducks in a row. Organizing craft time for the kids to make cards, searching craigslist for some sort of free weights to give as a gift and the general "mom" duties. But I wanted to take the time to talk about what a great Dad Larry is. He rarely stops working to provide all that we need. He works hard, plays hard and is always more then willing to swoop in from a hard day of work to playing with four children, all in desperate need of his attention.

Last week he was asked by a supervisor to take over a case in the felony courts called a...oh I forget the exact attorney-ish language...but something to do with deciding if the accused really did something that was felony worthy or should be dropped down to a misdemeanor. Normally Larry only works on misdemeanors, but was asked to see this case through and relive anothers work load. Larry jumped at the chance. Either way it was good experience even if it's million to 1 chance that this EVER goes the criminals way.

The best part?

Larry won!

He was so casual about telling the supv. She asked how it went. He noted: "Well, since it's a misdemeanor now and he has probation do you want me to take it over permanently?"

Supv: "What? You won! No really, what happened?"

She didn't even believe him until he provided the paperwork, since it's sooooooo rare! Completely stunned the supv didn't waste a moment and emailed the Head Defender and got it all put in his FILE. (cue "Law & Order" sound...dun, dun, dun)

We are all super proud of him. Definitely refrigerator worthy! Good Job, babe!! Keep it up.

If Your Happy And You Know It

I just can't help myself!!

She's just so darn CUTE.
I had to capture this little sweetheart.
It's such a thrilling moment when your
child can copy you.

It just warms your heart!
So clap away Keira,
clap away!

One of the biggest SMILES ever!

Who's More Determined?

All I can say is who ever invented the idea of stairs in a home,
DIDN'T have a toddler who was potty training and used it as an
excuse to get out of their bed (for naps and evening) at least 100
times a day.

Who needs a treadmill?

The worst part...
He thinks it's a game. Every time I find him sitting at the top of
the stairs. He laughs and giggles. I refuse to speak to him. I
quickly place him back into his bed. Ignore his pleas. And leave.

So far...in the words of Dr. Phil...
"How's it workin' for ya?"

Ben 250 Me 0

More Than Monopoly Money

Lately I've been trying to change my way of thinking.
Instead of shoving coupons into the bottom of my purse
or stashing them in a drawer.
I savor them.
Treat them special.
Like it was "paper money".
Because really, if I'm smart about them,
they will make my dollar bills stretch farther, longer!

Even on Saturday I was stoked to save $42 for my 2 week grocery trip.
And then this morning my sister called with a celebration of saving over $60.
The manager was called over to her checkout
and had to override the transaction!
I love it!

So with my paper money burning wholes in my pocket
I tried again and headed out to CVS and Walgreens.

I got these 3 boxes of cereal for $2.64 (including tax).

THEN at the next store...

I got ALL of THIS!!
For this...

Technically with just purchasing the 2 shavers and
2 lg bottles of sunscreen I should have spent $40.

How could you not keep these coupons under LOCK and KEY?

The Truth Hurts

Sunday morning was Larry's day to sleep in. It's been an unspoken rule that we take turns getting up with the kids on the weekends. Although my mornings still result in the "baby alarm" going off, shouting for her AM feeding. Hence, it's a luxary I'll enjoy in a few more months.

But when it's Larry's turn he plants an extra pillow over his head and drowns out the noise. Today, Emma had asked where dad was and I said, "sleeping!". She she drew this. ------->

It's very accurate.

He's even on the right side of the bed.

And I'm sure he's laying there enjoying it so much, that a smile has spread wide across his face.

(note: Emma put an "L" for Larry and then spelled her name)

Go Dodgers

I have to admit that I felt a little GUILTY
by rooting for the Dodgers.
Especially since I've lived in other states longer then I lived
in California.

But I felt SUPER-DUPER bad about
cheering for the Dodgers when
they got spanked by the Rangers.

Either way we had a great time!

Gotta love date night.
Thanks to Tammy and Spencer for inviting us.

I was a little surprised that the weather didn't put
an end to our fun.
It was dark, cloudy, a few sprinkles
and had a side-show of lightening for us to watch.

Normally I'm bored OUT of my MIND by the 4th inning.

But with friends, great weather and
trash swirling around the field hitting the players...
who wouldn't be entertained?

And a beautiful rainbow too!

I know I say this after every date.

But man...we've GOT to do this again!

K-rawling Keira

Rolling over...check
Says Mama...check
Ears pierced...check
Pincher fingers...check
Holds own crackers...check

With Keira growing leaps and bounds
these past weeks,
we are MORE then ready to get her on
to her next step...crawling.


Because...SERIOUSLY...my back is killing me!

"Sooooo...what am I supposed to do now?"

"Lay here and pose? Look cute? Smile at the camera?
I can do that."

"Wait a minute. You're going to leave me here like this?
I AM LIVID!"

"Why isn't anyone picking me up?"

"Some incentive PLEASE?
Ooooo, these look yummy!"

"Why did you put them way over there?"

"I can't reach them!!
And I'm really, really, hungry.
GET IN MY BELLY!!"

"All right. You win. I'll try to crawl."

"Does it count if I use the wall for a little help?"

"MAN! I'm pooped!"

Vacay

When you combine a "stay-cation" with
a vacation,
you get a vacation where you stay at a relatives house.
We like to call it "Fam-cation"!!

We really appreciate my sister and her family
for more than doubling the size of their family
for a few days.
We had a great time.

The kids had loads of one on one time with their
favorite cousins.

Keira was never wanting for a friend to play with her,
decorate her, hold her, carry her...
I was VERY appreciative for the extra pairs of hands!

Eliza took the time to teach Ben how to swing from the trees.

And with that extra chromosome...

the "monkey" chromosome....

It didn't take him long to figure it out!

Grant and Sydney had a great time pushing each other
as high as they could.

Grant got Sydney up soooo high,
I thought she'd go over the fence into
the neighbor's yard!

The "bean pole" takes a break.

Now looking back I don't think Eliza got any turns
to swing.
But she was a great sport about helping out
all the younger kids!

I think Emma could swing for hours.

Especially when Mom is taking pictures of her!
(this is my favorite picture of the week)